Books Read 2016

La Metamorphose Des Cloportes - Alphonse Boudard
La Cerise                     - Alphonse Boudard 

Very funny tales from a Resistance fighter/ criminal.

I have a book about existential depressionism (the moribund metaphysical school)
I am going to have some jolly japes reading this.

With all this fuss about war & peace you might be interested to know it's on gutenberg, free, in htm, text, and kindle.

Last years book of the year was Adios America by Ann Coulter.

Its a well written brilliant book and will open your eyes.
It will also show you where Donald Trump got a lot of his ideas.

I'm about three quarters of the way through The Chimp Paradox.

Ernst Kaltenbrunner - Ideological Soldier Of The Third Reich

I read a good story at the end of last year about how the author of 'The Girl On The Train' had seen a big spike in copy sales (30,000 total) many of which were due to people mistakenly thinking they were buying best-seller and similarly-titled 'Girl On A Train' (6.5M total). Nice work if you can get it.

To see if there's any mileage in this I'm just penning the last chapter of my forthcoming book 'The Da Vinci Cod'.

The Stranger- Harlan Coben 6/10

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy

Jan 8, 2016 -- 12:59AM, Eeternaloptimist wrote:

I'm about three quarters of the way through The Chimp Paradox.

Please let me know your thoughts when you have finished. I have not read it but got mixed reviews.

Two fiction crime novels.

Reykajvik Nights translated from Icelandic which makes it difficult to get the language flow right,okay read 6/10 maybe.

The Life I left Behind by Colette McBeth currently half way through,so far a very good read.

Thank you for the link to Gutenberg.
I'm reading Purity by J Frantzen. Quarter way in. You know a work is a bit too slow and self-regarding when the eye wanders off to search for the relief of the next section of reported speech.

Look forward to reading your forthcoming new book Johnny Mustang

Is it about the latest Tuna Prize winning artist?

I'm currently half way through (and enjoying) Dissolution by CJ Sansom - set in the early 16th century, it's ostensibly about Cromwell's dissolution of the monastaries but is actually a good old historical whodunnit.

In Cold Blood...........................Truman Capote   9/10

"Breathless" be Dean Koontz. Started ok, but just felt disappointing at the end, he's done far better.

I'm catching up on the books missed out during the years when I was working all hours.
Have read Flashman at the charge since New Year and am in the middle of Flashman in the Great Game.

Won't comment or rate them as I'm sure the bibliophiles on here have read and enjoyed them already.

The Stranger- Harlan Coben 6/10
Missing You- Harlan Coben 6.5/10

Guilty Wives: James Patterson

The Stranger- Harlan Coben 6/10
Missing You- Harlan Coben 6.5/10
Stay Close- Harlan Coben 6/10

I was a big fan of his earlier books, but his more recent ones haven't been as good imo.

The Strangler - Alan Cohen

The Stranger- Harlan Coben 6/10
Missing You- Harlan Coben 6.5/10
Stay Close- Harlan Coben 6/10
Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws, My infiltration of America's deadliest bike gangs- Charles Falcao 5.5/10

I caught the first episode of Gangland Undercover a few weeks ago and I ended up watching all six episodes. I decided to buy the book but I was disappointed that the TV show was better than the book.

The Stranger- Harlan Coben 6/10
Missing You- Harlan Coben 6.5/10
Stay Close- Harlan Coben 6/10
Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws, My infiltration of America's deadliest bike gangs- Charles Falcao 5.5/10
The Missing- Chris Mooney 7/10

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10

In Cold Blood...........................Truman Capote   9/10
Apple Tree Yard.........................Louise Doughty  8/10
Whatever You Love.......................Louise Doughty  7/10
The Night Stalker.......................Chris Carter    6/10
Noughts and Crosses.....................Malorie Blackmann 7/10
The Great Indoors.......................Ben Highmore      6/10

Sixwotsix. I quite fancy trying Stephen King for the first time. Would The Green Mile be worth reading even though I've seen the film? I think I've seen most of his films which kind of put me off reading his books.

I haven't seen the film .
I have enjoyed nearly all of his books . I think he is very good at slowly building a story and hooking you in to it.
I would not worry about poor film or tv adaptations , I don't think writers have much input in them .....the dreaded phrase 'based upon' comes to mind.

If you are want to read one you haven't seen the film of , other crackers include

11.22.63(shortly to be a tv programme)
From A Buick 8
Joyland
Mr Mercedes

The Old Curiosity Shop
Little Dorrit
and currently The Pickwick Papers (not sure about this one as it seems to be all over the place at the moment, first 60 pages)

oh! and BS 9991 (on-going)

Thanks, Sixtwosix. (I've always read your name wrong!) You must be one of only a very few people not to have seen the film. It was very good. How it compares to the book though........

Recently finished On Writing by Stephen King. I was a big fan of him as a teenager - would say The Stand and Tommyknockers were his best - and while the subject matter can be a bit juvenile at times the guy knows how to pace a novel. This one is a sort of split between an autobiog and a guide on writing itself. I'd love to get the time and space to knock one out myself and there are some genuinely good tips in here.

Currently reading another two:

Men in White Suits by Simon Hughes - a series of interviews with some of the lesser lights of the Liverpool teams of the 90s. Helps that I'm a red but it's a cracking insight into the squad as the club went from being all-conquering into also-rans in a ridiculously short space of time.

Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann - the story behind Obama's 2008 win. Again, very interesting and I can't wait to read the warts and all tale on this year's race.

The Stranger- Harlan Coben 6/10
Missing You- Harlan Coben 6.5/10
Stay Close- Harlan Coben 6/10
Vagos, Mongols, and Outlaws, My infiltration of America's deadliest bike gangs- Charles Falcao 5.5/10
The Missing- Chris Mooney 7/10
Dirty Secrets- Karen Rose 5.5/10

After 60% of the book, it seemed like everything was nearly wrapped up, so I presumed there was a few twists and turns coming. I was wrong! The other 40% was advertising her other books.

Overlord:D-Day and the Battle For Normandy - Max Hastings. Utterly sublime.

And I'm slightly embarrassed to admit this, but:

Mary Berry: Foolproof Cooking. I absolutely nailed a blancmange last night.

^^^

I can recommend "City Of The Dead" by Herbert Lieberman. I am confident that it would be enjoyed by anyone who likes the psychothriller/murder mystery genre. I bought the book on spec and it is brilliant.

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10
The Bats - Jo Nesbo 6/10
The Penultimate Truth - Philip K D1ck 7/10

Just a word to say about 'On writing' by stephen king mentioned before. 

Please don't read it if you haven't read many of his books because his does talk about them and that could spoil the suspense for you.  I was reasonably okay but I had to stop reading for a couple of chapters because he was talking about some of his that I haven't read.  Now I will have to get them quickly and read them so I can finish 'On writing' !

Oh and thanks for the heads up about The Pilgrim and other books mentioned for rogerthebutler.

Perhaps someone could start a 'best books ever' thread, as I seem to read the same authors as a lot of people on here, so I am sure I am missing good ones like the pilgrim.. I dare not start the thread myself as you know what happens

Legionnaire - Five years in the French Foreign Legion. Simon Murray. A great read, especially if you're like myself and enjoy military history. Certainly puts to bed any last notions of the romanticism related to the Legion!

Sixtwosix - Can I ask why you hated The Man In the High Castle? I enjoy reading stuff by Philip K Dick.

Can you recommend some philip k dick books, hank hill.

I've read and enjoyed the androids dreaming of electric sheep.

Hi annie - you have already read one of the best imo. You could give A Scanner Darkly a try.

Thank you, Hank

By the way 'Blade Runner' is one of my favourite films.

I too am a big fan of Philip K D1ck , having just finished another of his books ......with a much better 7/10.
I have read many of his books , I am a big fan ..... but

The Man In The High Castle was terrible  , poorly written rubbish.
I know the tv show is being raved about , but I imagine it is very loosely based on the book.

Whereas Time Out Of Joint would get 10/10 . I think his work is hot and cold .

L.A requiem  ..Robert Crais......Maxwells Flame,  Maxwells Chain M.J.Trow   Jaquot and the waterman Martin o Brien...  The Brass Verdict Michael Connely...

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10
The Bats - Jo Nesbo 6/10
The Penultimate Truth - Philip K D1ck 7/10
The Stepford Wives - Ira Levin 7/10
Rosemary's Baby - Ira Levin 8/10

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10
The Bats - Jo Nesbo 6/10
The Penultimate Truth - Philip K D1ck 7/10
The Stepford Wives - Ira Levin 7/10
Rosemary's Baby - Ira Levin 8/10
Autobiography - David Gower 7/10
To Have And Have Not - Ernest Hemingway 5/10
A Maze Of Death - Philip K D1ck 7/10
12 Years A Slave - Solomon Northup 10/10

I'm going to try some shameless book promotion here. I have some books on sale under a pen name, both on Kindle and in paperback. I write in various genres but I'm happiest with the American hardboiled detective stuff.

However, I've found that Romance sells best so now I write kissing books (not Erotica) under a female name. After a bumpy start, I have two series out, one of which sells fairly well and one which doesn't pay for petrol.

But I don't want to write Romance forever so I'm considering some kind of hybrids.

Here's what I'd like some views on:

The Dead Dog Detective Agency (supernatural/detective/romance) 1st in a series but I haven't written the second one yet.

Dream Lovers (time travel/romance) written from various points of view which change rapidly, could become a series.

Dinger The Dip (crime/romance) interfaces with another hardboiled series but might fly on its own.

All written under the name Mungo Dryden You can see them on any Amazon site and look inside at the first chapter.

If anyone wants a free Kindle copy of any or all of the above, just say so here and I'll make them free on Amazon for a few days.

(You don't need a Kindle, Amazon lets you download a free app for just about any computer or device.)

The usual abuse is expected but a few honest comments, good or bad, would be nice. As an incentive, if you want me to work your name into the book I'm currently fighting with, just say so. The character with your name may or may not reflect how nice your comments are.

Kate Bateman from Bargain Hunt and Flog It has written some historical romances under the name KC Bateman.

Good luck  to her. It just goes to show that there's money in the Romance genre. What surprised me was some statistics that I found. It seems that about 35% of the writers in what I've always thought of as a woman's field are really men. Something over 20% of the readers are also men. The figure increases if you throw in some mystery or crime.

Agatha Christie knew what she was doing when she invented the Tommy and Tuppence characters. She wrote about them for around 50 years.

BTW, the offer still stands about free copies of the Kindle versions of the books mentioned in the post before you.

Just reading Wild Tales, Graham Nash's autobiography. Very interesting stories of the days of late 60's early 70's and of his transition from The Hollies  to CS&N and then CSN&Y.. Heady days indeed

I've just ordered Finger The Dip, Gallivanter. I was intending to pay for it, but I see you've put it up for free on the kindle.

I know you can be a bit of a whanker, but I'll give your book a try!

S.kenbo, that's one of the nicest things I've ever been called on here. Unfortunately, you were supposed to tell me which book you wanted before you paid for it!

I've now put the book free for two days starting tomorrow. All Chit Chatters are welcome to grab a copy.

If you just "return" the book today, Amazon will give you a refund and you can collect your free copy tomorrow.

I didn't pay for it, that's why I said "I was intending to pay for it". I hope you're better at writing than you are reading!

I've not read much so far but it's keeping my attention. I do prefer books where the story is told from the main characters point of view so that's a good start. I'll read it over the weekend and report back.

Apparently I did pay for it.

No problems, mate. Just "return" it today and you'll get your money back. Then download a free copy tomorrow or the day after.

I hope you enjoy it. Anyone else want a free copy? Get it while it's hot.

All comments appreciated but I would prefer the insults on here and anything else on Amazon. However, that's up to you.

If anybody wants a free copy of the other books mentioned above, please say so and I'll make them free within 24 hours.

Sorry for hijacking an excellent thread.

Just read a few John Steinbeck novels,

East of Eden 10/10
Grapes of Wrath 9/10
Cannery Wharf 7/10
Sweet Thursday 8/10
The Pearl 4/10

I've been picking your book up throughout the day and enjoying it. I'm at the part where they're on the run and just leaving the trailer park.

Is it classed as a short story as there's only 100 pages or so?

Read an enjoyable book earlier,  Doped by Jamie Reid, about the 60's doping gang that ran around the country,worth a read for anyone into horse racing.

Hi s.kembo, it's what's called a novello or a novellette.

What I really want to know is if these characters are worth making a series out of. They eventually meet up with Gearshift, Dipstick and Hooter, who have their own series. (Six books so far.)

I wondered if they could ride alone (cough) or should be merged. If you want to read the first couple of the G, D & H series, I'll be happy to make them free. (Give me 24 hours first!) That way you might find understanding the ending easier.

I'm not sure I'll ever merge two groups of characters again! (Unless the readers want me too. The things I'll do for money!)

I feel as though I'm still getting to know the characters yet. G, D & H are only bit part players up to what I've read so far, so it'll be interesting to see which group I prefer.

I like the sound of Lucy though!

Lucy got her name because a real Lucy dared me to use it. In fact, she said she double-dared me. That's why another Lucy is the heroine of my first (last?) love story: Dream Lovers by Mungo Dryden

I'll make an offer to Chit Chatters that will last for a few days. Name any book by Mungo Dryden that's available on Kindle and you can have a free copy.

Note: This offer excludes multi-book bundles. If you don't have a Kindle, Amazon will give you a free app that will work on almost any computer or device.

The books may be free but I would appreciate honest feedback. If you're too shy to report here, feel free to to do so on Amazon. Remember, you are doing me a favour, I need to know if some of my older books are worth continuing.

PS: Do not pay for these books during their offer period. American days are different from your days. Make sure you are downloading for free,

You are American then? I thought you might be British writing books set in America.

I've read most of Lee Child's books, he seems to be an export who's done over there, if you can get your head around Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher.

I'm British, going back centuries probably, though I've lived in other countries. My yarns are usually set in America with American spelling. That tends to bring in the money.

I have yet to sell a British script. A few changes and it's American. Auctioneers sell it in three cries.

I'm not proud. Money is money.

Thanks for the information about "Legionnaire" Hank. Having read the reviews and the sample on Amazon I decided to buy it.
Have read the three classic books by P.C. Wren and this should make an interesting contrast being based on fact rather than fiction.

1 In Cold Blood...........................Truman Capote...   9/10
2 Apple Tree Yard.........................Louise Doughty...  8/10
3 Whatever You Love.......................Louise Doughty...  7/10
4 The Night Stalker.......................Chris Carter...    6/10
5 Noughts and Crosses.....................Malorie Blackmann.. 7/10
6 The Great Indoors.......................Ben Highmore...     6/10
7 The Van................................ Roddy Doyle.........7/10
8 The Wisdom of Psychopaths...............Kevin Dutton.........7/10
9 Pulse...................................Julian Barnes.......8/10
10 Tuesdays With Morrie...................Mitch Albom.........9/10
11 Why be Happy When Yoo Could Be Normal..Jeanette Winterson..7/10

1 In Cold Blood...........................Truman Capote...   9/10
2 Apple Tree Yard.........................Louise Doughty...  8/10
3 Whatever You Love.......................Louise Doughty...  7/10
4 The Night Stalker.......................Chris Carter...    6/10
5 Noughts and Crosses.....................Malorie Blackmann.. 7/10
6 The Great Indoors.......................Ben Highmore...     6/10
7 The Van................................ Roddy Doyle.........7/10
8 The Wisdom of Psychopaths...............Kevin Dutton.........7/10
9 Pulse...................................Julian Barnes.......8/10
10 Tuesdays With Morrie...................Mitch Albom.........9/10
11 Why be Happy When Yoo Could Be Normal..Jeanette Winterson..7/10
12 To Kill A Mockingbird..................Harper Lee..........10/10

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10
The Bats - Jo Nesbo 6/10
The Penultimate Truth - Philip K D1ck 7/10
The Stepford Wives - Ira Levin 7/10
Rosemary's Baby - Ira Levin 8/10
Autobiography - David Gower 7/10
To Have And Have Not - Ernest Hemingway 5/10
A Maze Of Death - Philip K D1ck 7/10
12 Years A Slave - Solomon Northup 10/10
Son Of Rosemary - Ira Levin 0/10
The Sunday Philosophy Club - Alexander McCall Smith 5/10
End Of Watch - Stephen King 3/10
Autobiography  - George Hincapie 9/10

Thoroughly enjoyed "Legionnaire" Hank, 10/10 His time of service covered an interesting period in French/Algerian history including the attempted coup by the Generals.
I looked up Simon Murray's career in later life. He did rather well for himself although marrying Jennifer Mather must have helped him on his way.

I'm now reading "Quartered Safe Out Here" by George MacDonald Fraser. He served in Burma fighting the Japs. Similar style of writing.

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10
The Bats - Jo Nesbo 6/10
The Penultimate Truth - Philip K D1ck 7/10
The Stepford Wives - Ira Levin 7/10
Rosemary's Baby - Ira Levin 8/10
Autobiography - David Gower 7/10
To Have And Have Not - Ernest Hemingway 5/10
A Maze Of Death - Philip K D1ck 7/10
12 Years A Slave - Solomon Northup 10/10
Son Of Rosemary - Ira Levin 0/10
The Sunday Philosophy Club - Alexander McCall Smith 5/10
End Of Watch - Stephen King 3/10
Autobiography  - George Hincapie 9/10
Prague Fatale - Philip Kerr 9/10
The Revenant - Michael Punke 7/10
Ashley Bell Dean Koontz 2/10
Into The Wild - John Krakauer 8/10
Autobiography - A P McCoy 9/10
Autobiography - Mark Webber 5/10

My Football Journey Autobiography-  Dennis Tueart 6/10
Anger Is An Energy Autobiography - John Lydon 6/10
Unknown Pleasure Inside Joy Division - Peter Hook 8/10
The Man In The High Castle - Philip K D1ck 1/10
The Green Mile - Stephen King 8/10
The Sirens Of Titan - Kurt Vonnegut 7/10
The Bats - Jo Nesbo 6/10
The Penultimate Truth - Philip K D1ck 7/10
The Stepford Wives - Ira Levin 7/10
Rosemary's Baby - Ira Levin 8/10
Autobiography - David Gower 7/10
To Have And Have Not - Ernest Hemingway 5/10
A Maze Of Death - Philip K D1ck 7/10
12 Years A Slave - Solomon Northup 10/10
Son Of Rosemary - Ira Levin 0/10
The Sunday Philosophy Club - Alexander McCall Smith 5/10
End Of Watch - Stephen King 3/10
Autobiography  - George Hincapie 9/10
Prague Fatale - Philip Kerr 9/10
The Revenant - Michael Punke 7/10
Ashley Bell Dean Koontz 2/10
Into The Wild - John Krakauer 8/10
Autobiography - A P McCoy 9/10
Autobiography - Mark Webber 5/10
Autobiography - Barney Curley 8/10
Autobiography - Burt Reynolds 9/10
3001 - Arthur C Clarke 6/10
Fountains Of Paradise - Arthur C Clarke 6/10
The Cold Dish - Craig Johnson 8/10
Just After Sunset - Stephen King 7/10

Legionnaire - Five years in the French Foreign Legion. Simon Murray. A great read, especially if you're like myself and enjoy military history. Certainly puts to bed any last notions of the romanticism related to the Legion!

That rings a bell!


I read this in 1979.  Gave to a bloke at college just before the summer holidays.  After the holidays he didn't return.  Turned out he taken the train to Marseilles and joined the Legion

Five years later while on the tube in London I picked up a copy of the Daily Mirror and there is an article about the French Foreign Legion with an interview  and photo of an English Sergeant. Its only the bleedin bloke I gave the book to!

I've just finished these in the last couple of weeks

One of the Family: 40 Years with the Krays by Maureen Flanagan
The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins by John Pearson
Doing the Business by Charlie Kray


very enjoyable especially the John Pearson one, he got too close with the twins association with the establishment and suffered as a result. Poor Charlie was well shafted by association.