Jeff Popple recommends five books to put under the tree this Christmas. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Michael Connelly has been one of the world’s leading crime fiction writers for several years now and his novels always make for an ideal Christmas present. His latest, The Dark Hours, is an enjoyable read, set against a searing portrait of Los Angeles in 2021. It features his always popular character, retired policeman Harry Bosch, who teams up with LAPD Detective Renèe Ballard to solve a New Year’s Eve murder, which has links back to an old case that he worked on. Exciting, topical, full of social commentary and highly entertaining, it will be greatly appreciated by the crime reader in your family.
A Year in Fleurville by Felicita Sala
Scribble, $27.99
This exquisite book is a terrific present for children and families. Lovingly illustrated, it follows the people of Fleurville as they work in their gardens, harvest vegetables, cook meals and find comfort in the cycle of life. A fun and environmentally minded picture book, it also serves as a mini guide to gardening and vegetables, and is a good introduction to cooking. Filled with tasty recipes from all over the world, it has simple instructions perfect for young chefs. It also promotes a nice sense of community and family, and provides some good recycling tips. A practical and fun book for kids.
Midnight in the Snow by Karen Swan
Macmillan, $32.99
The annual seasonal romance by Karen Swan is always a welcomed present and her latest, Midnight in the Snow, offers some amusing moments and plenty of romance. Film maker Clover Phillips finds herself in the Austrian Alps pursuing reluctant snowboarder Kit Foley, who wants nothing to do with her documentary. Determined to find out the secrets in Foley’s past, Clover pushes on regardless of the consequences and her growing feelings for the athlete. Well-crafted and glamorous, with some vivid descriptions of the Alps, this is an enchanting read. A nice gift for romantics and those after a pleasant, engaging novel.
A Dog’s Best Friend by Laura Greaves
Penguin, $34.99
Journalist and self-proclaimed ‘crazy dog lady’ Laura Greaves, is back with another uplifting book that explores the relationships that dogs create with unlikely companions. Dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’, but in this uplifting book, Laura shows that they can also be good friends to other species. A Dog’s Best Friend contains several unlikely relationships, from the German Shepherd and the fox who play together in the Norwegian snow, to another German Shepherd who has befriended a wallaroo, to a tiny chihuahua who is best friends with a llama. Accompanied with great photos, this is a must for all dog lovers.
Better Off Dead by Lee Child and Andrew Child
Bantam, $32
Jack Reacher is the classic action figure. A former military policeman who roams America like a modern-day Western hero, Reacher appeals to a wide range of readers and the novels by Lee Child are regularly found on the top of bestseller lists. Better Off Dead is the second co-written effort by Child and his brother, Andrew, who is gradually taking over responsibility for the series. The book finds Reacher in a small Arizonan town helping an army veteran turned FBI agent find her missing twin brother, who has found himself in trouble. A good, light holiday read for your Reacher aficionado.
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