This week, Jeff Popple reviews three good books for summer lazing. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Love, Just In by Natalie Murray
Allen & Unwin, $22.99
Those after an engaging romcom for the beach this summer will eagerly devour Natalie Murray’s Love, Just In. After an unfortunate on-air incident, almost thirty-year-old, Sydney news reporter Josie Larsen is shipped off to Newcastle to cover another reporter’s six-month absence. Apart from some boring news stories, Josie also has to navigate the presence of her former best friend, and secret love interest, Zac Jameson, who has taken up residence in the coastal city. This light-hearted, and at times funny, friends-to-lovers story is an enjoyable read that also astutely tackles the pressure of modern day living on relationships and mental health.
Foul Play by Fiona McIntosh
Michael Joseph, $34.99
Australian author Fiona McIntosh has enjoyed good success with her novels about roguish London detective Jack Hawksworth, and her latest book is another entertaining read. Returning from a recent sojourn in Australia, Hawksworth finds himself caught up in the cut-throat world of Premier League Football when a leading player is threatened with unwarranted blackmail. As Hawksworth digs into the case he uncovers a wide spreading web of deception. Once again, Fiona skilfully mixes family drama with police detection, while also providing an interesting insight into the lives of elite athletes. Foul Play is sure to appeal to her many fans.
Deep In The Forest by Erina Reddan
Pantera, $32.99
Darker entertainment is provided by Erina Reddan’s Deep In The Forest. Charli Trenthan is keenly looking forward to leaving her home town of Stone Lake in the Victorian countryside and getting away from The Sanctuary, a conservative closed community nestled in the nearby forest. A cry for a help and a gruesome discovery, however, finds her caught up in a police investigation and her life in danger. Drawing on Erina’s own personal experiences, Deep In The Forest is an engrossing and powerful novel that raises some timely issues about institutions, trust and the abuse of power. It will leave you thinking.
