November Books 2021

 

There were so many wonderful books published in November and here are some of the ones I was lucky enough to read: 

Books for Grown Ups: 

A Cornish Christmas Murder by Ffiona Leitch

A cosy crime book crossed with romance and Christmas - what more could you want from a book. This book was an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Light hearted but with twists and turns that kept me guessing - I never quite worked out the whole solution before it was revealed - the sign of a good mystery. 

Jodie and her group find themselves trapped in a Manor House by the snow. When random strangers start turning up you just know that there is going to be trouble. And when one of the guests ends up dead well - who else could possibly investigate? 

I haven’t read the previous books in this series (although I will be getting them so that I can) this didn’t stop me enjoying this story one bit. Whilst I’m sure there may be some references they were not so much that you felt you had missed out anything important. 

Definitely a book for the cold winter months - curl up warm and escape to Cornwall! 

The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy 

Cosy crime at its best. I loved this book - it was an enjoyable and easy read. 

Margery and Clementine are a perfect pair. They balance each other throughout the story and you can’t help but enjoy their company. 

When their supervisor tragically dies at work they are convinced that something is not what they are being told. And so in a stubborn and somewhat reckless way Margery and Clem set out to investigate. 

Suspecting many people along the way and encountering a range of near death moments can they find the truth before they loose their jobs or their lives?

Perfect for anyone who enjoys cosy crime - already looking forward to the next instalment. 

Middle Grade Books: 

Fledgling by Lucy Hope 

I was left without words after reading this book. It really was an emotional rollercoaster full of friendship, fear, pain, hope, loss and love. 

I am trying not to give any spoilers but it is hard as I am so desperate to share this story and talk about it. 

At the start of the story I wasn’t sure where it would lead. I suspected a rescue mission of sorts entwined with magic and mystery. 

I wasn’t wrong but it turned out to be so much more. As the story progressed - to me it seemed to mirror the painful journey of losing a child to illness. The fear of what would come, the knowledge that it was inevitable, the anger - the demons that were always there just waiting. 

The ending came as a complete surprise to me. At no point at I predicted the outcome. A sign of good story telling - I was led down paths that kept me wanting more. I became invested in the characters and was willing them their safety. 

Perfect for readers 11+ 

Trigger warnings - loss of family members. 

Children’s Books: 

Einstein the Penguin by Iona Rangeley and David Tazzyman

A simply brilliant book full of fun and adventure. This is a must read book and perfect for the Christmas season. An ideal read aloud for year 2/3. The adventures of Einstein and the Stewart family are bound to have you laughing out loud. 

Lights in the Night by Chris Barash and Maya Shleifer 

It’s always nice to have books that explore different religions or cultures - often though they can feel forced. This is far from forced - A gently flowing story about the lights that welcome in the Shabbat. Full of peace and tranquillity, accompanied by illustrations that embrace family and hope. 

This book left me with a feeling of calm after I read it. 

I look forward to being able to share this with the children I work with. 

Once Upon a Silent Night by Dawn Casey and Katie Hickey

This book is such a beautiful look at the Christmas Story - told through the eyes of those who were there and the gifts that they offered. 

Simple text in each page blends perfectly with illustrations that glow on the page. 

There are so many books about the Christmas story - this one brings a new and modern look which I think will appeal to children and adults. I could imagine it being a beautiful primary school concert! 

I will definitely be using it with my own child and recommending it to all who I know.