Hello November!

In this edition: what I'm reading, what I'm watching, along with links to some #free reads and bargain books.

November had some real treats on the watching/reading front along with a few disappointments.

What I’m Reading:

“Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly” Addie has worked unpaid at her mother’s wellness retreat for most of her young adult life. The setting is idyllic: a fictional Holy Island (Rokesby) set off the haunting Northumbrian coast. But despite the spa and spiritual vibe, for Addie, the retreat feels toxic—loaded with mother/daughter baggage. A young vicar’s son, Sol, is also planning to escape his home ties, only he’s moving in an opposite direction—from the mainland. Sol arrives on an island linked to Rokesby at low tide. Like Addie, Sol is unsophisticated in the romance stakes. Wherever he’s from in the wilds of Norfolk, it’s a small pond as far as love interests go. Also, like Addie, Sol has a complicated family history: his beloved mother recently passed away, and his Bible-bashing father is currently preparing to marry Sol's ex-fiancée (I know!!!) Addie and Sol might both be shy and put-upon, but they fit together perfectly—if there are two people in the entire world who understand the need to escape, it’s this couple. Before long, Sol finds himself plotting Addie’s route off the island. But life takes an unexpected turn, and the couple become separated. Was it love they felt or simply friendship? Will they find each other again? Will those family scars ever heal? Maybe. Perhaps. Possibly. Joanna Glen has crafted a charming, heartwarming novel filled with memorable characters, a strong sense of place, and an utterly delightful balance of spirituality, humour and deftly dealt life lessons.

Recently, I’ve also been reading a domestic noir, “The Blue Hour,” by Paula Hawkins. I enjoyed all the art-speak and mystery, the well-drawn characters, and (yet again) the island setting (love them). This one has a shocking ending, so be warned. If you fancy a horror read try: “We Used to Live Here” by Mark Kliewer. It starts off slow and creepy but has a storyline that is mind-bendingly different. I would love to see it as a film (just heard today that this is happening).

What I’m Watching, TV :

The BBC’s “Ludwig” is a real treat. Who doesn’t love a story about an accidental detective? David Mitchell is wonderful as the socially challenged twin of a missing detective. When his twin brother disappears, cryptic puzzle-solver and reclusive Ludwig is forced to leave his bedroom and uncover the mystery, inadvertently solving multiple murders along the way. Lovely performances from the entire team. “Morse” with a bit of code and humour built in.

Apple TV’s “Where’s Wanda?” packs a heavy punch on the TV stakes. A small, perfectly planned German town is turned upside down when young Wanda disappears. Somebody in the town has to know something. Wanda’s parents set out to discover just what their neighbours are up to. Quirky and fun.

Misses this month were the heavily anticipated “Disclaimer.” It’s criminal—not in the storyline, but in the fact that “creator” Alfonso Cuarón has squandered the talents of a brilliant team. Not even Cate Blanchet, Kevin Kline or the inimitable Lesley Manville can save this turkey with its cringe-inducing voiceover and 1970s transitions. Oh dear.

Things I enjoyed last month: “Only Murders in the Building” - season four, and the team are absolutely back on form.

What I’m Watching, Film:

I truly love Almodóvar, Tilda Swinton and the gorgeous Julianne Moore, so this feature had been on my watch list ever since I saw it trailed. It’s Almodóvar’s first American film, and herein lies the problem. Every moment of profundity delivered from the actors’ mouths sounds staid and awkward. I found myself wondering if these same lines delivered by Penélope Cruz might not have somehow managed to fly. Where there should have been heartbreak, we are left feeling distanced. It’s pretty enough to look at. Tilda’s jumpers are truly remarkable, and the house in the woods is literally to die for. The story, however, is sad but passionless. Curiously, Brechtian—is that what Almodovar was aiming for? Worth watching if you’re a fan. Otherwise, maybe revisit some of his earlier work. My all-time favourite has to be “Talk to Her”.

Free Reads:

For crime thrillers, take a look at these books.

https://books.bookfunnel.com/thrillerkeepsuguessing/9219fcqjd1

(Mine is “Reap What You Sow”)

Bargain Books:

Do you have KU? Try these mysteries and thrillers:

https://books.bookfunnel.com/November-KU-Mystery-thriller-suspense-reads/hvy786ztya

(Mine is “Person of Interest” )