Looking for a good book to while away the winter hours?

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I don't usually plug books on here - especially not a blatant plug for a friend, and I understand that everyone has different tastes (even with beekeeping books) but I felt compelled to share this recommendation..
In 2022 a very dear, lifelong friend was diagnosed with cancer, in January 2023 I was sent a message she was told she had but a year to live, we were all devastated, but instead of curling up and waiting to die, she decided on a new project, she started writing short stories (many now in print) and her first full length book was published last week.
Now modern police murder/mystery fiction is not a favoured genre of mine (says he who has read every Agatha Christie murder mystery, all 75 Maigret novels and probably all of Paul Doherty's books as well as others.) but I felt duty bound to give this one a fair chance. I've known the girl for most of my life, and once again she has surprised me - it's not just a decent read - it's a book I have to force myself to put down or I would never get any sleep.
The Canterbury Cullings is based around a series of gruesome murders in Canterbury, the first body being discovered on the altar of the sword in the cathedral, although the victims don't seem to have much connection to the Cathedral - more like local thugs - the first was a loan shark. I cannot give any spoilers as I haven't finished yet, all I can say is it's well paced, detailed in background without being heavy reading, but it's a compelling page turner with 'just one more chapter' being repeated more than once every evening.
It's called

'The Canterbury Cullings' by Anwen John
ISBN number 978-1837945429​

Try it - I doubt you will regret it

 

[Erichalfbee]

Thanks Emyr. It’s all so easy to just curl up and wait to die when you get a death sentence. Doing something positive lets you live longer in my experience. The medics aren’t accurate so many times and what a waste it would be to look back having wasted the time you did have. Bravo Anwen.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Thanks Emyr. It’s all so easy to just curl up and wait to die when you get a death sentence. Doing something positive lets you live longer in my experience. The medics aren’t accurate so many times and what a waste it would be to look back having wasted the time you did have. Bravo Anwen.

well at the moment, the tumour has shrunk somewhat and she's on another chemo holiday, apparently she has already got another book written and awaiting a publisher, different genre again - a type of 'sliding doors'romance. Not sure whether I want to read that, just in case one of the characters is a swarthy bearded swashbuckling sailor with a fine tenor voice.

 

[Erichalfbee]

. Not sure whether I want to read that, just in case one of the characters is a swarthy bearded swashbuckling sailor with a fine tenor voice.

She Must be a friend

 

[Penninetrader]

well at the moment, the tumour has shrunk somewhat and she's on another chemo holiday, apparently she has already got another book written and awaiting a publisher, different genre again - a type of 'sliding doors'romance. Not sure whether I want to read that, just in case one of the characters is a swarthy bearded swashbuckling sailor with a fine tenor voice.

Seems to me there is a book in that character and as you have a way with words best get writing. As for your review, top job. Possibly should have sent to you pre publish and that review could have been the back cover.