#MonthlyRoundUp-Recommended reading and more…

So long October, it was fun to read Halloween scares and autumnal themed stories, but now we move on into November, a curious month that is not quite autumn yet not properly winter…personally I think of it as the gateway month to the silly season, where you can tell yourself ‘I still have time to Christmas shop….no stress’ to ‘December’s ‘Argh! Why did I leave this so late?!’

But for now, this is what I read in October. Many of these I have blogged about in separate posts so here is a quick wrap up before I launch into my crazy plans for November…

Books I read

The more eagle eyed amongst you will see that there are 11 titles there, ‘Trick or Treat’ was an Audiobook, and I finished 90% of ‘Someone Like Me’ in October so I consider that belongs to that month more than the 2 chapters I read on November 1st.

I would like to wrap up the month of October by adding the 2 book reviews that I haven’t covered on any other posts, these are The Binding Song and Hydra. Because they were bloody good books and I LOVE shouting about books that completely terrified me (do NOT read them on cold, deserted train stations as you will be looking twice at every shadow…).

The Binding Song By Elodie Harper

Elodie Harper came to my attention first as the winner of a short story competition, judged by Stephen King(have I ever mentioned he is my favourite author of all time? Quite possibly done that a few times, apologies!)
The publication of ‘Six Scary Stories’ by the ever excellent Cemetery Dance crew was a must buy and on the basis of the story I pre-ordered ‘The Binding Song’.
It is dark, in all the right ways, a progressive mystery with excellent characterisation and a spookiness that gives you chills.

It actually terrified me in its portrayal of a prison which is being haunted by a spate of suicides with nothing in common to link them, and the psychologist who has come to replace her recently disappeared predecessor.

Dr Janet Palmer has decided to escape one type of trap-a loveless relationship with a partner who wants her move with him to America-to take classes of prisoners in a remote, Norfolk prison and help them understand their actions have consequences. However, not all of the men in her groups regret the actions that they have taken and some are whispering about a ghost who will come for them and make them pay…a ghost with black holes for eyes…

Part gothic horror and part psychological thriller, as Janet starts to explore why there are no records of any of her predecessors meetings, no case notes, nothing-it is as if he has completely vanished.

She finds herself becoming isolated from the other members of staff and left in increasingly scary situations then joins forces with the prison chaplain who has heard some frankly alarming talk from the prisoners.

The deaths continue to happen and it becomes clear that Janet is as trapped as the prisoners as she begins to feel that something has followed her from HMP Halvergate to her home….

It has quite rightly been lauded by critics and fellow writers, and I would happily join their throng. I have bought this and pre-ordered her second book and I think if you enjoy dark thrillers then this is a book for you. It does not feel like a debut offering, it is very assured indeed.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this copy in return for an honest review.

Hydra by Matt Wesolowski

Also known as part of ‘Six Stories’ , Hydra takes an epistolary approach incorporating, podcast manuscripts, interviews and newpaper reports as well as internet comments. The six stories of the title refer to the name of the podcast in which murders are investigated from 6 perspectives whilst allowing the listener to make up their own minds about what actually happened. The presenter,Scott King, takes the same approach in ‘Hydra’ as in ‘Six Stories’ in looking into the murder of Arla MacLeod’s family by the then 26 year old. She was found not guilty by reason of insanity and remanded to a secure unit for life. Members of the public seemed to think that this verdict was not a satisfactory one and that Arla had, in effect, gotten away with murder.

As Scott King gains insight into the surroundings of the night she murdered both her parents and promising Olympian sister, a picture is painted of a vulnerable young girl with possible learning difficulties. What is harder to ascertain, however, is whether Arla’s obsession with urban legends, abusive childhood or exploitation of her mental state contributed towards her actions.

The podcasts are released without comment, and Scott King’s narration tying the strands together and I can honestly say that it is absolutely terrifying,. The sense of claustrophobia surrounding Arla and Scott as he is harassed via social media , his phone and more is so menacing-is he getting closer to the truth or are darker forces at play? The ending is an absolute belter and it had me turning back to page one, looking for what I had missed and been right in front of my face from the very beginning. Cannot wait to read his next book , ‘Changeling’ and the original ‘Six Stories’ novel.But not on a train station on my own.

As well as these books I participated in 2 readalongs on Instagram which were tremendous fun, so stay tuned to see what plans I have for November……