Author: Andy Weir

Although I’m not a fan of science fiction this is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’ve loved them both. I noticed this morning that a movie based on the book is in production.

An unknown organism is starting to block out the sun’s rays and life on earth is doomed unless scientists can sort out what is causing the problem and find a way to fix it. Enter Ryland Grace, a science teacher, and a near-impossible plan to save earth. The plan was never to send Grace on this suicide mission but that is where he’s ended up.

Although I didn’t understand a lot of the scientific stuff and some of the story was unbelievable to put it mildly it was a fun read.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Louise Penny

This was the first book I borrowed from the library and read on my new iPad. I’ve read several by this author and loved them all; this is the 16th book in a series of 17. She has recently released another novel that was co-written with Hilary Clinton.

Most of Penny’s books take place in a small village in Quebec called Three Pines. This one though is set in Paris; all the family are there, as well as references to the villagers left at home.

Chief Inspector Gamache and his wife are in Paris awaiting the arrival of their newest granddaughter. Gamache’s son-in-law and former second-in-command at the Sûreté du Québec has left the force and moved to Paris to work in a multi-national corporation. His eldest son also lives in Paris and is involved in investment banking. When Gamache’s godfather is run down in the street the entire family gets involved in trying to solve the case.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *

Author: Peter Grainger

Set in England, this is the first in a series of nine books revolving around D.C. Smith. I loved the book; it was like watching a British TV show. I read it on my Kindle and this is an author I think I’ll read more of.

D.C. Smith is a long-standing member of the police force and has recently returned to work, at a lower rank, following an internal investigation that cleared his name. He is tasked with confirming that the death of a young man was an accident. But D.C. Smith is bothered by the case and takes his time making his final determination.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Ron Miles

This was a relatively quick read on my Kindle. The book is well written and a testament to the Disney enterprise.

Benjamin, a nine-year old boy on the autism spectrum, takes his first trip to Disneyland with his parents. After seeing his reaction to one ride in particular – Snow White’s Scary Adventures – his parents decide to move to Orlando so that Benjamin can visit more often. After 3500 rides Disney shut the ride down but not before honouring Benjamin’s landmark rides.

Goodreads Rating: * * *