Book Review Policy

All genres welcome for book review.

We particularly like submissions from authors who write about or have connections to Ireland and Wales.

We enjoy novels that cover any of the following topics or issues:
Amateur Dramatics (or professional including agents)
Private Detective work
Paranoia
Orchestras
Soccer
Tennis
Naturists
Photography
Spiritual Abuse
Step relatives
Very elderly people (must be 90+)
Magic, tricks and illusions

Book Review: Managing Your Anger by Russell Kolts

Having spoken to several specialists I felt I needed something to hand that I could turn to when incidents occur. By incidents I merely refer to moments in every day when I feel I need help to deal with events. It is useful to understand how the body causes anger and helpful to realise that it is often a natural process.

I have read some parts of the book many times to remind myself of why I feel anger building up and how to handle it. Without this book I feel my problem may have worsened.

Book review: The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs by Alexander McCall Smith

A great introduction to this author that I have recommended to several friends.

Filled with jealousy and paranoia this short book is a great way to get a feel for this author's talents. Although it is one of his earlier works I only read it recently. Readers new to McCall Smith have no excuse not to finish its hundred or so pages if they spend an hour or so a day for a week.

Book Review: Oscar Wilde and the Murders at Reading Gaol by Gyles Brandeth

Have just completed this amazing book. I was worried that the quality would deteriorate as the series of books continued but if anything it has improved. Based on Oscar's time in prison it is much darker than previous volumes but his character shines through and there is room for much humour. Having found much of this author's previous work unappealing I am hooked by this series and cannot wait to get to the next edition. Historically it is a fine lesson in how poor prison conditions were (no communication with fellow prisoners allowed) and face covered when out of your cell. The characters of those in the adjacent cells and some of the prison staff are very realistic and memorable. Recommend this to anybody for an education and drama.