Book 8 (2013) Bloodline ** by Lynda LaPlante

A great and prolific writer.

Book 4 (2013) Little Bee **** by Chris Cleave

Shocking story about Nigeria.

Book 3 (2013) Ghost Children *** by Sue Townsend

Book 2 (2013) The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared *** by Jonas Jonasson

Book 29 (2013) The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry

I can't remember whether I finished this book or not.

Book 28 (2013) Life After Life **** by Kate Atkinson

Very very unusual premise, and I normally abore the dead person story, but this was very well done, enjoyed the book.  Her best book yet.

Other books by this author:
Behind the Scenes in the Museum
Started Early, Took My Dog **
When Will there be Good News ****

Book 22 (2013) (zero) Death Comes (zero) to Pemberly by P.D. James

A disaster, terrible writing, half hearted attempt at romance?  Gave the book away.

Book 21 (2013) Brick Lane **** by Monica Ali

Great story, my England read in  September 2013.

Book 22 (2012) The Sense of an Ending*** by Julian Barnes

He won the Man Booker Prize for this one, but can't remember the story now.   I thought Arthur and George was a stunning book.

Book 27 Author & George **** by Julian Barnes

Why didn't I know about this author?   Barnes is an exceptional writer.  
Arthur & George is a fictionalized account of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edalji.   The latter was wrongfully imprisoned and Doyle helped to free him.   Both had fascinating lives and they are masterfully contrasted and intertwined by Barnes.   Read this terrific mystery-true story-novel.

Book 2 (11) Adrian Mole The Prostrate Years* by Sue Townsend

All the Adrian Mole books are wonderful, and really, better each time.  

Book 94 Started Early, Took My Dog ** by Kate Atkinson

The usual great mystery read from Atkinson.

Book 92 The King's Speech*** by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi

I give this one three stars for being a fascinating and unique story, but the writing is pedestrian.  This is the story of King George VI, his speech impediment and all the behind-the-scenes pain and anxiety.   In that sense, the book is remarkable in it clear how important an issue this was to the royal family, the country, and the British government.  It seems extreme to us now, but it was so different then.

Book 70 & 71 Above Suspicion and Deadly Intent** by Lynda LaPlante

Two more great mysteries by this author in the Detective Anna Travis series.

Book 60 An Education ** by Lynn Barber

A small book, loaded with insights.   I also thought the movie was really excellent, portraying well the reality of a young girl dating a con artist, while everyone looked on in tacit approval or silence.   Having been there a few times myself (I am a slow learner), I found the book and movie rang true. 

Barber is a lovely writer, but a bit of a BS'er.   She has the style of Jilly Cooper, witty and breezy.

Book 26 When Will There Be Good News?*** by Kate Atkinson

Great book, but nothing is quite like Behind the Scenes at the Museum, her first book.