Yes,
you’ve read the title right – I have joined a book club! I’ve always been an
occasional reader (limited to going on holiday) and I always stick to the same
genre of book or author. So I thought I’d try something new and divulge in new
hobbies... yano, because I don’t have the time or money to go for afternoon
tea, brunch or dinner anymore and I don’t really have the time to write, as
much as I love it... I digress!
Anyway,
somebody on the estate set up the group on Facebook and there was plenty of
original interest. We had to vote on the book and the best day/time – and of
course, you can’t always please everyone! We are fortunate enough to have a
Costa on the estate, so we met there. There were four of us in attendance: Debbie
(the group leader), Emma, Pearl and myself (with Alfie, of course, who was very
well behaved). We were there to discuss book one: Gamekeeper Turned Poacher by
Denver Murphy.
The
best thing about joining a book club is coming across something you’d never
normally read. I didn’t vote for this particular novel – and I wasn’t sold on
the title. I had a look at the cover on Amazon and still wasn’t sure I’d enjoy
it (although Ashley let me borrow his Kindle, where I could download it for
free) – but I was pleasantly surprised. Rather than giveaway the plot or reveal
spoilers, I’ve decided to write about some of the things we discussed during
the meeting, as we used these questions as a guide.
The
novel is plot-based, rather than character-based and I wasn’t sure if this was
typical to the genre, but I found we didn’t know enough about the characters
and their back stories. Usually, when I’m reading a book, I either find the
characters are relatable or you have some kind of emotional connection with
them – but this wasn’t the case. I personally like to feel more involved with
them, as this is what makes me keep reading – and I’m hoping this is something
that will shine through in books two and three.
Despite
being told from different points of view and jumping between locations, the
plot flowed well and it wasn’t too long before I was hooked. Being a crime
novel, some of the descriptions were very detailed – without being too
inappropriate and in some cases, still leaving something for the imagination. I
think, had I not got Alfie to look after, I’d have read larger chunks in one
go, rather than keep putting it down after a chapter or two. Talking of
locations, the author lives on our estate and there was a mention of Milton
Keynes, which I liked. I was familiar with a few of the locations used, but
this one in particular got me (and the others) thinking! When we originally
discussed this title, I thought the whole novel was set in MK – but I’m glad it
wasn’t!
I
loved there being a female lead and while we didn’t find out too much about her
history or character (hoping for more in the sequel!), it added to the contemporariness
of the novel. I feel like she was a sassy independent woman, not without her
issues, but a breath of fresh air – and undoubtedly, my favourite character.
Talking of issues, the novel touches upon many struggles in today’s society:
murder, rape, mental health, sexism and equality in the workplace.
And
finally, the ending! I’m glad there’s a second book as for me, this instalment
ended too abruptly. I don’t think I really followed what was happening as I
finished the final sentence I couldn’t work out who was alive or dead (if
anyone was). I have already downloaded book two – and the third is out later
this month. You can download or buy Gamekeeper Turned Poacher here.
Our
next book is He Said, She Said by Erin Kelly.
Love,
Lucy xx
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Love, Lucy xx