Book review: The Turnglass by Gareth Rubin [blog tour]

When I saw that The Turnglass by Gareth Rubin isn't only a murder mystery but a tête-bêche as well, I was instantly sold. This is a type of novel made up of two separate books that are linked in unexpected ways, one story providing clues to the mystery within the other. It may sound a little confusing at first, but it is a very clever and fun way to read a novel. Some of my all-time favourite books, Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz, are great examples of this innovative storytelling format – so I had high hopes for this one too!

Book review: Always By Your Side by Julie Haworth [blog tour]

I tend to read a lot of murder mysteries and historical fiction novels, but after a while I just need some cosy comfort in my life. And when I saw the cover for Julie Haworth's debut novel, Always By Your Side, it immediately hit the spot for me. Wholesome English countryside goodness? Yes, please. 

Theatre review: Death Note: The Musical in Concert at the London Palladium

Death Note is a popular manga series by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata, which has garnered a steady fan base throughout its 20-year history and countless adaptations, from anime to a live action Netflix movie. A musical version was inevitable to bring this epic story to the stage – and it's finally made it to the London stage! 

Book review: The Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall [blog tour]

I've hugely enjoyed Emylia Hall's writing ever since I had the opportunity to review her debut novel The Book of Summers back in 2012 (I cannot believe this is over 10 years ago now, where does time go?!). And I love that as my reading preferences have moved away from contemporary women's fiction, so have her stories. The Shell House Detectives is the first book in a new cosy crime series – and immediately after turning the final page, I was already gasping for more. 

Book review: The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson [blog tour]

The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber is one of my all-time favourite reads; I love how it mixes the fantastical and theatrical with a gripping tale of good vs evil (with a nice dash of romance thrown in too). For that reason I thought I'd also adore the much hyped The Night Circus by Erin Morgensten, but that one wasn't for me at all. Thankfully this didn't turn me off reading circus-themed books completely, as I hate to have missed out on The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson. It is a more adult and complex story than Caraval, but it also has the same feeling of whimsy and endless possibilities that makes these books so absolutely magical. 

Book review: The Other Side of Mrs Wood by Lucy Barker

Mrs Wood is one of the most famous and respected medium in Victorian London. She's been around for decades and her devoted patrons ensure that her seances continue to be popular. But her loyal followers are getting older and they won't be around forever to keep Mrs Wood in a job. Not only that, but many of her peers are unmasked as frauds so she has an added job of disassociating herself from anyone caught up in the scandals. And, as younger, more exciting mediums enter the stage, she knows she has to up her game considerably to stay relevant and celebrated. 

Book review: From Cornwall With Love (The Cornish Cream Tea #8) by Cressida McLaughlin [blog tour]

Ever since I had the pleasure of spending a summer holiday in Cornwall a few years ago, I've become obsessed with this beautiful part of England. And I cannot thank Cressida McLaughlin enough for continuing to give me my Cornwall fix. Every time I'm craving a Cornish read, a new one by her hand is just around the corner. In the last year alone she has published The Cornish Cream Tea Holiday and The Cornish Cream Tea Bookshop, and while her latest release – From Cornwall With Love – has a different title and cover design, I was delighted when I found out that it's another charming addition to her Cornish Cream Tea series. May it continue!

Book review: Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch

Arthurian legends seem to be the latest slice of fictional history that's getting reinvented (after fairy tale retellings and Greek myth reimaginings) and I love it. I've always been fascinated by this lore thanks to Disney's The Sword in the Stone and the very cheesy but hugely entertaining BBC series Merlin back in the late 2000s. Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch is, you may be able to guess, the story of sorceress Morgan le Fay. But rather than portraying her as the anti-hero, which she so often is, in this novel we hear her side of the story. And it's not as black-and-white as we've always been led to believe.

Theatre review: Gypsy at The Mill at Sonning

I've only been to dinner theatre The Mill at Sonning twice so far (my first visit was for the toe-tappingly tremendous Top Hat), but it's already established itself as a firm-favourite venue in my book. Aside from the stunning countryside setting (making this feel like a proper day out) and delicious two-course buffet that accompanies every performance, the quality of the productions they put on is really impressive. The talent on stage, sets, and costume designs give the West End a run for its money (and the ticket price is much better value for theatre-goers too!). 

Book review: Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara [blog tour]

I've been a big fan of retellings for many years now, and Greek ones are definitely the flavour of the 2020s (see Circe, Atalanta, Ariadne, Ithaca, and many more). I was getting a little bit tired of seeing the same-old, same-old characters and myths being reimagined, as there are only so many different angles a story can take, so I was thrilled when I discovered that Luna McNamara's book delves into the slightly more obscure love story of Psyche and Eros, aka a mortal and the god of love (the Greek equivalent of Cupid).