Author Archives: alysonebaker

Overkill by Vanda Symon – 2018 (originally published 2007)

Posted on August 4, 2018 by alysonebaker

I had read a few of Vanda Symon’s Sam Shephard novels, but not the first.  So, when Overkill was re-published this year for the European market I read it – and I am so glad I did – it is … Continue reading →

Posted in #yeahnoir, Book Review | 1 Comment

Caroline’s Bikini by Kirsty Gunn – 2018

Posted on July 29, 2018 by alysonebaker

Emily Stuart is a writer patching her various writing jobs together to make a living in London.  Evan Gordonston is her childhood friend whose family ended up living in the States. When Evan moves back to London, a friend of Emily’s … Continue reading →

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This Mortal Boy by Fiona Kidman – 2018

Posted on July 25, 2018 by alysonebaker

Albert Black has been accused of murder, and the death penalty stands, “Will goodness and mercy prevail?” – alas no, not in 1950s New Zealand, not with the shadow of the Second World War affecting how politicians make decisions, and … Continue reading →

Posted in #yeahnoir, Book Review, Historical | 2 Comments

The Second Grave by Ian Austin – 2018

Posted on July 16, 2018 by alysonebaker

Dan Calder is settled in New Zealand after his hectic time in The agency, the first in the Dan Calder trilogy.  He has settled down with Tara Danes (from The agency) and they have adopted a dog, Jet.  Dan is … Continue reading →

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Sleeps Standing Moetū by Witi Ihimaera and Hēmi Kelly – 2017

Posted on July 14, 2018 by alysonebaker

“You didn’t know about the women and children at Rewi’s last stand?”  Sadly, no – the bravery and technical brilliance yes, but not the stories of sacrifice by all the defenders, regardless of age or gender. Sleeps standing Moetū is … Continue reading →

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A Risk Worth Taking by Brynn Kelly – 2018

Posted on July 11, 2018 by alysonebaker

A risk worth taking is the latest roller coaster read in Brynn Kelly’s Legionnaires series.  A year has passed since Edge of truth, and Samira Desta is in hiding after her whistle-blower fiancé, Latif, has been murdered.  Latif used to … Continue reading →

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Rotoroa by Amy Head – 2018

Posted on July 7, 2018 by alysonebaker

Rotoroa is the story of three quite different people who all end up in the same place for a while. The time is significant: New Zealand in the 1950s, post-war, emerging rock and roll, six o’clock swills, the bridge going … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Historical | 1 Comment

The New Ships by Kate Duignan – 2018

Posted on June 23, 2018 by alysonebaker

Peter Collie is mourning the death of his wife Moira.  In this fragile state he discovers that he was ignorant of much of Moira’s past, and even of her recent life.  The tense relationship with his son Aaron, Moira’s biological … Continue reading →

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The New Animals by Pip Adam – 2017

Posted on June 9, 2018 by alysonebaker

“All this sweet hope lost. Lost to time, to dust, to heat. Like the dinosaurs’ hopes, like the fish that left the sea, like the fish that stayed in the sea knew they wouldn’t see one another again” – but … Continue reading →

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Sodden Downstream by Branavan Gnanalingam – 2017

Posted on June 3, 2018 by alysonebaker

Sita is on a zero-hours cleaning contract and is the only wage earner in her family.  Her husband, Thiru, is currently only able to contribute a Work and Income benefit, and her son, Satish, is still at school. So, when … Continue reading →

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