Category Archives: Book Review

Deadhead by Glenn Wood – 2020

Posted on March 29, 2021 by alysonebaker

Spencer is a teenage genius, he makes a bit on the side to help his solo Mum pay the bills, by procuring things for school mates, or by providing them with answers to upcoming exams. But one job goes awfully … Continue reading →

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Lullaby Beach by Stella Duffy – 2021

Posted on March 28, 2021 by alysonebaker

Lucy is a “fourth-generation child of Westmere” weighed down by a burden of secrets. Beth, Lucy’s mother, and Lucy’s Aunt Sara are both living with sorrows of the past. All three have always found solace and comfort in Kitty, the … Continue reading →

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The Quiet People by Paul Cleave – 2021

Posted on March 20, 2021 by alysonebaker

Cameron Murdoch is living a reasonably successful life as a crime writer, writing in collaboration with Lisa, his wife. They live in Christchurch and “In the books we used to pretend that Christchurch was Dante’s Seventh Circle of Hell, but … Continue reading →

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Neands by Dan Salmon – 2020

Posted on March 18, 2021 by alysonebaker

Charles Feynman Rutherford, the son of scientists, was named after scientists, and was expected to become a scientist. But Charlie is growing up in a world were science is being taught less and less. Science is being replaced by Christian … Continue reading →

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The Stone Wētā by Octavia Cade – 2020

Posted on March 3, 2021 by alysonebaker

We are in a dystopian future where governmental and commercial interests have ensured the suppression of scientific information about climate change. Any efforts to inform humanity about the gravity of the ecological situation, and what might be done to halt … Continue reading →

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Katipo Joe by Brian Falkner – 2020

Posted on February 28, 2021 by alysonebaker

Joseph St George is enjoying his life as the son of British diplomats in late 1930s Berlin. His only regret is not being allowed to wear long trousers like his older friend Klaus, and not being old enough to join … Continue reading →

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A Trio of Sophies by Eileen Merriman – 2020

Posted on February 21, 2021 by alysonebaker

Ever since Sophie Mac first arrived at Eastbrook High School, feeling excluded as her solo Mum had no money for things like nice shoes, she has always stuck with the first two girls who befriended her: Sophie A and Twiggy … Continue reading →

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The Devils You Know by Ben Sanders – 2021

Posted on February 20, 2021 by alysonebaker

Should you be judged by your intentions or by the consequences of your actions? This is the question throughout The devils you know, from the rightness of taking a job, pursuing a fixation, or invading a country. Vincent decides to … Continue reading →

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More by Andrew Harris – 2020

Posted on February 14, 2021 by alysonebaker

A cure for a deadly epidemic, a religious leader rallying all to empower women to turn the tide on endless population growth – who is determined to stop both these worthy initiatives? And what does the murder of a star … Continue reading →

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Caught Between by Jeannie McLean – 2020

Posted on February 5, 2021 by alysonebaker

Tova Tan is part Māori and part Chinese, “I feel caught between Mum’s whānau, who I don’t know, and Dad’s world where I don’t belong”. This cultural mix makes life tricky for Tova in Aotearoa – where racism is alive … Continue reading →

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