Book reviews (part 13)

It's time for another round-up of book reviews, and this week I take a look at books from the genres of crime, humour, crime (again) and non-fiction...

Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus

Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus - 4.5 / 5.0

Snow White Must Die is a crime mystery which focuses on events in a small German village after Tobias Sartorius is released from jail having served a ten year sentence for the double murder of two former girlfriends. There are a lot of plot threads and puzzles to work out, but it all fits together very well and comes across as very plausible, and author Nele Neuhaus provides a well presented ending. Also, the story focuses more on the mystery behind the crimes, rather than the grisly details, which is what I personally prefer.

One small criticism is that I would perhaps have preferred to see some clues or insights into what actually happened provided a little sooner, but all in all this was an enjoyable crime mystery and I'll definitely be loooking out for future translations of Nele Neuhaus' work.

Starter For Ten by David Nicholls

Starter For Ten by David Nicholls - 4.0 / 5.0

If you're looking for an action packed adventure then Starter For Ten probably isn't the book for you, as not a lot happens and for the most part it's a book about everyday university life. It was nevertheless a book well suited to my tastes though, as this account of university life was told in a very humorous way. It tells the story of Brian Jackson, who gets on the University Challenge team and massively falls for Alice Harbinson, one of the other students on the team.

Pretty much every chapter has some funny moments, and although the humour perhaps won't be to everyone's tastes, it had me chuckling away.

The Closers by Michael Connelly

The Closers by Michael Connelly - 4.5 / 5.0

This is the eleventh Harry Bosch book and features another well constructed plot by Michael Connelly. I liked the way that the loose outline of the case is revealed very early on, so things spring into action pretty much right from the start. Then, as the story progresses, extra layers to the case are revealed and you discover that everything is not quite as obvious as it seems.

As with other Michael Connelly books, the attention to detail is excellent, and this is a very tightly plotted novel, with all the pieces of the jigsaw fitting together perfectly to produce a very satisfying conclusion.

I Am Nujood, Age 10 And Divorced

I Am Nujood, Age 10 And Divorced by Nujood Ali - 4.7 / 5.0

One saying which absolutely needs a clarifying small print added to it, is the saying, 'Respect all cultures.' Cannibalism used to be part of the culture in certain parts of the world. Female infanticide is part of the culture in some parts of the world. Should we therefore respect cannibalism and female infanticide? Of course not. So the saying, 'Respect all cultures' obviously needs the following small print added, 'Respect all cultures ... which aren't evil.'

'I Am Nujood, Age 10 And Divorced' deals with the shocking culture of forced child marriage and tells the story of Nujood Ali who was forced by her father to marry a man who abused and beat her. It's an upsetting book, but also an important book, and the story is told bravely and matter-of-factly in a very honest manner. The world needs more brave people like Nujood who are prepared to stand up for what's right and fight against human rights abuses protected beneath the excuse of 'culture'.

More book reviews by Charles Fudgemuffin:
Book reviews (part 11)
Book reviews (part 12)

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