Dear friends. Non-fiction is the star of the show this month with four very different reads. You couldn't find four more unrelated books with the topics of Lady Glenconner's travels, how semiconductors rule the world, how to meditate and relax, and a man's challenge to build and sell an honest coffin.
Having had more than 6 weeks of holiday where I didn't read very much, plus the fact I didn't find as many titles as usual this year from NetGalley, means my 2026 goal for Goodreads probably won't be reached. But I've over shot the non-fiction goal quite considerably, so it's not all bad. A full update on my goals in the December review.
So let's get to it. Books marked with an asterisk are those I bought myself.
We Tell Lies by KL Slater, 4 out of 5 stars*
General Fiction (Adult), Mystery/Thrillers
Having moved to Orchard Close to make a fresh start, Emily and Oliver find this seemingly perfect road with friendly neighbours is not what it seems. It becomes clear that someone is looking into their past. Emily, who has found it hard to trust Oliver because of things in his past, has her own secret, or insurance, to find out if he is up to his old tricks.
Slater is a master of pacing, not to mention delivering twist after twist.
The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves (3.5 out of 5 stars)
General Fiction (Adult), Mystery/Thrillers
Published on 8 October, I actually read this as an advance reader copy in March. It's the latest instalment of Detective Matthew Venn in North Devon.
The crimes under investigation in a scenic coastal town involve the suspicious deaths of two young women. Is there a political motivation, as one of the girls has a government minister father?
Venn's relationship with his mother, a member of a strict religious community which he left, amid rancour, is improving. Venn also shows a new maturity in managing his marriage when his husband triggers anxiety by wanting to meet his biological mother.
It was fascinating getting to know the various characters and trying to figure out the motivation. I did however find it slightly lacking in the usual jeopardy and thrills as it came to its conclusion. I hold Ann Cleeves to higher standards than most, and for that reason it's a 3.5.
The Favourite Child by Sarah Edghill, 4 out of 5*
Women's Fiction
Sarah Edghill has a particular gift for writing about ordinary lives in a relatable way. I like the fact that Edghill gives us real life, so there isn't always a happy ending or one where revenge is duly dished up, hot or cold.
Nicole has always felt that her sassy elder sister Cassie was her father's favourite child. She's always been a bit over awed by Cassie and is excited to hear that she and her husband are finally bringing their new daughter to London from the US for Christmas. Nicole overhears snippets of an angry conversation between Cassie and her husband, and she gradually realises there's a big secret that she's been shielded from.
Everything implodes at Christmas. My jaw was on the floor at times. The tension of a family Christmas where an elderly relative was hospitalised and everyone else squabbling was palpable. The nature of the secret that Cassie and her husband were keeping was quite shocking.
Non-Fiction
Trunks and Tiaras by Lady Glenconner, 4 out of 5 stars
Biography and Memoirs, non-fiction
Lady Anne Glenconner, former Lady-in-Waiting to Princess Margaret, returns with her latest volume of memoirs. This time the focus of our doughty and formidable nonagenarian is stories of her travels.
It is inevitable that we seek out the tidbits about Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth. But first Lady Anne has to get over the heartache of her split from Johnny Althorp, destined to become Earl Spencer and father of Diana Spencer. We learn nothing more about the mysterious romance. Her subsequent marriage to the temperamental Colin Glenconner helped prepare her for Princess Margaret. "She was in no sense as unpredictable and explosive as Colin but there could be challenges along the way." Princess Margaret, we learn, was not very interested in food and preferred it plain. She did love clothes and travelled with huge number of cases, endless hat boxes, shoe boxes, trunks and suitcases. She also travelled with a hairdresser. She and Lady Anne enjoyed travelling on Concorde and would clap excitedly as it roared through the sound barrier.
Some enjoyable anecdotes and memories, particularly of the golden age of travel.
The Chip Age by Rakesh Kumar: How Semiconductors Became the World's Most Powerful Resource (4 out of 5 stars)
Computers & Technology | Politics & Current Affairs | Professional & Technical
Having worked in semiconductors - "chips" - for over 25 years, I am always keen to read books about this fascinating industry. Rakesh Kumar asserts that the next world war could be fought over semiconductors, and I don't doubt it. The US and China are desperate to ensure they have adequate investment and future footholds in the industry. Intel, once the absolute behemoth, were recently bailed out by the Trump administration.
Kumar gives examples of how countries and companies have made power plays involving espionage and even warfare to seize control of chips over the decades. A new driver is Artificial Intelligence, fuelled by giant datacentres. The book exposes how fragile supply chains are. The Covid pandemic resulted in a major shortage of semiconductors. Similarly, issues affecting trade routes also disrupt supply. As the US and China battle to dominate, Kumar asks who will control the circuits, and therefore the future. A very readable book.
Come Home to Your Light by Evelyn Mary
If you're looking for meditation and relaxation techniques, Evelyn Mary, an Irish writer and teacher, has condensed learnings from 30 books by experts. Come Home to Your Light has 111 practices in one book: meditation, breathwork, visualisation, journaling, affirmations, chakra work and simple rituals. Many take just two minutes. There's also a soundtrack, with music chosen for each practice. You'll also find free guided recordings of some of the meditations at soulled.co.
I'm a recent convert to guided meditation, having found it invaluable for helping me to sleep at difficult times.
I started with an ambitious practice, Reconnect with Your Inner Child. Evelyn writes: "The child you were never really leaves. Each time you turn towards them with kindness, something in you settles, and you remember a little more of who you’ve always been."
I found it a moving and cathartic experience. Thanks to Evelyn Mary for the free copy in return for an honest review.
Leave No Trace by Greg Holdsworth, 4 out of 5 stars
Biographies and Memoirs, Non-Fiction
Greg Holdsworth was shocked when he saw what the coffin of his timber-loving father-in-law was made of. It was constructed with printed fake woodgrain and plastic handles. This was standard practice in the funeral industry.
Greg decided to become an entrepreneur and create an honest coffin. This turns out to be a huge challenge.
To start with he was ignored or laughed at.
But gradually others in the industry became more amenable, particularly as funerals and cremations began to fall under the environmental spotlight.
New Zealand based Holdsworth provides a lot of history and fascinating facts about a global industry cloaked in secrecy. He describes exploding coffins, the truth about sealed caskets and the hazards of mercury fillings. In the late 17th century, " the trade" decided coffin styles based on deceased persons’ rank or status. Families had minimal input. Nowadays rituals and culture play a large part in the way funerals are handled. Direct cremations are growing in popularity.
It's a fascinating book, and given that we will all end up in a coffin, I don't see any reason to be squeamish about the topic.
I hope you found something to pique your interest. Do tell in the comments.
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