The disappointing Bookshop of Yesterdays

Recently I read the first novel of Amy Meyerson, "The Bookshop of Yesterdays" (2018). Set largely in California, this book tells the story of Miranda Brooks, and the complicated relationship she has with her older family members, Susan and Billy.

I was lucky enough to pick up an audiobook copy from the library, as if I had purchased this, I think I may well have taken it back. It is light, with language and themes similar to the young adult segment. Miranda behaves in some pretty odd ways, and I could see little character development of her, Billy, Jay, or Susan through the story arc. 

There is a mystery about Miranda which is telegraphed like a drunk's punch... I think most people would understand by two thirds of the way through that Miranda's parents are not her parents. It takes the protagonist about 200 pages too long to come to the same realisation, and then she behaves like an absolute brat, not a 28 year old degree-qualified primary school teacher who is living with her boyfriend.  

The bit players - Miranda's best friend Joanie, or Miranda's dad, David - are very thinly drawn. The love interests are both nasty (but then, so is Miranda, so perhaps they deserve each other). 

There were many loose ends. How did the bookshop stay solvent? What happened to the emerald earrings? Why was Malcolm such an arse? What was the point of Joanie? How could Miranda swan off for the summer and not have to do professional development or preparation for the coming teaching year? Why on earth would 'Uncle' Billy undermine his relationship with Miranda by staying away for 16 years, then leave all his worldly goods to her?

This book needed a really good editor. 

Avoid.

Meyerson, A. (2018). The Bookshop of Yesterdays. Harlequin Audio.

Peter Robinson's DI Banks Series

I have just discovered the books of Peter Robinson, in particular, those centring on Detective Inspector Banks. Yes, I am probably a little slow, as the man has been writing for over twenty years and until now, he hadn't appeared on my horizon at all.

However, I have enjoyed the books of his that I have read thus far immensely, both as talking books and in kindle format.

I do love a good crime/mystery - Agatha Christie, Aline Templeton, Ruth Rendell - and as a result these suit me well.

So, if you are looking for a good read this summer, have a think about a delve into a 'police procedural' as this genre is known. Find one second-hand or borrow from friends or the library :-D

Sam