From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz

From the Corner of His Eye
Dean Koontz

Front cover

Date read: 30 May - 19 June 2016
Length: 819 pages

At the age of 3, Bartholomew loses his sight due to a tumour. But he doesn't let this stop him from living his life to the fullest. He is very clever and excels at pretty much everything he tries. 
Junior kills his wife by pushing her off a tower. He is determined someone called Bartholomew is going to destroy his plans, and sets out to find him.
Vanadium is a detective, who is convinced Junior is a killer, and wants to see him behind bars.
Celestina brings up her sister's baby Angel. Seraphim was raped and then died during childbirth.
But how are these people linked? What will happen if Junior finds Bartholomew?


There's so much going on in this novel I don't even know where to start! I really like stories that begin unrelated, then as you delve further in they overlap and merge. I like seeing how all the pieces fit together. I think each of the character's stories would have made pretty decent novels alone, but together they're so much more.

And the characters. Barty is unique. The things he can do, never mind the fact he is blind, are astonishing. He has such a joyous outlook on life despite everything he's been through.
Junior is a psychopath. Hell bent on finding anyone called Bartholomew because of an obsession is not healthy.  And don't forget all the murders.
Vanadium is your unlikely hero. He is determined to find justice when everyone else has given up.
And Celestina just does the right thing, even though it could jeopardise her career.

I really enjoyed this book. With the excepting of Junior, the characters are amazing, and restore your faith in humanity a little.




Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Making Money (Discworld #36) by Terry Pratchett

Making Money
Discworld #36
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 29 May 2016

Length: 349 pages

After his success with the post office Vetinari sets Moist von Lipwig the task of taking over the bank. In his own discreet way, of course. But when it is discovered the gold in the vault is missing, Moist is arrested and may be hanged. Again. 

How will he get out of this one? 

I quite like Moist. He's an unlikely hero, especially given that he's not a hero. He just gets dumped in the middle of a mess, and is expected to fix it. His methods may be a bit unconventional to some, but fix it he does.

It's interesting to see what the thought processes behind things that are common here on Earth are; like the bank note, bank accounts and loans. The idea of how these things came to be is something that is unusual to read about.

Adora Belle.  I'm not very sure about her. Something puts me off her, and I'm a bit suspicious. I think she has something up her sleeve! We'll see if it comes to anything! 

Of course I'm going to recommend any book in the Discworld series. Just read them! :)

Terry Pratchett 

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The Wee Librocubicularist 

When the Devil Drives (Sharp Investigations #2) by Christopher Brookmyre

When the Devil Drives
Sharp Investigations #2
Christopher Brookmyre

Front cover

Date read: 12 - 20 May 2016
Length: 361 pages

Jasmine has been asked to investigate the disappearance of an actress named Tessa Garion, who went missing 30 years ago. She uncovers a whole lot more than her whereabouts though!
Meanwhile Catherine is investigating the shooting of Hamish Queen; shot dead after putting on his annual play.
It's all connected, so what's really the story behind Tessa Garion?


This was so much easier to get into after reading Where the Bodies Are Buried. It helps that you already know most of the characters and can just get straight into the story. I like Jasmine. She's an amateur, but just sort of wings it and gets good results!

I'm so glad there was no cliffhanger this time! I could go to sleep knowing the case was at rest. I'm still looking forward to Bred in the Bone though!

Definitely a series to sink your teeth into!

Christopher Brookmyre

Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Boyracers by Alan Bissett

Boyracers
Alan Bissett

Front cover

Date read: 6 - 11 May 2016
Length: 249 pages

This is the story told by Alvin about himself and his three best friends. Nothing seems to be going right; his mum left and his dad is on the verge of a mental breakdown. His brother moved to London, but came back and doesn't seem to be doing much. But all his problems seem an afterthought when he's with his friends, riding about Falkirk in a car. But will Alvin get to go to university, or will he have to look after his dad?


Boyracers is a coming of age story, right at the cusp of adulthood. On one hand Alvin is still a kid, hanging out with his friends and experiencing many things for the first time. But he's also being told to think about his future, or the possibility of becoming a carer for his father.

It was interesting to see the world through the eyes of a teenage boy. This one doesn't seem as sex-craved as you might be led to believe all teenage boys are.


The writing style is unusual. Not one I've really come across before and I'm not sure I liked it. New paragraphs are started in the middle of a word and it's a bit disorientating. I guess it could be used to convey rapid and changing thought processes, but I quite like a paragraph to start with a capital letter and end with a full stop, with complete words!


Despite this hiccup, it was an interesting read.




Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Wintersmith (Discworld #35) by Terry Pratchett

Wintersmith
Discworld #35
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Date read: 26 April - 5 May 2016
Length: 399 pages

Tiffany Aching accidentally dances with the wintersmith (who is essentially the God of winter) who thinks she is the Summer Lady. After his advances failed, he tries to turn himself into a man to win her heart.
Meanwhile, Miss Treason passes, and another witch must inherit her cottage. Who will it be?


Tiffany can always rely on the Nac Mac Feegle to help her out of a pickle!  It's basically like she has an army of guardian angels watching over her. Although she knows they're always there, they only interfere when she genuinely needs help. I wish I had my own little blue men.

As much as Tiffany loves learning how to be a witch, she desperately wants to go home. But will she be able to, with everything that's going on? You'll have to read it to find out!

Terry Pratchett

Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Where the Bodies Are Buried (Sharp Investigations #1) by Christopher Brookmyre

Where the Bodies Are Buried
Sharp Investigations #1
Christopher Brookmyre

Front cover

Date read: 19 - 25 April 2016
Length: 293 pages

Jasmine Sharp works for her uncle in Sharp Investigations, a PI company. But when he goes missing, she's left with nothing to do but try to find him. When teaching his last steps, she comes across Tron Ingrams who begins to help in the investigation. But then people start shooting at them. What is going on?
Meanwhile Catherine McLeod is investigating the deaths of some well known drug dealers, who seem to be dropping like flies.


I thought Where the Bodies Are Buried was a little hard to get into. It took a while for me to be intrigued, but by the end I was loving it! There are a few little twists here and there which keep you on your toes.

But my goodness what a CLIFFHANGER! If the next book (When the Devil Drives) does not start with those 4 words, I'm going to be seriously miffed. I don't like cliffhangers at the best of times.

If you're prepared to wait a while until you get sucked in, I'd say it's worth the read.

Christopher Brookmyre

Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Her Fearful Symmetry
Audrey Niffenegger

Front cover

Date read: 9 - 18 April 2016
Length: 386 pages


Julia and Valentina are twins. Their mother was also a twin. One day they are left an apartment in London by their aunt, whom they don't know. There are two rules; they inherit when they turn 21, and their parents are not allowed in. What's the worst that could happen?


Where to start? I really liked this book. I thought the characters were very believable, and there was so much depth. There wasn't a single character I didn't like, although each had their flaws.

There were a few twists along the way. I was rather annoyed at the first one! At the time I thought it shouldn't have happened like that and went to bed feeling rather ticked off. But I guess a good book needs a twist or two!

By the end of the book I was left thinking 'huh'? There's more I would have liked to find out. Especially about Robert. But hey ho.

Basically, although it annoyed me and left me wanting more, it is actually a book I would read again. And I don't say that about many!

Audrey Niffenegger

Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist