#my tennant tuesday post for this week

[mizgnomer]

Michael Sheen and David Tennant on how they get along in real life

for Good Omens Season 2 promotion (and Tennant Tuesday)

Source: [ Ireland AM ]

[doonarose]

Right, so here's the thing(s).

I've not been around much... which is probably what I've said the last half-dozen sporadic posts I've made but basically since like July or August I've just kind of fallen out of fandom for a number of complex reasons and also just because it was time for that to happen, I guess?

I would very much not like to have fallen out of fandom and am trying to force my brain back into engaging. But then every time it does and for whatever/whoever reason, it's not fun engagement, off I go again.

This is entirely a me problem.

Work is work and we've had a hectic month. I am somewhat disappointed in two of my research students but somewhat pleased with the other two. The two I am pleased with are very on the fence about whether they will convert into PhDs... which I would like because they're good students and we could actually get something done with three more years. It's a big ask though, with shitty pay and less than ideal conditions. In some ways, I am mentoring them to explore other options because they probably could do better than my dinky little lab and it's story of woe. Their final theses are due in a week... that's something like 30k words I need to comb through and poke at which is just... exhausting... on top of all the other stuff.

And it's my birthday on Tuesday. 37 which is a bit of a nothing year but maybe I can convince myself it's going to be a good/better one... If nothing else I think I've convinced my parents not to drive up and surprise me/take me out for dinner/whatever. Which in itself is a bit pathetic but also, even more pathetic that I've asked them not to which has just pissed them off. They'll come up Friday and we'll do something... And then I'm down there for four or five days the week after to see all of them and some friends for the traditional four day horse racing weekend thingy.

Honestly, the best, easiest way for my birthday to go is for me to do a few hours at work and then go home, drink a bottle of wine and eat some cheesecake and that be that.

Rivals is a nice little treat in all of this. If my math is correct, it'll land this evening and I can, again, drink a bottle of wine and eat some cheesecake, and lose myself in tv and new David Tennant.

I'm gonna power through a few more hours thesis reading and then head home. I do still enjoy my journaling here, even if it is mostly talking into the void. Gosh, maybe I do, finally, need to get a therapist, in this, my 37th year...

[mostly10]

because we had/have many mutual friends, I want to make a post and hope that those who'd want to know find out.

I was contacted today by dunderklumpen/laura's mother. unfortunately laura has passed away.

she was ill for a long time, but her passing is still an incredible shock.

I met laura online about 12 years ago, and we quickly bonded over our mutual love for both theatre in general and for david tennant in particular. we travelled - me from sweden and her from the netherlands - to see david tennant in theatre several times. once we saw the same play starring john simm three times in two days. we also spent weeks together in my apartment doing gish(whes) together, and I have many crazy and fond memories of those times.

I will always remember laura as highly intelligent, kind, honest, funny, and a very good friend. I loved her for a long time, and always will.

if you knew her, share a memory. if you didn't - chances are you knew her gifs here on tumblr. she was a force to be reckoned with.

edit to add: if you want a message sent to her mother before the funeral this tuesday (august 22, 2023) you can reply, reblog, or send me a message and I will forward them.

[oimatchstickman]

....Ok but like with DT’s podcast moving to Tuesdays dare I ask if he (or someone involved in it!) knows about Tennant Tuesdays?

[snoopctm]

Turnadette Tuesday

Timeline--Episode 8x04

Concern and Support

Hey, Nonnatuns! This week, it’s time for this scene, which is the first time the Turners appear together on screen all episode. It’s a short scene, but it’s important. More thoughts follow:

So, the main reason I included last week’s scene (which featured Shelagh but not Patrick) in my Timeline posts is because I think that, in addition to setting up that particular Story of the Week, it also foreshadowed this scene. Shelagh and Patrick basically had separate stories in this episode--or at least, they each prominently featured in different Stories of the Week. Last week’s scene had the concept of marriage as spouses being on each others’ “sides” being brought up in Shelagh’s main Story of the Week, and this scene reiterates that theme in Patrick’s, as Shelagh tries to console him in his grief over the death of patient Jeannie Tennant. Even though Shelagh didn’t really have a role in that plot, she’s here for Patrick in this scene because she is his primary source of support. She’s the one he can talk to about his personal feelings about his case, and she’s there to support him in the midst of his grief and regret.

In terms of the framing of this scene, I notice the simplicity of it, and the intimacy. It starts out as a family scene, but when Shelagh sends the kids upstairs, that’s when she can really talk to Patrick about what is obviously bothering him. The family moment starts the scene out light, but when it’s just the two of them, the tone grows serious.

As for why Patrick is upset and what Shelagh tells him (he obeyed the law, he had no choice), I think that’s in character for both of them, I don’t want to go too much into the specifics of this plot line because the Timeline posts are about the Turners’ relationship, primarily.  Still, this scene is here as a way of reiterating the tragedy of this particular Story of the Week. It’s also a reflection of the Turners’ characters--Patrick’s dilemma is that, as a conscientious doctor, he doesn’t want to break the law but he wants to help his patient, and Shelagh as his wife and also as a fellow medical professional, understands that dilemma. Again, as this show has reiterated time and again, these two are a team, with a common vocation in addition to their personal relationship. Shelagh is comforting Patrick (even though he’s still distraught) because she loves him, but also because of empathy for his situation. She also knows him, and anticipated that he would try to blame himself for what happened. 

That’s all for this week. Next week, time to move on to episode 8x05. Stay tuned!

[neighbours-kid]

A Very Whovian February

Here we go again, another month over already. To nobody’s surprise whatsoever, I have continued watching way too many movies and tv show episodes in February as well. There weren’t as much as in January because university started again, but there were some. It totals in at 3 movies, 1 musical, and 116 episodes of tv. I was a bit heavy on the shows this month, less so on the movies, as you can see.

February is always a….peculiar month, if you will. It’s short, it’s half holiday and half university, it’s sort of winter but not anymore, and just really weird. What was particularly strange about this month however, was that even though I sort of committed myself to binging through Money Heist once more—and managed three episodes—I quickly went back on that decision and made another, rather bigger commitment: I decided to re-watch and finally catch up on Doctor Who. No one was more surprised at this decision than me, I believe.

I used to love this show, I used to talk about little else. Doctor Who dominated big parts of my interests for a few years. Through a combination of my brother watching the show and me discovering tumblr, I started watching it in 2012. That was right at the end of ninth grade and the beginning of grammar school. I was 16. I was awful. I talked about it constantly, and especially after I “converted” a friend and she ended up watching it too, it was a constant stream of talking about Doctor Who, always, all the time, everywhere. Which I now understand is annoying as hell. However, back then? People being annoyed with it and sort of shaming me for it? That—and the show losing what made me love it mostly through Moffat taking over—made me stop watching it. At some point I just—stopped. I didn’t talk about it, didn’t think about it much anymore, unfollowed a lot of blogs on tumblr who posted about it, and turned my interests elsewhere. I abandoned it.

For a while there it was also just a thing that I didn’t wanna touch. I watched it in a part of my life where I was awful and toxic and just not a really fun human being to be around, I think. At least I don’t look back at this time all too fondly. It was just part of a person who I wasn’t anymore, who I grew out of, grew up from, and largely also moved on from. It was a strange time. But it was always sort of at the back of my mind as something that I loved, something that brought me great joy and parts of which I really missed deep down. Once I got a Netflix account and it kept appearing in my suggestions, my resolve to not go back to it started to crumble and I ultimately decided that I could learn to love this show again and maybe be better about it this time around. And I also just really wanted to give Peter and Jodie a chance, because no matter how good or bad the stories are, taking on a role like the Doctor is a feat, and I want to give them the opportunity to impress me and make me like them.

Watching that very first episode of Chris Eccleston’s arc at the beginning of this month felt very similar to when I completely re-read all of Naruto last Spring. It felt like coming home, like re-discovering a long lost love. And I am loving it. I am enjoying this tremendously. The monsters are ridiculous, the CGI is hilariously bad, the masks and make-up are insanely cool, the stories are simple and honest and lovely and I just adore it so much. Russel T. Davis was such a wonderful show runner, his vision for the show was so….lovely and simple and human. There were so many brilliant moments in the first four seasons, the companions were fascinating and conflicting and challenging and the Doctor was fantastic and brilliant. And even now that I have already binged through most of Matt’s arc as well, I still appreciate this show. The first time around, I think, I wasn’t too fond of Matt as the Doctor because I really loved David and his take on it, but this time, I am really enjoying Matt’s way of navigating that sort of dichotomy of darkness and ridiculousness that the Doctor has. Matt is fun. David is still my absolute favourite, but I am enjoying Matt tremendously as well. The CGI might have gotten better, the stories bigger and bolder, and, what I felt the first time around, maybe lost a bit of it’s simple and human aspects, but it is still a show that makes you keep thinking, what if?

If you know me you know that I often say the words “ugh I hate people”. I hold the opinion on most days that we, humans, are the worst and we’re being for the most part terrible to ourselves, our environment, and that Earth would be better off if we all just died. However, on odd days in between, I am also like insanely fascinated by humans and by what we can do and who we are and all that. Watching nearly seven seasons of Doctor Who in one month and seeing the world and humans through the Doctor’s eyes, raised those odd days in between to a level able to compete with my humans-suck days. It’s basically 50/50 now, to be honest. If you boil my entire life down to a single conflict it’s that of HUMANS SUCK WE’RE THE WORST and HUMANS MY DUDE HUMANS WE HAVE SO MUCH POTENTIAL. Basically. Combine this binge-watch with the Opportunity Rover dying and you have me sobbing in a corner filled with hope for humanity and the need to change the world, because we could.

Oh.

Well.

Look at that. This is supposed to be a recap slash diary entry about this month and I have already spent all this time talking about Doctor Who. Can you imagine how annoying I was when I watched it the first time? Yeeeaaaah.

Anyway.

Watching Doctor Who was not actually the only thing I did in this month. I did a lot of procrastinating on a paper about witchcraft in Dutch art which I then finally finished the day before I had to hand it in, started university back up again in the middle of it, helped some friends on their moving day, hung out with other friends, went to a birthday, and, y’know, did things human beings do.

But—and I’m going back to Doctor Who again, sort of, I am so sorry—I also read a book. And not just some book. It was Good Omens by the two amazing gentlemen Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Watching four seasons of David Tennant being amazing on Doctor Who also made me re-discover my adoration for him. Not that I didn’t already know that, I mean I did just watch him in Broadchurch. He is just great and I love watching him in things. And then he started a podcast (David Tennant Does A Podcast With…, it’s amazing, you should all listen to it) and he’s on radio shows promoting it and he is just ever present. And there was press and information and stuff going around for the tv adaption of Good Omens in which David plays Crowley, so he was just constantly on my mind. So I said to myself, hell yes, you need to re-read Good Omens before the show comes out in May, so why not do that now. And I did. And it was fantastic. And because I am me, and I am weird, I forced myself to stretch the last 100 pages of the book over an entire week, so I could walk into every first session of classes at university reading this book (four of which being theology classes, which was very important for me to be reading this book in). I needed to mark my place as resident weirdo, because who else could it be?

So, in summary, I guess my month could also be called “David Tennant February”. I watch Doctor Who nearly every evening, listen to David’s podcast every Tuesday, think about Good Omens every day—yeah, February was very heavy on the David Tennant content. I am not complaining.

To end this on a less David Tennant-y note, and a more “these things actually happened this month” bit, February has also been a month of, I don’t know, resurrection? Is that a good word? Anyway—February has brought out (or back) more of who I truly am again. Most of it is the weather (thanks climate change, I’m sorry the planet is dying), the sun being out, the temperatures already clocking in above 10 degrees celsius. I am enjoying it tremendously. I am convinced that I might be half-plant because the sun just revitalises me so strongly. Seasonal depression just goes down the gutter once the sun is out and I can feel the warmth of Spring on my skin. I am alive. Another thing is that I stopped, just really stopped giving a shit at university about other people and what they think. I am using all the bathrooms, no matter what. I am going by Alex even in German classes. I don’t apologise for anything or justify my actions. I don’t care anymore. What I do care about, is that I finally got a date for my consultation with a psychiatrist here in the city. I am partially excited and happy about it, however I also, as soon as I opened the envelope, felt completely numb and detached because the date is in June and that’s still so far off, which I guess I knew would be the case, but having confirmation for it, was just a bit…much, I think. Knowing that my future is in the hands of other people is not a thought I like very much and having to wait for other people to have time for me in that perspective is just not a fun thing. But we’ll get there. Eventually.

I don’t know guys, this post is just full on stream of consciousness, just me blabbing on and on about things that I don’t think anybody really cares about. But like I said last time, this is supposed to be a sort of diary entry for my garbage brain to remember what I did in my life, so y’know, this is valid.

I’ll talk to y’all in a month. Be good out there, guys. Be good.

Bye.

[deeisace]

Big sleepy today

Well, not actually like. Asleep. Cs that was mostly yesterday. But tired.

I have to cut my hair and/or at least have a shower, and tomorrow I have to go to pick up a parcel which is an extra hour's at least trip after work

Ah wait, Thursday, cs that's the only day the fuckin place is open past 4, cs I finish at 4 every day and won't get to the delivery office for fuckin ages past then

I could get it redelivered I guess, but that would be Saturday cs I'm not in any other post day, and I don't want to sit outside for upwards of 3 hours cs the only way my post is consistent is that it's after 10am

I've done fuck all today, and I know like,,, it's allowed to be tired, doing nothing is good sometimes, and if it was anyone else I'd be saying you have to look after yourself an all that, go careful, but knowing that don't stop me thinkin the same things

Even just like everyone at work is talking about this one tv show, the one with David Tennant as the priest and the crime solving fella in American prison, and finally on Friday I was like yes I will definitely watch that this weekend, I am functional enough to be that much of a real person so I can have conversations with people, right

And I haven't even done that, I've just been in bed for two days basically, zoning out and falling asleep to the conclusion bits of New Tricks episodes I've seen a bunch of times before, and then being woken up by the theme tune of the next one

Blehhh

Back to work tomorrow, a 37 hour week this time, 4 hours less than last (tho I doubt that'll stay true) - turns out I have Thursday off, because I'm working Saturday, and I'm not sure if that's better or worse than doing 5 days straight for two days weekend off

I'm still not going to get the parcel redelivered, I'd rather make the trek to the office on Thursday anyway, cs at least I can go and do a shop at the same time instead of being sat on my front step from 10am any time til 5

Well. I'll see how I feel by Tuesday, and decide which I want to do then, I guess

[thebioticbasilisk]

Quarentine Meme

I saw @critter-of-habit do this. She tagged - in her words - whoever hasn’t done this yet.

I haven’t.

I’ll take a page from her book and tag anyone who hasn’t done this but would like to.

Are you staying home from work/school?

Yes. Have been away from work for the past 2 and a half weeks and my boss recently told me I should remain away for the next 3 weeks. We’re not considered essential despite being technically classified as manufacturing and there isn’t any work I can do from home. Although... I hate my job so am embracing the time away. Shame it took the plague to do it.

If you’re staying home, who’s there with you?

Technically I’m staying at my parents house, so they’re with me I guess? :P A place of my own still eludes me, and there is NO WAY IN HELL I was going to spend quarentine at this shared accommodation place where I’m basically still being forced to stay! The very idea of being stuck with some of those flatmates... I still pity whoever eventually takes them on as tennants.

Are you a homebody?

Homebody? B*tch please, I’m a highly qualified social pariah! XD Though I do miss treating myself to a meal at a Restaurant or an Ice Cream Bar, and going to the Cinema, and walking into town just because I could, and shopping for new films, albums, and games. Plus there were a few friends I had hoped to see over the next couple of months; one who’s really been there for me during my low points, another I’ve only recently reconnected with.

What movies have you watched recently?

Not many to be honest. Folks and I tried Annihilation recently. That was trippy. Was tempted to make a few Horizon Zero Dawn comparisons/jokes, but that would’ve been wasted on my parents.

An event that you were looking forward to that got cancelled?

There were quite a few Cons I was going to but they’ve all been post-poned, so it’s a waiting game now. Also I’m gutted that I wasn’t able to see one of my favourite singers (Tarja Turunen) live in March. But like the cons, the date has been changed and tickets will still be valid.

What music are you listening to?

Been binge listening a few Delain songs. Oh yeah, I’m into Delain now. I would be listening to Nightwish’s new album but apparently delivery won’t be until this Tuesday. Oh well, I’ve waited this long. 

What are you reading?

Re-reading the Korra comics, the RWBY comics, and the RWBY manga. Mostly because I’m looking for some inspiration for art projects. I would’ve loved to have a few more books with me to pass the time but there was only so much I could bring with me when I had to ‘take refuge’ at my parents.

What are you doing for self-care?

I'M FREAKIN’ DRAWING AGAIN!!! I can’t begin to describe how good it feels to rediscover that artistic drive that I’d lost for so long. I’m not normally one to look on the positives, but I’ve been surprising myself with what I’ve accomplished during this time. Besides that, I’m getting better aquainted with cooking, started the Golden Deer path on Fire Emblem: Three Houses, walking with the Dog from time to time, and hopefully will be starting/continuing some unplayed/in-progress games. I would be obsessing over the new Nightwish album but... well you know (see above).

[jenmedsbookreviews]

Hi folk(s). How have you been? I’ve had quite a week and I can’t believe it is Monday once again. Where did the week go? Went for a couple of nice walks this weekend, making the most of the good weather. Eight plus miles on Saturday and another three and a half around the local deer park on Sunday. I’m still overweight and my legs are tired but apparently it was good for me so that’s okay then.

So. Last Monday saw me and Mandie heading off to Liverpool for a bit of a mooch (and that was all it really was in fairness) and to attend the Investigating a Murder event to celebrate the launch of In A House of Lies by Ian Rankin. Ian was joined by Senior Investigating Officer Chris Sephton of Merseyside Police and Forensic Pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes. It was an absolutely fascinating afternoon as first Ian discussed his new book and the Rebus series in general including how he’d one day like to write a story with Siobhan as the central focus, before being joined by the others for a more general discussion on investigating crimes in general. I always find these kinds of talks fascinating, and I’d love to tell you more about the even itself but I was so engrossed I took no notes at all. Did manage to squeeze in a few snaps though, and get my book signed by the lovely Mr Rankin.

After the excitement of Monday I spent a few days reading (just for a change) and then on Thursday we headed over to Stoke to join Mel Sherratt as she celebrated the launch of Hush Hush, her first book to be published in paperback. It was a fab evening and it was lovely to see a few familiar faces there including Kerry Ann Parsons, Steph Lawrence, Jo Furniss and Sharon Riley Sant (aka Tilly Tennant who, incidentally, has a new book out today, The Christmas Wish, which Mandie will be reviewing later in the week.). It was also nice to finally meet Sabah Khan of Avon after exchanging emails for so long about blog tours. Some great company, lush cakes (totally diet food) and a new signed book for the collection, I’d say it was an evening well spent.

We did spot one thing while in Waterstones, and it may just be our dirty minds working overtime, but can’t help feeling this bookseller recommends label could have used the word book at the end of the first line …

Anyway, back to the books … Bought a few new ones this week. First wasUnnatural Causes by Richard Shepherd. I thought I had it on kindle already but apparently not. I do now. I also preordered A Gift For Dying by MJ Arlidge which isn’t out until next March and doesn’t yet have a cover but as I was already on Amazon, it seemed rude not to. As I have just bought a new soup maker I also bought a book of soup recipes for inspiration – A Soup for Everday from the Covent Garden Soup Company. Two Netgalley downloads this week, both for tours. Graham Smith’s The Darling Dead and Drew Davies’ The Shape of Us.

I was also a very lucky blogger receiving three absolutely gorgeous titles on Tuesday. Firstly I was sent an advance copy of The Hermitage by LJ Ross from the author herself which I devoured that afternoon. When I got home from a quick jaunt into town I found I had received book post in the shape of Attend by West Camel and Deep Dirty Truth by Steph Broadribb from Orenda Books. So excited to read both I have to do some major schedule juggling to sneak them in early.

I might have made one or two audio book purchases too. By might, I mean that i rounded off my DCI Ryan collection with copies of Dark Skies and Seven Bridges and I also bought a copy of Denzyl Meyrick’s The Relentless Tide. Because it would be rude not to, I preordered a copy of the DCI Ryan prequel too, The Infirmary. Out next month, this is an audio first release and I can’t wait.

Reading wise I did okay I guess. Three books completed and one very short children’s story to top it off.

Books I have read

Closer – KL Slater

I know my daughter better than I know myself and if there’s one thing I know for sure at this moment: it’s that Maisie is not ok.

My ex-husband Shaun and I are still friends. We would do anything for our beautiful little girl, Maisie. But now Shaun has moved in with Joanne and suddenly, Maisie has a brand new family.

And there’s something not quite right about it…I know Joanne isn’t everything she says she is. Yet no-one will listen.

I need to discover what she’s hiding.

Because if I don’t, my daughter will be in terrible danger.

The most gripping psychological thriller you’ll read this year from the Kindle top five bestselling author K.L. Slater. If you love The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl, you’ll be absolutely hooked.

I really love KL Slater’s writing and Closer is another brilliant and gripping story. It is more a domestic noir than perhaps a psychological thriller for me but still the pain which is clear in each page as someone systematically erodes a young child’s self confidence is so hard to read and yet very recognisable. I’ll be reviewing as part of the tour but you can buy a copy of the book here.

…

The Hermitage – LJ Ross

He thought he was invincible, but he was wrong…

When an old man is found dead inside the ancient hermitage at Warkworth Castle, Northumbria CID are called in to investigate. With no apparent motive, it’s their job to unravel why he was murdered – and this time they’re forced to do it without their star detective…

DCI Ryan is thousands of miles away. He’s tracked a killer across Europe and has sworn not to return until he has his man in custody. Nathan Armstrong is a dangerous psychopath but there’s just one problem – he’s also an international celebrity; a world-famous thriller writer with money and connections. 

Ryan is a stranger in a foreign land, but he knows one thing – he’ll never give up. 

Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular landscapes of Northumberland and Tuscany. 

Oh how I love this series and this is another brilliant instalment. With Ryan and Anna in Florence trying to track down Nathan Armstrong, it adds a certain European flair to an already superb series of books. You learn more about Ryan and it is littered with tension and the odd romantic moment too. You can read my review by following the recap link further down this post and buy your own copy of the book here.

…

A Spooky Tale – Sue Wickstead

When the teacher decided to take the class out on a walk the children did not want to go… But… What could POSSIBLY go wrong? Why did the class not feel well? Read the book to find out.

A fictional tale based on a real class walk around the neighbourhood. Where would your walk take you?

A short but fun little tale perfect for young children this Halloween, I’ll be reviewing next week so watch out for it. you can grab a copy here.

…

Some Old Bloke – Robert Llewellyn

When writer, comedian and Red Dwarf actor Robert Llewellyn’s son scrawled a picture of him at Christmas and titled it ‘Some Old Bloke’, Robert was cast deep into thought about life and what it means to be a bloke – and an old one at that. In this lighthearted, revealing and occasionally philosophical autobiography, we take a meandering route through Robert’s life and career: from the sensitive young boy at odds with his ex-military father, through his stint as a hippy and his years of arrested development in the world of fringe comedy, all the way up to the full-body medicals and hard-earned insights of middle age. Whether he is waxing lyrical about fresh laundry, making an impassioned case for the importance of alternative energy or recounting a detailed history of the dogs in his life, Robert presents a refreshingly open and un-cynical look at the world at large and, of course, the joys of being a bloke.

I am not now, nor am I ever likely to be, an old bloke, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy reading this book. Taking a look at his life from adolescent years, to hippydom, to fatherhood, Llewellyn takes us on a fascinating journey which will make you laugh and ponder, as well as give you insight into what he thinks our future may be heading towards. You can buy a copy here, I’ll be reviewing for the tour.

…

So that was it. Down from the lofty heights of five books last week, but in my defence I was quite busy. You can see a recap of my week on the blog below:

Trap by Lilja Sigurdardóttir

Perfect Liars by Rebecca Reid

Cover Reveal & Author Q&A: Star Girl by Louise Beech

Death on the River by Clare Chase

The Righteous Spy by Merle Nygate

Fatal Promise by Angela Marsons

The Hermitage by LJ Ross

Dead End by Rachel Lynch

Lies Between Us by Ronnie Turner

This week I shall be reading a lot hopefully, making some final preparations for taking part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where I hope to finally make progress with my own writing and taking part in the odd tour or two. Starting tomorrow when I’ll be reviewing Hush Hush by Mel Sherratt, then One Dark Night by Tom Bale, Steel and Shadows by Stuart Field, Closer by KL Slater, Mandie has a review of The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant, then back to me for Christmas at the Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies and Off Island by Marlene Hauser.

  Hope you all have a brilliant week. The rat bags on the TV were talking about snow later in the week but hopefully they were talking nonsense as usual. We will see I guess. I intend to try to make the most of the good weather in the meantime. Only two weeks now until I start work again. Whoop whoop.

See you next time.

Jen

Rewind, recap: Weekly update w/e 21/10/18 Hi folk(s). How have you been? I've had quite a week and I can't believe it is Monday once again.

[mizgnomer]

David Tennant as  Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days

for Tennant Tuesday (or whatever day this post finds you)

Video Source:  Francetele

[marionbagenwell]

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[mizgnomer]

David Tennant - from LA Without a Map

for Tennant Tuesday (or whatever day this post finds you)

[mizgnomer]

Alec Hardy, up close and personal for Tennant Tuesday (or whatever day this post may find you)

[mizgnomer]

The Tenth Doctor from The Unicorn and the Wasp for Tennant Tuesday (or whatever day this post may find you)

[jenmedsbookreviews]

Work, work, work. That’s the story of my life these days. Well, apart from Monday afternoon. I took that as annual leave. But the rest of the week was boring, uneventful and painfully long … This was all I had to show from a full day’s graft on Thursday. CAn you tell what it is? Me either.

Ah well. Pays the bills.

Monday afternoon was a bit of fun though. Quick (?) trip down to the City to attend First Monday Crime at City University. Quite the session this time with Craig Robertson, Tammy Cohen, CJ Tudor and Chris Carter. It was a really entertaining session even if one of Chris Carter’s crime scene stories left everyone feeling a little revolted. If you ever get the chance to head to one of the First Monday sessions I would absolutely recommend them as they’re a great evening of bookish talk with some fabulous people. Yes, I didn’t get home until 01:45 Tuesday morning, but I was actually more awake than I have been in a very long time when it came to going into work that morning. About right!

As I was in the presence of such fabulous authors it would have been a crime not to pick up a couple of books and get some squiggles while I was there. So I did. Far be it for me to break the law 😉 Picked up The Photographer by Craig Robertson and The Chalk Man by CJ Tudor, who was comepletely shell shocked by the whole evening.

Arrived home to more fabulous book post too, this time The Devil’s Dice by Roz Watkins. Thanks to Roz and publishers HQ for that. Love the dice that come with it. Also on Saturday I received a copy of Hold My Hand by MJ Ford from Avon, so a big thanks to Sabah Khan for that too.

Picked up a few books from Netgalley, again these were for blog tours so they’ll be gone in a few weeks. All Bookouture titles too. The Visitor by KL Slater;  The Babysitter by Sheryl Browne and Cold Heart by Stephen Edger.

Amazon wise I may have purchased and/or preordered a few books. As you do.

The Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies; The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton; Come a Little Closer by Rachel Abbott and Perfect Silence by Helen Fields. Quite reserved for me.

Been quite productive from a reading point of view this week. Sort of. Nine books, well the best part of. Can’t complain at that. Two were Mr Men Dr Who books and one was a novella, but still – six regular books is still impressive.

Books I have Read

The Little Cottage on the Hill – Emma Davies

There’s blossom in the trees and daffodils as far as the eye can see. Maddie is looking forward to a fresh start in the countryside, but there’s just one little problem…

Following a scandal at her high-flying PR agency, twenty-six-year-old Maddie flees London to help promote what she thinks is going to be a luxurious holiday retreat in the countryside. Everything is riding on her making a success of this new job…

Yet when she arrives, Maddie is horrified to find a rundown old farm in a terrible state. The brooding and secretive owner, Seth, spent all his money on leasing the land when he fell in love with the beautiful, dishevelled farm cottages and the very romantic story behind them.

When Maddie discovers an old oil painting by the original owner’s wife, she unlocks the secret of the farm’s history and quickly realises she must start getting her hands dirty if this very special place is going to have any chance of survival. As she and Seth begin working together, the stunning view from the top of the hill is not the only thing that’s leaving her breathless…

After weeks of hard work the dream looks like it might become a reality, until a secret from Maddie’s past threatens to snatch it all away again. Can Maddie find a way to save the business and herself? Will she finally find a place to keep her heart within the crumbling walls of the little cottage on the hill?

Set in my native home county of Shropshire, when invited to take part in the blog tour, I couldn’t resist. A feel good romance and a cracking story as Maddie and Seth fight to save Seth’s home. You can preorder a copy here.

…

Come A Little Closer – Rachel Abbott

They will be coming soon. They come every night. 

Snow is falling softly as a young woman takes her last breath. 

Fifteen miles away, two women sit silently in a dark kitchen. They don’t speak, because there is nothing left to be said. 

Another woman boards a plane to escape the man who is trying to steal her life. But she will have to return, sooner or later. 

These strangers have one thing in common. They each made one bad choice – and now they have no choices left. Soon they won’t be strangers, they’ll be family…

When DCI Tom Douglas is called to the cold, lonely scene of a suspicious death, he is baffled. Who is she? Where did she come from? How did she get there? How many more must die? 

Who is controlling them, and how can they be stopped? 

Continuing the Tom Douglas series this sees Tom and team investigating the mysterious death of a young woman found at a remote beauty spot. Intertwined is the story of another young woman trying hard to escape from an abusive boyfriend with the help of some friends. Love this series so I’m thrilled to be involved in the blog tour once again. You can preorder a copy here.

…

Mr Men Dr Who – Dr Fifth – Adam Hargreaves

The greatest mash-up in the Whoniverse continues.

Doctor Who meets Roger Hargreaves’ Mr Men in this series of fun and charming stories, written and illustrated by Adam Hargreaves.

Join the fifth Doctor and friends, Nyssa, Adric and Tegan as they attempt to outwit the wily Master!

Who doesn’t love Mr Men/Dr Who mashups? Dr Fifth is a cracker of a book featuring my favourite Dr. Hard to review as my review will be longer than the book but you can order your own copy here.

…

Mr Men Dr Who – Dr Tenth – Adam Hargreaves

The greatest mash-up in the Whoniverse continues.

Doctor Who meets Roger Hargreaves’ Mr Men in this series of fun and charming stories, written and illustrated by Adam Hargreaves.

The tenth Doctor is taking a well-earned holiday – until the Sontarans show up! Can he stop the mighty warriors from invading yet another peaceful planet?

Dr Tenth. David Tennant as a Mr Man. No comment really. Loved this little story and I can almost hear David Tennant’s exasperation as I read. You can order your own copy here

…

This Is How It Ends – Eva Dolan

This is how it begins.

With a near-empty building, the inhabitants forced out of their homes by property developers.

With two women: idealistic, impassioned blogger Ella and seasoned campaigner, Molly.

With a body hidden in a lift shaft.

But how will it end?

A road trip to London on Wednesday let me clear this from by TBR by way of the audio book. A break away from her Peterborough set hate crimes series, this stand alone book is riveting and really makes you think. Set in the world of the protest movement, this is centered around a group trying to slow down the gentrification of London and save the people being priced out of the city. I’ll be sharing my thoughts soon and you can order your own copy here.

…

No Comment – Graham Smith

When a single mother, Julie Simon, is found in her kitchen with a stab wound to her stomach, Cumbria’s Major Crimes Team are handed the case.

Under the supervision of DI Campbell and with advice from his former DI, Harry Evans, DC Amir Bhaki fights to discover who assaulted an innocent woman and left her with life-threatening injuries.

​Nothing is as it first appears and when the team looks into Julie’s life they uncover a hidden sex-life that may just hold the key to the identity of her attacker.

This is a novella from the DI Harry Evan stable. My first Harry Evans book but not my last and packs quite the punch for such a short story. Preorder links will be available soon.

…

The Last Laugh – Tracy Bloom

‘I’ve googled it, how to die,’ Jenny says to Maureen. ‘It was full of climbing this mountain, swimming that sea, becoming a marathon runner and raising millions for charity.’

‘Sounds like bloody hard work. You can make it more fun than that surely?’

Jenny discovers her days are numbered at the same time she discovers her husband is having an affair… 

Frankly, her life was tough enough already. Two tricky teenagers, her mother’s constant complaints, friends who aren’t up to the job and a career which has been spiralling downwards since she won ‘Sunseeker Tour Rep of the Season’ twenty years ago. 

And now this: a cheating husband and a death sentence.

Enough is enough. Jenny vows to keep both catastrophes a secret. She takes her life – and death – into her own hands and decides to live as she did when she was happiest… in 1996. She plans a spectacular 1990s themed party in place of a wake that she herself will attend. But will she be able to keep her secrets for long enough to have the party of a lifetime? 

Poignant and also funny, this is a great look at how the big ‘C’ diagnosis can impact upon our lives and the story of one woman’s reluctant acceptance of her fate. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the blog tour soon and in the meantime you can order yourselves a copy here.

…

Before I Let You Go – Kelly Rimmer

Your sister needs you. But her child needs you more…  The 2:00 a.m. call is the first time Lexie Vidler has heard her sister’s voice in years. Annie is a drug addict, a thief, a liar-and in trouble, again. Lexie has always bailed Annie out, given her money, a place to sleep, sent her to every kind of rehab. But this time, she’s not just strung out-she’s pregnant and in premature labor. If she goes to the hospital, she’ll lose custody of her baby-maybe even go to prison. But the alternative is unthinkable.

As weeks unfold, Lexie finds herself caring for her fragile newborn niece while her carefully ordered life is collapsing around her. She’s in danger of losing her job, and her fiancé only has so much patience for Annie’s drama. In court-ordered rehab, Annie attempts to halt her downward spiral by confronting long-buried secrets from the sisters’ childhood, ghosts that Lexie doesn’t want to face. But will the journey heal Annie, or lead her down a darker path?

Both candid and compassionate, Before I Let You Go explores a hotly divisive topic and asks how far the ties of family love can be stretched before they finally break.

Kelly Rimmer’s books never fail to move me. Some are out and out tear jerkers, others, such as this one, are ones which will break your heart and make you grateful for family, while silently shedding a tear for all that is lost here. Such a great story. You can preorder a copy here.

…

The Pact – SE Lynes

You made a promise to your sister. It could destroy your daughter. 

The Daughter  15-year-old Rosie lies in hospital fighting for her life. She’s trying to tell her mother what happened to her, and how she got there, but she can’t speak the words out loud. 

The Mother Rosie’s mother Toni has a secret. She had a traumatic childhood, and she and her sister Bridget made each other a promise thirty years ago: that they could never speak the truth about what they went through as children, and that they would protect each other without asking for help from others, no matter what…

Rosie was Toni’s second chance to get things right: a happy, talented girl with her whole life ahead of her. Having lost her husband in a tragic accident, Toni has dedicated her life to keeping Rosie safe from harm. 

But Rosie has plans that her mother doesn’t know about. She has dreams and ambitions – of love, of a career, of a life beyond the sheltered existence that her mother has created for her. But the secrets Rosie has been keeping have now put her life in danger. 

The Pact In order to save Rosie, Toni may have to break her lifelong promise to her sister… and open doors to her past she hoped would remain closed forever. 

Another blog tour review and another blinder from the Bookouture stable. This is the first book by author SE Lynes that I;ve read but won’t be the last. I’ll be sharing my thoughts in a couple of weeks but you can preorder your own copy of the book right here.

…

Long week, lots of books. Sorry about that. Busy ish week on the blog too with posts from Tuesday to Saturday. You can catch up on any you missed on the links below.

Review: Perfect Remains by Helen Fields

Review: Killed by Thomas Enger

Review: Perfect Prey by Helen Fields

Review: Blue Night by Simone Buchholz

Review: The Lying Kind by Alison James

For the week ahead I’m taking it a lot easier. Two blog tours, Perfect Death today and The Reunion tomorrow, then just a few reviews through to the weekend. Plenty more reading time for me then.

I’ve a pretty dull week ahead too. I’m doing a joint presentation to our Senior Management Team as this post goes out. Dangerous Goods. Very exciting. Not. Then pretty much tied up in paperwork for the rest of the week. Still. COuld be worse. Less than two weeks to Granite Noir now. Cannot wait.

Hope you all have a fabulously bookish week.

Jen

  Rewind, recap: Weekly update w/e 11/02/18 Work, work, work. That's the story of my life these days. Well, apart from Monday afternoon. I took that as annual leave.

[jenmedsbookreviews]

I won’t lie. As I write this post I am at the end of a mammoth post prep session in which I have prepared a rather small (not) 15 posts. Yes you read that correctly. 15 posts!!! Not all are original content. There is one re-post and some are quick cut and paste jobs for reviews from Mandie, but I still have to prep all the links, pictures etc, check spelling and basically stay awake. not easy given the fact that I am absolutely shattered.

Manchester and Edinburgh with work this week which allowed me to listen to a cracking audio book, but all this mucking around of y work schedule really plays havoc with my sleep patterns (when I eventually do sleep) and unsettles the dog, meaning I get treated to a middle of the night barking session which is always nice. Not. Really starting to feel my age this week.

After all of the excitement of last week I’ve very little of interest to tell you this week. I am still on a bit of a high from the whole best book blogs thing last week to be fair, at least I’m hoping that explains the light-headedness ;). This week has been mostly about work and reading though, which isn’t all bad as I’ve been needing a little down time to recharge the old batteries.

Book post wise I only got the one delivery this week but it was a very welcome one. Bad Sister by the lovely Sam Carrington courtesy of Avon Books. I loved Saving Sophie so I’m really looking forward to reading this one as I’m on the blog tour in a couple of weeks.

Oh. One bit of bookish news – I made 500 direct followers/subscribers on the blog. A big thanks to everyone who does follow and also to everyone who puts up with my record number of twonkish tweets while following me on Twitter. Your support is very much appreciated.

Book purchase wise, I was doing so well. And then I prepped Karen Cole’s book love post and ended up back on Amazon buying one of her recommendations … and a few others. I blame book love. It was nothing to do with me…

So, I ended up purchasing Kill Me Twice by Simon Booker, The Binding Song by Elodie Harper, Heroic Justice and Deadly Encounter by Mel Comley, The Language of Secrets by Ausma Zehanat Khan and Christmas at the Falling Down Guest House by Lilly Bartlett. On audible I purchased The Binding Song and Without Trace by Simon Booker.

Netgalley wise I may have picked up a few titles. Just a few. The Wicked Cometh by Laura Carlin, Class Murder by Leigh Russell, Silent Victim by Caroline Mitchell and The Deaths of December by Susi Holliday.

Reading wise I didn’t quite manage all I wanted to this week do I treat that as a fail. I managed three of my planned four books, but snuck in an audiobook on the side.

Books I have read

Now We Are Dead by Stuart MacBride

She can’t prove he did it. But she might die trying…

From the Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author of the Logan McRae series, comes a standalone spinoff featuring DS Roberta Steel.

Revenge is a dangerous thing…

Detective Chief Inspector Roberta Steel got caught fitting up Jack Wallace – that’s why they demoted her and quashed his sentence. Now he’s back on the streets and women are being attacked again. Wallace has to be responsible, but if Detective Sergeant Steel goes anywhere near him, his lawyers will get her thrown off the force for good.

The Powers That Be won’t listen to her, not after what happened last time. According to them, she’s got more than enough ongoing cases to keep her busy. Perhaps she could try solving a few instead of harassing an innocent man?

Steel knows Wallace is guilty. And the longer he gets away with it, the more women will suffer. The question is: how much is she willing to sacrifice to stop him?

Crikey. How in God’s name am I supposed to review this? One word. Brilliant. No. Actually. Two words. Bloody brilliant. I love the humour that flows through this book, no less that you would expect from Roberta Steele and her potty mouth. I really don’t know where to begin with a review but I’m going to have to figure it out as I’ve got to review for First Monday Crime. While I’m figuring that out, you can be pre-ordering the book right here.

…

Murder Game by Caroline Mitchell

A serial killer is playing a terrifying game of life or death with his victims. After he captures them, a countdown begins. He marks the time by sending clues to the whereabouts of the women he has taken in three disturbing images: alive, tortured, dead. 

In a race against the clock, East London Detective Ruby Preston must play the twisted killer’s terrifying murder game and decipher the clues before more women die… 

But this isn’t the first time the police have seen such a sickening crime. The notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, was put behind bars ten years ago for murdering six women in exactly the same chilling way. Desperate for more information, Ruby persuades her boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, to use his criminal connections to set up a dangerous meeting. Because to catch this killer, she needs to think like one… 

But the closer Ruby grows to the dark and charming Mason Gatley, the more worried her team become. Is Mason really helping her catch the killer? Or is he lining Ruby up to be his next victim?

Fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Peter James will be hooked by this dark and utterly disturbing thriller, packed with twists until the final page. 

Oh my life. What a cracking read – quite probably the best one in the series. Sad to see the end of the Ruby Preston series but what a way to bow out, tracking down a ruthless serial killer who is murdering adulterers. It is down to Ruby to convince the killers mentor and muse, Mason Gatley to help her before it is too late. The book is released on 31st October, but you can preorder it right here.

…

Absolution by P.A. Davies

When the Militia entered the peaceful village of Nyanyar Ngun, South Sudan in 1992 – amidst the backdrop of a bitter civil war – it wasn’t in peace.

Soldiers of the SFL committed untold atrocities in that small farming village, before finally razing it to the ground. From a line of terrified children, boys were chosen to become recruits of the Militia, whilst girls were taken for selling within a market of odious buyers. Those who weren’t selected were either left to perish or murdered where they stood.

In a field of high maize next to the village, sixteen-year old Jada lay hidden and afraid, witnessing the merciless slaughter of his parents and the capture of his sister Kiden; powerless to stop it, too frightened to try.

But now – tortured by grief, consumed with shame and driven by guilt – Jada must embark on a long & arduous journey to rescue his sister from a sinister world and earn his absolution…or die trying!

A rather intriguing tale, this follows young Sudanese boy, Jada, as he tries to track down his sister, a victim of trafficking as a result of the war in Sudan. Blending two of the most heinous wars in modern history, this book will take you from war-torn Germany, to the Sudan to good old Great Britain in a tale which highlights the real atrocities of war. You can order a copy fo the book here.

…

The Binding Song by Elodie Harper

A chilling debut for fans of Mo Hayder and Sharon Bolton, THE BINDING SONG takes you on a trip to Halvergate Prison. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to leave… ‘Splendidly unsettling’ John Connolly Dr Janet Palmer is the new lead psychologist at HMP Halvergate in a remote, bleak area of Norfolk. At first, she was excited by the promotion. Then she starts to see how many secrets are hiding behind the high walls.

A string of inmates have committed suicide, leaving no reasons why, and her predecessor has disappeared – along with his notes. The staff are hostile, the threat of violence is ever-present, and there are rumours of an eyeless woman stalking the corridors, punishing the inmates for their sins.

Janet is determined to find out what is really going on. But the longer she stays and the deeper she digs, the more uncertain she feels.

Halvergate is haunted by something. But it may be a terror worse than ghosts…

Oh my life. I picked this up on a whim as I am going to hear the author on a panel at First Monday Crime in a couple of weeks. I am so glad that I did. What a chilling and atmospheric book. And such a compelling and engrossing read. I loved it. Do yourself a favour and go take a look. My review will be posted next week but don’t wait. You can order the book here.

…

Busy old week on the blog with a mixture of book love and reviews. You can find all the recaps here.

BlogTour: Fox Hunter by Zoe Sharp

London Noir by Ann Girdharry

#BookLove: Joanne Robertson

#BlogTour: The Second Son by Andy Blackman

BlogBlitz: Christmas At Hope Cottage by Lily Graham

BlogBlitz: The Girl From the Sugar Plantation by Sharon Maas

CoverReveal: @Lisalregan @bookouture

BookLove: Meggy Roussel

The Perplexing Theft Of The Jewel In The Crown by Vaseem Khan

The week ahead is pretty full on too. I have #booklove from Karen Cole on Tuesday and reviews for Elodie Harper, Vaseem Khan and Lilly Bartlett scattered throughout the week. Blog tour wise I’ll be taking part in tours for Dead Lands by Lloyd Otis and Absolution by P.A. Davies on Wednesday, A Cost Candlelit Christmas by Tilly Tennant on Thursday and The Lost Child by Patricia Gibney on Friday. Do make sure to stop by.

Have a fabulously bookish week all. I have a trip to Southampton to look forward to and a wonderful bookish get together over the weekend too, as well as lots of lovely reading.

See you all next week

Jen

  Rewind, recap: Weekly update w/e 22/10/17 I won't lie. As I write this post I am at the end of a mammoth post prep session in which I have prepared a rather small (not) 15 posts.