The Monday Book Review

The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah

Harper & Collins £18.99

With the nights drawing in perhaps it's time to pick up a novel (or two) to read in front of the fire, especially as with the exception of Gotham, now that Doctor Who is finished there is little of interest on the box in the corner of the room.

The publishing of a brand new Hercule Poirot adventure by Sophie Hannah with the support of the Agatha Christie Estate is a rare opportunity to relive the intrigue and games invoked by the mistress of mystery herself.

This novel set in the earlier years of Poirot's adventures does not disappoint. A distressed woman in a coffee house, three murders in a hotel and a trip to the country in search of the origins of what on the surface appears to be a suicide pact is not to be missed.

One of the joys of reading this novel was the vision of David Suchet in the leading role. If only he could be persuaded to return to his role as Poirot for just one more adventure this would be it.

You can read the first chapter for free at: Agatha Christie.com



The Book of Strange New Things - Michel Faber

Canon Gate £18.99

One of the more unusual novels of the year comes from Dutch born author Michel Faber. A science fiction adventure where the science and adventure is understated as our "hero" Peter Leigh, a evangelical Christian of sorts travels to a remote and bleak new world to spread the word of God to the natives.

More about humanity and the relationship he has with his wife left back on planet Earth, which is having trouble from mega-cyclones wiping out the Seychelles to the bankruptcy of Tescos (written before the current troubles came to light) this gentle, but troubling story will stick with you even when you have finished the book.

You don't have to be religious to appreciate the dynamics of talking about about shepherds on a world without sheep and fishermen on a planet with no bodies of water whatsoever to understand the difficulties Peter has explaining the King James Bible to his flock of numbered "Jesus Lovers" as they are called.

Oh and Marvel Comic fans should look out for a hidden tribute.

Highly recommended.

Currently reading Proxima by Steven Baxter.