Gold Posted by Rosemary Bullimore on 31 December 2012 'Gold' explores huge themes including love, ambition, duty and loss against a background of Olympic cycling. The novel really worked for me as I both believed in and cared about Zoe, Sophie, Jack, Kate and Tom and their dilemmas. Interestingly opinion on Amazon is really polarised. I do urge you to read it and make up your own mind. More details | Tagged: Whichbook of the week

Babylon Steel Posted by Frances Bell on 24 December 2012 This is a fun fantasy novel. The heroine Babylon has a past; as a God and an Avatar on a different planet from which she had to flee. Now she runs a brothel on Scalentine where a mixture of races and species live in harmony. But Babylon's past is now catching up with her and she must return to settle old scores. The writing is lively and the descriptions of the creations brilliantly imaginative. Worth trying for something totally different. More details | Tagged: Whichbook of the week

Blood Rites of the Bourgeoisie Posted by Linda Corrigan on 17 December 2012 If you are a connoisseur of spam emails and internet adverts, like to read ‘belle de jour’ type sexploits, have a broad vocabulary and an interest in modern art and artists, then this is the book for you. It is all delivered with wicked humour and a happy disregard for all the usual conventions of the novel. Prepare to be shocked, titillated, amused or confused depending on your tastes and your previous encounters with ‘abstract literature’. More details | Tagged: Whichbook of the week

Becoming Nancy Posted by Karen Pugh on 10 December 2012 Am I gay? Am I not? Can I be? All David's questions are answered in this funny yet gritty novel. The Summer of Love has well and truly passed and David is having to come to terms with his sexuality in hard-nosed, homophobic and racist 70s' Britain. I didn't think I could read a novel that dealt with being gay in such an open, funny and at times realistic way. My favourite character? Aunty Val - she is me and I am her. Fabulous book. More details | Tagged: Whichbook of the week

The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals Posted by Wendy Smith on 03 December 2012 A sunny day, a sumptuous picnic and a pretty girl in a yellow dress spell disaster for a young undertaker when he makes a proposal of marriage he instantly regrets. The 1920's rural Welsh setting and a cast of engaging characters combine to suggest a confection of quaintness and charm. And although the plot is driven by the discovery of a dark secret, it is handled with great sensitivity and lightness of touch. A memorable read. More details | Tagged: Whichbook of the week