Rosie’s book review team (#RBRT) has now been successfully running for just over ten years. During that time we have had quite a lot hundreds of books submitted to us for review. As the New Year begins, we’re looking back at some of the books from 2024 and beyond.
Today we are hearing from team member Olga Núñez Miret.
Most memorable book from the 2024 books submitted to #RBRT
This is a book that I have recently read, a dark humour story: Cute by Bob Palmer. ‘This novel has a somewhat twisted sense of humour, very British, and runs the whole gamut, from slapstick to political comedy’.
A snippet from the book blurb: As artificial intelligence devours jobs, the UK government invites proposals for ways to motivate worried workers and placate the unemployed.
An author whose books you always agree to review from the #RBRT list
I’ve been enjoying Liza Perrat’s books for many years after discovering them via the #RBRT book lists. Liza’s novels, set in recent times or long-ago historical eras, never fail to move me, and whose female characters always connect with me. I reviewed her most recent novel not long ago, while The Silent Kookaburra was one of the first I read from her.
‘The story —set in an Australia richly brought to life by the writing that describes landscape, animals, trees, food, furniture, cars, lifestyle and social mores— is told in the first person by Tanya Randall.’
3 authors that you were pleased to discover from your whole time as a #RBRT team member.
Only 3! How can I choose? I arrived in the UK in September 1992. My goal was to qualify as a psychiatrist (I had studied Medicine back home in Barcelona, Spain) and, also, to improve my English. I started working as a junior doctor in psychiatry in February 1993, Anne Goodwin’s Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is set just a couple of years earlier in a UK asylum. It highlights the changes in mental health policies. Then there is Jessica Duchen and her book Ghost Variations which was very enjoyable. The strangest detective story in the history of music – inspired by a true incident. I’ve also enjoyed some of Jennifer S. Alderson’s art themed mysteries, The Lover’s Portrait comes to mind.
A book from any year on our list that really surprised you.
Loretta Miles Tollefson, who has taught me many things about life in New Mexico in the XIX century, and whose use of research and dedication to setting records straight go beyond historical fiction. The Texian Prisoners is her most recent book.
A book from a genre that you don’t often read, but you tried it for #RBRT
What I enjoy about the team is that it gives you an opportunity to try books that you might not usually pick up. One of these was Scifi mystery – The Last Detective by Brian Cohn.
A snippet from the book blurb:
It’s been two years since the invasion.
Two years since the slicks came to our planet and herded humanity together like cattle, placing us under constant watch in the few cities that remain. The lucky ones are left to their own devices. The unlucky few are rounded up and carted off to labor camps to face an unknown fate.
Former homicide detective Adrian Grace was cut off from his family, but has somehow managed to survive. When one of the slicks is murdered, they ask him to find the killer. He reluctantly agrees, and in the course of his investigation witnesses the best, and the worst, that humanity has to offer.
A genre that you don’t usually read but would if a book on the #RBRT list tempted you.
Memoirs! I don’t usually go for these, but recently I tried a book by Judy Haveson: Laugh Cry Rewind. Her message to others who have experienced loss or tragedy is stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let life go on, and good things will be waiting for you on the other side of the pain.
How long have you been reviewing for #RBRT?
I joined the group sometime in 2015.
What do you enjoy about being part of #RBRT?
There’s lots to enjoy and appreciate like being part of a friendly and supportive team, getting to choose from a wide list of books etc.
3 Authors that you hope to see submit a new book for review in 2025
Let’s see, perhaps D.G. Driver , Rachel Walkley with another gothic style mystery, or Kirsten McKenzie.
Top books (5 or less) that you reviewed for #RBRT in 2024
I can think of two book, I haven’t been able to take on as many books for review as I have done is past years. So two will have to do. Lake Of Widows by Liza Perrat and The Means Of Keeping by Rich Marcello.
I’d like to thank Olga for al her work as a reviewer and team supporter. To find out more about Olga and her own books check out her blog here.
