No - not about the traffic in Berkshire, but the novels of Lee Child. Carole and I are locked into them and about halfway through them.

Any opinions on them and has anyone read any upper crust/purist critics about his writing? I reckon he will be slated, similarly but for not the same reasons, to the now totally degraded art of Rolf Harris, which I like a lot although having no liking for his deeds and interests.

So no one reading these thrillers?

Yup, read all of his Jack Reacher books and a couple of others whose titles evade me at the moment. You can't compare the style of writing or the in-depth plots to say, John le Carre, but for nice easy bedtime reading they are just up my street. I also like the spacing between chapters which means I get to read a complete chapter before her in doors nags me to switch the light off.

I've read the lot and while entertaining they can be a bit samey. He's British of course but is a huge success in the USA.

I love American crime writing and am particularly fond of Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch series +Mickey Haller), James Lee Burke (Dave Robicheaux series) and Robert Parker (Jesse Stone and Spenser). I hope that you enjoy these as much as I have.

If you go to BBC Podcasts, you'll find the episode of Radio Four's "Book Club" in which Lee Child's writing is examined in an interview with the author by James Naughtie. Members of the audience also pose questions:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/bc

Thats useful Peter thanks. We know what we like so won't be put off by crits, just interested.

Fascinating, just listened to it and very revealing. I will ask Carole to read it later when she's in from horsing around and shopping.

Thanks for the link, Peter - very interesting.

Meant to say thanks GeorgeW and will look out for those.

You're very welcome. If only you knew that I am an ex-skimmer... :-)

Glad you found it interesting Derek. I often listen to Book Club even though I've rarely read the books - I find the process of writing interesting in and of itself. They're a bit "curates egg" but that's the joy of podcasts...just a delete button away :-).

Quote: Peter Glaze wrote in post #10

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You're very welcome. If only you knew that I am an ex-skimmer... :-)

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'the now totally degraded art of Rolf Harris, which I like a lot although having no liking for his deeds and interests.'



Caravaggio was a murderer, but it doesn't detract from his painting.

I picked up a copy of 'The railway paintings of Terence Cuneo in a charity shop for £1.99. Now thats a book to keep.

anyway Hampshireman,. When are you going to publish your railway paintings in book form? I'd buy a copy (even at full price)

That's a good idea thanks, must ask Aaron Calder how he produced his book on his travels, but probably mine won't be gig enough.