Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke | book review

August 19, 2026August 16, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

This was certainly an interesting read, and a great one for provoking some good discussions. It's also a hard one to review while keeping spoiler free, so I'm going to be somewhat vague. Ultimately, this was a gripping read – almost like a mystery – that had you hating the protagonist in a good way, and feeling desperate to understand what is going on. This book really keeps you in the dark, even when you think you might have figured out what's what.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle | book review

August 17, 2026August 16, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

Is there anything not to love about this? There's nothing better than a healthy dose of Sherlock Holmes bundled up together. I really enjoyed this collection of short stories - it was so much fun, despite every case being so short!

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle | book review

August 16, 2026August 15, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

This little mystery has stuck with me since I turned the final page. I thought I liked it – thought it was fine – but the more I thought on it, the more I realised that this was a damn good read and very unique. I didn't just like it, I loved it.

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle | book review

August 3, 2026August 2, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

I've decided to start a read through of the Sherlock Holmes books in chronological order - and this was delightful to start at the very beginning of Holmes and Watson's relationship. I loved the way this book began by introducing the circumstances in which the two meet, followed by an excellent mystery of course.

The Tournament by Matthew Reilly | book review

July 29, 2026July 28, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

I really shouldn't be at all surprised that yet another Matthew Reilly has crept onto my favourites list. I adored this, sordid moments and all. This is an atmospheric delight as we romp through history in the midst of a thrilling mystery.

The King of the Crags by Stephen Deas | book review

July 22, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

I'm pleased to say that this didn't disappoint following on from the first book - plenty of dragon chaos ensued! I'm still really enjoying this world and the devilish politics going on. There was certainly some interesting character development happening, and I'm no closer to really understanding where I stand with Jehal.

A Fool’s Hope by Mike Shackle | DNF book review

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

TLDR: this was so boring it made me angry. Ehhhh. What a disappointment. Having absolutely adored book one, I was sorely let down by this instalment, which felt like it had none of the good stuff that made book one the epic read that it was.

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary | book review

July 5, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

This was my first Beth O'Leary, and it was very much so as pacy and page-turning as I had anticipated. I read this while on a little holiday and I have to say, she makes for excellent vacation reading.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn | book review

June 21, 2026June 19, 2026 ~ Kirstie Ellen ~ Leave a comment

It's no secret that I'm a great admirer of anything that Kate Quinn writes – and this is certainly no exception. This book was everything I wanted The Midnight Library to be. A magical library set in another realm (an in-between sort of realm) where you can live in your favourite novel and escape reality.