Book Reviews

Book Review: The Testament by John Grisham 

This is the story of an aged multi-millionaire, Troy, who dies leaving his money, not to his acknowledged children and grandchildren but to Rachel, a love child he has never met. Problem is that Rachel is a missionary with a small Christian Mission working with a remote Indian tribe, deep in the Amazonian jungle. Josh, Troy’s lawyer and executor of his will, is charged with finding the Rachel and arranging for her to claim her inheritance. Josh sends a lawyer colleague, Nate, who’s just emerging from his fourth stay in rehab to track down the girl.

Grisham tells a powerful story of Nate’s search for Rachel while battling his own alcoholic demons, of the people he meets along the way and the obstacles to his progress till he finally meets Rachel and the outcome of their encounter. There is a twist in the end of the story but it’s a story full of struggle, hope, redemption and, in the end, peace.

A really good read

Phil Leighton

Book Review: The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer 

A series of 7 books about the Clifton and Barrington families, starting in the 1920’s up to present day. It is historical fiction that chronicles a story through the decades. There is family rivalry, love against the odds, intrigue and politics. A captivating read and not easy to put down once you have started. Each book is left with a cliff hanger which only makes you want to read the next just to find out what happened.

Val Marriott

Book Review: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I have just finished reading Richard Osman’s first book The Thursday Murder Club. It is set in a retirement village in Kent near Robertsbridge. There are 4 people who meet on Thursdays to try to solve unsolved murder cases from the past as one of the members has access to the files. Sadly she is no longer able to access these cases or attend on a Thursday. A relatively new resident is invited to join the group to take her place. Shortly after she joins a real murder happens and they set about solving it in an attempt to beat the police.  There are some other side issues which may or may not be connected to the murder.  I found it very readable and at times amusing.  It seems an idyllic place to live but remember before you make any rash decisions about your future it is only a book.  Steven Spielberg plans to buy the film rights.  I do hope he doesn’t plan to put it in an American setting, as it is “Very English”.

Jan Austin

 All three of these books and many more are available to borrow now at Blackfen Community Library. Come along, sit and have a read at our community hub and enjoy a fresh coffee from the Rooted Coffee House, our in house cafe.

To enquire about the availability of these books you can login via your membership login or pop into the library and ask our team.