Maigret Travels

By Georges Simenon 

A great case where Maigret moves in the world of the super rich following clues around France and Europe after a wealthy English man is found dead in his hotel bath. 8/10

The Silence and the Rage

By Pierre Lemaitre

The second in the glorious years trilogy following the fortunes of the Pelletier family. We are in the 1950's and all surviving children are in Paris and surviving but definitely not thriving! Various stories unwind but for Lemaitre the story ends in a quite upbeat fashion. I fear for these characters in vol three lol.

The author lists a number of influences in his acknowledgements but does not include Zola or Dickens. I think maybe he should. 8/10

Love Marriage

 by Monica Ali

I was not sure I would like this book but from the start I was hooked. Mina who starts the book as a typical newly qualified doctor, engaged to another doctor and full of confidence learns that everything is not always what it seems as she learns some truths about herself, her parents and her boyfriend. The characters are brilliantly drawn including her old friend/patient on the ward and the very funny handyman/janitor. It's a long book but it was a joy to read. 9/10