Now, the people!

 by Jean-Luc Melenchon

Originally published in France in 2023 this English edition was published in 2025.

He highlights the problems the world is facing in terms of climate change, overuse of resources, wealth imbalance, and finds the culprit sitting firmly in the neo-liberal, capitalist system. So far, so good and most of his analysis I could agree with. Where I felt the book gets weaker is regarding solutions. Looking for a common world order, while appealing -and probably the only solution to some of these issues - is too idealistic, and ignores the inbuilt greed humans seem to be born with. I did like his call that we have to start somewhere, so why not do what we can. At least we can go down fighting for what is right! 7/10

The Predicament

 by William Boyd

A second novel fearuring Gabriel Dax, a travel writer who inadvertently ends up working for MI6 and the KGB (and subcontracting to the CIA!). 

This novel is set largely in Sussex and Guatemala and Berlin. The year is 1963 and JFK is big news. This is probably best described as a spy caper but is a very enjoyable read. Along the way, Gabriel's love life gets more complicated! 8/10

Death of a Hawker

By Janwillem van de Wetering

The usual quirky caper from our two Amsterdam detectives as they track down a murderer of two people, the first of whom has left no clue as to the murder weapon. It also has a gruesome ending! 7/10