Catherine MacPhail talks to Beith and Kilbirnie book group members

Group members had therefore been reading a selection of Catherine MacPhail’s novels in preparation for the event and to discuss at April’s meeting.  Members each gave a synopsis of the novel they had read, followed by a general discussion of themes and techniques in Catherine’s novels before group members submitted their reviews on BookSpace.

Samantha reviews 'Roxy's Baby'

Check out more books by the same author on North Ayrshire's Library Catalogue

Catherine’s more recent novels were the most popular with the group and two members are now reading the Nemesis series. 

For more information on Catherine MacPhail see:

http://www.macphailbooks.com

http://www.bloomsbury.com/childrens/microsite.asp?id=64&section=3

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/catherine-macphail/

 For May's meeting the group are reading The Merrybegot by Julie Hearn. 

A reader on Amazon describes it as follows:

'This book is an excellent view of the period surrounding the English Witch trial scares. It doesn't sensationalise the events and presents a sympathetic view of the village wisewoman and how her actions can be misconstrued by ignorant mob rule. I found it very well written and liked the way the spells were presented in a different type ,it made it seems as though you were reading 2 books. One a straightforward novel, the other a wisewomans book of spells and charms'
 

If you would like to join the group, please email kathleensmith@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

"The Last Siege" by Jonathan Stroud

Jonathan Stroud’s The Last Siege is a thrilling and suspenseful novel centring around 3 main characters, Marcus, Emily and Simon. It was a universal winner with all members of the group, who described it as ‘a really good read’.  A lively discussion revealed that opinions differed greatly on the characters and their motivations, and also whether the events that take place in the book could actually happen in Kilbirnie!  Members then submitted their reviews to BookSpace. 

The group said goodbye and good luck to Kathleen, who is leaving to have her baby, and hello to Fiona who will be attending book group meetings in her absence. 

Along with Beith Library Book Group members , the group are invited to a special event with author Catherine MacPhail   This will take place at Kilbirnie Library on Thursday 29^th March from 4-5pm.  Members will receive an invitation shortly.  A great opportunity for eager readers and budding authors! 

The book group will be meeting with Fiona again at Kilbirnie Library on Tuesday 17^th April from 4-5pm to discuss Catherine MacPhail’s novels.

Check out more books by the same author on North Ayrshire's Library Catalogue

If you would like to join the group, please email kathleensmith@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

"Shadow Garden" by Andrew Matthews

Matty Brand can see the spirits of the dead, and when she moves to Tagram House with her mother, her psychic powers reveal that two murdered children haunt the house. Matty soon becomes involved in untangling the mystery of their deaths, which she knows she must do in order to prevent another murder from being committed.

Most of the group really enjoyed this spooky story and were surprised by the twist at the end. Sarah thought that this book was ok but could have been scarier. All agreed that it was a page-turner, as you cant wait to know what will happen next. All would recommend it to anyone who likes spooky stories.

Check out more books by the same author on North Ayrshire's Library Catalogue