Book giveaway this week: A Commonplace Killing by Sian Busby

Definitely not what I would usually read but I did enjoy this book. It felt very dark and quite melancholy (not really a cosy bedtime read for me!) but was hugely evocative and made me think about what life must have been like post war.

Goodness me you guys read quickly. I have just read the preamble so far and look forward to starting the actual text some time this week.

I was very impressed with the way the author managed to describe a claustrophobic atmosphere. I felt sympathy for almost all the characters, as they all seem to be trapped in some way as victims of the war.

I didn't particularly like the romantic longing of the detective for his female assisstant, as it seemed clumpy and contrived. I also wondered where he had got his back eye from-it was referred to a couple of times-the first being when the coroner mentioned that the victim would have given her killer a similiar one. Did I miss the explanation?

Overall though, I enjoyed the read and it did seem as if Ms Busby had done a great deal of research into the post war mood.

I did read the whole book, whilst not my usual choice, it was good to read something different. I felt it sent a very clear message. War makes many more victims than those in who die in battle. It made me feel very grateful for the decade I was born in, and its a huge shame that others don't thank that generation that gave up so much for us. Yes, the thought of powdered cheese in any form was certainly grim!

Looking forward to getting stuck into this. Not my usual genre, so it will be nice to read something different.

Thanks so much for the book, which arrived just when I was looking for something new to read.
So, my thoughts as requested: it was definitely gripping, and I was keen to get to the end and know the resolution.
The post-war details were very evocative, from the frustrations of rationing (lengthy queuing, shortages, nastiness of powdered cheese, importance of clothing coupons) to the emotional wounds inflicted by war.
The decent if depressed DI and his perky and dedicated female driver were reminiscent of the dynamic in Foyle's War.
However, it was hard to like many of the other characters and in conveying the depressing reality of this corner of North London at this time, the book itself became depressing. I came away feeling grubby, and it left a nasty taste as if I'd eaten one of the brawn sandwiches myself.

I received my copy today and can't wait to start reading it, just need to finish reading my current book first...

My book came this morning: thank you very much indeed. Looking forward so much to reading it and exchanging views. When can we start posting about it and will it be on this thread?

Thanks again.

Thank you very much, I just received a copy. Looking forward to starting to read it.

Just received book, brilliant, will start reading!