The Other Queen
Philippa Gregory

Mary Queen of Scots is in flight from rebels in Scotland, and puts her trust in her cousin Elizabeth. But she finds herself imprisoned as the enforced guest of George Talbot and his determined new wife, Bess of Hardwick.

The Virago Book of Ghost Stories
Richard Dalby (Ed.)
Rating

Out of 31 ghost stories, I liked a mere 7. None of the stories are frightening and all are penned by female authors. I don't know if that's the reason behind the rather sedate 'thrills' on offer here. Margaret Oliphant's The Open Door is the best in the collection.

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennett
Colleen McCollough
Rating

Wondered about the 'ever after' in Lizzie and Darcy's marriage? McCollough constructs quite a believable state of affairs between almost everyone's favourite Austen couple - and you might not find it to your liking. Still, that's about the only thing I enjoyed in what proves to be a far-fetched plot centered around the no longer plain (but of course!) Mary Bennett. If you like your Dickens, you might just be able to appreciate the barrage of coincidences found in this book.

A Classical Education - The stuff you wish you'd been taught at school
Caroline Taggart
Rating

I can't stop myself from picking up titles such as this. It's one of the books for people who like to bluff their way through the classics.

Personal Days
Ed Park
Rating

If you've worked in an office environment before, you'll be able to identify the situations in this novel. The characters might seem typical but they certainly strike a chord. Especially astute is the examination of the prospect of getting the sack. They want to get fired (to pursue something more 'worthwhile') but hate their boss's guts anyway when it actually happens. That's real life... Heh.

Harry Potter & the Half-blood Prince
David Yates
Rating

Utterly forgettable. The worst in the franchise. I've decided I shall not be watching the last movie when it hits the theatre - I see no good coming out of a Yates film. Give me HP movie #3 anytime.