On the 3BM Bookshelf: June's Reads

June's book haul was pretty light given that my June holiday involved much more Limoncello and exploring than quality Kindle time. But, I still managed to bookworm my way through a handful of really, really good reads. So, here's my round-up. Pack these for this summer's beach break and I don't think you'll be disappointed...

 

The Silkworm - Robert Galbraith
Top of everyones summer reading list should be the second book in the Cormoran Strike series written by Robert Galbraith (AKA J.K. Rowling). We raved about the first of the Galbraith novels, The Cuckoo's Calling, back at the end of last year and have been eagerly awaiting this second instalment ever since.  Swapping magic for murder, these books are every bit as brilliant as Harry Potter but much, much darker and even more edge of your sunbed stuff. This time detective extraordinaire, Cormoran Strike, is sleuthing his way to unravelling the murder of an author who appears to have self-prophesized his own grisly demise in his last book. With twists and turns that keep you guessing til the end, prepare to become obnoxiously anti-social until you reach the final page.  

I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You - Courtney Maum
How do you make love last? What happens when time and flawed humans stretch a relationship out of shape? Can you ever go back to how things were after a betrayal? These are the questions around which Courtney Maum's debut novel revolve. While it's heart-hurtingly sad in places its also sweet, funny and uplifting. This beautiful book trailer video sums the book up better than I ever could in words. 

Beautiful Ruins - Jess Walter
Ping ponging between a fictional town on the Ligurian coast in the sixties and modern day Hollywood, the book is an epic love story with a hefty sprinkle of satirical digs at the film business. A cast of quirky but loveable characters, a guest appearance from Richard Burton and the perfect mix of pathos and comedy make this the perfect beach read.