I haven't been able to read while commuting recently because I've mostly been having lifts in. Then, last Friday, I had my first round-trip train and bus day in a while. Naturally, I started a new book. The latest Val McDermid paperback, Beneath The Bleeding, seemed the ideal choice. I do love a good detective thriller but I find it's better not to read them at bedtime!
From the opening sentence I was hooked and I must admit I've been 'resting' several times today in between the weekend chores to catch up with DCI Carol Jordan and Dr Tony Hill. I don't mind that the TV dramatisation (Wire In The Blood) of these characters is at the forefront of my mind - Hermione Norris and Robson Green were such perfect choices, it actually enhances my enjoyment of the book. It's familiar but exciting, like settling down to watch some soothing Sunday night detective nonsense - even though McDermid is rather grittier than Agatha Christie or Midsomer Murders! Anyway, I doubt this book will survive until my next commute - I'll probably polish it off tomorrow.
In fact, I've already picked out my next train companion - The Servants by Brighton author MM Smith (aka Michael Marshall Smith and Michael Marshall as an SF/fantasy and crime author respectively). I haven't come across him before but this rather beautifully produced slim novel sounds very intriguing... More on this soon.