The Last Wolf by Jim Crumley

Without reading this book, look into the eyes of the image of the front cover, what do you see but an image that resembles a wolf, but not like most images and myths,

This is more a akin to the image of a wolf

Sitting in our lounge for a number of years.

Back to the book; This was purchased at the Scottish National Trust at Torridon, in the Highlands of Scotland in April this year, with a love of the Scottish Highlands, a German Shepherd called "Blue" as a companion for 7+ years now it was a book that stood out on the shelf, they say never judge a book by it's cover, this one you should for many different reasons.

I have not read any of this authors previous or subsequent books, but what comes through loud and clear, here is a man that paints images and moods with words so eloquently, you know they are written with knowledge understanding and feeling.

At first it is difficult to grasp where the author is taking you, but within a couple of chapters, he has a strong writing style, that makes you share his thoughts.

The bringing together of folklore, tribal behaviours, stories and re-introduction schemes, an array of angles are opened up , dissected and analysed

Until reading this book, I had no idea of what we have lost without wolves, and how if they could ever be re-introduced into Britain, namely Scotland, "how they could paint the landscape"

The book takes you on a global tour, and at times closer to home than you think, how some intentions are well meant, are not really helping.

There are many other good references to books dedicated to the wolf, including the packs at Yellowstone National Park.

Once you have read this book, which ends timely, but too soon, you will definitely do three things

• Seek more of the works by Jim Crumley
• Understand, admire and miss the presence of the last wolf
• Walk along the mountains and glens of the Scottish Highlands and imagine their watchful gaze

Should they ever reintroduce a wolf pack onto Rannoch Moor, 

those that have read this book would know exactly what to do.

I for one hope, that one day it will happen, and it would be in no small way thanks to Jim Crumley

This book Rates 10 out of 10 for all aspects

Our domesticated descendant of the Wolf; Blue

Me and Blue high up in the Torridon Mountains of Scotland

The Walker's Guide by Tristan Gooley

This book was advertised in the "Trail" magazine, I obtained a copy and flicked through, what at first seemed an intriguing book.

Few books have captured my attention so readily, as I speedily turned each page, keen to learn the next gem of wisdom. In no time at all, the contents read from cover to cover, opened a whole new world.

When I say a whole new world, actually the world was there all along, but unseen and unnoticed in my eyes, just like the masses.

What I have found is, there is so much to absorb that it is best to refer back to the points of interest that have captured your thoughts, and read the detail that makes up the whole part of the guidance.

There is much that this book introduces to the reader, I will be amazed if after reading it, you do not look for further evidence or greater understanding. The book is like a seed, that is waiting to be nurtured and cultivated.

Many things are viewed differently now in my eyes, birds, churches, graves,  trees, Ivy, clouds, wind, contrails, the moon and stars. Along with many more.

Do not expect to learn it all in one sitting.

The only downside, walks are a lot slower today, there is so much more to see.

Excellent book, and great value for the money. Tristan Gooley has shared with the reader what nature and mankind have used to guide us.

Content 10 out of 10

Value 10 out of 10

Gold Mine - Wilbur Smith

Set in the African gold mine of Sonder Ditch, this is a fast moving action book that both entertains and develops the knowledge of the reader.

Set in and around a working gold mine it tells the story around the main character "Rodney Ironside"

The beginning is very factual but is important to lay the foundation of the book, how a local action could have global impact. There is a good balance of characters which are brought into the story with purpose and expertly used to keep a good pace full of action, for the reader to have difficulty in putting this book down, but also not wanting it to end.

Many parts of life and relationships are brought together, love, betrayal, control, greed, manipulation, deceit, companionship, dedication including those paying the ultimate price, the lost of life and the taking of life, and those willing to give their life to save others.

What was refreshing also was the summing up of where the characters ended up, no real loose ends, making it feel like the whole story is told, and not leaving the reader to second guess the ending.

Wilbur Smith is quite rightly a world renowned best selling author, and the quality is there for the reader.

Rating as a book *8/10 as a story 10/10

*This book was purchased for only £1.00 at Asda, which really makes it an unbelievably value for money purchase, though the physical quality of the book was not of a great calibre, this is the only reason to reduce my rating.

Hero by Sarah Lean

Purchased as an impulse buy, and was excellent value for money.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and thoroughly enjoyed it, sold as a "Kids" novel.

It tells the story of a young boy called Leo Biggs, and a dog called "Jack Pepper"

The story is so very well written that younger readers will be inspired by their adventures and the older readers will be reminded of life in their past. The story covers family life, peer pressure, expectations, honesty, pride and so much more.

Sarah's style in this book keeps the reader interested and eager to read on to the end, though allowing time for the reader to capture thoughts from their own days gone by or times ahead, dependant on their own age. The book covers so many aspects of a boy at an influential age, learning right from wrong.

Those of us that have dogs, in our life or around us will see how well Sarah writes, those that do not have a canine friend, would love one like "Jack Pepper"

My companion and hero as I write this review is a soon to be 6 year old German Shepherd called "Blue"

My Hero "Blue"

This book works on so many levels, I feel the need to search out more from this author.

Rating as a book 10/10 as a story 10/10

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The book has been written many years ago, 1937 and has certainly stood the test of time.

This novel tells of the story of an adventure of Bilbo Baggins, and is a great piece of writing, well worth reading for any age.

Like many the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was my first encounter of the story of hobbits, Orges Dwarfs Elvins etc, and so many more

As a book it takes the reader on an incredible and believable journey across a land that inspired many, and for many years.

Those that take the time to read this novel will be enchanted, and although it is a complete story that could stand alone as a novel, it does inspire you to read more from this incredible author.

The 351 page story brings in so many characters, excellently described, you feel as if you are in the adventure with Bilbo Baggins.

With some now familiar characters, made famous by the films.

So inspirational was this novel, I look forward to reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Rating; As a book 10/10 as a story 10/10

Tell No Lies

An excellent story by Greg Hurwitz and published by Penguin books.

The lead character Daniel Brasher is always a popular figure in this story that has been well written.

He is always torn in opposite directions though if he were a Superhero he would be very modest.

Set in San Francisco, the story soon sets a scene that is well described and in parts, though you may have never been there, you recognise familiar sounds and smells, along with all other senses.

The tale is primarily about Daniel, serial killings, estranged family and neighbours, rehabilitation and choices;

It is so much more than a who-done-it, all the characters have an important part to play, each bringing a piece of the jigsaw to the table.

There are some strong facets to the story of upbringing, lessons learnt, appreciation of others circumstances but most of all choices.

If you were finding yourself on the wrong side of the law, Daniel would help you want to make the cross over back.

As a one of story from the shelf it works well, lives long in the memory and still leaves a good amount of room for the reader to absorb and visualise the characters and storyline

For me this book / story  gets 9/10




Purchased my copy at ASDA, in hardback form but is also available to view on Amazon

Tell No Lies by Gregg Hurwitz

Mystery by Jonathan Kellerman

First book of his that I have read, mixed feelings on this one.

The storey is based on a character called Alex Delaware, who acts as a consultant to the police, and is instrumental in a tangled web of murder and life in America.

The downside of this book is some of the names and details of places, are meaningless to those readers who do not know the area,  sometimes known facts would be better, like they travelled 100 miles instead of just naming a place.
The storey held the reader enough to show the novelist as capable, and the twist in the end of the tail in the final chapters, makes it a good read.

Overall, I liked the storey, as a one off novel, however at the moment I am not rushing out to buy another in the series starring Alex Delaware.

As a book 7/10 as a story 10/10