Half of the books I read this month, I actually listened to which is still reading before anyone comments. My main read this month was a history non-fiction and I have found myself drawn to non-fiction at the moment which is how my reading goes, cyclical in nature I go between genres.
Here are the four books I read two audiobooks and two paperbacks.
The Killing Time - Elly Griffiths ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Killing Time is a good second edition to this new series. While I’ll admit the characters are still growing on me, I find that it is always hard to start a new series when you are so in love with the characters from an author’s previous work. However, Elly Griffiths is starting to find her rhythm with this new cast.
What makes this particular series special for me is the addition of Victorian London. As a massive nerd when it comes to that period in time, seeing the characters navigate the fog, the history, and the atmosphere of the 19th century was a total delight. The time-travel element adds a unique layer to the mystery that sets it apart from your standard procedural.
This is an easy, quick crime read—the perfect kind of book for when you want to rest and not have to think too much. It provides a great balance of intrigue and escapism without being overly taxing. If you enjoy a bit of historical flair mixed with your mystery, this is a solid choice. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
Victoria, The Queen - Julia Baird ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Victoria: The Queen is nothing short of a masterpiece of research. What makes this biography stand out is how incredibly easy it is to read; Julia Baird writes with a flow and grace that makes the history feel like reading a novel.
Queen Victoria has always been my favourite queen, if one can have such a thing, and this book only solidified that for me. She was a fascinating, wonderful woman, complex, stubborn, and deeply human. Baird peels back the layers of the “widow in black” persona to reveal the passionate, vibrant, and often misunderstood woman underneath.
The depth of information provided is staggering, making this a must-read for history fans. I was a little disappointed that there was no mention of Jack the Ripper, especially considering how that shadow loomed over the later years of her reign. Still, the rest of the book is so rich with detail that it hardly detracts from the experience.
From her isolated childhood to her legendary partnership with Albert and her long years as a monarch, this biography covers it all with stunning clarity. It is an essential portrait of a woman who defined an era.
Slaughterhouse 5 - Kurt Vonnegut ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Slaughterhouse-Five is a book that defies easy categorisation. I’m not entirely sure what genre this falls into, and honestly, that is part of its genius. It weaves together parts that are historical fiction, parts that feel almost autobiographical, and elements of fantasy and sci-fi. It doesn’t matter that it doesn’t fit into a box, because the result is a brilliant read that is engaging from the very first page.
The story follows Billy Pilgrim, a man who has become “unstuck in time,” moving between his experiences as a chaplain’s assistant in WWII, his life in suburban America, and his time in an alien zoo on the planet Tralfamadore. While that sounds chaotic, Vonnegut’s prose is so grounded and conversational that it never feels confusing.
As a smaller book, it is also a quicker read, but it carries a weight that lingers long after you finish it. It deals with the horrors of the firebombing of Dresden and the nature of free will with a “so it goes” attitude that is both heartbreaking and profoundly wise.
This was my first foray into Vonnegut’s world, and it certainly won’t be my last. I will definitely be reading more by this author. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literature that pushes boundaries and makes you look at the world a little differently.
The Hallmarked Man - Robert Galbraith ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
In true Strike tradition, Robert Galbraith has delivered an intricate crime thriller that is impossible to put down. This is a masterclass in plotting, weaving a complex story through many cases and suspects, keeping you guessing until the very final reveal.
The heart of this series has always been the relationship between our leads, and in this instalment, the combination of Robin and Strike is as powerful as ever. Their chemistry, professional respect, and the evolving tension between them remain the engine that drives the story forward.
I honestly think this is my favourite of all the Strike books, though I admit I probably said that about the last one, too. Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) has a way of making each mystery feel fresh while deepening our connection to the recurring cast. The attention to detail, this time involving the fascinating world of silver and masonry, is just incredible.
My only complaint is a personal one: how dare she leave it on a cliffhanger! After hundreds of pages of buildup, the ending leaves you desperate for the next chapter in Strike and Robin’s lives. I really hope J.K. Rowling is writing the next one as we speak, because I need to know what happens next immediately—a brilliant, addictive addition to the series.
What was your favourite book from April?
Drop me a comment: Have you read any of the books mentioned let me know in the comments.
Subscribe today: If you enjoyed this article then consider subscribing for more