The Companion, 74/81 2nd Round

The Companion by Ann Granger, historical fiction category

Lizzie Martin arrives in London for the first time. As her cabdriver takes her to her new address, they pass a body covered with a shroud. The body turns out to belong to Madeline Hexham, whom Lizzie is replacing as paid companion. Lizzie can't help wondering about Madeline and who could have wanted her dead.

I enjoyed this one. There was some great background about coal mining and life among the working class. Lizzie and the police inspector, Ben Ross, were strong characters.

I have learned that this is the first in a series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (22/81)

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through
this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

I seriously must be going through a Vampire phase at the moment .... This is the first in a series of books called "Vampire Academy" And I quite enjoyed them !!!

Firstly let me say there are a few swear words in the book but as the series go's on they become less frequent ... Richelle style of writing is really easy going and if you are an avid reader this will be a quick read !! I read all three books within 3 days !!!

It is about a heroine called Rose who is half Vampire and half Human whose job it is to protect her best friend Lissa .... She is a strong willful character who alot of the time is misjudged !!! They attend a school which trains them on how to protect their Royal Princes and Princess !!! ... And shows that even in a Vampire Academy there are the cool kids and the geeks !! Will Rose rise to the challenge to study and obey the rules so she can be best guardian !!!

Not a bad wee read .... If you like fantasy and Vampire books you will love this series !!!

I rate this book 31/2 ***

The Open House by Michael Innes - 24/81

The Open House by Michael Innes, just for fun category

John Appleby, formerly of Scotland Yard, is traveling through unfamiliar countryside when his car breaks down. After setting off to find an inn and get a place to spend the night, his flashlight dies. He has no choice but to hike along the dirt road hoping to find shelter.

He is stunned - literally - when he discovers a large house blazing with light. After he recovers, he heads for the building, hoping to find someone at home. But he can see no one. He discovers dinner on the table, laid for one, a fire and pajamas in the bedroom, but not a single person. He finds the library and helps himself to a drink.

Just like that, Appleby has stumbled onto another of the strange sort of mystery stories that typify Michael Innes. It reminded me of Death by Water or Sheiks and Adders, with that same sort of beginning. Not quite as much fun as those two books, it was still a good read.