Anxious People by Fredrick Backman

At an open viewing in an up-market apartment, an incompetent bank robber rushes in and politely takes everyone hostage.

For Anna-Lena and Roger, busy buying-up apartments to fill the hole in their marriage, it’s something else to talk about.

For Julia and Ro, panicky parents-to-be, it’s yet another worry.

Lonely bank manager Zara only came here for the view.

While 87-year-old grandmother Estelle seems rather pleased by the company . . .

As the police gather outside, the anxious strangers huddled within try to make the best of a very sticky situation.
But could it be that they have a whole lot more in common than meets the eye?

Elaine 9, Trude 7, Pauline 9, Jane 9, Sally 7, Janet 8, Christine 8, June 6, Rebecca 9

Elaine E
Score: 8
2021-11-10

Nine perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Nine perfect strangers, each hiding an imperfect life.

A luxury retreat cut off from the outside world.

Ten days that promise to change your life.

But some promises – like some lives – are perfect lies . . .

Trude 7, Sally 8, Pauline 9, Jane 7, Janet 7, June 8, Christine 8, Elaine 8

Christine P
Score: 7.8
2021-10-13

Another Life by Jodie Chapman

She could be the girl dancing on tables one night, and the next she’d be hiding in the shadows.

Just when I thought I understood her, she would melt away and become a completely new person, and I’d have to start all over again.

That’s how it was with Anna.

Nick and Anna work the same summer job at their local cinema. Anna is mysterious, beautiful and from a very different world to Nick.

She’s grown up preparing for the end of days, in a tightly controlled existence where Christmas, getting drunk and sex before marriage are all off-limits.

She’s grown up preparing for the end of days, in a tightly controlled existence where Christmas, getting drunk and sex before marriage are all off-limits.

So when Nick comes into her life, Anna falls passionately in love. Their shared world burns with poetry and music, cigarettes and conversation – hints of the people they hope to become.

But Anna, on the cusp of adulthood, is afraid to give up everything she’s ever believed in and everyone she’s ever loved. She walks away and Nick doesn’t stop her.

Years later, a tragedy draws Anna back into Nick’s life.

But rekindling their relationship leaves Anna and Nick facing a terrible choice between a love that’s endured decades and the promises they’ve made to others along the way.

Trude 4, Sally 7, Jane 6, June 7, Christine 7, Janet 7, Elaine 6

Sally M
Score: 6.3
2021-09-08