We had to take a CD back to the library today, so I thought I’d just see what was on the shelves, not intending to borrow any more books as I already have more than I can read for months ahead.
But when I saw The Breaking Point, short stories by Daphne du Maurier was on the “new in” stand I wanted to read it so I thought I might as well see if there were any more books I’d like to borrow. The blurb on the back cover tells me that The Breaking Point is a collection of “suspenseful tales in which fantasies, murderous dreams and half-forgotten worlds are exposed … often chilling, sometimes poignant, these stories display the full range of Daphne Du Maurier’s considerable talent.”
I felt it would be good to know more about the local area, so I looked in the Local History section and came away with 100 Days on Holy Island: a Writer’s Exile by Peter Mortimer. Holy Island, off the coast of north-east England is not far from where I now live. This book is an account of Peter Mortimer’s time on the island, cut off twice a day by the tides, exploring the landscape, people and myths. Peter Mortimer is a playwright and poet.
I’ve recently been reading King Arthur’s Bones by The Medieval Murderers and enjoyed the stories by Philip Gooden, one of the authors. So I looked to see if there were any of his Shakespearean Murder Mysteries, featuring Nick Revill. There was just one on the shelf – An Honourable Murderer. I see from Fantastic Fiction that this is his sixth Nick Revill book – ah well, maybe the library has his earlier books too. This one is set in 1604, with James I newly on the throne. Nick’s theatre company, the King’s Men, are part of the ceremonial celebrations. Nick investigates a number of suspicious deaths.
BooksPlease 
Margaret – I’ve done that too – gone to the library just to return something and ended up spending time there looking to see what they had. It looks as though you’ve got some good reads and I hope you enjoy them. I’ll be interested, too, to see what you think of King Arthur’s Bones. I’ve been wondering if that was worth a read.
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The Breaking Point interests me. I haven’t had much luck finding short story collections that I like. I’ll look for it!
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I went to the library today also, for a book discussion. Then I went to the mall to pick up some books I had requested for delivery to the book box there. The book box is convenient, but nothing beats a trip to the library! Annie Joy
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Daphne Du Maurier’s short stories are wonderful, and how lovely to find such an interesting book set close to home. You did well!
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I love Daphne du Maurier’s stories. I read the NYRB collection last year–Don’t Look Now. I have this one, too, but expect there may be some cross over of stories between the two. I have far too many books out from the library as well, but that never stops me from looking anyway! :)
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I always to try to sneak into the library to return items without finding new books, but it doesn’t always work and I keep adding to my huge TBR pile :)
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