Rebecca Tope Signing

Just because our shop has closed it doesn't mean that Rebecca Tope will turn her back on The Cotswolds.

In fact, she will be signing her latest Thea Osborne book, (set in Winchcombe) at The Borzoi Bookshop in Stow-on-the-Wold on Saturday 30th March at 11am.

As well as launching her new hardback, Shadow in the Cotswolds, her latest paperback, Malice in the Cotswolds, will also be available.

I'll be there and perhaps Nina and David may make it too, but don't let that put you off!




If you are new to Rebecca, give her site a look - http://www.rebeccatope.com/ 

Blog back on Air

OK We're back in the driving seat now. After a slow re-assembly of the computer and peripherals (small choux pastry balls filled with cream and topped with chocolate) we're now back in charge of the blog.

So here's our first review for a while -

A Game of Thrones: by George R.R. Martin

Paperback at £8.99

With a link to the history of fourteenth century Europe and perhaps our own 'Wars of the Roses', this sprawling epic is just the start of a huge and gripping saga. This first book runs to 800 pages (what value!) and describes the lives of Kings and Princes, knights and traitors, as various families vie to rule the land. There are few men of honour, in these pages. Everyone plots to satisfy their own ambitions. Perhaps everyone, that is, but Eddard Stark, called away from his family to virtually rule while the King enjoys the hunt and too much wine. However, there is a suspicion of murder at court and, at the King's death, Eddard must take command only to find that he can trust no one. As his control slips, the country spirals into war. I was soon gripped by the lives of the vast list of characters as they dance around each other. You'll soon find your favourites among them, some of them are very amusing, and there are plenty to hiss and boo as the plot develops. The non-stop action, secrets, plots and battles spread across a brilliantly imagined landscape rush you to the last page. Much better than the TV series starring Sean Bean as Stark, this is superb. I've already rushed to the next in the series, A Clash of Kings, which I'm enjoying just as much. 

I know it's an oldie but for years I've read for the shop while my favourite authors output piled up in the 'library'. (Large box under the bed!)

More from Peter Gibbs

Those of you who bought (and for certain enjoyed) the excellent cricket novel, Settling the Score by Peter Gibbs, might be interested in Arthur's Hallowed Ground starring Jimmy Jewel which is one of Peter's most enjoyable plays.

It's on Film 4 at 15.20 - short notice this but I've just spotted it. There's always I-player.

Father Brown - Mark Williams

Hits from all over from folk looking up Father Brown after today's first screening. I thought it most enjoyable.

Good to see Mark Williams on top form and various Cotswold villages in the sunshine.

The former was expected but however did they manage the latter in the wet and miserable summer, just past.


Despite the shop having been closed for two weeks now, we still receive requests for copies of Justin Thyme and Thyme Running Out. I have my own store of 'em!

I will endevour to put something on our blog, now and again

Schools - WBD freebies

Calling local schools.

There's not much time as we're clearing the premises at Cotswold Bookstore, quite quickly.

However, we do have boxes of  World Book Day books stored up over the past 10 years.

They were given away in exchange for a token or there was a price of £1.00 on them.

Free to schools for library or small prizes.

Please give us a ring on 01608 652666 if you think you can use them.

Happy New Year

A belated Happy New Year to you all.

There's a few books that I've enjoyed recently and, when I can make the time, I'll knock up my thoughts on them.

Of course, if you like the sound of them, you'll have to go to The Borzoi Bookshop in Stow or Jaffe and Neale in Chipping Norton for them. We're fresh out of books.*

The poor old shop really looks a wreck as we've been busy fetching down years of accumulated junk from upstairs and either getting folks to take it away or piling it in the skip outside.

Someone wanted the scrap wood but we cannot remember who that was. If you know - get in touch.

The same applies for our large rug. Someone asked for it but who?

Lots of kind people still arrive to tell us how sorry they are to see us closed. It would have been great if someone had taken over but it's not that kind of world any longer. Sad.

(* Might have a few Justin Thyme's around the place somewhere)

Cotswold Bookstore - the end

Today was the last trading day at Cotswold Bookstore and what a day!

I intended taking photos but we were, all three of us, too busy accepting gifts, getting handshakes, hugs and kisses, offering drinks and mince pies and even serving a customer now and again.

Thank you all for all your gifts, for your often moist eyed thanks and for your company on this, our last day.

Running a bookshop must always be a pleasure. With friends as wonderful as you all, it has been a perfect joy.

Thank you, thank you from David, Nina and myself,
Tony.