Tilley's loss

Since the shop closed, David and I have met up, most Friday mornings, in Tilley's. This excellent little café has, through three different ownerships, been a provider of sticky buns and coffee to David, Nina and I at Cotswold Bookstore.

We were therefore upset to discover that Clive, the latest to run the place, has left for retirement. For years we have enjoyed his insults and rudeness and the place won't seem the same with out him. To sit with a cuppa and not have someone ask when we're going or demand payment in advance because one of us looks a little off colour is a little boring.

All the best then Clive and if you see us out and about, do stop and have a word, especially if it's rude one.

From Weymouth

Also in Tilley's this morning were two lovely old friends who were looking forward to calling in at the shop.

Sue and Mervyn Gale, having traveled all the way up from Weymouth, were disappointed to find the bookshop had closed.

Nice to see you again folks. Coffee's on its way.

Tuesday at Tilley's

On most Tuesday mornings, about 11am, you may find some of the Cotswold Bookstore staff having coffee and giggles at Tilley's, next door to the shop.


Here is a shop regular, Linda, Nina (the boss) and David.


Here is John who seems to be of interest of all, even the guy outside, Tony with a mad grin and Dee, that's Nina's lovely Mum. Of course Nina's Dad was behind the camera.

The Second Life of Amy Archer

Sorry, no image yet as this book is not released till July 17th. However, as the author lives quite close, I scrounged a proof from him and here are my thoughts.

The Second Life of Amy Archer by RS Pateman.
Hardback at £18.99. Large format paperback at £12.99

The central character in this most unusual psychological thriller is a young woman, Beth, whose daughter was snatched from a playground ten years before the novel starts. Beth has never recovered from her loss and the event and her reaction ends her marriage. She sufferers from bouts of depression relieved only by a hope that she can contact Amy through a medium. Then, Amy turns up on her doorstep, looking no older than when she disappeared. Is this a con or reincarnation?
   This tale  is remarkable both for its quality and the for the convincing voice of a woman in turmoil  for the author is male. Beth continually flips between mistrust and belief, between despair and elation and her tale will keep you guessing up to and beyond the last page and, I’m certain, will cause heated discussions in book groups across the land.

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.