October Wrap Up (2024)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And with the end of October comes another wrap up. 

Nowhere near as long as September's list, but I read a solid amount this month anyway. 

I read a total of four books. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. The Hidden Girl, by Lucinda Riley 

The most recently released Lucinda Riley book, edited by her son, Harry Whitaker. I didn't realise she still had more unpublished book, and I was fortunate enough to borrow my work colleague's copy. Spending several on a train jounrey to Cardiff and back was enough for me to start and finish this, it turns out. Of course I was sucked in almost immediately, with the centre of the story being about a young girl called Leah, from Yorkshire. Almost by chance, she is discovered by the husband of a famous modelling agent, and as she is whisked away from her life on the moors, events start to take place, as Leah starts to see for herself what the world of modelling is really like. Leah is very much the centre of the story, but she isn't the only character. I read from the POV of her mother, her employer and her family, and they all play their part in this very intricate story that takes place over centuries. 

2. A Mind Full of Murder (Skulduggery Pleasant #16), by Derek Landy

It's October, I pick up Skulduggery. It's like bread and butter. Skulduggery Pleasant and October. 

A Mind Full of Murder kicks off the third phase of books following SP and Valkyrie Cain, with a magical being killing off seemingly random mortals. They have powers that have never been seen before, and seemingly can't be stopped. Never one to walk away from a challenge, our heroes are on the case once more, and we get to be with them for the ride. 

Whatever happens, I know I will always be entertained, enthralled by whatever magnificent story Derek Landy has cooked up. 

3. The Haunted House on Hollow Hill (Skulduggery Pleasant), by Derek Landy

I came across this on holiday in Cornwall and figured, since I was already reading A Mind Full of Murder, it was the perfect opportunity for me to catch up on the series, since this had just been released. 

The Haunted House of Hollow Hill isn't part of the main series, more like a side story that can take place at any point during the third phase. It takes place in one night, in a hotel- The Hollow Hotel. The hotel has a gruesome history, about two lovers that became trapped in the maze of the hotel (as ghosts) that was made by an ex-betrothed. Not only that, someone is going round murdering the guests. 

So all in all, a bunch of crazy murders, ghosts scaring the guests, and a criminal running riot- makes for an extremely interesting read. 

4. Near the Bone, by Christina Henry 

After finishing The Haunted House on Hollow Hill, I had just over a week left until the end of October. 

Wanting to be in the spooky theme for a bit longer, I picked up Near the Bone, by Christina Henry, having bought it for October specifically. 

I became engrossed immediately. 

To be honest, I have no idea what fairytale this book was based off of. We follow a young girl called Mattie, who lives on a snow covered mountain with her husband, completely isolated from the rest of the world. Until Mattie uncovers a dead fox, and realises they're not alone after all. 

There's something in the woods that growls, unlike any human or animal, something with shrap teeth and claws. 

When three humans arrive at the mountain, looking for the creature, Mattie knows she needs to keep them a secret from her husband, William. Because William will get angry. And terrible things happen when William gets angry. 

This book goes in a different direction to what I thought it would. I thought Mattie would be stalking the creature, figuring more about it. I don't want to give anything away that would give a clue as to what this is about. I want you all to read it. If you like fairytales with a hint of classic horror, then this book is for you. Of course, read up on adult themes within this book before you do, because there are a few. 

As you can tell, I have a lot of thoughts for the this book, and you should expect a review soon! 

Okay! Those are all the books I finished for the month of October! I started out strong, and fizzled a bit in the middle, but managed to finish another book on the cusp, so I'm hoping for another good month in November! TBR up soon! 

I hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx