After reading Janice Horton’s book Bagpipes and Bullshot earlier in the year, which I thoroughly enjoyed with its descriptive writing and traditional feel to it I couldn’t wait to see what this talented author had up her sleeve for her next novel Reaching for the Stars.
Plot
Scottish celebrity chef Finn McDuff is media stalked and disillusioned after winning his third star and losing his third wife. He decides he’s had enough of all the food campaigns, the TV cookery shows, the constant frenzy surrounding his private life and, after giving up all his accolades and closing down his restaurant, he disappears.
With the enfant terrible of the kitchen missing, two rival newspapers, having lost their media meal ticket, compete against each other to whip up further public curiosity in the missing chef. Love him or hate him, everyone is out looking for Chef McDuff. Who will find him first and whose side will you be on...?
My opinion
I have to admit after reading the synopsis of Reaching for the Stars I was a little shocked as it sounded like a completely different read, I was a little nervous about reading this book because I really didn’t want to be disappointed I was hoping that Janice Horton still worked her charm in this book.
I found the characters in this book compelling to read mainly because yet again Janice uses her descriptive writing skill in bringing the characters to life as you meet each one. I did find it a little hard to believe how young Raine was she came across a lot older than her early 20’s but I loved both her and Finn’s characters.
For me the story came into its own when Finn disappears as this is where we see Janice Horton’s writing at its best in this book. There was still the element of suspense in this book I couldn’t predict the ending to it at all which was a nice little surprise.
I really enjoyed this book it did have a different feel to it I think it is because it felt more modernised compared to Bagpipes and Bullshot which has more of a traditional feel.
Janice Horton really is a star when it comes to compelling reading. Reach for Janice Horton, Reaching for the Stars! Grap your copy by clicking below for an unbeatable price of 95p !!!
To keep up with Janice Horton follow her on www.janicehortonwriter.blogspot.com
Janice is also on twitter @JaniceHorton
Hi Rea! You say you were a little nervous about reading this novel - well I can tell you that I was a little nervous too - just knowing how you'd loved Bagpipes & Bullshot!
ReplyDeleteI so wanted you to love Reaching for the Stars too, so I'm breathing a great sigh of happy relief right now.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Reaching for the Stars and for such a fabulous and honest review. You made my day!
Love, Janice xx
Hi Rea - I know how you feel, I really enjoyed Bagpipes & Bullshot and awaiting a second novel by an author there's a sense of 'can they do that again, but differently?' Well Janice has! Another fabulous read and Chef McDuff is a true star.....
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