New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Okay, I fell off the wagon, I was determined to finish reading the Orgin of Species but then this, the second in Meyer's vampire series, was just sitting there from the library and it did only take me about 24 hours to read. Hem. Brilliant evocations of loss and the grief you feel like a hole in your chest when you lose the person that is a part of your soul. Been there...

Reading Round Edinburgh: A Guide to Children's Books of the City by Lindsey Fraser and Kathryn Ross

A fascinating wee book providing visitors with a (long) walk around the Edinburgh streets combining children's authors talking about Edinburgh, extracts from their stories which feature parts of Edinburgh, and commentary and maps of the different areas. Has reignited my love of Mollie Hunter and given me loads of places to take Cj when next through.

The Return of the Dancing Master by Henning Mankell

Another brilliantly written thriller, even more so in that the reader is, towards the end, ahead of the detective becuase of his limitations: AZ: "Herbert Molin, a retired police officer, lives alone in a remote cottage in northern Sweden. Two things seem to consume him; his passion for the tango, and an obsession with the "demons" he believes to be pursuing him. Early one morning shots shatter Molin's windows...by the time his body is found it is almost unrecognisable. Stefan Lindman is another off-the-job police officer. On extended sick leave due to having cancer of the tongue, Lindman hears about the murder of his former colleague and, in a bid to take his mind off his own problems, decides to investigate. As his investigation becomes increasingly complex, it is with both horror and disbelief that Lindman uncovers links to a global web of neo-Nazi activity."

Company of Liars by Karen Maitland

Another one recommended by Penguin Books as part of their year long challenge. Entertaining and interesting, brought home to me how lucky we are in our current lives, without struggle for food and warmth and with such choice. An interesting mystery set during the devastation of the Plague, lots of new information I never knew

Tall, Dark and Dead by Tate Hallaway

A funny, very sexy take on vampires: AZ: "'The line between magic and sanity is very thin. That’s part of why I, Garnet Lacey, quit cold turkey. Never touch the stuff. No Exceptions.' Trouble is magic is so addictive, especially when you’ve got inner goddesses like Lilith to contend with. And it doesn’t stop there for Garnet; if you are going to run an occult bookstore then you’ve got to expect customers like Sebastian Von Traum, with his piercing brown eyes, sexy accent, killer body and total lack of an aura; which means he’s dead… Trouble can be so hard to resist, and what with Vatican witch hunters, long lost vampire exes and a boyfriend with an ex-wife who is literally stirring in her grave, Garnet Lacey has trouble enough for anyone." Can't wait to read the rest of her books, and she's inspired by Poppy Z Brite!

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Finally giving into the pressure of the popular I borrowed this off a friend, it's a really good fast imaginative read, lots of new vampire ideas: AZ: "When 17 year old Isabella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father she expects that her new life will be as dull as the town. But in spite of her awkward manner and low expectations, she finds that her new classmates are drawn to this pale, dark-haired new girl in town. But not, it seems, the Cullen family. These five adopted brothers and sisters obviously prefer their own company and will make no exception for Bella. Bella is convinced that Edward Cullen in particular hates her, but she feels a strange attraction to him, although his hostility makes her feel almost physically ill. He seems determined to push her away ? until, that is, he saves her life from an out of control car. Bella will soon discover that there is a very good reason for Edward's coldness. He, and his family, are vampires ? and he knows how dangerous it is for others to get too close." Can't wait to read the next one.

You Don't Have to be Famous to have Manic Depression: an A-Z guide to Mental Health by Jeremy Hughes and Tony Hughes

An excellent insight into manic depression. Thomas and Hughes' book begins with a series of recorded conversations between therapist (Hughes) and manic depressive patient (Thomas) discussing aspects of disease, treatment and social attitudes. This is followed by a series of anecdotal accounts in which people with manic depression speak about their experiences, and ended with an extensive detailed and useful A to Z combining useful glossary of terms and resources.