‘A Case of Mice and Murder’ by Sally Smith

Smith’s debut novel, given to me as a present by one of my students, they said ‘it’s got lots of good reviews’.

I liked this novel: I gave it 4 stars.

Set in 1901 in London, it follows barrister Gabriel Ward who is given the unenviable job of investigating the murder of the Lord Chief Justice.

As well as a murder to investigate, he is also defending a publisher in a disputed authorship of a best-selling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse.

I’m not saying anything else. Well worth a read.

‘The Race Against Time’ by Richard Askwith

Yes, I know, it’s another running book! I like reading running books!

Although, this one, less so.

This book explores the science behind running into old age, together with stories from athletes running through their 60s and into, in some cases, their 100s.

There was a lot of stories from athletes who have achieved incredible times running later in life. Of course, these athletes all have different ‘secrets’ as to why they can do what they do. Some only do very short intense sessions, some long and slow, some focus on strength, some stretching.

If you want the ‘secret’ of running into old age, this book won’t tell you.

There was one piece of advice that I’ll be taking on board, from Mahatma Ghandi:

Work as if you are going to live for ever, but live as if you were going to die tomorrow.