Frustration, Firewood & Chocolate Eclairs

The ongoing work in my garden has resulted in me having a lot of spare firewood. If you would like some speak up now, or forever hold your peace. What with the relentless energy price hikes here in the UK, kindling could be gold dust come winter.

Last week I shared with you the books I’ve read this year. My current read is The Good Son – an award winning South Korean psychological thriller. Perhaps you’ve read it already. I have mixed feelings so far.

Next up will be Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. I hope its humour will appeal.

As for writing, I am looking forward to getting my latest book Golgotha back from the proof reader. The black comedy is the third instalment in my Necropolis Trilogy featuring sociopath Dyson Devereux.

Up until Thursday of last week, I would have mentioned at this juncture how well received the first two parts have been on Goodreads. But alas, both have since fallen victim to bots. Over the course of the last eight days they have got more ratings than they have had in their lives. All of which have come from accounts opened in June that are yet to review a single book. The Goodreads chart below for Necropolis illustrates the extent of the issue.

Of course this wouldn’t be bad news if they were good ratings. However, both books’ ratings have plummeted. Sepultura has gone from 3.88 to 3.18 and it is dropping fast. At the present rate it will have the dubious distinction of being the lowest rated book on Goodreads. And Necropolis isn’t faring much better. Goodreads are ignoring my emails.

I have been receiving therapy in the form of my dog Trigga and chocolate eclairs. They are proving to be a cathartic combination.

Have a good weekend.