BUtterfield 8 - John O'Hara

 

Outstanding dialogue, no great plot but the conversations are brilliant.  Track it down

JUDGEMENT ON DELTCHEV - Eric Ambler

 

An Ambler novel overtly critical of the Soviet system, unusual for Ambler.  This is very slow paced, not his best

THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE -Richard Osman

 

The latest in the series with the nicest bunch of characters in fiction.  This as usual is very funny  and sharp in its observations. I believe the series can handle a few more outings yet

UNDER THE RED ROBE - Stanley J. Weyman

 

Published over 100 years ago, set 400 years ago, we have a very stilted tale of daring do set in France.

Very hard work to get through, thankfully its mercifully short.  A poor mans John Buchan. i wouldn't track down anymore of Weyman's books

MADAME MAIGRET'S FRIEND - Georges Simenon

Simenon was a great novelist full stop.  Pigeon holing him as a "crime writer' is doing him a huge disservice.
 

THUNDERBALL- Ian Fleming

 

When you can't decide on what to read next , grab a Bond and have a relax.  Thunderball is one of the best of the series as well

DAY OF OPRICHNIK - Vladimir Sorokin

 

Set in 2028 , a satire on what the author foresees could happen in Russia under Putin. Some humour but more cynical than satire