April reading wrap-up

April turned out to be a surprisingly varied reading month, with a mix of psychological thrillers, dark fantasy, indie discoveries, and audiobooks that kept things interesting from start to finish. There were a few standout reads that really delivered on tension and character, alongside some more experimental or slower-paced books.

Overall, it was a month that balanced entertainment with more thought-provoking themes, particularly around morality, identity, and the consequences of past actions.

Esther Is Now Following You

Tanya Sweeney

This novel offers an unsettling exploration of grief, trauma, and obsession, using celebrity fandom to examine emotional vulnerability and misplaced longing. The dynamic within the “Tedettes” community adds both dark humour and empathy, and the story thoughtfully reflects how trauma can distort perception and foster escapism.

However, the themes feel underdeveloped at times. Key elements—such as grief, stalking, and aspects of Esther’s backstory—lack depth, and her central obsession is not entirely convincing. Esther herself is difficult to connect with, often coming across as abrasive and unsympathetic.

Despite being well written and thought-provoking, the book is far heavier than its marketing suggests, with distressing content that may not suit all readers.

Indie Reads

Corrour: The First Summoning

Aidan Blackwood

Corrour, the first instalment in The Cursed Bothies series, is an atmospheric and unsettling supernatural novel set deep within the Cairngorms, where a remote stone shelter becomes something far more sinister than a place of refuge. As a group of strangers, each burdened by their own past, converge on the isolated bothy, the narrative builds a growing sense of unease through sparse, clipped prose and an evocative use of silence and landscape.

Aidan excels in creating a vividly desolate setting, with the surrounding whiteout and creeping supernatural elements heightening the claustrophobic tension. The prologue is particularly effective, establishing a tone that persists throughout, while the bothy itself is rendered as an ominous presence without over-explanation, adding to its mystery. Though the premise is simple, the execution is compelling, with eerie details, such as personalised music emerging from a haunting object, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere. A gripping and immersive read, Corrour is both sinister and suspenseful, culminating in a strong, memorable ending that will appeal to fans of slow-burn, spine-chilling horror.

Book Club Book

Service Model

Adrian Tchaikovsky

Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky is an ambitious but uneven exploration of identity, purpose, and artificial intelligence, following Charles, a robot valet who kills his master and, rebranded as “UnCharles,” embarks on a quest to find new purpose in a post-apocalyptic world. While the novel begins with sharp satire and engaging humour, it gradually shifts into a more abstract, episodic narrative heavily influenced by works such as The Divine Comedy and The Trial, resulting in a disjointed structure and uneven pacing. The protagonist’s supposedly emotionless nature conflicts with his persistent introspection, making his motivations difficult to engage with, while the philosophical and religious commentary often feels overt and repetitive rather than nuanced. Despite its inventive premise, the novel ultimately reads more like a philosophical treatise than a cohesive science fiction story, likely appealing to readers who enjoy idea-driven fiction but alienating those seeking emotional depth or narrative clarity.

Series Spotlight

Audiobooks

Overall, April was a solid reading month. The indie titles, in particular, stood out this month, offering fresh ideas and compelling storytelling. Heading into May, I’m hoping to keep that balance of thrillers and darker, atmospheric reads, while continuing to discover more indie authors and series worth investing in.