Not the best known of his works but A.L. Rowse’s “Bosworth Field and the War of the Roses”, published in 1966, continued his successful writing career.  He was renowned for his “academic boldness” – some of his conclusions on the events leading to the War of the Roses and his account of the reigns of the late Medieval English Kings would be challenged these days – but it was interesting enough particularly as his second great passion, Shakespeare, is reflected in a chapter on the history plays.

More blood and gore but not of the historical type – Simon Brett’s “Blood at the Bookies” is a well written whodunnit which I enjoyed.

The third book for this month is another in the Hamish Macbeth mysteries by M.C. Beaton “Death of a Macho Man” – well plotted and written as usual but not one of my favourites.

Debra Thatcher

With the cost-of-living crisis affecting every household it is even more important to support the work of the Food Bank if you are able: all donations are gratefully received.

These items are requested: UHT milk (blue or green), sponge puddings and custard; pot noodles; tinned carrots; sugar; toothbrushes; ladies’ toiletries; shaving gel and pump hand soap.

The Ridlington Singers will present an informal concert on Friday 16 September, at 7.30pm in Ridlington Church.

Free admission, and donations to the British Red Cross Ukrainian Crisis Appeal, and Ridlington Church.

We look forward to seeing you there for an enjoyable evening.

Martin Wall

All three books this month are crime novels – one recently written, one 20 years old and one from the golden age of crime writing.

The first is Richard Osman’s “The Man Who Died Twice”, a follow up to “The Thursday Murder Club”.  Like many sequels I thought it not quite as good as the first novel but a good crime caper nevertheless.

“Death of a Celebrity”, a Hamish Macbeth mystery by M C Beaton, is a police procedural – well plotted and written. Quite charming.

However, if you have not read it before, I recommend Agatha Christie’s “Three Act Tragedy” – a great plot and a well told story.