Welcome to the latest edition of My Favourite Reads. A tad late again, but regular blog readers will know from recent Teaser Tuesdays that we had to take a short-notice journey to north Queensland and that has put me a bit off schedule. Not to worry, I’m home and making amends!

I am not, however, enjoying the cold weather. I’ve been donning a thick beanie for my morning walks, and it was so bitter when I was out running chores on Tuesday I had to pull my fleecy hoody over my head. Neither is a good look, but at least beanies and hoodies keep my ears from freezing.

Enough of my cold weather woes. Let’s get on to my favourite reads of May.

I’ve been thinking quite hard on my favourite and the truth is I can’t really choose. Yeah, that’s a bit of a cop-out but all the books were enjoyable, suited my mood at the time and made me happy. Given what was occurring around me, that’s exactly what I needed.

Here they are.

The Alchemist’s Secret by Scott Mariani

I’ve had this book on my e-reader for at least four years now and could never get into it. That happens, as I’m sure you understand. It doesn’t matter how good a book is, sometimes you’re just not in the mood.

This time round I had no trouble and found The Alchemist’s Secret a great ride. If you love a Dan Brown style action-adventure-mystery-thriller, then this is smack in your zone.

The first in Mariani’s long-running Ben Hope series that so far tallies 17 books. Clearly he’s doing something right!

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This book has been a blockbuster seller of late so naturally I had to see what all the fuss was about.

It’s a wonderful story about a damaged but strong – if socially clumsy – woman making her way in a world she doesn’t quite relate to. Eleanor is a great character, but I adored Raymond. He’s my kind of hero.

A read to make you feel good and smile at the joy of friendship.

Extinct by RR Hayward

I’ve raved about this totally bonkers series before in previous Favourite Reads (Extracted here and Executed here).

Extinct is the last in the trilogy and it didn’t let me down. The plot is funny, action-packed, potty-mouthed, violent, sort-of sexy, and completely over the top. The characters no different. They are so cool! But old-fashioned, decent and ridiculously brave Harry is my favourite.

A rollicking ride. Loved it.

The Convent’s Secret by CJ Archer

This series is so comforting. I know when I grab a new Glass and Steele book that I’m in for a hugely entertaining read, filled with mystery, romance and characters I fell in love with from first meeting.

Things have really moved along for Matt, India and the gang but I suspect there’ll be several backward steps in future books. I hope so. Journeying with this group as they tackle all the many obstacles thrown at them is what makes it fun.

Yeah, I’m a total fangirl, but I can’t recommend this series enough.

Deadly Secrets by Robert Bryndza

Another comfort read that hit the spot. Deadly Secrets was a cracking addition to the Detective Erika Foster series. Maybe even my favourite.

The mystery in Deadly Secrets was very tangled – so many suspects to choose from – and Erika’s life took a few interesting turns too.

I’ll be auto-buying the next when it comes out.

What reads have you enjoyed lately?