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Title: Crime and punishment  Author: Fyodor Dostotevsky Review: While the title may seem menancing, Crime and Punishment does provide a touching read in some respects. Yes, it is true that the main character Raskolnikov is a murderer, and the storyline follows his motives (which he isn't even positive of) and the response to the murder. However, Dostoyevsky takes an interesting approach when creating Raskolnikov. The main character commits an umbelievable sin, but yet is a good person - he has saved children from a burning building. Crime and Punishment plays on the idea of 'Pro and Contra'. At the conclusion of the story, it seems as if the 'Pro' side of Raskolnikov is taking a stand. I would certainly not call this book lighthearted, but it is written very well. A great read for anyone interested in a deep story, regardless of age. 10 out of 10, Dostoyevsky! Review by: Madeiline top

Title: The baby thief  Author: Barbara Bisantz Raymond Review: Georgia Tann was lauded for her work in the US in promoting and popularising adoption which had previously been feared and discouraged. In reality, she kidnapped and sold over 5,000 children. The author tells the true situation by uncovering many of the life-shattering stories. Raymond shows how it was possible with a political framework that allowed Tann to work with impunity. An amazing true story. Review by: Peter top

Title: The Story of Blanche and Marie  Author: Per Olov Enquist Review: A swedish writer. Great story telling and story. Beautiful prose. Unless you are interested in the times, people or writing styles, not really for bookclub, but if you read it, you may decide it's great. I loved the odd way of setting out the story, made you really become absorbed. I really liked it. I think it was very well researched, he does give a few notes at the end. Shame it was just fiction. I found it fascinating, the characters were a bit insubstantial but I think that was a deliberate ploy, to fit in with the slightly esoteric themes. A really good book, it'll go on my list of authors to follow up. Review by: Janet top

Title: Undead and Unwed  Author: MaryJanice Davidson Review: The first in the laugh-out-loud "Undead Series" by MaryJanice Davidson. This series is an absolute corker! The books are a fun, quick, easy read Betsy Taylor, a former "Miss Burnsville", newly unemployed , 30, and still single - wakes up in a tacky coffin after being flattened by a small 4WD. Now her new vampire friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire Queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most horrible vampire in five centuries. But Betsy has more important things on her mind like worries about your clothes, your pet, your clothes, your job, your clothes, your family and friends, and your clothes. Review by: Trevor top

Title: We need to talk about Kevin  Author: Lionel Shriver Review: Waiting for 'Nineteen Minutes'? Try 'We Need To Talk About Kevin' which takes the form of letters written by Eva Khatchadourian to her former husband, Franklin, who leaves her just before her worst nightmare comes to life. Three days short of his 16th birthday, Eva's son, Kevin, shoots seven of his fellow students in the school gym and watches with grim satisfaction as they bleed to death. In her letters, Eva attempts to discover why Kevin became a killer by examining her domestic life. This is the most powerful book I've read in years; and I love the increasing complexity of the tale as it unfolds. (I wonder if Picoult will reach this standard.) Review by: Peter top