Linda Hall: Read All About It

With the weather getting cooler and the days shorter now's the time to grab a couple of good books to read while you're sitting in a nice warm room on a comfy chair with your feet up.

I have a couple of thriller/mysteries to tell you about, one by a prolific writer and the other a debut novel. I also have two fabulous children's books to share with readers in this week's Read All About it.

Thriller lovers will have probably read at least one of James Patterson's books.

He is well known for his Alex Cross detective series, the Women's Murder Club series and Private series.

Private No 1 Suspect by Patterson and Maxine Paetro sees Jack Morgan, the boss of Private Investigations, accused of murdering his former lover.

The evidence against him is overwhelming, she was found in his bed in his locked house.

Even his team of top class investigators is having trouble clearing his name.

As always in a Patterson novel there is always more than one storyline going on.

There's a celebrity movie star who needs watching, and a beautiful hotel owner who needs help.

Another excellent, exciting read from this bestselling author.

Published by Random House, Private No 1 Suspect retails for $37.99.

Lisa Brackman's first novel Year of the Tiger is a gripping read about Ellie Cooper, a tough, yet vulnerable character.

Ellie is recovering in China after a tour of duty in Iraq as a medic left her injured in both body and soul.

Her marriage to Trey, who she met while on tour, is over but she can't get over what she saw in Iraq.

When her Chinese friend disappears and men in suits start following her Ellie runs for her life.

The only way she is able to get help is through a computer game, but even this seems futile.

It seems no matter which way she turns someone is on her tail.

An action-packed adventure that takes readers from Beijing to remote Chinese villages and to the horrors of war in Iraq.

Published by HarperCollins Year of the Tiger retails for $24.99.

Now for the children. First we have a book that combines science and mythology.

Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals by Helene Rajcak and Damien Laverdunt takes readers around the world of extinct animals.

The book is tragicomedy (blending tragic events with comedy).

There are some strange and exotic creatures in this fascinating book.

It also includes New Zealand's moa and the Haast eagle.

Details include size, weight, where the animal originated and the year it became extinct.

An educational and fun book for children of all ages.

Published by Gecko Press this large hardcover book retails for $36.99.

Now for a bit of fun. The Birthday Cake Mystery by The Tjong-Khing has no text.

It's up to the reader and the listener to make up the story as they go.

And there are plenty of options.

This look and point book is full of mystery and is a perfect way to get young children to use their imagination. There are questions on the back of the book to help you follow the story. I love this book ... it's fun to read every time.

Published by Gecko Press, The Birthday Cake Mystery retails for $34.99 (hardcover).