Book club: Pupils and staff offer their review on latest reads

It is the fourth in Holly Smale's award-winning Geek Girl series, published just two years after Holly burst on to the teen scene with her best-selling debut.

Charlotte Edwards read the book as part of The Shropshire Star Book Club, along with three fellow pupils – Caitlin-Jayne Stackhouse, Anna Hare and Caitlin Clark.

The 14-year-olds said they all loved reading in their spare time and they were keen to get to grips with the Geek Girl series.

Catch up with the latest reads and a chance to read sample chapters at shropshirestar.com/bookclub

Charlotte said: "This book meant a lot to me as it took us on a journey of self-discovery in which the protagonist decides on who she really is when all her life she's been believing she wanted to be someone else.

"The book was beautifully written as it gave you a true insight on how the main character was feeling which was what truly allowed me to relate to her at certain parts within the book.

"The book was a sharp and made me realise just how much knowing yourself matters."

• Read a sample chapter from All That Glitters here

Librarian Margaret Howells and English teacher Jodi Stevens, also of Thomas Telford School, also took part in the Book Club by reading and reviewing Flora Lively: A Date With Death. Our local choice for adults is one for anybody who loves a good crime mystery.

The author is Joanne Phillips, who is from Whixall, and her Flora Lively series of mysteries is set right here in Shropshire. A Date with Death is the second in the series, and the action takes place in the area around the Stiperstones.

Mrs Howells said: "We enjoyed the first few chapters. The fact that it was based in the local area was interesting but we felt there could have been more description and development of this.

"The plot was slow. In short, the book wasn't really for us."

• Read a sample chapter from Flora Lively and A Date With Death