Reader Spot – Meet Book Reviewer, Sandra Foy (@Monkbythesea)

Here on the Reader Spot, I share the bookish love of our avid book reviewers. From young adult to historical romance, chick-lit to a murder mystery, they know what they like, and they’re happy to share.  Whether you are a reader looking for a new book, or a writer wondering what your reader wants, I hope you find this series enjoyable.

Next up to the Reader Spot is reviewer, Sandra Foy. Find her book review blog HERE.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I love reading most any genre except for sci-fi which I have tried a few times but I just can’t get on with it. The two genres that I probably read the most are crime and contemporary. But if I get a recommendation I will usually give it a go no matter what genre, I had a book sent to me last year called Godbomb, I have no idea what made me say yes to reading it but I was very glad that I did as it was so different to anything I’d read before but also really good.

Do you have a favourite author in this genre?

I have so many favourites but I do have a particular soft spot for Sharon Bolton, her crime novels are exceptional, there is always a brooding sense of menace running through her books. In contemporary fiction I particularly like Maggie O’Farrell and her latest book This Must Be The Place is my favourite book this year.

How do you prefer to read your books?

I much prefer books, the feel and the smell of a book is beyond compare.  I do have a Kindle and use it about 30% of the time. The trouble with the Kindle Paperwhite is you don’t get to see the covers and I love a good cover.

Where do you purchase your books?

Amazon for ebooks, bookshops for my paperbacks and I always manage to throw one or two in with the shopping. 🙂

Where do you find out about the books you read?

Mostly online, from fellow bloggers recommendations and from publishers marketing new books and looking for reviewers. Amazon send recommendations by email as well.

Do you have a budget when buying books?  Do you stick to it if you do?

I’ll just check if my husband is listening, lol. No I really don’t, I pretend I do but I absolutely don’t.

Do you write a review when you’ve finished reading?  If so, where do you post this?

Oh yes. Always on my blog, then twitter, various Facebook pages, Goodreads, Amazon and Waterstones,

What do you look for in a book?

I love a good fast-paced crime thriller but I also love a slow-burning family drama. I think what gets my attention above all else is good characterisation. People I can believe in and watch develop and grow.

Where do you like to read?

Everywhere! I read at home, at work, in waiting rooms, on the bus, etc., but my favourite two places are in the bath (haven’t dropped the book or the kindle yet) and in bed.

What social media platforms are you active on?

On Facebook I have a personal account and also a blog page.

I’m also on Twitter and Goodreads

I also have instagram and pinterest accounts but I am hopeless at them.

To find out more about Sandra, pop over to her Blog

If you are an avid reader and would like to be included in this feature, then please use the ‘say hello’ page to send me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.