Casual Vacancy

This book cannot be more different from all of Rowling's other books. Definitely "Adult" rated amongst books. However, you can make out her writing style right from Page one. Her love for "english counties"and her hatred for "english tradition" is visible throughout the book.She weaves a story around a kind and loving man who favoured the underdogs and believed in giving a chance to everyone(very much like our beloved Dumbledore). Another similarity with the potter series is how she brings out the difference between the two classes in the society - just like muggles and wizards(or witches!). Your heart aches for some characters and you just wish their pain ends in the end.All in all an okayish read. Starts slow but picks up pace around the middle of the book

Nothing Ventured

Nothing Ventured has all the elements of the Archer Cocktail for the protagonist - a formidable mother, a stickler father, a woman of substance, an unselfish mentor and a clever rival - however it fails to deliver the punch. Like familiar food, the book itself is easy to digest - no surprises, it has everything you expect out of it - except it leaves you with a disappointing aftertaste. The detective is too easily aided in some tough situations by people who had no reason to. The plot in itself was very simple and fails to pique your interest. All in all, it was too predictable. Hoping the next book in the series has a better plot to go on.