Again I recorded the video whilst waiting for a connecting Transport For Wales Train from Chester to the West Midlands, having just alighted from a Merseyrail metro train on platform 7, which is the only platform at Chester with an electric line, being a third rail powered line.
Book review blog site, with some entertainment material from time-to-time.
Friday, 13 February 2026
More Steam Trains at Chester Station
This time it is the preserved steam hauled train The Irish Mail.
Thursday, 12 February 2026
A Steam Train in Chester
During my commutes to and from Liverpool to the West Midlands I use a slightly convoluted, but shorter, train journey which involves travelling via Chester and then using the Metro to Liverpool which is Liverpool's very own underground railway service which goes under the River Mersey and direct in the heart of Liverpool's iconic city centre.
There's often a fairly lengthy wait at Chester for a connecting service to the West Midlands. However, there's often a good deal of steam trains passing through Chester station and I have made videos of those steam trains.
I was watching a steam train video on YouTube the other day when I thought: "Wait a minute! I have a number of steam train videos that I recorded at Chester station. And as I also have a YouTube channel, why not upload those videos to my channel?"
And this is what I have started to do from today onward. I hope you enjoy this short example of British steam train nostalgia.
Saturday, 7 February 2026
Not Quite Done with Dating: Latest book from Bella Osborne
Nora realises that leaving her dating life up to chance or fate, as she has done so ar, simply hasn't been working out for her.
However, Nora has one more trick up her sleeve that most of us don't have. Because Nora is a statistician.
Her gut feelings might have let her down but have numbers ever let her down? No! You always know where you are with numbers.
So Nora designs a unique mathematical formula to help her play the dating game. But this time she intends to use math and numbers to conquer the quest to find romantic love in her life!
Putting her love theory to the test takes Nora to some decidedly odd places that are populated with some decidedly odd men.
But she's not going to accept defeat. After all, she knows that her one, special man must be out there, somewhere. But maybe that one, special man is closer to her than she realises?
What do readers say?
"I love Bella Osborne’s books and this one is no exception! Not Quite Done With Dating is a smart, funny rom-com that kept me turning the pages. I loved the mix of humour and heart — especially the idea of trying to logic your way to finding love. The characters are delightful, the writing is beautiful, and the humour genuinely made me smile. 5 sparkling stars for this gorgeous read!"
"So many laugh out loud moments, along with adorable characters and a story that keeps you on the toes as Nora backtracks through her catalogue of boyfriends. The sort of book where you want to be friends with many of the characters and others give them a good shake. The perfect heartwarming read you didn't know you needed."
It's available in paperback at £9.49 or Kindle at £3.99 on Amazon and you can order it here:-
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon -Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo- Performance Details Announced & Ticket Sales Now Open!
The cast lineup and ticket details have been officially announced for the highly anticipated new Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon theater production, “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon – Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo, japan” set to open in April 2026 at Club eX, Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo.
This new theater experience continues the legacy of the beloved theater restaurant “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon – SHINING MOON TOKYO,” which operated in Azabu-Juban in 2019 and attracted significant attention from fans.
Reimagined as a next-generation entertainment space, the Shinagawa theater offers audiences a deeper and more immersive encounter with the world of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon through original stories and stage direction created exclusively for this venue.
The show and greeting performances will feature a double-cast system divided into Team Gold Moon and Team Silver Moon.
In addition, the production introduces an original enemy character, Queen Valsia, created specifically for this theatre. With bespoke stage direction, music, and costumes, the cast will bring to life an entirely new musical experience unique to this production.
Original Drinks & Sweets
Guests can enhance their theater experience with exclusive menu items available for pre-purchase through the official online ticketing system. These include the “Crystal Bottle Drink,” designed to be enjoyed while watching the performance, and the “Luna Cut-Out Baumkuchen (Plain),” featuring original artwork of Luna.
The Crystal Bottle Drink lineup includes flavors and colors inspired by the ten Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask. Limited-edition drinks themed after the Sailor Starlights will also be available during each character’s birthday period.
Inside the theater, guests may order alcoholic beverages such as the “Shining Cocktail,” inspired by Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic drinks.
Please check the official website for important notes and details.
Ticket Information
Tickets will be sold through the official online platform, where both domestic and international audiences can select seats.
General On-sale: February 8, 2026
All ticket sales operate on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once inventory is sold out.
Ticket sales will be released in phases, each covering four months of performances. Phase 1 includes shows from April through July 2026. Details for later phases will be announced via official websites.
Performance Details
Title: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon -Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo-
Opening: April 4, 2026
Venue: Club eX, Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Tokyo, Japan)
Original Work: Naoko Takeuchi (Published by Kodansha)
Composition & Direction: Go Ueki
Script: Shinjiro Kameda
Visual Art & Theatre Design: Wataru Linda Igarashi
Ticket Prices (tax included):
Premium Seat / Premium Seat (Sofa): ¥18,000
Class S Seat: ¥13,000
Class A Seat: ¥8,000
Class A Seat (Ages 4–12): ¥4,000
BOX Room: ¥32,000
Cast details are available on the official website.
Official Channels:
Website https://prettyguardiansailormoon-stst.com
X https://x.com/sailormoon_STST
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sailormoon_stst/
Official Hashtags:
#prettyguardiansailormoonshiningtheater #shiningtheater
#美少女戦士セーラームーン #シャイニングシアター
© Naoko Takeuchi
© Naoko Takeuchi,PNP/“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Shining Theater Shinagawa Tokyo” project
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Celebrating International Book Giving Day
Because stories and ideas are meant to be shared.
International Book Giving Day, marked each year on 14 February, is a gentle reminder that books are one of the most meaningful gifts we can give.
Whether it’s a brand-new picture book, a much-loved paperback, or a surprise novel slipped onto a friend’s doorstep, the day is all about spreading the joy of reading – without pressure, price tags, or pretence.
Why book giving matters
A book can educate, comfort, distract, inspire, or simply offer a few quiet minutes away from the world. For children especially, receiving a book can spark a lifelong love of reading. For adults, it can feel like being truly seen – “I thought you’d like this.”
International Book Giving Day encourages us to think beyond ourselves and remember that not everyone has easy access to books at home.
Simple ways to take part
You don’t need to do anything elaborate. Small gestures are very much the point:
Gift a book to a child – a new title or a gently used favourite
Donate books to schools, libraries, food banks, or charities such as Book Aid International https://bookaid.org
Leave a book somewhere public with a note inviting someone to enjoy it
Post a book to a friend “just because”
Share a recommendation on social media and encourage others to do the same
Even one book can make a difference.
A lovely excuse to talk about reading
For book lovers, the day is also a chance to celebrate stories and ideas themselves. It’s a great prompt to revisit childhood favourites, support local bookshops, or finally pass on that novel you couldn’t stop talking about.
At That’s Books and More, we love anything that puts books into more hands and more homes. International Book Giving Day isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about kindness, connection, and the quiet magic of a good read finding the right reader.
So if you’re looking for a thoughtful way to mark the day, skip the chocolates and share a story instead.
Monday, 2 February 2026
New Book, Leading in Chaos, Calls for a Fundamental Revisioning of Leadership
As leaders face an era defined by polycrisis, institutional fragility, and sustained uncertainty, Leading in Chaos argues today’s conditions demand not better tools or frameworks, not best practice, but next practice - a fundamentally different inner operating system for leadership, grounded in deeper forms of human intelligence.
Rather than offering another methodology to master, Leading in Chaos reframes leadership itself as an embodied, developmental practice.
The book invites leaders, consultants, and changemakers to cultivate inner capacities that cannot be faked - such as receptivity, humility, and the ability to navigate paradox - so they can act with clarity and integrity amid ongoing disruption. Because, in their words, “chaos is the new black” – not a temporary situation.
Michael Watkins, Professor of Leadership and Organisational Change at IMD Business School, told That's Books and More: says: “In Leading in Chaos, ancient wisdom traditions speak to quarterly earnings. Trauma healing becomes organisational strategy. The body’s intelligence supersedes the mind’s calculations. Prayer and spreadsheets coexist. This isn’t New Age wishful thinking but a rigorous argument that unless we reunite body and mind, heart and strategy, sacred and secular, we will continue to create the conditions that threaten our species’ survival.”
Nicholas Janni and Amy Elizabeth Fox, said: “We wrote this book for leaders who find themselves operating without stable points of reference, in conditions that are increasingly volatile and destabilising. Leading in Chaos asks leaders to shift from driving harder to listening more deeply, from control to coherence, and from speed to presence—so that more profound forms of knowing can come online.”
Written as a collection of interlinked essays, Leading in Chaos draws on the authors’ combined decades of work with CEOs and senior leadership teams in global organisations. The book explores themes including sense-making in complex systems, embodied leadership, trauma-informed development, and helping leaders to become more effective through prolonged uncertainty.
Nicholas Janni has spent over 25 years advising CEOs and senior leadership teams worldwide and teaching at leading business schools. Leading in Chaos follows Janni’s previous book, Leader as Healer, which won UK Business Book of the Year in 2023.
Amy Elizabeth Fox, MA, has spent over two decades facilitating transformational leadership programmes in Fortune 500 companies and professional service firms. She is Co-founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership.
Friday, 30 January 2026
That's Business: Why Calm, Consistent Leadership Matters More Than ...
That's Business: Why Calm, Consistent Leadership Matters More Than ...: In a world where leadership is often loud, performative, and driven by constant urgency, particularly in the wake of burnout , disengagement...
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Why Phone-Free Events Are Set to Shape the Future of Nightlife in 2026
While still relatively new in the UK, early adopters are already reporting clearer benefits around atmosphere, audience behaviour and social connection.
Drawing on established practices in cities such as Berlin, UK organisers are now looking ahead to 2026 as the point where phone-free environments become a more familiar and intentional part of event design. Lockabl, a UK specialist in phone-free event solutions, explains why interest is growing, what organisers are already seeing in practice and how the right tools are helping phone-free nights run smoothly without confrontation or added liability.
A spokesperson told That's Books and More: “What we’re seeing now is organisers moving from testing phone-free nights to programming them with intent. Once venues introduce these formats regularly, the benefits become very clear very quickly.
“In Berlin, this approach has been embedded for years. According to Clubcommission Berlin, around 90% of venues operate a no-phones-on-the-dancefloor code. That kind of cultural shift doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of design, expectation and consistency.
“UK organisers aren’t trying to replicate Berlin wholesale, but they are recognising the same outcomes: stronger atmosphere, fewer distractions and audiences that are more engaged with the music and each other.”
“Importantly, successful phone-free events aren’t about enforcement. Organisers want structure, not conflict – a way to support their policy without staff having to confiscate phones or manage storage.”
“Lockable phone pouches work because the phone stays with the guest at all times. Patrons can dance the night away knowing their device is still in their possession, just secured, which removes tension and significantly limits liability for venues.”
“Based on the organisers we work with, 2026 is likely to be the year phone-free formats shift from being interesting to being expected – particularly for clubs, residencies and immersive events that want to stand out.”
Lockabl supplies rental lockable phone pouches for live events, performances, TV productions and nightlife experiences across the UK. The company provides the equipment that allows organisers to give structure to phone-free events, while ensuring guests retain possession of their devices throughout the night.
Recent successful phone-free nightlife events have included “Off-Grid”, hosted by Stormzy’s Soho concept bar venue and “Lost”, a hybrid nightclub; cinema and performance space located in the Saville Theatre.
Lockabl does not set event policies or operate venues but supports organisers in implementing their chosen approach in a clear, consistent and guest-friendly way.
Yamaha Music London Opens Applications for 2026 Ambassador Competition
Open to UK-based artists within easy reach of London, the programme will select three Yamaha Music London Ambassadors for 2026, providing them with industry mentorship, professional recording opportunities, marketing and PR support, and the chance to represent the iconic music store for twelve months.
“This could be the moment that changes everything.”
The competition has already proven itself as a launchpad for breakthrough talent. Previous Ambassadors—including Cian Downing, Codyy, Kevin Davy White, Matt Kent, and Liv Lester—have gone on to perform at major venues across London and Europe, release critically praised music, and collaborate with Yamaha Music London on professional video content.
“Winning the Yamaha Music London Ambassadorship has been a huge step forward for my career.”
— Cian Downing, Yamaha Music London Ambassador
Winners will receive a comprehensive prize package, including an official 12-month ambassadorship, a Yamaha instrument, one-to-one industry mentorship, professional studio recording time, a high-quality showcase video, and inclusion in Yamaha Music London’s 2026 digital marketing campaigns.
Shortlisted artists will compete in live showcases in London, with semi-finals taking place between 18–20 March 2026 and the grand final held on 26 March 2026 at Yamaha Music London.
HOW TO ENTER
Artists must submit a 1–3 minute video showcasing their musical ability while performing original music.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 1st March at 23:59
Enter here: https://bit.ly/4r5upNs
Terms & Conditions: https://bit.ly/49sQI7X
Applicants must be aged 18+, UK-based, unsigned, and able to perform live. Full eligibility details are available in the Terms & Conditions.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Libraries are asking young people how to make them feel more welcome
National charity Libraries Rising, previously known as ASCEL, has launched SparkSpace, a first-of-its-kind free training platform co-created with children and young people to support library professionals and volunteers to work more confidently and inclusively with younger generations.
The training supports library teams to meaningfully engage children and young people as active partners in shaping library spaces and services, moving beyond assumptions about what young people need, towards services designed with them, flipping the usual model of adults deciding what is best for children and young people.
The launch comes at a time when free community spaces for children and young people are shrinking across the UK. As a result, libraries are some of the last accessible, safe public spaces where young people can spend time, connect and feel part of their community.
This is reflected in recent findings from The Children’s Society Good Childhood Report, which highlights that children and young people want more opportunities to be involved in their communities and to have a say in the decisions that affect them.
As the UK looks ahead to the National Year of Reading 2026, Libraries Rising highlights a vital point: for young people to experience the joy and value of libraries, they need to feel they matter and that they belong.
Libraries are widely recognised as inclusive community spaces, particularly for children and families. However, SparkSpace recognises that welcome cannot be assumed, it needs to be actively built, through listening, trust and shared ownership. With this in mind, SparkSpace supports library teams to create environments where young people feel valued and heard - places they are part of, not just visitors to.
The platform includes short learning modules, videos and practical activities that support library staff and volunteers to better understand the needs of children and young people and why it matters. The training also looks at how to create more inclusive spaces including for children and young people with SEND, communicate more confidently with young people and encourage their involvement and use outreach and social media in relevant and creative ways that directly engage children and young people.
Rather than being designed without young people’s input, SparkSpace has been shaped directly by children and young people themselves. Young contributors shared honest experiences and shared what they need to feel they belong.
Developed in collaboration with youth engagement specialists Participation People, SparkSpace has been led by children and young people from the very beginning.
They were involved at every stage - identifying what library staff need to understand, shaping content, providing feedback and ensuring the training feels relevant, authentic and grounded in lived experience.
One young person who participated was fifteen-year-old Will, who found the experience empowering. He said: “I’ve never done something like this before, but it was amazing,” he said. “As a young person, it’s great to be involved in these changes.”
The result is a practical, confidence-building platform that equips library teams with the tools, skills and understanding to engage young people in meaningful ways and embed participation into everyday practice.
Tabitha Witherick Macaulay, Chief Executive of Libraries Rising, said: "Co-creating this training with children and young people has been absolutely key. If we want young people to engage with libraries, they need to feel they are spaces where they truly belong.
“By embedding participation into everyday practice, SparkSpace will help libraries strengthen their role at the heart of communities and create environments where young people feel genuinely included. For public spaces to work for young people, we have to work with them, not just develop spaces for them.”
SparkSpace is free to use, thanks to funding from The Foyle Foundation, ensuring cost is not a barrier for libraries at a time when budgets remain under pressure.
SparkSpace reflects a wider shift in how libraries are evolving - positioning them as collaborative, youth-inclusive spaces that respond to the realities young people face today.
Monday, 26 January 2026
The Best Information Books for Children: 2026 Information Book Award shortlist announced with a new publisher sponsor
Children across the country can now read the shortlisted titles and cast their votes in the Award’s Children’s Choice categories.
All schools signing up to take part in the Book Club receive free resources, and those who do so before Friday 13th February will have the opportunity to receive a free pack of shortlisted books in one age category, thanks to generous support from the Authors Licensing and Collection Society (ALCS).
The voting period will run until May 2026, giving schools the chance to hold meaningful book club sessions across several weeks.
Taking part in the IBA Book Club will help children develop critical thinking skills, develop confidence in communicating their opinions, find new interests and fire up their love of reading.
The SLA has also announced new sponsorship for the IBA, with DK, the UK’s number one children’s non-fiction publisher, joining the Award as sponsor. This is an exciting new development, which reflects the IBA’s growing focus on pupil voice and school engagement.
Sarah Later, Managing Director of DK Children’s told That's Books and More: "At DK, we champion the transformative power of books.
"In the National Year of Reading, school libraries matter more than ever. As many young readers gravitate toward non-fiction, the Information Book Award is essential, celebrating the remarkable talent that makes our world come alive."
The 12 books on the IBA shortlist range from picture books to choose your own adventures and encyclopaedias, covering everything from why we sleep, to where we came from:
Under 7 age category shortlist:
A Billion Ways to Be, Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo, Franklin Watts, Hachette Children’s Group
Frog: A Story of Life on Earth, Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus, Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Recycling Day: What Happens to the Thing We Throw Away, Poly Faber, illustrated by Klas Fahlén, Nosy Crow
Where Did She Go?, Cariad Lloyd, illustrated by Tom Percival, Hodder, Hachette Children’s Group
8 – 12 age category shortlist:
About Time, Rebecca Struthers and Alom Shaha, illustrated by Lucy Rose, DK
Choose Your Own Evolution, Jules Howard, illustrated by Gordy Wright, Nosy Crow
Science Detective Agency, Steve Derrick, illustrated by Miriam Serafin, Wayland, Hachette Children’s Group
Why Do We Sleep?, Cathy Evans, illustrated by Polya Plavinskaia, Cicada Books
13– 16 age category shortlist:
Explodapedia: The Brain, Ben Martynoga, illustrated by Moose Allain, David Fickling Books
It’s a Brave Young World, Anu Adebogun, illustrated by Soofiya and Lila Cruz, Little Tiger
Normal Women, Philippa Gregory, illustrated by Alexis Snell, Red Shed, Farshore
Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Sophie Kamlish, Faber and Faber
The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges made up of SLA member librarians, industry representatives and authors, including SLA Patron Smriti Halls.
Chair of judges, Helen Cleaves said: “From automata to autism, this shortlist is nothing if not diverse, offering a wealth of information adventures for children from toddler to teen. What's more, these books have the whole package: stunning artwork and meticulous design combine with engaging text for maximum impact.”
Judges’ comments about each individual title on the shortlist are available here.:- https://slassoc.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/IQCsXiNfZBMeQK4mdIqbxLseARAHB9Ls98mT07vCHFxvn6s?e=IGuseS
The winners of the IBA and the Children’s Choice accolades will be announced in the summer. Four awards will be given by both the judges and the school children shadowing the Award, with each group choosing a winner in each age category and an overall winner. Last year’s overall IBA winner was Black History for Every Day of the Year by David, Yinka and Kemi Olusoga, while the overall Children’s Choice went to Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA said: “For librarians, teachers, parents and children, information books can offer a new route into reading, which encourages curiosity about the world around us, and creates an ideal opportunity for a shared experience: whether that’s sharing newfound facts, looking at engaging illustrations together, or exploring a freshly discovered interest.
"This year’s IBA shortlist showcases a diverse collection of books that cover a vast range of subjects. I can’t wait to hear from all the librarians and pupils who will be exploring these books through the IBA Book Club.”
Book packs of the shortlisted titles will be available to buy from Peters Books at a discount of 20%.
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Thugs v Dinosaurs: When Low-Budget Cinema Roars Loudest
Released in 2015, with a reported budget of $3,000, this indie oddity answers a question nobody knew they needed asking: what happens when modern-day criminals, paleontologists, a group of friends and a military veteran suffering from PTSD who is searching for a missing girl, come face to face with prehistoric predators accidentally created by a former Nazi scientist?
The answer, unsurprisingly, is utter madness, and that’s exactly the point.
A Plot That Knows Exactly What It Is
The premise of Thugs v Dinosaurs is refreshingly unapologetic. A group of hardened criminals find themselves battling dinosaurs after a mysterious experiment goes very wrong.
There’s no attempt to over-explain the science or ground it in realism. Instead, the film leans hard into its B-movie roots, delivering a storyline that exists purely to string together gunfights, roaring reptiles, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek mayhem.
This is not a film trying to be clever or prestige-driven. It knows its audience and plays directly to them.
Budget Constraints, Big Ambition
What really stands out is how much ambition is packed into such a small budget. The special effects are rough around the edges, with CGI dinosaurs that clearly won’t trouble Hollywood studios, but that’s part of the charm. Much like classic creature features and cult sci-fi from decades past, the enjoyment comes from seeing filmmakers push their resources as far as they possibly can.
The action scenes are surprisingly energetic, the pacing is brisk, and the film never lingers long enough for its limitations to become tiresome.
Performances and Tone
The cast fully commits to the absurdity of the concept. Performances are knowingly exaggerated, fitting perfectly with the over-the-top tone. Tough-guy dialogue sits comfortably alongside moments of deliberate silliness, creating a film that feels more like a late-night cult watch than a serious cinematic endeavour.
Crucially, Thugs v Dinosaurs doesn’t mock its own audience. It invites viewers in on the joke while still treating its story seriously enough to keep things moving.
Why Films Like This Matter
In an era dominated by massive franchises and endless sequels, films like Thugs v Dinosaurs remind us why independent cinema matters. They’re experimental, fearless, and unconcerned with mainstream approval. These are the films that thrive at midnight screenings, cult festivals, and streaming platforms where adventurous viewers are looking for something a bit different.
You don’t watch this film expecting polish — you watch it for fun, nostalgia, and the sheer audacity of its concept.
Final Thoughts
Thugs v Dinosaurs won’t be for everyone, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. But for fans of low-budget action, creature features, and cult cinema, it delivers exactly what it promises. It’s loud, scrappy, ridiculous, and oddly endearing — proof that sometimes all you really need is a wild idea and the confidence to run with it.
If you enjoy films that celebrate excess over elegance, this one is well worth seeking out, preferably with friends, snacks, and a healthy appreciation for cinematic chaos.
And you'll probably be charmed by the rather special introduction music.
You can watch the full movie here at That's Books and More:-
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Looking Back on World Braille Day: Why It Still Matters
As we look back on this year’s World Braille Day, it feels especially important to restate why Braille remains as relevant now as it was nearly two centuries ago.
The Legacy Behind the Dots
World Braille Day is marked on the birthday of Louis Braille, the French innovator who lost his sight as a child and went on to create the tactile writing system that bears his name. His invention was not merely a new alphabet; it was a gateway to literacy, education, and self-determination for blind and partially sighted people around the world.
Braille enabled readers to learn spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mathematics through touch — something audio alone cannot fully replace. That distinction remains crucial today.
Braille in a Digital World
One of the recurring themes of this year’s World Braille Day was the misconception that Braille is becoming obsolete. With screen readers, audiobooks, and voice assistants now commonplace, some assume tactile reading is no longer necessary.
In reality, the opposite is true.
Refreshable Braille displays, Braille note-takers, and tactile labelling systems have evolved alongside digital technology. Braille continues to support:
True literacy, rather than passive listening
Privacy, especially when reading sensitive information
Employment, where accuracy and discretion matter
Education, particularly in STEM subjects
Organisations such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People continue to champion Braille education and access across the UK, ensuring it remains embedded in modern life rather than sidelined by technology.
A Human Rights Perspective
World Braille Day is also recognised by the United Nations as part of its wider commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Access to information is a human right — and Braille is a vital tool in upholding that right for millions of people worldwide.
From medication packaging and public signage to banking, transport, and voting materials, Braille plays a quiet but powerful role in everyday autonomy.
Why Awareness Still Matters
For many people without sight loss, Braille is invisible — present but unnoticed. World Braille Day challenges that invisibility. It encourages:
Designers to think about inclusive packaging
Employers to consider accessible workplaces
Educators to support Braille literacy
Communities to value accessibility as standard, not optional
Even small steps, such as including Braille on signs or learning the basics of the Braille alphabet, contribute to a more inclusive society.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward from this year’s World Braille Day, the message is clear: progress does not mean replacement. Braille is not a relic of the past; it is a living, evolving system that continues to empower people every day.
Remembering World Braille Day is not just about honouring history, it is about recommitting to accessibility, equality, and the belief that everyone deserves full access to the written word.
https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/ways-of-communicating/braille/
Book Review: Lies by T. M. Logan
A Simple Lie That Unravels Everything
The premise is deceptively straightforward: Joe Lynch receives a text from his wife saying she’s stuck in traffic. Only she’s sitting right next to him, in her own car, in a place where she shouldn't be.
Moments later, she disappears. What follows is a tense descent into doubt, secrets, and long-buried truths, where every answer only seems to generate even more questions.
Logan excels at taking an everyday situation and twisting it into something profoundly unsettling. The fear feels plausible, grounded, and all the more disturbing because it could happen to anyone.
Pacing That Demands “Just One More Chapter”
One of Lies’ greatest strengths is its pacing. Chapters are short and sharp, often ending on revelations that make it genuinely difficult to put the book down. Logan has a talent for drip-feeding information at just the right moments, ensuring the tension never dissipates.
This is very much a book that encourages late nights and missed bedtimes.
Characters You Can Believe In
Joe is an effective protagonist: flawed, emotional, and increasingly desperate as his certainties collapse. The supporting cast is equally well drawn, with relationships that feel authentic rather than convenient. As the story progresses, the question isn’t just what happened, but who can be trusted — including the narrator himself.
Themes of Trust and Deception
Beyond the central mystery, Lies explores the fragility of trust in modern relationships. The novel raises uncomfortable questions about how well we really know the people closest to us, and how easily truth can be obscured by omission, self-protection, or fear. And can you trust social media?
It’s this emotional undercurrent that elevates the book above a standard thriller.
Verdict: A Standout Psychological Thriller
Lies is tense, smart, and relentlessly engaging. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy domestic noir, twist-heavy plots, and stories that play with perception and reality.
Highly recommended for fans of fast-paced psychological thrillers — and a strong introduction to T. M. Logan’s wider body of work.
Have you read Lies yet? Or do you have a favourite T. M. Logan novel you’d recommend?
Friday, 2 January 2026
An Open Invitation to Authors and Publishers. Free Publicity on That's Books and More
At That’s Books and More, we believe passionately in the power of books — not just the big-name bestsellers, but the debut novels, the quietly brilliant non-fiction, the poetry collections, the niche histories, and the lovingly self-published works that deserve to be discovered.
That’s why we’re extending an open invitation to authors, self-publishers, independent presses, and established publishing houses alike to use That’s Books and More as a platform for free publicity.
Why We’re Doing This
The publishing world is more crowded than ever. Getting noticed can be difficult, expensive, and frustrating, especially for new authors and smaller publishers without large marketing budgets.
At the same time, readers are hungry for fresh voices, untold stories, and books that don’t always get front-page treatment elsewhere.
That’s Books and More exists to bridge that gap.
Our aim is simple:
to connect books with readers who genuinely love discovering them.
What We Can Offer
We’re happy to feature your work in a variety of ways, including:
Book spotlights – introductions to new or recent releases
Author features – background, inspiration, and writing journeys
Extracts – short samples to entice readers
Interviews and Q&As – ideal for blog tours and launches
Publisher showcases – highlighting catalogues, imprints, or themed releases
There is no charge for inclusion. No hidden fees. No obligation.
Who This Is For
We welcome submissions from:
First-time and debut authors
Self-published and indie authors
Small and independent publishing houses
Larger publishers seeking broader organic exposure
Writers across all genres — fiction and non-fiction alike
If it’s a book you’re proud of, we’re interested in hearing about it.
Why Feature on That’s Books and More?
A book-focused readership actively looking for recommendations
Evergreen blog content that continues to attract readers over time
SEO-friendly posts designed for discoverability
A genuine enthusiasm for books, not pay-to-play promotion
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Tuesday, 23 December 2025
That's Christmas 365: Watch Seymour Hicks’ A Christmas Carol (1935): A T...
That's Christmas 365: Watch Seymour Hicks’ A Christmas Carol (1935): A T...: Explore Seymour Hicks’ 1935 A Christmas Carol, a theatrical and historically rich film adaptation that captures a lifetime of Scrooge perfor...
Sunday, 14 December 2025
Book Review: Jack the Ripper: The Hand of a Woman by John Morris
In Jack the Ripper: The Hand of a Woman, solicitor John Morris enters this crowded field with a bold and deliberately provocative thesis: that the Ripper may not have been a man at all.
This book is not a sensationalist shock piece, but a carefully argued reassessment of long-held assumptions surrounding the identity of Jack the Ripper, written through a legal and evidential lens.
A Legal Mind Applied to a Historical Mystery
Morris’s professional background as a solicitor shapes the structure and tone of the book. Rather than relying on lurid speculation, he approaches the case as though it were being prepared for court.
Witness statements, timelines, physical logistics and contemporary assumptions are all scrutinised with a lawyer’s instinct for gaps and inconsistencies.
One of the book’s central strengths lies in its challenge to the automatic presumption that the killer must have been male. Morris examines how Victorian social norms, policing biases and gender expectations may have influenced both the investigation at the time and subsequent historical interpretations.
The Case for a Female Ripper
The core argument of The Hand of a Woman is not that a female Ripper is definitively proven, but that it is plausible, and that plausibility has never been properly explored.
Morris discusses:
How a woman could have moved through Whitechapel without attracting suspicion
Why bloodstained clothing on a woman may have been dismissed or explained away
The practicalities of the crimes in relation to dress, access and opportunity
Witness descriptions that may have been interpreted through a male-only assumption
This reframing is one of the book’s most compelling aspects. It encourages the reader to question how much of the accepted narrative is built on evidence, and how much rests on cultural expectation.
Measured, Not Dogmatic
Importantly, Morris does not overstate his case. The book avoids the trap of presenting a single named suspect as a dramatic “solution” to the mystery. Instead, it argues for intellectual honesty: that ruling out a female perpetrator has never been justified by the evidence itself.
Some readers may find this frustrating, particularly those looking for a definitive answer. However, this restraint ultimately strengthens the book’s credibility. Morris is less interested in closing the case than in reopening it properly.
Morris also has a very cogent argument for the reason why the evidence of one witness, which was dismissed as being "impossible" at the time was, actually, correct and lends support to his thesis.
Style and Accessibility
The writing is clear, structured and accessible, even for readers without deep prior knowledge of the Ripper case. While it engages seriously with historical material, it avoids academic dryness and remains readable throughout.
That said, readers already well-versed in Ripperology may find some background sections familiar. The value here lies not in uncovering new documents, but in re-interpreting existing evidence through a different lens.
Who This Book Is For
This book will particularly appeal to:
Readers interested in historical crime and legal reasoning
Those tired of repetitive Ripper theories centred on the same male suspects
Anyone curious about how bias shapes investigations, past and present
Readers who enjoy thoughtful challenge rather than sensational conclusions
Final Verdict
Jack the Ripper: The Hand of a Woman does not claim to solve one of history’s most infamous mysteries, and it doesn’t need to. Its real achievement is in forcing the reader to confront how assumptions, rather than evidence, can harden into “fact”.
Whether or not one accepts Morris’s conclusions, the book succeeds as a serious, intelligent and unsettling contribution to Ripper studies. At the very least, it ensures that the question “what if?” can no longer be dismissed out of hand.
For a case built on shadows and uncertainty, that alone makes it a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.
This will make a most excellent Christmas gift for lovers of true life, unsolved crimes and the Jack the Ripper case.
You can order your copy from our Amazon-powered online shop, here https://amzn.to/4pw3qtS
Revisiting a Ripper Suspect: The Secret of Prisoner 2267 – Was This Man Jack the Ripper? by James Tully
The Secret of Prisoner 2267 by James Tully stands out for doing exactly that.
Rather than promising a dramatic solution, Tully focuses on a little-known individual and asks a carefully framed question: could this man plausibly have been Jack the Ripper?
It is a book that values investigation over assertion, and nuance over noise.
The Enigma of Prisoner 2267
At the centre of the book is Prisoner 2267, an inmate whose identity, movements and circumstances raise intriguing questions when aligned with the timeline of the Whitechapel murders. Tully examines what is known about this individual’s background, incarceration and behaviour, and why his story deserves closer scrutiny within the wider Ripper narrative.
Crucially, Tully does not rush to judgement. Prisoner 2267 is not presented as the solution, but as a suspect whose existence and records warrant serious attention rather than dismissal.
Making Sense of Fragmented Victorian Records
One of the book’s key strengths is its engagement with historical documentation, particularly prison and administrative records. Tully highlights just how incomplete, inconsistent and opaque Victorian record-keeping could be, and how easily individuals could be misidentified, renamed or effectively lost within the system.
The book explores:
Prison admission and release dates
Gaps and contradictions in official documentation
The use of aliases and unreliable personal details
How imprisonment may or may not align with the murder chronology
These elements are treated as lines of enquiry rather than proof, which lends the book credibility and restraint.
A Refreshingly Measured Approach
In a genre often crowded with “case solved” declarations, The Secret of Prisoner 2267 is notably cautious. Tully repeatedly distinguishes between possibility, probability and certainty, reminding the reader how limited the surviving evidence truly is.
Clear, Accessible Writing
Tully’s writing is straightforward and readable, making the book accessible to newcomers while still engaging for experienced Ripper enthusiasts.
Background context is provided without overwhelming the central argument, and the focus remains firmly on evidence rather than theatrics.
For seasoned readers, the appeal lies in the shift of focus, away from endlessly recycled suspects and towards a figure who has largely escaped mainstream attention.
Who This Book Is For?
This book will particularly suit:
Readers interested in lesser-known Ripper suspects
Those who enjoy archive-driven historical research
Readers wary of sensationalist conclusions
Anyone fascinated by how bureaucratic systems can obscure truth
Final Thoughts
The Secret of Prisoner 2267 – Was This Man Jack the Ripper? by James Tully does not attempt to close the case. Instead, it reopens a door that may have been overlooked, inviting the reader to question assumptions and reconsider how historical narratives are formed.
Whether or not one is persuaded by the case for Prisoner 2267, the book succeeds as a thoughtful, disciplined and quietly unsettling contribution to Ripper studies. In a field crowded with certainty, its greatest strength is its willingness to live with doubt.
This book will make an ideal Christmas present for those fascinated by the case of Jack the Ripper.
It can be bought here https://amzn.to/3MXhHRQ
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
That's Christmas 365: A Perfect Winter Read: No Lips to Scream With — A ...
That's Christmas 365: A Perfect Winter Read: No Lips to Scream With — A ...: As the nights draw in and the world outside grows quieter beneath December’s long shadows, many of us turn to stories that make the season f...
Monday, 8 December 2025
Welcome to Midlothian Boulevard Out Now in Paperback
It relates the story of the tragic death of Savanna, who was murdered whilst she was on trip to Mexico. The neighbours were sad, as they tried to rehearse their excuses and alibis.
For each and every one of them hid a secret, some more worrying than others.
They were all part of a larger, secret picture.
But... all was not as it seemed. Because Savanna had not actually been murdered in Mexico or anywhere else, for that matter. As she was still very much alive and well.
Abducting her friends without really telling them what was happening, she thrusts them into a perilous mission, hell-bent on exposing the tangled web of betrayal that binds them all, armed only with the knowledge that it wasn't she who had staged her death.
But... there was someone else watching all of the events unfold. And what would happen next?
It's available on Amazon at £13.49 in paperback and £2.99 on Kindle.
This book will make a great Christmas gift for the mystery lovers on your Christmas gift list.
Incidentally Benjamin Ryan is the acclaimed author of Madame Eldridge's Wayward Home for Unruly Boys.
You can order copies of the book via this link https://amzn.to/3MsRt9F
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