About

Hello. I’m Richard Fernandez and welcome to Cafethinking.

This is a blog about things that interest me and I hope some of the topics will interest you too. You’ll find a mix of commentary on current affairs, reviews of books and films (often but not exclusively with a Nordic Noir or literary fiction origin) and thoughts on topics from the London Underground to Crystal Palace FC.

This blog is also the home of Secret Library, an occasional feature in which authors nominate books that don’t get as much attention as they deserve.

I wrote How to win power and lose everythingan episode-by-episode guide – available for Kindle – to the Danish TV drama, Borgen.

I once beat CJ on Eggheads.

Views here are mine, and not that of anyone else or any organisation.

Review policy: I am delighted to review fiction (literary fiction and European Noir) and books on politics, economics, business and railways. Where a review copy has been received in return for a fair review, this is stated on the review itself. It can take several weeks between receiving a review copy and a review being posted, but I sometimes take part in blog tours or may be able to agree a publishing date, depending on other commitments. If you have a query, get in touch.

Affiliate statement: Some posts provide links to Amazon UK where you can buy the product reviewed. If you buy having followed that link, I get a small commission. So it’s a way of supporting the blog 😉

7 comments

  1. Hi Richard,I’m Becky Augustine an indie author. I recently published the wealth reset Blueprint a habit based plan to build wealth crush debt and transform your financial mindset a practical guide on [personal finance / money management / business strategies], and I’d love to offer you a free digital copy to review on Amazon.Why you’ll benefit:

    1. “Get exclusive early access to a fresh business/money book before it hits the wider market, giving you a head start on discovering new strategies to share with your audience.”2. “The book is packed with practical tips and strategies your audience can immediately apply to improve personal finances or business results, making your review highly useful and relevant.”3. “Add a new, high-quality nonfiction/business title to your review portfolio, helping you expand your credibility as a go-to reviewer in the finance niche.”4. “Review a book that blends real-world examples, case studies, and actionable advice, giving your readers content that’s both educational and practical.”5. “Be among the first to read and share insights from an emerging business/finance author, giving you fresh material to engage your audience and stay ahead of trends.”The book is available in PDF, ePub, or Kindle format, whichever works best for you.If you’re interested, I can send it over immediately. Thank you so much for considering my book your honest Amazon review will mean a lot!Best regards, Becky Augustine

  2. Hi Richard, I have recently published a book with Routledge entitled Propaganda & Power in the Age of Globalization (synopsis is in the link below). I would be grateful if you would consider reviewing it and I can arrange for you to get a free digital copy.

    https://www.routledge.com/Propaganda-and-Power-in-the-Age-of-Globalization-The-Myths-We-Live-By/Sherratt/p/book/9781032603933?srsltid=AfmBOooEcQYmbZPSw3KXZLKBBxBA6RAHqBj9ICuS_AGu7Wz2UXJqeAt8

    Best wishes

    Simon

  3. Richard,

    Rumour has it that you are well-learned on the popular British TV series ‘Midsomer Murders’.

    What are your thoughts on the fact that S22 and S23 have been released in foreign countries, but still not in the UK?

    Yours Faithfully
    Harold Winstanley

  4. Richard,
    I saw the comments on your blog about “whose hair it was”, from the book “Watching You” by Lisa Jewell. I really enjoyed listening to the book until I got to to the end, WTH!!! Any info would be appreciated on your theories!!!

    Thank you
    Stacey Erickson
    {email address deleted}

    Reply

  5. Richard,
    I saw the comments on your blog about “whose hair it was”, from the book “Watching You” by Lisa Jewell. I really enjoyed reading the book until I got to the last page then I felt lost and annoyed about the hair. If you wouldn’t mind would you please send me an explanation.
    Thanks for your time,
    Mary
    email address
    [email address deleted]

What do you think?