Beautiful and independent, Lily Rose worked hard in the basement kitchen at New York’s upmarket restaurant, Valentino’s. She loved her job – loved to Beautiful and independent, Lily Rose worked hard in the basement kitchen at New York’s upmarket restaurant, Valentino’s. She loved her job – loved to cook – her aim was to eventually be head chef. Her gram, Josie, was her idol. Lily continually clashed with her mother as she manipulated her daughter, demanding she marry the man she – her mother – had chosen for Lily. Childhood friends, Nathaniel was nothing more to Lily. When friction between mother and daughter was at its height, Lily made for the security and love of her grandmother where they would cook together, laugh together and where Lily was her happiest.
With war taking the young men away, many women were working in men’s positions. But when chef Tom Morelli was called to fight, Lily’s devastation was as great as his mother, Gia’s. Working was their salvation – and Lily’s determination to have a menu unrivalled in war time, with rations biting hard, saw her concocting delicious recipes to feed the hungry, much to the delight of Lily’s boss. But with the war ongoing, more soldiers dying and grief surrounding most people, what would happen to Lily and her family?
A New York Secret is the first in the Daughters of New York series by Aussie author Ella Carey, and I loved it! I’m thrilled I’ve found this author as this is my first by her, and it won’t be my last. The glitter and glamour of New York was easy to see in my mind’s eye as Carey painted verbal pictures. Some of the elite of the city seemed almost oblivious to the war going on at their doorstep. A New York Secret was a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Beautiful and independent, Lily Rose worked hard in the basement kitchen at New York’s upmarket restaurant, Valentino’s. She loved her job – loved to cook – her aim was to eventually be head chef. Her gram, Josie, was her idol. Lily continually clashed with her mother as she manipulated her daughter, demanding she marry the man she – her mother – had chosen for Lily. Childhood friends, Nathaniel was nothing more to Lily. When friction between mother and daughter was at its height, Lily made for the security and love of her grandmother where they would cook together, laugh together and where Lily was her happiest.
With war taking the young men away, many women were working in men’s positions. But when chef Tom Morelli was called to fight, Lily’s devastation was as great as his mother, Gia’s. Working was their salvation – and Lily’s determination to have a menu unrivalled in war time, with rations biting hard, saw her concocting delicious recipes to feed the hungry, much to the delight of Lily’s boss. But with the war ongoing, more soldiers dying and grief surrounding most people, what would happen to Lily and her family?
A New York Secret is the first in the Daughters of New York series by Aussie author Ella Carey, and I loved it! I’m thrilled I’ve found this author as this is my first by her, and it won’t be my last. The glitter and glamour of New York was easy to see in my mind’s eye as Carey painted verbal pictures. Some of the elite of the city seemed almost oblivious to the war going on at their doorstep. A New York Secret was a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When the two bodies were discovered in the snow and ice, one with arms wrapped around the other, Special Agent Nikki Hunt was shocked and saddened. NiWhen the two bodies were discovered in the snow and ice, one with arms wrapped around the other, Special Agent Nikki Hunt was shocked and saddened. Nikki and other law enforcement had been searching the area surrounding Stillwater, Minnesota for young Kellan Rhodes for some time. Now in the arms of his mother, Dana, Nikki wondered if it was a murder suicide. But evidence would prove the two were murdered. Dana had been getting her life on track to regain custody of her son. Nikki wondered what had gone wrong – but she was determined to find out.
The same day Kellan disappeared, another young boy vanished – did the disappearance of Zach Reeves have anything to do with Kellan? As Nikki’s team and other teams across the county set the logistics in motion, the investigation was anything but simple. The deeper they dug, the more horrors they uncovered. Who killed Kellan and his mother? And was Zach still alive?
One Perfect Grave is the 2nd in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green and it was riveting! Fast paced, clues, tips, twists – my suspicions changed back and forth. Nikki is a strong character whose past has a lot of bearing on who she is today – her determination to find answers no matter the cost stems from that. I’m already looking forward to #3 in the series – bring it on! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When the two bodies were discovered in the snow and ice, one with arms wrapped around the other, Special Agent Nikki Hunt was shocked and saddened. Nikki and other law enforcement had been searching the area surrounding Stillwater, Minnesota for young Kellan Rhodes for some time. Now in the arms of his mother, Dana, Nikki wondered if it was a murder suicide. But evidence would prove the two were murdered. Dana had been getting her life on track to regain custody of her son. Nikki wondered what had gone wrong – but she was determined to find out.
The same day Kellan disappeared, another young boy vanished – did the disappearance of Zach Reeves have anything to do with Kellan? As Nikki’s team and other teams across the county set the logistics in motion, the investigation was anything but simple. The deeper they dug, the more horrors they uncovered. Who killed Kellan and his mother? And was Zach still alive?
One Perfect Grave is the 2nd in the Nikki Hunt series by Stacy Green and it was riveting! Fast paced, clues, tips, twists – my suspicions changed back and forth. Nikki is a strong character whose past has a lot of bearing on who she is today – her determination to find answers no matter the cost stems from that. I’m already looking forward to #3 in the series – bring it on! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
When the family of a brutally murdered man disappeared within hours of being notified of his death, Detective Inspector Kim Stone had a gut feeling thWhen the family of a brutally murdered man disappeared within hours of being notified of his death, Detective Inspector Kim Stone had a gut feeling that something was off. As she and her partner, Bryant followed the clues, Penn and Stacey did the same on their computers. Another body, again brutally murdered, turned up and the connections saw Kim have a light-bulb moment. From then on things became much worse. Who could she trust when the police were also involved in the messy web of horror?
Meantime Tracey Frost, intrepid reporter and Kim’s nemesis, found herself involved in a case where it looked like a murderer would go free. She was determined to show the victim as a person who was loved by her mother and sister; a person who didn’t deserve what she’d received. But could Tracey change what was inevitable?
Wow! Another ripper of a thriller by Angela Marsons, Twisted Lies is the 14th in the DI Kim Stone series, and I had trouble putting it down! Twists and turns, horrors and depravity, the usual repartee between Kim and her team, who complement each other perfectly – Twisted Lies was exactly that! An excellent and chilling thriller, Ms Marsons' 14th is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When the family of a brutally murdered man disappeared within hours of being notified of his death, Detective Inspector Kim Stone had a gut feeling that something was off. As she and her partner, Bryant followed the clues, Penn and Stacey did the same on their computers. Another body, again brutally murdered, turned up and the connections saw Kim have a light-bulb moment. From then on things became much worse. Who could she trust when the police were also involved in the messy web of horror?
Meantime Tracey Frost, intrepid reporter and Kim’s nemesis, found herself involved in a case where it looked like a murderer would go free. She was determined to show the victim as a person who was loved by her mother and sister; a person who didn’t deserve what she’d received. But could Tracey change what was inevitable?
Wow! Another ripper of a thriller by Angela Marsons, Twisted Lies is the 14th in the DI Kim Stone series, and I had trouble putting it down! Twists and turns, horrors and depravity, the usual repartee between Kim and her team, who complement each other perfectly – Twisted Lies was exactly that! An excellent and chilling thriller, Ms Marsons' 14th is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
5th in the Miss Underhay Mysteries, Murder in the Belltower by Helena Dixon is another exciting historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Spendin5th in the Miss Underhay Mysteries, Murder in the Belltower by Helena Dixon is another exciting historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Spending Christmas with her newly acquired relatives, Kitty Underhay was accompanied by her friend and (for the period of the holiday) maid Alice, at Enderley Hall. Kitty’s friend Matthew Bryant, ex-army captain and now PI, was also invited, along with guests from America and Austria.
Freezing conditions with snow and ice see the winter of 1933 and Christmas at Enderley Hall also facing murder, mayhem and mischief as Kitty searched for clues, while positive Matt was hiding something from her. Would Kitty discover who the murderer was? And would she also discover more about her mother’s murder?
I’m loving this series – the covers are enticing and the content always intriguing. Although the ending was a little abrupt this time around, I still highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
**Just a warning – the blurb is almost all completely wrong in the way things are set out – part of it didn’t even happen!
Merged review:
5th in the Miss Underhay Mysteries, Murder in the Belltower by Helena Dixon is another exciting historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Spending Christmas with her newly acquired relatives, Kitty Underhay was accompanied by her friend and (for the period of the holiday) maid Alice, at Enderley Hall. Kitty’s friend Matthew Bryant, ex-army captain and now PI, was also invited, along with guests from America and Austria.
Freezing conditions with snow and ice see the winter of 1933 and Christmas at Enderley Hall also facing murder, mayhem and mischief as Kitty searched for clues, while positive Matt was hiding something from her. Would Kitty discover who the murderer was? And would she also discover more about her mother’s murder?
I’m loving this series – the covers are enticing and the content always intriguing. Although the ending was a little abrupt this time around, I still highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
**Just a warning – the blurb is almost all completely wrong in the way things are set out – part of it didn’t even happen!...more
As a truck hit the powerlines, plunging Painters Mill into darkness, a ‘rager’ – a party - was getting underway between Amish and English youngsters aAs a truck hit the powerlines, plunging Painters Mill into darkness, a ‘rager’ – a party - was getting underway between Amish and English youngsters at the Davenport farm. At least two hundred people were there and Chief of Police Kate Burkholder knew they were more than she alone could control. A call to 911 led Kate to the nearby barn where a young woman was lying unconscious, bleeding from the head. As she was rushed to the hospital, Kate began interviews. Friday the 13th had a lot to answer for…
Only the Lucky is #8.5 in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and it was a quick read, entertaining and mysterious. I’m enjoying my re-reading of this series, one per month, and am looking forward to the next in the series, #9, in January. Highly recommended....more
Crispin Davies was an ex-soldier who’d found a home on Pear Tree Farm in Cornwall, and his close friendship with owners, Nessa and Ward Vivian, warmedCrispin Davies was an ex-soldier who’d found a home on Pear Tree Farm in Cornwall, and his close friendship with owners, Nessa and Ward Vivian, warmed his heart. Ward’s sister Ashley Spencer worked at the nearby Tregereth House with Lowena, Nessa’s sister. With the Christmas season fast approaching, the unexpected idea of a festival was daunting, but exciting. They all worked hard to bring it together and the joy and delight for the tourists and visitors was good to see.
Ward and Ashley were Americans and although Ward had been in Cornwall for longer, Ashley was gradually coming out of her shell and making friends after the trauma which had affected her. Would this Christmas be the one to lead to a brighter future, a happier future? The many family and friends, both new and old, who were arriving at the Farm, saw the locals filled with delight.
A Cornish Christmas at Pear Tree Farm is the 2nd in the Pear Tree Farm series by Angela Britnell and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Light, entertaining, cheerfully festive and heartwarmingly fun, I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Daphne and her husband John were joining a group of celebrants for a conference weekend high up in the mountains of Victoria, leaving their caravan anDaphne and her husband John were joining a group of celebrants for a conference weekend high up in the mountains of Victoria, leaving their caravan and car down in the park below, and being couriered up to the luxury hotel. John and some of the other men were heading off on a twenty-four-hour fishing trip on the river, before rejoining their partners the following afternoon.
Daphne in the meantime, enjoyed a neck massage, then dinner and drinks before retiring for the night. But strange things happened that night when Daph joined Stacy at the fountain below, for Stacy was distraught. There was a jacket in the water and she vowed there was a body underneath. But she had had a lot to drink, so was she imagining the body? Daphne went to get help – her sleuthing antennae were quivering.
One of the committee members had taken a dislike to Daphne for some reason. She also had it in for Stacy – the vibes were off between a few in this organization and Daphne felt uncomfortable, wishing John was with her. As Daph made notes, and gathered her thoughts, she was determined to find answers to the strange mystery which was surrounding her. When the men returned from their successful fishing trip, she filled John in – but could he help her? Would they find the answers?
Tales of Life and Daph is the 3rd in the Daphne Jones Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Light, entertaining, and lots of fun, I love Daph’s method of nutting it all out, finding the answers as she invariably did. I’m already looking forward to #4 and have no hesitation in recommending this one, and the series!
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When Dylan received the fancy embossed invitation, which included Muttley his dog, he wasn’t sure what it was all about. Leo and Suzy received one eacWhen Dylan received the fancy embossed invitation, which included Muttley his dog, he wasn’t sure what it was all about. Leo and Suzy received one each, Rachel and Maggie each received one – what was it all about? It was The Jingle Bells Express, a train leaving on the Saturday morning before Christmas, and all were invited on the journey. Free trip, free food and drink, free entertainment. Would they all go? Should they all go?
As the group converged on the train early on the Saturday morning, few knew one another. But before the end of the day, friends were made, and couples had gravitated to one another. The snow outside the train windows was magical, the food, the decorations and the singing (slightly off key) made the group happy. Much laughter, talk and getting to know one another filled the air. But where were they? Were they in a magical snow globe?
Laughing all the Way on the Jingle Bells Express by Berni Stevens was fabulous! One of the best Christmas stories I think I’ve ever read! Light, entertaining, fun – a happy, feel-good novella which gave me a feeling of satisfaction and contentment when I'd finished. And a great read to start the festive season which I highly recommend. (PS: Love the cover too!!)
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Carmen O’Shannessy was a midwife and currently working two jobs in Sydney to repay the debts her ex-husband had landed her with when he left. She was Carmen O’Shannessy was a midwife and currently working two jobs in Sydney to repay the debts her ex-husband had landed her with when he left. She was more than happy to never see him again but working seven days a week was taking its toll. When newly widowed Fadir gave birth to twin boys, the team was ecstatic at how well she had done. But when Carmen arrived for her shift at the Baby Hotel that afternoon and saw Fadir was established in one of the suites with her two sons, she was shocked. It was far too soon for her to have left the hospital. But it was the man in her room, cousin Zafar who set her teeth on edge.
Zafar was a Prince of Zandorra, and even though Fadir had escaped Zandorra for Australia when she was young, she was still a Princess, and her two new sons were now heirs to the throne. Zafar was in Sydney to take them back to his country – both for their safety, and because that was where they belonged. Zafar’s decision to take Carmen with them, to care for Fadir until she was settled in with the twins, caused her much angst. But go with them she did. But what would happen when they reached the country that was full of danger for Zafar, and in turn Fadir and her sons?
Her Doctor Prince is the 3rd in the Healing Hands – Doctors by Specialty series by Aussie author Fiona McArthur and I enjoyed Carmen’s character. She was strong, independent and dedicated to her profession. Zafar on the other hand, was arrogant and self-assured (normal I guess for where he’s from) and was astounded that Carmen would say no to him! A different and intriguing romance which I recommend for fans of the genre.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Ten-year-old Marcie Gill had lived in the Snorkel Bay Caravan Park all her life, as had her siblings along with Mum and Dad, as well as Gran. They ownTen-year-old Marcie Gill had lived in the Snorkel Bay Caravan Park all her life, as had her siblings along with Mum and Dad, as well as Gran. They owned the park by the beach and Marcie loved her home. But at the moment, Gran was in hospital after a fall on the jetty which had broken her hip. Marcie missed her Gran very much, and daily went to her caravan where George the cat lived with her Gran, to feed and water him, and feel closer to Gran.
On a visit to Gran, she gave Marcie an early Christmas gift – a wishing stone. And from then on Marcie’s life changed. What would she wish for? And would it come true? With school holidays and the festive season on them, Marcie found herself wishing for special things – not what she wanted for Christmas; much more important than that…
Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat is a delightful children’s/middle grade adventure story by Aussie author Monica McInerney and I enjoyed it very much. Perfect for the young people in our lives, set in South Australia around four hours from Adelaide, at a lovely beach and in a caravan park! Marcie and George are a great pair, as they make plans for the future ...more
Penny was staying with her Uncle Frank while her mother, who was a pilot for the Royal Mail, was stuck in France, unable to fly home. Uncle Frank’s hoPenny was staying with her Uncle Frank while her mother, who was a pilot for the Royal Mail, was stuck in France, unable to fly home. Uncle Frank’s home was the post office, and Penny loved going into the office when no one was there. The evening she found the little creature trapped by the tail in a rat trap, the journey of her life changed. The little creature’s name was Wishyouwas, and he was a mail sorter. When Penny wanted to see where he worked, he took her down into a secret set of tunnels, deep underneath London’s streets.
Wishyouwas was one of many and they all worked at keeping the mail safe, getting lost mail to the rightful owners and keeping away from humans. Dearsir and Dearmadam were in charge of their little home, while Felicitations taught the youngsters the way of life they all lived. But there was danger above them, and Stanley Scrawl was determined to capture the Sorters. Would Penny be able to save her new friends?
Wishyouwas is a delightful children’s story by Alexandra Page, and I think perhaps this might be the beginning of a series. Ten-year-old Penny was a perfect character, brave, courageous and loyal. The Sorters were adorable – Wishyouwas, Thiswayup, Withlove, Fragile, Handlewithcare to name a few – and they all called Penny, Dear Penny. My eleven-year-old granddaughters will love this book. Highly recommended....more
The undercover assignment that Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was so suited for, was in Roaring Springs, upstate New York in an Amish community that The undercover assignment that Chief of Police Kate Burkholder was so suited for, was in Roaring Springs, upstate New York in an Amish community that seemed to have lost its way. The death of sixteen-year-old Rachel Esh was the beginning, and Kate’s years of being Amish and speaking Pennsylvania Dutch made her perfect for the dangerous assignment. Agent John Tomasetti was against the plan but knew she’d have backup…
As Kate, in her Amish disguise, got to know the people in the community, she sensed the fear and uncertainty of those she spoke to. But as events accelerated and danger mounted, Kate and her police contacts had no idea that what they would find would be worse than anyone imagined. Kate was in danger, determined to see it through. But would she survive the outcome?
Among the Wicked is the 8th in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo and it was breathtaking. As I flew through the pages, I wondered what would happen next. Evil in its worse form, and those doing it don’t want to be found out. Kate takes a lot of risks but is a good, strong and determined woman and cop. Highly recommended....more
Hannah Stone still missed her grandmother Gigi even though her death had been some years prior. She also missed her mother who had passed eighteen monHannah Stone still missed her grandmother Gigi even though her death had been some years prior. She also missed her mother who had passed eighteen months ago and now she needed to care for her father who was distraught. Her need to care for her father, and her past secret meant she and Jack, the man she loved, separated as well. Hannah wasn’t sure what her life would be in the future. But when a long-lost letter was found from Gigi, addressed to Hannah, it set her on a course that would change her life.
Hannah took leave from her school teaching job in Berkshire and headed to France, to the small village of Saint-Michel where she would begin her search for Lucie Laval to pass on a message from her grandmother. She wasn’t sure if she’d be too late, but Hannah was going to do her best. When she reached the home where Lucie had lived during the war in 1942, Hannah met Sylvie and her sixteen-year-old daughter who were descendants of a good friend of Lucie’s…
Lucie Laval was a much beloved schoolteacher in Saint-Michel in 1942 when the Germans descended on the town. The division of the town meant Lucie and her assistant, Suzette had to walk the children to the bridge, see they showed their passes to the guards, then crossed the bridge to meet up with their parents on the other side. When the Resistance in the area began making things hard for the Germans, tensions rose, and retribution followed. Would Lucie ever see her beloved husband Gabriel again? What would be the outcome in this shocking, dreadful war?
The School Teacher of Saint-Michel by Sarah Steele is an incredibly moving story of the courage and determination of certain women during the war, as they did their utmost to do what was right. Lucie’s acts of bravery as she put her own life on the line time and again; her friends Violette, Renee and others, all showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, my first by Ms Steele, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to Hachette AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Jolie Gentil was finding many of the houses she was appraising for sale had been broken into, with trash left behind; she’d even disturbed some youngsJolie Gentil was finding many of the houses she was appraising for sale had been broken into, with trash left behind; she’d even disturbed some youngsters as they fled when she arrived. It was the stranger who took her eye – around five to six years older than the teens he was enticing into crime, Jolie hadn’t seen him around Ocean Alley before. When the town hosted Talk Like a Pirate day, she had the teens helping, and the stranger, Hayden was close by, causing Jolie to give him a piece of her mind. But it was when a body turned up in the middle of a severe storm that Jolie realized she was in trouble.
Scoobie and George set out to help Jolie solve the mystery of the death, to remove the title of murder suspect from her name. Once again the police told her to stay out of it, to mind her own business, to let them do their work – but of course Jolie didn’t listen. The job of framing her had worked well…
Any Port in a Storm is the 4th in the A Jolie Gentil Cozy Mystery series by Elaine Orr, and it was fun and entertaining, as the series has so far proven to be. I enjoy the characters of Scoobie and Jolie, Aunt Madge, Harry, Ramona and George and am looking forward to the next in the series soon. Recommended. ...more
When they found the seemingly abandoned town of Harrington, Gwen and her pack bunkered down for the night in the front room of a house. But when they When they found the seemingly abandoned town of Harrington, Gwen and her pack bunkered down for the night in the front room of a house. But when they were challenged by a man holding a pitchfork, Gwen let him know they were friends. After helping the family for a few days, Gwen and the pack moved on to catch a train the old man had told them about. But there were soldiers on board, so they had to be careful.
After a stop in the wilderness, Gwen was astounded to see crates and crates of different animals, birds and creatures being loaded on board the train. Caitlin, in charge of the loading and an old nemesis of Gwen’s, mustn’t find them there or they would all be captured. But how could they set the animals free as well as arrive at the destination they were after?
Animal Train: Wolf Girl 6 is the latest installment in the Wolf Girl series by Aussie author Anh Do, and it was another great adventure for the friends. As always, the soldiers are nearby and a danger to Gwen and her pack, but between them all, they manage to escape their clutches. Will Gwen ever find her parents again? Another excellent Wolf Girl episode, in a series perfect for those aged 9+. Recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Lemonade Jones was starting big school and wasn’t sure if she was excited or scared. She learned there are lots of rules in big school, rules she didnLemonade Jones was starting big school and wasn’t sure if she was excited or scared. She learned there are lots of rules in big school, rules she didn’t much like. And Lemonade Jones found herself sitting in the quiet corner at the end of the day because she did something bad.
When she turned six, Lemonade Jones had a party and invited her whole class. It was to be a Zoo that comes to you day, where all the children dressed up in their favourite animal costumes, and the cake was a lion chocolate cake. But when the zoo animals arrived, they weren’t what she expected. So Lemonade Jones created her own animals…
Everyone in the school participated in the Great School Fete, and there were lots of fun activities. But Lemonade Jones had nominated her Mum to be the singing star of the Year One Mum Band. What would happen when Lemonade Jones’ Mum got up on stage to sing?
A Whole Lot of Lemonade Jones by Aussie authors Davina Bell and Karen Blair is a lot of fun for the young people in our lives. With three stories which follow on from the last, Lemonade Jones will be a hit for the 5+ age group, as they find out about big school and the activities, learning and rules that involve everyone.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Jesse Redpath was a police officer in the small town of Kulara in the Northern Territory where she saw more than most and controlled more than most. SJesse Redpath was a police officer in the small town of Kulara in the Northern Territory where she saw more than most and controlled more than most. Since Jesse took over, crime had greatly lessened in the area. When young Adam Lawson went up before the magistrate once again, Jesse persuaded him to allow Adam to live with her father Ben, and work at the local pub, to work his hours out. If he absconded, he would be arrested and thrown in jail. Adam managed quite some time with Ben Redpath – both of them artists and Ben directed Adam, gave him some pointers. But Adam had itchy feet, apologizing to his mentor and taking off down south.
When Jesse heard through her boss that Adam had been found not far from Melbourne in Victoria, she wasn’t prepared to hear he was dead. She also wasn’t prepared to hear he’d murdered a woman and had crashed a stolen car into a tree while fleeing the town. Jesse was certain the Adam she knew wouldn’t have a bar of killing, so she and her dad headed for Melbourne, then a small town about an hour north-east of there, called Canticle Creek, to unofficially look into the deaths.
Canticle Creek was a hot bed of secrets amid the soaring heat of the summer sun. As Jesse made herself known to the local cops, she made some friends – and enemies - while investigating. Possum, a sixteen-year-old young woman who had more smarts than some adults Jesse had met, was intelligent and helpful. But what would they find in the small town of Canticle Creek?
Canticle Creek is the first book in 10 years from Aussie author Adrian Hyland and it was well worth waiting for! A tension filled, suspenseful crime novel set in the ravaging heat of the Northern Territory and Victoria, where bushfires kept the locals on edge, and the heat baked everything in its path. I’ve read each of Mr Hyland’s books and loved them all; Canticle Creek, with its captivating cover, is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Ultimo Press AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Detective Josie Quinn was on a day off, home with her family surrounding her, apart from her husband Noah, who was on a shift, when someone knocked onDetective Josie Quinn was on a day off, home with her family surrounding her, apart from her husband Noah, who was on a shift, when someone knocked on the door. When she saw Detective Finn Mettner standing there, distraught and needing Josie to go with him, she had no idea of what was ahead of her and the whole Devon team. Mettner’s girlfriend and Denton Police Department’s Press Liaison person, Amber, was missing and the only clue they had was a time and the name of a nearby dam.
Josie risked her life to reach the young woman trapped on the rocks when the gates were released to send a wall of raging water down into the river, but it was too late. She was washed away – but when her body was found, they realized it wasn’t Amber. Who was the young woman who had lost her life at the dam? As the freezing weather continued and the snow laden blizzard caused chaos, Josie, Gretchen, Noah and the Chief worked day and night to find the answers. And what they found shocked them to the core. But the clock was ticking. Was Amber alive, or were they yet to find her body? After all, with two bodies and one missing person, Josie had no idea what was ahead…
The Drowning Girls is the 13th in the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan and once again it was a thrilling, chilling ride! Fast paced, breathtaking and intense, the team always work well together, pushing themselves until they get the answers they need. I love Josie’s character; she’s strong, courageous and compassionate, determined to do the right thing, always. I’m looking forward to #14 already! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When Carnival Queen, Daisy Shaw, was found in the alley early on a morning the carnival in Cromer, was in full swing, Detective Sara Hirst and DI EdwaWhen Carnival Queen, Daisy Shaw, was found in the alley early on a morning the carnival in Cromer, was in full swing, Detective Sara Hirst and DI Edwards were shocked at the brutality of the young woman’s death. The coastal town was expecting a lot of tourists for the carnival week, with theatre performances, and the usual Carny crew entertaining the crowd, meaning it was bustling with activities and the committee running it was very busy.
Adele Hayward was on the committee and had a lot of responsibilities. Her husband Greg, son Alexander and two mates spent their time drinking, getting drunk and trying to impress. But Adele’s worst fear was the brutality of her husband. Greg was a bully and Xander was following suit. Her injuries from Greg’s violence were usually hidden, but lately he didn’t seem to care. Adele was afraid of him…
The police were interviewing everyone connected to the carnival, as well as the theatre people and the committee. There wasn’t a lot to go on, but Sara could see that secrets were being kept, and lies were being told. Would they be able to get through that armour and find the killer of poor Daisy? And what would happen to Adele?
A Brutal Season is the 3rd in the DS Sara Hirst series by Judi Daykin and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Fast paced with plenty of action, a nice lot of suspects and tension that kept building. I’m already looking forward to the fourth in the series when it’s published. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Holly White returned home to Mistletoe, Maine after being dumped a week before her wedding by her loser fiancé. Reindeer Games, the family Christmas tHolly White returned home to Mistletoe, Maine after being dumped a week before her wedding by her loser fiancé. Reindeer Games, the family Christmas tree farm, soothed her broken heart and with the lead up to Christmas and all the usual activities, Holly didn’t have time to feel sad. That was until President of the Mistletoe Historical Society, Margaret Fenwick was killed and left in the sleigh. Sheriff Evan Grey was immediately on the scene, and with Holly attempting to find the killer, and being threatened herself, it seemed there was a killer in Mistletoe who wasn’t afraid to stop and nothing to avoid capture.
Twelve Slays of Christmas is the 1st in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I’ve read #2 and #3 so knew I needed to read the first story. Plenty of Christmas festivities, this one was fun and quirky with clues, hints and twisty innuendos to keep me on my toes! I’m looking forward to #4 now ...more
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