As always with Michael Wood a great premise, superb well-developed characters, and a great ending.
This stand alone examines how crime not only affectAs always with Michael Wood a great premise, superb well-developed characters, and a great ending.
This stand alone examines how crime not only affects the victim’s family, but the perpetrators family as well. Mr Wood pulls you in and just when you think you know where it is going. A huge change in direction is taken.
I found the book only OK for most of it, until the fantastic ending. When it was revealed that this was written over 20 years ago, but only just published it explained why I was struggling with it for the most part, as it was probably one of the first written by this exceptional author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 5 in the Kate Marshall series. By the amazing author Robert Bryndza, he never fails.
Investigating another cold case from the late 1980’s, was thiBook 5 in the Kate Marshall series. By the amazing author Robert Bryndza, he never fails.
Investigating another cold case from the late 1980’s, was this another previously unidentified victim of the 9 Elms killer? A subject close to Kate’s heart. Involves some soul searching and difficult decisions.
Personally, I found this one more difficult to read as I got confused with all the various men involved the night victim disappeared. I enjoyed the elements of the investigations and developments in the general storyline. But struggled a bit with the issue. Probably just me. Still can’t wait for next instalment
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit to being a big fan of Ms Schneider's, and yet again she doesn’t disappoint.
This is s story of good vs Evil; I will leave you to decide whI must admit to being a big fan of Ms Schneider's, and yet again she doesn’t disappoint.
This is s story of good vs Evil; I will leave you to decide which is which. There are that many twists and surprises. As always Strong character development throughout. Where no one is who they seem to be, all seem to have terrible secrets and complicated histories. I won’t give away more of the plot… read the description given on the book.
If I was to pick a fault, it would be that the author jumps between refereeing to one character as Mrs Betts in one sentence but Mina in the next. Maybe it was just me, but I found it quite confusing. Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
First of all thank you to the publishers and Booksprout, for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review,
The Wordsmith is book 13 in the DI Erica Swift sFirst of all thank you to the publishers and Booksprout, for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review,
The Wordsmith is book 13 in the DI Erica Swift series, and somehow manages to go from maintain the pace, although this one seems to have eased off a little as a personal opinion.
`The subject matter - someone is recreating murders from the books of a a best selling author. A different idea for a book, which works well, although personally the murderer was fairly obvious.
DI Swift and DS Turner work well together, but it will interesting to see where this goes next! ...more
Next! What on earth was that? A new author to me and it looked intriguing, but before i finished the first chapter. I had my doubts. Very unlikeable chNext! What on earth was that? A new author to me and it looked intriguing, but before i finished the first chapter. I had my doubts. Very unlikeable characters, weird story line and the chapters are all over the place, Quite a bit of swearing in there too, I don't DNF many books, think its 2 maybe 3 years since last time. Reading the other reviews I gather i am in the minority, but this is not for me. I almost gave up at 5%, but struggled onto 15%,
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy in exchange for an honest review....more
Dove Milson Book 5. I love this author and in particular this series. The writing style means it is quick and easy to read. This is a great story withDove Milson Book 5. I love this author and in particular this series. The writing style means it is quick and easy to read. This is a great story with some wonderful red herrings in there. Told by Dove and mysterious narrator.
The general police team is relatively small and the main cast is not too big, But if I had a criticism, i would have appreciated a cast list of Doves family. Maybe I am getting old, or its a long time since the last book, but i struggled to remember who was who,
Overall another great story. Looking forward to book 6! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy, in exchange for an honest review....more
This was a new author for me, although I see this is the 3rd book in the series.
Quite a few characters to invest in, but it works well as quite oftenThis was a new author for me, although I see this is the 3rd book in the series.
Quite a few characters to invest in, but it works well as quite often you only get to know about one of the detectives. I loved the pretext of this book and it was well executed with the story going back and forth over 25 years and the different narrators. It got a little bit confusing at times, but not too unreadable.
As I said at the start. this is the 3rd book in the series, I don't think i was too disadvantaged to start with book 3. I think I will go back and read the previous 2 and possibly others after it. ,This wasn't a great book, but definitely not a bad one either. I rate as an 4 Stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This is the 17th instalment in this series as usual there are plot twists, a plenty, with several plot twists and a high body count.
This is a good reThis is the 17th instalment in this series as usual there are plot twists, a plenty, with several plot twists and a high body count.
This is a good read and moves at a good pace. But … the book did seem to stop suddenly, felt like there should have been another chapter or two to wrap up the loose ends. Hopefully some of these may be wrapped up in the next book.
3.5 rounded to 4. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced review copy....more
I have loved Karin Slaughters books since I read Blindsighted approx. 17-18 years ago, I caught up quickly and have eagerly awaited the next instalmenI have loved Karin Slaughters books since I read Blindsighted approx. 17-18 years ago, I caught up quickly and have eagerly awaited the next instalment, ever since. I was so excited when, I got the email to say I had been given access to this title. She never disappoints, the Will Trent/Sara Linton stories are always brutal, and graphic depicting the violence of the work they do but encompass the sweet tenderness between them. This one is no different, but has a bit of the Agatha Christie, locked room mystery thrown in.
Will and Sara are on their honeymoon, in what should be an idyllic break away from civilisation so, of course, nothing goes smoothly with this pair. They stumble upon a tragic murder, whilst enjoying a midnight swim in the lake. The deeper they investigate the more they uncover evidence of paedophilia, domestic abuse, child cruelty, alcoholism, drug addiction and incels. One of the most shocking parts of the story is that the family, don’t seem to care who murdered their relative. It seems that everyone has a motive, but who did it?
The story is told in a series of flashback chapters that work well, giving the reader most of the info that Will and Sarah, together with Faith must try and piece together. Another masterpiece of Crime writing. If I must pick a fault, it’s that the chapters are too long for me personally. It detracts from the pace a little. But that said another easy 5 star read.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review....more
Let me start by saying that this probably the best in the series so far, that is difficult as they have all been outstanding books, definitely one of Let me start by saying that this probably the best in the series so far, that is difficult as they have all been outstanding books, definitely one of those just one more chapter book.
As always the plot is well thought out and developed, with the usual twists, As the narrative shifts seamlessly from past to present as the reasons for the crimes are revealed.
This times, Erika must deal not only with the crimes, but pressures from her own bosses and Government departments trying to control what she can and can’t do. All at a time when Erika is querying where her career is going as she turns 50. Plus, developments with Igor and his family. Erika’s world is complex, but I love being there. I did notice that there seemed to be slightly less involvement with /from her team this time, But only really when you look back at it later on.
As I said earlier this probably the best in this amazing series and I highly recommend reading them all. This may well have been the best book of 2023....more
Now I like the premise for this job. But I really struggled to read it. Came very close to DNF, I did see it through to the end. Still none the wiser.Now I like the premise for this job. But I really struggled to read it. Came very close to DNF, I did see it through to the end. Still none the wiser. It was very much Americanised, and assumes everyone knows the references mentioned, re places, education, cars drinks Now I read a lot of books based in America, and have never had an issues before...more
Now I usually love everything this author writes. But this one just did not work for me. I can see elements of her usual writing, but the characters dNow I usually love everything this author writes. But this one just did not work for me. I can see elements of her usual writing, but the characters did not pull me in the setting had potential, but just didn't really work. It was only saved from 2 stars, by the last 10-15% when it really started to pick up, But not enough to be awarded more than 3 stars....more
Can’t believe we are on book 19. A lot of series start to get a bit stale by this stage, but not this one. It is amazing where all the fresh ideas froCan’t believe we are on book 19. A lot of series start to get a bit stale by this stage, but not this one. It is amazing where all the fresh ideas from always tackling difficult subjects.
As normal Kim is a determined headstrong character. With her loyal and dedicated team, it is the banter and Kim’s unorthodox approach that make this series. The storyline is very cleverly plotted, with loads of red herrings, twists, and surprises.
This the sort of book that you watch the page percentage fly by as the sort chapters increase the pace. You are always thinking I want this to end, but at the same time wish it would last longer, so you don’t have to wait 6 months for the next. 5 stars is not enough as always....more
Another great story from David Fennell, as he wraps up the trilogy, with a hint of more to follow. I for one really hope there are more books in this Another great story from David Fennell, as he wraps up the trilogy, with a hint of more to follow. I for one really hope there are more books in this series. Even though this book helps to resolve some parts of the story. there are lots more unanswered questions and plot lines to follow as the characters are developed.
This is an unusual crime story that has an emotional pull on the heart strings. Loved the chapters from the killers point of view, I suggest you pay attention to all the detail in all the chapters, it will all make sense in the end.
I like the uncomplicated relationship between Archer and Quinn, as their relationship has developed. Another fast paced story that builds up the menace until the tense and gripping finale.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
My thanks to Joy Ellis, Joffe books and Netgalley for the ARC, in exchange for an honest opinion.
Returning to this series is like sitting down with olMy thanks to Joy Ellis, Joffe books and Netgalley for the ARC, in exchange for an honest opinion.
Returning to this series is like sitting down with old friends. I enjoy meeting up with Nikki, Joseph, Eve and the gang. The stories always include a smart mystery but also quite a bit of the interactions of everyone.
This time, there are two stylized murder scenes Someone is killing young goths in Greenborough and it is up to Nikki and her team to solve why. As ever the main characters, Nikki and Joseph, are very well developed and complex They make a well-matched couple, both in their private and their professional lives.
There’s also a side story as Eve and Wendy research a long dead painter who met a mysterious end and a missing painting. Of course, someone in the present is trying to stop this investigation. Might just have been me being inpatient, but this part of the book seemed quite drawn out, and spoiled the pace of the book to me, this time. Not had a problem with them in the previous books.
Whereas this is part of a well-developed series, you could fairly easily read this as a standalone. Although I do recommend reading the whole series.
Scoring this book is difficult. The main story is easily 4-5 stars, but the side story I can’t give more than 3 stars, so overall 4 stars.
Merged review:
My thanks to Joy Ellis, Joffe books and Netgalley for the ARC, in exchange for an honest opinion.
Returning to this series is like sitting down with old friends. I enjoy meeting up with Nikki, Joseph, Eve and the gang. The stories always include a smart mystery but also quite a bit of the interactions of everyone.
This time, there are two stylized murder scenes Someone is killing young goths in Greenborough and it is up to Nikki and her team to solve why. As ever the main characters, Nikki and Joseph, are very well developed and complex They make a well-matched couple, both in their private and their professional lives.
There’s also a side story as Eve and Wendy research a long dead painter who met a mysterious end and a missing painting. Of course, someone in the present is trying to stop this investigation. Might just have been me being inpatient, but this part of the book seemed quite drawn out, and spoiled the pace of the book to me, this time. Not had a problem with them in the previous books.
Whereas this is part of a well-developed series, you could fairly easily read this as a standalone. Although I do recommend reading the whole series.
Scoring this book is difficult. The main story is easily 4-5 stars, but the side story I can’t give more than 3 stars, so overall 4 stars....more
It is a huge testament to the character development, the author has put into the team, over the years that you can take the main character, pretty mucIt is a huge testament to the character development, the author has put into the team, over the years that you can take the main character, pretty much out of the book. Without weakening the plot.
Over the years, Matilda has made a lot of enemies who could be potential kidnappers. The team must sift through all these. Plus investigate a body found inside an abandoned car in the woods.
If you are a first-time reader to this series, don’t worry the author fills in the gaps, succinctly. I pretty much guarantee you will be back reading the series after this one,
In true Michael Woods style, this a dark, intense storyline with many layers and multiple investigations that will keep you turning the pages and pinned to your seat, as the plot twists and turns. This is another cracking instalment to this series I sincerely hope book 12 is not far away, especially with that cliff hanger.
Highly recommended. Firstly, I would like to thank netgalley and HarperCollins uk one more chapter and the fantastic author Michael wood for an early copy of his book....more
I initially was intrigued by the concept. But very early on the basic premise was broken. Then after a prolonged and long winded introduction it went I initially was intrigued by the concept. But very early on the basic premise was broken. Then after a prolonged and long winded introduction it went downhill very rapidly and I gave up around 38% This is probably the worst book I have read since The Guest List, and that says it all.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC....more
I would like to thank NetGalley & Joffe Books for my ARC of Murder Now And Then in exchange for an honest review.
Book 20 In the Hilliary Greene SeriesI would like to thank NetGalley & Joffe Books for my ARC of Murder Now And Then in exchange for an honest review.
Book 20 In the Hilliary Greene Series, no longer a DI. Now working cold cases as a civilian. It has the usual format we have come to expect. Investigate the murder of a vicar 30myears ago. Might just me me but this one felt a bit half- hearted, with an ending that was a bit rushed. Another quick and easy book to read.
I would like to thank NetGalley & Joffe Books for my ARC of Murder Now And Then in exchange for an honest review....more
You can't go wrong with a Michael Wood book. His Mathilda Darke series is superb and so is this his first standalone.
A very dark and compelling book.You can't go wrong with a Michael Wood book. His Mathilda Darke series is superb and so is this his first standalone.
A very dark and compelling book. Which as his fans expect is handled brilliantly. There is so much going on, but it is easy to follow, despite the number of characters.. It is a very dark storyline but it is handled sensitively and all woven together. The author has obviously done a lot of research into how families react and interact in these situations.
Hooked from page one and does not let you go until the end. Reads as if its a true crime novel, i really was convinced it was a true story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for my advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review...more
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