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.
Book 20 in this amazing series and she has done it again. I have been a big fan of the series from the start.
Kim and her team investigate the murder ofBook 20 in this amazing series and she has done it again. I have been a big fan of the series from the start.
Kim and her team investigate the murder of mothers involved in pageants, who is killing these women and why?
I raced through this book as needed to finish it as quickly as possible to find the answers, i can't wait for the next one. If I am being picky, there didn’t seem to be as much of the usual banter within the team, especially between Bryant and Kim. Or as much background to the locations, which I always enjoy. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the highly anticipated ARC. It is recommended for all fans of Angela Marsons and anyone who enjoys a compelling detective story. Guilty Mothers is due to be published on May 31. ...more
Can’t believe we are up to book, 9 with this fantastic series with all the twist and surprises we come to expect. This series is definitely unusual wiCan’t believe we are up to book, 9 with this fantastic series with all the twist and surprises we come to expect. This series is definitely unusual with the DI from a commune, smoking Cannabis and the rural; Welsh settings.
Once again a great book full of twists , surprises, gruesome murders, intrigue and suspense. Love the reason behind the title.
Highly recommend to fans of murder mysteries with a psychological twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an Arc in exchange for an honest review...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
I am a big fan of the authors Mathilda Darke series, so was a little hesitant to start a new series as can sometimes be a disappointment. But I didn’tI am a big fan of the authors Mathilda Darke series, so was a little hesitant to start a new series as can sometimes be a disappointment. But I didn’t have any worry with this one.
Another great character with one hell of a history, lots of scope for development.
I did find that the murderer almost telegraphed his guilt as they appeared, or maybe I have read too much!
There were a few other possibilities, but it was interesting to to read on and see if I was right. Hopefully there will be more Olivia Winter books, alongside more Mathilda Darke books.
4 stars mainly as the murderer was so easy to identify.
This a little different to Mr Barkers previous books, not a bad thing, But it will definitely make you think before you download apps and automaticallThis a little different to Mr Barkers previous books, not a bad thing, But it will definitely make you think before you download apps and automatically accept T & C’s
The first half of this book really pulls you in, the second half has a lot of action but can be a little confusing with how the story is flowing. Some scenes leave you asking is this needed, where is this taking me? The ending was a little disappointing for me.
Overall, a book that plays with your emotions. I didn't enjoy it as much as I think I thought I might but has not put me off more of Mr Barkers books. So, 4 Stars from me....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
I will start off by saying how much I love this authors previous books.
But this one…. I came very close to DNF, it was only my previous experience wiI will start off by saying how much I love this authors previous books.
But this one…. I came very close to DNF, it was only my previous experience with her work that pushed me to plough through.
I found it very slow to start with and difficult to connect with the characters, or care what happened to them. Probably didn’t help that I am not a fan of influencers. The book was over long and quite repetitive especially the dialogue.
I am sure others will love it, but not for me. I give it a generous 3 stars, based on previous experience,...more
This is a great re-issued book if you have not read Ms du Maurier,'s work before, even if you have its a great reminder as to how wonderful her writinThis is a great re-issued book if you have not read Ms du Maurier,'s work before, even if you have its a great reminder as to how wonderful her writing is. This is a great introduction or reminder.
The Birds and Other Stories are 6 short stories that are all equally good but yet different in plot. My favorites would have to be The Little Photographer, The Apple Tree and The Birds.
The Birds - 5 stars Monte Verità - 2 stars The Apple Tree - 4 stars The Little Photographer - 2 stars Kiss Me Again, Stranger - 2 stars The Old Man - 3 stars Each wonderfully crafted story explores mystery, isolation, and the supernatural.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. ...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
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
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