See No Evil is the second book in the Detective Grace Archer series, and what a thrilling series its shaping up to be! If you’re asking yourself why ySee No Evil is the second book in the Detective Grace Archer series, and what a thrilling series its shaping up to be! If you’re asking yourself why you should invest in another series when the market is saturated with crime thrillers, here’s your answer….it’s a series that’s well-written, with the most deliciously dark plots, and pretty gruesome crime scenes which is always a plus for us die hard crime thriller lovers!
Two mutilated bodies are discovered in Battersea Park. It’s Grace and her teams job to investigate the crimes and bring the killer to justice. Everything seems to point to a newly established cult and its charismatic leader, Aaron Cronin. One of the strengths of this series are Grace and her sidekick Harry Quinn, they compliment each other perfectly. Grace has a horrific backstory, and threads from her past collide with the present. I like how the author incorporates Grace’s own story alongside the investigation as the two blend together perfectly and ensure there’s never a dull moment.
David Fennel draws you in from the off with a shocking opening scene, and he continues to keep you in his clutches all the way to the thrilling conclusion. The crimes scenes are vividly described giving the reader the sense that they are part of the ongoing investigation, the who? And why? are wrapped up in misdirection and red herrings creating a read that’s exciting and unpredictable. See No Evil is a fast paced, tension fuelled read that made for an exciting, binge worthy read.
If you haven’t read any books in the Kim Stone series this is the perfect introduction. It’s only a short story (one chapter long), but you will get aIf you haven’t read any books in the Kim Stone series this is the perfect introduction. It’s only a short story (one chapter long), but you will get a feel for the authors writing style and the humour that the author injects into this crime series. I love Kim stone she’s one of my favourite fictional detectives and you immediately get a sense of her personality. I couldn’t rate it 5 stars as I was left wanting more. ...more
Set in a nineteenth century Virginian plantation. Mattie is the wet-nurse slave assigned to care for the Souther privileged newborn Elizabeth. Mattie Set in a nineteenth century Virginian plantation. Mattie is the wet-nurse slave assigned to care for the Souther privileged newborn Elizabeth. Mattie has her own baby boy Samuel, but Elizabeth’s need is greater, according to Elizabeth’s privileged white parents! An unbreakable bond is formed between the pair.
Although this book made for a fairly easy read I thought the simplicity of this novel lets it down, as it doesn't really manage to capture the brutality of the slave trade. It felt more like a version seen through rose ‘tinted glasses’. It barely scratches the surface of the atrocities the slaves faced day in day out, which was a shame as the book had great potential. It reminded me of The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom but not nearly as good, and the characters are far better developed in The Kitchen House, but that’s only my opinion. ...more
Sophie aka Sapphire is a drug addict, and sex work, circumstances, addiction and desperation drive her to do unmentionable things. It’s heartbreaking Sophie aka Sapphire is a drug addict, and sex work, circumstances, addiction and desperation drive her to do unmentionable things. It’s heartbreaking to think, but Sapphire’s story is credible, and one many homeless people could relate to. Sapphire and her sister Kelsey are placed in the care system after their mother dies. The very system that should have been there to protect two young girls results in failure, and Sapphire finds herself living on the streets of Manchester where danger is never far away.
Sapphires story is brutal, raw and intense, the author describes Sapphires descent into a world of drugs, violence and abuse frankly and in away that makes her story feel far more authentic and gritty. I really liked Sapphire. Despite everything that happened to her, she didn’t come across as a victim, but a survivor. Despite her flaws, she always looked for the best in people, and this sometimes led to the people closest to her taken advantage.
The story flows well and made for a quick, exciting read. The descriptions of the perils Sapphire faced living on the streets felt very real. If I had one small quibble, I thought the book ended too neatly. I’m not sure there are many girls living on the streets that it ended so well for. I thought it felt at odds with the authentic storyline, but this could just be me! ...more
This is one of my favourite times of year, forget Christmas! It’s all about Six Stories, and it’s time for another thrilling instalment in this dark sThis is one of my favourite times of year, forget Christmas! It’s all about Six Stories, and it’s time for another thrilling instalment in this dark series from one of the most exciting and original voices in crime fiction. Demon is book six in the chilling Six Stories series, and Scott King’s investigates the 1995 cold case of a demon possession in a rural Yorkshire village, where 12-year-old Sidney Parsons was murdered in cold blood by two children. Part mystery with a hefty dose of the supernatural thrown in, Demon is a creepy, suspense filled novel that captures the reader’s imagination from the off.
The thing that makes this series such an original read is the fact the story is narrated as episodes of a true-crime podcast. Each post cast comprises of six episodes, each one features their perspectives of the crime Each story takes you to the darkest place and raises more questions than answers. The authors unique writing brings each voice to life, you feel you’re listening too rather than reading about the pod casts. Tales of folklore passed down through generations, strange occurrences within the village, changes in children’s behaviour, whispers of possession and witches add credence to the supernatural element of this book.
From the first page of Demon, a frisson of horror trickled down my spine, but as the story unfolded my horror turned to fear, as an intense feeling of something dark and evil lurking within in its pages grew. You're desperate to learn more, but you nervously wonder what dark, twisted path Wesolowski is leading you down. The author always creates the perfect creepy backdrop for his book. Here it’s the Kilns at Ussel Back, a place that’s shrouded in mystery and supernatural tales, a place where evil seems to radiate from within the gouged rocks.
The author has created an atmosphere that’s thick with malevolence, unnerving the reader at every turn of the page. The supernatural elements of the book provide the creep factor, but it’s the subject of young children committing the most heinous crimes that make it such a chilling and desperately sad read. This series goes from strength to strength thanks to the authors’ exceptionally descriptive writing and his vivid imagination. His plots are original, terrifying, disturbing and deliciously dark. Demon consumed my every waking moment, and I absolutely loved every page of this compelling read. Would I recommend it? You bet I would! It’s made my list of top reads of 2021!
I picked up Lonely Hearts, not realising it’s the 4th book in the Jessica Shaw series. If I’m honest, I prefer to read a series from the beginning. BuI picked up Lonely Hearts, not realising it’s the 4th book in the Jessica Shaw series. If I’m honest, I prefer to read a series from the beginning. But I loved the sound of this book and Lisa Gray is a new author to me, so I put my reservations to one side and dug in. A middle- aged woman wanting her to find her friend approaches Jessica. Veronica disappeared over fifteen years ago, not long after having a child with a Death Row inmate. When his widow is murdered in the same way as his victims. The case gets more complex and takes on a more sinister tone when Jessica unearths both women were members of The Lonely Hearts Club, a pen pal service for women who write to men in prison.
Jessica Shaw is a PI, which makes a refreshing change from a detective as they can focus heavily on police procedures. I always think these types of characters can push the boundaries, take more risks when they aren’t governed by rules and regulations. I enjoyed getting to know Jessica. She’s a tough, headstrong, and a likeable protagonist. Although I may have missed some aspects of her back story, the author provides enough detail so that the reader doesn’t feel like they're missing out.
I liked the fact the book is based around women writing to serial killers in prison. It’s a subject that’s always fascinated me. Why you would want to write to someone who has committed the most terrible acts is beyond me. Is it a case of morbid fascination? Or a need to rescue damaged individuals? Who knows! But Veronica’s POV gives the reader an intriguing insight into this phenomenon.
The story alternates between the past and the present, moving swiftly between the two. As the two timelines interweave, the tension builds. The unraveling of the mystery of Veronica’s disappearance drives the reader onwards to the conclusion. I really enjoyed my first outing with Lisa Gray and would definitely go back and rest of the series.
OMFG Angela Marsons is back with the fifteenth book in the Detective Kim Stone series Stolen Ones and yet again she has delivered on all fronts. Nail OMFG Angela Marsons is back with the fifteenth book in the Detective Kim Stone series Stolen Ones and yet again she has delivered on all fronts. Nail biting, thrilling, and riveting the author has pulled out all the stops. This is the only long running crime series I continue to read. Forget the book description, forget the reviews. I will read it whatever! The series remains unpredictable, with. Intricate plots that beg the reader to read in one deliciously satisfying sitting.
The author takes a bold risk and reveals the ‘who’ from the start. I’m not sure about you, but one thing I love about crime thriller is working out the ‘who’. Fortunately for Marsons, she can pull it off whilst maintaining a high level of suspense as to the ‘why’. The tag line for this book sums up the plot perfectly ‘25 years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another’.Kim and her team have their work cut out with their latest investigation as it’s one that’s shrouded in confusion and the unexpected.
With a prime suspect firmly in her sights, Kim only has twenty-four hours to make every second of their interrogation count, which adds to the tension tenfold. The author’s meticulous research into interrogation techniques adds authenticity to the plot. As if things aren’t bad enough already the author brings back one of Kim’s old Nemesis’s, it’s a name readers of the series will know well, psychopath Dr Alex Thorne. Alex continues to taunt Kim from behind prison bars, a hateful woman, but oh my, she’s also fascinating in a strange sort of way!
The one thing that makes this series stand out is the characters. Kim and her team are meticulously crafted. They are the heart and soul of this series. The banter between them adds a dose of humour to the read. I’m not sure how Angela Marsons comes up with her original plots, but she continues to surprise me with every book she writes. This series never feels stale, boring or repetitive. She writes with grit, enthusiasm, and passion, and incorporates all the ingredients needed to create yet another book to add to this stellar series. Would I recommend Stolen One? You bet I would!...more
OMG, what an addictive read Twelve Secrets turned out to be. This book isn’t due out until next year, but it’s one I would highly recommend you to addOMG, what an addictive read Twelve Secrets turned out to be. This book isn’t due out until next year, but it’s one I would highly recommend you to add to your wish list right now. Robert Gold has created a story that has more twists and turns than the proverbial roller coaster. Told from multiple POV it’s nigh on impossible to second guess how the characters are connected, but it certainly keeps those brain cells ticking over!
Two classmates murdered Ben Harper’s older brother Nick. Twenty years on, Ben is a crime journalist and happily settled back in his hometown Haddley, But a recent murder shines new light on his brother’s death and throws suspicion on those closest to him. Ben discovers Haddley is a town full of secrets. No-one is as they seem, and everyone has something to hide. As the plot progresses, the secrets of Haddley residents are slowly but deftly revealed. Some are more shocking than others, but it makes for an exciting read.
The characters are a fascinating bunch, some more likeable than others, but they all have something to hide, which adds to the tension tenfold. Books that I’m unable to unravel the mystery are a rare breed, and yet the author kept me guessing almost to the end, with well plotted red herrings and characters that mislead you at every well thought out turn. A real page turner that made for an exciting, binge worthy read. Highly recommended.
Flight of the Shearwater is the second book in The Sturmtaucher trilogy, and what an incredible, emotional read it turned out to be. Alan Jones painstFlight of the Shearwater is the second book in The Sturmtaucher trilogy, and what an incredible, emotional read it turned out to be. Alan Jones painstaking years of research are clear to see, the attention to historical detail is extraordinary, as a reader you feel like your living one of the most appalling and darkest periods of history, as we observe the Nussbaum’s and Kastner family’s through the Second World War. I laughed, I cried, I vented, and then I cried some more. Based on facts, it makes Flight Of The Shearwater such an emotive and raw read. I couldn’t help but think of the millions of Jews whose lives were lost.
Flight Of The Shearwater is a fascinating story of two families torn apart by the worse kind of evil. In this book, the war is progressing, life is intolerable for the Nussbaums who live in perpetual fear. As France collapses under the Wehrmacht Blitzkrieg, the Nussbaum’s along with millions of Jews, are trapped under Hitler’s rule. They desperately seek a way out of Germany with the help of General Kastner, who puts his and his family’s lives at risk, as he attempts to help them.
We learn first hand through the eyes of the Nussbaums just how challenging life was for Jews. The atrocities that they faced give the book a palatable sense of horror that constantly stays with the reader. Flight Of The Shearwater is a book like no other I have read, Alan Jones brings the plight of the Jews during WW2 to life. It’s a difficult read but so it should be, as there’s no hiding the atrocities that were committed during this period. The narrative is cinematic in its telling. The scenes are so vivid you feel you are alongside the Nussbaums living every horrifying moment of their persecution at the hands of the Nazis.
Don’t think for one minute this is a depressing read, yes it’s heartbreaking and harrowing in parts, but there are heartwarming scenes that lift the mood. As I reached the last page, I felt a sense of loss, which has left me desperate to read the ultimate book in the series. Flight Of The Shearwater is a story of human resilience, hope and survival, and good versus evil during one of the darkest periods in history. A MUST read for fans of historical fiction or for those looking for an all-consuming read. ...more
The Queen of gangland thrillers Kimberley Chambers is back! with one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 The Family Man. Welcome to the world of KennThe Queen of gangland thrillers Kimberley Chambers is back! with one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 The Family Man. Welcome to the world of Kenny Bond, a world where violence is the norm and family are everything. Once again, the author has delivered on every level, it’s brutal, wickedly entertaining, and brilliantly written. Personally, I think it’s the authors’ best book yet! I’m loving The Bond family. Despite their foibles, like many families, they have their differences. Some are more likeable than other but they are a fascinating bunch.
I should warn those of a nervous disposition there is a very upsetting scene involving a child, but those use to the authors work know she keeps her books ‘real’ and that includes subjects that are often difficult to read about.Kimberly Chambers is one of those rare authors who has a gift for creating colourful characters, that are larger than life, you feel you know them inside out, and despite their flaws a small part of you can’t help but fall in love with everyone of the Bonds, even the ‘not rights’. it’s a testament to the authors writing that she can make you laugh and cry at their antics, love and hate them, all in the space of a few minutes!
The wonderful thing about reading Kimberley’s books is the sheer speed at which you are catapulted into the character’s world. From the moment I read the prologue, my heart was in my mouth as I raced through this book. I had reservations KC could not match the high caliber of her previous books, but bloody hell I was wrong. Not only has she wrote another blinding book, but she has surpassed herself.
Once again the author has created the most brilliant characters who get caught up in a life of crime that involves tension, violence, treachery and family falling outs.The Family Man moves along like an express train, leaving you no time to catch your breath! KC has away of writing that makes you fly through her books, it’s a cliche but I find them impossible to put down, and I always find myself bereft when I reach the last page. I seriously can’t wait for the second book in the Bond series. Highly recommended....more
Woohoo Michael Woods is back with the eighth book in the DCI Maltilda Darke series. I wasn’t sure how Michael Woods could top Time Is Running Out (theWoohoo Michael Woods is back with the eighth book in the DCI Maltilda Darke series. I wasn’t sure how Michael Woods could top Time Is Running Out (the seventh book) my favourite book in this series so far! But he has! Survivor’s Guilt is yet another binge worthy addition to this stellar series. So buckle up for a bumpy ride, as the author takes you on a rollercoaster with highs, lows, twist and turns galore.
Survivor’s Guilt begins 9 months after the brutal attack that left Matilda in a coma, an attack that also resulted in the deaths of several of her close friends and colleagues. Matilda is back at work alongside her depleted team investigating the murders of prostitutes. It soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer is on the loose on the streets of Sheffield.
The strength of this series is the characters. As a huge fan, I’ve watched Matilda and her team develop and grow into living characters. Matilda and her team’s grief is palatable as they try to make sense of what’s happened and come to terms with their losses. This book sees a shift in the team's dynamics, which is hardly surprising considering all they’ve been through, but there’s disharmony, and the divide grows between the team as Matilda’s ability to lead comes under question. It’s an emotional read in parts as we see how different members of the team struggle with the complexities of ‘survivor’s guilt’, as well as how it affects their relationships with other members of this once close team.
It’s great the author ‘humanised’ the prostitutes, they’re not just ‘victims’. He gives each one a backstory. This series goes from strength to strength. It’s one that hasn’t lost its momentum, unlike some crime series I have given up on way before this point! Michael Wood always delivers at least one ‘OMFG I never seen that coming moment’, it’s a shocker, but cleverly executed! The tension is palatable as the plot reaches its nail biting conclusion. Survivor’s Guilt is hard-hitting, with a compelling plot, it’s superbly written and one not to be missed. A MUST READ for crime fans.
Raven is book five in the Georgina Garrett series, and it’s a series I love. I’m a huge fan of gritty gang land thrillers, especially when they 4.5 ⭐️
Raven is book five in the Georgina Garrett series, and it’s a series I love. I’m a huge fan of gritty gang land thrillers, especially when they make for an exciting read. Sam Michael has created a series that’s entertaining, fast-paced and a thrill a minute.
I have developed a soft spot for Georgina with her no nonsense approach to dealing with her enemies, she’s ballsy, and determined, and fearless. Her love for her family is plain to see and sadly for Georgina in the world of crime, it’s seen as a ‘weakness’. Her enemies seek revenge for past slights and use her family as leverage to bring the ‘queen’ of crime to her knees.
I will spare you the plot details it’s all there in the book description. Although there are scenes that are violent, they never feel gratuitous, and add to the authenticity of the plot.
Sam Michael has a style of writing that makes her book such an engaging read with short, pacy chapters. She brings the shady criminal underworld to life, it’s an ugly place, where revenge and retribution result in violence and murder, but it makes for a hell of a story!
The book takes a shocking turn, in the sense, it’s a real ‘OMFG’ moment! This is easily the most gory book in the series, and not one I would recommend to the squeamish reader. Personally I loved this book, it’s fast-paced, brutal, gritty, and unpredictable with an exciting storyline, it’s absolutely my favourite book in the series....more
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