Oh, my giddy Aunt The Mercy Chair without a doubt is the darkest book in the series yet! Mike Craven is a brilliant storyteller, but this time round aOh, my giddy Aunt The Mercy Chair without a doubt is the darkest book in the series yet! Mike Craven is a brilliant storyteller, but this time round and from the off it’s got a very different vibe. The story comes straight from ‘the horse’s mouth ‘ or in this case Poe’s. As he shares his story, an overwhelming sense of unease grows. OMG, does Poe have a story to tell as the themes explored are disturbing, to say the least! I kept wondering why the book is told from Poe’s POV? But as the story progresses, the reason for this becomes clear. If you are as clever or have a mind that’s as twisted as Mike Craven, you may work out some of the subtle but perfectly placed clues within the story.
So not to spoil the read I will keep it simple. Poe and Tilly are investigating a disturbing murder, which leads them to a religious commune and from there on in the plot takes an alarming turn. It’s not only the story that’s told differently, it’s Poe himself in The Mercy Chair. We see a different side to him, a side that will trouble regular readers of this series. The fantastic Tilly continues to entertain with her unfiltered comments. This humour is much needed as it gives the reader time to catch their breath between the more disturbing and intense moments. Mike Craven, without a doubt, is a master of manipulation and misdirection, just as I thought I had it all worked out he threw in the mother of all twists. As for the ending, what a shocker! I am really excited about the next book in the series and can’t wait to see what he has in store for Poe and Tilly next. Definitely one of my top reads this year.
I’m a huge fan of Chris Carters and although I enjoyed it I didn’t love it as much as previous books in the series. The author is known for his graphiI’m a huge fan of Chris Carters and although I enjoyed it I didn’t love it as much as previous books in the series. The author is known for his graphic, gory crime scenes but I thought this book was missing these more graphic scenes. The plot is still very dark and does cover the subject of child abuse which some readers might find disturbing. The plot was an intriguing one though and as usual the author delves into the mind of his killer which is disturbing to say the least, more so when their motive is revealed. Garcia and Hunter are great leads and I love the relationship between the two. All in all I really enjoyed this book and flew through it with its short, snappy chapters ...more
I love my gritty gangland crime thrillers, so whenever I’m looking for such a read one author I turn to is Mandasue Heller. As she’s one of my favouriI love my gritty gangland crime thrillers, so whenever I’m looking for such a read one author I turn to is Mandasue Heller. As she’s one of my favourite author’s in this genre and delivers time and time again. The Family is now firmly one of my favourite reads thanks to skulduggery, and the goings on of a toxic crime family. One of Mandasue’s strength is her ability to bring each character to life. So much so that you’re living their story alongside them. Fuelled by treachery, lies and betrayal, The Family begs to be read in one hugely satisfying sitting.
Cheryl is one of the good guys, kind, lovable and unfortunately for her, she’s very gullible! When she meets ‘perfect’ Dale Moran its love at first sight. But as the old saying goes, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ and once she’s introduced to the Moran family, alarm bells start ringing. It’s obvious to the reader that Cheryl is being manipulated at every turn, I wanted her to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’. The Moran’s idea of family loyalty is twisted to say the least! So unfortunately for Cheryl, the story takes a chilling turn, which is one of the reasons I found The Family to be such an addictive read. Highly recommended.
My favourite author on the planet Robert Bryndza has done it again! What an entertaining heart in your mouth read The Last Victim turned out to be. InMy favourite author on the planet Robert Bryndza has done it again! What an entertaining heart in your mouth read The Last Victim turned out to be. In case you have read the Kate Marshall series, this is book five. Yes, you can read it as a standalone, but I would urge you to read the books in order just because they are all so good. The Lost Victim adds a stellar addition to this unmissable series. As always, Robert Bryndza writes with razor-sharp precision, authentic narrative, great characterisation, and a fascinating plot.
Kate’s past comes back to haunt her when Peter Conway The Nine Elms killer’s name is linked to the cold case of School girl Janey Macklin who vanished in 1988. Kate and her partner Tristan are hired to investigate the case. It’s clear from the opening chapter that Janey’s disappearance is unlikely to have a happy ending. I found this added to the tension tenfold as I raced to the story’s conclusion, hoping for a positive conclusion.
Kate and Tristan are intricate and engaging as the crimes they unravel. They are both interesting characters with strengths and weaknesses. With no body, little evidence, and unreliable witnesses, there’s little to go on. But Kate and Tristan are determined to solve the case. Throughout the complex plot, they meet various witnesses. All of them appear to be hiding something with their half truths and lies. With well hidden clues peppered throughout and just as many red herrings, The Last Victim is one that I will guarantee will keep you guessing.
What I particularly like about this series is how original each book has been. The author thankfully has a very vivid imagination, and each story offers something unique, which is why Robert Bryndza continues to be one of my all-time favourite authors. The Last Victim is dark, disturbing and most definitely a gripping read. Highly recommended.
Written by M.J. Arlidge in collaboration with Julia Crouch The Wrong Child plays on every parent’s worst nightmare, child abduction! collaborati4.5 ⭐️
Written by M.J. Arlidge in collaboration with Julia Crouch The Wrong Child plays on every parent’s worst nightmare, child abduction! collaborations can sometimes feel disjointed and the reader can distinguish which author contributed to each chapter. But I’m thrilled to say that’s not the case here! The plot moves seamlessly between parents Sarah and Jake, whose 3- month-old son Max has been abducted. And travellers Jenna and Gary Starr and their daughter Willow who are celebrating baby Blaze becoming their fourth child.
Max has neonatal diabetes, and without regular treatment, he will die. This immediately gives the plot a sense of urgency. Sarah and Jenna are both mothers, but that’s where the similarities end! Jenna isn’t a character you will warm to. She’s manipulative, calculating, and a mass of contradictions. Her parenting skills leave a lot to be desired, but she’s fascinating. Sarah, on the other hand, pulls on the heartstrings and the authors lay bare her every emotion, guilt, anger, fear and heartbreak. I felt uncomfortable reading about the police, media and public perception of Sarah, especially how quick they were to judge, embellish and speculate. And don’t get me started on Sarah’s despicable Husband Jake, he made my blood boil!
Fifteen-year-old Willow has come to the age where she begins to question Jenna’s parenting skills and the narrative she’s been spoon fed since she was a child. This leads to her making a shocking discovery. What is the truth about her family? And how far will they go to hide their deadly secret? As The Wrong Child progresses, there’s an impending sense of danger and escalating tension. Navigating complex themes such as identity, family, motherhood, and mental health. I found this book to be a cracking read and one I would highly recommend to those who enjoy a character driven thriller.
WOW HOLY MOLY!!!! I can’t believe Guilty Mothers is the 20th book in the Kim Stone series! And yet here we are! Twenty books in and you would expect sWOW HOLY MOLY!!!! I can’t believe Guilty Mothers is the 20th book in the Kim Stone series! And yet here we are! Twenty books in and you would expect some repetition, or even a dud book now and then in the series, but not in the more than capable hands of Angela Marsons. God, this woman knows how to write! She always brings something fresh to each book she releases, which makes this series such a MUST read.
Three women are brutally murdered, and the investigation leads Kim and her team to the controversial and toxic world of Children’s Beauty Pageants. If that wasn’t enough for the reader to get their teeth into, there’s a subplot involving Tiff investigating the death of a man found dead in a nearby lake. Tiff is a welcome addition, and I’m hoping she’s going to become a permanent member of the CID team. Both cases explore the complex themes of motherhood, the good, the bad and the downright ugly, so it’s understandable that Kim and her team find themselves reflecting on their own relationships with their mothers during childhood.
I always find it amazing that Angela Marsons can address dark themes, and yet she can inject just the right amount of humour to lighten the mood. The banter between Kim and her team is one of the highlights of this series, as are the team themselves. Each character fits into the team like a pair of well-worn gloves. They look out for each other; they lean on each other and work tirelessly to bring the victims of murder justice. I have loved seeing how their characters have grown and developed.
I’ve always felt uncomfortable seeing young girls being paraded on stage like mini adults, but after reading about the jealousy, rivalry competitiveness, and the damage they can do to impressionable young girls, I’m definitely in the ‘against them’ camp! The sporadic chapters, told from an unknown source, are desperately sad and highlight the lengths to which some mothers will go to satisfy their own narcissistic needs. They also add a sense of dread to the overall plot. As you would expect, the plot gains momentum and the suspense never wavers. And DAMN Angela Marsons (in a good way) as once again I stayed up way too late reading since I couldn’t put down this addictive read. Guilty Mothers is another stellar addition to this unmissable series, and it’s one I would highly recommend to all crime thriller junkies.
A short story that lacks a punch. If you haven’t read any of the Kim Stone series it’s a great introduction to Kim who’s a real kick ass! She doesn’t A short story that lacks a punch. If you haven’t read any of the Kim Stone series it’s a great introduction to Kim who’s a real kick ass! She doesn’t suffer fools gladly and that’s what I love about her. ...more
Karin Slaughter ramps up her storytelling skills to explore a family’s dark past in This Is Why We Lied. From the start, she wastes no time in presentKarin Slaughter ramps up her storytelling skills to explore a family’s dark past in This Is Why We Lied. From the start, she wastes no time in presenting the reader with a complex plot that’s twisted and extremely dark. Will Trent and Sara Linton investigator and medical examiner are on their honeymoon at McAlpine Lodge: a remote mountain getaway. Mercy McAlpine, the manager of the lodge, is found murdered following a family argument where she threatens to expose long buried secrets, turning the honeymoon of Will’s dreams into his worst nightmare.
Anyone who has read a Karin Slaughter book will know she doesn’t shy away from exploring dark themes. This Is Why We Lied is no different as it explores drug addiction, child cruelty, domestic abuse, and alcoholism. The plot relies on a closed circle of suspects which in the wrong hands could have made the narrative somewhat predictable. Thankfully, This Is Why We Lied is far from predictable. Set in an isolated location, the plot feels intense and claustrophobic from the off, which adds to the overall tension.
Marcie’s family brings a whole new meaning to dysfunctional! They’re the worst kind of humans, users, abusers, manipulators, liars and the list goes on and on... Karin Slaughter pulls no punches in sharing Mercy’s tortured life with the reader. I felt a desperate sorrow for how her so-called family and husband treated her so badly. Their lack of empathy for her death made my blood run cold. This Is Why We Lied is the perfect title for this book, as there are so many betrayals and dark secrets shrouded in lies and half truths!
Will and Sarah remain two of my favourite characters in a crime series they complement each other perfectly. Thankfully Karen Slaughter never takes the obvious path and as the plot gains momentum, it takes a dark twisted turn that I never saw coming. Although I guessed who had killed Mercy, when the ‘why’ was revealed, it surpassed anything my imagination could conjure up, in terms of horror! This Is Why We Lied is everything a thriller should be: dark, multilayered, suspenseful. Highly recommended.
Bad Apple has an interesting narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Becky’s husband John a detective, is described by his work Bad Apple has an interesting narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Becky’s husband John a detective, is described by his work colleagues as a trusted officer and a family man. But appearances can be deceptive, as Becky knows only too well. He’s a monster who has committed the most hideous crimes against woman. Becky reported him to the authorities, but the lack of evidence and his ‘powerful connections’ shielded him from facing charges. Determined for justice, Becky hunts him down. But John wants her silenced at any cost. Becky knows only one of them can survive, and she’ll do anything to make sure it’s her. Sadly, the theme is one that we often see or hear about on the news corrupt and predatory police officers using their power to prey on the vulnerable.
Alice Hunter effectively portrays Becky as the ‘mad, psycho, mental’ ex-wife, leaving you unsure if John is behind certain events or if it’s Becky’s vivid imagination playing tricks on her. I must admit even I wondered how reliable she was as a narrator! Nevertheless, she is a captivating protagonist, and the supporting characters add depth and complexity to the story. Paranoia and distrust become intertwined, so you are never entirely sure who to trust. The plot moves between the now and then where the reader gradually learns more about the horrific crimes John committed. The chapters are clearly marked, so there’s no confusion. I flew through this book as Alice Hunter’s intricate plot weaves together suspense and mystery.
WOW what a spellbinding debut this turned out to be. Crow Moon is a menacing and darkly sinister modern gothic thriller steeped in Scottish folklore. WOW what a spellbinding debut this turned out to be. Crow Moon is a menacing and darkly sinister modern gothic thriller steeped in Scottish folklore. Set in the fictional village of Strathbran Suzy Aspley has created a village that has a powerful effect on the story and adds to the dark, mysterious, and fearful atmosphere tenfold.
After the death of her twin sons in a tragic house fire, Martha Strangeways, an ex-journalist, is consumed by grief. Dougie is Martha’s teenage son, whose friend Fraser is found murdered with a creepy poem about crows tattooed on his back. Retired journalist Martha founds herself drawn into the investigation. The characters in the story are well-drawn and diverse. I particularly liked Martha, who doggedly plants herself in the middle of the investigation.
In the small claustrophobic community, paranoia and distrust become intertwined as the number of potential suspects for the murder increases and long buried village secrets are revealed. The sense of foreboding amplifies with every page turn as another of Dougie’s friends vanishes.
Suzy Aspley grief and long term psychological damage both have a large part to play in this sorrowful tale. Crow Moon is a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel and a MUST read for gothic thriller fans. Personally, I can’t wait to see where the author takes Martha next.
Faces of Evil chronicles the crimes of twenty of the most infamous and less well-known serial killers. The author claims he will unpick their means, mFaces of Evil chronicles the crimes of twenty of the most infamous and less well-known serial killers. The author claims he will unpick their means, motives and methods, in an attempt to understand what drove their horrific lust for murder. I’ve always been a huge true crime fan so most of the cases in this book I’ve already read about in some shape or form. Cases include Fred and Rose West, Dennis Nilsen, Ted Bundy as well as a few lesser known ones. For anyone who isn’t a regular true crime fiction reader I’m sure they will find this book fascinating. Dominic Utton sticks to the facts, the chapters are concise and the author doesn’t offer his own opinion which I liked. Personally for me there wasn’t anything new in Faces Of Evil that I haven’t read before, but never the less I found it a fascinating read.
Ever since I’ve read The Echo Man and The Twenty by Sam Holland I’ve been anticipating The Puppet Master which is the third book in the Major Crimes sEver since I’ve read The Echo Man and The Twenty by Sam Holland I’ve been anticipating The Puppet Master which is the third book in the Major Crimes series. If like me you like your crime fiction to have a deliciously dark plot, one that’s laden with tension, featuring the most twisted and disturbing protagonists, then this may just be the book for you.
Cara and her team are called in to investigate what appears to be a gruesome suicide. It soon becomes clear to Cara that these random suicides are anything but. It was great to catch up with Cara and her ‘misfit’ team. Many of the characters are dealing with the aftershocks from the previous books. Which impacts on both their professional and working lives. The plot is a chilling one driven by manipulation, a constant sense of unease bubbles from the pages.
The Puppet Master is definitely not one for the faint-hearted, because of its graphic crime scenes and shocking killings throughout. There were definitely quite a few scenes which made me want to sleep with the light on after reading them. I appreciate it when an author immediately catches the reader’s attention. I much prefer to be thrown into the action than a slow burn build up. Sam Holland does exactly this with a shocking opening chapter that propels the reader onwards into a dark, troubling tale that’s shrouded in suspense. Without a shadow of a doubt, Sam Holland is a natural born storyteller with a very vivid and disturbing imagination! The Puppet Master made for an addictive read and one I raced through. Fans of the series are going to love it. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommended.
The Brothers is a follow on from The Family Man and follows twin brothers Brett and Beau Bond. What a cracking read this turned out to be. Kimberley cThe Brothers is a follow on from The Family Man and follows twin brothers Brett and Beau Bond. What a cracking read this turned out to be. Kimberley chambers has a natural gift for creating very colourful characters, that are larger than life, by the time you get to the end of The Brothers you feel like you know them all personally, flaws and all (and believe me they all have plenty of them!). I loved catching up with the wayward Bond brothers, and as you would expect there's plenty of violence and treachery along the way.
In my opinion Kimberly Chambers is the queen of the gritty, criminal tale she manages to take the reader on a dark and twisted journey deep into the criminal world. This book has all the ingredients the authors legion of fans have come to love and I’m sure they won’t be disappointed, it has shocks and “OMFG” moments galore, it’s another amazing page turner and one that will certainly be heading for the bestseller spot. Highly recommended and roll on the third book in the series.
I’ve always been a huge fan of gritty crime land thrillers so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Faith. Faith is a story of violence, treacheI’ve always been a huge fan of gritty crime land thrillers so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of Faith. Faith is a story of violence, treachery, loyalty and family ties and although these are familiar themes in this genre, Linda Calvey still manages to write an exciting tale.
Annie hasn’t had the easiest life stuck with an abusive husband, but she’s determined her Daughter Maria will have a better one. But when Maria falls pregnant by Fred Walton, the son of the local crime family. After a brutal attack the women flee to London for a new life in the East End. Maria is determined that her own daughter, Faith, will have the opportunities she didn't. But the past has away of catching up with you, and Annie, Maria and Faith must face their demons head on if they are going to have a future.
Despite the cruel hand they’ve been dealt, it was interesting to follow their journey of highs and lows and see Annie and Maria grow into strong independent woman. There is a strong supporting cast of characters, some you will love and others you will come to hate. As you would imagine there are some violent, brutal scenes but they are detrimental to the plot. Although I really enjoyed Faith for me this book lacked the unflinching insight into the criminal underworld world that I’m use to in this genre, but never the less it was a read I enjoyed and flew through
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