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.
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.
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.
I absolutely adore this series created by Christie Barlow. Every time I pick up a book in the Love Heart Lane series, it feels like I’m meeting up witI absolutely adore this series created by Christie Barlow. Every time I pick up a book in the Love Heart Lane series, it feels like I’m meeting up with old familiar friends. I was torn in reading The Vintage Flower Van On Love Heart Lane, on one hand I wanted to delve straight in, but as it’s the final book in the series so I wanted to savour it as I knew once I reached the last page I would feel grief-stricken at having to say a final ‘goodbye’ to the characters I have come to love and admire.
The last book features florist Florrie Appleton. When her beloved Aunt Ada passes, Florrie finds herself reeling as she receives an eviction notice and is told to vacate Rose Cottage, and shut down her Vintage Flower Van business. But Florrie won’t give up without a fight even if that means taking on developer Tom Houston, the man who broke her heart at university. With the whole of Heartcross behind her, there’s nothing the tiny Scottish hamlet can’t accomplish when they band together.
Each character is larger than life, the idyllic village of Heartcross so perfectly described that I’m convinced it’s an actual village! Don’t think for one minute these books are a ‘just a fluffy’ read. I love the depth of each story and how the author takes real-life problems that the reader can relate to and turns them into emotional, beautifully told stories that break me at every read. To offset the more serious issues are scenes that bring smiles and laughter.
I adored Florrie and Tom’s story despite the lows, the tears, and the pain the important message is ‘friends are there for you no matter what’ and the treasured memories you can make when you have genuine friends. I will be the first to admit I shed tears at a fitting end to a perfect series. And yes, my heart shattered as I said a ‘final goodbye’ to the most amazing characters who have made me laugh and cry as I’ve followed their journeys. It’s obvious that Christie Barlow puts her heart and soul into each book as once again she’s weaved her magic and written a mesmerising, emotionally filled story, that’s ultimately a heartwarming, ‘feel good’ read. Highly recommended.
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’m a huge crime thriller reader, so it’s a rare breed of author whose books can make me deviate from the dark side! Paige Toone is one such author. SI’m a huge crime thriller reader, so it’s a rare breed of author whose books can make me deviate from the dark side! Paige Toone is one such author. Seven Summers is a truly beautiful love story, heart-wrenching and heart-warming in equal measure’. It’s a story that will pull at even the most hardened heartstrings mine included! This book should really come with a box of tissues. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cornish coastline, Paige Toon’s descriptive writing will have you yearning to book a holiday to Cornwall.
Seven Summers tells the story of Liv, who meets Finn, a musician who lives in LA. Liv lives in Cornwall despite their obstacles Finn and Liv agree to meet each summer and if they are both single, they will pick up where they left off. Things become complicated on the sixth summer when Liv meets Tom. The book moves between the present and the past six summers. Multiple timelines can become disjointed or even confuse the reader, but not in Paige Toons’ more than capable hands. She moves flawlessly between timelines.
Liv’s relationship with Finn is a complex one, for much of the year it feels like her life was hold waiting for him to return. Her relationship with Tom felt stable. I loved all the character’s especially Liv’s brother Michael, who stole a piece of my heart. Whilst reading Seven Summers, I experienced a myriad ride of emotions alongside Liv. I really was in two minds who Liv should choose. The thought of either Tom or Flynn being left heartbroken left me in floods of tears. Seven Summers is more than a love story as it explores love, loss, grief, and self-discovery. It’s a profoundly moving book that fans of Paige Toon will devour. Just a few words of advice ‘keep those tissues handy, you’re going to need them’. Highly recommended.
Profile K begins with one of the most terrifying first chapters I’ve ever read! Helen Fields certainly knows how to capture the reader’s attention froProfile K begins with one of the most terrifying first chapters I’ve ever read! Helen Fields certainly knows how to capture the reader’s attention from the off! I found myself on tenterhooks, anticipating what lay ahead. Profile K has an unusual premise for a psychological thriller, but I do love the unusual. It’s a real page turner, (cliched but true) that will keep you riveted until the very last page.
Midnight Jones works as an analyst for Necto that offers profiling for employment and education. In her routine day-to-day work, she comes across a Profile K file. Code K is for those who have no empathy and lack boundaries. They have all the makings of a potential killer! After the most gruesome murder of a local girl named Chloe Martin, Midnight attempts to inform Necto of her concerns, but they appear unwilling to listen to her. Why? here’s where I say ‘you will just have to read the book to find it!’ In finding the file, she could be the killer’s next victim.
One thing that’s guaranteed to get me hooked is when an author takes the reader on a terrifying journey into the mind of a killer. I have a morbid curiosity about the darker side of the human psyche, so the chapters told from the killers’ POV are not only fascinating but give the reader an insight into a very disturbed individual. Midnight is one of those characters you immediately warm to. Her major role is caring for her twin sister Dawn, who has special needs. She’s loyal, extremely intelligent and resilient. A strong supporting cast aids her in her investigation. I especially loved Doris with her upbeat personality and warm nature.
Profile K isn’t for the fainthearted as some scenes are pretty grim, but they add a genuine sense of terror to the overall read. There were so many brilliant twists and turns. Each time I thought I had it all worked out, the author threw a curve ball, which certainly enhanced my reading experience. Expertly plotted, Helen Fields throws a spanner in the works with perfectly placed red herrings that misdirect the reader at every given opportunity. The plot is dark, gripping and refreshingly different to most plots in the psychological genre, which is a HUGE bonus. I’m hoping the teaser at the end leads to a series. Highly recommend to those who love dark psychological thrillers.
John Marr’s is fast becoming the “king” of speculative fiction. He has a knack for coming up with the most ingenious plots set in the not too distant John Marr’s is fast becoming the “king” of speculative fiction. He has a knack for coming up with the most ingenious plots set in the not too distant future. At first, they may seem farfetched. But within a few chapters he convinces the reader the implausible is terrifyingly plausible. The Family Experiment is a new televised virtual TV program watched by millions of opinionated armchair critics (I loved how the author incorporates our obsession with reality TV into the plot). Viewers get to watch ten couples raise a virtual child from birth to eighteen years over a nine-month period. Members of the public get to vote and choose challenges and at the end the winners will get to choose their prize: the right to keep their virtual child or take the prize money to start a family in the real world. Yes the plot sounds bonkers! But trust me, it really works in John Marrs more than capable hands.
The Family Experiment has a large, diverse cast of characters, but each has a unique voice and their own story to tell. I found myself completely invested in each couple, as we follow their highs and lows, and see them pushed to the limits by the viewers’ monthly challenges. Some contestants are clearly harboring secrets, and John Marrs slowly exposes their private lives, adding to the overall tension. Social media has a powerful part to play in The Family Experiment. Even in the future, it’s a tool that sways opinions and encourages wrath, and the spread of misinformation.
The plot took on a darker, far creepier tone as relationships begin to fracture as the contestants’ secrets come to light. There were so many shocking surprises along the way, which I can honestly say I never saw coming. Ultimately, it’s a book that explores the complexities of relationships and family dynamics. I absolutely loved every page of The Family Experiment, and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys speculative fiction with a thought-provoking plot. One final thought: If there was an award for an ‘author with the most incredible imagination’, John Marrs would definitely get my vote.
Running Scared was such a brilliant read, gritty, brutal with characters you just love to hate. If your a fan of gangland thrillers then I would highlRunning Scared was such a brilliant read, gritty, brutal with characters you just love to hate. If your a fan of gangland thrillers then I would highly recommend you read this one. ...more
Robert Bryndza is one of my all-time favourite crime thriller authors for an excellent reason. He knows exactly what the die hard crime thriller loverRobert Bryndza is one of my all-time favourite crime thriller authors for an excellent reason. He knows exactly what the die hard crime thriller lover wants in a crime read. There’s no slow burning plots that take FOREVER to get into. The crimes are original, and Erika Foster the main protagonist, has all the qualities I love in a lead Detective. Lethal Vengeance is the eighth book in the series, and yet it still feels fresh, exciting and just as gripping as the previous books in the series.
There’s a serial killer loose in London. The victims are high profile; the victims left naked, hog-tied, and dead in their beds! Without giving too much away, the Met’s top brass seem hell bent on covering up certain events BUT how far are they willing to go to protect their own? The investigation is a tough one. Every line of enquiry seems to be manipulated by the powers that be. The reader gets a genuine sense of Erika’s frustrations, and her distrust of higher-ranking officers.
Erika is one of my favourite fictional detectives. She’s ballsy and opinionated and doesn’t play by the rules if it means she can bring a killer to justice! But we get a glimpse of her vulnerable side to her in this book. She feels like a ‘dinosaur’ compared to her younger counterparts. But do not fear, she’s still feisty, and she’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way!
I appreciated the occasional chapters told from the killer’s POV. There’s something fascinating about finding out what motivates a killer! I couldn’t help but feel a smidgen of sympathy for this killer after I learnt their backstory. I appreciate a plot that veers towards the dark side. But it also has to be fuelled by tension, suspense and twists and surprises at every turn, which Robert Bryndza accomplishes with ease. Lethal Vengeance is a deliciously dark and twisted thriller that crime book junkies will devour in one hugely satisfying sitting. I cannot recommend this book enough or the whole series come to that!
All The Little Liars is one of those books that’s hard to review without giving away major spoilers. And believe me when I say ‘to enjo**no spoilers**
All The Little Liars is one of those books that’s hard to review without giving away major spoilers. And believe me when I say ‘to enjoy this book to the full, the less you know the more thrilling and shocking you will find it’. If you love a book that makes you question everything you read, then I might have just the book for you. Told across two timelines and tapping into a horrific crime. All the Little Liars is a novel about sisterly love and toxic friendship that asks: how much would you sacrifice to belong? Victoria Selman serves up a delicious concoction of dark secrets and stunning plot twists that will keep you captivated until the very last page.
The dual time line works perfectly as it deftly builds on the suspense and the tension as secrets are slowly but surely revealed. Kat narrates the story, with snippets from her sisters Izzy’s diary filling in the blanks. As the reader learns more, a feeling of dread begins to bubble away. The strength of this book is the attention to detail. I love how Victoria Selman explores the Psychology of Toxic Relationships and the devastating fallout that such friendships can bring. The author has created a mystery that’s fascinating and discomforting in equal measures.
There’s nothing more satisfying when you're reading a book and the author floors you with one of those ‘OMFG moments’. So much so I had to flip back through the pages and read them again to see how I missed those all important lies and half truths! Victoria Selman manipulates the reader at every turn of the page, so you are never sure what’s true, but it guarantees an exciting and nail biting read. All The Little Liars is a dark tale of toxic relationships, manipulation and deadly secrets. It’s a cracking read that’s superbly constructed, ingeniously paced and absolutely nail biting. Highly recommended.
All The Little Liars is one of those books that’s hard to review without giving away major spoilers. And believe me when I say ‘to enjoy this book to the full, the less you know the more thrilling and shocking you will find it’. If you love a book that makes you question everything you read, then I might have just the book for you. Told across two timelines and tapping into a horrific crime. All the Little Liars is a novel about sisterly love and toxic friendship that asks: how much would you sacrifice to belong? Victoria Selman serves up a delicious concoction of dark secrets and stunning plot twists that will keep you captivated until the very last page.
The dual time line works perfectly as it deftly builds on the suspense and the tension as secrets are slowly but surely revealed. Kat narrates the story, with snippets from her sisters Izzy’s diary filling in the blanks. As the reader learns more, a feeling of dread begins to bubble away. The strength of this book is the attention to detail. I love how Victoria Selman explores the Psychology of Toxic Relationships and the devastating fallout that such friendships can bring. The author has created a mystery that’s fascinating and discomforting in equal measures.
There’s nothing more satisfying when you're reading a book and the author floors you with one of those ‘OMFG moments’. So much so I had to flip back through the pages and read them again to see how I missed those all important lies and half truths! Victoria Selman manipulates the reader at every turn of the page, so you are never sure what’s true, but it guarantees an exciting and nail biting read. All The Little Liars is a dark tale of toxic relationships, manipulation and deadly secrets. It’s a cracking read that’s superbly constructed, ingeniously paced and absolutely nail biting. Highly recommended.
Expected publication date: 31st December 2023 It’s been a long while since I’ve picked up a book by Christie Barlow. I’m more of your serial killer, bExpected publication date: 31st December 2023 It’s been a long while since I’ve picked up a book by Christie Barlow. I’m more of your serial killer, bloody crime scene type of reader. But after reading The Library On Love Heart Lane I’m kicking myself that I haven’t read previous books in the series! But I’m definitely going to rectify that!
Growing up in foster care, Elle Cooper always felt a piece of herself was missing. Now, as her thirtieth birthday approaches, she’s ready to find it. But when instigating the search for her birth mother, it leads to unexpected events. The author has paid great attention to her characters, creating a charming cast who feels like old friends rather than just characters in a book. Love Heart Lane has captured my heart, and I would love to move to this idyllic village with its picturesque scenery and charming residents.
This isn’t just a fluffy chick read, as Christie Barlow draws on real-life issues and writes about them with sensitivity, care, and empathy. The Library On Love Heart Lane is like opening the most delicious box of chocolates, a treat to be savoured. Christie Barlow is one of the best writers in this genre. She has written a captivating and charming book packed full of characters you really care about. Full of gentle humour, as my dear Gran’s always used to say, it’s the type of book that “warms the cockles of your heart”. I recommend you get your cosiest blanket, and a hot chocolate and immerse yourself in this fabulous, heartwarming tale.
The Women is historical fiction at its absolute best, profoundly emotional, This book deserves tall the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and more
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Women is historical fiction at its absolute best, profoundly emotional, it’s a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine. You will live and breathe Frankie’s story and feel her every emotion. It’s a story of family, unbreakable bonds, love, loss, bravery and ultimately hope. “Women can be heroes, too.” When twenty-year-old nursing student “Frankie” McGrath hears these unexpected words, it is a revelation. Frankie has led a privileged, sheltered life. But in 1965 the world is changing, and when her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. Unprepared for the horrors of war, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war.
Although this is ultimately Frankie’s story, it also shines a light on the story of all women who put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Women whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has been all too often forgotten. From the minute she lands in Vietnam, Frankie enters ‘hell’, working in the most horrifying conditions. She’s shocked and terrified, but as her confidence grows, her strength and endurance are to be applauded. The works heartbreaking, brutal, a never never-ending cycle of the wounded, ill and dying. And yet, despite all this, Frankie flourishes. We see Frankie change from a naïve, privileged young girl into a woman who is courageous. I loved the friendship that blossoms between her and Barb and Ethel. It’s an unbreakable bond that will help them through the hardest of times.
The second part of the book deals with Frankie’s trauma of coming home to a country that’s anti-war and hostile to veterans. They treat veterans like outcasts instead of recognizing them as the heroes they are. Frankie is just one of the “forgotten women” many believing only men were sent to Vietnam. She’s a different woman when she returns, grieving for lost love, and traumatised by the horrors of war. It was difficult and heartbreaking to read about Frankie’s addictions. The challenges she faced made me cry for Frankie and all the women in Vietnam who were never acknowledged or given the support they needed. Kristin Hannah has created the most incredible heroine in Frankie. She’s courageous and resilient and yet there’s a vulnerability to her that makes the reader want to protect her. The Women made for a powerful, all-consuming read, Frankie is a character who will stay with me for a long time to come and in my opinion this is Kristin Hannah’s best book yet. My top read of the year so far!
Bad Blood is the19th book in the “Kim Stone” series, which is a feat. But How do you ensure that each book leaves the reader wanting more? Angela MarsBad Blood is the19th book in the “Kim Stone” series, which is a feat. But How do you ensure that each book leaves the reader wanting more? Angela Marson knows exactly how to do just that! Each book is written as if it’s her first. The plots are highly original, the characters have incredibly depth, and as a long running crime series it’s simply one of the best series out there for crime thriller junkies.
Bad Blood is about vigilantes, and although it’s not an original theme for a crime thriller, Angela Marsons turns it in to a book that’s exciting, thought provoking and with more twists and turns than the proverbial roller coaster. Ideally, in a perfect world, justice should come from the legal system. But Bad Blood explores the grey areas, where loved ones and family members have suffered terrible crimes and left in limbo suffering trauma, anger and heartbreak. Their need for revenge is understandable.
Kim Stone finds her own views on vigilante’s changing as one of her own team’s traumatic story comes to light. Muddying the waters of the complex case. This allows the reader to see a different side of the much-loved team: tempers fray, loyalties are tested, and emotions run high. But never fear, Marson’s manages to inject humour into the plot. The camaraderie between Kim and her team lightens those darker moments. Once again, Marson’s has written a cracker of a book that I devoured in almost one sitting. I’m already eagerly waiting for the next book in the series and long May it continue.
If I had to describe a gothic thriller, it would involve a foreboding building, creepy graveyards, and Victorian women fleeing from evil spirts. MichaIf I had to describe a gothic thriller, it would involve a foreboding building, creepy graveyards, and Victorian women fleeing from evil spirts. Michael J Malone has written a gothic thriller that has none of these things, but do you know what? It’s one of the best gothic thrillers I’ve read in years. It’s fresh, terrifying and disturbing. I’m not exaggerating when I say The Murmurs gave me a couple of very disturbed nights’ sleep! Ever present is an overwhelming sense of dread that grows at every turn of the page. The Murmurs is a chilling supernatural mystery that’s shrouded in secrets and murder.
Annie Jackson’s story suddenly starts to experience ‘the murmur curse’. It’s plagued generations of women in her family. She experiences terrifying premonitions. First comes the Murmurs, then comes the horrifying images, followed by the terrifying voices that tell her how and why someone is going to die. Annie experience’s repressed memories from her childhood, in which the past returns to haunt the present and a long-forgotten crime is about to be unearthed. The past are the chapters that haunt you as Molone deftly peels back the layers of Annie’s childhood. Her early experiences of the premonition’s, the complexities of the relationship between Annie and her mother and the difficulties faced living in a small religious community, it’s these chapters that are tinged with darkness.
The story has a dual timeline, told from the viewpoint of various characters, which move seamlessly between the two. The snippets told from other family ancestors blighted by the curse strike fear into the reader, as you experience their horrifying premonitions, the prejudice and cruelty they suffered for being ‘different’. It’s these parts that feel incredibly malevolent and consume the reader with trepidation for Annie’s future.
I devoured this book in one hugely satisfying sitting, YES it really was that good! Molone once again demonstrates his versatility as a writer. He writes poetically, plots meticulously, and develops his characters fully. The Murmurs is both captivating yet horrifying. It’s dark, with a constant sense of malevolence bubbling away under the surface. With hints of witchcraft and the supernatural Molone weaves the most exquisite, creepy tale. Highly recommended.
Below Ground is the eleventh instalment in the DCI Matilda Darke series. If you have read any of the books in the series, you will know to ‘expect theBelow Ground is the eleventh instalment in the DCI Matilda Darke series. If you have read any of the books in the series, you will know to ‘expect the unexpected’. Wood’s is not averse to killing off much loved characters without a hint of regret. Personally, that’s one reason I love this series, as you are never sure what shocks the author has in store for the reader. Below Ground kicks off at a breathtaking pace. Maltida has been kidnapped and her nemesis, Steve Harrison, appears to be the number one suspect. But how can someone who is currently in the Supermax of Wakefield Prison be responsible? And so begins a cracking, and unpredictable read.
Matilda kidnapping means she plays a much smaller part in Below Ground, which is a brave move on woods part. But he’s created such a fantastic supporting cast with a strong storyline, readers will forgive him for locking Matilda away! Another strength of this series is Matilda’s and her team. It sounds cliched but they feel like old friends. Through the series you’ve shared their losses, heartbreak, grief and trauma. Wood’s doesn’t give any of the team an easy ride, that’s for sure. Whoever is behind Matilda’s kidnapping is a master of manipulation. They torment and taunt the team at every given opportunity, pushing each one to the brink.
Matilda has made a lot of enemies during her career, so the list of suspects is long. I liked how wood incorporates threads and potential suspects from previous books. As if the team doesn’t have enough to deal with, a body is found in an abandoned car on the outskirts of Sheffield. It soon becomes apparent that the two unrelated investigations have far more in common than first thought.
The team’s determination to bring Matilda home is hampered at every turn. As the plot progresses, there’s an intense sense of foreboding that literally had me on the edge of my seat. Michael Wood has the most devious, twisted mind. Not only has he written a fantastic read, but he ends the book on a shocking note and one that left me reeling! In case you haven’t already guessed, I absolutely loved Below Ground. If you love a dark crime series, they don’t come any darker than this outstanding series. Highly recommended.
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