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
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
I absolutely loved HALF A WORLD AWAY it’s heartbreaking but it’s such a beautiful read. With completely relatable characters who draw you into their wI absolutely loved HALF A WORLD AWAY it’s heartbreaking but it’s such a beautiful read. With completely relatable characters who draw you into their world and then worm their way into your heart. It’s because of this I found myself blinking back the tears at numerous points in this book. Mike Gayle explores a subject that has touched many of our lives one way or another, mine included so I found HALF A WORLD AWAY an extremely moving read. But it’s not all doom and gloom as ultimately I found it to be a uplifting and heartwarming story. This is the first book I’ve read by Mike Gayle but it certainly won’t be my last.
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.
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