May 2019 – White Tulip Candles

Book reviews, Historical fiction, Science fiction, Thriller

Aurelia by Alison Morton – Book Review

31st May 201930th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

1960s Roma Nova. Retrained as an undercover agent, ex-Praetorian officer Aurelia Mitela is sent to Berlin to investigate silver smuggling, but barely escapes a near-lethal trap. Her lifelong nemesis, Caius Tellus, is determined to eliminate her. When Aurelia is closing in on him, he strikes at her most vulnerable point – her young daughter.

A former military commander, Aurelia is one of Roma Nova’s strong women, but she doubts in her heart and mind that she can overcome her implacable enemy. And what part does the mysterious and attractive Miklós play – a smuggler who knows too much?

If you enjoy reading mystery books for women with plenty of twists and a female protagonist driving the action, this is for you!

Fourth in the Roma Nova thriller series, where Roman fiction is brought into the 20th century through an alternative history lens and first of the AURELIA trilogy. INSURRECTIO and RETALIO complete the trilogy.

MY REVIEW

Aurelia is #4 in the Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. I haven’t read the previous novels, but I had no problems reading this as a stand-alone..

Set in the 1960’s, BUT, the Roman Empire had not ended and still continues as a matriarchal society.

It starts with Aurelia being head of a praetorian guard special forces unit on an operation, but one of their suspects escaped…..

Aurelia’s mother is then injured in a hit and run accident and unfortunately she eventually dies. Aurelia ‘retires’ from her unit to run the family business and take care of her daughter , Marina. She is constantly badgered by the odious Caius Tellus, who wants to marry her to join their two families….but she’s not interested….will it end here?

When the Silver markets are in trouble, someone is affecting supply and demand, she is called out of retirement and sent to Berlin, undercover to find out more.

Here she comes across an old adversary and is smitten by the enigmatic Miklos…..Caius raises his ugly head again in this exciting, well plotted, unique thriller with incredible world building and characters your will love and hate in equal measure…..I loved it and will be reading more of the series now.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Currently reduced to 99p….an absolute steal….

You can buy a copy here (click on the image)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alison Morton writes the Roma Nova thriller series featuring modern Praetorian heroines. This springs from a deep love of Roman history, six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, adventure and thriller fiction.

All six full-length novels have received the BRAG Medallion. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society’s Indie Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. SUCCESSIO featured as Editor’s Choice in The Bookseller.

A ‘Roman nut’ since age 11, Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites throughout Europe. She holds an MA History, blogs about Romans, social media and writing. Oh, and she gives talks.

She continues writing, cultivates a Roman herb garden and drinks wine in France with her husband. To get the latest news, subscribe to her free newsletter https://alison-morton.com/newsletter/

Twitter : @alison_morton

Author Page on Facebook

Book details

Paperback: 286 pages

Publisher: Pulcheria Press (22 Jan. 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 979-1097310165
ASIN: B07MGJ6MJJ

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/AURELIA-Aurelia-Mitela-thriller-Thriller/dp/B07MGJ6MJJ

Book reviews, Womens fiction

Her Husbands Mistake by Sheila O’Flanagan – Book Review

30th May 201930th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

Roxy’s marriage has always been rock solid.

After twenty years, and with two carefree kids, she and Dave are still the perfect couple.

Until the day she comes home unexpectedly, and finds Dave in bed with their attractive, single neighbour.

Suddenly Roxy isn’t sure about anything – her past, the business she’s taken over from her dad, or what her family’s future might be. She’s spent so long caring about everyone else that she’s forgotten what she actually wants. But something has changed. And Roxy has a decision to make.

Whether it’s with Dave, or without him, it’s time for Roxy to start living for herself . .

MY REVIEW

From the first line “The morning after my father’s funeral, I came home and found my husband in bed with the next door neighbour” I was hooked.

Roxy moves into her Mum’s with her two kids and slowly starts trying to come to terms with everything…

She takes over her father’s chauffeuring business, but so her children don’t hate her, and to try to mend her marriage, she returns home to Dave….but can she trust him again? Or will that image of him and Julie, from next door, keep haunting her?

This is a tale of a broken woman who slowly heals and becomes the strong, independent person she deserved to be, a tale of strength and self empowerment.

“We’re all hanging by our fingertips. But now I know that I can get up again if I fall’

Great relatable characters and an engrossing read…I really enjoyed it.

You can buy a copy here (click on the image)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheila O’Flanagan is the author of many bestselling novels including The Hideaway, What Happened That Night, The Missing Wife, My Mother’s Secret, If You Were Me, and All For You (winner of the Irish Independent Popular Fiction Book of the Year Award). She lives in Dublin with her husband.

http://www.sheilaoflanagan.com

Twitter @sheilaoflanagan Facebook.com/sheilabooks

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

The Refuge by Jo Fenton -Book Review and giveaway

29th May 201928th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

The Refuge

Following the death of The Brotherhood’s charismatic but sinister leader, Dominic, Melissa and her husband Mark resolve to turn the Abbey into a refuge for victims of domestic abuse. But when Melissa’s long-lost sister, Jess, turns up at the Abbey, new complications arise.

The Abbey residents welcome the new arrival but find it hard to cope with the after-effects of her past. As Jess struggles to come to terms with what she’s been through, her sudden freedom brings unforeseen difficulties. The appearance of a stalker – who bears a striking resemblance to the man who kept her prisoner for nine years – leads to serious problems for Jess.

Meanwhile, Mark also finds that his past is coming back to haunt him. When a mother and daughter venture from the Abbey into the local town for a shopping trip, there are dreadful consequences.

A build-up of tension, a poorly baby and a well-planned trap lead Mel, Jess and their family into a terrifying situation.

Can Jess overcome the traumas of her past to rescue her sister?

MY REVIEW

The Refuge is incredible sequel to The Brotherhood.

Melissa is still at the Abbey, but now planning to change it to a refuge……her long lost sister arrives after escaping her captor (she’s been missing for 10 years). In a fragile mental state, she joins the Abbey and soon settles in, but Melissa has now own problems….but they are safe now, aren’t they?

Another stunning and compelling thriller from Jo Fenton, which finally comes to a utterly satisfying ending.i do think you will need to read The Brotherhood first, just to get the full atmosphere and background to Melissa’s story.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

Purchase Links:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Refuge-Jo-Fenton-ebook/dp/B07Q83W3XV

US – https://www.amazon.com/Refuge-Jo-Fenton-ebook/dp/B07Q83W3XV

About the author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.

Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers. When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with

her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.

Social Media Links – Website http://www.jofenton137.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jofentonauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jl_fenton

Giveaway to Win 3 x E-copies of The Brotherhood and The Refuge (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494230/?

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

The Brotherhood by Jo Fenton – Book Review

29th May 201928th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

The Brotherhood

When a young woman becomes pregnant in a religious sect, how far will she go to escape the abusive leader and save the people she loves?

The Brotherhood – safe haven or prison?

After her parents’ sudden death, a grieving Melissa falls back on her faith and into the welcoming arms of a religious sect. Captivated by their leader, Dominic, she leaves her old life behind and moves to the countryside to join them.

But life in The Brotherhood is not as safe as it first appeared. When engineer Mark joins The Brotherhood, Melissa finds herself conflicted between her growing feelings for him and her crush on Dominic. With their leader’s initial encouragement, Melissa and Mark grow close. But as her haven becomes a prison, Melissa’s newfound happiness is destroyed by Dominic’s jealousy. How can she escape and save the ones she loves?

MY REVIEW

After her parents died, Melissa is at her most vulnerable, after her parents die, her new friend Dominic is someone to help her with the heartbreak and stress, as she feels someone is following her.

She joins The Brotherhood as she feels this could help….but she is more fearful here that she was before….just what is going on ?

A very thought provoking book, an interesting view on how vulnerable people can get drawn in to a cult…..Dominic is an emotional ‘vampire’, feeding on people’s sadness, fears and hopes…but really only thinking about himself…..a brilliantly unsettling read.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

Purchase Link:

https://t.co/YXdn8AM506

About the author

her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.

Social Media Links – Website http://www.jofenton137.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jofentonauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jl_fenton

Book reviews, Crime thriller, Police procedural

Bold Lies by Rachel Lynch – Book Review

29th May 201928th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

An investigation leads Kelly back to her former command… and the ex who betrayed her.

A brutal murder in the Lake District.

A double assassination in a secret lab in London’s west end.

Seemingly unconnected, unexpected links between the gruesome crimes emerge and it’s up to DI Kelly Porter to follow the trail – all the way to the capital.

Back amongst old colleagues and forced to work alongside her calculating ex, DCI Matt Carter, Kelly must untangle a web of deceit that stretches into the highest echelons of power. A place where secrets and lies are currency and no obstacle is insurmountable.

MY REVIEW

This is #5 in the DI Kelly Porter series and can be read as a stand-alone quite easily.

Kelly and her team are investigating a murder, after a body is found dumped in a boatyard….this is then linked to two further deaths of his work colleagues in London and their secret lab completely dismantled….

So, Kelly has to travel to London to work with the Met for a week, only to find the SIO is her ex Matt Carter…..

The murdered man, George and his colleagues Emily and Mike work for a big Pharma company, Ravensword……just what were they working on that resulted in their deaths…..?

While everyone is trying their hardest to solve these crimes, there are secret meetings being held by more senior men….just who is involved with Ravensword? And what are they trying to keep secret?

I love the determined Kelly, she has really grown in this series and her relationship with Ted, her father, goes from strength to strength, as does that with the ever supporting, Johnny.

A very clever, and totally believable thriller with some great characters and such wonderfully descriptive writing by Rachel Lynch, now I really want to visit the Lake District…..

This series just gets better and better….I can’t wait to see what Kelly gets involved in next….

Thank you to Canelo for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.

Author Bio:

Rachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and the lakes and fells are never far away from her. London pulled her away to teach History and marry an Army Officer, whom she followed around the globe for thirteen years. A change of career after children led to personal training and sports therapy, but writing was always the overwhelming force driving the future. The human capacity for compassion as well as its descent into the brutal and murky world of crime are fundamental to her work.

Twitter: @r_lynchcrime

Links to Book:

Amazon (UK)

Kobo (UK)

Google Books (UK)

Apple Books (UK)

BOOK DETAILS

Title: Bold Lies

Author Name: Rachel Lynch

Previous Books : Dark Games, Deep Fear, Dead End and Bitter Edge

Genre: Crime Fiction

Release Date: 27th May 2019

Book reviews

The Comedy Club Mystery by Peter Bartram – Book Review

28th May 201927th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

The Comedy Club Mystery: A Crampton of the Chronicle comic crime adventure

Murder has never been such fun…

When theatrical agent Daniel Bernstein sues the Evening Chronicle for libel, crime reporter Colin Crampton is called in to sort out the problem.

But trouble escalates when Bernstein turns up murdered. Colin discovers that any of five comedians competing for the chance to appear on a top TV show could be behind the killing.

As Colin and his feisty girlfriend Shirley Goldsmith investigate, they encounter a cast of colourful characters – identical twin gangsters, an Irishman who lives underground, and a failed magician’s assistant.

And it’s not long before their own lives are in peril as they battle to crack a code that will lead to a fortune. Join Colin and Shirley for a rollercoaster of an adventure in Swinging Sixties England – where the laughs are never far from the action.

MY REVIEW

Set in 1960’s Brighton, a time of fish and chips wrapped in newspaper (soggy with vinegar), smoking indoors and cheesy non PC humour.

Colin Crampton, the slightly flash crime reporter for the Evening Chronicle and his model girlfriend, Shirley, are investigating the murder of theatrical agent Daniel Bernstein. Just who pushed a sword through him and stole Max Miller’s famous Blue Book?

This has everything, a slightly camp suspect, Sidney Pinker, the bizarre Teddy Hooper and his ventriloquist dummy The Honourable Percy Plonker and Ernie Winkle.

Crampton does discover the murderer after run ins with gangsters and the Hardmann brothers ! and some help from the feisty Shirley …..all delivered with some cracking one liners and toe curling dodgy humour…..a fun, entertaining read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Peter Bartram brings years of experience as a journalist to his Crampton of the Chronicle crime mystery series. His novels are fast-paced and humorous – the action is matched by the laughs. The books feature a host of colourful characters as befits stories set in Brighton, one of Britain’s most trend-setting towns.

You can download Murder in Capital Letters, a free book in the series, for your Kindle from http://www.colincrampton.com.

Peter began his career as a reporter on a local weekly newspaper before editing newspapers and magazines in London, England and, finally, becoming freelance. He has done most things in journalism from door-stepping for quotes to writing serious editorials. He’s pursued stories in locations as diverse as 700-feet down a coal mine and a courtier’s chambers at Buckingham Palace. Peter is a member of the Society of Authors and the Crime Writers’ Association.

Follow Peter on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/peterbartramauthor.

Twitter @PeterFBartram

Book details

Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: Independently published (3 May 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1096270986
ISBN-13: 978-1096270980

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Comedy-Club-Mystery-Chronicle-adventure/dp/1096270986

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

Children In Chains by Lorraine Mace – Book Review

27th May 201927th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling is determined to shut down the syndicate flooding Bradchester’s streets with young prostitutes.

When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase.

Has Paolo come up against a criminal he cannot defeat?

MY REVIEW

While this is #2 in the Detective Inspector Paolo Sterling series it can easily be read as standalone. (I have read #1 Retriever of Souls)

This begins with DI Sterling investigating the murder of a child which leads to links with a child prostitution ring, as away he is determined to get the justice the young victims deserve. Can he put an end to this vile ring?

This has a dark subject matter and so is not always an easy read, but Lorraine Mace has handled it sympathetically but it is still truly harrowing at times.

I found this to be a compelling read and loved the twisty, thriller of it too….if you like your thrillers dark and uncomfortable then this is definitely one for you…..

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07KW7C6M2

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KW7C6M2

Author Bio –

When not working on her D.I. Sterling Series, Lorraine Mace is engaged in many

writing-related activities. She is a columnist for both Writing Magazine and Writers’ Forum and is head judge for Writers’ Forum monthly fiction competitions. A tutor for Writers Bureau, she also runs her own private critique and author mentoring service. She is co-author, with Maureen Vincent-Northam, of THE WRITER’S ABC CHECKLIST (Accent Press). Other books include children’s novel

VLAD THE INHALER – HERO IN THE MAKING, and NOTES FROM THE MARGIN, a compilation of her Writing Magazine humour column.

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.lorrainemace.com

Blog: http://thewritersabcchecklist.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lomace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.mace.52

Book reviews, Crime thriller, Psychlogical thriller

The Body In The Mist by Nick Louth – Book Review

26th May 201926th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

A brutal murder hints at a terrifying mystery, and this time it’s personal.

A body is found on a quiet lane in Exmoor, victim of a hit and run. He has no ID, no wallet, no phone, and – after being dragged along the road – no recognisable face.

Meanwhile, fresh from his last case, DCI Craig Gillard is unexpectedly called away to Devon on family business.

Gillard is soon embroiled when the car in question is traced to his aunt. As he delves deeper, a dark mystery reveals itself, haunted by family secrets, with repercussions Gillard could never have imagined.

The past has never been deadlier.

From master storyteller Nick Louth comes the third installment in the DCI Craig Gillard series. Compelling, fast-paced and endlessly enjoyable, The Body in the Mist is a triumph, perfect for fans of Robert Bryndza, Angela Marsons and Faith Martin

MY REVIEW

#3 in the DCI Craig Gillard series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.

This starts with a body being found in a ditch, on a misty morning… the victim of a hit and run….not far from DCI Gillards aunts homes……

Craig is travelling to Devon, with his wife Sam, to help his aunts, Trish and Barbara with some family troubles….

But he ends up unofficially investigating the hit and run, as the vehicle used belonged to one of his aunts……but they both have solid alibis…..just who ran down this unidentified man?

The story tells of the family’s background of abuse…dark and horrendous, the trauma of which has affected each of them very differently……..I found creepy Uncle Philip really disturbing, while he was sadly suffering with dementia, part of him was still sly and his guilt about ‘Emily’…..was another mystery for Craig to get involved in….that ultimately leads to a Peace Park in a shopping centre. (very reminiscent for me of Milton Keynes shopping centre with its oak tree), but can this case be put to rest ?

There is also a separate story about Barbara’s sheep being mauled by a large animal which she feels is a wolf…or is there something more sinister going on?

All these stories link nicely In this well plotted, unsettling thriller. Some brilliant twists and great characters with an emotional punch….the ending would have me packing my bags and running away as fast as my legs could carry me!…….Terrifying.

Thank you to Canelo for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.

Links to Book:

Amazon (UK)

Kobo (UK)

Google Books (UK)

Apple Books (UK)

Author Bio:

Nick Louth is a best-selling thriller writer, award-winning financial journalist and an investment commentator. A 1979 graduate of the London School of Economics, he went on to become a Reuters foreign correspondent in 1987. It was an experience at a medical conference in Amsterdam in 1992, while working for Reuters, that gave him the inspiration for Bite, which was self-published in 2007 and went on to become the UK No. 1 Kindle best-seller for several weeks in 2014 before being snapped up by Sphere. It has sold a third of a million copies, and been translated into six languages.

The terrorism thriller Heartbreaker was published in June 2014 and received critical acclaim from Amazon readers, with a 4.6 out of 5 stars on over 100 reviews. Mirror Mirror, subtitled ‘When evil and beauty collide’ was published in June 2016. The Body in the Marsh, a crime thriller, is being published by Canelo in September 2017.

Freelance since 1998, he has been a regular contributor to the Financial Times, Investors Chronicle and Money Observer, and has published seven other books. Nick Louth is married and lives in Lincolnshire.

Author Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.nicklouth.com/

Twitter: @NickLouthAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nick.Louth.Books/

Book details

Title: The Body in the Mist

Author Name: Nick Louth

Previous Books : The Body in the Marsh, The Body on the Shore, Trapped

Genre: Crime, Police Procedural

Release Date: 20th May 2019

Publisher: Canelo

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

The Woman Next Door by Sue Watson – Book Review

25th May 201924th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

‘Have you ever had a secret that you couldn’t tell a soul, even the people you love? I have.’

Lucy has a kind and adoring husband, a job she loves as a teacher, and a house on Mulberry Avenue with floaty curtains and the softest bed linen. After her troubled childhood, she knows life will never be perfect, but it’s pretty close.

She’s also got Amber, right next door. They never run out of things to talk about. Even if Amber’s life – with her high-profile job and handsome, wealthy boyfriend – is more glamorous than Lucy’s.

But then Amber starts to hint that her life isn’t all it seems, and when she comes to Lucy, terrified, saying that she’s getting threatening messages, Lucy promises to protect her.

The closer Lucy gets to anyone, the harder it is to keep her past to herself. But Amber’s boyfriend has left her just when she needs him most, and she doesn’t have anyone else.

Lucy knows all too well that people aren’t always what they seem. Sometimes they have secrets. And they’d do anything to keep them. Lucy’s still sure: she can trust her friend… can’t she?

Gripping and unputdownable, The Woman Next Door tells a story about the dark side of friendship, and has a final twist that will shock every reader. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Friend Request, and Clare Mackintosh.

MY REVIEW

The Woman Next Door by Sue Watson is a story of secrets….

When ‘celebrity’ Amber, once a weather girl from TV, moves into the Treetops Estate neighbourhood, the local women want to get to know her….to be her friend.

Lucy bakes a cake to take to Amber to welcome her to the neighbourhood , but Amber is dismissive to say the least…she doesn’t eat cake!

But, Amber eventually starts to join in with the local community, the book club and is the centre of attention, with her glamorous stories……so Lucy and Amber become ‘friends’.

Amber then starts receiving threatening texts and while Lucy is troubled, Amber loves the attention……but is there something more sinister to the messages….

Then atmosphere becomes tense, with a feeling of dread gradually building, just who is the stalker?……..this is not going to end well…….is it?…..

A fast paced, tension filled thriller that will keep you on tenterhooks until the very end….a brilliant read…

Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Purchase links

AMZ: https://geni.us/B07PKVJSFTSocial

Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/y6arezzc

iBookstore: https://tinyurl.com/yxz6esep

Googleplay: https://tinyurl.com/y2oq54xc

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

A USA Today bestselling author, Sue has written fourteen novels, many involving cake and ice cream which have been translated into several languages and involved a great deal of ‘research.’ Sue’s now exploring the darker side of life with her second thriller ‘All Her Secrets,’ a dark, twisted tale questioning just how well we know our friends. This new genre doesn’t involve baked goods or frozen treats and Sue’s hoping the change in direction will be reflected on the weighing scales.

Originally from Manchester, Sue now lives with her husband and teenage daughter in Worcestershire where much of her day is spent procrastinating, eating and watching ‘My 600lb Life,’ on the sofa.

more info visit Sue’s website; http://www.suewatsonbooks.com/

Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks

Follow Sue on Twitter @suewatsonwriter

Book reviews, Crime thriller

Never Be Broken by Sarah Hilary – Book Review

25th May 201924th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

Deeply contemporary, painfully real, heartbreakingly good’ – Mick Herron

The compulsive, gripping and twisty new London crime novel featuring DI Marnie Rome, from award-winning novelist Sarah Hilary

Children are dying on London’s streets. Frankie Reece, stabbed through the heart, outside a corner shop. Others recruited from care homes, picked up and exploited; passed like gifts between gangs.

They are London’s lost.

Then Raphaela Belsham is killed. She’s thirteen years old, her father is a man of influence, from a smart part of town. And she’s white. Suddenly, the establishment is taking notice.

DS Noah Jake is determined to handle Raphaela’s case and Frankie’s too. But he’s facing his own turmoil, and it’s becoming an obsession. DI Marnie Rome is worried, and she needs Noah on side. Because more children are disappearing, more are being killed by the day and the swelling tide of violence needs to be stemmed before it’s too late.

NEVER BE BROKEN is a stunning, intelligent and gripping novel which explores how the act of witness alters us and reveals what lies beneath the veneer of a glittering city.

MY REVIEW

Never Be Broken by Sarah Hilary is #6 in the DI Marnie Rome series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.

The story is centred on DS Noah Jake who is struggling after losing his brother Soloman in a prison yard stabbing……he sees Sol everywhere, and talks to him all the time…..his grief and guilt just won’t let him go.

Set in London, this is a grim reminder of the current problems of gangs, knife and gun crime amongst young people and the tragic consequences.

Marnie and Noah are investigating the death of 13 year old Raffa who was killed in a drive by shooting….her father is angry, very…he doesn’t want his daughter death to be associated with gangs, but after a bullet is found hidden in Raffa’s room, suspicion falls that way……but there is so much more to the story!

This is not an easy read, with the terribly wasted lives and Noah’s struggle to cope after the death of his brother is heartbreaking……

This is a dark, gritty and supremely compelling story, with some truly tense moments. I felt it had an underlying message of forgiveness, grief and letting go and will touch your heart a little…..if only for Noah and Sol. This will stay with me for a long while and I would recommend you get a copy now…..

You can buy a copy here (click on the image)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hilary’s debut, Someone Else’s Skin, won Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year 2015 and was a World Book Night selection for 2016. The Observer’s Book of the Month (‘superbly disturbing’) and a Richard & Judy Book Club bestseller, it has been published worldwide. No Other Darkness, the second in the series was shortlisted for a Barry Award in the US. Her DI Marnie Rome series continued with Tastes Like Fear, Quieter Than Killing and Come And Find Me. Follow her on twitter @sarah_hilary.

Praise for the DI Marnie Rome series

‘The Marnie Rome series is fantastic’

Mark Billingham

‘Never Be Broken gloriously demonstrates that modern crime fiction really isn’t all about the murders.’

Val McDermid

Hilary belts out a corker of a story, all wrapped up in her vivid, effortless prose. If you’re not reading this series of London-set police procedurals then you need to start right away’

The Observer, Thriller of the Month

‘DI Marnie Rome is up there in the top division of fictional female detectives’

The Times

‘Contemporary, yet elegant, and with a heart, it underlines the author’s place as one of Britain’s best new crime writers’

Daily Mail

‘Marnie Rome gets better and better’

Clare Mackintosh

‘It’s brilliant. Tough, tender, absolutely terrifying’

Erin Kelly

‘I am lost in admiration at her imagination and skill’

Sabine Durrant

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

I Never Left by McGarvey Black – Book Review

24th May 201927th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

My name is Quinn Roberts. I was murdered and I don’t know why.

Quinn Roberts is dead and she wants to know how it happened. She’s angry, confused and disappointed that her life is over. Most of her friends have moved on and it seems like no one cares who was responsible. Her adult children are in shock but their mother’s death is too painful, so they do nothing.

Soon after her death, Quinn’s husband, Alec, has acquired a new wife and Quinn becomes a distant memory. Only her sister, Erin, and Detective John McQuillan, who leads the investigation, continue to search for answers.

But as the case stalls, the formal investigation is moved to the Cold Case division and Quinn’s family loses hope that there will ever be an arrest.

Can Quinn get the justice she deserves? And, is discovering the truth always worth it?

MY REVIEW

This starts with Quinn attending her own funeral…..!

Quinn’s friend Viv is really concerned as no-one has heard from her, so she persuades her landlady to check her apartment…..there they find her body surrounded by pills……was this suicide?

Quinn did have mental health issues, but the police find this was murder….just who wanted her dead…..they suspect Alec, the cheating, abusive and estranged husband, about to divorce, but he has an alibi…….

Just who was responsible for Quinn’s death…..her family will not let the matter lie and while it takes years…..they get a final, satisfying outcome when the killer is brought to justice…

This covers many emotive subjects, such as mental health, domestic abuse, rape and bereavement, not in any sensational way but in a empathetic and sensive manner.

I really felt for Quinn’s children, Hannah and Jack whose lives had been difficult growing up in such a home, but knowing their mother loved them. I detested Alec, which is a credit to McGarvey Black’s writing….I read this thriller in one sitting as I was totally engrossed and could not put it down…..I’ll never look at an empty swing in the same way again…..haunting!

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

You can buy a copy here (click on the image)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

McGarvey Black, a theatre major in college spent many years in the New York advertising sales business. She sold print and digital advertising and managed sales teams for companies like Conde Nast and WebMD. Ten years ago, she left media to become an executive recruiter for large and small internet companies. No matter how she earned a living, she always wrote…for her, for her friends and family. Two years ago, she left recruiting to pursue a full-time career writing. I am Quinn is her debut novel, she’s written two others and is working simultaneously on the fourth and fifth. Writing has caused her some sleep deprivation as she sometimes wakes in the middle of the night with an idea and must get to her keyboard. She usually writes mystery/thrillers, but occasionally likes to veer off to her other passion — rom-coms. She believes in a ton of prep. If she does her writing work upfront and develops her characters fully, they kind of write themselves. You must always know what each character ultimately wants —that drives the story.

Book reviews, Womens fiction

Because Of You by Helene Fermont – Book Review

23rd May 201922nd May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

How desperate are you to get the one you love?

When Hannah and Ben meet at a friend’s party, he knows she’s The One. But Hannah’s in an intense relationship with Mark and planning to return to her native Sweden to embark on a teaching career.

Desperate to make Ben fall in love with her, rich spoilt heiress Vanessa sets in motion a devious string of events that ultimately changes the course of four people’s lives indefinitely.

Hannah is the love of Ben’s life, yet Vanessa will stop at nothing to claim the man she is convinced is her destiny.

Because of You is a dark, morally complex and cross-generational story of enduring love, fate and destiny.

MY REVIEW

Because of You by Helene Fermont cover 36 years of Hannah Stein’s life, starting when she was a teenager in London up to her middle age.

It was very unique to have a story cover so much of a life, her loves, her family and how it developed over those years. It has life, family, love and heartbreak and also a slightly dark side to the story too, some domestic abuse and bullying which makes for difficult reading at times, but this makes for a realistic and compelling, immersive read.

Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

Author Bio:

Born into a bilingual family (Swedish/ English) Hélene Fermont enjoyed an idylic childhood on the outskirts of Malmö, Sweden’s third largest city and major cultural hub. Growing up in the 1970s she had a brief musical career on Swedish TV and radio. Hélene lived in London for over 20 years but has recently returned to Sweden. Hélene is a former teacher, a practising psychologist, and currently the author of three novels, all of which are psychological suspense with a nordic noir flavour. Her fourth novel is coming soon!

Social Media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helenefermontauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenefermont

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenefermont/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/helenefermontwriter/

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

The Women by S E Lynes – Book Review

23rd May 201922nd May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

The night she moves in with Peter, she’s so happy, so exhilarated, so in love. Later, she will remember a much smaller feeling, a tiny one percent in her gut. And she will remember pushing that feeling aside…

Samantha Frayn doesn’t know why Peter Bridges picks her – a nobody with bitten fingernails and a troubled childhood behind her – but she falls quickly. He’s older, charming, likes fine wine and French films, and his beautiful home has real art on its walls.

Peter transforms Samantha’s life in an instant. He sees the better version of herself – the one she’s always wanted to be. It’s only normal that there’s a little friction, when she moves in, over domestic matters like where things are kept, or the proper times to eat, sleep and shower. She’s lucky to be with someone who can help her find a new job, move on from childish friends, and speak with greater sophistication.

But as Samantha notices, more and more, Peter’s temper, she starts to wonder if there might be consequences to breaking the rules of the world he has so quickly built around her.

And then she receives an anonymous note that makes her ask: is she the first woman to feel trapped by Peter? Is she being paranoid, manipulated, or could she be in danger?

You can tell the truth about your life, but someone needs to be listening. Someone needs to trust you. And someone needs to save you from the man you thought you loved.

MY REVIEW

Samantha meets Peter at a student drinks do…he’s the archetypal older man….suave, handsome and educated (he’s a Professor)..she is flattered by the attention and quickly falls in love….. Peter soon asks her to move in to his beautiful elegant home in Richmond…..she is 99% certain this is what she wants….the 1% niggle she puts to one side.

Peter treats her like a princess at first, but he slowly tells her how to dress, how to speak and set the routines….a glass of red wine before dinner!

Sam finds herself pregnant and is worried what Peter will say…he’s delighted and she relaxes, but soon after the birth of Emily, he finds her a part time job….teaching and he does her lesson plans for her….he just wants to help…doesn’t he?

Sam is teaching a creative writing class, but starts to receive slightly menacing notes ….is Peter cheating on her? Or is this just malicious?

Peter regularly asks Sam to marry him and one day she says yes….she takes control and plans it all as a surprise, including a honeymoon to Rome..have the tables turned?

Well, without giving anything away….this is a tense tale which shows the effect of domestic abuse…while not violent, the slow manipulation and controlling behaviour takes its toll….sometimes you can only push someone around for so long before they decide enough is enough…

There’s threatening notes, a child kidnap, drug abuse and friendship with wonderfully believable characters in this gripping domestic thriller…..you will detest Peter and feel every emotion in this riveting page turner….an absolute credit to S E Lynes creative writing…I can thoroughly recommend it….

Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMZ: https://geni.us/B07NY2WR6XSocial

Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/y6aw5w5f

iBookstore: https://tinyurl.com/y5vxtkz2

Googleplay: https://tinyurl.com/yyk75vnz

About the author

Amazon best selling author of ‘intelligent and haunting’ psychological thrillers VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL. THE WOMEN out for pre-order NOW.

S E Lynes is a writer, tutor and mentor. Formerly a BBC producer, she has lived in France, Spain, Scotland, Italy, and now lives in Greater London with her husband, three kids and her dog, Lola.

After the birth of her third child, she completed an MA in creative writing from Kingston University. Her critically acclaimed debut, VALENTINA, was published by Blackbird Digital Books in July 2016. Her second novel, MOTHER was published by Bookouture in 2017, followed by THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL in 2018. In August 2018, VALENTINA was published in a new edition by Bookouture.

Susie Lynes has also published two children’s books in Italy: Il Leopardo Lampo and La Coccodrilla Ingamba, both available at Amazon.it

Find her on:

Facebook S E Lynes Author

Twitter @SELynesAuthor

Book reviews, Classic Fiction

The Art of Sherlock Holmes by Phil Growick – Book Review

22nd May 201921st May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

The Art of Sherlock Holmes

The Art of Sherlock Holmes is a totally unique experience. Imagine a dozen or more of the finest artists in the U.S. creating art for some the best new short stories written by some of the finest Holmes authors in the world.

Each artist has envisioned their version of one story specifically selected for them. All stories and art in one large, hardcover, coffee table presentation volume. This first edition features artists from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Future editions will be global, with participating artists contributing from all over the world. The Art of Sherlock Holmes was conceived and curated by Phil Growick, himself a renowned Holmes author.

MY REVIEW

What a stunning book…..

I’ve always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I love these new stories of Sherlock and Dr Watson.

Each of the stories are written in the style of Conan Doyle with a fresh feel but still have the soul of Sherlock and are accompanied by wonderful artwork.

At the beginning of each story is an introduction to the author and to the artist, whose art illustrates the tale….such a unique style.

This Is a real coffee table book, one to have on display to enjoy the art and the stories together……a must for any fan of Sherlock Holmes and his adventures.

My thanks to Caroline Vincent at Bits About Books for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my free ebook which I received in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Book Info

‘The Art of Sherlock Holmes’ is available at Amazon: viewbook.at/TheArtofSherlockHolmes

About the Author

The project was conceived by and is curated by Phil Growick. Phil ran one of the world’s leading executive search firms in the advertising industry. Phil’s network in the creative world is unparalleled which is perfect for artist acquisition. Now living in West Palm, Phil is heavily involved in the local art community and as a two-time Sherlock Holmes novelist came up with the concept of combining two of his passions – art and Holmes.

“You’re presented with murder, theft, treason, betrayal, love, loss and greed. All the ingredients to make a delicious Holmes meal of mystery: inimitable interpretations of truly unique Holmes stories.”

You can find Phil Growick here:

Blog: https://holmesandwatsonandi.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilGrowick

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesecretjournalofdrwatson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/philgrowick/

MX Publishing

MX is the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes publisher. The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories is the world’s largest new Sherlock stories collection with twelve bestselling volumes in the last four years – with three more volumes due in May 2019. Over 100 authors have taken part in the anthology including NY Times best sellers Lee Child, Jonathan Kellerman, Lyndsay Faye and Bonnie MacBird.

The collection raises money for the Stepping Stones School ( a school for children with learning disabilities) at Undershaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s former home which carries the Estate’s Conan Doyle Seal. The collection has overwhelming support from leading Sherlockians worldwide. MX are in a perfect position to bring the best in Holmes fiction and the Sherlock fan base to the project.

MX’ other project is the Happy Life Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya. Twinned with Stepping Stones, Happy Life has saved the lives of over 600 abandoned babies in the last two decades. The project has expanded to include a school and paediatric hospital.

MX Publishing on Social Media:

Website: http://mxpublishing.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxpublishing

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MXPublishing/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mxpublishing/

Instagram – The Art of Sherlock Holmes: www.instagram.com/artofsherlock/

What a stunning book…..

I’ve always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I love these new stories of Sherlock and Dr Watson.

Each of the stories are written in the style of Conan Doyle with a fresh feel but still have the soul of Sherlock and are accompanied by wonderful artwork.

At the beginning of each story is an introduction to the author and to the artist, whose art illustrates the tale….such a unique style.

This Is a real coffee table book, one to have on display to enjoy the art and the stories together……a must for any fan of Sherlock Holmes and his adventures.

My thanks to Caroline Vincent at Bits About Book for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my free ebook which I received in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Book Info

‘The Art of Sherlock Holmes’ is available at Amazon: viewbook.at/TheArtofSherlockHolmes

About the Author

You can find Phil Growick here:

Blog: https://holmesandwatsonandi.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilGrowick

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesecretjournalofdrwatson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/philgrowick/

MX Publishing

MX Publishing on Social Media:

Website: http://mxpublishing.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxpublishing

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MXPublishing/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mxpublishing/

Instagram – The Art of Sherlock Holmes: www.instagram.com/artofsherlock/

Book reviews, Thriller

Familiar Strangers by Jackie Walsh – Book Review

22nd May 201921st May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

‘I took you, Becca. You’re not my daughter.’

Since Becca Wall’s mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, every day Becca loses a little more of the loving, caring mother who would do anything for her only daughter. But when one day Nancy Wall confesses that Becca is not her child, Becca’s world falls apart.

Becca tells herself that the words are just a cruel symptom of Nancy’s illness; after all, she has her birth certificate, and pictures of herself as a newborn along with her Mom, Dad and older brother, Danny. Becca tries to forget, to get on with her life – until the day the police question her about the whereabouts of a missing woman, Katie Collins.

Katie has disappeared without a trace, telling her husband that she is leaving to find Rebecca Wall. But Becca doesn’t know Katie, so it’s a case of mistaken identity – isn’t it? But as Becca discovers why Katie was desperate to find her, the lies that Becca has always believed come crashing down. Soon, it’s clear that someone knows the truth – and that they’ll stop at nothing to keep their secrets…

An addictive, fast-paced psychological thriller with a shocking twist that will leave you gasping. Fans of The Girl on the Train, The Wife Between Us and T.M Logan will be gripped until the very last page.

MY REVIEW

Rebecca Hall’s mum is in a care home, she has Alzheimer’s and her good days are now being overtaken by the bad ones. Some days she doesn’t recognise Becca at all and it’s heartbreaking….

On one of her lucid moments she tells Becca, ‘You’re not my daughter, I took s was just the dementia talking…..wasn’t it?…..

Shaken and upset, Becca returns home but feels someone has been in her apartment….but nothing is missing and even her neighbour, Jeff thinks she may be imagining it….

Watching TV she sees news of a missing woman, Katie Collins….why does she look familiar?

When Katie’s body is found, the police have questions for Becca, but she knows nothing and is left with many many questions…..her life begins to unravel, she doesn’t know who she is any more…

This is a mix of family drama and thriller and Jackie Walsh has written an empathetic description of the horrendous disease, that is Alzheimer’s (my own mother has this and I know how heartbreaking it is to see the person you know slowly disappear)..

The clever writing also makes you wonder just how far we would go to protect our children, it also shows how Becca’s life starts to fall apart, losing her job, her home and almost her sanity. A totally engrossing thriller, with many suspects that will keep you guessing right to the very end….I loved every minute and can recommend this unreservedly…

Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

you can buy a copy here (click on the image)

Author Bio:

Jackie Walsh lives in Dublin with her husband Paul and dog Layla. After years spent building her own business, she decided to take time out and pursue her interest in writing. With a lot to learn, she spent years attending classes and writing groups, going to festivals and launches, writing and rewriting, until eventually sending her words out into the world. Now she is thrilled to have landed a publisher. Especially Hera Books, a new company headed by two women who have years of experience and love a good story.

Jackie is a member of the Irish Writers Centre, The Irish Crime writers group and proof that perseverance can work.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @JackieWalsh_ie

Book reviews, Crime thriller

Fierce Girl by Emma Tallon – Book Review

21st May 201920th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

Fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Jessie Keane will be hooked by Fierce Girl.

When loyalty is everything, betrayal hits harder.

Anna Davis has grown up. She’s not the naive runaway who escaped her vicious gangland boyfriend anymore. She’s tougher than ever and she won’t let anyone take advantage of her – or the people she loves.

Anna’s devoted boyfriend, East End baron Freddie Tyler, is in trouble. There’s a rat in his organisation and he needs to stop the leaks before a very big mistake from his past is revealed to people who will want swift and brutal revenge.

Anna wants to help Freddie but she’s got problems of her own. Her best friend Tanya’s mother has turned up, and is staking a claim on Tanya’s share of their club. With Tanya buying her mum’s reformed sinner act, Anna knows she needs to act before both their friendship and Club Anya goes up in flames.

But if there’s one thing Anna and Freddie have learned, it’s how to play the game, and as their enemies close in they’ll fight with everything they’ve got to protect the life they’ve built.

MY REVIEW

After the dramatic end of the previous book, this jumps straight in….

Tanya’s mum, Rosie, arrives to help her daughter, she’s the perfect mum, isn’t she? But this puts Anna and Tanya’s friendship to the test…..will it survive?

It was interesting to learn more of the backgrounds of both Anna and Tanya……character building? To say the least.

Freddie is still Freddie, still carrying on ‘business’ and the mafia are back too with lots of insights into the violent gangland scene. But, as usual things never run smoothly in this nail biter of a thriller. Gritty, tense and will you on tenterhooks right to the very end….I’m already looking forward to the next in the series…

Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Author Bio:

Emma Tallon is a British, gritty crime writer, adventurer, Londoner and mother to a young son. Starting her career a few years ago as a ghostwriter, Emma crafted some of the most adventurous, edgy and heart-wrenching stories you can find on the shelves today.

In March 2017 Emma stepped out of the literary shadows and self-published her first book, Life Game. The book was an instant success, the results far exceeding anything she had expected. As news of Life Games popularity spread, she joined forces with W.F.Howes and the audiobook was launched in October 2017.

In December 2017, Emma signed a three book deal with publishers Bookouture. This included Life Game which was changed, re-edited and re-released as Runaway Girl.

Drawing inspiration for her books from a mixture of her own observations and an active imagination, the characters Emma paints are colourful and larger than life. Her story lines are an interesting recipe of deep emotion and violent grit, that keep her readers engrossed.

With more books in the works for this series already, Emma has many more stories planned out for the future.

Social media links

For more information on Emma or to join her mailing list, please go to: http://www.emmatallon.com or alternatively, follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emmatallonofficial or on Twitter: @EmmaEsj

Purchase Link

https://geni.us/B07P32Z5NSSocial

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

The Den by Abi Maxwell – Book Review

21st May 201920th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

A hypnotic story of YOUTH, SEX and POWER

A story of two women cast out by the same community though separated by a hundred years

A story of two extraordinary, magnetic women and their disappearances – a hundred years apart – from the small New England town they call home.

Henrietta and Jane are growing up in a farmhouse on the outskirts of town, their mother a remote artist, their father in thrall to the folklore and legend of their corner of New England. When Henrietta falls under the spell of Kaus, an outsider and petty criminal, Jane takes to trailing the couple, spying on their trysts, until one night, Henrietta vanishes into the woods.

Elspeth and Claire are sisters separated by an ocean. Elspeth’s pregnancy at seventeen meant she was quickly married and sent away from her Scottish village to make a new life in America. When she comes to the attention of the local mill owner, a series of wrenching and violent events unfolds, culminating in her disappearance.

As Jane and Claire search in their own times for their missing sisters, each uncovers the strange legend of Cold Thursday, and of a family apparently transformed into coyotes. But what does his myth really mean? Are their sisters dead, destroyed by the men who desired them? Or have they made new lives, elsewhere, beyond the watchful eyes of the community they longed to escape?

MY REVIEW

The Den by Abi Maxwell is set in New Hampshire and follows two families who live on the same farm but 150 years apart.

It starts with Jane, who is Henrietta’s younger sister. Henrietta is a bit of a wild child at 15. She meets Kaus and Jane follows them on their trysts and watches them and as any younger sister, she is partly in awe and partly judgemental.

Henrietta goes missing and Jane is distraught…..she searches the Den as she recalls the story her father told her of another family, many years ago that disappeared leaving just coyotes behind……

The story also tells of a family from 150 years before. Elspeth, who, unmarried, got pregnant and was forced to leave Scotland for America where her new husband believes life will be better…

But, bored and lonely, she misses her sister Claire, she befriends an older man, a neighbour and after a horrible, violent altercation with her husbands boss…she, and her son, run to him for help…and they disappear…

Both stories seem to mirror each other from Jane and Henrietta to Elspeth and Claire. As both Jane and Claire try to find out just what happened to their sisters, the same story of a family who turned into coyotes links them both….

Will Jane find Henrietta? Where did Claire go……? What happened to the missing family from the old story……did they turn into coyotes?

I felt this totally captivating tale is about family and love and coming of age, but also just how badly women suffered (and suffer) for their choices not being what was expected of them, the isolation and despair this caused and the consequences for those closest to them. An emotional, haunting family drama by Abi Maxwell and I can thoroughly recommend it.

you can buy a copy here (click on the image)

About the Author

Abi Maxwell is the author of an acclaimed story collection, LAKE PEOPLE, and her fiction has also appeared in McSweeney’s. She studied writing at the University of Montana and now lives in New Hampshire, where she grew up, with her husband and son.

THE DEN

By Abi Maxwell

Published by Tinder Press Hardback- 16th May 2019- £18.99

‘There’s a plain-spoken quality to Maxwell’s writing that suggests comparisons to Marilynne Robertson and Alice Munro’ MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE

‘Maxwell’s landscape is not modern culture but traditional folklore… secrets are kept, secrets are told… beautifully precise’

HARPERS

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

The Manhattan Project by Paul McNeive – Book Review

20th May 201919th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

New York City is under attack. Millions may die. But the enemy’s weapons are invisible, undetectable and creating terror at lightning speed.

A NYPD cop, John Wyse, finds himself pitted against a Hiroshima survivor turned criminal mastermind determined to avenge the deaths of his family, and all who died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It’s a race against time to break the links in a terrible plot intent on causing medical meltdown,

Taut, accomplished and spectacular in its scope, The Manhattan Priject is a fast paced bioterrorism thriller spanning Japan, The Middle East and America.

MY REVIEW

Starting with the atomic bombing of Japan during the Second World War, a young survivor plans their revenge.

John Wyse is a Detective in the NYPD and meets Tsan at a party, but feels a bit unsettled by him…..

This has a realistic feel and is scary because of it…..we all know about how we virus’ are becoming resistant to antibiotics……so what if a deadly virus is released that there’s no effective treatment, because everyone has been exposed to antibiotics and then a virus is introduced deliberately ???..just how would we cope? A truly nightmarish possibility.

This is a fast paced book, and one to ponder, enjoy and tremble a little at Paul McNeive’s clever and creative writing….a thoroughly enjoyable, edge of your seat thriller.

Thank you to Black and White Publishing for a free copy of the book. This is my honest and unbiased review.

Social media links:

@bwpublishing (Tw)

@PaulMcNeive (Tw)

@blackandwhitepublishing (Fb)

@bwpublishing (Insta)

Hashtag:

#TheManhattanProject

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

He’s At Your Door by Alex Sinclair – Book Review

20th May 201919th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

Karen Rainey lives a sheltered life on the edge of the city. For the last five years, she has rarely left the home unless it was unavoidable. She has her food and anything else she needs delivered to the front door. She works from home to avoid venturing outside.

But Karen isn’t agoraphobic. She’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, Zach, who is serving a life sentence in prison for a string of bank robberies after Karen testified against him. With the constant threat that Zach might send someone to find and kill her, Karen keeps a low profile.

To aid her in paying the rent each month, Karen takes in the occasional housemate, opting for students from the local university. Her current housemate, Beth, is a young student who has no idea about Karen’s past.

But when a mysterious package is left of her doorstep, it sends Karen’s world into turmoil.

Has Zack found her?

Isolated and frightened, Karen befriends Beth but refuses to tell her everything about her past.

Trapped inside their home, Karen and Beth soon begin to lose their minds.

But is the threat really outside or is it closer to home?

MY REVIEW

“What are you afraid of?”

Karen Rainey is scared to leave her small 2 bedroomed flat, she has only left 3 times in the past 5 years….she works from home as a virtual assistant and from time to time takes a flatmate to help with bills and expenses….

She is paranoid about security and has CCTV around the property and 4 deadlocks on the door. One night there’s a knock on the door, the camera shows a man in a hoodie…..so scared she cannot think, she keeps watch until he leaves, but what was that he left behind?

A note in Latin…Omnia mors aequat….. “Death makes all equal.”

Karen’s flatmate, Beth arrives home and helps calm her down……Karen confides some of her past to her friend……but then the man comes back and is watching their home….has her ex found her….or is something darker happening?

I can’t say too much more about the actual story, but needless to say this is intense, scary and thought provoking. Revenge is sweet isn’t it ? It will make you feel better and make all right with the world again won’t it?….

I read this in one sitting due to the fast pace and incredibly immersive writing by Alex Sinclair…….it grabbed me with both hands and just wouldn’t let go until the stark, emotion packed ending…..a stunning read.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

You can buy a copy here (click on the image)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Sinclair is a psychological thriller author from a quiet country town outside of Melbourne, Australia.

When he’s not spending time with his wife and daughter, Alex can be found obsessing over his fiction. He loves to write fast-paced, gripping stories with killer twists. Alex is an avid reader of psychological thrillers and has a passion for good storytelling.

Book reviews, Psychlogical thriller

Worst Case Scenario by Helen Fitzgerald – Book Review

19th May 201918th May 2019 lel2403

PUBLISHERS BLURB

ONLY Helen FitzGerald could have created this book. Shocking, gripping and laugh-out-loud hilarious from the first line to the last. Brilliant’ Erin Kelly

‘The main character is one of the most extraordinary you’ll meet between the pages of a book’ Ian Rankin

Mary Shields is a moody, acerbic probation offer, dealing with some of Glasgow’s worst cases, and her job is on the line.

Imprisoned for murdering his wife, Liam Macdowall has published a series of letters to the dead woman, in a book that has made him an unlikely hero – a poster boy for Men’s Rights Activists.

Liam is released on licence into Mary’s care, but things are far from simple. Mary develops a poisonous obsession with Liam and his world, and when her son and Liam’s daughter form a relationship, Mary will stop at nothing to impose her own brand of justice … with devastating consequences.

A heart-pounding, relentless and chilling psychological thriller, rich with deliciously dark and unapologetic humour, Worst Case Scenario is also a perceptive, tragic and hugely relevant book by one of the most exciting names in crime fiction.

MY REVIEW

Mary is a social worker, sharp, sarcastic, wine drinking, menopause ridden and totally wonderful…….human and messed up.

Liam Macdowall has been released from prison on licence. He had killed his wife in a murder suicide bid, but he survived….His daughter, Holly is supporting him….Mary is his parole officer..

Then there’s McKinley, a paedophile and his ‘Emily’……and John Paul O’Donnell a cocaine addict….

After being accused of mis-using the flexitime system….(she’s a flex offender!) she decides it’s time to leave. Husband Roddie has been offered an £80k contract as a colourer-in-er, it’s time to enjoy life.

So she decides to stop biting her tongue and say what she means and gives some truly hilarious moments, but there is also the dark side….her obsession with Macdowall leads to a horrible mistake with heartbreaking consequences.

I loved Mary, a real person and totally relatable …….all those thoughts that have gone through your mind at some time then Mary says out loud.

“When she was in her twenties, Mary didn’t think childbirth’d be a big deal, not till she shat ten pounds out of her fanny at twenty-eight.”

This is a thriller with wife killers, abusers, paedophiles and dark humour…..you will laugh out loud and cringe at the same time…..absolutely stunning writing by Helen Fitzgerald and a definite favourite for 2019.

You can buy a copy here (click on the image)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen FitzGerald is the bestselling author of ten adult and young adult thrillers, including The Donor (2011) and The Cry (2013), which was longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and is now a major drama for BBC1. Helen worked as a criminal justice social worker for over fifteen years. She grew up in Victoria, Australia. She now lives in Glasgow with her husband.

FURTHER PRAISE FOR WORST CASE SCENARIO

‘Helen FitzGerald never, ever disappoints. Worst Case Scenario is simply stunning. Dark, uncompromising, funny, and almost impossible to put down. Mary is one my favourite characters of recent times. Always real, always honest, always superb’ Luca Veste

Very dark, very funny and very original…off-beat but achingly relatable crime fiction’

Susi Holliday

‘I’m convinced that Helen FitzGerald is some kind of genius. It’s dark, unsettling, shocking and brilliantly funny- often at the same time. It also confirms her as queen of the killer opening line. Loved it’ Paul Burston

‘A dark, comic masterpiece which manages to be both excruciatingly tense and laugh out loud funny at the same time. Great stuff!’ Mark Edwards

‘Worst Case Scenario is a crazy, full-throttle ride, terrifying, hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure, with the most vivid and brilliant central character I’ve read in years’ Doug Johnstone

‘Oh. My. God. This was just wow. Razor-sharp, smart, shocking, dark, and amazingly executed. I wanna watch Sex and the City with Mary!’ Louise Beech

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