Lisbon ’41: Amongst the spies and the intrigue of wartime Lisbon lies a deadly secret. (The Lisbon Novels Book 1)
by Malcolm Havard
Wartime Lisbon. Ex-cop, Dinis Lopes just wants to be left alone. The state has other ideas…
A VIP visitor to Portugal has left behind a deadly secret that can change the course of history. Lopes is tasked with finding it – without knowing what he’s looking for.
” A little bit Gamache. A little bit Frost. A little bit Wallander. And I can’t wait for the sequel.” ARC reviewer.
The Summoning is another excellent book in this brilliant series. This one is a prequel, so I got to learn more about Aunt Charlie and how she ended up in Redemption. Just brilliant!
I’m thoroughly enjoying spending time with these characters!
WOW! I feel quite exhausted after reading this book. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions!
This was my absolute biggest fear when my children were little. I was hyperventilating on behalf of Sive. How she doesn’t completely fall apart during this ordeal I don’t know, although rationally I know that wouldn’t help anyone. Such a frightening scenario, I can only imagine. I felt tense throughout this book, and as the story progressed I found myself trying to read quicker but at the same time not wanting to discover anything even more traumatic.
I couldn’t warm to Sive’s husband, Aaron, even though she seems to idolise him. I found his friendship group quite bizarre. Almost like they were forcing themselves to still be friends even though they no longer seemed to have anything in common. Kind of like their get togethers were just a habit now. One that no one dared to be the first to break. None of them are particularly likable characters (apart from Sive). I’d like to say I warmed to them a bit more as we get to know them, but no.
So much goes on in such a short time, my head was spinning! This is a fast-paced, suspenseful, and emotional story with many jaw dropping moments. I absolutely loved it!
** I read this book as part of a buddy read with a group of Bookstagram friends. I read the hardcover edition which I purchased from a second-hand book sale **
I finished it this afternoon as part of a buddy read with Bookstagram friends and I’m looking forward to chatting about it with them, although I’m not sure where to start to be honest.
I was completely invested in Pip and Ravi’s story since reading, and thoroughly enjoying, the first two books in this series so I was very much looking forward to reading book three. I think I’d go as far to say as this is even better than the first two books put together. My heart was in my mouth for much of this book. It is so full of jaw dropping twists. I actually felt myself panicking at times.
This book is fast paced, suspenseful, full of wonderful relationships and solid friendships integral to the story line.
The very last page gave me goosebumps!
Pip and Ravi are just the best characters. I’m sad to be saying goodbye to them.
I don’t want to say too much about this book in case I accidentally spoil anything for anyone, especially those who haven’t read the first two books. I have already bought book four though, which I am already half way through, so that gives you some idea of how invested I am in these characters.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend you add book one to your list….
I make no secret of the fact that I love Rachael Stewart’s books and this one is no exception. I have absolutely loved being whisked away to the Australian outback with Eve and Nate! 😍 Picture this, you meet someone in a bar, the chemistry between you is undeniable and you share an amazing night together. Two consenting adults, neither wanting anything more, the chances of seeing each other again unlikely. Or so you thought…. Just brilliant! The heat between these two is almost palpable! I was rooting for them from the start. The unusual clause in Eve’s father’s will intrigued me. Eve’s opinion on that is perfectly justified. I enjoyed this aspect of the story. I think it makes it quite unique. I loved the relationships Eve shares with her sisters too. Another beautiful story from the very lovely @rachaelstewart3 ❤️ All the stars from me!
* Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy *
I think this might be Daniel Thompson’s most gorgeous book to date!
These poems are all about nature and they are just so brilliant.
I love being outside, especially when we get some sunshine. I love being by the sea, by a river, by a lake, surrounded by trees, walking through the countryside, sitting on a beach…. I love it all, but even just sitting in my back garden in the morning, or at dusk, listening to the bird’s tweeting away. There is something quite magical about that.
This book will help the youngsters in your life, and yourselves, to appreciate the wonderful world we live in and will certainly inspire you to spend more time outdoors enjoying it.
The hardcover edition of this book is stunning! My photos don’t do it justice. The illustrations throughout the book are just beautiful and compliment the poetry perfectly. I highly recommend you buy the hardcover edition to be able to enjoy it in all its glory. It’s one to re-read again and again.
** Many thanks to Lorraine Keating for sending me my review copy. It will stay in my permanent collection. **
Inspiring poems to connect with nature
This collection of 50 poems will spark a love of nature, bring calm and happiness and let the outside in.
Beautifully illustrated, it is filled with poems for children to read alone or enjoy with the whole family.
With poems about the seasons, senses, wildlife, weather and the joys of mud, it’s the perfect gift book for children to treasure.
From poet, Daniel Thompson, author of Being You: Poems of Positivity – 2023 City Kids Green Awards Winner and selected for the Reading Agency’s 2023 Summer reading challenge.
I purchased This Happened to Jessica as soon as I finished book one, It Began With A Lie, as I had to find out if Becca would remember what happened the night Jessica disappeared.
Becca is doing her best to move on from all that has happened since she moved back to Redemption. It isn’t easy though when she still doesn’t remember what happened to Jessica. When further trauma hits the town, some residents blame Becca and her ‘weird’ aunt and she starts to believe she might be better off moving back to New York after all. She is determined to unlock her memories though.
I raced through this book. I’m really enjoying this series. I feel totally invested in the characters and their stories. I have purchased book three and will be starting it tonight.
** I purchased the Kindle edition on 1st April 2024 **
The Crossing is an excellent start to a new series.
Detective Louise Blackwell has recently been transferred and her first case is a brutal one. The first victim is an elderly lady who volunteers at the local church. What possible motive could there be for such an attack?
This killer isn’t done either and it soon becomes apparent that they might be seeking revenge. But, for what.
This is a fast-paced police procedural and I thoroughly enjoyed joining Blackwell and her team as they race against time to solve this case before anyone else dies.
I enjoyed the dynamic between the team and the back story behind Blackwell’s transfer. She does well to maintain professionalism considering.
The perpetrator is an interesting character. Not the type you imagine carrying out such horrendous crimes. As we get to know more about him though, things start to fall into place. He gave me a chill down my spine.
This book has everything you would expect from a good murder mystery. I look forward to catching up with Detective Louise Blackwell in book 2. It’s on my wishlist.
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