First, I need to start by apologising to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this incredibly late review. When I first joined NetGalley it was all very exciting (it still is to be fair) and I didn’t then know how to say no. I was very new to book blogging and didn’t want to refuse any arcs or let anyone down. I soon realised though that there are only so many hours in a day, days in a week, etc. etc. I’m much better at not over committing myself now. However, it has left me with a significant number of archived books still on my NetGalley shelf. I have now set myself the challenge of clearing my unread shelf entirely before I read any other Kindle books.
When I Was Ten is an incredibly compelling psychological thriller. I went in totally blind with no idea what I was letting myself in for.
A dual timeline story. 21 years ago, a ten-year-old girl murders both of her parents. Parents who were pillars of the community, or so it would seem.
Catherine served eight years in a secure children’s unit and is now living under a different identity with a husband and a daughter of her own. A family who know nothing about her past.
When a documentary team start sniffing around her sister for a story, Catherine realises her previous identity may about to be revealed to the world. How the story progresses from this point is jaw-dropping. I was totally not prepared for this disturbingly dark, emotional rollercoaster of a book. And that ending! Wow!
Very cleverly written, fast paced, full of suspense and an underlying tension. I loved it!
This is my first introduction to Fiona Cummins’ writing. I will now be adding all her other books to my wishlist!
Twenty-one years ago, Dr Richard Carter and his wife Pamela were killed in what has become the most infamous double murder of the modern age.
Their ten year-old daughter – nicknamed the Angel of Death – spent eight years in a children’s secure unit and is living quietly under an assumed name with a family of her own.
Now, on the anniversary of the trial, a documentary team has tracked down her older sister, compelling her to break two decades of silence.
Her explosive interview sparks national headlines and journalist Brinley Booth, a childhood friend of the Carter sisters, is tasked with covering the news story.
For the first time, the three women are forced to confront what really happened that night – with devastating consequences for them all.
I love the TV series and apparently this book has been on my TBR since March 2022, so it is probably about time I got around to reading it.
I promised myself some time ago that if book one of a series was chosen by my wheel, then I would see the series through to the end. So, just to throw me in at the deep end it chose Reacher, book 1 of 31! Lol!
Reacher finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. A stranger in a small town it’s easy to see why law enforcement would assume he must be responsible for their first murder in years. They are wrong though, of course, and they soon see the error of their ways.
An excellent start to the series, as expected, and I now understand why everyone was so up in arms about Tom Cruise playing the part of Reacher way back when. Alan Ritchson suits the role perfectly. He plays him exactly as he is written as well as totally looking the part.
I’m already reading, and loving, book two, Die Trying.
Jack Reacher jumps off a bus and walks fourteen miles down a country road into Margrave, Georgia. An arbitrary decision he’s about to regret.
Reacher is the only stranger in town on the day they have had their first homicide in thirty years. The cops arrest Reacher and the police chief turns eyewitness to place him at the scene. As nasty secrets leak out, and the body count mounts, one thing is for sure.
Okay, so I know I had promised to clear my archived NetGalley list before reading any other kindle books, but this is Mick Williams.
Mick Williams.
When Mick Williams writes a new book, I must read it as soon as I possibly can.
I love this series.
For a start the main characters are women. Awesome women who you would definitely want on your good side, especially if you need someone to disappear.
Their job in this book seems like it should be quite straight forward but, of course, where would the fun be in that!?
This book hits the ground running and the action just doesn’t stop.
It’s full of suspense and danger but also peppered with humour. I just love it!
And, I know I’ve said it before about Mick’s books, but this series needs to be optioned by Netflix or something because it would make an excellent television series.
I’m so looking forward to book 3!
** Many thanks to Mick Williams for my digital review copy **
The double-cross was just the beginning.
Katy King and Ambra Bardhi know how to find people – and how to make them disappear.
Their latest client, Hassan El Idrissi, wants an elusive Colombian drug dealer gone, and he’s willing to pay Disappearing Inc. whatever it takes. But when the hit goes wrong, Katy and Ambra discover their client has an agenda of his own that puts them in the crosshairs of ruthless killers.
Meanwhile, Katy’s sister Marsha is following a trail of fake UPS trucks to a discreet warehouse. What she finds is enough to put her life in danger, and she’ll need the help of the mysterious Corbin, a man whose reputation is as dangerous as his looks, if she’s going to survive.
The King sisters, Ambra, and Corbin, are drawn into a violent game involving El Idrissi, a ruthless counterfeiting operation, and enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets and find that one wrong move could make them the ones to disappear.
For good.
Double Cross is the second book in the Disappearing Inc. series.
I never really know how to review short stories, but I did really enjoy this collection. Patrick Gale has such a way with words, and I have enjoyed everything of his I’ve read so far. I’m looking forward to reading more….
A first collection of short stories from Patrick Gale, written over a ten year period
‘Nattily subversive, sexually ambiguous, intelligent and disturbing. The prose sizzles with acidic observation’Sunday Times
A funeral party ends in an unexpected manner; parents are faced with difficult decisions about their daughter; a housewife transforms her personality with a simple touch-up; a father’s trip to his former school brings back memories of love he thought buried forever.
From gothic thrills and twisted comedy to moving family vignettes,Dangerous Pleasuresoffers a memorable collection of Patrick Gale’s brilliant short stories of marriage, sex and mortality.
What readers say about DANGEROUS PLEASURES:
‘This collection was special. Rarely have I read a short story collection where I enjoyed every story, each one unique from the others. I love the author’s sly wit’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘Surprising, memorable and with a good degree of humour leaning toward the macabre, each story in this collection is a gem’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Underground Library wasn’t on my TBR. It was a loan from my Mum, who insisted I must read it immediately.
What a gorgeous story!
It is indeed a heartwarming and inspiring tale, based on a true story that I had no previous idea of. I love reading about community spirit. I think we have much less of that today, sadly.
I love that the library, books, and the women involved in this story become a safe place for everyone living through the war, facing air-raids (which must be terrifying!), and spending endless nights sleeping in the underground stations of London to keep themselves safe. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like.
It’s especially inspiring given that women didn’t hold much weight when it came to certain jobs (according to men) back then. I really admire Juliet for what she achieves and how she inspires and involves other women in her life. I read a lot about how much women managed to keep things going during the war, whilst the boys were away, and this story really highlights the fact.
This is a story full of love, friendship, of coming together as a community, and the importance of books as a means of escape and comfort.
A truly gorgeous story. I loved it and will be adding Jennifer Ryan’s other books to my Wishlist.
Three women united by their love of books. One library that has the power to change lives, even in wartime . . .
When Juliet begins work at Bethnal Green Library, she discovers it is far from the bustling hub she was expecting. But, in the face of German Blitz attacks, she’s intent on making it a place where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Katie is thrilled to be working at the library, too. But, after the death of her sweetheart on the front line, she’s in desperate need of support.
Sofie, a Jewish refugee, escapes to the library every chance she gets. Though she finds comfort and friendship there, her position in London remains vulnerable.
When bombs wreck the library, the books are relocated to an underground station. As the war rages, can the women use their fighting spirit to overcome their own troubles and keep the library open to all?
Inspired by the true story of Bethnal Green Library,The Underground Libraryis a historical novel about love, friendship and the power of the human spirit.
Every book I have read by Rachael Stewart has been an absolute joy to read and this one was no exception!
I loved spending time with Annalise in the outback. She might technically be staff but it’s obvious she’s already thought of as more than that. She has been trusted with her boss’s secret, at least until he’s had time to bring his sons back together again, and although she doesn’t really agree with him, she respects his choices and keeps his confidence.
When Jackson appears back on the scene though this puts her in even more of an awkward situation. Especially when it becomes apparent that there is a spark between them. And that’s putting it mildly!
Jackson is one of those characters who grew on me as the story progresses. The chemistry between him and Annalise is off the charts and I love how their relationship develops. I love how his family already consider her to be family. They are perfect for each.
Another romance I devoured!
** Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy **
The prodigal billionaire is back!
In this Outback Kings story, as he reluctantly returns to the Outback, the last thing Jackson King expects is to be drawn into a feud over his family’s sprawling estate—or to steal a searing kiss from Annalise Fletcher, his estranged father’s fiercely loyal assistant. Her enigmatic nature reminds him of a trust-shattering past betrayal, and she sees him as the selfish son who walked away. Still, their spark refuses to dim, illuminating an inconvenient truth: The home he’s been running from might be where he truly belongs…
The Other Child is a compelling read. A seemingly regular family drama to begin with but there’s an underlying tension throughout that doesn’t let up. It builds with intensity as the story progresses and I really needed to find out why Greg was really being how he was being. Yes, he has a high-pressure job and yes, he didn’t really want to have a baby, but it’s obvious that there is something else going on and I would never have guessed what in a million years.
My heart went out to Tess. Moving out to the states to support him and his new job, taking her away from all she knows as well as uprooting her son, Joe. Finding herself quite alone dealing with a new pregnancy and Joe’s problems at school. That’s enough for anyone to deal with, with a mostly absent husband. However, other unsettling things are happening, and I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of it all.
A great read which demanded my undivided attention.
Sometimes a lie feels kinder than the truth . . . but what happens when that lie becomes an avalanche of deceit?
When Tess is sent to photograph Greg, a high-profile paediatric surgeon, she sees something complex in him that she instantly connects with. Their relationship quickly deepens, but then Tess – already a single mother to nine-year-old Joe – finds out she’s pregnant.
Greg, who never wanted to be a father, is then offered the job of a lifetime back in his hometown of Boston, USA. Within just a few months, they have married and moved to the States.
But life in an affluent Boston suburb is not as straightforward as Tess had hoped. Strange things keep happening in their rented home – Joe is unsettled, the next-door neighbours are clearly troubled, and Greg’s work is all-consuming. As a fierce Boston winter closes in, and her baby’s birth looms, Tess remains determined to make this new life work.
First, I need to start by apologising to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this incredibly late review. When I first joined NetGalley it was all very exciting (it still is to be fair) and I didn’t then know how to say no. I was very new to book blogging and didn’t want to refuse any arcs or let anyone down. I soon realised though that there are only so many hours in a day, days in a week, etc. etc. I’m much better at not over committing myself now. However, it has left me with a significant number of archived books still on my NetGalley shelf. I have now set myself the challenge of clearing my unread shelf entirely before I read any other Kindle books. They’re all on a separate wheel on my spin-the-wheel app. This was chosen at random.
Have You Seen Me? is a compelling read. I was immediately intrigued by the mystery surrounding Ally’s ordeal. Not remembering an entire two days of your life must be terrifying. I can’t even imagine. How would you even know where to start!?
I found her husband to be an odd character, but I enjoyed following the story as it progressed as I was keen to find out how it was all going to pan out. I’m not sure what I really expected, but it was not at all the conclusion I expected.
I was so excited to finally be catching back up with Ryan and Phillips (and the team). It had been far too long!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story behind Lady’s Well. An interesting tale historically as well as being a suspenseful murder mystery.
It was great to be back in the northeast again. It seemed like only yesterday since I’d read Bamburgh and that was 2022! (I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get back on track with this series. I feel quite ashamed! Sorry, Louise!)
Returning to these characters feels a lot like catching up with old friends. Once again, they have made me smile, laugh, and admire their professionalism and friendships.
I was thrilled to be able to jump straight into book 21, Death Rocks….
THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER…
When the ancient waters of Lady’s Well in the rural village of Holystone begin to run red, it seems to be a nasty Hallowe’en prank and nothing more. But things take a sinister turn when the entire village suffers severe poisoning, and one old man turns up dead.
Accusations abound in the small, close-knit community, and ‘old’ religions spar against ‘new’ while fear runs like wildfire through the streets. With so many potential motives and countless opportunities, there’s only one man who can help solve this particular mystery…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
Death Rocks: A DCI Ryan Mystery (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 21)
Death Rocks treats us an extremely complex and fascinating case. I had absolutely no idea how these seemingly random murders could possibly be linked. This is possibly one of the cleverest plot lines to date. I raced through this book as I couldn’t wait to see what the team would uncover next. I was absolutely not prepared for what they eventually discover. Traumatic would be an understatement!
Again, I was thankful to be able to jump straight into book 22, Poison Garden….
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A COINCIDENCE…
When the body of a talented photographer is found on the rocks beneath the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, DCI Ryan and his team of detectives immediately suspect the worst. But, since none of their potential suspects seems to have a motive, the case runs cold.
Then, when another body is found dead on a lonely stretch of road near Hadrian’s Wall and their only suspect has an airtight alibi, the team are faced with another crime without a perpetrator.
With the number of unexplained deaths in the area increasing rapidly and only a series of coincidences to work from, Ryan and his team must find the invisible link between them to crack the case—before it’s too late.
Can Ryan solve his most dangerous case yet?
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
Poison Garden: A DCI Ryan Mystery (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 22)
Poison Garden carries on where Death Rocks left off and I’m so glad I had it ready to read straight away as I don’t think I could have rested again until I did. I think this might be the tensest book of this series so far and my heart went out to Frank in particular. I do love Frank. He’s my favourite character of the series. I’ve even named my highland cow (soft toy) after him. Lol!
I find the whole Poison Garden thing fascinating too. I’m not sure if I’d like to actually visit or not. Knowing my luck I’d do Lowerson. Lol! (I.Y.K.Y.K). It’s quite scary how easily it is for people to find out, a – how to poison someone and b – where to find what you need to do so.
Another gripping story with the most fabulous cast of characters. If you haven’t started this series yet, you really should. You won’t be disappointed!
I can’t wait to continue with book 23, Belsay….
Watch this space!
The clock is ticking…
For Detective Chief Inspector Ryan, the stakes have never been higher. Most of the world thinks he’s dead, killed by an assasin’s rifle in his own home. But another man took the bullet intended for him, and now Ryan’s living on borrowed time. As long as he stays ‘dead’, in the sanctuary of his parents’ home in Devon, there’s a chance to find the people behind the deadly killing network. It’s only a matter of time before his secret’s uncovered, and nowhere will be safe.
Back in Northumberland, Ryan’s team are called in to investigate the mysterious death of a man in Alnwick, who collapsed yards from the walls of its Mediaeval castle. When a second person is rushed to hospital with the same symptoms, her life hangs in the balance unless they can discover the toxic substance that’s killing her. For DCs Lowerson and Reed, there’s only one place to look for inspiration—the Poison Garden…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit, set amidst the spectacular Northumbrian landscape.
