I couldn’t resist bumping this to the top of my TBR as so many of my friends rave about Robert Bryndza books and I am SO late to the party! The start of a brand-new series was too enticing, and I am so glad I gave in as I absolutely loved it.
Detective Jamie Day is immediately likeable. He’s somewhat thrown in at the deep end as soon he arrives in London from his seaside hometown. Talk about hitting the ground running. Finding a dismembered body on his first day in plain clothes before he’s even had a chance to unpack in his new home. No time to settle in, straight at it. And it isn’t long before they realise they might have a serial killer targeting a specific type of victim.
This killer is unique to any I’ve read before. He’s clever, he’s manipulative, he’s living a double life right under his wife’s nose, his victims come to him willingly without realising the danger they’re putting themselves in. He truly made my skin crawl. I was willing Jamie and the team to find him before he took any more lives, and I thoroughly enjoyed following them as they figure out who he is and where to find him.
I love that this is set in 1987. It was like a breath of fresh air, a murder mystery without the aid of a lot of today’s modern technology. Old fashioned policing and prejudices, some of which are quite scary considering it’s not really that long ago.
I really enjoyed the team dynamic and look forward to where book two might take them.
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my advance digital copy of The Quiet Kill via NetGalley **
Winter, 1987. Detective Jamie Day arrives in London determined to prove himself. After years policing a quiet seaside town, his promotion to the Metropolitan Police feels like the opportunity he has been waiting for.
But the capital is a very different world.
On his first day in plain clothes, Jamie makes a grim discovery: the dismembered body of a young man, left in a dark corner of the city. What should have been a routine first shift quickly becomes the beginning of a major murder investigation.
Then another victim is found.
As winter deepens, young men are being killed late at night across London, their bodies discovered in eerily similar circumstances. The detectives soon realise they may be hunting a serial killer.
Working alongside a tough and experienced team, Jamie must prove he belongs while navigating the pressures of a high-profile investigation. But as the case grows darker, the killer’s pattern begins to emerge. And if they don’t stop him soon, another body will be waiting in the shadows.
Leviathan: A Story of the Great War by the author of “Eleven Days” (The WW1 Collection)
I was about to start Eleven Days when I realised I hadn’t read Leviathan yet! What an excellent start to the series. I cannot imagine being so young with so much responsibility during the war. It must have been terrifying! I like how the pilot goes back to happier times, in his mind, to keep himself calm throughout what must have been such a scary experience. Looking forward to jumping straight into Eleven Days now….
Late 1916. Giants lurk in southern England’s stormy skies, carrying a deadly load to rain down on the populace. And it’s up to a pilot in a frail biplane to stop it.
It’s nighttime, dark and blustery. He’s got no lights, almost no instruments, and just one gun. His aircraft is old and worn-out. It is more of a danger to him than to the enemy. But his country expects him to do his duty. He doesn’t want to let the side down. It’s not the done thing.
He’s scared. He’s alone. He has nothing but his thoughts and memories for company.
And he’s just 19.
ELEVEN DAYS: A novel of the great war (The WW1 Collection Book 2)
Eleven Days is a compelling read centred around nineteen-year-old Eddie Grenville. He wants to follow in his older brother’s footsteps as a pilot but soon learns that his brother isn’t quite the hero he thought he was. He’s not at all in a good place when he starts his first posting in France.
As I said before I cannot imagine being a pilot in a world war at the tender age of nineteen (or at any age to be honest) although I imagine it’s a more exciting prospect for a young lad. It’s frankly terrifying to me though and no wonder so many of them never returned home. Understandable that people felt they needed to do their bit though. A sense of duty to their country. I take my hat off to them.
Far from a straightforward tale about British aircrew in WW1 this is a complex novel about the intricacies of aviation and air combat but also family, friendship, betrayal, and the psychological impact of combat and its inevitable effect on the pilots’ personal lives.
A fascinating read!
I’m already reading book three, Three Brothers.
** I purchased the kindle edition of Eleven Days on 2nd July 2020 **
SPRING 1917. A storm is about to break.. A storm of bullets delivered by the Albatros’ of the Red Baron and his pilots…
Eddie Grenville doesn’t know the hell he’s about to fly into. Eddie is 19 and just finished school. He is idealistic and maybe a bit naive. He looks up to his older brother Percy, who he has followed into the RFC.
But then he finds out that Percy has commited a war crime, one that it revealed would both blacken the family name and tear it apart, though a ruthless press baron is intent on turning Percy into a hero, Eddie, confused and distraught, takes the first posting in France available – just in time to experience Bloody April where the lifespan of British aircrew is measured in days.
Can Eddie survive with his mind and body intact?
Three Brothers: A novel of air combat in the Great War (The WW1 Collection Book 3)
These books just get better. I think Three Brothers has been my favourite and I think that’s because of the characters as much as anything else. I really enjoyed the friendship/relationship dynamics between Felix, Ted, and Max.
The three were best friends, and inseparable as children, once Felix and Ted got over the fact that Max is a girl! Max just wanted to be one of the boys and they were soon up to mischief which sometimes got them into trouble. One time would change the direction of their friendships forever.
It’s 1918. They have all had to go their separate ways. The boys are fighting for different countries and, despite being family, loyalties are truly tested. Max is risking her life in determination of keeping them both alive to the end of the war. The boys must decide between each other or loyalty to their country. This made for such a tense plot line alongside the emotional personal side of the story.
As with the previous books there are a lot of wonderful descriptions of wartime aircraft and air combat. Battles fought and many young lives lost. It must have been a truly awful four years for all involved. I do find the wartimes fascinating. From those on the front line, in the air, or left at home worrying about loved ones and doing what they could to ‘do their bit’. It is the characters that definitely made this book for me though. I was completely invested in their stories.
** I purchased the Kindle edition of Three Brothers on 15th June 2021 **
Germany is on the brink of defeat, it’s armies pushed back on all fronts. The air force turns to wonder weapons to try turn the tide. No, this is not 1945, it’s 1918 and will result in what became known as Black September for the Allies.
Felix Wolff would rather not kill his cousin Ted. But if he gets the chance, he will. Ted is an American fighting for the British, while Felix is flying for the Germans in Fokker DVII, an aircraft far superior to Ted’s. Both men love the same woman. The three had grown up together and were closer than brothers, and it was she who caused the rift between Felix and Ted.
She is now a Swiss Red Cross official able to cross the lines. She needs to get information on the Fokker to Ted which can keep him alive. But if Felix supplies it, he’s committing treason, and she, if caught, could be shot as a spy.
Will any or all survive the last few months of the conflict?
Dancing on Eggshells was gifted to me from a Bookstagram friend last year for my Birthday, from my wish list, and I’ve really enjoyed it. It didn’t take me too long to read it, but I am so behind with my reviews. This is the first chance I’ve had.
I remember John winning The Great British Bake off and I also enjoyed watching him dance with JoJo on Strictly Come Dancing. As Soon as he announced this book, I added it to my wish list as I love a good memoir, and I’m always interested to find out more about people we think we know because they’re on telly!
I didn’t realise just how much he has struggled throughout his life. Although, he is genuinely thankful for all the opportunities he’s been able to take advantage of.
This is a very frank and honest account of his life growing up as well as his young adult life including his years in the limelight. There have been many ups and downs, not least the pressure he felt to fit in as a young gay lad.
I love that his Mum ran a chippy when he was growing up. His whole life seems to have been centred around food in one way or another. There are some recipes peppered throughout this book which I am very much looking forward to working my way through. Chocolate coconut macaroon brownies up first!
** Many thanks to Zoe for gifting me the hardcover copy of this book. **
‘I never thought I’d write a memoir. I never thought I’d do a lot of the things I have done in my thirty-four years, but life has a wonderful way of surprising us.’
Well-known as the winner of the third series of The Great British Bake Off and runner up of Strictly Come Dancing with his same-sex dance partner Johannes Radebe, John Whaite’s personal story is a complicated narrative of contradictions, highs and lows, told with tenderness, joy, insight and wit, but also unflinching honesty.
A shy little boy from rural Lancashire, who was sacred to sleep alone and danced a little ‘too gay’ at family weddings, he was also an unruly teen who shaved a checkerboard pattern into his hair and refused to conform.
From childhood his life has revolved around food – his parents owned a fish and chip shop where John worked in the back peeling potatoes – but for long periods he has been haunted by bulimia and body dysmorphia and not a day goes by when he doesn’t worry about what or how much he eats.
He achieved TV fame but then seemingly wilfully chose to self-destruct, before finding the strength to pull back when he woke up in a car with half a kebab at his feet and chilli sauce on his shoes.
Through it all, his essential optimism has meant that he has chosen to take every step back as a chance to reassess and begin again, finally arriving at the realisation that external validation and fulfilment is transient – a distraction from the sometimes painful pilgrimage we make as we gain wisdom from our experiences.
I purchased a paperback copy of Project Hail Mary when the film started at the cinema. I haven’t seen the film yet as I wanted to read the book first and although I don’t tend to gravitate towards Sci-Fi I really, really, loved this story!
This book is quite science heavy but not in an overwhelming way. I didn’t understand a lot of it but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment in any way. Ryland Grace is a brilliant character and one I warmed to immediately. His reaction to the situation he finds himself in is very believable. His story is fascinating to follow. It is quite hilarious a lot of the time, which I loved.
I love the woman who decided to send him on this mission (her name escapes me, sorry, because I finished this book a while ago now). She absolutely takes no prisoners. She could probably stop any war with just a look! Lol! Excellent character! We need more people like her in this world.
My favourite character by far though is Rocky! What a dude! No idea what he is really, and he’d probably frighten me to death in real life, but he grew on me very quickly and I love the friendship him and Ryland develop alongside working towards to the same goal. Genius writing! I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to watch the film now.
A lone astronaut. An impossible mission. An ally he never imagined.
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission – and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.
Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.
All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.
His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery-and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.
And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone.
Or does he?
An irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could imagine it, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian — while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.
A Quiet Street is another excellent read by one of my most favourite authors ever!
Like the estate series, which I loved, this story is character driven, full of drama, and highly addictive once you start!
The women are generally more likable than the men in this book. Strong women holding things together best they can, given their circumstances.
Marie’s husband is due home from another stint in prison. Their son is now sixteen and thankfully nothing like his father. Frankly. their lives are better when he’s inside. I could feel the permanent tension in Marie when he was back home, throwing his weight around, and making their lives uncomfortable once again. I can only imagine how exhausting it must be, permanently walking on eggshells and wondering what trouble he might get into next, but mostly worrying about him lashing at their son who is naturally protective of his mother.
Nicky is a single parent, trying to avoid a loan shark she has gotten herself involved with.
Chrissie tries her best to look out for everyone. Sometimes when it’s not welcome. She’s a brave lady.
They all work at the local pub, and community obviously means a lot to them. Working class people often look after their own and these ladies in particular are no exception, although desperation leads to unwise decisions sometimes. Secrets are difficult to keep and lies will always come back to bite you on the bum at some point or another.
Set in the fictional Stockleigh, these people could easily be your neighbours. Although I hope your estate has less drama and undesirable characters! Mostly, these are ordinary, everyday people just trying to make it through each day. Plenty of drama, grit, determination, friendship, and community spirit. I love it!
** Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my advance digital copy for review **
#TeamSherratt
All she wants is a peaceful life.
Nicky is doing her best to hold things together. She’s a single parent, working long shifts at The Butcher’s Arms with debts she can’t afford to face. But when a loan shark gets the better of her, one small lie slips out and refuses to stay contained. What starts as gossip quickly turns ugly. Before long, Nicky realises someone is watching closely enough to use her mistake against her.
Marie has problems of her own, with her husband due home from prison and a teenage son, Kian, she’s desperate to protect. She’s not sure how much longer she can put up with Dean and has been making plans, if she dares see them through.
Chrissie can see how quickly everything is unravelling for both Nicky and Marie, but getting involved always comes at a cost. Still, she can’t help meddling in everyone’s business, even if there is no harm intended.
All the women want is a quiet life. But everyone has something to say.
And once a line is crossed, there’s no going back.
Set within the streets of Stockleigh, this fast-paced British drama is full of secrets and lies with a resonating emotional pull.
A Quiet Street is the twenty-fifth novel from the multi-million selling British author, Mel Sherratt, and perfect for fans of her critically acclaimed The Estate Series, as well as people who love TV series such as Shameless and Coronation Street.
Wow! Mark Edwards has done it again. One of the Family is another truly gripping psychological thriller. I absolutely loved it!
I can’t say I loved most of the characters to be honest. Only Patrick was genuinely likable, and he often had me questioning his judgement.
The story starts with Patrick and Holly joining Holly’s family in their father’s mansion in Scotland to celebrate Hogmanay. They are also to meet her father’s new girlfriend. The first he has been serious about since they lost their mother. What could possibly go wrong!?
Well….
This is a Mark Edwards book. I’d be disappointed if it was all sweetness and light! Lol! This absolutely is not, by any means.
There is so much I want to say about this book, but I honestly don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. I can’t wait until my Mum, and the book club ladies have read it so I can chat about it with them.
It’s such a brilliantly written story, full of shocks and surprises. Just as I thought I had things sussed I soon realised I really hadn’t! A fabulous cast of characters. Awful, awful people some of them, but fascinating all the same. It makes you wonder what any of us might be capable of under certain situations. It also highlights just how much money talks and what some people will do to get ahead in life. Also, how far family loyalty can be stretched and how small communities have long memories.
Excellent storytelling. I expected nothing less from Mark Edwards though. His books never disappoint.
The ending is brilliant! I’d love to see the fallout!
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my paperback proof copy of One of the Family. I will have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone and everyone! **
Patrick couldn’t believe his luck when Holly fell for him. She’s wickedly funny, beautiful, and with an intimidatingly successful father, Charles.
So when she invites him to Charles’ mansion for a New Year’s break in Scotland, all he’s hoping is that they’ll accept him as one of the family.
But everything feels a little off. Whispers in hallways. Rumours of a body that got found nearby the previous year. And something very strange about Charles’ new girlfriend.
Every family has secrets, and Patrick tells himself all he needs to do is survive the next few days.
But then the first body is found, and Patrick realises that all he needs to do is survive the next few days…
Having read and loved all of Emma Cowell’s books I couldn’t wait to dive in to Beneath the Orange Blossom. I knew I was in for a treat, and it has been such a joy to read. An emotional rollercoaster, but an absolute joy!
Ellen is an easily likeable character, and I could almost physically feel the weight of the world on her shoulders. So much heartache for such a lovely lady. I’m not sure I could have just ignored the love of my life on the say so of his mother, but as the story progresses and I learnt more of the truth behind her decision to stay away, the more I could understand why, especially as she was only eighteen at the time. Such a heart-breaking waste though. So many years of true love missed out on.
Ellen is now a widow, and her marriage wasn’t even a happy one which makes things even more heart-breaking, especially as she kept things to herself, even from her best friend, allowing everyone else to believe her husband had been a lovely man, mainly to protect their son. She’s a stronger woman than I think I could ever be. I was over the moon for her when she agreed with her best friend, Penny, to do something for herself for once and return to Greece in an attempt to re-create the holiday they enjoyed in their teens. An excellent chance for her to relax and let her hair down.
However, even her friendship with Penny is strained and I felt so sorry for the fact that she seems to have spent most of their friendship over the years bowing down to whatever suited Penny best. Always being the one to back down and just do whatever Penny wanted to do, to keep the peace. Between this, her abusive husband, and an unlikable daughter-in-law she really does put up with a lot from a lot of people. I’m not sure how she remained so patient with everyone.
I could talk about this book for hours, but I’m really trying not to spoil it for anyone.
I really enjoyed Ellen back in Greece. I love how she effortlessly integrates herself into the community. I can understand Penny being annoyed by her working when they were supposed to be on holiday, but I could also understand Ellen’s need to help with a desperate situation. Plus, Penny was still, even now, dictating what they should and shouldn’t do without much thought about what Ellen might want. The tension between them is palpable and builds over the course of the holiday until Ellen decides to come clean about her marriage. Penny’s reaction really shocked me.
I was glad Ellen had someone to turn to, and I couldn’t blame her for grabbing on to a second chance at happiness. Although, that wasn’t going to happen without its own heartbreak which needed to happen in order to move forward.
Honestly, I was emotionally drained by the end of this book. In the best way of course.
Beautifully written, as always.
Unforgettable characters with a story that will stay with me for a very long time to come.
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my digital arc via NetGalley**
A lost love. A devastating secret. And a summer that could change everything…
Two years on from her husband’s death, dressmaker Ellen is learning how to live again and put memories of a difficult marriage behind her.
However, never far from her mind is another memory: Alexandros, her first love from the summer she turned eighteen.
The moment she’d arrived in his hometown of Kardamyli in Greece, Ellen had been intoxicated by the scent of orange blossom in the air, the days of endless sunshine and sparkling azure waters – but most of all by Alexandros himself. They were meant to be, until a devastating secret forced Ellen to leave and never look back…
But now, when her best friend suggests they recreate their teenage summer in Greece, Ellen knows it’s time to confront her past. Will Greece give her the freedom – and happiness – she desperately craves? And there, amidst the lush olive groves, could she rediscover the love she thought she’d lost forever?
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