The Saboteur of Auschwitz is another heart-wrenching account of the atrocities that went on in Auschwitz. It’s incredible that anyone managed to survive. It must have seemed like such a hopeless situation. I can’t even begin to imagine.
This is the first book I’ve read from the point of view of a British prisoner of war though. I wasn’t even aware there were British POWs held there, which shows my ignorance. I’ve learned new things again from this perspective and I think it’s important that we learn as much as we can about this horrific time in history. I can understand why those who survived are telling their stories. Especially those who are keeping promises to others who asked them to make sure they tell the world what they went through, if they survived long enough to do so.
It’s shocking that there are a massive number of children in this world that actually think these stories are fictional! That really needs to be rectified.
In 1942, young British soldier Arthur Dodd was taken prisoner by the German Army and transported to Oswiecim in Polish Upper Silesia. The Germans gave it another name, now synonymous with mankind’s darkest hours. They called it Auschwitz.
Forced to do hard labour, starved and savagely beaten, Arthur thought his life would end in Auschwitz. Determined to go down fighting, he sabotaged Nazi industrial work, risked his life to alleviate the suffering of the Jewish prisoners and aided a partisan group planning a mass break-out.
This shocking true story sheds new light on the operations at the camp, exposes a hierarchy of prisoner treatment by the SS and presents the largely unknown story of the military POWs held there.
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 the third, chosen at random.
I really, really enjoyed Just Between Friends.
It has been a long time since I was pregnant, but I remember it well, so I found many aspects of this story relatable. I never joined any baby groups though. I don’t think there was much opportunity to back then (my children are 26 & 24!). Things are very different these days. There weren’t gender reveals and baby showers etc. when I was having my two! We weren’t rich either.
This book is full of interesting characters. Some more likeable than others! It’s funny at times, tense at other times, moving also. Having a baby undoubtedly changes your life and comes with many worries. In Lucy’s case more worries than most.
I must admit I did twig what was going on with Lucy quite early on in her friendship with Aisha. My heart went out to Aisha. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out how it was all going to pan out. Such a heart-breaking situation to find yourself in, let alone when you’re pregnant.
I didn’t see the ending coming though.
An entertaining read, I highly recommend!
Aisha Moore is eight months pregnant. She’s thrilled, and a little scared. Not least because her husband Jason hasn’t quite wrapped his head around the fact.
Lucy is having her first child too. She has finally got her wish – although the circumstances aren’t quite what she had hoped. Oscar will be a great dad though, won’t he?
When the two women join the same baby group, they quickly become friends and before long they’re confiding in each other.
Only there’s one thing Lucy hasn’t told Aisha. And while a baby may turn your life upside-down, a secret this big will change everything.
I have conflicted feelings since listening to the Audible edition of Spare. Prince Harry was always one of my favourite royals. I’m not entirely sure what I think these days if I’m honest. No matter what anyone says we will never really know what goes on/has gone on behind closed doors. I can only assume everything he tells us in this book is true because as far as I’m aware he hasn’t been sued for libel.
I find the whole situation really, really sad. We never know how long we have people for and I always find it sad when families are estranged, although I do understand that some people are negative influences in our lives and, blood or not, we do sometimes have to distance ourselves for the sake of our own mental health.
Do I agree with the way he has handled certain situations over the last few years, no. Having said that I think there’s a lot more to his story than we’ll ever know.
Losing your mother at such a young age must be devastating, especially in such horrific circumstances. I don’t think he has ever really grieved properly. He has absolutely no privacy. None of them have. The Royal Family are owned by the public and I absolutely agree that certain aspects of their lives should be public. Especially the happy occasions. I personally love a Royal wedding and a Royal baby announcement for example. I do think they should be allowed some privacy when dealing with much more sensitive/difficult times in their lives though.
I absolutely agree that his priorities are his wife and children. That’s how it should be. I do think it’s really sad that he wasn’t able to maintain his relationships with his family at the same time though. They might be royal, but they are still human beings.
The British press has a lot to answer for!
I respect the fact that he served (or at least attempted to serve) in the British Army. The press had a lot to do with ending that career too. He couldn’t do his job properly because as soon as they found out where he was, they published it which instantly made him, and those serving with him, a target, so he had to be sent home. He obviously saw and dealt with a lot within his short time in the military though and I wouldn’t be surprised if he still suffers with PTSD. He was well liked by his colleagues. My husband was an avionics technician in the Army for 22 years. He fixed, and serviced, the Apache helicopters that Harry piloted. Harry was training back in 2008 when my husband received his MBE from our late Queen Elizabeth II and it was one of the things they talked about as he received his award. It seems like Harry had a close relationship with his grandmother and this book ends just after she very sadly passed away. It’s a beautiful ending and tribute to his granny. Family is obviously important to him. I think he feels let down, unsupported, and not listened to. This is why I can understand him wanting to step away from royal life. I do think this can’t be done half-hearted though. Where the royal family is concerned, I think you must either be fully in or fully out.
I wouldn’t want to be born into it and I’m glad I never fell in love with a prince. I would never cope living under the scrutiny of the entire world. Those born into it though don’t have much of a choice.
I hope there are happier times to come for all of them.
Sunday Times Memoir of the Year 2023
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow-and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling-and how their lives would play out from that point on.
For Harry, this is that story at last.
Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness-and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.
At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.
Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .
For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.
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 the second, chosen at random.
I was easily gripped by The One Who Got Away. My heart went out to Adeline. Dementia must be terrifying, especially the early symptoms. I also felt for her daughter having to make the difficult decision to move her mother into a care home. It’s a heart wrenching decision to have to make, but often necessary for the safety of your loved one. Well, under normal circumstances anyway. In Adeline’s case, not so much. When unsettling things start to happen, no-one believes her assuming it’s just all part of her deteriorating condition. I could feel Adeline’s fear and frustration.
The story flits between Adeline now and in her younger years. As the story progressed, I did twig who the psychopath was, but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the story in anyway. If anything, it made me more intrigued and more invested in the hope that someone would help Adeline before it was too late.
A very tense and compelling read.
“Get out while you can. You’ll die here…”
Adeline Evans has recently moved into a home for the elderly. A safe space, where she can be cared for.
When she begins to receive cryptic and threatening notes, she is certain that someone is out to get her.
But the residents are warned against listening to a woman who is losing her memory. It would seem Adeline is tormented by the secrets in her past, and that the menace is all in her mind.
Until danger comes down the corridor and starts knocking in the night…
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 fairly 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 the first, chosen at random.
If you know me well, you will know that I really don’t like reading a series out of order and I did break out into a cold sweat when I realised this was book three of a series. Lol! A challenge is a challenge though, so I went in blind and I must admit I didn’t find any problem having not read books one and two yet.
What I found was a very well written, fast paced thriller with an extremely inspiring main character. Mac Ambrose is definitely someone who you would want on your side.
I’m assuming she wasn’t in a relationship for the first two books as the relationship she is in now seems to have left her questioning her career. She now has other priorities which only serve to further highlight how dangerous her work can be. When a friend needs help though she’s there.
A complicated case ensues and I had no idea what or who to believe for the most part. One thing I did notice, which is more than relevant today still, is how much power the media have. Scary, but true. They often have a lot to answer for!
I really enjoyed this intriguing and compelling story, full of action and suspense. I will be adding the rest of the series to my regular TBR and hope to get to them soon.
A Senator. A blackmail plot. The dark side of cable news.
Former CIA operative Mac Ambrose has spent twenty years protecting her country from overseas threats. Now she’s focused on adjusting to civilian life and her new relationship in Philadelphia. The last thing she needs is to get pulled in to ‘fix’ another domestic problem.
But events conspire against her. A friend begs for help: a popular Senator’s troubles threaten the democratic institutions Mac has defended. A reluctant Mac soon uncovers a menacing blackmail plot emanating from a media conglomerate in Times Square.
In a New York neighborhood, an unflappable FBI agent stumbles across a disturbing discovery—a private investigator has started surveilling a 24-hour cable news network.
Unnerved by Mac’s unofficial homecoming, the Mandarins in Langley dispatch a sinister tracker.
Mac’s operation, the FBI investigation, and Langley’s hunt are swiftly entangled in a complex conspiracy with dire consequences.
If you like Jack Ryan, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne, andLisbeth Salander, you will love Mac Ambrose.
If you enjoy page-turning thrillers loaded with satisfyingly complex twists, sabotage, and intrigue, then the Mac Ambrose series is for you.
What Readers Say About Mac Ambrose:
***** “Mac Ambrose is smart, confident, audacious and tough.” ***** “Yes! Just yes! We have a new badass heroine!” ***** “So, so, so much more than a spy novel.” ***** “Loaded with suspense, taut pacing.” ***** “I simply couldn’t put it down.” ***** “THAT REALLY WAS a fun ride!” ***** “Mac is a consummate spy, but her flaws make her interesting and human.”
If, like me, you would prefer to read the series in order, start here….
It’s centred around a trio of blokes who have recently turned 35 going away together on an 18-30 holiday. What could possibly go wrong!?
Charlie, Tom, and Andy couldn’t be any more different if they tried. I really felt for Charlie having recently been dumped by his girlfriend of ten years. He’s heartbroken and lost. Andy being Andy decides the best thing for him is a week away, getting off with other women, in the hope of taking his mind off things. Andy doesn’t necessarily have Charlie’s best interests at heart though. He just wants a week away from his girlfriend to get his leg over whoever is offering because he thinks it won’t hurt whilst he’s away and she’ll never know back home. He’s not the most likable of characters. I wanted to punch him in the face on more than one occasion. His girlfriend certainly deserves better and I admit I was shocked by her decisions towards the end of the book.
Tom is a very likable character. Married with children, and a clear idea of what being faithful means, he’s portrayed a bit as the boring one. Mainly from Andy’s perspective of course, but I really liked him. He’s got his own worries, and my heart went out to him when he finally admitted to Charlie what was going on. I was praying for a positive outcome for him.
There are some serious subjects explored throughout this book, but it is also quite hilarious. A tale of friendship, love, heartache, deception, infidelity, forgiveness, and moving on.
I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Many thanks to my lovely friend, Alison, for lending me her paperback copy.
A brilliant romantic comedy exploring beach basics for the broken-hearted from number one bestselling author Mike Gayle.
Their holiday brochure said 18-30 . . . But they’ve just turned 35.
After ten years together Charlie Mansell has been dumped by his live-in girlfriend, Sarah. All he wants to do is wallow in misery, but mates Andy and Tom have a better idea: a week of sun, sea and souvlaki in Malia, party capital of the Greek islands.
But Charlie and his mates aren’t eighteen any more. Or even under thirty. And it shows.
It isn’t the cheap beer, the late nights or even the fast-food that’s the problem. It’s girls. And life. And most of all . . . each other. WISH YOU WERE HERE is a heart-warming, funny and wise tale about love and friendship and how seven days in the sun can change your life forever.
Letters From The Dead – Ryan’s Story by Mark Tilbury I was so excited to hear from Mark Tilbury about his new book, Letters from the Dead, especially as it’s been quite a while since his last book. I have read and loved everything Mark has published so you can understand my excitement! Ryan’s story is […]
I was so excited to hear from Mark Tilbury about his new book, Letters from the Dead, especially as it’s been quite a while since his last book. I have read and loved everything Mark has published so you can understand my excitement!
Ryan’s story is just brilliant! Traumatic (as I would expect from #TwistedTilbury) but brilliant.
Claire has a fascinating gift. She calls it automatic writing. She receives messages from the dead, but not as other mediums do. They write letters through her and she has absolutely no awareness of it happening as she is writing. It started when her mother came through to her and she’s used her gift as a comfort to many since.
However, when a mother reaches out for help tracing her missing nineteen-year-old soon she is reluctant to help. Finding missing people isn’t her thing. Ryan is determined to let them know what has happened to him though and Claire has absolutely no choice but to listen. With the help of her husband, her sister, and her sister’s ex-policeman (complete sceptic) husband she realises she needs to find out the truth of what happened to Ryan to give him, herself, and his mother some peace.
Ryan’s story is nothing short of horrific. A young life snatched away for no justifiable reason at all by someone who truly made my skin crawl. My heart went out to him.
I really felt for Claire and understood her conflicted feelings at the beginning. I worried for her health throughout the whole ordeal too, but I take my hat off to her for facing her fears in the hope of helping another mother.
I loved Claire’s relationship with her husband and her sister and the dynamic between her sister and her brother-in-law, especially considering her brother-in-law’s scepticism for Claire’s gift. He’s a retired policeman though so he was bound to be drawn in to the mystery of it all.
A great bunch of characters dealing with a horrendous situation. I was totally gripped and as invested in finding out the truth as much as they were.
A completely compelling but heart-breaking story which I’m sure will stay with me for a long time to come.
If you love a dark psychological thriller, you will love this one.
I can’t wait to read whatever Mark writes next.
** Many thanks to Mark Tilbury for my digital ARC **
Lifting the veil between the dead and the living
Psychic medium, Claire Brealey, has spent the last twenty-seven years offering comfort and validation to the bereaved by way of automatic writing. But when Dawn Osbourne asks her to try to locate her missing son, Ryan, she is dragged into the deranged world of a serial killer with a pathological hatred of gay men.
Over the coming days, without conscious awareness of doing so, Claire writes the horrific details of what happened to Ryan after he left a nightclub in Oxford. She documents the warped reasoning of his captor, the dreadful fate of his other victims, and his unquenchable thirst for revenge and murder.
With no idea of who the killer is, or where he lives, Claire turns to her brother-in-law, Nick Plumley, a retired policeman, to search for clues among the pages she has transcribed in her journal.
Can they find the killer and stop him before he strikes again? Can they get justice for Ryan’s family?
Letters From the Dead is the story of unseen forces working through one woman to bring justice for the victims of a deadly psychopath, and put an end to his murderous rampage.
Final Weeks has been a bittersweet read as I love the Allie Shenton series, and this is the last ever book in this series ☹
It’s the end of an era!
If you haven’t already read this series, you are really missing out. Taunting the Dead is where it all began, way back when. A brilliant start to the series. If you read that I guarantee you will soon find the series addictive. Treat yourself. You can thank me later.
Anyway, in this, book 9 of 9, Allie is back from sick leave and takes on a cold case. The case of a missing 15-year-old girl from 15 years ago.
Allie soon realises things weren’t adding up back then and is determined to find out why the case was dismissed so easily.
As more evidence presents itself it becomes more obvious that there’s more to this case than a missing teenager.
I love that Allie’s last case is a cold case and one that feels somewhat personal for her. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed joining her on her quest for the truth.
Set in good ole Stoke-on-Trent this is another pacey addition to an already excellent series. A fabulous team dynamic. Characters I have grown to love and think of as friends. There are of course many a dodgy character a lot less lovable but fascinating in their own way. Their stories far from black and white. This series ticks all the boxes if you love a police procedural crime thriller as I do.
I will miss Allie and the team. I wish them every success and happiness for their future. I feel honoured to have followed their journey from the very beginning. Proud to be part of #TeamSherratt
** Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my digital ARC **
Set within the gritty streets of Stoke-on-Trent, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with an emotional pull.
After an injury in the line of duty, DI Allie Shenton is on a phased return to work and has been allocated a cold case to investigate. Fifteen years ago, teenager Holly Rigby vanished from Forest Avenue, and the case was filed away unsolved.
But one crossed-out line and a missing statement in Holly’s notes makes Allie question the last sighting, the official timeline, and the truth everyone accepted because it was easier.
As she reinterviews the people who knew Holly best – her mother, her closest friends – the stories don’t match. And when witnesses finally speak out, Allie realises something far worse than a runaway happened that night. Holly might not have left Forest Avenue, and someone in the original investigation went to great lengths to make sure nobody could prove it.Twisted Lives is the ninth and final instalment in the Allie Shenton series of crime thrillers from the multi-million selling British author, Mel Sherratt, and perfect for fans of Helen Durrant, DS Butler, LJ Ross, Joy Ellis and Caroline Mitchell.
‘A gritty, authentic, fast-paced read that you won’t want to put down.’ Caroline Mitchell
‘Mel Sherratt is the new queen of gritty police procedurals.’ C L Taylor
‘Sherratt is a unique voice in detective fiction.’ Mail on Sunday.
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