Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature 🙂
On the first Friday of each month I like to look back at the books I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.
Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts!
Here are my reviews from August 2021 + a link to previous August FBFs….
August was obviously a quiet month for me last year. Hopefully I’ll have read more than two books by the end of this month!
BLOOD CONTEST: A STORY OF POWER, SEX, AND MURDER
JERSEY MURDER SERIES — BOOK 1
AN EXCITING MURDER-MYSTERY THRILLER.
MURDER WAS JUST THE BEGINNING.
When the governor’s son is murdered in front of his children on Christmas Day, Detective Pete Mueller is named a lead investigator of the brutal crime.
For Mueller, it’s a plum assignment except for one thing – he’s broken. Years after his service in Iraq, wartime horrors still haunt his nights. As an idealist, he struggles to fit into the state police, but his commander wants him gone. And nothing is going right with his case.
The governor wants the murder solved now, but a baffling conspiracy blocks the investigation at every turn. Mueller’s commander pushes him in a direction that seems wrong. Leaks to the media are sabotaging his work. More people are dying. And the murderer is now targeting the governor himself.
But when Mueller uncovers the destructive secret surrounding the murder, it’s not the end. The killer doesn’t want his secret exposed. He has tried to assassinate the governor. He won’t stop at killing a detective.
Blood Contest is an excellent start to a new series. I read it whilst on holiday in the Isle of Wight, last week, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Detective Pete Mueller finds himself investigating the murder of the governor’s son. He was killed in front of his two young daughters on Christmas Day. I can’t even imagine the trauma that would cause the family, the daughters especially. The girls identify a woman, but the evidence points elsewhere. The truth, as it is revealed, is both shocking and sad.
This is a fast paced read with many a twist and turn. Interesting characters and an intriguing plot made it difficult to put down.
I have pre-ordered book 2.
(Correct at time of posting – 5th August 2022 – not sure how long it will be free for)
A beautiful, eerie hotel in the Swiss Alps, recently converted from an abandoned sanatorium, is the last place Detective Elin Warner wants to be. But her estranged brother has invited her there for his engagement party, and she feels she has no choice but to accept.
Arriving in the midst of a threatening storm, Elin immediately feels on edge. And things only get worse when they wake the next morning to find her brother’s fiancée is missing. With access to the hotel cut off, the guests begin to panic.
But this is only the first disappearance. Everyone’s in danger – and anyone could be next . . .
What an immensely creepy story The Sanatorium is!
The fact that an abandoned Sanatorium has been renovated into a luxury hotel is creepy enough. I’m not sure it would be somewhere I would want to stay but I can understand the curiosity it might arouse in others.
When we first meet Elin, she is travelling with her partner, Will, to this very hotel to celebrate the engagement of her brother. His fiancée is one of the managers of the resort. I don’t think it’s somewhere she would choose to go either, but Will is fascinated by the architecture of the place. Elin finds it unsettling. Little does she know what she’s walking in to.
Already on leave from work as a detective Elin has had a rough time, work wise and with the loss of her younger brother. She’s a troubled soul. This break and celebration should be a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, or so Will keeps telling her. However, when her brother’s fiancée goes missing all hope of a relaxing break disappears. Adding to that a snowstorm cuts off all access to the hotel. They are trapped.
The story that follows is nothing short of terrifying.
This book is so brilliantly written. It had me hooked from the very beginning and I could have quite happily ignored everything else and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. It’s atmospheric, chilling, and heart wrenching. And that ending! WOW! It gave me goosebumps.
I can’t wait to read book 2, The Retreat. Off to purchase now!
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley although I did end up reading a paperback copy which I won via a giveaway**
2009
Since Amber lost her child ten years ago, her sole focus has been keeping her small business afloat. Her life seems to be on hold until the morning she finds a girl on the beach outside her gift shop. A girl who has no shoes, no name, and no idea where she came from.
1989
As a wildlife documentary maker, Gwyneth’s work has taken her all over the world. When she has a terrible accident in the remote Scottish Highlands, she is saved by the McClusky family and taken into their home. But there is more to this family than meets the eye, and something from their past threatens to tear them apart.
Both Amber and Gwyneth are at the beginning of a journey that will unearth long-held family secrets, and has the power to change each of their lives forever…
A gripping, emotional page turner with a breath-taking twist, perfect for fans of Susan Lewis, Kerry Fisher and Amanda Prowse.
The Family Secret is a brilliant read. It hooked me in from the very beginning and kept me intrigued throughout.
The story is told from the perspectives of Amber in 2009 and Gwyneth back in 1989. Both women have unique stories to tell, and I was intrigued as to how their stories could be linked.
Amber is an instantly likeable character, and my heart went out to her when I learned of the loss she has suffered. I can’t even imagine the heartbreak.
I love that she runs a little shop on the beach, selling unique items to visitors. She is far from happy though. That much is obvious.
She shares a close relationship with her mother and her aunt. They are a pair of interesting characters!
When Amber finds a young girl wandering bare foot on the icy beach, she seems to make it her mission to help her find her family. Little does she know what she will discover along the way.
Gwyneth has a wonderful job as a wildlife film maker. Some of the places she gets to visit for work sound breath taking and some of the animals she gets to observe, and film are fascinating. Again, there is a sense that she isn’t as content with her life as she likes to portray. Her relationships are short and physical, no time for truly connecting with anyone. That is until she meets Dylan.
Dylan has a close, happy, contented family. Or so it would seem to any outsiders. I was intrigued to find out what their secrets were.
If you like a good psychological thriller that will keep you guessing throughout then you will love this book.
Very cleverly written!
All the stars from me. I highly recommend!
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley. I am working my way through my list, slowly but surely! **
Today I have the pleasure of re-sharing my review of The Liar’s Promise as part of Mark Tilbury’s relaunch celebrations with Red Dragon Books! 🙂
How does a mother protect her child from the unknown?
During a visit to a local theatre, four-year-old Chloe Hollis becomes hysterical. But her mother, Mel, doesn’t realise that this is just the beginning of the nightmare. In the coming weeks, Chloe talks of The Tall Man – Of death.
At her wits end, Mel confides in Charles Honeywell, the headmaster at the school where she works. But what Kim doesn’t know is that Charles is linked to what is happening to her daughter.
Will Mel learn the terrible truth? And can she overcome her own tragic past and save her daughter before it’s too late?
The Liar’s Promise is a story of past lives and future torment.
(Originally published on November 30, 2017)
OH. MY. GOODNESS!!
I am so honoured to have been able to read an advance copy of THE LIAR’S PROMISE. A big thank you to the author and publisher for my ARC. I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone.
To describe this book as disturbing would be a massive understatement! I absolutely LOVED it! Not quite sure what that says about me but I know there will be many, many, many people who will agree.
There are two storylines on the go in this book and the way they collide with each other is just genius storytelling.
Mel and Tony have a four year old daughter called Chloe who, following a visit to the theatre, starts to behave really strangely. I was instantly reminded of The Exorcist, which is the only horror film to have ever truly freaked me out. Honestly, it played on my mind for weeks and I can’t even watch spoofs of it, let alone the real thing again. I’m not sure how I haven’t had nightmares reading this book! Naturally Mel is terrified, but Tony is sceptical, initially. However, as the situation escalates there’s no denying this is more than a behavioural issue and some devastating truths are revealed.
Peter King is one of the most sadistic characters I have ever come across! Preying on vulnerable young girls and subjecting them to the most horrific, sick games, with the help of his lover, is nothing short of pure evil. He is a fascinating character though, but one I was praying would get the comeuppance he deserved.
I don’t want to say too much else, but the way the characters and their stories are intertwined is just brilliant. I was totally gripped.
My heart was beating so fast towards the end and I don’t think I really breathed through the last chapter! Another one of Mark Tilbury’s books that I’m not likely to forget in a hurry.
Absolutely outstanding writing!
I’m a huge fan of Mark Tilbury’s and I can’t wait to read whatever he writes next.
The Hairdryer died Today is a collection of more than thirty short stories. All profits will be donated to the British Deaf Association.
The Hairdryer died Today, and other stories is THE most fabulous collection of short stories you are ever likely to have the pleasure of reading.
Alison Lingwood is an excellent author. I have loved every one of the books in her Detective Christopher Timothy series (if you haven’t read them yet then what are you waiting for!?). I was so excited to learn that she was publishing a short story collection and it is just brilliant!
These stories are so cleverly written, often amusing, always thought provoking and most importantly, highly entertaining.
All the stories are short enough to enjoy with a coffee at anytime throughout your busy day or why not indulge yourself and read the whole book in one sitting!? Either way, I’m sure you will love it.
You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you have supported a very worthy charity as all profits from the sale of this book will go to the British Deaf Association. There really is no reason not to treat yourself to this wonderful collection.
All the stars from me!
With the natural world exhausted and in tatters, Ben has dedicated himself to protecting this single fragment of the wild.
One night, he hears voices in the valley – poachers, come to hunt his bear.
A heart-pounding chase begins, crossing forests and mountainsides, passing centuries of human ruins. Sometimes hunter, sometimes prey – Ben must choose the bear’s fate and his own.
Is he willing to lay down his life for a dying breed?
Is he willing to kill for it?
Extinction is quite different to anything I have read before. It’s a simple story on the face of things, however it is quite a compelling tale.
Mountain ranger, Ben, has vowed to protect the last surviving grisly bear. When poachers arrive on the hunt for the animal, he has hard choices to make in his mission to survive and protect the species from extinction.
I think what impressed me the most about this book was the beautiful way it is written with such descriptive language. It effortlessly transported me to the mountains and in to the thick of the action.
Ben’s dedication to this animal is admirable. Nature is a powerful thing, but also quite vulnerable at times. We should all do our part to protect our world and all its inhabitants. Ben goes well above and beyond!
This is an action thriller with a difference. One with an important message and a hopeful twist.
I very much recommend.
** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via #NetGalley **
Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature 🙂
On the first Friday of each month I like to remind myself of the books I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.
Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts! A big thank you to those who already do 🙂
Here are my reviews from July 2021 + a link to previous July FBFs….
Would you risk your life to get justice?
Lee Hunter doesn’t have a choice. Following a near death experience, two lives become intrinsically linked by the despicable actions of one evil man. Can he unlock the past and find justice? This is the story of loyalty, sacrifice and murder…
(originally published on 21st April 2018)
Well, Mark Tilbury’s books never fail to draw you in from the very first page! They’re not easy reads in regards to some of the subject matters and if you’re easily offended by violence then they probably won’t be for you, but if you like a dark psychological thriller then you will LOVE them. Mark Tilbury has a knack for creating the most evil of characters, who will make your skin crawl, but also very likeable characters who I always warm to and find myself praying for as their stories progress. Having LOVED all of Mark Tilbury’s other books I couldn’t wait to read The Key To Death’s Door and I was hooked, as always, from the start!
We meet Lee Hunter who is just 14 years old, living a normal life, like a normal teenager until he nearly drowns in the river whilst out with his friend, Charlie. In fact, Charlie saves his life, but not before Lee experiences the last few days of a previous life. A short life where he meets a devastating end at the hands of one man. One man he soon realises he still knows now, 30 years later! This man, who is not really worthy of the title, is a totally sick character. The filth that comes out of his mouth and the things he puts this family through are nothing short of horrific! It’s not pleasant reading at all, at times, and being an animal lover too he absolutely turned my stomach. I would have wanted to kill him myself. Lee and Charlie are determined to bring this man to justice, but how will they find proof. Who is going to believe he regressed to a past life when he was drowning?
Lee is a lovely character. He obviously loves his mother, and he respects her rules, but he can’t help being swayed a little by Charlie. Lee and Charlie are like chalk and cheese, with VERY different upbringings, but the banter between them is great and quite amusing at times. They have a strong friendship. It’s absolutely heartbreaking what Charlie has to contend with at home and Lee does his best to support him, but he’s torn between helping out his mate and not wanting to upset his mother. Eventually they hatch a plan to gain the evidence they need to put this monster down for good, but nothing is ever straight forward and they find themselves in a very dangerous situation with seemingly no way out.
I absolutely loved the supernatural aspect of this story and I find the idea of some of us having led previous lives fascinating. When my son was about 3-4 years old he used to talk about when he used to be a runner, when he used to be older and he used to win all of the races!! He talked about this a lot, for a good few months and when I asked him what he meant, he was insistent that he used to be older and he used to win all the races he ran! I’m convinced he was remembering a past life, but he never mentioned anything as he got older.
This is a totally unique story which flows perfectly from page one. The twists and turns are shocking and unpredictable. Although it’s very much plot driven the characterisation is immensely strong. They are very real people and their story is totally believable, which makes it all the more scary!
Mark Tilbury certainly knows how to write a compelling story! He is easily one of my most favourite authors. I get on very well with his writing style and I know I’m in for a treat whenever he has a new book out.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Can the billionaire capture her heart?
In this Claiming the Ferrington Empire story, Bree has escaped the city to heal her heart in a village bakery. And then notorious billionaire Theo walks through the door. The man behind the headlines is charming, but intriguingly cynical about love. Accepting his invitation to Paris might be a mistake—or the best decision she’s ever made…
I have just spent a blissful three hours reading this book and those who know me well will know that I don’t often sit still for that long. I just couldn’t put this book down. I was totally enthralled by Theo’s and Bree’s story.
Having read and loved the first book in this series, Secrets Behind The Billionaire’s Return, I was delighted to receive a copy of The Billionaire Behind The Headlines from the lovely author herself. I had to bump it to the top of my reading list as I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the lives of these characters once again, and I’m so glad I did.
Bree is a fabulous character. I can’t imagine anyone not liking her. Theo might not be everyone’s cup of tea, at least until we get to know him better. He soon proves to be far more than he appears on the surface though and it’s sad that he doesn’t see himself as those who love him do. I became a little bit besotted with him. No wonder Bree struggles to keep her cool around him. The chemistry between them is palpable and I was rooting for them both from the get-go.
Of course, things are rarely straight forward especially when true feelings are denied, and spiteful exes are involved. It really is quite heart-wrenching at times. However, true love is a powerful thing….
I absolutely adored this story from the very first page to the very last. I loved the romance, the passion, the heat. I loved Paris! Such a rollercoaster of emotions.
Romance aside, I love the relationship Theo shares with his brother, Sebastian. The mutual respect they have for each other and their ability to be brutally honest with each other, making the other see sense when needed.
I also love the friendship Bree shares with Felicity, and her daughter, Angel. I have a real fondness for them all.
Beautifully written, as Rachael Stewart’s books always are.
I finished this book with a smile and with happy tears.
I very much recommend!
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