Welcome to my stop on Rachel Amphlett’s Turn to Dust blog tour with Sarah @ Book On The Bright Side Publicity. I am absolutely over the moon to be sharing my thoughts about this brilliant book with you all today!

Book Description:

When the body of a naked man is found in the middle of a barren field, a rural community is left in shock – and fear.

Discovering that someone is offering money in return for information about the dead man and anyone connected to him, Detective Kay Hunter realises there is a dark side to the victim’s past.

When a key witness disappears and a web of deceit and lies threatens to derail the investigation, she fears the worst.

Can Kay and her team of detectives find out who is behind the man’s murder before another victim is targeted?

Turn to Dust is the ninth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series and perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced murder mysteries.

The Detective Kay Hunter series – also available in print, large print and audiobook:

1. Scared to Death
2. Will to Live
3. One to Watch
4. Hell to Pay
5. Call to Arms
6. Gone to Ground
7. Bridge to Burn
8. Cradle to Grave
9. Turn to Dust

My review

Turn to Dust

(Detective Kay Hunter, Book 9)

Rachel Amphlett

(Review written on 9^th July 2020)

Turn to Dust has been another cracking read in Rachel Amphlett’s Kay Hunter series!

It’s always exciting when Rachel has a new book coming out as I know I’m in for a treat. Turn to Dust is book nine in this series and is equally as good, if not even better, than the previous eight books. The series just goes from strength to strength and I think the familiarity of the regular characters plays a big part in that.

Kay herself is an excellent character and easily likeable. She’s dedicated to her job, but also to her partner, Adam. He’s a vet so they don’t get to spend as much quality time together as they would like. They’ve had their heartbreak too, but their relationship is solid, and I love that we see this side of the characters.

The case Kay and her team are faced with this time around is nothing short of horrific. The naked body of a man is found in a farmer’s field with far from straight forward injuries which leave the team baffled by how he got there. This leads to an investigation which unearths all sorts of secrets and lies along the way. The truth, when we find out, is quite shocking and so sad. It always amazes me what some people are capable of, especially when it comes to saving/making money.

Turn to Dust is fast paced with short (ish) chapters which add to the tension that builds throughout the story. I always read Rachel’s books fairly quickly as they are extremely hard to put down. Rachel Amphlett is a natural storyteller. She is one of my favourite authors and I would happily buy her books without even reading the blurb first! If you’ve haven’t read any of this series as yet, then you really should as you are honestly missing out on excellent stories. I highly recommend this one and them all!

I for one can’t wait for book ten!

Many thanks to Rachel Amphlett for my advance review copy and to Sarah @ Book on the Bright Side Publicity for the opportunity to be a part of this fabulous blog tour!

About Rachel Amphlett

Before turning to writing, Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a film extra and freelanced in radio as a presenter and producer for the BBC.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and is a bestselling author of crime fiction and spy thrillers, many of which have been translated worldwide.

Her novels are available in eBook, print, large print and audiobook formats from libraries and worldwide retailers.

A keen traveller, Rachel has both EU and Australian citizenship.

Praise for Rachel Amphlett

“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” ~ Robert Bryndza, USA Today bestselling author of The Girl in the Ice

“Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns” ~ Angela Marsons, bestselling author of the Detective Kim Stone crime thriller series

“Rachel always delivers sharp, compelling and assured books. I love them!” ~ Mel Sherratt

Email: info@rachelamphlett.com

http://www.rachelamphlett.com

Twitter: @RachelAmphlett

Instagram: @RachelAmphlett

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelamphlett.author/

happy reading!

Circuit

Keith Bullock

(Review written on 13^th July 2020)

Oh, my word! Circuit is a truly gripping crime thriller which captured my attention from the very first page and held it to the very last.

This is a crime thriller with a difference though.

A married couple are attacked whilst out jogging on Christmas Eve and we know who the two young attackers are from the start. The story is centred around them, and their victims, after the attack.

The perpetrators’ friendship changes as a result of their crimes and they each deal with what happened due to their drunken stupidity in very different ways. One is far less remorseful than the other and this puts an enormous amount of pressure on the friendship they’ve shared since childhood.

Their poor victims, Ken and Helen, struggle to come to terms with what happened. Neither can really recall what happened. Ken because he was knocked unconscious and therefore unable to recall any details. The horrific nature of Helen’s attack is so traumatic that her mind’s natural defence has, unsurprisingly, suppressed her memories of the whole ordeal and she can’t shake the feeling that her husband failed to protect her. This puts further strain on their marriage. Their daughter, Sue, and Helen’s mother are beside themselves with worry as time moves on and things become gradually worse rather than healing with time. Helen’s deteriorating mental health sees her hospitalised and the family facing further turmoil as a result of the unprovoked attack. My heart went out to Helen. I can’t even imagine how you would move on from such violation.

The police investigation seems to be getting nowhere fast and Ken’s frustration is palpable. His friendship with the man leading the investigation is strained, to say the least, as a result. He is hell bent on revenge.

When Sue reveals that she has a new boyfriend and seems to have found some light in the darkness of their lives, Ken is relieved and happy for her. Some good in their lives at last. Neither are prepared for the truth they are soon to be faced with though.

A cruel twist of fate.

This story has a solid plot with many a twist along the way, but it is very much character led. A strong cast of characters living in the aftermath of a horrendous crime makes this an extremely compelling read. All are fascinating in their own way, even the ones who made my skin crawl. The victims, the attackers and the police paid to serve justice all have their own stories to tell. Some have a stronger conscience than others.

I had no idea which direction this story would take. Each new chapter brought a new surprise and the conclusion was quite a shock. Very cleverly written! I highly recommend!

Many thanks to Keith Bullock for my lovely signed paperback copy of Circuit.

Buy now

happy reading!

Will she stay or will she go?

Anna Bond is floundering….

Tiger mum to tricky teen Sophie, now slipping through her fingers, and loyal wife to big sociable Ollie, whom she no longer trusts, what does she do next with her life?

Once a confident career woman, after so many years at home and the school gate, Anna now finds her mind is chattering and her soul is searching – for what matters.

Then Jack walks into their lives. Sophie’s first boyfriend is a breath of fresh air for the whole family, and Anna gradually discovers new purpose for herself.

But when deceit creeps in, tensions surface, and she finds herself propelled through a tangled web of secrets and lies towards a devastating climax.

Only Human, by the winner of The People’s Book Prize for Fiction, is the perfect novel for you if you enjoy intelligent women’s fiction like Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty & Lies Lies Lies by Adele Parks.

Check this out….

Pre-order HERE

happy reading!

Blowback

(Adrian Hell series, Book 8)

James P. Sumner

(Review written on 3^rd July 2020)

WOW, WOW, WOW and well, just WOW!

Why have I never read a James P. Sumner book before???

Now, those of you who know me well might be thinking ‘why is she reading Book eight having not read the previous seven!?’ I know, I know, this is very unusual for me, but when James contacted me about reading an advance copy of Blowback I just couldn’t resist, and it does read perfectly well as a standalone, although I am obviously VERY curious to read the previous books to find out what I’ve been missing.

Now, where do I start?

There is SO much action in this book I’m not sure if I even breathed through most of it! Oh, my days! I’ve heard people say that when they retire, they find themselves busier than ever, but seriously…. Adrian Hell (awesome name by the way!) is certainly not enjoying a peaceful retirement. Then again, when you’re a famous assassin I guess it’s quite difficult to adjust to a quieter lifestyle!

I think I might have a little bit of a crush on Adrian Hell. Considering he is a hired killer he is extremely charismatic. He’s quite funny at times too and is obviously easy on the eye. His character reminds me of Dean Winchester in Supernatural and I can totally see Jensen Ackles as Adrian Hell. This series should be televised with Jensen in the lead role. I would be glued!!

I loved the relationship between Adrian and Ruby. It did warm my heart at times. Ruby is an awesome character. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her!

Ichiro was one of my favourite characters too. Loved him!

This book is so fast-paced and so hard to put down. Adrian’s past has come back to haunt him and both sides of the party are seeking revenge. This war is personal. Who will win?

This book is so brilliantly written. The story moves at breath-taking speed and it kept me well and truly on the edge of my seat. The epilogues are quite jaw-dropping and seriously left me hungry for more!

I just need to go back to book one now and start catching up with what I’ve missed. I do love it when I find a new series to devour. Especially one with a character like Adrian Hell. I can’t wait!

Many thanks to James P. Sumner for my advance copy of Blowback. In case it isn’t clear, I have absolutely LOVED it and I highly recommend to anyone and everyone!

Buy it now!

happy reading!

Hi and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month I like to have a little look back at what 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 July 2019 + a link to previous FBFs….

#AnExtraShot by Stephen Anthony Brotherton @FreddieJoJo1 #MiniBlogBlitz #BookReview @rararesources

#YouBelongToMe by Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor @Bloodhoundbook #BookReview

#ManipulatedLives by @HALeuschel #BlogTour #BookReview @rararesources

#TheGreenViper (James Ryker Book 4) by Rob Sinclair @RSinclairAuthor #BookReview @Bloodhoundbook

The White Scorpion (James Ryker Book 5) by Rob Sinclair @RSinclairAuthor @Bloodhoundbook #BookReview

The Determined Lord Hadleigh by VirginiaHeath @VirginiaHeath_ #PublicationDayPush #BookReview @rararesources

#FlashbackFriday July 2019 with @tessmakovesky @rach_b52 @nicholl06 @AnnaMansell @andrewgmarshall @TillyTenWriter & @RachelAmphlett #BookReviews

happy reading!

The Devil’s Dice

(A DI Meg Dalton thriller, Book 1)

Roz Watkins

(Review written on 1^st July 2020)

Well, I know I am late to the party but what an amazing start to a new series!

I was introduced to Roz Watkins’ books when I met her at our Stoke-on-Trent blogger/author meet up in (very early) March (before lockdown!). It was so lovely to meet her and she very kindly gifted me a paperback copy of The Devil’s Dice. I have been very much looking forward to reading it.

The Devil’s Dice is an extremely gripping crime thriller set in the Peak District (which I love and hope to be visiting again very soon!). It’s a fairly familiar place for me as my husband works in Derby and I absolutely LOVE Matlock Bath. It’s not far from me, either by car or a short train ride (under normal circumstances!). I love it when books are set in places I know!

Anyway, Meg and her colleagues are faced with a case which seems to be a suicide initially. They find the man in a cave which makes the whole scene massively creepy. I could almost feel the cold, dark, damp atmosphere and didn’t envy those having to recover the body. When his initials are found carved into the stone, seemingly from years ago, alarm bells start ringing. Talk of a local curse comes into play which makes the whole case even more eerie. There are too many unanswered questions and they are convinced this is no suicide.

The investigation is far from straight forward and it unearths all sorts of secrets along the way. As shocking as some are, they are also somewhat understandable given the circumstances.

There is a cast of fascinating characters throughout this book, especially Meg herself who I liked immediately! She is so straight talking and perfectly flawed. She has her own difficult past to contend with alongside her challenging and responsible position as a DI. I’m not surprised she struggles with her mental health sometimes. She has quite a dry sense of humour too and made me chuckle on more than one occasion. I love that she stresses about her Mum and Gran and that she is obsessed with checking all of the rooms in her house every time she comes home which seems like a weird thing to say but these things, among others, make her very real and believable. I would want her on my side if I was ever in trouble. She’s not afraid to bend the rules if absolutely necessary.

I found this murder case quite fascinating and quite sad, in part, in the end. Not that death isn’t sad generally, but you’ll know what I mean if you’ve read it. If you haven’t read it yet, then I highly recommend that you do.

I’m very much looking forward to catching up with Meg again in Book 2 (which I already have waiting patiently on my kindle).

Many thanks again to Roz Watkins for my paperback copy.

Buy now

happy reading!

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY to MALCOLM HAVARD!

ELEVEN DAYS: A novel of the great war

In April 1917 the average lifespan of a British pilot posted to the Western Front is just eleven days.
Eddie Grenville is 19, young, keen, idealistic. He hero worships his brother Percy, follows him into the RFC.
Then he finds that Percy has committed a war crime…
Eleven Days looks at how war changes people. Set against the events of Bloody April, it drops the reader into the most dangerous part of the first global war.

Buy now!

Amazon UK – https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B088FY1X9R/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088FY1X9R/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

happy reading!

Carrion

Graeme Cumming

(Review written 27/06/2020)

I have to say that considering Carrion isn’t my usual kind of read I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Having read, and loved, Graeme Cumming’s previous book Ravens Gathering I was very much looking forward to reading Carrion. I was even more intrigued knowing that it was going to be so much different to Ravens Gathering. There are a couple of similarities though such as the birds which did their job of creeping me out in this book as much as they did in the last!

How amazing is that cover by the way!!?

I definitely think this book benefits from spending enough time completely immersing yourself in the story. I started it well then found myself not having as much time as I’d like to read it over the following few days, going to bed too late etc. which really frustrates me, but from about half way I found more time to read larger amounts, and I easily found myself completely captivated. It’s a wonderfully entertaining story to get yourself lost in and forget about the real world for a while.

It is quite violent at times and certain parts make for uncomfortable reading, but these scenes just serve to highlight the evil nature of certain characters.

There are some excellent characters throughout this story. Not all likeable, of course, but all quite fascinating and with fabulous names. I think Willow was my favourite character.

The story moves along at quite some speed as it is so full of action. The danger Salin and his friends face in their quest is quite terrifying at times and there are some devastating losses along the way. Salin is a brave and intelligent soul.

I was particularly disturbed by the sorcerer, the beast, and also the Troll. I have to say that I was most impressed when I found out what the beast really was. I honestly never twigged. Very clever writing!

Time inevitably brings change and sometimes that change can be immense in such a short space of time, but everything evolves at the pace it is meant to and to interrupt evolution in any way could have a catastrophic effect. There are always going to be people in this world who thrive on power and do everything in their power to upset the natural order of the world. Maybe there is an ‘order’ who keep their eye on us and make sure we don’t interfere with our destiny. Who knows!? It certainly makes you think. I know this is fiction, but still….

I loved that the message to Salin was to

“Choose your words carefully. Words have power”.

This is true on so many levels. In the case of Carrion these words have the power to transport you to another place and time where you can experience the action, adventure, suspense and intrigue of a story full of magic and mystery.

I highly recommend.

ICYMI

Ravens Gathering by Graeme Cumming @GraemeCumming63 #BookReview

A #GuestPost by Graeme Cumming @GraemeCumming63 #CountdownToPublication #Carrion

#Interview with #author Graeme Cumming @GraemeCumming63 #Carrion

happy reading!

I have a lovely non-fiction promotion today for all you writers out there….

Publication Guaranteed

(well, almost!)

Fed up with rejection after rejection? Not sure how to target the right market, or what to write about?

Writers Bureau tutor, editor and freelance writer, Esther Chilton takes you through the necessary steps to gain publication whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for a while.

Topics include writing:

• Readers’ letters

• Fillers

• Articles

• Short stories

• For competitions

You’ll find information on market research, how to set your work out and send it, as well as lots of useful tips, examples and writing exercises to give you ideas and build on your writing skills with the aim of publishing your work.

A Helping Hand for Writers

About the author

Esther has regularly written for writing magazines such as Writers’ Forum and Writing Magazine. She has also had her work featured in a diverse range of magazines and newspapers, including The Guardian, Best of British, Your Cat, Prima, My Weekly and The People’s Friend to name a few.

Winner of Writing Magazine, Writers’ News, The Global Short Story and several other prestigious writing competitions and awards, Esther has also judged writing competitions.

Esther has been a tutor for The Writers Bureau for over ten years and after requests from students, she put together a collection of her stories – The Siege. Esther’s latest book of short stories, A Walk In the Woods is out now, both as an e-book and paperback. 

Esther has been working on her first non-fiction book to help writers get published – Publication Guaranteed (Well, Almost!). It’s the first in her A Helping Hand For Writers series and is available as an e-book. A paperback will follow shortly.

In addition to tutoring, Esther works as a freelance copyeditor offering an editing, guidance and advice service for authors and writers. She has edited novels, non-fiction books, articles and short stories. You can find out more about it here: https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com/editing-proofreading-and-advice-service/

If you’d like Esther’s help, or would like to know more about what she can do for you, please get in touch: estherchilton@gmail.com

Links:

Website

Blog

Twitter

LinkedIn

To buy Publication Guaranteed (Well, Almost!):

Amazon UK

Amazon US

happy reading & writing!

I’m delighted to bring you a fabulous giveaway opportunity today! With many thanks to the author and publisher.

Read on….

“A gorgeously intriguing story”

How close were Victor Hugo and his copyist?

1862 Young widow Eugénie faces an uncertain future in Guernsey. A further tragedy brings her to the attention of Monsieur Victor Hugo, living in exile on the island only yards away from Eugénie’s home. Their meeting changes her life and she becomes his copyist, forming a strong friendship with both Hugo and his mistress, Juliette Drouet.

2012 Dr Tess Le Prevost, Guernsey-born but living in England, is shocked to inherit her Great-Aunt’s house on the island. As a child, she was entranced by Doris’s tales of their ancestor, Eugénie, whose house this once was, and her close relationship with Hugo. Was he the real father of her child? Returning to the island gives Tess a fresh start and a chance to unlock family secrets.

Will she discover the truth about Eugénie and Hugo? A surprise find may hold the answer as Tess embraces new challenges which test her strength – and her heart.

Book Reviews

“A gorgeously intriguing story set in a beautiful location. I completely identified with contemporary heroine Tess and Victorian heroine Eugénie, who both became real for me. I was sorry to part company with them both”. Margaret James, Author of ‘The Final Reckoning’.

“This is a suspenseful story that is intelligently plotted and beautifully told. The author uses the first person narrative and shifts the story from the past to the present, a literary technique that reinforces the suspense as the reader moves from one timeline and from one point of view to another. The prose is beautiful and it is filled with wonderful descriptions. The story is infused with humanity and realism and readers can feel as though they were sitting in the same room with the legendary author and the other characters. The Inheritance is deftly plotted and it features characters that are real and compelling. I enjoyed every bit of this story.” Readers Favorite Review 5* Awarded Silver Medal

For your chance to win an ebook copy of The Inheritance all you need to do is Retweet the pinned post on my Twitter feed – https://twitter.com/chataboutbooks1/status/1276379664156516352?s=19

Good luck!

happy reading!