It Began With a Lie (Secrets of Redemption Book 1)

by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) 

It Began With A Lie had waited patiently in my kindle library for a while but I am so glad I finally got to reading it. I was completely gripped from the very beginning.

When we meet Becca, she is moving into her aunt’s old house (which she has inherited) in Redemption, Wisconsin, with her husband and sixteen-year-old stepdaughter, Chrissy. It’s a temporary move whilst her husband sorts out his business, then the plan is to sell the house and move back to New York to continue with the life they know and love.

Rarely in this life though do things go that smoothly to plan.

There is an underlying tension throughout this book from the very beginning and it made me feel uneasy as I read it. I found myself thinking about it during the day when I wasn’t reading it and couldn’t wait to see where the story might lead. Becca is a likeable character, but I did wonder why she put up with so much from her husband. He came across as controlling and undermining and I didn’t like him at all. His daughter wasn’t much better to start with. A typical teenage girl/stepmother relationship though it seemed. When she starts to sleepwalk though…. I found these scenes really creepy.

And what happened fifteen years previously that Becca has been unable to remember since?

This was such an intriguing story, full of tension and suspense. The characters are brilliantly written, and I love the supernatural aspects of the story. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to stay in that house after the first unexplainable incident. Becca is a tough nut though. She must be with everything she goes through.

I enjoyed this book so much that I bought book two and started it straight away. I rarely do that.

** I purchased the Kindle edition of this book on 16th July 2019 **

Happy reading!

Mission Black

by Mick Williams

OH. MY. GOODNESS!!

If you’re looking to get your teeth in to a new crime thriller series, full of action, and clever plot lines, then look no further!

Mission Black is the first in a new series by Mick Williams and it is quite simply awesome!

I love Fr. Black. He’s a fabulous character and one I can’t wait to catch up with again in book 2. He’s ex-military turned priest which I find an interesting change of career for a start. He’s a charismatic character and obviously still has a certain appeal with the ladies. Maybe more so because he’s off limits, but he sounds quite easy on the eye too.

This book has two kickass female characters, Lyndsey, and Emmy.

Lyndsey is also ex-military but now devotes her time to Fr. Black’s church as his treasurer, amongst other things. As a church treasurer myself I could relate to her from a church finance perspective but that’s pretty much where our similarities end. Lol! I certainly wouldn’t argue with her. I love the professional relationship and friendship that they obviously share.

Emmy is a truly inspiring character. When Fr. Black finds himself working alongside Emmy it’s easy to see how she might test his faith. He’s true to his vows, but they do grow to be quite fond of each other within a short timeframe. They are thrown into a volatile and dangerous situation together but make a great team. I’d want them on my team. The banter between them is hilarious at times too. I hope to see more of Emmy in book 2.

The humour throughout this book is typical of Mick Williams’ writing and I love it!

I’m so excited that this is the first of a brand-new series. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

(Review written 12^th July 2022)

Happy reading!