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The Blitz Secret (John Cook, book 3) by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson #NetGalley

The Blitz Secret (John Cook, book 3) 

by Stephen Ronson 

I was very much looking forward to reading The Blitz Secret having really enjoyed books one and two in this series.

John Cook is a brilliant, no-nonsense character. A bloke I would definitely want on my side. He reminds me of Reacher. I picture Alan Ritchson when I read these books.

In this book we see Cook spending most of his time in London. Now, I didn’t live through the blitz, but I feel like I did after reading this book. I’m glad I really didn’t. It must have been terrifying. I was particularly disturbed by the cutting of corners where building air raid shelters was concerned. I would not be at all surprised if that actually happened!

I was mortified by the behaviours of some of the characters in this book. People who should have been safe to trust. It just goes to show, you never know what might go on behind closed doors. What Ruby goes through is nothing short of horrific!

I’m impressed by Cook’s determination to succeed in everything he does. He’s like a dog with a bone who won’t let go. I admire this so much, as so many other people would take the easy way out and just give up at the first hurdle. He will not rest until he gets satisfactory results. A man on a mission!

Lady Margaret is brave. I couldn’t do what she does. I’d be useless!

There is so much tension throughout this book, I don’t think I relaxed once. Fast paced and full of suspense it kept me on the edge of my seat and the ending left me well and truly intrigued for book four!

**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**

I.C.Y.M.I

The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson
The Berlin Agent (John Cook, Book 2) by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson #NetGalley

Happy reading!

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Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James @CarolineJames12

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure

by Caroline James 

What a fabulous, feel-good story this is! I absolutely loved it!

I love Atticus. My heart went out to him at the start. He doesn’t find much joy in life since he lost the love of his life. His son has taken over his farm and turned it into a thriving business, but Arnott just isn’t interested in it much. He takes himself off for walks with his dog, Ness, and generally just tries to stay out of everyone’s way. So sad.

One day though his grandson convinces him to renovate his old campervan, giving it a new lease of life. Atticus decides to bite the bullet and drive it to Spain. I’m not sure I’d be that brave at my age, let along 70. Little did he know just how much this was going to change the rest of his life.

His daughter welcomes the change in him and supports his sense of adventure.

His son, not so much. He’s not the most likable of characters although I can understand how some children, however old they are, find it difficult to accept a parent moving on after the death of the other. Brother and sister couldn’t be any different to each other.

I loved joining Atticus on his travels, meeting his new friends, letting his hair down, and learning to embrace life again. I would absolutely follow his Instagram account!

A beautifully written, heart-warming read which left me with a smile and happy tear.

** Many thanks to Caroline James for my gifted Kindle copy **

When seventy-year-old Atticus Arnott drives his beloved campervan from the rainy hills of Cumbria to the golden coast of Spain, his village is left reeling. With only his loyal collie, Ness, by his side, Atticus sets out in search of sunshine and serenity—but his journey of travel and self-discovery in Spain soon brings surprises he never imagined.

Back in Ireland, Atticus’s daughter Mary is facing a crisis of her own. As her picture-perfect life starts to crumble, she must find the courage to put herself first for once and rediscover the dreams she set aside long ago.

From a later in life romance to an uplifting women’s fiction story about family, Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is a heartwarming travel romance story perfect for fans of escapist holiday read fiction. Proof that it’s never too late to start over, this delightful romcom will inspire readers to embrace the unknown with open arms.

Happy reading!

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The Harbinder Kaur series, books 2-4 by Elly Griffiths

I am SO behind with writing reviews I thought I would write one overview for the rest of the DS Harbinder Kaur series which I have listened to consecutively on Audible recently….

The Postscript Murders 

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elly Griffiths (Author), Nina Wadia (Narrator), Quercus (Publisher)

When an elderly lady with a heart condition dies suddenly, as sad as it is, you’d be forgiven for assuming there’s nothing suspicious with that. Peggy is a fascinating character, and Harbinder soon realises that not all is as it first seems.

Another excellent crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

Bleeding Heart Yard 

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elly Griffiths (Author), Candida Gubbins (Narrator), Jane Collingwood (Narrator), Nina Wadia (Narrator), Quercus (Publisher)

I really enjoyed the unusual storyline of this book. Centred around DS Caitlin Fitzgerald. A detective with a secret of her own. A secret she’s had to bury in order to function and live a ‘normal’ life. I can’t even imagine how anyone would begin to do that. Thirty years later, she finds herself attending a school reunion where things take a sinister turn and I couldn’t wait to find out how it was all going to end. Shocked!

The Last Word 

Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elly Griffiths (Author), Nina Wadia (Narrator), Quercus (Publisher)

This book focuses more on characters featured in book two, The Postscript Murders, Natalka and Edwin, with Harbinder more of a featured character. Natalka and Edwin now run a private detective agency and Natalka now lives with Benedict.

I like that these characters are awarded their own book in the series, although I did miss Harbinder.

Another enjoyable whodunnit which reminded me of The Thursday Murder Club in a way.

I really like Harbinder as a person and a detective. This book/series is full of fabulous characters and compelling storylines. I really liked the narrator of this series too. Does anyone know if there will be a book five?

I.C.Y.M.I

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. Audible Audiobook – Unabridged #BookReview

Happy reading/listening!

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Coming Up Trumps: A Memoir by Jean Trumpington 

Coming Up Trumps: A Memoir 

by Jean Trumpington 

What a fascinating lady who led a remarkable life! I admit that I didn’t know who she was before I read this book. I must have picked it up at a book sale somewhere as I love a good memoir and I’m glad I did as it was highly entertaining!

Told with candour and wit it very much reads like you’re sitting with her over tea and cake whilst she regales you with stories from her life. And what a life! A mostly charmed childhood, a land girl followed by work at Bletchley Park. A successful marriage, motherhood, a political career, and a stint as the mayor. There isn’t much she didn’t pack in to her 96 years! This book takes us past her 90th Birthday as she determines to continue to enjoy her life to the max whilst she can. Quite the inspiration with a cracking character! She also loved Staffordshire pottery so she’s alright by me 😉

I hope she is resting in peace after her very long and full life.

Forthright, witty and deliciously opinionated, Jean Trumpington’s Coming Up Trumps is a wonderfully readable account of a life very well lived.

In this characteristically trenchant memoir, the indomitable Jean Trumpington looks back on her long and remarkable life. The daughter of an officer in the Bengal Lancers and an American heiress, Jean Campbell-Harris was born into a world of considerable privilege, but the Wall Street Crash entirely wiped out her mother’s fortune.

At fifteen the young Jean Campbell-Harris was sent to Paris to study but two years later, with the outbreak of the Second World War, she became a land girl. However, she quickly changed direction, joining naval intelligence at Bletchley Park, where she stayed for the rest of the war. After the war she worked first in Paris and then on Madison Avenue, New York, with advertising’s ‘mad men’. It was here that she met her husband, the historian Alan Barker, and their marriage, in 1954, ushered in the happiest period of her life before embarking on her distinguished political career, as a Cambridge City councillor, Mayor of Cambridge and, then, in 1980, a life peer.

Happy reading!

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Borderline by Graeme Cumming @GraemeCumming63 #BookPromotion @BoBookPublicity

When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.

A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.

Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.

The police also want him – for murder.

And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.

A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.

Borderline 

by Graeme Cumming 

OUT NOW!

https://mybook.to/7xBagB

Reviews

“Thirty years ago the dominant voice in PI fiction was Robert B. Parker. His ‘Spenser’ novels are probably the best thing since sliced Chandler. Ever since I first read a Spenser novel I’ve wondered about an English Spenser to no particular conclusion, but in Graeme Cumming’s ‘Rand’ Scott (yes, that really is his name) I think we have a contender. Rand is the Spenser mix of borderline criminal and white knight, the hard-case with a heart of gold. That said, Cumming doesn’t pretend to copy Parker’s style, his voice is his own, his dialogue crisp, his sense of place superb … and he doesn’t give a flying F about food (sorry, Robert B.) Borderline is the first book in what I hope becomes a regular series.” – John Lawton, best-selling author of the Inspector Troy and the Joe Wilderness series

“Gritty, sharp-witted, and packing a serious emotional punch! And Rand is a hero worth turning the pages for.” – Lauren North, Author of CLICKBAIT & I’M HER MOTHER

“What an incredible novel. Cumming’s strong and authentic writing explores the murkiest worlds of covert policing in the most gripping and compelling way. Exquisitely plotted and expertly told.” – Graham Bartlett, former detective and Sunday Times bestselling author

“Rand Scott is a character I invested in, he is a man who is pretty complex, with hidden depths for sure. He surprised me at times as the story unfolded. A cracker of a thriller that has the perfect ingredients for a great read!! Gritty, dark and twists that are perfectly placed.” – Beyond the Books, Book Blogger

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The Salt Path by Raynor Winn 

The Salt Path

by Raynor Winn 

The Salt Path has been on my radar for ages, and I had to bump it to the top of my list in anticipation of seeing the film at the cinema. I’m so glad I finally got to read it! My Mum, and others at Book Club, have been going on about it since they read it years ago.

It absolutely deserves the recognition it has received. It’s such a fascinating, heart-wrenching, and inspiring story. I honestly can’t imagine how I would deal with the hand this couple were dealt. My heart went out to them, but I take my hat of to them at the same time.

It seems a bit harsh to say I thoroughly enjoyed their story. Probably better to say I am thoroughly inspired by their story. The pain, fatigue, hunger, and uncertainty they endure is just heart-breaking. Through it all though their love and devotion for each other shines through. Home really is where the heart is.

I did thoroughly enjoy some of the interesting people the meet along the way (especially turtle man. IYKYK!) and I was shocked by some of the negative attitudes they encounter. I was also surprised by how many people refer to them as old!! As a 47-year-old with a 50-year-old husband, I found this quite disconcerting. I’m sure we would be more then capable of walking the salt path. Not quite sure about the wild camping part or having no money for food, but I don’t think we’re ready for the scrap heap yet! Walking the salt path is now on my bucket list. Maybe if Steve retires at 55, we’ll give it a go, health permitting.

I have to say that as a Book Club we really enjoyed the film too. Six of us went together on Monday. Obviously, there is a lot of the book not included which many will no doubt say, but I always expect this otherwise these films would be about six hours long! I thought the film truly captured the essence of the story and I found it equally touching.

I’m looking forward to reading Raynor Winn’s other books, hopefully soon.

** I read the paperback edition of The Salt Path, borrowed from my Mum. Thanks Mum **

Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, their home is taken away and they lose their livelihood. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall.

Carrying only the essentials for survival on their backs, they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey.

The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.

Happy reading!

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Boo Bear’s Light: An A B C Rhyming Picture Book for Children by Catherine Ann Russell (Author), Jessica Robin Harkey (Illustrator), Basketful Relief Project (Publisher) #Spotlight #BookReview

Boo Bear’s Light:

An A B C Rhyming Picture Book for Children

by Catherine Ann Russell (Author), Jessica Robin Harkey (Illustrator), Basketful Relief Project (Publisher)

When Catherine contacted me about reviewing Boo Bear’s Light, I realised that I had purchased the book for my nephew’s daughter last Christmas 🙂

So, I asked my nephew if he would send me a short review….

As a parent the things I’ve loved about Boo Bears light, besides the positive messages of kindness and helping others, is the opportunity to practice letters, sounds with rhymes. The fun of discovering the hidden letters on each page is great to talk about and the shapes of letters are challenging enough even to keep parents searching. My eldest loves finding these and gets super excited when she beats me. When I asked her what she makes of the book she said “It’s one of my favourite Christmas presents. I love it.” Definitely a great book for story time.

Embark On A Wonderful Rhyming Adventure As You Learn the Value of all Living Creatures, Great and Small!

Kindness goes a long way – and when Boo Bear discovers a lost and injured firefly named Jack, he makes it his mission to help his new friend and bring him home to his family. With the help of his supportive parents mama bear and papa bear, Boo Bear embarks on a rescue mission that will light up your day and leave no letter unturned!

Beautifully written by multi-award-winning author Catherine Ann Russell with vibrant illustrations from Jessica Robin Harkey, Boo Bear’s Light shares a heartwarming moral lesson about the transformative power of love, inviting children on an unforgettable journey from A to Z!

Inside the book, you’ll discover:

  1. A Beautiful Rhyming Story that Makes Learning the Alphabet Educational and Entertaining
  2. A Memorable Way to Learn New Rhythms and Words and Expand Your Little One’s Vocabulary
  3. Colourful Illustrations that Ignite Curiosity, Wonder and Spark Your Child’s Imagination as They Hunt for a Hidden Letter in Each Panel
  4. Vital Moral Lessons about the Miracle of Love, Kindness, & Helping Those In Need
  5. A Wonderful Bedtime Story, Classroom Resource, and Teaching Tool For Boys & Girls Ages 0-7

And So Much More…

Ideal for parents & educators who want to raise compassionate children while teaching them essential early learning skills, Boo Bear’s Light will quickly become a treasured part of your bookshelf.

So, vamoose! Kick up the zeal! Dive on in and let the adventure begin!

Happy reading!

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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 

Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus 

Elizabeth Zott is the most fabulous character! I thoroughly enjoyed her story.

She is a chemist, living and working in a male dominated world in the 1960s. The attitudes of some men towards women in the workplace during this time is quite revolting, although not entirely shocking. Elizabeth doesn’t suffer fools gladly though. As a result, her approach to life and work is often misunderstood, and is certainly not tolerated, by some. Her soulmate gets her though and their relationship is heart-warming. My heart broke for her when her life starts collapsing around her.

There are some other great characters throughout this story too. Six-Thirty is a favourite of mine, and I thought Harriet was hilarious. Mad is a little genius.

Lessons in Chemistry is a completely captivating story. It’s clever, funny, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. I loved it!

Your ability to change everything – including yourself – starts here

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, she would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality.

Forced to leave her job at the institute, she soon finds herself the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show, Supper at Six.

But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook.

She’s daring them to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.
__________


A Book of the Year for:
Guardian, Times, Sunday Times, New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Woman & Home, Stylist, TLS Oprah Daily, Newsweek, Mail on Sunday, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, India Knight, Hay Festival, Waterstones, Amazon, Books are My Bag and many more!

Author of the Year at the British Book Awards
Winner of the Goodreads Choice Best Debut Novel Award
Winner of the Books are My Bag Reader’s Choice Award
Winner of the Books are My Bag Breakthrough Author Award
Shortlisted for the HWA Crown Award


Praise for Lessons in Chemistry:

‘Full of humour, heartbreak and characters who feel like real people’ Red Magazine

‘Thought-provoking and stylish‘ Guardian

‘Laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with life, generosity and courage’ Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

‘I loved Lessons in Chemistry and am devastated to have finished it!’ Nigella Lawson

‘A novel that sparks joy with every page’ Elizabeth Day, author of Magpie

‘Witty and sometimes hilarious … the Catch-22 of early feminism’ Stephen King

‘A beautiful, sharp, funny and dark modern classic. I adored it’ Chris Whitaker, author of We Begin at the End

Happy reading!

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In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware @RuthWareWriter

In a Dark, Dark Wood

by Ruth Ware 

Wow! This is quite a story!! It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me intrigued throughout. I’m not sure I would have made the same decision as Nora; to go the hen weekend of a friend I hadn’t spoken to for ten years. Then again, I can see how curiosity might get the better of you and I understand her desire to make amends, especially as they were best friends back in the day. Also, she had the back up of another mutual friend who had been invited, so what could possibly go wrong!

OH. MY. GOODNESS!

As the story progressed, I really felt for Nora. I didn’t warm to Clare at all. She grated on me. There was something about her that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. The more I learned about her, the more I understood why. She is not a nice person. She didn’t deserve Nora’s friendship back in their school days, but I can understand why Nora was drawn to her.

Nina is an odd character too. I couldn’t make my mind up about her. I still can’t.

They’re an odd bunch of friends.

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with short, sharp chapters, interesting if not entirely likeable characters, and an intriguing plot which kept me invested. It’s one of those books that I was thinking about when I wasn’t reading it and couldn’t wait to find out which direction it would go in. It made me question everything and everyone. It made me question what I would do in the same situation. I’m pretty sure my decisions would be quite different to those of these characters, but I’m quite boring. The drama that evolves throughout this book made for extremely tense, sad, shocking, and highly entertaining reading.

** I purchased a paperback copy of this book for the purposes of a buddy read with some of my lovely Bookstagram friends. Great choice, @_shannonslibrary_ **

Nora hasn’t seen Clare for ten years. Not since the day Nora walked out of her old life and never looked back.

Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clare’s hen party arrives. A weekend in a remote cottage – the perfect opportunity for Nora to reconnect with her best friend, to put the past behind her.

But something goes wrong.

Happy reading!

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Family Matters (Detective Allie Shenton Gritty Crime Thrillers Book 7) by Mel Sherratt @writermels #PublicationDay

Family Matters (Detective Allie Shenton Gritty Crime Thrillers Book 7)

by Mel Sherratt

Allie Shenton is back!!!

I love it!

I have loved every one of the books in this series and this one has been no exception.

The story starts with the suspicious death of local teenager, Katie Frost, found very close to home in what initially appears to be a random attack. How is her mother supposed to cope with yet another devastating loss. She has already quite recently lost her husband, Katie’s dad, to cancer. So much sadness for one family to endure. Heart-breaking.

Allie and the team are tasked with finding her attacker and get them off the streets. As is often the case, there turns out to be more going on behind closed doors then they had anticipated! How quickly can they piece it all together and get back to spending more quality time with their own families who don’t see much of them at all during a murder investigation. It’s all hands on deck until the perpetrator is behind bars.

This is another fast-paced police procedural featuring some regular characters I feel like I now know personally. Allie’s team is a brilliant. They work well together as colleagues, and friends, with a deep respect for each other and their jobs. I love following them through their processes and celebrate with them when they solve a case.

There are obviously a few dodgy characters throughout this story, as expected (which isn’t unheard of in Stoke-on-Trent 😉 ) No, seriously, I love that these books are set in Stoke. I’m proud to have been born here (although I’ve always lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme 😉 I.Y.K.Y.K ) There are honestly more good people than bad, as with most cities/towns. Mel Sherratt is one lovely lady who does us proud!

** Many thanks to Mel Sherratt for my review copy of Family Matters. Proud to be part of #TeamSherratt **

A deadly party. A vicious attack. A list of suspects.

When Katie Frost is murdered a few metres from home, a family is left in turmoil. Who would kill their beautiful girl? DI Allie Shenton and her team delve into the teenager’s background, bringing many secrets to light – from her acquaintances, neighbours and friends.

No one has a bad word to say about her, but everyone else has things they’re trying to hide, especially after a recent birthday celebration. With limited forensic evidence coming in, Allie’s work is doubled when another girl is attacked. Further investigations reveal she too was at the party.

Can Allie work out the truth hidden within the lies to find out who is wreaking havoc on a family’s loved ones? And, as threats from the past rear their ugly head within her own team, will she be able to keep them safe at the same time?

If you haven’t yet been introduced to Allie Shenton then you really should give this series a go!

As I publish this post, books 1-6 are available as a set on Kindle for just 99p!!! An absolute bargain and the perfect excuse to add this series to you TBR list. I have no idea how long this offer with last so grab them now. 99p is practically giving them away!

Happy reading!