My Daughter's Revenge by Natali Simmonds is narrated by the powerhouse duo of Izzy Meikle-Small, and Claire Storey who electrify this compelling psychMy Daughter's Revenge by Natali Simmonds is narrated by the powerhouse duo of Izzy Meikle-Small, and Claire Storey who electrify this compelling psychological suspense thriller
Imagine you are watching the news one day and you recognise someone. Someone who has been very much unalived. Someone who ws dating your beloved daughter. The daughter who has grown increasingly distant in recent months.
Jules and her daughter Leah have been drifting apart for a while, that is until Jules discovers letters that have been hidden away by Leah and a thread once tugged upon, can unravel very quickly. Not only do the letters tell the story between Leah and Dylan, but that he committed the cardinal sin that will have any parent furious on behalf of their child, he broke Leah's heart - so why is he now deceased? How, and by whose hand
A gripping domestic thriller that is artfully constructed. The dual POV creates a detailed narrative that is intriguing and a conclusion that was unexpected. Perfect
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, the author Natali Simmonds and narrators for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
The Diver by Samsun Knight and narrated by Scott Merriman, Dara Brown & Pavi Proczko follows Marta and her husband, diving in Lake Michigan, that is, The Diver by Samsun Knight and narrated by Scott Merriman, Dara Brown & Pavi Proczko follows Marta and her husband, diving in Lake Michigan, that is, until the air supply makfunctions. Only one returns to the surface alive, only one has to live with the fallout, and that one, is Marta - the journey is illustrated in a compelling narrative, detailing the repurcussions as they ripple across Marta's psyche as she tries to undo the error, the family, all the way to the investigators
The primary investigator is Peter, who himself is dealing with the tragic loss of his brother and his subsequent isolation within his grief. HIs job take him to interview Marta's neighbours which in turn enables him to warn her of the vultures circling in the form of other investigators and journalists, hell-bent on making her case a trial of public opinion
This is no ordinary love story, no ordiary crim and no ordinary, or predictable resolution and as such, if you want a unique, original genre busting thriller, then this is for you. Highly recommended
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, Samsun Knight and narrators for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Dear Hanna by Zoje Stage and narrated by Helen Laser is exceptional. This book is the follow-up to Baby Teeth which I was encouraged to read prior to Dear Hanna by Zoje Stage and narrated by Helen Laser is exceptional. This book is the follow-up to Baby Teeth which I was encouraged to read prior to listening, but as ever, I went the other way and listened to Dear Hanna first.
Firstly, Helen Laser is an awesome narrator. The subtle nuances were like thhe tiniest needles of ice pricking at your psyche that built with the storyline, chilling the listener to the bone
Hanna is average, normak perhaps, living with her husband Jacob and his teenage daughter, and working as a phlebotomist, a role which she enjoys perhaps a little too much. the story is told from Hanna's POV and artfully, Stage includes rhetoric between her and her brother Goose, in the form of letters sent from him at college. This strand of the storyline is genius imo as it unravels and tightens
Dear Hanna is an artful foray into the darkest depths of the sociopath mind and how it manifests in an outwardly normal life. The sociopath may try to exist in soceity, within society, but with soceity is a different matter
The twist will knock you for six, so make sure you are sitting down when reading this book
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, Zoje Stage and narrator Helen Laser for this incredible ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Ghost Mother by Kelly Dwyer and narrated by Renata Friedman is a fantastic all-rounder for thriller/ supernatural lovers
I am a huge fan of Renata FrieGhost Mother by Kelly Dwyer and narrated by Renata Friedman is a fantastic all-rounder for thriller/ supernatural lovers
I am a huge fan of Renata Friedman as a narrator and she was the perfect choice to convey the dark ambience of the storyline. Mesmerising
Lily and Jack are relocated to Wisconsin due to his work and Lily sets her heart on a decrepit mansion, believing it will be the dream home to begin their family. However, as she learns stories of tragedy and homicides occurring within the crumbling walls, Lilly begins to see more, hear more. Are the encounters real or imaginary? Is her desperation to become a mother leading her to a mental decline or are there really supernatural entities festering in the couples home and minds
A gripping thriller that almost had me chewing my fingernails to the quick. Glorious
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, the author Kelly Dwyer and narrator Renata Friedman for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own...more
Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman and narrated by Joe Morton is not my usual choice of genre but I am so glad I took the plunge and requested this auWorst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman and narrated by Joe Morton is not my usual choice of genre but I am so glad I took the plunge and requested this audiobook. The performance by Joe Morton is well suited to the storyline and skillfully presented
It's a really, really bad day when a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35000 feet, is in a jet full of passengers and where does it crash? A nuclear power plant. When I first saw the scenario, my initial thought was that someone must have given puppies a hard stare in a past life to deserve that level of bad karma, but Newman creates a narrative that focusses more on the human experience than the event itself and that, is intriguing - how a collective of individuals from all walks of life come together to face a bigger challenge than they could ever imagine
A terrifying concept but written with a deep understanding of human sacrifice in the face of insurmountable peril. Outstanding
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio | Little, Brown & Company, the author T.J. Newman and narrator Joe Morton for this excellent ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Tension by C Monet and narrated by Dylan Ford and Simone Rothschild was a fantastic introduction to the series and this very talented author. The narrTension by C Monet and narrated by Dylan Ford and Simone Rothschild was a fantastic introduction to the series and this very talented author. The narration is pristine and engaging, both narrators work seamlessly together
The story follows Dakota Buck, a highly successful Music Exec, betrayed in his previous relationships, creating a personal barrier that he is unwilling to let down. Still, he joins a matchmaking service which introduces him to Mariah Stanfill, a HIgh School Counsellor and the opposite to him in every way.
A perfect grumpy X sunshine/ cinnamon roll slow burn that delves deep into the complexities of rebuilding trust and relationships. Monet has an exceptional abilioty to convey the deepest intricacies and nuances of bbuilding a relationship, of learning about each other and this comes across in the compelling narrative.A great series for lovers of urban romance
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, C Monet and the narrators for this excellent ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs is a magnificent debut.
You know when you see a synopsis and you get tingles? You just know the book is going tThe Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs is a magnificent debut.
You know when you see a synopsis and you get tingles? You just know the book is going to have you literally howling with laughter and at the same time will tangle you up in a spectacular, glittering mesh of a storyline that tracks you to the centre for the final bite? Well The Retirement Plan is just this and was every bit as good as I thought and then some
Seriously? Is this really a debut?? Imagine the Golden Girls meets Columbo, gives Murder She Wrote the side eye, has a scrap with Miami Vice and joins up with Brooklyn Nine-Nine for sheer comedy/ mystery brilliance with a heart
Are you taking applications? This is a band of ladies that are your ride or die and who will either drive, or bring the shovel
Seriously, I devoured this book because it was just that good! Pre-order, add to your tbr, put it on your preferred holiday/ birthday/ any reason wish list, buy it, loan ot from the library. Any which way you choose, this book will give you a happy face and aching ribs from laughing. Loved it
Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere and the author, Sue Hincenbergs for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Them Bones - To The Grave Duet, Book 1 by A. Atkins and narrated by Jessie Elwyn is a delectable beginning to a new series; dark, gritty and emotive, Them Bones - To The Grave Duet, Book 1 by A. Atkins and narrated by Jessie Elwyn is a delectable beginning to a new series; dark, gritty and emotive, appealing to each and every one of my GenX reading sensibilities. The character develeopment and relationship development between Shane and Laney was frankly a work of art in the school of slow-burn, each and every character being relatable on some level. Oh yes, thi is going on the list to be on the look-out for Book 2!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, A. Atkins and Jessie Elwyn for the ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own...more
The Blind Devotion of Imogene - The Misadventures of Imogene Taylor by David Putnam is the story of a 75 year old ex-con, finally out on parole and reThe Blind Devotion of Imogene - The Misadventures of Imogene Taylor by David Putnam is the story of a 75 year old ex-con, finally out on parole and rebuilding her life. This follows alongside key events in American history, which timestanp Imogens time in prison and gives a luscious retro ambience to the read which I absolutely loved and which added an extra dimension to the quirks and eccentricities of the character.
Imogen did not waste her time in prison, she wrote letters to the president and wrote a novel, both of which gained attention from the Secret Service and rather more dubious characters
Imogen is a treat, the is tough, feisty and utterly hilarious
This one is going on my ppb shelf as she is a keeper. I am not sure how far a series can go, but it seems Imogen will keep raising hell well into her 90s
Thank you to NetGalley, Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and David Putname for this glorious ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
The KLF - Chaos, Magic, and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds written and narrated by John Higgs was a real blast from the past that warmed my coldThe KLF - Chaos, Magic, and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds written and narrated by John Higgs was a real blast from the past that warmed my cold, hard GenX heart. I remember vividly KLF exploding into the public consciousness with 3am eternal and What Time is Love, the clubs and Rave scene clamouring to push out the latest remixes, the huges popularity, then crickets. Nothing apart from a rumour of the KLF setting fire to all of their profits and disappearing like the smoke rising from the ashes.
Nothing until 2021 when a documentary was supposed to land, but was blocked by the band due to copyright... until now, this audiobook, and although it does not have music (fair) it has an interesting insight into the legend that is the KLF. It has an added extra spark than the usual muso biopics and if you dn't know the story of the KLF, you will be intrigued. If you are also GenX and lived it, you will defo learn a couple snippets that were not in the public eye
Well worth a listen/ read of you love your music and social history
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and John Higgs for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
A Good Place to Hide a Body - Bad Sisters meets The Good Life in this fresh and funny thriller by Laura Marshall was such a good that I also bought theA Good Place to Hide a Body - Bad Sisters meets The Good Life in this fresh and funny thriller by Laura Marshall was such a good that I also bought the audiobook on audible in order that I could enjoy it again. A fresh and unique premise with a razor sharp wit and immaculately woven storylines that had me equally howling with laughter and gasping at the twists
The premise hooked me in and as soon as I started reading, I was enraptured. Penny is relatable, looking after her aging, eccentric parents (the horticultural/ allotment politics had me laughing so hard) However, these two are far from what we would expect of an elderly couple, especially when they call Penny in a desperate panic imploring her to come and help. There was a dead body in their garden and they were responsible. This was not their usual type of request and as such, sets off a glorious rampage to resolve the problem.... but don't walk on the roses!
I loved this book and the narration by Karina Fernandez is chef's kiss! Absolutely recommend and then some!
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the outstanding Laura Marshall for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Teddy by Emily Dunlay holds up a magnifying glass to a Texan woman, Teddy Huntley Carlyle, besmirched by losing her virginity at the Coming Out Ball iTeddy by Emily Dunlay holds up a magnifying glass to a Texan woman, Teddy Huntley Carlyle, besmirched by losing her virginity at the Coming Out Ball in 1969, making her a tarnished woman in the vile patriarchal soceity of the time. Teddy is granted respite by marrying David, a diplomat, granting her a life of supposed opulence and glamour, yet behind closed doors, David is domineering and controlling, slowly breaking down her individuality and agency.
Teddy is further isolated by the couple relocating to Rome for David's job, her finances restricted to what David will give her, every move determined by him and what soceital dogma commands. However, during an event, Teddy is caught in a compromising situation by a person from her past and she needs to go to the ends fo the earth and back to recover the evidence of her supposed misdemeanour of her youth
This book is timely and so very well written. It highlights the deeply personal experience of a woman controlled by a patriarchal soceity and the damage that is causes. It almost echoes the story of Marilyn Monroe, yet instead of the constraints of celebrity, it is the constraints of womanhood n the 60s. It is terrifying to remember that this was set only 50 years ago and that soceity is on the precipice of returning there again
An excellent read worth having on your shelf to revisit over and over
Thank you to NetGalley, 4th Estate and William Collins | Fourth Estate and the outstanding Emily Dunlay for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
The Mole People by Kevin Landt is a journey into the depths of the soul and psyche of Suzie Franks, a young woman in LA dealing with Schizophrenia. ThThe Mole People by Kevin Landt is a journey into the depths of the soul and psyche of Suzie Franks, a young woman in LA dealing with Schizophrenia. The insight was fascinating not just on Suzies objective level, but on a subjective level, comparing the differences between healthcare in the US and UK, rich and poor
The thought processes described demonstrate eiether extensive research into, or personal experience of schizophrenia by the author and is to be applauded in how it has been woven into a powerfully compelling storyline
Thank you to NetGalley, Ryland Publishing and Kevin Landt for the outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own...more
Queen B by Juno Dawson is a glorious introduction to the series "Her Majesty's Royal Coven". A jam-packed novella based in the Tudor Era which blooms Queen B by Juno Dawson is a glorious introduction to the series "Her Majesty's Royal Coven". A jam-packed novella based in the Tudor Era which blooms into a delectable prequel that catapulted this series straight on to my TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager and the immensely talented Juno Dawson for the ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Homewrecker by J M Dalgliesh and narrated by Alison Campbell, Tamsin Kennard was brilliance personified. I am a huge fan of Tamsin Kennard as a narratHomewrecker by J M Dalgliesh and narrated by Alison Campbell, Tamsin Kennard was brilliance personified. I am a huge fan of Tamsin Kennard as a narrator and the balance between Kennard and Campbell was sheer perfection and so well suited to this book
The book itself... oh my life, did not see THAT coming! Let me rewind, Sophie has an ideal life. She is a TV anchor who has buily great success, but as she gets older, is enduring the misogyny of her boss who expects her to change her style to be more alluring as she sits besides her vile co-host on set. At home, she has the perfect husband Scott, fit, attractive and only has eyes for her. Their daughter, Katie, is acting out big at school and has been thrown out, again, meaning the family needs a tutor to get her up to speed to find another school. This, is where things really start to swerve.
Deanna is attractive, intelligent and as Sophie observes, very manipulative. Why is she forcing her way into the family, and her home?
I am going to leave the description there so as not to give the plot away, but by eckers this was an absolute blinder! How Dagliesh got to that ending, was so skillful, so articulate, that it cam out of nowhere and sideswiped me into next week. The absolute epitome of a Grade A psychological thriller.Brilliant!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, JM Dalgliesh and the narrators for this excellent ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Long Live Evil by Saarah Rees Brennan was a delight as a book and even more so as an audiobook. Moira Quirk gives a blinder of a performance that matcLong Live Evil by Saarah Rees Brennan was a delight as a book and even more so as an audiobook. Moira Quirk gives a blinder of a performance that matches the prose and characters perfectly!
Brennan is unique in their storytelling and style. It's refreshing and forging it's own path in the Romantasy/ Fantasy genre
There is such a delicious melding and flipping of characters and tropes, turing everything on its head. Whole at times I had to stop and read back (that's on me, not the writing) after adapting to the style, I became completely engrossed and dare I say obsessed by this book
A multitude of dichotomies are the foundation of this book and what an absolute joy they are to work through! A fantastic read and/ or listen for the spooky season and more!
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio | Orbit, Sarah Rees Brennan and Moira Quirk for this excellent ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
The books of Anita Chapman have become a firm favourite with me and the latest, "The Tuscan Diary" is simply beautiful and, like "The Venice Secret" a The books of Anita Chapman have become a firm favourite with me and the latest, "The Tuscan Diary" is simply beautiful and, like "The Venice Secret" and "The Florence Letter" are like apricity, especially in this time of year and in these tumultuous times. Historical fiction over dual timelines that contain within a finely woven tapestry of secrets, hope, love and loss
Jessica's grandfather promised to write a diary every day he was away at war, to show his love for her grandmother. Neither the diary, or her grandfather returned. This is only the beginning of the story, as one day, out of the blue, the diary appears at Jessica's front door, with a mysterious man attached, Allesandro.
As Jessica reads through the notebook, she is inspired to journey to Tuscany, to her grandfathers final resting place. Jessica is determined to discover more about her family, to uncover the mystery of her grandfather's passing and to work through a myriad of emotions and events that will lead her to understand finally who she is and where she will go
A gorgeous story that held my attention throughout. Cosy up and escape to the warmth of the pages of The Tuscan Diary ...more
The Irish Family Secret by Daisy O'Shea is the third in a series of stand-alone books set in Roone Bay in picturesque rural Ireland. Immediately, the The Irish Family Secret by Daisy O'Shea is the third in a series of stand-alone books set in Roone Bay in picturesque rural Ireland. Immediately, the highly illustrative nature of O'Shea's prose grabs the reader, drawing them into a complex family saga
The beauty of this book, is that it spans generations within the same families, not only reflecting the interaction between the families and the individuals, but also the community in which they live and the deep connection to the land on which they live and nurture
Ginny returns home to Ireland, brought by her work as an archaeologist. She is surrounded by a myriad of secrets, not just that within the families, but her own
The central tenet of the book is resolution between the warring families, but will the age-old secret shatter the tentative truce?
A fantastic read, perfect to cosy up with on a cold day. Riveting and relatable, complex and comforting. Outstanding
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Daisy OShea for this lovely ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
Eden's Comfort Kitchen is the third book I have read from Tilly Tennant and it does not disappoint. Tennants are the books you turn to when you want tEden's Comfort Kitchen is the third book I have read from Tilly Tennant and it does not disappoint. Tennants are the books you turn to when you want to have your heart warmed and invigorated, enthused by the power of the human spirit for the self and others
Eden believes she causes havoc wherever she goes, and it would be better for all if she just left and started anew elsewhere. She has just lost her mother and decides to relocate to Seaglass Bay, in the cottage where she spent many idyllic Summers as a child. She want's to give back to the community her mother loved and when she sees how they struggle during the off-peak season, she decides to open a comfort cafe. However, things go awry when a face from Eden's past returns, and not just for a friendly ello. Cap is looking to sell the land from beneath the communities feet...
Another beauty from Tennant that will warm your soul and engage your heart. Absolutely stunning
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Tilly Tennant for this wonderful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own ...more
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