What the blinking frick!!! This is my favourite one yet! It’s going straight on to my list for book of the year, holy mackerel what a blinding book! GWhat the blinking frick!!! This is my favourite one yet! It’s going straight on to my list for book of the year, holy mackerel what a blinding book! Gosh, what else is there to say! My heart is pumping so fast from the adrenaline of this book, it DID.NOT.STOP!!! Wow!! From the get-go you are compelled to read the pages, you need to know about the past, you need to know about the argument, you need to know what happens next!
Ok, some sensible writing now, what a book! We have alternating chapters between Josie trying to find her sister and Alex who is living a horrific life! I figured one bit out, but holy smokes didn’t see all of the outcome coming my way!!
The second Trinity goes missing, it is a high octane, always moving, never a breathe being taken as we need to find her and pronto. Josie is consulting on the case, she had an argument with Trinity before she went missing and the guilt she feels is palpable. So much needs to be to said between the pair, and there were some nice touches and hidden messages which I loved. It was also a chance for the twins to realise how little they thought they knew about each, a glimpse to Trinity sad past and also a chance meeting to know how connected they really were, it is a full circle!
One of the key things in this book is family and how it can be the strongest support system you have with the right people. Josie still trying to “fit” in with her family, Trinity trying to be accepted for who she is and Alex, Alex bless him will never have a face that fits in his family. Each subject touched within this confine is done delicately and certain subjects are tackled with care.
Alex, wow, this is one person I felt sorry for. What a life, a pig of a Dad who controlled the household. His mother a successful artist and a sister who is kept locked away. At first, you think you know how he is connected to the present day, then you aren’t sure as Regan throws a few red herrings about and then you are sure. But when it’s made clear how everything is connected, it’s shocking and you still can’t help but feel sorry for him.
This is quite simply, without a doubt, the best book in the series to date (I am not including book 1 or 2 as I’ve still not read it, despite buying them years ago!!). It is quite simply Regans best book, her writing has blown me away. When I saw how many chapters/pages there were, I panicked as I thought I might not finish it in time. However, I read it in about 3 hours as the book did not let go and I had to know how it ended, I mean there was a lot at stake here!
Every book review I write I always make a comment that I want more of Mettner and I kind of got my wish as he is in charge of the case….but there was still not enough of him, so I will wait patiently for the next one, whilst chomping at the bit!!
I really could gush about Find Her Alive all day, it has everything you need in a book, the thrills, the lighter moments, the touching moments, the angry moments, the sad moments and the satisfying conclusion. Although don’t get too annoyed with yourself if you find that you do feel sorry for the killer, I know I did.
Merged review:
What the blinking frick!!! This is my favourite one yet! It’s going straight on to my list for book of the year, holy mackerel what a blinding book! Gosh, what else is there to say! My heart is pumping so fast from the adrenaline of this book, it DID.NOT.STOP!!! Wow!! From the get-go you are compelled to read the pages, you need to know about the past, you need to know about the argument, you need to know what happens next!
Ok, some sensible writing now, what a book! We have alternating chapters between Josie trying to find her sister and Alex who is living a horrific life! I figured one bit out, but holy smokes didn’t see all of the outcome coming my way!!
The second Trinity goes missing, it is a high octane, always moving, never a breathe being taken as we need to find her and pronto. Josie is consulting on the case, she had an argument with Trinity before she went missing and the guilt she feels is palpable. So much needs to be to said between the pair, and there were some nice touches and hidden messages which I loved. It was also a chance for the twins to realise how little they thought they knew about each, a glimpse to Trinity sad past and also a chance meeting to know how connected they really were, it is a full circle!
One of the key things in this book is family and how it can be the strongest support system you have with the right people. Josie still trying to “fit” in with her family, Trinity trying to be accepted for who she is and Alex, Alex bless him will never have a face that fits in his family. Each subject touched within this confine is done delicately and certain subjects are tackled with care.
Alex, wow, this is one person I felt sorry for. What a life, a pig of a Dad who controlled the household. His mother a successful artist and a sister who is kept locked away. At first, you think you know how he is connected to the present day, then you aren’t sure as Regan throws a few red herrings about and then you are sure. But when it’s made clear how everything is connected, it’s shocking and you still can’t help but feel sorry for him.
This is quite simply, without a doubt, the best book in the series to date (I am not including book 1 or 2 as I’ve still not read it, despite buying them years ago!!). It is quite simply Regans best book, her writing has blown me away. When I saw how many chapters/pages there were, I panicked as I thought I might not finish it in time. However, I read it in about 3 hours as the book did not let go and I had to know how it ended, I mean there was a lot at stake here!
Every book review I write I always make a comment that I want more of Mettner and I kind of got my wish as he is in charge of the case….but there was still not enough of him, so I will wait patiently for the next one, whilst chomping at the bit!!
I really could gush about Find Her Alive all day, it has everything you need in a book, the thrills, the lighter moments, the touching moments, the angry moments, the sad moments and the satisfying conclusion. Although don’t get too annoyed with yourself if you find that you do feel sorry for the killer, I know I did....more
Only Carol could write a rom-com and let her darkness seep in through the pages! This story has a heartbreaking opening where we meet Charlie and her Only Carol could write a rom-com and let her darkness seep in through the pages! This story has a heartbreaking opening where we meet Charlie and her plight in life. She has split from husband Gavin, albeit amicable after what they have been through but Charlie, she is in a rut.
Disastrous dates have left her alone and most days she is fine but she has lost her sparkle. After being slightly sozzled on New Year’s Eve at her best friends Mercedes house, they write a list, a bucket list of sorts and a clever idea, they swap lists. Charlie, so drunk and hungover does not remember it but she gets her groove on with doing these challenges. One that I would love to do is the shark tank, but enough said on the matter.
For me, this book has it all. A woman who has lost her way, she needs her sparkle and we see her on an adventure of Challenge Charlie where she is trying to raise funds for the Hospital Radio that will not be able to carry on if they don’t raise the money pronto.
I loved getting to know Charlie and I loved her journey. She did so many things I would love to do!! Zorbing, zip-wiring to name a few. She is someone I could so easily relate to, she has such a fantastic set of friends who are there for her and build her, she just needs to see what they see. I think that we all fall foul of this, no one is willing to admit what people see them is a fact.
HOWEVER! Yes, I had to shout then! Despite all this wonderful frivolity and fun, and you can’t read this review without me mentioned the wonderful Bert! He is a parrot and just the best. Despite this, Carol and her darkness are seeping in, you can see the dark smoke tendrils moving into Charlie’s life, trying to grab her and well things could very nearly go a different way! Nail-biting times to be had and I was not expecting that in the book. Don’t get me wrong this does not last long, but throughout the book, there are hints to what could be happening. I think this added to a layer to the book which you don’t normally get in romantic comedy books!
I haven’t met a main character of Carol’s that I did not like yet and Charlie will have a special place for me. Charlie could be me! She could be any one of us. Life is ridiculously too short and I think I need to start making my bucket list a reality!
Take A Chance on Me is most definitely perfectly titled. It is a book that will take a hold of you from the start, it is engrossing, light, funny and quite poignant. Charlie needs to take a chance on herself, she needs to trust the people around her and realise that she deserves a chance, she deserves love and she deserves her sparkle....more
I don’t ever remember reading a cosy mystery before and for this to be my first outing, well I couldn’t ask for a better welcome. I have been eager toI don’t ever remember reading a cosy mystery before and for this to be my first outing, well I couldn’t ask for a better welcome. I have been eager to read this book for so long, so when Gina asked if I wanted to read this well I jumped at the chance. I adore Gina and her Mavis Upton series so to have a chance to meet Pru properly I would have eaten a hat!
Yes, there are murders, hence the title, but the book is very light-hearted and the comradery with the woman in the WI was so heartfelt and hilarious. I loved them. They made me smile and Pru is a hoot. So many mishaps and even the deaths are done in a comical way but it doesn’t distract from the fact women have died.
I found it an incredibly easy book to read but a difficult one to put down. It was fascinating to watch everything so unravel, the women being picked off one by one and the inventive ways they were picked off. Not sure I could look at lemon drizzle lemon cake the same!!
I know authors are always nervous when they introduce new characters to the fold and I know that as a reader you to get nervous, I mean what if we don’t like them!! I have to say Gina doesn’t disappoint because I feel like Pru has always been in my life! She fits in straightaway, her personality shines and I found her endearing although constantly finding trouble!!!
Gina’s books are a ray of sunshine. They bring a smile to your face and you know are going to have a fun adventure and there will be laughs along the way. When you open up a book with Gina Kirkham on it, you just know that you have a style of writing that will make you happy. It is a style you will instantly recognise and its a formula that works perfectly. Gina was born to write this story of Pru, her personality shines through the pages and as I said before its a hoot!!...more
I read this book a year ago and wrote my review for this book straight after and have waited so long to share my thoughts with you! I am so glad that I read this book a year ago and wrote my review for this book straight after and have waited so long to share my thoughts with you! I am so glad that as part of SHOctober I finally get to!! These were and still are my thoughts!
I have to try and get my thoughts out because, to be honest, I don’t want any more dreams about this book. If this was a film it would be something I would go and see, I mean a film about a creepy and haunted asylum, what more do you want?
How about unsuspecting victims? How about a massacre that no one speaks about? How about a place that doesn’t forget? Or how about an anniversary and the spirits are here? If that wasn’t enough how about lots of sex, blood and a heck of a lot of gore! Enticed you yet to read this book.
My eyes were as big as saucers, my stomach churned, my jaw dropped and every sound I heard troubled me. Yup, I did the best thing you could do…I read the book at midnight in pitch black. A place where you can almost feel the darkness suffocating you. Hellsleigh will set your teeth on edge, all through the power of words. I am still so tightly coiled like a spring, and that’s not a good thing in this book. My brain can’t shut off from this book, the visceral descriptions that are laid out in front of you, stay with you.
4 friends getting drunk and high, 4 people investigating the history and a tramp, for one night they are linked… let’s just say, I am glad I am not one of them! The true story of the asylum needed to be told, people need to hear it, I just don’t want to investigate it. I would love to do a ghost walk, a bit like Most Haunted but to be honest, this book would put me off it. Plus with the atrocities that happen here, the blood, well I will never do it…..ever!! The crazy thing, this book is just one day and one night. The crap hits the fan, we have some preamble but that preamble still puts you on edge. It is relentless and I bloody loved it.
There is so much more to say, there really is. Duncan’s writing knows no bounds, the imagery is a dark and haunting one and when he goes dark and gruesome it’s dark!! Definitely do not read before you go to sleep, as you are never quite sure who or what is lurking in those shadows.
At the time of writing, this was my first book by Duncan and what an intro. He has written the type of horror book I didn’t know I needed, the type to give you nightmares and for me, that’s not easy at all! I mean I can’t shift the book out of my head! I think it is going to haunt me for a long time. ...more
The Other Couple will make sure you are never nice to strangers that is for sure! Maggie and Brad the unknowingly duped couple are on holiday. One wanThe Other Couple will make sure you are never nice to strangers that is for sure! Maggie and Brad the unknowingly duped couple are on holiday. One wants to repair the marriage, the other wants to do anything other than talk about their marriage. They accidentally “bump” into Joe and Skye, not so accidentally though, they are a mark. Quickly, way too quickly this couple become entwined with each other.
A big twist happens early on in the book and I wasn’t sure how the rest of the book would play out. Events happened, some I could see coming but it didn’t detract from the intensity of the situation, the isolation of what was happening.
I did like reading the book from all 4 points of view. It is always intriguing to see things from other people and as mentioned before it completely adds to the unreliability to them because people always see things differently.
There are elements in the book where you feel not a lot is happening, but in fact, these scenes are building the characters, giving us reliable and unreliable viewpoints. However, I don’t think I liked any of the characters. They were all flawed, which can make for great reading, but they really weren’t likeable people. At stages, I was completely put off with the characters by their behaviour, everything seemed too calm and serene when in fact something bad was going on. I got frustrated with them and I got the frustration they had with each other. I know for sure I will not be friends with anyone on holiday again, that is what the book taught me! Although with ulterior motives you might be hard done for regardless.
The ending did catch me off guard a bit, it was like the final piece of the puzzle that you didn’t realise you needed, the final kicker. I was surprised at how quickly I got to the epilogue because I still had unanswered questions and I fear they will stay there in Lake Tahoe.
One thing is for sure, nothing is ever what it seems....more
Wowzers! What a book!! I had zero clues what was in store for me and I didn’t expect this one. It was a dark look at the world of money, and the storyWowzers! What a book!! I had zero clues what was in store for me and I didn’t expect this one. It was a dark look at the world of money, and the story of the ones that have it and the ones who don’t.
Tabitha our leading lady, madly in love with Connor, a boy she dated as a teenager. Who inadvertently dumps her for money, when he waltzes back into her life, and now there is a lot more money at stake.
The book flies down the track at full speed. We meet Nina, we meet Connor, there is love, there is Tabitha, there is death and there is a whole lot of what the actual heck is happening. I love how Michele’s book really amp up on the tension and ferocity of the secrets and red herrings and twists are at a neck-breaking speed. I personally loved this! It made for such an enthralling read.
I did find Tabitha a bit wet at times and careless. Yet, this whole situation we find ourselves in wouldn’t have occurred if she had not behaved that way. She is easily manipulated and naive when it comes to the way her life is progressing.
I could never make my mind up with the characters because in the way they were written, one minute I hated them and then the next bit I didn’t hate them as much and round and round we go. They all had their flaws and weaknesses and these things start coming to the forefront of the story. Blasé comments made, mean so much more as you start to reach the end, literally pulling that bloody rug from you.
I found this book to be quite addictive (thank god for Christmas break) and one I wanted to read in one sitting. I was a sucker for the storyline and for how this story would all play out. Who would be left still standing once the dust had settled?...more
Until I had the chance to interview Alan on a podcast I was featured on, I am sorry to say I had never heard of him. Well, now this has completely chaUntil I had the chance to interview Alan on a podcast I was featured on, I am sorry to say I had never heard of him. Well, now this has completely changed! I am going to have to reign myself in before I get a restraining order because he now has a huge fan with me. I asked Alan for all new readers, like myself, what book should I read first, his answer The Hostage. While he was still talking I had popped on to Amazon and bought the book. I have not looked back, I even have my next one lined up.
Being a novella, I read this in a day, what a book! What an introduction to Alan! This was only released this year, April, and yes there are a couple of references to COVID but nothing to detract from the book, just something to emphasise a characters’ quirk. What is even more fascinating about this book is the beginning of the book is based on something that happened to his girlfriend, however, he allowed his mind to go to the extreme to what would happen if it all went to pot.
Here we have a book that is literally go go go, it is only 142 pages but it is a taut thriller. From the get-go, your head is spinning with the threats to your life. Lindsey, struggling with a baby, university and a complete douche in her life is the unlucky lady to be home the day Dean is on the run. You feel things could work out ok if its just Dean in the book. You feel Lindsey could maybe handle the situation. The second we are introduced to Michael however, you know it will never be the same. Cold, calculating and hates witnesses, this is where you feel the first shiver of doubt.
I found the way Alan wrote this book to such an enticing one. He does not relent on the action, he has wasted no word with long drawn out scenes of descriptions. It is literally wham, bam, thank you mam kind of book. It knocked my socks off. It is not a boring book, I love that we are drawn into the whims of everyone’s lives. We have the key players, we know things aren’t right, but all you care about at the moment is who will make it out alive. However, that is not to say I don’t want more, more writing, more books by this author because I do, and thank god I do!...more
I am not quite sure how I feel about this book and I am finding it hard to write this review. I found the narrator to be perfect for the book, she gotI am not quite sure how I feel about this book and I am finding it hard to write this review. I found the narrator to be perfect for the book, she got the pacing and intensity perfectly. She knew the right moments to add tension with changing the pace of her voice and pitch. She got me riled up, shocked and completely hooked. I will definitely be listening to her narrate again and the fact she has books on my list I can’t wait.
Back to the book, I did find it fascinating. This story of Regi, her crippling OCD and we are in a house with her and 3 other girls when we meet her. She is trying to recover from a shocking incident one that we have no idea about at the start. We just know that she is struggling, she is trying to re-enter a world with people but she has a compulsion. Her OCD is taking over her life and to see someone struggle so much was hard to read. Each of us has a small part of OCD, I have certain things which I have OCD over, and in a way, I could relate to the way Reg felt if she didn’t complete the routine. She felt something bad would happen, the little voice in her head that is quite destructive.
We also have a “Then” section of the book which broke my heart. This story of a woman completely in love but she is abused, not just physically but mentally too. She is being worn down, broken, and she is just a shell of a woman. This was not easy to read.
The entire book was unsettling, it was dark and tense and a page-turner. However, the jigsaw pieces weren’t slotting in to place, and for me, I had to get someone to explain to me their theory on the book and it then made complete sense to me. I did struggle, I found the book clever but in the last 10%, the execution just lacked a little bit of clarity for me. But that is after the event, during the listening for me I was hooked and I wanted to keep listening and listening and listening. I was listening when I was running at 6:30 am instead of my normal morning playlist. I wanted to know why Regi had her compulsions, I wanted to know who this woman was and why was Instagram so pivotal to Regi.
I adored The Daughter-in-Law but unfortunately, The House Mate just didn’t reach the same level as that did. I will read another book by Ms Manning though because I still find her writing so enticing....more
I am going to say it right off the bat, I like Love Actually. When I first saw it, I thought it was cute and I loved how everyone linked and yes it maI am going to say it right off the bat, I like Love Actually. When I first saw it, I thought it was cute and I loved how everyone linked and yes it made me laugh and cry. I took it at face value. Over the years, I realised some things weren’t that romantic and cute about this film Andrew Lincoln/ Keira Knightley and Alan Rickman/Emma Thompson, but it is still easy to watch and I still enjoy it.
Then this book came along and I just had to read it because well its a book based on a film! My favourite kind.
This book! It made me laugh, it made me think but it also made me open my eyes and rethink what the frick was happening in that film. I can’t remember the last time I watched this film, it has been years and years but I do want to rewatch it even more so now.
Every scene is scrutinised, but not in a bashing way, although some scenes deserve it, but it a logical way. I didn’t realise how much fat-shaming had been done! Seemingly innocent scenes take on a new meaning with the book. Daniel (Liam Neeson) grieving his wife and Karen (Emma Thompson) telling him to stop crying or he won’t get laid (paraphrasing here) just isn’t funny now, his wife hasn’t even been buried yet! When I watched the film originally, I didn’t even think of that but now, well now I cringe at the thought.
For me, the infamous scene with Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson and the whole CD/necklace saga. Yes, Alan Rickman is still completely in the wrong but the authors take on it made me rethink the entire scene in a good way but he is still wrong!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I think every film needs a book like this. It was fascinating to read and I felt I could picture each scene in my head as we dissected it. Every nuance, every word spoken, action taken. I sped through this book because even know we know how the film ends, I didn’t know how the book would end. It was insightful watching the film through another perspective and I took off my rose-tinted glasses to see the film in another light. Amazing what film directors got away with back in the day, with the innuendos, fat-shaming, class shaming, sexual predators. This film wouldn’t have been made in this day, and to be honest, not sure if that is a good or bad thing.
Don’t get me wrong, I will watch the film again and I will probably enjoy the film again, it is escapism especially if you don’t look for the deeper meanings. I mean Hugh Grant, thank you. I will, however, watch it with fresh eyes and see it how it should be seen, at its rawest and ugliest form. The author hasn’t made me hate the film, yet, but gave me a new appreciation for it. I will, however, always enjoy the Hugh Grant dancing scene.
I applaud Mr Raymond for writing this book, it was witty, insightful and I felt like we were having a conversation whilst reading it. These are the types of conversations I love, discussing movies! Would love to see what film he could rip apart for me next!! As I said earlier, it’s not all bashing. It’s logical, it’s fresh, and it’s fun and it’s well worth the read!...more
This is not a long audiobook just under 6 hours but it doesn’t half pack a lot in. The murders in this short tale remind me of Predator with my fav ArThis is not a long audiobook just under 6 hours but it doesn’t half pack a lot in. The murders in this short tale remind me of Predator with my fav Arnie, they are gruesome and shocking and deliciously disturbing. I loved that! The book opens with a shock, one which we know is coming as it’s in the blurb. It really doesn’t prepare you though for it.
Once I downloaded it, I started listening to it straight away but I must admit I don’t think I should have started it. I lost track of all the characters, there is quite an assortment but the authors write them down as one name but when they are spoken to they are called something else. It did not make it for easy listening. I didn’t find I particularly warmed to any characters at all but again I think it is because I lost track of everything and couldn’t connect with any of them.
Also, do not read any of the reviews before listening. I made that mistake and well one review told me the ending. Knowing what I did, my own fault I was trying to gauge whether to download it or not, it kind of gave me a pre-judgement. I tried as much as I could to like the book. I found elements I did, I could feel elements of Predator, The Descent and well the worse film of them all, well I can’t tell you which film as that, for me, is a spoiler.
The book did start strong, it has an intense opening, but I felt the rest of the book didn’t live up to it. It did kind of fall a bit flat, but the end of the book was chilling and I can say I didn’t walk away without some chills down my spine. It’s the most terrifying part of the book. The other parts of the book didn’t give me the intended scares I think it was meant to. However! Yes, there is a however, if this was made into a film, my god I can imagine that they would go to town with this and it would permanently make your skin crawl.
Maybe I wasn’t in the mood for it after all but I wanted to give it a try. I am glad I did, I wanted to be terrified but I was more creeped out instead. I know for one thing I will not be going to a camping trip in those blinking woods and I will be staying away from caves. If I do have to go out there, I will be bringing a UV light, want to know why? Read the book!!...more
Well, this woman! She is a tricksy little minx! She will have you suspecting your own gran of murder if you let her!! This is a dark tale of revenge aWell, this woman! She is a tricksy little minx! She will have you suspecting your own gran of murder if you let her!! This is a dark tale of revenge and a lot of fire!
It is the first devilish tale I have read by Keri and I chose a good one. I questioned everyone, I suspected a few people including the MC! No one is safe. We are thrown into a full circle tale and it is so deliciously good. I will be coming back for more for sure.
We have characters all closed off and slightly damaged by the past. All affecting them in different ways and sometimes not for the better. Things are sinister from the get-go and it is relentless. Even when you think things are quietening down, Keri will be there pulling the rug from under you. She is not here to give you an easy ride that’s for sure!!
When you are given behind the scenes with the said psychopath, the author tries to reach the reader, to encourage some empathy or even some sympathy. Weirdly, in this book, I had very little. I closed myself off, couldn’t forgive for some reason. I just didn’t accept the reasoning but what is odd I agreed with everything they were doing. I marvelled how they did things, how they got away with it just and had no remorse for the victims. I just didn’t like the said killer. They intrigued me, they shocked me but I think it is because I felt they didn’t want sympathy they just wanted to cold-blooded revenge. I mean is there anything better? I know I am such a conundrum! I found it thrilling and exciting and all deliciously good in that way, I didn’t give sympathy, mainly because I didn’t want to be next on the list, but it is a very dark tale for sure. My favourite kind.
Trust No One will keep you hooked and up all night if you allow it. Olivia and her story is not a light read but it is an addictive one as you race to find out what the heck is going on, but will you be too late? It kept me up late and woke me up early to find out the truth behind the fateful day of the past. To find out who would be next and what terrifying way would they be killed. I love books that just ebb away at you, constantly on your mind and is in the back of your mind whispering Read Me because I assure you that is what happened here!!
My first book by Keri and now I am hooked I will be going to check out her other books for sure!...more
This is my second outing with Duncan, my first I can’t talk about yet but that was an awesome book. Here in Bad Blood, he is nowhere near as dark as hThis is my second outing with Duncan, my first I can’t talk about yet but that was an awesome book. Here in Bad Blood, he is nowhere near as dark as he was in that book. This may be book 3 in the series but we are introduced to a new character called Alicia Weekes and this made it easier to read as a standalone. I do have the other 2 books to read and will go back to them as the previous cases were recapped but I felt comfortable reading this out of order. Crazy I know!
I knew I would be in for a ride with one of Duncan’s books and it was a mad ride. The deaths were gruesome, the time was tight and things were just intense. I had no idea who was committing such shocking murders, I mean in some respect they were, dare I say it, entertaining, mainly because of how imaginative they were. They did make me wince quite a lot when reading those scenes because Duncan can paint such a vivid description as if you were there experiencing it with them. Ouch is putting it ever so mildly!
One thing I quite liked starting at Book 3 is I have no loyalty to Nas as she is a new character to me. I got to meet her with Alicia. I got to see the dislike by both the women, and I have to say my head went with Alicia, I think her name might have won it for me...more
So I frigging loved this book! Although, not sure I want to go skiing again after reading this and I do enjoy a spot of skiing, might just stay away fSo I frigging loved this book! Although, not sure I want to go skiing again after reading this and I do enjoy a spot of skiing, might just stay away from this resort. I loved the concept of Snoop too, a social media app to track people’s music taste and listen to what they are listening to at the moment, it is quite intimate and intrusive at the same time but it brought background to the team to where everything begins.
As is the way when skiing, at times you are truly isolated when on the mountain if you have an empty run, but those avalanche warnings aren’t something to be messed with. That warning brings the start of something quite dark and devious. I had my suspicions from the start, but I wasn’t 100% confident in my reckoning. It reminded me of Agatha Christies And then there were none (my second favourite Christie book) where people are picked off One by One. But like always, is it the obvious person who is committing these heinous acts or is there someone else to blame?
I flew threw this book, the chapters are short and succinct. When we are with Liz, a shareholder of Snoop we see what it is like to be on the inside. When we are with Erin, the Chalet host, we see the outsiders point of view and both offering interesting takes on the events as they unfold.
I loved that the story is only told from two characters point of view. It made for riveting reading and adds a layer of mystery because you really didn’t know what was going on outside that small bubble. We are only told things when the character themselves learn of the events. Who is safe? Who should we be worried about? When the avalanche causes problems and the chalet is basically on its own kind of lockdown then the fun really begins. A web of deceit has been woven but do the reasons justify the crime.
Gah, so much I want to say, I just thoroughly enjoyed it, the cold and stark yet beautiful setting of the mountains. The unsuspecting flies in the middle of a spiders web. For me, it worked, I know it hasn’t for some people, but for me it did. I was racing through the book, eager to know how it would all end. To see if it would end, or would it just be a vicious loop. I felt the cold, I have experienced that cold but to be shut off from the world. To be truly alone, on a mountain that truly terrifies me....more
I think I have to talk about the book itself before I review it. In the UK we are lucky enough to get a hardback version where it is double-ended. YouI think I have to talk about the book itself before I review it. In the UK we are lucky enough to get a hardback version where it is double-ended. You can start reading on the bright yellow sunshine door, or you can start it on the glum blue cloudy door. Reflecting on the book, I don’t think it matters which one we start the book on, I think it is more how we end. Do we view the ending to a happy one, if so so the yellow door is our route, but do we find the ending bittersweet, well if so please head to the blue door. This is how I interpreted it but that is what I love, it is completely open to interpretation.
More is less here, the story of Samuel is a tale of sorrow. A man living half a life due to the events in the past. Events which are told to us slowly and all from the point of view of Samuel. What I love is that it is so subjective, we only know the things that Samuel knows. When he hears of events that happen from someone else it at times contradicts his, which makes us question it all. The other thing I really enjoyed is that Samuel does not reveal everything to us from the start. We are led to believe the innocent things, the voices in calls, the background noises, the sights. It is only, later on, we know the truth.
There is something I found quite magical about this book. I can’t be too explicit to why as I do not want to ruin the mystery for you. I did find the writing to be quite entrancing, I think because of the tone of the book. Despite the story and themes that run through the book, the book is quite conversational, it made it for easy reading and with the short chapters, well we all know the pitfalls of that.
A stunning book, one where I could have happily read a couple more hundred pages of it seemed to be over way too soon. Although it is short and quite compact, it is a poignant tale, there is warmth and loss and it makes you think. There is one particular line in the book that resonated for me and it might just be a new mantra for me.
We shouldn’t yearn for a past that’s already gone and can’t be changed.
It is a beautiful, poetic and a remarkably fresh look at life and I think its the perfect way to end this review. Not because I have nothing more to say, in fact, it is the opposite, there is too much to say but I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone. I have not read anything before by this author but I will be taking the time to check out his other books....more
I really can see why this book has been hailed as Dexter in Stilettos, Camilla the MC is just so kick-ass!! I found that I was hooked throughout this I really can see why this book has been hailed as Dexter in Stilettos, Camilla the MC is just so kick-ass!! I found that I was hooked throughout this book, I lived vicariously through Camilla and her plight for getting justice against a certain type of men.
I love that this is a different kind of book that I needed to read. This a vigilante story, one that shows a strong woman enacting justice…maybe where she shouldn’t be but fricking glamourous at doing it.
Camilla is just so alive, when you meet her she doesn’t feel it. She feels like she is a void, but as an outsider, you feel like she is alive. She gets the thrill from doing something she absolutely shouldn’t be doing but I could not fault her reason and part of me was egging her to carry on. I wanted her to carry on her plan, I wanted her to get justice. I mean I could be an accomplice with the thoughts I had throughout the books.
There is something so charismatic about Camilla. Yes, she is aloof with her friends, and refer to the void comment above. Yet, I found I was enamoured by her. There really was something so fascinating about her and I was totally hooked by her. She knows what she wanted and was not afraid to embrace her darkness, there is a lot of darkness not only in her actions but her past. A connection, that is all that is needed. She provided us with a lot of sex, lust and gore but not all at the same time…..well…….
I have never read anything by Zoe Caldwell before but I know that the next time I see a book with her name on, I will be there with bells on if this was anything to go by. Her writing is like her characters, intoxicating, riveting and addictive. I didn’t want to put this book down but before I knew it was over. Gutted. I wanted more! LOL. I would love to see a sequel for sure!...more
This is one mind-bending book! It is also a completely fascinating concept with doppelgängers and super recognisers, one that boggled my little brain This is one mind-bending book! It is also a completely fascinating concept with doppelgängers and super recognisers, one that boggled my little brain as I was sucked on such an unexpected journey.
I will admit I didn’t know much about super recognisers so I felt like I have learned something while listening to this book. It is amazing how people can just “tell” who someone is by looking at them from the smallest of mannerisms. I rarely forget a face but these people put me to shame. Throw in the doppelgänger aspect and it is enough to mess with my head let alone our MC’s Kate. Then, yes and there is a then! Why not add another layer to the mix with something called Capgras Syndrome which is caused by severe brain trauma, where you start to believe that the person in front of you is in fact an imposter and not the person you know and love.
Head messed up yet?
We meet Kate recovering from a car accident where she has suffered brain trauma, which affects her super recognising skills. She is well on the road to recovery until small things start to happen and she is questioning the man she loves, is it really him?
It is a fraught tale, I was questioning who was involved, is Rob really Rob or is it his doppelganger? Who else is involved? Why were people messing with Kate? But then I found out and that chilled me to the core. But no it doesn’t finish there, when I got to the end of the book I felt like something still wasn’t right, something for me hadn’t been tied up in a bow as you would expect and Mr Monroe threw me a clanger to make my jaw drop, my blood ran cold and then I got the words “The End.” I am still reeling from it, still not quite how to process the closing chapters, not even sure I can trust what I have been told.
In truth, this book terrifies me. The technology, the theory, the fact that this could actually happen knocked me for six. I know I will never trust the camera on my laptop again!
This is such a chilling, clever, creative, tense and fascinating story with its multiple layers. I can’t explain how everything fits together but I am in awe of such a book such as this. I can’t even find the words to write about this book, I just don’t think I can do it justice. It is a dark and blustery path we travelled and it is one I am glad I took. If this was a book I would be burning through my kindle but as I was listening, I spent my time urging the narrator to hurry up, we were against the clock here. I have to say the narrator Eilidh Beaton did an absolutely fabulous job, she knew how to build up the tension in the book and when to read it to diffuse the situation. I will definitely listen to her narration again!
The Other You is stuck in my mind now, even though I am trying to get the words out with this review. The sensation this is something we could see in our future, if it is not already out there, the world of technology is a dangerous game, especially in the wrong hands despite their reasoning behind it all.
Mr Monroe, you can count me in as a fan now!...more
This was a lovely story and in all honesty, I loved that we left Sunnybrook. We met new people and having Carrie as the focus of this book was refreshThis was a lovely story and in all honesty, I loved that we left Sunnybrook. We met new people and having Carrie as the focus of this book was refreshing. It was nice to see Maddy and hear briefly about Fen and Jazz but I loved that this story took a step away from the girls.
I love the sound of Silverbells and I would love to go and stay in Snowdrop Cottage it sounded lush! Plus if a man-made an igloo I would be straight in there with him, candles and some alcohol. It just all sounded cute.
I really am an old romantic at heart and I love the story, of true love never running freely the first time. Soul mates tend to meet, break up and then spend the rest of their lives being happy and I feel this is what is going to happen here. That makes me happy.
The only thing I wasn’t a fan of in this book was Adam. He turned out being someone I didn’t expect and care for really. Maybe he will get a chance to redeem himself but there was something about him that didn’t sit right with me.
I love that we have so many possibilities now for so many more stories now we have been to Silverbells. So many characters I want to see again, Anita, Nora and Reenee to make 3! Plus we have the girls in the other cafe and the ones down in Cornwall and the original three. Years and years of stories and character development and that feels exciting and truly special. I hope it never ends! ...more
I know I am a broken record but this is by far the best one in the series. It was a chilling, so chilling and intense ride, and a story where tears leI know I am a broken record but this is by far the best one in the series. It was a chilling, so chilling and intense ride, and a story where tears leaked.
For me, the backstory of the person doing the heinous crime didn’t interest me. This was because the way these awful acts were carried out, was so inventive but so chilling, it was the forefront of the whole book. I was fascinated with how the events unfurled. I was gazumped with how these people were dying and behaving the way they were.
This is definitely going to be a book that goes in my top books for the year. I was so worried about Josie and the team, the family, no one was safe. Breath Your Last packed such a punch, I need a break from reading. My emotions are all over the place, Lisa has created a unit you care about and bloody worry about and here it’s no different. My jaw was dropping and I was completely fearful for the everyone involved. It is hard to explain why without spoiling it. But what I will say, if someone can harm you, without anyone suspecting anything, at any time, how can it not be terrifying.
The title of this book has way too many meaning that I really don’t want to explore. On reflection, its chilling but its perfect and its a sign of things to come.
With one of Lisa’s books, you just can’t get enough of her storytelling nor Denton and the world she is building there. Each book we discover a new area, we meet new well-crafted characters, she adds new layers of fear and man these killers are not ones you want to cross paths with. Do we dare delve in Lisa’s dark dark mind?
Things are never as they seem, initial thoughts are never quite right and always expected the unexpected. I am never disappointed when I read a Josie Quinn book, there is always action, thrills and death-defying rescues, but maybe nothing too elaborate next time? Just a thought....more
I am seriously going to run out of words that I can use about a Rich Amooi book. Each book I fall in love all over again and I think this could potentI am seriously going to run out of words that I can use about a Rich Amooi book. Each book I fall in love all over again and I think this could potentially top his other books. I mean can I have my own Noah…plus I do have a car with lots of issues ...more
I finish this book and my jaw just dropped! I mean wow! What the actual hell. Speechless completely speechless.
This story is a chilling one, one whereI finish this book and my jaw just dropped! I mean wow! What the actual hell. Speechless completely speechless.
This story is a chilling one, one where you can’t see any hope and one that will play on your mind. You know by now I don’t really talk about the plot of a book because I don’t want to ruin anyone’s reading adventure, and it’s completely true here. I don’t want to ruin anything here. It is a book where there is so much going on, it’s the thick of night, it’s raining, the perfect setting to scare you especially driving down lanes you shouldn’t. It is no wonder I hate driving down the lanes, daytime, nighttime, anytime!!!
The setting is its own character. It adds to your fears, it maximises all your own inner turmoils about what you would do. I mean what is the right thing to do. What would you do in the situation?
I do love the butterfly effect of the whole book. As we meet the coach passengers, we learn their stories and it opens our eyes to the links and wowzers! It was epic and well shocking. I mean you wouldn’t expect anything less from a Stuart James book, would you!! When the final link slotted in with the passengers well #sorrynotsorry I think it changed my mind on everything.
The caller was chilling, the backstory was one that pulled the heartstrings but only if you could learn to differentiate the two. With a full circle in the book, it just made me speechless.
Stuart just knows plays on your humanity. He works with a scenario of “what would you do?” I know what I would do, but not sure that it’s a favourable answer. Stuart has sucked me into his world, he has taken me on to a journey that I don’t think I was ready to go on. It is a dark depraved soul in this story, it is a heartbreaking story at the end but does it all justify the means? Despite all the goriness it gives you something to think about. Another winner in my eyes!!...more
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