An intriguing mystery, set in the 1920s, with an interesting premise. Malcolm, a wealthy old man is dying, and with no immediate relatives he invites An intriguing mystery, set in the 1920s, with an interesting premise. Malcolm, a wealthy old man is dying, and with no immediate relatives he invites several distant relatives and former and current employees to his bedside at his Villa in the South of France. He then announces that he will change his will at midnight every night to a different inheritor, but not announce who it is, until the day he dies and the person listed inherits everything. So let the fun begin...
Next door neighbour Jasper, a former Inspector from Scotland Yard, is on hand to witness the following mayhem as the gathered frenemies all try to one up each other with their greed. Then a body is found, and Jasper then has to piece together what happened from the lies and cover ups from those with much to hide...and gain!
A book full of nasty characters, but you can't help but smile at their antics. I'm sure Jasper would have like to have locked them all up at one stage or other. All are self serving, and have trouble trying to hide it, and it lends an air of distrust between them all.
All in all this is a fun book, leading up to a final Agatha Christie-like denouement, which possibly went on a little too long, but I can honestly say I had no idea at all who the killer was, or the reasons for it. I believe it is to become a series, so I'll have to look out for the next installment. Recommended for lovers of Historical Mysteries.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
An intriguing mystery, set in the 1920s, with an interesting premise. Malcolm, a wealthy old man is dying, and with no immediate relatives he invites several distant relatives and former and current employees to his bedside at his Villa in the South of France. He then announces that he will change his will at midnight every night to a different inheritor, but not announce who it is, until the day he dies and the person listed inherits everything. So let the fun begin...
Next door neighbour Jasper, a former Inspector from Scotland Yard, is on hand to witness the following mayhem as the gathered frenemies all try to one up each other with their greed. Then a body is found, and Jasper then has to piece together what happened from the lies and cover ups from those with much to hide...and gain!
A book full of nasty characters, but you can't help but smile at their antics. I'm sure Jasper would have like to have locked them all up at one stage or other. All are self serving, and have trouble trying to hide it, and it lends an air of distrust between them all.
All in all this is a fun book, leading up to a final Agatha Christie-like denouement, which possibly went on a little too long, but I can honestly say I had no idea at all who the killer was, or the reasons for it. I believe it is to become a series, so I'll have to look out for the next installment. Recommended for lovers of Historical Mysteries.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
An ok thriller that sees Marianne have a seemingly perfect life, gorgeous surgeon husband, 3 fantastic children and a beautiful house and lifestyle. HAn ok thriller that sees Marianne have a seemingly perfect life, gorgeous surgeon husband, 3 fantastic children and a beautiful house and lifestyle. However, behind closed doors Marianne's husband Simon is abusive. He is controlling, and he bullies and humiliates her. He's had her committed for her mental health previously, and loves nothing more than to make life a living hell for Marianne. Then one day Simon mentions a woman he works with, Caroline, and Marianne is suddenly convinced he's having an affair with this woman, after all he's done it before. Hasn't he?
I honestly found it hard to get into this book. The leadup, showing us how Simon was abusive, was too drawn out, ending up taking over half the book, and became rather monotonous and, well, boring. I ended up skimming through a lot of this part as it was just the same repetitive thing over and over. When things did finally get interesting the book improved, however I still found myself predicting the twists before they happened. It's not a bad book by any means, just a little too drawn out and predictable.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
An ok thriller that sees Marianne have a seemingly perfect life, gorgeous surgeon husband, 3 fantastic children and a beautiful house and lifestyle. However, behind closed doors Marianne's husband Simon is abusive. He is controlling, and he bullies and humiliates her. He's had her committed for her mental health previously, and loves nothing more than to make life a living hell for Marianne. Then one day Simon mentions a woman he works with, Caroline, and Marianne is suddenly convinced he's having an affair with this woman, after all he's done it before. Hasn't he?
I honestly found it hard to get into this book. The leadup, showing us how Simon was abusive, was too drawn out, ending up taking over half the book, and became rather monotonous and, well, boring. I ended up skimming through a lot of this part as it was just the same repetitive thing over and over. When things did finally get interesting the book improved, however I still found myself predicting the twists before they happened. It's not a bad book by any means, just a little too drawn out and predictable.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Another wonderful book in the Oyster Cove Guesthouse mystery series, A Purrfect Alibi sees our resident feline sleuths Nero and Marlowe solving the muAnother wonderful book in the Oyster Cove Guesthouse mystery series, A Purrfect Alibi sees our resident feline sleuths Nero and Marlowe solving the murder of a tarot card reader. Madam Zenda was staying at the guesthouse, along with several other psychics trying to contact the ghost of former guesthouse owner Jedediah Biddeford, when she was murdered. So who murdered her? Was it one of the other psychics? They all seem to be hiding secrets! Or was it the ghost of Jedediah himself?
Nero and Marlowe have their work cut out for them this time, so along with their humans, they set about solving the murder in their own inimitable style.
A fabulous series, the Oyster Cove Guesthouse books never fail to entertain. Wonderful characters, a lighthearted manner, and of course, those marvellous cats, you can't help but feel swept along inside the tale. Highly recommended to all lovers of cosy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Another wonderful book in the Oyster Cove Guesthouse mystery series, A Purrfect Alibi sees our resident feline sleuths Nero and Marlowe solving the murder of a tarot card reader. Madam Zenda was staying at the guesthouse, along with several other psychics trying to contact the ghost of former guesthouse owner Jedediah Biddeford, when she was murdered. So who murdered her? Was it one of the other psychics? They all seem to be hiding secrets! Or was it the ghost of Jedediah himself?
Nero and Marlowe have their work cut out for them this time, so along with their humans, they set about solving the murder in their own inimitable style.
A fabulous series, the Oyster Cove Guesthouse books never fail to entertain. Wonderful characters, a lighthearted manner, and of course, those marvellous cats, you can't help but feel swept along inside the tale. Highly recommended to all lovers of cosy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
This book is a lot of fun. We have recently divorced Josie who takes over a crumbling guest house in Oyster Cove, Maine. The house comes with two catsThis book is a lot of fun. We have recently divorced Josie who takes over a crumbling guest house in Oyster Cove, Maine. The house comes with two cats, resident sleuths Nero and Marlowe. Things start off well enough for Josie and her feline friends, then one morning she finds the body of one of her guests in an abandoned wing. With all the clues seeming to point to Josie, can Nero and Marlowe save their new servant before she is arrested for murder?
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book. I loved the banter between the cats, as they try to convey their messages to their 'stupid' new owner. Add to the mix dying seagulls, jealous chefs and a hunky maintenance man, here we have all the ingredients for a lively cosy mystery. I can't wait for the rest of the series! Recommended for all lovers of whodunnits.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This book is a lot of fun. We have recently divorced Josie who takes over a crumbling guest house in Oyster Cove, Maine. The house comes with two cats, resident sleuths Nero and Marlowe. Things start off well enough for Josie and her feline friends, then one morning she finds the body of one of her guests in an abandoned wing. With all the clues seeming to point to Josie, can Nero and Marlowe save their new servant before she is arrested for murder?
I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this book. I loved the banter between the cats, as they try to convey their messages to their 'stupid' new owner. Add to the mix dying seagulls, jealous chefs and a hunky maintenance man, here we have all the ingredients for a lively cosy mystery. I can't wait for the rest of the series! Recommended for all lovers of whodunnits.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Rookie cop Tana Larsson, trying to escape from a murky past, is posted to the town of Twin Rivers, population 320. However she soon finds the wilds ofRookie cop Tana Larsson, trying to escape from a murky past, is posted to the town of Twin Rivers, population 320. However she soon finds the wilds of northern Canada are anything but quiet. When she hears of a pair of students that have been mauled by wolves on an expedition nearby, she has a feeling that the wolves didn't kill the students. However proving it is a different matter, with harsh terrain, winter storms setting in and superstitious locals she soon finds herself and the town cut off from the world, with a possible killer lurking amongst them.
In The Barren Ground is a highly enjoyable novel with wonderful, quirky characters, intriguing plot and a wonderful sense of place. The wilds of Canada and it's people really come to life on the page. With a plethora of possible suspects, this novel is one to become engrossed in, so set aside a few hours and enjoy the ride. I recommend this book to all lovers of mysteries and wild places....more
When Isabel and Dean Harris move to Riley for Dean's work, Isabel gets the feeling the town doesn't want them there. Dean is investigating the financeWhen Isabel and Dean Harris move to Riley for Dean's work, Isabel gets the feeling the town doesn't want them there. Dean is investigating the finances of the local hospital, and the viability of keeping it open. With jobs in the balance, the local's livelihoods are being threatened, and they soon let their anger at the situation shine through.
Psychologist Issy, with toddler Noah in tow, starts up a woman's group for new mothers, and soon finds it's not just the hospital situation that's causing a simmering tension in the town. Someone has sent an anonymous letter to the police that a baby killer is going to strike soon. And it's not the first time they have killed...
With intriguing, yet mostly unlikeable characters, and a plot driven with local tensions, I found The Long Shadow to be a mostly absorbing read. I did find it bogged down a bit during the group therapy sessions, but soon picked up as it wound up all the threads in an excellent ending. A worthwhile read for all lovers of psychological dramas and small town secrets.
My thanks to Text Publishing for an uncorrected copy to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own....more
This is a book I've had sitting on my shelf for a while, daunted by the size of it, yet telling myself I must get to it soon. I'm so glad I finally diThis is a book I've had sitting on my shelf for a while, daunted by the size of it, yet telling myself I must get to it soon. I'm so glad I finally did!
Sydney journalist Anna Rosen gets an email from a friend and colleague in the Netherlands, containing photos of a man she had once loved and now believed to be dead. Marin Katich has been incarcerated for war crimes, and Anna finds her self on a plane to see him with her own eyes.
Look I could describe the plot to you, but we'd be here all day. Let's just say In Darkness Visible is an intriguing follow up to Tony Jones' previous book The Twentieth Man. We learn more of Anna and Marin's complex relationship, and what caused Marin's downward spiral to the killer he became. This book is not always an easy read, but I urge anyone who loves a good complex thriller to pick it up and give it a go. You'll be glad you did.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an uncorrected proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own....more
When an eleven year old girl goes missing on her way to school family member Mason Callahan, a local detective, is immediately called. With the help oWhen an eleven year old girl goes missing on her way to school family member Mason Callahan, a local detective, is immediately called. With the help of Special Agent Ava McLane of the FBI, Mason is determined to find the girl, however his professionalism is being compromised with the murder of one of his informants... and all the evidence points to Mason.
As Mason and Ava hunt for the girl strange things start to happen to family members, with belongings going missing, and as time passes the hope of finding the girl gets dimmer. With Mason battling on two fronts, and things becoming dire, he also finds himself being drawn to Ava. Yet who is behind the kidnapping? Why would anyone target this girl? And who did kill the informant if it wasn't Mason? To find the answers Mason and Ava have to dig deep.
An enjoyable book, Vanished has believable, realistic characters and a plausible plotline. Kendra Elliot has woven a tale that will sneak up and grab you, not letting go until the final, satisfying conclusion. This is the first of the author's books I have read, but will happily keep my eye out for her other works in the future.
Another wonderful entry in John Marsden's award winning Tomorrow series. In Darkness, Be My Friend, Ellie and her friends find themselves back in HellAnother wonderful entry in John Marsden's award winning Tomorrow series. In Darkness, Be My Friend, Ellie and her friends find themselves back in Hell, against their wishes. When something goes wrong they make their way to Wirrawee, looking for their allies. What they find is danger around every corner, so, against the odds, they embark on their most daring mission yet.
This is such a good series, written for young adults, but with an appeal that crosses generations. Powerful characters, an excellent setting and astounding, action packed plotlines mark this series, one I have no hesitation in recommending to everyone, not just lovers of dystopian fiction....more
As a child Rosalie got lost on the curraghs near her home on the Isle Of Man. While wandering the marshes trying to find her way home she stumbles acrAs a child Rosalie got lost on the curraghs near her home on the Isle Of Man. While wandering the marshes trying to find her way home she stumbles across a skeleton. When she finally finds her way out a police search is conducted for the bones, but nothing is found.
Fast forward fifteen years and we find Rosalie living the life of a recluse in her childhood home after the death of her wife. Then her estranged brother Dallin reappears, with a friend, Cora, in tow. Cora thinks the skeleton Rosalie found may have been her sister, who went missing twenty years ago. As the two women set out to find the truth they discover that the truth may not want to be found, and someone is willing to go to great measures to stop them.
I found Little Girls Tell Tales to be a relatively easy book to read, though it did get bogged down at times. The characters were okay, though not truly memorable, yet the setting on the curraghs and around the Isle Of Man was interesting and intriguing. I certainly didn't know there is feral wallabies that make their home in the curraghs! The plot was enjoyable enough, though it could have been made a bit creepier, but it's a novel that worth a read, maybe on a rainy day.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Well, that was a whirlwind of a novel. I had no idea what was going on until the final reveal. Yes, I knew something was off, but I had no idea what eWell, that was a whirlwind of a novel. I had no idea what was going on until the final reveal. Yes, I knew something was off, but I had no idea what exactly.
Alice has just broken up with her fiancé, and grieving her lost relationship, she agrees to go and visit her best friend Joanna. However Joanna isn't there when she arrives, and she's left with Mark, Joanna's fiancé, whom she has never met before. After dodging Alice's questions for a while Mark finally reveals that Joanna is missing. So begins Alice's search for her friend, with Mark for some reason reluctant to go to the police. As the answers slowly reveal themselves I for one can honestly say I didn't see them coming.
Twisty and turny, The Bride is a psychological thriller that will keep you glued to the pages.. It only has a handful of characters, and you'll find yourself second guessing yourself, and changing your mind about them, throughout. The setting, a luxury apartment building on the Thames, with only a few residents, and the rest of the building empty, adds well to the atmosphere. You know something isn't right, but can't quite pick what it is. This is my frst book by the author, but I'll be sure to look out her other works on the basis of this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Hmmmm, definately not one of Mark Edwards best. While this tale of alien cuts was ok, it certainly wasn't gripping, edge of your seat stuff like some Hmmmm, definately not one of Mark Edwards best. While this tale of alien cuts was ok, it certainly wasn't gripping, edge of your seat stuff like some of Edwards other works.
Richard is left reeling when his girlfriend Marie disappears one day. Looking for her, and searching for answers, he delves into the world of alien abduction. Has Marie been abducted? Or has she simply left him?
If aliens and abductions are your thing I'd invite you to read this book. If not, I'll let you make up your own mind as to whether to read it or not, but honestly Mark Edwards has written much better books than this....more
Well that's certainly what I call an unputdownable novel! It comes out of the boxes running, and doesn't let up until the finishing post is reached.
WWell that's certainly what I call an unputdownable novel! It comes out of the boxes running, and doesn't let up until the finishing post is reached.
When an injured girl drives into a service station in outback Australia, little does the owner know that his life, and the lives of those around him, are about to get very interesting. And that's an understatement. I'm not going to say anymore as I don't want to give anything away.
This is a book for all action, thriller and suspense lovers, so do yourself a favour and grab a copy!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
After the death of her husband Tom, Kelly and her son TJ move to Ohio, to a house Tom inherited from his grandmother. They slowly start settling in anAfter the death of her husband Tom, Kelly and her son TJ move to Ohio, to a house Tom inherited from his grandmother. They slowly start settling in and making new friends, getting to know the town and it's people. Then one night TJ's Alexa unit starts crying. Stunned Kelly and TJ listen to the tale of a young girl, who claims her friend Marilee needs help. The thing is Marilee has been reported missing. With the help of local detective Rob, Kelly has to try to figure out where Marilee is, and the only clue they have is a disembodied voice coming through the Alexa unit.
While I did enjoy this book, it was never as creepy as it probably could have been. The old house setting and ghost child could have made a far more chilling tale than it was. Plus Kelly's attitude towards Rob for the entire book became annoying. Yes, it was understandable at first, meeting someone so soon after the death of her husband, however it kept being brought up again and again...and again, and it became tedious. So yes I did like this book, but I didn't love it.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Well, I must say this was one of the best cozy mysteries I've read in a while. To Kill A Mocking Girl is the first in the new Bookbinding Mystery seriWell, I must say this was one of the best cozy mysteries I've read in a while. To Kill A Mocking Girl is the first in the new Bookbinding Mystery series by Harper Kincaid, set in Virginia. We follow the antics of bookbinder Quinn Caine, her trusty German Shepherd RBG, her cousin Sister Daria, and their family and friends in the small town of Vienna.
Quinn is fronted by her high school frenemy Tricia, waving a new engagement ring in Quinn's face, Tricia has just become engaged to Quinn's ex, and wants to rub the fact in. When Tricia dies soon after the whole town sees Quinn as the number one suspect. Quinn has a fight on her hands to clear her name, especially as a new cop in town seems desperate to convict her of the crime. With the backing of her family and friends Quinn sets out to find the real culprit, before they kill again.
I found this book to be an engaging read and hard to put down. Full of wonderful characters, and dogs, the town comes to life between the pages, and we have fun solving the mystery alongside Quinn and co. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all lovers of cozy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Newly graduated lawyer Brigham Theodore has high hopes for his new career, yet when his first case lands on his desk, a capital murder case to boot, hNewly graduated lawyer Brigham Theodore has high hopes for his new career, yet when his first case lands on his desk, a capital murder case to boot, he's not prepared for it. Amanda Pierce is on trial for killing a man in broad daylight with five witnesses. A man who raped and killed her six year old daughter. Brigham is unprepared for the feelings this case rises in him. And how do you prepare a defence for a woman who is so clearly guilty?
While I did enjoy this novel, I found it to be annoyingly predictable, with none of the twists and turns I like a good legal thriller to have. It is quick and easy to read, however it lacks depth. While this is the first of a series, I doubt I'll bother going any further with it....more
An extremely useful guide to local walks on the Gold Coast, covering both beach and hinterland walks. It includes walk grading and distance, many coloAn extremely useful guide to local walks on the Gold Coast, covering both beach and hinterland walks. It includes walk grading and distance, many colour photos, and lots of helpful information about local flora and fauna. It has well detailed maps, and covers parking and local transport. I can't wait to try them, if we ever get out of Coronavirus lockdown......more
An enjoyable mystery set in the highlands of Fiji, we follow former rugby star turned detective Joe Horseman and his team when they are called to inveAn enjoyable mystery set in the highlands of Fiji, we follow former rugby star turned detective Joe Horseman and his team when they are called to investigate the murder of a young man in a remote village. Joe wants to wrap up the investigation quickly, as his American girlfriend is due to fly in, but local customs dictate taking things slowly, and the clan chiefs will not be rushed. Is Joe putting himself, his team, and even his girlfriend, in danger?
A quick, easy read, Death By Tradition is the second in the Fiji Islands Mystery series by Aussie author BM Allsopp. With wonderful characters, and a great sense of place, this intriguing mystery and it's exotic location is well worth a read. I would happily read more of this author's work.
Former Philadelphia hitman Blake Saunders escapes the mob after the death of his brother, and winds up on the New South Wales north coast. Spending hiFormer Philadelphia hitman Blake Saunders escapes the mob after the death of his brother, and winds up on the New South Wales north coast. Spending his time surfing and in his bar The Surf Shack life is idyllic, until a woman is murdered, and some local goons start to try to strongarm Blake. When his friend is arrested for the woman's murder, Blake finds all his skills from his mob days coming back to him.
I found River Of Salt to be an enjoyable, quick read. With believable characters and setting, and an intriguing plot, I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more of this author's work.
Another wonderful entry in the Matt Drake series, the Blood King is back, insane as ever, and he's hellbent on destruction. This time he's planted a nAnother wonderful entry in the Matt Drake series, the Blood King is back, insane as ever, and he's hellbent on destruction. This time he's planted a nuclear bomb in New York City, and the Drake's team has to race against the clock to find and disarm it. As the action takes place over, under and through the streets of New York Drake and his friends find that time is against them, and then the stakes get even higher...
I do enjoy this series, perfect escapist fiction. The banter between the characters is a highlight, after 24 books they're definitely old friends, but who knows what will come next for the team? I'll definitely be waiting with baited breath!...more
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