Valentine’s Day is a day celebrated by couples around the world. But this one particular Valentine’s Day, Jen witnesses the most horrific act to h4.5*
Valentine’s Day is a day celebrated by couples around the world. But this one particular Valentine’s Day, Jen witnesses the most horrific act to happen to a couple – one murdering the other and then killing themself. I can’t imagine seeing that any day of the year let alone one associated with love.
From the title and blurb, I’d assumed the story would be told by my five strangers but no, I had just two narrators – Jen and Bex. As the story swaps between the two friends, I began to feel unsettled in the narrative. I thought I could trust them both in what they were telling me but seeds of doubt crept in from nowhere dropped as if Adamson was sowing them.
As I read, things from Jen’s past were hinted at which got my imagination working. Why had she been sacked? Why had she lied? What happened between her and Laurence? I needed to get some answers to my questions. Bex seemed to know more than she was letting on, many things went unsaid between the pair, with just hints as to what had happened and what I hoped would be revealed to me.
Five Strangers may be about what these five individuals witnessed but it is so much more. It’s the lengths someone goes for love and affection. As the saying goes, nothing is quite as it seems as Five Strangers proves. This is a book that keeps giving with its twists right to the end. I’ve got a couple of books by Adamson’s alter-ego which I’ll be interested to see how those differ to this unsettling thriller....more
It’s Halloween in Montana Murder Central Black Rock Falls. Is there a more creepy setting for another serial killer thriller from D. K. Hood? I think It’s Halloween in Montana Murder Central Black Rock Falls. Is there a more creepy setting for another serial killer thriller from D. K. Hood? I think not!!!! Halloween is big in the states, it’s big business and everyone gets involved, shops and restaurants in Black Rock Falls are totally invested in getting the town in the mood for ghoulish fun. People walking around looking at the decorations like folk in the UK do with Christmas lights. It’s a real family affair to get in the spirit of and Kane and Alton are no different, wanting to introduce Tauri to the tradition.
But there is a killer on the loose. This murderer is nuts. Creepy and nuts. A stalker who learns the routine of victims to a t. Plans for months. This is meticulous and chilling !! Goosebump alert!!! I got the shudders as I read the chapters inside the killer’s thoughts!
Another dark and twisted trip to Black Rock Falls in the Halloween season makes for extra creepiness from Hood! I can’t believe that Halloween has not been used as a backdrop before but I loved that Hood has! It’s the perfect festival for a super creepy (I need a new synonym for that word) read. This series just keeps getting better!!
Memory loss is very disconcerting. I was unnerved for Iris in her predicament. But there is something niggling Iris. Why did she want her memories wipMemory loss is very disconcerting. I was unnerved for Iris in her predicament. But there is something niggling Iris. Why did she want her memories wiping? What was so bad that she wanted 5 years of memories removing in ground breaking surgery? She came over as someone who was nice, someone who wanted to make the world better with her research.
Told entirely from Iris’ perspective, I was never sure whether I could trust her given the adjustments to her thoughts, memories and the intervention of the AI therapy. Iris’ thought processes were fragmented with the medication she was taking and the AI therapist which I’ve got to say was an interesting interaction and rather unsettling. How much control did this AI have over Iris?
I didn’t know what to make of Marcus – could I trust him? I get he was trying to protect his fragile vulnerable wife who’s recovering from major surgery but there was something he wasn’t sharing. That sort of behaviour makes me suspicious. What’s he hiding? Am I being overly mistrusting of this man?
There is a very near future dystopian feel to the book with realistic unnerving vibes. Could neurological science take the leap to tampering with memories? Is it ethical? Should science take that step – for me it’s a no, even in some of the scenarios mentioned in the book. Our memories make us who we are both good and bad. We learn from them
I can see why it’s been likened to Before I Go To Sleep and Black Mirror. The lack of memory, the husband I want to trust but I’m not 100% sure. The dystopian sci-fi speculative style of thriller. McIlroy has written a very unsettling thriller with a thought provoking slant. Its blooming brilliant as a debut. Seriously accomplished in its themes. Loved it!
Elle is hitting a landmark birthday and making some life changing decisions! Go Elle!!! She’s wanting to make the most of her thirtieth year in life sElle is hitting a landmark birthday and making some life changing decisions! Go Elle!!! She’s wanting to make the most of her thirtieth year in life starting with locating her mother. But this is just the start, this one not-so-small decision is just the start and life starts to become very interesting for Elle.
I loved how Elle was bold in making some pretty major decisions in life. I wish I could be as brave at times. She didn’t always take life by the scruff of the neck which I could see she regretted to an extent but life in Heartcross always seems to find of working itself out for the better in a strange kind of way. It is such a magical place to live!
I read Evie’s Year Of Taking Chances 6 years ago and from what I remember, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Barlow has taken Evie, transformed her in to Elle and relocated her to the gorgeous location of Heartcross. It felt a different book if I didn’t know better!
Going to The Library On Love Heart Lane is a wonderfully heartwarming way to end the year. It may be a standalone in the Love Heart Lane series but it fits perfectly into the fold. I encountered some of my favourite characters from the Scottish town as well as meeting some new ones which I hope (hint hint Christie) will reappear in the later books....more
4.5* Tara has a lot on her plate before child number 4 makes an appearance – a stroppy headstrong teenager, a 4 year old who causes daily calls from hi4.5* Tara has a lot on her plate before child number 4 makes an appearance – a stroppy headstrong teenager, a 4 year old who causes daily calls from his school teacher and a 2 year old who is potty training and copies his not so big brother… and that’s before you mention the misogynistic boss ! He made my skin crawl!
A lot happens in Tara’s life during the month of December, not least the arrival of her mother back from Spain. They’re like chalk and cheese, can totally understand Tara’s preference of her dad! Tara takes the bit between her teeth and deals with everything as she knows how… she gets her besties involved but both Cat and Amanda have surprises of their own. These two have their own unique take on life and they are very different which makes for a comical time!
Speaking of comical, the wee donkey is just hilarious! The antics Tara and Gemma get him doing made me giggle! But then Jax and Nathan’s reactions are just so sweet, innocent and brilliant. Terry has got this bang on! Her portrayal of these two is just wonderful and at points cringeworthy as a parent but at the same time just down right funny!
The Sh!te Before Christmas is a wonderfully entertaining and enjoyable read about chaotic family life in the run up to Christmas. The Gallagher house is totally mad but I loved meeting them. I need to get The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum read. I personally didn’t feel I’d missed out picked up The Sh!te Before Christmas first – I thought it was a standalone if I’m honest! Loved it! Want more from the Gallagher family!!
Question: what do you get a newly appointed Detective Inspector for Christmas?! Don’t know?!? A gruesome, lack of clues set of murders that’s what? ToQuestion: what do you get a newly appointed Detective Inspector for Christmas?! Don’t know?!? A gruesome, lack of clues set of murders that’s what? Tom Stonem has just gone from Manchester to the North East and he’s hauled in to start early with the murder of an MP but that’s just the start of it!!
The only lead Stonem and his new team have is a list. A very strange list to say the least. What does this list mean?! Both the book and my thoughts kept returning to this odd list. It had to be some sort of cryptic clue. It’s definitely not Santa’s list!!
This book is different to my previous experiences of the author’s writing but that’s not a bad thing. It’s an intricate police procedural that had me glued to my kindle.
This is as dark a Christmassy read as you can get. Frost has pulled out the stops to wreck Christmas for the team he’s created. Totally loved this first book from the Frost pen name. I hope this is not the last I see from Stonem and the team…
Neil and Sacha have problems but they pale into insignificance when they travel to Benton for Christmas with Sacha’s family, possibly her father’s4.5*
Neil and Sacha have problems but they pale into insignificance when they travel to Benton for Christmas with Sacha’s family, possibly her father’s last Christmas. But it wasnt her father Sacha lost…
In the wake of her husband’s death, Sacha just keeps getting thrown little (big) nuggets by life and despite the problems in the marriage, she is not coping with losing him … life’s never perfect (for long) but Sacha’s world has been turned upside down! I really felt for this woman as life just gave more and more unexpected and potentially unwanted gifts.
Her family are one messed up bunch with sibling rivalry and constant one-up-manship still there in the wake of such a tragic event. Sacha desperately needed the support of her sisters but I really disliked Rebecca, she’s a self-centred grown up brat to say the least. She really rilled me as a character. The lack of filter and sympathy was jaw dropping.
I flew through Last Christmas. I’ve been struggling with crime fiction in recent months but Frankland’s festive(ish) read seemed to reignite my enjoyment of the darker side of fiction. This sort of thriller was the perfect book for me to read. I enjoyed it so much, I immediately preordered Frankland’s next thriller!...more
I love baking but I fell out with gingerbread a few years ago when the recipe I used stopped being successful… I’ve not baked it since. It’s my nemesiI love baking but I fell out with gingerbread a few years ago when the recipe I used stopped being successful… I’ve not baked it since. It’s my nemesis!! So a book about someone who has their gingerbread recipe down to a T is a must read!
I loved meeting Margi. Her sense of Christmas tradition is wonderful though her favourite time of the year has been tarnished by her ex and she’s on a downer. She’s muddling through life, baking and building the gingerbread village but life isn’t cutting her any slack.
Those around her love her dearly and do their best to make her happy or what they think will make her happy. Her dating experiences instigated by niece Lucy are chuckle worthy even if Margi does meet some oddballs!
The Gingerbread Christmas Village is a gorgeous festive read about starting again, friendship and gingerbread. This is my first taster of Kiley Dunbar’s writing but it won’t be the last. I enjoyed it so much, I promptly downloaded the first in the Borrow A Bookshop series....more
“Art is a lie that points to the truth” – Pablo Picasso
Christie McGraw is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t suffer fools lightly especially4.5*
“Art is a lie that points to the truth” – Pablo Picasso
Christie McGraw is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t suffer fools lightly especially now she needs cold hard cash for cancer treatment. When Gabriel’s comes into her life, she sees an opportunity to do so and let’s say it’s a bumpy ride!
Told through Gabriel’s eyes, the story takes me from a trailer park to London with Christie sharing anecdotes of her life with world famous painter Erik von Hulonder. Her affair with him was passionate and she inspired him in his painting.
The Muse Of Hope Falls was a different sort of read for me to start with but the more I read, the more the intrigue that as a crime reader I felt. It was a kind of thriller, maybe not my normal thriller (a lack of dead bodies for a start ...more
Chloe isn’t in the mood for Christmas, her son, housemate and world Ruben is heading to the Big Apple to spend December (yes a whole month, not ju4.5*
Chloe isn’t in the mood for Christmas, her son, housemate and world Ruben is heading to the Big Apple to spend December (yes a whole month, not just the festive period) with his dad.
I didn’t envy Chloe and her trip to what seems the coldest place in Canada! But the idea of some distant relative leaving me some land with the opportunity to go somewhere new and different to find out more does appeal. What Chloe found in Forêt des Esprits is a community built around golden nectar, a community that looks after its own, a community that might disappear.
My trip to Forêt des Esprits was delightful. As Chloe came to terms with being Ruben-less for December and then being transported to the darkest depths of Canada, with limited external contact and the coldest winter I can think of, I felt welcomed into a small loving community. Wary of newcomers to the small town, they gradually warmed to Chloe and her British ways and I loved how she found her place in their ranks (so to speak).
I’ve got to say I loved Ruben’s adventure calendar for his mum. With each day, his thoughtful challenges gave Chloe a little purpose as she adjusts to her short term separation from her son. It’s a genius idea!
I adored Countdowm To Christmas – it’s a perfectly festive read. Despite the rather distressing start for a month to contend with, my journey with Chloe was heartwarming amid the chilly surroundings. I’m looking forward to heading to Provence next year with Thomas’ next book!...more
Holly’s life has definitely gone off-piste! She saw her future with her man all mapped out and then BOOM! She’s single and heartbroken … so why not heHolly’s life has definitely gone off-piste! She saw her future with her man all mapped out and then BOOM! She’s single and heartbroken … so why not head to the Alps to hone her cookery skills for the winter ski season?!
I loved Holly. Having read a sampler of the book I knew our Hols was in for a bumpy ride but I didn’t think it would be quite so eventful or she’d facepalm the snow quite so much! Given she’s not a lover of all things cold and snowy, Holly really did take to living in Verbier… eventually!
I devoured Escape To The Swiss Chalet. It’s definitely feel good. I was left all warm and fuzzy despite the snowy location. It made me smile with the banter between Holly, Xavier and Liv. Their close knit little trio was wonderful to follow despite the bumps in their friendship.
This is a brilliant debut from Walker and I’ve got a trip to a Tuscan vineyard booked for the spring! This is a comforting hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows in book form which is just what you need after a day out in the cold!...more
Imagine waking up still drunk from the night before with a hangover looming to find your philandering ex in your doorstep with his head caved in?!
ThanImagine waking up still drunk from the night before with a hangover looming to find your philandering ex in your doorstep with his head caved in?!
Thank goodness Clio has her two besties standing beside her in this complicated pickle she’s found herself. The trio all know Clio wouldn’t have killed her ex but it’s the police they have to prove it to; apparently gut instinct isn’t enough evidence!
Clio, Amber and Jeanie are great as a team. Each has their strengths and baggage to bring to the table. I was really intrigued to know what Amber had done to be kicked off the force! Jeanie I sympathised with trying to look after her twins with limited sleep. But these women really work and I really enjoyed getting to know them and trying to solve the murder as I went along.
How To Not Murder Your Ex is a fun murder mystery with a brilliant trio at the helm. It’s a great start to a series and I’ve already preordered the second which is out in March....more
I’m a woman of a certain age whose close friends have over the past few years have got through the change in life and I know it’s coming to yours trulI’m a woman of a certain age whose close friends have over the past few years have got through the change in life and I know it’s coming to yours truly. I’ll admit, I feel slightly unprepared. I’m guessing like most, I thought my symptoms would be hot flushes, weight gain and the diminishing of my monthly cycle. But reading Newson’s rather insightful introduction to the menopause and its kid sibling the peri-menopause, there is so much more.
As I said this is an introduction but it’s a very informative one. I learnt a lot from my first read through. Certain sections instantly spoke to me as ones to return to – they got their corners turned (shocking behaviour I know). However, there was a lot to take in and I have a feeling I will be returning to this reference book as I move through the change.
Newson despite being a medical expert on the subject has written an accessible and readable book. It had a medical chat level but nothing too overwhelming from a layman’s perspective. I came out of it more educated than I went in. I know I need to learn more but I feel better prepared for what lies ahead for me. Definitely worth a read as an introduction to the menopause....more
Frankie has left her husband of 20 years. Not a decision she’s taken lightly but she’s had enough of his lies and financial misdemeanours … her bestieFrankie has left her husband of 20 years. Not a decision she’s taken lightly but she’s had enough of his lies and financial misdemeanours … her bestie (and new mum) Bel persuaded her to sign up to some dating apps to get herself back out there…
The first encounter of online dating and Plenty Of Fish is hilarious. I’ve never personally used this way of meeting me, so it’s an entertaining education!! If what Frankie experiences is close to what really goes on, I don’t think I’d take any of the men on the dating apps seriously!
I love Frankie’s friendship with Bel. They just bounce off each other but they listen and counsel on each other’s problems and predicaments. To be fair, some of Frankie’s actions are led by Bel’s sometimes stoned, sometimes super tired advice!
Divorced (Not Dead) is a fun read, it had me chuckling most of the way through. Obviously there were some sobering moments to add that bit of balance to the light hearted narrative. Ford took me on a journey of rediscovering life and its ups and downs as a singleton. Brilliant book!...more
Johnny is on a track to self destruction. He’s lost his house, he’s bankrupt and his family has left him. He’s hit rock bottom – the only way is up riJohnny is on a track to self destruction. He’s lost his house, he’s bankrupt and his family has left him. He’s hit rock bottom – the only way is up right? Nope, he’s got further to sink…
Johnny’s relationships with the various women in his life are complicated. His ex-wife he took for granted and still does despite her needing him. His mother in law who hates him. His daughter who he dotes on but who knows how flaky he can be. The ex-lover who wants him back… and then there’s Mona, the young journalist who wants to help.
The Game is a complex story with Johnny involved in two very different situations on top of his own disaster zone of a life. He’s got gangsters on his tail whilst rebuffing the advances his ex-lover who destroyed his marriage. But he can’t go anywhere without being recognised.
I remember reading Kemp’s first biography many years ago (we’re talking early 2000s) and from what I recall, I enjoyed it. Based on that recollection, I’ve bought his second and third (still to be read). But writing a novel is a different kettle of fish but I think Kemp has pulled off the transition from fact to fiction.
The Game is a decent read. It’s not pulsating high-octane or particularly a thriller as it’s being suggested on various bookseller listings. It painted a picture of the dark gangster underworld of London along with the sleaze of both the music and journalism industries which Kemp must have seen over the years. It is gritty and definitely held my attention. I’d read more fiction from Mr Kemp....more
Meet Rose, Eve and Grace, gran, mum and daughter. Each has been unlucky in love in different ways, abuse, loss and a total douchebag. They are such loMeet Rose, Eve and Grace, gran, mum and daughter. Each has been unlucky in love in different ways, abuse, loss and a total douchebag. They are such lovely, caring women, they deserve to be happy in life right?
I loved getting to know the three generations of women. They are all so similar and yet so different. I really felt for Rose and her life with Harry. She out of the three, I was desperate to see happy even if it is in her later years.
The little snippets from Cedric are so emotional. He’s a man who’s still in love with his Rose but he’s settled elsewhere. I wanted to know why he left!
Reading the #OneLetter chapters were heartwarming and heartbreaking in the same instance. The emotion and memories that appear in an instant really pack a punch!
Steele had me bawling my eyes out by the end of One Letter. I’d been through the ringer with my emotions, but I loved every minute of One Letter. This is a gorgeous emotional read that I highly recommend!
I love a good walk, one to blow the cobwebs away, a mental and physical challenge but I draw the line at walking in snow. Snow is evil stuff so trekkiI love a good walk, one to blow the cobwebs away, a mental and physical challenge but I draw the line at walking in snow. Snow is evil stuff so trekking up a mountain is the worst kind of walk! But our Fiona is up to the challenge and yet again she’s thrown into a murder case where the weather is not making it easy (again) – it’s like Mother Nature just doesn’t like Fiona!!
Fiona is definitely an overthinker but that’s what you need when you’re put on the spot like she is. She goes through every permutation as she tries to keep up with event and solve the case she’s been thrown into inadvertently. The way she goes through the suspects around her in this close quarters mountainside shelter shows her capabilities no matter what those around her say.
I loved the way Smith injects some of his familiar humour into what is a chilling story. He lightens the dark narrative briefly before wrenching me back to the midst of Fiona’s thought processes in this tension packed story. Each time Fiona or one of the supporting cast left the shelter, I feared they might not return, worried the blizzard and icy conditions would cause hypothermia … or worse, they’d leave with the killer for their last snowy trek!!
The Shelter is a cracking addition to this new series from Smith. He left me wanting more – I want, nay, need to know what’s happening next!!! I need more Fiona!!!...more
Who killed Dwayne?? Why did they kill Dwayne??? The two questions DS Gish has to finish the answers to!!
As Gish (unusual for a female detective to be Who killed Dwayne?? Why did they kill Dwayne??? The two questions DS Gish has to finish the answers to!!
As Gish (unusual for a female detective to be known by her surname, but that’s by the by) digs and asks the awkward questions, she delves into the complex lives of the residents of The Rise – what a can of worms she opens!!! Rankin wove a very intricate tale about these residents which set this armchair detective in many different directions very quickly.
I really liked Gish, she’s tenacious in her investigative style. I want to see more from this police detective! She’s so determined in her attitude!
I rather enjoyed this Rebus departure from Rankin. The story had pace, it had to being a novella; but I felt I went through a full novel in Gish’s investigation. I really hope this is a new series from Rankin ...more
Fiona MacLeish is at it again. She’s physically cut off from the outside world by Mother Nature, with a young girl to find. As it’s dark and blowing aFiona MacLeish is at it again. She’s physically cut off from the outside world by Mother Nature, with a young girl to find. As it’s dark and blowing a gale, this is not easy but things are a little harder on the island of Luing when a murderer is thrown into the mix. Fiona is a hero, full of tenacity. She’s determined for find missing Cait but when she spots a pleasure cruiser full of passengers running into trouble, her concern is divided. I really felt for Fiona and her split loyalties especially when she went aboard the fated ship!! Oh my what a sight appeared in my head as Fiona made her horrifying discovery.
I thought The Flood was claustrophobic but The Island took that feeling to another level. Using the cover of night as well as the high winds made everything that little bit closer and tense. Driving the country roads in a car more suited to less rural surroundings with the elements against you trying a child and a murderer in the dark is not a task that’s east and I was far from envious of Fiona.
Despite being the second in a series, The Island can read as a standalone. Any nod to The Flood was brief and complete; however I do recommend reading it if you gave the chance. Smith has orchestrated a tight police procedural which was a mammoth task for his lead at the best of times and twisted it under the cover of night in horrific weather in to a dark heart pounding crime thriller....more
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