Thank you to NetGalley and to One More Chapter for providing me with this ARC. The title alone had me itching to start reading.
Now, the story starts wThank you to NetGalley and to One More Chapter for providing me with this ARC. The title alone had me itching to start reading.
Now, the story starts with Jess Pendle spending NYE in A&E, accompanied by her boyfriend Lewis. This time, he has gone too far in his abuse. It was good to see how many opportunities Jess had to ask the hospital staff for help, and to see how she was instantly believed and safeguarded. Realising she can't hide behind her front door forever, she attends a support group. Though wary at first of sharing, she sees how the others benefit. This could be her chance to move on from Lewis. But, sadly, Lewis doesn't stay away for long, and continues to haunt her by showing up on her doorstep, sending messages and generally freaking her out. The support group is her reprieve, but when some of the women see their abusers being attacked or killed by 'The Caretaker', it's clear there's something more about the support group than Jess realised. When the police make a similar connection, the group comes under suspicion. But who is The Caretaker? And why is he fighting back on their behalf?
I'll admit that I fell for the red herring, assuming I knew who The Caretaker was early on. Thankfully the author quickly dispelled that myth and restored my faith in good storytelling. I knew it couldn't be that easy ;)
This is a good mystery, contemporary and gritty in parts, with strong female characters and a killer whose actions could be seen as dispensing justice. (An interesting debate) With plenty of twists, the story is well-paced, though I felt the ending wasn't as powerful. Clearly it leaves things open for another book, but I didn't think it closed this one of satisfactorily. ...more
Essie Cobb is a law unto herself. When she sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. With the support (and often even without it) of three Essie Cobb is a law unto herself. When she sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. With the support (and often even without it) of three friends who share her table in the dining room, she's an unstoppable force. A fellow resident in a coma? How odd. But for Essie, it's not just a passing thought, it's an invitation to solve a mystery. An easy, well-paced read with characters you can cheer along as they live their everyday life at Happy Haven and get to the bottom of Bob's very sudden coma....more
A most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I'm tempted to try ;) Avalon Nash finA most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I'm tempted to try ;) Avalon Nash finds herself unexpectedly employed as a bartender in Tranquillity when she was only meant to be passing through. However, the death of her predecessor gives her the opportunity of a job and a new start (from what we have to discover as her past is only glossed upon here but, no doubt, more will follow in subsequent books).
So, who killed Joseph, the previous bartender, and why? Surely Avalon will leave it to the police to solve... until other strange events quickly follow, including one that leaves her with a very sore head. This mystery is chock-full of secrets and twists than turn the story on its head a few times; nothing is as straightforward as it seems. With interesting characters and beguiling backstories, there is definitely more to Tranquillity than Avalon ever expected.
I listened to the audiobook version and found the narration to be really well-done, engaging and clear....more
A heart-warming story of the strength of family when someone you've believed in all your life is found to be flawed. yet, despite the upset, the disapA heart-warming story of the strength of family when someone you've believed in all your life is found to be flawed. yet, despite the upset, the disappointment, even the anger when the secret is revealed, the fortitude of Ava to hold things together and to not forget the good times (ie it wasn't all bad) is admirable. That her family understand (eventually, once the shock wanes) and are able to follow her example too offers hope for their stronger future. This story epitomises the saying that what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. A great start to a new series and new-to-me author. I'm in for more ;) ...more
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