The daughter of a notorious serial killer, Margot Phalen is doing her upmost to distance herself from her father who's currently serving life in San QThe daughter of a notorious serial killer, Margot Phalen is doing her upmost to distance herself from her father who's currently serving life in San Quentin. A detective with San Francisco PD, she wants nothing to do with him but every time she breaks a little bit further away he drags her back.
I love the partnership between Margot and Detective Wes Fox and in this novel they're caught up in a murder investigation at the same time as her brother arrives in town needing a place to stay. These novels are just the right side of dark with a slow drip of information and a knockout ending that will leave you wanting to grab the next one straight away...and it can't come soon enough for me
The fourth in Kate Wiley's brilliant Margot Phalen series of novels I wouldn't say its essential to read the previous novels before this one but I'd definitely recommend it.
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own ...more
I loved everything about this novel, a stunning depiction of a hardworking man, trawling the low tide daily on Longferry beach in search of shrimp.
DayI loved everything about this novel, a stunning depiction of a hardworking man, trawling the low tide daily on Longferry beach in search of shrimp.
Day after day, Thomas is out there in the mist and drizzle with just his horse for company until Hollywood film director Edgar Acheson arrives in town and wants his help scouting locations for a movie and Thomas dares to dream that life could be better.
This talented author brings to life a northern seaside town community with great characterisation and perfect scene setting, my only criticism it wasn't long enough.
My thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own...more
Patient X is locked away at Heaton Place, victim or murderer nobody knows and Patient X has no recollection.
Superb writing that brings to life a high Patient X is locked away at Heaton Place, victim or murderer nobody knows and Patient X has no recollection.
Superb writing that brings to life a high security facility under lock and key, its staff and management with eyes everywhere. Drafted in for a short term assignment psychiatrist Emma soon realises that her status entitles her to little in the way of flexibility or direction as she assesses her patient.
Totally hooked from page one, I raced through this one. Its clever, its chilling and its a great read.
My thanks to Headline publishers and NetGalley for the advance read, all opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Polly's dads in prison, she hasn't seen him for years but she recognises him the moment she walks out the school gates and sees him standing there. NaPolly's dads in prison, she hasn't seen him for years but she recognises him the moment she walks out the school gates and sees him standing there. Nate McClusky got out of prison with a price on his head, the hit includes his ex wife and daughter and heading straight on over he finds he's too late to save his ex so he grabs his daughter from the school gates and they run. Her only possessions a schoolbag and a one-eyed teddy bear, his only aim to keep her alive.
Violence and murder runs throughout this novel but alongside it a heartwarming relationship between a father and daughter as together they start to turn the tables and fight back.
A compelling read from start to finish with great characterisation and perfect pacing. I loved everything about this novel, even the gruesome bits.
An intriguing read from start to finish, this thriller was told in alternate chapters by the female DI leading the investigation and Natalie the wife An intriguing read from start to finish, this thriller was told in alternate chapters by the female DI leading the investigation and Natalie the wife of a man accused of rape then murder.
Well written with plenty of drama, tension and a twist I never saw coming. An impressive debut crime thriller from S.M Govett, definitely an author to watch out for in the future.
Due for publication Jun 25 - My thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the advance read, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own....more
When Tom Mannon, the senior clerk of Maple Street Chambers is found murdered in an alleyway the finger of suspicion points at Dean the junior clerk heWhen Tom Mannon, the senior clerk of Maple Street Chambers is found murdered in an alleyway the finger of suspicion points at Dean the junior clerk he'd been drinking with in a private members club shortly before.
High stakes, high drama and murder mystery all rolled into one with some interesting characters. Killer Instinct is well plotted legal thriller that started slow for me but stepped up a gear as it entered the courtroom, the lively exchanges between prosecution and defence elevating it to a dramatic thriller as it reached its conclusion.
My thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own ...more
Seven years ago Adrienne withdrew from the ultra-running scene when her young sons life was threatened following a scandal she was involved in. Now shSeven years ago Adrienne withdrew from the ultra-running scene when her young sons life was threatened following a scandal she was involved in. Now she's back with an invitation she can't refuse, participating in the toughest of all challenges a 250 mile race across the Sahara desert.
I raced through it in one go. A stunning thriller set amidst the world of ultra runners. The scene setting is impeccable, the desert sands providing a backdrop as beautiful as it is deadly. Extreme conditions, faces from the past and Number 13 on her back, the desert and the sands are the least of Adri's worries.
I'm not a runner and this novel didn't make me want to be one but I loved reading about it. Totally unputdownable start to finish.
I haven't read anything by this author before and Amy McCulloch can certainly write, seems she can run too and got her inspiration for this novel whilst competing in the Marathon des Sables. Total respect.
Due for publication June '25 - My thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the early read, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own. ...more
Emma is trapped, living with her mother, stepfather Peter and his daughter Becky, her debilitating neurological condition and reliance on the help sheEmma is trapped, living with her mother, stepfather Peter and his daughter Becky, her debilitating neurological condition and reliance on the help she gets with daughter Ava making it almost impossible for her to move out.
Then she meets Adam, a junior doctor who lives nearby. His understanding of her condition and his kindness a million miles away from her home life where her invisible illness is treated with suspicion and she's made to feel a burden. Unfortunately Adam has problems of his own, his wife Celeste being one of them.
Emma is an interesting character and the challenges relating to her illness are portrayed really well, without going over the top. This was an intriguing read with twists, tension and a fast moving storyline. Definitely recommended
My thanks to Avon Books UK for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own...more
Steve Minchin is just a normal husband, father and local business owner until the night he rushes into a burning house and leaps from an upstairs windSteve Minchin is just a normal husband, father and local business owner until the night he rushes into a burning house and leaps from an upstairs window with a child clutched to his chest, flames billowing behind him. Immediately propelled to hero status in the public eye, until his past catches up with him. The change is fast, furious and relentless. Everyone has an opinion and the press have a field day.
Emotionally charged and compelling, this novel was the perfect mix of domestic drama, crime and police procedural with great characters, a well plotted storyline and an ending that shocked. The clues were there, I missed them. 4.5 stars rounded up
Due for publication June '25 - My thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the early review copy, all opinions expressed are my own....more
Social media star Madison March is up with the dawn in her perfectly staged kitchen, her perfect shelving adorned with perfectly lined up jars as she Social media star Madison March is up with the dawn in her perfectly staged kitchen, her perfect shelving adorned with perfectly lined up jars as she portrays her traditional homestead lifestyle and family in all its perfection. Adored by millions of followers who want a little bit of the magic for themselves, the myth she pushes reaps rich rewards in sponsorship.
Its social media, its a lie and Madison is just another influencer who's carefully staged lifestyle has staff on the payroll and NDAs in place to ensure that the truth remains hidden. One too many secrets and a few too many lies this is a dark, disturbing read.
I liked this one, it was a fascinating read with good characters whose multi perspective narrative added depth to its chilling storyline.
Valentina is a sweet and lovely character. Her brain is a busy place, she gets confused easily and choices, decisions and change distress her.
Step upValentina is a sweet and lovely character. Her brain is a busy place, she gets confused easily and choices, decisions and change distress her.
Step up superhero Clara, a childhood friend from Italy who's happy to take control, leaving little notes telling her what to wear, what to eat and organising her spare time for her. Poor Clara also has terrible ailments that means she can't work and Valentina rushes home every evening to care for her poor friend.
But Valentina has a safe space...pigs. Since childhood she's had an undeniable love and appreciation of them and whenever she's feeling stressed she calms herself by reciting the breeds to herself. She also has friends and family who are looking out for her and willing to support her if only she'll let them.
This book really got under my skin, it angered, infuriated but ultimately was an uplifting and inspirational read. I loved it.
Publication due May 2025 - My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group for the early read...more
When family friend Camilla decides its time to move into her own place with son Mason it leaves a gaping hole in the Abbott family home and an empty rWhen family friend Camilla decides its time to move into her own place with son Mason it leaves a gaping hole in the Abbott family home and an empty room. Mel decides to get a lodger, though she's very clear that it has to be someone that both her and the girls feel comfortable with and when Luke arrives on their doorstep he seems the perfect fit.
From the outset its apparent that Luke is hiding something, though in fairness that doesn't alter his suitability as contrary to my initial thoughts regarding the closeness of the Abbott family, they have so many secrets from each other it rattled my brain.
A tense, engaging domestic thriller, more than once I thought I'd guessed where it was going only to be proved wrong. There's a lot going on and with multi threads and differing narratives The Liar certainly kept me on my toes. Started strong, levelled out a bit and from midway through was edge of the seat stuff that had me reading late into the night.
Publication April '25: My thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the early read, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own. ...more
This novel had me in its grip from the opening chapter portraying a female sat in a Dublin apartment watching the clock and checking her phone nervousThis novel had me in its grip from the opening chapter portraying a female sat in a Dublin apartment watching the clock and checking her phone nervously, her partner having failed to arrive home after leaving Galway several hours previously.
Shortly after the disappearance of partner Rory, Allie is forced to vacate their Dublin apartment and move into an isolated cottage they'd bought together in the Slieve Bloom mountains, the legally binding purchase having been signed off prior to his disappearance.
Tense, atmospheric and chilling this was a compelling read from start to finish. New surroundings, new friends and a run down cottage that creaks and whispers with all the history and folklore of its past. I questioned everything and everyone. A good solid read thats totally recommended.
Due for publication Mar '25 - My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK for the early read, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own....more
Sarah organises a birthday road trip for her younger sister Juliette's fortieth, just the two of them hitting the road in a rented campervan and headiSarah organises a birthday road trip for her younger sister Juliette's fortieth, just the two of them hitting the road in a rented campervan and heading for Scotland. Their lives have gone in very different directions, Juliettes married with two children and Sarah is living the single life
Theres a lot to like about this book, on the surface its lighthearted but underneath is explores much deeper - two sisters, two lives and the undeniable bond that unites them. An unapologetic and raw portrayal of teenage angst full of wrong signals, wrong men and many mistakes, Sarah's teenage years were definitely more exciting than mine but there was plenty I could relate to.
Told in dual timelines, Sarah at fifteen and Sarah now, it takes the sisters on a journey of discovery with great characters along the way. Its sharp, witty, poignant and relatable all rolled into one, if you like character driven novels this is definitely a book worth reading
My thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the early read, I was under no obligation and all opinions expressed are my own....more
Oh my gosh this guy can write. He had me from the opening pages, a beautiful, devastating novel that gripped from start to finish.
If you're looking fOh my gosh this guy can write. He had me from the opening pages, a beautiful, devastating novel that gripped from start to finish.
If you're looking for fast paced with thrills and spills look elsewhere, if you're looking for perfectly depicted characters from an author who breathes life into them and a storyline that you'll remember long after reading order it now, its simply stunning.
Tragic, haunting and mind-numbingly beautiful, for three days this novel took over my world, the pirate and the beekeeper are characters who touched my soul and will never be forgotten....more
The fifth in Sally Rigby's Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price series and the first I've read.
Lauren is walking her dogs on the beacThe fifth in Sally Rigby's Detective Inspector Lauren Pengelly and DS Matt Price series and the first I've read.
Lauren is walking her dogs on the beach at Porthcurno Cove when she comes across the bodies of newly engaged couple Finley and Jasmine a note next to the bodies indicating that they'd taken their own lives. Early enquiries soon reveal that there is more to this tragic event than first thought and its not long before a murder investigation is underway.
A well written police procedural set on the Cornish coast, the area as much a part of the novel as the characters. The pace was good and the characters engaging though I do feel I missed out somewhat by not starting this series at the beginning.
What I really liked about this novel was the team at Penzance CID, the obvious cameradrie and the very different approaches of Lauren and her Sergeant Matt, chalk and cheese but together they make a great team and they're the reason I'm going to add the earlier books in the series to my reading list.
Due for publication Mar 25 - My thanks to Storm publishing for the early read and the introduction to a series of books I know I'm going to love reading....more
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