Detective Sergeant Bec Harpin loved her little home on the mountain, not worrying about the daily commute into Melbourne, but the night a friend3.5�s
Detective Sergeant Bec Harpin loved her little home on the mountain, not worrying about the daily commute into Melbourne, but the night a friend, barrister Carolyn Moorhouse, called her, asking her to come to her office immediately, Bec didn't hesitate. This time the drive seemed longer than usual, but when Bec arrived, and was confronted by Carolyn's distraught assistant, and a dead body lying between them on the floor, Bec was stunned. Why hadn't Carolyn called the police? Did she even know the woman she'd called friend for many years?
When police were called to a small unit in suburban Melbourne by a neighbour, they were shocked to see an elderly woman bound and gagged in a chair, dead. Doreen was a well loved neighbour, quiet and unassuming, and in a nearby unit, actor Nikki Cardone was shattered by Doreen's death. With Bec being transferred to Doreen's death as she was too close to the Moorhouse crime, she and her two offsiders - Wendy and Shaun - worked hard to come up with answers. It seemed the more they searched, the more questions they had...
One Night is the 2nd in A Bec Harpin Crime Series by Aussie author Rozzi Bazzani and I enjoyed the detailed plot, the twists and intrigue, which spread to Sydney as well as around Melbourne and the nearby countryside. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
FBI Agent Eden Cross returned to her home town of Adamstown, not only to catch up with her family, but to continue her quest to discover her best4.5�s
FBI Agent Eden Cross returned to her home town of Adamstown, not only to catch up with her family, but to continue her quest to discover her best friend, Morgan Anderson's whereabouts. Morgan went missing ten years prior, and Eden's whole life from then on had been spent wondering what had happened. She continued to hold her suspicions about Morgan's then boyfriend, to the point of being blinded to anything else. But when human remains were found in the Raven's Lake Mine site, the FBI were brought in. Was it Morgan?
The Collector was devastated his collection had been discovered. All the years of work he'd put in - gone. Would he have to start his hunt again? He couldn't stop now...
The Collector is the 1st in the Eden Cross series by husband & wife team, Aussie authors Bill Duncan and Catherine Lee and although it was a little rough at the beginning, it soon settled into an intense and gripping rhythm. Eden is a feisty character, a little too hot headed, but hopefully she'll soon relax into her role. A read I enjoyed, The Collector is one I can easily recommend.
With thanks to the authors for my digital ARC to read and review.
Merged review:
4.5�s
FBI Agent Eden Cross returned to her home town of Adamstown, not only to catch up with her family, but to continue her quest to discover her best friend, Morgan Anderson's whereabouts. Morgan went missing ten years prior, and Eden's whole life from then on had been spent wondering what had happened. She continued to hold her suspicions about Morgan's then boyfriend, to the point of being blinded to anything else. But when human remains were found in the Raven's Lake Mine site, the FBI were brought in. Was it Morgan?
The Collector was devastated his collection had been discovered. All the years of work he'd put in - gone. Would he have to start his hunt again? He couldn't stop now...
The Collector is the 1st in the Eden Cross series by husband & wife team, Aussie authors Bill Duncan and Catherine Lee and although it was a little rough at the beginning, it soon settled into an intense and gripping rhythm. Eden is a feisty character, a little too hot headed, but hopefully she'll soon relax into her role. A read I enjoyed, The Collector is one I can easily recommend.
With thanks to the authors for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Lottie Fairchild was the owner of a little antique shop in Banalla in New South Wales, and loved history; she researched and had started writing a booLottie Fairchild was the owner of a little antique shop in Banalla in New South Wales, and loved history; she researched and had started writing a book about the generations of women in her family. The town was in the process of organising a festival which would focus on long ago bushranger Jack McNally, with Lottie one of the committee members. Lottie's best friend Cher, was descended from the notorious bushranger and was also keen to discover more. When the guest of honour, history professor and author Damien Loxley, arrived on a black beast of a motor bike, he was nothing like the committee had imagined - Lottie spent some time showing him the area, the sights and historical buildings, before the festival. But it was the search for a colonial woman who had vanished one hundred and fifty years prior, which added to the mystery; it felt like looking for a needle in a haystack. Would they discover evidence of Catherine's life and death?
Needle in a Haystack is another exceptional read by Aussie author Karly Lane which I thoroughly enjoyed. Combining the historical elements was well done; the current day research, the characters and more, were excellent. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review....more
Lady Melissa Trengrouse was an intelligent young woman, happy to be unmarried and working on decoding the many French dispatches that arrived, fo4.5�s
Lady Melissa Trengrouse was an intelligent young woman, happy to be unmarried and working on decoding the many French dispatches that arrived, for Charles Goddard, Earl of Westholm. She and Charles were great friends, and Melissa thought, if she had to marry, Charles would be her choice of husband. When the Trengrouse ball was in its infancy, a coded message arrived by courier, which both Melissa and Charles needed to decode, with Charles immediately heading to London to follow the instructions.
But when Melissa realised the latest mission which had Charles rushing to London was in actual fact a trap, she and her two brothers, Felix and Lion, headed straight for the secret destination, hoping to stop the torture that was sure to be Charles' future. What would be the outcome for these two unusual spies?
My Earl, the Spy is the 5th in The Trengrouse Ball series by Aussie author Elizabeth Leydin which is set in Regency London in the 1800s and is another enjoyable tale. There are plenty of Trengrouse children, and all with a story to tell. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
As Kilek and his friends, Mathila, Paxoph, Tyar and Alira continued their quest to find the dragons, who were destined to help them if they proved theAs Kilek and his friends, Mathila, Paxoph, Tyar and Alira continued their quest to find the dragons, who were destined to help them if they proved their worth, Kilek wondered at the magic which would transform him; the magic gift the Goddess Avendria had given him. With the mage Florique helping them part of the way, they all were unsure of the trust they felt toward the mage; or lack of. The closer they came to the dragons, the more wary they became - and the more concerned about the Cabeku; the insects of various sizes that could kill easily, their poisonous ichor not to be touched.
When they finally met Sparkena, the dragon was huge, but friendly. Their journeys on his scaly back were thrilling and terrifying, plus his ability to communicate with Kilek nothing short of amazing. But danger was closer than they realised. Would they achieve their goal? And would Kilek be able to control himself when his gift took over his body?
Scales of Fire is the 2nd in The Five Furies series by Aussie author Ashley Capes and it was another exceptional read. I loved the first in the series, and it was good to catch up with Kilek and his friends as they continued their magical, dangerous and remarkable journey. I'm looking forward to #3 hopefully soon! Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read & review....more
Jamie Shaw's constant feeling of grief ramped up again on the two year anniversary of her beloved husband, Ed's death. The car crash that had taken hiJamie Shaw's constant feeling of grief ramped up again on the two year anniversary of her beloved husband, Ed's death. The car crash that had taken him from her, numbed her if she let the visions in. But that night, the night of the anniversary, when she joined an online group on a virtual tour, she saw him. Jamie was stunned - it WAS him, she was sure of it. And so it began. As Jamie was getting her go-pack ready to leave, to head to Ireland, men with guns arrived. Hidden in the small safe room Ed had designed while the men ransacked her house, Jamie was determined to get out of her house and find the man she still loved with all she had.
Jamie was on the run, and her army training helped her stay one step ahead. But would she find Ed? And if she did, what would he have to say for himself? Could she possibly trust him again - or was he involved in something she wanted nothing to do with? Jamie's thoughts were jumbled, but one thing stood out in her mind - she wanted answers...
Dead Liar is the debut novel by Ruth Nina Welsh and is one of the best debut novels I've read in a very long time. Fast paced, electric, action packed thrills kept me glued to the pages; I don't think I've ever read an almost 400 page book so quickly! With excellent, well crafted characters, I really hope this is the beginning of a series as I'd love to see more of Jamie and Ed. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Mackenzie (Mac) was one of the homeless in her city of Adelaide, South Australia, as she and her best friend Erika had been evicted from their rental.Mackenzie (Mac) was one of the homeless in her city of Adelaide, South Australia, as she and her best friend Erika had been evicted from their rental. Erika was able to return to her family home while they were looking for another place, but Mac didn't have that luxury. When she decided to join her sister, Georgia, in London, she sent off for her passport and visa, but the wait still meant she needed a roof over her head, and her friends were getting sick of her.
When Mac discovered the abandoned Barren Cape resort one afternoon when her random driving took her in a different direction, she decided to investigate. Burrowing under the protective fence; ignoring the "keep out" signs and security warnings, Mac discovered somewhere she could lie low at night. Deciding to tell no one, not even Erika, she was settled for a few days - until trouble visited...
Barren Cape is Aussie author Michelle Prak's second novel, and while I loved her first - The Rush - this one didn't live up to my expectations. There wasn't a character that I found likeable and there were unanswered questions at the end of the book, which was frustrating. I'll definitely give her next a go though, and look forward to checking it out.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU for my ARC to read and review....more
Senior Constable Bec Whitfield accepted her transfer to Bowen River in Northern Queensland, hardly believing that with all the stations in Queensland Senior Constable Bec Whitfield accepted her transfer to Bowen River in Northern Queensland, hardly believing that with all the stations in Queensland she could have been transferred to, it was Bowen River, her home until she was sixteen and with her parents still there. Bec's relationship with her father had been tumultuous to say the least, but she missed her mother. The day she arrived in town, she discovered that an old school friend, Leanne Delaney, had gone missing, leaving two young children with no one to care for them. Her superior, Mark Lovatt, asked her if she could start work straight away to get a jump on the case and immediately Bec was engrossed in finding everything she could, that would lead them to Leanne.
As Detective Todd Davenport arrived to assist, they worked at interviewing everyone they could. The solar farm company - Strathallyn Solar - that Leanne was dead set against, had a few persons of interest; but it was what was found at Leanne's house, and what happened that made them realise they must be getting closer. But would they find Leanne alive? What would happen to her two young children?
Another thrilling start to a new series, Bowen River is #1 in A Bec Whitfield Mystery by Aussie author Annie Seaton and she's done it again! Tense, fast paced, action packed and full of chilling details, Bec is an excellent character; caring and compassionate but as strong as steel! With the inclusion of Elspeth Valentine and Strathallyn Station in 1925, and what happened to her which influenced future generations, I can see this will be another winning series by Ms Seaton. I am looking forward to #2 already - Shadows on the Shore - which will be published in June 2025. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review....more
Mila Hayes had had a lot of people desert her in her life. First her parents left, leaving her and her brother Will with their grandparents, Adelaide Mila Hayes had had a lot of people desert her in her life. First her parents left, leaving her and her brother Will with their grandparents, Adelaide and Jack. Then Will and his best friend, Sawyer Mann, left Ashe Ridge as soon as school was finished - Sawyer to Melbourne and Will to London. Then fourteen years ago, Adelaide left her marriage after Jack changed, making it seem that the farm was more important than she was. Now Adelaide was back after spending the past fourteen years at Tully Bay on the NSW coast, near Byron Bay. She was home because her granddaughter, Mila, was getting married. But when Mila's groom turned up on the day of the wedding to call it off, Mila felt gutted. What was wrong with her? At least Sawyer had arrived in place of her brother who was sick, unable to fly home.
Mila loved the farm, Hills Homestead, which her grandfather had sold her. It was a lentil farm and she was adding a farm stay venture to it. But her finances were low and she needed to work out what to do. Independence was Mila all over, just like her grandparents, but that meant she wouldn't accept help from anyone - she was determined to work it out herself. But what would that mean in the long run? Would her struggle be worth it - would she keep her beloved farm?
Where the Heart Is by Aussie author Nicola Marsh is a delightful rural romance with a good story behind it. The characters are well written; the small town of Ashe Ridge in Victoria's vast countryside is much like most small Aussie towns - I enjoyed it all very much. Recommended.
With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read and review....more
Lawyer RoisÃn O'Byrne was coming home to Ceann Mara station from Brisbane after quitting her job and ditching her boyfriend. Her parents were ecstaticLawyer RoisÃn O'Byrne was coming home to Ceann Mara station from Brisbane after quitting her job and ditching her boyfriend. Her parents were ecstatic to know she'd be home again, although with her new job, she'd be moving from place to place. Her new job saw her following up with landowners along the Darling River, reviewing their water licenses as well as working with the Government, as it was obvious some weren't doing the right thing. But along the way, RoisÃn became tangled up in criminal activity in a way that put her in serious danger...
Meanwhile, RoisÃn's father and sister Cat were deeply intrenched in the researching of family history around Ceann Mara. Almost two hundred years since the homestead had been built, and the original settlers from Ireland fascinated the O'Byrne family. Could they identify their ancestors with the information they had?
Over the River is #2 in the Daughters of the Darling series by Aussie author Annie Seaton and I loved it. Following on from Cat's story, RoisÃn's is intriguing, tension-filled and heart-in-mouth reading! I can't wait to read Erin's story when #3 is published early 2025. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review....more
Will Helloran lived with his father, Padraig, in the Canberra suburb of Fyshwick, in a future where cities were domed to protect residents from outsidWill Helloran lived with his father, Padraig, in the Canberra suburb of Fyshwick, in a future where cities were domed to protect residents from outside weather events, and other corrosive invasions. Will's mother Klare, had left Padraig and Will to live and work in a domed Sydney, where she was a politician's assistant, travelling back and forth between the two cities. Will's best friend was Ender, while her twin sister Magda was a prickly, brilliant person, working for the government. Will's uncle Adam had been dead for almost a year, and he still missed him terribly. But the things Adam had taught Will, saw him able to work his way through when things went wrong...
When Magda disappeared, it wasn't long before Ender vanished as well. Will was beside himself, knowing he needed to find the two young women, and for that he knew to go to Adam's old apartment. What he would find, he wasn't sure, but the specially made kite, Lookfar, which had been a gift from Adam, was something Will wanted badly. And when his nightmares started again, centred around Adam, Will's suspicions were aroused. Could he plan to enter the dreamscape purposely, and if he could, what would he find? How could Will stay safe in the waking world, while navigating the dangers of the dreamscape?
Comes the Night is an outstanding read from Aussie author Isobelle Carmody and I loved it! Teenage Will was in over his head, but an exceptional character who had empathy and caring, determined to help those who needed it. The villains in the story were nasty pieces of work - perfect for their roles. This is my first read by this author and I'll be looking for more (although it's YA, and it's a long time since I was one of those!) Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review....more
As Amelia Fraser approached Settlers Bridge from above, her small Jabiru aircraft filled with her few possessions, as well as her rescue animals4.5�s
As Amelia Fraser approached Settlers Bridge from above, her small Jabiru aircraft filled with her few possessions, as well as her rescue animals, she knew she'd only be in Settlers Bridge for a few weeks, then she'd move on. The temp position she'd acquired was enough for now. Landing on the small airstrip on a farm on the outskirts of town, Amelia had no idea that the family who owned the farm would become a pivotal part of her life. Sean was a charming Irish man, whose widower son Heath was a morose, angry and at times downright rude person. While Charlee was a surly, resentful teenager with a drug problem. Swimming in grief, the family were struggling to survive.
When Amelia took on a lamb whose mother had died, then a second one, she added them to her menagerie of Dusty the magpie and Biggles the possum. The animals were her lifeline and helped her focus on something other than her grief. In the meantime, the town and its people surrounded Amelia, so she soon had some people she could call friends. Amelia's compassion, empathy and understanding drew Charlee to her, and in time Heath. In helping to heal these people, could she heal herself? Was it possible to have a happy future and leave the past - but not the memories - behind?
Wings Above the Mallee is another exceptional read by Aussie author Leonie Kelsall which I enjoyed. The small South Australian town of Settlers Bridge, not far from Murray Bridge, has been home to a few of the author's novels - the previous, The Homestead in the Eucalypts - is Taylor's story. Wings Above the Mallee is a story of loss, of heartache and grief, and the steady and sometimes reluctant journey to redemption. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read and review....more
Mystery author Tiggy Jones was working on her latest novel from a small cottage while her boathouse was renovated, accompanied by her faithful d4.5�s
Mystery author Tiggy Jones was working on her latest novel from a small cottage while her boathouse was renovated, accompanied by her faithful dog Raider, a spotted Dalmador, when Tiggy received an email from a famous forensic scientist, wanting to meet with her to share some of her intriguing life, which Tiggy could use in upcoming novels. Tiggy wasn't sure, but of course her curiosity was piqued and when she met with Dr Helena Loxton, she was startled by what occurred. And that was the beginning of days and weeks of stress, tension, investigating and unfortunately, murder. Tiggy was even taken into the police station and interrogated! What was happening and why was it happening?
Join Tiggy, Baxter, Rupert and Raider in the 4th of the Tiggy Jones Mystery series by Aussie author Virginia King - you won't regret it! A Trace of DNA (a catchy title) takes us once again to a small village outside London, where Tiggy's life has been since she inherited her grandmother's boat house. Tiggy's life is full of excitement, friends like Baxter (who is certainly growing into himself) and her special dog Raider. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning; I'm looking forward to #5 very much! Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review....more
When their father’s ship docked in the harbor, Rheia and her brother were there to meet it. On board were four young people who were to be sacrificed.When their father’s ship docked in the harbor, Rheia and her brother were there to meet it. On board were four young people who were to be sacrificed. Two female; two male. To pacify the gods and keep the demon Typhein under control; the sacrifices had continued for more than a century. It had never before concerned Rheia � it was just a part of her life as she knew it.
But when the town, and subsequently her mother, father and grandmother, heard that one of the girls had killed herself and there would be a lottery of the town’s young people, to decide on a replacement, Rheia’s premonition filled her with fear. And it came to pass when the shard was pulled from the jar with her name on it � Rheia was sixteen years of age and to be sacrificed; killed by the Beast�
What could Rheia do, trapped as she was within the walls and guarded by caregivers? Her time was short � her determination to live strong. But it was the upcoming meeting of the Beast which terrified her the most�
Rheia by Aussie author Cassandra Page is a stunning, breath taking and tissue-inducing fantasy/steampunk/young adult novel which was unputdownable! Absolutely brilliant in my opinion. Filled with tension, the characters were extremely well crafted. I loved the three main caregivers � Dora, Erika and Yalee � and the reasons for their positions. Also, Rheia’s grandmother, Charis. The plot was exceptionally well done; flowing smoothly and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed Rheia and highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
When their father’s ship docked in the harbor, Rheia and her brother were there to meet it. On board were four young people who were to be sacrificed. Two female; two male. To pacify the gods and keep the demon Typhein under control; the sacrifices had continued for more than a century. It had never before concerned Rheia � it was just a part of her life as she knew it.
But when the town, and subsequently her mother, father and grandmother, heard that one of the girls had killed herself and there would be a lottery of the town’s young people, to decide on a replacement, Rheia’s premonition filled her with fear. And it came to pass when the shard was pulled from the jar with her name on it � Rheia was sixteen years of age and to be sacrificed; killed by the Beast�
What could Rheia do, trapped as she was within the walls and guarded by caregivers? Her time was short � her determination to live strong. But it was the upcoming meeting of the Beast which terrified her the most�
Rheia by Aussie author Cassandra Page is a stunning, breath taking and tissue-inducing fantasy/steampunk/young adult novel which was unputdownable! Absolutely brilliant in my opinion. Filled with tension, the characters were extremely well crafted. I loved the three main caregivers � Dora, Erika and Yalee � and the reasons for their positions. Also, Rheia’s grandmother, Charis. The plot was exceptionally well done; flowing smoothly and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed Rheia and highly recommend it.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Melaina was more than grateful to have her Mum home after she was in the coma for so long � living with her after the upbringing she’d had with her auMelaina was more than grateful to have her Mum home after she was in the coma for so long � living with her after the upbringing she’d had with her aunt, uncle and cousins was different, but wonderful. But even though she’d permanently removed the evil Ikelos she still felt uneasy. And when Melaina was summonsed to meet with the Morpheus, she was sure she would be in trouble�
As Melaina fought to remove the blight she had no idea things were about to get much worse. With her boyfriend Brad’s grandfather in a coma, she knew they needed help. But it was her cousin, Olivia who just days prior, had had her eighteenth birthday who was in the biggest trouble. Would Leander be able to help Melaina? Or would it be too late for Olivia?
False Awakening by Aussie author Cassandra Page is the second of the Lucid Dreaming series and though the author has intimated it will be the last, I really hope it’s not! I love the characters; the fast-paced magical dreaming is cleverly done; the imagination to create the scenes is brilliant! Speculative fiction at its best � it’s also set in Australia � Canberra actually where I lived for some years so know the places referenced. I have no hesitation in recommending False Awakening highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Merged review:
Melaina was more than grateful to have her Mum home after she was in the coma for so long � living with her after the upbringing she’d had with her aunt, uncle and cousins was different, but wonderful. But even though she’d permanently removed the evil Ikelos she still felt uneasy. And when Melaina was summonsed to meet with the Morpheus, she was sure she would be in trouble�
As Melaina fought to remove the blight she had no idea things were about to get much worse. With her boyfriend Brad’s grandfather in a coma, she knew they needed help. But it was her cousin, Olivia who just days prior, had had her eighteenth birthday who was in the biggest trouble. Would Leander be able to help Melaina? Or would it be too late for Olivia?
False Awakening by Aussie author Cassandra Page is the second of the Lucid Dreaming series and though the author has intimated it will be the last, I really hope it’s not! I love the characters; the fast-paced magical dreaming is cleverly done; the imagination to create the scenes is brilliant! Speculative fiction at its best � it’s also set in Australia � Canberra actually where I lived for some years so know the places referenced. I have no hesitation in recommending False Awakening highly.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review....more
Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he�Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he’d bought on Playfair Street, The Rocks in Sydney. As Paige surveyed the mess the old home was in, her delight in preparing it for business was foremost. Exploring the place, she was astounded at the things in the attic. And when she found a chest of letters � love letters � belonging to Charlotte Greene from 1929, she felt the tingle of excitement rise in her. Ryan Greene lived in London, and it was he who had organized the sale of Playfair Street. She would get in touch with him to tell him of her find.
In 1929 Charlotte Greene was eighteen years of age. She was at her engagement party to Floyd Clark, a man many years her senior, a man she didn’t know, wasn’t sure she even liked � but her father and Floyd had organized it for the betterment of the Greene Steel company which was supplying steel for the build of the new and exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Charlotte met the engineer for the job who was also at the party, Alexander Young, the attraction between the two was immediate. But Charlotte was engaged � she was taken�
Charlotte was Ryan’s great-aunt and the mystery which had followed through generations was that she and her father, Walter had disappeared in 1929, vanished from the face of the earth. Charlotte’s brother James had been unable to find them; no one knew what had befallen them. The clues, the letters and notes in the chest, were the only lead Ryan and Paige had. But would they be able to decipher them, find the answers to the decades old mystery?
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is the latest offering by Aussie author Michelle Montebello, and it was unputdownable! The two timeframes � 1929 with Charlotte and present day with Paige � were done extremely well. I enjoyed the history of the 1929 period with the building of the Bridge; the Depression and workers destitute; the desperation to do anything to survive � a tragic time well written. The present day was intriguing as I followed along with Paige and Ryan as they worked to solve the mystery. I loved The Quarantine Station when I read it; this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
Paige Westwood had fled Albury after heartbreaking news, preparing to establish her boss, Xavier’s new publishing business in the old rundown home he’d bought on Playfair Street, The Rocks in Sydney. As Paige surveyed the mess the old home was in, her delight in preparing it for business was foremost. Exploring the place, she was astounded at the things in the attic. And when she found a chest of letters � love letters � belonging to Charlotte Greene from 1929, she felt the tingle of excitement rise in her. Ryan Greene lived in London, and it was he who had organized the sale of Playfair Street. She would get in touch with him to tell him of her find.
In 1929 Charlotte Greene was eighteen years of age. She was at her engagement party to Floyd Clark, a man many years her senior, a man she didn’t know, wasn’t sure she even liked � but her father and Floyd had organized it for the betterment of the Greene Steel company which was supplying steel for the build of the new and exciting Sydney Harbour Bridge. When Charlotte met the engineer for the job who was also at the party, Alexander Young, the attraction between the two was immediate. But Charlotte was engaged � she was taken�
Charlotte was Ryan’s great-aunt and the mystery which had followed through generations was that she and her father, Walter had disappeared in 1929, vanished from the face of the earth. Charlotte’s brother James had been unable to find them; no one knew what had befallen them. The clues, the letters and notes in the chest, were the only lead Ryan and Paige had. But would they be able to decipher them, find the answers to the decades old mystery?
The Lost Letters of Playfair Street is the latest offering by Aussie author Michelle Montebello, and it was unputdownable! The two timeframes � 1929 with Charlotte and present day with Paige � were done extremely well. I enjoyed the history of the 1929 period with the building of the Bridge; the Depression and workers destitute; the desperation to do anything to survive � a tragic time well written. The present day was intriguing as I followed along with Paige and Ryan as they worked to solve the mystery. I loved The Quarantine Station when I read it; this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review....more
Sophia and her team decided to join with Olesya and her team to thwart the terrorist attack which was set to destroy and kill thousands. But Olesya diSophia and her team decided to join with Olesya and her team to thwart the terrorist attack which was set to destroy and kill thousands. But Olesya didn’t want Sophia’s help � a bitterness had surrounded the two covert operators for years; trust was no longer shared between them. But reluctantly Olesya agreed to the joint operation. Finding the bad guys among the huge crowd of Purity Party supporters was intense, but with their skills combined, they kept one step ahead.
The horror when they discovered the real threat was some distance away in Wroclaw had the operatives scrambling to reach the site before it was too late. The weapon they discovered would kill everyone within the vicinity � decimate the country for miles around. Could Olesya and Sophia, along with Aviary, Damien, Jay and the rest of the two teams stop what was certain to happen before it was too late? Before they all died a terrible and gruesome death�
Helix Episode #5 � Inversion by Aussie author Nathan Farrugia is the best so far in this series in my opinion. Absolutely electrifying; the pace was flat out, the plot brilliant, the book unputdownable! A fabulous speculative fiction thriller which I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Merged review:
Sophia and her team decided to join with Olesya and her team to thwart the terrorist attack which was set to destroy and kill thousands. But Olesya didn’t want Sophia’s help � a bitterness had surrounded the two covert operators for years; trust was no longer shared between them. But reluctantly Olesya agreed to the joint operation. Finding the bad guys among the huge crowd of Purity Party supporters was intense, but with their skills combined, they kept one step ahead.
The horror when they discovered the real threat was some distance away in Wroclaw had the operatives scrambling to reach the site before it was too late. The weapon they discovered would kill everyone within the vicinity � decimate the country for miles around. Could Olesya and Sophia, along with Aviary, Damien, Jay and the rest of the two teams stop what was certain to happen before it was too late? Before they all died a terrible and gruesome death�
Helix Episode #5 � Inversion by Aussie author Nathan Farrugia is the best so far in this series in my opinion. Absolutely electrifying; the pace was flat out, the plot brilliant, the book unputdownable! A fabulous speculative fiction thriller which I highly recommend.
With thanks to the author for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review....more
The baby boy was around three months old and well looked after; a healthy child. But when he was discovered abandoned on an extremely cold night at thThe baby boy was around three months old and well looked after; a healthy child. But when he was discovered abandoned on an extremely cold night at the door to Detective Kim Stone’s police station, the search for his mother began immediately. Within hours though, Kim was called to the site of a murder � the young prostitute had been brutally savaged � Kim’s protective instincts went on full alert�
It was soon obvious that the murder wasn’t a lone occurrence when more prostitute deaths followed � Kim and her team were scrambling to find answers, and determined to stop more deaths. Meanwhile, Dawson and Stacey continued to search for the baby’s mother � but when they were led to a factory of Romanian women workers, their senses heightened. They knew there was something wrong with the situation, but would they be able to discover what it was?
Kim could feel the sinister undercurrents rippling through the areas she and Bryant were digging into � but she couldn’t make the pieces fit. She was frustrated � she would get to the bottom of the evil which had crossed her path, once and for all�
Broken Bones by Angela Marsons is #7 in the DI Kim Stone series and another brilliant episode! The tension and intrigue that this author is famous for is there; the gritty, chilling suspense kept me turning the pages needing to find out more! An excellent psychological thriller, Broken Bones is one I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital copy to read and review.
Merged review:
The baby boy was around three months old and well looked after; a healthy child. But when he was discovered abandoned on an extremely cold night at the door to Detective Kim Stone’s police station, the search for his mother began immediately. Within hours though, Kim was called to the site of a murder � the young prostitute had been brutally savaged � Kim’s protective instincts went on full alert�
It was soon obvious that the murder wasn’t a lone occurrence when more prostitute deaths followed � Kim and her team were scrambling to find answers, and determined to stop more deaths. Meanwhile, Dawson and Stacey continued to search for the baby’s mother � but when they were led to a factory of Romanian women workers, their senses heightened. They knew there was something wrong with the situation, but would they be able to discover what it was?
Kim could feel the sinister undercurrents rippling through the areas she and Bryant were digging into � but she couldn’t make the pieces fit. She was frustrated � she would get to the bottom of the evil which had crossed her path, once and for all�
Broken Bones by Angela Marsons is #7 in the DI Kim Stone series and another brilliant episode! The tension and intrigue that this author is famous for is there; the gritty, chilling suspense kept me turning the pages needing to find out more! An excellent psychological thriller, Broken Bones is one I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital copy to read and review....more
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