Category: fiction
The Killer On My Doorstep by TJ Brearton
‘There’s a package on the porch,’ my husband calls as he leaves for work. I rip open the brown paper and find three books inside. I didn’t order them. A week ago, my new neighbor was murdered in exactly the way described in the first book. Her name was Naomi Sheller. I’ll never forget the first time I saw her — frozen in the … Read More The Killer On My Doorstep by TJ Brearton
+ audio book, audio drama, Aussie Noir, Australia, child abduction, crime fiction, fiction, murder, obsession, review, thriller
Redemption (Crimson Lake #2) by Candice Fox
When former police detective Ted Conkaffey was wrongly accused of abducting Claire Bingley, he hoped the Queensland rainforest town of Crimson Lake would be a good place to disappear. But nowhere is safe from Claire’s devastated father. Dale Bingley has a brutal revenge plan all worked out – and if Ted doesn’t help find the real abductor, he’ll be its first casualty. Meanwhile, in … Read More Redemption (Crimson Lake #2) by Candice Fox
Assassins Are Our Greatest Assets by Shesh
After a 14-year tenure as a successful CEO, Ishmael Dollah is settling into retirement in Singapore. But then…someone threatens his son’s happiness. With decades of corporate strategy, crisis management and ruthless decision-making under his belt, how does he handle this situation? He decides to become a professional assassin! Ishmael applies the same executive efficiency to find a permanent solution – eliminate the threat. The … Read More Assassins Are Our Greatest Assets by Shesh
The Invisible Cage by Suni Samara
“You can’t see the bars or the lock, but they are there. I am a prisoner.” Meet Anoushka:Edinburgh biology student, dutiful Indian daughter, great marriage material. She’s everything to everybody and yet – she’s nothing. She is invisible in an invisible cage. This is the year that changes her life. At twenty-two, Anoushka, the eldest daughter in her family, is expected to take the … Read More The Invisible Cage by Suni Samara
The Hanging Tree by Jessica Huntley
For a hundred years, the residents of a rural Welsh village have been hiding the truth. Now, a newcomer has started digging around, uncovering more than just buried secrets. Retired detective, Graham Williams, has moved to Bethgelert for a fresh start, determined to put the horrors of last year behind him. He has seen his fair share of disturbing scenes, but nothing prepares him … Read More The Hanging Tree by Jessica Huntley
+ audio book, audio drama, Aussie Noir, Australia, child abduction, crime fiction, fiction, murder, obsession, review, thriller
Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake #1) by Candice Fox
How do you move on when the world won’t let you? 12:46: Claire Bingley stands alone at a bus stop12:47: Ted Conkaffey parks his car beside her12:52: The girl is missing . . . Six minutes in the wrong place at the wrong time—that’s all it took to ruin Sydney detective Ted Conkaffey’s life. Accused but not convicted of a brutal abduction,Ted is now … Read More Crimson Lake (Crimson Lake #1) by Candice Fox
+ crime fiction, Detective novel, fiction, kidnapping, murder mystery, mystery, police drama, police procedural, psycopath, review, serial killer, writing
Written in Blood by Chris Carter
A serial killer will stop at nothing…His most valuable possession has been stolen. Now he must retrieve it, at any cost. Angela Wood wanted to teach the man a lesson. It was a bag, just like all the others. But when she opens it, the worst nightmare of her life begins. A journal ends up at Robert Hunter’s desk. It soon becomes clear that … Read More Written in Blood by Chris Carter
+ childhood, fiction, folklore, Historical fiction, List, Magical realism, review, supernatural, superstition, USA, whimsical
My Top 5 Books of 2025
I’m a bit late this year with my reflection on my favourite books of 2025. It’s always hard. There weren’t obvious instant standouts as in previous years. I have tried to include a mix of genres and although I read a lot of crime fiction, which occasionally make my quarterly selections, my top books of the year tend to be something a bit different, so … Read More My Top 5 Books of 2025
What Happened That Summer by Laura Pearson
You think you know what happened that day… But what if you’re wrong? Everyone remembers where they were when they heard that AJ Silver had died. In summer 1996, there was no avoiding the story that America’s biggest teen pop sensation had plunged to his death on a roller-coaster at a family-run amusement park in rural England. Now, 27 years have passed, and – … Read More What Happened That Summer by Laura Pearson
+ fiction, List, literature, review
My Year in Books 2025
It’s been a successful year for reading. I’ve read some brilliant books. My reading challenge was 150 and I didn’t quite make it this time.
+ audio book, feel-good, fiction, friendship, loss, love
The Light a Candle Society by Ruth Hogan
All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. George McGlory – recent widower, part-time librarian, pub quiz enthusiast and lover of loud shirts – witnesses a public health funeral and is deeply moved by the sight of the lonely coffin with no flowers and no mourners in attendance. He joins forces with Elena, a florist, Edwin, an undertaker, … Read More The Light a Candle Society by Ruth Hogan
+ feel-good, fiction, friends, friendship, love
The Croatian Island Library by Eva Glyn
Where books are borrowed, friendships are forged and secrets uncovered… As a beautiful summer unfolds in the Croatian islands, Ana Meštrović embarks on a new venture – transforming her beloved catamaran into a floating library. Joined by crew members Lloyd, a widower whose past threatens to overshadow everything, and Natali, a young mechanic afraid of her own shadow, the newly formed trio all have … Read More The Croatian Island Library by Eva Glyn
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