Category: review
The Time of The Fire by Emma Kavanagh
Northern California, end of summer. Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Very High. A mysterious death.On the anniversary of her mother’s death, CEO-in-waiting Robyn Sandoval goes for a morning run. She knows her father – a local fire fighting hero – is desperate to speak to her, to tell her something he wants her to know before she starts her new job leading the corporation that … Read More The Time of The Fire by Emma Kavanagh
+ autism, crime fiction, Detective novel, fiction, murder, neurodivergence, police drama, police procedural, review
The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan The DS Cross Mysteries #7
THE SETTINGThe body of a bookseller is discovered, lying in a pool of blood in his Bristol bookshop. Police have one question: how did the man meet such a violent, murderous end in this peaceful place? THE CONFLICTDS Cross’s ability to dismiss red herrings is challenged by a worrying development in his personal life. Hopelessly distracted, he needs to rely on those around him … Read More The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan The DS Cross Mysteries #7
Your Child Next by MJ Arlidge and Andy Maslen
IN THE FAKED VIDEO, YOUR DAUGHTER IS DEAD. AND IF YOU DON’T PAY, SHE’LL DIE FOR REAL. Things have been difficult for Annie since her husband left; her teenage daughter, Isla, has become a ghost of her former self. Annie’s terrified that Isla might hurt herself, and she’ll lose her, too. So when Annie receives a video of herself crying at Isla’s funeral, she’s immediately … Read More Your Child Next by MJ Arlidge and Andy Maslen
The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey
In this darkly comic work of literary satire by New Zealand’s most acclaimed and best-selling novelist, Tama, a talking magpie and social media influencer, is the sole witness to a marriage in freefall. Tama is just a helpless chick when he is rescued by Marnie. ‘If it keeps me awake,’ says Marnie’s husband Rob, a farmer in the middle of a years-long drought, ‘I’ll … Read More The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey
Not My Country by AE Dean
England in the mid-2030s. It’s no longer a good place to grow old, nor is it a good place to be young. Louise is in her seventies and has travelled for most of her life, but there’s nothing left for her except the careful plans she’s made for one final journey. Adam is in his mid-twenties with his whole life before him. He’s not … Read More Not My Country by AE Dean
+ audio book, fiction, gothic, gothic horror, Gothic mystery, Historical fiction, review, supernatural, superstition, witchcraft
The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Kerr
‘There are a lot of shadows at Ravenswood, so you will need to be strong…’ The year is 1885 and a young woman is on the run, knowing if she’s caught, she’ll be hanged for murder. Moments from a safe haven, she collides with a gruff stranger, falling and breaking her ankle. To her surprise, the man – Marcus Greybourne – convinces the local … Read More The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Kerr
+ 1950s, family, feminism, fiction, grief, Historical fiction, lies, literature, London, loss, love, marriage, mental health, mental illness, motherhood, music, obsession, psychiatrist, relationships, review, secrets, sisters, therapy, twins
The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 4 by Sophia Lambton
Curiosity can be a killer. The clock begins to tick on Anneliese’s moral compass as the sleuth-psychiatrist delves deeper into London’s social dregs – encountering a playbook too subversive for her tastes. While Isabel belittles the idea of jealousy Charles Anthony views his obsession as a Jezebel. Susanna’s (other) indiscretions are hard-pressed to rest in peace as torments old and new distort her life. … Read More The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 4 by Sophia Lambton
+ anthology, audio book, List, literature, podcast, review
My Most Read Reviews of 2024
This was a new one for me in 2022, but I do love a good list. These books were not necessarily published this year – in fact Miss Benson’s Beetle was top for three years. This time it’s The Lost Bookshop which is also one of my favourite books. And Team Olaf’s Mutt Strutt Book for Maggie’s is up there still. I still don’t … Read More My Most Read Reviews of 2024
+ 1940s, childhood, fairies, fiction, Historical fiction, Ireland, Italy, List, Magical realism, nazi germany, review, USA, whimsical, WW2
My Top 6 Books of 2024
As we slip quietly into 2025 it’s time to reflect on my absolute favourite books of 2024. It’s six this time, four of which are audio books. It’s always hard. There were instant standouts again. I have tried to include a mix of genres but failed yet again. I read a lot of crime fiction, which occasionally make my quarterly selections, but my Top books of … Read More My Top 6 Books of 2024
+ fiction, List, literature, review
My Year in Books 2024
It’s been a successful year for reading. I’ve read some brilliant books. My reading challenge was 150 and I’ve read 159. A few more than last year.
My 4 Favourite Audiobooks of 2024 – Part Four
Here are my favourite audio books of the year Part Four. There’s always a Gothic mystery in there. Plus Chris Whitaker makes a second appearance of the year. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton I signed up for this as an audio book on Borrowbox. It’s 20 hours long – which is huge – I can see it’s six hours and 48 mins as … Read More My 4 Favourite Audiobooks of 2024 – Part Four
Prodigal by Phyllis Gobbell
It’s the Fourth of July, 2000. In a small Southern town, fireworks light the sky above the City Park, while down the street a smaller flash of light changes everything for 19-year-old Connor Burdette. He has just lost the girl he loves. Now, buying beer at the Back Home Market, he becomes an accomplice to a shooting. Out of desperation, he runs. It will … Read More Prodigal by Phyllis Gobbell
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