Menacing texts lead to murder in an English village, in this unmissable, witty mystery by the Dagger Award–nominated author of A Most Unusual Demise.
May Morrigan is in her bookshop one morning when she—and everyone else in the shop—receives an anonymous text. It contains a reference to a Shakespeare quotation—and seems to be aimed at the vicar and his partner, Juan. The next morning, one of them is dead..
Meanwhile, May’s elderly mother, Minty, is staying with her, her old friend Fletcher, and her two dogs. To her dismay, Minty is quite preoccupied with death herself lately. She also keeps reminiscing about her past in ways that make May wonder what secrets she’s hiding.
As disturbing texts continue to arrive, the Blackheath residents are threatened with further revelations and titillations. Then Fletcher becomes the focus of the tormenting texter . . . and barely escapes an attempt on his life. It’s time for May to send a strong message—and block this killer permanently . .
Instagram
@KJBlack71
@bloodhound.books
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #Bookstagram
Sixteen-year-old Frieder’s plans for the summer are shattered when he fails two subjects. To be able to move up to the next year in the Autumn, he needs to resit his exams.
So instead of going on holiday with his family, he now faces the daunting and boring prospect of staying at his grandparents’ house, studying with his strict and formal step-grandfather.
Published by Orenda Books #OrendaTakeover
On the bright side, he’ll spend time with his grandmother Nana, his sister Alma and his best friend Johann. And he meets Beate, the girl in the beautiful green swimsuit…
The next few weeks will bring friendship, fear and first love – one grand summer that will change and shape his entire life.
A number-one bestseller in Germany and winner of the German Booksellers Prize, One Grand Summer is a moving, beautiful and profound novel about relationships and respect that captures those exquisite and painful moments that make us who we are…
About Orenda Books
Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with a heavy emphasis on crime/thrillers, and approximately half the list in translation. They’ve been twice shortlisted for the Nick Robinson Best Newcomer Award at the IPG awards, and publisher and owner Karen Sullivan was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2016. In 2018, they were awarded a prestigious Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme. Three authors, including Agnes Ravatn, Matt Wesolowski and Amanda Jennings have been WHSmith Fresh Talent picks, and Ravatn’s The Bird Tribunal was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, won an English PEN Translation Award, and adapted for BBC Radio Four ’s Book at Bedtime. Six titles have been short- or long-listed for the CWA Daggers. Launched in 2014 with a mission to bring more international literature to the UK market, Orenda Books publishes a host of debuts, many of which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and looks for fresh, exciting new voices that push the genre in new directions. Bestselling authors include Ragnar Jonasson, Antti Tuomainen, Gunnar Staalesen, Michael J. Malone, Kjell Ola Dahl, Louise Beech, Johana Gustawsson, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Sarah Stovell.
The signs are unmistakable. The dog halts, his nose up – nostrils quivering. Every inch of him is poised. Moss has a scent.
Publishing: 11th July
Genre: Crime
Publisher: Canelo Crime
When a hand is found in Gallows Wood, PC Lucy Halliday and her specialist search dog Moss must find the rest of the body. What they uncover is a killer’s dumping ground. Like every case since her husband’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy wonders if this one will bring her closer to the truth. Luke was a journalist with a reputation for getting buried in his work; Lucy is certain that this time he delved too deep.
With new DI Jack Ellis calling the shots, Lucy struggles to keep her professionalism intact. She can’t stay away from these murders – and a killer who may hold the answers she desperately wants. But with those at the very heart of the investigation withholding secrets of their own, can more brutal deaths be prevented?
The first book in the gripping new police procedural series featuring dog handler PC Lucy Halliday. Perfect for fans of Lynda La Plante, Val McDermid and Susie Steiner.
Pre-order Link
www.amazon.co.uk
Handles/Tags
X (Twitter)
@paperclipgirl
@CaneloCrime
@KellyALacey
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #BookTwitter
Instagram
@louisascarrwriter
@canelo_co
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #Bookstagram
Imagine you knew exactly when you were going to die…
Robin Edmund Blake is halfway through his life.
Born in 1986, when Halley’s Comet crossed the sky, he is destined to go out with it, when it returns in 2061. Until that day, he can’t die. He has proof.
With his future mapped out in minute detail, a lucrative but increasingly dull job in the City of London, and Gemma to share his life with, Robin has a plan to be remembered forever.
Published by Orenda Books #OrendaTakeover
But when Robin’s sick father has one accident too many, the plan starts to unravel. Robin must return home to the tiny seaside town of Eastgate, learn to care for the man who never really cared for him, and face the childhood ghosts he fled decades ago.
Desperate to get his life back on schedule, he connects with fellow outsider Astrid. Brutally direct, sharp-witted and a professor at a nearby university, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. But Astrid is hiding something and someone from Robin and he’s hiding even more from her.
A warmly funny, poignant and exquisite novel about coming home and letting go, Happy Is the One asks what is truly important in a chaotic, unpredictable world…
About Orenda Books
Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with a heavy emphasis on crime/thrillers, and approximately half the list in translation. They’ve been twice shortlisted for the Nick Robinson Best Newcomer Award at the IPG awards, and publisher and owner Karen Sullivan was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2016. In 2018, they were awarded a prestigious Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme. Three authors, including Agnes Ravatn, Matt Wesolowski and Amanda Jennings have been WHSmith Fresh Talent picks, and Ravatn’s The Bird Tribunal was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, won an English PEN Translation Award, and adapted for BBC Radio Four ’s Book at Bedtime. Six titles have been short- or long-listed for the CWA Daggers. Launched in 2014 with a mission to bring more international literature to the UK market, Orenda Books publishes a host of debuts, many of which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and looks for fresh, exciting new voices that push the genre in new directions. Bestselling authors include Ragnar Jonasson, Antti Tuomainen, Gunnar Staalesen, Michael J. Malone, Kjell Ola Dahl, Louise Beech, Johana Gustawsson, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Sarah Stovell.
A slender, beautifully illustrated volume of 30 poems, enumerating love in all its configurations and crucibles: through enchantment, presence, magnetism, illusion, nature, restlessness, wonder, and memories that rise from our past, and follow us into our future.
For seekers, artists, lovers, moon-gazers, anyone that dares to glimpse the beating heart within, this collection is a goldmine of inspiration and magical fairy dust.
About the Author
The Muse Frequency is an artist, poet and producer working with musicians and creators around the world to design immersive and meditative experiences.
Instagram
@themusefrequency
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #Bookstagram
Fresh from the scandal at Hampstead County PD, Detective Sergeant Casey Wray works a complex double-homicide that points to a killer on a murderous rampage and a shattering series of discoveries that could end her career … The shocking sequel to the addictive, twisty, bestselling Black Reed Bay…
Hampstead County Police Department is embroiled in scandal after corruption at the top of the force was exposed. Cleared of involvement and returned to active duty, Detective Sergeant Casey Wray nonetheless finds herself at a crossroads when it becomes clear not everyone believes she’s innocent.
Published by Orenda Books #OrendaTakeover
Partnered with rookie Billy Drocker, Casey works a shocking daytime double-homicide in downtown Rockport with the two victims seemingly unknown to one another. And when a third victim is gunned down on her doorstep shortly after, it appears an abusive ex-boyfriend holds the key to the killings.
With powerful figures demanding answers, Casey and Billy search for the suspect, fearing he’s on a murderous rampage. But when a key witness goes missing, and new evidence just won’t fit, the case begins to unravel. With her career in jeopardy, Casey makes a shattering discovery that threatens to expose the true darkness at the heart of the murders… with a killer still on the loose…
About Orenda Books
Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with a heavy emphasis on crime/thrillers, and approximately half the list in translation. They’ve been twice shortlisted for the Nick Robinson Best Newcomer Award at the IPG awards, and publisher and owner Karen Sullivan was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2016. In 2018, they were awarded a prestigious Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme. Three authors, including Agnes Ravatn, Matt Wesolowski and Amanda Jennings have been WHSmith Fresh Talent picks, and Ravatn’s The Bird Tribunal was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, won an English PEN Translation Award, and adapted for BBC Radio Four ’s Book at Bedtime. Six titles have been short- or long-listed for the CWA Daggers. Launched in 2014 with a mission to bring more international literature to the UK market, Orenda Books publishes a host of debuts, many of which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and looks for fresh, exciting new voices that push the genre in new directions. Bestselling authors include Ragnar Jonasson, Antti Tuomainen, Gunnar Staalesen, Michael J. Malone, Kjell Ola Dahl, Louise Beech, Johana Gustawsson, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Sarah Stovell.
He’s a secret weapon against evil. But can he defeat the monster lurking within?
Quinn Carter is in a good place. Along with his half-angel girlfriend, the loyal half-demon teen thrives as he works with supernatural friends to fight ongoing threats. So when the Greek gods seek help, he faces off against a demigod craving world domination.
Genre: YA PARANORMAL/URBAN FANTASY
Reading Age: 13 – 18
Attacked by a demon king, Quinn survives when aid appears from a dubious ally. But when a blood-sucking enemy makes a devastating move, the teenager finds himself plunged into a clash between light and dark.
Can Quinn rise above the darkness inside and overcome a living nightmare?
The Younglings is the thrilling final book in The Younglings YA paranormal fantasy series. If you like resilient heroes, non-stop action, and sizzling paranormal romance, then you’ll love Helena M Craggs’s high-stakes roller coaster.
Handles/Tags
Twitter
@h_craggs
@KellyALacey
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #BookTwitter
Instagram
@craggshm
@emilys_world_of_design
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #Bookstagram
BookTok
@helenamcauthor
@lovebookstours
@emilys_world_of_design
Bella wants her life back but life keeps getting in the way.
Here’s what some early readers have said:
‘It was funny, tragic and uplifting all at once, I couldn’t put it down.’
‘Realistic and romantic with great humour.’
‘I burst into tears at the end, I was so moved.’
When Bella McCaa is released from ten years as sole carer to a very demanding mother, she’s desperate to leave Dundee and pick up the threads of her once high-flying career in London. Fifty-two isn’t too late to start again, is it?
Genre: Romance| Contemporary
Pages: 297
Publisher: Handbag Press
But fate, and family, intervene, and rather than speeding South in her trusty Mini, Bella’s plans go awry and she finds herself living far from friends, facing an empty bank account and urgently in need of a job. London and reclaiming her life seem more distant than ever. To complicate matters further her first love, Jem, strides into town – handsome, successful and stirring up a tempest of emotions. But Jem’s arrival is also the catalyst to unearthing long-buried secrets, shattering
Bella’s view of the world and making her question everything. Can Bella negotiate a whirlwind ride of unexpected curveballs, love and second chances to find a happy every after on her own terms?
Handles/Tags
X (Twitter)
@catherineaitken
@KellyALacey
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #BookTwitter
Instagram
@catherineaitkenauthor
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #Bookstagram
Hamburg State Prosecutor Chastity Riley and her colleagues investigate the murders of men with a history of abuse towards women … as a startling, horrifying series of revelations emerge.
When neatly packed male body parts wash up by the River Elbe, Hamburg State Prosecutor Chastity Riley and her colleagues begin a perplexing investigation.
As the murdered men are identified, it becomes clear that they all had a history of abuse towards women, leading Riley to wonder if it would actually be in society’s best interests to catch the killers.
Published by Orenda Books #OrendaTakeover
But when her best friend Carla is attacked, and the police show little interest in tracking down the offender, Chastity takes matters into her own hands and as a link between the two cases emerges, horrifying revelations threaten Chastity’s own moral compass … and put everything at risk.
The award-winning, critically acclaimed Chastity Riley series returns with a slick, hard-boiled, darkly funny thriller that tackles issues of violence and the difference between law and justice with devastating insight, and an ending you will never see coming…
About Orenda Books
Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with a heavy emphasis on crime/thrillers, and approximately half the list in translation. They’ve been twice shortlisted for the Nick Robinson Best Newcomer Award at the IPG awards, and publisher and owner Karen Sullivan was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2016. In 2018, they were awarded a prestigious Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme. Three authors, including Agnes Ravatn, Matt Wesolowski and Amanda Jennings have been WHSmith Fresh Talent picks, and Ravatn’s The Bird Tribunal was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, won an English PEN Translation Award, and adapted for BBC Radio Four ’s Book at Bedtime. Six titles have been short- or long-listed for the CWA Daggers. Launched in 2014 with a mission to bring more international literature to the UK market, Orenda Books publishes a host of debuts, many of which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and looks for fresh, exciting new voices that push the genre in new directions. Bestselling authors include Ragnar Jonasson, Antti Tuomainen, Gunnar Staalesen, Michael J. Malone, Kjell Ola Dahl, Louise Beech, Johana Gustawsson, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Sarah Stovell.
It seems too good to be true…
When struggling writer Sebastian finds a room to let in a palatial Hampstead residence he cannot believe his luck. The rent is ridiculously cheap and he immediately feels a connection with his beautiful widowed landlady, Adriana.
It is.
Genre: Psychological thriller
Publisher: Hera
Author website: https://aachaudhuri.com/
Things take a dark turn when he finds out what happened to the last lodger. Could this be why the house is a fortress of security, and why Adriana seems so fragile? Adriana doesn’t want to talk about the death and sadness that seem to follow her wherever she goes and Sebastian has secrets of his own.
Now someone is watching their every move and there is nowhere to hide.
This house of light becomes a dark nightmare as the threat ramps up – what does the watcher want? And how far will they go to get it?
A gripping, twisty thriller perfect for fans of B.A. Paris, Shari Lapena and Lucy Foley. If you were hooked by Netflix series You or The Watcher you’ll love this.
Handles/Tags
X (Twitter)
@aachaudhuri
@aforauthors
@CROSSLANDAM
@HeraBooks
@KellyALacey
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview
Instagram
@aachaudhuri
@a.a.chaudhuri
@hera_books
@lovebookstours
#LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeReview #FreeBookReview
+ Australia, crime fiction, dark humour, Edinburgh, female friendship, fiction, hostage, murder, review, Scotland, thriller
Halfway House by Helen Fitzgerald
They’re the housemates from Hell…
When her disastrous Australian love affair ends, Lou O’Dowd heads to Edinburgh for a fresh start, moving in with her cousin, and preparing for the only job she can find … working at a halfway house for very high-risk offenders.
Two killers, a celebrity paedophile and a paranoid coke dealer – all out on parole and all sharing their outwardly elegant Edinburgh townhouse with rookie night-worker Lou…
#HalfwayHouse @fitzhelen @OrendaBooks #RandomThingsTours @annecater @RandomTTours #blogtour #MeetLou #Edinburgh
And instead of finding some meaning and purpose to her life, she finds herself trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse where she stands to lose everything – including her life.
Slick, darkly funny and nerve-janglingly tense, Halfway House is both a breathtaking thriller and an unapologetic reminder never to corner a desperate woman…
My Review
This book was not at all what I was expecting. And Lou O’Dowd is not the heroine I was expecting either. To someone of my generation (I could almost be her grandmother), her behaviour, her language, her life choices, were shocking to my gentler sensibilities (I jest). I am used to reading gory crime thrillers, but the sex scenes (I’ll replace this word Amazon) are still a mystery to me.
We first meet 23-year-old Lou living in a posh apartment, paid for by her sugar daddy. She gets a generous allowance as well, and all she has to do is see him twice a week for a few hours and have sex (that word again), while he shouts ‘Don’t move, don’t move,’ at her. What’s that all about?
After breaking up from him, she looks for a job, but isn’t having much luck. ‘Kept woman’ isn’t that good as work experience on her CV, neither is ‘pretending to be dead for a closet necrophiliac’. But then this job comes up across the world in Edinburgh, where her cousin Becks lives, and she can start straight away and live with her cousin (and all the out-of-work actors and performers who come and go). I think Becks is madder than she is, but at least her heart is in the right place.
The job involves being the night carer at a halfway house for offenders out on licence, but we are not talking about possession of a class A, mugging or burglary, these men are the real deal – two murderers, an ex-rockstar paedophile, a flasher/frotter (Google it)/ sex offender, and a paranoid drug dealer. After the first night learning on the job, she will be alone with them. What?! I don’t see much risk assessment going on here. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
So off she goes to Scotland, even partying on the plane (not sleeping like sensible people) and arrives in Edinburgh totally exhausted. She has promised to go and see Becks’ new play Plath: The Musical and even though she sleeps through it (I said she would be exhausted), she meets the handsome Tim.
She starts her job and it’s exactly what one would imagine – risky, boring and downright dangerous. First rule of the house – never talk about the inmates to ANYONE. Second rule of the house – never fall asleep on the job. Or feed them after midnight (if we are into film references). Even with drugged hot chocolate.
Halfway House is darkly funny (very dark), shocking, hilarious at times, sad at others. I’m not sure I felt sorry for Lou at any point, her disasters are almost all of her own making, but I did warm to Becks, in spite of her chaotic lifestyle. Did I warm to Tim? You’ll have to make up your own mind.
The ending descends into total madness, but it was the most entertaining part of the book.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
About the Author
Helen FitzGerald is the bestselling author of thirteen adult and young-adult thrillers, including The Donor (2011) and The Cry (2013), which was longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year and adapted for a major BBC drama. Her 2019 dark- comedy thriller Worst Case Scenario was a Book of the Year in the Literary Review, Herald Scotland, Guardian, Sunday Times, The Week and Daily Telegraph, shortlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year, and won the CrimeFest Last Laugh Award. The critically acclaimed Ash Mountain (2020) and Keep Her Sweet (2022) soon followed. Helen worked as a criminal-justice social worker for over fifteen years. She grew up in Victoria, Australia, and now lives in Glasgow with her husband.
About Orenda Books
Orenda Books is a small independent publishing company specialising in literary fiction with a heavy emphasis on crime/thrillers, and approximately half the list in translation. They’ve been twice shortlisted for the Nick Robinson Best Newcomer Award at the IPG awards, and publisher and owner Karen Sullivan was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2016. In 2018, they were awarded a prestigious Creative Europe grant for their translated books programme. Three authors, including Agnes Ravatn, Matt Wesolowski and Amanda Jennings have been WHSmith Fresh Talent picks, and Ravatn’s The Bird Tribunal was shortlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, won an English PEN Translation Award, and adapted for BBC Radio Four ’s Book at Bedtime. Six titles have been short- or long-listed for the CWA Daggers. Launched in 2014 with a mission to bring more international literature to the UK market, Orenda Books publishes a host of debuts, many of which have gone on to sell millions worldwide, and looks for fresh, exciting new voices that push the genre in new directions. Bestselling authors include Ragnar Jonasson, Antti Tuomainen, Gunnar Staalesen, Michael J. Malone, Kjell Ola Dahl, Louise Beech, Johana Gustawsson, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Sarah Stovell.
If most men say they’re one of the good guys, then why are so many women afraid to walk alone at night?
Cole is the perfect husband: a romantic, supportive of his wife, Mel’s career, keen to be a hands-on dad, not a big drinker. A good guy.
So when Mel leaves him, he’s floored. She was lucky to be with a man like him.
Craving solitude, he accepts a job on the coast and quickly settles into his new life where he meets reclusive artist Lennie.
#OneOfTheGoodGuys @AramintaHall @panmacmillan #RandomThingsTours @annecater @RandomTTours #BlogTour
Lennie has made the same move for similar reasons. She is living in a crumbling cottage on the edge of a nearby cliff. It’s an undeniably scary location, but sometimes you have to face your fears to get past them.
As their relationship develops, two young women go missing while on a walk protesting gendered violence, right by where Cole and Lennie live. Finding themselves at the heart of a police investigation and media frenzy, it soon becomes clear that they don’t know each other very well at all.
This is what happens when women have had enough . . .
My Review
In the first part of One Of The Good Guys we hear from Cole as the first person narrator. He believes himself to be ‘one of the good guys’, but certain things appear slightly off. His desire to ‘protect’ his wife Mel becomes overbearing and frankly insulting. He constantly wants to push forward with IVF (he’s desperate to have a child), even when she is physically and emotionally exhausted, he totally disregards her feelings, and then the ‘we’ are going to get pregnant (it’s not you going through this mate – I really wanted to punch him at this point).
And then there is his opinion about keeping Mel’s frozen embryos after their marriage breakdown. I found it deeply shocking that he believed he had a right to her body, but I’m even more shocked at how many people believed he had a right to stop her destroying them. This is one of the things American author Jodi Picoult does so well. A Spark of Light discusses abortion and she delivers both sides expertly, exploring this controversial subject, even when you think there is only one side. She presents an argument that makes you think and it’s a challenging read that questions your own views (and hidden prejudices).
Mel’s behaviour appears to become increasingly erratic, until she makes her ‘escape’ and Cole blames it all on her hormones. Of course he does.
We also have a scene where Cole encounters Molly and Phoebe, who are walking 365 miles around the coast to highlight violence against women. They are sitting on the edge of a cliff and Cole warns them that it’s very dangerous. It’s his job to do so, but he handles it badly. However, so do they and that’s a conflict in itself. When the girls go missing, he fails to inform the police about the meeting. Then they disappear and the fingers are pointing at Cole. I’m somewhat biased I know, because of the rabbit trap – you can’t be one of the ‘good guys’ as far as I’m concerned (country folk will think I’m pathetic I know) and be so cruel.
Reclusive artist Lennie lives in a small cottage close to the edge of the cliffs. She admits that many people don’t like her. I didn’t like her much either, but I definitely admired her. Cole befriends her and believes a relationship will blossom. Yeah right!
A lot of the second half revolves around social media posts and WhatsApp messages, many of which are toxic and less than sympathetic. There are the usual references to pictures of Molly and Phoebe in bikinis or clubbing, which bring out the ‘serves them right bitches’ brigade. Even women rush to criticise them. But nothing will prepare you for the final denouement. It was not at all what I was expecting.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
About the Author
Araminta Hall is a journalist and teacher. She is the author of five previous novels, including her first novel, Everything & Nothing, which was published in 2011 and became a Richard & Judy read that year. She is the great niece of Dodie Smith and the great granddaughter of Lawrence Beesley, who survived the Titanic and wrote a bestselling account of the tragedy in the book, The Loss of the SS Titanic. She teaches creative writing at New Writing South in Brighton, where she lives with her
husband and three children.
Bookchatter@Cookiebiscuit 