"Beautiful things are hard to keep alive."
Smithson, set in between mountain ranges in Australia, is a community that has seen recent growth over the past decade. Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock has lived there all her life, attended the local high school, and is now a detective with the local police. When the body of a woman is found in Sonny Lake, Gemma is stunned to find out that the victim is an old classmate of hers -- the gorgeous and talented Rosalind Ryan. It's been 10 years since their school leaving and Rosalind had returned to teach drama at Smithson High. She was murdered just after the first performance of the play she had worked so hard to put on and the whole town is in shock as Rosalind was respected and loved by all.
Gemma has some serious secrets, however, and her feelings about Rosalind aren't quite along the same line, but she commits herself to the investigation. She's partners (with benefits) with DS Felix McKinnon and both immediately apply themselves to the routine of a big murder case. NO SPOILERS but this is a very complicated situation compounded by Gemma's history.
Basically a police procedural and crime thriller, this debut offers a real atmospheric read along with the mystery of who killed Rosalind and why. Gemma is quite the complex character and I alternated between liking and despising her -- she is a bit of a hot mess, actually, and has demons that threaten her present day that are being dredged up by her past. Her partner, Felix, doesn't help matters and their involvement threatens more than just their home situations. There were many other significant characters and many theories and possible motives regarding the murder as well as the requisite red herrings though a savvy reader will make some accurate guesses. All told, it's a good read and I did love the detail and description about the town and its inhabitants. The weather -- December in Australia is unbearably hot -- also added to the levels of tension and the heaviness of the tone of the book. I'm quite interested to see what happens to Gemma after the conclusion of this particular case and hope that she's going to get herself together and come to terms with what happened in her past. I loved the writing style and the flip between THEN and NOW.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I realized just recently that it was far overdue and plan to start the second in the series immediately so that I can have it finished by the publication date! Next up: INTO THE NIGHT.
This is the first in a new series.
NetGalley Top Reviewer
NetGalley Top Reviewer
Friday, November 30, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Little Girl Gone by Stephen Edger
She was away for 2 minutes..
An abducted child is a horror that is one of parents' many nightmares. When Alex Granger goes to retrieve a parking ticket leaving her 2-year-old daughter, Carol-Anne secure in a car seat in an alarmed car, she has no idea that her life is about to be upended. Alex returns to the car to find her daughter gone. Her first call is to her husband, Ray, a detective sergeant, though he doesn't answer his phone immediately, but soon shows up at the scene and has a lot of questions that will need to be handled by another member of the police as Ray is forbidden from participation in the case. But all is not as it should be between husband and wife so they can't offer each other comfort. Then Alex gets an email from "Simon" telling her exactly what she must do if she wants her daughter to be returned. NO SPOILERS
This was a bit of domestic drama with a crime/police procedural bent. A lot going on including Ray investigating a robbery ring instead of staying home with his wife and the FLO. Of course they have no idea who Simon is and Alex is under suspicion of doing harm to her own child. I found most of this book to stretch my ability to suspend disbelief to the max and the reveal came out of nowhere as to the kidnapper's identity. I must say that I didn't like ANY of the characters in this book which made it hard to stay with it. The narrative flips between Alex and Ray and each has issues and they don't talk to each other. The things they both do, especially Alex, make no sense in light of their situation -- or at least they didn't to me. I did finish reading it but the story didn't live up to my anticipation given the premise and the synopsis. Family dysfunction trumped suspense thriller and the epilogue...umm NO.
Thank you to NetGalley and Killer Reads for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and not part of any series.
An abducted child is a horror that is one of parents' many nightmares. When Alex Granger goes to retrieve a parking ticket leaving her 2-year-old daughter, Carol-Anne secure in a car seat in an alarmed car, she has no idea that her life is about to be upended. Alex returns to the car to find her daughter gone. Her first call is to her husband, Ray, a detective sergeant, though he doesn't answer his phone immediately, but soon shows up at the scene and has a lot of questions that will need to be handled by another member of the police as Ray is forbidden from participation in the case. But all is not as it should be between husband and wife so they can't offer each other comfort. Then Alex gets an email from "Simon" telling her exactly what she must do if she wants her daughter to be returned. NO SPOILERS
This was a bit of domestic drama with a crime/police procedural bent. A lot going on including Ray investigating a robbery ring instead of staying home with his wife and the FLO. Of course they have no idea who Simon is and Alex is under suspicion of doing harm to her own child. I found most of this book to stretch my ability to suspend disbelief to the max and the reveal came out of nowhere as to the kidnapper's identity. I must say that I didn't like ANY of the characters in this book which made it hard to stay with it. The narrative flips between Alex and Ray and each has issues and they don't talk to each other. The things they both do, especially Alex, make no sense in light of their situation -- or at least they didn't to me. I did finish reading it but the story didn't live up to my anticipation given the premise and the synopsis. Family dysfunction trumped suspense thriller and the epilogue...umm NO.
Thank you to NetGalley and Killer Reads for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and not part of any series.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
The Liar's Wife by Samantha Hayes
"Work, home, sleep."
That's been Ella Sinclair's daily routine for the past 10 years. She steers clear of all social entanglements, keeps to herself, and does her job the best she can. Then, the accident. A van comes from out of nowhere and she lands in critical care with multiple trauma injuries leaving her encased in a leg cast with a pin in her knee and a broken arm. She's thrown when the nurse tells her that her husband has been to see her every day. Ella has never been married. Under threat of exposure of a past that incriminates her (a DVD), she agrees to go home with Jacob -- and that's when the nightmare begins. NO SPOILERS.
Yes, there's a twist and I still can't get my head around it. I found so much of this domestic drama to be hard to believe and implausible on so many levels. I tried to relate to the main character, but found it impossible as I just wanted to shake Ella until she got some sense. The narrative shifts back and forth in time from Ella's days as a student at university when the calamitous event occurred and her present predicament. In addition, there's a guy from her present work, Liam, who has his own voice and tracks her down when Ella doesn't return to her job. Oh and there's a twin brother, Harry. Yes, it all comes together in a dramatic conclusion and I had to go back a few chapters to see how the author had dangled enough red herrings to lead me astray in my predictions. There were actually still a few loose ends and unanswered questions once the big reveal occurred.
Did I enjoy it? Well, I found it hard to put down as I wanted to see what was on that videotape that would make Ella stay with her "husband" and to understand what might prevent her from telling some of the people she met that she was being kept prisoner. Let me say that I still don't buy it but I had a couple of hours of entertainment while reading. Just make sure that if you read this that you can have a serious amount of skill in suspension of disbelief. Maybe I'm just jaded from having read so many similar books and I'm sure I'm in the minority finding myself incapable of it.
This isn't the first book by this author that I've read, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
That's been Ella Sinclair's daily routine for the past 10 years. She steers clear of all social entanglements, keeps to herself, and does her job the best she can. Then, the accident. A van comes from out of nowhere and she lands in critical care with multiple trauma injuries leaving her encased in a leg cast with a pin in her knee and a broken arm. She's thrown when the nurse tells her that her husband has been to see her every day. Ella has never been married. Under threat of exposure of a past that incriminates her (a DVD), she agrees to go home with Jacob -- and that's when the nightmare begins. NO SPOILERS.
Yes, there's a twist and I still can't get my head around it. I found so much of this domestic drama to be hard to believe and implausible on so many levels. I tried to relate to the main character, but found it impossible as I just wanted to shake Ella until she got some sense. The narrative shifts back and forth in time from Ella's days as a student at university when the calamitous event occurred and her present predicament. In addition, there's a guy from her present work, Liam, who has his own voice and tracks her down when Ella doesn't return to her job. Oh and there's a twin brother, Harry. Yes, it all comes together in a dramatic conclusion and I had to go back a few chapters to see how the author had dangled enough red herrings to lead me astray in my predictions. There were actually still a few loose ends and unanswered questions once the big reveal occurred.
Did I enjoy it? Well, I found it hard to put down as I wanted to see what was on that videotape that would make Ella stay with her "husband" and to understand what might prevent her from telling some of the people she met that she was being kept prisoner. Let me say that I still don't buy it but I had a couple of hours of entertainment while reading. Just make sure that if you read this that you can have a serious amount of skill in suspension of disbelief. Maybe I'm just jaded from having read so many similar books and I'm sure I'm in the minority finding myself incapable of it.
This isn't the first book by this author that I've read, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
The Silent Dead (DC Beth Young #1) by Graham Smith
"Bizarre. Sick. Twisted." Who can tame the Dragon Master?
"Whatever demons were haunting this killer needed to be contained, preferably by a lengthy confinement at Her Magesty's pleasure."
The first victim was found in a cellar. DC Beth Young, newly assigned to the Force Major Investigation Team in Cumbria, is horrified by what she sees -- wings glued to the dead man's back and a scorched mouth. Under the direction of DI Zoe Dowd along with DS Thompson and DC Unthank, this team begins an intense investigation even as the body count goes up. With few clues left behind by the forensically aware killer, all are aware that they have a diabolical mastermind intent on a mission. The manhunt is extensive with the FMIT running down every possible lead in hopes of bringing the psychopath to justice. NO SPOILERS.
What a great start to a new series! I love crime thrillers with all the grisly details, great police work and unique characters. This case was quite absorbing and there was lots of action along with the description of the tedious nature of chasing down every possible angle. Putting the jigsaw puzzle together is something that DC Beth Young excels at. She is very relatable and has a great backstory and I can't wait to see how she grows in her job as the series continues. I was quite pleased that there was no romantic angle in the story! The team is forming strong bonds and are becoming multi-dimensional as well. I enjoyed the quality writing, especially as the author has quite a humorous turn of phrase at times. Since the reader also reads the point of view of the killer, the motivations behind the psychopathology become known to us long before the FMIT piece it all together. This author was previously unknown to me but I definitely will be most eager to read the second book in this series and have no doubts I will devour it as quickly as I did this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
First in new series.
"Whatever demons were haunting this killer needed to be contained, preferably by a lengthy confinement at Her Magesty's pleasure."
The first victim was found in a cellar. DC Beth Young, newly assigned to the Force Major Investigation Team in Cumbria, is horrified by what she sees -- wings glued to the dead man's back and a scorched mouth. Under the direction of DI Zoe Dowd along with DS Thompson and DC Unthank, this team begins an intense investigation even as the body count goes up. With few clues left behind by the forensically aware killer, all are aware that they have a diabolical mastermind intent on a mission. The manhunt is extensive with the FMIT running down every possible lead in hopes of bringing the psychopath to justice. NO SPOILERS.
What a great start to a new series! I love crime thrillers with all the grisly details, great police work and unique characters. This case was quite absorbing and there was lots of action along with the description of the tedious nature of chasing down every possible angle. Putting the jigsaw puzzle together is something that DC Beth Young excels at. She is very relatable and has a great backstory and I can't wait to see how she grows in her job as the series continues. I was quite pleased that there was no romantic angle in the story! The team is forming strong bonds and are becoming multi-dimensional as well. I enjoyed the quality writing, especially as the author has quite a humorous turn of phrase at times. Since the reader also reads the point of view of the killer, the motivations behind the psychopathology become known to us long before the FMIT piece it all together. This author was previously unknown to me but I definitely will be most eager to read the second book in this series and have no doubts I will devour it as quickly as I did this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
First in new series.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Her Last Move by John Marrs
"How could a good man make such bad decisions? We all have choices."
The first two deaths occurred within hours of each other. Although strikingly dissimilar in manner, the team at Metropolian Police's Westminster-based CID is convinced that the perpetrator must be the same person. When a third victim is discovered, DS Becca Vincent -- who argued strongly to be included on the investigation -- gets input from a facial recognition expert attached to the force. DS Joe Russell knows that Becca doesn't think much of his particular set of skills but he proves very helpful when combing through hours of CCTV. Becca and Joe knock on a lot of doors during this case and have a very difficult task in trying to identify and find their suspect even as he continues his spree. There doesn't seem to be any motivation for these particular people to be killed so establishing a connection is quite difficult. Meanwhile, both Becca and Joe experience some real upheaval in their personal lives that relates to their own family situations and history and that affects their ability to really work the case. Mistakes are made, more lives are taken...NO SPOILERS.
I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by this author and this one proved just as intriguing as the others. All are standalones and each has a different focus and set of characters. I was interrupted in my reading due to the Thanksgiving holiday but couldn't put it down today as I raced through the pages to a shattering conclusion. I was not really able to relate to Becca or Joe, but I liked them both and felt for them in their struggles. It was interesting to learn about the "super recognizers" and their particular talent for remembering faces. The case was a bit complicated and I was eager to see how it would all come out in the end. The point of view does shift between Becca, Joe and the murderer so it's not a who done it as much as it is a WHY done it. I liked the writing style and the pacing. It does have some gruesome scenes so be aware if you are sensitive.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.
The first two deaths occurred within hours of each other. Although strikingly dissimilar in manner, the team at Metropolian Police's Westminster-based CID is convinced that the perpetrator must be the same person. When a third victim is discovered, DS Becca Vincent -- who argued strongly to be included on the investigation -- gets input from a facial recognition expert attached to the force. DS Joe Russell knows that Becca doesn't think much of his particular set of skills but he proves very helpful when combing through hours of CCTV. Becca and Joe knock on a lot of doors during this case and have a very difficult task in trying to identify and find their suspect even as he continues his spree. There doesn't seem to be any motivation for these particular people to be killed so establishing a connection is quite difficult. Meanwhile, both Becca and Joe experience some real upheaval in their personal lives that relates to their own family situations and history and that affects their ability to really work the case. Mistakes are made, more lives are taken...NO SPOILERS.
I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by this author and this one proved just as intriguing as the others. All are standalones and each has a different focus and set of characters. I was interrupted in my reading due to the Thanksgiving holiday but couldn't put it down today as I raced through the pages to a shattering conclusion. I was not really able to relate to Becca or Joe, but I liked them both and felt for them in their struggles. It was interesting to learn about the "super recognizers" and their particular talent for remembering faces. The case was a bit complicated and I was eager to see how it would all come out in the end. The point of view does shift between Becca, Joe and the murderer so it's not a who done it as much as it is a WHY done it. I liked the writing style and the pacing. It does have some gruesome scenes so be aware if you are sensitive.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Her Final Confession (Det Josie Quinn #4) by Lisa Regan
Absorbing and complicated, this crime thriller featuring Detective Josie Quinn and Lieutenant Noah Fraley will have your head spinning. Great action and intricate details make this police procedural one that you won't want to miss. The series just keeps getting better with every new book!
Set in the fictional town of Denton, Pennsylvania, Quinn is no longer acting Chief of Police but has been replaced by Bob Chitwood. He interrupts a party date evening between Josie and Noah to attend a crime scene at the home of one of their fellow detectives, Gretchen Palmer. A young man lies dead on the driveway and Gretchen is missing. When she reappears, Gretchen turns herself in and confesses to the murder of James Omar. Josie has an immediate gut feeling that there is much more to this and that Gretchen can't possibly have killed Omar. So begins an intense investigation that will link them back to a series of unsolved murders in Seattle, Washington that were known as the victims of the Soul Mate Strangler. In addition, the case has them looking into activities of a motorcycle gang. How is Gretchen connected to both the strangler and the gang? She's always been an enigma to her fellow police, but now her secrets are about to be revealed. NO SPOILERS.
I really like all the characters in this series and am glad to see that Josie is finally settling in with her new-found family, getting to know her twin sister, and that a romance with Noah is on track. She's always been focused and dedicated to her job, but now she's a bit more well-rounded with a decent personal life to help with stability and sobriety. I'm totally addicted to this series, which should be read, in order, from the beginning, and I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the 4th book in the series.
Set in the fictional town of Denton, Pennsylvania, Quinn is no longer acting Chief of Police but has been replaced by Bob Chitwood. He interrupts a party date evening between Josie and Noah to attend a crime scene at the home of one of their fellow detectives, Gretchen Palmer. A young man lies dead on the driveway and Gretchen is missing. When she reappears, Gretchen turns herself in and confesses to the murder of James Omar. Josie has an immediate gut feeling that there is much more to this and that Gretchen can't possibly have killed Omar. So begins an intense investigation that will link them back to a series of unsolved murders in Seattle, Washington that were known as the victims of the Soul Mate Strangler. In addition, the case has them looking into activities of a motorcycle gang. How is Gretchen connected to both the strangler and the gang? She's always been an enigma to her fellow police, but now her secrets are about to be revealed. NO SPOILERS.
I really like all the characters in this series and am glad to see that Josie is finally settling in with her new-found family, getting to know her twin sister, and that a romance with Noah is on track. She's always been focused and dedicated to her job, but now she's a bit more well-rounded with a decent personal life to help with stability and sobriety. I'm totally addicted to this series, which should be read, in order, from the beginning, and I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the 4th book in the series.
Friday, November 16, 2018
He is Watching You (DS Maddie Ives #1) by Charlie Gallagher
Well-written and action packed police procedural featuring DS Maddie Ives in a new series by this author. It's always such a joy to discover a new author and to get in on the start of something new -- I'm hooked and can't wait to read the next! I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down as it pulled me in immediately.
He kidnaps women to watch them die...
DS Maddie Ives has recently been sent down to Lennockshire after having been outed in her previous role as an undercover asset with the Greater Manchester Police. She's not pleased at her secondment nor with her new assignment as a missing persons coordinator. Completely dissatisfied with her role, she inserts herself into an investigation being run by DI Harry Blaker out of major crimes as he searches for the person who may have murdered a man with a truck on a remote farm road. It turns out that Maddie does have a missing person case on her hands and that the woman's disappearance might be related to Harry's case. Meanwhile, there's a bad man who likes to kidnap women, put cameras on them, and watch them die...NO SPOIILERS
I found the characterization in this thriller quite well done with the revelation of personal details about them and can't wait to see how the partnership develops between Maddie and Harry who are developing a nice respectful relationship that won't devolve into a sappy romance. No romance at all in a detective novel is just fine with me! I like the gritty details of crime investigation. The killer's identity is known to the reader at a point in the narrative so this isn't a whodunit per se but more the reader following along as the investigation proceeds and information is acquired. I think the authenticity of the book comes from the author actually having a day job as a police detective and I definitely appreciate that.
I appreciated the glossary of terms explaining some of the vocabulary that is particularly British as I live in the USA. Even though it seems that most of the books I read are set there and I've picked up most of the slang, etc., it's always good to have a little backup for reference.
I'm definitely going to look for the other books written by this author and I'd like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
#1 in new series featuring DS Maddie Ives (and DI Harry Blaker).
He kidnaps women to watch them die...
DS Maddie Ives has recently been sent down to Lennockshire after having been outed in her previous role as an undercover asset with the Greater Manchester Police. She's not pleased at her secondment nor with her new assignment as a missing persons coordinator. Completely dissatisfied with her role, she inserts herself into an investigation being run by DI Harry Blaker out of major crimes as he searches for the person who may have murdered a man with a truck on a remote farm road. It turns out that Maddie does have a missing person case on her hands and that the woman's disappearance might be related to Harry's case. Meanwhile, there's a bad man who likes to kidnap women, put cameras on them, and watch them die...NO SPOIILERS
I found the characterization in this thriller quite well done with the revelation of personal details about them and can't wait to see how the partnership develops between Maddie and Harry who are developing a nice respectful relationship that won't devolve into a sappy romance. No romance at all in a detective novel is just fine with me! I like the gritty details of crime investigation. The killer's identity is known to the reader at a point in the narrative so this isn't a whodunit per se but more the reader following along as the investigation proceeds and information is acquired. I think the authenticity of the book comes from the author actually having a day job as a police detective and I definitely appreciate that.
I appreciated the glossary of terms explaining some of the vocabulary that is particularly British as I live in the USA. Even though it seems that most of the books I read are set there and I've picked up most of the slang, etc., it's always good to have a little backup for reference.
I'm definitely going to look for the other books written by this author and I'd like to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
#1 in new series featuring DS Maddie Ives (and DI Harry Blaker).
Love You Gone by Rona Halsall
A book you'll want to read in one sitting!
When Mel shows up around 8 pm at the Lake District vacation home that her husband, Luke, has rented for the holiday week, he and the children are not in the house. "Gone for a hike," the note says. After a couple of hours when they still have not returned she gets worried, calls in Mountain Rescue and then the local police get involved. Something is not right with this whole scenario and you are about to find out just how messed up things are. NO SPOILERS.
This was great fun with enough back and forth with the shifts in narrator from Mel to Luke that it kept you guessing until all was revealed. It's packed with thorny domestic issues, family drama and plenty of teasers to keep you racing through the pages as you simply must finish this story! I had a few predictions and was pleased to find that not all was as expected and I love it when a book can still surprise me. Although I can't say I really liked any of the characters, I did enjoy this and was quite satisfied with its ending despite thinking that some got off a bit too easy. I had read the first book by this author and hadn't been that thrilled with it, so very glad I gave her another chance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and not part of any series.
When Mel shows up around 8 pm at the Lake District vacation home that her husband, Luke, has rented for the holiday week, he and the children are not in the house. "Gone for a hike," the note says. After a couple of hours when they still have not returned she gets worried, calls in Mountain Rescue and then the local police get involved. Something is not right with this whole scenario and you are about to find out just how messed up things are. NO SPOILERS.
This was great fun with enough back and forth with the shifts in narrator from Mel to Luke that it kept you guessing until all was revealed. It's packed with thorny domestic issues, family drama and plenty of teasers to keep you racing through the pages as you simply must finish this story! I had a few predictions and was pleased to find that not all was as expected and I love it when a book can still surprise me. Although I can't say I really liked any of the characters, I did enjoy this and was quite satisfied with its ending despite thinking that some got off a bit too easy. I had read the first book by this author and hadn't been that thrilled with it, so very glad I gave her another chance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and not part of any series.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Secrets Between Us by Valerie Keogh
Identical twins. They've been apart for 15 years with one of them, Tia, living in a home for the Differently Abeled and the other, Ellie, an executive who is married to Will living a lovely life. All is well and, in fact, Ellie's been sending letters to Tia all those years, when suddenly she and Will get the bad news that St. Germaine's school is closing and Tia has to be relocated. Unable to find a placement for Tia, Ellie and Will reluctantly agree to have her move into their house until another residential care facility can be found. An obvious mistake and that's when the real trouble begins. NO SPOILERS but there's a lot more between Ellie and Will that plays into it all.
This is definitely a domestic drama that requires a lot of suspension of disbelief and also the willingness to continue reading when you've already dissected the whole plot at the first whiff of the words, "Tia is moving in with us." I read on, hoping that I was mistakenly jumping to predictable conclusions, but alas, it was exactly as I expected and I was quite disappointed though I did finish. I didn't like any of the characters and their decisions and actions were completely the opposite of any way I would have behaved. I think the writing style was fine, it was just the plot that missed the mark for me. I should have believed some of the reviews but I always like to form my own opinions.
I'd still take a chance on another book written by this author but hope for more originality next time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I'm sorry it wasn't my cup of tea.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
This is definitely a domestic drama that requires a lot of suspension of disbelief and also the willingness to continue reading when you've already dissected the whole plot at the first whiff of the words, "Tia is moving in with us." I read on, hoping that I was mistakenly jumping to predictable conclusions, but alas, it was exactly as I expected and I was quite disappointed though I did finish. I didn't like any of the characters and their decisions and actions were completely the opposite of any way I would have behaved. I think the writing style was fine, it was just the plot that missed the mark for me. I should have believed some of the reviews but I always like to form my own opinions.
I'd still take a chance on another book written by this author but hope for more originality next time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I'm sorry it wasn't my cup of tea.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
The Orchid Girls by Lesly Sanderson
Friendship. Forbidden love. Obsession. Murder.
Three girls and a secret so explosive that it leads to the death of one of them. Two of the girls were acquitted of premeditated murder but never spoke again. Sixteen years later...life has gone on and one of the girls has changed her name, moved away from Dorset and has married and developed a successful food blogger business while the other is living in drunken squalor. Lies and guilt have kept them apart but now all is about to come out as a journalist is doing an expose of the case. NO SPOILERS.
This is a psychological drama focusing on female relationships and sexuality. What lengths will one go through to keep truth hidden especially after completely reinventing oneself. This is a debut novel and though it bogs down quite a bit with lots of internal angsting and little action it was entertaining and I'd definitely be interesting in reading more by this author. Although I didn't care for any of the characters in this messy tale, and though I didn't find any unanticipated twist in the story, the narrative shifts in point of view and the diary entries provided good development to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Three girls and a secret so explosive that it leads to the death of one of them. Two of the girls were acquitted of premeditated murder but never spoke again. Sixteen years later...life has gone on and one of the girls has changed her name, moved away from Dorset and has married and developed a successful food blogger business while the other is living in drunken squalor. Lies and guilt have kept them apart but now all is about to come out as a journalist is doing an expose of the case. NO SPOILERS.
This is a psychological drama focusing on female relationships and sexuality. What lengths will one go through to keep truth hidden especially after completely reinventing oneself. This is a debut novel and though it bogs down quite a bit with lots of internal angsting and little action it was entertaining and I'd definitely be interesting in reading more by this author. Although I didn't care for any of the characters in this messy tale, and though I didn't find any unanticipated twist in the story, the narrative shifts in point of view and the diary entries provided good development to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Those Who Knew by Idra Novey
"People are too desperate for a hero."
Lena, a college student from a wealthy island family, turns activist and gets involved with the charismatic future senator, Victor, and has a fling with him while they are planning and organizing demonstrations in support of reduced tuition for the islanders. The people who live on this unnamed island have barely recovered from atrocities committed against them while under a fascist regime supported and financed by the North (the USA?) Victor is a rising political star but is given to bouts of tremendous rage and in one of those episodes, he assaults and nearly strangles Lena. She doesn't report it and when, several years later, it appears that Victor may have killed a young woman, Lena wants him held accountable. The people she tells about her assault believe her and agree that someone needs to confront Victor about Maria P. What follows is a twisty narrative, interspersed with diary entries and screen play notes that flips back and forth in point of view, in time and place. Will Victor be outed and get his just due? NO SPOILERS.
I'm not quite sure what I think about this book. Was it interesting? Yes, enough to hold my interest though I definitely did not like the writing style and I was especially put off by the screen play segments. Did the novel have anything new or original to impart? Not really -- you'd have to be living under a rock in the desert for a thousand years not to know that male politicians get away with murder and all sorts of other tawdry and despicable crimes. The urge for revenge or to hold that person responsible is tremendous and not often successful. I think the setting and the characters are meant to make us believe that even the least well-placed among us (misfits?) can bring some sort of justice for those harmed and that staying silent is not ever the best response despite the outcry and response that is likely to occur.
The characters were an interesting conglomerate of Islanders and outsiders and each had a part to play in telling the story but I really couldn't identify with any of them. I'm not sure that leaving so much "unnamed" was for the best as I found it hard to relate and to really buy in to the drama in some respects. Perhaps it was to avoid stereotyping or labeling but you will find all sorts of diversity within. The book was engaging enough that I read it in a single sitting and took awhile to digest it all before trying to put my thoughts and reactions into a review. It's definitely outside my usual genre and was not exactly what I was expecting from just reading the synopsis.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone novel and is not part of any series.
Lena, a college student from a wealthy island family, turns activist and gets involved with the charismatic future senator, Victor, and has a fling with him while they are planning and organizing demonstrations in support of reduced tuition for the islanders. The people who live on this unnamed island have barely recovered from atrocities committed against them while under a fascist regime supported and financed by the North (the USA?) Victor is a rising political star but is given to bouts of tremendous rage and in one of those episodes, he assaults and nearly strangles Lena. She doesn't report it and when, several years later, it appears that Victor may have killed a young woman, Lena wants him held accountable. The people she tells about her assault believe her and agree that someone needs to confront Victor about Maria P. What follows is a twisty narrative, interspersed with diary entries and screen play notes that flips back and forth in point of view, in time and place. Will Victor be outed and get his just due? NO SPOILERS.
I'm not quite sure what I think about this book. Was it interesting? Yes, enough to hold my interest though I definitely did not like the writing style and I was especially put off by the screen play segments. Did the novel have anything new or original to impart? Not really -- you'd have to be living under a rock in the desert for a thousand years not to know that male politicians get away with murder and all sorts of other tawdry and despicable crimes. The urge for revenge or to hold that person responsible is tremendous and not often successful. I think the setting and the characters are meant to make us believe that even the least well-placed among us (misfits?) can bring some sort of justice for those harmed and that staying silent is not ever the best response despite the outcry and response that is likely to occur.
The characters were an interesting conglomerate of Islanders and outsiders and each had a part to play in telling the story but I really couldn't identify with any of them. I'm not sure that leaving so much "unnamed" was for the best as I found it hard to relate and to really buy in to the drama in some respects. Perhaps it was to avoid stereotyping or labeling but you will find all sorts of diversity within. The book was engaging enough that I read it in a single sitting and took awhile to digest it all before trying to put my thoughts and reactions into a review. It's definitely outside my usual genre and was not exactly what I was expecting from just reading the synopsis.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone novel and is not part of any series.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Daughters of War (War Nurses #2) by Lizzie Page
"...fear, horror, guilt and grief stay with you..."
May is a 28-year-old mother of two, married to George, and she is drowning in melancholy. The year is 1914 and her daughters are away at boarding school. George has really taken to drink and other women leaving May untethered and fractious. An American by birth, she has come to live in London and is finding her life completely meaningless over the last 12 years. When she meets Elsie Knocker at the studio of a local artist, May is encouraged to volunteer as a war nurse on the continent just as World War I is gearing up. Despite her initial misgivings due to her lack of training and fortitude, May interviews with the French Red Cross and is appointed to the Voluntary Aid Detachment to perform some nursing duties and is assigned to Field Hospital 19 in Bray-Sur-Somme. Leave taking was a disaster but May is determined to do her part in the war effort and naively heads out for duty without a clue that her life will never be the same.
The war years are dreadful and May experiences the full range of emotions in the tents that make up their "hospital" and living quarters. Her immaturity yields to personal growth through the reality of caring for the sick and wounded men and from her camaraderie with the doctors, nurses and others she works with. It's the worst of times but May thrives despite the daily horrors and the overwhelming sense of loss. She misses her two daughters desperately and her husband makes May pay for leaving him. But even in the midst of war, hearts still long for belonging and understanding and May meets a man who softens her hardened attitude about love. NO SPOILERS.
This was a lovely historical fiction inspired by the life and times of Mary Borden, a well known nurse, novelist and poet who did spend part of the Great War in the Somme. It was easy to read this over a couple of hours as I found myself immersed in the story and invested in all the characters. I found May to be a bit of a contradiction but her fortitude impressed me and I reveled in her personal growth throughout her struggles and triumphs. The descriptions of the activities in the hospital were, of course, fascinating to me as I'm an RN and always love the medical details. I can't imagine how hard that work would have been in such primitive conditions with the horrible injuries and the never ending presence of death as the maimed and traumatized soldiers kept coming. I was reminded again of how far women have come despite the constraints of society, the difficulty of balancing motherhood and work, and the need for self-actualization and personal fulfillment. I did not feel that May was a neglectful mother despite attempts to paint her as such. I'm not certain that, even now, women can have it all though I do think that it's a precarious balancing act done well by many. I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, THE WAR NURSES, and I look forward to the next by Lizzie Page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Although this is the second novel in the War Nurses series it can be read as a standalone though I'd recommend you read the first one first!
May is a 28-year-old mother of two, married to George, and she is drowning in melancholy. The year is 1914 and her daughters are away at boarding school. George has really taken to drink and other women leaving May untethered and fractious. An American by birth, she has come to live in London and is finding her life completely meaningless over the last 12 years. When she meets Elsie Knocker at the studio of a local artist, May is encouraged to volunteer as a war nurse on the continent just as World War I is gearing up. Despite her initial misgivings due to her lack of training and fortitude, May interviews with the French Red Cross and is appointed to the Voluntary Aid Detachment to perform some nursing duties and is assigned to Field Hospital 19 in Bray-Sur-Somme. Leave taking was a disaster but May is determined to do her part in the war effort and naively heads out for duty without a clue that her life will never be the same.
The war years are dreadful and May experiences the full range of emotions in the tents that make up their "hospital" and living quarters. Her immaturity yields to personal growth through the reality of caring for the sick and wounded men and from her camaraderie with the doctors, nurses and others she works with. It's the worst of times but May thrives despite the daily horrors and the overwhelming sense of loss. She misses her two daughters desperately and her husband makes May pay for leaving him. But even in the midst of war, hearts still long for belonging and understanding and May meets a man who softens her hardened attitude about love. NO SPOILERS.
This was a lovely historical fiction inspired by the life and times of Mary Borden, a well known nurse, novelist and poet who did spend part of the Great War in the Somme. It was easy to read this over a couple of hours as I found myself immersed in the story and invested in all the characters. I found May to be a bit of a contradiction but her fortitude impressed me and I reveled in her personal growth throughout her struggles and triumphs. The descriptions of the activities in the hospital were, of course, fascinating to me as I'm an RN and always love the medical details. I can't imagine how hard that work would have been in such primitive conditions with the horrible injuries and the never ending presence of death as the maimed and traumatized soldiers kept coming. I was reminded again of how far women have come despite the constraints of society, the difficulty of balancing motherhood and work, and the need for self-actualization and personal fulfillment. I did not feel that May was a neglectful mother despite attempts to paint her as such. I'm not certain that, even now, women can have it all though I do think that it's a precarious balancing act done well by many. I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, THE WAR NURSES, and I look forward to the next by Lizzie Page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Although this is the second novel in the War Nurses series it can be read as a standalone though I'd recommend you read the first one first!
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Ancestral by Nathan Field (#2 in The Many)
This is the second book in a planned trilogy and you definitely need to read THE MANY before beginning this one as you will miss the backstory that explains the events that happen in this one.
Dawn Flint and Karl Morgan are on the run and on the hunt for the faceless men. They've figured out that Dawn's pregnancy is the main thing keeping them alive as The Many have eyes and ears everywhere. Dawn and Karl are seeking out anyone with knowledge and information about this secretive group in hopes of finding out their ultimate plans. What is the goal of these monsters and can they be stopped? Anytime the stories of what this cabal has done come out, abject fear and silence are the reactions. Armed with some of the secrets, Dawn and Karl may have a plan. NO SPOILERS.
This was typical of most middle books in any trilogy. There's a lot of time spent with absolutely nothing happening and the author really shovels out completely banal details about Dawn and Karl and their activities. The two don't really have meaningful conversations about what they are doing and thinking as they aren't always honest with each other. Dawn's motives for their quest are not the same as Karl's. I can't really say that I cared at all for the character of Dawn despite all the awful stuff that's happened to her and her behavior and attitude got old and she seemed very immature. Karl didn't score much higher for me, but he was trying to be her protector even though kept in the dark floundering around wondering what the heck was going on with Dawn all the time. Tedious. The best part of the book is the church scene and glad that my slog through paid off as I was hoping for something redemptive after all those pages. So much of the premise is ludicrous and it's hard to continue the suspension of disbelief at times. Truth told, it reminded me a lot of Dean Koontz's Jane Hawk series though this one is not quite on the same level. It's a good enough thriller and provided the requisite entertainment but I mostly just wanted to finish it. A lot of the narrative just meandered with lots of excessive details and interactions that weren't advancing the plot. At this moment I'm not sure that I will read the final book, but who knows. I have a thing about finishing what I start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I read #1 and #2 back to back.
This is the second book in The Many trilogy and not a standalone.
Dawn Flint and Karl Morgan are on the run and on the hunt for the faceless men. They've figured out that Dawn's pregnancy is the main thing keeping them alive as The Many have eyes and ears everywhere. Dawn and Karl are seeking out anyone with knowledge and information about this secretive group in hopes of finding out their ultimate plans. What is the goal of these monsters and can they be stopped? Anytime the stories of what this cabal has done come out, abject fear and silence are the reactions. Armed with some of the secrets, Dawn and Karl may have a plan. NO SPOILERS.
This was typical of most middle books in any trilogy. There's a lot of time spent with absolutely nothing happening and the author really shovels out completely banal details about Dawn and Karl and their activities. The two don't really have meaningful conversations about what they are doing and thinking as they aren't always honest with each other. Dawn's motives for their quest are not the same as Karl's. I can't really say that I cared at all for the character of Dawn despite all the awful stuff that's happened to her and her behavior and attitude got old and she seemed very immature. Karl didn't score much higher for me, but he was trying to be her protector even though kept in the dark floundering around wondering what the heck was going on with Dawn all the time. Tedious. The best part of the book is the church scene and glad that my slog through paid off as I was hoping for something redemptive after all those pages. So much of the premise is ludicrous and it's hard to continue the suspension of disbelief at times. Truth told, it reminded me a lot of Dean Koontz's Jane Hawk series though this one is not quite on the same level. It's a good enough thriller and provided the requisite entertainment but I mostly just wanted to finish it. A lot of the narrative just meandered with lots of excessive details and interactions that weren't advancing the plot. At this moment I'm not sure that I will read the final book, but who knows. I have a thing about finishing what I start.
Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I read #1 and #2 back to back.
This is the second book in The Many trilogy and not a standalone.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
The Many (#1 in trilogy) by Nathan Field
Karl notices the difference in his sister right away. She's been so strange since her date with the rich ophthalmologist she met via an online dating site. The changes in Stacey escalate into violence. In another part of town, Dawn's mother, Isobel, is preparing for an evening out with a woman who contacted her through the same site. Isobel returns home the morning after, but she, too, isn't acting like herself. Though Karl and Dawn don't initially even know each other, they are soon to meet and become entwined in the pursuit of those they hold responsible for what has happened to Karl's sister and Isobel's mother. NO SPOILERS.
The subject matter and the narrative style in this story are both seriously creepy. I definitely felt the tension and suspense as Karl and Dawn try to find answers. There's lots of blood and gore along with the action scenes. A bit of suspension of disbelief may be required, but it was a fun and absorbing read that kept me hooked so I had to read it all in one sitting. I'm seriously lucky because I have the second book in the planned trilogy ready to open up on my Kindle so I can continue immediately. That said, I don't know how I'll stand it waiting for the finale! I'm a bit at a loss to put this book in a genre category as it contains elements of a thriller as well as a bit of sci-fi in a way. I look forward to reading other reviews though I've seen some that didn't seem to have the same takeaway from the book as I have. I enjoyed it, probably because I had no preconceived notions and it was a bit different to what I've been reading lately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I see this was published in 2016 and I apologize for only getting to it now. On to ANCESTRAL...
The subject matter and the narrative style in this story are both seriously creepy. I definitely felt the tension and suspense as Karl and Dawn try to find answers. There's lots of blood and gore along with the action scenes. A bit of suspension of disbelief may be required, but it was a fun and absorbing read that kept me hooked so I had to read it all in one sitting. I'm seriously lucky because I have the second book in the planned trilogy ready to open up on my Kindle so I can continue immediately. That said, I don't know how I'll stand it waiting for the finale! I'm a bit at a loss to put this book in a genre category as it contains elements of a thriller as well as a bit of sci-fi in a way. I look forward to reading other reviews though I've seen some that didn't seem to have the same takeaway from the book as I have. I enjoyed it, probably because I had no preconceived notions and it was a bit different to what I've been reading lately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Silvermac Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review. I see this was published in 2016 and I apologize for only getting to it now. On to ANCESTRAL...
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Last Light (DI Lucy Harwin #3) by Helen Phifer
DI Lucy Harwin and her colleague DS Mathew (Mattie) Jackson have a serial killer on their hands in Brooklyn Bay. This is the first case that Lucy leads since her promotion and she is pulling out all the stops to prove that she can handle the new job. The first body is found in a derelict church and the scene is as gruesome as any that Lucy has ever seen. The second one shows all the signs of being a victim of the same killer. And then comes a third...Lucy is trying to hold it all together and racing against the clock to discover the identity of the psychopath. She suspects that there is a religion element as an underlying motivator and knows that the killer is likely someone connected to the local vicarage. When Lucy herself is attacked she realizes that she can't be sidelined even though she's taken off the case. Can she figure out the killer's identity before more people are murdered?
This is a fast-paced crime thriller, the third in a series, and the second one that I have read. Lucy has some personal problems that she refuses to let distract her from her main passion in life -- her job. She lives for her work and it's been the source of the breakdown of her marriage. She's headstrong and determined but she is also vulnerable to self-doubt and loneliness since all she wants to do is focus on the case. The narrative is told from Lucy's point of view with some backstory in the killer's words. There are red herrings, but a reader will likely figure out fairly quickly who is doing the crimes. The supporting characters are thinly drawn and I'm hopeful that they will develop further as the series continues.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I am looking forward to book #4 to see if Lucy is able to make some real changes in her life.
This is book #3 of 3 so far in the series. Read in order.
This is a fast-paced crime thriller, the third in a series, and the second one that I have read. Lucy has some personal problems that she refuses to let distract her from her main passion in life -- her job. She lives for her work and it's been the source of the breakdown of her marriage. She's headstrong and determined but she is also vulnerable to self-doubt and loneliness since all she wants to do is focus on the case. The narrative is told from Lucy's point of view with some backstory in the killer's words. There are red herrings, but a reader will likely figure out fairly quickly who is doing the crimes. The supporting characters are thinly drawn and I'm hopeful that they will develop further as the series continues.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I am looking forward to book #4 to see if Lucy is able to make some real changes in her life.
This is book #3 of 3 so far in the series. Read in order.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Inhuman Resources by Pierre Lemaitre
"It only takes a couple of seconds for a man to become a maniac."
Alain Delambre, 57-years-old and unemployed for 4 years, is a desperate man. When he receives word that he may finally get an interview for an HR position at a prestigious company, he's totally elated and prepares for the "test" with total focus. He takes extraordinary risks in the days leading up to that big day. He can't stop lying either. The main problem at hand, however, and the issue that his wife objects to, is that this assessment of his qualifications involves a set-up including a staged hostage situation engineered as a pretext of seeing how executives function under stress and pressure. Alain is "in" on the scenario and is willing to do whatever it takes to secure the job. When he discovers that the whole thing is a sham, he goes off the deep end. "The basic ingredients (a sense of humiliation or injustice, extreme loneliness, a weapon and nothing to lose) all resulted in" the cataclysm that occurred at the offsite interview location that day. The events that follow change Alain forever. NO SPOILERS.
This was such a different type of book compared to the others of his that I have read. It's nothing like the serial killer thriller chillers he's written before (ALEX, IRENE, CAMILLE for example). In fact, this is more of a Jonathan Franzen style satirical drama, but I totally enjoyed it despite what I was expecting. The writing is top-notch, translated from French by Sam Gordon, and nothing is lost for that. The action is evenly paced and there is suspense and tension as the reader can't even anticipate what might happen next though it's hard not to feel a great deal of empathy for Alain and his family. Characterization was sublime. The theme of unemployment and how it affects the jobless is definitely at the forefront, but also the notion that work is essential for some to feel alive, to be a whole person. It's not light fare but is very engrossing and I know I'll think about this one for quite some time. I'd love to dissect this in a book club!
Thank you to NetGalley and MacLehose Press Quercus for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Alain Delambre, 57-years-old and unemployed for 4 years, is a desperate man. When he receives word that he may finally get an interview for an HR position at a prestigious company, he's totally elated and prepares for the "test" with total focus. He takes extraordinary risks in the days leading up to that big day. He can't stop lying either. The main problem at hand, however, and the issue that his wife objects to, is that this assessment of his qualifications involves a set-up including a staged hostage situation engineered as a pretext of seeing how executives function under stress and pressure. Alain is "in" on the scenario and is willing to do whatever it takes to secure the job. When he discovers that the whole thing is a sham, he goes off the deep end. "The basic ingredients (a sense of humiliation or injustice, extreme loneliness, a weapon and nothing to lose) all resulted in" the cataclysm that occurred at the offsite interview location that day. The events that follow change Alain forever. NO SPOILERS.
This was such a different type of book compared to the others of his that I have read. It's nothing like the serial killer thriller chillers he's written before (ALEX, IRENE, CAMILLE for example). In fact, this is more of a Jonathan Franzen style satirical drama, but I totally enjoyed it despite what I was expecting. The writing is top-notch, translated from French by Sam Gordon, and nothing is lost for that. The action is evenly paced and there is suspense and tension as the reader can't even anticipate what might happen next though it's hard not to feel a great deal of empathy for Alain and his family. Characterization was sublime. The theme of unemployment and how it affects the jobless is definitely at the forefront, but also the notion that work is essential for some to feel alive, to be a whole person. It's not light fare but is very engrossing and I know I'll think about this one for quite some time. I'd love to dissect this in a book club!
Thank you to NetGalley and MacLehose Press Quercus for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
The Perfect Family by Shalini Boland
Don't let this nanny into your house!
It seems that everyone is using the word "twist" to describe a psychological thriller and domestic drama these days, but here is one that really fits. I was completely unable to put it down as I raced through the pages. The tension ratcheted up with almost every chapter and, even though I thought I KNEW where this one was going, I was wrong!
Gemma is a busy wife and mother. With her own business, a facilities management firm, requiring much of her attention and long hours, she finds herself in need of some help. Her husband, Robert, and their two little girls (Katie and Eva) can really do with someone to do some child care, cooking, and tutoring. When Sadie Lewis, recommended by Gemma's mother-in-law, arrives for an interview, both Gemma and Robert think she will be perfect. But that's when the real trouble begins...NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed this standalone novel and have also read two other books by this very talented author. She has a way of immediately setting the stage, drawing you in, and keeping you totally hooked until the SHOCKER. If you read a lot of this genre, as I do, then you probably can usually figure out what's up early on, but this one will take you a bit longer, I promise. It was fast and fun and I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for Shalini Boland's next book!
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
It seems that everyone is using the word "twist" to describe a psychological thriller and domestic drama these days, but here is one that really fits. I was completely unable to put it down as I raced through the pages. The tension ratcheted up with almost every chapter and, even though I thought I KNEW where this one was going, I was wrong!
Gemma is a busy wife and mother. With her own business, a facilities management firm, requiring much of her attention and long hours, she finds herself in need of some help. Her husband, Robert, and their two little girls (Katie and Eva) can really do with someone to do some child care, cooking, and tutoring. When Sadie Lewis, recommended by Gemma's mother-in-law, arrives for an interview, both Gemma and Robert think she will be perfect. But that's when the real trouble begins...NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed this standalone novel and have also read two other books by this very talented author. She has a way of immediately setting the stage, drawing you in, and keeping you totally hooked until the SHOCKER. If you read a lot of this genre, as I do, then you probably can usually figure out what's up early on, but this one will take you a bit longer, I promise. It was fast and fun and I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for Shalini Boland's next book!
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Lost Lake (Det Gemma Monroe #3) by Emily Littlejohn
A stolen historical diary, a missing girl and a murder victim -- Detective Gemma Monroe of the Cedar Valley Police department has her hands full. Along with her current partner, Detective Finn Nowlin, and Detectives Moriarty and Armstrong and their intern, they begin a painstaking and complex investigation into these 3 cases. It soon becomes obvious that they have no shortage of suspects, plenty of motives, and lots of opportunity. Can they sift through the red herrings to find the clues that will give them the answers and so that justice will be done?
This is the first book by this author that I've read and I was sorry to come in at this late stage to the third one in the series without having read the first two. I've probably missed some important pieces of backstory, but I was able to jump in and enjoyed this well enough on its own. I like Gemma -- she's more real with the first person narration. Although she has a healthy appetite and actually eats (unlike many where everyone is always skipping meals), she spends a lot of time at work and has little personal time or family time. The police investigation is at the forefront of the novel so most of the detail, action, and forward movement of the plot is focused on the tediousness of chasing down witnesses and suspects for information. There's a lot going on even aside from the 3 main cases and it moves at a fast pace that kept me turning the pages as I wanted to see the conclusion. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series so I hope there will be more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This book is #3 in the series.
This is the first book by this author that I've read and I was sorry to come in at this late stage to the third one in the series without having read the first two. I've probably missed some important pieces of backstory, but I was able to jump in and enjoyed this well enough on its own. I like Gemma -- she's more real with the first person narration. Although she has a healthy appetite and actually eats (unlike many where everyone is always skipping meals), she spends a lot of time at work and has little personal time or family time. The police investigation is at the forefront of the novel so most of the detail, action, and forward movement of the plot is focused on the tediousness of chasing down witnesses and suspects for information. There's a lot going on even aside from the 3 main cases and it moves at a fast pace that kept me turning the pages as I wanted to see the conclusion. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series so I hope there will be more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This book is #3 in the series.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Missing Lies by Chris Collett's (#7 DI Tom Mariner)
Acting DCI Tom Mariner of the West Midlands Police has his hands full. Missing women, two of his team members away from the job, a new romantic relationship that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, and an autistic charge at home. Whew -- he's definitely busy in this book, #7 in a long-running detective series.
Grace Clifton, 18-years-old, was on her way to meet friends after leaving her job at Symphony hall when she vanished. Mariner receives a package of her clothing in the mail so the police know this indicates probable foul play. Then another woman disappears and her clothing is sent to the station as well. What's interesting is that the clothes have been washed and pressed. Mariner, Jesson and Glover are stumped. The hunt is on to figure out who took these women and why. As the investigation continues, more deaths occur as first one suspect and then another is eliminated. Keeping all the characters and their relationships straight is a bit difficult as the case expands and the tedious process of seeking information and clues helps them narrow their focus. NO SPOILERS.
What a great police procedural! I can't believe I haven't read one of Collett's books before as I love crime thrillers with good detail and complicated cases. Although I have no clue about the development of Tom Mariner as a character from the first book to the present, I felt this worked OK as a standalone. That said, I fully intend to go find the others in the series. I liked the writing style, the perspectives from different points of view, the action and the relentless hunt for the perpetrator. I prefer little to no romance in books, so this lack within served me well. I can't wait to get to know the team members better. Basically a straight-forward detective mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review. I understand that it was previously published by Severn House in 2014 as DEAD OF NIGHT.
This is #7 in series. Can be read as a standalone.
Grace Clifton, 18-years-old, was on her way to meet friends after leaving her job at Symphony hall when she vanished. Mariner receives a package of her clothing in the mail so the police know this indicates probable foul play. Then another woman disappears and her clothing is sent to the station as well. What's interesting is that the clothes have been washed and pressed. Mariner, Jesson and Glover are stumped. The hunt is on to figure out who took these women and why. As the investigation continues, more deaths occur as first one suspect and then another is eliminated. Keeping all the characters and their relationships straight is a bit difficult as the case expands and the tedious process of seeking information and clues helps them narrow their focus. NO SPOILERS.
What a great police procedural! I can't believe I haven't read one of Collett's books before as I love crime thrillers with good detail and complicated cases. Although I have no clue about the development of Tom Mariner as a character from the first book to the present, I felt this worked OK as a standalone. That said, I fully intend to go find the others in the series. I liked the writing style, the perspectives from different points of view, the action and the relentless hunt for the perpetrator. I prefer little to no romance in books, so this lack within served me well. I can't wait to get to know the team members better. Basically a straight-forward detective mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review. I understand that it was previously published by Severn House in 2014 as DEAD OF NIGHT.
This is #7 in series. Can be read as a standalone.
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