I can't remember being so disappointed in a book for such a long time, especially given the half dozen good reviews I read for this book.
There is no I can't remember being so disappointed in a book for such a long time, especially given the half dozen good reviews I read for this book.
There is no doubt that Jack Jordan can write, but this story was nothing short of bizarre. It started strongly with an unlikelable female protagonist that was well written and intriguing. The reasons for her state of mind and her state of health explained her lack of regard for herself and life in general. Great stuff. Then strange things started to happen, but that line of suspense ended all too soon.
Then the book took this dramatic twist. I kept checking my Kindle to make sure chapters weren't missing. What a shame there was no build up to this or an insight into the dark side of the other character involved (not giving anything away here).
The book then became a "Flowers in the Attic" drama (or basement as was the case) and was often long in the 'telling' and not enough 'showing'.
I know how much a writer puts into a book and I don't like to be critical, but I'm guessing this is self-published or a publisher/editor would have tightened it up and asked more of Jack. A good manuscript assessment would achieve the same.
I won't review it on "The Reviewers" website as I'll leave the positive reviewers to carry it for Jack and I wish him success. ...more
Wonderful! For my money, this is Frances' best book yet, I loved it. Such quirky characters, engaging and fascinating accompanied by a story of acceptWonderful! For my money, this is Frances' best book yet, I loved it. Such quirky characters, engaging and fascinating accompanied by a story of acceptance for those who find they don't fit the mould. Many lovely turns of phrase, plus imagery that is so unique to Australia. I saw a little of each of the characters' traits in myself and my family! Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the advance copy in return for an honest review. And thank you for a delightful read, Frances....more
I absolutely loved this engaging mystery noir novel. What a fantastic, dysfunctional lead character. What fantastic support cast. I'm delighted to seeI absolutely loved this engaging mystery noir novel. What a fantastic, dysfunctional lead character. What fantastic support cast. I'm delighted to see there's more in the series. ...more
What a treat; a book for the thinking reader. For those who need their stories to tell tales of lives present, past and gone; and weave all the threadWhat a treat; a book for the thinking reader. For those who need their stories to tell tales of lives present, past and gone; and weave all the threads together beautifully.
I loved all three worlds that Dominic Smith created—the chance to step back into the past into Sara de Vos’s sad and artistic life; the early years of Ellie Shipley as she navigates career and love with naivety; and the current day when all paths meet.
With such well drawn characters the reader can understand the decisions that were made, live with the anguish of events beyond the characters’ control and genuinely feel empathy with their flawed behaviours.
I learnt without being dictated too about the art world—technique and history; fictionalised but not without substance and truth. When you have the time to truly appreciate a meaty novel, make this your first choice.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
What a great opener, I was hooked from the first sentence—Peter May knows how to weave a tale.
When Neal Maclean is washed up on the beach with no memWhat a great opener, I was hooked from the first sentence—Peter May knows how to weave a tale.
When Neal Maclean is washed up on the beach with no memory of who he is or what he is doing, Maclean and the reader are on shifting sand. Everyone that comes into his life offers some glimpse of his former self but you can never be really sure if Maclean is a good or bad guy.
I didn’t enjoy the change in perspectives as much… going from Maclean’s to his daughter who wasn’t introduced until well into the book was a bit jarring—like starting a new book a third of the way in. But this is a minor point and only a personal preference.
There’s plenty of intriguing characters, and some twists and turns I just didn’t see coming (love that). The science element—how crucial bees are to our survival—was fascinating and alarming.
This is a great tale for anyone who likes to get their teeth into a good book. ...more
From the very first page, a clever premise draws you in and "The Shadow Land" had me hooked. Subtle, clever, and with characters that you don't want tFrom the very first page, a clever premise draws you in and "The Shadow Land" had me hooked. Subtle, clever, and with characters that you don't want to leave, this is a complex and intriguing read.
It's a slow burn ... but you have to keep turning the pages because you care about the protagonist, Alexandra, as much as she cares about returning property that she inadvertently picked up – an urn of ashes.
The horror prison camp life story woven into the thread of this book was surprising and powerful. It highlighted to me the struggles of past generations who faced the challenges of war, depression and discrimination, that many of the post-war generations have never known.
A refreshing, intellectual read, with great characters and a snapshot into different cultures past and present, for readers who seek depth in their reading journey. ...more
I’m always excited to read an Aussie author’s debut book and full kudos to Aoife Clifford on the releaBook provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
I’m always excited to read an Aussie author’s debut book and full kudos to Aoife Clifford on the release of her first novel.
However, this book just didn’t grab me; YA and NA readers might disagree but I’ve read better in this genre, such as “Luckiest Girl Alive” and “Try Not to Breathe”.
There were pages and pages of dialogue where nothing happened and unfortunately I didn’t connect enough with Pen to care what happened in her history. The ‘in-set’ doing Law at university sounded more American than Australian and I kept trying to get a sense of where it was set.
The characters were convincing, interesting and relatable, I’m sure I met most of them in some form at university. I think this would be the ideal book for the NA reader to sink their teeth into....more
I felt as if I had come home as I read this book. I was sure at one stage Debra was channelling my life. How delightful to have a love of books so beaI felt as if I had come home as I read this book. I was sure at one stage Debra was channelling my life. How delightful to have a love of books so beautifully represented and to normalise that passion which is reading, especially reading in bed nightly. Debra also made my lifelong love affair with the library appear normal, thank you very much. I'm still amazed every time I walk out with books tucked under my arm that I'm allowed to take them home. The adventures, the escapism, the life lessons... where would we be without the joy of reading and Debra Adelaide has captured it beautifully....more
This book was provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A compelling take on a classic genre, this book will captivate you!
I am not traditThis book was provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A compelling take on a classic genre, this book will captivate you!
I am not traditionally a reader of spy novels so let me say upfront that "Exposure" is a great find for anyone who enjoys the crime, thriller, and literary genres. The focus is on the characters; their actions and reactions. Every character is so well-drawn and distinct with their set of strengths and weaknesses, that you know them, understand them and can see them in your mind’s eye.
True to their natures, the characters bring about their own predicaments. Simon’s misplaced or historic loyalty to his friend Giles Holloway, is the catalyst for all that is about to go wrong in their lives when he agrees to collect a top secret file from Giles’ residence and return it to the office . Lily, the lead female protagonist (and Simon’s wife) carries the stigma of childhood Jewish persecution and occasionally her clipped German accent appears, but her strength never wavers. She knows how to protect her own and there is a scene towards the end of the novel (not giving anything away) involving Lily and the sinister spy Julian Clowde—a fearful character to behold—that I found so frightening that I held my breath throughout the entire reading of it. Giles indulgent and privileged life catches up with him and the reader is taken on the journey of his demise.
In true ‘spy’ fashion the system lets the vulnerable down and you will rally with frustration at the unfairness of it all, but despair not—no spoiler alert is needed to advise that justice prevails (to some degree).
Work your way through the first few chapters to meet the characters and from there on you won’t want to leave them....more
Wow, what a read. I vacillated between holding my breath and glancing at the words through webbed fingers … you could cut the tension with a knife.
TheWow, what a read. I vacillated between holding my breath and glancing at the words through webbed fingers … you could cut the tension with a knife.
The characters were so-well drawn that I felt I knew them, and the eerie cold Antarctic setting was both intriguing and chilling, literally.
I was also delighted that the author didn’t do the cliché scary stuff – characters didn’t take stupid risks to heighten the drama; it was realistic and as a result, powerful.
I particularly loved one paragraph that really resonated with me, and in context, spoke of the tenuous link between life and death, purity and destruction for both humans and nature – Migration. A shifting world. The sea of humanity seeking new homes. We were lucky to be here.
What a treat to read. Lovers of suspense, mystery and literature will be well catered for with this book. ...more
What would you do for your first love? Noah is a wounded man but when the time comes, he steps up to help an old flame that I found a little undeserviWhat would you do for your first love? Noah is a wounded man but when the time comes, he steps up to help an old flame that I found a little undeserving of his life-long devotion—this woman who was to be his wife.
For lovers of character-driven novels with a hint of suspense, this book is for you. Debbie Howell drops the breadcrumbs to keep you following along … and what an intriguing read as the past and present collide and truths spill from all directions.
If I had one minor criticism it was that the ending seemed to go on forever; but this is preferable to a short, sharp ending and feeling unsatisfied. A minor thing.
Without giving anything away, I am so pleased that for some, justice prevailed … for others it was too late.
The powerful descriptive verses around loss hint that the author is no stranger to pain herself, but that’s presumptuous. Perhaps she is just a masterful storyteller … I imagine as a florist (her other occupation), she makes a wonderful, expressive bouquet. ...more
Every time I put this book down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. When I first read the premise on the cover asking “What’s the worst thing your besEvery time I put this book down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. When I first read the premise on the cover asking “What’s the worst thing your best friend could do?” in relation to a woman who had lost her two sons and her best friend was to blame, I passed. But something drew me back and thank goodness, what a brilliant read. This novel offers twists and turns, intrigue, in-depth characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing to the end. The death of Catrin’s son is not dwelled on, rather it is the elephant in the room—always there, and the very essence of what defines her. Her character was well developed as was that of her former damaged lover, Callum, and her childhood best friend, Rachel.
I understood the love and need she had for her best friend—like a family member who is so intrinsically connected to you that you can’t let them go even though you try to remove them from your life. I also loved the story from the three perspectives—Catrin, Rachel and Callum. Just when my sympathies were so completely with one character, I saw the other character’s perspectives and swung the other way.
Sharon Bolton is a wonderful storyteller. For me this is a much stronger story than the much-applauded Girl on a Train. This is a book for thriller readers to devour. I’m delighted to discover Sharon Bolton who has a number of books under her belt and I’ll be happily working my way through them all. ...more
Charlie Donlea writes intriguing characters; both of his female protagonists—one dead, one alive—are strong, ambitious girls with the future ahead of Charlie Donlea writes intriguing characters; both of his female protagonists—one dead, one alive—are strong, ambitious girls with the future ahead of them and their plans laid out. Until in both cases, male influences derail them.
I enjoyed this book but came unstuck a few times. I don’t understand why the police couldn’t find the same clues that Kelsey the reporter found. We were never told why the murder investigation was hampered other than to imply Becca’s ambitious father might have been burying it to ensure it didn’t impede on his career.
I still don’t really understand Becca or why she led Brad on. Towards the end, I felt like I was reading an Agatha Christie (which is a good thing) but the Christie stories where you don’t get the full story and then suddenly some little piece of information resurfaces and it all falls into place. Then I was cranky that I was led astray. There’s no doubt Donlea can weave a great tale, but for me this story just frustrated me.
With thanks to the publisher for my copy, provided by NetGalley for an honest review. ...more
What a premise! What a life! Where to start, what to say.
If you have ever seen the Charlie Kaufman directed film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MiWhat a premise! What a life! Where to start, what to say.
If you have ever seen the Charlie Kaufman directed film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, you will be familiar "with the concept of removing painful memories so that you can move forward with your life. This book was a different take on that theme, as protagonist, Hope Arden, did not remain in anyone’s memory from the moment they turned away from her. Her family, her friends, her partners, employers, doctors… each and every person she connected with had no memory of doing so or of ever having met her.
"The Sudden Appearance of Hope" made me realise that all memories—good, bad, ugly, painful—defined us. Without them, as was the case in this novel, we are meaningless, unmemorable, and alone.
Hope’s life was impossible and while some envied her ability to move through the world, forgotten, it also meant she never experienced anything meaningful – she had no shared history with any person on earth, except oddly with her younger sister who suffered brain damage as a result of measles when she was young.
I initially struggled with this book; it was hard to get into and there were many laborious scenes of endless description and dialogue – and there, I’ve said the worst of it because the rest of the book was quite amazing.
I’m so glad that I endured and finished this most original novel. Thank you Claire North, for putting life’s ups-and-downs into perspective and making me appreciate them all.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchanged for an honest review....more
From the very first page this book hooks you in ... who is this mysterious woman? How did she end up in the water, who are her friends and family?
MiaFrom the very first page this book hooks you in ... who is this mysterious woman? How did she end up in the water, who are her friends and family?
Mia is a great protagonist ... wary, strong and seemingly has it all, if only she could remember how she go it all!
I love how threads of her life unravel around her ... her family, her boyfriend, the neighbours. I thought the relationship with her family might have been explained a little better as she discovers more about herself but that's just a minor point.
The truth as it unfolds is something I didn't see coming. No mean feat when we are all armchair detectives these days.
A good page turning read and my thanks for the author/publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel....more
Well I never saw that coming. This is a very clever psychological thriller. Slow down, enjoy the journey as Psychotherapist, Theo, wins the right to wWell I never saw that coming. This is a very clever psychological thriller. Slow down, enjoy the journey as Psychotherapist, Theo, wins the right to work with accused murderer Alicia and begins to build her trust.
She’s an odd character… at times you want to shake her and insist she talks to defend herself; other times, you feel the uselessness of it all and understand her silence.
Is she guilty or innocent and why would she kill her husband… the man she adored? My verdict wavered throughout the book. Regardless, it’s just easier for authorities though to have her locked away, especially since she won’t talk and all signs lead to her as the killer. In fact, all signs indicate she might have been off the rails for some time.
There’s a number of characters that could be behind Alice’s demise… some motives for murder, some motives for madness… see if you can guess the outcome.
A very enjoyable read that will have you keen to keep turning the pages.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review....more
A complex young woman with a dreadful childhood incident in her history, Wyn's story is an intriguing read that drew me back every night to keep turniA complex young woman with a dreadful childhood incident in her history, Wyn's story is an intriguing read that drew me back every night to keep turning the pages.
The characters were wonderfully drawn – likeable, realistic, flawed and fascinating. My only criticism was overload ... I felt like I was constantly being loaded with hooks – something happened in Wyn's childhood; uh oh, Wyn decides to go stay in a deserted home on a rough and rocky beach; mm, the neighbour knows something; there's a box of photos in the attic; and so on.
The original premise of the childhood incident and how it was unveiling itself in her adult life would have been enough for me. A very solid read. Thanks as always to Kensington Book for allowing me to read this title and kudos to the author!...more
I picked this book to read because the marketing said fans of “Outlander” might enjoy it, and while it had very little in common with “Outlander” exceI picked this book to read because the marketing said fans of “Outlander” might enjoy it, and while it had very little in common with “Outlander” except for travel through time, it was still a very enjoyable reading journey.
Beautifully written, Lia’s sense of loss and vulnerability was painful as her story was woven amongst the landscape of rural southern France. I enjoyed the story even more knowing the research and background work the author put into bringing this story to life.
The characters that enter her new life— Lucas Moisset, Raoul Arango, and Father Jordi Baltasar—are each well drawn and are linked to her past, present and maybe her future. The plot is intriguing… we can never really be sure who had good intentions, who might be evil, who Lia will end up with, if anyone.
I love the reincarnation angle, and like Lia, I have doubts but I am not close-minded, so I understood her progression of disbelief to belief. The settings were magical; I could see them and feel them.
My only minor criticism is the confusion I felt with the choice of names sometimes… Lucas Moisset, Lucas Mauleon, Manel and even Miro (his horse)—kept me checking back who was who (especially when you read in snatches).
This is a book for readers who enjoy history and emotional connections more so than the romping adventure of “Outlander”....more
What a delightful read. There's nothing better than a strong, sassy female who can adapt to her circumstances as Celestina does, and of course, can reWhat a delightful read. There's nothing better than a strong, sassy female who can adapt to her circumstances as Celestina does, and of course, can recognise an opportunity when it presents itself. Especially if the opportunity is tall, dark and handsome.
It is also refreshing to not have the recently widowed Niall mooning over his deceased wife, as it was never a great love, so now he's free to lose his heart to Celestina. He's a true hero in every sense of the word ... rescues women in need (Celestina), looks after a brood of daughters at home and provides and protects.
Celestina has her work cut out for her especially as she is mistaken for a mythological mermaid – a Selkie (not as silly as it sounds in context) and must also eventually prove that she is the real thing. Good fun, great dialogue, and all at a good pace! Get swept away in this sea-to-land tale.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to review. ...more