This is the story of Beth Stanford and her fiancé Joe Tasker. The book opens at the crime scene where they have been found in their kitchen lying in pThis is the story of Beth Stanford and her fiancé Joe Tasker. The book opens at the crime scene where they have been found in their kitchen lying in pools of blood and each holding a knife. What has happened to cause such carnage? Told in multiple timelines, and from both POV’s, the story then goes back in time as we learn the history of their relationship, but from two unreliable narrators you get “his truth, her truth” but what is the actual truth?
Briefly, it’s clear that both characters are dealing with stressful situations. Both work in caring environments, Joe is finding his job challenging and Beth has turned to alcohol as a comfort following a number of traumatic events. But they still seem loving to each other until the arguments starts. And then we come to a climactic moment which will change lives forever.
It is a story of alcoholism, psychosis, coercive manipulation and love all mixed up resulting in a mental and physical storm. With an ending to shock this is spine tingling stuff. Devious, twisted and absorbing and a great read. ...more
The fourth Molly the maid story, if you include the Christmas novella, and Molly is now living with and engaged to Juan, a chef at the Regency Grand hThe fourth Molly the maid story, if you include the Christmas novella, and Molly is now living with and engaged to Juan, a chef at the Regency Grand hotel, where Molly also works. As their wedding approaches there is some excitement at the hotel as two antique experts are bringing their hit television show to the hotel. Told in dual timeline, the present and in the past following Molly’s Gran’s notebook that she wrote before her death, to explain her early life to Molly.
Briefly, Molly put a few of her grans treasure together to take to the valuation day and Juan adds another item that was in her display cabinet. It turns out that Milly really does have a treasure, but not for long as shortly after, at an auction to sell the item, it is stolen. Obviously Molly isn’t going to take this sitting down and with help from Detective Stark she’s on the case! Meanwhile Molly has been reading her Gran’s notebook and is shocked at the revelations it contains.
I’ve loved Molly since the first book. She is such a wonderful character I really took her to my heart. The author does such a good job writing Molly as neurodivergent, Molly’s naivety is endearing as is her awesome investigative prowess. I’m sad that this is the last book but it was a good story, particularly Gran’s notebook entries. A wonderful heartwarming read. ...more
Whilst I enjoyed the first book in the series this, the second in the series, was totally delightful. I was completely immersed from start to finish. Whilst I enjoyed the first book in the series this, the second in the series, was totally delightful. I was completely immersed from start to finish. Set in Kent in 1797 where Jane Austen, now 21 years old, has been sent to stay with her brother Edward ‘Neddy’ and his wife Elizabeth at Rowling Manor, to aid the latter during her confinement. Neddy left the Austen family at age 14 to live with the wealthy Knight family and now considers them his parents. As their only child he is due to inherit the Godmersham Park estate in due course.
Briefly, Elizabeth is not having an easy confinement which is exacerbated by her concern that Neddy’s future fortune is at stake. Widow Mrs. Knight has taken into her home a rather strange young woman who purports to be Eleanor, a Spanish princess. Elizabeth is convinced that she’s a charlatan who has her eye her husband‘s future inheritance. She tasks Jane with helping her convince Mrs Knight that the young woman isn’t who she says she is. However, Jane soon realises that Mrs. Knight is aware that Eleanor isn’t a Princess just someone needing help and Jane wants to help too. Meanwhile, Jane has overheard a distressing conversation that leads her to believe that her brother is a bit of a rake!
It was clear from the last book that Jane isn’t quite the sleuth she believes herself to be. Her imagination can often take over from the facts leading her down all sorts of torturous paths. I love the fact that there is so much based on the Austen family’s real life, the little snippets of detail about her books, that as yet were unpublished, were wonderful. Beautifully crafted I defy any Austen lover not to enjoy this, in fact anyone who loves a wonderful cosy mystery will hopefully be as mesmerised as I was. Yes I loved it. December this year will see the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and this is a fitting memorial to an incredible woman. ...more
Loosely based on the true story of a widow called Geertje Dircx from Edam who at the behest of her brother Pieter gets a position in the house of painLoosely based on the true story of a widow called Geertje Dircx from Edam who at the behest of her brother Pieter gets a position in the house of painter Rembrandt Van Rijn and his wife Saskia as nursemaid to their son Titus. It’s 1642, the Dutch Golden Age, and life in Amsterdam is very different to Geertje’s married life. A new author for me and I did enjoy her writing.
Briefly, Geertje becomes close to Saskia who is in poor health which means Titus spend most of his time with Geertje. She is also friendly with the other maid and in time the cook, but Rembrandt seems distant. After Saskia’s death Geertje and Rembrandt become closer, and eventually she becomes his mistress. However, when a new maid Hendrickje is employed she soon catches Rembrandt’s eye. When she is told to leave Geertje isn’t prepared to taken her banishment sitting down and she turns to the law for justice.
The treatment of the staff in Rembrandt’s house, and women in general at this time, was pretty terrible. Rembrandt himself wasn’t a pleasant man, completely self centred although he clearly adored Saskia, and to some extent Geertje. But the person I most despised was Pieter and I felt like shouting at Geertje to open her eyes and see how he was using her. I loved Geertje’s aunt, what a wonderful woman. A dark and emotional historical novel and one I very much enjoyed. ...more
What an engrossing family drama, and I love that it’s set in my hometown of Bristol. Lena lives in an upmarket area with teenage son Rufus, having recWhat an engrossing family drama, and I love that it’s set in my hometown of Bristol. Lena lives in an upmarket area with teenage son Rufus, having recently separated from her husband Charlie. She has new next door neighbours, a wealthy retired couple, Henry and Marella Morgan. Lena is a good character, quite likeable if a bit naive and reckless. This book grabbed me from the start and it wasn’t long before I was totally engrossed.
Briefly, as part of his college course Rufus has a sensitive microphone for recording the sounds of the suburbs. One evening it picks up a conversation from next door, which Lena hears, and thinks it sounds very suspicious. The more she finds out about the Morgan’s the more concerned she becomes. Meanwhile, Lena works part time at Citizens Advice Bureau and she has become too friendly with Drew, one of her clients, and her boss is on her case.
There are a number of other characters with notable roles in the story and Lena starts to get very concerned about who she can really trust. The author does relationships really well and it was interesting to contrast those of Henry and Marella against Lena and Charlie. The plot was fast paced and interesting and there were some good twists and turns. A very enjoyable read. ...more
A blockbuster of a murder mystery and the second Dr Olivia Winter novel. Olivia is a forensic psychologist with a unique story. She is the surviving dA blockbuster of a murder mystery and the second Dr Olivia Winter novel. Olivia is a forensic psychologist with a unique story. She is the surviving daughter of a serial killer father and built a business around her knowledge. She and best friend Sebastian run the Behavioural Science Administration. Olivia still has her demons, living with survivors guilt, and is concerned about the forthcoming TV drama about her father, but she has to put this to one side to deal with a new, dangerous and very complex case.
Briefly, in Newcastle Isaac McFadden has been stopped by the police who discover a dismembered body in the boot of his car. He has declined to speak and is sentenced to life for murder. Clearing out his house his daughter finds a coded book which suggests McFadden may have many more deaths to his name. The police call in Olivia for help.
In a dark gruesome book the clues are there, if you can spot them, in the coded handbook. Can you work them out and find the killer before Olivia? This book grabbed me from the start and hung on until the very last page. Fast paced, brutal, violent, with great twists, and absolutely brilliant! ...more
The first in The Piccadilly Noir Series and this is a very dark tale centred around private detective George Harley set in London SoHo district in theThe first in The Piccadilly Noir Series and this is a very dark tale centred around private detective George Harley set in London SoHo district in the late 1920’s. Working as a private detective Harley has previously been in the army and MI5 and still has flashbacks, verging on PTSD about some of the things he’s done and seen but that doesn’t stop him getting involved in the most horrendous of investigations. Brought up in the area Harley is well acquainted with the cities underbelly of gangsters, corrupt police, prostitution and sordid nightclubs, but this case is a step further. Written in the style of the Golden Age it was an immersive read.
Briefly, after saving a girl who was being abducted Harley finds the attempt appears to be related to a number of terrible murders, with the child victims horribly staged. Asked by a member of the police force to investigate, off the books, Harley agrees to help search for a missing boy and to investigate the murders.
There are a lot of characters so I did find it a bit of a slow burner and I must reiterate that there are some very disturbing scenes of child abuse so be aware. That said I really enjoyed the book and the main character. The red herrings were good, I didn’t guess the killer until it was revealed, or the sadistic and cruel motive. An atmospheric and emotional thriller with some loose end that are obviously leading to book two. An intriguing and entertaining read. ...more
The fourth book in the DI Ashley Knight series and whilst this could be read as a stand-alone my opinion is that you will get a lot more out of it if The fourth book in the DI Ashley Knight series and whilst this could be read as a stand-alone my opinion is that you will get a lot more out of it if you read the series in order. The Vampire Investigation is still ongoing with Norfolk MIT and now the NCA are involved and a new investigation keeps Ashley and her team busy.
Briefly, teenagers Akari and Camille are making their way home after shopping but never make it, they just vanish. This follows the disappearance of another young couple in Suffolk. Meanwhile, Hector is back helping Ashley and the team but after a body turns up they have to question whether a member of the Vampire gang is still at large. As the ramifications of actions of the pan European ‘Vampire’ gang are revealed Ashley and her team find themselves exposed to real danger whilst they continue to search for the missing youths.
A really tense thriller, gritty and exciting, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Fast paced and full of action this is a great novel. Love seeing Barton pop in from the authors other series, it really worked well. Another fantastic read in this thrilling police procedural series. ...more
Book 7 of the Holmes & Hudson Series and whilst I was unaware of this series, so this was my first read, it read well as a standalone. In fact I reallBook 7 of the Holmes & Hudson Series and whilst I was unaware of this series, so this was my first read, it read well as a standalone. In fact I really enjoyed it, a lot. The usual suspects are here - Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson and Mrs Hudson and they are joined by housemaid Flotsam ‘Flottie’. I did think this was a rather unlikely name but she is a great character. Holmes and Watson do rather take a back seat this time as Mrs Hudson and Flotsam run their own investigation, at Holmes request and on their own behalf. Told from the POV of Flossie this is a well written and well plotted novel.
Briefly, it’s 1901 and a royal marriage is to take place, in England, between Count Rudolph and Princess Sophia in an attempt to ensure the safety of a small but strategically important European principality. But when both of them go missing Holmes is asked to help. Meanwhile Mrs Hudson and Flottie are looking into the mysterious Colonel Maltravers who has been blackmailing a friend of theirs.
I love this Mrs Hudson, she is a clever and resourceful woman with friends at all levels of society, she also loves to clean, make jam and generally look after people! Flottie has been trained well and is just as intelligent and has learned much from Mrs Hudson and Holmes. I liked the writing which does have a taste of Conan Doyle in style. There are plenty of red herrings to fool even the best of detectives, and I loved how the various events came together so seamlessly. A very entertaining cosy mystery. 4.5⭐️...more
A strong historical fiction novel set in India and London following Divya Ram a young girl who is orphaned and then hounded out of her home as being cA strong historical fiction novel set in India and London following Divya Ram a young girl who is orphaned and then hounded out of her home as being considered bad luck. She eventually gets a job as a nursery maid to the children of a wealthy family and when they return to England she goes with them, with the promise of a return ticket to India when they find a nanny. Divya is a great character, strong and resilient and loyal to her friends.
Briefly, after Divya’s employers throw her out and refuse to pay for her ticket home, she eventually arrives in West India Dock where she finds lodgings with Charity O’Kelly and her family. Soon Divya’s love of cooking leads to her taking over the boarding house’s kitchen, and eventually with financial help from a local man, and help from the community her own restaurant.
The racial prejudice that Divya and other black people suffer is excruciating uncomfortable and no doubt true of the times. Despite the fact that the dock area is a hotchpotch of nationalities and religions it did seem that there was a black / white divide for many when it came to trust and loyalty. There is an interesting three way romance simmering with wealthy Jack and Indian lascar Raghu both setting their caps at Divya. A very enjoyable and entertaining read. ...more
A very enjoyable read. Elinor, an only child, had a wonderful upbringing with loving parents. Her father is a self made millionaire and after her mothA very enjoyable read. Elinor, an only child, had a wonderful upbringing with loving parents. Her father is a self made millionaire and after her mother died Elinor helped him with the business. She also loved to read and these stories gave her rose tinted glasses when aristocrat Frederick shows an interest in her. Believing herself in love they marry but her glasses are soon shattered. After the birth of their first child Edward ‘Teddy’ she becomes even more unhappy, only being allowed to spend 20 minutes with him each day. This was so easy to read I didn’t want to put it down I was so engrossed.
Briefly, her father contacts her to say he has bought tickets for the maiden voyage of the Titanic, which he promised before her marriage. She persuades Frederick to accept the offer and so they board with Teddy and a maid to help with Teddy. The terrible tragedy that follows gives Elinor an opportunity to change her life, and as she stands on board the Carpathia, she makes a shocking decision.
Elinor is a wonderful character. A strong and clever woman, the sort of person you know will be successful when she sets her mind to it. But she’s a flawed woman who lies to people she cares about, but because she is scared and desperate. The plot is good and it’s like two different stories - before and after Titanic. I loved the family Elinor and Teddy lived with in New York, they couldn’t be more different than her family in England. A entertaining and enjoyable read. ...more
A spellbinding read, literally and virtually. Following the death of her mother Edith ‘Edie’ Lane is heartbroken. She sees an advertisement for a job A spellbinding read, literally and virtually. Following the death of her mother Edith ‘Edie’ Lane is heartbroken. She sees an advertisement for a job in a bakery in Paris and after applying and being accepted leaves her home and father, in Ireland, to travel to Paris. However, the bakery is not in Paris but in the quaint village of Compiègne on Rue de Paris. Set in dual timeline, but mainly in the present with some flashback to the bakery during WWII, this is a well written and evocative read.
Briefly, arriving to a less than enthusiastic welcome and shown to a tiny room in the attic, Edie is wondering if she made a good decision. Still she decides to give it a chance and begins to enjoy it. However, she is curious about what happens in the basement and despite being told it’s out of bounds her curiosity gets the better of her.
There is so much I relished about this book. The descriptions of the food made my mouth water and I was very interested in the history of the village, I was unaware of most of it. Edie is a good character and I was rooting for her all through the book, she deserved some happiness. A wonderful read with elements of magic, friendship, romance and an exploration of self. An enjoyable and entertaining read. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It opens with a prologue that immediately grabbed my attention. Fast forward and Helen Appleby is now an adult but the behaI thoroughly enjoyed this. It opens with a prologue that immediately grabbed my attention. Fast forward and Helen Appleby is now an adult but the behaviours of her childhood have coloured her life choices. It was a one sitting read for me as I had to know what happens to Helen, short chapters and quite a quick and easy read.
Briefly, recently released from prison after serving two years of a four year sentence for manslaughter Helen has decided to use the money her mother left her to open a second hand bookshop. She finds a property and soon the bookshop is up and running but from the start someone seems to be out to scupper her plans.
There are some difficult issues dealt with in the book - particularly sadomasochism and coercive control - which are dealt with sympathetically. Helen is a difficult character, I initially didn’t like her a lot. She is quick tempered, suspicious and unforgiving but as the book progressed a softer side is evident and she was right to be suspicious. There are a number of characters who raised my suspicions, but that was a moveable feast! Some really good twists and turns and an ending I definitely didn’t see coming. An excellent psychological family drama. Very enjoyable. ...more
A coming of age story following Daniel, whose father is the headmaster of a private school. Daniel seems to feel that his father’s position makes him A coming of age story following Daniel, whose father is the headmaster of a private school. Daniel seems to feel that his father’s position makes him special and consequently he puts the backs up of his fellow pupils and is not popular. Until Philip joins the school and seems to want to be friends with Daniel. Then the art teacher singles him out for extra tuition. The story is told from Daniel’s perspective.
Briefly, Daniel’s father loses his job and with it their home. In their new home Daniel’s father starts drinking heavily and whilst he sees himself as a farmer he’s a bit of a laughing stock. His mother goes from being a little unusual to mentally ill, leaving Daniel more of a loner than ever. Then the art teacher seems to turns on him…
This is a difficult one for me to review. I found it slow and the main character a rather difficult and frustrating one, I did wonder if he was supposed to be on the spectrum. Daniel is desperate to be liked but seems oblivious to his own self. Whilst it wasn’t one for me I do see the attraction of the book, it is well written and Daniel’s story is emotional if not a bit melancholy. An interesting read ...more
Jessica and Robin have been friends since university and Jessica has always been in love with him, although Robin seems oblivious. They are now in theJessica and Robin have been friends since university and Jessica has always been in love with him, although Robin seems oblivious. They are now in their early forties and to belatedly celebrate Robin’s 40th, which took place two years earlier during Covid lockdown, Jessica has arranged a surprise trip to a luxury property in Italy. Jessica has her own hospitality business and Robin is an actor/house husband married to deputy head teacher Laura. The book is told from the POV’s of these three main characters.
Briefly, the three main characters are joined by Robin and Laura’s children, Robin’s two brothers and their families and Robin’s other best friend, Tim. From the start there are tensions.
Told over the space of a week this is a character driven relationship drama with some interesting twists and turns, one of which I should have seen coming earlier than I did - how did I miss it? There are secrets that have been hidden for years which, had they come out sooner might have saved years of unhappiness. I loved the descriptions of the different towns and villages, they were well done and made me feel totally immersed in the story. A story of unrequited love, second chances and family relationships. An enjoyable and entertaining read. ...more
The second Sami Kierce novel and it’s another masterpiece of the genre. As a 21 year old holidaying in the Costa del Sol, Sami met the gorgeous Anna aThe second Sami Kierce novel and it’s another masterpiece of the genre. As a 21 year old holidaying in the Costa del Sol, Sami met the gorgeous Anna and life was so good until a few days later he wakes up to the worst nightmare of his life with Anna dead and a bloody knife in his hand. Horrified he flees home and tries, but never succeeds, to forget everything. Sami is a great character, honest, determined and dependable. Happy married to Molly, with a son Henry, life is good even though he struggles to make ends meet.
Briefly, 22 years later Sami has been kicked out of the police and is working as an unofficial private investigator and running a sort of criminology class for a group of people. In the middle of a class a woman appears who he is convinced is Anna. At the same time, thanks to his antics in the police, the convicted killer of his fiancé is released from prison. Convinced there is a connection between the events he starts to dig deeper using his unique group and discovers a chain of lies every which way he turns.
Such a great plot I see another Netflix series in waiting! With secrets slowly coming out and surprises galore this is Coben at his very best, from the start right to the very last sentence! Fast paced and full of action it kept me glued to my seat. A tense, exciting and entertaining thriller. Loved it. ...more
Well that was good! The third book in the DC Ffion Morgan Series and it’s definitely my favourite. Ffion works for the Welsh police force whilst her pWell that was good! The third book in the DC Ffion Morgan Series and it’s definitely my favourite. Ffion works for the Welsh police force whilst her partner, DS Leo Brady is with the Cheshire force. They are spending time at each other’s homes but Ffion is cautious of making things more permanent and her track record with relationships isn’t good. You could read this as a stand-alone but why would you? It’s such a good police procedural/crime series.
Briefly, Ffion is called to the nearby lake where a body has been found in a kayak. Later identified as an estate agent on a weekend break with her colleagues and the pathologist confirms it was murder. Leo is investigating some strange burglaries on The Hill, an exclusive and highly desirable Cheshire address. But with no suspect the burglaries continue and their seriousness escalates. Meanwhile, Leo’s former wife Allie is trying to ingratiate herself with the inhabitants of The Hill, so much so they are calling her the Klingon.
I love Ffion and Leo. Both fabulous characters and no matter how much Ffion fights it they belong together, with Dave the dog of course. I couldn’t stand Allie, just the sort of person I despise, there was very little to recommend her as a person and I desperately wanted her to get her comeuppance. I loved the use of Welsh language, it adds authenticity, but I wish I could pronounce it correctly! The crimes were so well written with great twists and turns that had me fooled. Am I imagining that this was going to a trilogy? I hope so as I’d love to see more from Ffion and Leo. Great read....more
It’s 1899 and Evelyn Seaton and her mother Cecelia are living at Riccall Hall, Yorkshire until Evelyn’s feckless and dissolute father, Baron Seaton, gIt’s 1899 and Evelyn Seaton and her mother Cecelia are living at Riccall Hall, Yorkshire until Evelyn’s feckless and dissolute father, Baron Seaton, gambles away all their money and they are thrown out of their home. Cecelia was not from a wealthy family and the only relative they can go to is her Aunt Clara, in York. With no money and few personal belongings Evelyn decides it’s up to her to improve the situation. Evelyn is an interesting character, uncommonly resilient for someone brought up as she was, whereas her mother, who had known hard times, acted like a feather brain.
Briefly, running from a ball where she was teased and ostracised Evelyn picks up a paper advert for an assistant at a bookshop, and meets aspiring author William Morton, not knowing that he is the nephew of the bookshop owner. Having persuaded the owner to give her a job Evelyn is shocked when William turns up trying to take her job.
I loved the setting of the rather neglected bookstore that needed a loving touch and a woman who was determined to make a new life for herself and her mother. I thought William was a bit of an unlikely hero - he started off as dishonest and selfish and although he mellowed I think Evelyn could have done better, although there is no accounting for taste! My favourite character by a mile was Aunt Clara, she reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Bracknell. An easy writing style and an enjoyable storyline made for an entertaining read. ...more
1926 and Agatha Christie has just published The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. She is also a member of The Detection Club, a group of literary writers who a1926 and Agatha Christie has just published The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. She is also a member of The Detection Club, a group of literary writers who all write detective fiction. Eliza Baker gets a job as assistant to Dorothy L. Sayers who runs the Club, but in her spare time she plays chess at a chess club for money where she meets Theodore ‘Theo’ Sharp. The book uses the famous 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie to good effect in this story.
Briefly, at a meeting of The Detection Club a member is murdered and the finger is pointed at Agatha. In distress she leaves before the police arrive and when they go to question her she is missing. Eliza and Theo decide to try to solve the crime before the police, who are focused on the missing Agatha, and have a side bet about which of them will solve it first.
Told mainly from Eliza’s perspective, but also a little from Theo’s, this is a good cosy mystery with a splash of romance. First impressions - Eliza is a difficult character to like, she can be very blunt which comes across as uncaring and even cruel. Whereas Theo is a kind and gentle man and a bit of a mouse, he needs to man up a bit. That said they were both growing on me as the book progressed. A good mystery with some red herrings that caught me out and I liked the use of chess play to help solve the crime. An entertaining read. ...more
Historical fiction set in the late 1800’s in England and Egypt. This is the story of the Attridge family, although mainly that of Clementine ‘Clemmie’Historical fiction set in the late 1800’s in England and Egypt. This is the story of the Attridge family, although mainly that of Clementine ‘Clemmie’ who from a young age was fascinated by Egyptology. After 1887, when her father dissected a two headed mummy, disaster seemed to haunt the family and Clemmie was convinced it was the curse on the amulet found with the body coming true. The curse was connected to the story of sisters Isis and Nephthys and their brother-husbands Osiris and Set. Nephthys represented death and Isis birth.
Briefly, in 1892 Clemmie travelled to Egypt with the intent to return the amulet to Nephthys in the hope that it would break the curse on her family. She joins up with three other travellers in Cairo, less by choice than necessity, to sail to the place she believes the amulet should be buried.
Told in dual timeline, alongside dreams and the myths surrounding Nephthys, I did get a little confused at times, particularly with the Nephthys tale. That said it was really interesting and I do find Egyptian mythology particularly fascinating. Clemmie is a good character, passionate about Egyptology and her sister, a cat lover, determined and brave, although I do think a lot of her decisions were rather rash! An entertaining and enjoyable read. ...more