Review: Twisted by Steve Cavanagh

BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THREE THINGS:

1. The police are looking to charge me with murder.
2. No one knows who I am. Or how I did it.
3. If you think you've found me. I'm coming for you next.

After you've read this book, you'll know: the truth is far more twisted...

WOW!! I literally couldn't put this book down... as a fan of Steve Cavanagh's other books I was excited to read this standalone book and I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed! 

I don't like giving too much away about storylines but what I can say is that this had me gripped.... I needed to find out what was going on and that meant that I had to keep reading as just as you think you know what's happening... things change. 

It's a fast paced novel which I liked, it definitely kept me guessing and it's not one of those books where one chapter in you know exactly how it's going to end but you carry on reading anyway!

I loved the fact that Steve even put a brief reference to Eddie Flynn in the book (that's his main character from his other books) and the book just felt really 'current' with other small references that were made. 

If I'm completely honest... I finished the book two days ago and I'm still wondering to myself how he came up with such a fantastic storyline and managed to write it so brilliantly! It definitely needs to be at the top of your to-read pile. 

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I enjoyed it that much that I'll be buying a hard copy when it's released.

Review: Day of theAccident by Nuala Ellwood

They say you killed...

BUT WHAT IF THEY'RE WRONG?

Sixty seconds after she wakes from a coma, Maggie's world is torn apart. 

The police tell her that her daughter Elspeth is dead. That she drowned when the car Maggie had been driving plunged into the river. Maggie remembers nothing.

When Maggie begs to see her husband Sean, the police tell her that he has disappeared. He was last seen on the day of her daughter's funeral.

What really happened that day at the river?

Where is Maggie's husband?

And why can't she shake the suspicion that somewhere, somehow, her daughter is still alive? 

I loved this book!!! At first I wasn't quite sure what was going on and then as the story unfolded things became clearer... I must admit though that I'd not quite got it all worked out until all was revealed. It really was a gripping read...… and I couldn't put it down. 

I don't want to give any spoilers away but what I will say is that you definitely need to read this book when it's released next year.

I was lucky to be given an advance digital copy via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion, and I can honestly say that it was brilliant!!

Review: No Time To Cry by James Oswald

Undercover ops are always dangerous, but DC Constance Fairchild never expected things to go this wrong.

Returning to their base of operations, an anonymous office in a shabby neighbourhood, she finds the bloodied body of her boss, and friend, DI Pete Copperthwaite. He's been executed - a single shot to the head.

In the aftermath, it seems someone in the Met is determined to make sure that blame for the wrecked operation falls squarely on Con's shoulders. She is cut loose and cast out, angry and alone with her grief... right until the moment someone also tries to put a bullet through her head.

There's no place to hide, and no time to cry.

I don't think that I have read any of James Oswald's other series..... and I'm really wondering why not??

I loved this book. The storyline was great and the plot and ending wasn't obvious from the start. It had me gripped and I couldn't put it down as I needed to know what was going to happen next. Our main character Con is just perfect and I could really picture her thinking what to do next, I do hope that some of the other characters that we have met also make a reappearance in future books too.

I'm very excited that this is a new series and I cannot wait until the next instalment is out for me to read. In the meantime I think that I'll catch up on the other series as I really do love the way that this book is written, it flows so well.

Macbeth by Jo Nesbo

He’s the best cop they’ve got.

When a drug bust turns into a bloodbath it’s up to Inspector Macbeth and his team to clean up the mess.

He’s also an ex-drug addict with a troubled past.

He’s rewarded for his success. Power. Money. Respect. They’re all within reach.

But a man like him won’t get to the top.

Plagued by hallucinations and paranoia, Macbeth starts to unravel. He’s convinced he won’t get what is rightfully his.

Unless he kills for it. 

Absolutely brilliant...…. I'm a huge Jo Nesbo fan anyway but I just loved this! I couldn't put it down. the storyline was so fast paced I wasn't sure what was going to happen next and there's not many books these days that get me like that as I'm usually pretty good at working out what's going to happen!

I will admit that I've not read Macbeth by Shakespeare so have no idea how close the story is to that but it didn't matter, it literally had me gripped. 

Review: You Let Me In by Lucy Clarke

Nothing has felt right since Elle rented out her house . . .

I’M IN YOUR HOUSE

There’s a new coldness. A shift in the atmosphere. The prickling feeling that someone is watching her every move from the shadows.

I’M IN YOUR HEAD

Maybe it’s all in Elle’s mind? She’s a writer – her imagination, after all, is her strength. And yet every threat seems personal. As if someone has discovered the secrets that keep her awake at night.

AND NOW I KNOW YOUR SECRET

As fear and paranoia close in, Elle’s own home becomes a prison. Someone is unlocking her past – and she’s given them the key…

Spine-tingling, chilling, and utterly compulsive, YOU LET ME IN is the stunning new novel from Richard & Judy Book Club author, Lucy Clarke

I loved this book! It was brilliantly written and I genuinely had no clue who it was that was in Elle's house or what her secret was until it was revealed. There was multiple people who it could have been and there was some brilliant twists within the plot that related to Elle's younger years. 

I had to keep on reading as it had me in suspense, and I must admit that I loved the ending. I don't want to give any spoilers away but will say that its definitely worth reading.

Review: Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh

WOW!!! I absolutely loved this book, I read it in less than 24 hours and just couldn't put it down - I almost considered not sleeping so that I could finish it quicker!!

So as the book suggests...… The serial killer isn't on trial - HE'S ON THE JURY

This was brilliantly written, the storyline just weaved and flowed easily with the picture of what had really happened building clue by clue. Kane is our criminal who has literally killed to get his seat on the jury, can he see the man convicted though?

Once again the star of the book is Eddie Flynn who ends up getting involved despite him not wanting too, once he realises that the client is innocent he takes matters into his own hands to help try and prove his innocence.

I don't want to give too much away about the rest of the storyline as I really think that everyone needs to read it themselves to find out. There were points when I was reading that I literally shouted out 'yes!, I'd forgotten about that' and 'oh my god' my friends who were with me told me that I couldn't tell them anymore as they wanted to read it!!

Review: Trust No One by Anthony Mosawi

I loved this book!! 

I couldn’t read it quick enough. It has a brilliantly written storyline when gets started right from the beginning... I quickly wanted to find out more. I loved the way that the story unfolded. Sara our main character was found aged 10 trapped in a bath full of water and the only thing she knew was her name.

There were only a couple of clues left but not much to go on. Her main problem...... who she could trust. The book really gripped me and I had to find out about Sara’s past. There are some other really great characters that were developed in the book and I would love to read more about them in another book.

It’s published on the 23rd August so grab a copy! It’s well worth it! 

I received an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Liar’s Room by Simon Lelic

I loved this book, I don’t want to give too much away on the storyline as it’s not out yet!! 

What I can say is I love the way that the story unfolds and you don’t quite know where it’s going... I certainly didn’t expect the outcome - having the realisation at the same time that our lead character did in the book! 

It was brilliantly written and kept me reading until late at night as I needed to finish and find out the truth!

Review: Time is a Killer by Michael Bussi

This is the story of Clotide, who escaped a tragic accident many years ago, now she has come back to show her daughter the scene of the accident but it’s not as it seems.... someone doesn’t want the truth to come out.

This was brilliantly written and it kept me intrigued right until the end. Whilst some parts were predictable it did keep me guessing and there was some twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming. 

As always I’d love to find out more about the characters as it’s well written and you get to like and know the characters as part of the story.

Review: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton

I absolutely loved this book! 

The storyline is unique and focuses on Florence a high ranking police officer that is well known for her first case. It’s not just your typical whodunnit as the person responsible has been in prison for 30 years and it’s at his funeral that we at to find out the story of what happened all those years ago. 

It’s brilliantly written and fast paced... I could t wait to get to the end... the build up was fantastic and the ending had me surprised despite there being some very subtle clues along the way that I hadn’t realised were clues until the end!! 

I’d love to read some more from this author, the way she builds the characters and you get to find out about them really helps to develop a connection within the book. 

Review: Harry's Game by Gerald Seymour

I've just finished this book... and all I can think about is how have I not read this book sooner?? The edition I have is a 40th Anniversary edition and I can honestly say I'd never even heard of it before. 

This book was first published in 1975 and it is still a brilliant read today, the thriller covers the troubles in Northern Ireland and portrays it excellently. It is easy to get into and I found myself unable to put it down wanting to read more. 

It features Harry who is placed in Belfast at the prime minister's request to find the man that shot a local MP in London. It follows the story of Harry and his progress at trying to locate the man, as well the the story of the man who carried out the shooting as well as the politics and difficulties faced by all at that time. 

If you haven't read this book I would really recommend it as it truely is brilliant, as I've already said I'm just disappointed that I haven't read it sooner.

Review: Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly

I was lucky to get an advanced copy of the book via netgalley and I'm glad that I did. Now I know that the Harry Bosch series has been around for a long time and I have read some of them but I haven't read them all, it's been a long time since I read the last one but that didn't make any difference. Sometimes if a book is part of a series and I haven't read the others it can put me off but in this it didn't make any difference that I wasn't up to date. 

I started the book and found myself straight into it alongside Harry who is currently working cold cases, using an old jail cell as his office. He is visited by his former colleagues to inform him of new evidence in a 30 year old case which means that he locked up the wrong man... or did he? Tie both his current cold case, his former case and then add in a live double murder case and it means one thing.... it's a bloody brilliant read! 

Fast paced and the way each of the cases being worked are merged it really is brilliant, I needed to keep reading and find out what was going to happen, I love the way that you get to know and care about what's happening very quickly. It was written very clearly... sometimes in books with multiple cases it can be a bit confusing but this was easy to follow.

I don't want to give away any spoilers but just recommend that if you love a good book... even if you've never heard of Harry Bosch before then give it a read. The official release date is 31st October 2017 so put the date in you diary. 

Review: Just what kind of mother are you?

The blurb:

No family is perfect.

A husband, three children and a full-time job, so many plates to keep spinning.

No wonder you forgot you were supposed to be looking after your friend's daughter.

But no one has seen her since yesterday. 

And she's not the first to go missing from your small town.

So who's hiding something?

Review:

I found this book to be a real page turner, it's fast paced and I couldn't wait to read more. It was written so well that as each chapter ended I just wanted to continue reading, and I found myself deeply immersed in it within the first few pages.

I instantly liked the main character Lisa and really felt for her. As the story unfolds I found myself willing that things worked out for her, although it is a serious book there are some humorous parts and I did laugh out loud at Lisa in the supermarket. I loved how the author created the characters in a way that you got to know them but not in so much detail that it detracted from the storyline.

The story is well written and I didn't see the ending coming which is always good as I find that I often have it worked out partway through the first few chapters! Definitely worth reading as it's a unique story which you can't even begin to imagine. I can't wait to read the next book by Paula Daly

Review: Ghost of a Threat by Beth Dolgner

In this book we meet Betty ’Boo’ Boorman, a paranormal investigator who spends her Saturday nights with ghosts instead of guys! We see her forced to join forces with Carter Lansford from a rival paranormal investigation team, to investigate a spirit with a difference, this leads them to work together on a case where it’s not the spirits that they need to watch out for.

This book isn’t just another Paranormal Romance - it is a Unique Paranormal Romance, which was very refreshing to read. I really enjoyed this book, the storyline was well thought out and instantly gripped me and once I started reading I found I couldn’t stop! There was times when I felt as though I was literally in the scenes with them.

It was brilliantly written and just flowed so well between the paranormal aspects and romance aspects. As well as the paranormal romance there was some humour and action, it really was non-stop - I loved it!!

I cannot wait to read the second instalment of the Betty Boo series and find out what’s in store for her next.

To grab yourself a copy visit: http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Threat-Hunter-Series-ebook/dp/B0060PYKEQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334177930&sr=8-2

Review: On The Island by Tracey Garvis-Graves

I really enjoyed On the Island, I found myself engrossed in the book pretty much from the outset. And once I started reading I couldn't stop.

We see Anna and TJ on they're journey to the Maldives where they are due to spend the summer holidays. Anna is TJ's tutor as he has recently missed alot of school due to recovering from hodgekins lymphoma. They're journey to they're destination is plagued with delay after delay and finally after 30 hours travelling they are on the last lap when disaster strikes.

They find themselves stranded on a desert island with only the clothes that they are wearing. They hold out hope that they will be rescued. This isn’t just a normal stranded on a desert island story, it’s one that grabs you in as part of the story.

I found myself intrigued by the story, seeing Anna and TJ thinking of ways to survive, and I also thought that the things that they did and came up with were just brilliant! I really enjoyed reading about the years that they were stuck stranded on the island and loved the romance that you can see blossoming between them.

I thought they way that they were eventually rescued by fluke of a national disaster was a great part of the storyline and found reading about them back at home was almost even more intriguing than the island!!

I must say that I LOVED the ending - to me it was just perfect. I highly recommend this book and think that everyone should own a copy.
To buy your copy visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005L9B5YU/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Review: Heart of Glass by Christy Hayes

I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed the fact that it was almost in two halves, we started off with the past and then moved on to the present.

You can tell right from the very beginning that sparks are going to fly between Danny and Kat, I really enjoyed reading the banter between them when they met. The way they both tried to hold back they're feelings towards each other - I was so pleased when they finally gave in!

The scenes with Danny's brother Kyle were so endearing to read, the author did a wonderful job of getting across just how much Kyle meant to Danny. And I thought that Kat's instant bonding with him was great too. I even found that I enjoyed it when Danny was explaining to Kat how to do the wall ramming - it was just so nice to see them getting closer and Kat really did show an interest.

The abrupt end to Kat and Danny's relationship was one of those points where I found myself going 'noooo' and honestly could not see how the present was going to pan out.

I don't want to give too much more away about the storyline but thought that the second half of the book just accelerated even more. It really is packed full of emotions; anger, hurt, love, passion, regret - it was that well written that as I was reading I literally could feel the emotions. I was hoping and praying that Kate and Danny could have a second chance.

This wasn't just a simple love story, there was more complexity to the storyline than just that, friendships & families and the consequences that they're actions can have as well as the influences they can make on people's lives just to name a few.

The depths in places of the sub story lines were just fantastic, I know I've already mentioned that it was well written but I honestly felt as though I was there living it out with them. The author has really made me feel that I actually know the characters and if I'm honest I'm missing them already! I don't know if there are any plans for us to hear any more from the characters from this book but I really hope that we do.

I also thought the description of the setting and surroundings was fantastic, it was written in such an amazing way that I felt as though I could feel the heat of summer, the breeze of the ocean, even the feel of the warm sand. I literally was there!

This book is definitely a MUST read and also one that you'll want to read over and over again

RUN and grab a copy now: Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/vtcbkv Amazon.com http://amzn.to/zJpPf2

Review: Light Under The House by Aaron L

Light Under the House is the saga of an American family—the Levis, a family of secrets. None greater than the secret of what lies under their house, a secret that could destroy them. A secret that an ancient evil will stop at nothing to uncover. The novel follows the Levi family line for a generation, exploring lives lived in the aftermath of the cultural rebellion of the late 1960's.

I mean bizarre in a good way. This book is full of mystery and suspense, I literally had no idea where this book was going or where it was going to end but that made me enjoy it even more. I enjoyed the balance of history and travelling through the different periods of time across the generations. I foune that the more I read, the more I wanted to read.

I enjoyed reading about the different heads of the Levi family and the different stories that came with them. I loved reading about Sarai and Tanis and seeing how the help offered to Sarai from Tanis soon transformed into something very very different and enjoyed seeing how this developed.

I especially liked the ending and enjoyed seeing John’s realisation and couldn’t help but hope that everything worked out for him.

To grab yourself a copy visit: http://www.amazon.com/Light-Under-the-House-ebook/dp/B0060C2O92

Review: Amber The Death Mask by Tom Raimbault

This book is Fantastic!!

I love the way that Tom - as always explains where the idea of the book came from and his thoughts and insights into the character.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Amber - I have avoided anything 'Amber' related on Tom's blog purposely!! So at midnight last night I started to read - well I was awake until 3am reading - I couldn't stop! I woke up this morning and just HAD to carry on reading!

The way Tom has written this just grabbed me straight into the story and I was soon in 'Amber's World' I felt as though I could feel the emotions that the characters were feeling.

The storyline itself had me needing to find out more and had the perfect balance of background information without going off track. It really is a brilliantly written book which I found to be a real page turner

The only complaint I have is that I have to wait for the next installment!!!

Review: Tego Arcana Dei ~ Keeping God’s Secret by A.Man

I found this book really intriguing – the storyline is gripping. I enjoyed the fact that the book was set in lots of different locations and felt as though I was literally travelling to those locations alongside James.  I found it real food for thought as some of the aspects and points made in the book are very relevent and some just get your mind thinking! I am unsure if parts of the book are actually based on real life facts but it has made me want to find out!

If I’m honest there was too much sex in the book!! I understand that it was also part of James’s journey but felt at times it was taking away from the main storylines of the book, It is a fast paced book and I liked the way it explored different times and flicked between these times. I don’t know if A.Man has written any more books but I would definately like to read more from him.

To purchase a copy please visit: http://www.amazon.com/Tego-Arcana-Dei-Keeping-Secret/dp/1452053200/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298674262&sr=1-1

Review: My Name Is Death by Alan Cass

My Name Is Death by Alan Cass

This is a fast paced supernatural thriller which starts at speed and just accelerates!!

Here’s a brief outline of the book:

Ray Kennedy is a police officer in a small town, with big problems. He is himself no stranger to that knock at the door, to the collision of worlds awaiting and the devastation left behind. Some call it the Chaos Theory, Ray calls it life. Four years ago he gazed through the blood stained, patterned glass of his own front door, and listened to the frantic cries of a colleague, ‘She just ran out.’ it had been their wedding anniversary. Now it was something more. With four years of pain in his rear view mirror, it is the night of Halloween and once again, there is terrible news to be delivered. Twins Chad and Brandon Rose have been forced off the road at speed, leaving Chad in a coma, and Brandon dead. Sadly, the words bare no real meaning to Ray, at least not yet. But it is with growing momentum with which he discovers that this is no ordinary family, these were no ordinary siblings, and their attempted murder not without motive. Plagued by visions and voices too intense to be ignored, he sets off on a journey of self discovery, and is soon left wishing he hadn’t.
Just how far does the spiritual bond between twins actually go? Ray Kennedy is about to find out. Chaos has a new theory, his name is Brandon Rose. His name, is Death.

So Here Goes . . .

From the very first chapter I was instantly drawn in, eager to carry on reading and not wanting to stop, this is one of those books that at every opportunity – even if it’s just a page you pick up and read. I instantly found that I was engrossed in the book and felt that I was alongside the characters.

Because I was so involved ‘alongside’ the characters, I felt myself going through a whole range of emotions, feeling sorry for them, willing them on, anger, I even found myself in tears at the end, there were times though when I found myself literally laughing out loud, and by no means is this a comedy, it is simply just written so true to life that you can visualise the scenes that have been written, and to me being able to visualise it just makes it even more powerful. I love nothing better than being lost in a good book.

As the story unfolded I soon realised that everything was not as it seemed and it’s one of those books that has you guessing along the way, I usually find that when I read a book and guess who the bad guy is my instincts are usually right, however this time I was miles away from the answer. As I was reading the line that ‘revealed all’ I gasped out loud and then re-read it several times in disbelief!!

This book has been written with passion and you can tell because that passion comes across on the pages, I can honestly say that even if supernatural thrillers aren’t your preferred genre – I would still pick up this book and give it I go, I’d say 99% of people will read this with the same gusto I did – I just HAD to finish it to know what happened!

I am already (impatiently) waiting for Alan’s next novel!

To find out more about Alan visit www.alancass.co.uk and to purchase My Name Is Death visit http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000378179