Ice Lake @johnlenahan @KillerReads #BlogTour

About Ice Lake

…WHERE EVERYBODY LIES. AND SOME PEOPLE KILL…

An electrifying debut crime novel and the first in a new series featuring psychologist Harry Cull. Perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, Mark Billingham and Peter May.

AN ABANDONDED BODY
Deep in the woods of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the body of a man is found – shot three times, dumped under the trees where the local kids will find him.

A HAUNTED PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychologist Harry Cull, tormented by his past, arrives in the picturesque town of Ice Lake to help with the murder investigation. There he unravels a web of lies and deceit that leads to the dark heart of a community torn apart by fracking, drugs and murder.

A DESPERATE KILLER
It’s not long before the second corpse turns up, this time a lawyer left for dead in the forest, and Harry finds himself on the trail of a twisted killer – who will do anything to keep the town’s darkest secrets buried.

My review of Ice Lake

I absolutely loved this book! I had no idea of what to expect when I opened the first page of Ice Lake. Would it be a grizzly crime thriller? Would it feature a handsome and witty male protagonist? Would it be an exciting and enjoyable read that offered a completely different take on the crime genre of today? The answer to all these questions is yes, and so much more.

Harry Cull is invited to Ice Lake, situated in Northeastern Pennsylvania, by his friend , State Trooper Eric Cirba. A body was found in the woods, and it is up to the local police and Harry to find out who the murderer is. And all I will say is that this realty is one twisted killer.

As soon as I started to read Ice Lake, I knew that I would love it, and this was partly responsible to the strong and likeable character of Harry Cull. It only took me a few pages to fully realise his character and that the two of us would soon become friends. He's that type of guy, you can't help but like him. Throughout the course of the book we learn more about him, his past and why he does what he does. It's not just Harry who fascinated me, but all of the characters were interesting in their own way, even Todd who runs the local 'store'. I gradually warmed to him over the book.  Another character who I loved was that of MK, Harry's neighbour, a nurse and a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and do her own thing.

This book is packed full of  dark humour, and this works refreshingly well, given the dark subject matter. This kind of humour is right up my street. It doesn't make light of what is happening, but rather helps to give balance and a time to reflect upon what has happened. I found Harry to be a very funny guy, as were most of the inhabitants, albeit it in a subtle sarcastic way.

Ice Lake deals with some serious issues, those of drugs, fracking and dangerous lies, but all issues are there at the heart of the story, they are part of it, part of who the characters are and the story helps to explain what it is like to live in modern Northeastern Pennsylvania, in a remote area. I have no idea what this life must be like, but the descriptions of the environment and the people living there, helped me to feel as if I was living there, breathing the smell of the woods and drinking coffee in Todd's.

Ice Lake was such an enjoyable read. I am so very happy that this book is the start of a new series, as I want to learn more about Harry... and 'that's no lie'...

With thanks to Killer Reads for the advanced manuscript copy

Ice Lake is published by Killer Reads an imprint of Harper Collins on 7 July 2017. It is available from Amazon here.

About the author

John Lenahan is a popular TV magician who toured with Jack Dee, Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood. He starred on a prime time BBC1 TV show, had his own BBC2 series, and was the voice of the toaster in ‘Red Dwarf’. His fantasy trilogy Shadowmagic, an award-winning podcast that received over 100,000 downloads, was published by HarperCollins and sold over 70,000 copies across all editions. Ice Lake is his debut crime novel, the first in a new series featuring psychologist Harry Cull.

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Three Days and a Life by Pierre Lemaitre

About Three Days ad a Life

Antoine is twelve years old. His parents are divorced and he lives with his mother in Beauval, a small, backwater town surrounded by forests, where everyone knows everyone's business, and nothing much ever happens. But in the last days of 1999, a series of events unfolds, culminating in the shocking vanishing without trace of a young child. The adults of the town are at a loss to explain the disappearance, but for Antoine, it all begins with the violent death of his neighbour's dog. From that one brutal act, his fate and the fate of his neighbour's six year old son are bound forever.

In the years following Rémi's disappearance, Antoine wrestles with the role his actions played. As a seemingly inescapable net begins to tighten, breaking free from the suffocating environs of Beauval becomes a gnawing obsession. But how far does he have to run, and how long will it take before his past catches up with him again?

My review of Three Days and a Life

Oh this book, I still can't get this book out of my head. It is one of those books that stays with you long after you have read the final page. It's taken me a while to sum up my thoughts, so that I can try and write my review. Three Days and a Life is incredibly hard to review in terms of plot, so I am not going to talk about the plot, instead I'll focus upon the way in which the book has been written and the beautiful imagery conjured up in the small French village of Beauval. I'll also add that I completely fell in love with this book.

Three Days and a Life is written from the third person point of view and is very easy to follow. The novel begins in 1999, just before Christmas when little Rémi disappears from the village, shortly after the violent death of his family's dog. We follow the inhabitants of the town, including Anotne and his mother, Madame Courtin, as they begin to search for the little boy. Alter several days, the time then shifts to 2015, and once again we follow Antoine. The narrative flows beautifully, and the author creates a sense of tension and urgency to his writing, with an unsettling undercurrent. I couldn't put the book down.



The remote village of Beauval is skilfully brought to life on the page, as well as its inhabitants. I could clearly picture the row of houses, the smell of the woods and the way that life must have been like for the people living there.  

Understanding Beauval, is pivotal to understanding the complexity of the characters and the reasons in which they act. It is a close community, deeply affected by the disappearance of little Remi, and the village is never quite the same. I think that the reason that this book touched me so deeply, is that it is about how a little boy disappears, and the effect upon his family and the wider community. The beginning of the book I found very difficult to read, as some of the details are quite disturbing.

Pierre Lemaitre is a gifted storyteller of cutting edge thrillers that are also thought provoking. I cared aboiut these characters, even though I never liked Antoine. The fact trhat I didn't like him simply didn't matter, I still found him hugely readable and complex. This is a gripping tale of morality, of growing up and of dealing with the chances and decsions that you make in life. It left me breathless. My thoughts kept drifting back to this novel, days after I had finished reradong it. It is a disturbing read, but a compelling one that challenges our moral compass.

Highly recommended.

With thanks to the publisher,MacLehose Press, and Bookbridgr for a paperback proof copy.

Three Days and a Life is published by MacLehose Press on 13 July 2017 and is available to preorder on Amazon here.



He Made Me by Oliver Tidy #bookreview #BlogTour

About He Made Me

David Booker and Jo Cash are experiencing similar stuttering starts to their new lives on Romney Marsh when Rebecca Swaine turns up seeking help. Someone is demanding a lot of money from her husband and she wants to know why.

What do the dying words of one man - he made me - actually mean?

As the mystery unfolds people will come undone and reputations will be ruined before the answer becomes clear.

At the end of the day Mrs Swaine might end up wishing she’d let sleeping dogs lie…

My review of He Made Me

I shall start by saying that I loved this book. What an absolutely fantastic read. It was funny, yet serious at the same time. This is crime thriller of a read and part cozy murder mystery with lots of  humour. I found it a most refreshing read. This is the second book in the Booker & Cash series, and I can honestly say that you could jump right in on this story, as I knew absolutely nothing about the characters. haven't read the first novel, Bad Sons, but I still felt as if I had known them for a long time by the end of the first few chapters. So, it really does work as a stand alone novel. Having said all that, I am going to go back and read Bad Sons at a later date.

He Made Me is a compelling thriller. I had no idea who the culprit was, and thought I had guessed the motive and killer several times throughout the book, but I was completely wrong. There are so many twists and turns in this story, that I found it very difficult to stop reading, I actually read this book in several short sittings, it was that addictive. The chapters are also fairly short, so this helped with the fast paced nature of the book. The ending also truly surprised me. The plot really is a fast paced and interesting one, blending the arts and culture into that of a cozy, crime thriller type of read. I read with interest about what was going on, immersed myself fully with all of the characters and I really felt as if I was walking step by step with Jo and David as they sought out the truth.

For me though, the strength in this novel lies in the bond between the two main characters, Jo Cash and David Booker. Their on page chemistry was just so palpable. They truly are a most distinctive and unusual 'detective' pairing. But they work so well together! They both use their strengths to help and support each other, there is no power play with these two and I love them for it. They are also a very fumy duo, without even trying to be funny. Although this is predominantly a crime thriller, as I have already said this book is also very funny, the humour helps to lighten  the mood and to give the novel perspective.

I have never been to Romney Marsh but I would so love to go there now. I would love to go to David Booker's bookshop/café, to browse the bookshelves and to have a slice of cake. The descriptions of this bookshop are so vivid, I could actually smell the books and taste he coffee!

He Made Me is a delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

With thanks to Bloodhound Books and Sarah Hardy for the Advanced Reader Copy.

He Made Me can be found on Amazon here.

About the author

Oliver Tidy was born and bred on Romney Marsh, Kent. After a fairly aimless foray into adulthood and a number of unfulfilling jobs he went back to education and qualified as a primary school teacher.    

A few years of having the life sucked out of him in the classroom encouraged Oliver abroad to teach English as a foreign language. The lifestyle provided him the time and opportunity to try his hand at writing.

Oliver's success as a self-published author has led to his Booker & Cash series of books, which are set mainly on Romney Marsh, being signed by Bloodhound Books.

Oliver is now back living on Romney Marsh and writing full time.

Links:

https://twitter.com/olivertidy?lang=en-gb
https://olivertidy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Oliver-Tidy-467297426793288/

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The Ultimatum by Karen Robards #bookreview

About The Ultimatum

The first thriller in the Guardian series by New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards, perfect for fans of Karen Rose and Sandra Brown.

Bianca St. Ives is smart, talented and beautiful. She's also a high-end thief, a master manipulator, a card shark, and a genius of disguise.

A femme fatale Robin Hood running a multinational firm with her father, she makes a living swindling con men out of money they stole and giving it back to those who should rightfully have it. Her father has prepared her well to carry on the family business, and now the prodigy has surpassed the master.

But her latest mission didn't go to plan - millions of dollars and top secret government documents went missing, and her father was supposedly killed. But not everyone believes in his death, including the US government. They'll stop at nothing to capture Richard St. Ives - a high-value target who has been on most-wanted lists all over the world - even if it means using Bianca as bait.

With only a fellow criminal for backup and her life on the line, it's up to Bianca to uncover the terrifying truth behind what really happened . . . and set it right, before it's too late.

 

My review of The Ultimatum

Well, The Ultimatum is my first ever Karen Robards book and it won't be the last. Wow! This book was amazing. It left me breathless, from the gripping and very scary prologue, right through to the last word, I just couldn't put it down. Ms Robards really is a wonderful storyteller. This is a fast paced thriller that pulls no punches, is action packed, but is also heavily character driven,  and this surprised me. It's an entertaining and compulsive read.

I couldn't put this book down, it really does have it all: action, suspense, crime, romance and a female protagonist who is utterly spellbinding, Bianca St. Ives. The beginning of the novel describes Bianca's situation, as she finds herself in the middle of an aborted mission that has gone horribly wrong. Wow,  as I read these first few chapters that described her predicament, I saw the movie playing in my mind. The descriptions of what was going on around her, as well as her inner monologue were so captivating. I actually felt that I was Bianca, as my heart raced and the panic began to set in... and the book continued at this relentless pace.

The book is obviously plot driven and focusses heavily upon action and suspense. However, this book is also heavily character driven. I often find when reading this genre that character is less important than that of action, but this book redresses the balance, as character is incredibly important. Bianca is obviously the main focus and I really got to know her and her thought processes throughout the novel. I needed to understand her I feel to fully appreciate the novel. Without such a strong female lead, and a likeable one who has a soft and vulnerable core than you otherwise might expect, this book would not be as much of an emotional read, and it is highly emotional.

The Ultimatum is a crime thriller that is packed full of plot and exciting, memorable characters and I loved it. I loved Bianca and what she stood for. It was an incredibly fun, enjoyable and emotional read... and oh my, that ending! I can't wait to read book two in the series.

With thanks to the publisher and Bookbridgr for an advanced hardback copy for review purposes.

The Ultimatum is released in hardback by Hodder & Stoughton on 15 June. 2017. It is available
from Amazon on the following link.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimatum-Guardian-Karen-Robards/dp/1473647339/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497193365&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Ultimatum

About the author

Karen Robards is the internationally bestselling author of over forty romantic suspense novels, which have regularly appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists, among others. She is the mother of three boys and lives with her family in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

You can find out more at www.karenrobards.com and on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenRobards or follow her on Twitter @TheKarenRobards.

A Whiff of Cyanide by Guy Fraser-Sampson #bookreview

About A Whiff of Cyanide

The third volume of the bestselling Hampstead Murders sees the team become involved with a suspicious death at a crime writers' convention. Is this the result of a bitterly contested election for the Chair of the Crime Writers' Association or are even darker forces at work? Peter Collins, who is attending the convention as the author of a new book on poisoning in Golden Age fiction, worries that the key clue to unlock this puzzle may be buried within his own memories. A character called Miss Marple offers her advice, but how should the police receive this? Meanwhile an act of sudden, shocking violence and a dramatic revelation threaten tragic consequences...

My review of A Whiff of Cyanide

A Whiff of Cyanide is the third installment in the Hampstead Murders series by Guy Fraser-Sampson. I read and reviewed the previous book, Miss Christie Regrets, back in January, which I enjoyed immensely, and this book was just as enjoyable. It was lovely to be reacquainted with old friends, as that is how they felt to me. I do feel that this series works best by reading in chronological order, although having said that, this book does work well as a stand atone novel. If you love reading crime drama from the past, from the Golden Age of crime investigations, the you will love this book.

So, once again we are introduced to the Hampstead police team. We have Detective Superintendent  Simon Collinson, a gentleman who is happily married and with a baby on the way, Detective Sergeant Kate Willis and her boyfriend, psychologist Peter Collins. We then also have Detective Sergeant Bob Metcalf, Kate's other boyfriend. At the beginning of this novel, all three of them are living together in what Peter describes as a 'ménage a trois' and this made me smile. They are living together, but it seems in a completely innocent way, not as it would be portrayed in today's modern, gritty crime thrillers, and I liked this.

The story begins at a crime writers' convection in Hampstead, in which Peter has been invited as a new member. His non-fiction book, about the theme of using poison in Golden Age crime fiction, is soon to be  published, and although he has been to many of these events as a spectator, he is very excited to attend as a participant. It is while there, when attending an evening reception with Kate, that a suspicious death takes place, and one that involves cyanide. Is the death murder? and who is responsible? That is what the police need to find out. Surprisingly, it is Peter and one of the other members, a Miss Marple (yes, she really is called that as she plays Miss Marple in the television series - loved this aspect of the story) that help the police with their investigation.

This is such a beautifully told story, that uses language from a bygone time. People no longer talk as they do in this book, and I loved it for its nostalgia and sense of honesty. I loved the fact that the police work on intuition, interviews and less on forensic evidence. It is so refreshingly pure, in the sense that there is no profanity or nudity. It is a completely different type of detective story, one that you can't help but love. While reading I could clearly see the characters as they would appear on screen, tinged in sepia. The present day is presented on the page as the past, it is truly authentic. I knew I was reading a modern crime novel, but one that echoed the values and traditions of a bygone era. This is what makes the novel so refreshing. It really is as if you are reading an Agatha Christie novel, but with a modern twist.

The plot is also hugely enjoyable and I honestly couldn't work out who the murderer was and what their motive was, not until it was revealed to me. It really did keep me guessing to the very end. If you want to read a different kind of crime novel, one that harks back to the Golden Age of detective stories, but with an incredibly modern twist, then I think that you will enjoy this book.

With thanks to the author and Urbane Publications for the Advanced Reader Copy.

A Whiff of Cyanide is published on 2 June by Urbane Publications and is available to buy from Amazon here.

About the author

GUY FRASER-SAMPSON is an established writer, previously best known for his 'Mapp and Lucia' novels, which have been featured on BBC Radio 4 and optioned by BBC television. His debut work of detective fiction, Death in Profile, the first in the Hampstead Murders series has drawn high praise from fellow crime writers as well as from readers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Secrets of the Dead by Carol Wyer #bookreview

 

 

 

About Secrets of the Dead

 

Colourful, plastic boats were scattered in puddles on the floor. In the bathtub lay Linda Upton, fully-clothed, lips a shade of blue, and bloodshot eyes wide open.

When a young mother is found drowned in the bath, clutching a receipt saying ‘all debts paid’, Detective Robyn Carter knows it’s just the beginning of a harrowing case. She recognises the signs of a serial killer, and when a second victim with a receipt is found, her worst fears are confirmed.

With the local press whipping the public into a frenzy, Robyn is under pressure to solve the crime yesterday. But her team can’t find a link between the two bodies, and the cracks are starting to show.

Just when her leads have dried up, Robyn discovers an unsettling clue she thinks could unlock the case. But as she chases across the plush carpets and manicured lawns of the wealthy elite, honing in on the killer’s shocking motive, one of her own is put in terrible danger.

Can Robyn stop the most twisted killer of her career before it’s too late?

 

My review of Secrets of the Dead

Secrets of the Dead is the second installment in the Detective Robyn Carter series. I read the first novel, Little Girl Lost, late last year and really enjoyed it. I was therefore really looking forward to reading Secrets of the Dead and this novel didn't disappoint. This is an engaging, psychological crime thriller with many interesting characters and one twisted killer.

The story begins when the manager of a hotel spa is found dead in the sauna room. His body is burned beyond all recognition and his cause of death is believed to be that of a heart attack and an unfortunate accident. The case is closed, but when Robyn meets a woman who knew the deceased man, and who believes that his death was no accident, then Robyn also begins to have doubts and starts her own mini investigation. What follows is a series of gruesome murders, all with 'debts paid' notes left at the scene. But, what connects the murders and who is responsible?

Robyn is a woman with a tragic past, a woman who lost her partner and unborn baby and who lives with this buried pain and guilt. Her past is what shapes her into the strong and determined woman that we see on the page. She is fiercely independent and will fight for justice and what she believes is the 'right thing' mo matter what the consequences. It is Robyn who fuels these novels. I found myself drawn to her, wondering what she was thinking and what her next move would be. It is so refreshing to read about a strong woman, in a professional role, who is also vulnerable. Robyn answers to no one but herself, and I love her for it.

I must also mention Robyn's cousin Ross, the private detective, as he is also one of my other favourite characters. In a way, he is the complete opposite of Robyn. He is happily married, wears his heart on his sleeve and is happy to play the bumbling fool to get a job done. I don't know why but he does remind me a little of Lieutenant Columbo. I really do have a soft spot for Ross, and without his help, and his wife's, Robyn would have a more difficult time in solving the case.

The plot for Secrets of the Dead is a complicated one, but one that is also easy to follow. We read differing viewpoints,  as well as those from the unknown murderer, that help to shape the plot and give meaning to what is happening and why. There are a lot of murders in this book, all poignant, but one in particular I found unsettling. This is where the young mother is found dead in her bathtub, surrounded by plastic boats. I had to take a little time out after reading that scene, before I could carry on.

The question I kept asking myself was why this person was doing what they did? The answer truly surprised me in its plausibility and I realised I had completely misunderstood the motive. I really was shocked by the ending, but in a good way. This is what makes the novel truly remarkable, nothing is as simple as it seems.

Secrets of the Dead is a gripping, imaginative and compelling read for those who love psychological crime thrillers. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading the next case that Robyn Carter will solve.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Reader Copy 

Secrets of the Dead is published by Bookouture on May 30 and is available to order from Amazon here. 

About the author

Carol E. Wyer is an award-winning author whose humorous books take a light-hearted look at getting older and encourage others to age disgracefully. More recently she has chosen to write for the "dark side" and embarked on a series of thrillers, starting with the gripping best-seller, Little Girl Lost.
Her book Grumpy Old Menopause won The People's Book Prize Award for non-fiction 2015.
Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing 'Irritable Male Syndrome' and 'Ageing Disgracefully' and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly' featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and writes regularly for The Huffington Post.
Carol is a signed author with Bookouture and Delancey Press.

To learn more about Carol, go to www.carolewyer.co.uk or follow Carol on Twitter: @carolewyer. Carol blogs at www.facing50withhumour.com and www.grumpyoldmenopause.com






 

The Lies Within by Jane Isaac #bookreview #BlogTour

About The Lies Within

Be under no illusions by her kind face and eloquent manner… This woman is guilty of murder.

Grace Daniels is distraught after her daughter's body is found in a Leicestershire country lane. With her family falling apart and the investigation going nowhere, Grace's only solace is the re-emergence of Faye, an old friend who seems to understand her loss.

DI Will Jackman delves into the case, until a family tragedy and a figure from his past threaten to derail him.

When the police discover another victim, the spotlight falls on Grace. Can Jackman find the killer, before she is convicted of a crime she didn't commit?

A gripping thriller perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, S.J. Watson, B A Paris and Sophie Hannah

My review of The Lies Within

The Lies Within is the third instalment in the DI Will Jackman series. It is a fast paced thriller that gripped me from the very first page, and which knocked my breath away at the very end. Although this novel is part of a series, it works very well as a stand alone novel. This novel is very clever, it draws you in, and I couldn't help but become immersed in this fascinating story.

The novel begins in a court of law, as we watch Grace Daniels being accused of murder. We have no idea who this woman is, who she killed. or even if she is guilty, but this beginning made me want to find out those answers and to learn more about this seemingly normal everyday housewife and mother. The story then rewinds and shifts to that of a young woman, who is found murdered late one night in a Leicestershire country lane. The woman is Jo, Grace's daughter. Once again I wanhted to know what had happened to this young woman, what her story was and how the two storylines were connected.

The investigation into Jo's death is led by DI Will Jackman, a likeable man, a people person who has integrity and loyalty running through his veins. More importantly his gut instinct is never wrong, and he uses his gut in this case to find out what happened to Jo. Will is such a likeable character, you can't help but immediately warm and connect to him. His back story is also an interesting one, the wife who was involved in a car accident and who suffered a brain injury, resulting in 'locked in' syndrome, helps to shed insight into his beliefs and the way he behaves.

All of the characters in this novel are interesting. We have Faye, the long lost friend who becomes reacquainted with Grace after Jo's murder. Is this woman quite what she seems? While reading I wasn't quite sure if I could trust her, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. She made me feel uneasy, but I didn't know why. Then we have Lydia, Grace's other daughter, Jo's younger sister, who has her own story to tell. I felt so sorry for this young teenager, having to grieve  yet support her mother at the same time.

Ms Isaac wrtes so beautifully, she brings the chatacers to life and I couldn't help but empathise with them and what they were going through. This, teamed with the fast pace and gripping narrative leads to one fantastic and enjoyable  read. The Lies Within really is a cracking read, that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Lies Within, published by Legend Press on May 2 can be found on Amazon here.

With thanks to Legend Press for the Advanced Reader Copy.

About the author

Jane Isaac lives with her husband, daughter and dog, Bollo, in rural Northamptonshire, UK. Her debut novel, An Unfamiliar Murder, introduces DCI Helen Lavery and was nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards 2013.'

The Truth Will Out, the second in the DCI Helen Lavery series, was nominated as 'Thriller of the Month - April 2014' by E-thriller.com and winner of 'Noveltunity book club selection - May 2014'.

In 2015 Jane embarked on a new series, featuring DI Will Jackman and set in Stratford upon Avon, with Before It's Too Late. The second in the series, Beneath The Ashes, will be published by Legend Press on 1st November 2016 with the 3rd, The Lies Within, to follow on 2nd May 2017.

Both DI Jackman and DCI Lavery will return again in the near future. Sign up to Jane's newsletter on her website at www.janeisaac.co.uk for details of new releases, events and giveaways.

Death's Silent Judgement by Anne Coates #bookreview

About Death's Silent Judgement

Death's Silent Judgement is the thrilling sequel to Dancers in the Wind, and continues the gripping series starring London-based investigative journalist Hannah Weybridge.

Following the deadly events of Dancers in the Wind, freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed at her dental practice.

With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder, and is determined to unmask the killer. But before long Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger, her hunt for the truth placing her in the path of a remorseless killer...

The series is very much in the best traditions of British women crime writers such as Lynda La Plante and Martina Cole.

My review of Death's Silent Judgement

Death's Silent Judgement is the second instalment in the Hanmah Weybridge crime series by Anne Coats, the first book being Dancers in the Wind which I read and very much enjoyed. I couldn't wait to read the continuing saga of Hannah's  ever complicated life, and this book didn't disappoint. It's a fantastic read.

Death's Silent Judgement is set in 1994, and tackles some serious and disturbing issues. The story begins with the murder of Hannah's long term friend, Liz, a dentist who was providing free dental care for the homeless in the area. Hannah had agreed to meet her at her dental clinic, based at the local church, but instead stumbles upon a bloody murder scene, her friend's throat slashed. It is assumed that a homeless patient is responsible for her murder, but Hannah does not believe this to be true, and once contacted by Liz's mother, Lady Rayman, she begins her own investigation to find out what happened to her friend. As  an investigative journalist on retainer with The News, she begins to investigate and it is this investigation that leads Hannah to unearth hidden secrets from Liz's former life, while working as an aid worker in Somalia.

I don't want to give the game away in terms of plot, or the subject matter that is discussed in this book, as it is all interlinked with Liz's death. But I will just say that the author has obviously done much research on the subject and tackles this particular storyline with tact and empathy. The author also does the sane with regards to the homeless community in the novel. It would be very easy to write in a stereotypical manner, but these characters are vividly brought to life, their circumstances realistic and once again their stories are told with great empathy.

This is a story which grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I was thrown into a world of corruption, where those with money have the power. Hannah is a resourceful and strong woman, fighting for justice, with the need to find out who killed her friend. Although much of the subject matter was uncomfortable to read, this was a fascinating and enjoyable book. I had no idea what the outcome would be. The real joy gained by reading this book, is from walking side by side with Hannah as she slowly digs her way to the truth. She is such an interesting character, and because I believe in her, I believe in the story.

I will just mention that although this book can work as a stand alone novel, I do think it is best read after Dancers in the Wind. Many of the characters reappear in this novel and I think you get a richer reading experience when you already know them. I do hope that there are more books to follow in this series, as I believe that there is a lot more for us to discover about Hannah.

Death's Final Judgement is a hugely enjoyable read. Hannah Weybridge is fast becoming one of my favourite literally characters.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.

Death's Silent Judgement, published on May 11 by Urbane Publications can be found on Amazon here.

About the author

For most of her working life in publishing, Anne has had a foot in both camps as a writer and an editor, moving from book publishing to magazines and then freelancing in both. Having edited both fiction and narrative non-fiction, Anne has also had short stories published in a variety of magazines including Bella and Candis and is the author of seven non-fiction books. Born in Clapham, Anne returned to London after graduating and has remained there ever since. In an attempt to climb out of her comfort zone, Anne has twice "trod the boards" - as Prince Bourgrelas in Ubu Roi when a student and more recently as a nun in a local murder mystery production. She also sings periodically in a local church choir and is relieved when she begins and finishes at the same time - though not necessarily on the same note - as everyone else. Needless to say, Anne will not be giving up her day job as an editor and writer. Telling stories is Anne's first love and nearly all her short fiction and novels begin with a real event followed by a "what if ..." That is also the case with the two prize-winning 99Fiction.net stories: Codewords and Eternal Love.

Dancers in the Wind by Anne Coates

About Dancers in the Wind

SHE IS HUNTING FOR THE TRUTH, BUT WHO IS HUNTING HER?

Freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is commissioned by a national newspaper to write an investigative article on the notorious red light district in Kings Cross. There she meets prostitute Princess, and police inspector in the vice squad, Tom Jordan. When Princess later arrives on her doorstep beaten up so badly she is barely recognisable, Hannah has to make some tough decisions and is drawn ever deeper into the world of deceit and violence.

Three sex workers are murdered, their deaths covered up in a media blackout, and Hannah herself is under threat. As she comes to realise that the taste for vice reaches into the higher echelons of the great and the good, Hannah realises she must do everything in her power to expose the truth .... and stay alive.

My review of Dancers in the Wind

Dancers in the Wind is a highly innovative and compelling novel from Anne Coats. This book is a mixture of crime thriller slash investigative journalism, with even a dash of romance, that is both gritty and realistic. I loved it.

The novel is set in 1993, and we firstly meet Hannah Weybridge, a freelance journalist and single mother to a young baby, as she is on her way to Kings Cross to interview Princess, a young prostitute, for a national magazine. While interviewing her, she begins to learn of what reality is really like for Princess and for the other women working on the street, and has her eyes well a truly opened. Something changes within Hannah, and her life is soon to be entwined with Princess's and the seedier side of life on the London streets.

Hannah is an incredibly likeable character. She is a mother, and I instantly warned to this nurturing side of her nature. Her maternal instinct most definitely kicked in when she met Princess. However, she also has a steely side, a perceptiveness about her and a determination to find the truth, no matter the cost, in her quest to find out who is responsible for the recent murders of several prostitutes within the Kings Cross area.  

Princess for me was the most interesting character, barely a woman, her life had been ruined from a very young age. The way in which her descriptions of life on the street were described to me as a reader, were very well written, they appeared very much as fact, and it was apparent to me that the author had done much research upon the subject. 

What completely gripped me and made me gasp for breath, was when Princess is brutally attacked and left for dead by one of her punters. In her hour of need she turns to Hannah, literally turning up on her doorstep in the middle of the night, bloodied and broken. The description of Princess in this state, and of how Hannah cares for her, had me in tears. 

We also meet DI Tom Jordan, a police Inspector for the vice squad. He is interviewed by Hannah with regards to his role in the vice squad for her article, but just as Princess becomes part of her life, so does Tom. Here is a man who is handsome but guarded. He seems genuine, in how he treats Hannah and in what he says about keeping the prostitutes safe on the street, but can Hannah trust him? This is the big question in this book, issues of trust when linked to authority. While reading I very quickly made my mind up about him, although I was kept in the dark until the very end. What I also loved was the chemistry between them on the page. For me, they made the perfect couple. 

This book is not an easy read, but then it is not meant to be, it is a book about raising awareness of these vulnerable women, that they are someone's daughter, someone's mother. They are humanised, they are made to count, their lives matter. This is a crime thriller, but one that asks many questions about how these vulnerable women are treated by society and those who are in a position of power to protect them.

I highly recommend Dancers in the Wind, it is a deeply moving book, and I am very much looking forward to book two in the series which is to be published soon. 

Dancers in the Wind, published by Urbane Publications on October 13, can be found on Amazon here.

About the author

I love reading and the type of fiction I write is what I like to read. So my very short stories are often tales with a twist and the longer ones explore relationships – often within a family. Most of these stories were published first in Bella, Candis and other magazines and now appear in two collections published by Endeavour Press.

My debut thriller, "Dancers in the Wind", was published by Urbane Publications in October 2016. This book is a result of an interview I did for a national newspaper and afterwards I thought "What if..." and so Hannah Weybridge came into existence and she continues her life in "Death's Silent Judgement" to be published in May 2017 again by Urbane Publications. I am currently working on the third book in the series. You can find out more about my writing at www.annecoatesauthor.com

Journalism has led me into diverse fields from human interest stories to health and beauty to travel and parenting and so just over seven years ago I founded the website: www.parentingwithouttears.com writing about what inspires (or upsets) me and hosting articles and reviews by other writers and parents. This led to two parenting guides again published by Endeavour Press.

Before that I had written three books (two for Wayland) including "Your Only Child" (Bloomsbury) plus two books about applying to and surviving university published by Need to Know.

I live in SE London with three demanding cats and enjoy going to the theatre and cinema and socialising with friends. You can find out more about the parenting website on twitter @ParentingWT or more about what I am up to @Anne_Coates1

Last Breath by Robert Bryndza

 

He’s your perfect date. You’re his next victim.

 

When the tortured body of a young woman is found in a dumpster, her eyes swollen shut and her clothes soaked with blood, Detective Erika Foster is one of the first at the crime scene. The trouble is, this time, it’s not her case.

While she fights to secure her place on the investigation team, Erika can’t help but get involved and quickly finds a link to the unsolved murder of a woman four months earlier. Dumped in a similar location, both women have identical wounds – a fatal incision to their femoral artery.

Stalking his victims online, the killer is preying on young pretty women using a fake identity. How will Erika catch a murderer who doesn’t seem to exist?

Then another girl is abducted while waiting for a date. Erika and her team must get to her before she becomes another dead victim, and, come face to face with a terrifyingly sadistic individual.

Gripping, tense and impossible to put down, Last Breath will have you on the edge of your seat, racing to the final dramatic page.

My review of Last Breath

Last Breath is the fourth installment in the Erika Foster detective series by Robert Bryndza, and the first book in the series that I have read...and WOW, I loved every page. This is an exhilarating read that gripped me from the incredibly chilling Prologue. Unlike many other reviewers who have read the books in order, I came to this book knowing absolutely nothing about the characters or their backstory, but for me this really didn't matter, as I felt like I was not missing out. This really does work as a stand alone novel. Having said that, I do plan on working my way back through the previous three books.

So, Last Breath is about a sadistic serial killer who preys on women. He uses a false identity while online to stalk his victims. Robertt Bryndza has created a chilling and truly unforgettable serial killer. He is the man who you could walk past on the street and not be aware of the horrific crimes that he has committed against women. He is the man who you could befriend. It is spine chillingly real. That is why this book works so well, the events could happen, and they could happen to you.

DI Erika Foster leads the investigation, and is a character that I quickly got to know, as she wears her heart on her sleeve. She is feisty, opinionated, caring and will ultimately do whatever it takes to catch the bad guy. I had a lot of respect for her. But equally, I did too for Moss and Peterson, her colleagues. Together they made a great team, supporting each other. This leads me onto the investigative procedures and how the crime scenes were investigated. Once again, everything was painstakingly real, making me live the moment when they found  the body of a young woman, thrown away, discarded like a piece of rubbish into a dumpster. I felt what Erika felt, and I too wanted to catch him.

Last Breath is a thrilling serial killer read that will have you on the edge of your seat. It deals with the issues of online dating, social media, the issues of online safety and of how women are portrayed as victims in a clever and empathetic way. One scene in particular stuck in my mind, as Erika so eloquently pointed out that she could have been one of these young women in her younger days. All it takes is to walk down the wrong street or to be delayed by a few minutes. This thought stayed with me. Last Breath is a disturbing read, a thought provoking read and a book that is simply unputdownable.

Last Breath published by Bookouture on April 12, can be found on Amazon here.

About the author

Robert Bryndza is the author of the international #1 bestseller The Girl in the Ice. The Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller is the first book in the Detective Erika Foster series.

The Night Stalker, and Dark Water are the second and third books in the series, and the fourth book, Last Breath, has just been published.

Robert's books have sold over 1.7 million copies, and have been translated into 26 languages.

In addition to writing crime fiction, Robert has published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels. He is British and lives in Slovakia.

You can find out more about the author at www.robertbryndza.com and on Twitter and Instagram @RobertBryndza

Sign up to Robert Bryndza‘s New Release Mailing List here: http://eepurl.com/UITxz

Don't Look Behind You by Mel Sherratt

About Don't Look Behind You

The small city of Stockleigh is in shock as three women are brutally attacked within days of each other. Are they random acts of violence or is there a link between the victims? For Detective Eden Berrisford, it’s her most chilling case yet.

The investigation leads Eden to cross paths with Carla, a woman trying to rebuild her life after her marriage to a cruel and abusive man ended in unimaginable tragedy. Her husband Ryan was imprisoned for his crimes but, now he’s out and coming for her.

As Eden starts to close in on the attacker, she also puts herself in grave danger. Can she stop him before he strikes again? And can Carla, terrified for her life, save herself - before the past wreaks a terrible revenge?

An absolutely gripping and chilling police procedural which will hook fans of Angela Marsons and Rachel Abbott.

My review of Don't Look Behind You

Don't Look Behind You is the second book in the Detective Eden Berrisford series. I had read, and loved, the first book, The Girls Next Door, so was very much looking forward to reading this book. Well, I wasn't disappointed and thought that it was even more gripping than the first, with an even darker element to its core.

 

This book focusses upon the subject of domestic violence, so is not an easy, nor lighthearted read. It tackles the gritty reality of abuse and of how women feel trapped and of how they find it difficult to firstly escape, and to then build a new life for themselves. Ms Sherratt writes with both empathy and knowledge upon this subject, and the women are treated with dignity and respect.

 

So, the book focusses upon the sexual attacks of three women, in the same local area. The attacks become increasingly brutal in nature and Eden is certain that she is looking for the same attacker. The descriptions of the attacks are not graphic in nature, but the author writes in such a way that we understand what has happened. Greater importance is placed upon the time following the attack and how the attack impacts upon the woman. These passages were carefully and sensitively written.

 

As well as the burial attacks on lone women that are taking place, we are also introduced to several women who either live and/or work in the women's refuge. Although the book deals with domestic abuse, and the victimisation of women, the women in this book are not portrayed as victims, but rather survivors, who are tough and determined to carry on with their lives. We meet Carla, who is a counsellor at the refuge, and who has managed to build a new life for herself after her ex husband was imprisoned for violence. But has she managed to truly escape him? Will she be forever looking over her shoulder? This is the real question that we ask while reading her harrowing accounts of her past life.

 

Don't Look Behind You  is a story that is predominantly about the abuse and victimisation of women. But, the author helps to shed life on the taboo of domestic violence and to start a conversation. As I have already mentioned, these women are portrayed as strong and resourceful women, not victims, never victims, as they will not allow their abuser to dictate how they should live their lives, they are stronger than their abuser.

 

This novel is obviously a dark and difficult read. Eden herself has her own lie challenges with regards to her estranged husband, and these aspects of her life are interspersed within the story. However, although it is dark, it is an important book. To represent characters who come to life on the page, and who tell their own unique stories of their abuse, is a huge achievement. I had to know what would happen to them and who the brutal attacker was, and I was kept in the dark unit the very end.

 

Don't Look Behind You is an emotive roller coaster of a read, and one which I highly recommend.

 

Don't Look Behind You is published by Bookouture on Jan 31 and is available to buy from Amazon here.

 

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.

*Blog Tour* Mary's The Name by Ross Sayers - Review

About Mary's the Name

An eight-year-old girl and her granpa are on the run…

“When me and Granpa watched James Bond films, he told me not to be scared because people didn’t have guns like that in Scotland. That must’ve been why the robbers used hammers.”

Orphaned Mary lives with her granpa, but after he is mixed up in a robbery at the bookies where he works, they flee to the Isle of Skye. Gradually, Mary realises that her granpa is involved. And the robbers are coming after him–and their money.

Mary’s quirky outlook on life, loss, and her love of all things Elvis, will capture your heart. Full of witty Scots banter, Mary’s the Name will have you reaching for the hankies, first with laughter, then with tears.

Heart-warming and heart-breaking, this darkly comic debut is from a fresh voice set to become Scotland’s answer to Roddy Doyle.

‘Funny, smart, and full of heart’
HELEN SEDGWICK
Author of The Comet Seekers

‘Pacy and poignant, wee Mary leaves a big impression’
LIAM MURRAY BELL
Author of The Busker

My review of Mary's The Name

Well, firstly I am hugely honoured to be a part of the book tour for this truly amazing book. I loved this book. It is so very special in its depiction of examining the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter. I admit to having a tear in my eye during several events in this book.

Mary's The Name centres around an eight-year-old girl, Mary, who lives with her grandfather. Her parents died when she was only a toddler, and her grandfather took her in, bringing her up, so her grandpa is very much her dad. Mary is a little bit quirky, hugely intelligent beyond her years and fiercely independent. I did wonder at certain parts in the book if Mary was autistic, as she most certainly showed autistic traits, but whether this was intentional or not does not really matter, she is an interesting character who held my attention and whom I rooted for the entire way through the novel. I loved this little girl and everything she stood for. She is slowly growing up in the world and throughout the book we see this development in her social understanding of the world. The events that surround the robbery, shatter her idyllic illusion of the world, and we see the blinkers slowly being peeled back.

Then we have the grandpa, who I also loved. OK, he does get himself involved in a robbery, when he has a little girl to look after, but ultimately he is a good man. A hard working man, and I couldn't help but like him, even though I should have disliked him for his thoughtless actions. I suppose we all do things in life that we are not proud of, those mistakes that we look back on and think, what was I thinking? So, I could forgive him, as his love for Mary was so evident on the pages as I read his story. I had to forgive him, there was  no other option.

The relationship between the child and their grandparent, I suppose, has been documented countless times in historic literature. Off the top of my head I can think of Great Expectations, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Little Red Riding Hood and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. But when  it comes to modern day literature, then this topic is discussed and written about on a much smaller scale, and less so when the granddaughter is involved. Therefore this book is like a breath of fresh air. It is so original, funny, quirky and at times heartbreakingly sad, but overall the story stays with you, it has an impact upon you, and you cannot help but feel for both Mary and her grandpa and the situation that they find themselves in.

This book is so very special. I have never read a book quite like it. The relationship between grandchild and granddaughter is a special one, and the author has managed to write down and capture the essence of this relationship, in a roller coaster ride of a journey. I think that it was also so very special for me, as it reminded me of my own childhood with my grandfather, now sadly long dead, and the special memories that this book evoked.

Mary's The Name is a  stunning debut novel, and I can't wait to read what Ross Sayers writes next.

With thanks to Cranachan Publishing who provided the paperback for review purposes.

Mary's The Name is published by Cranachan Publishing and can be found on Amazon here.

About the Author

Ross Sayers is a writer of Scottish fiction, and his debut novel, 'Mary's the Name', is released January 30th 2017.

Ross graduated from the University of Stirling in 2014, with a BA (Hons) in English Studies (first class), and graduated again in 2015 with an M.Litt in Creative Writing (distinction).

His stories and poems have featured in magazines such as Quotidian and Octavius, and his short story, 'Dancin' is currently used on West College Scotland's Higher English course.

You can tweet him @Sayers33 or see more of his writing at rosssayers.co.uk.

While You Were Sleeping by Kathryn Croft

 

 

 

About While You Were Sleeping

You wake up to find the man beside you is dead.

 

He is not your husband. This is not your bed.

 

Tara Logan adores her perfect little family: husband, Noah, and two children, teenager Rosie and eleven-year-old Spencer.

 

But her happiness is shattered when she wakes in her neighbour, Lee Jacobs’ bed, with no memory of how she got there or what happened between them. And worse – he has been stabbed to death.

 

Convinced she didn’t kill Lee, Tara flees home and stays silent, holding her breath as the investigation grips the neighbourhood.

 

But as her daughter spirals out of control, and her husband becomes increasingly distant, Tara starts to wonder if someone in her own life knows what really happened that night. And when the police turn their questions towards her, Tara realises she has to find out.

 

But what will it take to uncover the real story, and can she survive the truth?

 

A gripping, shocking psychological thriller, with a twist that will take you by surprise.

My review of While You Were Sleeping

Well I agree that this book is a 'psychological thriller you just can't put down', as I had to keep on reading this book, well past when I should have gone to sleep. This is a gripping, dark and deeply disturbing book that is unsettling and enjoyable, all at the same time. After reading some very mixed reviews, I wasn't too sure what I would make of this book, but as ever, I approach a book with an open mind, and I have to say that I loved it. There was one aspect that I did find unrealistic, I'll get to that later, but for me it did not take away from the enjoyment of the book.

Tara is the mother, wife and sister in the book. The woman who wakes up in the morning, in a strange bed, in a strange house with a strange man lying next to her who is not her husband. This man has been murdered, and she has no idea of how she came to be lying naked in his bed or of who murdered him. All she knows is that she did not do it. This is at the very start of the book, and as a reader, you believe her, you have no reason not too. We follow her on her journey through the book, as she tries to find out who the killer is.

Could it be her husband, Noah? He is distant, and was away from home when the murder took place. How strong is his alibi? Could it have been her teenage daughter, Rosie? She has a difficult relationship with adults and has been infatuated with older men in the past? The point is, the murderer could be anyone. While reading this book I didn't know who to trust. This is one of the reasons that the book works so well, even though the police procedure within it is unbelievable. I really did not believe that a police detective leading the case would give so much information to a potential suspect. But, even though this part of the novel was glaringly  unreal, it added to the mystery and the enjoyment of the book. It also made the character of Tara come alive, so I thought that it was necessary.

As for the characters, I really did not like any of them, apart from Spencer. He reminded me of my little boy. But I actually feel that I was not meant to like them, as this made me question all of their motives even more, I was more subjective towards them.

While You Were Sleeping is a fast paced, page turner of a book that I really couldn't put down. It kept me hooked from beginning to end... and the twist. Well, I really did not see that coming. I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

 

 With thanks to the publisher, Bookouture and NetGalley for a review copy

 

While You Were Sleeping can be bought from Amazon here

About the Author

Kathryn Croft is the bestselling author of The Girl With No Past, which spent over four weeks at number one in the Amazon chart. Her other novels, Behind Closed Doors and The Stranger Within, and The Girl You Lost all reached number one in the psychological thriller charts.

Her fifth novel, While You Were Sleeping, will be published on 16th November 2016, and is now available for preorder on Amazon.

After six years teaching secondary school English, Kathryn now writes full time and has a publishing deal with Bookouture.

Having always been an avid reader, Kathryn believes in the power of words to entertain, teach and transform lives. She is also a firm believer in following your dreams and says anything is possible if you work hard enough and never give up!

Kathryn lives in Guildford, Surrey with her husband, baby son and two cats.

www.kathryncroft.com

The Girls Next Door by Mel Sherratt

 

Book Description

One warm spring evening, five teenagers meet in a local park. Only four will come out alive.
Six months after the stabbing of sixteen-year-old Deanna Barker, someone is coming after the teenagers of Stockleigh, as a spate of vicious assaults rocks this small community. Revenge for Deanna? Or something more?

Detective Eden Berrisford is locked into a race against time to catch the twisted individual behind the attacks – but when her own niece, Jess Mountford, goes missing, the case gets personal.

With the kidnapper threatening Jess’s life, can Eden bring back her niece to safety? Or will the people of Stockleigh be forced to mourn another daughter…?

A terrifying, compelling, police procedural which will thrill fans of Angela Marsons, Peter James and Rachel Abbott.

 

My review of The Girls Next Door

 

I love reading crime and thrillers and was so very excited to read this first installment in the Detective Eden Berrisford series. This was also the first book I had read by author, Mel Sherratt. So, let me begin by sating that I really enjoyed this book. It is gritty, scarily realistic and is a dark tale that could happen to anyone's family. For me, this book was unputdownable, and I read it quickly, devouring the pages so that I would find out how all of the loose ends were tied up and who the killer was.

 

This book is incredibly dark and the opening chapter sets the pace and tone for the entire book. The story begins when a seventeen-year-old girl is murdered in a park. This particular scene is graphic and is traumatic in the sense that this kind of violent crime happens on a daily basis. The girl who is murdered could be your own daughter, a friend's daughter or indeed a the girl next door.

 

The story then catapults from there, and we read about various teenagers getting on with their lives and who become victims of crime. One teenager, Jess, who we learn more about during the course of the book and who finds herself in increasing trouble, I found particularly interesting, and was one of the few teenagers that I actually liked. The others, I have to admit,  I did like, mainly because that they were teenagers, acting as teenagers do.  They lied, were selfish and were generally not that nice to be around. But I did care about them, in a nurturing kind of way and wanted to steer them clear of trouble and to shout at them when they made stupid mistakes. A huge chunk of the story is about the mistakes that teenagers make and that at times they can be very cruel.

 

The one character that I did love was that of Detective Eden Berrisford, who just happens to be Jess's Auntie. This detective is sharp, witty and is mother to a teenage daughter. I loved her instantly for her job in a supposedly man's world, and because she was remarkably good a her job. Although blunt and practical, she also had a caring and warm side that shone through into her professional work. I found her immensely interesting and wondered how she would solve the mystery that was unfolding before my very eyes. What I also liked about this book was the way in which grief effects people and families in different ways. Grief can be turned inwards and become almost self destructive if allowed, and I liked the way in which grief and grieving for a child was dealt with by the author. We always imagine a wailing ad weeping mother who is weak and distraught, but this is not always the case. grief cannot be simply pigeon holed.

 

This book is dark, fast and deals with the darker side of human nature. that of self preservation, selfishness and the struggle to live in a society that is fixated on social image and 'selfies'. But this book also has heart, strong female characters and is ultimately hopeful. If you love your crime novels and police detectives who are different from the norm, then you will love this book. I most certainly did!

 

The Girls Next Door was published on October 27th by Bookouture.

 

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.