Title: The Damselfly (Banktoun3)
Author: SJI Holliday
Release Date: 2nd February 2017
Rating: 5 stars
This is the third and final book in the Banktoun trilogy by S.J.I Holliday and in my opinion is the best of them all. With very real and true to life characters 'The Damselfly' is a psychological murder mystery novel that will keep you guessing.
It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride and there are twists and turns aplenty, but it's the standard of writing that lifts this book head and shoulders above so many others of this genre. Not only is it beautifully written, but the Scottish town of Banktoun is brought vividly to life, and I couldn't help but feel bereft as I came to the end of the final page.
An impressive 5 stars.
Thank you to TBC and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of 'The Damselfly'.
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
Monday, 9 January 2017
Book Review - Duplicity by Sibel Hodge
Title: Duplicity
Author: Sibel Hodge
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: December 2016
Thank you to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a difficult book to review without giving too much away, but I can safely say it was an excellent psychological thriller with many shocks and twists along the way.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a twisted story with some shocking moments that will make you gasp out loud and will keep you enthralled until the final page has been turned.
A thrilling 4 stars.
Author: Sibel Hodge
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: December 2016
Thank you to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a difficult book to review without giving too much away, but I can safely say it was an excellent psychological thriller with many shocks and twists along the way.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a twisted story with some shocking moments that will make you gasp out loud and will keep you enthralled until the final page has been turned.
A thrilling 4 stars.
Saturday, 31 December 2016
My Top 10 Reads of 2016
As 2016 draws to a close, I thought I'd fit one final book post in to finish off the year. And what better way to end 2016 than with my top 10 reads of the year!
So (in no particular order) here they are:
1. Death Stalks Kettle Street by John Bowen
A brilliant murder mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the end. With lots of twists and wonderful character moments throughout, this is a book to remember. I simply adored it!
2. The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer
Beautifully written with a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is Belinda Bauer at her very best. Taut thriller that gets your heart racing, mixed with the very real and human story of Eve and her life with her father who is battling dementia, makes for a thrilling and emotional read.
3. 600 Hours of Edward/Edward Adrift by Craig Lancaster
I'd heard so many good things about these books (from my fellow TBC members) that I went into them with really high expectations. After the first few chapters I felt slightly disappointed and wasn't sure if they were going to be for me, but then, oh then, I got to know Edward and fell head over heels in love with him and these lovely books. I honestly can't recommend them highly enough!
They're beautifully written books about Edward, a 39 year old man with Asperger Syndrome, who has a difficult relationship with his father and who lives his life strictly adhering to the many lists and routines he has made for himself. What follows is the moving story of Edward as he tries to navigate his way through day to day life and difficult family relationships, whilst also learning about the importance of love and friendship along the way.
I have the final book in the trilogy to read in 2017, so I don't have to say goodbye to the unforgettable Edward Stanton just yet.
4. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Wow, what a powerful, moving and thought provoking read! I felt privileged to have been given the opportunity to read an early copy of such an outstanding book. It makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself and is a real eye opener to the reality of life in modern day America. It tackles racism with a brutal honesty that is rarely seen in fiction, and is a book like no other I've ever read before.
'Small Great Things' is a special, brilliantly written book that everyone should read. It is an uncomfortable and painful read at times, but is also an important one, especially in light of the current climate of the world right now. The easiest 5 star rating I've given this year.
5. Flowers for the Dead by Barbara Copperthwaite
A fantastic nail biting read that had my emotions see-sawing from one extreme to the other. I can't think of any other book that has ever had me rooting for the serial killer one moment and then hating him and wishing him dead the next. Brilliant storyline with a cast of memorable characters, this is a book I won't easily forget. Spellbinding.
6. Somewhere Inside of Happy by Anna McPartlin
This is a book that made me laugh, made me cry and ultimately broke my heart. From the outset you know that Maisie Bean lost her teenage son, Jeremy, 20 years ago, but even so you find yourself desperately hoping for a different outcome. The characters are brought to life on the page and the use of language is so remarkable that it draws you in from the very first word. I felt bereft to have to say goodbye to these characters, so much so that I didn't want the story to ever end.
I knew the denouement would be hard to read, but I had no idea just how much it would move me; that I would gasp out loud and cry buckets of tears, feeling every painful moment along with Maisie and her family. There are no words to describe the affect this book had on me when I read it, so much so that even thinking about it now can bring me to tears. Simply remarkable.
7. Bloq by Alan Jones
A novel with twists and turns aplenty, 'Bloq' never ceases to bring surprises right through to the final page. Bill's search for his daughter and the emotional turmoil he goes through are palpable as you feel every painful moment along with him. Highly recommended.
8. The Fireman by Joe Hill
I'd been eagerly awaiting the new novel by Joe Hill, so was thrilled to be approved to read an early copy of it. And wow, what an amazing read it is! I already knew as early as March that 'The Fireman' would make it into my top 10 reads of 2016, that's just how insanely good this book is.
I was sucked in from the very first page, and loved every word of this exhilarating rollercoaster of a read. Outstanding.
9. Tastes Like Fear by Sarah Hilary
I'd already read the first 2 books in this series and had loved them both, but Sarah Hilary completely outdid herself in this third outing for DI Marnie Rome. I'd been looking forward to getting my hands on 'Tastes Like Fear' and it did not disappoint.
It was as fast paced and thrilling as you would expect, with a memorable cast of supporting characters, including the wonderful Noah Jake, who is a breath of fresh air as always. A fantastic psychological thriller.
10. A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart
Well, what can I say? I adored this book! Its realistic portrayal of life as the parent of a child with autism is nothing short of astounding. Beautifully written and moving, this is a book I would recommend to everyone! If you loved 'Shtum' by Jem Lester, this book will blow you away in much the same way. Brilliant.
11. My Name Is Leon by Kit De Waal
Yes, I know I said 10, but my list would not be complete if I didn't include this wonderful book by Kit De Waal that I read early on in 2016. It is by turns funny, moving and devastatingly sad, but is ultimately a heartwarming read that stands out from the pack. Filled with memorable characters, this book had a huge emotional impact on me and is one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Books to look out for in 2017:
The fourth DI Marnie Rome book Quieter Than Killing by Sarah Hilary will be available to buy from March 9th 2017. It will be my first read of 2017 as I've been lucky enough to receive an ARC from the publisher, and if the first few pages I've read so far are anything to go by it's going to be amazing!
The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman is due for release in May 2017 and is a book I can't wait to get my hands on! Not only is it written by one of my favourite authors, but it's also a book about time travel, one of my favourite genres in fiction. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am by this! If you could change the past, would you? Just that sentence alone whets my appetite. May can't get here soon enough!
And that's it. Wishing all my readers a happy and healthy 2017. And here's to many more wonderful books to come!
So (in no particular order) here they are:
1. Death Stalks Kettle Street by John Bowen
A brilliant murder mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the end. With lots of twists and wonderful character moments throughout, this is a book to remember. I simply adored it!
2. The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer
Beautifully written with a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this is Belinda Bauer at her very best. Taut thriller that gets your heart racing, mixed with the very real and human story of Eve and her life with her father who is battling dementia, makes for a thrilling and emotional read.
3. 600 Hours of Edward/Edward Adrift by Craig Lancaster
I'd heard so many good things about these books (from my fellow TBC members) that I went into them with really high expectations. After the first few chapters I felt slightly disappointed and wasn't sure if they were going to be for me, but then, oh then, I got to know Edward and fell head over heels in love with him and these lovely books. I honestly can't recommend them highly enough!
They're beautifully written books about Edward, a 39 year old man with Asperger Syndrome, who has a difficult relationship with his father and who lives his life strictly adhering to the many lists and routines he has made for himself. What follows is the moving story of Edward as he tries to navigate his way through day to day life and difficult family relationships, whilst also learning about the importance of love and friendship along the way.
I have the final book in the trilogy to read in 2017, so I don't have to say goodbye to the unforgettable Edward Stanton just yet.
4. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Wow, what a powerful, moving and thought provoking read! I felt privileged to have been given the opportunity to read an early copy of such an outstanding book. It makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself and is a real eye opener to the reality of life in modern day America. It tackles racism with a brutal honesty that is rarely seen in fiction, and is a book like no other I've ever read before.
'Small Great Things' is a special, brilliantly written book that everyone should read. It is an uncomfortable and painful read at times, but is also an important one, especially in light of the current climate of the world right now. The easiest 5 star rating I've given this year.
5. Flowers for the Dead by Barbara Copperthwaite
A fantastic nail biting read that had my emotions see-sawing from one extreme to the other. I can't think of any other book that has ever had me rooting for the serial killer one moment and then hating him and wishing him dead the next. Brilliant storyline with a cast of memorable characters, this is a book I won't easily forget. Spellbinding.
6. Somewhere Inside of Happy by Anna McPartlin
This is a book that made me laugh, made me cry and ultimately broke my heart. From the outset you know that Maisie Bean lost her teenage son, Jeremy, 20 years ago, but even so you find yourself desperately hoping for a different outcome. The characters are brought to life on the page and the use of language is so remarkable that it draws you in from the very first word. I felt bereft to have to say goodbye to these characters, so much so that I didn't want the story to ever end.
I knew the denouement would be hard to read, but I had no idea just how much it would move me; that I would gasp out loud and cry buckets of tears, feeling every painful moment along with Maisie and her family. There are no words to describe the affect this book had on me when I read it, so much so that even thinking about it now can bring me to tears. Simply remarkable.
7. Bloq by Alan Jones
A novel with twists and turns aplenty, 'Bloq' never ceases to bring surprises right through to the final page. Bill's search for his daughter and the emotional turmoil he goes through are palpable as you feel every painful moment along with him. Highly recommended.
8. The Fireman by Joe Hill
I'd been eagerly awaiting the new novel by Joe Hill, so was thrilled to be approved to read an early copy of it. And wow, what an amazing read it is! I already knew as early as March that 'The Fireman' would make it into my top 10 reads of 2016, that's just how insanely good this book is.
I was sucked in from the very first page, and loved every word of this exhilarating rollercoaster of a read. Outstanding.
9. Tastes Like Fear by Sarah Hilary
I'd already read the first 2 books in this series and had loved them both, but Sarah Hilary completely outdid herself in this third outing for DI Marnie Rome. I'd been looking forward to getting my hands on 'Tastes Like Fear' and it did not disappoint.
It was as fast paced and thrilling as you would expect, with a memorable cast of supporting characters, including the wonderful Noah Jake, who is a breath of fresh air as always. A fantastic psychological thriller.
10. A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart
Well, what can I say? I adored this book! Its realistic portrayal of life as the parent of a child with autism is nothing short of astounding. Beautifully written and moving, this is a book I would recommend to everyone! If you loved 'Shtum' by Jem Lester, this book will blow you away in much the same way. Brilliant.
11. My Name Is Leon by Kit De Waal
Yes, I know I said 10, but my list would not be complete if I didn't include this wonderful book by Kit De Waal that I read early on in 2016. It is by turns funny, moving and devastatingly sad, but is ultimately a heartwarming read that stands out from the pack. Filled with memorable characters, this book had a huge emotional impact on me and is one that will stay with me for a long time to come.
Books to look out for in 2017:
The fourth DI Marnie Rome book Quieter Than Killing by Sarah Hilary will be available to buy from March 9th 2017. It will be my first read of 2017 as I've been lucky enough to receive an ARC from the publisher, and if the first few pages I've read so far are anything to go by it's going to be amazing!
The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman is due for release in May 2017 and is a book I can't wait to get my hands on! Not only is it written by one of my favourite authors, but it's also a book about time travel, one of my favourite genres in fiction. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am by this! If you could change the past, would you? Just that sentence alone whets my appetite. May can't get here soon enough!
And that's it. Wishing all my readers a happy and healthy 2017. And here's to many more wonderful books to come!
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Book Review - Death Stalks Kettle Street by John Bowen
Title: Death Stalks Kettle Street
Author: John Bowen
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: 9th December 2016
Thanks to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Death Stalks Kettle Street' is a brilliant murder mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the end. With lots of twists and wonderful character moments throughout, this is a book I won't easily forget. Greg and Beth are fabulous characters who I fell in love with from the start and are the main reason why I loved this book so much!
One of the easiest 5 stars I've given this year, 'Death Stalks Kettle Street' has jumped straight into my top 10 reads of 2016, and has made John Bowen a must read author for me. I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough.
An incredible 5 stars.
'Death Stalks Kettle Street' is available to buy from 9th December 2016.
Author: John Bowen
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: 9th December 2016
Thanks to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Death Stalks Kettle Street' is a brilliant murder mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the end. With lots of twists and wonderful character moments throughout, this is a book I won't easily forget. Greg and Beth are fabulous characters who I fell in love with from the start and are the main reason why I loved this book so much!
One of the easiest 5 stars I've given this year, 'Death Stalks Kettle Street' has jumped straight into my top 10 reads of 2016, and has made John Bowen a must read author for me. I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough.
An incredible 5 stars.
'Death Stalks Kettle Street' is available to buy from 9th December 2016.
Monday, 21 November 2016
Book Review - White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl
Title: White is the Coldest Colour (Dr David Galbraith 1)
Author: John Nicholl
Rating: 4 Stars
Thank you to TBC and the author who gave me an ARC of this book on Audible in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure if this book was going to be for me when I first started it as the beginning was so horrific, but it quickly pulled me in and kept me riveted throughout. Not an easy read by any means, with a main character you loathe from the start and dark themes of child abuse and murder.
The fact that author John Nicholl draws from his own experience as a police officer and child protection worker only serves to make this psychological thriller even more chilling. With believable characters that you quickly come to care about, 'White Is the Coldest Colour' has twists and turns throughout and is a book that will stay with me for some time to come.
A brilliant, suspense filled debut novel and one that I highly recommend, but I do think it's important to be aware of the delicate and sometimes horrific nature of the subject matter before you begin.
A chilling 4 stars.
Author: John Nicholl
Rating: 4 Stars
Thank you to TBC and the author who gave me an ARC of this book on Audible in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure if this book was going to be for me when I first started it as the beginning was so horrific, but it quickly pulled me in and kept me riveted throughout. Not an easy read by any means, with a main character you loathe from the start and dark themes of child abuse and murder.
The fact that author John Nicholl draws from his own experience as a police officer and child protection worker only serves to make this psychological thriller even more chilling. With believable characters that you quickly come to care about, 'White Is the Coldest Colour' has twists and turns throughout and is a book that will stay with me for some time to come.
A brilliant, suspense filled debut novel and one that I highly recommend, but I do think it's important to be aware of the delicate and sometimes horrific nature of the subject matter before you begin.
A chilling 4 stars.
Book Review - When Evil Calls Your Name by John Nicholl
Title: When Evil Calls Your Name (Dr David Galbraith 2)
Author: John Nicholl
Rating: 5 Stars
Thank you to TBC and the author who gave me an ARC of this book on Audible in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what can I say? After a slow start, this book (the sequel to 'White is the Coldest Colour') picked up pace and took me on a rollercoaster of a journey that I didn't expect. Told from the perspective of Dr Galbraith's wife, Cynthia, 'When Evil Calls Your Name' is a chilling psychological thriller that, although very different in style, is even better than the first outing in the series.
I won't say too much for fear of spoiling the story, but suffice to say this book is a fantastic read! Be aware that this book is not a standalone, though, and should be read after 'White is the Coldest Colour' if you want to get the full impact of this horrific tale. Together the two books tell the chilling story of paedophile and murderer Dr David Galbraith, with 'When Evil Calls Your Name' bringing this psychological thriller to a very satisfying conclusion.
A jaw dropping 5 stars. John Nicholl is a very capable writer and one I shall look out for in the future. Impressive.
Author: John Nicholl
Rating: 5 Stars
Thank you to TBC and the author who gave me an ARC of this book on Audible in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what can I say? After a slow start, this book (the sequel to 'White is the Coldest Colour') picked up pace and took me on a rollercoaster of a journey that I didn't expect. Told from the perspective of Dr Galbraith's wife, Cynthia, 'When Evil Calls Your Name' is a chilling psychological thriller that, although very different in style, is even better than the first outing in the series.
I won't say too much for fear of spoiling the story, but suffice to say this book is a fantastic read! Be aware that this book is not a standalone, though, and should be read after 'White is the Coldest Colour' if you want to get the full impact of this horrific tale. Together the two books tell the chilling story of paedophile and murderer Dr David Galbraith, with 'When Evil Calls Your Name' bringing this psychological thriller to a very satisfying conclusion.
A jaw dropping 5 stars. John Nicholl is a very capable writer and one I shall look out for in the future. Impressive.
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Book Review - Untouchable by Sibel Hodge
Title: Untouchable
Author: Sibel Hodge
Release Date: September 20th 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Untouchable' is a gritty, real and very believable story of child abuse that encompasses the lengths some perpetrators, especially those in a position of power, will go to to cover up their crimes. A hard hitting psychological thriller, with many twists and turns along the way, this is a story of secrets and lies that kept me gripped throughout.
I can't say 'Untouchable' is a book I enjoyed, although it is a book that will stay with me. There were times when I had to put it down as some of the chapters, although very well written, were just too painful and horrific to read without giving myself a breather in between. That being said, I do think this is an important subject to tackle, and Sibel Hodge has done so with a sensitivity that would be difficult to achieve in the hands of a less skilled writer.
If you love hard hitting, gritty and disturbing stories then 'Untouchable' will be the perfect book for you. A disturbing read that will stay with me, and one that I recommend only if you're able to cope with themes of paedophilia and suicide.
A hard hitting 4 stars.
Author: Sibel Hodge
Release Date: September 20th 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Untouchable' is a gritty, real and very believable story of child abuse that encompasses the lengths some perpetrators, especially those in a position of power, will go to to cover up their crimes. A hard hitting psychological thriller, with many twists and turns along the way, this is a story of secrets and lies that kept me gripped throughout.
I can't say 'Untouchable' is a book I enjoyed, although it is a book that will stay with me. There were times when I had to put it down as some of the chapters, although very well written, were just too painful and horrific to read without giving myself a breather in between. That being said, I do think this is an important subject to tackle, and Sibel Hodge has done so with a sensitivity that would be difficult to achieve in the hands of a less skilled writer.
If you love hard hitting, gritty and disturbing stories then 'Untouchable' will be the perfect book for you. A disturbing read that will stay with me, and one that I recommend only if you're able to cope with themes of paedophilia and suicide.
A hard hitting 4 stars.
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