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.
Monday, 21 November 2016
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.
Thursday, 18 August 2016
Book Review - Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Title: Small Great Things
Author: Jodi Picoult
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: November 22nd 2016
Author: Jodi Picoult
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: November 22nd 2016
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who gave me an ARC of 'Small Great Things' by Jodi Picoult in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, what a powerful, moving and thought provoking read! I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. 'Small Great Things' 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.
As someone who has personal experience of the devastation caused by the death of a baby, I thought this element of the story was also handled brilliantly well. I found the chapters dealing with this extremely moving and so realistic, I had to give myself a breather in between chapters to get my emotions back in check.
'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.
This is my first Jodi Picoult book, and I have to admit I have purposely avoided her work in the past, but that is something I will rectify in the future. I went into it not really knowing what to expect and was completely blown away by her skill as a writer.
For me, 'Small Great Things' is a masterpiece and a classic of the future. Beautifully written, it has taken me on an uncomfortable but moving rollercoaster of a journey that has put me through an emotional wringer. It takes a writer of great skill to tackle subjects like this with such brutal honesty. It is also some feat to make you loathe a character and their actions with every fibre of your being, but to still feel empathy for them and what they're going through.
One of the most powerful and thought provoking books I have ever read and the easiest 5 stars I have given this year. 'Small Great Things' is a book that will stay with me and I can't recommend it highly enough.
An outstanding 5 stars.
Wow, what a powerful, moving and thought provoking read! I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. 'Small Great Things' 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.
As someone who has personal experience of the devastation caused by the death of a baby, I thought this element of the story was also handled brilliantly well. I found the chapters dealing with this extremely moving and so realistic, I had to give myself a breather in between chapters to get my emotions back in check.
'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.
This is my first Jodi Picoult book, and I have to admit I have purposely avoided her work in the past, but that is something I will rectify in the future. I went into it not really knowing what to expect and was completely blown away by her skill as a writer.
For me, 'Small Great Things' is a masterpiece and a classic of the future. Beautifully written, it has taken me on an uncomfortable but moving rollercoaster of a journey that has put me through an emotional wringer. It takes a writer of great skill to tackle subjects like this with such brutal honesty. It is also some feat to make you loathe a character and their actions with every fibre of your being, but to still feel empathy for them and what they're going through.
One of the most powerful and thought provoking books I have ever read and the easiest 5 stars I have given this year. 'Small Great Things' is a book that will stay with me and I can't recommend it highly enough.
An outstanding 5 stars.
Monday, 6 June 2016
Book Review - Counting Chimneys (Brighton Girls Trilogy 2) by Sandy Taylor
Title: Counting Chimneys (Brighton Girls Trilogy 2)
Author: Sandy Taylor
Release Date: 10th June 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Counting Chimneys' is a lovely, heartwarming read that continues the story of Dottie Perks from Sandy Taylor's wonderful debut novel 'The Girls from See Saw Lane'. Here we reunite with Dottie as she's making a new life for herself in London, with a job she loves, good friends and a lovely boyfriend. But soon fate takes her back to Brighton and the past she thought she'd left behind.
'Counting Chimneys' introduces new characters who steal your heart from the moment you first meet them, as well as revisiting old friends. It's the perfect book to lose yourself in on a long, hot summer day. A gentle read, moving at times, and one that leaves you with a warm glow when you turn the final page.
Although I did find the story to be a bit too predictable at times, the richness of the characterisation made that less important than it might have been in the hands of a less capable writer. Beautifully written and a lovely continuation of the 'Brighton Girls Trilogy', I look forward to reading the conclusion to this fabulous story.
I would recommend 'Counting Chimneys' to anyone who enjoys a gentle, moving family saga that's easy to read, but is also full of heart and memorable characters.
A heartwarming 4 stars.
Author: Sandy Taylor
Release Date: 10th June 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'Counting Chimneys' is a lovely, heartwarming read that continues the story of Dottie Perks from Sandy Taylor's wonderful debut novel 'The Girls from See Saw Lane'. Here we reunite with Dottie as she's making a new life for herself in London, with a job she loves, good friends and a lovely boyfriend. But soon fate takes her back to Brighton and the past she thought she'd left behind.
'Counting Chimneys' introduces new characters who steal your heart from the moment you first meet them, as well as revisiting old friends. It's the perfect book to lose yourself in on a long, hot summer day. A gentle read, moving at times, and one that leaves you with a warm glow when you turn the final page.
Although I did find the story to be a bit too predictable at times, the richness of the characterisation made that less important than it might have been in the hands of a less capable writer. Beautifully written and a lovely continuation of the 'Brighton Girls Trilogy', I look forward to reading the conclusion to this fabulous story.
I would recommend 'Counting Chimneys' to anyone who enjoys a gentle, moving family saga that's easy to read, but is also full of heart and memorable characters.
A heartwarming 4 stars.
Thursday, 2 June 2016
Book Review - The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza
Title: The Night Stalker (DCI Erika Foster book 2)
Author: Robert Bryndza
Release Date: June 2nd 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture who gave me an ARC of 'The Night Stalker' in exchange for an honest review.
I've been eagerly awaiting this second outing for DCI Erika Foster by Robert Bryndza, and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. The first book in the series 'The Girl in the Ice' is also available now.
'The Night Stalker' is an exciting, fast paced page turner of a novel. It's a heart pounding psychological thriller, with many twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to the last page.
I didn't think book 1 of this series could be topped, but here Robert Bryndza does it with ease. In DCI Erika Foster he has created a fascinating character who I look forward to hearing more of in the future.
A fabulously thrilling 4 stars. Highly recommended.
Author: Robert Bryndza
Release Date: June 2nd 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture who gave me an ARC of 'The Night Stalker' in exchange for an honest review.
I've been eagerly awaiting this second outing for DCI Erika Foster by Robert Bryndza, and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. The first book in the series 'The Girl in the Ice' is also available now.
'The Night Stalker' is an exciting, fast paced page turner of a novel. It's a heart pounding psychological thriller, with many twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to the last page.
I didn't think book 1 of this series could be topped, but here Robert Bryndza does it with ease. In DCI Erika Foster he has created a fascinating character who I look forward to hearing more of in the future.
A fabulously thrilling 4 stars. Highly recommended.
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Book Review - A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding by Jackie Copleton
Title: A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding
Author: Jackie Copleton
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: May 2016
Thank you to the publisher and TBC who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully written and moving tale about a time in history I knew very little about. I thought the back and forth between the past and present (through letters and diary entries) worked very well here. A difficult read at times, the unimaginable horror and anguish of what happened in Nagasaki in 1945 is palpable.
The secrets and lies that tore Amaterasu's relationship with her daughter apart are told with great skill and believability. Is the badly scarred man who turns up at her door 40 years after the bomb really her long dead grandson? Or has Sato delivered one last twist of the knife to the already broken Amateruso?
A book unlike any other I have read, 'A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding' is an emotionally charged and unsettling story that will stay with me for a long time to come. A recommended 4 stars.
Author: Jackie Copleton
Rating: 4 stars
Release Date: May 2016
Thank you to the publisher and TBC who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully written and moving tale about a time in history I knew very little about. I thought the back and forth between the past and present (through letters and diary entries) worked very well here. A difficult read at times, the unimaginable horror and anguish of what happened in Nagasaki in 1945 is palpable.
The secrets and lies that tore Amaterasu's relationship with her daughter apart are told with great skill and believability. Is the badly scarred man who turns up at her door 40 years after the bomb really her long dead grandson? Or has Sato delivered one last twist of the knife to the already broken Amateruso?
A book unlike any other I have read, 'A Dictionary of Mutual Understanding' is an emotionally charged and unsettling story that will stay with me for a long time to come. A recommended 4 stars.
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