PREVIEW - Hold Your Tongue by Deborah Masson

I'm delighted to share my review of 'Hold Your Tongue' by Deborah Masson. This is not for the squeamish but it's really rather good - a great debut from an exciting new author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Released: 20 November 2019 (ebook) and 26 December 2019 (paperback)

The blurb 
A brutal murder. A young woman’s body is discovered with horrifying injuries, a recent newspaper cutting pinned to her clothing.

A detective with everything to prove. This is her only chance to redeem herself.

A serial killer with nothing to lose. He’s waited years, and his reign of terror has only just begun . . .

In my opinion 
I was intrigued by the title, description and cover of Deborah Masson's debut novel but immediately thought I'd made a big mistake as this is quite violent and unnervingly descriptive from the very first page, making it quite uncomfortable reading in places. I'm not sure why it shocked me as the clue is very much in the title " Hold Your Tongue" referring to the serial killer removing his victims' tongues whilst they were still alive. Anyway I took a deep breath and carried on and am so glad I did as it turned out to be really rather good. 

I really enjoyed the style of writing which is short, snappy and to the point. It's really easy reading with the fairly short chapters continually tempting you to just read one more, particularly as the story starts quickening to its explosive ending. The narrative is principally the voice of the lead investigative detective, DI Eve Hunter, but interspersed with the odd chapter or section by the killer and other members of Eve's team which kept things varied and grabbed attention.

Following the police investigation is definitely my favourite style of crime writing as it provides a fascinating insight into police work. I always feel like I am a member of the team examining the evidence, looking for clues and trying to solve the crime alongside the characters. The best thing by far about this novel, however, was my total inability to guess the identity of the killer, due almost entirely to the author's clever misdirection throughout.

What's more Deborah Masson has a unique gift for characterisation. The four main characters, the police officers, are all flawed but still relatable and on the whole likeable. And, it's these flaws which make for such a captivating dynamic between the characters as they resent, distrust, dislike, compete and grieve with each other whilst trying to work together as a united front. Again it's the author's talent and incredible writing that enables you to put yourself in every character's shoes, understanding why they are and act the way they do - even the mentally disturbed killer.

A nice touch was that the book didn't end with the big reveal, instead it continued briefly exploring the aftermath of the case. We saw how the four main characters were coping and working towards putting their past and strained relationships behind them in order to move on as a supportive close-knit team.

Not for the squeamish but I really recommend this - a great debut from an exciting new author. I would've given it five stars except for the gruesomeness of the tongue scenes.

The author

Follow @deborah_masson on Twitter.

REVIEW - Christmas at Rachel's Pudding Pantry by Caroline Roberts

I'm delighted to share my review of the new novel in the Pudding Pantry series by Caroline Roberts. Well worth a read with all the ingredients for a perfect festive romcom. This one will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Released: 31 October 2019

The blurb
The first snow is falling over Primrose Farm, the mince pies are warming, and Rachel can’t wait to share a kiss under the mistletoe with her gorgeous new flame, Tom. If only it was all comfort and joy.....but the arrival of Tom’s ex brings an unwelcome chill to the farm. And despite Master Baker Mum Jill’s valiant efforts, the new pudding pantry business is feeling the pinch.With a spoonful of festive spirit, a cupful of goodwill with friends, and her messy, wonderful family by her side, can Rachel make this a Christmas to remember?

In my opinion

Well worth a read with the inclusion of festive recipes providing a nice extra touch too. And, for me the book itself had all the ingredients for a perfect romcom:

·         Budding romance

·         Countryside village setting

·         Close-knit family

·         Cosy friendships

·         Entrepreneurial spirit

·         Cute animals and children

·         Christmas cheer

Yes like most chicklit it follows a tried and tested ‘recipe’ but it’s a formula that works and is one I love. However, this had more breadth than your typical sugar-coated romance. It was heart-warming but also real, embracing the ups and downs of life including illness, grief, single parenting, British farming and starting up a small business.

Essentially this was the story of the Swinton family - four generations of warm, strong women working together to make a success of their new business and keep their beloved farm. I loved the lead character, Rachel, a hard-working, driven, independent, kind, family-orientated young woman. Although I did find it hard to believe that Rachel was 24 – I mean being a young single mum is likely to make you grow up quickly but still the most mature, sensible 24 year old I’ve ever come across.

Five-year old Maisy, Rachel’s daughter, was obviously adorable too, providing many of the comedic moments. The best of these was undoubtedly the school nativity play where the farm’s overgrown lamb, Petie, played a supporting role alongside shepherd Maisy. Cue Petie lunging for a mouthful of hay, toppling Baby Jesus out of the crib, before leaping into the audience and galloping up and down only to poo on the floor on his way out.

As Christmas titles go this one was actually very festive, unlike many. It had Christmas puddings, the infamous nativity, snow storms, Christmas fairs and decorations galore. Although to be fair it also had fireworks and bonfires as it covered the run-up to Christmas too - so a real seasonal delight.

Seemingly this is the second novel in the Pudding Pantry series, with hints of a third to come. But, don’t let that put you off as it works perfectly well as a standalone too. All in all a great read which will certainly get you in the festive spirit (and make your mouth water will all the mentions of scrumptious sounding puddings).

The author

Follow @_caroroberts on Twitter or find out more on the author's own website.