Best of September 2022

It's September and time for the latest novels from some of my favourite authors and series including Sophie Cousens and Jessica Redland's Hedgehog Hollow series.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens (29 September 2022)

Audrey is marrying Josh; steady, dependable Josh, the love of her life. But romance should be full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey's found herself wondering if Josh really is 'the one'. So, when Josh's sister Miranda arrives at their rehearsal dinner with Fred - Audrey's 'What If?' guy, the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with but never saw again. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to wonder: could fate be trying to stop her from making a huge mistake?

In my opinion: ★★★★
This is the story of head-in-the-stars Audrey who is about to marry down-to-earth Josh - that is until her wedding is plagued by bad omens from dead bats in the church and suicidal cake toppers to poorly vicars and unravelling wedding dresses. Some of these situations are definitely over the top but good comedy value and necessary for the plot as they lead Audrey to wonder if she should be marrying Josh - particularly when an ex turns up. It's cleverly written over multiple 'Before I Do' and post 'I Do' timelines brilliantly conveying the complementary differences of Audrey and Josh's personalities and how our romantic experiences (both ours and others, good and bad, realistic and rose-tinted) shape our relationships. There's a fun supporting cast of friends and family too and I loved the epilogue(s) especially the one 50 years into the future. So, all-in-all another brilliant book from this author. 

Friends Don't Lie by Nell Pattison (29 September 2022)

My name is Isabella Butterworth. Your name is Isabella Butterworth. We’re around the same age. We live in the same town. But your life is more exciting than mine, isn’t it? Imagine if I’d never found out about you…But I have. Because someone mistook me for you. And now I can’t stop thinking about you because I know you’re in trouble. You need my help. And I need a way to get to know you. To save you. To be you…

In my opinion: ★★★★
I really enjoyed this very intricate and complex plot. There were so many different aspects - stalking, a death threat, a brother in prison, new identities - and the author did a brilliant job of weaving them all together and continually evolving the story. Whilst I got the overall jist, I must admit that I'm not sure I totally followed it all in terms of Izzy and Jenny/Caroline and who was who. Whilst there's not actually many characters, the fact that they all either have the same real name and/or have adopted a false identity was somewhat confusing, especially when you layer on multiple twists and turns. I also would've liked a different ending. But that said neither of these things affected my overall enjoyment of this compelling read.

Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland (6 September 2022)

It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan. Fizz's job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever. As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?

In my opinion: ★★★★
I absolutely love this series and wonderful characters and am gutted that this was the last one. It's always great to catch up with the different much-loved characters and read about cute hedgehogs and animal rescues. And as a finale it was great to see everyone get their happy endings and know how things have worked out but I must admit I didn't enjoy this storyline as much as usual. With much of it taking place in a hospital and a backstory of sexual child abuse it had a heavier, less feel-good vibe. Nonetheless an amazing series that I'll totally miss and so was glad to hear that Hedgehog Hollow may live on with cameos in Jessica's other series and books.

The Bachelorette Party by Carissa Ann Lynch (2 September 2022)

New Orleans: live music, endless drinks, brightly-coloured attractions, the perfect place for a party. The bachelorette begins on a Friday night; all six women are excited for a chance to escape their everyday lives. But then friendly rivalries turn vicious, and a game of truth or dare turns deadly. By the end of the weekend one of them will be dead…

In my opinion: ★★★★
This was a quick and easy read, a fun whodunit. I enjoyed that it started with a murder, you just don't know whose. So not only is it a case of trying to guess the perpetrator but also the victim - and each could have been any one of the six bachelorettes. I also liked the alternating chapters following each character: Rosalee the people-pleasing bride, the disapproving mother-in-law, the wayward sister-in-law, the bossy best friend, too-good-to-be-true Georgia the groom's best friend and the weird cousin - again each with their own secrets, dramas and motivations. The reveal and motive were a bit underwhelming however. 

The Murder Weekend by Jilly Gagnon (6 September 2022)

Welcome to the Crooner Estate. We know your stay will be deadly fun. A remote hotel. A murder mystery. A missing woman. Everyone has a role to play, but what's real and what's part of the game?

In my opinion: ★★★
This was a brilliant premise - a murder within a murder mystery weekend. Trying to work out what was real and what was part of the game was fun - and should've been enough but the author over-complicated things with lots of side drama. As well the murder mystery (real and pretend) it was also a bit of a domestic drama with a lot of time spent analysing the state of the main character's marriage. These bits distracted from the main plot as well as being pretty repetitive and slow especially when combined with the author's very descriptive way of writing. In short, this novel had a lot of promise but rather deviated from the murder mystery. 

Best of August 2022

It might be summer but my best of August books are all dark and chilling with so many great murder mysteries and psychological thrillers out this month.

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (18 August 2022)

I was dreading the Cunningham family reunion even before the first murder. Before the storm stranded us at the mountain resort. The thing is, us Cunninghams don't really get along. We've only got one thing in common: we've all killed someone. When they find the first body in the snow, it's clear that only a Cunningham could have committed the crime - and it's up to me to prove it. There are plenty of killers in my family. But only one murderer . . .

In my opinion: ★★★★★
An easy 5-stars from me. Thanks to the frank prologue you know exactly what you're getting with this book - no sex scenes, no supernatural forces, the criminal will be someone mentioned early in the story and the pages were deaths happen are helpfully listed for those "just here for the gory details." I really enjoyed the author's conversational style of writing as main character Ernest a "reliable, not competent" narrator. For example, each member of the family has a few chapters of the story dedicated to them but Ernest's wife's section is simply one page saying "I don't want to talk about it". So as you can see it's funny too - and throughout from start to finish not just odd bits - although having since found out that the author is a stand-up comedian this was probably pretty much guaranteed. Such great colourful and intriguing cast too, perhaps best summarised by Sofia's family bingo cards with squares such as "Marcelo shouts at waiter" and "Ernest ruins something". And of course the fact that they've all killed someone - the back stories of which are cleverly weaved in among the modern day events. Absolutely loved this and will definitely be seeking out more by this author.

A Cornish Recipe for Murder by Fiona Leitch (18 August 2022)

When popular TV baking contest ‘The Best of British Baking Roadshow’ rolls into town and sets up camp in the grounds of Boskern House, a historic stately home near Penstowan, former police officer Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker finds herself competing to represent Cornwall in the grand final. And when a body is found in the grounds of the house, Jodie is drawn into another high-stakes case along with local DCI Nathan Withers. Can Jodie expose the culprit? Or will the murderer become the real showstopper?

In my opinion: ★★★★★
I love this fun series and particularly enjoyed this one with the added fun of a reality TV baking show and drag queen. The murder mystery aspect is always a bit ridiculous but that's part of its charm as a fun, light-hearted read that doesn't take itself too seriously. For me its all about the characters and not the murder anyway as I absolutely love Jodie, Daisy and Nana, and the dynamics between the generations of Parker women.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney (18 August 2022)

Daisy Darker’s family were as dark as dark can be, when one of them died all of them lied and pretended not to see...
Daisy Darker is arriving at her grandmother’s house for her eightieth birthday. It is Halloween and the crumbling Cornish house perches upon its own tiny private island. The Darker family haven’t all been in the same place for over a decade, and when the tide comes in they’ll be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours. When the tide goes back out, nothing will ever be the same again, because one of them is a killer . . .

In my opinion: ★★★★
I loved this eccentric story all the way through. And, Nana herself was totally bonkers with 80 clocks in her hallway, a clocking in machine for family and guests and a sweet tooth serving roast dinners with hot chocolate gravy and popping candy potatoes. The rest of the Darker family, however, were totally unlikeable as depicted by Nana's will and the customised chairs she has for each. Son Frank is left her clocks so he might be less selfish with his time, whilst his ex-wide Nancy's chair "looks good, but makes people feel uncomfortable" and middle daughter Lily is described as a "selfish, spoilt, entitled witch". I also loved the rhyme about the family with lines crossed out each hour as another person met their end. But, the big reveal spoilt what otherwise would've been a 5-stars - I like reality within my fiction. 

My Other Husband by Dorothy Koomson (18 August 2022)

Cleo Forsum is a bestselling novelist turned scriptwriter whose TV series, 'The Baking Detective' is a huge success. But now she has decided to walk away from it all - including divorcing her husband, Wallace - before her past secrets catch up with her. As Cleo drafts the final ever episodes of the series, people she knows start getting hurt. And it's soon clear that someone is trying to frame her for murder. She thinks she knows why, but Cleo can't tell the police or prove her innocence. Because then she'd have to confess about her other husband...

In my opinion: ★★★★
This was an intense story of obsession with some very complex characters and multi-layered plot. I was totally gripped throughout the reading wondering why main character and successful author Cleo was dismantling her seemingly perfect life - aside from the fact that people in her life seemed to be dying in the same manner as her murder mystery books that is. This was one timeline with her student days and 'other husband' the second. I was a little disappointed by the end however and the big reveal. I mean I didn't guess the perpetrator but that's because in my opinion it was a slightly odd and far fetched choice. As always a good read from this brilliant author but a slightly disappointing plot.

The It Girl by Ruth Ware (3 August 2022)

To Hannah, April had it all. Confidence, money, brains, friends, good looks. Pushed together as roommates, soon they became best friends and Hannah is swept away in a lifestyle she'd only ever dreamed of. But someone didn't like popular April. Someone hated her - hated her enough to kill her. Ten years later, Hannah has tried to move on with her life. Happily married and expecting her first child, what Hannah doesn't need is someone digging up the past. But will re-opening the past help Hannah finally put April to rest - or will it reveal secrets that should have died with her?

In my opinion: ★★★★
I'm going to keep this brief. I'm a massive Ruth Ware fan loving the originality of her plots, fast pace and intense, creepy atmospheres or environments that she manages to create. Perhaps a deliberate change in direction but sadly those elements were slightly lacking here and I just didn’t feel the all-consuming grip I usually do with her books. On the plus side it was still difficult to guess who-dunnit because of the clever suspicions and doubt cast on each and every one of the characters at some point. Hence I struggled a bit with my rating before eventually settling on 4 stars - it was my least favourite book by one of my all-time favourite authors and whilst I was a bit underwhelmed my expectations were exceptionally high.

REVIEW: One Perfect Morning by Pamela Crane

I'm pleased to share my review of the latest psychological thriller by US author Pamela Crane. A genius twist but too much drama and too many unlikable characters in my opinion.

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

Published: 20 August 2020

The blurb 

She’s made her bed, and now he’s lying dead in it…

Mackenzie, Robin and Lily have been inseparable since college. Twenty years on, they all live in the same neighbourhood with their perfect homes, perfect families, perfect lives.

But in their idyllic suburban town, no one truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. For each of these women is crumbling under the weight of a secret, a betrayal, a lie.

And when the worst happens, will the unbreakable bond of their friendship survive, though it’s started to fray at the edges?

One dead husband. Three women with motives. And they’re all best friends who have each other’s backs – or do they…?

The review

This had a bit of a 'Desperate Housewives' feel to it....three women all with glossy exteriors but hiding inner secrets, friends on the surface but loyal only to themselves. It starts with one of the women murdering their husband as he sleeps but we don't find out the identity of either. The book then sets revisits the preceding days establishing that they all have reasons to want somebody else dead - so literally anyone could be the victim and anyone the murderer. The action is also interspersed with flashbacks to the 1990s when the women met and where one particular event was kept secret until today.

And that's part of the problem with everyone having motives and secrets in the past and present there's just too much going on at times. Also what does go on is all fairly heavy covering rape, underage sex, domestic abuse, drug addiction and of course murder. None of it is particularly graphic or upsetting but it's just continuous.

It's hard to believe that one group of friends can have that much drama. And, also that after so much drama and betrayal, the characters are seemingly unaffected and forgive and forget a liitle too easily.

The other problem is that it's full of unlikable characters, not just because nobody in this story can be trusted but also because they are truly toxic particularly to each other. I would not want to be friends with any of these women.

I did absolutely love the clever twist though whereby the 'murderer' didn't actually kill the victim at all. Genius. Overall though a 3.5 rating, sadly rounded down to 3 stars. 

The author

Pamela Crane is a North Carolinian writer of psychological thriller, and wannabe psychologist. Follow @MentalMommyPam on Twitter or find out more at www.pamelacrane.com

REVIEW: After the Silence by Louise O'Neill

A twisty page-turner of deadly secrets, I'm pleased to review this new novel by Irish author Louise O'Neill. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Quercus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 3 September 2020

The blurb 
Nessa Crowley's murderer has been protected by silence for ten years. Until a team of documentary makers decide to find out the truth.

On the day of Henry and Keelin Kinsella's wild party at their big house a violent storm engulfed the island of Inisrun, cutting it off from the mainland. When morning broke Nessa Crowley's lifeless body lay in the garden, her last breath silenced by the music and the thunder.

The killer couldn't have escaped Inisrun, but on-one was charged with the murder. The mystery that surrounded the death of Nessa remained hidden. But the islanders knew who to blame for the crime that changed them forever.

Ten years later a documentary crew arrives, there to lift the lid off the Kinsella's carefully constructed lives, determined to find evidence that will prove Henry's guilt and Keelin's complicity in the murder of beautiful Nessa.

The review

Although this is being marketed as a murder mystery, it's really more of a psychological thriller focused on psychological domestic abuse. But, I enjoyed the storyline and would definitely recommend it to people who love human interest and character stories. In Keelin Kinsella, the author has written a brilliantly complex female character. It's similar to another book I've read recently (The Storm by Amanda Jennings) where the wife is not necessarily as much of a victim as at first seems and sometimes there is more to a story or toxic relationship than meets the eye. 

It was a difficult read, however. The timeline is all over the place and lacks any chapter headings to help. Also set on an Irish island, this was peppered with Irish words and phrases that I didn't know such as "mo stoirin" (my darling apparently) and grinds (private tuition). I got used but it just made it a bit awkward and harder reading.

The author
Irish writer, Louise O'Neill's first two novels were aimed at the “young adult” demographic, but widely read by not-so-young adults. Recent books focus on the toxic aspects of relationships, as does this one. Follow @oneilllo on Twitter to find out more.

REVIEW: Playing Nicely by JP Delaney

Having absolutely loved this, I am pleased to share my review (and generally just fan-girl) about 'Playing Nicely' by JP Delaney. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Quercus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 6 August 2020

The blurb 
If you found out that your family isn't yours at all, how far would you go to protect them?

Pete Riley answers the door one morning and lets in a parent's worst nightmare. On his doorstep is Miles Lambert, a stranger who breaks the devastating news that Pete's son, Theo, isn't actually his son--he is the Lamberts', switched at birth by an understaffed hospital while their real son was sent home with Miles and his wife, Lucy. For Pete, his partner Maddie, and the little boy they've been raising for the past two years, life will never be the same again.

The two families, reeling from the shock, take comfort in shared good intentions, eagerly entwining their very different lives in the hope of becoming one unconventional modern family. But a plan to sue the hospital triggers an official investigation that unearths some disturbing questions about the night their children were switched. How much can they trust the other parents--or even each other? What secrets are hidden behind the Lamberts' glossy front door? Stretched to the breaking point, Pete and Maddie discover they will each stop at nothing to keep their family safe.

They are done playing nice.

The review
Wow - I absolutely loved this. It was definitely one of those books that once you start you literally can't stop - a real page-turner.

It's a really difficult book to talk about without spoiling the plot but what I can say is that it was a real roller-coaster. There were so many twists and turns and different elements to this story. The author says in the acknowledgement that he wanted to write about ordinary people who try to resolve a near-impossible situation with compromise and dialogue. And, that's Pete and Maddie - two completely normal people, both with good qualities and flaws, who try to play nicely in the nightmare situation of finding out their son is not theirs, and another polar opposite couple is bringing up their birth son. 

And, you gotta feel for poor Maddie and Pete as they reel from one mishap to another. Granted they bring a lot of it on themselves, but the things that happen to them are all fairly innocuous in themselves and the type of things that could happen to anyone but they take on a different meaning and importance in court. Its a terrifyingly view of how quickly events can escalate into a legal nightmare. For example, in court googling parenting advice is no longer normal, responsible behaviour but can be used as a sign of incompetence. What I liked is that I too read something and thought nothing of it but then later got a feeling of dread as I suddenly realised how it was going to play out just before it did. I was kept in an almost constant state of anxiety as the tension built and built as the story twisted and developed towards its conclusion.

I've not read this author before (I definitely will be in future) but apparently this is quite different to his previous work although I understand his stories are always base on ethical quandaries. And, this one was truly thought-provoking exploring a variety of hard-hitting topics including mental illness, gender roles in parenting, nature vs nurture, and child protection. 

The psychopathy test was a nice touch.....and I'm pleased to say I'm not. But, it was enlightening to understand there's scales of psychopathy and the impact of nature vs nurture on someone's likelihood of becoming a psychopath.

I don't feel that I've done this book justice with my review but as I said it's so hard to explain why it's so good without giving anything away. I will just urge you read it yourself and it's undoubtedly the best psychological thriller I've read this year.

The author
JPDelaney is a pseudonym for a writer who has previously written fiction under other names. Delaney is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Girl Before, which is being brought to the screen. To find out more visit www.jpdelaney.co.uk.

REVIEW: Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell

I'm pleased to review the latest novel by one of my go-to authors, Lisa Jewell. Whilst not my favourite by this author I still enjoyed this thought-provoking read. However, be warned it did contain some themes that were slightly uncomfortable reading.

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

Expected: 6 August 2020

The blurb 
When Saffyre Maddox was ten, something terrible happened, and she's carried the pain of it ever since. The man who she thought was going to heal her didn't, and now she hides, learning his secrets, invisible in the shadows.

Owen Pick is invisible too. He's never had a girlfriend; he's never even had a friend.
Nobody sees him. Nobody cares.

But when Saffyre goes missing from opposite his house on Valentine's night, suddenly the whole world is looking at Owen.

Accusing him, holding him responsible for Saffyre's disappearance ...

The review
Despite loving the author this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. The story is about a young woman who goes missing and is told from three points of view; Saffyre’s the missing girl with a troubled childhood, Owen a loner, and Cate the wife of a charismatic child psychologist.

As always I loved the author’s distinctive writing style which makes for easy reading. Likewise I enjoy the way she brings lots of seemingly unrelated different strands and characters together quite spectacularly by the end. And, this one had a great cast of interesting and troubled characters with some complex mental health issues that were well-handled by the author, and provided a fascinating sub-context.

Essentially the underlying concept was societal norms where misfits try to be invisible so as not to be noticed whilst truly vile characters simply mask their true nature to walk among us in plain sight. It really got me thinking, especially in these current times, about how easy it is to misjudge someone who’s different. For example, the “odd” loner who happens to be walking the same way as a young woman is creepy but the attractive runner brushing past somebody is overlooked. Although fiction it also depicts a shocking reality where people are shamed by public opinion, the names and life stories of suspects are widely reported and if they later turn out to be innocent well so what.

What I didn’t like, however, was the plot which contained themes that some readers (myself included) may find uncomfortable including rape and sexual assault. I also like a story where things are wrapped up neatly and the ‘bad’ people get what’s coming to them but without wanting to give anything away this one didn’t quite turn out like that. I also thought the epilogue should have been a bit later in time, as having handled the character’s mental health issues so sensitively this was kind of undone by the speed at which they seemed to easily overcome their issues at the end.

The author
British author Lisa Jewell's first book, Ralph's Party, came out in 1998. Since then, she's gone on to write eighteen contemporary novels and thrillers. Follow @lisajewelluk on Twitter or visit www.lisajewellbooks.com to find out more.

REVIEW: The Storm by Amanda Jennings

Set in a Cornish fishing village, I'm pleased to review the new novel by author Amanda Jennings. Whilst not quite what I was hoping for, this was a beautifully written dark drama nonetheless.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher HQ Stories for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 23 July 2020

The blurb 
To the outside world Hannah married the perfect man. Behind the closed doors of their imposing home it’s a very different story. Nathan controls everything Hannah does. He chooses her clothes, checks her receipts, and keeps her passport locked away. But why does she let him? 

Years before, in the midst of a relentless storm, the tragic events of one night changed everything. And Hannah has been living with the consequences ever since. Keeping Nathan happy. Doing as she’s told. 

But the past is about to catch up with them. 

Set against the unforgiving backdrop of a Cornish fishing port in the ‘90s, this is a devastating exploration of the power of coercive control in a marriage where nothing is quite as it seems…

The review
This was one of those reads where I was disappointed but unfairly so. Wrongly I was expecting a mystery with plenty twists and turns, plenty of drama and plenty of suspense. But, this was more of a slow burn, domestic drama focused on the psychology of people's reactions to trauma. However, now having read up on the author that is exactly what she's known for so I completely my fault and not a reflection on this well-written story.

The story is told from the point-of-view of Hannah mainly but interspersed with some chapters from Nathan, her controlling husband, and Cam, an ex boyfriend. It also crosses two timeframes; the past where Hannah is a carefree, confident young women, and the present day where she is now a repressed, fearful wife and mother. I loved the contrast between the two and the gradual understanding of how and why Hannah chose such a life.

And, that's the brilliance of this author. At first glance you see a woman controlled by her husband but then realise through the depth of the characters and telling that Hannah is more of a willing 'victim' or player in this story than it would at first seem. She has chosen a path for a reason and uses her intelligence and wiles to control the situation herself as best she can.

So, like I said not quite what I was hoping for but a beautifully written dark drama nonetheless.

The author
Before writing her first book, was a researcher at the BBC. With a deep fascination for the far-reaching effects of trauma, her books focus on the different ways people find to cope with loss, as well as the moral struggles her protagonists face. Follow @MandaJJennings on Twitter or visit www.amandajennings.co.uk to find out more.

REVIEW: How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

I'm pleased to review the gripping new psychological thriller from Sunday Times bestselling author Gillian McAllister. What an ending to a really unique storyline....

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 9 July 2020

The blurb 
Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back. The only choice is to disappear.

To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband. There will be no goodbyes. Their pasts will be rewritten. New names, new home, new lives.

The rules are strict for a reason. They are being hunted. One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.

They can never assume someone isn't watching, waiting.

As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy. Staying hidden is harder . . .

The review
I really enjoyed this unique storyline about having to 'disappear' into witness protection. The author writes in a note that she hopes it was believable as for obvious reasons witness protection is not a very easy subject to research. Well I found it totally believable and was totally fascinated by the thought-provoking. I really felt for Aidan who had to decide whether to disappear with his wife and step-daughter or stay behind with his own daughter and mother - a no-win situation either way.

A rarity but I actually liked all the characters, perhaps because they were so well developed with the author celebrating differences and the hidden strengths of every personality type. For example, the author’s sensitive portrayal of Zara and her insecurities about being serious, shy, bookish, and not fitting in because of those things but also her strength of character and maturity in doing the right thing. I also loved that for once it was a book with a blended family who actually love and care for each other rather than the usual step rivalries so often depicted.

I was particularly drawn to extroverts Lauren and Poppy but especially Poppy a remarkably selfless, mature, caring, positive individual caring for her mother full-time and trying to protect her step family whilst dealing with normal teenage stuff such as college applications. And, of course who wouldn’t love Bill Gates, the dog...

Annoyingly it was implied at times that there was more going on than there actually was – in terms of Jon for example. But, then the ending was a massive unexpected twist that really did deliver!

The author
Gillian McAllister is a former lawyer and the Sunday Times Top 10 bestselling author for her debut psychological thriller. Follow @GillianMAuthor on Twitter or visit gillianmcallister.com to find out more.

REVIEW: The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda

I'm pleased to say I loved this latest psychological thriller from Megan Miranda. Such a fascinating, unique plot with an ending I could never have guessed. 

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Atlantic Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 2 July 2020

The blurb 
Everyone knows the story of the girl from widow hills...

When Arden Maynor was six years old, she was swept away in a terrifying storm and went missing for days. Against all odds, she was found alive, clinging to a storm drain. Fame followed, and so did fans, creeps and stalkers. As soon as she was old enough, Arden changed her name and left Widow Hills behind.

Twenty years later, Olivia, as she is now known, is plagued by night terrors. She often finds herself out of bed in the middle of the night, sometimes streets away from her home. Then one evening she jolts awake in her yard, with the corpse of a man at her feet.

The girl from Widow Hills is about to become the centre of the story, once again...

The review
I loved this – such a fascinating, unique plot with an ending I could never have guessed. A real page-turner.

Narrated by Olivia in the present, transcripts, newspaper reports and book excerpts help us piece together a fragmented version of the past. It was one of those stories where anyone could’ve been the murder and I truly suspected pretty much everyone at one point or another. Some characters I liked and some I didn’t so there were lots points when I was like ‘oh no please don’t let it have been them’ – you just never knew from one minute to the next. For example, main character Liv didn’t seem the type but as she said herself: “Not unless I felt trapped, cornered. Then, subconsciously and truthfully, I couldn’t say for sure what type of person I’d become.”

And, this book tested that premise over and over again, how we never truly know how we’d react in an extreme situation until we tested. Ordinary people in extraordinary situations and the lengths they’d go to protect themselves and/or those they love. And, not only ourselves but do we ever really know anyone or just the person people want us to see. 

I became totally invested in Liv. Her mum (or mom in this case) calls her a “survivor” and that’s what she is – smart, tough, brave, resilient, and intuitive. I enjoyed the constant sense of unease and worry as Olivia attempts to unravel her past and questions her own innocence. I also really liked her stoic, loyal, sensible neighbour Rick and was glad his story wasn’t what it seemed.

My only negative was that I really wanted an epilogue – I would’ve liked to know how things turned out for Liv and Rick, and most importantly whether Liv and Bennett got together (I hope so). 

The author
US author Megan Miranda was a scientist and high school teacher before writing her first novel, which came out of her fascination with scientific mysteries, especially those associated with the brain. Follow @MeganLMiranda or find out more at meganmiranda.com

REVIEW: One White Lie by Leah Konen

I'm pleased to share my review of Leah Konen's debut psychological thriller....and what a debut! It’s brilliantly written with the author building the pace perfectly to a frantic finish with twist after shocking twist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.

Expected: 23 July 2020

The blurb 
It's only one small lie.....until someone turns up dead.

Imagine you've finally escaped the worst relationship of your life, running away with only a suitcase and a black eye.

Imagine your new next-door neighbours are the friends you so desperately needed - fun, kind, empathetic, very much in love.

If your new best friends needed you to tell one small lie, and all of these problems would disappear, you'd do it . . . wouldn't you?

It's only one small lie, until someone turns up dead...

The review
This is the story of new neighbours Lucy, Vera and John, as Lucy says “linked, the three of us, by our torrid backstories.” And, that kinda sums this up....complex characters with complex backstories embroiled in a complex plot. There really is a lot going from Lucy fleeing a bad relationship and her estrangement from her parents to worrying rumours about her new neighbours, strange goings-on in her new house and the ‘one white lie’.  

But, it’s the complex plot that help keeps you guessing. An almost constant change of perspective means you never really know throughout who’s the perpetrator and who’s the victim, who’s telling the truth and who’s not – feeling empathy for someone one minute and doubting them the next.

It’s brilliantly written with the author building the pace perfectly to a frantic finish. The latter part is twist after twist to the point where in Lucy’s words you “can’t handle any more secrets. It’s like emotional whiplash.” Some of the twists I guessed mostly because at some point you literally suspected everyone so some of them turned out to be true but the main twists were completely unexpected.

My reason for not giving this a five-star rating was Lucy, the threesome thing and murder motive. Lucy annoyed me from the start – she seems unbelievably naive and trusting for someone fleeing a bad relationship – and I really didn’t warm to her, although the reasons for both later became clear. Likewise I get that dynamic, people-person Vera is lonely after being ostracised by the locals but the intense (non-sexual) threesome thing her, John and Lucy quickly develop is plain weird. Finally, the murder motive is difficult to talk about but again two people having the same dark, obsessive personality is slightly unbelievable – I liked the twist but wanted something slightly different.

The author
Leah Konen is a journalist and author of young adult fiction. One White Lie is her debut psychological thriller. Follow @LeahKonen or find out more at www.leahkonen.com

REVIEW: Knife Edge by Simon Mayo

I'm pleased to share my review of Knife Edge from author Simon Mayo. I really enjoyed this gripping, chilling, intelligent and frighteningly believable story.

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

Expected: 20 August 2020

The blurb 
6.45am. A sweltering London rush hour. And in the last 27 minutes, seven people have been murdered.

In a series of coordinated attacks, seven men and women across London have been targeted. For journalist Famie Madden, the horror unfolds as she arrives for the morning shift.

The victims have one thing in common: they make up the investigations team at the news agency where Famie works. The question everyone’s asking: what were they working on that could prompt such brutal devastation?

As Famie starts to receive mysterious messages, she must find out whether she is being warned of the next attack, or being told that she will be the next victim...

The review
I'm really not sure if I loved this or not. To explain, it's a compelling story but a frighteningly too plausible or realistic one as well. When I first started reading this, and the terrifying opening description of seven knife attacks in 27 minutes, I slept badly my mind imagining the scene over and over again.  I read for escapism and this was just like a real-life news story (in more ways than one).

And, I tend to avoid the news for that reason - the truly upsetting crimes and atrocities that happen day in day out around the world. As such I'm not particularly up on political affairs so I did find this slightly confusing at times. Even by the end I don't think I got it entirely. As well as political references, there was also a lot of characters (some just known as Tattoo Man or Sweating Man), and a lot going on to keep track of. As main character, Famie, said a couple of times: "This is messy."

But, that was undoubtedly what made it so compelling though as well. The whole thing was expertly done - well-researched and well-written with the changing voices adding extra depth and pace. Overall, it's a gripping, chilling, intelligent and deeply shocking read based around a really current and frighteningly believable storyline.

The author
Simon Mayo is one of Britain’s best-loved radio presenters and author now too. Follow @simonmayo on Twitter.

REVIEW: The Catch by TM Logan

Having wanted to read best-selling author TM Logan for ages, I'm pleased to share my review of his latest thriller. A fairly slow-paced read but still strangely compelling and enjoyable nonetheless.

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

Expected: 11 June 2020

The blurb 
She says he's perfect. I know he's lying . . .

Ed finally meets his daughter's boyfriend for the first time. Smart, successful and handsome, Ryan appears to be a real catch. Then Abbie announces their plan to get married.

All of Ed's instincts tell him his daughter is in terrible danger - but no-one else can see it. With the wedding date approaching fast, Ed sets out to uncover Ryan's secrets, before it's too late . .

The review
This was split into five parts – the boyfriend, the son-in-law, the husband, the catch and the epilogue – mainly narrated by Ed but with some chapters from his wife, adult daughter and her boyfriend. Basically Ed has a bad feeling about Abbie’s new boyfriend, soon-to-be husband, and spends the book trying to prove he’s right? But, Ed has history of disliking and warning off Abbie’s previous boyfriends....

Refreshingly this wasn’t one of those books where the bad things don’t happen to good people or where someone can be hit, kicked, punched, stabbed, break a leg, etc and yet still manage to escape the baddie cartoon-stylee. 

Yet in another way it was quite unbelievable. Yes Ed has suffered immense loss in the past but he’s basically a normal guy, doting father, loyal husband, stable job, hobbies, friends, etc. And, I know it’s a book so things have to be sped up but his rapid downward spiral from there to being fired, estranged from his daughter and wife, cautioned by the police, and stone-broke in the space of a just a few weeks based on solely on a ‘look’ from his daughter’s new husband seemed a bit insane.

Hypocritically though the first parts of book were quite slow as apart from Ed’s downward spiral and increasing obsession with Ryan nothing much happens. There are real no hints or clues, no twists and turns, nothing to try and work out or second-guess. 

Whilst it was fairly slow-paced it’s still strangely compelling, perhaps because TM Logan takes ordinary characters and throws them into extraordinary situations. The characters make crazy decisions but for the best of reasons and maybe we’d do the same in their situation. With short chapters it’s also a really easy read. So, not edge-of-your-seat reading but surprisingly enjoyable nonetheless.

The author
Bestselling author TM Logan was a national newspaper journalist before turning to novel-writing full time. His debut thriller LIES was one of Amazon UK's biggest ebooks of 2017 - winning a Silver Award at the Nielsen Bestseller Awards. Follow @TMLoganAuthor or find out more at www.tmlogan.com