Best Of June 2021

Wherever you're reading this summer, there's plenty of new
releases to get stuck into this June.

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh (22 Jun 2021)

You can save hundreds of lives. Or the one that matters most . . .

The atmosphere on board the first non-stop flight from London to Sydney is electric, and the world is watching the landmark journey. Soon after the plane takes off, flight attendant Mina receives a chilling anonymous note. Someone wants to make sure the plane never reaches its destination. They're demanding her cooperation . . . and they know exactly how to get it.

In my opinion: ★★★★★

Wow - I absolutely loved this. It's brilliantly smart, chillingly realistic, extremely addictive, nail-bitingly tense, excitingly fast paced and powerfully emotional (so many adjectives)! I was gripped from the very first to last page, reading long into the night. I've never read the author before but the story telling was vivid with its hour by hour account and well done - the opening made me imagine an entirely different ending and the passenger extracts gave understanding to events unfolding. And, then the actual ending was twist after twist and completely unexpected as well as perfectly apt. Initially I didn't take to Adam, Sophia or Mina (particularly one of her decisions but I guess that's the point of moral dilemmas we never know how we'd react) but the author developed their characters brilliantly, with the dual narrative, until I found myself totally connected them. Like Lisa Jewell blurbs on the cover I too can really see this being made into a blockbuster movie.

The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman (30 Jun 2021)

When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book! The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.

In my opinion: ★★★★★

A book about a book club - what's not to like? And, I didn't just like it, I loved it! I knew I would though from the intro when the author describes its as "one for all bookworms, book clubs, book bloggers and book readers. And also for all fans of romcoms, chicklit, romance and happy ever afters." It is a charming yet contemporary story of love, friendship and books with an adorable dog thrown in too. The members of the book club provide a great cast of diverse characters and unlikely friendships with my favourite definitely young-at-heart octogenarian Audrey who likes books featuring "rumpy-pumpy". Throughout the book the group read and discuss many such books including some of my favourites and some that I now can't wait to read myself. I just wish The Beach Reads Book Club was real so I could join and perhaps also bookshop owner Matt too - as like main character Lottie I fell for him a bit too!

The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman (24 Jun 2021)

A woman has gone missing. But did she ever really exist? Mia Eliot has travelled from London to LA for pilot season. At an audition she meets Emily, and what starts as a simple favour takes a dark turn when Emily goes missing and Mia is the last person to see her. Then a woman turns up, claiming to be Emily, but she is nothing like Mia remembers. Starting to question her own sanity, she goes on a desperate and dangerous search for answers, knowing something is very, very wrong. In an industry where everything is about creating illusions, how do you know what is real? And how much would you risk to find out?

In my opinion: ★★★★

Author Catherine Steadman is also an actress and perhaps because of this her big climatic reveals seem pretty far fetched, frenetic and OTT - and definitely movie like in terms of the fight scenes where people people keep getting knocked down only to get up again and again. But, I just love the way she writes and this was another unusual plot that really captured my interest. So, even though I was disappointed with the ending (well the driving force behind the ending) I still loved the journey - and any book that pulls you in and keeps you wanting to read has got to be worth reading!

A Racing Murder by Frances Evesham (15 Jun 2021)

Belinda Sandford feels like the luckiest girl in the world as her beautiful grey racehorse, ‘Butterfly Charm’, thunders past the finishing post first at Wincanton Racecourse. But a stewards’ enquiry overturns the result and awards the race to her long-time rival, Alexandra Deacon. When Alex is found dead, Belinda's distraught mother begs Adam Hennessy, retired police officer and publican, to help clear her daughter’s name. As Adam, and local hotelier Imogen Bishop, dig deep into the murky and powerful undercurrents of the horse racing world, they lay bare the lives and loves of local jockeys, grooms, trainers and owners.

In my opinion: ★★★★

This is the second book in a series, and what a delightful cast and setting the author has created in Ham Hill. Village life revolves around the hotel, the pub and village shop with the three social hubs providing plenty of gossip and leads for the amateur sleuths to follow-up. I also enjoyed the added insight into the world of horse racing in this one and side helping of romance. It was a bit of a slow burn on the murder mystery front but that was to be expected as it's billed as a "cosy mystery". This enjoyable read is exactly what it says and works perfectly well whether you've read the previous one or not.

Where The Grass Is Green by Lauren Weisberger (10 Jun 2021)

Peyton Marcus is the anchor of the most-watched morning show in New York, with a husband who adores her and a daughter who’s headed to one of the best Ivy League schools. Skye, her sister, is a stay-at-home mom with a knack for helicopter-parenting. Max, Peyton’s bright and quirky seventeen-year-old daughter, is poised to kiss the fancy private school she hates goodbye – and all of its spoiled rich kids – and head off to pursue her dreams in film. But suddenly the grass isn’t looking so green. One little lie. That was all it took. Will any of them survive the truth?

In my opinion: ★★★★

Lauren Weisberger is, and always will be, an auto-read author for me. Instantly I was reminded why when in the opening restaurant scene a wooden stool is provided for designer handbags to be seated on. I love these ridiculous over-the-top satirical glimpses into the world of the rich and famous that provide the basis of her books. But, somehow this one just felt a little different, a little less fun and a little less satirical than normal. At first I thought it was because her characters are usually normal people who temporarily become self-absorbed after getting thrust unexpectedly into a privileged lifestyle before finding themselves again - but that actually is still true of main character Peyton. This one focuses more on family than romance so maybe it's that or that I didn't much care for Skye or the sub-plot involving her. But, then at the end Weisberger confides that she struggled creatively writing a book during a pandemic so maybe it is just a little flatter than her usual trademark style. That said it's still an entertaining read, with an enjoyable storyline (the main one) and two very likeable characters in Peyton and her genuine, quirky daughter, Max.

The Lies We Tell by Jane Corry (17 Jun 2021)

Sarah always thought of herself and her husband, Tom, as good people. But that was before their son Freddy came home saying he'd done something terrible. Begging them not to tell the police. Soon Sarah and Tom must find out just how far they are willing to push themselves, and their marriage, to protect their only child . . .

In my opinion: ★★★

From the blurb I was expecting some kind of moral dilemma where Sarah and her husband, Tom, have to decide how far they're willing to go to protect their only child after he confesses to murder. Disappointingly, however, this very much concentrates on the build up rather than the aftermath. The story opens with the confession but then it's not until the latter half or third of the book that we get back to that. Don't get me wrong the back stories are compelling and integral to the present day and the author does a brilliant job of character development explaining how these two very diff people ended up married but it just wasn't quite the story I was expecting.

Best of May 2021

There's plenty of new releases for book lovers to look forward to this May, and I'm lucky enough to have been able to preview some of them for you.

#1 The Cancer Ladies Running Club by Josie Lloyd (13 May 2021)

When Keira first receives her breast cancer diagnosis, she never expects to end up joining a running group with three women she’s only just met. Totally blind-sided, all she can think about is how she doesn’t want to be part of a group of fellow cancer patients. Cancer is not her club. And yet it’s running – hot, sweaty, lycra-clad running in the company of brilliant, funny women all going through treatment – that unexpectedly gives Keira the hope she so urgently needs.

In my opinion: ★★★★★

Wow - this packs an emotional punch! It made me laugh and cry, fearful yet inspired, entertained and educated, and everything in-between. It had me before it even began with the 'Dear Reader' letter in which the author reveals the book is based on her own cancer journey. Knowing that, at first I couldn't get my head around the characters in that Keira isn't an author but owns a shop and Tom is a regular husband and not part of one of my favourite author double acts. But I soon forgot that and those elements (teenage angst, poorly pets, difficult colleagues, leaky conservatories, etc) added something else to the story as like in real life cancer doesn't take place in a vacuum. Don't get me wrong the author doesn't shy away from the heartbreaking realities of cancer but her easy-going, contemporary, witty writing style makes for an enjoyable and uplifting read despite the melancholy subject. Everyone should read this - especially as I really can't do it justice in my review! 

#2 Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland (4 May 2021)

Every family has its secrets, and at Hedgehog Hollow there is no exception. When her self-absorbed cousin, Chloe, unexpectedly turns up at the farm - swiftly handing over her baby to Samantha to care for – trouble is definitely brewing. Especially as Chloe won’t tell anyone why she’s left her husband, James. As Samantha juggles new hedgehog arrivals, family dramas and her own health challenges, it soon becomes clear that she needs to start putting herself first for once. Little does she know that life-changing secrets from the past are about to unravel and turn their lives upside down...

In my opinion: ★★★★★

I loved this just as much as the previous one. Disappointingly there didn't seem to be as much of the hedgehogs and rescue centre in this one. But it was just like catching up with old friends, finding out what Sam and her family and friends had been up to since last time. I don't know how the author does it because this is a crazy cast of characters where everyone is somehow related to or been dating everyone else and all have turbulent pasts - it really should be too much. But, somehow it works and despite the drama it's still easy, warm, charming and light-hearted. This is the third in the series but don't worry if you haven't read the others as there's a helpful introduction (or recap) to the characters and story so far at the start. It's good to know that there's definitely going to be a fourth - I can't wait!

#3 The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall (13 May 2021)

As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is secretly hired by brides to be their right-hand woman, ensuring their big day goes off without a hitch. From wrangling rowdy hen dos to navigating last minute portaloo cancellations, there's no problem she can't solve. So when she's employed by an actual Marchioness to help plan the society wedding of the year, it should be a chance for Sophie to prove just how talented she is. Of course, it's not ideal that the bride, Cordelia, is rude, difficult and determined to make Sophie's life a nightmare. It's also a bit inconvenient when Sophie finds herself drawn to Cordelia's posh older brother, who is absolutely off limits. 

In my opinion: ★★★★★

As a fan of chicklit I loved this! My favourites are multi-dimensional storylines with a smattering of romance alongside strong friendships, family bonds or community spirit and/or a creative job or small business. And, this was exactly that - a fun story based around Sophie's unusual job as a professional bridesmaid, creating the basis for an unlikely friendship and little romance too. A nice touch - and some of the funniest bits - were the email and text exchanges between Sophie and her brides detailing their crazy demands such as dying her hair to match the other bridesmaids. Sophie was a very likeable character supported by a cast of equally likeable supporting characters.

#4 Perfect on Paper by Gillian Harvey (13 May 2021)

Clare Bailey's life is perfect. Successful career, loving husband, two kids and a gorgeous townhouse. At least, that's how it looks from the outside. In fact, she's never felt more invisible. Her boss barely remembers her name, her husband is distracted by his new TV job and her daughter has never found her more embarrassing! But when she's given a chance to turn her life upside-down she wonders whether she should risk everything she loves for a life that's more than just 'perfect on paper'...?

In my opinion: ★★★★

This book is loosely based on Britain's Got Talent with the main character accidentally entering a reality TV talent show. And, much like reality TV it was good fun, ridiculously unrealistic, laugh-out-loud funny, light-hearted entertainment and pure escapism. Whilst I couldn't relate to Clare - a middle-aged woman whose family take her for granted - I could totally relate to some bits of her life such as being given a cupboard for an office. This everyday situational humour was both funny and also a nice balance with the fantastical reality show element. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed her contemporary, fun writing style. Enjoy this for it is and I'm sure like me you'll love it.

#5 The Couple by Helly Acton (27 May 2021)

Millie is happy, she's successful and, with a great support network of friends and family (and a very grumpy cat), she's never lonely. The last thing she needs is romance messing up her perfectly organised world. Besides, normal people just don't have romantic relationships. Everyone knows that being in a couple is a bit . . . well, odd. No, Millie is more than happy with her conventional single life. So, when Millie lands a new project at work, launching a pill that prevents you falling in love, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. That is, until she starts working with Ben. Will Millie sacrifice everything she believes in for love?

In my opinion: ★★★★

I absolutely loved the author's previous book #TheShelf, totally relating to so many of the refreshingly real, contemporary, feminist and hilarious view points and life lessons of a single woman in her early thirties “trying to find someone to do life with” whilst wondering if that's even what she wants. So, I was really excited to read this especially as in her introductory note Helly explains she wrote this imaging a society that doesn't question why women are single but why aren't they. I guess it was that with main character Millie more than happy with her conventional single life in a world where normal people just don't have romantic relationships, St Bridget's Day is celebrated, double occupancy fees exist and popular songs such as "I Will Always Love Me". But instead of a celebration of single life it seemed like a bit of a mickey take with its alternate society and extremes - kind of like being anti-men as opposed to feminist/pro-women. And, for me that feeling overshadowed everything to the detriment of the fabulous writing, wit, characters and romcom (which is the reason why I've rounded up from a 3.5 rather than down).

#6 The Guest Book by C.L. Pattison (27 May 2021)

Charles and Grace wanted a quiet staycation honeymoon, but when their train terminates early due to a storm up ahead, they wonder if they made the wrong decision. Forced to take shelter in the nearest seaside town, Saltwater, they discover that there is only one guesthouse left. Unlike the rest of Saltwater, The Anchorage is entirely deserted. That night, with the storm howling relentlessly, Grace is woken by a child crying. She is haunted by the sound, until Charles convinces her it was only her imagination. But the next day, she finds a warning scrawled in the guest book: Leave now. Do not trust them.

In my opinion: ★★★

This was an odd one - normally I'm gripped and love the read but then am disheartened once I know how it all pans out. Weirdly this was kind of the other way round - the story didn't really capture my imagination or connect me during the telling but once I understood it I saw everything in a completely different light. The cast was quite small, the characters fairly ordinary and under-developed and the pace quite slow which is why I wasn't captivated at the time. But in hindsight it's a heart-breakingly sad and unexpected tale - I just wish certain characters had been been given the air time they deserved and readers somehow given a deeper insight into them and their story.

#7 Stranger by Karen Perry (13 May 2021)

Abi Holland is worried about her daughter Beth. So when foreign exchange student Corinne comes to stay, it's a relief to see her daughter making a friend. But the Holland family have lots of secrets, and Corinne is quietly listening to them all. Watching. Waiting. Ready to show them what they should really be worried about . . .

In my opinion: ★★★

Having loved every single one of their books, Karen Perry is one of my all-time favourite authors. But, sadly this one just wasn't for me. I felt uncomfortable from the off with the early hints of what might be to come. With a cast of adolescent girls and young adults combined with a theme of sexual relations and abuse I really didn't enjoy the storyline and wouldn't have picked it up had I known. 

Best of September 2021

I can't believe summer is over already - at least there's plenty of great books out this month to make up for it. From festive reads to domestic thrillers here's what I'm recommending this September.

Next of Kin by Kia Abdullah (2 Sep 2021)

Leila Syed receives a call that cleaves her life in two. Her brother-in-law’s voice is filled with panic. His son’s nursery has called to ask where little Max is. Leila was supposed to drop Max off that morning. But she forgot. Racing to the car park, she grasps the horror of what she has done. What follows is an explosive, high-profile trial that will tear the family apart. But as the case progresses it becomes clear there’s more to this incident than meets the eye…

In my opinion: ★★★★★

WOW! This was one of the most shocking opening chapters that I’ve ever read - more so because I'd completely forgotten what the book was about by the time I started reading. As the blurb warns career-focused Leila forgets she's meant to be dropping her nephew off at nursery when she rushes into work. It may be a difficult read for some but it's brilliantly written, so whilst hard-hitting and emotional, the taboo storyline is sensitively portrayed. You feel every emotion of the main characters and I liked that there were no 'good' or 'bad guys', just ordinary people pushed to the edge by unthinkable circumstances. Early on the author hints that that things are not what they seem but I could never have predicted the twists and turns - which I can't talk about for fear of spoiling it but suffice to say I absolutely loved. Its definitely one of those (original) stories that will get under your skin and stay in your mind for a long time. 

Autumn Dreams at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett (23 Sep 2021)

When her dreams of young love were cruelly shattered, Nerissa Morgan found it hard to move on. Now, at forty-three, with her boss retiring and rumours of a new doctor coming in to take over, change is coming, whether she’s ready for it or not. Following the death of his beloved wife, Tom Nelson buried himself in work at his busy inner-London GP practice. When his teenage children find themselves in trouble at school, he's desperate to reconnect before it’s too late and whisks his family away to the pretty seaside village of Mermaids Point to make a fresh start. But, the last thing Tom needs is an undeniable attraction to the woman he unexpectedly finds himself sharing a roof with…

In my opinion: ★★★★★

Having loved Summer Kisses at Mermaids Point I was nervous to see if this would live up to its predecessor - thankfully it did. Once again I loved the author's easy style, the charming but contemporary storyline and the gorgeous seaside village with its warm and friendly inhabitants. I enjoyed catching up with old friends, such as Laurie and Jake, as well as getting to know new ones. That said I found the extensive character list at the beginning over-whelming as there just seemed like too many people to keep up with - but in the end most were only bit parts and everyone else introduced gradually. So, much like the first, I adored this latest instalment and can't wait to see what the villagers get up to next - especially as this one did end appropriately but a little abruptly (I wanted to see how the family reacted).

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman (16 Sep 2021)

Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life. As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn't that be a bonus? But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn't bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can the Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?

In my opinion: ★★★★★

I love this group of crime-fighting, feisty, young-at-heart pensioners. Richard Osman captures the rambling, chatty musings of many elderly people perfectly as this extract of Joyce shows. "I've never thought that a guinea pig might need rescuing before, but I suppose they do. We all need it once in a while, and I don't see why guinea pigs would be any different. They eat guinea pigs in Peru, did you know? It was on Masterchef the other day. They just mentioned it, they didn't actually eat one." But at the same time these are no ordinary pensioners, as DCI Chris Hudson says, when Elizabeth announces she wants to organise a meeting with the mafia: "Of course you do. Any reason? Or was bridge cancelled and you had a slot in your diary." So, once again I loved this. In fact I think it was better than the first as the plot was less chaotic, complex and over-stuffed. Whilst not something serious murder mystery fans will probably like, the Thursday Murder Club is so much fun - and I hope there's more to come from the gang.

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (16 Sep 2021)

Fern Castle works in her local library. She has dinner with her twin sister Rose three nights a week. And she avoids crowds, bright lights and loud noises as much as possible. Fern has a carefully structured life and disrupting her routine can be ... dangerous. When Rose discovers that she cannot fall pregnant, Fern sees her chance to pay her sister back for everything Rose has done for her. Fern can have a baby for Rose. She just needs to find a father. Simple. Fern's mission will shake the foundations of the life she has carefully built for herself and stir up dark secrets from the past, in this quirky, rich and shocking story of unexpected love.

In my opinion: ★★★★

This turned out to be completely different to what I was expecting and very different to my normal reads. It covered a lot of deep themes including mental health, illness, addiction, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. And, at first I really didn't like it. Yet it was oddly compellingly and by the end I kinda loved it. The reason was main character and twin Fern. Fern is "different" and outside of my world - she has sensory processing issues and lacks social awareness but she really grew on me as I began to understand her better. I loved her view of the world and in particular agree with her astonishment that medical advances haven't come up with "a better way" of having babies and that shaking hands is risky for a person's health. With Fern's first person narrative interspersed with extracts from the other twin Rose's journal it's quickly evident from the different retellings of the same events that one of these sisters is an unreliable narrator? But, which one is 'The Good Sister'?

I Have Something To Tell You by Susan Lewis (16 Sep 2021)

High-flying lawyer Jay Wells has a successful career, loving husband and a family she adores. But one case – and one client – will put all that at risk. Edward Blake - an ordinary life turned upside down or a man who quietly watched television while his wife was murdered upstairs? Then Jay comes home one day and her husband utters the words no one ever wants to hear. Sit down … I have something to tell you Now Jay must fight not only for the man she defends, but for the man she thought she trusted with her life – her husband.

In my opinion: ★★★★

Susan Lewis is a brilliant storyteller, creating unique situations and moral dilemmas that leave you wondering what you would do in a similar situation. This was no exception yet was also somehow another completely different and unexpected storyline. I enjoyed the murder investigation - although Jay did seem to go unrealistically above and beyond her duties as a lawyer. Initially I did think there was too much focus on Jay's personal life, however, as the story progressed the reason for that became clear. And, as usual with the author I really didn't see that ending coming. Another great read from one of my favourite authors.

The Heights by Lousie Candlish (1 Sep 2021)

The Heights is a tall, slender apartment building among the warehouses of Tower Bridge, its roof terrace so discreet you wouldn’t know it existed if you weren't standing at the window of the flat directly opposite. But you are. And that’s when you see a man up there – a man you’d recognize anywhere. He’s older now and his appearance has subtly changed, but it’s definitely him. Which makes no sense at all since you know he has been dead for over two years.  You know this for a fact. Because you’re the one who killed him.  It’s time to confess what we did up there.

In my opinion: ★★★★

I'm new to this author having only read one previous books of hers. Unlike #TheOtherPassenger this one was more of slow-burn domestic thriller - exploring grief, obsession and revenge vengeance - until the surprise ending which I gather is a trademark of Louise Candlish. She is also known for creating unlikable and deeply flawed characters, which she definitely did with main character Ellen, whose fantasist, obessive behaviour just did seem a bit extreme for the circumstances. I get the revenge aspect driven by grief but Ellen's 'crazy' existed way before her son's death back when she just didn't like the way her son's teenage friend looked at her. And, that was it with this - once again I loved the writing and everyone else has loved it but I just didn't take to this particular storyline for some reason, perhaps because it is Ellen's story (literally and metaphorically as she's writing a book). It’s interspersed with an article on her and also later Vic’s point of view as her ex partner and son's father, but understanding more about Kieran and his point of view would have given more context.

The Secret Keeper's Daughter by Samantha King (10 Sep 2021)

Holly Mayhew has the perfect family set-up. But when her seven-year-old daughter, Marley, begins to act strangely, refusing to speak and rushing off to hide in her room, she knows something isn’t right. Desperate to understand why Marley has become so withdrawn, Holly creates a worry box, where Marley posts her thoughts each day. At first, the messages seem innocent. But when Holly finds a note saying secrets make me sad, she begins to question everyone entrusted with her care…Including her family.

In my opinion: ★★★★

This definitely held my interest as I could never tell where the story was heading. I thought it was going to be a psychological thriller especially as it plays out in a way that seems really dark and twisted. But much like the story, which is essentially about how easy it is to get the wrong impression, it turned out to be more of a family drama than a thriller. In the end it really wasn't as menacing as it seemed and when the truth finally came out (in one big rush) it was a bit underwhelming in many ways. It's an easy and compelling read though so worth the time.

We Are All Liars by Carys Jones (30 Sep 2021)

We're best friends. We trust each other. But...We are all liars.

Allie, Stacie, Diana, Emily and Gail have been by each other's sides for as long as they can remember. The Fierce Five. Best friends forever. But growing up has meant growing apart. And little white lies have grown into devastating secrets. When Gail invites the increasingly estranged friends to reunite at her Scottish cabin, it could be the opportunity to mend old wounds and heal the cracks in their friendship. But when a freak snowstorm rocks the cabin and one of the girls is found dead on the ice, their weekend away becomes a race against time - and each other - to get off the mountain alive.

In my opinion: ★★★★

This was a crazily unusual read for so many reasons. For the most part it's quite repetitive, overly descriptive and slow as the friends try to contend with the snow storm. There were lots of hints but nothing was explained properly and so it took a long time to find out what had happened to cause the present day tensions. But, the ending is something else - although I still can’t quite decide if it’s really good or just really confusing but what I do know is that it was totally unexpected and unique! The structure is also unusual, flipping regularly between the present mostly from Allie's POV, the police interview of an unidentified person of interest, and flashbacks from multiple viewpoints. These flashbacks are not in separate chapters, chronologically ordered or quantified so at the start while you're still trying to get all the characters and events straight it's all a little random and confusing. I sort of enjoyed this but it's definitely different.

Stranded by Sarah Goodwin (16 Sep 2021)

Eight strangers. One island. A secret you'd kill to keep.

When eight people arrive on the beautiful but remote Buidseach Island, they are ready for the challenge of a lifetime: to live alone for one year. Eighteen months later, a woman is found in an isolated fishing village. She’s desperate to explain what happened to her. How the group fractured and friends became enemies. How they did what they must to survive until the boat came to collect them; how things turned deadly when the boat didn’t come. But first she must come to terms with the devastating secret that left them stranded, and her own role in the events that saw eight arrive and only three leave…

In my opinion: ★★★

I chose this thinking it would be more of a murder mystery. It wasn't. It's more of a survival story, with the extensive descriptions of foraging, building, food preparation, water filtering, latrines (toilets), etc rather repetive and tedious at times. Sadly there's also more of that than the characters themselves. Other than main character, Maddie, we don't get know any of the other seven characters (or reality TV contestants) - their backgrounds, their motives or even really their personalities. Therefore, it's hard to understand how things escalate so quickly from such trivialities and hard to care about anyone's fate - including Maddie as whilst we know her more sadly she's just not that likeable. That said it was still a compelling read until the last third where things got a bit weird to say the least.

A Christmas Wedding in the Cotswolds by Lucy Coleman (2 Sep 2021)

Imogen Tolliman and Gray Adams can’t wait to get married after getting engaged the previous year, when stranded in a blizzard. But when the date slips because Gray is working on a huge film project, it seems like fate that they will end up getting married at Christmas. As well as building work, full-time jobs and wedding planning, Immi is in charge of raising money to build a children’s playground, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Santa Ahoy Cruises – her grandfather Tollie’s life work. When a terrible betrayal is uncovered, the whole community of Aysbury is left reeling, and Immi is left wondering if there will be a wedding after all…

In my opinion: ★★★

I didn't realise this was part of a series and whilst most series books work just as well as stand-alones I think reading the prior story # may have helped as it seems like quite a lot of big life-changing things happened previously. I probably would have been more invested in the characters too, all of whom came across as fairly non-descript and similar without their back stories. Sadly the plot was also fairly slow with all the 'action' in the last few chapters and nothing much happening early on other than day-to-day life. For example, there was a chapter on taking delivery of various items of furniture for Immi's new home with a whole paragraph (no exaggeration) on setting up the new cooker - I want escapism not real life when I read. What was really bizarre though was other seemingly significant events, such as the reveal of Val as Immi's mother to the wider community was not given any air time - perhaps again because the primary reveal formed part of the previous book. A perfectly pleasant, festive read but definitely not a must-read in my opinion (only)

Valentine's Day Top Picks

Romcoms are definitely more my thing than pure romances. So if you're in the mood for love (and laughs) this Valentine's Day then here's my favourites from this genre:

Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k-Up  by Alexandra Potter

I love this - probably because like main character Nell I am a forty-something single not on the same page as everyone else around me. Nell's single friends are now married with children, sky-high rents force her to rent a room in a stranger’s house and in a world of perfect instagram lives, she feels like a f*ck up. Even worse, a forty-something f*ck-up.

I totally related to so many of the themes regarding age, marriage and children such as “I always feel the pressure to explain why I don’t have kids, in a way I’m not sure women who have children do" or “Who can make that kind of promise [marriage] when you truly have no idea what will happen in the next thirty or more years?” But, it was the love/hate dynamics of unlikely housemates Nell and Edward that I really loved. Set over the course of a year, with chapters denoted by months, made the course of events and speed at which relationships developed more realistic and believable than some romance novels where boy meets girl and settles down together a week later. Unlike some this also wasn’t entirely predictable – I mean it did end up exactly as I hoped and thought but somewhere in the middle it wasn’t a given.

And, in terms of the 'com' this is funny – truly hilariously funny. There’s funny one-liners: “My theory is that’s why our eyesight goes as we get older: to protect us from seeing ourselves in sharp focus.” But, also plenty of situational humour such as Nell’s attempts at babysitter or dealing with Arthur’s dog-poo. But, it’s not all laughs. There are some serious messages and life lessons too such as: “Real life is messy and complicated. Shit happens. One size doesn’t fit all....We’re all just living our life, and it might not tick all the boxes or look Insta-perfect, but that’s OK.” And, finally this had a great cast of characters but even more so was the dynamics between them in particular “the super fabulous Cricket”.

We Just Clicked by Anna Bell

As one of the funniest books I've read I absolutely love this. The situational and observational humour is spot-on from the colleague who never makes tea to going out for the night but wondering how long you have to stay before it's acceptable to go home and get into your PJs. There's also the awkwardness of a glass-walled ensuite in your swanky hotel or not realising your girlfriend has a flat full of people when you start discussing your sex life over the flat's intercom. 

This is a great contemporary love story highlighting the difference between people's perfectly-filtered life online and their real life - including in Izzy's case a fake boyfriend. At the same time Izzy runs into Aidan and major sparks start to fly between them. There's also a great posse of characters - I even loved fake boyfriend and fellow instagrammer, Luke, secretly hoping there were actually genuine feelings developing on his side. 

This hilariously funny, fast-paced, light-hearted romantic comedy is my favourite but 'The Man I Didn't Marry' by the same author is also amazing and perhaps more romantic whilst still funny.

The Summer Job by Lizzie Dent (Coming soon)

I LOVE this great story about a "ramshackle family hotel.....trying so desperately to be grander and more magnificent than it was....filled with imperfect people, all muddling along together with their ridiculous flaws and gigantic hearts". But, it was totally main character, Elizabeth Finch or Birdy to her friends, that made this for me. She's a wonderfully boisterous, attention-seeking, risk-taking, sarcastic gobshite thirty-one year old girl trying to stop herself from falling for the first man she's ever actually liked (but who thinks she's someone else).

But, mostly she's hilarious as this quote shows where Birdy is about to finally get it on with James: "I stink. I haven't had a shower and I'm still wearing yesterday's knickers. Oh, and in this light, I'd better warn you, there will be some disappointments." Or "Sorry, James, I'm a total mess. I'd like to say it gets better than this, but it really doesn't."

Best of April 2021

Don't let April showers get you down. Just stay inside with one of these great reads instead....

#1 The Summer Job by Lizzie Dent (15 Apr 2021)

Can Birdy carry off a summer at a luxury Scottish hotel pretending to be her best friend (who incidentally is a world-class wine expert)? And can she stop herself from falling for the first man she's ever actually liked (but who thinks she's someone else).

In my opinion: ★★★★★

LOVED IT! A great story about a "ramshackle family hotel.....trying so desperately to be grander and more magnificent than it was....filled with imperfect people, all muddling along together with their ridiculous flaws and gigantic hearts". But, it was totally main character, Elizabeth Finch or Birdy to her friends, that made this for me. She's a wonderfully boisterous, attention-seeking, risk-taking, sarcastic gobshite or a thirty-one year old girl "lacking in credentials and experience".

But, mostly she's hilarious as this quote shows where Birdy is about to finally get it on with James: "I stink. I haven't had a shower and I'm still wearing yesterday's knickers. Oh, and in this light, I'd better warn you, there will be some disappointments." Or "Sorry, James, I'm a total mess. I'd like to say it gets better than this, but it really doesn't." She's also totally relatable. I could particularly relate to this one: "No one in history has moaned about bosses as much as me....Almost every boss I've ever had has fallen short in every conceivable way." Its written in the first person with plenty of random musings about anything and everything. 

#2 Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane (1 Apr 2021)

Eve, Justin, Susie and Ed have been friends since they were eighteen. Now in their 30s, the four are still as close as ever, and Eve is still secretly in love with Ed. Then one night, in an instant, all their lives change forever. And, as Eve learns she didn’t know her friends as well as she thought, she also discovers she isn’t the only person keeping secrets…

In my opinion: ★★★★★

I didn't even read the blurb for this, I just saw Mhairi McFarlane and thought must-read as I loved her previous book - so funny. Well WOW this couldn't have been more different yet at the same time similar. Like 'If I Never Met You' this was funny mainly due to the author's dry, cynical but spot-on writing style and witty musings. For example, a favourite of mine was Eve pondering "how many mistakes in life are born of a simple fear of being rude" or justification of bitching that some people are so intolerable that "there's only two ways of releasing the pressure. One, letting loose at the individual winding you up, or two, bitching mercilessly behind their back."

But, unlike 'If I Never Met You' which was based on a fauxmance this was essentially a heartbreaking story of friendship and loss (with a little bit of love obviously). As such I wasn't expecting the emotions and thoughts this provoked. But that said it was still essentially a light-hearted read with the author blending her wit and empathy seamlessly....and I for one LOVED it!

#3 The Lost Hours by Susan Lewis (1 Apr 2021)

Golden couple Annie and David Crayce have it all. A loving marriage, three beautiful children and a thriving family business. Life couldn’t be better. Until the unthinkable happens… A piece of damning DNA evidence has arisen, placing David as the prime suspect of a murder committed twenty-years ago. Annie is sure her David is innocent. But if he isn’t guilty, then either his father or brother must be. As the police investigate, so does Annie. And Annie begins to doubt the one person she thought she knew best… Her husband.  

In my opinion: ★★★★

Having only fairly recently discovered author Susan Lewis I have quickly become a huge fan. Once again this was another brilliant read that had me gripped from start to finish. The reason being that Susan Lewis always seems to tackle some really compelling and thought-provoking moral dilemmas with her plots. In this one familial DNA evidence means that there are only three possible suspects (the father, uncle or grandfather) and so in proving their own innocence each is effectively condemning a loved one instead. This explores the emotional impact on the close-knit family from divided loyalties to doubts, love, anger, guilt, disbelief and more.

I've given this 4 stars rather than 5 simply because in an exceptionally demanding way I was expecting more. Right from the start the remote shooting school setting filled me with nervous anticipation and dread - all those guns - but disappointingly that didn't really amount to anything. Mostly though whilst I didn't see the eventual culprit coming - and was in one way pleased with who it was (or wasn't) - they did seem an odd choice and the emotional fallout of it being someone else would have been even more powerful. I really wanted to give this 4.5 as it is brilliant......

#4 The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary (29 Apr 2021)

Addie and her sister are about to embark on an epic road trip to a friend's wedding in rural Scotland. But, not long after setting off, a car slams into the back of theirs. The driver is none other than Addie's ex, Dylan, who she's avoided since their traumatic break-up two years earlier. Dylan and his best mate are heading to the wedding too, and they've totalled their car, so Addie has no choice but to offer them a ride. The car is soon jam-packed full of luggage and secrets, and with four-hundred miles ahead of them, Dylan and Addie can't avoid confronting the very messy history of their relationship...

In my opinion: ★★★★

This was a story of two halves - literally and figuratively speaking. I loved the 'NOW' which focused on the calamitous road trip of five very different and unlikely travelling companions and their baggage (again literal and figuratively). These chapters were fun, funny, witty, light-hearted and entertaining and I enjoyed the dynamic and banter between the group. That said though none of the characters were a patch on Eileen from Beth O'Leary's previous book (which earned a solid 5-star rating from me). The 'THEN' was important for framing the 'NOW' but was more intense, less funny, slower paced and less me if I'm honest. Here the author also made mention of issues such as mental health but I felt they were almost token tick-box references and topics that should either be done justice or left out. With Beth's easy to read style this was an enjoyable read but sadly didn’t quite reach the admittedly high expectations set by #TheSwitch.

#5 The Wild Girls by Phoebe Morgan (29 Apr 2021)

In a luxury lodge on Botswana’s sun-soaked plains, four friends reunite for a birthday celebration. Arriving at the safari lodge, a feeling of unease settles over them. There’s no sign of the party that was promised. There’s no phone signal. They’re alone, in the wild. The hunt is on.

In my opinion: ★★★★

I loved the premise of this and it was certainly an addictive, speed-read. The atmosphere was tense and sinister from the off, in no part due to the predatory safari setting, and I was literally holding my breath throughout waiting to see how it was going to pan out. Sadly though in the end I didn't really like the way it did pan out. The atmospheric setting didn't come to much, and I struggled to engage with any of the 'wild girls'. It didn't help that although the chapters alternated equally between the 'friends' some were in the first person and some the third which seemed both jarring and suggestive. But, mostly I found it a bit far fetched, very twisted and the motive uncomfortable (although for those reasons I definitely didn't see it coming). I also like things neatly tied up and justice to be done so naturally I didn't like the weird non-ending. Despite the dubious story line this was an enjoyable, gripping read nonetheless.

#6 The Therapist by B A Paris (15 Apr 2021)

When Alice and Leo move into The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive. As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating, grisly secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before. Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it.…

In my opinion: ★★★★

I've only read one of B A Paris' previous books #TheDilemma which I really liked. Others have said this is a departure from B A Paris’s previous psycho-thrillers so that maybe explains why I wasn't as invested in this one. It was a bit of a slow burn and I think maybe the characters just didn't have enough depth for me to really get behind them or the story. The early narrative is told from Alice’s viewpoint interspersed with anonymous therapy sessions but for me these chapters didn't really add anything because I'd completely forgotten them by the time I knew what/who they were about and wouldve had to re-read later to make any sense if them. The plot also got a bit strange and overdone towards the end with Alice managing to somehow tenuously link one-off events across multiple countries and years but not see what was right in front of her eyes. Definitely not a must-read but also not a miss either so why not make up your own mind....

#7 Worst Idea Ever by Jane Fallon (29 Apr 2021)

Best friends tell each other everything. Or do they? 

Setting up a fake Twitter account, Georgia hopes to give her friend some anonymous moral support by posing as a potential customer. But then Lydia starts confiding in her new internet buddy and Georgia discovers she doesn't know her quite as well as she thought. 

In my opinion: ★★★★

This has an interesting premise and is a very easy read but I wanted (and was expecting) more. I enjoyed the first part but once the characters work out what's going on, the story peters out a bit and just sort of plods on to a fairly tame conclusion. Surely after such jealousy and betrayal there would have been more fireworks, even revenge perhaps, something anyway? That said it was a enjoyable read but very much a nice read rather than a must read.

#8 The Best Things by Mel Giedroyc (1 Apr 2021)

Sally Parker is struggling to find the hero inside herself. Her husband Frank has lost his business, their home and their savings, in one fell swoop. Their bank cards are being declined. The children have gone feral. And now the bailiffs are at the door. What does an ordinary woman do when the bottom falls out?

Sally Parker is about to surprise everybody. Most of all herself.

In my opinion: ★★★

This had a few laughs but given that it's TV comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc's debut novel I was expecting more. It's more of a nice, relaxed, happy ever after read. With four children, two lay-about brothers, a snobby mum, estranged parent-in-laws, a feisty grandma and a brainiac business partner, the Parker family provided an interestingly diverse array of characters. But sadly I found myself getting annoyed with most of the characters particularly Sally (and Amerjit) who were frustratingly wet and Frank unbelievably defeatist - thank goodness for tenacious eleven year old Mikey. The story is nice enough but took a while to get going and finished too soon as I wanted to know what the Parkers were going to do next.

#9 Her Last Holiday by C.L. Taylor (29 Apr 2021)

Two years ago, Fran’s sister Jenna disappeared on a wellness retreat in Gozo that went terribly wrong. Tom Wade, the now infamous man behind Soul Shrink Retreats, has just been released from prison after serving his sentence for the deaths of two people. But he has never let on what happened to the third victim: Jenna. Determined to find out the truth, Fran books herself onto his upcoming retreat – the first since his release – and finds herself face to face with the man who might hold the key to her sister’s disappearance. The only question is, will she escape the retreat alive? Or does someone out there want Jenna’s secrets to stay hidden?

In my opinion: ★★★

I've wanted to read this author for ages but sadly this just wasn't for me. It was an easy read with an engaging writing style which kept me intrigued and reading quickly but I didn't enjoy the story line. I found the retreat and therapy aspect a bit much and also the characters a bit irritating and unlikable. But the main problem was the motivations of both the culprit and victim which seemed both ridiculous and unconvincing. The aftermath was also totally unbelievable - how the characters could be so forgiving and their personalities change instantaneously (particularly the dad). Whilst this wasn't my cup of tea I would try another of the author's books as I really do think it just this particular story line I didn't take too rather than the writing style so I would try another of her books.

Best of February 2021

It's February: the month of love and romcoms. See what's out this month....

#1 The Man I Didn't Marry by Anna Bell (4 Feb 2021)

What happens when the man she married can’t remember her at all? Ellie has the perfect life: a happy marriage, a gorgeous daughter and a baby on the way. But when her husband Max suddenly develops amnesia, he forgets everything about the last five years … including their relationship. Ellie’s determined to get to the bottom of his memory loss and find her Max again – he has to be in there somewhere, right? But then she discovers that before he lost his memory, Max was keeping a huge secret from her. 

In my opinion: ★★★★★

I absolutely loved Bell's previous book #WeJustClicked - which is one of the funniest books I've read. And as another brilliant light-hearted romantic comedy I loved this one too! Although this was more continuously funny throughout rather than big laugh out loud moments excluding Ellie being mistaken for a stripper, unicorn headbands and the camping kettle incident. Bell's created another great posse of characters from main character Ellie, who's warm, funny and still slightly geeky, to support characters like theatrical mother-in-law Judy. 

I particularly loved the baby group friends; sharp-witted Helen who says she brought Anneka reusable nappies from her baby shower list as the thought of her washing them "was like giving a gift to myself" and Anneka herself who says: "I can't go into the hospital. What if they make me give birth naturally." They are all people you'd love to know and be friends with in real life. I also enjoyed the contemporary love story of having to fall in love all over again and whether love really is fate or simply timing - can you recreate it? My only criticism is that I wanted an epilogue - I need to know whether the friends had baby girls or boys, names, etc.

#2 Lie Beside Me by Gytha Lodge (18 Feb 2021)

You wake up. 

You can't remember what happened.

The man lying next to you is not your husband.

And he's dead . . .

As Louise desperately struggles to piece her memories back together, it's clear to Detective Jonah Sheens and his team that she is their prime suspect - did she do it?

In my opinion: ★★★★

This totally screws with your mind - I mean main character Louise isn't even sure whether she did it or not. Although I wouldn't even say it's twisty and turny, more a cleverly plotted story line which just adds layer upon layer right up until the end. The u-turn is more on the characters than the plot, with the author turning you from hating someone (Louise) to rooting for them and vice versa with other characters (Alex). I also liked that while this was full of unexpected revelations, it remained realistic unlike so many books which push the boundaries too far in their attempt to deliver shock after shock. Its part police procedural and part psychological thriller alternating between the two.

I really really enjoyed this but couldn't give it the full five-stars for a couple of reasons. One I always find crimes of a sexual nature uncomfortable reading. I also dislike it in crime novels when the detectives' stories follows that of the victim - it just feels too much and unnecessary. This is the first/only one I've read but is actually the third in a series. It works as a standalone although at the start I did find all the different police detectives difficult to keep track of as it was obviously the first time I'd met them - it was perhaps also why I wasn't quite as invested in their stories too. I'll definitely be catching up with the previous two books though.

#3 Much Ado About You by Samantha Young (2 Feb 2021)

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling's life in Chicago is missing that special something. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. As soon as she arrives, Evie's drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer.

In my opinion: ★★★★

This started so strongly. I liked the first person monologue style which felt just like chatting to a good friend - a witty American thirty something booklover friend. I also liked that it wasn't just a love story but had lots more going on too with village life providing lots of family, friend and neighbour interactions (as well as a great supporting cast). I also liked the realistic timeframe with the story spanning a number of months rather than the whirlwind romances typical of this genre. However, as it went on there were a few things that took it from a 5-star to 4-star. Firstly that newcomer Evie was able to fix everyone else's lives, even fixing long-standing issues that had been plaguing the village for decades. It was a bit much both in terms of the ease and speed she could help and the sheer number of things she got involved in. At least a couple of these could have been forgone and more focus given to the running of the bookshop (which was one of the things that really drew me to this book but was sadly given little time). I also thought after the build up, Roane's "betrayal" was really quite insignificant and personally I really couldn't understand Evie's distress at finding out the hot, single guy you've fallen for is actually extremely wealthy - I mean seriously?! But, most annoying for me was Roane's continuous use of the term "Angel" urgh! A good book though despite a few minor niggles.  

#4 Married at First Swipe by Claire Frost (4 Feb 2021)

Hannah has truly been living her best life. But she wishes she had someone to spend the quieter moments with too. Jess has been with her husband for twenty years. They have a stable marriage, great kids and run their own businesses. But Jess can’t help but wonder whether settling down is all it’s cracked up to be. When Hannah embarks upon her latest scheme: finding a man using Jess’s dating app and meeting him for the first time at the altar, both women start to realise the grass isn't always greener.

In my opinion: ★★★

Described as perfect for fans of Helly Acton and Mhairi McFarlane (which I am) and loosely based on one of my favourite TV shows 'Married at First Sight' I couldn't wait to read this. Sadly though I was left disappointed as it wasn't anywhere near as funny as 'The Shelf' or 'If I Never Met You' or as dramatic as the show. The big problem for me was that this focused way too much on the pre-wedding and not enough on the wedding or marriage. I wanted more of their first impressions of each other, more of what happened on the honeymoon, more dates, more getting to know each other, more Toby - just more of everything really. I also wanted more from the epilogue - which was too soon after the end of the story to see how things worked, particularly for Jess who wasn't even given an update. The other problem was main character Hannah - who I found slightly annoying and totally selfish. Overall, an easy read but one that ambled along and unfortunately just didn't live up to its potential.

Best of March 2021

My pick of the best books out this month....

#1 The Castaways by Lucy Clarke (18 March 2021)

It should be like any other holiday. Beautiful beaches. Golden sunsets. Nothing for miles. You’ll never want to leave. Until you can’t…

In my opinion: ★★★★★

This was the one of those books that you can't help racing through but at the same time don't want to end. The unique plot and dual timelines had me totally gripped and invested in the castaways' fates from start to finish. The descriptions of events and the island setting are so vivid and frighteningly realistic that they'll invade your thoughts and dreams, particularly if you are a nervous flyer. I loved the ending, which felt very apt for the character Erin and was the one I was rooting for from early on. My only criticism is that I really wanted more of Mike to better understand his actions. The cover blurb really doesn't do this justice.

#2 Summer Kisses at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett (25 March 2021)

Laurie Morgan runs a café in the small seaside community of Mermaids Point. Jake Smith is a journalist, burned out and disillusioned with life, whose editor has sent him on a crack-pot hunt for mermaids. Jake quickly finds himself drawn to village life, and to the gorgeous woman who runs the local café. But he soon suspects there’s trouble lurking beneath the idyllic façade, and when it looks like Laurie’s family might be involved, Jake faces a difficult choice. Pursue the truth, or protect the woman he’s beginning to fall in love with…

In my opinion: ★★★★★

I adored this book - it was a gorgeous, warm, light-hearted story set in a charming seaside village with likeable characters. The mystery of the mermaid sightings was the perfect accompaniment to Laurie and Jake's love story and I particularly enjoyed Laurie's folklore telling of a sailor who fell in love with a mermaid. It was pure feel-good escapism and the perfect read for these current times. My only criticism was Laurie's age as I did find it hard to believe she was 23 – perhaps that's simple village living for you but definitely the most mature, grounded 23 year old I’ve ever come across. Apparently this is the start of a brand new series one and I for one can't wait to revisit Mermaids Point.

#3 A Sprinkle of Sabotage by Fiona Leitch (11 March 2021)

A film company is coming to the Cornish village of Penstowan, and the whole village turn up to be cast as extras, even Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker. But right on cue, the company’s caterer is sabotaged and Jodie must step up. As other small accidents begin to happen, it becomes clear that the filming is being sabotaged. Can Jodie save the day once again, or will it be their final curtain call?

In my opinion: ★★★★★

This is the third in The Nosey Parker Mysteries Series. I enjoyed the first but the opportunity to catch up with much loved characters made this one even better. I just love the family dynamic between the three generations of Parker women and the will they/won't they romance between Jodie and DCI Withers. I also knew what to expect this time because this is exactly as described on the cover "a cozy mystery". There's no clues to solve, no twists and turns, no darkness nor disturbing elements - it's a light-hearted, fun, comedic murder mystery and I loved it!

#4 The Whispers by Heidi Perks (18 March 2021)

Anna Robinson hasn't been seen since she want on a night out with her four closest friends. She has a loving husband and a son she adores. Surely she wouldn't abandon them and her perfect life... At the school gates, it's not long before the rumours start. Anna's oldest friend Grace is beside herself with worry - desperately searching for answers, and certain that someone is hiding the truth. With each day that passes, the pressure mounts, it won't be long before something cracks....

In my opinion: ★★★★

This is typical Heidi Perks where the author leads you one way, then layers on another point of view giving a totally different impression. Told alternately from the perspectives of childhood besties, Grace and Anna, the story is divided into three parts. It's not until the third and final part of the story when you get the whole picture and can fully understand who's maybe not what they seem. Sadly though I didn't take to either of the women so wasn't rooting for anyone in the usual way. It was an intriguing read but for me somewhat lacked the pace, action and suspense of Perk's first book 'Now You See Her' which is one of my favourite ever books.

#5 The Invitation by AM Castle (26 March 2021)

Thirteen guests. One killer. No escape. On an island on the coast of Cornwall, cut off from the mainland by the tides for most of the day, thirteen old friends meet at Tregowan Castle for a weekend of revelry. By the next evening only twelve are still alive. Amongst them is a killer – but who? As a storm traps them on the island and past betrayals and grievances are revealed, nerves fray and friendships begin to fracture. But with no escape and no way of calling for help it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again. And when everyone is keeping secrets, anybody could be the next victim…

In my opinion: ★★★★

One guest ends up dead when thirteen old friends reunite for the weekend. This closed-room who-dunnit really grabbed my attention. It was an easy and enjoyable read but sadly fell a little flat after the first murder. Each of the thirteen characters (except tween Ruby) had some sort of hidden secret but some of the disclosures felt too ridiculous and were left too late to be revealed which made it difficult to guess along and meant there was not a lot actually going on at times. The author did a good job of creating distinct personalities for each guest, perhaps because each character took up the ever-changing narrative so you got to know them all equally. However, the constantly rotating multiple points of view did make the narrative quite chaotic and awkward, and sadly none of the characters were particularly likeable.

#6 The Hiding Place by Jenny Quintana (18 March 2021)

Marina is adopted - Baby Blue, the newspapers nicknamed her at the time, after she’d been found wrapped in a blue shawl, in the hallway of a large, shared house in London. 24 Harrington Gardens - that was the house, split into flats. And one of them is to let.....Of course, Marina knows that the chances of her uncovering the truth about her birth are remote – but she hopes the house might hold some clues.

In my opinion: ★★★

I loved 'The Missing Girl's one of Quintana's previous books, but sadly this one just didn't do it for me.  It was an interesting look at a different era  (the 1960s) when unwed mothers were considered shameful, and teenage unwed mothers even more so, and men were to be spared from women's problems and responsibilities. As such many women were forced into back street abortions or hiding their pregnancies and difficult labours before giving their child up for adoption. However, disappointingly I also found it a slow burn, with little mystery and a limited cast of characters, none of whom I really warmed to.