I started off really loving this one. The plot and scenes set in Amsterdam were great! I was settled in for an awesome read. Then it lost me.
The plot I started off really loving this one. The plot and scenes set in Amsterdam were great! I was settled in for an awesome read. Then it lost me.
The plot shifts its focus from the mystery of drug induced deaths in Amsterdam to a focus on drug cartels and the whole seedy underground scene in Mexico. It was this switch that lost me, I felt like I was in a different book.
I think this has more to do with not being my thing because it's not a badly written book. I simply had no interest in the scenes and events going on. I really tried to get back into this book over and over again. The whole drug scene, Mexico thing has never appealed to me in books.
The main characters are done really well and I was particularly enamoured with Van den Bergen. A great Scandinavian character! Georgina McKenzie of course is a central player as she is throughout this series but I didn't gel with her in this book.
So - a great start, super enthralling but then it didn't do it for me and I lost my enthusiasm for it. I finished it but with no sense of reader satisfaction. Perhaps fans of this series can recommend their favourite book in the series to me?
I think fans will no doubt still really like Marnie's newest book. Sadly it didn't float my boat. 3 stars from me. I tried.
I chose to read a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and completely unbiased.
Merged review:
I started off really loving this one. The plot and scenes set in Amsterdam were great! I was settled in for an awesome read. Then it lost me.
The plot shifts its focus from the mystery of drug induced deaths in Amsterdam to a focus on drug cartels and the whole seedy underground scene in Mexico. It was this switch that lost me, I felt like I was in a different book.
I think this has more to do with not being my thing because it's not a badly written book. I simply had no interest in the scenes and events going on. I really tried to get back into this book over and over again. The whole drug scene, Mexico thing has never appealed to me in books.
The main characters are done really well and I was particularly enamoured with Van den Bergen. A great Scandinavian character! Georgina McKenzie of course is a central player as she is throughout this series but I didn't gel with her in this book.
So - a great start, super enthralling but then it didn't do it for me and I lost my enthusiasm for it. I finished it but with no sense of reader satisfaction. Perhaps fans of this series can recommend their favourite book in the series to me?
I think fans will no doubt still really like Marnie's newest book. Sadly it didn't float my boat. 3 stars from me. I tried.
I chose to read a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own and completely unbiased. ...more
Firstly let me say what a great book cover this has! I love it. I absolutely powered through this book. I was still reading at 3 a.m. to get to the enFirstly let me say what a great book cover this has! I love it. I absolutely powered through this book. I was still reading at 3 a.m. to get to the end. I am very impressed by S. T. Ashman, she is definitely an Author to watch. One of my favourite books this year so far. One of those books where the first chapter kicks into high gear immediately so no slow burn here. Straight into the action. It’s a very good first novel, it reads like a well seasoned crime writer.
I could see this being made into a TV drama or movie easily. I’m really hopeful there will be a series following this book. It’s crying out for more. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so easily read as a stand alone.
If you love crime you’ll love this. I am picky with crime fiction as I have read so much of it. The plot is great, what’s not to like about a killer who kills serial killers? What are the ethics around that? Is it okay to kill those who kill to rid the world of those that kill others and will keep on killing if not stopped? Does that make you just as disturbed and evil? I read reviews that say this has gory kill scenes but it doesn’t. The first one is a bit but don’t worry if you think these reviews make it sound super bloody and gory. It isn’t.
The characters just pop, each one is very interesting and individual, even the outside players. Our two main characters I loved. I can’t give much away but the killer killing killers is intelligent and very unique for a crime novel. I loved the tenacious FBI Agent from the famous BAU (Behavioural Analysis Unit) also. This real department was set up to profile and find the worst killers back in the 70’s. The two characters dance around each other in a game of cat and mouse.
There are plenty of great twists and from the opening chapter I was pulled in as immediately the Author shows you that something different is in this book.
Like all good crime books there are flawed and damaged characters. There are lies and deception and red herrings. Then there are the good guys and bad guys. Don’t get me wrong, there are indeed some violent scenes but nothing to be overwhelmed by. There is also a couple of very short but steamy sex scenes that I though were written so well the Author might branch into Erotica at some point? Just kidding! I found them well done that’s all. They are few and short and not so sweet however, no sickening instant love at first sight here.
Our determined FBI Agent sees the killings differently to others and despite indications that the case should be closed he refuses. I read this over a few hours and literally loved every page. It’s easy to read, not overly complex and as an avid crime reader I’m very impressed. Definitely watch this space for this Author. I read about her background in psychology and it shows in the book.
Who is the killer who kills serial killers? That is the best part of the book. I’m not telling as it’s a major spoiler but the way the Author weaves double lives into the book is really well done and intriguing. There are a few unusual aspects to this vigilante prodigy.
A thrilling read with some great scenes to rememberer and a book you can whizz through. If you are looking for something to break a reading drought this would fit the bill. This is definitely perfectly set up for at least a sequel and what I hope may be a whole series featuring the two main characters.
The ending blew me away. Really well done! I found the writing really good, in particular the dialogue is done very well, so realistic and it flows like you are listening to real conversations. I could picture each scene like watching it on screen. I could also picture each character clearly too, both in appearance and personality. I can’t recall reading anything in the last 12 months like this.
Highly recommended if you like crime or books with a twisty psychological aspect, if you like both you’ll really love it. Five stars. I wish I had a sequel to jump straight into.
Published on October 10th, 2023. A big thanks to Ashman Books, via NetGalley for my ARC, look me up for the sequel or even better the rest of the series.
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I powered through this crime novel. An interesting twist on the serial killer themed books. I really liked it. It’s got pace and plenty to hold your iI powered through this crime novel. An interesting twist on the serial killer themed books. I really liked it. It’s got pace and plenty to hold your interest from start to finish. No slow boring bits (hurrah!). I finished this at 5 in the morning! I had to finish it. Daniel Cole (Author of Ragdoll amongst other bestselling books, check out ,y review of that) is a really great writer. I’m definitely reading even more by him.
Detective Scarlett Delaney is new to the force when she lands slap bang in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer who gruesomely murders his victims. Then they seem to vanish into thin air. Scarlett is the daughter of an infamous serial killer herself and that plays a part in the plot.
The serial killer she is hunting for is named “The Jackdaw” as he/she takes a shiny token from each victim. Enter Henry Devlin, a charismatic but dangerous criminal with his own reasons for pursuing the Jackdaw. Together, they form an uneasy alliance, but as they get closer to their prey, the threat surrounding Scarlett intensifies. Scarlett has a close bond with a fellow Detective and there is a great story behind that.
I loved both Scarlett and Henry as main characters and their relationship is complicated and it’s like watching the dance of two moths seeking out the same flame. The dynamics between a criminal (and he is a very bad boy) and a Detective is unusual indeed. Think James Bond (handsome, suave, clever and bold) meets Agent Scully. An attractive redhead with oodles of ambition.
The Author Daniel Cole has a brilliant imagination as the methods of killing and disposal of the bodies are both complex and clever. Very clever thinking to make the storyline diverse. Loved that. I was genuinely surprised by the ways this killer commits the killings. Very unique.
It barrels along with plenty of twists and surprises. So much is intertwined in the plot but in no way does it get confusing. The writing is really good. I cannot wait for the next in this series. A solid 4 stars for The Jackdaw. If you love crime you’ll really enjoy this.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing for my ARC via NetGalley. Publication date is October 10th 2023.
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Well, this was something very different from what I’ve read lately and I really liked it a lot. It is set in Germany during the COVID pandemic and hasWell, this was something very different from what I’ve read lately and I really liked it a lot. It is set in Germany during the COVID pandemic and has an awesome bunch of very interesting and unusual characters who make this book so brilliant. It’s not easy to have all characters be very distinctive from each other, it’s achieved here.
This is my first time reading anything from Germanys number one Author but definitely not the last. Dora and her dog are desperate to escape the city life of Berlin and especially her annoying vocal boyfriend and his rants on the pandemic and everything else under the sun. She escapes to a very small country town called Bracken where she has bought an old house on a big block of land.
Pretty quickly we meet key characters, firstly her next door neighbour who announces himself as the village Nazi. Not what you expect at all. Dora takes this in her stride and over time a fascinating dynamic occurs between the two. I can’t mention much about that as it will ruin the entire book but nothing is as it seems. Other characters quickly enter her world and I actually loved every single one of them. Juli knows how to bring characters to life and has created a book that challenges stereotypes.
The book is full with so much from opposing views on many issues, biases, judgements, misconceptions and more. It’s absolutely fascinating. Ultimately though this is about people, kindness, acceptance and friendship. It’s a story and a half. I’m struggling to say much more as it’s one of those that you don’t want to give a lot away on. I felt much emotion reading it from laughter to sadness. The ending broke my heart. Very powerful.
Dora works as an advertising copywriter and ends up of course working from home due to the pandemic. The Author very cleverly incorporates brilliant concepts and ideas that come from Dora’s imagination but they also relate to events going on. I had a lot of genuine smiles reading it. I loved many characters especially a young girl who worms her way into Dora’s world and heart (and her dog is mad for this child too). Her story is very powerful and moving. Even the dog is a huge character!
The reveal! Oh my God, I was stunned and cannot express how clever this writer is. You won’t see it coming and it changes so much, the pieces of the jigsaw fall into place.This is very much a book about why we should never assume, never judge a book by its cover and the power of always having an open mind. The book is filled with so much good stuff. Absolutely hooked me in and I couldn’t put it down.
I really do not understand the reviews that describe this book in a really negative light, to be honest I think the point has been missed.So don’t let those put you off please. This is a book about human nature and what we value most in life. I highly recommend this. My review has not done it justice as I don’t want to throw in any spoilers. 4 solid stars. If you are wanting something different to read this will do the job nicely. Very clever penmanship and I can see why Juli is a bestselling German writer. I am eager to read more from her immediately. Sadly though this is her only book so far translated into English.
Thanks to World Editions for my ARC via NetGalley....more
I found this really slow, it started with some oomph but then the pace changed. I find with Harlen Coben books they are either excellent or a bit mediI found this really slow, it started with some oomph but then the pace changed. I find with Harlen Coben books they are either excellent or a bit mediocre. I know many adore his books but I find I like some and others not so much. This will be the last one I’ll read. It’s very unbelievable and the ending was really poor and rushed.
I did quite like the main character of Wilde. He is known as the boy who grew up in the woods. It’s somewhat unbelievable really but puts an interesting spin on things. He’s never known who is family are or where he comes from. A DNA database match changes all that. Wilde seeks out his closest living relative. From there he connects with more relatives and the plot starts to move towards his search for answers. But nothing becomes clear really.
Along the way people are getting killed and Wilde gets tangled up in the process. He kind of plays Detective and ruffles a lot of feathers as he goes. He has some complex relationships with people. His home is isolated, hard to get to and close to nature which is what he knows best from his time in the wild. It’s a bit of a mixed bag this one. Throw in reality TV and a court scene that has nothing to do with anything and it just became weird.
It’s the second book in this series featuring Wilde but apparently a stand alone but I’m not compelled to read the first book or any subsequent books. I’ve noticed some reviews from fans of his not liking this one, so I’m not alone. To be honest I’ve no desire to read anymore of his books.
I just found some elements a bit over the top and like I said the pace isn’t up to speed, literally. It’s an okay read but nothing to get excited about. The writing is nothing to get excited about. 2 stars.
Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone for my ARC via NetGalley.
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Wow. This book blew me away. I’m still reeling from it. I had to process it before writing this review. Grab a cuppa and the chocolate as it’s a long Wow. This book blew me away. I’m still reeling from it. I had to process it before writing this review. Grab a cuppa and the chocolate as it’s a long one!
Please note there are Trigger Topics in this book and are lightly touched on in this review.
Nicki is in her 30’s, Amber is 17, turning 18. At first it seems they have nothing in common but they really do.
Loneliness Pain Self-Hatred Shame Wounds
The desperate need to be loved, accepted, heard and special to someone. To hope.
I was looking at the low rated reviews for this book on NetGalley and Goodreads and I have to say that some readers are not getting this book. Perhaps going into it with the wrong expectations. It’s not a light romance or fluffy fun, it’s not funny and it deals with very realistic and raw topics. It is brilliantly executed. I am incredibly impressed with this Author.
The sheer emotion that pours out of this book is phenomenal. I read this in one go and was absolutely fixated.
So, yes there are difficult themes in this book, unpleasant things and the Author does not hold back in the portrayal of the suffering of these two incredible characters. Nicki works as a care worker and is locked into an abusive codependent relationship. Like the cycle of violence she forgives and hopes her boyfriend will change. She’s filled with shame from childhood and further abuse as an adult. Her escape is into Tinder. She feels utterly worthless and acts out to reinforce her hatred for herself. She is a brilliant character. I was desperate to see her world turn around.
Amber lives with a Mother (doesn’t deserve that title) who is emotionally and verbally abusive. I despised her Mother deeply. Just heartbreaking how Amber is treated. As a teenager Amber doesn’t feel pretty or skinny like the other girls. She is desperate for kind words from her messed up critical Mother. She is on the outside looking in on her peers and is full of pain and loneliness. She slides into dangerous territory that impacts her body and mind. I wanted to hug her and tell her she was special and beautiful over and over. I knew girls like Amber.
Her friends decide to create a fake profile on Tinder to catfish women, enter stage left “Kevin”. She’s desperately trying to get approval from other girls but when their interest in catfishing fades she carries on. This is where it gets exceptionally good. This is such a great plot. It shines a light on how online relationships and the desperation to be special to someone, anyone can be played out from your phone, iPad, computer. A place where lonely people seek solace especially when they can’t face being “seen”. But what if your connection is built on lies?
Just wow. I can’t even really get my impressions across here. It’s so exceptionally done. I can honestly say it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.I really feel that other reviewers who have put low rating reviews on NetGalley didn’t get this at all.
It is a sad read with themes like abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders and domestic violence BUT not all books are light and fluffy and this isn’t trying to be. I thought it may be too much but I was fine reading it despite some themes being all too familiar. I just “got” this book.
We hear from both women, each voice alternating and distinct. “Kevin” has weaved a huge web of lies but what to do when you realise you really care for the person you are lying to? This book barrels to a conclusion you’d not see coming from a mile away. I loved the ending and felt it did both characters justice.
This is a powerful novel that will bring out a world of emotions in you. Every single thing in here is realistic and every hard topic covered is raw and powerful. If you want fluffy then this isn’t for you. If you want something different that digs deep I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you cheer for the underdog in books you will love this.
The dialogue of both characters is very realistic and the Author has skilfully pulled off the difference in ages in both speech and behaviour. That’s not easy to do. When we are in Amber’s world of teenage struggles, school drama, peer pressure, sexuality and feeling she doesn’t belong it’s extremely realistic. When we switch to Nicki’s world it’s completely different. Yet also they are the same in a different way (I know that doesn’t make sense).
My heart broke over and over for both women. So many complex and painful issues impact both women. This is a book about real life and real loneliness. How the desperate need for connection and acceptance can drive people to do things they’d never thought they would do.
The peripheral characters are well written also. Trust me, you will really hate some characters. There are also some characters I loved. It’s really a very unique read. I don’t think I can do it justice in this review. As I’ve said it seems other reviewers have gone into reading this expecting something light and I nearly didn’t get this book based on other reviews but I am so glad I ignored them. It’s such a powerful book.
The Author mentions in her acknowledgments at the end of the book those that got her through dark times in her life and whilst I don’t know what I am pretty sure she has experienced deep pain. To write like this, to put so much emotion in you’ve definitely had some difficult life experiences yourself (in my opinion).
Both lives crash together on an App and both lives will never be the same again. There certainly are very difficult scenes and themes and all of it is occurs (sadly) in the real world outside of this book. I didn’t balk at all with any of it.
I am so glad I decided to read this ARC and hope my review may help others understand why some low rated reviews have been written. Once you know it tackles with difficult, themes then you’ll know if it’s right for you. A book I won’t ever forget reading.
5 solid stars from me. Emma Medrano is an Author to watch and I’d read anything she writes in a heartbeat. I literally could not put this book down. Just brilliant. That ending! She has been writing since a child and this is one heck of a debut novel!
A huge thanks to Michael Joseph Random House, Penguin for my ARC via NetGalley (one of my favourite publishers, so many great books).
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What a lovely collection of heart warming cat tales, with different felines taking centre stage at Christmas time. I like reading anthologies and shorWhat a lovely collection of heart warming cat tales, with different felines taking centre stage at Christmas time. I like reading anthologies and short stories, they are great if short on time or attention span for a whole book. Usually I’d read in bite size pieces but I whizzed through this over a couple of hours.
I can honestly say I liked every single story, often in a collection like this you lean to some and not so much others. So that was a great surprise. If you are a cat fan you will know and laugh at the well known antics that are unique to cats from head bonks to impatient noisy meowing and crazy zoomies time around the house. Each story features unique cats, often many! From regal Siamese to feisty rescue cats, lazy cats, downright naughty cats and of course stories of the great cat nurses. The ones that know we need them at difficult times who don’t leave your side. Not to mention various responses to the interesting and tempting Christmas tree. Each cat is so special that is included.
I’ve owned cats all my life, my own two cats I have now are truly my best friends. They’ve got me through incredibly difficult times with chronic illness and major traumas. Every writer that contributes to this collection is a cat lover and it shows. Each feline is special and the story of how the cat or cats came to be in their lives are varied and interesting. It’s a really great book. I’m very impressed. Each writer has a load of published works, many with awards and all with a great love for our feline friends.
This is the perfect book for anytime of the year but with Christmas soon approaching I highly recommend getting this one early for the cat lover in your life and get a copy for yourself also. I absolutely loved getting lost in these purrfectly written cat tails..I mean tales. 5 solid paw prints from me for this one. Just lovely. Highly recommended for any cat fan or animal lover. I’d love this to be under my Christmas tree!
A huge thanks to Revell for my review copy via NetGalley.
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I tried so hard to get into this book. I’m not surprised to see so many other one star reviews at all. The hype and advance reviews seemed toDisaster.
I tried so hard to get into this book. I’m not surprised to see so many other one star reviews at all. The hype and advance reviews seemed to really sell this as a gripping novel. I could not follow the many characters introduced in the first chapter. All converging on a garden party but each couple blurred into the next. I really didn’t like the short, choppy paragraphs breaking up the flow of the story. It was almost discombobulating.
I had just finished 2 brilliant thrillers reviewed in the days prior which were both engaging from the first chapter. This confused me and despite the dramatic incident happening really early on I had no desire to push on. The writing style was all over the place and extremely hard to follow. Nothing endeared me to this novel.
The writing seems amateurish and incredibly unbelievable at times. Things like…he smelled like morning coming out of the shower. Huh? What does morning smell like? A new shampoo? And oh..the graphic sexual grimy thoughts. What mother when spreading cream cheese on her daughters bagel thinks of her husband parting another woman’s thighs like butterfly wings? It’s so bad. Really bad.
I thought maybe I was just unable to focus so set it aside and started another book to review. Gripped from the first page, easy to follow, making me want more. So, two books prior and one tester nailed it for me that this wasn’t a book I was going to either enjoy or be able to get into at all. I’m disappointed as it’s really hyped up.
I rarely put down a book very early on but I knew from thousands of books and over 40 years of reading that if it wasn’t clear now it wasn’t going to get better. So a rare DNF for me. If you read it you may love it. Just wasn’t doing it for me. Many readers wish they didn’t push on and one said just read the last chapter for all you need. Leave the rest. Very lacklustre work that surprised me after The Push.
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Gillian has pulled off another fantastic thriller. For the fans of crime thrillers this is for you. I devoured this over a few hours and really enjoyeGillian has pulled off another fantastic thriller. For the fans of crime thrillers this is for you. I devoured this over a few hours and really enjoyed it immensely.
Julia is a Detective in Portishead, UK. Her dogged determination and commitment to the job has fractured her marriage and created gaps in her life but she can’t give it up. A young woman goes missing, literally seems to vanish in an alley with no exit. She goes in but doesn’t come back out. As Julia searches for Olivia she uncovers more than she bargained for and it crosses a line into her personal life. Nothing is simple here.
She is challenged as a person and as a professional and the plot that weaves is unlike anything I can recall. The twists and reveals are like “OMG, that makes sense now but WTH!”
The characters are really easy to imagine and each on holds their own. I did not guess the final reveal at all. That’s great writing. When her search for Olivia crosses paths with another missing young woman that Julia never found it gets really interesting. A great read.
The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is that I felt it slowed a bit around two~thirds through but quickly picks up again. If you’ve read any of her other books you know she pulls off great fiction. Definitely recommended for past and new fans alike. A solid 4 stars!
Thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my ARC.
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Incredible poetry! Even if you think you won’t like any poetry, read this. I am speechless. One of the most incredible things I’ve ever read in my lifIncredible poetry! Even if you think you won’t like any poetry, read this. I am speechless. One of the most incredible things I’ve ever read in my life. Honestly.
I was moved and so powerfully impacted. I’m struggling to write a review that gives this writer credit deserved. My review followers know I don’t very often read or review poetry, so why did I read this? I was intrigued immensely by the subject matter and wanted to keep an open mind. This doesn’t read like poetry to me, not how many of us picture poetry to be. This is a book of the power of words to describe unimaginable pain and situations that millions of women feel and face, and have faced. It blew my freaking mind.
Blew my freaking mind. Just to repeat that truth.
“Where does all the grief go when it’s not tugging at your wrist?” Enyegue’s debut collection is an ode to girlhood, to Blackness, to generational trauma, sexual assault, and mental health.
I highlighted so much, too much to share and I just want to shout that everyone needs to read this. I am so proud to support this brilliant writer and the independent publisher who recognised her words needed to go global. May it be a bestseller. This gifted woman from South Africa was born to write. #OwnVoices at its best.
I’ll just share this from her book…
WHEN A BLACK GIRL DIES, THE LAST THING TO DECOMPOSE IS HER HEART.
Sumaya writes from the torn heart and shredded soul and holds nothing back. Each piece of writing is unique yet each message brutally honest and it tore me up. She writes of the truth of the struggles of being a black girl, a black woman. The centuries of pain of how people, especially men can be so cruel. This is NOT a BLM shout~out but the truth of a woman’s own journey in beautiful black skin that to her doesn’t feel beautiful at all. As a white woman I’ll not pretend to get it, but as a woman I did. I cried more than once. I also hurt for the persecution of black people. Her telling of bullets hitting yet another black person made me think how crap it is that it’s still happening today. Racism is still out there, no denying it.
Her outpourings should be lyrics to songs, seriously people. I was deeply impacted by her telling from the abuse of men and in particular how it feels to be raped, abused and tossed aside. To be stripped of all innocence and precious, special things only a woman knows about. I was so moved as a sexual assault survivor. Sumaya expresses what millions of women cannot speak about in this incredible book. She tells the harsh truth that is so relatable if you’ve suffered anything she shares.
She tackles lack of self~love, self~esteem, the inability to feel okay, to belong, to know and be your authentic self. Everyone could relate to something here. I was stunned from start to finish. Even shaken up. I want to meet this amazing writer who took her personal writings and let the world see into her heart and soul. It’s a must read folks. It’s not a long book and each story has its own style and story. This is powerful stuff and it impacted me deeply. I pray her words reach millions who need to read them and know they are not alone with the deep rips inside their souls, the wounds not yet healed, if ever.
Ten stars. Without question. I’ll be buying a hard copy of this ARC to read over and over and I rarely ever read anything twice. Bravo Sumaya. I heard you girl. I heard you.
Thank you to Sumaya, Central Avenue Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC.
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A must read thriller. What an incredible writer Julia is. Born to write with a gift many don’t have. I loved this book. The intense research that’s goA must read thriller. What an incredible writer Julia is. Born to write with a gift many don’t have. I loved this book. The intense research that’s gone into it is exceptional. The plot is one that holds you close and makes you desire the next chapter before sleep. I read this in one sitting, fighting off slumber to finish it.
Vivvy Bouchet saved a boy's life when she was a child, after a premonition. That boy is now a Texas police officer, who has always believed Vivvy is psychic, and he asks her to help him solve a high-profile cold case of a missing child.
The characters really pop and each so very unique. The story centre around our main character Vivvy who is both a gifted scientist who also has the blessing/challenge of psychic gifts she inherited from her Mother. Helping the police on various cases leads her deep into the disappearance of a young girl years back. This girl will not let her rest until found. Enter stage left a clan of supporting and adversarial characters. Her complex relationship with her sisters husband, a Texas Cop and his deep and brooding fellow police officer Mike who seems to challenge her on every level. Why is he on her case so closely?
Viv embarks on a search for answers and along the way encounters other lost souls, living and dead crying out for her help. She is mocked and disbelieved and not everyone is who they seem. This is not a tacky psychic crystal ball reading character. She is gutsy, solid and her scientific brain alongside her sensitive gifts makes her fascinating. I loved her. In fact I loved all the characters, even those who don’t play a positive role in the story.
There are sentences and paragraphs that blew me away, I had to stop and digest where such imagination comes from. It’s truly special. Some of these sections are so beautifully descriptive that I was right there, in the book. This is a rare talent. I did not expect the reveals and twists near the end one iota. That’s clever storytelling. It kept surprising me. In short, a very good book that’s well worth grabbing and devouring. 4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my review copy.
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I could not warm to this book despite really trying to. I kept hoping it was going to get better. The plot sounds so interesting. Someone is posting cI could not warm to this book despite really trying to. I kept hoping it was going to get better. The plot sounds so interesting. Someone is posting confessions of murders, including victims names in a dark hidden chat room. Enter our main character, Ex Police Emilia Haines. She’s been fascinated by this chat room, where people can anonymously confess to anything from stealing to cheating..and murder.
I found her character flat and very unrealistic. Despite no longer active in the police Emilia emerges herself in the hunt for the killer and the next victims. It’s totally unrealistic. Why? She embarks on tasks that interfere with the real police work, really crossing boundaries despite being warned off. She’d be charged in real life for obstruction I am positive.
It becomes like an amateur sleuth story rather than an intense thriller. The pace is S..L..O…..W. Tedious going. It got worse instead of better unfortunately. I didn’t feel research into true police procedure and regulations where citizens are pushing into investigations was done, or not well. The ending was just not good to say the least. This lacks lustre and bored me to tears. I plodded on and wished I had not bothered. Just nope. A generous 2 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy of this novel.
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Wow! Lisa Jewel is sparkling again with her new novel. I love her books so much and this one is sheer brilliance. So much I’d love to rave about, so lWow! Lisa Jewel is sparkling again with her new novel. I love her books so much and this one is sheer brilliance. So much I’d love to rave about, so let’s go.
What a brilliant plot idea. Then there is all the twists, the reveals and the head spinning moments. Holy moly. Go in with joy and no expectations except you’ll be unable to put it down. I read this over 4 hours, finishing at 2:00am. I had to know how it ended. I’m not going into what it’s about too deeply as you can read that yourself (drives me mad when a review is just re~writing the blurb).
Two women, with the same birthday, born in the same hospital have a chance meeting. One living with a popular podcast and the seemingly perfect life. The other, well, nothing like the other. An idea is sparked. A story of a difficult life will be told and made into a powerful podcast. When you invite a stranger into your home recording studio you may want to do a full background check first.
Oh my Lord this book is deliriously messy, juicy and twisted.
It’s dark, very twisty, surprising, thrilling and oh so good. Each character stands alone as brilliantly put together and expressed. I love it when characters don’t blur together. These characters will have you liking, then loving, then hating, repeat. I was flabbergasted at the reveals. This is a well plotted novel that plays with your head and heart. If you’ve never read a Lisa Jewell book make this your first. Get this on your list to read!
I did not see sooooooo much coming. I truly didn’t. I was sucked in and blindsided over and over. I highly, highly recommend this book if you like a really good psychological thriller that messes with your head. A huge 5 stars. Absolutely brilliant!
More love for None of This is True . . .
'So gripping and so dark. Had to stay up very late to finish it' Sophie Hannah 'A sleek, playful, mesmerising read' Louise Candlish 'Left me reeling' Adele Parks 'You're in for a treat' Jojo Moyes 'Utterly addictive' Claire Douglas 'Rollercoaster of a read' Jane Fallon 'A dark urban alleyway of a book' Erin Kelly ''I inhaled it!' Harriet Tyce 'Breath-takingly good!' Cally Taylor 'WHAT A BOOK!' Liz Nugent 'Dark, tense, absorbing' Amanda Jennings
Many thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone, Century and NetGalley for my advance copy. All opinions are my own.
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What a ride of emotions I had reading this brilliantly written novel. Claire McGowan was born to write. Her style and delivery is so readable, so relaWhat a ride of emotions I had reading this brilliantly written novel. Claire McGowan was born to write. Her style and delivery is so readable, so relatable and extremely clear. I loved this book so much.
This book is filled with amazing characters that each have their own journey within the plot. Some characters easy to warm to, others you’d like to give a quick slap to. The best bit is that as we follow their lives I found my impressions and opinions of everyone constantly changing. It’s a deep story with an important message.
What if you just don’t feel love for your children? What if you watch all the other mums being naturally maternal and beaming in unconditional love? What if you cannot cope, cannot connect and not only feel an utter heartless bitch for it but you cannot do it anymore? This is Kate. Her wishy~washy husband who can’t make his own decisions and in her view is just well….weak and that’s unattractive. Kate didn’t see this being her lot in life.
Their eldest son Adam is an angry, destructive, rage filled child. Hurting other children and seeming to enjoy it. But Kate’s biggest mum test is her daughter who has been born with such a rare chromosome disorder there is no name for it. No help, no support groups. Kate and Andrew simply get overwhelmed. A baby who even as a teenager will have the body of an 8 year old, will never speak and still be in nappies. No way of communicating with her.
Kate does the unthinkable and sets wheels in motion for so many lives to alter course. The book explores all the players in the plot so well, defines each one and this is a book where in many scenes you can think who’s would you do? Each choice by any link in the chain jingling the other links. These intertwined lives come to a significant and very hard end that was hard for me to read. I wanted a different ending but can see why Claire took it where she did.
So many world events are happening. COVID hits the world, America is divided on its new President. Rumbles of Roe Vs Wade and women’s rights from both camps. Amongst all these the characters walk their journeys and confront themselves and question whst is family really? I loved Olivia (Livvie) as a special character in h book. I loved Adam too with his journey from angry raging child forwards.
It’s not a fast paced book, it’s steady, solid and holds you real close. I had a lot of late nights and just on more chapter! If you love character driven novels with imperfect characters this is for you. If you like your own opinions challenged it’s also for you.
It will make for an ideal book club read, lots of room for debates.
I enjoyed this immensely and shedding light on how raising a disabled child and the unique challenges I connected with having an Autistic son with ADHD and a learning disability. He is 23 now and he’s a young man yet so far behind others that my heart breaks. So I wan to say to anybody reading this with a disabled child this it’s not easy and let those that judge and give ridiculous advice (grapefruit juice can cure Autism) stay in their own lane.
What Kate did isn’t a simple thing but who knows how many Kates are out there right now?
An utterly powerful and brilliant novel that packs so much in. Kudos Claire for this exceptional novel. I hope many decide to read this gem. 5 huge stars!
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I loved this little short story. What a divine short story republished after such a long time. We all love cats that talk right? Tommie is a purrfect I loved this little short story. What a divine short story republished after such a long time. We all love cats that talk right? Tommie is a purrfect character and he has plenty of that. We get a wise and cheeky cat cleverly showing us life lessons in the most wonderful ways. His owner a sweet old lady needs him more than she knows. He knows how to make sure she is okay. It’s written in such a lovely way and I smiled many times reading it. It showcases how books can be timeless.
Is it a fairy tale? I think it’s more a cats tale, or is it tail? Whatever your age this is a delightful read and the questions at the end are great too. These would be perfect to ask children these questions after they’ve enjoyed the story as they’ll be taught some great life lessons. I read this super fast being a story rather than a long book and it made this cat loving book lady smile.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy. All opinions are my own....more
This short story tackles the very controversial laws in each state of the USA surrounding a woman’s right to abortion and all the laws around such a dThis short story tackles the very controversial laws in each state of the USA surrounding a woman’s right to abortion and all the laws around such a divided issue. We each have our own viewpoints on this personally and I won’t share my own with this review.
The conflict the Judge feels making a life decision on behalf of a mother and unborn baby is written so you understand how the human heart and upholding the law is complex. We have a distressed young teenager knowing what she wants doesn’t matter. I feel the story got bogged down with certain legal wording and the legal speak side of things over the emotions of the situation.
It’s set in the State of Utah. I live in the UK so it was a bit hard to understand the premise of it all. Perhaps others especially Americans who have seen Roe V Wade disintegrate may get it more.
It is a quick read and the writing wasn’t bad but it did err too much one way. I’d have loved to have more backstory to her pregnancy other than the brief words presented. More human element would of lifted this....more
I listened to this on Audiobook and recommend it OVER reading it. Check out my review as to why.
I absolutely loved this audiobook! I have to rave abouI listened to this on Audiobook and recommend it OVER reading it. Check out my review as to why.
I absolutely loved this audiobook! I have to rave about the Narrator, what sheer talent and brilliance! One single Narrator managed to effectively not do every single character’s distinctive voice but their tone, accent, country of origin and even dialects! From a Cork to a Dublin accent, on to Glaswegian and British. She even manages ages of characters from very young to old.
Their personalities come to life. It was like watching a movie or listening to a radio play with multiple narrators. Seriously folks, it’s utter genius and it’s what makes the audiobook just pop. I would of enjoyed the novel reading it also but this is THE best audiobook ever. A bad or boring Narrator can kill an audiobook, so choosing one carefully is a must. Kudos!
The book itself is just stunning. It is so special and unique and unlike anything I have read before. Alice, our central character absolutely pops from the first moment we meet her. Following her incredible life journey was amazing. I felt like I knew Alice and was in her world in every way. All the characters are very well written and so distinct from each other. Some to love, some to dislike but each one is clearly defined and important to the overall story.
Never heard of Synesthesia? You will now. This is what Alice lives with and it’s how she sees every single living through different eyes.Others call it her gift “what colour am I Alice?” but to Alice it is a burden and impacts everything. Not a mental disorder but a neurological condition people are born with. It can be many types, you could hear music and see shapes. You could hear a word and it has a colour to it, you may read a word such as “street” and smell oranges. Incredible right?
This brings a unique element to the story so much. Kudos for all the intense and correct research into it. I am excited that so many people who taste this book will know of it. I have a friend who smalls things as colours and tells me mould is like a dark murky purple.
I wanted to know, love and protect Alice. Her life starts out very tough and my heart ached for her. So many things happen in her lifetime and it’s a really emotive story. The characters are each so interesting also and their roles in Alice’s life is fascinating. This is a book that will stir many emotions. I have cried twice reading a book in my lifetime of thousands and the ending of this had tears running down my cheeks.
Beautifully executed. I cannot recommend this enough and the audiobook is out of this world. Try it! I loved everything and I highly recommend this for your reading or listening list right now. Cecilia Ahearn is a genius and has pulled out an absolute corker for us all. I still have Alice’s Dublin accent in my head reminding me of the year I lived there. Did I mention he Narrator? I am actually going to look for other audiobooks she has worked on. Five huge stars!
Thanks so much for reading my review, I look forward to reading any comments. Feel free to browse my books read for your next great read. Happy book loving!
What a fantastic inspirational book for the dog and cat lover! So many great projects and ideas. Whether you are a DIY novice or experienced expert thWhat a fantastic inspirational book for the dog and cat lover! So many great projects and ideas. Whether you are a DIY novice or experienced expert there is something for everyone. Love the images and easy to follow directions. My cats have never been so spoiled. A great book for yourself or a gift to the budding DIY cat or dog fan. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy of this book. All review opinions are my own and completely unbiased....more
I was incredibly underwhelmed with this novel. By 60% in I was hoping it would pick up pace and offer something spectacular. Not to be.
The novel switcI was incredibly underwhelmed with this novel. By 60% in I was hoping it would pick up pace and offer something spectacular. Not to be.
The novel switches between two timeframes in the life of two twin sisters. I found the earlier parts of their life when they were teenagers more interesting by far. However, the book just did not deliver for me.
It’s very slow, The emotion in it could be a lot better and overall the plot was rather insipid. I was really struggling to want to keep reading. The dialogue is poor and at times very hard to distinguish which twin was “speaking” - it would of been better to head up chapters with their name. I’d be halfway through, confused then realise it was the other twins thoughts I was reading.
Despite being identical twins the fact that significant people could not at all tell them apart was rather unbelievable. I couldn’t love any character as all were weakly presented.
I love books involving family dynamics, dysfunction and consequences of choices and actions. I’ve read many great books this year. The Twins was a major disappointment in my reading plan.
Only two stars from me. I see I’m not alone and am stunned if those giving it 5 stars as a “dark thriller” read the same book.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for my review copy. All opinions are my own and totally unbiased.
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