A Song of Silence by Steve N Lee

Blurb:

"War thrust them together. Love will tear them apart.

Inspired by a true story...

When the Nazis invade his sleepy Polish town, Mirek swears to keep everyone in his orphanage safe at all costs. Yet, despite his struggles and sacrifices, the war drags him and his children deeper and deeper into its violent nightmare.

With 89 children looking to him for hope, Mirek must do whatever it takes to protect them — no matter how criminal, distasteful, or perilous it may be.

And just when he thinks things can’t get any worse, the arrival of a sadistic SS captain brings unspeakable atrocities to his town — and surprisingly, a glimmer of hope for Mirek to save all those he cares about if only he has the courage to grasp it…

Inspired by a true story of love, bravery, and compassion, A Song of Silence explores history’s darkest hour and how, even in the face of overwhelming evil, one man can become a dazzling beacon of light.

Discover what it means to be human. Discover A Song of Silence."

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Oh my goodness!  What a book and what a story!  Amazing, heartbreaking, gripping and whilst it's not a 'true' story, it has been inspired by real characters and events.

I have read one of Steve's previous books "To Dream of Shadows" and was absolutely blown away and this is no different.  I was hooked from the start right up until the end.  This is a powerful story that invoked all manner of feelings within me whilst reading; fear, happiness, frustration, anger, horror amongst others; and I was glued to my screen desperate to find out what happens but not wanting it to end because I didn't want to know!!

I was totally immersed and would highly recommend it to others who like to become engrossed in a story whilst having your emotions pulled from pillar to post and I must thank the author for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this heartbreaking but excellent book and I look forward to reading A Breath in the Darkness, Steve's next book.

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Read my review of To Dream of Shadows also by Steve N Lee

The Revenge Club by Kathy Lette [Audiobook]

 🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Kathy Lette 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"When the odds are against you, it's time to get even.

Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. 

Only they're not going down without a fight.

Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans.

After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin..."

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I was really looking forward to listening to something a bit different - more light-hearted than what I usually listen to or read but, unfortunately, this just wasn't for me.

 

I listened on and off for about a week but just couldn't get into it; yes there are some amusing moments at the beginning but they get a bit stale after a while as it's more of the same.  The characters are just 'meh' with little to no redeeming qualities and, to be honest, are just annoying.

Sorry to the author but this just wasn't for me but it might appeal to others so read a selection of reviews before making your decision.

I must thank the author, Head of Zeus and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to it despite the fact I didn't enjoy it and couldn't bring myself to listen to the end (which I hate doing).

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The Kill List (Inspector Anjelica Henley #3) by Nadine Matheson

Description from Goodreads:

"He will come for them, one by one…

Five shocking murders

Twenty-five years ago, DCI Harry Rhimes arrested Andrew Streeter for the brutal murders of five young people. Streeter’s ‘kill list’ of victims was found in his home, and he was convicted of all five crimes.

A legacy under threat

Now, Streeter’s convictions are being overturned, as new evidence implies the original investigation was corrupt. No one is more shocked that DI Henley. Because this case is personal; Rhimes was her old boss, and he’s no longer alive to defend himself. But when the killings start up again, Henley must face the truth: Rhimes got it wrong twenty-five years ago.

A hunt for a killer

Henley and her team reopen the original murder cases, but they must put their personal feelings to one side. Because the real killer is still out there, and he’s working his way through a new kill list . . ."

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After having read and absolutely loved the first two books in this series, I was desperate to read the next instalment and I certainly wasn't disappointed.  

Please be reassured that, in my opinion, this can be read as a standalone but I would definitely suggest you go back and read the first two as although not essential, it does help with the character understanding and development and they are brilliant books!

Once again, we are treated to a great story, fantastic characters, twists and turns; it's dark, it's gritty and it doesn't let up from start to finish.  It's full of tension and kept me guessing until the end and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

Many thanks to the author, HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the latest excellent addition to a brilliant series and I can't wait for the next.

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Others books by Nadine Matheson I have read and reviewed:

The Jigsaw Man

The Binding Room

A Killing in Paradise by Elliot F. Sweeney [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick 🎙🎙🎙

 Synopsis from Goodreads:

"A young man has been murdered on the notorious Paradise estate in London. The police have their assumptions; out-of-work private investigator Dylan Kasper, more than familiar with the neighbourhood, has his own.

Kasper takes it upon himself to get to the bottom of the killing. He soon discovers the reason the boy was killed that the police will never find - or want to find. A highly incriminating piece of evidence tying an illegal production company to the government and police alike.

But this is just the beginning. Kasper has made a name for himself getting under the skin of the most brutal killers in the capital. When those dearest to Kasper are suddenly thrust into view, he will have to make an impossible choice. Will the inhabitants of Paradise feel safe at last, if the price must be paid in blood?"

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I listened to the audiobook of this novel and, overall, really enjoyed it.  It's dark, gritty and not for the faint-hearted!

I didn't realise this was book 2 in a series but, it didn't matter too much to me as I was able to get into it pretty quickly - not sure what I've missed not reading the first book but it didn't seem to affect my enjoyment of the story.

With great characters, a dark and gritty storyline which is pretty graphic and violent in parts (maybe there should be a warning at the beginning about the subject matter it deals with?), I have to say that I was hooked from the beginning.

The narrator was perfect for the male roles but the females, not so much - maybe use a female narrator for the female parts in future books?  Other than that little gripe, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more and getting to know Kasper a little better.

Many thanks to the author, Headline Audio, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this dark and gritty audiobook.

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The Puppet Master (Major Crimes #3) by Sam Holland

 Description from Goodreads:

"He watches your every move...

We’ve all experienced it. That creeping sensation of eyes on your back, the faint echo of footsteps following yours.

He controls you...

Across the country, a madman is carefully choosing his victims. Once he has you in his sights, he won’t let go.

He will make you pay...

You think you’re in control of your own life? Think again. Because The Puppet Master is coming for you, and he won’t stop until you’re dead…"

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Once again, Sam Holland has absolutely killed it!

What a book! 

Dark, gritty, twisted and totally enthralling read about a sick, twisted serial killer.

I loved it.

Excellent characters, excellent story with great twists and turns but, be warned, it is not for the feint-hearted.

Highly recommended and I can't wait for Book 4.

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Hemlock Press and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another excellent addition to this series.

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Check out my reviews of the other books in this series:

The Echo Man

The Twenty