The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Edith Eger

Description from Goodreads:

"In 1944, sixteen-year-old ballerina Edith was sent to Auschwitz and endured unimaginable experiences. When the camp was finally liberated, she was pulled from a pile of bodies, barely alive.

Celebrated therapist and Holocaust survivor Edith Eger captivated millions with her incredible tale of survival and strength in her best-selling book The Choice.

Now, in The Ballerina of Auschwitz, Edith revisits her wartime experiences in a deeply personal retelling, through the eyes and emotions of her teenage self. Through this reworking of her poignant narrative, Edith brings readers of all ages into the heart of her experiences, offering a compelling message of hope and resilience that will ensure her story is never forgotten."

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I was lucky enough to have read Edith's original memoir, The Choice, which was extraordinary; this is no different and whilst, I think, it has been written for young adults in mind, I feel it can and should be read by all ages.

This sets out Edith's teenage life before, during and after the war ... her hopes and dreams that were dashed by the horrors inflicted but the power of the mind which, regardless of what is done to you, remains your own and something which you retain control over when you may have lost control of everything else.  

I can't even begin to fathom how someone, who has experienced what Edith and countless others went through and witnessed, can come out the other side even close to being able to function back into society and then have the bravery and strength to re-live it by talking and writing about it in the hope that the atrocities committed are never repeated or forgotten?  In my view, that takes a special type of person.

Memoirs like these are harrowing and disturbing to read BUT they are also stories of hope, strength, love; they are essential and a lot of lessons can and must be learned from them and I thank Edith, Ebury Publishing, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this important and must-read book for all ages.

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William by Mason Coile

 

Description from Goodreads:

"Henry, a brilliant but reclusive engineer, has achieved the crowning discovery of his career; he's created an artificially intelligent consciousness. He names the half-formed robot William.

But there's something strange about William.

It's not that his skin feels like balloon rubber and is the colour of curdled milk, nor is it his thick gurgling laugh or the way his tongue curls towards his crooked top teeth. It is the way he looks at Henry's wife, Lily.

Henry created William but he is starting to lose control of him. As William's fixation with Lily grows and threatens to bring harm to their house, Henry has no choice but to destroy William.

But William isn't gone. Filled with jealousy for humanity, for its capacity to love and create life, William starts to haunt the house.

He lurks behind each locked door. You can hear him muttering in the eaves of the attic. He is whispering in Henry's head. And he will be the one to take control . . .

William is a new kind of ghost story, where the haunting is not from another world, but from inside your home. Inside your head . . ."

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I do enjoy a quick horror read every now and again, not so much science fiction, but William is a bit of both and I really enjoyed it.

I don't want to give too much away about the plot or what goes on in the story but just to say that it's riveting from the very start and scarily plausible, especially where AI is concerned.  It's also a pretty quick read so if you have stuff to do, don't start this otherwise it won't get done!

The characters are excellent and Mason Coile describes them vividly which makes it all the more chilling.  I loved the twist at the end which I didn't see coming and I do hope there is a sequel.

Recommended to those of you who love a deliciously creepy, quick read and many thanks to the author, John Murray Press, Baskerville and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this disturbing but riveting book.

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An Irish Bookshop Murder (Mercy McCarthy Mystery #1) by Lucy Connelly [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Kimberly Wetherell🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Meet Ireland’s newest daring she’s a bookstore owner, a coffee lover, and a crime writer. Now Mercy McCarthy needs a little Irish luck as she takes on her first case!

After receiving unexpected inheritance from her grandfather, Mercy and her twin sister Lizzie are now the proud owners of a charming antique bookshop in the tiny Irish village of Shamrock Cove. But before they can take in the beautiful view of the sea, one of their neighbors drops dead!

Mercy finds the Judge, a well-respected man who lives next door, dying on his own doorstep. She rushes to help, but with his final words, he accuses Mercy of murder! Most of their new neighbors hear his words and, with suspicion pointing at Mercy, she decides to investigate the case to clear her name.

Searching amongst the Judge’s old books, Mercy uncovers letters proving several of the townsfolk had reason to dislike the judge—but was it the local pub landlord, the kindly cook or neighborly knitter who killed him?

Then Mercy’s chief suspect turns up dead and she receives a threatening note, typed on paper from her own bookstore… Ireland was supposed to be a fresh start for Mercy and Lizzie, but dead bodies keep turning up.

Does Mercy have what it takes to nail the culprit or will the killer close the book on her time in this charming Irish village?"

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I haven't read or listened to anything by this author before but I am tempted after listening to the audiobook of this, the first part of a new series.

Mercy and her sister Lizzie have moved from America to Ireland following the death of a grandfather they didn't know they had and having inherited a bookshop and house.  All seems to be going well and they appear to be getting on well with their new neighbours when a judge drops dead at a gathering but before he dies, he points the finger at Mercy as being his murderer ... and so it begins.

This book is well written and at a good, steady pace.  The characters are really interesting and, again, well written.  The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing with the reveal surprising ... well to me anyway!  The narrator was excellent and did a really, really good job of voicing all the characters and keeping my interest

Overall, a really good cosy murder/mystery and a promising start to a new series and I must thank the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts.

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The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curham

 

Description from Goodreads:

"Paris, 1943. The scent of fresh baguettes hangs in the air as Coralie unbolts the door to her bakery with trembling fingers. She must get out of the city. Hiding her precious leather recipe book inside her coat, she promises never to let the secret locations of the people she worked tirelessly to save fall into German hands…

Present day. Raven is unhappy about being shipped off to the other side of the country for the summer to stay with the mysterious French grandmother she barely knows. And discovering a tattered, leather-bound book with yellowed pages full of handwritten recipes and coded numbers, she is stunned.

Her grandmother has never baked for her. And she refuses to talk about Paris, or the past. Flipping through the book, a faded photograph of a laughing couple falls out. As Raven scans the writing on the back she can scarcely believe her eyes…

What really happened in that tiny French bakery all those years ago? And could this forgotten recipe book finally bring healing to a woman still haunted by wartime secrets? Or has Raven’s discovery shattered any chance of bonding with her grandmother, before her time runs out?"

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I have read a fair few historical fiction books covering this era but, I have to say, this is one of the best so far and I have read some really good ones.

This one covers two timelines; 1940's Paris and 1980's America and far from this being confusing, it is what makes this book so very good.  Both story lines are equally as good as each other - which doesn't happen often - and both are as riveting.  The characters of Coralie and Raven are just excellent however, so are all the other characters in this book.

I won't go into the ins and outs of the plot or story but will just say that it's excellent and one I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to be engrossed and isn't afraid to lose a few hours of your day.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this enthralling book.

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Check out other Siobhan Curham books I have reviewed:

The Paris Network [Audiobook]

The Storyteller of Auschwitz

Little Girls by Ronald Malfi

 

Description from Goodreads:

"When Laurie was a little girl, she was forbidden to enter the room at the top of the stairs. It was one of many rules imposed by her cold, distant father. Now, in a final act of desperation, her father has exorcised his demons. But when Laurie returns to claim the estate with her husband and ten-year-old daughter, it’s as if the past refuses to die. She feels it lurking in the broken moldings, sees it staring from an empty picture frame, hears it laughing in the moldy greenhouse deep in the woods…

At first, Laurie thinks she’s imagining things. But when she meets her daughter’s new playmate, Abigail, she can’t help but notice her uncanny resemblance to another little girl who used to live next door. Who died next door. With each passing day, Laurie’s uneasiness grows stronger, her thoughts more disturbing. Like her father, is she slowly losing her mind? Or is something truly unspeakable happening to those sweet little girls?"

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This is another book I have had on my to-be-read pile for too many years but I finally got around to reading it when I found myself having some time whilst relaxing on holiday.

I was really looking forward to an intense, creepy and scary story that would make me want to sleep with the light but, alas, this didn't give it to me.  It was just full of the same with nothing new unfortunately and it was way too descriptive for me resulting in some areas being skipped past.  It did pick up towards the end but, by that time, I wasn't that bothered.

Unfortunately, not for me but I'm sure it will appeal to many especially if some other reviews are to go by so don't take my word for it, give it a go.  Thanks to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Little Girls.

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My Husband's Past by Shari J. Ryan

 Description from Goodreads:

"My best friend disappeared twenty years ago. I thought she was dead. But today I’ve received a message that makes my heart stop. It says it’s from Izzy. And she’s blaming my new husband for her disappearance…

I stare at the email in horror. I’ve only just managed to put what happened to Izzy behind me. My life is so different now. I have two perfect children, and the perfect husband at last.

“I couldn’t just say nothing. You remember I was being stalked? My stalker is your husband. You're in danger. Run. ”

My blood turns to ice as I look up at my charming, caring husband. Is this some kind of joke? Griffin is kind, he's safe.

But as he smiles at me, the doubt starts to creep in. The way he always asks me about my childhood, pressing for information about my friends. The way he always wants to know where I am…

I thought my best friend was dead. I thought her stalker killed her.

If the email isn’t really from Izzy, then who sent it—and what do they want from my family? But if it is, am I living with the man I’ve feared for twenty years? And if he can’t hurt Izzy, will he settle for me instead—or worse, my children…?"

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I have read and enjoyed a few of Shari's books and have enjoyed them all but, oh my goodness, this is one twisty thriller that I devoured in quick time.

With excellent characters, an intriguing and engrossing plot with twists and turns aplenty that had me hooked from start to finish.  It's written at a good pace (although it dips a little in the middle) and in dual timelines which worked really well for the story and really helped to keep me in the dark and in suspense but when the reveal came, I was shocked ... I love it when that happens!!  The ending wasn't quite wrapped up as I would like and was left a bit open-ended but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this book.

I have no hesitation in recommending this and must thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this riveting read.

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Check out my other reviews of Shari's books I have read:

The Homemaker [Audiobook]

The Stolen Twins

The Glovemaker's Daughter

Second Life by S J Watson

 Description from Goodreads:

"She loves her husband. She's obsessed by a stranger.

She's a devoted mother. She's prepared to lose everything.

She knows what she's doing. She's out of control.

She's innocent. She's guilty as sin.

She's living two lives. She might lose both . . ."

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I have had this book on my to-be-read pile for years and have only just got round to reading it having some time whilst I am relaxing on holiday.  Why did I leave it so long?  I have absolutely no idea!

This is a difficult book to review and, if you look at other reviews, you will understand why ... it seems to be a love it or hate it kind of book and I'm still not sure which camp I sit in!  It's a bit slow and I found myself skimming sections, the characters aren't particularly likeable and it doesn't really have the 'oomph' that I like when reading but the ending was ok.

Is this a "sensational psychological thriller"?  For me?  Unfortunately not but that's just me and we all like different things so read other reviews and give it a go, you never know, you might love it.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Second Life.

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The Dog Park Detectives by Blake Mara

 Description from Goodreads:

"Murder is never just a walk in the park . . .

When friends Louise and Irina find a dead body in the local park whilst walking their dogs, they are soon drawn into the mystery of who murdered local entrepreneur Phil Creasey.

Phil used to be a member of their dog walking community – nicknamed The Pack – until the death of his cockapoo, and The Pack feel they owe it to Phil to investigate his death. With Louise and Irina leading the charge, they soon come up against local drug dealers, stolen cars and a disturbing incident of poisoned dog biscuits. Have The Pack bitten off more than they can chew, or can they follow their noses and solve the crime?"

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This was something of a change from what I usually read but no less enjoyable ... a little unbelievable but enjoyable nonetheless and I was entertained which is the whole point is it not?

There are a lot of characters both canine and human and this was a bit overwhelming and confusing at times but the story is intriguing and whilst it was a little slow in parts, it certainly made up for it towards the end when all the pieces fell together nicely.

This is a good cozy mystery and hopefully there is more to come.

Thanks to the author, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this canine story.

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The Solstice (Detective Louise Blackwell #7) By Matt Brolly

Description from Goodreads:

"As the Summer Solstice nears, who will be the next target? A dark thriller from the bestselling author of the DI Louise Blackwell series.

In a cave near Weston, potholers discover what they think are human remains. The bones are identified as belonging to Hugo Latchford, a boy who went missing a decade ago, and whose parents belonged to a quasi-religious cult masquerading as environmental activists. It’s not long before rumours that he was sacrificed in a midsummer ritual resurface.

Returning to duty from maternity leave, DI Louise Blackwell finds herself leading the investigation, soon discovering that Hugo’s parents are still alive and the cult very much still active.

As she begins to fathom the ghoulish depths of the group’s pagan beliefs, new mother Louise is profoundly disturbed by the case. And with the Summer Solstice fast approaching, she’s faced with the terrifying prospect that the group might be preparing for their next sacrifice…"

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I have read a couple of this series and have enjoyed them both and this was no exception; I think it can be read as a standalone so don't worry if you haven't read any of the previous ones.

With fantastic characters, a riveting story, oodles of tension, twists and turns and all written at a great pace, this is a great book that I devoured in a day.  I was on holiday at the time so didn't have the daily grind to contend with and I was able to sit in the sun and just enjoy being drawn into this intriguing story from start to finish with minimal interruptions.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of excellent thrillers and I can't wait for the next instalment to find out what's next for Detective Louise Blackwell.

Thanks to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Solstice.

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Other books by Matt Brolly I have read and reviewed:

The Mark (Detective Louise Blackwell #4)

The Bridge (Detective Louise Blackwell #6)

The Reunion by M.J. Arlidge and Steph Broadribb

  Description from Goodreads:

"THERE ARE MORE THAN JUST SECRETS BURIED IN THESE WALLS

It's the day of the demolition at White Cross Academy, and a crowd of former pupils and teachers have gathered to watch. But as the final charges are laid in the basement, the crew make a shocking discovery - a human skull.

Former student DI Jennie Whitmore is assigned to the case, her first big murder investigation and one where there can be no room for mistakes. The remains are identified as Hannah Jennings, a popular, but troubled classmate who went missing during her lower Sixth year.

As news of the body's discovery soon leaks, the small town erupts with intrigue, conspiracy and accusation. Jennie now finds herself at the heart of the storm, tasked with making up for the failings of the initial investigation to ensure that justice is finally done. At the centre is Hannah's five closest friends who used the basement as a base for the photography club.

Jennie knows many of the suspects personally and she is convinced that one of this group of five knows the truth about what happened to the wilful, beguiling teenager. As Jennie unearths secrets buried deep, and lies repeatedly told, the assembled friends must reassess their past, before confronting the terrible realisation that one amongst them would rather kill to protect their new life, than pay for the sins of their teenage years."

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I am a fan of M.J. Arlidge and had read a number of his books over the years and have enjoyed them all; I have not read anything by Steph Broadribb before so she is a new author to me but it seemed a no-brainer to read something that they have both collaborated on and I wasn't disappointed.

I read this book in a day - I was on holiday so didn't have the usual daily grind so was able to sit in the sun and lose myself in this riveting book.

With great characters, an intriguing plot, fast pace and twists and turns, this is a book that I literally couldn't put down and I was gripped from start to finish and I have no hesitation in recommending this to others.

Thanks to the authors, Orion Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this intriguing murder mystery.

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Other books by M.J. Arlidge that I have read and reviewed:

Cat and Mouse (Helen Grace #11)

Down to the Woods (Helen Grace #8)

All Fall Down (Helen Grace #9)

The Doll's House

The Wrong Child by M.J. Arlidge and Julia Crouch

Subject 375 by Nikki Owen

Description from Goodreads:

"What to believe

Who to betray

When to run…

Plastic surgeon Dr Maria Martinez has Asperger’s. Convicted of killing a priest, she is alone, in prison and has no memory of the murder.

DNA evidence places Maria at the scene of the crime, yet she claims she’s innocent. Then she starts to remember…

A strange room. Strange people. Being watched.

As Maria gets closer to the truth she is drawn into a web of international intrigue and must fight not only to clear her name but to remain alive."

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I have had this book on my to-be-read pile for years ... no idea why it has taken me so long to get to it but I got there in the end however, it seemed to take just as long to read it!!!

Unfortunately, I found it extremely difficult to get into it probably because the main character, Maria, was all over the place and it shifted different time frames often so it became extremely confusing for me but I persevered and finished it but I am still scratching my head!!

Subject 375 has received loads of positive reviews so I think I am in the minority but thank you to the author, HQ, HarperCollins and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Subject 375.

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Auschwitz A Mother's Story by Rosa de Winter-Levy (Audiobook)

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Mandy Weston 🎙🎙🎙
 

Description from Goodreads:

"Suddenly there is a blow to my face, I am hurled to one side. 'My child, I have to go with her!' I scream. But Dr Mengel is standing before me, whip raised. 'Maul halten, shut up!' His eyes gleam. Filled with fear I cower down.

In 1943, as the Nazi power swept across central Europe, Rosa, her husband Emanuel and their daughter, Judy, were forced into hiding. But after a year and a half of living a terrifying, day-by-day existence, they were betrayed. As they arrived in Auschwitz, Rosa was torn from her husband and her only daughter. Could she dare to hope she would see either of them again?

Somehow, Rosa fought the horror and humiliation of the camp, on occasion coming dangerously close to death. In nursing the people trapped beside her, she helped others survive, but tragically she also watched them die - including a mother she had met before, with a similar story and a daughter the very same age. Her name was Edith Frank.

Written immediately in the months after the war, Auschwitz - A Mother's Story tells Rosa de Winter-Levy's unique and heart-breaking personal story - from the atrocities of the camp to her journey out of hell. Powerful and affecting, it is the testimony of a mother, and the pain she will endure for the chance to hold her child again.

It's night. The door opens and along with 500 other women I am taken to the so-called Krätzeblock, the scabies block. Mice and rats run over us, the women scream and cry, it's almost unbearable. There's no chance of sleep, we're all consumed by the same tomorrow our final hour will have come."

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I found this audiobook powerful and heart-wrenching listening to Mandy Weston's excellent narration.

Each book I have read about the Holocaust and World War II has provided another piece of history I was not fully aware of and Auschwitz A Mother's Story is no different. 

It is, as you can imagine, a very difficult book to read/listen to but it is also very powerful and inspirational and is a story that should be shared as all survivors accounts should be.

Many thanks to the author, Octopus Publishing, Moneray and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this audiobook and for continuing to ensure that these stories continue to be published so they are not forgotten.

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Learn a bit more about Rosa de Winter-Levy

via the annefrank.org website

Final Encounter: A Leine Basso Thriller by D.V. Berkom

✴✴✴ Due to be published on 09-September-2024 ✴✴✴

Description from Goodreads:

"A former assassin, a disgraced-cop, and a cyber-security expert race to stop a relentless cyber-terrorist determined to sell death and destruction to the highest bidder.

When three performers from a prestigious Seattle nightclub are murdered, former assassin Leine Basso is called in by a close friend to help investigate.

The clues lead her to a wealthy tech mogul with a state-of-the-art AI program. Despite compelling evidence implicating the billionaire, Leine senses a deeper conspiracy.

Assisted by a cyber-security expert and a disgraced-cop-turned-PI, Leine must navigate a maze of deception and cyber warfare, uncovering a cunning rival with a deadly agenda who is manipulating events from behind the scenes."

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If you're looking for a book that has great characters, a strong female lead, excellent story, action and suspense, then look no further than Final Encounter and the rest of the Leine Basso series ... you can't go wrong!  Don't worry, this can be read as a standalone however, I would highly recommend delving into others in order to understand Leine a bit more as she is a complex character but it's not essential.

You would have thought that this series would be getting a little stale but this is definitely not the case ... D.V. Berkom has a knack of coming up with up-to-date and believable scenarios for Leine to become involved in and with the pace, excellent descriptions and fantastic characters you can't go wrong with getting your grubby little eyes on this and the rest of the series.

Once again, thank you to D.V for accepting me as a member her ARTeam and for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Final Encounter and my hungry eyes can't wait to read the next!

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More of D.V. Berkom's books I have read and reviewed:

Making Leine (A Leine Basso Prequel)

The Body Market (Leine Basso #4)

The Last Deception (Leine Basso #6)

Dark Return (Leine Basso #7)

Absolution (Leine Basso #8)

Dakota Burn (Leine Basso #9)

Shadow of the Jaguar (Leine Basso#10)

A Plague of Traitors (Leine Basso #11)

Fatal Objective (Leine Basso #12)

Terminal Threat (Leine Basso #13)

Retribution (A Claire Whitcomb Western #1)

Gunslinger (A Claire Whitcomb Western #2)

Legend (A Claire Whitcomb Western #3)