The Shroud: A Horror Novella by Iain Rob Wright

Description from Goodreads:

"What begins as a relaxing hike in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales soon becomes a waking nightmare for disgraced barrister, Graham Solace.

A strange, swirling fog has just arrived and left him utterly lost and in the middle of nowhere. But there’s hope. Upon the next hill appears to be a pub, The Crooked Stag. Surely someone there will be able help to help him get back to civilsation. Right?"

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I am a big fan of Mr Wright's work and have enjoyed many of his books which I indulge in every now and again as it takes me back to my teenage years when I read horror books almost exclusively; I don't read as many now but I do like to keep my toe dipped in and Mr Wright's books usually hit the spot quite nicely and The Shroud was no exception.

Iain Rob Wright has a knack for taking a simple, everyday setting and turning it into a claustrophobic nightmare. The Shroud is a short, sharp shock of a novella that proves you don’t need a massive page count to leave a reader feeling completely unsettled.

The atmosphere here is top-notch; if you enjoyed The Mist or James Herbert’s The Fog, this will be right up your street. The "Shroud" itself feels like a living character - thick, creepy and creating a constant sense of dread about what is lurking just out of sight.

What I found most interesting wasn't just the "monsters" in the mist, but the psychological toll on Graham. He isn't the most likeable character but watching him crumble as the pub regulars confront him with his past was fascinating.

There is no filler here. The pacing is relentless, dragging you through the greyness until the final ending.

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The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse

Description from Goodreads:

"What if the one thing you want is the only thing you can’t have?

With her fortieth birthday approaching, Lucy Carpenter thinks she finally has it a wonderful new husband, Jonah, a successful career and the chance of a precious baby of her own. Life couldn’t be more perfect.

But becoming parents proves much harder to achieve than Lucy and Jonah imagined, and when Jonah’s teenage daughter Camille comes to stay with them, she becomes a constant reminder of what Lucy doesn’t have. Jonah’s love and support are unquestioning, but Lucy’s struggles with work and her own failing dreams begin to take their toll. With Camille’s presence straining the bonds of Lucy’s marriage even further, Lucy suddenly feels herself close to losing everything…"

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You know that feeling when you finally pick up a book that's been hanging out on your virtual "to-be-read" pile forever? That was me with Amanda Prowse's The Idea of You (2017). I was so ready to dive in after all these years, but unfortunately, it wasn't the memorable read I was hoping for.

The plot's all about Lucy Carpenter. She's pushing forty and desperately wants a baby, but she keeps having miscarriages, which really strains things with her husband, Jonah. Then his tricky teenage daughter, Camille, moves in, making the family dynamic way more complicated. Prowse tackles some pretty heavy topics - identity, marriage and what it really means to be a modern mum.

The book definitely covers some relevant topics but, for me, I just couldn't fully click with the characters and some of the choices they made. It stopped me from getting totally invested in their emotional roller coaster.   However, I know from reading others reviews, there are plenty who disagree with me so you might want to check it out rather than take my word for it.

Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and, eventually, share my thoughts of this, my first outing with Amanda Prowse.

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Troublemaker by Lesley Kara

🔥🔥🔥 Publication date: 15 January 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from Goodreads:

"Storm used to be just like her name. Wild and strong. A force to be reckoned with.

But ever since her younger brother was killed in a violent mugging, she has led a very different quiet and cautious, seeing danger everywhere. Storm’s tendency to panic has resulted in several false alarms, so when she witnesses a murder with uncanny similarities to the way her brother was killed, and yet no body is found and no one is reported missing, the police don’t take her seriously.

But Storm knows what she saw. And the murder is only the start – the killer will stop at nothing to keep Storm quiet. But how can she solve the murder and stay out of danger when no one believes her?"

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Storm used to be a force of nature, but the trauma of her brother’s murder has left her hyper-vigilant and prone to false alarms. When she witnesses a crime that mirrors her own tragedy, the police dismiss her as a "troublemaker" who is seeing things. With no body and no evidence, Storm is forced to investigate herself, but the more she digs, the more she realises the killer is now watching her.

I’ve followed Lesley Kara since The Rumour and she remains one of my favourites when it comes to "quiet" psychological thrillers. This story is a poignant look at grief and the frustration of being a "reliable" witness with an "unreliable" reputation. Storm is a deeply sympathetic lead; her anxiety is palpable and you feel every ounce of her desperation as she tries to make people believe her.

The pacing is a classic slow-burn that builds in tension the more you read on. While the "girl who cried wolf" angle is familiar, Kara adds something else by tying the mystery to Storm's past.

This is an atmospheric, twisty read that I enjoyed and it's perfect for a cold, winter's day or evening.

Thanks to the author, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another great book from Lesley Kara.

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A Death in Glasgow by Eva Macrae

🔥🔥🔥 Due to be published 08 January 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from the Goodreads:

"When Holly Campbell’s body is found on the train tracks at Glasgow Central, police quickly rule it a suicide.

She’d had a troubled past. She’d tried before.

But Sergeant May Mackay can’t let one detail go. If Holly never wanted to come home, why did she buy a return ticket?

Driven by her own haunting loss and a promise to Holly’s grieving mother, May is determined to solve the mystery.

But the deeper she digs, the more sinister the truth becomes.

Someone is hiding a terrible secret. And they’ll do whatever it takes to keep it buried.

Even if it means silencing May for good…"

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I had never read anything by Eva Macrae before so I did not know what to expect with this one. It turned out to be a really atmospheric read and I liked the gritty Glasgow setting.

The story starts with a body on the tracks at Glasgow Central. The authorities are quick to call it suicide but Sergeant May Mackay is not so sure after she finds a return ticket in the victim's pocket. It is a simple detail that could easily have been missed but May is not your 'usual' copper.

May ends up working with an officer from the British Transport Police to get to the truth.   May and Dimple Sharma become even more determined to find out what actually happened to Holly Campbell since their respective bosses want to close the case.

I will admit it was a little slow at times partly, I think, because it's the first in a series and there is always a bit of background and story to provide context to the main characters and May is a strong lead whose personal grief definitely colours her perspective and makes her feel very human.

It is a solid police procedural and I would be happy to read more from her and am patiently waiting for the next instalment.

Many thanks to the author, RandomHouseUK, Cornerstone, Century and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this, a gritty start to a promising new Glasgow series.

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Born Bad (Manchester #1) by Marnie Riches

Description from Goodreads:

"The battle is on…

When gang leader Paddy O’Brien is stabbed in his brother’s famous nightclub, Manchester’s criminal underworld is shaken to the core. Tensions are running high, and as the body count begins to grow, the O’Brien family must face a tough decision – sell their side of the city to the infamous Boddlington gang or stick it out and risk losing their king.

But war comes easy to the bad boys, and they won’t go down without a fight. So begins a fierce battle for the South Side, with the leading Manchester gangsters taking the law into their own hands – but only the strongest will survive…"

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I seriously can’t believe this has been on my "to-be-read" pile since it came out in 2017! I should have dived into it ages ago.

Born Bad is a fast-paced thriller that kicks off after gang boss Paddy O’Brien is stabbed, sparking a brutal turf war in Manchester’s criminal underworld. Riches excels at showing the intense fallout - from the desperate choices of people like Leviticus Bell on the bottom rung, to the resilience of figures like Sheila O’Brien.

The book is raw, gripping and uses authentic dialogue with the necessary dark humour. If you like your crime fiction realistic and don’t mind the punches it pulls, pick this one up and don't leave it as long as I did!

Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and, eventually, share my thoughts of this great book.

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One of the Family by Jess Ryder [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Bronwen Price 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"My daughter’s boyfriend feels like one of the family. I couldn’t be happier to have him living with us. But now my daughter’s disappeared…

I never wanted to have an empty nest. So when my daughter, Liv, asks if she and her new boyfriend, Jensen, can move in, I’m thrilled.

Jensen is so helpful. He tells me how he loves being part of a close-knit family. He’s felt so alone since his parents died. And for me, his presence goes a little way towards replacing the son I lost.

Still, I can’t help but notice that Liv and Jensen are starting to argue. My daughter seems unhappy. Perhaps they just need some time alone together?

But when my husband and I return from our weekend away, Liv is missing. The relationship with Jensen appears to be over but he doesn’t want to leave. And then I discover exactly what he will do to stay in our family…"

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I haven't read or listened to any of Jess Ryder's books before but, despite my mixed feelings about this one, I will definitely be on the look out for more in the future.

Rachel welcomes her daughter, Liv, and her new boyfriend, Jensen, into their home. Jensen is the perfect, charming guest, until Liv vanishes and he stays put, turning the cosy family atmosphere creepy. 

I have to admit that I found the main character, Rachel, really annoying. I just wanted to jump into my speakers and give her a slap around the face and tell her to "wake up!" Her level of naivety became genuinely irritating.

Adding to this, Liv's disappearance is not the only "issue" the family is dealing with, which made the plot feel a bit over-the-top for me - it was far from believable that everything was happening to this one family all at once.

However, I was intrigued enough to continue listening - helped by the excellent narration - and I was pleased I did as whilst I had already worked out the major twist, it ended up being quite satisfying to see how it got there.

Overall, while this isn't the best audiobook I've listened to, it's far from the worst. If the many, many other reviews are anything to go by, I am in the minority, so give it a go if you enjoy domestic thrillers.

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

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The Last Stage of Grief is Murder by Tam Barnett

🔥🔥🔥 Out 04 January 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from Goodreads:

"Time won't heal his broken heart, but revenge might...💔💀

Ivor has never loved anyone the way he loves Becky.

Then his world collapses – Becky is found dead.

Consumed by grief, Ivor is determined to find out what happened.

What he discovers is darker than controlling lies, family secrets and a past that refused to stay buried.

But Ivor has his own demons. And as his obsession with the truth deepens, his heartache for Becky curdles into something far more dangerous. Murder."

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I've got to admit that while I found this book a bit of a slog to get through at times, the compelling story and quality of the writing were such that I HAD to finish it.

The book is uniquely laid out according to the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance (or rather, murder in this case). It is written from two perspectives: Ivor's narrative and Becky's diary entries.

The writing style is really easy to read, but the story itself is heavy, though thankfully interspersed with moments of humour. Ivor is a seriously messed-up character, yet you still kind of root for him.

The suspense builds up slowly, contributing to the occasional slog, but the tension towards the end is on another level. I was left with a sense of sadness when I'd finished it - I won't give anything away, but you will understand what I mean when you read it.

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this thought-provoking book.

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All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"In the small, affluent town of Fairview, Connecticut everything seems picture perfect.

Until one night when young Jenny Kramer is attacked at a local party. In the hours immediately after, she is given a controversial drug to medically erase her memory of the violent assault. But, in the weeks and months that follow, as she heals from her physical wounds, and with no factual recall of the attack, Jenny struggles with her raging emotional memory. Her father, Tom, becomes obsessed with his inability to find her attacker and seek justice while her mother, Charlotte, prefers to pretend this horrific event did not touch her perfect country club world.

As they seek help for their daughter, the fault lines within their marriage and their close-knit community emerge from the shadows where they have been hidden for years, and the relentless quest to find the monster who invaded their town - or perhaps lives among them - drive this psychological thriller to a shocking and unexpected conclusion."

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Okay, so this one sat on my 'to-be-read' pile for literally years, gathering virtual dust and judging me silently from my virtual shelf on my Kindle®. I think I was waiting for the perfect moment or maybe just the moment I finished the other 37 books I bought last week!!

But never mind that - if you're looking for a  gripping psychological thriller, grab this one. All Is Not Forgotten kicks off with a thought-provoking idea: 15-year-old Jenny Kramer is assaulted and her parents decide to completely erase the memory of the attack using an experimental drug.

This is where things get messy. Even though Jenny can't consciously remember what happened, the emotional trauma is still there. The book essentially asks: Is it better to just forget a painful truth or should you face it? To amp up the tension, the whole story is filtered through the perspective of Jenny’s psychiatrist, Dr. Forrester, and trust me, you can't rely on a single thing he says. He’s super manipulative, which means you’re constantly questioning everyone’s motives.

Honestly, if you’re into thrillers that are more about psychological games than pure action, you need to read this but be prepared for a bit of a slog as I found the pacing a bit slow and heavy going. 

Many thanks to the author, HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to, eventually, read and share my thoughts of this intriguing book.

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Find Her (Detective D D Warren #9) by Lisa Gardner

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"Seven years ago, carefree college student Flora Dane was kidnapped while on spring break. For 472 days, Flora learned just how much one person can endure.

Miraculously alive after her ordeal, Flora has spent the past five years reacquainting herself with the rhythms of normal life, working with her FBI victim advocate, Samuel Keynes. She has a mother who's never stopped loving her, a brother who is scared of the person she's become, and a bedroom wall covered with photos of other girls who've never made it home.

When Boston detective D. D. Warren is called to the scene of a crime--a dead man and the bound, naked woman who killed him--she learns that Flora has tangled with three other suspects since her return to society. Is Flora a victim or a vigilante? And with her firsthand knowledge of criminal behavior, could she hold the key to rescuing a missing college student whose abduction has rocked Boston? When Flora herself disappears, D.D. realizes a far more sinister predator is out there. One who's determined that this time, Flora Dane will never escape. And now it is all up to D. D. Warren to find her."

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I can't believe I have had this book on my "to-be-read" pile for years! This was published back in 2016! Where have I been living? Under a rock? She has written so many  bestsellers since then ... I really have no excuse for waiting this long!

While Find Her is the eighth book in the D.D. Warren series, I think it works well as a standalone.  It is an unputdownable, dark journey into the complex nature of survival. The core concept - a kidnapping victim who develops her own, dangerous code of justice - is brilliant. Flora Dane is an incredibly complex character, not just a victim, but a raw and intense survivor who refuses to be broken.

The addition of Detective D.D. Warren provides a sharp, procedural contrast to Flora's vigilante edge. The dual perspective works perfectly, keeping you guessing whether Flora is running from her past or towards a confrontation. 

This book is a fast-paced and highly addictive thriller and thanks to the author, Headline and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this compelling book.

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Burning State (James Ryker #14) by Rob Sinclair

Description from Goodreads:

"Can one man stop a nation from going up in flames?

James Ryker, former intelligence agent, is thrust into a high-stakes conspiracy that will test his limits, and his loyalty, to the max. Sent to Atlanta, Georgia, his mission to find a missing governor's daughter quickly spirals into a deadly pursuit of ex-special ops agent Caleb Marshall. A man presumed dead, but very much alive, and with a terrifying thirst for vengeance.

As Ryker navigates a treacherous landscape of radical right-wing factions, underground networks, and devastating terror attacks, he uncovers a plot of unimaginable scale. Marshall’s meticulous plan to plunge the USA into chaos is playing out before his eyes, and with just a handful of allies, Ryker finds himself in a desperate race against time to stop the world’s leading power combusting from within."

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I have read a few of Rob Sinclair's books which I have thoroughly enjoyed.  While this is the 14th book in the James Ryker series, I have only read a few of them and I think this one works well as a standalone especially if you like relentless, fast-paced action.

If you’re a fan of the James Ryker series, you’ll know what to expect but if not, he’s a brilliant, highly capable former intelligence agent who constantly gets pulled into world-ending plots. This time, his simple mission is to find a missing governor’s daughter however it quickly turns into something altogether different and deadly.

The book is packed full of intrigue, action and violence. It has that addictive, "just one more chapter" quality that makes it fly by. I really enjoyed the story; it's a classic thriller with a protagonist you can't help but root for.

Overall, if you like your thrillers gritty and explosive, this is one to pick up as are Rob Sinclair's other books.

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, an excellent addition to this brilliant series.

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Perfect Wives by Lauren North [Audiobook]

Description from Goodreads:

"Three identical confessions to murder. Three perfect liars...

On a sunny Saturday morning, three women from the exclusive gated community of Magnolia Close walk into their local police station.

One by one, they all confess to the murder of their neighbour.

The officer takes statements from all three. From Tasha, the overwhelmed mother struggling under the weight of caring for her parents too. From Beth, the quiet one, desperate for another baby but unable to fall pregnant. From Georgie, the one whose life seems so dazzlingly glamorous ... on the surface.

Each woman has a life – a family – that they don't want to lose.

Each woman has a reason for wanting Johnny dead.

Each woman claims she killed him.

All of them are lying."

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I haven't read or listened to anything by Lauren North before but I was intrigued by the premise of this audiobook and I was looking for something to listen to whilst in the car and I wasn't disappointed.

The premise of this book is intriguing. We meet three women - Tasha, Beth and Georgie - who live in the exclusive, seemingly perfect gated community of Magnolia Close. Then, one sunny day, they all walk into the police station and separately confess to the murder of their terrible neighbour, Johnny. The catch? They are all lying.

Where do you even start?

Lauren North does a great job of peeling back the layers of these women's lives. The whole book is full of secrets, deception and the massive facade of their "perfect wives" status. It’s got that close-knit community vibe where you know everyone is hiding something big, which keeps the tension simmering. I found myself totally invested in figuring out what was going to be uncovered next and who the real killer actually was.

I really enjoyed the story but it does start of a bit slowly. However, it soon starts to move and the twists arrived with speed and a lot of satisfaction.

The narrator did a great job.  If I'm honest, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much had I been reading the physical book; Genevieve Swallow handled it so well that I was definitely more immersed in the lives of Tasha, Beth and Georgie.

Overall, this is a great book to listen to and if you like domestic thrillers about secrets coming out in the suburbs, I think you will enjoy this one but I highly recommend the audiobook version.

Many thanks to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this compelling book.

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Vulnerable (Morgans of Nashville #4) by Mary Burton

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"Years ago, three Nashville teenagers went into the woods for a hike—and only one came out. 

While her two friends disappeared without a trace, Amber Ryder was discovered at the bottom of a ravine with a broken arm, head trauma, and zero memory of the horror that put her there. 

With no leads, the investigation hit a dead end. Now another woman’s body is found it the woods. When the trail leads to the missing teens’ remains, the cold case becomes a fresh hell for forensic technician Georgia Morgan. But while Georgia works with Amber to try and reawaken her memories, her gut tells her the worst is yet to come.

Homicide Detective Jake Bishop can’t be sure whether Amber is an expert manipulator or the killer’s next target. Either way, he’s determined to protect Georgia. Because the more she digs into the past, the more deadly secrets emerge. And a nightmare years in the making is about to come to a bloody, terrifying end."

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I can't believe I have had this book on my "to-be-read" pile for years! This was published back in 2016! Where have I been living? On a desert island? She has written so many bestsellers since ... I really have no excuse for waiting this long!

Vulnerable is a fast-paced procedural thriller that blends forensic detail with intense emotion. The concept of Medical Examiner Faith Cooper investigating a killer whose crimes mirror her own sister's cold case is incredibly compelling. That , combined with the professional perspective of FBI agent Deacon Hendrix, makes for a sharp, enthralling investigation.

If you love a thriller with sharp forensic details and high emotional stakes, this book is definitely one to pick up.

Overall, this is a dark, gripping, and highly addictive read and thanks to the author, Kensington Books, Pinnacle and NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts on this exceptional book.

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In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

Description from Goodreads:

"Sometimes the only thing to fear…is yourself.

When reclusive writer Leonora is invited to the English countryside for a weekend away, she reluctantly agrees to make the trip. But as the first night falls, revelations unfold among friends old and new, an unnerving memory shatters Leonora’s reserve, and a haunting realization creeps in: the party is not alone in the woods."

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I can't believe I have had this book on my "to-be-read" pile for years!  This was Ruth Ware's debut novel way back in 2015!  Where have I been living?  Under a rock?  She has written nearly ten massive bestsellers since then—including The Woman in Cabin 10 which I have recently watched on NetFlix® and reminded me I had In a Dark, Dark Wood waiting to dive into.

If you love a psychological thriller that uses atmosphere and isolation to build  tension, In a Dark, Dark Wood, is a triumph. The isolated glass house in the Northumbrian woods acts like a character itself, maximising the sense of dread as a forced reunion of old friends brings resentment to the surface.

The novel's brilliance lies in its use of Lee as an amnesiac narrator. We are forced to piece together the disastrous hen party alongside her, which quickly ramps the suspense to a fever pitch. Every dangerous flashback increases the tension, leading to a genuinely shocking conclusion.

Overall, this atmospheric, sharp and addictive book is a great debut (albeit I am late to the party!) and the perfect thriller for a dark evening.

Many thanks to the author, Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this compelling book.

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The Last Orphan by Carly Schabowski

✴✴✴ Publication date: 01-December-2025 ✴✴✴

Description from Goodreads:

"Would you save a child in a warzone? Marcin is just hoping to keep himself safe during the Nazi invasion. But once he befriends his Jewish neighbors, his fate is sealed, and when their building is raided by the Nazis, Marcin finds himself hiding their son, Adam.

Marcin vows to keep Adam safe at all costs. But as he starts an impossible journey across the borders of wartorn Europe towards safety, he begins to realize Adam isn’t the only child who needs his help. And when they encounter more orphaned children in hiding, Marcin becomes determined to save as many as possible. Even if that will put his own life—and Adam’s—at terrible risk.

What Adam and the other orphans don’t know, is that Marcin has a secret. He did something terrible in Poland. Something he can never forgive himself for. Until many years later, where he’s living his life peacefully in rural Washington, USA, and he answers a call from another mother in distress. Marcin is needed again. But this time, it’s Adam’s daughter who needs him...

An impossible journey, a secret that spans generations, and a story about loss, bravery and healing that you’ll never forget!"

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If you're looking for a World War II historical fiction novel that doesn't just focus on the horrors of the war but the long, devastating aftermath on those who survived it, this one is for you. 

The dual timeline (1942 Poland/Hungary and 1982 rural Washington) works brilliantly to explore the repercussions of trauma. We follow Marcin as he makes impossible choices to save Adam, his young Jewish neighbour, joining a resistance network to save orphans. The suspense is palpable, particularly with the heartbreaking scenes of children having to jump from trains.

Marcin is a fascinating character, weighed down by crippling guilt over a secret. This makes the 1982 story line compelling when he connects with Clara, Adam's daughter, who is struggling with her own trauma. It’s a dark story of generational suffering but also by hope and self-forgiveness.

Overall, this is a compelling story with rich characters and a strong sense of place. If you appreciate historical fiction that focuses on the emotional consequences of survival, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful read that had me hooked from the very first page.

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People Don't Just Disappear by Claire Allan

✴✴✴ Publication day - 29-November-2025 ✴✴✴

Description from Goodreads:

"‘Is he your little boy?'

‘No. No. He is not my boy. He’s your boy.’

When Bronagh opens her front door to find a child on her doorstep, crying for his mother, she follows him without question.

Twenty-four hours later, Bronagh’s boyfriend Mal returns to their home in Derry to discover the house empty. Bronagh has vanished.

At first, the police don’t take Mal seriously, but as the hours since Bronagh’s disappearance tick past, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a case of extreme ghosting. Something is wrong. Very wrong.

Because people don’t just vanish, and Bronagh may be in more danger than Mal could ever imagine.

Just where is Bronagh? And can they find her before it’s too late?"

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I have read and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of Claire Allan's previous books so didn't want to give up a chance to read her next outing and I wasn't disappointed.

Whilst this was a difficult book to read due to the subject matter of violence against women and controlling, coercive behaviour, it was still a riveting read that I was totally invested in.  The characters are great and it's told from the perspective of Bronagh, Mal and Ingrid Devlin, a journalist; I found the sections detailing Bronagh's experiences were particularly difficult to read but I had to keep reading to find out what happens.

Claire Allan creates so much atmosphere and the tension is palpable so much so that I found myself holding my breath at times not wanting to read on but wanting to read on!!  

Although this is a challenging read at times, it's perfect for those who enjoy their thrillers a little darker and it's perfect to dive into on these dark, winter nights when there is little on the TV!  

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this difficult but riveting book.

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Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster

Description from Goodreads:

 "What happens when a serial killer forgets that he’s a serial killer?

When Gilbert Williams, a resident at Sunset House Care Home, claims to have once killed someone, care assistant Will Cavanagh initially dismisses his claims – he’s frail and vulnerable, he can’t imagine him ever killing someone – but he can’t seem to let his comments go. What if it’s true? What if he really did kill someone and he’s forgotten that he isn’t supposed to tell anybody…"

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The premise of this book looked really promising - I mean, what's not to like when a book is about serial killers? But, alas, this one didn't deliver as I'd hoped it would.

It was certainly intriguing and I was compelled to read to the end to find out what happened, but ultimately, it fell a bit flat. There were too many characters, some of which felt superfluous to the main story line and caused unnecessary confusion. Furthermore, there was very little of what I would describe as being dark humour, which was disappointing.

The overwhelming feeling I had after finishing this book was that I wanted more, but with less of the unnecessary characters and back stories but thank you to the author, One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.

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Blood Like Ours (Blood Trilogy #2) by Stuart Neville

Description from Goodreads:

 "In this chilling follow-up to Blood Like Mine, one mother faces the ultimate supernatural horror: the monster she must become to protect her child.

El Paso, Texas: Rebecca Carter awoke on a morgue table with only two desires: to find her daughter, Moonflower; and to sate her gnawing hunger. Rebecca sets out on a desperate quest, fighting her murderous craving for blood, and pursued by a vengeful FBI agent.

Alone in the wild, Monica Carter survives on whatever small prey she can hunt down. But she needs more. One night, a young man lures her through the mountain scrub with the scent of human blood, promising he and his little brother will feed her and keep her safe. Somehow these brothers know her nickname—Moonflower—and the truth of what she is. She needs them—but can she trust them?

When FBI Special Agent Sarah McGrath learns that Rebecca Carter’s body has disappeared from the morgue, she’s on the next plane to El Paso. Rebecca is responsible for the death of her partner, and McGrath wants answers, but she never expected them to come from a shadowy figure within the Bureau . . .

In this breathtaking follow-up to Blood Like Mine, Stuart Neville, “Stephen King’s rightful heir” (Will Dean), brings to life the ultimate horror: a mother who has been separated from her daughter, and who can stop at nothing to be reunited."

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This is the second in this series and, in my opinion, you must read the first, Blood Like Mine, before reading this one.  I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this is even better which is quite unusual for a sequel.

If you don’t like blood and gore, then you need to give this a miss as it contains a lot! 

From the very beginning, I was captivated by the fantastic and intriguing characters.  It’s full of suspense and oodles of tension that just keeps on building, this is a story that had me intrigued and totally invested; it has everything I enjoy ... crime, thrills, serial killers, action, suspense, tension and a bit of the supernatural and horror thrown in for good measure ... what's not to like?!?

Recommended to those of you who enjoy reading something a bit different than the usual crime stories and I must thank Stuart Neville, Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this compelling book.

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My Husband Next Door by K.L. Slater

🌟🌟🌟 Publication date:  28-October-2025 🌟🌟🌟

Description from Goodreads:

"The perfect way for us to live. The perfect way for him to hide…

My husband Matt and I are an ordinary married couple in every way but one. At the end of each day, we return to our own homes and our own spaces. Some people think this arrangement is odd, but for us it’s perfect.

But beyond the fairy lights I string at my window, darkness is pressing in. Two local women have gone missing, and I don’t want to be alone. With Matt away for work, I find comfort in chatting to my new neighbour Brenda, who drops in regularly with casseroles and groceries.

Sipping our coffees, looking out of my kitchen window, I soon notice how observant Brenda is. So when she tells me that perhaps my husband isn’t simply working late, something cold takes root. I think of Matt’s recent vague tone, the way he brushes off my questions. Brenda thinks I should pop by when Matt’s not at home. Just to check everything’s as it should be.

I should be able to trust the man I married. But when I do go through my husband’s things, I discover that our perfect living arrangement is hiding a shocking secret…"

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I have read quite a few of K.L. Slater's books and have not been disappointed yet and I wasn't with this one.

Sylvie and Matt appear to have the perfect marriage but that facade quickly unravels with the arrival of a new neighbour, Brenda, the disappearance of a local young woman and a subsequent murder which make it clear that secrets, lies and long held grudges abound where everything is not as it seems and you can't trust anyone.

Engaging, easy to follow and compelling, this book was written at a good pace with short, punchy chapters and plenty of tension.  The mystery was intriguing with some excellent but unexpected twists and turns and with a cast of interesting characters, not all of them being particularly likeable.

This is a great domestic psychological thriller that had me hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend it and many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another cracker from K.L. Slater.

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Cold Bloodied Killer (DI James Walker #6) by Alex Pine

Description from Goodreads:

"Journalist Gordon Carver receives news that sends a chill down his spine. Rushing home from the pub, he frantically calls his police contact, DCI James Walker to share his discovery, only to be struck from behind, plunging him into darkness.

James misses the call, and by the time he arrives at the crime scene, Gordon is dead. With his name as the last entry in Gordon's phone, James is thrust into a chilling investigation. What vital information was Gordon about to reveal, and who silenced him?

With no witnesses and scant evidence, James races against time to uncover the truth. Can he uncover the mystery before the killer slips away?"

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This is another cracker from Alex Pine and a great addition to what is fast becoming my favourite 'festive' series.  Whilst this is the sixth in the series, it does read ok as a standalone as the main characters are introduced at the beginning but I would suggest you go back and read the others to ensure you get the most out of this series and you won't be disappointed.

In Cold Blooded Killer we have another Christmas murder for DI Walker and his team to solve and this is not going to be an easy one.  With fantastic characters, a great plot, tension and a murderer I certainly didn't see coming, this is a book that I was totally invested in from the start and with the perfect setting - well I would say that as it's my neck of the woods - Mr Pine captures the weather, scenery and location completely.

A great read that I would recommend and not just for Christmas!

My thanks must go to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another great addition to this excellent series.

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12 Ways to Kill Your Family at Christmas by Natasha Bache

Blurb from Goodreads:

"All Olivia wanted was one last miserable Christmas with her husband’s awful family before moving to Australia. She didn’t expect a murder.

Now the snow has cut them off and she’s stuck in a stately country house, with her increasingly deranged relatives and the rising suspicion that someone is picking them off one by one.

As the bodies pile up and the festive façade starts to crack, Olivia must survive the season, or, at the very least, get through lunch without anyone else choking on a sprout."

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I really enjoyed this Christmas tale of murder.  It had the right amount of tension, intrigue and mystery wrapped up in a good plot and great, although thoroughly unlikeable, characters.

It's written at a good pace and I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions and I enjoyed trying to work out who the murderer was, who the next victim would be and how they would meet their end.

If you enjoy a good murder mystery and dark humour, this is the book for you and my thanks go to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this enjoyable festive read.

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The Traitors Circle by Jonathan Friedland

Description from Goodreads:

"The Traitors Circle tells the true, but scarcely known, story of a group of secret rebels against Hitler. Drawn from Berlin high society, they include army officers, government officials, two countesses, an ambassador's widow and a former model - meeting in the shadows, whether hiding and rescuing Jews or plotting for a Germany freed from Nazi rule. One day in September 1943 they gather for a tea party - unaware that one among them is about to betray them all to the Gestapo. But who is the betrayer of a circle themselves branded 'traitors' by the cruellest regime in history?

In another page-turning work of nonfiction that reads like a thriller, Jonathan Freedland, acclaimed author of The Escape Artist, sheds light on one of the most dramatic episodes of the second world war, telling a story of courage, resistance and ultimate betrayal that has deep moral resonance for our own time, and asks what kind of person it takes to risk everything and stand up to tyranny."

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This is a heart-wrenching and compelling biography about a little-known Anti-Nazi group made up of ordinary citizens. The book details how their quiet discussions about a better Germany were enough to sign their death warrant and the fallout is devastating.

This is a non-fiction book but unlike many in this genre, it reads like a thriller and is one that I can recommend especially if, like me, you have little knowledge of German civilian resistance to the horrific regime during a very dark period in history and is a reminder not to tar everyone with the same brush.

Many thanks to the author, John Murray Press and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this important book.

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