The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards

✴✴✴ Publication date 31-July-2025 ✴✴✴

Description from Goodreads:

"Summer 1999. Will joins five other idealistic graduates working for an eccentric psychology professor. They’re going to launch a website to change online dating forever.

No-one expects it to end in tragedy.

Twenty-five years later, Will gets an invitation: a dinner party. A chance to see the old gang again.

But as soon as he arrives, something doesn’t seem right.

There’s an unexpected guest. The hosts are clearly keeping a secret. And on the way in, Will is sure he heard crying.

Everyone has something to hide about what really happened that summer.

But only one of them is willing to kill to find the truth…"

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This intriguing story is set now and in 1999.  In 1999, six graduates were working with an eccentric professor on a project for a new dating website. Fast forward 25 years and the professor has passed away.  To commemorate this, two of the graduates decide to reunite the six at a dinner party.

From the start, there is definitely an unsettling vibe. One guest hears what sounds like crying upon arrival, then catches glimpses and sounds of someone moving around just out of sight and who is the stranger that says they are connected to the professor but his story just doesn't add up. The hosts are noticeably cagey, which only adds to the tension. Things escalate, turning violent, and suddenly, everyone's fighting for their lives. It all points back to a secret from 1999 when the project was shut down suddenly but what is it and who holds it?

Whilst I enjoyed it by the end, it was a slow burn for me and it took a while for me to get into it.  I liked the twists, the characters were interesting and well developed and the story was complex and intriguing and whilst it pushed the boundaries of plausibility at times, I still enjoyed it.

I haven't read anything by Mark Edwards before but I enjoyed his writing style and the complex story he created so will look out for more from him in the future.

Many thanks to the author, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this intriguing book.

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Two Kinds of Stranger (Eddie Flynn #9) by Steve Cavanagh

🌟🌟🌟 Publication date 31-July-2025 🌟🌟🌟

Description from Goodreads:

"SHE HELPED A PERFECT A STRANGER. SHE DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS THE PERFECT KILLER...

Ellie Parker had everything.

Perfect husband. Perfect apartment. Perfect friends and the perfect job.

As an internet celebrity - famed for her random acts of kindness - everyone knew it.

So when a betrayal causes her to lose it all, millions of people are watching.

But even at her lowest, Ellie will always help someone in need.

Which makes her the perfect target for a sadistic game.

Because as she soon learns, you can never trust a stranger - and a seemingly random encounter plunges her into a nightmare worse than she ever imagined.

The only person she can turn to is conman turned trial lawyer Eddie Flynn, who must take on a case where nothing is what it seems. With the most cruelly ingenious mind manipulating events from the shadows, everyone is in danger - including Eddie and his family."

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Wow ... just wow!!!  One of the best books I've read this year and one I can't recommend highly enough and even though this is number 9 in the series, don't let that put you off because you can absolutely read and enjoy this delight as a standalone but I would recommend you go back and read the rest, you won't be disappointed.

I am a fan of Mr Cavanagh's incarnation of Eddie Flynn having read a few of his previous outings but, I have to say, this is the best one I have read so far - an absolute peach of a story that had me on tenterhooks and devouring the pages as quick as my little eyes could manage.

With excellent characters, fantastic story and side story, perfect pace, the right amount of twists and thrills, I have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone who loves a great thriller.

What are you waiting for?  Go get it!

Thanks to the author, Headline and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, a fantastic addition to this brilliant series.

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The Hanging Dolls (Zoe Storm #1) by Ruhi Choudhary

✴✴ Publication date:  30-July-2025 ✴✴

Description from Goodreads:

"The little girl’s body rests gently against the trunk of an old fir tree, her small hands laid delicately in her lap. From the day she became a Special Agent, Zoe Storm vowed to seek justice for the innocent. And for this little angel, her promise burns brighter than ever.

When the body of young Lily Baker is found in the sprawling woods behind the close-knit town of Harborwood, Washington, Special Agent Zoe Storm and her partner Dr Aiden Wesley rush to the scene. Nearby, three symbolic nooses hang from a branch and Zoe feels certain that it’s a warning that two more lives will be taken.

Witnesses spotted Lily talking to an unknown man, and she was given candy shortly before she disappeared. Then, another girl vanishes from her bed in the middle of the night. The only link between the girls is that they were from broken homes. Did the killer promise them safety?

With time running out, Zoe uncovers a cryptic note with a clue pointing to the name of the next child and an abandoned greenhouse on the outskirts of town. Zoe knows the killer has set a trap for her. But with two lives hanging in the balance, she will do everything to bring her home."

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I have never read anything by Ruhi Choudhary before but the title of this book grabbed my attention straight away; the cover, not so much but you know the old saying "don't judge a book by its cover."

This is a pretty good introduction to a new series.  I find the first book is not usually the best as the scene, characters and back story is being set down and I felt this was the case with this book and it made it a little slow at times.  This, along with the multiple strands of the story dealing with the abduction, Zoe's past, flashbacks and misdirection did, for me, make it hard going at times.

The story is told from multiple points of view with flashbacks from Zoe's past which were a story in themselves.   The characters are really interesting and I am looking forward to getting to know Zoe some more and I’m definitely looking forward to future instalments exploring her past.  The writing style was easy to read, the main story was intriguing and the ending was a bit of a shocker and I love it when that happens. 

Overall, whilst it might not have been the best book I have read this year, it has certainly made me look forward to the next in the series if only to get to know what happened to Rachel. 

Thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts on this the first in a new series.

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Beneath These Walls by Shade Owens [Audiobook]

Description from Goodreads:

"Six months ago, my husband tried to kill me.

Now, my sons and I are living in an old Victorian house passed down to me by my uncle. The house may be big, but the town is small... it's safe, which is something I haven't felt in a very long time. And best of all, it's very far away from my ex.

As soon as we move in, however, I discover that this house has an eerie reputation. Rumor has it my uncle was a mysterious man accused of atrocious things, which is drawing a lot of unwanted attention our way.

And the last thing we need is attention; we need to stay invisible if we want to stay alive.

But how can we remain invisible when things keep happening in this house? Strange things. Horrific things that has the whole town watching. Maybe even him. We were supposed to be safe here, but it's becoming glaringly apparent to me that we're in real danger.

Then I remind I'm a mother.

And a mother will do anything to protect her children."

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I have read/listened to a couple of Shade Owens' books before and enjoyed them and whilst this wasn't as good as the others, it still kept me engaged.

Alice/Emma have managed to escape her controlling and abusive husband with her two boys and is living in a large house she inherited from her uncle however, she doesn't feel safe and is paranoid and terrified that her husband will, eventually, find her.  This, together with a horrifying discovery in the basement and of mysterious handwritten notes left in the kitchen does nothing to ease Alice/Emma's fears.

Told at a steady pace and with flash backs into Alice/Emma's past, this is a tense listen.  The narrator did a great job of capturing the tension and whilst I did find Alice/Emma to be a little annoying at times and overly suspicious of everybody and everything, overall, it was a decent story that I enjoyed.

Many thanks to the author, Red Raven Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to listen and share my thoughts of this intriguing audio book.

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Love, Mom by Iliana Xander

Description from Goodreads:

"A best-selling author. A mother. A murderer…

Mackenzie Casper is a brilliant student. But she is best known for her mother, a best-selling author whose dark, twisted thrillers have a dedicated worldwide fanbase.

When her mother dies in an accident, fans across the world are left grieving, and the investigators are asking: Was that really an accident?

The day of the memorial service, Mackenzie gets the first mysterious envelope, signed,

From #1 fan. XOXO

Inside are the pages of her mother’s diary that start with the lines:

Want to know a secret?

Love, Mom.

What Mackenzie reads leaves her in shock.

But then comes the second letter.

And the third...

Mackenzie starts her own investigation and stumbles upon secrets that her family has lived with for years.

Quickly, she realizes that her mother's path to stardom was etched with sinister lies that might have caught up with her.

Sometimes fame is worth a murder. Or worse.

Soon, Mackenzie will come to find out that there are worse things than murder…"

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This is one of those books that you will either love or hate; me?  I didn't love it and I didn't hate it but I did find it enthralling.

This is a hard book to review as it did take me a while to get into it but once I was used to the writing style, I became totally invested in the story and desperately wanted to find out who was sending the letters.

The story cleverly unfolds through dual perspectives and multiple timelines, slowly revealing a family falling apart under the weight of trauma, secrets, and lies. While I did see a couple of twists coming, others completely caught me off guard. 

Whilst this book might not be everyone's cup of tea, I really enjoyed it and many thanks to the author, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this intriguing and enthralling book.

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Daughter, Missing by Jill Childs

Description from Goodreads:

"A mother will stop at nothing to save her daughter...

When Kate Grosvenor’s daughter embarks on a gap year, Kate’s worst nightmare becomes a reality. A frantic call from an American woman reveals that their daughters, traveling together, have gone missing.

Desperate and determined, Kate’s search takes her from London to Europe, and finally to America. What she doesn’t know is that her daughter’s disappearance is linked to a stepson she hasn’t seen in years – a man who was disinherited after his father’s death and now harbours a dark desire for revenge.

As Kate’s past and present collide in a terrifying twist, she must race against time to rescue her daughter from a vengeful stepson’s deadly pursuit. But how far will she go to protect her child when the stakes are this high?"

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I haven't read anything by Jill Childs before (I know, where have I been living?!!?) but if this book is anything to go by, I won't be making that mistake in the future.

This is a tense and atmospheric psychological thriller that is full of twists and turns many of them unexpected.  It's written at a steady pace with excellent characters and whilst not all of them are particularly likeable, they are well developed and really interesting.  

The plot is enthralling and had me reading way longer into the night than I should and whilst there are bits that are a little implausible, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of this book and I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of psychological thrillers that aren't full of violence and gore.

Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this absorbing book.

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Dead Reckoning (Simon Peake #) by Rob Sinclair

Description from Goodreads:

"The most dangerous people are those with nothing to lose. Who don't care if they live or die.

Simon Peake does care… he just isn’t sure about what right now. The ex-soldier’s life is as close to rock bottom as it gets.

He needs a job and he needs a quiet life.

What he gets is a whole load of mess working for New York-based Irish mobster Harry Lafferty. A job that requires him to use his special skills on some very unsavory people. His relationship with Harry’s niece isn’t exactly conducive to a quiet existence either…

As Peake tries to walk the fine line between surviving in this new life, and atoning for his old one, he struggles on both counts. And when his past comes back to bite him, and those closest to him are threatened, the reckoning will be merciless for anyone who stands in his way."

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I have read a few of Mr Sinclair's books now and can safely say that I am a fan; this, the first in a new series, has cemented that fandom 😉

Simon Peake is ex-UK special forces living in New York; he has recently been released from prison, he is a loner, doesn't always make the right choices and is desperately in need of work.  With few options, he starts to work for an Irish mob-boss which gets him into all manner of scrapes and dodgy situations.  There's also the small matter of him having started a relationship with the mob-boss' niece and he lives opposite a working woman who is not treated well by her clients. 

Told over two timelines - one the present and the other in the past when Peake was on a mission in the Middle East - both as riveting as each other, Dead Reckoning is full of action, violence, fantastic characters and tension and all told at a fast pace that had me absolutely hooked from the first page.

Definitely recommended to those of you who enjoy reading action/thrillers and I am looking forward to following Simon Peake's trials and tribulations in the future.  Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the first in what is likely to be an explosive series.

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What the Night Brings (Tom Thorne #19) by Mark Billingham

Description from Goodreads:

""Three dead coppers, Tom, maybe four by lunchtime."

The targeted murder of four officers is only the first in a series of attacks that leaves police scared, angry and, most disturbingly of all, vengeful.

As Tom Thorne and Nicola Tanner dig into the reasons for the violence, a deeper darkness begins to the possibility that these murders are payback. The price paid for an unspeakable betrayal.

To uncover the truth, Thorne will be forced to question everything he stands for. He can trust nobody, and the shocking secrets revealed by one terrible night will fracture his entire world."

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I am a massive fan of Mark Billingham and I absolutely love his character - Tom Thorne - neither have ever disappointed me and, after reading this, they still haven’t. 

I won’t go into any details about the story-line as the description above says it all but I will say that it is captivating, thrilling, absorbing, exciting, shocking and all the other superlatives that you normally use to describe a brilliant read.

The story moves at a great pace with an easy to read style of writing which makes this book difficult to put down. There are twists and turns aplenty and just when you go “aha, I know who did it”, Mr Billingham goes and throws a spanner in the works again.

This may be the 19th instalment in the Tom Thorne series and you might think that Mr Billingham couldn't think of new and innovative scrapes, crisis, crimes and miscreants for Tom Thorne to get involved with and in but he seems to be able to manage it with ease and still he makes it feel fresh and new. You can get away with reading this as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading the others as Thorne and his team will quickly become old friends who you love to get reacquainted with with each new book.

Would I recommend this? Heck yes - go and buy it now 🙂

Many thanks to the author, Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this another excellent addition to a brilliant series.

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It's Always the Husband by C.L. Taylor

Description from Goodreads:

"The school gates have never been so dangerous…

When newly divorced Jude arrives in the small town of Lowbridge, she is soon drawn to the enigmatic Will, father to her young daughter's best friend.

But Will's devastating past holds questions that nobody knows the answer to – and after two tragedies tore his life apart in just a few short years, gossip and rumours abound about what really happened to the women he loved.

Because whilst one dead wife is tragic, two starts to look like murder…"

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I have read a number of C.L. Taylor's books and have enjoyed 99.9% of them and this is one to add to that number.

I quickly became invested in the lives of the school-run parents and the mystery of various events surrounding them including blackmail, infidelity and possible murder.  It's a complex but riveting story told at a steady pace using short chapters told from multiple points of view and whilst this could be confusing, I didn't find it to be so and was able to follow things with ease.

With great characters and an intriguing plot, I enjoyed this one and many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.

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Chasing Shadows (Detective Erica Foster #9) by Robert Bryndza

Description from Goodreads:

" In a deadly game of cat and mouse, Detective Erika Foster confronts her greatest nemesis—where the lines of justice blur and secrets unravel.

A collapsed ceiling. A dead body. What starts as a routine 999 call takes an unexpected twist when Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster arrives on the scene and discovers the body of a woman in an empty flat, with all DNA evidence scrubbed away. When forensics find cocaine residue coating every surface of the ceiling, Erika calls in the drug dogs, who lead her to a mysterious parcel locker on the outside wall of the property. Chasing down the locker’s owner leads Erika back where she never expected to be – staring into the eyes of Jerome Goodman, the drug dealer who murdered her husband, Mark, ten years ago.

She arrests him on the spot, but there’s just one problem. His passport and his solicitor say his name is Kieron Bagshaw, and his record is squeaky clean.

With top brass demanding she take leave to deal with her PTSD and even her closest colleagues questioning her sanity, Erika decides to use the time off to do some digging of her own. Trawling for clues through old newspapers, encrypted messages, and secret underground passageways, Erika makes a series of shocking discoveries that move Mark’s murder from cold case to active investigation, all while flying under the Met’s radar.

The revelations will push Erika to the brink, forcing her to confront the trauma of her past and the truth about what happened the day Mark died – and who among her friends was involved from the shadows."

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Yet again, Robert Bryndza has created a peach of a book to go with what is a fantastic series.

This might be the ninth in this series but don't let that put you off; it reads well as a standalone and whilst you have missed some of the character development, Mr Bryndza's writing is so good that it's not really an issue.

Ten years ago, Erica was injured, her husband and colleagues murdered during a police raid with the culprit never being caught.  Erica is now investigating a suspicious death when she comes face to face with the man she believes is responsible for their murders but his name is different however, she's convinced it's him even when told that he's dead.  Erica is put on stress leave but that doesn't stop her investigating with the help of her trusted colleagues and partner but at what cost?

The characters are really strong, the plot riveting and the pace perfect from the very start.  This is a gripping and tense read for fans of police procedurals and crime thrillers and one that I can highly recommend along with the rest of Robert Bryndza's work.

Many thanks to the author, Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the latest in the excellent Erica Foster series.

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The Countdown Killer (Major Crimes #4) by Sam Holland

Description from Goodreads:

"A MAN MURDERED, LIVE ON CAMERA

When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence… This is death, on demand.

A KILLER COUNTING DOWN

Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always in a forty-eight-hour pattern.

A MISSING DETECTIVE

But when the killer finds out they’re being investigated, they reveal their next target. In forty-eight hours, a police officer will be the one in front of the camera. The hunters have become the hunted, and the clock is ticking…"

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A sure-fire 5 star read for me and another excellent addition to this brilliant series.

This is the fourth in the Major Crimes Series and the fourth I have read and I have found that they have just got better and better.  I really do feel you need to have read some of the others in the story -at least the first in the series, The Echo Man, to keep up with it however, it's not essential and, I think I would have enjoyed this even if it was my first and it would have made me go back and read the others.

It has everything you would want from a dark and gritty serial killer story; it's full of excellent characters, it's non-stop pace with plenty of action, tension, suspense, thrills, twists and a sick serial killer.  This is definitely not for those who don't like reading graphic scenes of death - there were definitely bits that made me shiver and wince and it takes a lot to do that so be warned!!

Highly, highly recommended and I must thank the author, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this riveting book.

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The Ruins in Which We Bleed by Steve N Lee

Available on 12-June-2025

Description from the author:

"A story of courage and a fight for survival like none you have ever read. Guaranteed!

Inspired by a previously untold true story.

Following the Nazi invasion of Poland, 13-year-old Helena is imprisoned in the Warsaw ghetto, a squalid hellhole rife with disease and starvation. Yet, although the Nazis have destroyed her home, her life, and her future, they haven't destroyed the only thing that truly matters — her family. Helena might be just a child, but she's a fighter, and she'll do whatever it takes to help her loved ones.

Making sacrifices no child should ever have to make, seeing horrors no child should ever have to see, Helena bravely battles on as her world crumbles amid random killings, slave labor, and deportations. And through it all, her compassion helps to protect her family. But then the Nazis unleash new horrors.

With the ghetto a raging sea of flames, explosions, and gunfire, Helena runs for her life only to hurtle straight into an unimaginable hell from which there seems no escape. And the Nazis are closing in. Can her love for her family give her the strength to survive?

Inspired by a heartbreaking true story of unbelievable courage, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit, The Ruins in Which We Bleed reveals that, even in the darkest of times, one person can make a difference through the greatest power of all — love.

If you didn't know this was inspired by a true story, you would never believe it possible. Read The Ruins in Which We Bleed now."

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Just WOW ... what a story that is inspired by real events and people but with elements that have been fictionalised which, in this case, is because the information doesn't exist anymore.

I have read a couple of Steve's books before, To Dream of Shadows and A Song of Silence, and was blown away by them both and this was no different.

It invoked so many emotions for me that not many books have done from fear, dread, horror but also love, loyalty bravery and hope. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.  Helena is a remarkable teenager and one I'm sure her family would have been proud of.  Her tenacity, bravery and spirit were beyond her years.

Brilliant story, excellently written, this is one story that should be made into a film as, in my humble opinion, Helena's story rivals that of Anne Frank's and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.

Many thanks must go to the author, Steve N Lee, for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this remarkable book.

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The Devil's Smile (The Yorkshire Killings #2) by Daniel Sellers

Due to be published 21-August-2025
 

Description from Goodreads:

"October, 1995. Adrian Brown's second year at Leeds University is a blur of throbbing bass line and neon-lit nights out. However, a violent encounter with a man he met in a basement club has the power to sober him up.

Sheila Hargreaves, who has grown fond of Adrian following their brush with the infamous Lollipop Man, has written a book about the murders and is busy with a new TV show, Yorkshire Crimetime. And then her erratic co-presenter Tony Tranter goes missing, and his body turns up riddled with stab wounds. Could his death be linked to several violent attacks on men?

Moving from dark city corners to the glare of the TV studio lights, Sheila and Adrian find themselves on the trail of another killer."

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I dived right into this as soon as I finished reading the first in this series, The Lollipop Man.  I was curious as to where Adrian and Sheila were in their lives and how they had developed and I wasn't disappointed.  This is the second in the series and I do think you need to have read the first to understand the back story of Adrian in particular but you might just get away with it as the author does provide some history.

The book takes place in Yorkshire in the 1990's and has a real eclectic set of characters which works really well.  There a two story lines, each of which were equally as intriguing as each other and kept me guessing as to whether they were related or not.  It is well paced and kept me reading to the end.

A good psychological thriller that I would recommend and thanks to the author, Allison and Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read this, the second in a developing series.

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The Lollipop Man (The Yorkshire Killings #1) by Daniel Sellers

Description from Goodreads:

"When a young girl is snatched from a West Yorkshire town there are eerie similarities with a cold case from many years earlier. It can't be the same killer, can it?

Yorkshire, 1994. Eighteen-year-old Adrian spends his days working at the local newspaper, and his evenings in his local pub. But under this ordinary surface lies a haunting story. Aged ten, Adrian was kidnapped by a shadowy figure known as The Lollipop Man, who had abducted three children before. Adrian was the only one to escape.

The Lollipop Man might well have returned when another missing child whips up a media frenzy. Journalist Sheila Hargreaves, troubled with memories of her own involvement in the reporting of the previous abductions, is determined to dig deeper, atone for what she did nearly a decade ago and bring the Lollipop Man to justice."

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I haven't read anything by Daniel Sellers before but, once again, I have discovered another great British author.  This is the first in a new series and one I am very much looking forward to getting my teeth into if subsequent books are as enjoyable as this one.

After a bit of a slow start, this book gradually drew me in and by the end, had me hooked.  There are a lot of characters to get your head round so you need to keep your wits about you but I loved Adrian and Gav's friendship; it was a breath of fresh air to read about a male friendship rather than the usual female one.  The story is intriguing with plenty of twists, some of which I saw coming but others caught me unaware, together with tension and atmosphere.

Overall, a pretty successful start to a new series and I must thank the author, Allison & Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, the first in a new series.

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Psychosis Diagnosis by Nikki Minty [Audiobook]

 🎙🎙🎙 Narrated byJodie Harris, Karen Chilton, James Fouhey,

Ari Maza Long and Tamblyn Lord🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Welcome to The Church of Salvation, where your soul checks in but never checks out.

Raised by his drug-addicted mother in the small town of Coraki, Australia, Monroe Morgan is determined to escape a life steeped in misery. With dreams of a better future, he has secured a job at his brother-in-law’s pub in Coffs Harbour and is set to start as soon as he turns eighteen.

However, a month before his departure, Monroe’s life takes a drastic turn when his neighbour, Indi, appears at his doorstep, battered and scared for her life. She reveals harrowing details about her upbringing in The Church of Salvation and declares that she is being forced to marry the church’s pastor against her will. Concerned for Indi’s safety, Monroe plans to take her with him when he leaves. But on the morning of their escape, he is jolted awake by blood-curdling screams coming from next door. A violent confrontation with Indi’s father ensues, resulting in Monroe’s arrest and a year-long stay in Rozelle Hospital for drug-induced psychosis. In a cruel twist of fate, Indi’s father denies her existence, and the doctors and authorities dismiss her as a figment of Monroe’s imagination.

After a year of treatment and recovery, Monroe returns to Coraki determined to find Indi and prove she is real. However, the visit to his old neighbourhood soon unearths a web of dark secrets, and he finds himself at the centre of a decades-old cult conspiracy. He’ll have to summon all his strength to discover not only where Indi went, but who he truly is, before more young women mysteriously wind-up dead."

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A good book that was really quite creepy to listen to.  

This is a mix of all sorts of genres including horror, supernatural, witchcraft, the occult and a cult all thrown in for good measure.  I think this is more geared towards the Young Adults so a bit off the mark for me however, I still quite enjoyed it as it was something different to read/listen to.

The narration was ok but not the best but I did like there were different voices which helped to distinguish between the characters and there were dual timelines which, I found, a bit confusing and difficult to keep up but overall, a decent creepy book and thank you to the author, BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.

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The Perfect Psychopath by Alice Hunter

 

Description from Goodreads:

"THE PERFECT PSYCHOPATH HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT…

Dr. Eleanor Spencer is a respected forensic psychologist with a seemingly perfect life. But when a series of women start to vanish, she’s haunted by the memory of her sister’s disappearance and she finds herself drawn into the chilling investigation.​

​As the body count rises and her paranoia deepens, Ellie is forced to delve into the mind of a monster to uncover the truth. Her work leads her to Lucas Hayne, a notorious serial killer now behind bars. But when Lucas cryptically hints that the key to the killer’s identity lies buried in her past, Ellie’s world begins to unravel. ​

Because now she faces a terrifying the real monster might just be closer than she ever imagined.​

And with time running out, the price of uncovering the truth may be her own life…"

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I enjoy reading Alice Hunter's books; she clearly knows her stuff when it comes to the inner workings of the mind and this book shows it really well.

I'm not going to go into the plot as the description summarises it perfectly but I will say that it is intriguing and kept me guessing how it was all going to play out.  The pace is steady, with the middle being a little slow but ramping up towards the end.  The characters are well developed and an eclectic bunch from Ellie herself to the serial killer she is interviewing.

It has some great twists and it definitely kept me reading towards the end.  I can quite happily recommend this to lovers of psychological thrillers and many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this intriguing book.

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Missing (Detective Bonnie Hunter #1) by Catherine Lee

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Eva Seymour 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Sydney, Australia.

Bonnie Hunter is done with creeps who treat their families like possessions. Sidelined and angry after a domestic violence call-out went horribly wrong, the detective finds herself seconded to a team tasked with finding a missing young woman.

According to her husband, Juliet Keller went to the grocery store and never returned. The husband demands action, but his violent outbursts and controlling behaviour have Bonnie’s family violence radar on high alert. Convinced he’s responsible for Juliet’s disappearance, Bonnie is single-minded in her mission to disprove his story.

Outsmarted at every turn, and questioning her worth to her new team, Bonnie finds herself in a cat-and-mouse chase to uncover the truth. Because whatever happened to Juliet Keller, it’s soon clear her life is not the only one on the line."

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I haven't read anything by Catherine Lee before but I certainly won't be making that mistake again if this book is anything to go by.  I listened to the audiobook and from the very beginning, I was absolutely hooked.  

Everything about this book is exceptional ... the story, the writing style, the dual timeline, the pace, the characters, the tension, the emotion, etc., etc., is second to none, especially given the difficult subject matter of domestic violence which I think the author captured accurately but without sensationalising it.  And lets not forget the narration which was one of the best I have listened to so far; Ms Seymour's voice drew me into the story with ease and kept me listening long after I should have stopped.

Like I said, this does cover the heinous crime of domestic violence so if that is a trigger for you, I would definitely pass this book by but otherwise, I would highly recommend it to others who enjoy gripping thrillers.

This is the first book in a new series and I very much look forward to reading or listening to more in the future and my thanks must go to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this excellent book.

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One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter

Description from the Publisher:

"Ferrara, Italy. 1940. Lili Passigli is studying at the University of Ferrara when Mussolini’s Racial Laws deem her of ‘inferior’ Jewish descent, blindsiding her completely. As Hitler’s strength grows across Europe, Lili’s world begins to shrink around her, with the papers awash in Fascist propaganda and the city walls desecrated with anti-semitic slurs. When Germany invades northern Italy, Lili and her best friend Esti find themselves on their own in Nazi-occupied territory.

With the help of the Resistance, Lili and Esti flee with Esti’s two-year-old son Theo, in tow, facing a harrowing journey south toward the Allies and freedom. On this trek through war-torn Italy, they will face untold challenges and devastating decisions."

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I do read quite a few books, both fiction and non-fiction, that are set during World War II but I have read very few that are set in Italy so have little knowledge of what it was like during that time in that country and whilst I know this is a work of fiction, I have no doubt that a lot of what is written about closely matched what it was like during that horrendous time.

I am not going to go into the ins and outs of the book but will say that it grabbed me from the start and didn't let go until the very end; I read it in a few days such was my need to find out what happened to Esti, Lili, Theo and others.  I was so invested in their story that time just flew.

This book is compelling, riveting, heart-breaking and full of tension but also hopeful and full of courage, resilience and the importance of friendship and trust and one that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Thanks to the author, Allison & Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this excellent book.

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Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey

Description from Goodreads:

"What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally?

Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold: strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves.

The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.

Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.

Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . ."

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This is a book that has left me saying "ok ... what the heck was that?" but in a mainly positive way and, ultimately, I enjoyed it although it was a tad confusing.  I also don't usually do romances but this is a romance with a massive difference!

I'm not going to go into any of the plot but will just say that you need to keep your mind and brain open and switched on at all times.  It's full of dark humour, tension and great characters; Jack and Dolores are only what I can describe as being odd, strange, eccentric but great; in fact, as I said, the book is full of great characters - some easier to like than others!  

Very cleverly written and with twists, turns and moments where you scratch your head; I applaud Jane Posey for a unique and well written debut and thanks to her, Atlantic Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this intriguing book.

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