Exit by Belinda Bauer

Description from Goodreads:

"IT WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE MURDER ...Pensioner Felix Pink is about to find out that it’s never too late ... for life to go horribly wrong.

When Felix lets himself in to Number 3 Black Lane, he’s there to perform an act of kindness and charity: to keep a dying man company as he takes his final breath ... But just fifteen minutes later Felix is on the run from the police – after making the biggest mistake of his life.

Now his routine world is turned upside down as he tries to discover what went wrong, while staying one step ahead of the law."

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A quirky and surprisingly heart-warming mystery

It’s such a good feeling to finally clear some space on my Kindle! I’ve had this one sitting in my to-be-read collection gathering way too much dust since 2021, but I’m really glad I finally made the time for it. Exit is such an unusual and refreshing take on a crime novel.

The story follows Felix, a seventy-five-year-old man who belongs to a group called the Exiteers, who sit with terminally ill people to make sure they aren't alone when they pass away. Things go horribly wrong during one of his visits, and suddenly Felix is on the run, convinced he’s committed a crime. It sounds quite dark, but it’s actually surprisingly funny and very moving in places.

I absolutely loved Felix as a character. He’s so well-drawn and endearing, and his perspective on the world brought a lot of heart to the story. The mystery itself is clever, but what really kept me reading was the mix of quirky humour and the more poignant moments. It’s not your typical gritty thriller, which I found really refreshing.

The only reason it’s not a full five stars for me is that the middle part of the book felt a little bit drawn out, and there were a couple of subplots that didn't feel quite as tight as the main story. However, it’s a very clever, compassionate and entertaining read that I’d definitely recommend if you want a mystery with a bit of a difference. 

Many thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.

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Burning Secrets by Michelle Dunne

Description from Publisher:

"There was no point in telling them about the others. Not when it was already too late. Or at least, it would be by the time they found them.

The world discounted Sadie Kingston years ago, right around the time her parents died. They think she’s crazy, but actually, she’s one of the chosen few.

Sadie can see peoples’ demons you see. They glow in different colours, all around the person they torment. Some are mild and sad – teal, green, yellow – while others are filled with rage and pain – red. Always red.

But as Sadie tries to survive in a world that won’t listen, she knows there will come a time when she’ll be forced to act. If the people around her won’t wake up and see what’s happening under their noses, then it will fall to her to show them the truth…"

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A slow burn that didn't quite catch fire

I was really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this one because I read The Good Girl by Michelle Dunne earlier this year and absolutely loved it. That book had me completely hooked from the start, so I had high hopes for Burning Secrets. Sadly, it just didn't grip me in the same way and it felt like a bit of a struggle to get through at times.

The premise sounded brilliant and there is no denying that the author knows how to set a dark, atmospheric scene. It starts off with plenty of promise, but the pacing just felt far too slow for my liking. I kept waiting for that big spark to kick things into high gear but the tension seemed to fizzle out rather than build up.

I think part of the issue for me was that I struggled to really connect with the characters. When a thriller relies heavily on secrets and lies, you need to feel invested in the people keeping them, but I just found myself feeling a bit detached from it all. It is definitely a slow burn, which I know lots of readers enjoy, but I prefer a plot that moves at a slightly nippier pace.

It is by no means a bad book and the writing itself is very good, but after enjoying her previous work so much, this one was a bit of a let-down for me. If you prefer psychological thrillers that take their time unfolding, then this might be right up your street, but it just wasn't quite my cup of tea.

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

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