Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

Description from Goodreads:

"You’ve known her your whole life…

Andrea Oliver knows everything about her mother Laura. She knows she's always lived in the small town of Belle Isle; she knows she’s a pillar of the community; she knows she's never kept a secret in her life.

but she’s hiding something…

Then one day, a trip to the mall explodes into a shocking act of violence and Andrea suddenly sees a completely different side to Laura.

and it could destroy you both…

Hours later, Laura is in hospital, her face splashed over the newspapers. But the danger has only just begun. Now, Andrea must go on a desperate race to uncover the secrets of her mother's past. If she can't, there may be no future for either of them…"

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I am really unhappy to report that I did not and could not finish this.  I persevered for 50% but had to give up as I found myself skipping paragraph after paragraph; it didn't help that the chapters were really, really long.  It started off well but I quickly got very bored.  I really struggled to get into the story or connect with any of the characters which is a real shame because I usually enjoy reading Karin Slaughter's books but this one just wasn't for me.  This will not, however, put me off reading her books in the future.

Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins, via Jellybooks, for my copy in return for them having access to and analysing my reading data.

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Connect with the author:

Website:  http://www.karinslaughter.com/

Twitter:  @slaughterKarin

Down to the Woods (Helen Grace #8) by M.J. Arlidge

Description from Goodreads:

"There is a sickness in the forest. First, it was the wild horses. Now it's innocent men and women, hunted down and murdered by a faceless figure. Lost in the darkness, they try to flee, they try to hide. In desperation, they call out for help. But there is no-one to hear their cries here...

DI Helen Grace must face down a new nightmare. The arrow-ridden victims hang from the New Forest's ancient oaks, like pieces of strange fruit. Why are helpless holidaymakers being targeted in peak camping season? And what do their murders signify? Is a psychopath stalking the forest? Is there an occult element to the killings? Could the murders even be an offering to the Forest itself? Helen must walk into the darkness to discover the truth behind her most challenging, most macabre case yet."

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This is only the second of M.J. Arlidge's books starring DI Helen Grace that I have read but the eighth in the series however I don't feel it absolutely necessary to have read them all as this stands up well on its own.

What a great story this is with scenes of peril, suspense, graphic descriptions of the aftermath of gruesome murders, twists, turns and red herrings, with fantastic and interesting characters especially DI Grace and the introduction of a new character, DS Joseph Hudson [I am very interested to see how their relationship develops in future stories] and all wrapped up in a great mystery set in the beautiful setting of The New Forest ... what more could you want?

Definitely recommended to fellow readers who don't mind a bit of blood mixed with action ... M.J. Arlidge does not disappoint with this book and my thanks go to the Publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

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Twitter:  mjarlidge

Facebook:  M.J.Arlidge

My review of The Doll House by M.J. Arlidge

If I Die Before I Wake by Emily Koch

Synopsis:

“How Do You Solve Your Own Murder?

Everyone believes Alex is in a coma, unlikely to ever wake up. As his family debate withdrawing life support, and his friends talk about how his girlfriend Bea needs to move on, he can only listen.

But Alex soon begins to suspect that the accident that put him here wasn’t really an accident. Even worse, the perpetrator is still out there and Alex is not the only one in danger.

As he goes over a series of clues from his past, Alex must use his remaining senses to solve the mystery of who tried to kill him, and try to protect those he loves, before they decide to let him go.

A stunning edge-of-your-seat debut novel with an unforgettable narrator.”

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A who-dunnit story with a difference; told completely from the perspective of Alex who is trapped within his own body and with only the ability to speak to himself inside his own head trying to piece together the clues from the snippets of conversations he can hear and from his own fragmented memory as to how he got where he is.

This was an intriguing read and I really enjoyed that it was told from Alex's point of view - the sense of complete frustration and, at times, desolation at being completely helpless - was excellent and, at times, heart-breaking.  I imagine it was extremely difficult to write and it must have taken great restraint not to introduce other concepts or parts of the story that may have helped to move it on but would have reduced the impact of Alex's situation.

This is a very original psychological mystery told in a unique way and I did feel constant anticipation that something was going to happen but, unfortunately, it never really seemed to ... well not until the end that is.  Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it; it's a good book with great characters and I can't fault the writing style, the flow or the concept, but it just left me with a sense of "is that it?" when I finished when I feel it could have been a fantastic book.

Overall though, this is an accomplished debut novel for the author so if this book is anything to go by, I await the next with eager anticipation.

Many thanks to the publisher, Random House UK Vintage Publishing, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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Author Wesbite:  Emily Koch

Author Twitter: @emilykoch

While You Sleep by Stephanie Merritt

Description:

“A pacy, chilling psychological thriller, set to reinvent the genre. It begins, they say, with a woman screaming...Don't shut your eyes...In an isolated corner of a remote Scottish island lies the McBride house, a place that has forever been shrouded in shadows and secrets. In Victorian times, a mother and son perished there, and just one year ago, a local boy went missing-a scream the only clue as to his fate. For Zoe Adams, though, the McBride house represents a much-needed escape from her life in America, and from the tragedy that has befallen her. All she wants is to be alone, to finally find peace. Only the calm Zoe so desperately craves eludes her. For as night falls, she is disturbed by unsettling dreams, the sinister notes of a woman singing, an indistinct face at the window...Someone, or something, wants Zoe gone, and will stop at nothing to rid the house of her presence.”

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Full of atmosphere and mystery helped by the excellent description of the remote Scottish island and the characters makes this an enthralling read.

In an attempt to escape a failing marriage, Zoe rents an isolated and recently renovated house with a chequered history. It doesn’t take long for creepy things to start happening which spurs Zoe on to finding out more about the house’s history but as the story develops, you start to question whether the happenings are real, paranormal or a figment of Zoe’s imagination.

There are many twists and turns in this book which keeps you guessing as to what is going on and although I found it a struggle at times due to the sheer amount of questions you ask yourself, While You Sleep is an eerie and atmospheric story that is quite unlike anything I have read before.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest review.

Date of publication:  08/03/2018

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Publisher website: HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction

Publisher twitter: @HarperCollinsUK

Author website: Stephanie Merritt

Author twitter: @thestephmerritt

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Missing: Presumed by Susie Steiner

Description from Goodreads:

“Mid-December, and Cambridgeshire is blanketed with snow. Detective Sergeant Manon Bradshaw tries to sleep after yet another soul-destroying Internet date – the low murmuring of her police radio her only solace.

Over the airwaves come reports of a missing woman – door ajar, keys and phone left behind, a spatter of blood on the kitchen floor. Manon knows the first 72 hours are critical: you find her, or you look for a body. And as soon as she sees a picture of Edith Hind, a Cambridge post-graduate from a well-connected family, she knows this case will be big.

Is Edith alive or dead? Was her ‘complex love life’ at the heart of her disappearance, as a senior officer tells the increasingly hungry press? And when a body is found, is it the end or only the beginning?”

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This is a pretty good book, not the best I’ve read, but pretty good. There are some great characters, especially the lead protagonist DS Manon Bradshaw with whom I felt able to connect with. The writing flowed well making it easy to read. The story kept my interest throughout and I felt the police investigation aspect was quite believable.

This is the first in a series of books featuring DS Bradshaw, I am tempted to read more.

Thanks go to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.

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Publisher website: HarperCollins UK

Publisher twitter: HarperCollinsUK

The Bone Field by Simon Kernick

Description from Goodreads:

“From the best-selling author of Stay Alive, The Final Minute and The Witness.

When the bones of a 21-year old woman who went missing without trace in Thailand in 1990, are discovered in the grounds of an old Catholic school in Buckinghamshire, an enduring mystery takes on a whole new twist. Her boyfriend at the time, and the man who reported her missing, Henry Forbes, now a middle-aged university lecturer, comes forward with his lawyer and tells DI Ray Mason of the Met’s Homicide Command that he knows what happened to Kitty, and who killed her.

So begins a hunt for the truth that will focus on a ruthless crime gang, a rich, dysfunctional family with a terrible past, and a highly ambitious man so cruel and ruthless that he must be brought down at any cost…”

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Once again Simon delivers a fast-paced, gritty novel with strong characters and an intriguing story line that forces you to read on into the night and I thank the publisher, Randomhouse UK Cornerstone, and NetGalley for my copy in return for a review.

As the blurb above indicates, the story follows the investigation into the disappearance of Kitty Sinn who went missing in Thailand in 1990’s but whose bones are discovered in Buckinghamshire; there’s no trace of her coming back into the country so how did they get there? And so it begins … the roller-coaster ride that is Simon Kernick’s books.

For me, one of Simon’s great gifts is to create characters that you care about and DI Ray Mason, in this second outing, is fast becoming one of those; there is a depth to DI Mason that makes him believable and I look forward to getting to know him more. Tina Boyd needs no introduction; she is my favourite female character EVER. She is feisty, brave, unorthodox at times but always with the best of intentions and the perfect person to have on your side. However, where Tina goes trouble is usually not too far behind.

I admit to being a fan of Simon’s work and always look forward to his next outing; the way this book ended has me chomping at the bit for the next one.

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Author website - http://www.simonkernick.com/

Author's Twitter - @simonkernick

Publisher's website - Randomhouse UK, Cornerstone

The Two O'Clock Boy by Mark Hill

           

Description from Goodreads:

“TWO CHILDHOOD FRIENDS...ONE BECAME A DETECTIVE...ONE BECAME A KILLER...

One night changed their lives

Thirty years ago, the Longacre Children's Home stood on a London street where once-grand Victorian homes lay derelict. There its children lived in terror of Gordon Tallis, the home's manager.

Cries in the fire and smoke

Then Connor Laird arrived: a frighteningly intense boy who quickly became Tallis' favourite criminal helper. Soon after, destruction befell the Longacre, and the facts of that night have lain buried ...until today.

A truth both must hide

Now, a mysterious figure, the Two O'Clock Boy, is killing all who grew up there, one by one. DI Ray Drake will do whatever it take to stop the murders - but he will go even further to cover up the truth.

Discover the gripping, twist-filled start to a fantastic new London-set crime thriller series starring morally corrupt DI Ray Drake - the perfect new addiction for fans of Luther.”

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This is the debut novel for Mark Hill and, I think, a successful one and I want to thank the publisher, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.

I admit to being a crime book addict so I can be hard to please but I really enjoyed this one. The story is a familiar one of past misdemeanors coming back to haunt you but it’s told in a quite unique way. The characters are great particularly DI Ray Drake who is far from perfect and isn’t afraid of bending the rules; I found him compelling and I was desperate to find out how far he would go to hide the past. DS Flick Crowley has recently been promoted and is the lead investigator into the gruesome murders of people from Ray’s past and their families but she finds herself hampered by Ray who wants to keep the past buried however, it becomes clear that this is not going to be possible as the killer, named The Two O’Clock Boy, has him and his daughter in his sights.

This is a compelling read with great characters, an intricate plot which is well written at a great pace and, I think, will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy a dark story with twists and turns and a satisfying ending.

Mark Hill has created an interesting and complex character in DI Ray Drake and I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series.

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Author website - http://markhillauthor.com/

Author twitter - markhillwriter

Publisher website - Little, Brown Book Group

Beneath The Ashes by Jane Isaac

Description from Goodreads:

“The floor felt hard beneath her face. Nancy opened her eyes. Blinked several times. A pain seared through her head. She could feel fluid. No. She was lying in fluid.

When a body is discovered in a burnt-out barn in the Warwickshire countryside, DI Will Jackman is called to investigate.

Nancy Faraday wakes up on the kitchen floor. The house has been broken into and her boyfriend is missing. As the case unravels, DI Jackman realises that nothing is quite as it appears and everyone, it seems, has a secret.

Can he discover the truth behind the body in the fire, and track down the killer before Nancy becomes the next victim?”

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After I read “Before It’s Too Late” by Jane Isaac, I said that I would certainly read more as I had enjoyed it so much so imagine my delight when I was offered to read "Beneath The Ashes" in return for an honest review by The Legend 100 Club. I wasn’t going to say no was I?

We are quickly immersed in a riveting crime story being investigated by DI Will Jackman. I have said it before and I will say it again, I really like Will as a character. He is a really interesting, complex and likeable Police Officer who, despite carrying a lot of baggage around in his head, is methodical and driven to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Nancy and her missing boyfriend.

The story moves at a good pace and flows really well so is easy to read. The story is told from the perspectives of DI Will Jackman and Nancy in alternating chapters which, I think, works really well. There are twists, turns, secrets, lies and red herrings before the reveal at the end which I didn’t see coming.

This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great mystery with very likeable characters and if you haven’t read any of Jane Isaac’s work before, I would suggest you give her a go - she certainly doesn’t disappoint and I for one can't wait to read the third book in the series - The Lies Within - which is due out in May 2017.

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Author Website - Jane Isaac, Crime Fiction Author

Author Twitter - JaneIsaacAuthor

Publisher website - Legend Press

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Book One

Click here for my review

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Book Three due May 2017

Picture taken from The Legend Press website

Click here to read the blurb

Holding by Graham Norton

"Surprisingly Good"

Blurb from Goodreads:

“Graham Norton's masterful debut is an intelligently crafted story of love, secrets and loss.

The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. Sergeant PJ Collins hasn't always been this overweight; mother of­ two Brid Riordan hasn't always been an alcoholic; and elegant Evelyn Ross hasn't always felt that her life was a total waste.

So when human remains are discovered on an old farm, suspected to be that of Tommy Burke - a former­ love of both Brid and Evelyn - the village's dark past begins to unravel. As the frustrated PJ struggles to solve a genuine case for the first time in his life, he unearths a community's worth of anger and resentments, secrets and regret.

Darkly comic, touching and at times profoundly sad. Graham Norton employs his acerbic wit to breathe life into a host of loveable characters, and explore - with searing honesty - the complexities and contradictions that make us human.”

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I don’t normally read books written by “celebrities” but I admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this written by Graham Norton. What initially grabbed me was the fact that it is set in a remote Irish village and I was curious to see how it compared to my experiences of spending my summer holidays in a village in Northern Ireland and I have to say that I feel that Mr Norton captured the atmosphere, the people and the humour excellently but then I would expect that really with him being Irish ;)

Set in the fictional village of Duneen where nothing remarkable happens until builders unearth a body and so opens long hidden secrets and lies of various inhabitants. The book is written from the perspectives of those inhabitants and this is where Mr Norton excels; he has created some excellent, believable characters who continue to develop throughout the book.

The writing style makes this easy to read and it flows really well from character to character. The descriptions of the people and the village are vivid and you quickly become immersed in the story and the mystery contained therein. It could quite easily be a dark and brooding story which could have resulted in a bleak read but Mr Norton interjects some of his well-known wit and humour to lighten the mood whilst not overdoing it.

Overall I enjoyed this book, it isn’t full of “edge of the seat” moments but it is perfect for those cold, winter days when you just want something comfortable to read that is not over-taxing on the brain and I will look out for further books written by Mr Norton. Thank you to the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.

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Publisher website - Hodder & Stoughton

Twitter - Graham Norton

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About Graham Norton (copied from Hodder & Stoughton website)

Graham is one of the UK's most treasured comedians and presenters. Born in Clondalkin, a suburb of Dublin, Norton's first big TV appearance was as Father Noel Furlong on Channel 4's Father Ted in the early 1990s. He then secured a prime time slot on Channel 4 with his chat shows So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton.

Known for his quick wit and flamboyant style Graham began hosting a variety of talent shows on BBC One from Strictly Dance Fever and Andrew Lloyd Webber's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? to The Eurovision Song Contest and BAFTAs. Graham was soon approached by the BBC to front his own self-titled chat show The Graham Norton Show in 2007.

Graham Norton has won 7 BAFTAs for Best Entertainment Performance, and Best Entertainment Programme. He presents a show on BBC Radio 2 every Saturday and also writes, as Agony Aunt, weekly in a column for The Telegraph.

Death Falls by Todd Ritter (a.k.a Bad Moon)

"5* book for me"

Description from Goodreads:


“When a young boy goes missing, it’s easier to believe the lies than to believe the truth… Perfect for fans of Gregg Hurwitz and P.J. Tracy.

On the same night that Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, nine-year-old Charlie Olmstead jumped on his bike to see if he could get a better look. It was the last anyone ever saw of him.

After Perry Hollow Police Chief Jim Campbell found Charlie's bike caught up above a waterfall, he assumed the worse, and so did everyone else except Charlie's mother. Years later, Eric Olmstead – and famous author and Charlie's brother – has come back to bury his mother and fulfill her last request: find his brother.

To do so he goes to the current police chief and his former sweetheart Kat Campbell, and it isn't long before they discover that finding Charlie was his mother's secret obsession, and while she never found him she uncovered clues suggesting that he wasn't the only victim.”

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What an intense ride that was! I cannot even begin to explain how much I enjoyed this book, I have a tick list in my head and each point I feel is essential for a 5* book is being ticked off the list as being achieved here:

Easy to read and flowing … tick

Interesting, believable and engaging characters … tick

Intriguing and captivating plot … tick

Complex but not confusing … tick

Plot twists and red herrings … tick

Full of suspense, secrets and lies … tick

An ending you don’t see coming (well I didn't) … tick

And finally, a good cover that draws you in and makes you pick the book up in the first place … tick

What more can I say? Mr Ritter has written a cracker here and although it’s a part of a series, it works very well as a standalone so please don’t let that put you off from picking this up and devouring in a very short space of time … not because it’s a short read but because once you start, it’s extremely hard to put down.

Thank you to HarperCollins Maze, Avon and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in return for an unbiased review and for introducing me, yet again, to a great author.

Please note - if you are looking to buy this book, it was originally published as “Bad Moon” in 2011.

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Author website - http://www.toddritteronline.com/

Twitter - @ToddAlanRitter

Publisher website - http://corporate.harpercollins.co.uk/imprints/avon

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Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton

"A slow burner"

Description from Goodreads:

“Don't Look

At first, they struggle to escape. Then a torrent of blows rains down upon their bodies until their eyes cloud over in final agony. The killer shows no remorse--just a twisted need to witness each victim's last terrified moments.

Don't Speak

Public defender Rachel Wainwright is struggling to reopen a decades-old case, convinced that the wrong man is in prison. Homicide detective Deke Morgan doesn't want to agree. But if Rachel's hunch is correct, whoever fatally bludgeoned young, beautiful Annie Dawson thirty years ago could be the source of a new string of brutal slayings.

Just Prepare To Die

Rachel's investigation is about to reveal answers--but at a price she never thought to pay. Now she's become the target of a rage honed by years of jealousy and madness. And a murderer is ready to show her just how vicious the truth can be. . . “

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Not having read any of Mary Burton’s books before [where have I been living!!!!], I didn’t know what to expect but the description sounded like something I would enjoy and I did. I was a little worried that it was put in the genre of romance/mystery/thrillers … not being a particular lover of romance books but it wasn’t overdone at all and in fact, I don’t even think it should be classed as a romance to be honest - it’s definitely more of a thriller.

For me, this was a slow burner. It took a while for me to get into it but once I did (around half way), I was hooked and devoured the second half in no time at all. There are many interesting characters and the setting is perfectly described. I liked the writing style which was easy to read and flowed well. The plot is complex but not too complex that it becomes confusing and Mary Burton was very successful at not providing too many hints at “who-dun-it” so the reveal was a surprise.

Overall, I quite enjoyed it and thanks to the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley, for my copy in return for an honest review.

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Author website - http://www.maryburton.com/

Author Twitter - @MaryBurtonBooks

Publisher website - http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/

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The Missing Hours by Emma Kavanagh

"A fantastic book"

Description from Goodreads:

“A woman disappears

One moment, Selena Cole is in the playground with her children and the next, she has vanished without a trace.

A woman returns

Twenty hours later, Selena is found safe and well, but with no memory of where she has been.

What took place in those missing hours, and are they linked to the discovery of a nearby murder?

‘Is it a forgetting or a deception?’”

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I have read “Hidden” by Emma previously and found it to be a riveting read so when “The Missing Hours” appeared on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it and am grateful to the publisher, Random House UK, Cornerstone, for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

What a fantastic book! I was completely absorbed from the start - a 7 year old girl has wandered off from her mum and younger sister only to return to find mum has disappeared and her sister left alone on a swing. This little girl is already trying to come to terms with the death of her father and her greatest fear has come true - her mum has gone now too. Meanwhile, a body of a local solicitor is found on a ledge off an isolated road in the mountains - could there be a link between the 2 cases?

The story is unique (for me anyway - I haven’t read anything quite like it before) and is told from different perspectives. I can safely say that the cast of characters is excellent - all of them are interesting, believable and add to the overall authenticity of the story. The pace is just right and flows really well and the snippets of case studies from the Kidnap and Ransom world were an interesting addition.

This is a great murder, mystery, crime novel - well written, great story, brilliant characters, excellent twist, etc., etc., and I will most definitely read more from Emma Kavanagh in the future.

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Author twitter: @EmmaLK

Tough Justice: Exposed (Part 1 of 8) by Carla Cassidy

"A great opener to a series"

Description from Goodreads:

“A new job. A new case. A new criminal...?

Special Agent Lara Grant will do anything to get her mark — until her last undercover case, infiltrating the notorious Moretti crime ring, forced her to get close to the top. Way. Too. Close…

Now starting a new job in New York City, all Lara wants is to leave the ghosts of her past behind. Until a dramatic sniper attack leaves Lara’s face — and real name — all over the media. In the blink of an eye, her cover is blown, her identity exposed.

Then a woman’s body is found, branded with the ritual Moretti tattoo. Someone knows who Lara is…and exactly how to make her pay…”

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This is Part 1 in an 8 part series of books following the character of FBI Agent Lara Grant and although it is fairly short and a quick read, it certainly packs a lot of information and action.

This first part (and the last one) is written by Carla Cassidy with subsequent parts being written by other authors. This is a novel way of writing a series of books and it remains to be seen how this works out but this first certainly sets the scene with excellent writing and a fast pace.

Lara has recently returned to active duty in the Crisis Management Team following an undercover operation putting a major crime boss behind bars which resulted in a year being spent in a safe house. Unfortunately, whilst trying to prevent a man from committing suicide, the media splash her face all over the news and her cover is blown and all clues to this death and others point to the crime syndicate she helped to put an end to and which open wounds Lara took a long time to bury.

As I said, this is really well written and is an excellent opener to a series. The characters are interesting and believable, the story intriguing and fast paced but don’t expect any answers to the many questions raised in this short book … be prepared to want - no need - to read the next installment as this one ends on a cliff-hanger.

I was kindly provided with a copy of this book by the publisher, Harlequin (UK) Ltd, via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review but you can currently download a free copy from Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, WHSmith and likely other websites so what are you waiting for! You’ve nothing to lose.

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Author website - http://carlacassidybooks.com/

Author twitter - CarlaCassidy2

For more information on Harlequin UK follow @Mira_BooksUK, @MillsandBoon and @MiraInk

Trust No One (Mike Lockyer #3) by Clare Donoghue

"No hesitation in recommending to anyone"

Description from Goodreads:

"A marriage is what you make it, isn't it? It's what you put into it. It's not just about love, it's about understanding another person's point of view. Sometimes there are things you find out about yourself and each other which means the marriage has to end. Sad, particularly when kids are involved - but all pretty normal. Normal that is, until there's a murder. DS Jane Bennett and DI Mike Lockyer are called in to investigate one of the South London murder squad's most difficult and distressing cases yet - where family and friends come under scrutiny in the hardest of circumstances."

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I must admit to having finished reading this book some time ago but have only just got round to writing my review due to unforeseen circumstances but such is the excellent writing ability of this author, that I was able to recall how good this book was very quickly.

The main focus of the story is the death of Richard, a father of 2 young children. At first it is thought to be a tragic but unfortunate death but it soon becomes clear that all is not what it seems and DS Bennett and DI Lockyer are brought in to investigate. Soon everyone associated with Richard is under the spotlight and no one is beyond suspicion with the investigation uncovering lies and deception which opens the door to many suspects. The author has a knack of dropping red herrings in so just when you think you know who the culprit is, another twist appears that forces you to rethink.

The pace of the book is just right with a great mix of the investigation and the life of DS Bennett so that it is not overly procedural or personal. The characters are believable and complex as is the story but I still haven’t made up my mind about the ending although it was a complete surprise and not beyond the realms of possibility.

This is the 3rd book in the DI Lockyer series but can be read as a standalone quite easily but I think it’s best to read at least one of the previous books as it provides insight into the Lockyer and Bennett characters. If I'm totally honest, I'm not sure why this is called the Mike Lockyer series as it seems to focus more on Bennett's character but, having said that, I'm not complaining as she is a strong female character who has to juggle a very difficult job with a complicated personal life. I have read and reviewed number 2 in the series - No Place To Die - which, again, was a great read and I would have no hesitation in recommending Clare Donoghue’s work to anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Pan Macmillan, for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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Author Twitter - claredonoghue

The Drowned Boy (Inspector Konrad Sejer #11) by Karin Fossum

Good story but disappointing ending

Description from Goodreads:

“‘He'd just learnt to walk,’ she said. ‘He was sitting playing on his blanket, then all of a sudden he was gone.’

A 16-month-old boy is found drowned in a pond right by his home. Chief Inspector Sejer is called to the scene as there is something troubling about the mother’s story. As even her own family turns against her, Sejer is determined to get to the truth.”

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This is the 11th book in this particular series by this author and I have to admit that I have not read a single one before. Having said that, I’m not sure that I missed out not having read others which is a testament to the author’s ability to immerse you in the story and characters with ease.

The story is a sad and difficult one - the death of 16 month old Tommy who happens to have Down’s Syndrome - but one which the author does with respect and compassion with a writing style that is easy to read and flows well.

The characters are complex, interesting and well developed with the story being told from various points of view; this is particularly helpful as it enables the reader to get into the mind of the main characters. We feel the frustration as Inspector Sejer does - he has his doubts about the explanations around Tommy’s accident - he has a gut feeling that all is not what it seems and the author does a great job at putting this across to the reader. We feel the grief caused by such a tragic event and see how people react differently to it particularly the stark contrast between the parents. There is a character that I could quite happily have drowned myself - oh my word that person brought out the worst in me - but then another filled me with empathy and I just wanted to give them a hug.

I love it when a book brings out these feelings in me and I think The Drowned Boy did this really well but, and it’s a big BUT, I was so disappointed with the ending. I actually gasped and tutted and said “what?” out loud - I was astonished it was so ridiculous and after such a well thought out story.

Would I recommend this book to anyone else? Probably, but with a warning not to expect too much at the end. Would I read more from this author? Possibly but I think I would read some reviews first.

Thank to the publisher, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing, via NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

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Nowhere Girl by Ruth Dugdall

Description from Goodreads:

“A psychological crime novel from an author with 10 years experience as a probation officer in high security prisons

When Ellie goes missing on the first day of Schueberfouer, the police are dismissive, keen not to attract negative attention on one of Luxembourg’s most important events, its annual city fair. Probation officer Cate Austin has moved for a fresh start, along with her daughter Amelia, to live with her police detective boyfriend, Olivier Massard. But when she realizes just how casually he is taking the disappearance of Ellie, Cate decides to investigate matters for herself. She discovers Luxembourg has a dark heart. With its geographical position, could it be the center of a child trafficking ring? As Cate comes closer to discovering Ellie’s whereabouts she uncovers a hidden world, placing herself in danger, not just from traffickers, but from a source much closer to home.”

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I haven’t read anything by this particular author before but because I had read and reviewed Before It’s Too Late by Jane Isaac for the Publisher - Legend Press via NetGalley, I was invited to read this one by the same Publisher. Well, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I accepted but unfortunately I was left a little disappointed.

Although the book is well written and easy to read, it was also easy to put down and didn’t have that “just one more chapter before I go to sleep” moment which I found a little bit sad because I hate it when that happens. Unfortunately, I did not feel a connection to any of the characters which is a shame and, in addition, none of the characters seemed to have much of a connection with each other either particularly Cate and Olivier. Now I got the impression that Cate and Olivier are a fairly new couple and should still be in the stages of ‘dreamy-eyed love’ but I didn’t get that sense at all … don’t get me wrong, I’m not one for romance and gushing love but they just seemed to be on totally separate wavelengths to me … it’s really hard to explain but it felt unnatural.

The story itself is interesting and whilst parts are scarily believable and there were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, the way it played out felt a bit too contrived for me and how it was all wrapped up at the end felt rushed and a little far-fetched. I did however like how the story was told from different perspectives and I particularly liked Amina and found her the most interesting character in the book.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read but rather I found it a bit frustrating and it just didn’t grab me as much a I would have liked. From reading other reviews, I get the feeling that to get the most out of this particular book, you need to have read the previous one which introduced Cate - “Humber Boy B” - so I would recommend to anyone thinking of buying this, to buy and read that one first.

The Dying Hours by Mark Billingham

Description from Goodreads:

"A fantastic, never-before-published Tom Thorne novel by England's crime king.

It's been twenty-five years since Tom Thorne last went to work wearing the "Queen's cloth" but now, having stepped out of line once too often, he's back in uniform. He's no longer a detective, and he hates it.

Still struggling to adjust, Thorne becomes convinced that a spate of suicides among the elderly in London are something more sinister. His concerns are dismissed by the Murder Squad he was once part of and he is forced to investigate alone.

Now, unable to trust anybody, Thorne risks losing those closest to him as well as endangering those being targeted by a killer unlike any he has hunted before. A man with nothing to lose and a growing list of victims. A man who appears to have the power to make people take their own lives."

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This is the 11th instalment in the saga that is Tom Thorne; a fantastic, interesting and unorthodox police officer wonderfully created by Mark Billingham and I want to thank my local library for lending me a copy at no cost :)

The synopsis pretty much explains the story of the book so I won't repeat it but what I will say is how much I enjoyed reading this.  Once again, Mark successfully manages to keep the Tom Thorne novels feeling new and refreshing and although you don't have to have read the previous 10 books, it does help and if you do, Tom will very quickly become an old friend.

The story flows well and is easy to read with a fantastic cast of characters.  The plot itself is, I feel, quite creative and it makes a change to have the "baddie" as a senior citizen; this brings a unique and different perspective to that of other books.

I felt that this particular story provided more insight into Tom's character especially his almost obsessive and selfish desire to prove his theory is correct that the apparent suicide victims are actually being murdered.  Tom is single-minded in his quest to prove that he is right despite the very real danger he has of losing his trusted colleagues and friends.  Having said that, it also shows a vulnerable side to the hard-nosed detective which is well explored throughout and brings a new and more human dimension to the character.

Overall, a great read ... probably not as enthralling as previous Tom Thorne stories ... but pretty damn good all the same and I would most definitely recommend it to others who enjoy this genre and also to people who don't ;)

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Author Website:  http://www.markbillingham.com/

Twitter:  @MarkBillingham

UK Publisher:  Little, Brown Book Group

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I was lucky enough to have been sent an eBook copy of Mark's latest Tom Thorne novel - Time of Death - which is the 13th instalment and it is captivating, thrilling, absorbing, exciting and all the other superlatives that you normally use to describe a brilliant read.  As you can see, you don't have to read these books in the correct order to enjoy them ... just buy or borrow them :)

Three Sisters by Helen Smith

Description from Goodreads:

"Three Sisters introduces twenty-six-year-old amateur sleuth Emily Castles in this entertaining new mystery series from best selling British author Helen Smith.

Emily receives an invitation to a party in a large house at the end of her street, hosted by a mysterious troupe of circus performers. She accepts, despite her misgivings, because her dog has died and she needs cheering up. But when she witnesses a murder in the midst of the surreal entertainment, no one will believe what she has seen. Is Emily befuddled with grief at the loss of her pet? Or has something wicked happened in plain sight of all the party-goers? Emily and her eccentric neighbours attempt to discover the truth in a charming story that will have you giggling at every funny line.

"Readers of M C Beaton or Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy discovering a new mystery author."

Chosen as a "Book of the Year" by Elizabeth at The Frugal Ereader.

This short mystery is a standalone story set in London. The Emily Castles mysteries can be read in any order. "

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Thank you to the author for send me a copy of this book in return for an honest review - this in no way influenced my review as you will see.

I had absolutely no expectations with this book having never heard of the author or of the main character, Emily, but have to say that I was a little disappointed especially having seen the many 4 and 5 star reviews it has received.

Maybe it’s me but I just found too much wrong with it to enjoy it and I’m sorry about that. I found nothing redeeming about Emily, I didn’t warm to her at all nor did I find any of the other characters particularly likeable or interesting - they were just all a bit weird. I found the dialogue between the characters was stilted and unnatural. The “mystery” the story claimed to be was given away by the title [why would you do that?] and, in fact, the only mystery for me is what significance does the recently deceased dog have to the story [baffled].

I really don’t like leaving bad reviews for anyone as I know how much of themselves, blood, sweat and tears the authors put into their writing but I really can’t find anything positive about this book apart from that I was glad it was only a short story.

I realise that I am in the minority with my review so I may have missed something so I suggest you give it a go and make your own mind up.

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Scarecrows by Christine Hayton

Description from Goodreads:

"They do more than frighten birds. Much more.

Early one morning in the fall of 1964, Robert searched for his missing six-year-old daughter, Cathy. He found her asleep in a nearby cornfield, covered in blood and holding a small axe. A few feet away lay the mutilated body of her classmate Emily.

Assumed guilty of murder, Cathy lived in a hospital for insane children. She always gave the same account of what happened. She talked of murderous scarecrows that roamed the cornfield on moonlit nights. Her doctors considered her delusional. The police, her neighbors and the press thought she was dangerous. And so she remained incarcerated. No one believed her. That was a mistake."

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I am a sucker for horror books ever since I picked up The Rats by James Herbert when I was a teenager and I have been hooked ever since so when I saw this title offered for review by the publisher, Samhain Publishing, on Netgalley, I requested a copy in the hope that I would be chosen to provide an unbiased review. I was. Unfortunately, what I read wasn’t horror for me which was a bit of a disappointment to be honest; it was more like a murder/mystery.

Despite my disappointment, the story itself kept my interest and I liked the way the author alternated between the past and the present and she made it easier to keep track of which time period you were in by using italics for the past. The main characters were interesting but I did feel that Cathy, who was supposed to be 6 years old during the “past” and 8 in the “present”, came across as much older at times especially when she was with Jimmy which confused me a little. I also found the psychiatrists a little odd and I couldn’t quite work out why one of them went to live on the farm with Cathy’s father, yes I know he wanted to find out what happened but going to live with the father seemed a little unprofessional and unbelievable to me. Some of the dialogue also felt a little unnatural and awkward at times which interrupted the flow of my reading experience. Having said that though, there were a few twists and I always enjoy trying to guess “whodunit” and although we find out some of the “who”, you are kept guessing as to all of the “who” as well as the “how”.

If I am judging this as a horror, I can’t give it top marks - I didn’t find it in the least bit scary or particularly creepy at all however, I don’t think I will look at scarecrows quite the same way again! As a murder/mystery it stacks up quite well and for a fairly quick read, I would give it a go and judge for yourself.

One By One: Before, During and After by Simon Kernick

BEFORE

The first part in a direct to digital short-story in a murder mystery three-part thriller from the bestselling author of Ultimatum, Stay Alive and The Final Minute.

Six ex school-friends have been brought together on a remote island.

They haven’t all been in contact since a fateful night twenty-one years ago, when their friend Rachel Skinner was found dead. The man arrested for her murder has now been acquitted, and the seven friends are fearing for their lives.

But are they hiding from the right person? Or have they fallen into a deadly trap?

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The opener to the 3 part series sets the scene and introduces the characters as they make their way to the island. Straight away you get a sense that something is not quite right - everyone has been told to keep their trip to the island a secret so you just know things aren’t going to work out well for some or all of them.

Charlie - an up and coming politician.
Karen - an unhappy woman who seems to have lost all she holds dear.
Marla - a high powered businesswoman who uses her sexuality and good looks to get what she wants.
Luke - young, free and single and enjoying his bachelor lifestyle.
Louise - a very happy housewife.
Crispin - a not very successful author who lives with his mum.

Once past the Prologue, the story is told from the point of view of Karen and she provides us with the reasons why they have come together - the official story and an indication that this isn’t the whole truth of what happened to their friend, Rachel, over 20 years ago.

Despite this being quite short (around 30 pages on the Kindle), Simon is able to draw you into the story and just when things start to get interesting, it ends on a cliffhanger and leaves you rushing for the “buy now” button for the next part.

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DURING

The second part in a direct to digital short-story in a murder mystery three-part thriller from the bestselling author of Ultimatum, Stay Alive and The Final Minute.

Six ex school-friends met together on a remote island being stalked by an unseen killer, and unable to contact help.

But who is after them and why?

As the body count mounts, it becomes clear that at least one member of the group can’t be trusted.

And the surviving members need to figure out who it is before it’s too late.

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This 2nd part to the 3 part series moves at a faster pace than “Before” and follows the friends on the island as they start to be whittled down in number but who is the murderer and how are they going to get off the island?

The story continues to be narrated by Karen and Simon Kernick expertly uses her voice to portray the fear she is experiencing whilst trying to work out which one of them is the killer whilst dropping vague clues and red herrings to us, the readers but then, just when you think you know who it is, a twist throws a spanner into the works and starts you guessing again.

Again this is a fairly short part (about 35 pages on the Kindle) but is packed with a lot of action and scenes of peril and, once again, ends on a cliffhanger which makes you want to get the 3rd part to find out what happens

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AFTER

The final part in a direct to digital short-story in a murder mystery three-part thriller from the bestselling author of Ultimatum, Stay Alive and The Final Minute.

Six people met together on a remote island and with a killer on the loose, only four remain.

Three have been brutally murdered in front of their eyes as a punishment for their actions on a night over twenty years ago.

But as the old school-friends start to turn on each other, will any of them leave the island alive?

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The final part in the 3 part series continues where the other 2 left off. The body count continues to rise along with the mistrust between the survivors which comes to a head as they turn on each other. The truth about Rachel’s murder 21 years ago is revealed but there are further twists to come.

This part has slightly less action than “During” but only slightly. It is well written and easy to read and although I worked out what was going on quite early on, this didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment.

As with the other 2 parts, this is fairly short (53 pages on the Kindle) but this one has the added delight of an extract from Simon’s latest novel, The Final Minute, which I highly recommend.

Overall, I enjoyed this series but think I would have loved it if it had been a little longer.