Into The Mist by Lee Murray

5*

I was unexpectedly taken by this original creature feature story, which would do well made into a film.
The New Zealand/Maori setting and culture added a nice authenticity to the plot which roared through jungle territory, under the guise of a government expedition but ended with more than they bargained for.
 A dash of mysticism, in the form of Temera, explained things that the story itself could not and the character of Taine was likeable and well described.
The supporting characters were strong and again likeable, my favourite being Trigger, who was tough as nails and the plot was fast paced and solid, very enjoyable.
Highly recommended.

I Invited Her In by Adele Parks

3*

When Mel hears from a long-lost friend in need of help, she doesn’t hesitate to invite her to stay. Mel and Abi were best friends back in the day, sharing the highs and lows of student life, until Mel’s unplanned pregnancy made her drop out of her studies.

Now, seventeen years later, Mel and Abi’s lives couldn’t be more different. Mel is happily married, having raised her son on her own before meeting her husband, Ben. Now they share gorgeous girls and have a chaotic but happy family home, with three children.

Abi, meanwhile, followed her lover to LA for a glamorous life of parties, celebrity and indulgence. Everything was perfect, until she discovered her partner had been cheating on her. Seventeen years wasted, and nothing to show for it. So what Abi needs now is a true friend to lean on, to share her grief over a glass of wine, and to have some time to heal. And what better place than Mel’s house, with her lovely kids, and supportive husband…

I’m a bit on the fence with this book.
The plot was great and the everyday setting made things seem more real and normal, however both the characters of Abi and Mel were really unlikeable.
Mel was annoying and almost spineless, simpering in the glamorous light that is Abi and to heck with her family, I mean who would allow an ex friend who hadn’t been in contact for 17 years practically move in and take over?
Abi was horrible, you could see how conniving she was at the start and despite a few twists, the storyline was predictable, though I was disappointed in Liam and the drama that ensued, he was one of my favourite characters until it all kicked off.
All in all I would say it’s worth a read.

The Winters by Lisa Gabriele

4*

After a whirlwind romance, a young woman returns to the opulent, secluded mansion of her new fiancé Max Winter - a wealthy senator and recent widower - and a life of luxury she’s never known. But all is not as it appears at the Asherley estate. The house is steeped in the memory of Max’s beautiful first wife Rebekah, who haunts the young woman’s imagination and feeds her uncertainties, while his very alive teenage daughter Dani makes her life a living hell.

As the soon-to-be second Mrs. Winter grows more in love with Max, and more afraid of Dani, she is drawn deeper into the family’s dark secrets - the kind of secrets that could kill her, too

A haunting tale in a haunting setting, The Winters was very suspenseful.
At first it seems that the bride to be has hit it lucky and will live happy ever after in a rich home with a rich man, but all is not what it seems and disturbing things begin to come to light, including Max’s difficult, troubled daughter Dani.
The characters were interesting, though I can’t say I warmed to any of them, except maybe Dani, eventually, pity was a big emotion here as she was obviously unhinged and grief stricken.
The plot was full of suspense and unease, the atmosphere charged with foreboding, well written and evenly paced, I enjoyed this psychological thriller and will read more from this Author.

The Broken Girls by Simone St James

4*

1950 - At the crumbling Idlewild Hall school for unwanted girls, four room-mates begin to bond over dark secrets and whispered fears - until one of them mysteriously disappears . . .

2014 - Journalist Fiona Sheridan can't get over the murder of her sister twenty years ago, near the ruins of Idlewild. And when another body is found during renovations of the school, she begins to uncover horrors that were meant to remain hidden - and a voice that won't be silenced.

A solid story set in an eerie old school, which many times is extremely atmospheric and so spooky you can actually feel the uneasiness eminating from the page.
The different timelines are well written and not confusing in the least, you always know what’s going on in regards to the past and present and it blends well, within each year.

The characters were nicely described and likeable, I especially liked the 1950 girls as they were so full of attitude and strength despite the harrowing ordeals they suffered.

All in all, a spooky story, with a decent pace and an interesting plot, well worth a read.

Into The Silent Sea by Claire Stibbe

4*

Dangerous is one thing. Deadly is something else.

When Clodagh Shepherd’s curiosity gives way to obsession, her thoughts turn to revenge.

In the wake of her husband’s affair and subsequent disappearance, Clo makes an impulsive decision to befriend the beautiful stranger who has stolen her life. Answering an ad for a home help, she moves into the home of her husband’s mistress and is immediately drawn into the chilling reality behind the idyllic façade of Hamptons Life. Central to her terrifying nightmare is a deadly secret—a secret someone will kill to keep.

In this dark and twisting thriller, Clo proves the adage ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ with shocking consequences.

This was a very original book that I couldn’t put down, I’m still wondering whether I loved it or was totally confused by it!
Dark and tense throughout, the plot is full of twists and surprising confessions all the while set mainly on the beach, in what most people consider a cheerful place, completely at odds with the claustrophobic emotions in the house.
Clodagh is also a weird one, I’m not sure if I liked or disliked her, she seemed very cold but full of hidden depths and strength, I wondered if she really was the killer she thought she was, and why did she care so much for her horrible Husband?
An totally addictive storyline however, highly recommended if you want something out of the ordinary.

The Siren and the Spectre by Jonathan Janz

4*

When David Caine, a celebrated skeptic of the supernatural, is invited by an old friend to spend a month in “the most haunted house in Virginia,” he believes the case will be like any other. But the Alexander House is different. Built by a 1700s land baron to contain the madness and depravity of his eldest son, the house is plagued by shadows of the past and the lingering taint of bloodshed. David is haunted, as well. For twenty-two years ago, he turned away the woman he loved, and she took her life in sorrow. And David suspects she’s followed him to the Alexander House

I quite enjoyed this novel about a guy that is trying to debunk another “haunted” house but gets way more than he bargained for, with his past rising to meet the present.
The setting in the house was eerie and descriptive, David’s feelings real and yet his disbelief continued even when he saw things.
There was a lot going on in the book, Judson’s evil spirit, a siren and an abusive, sick family, but the pace never slowed and made for an interesting read.
I wasn’t wholly sold on the Sirens involvement, at first i didn’t understand what her appearance added to the plot but it did become clear eventually that she mattered, especially to David’s conscience.
Some things in the story are shocking to read but it all adds to the element of just how depraved Judson was, I would happily read another book by this author.

Now You See Her by Heidi Perks

5*

NOW YOU SEE HER
She’s playing at the school fete with your children. You pull out your phone, scroll through Facebook, and look up again.
NOW YOU DON'T

Charlotte is looking after her best friend’s daughter the day she disappears. She thought the little girl was playing with her own children. She swears she only took her eyes off them for a second.

Now, Charlotte must do the unthinkable, tell her best friend Harriet that her only child is missing. The child she was meant to be watching.

Devastated, Harriet can no longer bear to see Charlotte. No one could expect her to trust her friend again.

Only now she needs to. Because two weeks later Harriet and Charlotte are both being questioned separately by the police. And secrets are about to surface.

Someone is hiding the truth about what really happened to Alice.

Wow, this book though!
Gripping and tense throughout, this book was fast paced and kept me guessing right until the huge twist at the end.
It shows how easy it is to pin blame on people and how hard it is to live with yourself after such a terrible event, involving a child.
The atmosphere is claustrophobic and so real it almost feels like you’re in the story, the characters are descriptive and emotional, again so real.
Charlotte battles with both guilt at losing her friends child and relief at having her own, this shows at every turn and there is an inevitable confrontation it’s surprising results, I did not see the ending coming!
A well written, solid story by an author I will read more of.

They Feed by Jason Parent

4*

The night uncovers all we wish not to see.

A troubled man enters a dusky park before sunset. A young woman follows, hidden in shadow. Both have returned to the park to take back something the past has stolen from them, to make right six long years of suffering, and to find justice or perhaps redemption—or maybe they'll settle for some old-fashioned revenge.

But something evil is alive and awake in those woods, creatures that care nothing for human motivations. They’re driven by their own insatiable need: a ravenous, bottomless hunger.

The campgrounds are full tonight, and the creatures are starving. Before the night is over, they will feed.

Tyler returns to the scene of the crime after being released from Prison on a manslaughter charge, he believes he was innocent and can’t deny the pull of the woods that set the rest of his life in motion.
What follows is a creepy, atmospheric slaughterfest, which includes some likeable characters, some very dislikeable characters, witty one-liners and a whole load of gore, thanks to some other worldly beings that are definitely not normal creature.
The setting of the forest and mountains is eerie, and feels claustrophobic at times especially in the cabin.
There is a cracking twist at the end which I did not see coming and left me a bit sad really, a good book though, with all the right ingredients for a horror.

The Survival Game by Nicky Singer

4*

In a world full of checkpoints and controls, can love and hope defy the borders? A searing, timely story, as arresting as it is beautiful.

Imagine a world ...

Where there are too many people on a too-hot earth and your only chance of salvation is to journey north.

Where you must prove yourself worthy of existence at every turn, at every checkpoint.

Where your instincts become your most powerful weapon - even more than the gun in your pocket.

Where you find out what it takes to survive.

An extraordinary story about survival and what it costs, about the power of small kindnesses to change everything

I was truly taken by surprise with this book.
Mhairi is just a young girl trying to survive in a bleak, dystopian future, she has been forced to see things nobody should have to endure and has hardened her emotions to get by.
When her journey crosses paths with a little boy who doesn’t speak, Mhairi’s world inevitable changes.
The characters in this novel are strong and likeable, you can’t help but feel their pain.
The depressing setting is atmospheric and almost hopeless in a claustrophobic way, it is something you can see happening in a bad futuristic world, if things continue as they are.
The plot is riveting, original and medium paced, never slow, always keeping me eager to turn the page, and the ending, oh the ending!
Be prepared for tears!

The House by the Cemetery by John Everson

3*

Rumor has it that the abandoned house by the cemetery is haunted by the ghost of a witch. But rumors won’t stop carpenter Mike Kostner from rehabbing the place as a haunted house attraction. Soon he’ll learn that fresh wood and nails can’t keep decades of rumors down. There are noises in the walls, and fresh blood on the floor: secrets that would be better not to discover. And behind the rumors is a real ghost who will do whatever it takes to ensure the house reopens. She needs people to fill her house on Halloween. There’s a dark, horrible ritual to fulfill. Because while the witch may have been dead... she doesn’t intend to stay that way.

The plot for this book could’ve been so much better.
I loved the setting of the haunted house opening for Halloween and the themed horror rooms were great, the nod to many obscure but brilliant movies wasn’t lost on me as I am a big fan, so was quite disappointed in the way the plot panned out.
Creepy and atmospheric to begin, with a good introduction to characters, got me looking forward to this story however, I never really liked any of the characters and therefore was never truly captured by the novel.
Also, the full on roll into carnage just didn’t sit right with me, nothing was fully explained and I can’t say I really cared in the end.

The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse

5*

When Rachel Croft wakes up on her family’s boat in Bermuda, it’s to sunshine and yet another perfect day…until she goes to wake her seven-year-old son, Oscar. Because the worst thing imaginable has happened. He isn’t there.

In the dark and desperate days that follow, Rachel struggles to navigate her grief. And while her husband, James, wants them to face the tragedy together, Rachel feels that the life they once shared is over. Convinced that their happy marriage is now a sham, and unable to remain in the place where she lost her son, she goes home to Bristol alone.

Only when she starts receiving letters from Cee-Cee, her housekeeper in Bermuda, does light begin to return to Rachel’s soul. She and James both want to learn to live again—but is it too late for them to find a way through together?

What a tragic and heartbreaking tale of loss, that in some places is almost too much to bare.
Rachel and her Husband are so believable and relatable that this novel runs true to life, and highlights the issue that many people have to deal with.
Sensitively handled but no less sad for it, I went through every emotion following this upsetting but hopeful plot.
The setting on the boat is isolating and brightens considerably when Rachel moves to England, despite the bleak weather.
The characters are prefect, so human and all at once likeable but annoying.
The plot is unbearable but compelling, very sad.
Amanda Prowse does it again with this book, highly recommended.

It All Comes Back to You by Beth Duke

4*

Ronni is a lonely young woman who works in Fairfield Springs Nursing Home and really loves the patients she caters to, especially one.
Violet looks upon Ronni as the daughter she never knew, and confides in her about her life story, culminating in the challenge that Ronni should write a book all about it after she dies.
Rising to the challenge, Ronni begins this literary journey and discovers many surprising and heart rending facts along the way.

At first this book jumped around a little too much, past then present then Violet then Ronni, but after the first chapter or so, I soon got into it and couldn’t put it down.
Originally set in a nursing home, but bouncing back and forth between many different places, the story revolves around a glamourous patient, Violet and her sympathetic nurse, Ronni, showcasing their friendship and switching back and forth between both points of view and each other’s lives.
In Violet’s case, it’s mainly a storytelling of her eventful past that really delves into her character and brings her to life, highlighting the lows and highs that brought her to the nursing home.
After a bad start in life, with a terrible mother, it’s nice to see Ronni’s confidence grow when she is called upon to write a book about Violets life.
At the same time, she finds herself falling into a heady relationship with an older but supportive man and all the drama that ensues, which sometimes throws her off course in regards to bringing Violets life to the world.
The plot is medium paced and flows well after the first couple of chapters, characters are fleshed out to the full, creating likeable and realistic personalities and wow is there a twist at the end, which made me feel sad in a way.
I wasn’t sure this was a book for me until I read it, I was pleasantly surprised and would recommend curling up with this novel and a cuppa, on a cold Autumn morning.

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

4*

What if the person you thought you knew best turns out to be someone you never knew at all?

Andrea Cooper knows everything about her mother Laura. She knows she's spent her whole life in the small town of Gullaway Island; she knows she's never had any more ambition than to live a quiet life as a pillar of the community; she knows she's never kept a secret in her life.

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

Twenty-four hours later, Laura is in hospital, shot by an intruder who's spent thirty years trying to track her down. Now, Andrea must go on a desperate journey to follow the breadcrumbs of her mother's past. If she can't uncover the secrets hidden there, there may be no future for either of them…

A stand-alone thriller by Karin Slaughter which does not disappoint.
Told from two different and interesting viewpoints, the plot is fast paced and suspenseful.
The setting, spread across various cities once it gets going, is atmospheric and edge of your seat.
The two main characters and quite a few of the supporting ones are deep and intriguing, with their own story to tell, Andrea is a strong woman who just doesn’t know it but is soon forced to acknowledge her own inner strength, whilst Laura is a mystery to all those who thought they knew her but didn’t.
A good solid thriller, that I couldn’t put down.

Thresher by Michael Cole

4*

In the aftermath of a hurricane, a series of strange events plague the coastal waters off Florida. People go into the water and never return. Corpses of killer whales drift ashore, ravaged from enormous bite marks. A fishing trawler is found adrift, with a mysterious gash in its hull.
Transferred to the coastal town of Merit, police officer Leonard Riker uncovers the horrible reality of an enormous Thresher shark lurking off the coast. Forty feet in length, it has taken a territorial claim to the waters near the town harbor. Armed with three-inch teeth, a scythe-like caudal fin, and unmatched aggression, the beast seeks to kill anything sharing the waters.

A good solid thriller/horror with good characters and a fast paced plot, the words were sometimes a bit scientifically monotonous but the author obviously knows his stuff.
I’m really into shark entertainment at the minute so this book was a hidden gem for me, the main characters, Riker  and a young rookie called Metzler actually make a great team and as grumpy as Riker is, I found it hard to dislike him, they had good back stories, immersing me well into the story and I cared about other important characters too such as the scientist and his assistant, who were interesting and brave.
This novel was original in that it sometimes switched to the sharks point of view which was unexpected and added to the plot, if you like Jaws and other creature features, this book is one you’ll want to read.

Production Values by Liv Bartlet

4*

Production Values in set in the cut throat world of showbiz, and the story focuses on two partners Kat and Bea, who have stood by each other through all the highs and lows of the production business.
They have completely different backgrounds, but have somehow forged a brilliant friendship, unfortunately all that is soon tested.
The setting for me was very interesting and informative, I really hated self centred Kat and even when told from her point of view, I never warmed to her, but oh I loved Bea, she was such a strong, true character with a huge heart.
The plot itself was medium paced and flowed easily, with good descriptions and language, and enough “Oh gosh” moments to keep me reading.
Overall this book is a good, solid novel.

Home by Harlan Coben

4*

For ten long years two boys have been missing.

Now you think you've seen one of them.

He's a young man. And he's in trouble.

Do you approach him?
Ask him to come home with you?
And how can you be sure it's really him?

You thought your search for the truth was over.
It's only just begun

A fast paced thriller that had me hooked from the beginning.
Its gritty and descriptive, featuring the great Myron Bolitar and Win, who are excellent strong characters complete with good senses of humour, you just can’t help warming to them both.
The settings are interesting, especially the visit to London, intensifying the book and adding to its charm.
The plot itself is exciting and sad all at the same time, how nightmarish must it be to have your boy disappear into thin air?
Well worth a read though.

Mutation by Roy Hunt

3*

Terror can come at any time, even during a routine day's work.

Crane operator Mark Coles is hard at work near the pristine lake of Lough Ree, when something evil escapes into the water.  A large greenish-black singular body, roughly the size of a dead cow’s hide; a hideous mutation.

After he witnesses it kill, he knows he must act fast: It's May, and tourist season has just begun.

Meanwhile, unaware of the deadly danger he is in, and driven by grief at the loss of his wife of sixty years, eighty-three year old Marcus Fee is on the lake, intent on committing suicide. Until the sight of a burning cruiser stops him...

I like stories like these, involving an uncontrolled force of nature that could one day actually happen.
Mark Coles is a strong and interesting character and some of the people he meets along the way to stopping this mutation, are well thought out and likeable if a little two dimensional.
The plot was decent, with a medium paced storyline and enough action to keep the reader interested.
One thing I did find slightly annoying and pointless though was the apparition, it never truly explained it’s presence and seemed to take a little of the shine off the Mutation.
Well,worth a read though.

Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough

4*

‘Cross my heart and hope to die…’

Promises only last if you trust each other, but what if one of you is hiding something?

A secret no one could ever guess.

Someone is living a lie.

Is it Lisa?

Maybe it’s her daughter, Ava.

Or could it be her best friend, Marilyn?

This is the first book I’ve read by this Author and I enjoyed it and will read more by her.
The plot was interesting and suspenseful, told from three points of view - Lisa, Ava and Marilyn, each of the females have a secret, some bigger than others but all are hiding something which takes the story to a darker place involving, trickery, abuse, guilt and mental struggles.
Hard to read in some places, the story really draws you in until the big plot twist at the end.

Marilyn was my favourite character, she seemed caring and loyal throughout whereas I never really warmed to Lisa and thought Ava could have been fleshed out a bit more, her character was vaguer than the other two and again I never really felt close to her.

The setting was claustrophobic at times, but suited the storyline perfectly, creating a dark and mistrustful scene tinged with paranoia.
The few twists and turns kept me interested and I was satisfied with the medium pace.
I found a few grammatical errors but it didn’t mar my reading experience, all in all, a good solid thriller that’s definitely worth a read.

Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell

5*

It’s Ray’s and Sandra’s first family holiday in Greece, on the island of Vasilema. The skies are cloudier than anywhere else in Greece, and they’re intrigued by local eccentricities—the lack of mirrors, the outsize beach umbrellas, the saint’s day celebrated with an odd nocturnal ritual. Why are there islanders who seem to follow the family wherever they go? Why do Sandra and the teenage grandchildren have strangely similar dreams? Has Sandra been granted a wish she didn’t know she made? Before their holiday is over, some of the family may learn too much about the secret that keeps the island alive.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who like a more subtle approach to horror.
The setting itself is eerie and atmospheric, but gloriously Greek, I could really picture the scene.
The pace of the plot was quite slow to start with but  once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down, I had an inkling of what the islanders were hinting at and the creeping horror was subtle and threatening.
I liked the character of Ray, really felt for him throughout it all, I liked little William too and his innocent understanding of what was actually going on.
I hated Julian, he was so picky with all the children and life itself even, but for me, it only added to the stories authenticity.
I’d love to read more about the characters and what happened after Sunset Beach and if I could’ve changed anything about the actual novel, I would’ve added more detail about the events which were ongoing in Vasilema but this is one of the best subtle horrors I’ve read for some time.

The Chosen Ones by Howard Linskey

3*

Eva Dunbar wakes in a large metal box.

She has no idea who has taken her.

She has no way out.

She isn't the first young woman to disappear. And with no leads Detective Ian Bradshaw has precious little time. When at last a body is found, the police hope the tragic discovery might at least provide a clue that will help them finally find the kidnapper. But then they identify the body - and realise the case is more twisted than they ever imagined .

A bit of a slow starter but kept me interested thanks to the interesting characters and solid female leads, this is part of a series which I didn’t know when I began to read but it worked well as a stand-alone too.
The setting was claustrophobic at times and quite bleak but very cleverly thought out as was the plot itself that although rushed in places, was descriptive and clear.
I liked the trio of Bradshaw and the two journalists, it added character and a bit of a difference to the storyline.
All in all, a solid read.

The Clique by Jay Mason

3*

Alex is contacted by the enigmatic c0nundrum, who hires her to investigate a strange energy he senses emanating from her college. Her research leads her to a clique of popular girls, who are dabbling with ancient mystical forces deep underground in a forgotten mine. She races to stop them before an old evil is released ...

The Series:

Alexandra Morgan, known as Alex, is a 19-year-old college student and the daughter of two prize-winning scientists. What no one knows is that in her free time Alex is a paranormal investigator who takes on a variety of mysterious cases. Together with her best friend Rusty and an online associate known only as c0nundrum, she unravels a conspiracy that will put her own life and that of her family in danger ...

I really enjoy YA series and was hopeful about this one which has all the ingredients of a great supernatural thriller.
It wasn’t quite what I’d hoped though, firstly I was surprised this wasn’t episode 1 as the way the reader is dropped into Alex’s life seems like we should know more about her than what we actually do, it’s slightly confusing, especially when C0nundrum pops up.
Alex isn’t a bad character though it doesn’t quite explain why nobody likes her, Rusty was sweet and I did warm to him but all the characters came across as much younger than they were supposed to be, more like young teens rather than almost adults.
In future episodes I would like to see more of the supernatural elements of the story and some of the characters would benefit from a bit of fleshing out.

The Liars Room by Simon Lelic

3*

Susanna Fenton has a secret. Fourteen years ago she left her identity behind, reinventing herself as a counsellor and starting a new life.

It was the only way to keep her daughter safe. But everything changes when Adam Geraghty walks into her office. She's never met this young man before - so why does she feel like she knows him?

Adam starts to tell her about a girl. A girl he wants to hurt. And that's when Susanna realises she was wrong.

She doesn't know him.

He knows her.

And the girl he plans to hurt is her daughter.

This novel was a solid read but a bit slow burning for me, Susanna annoyed me with her untruths and her slightly simpering personality, I loved her best friend though.
I would have liked to have read more about Susanna’s daughter, hearing about her personality would have made me feel more sympathetic towards her character and immersed me into the storyline a bit more.
The plot itself, coupled with the clinical setting was quite intriguing, there was a bit twist at the end that I didn’t really see coming.
All in all, worth a look but it could have been so much better.

Don’t Let Go by Harlan Coben

4*

A SMALL TOWN IS HIDING BIG SECRETS ...

Fifteen years ago in New Jersey, a teenage boy and girl were found dead.

Most people concluded it was a tragic suicide pact. The dead boy's brother, Nap Dumas, did not. Now Nap is a cop - but he's a cop who plays by his own rules, and who has never made peace with his past.

And when the past comes back to haunt him, Nap discovers secrets can kill...

I have only recently started reading Harlan Coben and I have to say I’m hooked, this story had so many twists and turns I was kept wondering right until the end.
The book sped along at a fast pace and I desperately needed to find the answers that Dumas was looking for regarding his brother and what actually happened the night he died, when I did, I was gobsmacked at how well the conclusion fit with the plot, which was both action packed and suspenseful.
The characters were solid, I sympathised with Nap from the off and truly hoped he discovered the truth that was buried under deep conspiracy.
The setting was dark and claustrophobic, tinged with paranoia, Coben really knows how to immerse you in the tale.
I highly recommend.

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

4*

Five years ago, Geo's first love was revealed as a terrifying serial killer.

But he escaped custody and went on the run.

Now, bodies have started turning up, killed in exactly the same way as before.

The message is clear: he's making his way to her, one murder at a time...

I thoroughly enjoyed this edge of your seat thriller which explored childhood mistakes, guilt and family issues in a clever and imaginative way, Geo was a solid character, strong but likeable even when the truth came out, she took the punishment she thought she deserved well and adapted to her situation, even when she arrived back home to the shocking truth that would uncover in the days to follow.
The plot was tense and brutal, the setting perfect from the outset especially the detail in the prison scenes, the flow of the book rolled along at a good pace, never losing my interest, I recommend this for those who like a gritty thriller with a bit of a difference.
I will definitely read more from this Author.

The Rest of Me by Katie Marsh

3*

Alex Fox knows there are lots of things she should be.

She should be the perfect wife to her chronically ill husband Sam, and the perfect mother to their two daughters. She should be excelling in her high-stress job. And she should be completing the demanding to-do lists she makes to keep herself on track.

Even if, just sometimes, she doesn't have time to breathe.

When Sam's condition worsens and Alex donates a kidney to save his life, her carefully scheduled existence starts to unravel - eventually forcing her to face up to a past that she has buried for years.

As the family she has fought so hard for threatens to fall apart, can Alex finally confront the mistakes that have shaped her - and rediscover what is most important in life?

A riveting read that highlighted the issue of bullying both in childhood and adulthood, I liked Alex most of the time although she did annoy me on occasion and the characters complimented the plot well, it was too slow paced for me, hence my rating but the emotion, the plot and the situations were descriptive and heartfelt, interesting and true to life.
This book is well worth a read.

In her Bones by Kate Moretti

4*

A gritty, true to life story highlighting the very serious disorders one can have which leads to all sorts of mayhem.
This book was well written and full of twists, with likeable and tragic characters, I loved the detective and Tim, they really looked out for the main character Edie who I grew to sympathise with as the pages turned.
A murderous mother, an unsolved crime included in her spree, an obsessive brother and an equally obsessive but endearing sister makes this book an edge of your seat ride, flying along at a fast pace and keeping my interest right until the satisfying conclusion.
Will definitely read more by Kate Moretti.

The Dead Ex by Jane Corry

3*

HE CHEATED. HE LIED. HE DIED. Vicki's husband Daniel once promised to love her in sickness and in health. But after a brutal attack left her suffering with epilepsy, he ran away with his mistress. So when Vicki gets a call one day to say that he's missing, her first thought is 'good riddance'. But then the police find evidence suggesting that Daniel is dead. And they think Vicki had something to do with it. What really happened on the night of Daniel's disappearance? And how can Vicki prove her innocence, when she's not even sure of it herself? An intriguing blurb made me want to read this book despite never having read Jane Corry previously. I like that the main character Vicki was different in that she had epilepsy and found the way the author handled the ailment, sensitive and true to life. I didn’t really warm to any other person in the novel however and although I found the plot descriptive, interesting and suspenseful, it was very slow to begin with. But just when I got into the book, the ending was thoroughly rushed, introducing characters that had barely been mentioned previously and I found it a bit confusing to be honest. Ok but it could have been so much better

The Last Time I lied by Riley Sager

Have you ever played two truths and a lie?

Emma has. Her first summer away from home, she learned how to play the game. And she learned how to lie.

Then three of her new friends went into the woods and never returned . . .

Now, years later, Emma has been asked to go back to the newly re-opened Camp Nightingale. She thinks she’s laying old ghosts to rest but really she’s returning to the scene of a crime.

Because Emma’s innocence might be the biggest lie of all…

I really enjoyed everything about this book, the setting was eerie and perfect, the characters interesting and the plot full of suspense, what better place for a story such as this then in a camp surrounded by mysterious woods and a lake?
I found that I had to keep reading as the answer to the mystery of Emma’s past lay just around the corner but the author didn’t reveal the finale until the very end.
Emma was a strong and realistic character whose guilt caused her to keep things that she didn’t understand to herself but slowly began to unravel as certain things came to light.
Finishing the novel was a satisfying culmination to all that had gone before, the pace was fast, the writing descriptive and engaging and the plot had me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
I will read more from Riley Sager, highly recommended.

A Summer Scandal by Kat French

4*

A nice summer read from Kat French, with just the right amount of romance, suspense and action.
Well written with good characters, Calvin was great as the ‘unusual guy next door’ and the plot was about more than just sickly love engagements.
An original idea of opening adult themed shops on a pier is a good setting for this fun, lighthearted book.
Definitely recommended.

Mine by JL Butler

4*

The first book I’ve read by this Author and I will definitely read more.
The story was well written with lots of suspense, twists and turns, you truly don’t know who to trust.
The ending was satisfying for me and I was glad with the way things were brought to a close.
This book zooms along at a quick pace and pulled me right into the book alongside the strong characters.

The Sister Swap by Fiona Collins

4*

A lighthearted easy read from start to finish, perfect for the beach.
The plot follows two estranged sisters who choose to swap homes in aid of heart and health and though not overly original, the characters are likeable and the writing nicely paced.
I enjoyed this quirky book and will read more from this author when I fancy a light read.

With or Without You by Shari Low

3.5*

If I could give this book three and a half stars I would.
I really enjoyed it, it’s a well written summer read told in two halves, Liv’s marriage is going stale and she decides to end it but wavers at the last. I use, the plot follows the premise of what would happen if she left or if she stayed.
I loved the first half of the story but the second part was slightly less enjoyable as it retold some of the same lines in the first half, all in all though, a solid, humourous and sometimes sad book, well worth a read.

The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

4*

At first I thought I knew what I was reading, ie the nightmare mother-in-law but oh what a twist.....
The story moved along at a good pace and I got well into the characters, Pammie drove me crackers until the brilliant ending and I found the other characters interesting and likeable.
The writing was smooth and descriptive, I will read more from this author.

The Tall Man by Phoebe Locke

4*

A gripping horror/thriller about an unsettling entity named the Tall Man and a group of girls, murder and mayhem.
The characters were interesting and the plot solid although a bit slow with a few twists and turns.
It fully explains itself and leads to a satisfying ending, would recommend for something a bit different.

Into The Darkness by Sibel Hodge

5*

I really enjoyed this “Edge of your seat” thriller which was well written and fast paced.
The characters were interesting and solid, the storyline dark and gripping, an insight into a nasty world that shouldn’t exist but does, I’ll definitely read more by this author.

Believe in Me by Susan Lewis

5*

I wasn’t sure about this book before I read it as it’s quite far from any of my usual genre’s but once I got through the first couple of chapters, I was hooked.
The setting was lovely, Ash Morley sounds great and the characters were well developed and easy to like, there was a bit of action to keep things interesting and also a sniff of love in the air, so for me, it had a bit of everything.
Well written and very easy to read, a great summer novel for the beach, I will definitely read more by this Author.

Crossroads of Bones by Luanne Bennett

5*

Loved this supernatural thriller and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Katie the tattooist is awesome and seems normal but she is hiding a beastly secret.
I liked most of the other colourful characters, Sugar was particularly interesting and the story was fast paced, plot original, keeping me entertained throughout.
Well written and easy to read, if you’re a fan of Keri Arthur, you’ll love this book!

Mr Blue Sky by John Darke

2*

This book was a well written science fiction outing, about a young girl who meets a “monster” in the forest and befriends him but after a family tragedy, loses contact with him and eventually moves away, only to be plagued by nightmares and general mental health issues.
After seeing weird sights, she feels she is being called back home to finally get answers.
It didn’t really make much sense to me, certain parts anyway, (clown face!) and although well written, none of the characters really moved me or kept me interested, worth a read if this is your genre, just not my cup of tea.

The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh

4*

I enjoyed this suspenseful story about a woman who returns to her hometown and meets a man, they hit it off, fall in love quickly and then something happens, all her calls go unanswered but it’s not what you think!
Something more is obviously going on and as the story progresses it becomes apparent.
A talented writer, a good plot and a few twists and turns make this an enjoyable summer read.

My Sister’s Daughter by Netta Newbound

4*

This is the first book by Netta Newbound I have read but it won’t be the last.
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller, that kept me on my toes with all the twists and turns in the plot, I found the characters quite likeable and true to life, though Diane’s situation was so sad and the book was fast paced and compelling, with a solid storyline.
Will definitely read more by this author.

Snap by Belinda Bauer

4*

I really enjoyed this crime thriller, it was well written and suspenseful, very sad in places but ingenious with the original plot ideas.
Although Jack is a naughty boy, you can’t help but feel for him and his circumstances after he and his siblings are left in a car by the roadside as their mother goes to look for a breakdown phone but never returns.
The characters are well written and likeable if not frustrating at times and the storyline is satisfying.
Overall a well paced thriller, written by a gifted author, will definitely read more by Belinda Bauer.

Kiss Me, Kill Me by J.S. Carol

3*

Lots of twists and turns in this suspenseful thriller focusing on domestic abuse.
Zoe married the man of her dreams who turned out to be a monster, she tries to escape but gets brought back by him and it seems there’s just no hope.
The plot is told from Zoe’s perspective and then her Husbands which keeps the story interesting and rolling along at a decent pace.
I didn’t find either character particularly likeable, but I did warm towards Zoe and the incredible bad luck she suffered from.
A good solid thriller, with plenty of surprises.

Don’t Trust Me by Jessica Lynch

4*

An atmospheric crime thriller which sees Tessa and her husband, trying to fix their marital problems, take a trip and promptly breakdown near a small town called Hamlet.
The characters are interesting and it would be a great idea to see them fleshed out some more in another novel, while the plot itself is mysterious and tense.
Full of twists and turns, fast paced and quite dark, this story keeps you involved to the unexpected end.

The Brighton Mermaid by Dorothy Koomson

5*

I thoroughly enjoyed this crime thriller which had an amazing plot and was full of suspense.
Nell is a damaged but likeable character, obsessed about an event which happened when she was a child and doing everything she can to unravel her own personal mystery of where her best friend disappeared to afterwards.
Her anguish and inner struggle regarding her fathers guilt/innocence is an ongoing fixture and there’s plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down.
Fast paced and well written, I’ll definitely read more by this author.

The Cliff House by Amanda Jennings

3*

An atmospheric thriller set in Cornwall, following the life of an unhappy young girl named Tamsyn, who has an obsession with the haunting Cliff House and the people who now live there.
This story is well written with a suspenseful plot but it lacked something for me, the characters were ok, not particularly likeable but described in detail so you feel like you know them and the setting is intriguing, making me read on.
This is the first Amanda Jennings book I’ve read and I will probably read more despite this not being one of my favourite’s.
Good solid thriller.

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

3*

A decent domestic noir that had a slow pace,  strong plot, readable language and plenty of suspense.
I wasn’t really a fan of any of the characters which was a shame as that’s part of a good story for me, but the whole house swap idea was intriguing.
As secrets are unveiled, Caroline’s life stars to unravel and her relationship struggles onward, will everything come to a head?
All is not what it seems.
Plenty of twists and turns kept me interested in this thriller and I was dying to find out the whole truth by the end.
Well worth a read.

Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling by Emer McLysaght

5*

I highly enjoyed this humorous book about Aisling and her amusing life.
Set in Ireland, using many Irish phrases, this well written novel was about a woman who got fed up of her long term relationship with a man who she desperately wanted a proposal from.
What follows is the upheaval of Aisling taking a stand and finally going all out for what she thinks she wants... but alas, does she really want it?
The character is very relatable as are her friends and the pace of the story is great for keeping you hooked, I definitely recommend this light hearted book.

Whistle in the Dark by Emma Healey

3*

Although I enjoyed reading this book, it wasn’t all consuming and was quickly forgotten.
I couldn’t quite get close to the characters, none of them very likeable however the suspense was edgy and tense at times.
A dark thriller, with a decent plot and flowing script, a bit slow at times and certainly not one of my favourites.
I would check out this Authors’ other works though as the premise had a much better potential given the chance and I liked the writing style

Wicked River by Jenny Milchman

3*

The Wicked River is a survivalist thriller with a hint of suspense, like The River Wild crossed with The Hills Have Eyes.
It was well written but a bit long winded and far fetched in my opinion, it has an oppressive atmosphere throughout, speckled with hopelessness but I never really warmed to the characters as Natalie seemed a bit pathetic and Doug had an agenda all his own, plus Mia was very annoying which made me feel that the plot was a little weak and not entirely satisfactory.
It was a decent, solid story but sadly,  I never got totally immersed in it.

The Owlmen by S. E. England

5*

Another great book in the eerie Tanners Dell series, this one brings new blood to the Mill in the form of Ellie and her husband.
It’s well written and creepy, with good characters and a great atmospheric plot.
I read the book in just over a day and it lives up to its prequels offering little plot twists and guest appearances from previous characters.
If you enjoy a good horror, then this is the book for you.

Paper Ghosts by Julia Heaberlin

5*

Absolutely loved this book about a young woman on a mission to solve the disappearance of her sister, she is convinced her sister was murdered and knows who the killer is, one problem, he has dementia!
The characters were spot on, I just couldn’t help liking Carl ‘the alleged murderer’ and the relationship that blooms between him and the woman.
It is very well written and constantly keeps you guessing, throws in a few good twists too.
A highly recommended thriller by a talented author!

Now You See by Max Manning

4*

A fast paced, gory thriller that is well written and tense throughout.
Told from various viewpoints, including iKiller’s makes this book stand out from the rest.
A sick killer is on the loose, posting the kills on the internet and racking up a bizarre following and DCI Fenton is the man out to catch him until events take a turn for the worse and bring the iKillers exploits to Fenton’s doorstep.
Full of twists and turns and action packed, I would recommend this novel

The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae by Stephanie Butland

5*

What a heartwarming, sensitive and honest novel about a very poorly young lady who suddenly receives a lifeline, and quite literally starts to live again.
The fact that she blogs is quite a relateable plot in this tech savvy world and her character is wonderful, with so much feeling and a zest for life all of us should try.
Ailsa Rae is sad in places and laugh out loud funny in others, it’s well written and handled well, there was never a dull moment.
I will be reading more from this author.

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

5*

Disturbing and compelling and really well written, I blazed through The Hunger and couldn’t put it down.
Based on a true story (The disappearance of the Donner Party) I thought I knew what I was reading but this book, surpassed my expectations.
Constantly on edge, the plot was eerie and claustrophobic despite the telling of the open plains that the parties travelled, the characters and their descriptions were captivating and immersed me into the story that little bit more.
If you like reading about pure human endurance, obstacles and fact with a hint of something lurking, this is the book for you.

Clean by Juno Dawson

4*

A pretty cool novel about an over privileged young addict who gets sent to rehab by her brother.
It’s quite raw in some places but sensitive and insightful, the story is well paced, plot solid and the characters are great, I felt like I knew them.
It was a bit different from the novels I normally read but I a more glad I read it as it opened my eyes and kept my interest to the satisfying end

The Friend by Dorothy Koomson

5*

What a fab book, really well written and kept me completely hooked from the get go.
The pace was fast and unforgiving and the characters were amazing, I really liked each of the women, they have traits of all of us, I couldn’t choose a favourite but if I had to it would probably be Anaya or Maxie but only by a margin, they were all lovely with a dark side plus the end was really satisfying.
Full of suspense and a great description into each of the ‘Friends’ made this novel one of my best so far this year.
I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.

The Lost Children by Theresa Talbot

4*

I quite enjoyed this book, well written and evenly paced, I read it in a couple of days.
It followed a female journalist called Oonagh as she tried to uncover an old scandal regarding the church and child trafficking, but found more than she bargained for.
Oonagh is a good character, full of life and wisecracks and I quite liked Father Tom too even though he was a bit useless at times, his heart was in the right place.
The premise is truly horrific and sad to think that things like this did used to go on but the plot is sensitively handled and hopeful.
I will read more by this author.

Anna by Amanda Prowse

I’ve really come to enjoy reading books by this author, each time I pick up one of her novels I’m hooked from the first chapter.
Anna is a hopeful story following a little girl who suffers some terrible losses and has her world turned upside down but never gives up.
When she meets Theo, who has also had a difficult childhood albeit in a completely different way, she feels she has found her soulmate.
The characters in this book were solid and interesting, I was rooting for Anna throughout and felt really close to her.
The plot was well paced and flowed along nicely with smooth language which had a knack for pulling you right in.
I’ll happily read anymore of Amanda Prowses books as I’m getting to be quite a fan.

While You Sleep by Stephanie Merritt

What an eerie but compelling tale.
It started off looking like your regular haunted house jaunt but soon became much more to me.
It was an unsettling horror with a twist, atmospheric and descriptive complete with likeable characters and an abundance of secrets.
Zoe was a bit of an odd one, though I warmed to her by the end and had guessed her story from the hints throughout the book.
The setting of the McBride house and the language was realistic and easy to read, well paced and addictive, I will read more from this author.

Bring Me back by B A Paris

A great psychological thriller that truly made me stay up way past my bed time and #ForgetSleep.
From the first chapter I was hooked, dying to know what happened to Finn’s girlfriend and wondering constantly if he had actuall done away with her.
What followed however was a suspenseful plot that had so many twists and turns that I just didn’t know who, in the end, was the suspect.
A fantastic ending which I did actually work out a few chapters before but still kept me gripped until the last word.
Fast paced, interesting characters and a plot that never quits, this book is recommended

Lost for Words by Stephanie Butland

Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end, Loveday was a lovely, quirky character and so well fleshed out that it felt like I knew her and genuinely cared for her.
The plot was heartwarming and emotional, touching on various subjects like spousal abuse in a sensitive manner and keeping me intrigued and wanting more throughout.
The pace flowed easily, the language smooth and easy to read, the book overall was unputdownable.
I can’t wait to read more from this author.

NSPCC Talk Pants Campaign

A few weeks ago I participated in a Bzz Campaign for NSPCC, called Talk Pants, it includes helpful tips and fun activities on how to approach the subject of helping kids to avoid any sort of sexual abuse and understanding the signs of what is right/wrong.
It’s a sensitive subject but so important in helping to safeguard children from the horrific predators that exist out there.
The campaign pack was very useful in assisting me attempt this conversation with my younger children in a non-intimidating way.
@nspcc #TalkPants
Here is the website to help your own conversations... Nspcc.org.uk/pants.

A Country Escape by Katie Fforde

What a heartwarming, easy to read novel about a lady who moves to the country to make a go of her distant Aunts farm before she may or may not inherit it.
What follows is a tale of determination and hope with a bit of romance thrown in too.
It was funny in places, had a realistic feel and lovely language that really set the scene.
The characters were likeable and I really rooted for Fran throughout, the story had an easy pace that kept me interested and the plot had some good, solid turns that I enjoyed.
All in all a very chilled out novel.

Everything is Lies by Helen Callaghan

5*

I Really enjoyed this book about an independent woman returning home to visit her parents only to find something terrible has happened.
All is not what it seems and there are twists aplenty to keep you on your toes, I was dying to find out what happened next, couldn’t stop reading and the back and forth between then and now was a good trick to keep me immersed in the intriguing plot.
The characters were realistic and honest, the pace fast and unforgiving, I will definitely read more from this author.

Darkness Beneath by Keri Beevis

5*

This was the first book I have read of this Author and I wasn’t disappointed.
Full of twists, suspicion and edge of your seat scenes, I would recommend to all who love a tense crime story.
The plot is enthralling and fast paced with likeable characters and flowing language.
Will definitely read more from Keri Beevis.

Coming Home by Fern Britton

2*

This is first book I’ve read from this Author and I wasn’t keen.
Although well written, the plot was weak and unoriginal and not really believable, I mean why would a mother, no matter how young, leave her kids and helpful family and never come back? It just didn’t sit well with me.
The characters were bland, and I just couldn’t bring myself to care about them one way or the other, the brothers relationship sprung out of nowhere and once again seemed a bit unbelievable for some reason.
I don’t think I’ll be reading more from Fern Britton, wasn’t my taste at all.

My Mother, The Liar by Ann Troup

3*

Although this book had a decent storyline with quite a few twists and some good crime scenes, I just couldn’t bring myself to care much about the main characters.
I did want to unravel the mystery but it wasn’t a very unexpected end and I was left feeling a bit deflated.
That said it was quite well written, solid plot, steady pace with the odd unexpected happenings, making the characters more relatable would have gone a long way in my opinion.
Worth a look.

Wolfhaven by Jay Shaw

4*

A shifter romance with a twist, this story was original, unexpected and easy to read.
The characters were likeable and engaging, Connell wasn’t a favourite of mine but I genuinely cared about what would become of Lena and Thayer, a couple for whose love went against what both their packs believed was right.
Well written with a good pace, this story kept me interested until the slightly unexpected end

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

3*
This was a very original tale, with a strange but enjoyable plot, creepy in places even.
The Hazel Wood is about a mother and daughter on the run from what they call the ‘Bad Luck’ which turns out to actually be something much more sinister.
Obsessed with fairytales, Alice comes to find that there are scarier versions of the much loved stories out there, to do with a place named The Hinterland.
Solidly written with a decent twist towards the end, The Hazel Wood was enjoyable, the pace although slow at times, kept me interested and I’d like to see what this author writes next.

Home by Amanda Berriman

What an absolute riveting and addictive read this book was, so original in the way the story was told from the viewpoint of a sassy little four year old.
Following the exploits of Jesika and her poverty stricken little family, told by Jesika in a really endearing way, this book opened up a whole new world for me, hard to read in some places but sensitively handled, Home describes how the world looks and sounds to a child.
I really sympathised with Tina, and realise unbelieavably how things can spiral out of control.
Not all serious though, there were a couple of lighthearted laugh out loud moments and I will definitely read more by this author.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Wow, what can I say about this book, I was totally blown away.
When I first met Eleanor Oliphant, like her, I was a bit judgmental of her character and found her odd and slightly annoying, that quickly changed however the more I got to know her, what a sad and beautiful story this was but so full of hope.
The strength of Eleanor was great and  thank heavens for Raymond, another lovely human being, who really helped bring her out of her shell.
I read this book in just over a day and honestly couldn’t put it down, I just needed to see what happened to Eleanor.
The story was well written with great prose and a captivating plot which really tugged the heart strings towards the end.
There were a couple of good laugh out loud moments (the cheese slices incident for one) and the ending, though satisfying, left me wanting more.
I will definitely read more from this Author.

Cold water by Samuel Parker

3*

This book is about a man who did something terrible when he was young and although he served the time, the stain on his soul obviously runs deep because on return to his hometown, he is hounded out and threatened at every turn but unbeknownst to his antagonisers, he has a strange power.
This novel gave me mixed feelings, I enjoyed it until the end where I was left feeling slightly confused and disappointed.
The plot was solid and evenly paced if a bit slow at times, but the language was good and you got a feel for the main characters, however, by the end of the book I was left wondering why things were as they were, what caused Michaels powers and where exactly did they come from, why him?
Too many unanswered questions unfortunately.

Dead Lemons by Finn Bell

Neither the name nor the blurb does this book any justice, I really loved it!
The main character is brilliant, he is in a wheelchair and has a few issues but is really likeable, brave and humourous, the supporting characters are great too, I loved Tai and Patricia whilst equally hating the odd Zoyls.
The plot was suspenseful and fast paced, well written with good descriptions and no rambling, a good blend of seriousness, nostalgia and humour, with a fair bit of fact thrown in and a well placed twist towards the end which I didn’t see coming.
Highly recommended

Best Friends Forever by Margot Hunt

#BestFriendsForever #Netgalley
This story was suspenseful and well written with a good plot twist towards the end which I had started to figure out a little ways before.
Alice is a likeable character, if not a bit sedate but I really liked Kat, at first anyway.
The plot moved at a decent pace, holding my interest for most of the time, and the suspense and betrayal kept me wondering.
Although a bit far fetched, the ending was great and I will read more from this author.

The Woman In The Window by A. J. Finn

I absolutely loved this book, it was so well written, just like an old film noir.
Gripping and claustrophobic at times, you have to feel for agoraphobic Anna, who was a strong and yet pitiful character.
There were so many twists and unexpected turns that I truly didn't know if Anna had gone insane or if she really witnessed what she said she did.
The language was easy to read and the story flowed along at a fast pace, I liked the characters and how the writer portrayed them, especially Anna, who needed to seem weak and yet strong at the same time (and a bit brave/stupid considering all the alcohol she drank with those meds).
I honestly couldn't put this book down and will definitely read more by this author.