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.
Thursday, 27 September 2018
Saturday, 22 September 2018
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.
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.
Friday, 21 September 2018
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.
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.
Friday, 14 September 2018
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.
‘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.
Tuesday, 11 September 2018
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.
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.
Monday, 10 September 2018
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.
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.
Sunday, 9 September 2018
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.
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.
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.
Friday, 7 September 2018
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 4 September 2018
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.
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.
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.
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