Nicki's book blog

  Fatal Endings By Anita Waller- Crime    A woman's body is found near a shopping precinct, one who tried to call Ex DI Matt Forrester the evening before.  The victim was someone he had encountered in a case a while beforehand and would rather not encounter her again. Matt’s life partner Karen is a DI in major crimes and is soon called out to the case. Meanwhile Matt is dealing with the more mundane- a survey of an old building for a security system and a woman who suspects her husband of scamming her. Karen's case escalates when Matt finds a body during his survey and pharmacy boxes belonging to the shopping precinct murder are found nearby. I love this series, it's a wonderful easy read and despite the subject matter, it's light-hearted and the characters bring a warm smile. Matt and Carol, his receptionist, have a great working relationship and Karen brings the police side of things to the table, where they invariably involve Matt either from an old case, his past ex

  My Husband the Murderer by Charlotte Barnes- psychological thriller Maggie, which is not her given name, has a secret. She and her two children have had to move numerous times and change their names as her ex-husband is a convicted serial killer. He now only has a few months to live and is saying he will reveal more of his crimes but only to Maggie which is bringing up all sorts of demons. Her relationship with her children and even her sister is tenuous and fragile and Maggie will do anything to protect them but as the police have said this is the last thing she could possibly do to give some relief to the families of unknown victims and one in particular, Lucy who has never been found. Can Maggie get through this whilst protecting her family and find out more before Edwards death? This is a very clever premise and as ever brilliantly executed by the talented Ms Barnes who knows how to bring tension between the pages to keep them turning. I liked Maggie who had a good heart, despite

  The Poison Pen Letters by Fiona Walker-cozy mystery When the postman dies on Phoebe’s doorstep with a parcel meant for her, after she has already received invitations to her own funeral, it’s rather more than one should have to take. Phoebe is an author and in the past has had threats on line but not sure as to who from. Her friend Juno and Phoebe's husband take it on themselves to find out more and do a whirlwind tour of England and even Paris to suss out various suspects. Who would want Phoebe dead and why? This is a great read with wonderful characters I couldn't help but like. Juno is someone you would want on your side and Fiona has the skill of making the reader smile as well as getting the grey matter working as to whodunnit, which I found thoroughly enjoyable. It's nice to have a read that's light and interesting, one with a little humour and totally enjoyable. An entertaining fun read with a great plot.  For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitte

  The Wives by Valerie Keogh-psychological thriller A group of friends go on a cruise paid for by one of the husbands, Daniel. Friends they may be however there is a lot more bubbling under the surface than just the calming waves of the sea. There are several secrets, many of which centre around Daniel whose wife Natasha has not long given up work to be at his beck and call so it seems, and she’s no longer sure of the life she wants or even the friends surrounding her. Who is telling the truth and what is really going on? Valerie is a master at compelling plotlines and keeping the reader in for “ just one more chapter” that turns into more and more. An array of characters that you are uncertain as to whom to believe or even like makes for interesting reading, not sure what is coming next even though there is a hint or two along the way. A plot I invested in and thoroughly enjoyed. Clever, thrilling and captivating. Bring on the next one! For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly

  Echoes on the fens by Joy Ellis- Crime DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph have more than once predicament on their hands. People are being killed for it seems no apparent reason, one of which Nikki's mother was with just a few hours beforehand. Nikki has another issue on her mind- partner Joseph has been distant lately and she has some news which she isn't sure how he will take. Could it be a good thing for her career but bad on a personal level? I adore Joy’s books. Despite the subject matter (and there’s never anything to put you off your dinner or give you nightmares) they are truly gripping reads. A cast of wonderful characters that have become like old friends and always a very cleverly thought out intricate (but easy to follow) plot with twists and turns which keeps the reader gripped right the way through. I'm in awe of Joy’s imagination of plot organisation and scheming which takes meticulous planning. A stunning, riveting, utterly brilliant read. 5* isn’t enough.  Fo

  The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood- Crime DI Barton is back and  has a slightly new role- that of acting DCI. There’s been some harassment of young girls and a woman has had a possible murder attempt, a car having driven right at her. A young girl has gone missing however her mother doesn't seem unduly concerned, saying good luck to anyone who has taken her. When the mother of the missing girl is found at the home of the attempted murder it looks like there could be a possible link or is it coincidence? Alternate chapters give the reader the village killers point of view and what he is planning. Can Barton sort out both his new team, the missing girl and the potential killer? I love Ross’s books. Despite the subject matter they are a gripping easy read which very easily keeps the pages turning. There’s a warmth of character and I like Barton as he is a no nonsense, determined detective, keen to see justice served. This is one of a series but happily stands alone (I’ve loved al

  A Backstage Betrayal by Michael Ball -general fiction/historical It’s 1926 and running a theatre isn't the glamorous life some think. Purse strings are tight and when the producer of the forthcoming pantomime has gone missing due to tax evasion, they need to find someone to step into the breach. Meanwhile Lillian the proprietor has a new beau with rather a background, and Sally Blow has found herself redundant so needs to find employment pronto in order to keep a roof over her son’s head, more than the singing at the pub she already does.  This is Michaels second book (can be read alone) based in theatre land which he knows so well. It's one that I quickly got into and could almost hear Michael reading it as it has his style right through it if that makes sense? There are numerous threads including Harry the Rat(!) which makes for a very interesting read and the descriptions are enough to put the reader at the heart of things without too much to distract from what is going on