Nicki's book blog

  Murder under the Sun by Faith Martin - Crime This is one in a series but happily stands alone (book #22 in the Hillary Greene series) Hillary works with a cold case unit. She is a retired DI but couldn't stay away and her clean up score was second to none so going back over old cases and finding new leads is natural to her. Fifteen years ago a woman, a former model, was found dead at her home by her daughter, then aged seventeen. It transpired she was having an affair but despite several leads at the time, the police couldn't pin the crime on anyone. Hilary's team is now tasked with solving the case. I adore this series. There’s always a stunning plot and the odd light-hearted moment. Puff the tragic wagon makes a few appearances  which I smile at every time. Hillary is a very likeable, determined character who has the knack of seeing things in people others can’t. It's clever , twisty, intriguing  and a wonderful ending. A brilliant read I more than thoroughly enjoy...

  The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson- Women's Fiction Celia’s life has taken a spin. She and Geoff have got on ok and he took on her son as a baby (who is now 24) so when she suddenly finds things don’t add up it’s quite a shock to say the least. Amanda, her best friend from school in Scotland. now lives in London as a TV presenter. They have sort of kept in touch but lives diverged. Amanda is rather fed up with her other half Jasper, who is making a half hearted attempt at being an artist after being a failed actor. Amanda ups sticks and decides to go and visit the one person who would understand her turmoil- Celia, little knowing what has just happened. This is a wonderful story, one of hope and new beginnings. Of the little things that mean the world and how a little kindness goes a long way. Of friendships and love, of life and its trial and tribulation. An uplifting read with a smile.  For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblo...

  Death at Fakenham Races by Ross Greenwood- Crime Thriller   When a body is found at the racecourse, DI Ashley knight knows it likely to be something to do with that world. The majority of murders are carried out by someone the victim knows, the motive usually being love, money or hate/revenge. The racing world is careful these days of insider dealing/betting but in a world where fortunes are won and lost in a heartbeat, there will always be the dark side. Can Ashley and her team find the killer before more damage is done? Ross as ever has done his research well (unless of course he is a secret jockey or owner!) and this shines through in this intriguing plot. The racing/horse world can be complex to an outsider but anyone who knows these magnificent, beautiful creatures will appreciate the words of the ex jockey which touched me. It’s clever and captivating, just how I like a crime book. No way could I guess the perpetrator even well into the book. The descriptions put the r...

  The Silver Ladies Seize the Day by Judy Leigh- Women’s fiction   Cecily Hamilton never married after the man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with went off with her best friend. Cecily at almost ninety two is one of the silver ladies, a group of friends who support each other in all life’s ups and downs. Josie has seen someone she used to know in the past who has just moved back to the village and Minnie is waiting for her sister to recover from her stroke so she can be with the love of her life who lives in America. This is a wonderful fun read of life and how friendships can get you through the bumps along the way. Judy has a wonderful writing style, putting the reader at ease and in the middle of a group of friends. There is more than friendship or camaraderie amongst the ladies, it's an understanding, a support like no other whilst accepting that we are all different and may not always agree with each other. A multi-layered plot of life, peeled away one s...

  ***************Cover reveal************ Book out 11th July 

  The House Sitter by Keri Beevis- Psychological Thriller   Nina agrees to house sit for a friend, looking after the cat. Whilst there she spies a man, Julian, in the apartments across the way with a woman. When its on the news that the woman has disappeared, Nina goes to the police however Julian has an alibi. Nina is convinced of what she saw and wants to prove it, but is she safe from Julian?. There’s a wonderful feeling of uncertainty I felt whilst reading this- to me the skill of a brilliant author. Not knowing quite what's going to happen but that feeling that there’s something about to. I admired Nina and her determination. A story with twists and turns and a surprise ending- at least it was for me.  Clever, brilliant, spellbinding. A captivating, stunning read.  For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog --------------------------------------------------------- The House Sitter She knows what she saw. But can she prove it? After...

  Shadows of the Mind by J.R Sinclair-crime Wow! A premise unlike any other- one which is totally captivating.  When a trusted DI grabs a gun from a crime scene and then shoots his long-time colleague and then jumps in front of a vehicle to kill himself, DI Joseph Stone knows something is off, very off. What would cause someone to do this, something so out of kilter with their normal life? When there is more than one occurrence, and it possibly leads to a stage mentalist, things take a very strange turn. What is going on and how? Blimey Riley! What a book, what a premise! When you think you have come across most crime acts, something like this comes your way and blows your mind (every pun intended- read the book to find out!). How clever and well researched by the author. This must have taken some planning, I was completely blown away. Brilliant doesn't do this justice, neither does 5 stars. I’m lost for words. Wow, just wow! ---------------------------------------------------...