Nicki's book blog

  Two States-One Killer by Alistair Birch- crime thriller 13th July Wow! A page turner of a read, one not to disappoint. If you enjoy tense twisty thrillers then this could be right up your street. Set in the USA it's a gripping, thrilling read of , you guessed it, two murders, very cleverly crafted and plotted by both Alistair and the killer (think they may be in cahoots!). The plot twists and turns and even when the perpetrator is revealed there is still plenty for the reader to enjoy in the twisty man and victim hunt. The first in a series this is developing nicely with the lead detective very likeable. Perhaps in the next one we could get to know a little more about her own life as in this one she is out of state and work focussed and only a little of her character has been revealed. This in no way takes away from the enjoyment of the read. For me this is Alistair's best work yet, showing a skill in evolving plots and scenarios. A brilliant piece of writing, a stunning read...

  The Castle of Stories by Matt Cain Oh be still my beating heart. A tale of love and finding yourself in whatever "family" shape that may take. I'm one of the straight women who love this book ( a group that Matt's previous publishers thought wouldn't like his books- and I've loved each and every one). Many of us have had adversity in one form or another in our lives, some in greater ways than normal and this book tackles this in several different formats. I smiled and yes I cried (at the end). Of finding the real you and the ones that love you for it. Overcoming prejudices and being true to yourself. Five stars really isn't enough. An uplifting read I highly recommend. A great big hug in a book.  -----------------------------------------------

  The Gambler by Stewart Giles- Crime Wow! Another 5* thriller of a page turner from Stewart. This time DS Jason Smith and his team are finding bodies where a certain Kenny Rodgers track is playing on repeat (thanks for the earworm!). On further investigation “ the Gambler” is giving himself marks out of 10 and from a little digging knows that he’s aiming for a certain number- the why’s are yet to be found. It's an intriguing premise and one that kept me late into the night reading “ just one more chapter”. Jason is a wonderful character and says the things we all think but wouldn’t usually say and his brain appears to work tangentially giving him the edge on investigations. A brilliant, gripping read I more than highly recommend- and if you haven’t read the rest of the series- there are plenty to go at- all 5* from me. Stunning says it all. ------------------------ THE GAMBLER Heads I win, tail you lose. A new killer is stalking the streets of York, and its a killer that Detective...

  A Boy in Barcelona By R.W Mitchell Wow! A book written in letters- a fabulous concept and something that happens less and less these days. Will has arrived to live in Barcelona and knows no-one and barely speaks the language. One way and another he has to integrate himself and find a life outside of work- the one thing he has, and that isn't great due to his overbearing boss. He writes to his mother and his friends back home and they reply. Its a story of hope and bravery and finding fun in life whatever and wherever you may be. Life isn't going to come to you- you have to go and find it as we all well know through experience. Its funny, its poignant and uplifting with Richards own special touch and maybe even a little of what he has experienced himself. Letter writing is a dying art- if I could find Richards address (its somewhere!!) I'd have sent this in a letter. A very special book that hugely deserves 5 * and more. A treasure of a read.

  27 by Stewart Giles - Crime People are being killed and the only link is that they are all 27 years old. How strange is that? It is until DC Jan Norge and DS Hilda Baker realise that eikosiheptophobia, a   type of numerophobia, is a thing and that a group of celebrities belong to a certain club. What on earth is going on and why? Wow! Another one of Stewart’s books that I didn’t want to put down. It’s thrilling, it’s tantalising and so very well thought out and crafted. I really don’t know how he keeps coming up with such gripping plot lines and the wonderful characters bring it to life. This is the second of a new series and could probably be stand alone but Jan’s story would make more sense if read in order. (and why miss out on another 5* excellent read?). If there were extra stars for a compelling plot this one would earn it in spades. A glowing 5 stars. Need I say more?  ----------------------------------- 27 (A Jan Norge Hilda Baker thriller Book 2) 27 : A club y...

  The Girl in the Attic by John Nicholl- psychological thriller Olivia is in an attic. We know not why other than she has been imprisoned. She tells of some of her life, the nice part where she is with loving, caring foster parents. She hints of a traumatic life before this, again we know not why. She loves art and is good at it. Art is one of the words to describe the beautiful stunning way that this book is written. John is talented at painting a picture with words and they evoke an ever changing canvas in the mind. Then Charles arrives on the scene and the picture changes dramatically. Wow! What a premise. I wont spoil it other than to say hold on to your seats for rather a roller-coaster ride of a plot! A thrilling, beautifully described, rather chilling at times read. John’s work gets better and better. A big five stars.  ---------------------------------

  Hakuna Matata by Stewart Giles-Crime   A new series from Stewart and one that already looks like it is going to roll.  We have a Norwegian DC Jan Norge and a no nonsense DS in the form of Hilda Baker (those of a certain age may remember the name). A family are on holiday in Zanzibar however the father is very distracted by goings on in his company. The daughter has a relationship that her parents may not totally approve of and the mother is doing her best to hold it all together but has secrets of her own. When a body is found in a burnt out car, the duo have the start of an investigation. When things begin to link to the family who went to Zanzibar it’s rather more complex. Who has done this and why? Oh wow! Another one of Stewart’s books I raced through. There’s a great mix of plot and characters, in fact the plot is multi-dimensional (but easy to follow) and makes for a thrilling read. I may be cautious of going to Zanzibar any time soon! A read I didn’t want to put...