Nicki's book blog

Care to die- Tana Collins- 4* What a brilliant first paragraph! A description to get you instantly into the heart of the matter. An old man’s body is found in woodlands near an historic building complex. The man is a loner and no-one knows much about him. Could the possible development of the site along with it’s history have something to do with his death? A book to keep you engaged from the start with strong characters that bring the scenarios to life. Tenacious detectives along with the sloths we find in all walks of life sort out the clues and keep us guessing to the end. Jim Carruthers and Andi Fletcher are an excellent team with a sense of humour along the way. A well written entertaining read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Riven: DS Lasser 7- Robin Roughley 4* I love Lasser. A down to earth bloke with his personal life in a mess and tenacious in his work. A young girl has gone missing and when she is found dead, strange and unusual things start happening to her family and that of the friend she was with when taken. As ever Robin’s descriptions and attention to detail take you right into the heart of the action along with the emotions of those involved. Lasser is very much his own man and whilst he gets on well with his colleagues most of the time, he is a thinker as well as a do-er. Riven is “ split or tear apart violently”. This is not the victims, but the families affected. A well chosen, carefully thought out title. This is a brilliant series although they stand well alone other than the Lasser background/personal life which is a continuing thread. Then again- why miss out on the others? Another highly enjoyable read. Thank you Robin!

Right here waiting for you- Rebecca Pugh 4*    Magda left her home town to marry Greg and start the “perfect” life. Trouble is things are not so perfect. Sophia has a daughter whose father left once she was pregnant, the man of her dreams was not to be. She had a childhood friend who did the dirty on her and left her when she needed her most. Their paths cross at a school reunion and what happened in the past comes to light. I liked the characters of both Sophia and Magda. They and others came to life as I progressed through the book. Although a lighthearted read this is one of those books that makes you think about your own past and whether things could have been different ~”if”..... A well written enjoyable book. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Then, Now Always -Isabelle Broom- 4* A perfect read for in the sun. Visiting Mojacar for a film shoot brings the past back to Hannah. Time as a carefree teenager. Now she is back with her work colleagues, one of whom she would like to get to know better- a lot better! I am not into romance novels but this has that something more. Descriptions that transport you away to a sunny destination listening to the waves with a sangria in your hand. Ok, well almost! Relationships and friendships that change for the better or for the worse, we have all been there and this is a story about them and how we change over the years through our experiences both good and bad and maybe how sometimes we judge without all of the facts. A well written novel to enjoy and make you think a little on life and those around us. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

The Suicide Plan Emma Clapperton- 4* A man walks into a spiritualist church demanding help in front of a large audience. What happens next takes Patrick, the church leader on a journey to find out the truth about a boys death. I found this an interesting read and slightly disturbing, possibly about the spiritual side of it, but this did keep me turning the pages! Although I thought I could see what was coming, I still wasn’t totally sure of the perpetrator. A well written novella to keep you on the edge of your seat! I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

The Fourth Monkey- JD Barker-  5* One stunning read! We have all heard of the three wise monkeys- hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil. For those not in the know the fourth monkey is “Do no evil”.  A man is killed by a bus holding a small box. These boxes are symbolic of the the fourth monkey killer who has been killing young girls for the last 5 years. Could this be him and if so where is the latest victim? Why has she been chosen as the team now know that the others were chosen for a very specific reason? This is a brilliantly put together tale which inveigles you into the pages. and doesn’t let go. The story is told from two aspects- first that of the detectives and then the diary of 4MK which has been found with him. There is a brilliant camaraderie and sometimes humour amongst the detectives , needed when on an intense case such as this and is told incredibly well. Porter and his sidekicks come across as real life characters in this high powered plot. The diary part i

Baby love- Emmanuelle de Maupassant 4* A diary written with fun in mind. A woman scorned in the throws of late pregnancy. Not my usual subject matter at all (in fact miles away from it). That said I enjoyed this lighthearted, comedic read. Well written in the first person from Delphine’s point of view this is written as if you had penned it yourself. (no “I”’s or “me”’s if that makes sense just “Went to the bathroom and...”). Somehow this makes it more personal and you feel that you get to know Delphine quickly and easily. A short story to be enjoyed over coffee on a summer’s day. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Ward Zero- Linda Huber-4* A story to capture your imagination. Sarah is expecting to go to the Yorkshire Dales on holiday with Mim. Frankie and her mother are going about their lives when Frankie’s grandmother has money taken whilst she is in hospital. Things take a turn for the worse when there is a murder. How are these linked and who is behind it and why? I love books where there is a strong lead and Sarah has this in spades. A determined character with a heart and more to her than just the main thread of the story. This is a very well told tale which I won and am very glad that I did! A highly enjoyable read.I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Allie & Bea- Catherine Ryan Hyde 5** I loved this book from the start. It has that “feel good” factor that we all know and love.An older lady is penniless and decides the only way she can live is in her van. She has been scammed out of some savings so now it is her turn to try her luck. A young girl watches as both of her parents are arrested  and she is escorted to a place where the rougher side of life are detained and learns a few lessons along the way. They meet up along the way and much to their surprise each learn things from the other about life. This is brilliantly written and sweeps you along with the flow. Characters that you can see easily in your mind’s eye and be on the journey with them. Nothing too uneasy, nothing nasty just a few life lessons that make for an interesting partnership. An uplifting read that restores your faith in human nature and the kindness of strangers. One of my best reads this year. I really didn’t want it to end. I voluntarily chose

Sleep tight- Caroline Mitchell One of those brilliant books that hooks you from the start and entices you to keep turning the pages. Ruby has her work cut out when prostitutes are not only being murdered but “arranged” from fairy tales. Her daughter’s father is not far from the crime trail and this complicates things even further. I love books where the lead is a strong, determined character and Ruby is this and some. Her tenacity and personality shine through along with the camaraderie of her colleagues. There are crime books and there are good ones. This is a stunning one due to the depth of the writing that brings to life the story and the characters. Caroline’s detective background and expertise  shows through in this macabre tale that has you holding your breath and wondering whatever will happen next. A captivating  read. 4*

The Beekeeper-Stewart Giles 5* A lighthearted detective read with twists and turns. Alice keeps bees as well as something under the Hollyhocks. Her best friend suddenly disappears and the local force now have more activity than they have ever had on their hands along with a possible shark attack. Three older residents dead within a few days. This is a well written novel  and as you can guess from the description is done with a sense of humour. Alice is a wonderful character that you can see in your mind’s eye. A slightly eccentric woman that we have all met at one time or another (or at least imagine to have done). Characters come to life with their antics and personalities to make this an enjoyable easy read. Nothing too taxing. nothing too gory just a lovely entertaining read with a smile. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Handcuffs, truncheon and a polyester thong- Gina Kirkham- 5* I wanted an enjoyable read to make me smile- and boy was this the right book! Mavis has signed up to her dream job- the police force. Trouble is Mavis, although a good soul, is rather naive and hapless to start with. The book follows her journey in the job and the ups and downs of the force and her life. This is beautifully written so that you can see the escapades in your mind’s eye. A character you can warm to, smile with and feel the emotion of some of the situations she finds herself in. I smiled, I almost cried. I loved it! I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Manipulated lives- HA Leuschel- 4* This is made up of 5 stories each with their own take on “Manipulated lives”. In the first an old man on his deathbed remembers his life and his “power” and superiority over others. In the others younger people are lured and deceived.”By alienating, manipulating and controlling others, you have obviously never experienced what it is like to feel cornered yourself”. “Many lives are still lost or wasted today to the manipulators of this world who cannot but pervert the truth, twist it and bend it so far that it becomes a new reality, one they enjoy and appreciate, and it is one they alone can see, hear and feel”. Strong words and emotions. These people exist amongst us  and these words describe them perfectly. To some they bring a chill of fear having to deal with them. Descriptions are such that you can see how victims are pulled in and find it hard to escape. For me Tess and Tattoos and The Spell were the ones that stood out perfectly describin

Coming soon! Over my shoulder - Patiricia Dixon 5**read out 19th May https://www.facebook.com/pbadixon/videos/1357032627711596/

Revenge of the Malakim- Paul Harrison- 5* Oh boy! One of those books you pick up and can’t put down. Gruesome murders are occurring in the quiet seaside town of Bridlington. DI Will Scott and his team have their hands full. I always take to a book that has a strong lead and a character that you can relate to as they have a background as well as a job and Will Scott has this in spades. A man you could imagine as your neighbour, a thoroughly nice bloke but with enough guts and tenacity to see a job through to the end. There are some descriptive scenes but nothing that put me off my dinner.  A well thought out plot, excellent descriptions and wonderful characters. I look forward to more from WIll and the team. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Big little lies- Liane Moriarty- 4* Suburban “moms”, little lives and little lies. When I looked at reading this I didn’t know about the TV series (I watch very little) but when I saw Nicole Kidman was Celeste, the character fitted well in my mind’s eye. A story of hidden truths, of what goes on unknown to others, irrespective of who has the best car/house/bank balance and of friendships that break or endure. The main story line is interspersed with “statements” from witnesses to the event, an event we don’t find out about until late in the book. To me, at the beginning I found this a little difficult to get into but was soon into the flow of things- so don’t give up! The characters are likeable albeit a little tenuous in some cases. Others come across as more real and feisty- in a good way, and some appear just up for a fight. True colours always show when there is animosity! A story to make you think. An enjoyable read with a difference. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC a

Baby dear- Linda Huber- 5*   Caro and Jeff want a baby but there is a problem- a large one. Julie is on her own with 2 small children. Sharon is heavily pregnant but the baby wasn’t planned for another 5 years. I am not a baby person but this story grabbed me as there is so much intrigue. You think you know what is going to happen and then…. I won’t spoil it. Brilliantly written with strong characters that you can see in your mind’s eye. I particularly liked Julie as she comes across as a determined woman who you would quite happily have as a friend. A different read, an enjoyable one. Be warned- you may get hooked! A wonderful compelling read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

The Broken Ones- Sarah A Denzil 5* Sophie has one heck of a mother. Not only is she suffering from early onset Alzheimer's but she is one nasty piece of work anyway. This may be a hard book to read for some- ones who have not known a loving parent may find it difficult. That said it opens up about what others have to go through. Sophie can’t do anything right, or look right or behave right, whatever she may do is wrong in her mother’s eyes. She thinks that they have a stalker or someone playing tricks -only it is getting beyond a joke. This is one of those books that grabs you from the start, unnerves you a little, and you can’t put down. You really feel for Sophie whilst still thinking why does she put up with it? Maybe she has been conditioned and whilst the comments sting she feels she can’t do anything else but put up with it. A brilliantly written book.

Trespass- Stephen Edgar 3* This at first sight appears to be 2 books- one about a crime 24 years ago and then another about a private investigator. They do merge and cleverly so at that. This was my first Stephen Edgar novel and it kept me within the pages as I wanted to know the conclusion. A good plot with likeable characters even if they do cross the line at times. I really got into this and was then left rather disappointed with the final few chapters. To me it finished rather abruptly and another chapter or two would have even things out without the haste- hence the 3*

Julep Street- Craig Lancaster-4*   Craig writes about characters. Good old fashioned earthy ones with a heart and maybe a quirk or two. I loved Edward (If you haven’t read them then maybe you should - everyone should!). Carson has lost his job at the newspaper and has been asked to manage the museum that will take it’s place. For some reason known only to himself, he has started shoplifting, just the odd item. that he can well afford. His companion and the one that truly understands him is his dog Hudson(any dog owner will know this is so true!). Like Edward, Carson grows on you and although in parts this is rather a sad story it is also a story of hope, of a lost soul of friendships and that we all learn things as we go through life. A thoughtful read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

The One-John Marrs- 5** 5** I have been holding off reading this until near the publication date but itching to get it read whilst trying to avoid other reviews (which I did). I now know why! 4 lives, 4 stories, 4 matches. Each one told alternating with the others and every short chapter so well written you just want to know more. A book you can’t put down, a book you want to devour. Characters that you love, or dislike but each with that “je ne sais quoi” that you “need” to know what happens. Brilliantly put together with imaginative plots for each character that are wildly differing. Every chapter ending with that hook so you turn and turn again. One stunning read. John you have a talent. I can’t wait to read more. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Handcuffs, truncheon and a polyester thong- Gina Kirkham- 5* I wanted an enjoyable read to make me smile- and boy was this the right book! Mavis has signed up to her dream job- the police force. Trouble is Mavis, although a good soul, is rather naive and hapless to start with. The book follows her journey in the job and the ups and downs of the force and her life. This is beautifully written so that you can see the escapades in your mind’s eye. A character you can warm to, smile with and feel the emotion of some of the situations she finds herself in. I smiled, I almost cried. I loved it! I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handcuffs-Truncheon-Polyester-Thong-Kirkham/dp/191133171X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494500895&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=handbags+truncheon