Nicki's book blog

Evil Crimes- Michael Hambling- 4*   Two apparent suicides- a man fallen over a cliff from a possible slippery path and a woman who hanged herself. The only possible klink being “H”- a young woman with red curly hair who was seen near both victims a short time beforehand. Sophie, Rae and Barry do their best to find and link the missing pieces of the puzzle. This is a well written book that sits comfortably (in the reading stance) from the start. Characters that come alive and you take to (or not in some cases!) with enough background to give their persona depth and an understanding of their actions and viewpoints. An easy enjoyable read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

The Birthday Girl-Sue Fortin-5*   Joanne has planned a weekend away for herself and her three closest friends. A weekend away like no other. Her invite says “a mystery and surprises”. Even the journey there is shrouded in secrecy. The three friends are intrigued and as the weekend progresses they realise each has secrets they thought no-one knew about- until now. Oh My! This is one of those books that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. What a ride, what a read! I really couldn’t put this one down- I just had to find out what was happening next. From one drama to another, one reveal to another. Of times past and present grudges and secrets. All the skeletons in the cupboard come out to play and more. Brilliant characters and descriptions- this would make an excellent TV drama. This is a truly magnificent read that I can’t recommend highly enough. Wow, just wow. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

When the Phoenix Rises- Nesly Clerge 4* Starks is still in prison, his wife Kayla is dying and his children need him. He has to get out. He is recruiting his crew as his opponents could turn on him at any time and he has to stay alive. This is the third part of a trilogy and the other two books need to be read in order to understand the circumstances. In part one (When the Serpent Bites) Starks in sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is a rich man and soon has some clout amongst the prisoners and finds a few he can trust. In book two (When the Dragon roars) Starks is at an all time low having tried to take his own life a couple of times, until suddenly he finds his long lost son, who is then killed shortly afterwards. In this book three Starks is trying to find justice and to keep his wife alive as much as he can from being incarcerated. A man who has to change within the limits of prison and of his mind behind bars.  A well written,descriptive read. I voluntarily chose to read

Mustn't grumble- Terry Wogan An interesting read as you would expect from the "Togmeister". Much of it you can "hear" Terry with his wonderful lilt and his fits of giggles. From his humble background through to the Janet and John stories this book gives a little of his life. He was a unique talent and a man of the people, who felt through both radio and television that they "knew" him. Many of us grew up with him and I can't help but remember the day he finished his radio show with the immortal words  " Thank you, thank you for being my friend" because that was the type of man he was- your friend, his "other listener". He made it personal to each and every one of his listeners. A rare talent indeed.

How to speak chicken- Melissa Caughey 4* This would make a perfect gift for anyone with hens or an interest in them. The pages are wonderfully colourful, each one having a background of either feathers or claw prints. The photographs are a treasure and the narrative interesting (I speak as a long time OCD= obsessive chicken disorder). I knew hens had a language but not quite what. I may even have my own name my flock have given me! I think that this book would also be  suitable for children who have hens at home and so can learn more about them and their wonderful ways. It gives a history, lifecycle, needs, intelligence, eyesight, key skills etc etc. Whether you are a newbie to hens or a long time keeper you should find this book interesting. there are also some wonderful quotes: “All who wander are not lost”- J. R.R Tolkien. ” Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies”- Aristotle.  A perfect Christmas gift. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in

Just one time- KS Hunter 5*  Out 7th December*** Sit on the edge of your seat and prepare for the ride! David had an affair two years ago and although he and his wife are still together- just- she has never forgiven him and makes his life as difficult as possible. When he goes to the theatre alone and speaks to the woman next to him, she assists when he loses his phone and for some reason he gives her a false name. He then gets messages that he believes are from the same woman- only she knows his real name. Who is she and how does she know his name? This is a slightly disturbing tale that makes you rather uneasy. This is so well written you feel that it could happen to anyone- couldn’t it?At the beginning you start to feel for David however his actions mean he only has himself to blame. KS Hunter is the pseudonym of a “well known” author. Whoever you are- Wow! One totally stunning read.    I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and comp

Thieves on the fens- Joy Ellis-5*   The team are together again. I love the fens series- always a comfortable read with a smile. DI Nikki Galena, Joseph, Cat and Ben. Joy has the talent of bringing them alive each and every time. Each of her books starts with a little intrigue but also something of the lives of her team. A little of their love, their life, their dislikes and their family. Not too much to be off putting and detract from the main storyline but a taste to whet the appetite so the reader quickly feels that they “know” the person. Some strange calls to the station speaking an almost lost language and a spate of burglaries keep our team busy in a way in which they appreciate to start with. A complex case with two main storylines interwoven, brilliantly written. My favourite of the fen books to date.  A thoroughly enjoyable read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

Lucy’s Book Club for the Lost and Found- Emma Davies 5** Lucy had dreams of being a teacher as her father was before her. Somehow the glitter dropped off the dream and she found work at the local library whilst she decided what to do. She decided to start a book club to entice more people into the library and perhaps make some friends along the way. Enter Hattie- a single mum who is a dab hand at dressmaking, Lia who is a full time carer for her mother who has Alzheimer's, Callum who should have a job but hasn’t the confidence and Oscar the elderly but sprightly bow tie man who comes in several times a week so as not be on his own. This is an engaging cast of characters and some serious themes are addressed along the way. Somehow through skillful writing you end up caring for the characters and share with their emotions both up and down. This is so much more than “just another lighthearted read”. It made me laugh , it made me cry, and it made me think.  A book with a smile an

The Haunting OF Hattie Hastings- Audrey Davis  4* Hattie’s husband is tragically killed by  a drunk driver one night as he is putting the bins out. She is flabbergasted when a few days later he materialises as a type of ghost and can speak to her. He can vanish as dramatically as he can reappear- but something for now that is out of his control. This leaves Hattie in a state of disbelief wondering how she can tell someone so that she will know that she is not going mad. Very well written this is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Hattie is a larger than life character as are many of those around her. This is part one of three, my only disappointment is that is  short and I wanted the two other parts to be able to continue the story. I look forward to the next instalments. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

Our Jilly- Bradd Chambers 3*   A young girl is found murdered in a back alley that only the council and the houses have access to. Her parents are rather off the rails, although the mother is doing her best in the circumstances. The father is a drunk, known to the police and abusive- just his best points. DI Dawson investigates and realises that the family are removed cousins of his. He couldn’t be less pleased. Through the mire of investigations in a place where many have much to hide from the police for one reason or another. The police team are split in their suspicions which doesn’t help move things along. An interesting read however I would have liked a little more background to the main police players so we can see what their stance is in various situations (just my preference). If you enjoy a different criminal read then this book could be for you. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

A Cozy Candlelit Christmas - Tilly Tennant 5* Isla has been brought up by her mother, as her father left early on and has now remarried.  After 26 years she receives a letter asking to meet and to find out what her paternal grandmother has left her in her will. She is unsure but curious about his intentions. On arrival Isla meets Sebastian who is kind to her and just wanting a friend. She also meets her step-mother’s cousin who also takes a shine to her and takes her under his wing. Are things as they appear or is her Father just using her to get his own part of the inheritance? This is so much more than a “chick-lit” type read. It has a depth of character only usually found (to me) in more serious novels and genres. Tilly has given each one a persona so well that you feel for them and can’t wait to find out if all ends well. This is a real change from my usual read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is christmassy but could be read at any time of the year as it is only the end pa

Mother- S.E Lynes-5*   Christopher discovers through finding a letter that he is adopted. He is on his way to university and had he not been so keen to go and open the dusty suitcase in the loft he never would have found it. This explains his hair colour, height and his brains, so his “parents” tell him. To him his siblings are the “real” children and he is the different one, not treated the same as the others.Will he get to meet his mother and if so how will they feel about one another? On the other side of the Atlantic Ben and Martha live together. Ben is getting his documents ready for a long distance trip, one that could change his life. The story is told in part by a third person who we do not get to meet for quite a while. One whom Christopher has told all about his life. There are also parts where we get the feeling of that person being nursed and frail but again not completely revealed. A very intriguing story very well told. I took to Phyllis and felt for Christopher. A

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The Call- Amanda Fleet-4*   Patrick works for the Malawi-Scotland Alliance. He is attacked and he manages to call a speed dial on his phone which is Summer- a long time ex girlfriend. Kate has had an affair and her husband has walked out on her, as she will always put the party first as she is a politician. The police appear to be taking little notice of Summer reporting Patrick missing and she takes steps of her own. JB is on holiday but something about Summer makes him take the case more seriously than just a missing man and he starts the investigation off, and then finds a connection that makes it headline news. This is a well written novel with lead characters that you can take to. A couple of gory scenes but nothing to put you off your dinner. An interesting plot line, a hint of a romance, much scandal and a few key characters make this a well put together piece of work. An enjoyable read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my

Eeeeek!!! I am in print  :)  . I am very proud to be just a very small part of this. Thank you Jennifer Gilmour.

The Perfect Murder- Stewart Giles- 4* It’s quiet at the station for a change so when two reports of mutilated cats come in from the same street, the team go round if only to get out for a while. Suddenly things take a turn for the worse and murder is involved- not of cats but humans. They have never dealt with a serial killer before and as the bodies mount it is becoming more and more likely.  A brilliant start for a plot. DI Killian has things going on at home as well as work and the team have to pull together and use their initiative to progress the case. His wife has dementia and caring for her takes much of his time. This is a well written book with a nicely thought out plot. Nothing too gory, in fact a fairly lighthearted read (in the world of murders and detectives) with a little humour thrown in. the literary link is wonderful. If you are looking for a different twist in the crime world then this book could be for you. Left me with a smile!I voluntarily chose to read this A

The Best Little Christmas Shop- Maxine Morrey 5* Lexi used to work in formula one as an engineer. She headed home to be with a friend in need and consequently lost her job and career and is now working in “Four Seasons” the family shop selling, at this time of year, all things Christmas. Cal and his son George pop in for some decorations. Cal is a friend of one of Lexi’s friends and so they get talking. Lexi has a past as has Cal. Can they make things work or are there just too many insurmountable obstacles? This is a heartwarming book from the start that makes you want to curl up in front of a roaring fire with a hot chocolate and enjoy the ride comfortably. I’m not usually into romance but I do  enjoy a lighthearted read. Families and their loves, likes and differences, each a part of a tableaux. What some have and others have never experienced and never will.  This is brilliantly descriptive so you can picture the shop and the decorations, the people and scenes as well as the

Murder in the village- Faith Martin-Joffe-4*   The body of a man is found in his kitchen under suspicious circumstances. Meanwhile rumour has it that one of the local thieves has got his hands on more than his usual set of tools of the trade. Somehow there is a mole in the camp so things have to be kept underwraps.  DI Greene is  a very likeable character that you take to easily. Her team are a mixed bunch from Janine who is having a relationship with the Hillary superior to Frank who can’t really be relied on but has a good set of “nouses” to keep him informed. When a stakeout takes place, Hillary gets slightly more than she bargained for. This is one of a series by Faith Martin, each one being a very enjoyable read. They could stand alone but why miss out on other excellent reads? They have a solid plot line, believable characters and a little humour along with enough background to keep the reader interested without overdoing things. I love “puff the tragic wagon”- very clev

The Secret Mother- Shalini Boland- 5* Wow, wow and wow! What a read! Gripping from start to end and a very clever plot that keeps you guessing all the way. Tess arrives home from her weekly trip to the graveyard to find a little boy in her kitchen saying that she is his Mummy. She is living apart from her husband after losing their own children. How did Harry get there and where are his family? Tess is accused by the media of abducting him and her life is turned upside down, not helped by the fact that her now ex has a new partner just when she was hoping that they would get back together. As ever Shalini has again found the perfect recipe;  Intriguing  to keep you guessing, characters that are believable and likeable, a touch of humour, a pinch of romance and short snappy chapters that keep you turning wanting to find out more. I loved this book from start to end and in fact didn’t want it to finish. A brilliantly written story and I very much look forward to the next one.I volu

Coming Soon.............................. Just One Time The first novel by K.S. Hunter, the alter ego of an international bestselling author, whose identity will remain a secret . Desire can have dire consequences Two years ago, David Madden made a mistake that almost cost him his marriage. His wife, Alison, gave him another chance, but she has not forgotten, nor has she forgiven. She is irresistible Then David meets the alluring Nina at a theatre in London. When he loses his phone in the dark, she helps him find it, and by giving her his number he unwittingly invites her into his life. What David initially views as an innocent flirt turns into a dangerous game of deception. His increasingly suspicious wife thinks something is up, and each lie he tells pushes them further apart. She is insatiable Nina pursues David relentlessly, following him to New York where she gives him an ultimatum: sleep with her, just one time , and then she’ll get out of his life forever

Disturbed- Jennifer Jaynes  4* Two girls were murdered and another one left for dead five years ago. Chelsea has slowly rebuilt her life and tried to put the horrific memories behind her but the scars remain both physically and mentally. She accidently comes across someone who was at the party the night it happened and reconnects with him. Could Boyd be guilty? She is sure he isn’t as all evidence points to Ethan who has not been seen or heard of since.This is   a very well written book, like all of Jennifer’s stories. From the very beginning it envelops you in and entices you to keep turning the pages. Characters that come to life through the pages and you feel for Chelsea and her situation. You know that out there is the person who did this but can’t quite put your finger on why or how. A cleverly thought out  highly enjoyable read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Innocent Lies - Chris Collett- 4* A young woman is missing as is a younger boy. DI Mariner has a tenuous link to the boy’s mother through a previous case but his boss wants him on the other case as it is more “middle class/high profile” due to the parents owning a school and being Asian. Mariner is not happy. The missing girl’s father appears not to be telling the truth. When her phone is found in an unlikely place things start to become even more complicated. This is a brilliant read. Not an usual plot but has it’s originality in the twists and turns that make it a page turner and cleverly thought out. The main characters have some background to them which always to me, gives depth and personality. A very entertaining read, a gripping plot. This is the second DI Mariner book and will happily stand alone, but why miss out on another excellent read? I very much look forward to the next book in the series. A highly recommended read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all o

The Dead Whisper- Emma Clapperton- 4* Sam’s ex girlfriend Zoe is dead. Or is she? His best friend and flat-mate Jenny is hearing things that makes her wonder if it could be Zoe. Zoe had a fixation on Sam and accidently on purpose “bumped” into him which was where the relationship started. A month later Zoe is found dead looking like she has fallen down stairs. Who has killed her and is it really her “voice” that Jenny and Claire are hearing?. This is an unusual read- in a very good way. It begins almost like a ghost story and then develops into a murder plot. The characters are well described and believable which to me always helps a plot line. A little background to the characters and detectives who have lives beyond the job. An interesting premise, a creative tale and a highly enjoyable read. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

Hard Candy-5* Craig Mullins Stunning and gripping. Wow- what a read! Sophie knocks at the door of a house in the woods after falling down and hurting herself, running away from being pursued. What the millionaire owner doesn’t know is that she has planned this in order to get some of his money from him. Her mother and secret lover made the plan and Sophie only knows a part of it- her part although she thinks the plan was her own.  When she gets there the owner of the house Aaron,  is far from what she imagined and she is treated as never before- with tender loving care. Sophie finds herself being unable and unwanting to go through with things- however others may disagree. This is a clever plot that draws you in, wondering where it could possibly go. I took to Sophie and Aaron, her being his breath of fresh air drawing the recluse out and exploring the small world around them as never before. Excellent descriptions put you in the heart of the plot and seeing the scenes in your

A Recipe For Disaster A Recipe for Disaster is a cookbook, a travelogue and the companion to Cookucina, a six-part TV series available on Amazon Video, iTunes and Google Play - see  www.cookucina.com  . It's also the entertaining journey of an Englishman struggling with the ups and downs of living in rural Italy. After giving up a successful career in television, Stephen found himself dragged back into a world he had happily given up when his neighbour, Lia, persuaded him to listen to her Big Idea – making a TV cookery series. But Lia speaks no English. And Stephen’s partner, Tam, can't cook. So, much against Stephen's better judgement, the three of them embarked on a six-part series set among the rolling hills of the little-known, but spectacularly beautiful, Italian region of Le Marche. In the Cookucina TV series Lia teaches Tam to cook alla Marchigiana, while Tam translates. A Recipe for Disaster follows their many encounters with the real Italy – a world

 Free for 48 hours- 1st November 2017 London Noir Memory loss, nightmares, the urge to kill – Sophie has it all. Is it really Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Or something more sinister? Kal is about to find out… After a near-fatal road accident, Kal helps Sophie, a young girl in trouble. The girl’s friends are being murdered one by one. Why? And who by? Kal must kick start herself out of her downward spiral to save the young stranger. But Kal is in the grip of the London Cartel, and is someone after the girl, or is the girl after someone? Purchase London Noir on Kindle Purchase London Noir in Paperback My review: Kal is a photojournalist and amateur sleuth. She meets Sophie when she almost knocks her over in her car. Somehow she connects to her and offers her refuge. She then tracks her to where she works and in the process finds a man looking for her. Soon there is a murder and Sophie is scared for her life and appears to be suffering from PTSD. Another friend o