Killing Evil- John Nichol- Crime/psychological thriller

A book you may not want to put down! Written in the first person, this tells

the story of Alice (not her real name as she tells us), her life and her

becoming a “hunter rather than the hunted”. As a child she was abused by

her father and saw the looks he was giving her younger sister- who was

now at the age when Alice first had those gruesome night visits. Alice

plots her fathers death but then learns about post mortems in suspicious

deaths and so her plot is foiled. When an unforeseen opportunity

presents itself she takes the chance. Years later having graduated

with a course in computer sciences she is working for the probation

service and other chances present themselves for her to rid the streets

of the “monsters”.

 I have an issue with John’s books- albeit a good one. I cant stop

turning the pages and a chapter turns into 10 and time and real life

disappear- so easy is it to be immersed in the book.  Brilliantly

written ( as ever) and although not for the sensitive as there are

occasional scenes of murder etc, this is a fantastic plot and well

narrated- all from the female protagonist. A clever, well thought

out plot and one to leave you perhaps with a wry smile.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Rainbow by Carly Schabowski-WW2 historical fiction

Based on a true story this tells of Isla and her grandparents. Alternate

chapters take us back to 1930 in Poland. Whilst looking for something

in the attic for her grandmother, Isla stumbles across a picture of two

men in German army uniform. The name of one is her grandfather,

someone she believed had fought for the allies and won medals.

When she asks her grandmother she denies who it is and says Isla

must never ask her now rather confused grandfather about this.

She also finds an old rainbow coloured scarf with the picture and

hangs on to it. Her grandfather has a brother still in Poland so she

ventures to find out more from him, but he himself is elderly but

he does have some diaries of his brothers from the war period

and gives them to Isla so that she can find out more for herself. I

really enjoy this type of novel- it's not only a story but a wonderful

way to learn what life was like and what went on in that time period.

A heartwarming and gripping read of tragedy and trauma and of

love and determination winning through and being carried through

the generations. A brilliant , poingnant highly enjoyable read,

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog 

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Book Description:

There, on the dusty floorboards, was a piece of paper, folded neatly. A newspaper article from 1941, written in German, alongside a faded picture of two men in Nazi uniforms staring at the camera. I was about to place it back in the box of forgotten things when something in the text jumped out at me. My breath caught in my chest. I know that name.

London, present day. Isla has grown up hearing her beloved grandad’s stories about his life as a child in pre-war Poland and as a young soldier bravely fighting the Germans to protect his people. So she is shocked and heartbroken to find, while collecting photos for his 95th birthday celebration, a picture of her dear grandfather wearing a Nazi uniform. Is everything she thought she knew about him a lie?

Unable to question him due to his advanced dementia, Isla wraps herself in her rainbow-coloured scarf, a memento of his from the war, and begins to hunt for the truth behind the photograph. What she uncovers is more shocking than she could have ever anticipated – a tale of childhood sweethearts torn apart by family duty, and how one young man risked his life, his love and the respect of his own people, to secretly fight for justice from inside the heart of the enemy itself…

An heartbreaking novel of love, betrayal and a secret passed down through a family. Inspired by an incredible true story. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones and The Alice Network.

Author Bio:

Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.

https://twitter.com/carlyschab11

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3hNnuHQ

Apple: https://apple.co/3o0JXmj

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2SD8z94

Google: https://bit.ly/3y03iZh

 

Code of silence- Phillip Jordan - police procedural

Gordon Beattie has a large empire much of which is  sadly on the wrong side

of the law. He smuggles in drugs hidden inside concrete which is then

smashed open to gain access and for the remains to be used for roads.

He is not averse to putting people in line if they cross him- a rather

mild description of what his organisation gets up to. DI Veronica Taylor

is called in when there is a report of a man brutally killed and a young

woman severely beaten. A gritty crime thriller set in Northern Ireland.

Beattie has just escaped prosecution- the case having collapsed so

the police are determined to get justice. There is mention of “ The

troubles'  which some of us remember and the fall out in the years

following. Written in a brilliant way and incorporating some local

dialect (but easy to understand) we follow Ronnie and her team

across drugs, trafficking loyalist gangs and organized crime and

the violence that comes with it. For a debut novel -or any other

for that matter this is stunningly written. The vivid and at times

rather brutal  descriptions put you amongst the action and I

could easily see this as a TV drama. A cleverly thought out quite

complex plot (but easy to follow) with lots of twists and turns

along the way. If you like gangland/ organised crime thriller

reads then this could be one to read. A truly brilliant debut novel.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

 

The Box Hill Killer(Detective Rob Miller #4)- Biba Pearce- Crime    

 

Twelve years ago four men were killed by what was dubbed “ The pentagram

killer” as this was inscribed on their bodies. Today there has been a

robbery at a jewellers and inadvertently a sixteen year old girl got caught

up in the melee. Her DNA provides a familial link to DNA found on the last

victim's body- what is the link? Although number four in a series this will

happily stand alone. The old case is reopened despite not having a whole lot

to go on other than the DNA link. DI Rob Millar and team take the case and

begin to uncover more than was originally found. When there is a twist the

whole thing is turned on its head as there is someone possibly in the picture

who is now in the limelight and the higher ups are keen to quash as

involvement for political reasons. How can Rob and his team proceed if their

hands are tied?

I loved this, it's a well thought out plot and lots going on. Just as one

thing emerges another is taken away and this keeps the pace flowing.

I like Rob and Jenny- there's a “human-ness” about them which comes

across well-more to them than just the job and to me the skill of a good

author. A slightly different type of case- in a very good way that keeps

the brain active A wonderful read with a smile- just how I like it- I very

much look forward to the next one.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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THE BOX HILL KILLER (Detective Rob Miller #4) by Biba Pearce A HEARTSTOPPING MYSTERY FROM YOUR NEW CRIME FICTION OBSESSION: BIBA PEARCE. Twelve years ago, Noah Palmer went for a bike ride and never came home. His body was found in the Box Hill woods, a five-pointed star carved in his chest. He is the fourth victim of a serial killer who has never been caught. Now, a young woman is involved in a shooting outside Harrods in central London. Her DNA shows a familial match to the Box Hill cold case. Detective Rob Miller leads the investigation. But there’s not much to go on. Just when he thinks he’s got a lead, the case is turned on its head. In order to solve this mystery, Rob’s going to have to go off-book, potentially putting his career — and already complicated love life — on the line. Can he stop the Box Hill killer? AN UNSTOPPABLE CRIME MYSTERY THAT YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO PUT DOWN. This gripping page-turner is perfect for fans of Helen H. Durrant, James Oswald, Joy Ellis, Angela Marsons, L.J. Ross, Alex Smith and J.M. Dalgliesh. MEET THE DETECTIVE DI ROB MILLER Detective Inspector Rob Miller of the Met is finally given his first case as Senior Investigating Officer. For an ambitious, young detective, this is a dream come true. He’s gunning for promotion, and will do anything for his job, but can he also keep his personal life in check? THE SETTING The Murder Investigation Team is based out of leafy Putney, with its overgrown often-flooded riverbanks. One way the river leads into central London, the other out into the countryside. It’s an idyllic setting that masks a criminal underworld. PRAISE FOR BIBA PEARCE: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Another brilliant British thriller . . . I really enjoy reading this author, she has a wonderful way of telling a story that keeps the reader mesmerized from start to finish.” Sharon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A cracking read and certainly one that leaves you wrong footed the whole way through. You may get slight hints to link things together, but the final reveal is fantastic!” Cath ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Well, Biba Pearce certainly knows how to get you going!! Such a sad, sad story!!” Carolann ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The storyline caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.” Jeanne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A brilliant read. Love the story . . . Rob is my favourite.” Sue DETECTIVE ROB MILLER MYSTERY SERIES Book 1: THE THAMES PATH KILLER Book 2: THE WEST LONDON MURDERS Book 3: THE BISLEY WOOD MURDERS Book 4: THE BOX HILL KILLER

BIBA PEARCE Biba Pearce is a British crime writer and author of the DCI Rob Miller series. Biba grew up in post-apartheid Southern Africa. As a child, she lived on the wild eastern coast and explored the sub-tropical forests and surfed in shark-infested waters. Now a full-time writer with more than twenty-five novels under her belt, Biba lives in leafy Surrey and when she isn’t writing, can be found walking through the countryside or kayaking on the river Thames. BOOKS BY BIBA PEARCE COMING SOON! FOLLOW BIBA ON AUTHOR WEBSITE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM

 

The Night She Disappeared- Lisa Jewell- psychological thriller       

It's 2017 and Talullah has a baby and for the first time leaves Noah with

her mother Kim to go with her boyfriend Zach to see some friends.

When the next morning she hasn't returned Kim is understandably

worried and sets out to find her. She is devoted to Noah and would

never leave him. Back in 2019 Sophie has just arrived at the school

where her boyfriend has just got a position as head and is getting to

know both the staff and the area. When she finds a sign in the garden

saying “ dig here ” with an arrow pointing downwards,  she is

intrigued and being a detective writer she has to pursue it which leads

her to the reopening of a case never finalised. I always enjoy Lisa’s

books, there is always that air of mystery and tension in a good way

building as you go through the book. A cleverly crafted plot from a

master writer and planner.  Enough to keep the grey matter active,

nothing to give you nightmares, but enough to keep me awake

wanting to find out more! A gripping read with characters you can

take to. Kim and Sophie both come across as well rounded, caring

people wanting to find the truth. A plot to stir the imagination and

to keep the pages turning. A highly enjoyable read.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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A Light in the Window: WW2 historical novel by Marion Kummerow 

Margerete finds herself in the rubble of a bombed house where she

worked, albeit unpaid as a maid/housekeeper. This is wartime Germany

and Margerete has to wear a yellow star on her jacket to show she

is of the Jewish faith. As she crawls through to get out she sees the

daughter Annegret of the family she worked for, laying dead with her

papers sticking out of her pocket. Margarete takes a chance and the

papers and becomes a non jew to protect herself from the atrocities

of war. Meanwhile in Paris the son Wilhelm is working for the SS but

goes back to Berlin to attend the funeral of his parents with his

brother Reiner who is doing his best to work his way up in the SS.

Reiner has even named his children Adophina and Germania to

try and impress his peers.  Wilhelm learns something about his

brother- how he treats women and how he raped their servant

but sadly she died in the bombing as far as he knows. Wilhelm

goes to find his sister in Leipzig and get rather more than he

bargained for- his “ sister” being protected by a high ranking Nazi.

Can Margarete survive behind her disguise or will Wilhelm tell on

her? Wow. I loved this. It's a story of tenacity and determination

against all odds, when survival is the only prize. A woman in a

corner but able to think on her feet despite fear everywhere she

turns. A reminder of the prejudices of war and a reminder of

how simple things can sometimes prove these wrong when

propaganda has brainwashed the majority of a nation. Of love

and courage, of times gone by- but a reminder that sadly

prejudices remain in some areas. A wonderful uplifting read. 

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog 

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Book Description:

Margarete stumbles out of the bombed-out house, the dust settling around her like snow. Mistaking her for the dead officer’s daughter, a guard rushes over to gently ask her if she is all right and whether there’s anything he can do to help her. She glances down at where the hated yellow star had once been, and with barely a pause, she replies “Yes”.

Berlin, 1941: Margarete Rosenbaum is working as a housemaid for a senior Nazi officer when his house is bombed, leaving her the only survivor. But when she’s mistaken for his daughter in the aftermath of the blast, Margarete knows she can make a bid for freedom…

Issued with temporary papers—and with the freedom of not being seen as Jewish—a few hours are all she needs to escape to relative safety. That is, until her former employer’s son, SS officer Wilhelm Huber, tracks her down.

But strangely he doesn’t reveal her true identity right away. Instead he insists she comes and lives with him in Paris, and seems determined to keep her hidden. His only condition: she must continue to pretend to be his sister. Because whoever would suspect a Nazi girl of secretly being a Jew?

His plan seems impossible, and Margarete is terrified they might be found out, not to mention worried about what Wilhelm might want in return. But as the Nazis start rounding up Jews in Paris and the Résistance steps up its activities, putting everyone who opposes the regime in peril, she realizes staying hidden in plain sight may be her only chance of survival…

Can Margarete trust a Nazi officer with the only things she has left though… her safety, her life, even her heart?

A totally heartbreaking and unputdownable story about how far someone would go to save one life, that fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will adore.

Author Bio:

Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.

Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.

https://kummerow.info/

https://www.facebook.com/AutorinKummerow/

https://www.instagram.com/marionkummerow/

https://twitter.com/MarionKummerow

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3hB7711

Apple: https://apple.co/3xHwpA4

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3ySZhWo

Google: https://bit.ly/3k9glDj

 

The Woman in the Painting by Jane Adams- crime            

Rob has been painting a woman he briefly met years ago for as long as he

can remember. Anna featured little in his life but very much in his head and

he is now well known for the Anna paintings. His agent and a TV show

decide it’s time he re-met Anna and set up the meeting. A few days later

Anna is found dead and Rob literally has blood on his hands but he found

her dead. What secrets was Anna keeping and when everyone thinks he

is the killer how is he going to prove them wrong? DI Marris and team

are on the case but it's not quite as straightforward as once thought as

Rob’s agent has a thing or two up his sleeve. I enjoyed this- it's an easy

straightforward read with the odd twist to keep the action moving. I

liked that Rob although the chief suspect wasn't the usual “type”

( if there is one?)  and was rather eccentric in some ways- for example

having three identical jackets as he hated shopping (I can relate).

Marris comes across as almost an avuncular figure, someone you

would trust and want on your side. A wonderful highly enjoyable

read with a smile along the way.

For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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The Woman in the Painting is a standalone novel, but is not one to be missed! Fans of Netflix's stalker sensation You will devour this darkly addictive tale of love turned to obsession, and the fatal fallout. This novel would also be perfect for fans of Laura Lippman, C.D. Major, Celeste Ng, Lianne Moriarty, Lisa Jewel, Patricia MacDonald and Caroline Kepnes.

THE WOMAN IN THE PAINTING   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Grippingly edgy.’ Sunday Times   Fans of Netflix’s stalker sensation You will devour this darkly addictive tale of love turned to obsession, and the fatal fallout.   Originally published as A Kiss Goodbye.  What secrets hide behind her smile?   For as long as painter Rob Carr lives, he will never stop dreaming of Anna.   Her face on his canvas. Her kiss on his lips. Her blood on his hands.   All of London knows her as his ice-cool muse. But that’s only half the story . . .   He’s loved her forever. But she is the one person he can never have. Especially not now. Because Anna is dead.   Beautiful, breathtaking, dead.   He’s seen her for himself. Sprawled across her living-room floor, a crimson gash in her chest.   And there’s not a soul in London who believes he didn’t kill her.   What wasn’t she telling him that night?   Everything Rob is he owes to Anna. Is she also about to be his ruin?   Perfect for fans of Laura Lippman, C.D. Major, Celeste Ng, Lianne Moriarty, Lisa Jewel, Patricia MacDonald and Caroline Kepnes.   __________________________________________   PRAISE FOR JANE ADAMS:   ‘A major talent in the making . . . amply fulfils her promise with assurance and style.’ Val McDermid, bestselling author of Still Life   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The single word to describe Adams’ writing is atmospheric . . . she creates interesting, fully dimensional characters.’ L.J.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! An easy read with a great plot and characters I could hardly put down. I can’t recommend this enough.’ Lisa   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Surprising and memorable. When Jane Adams writes of crimes from the past, you turn on the lights!’ Sophia   ALSO BY JANE ADAMS MERROW & CLARKE Book 1: SAFE   DETECTIVE MIKE CROFT SERIES Book 1: THE GREENWAY Book 2: THE SECRETS Book 3: THEIR FINAL MOMENTS Book 4: THE LIAR   DETECTIVE RAY FLOWERS SERIES Book 1: THE APOTHECARY’S DAUGHTER Book 2: THE UNWILLING SON Book 3: THE DROWNING MEN Book 4: THE SISTER’S TWIN   DETECTIVE ROZLYN PRIEST Book 1: BURY ME DEEP   STANDALONES THE OTHER WOMAN THE WOMAN IN THE PAINTING