CHRISTMAS ON THE ISLAND (# 6  Liam O'Reilly series) Stewart Giles- Crime

It's almost Christmas on Guernsey and the island is getting ready for the festive season. As the yacht club replaces the blown away decorations their Commodore is found dead on his boat with a gun in his hand in what looks like suicide. Trouble is he was well known spouting about his life insurance so surely suicide wouldnt be something he would contemplate? When other “ suicides” are found DI Liam O’Rielly has his hands full and iit’s not the turkey and pudding he was hoping for especially when one is literally on his doorstep.

I love this series ( although this would probably stand alone) . It's a wonderful, easy read with a little light hearted well placed humour. Liam has his rough side but you can't help but like him as he would defend you to the hilt (as long as you stayed on the right side of him) and he has that dogged tenacity to see justice done whatever it takes. The pages turn so very easily- to me the skill of a brilliant writer and the grey matter is kept active as initially there is little to go on as to whom the perpetrator may be. I fell for the curve ball and didn't see where this was going- clever. A brilliantly thought out, cleverly told page turning story. What more could a reader ask for ? 

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Christmas on the Island (DI Liam O'Reilly mysteries Book 6)

CHRISTMAS:

The silly season.

Or, the suicide season?

A string of suicides on the island arouses Detective Liam O'Reilly's suspicions. He understands that the suicide rate tends to increase during the festive season, but the ways in which these people have chosen to end their lives doesn't feel right.

As O'Reilly and his team dig deeper they soon learn there is much more to these apparent suicides than they initially thought and O'Reilly realises there is a seriously damaged mind on the loose.

Dubbed the suicide killer by the press, this madman will stop at nothing to get his depraved message across and O'Reilly is the only one who can put an end to his killing spree.

This festive season is one the Irish detective will never forget.

BOOKS BY STEWART GILES

DS JASON SMITH SERIES

Book 0.5-Phobia

Book 1-Smith

Book 2-Boomerang

Book 3-Ladybird

Book 4-Occam’s Razor

Book 5-Harlequin

Book 6-Selene

Book 7-Horsemen

Book 8-Unworthy

Book 9 – Venom

Book 10 – Severed

Book 11 – Demons

Book 12 - Deadeye

Book 13 - Motive

Book 14 - Australia

Book 15 - Wishbone

DI O’REILLY MYSTERIES

Book 1 - Blood on the Island

Book 2 - Lies on the Island

Book 3 - Fear on the Island

Book 4 - Malice on the Island

Book 5 - Revenge on the Island

Book 6 - Christmas on the Island

DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES

Book 1-The Beekeeper

Book 2-The Perfect Murder

Book 3-The Backpacker

Trotterdown a box set of DC Harriet Taylor books 1-3

DS JASON SMITH &DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES

Book 1 - The Enigma

Book 2 – Dropzone

Book 3 – The Raven Girl

Trilogy: The DS Smith & Harriet Taylor box set

THE MIRANDA TRILOGY (psychological thrillers)

Miranda

Mistress

Medusa

STANDALONE HORROR

The Divide

Stewart Giles – Author Bio

After reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live. 

In 2014 Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head and I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later. 

3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series - the DC Harriet Taylor: Cornwall series.

The Beekeeper was published and soon hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well. 

I continued to self-publish the Smith series and Unworthy hit the shelves in 2018 with amazing results.  I therefore made the decision to self-publish The Backpacker which is book 3 in the Detective Harriet Taylor series which was published in July 2018.

After The Backpacker I had an idea for a totally new start to a series – a collaboration between the Smith and Harriet thrillers and The Enigma was born. It brought together the broody, enigmatic Jason Smith and the more level-headed Harriet Taylor. 

The Miranda trilogy is something totally different. A psychological thriller trilogy. It is a real departure from anything else I’ve written before. 

The Detective Jason Smith series continues to grow with book 16 recently published. The first 5 books in the Detective Liam O’Reilly series are now available.

Website: www.stewartgiles.com

Twitter: @stewartgiles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33

 

Death By The Thames- Gretta Mulrooney- Crime

Toni is about to leave for her wedding when there is a knock on the door. Her

fiance Sam has been found dead, apparently having driven his beloved

motorbike and side car into the Thames with a young passenger and has sent

Toni a suicide text. Toni doesnt believe this and employs a private eye- Tyrone

Swift to find out more as the police appear satisfied with the suicide theory.

Toni believes Sam would never be with an underage girl and was looking

forward to the wedding- what on earth happened?

I quickly got into this, there was just something about it. An air of mystery

and the development of a character that grew on me as the pages turned.

A tenacity for the truth and 

This is one of a series but happily stands alone (I hadn't read any of the

others) A complex case with lots of characters that has been cleverly

thought out. An interesting in depth read. 

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Death by the Thames by Gretta Mulrooney Looking for your next unputdownable mystery? Meet Detective Tyrone Swift. He takes the cases that the police have given up on.   One dead bridegroom.   Financier Sam Goddard never made it down the aisle. Instead, his body is pulled from the Thames. Everyone says he rode his bike into the water. And he didn’t die alone . . .   A teen tearaway with a taste for older men. Riding in his sidecar, there’s an underage girl. On his phone, a text. So sorry to do this to you . . .The police know a suicide pact when they see one, and as far as they’re concerned, it’s case closed. But Toni — Sam’s grieving fiancée — can’t believe it’s true. Desperate to uncover the truth about Sam’s death, she turns to Tyrone Swift for answers.But is she prepared for the killer secrets he’s about to unearth? Death by the Thames is a seamlessly crafted, twisty crime thriller that will have you gripped from start to pulsating finish.

  Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Tana French, Val McDermid, Robert Galbraith, Ann Cleeves, Jane Adams or Elly Griffiths.   WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GRETTA MULROONEY:   “An exceptional read.” Carole  “5 Stars — Brilliant.” Barbara  “A really page-turning book.” Viv  “I really love this series.” Hannelore  “Mulrooney has a real gift for dialogue, the words and phrases ring true and make her characters wonderfully real . . . A tenderly funny and genuinely moving piece. I loved it.” Fiona Morrow, Time Out, on Araby  “A beautifully observed study of reconciliation, Araby makes astute points about conflict and shifting values between generations.” James Eve, The Times, on Araby   THE DETECTIVE Tyrone Swift is an ex-police detective who now works privately. He’s survived a stabbing and his fiancée running off with another man. Swift's personal life is complicated, to say the least.   THE AUTHOR Gretta Mulrooney is a critically acclaimed author of bestselling fiction.   THE TYRONE SWIFT DETECTIVE SERIES Book 1: THE LADY VANISHED Book 2: BLOOD SECRETS Book 3: TWO LOVERS, SIX DEATHS Book 4: WATCHING YOU Book 5: LOW LAKE Book 6: YOUR LAST LIE Book 7: HER LOST SISTER Book 8: MURDER IN PEMBROKESHIRE Book 9: DEATH BY THE THAMES

GRETTA MULROONEY Gretta Mulrooney was born in London of Irish parents and did an English degree in Derry. She has been published for over twenty-five years; children's books, short stories, literary fiction which won critical acclaim and crime fiction. She has also written for the BBC and Radio Four. Gretta has always been an avid reader of crime fiction and decided, in retirement, to turn to crime. She has written seven novels featuring a London based private detective, Tyrone Swift: She has also started a new police-based series featuring DI Siv Drummond, set in the fictional Sussex town of Berminster. BOOKS BY GRETTA MULROONEY THE TYRONE SWIFT DETECTIVE SERIES: THE LADY VANISHED BLOOD SECRETS TWO LOVERS, SIX DEATHS WATCHING YOU LOW LAKE YOUR LAST LIE HER LOST SISTER THE COMPLETE TYRONE SWIFT MYSTERY BOX SET DETECTIVE INSPECTOR SIV DRUMMOND THESE LITTLE LIES NEVER CAME HOME STANDALONE NOVELS: OUT OF THE BLUE LOST CHILD COMING OF AGE FOLLOW GRETTA ON AUTHOR WEBSITE FACEBOOK GOODREADS

 *************My top books of 2021******************

These are books that have earned my special 5** award. They all had that something extra, that something special that to me meant they were a real treasure of a read. They are only in the order that I read them, Im not sure I could put one above the other.

1. The Dressmaker of Paris- Georgia Kauffman.

A real enchaning read that I didnt want to end. A magical read that touched me beyond words. My first 5** and already I had found one of my books of the year.

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-dressmaker-of-paris-georgia.html

2. The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse-Charlie Mackesy

Wow. I was late to the party with this one- and when it found me- boy oh boy was I blown away. One of those you can dip into when you need that certain something that a few words and a picture can evoke. A wistfulness and so clevely put together. 

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-boy-mole-fox-and-horse-charlie.html

3. The Summer Seekers Sarah Morgan

A book that gave me some good advise and made me think about things “ There are no bad decisions, just your decisions which may not be those of others” and “ I think in life we tend to regret the things we don’t do more than the things we do” . I found this heartwarming and thought provoking in a very good way. A truly wonderful read, a tonic, a pick-me-up and a smile. 10* if I could

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/05/blog-post_27.html

4. Waiting to begin- Amanda Prowse

A book I fell in love with again as it made me think about my own life and things that have gone unsaid or at least hidden.nad how these can eat away at you. Of being truthful  and kind to yourself for your own well being. 

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/blog-post_11.html

5. The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle- Matt Cain

A life lesson perhaps that being an unknowing  bowing,scapring, belittled person isnt acceptable in any scenario.  “Be strong enough to show who you really are and let the world love you for it”. I love this a little bit more than yesterday and a little bit less than tomorrow (If you know- you know)

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/blog-post_08.html

6. Dear Grace- Clare Swatman

One of those reads that has that special quality about it from the start. There is a wiseness in life expereince which we shoudn't underestimate. One that stirred my emotions. We all need a Grace in our lives. 

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/08/dear-grace-clare-swatman-commercial.html

7. The Huntsman- Tony J Forder

Very different from my other top reads but very much a treasure- and it did me as much good as the others in a veyr different way. I want to meet Royston! (Lol!) A rare talent for making characters come alive so much. I really didnt want this to end- and writing this now has made me realise how much Im looking forward to the next one 

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/10/blog-post_08.html

8. The Perfect Daughter- Alex Stone 

A book that highlights that people like Abigail really do exist and what relatives go through with dealing with them. A book that taught me lot. Where your best is never enough (but shoud be), and trying not to measure yourself against someone elses happiness. A book to bring home others reality.

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/10/blog-post_22.html

9. Coming Home- Patricia Dixon

A stunningly clever, treasure of a read. Of treasuing what you have and that its not the material things that truly latter. Those around you are far, far more important wherever they maybe.

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/blog-post.html

10. Saying goodbye to Tuesday- Chrissy Manby

A delightful and inpsring read for any dog/animal lover. When you have had that extra special one, one that lives in our hearts forever- if you know, you know. Every dog comes home, they really, really do. 

https://nickibookblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/blog-post_13.html

 

HER PERFECT SECRET by T.J. Brearton-psychological thriller-

Oooh!! One to inveigle you into the pages and keep you there. 

Many years ago, Emily, a psychotherapist, treated an eight year old boy

in conjunction with the police as he had seen his mother kill his father.

Wind forward and Emily is expecting her daughter to arrive back from

university with yet another boyfriend. The boyfriend looks just like Tom,

the young boy, only Joni introduces him as Michael- her fiance.  Emily

racks her brains to try and remember any information that might tie in

with what Michael is telling them- the trouble is that as he was very

much a minor at the time the case notes were sealed. She is worried

about her daughter as at the time something didn't quite ring true and

when she makes a few calls things could be about to get even worse.

This is just the sort of book that I love. Pretty much an instant mystery

from the beginning that as the pages turn although some parts are

answered the mystery gets ever deeper and more complex and you

cant see where it is going. I liked Emily- although very protective of

her daughter she has an instinct for the truth and hence a radar for

when things don’t sit right. 

 A wonderful twist that I didn't see coming and a brilliantly thought out plot.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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HER PERFECT SECRET by T. J. Brearton DISCOVER A GRIPPING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF GONE. It’s him. Tom. The boy whose mother I helped put in prison for life.I recognize the sharp nose and flare to the nostrils. His thick eyebrows and defined cheekbones. But mostly it’s the eyes. Sea green.But my daughter, Joni, keeps calling him Michael. And they’re here at the lake house telling us they’re getting married.It can’t be him. But even if it is, what can I say? Suddenly I’m thrust back fifteen years, looking through photos of a violent and bloody crime scene.I can’t be sure. We haven’t been the perfect family. Joni went through a rebellious phase. Her dad had an affair. But we got through it together. I will do anything to protect us, to protect the life we’ve fought for. Anything.

A gripping psychological thriller ready to be devoured by fans of K.L. Slater, Teresa Driscoll, Lisa Jewell, Natalie Barelli, Shalini Boland, Alex Michaelides and Susanna Beard. READERS LOVE T.J. BREARTON:

 “Y'allllll go read this book! . . . The story line is such a great thriller. T.J. Brearton did a fantastic job with this one and I cannot wait to read more.” Andrea M., on When He Vanished  “As soon as I started this book, I couldn't put it down! It was full suspense, twists, and turns that I never expected right up until the end of it!” Lisa, on Habit  “The single best crime investigation fiction I’ve ever read. It’s well written, believable characters, and the best part is, it’s long enough that I have a chance to enjoy it for days.” R. Glueck, on The Titan Trilogy  “The initial several pages are incredibly suspenseful and get you set for the reading ride of your life!” C.A. Wise ALSO BY T.J. BREARTON THE NORTH COUNTRY SERIES Book 1: DARK WEB Book 2: DARK KILLS Book 3: GONE THE TITAN SERIES Book 1: HABIT Book 2: SURVIVORS Book 3: DAYBREAK Book 4: BLACK SOUL SPECIAL AGENT TOM LANGE Book 1: DEAD GONE Book 2: TRUTH OR DEAD Book 3: DEAD OR ALIVE STANDALONE NOVELS HER PERFECT SECRET HIGH WATER THE HUSBANDS WHEN HE VANISHED

 

MURDER ACROSS THE LINES by Janice Frost- Crime      

An SC is standing at a crossing when a motor bike climbs the pavements and

stabs a girl next to her. Special constable Jane, although voluntary, decides

she wants to find out more and do whatever she can. Then her adversary

DI Warwick appears and warns her off- they have never really seen eye to

eye despite Jane's heroics in the past. Jane is a witness in DI Warwicks drug

investigation- she saw the whole thing  and heard the girl's last word

“ Nate” who turns out to be a missing boy. Can they find Nate in time before

he becomes yet another victim of drug crime?

 This is the second in the series (Murder amongst Friends being the first)

but would probably stand alone. I really enjoy these- despite the subject

matter (this is a crime book after all!) this is a nice easy read and I have

really taken to Jane and her tenacity. Di Warwick has her own demons to

deal with and hence the frosty knickers type personality.

A book that gives an insight into county lines for those not in the know.

A very interesting and well researched read that I would highly recommend.

 

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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MURDER ACROSS THE LINES a totally gripping crime thriller full of twists

(Warwick & Bell Crime Mysteries Book 2)

A TOTALLY GRIPPING CRIME MYSTERY FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR

JANICE FROST.

At a busy crossing in Lincoln city centre a motorbike skids to a halt. A man in

leathers jumps off the bike and grabs a young girl waiting at the lights.

He pushes her roughly aside, remounts the bike, and roars away.The girl falls to the floor. She’s been stabbed.Special Constable Jane Bell witnesses the whole thing. She cradles the girl

and hears her last word: ‘Nate’.Now Jane is a witness in DI Steph Warwick’s investigation into local

drug-related murders — and the disappearance of a missing boy.

A twelve-year-old called Nate Price.Jane and Steph had hoped their paths would not cross again. But now

there’s a child in danger. The only question is . . . can they find him in time?

Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Ruth Rendell, Helen H. Durrant,

Rachel McLean and Michael Hambling.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE WARWICK & BELL SERIES:

“A truly fascinating and intriguing storyline.” Ray G.

“A great read that pulls you in right from the start. I couldn't put it down and

finished it within a few hours. Janice really knows how to write and

pull you in.” Erin S.

“Well-written, fast and with a relevant plot line and interesting characters. Has

the potential to be the start of a decent new crime series.” Donna B.

“Full of everything: twists, turns and dynamo . . . plenty of gripping moments . . .

this book is tremendously written, right till the last page. I

highly recommend it to readers.” Booklover Bev

“Have read other works by Janice Frost, she has a unique ability to give us

the setting that draws the readers in. A new series and looking for

more!” Ellen W.

“It's a good mystery that I was fully immersed in and definitely

recommend.” Hannelore C.

“For the first book in a new series, I'm excited to see where Frost takes it

and would recommend to other readers who enjoy a detective ‘whodunnit’

book!” Rebecca P.

“Really enjoyed this book it was full of twists that kept me guessing and was

a thrill ride. Had me hooked from page one and I read it in one sitting as I

couldn’t put it down. Very good read, most enjoyable.” Dawn L.

“A good well-written, fast-paced thriller which held my interest

throughout.” Carol D.

MEET THE DETECTIVES

Special Constable Jane Bell is forty-five, a widow of three years following

the premature death of her husband, Sam. She has two grown-up children,

Patrick and Norah, who are pursuing careers in London. After Sam’s death,

Jane makes some changes to her life. She downsizes from their large family

home in the country to a cottage in Lincoln.

DI Stephanie Warwick is thirty-five. She left school at eighteen and worked

in a bank before joining the police force. She is haunted by her ex-boyfriend,

Cal. He attempted to kill her twelve years ago, and murdered her best friend.

ALSO BY JANICE FROST

WARWICK & BELL SERIES

Book 1: MURDER AMONG FRIENDS

Book 2: MURDER ACROSS THE LINES

THE COMPLETE MERRY & NEAL MYSTERIES

Book 1: DEAD SECRET

Book 2: DARK SECRET

Book 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET

Book 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS

Book 5: DIRTY SECRETS

Book 6: MURDEROUS SECRETS

STANDALONE NOVELS

THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF

jANICE FROST

Janice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. After completing an English

degree at St Andrew's University, she moved to London where she lived for ten years

doing an assortment of jobs. Her passions are reading, writing and walking in Scotland

and the Lake District. She lives in Lincolnshire with her husband and two sons.

LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009761614110

Twitter: @Janice579021

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14005413.Janice_Frost

Amazon: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14005413.Janice_Frost

 

Snow Merry Red- Nadya Frank- crime

Viola is looking forward to the holidays (in Russia New year is a big thing).

What she isn't expecting is to be locked in a basement for a week with no

memory of how she got there or who by. She manages to free herself and

wants some answers which she hopes she will get at the family new year

party. She quickly finds a friend to help her- the friend  being a con artist

Zoya.

This is well written (a few typos but I read an ARC) and well put together.

I love the title- a hint of Christmas but not straightforward- indicative of

the read. There are some references which may require a little more

explanation for those not familiar with Russian traditions or

abbreviations/acronyms. A novella with characters that could possibly be

developed into a full length novel to give more background and insight

into their personalities. 

A good cohesive first novel and a very solid start- well done!

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

 

A MUMBAI MURDER MYSTERY by Meeti Shroff-Shah- crime

This is a wonderfully described read set in India with lots of references

to food-I  might just need the recipes- they sound delicious! Radhi is an

author and has come home as she is suffering writer's block. Her best

friend is expecting and her father is then found dead. The police think

it is suicide as he took several tablets but something about the scene

doesnt appear quite right to Radhi and she takes it on herself as an

outsider to try and find out more about what happened that day.

The more she tries to find out the more questions she finds she

needs to get answers to.

This is a cozy type murder as it revolves around a few families.

There are some “ familiar” terms (of endearment) in the asian

culture which some may not be familiar with but these are soon

learnt with the aid of a kindle. This is a debut novel and is

incredibly well written. There is a good plot and although

familiar with some asain traditions/culture/food I learnt a

little along the way which I enjoy- everyday is a school day!

A thoroughly enjoyable well written debut read.

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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A MUMBAI MURDER MYSTERY a completely unputdownable must-read crime mystery (A Temple Hill Mystery Book 1) THE DAZZLING DEBUT FROM YOUR NEW FAVOURITE CRIME WRITER. Among the rarefied circles of Mumbai’s posh Temple Hill, there is nothing more tragic than the loss of face — not even loss of life.Award-winning novelist Radhi Zaveri flees home to Temple Hill trying to escape a broken heart and humiliating writer’s block.But she is met by a terrible tragedy. Her pregnant best friend Sanjana’s father has killed himself.And yet, just hours before, he was telling Sanjana that he couldn’t wait to hold his grandchild in his arms. What triggered this desperate act? And why is their young maid so terrified?Radhi is determined to uncover the truth. But the deeper she digs beneath the diamond-studded prayer meetings and the lavishly catered ‘pure-veg’ brunches, the faster she finds herself drawn into a web of festering grievances, hidden agendas and long-buried secrets. Fans of Richard Osman, Victoria Dowd, Ian Moore, Vaseem Khan, Louise Penny and Shamini Flint will devour this brilliant, atmospheric murder mystery. ABOUT MEETI SHROFF-SHAH Meeti is an award-winning copywriter, content writer and mother (though no awards for this yet). When she isn’t busy writing ads that make toothpaste sound like an aphrodisiac, Meeti can be found plotting the murder of perfectly innocent people. Meeti lives with her daughter and husband in Mumbai.

MEETI SHROFF-SHAH Meeti is an award-winning copywriter, content writer and mother (though no awards for this yet). When she isn’t busy writing ads that make toothpaste sound like an aphrodisiac, Meeti can be found with a cup of ginger tea, gazing contently at the yellow gulmohars outside her window and plotting the murder of perfectly innocent people. In 2016, Pan Macmillan India published her memoir, Do You Know Any Good Boys? – a funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage – based on the awkward arranged dates she had with 40 different men, before she met her husband. Meeti lives with her daughter and husband (yes, the same one she took such pains to find) in Mumbai. BOOKS BY MEETI SHROFF-SHAH A MUMBAI MURDER MYSTERY FOLLOW MEETI ON FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM GOODREADS