Stolen Angels (Detective Ellie Reeves Book 5) by Rita Herron- crime

A little girl has gone missing- her mother thought she was at school but she never caught the bus. Her mother and father are separated and her father has a new girlfriend who isn't keen on kids, thinking his daughter could come between them. Could they have taken her? Detective Ellie Reeves is alerted and has a few leads to go on- the father is away and not answering. When Ellie discovers that other similar aged children have been taken, one on the same day a year ago, things get more intensive. Could there be a child trafficking ring active in the area and can they get the children home safe?

I enjoyed this and found the pages turning easily. Each chapter is quite short which helps move things along at a pace. I took to Ellie and her tenacity for justice.  Although this is book five in the series this happily stands alone (I hadn’t read the others in the series)- there was the very occasional mention of things which I imagine were in the other books but nothing at all that detracted from enjoying this and it standing alone.A highly enjoyable read and I would quite happily read any more in the series. 

 

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

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About the Book: 

Twisting her hands together, she bites back a sob. She only turned her back for a second, and then her daughter was gone. Every mother in town would be hugging their children tighter tonight.

Lara is baking cupcakes when her six-year-old daughter Ava runs to catch the school bus just one block away. Chasing after her, Lara sees the bus tumbling past, and waves. But Ava never turns up at school.

Detective Ellie Reeves is in a race against time to find her––in missing child cases, every second counts. Searching the small town of Crooked Creek, she finds the girl’s bunny in the local park, the toy Ava carried around everywhere. Did Ava ever get on the bus?

While Ellie works around the clock, a local reporter gets a message: There are other missing girls out there. Digging into previous cases, Ellie discovers that another girl went missing on the same day the previous year. How many more could there be?

Ellie is certain that the date means something––and that the person who sent the message is the key. But the community is up in arms, everyone worried that their daughter will be next, and blaming Ellie. The pressure is mounting, and time is running out to bring little Ava home. Can Ellie solve the toughest case of her career––and save Ava––before it’s too late?

An utterly addictive and twist-packed thriller guaranteed to get your heart racing! Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot.

Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn't think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn't have to get a real job.

With over ninety books to her credit, she's penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.

For more on Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter @ritaherron.

SOCIAL MEDIA 
Website: www.ritaherron.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ritaherron
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorritaherron/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaherronauthor/

 

West Country Murder- Derek Thompson- Crime (bk 2 Detective Wild)

Although the second book in the series, this works well as a standalone (I hadn't read the first one). A body is found at a literary festival locked in a car. The victim has a book signed by one of the guest authors but she doesnt recognise his face. When Detective Wild finds out more about the victim, there is an interesting past and one which involves the author albeit in an innocent way- so why is she lying about not knowing him? Wild by name and a little wild by nature, Craig has a tendency to go off at tangents- which invariably pay off but then he has to confess to his boss, who already doesn't see him in the greatest of lights.

I quickly got into this. There is a good pace and likeable characters with a main one who is a cheeky chappy in many ways. There is a good solid, well thought out plot and the pages turn easily. I didn't feel I had lost anything by not reading the first one other than that there may have been more insight into why Craig was in the West Country in the first place - nothing that detracted from the plot or story at all. A thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommended read.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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West Country Murder by Derek Thompson A dead body. Drugs residue. No fingerprints. Foul play? Detective Craig Wild is at a crossroads when a body is found, but with no fingerprints the man can't be identified. Wild discovers the victim acted as a witness during a drug trial and was given a new identity. Will following the drugs reveal the killer? Attached you’ll find an advance reader copy of West Country Murder in .pdf and .mobi, as well as a jpeg of the cover. I will include the blurb below for you.  West Country Murder is now available on pre-order and will be released Wednesday 26 January 2022. We will be rolling out a full ARC campaign for West Country Murder and Derek.  If you need anything else, please let me know. Thanks! BRAND NEW FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR DEREK THOMPSON.   A dead body. Drugs residue. No fingerprints. Foul play?   At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange tilt of the head are a dead giveaway.   The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival.   This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn’t flatly denying ever having met the man . . .   Detective Craig Wild discovers that the victim was using a fake name. He must have been involved in something dark.   If Wild can find the man’s real identity he might just crack this case. But first he must deal with some very dangerous people. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep the truth buried. How far will Wild go to make sure the truth comes out . . . ?   Detective Craig Wild will be pushed to his limits in this gripping crime mystery packed with twists and turns.   Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Helen. H. Durrant, Robert Bryndza, L.J. Ross, Angela Marsons, Peter May or Alex Gray.   WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT DEREK THOMPSON   “Complex and full of twists and turns, this is a very good thriller which keeps the reader on tenterhooks throughout.” Ann Stanmore   “Good read for anyone who enjoys a thriller that will keep them hooked from start to finish.” Jfaulknercourt   “If you read one book this year, choose this brilliant thriller that will keep you guessing to the end.” Chris Child   ALSO BY DEREK THOMPSON Detective Craig Wild Mysteries Book 1: LONG SHADOWS Book 2: WEST COUNTRY MURDER   Thomas Bladen Series Book 1: STANDPOINT Book 2: LINE OF SIGHT Book 3: CAUSE & EFFECT Book 4: SHADOW STATE Book 5: FLASHPOINT

DEREK THOMPSON Derek Thompson grew up in London and started writing fiction in his teens. After spending a year in the US, he returned to London and subsequently moved to the West Country. He wrote a commissioned piece for The Guardian in 2008 and entered the world of freelance writing in 2009. His short fiction has featured in both British and American anthologies, and can be found online. He has also written comedy material for live performance and radio. His love of film noir and thrillers began with The Big Sleep, and has never left him. Much of his fiction involves death, data or secrets. As the saying goes: write about what you know. He writes about Thomas Bladen and his role in the Surveillance Support Unit. His books have been described as snarky (yes, it’s a real word), pared down, and morally ambiguous. What more could any novelist ask for? Apart from pens – you can never have too many pens. BOOKS BY DEREK THOMPSON THOMAS BLADEN SERIES STANDPOINT LINE OF SIGHT CAUSE & EFFECT SHADOW STATE FLASHPOINT SPY CHASER (BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET) THE COMPLETE THOMAS BLADEN THRILLERS (BOOKS 1-5 BOX SET) DETECTIVE CRAIG WILD SERIES LONG SHADOWS WEST COUNTRY MURDER FOLLOW DEREK ON AUTHOR WEBSITE TWITTER GOODREADS

 

Blood Games by Liz Mistry- Crime ( Standalone novel in the DS Nikki Parekh series)

+ # GIVEAWAY **************************

DS Nikki Parekh is struggling mentally when a boy is found dead who looks just like her nephew. There have been a series of killings with machetes in the area. Then a son of a friend goes missing and what appears to be his ear is sent through to his mother. A new man is in charge who appears to have his own agenda.Who is behind these attacks and why? There appears to be more than one attacker and now the tactics have changed. What on earth is going on? Family is always paramount and when there are tensions within the community Nikki finds herself pulled betwixt and between.

I love this series. There is always a good strong plot line, a fast pace and a warmth of character in Liz’s books- something you can get your teeth into and feel that there is a tenacity to seek out justice amongst a complex case. This time a crime that is part woven in family connections which puts an interesting twist on things. A brilliantly thought out, well researched plot and a wonderfully entertaining read. Loved it.

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Blood Games THREE MURDERS. ONE MISSING BOY. THE GAME IS JUST BEGINNING…  When a body is found at the edge of Chellow Dene reservoir Detective Nikki Parekh and DC Sajid Malik are quick to arrive.  This is the third murder in the space of a few weeks. Each murder has a completely different MO, but there is one common theme… all the victims are teenagers. The dead boy reminds Nikki of her nephew, and she feels more helpless than ever.  But then another boy goes missing. And this time his parents have been sent a threatening package too. The pattern is different again – is the killer just playing a game? Can Nikki find the strength to uncover the shocking truth before the killer strikes again? Purchase Links Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Games-gripping-procedural-Detective-ebook/dp/B09MN1526W Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Games-gripping-procedural-Detective-ebook/dp/B09MN1526W

Author Bio – Born in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Over thirty years ago she moved from a small village in West Lothian to Yorkshire to get her teaching degree. Once here, Liz fell in love with three things; curries, the rich cultural diversity of the city … and her Indian husband (not necessarily in this order). Now thirty years, three children, two cats and a huge extended family later, Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too. In her spare time, Liz loves pub quizzes (although she admits to being rubbish at them), dancing (she does a mean jig to Proud Mary – her opinion, not ratified by her family), visiting the varied Yorkshire landscape, with Robin Hoods Bay being one of her favourite coastal destinations, listening to music, reading and blogging about all things crime fiction on her blog, The Crime Warp. Social Media Links – FB https://www.facebook.com/LizMistrybooks/ Twitter @LizMistryAuthor Website: https://www.lizmistry.com/

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Dark Memories and a relaxation bundle (Open INT)

(not organised by nickisbookblog) The contents are : A signed copy of Dark Memories (Nikki Parekh book 3) A Weekly Planner pad A fruit infuser water bottle Planet Spa face mask Avon Footworks Pomegranate and rhubarb bath salts A Candle Bag *Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize. <a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494471/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="33c69494471" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_ylsw2i8j">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script> OR if you don’t like html or are on WordPress, but if you are Bookstagram only please ignore the giveaway! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494471/?

 

The Couple At The Table- Sophie Hannah-psychological thriller 

Jane has been murdered at a resort owned by her father. She was with William, her husband on their honeymoon. Lucy who was married to William is by chance also at the resort with her fiance, the two couples having previously got on well. This is written in two timelines- one atthe time of the murder and the other almost a year on- the murder still not having been solved. Jane had received a mysterious note “ Beware of the couple at the table nearest to yours” however on the day of her murder all of he table had been rearranged so that each one had at least 2 others equidistant- and no-one knows who moved them. Jane had a very public outburst before she and William retreated back to their cottage, most of it was aimed at Lucy who remained with all of the others at the dining area. Who could have killed Jane and why?

I enjoyed this- there is just that certain something - Sophie has the skill of writing to encapsulate you and keep the pages turning and turning. I remember I felt the same about “ Haven't They Grown”. Funnily enough although Lucy grew on me a little there wasn't really a character that I could say I liked or empathised with, yet I was still truly engrossed, again to me the talent of a crafted author. A “locked room” type mystery with various twists and turns that kept me within the pages. Loved it.

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

 

The Commandant's Daughter - Catherine Hokin Historical fiction(WW2)

Hanni Winter is now a photographer, a love borne from a kindness when she was small. She has changed her name and fled from the father who did such terrible things during the war era. She meets a detective, Freddy,  and works with him as she has an eye for detail and her pictures record the crimes. The crimes being that someone appears to be after SS officers who somehow have escaped Nuremberg and gone back into society. When Hanni discovers that her father is not only alive but has reinvented himself as his own brother, whilst painting her and her “ father” as horrific Nazis she quickly has to think on her feet in order to survive. She can't reveal her past to Freddy as he feels that anyone not doing anything about the criminals of war is as bad as the criminals themselves. Hanni wishes she could give the murderer  a certain name to save her own skin and should he really be caught when he is possibly doing the good people of Germany a favour?
I really enjoyed this- it's a very different “ war” read. It tells of the hardships of life after the event and of how not every criminal was caught or tried as it was a very chaotic time. I liked both Hanni and Freddy and look forward to the next in the series(this is the first one). A wonderful, informative,enjoyable read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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Book Description:

A heartbreaking novel about the incredible courage of ordinary people during the Second World War. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will never forget this powerful story of hope found in the darkest days.

1933, Berlin. Ten-year-old Hanni Foss stands by her father watching the celebrations marking Adolf Hitler as Germany’s new leader. As the torchlights fade, her safe and happy childhood changes forever as Reiner, the father she adores, is corrupted by his new position as commandant of an infamous concentration camp…

Twelve years later. As the Nazi regime crumbles, Hanni hides from her father on the outskirts of Berlin. In stolen moments, she develops the photographs she took to record the horrors of the camp – the empty food bowls and desperate faces – and vows to get justice for the innocent people she couldn’t help as a child.

But her carefully constructed new life is threatened when Hanni discovers a body hidden in a bombed-out building, and meets Freddy, the tortured young detective in charge of the case. Could the fierce emotion in his brown eyes distract Hanni from her quest for atonement?

Or will Reiner stop her himself? Because on the day she plans to deliver her damning photographs to the Allies, Hanni comes face to face with her father again. Reiner Foss has a powerful new identity and he makes it clear just how dangerous it will be to expose him. Now she faces a devastating choice, between the past which haunts her, and the chance of a future with Freddy…

Author Bio:

I seem to have followed a rather meandering career, including marketing and teaching and politics (don't try and join the dots), to get where I have always wanted to be, which is writing historical fiction. I am a story lover as well as a story writer and nothing fascinates me more than a strong female protagonist and a quest. Hopefully those are what you will encounter when you pick up my books.

I am from the North of England but now live very happily in Glasgow with my American husband. Both my children have left home (one to London and one to Berlin) which may explain why I am finally writing. If I'm not at my desk you'll most probably find me in the cinema, or just follow the sound of very loud music.

I'd love to hear from you and there are lots of ways you can find me, so jump in via my website https://www.catherinehokin.com/ or on my Cat Hokin FB page or on twitter @cathokin

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3mcGSz8

 

THE LIST by Michael Leese- crime thriller 

One stunner of a read. When her mother is killed and her daughter kidnapped, Detective Martha Munroe’s  world starts falling apart- until a friend of her father offers help. As most mothers would possibly do she takes the most direct route to find her daughter and lands herself in trouble legally, being blamed for beating up two men thought to have taken her daughter. Her father John Munroe was head of anti-corruption at Scotland yard and had many enemies both inside and outside the force. His old brief and one of his close friends come to Martha to explain a little more about the father who sadly died before she herself joined the police. When Martha is charged it could mean a prison sentence. Someone is out to get her- but why?

OMG!! Wow!! I couldn't wait to turn each page, wanting to read ever faster. What a brilliant gripping book. Short chapters keep a very fast pace and a lead character that I liked and empathised with. As for Harry- I hope he lives until he is 100- I loved him. There's a tension, a charm, that certain something that almost put me on edge reading this- to me the skill of an author building the plot and apprehension of what's to come.

One stunning read and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

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

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THE LIST by Michael Leese

It was just an ordinary Wednesday lunchtime when Detective Martha Munro’s

life changed forever.Her sergeant is speaking, but she barely hears what he’s telling her.

Your mother has been shot dead. Your four-year-old daughter has been taken.

There are no leads. Who would want to hurt her family?

Martha realizes it’s time to ask herself some hard questions about

her late father.He led the anti-corruption squad at Scotland Yard.

It’s rumoured he kept a list of everyone who worked for him, from coppers to

criminals. And just being on that list was a sure-fire way to lower your life

expectancy.Her mother was killed by someone trying to get their hands on

that list. Now time is running out for Martha to get her daughter back alive.

Martha is the kind of cop who always goes by the book. But family is

EVERYTHING. And she will do ANYTHING to keep them safe. 

Fans of Line of Duty and Mare of Easttown, and readers of Andy Maslen, Rachel

McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Matt Brolly, Angela Marsons and D.S. Butler will love

this gripping crime mystery from the author of the Detective Roper and

Hooley Mysteries.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT MICHAEL LEESE'S ROPER AND

HOOLEY SERIES:

“This was a hard book to put down. The story begins with an explosion, and

the action keeps exploding throughout.” Ron

 “It’s one of the best books I’ve read; loved the characters, totally believable.

The way the story was built up kept the pages turning. Loved the unseen twist

near the end.” Susan

 “Leese has created a genuinely fascinating — and appealingly new — kind of

detective in Jonathan Roper.[Roper and Hooley] offer a nice — and again,

new — twist on the familiar ‘odd couple’ detective formula.” M. Johnstone

“I like everything about this series. I will keep following and reading anything

written by Michael Leese. Interesting and savvy.” Dawn

ALSO BY MICHAEL LEESE

DETECTIVES ROPER AND HOOLEY: 

Book 1: THE CASE OF THE HEADLESS BILLIONAIRE

Book 2: THE CASE OF THE MISSING FACES

Book 3: THE CASE OF THE DIRTY BOMB 

Book 4: THE CASE OF THE EXPLODING SHOP

Book 5: THE CASE OF THE KILLER GAME SHOW

 

MICHAEL LEESE

Before taking up writing, Michael Leese was a national newspaper journalist for over 25 years, with the last part of his career working for the London Evening Standard. The most memorable stories he covered ranged from Tiananmen Square, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the death of Princess Diana, the 9/11 attacks and the two Gulf wars. 

In the latter part of his career, Mike was a news editor. In this role he gained insights into many specialties from crime and court reporting, to political and science news and the behind the scenes working of government, the City and other institutions. Mike’s passion for news and current affairs remains very strong and influences the writing of his books.

BOOKS BY MICHAEL LEESE

DETECTIVES ROPER AND HOOLEY MYSTERIES:

THE CASE OF THE HEADLESS BILLIONAIRE

THE CASE OF THE MISSING FACES

THE CASE OF THE DIRTY BOMB

THE CASE OF THE EXPLODING SHOP

THE CASE OF THE KILLER GAMESHOW

FOLLOW MICHAEL ON

AUTHOR WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

 

Before We Grow Old by Clare Swatman- Literary fiction

I've only previously read one of Clare’s books before  (Dear Grace- one of

my books of the year) but only a few pages in and I knew this would also

be a treasure of a read- and yes I was right. Fran had a neighbour as a

child whom she loved and spent all of her time with- Will. Then one day

after Will’s mother had died- his father took him and his brother away-

to Australia and Fran never had a chance to say goodbye. Twenty five

years later someone bumps into her and its Will. He later confesses

that he had been looking for her and hopes they can rekindle their

friendship and possibly more.

Be still my beating heart. Oh my! A love story quite unlike any other.

I won’t give anything away but I think someone was peeling onions

nearby…. Beautifully written and with that wonderful warmth and

depth of character that can only come with such skillful writing and

very well thought out plot. Sometimes we need that affirmation in

life that there is good out there no matter what and that people

really do care. One to perhaps take you through the gamut of

emotions in a good way and then out the other side to see the

world slightly differently. A read to treasure and most certainly

one to remember. Stunning doesn't do this justice

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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-Before We Grow Old When seven-year-old Fran first met Will they knew instantly that they were made for each other. For eleven years they were inseparable, but then, at the age of eighteen, Will just upped and disappeared.

Twenty-five years later Will is back. Is fate trying to give them a second chance? Still nursing the heart break from all those years ago, Fran is reluctant to give Will the time of day. The price Will must pay is to tell the truth – the truth about why he left, the truth about why he’s back… And Fran has her own secrets to hide. The time has come to decide what Fran and Will really want from life – before it’s too late. Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/2Y7Z8l7

Author Bio – Clare Swatman is the author of three women’s fiction novels, published by Macmillan, which have been translated into over 20 languages. She has been a journalist for over twenty years, writing for Bella and Woman & Home amongst many other magazines. She lives in Hertfordshire. Social Media Links – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/clareswatmanauthor Twitter https://www.twitter.com/clareswatman Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clareswatmanauthor

 

The Last House on the Street- Diane Chamberlain- Women’s literary fiction

A stunning read to remember. This is initially set in two time lines. With Ellie we

are in 1965. Coloureds ( as they were called then) now have the vote and she

is to join the SCOPE programme to help them register as so far there has

been little uptake. Her parents won't be keen she knows and to fully be part

of the programme she will be expected to live and work in the coloured area

of town, staying with a family there.

Kayla in 2010 has recently lost her husband Jackson who designed a house

for them- which she is just about to move into. Jackson died through an

accident in the house and Kayla is now unsure that she wants to go ahead

with the move but has little choice as she is currently staying in her fathers

house which has also been sold. She gets a visit at work from a woman

who appears to know things about her, personal things. This worry Kayla

so much she calls the police as the woman appears to want to commit

murder. Who is she and why has she visited and threatened Kayla?

Wow! Although fiction this gives a background into the civil rights movement

and what they went through in the 1960’s- really not that long ago- but oh

how the world has changed for the better. This came across as sensitively

done and well researched. I felt for Kayla and wanted to hug Ellie- a strong,

determined woman if there ever was one who stands out for putting others

first and being totally unselfish in a world that only thought of themselves.

A truly memorable inspiring read. Wow!

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

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog