Monday 31 October 2022

Im Watching You

 


I'M WATCHING YOU- by Amanda Brittany- psychological thriller

One roller coaster of a read! Charlotte left her hometown of Ensley when she was pregnant as her mother didn't want to know her. Nineteen years later she comes back with the twins and there is a spate of attacks- one is murder- all anyone knows is that the killer wears a fluorescent jacket as the other two victims both saw this. Riona left for university around this time and is now back having set up a business with her friend Erika. Riona and an old school friend are getting anonymous notes and tags of pictures of them from “ watching you”. Who is out to get them and why?

OOh! I loved the suspense in this one. It begins over two timelines and then comes together in the present day. Riona is a very likeable character and Charlotte we know has more to her than first meets the eye. I know a book is good when I want to read “ just one more chapter” at whatever time of day, even when real life has time limits and this one fulfilled this wonderfully. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

-----------------------------------

I’M WATCHING YOU an unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist

 

An unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist.

Riona is spending her last summer in her home town of Ensley before heading to university. She can’t wait to leave for pastures new.

Nothing ever happens in pretty but boring Ensley. Until a young woman is viciously attacked down by Quarry Lake. Then another. And another. One of them survives, one of them is in a coma — and one of them is dead.

Three young women with long, dark hair — and everything to live for. The only thing anyone knows about the killer is that they wear a yellow high-vis jacket.

One night that summer, Riona and her two friends are larking about at the lake. They think they hear something. They see a candle flickering in the window of the old boathouse. But they dismiss it.

Twelve years later, all three are still living in Ensley. Even Riona who had expected to escape.

Everyone’s forgotten the Ensley Killer — the killer who was never caught. But one day Riona glimpses a figure in a high-vis jacket. Staring intensely at her. Then a note is shoved through her letterbox: 
I’m watching you.

And one of her friends goes missing . . .

Could the Ensley Killer be back?

AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF DOMESTIC SUSPENSE, NAIL-BITING TENSION AND A SHATTERING FINAL TWIST.


Perfect for fans of Patricia Macdonald, Louise Candlish, T.M. Logan, Shari Lapena, B.A. Paris, Liane Moriarty, Claire Dyer, Sam Carrington, Celeste Ng.

PRAISE FOR AMANDA BRITTANY:


“An 
exciting new voice — a twisty, clever thriller that will have you second-guessing everything . . .” Phoebe Morgan, author of The Doll House

“Amanda Brittany is one of the
 best psychological thriller writers currently around.” Keri Beevis, author of Dying to Tell

“Amanda Brittany has done it again! Perfectly plotted with another 
unguessable twist in the tale .Tense and terrifying. I loved it!” Diane Jeffrey, author of The Guilty Mother


AMANDA BRITTANY



Amanda lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and cute dog. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, reading (her go-to is fictional crime and psychological thrillers) and she is far too keen on red velvet cake. She loves sunny days by the sea, and snowy days through the window of a cosy room.

Amanda has raised over £8700 in ebook royalties for Cancer Research UK in memory of her sister.

She is the author of six psychological crime thrillers, and co-writer of psychological suspense novels with author Karen Clarke.

BOOKS BY AMANDA BRITTANY:

·         I’M WATCHING YOU

FOLLOW AMANDA ON:
TWITTER
FACEBOOK




Saturday 29 October 2022

The Girlfriend

 


 The Girlfriend by K.L. Slater-psychological thriller

One thriller of a read! When you think you have it all and then……………..

Jennifer is married to Cole and they have two children. She has been aware in the past that he had affairs and that his business was in a sticky patch, but thinks this is all now behind them. As the halloween party is about to start, two police officers visit with some tragic news for Jennifer. A few days later there is another visit- from a woman with a baby who says she owns the house, the cars and everything in the bank accounts and that the baby is Cole's son. There is more to Sara than meets the eye and Jennifer has her own secret.  What on earth is going on?

OMG- one of those reads you can't put down as every page puts you deeper into the mystery, just as I love them. One heck of a situation to find oneself in and may even make some think about what they blindly sign. Where someone feels totally at someone else’s behest through no fault of their own making. I liked Jennifer despite her naivety, as above, I feel many may do this in her position, trusting her husband. There's a real skill of writing in this- to build the tension, and then keep it there, is truly brilliant. A wonderfully thrilling read that kept me turning the pages until the very end. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

----------------------------------------

My husband’s dead. She’s at my door. She owns my home…

The doorbell rings, just days after my beloved husband’s sudden death. I don’t recognise the woman on our doorstep, with her buttery blonde highlights, a diamond bracelet identical to my own and a bouncing baby boy in her arms.

As I show her inside, I notice her eyes grow wide as she takes in our spacious hallway, and the big squashy sofas that we all used to pile on. She glances at the silver-framed family photos and my little daughter hiding behind my skirts.

She looks at me, her blue eyes serious. ‘I’m sorry’ she says. ‘I know this will be hard to hear. But I am your husband’s girlfriend. And this is his son.’

My world implodes. And then she tells me that she owns our home – and that she’s not going anywhere…

An utterly gripping psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of The Marriage. If you like Gone GirlThe Girl on the Train and Lisa Jewell then you will be hooked by The Girlfriend.





Author Bio:

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents but never made it off the slush pile. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.


Before graduating, she received five offers of representation from London literary agents which was, as Kim says, ‘a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’


Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottingham with her husband, Mac.

https://klslaterauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KimLSlaterAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/klslaterauthor/

https://twitter.com/KimLSlater


Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from K.L. Slater here: https://www.bookouture.com/kl-slater

Buy Link:

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo



Wednesday 26 October 2022

Under A Brighter Sky

 


Under a Brighter Sky by Dianne Haley WWII historical novel (The Resistance Girl Book 2)

Set on the French/Swiss border in the second world war this tells the story of a small group of resistance fighters. Whilst trying to cross into Switzerland a family has been split up. The mother and daughter were taken away by the Nazis whilst the Jewish father Pierre and his son were hiding. The group are trying to keep them safe whilst finding out about the ladies whereabouts to reunite them. The group are also secretly taking part of the Nazi hoard, which has been confiscated from Jews, to either get it back to its rightful owners or to fund the resistance. One of the group has been betraying them to the Germans putting them in even greater danger.  

 

This is a really interesting read being slightly different from many war themed novels, being border and resistance based. Although fiction we know such things did happen and many put themselves in danger or were killed whilst trying to help others over the border. Valerie is a likeable character and her determination and tenacity is more than admirable. This is book two in the series but happily stands alone (the first being “ The Watchmaker's Daughter” - see blog for my review) There's a good tension with the main plot line throughout and several subplots along the way. An interesting read and a different one.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

_____________________

Under a Brighter Sky: A completely gripping and heartbreaking WWII historical novel (The Resistance Girl Book 2) by Dianne Haley

 

1943, Nazi-occupied France. Clinging to her little girl’s hand, a young woman runs through the forest and stumbles in the dark. Behind her there are angry shouts in German and shots ringing through the pine trees. Her heart in her mouth, she prays desperately that her husband and son are safe, and that they will see each other again
As the mountains come alive with bright alpine flowers, Jewish families flee into Switzerland from Nazi-occupied France. Young Resistance fighter Valérie Hallez has hidden Pierre and his little son in the dusty attic of her mother’s bookshop. At night, by flickering candlelight, Pierre tells Valérie of his fear that his precious wife and daughter have been captured. And as they both look to more hopeful days ahead, Valérie writes letters to her soldier fiancé Philippe, dreaming of the day when they can be safely reunited.
With the police going door to door hunting refugees, Pierre and his son must go further into Switzerland before they are caught. But Pierre will not leave without his wife and daughter, and nobody in the Resistance knows what has happened to them. Desperate to reunite the family, Valérie puts herself in more and more danger. But when Philippe discovers that the Germans have her listed as a key Resistance fighter, he begs her not to go back to the border. If she does, he might never see her again.
Valérie knows the Nazis will kill her if they find her, but she cannot bear to abandon the mother and child. Breaking her promise to Philippe, she crosses over into France to look for them. But one of Valérie’s friends in the Resistance is betraying secrets to the Nazis, and her life is in terrible danger. When Philippe hurries to save her life, will they both survive? And will Valérie’s efforts to reunite the family be in vain?
A completely unputdownable and heart-wrenching novel about a woman who risks everything to reunite a family torn apart by war. Fans of The Alice NetworkThe Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by Under a Brighter Sky.

 Buy link: https://geni.us/B09YM8TDJHsocial


 About the author

 

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374

 

Website: www.diannehaley.com


Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/dianne-haley/



Tuesday 25 October 2022

You Don't Know what War Is

 



You Don't Know What War Is-The Diary of a Young Girl From Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska

This last February (2022) Yela Skalietska turned twelve . A few days later her world was bombed- literally bombed as she lived in the Ukraine when the Russians attacked. This tells her story. A story of a brave young lady who has gone through things no adult should suffer, let alone a child. Of uncertainty like no other, of war right on your doorstep at a time when all she should be worrying about is which friend she is going out with. 

A chance comment by her grandmother, whom she lives with, sets Yeva on a path which not only saves her life but brings her story into the spotlight. It's a short read and one for any age- aimed at the childrens market but brings home the realities to all. A harrowing story with thankfully Yeva and her grandmother being safe but living knowing that their friends and relatives and city are still being targeted. There's photographs through the book showing Yeva’s flat and of her in her new environment and of their journey west. This is most certainly a book to remember. A brave young lady who through her age tells it exactly as it is without the trappings of adulthood. A truly wonderful memorable read. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

-------------

Monday 24 October 2022

The Sleepover

 

The Sleepover by Keri Beevis

When Hannah and Rosie were young, they and their friends befriended Mrs W-Eileen Wickham who invited them to her farmhouse and to play on her land. One day Hannah saw something whilst looking for Mrs W and fled, not daring to mention it. Twenty years later and Mrs W has just come out of prison. Both Hannah and Rosie are getting messages which only Mrs W would know about. Liam is a true crime writer and wants to help but the girls are fed up with intrusive journalists but it appears that there is a score to be settled from the past and Liam can help protect the girls.

OMG! One of those reads where you don’t quite know all of the past (we get it slowly through the book- cleverly thought out and perfectly done) which beautifully creates a tension through the pages. Keri is a master of this engaging and holding the reader to keep the pages turning. Tank is wonderful and provides the occasional lighthearted moment. Love him! A story to keep the reader engaged right to the very end with a twist or two along the way. A wonderful, thrilling read. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

-------------------------------


The Sleepover

When you’re a kid, you imagine monsters to have horns and fangs. That they hide under the bed or in the wardrobe. And you believe they can only come after you when it’s dark. You don’t expect them to look like everyday people or that they may be someone you already know… The summer in question started out with hot, fun-filled days and new friendships. We had just turned thirteen and had our whole lives ahead of us. But that was before her… Before we became known as the Hixton Six and our lives become defined by one night. It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since she was locked away. But now she’s free and strange things have started to happen. When I close my eyes, the creeping anxiety and fear is overwhelming and all too real. Because the monster is back, and I know she has a score to settle with us. Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3o2ugfb

Author Bio – Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of Dying To Tell, Deep Dark Secrets, Trust No One, Every Little Breath and The People Next Door. Dying To Tell reached no. 1 in the Amazon chart in Australia and was a top 25 hit in the UK. Keri wrote her first novel at age twenty, but it was a further twenty years before she was published, after winning a contract in a competition run by a small press. She lives in Norfolk, along with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel). Social Media Links – Facebook: Keri Beevis - Author | Facebook Twitter: Keri Beevis (@keribeevis) / Twitter Instagram: Keri Beevis (@keri.beevis) • Instagram photos and videos Bookbub profile: Keri Beevis Books - BookBub



Thursday 20 October 2022

Maureen Fry and The Angel of the North



Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North - Rachel Joyce- Literary fiction

After Harold returned from his travels ten years ago,  (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) his wife Maureen had a hankering to go and see Queenie's garden as Queenie told her that she had put a memorial to Maureen and Harold's son David in it before she died. David died many years beforehand, something Maureen has never got over and feels his loss every day.  She sets off with her flask and sandwiches in the car for a drive of several hundred miles- something she is not used to. On the way she gets lost and encounters various people. Unlike Harold, Maureen is not a people person and struggles to interact as she would really wish. This is the story of her journey in more ways than one.

I loved Harold’s story and this one quickly enveloped me. It's a short story (144 pages) but quickly gets the reader engaged- to me the true skill of an author. We learn about Maureen and even perhaps ourselves as we take the journey with her. “It struck Maureen that a person could be trapped in a version of themselves that was from another time and completely miss the happiness that was right in front of them” . Wow! Sentences like that made me stop in my tracks and think of my own journey through life. This is more than a book or a story. It’s a handbook of life, one to carry and refer to and reflect on a while. An uplifting inspiring read and one that will stay with me. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

--------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 18 October 2022

The Woman Outside the Walls

 



The Woman Outside the Walls by Suzanne Goldring- historical fiction (WW2)  

Set in two timelines this tells the story of Anna in the second world war and in 2016. Post war she is trying to survive in Hamburg desperate to find her family. She comes across a group who take her in, she is only seventeen and has been through so much. We then get Anna's wartime story. 

In 2016 (and onwards) Anna is ninety  and her neighbour wonders where she is- Anna has fled yet again but got to the bus stop and doesn't know where to go. Her past is coming to the forefront of her mind now she has lost Reg her husband several years ago and feels she should tell someone before it's too late. Her neighbour's son is learning German- the language Anna spoke when she was at the bus stop. Could this and his new interest in history bring Anna’s memories out at last?

I really enjoyed this, it's a wartime story in a very different way which to me made it more personal as we get to know Anna in more than one scenario. There’s a warmth of storytelling and wonderful characterization. Enough description to envisage the scenes without being overly wordy makes this a page turner of a read. We can probably guess in part as to Anna’s backstory but none of us can really know what the Anna’s of this world went through, all we know is that so very many did,so few surviving. An emotive story very well told and one to perhaps make the younger generation think for a while.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

--------------

Book Description:

I always knew it would come out one day. They are finding everyone who has stayed hidden. They would have come to me in the end.

Hamburg, 1942 Seventeen-year-old Anna knows she can never tell her proud parents the truth about where she is going. She must hide the fact that she is pregnant, that the father of her unborn child is dead and that she is on her way to a special maternity home, where her baby will be given to a perfect family. She tells herself that this is the best solution. She doesn’t expect to feel the rush of love for her beautiful baby boy in the white blanket, or the devastation when he is snatched from her, never to be seen again.

Desperate to forget her grief, she sees an advert for a secretary in a prison, far away in the east. Days later, she leaves Hamburg, travelling eastwards by train, feeling as if a whole new life is about to begin. It is the biggest mistake she will ever make.

London, 2016 Ninety-year-old Anna sits on the edge of her bed, hands trembling, eyes brimming with tears, as she looks at the picture of the soldier in the newspaper. Her friends and neighbours know her as a kindly old lady who bakes cakes and always has time to listen to their troubles. They don’t know about the hated green uniform she burned, the memories of the prisoners she tried to help and the bombed and blackened city she once called home. But now the time for a reckoning has come, will revealing the truth free Anna or destroy her?

A gripping read that will break your heart and have you hooked, perfect for fans of The Alice NetworkThe Nightingale and My Name is EvaThe Woman Outside the Walls will take you on an emotional journey and show you that in war, even when you are on the wrong side, you can still do the right thing…

Author Bio:

Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Whether she is working in her thatched cottage in Hampshire or her seaside home in North Cornwall, Suzanne finds inspiration in the secrets hidden by everyday life.


Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Suzanne Goldring here: https://www.bookouture.com/suzanne-goldring

Buy Link:

Audio Links:

Listen to a sample here:

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo



The Note

The Note- Andrew Barrett- 5* A short story written in the first person by CSI Eddie Collins. Eddie is the sort of bloke who calls a s...