The Viaduct

 

THE VIADUCT by Stewart Giles- Crime

Oh wow! A darker tale in parts and one I couldn't put down. A young girl has been found beneath a viaduct with a suicide note in her pocket. Her mother insists that its not her handwriting and that she wouldn't commit suicide. On the top of the bridge one of Smith’s team has found what appears to be a circle associated with the darker side of life- black magic. When another girl is found and traces of a previously unknown substance are found at the post mortems, the team know there is something incredibly sinister going on. Who is doing this and why?

OMG! I love Stewart’s book and DS Smith but this one takes it to a whole new level. I knew Jason was tenacious and determined but wow, oh wow and every other related superlative. A book where I feel much research has been done and comes through very well. Of loyalty and love, of strength and resoluteness. A book I just have to give my special 5**- those that blow me away and have that something extra. Wow doesn't cover this. I'm stunned. 

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The Viaduct (A DS Jason Smith Thriller Book 21)

From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith seriesTwo hundred feet below an old bridge, a teenage girl lies battered and bruised. Barely alive, she knows she's not going to make it.Two days later, another teenager is found in almost exactly the same spot.Suicide. That's what the papers are saying.But when a third victim of the now legendary viaduct turns up, Detective Sergeant Jason Smith doesn't buy it. Something else is happening here - something much darker.As Smith and the team start asking questions, the investigation takes a turn for the worse when things get much closer to home.Smith's adopted daughter goes missing, and when he finds out she was last seen close to this sinister viaduct, he fears the worst.Smith knows he's running out of time. Will he get to the truth before the viaduct lures its next victim to their death? What readers are saying about Stewart Giles’ books:

This author has once again captured another best selling read for his readers, that you won't be able to put down. – Booklover Bev

I love Stewart's books- there is always a comfort about them despite the subject matter, of a warmth of characters and a plot that draws the reader in very quickly. – Misfits farm

I haven't read such a brilliant detective thriller for quite while. This is one of the best ever. - LooseBoots My first introduction to this author's work and wasn't my last by any means. – Patricia Burton My first read from this author ..5 stars ..Stunning storytelling.. – Livia Totally gripping, it has the perfect balance of action, mystery and humour and this is written by a very talented and passionate author, I loved every page - thank you. – Sarah 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 16 – Wishbone Book 17 – Ghosts Book 18 – The Scarecrow Book 19 – The Bluesman Book 20 – The Librarian Book 21 – The Viaduct 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 Book 7 – Silence on the Island Book 8 – Secrets on the Island Book 9 – Chaos 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 NOVELS Horror - The Divide Thriller - The Ghostwriter Thriller – The Guests

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. I also have another series featuring an Irish detective who relocated to Guernsey, the Detective Liam O’Reilly series. There are also 3 stand alone novels. Website: www.stewartgiles.com Twitter: @stewartgiles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33

Gone

 

Gone by Ruby Speechley-psychological thriller

Shay, a sixteen year old boy, has gone missing having sneaked out to a party in the woods. His mother isn't too worried to begin with as he is becoming rather rebellious and stays over at friends quite frequently. When she can't get hold of him she starts to worry which is exacerbated when she finds out a girl has been attacked, unable to speak due to her head injuries at the same rave. Shays hoodie turns up when the police get involved and then a ransom which the family keep to themselves as they have been warned no police.

This was a page turner of a read and there were lots of suspects both people and actions. A partner who is new and rather secretive about past parts of his life - can he be trusted? When a son who is into the wrong sort of things and the parents don’t know- has he been led or bribed and why does he owe such an extortionate amount of money? This is a thrilling read and maybe even a cautionary tale, despite being fiction and how sometimes some may do almost anything for love. An interesting read.

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Gone My son is missing, and everyone is lying to me. Last night my son, Shay, sneaked out of the house and didn’t come home. He promised not to go to the illegal party in the woods. But someone’s been attacked and Shay has gone missing. The police want to know if he saw what happened. I’m worried he could be involved. After all the trouble he’s been in lately, mixing with the wrong crowd, coming home beaten up and scared, I thought we’d put it all behind us. Trouble is, Shay resents me moving my new boyfriend into the family home. I found all sorts on his laptop, including a half-written email warning me not to trust David. What does he know that I don’t? I’m beginning to fear for his safety. What is David hiding from me? Who have I let into our lives? I don’t know who I can trust. Will I ever see my son alive again? Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3XrDvG9

Author Bio – Ruby Speechley is a bestselling psychological thriller writer, whose titles include Someone Else’s Baby. Previously published by Hera, she has been a journalist and worked in PR and lives in Cheshire. Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ruby-Speechley-Author/100063999185095/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/rubyspeechley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyjtspeechley/ Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruby-speechley

The Housemaids Secret

 

The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden- psychological thriller

Millie has a record so has to find work as she can as any background checks would reveal her past. She is working on being a social care worker along with any cleaning jobs she can get. Her last role ended when the little girl she looked after called her Mama rather than the mother due to the time she spent with her. She is now working as a cleaner/housekeeper for Mr Garrick whose wife is supposedly ill. All Millie sees of her are her eyes through a door which if she says anything gets firmly and quickly closed. What is the secret behind Mrs Wendy Garrick and why is there blood on her clothes? When Millie peeks inside something inside of her is called to action. What is going on and can Millie save not only herself but Wendy as well?

This is the second in the Housemaid series but stands alone , I hadn’t read the first. It's a book I raced through and thoroughly enjoyed. One where real life got in the way as I just wanted to keep reading as there’s a great tension and a series of unexpected twists and turns. My first read from this author and one I would happily read in the future. A cleverly thought out plot and good characters, I liked Millie but did wonder if she had her own agenda, something to read and find out. A book that didn't disappoint, just kept me awake to finish it! A great psychological thriller to keep the reader engrossed. 

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The Housemaid's Secret: A totally gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist 

“Don’t go in the guest bedroom.” A shadow falls on Douglas Garrick’s face as he touches the door with his fingertips. “My wife… she’s very ill.” As he continues showing me their incredible penthouse apartment, I have a terrible feeling about the woman behind closed doors. But I can’t risk losing this job—not if I want to keep my darkest secret safe…

It’s hard to find an employer who doesn’t ask too many questions about my past. So I thank my lucky stars that the Garricks miraculously give me a job, cleaning their stunning penthouse with views across the city and preparing fancy meals in their shiny kitchen. I can work here for a while, stay quiet until I get what I want.

It’s almost perfect. But I still haven’t met Mrs Garrick, or seen inside the guest bedroom. I’m sure I hear her crying. I notice spots of blood around the neck of her white nightgowns when I’m doing laundry. And one day I can’t help but knock on the door. When it gently swings open, what I see inside changes everything…

That’s when I make a promise. After all, I’ve done this before. I can protect Mrs Garrick while keeping my own secrets locked up safe.

Douglas Garrick has done wrong. He is going to pay. It’s simply a question of how far I’m willing to go…

This absolutely explosive and shockingly twisty sequel to international bestseller The Housemaid will keep you racing through the pages late into the night. Anyone who loves The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose, The Woman in the Window and Gone Girl will be totally hooked! This book can also be enjoyed as a standalone.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0BGXYL3BZsocial

 

About the author

#1 Amazon bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple Kindle bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. She lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

To hear Freida talk more about herself in the third person, visit her website: https://www.freidamcfadden.com/

Author social media

Twitter: @Freida_McFadden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freida-McFadden-Author-of-Psychological-Thrillers-and-Medical-Humor-400860063303345/

Instagram: @fizzziatrist

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/freida-mcfadden/

The Wrong Woman

 

THE WRONG WOMAN (Lennox & Wilde #3) by Helen H Durrant- Crime

A body is found where the face has almost been obliterated. Someone doesn't want anyone to know who she was as the fingers have also been removed. The strange thing is a tattoo is still clearly obvious so why leave it? Lennox and Wilde have their work cut out to try and find out what is going on. Although number three in a series this does stand alone quite happily (I had only read the first one 3 years ago). Another woman goes missing and an infamous crook is in the mix but there appears to be more to this case than just dodgy money lending and drugs. Why has the woman been killed and who is the perpetrator?

I really enjoy Helen’s books. They are an easy read and there’s always a cracking plot line to keep the pages turning with well rounded characters and even a little humour thrown in. There are twists and turns along the way which keeps the pace and the reader ever perplexed as to whom the perpetrator may be. A wonderful book that I enjoyed reading.

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THE WRONG WOMAN an absolutely gripping crime mystery with a massive twist (Detectives Lennox & Wilde Thrillers Book 3) MEET DETECTIVES HARRY LENNOX AND JESS WILDE IN THIS BRILLIANT NEW CRIME SERIES SET IN THE PICTURESQUE PENNINE FOOTHILLS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND. A BRAND-NEW MYSTERY FROM #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR HELEN H. DURRANT THAT WILL HAVE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT FROM PAGE ONE. FAST-PACED AND FULL OF SURPRISES. Detectives Harry Lennox and Jess Wilde have never seen anything like it. The dead woman is dressed up like a Victorian doll. She’s wearing a long, white dress, a bloodstained blonde wig, and a mask with red, cupid-bow lips. Beneath the mask, her face is beaten so badly it’s unrecognisable. DNA identifies the victim as Lori Lansing, who was kidnapped three weeks ago. Her wealthy husband paid half a million pounds to secure her release — but he never saw his wife again. Then another young woman is reported missing. Could Harry and Jess be hunting a serial killer? Will Harry’s past finally catch up with him? And will Jess find happiness with her new man? A MYSTERY FULL OF STUNNING TWISTS WHICH YOU WON'T WANT TO PUT DOWN. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Joy Ellis. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HELEN H. DURRANT: ‘I couldn’t put it down.’ Barbara ‘This new series by Helen H. Durrant certainly has got off to a thrilling start.’ Viv ‘If you want a book to get your teeth into, this is the one. A massive 5*.’ Greta ‘Another fast-paced murder mystery.’ Aileen ‘The writing was top notch and the characters were very real.’ Kat THE DETECTIVES DI HARRY LENNOX began his career in Glasgow, but due to a traumatic incident, transferred to West Yorkshire and then Ryebridge. He blames a Scottish villain for what happened and is afraid that he’ll catch up with him. Harry is single, thirtysomething and has a chaotic lifestyle. DS JESS WILDE is in her early thirties. She is unattached and keen to progress in her career. She gets on well with Harry. He doesn’t have much time for protocol, and this suits her. She is critical of how he lives. She has recently bought her first property locally. THE SETTING Welcome to Ryebridge in the North of England. Nestled in the picturesque Pennine foothills, it appears to be an idyllic place to live. But this former cotton town has suffered a steady decline into hard times. Today with the mills long gone and little to take their place, it’s become the perfect breeding ground for fledgling criminals. Gangs from Manchester soak up money-hungry youths and put them to work. The streets are dangerous, the people scared, all of which belies the beauty of the town’s surroundings of hills, lakes and moorland. The backbone of England has a heavy load to bear. ALSO BY HELEN H. DURRANT LENNOX & WILDE Book 1: THE GUILTY MAN Book 2: THE FACELESS MAN Book 3: THE WRONG WOMAN RACHEL KING Book 1: NEXT VICTIM Book 2: TWO VICTIMS Book 3: WRONG VICTIM Book 4: FORGOTTEN VICTIM Book 5: LAST VICTIM THE CALLADINE & BAYLISS MYSTERY SERIES Book 1: DEAD WRONG Book 2: DEAD SILENT Book 3: DEAD LIST Book 4: DEAD LOST Book 5: DEAD & BURIED Book 6: DEAD NASTY Book 7: DEAD JEALOUS Book 8: DEAD BAD Book 9: DEAD GUILTY Book 10: DEAD WICKED Book 11: DEAD SORRY Book 12: DEAD REAL THE DCI GRECO BOOKS Book 1: DARK MURDER Book 2: DARK HOUSES Book 3: DARK TRADE Book 4: DARK ANGEL DETECTIVE ALICE ROSSI SERIES Book 1: THE ASH LAKE MURDERS

HELEN H. DURRANT

OVER 1 MILLION BOOKS SOLD! Helen is one of the ‘baby boomer’ generation and began writing when she retired from her job at a local college. Born in Edinburgh to an English father and Scottish mother the family settled in a Pennine village between the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is an environment which has shaped her stories. Writing is a second career and, despite having a bus pass, keeps her busy, and tuned in. Helen’s children are all grown-up and she has five grandchildren. BOOKS BY HELEN H. DURRANT CALLADINE & BAYLISS SERIES: DEAD WRONG DEAD SILENT DEAD LIST DEAD LOST DEAD & BURIED DEAD NASTY DEAD JEALOUS DEAD BAD DEAD GUILTY DEAD WICKED DEAD SORRY DEAD REAL DI GRECO SERIES: DARK MURDER DARK HOUSES DARK TRADE DARK ANGEL DI MATHEW BRINDLE SERIES: HIS THIRD VICTIM THE OTHER VICTIM DCI RACHEL KING SERIES: NEXT VICTIM TWO VICTIMS WRONG VICTIM FORGOTTEN VICTIM LAST VICTIM DETECTIVES LENNOX & WILDE SERIES: THE GUILTY MAN THE FACELESS MAN THE WRONG WOMAN DETECTIVES LENNOX & WILDE BOOKS 1-2 DETECTIVE ALICE ROSSI MYSTERY SERIES: THE ASH LAKE MURDERS BOX SETS: DETECTIVES CALLADINE & BAYLISS BOOKS 1-3 THE DETECTIVE CALLADINE & BAYLISS MYSTERY SERIES BOOKS 1-9 BOX SET DETECTIVE STEPHEN GRECO BOOKS 1-3 THE COMPLETE DETECTIVE STEPHEN GRECO BOX SET THE DETECTIVE RACHEL KING BOOKS 1-3 DETECTIVE MATT BRINDLE DOUBLE-BOOK BOX SET JOFFE BOOKS MURDER MYSTERY & SUSPENSE SHORT STORY COLLECTION

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Alice Alone

 

Alice Alone by Amanda Brookfield - women's fiction

Set in 1986, Alice lives with her husband Peter. Her last grown child has just flown the nest and Alice is at rather a loss. She has spent all her years looking after the three children and also Peter who struggles to find even the sugar in the kitchen and whom she realises she probably doesn't even like let alone love. Being invited to what she anticipates as rather a dull dinner party she gets her hair dyed. The next morning, she refuses to get out of bed as she usually does to make Peter's breakfast, being fed up with being defined as the wife, the mother- anything but her own self. What transpires awakens Alice and she even surprises herself.

I enjoyed this, it's very much a story of the era. For those that perhaps didn’t live through it, yes times were different in lots of ways. Although women worked they were rather under valued at times and in different professions. Misogyny was alive and kicking as were several things we women would rather forget. I mention these as they are a part of the story and the era. Peter having a few glasses of something and then driving would be something we are horrified about now but sadly then it happened far more often than it should- which is why things have changed since.

A story of realising who you are and trying to be yourself, which isn't always easy given circumstances.  A read of an era and a woman's choice.

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Alice Alone On the day that her youngest child leaves home, Alice Hatton discovers two disturbing truths in a matter of hours. The Empty Nest cliche is true. And she does not love her husband Peter at all. Now in her fifties, Alice is appalled to realise that she is no longer considered her own person, but is instead defined by her relationships – mother to her adult children, wife to her husband. Horrified by the thought of spending another thirty years with Peter in their North London suburb, Alice decides to take matters into her own hands. What follows is a triumphant and liberating breaking of all the rules. But when Alice must cope with loss for the second time in as many years, she discovers what even the most apparently ‘respectable ‘woman is capable of. Join Amanda Brookfield as she revisits her first novel, Alice Alone, and rediscover how she got her well-deserved reputation for writing about women’s lives with humour and honesty. Includes a brand new forward from the author. Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3ADVwaD

Author Bio – Amanda Brookfield is the bestselling author of many novels including Good Girls, Relative Love, and Before I Knew You, and a memoir, For the Love of a Dog starring her Golden Doodle Mabel. She lives in London and has recently finished a year as Visiting Creative Fellow at University College Oxford. Social Media Links – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amandabrookfield100 Twitter https://twitter.com/ABrookfield1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/amanda_and_mabel_brookfield/ Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/AmandaBrookfieldNewsletter Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amanda-brookfield

Maybe Its About Time

 

Maybe It’s About Time by Neil Boss- satire/humorous fiction

Oh wow! A book I fell in love with early on and couldn't wait to find out more. The very first of my books of the year

Marcus works in the city as a partner in a commercial firm where there is a lot of business speak and company politics- an egocentric world- which he loathes as often it masks the truth for the sake of the company earning its fees. Claire is a single mother of two young children who is struggling managing her finances. Her social worker Gavin is very helpful and so she has someone to turn to and have some adult chat with along with a neighbour who comes over to her to watch a little early evening TV. This begins in early 2020- just before the pandemic and lockdowns hit the world and life changed for many of us. Claire and Marcus meet through Gavin just pre lockdown when Marcus is fed up and Claire is just beginning to poke her nose above the parapet with a little more confidence.

This is most definitely NOT “just another book about lockdown” it's about so much more. There's real life and the challenges posed both in and out of lockdown and how sometimes despite your situation even those you think are far removed really are not that different in many ways. I loved all three main characters- Claire, Marcus and Gavin. 

This is incredibly well written and researched and for a debut novel comes across as a seasoned author. There is depth of characters, a little humour and a plot that really kept the pages turning. Early chapters are devoted to either Claire or Marcus until they meet and then it's intermingled each one with a date to give the reader perspective. This gives the reader a great sense of the world each lives in, disparate from each other until it isn't through the lockdown. Anyone who has been in either situation will understand the worlds they inhabit. The corporate world where your identity can easily become lost as part of the machine, not perhaps dissimilar to that of being a single mum where the real you is put aside whilst being a full time mother- the situation Claire found herself in. There’s lots of smiles from both worlds from the corporate to the Chase (tv) and this is a very easy page turning read. A very well thought out, cleverly crafted plot makes this very appealing and I found myself smiling just thinking about it. A stunning debut novel I can't recommend enough. 

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Maybe It’s About Time Neil Boss Published by Troubador|29 th September 2022|Paperback £14.99 ● A powerful debut novel satirising the egocentric world of consulting and professional services based on the author’s real life experience. ● Set in early 2020 against a backdrop of the first four months of the Covid pandemic in the UK, the novel has recurring themes of human kindness and compassion. ● Whilst full of humour, the story ultimately delivers a serious message about remaining true to our personal values and changing lives for the better. ___________________________________________________________________________

Two people trapped in different worlds. One by wealth and one by poverty. Twenty years working for The Firm has given Marcus Barlow everything he wants but has taken his soul in return. Finding a way to leave has become an obsession. Claire Halford’s life hits rock bottom when she is caught stealing food from Tesco Express. Left alone by her husband with two small children and an STI, her suicide music is starting to play louder in her head. A chance meeting brings them together. As a mystery virus from China starts to run riot across the country, their world’s collide and they find they have more in common than they knew. Set in the early months of 2020, Maybe It’s About Time is a story about the difficulty of changing lives for the better. Starting as a funny and satirical view of the egocentric world of professional services, it gives way to a heart-warming story of an unlikely friendship that rejuvenates Marcus and Claire, giving them both hope for a better future.

About the Author: Neil Boss retired as a Partner at Deloitte LLP, in November 2019 having spent a successful career as a business consultant in the boardrooms of UK plc. His retirement plan was to write something he could really be proud of, this book. He enjoys travel, cooking and fly fishing, lives in Hertfordshire and can be found on social media at: @iamneilboss

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Every Word Tells A Story

 

Every Word Tells a Story by Tom Read Wilson (illustrations by Ian Morris)

Oh what a real delight

And what a marvellous treat!

An illustrated book about words

That's really incredibly sweet!

Its brilliantly written by Tom

And has wonderful pictures galore

Of how words were founded

Which may make you smile or roar!

From Aardvark right through

To Zodiac and Zoo

Learning for all ages

Right through the pages!

This really is a book written to quote Tom " with oodles of love" both from the author and the fantastic Ian Morris who has done the marvellous illustrations .. I may no longer be a child but I loved each and every page and learnt something new along the way and most certainly had a smile at the pictures. who knew that salary and sausages have a common denominator in salt? 

I can't recommend this highly enough. Its a perfect gift for anyone of any age who is interested in words or reading. For a child or as an excellent coffee table book- something that can be browsed and learn a little whilst sipping any beverage. Loved this beyond measure. 

Fatal Secrets

 

Fatal Secrets by Anita Waller-Crime

DI Matt Foster has the police in his blood as his father was also a serving officer, now retired. Years beforehand his father was at a scene and was shot leaving him in a wheelchair. Since then he and a close friend have been running a PI agency mainly doing the mundane work of divorce and shadowing etc. Matt gets a call from his father asking for help in a faint voice. By the time he gets there it's too late, his father is dead and his partner Jimmy is critically ill. Matt's boss quickly arrives and takes him off the case- Matt responds by resigning, his DS however is loyal and promises to keep him abreast of the situation. He, his friend Steve and Matt's sister Hermia decide to find out for themselves why this terrible tragedy has happened. Could the man who shot their father finally have reappeared to finish what he started?

I very quickly got into this. Anita has a wonderful style of writing that quickly engages the reader in the characters and plot and I soon found myself liking Matt and his tenacity and determination. Hermia, Steve and Karen are also very very likeable and there's a good mix of plot, relationships and interaction between the characters. There is lots of drama and twists and turns which kept me very engaged within the pages- just how I like it. I didn't want this to end- but wanted to find out the who and what etc. A brilliantly crafted, well thought out plot with a twist. A very engaging read with characters I loved. A huge 5* from me

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

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Fatal Secrets Nothing is more important than family . . . Matt Forrester has followed in his dad’s footsteps, climbing the police ranks to become a DI. But when he receives an urgent call for help, Matt has to rethink his career. His dad has been murdered, and Matt’s not going to let this case go. It doesn’t help that his current boss is sleeping with his ex-wife. Hermia Forrester didn’t follow her brother into the police force, instead she works in research at the university. But, she’s not going to let that stop her from helping her brother find out what happened to their dad. But the siblings soon find themselves surrounded by more danger than they ever imagined. Can they both survive this case or will there be more of their family in the morgue? The thrilling first instalment in the Forrester Detective Agency Mystery series. Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3Vmm4VD

Author Bio – Anita Waller is the author of many bestselling psychological thrillers and the Kat and Mouse crime series. She lives in Sheffield, which continues to be the setting of many of her thrillers, and was first published by Bloodhound at the age of sixty-nine. Her first book for Boldwood will be published in August 2022. Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anita.m.waller Twitter https://twitter.com/anitamayw Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anitawallerauthor/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AnitaWallerNews Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anita-waller

The Lumberjills

 

The Lumberjills by M W Arnold-historical fiction/saga 

I often learn things from the books I read. Sometimes the unusual funny facts we can all quote when we think about it and sometimes of real lives and things that went on before our time. I knew of the land army and some of the air force girls but I didn't know about the lumberjills. This and Mick's other series about the girls who flew aircraft when built to their bases, has been a most interesting informative way of picking up knowledge. The lumberjills as the name suggests were women who joined up to help in felling trees, (the women's timber corps) wood being a much needed resource in war time. Mick has the knack of telling a story and putting facts in without the reader quite realising (if that makes sense?). What a wonderful way to learn history and social history. I know Mick is meticulous about his fact finding and this shines through in each and every one of his books.

In this we meet four ladies, each from different backgrounds wanting to do their best for the war effort and of those around them. As in any group there’s the shy and the loud, the funny one and the serious which may alternate depending on the situation, I'm only 30% of the way through as I write this first part and I'm already hooked. We hear of bravery and acceptance, of loss and war. A light hearted tale that brings a smile  whilst retaining the seriousness of the situation.

A brilliantly written highly entertaining informative read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I'm hoping there is more to come from Berry and her friends. Please sign me up now!

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The Lumberjills Berry Chambers and her co-workers have joined the Women's Timber Corps—known as the Lumberjills—to do their bit for Britain. On their first day felling trees, they rescue an RAF pilot and become entangled in the loveless marriage of their new landlords. Danger is never far away, be it an ill-timed axe swing or the occasional activity of the Luftwaffe overhead. Add a psychotic farm cat, a couple of young runaway evacuees, a spate of malicious packages, and the jealousy of the Land Girls next door, and life for Berry and her friends is never boring. Can the girls find the balance between their vital war work and the natural pull of love? Purchase Links UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumberjills-M-W-Arnold-ebook/dp/B0BPRFB94M US - https://www.amazon.com/Lumberjills-M-W-Arnold-ebook/dp/B0BPRFB94M

Author Bio – Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England but spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of the late HM Queen Elisabeth II in the Royal Air Force before putting down roots—and realizing how much he missed the travel. This he’s replaced somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels. He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian Werecats bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and humoring his Manchester United-supporting wife. Finally, and most importantly, Mick is a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. The Lumberjills is the lead book in this new series from the author of the Broken Wings novels. Social media links – https://www.facebook.com/MWArnoldAuthor Twitter – Mick859 Instagram – Mick859 YouTube Channel –tinyurl.com/cymt5zea

What July Knew

 

What July Knew by Emily Koch- crime thriller/family drama

July is ten years old and lives with her father, stepmother and stepsister. Her own mother died when she was only two. On beginning a school project, she finds a note saying, “she didn't die in a car crash”. This leads July to try and find out more and to add to her list of things she knows about her mother which as yet hasn’t reached twenty. Why the mystery over her mother and is she really dead?

This is a very touching story. July is bullied and intimidated by her father who she desperately wants love and attention from. She hence finds life at home rather precarious at times. She is shown love and care by Yaya (her grandmother) and has a sort of a friend in her stepsister, but Sylvie only ever has one person in mind- herself. Brilliantly written this evokes childhood memories and the innocence of youth wonderfully. A book I loved and didn’t want to end. More than one twist which kept the pages turning from this carefully crafted, well thought out read. Loved it.