Thursday 29 February 2024

Evil on the Island By Stewart Giles

 


Evil on the Island by Stewart Giles- Crime

When a man is murdered in a house on a very well to do street in Guernsey, detective Liam O’Reilly has a couple of suspects in his sights. When the man’s neighbour is then killed this throws rather a curveball. Speaking of which a ball is then involved in the next murder, to the next neighbour along the road. What on earth is going on? 

I have a huge issue with Stewart’s books- I devour them and want more! There’s just something special about them- a very well thought out plot with numerous twists and likeable characters. This is one of a series and probably stands alone- but why miss out on other brilliant, equally captivating reads? These are the reads that I could quite happily do in one sitting if real life didn't get in the way. An ingenious plot and one where I couldn't work out as to whom the perpetrator was until it was revealed. A thoroughly entertaining gripping read. Hurry up with the next one! 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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Evil on the Island (DI Liam O'Reilly mysteries Book 12)  'I know about evil, because my mum is evil. She killed my dad. My mother murdered my father, and left him where she knew I would find him.' A class discussion in a prestigious school on the peaceful island of Guernsey takes a sinister turn when the body of the father of one of the students is found, exactly where the boy said he would be. The 16 year old has no further information to offer the Island Police, and his mother has disappeared off the face of the earth. Detective Inspector Liam O'Reilly has no idea where to look. The boy's father was stabbed multiple times, but there is nothing at the scene to suggest why this man was killed in such a horrific manner. Then another man is found dead. But when a third suffers the same fate soon afterwards, O'Reilly knows that he's up against something darker than his mind could ever comprehend. There's something evil on the island, and O'Reilly has no idea how to stop it. What readers are saying about EVIL ON THE ISLAND: An ingenious plot and one where I couldn't work out as to whom the perpetrator was until it was revealed. A thoroughly entertaining gripping read. Hurry up with the next one! – Misfits Farm

Love the characters, a big plus for me. Liam has an up and down relationship with his cats but it might be on an even keel at present and his daughter's partner DC Andy Stone has flashes where Liam can tolerate him. So quite a bit of humour throughout. A most enjoyable read. – Maureen Another brilliant read that I was unable to put down. Intrigue and suspense all the way through, absolutely brilliant. – Amazon Reviewer

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




Wednesday 28 February 2024

Price to Pay by Dave Silvers (cover reveal)

 


Fast-paced, devious and twisty - the pages turned themselves! I loved it!'  - Liz Mistry

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Price to Pay by Dave Sivers

The more you have, the more you have to lose…

Following an arrest that went wrong, leaving her disfigured and her life in ruins, DCI Lizzie Archer transferred to Buckinghamshire’s Aylesbury Vale, hoping to rebuild her confidence, her career and her life. Eleven years later, she’s happily married, her career is back on track, and she has friends she would trust with her life.

But things can change in a heartbeat.

Meanwhile, her friend and colleague, DI Dan Baines, has worries of his own as the long shadow of the serial killer known as the Invisible Man continues to hang over him. When the chance comes to finally get answers to some troubling questions, he is almost afraid to learn the truth. Because sometimes the reality can be worse than your imagination. 

Soon after receiving unsettling threats from local criminals, an old flame makes an unwelcome return to Lizzie’s life. Days later, a grisly murder too close to home plunges her into a nightmare that could cost her everything as suspicion falls on her and her husband, Dominic. 

Dan and his team are sidelined from the murder investigation, but they’re not going to let that stop them when a friend is in trouble. And the clock is ticking. Because, if they can’t uncover the truth soon, things will get even worse for Lizzie and Dominic.

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTYNSSQX

Monday 26 February 2024

The Fall by D.E White

 


The Fall by D.E White- Crime

Three seemingly innocent victims jump or are pushed from a bridge onto a motorway. DC Dove Milson and her partner, a paramedic,  were on their way back from a much needed holiday in Cornwall when they saw it happening. There is a link between at least two of the victims and the bridges. One is still alive, hanging on, just, but not well enough to be able to tell them anything. There’s a tenuous link to a deceased member of Dove’s family which doesn't do anything to aid her own recovery. What is the connection and was this deliberate, an accident or murder?

 A brilliant premise that had me hooked from the beginning. This is one of a series but happily stands alone. Dove is a very likeable character who has her own issues and life which provide a little backstory but nothing to detract from the main plot. A clever balance, which to me, is one of the skills of a seasoned author. It’s aptly done and rather different from the usual crime plots as there are scant details and no-one who jumps out as the perpetrator. An ingenious, thrilling read that kept me captivated right to the end. I very much look forward to the next in the series.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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THE FALL (Detective Dove Milson #5) by D. E. White DISCOVER THE LATEST EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT CRIME THRILLER FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR D.E. WHITE. Detective Dove Milson is on the final stretch of a long drive back from Cornwall. She’s tuning the radio when her fiancĂ© swears next to her. She follows his gaze up to the bridge spanning the motorway. Something is falling from the bridge. Someone is falling. No, not one person. Three people plunge to the tarmac below. Two women and a man. Dove is immediately caught up in the investigation into this horrifying event. But what led three people with no apparent connection to jump together? Was it a suicide pact? An accident? Murder? Now Dove must find out what happened — before anyone else is pushed over the edge. This electrifying crime thriller set on the south coast of England is perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Emmy Ellis, Robert Bryndza, Rachel Lynch, Helen H. Durrant and Angela Marsons. WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT D.E. WHITE: ‘This mystery thriller novel is wrapped in loads of sinister suspense and will have you clambering to the edge of your seat . . . full of twists and turns you would never expect!’ The Daily Mirror ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘What a rollercoaster of a book!’ Jacqueline ‘I couldn't stop reading, I had to know what happened next!’ Amy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A very strong plot with twists and turns to keep you guessing along the way.’ Michelle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Incredibly well-written with so many twists I finished it in less than a day.’ Alyce ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Without doubt this is the best thriller I have read this year so far.’ Barbara MEET THE DETECTIVE Detective Dove Milson of the Major Crimes Team is determined to prove she still has what it takes. A near fatal attack has left her with physical and psychological scars, and nearly ripped her family apart. But Dove is a fiercely loyal friend and has strong family ties to keep her grounded. Between the support of her sparring partner Detective Steve Parker, the love of her life Quinn, and her two sisters, Dove might just be able to balance life with her career, after all. So long as her former life as a police informant handler doesn’t get in the way. ALSO BY D.E. WHITE DETECTIVE DOVE MILSON SERIES Book 1: GLASS DOLLS Book 2: THE ICE DAUGHTERS Book 3: THE ABBERLEY BEACH MURDERS Book 4: STONE COLD KILLING Book 5: THE FALL

D.E. WHITE

D. E. White writes crime fiction. After numerous jobs, including being a flight attendant, a 999 call handler for the ambulance service, and a healthcare assistant in A&E, she started writing full time in 2017. She lives with her family on the Sussex coast, UK but dreams of living somewhere a bit warmer, preferably with palm trees. She is best known for her Amazon bestselling Detective Dove Milson series (Joffe), but also writes psychological thrillers (Storm and HQ Digital). BOOKS BY D.E. WHITE DETECTIVE RUBY BAKER SERIES: BEFORE I LEFT BEFORE I FOUND YOU BEFORE I TRUST YOU DOVE MILSON SERIES: GLASS DOLLS THE ICE DAUGHTERS THE ABBERLEY BEACH MURDERS STONE COLD KILLING SUSSEX COAST MURDERS BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET FOLLOW D. E. WHITE ON AUTHOR WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM GOODREADS




Friday 23 February 2024

The Holiday by John Nicholl

 

The Holiday by John Nicholl- psychological thriller

Suzie and her husband George are off to Tenerife on holiday. George is the good looking loud brash sort rather different to quiet introverted, religious, modest Suzie. Suzie has won a large amount of money but due to George’s gambling and debts won’t let him get his hands on the money for fear he may lose it all. Suzie has had a couple of miscarriages and George, who really doesn't want a family, doesn't understand her pain or why he can't get his hands on the money. He complains bitterly about pretty much everything. When Suzie chats to a woman who was on the same plane, she thinks Amelia may know George as he has also been known to more than flirt with other women even whilst married. Can the couple work things out when they are poles apart and who is Amelia really?

This is another brilliantly written piece of work, and one that very much kept me turning for “ just another chapter”. Had real life not got in the way, I would happily have read this in one sitting. It's clever, it's adeptly planned and crafted. One where I didn't like any of the characters for various reasons, each at opposite ends of varying spectrums. There are twists and turns and red herrings skilfully interpolated. A thoroughly enjoyable read I raced through. Loved it.


For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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The Holiday It was meant to be the perfect getaway…As I board the plane, all I can feel is hope and excitement. One whole week away. Just me and the man I have promised to be with forever. Time to repair what has been broken. Maybe even try for another baby, and pray that this time it doesn’t end heartbreakingly. I just need to not think about what George has done. He’s my husband. And this is the holiday where we make things right. But then I realise he can’t take his eyes off the beautiful woman who’s just boarded the plane in front of me… In that moment, everything changes. And nobody is safe. A gripping, twisty, breathtaking psychological thriller that will keep you reading late into the night. If you loved The Housemaid, The Girl on the Train and The Couple at No.9, you’ll be addicted to The Holiday. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/theholidaysocial

Author Bio –

John Nicholl is the bestselling author of numerous psychological thrillers and detective series, previously published by Bloodhound, and inspired by his real-life experience as an ex-police officer and child protection social worker. Boldwood will be publishing the next title in his Galbraith series and a new psychological thriller in autumn 2022, and will be reissuing his bestselling backlist from May 2022. Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.nicholl.988 Twitter https://twitter.com/nicholl06 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/johnnichollauthor/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JohnNichollNews Bookbub profile: John Nicholl Books - BookBub




Monday 19 February 2024

The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright by Clare Swatman

 


The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright by Clare Swatman -Women's fiction

 Oh wow! Another belter of a read from Clare. Beth has recently moved into a new house which required doing up, since divorcing her husband who now lives with his new partner in their old home. They have two young children and Beth naturally hates it when they are away from her, and even worse when they are with his new partner. Starting to spruce up the house, Beth discovers some old magazines and letters which are to and from an agony aunt in the 1950’s called Evelyn. Through these her now narrow world expands to horizons she never thought possible when she first moved. This is the story of how a few words on a page can make a difference to someone's life and maybe even shape the future.

I’m smiling while writing this. It's that sort of book that makes you look at your own life, perhaps wistfully at times, and what could have been done differently however it possibly turned out right in the end. We got here didn't we? It's about friendships that mean the world and not looking back too hard, but using the past experiences to guide us into the future. To being open to new ideas and friendships and believing that gut feeling along with ones from the heart. A treasure of a read and one I’m sure I will come back to again in the future. .

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright

Starting over can be hard to do… So when mum of two Beth moves out of her beloved marital home and into an unloved and unkempt cottage, she can’t help but feel demoralised. Faced with months of DIY and dust, her children Jacob and Olivia aren’t impressed either. But when Beth finds a box of letters while she’s clearing out the children’s room, things start to look up. The correspondence is decades old, between agony aunt Evelyn and those in need of solace. Intrigued as to why the letters have been kept safe all these years, Beth can’t resist reading them, and as the wisdom and kindness of Evelyn falls off the pages, so Beth starts to feel she has a friend and champion in this woman she has never met. Good advice doesn’t age, and as life starts to look brighter, Beth begins to wonder if she could track down Evelyn and thank her for her help. But as Beth uncovers more about Evelyn’s story, it becomes clear that everything is not as it seems. And now Beth is determined to bring peace to Evelyn as she has to her. A spell-binding, heart-warming story of friendship, love and being brave enough to be yourself. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/LettersEvelynSocial

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. Before We Grow Old, was published in January 2022. Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743024376094142/user/570416996/ Twitter https://twitter.com/clareswatman Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clareswatman/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ClareSwatmannews Bookbub profile: Clare Swatman Books - BookBub




Saturday 17 February 2024

Death at Lover's Leap by Catherine Coles



 Death at Lovers' Leap by Catherine Coles- Cozy crime

(Standalone book in a series)

Set in post war England this tells the story of a murder in a village called Westleham and some of the people around it. Martha, having discovered a murderer in the next village a while ago has got herself a reputation for sleuthing so when she discovers a young man's body under a local bridge she decides to investigate. Her reputation isn’t helped by the fact that she likes the vicar Luke, which wouldn't be so much of a problem if her husband hadn't gone missing during the war so technically she is still married and even when she can divorce him after a number of years, a divorced woman could never marry a vicar. This is book three in the series but happily stands alone- I hadn't read the others. Martha, with Luke, is well placed to hear gossip and through this discovers more than the police which makes for a charming, old fashioned mystery investigation.

I liked Martha and Luke and the book very easily kept me between the pages. It's lovely to have a crime book unfettered by modern trappings and be reminded of how simple life was back then, with all the attached difficulties of things such as rationing- something that is hard to imagine happening now. It's a charming read and one with a wistful smile. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to more in the series.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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Death at Lovers' Leap
Westleham Village 1948
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas…. Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot? Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve! Let the investigation commence! Find out if Martha and Luke can catch the killer in a brand new Martha Miller mystery from bestselling author Catherine Coles.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/loversleapsocial



Author Bio –
Catherine Coles writes bestselling cosy mysteries set in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie series is based in North Yorkshire in the 1920’s and Catherine herself lives in Hull with her family and two spoiled dogs.
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.coles.9847
Twitter https://twitter.com/catherinecoles
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catherinecolesauthor/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CatherineColesNews
Bookbub profile: Catherine Coles Books - BookBub





Thursday 15 February 2024

The List of Suspicious Things

 


The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey - General fiction 

 A book I knew from the start I was going to thoroughly enjoy. If you were around in the late 1970's/early 1980’s you would possibly remember where you were around the time of the Yorkshire Ripper murders. They shook the whole country to the core and this elusive serial killer evaded police for a long time. Miv is not yet a teenager but thinks she has a wise head on young shoulders. She and her friend Sharon decide that if the police can’t find him then they may as well have a go themselves and so begins the list. This tells of what childhood and life was like at the time. Children went out to play with no form of communication just “ be back before it's dark”. There was a community around them who cared as well as a few who didn't and as Miv’s friend Ishtiaq knows there was the beginnings of racism brewing. Miv tells things as it is. She lives with her father and Aunt as her mother is ill and goes away to hospital occasionally ,we know not quite why or what. This is the story of a young girl growing up and of friendship and very much more.

I so loved this. One of those reads I wanted to savour and tried not to race through but I wanted more and more of Miv and her adventures and perhaps a stroll back through time. There’s the sweets of the era and the songs, a trip down memory lane for some. Of life with a certain menace in the background and of life lessons which can be tough. Of three rings and caring, of family and of bonds. Stunning, memorable, brilliant.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads  @nickisbookblog

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Monday 12 February 2024

Death at St Judes by Mary Grand

 

Death at St Jude's by Mary Grand-cozy crime

Set on the Isle of Wight this tells the story around the head teacher of the local school falling from the church tower when he was up there watching bats. Lawrence was afraid of heights and always locked the door behind him when he went up and stayed in the centre of the tower so as not to go near the crenelated edges. He had not long told the committee of an unpopular decision so was his death an accident? Susan, who helped find a murderer previously, is well placed to hear gossip in the local village and thinks this is no accident. This is the second in the series but happily stands alone, I hadn't read the first one.

I really enjoyed this. It's a good plot with lots of red herrings and potential suspects. I liked Susan. She’s astute and sharp and finds things out without being overbearing in other people's lives. There is a great sub-story in Susan's personal life which merges well. If you enjoy a light-hearted crime story with plenty to keep the grey matter active this could be the perfect series. A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me engaged right the way through. I look forward to more in the series.


For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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Death at St Jude's
The Isle of Wight has always felt like a safe place to live for keen dog-walker and reluctant sleuth Susan. But after being involved in the investigation of a troubling crime near her old home, Susan decides to move to the peaceful village of Bishopstone.
Susan loves the sense of community and immediately throws herself into village life, volunteering at the local primary school and joining the choir of St Jude’s. So, when there is an altercation at the meeting of the choir committee, followed by a shocking accident involving head teacher Lawrence, Susan is dismayed to realise her powers of deduction may be needed again.
There is a dangerous criminal hiding in plain sight and with the police reluctant to help, Susan must put together the pieces of the fiendish puzzle to flush out a killer before they strike again.
A brand new cosy mystery from the author of the bestselling The House Party. Perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Faith Martin and LJ Ross.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/DeathStJudesSocial 

Author Bio – 
Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning suspense novels, with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight.
Social Media Links –  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.grand
Twitter https://twitter.com/authormaryg
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marygrandwriter/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MaryGrandNews
Bookbub profile: Mary Grand Books - BookBub















Thursday 8 February 2024

The Colour of Mystery By Joy Ellis

 

The Colour Of Mystery by Joy Ellis- Crime

Another treasure of a read from the master of storytellers that is Joy Ellis. Ellie is now working at the centre with Michael jointly owned by both of them thanks to Carole’s legacy. Alice, a doctor who is also Ellies partner, helps out when required and is happily doing her research again thanks to Carole. Their main patient is a young man who had a severe head injury and is struggling with his Azimah syndrome. Unlike when Ellie was diagnosed, Jake has been severely depressed and needs a full regime of medication to get him through the day even though his tests are all normal. There are news reports of people being murdered by people who had such good reputations, who for years helped these people, so why would they murder them and then become almost catatonic in that they say very little, or something that isn't relevant “ would you like a cup of tea” and cant help the police at all. Ellie gets hints from beyond the grave that her help may again be required. Last time she helped the police she was almost another victim, so is very cautious about doing so but it seems only she can help.

Oh wow! This is the second in the series and does need to be read in order so that the reader understands more about Azimah syndrome and the background to the characters. It's a thrilling and page-turning read of a mystery or two of very different types with wonderful characters who come to life through the pages. The skill as ever, of Joy, a master of writing.  A stunning, thrilling read I devoured and wished there were more in this wonderful series. 

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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THE COLOUR OF MYSTERY (Ellie McEwan #2) by Joy Ellis A NEWLY-DISCOVERED NOVEL FROM MULTI-MILLION SELLING AUTHOR JOY ELLIS’S ARCHIVES. NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED! THREE NICE PEOPLE. THREE TERRIBLE CRIMES. WHAT MADE THEM DO THESE AWFUL THINGS? It’s the night shift worker who finds them. Huddled in a hospital store cupboard is elderly Edith Higgins. Knifed to death. Sitting behind her is Staff Nurse Lily Frampton, a scalpel clasped in her blood-soaked hand. No one can understand why this kind-hearted, dedicated nurse would brutally murder a frail patient she’s spent months caring for. That same day, mild-mannered schoolteacher Rod Black is found surrounded by the battered bodies of his pupils. Why would a well-respected teacher beat five schoolboys to death? Then a third shocking — and equally inexplicable — incident takes place in a London homeless shelter. What could turn three honest, upright citizens into cold-blooded killers? Once again, DCI Bob Foreman calls on Ellie McEwan for help. Can Ellie use her extraordinary psychic gift to uncover the truth? But will that make Ellie the killer’s next target? DISCOVER A TOTALLY ENTHRALLING CRIME THRILLER. This utterly gripping crime thriller is perfect for fans of L.J. Ross, J.D. Kirk, Elly Griffiths, Susan Hill, Kate Ellis or Ann Cleeves. READERS LOVE JOY ELLIS:  ‘A great read.’ Terri H.  ‘Simply the best.’ Booklover Bev  ‘Wow! Joy Ellis supreme storyteller at her best!’ Carol S.  ‘A strong mystery.’ Louise G.  ‘Suspense, intrigue, action, and great detective work!’ Debbie B.  ‘A nail-biting and exciting novel.’ Paromjit
 ‘Highly addictive and couldn’t wait to finish it’ Jane ELLIE MCEWAN MYSTERIES Book 1: AN AURA OF MYSTERY Book 2: THE COLOUR OF MYSTERY

JOY ELLIS

UK #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE JACKMAN & EVANS AND DI NIKKI GALENA SERIES; SHORTLISTED FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR FICTION: CRIME & THRILLER AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2021
OVER 3 MILLION BOOKS SOLD!
Joy grew up and lived in Kent, trained in floristry in Mayfair and ran her own highly successful floristry business in Weybridge for many years. In the mid-1990s, she followed her lifelong love of books, first as the manager of an independent bookshop in Leatherhead, Surrey, then as a writer. When she retired, Joy and her partner Jacqueline and their two spaniels settled in a village just outside Boston, captivated by the Lincolnshire Fens.
Joy’s happy home life is far removed from her storylines, however, and while she loves living in the misty Fens, the area provides a remote and eerie backdrop to her novels. Joy is also able to add the authenticity vital to any crime thriller by drawing on Jacqueline’s inside knowledge, to confirm procedures and the reality of tackling brutal crime and criminals in a modern police force.
BOOKS BY JOY ELLIS
DI NIKKI GALENA SERIES:
CRIME ON THE FENS
SHADOW OVER THE FENS
HUNTED ON THE FENS
KILLER ON THE FENS
STALKER ON THE FENS
CAPTIVE ON THE FENS
BURIED ON THE FENS
THIEVES ON THE FENS
FIRE ON THE FENS
DARKNESS ON THE FENS
HIDDEN ON THE FENS
SECRETS ON THE FENS
FEAR ON THE FENS
GRAVES ON THE FENS
DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 1-5 BOX SET
DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET
DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 4-6 BOX SET
DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 7-9 BOX SET
JACKMAN & EVANS SERIES:
THE MURDERER’S SON
THEIR LOST DAUGHTERS
THE FOURTH FRIEND
THE GUILTY ONES
THE STOLEN BOYS
THE PATIENT MAN
THEY DISAPPEARED
THE NIGHT THIEF
SOLACE HOUSE
THE RIVER’S EDGE
DETECTIVES JACKMAN & EVANS BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET
MATT BALLARD SERIES:
BEWARE THE PAST
FIVE BLOODY HEARTS
THE DYING LIGHT
MARSHLIGHT
TRICK OF THE NIGHT
STANDALONE NOVELS:
GUIDE STAR
SHORT STORIES:
JOFFE BOOKS MURDER MYSTERY & SUSPENSE SHORT STORY COLLECTION
FOLLOW JOY ON
AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
GOODREADS


Thursday 1 February 2024

Frank and Red by Matt Coyne


Frank and Red by Matt Coyne- General Fiction

A treasure of a read with more than a story- one of my books of the year. 10* if I could

 Franklin lost his wife a while back and has been living next to an empty house which suited him as it was quiet. The neighbours on the other side got him his shopping as he hasn't been further than the garden gate since. One day he hears a noise and finds a young boy bouncing on a trampoline, just what he didn't need, his peace is now shattered. Add to this, the other neighbours have gone away without telling him and his day is really made- not! Frank has been seeing his wife Marcie as a sort of a ghost. Occasionally she gets mad at him for his curmudgeonly ways and disappears for a few days. They have a son, who sadly blames Frank for not telling him that his mother was dying- something which was Marcie's choice and now they are estranged. Red, the young boy is curious about Frank and gets him talking and so sparks an unlikely friendship, one of mutual benefit, as both are lonely in different ways. The combination of experience and youth provides a wonderful platform for discussion and laughter and an adventure for Red who is just doing his very best.

Oh what a treasure of a book. I loved Frank, Sarah and Red each in their own individual very different ways. Frank has got himself into a rut, something Red also sees himself in and life has been difficult for Sarah but she is the person who does her very best to be positive, especially where Red is concerned. She nursed Frank's wife and so knows a little of his back story and is pulled between her work at the hospice and doing her best for Red. I smiled, I nearly cried, I wanted to read Frank's books. If you need a heart-warming story this could be the one- its one to restore faith in human nature. A brilliantly stunning debut novel I cant recommend highly enough.

For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog

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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...