You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here- A Psychiatrist’s Life by Benji Waterhouse

 

You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here- A Psychiatrist’s Life by Benji Waterhouse

This is a wonderful read for anyone interested in either medicine or the life of a Dr. Although aimed at anyone, a little knowledge of medicine or the NHS is useful for reading  this, if only to understand some of the gallows type humour (which is explained- it's a little like those at crime scenes - when faced with trauma day in and day out, humour often relieves the  stress). This tells of the life of a registrar in psychiatry, a doctor of the mind. As Benji explains, not an easy thing to do, as unlike broken limbs there  isn't always an obvious solution. There are umpteen stories about his patients and explanations as to the whys and wherefores of psychiatry which makes for a very interesting, entertaining read. Some are very sad stories but interspersed with humour. Sadly it's hard not to smile at some of the antics until the reader realises that these things do happen and people really do believe that the man living above them is trying to kill them through bugs in their electrical items for example, making this a difficult read in parts. I was once told “ never underestimate the power of the mind” and this book reinforced that. The blurb says “ Humane , hilarious and heart breaking” which covers this well. A very different read and an enlightening one. 

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Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley

 

Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley- women’s fiction/mystery

Gina has had enough. Her husband of forty years is off “finding himself” and wants a divorce and hence they are having to sell the house- not great when one of his ideas was to equity release a while ago. She sees an advert for being a companion to an elderly lady just for a week but may lead to a more permanent position, which interests her. When she meets Dorothy they get on well and she gets the job, however it appears Dorothy has another job for Gina, one that wasn't mentioned in the interview- to find out if the wedding host stole a picture from Dorothy’s husband that led to his death. Is Gina in over her head or can she play sleuth without being detected?

I really enjoyed this from the off and would love it to be a series. It's a light-hearted read with a smile and a cozy type crime/mystery with lots more thrown in. It’s about being true to yourself and that at any age your light can still burn very brightly if you let it and not letting things get in your way- be it age or relatives! A wonderful, charming read I most thoroughly enjoyed. Different, upbeat and entertaining. 

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Old Girls Behaving Badly A delightfully heartwarming and funny story that proves it's never too late to change the habits of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please. Something old, something new, something stolen…? Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to 'find himself' – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake. Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-three, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party. But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house. Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief? Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/oldgirlssocial

Author Bio – Kate Galley writes UpLit and Bookclub fiction full of heart and humour. The older generation are at the centre of her stories and are usually wrapped up in a mystery. She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser in the surrounding Chiltern villages. In her spare time she crochets blankets, knits jumpers and also disappears into her workshop to play with kiln formed glass. Kate is the author of The Second Chance Holiday Club – which has been optioned for TV – and The Golden Girls' Road Trip. Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083291782773 Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateGalley1 Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateGalleyNews Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-galley

Gone not forgotten by Mark Newman

 

Gone not forgotten by Mark Newman- crime

‘Where shadows hide secrets, one woman seeks redemption, another craves revenge.’ A gritty, raw edged tale of life on the streets and a woman doing the best to get away from a life she never chose. 

This tells of Gracie who is a young mother caught up in drug running. She gets away from one partner and finds a life she likes with Luke, however it's never that easy to get away and her past catches up with her, not helped by a corrupt undercover policeman, Carter. Gracie and Luke are determined to protect their children and themselves but when a gun is held to your head wanting information, it’s not that straightforward. Can they get away and even survive?

This is a read quite unlike anything I've read- in a good way. I had to get my head around the street language but once I did it gave that mettlesome feel that puts the reader right amongst the action with the characters. I liked Gracie, she came across as one determined, loyal and protective woman. Chapters alternate between the perpetrators, Gracie (to begin with in two timelines) and the police which is skilfully done, it's easy to follow. A very well written, gritty crime read that kept me engrossed right the way through. A very interesting read that widened my horizons.

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Becoming Ted by Matt Cain

 

Becoming Ted by Matt Cain- Literary Fiction

Oh wow! One of my books of the year. A read I loved from the start and didn’t want it to end.

Ted has just split up from his husband Giles, much to Ted’s surprise. He found pictures of Giles with another man on his phone in more than friendly positions. Ted has been with Giles for a long time and it was his first proper relationship. He works at his parents company and shop- Ainsworth’s ice cream, which he has never dared to tell them he doesn't love as much as them and he doesn't even like ice cream. Slowly Ted realises his life isn't what he thought it would be and splitting from Giles just might encourage him to follow his dream of becoming a drag queen. Egged on by his best friend Denise he tries out heels and more. On the way he discovers more about himself than he ever thought possible. Who is the real Ted and is his dream just that?

Oh be still my beating heart. I loved Ted so much I wanted to give him a hug. This is a read about far more than a story, it's about life and being true to yourself not living the life others may choose for you. About not feeling guilty and being grateful to others for things that should be taken for granted. Something some of us sadly don’t realise until much later in life. There’s nothing wrong with dreams and whilst not all of them may be completely achievable the fun on the journey can be immeasurable. Thank you Matt, you’ve reaffirmed a few things for me, things we all should know but often forget in the busy-ness of day to day life. More than a book, this is a life affirming read for everyone. Be who you are, One life live it. 

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Death in Bacton Wood by Ross Greenwood

 

Death in Bacton Wood by Ross Greenwood (DS Ashleigh Knight #3)

A man wakes up to find himself buried but thankfully manages to escape. His friend is then found missing. DS Ashleigh Knight and her team are left scratching their heads rather, and how did the father know about the man in hospital when he had no phone? The man is part of a powerful family something Hector knows all about but will his career now take a new direction? When there are more murders it is clear there is something big going on, but who is against these people and why? 

This is a terrific series. They do stand alone but why miss out on other brilliant reads (all 5* from me). They are all wonderful easy reads and very much kept me between the pages each and every time. There are numerous plot twists and turns and the characters come across well. I learned something (thank you Ross)- what Pathetic Fallacy is, as well as some Roman and Greek mythology. It's an exciting read with lots of intrigue about family feuds , organised crime gangs and long fingers. A brilliant, highly entertaining read I highly recommend. 

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Death in Bacton Wood A family’s secrets lie buried. The time has come to uncover the truth… When a mud-splattered man staggers from Bacton Wood with a terrifying tale about being buried alive, DS Ashley Knight and her team are called in to investigate. Soon, another victim is found, and more men are missing – all with connections to the well-known Vialli family. The Major Investigation Team find themselves attempting to untangle a case that stretches from Eastern Europe through to North Norfolk. Along with rookie detective, the whip-smart Hector Fade, Ashley is in a race against time trying to help a family who seem determined to take matters into their own hands. And when Ashley suspects there is a department rat, the stakes get even higher.

As the evidence continues to point in different directions, and as new victims are uncovered thick and fast, Ashley and Hector begin to fear they have finally met their match in a killer too ruthless and clever to be caught. Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/bactonwoodsocial

Author Bio –

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world. I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now. Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours. It's surprising for me to realise I've written ten books now. There are two strands, one where the books concern lives affected by prison, and then my detective series starring DI John Barton. The first Barton book, The Snow Killer hit the coveted number one spot on KOBO, with the second and third in the series not far behind. Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoodAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenwoodross Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossg555/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RossGreenwoodnews Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwood

The Life Sentence by Jackie Kabler

 

The Life Sentence by Jackie Kabler- Psychological thriller

Heather lives a quiet life working in a bookshop. She lives alone and enjoys her solitude. On visiting another bookstore for an author talk she picks up her bag at the end and realises it isn't hers, but there is a note in it inviting her to call a number to meet up with the person who has her things. When she finds they are talking about someone she used to know who is now in prison, she really isn't comfortable but one thing leads to another and her interest is piqued. Can she help to find the truth and get her friend out of prison?

Oh wow! I had only read a couple of chapters of this before I found myself engrossed and wanting to read more. There’s that air of uncertainty and tension between the pages which Jackie does brilliantly. I read The Vanishing Of Class 3B of Jackie's last year and was on tenterhooks the whole way through so when the opportunity to read this arose, I jumped at the chance, and wasn't disappointed. A read I wanted to race through. A brilliant premise so beautifully executed. A crime that didn't quite happen as portrayed, yet it put someone behind bars. A rollercoaster of tension, a clever plot. One I highly recommend.

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The Life Sentence My name is Amber Ryan. I’m in prison, but I’m innocent. And I’ve been jailed not just for a crime I didn’t commit, but for a crime that never even happened. Now, my friend is going to try to prove it. But to do that, she has to go back. Back to the dark. Purchase Links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Sentence-addictive-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B0C8F985C3 https://www.amazon.com/Life-Sentence-addictive-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B0C8F985C3

Author Bio – Jackie Kabler is a television presenter and award-winning crime writer. Her bestselling psychological thrillers have been translated into eight languages. They include Am I Guilty?, The Perfect Couple, The Happy Family, The Murder List and The Vanishing of Class 3B. A former TV news reporter, when not writing Jackie now works as a presenter for UK TV shopping channel QVC; she is also an ultramarathon runner and keen gardener, and lives in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with her husband. Social Media Links – Website www.jackiekabler.com Twitter @jackiekabler Instagram @officialjackiekabler

Maggie In The Middle by Debbie Viggiano

 

Maggie In The Middle by Debbie Viggiano- romantic comedy

Maggie really is in the middle of things. Her aged parents are struggling and won’t hear of any help- other than from Maggie as her sister Freya’s job “is more important than hers”. Her mother has dementia which her father is struggling to cope with but won’t admit it or accept outside help firmly saying he can manage. Her children, although adults, are not independent, and still need both her help and financial support. Maggie realises she needs a life of her own and decides to get a dog to help her de-stress. A chance meeting leads Maggie to dream of a new life in the midst of the chaos.

I love Debbie’s books. They bring a smile and I think many will relate to the chaos of one sort or another and the knock on effect of family generations. It’s a humorous look at life and realising that we each have to make our own lives, sometimes putting ourselves first. “ First don your own oxygen mask” before you can help others. There are lots of cheesy one-liners to bring a smile which are cleverly added into the story line. A read with a message and one with lots of smiles. A thoroughly enjoyable, uplifting read

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Maggie In The Middle WHEN LIFE FEELS LIKE… A TEST YOU DIDN’T STUDY FOR When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete. Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong. Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming. Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers. Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether. She wants her life – and husband – back. Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart. Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance! Purchase Links https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4 https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4 Author Bio – Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy... apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook! Social Media Links – TWITTER: @DebbieViggiano FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/debbie.viggiano.5/ INSTAGRAM: debbieviggiano

One Long weekend by Shari Low

 

One Long weekend by Shari Low- Women's fiction

This is written from a multiple point of view each chapter being headed by the relevant character. The intro explains a real incident in Shari’s life which went on to inspire part of the book and how it's woven in soon emerges.  Val has lost her most treasured rings on a journey, the first since she lost her husband. Alice works double shifts and hates her husband since he did something terrible a few years ago that cost them everything- most of all her relationship with their son. Rory, the son, has also found himself in a sticky situation estranged from his wife whom he was really hoping to get back together with. Sophie has been proposed to but feels it’s not quite the right time in her life just yet. This tells of their stories over the days of one long weekend.

It is truly a delight and honour to read Shari’s books, there is just something very special about them. A few pages in and I'm already invested in the plot and the characters. Shari is one of those authors I don't have to read the blurb/promo about, I know I'm going to enjoy it whatever it's about and so far (please don’t change your magic formula!) I have been on an emotional rollercoaster each and every time, but left with a warm hearted feeling to restore my faith in human nature. I loved Val and her friends and so felt for Alice and Rory. I think there’s something in this that will resonate with most people one way or another. A truly stunning read I more than thoroughly enjoyed.

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One Long Weekend

When all seems lost, hope remains...

Val Murray has mislaid her most precious mementoes of the people she’s loved and lost. Can her family, the wonders of technology and a little divine intervention somehow mend her shattered heart?

Sophie Smith had to take a rain check on a marriage proposal. Will her bid to turn back the clock lead her to her greatest love or yet another heartbreak?

Alice McLenn stood by her husband, Larry when a scandal cost them everything. When he hits the headlines again, Alice has an opportunity to leave – but can she find the strength to finally walk away?

Rory Brookes was forced to turn his back on his parents to save his career and marriage. Now, he’s lost his job and wife on the same day. Is it too late to make amends with the one person who never let him down?

Three days. Four broken hearts. Just one weekend to make them whole again.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/OneLongWeekendsocial

Author Bio –

In January 2021, Shari Low celebrated 20 years as a best selling novelist. In that time, she has published over 25 books, including A Life Without You, The Story Of Our Life, Temptation Street, My One Month Marriage, One Day In Summer and her non-fiction collection of parenthood memories, Because Mummy Said So.

In late 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001) was updated and re-released and became a best seller. In January 2021, the sequel, What Now? was released and joined What If? on the best-seller charts.

In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband and a labradoodle. Her two teenagers have now left home, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls checking if they're eating well and keeping up to date with their laundry.

For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com

Social Media Links – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharilow

The Stolen Girls by Jez Pinfold

 The Stolen Girls by Jez Pinfold- Crime

A woman staggers into the police station covered in blood and all but collapses into the arms of DCI Pope. What on earth has happened to her? She isn't injured but is clearly suffering mental trauma and there is enough blood to suggest something sinister has happened. When Pope finds out this is one of three girls who disappeared several years ago and the body of only one was found a short while after, her old demons of not solving the case begin to return. What on earth has happened and can Pope lay her old ghosts to rest?

This is my first book by this author and most certainly won’t be my last, I really enjoyed it. The second in the series but happily stands alone (I hadn’t read the first one- but now might change that) It's an easy read with enough to keep the grey matter ticking over but nothing too taxing. I liked Pope and her tenacity and steely determination. The personal life factors give a nice backdrop to give characters depth and the real life touch. A thoroughly enjoyable read I would highly recommend. 

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The Loner By Stewart Giles

 

The Loner By Stewart Giles - Crime

Lockdown is imminent and DS Jason Smith has his hands full. One of his daughters is pregnant and he’s not that keen on the father, but it's getting better, and even less so on his family. Meanwhile someone is making the most of the last few days of freedom- by killing people. St Rita’s prayer seems to be on his mind along with stigmata and a perpetrator with Horner's syndrome. Why the religious angle and why murder so many?

I love Stewarts books as I know I will quickly get into the story and have a wonderfully entertaining read. It's one you can settle down with and despite the subject matter feel comfortable and at home with. Smith is one of those characters I can't help but love. He says what most of us would be thinking and generally calls a spade a shovel if you get my drift whilst being determined to serve justice for the victims and their families- something he is coming to terms with himself. A thrilling roller coaster of a read I really didnt want to end. A huge 5*

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THE LONER (Detective Jason Smith #27) by Stewart Giles

From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith series.

Sometimes, it's the quiet ones you need to be careful of. Detective Jason Smith has always considered himself to be a bit of a loner. His colleagues would agree with him. But Smith has no idea that another solitary soul is about to give him the worst nightmares of his life. Another loner is killing people in York, and this one isn't about to stop until he's caught.He kills indiscriminately, and he's extremely good at it. It's going to take a loner to catch a loner, and Smith is the only man who can stop the worst serial killer York has ever seen.

What readers are

saying about THE LONER:

It's a bit gruesome in parts but completely gripping and unpredictable. I found the plot to be highly original and wonderfully thought out. Absolutely brilliant! - CAROL

I love Stewarts books as I know I will quickly get into the story and have a wonderfully entertaining read. It's one you can settle down with and despite the subject matter feel comfortable and at home with. A thrilling roller coaster of a read I really didnt want to end. A huge 5* - MISFITS FARM

Stewart Giles has a vivid imagination and the books he writes certainly keep me entertained. Highly recommended. – MAUREEN

Stewart Giles has done it again.  Another absolutely unique story which had me hooked from the first chapter. – 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

The Girls Next door by Anita Waller

 

The Girls Next Door by Anita Waller- psychological thriller

Four daughters were born in the same street within six months of each other. Now they are grown women, each with their own lives but very close to the “sisters” they grew up with. One has found out by accident that her husband, who had been sleeping in the spare room, was having an affair. When the girls get together they decide it's best not to confront him just yet but to put some plans in place. When there is a death and an end of life scenario, the girls' lives change in ways they never thought possible and their friendship supports each of them.

Wow! A book I raced through, it was such a compelling read. I liked the four women and their special friendship and that they supported each other, come what may. It's almost a family drama type read but with the clever hook early on the reader knows that there could just be that something else under the surface, very skilfully done. Anita is a master of plots and there's such an easy feel to this, albeit with the slow burn tension and that wanting to peek around the corner to see what's coming feeling which keeps the reader so effortlessly between the pages. I can't say how much I loved this (although I’ve tried!). It's brilliant, it's clever. It's another captivating, spellbinding read from the phenomenal talent that is Anita Waller. 

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The Girls Next Door 

They keep each other’s secrets. They hide each other’s lies. 

They were destined to be best friends. The four girls – all born that same hot summer. There was even a newspaper article after they were born. They said there must be something in the water on Larkspur Close. They predicted a safe and happy life for them all… 

More than thirty years later, it’s more than an unbreakable friendship – it’s more like a sisterhood. It’s the girls who Jess reaches out to because she’s worried about her grandparents who’ve raised her since her mother disappeared, who Erin tells about her new business idea, who Melissa calls to say she’s desperate to escape her toxic job. 

But then Chantelle messages saying she’s discovered her husband is having an affair. And everything changes. 

Because then her husband is found dead… And only a few people knew about his secret. 

Is it just a terrible accident? Or will someone stop at nothing to keep the girls of Larkspur Close safe and happy? 

Purchase Link -  https://mybook.to/girlsnextdoorsocial 

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 was published in August 2022. 

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitawaller2015 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitamayw 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AnitaWallerNews  

Bookbub profile: Anita Waller Books - BookBub