Nicki's book blog

  Silent Night By Anita Waller- crime Following the traditional Christmas eve midnight mass, the vicar is locking up when he hears what he thinks is a muffled scream and then footsteps. What on earth? He carefully goes around the churchyard and finds a young woman dead- a woman who was at the mass, but a stranger to the church and congregation. Who would do this and why? As ever Anita drew me in very quickly with a clever premise and an early twist- I’m not giving anything away. But wow! I liked the characters which come to life with Anita’s brilliant and endearing style of writing. I didn't know who the perpetrator was, although I had a suspicion but kept doubting it with the twists and turns of the plot. Was I right? No and it kept me second guessing- something I like- to me the skill of a brilliant author.  A cozy type mystery I more than thoroughly enjoyed and kept the grey matter activated in a very good way. An author I don’t have to read the blurb for- I know I’ll more ...

  The Surgeon by John Nicholl-psychological thriller A surgeon is in prison. He has killed before but not the murder he was put away for. DI Laura Keesey believes the evidence is stacked against him but can't let it go- partly fuelled by a journalist who is insisting on his innocence and partly on her gut instinct that something is very wrong about him. When the real killer is discovered, the surgeon is released- determined to seek revenge on those who put him away. One of his victims survived and she and Laura are on his target list. Can he get away with yet more undiscovered crimes? Once again, John takes hold of the reader early doors and doesn't let go- just how I like it. It is rather a dark read in parts and the descriptions are done very well to put the reader in the heart of the plot. I’ve always liked Laura and this didn't disappoint. She is a caring, well rounded DI seeking justice and one very determined tenacious lady. A read possibly not for the faint hearted b...

  The Christmas Market Murder by Peter Boland-cozy crime We are back with the ladies from the charity shop detective agency, the ones who work at “ Dogs Need Nice Homes” shop in Southbourne. In the run up to  Christmas a small market has been installed to attract more business as in the year there has been “ The Southbourne stalker” someone who has been following people, hitting them over the head and then robbing them, so people have been more wary of going out. When one of the market traders is found dead, it looks like suicide. However two parties want more information and the ladies are in a perfect position to do this. Was it murder and if so how was it done in a locked shed? I can't say how much I enjoy these books. My only gripe is that I finish them too quickly as they are so captivating. There’s a brilliant sense of humour running through them with some cracking one liners and names that make me laugh out loud. It's an uplifting read (despite being a murder investiga...

  The Approval of Sheep by Karen Storey- general fiction/humour/satire What a wonderful, very different read! One of my books of the year. One I’m going to bleat about (and perhaps use every sheep pun I can think of!)  Gordon is about to be made redundant when he has an idea. His company owns a hotel, however there is a covenant on it which allows a certain farmer to run sheep through it. Something that wasn't sold when the land to build the hotel was. Anyone who has come across old covenants may know they can be tricky to remove and Gordon wants to try, as doing so may give him the chance of a directors position in six months time. He heads to Wales to try and broker a deal with the farmer and gets far more than he bargained for. Oh what a fabulous premise- one ewe won't want to miss! I loved Gordon and his caring nature and how he took to life in Wales learning about sheep and becoming bucolic. There are twists and turns which almost make it a mystery with Gordon as the dete...

  The Old Gals' Bucket List by Karen King- women’s fiction A delightful read I raced through.  Patti and Sandra were friends many years ago. Sandra is now on her own following the loss of her husband and her son is rather protective. When he announces he is moving with work and she should move with them, her world is sent into a tailspin. She loves seeing her son and her grandchildren but doesn’t want to move from the home she loves and certainly not into a retirement complex- she is not 92! Patti comes to the rescue. She too is on her own and has just overcome a battle of a different type and is determined to live life to the full. Between them they decide to create and tick off a bucket list and record it all on Instagram. One life, live it! What a  joy of a read and a reminder to all of us that we have but one life. Grab opportunities whilst you can and never say never. Who knows what you can do if you say yes. A positive mindset is a healthy way to be. I loved the lad...

  Dead of Winter by Keri Beevis psychological thriller A read that once started I didn't want to stop (and read in a day). Lola wants to find out about her parents. She was adopted as a baby and has recently discovered she has a brother, but he is reluctant to converse. As she has a meeting near where he lives she makes contact aiming at a short meeting, if only to find out a little more about her birth parents. Enroute she by chance is on the same train as her ex, someone she still cares for. He offers to go with her but she says it is something she has to do alone. On arrival at Midwinter Manor her brother Daniel and his wife Rose appear to be hiding something. When the weather turns and Lola can't get back, she is forced to spend the night. Can she find out more with the rather sinister part of her family? Keri is a master at putting the reader into the heart of the action and leaving them there on a knife edge. I found myself reading faster as if I wanted to keep Lola safe...

  The Little Black book Killer by Fiona Walker- cozy crime (out 8th Oct) This is the third in the series but happily stands alone (I haven’t read the second one- yet). Juno has gone onto a dating app, one that is rather exclusive. She then finds that one of the investors in this app lives locally and is found dead after a party where many of the locals were attending including her friend and fellow Village detective Phoebe, who days ago also found another body- no such thing as coincidence? What is going on and why? This is a great series and a lightheated one- there’s a smile on most pages. I loved finding humorous comments such as “ Mrs potato head” (refers to someone for a reason). It's cleverly written and an easy read. Funny and charming, entertaining and page turning. A well crafted read with several twists I most thoroughly enjoyed. 

  The Crystal Slipper and the Three Keys by RW Mitchell- Childrens Shattered glass. Stolen crowns. A slipper with untold power. The fairy tales have lied. And now the truth is about to be revealed. When  Elina , one of Cinderella’s so-called “ugly” sisters, stumbles into a deadly secret, she is thrust into a quest that will change the fate of the  Seven Fairytale Kingdoms  forever. The first of the seven legendary  Crystal Objects —the Crystal Slippers—has appeared, and both Elina and the wicked  Fairy Godmother  will do anything to claim it. Joined by the roguish  Sinbad , the cunning  Wolf , and the ever-hungry  Francis the Pig , Elina must face treacherous enemies, bloodthirsty blind mice, and even Cinderella herself in a race for power that could shatter every kingdom. Can Elina survive the trials ahead, seize the  Crystal Slippers , and take the first step in the quest for the Crystals? The Crystal Slippers & the Three Keys...

  The Optician by Stewart Giles- Crime   DS Jason Smith has been getting migraines for a while and is persuaded to go see an optician. He doesn’t realise at the time how fortuitous this is as his next murder case involves eyes in a rather gruesome way. Beautiful young women are going missing and then 24 hours later are found dead with their eyes mutilated. What is going on and why? Stewart has done it again- I can't stop turning the pages to find out more each and every time. This story has lots of twists and turns and the usual Smith insights and gut feelings leading him to clues. A very well calculated, thought out plot, quite an intricate one- but easy to follow.  An amazing concept, brilliantly crafted. Stunning doesn't do this justice. Wow! --------------------------------- From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith. 'Open your eyes.' Two dead women. Both of them incredibly beautiful, and both...

  The Good Girl by Patricia Dixon - Psychological Thriller Julia Lassiter has it all, well almost. She is the head of a very successful company and has the trappings to prove it. A few years ago her husband sadly passed away and a couple of years afterwards she started seeing Shane. Things haven't been great between them and Julia wants out. Her sister, a lawyer in Canada, is helping her put things in order. Her daughter Molly has a secret, one that if brought to light would destroy the family. When things take a turn for the worse, the family secrets begin to come to light. Oh wow! This is such a beautifully written book as with all of Patricia’s work, one that gives you a false sense of security to begin with….. And then the drama ramps up.  “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive”  Sir Walter Scott’s words were echoing in my ears as I read this. Few can carry off deception well, and those that think they can are heading for a fall in more wa...

  Black Notice by Joy Ellis- Crime This is part of a series and would stand alone. However….. I’ve read all of them and wouldn't want to have missed a single one! DI Jackman and DS Evans don't have much on at the moment other than a money laundering case which can easily be done by others in the team. So when a woman Marie recognises comes into the station asking for help, they can assist especially as it relates to one of their old cases that Marie was highly unsure about at the time. The woman's husband has gone missing, a man newly freed from prison and she is in fear of his life as she says he was badly and cleverly set up to put him out of the way. When bodies are found in an old pill box, the cases step up several notches. What is going on and why? Joy has the skill of engaging the reader from the outset and keeping them there. It's a clever, well thought out plot (as with all of Joy’s books) and characters you can't help but like. There's a wonderful cam...

  Pastures New by Clare Balding- general/women’s fiction   Alex is visiting her parents for Christmas when she receives a letter that stuns her. When she shows it to her father he is taken ill. She has inherited a sheep farm in Wales, from a man she doesn't even recognise the name of. Up to now she lives a life free of responsibility- just how she likes it, but taking on the farm, which she can’t sell for at least five years under the terms of the will, changes things for her. This is such a beautiful read. Clare has the descriptions down so perfectly and it's evocative of her bucolic style - so much so I can almost “ hear” her reading to me. It's a wonderful story with great characters and of course animals as I would expect from the wonderful Clare. There’s a little drama, a little romance and a little mystery , all in all making an accomplished all round read I didn’t want to put down. Things that made me go awww (a certain sheep) and things that brought a tear to my eye...

  The House of Lies by Anita Waller Jess’s husband is terminal and is in his last few hours. For over twenty five years Jess has waited for an opportunity to tell Chris what she knows and now is that time. She has a journal of what has gone on including her revenge, but this needs telling in person. Chris was one of four men who met twice a week to play golf and hence were a close knit group. After Chris passes away, one of the other men is murdered. Is this about the group and can Jess keep her secret? OMG. Another one of Anita’s books that I couldn't put down. Grudges can be held for many years, and revenge is a dish best served cold as we all know. This takes this premise, very cleverly and spins it. It's gritty and brilliantly crafted and I didn't quite know what was likely to come next- just how I like it. A stunning, engrossing read that kept me captivated right until the end, superbly crafted. Brilliant doesn't do this justice.  For more reviews please follow me...

  Will you Stay Another Day? by Samantha Tonge- women’s fiction Lili and Em were best buddies, the sort who know each other inside out and pretty much have their own language. One year after Em has tragically died Lili texts Em’s old number…………and gets a reply in Em “speak”- something only they would know. Is someone playing a cruel joke or is Em…?? Lili dare not think about what she truly hopes is real. Who is sending the texts and why? Wow! What a brilliant premise. Most of us have sadly lost someone dear and would love to be able to get a message to them, and even better to get one back- how truly special that would be. (I’ve got more than one in mind!).  Samantha knows how to draw a reader in and keep them there with her brilliant style of writing. I laughed and yes, I cried. I loved the characters and how it made me think of things in my own life. A truly memorable stunning read.  For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog ------------...