Nicki's book blog

  One More to Die by Joy Ellis- Crime DI Kate Carter is called out when a man’s body is found in a car that has come off the road, however he has been stabbed. When another body turns up also with an old record under the clothing. Kate knows the two murders are connected. Kate meanwhile has her own issues, it appears she has a stalker- she is receiving spooky messages and gifts which are a bit too close to home. Who is doing this and why? Oh wow! Reading one of Joy’s books is rather like opening a box of favourite chocolates. There’s your favourite (an excellent plot) and new tempting flavours surrounding it (wonderful characters) all made by a superb chocolatier (Joy of course!) and you can’t wait to dive in to see what awaits! I'm in awe of the talent of this author- every book is gripping and enticing and I could happily read all day and more. A stunning piece of writing that had me enthralled. Brilliant doesn't cover it. For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twit...

  Living the Good Life by Celia Anderson- Women’s fiction Many of us know the feeling when moving house into a new area- its traumatic to say the very least. Nell, her husband Barney and his father have moved to Willowbrook. Nell soon gets swept up in the local shop by the Rev Bev for a new project and Barney, trying to get out of doing his disastrous attempts at DIY finds a cafe where his skills may be put to better use. The saga louts are around causing mayhem as usual but as ever with good hearts. Are Nell and Barney going their separate ways or can they sort things out once and for all? I really enjoyed this. It's a life affirming read with messages for all of us. Taking the most of every opportunity and when life throws lemons- make lemonade as you never know what's around the corner- it could be something wonderful if you let it. I liked Nell and her positive attitude to life and especially the Rev Bev who I’d love to know in real life! A tonic for the soul that left me w...

  My Family Lies by NJ Moss-psychological thriller This is the story of Dominic, his mother and his wife each chapter told from their perspectives. Dominic has a secret and when driving to his mother Victoria’s to finally have it out with her, his car crashes leaving him in a coma. Victoria is a controlling parent- even to a grown child- and wants to protect the family secret. Eloise, Dominic’s wife, has her own turmoil but tentatively helps Victoria however it appears no-one is safe. There is a woman being held captive by another woman- both of whom know Dom. What the connection is we don’t yet know. Will the secrets finally be aired? OMG! If you want a read that throws you around, spins a little and then a tower of terror ride just for good measure- this could well be the one! It’s clever and calculated and has that special Nathan touch, the slightly dark edge to give that anticipation of what might be to come. A read where I found I didn’t trust any of the characters, as just ar...

  Murder Most Wilde by Helen Golden- Cozy Mystery Perry is treading the boards in an Oscar Wilde play when one of the actors collapses on stage- fatally. The police ask Lady Bea and Perry to help as they are rather short staffed due to another incident. Perry is enjoying being a spy amongst his fellow actors and between them draws up a list of suspects who could have the means and opportunity to load the fake cigarettes. Who has done this and why? I've loved this series- each one has a great plot (this one is twisted and clever)however for me it's the characters that really make this work. Perry, Lady Bea and of course Daisy  are like old friends and bring a smile as I'm writing this. The books would probably stand alone other than the relationships within, so why miss out on other brilliant reads (all 5* from me)? A wonderful ending to a brilliant series. I'll miss Bea and co, but have a feeling they might be mentioned in the new forthcoming series. Loved it.  For mor...

 

  The Colour of Fury by Andrew Barrett (DS Regan Carter bk 4) - Crime Regan is still reeling from the blast but determined to finally get to the head of the OCG one way or another. One of her team is still in hospital as is one of the OCG and when someone close goes missing the stakes are even higher, especially when Regan isn’t meant to be working. But its amazing what you can find in a few days “off”. OMG! After a few pages remembering what had gone on in the last book (this is part of a series and for me needs to be read as such)- I was then on a rollercoaster. Regan is rather a maverick and does things Regan’s way. Andy is king of the one liners and they are some cracking ones in this brilliant read. My old friend Eddie Collins CSI makes an appearance or two and there is a new character- a new partner for Regan. But no-one can replace Gypsy which makes for big shoes to fill and trust to be earnt. Written in Andy’s unique and brilliant style this is such an entertaining and gri...