2017 – Best Crime Books and More

Save Me by Mandasue Heller

Synopsis: When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever.

That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life, because as far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger Ellie convinces Gareth that there is always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on.

However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Read more…

Kat’s Review: I was excited to read the new Mandasue book but have to be honest and say I was surprised at the type of book this turned out to be. It seems like a bit of a departure from the gritty gangland style books she normally produces and leans more towards a psychological thriller.

Ellie Fisher is introduced to us on her commute to work. She has no idea that her day will change when she attempts to help a young guy named Gareth who is attempting to take his own life. In the meantime she is dealing with her own problems with her husband Matt and her Mother and Sister. The thing that struck me most about this book was that I didn’t actually like any of the characters which is unusual. Ellie seems to be downtrodden and has almost zero backbone. Although I felt sorry for her it seems like she just doesn’t have the strength to be anything other than a doormat. On the other side of the fence we have her seemingly controlling and frankly abysmal husband Matt who I just wanted to smack for most of the book.

That strange sensation aside, what I realised was that in a strange was I was thoroughly enjoying this departure in style. It’s certainly different to her previous stuff but although I disliked the characters I felt the need to keep reading. Although this doesn’t have the edge of your seat type tension running through it there is a dark element which seems to be present almost from the beginning. I read this in one sitting and although initially I was thinking it wasn’t as good as previous stuff, I ended up really enjoying it. I also didn’t quite see the ending and found myself being pleasantly surprised. Overall, different but I think good different.

The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis: Because love is always worth the risk . . .

It’s New Year’s Eve, and Gemma and Spencer Bailey are throwing a house party. There’s music, dancing, champagne and all their best friends under one roof. It’s going to be a night to remember.

Also at the party is Caitlin, who has returned to the village to pack up her much-missed mum’s house and to figure out what to do with her life; and Saffron, a PR executive who’s keeping a secret which no amount of spin can change. The three women bond over Gemma’s dodgy cocktails and fortune cookies, and vow to make this year their best one yet.

But as the months unfold, Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin find themselves tested to their limits by shocking new developments. Family, love, work, home – all the things they’ve taken for granted are thrown into disarray. Under pressure, they are each forced to rethink their lives and start over. But dare they take a chance on something new?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Read more…

Kat’s Review: Apologies for those that don’t want a lengthy or waffle like review but, well sometimes needs must. Many people know me for my Book Blogging and other know me as a friend etc. What connection some people don’t make is that I also run my own business. A business that was born from a seedling of an idea that came from a book by none other than the lovely Sue, or as others know her Lucy Diamond. For that reason even 5 years on, with my business growing at an alarming rate, but stresses of life getting me down a bit, I did what I have done in the past and turned to a book written by the wonderful lady herself.

I picked this one up as I still have a few of hers left that I haven’t read and figured there was nothing better to lift me out of the gloom that a book written by Sue. Thankfully my wishes were granted as I raced through this book in one day, over two sittings and that feeling of gloom has lifted a little. The book was an absolute corker and brought me out of the feeling sorry for myself phase. Thee women have a chance meeting at a New Years Eve Party and from that point on they all become intertwined in each others lives.

I particularly liked Gemma Bailey. The married Mum of two who seems to have a wondrfully settled life with a great husband and wonderful home, until an event changes her life in an instant. Then there is Caitlin who is trying to work through her grief after losing her Mum. She returns to Larkmead to try and sort out her Mum’s house but whilst there she not only befriends Gemma and Saffron, but she discovers some things about herself which will alter her life. Saffron, the thrid and final of the trio is a PR exec just on a visit from London trying to clear her head.

These three characters were a pure joy to read about. Nothing about their journey’s was easy, but they were done with the support of family and friends. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and I was genuinely anoyed to have finished. Luckily for me I have another couple of LD books to keep me going. Some may say this book is predictable, but for me this is the perfect balance. A sheer joy to read and another reason for me to thank my lucky stars that Sue managed to inspire enough confidence in me to give my own business a go.

I’m Still Standing by Colleen Coleman

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Synopsis: When Evelyn Dooley married her high-school sweetheart, James, she thought she was set for life. Now she’s twenty-eight, single, and fleeing to Dublin from her hometown to avoid the gossip surrounding their break-up. And all because of a test-your-relationship board game.

This was not in her five-year plan.

Then a chance encounter with gorgeous musician Danny leads to an unlikely friendship, and soon the pair are running music nights together in one of the oldest pubs in Dublin. For the first time Evelyn is following her dreams rather than someone else’s – and sparks are beginning to fly between her and Danny…

But when her savings run out and home beckons, Evelyn has to choose. The safe, comfortable life she left behind, or a new adventure with Danny? Will Evelyn flee back to the familiarity of her ex, or reach for the stars and take a leap into the unknown?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “I’m Still Standing by Colleen Coleman”

I’m Still Standing by Colleen Coleman

This was not in her five-year plan.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Read more…

Kat’s Review: This author was recommended to me by the lovely Shell Baker and as she knows my taste I decided to buy it and give it a go and I’m so pleased I did. Evelyn Dooley is the star of this show and we start by seeing her and her husband James attending marriage counselling and it becomes pretty clear pretty quickly that it just isn’t working. What follows is Evelyn taking the ‘Bull by the horns’ and taking a huge chance and relocating to Dublin to live with her sister.

I liked Evelyn and you cannot help but want her to do well as it seems she is literally starting from scratch all over again. So she takes the plunge and tries to get herself a job as a teacher as that is all she has done since she left school. However, she quickly realises that School Teachers aren’t needed at that time and she becomes aware that she must get a job…any job!

Luckily for her she stumbles across a guy named Danny and a local pub and that is where the story really begins to take place. I also liked Danny, but I also liked Tara (Evelyn’s sister) and Ruby, the young granddaughter of Evelyn’s Landlady.The characters were definitely what made this story for me, so much so that I read it in just one day over 2 sittings. Having said that I did have one small gripe and that was that for some reason I felt that some parts of the story had the descriptive element missed out. To give you an example, Evelyn and Danny are talking in Danny’s room, but there had been no mention of his house, his room, where he lived prior to that…nada. Now I know that sounds like an odd criticism but there were a few occasions throughout the book where I felt there was a chapter or two missing (if that makes sense). That small critique aside it was a thoroughly enjoyable book and certainly an author I will be reading in the future.

The Apostle by J A Kerley (Carson Ryder #12)

Synopsis: The Reverend Honus Schrum, a nationally renowned minister and owner of a broadcasting empire, tells the media he has come home to Key West to die. Meanwhile, Detective Carson Ryder is investigating the ritualistic murders of young women with chequered pasts, discovering the killings have religious overtones.

Simultaneously, a newly retired Harry Nautilus takes a job as a driver/bodyguard for Richard Owsley, an ambitious pastor in Mobile. They come to Florida, where Owsley meets with Schrum and is enlisted to complete a special and mysterious ‘project’ Schrum has promised a billionaire benefactor.

As Carson digs deeper into the murders, Harry, interest piqued by all the hush-hush goings-on of his new employer, begins to covertly investigate the strange project. Their independent investigations begin to converge, and Carson and Harry uncover a horrifying connection between the cases.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Read more…

Kat’s Review: I really do like this series by Jack Kerley and was pleased to have caught up so I can go straight onto the newest release and Book number 13 entitled The Death File. In this latest release Carson is faced with a murder investigation that features some weird religious overtones. The absolute BEST part about this book is that we see the return of Harry Nautilus. Harry was Carson’s old partner but has now retired and has taken a job working as a driver to TV pastor Richard Owsley and his family.

Carson’s help this book comes in the form of Holly Belafonte, a young female originally from Bermuda. I really liked her and think she made a great team member along with Carson. I also love the fact that we see the return of Carson’s brother Jeremy. I have to be honest and say that as much as I really enjoyed this latest book the religious stuff really irritated after a while, but that’s just a personal thing I think.

What Carson and Harry soon realise is that there is a definite overlap with their jobs and before you know it they are both back side by side trying to layer back the secrets that form part of this weird circle of religious personalities. I really liked the daughter of pastor Richard Owsley, Rebecca. She and Harry made a prety good partnership! Overall a good read but frankly that was more down to the characters. I’m now really looking forward to the next book!

One Christmas Kiss In Notting Hill by Mandy Baggot

Synopsis: Imagine the perfect Christmas Kiss…

His strong arms around her waist, her hands on his face, the snow slowly starts to fall…

It’s enough to make Isla Winters cringe! While her sister can’t get enough of this – increasingly common – sight on the streets of London, Isla’s too busy trying to stop Hannah’s wheelchair from slipping on the ice, and making sure she’s not too late to her dream job at Breekers International.

But everything changes with the arrival of Chase Bryan, fresh from the New York office. He’s eager to learn everything about Isla’s beloved Notting Hill, but as the nights get colder, will cosying up to him come at a price?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Read more…

Kat’s Review: I do love a good Mandy Baggot book and this one was no exception. A beautiful christmas themed cover and something to make me feel like the world is not as depressing as it really is sometimes!

Isla Winters is our leading lady along with her sister Hannah. Isla works for Breekers and when she is told she is the new CEO’s ‘go to girl’ on his visit to London she is not amused. She has a Christmas Party to finalise and the last thing she wants or needs is to become somebody’s ‘go to girl’. What she didn’t bank on was ChaseBryan being such a hottie! Although Isla and Chase are the main focus of the stroy the other characters in this latest Mandy Baggot book were just as important to me. Isla’s sister Hannah as well as Chae’s children Brooke and Maddie as well as Raj the postman. This was a whole host of characters all very different and all very likeable for various reasons.

Hannah at only 20 is in a wheelchair but the way this element of the storyline was written was so refreshing. Done with a dusting of humour and along with the loveable cockney Raj they made for a pairr I loved reading about. Isla struggles as the plans for the new Breekers projest could threaten her own life and she finds herself stuck bang in the middle of her worst nightmare. However, she does what she can until there comes a point when she needs to rely oon others and it ends up with some very funny results.

Once again Mandy Baggot has produced a wonderful Christmas themed book which was packed to the brim with wonderful characters, a great storyline and a sprinkling of humour. I read this in just two sittings and absolutely loved it. It seems ever time I pick up a Mandy Baggot book I am never dissapointed and this latest one is certainly just as amazing as some of her others. A wonderful read that would definitely make the perfect stocking filler!

The Memory Killer by J A Kerley (Carson Ryder #11)

Synospsis: Detective Carson Ryder faces a cunning and inventive adversary in this terrifying thriller from the bestselling author of Her Last Scream.

Young men in Miami are being abducted and tortured after their drinks are spiked with a cocktail of drugs that leaves them unable to recall their ordeal. Despite this, Detective Carson Ryder knows the predator’s name, height, age, colouring … everything. It’s impossible for the perpetrator to avoid detection. Yet he does.

When Carson seeks answers from his brother, a wanted criminal intimate with twisted minds, Jeremy’s odd behaviour sparks even more questions. With each abduction, the violence becomes more horrific, and it’s only a short time until torture turns to murder.

But how do you catch an invisible man?

Kat’s Review: 4/5

Kat’s Review: The reason for stepping back from so many Blog Tours were books like these! I am a big Carson Ryder fan and I discovered it had been 3 years since I read one in this series and I was now 3 books behind so I got back in the saddle with book 11, determined to be caught up this year! Carson has moved areas and is now based in Miami Keys and works alongside Ziggy his colleague. I remembered quickly how much I liked Ziggy and how well he and Ryder go together, although he is certainly not as good as Harry (Carson’s old partner).

This latest installment sees young gay men in Miami being adbucted and tortured and it’s far from pretty. Jack Kerly has an incrediibly descriptive manner and this book’s descriptions of these men had my skin literally crawling. The story had me guessing at who the killer was which I alwasy love and I was so thrilled to see a little more of Carson’s personal life taking a turn for the better. It was fabulous to get back into this series and I realised that I had left it far too long. The other element of this story which has always made it that little bit more special is the addition of Carson’s brother Jeremy and yes, he is back (Thank GOD!).

I absolutely loved getting back in touch with Carson and Ziggy and the rest of the characters in this series. This is a great series of books and I just know that reading this one has put me back on track and I will soon be back to read book 12 in the series named The Apostle.

Broken Bones by Angie Marsons (Kim Stone #7)

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Synopsis: The murder of a young prostitute and a baby found abandoned on the same winter night signals the start of a disturbing investigation for Detective Kim Stone – one which brings her face to face with someone from her own horrific childhood.

As three more sex workers in the Black Country are murdered in quick succession, each death more violent than the last, Kim and her team realise that the initial killing was no one-off frenzied attack, but a twisted serial killer preying on the vulnerable.
At the same time, the search begins for the desperate woman who left her newborn baby at the station – but what at first looks like a tragic abandonment soon takes an even more sinister turn. Continue reading “Broken Bones by Angie Marsons (Kim Stone #7)”

Shadows by Paul Finch (Lucy Clayburn #2)

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Synopsis: As a female cop walking the mean streets of Manchester, life can be tough for PC Lucy Clayburn. But when one of the North West’s toughest gangsters is your father, things can be particularly difficult.

When Lucy’s patch is gripped by a spate of murder-robberies, the police are quick to action. Yet when it transpires that the targets are Manchester’s criminal underworld, attitudes change.

Lucy is soon faced with one of the toughest cases of her life – and one which will prove once and for all whether blood really is thicker than water…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I was looking forward to the second installment in this series as I loved the first book. This second book was I thought very different to the first. For a start the beginning was a little…sludgy? Is that even a word? I absolutely loved Lucy but couldn’t help but feel like she was stuck in a rut? When a spate of Robberies start occurring Lucy of course has to get involved and it seems like there could be crossover with other cases. A few characters in this book I didn’t warm to and by the end of the book I discovered why. However I still felt like the beginning was like she was wading in deep mud.

Skip forward to maybe the halfway point and it turns into a full on action packed 5 star read. It was literally like reading about a different woman. With Manchester’s Underworld leading figures now being targeted it felt like the book ratcheted up the ante and it was every man for themselves. Lucy finds herself in literally more and more hot water as the book continues which just makes it all the more engaging and the second half of the book I read in one sitting, it was absolutely first class.

As for the ‘Daddy Issue’ let’s not spoil for others but suffice to say this is a cracking element to the series made all the more interesting with this book. I was almost smiling ‘gleefully’ at the events that transpired for Lucy on this front. I think for me there was only one element missing and that’s a senior figure that is there for Lucy. normally in books like this there is a chain of command but it seems Lucy is almost on her own for most of the time and think that doesn’t sit quite right with me. I am a HUGE fan of this series and would highly recommend reading both this and the earlier books in order, another cracker by Finch!

Some Kind of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher

Synopsis: When the love of your life says you’re not The One, who are you?

Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they’re about to get engaged.

Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.

Lizzy is heartbroken – but through the tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she’s been missing while playing Ian’s ideal ‘better half’.

But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?

Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before – and, in the meantime, have a little fun . . .

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Well I have to say this is a bit of a departure from the normal Giovanna Fletcher writing style but one that I absolutely loved. Lizzy has been with Ian since Uni and she has their whole lives planned out, even if it is only in her imagination. When they go on a trip to Dubai Lizzy is convinced that this is ‘it’. Instead she finds herself at the polar opposite of where she thought she would be and flies home a single woman. This throws her and she returns to her Mum’s house to lick her wounds and find out who she really is.

The reason I say this is a departure is that it doesn’t follow suit with some of her other fabulous books where everything is wrapped up neatly by the end. This isn’t about Lizzy finding the man of her dreams which will fix everything, it’s about her journey from being part of a couple to suddenly re-discovering what she likes to do and the things she wants from life.

All of the additional characters were brilliant in this book especially her friendship with her friend Connie. Then there is her very funny sister Michelle, her Mum and husband, her Dad and a whole fleet of other people who pass through. This truly was a fantastic read if only because I think it will resonate with so many people. It’s been written with humour and love throughout without the condescending tone that some books manage to spill out. It was a sheer joy to read and I loved every page of it. Although I absolutely loved her other type of books such as Billy & Me this really was a brilliant book. The icing on the cake was the ending where it’s not all wrapped up and the options for Lizzy are limitless, bravo Giovanna!