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THE NEW WIFE BY SUE WATSON

SW THE NEW WIFE Synopsis:

You can never truly know what goes on behind closed doors…

My darling son, Sam, is marrying his childhood sweetheart and I couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s grown into. Walking out on his abusive father all those years ago was the best thing I ever did. And today he stands, tall and handsome, saying ‘I do’ to my dream daughter-in-law. If I hadn’t pushed them together all those years ago, he might never have found a girl as perfect as Lauren. It’s true what they say, mother always knows best.

But weeks later, Lauren is dead and police cars fill the driveway of their idyllic countryside home. As they question Sam, I sense he’s hiding something. Why won’t he look me in the eye? And who does he rush off to meet as soon as the police are gone?

Desperate, I do what every good mother would do: I let myself into Sam and Lauren’s bedroom. What I see, I will never be able to forget. My son’s beautiful new wife was hiding a dangerous secret. Can I clear my son’s name? And could my life be in danger now too?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: Sam Moore and Lauren Jackson are a newly married couple. The two of them met at school and have been joined at the hip since. Sam’s Mum Georgie feels like part of the family too as Lauren’s mum and Dad Helen and Tim treat her like family. You get a feel for how close and involved all the characters are very early on in the book. When Sam and Lauren buy a house in the remote moors of Dartmouth both Georgie and Helen start to wonder if everything is as rosy as it seems. In a matter of weeks following the wedding Georgie receives the phone call that changes everything. Lauren is dead in what looks like an accident.

This started slowly but built on the tension and drama as events unfold following the death of Lauren. Of course like most would expect Sam is the number one suspect. The reader gets to see the whole family fall apart from start to finish. This was definitely a gripping read and I thoroughly enjoyed it although for some reason I once again didn’t like the main character Georgie. I don’t know what it is but for some reason the characters that Sue creates in this genre I struggle to like? Thankfully that has no impact on the book and I was kept guessing right until the end

I Found You by Lisa Jewell

Synopsis: Everyone has secrets. What if you can’t remember yours?

‘How long have you been sitting out here?’

‘I got here yesterday.’

‘Where did you come from?’

‘I have no idea.’

Lily has only been married for three weeks. When her new husband fails to come home from work one night, she is left stranded in a new country where she knows no one.

Alice finds a man on the beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, no idea what he is doing there. Against her better judgement, she invites him into her home.

But who is he, and how can she trust a man who has lost his memory?

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: I find with Lisa Jewell books I either love them or I feel indifferent, there never seems to be an in-between…until now! Alice is our first introduction and she sees a man sitting on a beach. What starts as a mere conversation to check on his wellbeing turns into a mission to help this man who has lost his memory! I liked Alice but found the whole storyline a little incredulous and that sort of put the mockers on it for me.

Aside from not liking the idea behind the story, the writing itself and the characters I had no problem with. As time passes Alice and her new found friend ‘Frank’ start to try and uncover his past and this seems to happen in stages. In another are entirely waits Lily a newly married woman whose husband failed to come home.

Now it didn’t take a genius to figure out which element of the story fitted in where however the reasoning behind it was not something I was prepared for. I would say this book is a little out of the ordinary and certainly not a bad book, just one that I didn’t entirely gel with.

Dead Mercy by Noelle Holten (Maggie Jamieson 5)

Synopsis: A brutal murder…When a burned body is found with its teeth missing, DC Maggie Jamieson discovers that the victim may be the husband of one of her probation colleagues.

A dark history…As the body count rises, the team becomes increasingly baffled by how the victims could possibly be connected until a clue leads them to a historical case that was never prosecuted.

A terrible secret…In order to catch the killer, Maggie must piece together what happened all those years ago before it’s too late.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I absolutely loved this latest instalment of this series! DC Maggie Jamieson is back along with her colleagues Nathan, Kate and Kat and this time around the case starts with a man being found among the ashes following an office fire. That office belonged to the husband of a character we have seen before, probation officer Sarah Hardy. It’s clear pretty quickly that this is not a straightforward arson that went wrong but more a sadistic killer.

The subject matter is a little sensitive but is skilfully dealt with and incorporated into the storyline extremely well. The killer was probably the most intriguing part of this story for me and gives it an edge in my opinion. As more bodies turn up the tension cranks up another notch and that continues throughout the book. I have a nagging feeling about Maggie’s brother and am wondering where that element of the story will go. It was nice to see family member’s still included in the series and it’s always great to know the personal side of the characters. I also cannot wait to see where the author takes the storyline with the journalist Julie Noble!

This most recent installment certainly kept me turning the pages and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

The Friend by Dorothy Koomson

Synopsis: What secrets would you kill to keep?

After her husband’s big promotion, Cece Solarin arrives in Brighton with their three children, ready to start afresh. But their new neighbourhood has a deadly secret.

Three weeks earlier, Yvonne, a very popular parent, was almost murdered in the grounds of the local school – the same school where Cece has unwittingly enrolled her children.

Already anxious about making friends when the parents seem so cliquey, Cece is now also worried about her children’s safety. By chance she meets Maxie, Anaya and Hazel, three very different school mothers who make her feel welcome and reassure her about her new life.

That is until Cece discovers the police believe one of her new friends tried to kill Yvonne. Reluctant to spy on her friends but determined to discover the truth, Cece must uncover the potential murderer before they strike again . . .

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: It’s been a while since I have read a Dorothy Koomson and I am now very glad I decided to pick this one up. The main storyline focuses in the beginning on Cece who has oved to Brighton with her three children following her husbands job opportunity. Cece is so easy to engage with as our main character and she is desperately trying to find her feet and meet new people in the area. She meets some of the school Mums namely Maxie, Anaya and Hazel but she soon realises there is something going on. All she knows is that it involves their other friend Yvonne.

What starts out as Cece just trying to meet new people seems to start a chain reaction that has consequences for everybody involved. I don’t want to say too much more about the storyline for fear of spoiling it for other people. What I will say is that this absolutely gripped me. As the chapters went by there seemed to be only more questions raised and the intensity seemed to rise with each chapter I read.

By the time I finished this I was truly sorry I had read so quickly. This was an all encompassing read that was absolutely brilliant and I would highly recommend

No Way Back by J B Turner (Jack McNeal 1)

Synopsis: When the people he loves most are in danger, Jack McNeal will get revenge…or die trying.

NYPD detective Jack McNeal is used to asking the tough questions. But a late-night visit from the Secret Service lands Jack on the other side of the table—as a suspect in the disappearance of his estranged wife, Caroline, a prominent reporter on the White House beat. When her body is found floating in the Potomac, Jack is overcome by disbelief and despair.

Her death seems eerily similar to the suspicious fatality of a young socialite years before. Is the similarity of the two tragic incidents simply a coincidence, or could it be a sign of a murderous orchestrated plot to protect those in the highest echelons of the American government?

To avenge Caroline’s death, Jack embarks on a journey into the darkest recesses of power. Suspects abound—from haunted Special Forces soldiers to ex-CIA to the president’s own body man. Along the way, Jack will be forced to decide: Is there a line he won’t cross to expose the killer?

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: I am a huge fan of this author and especially the Jon Reznick series. I was excited to see he had a new series out featuring Jack McNeal. I admit I started this book and a chapter or two in I put it down again as I just couldn’t get into it. I went back a few weeks and a few books later and thankfully that changed. I soon got into the world of Jack McNeal and was pleasantly surprised. This is certainly not as great as the Reznick series but I always find that getting into a new series sometimes takes a while to do.

The story centers around NYPD Detective Jack McNeal, and the main aim of his job is investigating corrupt and dirty cops. Late one night he gets a visit from the Secret Service who are there to ask questions about his estranged but missing wife. The story is well paced and there is certainly a lot going on. When Jack decides to investigate what has happened to his wife it soon becomes apparent that he will have to break lots of rules to get the answers he needs.

I can see why many reviewers are not that impressed as if you take the character and story at face value its been done a million times before with a straight shooting guy going off the rails. However, I think the writing is just as good as ever from this author and this makes for a great starting point for a series. No this wasn’t as good as the Reznick books but it’s definitely a well written and engaging story like all of Turners books are and I am looking forward to the next one in this series to see where he takes the character.

Crazy House by James Patterson

Synopsis: Becca Greenfield, 17, disappeared one morning on her way to school.

Everyone from her town, including her twin sister, is desperately searching for Becca.

They won’t find her.

Becca is being held prisoner in the crazy house.

She’s on death row, but is completely innocent.

No one has ever gotten out of the crazy house alive.

But there’s always a first time.

Kat’s Rating: 2/5

Kat’s Review: I will be honest and say that when it comes to books such as the Alex Cross and Bennett series I consider myself a Patterson fan. However, I HAVE had a few books which I have really not liked by him. Sadly this is one of them! I am aware this is a YA book and is different from the usual Patterson style of writing. However, once again it calls into question just how much input he had and whether this was more a book written by Gabrielle Charbonnet and just maybe contributed to by Patterson.

The story itself is okay, but even that as a description is maybe stretching it a little. Having said that it takes skill to even write a book, let alone make it amazing! I don’t want to re-hash the storyline to pad out a review because the general synopsis can be found in many places. What I will say is I didn’t particularly like the characters, and this mirrored the Hunger Games too much for my liking. Some of the dialogue was cringe-worthy and I just found myself completely un-interested in what would happen. I completed the book out of sheer will rather than anything else and although there is a follow up book I don’t care too much about it that I want to read any more. Not recommended by me I am afraid!

The Promise by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis: When faced with the sudden death of his brother, Dan’s mission is clear. He puts together a project to help pick up the pieces and support his grieving sister-in-law Zoe, plus her young children. This is Dan’s promise – to ensure his family’s happiness, and to try and live up to the man his brother was.

But tying up loose ends brings a shocking secret to light, and calls into question everything Dan knew about his older brother. With more than just his promise on the line, Dan is faced with an ultimatum: Should he tell the truth and risk his family’s fragile happiness, or will his brother’s secrets end up becoming his own?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: When Patrick Sheppard dies suddenly his brother is plunged into a place where he is lost and isn’t quite sure what to do. It’s clear from the outset that Dan feels a little responsible for his brother dying and although as the reader we don’t know what happened on that fateful evening, it’s clear that Dan needs to try and help in any way he can. It’s them that he decides to try and be there and support Dan’s wife Zoe and the three kids, his niece Bea and nephews Ethan and Gabe. He has absolutely no clue what Patrick’s life was like and even less idea about helping run a family home.

Dan is a very endearing character and you can’t help but feel for him as he tries and then fails miserably to get everything right. All of the characters that are in this story are easy to read about and likeable. As the story progresses the reader gets to see that everything was not as it seemed and we take the journey alongside Dan as he uncovers secrets that he knew nothing about. A lovely read that kept me intrigued about everybody in the story and a book I would definitely recommend.

Until I Find You by Anna Smith (Billie Carson 1)

Synopsis: WHEN YOU’VE LOST EVERYTHING, YOU’LL STOP AT NOTHING

Billie Carlson left the police force under a cloud. Once a promising young officer she now works as a private investigator, rooting out insurance scams and spying on cheating spouses.

One morning a distraught young woman comes into her office saying that her baby has been stolen. Her story seems unbelievable, yet something about her makes Billie want to help – Billie knows what it’s like to lose someone too.

To get to the bottom of the case Billie must rattle some dangerous cages and rely on old police friends for inside help. Soon she discovers a network of crime deeper and far more twisted than she ever could have imagined. But is she in way over her head?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I was devastated when Anna Smith’s series featuring Rosie Gilmour finished, that was until she released her Kerry Casey books, and now I am thrilled to add another amazing character and series to my list of ‘must read’ books. This new series features Billie Carlson. Billie used to be a copper until her boy disappeared and her life changed. Now she is a private investigator and when a woman comes into her office saying her baby has been stolen it’s a story that’s too close to home to let go.

There is plenty of action in this book from the outset pretty much through until the end. There is plenty to the plot including drugs, people trafficking and murder to name a few. The only downside to a new series is that it takes me a while to catch onto the additional characters that will feature as the series progresses. I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in close to two sittings. I am even more thrilled to realise that the next installment is due out in under a year. Another belter of a book from Anna Smith and an author that I would highly recommend you try!

Something to Tell You by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis: When Frankie stumbles upon an unopened letter from her late mother, she’s delighted to have one last message from her . . . until she reads the contents and discovers the truth about her birth. Brimming with questions, she travels to York to seek further answers from the Mortimer family, but her appearance sends shockwaves through them all.

Meanwhile, Robyn Mortimer has problems of her own. Her husband has become distant, and she begins to wonder exactly what he’s keeping hidden. Dare she find out more?

As for Bunny, she fell head over heels in love when she first arrived in town, but now it seems her past is catching up with her. She can’t help wondering if her relationship will survive when everyone discovers who she really is – and what she did.

As secrets tumble out and loyalties are tested, the Mortimers have to face up to some difficult decisions. With love, betrayal and dramatic revelations in the mix, this is one summer they’ll never forget.

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: I would definitely say I am a fan of Lucy Diamond and as much as this book was very enjoyable and passed the time it certainly wasn’t one of my favourites from this author. We meet Frankie who has found a letter from her late mother and it’s a gift and a curse all in one. The letter explains about her father along with his name and all of this comes as such a surprise her impromptu trip ends up not going quite as she expected it to.

Frankie takes a chance and travels to York and ends up stumbling into the middle of a party to celebrate the wedding anniversary of Harry and Jeanie Mortimer. Of course this becomes an instant bombshell among the Mortimer family and as such the dominoes start to fall. I actually liked reading about the various Mortimer family members however there are a lot of threads to the story which normally doesn’t bother me too much but for some reason it seemed a little too much with this story.

It was certainly an enjoyable read and an author that I will continue to read, however this one just wasn’t one of my favourites

I’ll Never Tell by Casey Kelleher

Synopsis: When we were young, Sarah and I did a terrible thing – but it was only me who paid the price. Now, just when I thought no one from my old life would ever find me, a note is slid under my door: I haven’t forgotten. I haven’t forgiven. FOUND YOU.

My best friend Sarah and I used to spend all our time in a place we called the Doll House. It was just an old, abandoned cottage in the woods behind our house but it was heaven to us. Until one of our games went wrong. And someone ended up dead.

It was an accident, or at least Sarah told me it was. But when I tried to tell the police that I wasn’t involved, they didn’t believe me. When the Doll House Girls were splashed across the newspapers, it was my face they showed under the headlines. I’m the one who stood trial.

Now, twenty years on, I’ve made a new life with a new identity. I have a wonderful husband, Carl, and Jacob, our adorable son. Despite everything in my past, I’m happy.

Then the first note arrives. FOUND YOU. Soon other threats start coming, and the person behind them is clear they’d be willing to hurt my family – to hurt Jacob – to get to me. I know who they are. And I know what they’re capable of. The other doll… The girl who got away with murder.

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

Kat’s Review: I am a huge fan of Casey Kelleher books and was looking forward to the latest one however I have to be totally honest and say this wasn’t one of my favourites by this author. It is absolutely NOT a bad book it’s just a slight departure from her normal type of storyline. The story is based around Alessia who is married to Carl and has a young son Jacob. Alessia is extremely happy with her life until a brick through the window with a note saying ‘I Found You’ kicks off the start of some awful things happening. Alessia is convinced its her old school friend Sarah. It is hard to be very specific about the book without inevitable spoiling it for people so I will say little about the actual storyline. However, what I will say is that the narrative is split between now and then which although it works, just didn’t have the same flow as previous books have had. I think this book is definitely a great psychological thriller and it’s certainly well written however for me I just didn’t gel with the story or characters like I normally do with this authors books .