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The Killer’s Girl by Helen Phifer (Morgan Brookes #2)

Synopsis: The little girl reached for her mother’s face with one pudgy hand. But the eyes stayed closed, and the blood continued to trickle across the floor.

When the body of a young woman is found, tied to her bed and the victim of a brutal attack in her own home, Detective Morgan Brookes is sickened by what she finds as she searches the house. And unprepared for the nightmares it inspires about her childhood.

When the DNA collected gives a positive ID, Morgan can’t wait to put the attacker behind bars. But the person it matches to is already in prison. How could the DNA of someone who has been locked up for over twenty years have shown up in Morgan’s crime scene? And then they make another close match. To Morgan herself.

Faced with the impossible proof that she is somehow connected to this case, Morgan delves deep into the crimes of a killer who stalked the Lake District two decades ago. But distracted by the old case, she misses the signs that he has found a new victim. And when he strikes close to home, Morgan finally realises that she has been living on borrowed time. To find this killer, it’s clear she must confront the nightmares in her past…

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: Having read the first book in the series and engaging with the characters I was keen to read the whole series and play catch up. Morgan Brookes is part of the team run by DS Ben Matthews and although at 23 she young and relatively inexperienced she has fit right into the team.

When the body of a young woman is found Morgan attends the scene and shockingly the DNA found at the scene links to a killer already but he is already behind bars and has been there for 20 years? It becomes clear very quickly that the DNA also links to Morgan somehow.

Once again this book is well written with short sharp chapters that keep you hooked. There are once again issues if you prefer your fiction to be by the book like it is in real life. For me it’s a minor issue and the story and characters mean more so for me I enjoyed catching up with the team and how the relationships developed among them. The only downside for me was that I saw where this was going early on but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book, so it’s straight onto book 3 for me!

One Left Alive by Helen Phifer (Morgan Brookes #1)

Synopsis: A gentle breeze blew her blonde hair across her face, her glazed eyes staring blankly into the sunset. Her small frame looked lost hanging from the large oak tree. On the branch next to her was a worn child’s rope swing. She looked too young and beautiful to be dead.

When the body of a woman is found hanging from a tree in her front garden, rookie Detective Morgan Brookes is first on the scene. But Olivia Potter is past saving. And when her husband and daughters cannot be traced, Morgan knows there is more to this tragedy. And then she finds them. Lying huddled together in the dark basement, each of their faces covered with a small cotton cloth, their bodies cold to the touch.

But as Morgan kneels beside the family, she realises that one of the girls is still breathing. As she holds Bronte’s fragile hand in hers, begging her to hold on, she vows to find out who has done this.

Every day Morgan wakes at 4.25 a.m., her old insomnia now mixed with a new fixation on the case. But every clue about the murdered family leads to a dead end. Until, trawling through old files, she discovers a link to a cold case from years ago. Another family was found murdered, their innocent faces covered with white cloths.

When Morgan returns to the scene of the crime to discover more about this forgotten case, she finds another body. With Bronte still unconscious in hospital, Morgan must act fast to solve this case before the killer returns for the girl left alive…

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: *currently shaking head into hands* You know that feeling when you read one book of a series you haven’t even looked at…and then as soon as you finish you realise that any other book doesn’t stand a chance until you are up to date…yeah that!

In book one of this series we meet Morgan Brookes a rookie copper who while out on patrol answers a call and finds the body of a woman hanging from a tree in her front garden. Made even worse when Morgan discovers the rest of the family locked in the basement, until she realises that one of the daughters is still alive. That alone is a great opener for a book and I was already dragged into the storyline. Morgan is quickly pulled into the team and now works for DS Ben Matthews alongside other members of the team such as Amy.

The storyline was interesting and I really loved all the characters making this a super easy read. I have to be honest and say there were a few times it seemed procedure went out the window for this piece of fiction in comparison to real life, but I guess that’s why I am a book lover (sometimes rules don’t play out as they do in real life). This first book in the series definitely made for an enjoyable and easy first read and in all honesty suspending belief aside I was totally ready for book 2. You can totally expect all of t

Voice of Rage by Kerry Barnes (Rage #2)

Synopsis: First there was the Voice of Reason, but now there is the Voice of Rage Harley Mason, you may love her, or hate her, but never underestimate her. As the Masons settle down to a more normal life following the death of three family members, a shocking discovery of a schoolgirl found dead in nearby woods starts the finger-pointing once again.
Lewis Sanders, the detective on the case, struggles to believe that a teenage girl is capable of such a horrific crime. Yet the discovery of a second body could put Harley Mason in the frame.
Is the evidence staring at him in the face or is there more to it?
Proving a link between the Gemini Gene and higher functioning psychopaths had been Dr Katherine Renee’s sole purpose until she had to discontinue the study. Now, she questions her own sanity.
So, desperate to convince the police that Harley is the killer, is Dr Renee harbouring a dark secret of her own?
Katherine remembered nothing of her childhood, until she was sent to the orphanage and eventually saved by a nun. But now the lost research file has been found, and the truth is out.

My Rating: 5/5

My Review: First off, for anybody that hasn’t read this author I would hugely recommend her. She is a massively under rated author who has some serious talent. It’s been a while since I last read one of Barnes books and picked up Voice of Reason, with this book as the follow on. In my opinion you need to read book one to get a full understanding of all the characters in play, although there is still introduction to those that choose to read this as a standalone.

Harley Mason is a high functioning teenager along with her twin brother Hudson. They are now living with their grandmother and trying to get on with their life as best they can. However, when a young girl is found murdered in the woods Harley seems to be the prime suspect. Featuring heavily along with Harley is the psychiatric doctor Katherine, who has worked with the twins in her study. We also get to see Agnes, Katherine’s housekeeper and long time live in and as such is treated like family by Katherine.

The way this latest story unfolds is certainly shocking in parts, very descriptive but absolutely captivating. This is definitely a departure from the usual type of stories Kerry Barnes writes but I absolutely loved it. This most definitely falls into the psychological thriller category but I would suggest starting with book 1 Voice of Reason and then go straight onto this one. A magnificent read which took me out of the norm and into the slightly disturbing world of the Mason twins.

Voice of Reason by Kerry Barnes (Rage #1)

Synopsis: When Dionne married a nightclub owner, Luke Mason, a whisper in her ear told her she would have it all – the money, the house, and the luxury lifestyle. But she never expected her life to turn upside down the day they became parents to twins.

After a Mason family member is murdered, a psychiatrist is asked to assist with the investigation.

Dr Renee, a research psychiatrist, has spent her life’s work studying the existence of the ‘Gemini Gene’ – a gene believed to exist in a few high-functioning psychopaths.

Little does she know that she is not alone in her quest. In the shadows lurks someone who also has a special interest in the gene. However, the trial that they are conducting is so much more sinister.

Will Dr Renee discover if the Gemini Gene really does exist, or will it be the voice of reason who has the answers?

MY RATING: 4/5

My Review: Okay, so it’s been a while since I have read a KB book that I figured I’d give this one on my to read list a go and boy am I glad I did. This latest book by this author I felt wa sa bit of a departure from other books of hers I have read but still a thoroughly enjoyable read as always. This story was centred around Dionne who got her ultimate wish which was to marry the nightclub owner Luke Mason

She expected the life full of money, the house, and a luxury lifestyle to follow. What she wasn’t prepared for was giving birth to a pair of borderline pyschotic twins! When one of the Mason family member is murdered, a psychiatrist brought in to help the investigation. Dr Renee, joins the story and the reader can see that she has spent her life’s work studying the existence of the ‘Gemini Gene’ – a gene believed to exist in a few high-functioning psychopaths.

What everybody doesn’t realise is that Dr Renee is not the only person interested in the Gemini Gene. The whole storyline is very interesting and the characters engaging. I read this book in just under two days and absolutely loved it. A definite must read…

The Brothers by Kimberley Chambers

Synopsis: MEET THE BOND BROTHERS.

You don’t want to be on the wrong side of this family…

Beau Bond hates fiercely and loves hard. He’ll do anything to protect his twin Brett, and his girlfriend Jolene. Brett is a survivor. He’s always followed his brother’s lead, even if it means he’s lived to regret it.

As Beau and Jolene get hitched, their feuding families must put their differences aside. But the brothers have a dark secret that could cause a war between both sides … and what better place to reveal all than at a wedding…

When their past sins resurface to threaten those closest to them, will the brothers still have each other’s backs?

STAR RATING: 4/5

MY REVIEW: The Family Man I have only just read however this actually was the last book KC released I believe three years ago. For me moving on to this book was a great thing but for others I imagine its been a long time coming. The Family Man I enjoyed but in some respects I didn’t care too much for the characters so I was interested to see how this latest book fared.

Brett and Beau Bond the twins in the family are the main focus this time around and we get to see more of Beau and his new wife Jolene. Once again the writing and storyline for me is still just as good and shows why KC can tella good yarn, however my feelings about the characters remained. In all honesty I enjoyed this second book slightly more than the last but still though the whole Bond Family are characters I just don’t care too much for.

The small niggle aside this book has all you could want and expect from a KC book and I think her fans will absolutely love it. A solid read by a great author, here’s hoping I like the next lot of characters more.

The Family Man by Kimberley Chambers

Synopsis: Meet the Bonds

Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow.

A family like no other

Kenny’s son Donny might lack his father’s edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett – well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won’t let anyone stand in their way.

But they’re about to meet their match

Family comes before everything else for Kenny, but there’s a feud brewing that could cause murder, and a new family on Dark Lane might bring the Bonds to their knees. Kenny’s determined that nothing, and no one, will threaten his family. But can the Bonds stick together when someone’s out to take them down?

The Bond family’s story is just beginning…

RATED: 3/5

My Review: I began reading Kimberley Chamber’s back in 2010 and was blown away. She became a firm favourite of mine and I consistently read and fell in love with all her books. However, it’s been a few years and I decided to make a start with The Family Man. First off her writing skill is still just as good and her chapters and storylines are full of all the wronguns you could possibly think of. However, for some reason I just didn’t like Kenny Boyd our lead character at all. He has NO redeeming features and frankly the more of the Bond Family I read about the less I liked them. Kenny the main man, his wife Sharon, his kids Donny and Sherry….literally all of them. I just didn’t like them at all and this kind of put a bit of a dampner on this book.

I don’t know whether this is because she has done something similar in style before with The Butlers, but I just didn’t gel with any of them. The story itself still pulled me in right enough but there were times I just got irritated. Another thing I noticed which was strange was that on a few chapters KC would end it by stating the obvious and it grated on me, Finishing a chapter by saying something like
What had he got himself into? or little did he know…

It may seem like I am being harsh with this review but in all honesty my standards are pretty high with KC as she has been producing cracking books for a lot of years now. This latest one to me just felt a bit off. I admit, even aside from the things I disliked I still read it in 2 days and went straight onto the next book to find out what happens next. Still a fabulous author and one I will continue to read, but for me this book just hit the mark.

The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson

Synopsis: Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

Sophie Mayhew looks like she has the perfect life. Wife of rising political star John F Mayhew, a man who is one step away from the top job in the government, her glamour matches his looks, power, breeding and money. But John has made some stupid mistakes along the way, some of which are threatening to emerge. Still, all this can still be swept under the carpet as long as Sophie ‘the trophy’ plays her part in front of the cameras.

But the words that come out of Sophie’s mouth one morning on the doorstep of their country house are not the words the spin doctors put in there. Bursting out of the restrictive mould she has been in since birth, Sophie flees to a place that was special to her as a child, a small village on the coast where she intends to be alone.

But once there, she finds she becomes part of a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing properly for the first time. Sophie knows she won’t be left in peace for long. Now she must decide: where does her real future lie?

STAR RATING: 5/5

My Review: The last MJ book I read I think I ended up either not finishing of feeling disappointed with which is highly unusual. However, when scrolling through my endless to read list I noticed this one and decided my last attempt must have been a one off, and I am thrilled that I was right.

Sophie Mayhew is our main lady and she is married to John who is a rising political star. It’s totally clear from the first few chapters that John Mayhew and the whole family (including Sophie’s) are just vile people that only care about John’s rise to fame. Sophie on the other hand is a woman that you can just adore, and it’s very clear that she is the backbone of what John has built. When sordid secrets hit the press of course the spin doctors working for John plan what they all need to say and Sophie is due to stand alongside her husband as his pillar of support. Sadly for all of them they had just no idea of what was going to happen, and it seemed neither did Sophie.

As she stood on the steps with all the cameras facing her she did the complete opposite of what was expected of her and subsequently flees from John and the rest of the family. She ends up in a small village near the sea close to the School she once loathed as a child. This story is pure warmth from your head to the very tip of your toes. Sophie is a wonderful character, as are the people she meets when she moves away and is in hiding. This whole story was an absolute joy to read and everything about it made me want to make sure I had no other hidden gems from this author lurking in my unread pile.

A Gift for Dying by M J Arlidge

Synopsis: Nothing surprises Adam Brandt anymore. As a forensic psychologist, he’s seen and heard everything.
That is, until he meets Kassie.
Because she claims to have a terrible gift – with one look into your eyes, she can see when and how you will die.
Adam doesn’t believe her.
But then a serial killer starts wreaking havoc across the city, and only Kassie seems to know where he’ll strike next.
Against all his intuition, Adam starts to think Kassie might be telling the truth.
He just doesn’t realise how dangerous this trust might be .

My Rating: 3/5

My Review: Mmmm this is a very strange one for me. I am definitely a fan of this author especially the Helen Grace series, however this stand alone has left me wondering where I sit with this standalone book. Our main character Adam Brandt is a forensic psychologist and he sees all sorts of patients and feels like nothing much surprises him anymore. That is until he meets Kassie the other lead character in this book. According to Kassie all she has to do is look into somebody’s eyes and she can see how and when they die. That in itself makes me a little bit detached from the storyline as it’s not really my cup of tea. However, you can’t knock it until you try it so I continued.

When a serial killer starts attacking and killing people it seems only Kassie knows where they will strike next. The actual writing and storyline was as good as other books MJA has written but there was something I just couldn’t get along with in this book. I don’t even think it’s the storyline itself, more so the characters. I just didn’t care than much about them and to be honest I didn’t really like any of them? This certainly isn’t a bad book and its written in such a way you need to find out what happens next…but…for me it just didn’t hit the spot so I am giving it a middle of the road rating.

Anything Could Happen by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis: A chance encounter in New York City. A great love story on the cusp of beginning. And then he was gone.

For Lara and her daughter Eliza, it has always been just the two of them. But when Eliza turns eighteen and wants to connect with her father, Lara is forced to admit a secret that she has been keeping from her daughter her whole life.

Eliza needs answers – and so does Lara. Their journey to the truth will take them on a road trip across England and eventually to New York, where it all began. Dreams might have been broken and opportunities missed, but there are still surprises in store…

Anything Could Happen is a warm, wise, funny and uplifting novel about love, second chances and the unexpected and extraordinary paths life can take us down.

MY RATING: 4/5

MY REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the begining to the very last page. Lara is a single mother and her grown up daughter Eliza is soon to turn 18. What she didn’t account for was Eliza questioning more details on her birth Father. As far as Eliza is aware Steve is her Father and he is largely absent from her life. When Eliza gets a bombshell dropped regarding her real father it sets off a chain reaction and both her and Lara have no clue how things will turn out.

Now don’t get me wrong I have read this kind of story over the years in a variety of ways and there was absolutely nothing wrong with this story, but it’s just wasn’t a book that I was blown away with. That small niggle aside Lucy Diamond has a real knack with storytelling and I was absolutely compelled to find out what happens with both Lara and Eliza. I wasn’t overly keen on Eliza as a character which is unusual (normally I am a fan of characters LD creates) but the story and writing totally made the book worthwhile.

Overall a very enjoyable and escapist kind of read, and it’s made me ensure all my unread Lucy Diamond books get pushed further up the ‘to-read’ pile.

The Girl in The Dark by Zoe Sharp (Blake & Byron)

Synopsis: The woman falls. Her body begins to shake. Her brown eyes turn upwards, showing a mix of panic and desperate hope. She takes a deep breath and says one ‘Blake.’ Then her eyes close, her face pales, and she goes still forever…

The victim: Shannon, a woman who went out of her way to help the lost and hopeless, left abandoned to die by the side of the road. Where was she in those last few days before her death, and why was she so frightened?

The avenger: Blake Claremont, who knows only too well how it feels to be alone on the streets of a big city. Blake survived, thanks to Shannon. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend, and why.

Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing… never to be seen again. Now, with the help of Detective John Byron, Blake must take up Shannon’s investigation. She knows these streets and the predators who walk in the darkness. She will follow in Shannon’s footsteps until she finds her target: the ruthless men and women who steal people’s lives and will do anything to protect their secrets.

And then, they will pay.

MY RATING: 4/5

MY REVIEW: I recently read the first new book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so was pleased to be able to pick up where we left off and see what happened next! The two characters couldn’t be more different and that’s what makes them very enjoyable to read about. Blake Claremont is a young woman who in book one reappeared at her family home following a long period of being away. She is a feisty character that really does have her own mind and trust literally about two people! This latest book sees her living on the streets, which at first I didn’t understand but it soon all became clear.

Blake is determined to find out what happened to Shannon who was one of the few people that made sure Blake was okay. Now Shannon is dead and Blake feels an intense sense of loyalty to find out what is going on and why. On the other end of the spectrum Detective John Byron is now working in a specific role looking into potential police corruption.

This latest book delves into a world where the homeless are being victimised in a terrible way but with Blake not giving an inch, god help them all! Both Blake and John are brilliant characters and I especially love Blakes friend Lex Vaganov! Between Lex and John’s old boss Shamshi Daud they make an awesome team. This whole book and storyline I thoroughly enjoyed and I cannot wait to see where the series goes.