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Life or Death by Michael Robotham

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Synopsis: Why would a man escape from prison the day before he’s due to be released?

Audie Palmer has spent a decade in prison for an armed robbery in which four people died, including two of the gang. Seven million dollars has never been recovered and everybody believes that Audie knows where the money is.

For ten years he has been beaten, stabbed, throttled and threatened almost daily by prison guards, inmates and criminal gangs, who all want to answer this same question, but suddenly Audie vanishes, the day before he’s due to be released.

Everybody wants to find Audie, but he’s not running. Instead he’s trying to save a life . . . and not just his own.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Wow. First off I have to admit were it not for a Guest Reviewer I would never have known about Michael Robotham. Having never read any of his work I was looking forward to reading another new author. The synopsis sounded fantastic and to be honest the only criticism I have is that the cover does not do the book justice. If I walked past this in a bookshop I wouldn’t even pick it up. Aside from that there is little to grumble about.

Audie Palmer is a quiet and unassuming bloke; the only difference is that he decides to break out of prison one day before he was due to be released. There are additional characters that play just as much a part in this book including Audie’s prison friend Moss and Special Agent Desiree Furness. All three of them are fabulous characters to read and they really make you connect with the story all the more.

There are so many questions surrounding Audie, and why he ended up inside. The story is told by peeling back layers very slowly, all the while giving the readers snippets of information from secondary threads of the story. I read 50% of the book in one go and found myself using every available opportunity to continue reading after that. Towards the ¾ mark I thought I had it worked out, and then promptly realised I was all wrong!

This book truly had me gripped from the very beginning to the very end and I was sad that I had finished it. I would highly recommend this book and have already lined up the next Robotham. He has also written a series of books featuring Joe O’Loughlin, and the 8th in this series was released in July 2015. I know what’s next on the ‘to-read’ list! Fantastic!

Black List by Will Jordan

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Synopsis: With no money, no prospects and a long list of computer crimes against his name, Alex Yates’s life is going nowhere until he is given a lucrative but dangerous offer – £100,000 to hack into the Central Intelligence Agency’s network and recover a file known only as the Black List. At first reluctant to get involved, the disappearance of an old friend leaves Alex with no choice but to return to a world he’d sworn to leave behind. But before he can unlock the secrets contained within the file, he suddenly finds himself the target of a nationwide manhunt. Someone wants him out of the picture fast.

Now plunged into a deadly race against time to recover the Black List, and hunted by police, intelligence operatives and a ruthless covert unit dispatched to take him down, Alex is left with no choice but to accept help from the violent and unpredictable woman who hired him. For in the Black List may lie his salvation, or his death…

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: I have never read any Will Jordan but have to admit the synopsis sounded interesting. I got stuck into this and quickly found it’s one of those books you don’t really want to put down. It’s a bit like one of those films, where you are worried to put the kettle on in case you miss the best bit! The only criticism I have after reading the book and looking at the other books is that the book says on Amazon that it’s a ‘Ryan Drake’ book. It seems that Will Jordan has written 3 books in the Ryan Drake series and allegedly this is the forth. I have to disagree and say that is a total ploy. Ryan Drake does not feature in the book AT ALL, and is mentioned in the final chapter only. This is a major ‘no-no’ in my book, as if I was following a series and read this book I would feel a little cheated. Okay that negative out the way on to the book itself.

Alex Yates is the lead character and he is so ordinary it’s ridiculous. He works in a dead end job and doesn’t have a lot to show for himself. However, as you read on it soon becomes clear that Alex has paid a high price for his skill…’hacking’. After a year in prison, he is made an offer of £100k to hack into the CIA’s systems to retrieve the ‘Black List’. This all happens within the first few chapters and I have to say it certainly draws you in. This has a high octane feel to it and as soon as you realise Alex has no choice but to take the offer things get even more frenetic.

What follows is Alex being helped by Anya, the woman who hired him. Anya is an interesting character, but it’s clear from the outset that she is a ruthless and violent soldier. The story picks up pace until the very last page and to be honest, although the ending may have been what I expected, the journey there was very exciting to read. There is loads of action and things take place that are far from Alex normal and mundane life. Don’t get me wrong, this borders on the far side of the believable, but frankly I don’t care. Simon Kernick writes in a similar way and I always enjoy those books.

What I will say is although it may be a tad unbelievable and a little predictable it’s a solid and fast paced thriller which will keep you highly entertained from start to finish. I would certainly read more by this author and may well look into the Ryan Drake books now. This would make a great holiday read and I would definitely recommend it!

No Place To Hide by Susan Lewis

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Synopsis: Why has Justine Cantrell suddenly changed her name, abandoned the husband and family she loves and a successful business to start a new life in a place many thousands of miles away?

There isn’t a man involved, but there is a terrible secret that she must hide from her new friends and neighbours as securely as she needs to hide herself from those she’s left behind.

What is Justine’s Secret?

Kat’s Rating; 3/5

Kat’s Review: I was really torn with this book and the synopsis says it all. There is absolutely no way you can really describe too much of the plot as the mystery surrounding Justine Cantrell is the whole point of the book. However, having now finished I’m unsure how I feel about it, and it seemed most sensible to sit on the fence!

Justine Cantrell has moved thousands of miles from her home in the UK to her birthplace USA. She has abandoned her husband and family as well as a successful business taking her youngest daughter with her to start afresh. Susan Lewis does a wonderful job describing Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana which is where Justine is now living. I could just imagine the town, the people and the house she lives in. Her daughter Lula was a joy to read, a typical boisterous and fun loving young child who is clearly the apple of Justine’s eye.

It’s very unclear why Justine has moved away but her fear of being found is palpable. There is an underlying tension in the book and the more I read the more I wanted to know the why of her story. The negatives I had was the main crux of the story (which I cannot go into). It was a little too off the wall for me and just didn’t sit right. Having said that, the storyline was written with empathy and compassion so I don’t think SL did a bad job telling the story in the way she did.

As well as the main thread being revealed far too late in the book for my liking, the story just left a bitter taste in my mouth and to be honest although I enjoyed reading it, I still feel undecided by it. It’s certainly a far cry from Susan Lewis normal type of books, and maybe isn’t for everyone.

The Secret By The Lake by Louise Douglas

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Synopsis: A FAMILY TRAGEDY

Amy’s always felt like something’s been missing in her life. When a tragedy forces the family she works for as a nanny to retreat to a small lakeside cottage, she realises she cannot leave them now.

A SISTER’S SECRET

But Amy finds something unsettling about the cottage by the lake. This is where the children’s mother spent her childhood – and the place where her sister disappeared mysteriously at just seventeen.

A WEB OF LIES

Soon Amy becomes tangled in the missing sister’s story as dark truths begin rising to the surface. But can Amy unlock the secrets of the past before they repeat themselves?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “The Secret By The Lake by Louise Douglas”

Close Your Eyes by Michael Robotham

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Synopsis: I close my eyes and feel my heart begin racing

Someone is coming

They’re going to find me

A mother and her teenage daughter are found murdered in a remote farmhouse, one defiled by multiple stab wounds and the other left lying like Sleeping Beauty waiting for her Prince. Reluctantly, clinical psychologist Joe O’Loughlin is drawn into the investigation when a former student, calling himself ‘the Mindhunter’, jeopardises the police inquiry by leaking details to the media and stirring up public anger.

With no shortage of suspects and tempers beginning to fray, Joe discover links between these murders and a series of brutal attacks where his victims have been choked unconscious and had the letter ‘A’ carved into their foreheads.

As the case becomes ever more complex, nothing is quite what it seems and soon Joe’s fate, and that of those closest to him, become intertwined with a merciless, unpredictable killer . . .

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I am becoming quite the ‘Robotham’ fan I must say. The last book I read of his was also my first (Life and Death) but I loved it so much I really wanted to make a start on this one. Close Your Eyes was released earlier this year and the synopsis sounded great. What I didn’t realise was that I was hitting a series of books featuring Joe O’Loughlin at this release which was number 8. Thankfully, you can get away with reading this as a standalone, but I was devastated to realise I had missed the previous 7.

Joe is a Clinical Psychologist, who suffers from Parkinsons. He is reluctantly brought into a police investigation because of a former student of his, that is intent on using Joe’s name to get him involved with the latest case. We also meet his ex-wife Julianne and children Charlie and Emma. What seems like a straightforward double murder, throws up more suspects than you could imagine and that adds to the general intrigue of the story.

The other element of the story I liked was his old friend, ex-policeman, Vincent. Both of them are re-working the case and there are multiple threads that are picked up and then worked on even more as the suspect list grows, as does the reasoning behind them. The murder victims Elizabeth and Harper Crowe open up a literal can of worms as their lives are broken down to enable Joe to get to the bottom of who would want them both dead.

This book was a real ‘whodunnit’ and had the added element of a cracking lead character and absolutely brilliant additional characters. Although I haven’t read the rest in the series, this made me want to immediately catch up with the back catalogue. The ending was also a shock and one that left me feeling that I really needed to read the next one to see what happens next for Joe. I am amazed I have left it this long to read a Michael Robotham, but I will ensure that all future releases are top of the list!

Hope To Die by James Patterson (Alex Cross #22)

Synopsis: Detective Alex Cross has lost everything and everyone he’s ever cared about.

His enemy, Thierry Mulch, is holding his family. Driven by feelings of hatred and revenge, Mulch is threatening to kill them all, and break Cross for ever.

But Alex Cross is fighting back.

In a race against time, he must defeat Mulch, and find his wife and children – no matter what it takes.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: It’s been nearly 10 months since I last read a Patterson Book, and 22 months since I last read an Alex Cross novel. Lately I have been a bit despondent with them although to be fair the last Alex Cross novel I read was a pretty good read. With that in mind I decided to fall back into Alex life, which with a Patterson novel is usually pretty effortless. Thankfully James Patterson demonstrates just how easy he finds it as I was plunged straight back into Alex Cross world and the one thing guaranteed to break the man, the loss of his family.

This latest release is book 22 in this series, which in itself is something of an achievement. Alex Cross has become a legendary fictional character and some of his early books from this series are still in my opinion some of the best I have ever read. However the series, along with many other JP books appear to be on shaky ground with fans across the world. I can include myself in that group as sometimes there is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing’. Thankfully the last book ‘Cross My Heart’ was a vast improvement even though I wasn’t impressed with the ending. When you reached the end it makes it impossible for you to not buy this latest release as there are no conclusions until now. That kind of irritates but enough whining, on with the review of this latest.

With Alex Cross now in a perilous situation, we see him at possibly his most vulnerable. His arch enemy and frankly ruthless killer Thierry Mulch has taken those dearest to Cross, his family and Alex has now become the victim. This makes for an astonishing and very fraught opening with the book and one that has you reading incredibly quickly. Alex becomes a character that we not only know and love, but one that we now see stripped bare.

The book is based on the cat and mouse game between Alex and Thierry and has all the elements for a perfect Patterson/Cross novel. Short, sharp and punchy chapters interspersed with danger and threats from every corner. I have to be honest and say I was pretty gripped with the storyline from start to finish. I felt like this was Patterson going back to his roots and shows all of this authors talents at it’s finest. There were a few minor gripes (hence the 4 and not 5 stars) but overall I felt like James Patterson was finally back to his true style of writing. I found myself eager to get book 23 ‘Cross Justice’ but at nearly a tenner, I think I’ll wait!

Lost Girls by Angie Marsons (Kim Stone #3)

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Synopsis: The couple that offers the highest amount will see their daughter again. The losing couple will not. Make no mistake. One child will die. When nine-year-old best friends Charlie and Amy disappear, two families are plunged into a living nightmare. A text message confirms the unthinkable; that the girls are the victims of a terrifying kidnapping.

And when a second text message pits the two families against each other for the life of their children, the clock starts ticking for D.I. Kim Stone and the squad. Seemingly outwitted at every turn, as they uncover a trail of bodies, Stone realises that these ruthless killers might be the most deadly she has ever faced. And that their chances of bringing the girls home alive, are getting smaller by the hour…

Untangling a dark web of secrets from the families’ past might hold the key to solving this case. But can Kim stay alive long enough to do so? Or will someone’s child pay the ultimate price?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Lost Girls by Angie Marsons (Kim Stone #3)”

One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggott

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Synopsis: The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish … to start over.

With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there’s more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish – to find her real dad.

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked.

Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever?

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they realise life isn’t just about filling the minutes … it’s about making every moment count.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Oh my…..I think that because it’s the lead up to Christmas I am going crazy with the Christmas themed books and this one is no exception. I apologise to those die hard Crime, Thriller & Mystery fans, but a girl needs a break from all that! Very recently I have had the absolute pleasure of reading many Bookouture authors and it seems they have a theme going on…it’s called signing awesome authors! Having fallen in love most recently with the likes of Holly Martin and Jenny Hale as well as longer standing authors like Sue Watson it seems I can add another Bookouture author to that must read list with Mandy Baggot.

The Christmas themed cover is one of many being released in the run up to Christmas, but I must say I really like these covers and although they are ‘christmassy’ they are also pretty eye catching. The main character is this book is Hayley Walker along with her daughter Angel. Now don’t get me wrong I really liked Hayley but her daughter Angel totally stole the show. She was a funny and endearing child who has a never ending supply of information that you never knew. When Hayley and Angel visit Hayley’s brother in New York, neither of them have any idea of how their Christmas will turn out.

Hayley’s brother Dean works for the big global company and his boss Oliver Drummond has something of a reputation. Oliver was instantly likeable but as his personal story unfolds some of his behaviour starts to make more sense. Nearly all of the characters in this book have been constructed so well you feel like you know them, and the fact that certain situations are far from believable in the sense of the normal everyday life…I didn’t care. Not one bit! There were many funny moments in this book as we see Hayley trying to secure some part time work (albeit illegally), as well as find Angel’s father who isn’t even aware of Angel’s existence. Although Hayley and Angel are the main stars, Oliver and his friend Tony also made for brilliant reading. A New York Billionaire and his best friend Tony as they make their way from club to bar, picking up as many women as they can.

The story has a very magical feel to it and certainly puts you in the mood for Christmas. This was a totally and utterly enchanting and magical read that will steal a little bit of your heart. This was my first Mandy Baggot but most certainly won’t be my last. An addictive and feel good romance that is food for the Book Geek’s soul!

Written In The Scars by Mel Sherratt (Estate #4)

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Synopsis: Scars. Sometimes they’re visible. Sometimes they’re hidden deep within. After years of living as a single parent, all Donna Adams longs for is someone to make her smile, to share hopes and dreams with, to keep her warm at night. But when that certain someone gives her the attention she craves, true love doesn’t always follow the right path.

Home from the army, Lewis is a changed man. Angry and consumed by grief, troubled by nightmares and flashbacks, his mind is worse now than ever. Shutting out what he’s seen isn’t easy, but he risks losing everything he’s come back to if he doesn’t, including his sanity.

Megan Cooper hides her scars for fear of being rejected. Mary Marshall can’t always remember how she got hers. If the past could be erased to make a better future, we’d all want that, wouldn’t we? But life is never that easy for the residents of The Mitchell Estate…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “Written In The Scars by Mel Sherratt (Estate #4)”

Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher

Synopsis: Sarah is doing just fine. Sure she’s been single for the last five years, and has to spend an uncomfortable amount of time around her ex-boyfriend, his perfect new girlfriend and all their mutual friends. And yes, her job as a PA to one of the most disgusting men in London is mind-numbingly tedious and her career is a constant disappointment to her mother. But it’s really okay. She’s happy (ish).

So it’s not surprising that when Sarah starts dreaming about a handsome stranger, she begins to look forward to falling asleep every night. Reality isn’t nearly as exciting. That is until her dream-stranger makes an unexpected real-life appearance, leaving Sarah questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Because no one ever really finds the person of their dreams… do they?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I’ve had this review copy on my Kindle for a while and finally got round to reading it, and boy am I glad I did. This looks to be Giovanna’s third book and I can tell you for sure I will be certainly getting the other 2 to read before too long. The synopsis sounds bog standard for this genre (sorry to sound mean, but you know what I mean) so I wasn’t expecting this deliciously funny book to captivate me as much as it did!

Sarah is trundling along okay, but that’s it…just okay. Her ex-boyfriend Dan is still part of her group of friends along with his new girlfriend she named ‘Perfect’ Lexie. She has a mediocre job working as a PA and a bog standard neurotic mother. What instantly hit me about this book is the charming reality of it. As a (clears throat) late thirty something woman this pressed all the right buttons on the humour scale for me. Sarah is nothing if not funny. In the early part of the book we get taken along for the ride when she dreams of a night. That in itself is funny to read about, because as we all know dreams are a jumbled mess of ridiculous circumstances!

The story unfolds nicely as Sarah is forced into a situation where she realises she wants a promotion and the hoops she needs to go through make for some fantastic scenes. Sarah’s dreams involve an acquaintance from her University days and when he shows up in real life it makes her behaviour even funnier. It’s really difficult to go into too much detail because the unfolding of the story is part of the beauty of this book. What’s even better is that it’s so normal and familiar feeling. A group of friends whose weekly meet up for the pub quiz becomes something so intense you would think they were playing for millions.

Finally, the absolute best part of this book for me was some of the dialogue and conversations between Sarah and her friend Carly. Don’t get me wrong there were some sad and poignant moments in this book, but for me the humour absolutely smashed all that out of the park. There is one particular scene I read THREE times, where Sarah is getting ready for a Works do. It had me laughing harder with each time I read it. I thoroughly loved this book and though it was a near on perfect read! Bravo Giovanna, I look forward to the next one! This is definitely a ‘One To Watch’ author.