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What Remains by Tim Weaver (David Raker #6)

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Synopsis: Missing persons investigator David Raker specializes in finding the lost. Whether dead or alive, he brings home the truth to the families left behind. But there’s one person he’s never been able to save.

Colm Healy was one of the Met’s best detectives – until the unsolved murders of a mother and her twin daughters consumed his career, his family and his life. For him, there can be no redemption without justice.

Re-opening the case together, Raker soon learns the hard way how this puzzle breeds obsession. But the worst is yet to come.

Because, at the end of this trail of tragedy and darkness, an elusive killer watches, waits – and prepares to bury the truth forever…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I’ve not read any previous Tim Weaver books and although you can read this on its own I think I would have preferred to have read the previous books in the series to get a better feel for David Raker. That said, I certainly enjoyed this book and will almost certainly be looking out for future books by Tim Weaver. David Raker is a Missing Persons Investigator and in the early stages we see him help his old friend Colm Healy. Healy used to be one of the Met’s best Detectives but he has had a fall from grace and is now homeless, penniless and obsessed with his last unsolved case.

The writing is absolutely fabulous and I was instantly drawn into their world seamlessly and effortlessly. Although I hadn’t read any previous Raker books there is enough background given that you have an idea of his history and it certainly didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. Raker’s past seems very tragic and complicated and he is currently learning how to adjust to having a daughter in his life. It made Raker an altogether more endearing character as we see him battle with keeping everyone happy.

The plot line is very intricately weaved and extremely well thought out. There were avenues that surprised me as they were not immediately obvious and whether this was the characters strengths coming through or just superb plotting I couldn’t tell. What I did know was that I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more in the future. Maybe not reading the first few books put me at a slight disadvantage but if anything it just makes me more determined to go back and read them all in order now. I can see now why Tim Weaver has such a loyal following, looks like ANOTHER series I need to keep up with.

Those Girls by Chevy Stevens

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Synopsis: How far would you go to protect the ones you love?

Life has never been easy for the three Campbell sisters. Jess, Courtney, and Dani live on a remote ranch where they work hard and try to stay out of the way of their father’s temper. One night, a fight gets out of hand and the sisters are forced to go on the run, only to get caught in an even worse nightmare when their truck breaks down in a small town. As events spiral out of control they find themselves in a horrifying situation and are left with no choice but to change their names and create new lives.

Eighteen years later, they are still trying to forget what happened to them. But when one of the sisters goes missing, followed closely by her niece, they are pulled back into the past. And this time there’s nowhere left to run…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Those Girls by Chevy Stevens”

A Parcel for Anna Brown by Miranda Dickinson

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Synopsis: Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn’t exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift – one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her – and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: If I’m being 100% honest the synopsis for this book didn’t exactly set the world on fire. I would even go as far as to say it sounded rather mediocre for a Miranda Dickinson book. Thankfully, I’m a complete idiot and the book not only proved how wrong I could be, it literally proved that some things are too hard to resist! Read in a day from cover to cover I just didn’t want to stop reading this one. Having read and enjoyed a few of MD’s other books I was looking forward to this one. Anna Brown the main lady is a normal woman, with a normal life and a very average job. I worried when I started reading that I just wasn’t going to like her. When a parcel turns up for her, she has no idea that this little thing would change everything, and not just for her.

After a few chapters I realised that Anna Browne was a lot more that it outwardly appeared. With an endearing personality you can’t help rooting for her from the very early days. The reason I make this point is that I wasn’t rooting for her because she was a ‘poor me’ type. No, it was quite the opposite. She was just a really likeable character who had blinkers on when it came to herself. HJer job as a receptionist was made so much more interesting with the brilliant characters surrounding her such as the Security Guard Ted (who was just outstanding in my opinion) and colleague Sheneice.

In addition to receiving not one but numerous parcels, Anna finds herself getting more involved with the Newspaper Company where she works which makes her look at things in a whole new light. In addition to the ladies we have the male characters Ben and Jonah both of whom are very readable. To say any more would ruin the story but there was definitely something magical about this and the mysterious parcels that Anna receives. I have to be honest and say this is possibly my favourite book of Miranda’s so far. This really is a book to be enjoyed, preferably with a roaring fire and a large glass of wine.

Christmas Gifts At The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond

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Synopsis: With her Cornish Beach Café closed for the winter, Evie Flynn should be looking forward to lazy days and a happy Christmas, with nothing more pressing to think about than when to have her next mince pie.

But her sister Ruth is coming to stay, in a cloud of heartbreak and bitterness following her marriage breakdown, along with her three unhappy children, and Evie knows she’ll have her work cut out, trying to spread some festive cheer. Then her boyfriend Ed breaks the news that he’s going to spend Christmas in London, for family reasons, and her heart sinks even further.

Add in to the mix a lost dog plus the hotly contested village Christmas bake-off and before long, Evie is feeling the strain. But there are still a few surprises in store for her, that look set to make this Beach Café Christmas the most memorable one yet…

*Note: If you plan to read The Beach Café first followed by Christmas at The Beach Café, please do not continue to read my review as it will inevitably contain spoilers*

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: I very recently read Christmas at The Beach Café which was a novella follow on to her novel The Beach Café. I loved the second novella (unusual for me as I’m not keen on shorts) and was so pleased when I realised Lucy had another Novella. This one is set the following Christmas and is just as good as the last novella. All this succeeded in doing was making me realise that Lucy Diamond needs to write quicker and luckily for me I still have 2 full length novels (her latest 2) all ready to read on my Kindle…yay!

This latest Christmas novella we see Evie’s sister Ruth and her children come to Evie for Christmas following a messy divorce. In addition Ed is dealing with the loss of his Dad. This offering is short but very sweet, and giving us THE best set up for the next book (at least I hope there is a next one!). We see brief glimpses of a couple of villagers, and we also see Ed’s Mum make an appearance. There isn’t one character I dislike in these books and just can’t wait to see them all again.

Yes it’s only 90 pages, and yes it’s a novella, but….it’s brilliant! Another cracking read and I can’t wait to gets started on another Lucy Diamond book!

Christmas At The Beach Cafe by Lucy Diamond

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Synopsis: A Christmas short story from bestselling author Lucy Diamond, revisiting her Beach Café characters.

After a hectic summer running her beach café in Cornwall, Evie Flynn is looking forward to her first Christmas with new boyfriend Ed – she’s determined that it’s going to be the most perfectly romantic one ever. Cosy nights in front of the fire, spicy mulled wine, mince pies . . . what’s not to love?

But the peace is shattered when Ed’s ex suddenly gets in touch again, and then some unexpected guests arrive: Ed’s surly brother Jake and Evie’s heartbroken best friend Amber. Add in the stress of trying to finish her very own recipe book, snow blizzards and family dramas and Evie’s Christmas starts to look as if it’ll be a total turkey. Will any of her festive wishes come true . . . or is this Christmas just a recipe for disaster?

*Note: If you plan to read The Beach Café first please do not continue to read my review as it will inevitably contain spoilers*

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Just recently I have been ploughing through all my novella’s and short stories, as they are never my first choice. Although I say that and it’s usually the case, this novella was absolutely wonderful. It didn’t take me long to get reacquainted with Evie in her beautiful café in Cornwall. This will be her first Christmas there and now she has her boyfriend Ed around the excitement gets to her.

Evie is a funny character and one that you fall in love with quite easily. In this latest short story her ideal Christmas is planned out in her head. Evie and Ed, all alone in front of that log fire, except her Christmas is going to turn out far from what she imagined. We meet Ed’s brother Jake, Evie’s friend Amber as well as half the people living in Evie’s village.

The story is witty, warm and full of magic. Although it’s only 100 pages long it makes me realise how much I love Lucy Diamond books. I am so pleased she has since released another Beach Café ‘Christmas’ Novella so I know what I will be reading shortly. Absolutely loved this!

Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton

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Synopsis: What’s the worst thing your best friend could do to you?

Admittedly, it wasn’t murder. A moment’s carelessness, a tragic accident – and two children are dead. Yours.

Living in a small island community, you can’t escape the woman who destroyed your life. Each chance encounter is an agonizing reminder of what you’ve lost – your family, your future, your sanity.

How long before revenge becomes irresistible?

With no reason to go on living, why shouldn’t you turn your darkest thoughts into deeds?

So now, what’s the worst thing you can do to your best friend?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have recently read Sharon Bolton’s series featuring Lacey Flint and really enjoy those books so was looking forward to reading a standalone. Catrin, the lead character is a dark and disturbed woman and its clear from the beginning that her past totally and utterly consumes her. The location for this book was the Falkland Islands and to be honest this for me was one of the highlights of the book. Sharon Bolton almost takes you there and her descriptive narrative sets the scene perfectly. With Catrin’s two small children dead her life has little meaning, however it soon becomes apparent that her sole focus is on that of the person she holds responsible for her children’s death.

In one respect there is a depressing element to this book but although that impression is built the level of tension, pace and sheer atmosphere keeps you engaged as a reader. The book is told from the perspective of not only Catrin, but also Callum and ex-soldier and Rachel, Catrin’s old best friend. We see an investigation take place with another small child gone missing on the island as well as Catrin’s determination to seek revenge.

To say any more would ultimately ruin the storyline, so I guess you will have to read this for yourself to find out. I enjoyed the book and it was certainly different, however in my opinion still not as engaging as the Lacey Flint books. This certainly has a completely different feel to it and is an extremely absorbing read which I enjoyed. I will certainly look forward to another Lacey Flint book, but will also now be keenly looking out for any other standalone books in the future by Sharon Bolton.

Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin (White Cliff Bay #1)

Synopsis: Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breath-taking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin (White Cliff Bay #1)”

The Stranger by Harlan Coben

Synopsis: The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces of your shattered world.

Adam Price has a lot to lose: a comfortable marriage to a beautiful woman, two wonderful sons, and all the trappings of the American Dream: a big house, a good job, a seemingly perfect life.

Then he runs into the Stranger. When he learns a devastating secret about his wife, Corrine, he confronts her, and the mirage of perfection disappears as if it never existed at all. Soon Adam finds himself tangled in something far darker than even Corrine’s deception, and realizes that if he doesn’t make exactly the right moves, the conspiracy he’s stumbled into will not only ruin lives – it will end them…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I’ve only read a couple of Harlan Coben’s books but was looking forward to this as the synopsis sounded very intriguing. Adam Price is a normal guy and within the blink of an eye a complete stranger turns everything upside down. Within the first few chapters I was completely drawn into the story and my mind was buzzing with questions. Why would a stranger approach Adam and tell him a secret that could potentially ruin his whole life. Well thankfully Adam has the same questions and he starts to do his own investigating into the Strangers statement.

The story unfolds with The Stranger making even more elaborate statements to other people and before long the plot has more than one thread, and certainly more than one victim. I liked reading about Adam and found myself compelled to carry on, even though at times some of the things were verging on the incredulous! The suspense is ratcheted up enough to hold your interest and the pace was pretty good too so all in all it was a very easy read.

Although I certainly enjoyed this book, I wouldn’t say it had a lasting impression on me. It still merits a 4 star rating but I found that it was one of those books you could take or leave depending on your mood. I have read a couple of other books by Coben and thoroughly enjoyed them so will continue to read his work, and hopefully catch up on the Myron Bolitar series, of which I am a huge fan!

Liar, Liar by M J Arlidge (Helen Grace #4)

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Synopsis: In the dead of night, three raging fires light up the city skies. It’s more than a tragic coincidence. For DI Helen Grace the flames announce the arrival of an evil she has never encountered before.

Because this is no Firestarter seeking sick thrills, but something more chilling: a series of careful, calculating acts of murder.

But why were the victims chosen? What’s driving the killer? And who will be next? A powder keg of fear, suspicion and dread has been laid. Now all it needs is a spark to set it off…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Having only recently (from Nov 14) starting to read M J Arlidge books this series is brilliant and fast becoming a firm favourite. This is book 4 in the series and features DI Helen Grace who is a fantastic character and one that I have been looking forward to reading about again. Alongside Helen is her colleague Charlie who is also another favourite of mine and I think the series works well with both of them in it.

Charlie is back at work following the birth of her daughter and we see her juggling both career and Motherhood. In addition Helen is working alongside a new boss who I really like and think he makes a good fit it the series. When they are called to the scene of a fire, it’s clear pretty quickly that this was no accident. The reader sees glimpses of the killer and their rambled thoughts by way of a Blog, and these small snippets actually worked really well.

I must say that I am a little squeamish when it comes to fire and MJA does a cracking job of being extremely descriptive when writing the scenes of the victims in the moments when they realise what they are faced with. The story seemed to pick up extreme pace for the last quarter and I had no idea what was going on or who was responsible. The one thing I will say is that I had a shock when it was revealed who it was but in a good way as I love that surprise element.

However there are two loose threads that have been left wide open meaning the next book is bound to be explosive. My absolute favourite thing happened with this book. Just when you think it’s all sorted out that very last sentence that makes you shout out “Nooooo”. Yep, that! M J Arlidge you have seriously raised the bar with this latest instalment and I am literally on tenterhooks waiting to see what the next book will bring. Thankfully we don’t have too long to wait as ‘Little Boy Blue’ is due out in March 2016. This was a tense and heart stopping read that got better with each page!

The Girl Who Broke The Rules by Marnie Riches (George McKenzie #2)

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Synopsis: When the mutilated bodies of two sex-workers are found in Amsterdam, Chief Inspector van den Bergen must find a brutal murderer before the red-light-district erupts into panic.

Georgina McKenzie is conducting research into pornography among the UK’s most violent sex-offenders but once van den Bergen calls on her criminology expertise, she is only too happy to come running.

The rising death toll forces George and van den Bergen to navigate the labyrinthine worlds of Soho strip-club sleaze and trans-national human trafficking. And with the case growing ever more complicated, George must walk the halls of Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, seeking advice from the brilliant serial murderer, Dr. Silas Holm…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: George McKenzie is back, and this time she is flitting between London and Amsterdam. We also see the return of Chief Inspector Paul van den Bergen. The actual storyline was very engaging and I found myself falling into the storyline very quickly. As usual George is being pulled in different directions and its clear from the outset that her current personal set up isn’t all that great.

With the request from Van den Berg for her to help him with his current case everything else get moved down the list of importance. Paul starts a murder investigation which quickly escalates into so much more. In addition to this we see George interviewing convicted sex offender as research for her studies. Her conversations with the offender for some reason gave me the heeby jeebies. I think that’s always a sign that the writer is ‘getting it right’. The pace picks up as the book moves on keeps at a steady pace inching up as the ending nears.

There is plenty of action, drama along with moments where I thought I knew who was doing what, but no I was wrong. The book certainly touches on issues involving the sex industry and at times is unsettling. There is a gritty realism to her books which I love and I was absorbed right up until the end. The only thing for me that was lacking was my ability to like George more than I do. Paul is a great character and although not without his issues is incredibly likeable. It’s just a shame that I don’t feel like that about George, however this may be because she is written as such a brash character due to her tendency to self-protect.

I really enjoyed this book and am certainly looking forward to reading what happens next. Luckily there isn’t too long to wait with the third part being released in October 2015 entitled ‘The Girl Who Walked in The Shadows’. I would certainly recommend this although it’s probably an idea to read the books in order.