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A Dark Redemption by Stav Sherez (Carrigan and Miller #1)

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My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Paperback, Kindle, Kobo, Nook

Synopsis: A Dark Redemption introduces DI Jack Carrigan and DS Geneva Miller as they investigate the brutal rape and murder of a young Ugandan student. Plunged into an underworld of illegal immigrant communities, they discover that the murdered girl’s studies at a London college may have threatened to reveal things that some people will go to any lengths to keep secret …

This case that will force DI Carrigan to face up to his past and DS Miller to confront what path she wants her future to follow.

My Review: Having not read anything else by Sherez I was looking forward to starting the first in the Carrigan and Miller series. Also knowing that there has only been one follow up to date (Eleven Days published in 2103) I know I’m not too far behind. The pairing of the unlikely two lead characters works extremely well given their backgrounds and personal history. It took me quite a few chapters to really get under the skin of Jack Carrigan but I really liked this weirdly private and quirky bloke. Except as the story progresses you realise that quirkiness is just his defence mechanism to not allow people to delve too close. On the opposite side, Geneva Miller is clawing her way back after a demotion and is finding it hard trying to keep both sides of the fence happy. I warmed to Geneva more than Jack but by the end of the book I couldn’t imagine either of them working with anybody else.

Characters aside the story was quite something. Taking us through war ravaged countries and then being dragged to the present murder that has taken place in London of a young female Ugandan Student. Sherez clearly has the knowledge and maybe experience in managing to write about this subject with such conviction. There were parts that had my stomach turning; but in the back of my mind the brutal reminder that although this is a work of fiction, the history of some of these countries is shockingly real. There are plenty of twists in this complex book and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. This is most certainly a series which I will be continuing and would definitely put it on the recommended list.

THE LITTLE BEACH STREET BAKERY BY JENNY COLGAN

My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Polly Waterford is recovering from a toxic relationship. Unable to afford their flat, she has to move miles away from everyone, to a sleepy little seaside resort in Cornwall, where she lives alone above an abandoned shop.

And so Polly takes out her frustrations on her favourite hobby: making bread. But what was previously a weekend diversion suddenly becomes far more important as she pours her emotions into kneading and pounding the dough, and each loaf becomes better and better. With nuts and seeds, olives and chorizo, with local honey (courtesy of local bee keeper, Huckle), and with reserves of determination and creativity Polly never knew she had, she bakes and bakes and bakes . . . And people start to hear about it.

Sometimes, bread really is life . . . And Polly is about to reclaim hers.

My Review: OH MY! I have read most of Jenny Colgan’s books and am very fond of her Rosie Hopkins books. However, MOVE OVER Rosie because Polly is in town! I picked this book up and did not put it down until I managed to finish it later that day. I just fell in love again and again, and now I feel a little bit sad that Polly is gone. The only thing that perked me up was the idea of a re-visit in the form of Jenny Colgan’s release in February 2015 entitled summer at The Little Beach Street Bakery.

Polly Waterford is by far one of my favourite characters this year. She is without a doubt a gem of a woman who I literally cannot wait to read about next year. Polly is having a tough time and when her and her partners business fails she ups sticks and moves into a ramshackle flat which is basically an abandoned shop. The sleepy little town she is residing in is the furthest from what she is used to as you can get. It’s essentially an island that is isolated once the tides turn and the bridge to the mainland is inaccessible.

The way Jenny describes the place made me fall in love with it and immediately want to visit. While Polly is trying to recover from her past toxic relationship she realises that she has a whole new host of problems to deal with, such as a job, not knowing anybody and living in a place that is fit to be knocked down. However, Polly is not a pushover and her character from start to finish is just perfect. She is very sarcastic but funny with it and one of her relationships made me chuckle and it was with a bird!!!!

I don’t want to delve too much into the storyline as I don’t want to spoil it for anybody but trust me when I say this is a magical book and one which I read in one sitting. Jenny Colgan has won me over with Polly, and although Rosie remains one of my favourites she is beaten to the post by the brilliant Polly Waterford. If you haven’t read a Jenny Colgan, then what are you waiting for? A magical and reality escaping haven, it’s a book you should definitely have in your collection

Dead Man Walking by Paul Finch (Mark Heckenburg #4)

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My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Paperback & Kindle (20.11.14), Kobo (20.11.14), Nook (20.11.14)

Synopsis: Beware the stranger in the night…

Consigned to a remote valley in the Lake District, DS Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg is getting used to a quieter life – a far cry from the bloodbath of his former division, the Serial Crimes Unit. But wherever Heck goes, trouble is never far behind.

Unknown to Heck, ‘The Stranger’ has returned. Last seen on Dartmoor ten years earlier, this prolific serial killer has found a new home. As a dense, frozen mist descends on the Lakes, The Stranger returns to his old ways, starting with two young women lost high on the hills. Only one girl is ever found – barely alive – but able to confirm Heck’s worst fears.

As The Stranger lays siege to the remote community, Heck helplessly watches as the killer plays his cruel game, letting off his trademark call before viciously picking off his victims.

And with no way to get word out of the valley, Heck has no choice but to play ball…

Lock your doors and bar your windows. Because when the mist descends, you never know who’s watching you…

**Please note, if you plan to read the Heck Books in order, then don’t read this review as it will inevitably contain spoilers**

My Review: I was feeling rather lucky as I got started on the new Heck more than 2 months before publication, however after a few chapters I put it down. What was going on? Heck had relocated to the arse end of nowhere and frankly I was bored. I felt like I had so much description with regards to the area of Cragwood Vale and the local villagers I wondered if the book was even written by Finch! However, it appears Mr Finch had his reasons for this, and as usual they were absolutely correct…more on that later!

Heck seems to be on some sort of mission to extract himself from his friends and colleagues so has taken himself to a very remote village in the Lake District. You almost get the feeling that Heck doesn’t quite know what to do with himself. He has now distanced himself from his old boss Gemma Piper and other colleagues and instead has a new partner Mary-Ellen O’Rourke. There is also the landlady of the local village pub Hazel as well as some other locals who start to make an appearance.

The prologue was an insight into an old case where a killer known as The Stranger appears and it involved Gemma Piper back when she was starting out her career. Before long we realise that there is a killer on the loose who seems remarkably like The Stranger and it gives Heck enough leverage place a to call to Gemma. I was thankful; she re-appeared as I felt like Heck needed her back in his life as he seemed so off kilter.

As usual with a Finch novel, as soon as Gemma re-appears the story starts to ratchet up in tension. With two young girls out hiking and lost, anything could have happened. As soon as Heck, Gemma and Mary-Ellen start to investigate it seems like all hell breaks loose. The second half of the book is where all the action happens and if you heart can take it the last quarter is positively heart stopping.

Depending on the type of reader you are, if you are like me and absorb everything your mind creates your own idea of a place based on the author’s description. This is where it all started to make sense. Paul Finch had spent some time detailing the area and the sheer beauty of it. However throw in some bad weather and you have the perfect setting (in my head) for a fantastic horror movie. Because of this, the last section of the book had me bloody petrified as we see Heck do his usual ‘playing with death’.

I was really unsure at the start of this book, however after the halfway point I didn’t want to put it down and had to keep reading. It was also a book that had my nerves shot to hell! I thoroughly enjoyed it, but sincerely hope we see Heck move away from this area as I don’t think it suits him. This latest book had a different feel to it compared to the others, but certainly didn’t make it any less enjoyable. As always I am left waiting with baited breath to see what is next for Heck and cannot wait!

The Christmas Party by Carole Matthews

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My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Hardcover, Paperback (23.10.14) Kindle, Kobo, Audio (01.11.14)

Synopsis: Louise Young is a devoted single mother whose only priority is providing for her daughter, Mia. Louise has a good job in a huge international corporation and she’s grateful for it. The only problem is her boss who can’t keep his hands to himself, but Louise can handle him. What she really doesn’t have time for is romance – until she meets the company’s rising star, Josh Wallace.

Louise usually says no to evenings out but she’s decided to let her hair down tonight. It’s the office Christmas party, she has a pretty dress to wear and she’s looking forward to some champagne and fun. She’s completely unaware that others around her are too busy playing dangerous games to enjoy the party – until she’s pulled into those games herself.

Romance is in the air and secrets are about to be uncovered. It’s going to be a night to remember at The Christmas Party.

My Review: Carole Matthews is the Volvo of the book world. You may not think they are the best thing out there, but they are solid, dependable and these days are looking pretty bloody snazzy if you ask me! Jokes aside I really mean what I say, Carole Matthews was one of the first authors I read religiously from my 20’s and she has rarely let me down as a reader. I have read EVERY single one of her books and just keeps delivering. Quite how authors such as her (and many others I know of) amaze me that they just keep on bringing you wonderful storylines and characters you just fall in love with. This latest release is absolutely no exception, and is based around a Christmas Party.

Louise is a single mum trying desperately hard to get along at her new job with Fossil Oil. However, her boss Tyler thinks nothing of making her life very difficult and as the Christmas Party approaches she wonders whether she can manage to keep her job whilst keeping Tyler firmly at arm’s length. The whole book only spans a few days but its absolutely brilliant how Carole has done it. We meet Tyler’s wife Kirsten, the man in charge of Fossil Oil Lance and his wife Melissa, all with their own issues.

The characters are wonderful and each one keeps you reading until the end. There is plenty of humour thrown in and the scene involving Louise and her boss Tyler in the Library is legendary. Although this book was set over a short time span it definitely worked and I enjoyed every page. Although this isn’t my favourite Matthews book (there are far too many to choose from) it’s certainly a great read and would make a fab Christmas Present. As usual I will look forward to her next one.

Bad Blood by Casey Kelleher

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My Rating: 5/5

Availability: Paperback, Kindle, Audio (All released 16.12.14)

Synopsis: In the underbelly of Soho’s organised crime ring, everyone knows that retired boxer Harry Woods is not one to mess with. And that goes double for his family.

Harry has it all: the big house, the flashy cars, and an abundance of wealth. As much as money talks in his world, Harry knows deep down the only thing that really counts is family. Haunted by the sudden death of his wife, he’ll do anything to protect his children, but truth is a heavy burden and hidden secrets can unravel even the strongest of bonds…

Without loyalty, family are bound together only by blood. Bad blood.

My Review: Well, well Ms Kelleher, it seems somebody is well and truly stepping up to the plate so to speak:-) Casey Kelleher started off by self-publishing her first three books which if you haven’t read I would highly recommend. I was chuffed when I heard she had signed a book deal with Amazon’s Thomas and Mercer Imprint. I was even more chuffed when the lady herself let me get my hands on an early edition. I have to be honest though, I was nervous. What if her new publishers had suggested changes in writing style or something and I didn’t like it? As a lot of authors know, getting an early edition doesn’t sway my opinion. If I don’t like it, I don’t like it and will say so. However, Casey has stuck two fingers up at me by writing a blinding book that I couldn’t put down. Clearly now she is a published author she feels she has to up her game, and up her game she did.

I have to admit when I started the book I wasn’t that engaged and it took 3 or 4 chapters to get into it. However, once past that point it just got better and better. Harry Woods is a bit of a face along with his right hand man Raymond. Harry’s children are his life and as adults now they all feature heavily in this book. Sadly, this review is very hard to write as if I put too much content in, it will spoil the story line. Part of the attraction of this book was that there were characters I wasn’t sure about. Why were they in the book, and what part did they play. Thankfully all is revealed as the story progresses. Each time I thought I’d heard it all, another secret is revealed. One particular character Casey managed to write about got right under my skin and that was Christopher. Without revealing too much, she managed to create a one man monster and the writing conveyed that pretty well. I also liked that in addition to the main story line, there was a less obvious thread that’s revealed even more toward the end.

I’ve read all of Casey’s books and always thought they were brilliant, albeit one has never grabbed me enough to give it full marks. This one certainly did that and it seems Casey is firmly embedding herself in the list of ‘must read’ female British Crime Authors. Many of her readers follow her on Facebook, and Twitter and in a weird way we are all rooting for the likes of Casey to get herself on the platform of recognised authors. It’s great to see British female authors finally get the book deals they deserve, and (without sounding ridiculous) I feel very proud of you Ms Kelleher! CAN’T WAIT for the next book! Your fans will be very pleased

Vendetta by Dreda Say Mitchell (Rio Wray #1)

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My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: Two murders. Two different crime scenes. One killer? Mac wakes in a smashed-up hotel room with no recollection of what has happened. With his lover’s corpse in the bathroom and the evidence suggesting that he killed her, Mac is on a mission to uncover the truth and find the real killer.

But he’s in a race against time with less than a day to unravel the mystery. Still reeling from a personal tragedy Mac isn’t afraid of pain. Hot on his heels is tenacious Detective Inspector Rio Wray. Double-crossed and in the line of fire, Mac has to swim through a sea of lies to get to the truth.

But only Mac knows he’s been living a double life. Can he be sure he doesn’t have the blood of a dead woman on his hands?

Continue reading “Vendetta by Dreda Say Mitchell (Rio Wray #1)”

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson

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My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned…

With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again.

After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past.

Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?

My Review: I was delighted that Sue Watson had produced a lovely Christmas book to get me through the next year until her next release. Thankfully this little baby could tide me over until then and FYI how lovely and Christmassy (that’s a real word you know) is the cover?!

At 254 pages this felt a little bit too short for me but I forgive the wonderful Sue as the book was so enjoyable! I adored the two main characters of this story who are sisters from the get go! Sam Angel is the sensible sister, but having lost her husband on Christmas Eve she now dedicates her time to her Bakery and her son Jacob. Her elder sister Tamsin is living what appears to be the high life.

Although I loved both sisters Tamsin (also called Tammy) stole the limelight a little bit in my opinion. Tammy’s life is just about being seen at the right parties, with the right people and being the best at everything among the other women who are part of the ladies that lunch group. When Bailiffs arrive at her door everything in her life is taken from her in the blink of an eye and she literally has to start again! Tamsin in particular is a brilliant character, and one that you end up rooting for even though she makes some shocking decisions.

One thing Sue Watson has is this magical ability to create characters you connect with. In addition her humour is apparent throughout this, and every other book she writes. Some of the characters that she throws in the mix are hilarious and in this case it’s most definitely Mrs J. This book also manages to transport you into that very fluffy and warm and cosy Christmas that will soon be upon us. I can’t say this is my favourite as that is reserved for Love, Lies and Lemon Cake. All this book resulted in was me wanting to read what happens next for Tammy. A total tease until the next novel is released. Come on Sue, stop all that Social Networking malarkey and get writing woman!

Race to Death by Leigh Russell (Ian Peterson #2)

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My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Paperback, Kindle, Kobo and Nook

Synopsis: When a man plummets to his death from a balcony at York races, his wife and brother become suspects in a murder enquiry. Meanwhile Richard is being stalked by a killer issuing death threats. Richard is reluctant to go to the police, for fear his own dark secret will be exposed. Newly promoted Detective Inspector Ian Peterson is investigating the death at the races when a woman’s body is discovered. Shortly after that, Richard is killed. With three murders and no suspect, the investigation seems to be going backwards. Ian is determined to discover who is responsible. Afraid the detective is on his track, the killer abducts Ian’s wife. Ian must solve the case to find her, before she becomes the next victim of a serial killer.

My Review: I was unsure about the rating of this and felt it was only fair to give it a 4 (although I considered a 3 as there were things I disliked immensely). The Geraldine Steel series that Russell writes took its time to really come into its own and now as the 7th book approaches (next year I guess) it’s a brilliant series. I feel like it’s the same with this new Ian Peterson series. It’s a slow burner but have a feeling once we are 3 or 4 books in it will come into its own. It always difficult to split a series but Leigh Russell has managed to do that and Ian Peterson (who used to work for Geraldine Steel) now has his own series. This second book in the series starts off re-introducing the readers to Ian and his wife Bev. They have relocated to York due to Peterson getting promoted to D.I.

I’m going to start with the negatives, and yes I know I gave it 4 out of 5 but there were still things I didn’t like. First off, what is with Ian’s wife? I have never liked her, but for some reason she became even more irritating in this book. There is absolutely nothing to like about the woman and she grated on me from start to finish. Secondly, the book was a little bit slow in places and took some time to get going. I also feel like Ian is almost a novice at policing, which is odd because when he was working for Geraldine he was an amazing copper. Maybe this is him showing his lack of confidence, who knows.

Aside from those niggles the story kept me entertained as soon as it picked up its pace. The murders are plentiful starting with a guy at the races, and then it all seems to go downhill from there. I was a bit bewildered at the relationship with the widow of the first murder victim and the brother. There seemed so much potential and then it seemed to just disappear. We also see a man named Richard on the receiving end of some nasty threats from a stalker.

I certainly didn’t see the ending coming and was surprised at the turn of events. The second half of the book was much better and it seemed Leigh Russell got into her stride very quickly after that. Overall an enjoyable book but I’m looking forward to the next one much more.

Poppy Does Paris by Nicola Doherty (Short Story)

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My Rating: 3/5

Availability: Kindle, Nook and Kobo

Synopsis: The first instalment in this hilarious, romantic and un-putdownable five-part series. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk’s I Heart… novels.

Paris. City of love, city of romance. The last place you want to go to on a work trip when you’re in the middle of an epic dry spell. But that’s where Poppy is headed, along with her colleague Charlie, who’s shallow and annoying but very, very good-looking. During a white-wine-fuelled session with her friend Alice, Poppy concocts the perfect plan: work by day, and have some no-strings fun with Charlie by night. Of course, it might prove a little more complicated than that, but it’s nothing Poppy can’t handle – or is it?

Girls on Tour is an irresistible series of interlinked stories about four friends, ordinary girls who have extraordinary fun in faraway places. Expect the unexpected, the utterly hilarious and unforgettable, on this rollercoaster ride of love, laughs, surprises and sparks. You have a VIP pass to join each girl’s adventure, so pack your bags and buckle your seatbelts, because just about anything is possible…

My Review: The first thing I need to mention is that this is a short story. AT only 66 pages long, it’s a VERY short story. When you look at the title and details on Amazon it isn’t very clear that it’s a short story (which is a little bit annoying). That aside we meet Poppy, the Editor who is on her way to Paris with her colleague Charlie to try and wow an author into signing with them. Poppy is likeable, as is Charlie and Nicola Doherty does a great job of describing Paris.

However, at 66 pages you don’t get a lot of story, and if I’m being 100% honest this is the reason I am not a lover of short stories. Just as you are beginning to get to know the characters they leave you. I suppose if you like short stories this will be very enjoyable and I can certainly see how she is compared to the likes of Lindsey Kelk. I think I liked this enough to maybe read the rest of the Girls on Tour but my preference would definitely be a full length , especially as I really enjoyed Nicola Doherty’s debut so much.

This particular series has a number of books, all featuring friends from the same group, and all short stories, and they are as follows:-

Poppy Does Paris – Girls on Tour 1 (June 2014)

Lily Does LA – Girls on Tour 2 (Sept 2014)

Maggie does Meribel Girls on Tour 3 (Dec 2014)

Rachel Does Rome – Girls on Tour 4 (Feb 2015)

The Good Life by Martina Cole

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Availability: Hardcover (09.10.14), Paperback (07.05.15), Kindle (09.10.14), Kobo (09.10.14)

Synopsis: THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE NEVER FREE.

Cain Moran wanted Jenny Riley more than he had ever wanted anyone or anything before in his life. But loving Jenny Riley was the easy part; it was telling his wife he wanted a divorce that was going to be the killer…

Jenny is not just any girl. She cares nothing for Cain’s hard-man reputation – she just wants to be with him.

But Cain is not a free man. And he’s about to find out that when his wife Caroline said ’til death us do part, she meant it.

When Cain is sentenced to life in prison it seems that Caroline might have got her wish. All Cain and Jenny know is that if their love can survive such separation, then one day they will have a chance at the Good Life together again.

But there are greater trials ahead than either can foresee. They’re about to learn the hardest lesson of all:

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE. PAY THE PRICE.

My Rating: 4/5

Continue reading “The Good Life by Martina Cole”