Category: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

The Killer Next Door by Alex Marwood

51EXQZ2ESdL._SY346_ Synopsis: No. 23 has a secret. In this gloomy, bedsit-riddled South London wreck, lorded over by a lecherous landlord, a horrifying collection quietly waits to be discovered. Yet all six residents have something to hide. 

Collette is on the run from her ex-boss; Cher is an underage children’s home escapee; lonely Thomas tries to make friends with his neighbours; while a gorgeous Iranian asylum seeker and a ‘quiet man’ nobody sees try to keep themselves hidden. And there for them all is Vesta, a woman who knows everything that goes on in the house – or thought she did. 

Then in the dead of night, a terrible accident pushes the six into an uneasy alliance. But one of them is a killer, expertly hiding their pastime, all the while closing in on their next victim…

My Rating: 5/5

My Review: I read Alex Marwood’s debut novel and as much as I enjoyed it, it made me feel uncomfortable. This second book made me feel uncomfortable but on a whole new level! I was bloody gripped from start to finish and felt like I was playing the world’s most twisted game of Cluedo (when you read it you’ll get what I mean)! The characters in this book I really liked as they all have their own dark secrets which have brought them to No. 23. Collet, Cher and Vesta made the core women and an additional 3 men plus the landlord make up the weird motley crew living there. From the outset I liked all the women, but the men…mmm well I just wasn’t sure.

As the story progresses you learn a little bit more about each tenant and how they have come to be at the house. The most vile character was the landlord and he had my skin crawling from the very beginning. When an ‘incident’ happens at the house, the 6 tenants become united and things take a turn for the worse. The second thread aside from the individuals within the house is that of the killer. We see the killer perform his rituals and the question becomes, which one of them in the house is responsible. I must say that I do have a strong stomach and tend not to be too bothered about violence and gore. However, Alex Marwood has managed to describe the killer and their actions in such details that it made my stomach turn on more than one occasion.

I played the whole game of thinking I knew who was responsible and got it totally wrong. This in itself is always a surprisingly pleasing element when reading a book like this. What did throw me was the ending, I certainly didn’t see that coming, yet the last 2 pages threw me because of the absence of one particular character (a question for the author me thinks). This book was slightly warped, very graphic, yet a compelling and utterly gripping book. I think Alex Marwood is one to watch, especially at night in a dark alley…any writer that does that good a job must get those ideas from somewhere. This one’s out on the 5th December 2013 and is an ideal present for somebody who wants a book that will have them gripped!

Watch Your Back by Karen Rose (Baltimore #4)

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My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:UNFORGETTABLE

Stevie Mazzetti knew she would never get over the murder of her husband and son. But with their killer behind bars, she was able to move on with her life, if only for her daughter’s sake.

UNIMAGINABLE

Now, eight years later, the Baltimore detective always fights for the victims she meets and when she learns that her ex-partner may have miscarried justice, Stevie’s determined to right the wrong, even if it means she is in danger.

UNDENIABLE

Clay Maynard has always wanted Stevie and when she is targeted by a vicious psychopath, he believes that protecting her may give him the chance to have her in his life forever. Clay will do anything to keep Stevie safe but with a killer on her tail who has everything to lose and a secret to hide, will they stay alive long enough to find happiness?

My Review: For me this book was a perfect wrap-up of all the events that have taken place in past books. But the first thing I feel like I need to point out is that you should probably read previous books first. If you haven’t the sheer amount of plot lines going on and the reasoning behind them may take longer to grasp. I also need to say that if you are planning on reading previous books please don’t continue reading this review as it will inevitably have spoilers. Having read nearly all of Karen Rose’ books I was itching to get this latest one and as soon as it was ready to go on my Kindle I eagerly started.

Stevie Mazzetti is a ballsy woman, however she is also a woman that has spent 8 years grieving the loss of her husband and son. With the killer behind bars she has a path to follow and is desperate to rectify some things. Her ex-partner turned out to be a dirty cop and as Stevie starts to dig cases up, it seems her life as well as her daughters are now in danger. The danger levels are pretty high up from early in the book and to be fair don’t drop until the very end making for a fast-paced and pretty tense read.

The additional characters that are involved in this story could take a while to detail, but the main player being Clay Maynard the PI who wants to protect Stevie and her kid. Clay is a great lead character and although he is the main lead in this story we see the return of many other characters from previous books. One of the things I love about the Karen Rose books is that the characters are not forgotten. They may appear frequently or just the once but you get to see glimpses of people from previous stories and how they link to the current characters. Some people may wonder how they can even work out who belongs where, but check out Karen Rose Website as there is a place there that explains the relationship between people and books (which is a bloody great idea if you ask me). Check it out as http://www.karenrosebooks.com/krose-relationships.php.

Back to the story, there is a lot going on and that is by no means an understatement. There are numerous plot threads and just when you think that things are coming to a close, something else pops up. I have to say that at nearly 600 pages this is a humdinger of a book, even by KR standards. Even so, once again Karen Rose has produced a first class thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I for one will be eagerly awaiting the next book, as it seems Karen Rose is hitting the jackpot with each and every book.

Respect by Mandasue Heller

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My Rating 4/5

 Synopsis: Chantelle has everything going against her. She’s a good student who only wants to pass her exams and find a way out of the sink estate in Manchester where she grew up. But now her feckless mother has taken off for Spain with her latest boyfriend and she’s single-handedly raising her tearaway nine-year-old brother Leon. She thinks her worst problem is the debt collectors at the door. But Leon has made some new friends: teenage gang members who have given him a mobile phone a knife – and some drugs to hide in her flat. A part-time job seems to be the answer to Chantelle’s prayers. But the violence is about to come home to her -with a vengeance. And the only person who’s offering any help seems to be just as bad as the people she’s trying to escape from . . .

My Review: As always I was chomping at the bit to get the new Mandasue Heller book and was very pleased when my prayers were answered, and a preview copy landed on my doorstep. I had read the synopsis and was looking forward to getting stuck into another gritty crime book and I wasn’t disappointed! Chantelle and her brother Leon live with their sad excuse for a mother on one of the estates in Manchester. It took me only a matter of pages to adore the studious and sensible young girl, and lead character Chantelle. Her brother Leon is on the edge in terms of friends and the sort of people he hangs around with and trouble is lurking from the early pages.

One thing that struck me as different is that this book doesn’t go from standard crime to real dirty, gritty, crime (if you know what I mean). I got the real sense of a story that maybe isn’t that far from some people’s real life situations. Here are two young kids, being raised by a woman that isn’t fit to be a mother; and trying their best to make it work. When Chantelle’s mum does a bunk with her latest bloke, Chantelle has no other choice than to lie about her age and find part time work. At this point in the book we see the threat of danger slowly creep up.

Chantelle soon realises that things with Leon are getting out of hand and isn’t sure what to do. In addition to that she has no idea that she herself will bring danger to their door. Chantelle and Leon take centre stage in this latest book along with a few additional characters such as one of Chantelle’s acquaintances Anton. Although this didn’t have the same feel as some of MH’s other books there was something a little bit refreshing about it. I know, I know, I’m not the best at explaining but that’s the best I can say right now. Her favourite title of mine was Lost Angel and I’m afraid it still takes the title but this was still a first class read and one that I loved from start to finish. As always I was sad to finish this book and am even sadder I have to wait a whole year for another of her instalments.

Payback by Kimberley Chambers (Butlers #1)

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My Rating: 5/5

I need to start this review by explaining the fact that this is a follow up to the first book featuring the Butlers, entitled The Trap. If you haven’t already read this book then please don’t read this reviews as there will inevitably be spoilers in it. Kimberley Chambers came onto the Crime writing scene back in 2008, and has gone on to become an author which I can confidently place in my top 5. She created the series featuring the family’s the Mitchell’s and O’Hara’s and then last year she created a new series featuring the Butler family. I always felt that the characters in the Mitchell/O’Hara series would take some beating, but the Butlers are just as good. I apologise for the length of this review, but the book warrants a long review as there is so much to say.

We return to the Butlers lives following the death of Vinny and Michael’s brother Roy Butler and their cousin Lenny. Vinny Butler is the most ferocious of the Butlers and unfortunately has made many enemies on his journey to become a feared and well known face. Unfortunately some of his enemies are closer than he thinks. Vinny’s younger brother Michael also makes a return along with his wife Nancy and their kids. Nancy hasn’t been well and life has not been straightforward for Michael either. Nancy is trying to recover both in her health, and with her relationship to Michael. She also has the added pressure of trying to bond with Michael’s son Lee. Joanna is married to Vinny and has her own troubles as she struggles to bond with Vinny’s son (aptly named Little Vinnie) from another relationship. However, when she gives birth to Molly, Vinny changes for the better and Joanna wonders if the birth of his daughter will be the making of him.

As soon as I started this book I was drawn straight back into the crazy world of the Butlers. One thing that seems to be worlds apart from the Mitchell/O’Hara books and this series is the sheer volume of characters in this book. I’m not saying that as a negative, but there are a lot of characters and lots of threads to various storylines from start to finish. As plots go, this one was very detailed as there are so many things going on with various characters. This didn’t deter me, and actually I think if you love the story and characters (which I did from book 1) then it’s easy enough to keep track.

As per usual, there isn’t a moment without drama and the characters that make this book are endless. Thankfully the Butler’s Mum Queenie is back with a vengeance and still ruling her family along with her sister. We also see Vinny and Michael’s sister, Albie, Ahmed, Nancy’s parents and brother and Joanna’s mum and Dad to name a few. As usual, violence goes hand in hand with the Butlers and this book is no different. The story continues from book 1 and many issues from the previous book are brought up, dealt with, and then turned on their head to leave you hanging again (damn you Kim)! What I really loved was the fact that the women married to the Butler’s drive a lot of the storyline in this book and it gave it a different feel to the last one. I am keeping plot details to a bare minimum as to mention any of them would be considered spoilers in my mind. However, what you will find in this book is violence, treachery, drama, and a whole lot of people fitting each other up!

 What I will say is this. Kimberley Chambers has grafted her arse off on this book and it shows. Yes, it’s more detailed and longer (I think) than her other offerings, but I can understand why with so much ground and characters to cover. I picked this book up and didn’t want to put it down. I thought I had the answer to my questions about the story by around the last fifth of the book. That changed chapter by chapter until I literally got to the last few pages. Talk about a cliff hanger of an ending. This book, although different from the Mitchell/O’Hara series is absolutely brilliant and one that I think all her fans will love. Not only that, but by the last page, you become desperate for the next instalment. The last quarter of the book made me feel almost breathless with anticipation, and by the end I just felt shock! Shock that I didn’t see the ending coming, shock that I had to wait another whole year for the next part, and shock that ‘fuck it’ I’ve finished it now! The Mitchell’s and the O’Hara’s are still edging it slightly as my favourites but the Butler’s aren’t far behind.

I have a feeling I know where Kim is going with this book and the characters in the future, and whatever happens, if she carries on writing like this she will hit number one with every future book she writes. You lot have a little bit of a wait until this is published, but boy is it worth it! Make sure you get it pre-ordered now, because trust me, this book you won’t want to miss. KC, you’ve produced another amazing book, and I for on will be waiting with baited breath for the next book

12th Of Never by James Patterson (Women’s Murder Club #12)

My Rating: 3/5

Synopsis: A baby on the way and two killers on the loose. Will Detective Lindsay Boxer be pushed to breaking point? An eccentric professor walks into Lindsay’s homicide department to report a murder that hasn’t yet happened. A convicted serial killer wakes from a two-year coma. He says he’s ready to tell where the bodies are buried, but does he have a much more sinister plan in mind? Lindsay doesn’t have much time to stop a terrifying future from unfolding. But all the crimes in the world seem like nothing when she is suddenly faced with the possibility of the most devastating loss of her life.

My Review: I have read each and every one of the Women’s Murder Club books and just lately they seem to be losing their flair. It seems that for each book, one of the characters has a major change of personality. Having said that, book 11 was a vast improvement on book 10! With this latest instalment, I was hoping to see things settle down once again but sadly this wasn’t the case.

With Lindsay Boxer as a new mother, her baby’s birth was the intro to this latest book. That alone is something that just feels secondary to the series and no real thought had gone into it. Yuki is now running a case which seemed to take over for the majority of the book and I have to be honest and say that this particular part of the story didn’t grab me. It is a case involving Keith Herman, a disgraced attorney, who is being prosecuted for the murder of his wife. Whilst Lindsay and Yuki are busy, we see Claire get demoted following the disappearance of a body from her Morgue, and finally we see fleeting glimpses of Cindy whose relationship with Lindsay’s partner Rich Conklin appears to be running into trouble.

I read this book pretty quickly, which wasn’t difficult as JP books are never meaty anyway. But by the end of the book, although I couldn’t say it was terrible, I also couldn’t say it was brilliant. It felt like storylines were created for all 4 characters and there was far too much going on for them individually. This made me feel like I was jumping from pillar to post, without any real sense of connection. Like many others I have probably read at least 60-70% of James Patterson’s books, but am finding that my patience is wearing a bit thin. I would prefer to wait all year for one book from the man himself, than to constantly try and catch up with all the various series and co-written books he produces. Overall, another James Patterson disappointment!

Blood Whisperer by Zoe Sharp

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My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: The uncanny abilities of London crime-scene specialist Kelly Jacks to coax evidence from the most unpromising of crime scenes once earned her the nickname of The Blood Whisperer. Then six years ago all that changed. Kelly woke next to the butchered body of a man, the knife in her hands and no memory of what happened. She trusted the evidence would prove her innocent.

It didn’t.

Now released after serving her sentence for involuntary manslaughter, Kelly must try to piece her life back together. Shunned by former colleagues and friends, the only work she can get is with the crime-scene cleaning firm run by her old mentor. But old habits die hard. And when her instincts tell her things are not as they appear at the scene of a routine suicide, she can’t help but ask questions that somebody does not want answered.

Plunged into the nightmare of being branded a killer once again, Kelly is soon fleeing the police, Russian thugs and a local gangster. Betrayed at every turn, she is fast running out of options. But Kelly acquired a whole new set of skills on the inside. Now street-smart and wary, can she use everything she’s learned to evade capture and stay alive long enough to clear her name?

Kat’s Review: I have to clarify something from the outset! I started reading the Charlie Fox series from Book 1 not that long ago. I am currently up to book 4, yet my Mum and Sister are both now finished with book 10. This poses a number of problems for me; especially since they have started to “talk in code” because my mum is a nightmare for spoilers! So when I realised that I could beat them to it with a new standalone I was ecstatic. However, being a fan of the Fox series, there is always the question of whether another character can be created that will be as good. I can happily confirm that Zoe Sharp bloody well can!

Kelly Jacks is a character that I instantly fell in love with. She is in possibly the worst position possible having served time behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, and not only that but she was a serving police officer at the time. It took me a matter of pages rather than chapters to get into the story and it soon became apparent that Kelly Jacks has to now look out for number one. She is pretty guarded (understandable), and to people who don’t know her hard work (again totally get that!). She is currently working for another retired copper as a cleaner of crime scenes. Her working buddy Tyrone I really liked (although Zoe was NOT impressed with what happened there) as well as her boss and former colleague Ray.

Before long the story starts to unravel as Kelly’s casual observation that a crime scene looked wrong starts a chain reaction of death and some serious skulduggery. I found myself racing through the book as Kelly’s situation seemed to become more perilous with each nugget of information she uncovered. Before I knew it I was racing towards the end and once again feeling that feeling of disappointment that I had read it far too quickly! I just couldn’t help myself and think that Zoe Sharp fans will feel the same. I’m almost shocked that this is her first standalone book, although I’m secretly hoping we may see Kelly Jacks again in the future (I can dream). This was an outstanding book and one that I think people will love. If I were you, I’d get this either in your shopping basket or downloaded at the next available opportunity; I don’t think you will be disappointed.

For once, I am ahead of the game with both my Mum and Sister (ha ha) as they have yet to read it. Although no doubt I will have to suffer more talking in code regarding the Charlie Fox Series…best I get cracking with book 5.

Dishonour by Jacqui Rose

My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: When Laila takes the chance of holding hands with her teenage crush Ray Ray on the walk home from school, she has no idea of the trouble she’s about to cause. Laila is sixteen years old and beautiful, kind and clever; traits liable to get her into trouble and make people dislike her. She doesn’t make her life any easier when she falls in love with an English boy, bringing shame on her family and attracting the attention of some very dangerous men. These men are always watching her and will stop at nothing to get things done their way.

Soon there’s a terrible ‘accident’ and Laila is forced to make a deal with the devil. And pay a very heavy price for breaking the rules. Laila has been forced to marry a cruel, controlling man by the people who are supposed to love her the most. Without anyone to help her, she has to find her own way out… 

Kat’s Review: Okay first off I am completely blaming Jacqui Rose for my tired and dishevelled state this morning. I only started her new book yesterday and found myself forcing myself to keep reading at 2am this morning! Her first two books were great, but this one…well it’s brilliant. Jacqui Rose is a relative newcomer to the Crime scene but with this book she is well and truly stamping her mark.

I started reading and was instantly taken into the shockingly controlling and abusive life of Laila. At sixteen she and her family are now living under the controlling ways of her uncle following her father’s death. I found myself horrified by the treatment she received and even more shockingly is that a case of this sort of treatment was recently in the news; proving this sort of thing still goes on. Following her treatment at the hands of her uncle Laila’s life takes a huge downward turn and things spiral out of her control.

On the other side of the coin we see Ray Ray and his family, with his father being the much feared gangster Freddie who is currently serving time. Jacqui Rose has created a story that had me well and truly hooked from the first to the very last page. SO much goes on with both Laila and Ray Ray and then add to the mix a crazed psychotic bloke named Arnold and you have yourself a tense read! There were some scenes in the book which were pretty graphic and made my stomach turn, but just proved that JR has done the job. If you haven’t read a Jacqui Rose book before maybe you should try because if you are a fan of people like Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers, I PROMISE, you won’t be disappointed.

BEYOND EVIDENCE BY EMMA CLAPPERTON (PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN #1)

My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: In an alley way of the back streets of Glasgow there lies a decomposing corpse of a slain female baking in the midday heat. No one has found her yet, but medium Patrick McLaughlin knows she is there. It is not the first time he has dreamt of death… and he soon finds out that it is not to be the last.

Meanwhile, the local police start to request DNA samples from twenty something men in the bustling city of Glasgow where several bizarre murders have taken place.

Through a hunch and in the belief that the terrifying dreams hold the key to the identity of the murderer, Patrick works alongside the police to track down the predator before they can strike again. 

The nightmares do not ease up and begin to tear at Patricks sanity and in the midst of the investigation, at what cost would Patrick have to pay to stop the killer striking again?

His friends? His family? His life?

My Review: I have to be honest and say that when I read the synopsis I had some serious doubts. I am not somebody who reads a lot of fiction that features ghosts or anything remotely like that, so when I say the words “Medium, Patrick McLaughlin” I have to say I was a little concerned. However, I was quite surprised that the first few pages were extremely graphic and gritty as we see a crime scene played out in front of us.  The following pages are used to introduce us to Patrick who (surprisingly) did not work for the police, but was an ordinary Joe! The difference between him and other people is that he has the ability to see and hear spirits.

I have to say I am a bit of a sceptic with things like that, but was even more surprised that the story and character of Patrick was done really well and was totally believable. Patrick was a pretty likeable character and I think because he has had so many issues growing up because of his ability, it made him more likeable. His partner Jodie also has the same ability which brings them closer together as a couple, and the added bonus was that they played off each other in the story and it helped make the story so much more legitimate.

In addition to Patrick, we meet two coppers Lang and Preston who are currently working on the cases of the murdered women. The nice aspect of this is that Patrick has to really work to prove to both of them that he isn’t a phoney. I liked both the coppers but to be honest, would like to find out a bit more about both of them as I didn’t really feel like wither of them stood out. Overall, this book really surprised me. Seeing as I am not a fan of the paranormal, I thought I might struggle but on fact it was the opposite. Emma Clapperton has created a book with likeable characters, and has potentially created a brilliant platform for a whole series of books featuring Patrick McLaughlin. I really enjoyed this and am really looking forward to another book in this series. If like me, you aren’t a fan of the paranormal, don’t let this put you off; I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Heartless by Casey Kelleher

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My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: Free from prison… but still trapped in a nightmare…

Having been locked up for a murder that she didn’t commit, Sophia O’Hagan is now determined to take back what’s hers. Sophia has been robbed of eight years of her life: a life that she should have spent with her beloved Tommy. Now, Tommy has gone and Sophia’s family has been torn apart. She knows that she will never know true freedom until she confronts the painful ghosts of her past.

Kat’s Review: I was extremely excited to get an early copy of the new release (due out 7th September 2013) by Casey Kelleher. The synopsis was enough to whet my interest, but within a few chapters I needn’t have worried as the story completely drew me in.  The beginning starts us off with Tommy and his twin brother Jonathan as youngsters. At around the same time, young Sophia is battling with her current home situation. One situation is what enables the three to meet, but they have no idea how much them meeting will change all their lives.

Casey Kelleher seems to be improving her talent with each book she writes and it seems that this current book has taken her into the next league of her career. The story instantly drew me in and the one thing I really noticed was the difference in the characters. Casey has self-published up until now, but with this latest one it puts other (currently published) authors to shame. She has managed to depict the ‘evil’ characters as just that, pure evil!

There was only one thing that I think could have helped the book and that is a timeline. We see Sophia as a young girl and then many years later as a young adult. Although the timeline would have helped, this certainly didn’t detract from the story. The plot kept winding up the tension and I literally didn’t want to put this one down. After reading this book, I can honestly say that Casey Kelleher has now placed herself firmly in the world of British Crime Authors; one which I think is totally deserved. 

The characters are brilliant and although this book does have a conclusion, I can actually see a second book coming from this (maybe that’s wishful thinking). Overall, this book is everything you want from a gritty British Crime book and I don’t think any of her fans will be disappointed. I for one will b crossing my fingers and excitedly waiting for the next one. 

RUTHLESS BY JESSIE KEANE (ANNIE CARTER #5)

My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: SHE THOUGHT SHE’D SEEN THE BACK OF THE DELANEYS. HOW WRONG COULD SHE BE . . . Annie Carter should have demanded to see their bodies lying on a slab in the morgue, but she really believed the Delaney twins were gone from her life for good. Now sinister things are happening around her and Annie Carter is led to one terrifying conclusion: her bitter enemies, the Delaney twins, didn’t die all those years ago. They’re back and they want her, and her family, dead. This isn’t the first time someone has made an attempt on her life, yet she’s determined to make it the last. Nobody threatens Annie Carter and lives to tell the tale . . .

My Review: Well I have to start off this review by saying that if you haven’t read the other Jessie Keane books in the series (and you plan on doing so), then please do not read this review. Obviously if you are on the first or second book, there will inevitably be spoilers in this review! I was really looking forward to reading the next book in this series, especially with all the drama that has gone on in the past. We start off by seeing the Delaney twins making plans, yet as far as Annie Carter knew the Delaney twins were dead and buried. Of course, nothing is simple in Annie’s life, yet when things start getting dangerous a little closer to home she realises things are not that easy any more. She has her adult daughter Layla with her and her safety always comes first.

The one thing I love about this series is Annie Carter herself. She makes a brilliant lead character and I have always loved her and her husband, then ex-husband Max. One thing I forgot is just how damn good looking these two are (in my head of course). They are typical characters for the sort of lives they lead and they have to be hardened to things that normal people couldn’t cope with. The time frame for the Carter’s has now moved on to the eighties, and we also get to see Annie’s friend Dlly again, albeit briefly.
The story was gripping from the very beginning as you wonder whether the Delaney’s will actually make good on their plans. Added to this, we get to know Layla as a young adult and this is something that I think makes a great platform for a continuation of the Carter series of books (YAY). I have no idea if we will get to see any of the Carter’s again but I can live in hope:-) In this latest offering, we see the plot move between London and Ireland and it’s done (as usual) seamlessly. Jessie Keane has once again created a brilliant, gripping and thrilling book which I didn’t want to put down. The Carter’s have become one of my favourite series and I cannot wait for the next Jessie Keane book. It seems like the more she writes, the better she becomes. I can honestly say that if you haven’t read Jessie Keane before then you are seriously missing out