Best Crime Books and More

Dry Hard by Nick Spalding

512CHERNnvL._SY346_ Synopsis: Kate and Scott’s marriage has always been a lot of fun, with alcohol at the heart of it. After all, what’s more entertaining than a good laugh and a large drink… or six? But recently, those relaxing drinks have become more crutch than comfort—and the couple have almost forgotten how to talk to each other sober.

Then their teenage daughter Holly uploads a video of their humiliating drunken escapades, which gets picked up by YouTube superstar PinkyPud—and goes horrifyingly viral. In a last-ditch attempt to prove to the world they’re more than just boozy idiots, Kate and Scott quit alcohol completely. But with Holly’s… er… ‘help’, what begins as a family promise soon escalates into a social media phenomenon: #DryHard!

With the eyes of the Internet upon them, can Kate and Scott stay teetotal—and save their marriage in the process?

My Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Dry Hard by Nick Spalding”

My Girl by Jack Jordan

download Synopsis: Paige Dawson: the mother of a murdered child and wife to a dead man. She has nothing left to live for… until she finds her husband’s handgun hidden in their house. Why did Ryan need a gun? What did he know about their daughter’s death? Desperate for the truth, Paige begins to unearth her husband’s secrets. But she has no idea who she is up against, or that her life isn’t hers to gamble – she belongs to me. From the bestselling author of Anything for Her, Jack Jordan’s My Girl is the new chilling thriller that you won’t want to miss.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

My Review: This is my first book by Jack Jordan and I was pleasantly surprised. Paige Dawson is our lead character and in short she is a mess. She is a functioning alcoholic who pops pills to make her life seem a little easier. Since her daughters death 10 years previously as well as her husbands more recent suicide she is sliding down a slippery and very destructive route. At first she is written off as somebody who is seeing things when she convinces herself she didn’t leave the TV on, or the recorder playing. Of course everybody else assumes its Paige in her own world. Pretty soon Paige knows that something is amiss especially when she discovers that her husband was hiding a gun in their house.

The writing was good and the pace was certainly set early on in the book. However, there were a couple of things that I think could have been left out (such as the issue with her Doctor, that made me super uncomfortable) and at parts the story felt padded when it didn’t need to be. Those small niggles aside I think this was an interesting read which certainly kept my attention. I will definitely be reading other books of his I have waiting on my ever growing to be read list

My Lemon Grove Summer by Jo Thomas

Synopsis: When life hands you lemons … is it ever too late for a second chance?

Zelda’s impulsive nature has got her precisely nowhere up until now. A fresh start in a beautiful hilltop town in Sicily looking for new residents, together with her best friend Lennie, could be just what she needs. And who better to settle down with than the person who knows her best?

But the sun-filled skies and sparkling seas can’t hide the shadow hanging over Citta d’Ora, which means not everyone is pleased to see their arrival. The dreams Zelda and her fellow new residents had of setting up a new life might be slipping away. But a friendship with restauranteur Luca could be about to unlock the possibilities that lie in the local lemon groves. And there’s a wedding on the horizon that might be just what the town needs to turn it around…

Could a summer in Sicily help Zelda learn to trust her instinct and follow her heart?

My Rating: 4/5

Deceit by Kerry Barnes

Synopsis: Living in a beautiful home on the edge of a council estate, Kara Bannon can’t imagine what it’s like to have nothing.

An eerie phone call plays on her mind and within three days she loses everything – her job, her home and Justin, the only person she thought she could trust.

Alone and terrified, she makes a decision that will change her life forever.

Suddenly she has to enter a new world – Prison.

Revenge is not always so sweet…

My Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Deceit by Kerry Barnes”

The Sting by Kimberley Chambers

Synopsis: Tommy Boyle and Scratch always had each other’s backs. But old loyalties die hard on London’s streets, and when Tommy throws his lot in with the notorious Darling family, Scratch gets thrown to the wolves.

TWO SIDES OF THE LAW.

Shedding her old life for the Old Bill, Scratch goes undercover on Operation Sting. Bringing down the Darlings’ empire will be her duty – and getting revenge for an old friend’s sins will be her pleasure.

ONE SHOCKING TWIST.

My Rating: 4/5 Continue reading “The Sting by Kimberley Chambers”

Torment by Mark Tilbury

Synopsis: Beth couldn’t be happier. She is eight weeks pregnant and married to the man of her dreams. But after returning home from a celebratory meal, she finds a wreath from her sister’s grave hanging above the bed and a kitchen knife embedded in her pillow. There are no signs of a forced entry. Nothing is stolen. And no one other than the cleaner has a key to the house.

Then a campaign of terror begins. Beth becomes increasingly paranoid as it becomes clear that someone close to the family is behind these disturbing events. But who would want Beth dead? Does the past hold the clue? And can Beth find the answer before it’s too late?

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: Beth is the main character and is currently pregnant again following past miscarriages. Along with her husband David they are looking forward to the pregnancy and life seems good for them. That is until they arrive home one day to find a wreath from her sisters grave hanging above their bed. This is the start of a very different life to what they planned.

The ensuing story is a very detailed and disturbing tale and highlights just how much havoc things like that have on a person and how their life is truly affected. In this case Beth becomes almost a different person. As the story progresses the tension seems to up a notch with every single day that passes and another event happens. Before too long I think I had suspected every character in this book of being the culprit but that’s the beauty of this book, is that you (and Beth) are never quite sure.

I have never read Mark Tilbury before but this was certainly a page turner for me and I will most definitely be looking out for books of his in the future.

The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan (Mure #3)

Synopsis: The third novel in the Mure series, from bestselling author Jenny Colgan. On the quayside next to the Endless Beach sits the Summer Seaside Kitchen. It’s a haven for tourists and locals alike, who all come to eat the freshest local produce on the island and catch up with the gossip. Flora, who runs the cafe, feels safe and content – unless she thinks too hard about her relationship with Joel, her gorgeous but emotionally (and physically) distant boyfriend. While Flora is in turmoil about her relationship. her best friend Lorna is pining after the local doctor. Saif came to the island as a refugee, having lost all of his family. But he’s about to get some shocking news which will change everything for him. As cold winter nights shift to long summer days, can Flora find her happy-ever-after with Joel?

My Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan (Mure #3)”

The Choice by Kerry Barnes (Mike Regan #3)

516abDhS88L Synopsis: Mike Regan and Zara Ezra believe the so-called Governor is safely locked away – in Zara’s hangar.

But less than twenty-four hours later, the Governor is loose and out there, wreaking havoc.

After what Zara made him do to his own son, she knows he’ll be back with more than murder on his mind.

Moving the families to a safe place was all the firm could do to protect them. But now one of the boys goes missing. It can only mean one thing – the Governor has started his revenge.

Zara is faced with an unimaginable choice just as she forced the Governor to make his – only this time, it could cost the man she loves his life.

My Rating: 5/5

My Review: Oh. My. God. What an ending to this trilogy and a pretty amazing one at that! This was merely the cherry on the cake with this trio of books and my recommendation would be to buy all three. They are definitely making it into my top ten reads in this genre for the year!!! If you do plan on reading them in order, it’s probably best not to read on because there will inevitably be spoilers.

We return to Zara and Mike Regan along with Willie, Lou and Staffie. Alongside them we see their kids and we return to Ricky’s dilemma following his stay in hospital. From the very start of the book the action takes a front seat and pretty much stays there the entire book. Considering this is the last in the trilogy this didn’t surprise me as there is a lot going on.

The story line doesn’t need to be repeated in my review but I was surprised at a few events that unfolded. Having said that there wasn’t a moment in this book I didn’t enjoy. This is a prime example of what a British Crime writer should be doing, and boy has Kerry Barnes got it right! I was enthralled with this latest book but luckily I realised I have yet to read another of her books Deceit so I am off to start that!

A Very Distant Shore by Jenny Colgan (Mure #2 Short Story)

51FnMi6vXdL Synopsis: Lorna lives on the tiny Scottish island of Mure, a peaceful place where everyone helps their neighbour. But the local GP is retiring, and nobody wants his job. Mure is too small and too remote.

Far away, in a crowded camp, Saif is treating a little boy with a badly-cut hand. Saif is a refugee, but he’s also a doctor: exactly what Mure needs.

Saif is welcome in Mure, but can he forget his past? Over one summer, Saif will find a place to call home, and Lorna’s life will change forever.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: At 160 pages this is a short read, but having just finished the first book in this series I was thrilled to be able to take a closer look at Lorna and Saif. Book one introduces you to the tiny island of Mure and we met Flora who was the star of the show. However, her friend Lorna also featured and like everybody else was an interesting character. All we really knew about her from book 1 was that she ran the local school on the island and she had developed a crush on the Island Doctor Saif.

Although I am not a fan of short stories, this was enough of a bite to give a bit more detail into both Lorna and Saif in the lead up tp the follow up book. It was a quick, easy and thoroughly enjoyable read and enabled me to get ready for the next book.

Her Husband’s Mistake by Sheila O’Flanagan

51EFH2s4q3L._SX308_BO1,204,203,200_ Synopsis: Roxy’s marriage has always been rock solid.

After twenty years, and with two carefree kids, she and Dave are still the perfect couple.

Until the day she comes home unexpectedly, and finds Dave in bed with their attractive, single neighbour.

Suddenly Roxy isn’t sure about anything – her past, the business she’s taken over from her dad, or what her family’s future might be. She’s spent so long caring about everyone else that she’s forgotten what she actually wants. But something has changed. And Roxy has a decision to make.

Whether it’s with Dave, or without him, it’s time for Roxy to start living for herself…

Kat’s Rating: 3/5

My Review: I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed by this book. Even the synopsis sounds cliched and sadly it was a little bit. Roxy is our main character and her and Dave have been married for years and have 2 children together. A day after Roxy’s fathers funeral she comes home and finds Dave in bed with the next door neighbour (see what I mean). Not only do we see Roxy lose her Father but we also see her lose a marriage.

Now of course like most feel good books we also get to see Roxy try and grow as a person and all that jazz, but I have to be honest there were just too many elements of this book that grated on me. I thought Roxy was pretty weak for start, which normally wouldn’t bother me but with characters such as her Mother stating that “women cannot have it all” just irritated me. For some reason I loathed the majority of the characters and it spoilt the book for me.

If I were to put my feelings of individual characters aside the story is okay, and I wouldn’t go as far as calling it bad because Sheila O’Flanagan is a natural born writer. I have been reading and loving her books for years, but for some reason everything about the characters just rubbed me up the wrong way. Not a terrible book but certainly not for me.