Trust No One by Clare Donoghue (Bennett & Lockyer #3)

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Synopsis: A marriage is what you make it, isn’t it? It’s what you put into it. It’s not just about love, it’s about understanding another person’s point of view. Sometimes there are things you find out about yourself and each other which means the marriage has to end. Sad, particularly when kids are involved – but all pretty normal.

Normal that is, until there’s a murder.

DS Jane Bennett and DI Mike Lockyer are called in to investigate one of the South London murder squad’s most difficult and distressing cases yet – where family and friends come under scrutiny in the hardest of circumstances.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: Okay, so this series is relatively new and I felt like book one got off to a shaky start. Book 2 was a definite improvement and this latest release is another good read. It seems like the author is still finding her feet with the characters and I think this series will improve with each book that is written.  Mike Lockyer seems to be well on his way to being ‘back to normal’ following books 1 and 2. Jane on the other hand is in for a whole host of upsets especially involving her personal life.

On a work front, the death of Richard Taylor at first seems like death by natural causes; however it soon becomes clear that this isn’t the case. After the initial outcome of foul play the investigation makes a slow but steady start and we are introduced to all aspects of Richard Taylor’s life. The plot was a bit of a slow starter, but it seemed as the story progressed there were more suspects than it first appeared. Mike has been newly promoted to Senior Investigating Officer so both he and Jane are involved in the case.

Jane’s personal life then seemingly takes hit after hit, which in one respect I enjoyed. You certainly feel like you are getting to know the characters and their weaknesses and other elements to their personal life. Jane was again the stand out character for me, however the story works with both Mike and Jane involved and the loss of one may make for a weaker book.

Overall this was certainly an enjoyable book and the pace and plot kept me interested right until the end. I liked the fact I only guessed the culprit towards the very end and the story involving this murder was played out in stages. I am hoping that with each book the pace picks up as readers get to know the characters more and more. There is certainly a lot of ‘wiggle room’ for expanding storylines involving both Jane and Mike. This is definitely a series I will be keeping up with.

THE LITTLE SHOP OF HAPPY EVER AFTER BY JENNY COLGAN

Synopsis: Given a back-room computer job when the beloved Birmingham library she works in turns into a downsized retail complex, Nina misses her old role terribly – dealing with people, greeting her regulars, making sure everyone gets the right books for their needs. Then a new business nobody else wants catches her eye: owning a tiny little bookshop bus up in the Scottish highlands. No computers. Shortages. Out all hours in the freezing cold; driving with a tiny stock of books… not to mention how the little community is going to take to her, particularly when she stalls the bus on a level crossing.

MY RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: Jenny Colgan novels never fail me and thankfully this one is no different. Nina is the main character and if I’m honest she is a little wet behind the ears at first. She works in a library which is suffering cutbacks and when she is finally offered a ‘back-room computer’ job she decides to make some brave decisions. The first few chapters went by but I wasn’t as absorbed as I normally would be. I think that Nina was a little too weak for my liking and it was only when she decided to take some chances that she started to shine.

Nina discovers that her passion for books is all consuming and she isn’t prepared to give up on her dream of running a bookshop. Only how her dream turns out is a little different from the one she has in her head. What transpires is a van situated in the Scottish Highlands and a complete change of life for her. Jenny Colgan has as always done a stellar job with describing where Nina moves to and I could literally picture Nina Parked up in her book bus.

With her whole life turned around she meets her new Landlord Lennox who is a brusque and seemingly unhelpful man who has little time for Nina and her fanciful ideas. Nina then makes a terrible faux pas and ends up getting her bus stuck on a set of railway lines which ends up opening up a whole new thread to the story. This novel is packed full of laughter and is a complete escapist read which will no doubt cheer you up no end. I’m afraid it didn’t quite live up to my favourite Colgan books featuring the Little Beach Street Bakery but is still a cracking read for those in need of some light reading to cheer you up.

Deadly Obsession by Nigel May

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Synopsis: What would you do if you saw your husband killed right in front of you … identified his body … had him cremated … then six months later received a letter written by him two days ago?

Amy Barrowman grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. So when she falls in love with millionaire Riley Hart and he asks her to marry him she can’t believe her luck. She has found true love and her happy ever after. 

Riley Hart is a Millionaire Man about Town. Men want to be him and women want to bed him. But to achieve Riley’s status, you have to tread on a lot of toes and make a lot of enemies. 

When Riley is gunned down at the nightclub they own, Amy is determined to avenge his death. She receives a mysterious letter detailing a list of suspects including Riley’s sworn enemy, actor Grant Wilson. But with an obsessive passion brewing between her and Grant and a dangerous assassin trailing her every move it would seem Amy has opened a deadly and tempting Pandora’s Box. In settling the score for her husband has Amy put herself into terrible danger? 

KAT’S RATING: 5/5

KAT’S REVIEW: My first (and certainly not my last) Nigel May book, so I had zero expectations. What I do know is that I was intrigued. The author is a man writing a book that looks fit to rival that of authors such as Jackie Collins? Don’t be ridiculous! Well, it seems the only ridiculous one is me…for making that statement. It seems Nigel May really IS the male rival to ‘Bonkbuster’ authors. There is one thing that doesn’t seem right to me though. This book oozed a bit of a crime related theme with a whole bunch of naughtiness thrown in. This is like a Spicy Crime…seriously that’s the only way I can describe it!

Amy Barrowman is the shining star in this book and her life with her husband Riley Hart seems to be like something straight out of a Celebrity Magazine. Riley has taken over his father’s business and Amy is running her much dreamed about Club the Kitty Kat. Almost as soon as you are ensconced into their beautiful life, Riley is gunned down in Amy’s club and that is where all the problems begin! In all honesty Amy was a likeable character but it was clear from the outset she was a little naïve when it came to her husband.

Amy is now determined to avenge her husband’s death and what starts out as a seemingly straightforward task, her life takes on a whole new meaning.  As the book progresses things get increasingly worse and it seems that every new character adds another layer of complexity to the life Amy once knew. There is danger, suspense and a whole bunch of raunchy sex thrown in for good measure. What’s not to like, that’s the question I posed to myself. The answer was absolutely nothing. This was a deliciously decadent read!

Being an avid Crime, Thriller and Mystery reader, I sometimes switch out to the lighter hearted books with the occasional ‘Bonkbuster’ thrown in. This is like the perfect combination of the two. A fantastic read for both men and women this is certainly an author I will be following closely in the future.

Find Her by Lisa Gardner (DD Warren #8)

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Synopsis: I escaped the box. The coffin that was both my prison and my lifeline. My prison as I waited each day for release. My lifeline as being locked inside meant being away from him. I escaped the box, but I didn’t escape its consequences. Now danger’s irrelevant. All I care about is making them pay. The other predators out there. Those just like the man who took me. And if someone tries to grab me again? I know how to protect myself. And when another girl is taken? Have no doubt: I will do anything, anything, to find her.

Escaped kidnap victim Flora Dane has once again disappeared. Has the self-proclaimed vigilante become a victim? Or is something far more sinister at play? D.D. will have to race against the clock if she is going to Find Her.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: I’m a pretty hard core fan of Lisa Gardner, especially the DD Warren series. However, words of warning…don’t start reading this late at night! It’s what I did, and not only did it keep me up into the early hours, it also scared me witless. We get to see both Flora Dane’s point of view as well as DD Warren’s. Flora is a survivor in her own right, kept hostage for more than a year we literally live through her ordeal as she goes back in time as the story progresses.

For this latest DD outing, it seems Flora has once again disappeared. The bigger question this story poses is whether Flora has once again been kidnapped, or is this part of a bigger plan. DD seemingly takes a back-seat and I couldn’t help but feel that Flora’s story captured me a lot more than DD’s turn of events! With that minor niggle to one side the story itself absolutely captivated me.

The story is well paced and from the very outset had me shivering in fear at the descriptive and harrowing tale of Flora. Momentum is built in stages and you are swept along with each turn of events. DD still holds her own in this book yet she just didn’t quite shine like she normally does. This was certainly another solid read in the series. We also see an unexpected, albeit brief, glimpse of the character Kimberley Quincy. Don’t get too excited, it really was brief, but still it made me realise how much I long for another book in that series.

Overall this book ticks all the right boxes, including leaving me sleeping a little uneasy the night I started the book. For some reason I didn’t feel like it was a five star read, maybe because of DD taking a back seat but still an undeniably good book!

Tainted Love by Kimberley Chambers (Butlers #4)

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Synopsis: Three Butlers.

Two weddings.

One funeral.

Times are changing in the East End, from bad to worse . . .Despite the love they share, Bella’s and Michael’s lives seem to be continually throwing grenades in their path to true happiness. Bella’s dark secret is threatening to spiral out of control – and has the power to destroy the Butler brothers’ bond once and for all . . .Meanwhile, Little Vinny has truly turned over a new leaf and is doing everything he can to be a good husband and father. He doesn’t want to follow in his old man’s footsteps, but the apple never falls far from the tree, and despite everything he’s done to wipe the slate clean, his past is about to catch up with him.Everyone knows the Butler family’s reputation – you don’t mess with them unless you’ve got a death wish. But there’s someone out there doing the unthinkable – and they are aiming for the heart of the family.It feels like the end of a golden era – could it finally be the end of the Butlers?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Tainted Love by Kimberley Chambers (Butlers #4)”

No Place To Die by Clare Donoghue (Bennett & Lockyer #2)

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Synopsis: DS Jane Bennett takes charge of South London’s Lewisham murder squad following the temporary suspension of her boss, DI Mike Lockyer. His involvement with a female witness resulted in her murder. Mike returns to work but he’s a shadow of the detective he was a few months before. Bennett gets a desperate call from an old friend to say that her husband, retired colleague Mark Leech, has gone missing. Blood spatters found in the home suggest that she doesn’t have long to find him.

When Jane is sent to a site in Elmstead Woods she stumbles upon a sinister murder scene. A tomb has been created, and the body she finds is not Mark’s – as she dreaded and suspected – but that of missing university student, Maggie Hungerford. Her killer recorded her last moments, even providing an air supply which was only cut off when the game lost its thrill. Two men admit to having had a sexual relationship with Maggie. Both deny murder. Someone is lying. And Mark is still missing. When another tomb is discovered, an anonymous tip and mounting evidence suggest a disturbing link which threatens to derail both cases and let a murderer walk free. Lockyer is shocked into supporting Bennett in a case which becomes ever more ominous and dangerous as the investigation deepens. They know that their hunt is

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: I read the first in the series entitled Never Look Back and only rated in 3/5. The majority of this surrounded how I felt about one of the main characters Mike Lockyer. Mike Lockyer is a DI and along with his colleague DS Jane Bennett, he certainly didn’t shine in the first book, and I would even go as far as to say he was a little dull. Having read the second book in the series a couple of things have slotted into place for me. Sometimes when you read about a lead character in a series they are somehow damaged, or have major issues over something that may have happened in the past. With Mike Lockyer, we didn’t have that as a basis to start with. What we did have was a reason in book 1 for him to become a damaged man. Looking back after reading book 2 I feel completely differently now and feel like as a reader we have seen him go through the worst experience, and instead of seeing him just bounce back like a miracle (as many characters seemingly do), we see him in all his damaged glory trying to rebuild himself and get back into work.

At the start of book 2, Mike has been instructed to take a back seat and Jane Bennett is now leading the team. The story itself surrounds Lewisham Murder Squad investigating the discovery of a body in an underground tomb. If you are claustrophobic, it doesn’t make for pleasant reading! In addition to this murder, the disappearance of a retired police officer also rears its head and we see Jane under an immense amount of pressure. We see both Jane and Mike at their best and worst and as a reader it makes you feel far more attached to them as characters and in turn the series. The multiple plot threads were cleverly done and keep you guessing.

This second book was a huge improvement on Book 1, and I can also see why Clare Donoghue felt the need for the story in Book 1 as it lays some groundwork and history on the two characters. This series has taking a brilliant upward turn with book 2, so much so that I may well have to change my order of books to read next and plough straight on to book 3. Book 3 entitled Trust No One is due for release 10 March 2016.

Killer Plan by Leigh Russell (Geraldine Steel #7)

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Synopsis: Caroline’s husband is killed, but she can’t turn to the police without implicating herself in his murder. When one of her 10-year-old twins is kidnapped, the desperate mother is forced to resort to drastic measures to get him back. As time runs out, and a second body is discovered, Geraldine realises she has a secret that might just help solve the case. But the truth could destroy her career. Faced with the unenviable decision of protecting herself or the widow she barely knows, Geraldine must grapple with her conscience and do the right thing before the death count mounts any further

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: I have been a long standing fan of Leigh Russell’s but her last Geraldine Steel book left me feeling like something was missing. This latest book was certainly a more enthralling read but I still feel like Geraldine is missing something. In the early part of the series she worked alongside Ian Peterson (who has now moved away and has his own series of books). In her last book we see her new colleagues Sam and Nick a little more but that didn’t sit right with me either. In this latest release, things are a mixed bag for Geraldine.

Caroline is Mother to two 10 year old twin boys and an innocent day at the park turns her world into a living nightmare. When her husband is murdered she cannot turn to the police without putting herself firmly in the frame. With Geraldine working the case things quickly unravel and then before you know it a second body is discovered. The readers are also getting to see Geraldine’s personal life uncovered a little more. I must say I was nowhere near prepared for some of the events in this book, but they were a welcome surprise.

Overall I definitely think the story and writing is back with a vengeance from Leigh Russell, however there is still that nagging feeling. It feels like Geraldine is listlessly meandering through her own life and there is nobody by her side, whether that be a colleague or lover. Maybe that’s what it feels like? She has moved to London and aside from her colleague Sam who didn’t make much oif an appearance in this book she has nobody. Her sister and niece make a brief appearance but aside from that she seems a little lonely.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed this series to date and am looking forward to reading the next one which is ready on my Kindle, entitled Murder Ring.

You and Me Always by Jill Mansell

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Synopsis: On the morning of Lily’s twenty-fifth birthday, it’s time to open the very last letter written to her by her beloved mother, who died when she was eight.

Learning more about the first and only real love of her mum’s life is a revelation. On the same day, Lily also meets Eddie Tessler, a man fleeing fame who just might have the ability to change her world in unimaginable ways. But her childhood friend Dan has his own reasons for not wanting Lily to get too carried away by Eddie’s attentions.

Before long, secrets begin to emerge and Lily’s friends and family become involved. In the beautiful Cotswold village of Stanton Langley, nothing will ever be the same again…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

KAT’S REVIEW: I have always been a reader ever since a young age, but became an avid reader in my late teens. There were a couple of authors I always resorted to and Jill Mansell was one of them. The thing that I have realised is that Jill along with another long term author Carole Matthews have almost become the reading equivalent of a security blanket. Having read every published book by Jill Mansell I have never been disappointed with a book she has written. It seems in the last 5 or 6 years every book she has published (with the exception of 1) has been a solid 5 star read. This latest book is no exception to that rule, other than in one way. I think (although am not sure) I may have broken a personal record?!? I started this new JM last night at around 8pm, I read late into the night and this morning finished the final 3 chapters before I’d even made 3 stops on my train journey. Now I know I am a quick reader but this seems somehow like the quickest I have ever read a book! One of the reasons is that yet again Jill Mansell has created a wonderful book that meant everything else in my life stopped!

Lily is the main focus of this story but if I am being entirely honest this book felt like they all had lead parts. Lily is a 25 year old woman growing up in the village of Stanton Langley in the Cotswolds with her unusual family set up. Having lost her Mum at a young age, her Mum’s best friend Carol is her surrogate Mum almost along with Patsy her childhood Babysitter and Patsy’s brother Dan who happens to have been lifelong friends with Lily. It all sounds rather convoluted and unnecessary; however nothing could be further from the truth. The characters all feel so familiar almost instantly and the characters be it villagers or friends all make the story weave together seamlessly.

A strange and chance encounter means that Lily meets Eddie Tessler, a very famous Actor who is fleeing his unwanted press attention. This takes the story to a whole new level and there really are some wonderful book moments. Lily is a brilliant character who speaks the truth and when she faces Eddie with her honesty he is blown away and a friendship blossoms. There is so much going on in this story but I cannot stress how much of an easy and enjoyable read it was. Yes there is plenty of romance going on, but it’s interspersed with funny characters and a great plot line. It seems that Jill Mansell continues to show why she is an author that has been around for more than 25 years and can STILL produce Bestsellers. An absolutely wonderful, feel good read and perfect for to cheer you up on a dreary January 

THE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE BY JENNY COLGAN

Synopsis: Rosie Hopkins, newly engaged, is looking forward to an exciting year in the little sweetshop she owns and runs. But when fate strikes Rosie and her boyfriend, Stephen, a terrible blow, threatening everything they hold dear, it’s going to take all their strength and the support of their families and their Lipton friends to hold them together.

After all, don’t they say it takes a village to raise a child?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: I rarely dislike a Jenny Colgan book and the Rosie Hopkins books are no exception. For those that plan to read these books in order it’s maybe not a good idea to carry on reading. The one HUGE thing I loved was that Jenny Colgan does a little ‘wrap up’ of all characters and where they are at up to date giving you a quick refresh. It’s a great idea and I immediately knew where I was joining the story again.

Rosie Hopkins has now settled into the village of Lipton and with the refresh at the beginning of the book I was reminded of all the local characters that make an appearance. Rosie is now living with boyfriend Stephen and regularly visits her aunt Lilian who is resident at a home nearby. We also see reappearances of local GP Moray, Rosie’s friend and colleague Tina and many more. One particular character which makes a brilliant ‘star’ performance in this latest book is the local dentist Roy.

One thing that quickly became clear was that the early part of the book was certainly not all flowers and romance. We witness both Rosie and Stephen face some harsh, bleak and very sad moments. This results in them making a trip back to Africa where Stephen had previously visited. I’m not deliberately being vague, but it’s difficult to mention parts of the story without fear of plot spoiling. Upon Rosie and Stephens return it seems the whole village goes into meltdown meaning last minute arrangements have to be made for Tina and her upcoming wedding. In addition to that we meet Stephens Sister Pamela who I thought was an absolutely cracking character to read about.

Overall, although not my favourite ‘Rosie’ book this was another brilliant read. It is well worth reading the two previous books, but if you haven’t and you come across this don’t let that stop you. I certainly enjoyed revisiting Lipton and all its characters and can’t wait to see what’s next for all of them!

Rough Cut by Anna Smith (Rosie Gilmour #6)

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Synopsis: When a young Pakistani bride falls to her death from a window, Rosie has to navigate the story with care, trying not to upset the girl’s devastated family or the local Pakistani community. After talking to the family, however, Rosie becomes convinced that there is more to the story than a tragic accident, and that something is being kept from her and the police. Meanwhile, on the other side of Glasgow, Nikki and Julie, two prostitutes, find themselves in trouble when a client dies during an assignment and it looks like one of them is to blame. Their problems become far worse though, when a briefcase they steal from the dead man turns out to contain some very valuable rough diamonds and several fake passports. It’s clear it belonged to some serious criminals, and now they have much more to worry about than a dead body. Investigating the Pakistani girl’s death, Rosie has been talking to Laila, another young girl from the community, who has voiced her fears of being forced into marrying a much older man in Pakistan. When Laila disappears, Rosie is sure her fears have been realised. Then Nikki contacts her asking for help, and Rosie senses a parallel with her current case. Sure enough, as Rosie flies to Pakistan to try and rescue Laila, it becomes clear that the ‘accidental’ death, Laila’s disappearance and the briefcase are all linked – and once back in Glasgow, she, Julie and Nikki discover just how much danger they are in…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5 Continue reading “Rough Cut by Anna Smith (Rosie Gilmour #6)”