Tag: RATED 4/5

Anything Could Happen by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis: A chance encounter in New York City. A great love story on the cusp of beginning. And then he was gone.

For Lara and her daughter Eliza, it has always been just the two of them. But when Eliza turns eighteen and wants to connect with her father, Lara is forced to admit a secret that she has been keeping from her daughter her whole life.

Eliza needs answers – and so does Lara. Their journey to the truth will take them on a road trip across England and eventually to New York, where it all began. Dreams might have been broken and opportunities missed, but there are still surprises in store…

Anything Could Happen is a warm, wise, funny and uplifting novel about love, second chances and the unexpected and extraordinary paths life can take us down.

MY RATING: 4/5

MY REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the begining to the very last page. Lara is a single mother and her grown up daughter Eliza is soon to turn 18. What she didn’t account for was Eliza questioning more details on her birth Father. As far as Eliza is aware Steve is her Father and he is largely absent from her life. When Eliza gets a bombshell dropped regarding her real father it sets off a chain reaction and both her and Lara have no clue how things will turn out.

Now don’t get me wrong I have read this kind of story over the years in a variety of ways and there was absolutely nothing wrong with this story, but it’s just wasn’t a book that I was blown away with. That small niggle aside Lucy Diamond has a real knack with storytelling and I was absolutely compelled to find out what happens with both Lara and Eliza. I wasn’t overly keen on Eliza as a character which is unusual (normally I am a fan of characters LD creates) but the story and writing totally made the book worthwhile.

Overall a very enjoyable and escapist kind of read, and it’s made me ensure all my unread Lucy Diamond books get pushed further up the ‘to-read’ pile.

The Girl in The Dark by Zoe Sharp (Blake & Byron)

Synopsis: The woman falls. Her body begins to shake. Her brown eyes turn upwards, showing a mix of panic and desperate hope. She takes a deep breath and says one ‘Blake.’ Then her eyes close, her face pales, and she goes still forever…

The victim: Shannon, a woman who went out of her way to help the lost and hopeless, left abandoned to die by the side of the road. Where was she in those last few days before her death, and why was she so frightened?

The avenger: Blake Claremont, who knows only too well how it feels to be alone on the streets of a big city. Blake survived, thanks to Shannon. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend, and why.

Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing… never to be seen again. Now, with the help of Detective John Byron, Blake must take up Shannon’s investigation. She knows these streets and the predators who walk in the darkness. She will follow in Shannon’s footsteps until she finds her target: the ruthless men and women who steal people’s lives and will do anything to protect their secrets.

And then, they will pay.

MY RATING: 4/5

MY REVIEW: I recently read the first new book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so was pleased to be able to pick up where we left off and see what happened next! The two characters couldn’t be more different and that’s what makes them very enjoyable to read about. Blake Claremont is a young woman who in book one reappeared at her family home following a long period of being away. She is a feisty character that really does have her own mind and trust literally about two people! This latest book sees her living on the streets, which at first I didn’t understand but it soon all became clear.

Blake is determined to find out what happened to Shannon who was one of the few people that made sure Blake was okay. Now Shannon is dead and Blake feels an intense sense of loyalty to find out what is going on and why. On the other end of the spectrum Detective John Byron is now working in a specific role looking into potential police corruption.

This latest book delves into a world where the homeless are being victimised in a terrible way but with Blake not giving an inch, god help them all! Both Blake and John are brilliant characters and I especially love Blakes friend Lex Vaganov! Between Lex and John’s old boss Shamshi Daud they make an awesome team. This whole book and storyline I thoroughly enjoyed and I cannot wait to see where the series goes.

The Last Time She Dies by Zoe Sharp (Blake & Byron)

Synopsis: She came back on the day of her father’s funeral, ten years after she vanished. But she can’t be who she says she is… When Blake disappeared as a teenager, on a cold dark night, her father never reported her missing. She is presumed dead.

Now, ten years later, a young woman with white-blonde hair sits comfortably in the family living room and smiles at the shocked faces around her.

“Don’t you recognise me?” she says. “I’m Blake.”

Detective John Byron isn’t sure whether she’s telling the truth. But as he investigates, he soon realises no one is happy to see her. And the people who should be welcoming her back with open arms know she can’t be Blake. Because they killed her the night she vanished…

Didn’t they?

MY RATING: 4/5

My Review: Finally! I am a big fan of the Charlie Fox series by Zoe Sharp and its been way too long so when I realised I now had two books in a new series by her to read I eagerly started with this one the first featuring ‘Blake & Byron’ as the title suggests. So the Byron in this duo refers to John Byron a copper with the Met who is currently on leave from work. The reader has no clue why he is on leave or what happened but it’s pretty clear from the outset he is up in Derbyshire for his boss looking into something through unofficial channels. The first thing that struck me was how ‘old school’ this book felt and that isn’t mean in a derogatory way at all! It had a real mystery air to it and that ‘who dunnit’ feel going on which I loved.

On the opposing side of the duo is Blake, a young woman who returns to her old home following the death of her Father. Gideon Fitzroy was a British MP and had a good standing in the community. When his long since missing daughter re-appears after the funeral a lot of eyes are raised including those of her step mother and half brother and sister. I admit that the first few chapters it took me a little while to get into the writing and story itself, but as the book progressed I could totally understand the reasons behind the slow burn of the unfolding storyline.

I don’t want to rehash the synopsis as that seems a pointless exercise, but what I will say is that following completion of book 1 I can totally appreciate the groundwork that went into building these two characters and leaving the reader wondering what next. I read this book over a couple of days and frankly slowly fell in love with both Byron and Blake, two very original characters with some wonderful character traits, best shown off over the span of the book! It’s very hard to describe what I mean (after all I am a reader and not a writer) but I guess overall this was a hugely enjoyable book featuring characters I definitely want to read more of, and that being the case would 100% recommend this as I think this could be an absolutely fantastic series.

The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter (Will Trent, #10)

The Silent Wife Synopsis:

He watches.

A woman runs alone in the woods. She convinces herself she has no reason to be afraid, but she’s wrong. A predator is stalking the women of Grant County. He lingers in the shadows, until the time is just right to snatch his victim.

He waits.

A decade later, the case has been closed. The killer is behind bars. But then another young woman is brutally attacked and left for dead, and the MO is identical.

He takes.

Although the original trail has gone cold – memories have faded, witnesses have disappeared – agent Will Trent and forensic pathologist Sara Linton must re-open the cold case. But the clock is ticking, and the killer is determined to find his perfect silent wife….

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: So having caught up with Will and Sara in book 9 I went straight on to book 10 and this one was no less graphic than the last. I personally love books that are dark and gritty but some may find the subject matter uncomfortable as rape and the depravity that comes with it is not in short supply here. It seems that the GBI have an issue at hand as a convicted rapist who is serving time in prison is claiming his innocence. Not only that but he is claiming that Sara’s dead husband Jeffrey Tolliver is responsible.

In all honesty you do need to have read the other books in the series for this one to have an impact. This feels like an unravelling of things especially for Sara’s current partner Will. When another woman is raped and left for dead, everybody soon realises that this is the same MO as the man currently serving the sentance for those historic crimes. This is a no holds barred book in both description and storytelling and isn’t for the feint hearted. That’s not to say the author is at fault as she has always said she will always write honestly about violence againt women.

The storyline drills down into the personal lives of Sara and Will too as we see them both struggling with Jeffrey being brought into the forefront of their lives. This book was as usual written impecibly with that dark and edgy style that Karin Slaughter is famous for. A great read and once again getting me prepped and ready for book 11!

The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter (Will Trent, #9)

The Last Widow Synopsis: She might be the first victim, but she won’t be the last.

Three…

A woman is abducted in front of her child.

Two…

A month later, a second is taken in explosive circumstances.

One…

But the web is bigger and darker than anyone could imagine.

The clock is ticking to uncover the truth.

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: It’s been a long time since I read a Will Trent book by Karin Slaughter and was looking forward to catching up with both Will and Sara. Having read this latest book I also realised how much I love both Faith, Will’s partner and Amanda his boss. The book starts with Michelle and her daughter being snatched following a shopping trip to the mall. Following a few weeks of investigation they find nothing it’s like they have vanished off the face of the planet. A few weeks after the kidnap Will and Sarah witness an accident which quickly turns into something much worse.

When Sara is snatched Will’s world literally turns upside down and he is left feeling bereft and absolutely determined to find her. This story is gritty and fast paced with truly despicable people at the heart of the case. I realised that I was truly gripped and wouldn’t put the book down until I had finished once I got through the first half. The second half has some very nail biting moments that had me wondering just how it was going to turn out.

I absolutely loved this book and it was a great way to get back into the series. I am just glad that I have the next book ready and lined up ready to read.

A Home at Cornflower Cottage by Tilly Tennant

61047827 Synopsis: Amelie has lived in Cornflower Cottage since she was born. She did her homework at the scrubbed kitchen table and helped her mum hang washing from the line on the old oak tree in the garden. And when her beloved parents died, Cornflower Cottage became Amelie’s armour against the world.

The trouble is that Cornflower Cottage is too big for just her. With a broken boiler and a leaking roof, Amelie knows she must do something to make ends meet. When she meets Xander, a scruffy, brown-eyed nature documentary maker living out of his backpack in a nearby hotel, Amelie rents him a room, hoping a lodger will solve her problems.

She soon realises that her troubles are only just beginning. Xander’s muddy clothes all over the cottage and early morning jaunts to photograph otters are going to take some getting used to. But when an argument turns into a heart-to-heart, she finds herself confessing how lonely she has been.

Before long, laughter echoes round the cosy farmhouse kitchen once more and sparks begin to fly. But when a face from Xander’s past appears at Cornflower Cottage Amelie’s happy home is shaken once more. Xander has changed Amelie’s quiet country life forever. Should she open her heart to someone who has hidden things from her? Or let him leave, and lose the love that makes her house a home?

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: It’s been a fair while since I read a Tilly Tennant book and this one sounded up my street so I dove in. Amelie is living in her childhood home following the death of her parents. She is determined to never leave and is constantly struggling. Cornflower Cottage is her safe place and one that she is determined to keep. The problem is that the house is falling apart and her job doesn’t exactly pay tons so she decides to take drastic action.

At first Amelie decides to try the extra shifts at the local hotel she works in but it soon becomes apparent that isn’t going to cut it. That is until she meets Xander who is pretty much lodging at the hotel Amelie works in. Before she knows it she has offered Xander and his girlfriend lodging at her cottage. Her boyfriend Decker isn’t pleased to find that Amelie has rented out a room at the cottage but frankly I was glad as I couldn’t stand him. As a character he was just one big red flag!!! This was a nice feelgood and easy read which reminded me why I enjoy Tilly’s books. This was certainly a pleasure to read and I would reccomend it for sure.

Below Ground by Michael Wood (Matilda Darke 11)

Below Ground

Synopsis: A MISSING DETECTIVE

DCI Matilda Darke has been kidnapped and her nemesis, Steve Harrison appears to be behind it. He’s currently residing in the supermax of Wakefield Prison and spends twenty-three hours a day in his cell, so how could he possibly be responsible?

A SERIAL KILLER WITH A VENGEANCE

As Matilda’s team race to find her, they’re alerted to a body found in an abandoned car on the outskirts of Sheffield. With forensics scouring the woodland for clues, the last thing they expect is for the body count to rise.

A RACE AGAINST TIME

Meanwhile the search intensifies for the DCI when a video of her kidnapping is leaked to the media. And as she desperately tries to uncover what has led to her being held captive in an underground cell, she’s about to find out how much danger she’s truly in.

If Matilda’s team don’t find her soon, they might not find her at all…

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: I’m now up to date with the books in this series and as much as I enjoyed this I’m still wondering where the series will go from here. This latest instalment sees Matilda in the thick of it as she is snatched. This means the team are doing their utmost to find her without alerting the media.

In addition they get a case when a body is found which as usual is never just one thing…that one body turns to two and then three. There is plenty going on to keep the reader interested and it made a pleasant change to read about Matilda being on the other side of the fence and seeing what she does to utilise her survival instinct.

Overall another good read I’m just confused about where this series will go. Sometimes I think some storylines are better off wrapped up and finished with as there are only so many times it can be reused.

Silent Victim by Michael Wood (Matilda Darke 10)

Silent Victim

Synopsis: A CENSURED DETECTIVE WITH NO LEADS

DCI Matilda Darke and her team have been restricted under special measures after a series of calamitous scandals nearly brought down the South Yorkshire police force.

A BRUTAL ATTACK WITH NO WITNESSES

Now Matilda is on the trail of another murderer, an expert in avoiding detection with no obvious motive but one obvious method.

A DEPRAVED KILLER WHO LEAVES NO TRACES

When his latest victim survives the attack despite her vocal cords being severed, Matilda is more convinced than ever of the guilt of her key suspect. If only she had a way to prove it…

My Rating: 4/5

Following the last book this one felt much more like the older ones and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sadly, the team are still struggling and as suich Matilda isn’t even working any more which is an odd start to the book. However with a serial rapist on the loose and a victim who survived the attach she is asked to come back to help with the case. Matilda is joined by some of the old team and together they begin to work towards finding this killer.

The storyline was actually pretty decent but once again things from Matilda’s past are still haunting her and she is certainly not safe for the forseable future. This element of the storyline is wearing a little and I am hoping in the coming books there will be some sort of a conclusion to it all. That aside this case was worked like normal with the team giving their all! This was a really good read and then as usual Wood throws in a banger of a cliffhanger ending. Thankfully I have the next book ready to go as if I didn’t I’m not entirely sure I would have been happy!

Time Is Running Out by Michael Wood (Matilda Darke 7)

Time is running out Synopsis:

You’re a survivor, aren’t you, Matilda? But what’s the point in surviving when everyone around you is dead?

When DCI Matilda Darke receives a mysterious telephone call, she immediately dismisses the threat. Afterall the Homicide and Major Enquiries team are a regular target for prank calls.

But ignoring this warning might soon be the biggest regret of Matilda Darke’s life.

A lone gunman is on a deadly rampage around Sheffield, leaving a bloody trail in his wake. Taking his shots with a sickening precision, he’s about to leave his mark on the world and change Matilda and her team’s lives forever.

My Rating: 4/5

My Review: I have been on a reading binge of this series and absolutely love all the team involved in this storyline. Following this book I really wasn’t sure how I felt. A part of me wanted to give this 2 stars for what the author had chosen to do, and on the other hand gove it 5 stars because it was so intense. Instead I have settled on a solid 4 stars but have my reservations.

Matilda runs the Homicide and Major Enquiries and she is used to people making threats and ridiculous prank calls. When she receives a call one morning she puts it down to a prank call, sadly for Matilda that isn’t the case and a lone gunman is about to start terrorising Sheffield. This particular book is difficult to talk about because inevitably to disuss it would spoil it for other people.

What I will say is that there is a lot of action, it’s incredibly tense and things happen which I’m not entirely sure I am happy about with regards to certain characters. The other thing I was slightly concerned about was the fact the author chose to involve a School shooting. As much as I am all for fiction, I think for a UK based storyline it maybe moves too far into the unreal for my liking. This book is certainly a shake up for the whole series. In all honesty I am not entirely sure how I feel about it, but ultimately Michael Wood is a fantastic author who has again created another great book. The fact I may not like what he has chosen for characters shouldn’t affect how I rate the book. I am very intrigued how this will all have a knock on effect with the team and can’t wait to read the next book

Stolen Children by Michael Wood (Matilda Darke 6)

Stolen Children Synopsis: Some cases won’t die.
A young boy walks into a police station in France. He claims to be Carl Meagan – a missing child from Sheffield whose name is still whispered as a warning to kids who stay out after dark.

Some children won’t be found.
On her way home from the supermarket, nine-year-old Keeley Armitage vanishes without trace. Her family is overcome with shock and DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career.

Some killers won’t be stopped.
As Matilda investigates, she peels back the layers of grief and sadness that surround Keeley’s family. Until she is left with an unimaginable choice: betray those closest to her or let a violent killer walk free…

My Rating:4/5

My Review: I am currently binge reading this series and playing catch up and thoroughly enjoying the series. This latest book is certainly dark and wont be everybody’s cup of tea due to the subject matter (abuse etc features heavily in this). However, that small mention aside this was another great addition. For readers familiar with the series they will know about the one case Matilda Darke feels she failed on which features the kidnap and dissapearance of a young boy named Carl Meaghan. When a young family receive a ransom demand for their missing young daughter Keeley Matilda’s fears another repeat of what happened previously.

Matilda and her trusted team all star working on the case surrounding the Meaghan family. Like any Michael Wood storyline nothing is straightforward. Keeley is the middle child with an older sister Jodie and a younger disabled brother Riley. Her Mother Linda falls apart as does the husband and father Craig. The family are not well off so it poses the question whether this kidnap request is real. Matilda meanwhile is also dealing with the shocking news that a young boy has walked into a police station in France claiming he is the missing boy Carl Meaghan.

Although I am sure you could read this as a standalone it makes way more sense ot read as part of the series. That way you have background on everything related to Matilda and her struggles with the Meaghan case. You also get to know and come to love the other characters that she works alongside such as Sian, Rory, Scott and Christian to name a few. This story definitely hi hard although I admit I had worked out the killer around the halfway mark. That certainly didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book and as ever I am totally ready to move on to the next book in the series.