Tag: RATED 4/5

Dead Time by Tony Parsons (Max Wolfe Short Story)

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Synopsis: Not DC Max Wolfe. He is looking out of his loft apartment at the deserted streets below.

A van has just drawn up. Two men get out. Dressed in black and wearing ski-masks, they are dragging something. 

It’s a man. Half-naked. Half-dead. But still alive.

Not for much longer.

Soon Max Wolfe is hunting a gang of killers who decapitate their victims

And this time it’s personal …

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I only recently discovered Tony Parsons and although I enjoyed the first Max Wolfe book, I then went straight on and read the second and felt the same. They were good, but something was missing. Stupidly I didn’t realise that this was a short story which I should have read prior to book 2. Not letting that put me off I picked it up at lunchtime and lo and behold finished it by the time my lunch was over. What surprised me more was how much I enjoyed the short story (which I am not traditionally a fan of). I would probably go as far as to say I enjoyed this more that the full length novel!

What I loved about this book was that you get stuck straight in with no warning. With the book being a short story it seemed like Parsons was making the most of each page. Although Max is running the show in this latest book, the fact that it happened so close to his home means he can’t stop himself getting involved. Instead a DCI Flashman of New Scotland Yard has taken the lead, but there is no way Max will let that stand in his way.

This little gem was a fantastic read and full of pace, grit and murkiness. Although I read this in the wrong order, I’m glad I did as it gives me renewed hope for this series. I really am now looking forward to what comes in the next book.

Dead Lucky by Matt Brolly (DCI Lambert #2)

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Synopsis: When a woman is murdered, the twisted killer forcing her husband to watch her slow and painful death, DCI Michael Lambert knows that his next case might be his toughest yet.

And when a second set of killings are discovered, with exactly the same MO, the race is on the find the lethal sociopath before he strikes again.

But Lambert never expected to receive an anonymous call from the killer. This time, it’s personal: if Lambert doesn’t find the murderer soon, his own loved ones will be next…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I’m disappointed I left it so long to read this series, and even more disappointed that I didn’t read the first book in the series. Luckily there is enough background at the introduction of the book to give the reader a feel for the previous books content. Michael Lambert has had a very horrible time of it and the opening of the book sees his trying to speak with his wife who he is separated from. in addition to his separation he is still struggling to come to terms with the death of his daughter. He is now back to work and it seems his first big case is one that is not so straightforward.

A woman is murdered, however her husband a seasoned Crime Journalist survived her having been made to watch her brutal murder. It’s not long before a second set of killings are discovered and Lambert and his team are trying to track down who is responsible. Having no previous knowledge of recurring characters I had no expectations but was pleased that Lambert’s colleague Kennedy and his boss Tillman made an impact and helped the story line along its way too.

The story is layered and you do get a glimpse of what I felt was ‘real’ police work which includes the drudgery of hunting down and chasing leads. I liked the fact that you get to see a glimpse of Lambert’s personal life including his strange sleep problems. Although I didn’t have the history with book 1, I really felt I understood where some of Lambert’s issues lay and I think there is so much scope there for his character to go either way.

I read this in just two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was great, well plotted and well paced. The characters were likeable and the crimes were intriguing yet absorbing. I was so pleased when I finished this. Yes, I know that sounds strange but I mean I am glad I feel like I am up to date with the characters and series and am really looking forward to book 3.

The Caller by M A Comley and Tara Lyons

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Synopsis: The first gripping book in The Organised Crime Team series by NY Times bestselling author of the Justice series, M A Comley and co-author Tara Lyons, author of In The Shadows. 

When The Caller rings… what would you do? 

The Organised Crime Team is a newly-formed unit with one of the toughest tasks in London. Led by DI Angie North, their first investigation is a cold case that has foxed several officers in the Met for months.After Angie holds a TV appeal regarding the case, a number of similar aggressive attacks are brought to her attention. The team call on their contacts on the street for help. Their interest is sparked when several local names surface. 

To bring the criminals to justice a member of the Organised Crime Team is asked to risk their life in a dangerous covert operation.

Kat’s Rating: 3.5/5

Kat’s Review: Okay so I have read books by both Tara Lyons and Mel Comley and was looking forward to seeing what they produced as a team. The Organised Crime Team (OCT) is run by a really likeable character DI Angie North, her team are pretty likeable too. They are tasked with findng the people responsible for a cold case of robberies and attacks. We get a glimpse of the people behind it from early on in the book and I actually liked this element as there was something of a cat and mouse play going on between them and the OCT.

The pace is okay although in all honesty not the fastest pace but certainly enough to keep me hooked on reading it. What I really like in this book is the fact that as a reader you feel like you are really getting to know the team. Each member is explained and it gives you a fantastic base for the follow on books.The storyline makes it clear that the basis for these robberies is a very simple thing, which in real life wouldn’t be that difficult to imagine (scary). As the book continues Angie and the team have to find enough evidence to nail the people responsible but that means putting a member of the team deep in the heart of it all and potentially at great risk.

There were certain things in the book I felt were too easy for the team and I though weren’t plausible enough (hence the drop from a 4 star read). That said, the characters were really likeable and the writing flowed well and was so easy to become immersed in.Overall I think this a brilliant base to a series, and I could see myself quickly becoming attached to the characters and wanting to see where it goes

The Rule of Fear by Luke Delaney (Jack King #1)

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Synopsis: The new novel by Luke Delaney, ex-Met detective and author of the terrifyingly authentic DI Sean Corrigan series. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James and Stuart MacBride.

Sergeant Jack King is back on active duty after months off following a violent encounter. On the Met’s promotional fast-track scheme, King is headed straight for the top, but policing the streets is where his heart truly lies.

Tasked with cleaning up the notorious Grove Wood estate, King is determined to rise to the challenge. But it’s not just drug dealers and petty thugs his team have to worry about. Someone on the estate is preying on children, and they need to find the culprit, fast.

Soon King finds himself over his head: the local residents won’t play ball, his superiors want results yesterday, and he’s refusing to admit that he’s suffering from PTSD. As the pressures combine, the line between right and wrong starts to blur and King finds himself in a downward spiral. Only he can save himself – but is it already too late?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I felt very torn both reading and reviewing this book. First of all this is Luke Delaney’s first novel not featuring DI Sean Corrigan. I am a huge fan of this series but it’s always nice to see what authors do outside of the norm. This book is a very stark story and one that is all too chillingly possible. With Luke Delaney being ex-copper I would imagine his experience and knowledge plays a large part in the sort or things that a copper has to go through. This story follows Sergeant Jack King as he returns to work following a brutal and extremely violent encounter.

The opening of the book is where the reader meets Jack and we see him experience his violent encounter immediately. There is no fluffing this up, and to be truthful its exposed in all its horrifying glory. When he sets himself the task of returning to work he has no idea that he will be placed in the notorious Wood Grove Estate. He and a team of 3 others are tasked with cleaning up the Estate and this may well help Jack move up the ladder quickly as he is part of an accelerated promotion programme.

Jack is not necessarily a likeable character but one that I think people can empathise with. He is seriously damaged and as he and his colleagues take on their new task he slips further down the hole of PTSD. This book, although brutal still have Delaney’s excellent writing skills, and its certainly an easy to read book. However, it makes for extremely uncomfortable reading at times. To watch a person slip and make more and more mistakes is not a nice thing to do, although it no doubt happens. The story itself I would say isn’t a fast paced thriller, more like a real eye opener as you delve into an individuals mind and see how they begin to decline in things such as the decisions you make.

I ended up finishing the book with a bitter taste in my mouth which made me question how to review and rate it. I’m not normally stuck on reading and reviewing, but this book left me feeling uncertain. I certainly didn’t hate the book, I just hated the circumstances, the result and ultimately the position that one man ends up in due to an illness that was forced upon him because he was doing his job! Ultimately I felt like I cannot give it less than 4 stars, because Luke Delaney has done his job and done it spectacularly. However, for me personally it was just too bleak and soul destroying, but that said it was just my emotional response to the story line. This book is, as Delaney has shown previously, was an excellent story with his usual writing skills on display. It won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, and I for one cant wait to see the return of Sean Corrigan. Having said that it is still a quality piece of writing which some people will no doubt love and some people will loathe!

The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza (Erika Foster #2)

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Synopsis: In the dead of a swelteringly hot summer’s night, Detective Erika Foster is called to a murder scene. The victim, a doctor, is found suffocated in bed. His wrists are bound and his eyes bulging through a clear plastic bag tied tight over his head.

A few days later, another victim is found dead, in exactly the same circumstances. As Erika and her team start digging deeper, they discover a calculated serial killer – stalking their victims before choosing the right moment to strike.

The victims are all single men, with very private lives. Why are their pasts shrouded in secrecy? And what links them to the killer?

As a heat wave descends upon London, Erika will do everything to stop the Night Stalker before the body count rises, even if it means risking her job. But the victims might not be the only ones being watched… Erika’s own life could be on the line.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: The Night Stalker is the second novel in this series featuring Detective Erika Foster. Now stupidly I didn’t get around to reading the first one but it wasn’t a problem and it took me less than 2 chapters to be completely involved in the story. Erika is an easy character to like and although pretty headstrong and independent, it’s certainly not overdone. I also really liked the fact that the story is weaved with a little history of Erika’s personal life as well as her family. It certainly didn’t deter me that I hadn’t read the first book but am kicking myself now as this second book is fabulous.

The story itself is centred around the murders of single men with very closed personal and private lives. The story is well paced from the outset and the writing was wonderfully easy to fall in with. There was no effort required as you felt immersed from very early on. I really liked all of Erika’s colleagues and I always think secondary characters are sometimes just as important. There is certainly plenty of suspense and Bryndza has done a terrific job of creating a very well paced, well plotted and absorbing read.

I can see that many people reading this series will quickly become fans (myself included). I am so annoyed at myself for not making the time to read the first book, but I am going to rectify that by reading it next. This is certainly a fabulous read and I am really looking forward to getting book one read, and then getting ready for book 3. This is certainly an author I will be continuing to follow and would certainly recommend you give this a try as I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Redemption by Stephen Edger (Mark Baines #2)

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My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: A year ago, Mark Baines was blackmailed into laundering two hundred and fifty million pounds through the bank he worked for. The same people framed him for murder. Now serving two life sentences in a maximum security prison, the future looks bleak. On Christmas Day the prison is breached and Mark is abducted by an unknown group. They are after a mysterious package that is locked in a secret vault deep within the foundations of a tower in Canary Wharf and they believe Mark is the key to finding it. Ali Jacobs is still undercover, trying to infiltrate the Russian mafia. Now based in London, she is shocked when her path brings her into contact with Mark again. The next seven days will define their lives. Kidnap, car chases, a botched M.I.6 operation and an uneasy union with underworld figures mean Mark is in a race against time to prove his innocence and find redemption.

My Review: This second book in the trilogy follows the book Integration which I just finished reading. In my previous review I stated that the book is somewhat bordering on the ‘over the top’ line, but somehow I think it works and doesn’t cross the line. IT puts me more in mind of fast paced Kernick book. Mark Baines got himself in all sorts of bother in the last book and at the start of this one we see him serving a rather lengthy sentence courtesy of Her Majesty. I wasn’t sure where this book would take us, especially as Mark is currently detained. It seems that makes no difference to the sort of people Mark Baines is involved with (albeit involuntarily).

The beginning also re-introduces us to copper Ali Jacobs who is working undercover trying to get deeper within the ranks of the Russian Mafia. Meanwhile Mark has not even had a chance to settle in prison he is forcibly removed and isn’t quite sure what is going on. It’s pretty clear early on that here are loads of unanswered questions which now arise from the first book, and as more and more things get uncovered it becomes clear that Mark is well and truly knackered.

The people that forcibly remove him from prison are convinced that he is the key top finding something they need which just happens to be buried deep within a bank vault in Canary Wharf. It seems the common theme for these books is huge amounts of drama and adrenaline, neither of which is short in this book. The middle section was slightly slower than the end, but overall I once again loved this tale of Mark Baines. I was slightly shocked by one particular element of the story towards the end but to say anymore would be a spoiler. I have managed to restrain myself from going straight to book 3, but it’s inevitable that I will end up finishing the trilogy in the not too distant future. These books are pure entertainment and if you’re a fan of the high octane kind of books such as the Kernick’s of this world, this may well be right up your street.

Murder Ring by Leigh Russell (Geraldine Steel #8)

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Synopsis: ‘Hearing footsteps pounding along the street behind him he glanced back, fleetingly worried, then laughed because the street was deserted. All the same, he felt uneasy. Everything looked different in the dark. 

Then he heard more footsteps approaching, and a hoarse voice called out. Turning his head, he made out a figure hovering in the shadows and as it raised one arm, the barrel of a gun glinted in the moonlight…’ 

The dead body of unassuming David Lester is discovered in a dark side-street, and DI Geraldine Steel is plunged into another murder investigation. The clues mount up along with the suspects, but with the death of another man in inexplicable circumstances, the case becomes increasingly complex. As Geraldine investigates the seemingly unrelated crimes, she makes a shocking discovery about her birth mother.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: First off, although this is book 8 in a series featuring Geraldine Steel, this book could certainly be read as a stand alone. I love this series and Leigh Russell has written a believable and likeable character with Geraldine. However, I have some niggles with the last and current book in that I feel like I am waiting for something to happen on her personal life front. A lot has happened with Geraldine over the last few books and currently it feels like she is in a little bit of a rut. Hopefully the next book will see a change in that. One of the reasons is that Geraldine has been searching for her Birth Mother for some time. This issue is addressed in this latest installment, however by the end of the book there are also additional threads opening up so hopefully this will show us a whole new element to Geraldine in the next installment.

That aside, Geraldine is thrown into a new murder case following the discovery of David Lester’s body. When he is found in a side alley it initially seems that it was a mugging gone wrong, however soon becomes apparent that it was no simple robbery. Geraldine’s colleague Sam returns as does a new DCI who is looking to solve this case quickly to prove he is the right man for the job. The plot is well paced and as the story progresses we see multiple suspects emerge from the woodwork.

The book is certainly an easy read and the series is still one I thoroughly enjoy. I hope that in future books we get to see a balance between work and personal life as at the moment this is the only element of this book that doesn’t feel right. I would also love to see additional characters help add to the team that Geraldine works with. I would definitely recommend this series as I think Gerladine is an interesting and very readable character. I always look forward to what comes next in the series and the same applies now.

See How They Run by Tom Bale

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Synopsis: In the dead of night, new parents Alice and Harry French are plunged into their worst nightmare when they wake to find masked men in their bedroom. Men ruthless enough to threaten their baby daughter, Evie.

This is no burglary gone wrong.

The intruders know who they’re looking for – a man called Edward Renshaw. And they are prepared to kill to get to him.

When the men leave empty handed, little do Alice and Harry realise that their nightmare is just beginning. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Who is Renshaw? And what is he hiding?

One thing is clear – they already know too much. As Alice and Harry are separated in the run for their lives, there is no time for breathe in their fight to be reunited. And with their attackers closing in, there is only a choice:

STAY ALIVE. OR DON’T.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: Alice and Harry French are an immensely likeable and ordinary couple who are in for the shock of their lives. One sleepless night, whilst still trying to adjust to a new routing with their young infant Evie they awake to find masked men in their house. Yes its the stuff of nightmares and it soon becomes apparent that this innocent couple have unwittingly been caught up in something they know nothing about.

What happens following that is the stuff of nightmares. The man these men are looking for named Renshaw becomes the focus of the story and both Alice and Harry are very quick to descend into make or break decision making. Looking at this story from the outside I think it’s completely believable as being put in a situation such as they were, it’s easy to see how rash decisions can be made. The story soon picks up in a frantic way as more characters become introduced and the reader and characters are left wondering whose side each character is on.

Once Alice and Harry become seperated they each have to then make further decisions to try and save their family. This only adds to the tension and you can almost feel the desperation of these characters pouring off the pages. I have said as much as I can about the storyline, but suffice to say Tom Bale has done an amazing job packing in everything.

There were one or two moments I wondered whether the scenes had become too well staged, but aside from that this really was a fantastic read. Bookouture seem to have no problem finding authors that create amazing stories and Tom Bale is no exception. This was certainly a gripping book and one that is difficult to put down. High energy, packed to the rafters with terrifying and heart stopping moments and a pleasure to read. I’m really looking forward to whatever comes next for Tom Bale and will now be looking to read his back catalogue.

Blog Tour: The Flood by Steven Scaffardi

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I came across Steven Scaffardi back in 2011 and his novel The Drought. This book has had a massively lasting impact on me and was (and still is) one of the funniest books I had read in a long time. It’s a book that seems suited to most people and I think fits the bill in terms of women and men and I know that it was a massive success among my own circle of friends. Since then I have stayed in touch with Steven and been constantly hassling him as to when book 2 was out. It seemed

that Steven’s real life took precedence (how dare he) but now he has got around to releasing book 2 and it was definitely worth the wait. If you haven’t read him before do yourself a favour and buy Book  The Flood as well as the follow up, his latest release, The Flood (Book 2).

Synopsis: One bet, four girls, eight weeks, multiple dates. What could possibly go wrong? 

Following his traumatic eight month dry spell, Dan Hilles is back in the driving seat and ready to put his dating disasters behind him. 

But if only it were that simple. 

After a drunken afternoon in the pub, fuelled by the confidence of alcohol, Dan makes a bet with his three best pals that will complicate his love-life more than ever when he brazenly declares that he could juggle multiple women all at the same time. 

With just eight weeks to prove his point, Dan is about to find out how hard it is to date a flood of women without them all finding out about each other, especially when they come in the shape of an ex-girlfriend, a stalker, the office ice queen and the one that got away. 

The Flood is the hilarious follow-up to The Drought by lad lit author Steven Scaffardi, chronicling the adventures of unlucky-in-love Dan Hilles.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: So finally I could delve back into the life of Dan Hiles and his equally crazy friends. Dan Hiles is again allowing himself to be led into stupid bets, and book 2 proves that when he takes a bet. Four girls, eight weeks and multiple dates. Dan’s friends Jack, Rob and Ollie are largely responsible for the booze fuelled night where Dan accepts the bet but these three characters are also a must have staple for these books.  Although Dan takes centre stage as we see his ridiculous attempts to complete the bet, his friends are there for the journey which makes the book even more funny.

MANY people reading this will be able to empathise with friends like Dan’s. As we travel along with Dan things seem to take a more and more ridiculous turn with every bad decision he makes. For me the fact that Dan is a walking disaster makes the book even funnier. Now for some they may read the synopsis and think it’s not up to much. The truth is, if you have a wicked sense of humour I cannot see anything you would find as a negative with this book.

It covers all types of situations, the sexist, the ridiculous and the outlandish. However add to that mix a bunch of brilliantly written characters both male and female, along with some excellent scenes that will have you belly laughing and you’re on to a winner. Some people may wonder why I am praising this the hilt and then only give it 4 stars? Well the truth is the first book was SO funny that I accidentally spat my tea out while laughing really hard and managed to annoy the commuter in front of me. For me that initial book will always be my favourite and this one didn’t quite match it. Other than that, there is nothing negative I can say about this book. I’m astounded a publisher doesn’t demand to sign a deal with him as he has all the skill and talent of other Published male authors such as Mike Gayle and Matt Dunn.

If you want a book to make your eyes water, make your stomach hurt and cheer you up immensely you can’t go far wrong with this one. I for one am waiting with baited breath for the next instalment which I have a sneaking suspicion will be even better!

The Second Chance Shoe Shop by Marcie Steel

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Synopsis: All Riley Flynn wants is to meet someone who makes her happy. But attracting the right kind of man is not easy, and with her heart still hurting from her last break-up, Riley believes she’ll never find love again.

A year ago, Sadie Stewart’s whole world was shattered when her husband, Ross, died. She has struggled to keep herself together for the sake of their young daughter, but with the anniversary of his death approaching, Sadie finds herself overwhelmed by grief.

Sadie and Riley work at Chandlers shoe shop, in the charming town of Hedworth. But when Chandlers is threatened with closure, the friends are confronted with the loss of not only their jobs, but also their support network – the glue that holds them together when they are close to breaking.

As they put together a plan to save their beloved shop, Sadie realises that she might just be learning to live again. Could it be that new beginnings are just round the corner? The campaign also finds Riley unexpectedly crossing paths with charming photographer, Ethan. Maybe her second chance at love is right under her feet …

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: When I read my first Marcie Steele I admit I was worried. Marcie Steel is none other than the crime writer Mel Sherratt. Could she possibly have one foot in each genre successfully? It turns out she can! I really enjoyed the other MS books and was looking forward to reading the latest one. With this one out main character is Riley Flynn. She works in Chandlers Show shop and has done for many years. Alongside her, the other two characters appearing in this story are Sadie and Dan.

Riley is an immediately likeable character and you get an idea very soon on that her friends including Sadie and Dan are like one big family. The shoe shop boss Suzanne soon makes an appearance and threatens to close the shop they have all worked at for years. Between them they decide there is nothing left to do but plan something to save the shop. We see Riley’s love life slowly unfold including some suspect ex-boyfriends. On the other side of the fence Sadie is struggling to get her life back on track following the death of her husband Ross. The friendship between everybody shines through and makes this a real feel good read.

The story was a little slow in the beginning but soon picked up when they are pitched against each other and their antics start. It’s a very light hearted read and certainly enjoyable although I still think her last book holds the edge. I certainly think Mel Sherratt is proving its more than possible to straddle two genres.