Tag: RATED 4/5

Tastes Like Fear by Sarah Hilary (Marnie Rome #3)

download

Synopsis: The young girl who causes the fatal car crash disappears from the scene. A runaway who doesn’t want to be found, she only wants to go home. To the one man who understands her. Gives her shelter. Just as he gives shelter to the other lost girls who live in his house. He’s the head of her new family. He’s Harm.

D.I. Marnie Rome has faced many dangerous criminals but she has never come up against a man like Harm. She thinks that she knows families, their secrets and their fault lines. But as she begins investigating the girl’s disappearance nothing can prepare her for what she’s about to face. Because when Harm’s family is threatened, everything tastes like fear…

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: I was looking forward to book 3 in this new series and thankfully wasn’t too disappointed. For some reason I seem to be way off the mark in terms of what I thought. It seems to have accumulated a number of 5 star reviews already, however for me it was lacking something. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but there seemed to be something missing for me. I think because of that I didn’t feel it was the full 5 stars but almost. The story itself was plotted well and layers appeared making the story all the more intriguing. However this time around it was the characters that didn’t quite feel right.

I have read the other 2 books in this series and really enjoyed them. When I started reading this latest installment I felt a little confused at times. It seemed like Marnie took somewhat of a back seat, and Noah seemed to take charge more often than not. Something about that set up just didn’t ring true for me. I actually really like Noah and think he is a strong character who certainly belongs in this series alongside Marnie. The story itself was a little slow in the beginning and then picked up pace considerably and the last half was absolutely brilliant.

I certainly had no clue where the story would go and felt so relieved that the ending and plot line that was revealed was a complete surprise. There are also two additional plot threads which are slowly building interest in the background. Marnie’s family tie to Stephen and Noah’s brother Sol, both which I think will make amazing future books. By the end I realised that I had thoroughly enjoyed the book, however there were a few times when the characters just felt different. Whether that is part of future planning I have no idea, but it kind of put me off my stride a little bit. That small thing aside it was once again a great read, and a series that I think I will be waiting impatiently each time I have finished one.

In The Shadows by Tara Lyons (Hamilton #1)

41C-pitop4L

Synopsis: Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is tasked with apprehending a brutal murderer stalking the streets of London – and leaving not a shred of DNA evidence. As the suspect list mounts, his frustration and pressure from his superiors intensify. 

Grace Murphy, who is dealing with the recent loss of her beloved grandfather, falls deeper into despair when her friends’ bodies are discovered. Fearing she may be the killer’s next target, she begins to question if her horrifying nightmares are the key to unravelling the murderer’s identity. 

How far would you go to uncover the truth? Would you venture into the shadows to unmask a killer? 

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW: Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is the main character in this debut novel by Tara Lyons along with Grace Murphy. The story started off a little slowly but in all honesty it gives you time to find out a little more about the other characters which make up this debut novel. Out of Grace and Denis, Grace was the one that held my interest initially. Grace seems like an ordinary woman, however she has recently lost her Grandfather who she was extremely close to. We see her struggle to cope with the loss and as the story unfolds she seems to spiral deeper into her own depression. The other element which makes Grace seem to spiral so quickly is that the recent murder that took place was somebody she knew. 

On the other side of the fence Hamilton and his colleague Lewis Clarke start to investigate the initial murder. However, before long it’s not just one murder they are dealing with and it become clear that the killer is extremely clued up as there is absolutely no DNA evidence making the investigation seem like a fruitless task. As the story progresses the tension mounts because it seems that each victim has a link to either Grace or the Theatre that she works at. I must say that I was pretty smug thinking I knew who the killer was after the first half of the book. I was wrong!

The whole book is written in such a way that you are drawn to reading about Grace and also you feel like you are almost part of the investigation. You don’t only see Hamilton and Clarke just swoop in and save the day, you see the whole team pulling their weight and going through the arduous tasks day by day and the frustration mounting. The last quarter of the book was absolutely brilliant and although I could see where it was going it took me until the last quarter of the book to figure it out. This is an outstanding debut novel and I am really looking forward to seeing what else Tara Lyon’s produces. This is certainly an author I would recommend and think fans of the ‘psychological thriller’ type genre will love this.

Journey To Death (Lucy Hall #1)

51KhvPoo5lL._SY346_

Synopsis: Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.

As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.

A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.

KAT’S RATING: 4/5

KAT’S REVIEW::  I was in two minds about how to rate this book, however I think as a Leigh Russell fan (especially the Geraldine Steel series) you have to accept this is an entirely different type of book. This is not a gritty thriller, more a generic mystery type book. Once you get your head around that you can look at the book with fresh eyes (so to speak). Lucy Hall is a character that is easy to read, however at the moment not that memorable (well at least not for the right reasons). Her trip to the Seychelles to get over her ex-boyfriend along with her parents is meant to be a relaxing time for her, to enable her to get herself together. What actually transpires is a holiday nightmare that will leave Lucy and her family reeling in shock.

The story itself was okay and I feel like this is just a mere introduction to Lucy. The characters were probably the thing I disliked most about this book, just in terms of the way there were quite dismissive throughout the book. That aside, the writing flows well and you begin to get a feel for Lucy and her Mother Angela and Father George. It’s revealed little by little why George’s  history on the island is now coming back to bite them in the behind! There was certainly an element of suspense and in some ways I quite liked the way the characters were second guessing themselves. I guess in real life, this is more likely to happen than an automatic launch into becoming your very own Miss Marple.

I loved the island setting and this Leigh did an amazing job of getting the setting and scenery across to the reader. There were certainly a few gripes I had with the book, but not enough to warrant a lesser rating. I think overall if you take this book for what it is…a mystery, then it’s certainly an enjoyable read. I will certainly look forward to book 2 to see what Lucy plans on doing next.

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.

Find Her by Lisa Gardner (DD Warren #8)

download

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!

Killer Plan by Leigh Russell (Geraldine Steel #7)

517WU4e2SyL._SY346_

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.

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!

Buried by Mark Billingham (Tom Thorne #6)

download (1)

Synopsis: A MISSING BOY

Teenager Luke Mullen was last seen getting into a car with an older woman. No one can understand why he has disappeared. His father – a former police officer – knows all too well that the longer he is missing, the more likely he is to turn up dead.

A TERRIFYING VIDEO

Then Luke’s parents receive an anonymous video. It shows their son, eyes wide with terror, as a man advances towards him holding a syringe.

A RACE AGAINST TIME

DI Tom Thorne recognises a psychopath when he sees one. And the scene on the tape chills him to the bone – he knows that a child’s life hangs in the balance, and that every minute counts…

Kat’s Rating : 4/5

Kat’s Review:  I am slowly catching up with this series and I feel like the more I read of them the more I enjoy them. This is largely down to Tom Thorne as a character! I love the fact that Thorne is a disgruntled and weary copper that had his own strange personality quirks. In addition I love how his father is still a large part of his life and is written in as dialogue when Thorne is battling with many questions. Since Torne’s last outing which saw him on the streets Undercover, he is being pushed aside hence the move to the kidnap unit. This latest instalment sees teenager Luke Mullen go missing. Luke’s father also happens to be a former Police Officer which makes the case a lot tougher than usual.

In addition to Thornes colleague Holland we now meet DI Louise Porter who makes for some very interesting reading and interaction with Thorne. As usual these Billingham books are so easy to read and seeing as they are set in my neck of the woods, it’s always great to have a sense of familiarity as they are set in and around South London. All the necessary requirements are there with book 6, with plenty of suspense, and drama as well as characters I seem to have grown attached to.

I feel like there is still so much more to come with Tom Thorne and now I’m nearing the halfway mark, I am even keener than before to get up to date and find out what’s happening with Thorne and his colleagues. This is a cracking series and it’s easy to see why he has such a following. Looking forward to book 7 and would definitely recommend this series!

That’s What Friends Are For by Marcie Steel

51or9KgVyYL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_

Synopsis: Best friends tell each other everything… right?

Sam and Louise have been best friends since they hung their coats side by side on the first day of primary school. Now in their thirties, they’re just as close, but life is a little bit more complicated…

On the outside, thirty-something Sam seems to have it all; the gorgeous husband, the beautiful home and the flourishing business. But things are not quite as rosy as they seem. So when handsome stranger, Dan, walks into her life, Sam finds his attentions hard to resist. Louise might seem like life and soul of the party, but her outgoing exterior hides her sadness about the heartbreak in her past. She just wants someone to love – but all Louise gets left with is a quick fumble with an ex at the end of the night. When a glamorous face from the past returns to shake things up, things get even more complicated for Sam and Louise. And just when they need each other the most, they’ve reason to wonder whether they ever really knew each other at all.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: For those that maybe don’t know Marcie Steele is actually a pseudonym for the Crime Writer Mel Sherratt. Her first book under this name was released only 3 months ago and I really enjoyed it. I was surprised at how quickly book 2 has materialised but was looking forward to getting stuck in. Thankfully this new release was just as good as the last one (if not marginally better).

Sam is an easy character to like, along with her best friend Louise. There is also Louise daughter Charley who most definitely added to the storyline. Sam was my preferred character and on the surface it seems she has it all. However, her marriage is seemingly floundering and her life seems mundane in comparison to others. In contrast, Louise is the clear wild child of the two and although they are both now adults it soon becomes clear that these two ladies have a lot of history together.

The storyline was easy to get swept along with and the characters likeable and pretty normal. As per usual, irrelevant of genre, and more to do with the writing you get taken along with the story and I read this in just two sittings. Mel Sherratt has an easy flow to her stories and it doesn’t take long before you realise you have read quite a few chapters.

Some people may misconstrue the type of story as the cover is beautiful but erring on the ‘girly’ side if you will. This is certainly not a sickly sweet type of book, more one to delve into ordinary friendships and secrets. It’s another engaging read and one that I enjoyed. Another great read by Marcie Steel and I will really look forward to what she comes up with next.

Blood Tracks by Matt Hilton (Grey & Po #1)

download

Synopsis: Introducing private investigator Tess Grey and Southern renegade ex-con Nicolas ‘Po’ Villere in the first of a brand-new series of fast-paced action thrillers. When her local District Attorney offers her a considerable sum of money to track down state witness Crawford Wynne, private investigator Tess Grey is in no position to refuse. Wynne is one of the few men still alive who can help the State nail vicious drug lord Alberto Suarez. But Tess is not the only one trying to track Wynne down. Suarez’s psychotic brother Hector has been hunting and butchering anyone who is a danger to his brother. Tess needs help and there’s only one man she can turn to: Southern renegade ex-con Nicolas Villere, known to all as Po. Po always gets his man, but he has never been teamed with a woman before. Both have their own agenda for taking on this case, and neither fully trusts the other. But of one thing they are sure: if they don’t cover each other’s backs, they are both going to die.

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I must admit to having never got started on Matt Hilton’s successful series of books featuring Joe Hunter. I also realised I was so far behind that it would take me ages to catch up, so when I saw he had a new series out I thought it was a great opportunity to sample his writing. The two main characters in this new series are Tess Grey, an ex-copper turned Private Investigator and Nicolas ‘Po’ Villere who is an ex-con. I have to admit now I have finished the book that I struggled to get into it. Tess seemed a little dull and by the book for my liking. However, when Po turned up (GREAT lead character nickname by the way) things got a bit more interesting.

On reflection I think with it being a new series the slow start is because you are getting a feel for the character Tess. There are reasons relating to her past as to why she is the type of woman she is now. When she is given the opportunity to work for Emma Clancy as a PI she jumps at it and is introduced to Po as a man that can help her track her target down. Tess and Po need to find Crawford Wynne and bring him back as a State Witness. The story started off a little slowly and I felt like Tess needed a bit of a kick to liven herself up. Thankfully the charming ex-con Po more than made up for her as a character in the beginning.

The other character I cannot help but mention is an old friend of Po’s named Pinky. This guy HAS to make a comeback in future books as was absolutely brilliant! As the story progressed it became clear that Tess was becoming much more herself the longer she spent around Po. By the last quarter of the book we see the real Tess and it was a complete turnaround. There is the requisite bad guy and his helpers with a big dose of violence and some good old fashioned gun fighting going on. For a book that was a bit of a slow burner I ended up being totally captivated by both Tess and Po. The storyline picked up it’s pace and the last quarter was full on and I was practically speed reading. Plenty of action, thrills and two cracking new characters…what more could you ask for?

I must say this is a brilliant start to a new series and I really can’t wait to see what book 2 holds in store for them. I will certainly be getting the next in the series as soon as it’s available, and who knows maybe now I will be more inclined to get started on the Joe Hunter series. Overall I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one.