Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts

Saturday, 8 July 2017

What a week!

Hello readers!

It's been a busy week here! Not managed to read as much as I would like, and been a little pre-occupied with a possible new venture! I will keep you posted on that.

I have almost finished my current read, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. This is another that has been on my to-read list for ages. I still don't know how it ends, but I have really enjoyed it so far. The reviews I have read have been a bit like Marmite. People seem to either love it or hate it. But one thing almost everyone agrees on is how beautifully it is written.

Hoping to finish it tonight, so keep your eyes peeled for my rating and short review.

Rachael xo

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Latest read: Trust Me by Angela Clarke

Today's short review is my latest read 'Trust Me' by the amazing Angela Clarke. Book 3 in the 'Social Media Murders' Series featuring DS Nasreen Cudmore and her long-time friend and ex-journalist turned Police analyst Freddie Venton.


From the book...

YOU SAW IT HAPPEN. DIDN’T YOU?

What do you do if you witness a crime…but no-one believes you?

When Kate sees a horrific attack streamed live on her laptop, she calls the police in a state of shock. But when they arrive, the video has disappeared – and she can’t prove anything. Desperate to be believed, Kate tries to find out who the girl in the video could be – and who attacked her.

Freddie and Nas are working on a missing persons case, but the trail has gone cold. When Kate contacts them, they are the only ones to listen and they start to wonder – are the two cases connected?

Dark, gripping, and flawlessly paced, Trust Me is the brilliant third novel in the hugely popular social media murderer series.

Angela Clarke
About the Author...

Angela is an author, playwright, columnist and professional speaker.

Her debut crime thriller Follow Me (Avon, HarperCollins) was named Amazon’s Rising Star Debut of the Month January 2016, long listed for the Crime Writer’s Association Dagger in the Library 2016, and short listed for the Good Reader Page Turner Award 2016. Follow Me has now been optioned by a TV production company.

The second instalment in the Social Media Murder Series Watch Me (Avon, HarperCollins) is out January 2017. And the third Trust Me (Avon, HarperCollins) is out June 2017.

Angela’s humorous memoir Confessions of a Fashionista (Ebury, Penguin Random House) is an Amazon Fashion Chart bestseller.

Her play, The Legacy, enjoyed its first run at The Hope Theatre in June 2015.

An experienced and entertaining speaker, Angela has given talks, hosted events, and masterclasses for many, including Norwich Crime Writing Festival, Camp Bestival, Panic! (in partnership with Create, the Barbican, Goldsmiths University and The Guardian), Meet a Mentor (in partnership with the Royal Society of Arts), Northwich Lit Fest, St Albans Lit Fest, BeaconLit, and the London College of Fashion. She also hosted the current affairs radio show Outspoken on Radio Verulam in 2015, and has appeared regularly as a panel guest on BBC 3 Counties, BBC Radio 4, and the BBC World Service, among others.

In 2015 Angela was awarded the Young Stationers' Prize for achievement and promise in writing and publishing. She also works for The Literary Consultancy critiquing manuscripts and mentoring. Angela, a sufferer of the debilitating chronic condition Ehlers Danlos III, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, volunteers with Womentoring, Meet a Mentor and at HM Prisons. She is passionate about bringing marginalised voices into the industry. You can find out more about her at www.AngelaClarke.co.uk

My thoughts...

Like many others, I first discovered Angela when 'Follow Me' was released back in early 2016. I raced through it, hoping there would be a sequel. Delight at the news that there was to be another in the series quickly turned to despair knowing I would have to wait months and months for it to be released! 

As expected, when 'Watch Me' was released I grabbed my copy on publication day and devoured it! I was extremely fortunate to be allowed access to an advance reader copy of 'Trust Me' and again, I could not wait to read it. It delivered, just as much as the previous two, perhaps even more so as we witness the friendships and relationships evolve further, bringing a new depth to the characters.

This series is one of my favourites. It is super fresh, relevant and current. The social media aspect brings in everything we rely on day-to-day in our 21st Century lives in order to present fast-paced, gripping thrillers with characters you are destined to fall for. Freddie Venton has been my favourite since day one. She is wild, brutally honest and totally unpredictable and compliments Nas' more conservative nature perfectly. 

'Trust Me' go and read it!

Get your copy...

  

Monday, 12 June 2017

Blog Tour: Day of the Dead by Mark Roberts

Today I am pleased to get my turn on the blog tour of Mark Roberts' new thriller 'Day of the Dead'. Let me introduce you to a fantastic author and a really, really great book!

About the author...

Mark Roberts

Meet Mark Roberts. Born and raised in Liverpool and educated at St. Francis Xavier's College. Mark taught in mainstream schools for twenty years and for the past twelve in a school for teenagers with severe learning difficulties. He received a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best New Play of the Year. and was long listed for the Golden Dagger for 'What She Saw'. 'Blood Mist' is the first novel in the DCI Eve Clay series and is set in his native Liverpool.

About the book...


A serial killer. A hero to some. A wanted criminal to others.

The man who calls himself Vindici broke out of prison last year. Now he's filmed himself torturing and killing paedophiles in Liverpool's affluent suburbs.

Half the city are celebrating: the streets are now safer for their children. But for DCI Eve Clay and her team at the Merseyside Police, it's a nightmare. Their job is to solve crimes and lock up the killer – hard enough without being despised by the public they are trying to protect.

And now, just when they think they've cracked the case, they receive a photo of Vindici at a Day of The Dead parade in Mexico. If Vindici is 5,000 miles away, who are they hunting in Liverpool? DCI Eve Clay must draw on all her cunning to unmask a killer who is somehow always one step ahead.

What I Thought...

The Day of the Dead is my first experience of the talented Mark Roberts, and what an experience it was! Described as 'intricate and fast-paced' it is everything a modern day thriller should be.

Spread over three intense action-packed days, it seems like weeks have passed since the beginning. Roberts' attention to detail and character depth is phenomenal, bringing an entirely believable story to life in spectacular fashion. The running theme of 'neither one thing, nor another' is as fresh and current as it is confusing and forces you to constantly question events and characters.

Full of unexpected twists, just when you think you may have a clue what is going on, the rug is swept from under your feet and chaos descends once more.

Genuinely one of the best serial killer thrillers I have read this year, I am looking forward to reading more from Mark Roberts.





Also by this Author...

   

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Wanderlust Wednesday!

It's #wanderlustwednesday here at blog HQ! I love to travel and nothing pleases me more than reading a great book that is set in a town or country I have never visited. I'm sure the place would look nothing like it does in real life as it does in my head! Therein lies the magic of books!

For our first ever #wanderlustwednesday I have chosen a book that I have read in the last few months. A Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom gave me serious wanderlust! Set in the beautiful city of Prague, (a place I have actually visited!) it is a story of love and life. Funny, romantic and tear-jerking, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

About the book...

Welcome to a city where wishes are everywhere

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault . . .

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . .

Three different women.

Three intertwining love stories.

One unforgettable, timeless city.

About the Author...

Isabelle Broom was born in Cambridge in 1979 and studied Media Arts at the University of West London before starting a career first in local newspapers and then as a sub editor at Heat magazine. Nowadays, when she’s not writing novels set in far-flung locations, Isabelle spends her time being the Book Reviews Editor at Heat and walking her beloved dog round the parks of north London.

Her novels My Map Of You, A Year And A Day & Then. Now. Always. (published by Penguin Michael Joseph) are out now. The fourth, The Place We Met, will arrive later this year.

Buy now
Amazon iBooks


Monday, 29 May 2017

Book Review: The Child by Fiona Barton

The Child by Fiona Barton

When a paragraph in an evening newspaper reveals a decades-old tragedy, most readers barely give it a glance. But for three strangers it’s impossible to ignore.

For one woman, it’s a reminder of the worst thing that ever happened to her.

For another, it reveals the dangerous possibility that her darkest secret is about to be discovered.

And for the third, a journalist, it’s the first clue in a hunt to uncover the truth.

The Child’s story will be told.



The ChildThe Child by Fiona Barton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic. 5 star read. If you liked Fiona's previous novel, The Widow you will love this. The Child brings the return of heroine reporter Kate Waters, investigating the discovery of a newborn skeleton found on a building site. We are told the story of the baby through various narratives, but mainly focusing on Kate and two other characters, Angela and Emma. Who does the baby belong to, and how did it end up being buried decades ago?
A gripping thriller, expertly written. Unpredictable and un-put-down-able!

View all my reviews

Thursday, 25 May 2017

Book Review: Out of Reach by Elizabeth McGregor (Cooke)

This book was one of the first ever books I was approved for on NetGalley. It has sat on my 'to-read' shelf for nearly 7 months. Having read it today, all I can say is, why did I wait so long? I am a huge fan of the relatively recent 'psychological thriller' genre and despite Out of Reach originally being published in 1997, it is as fresh and as current as its modern counterparts.

The truth is always just out of reach…

Kate McCaulay thinks she has rebuilt her life. She has a job as a local newspaper reporter, a flat above an antiques shop in a village by the sea, and a close group of friends.

But one day her carefully erected existence collapses when tragedy explodes back into her life.

Ten years ago Kate’s eight-week-old baby, Jamie, was stolen.

The loss destroyed her marriage and still haunts her dreams with guilt and longing.

And now letters have started arriving on her doormat, anonymous letters that read, ‘I know where he is…’

Tragedy strikes again when her colleague and close friend, Maggie, is found, dead.

Kate is torn between running once again or finding out who sent the letters so she can finally have some answers.

She enlists the help of Johnathon Reeve, a psychiatrist, to help her work through her issues.

He seems to be exactly what she needs – someone who listens, understands, and is willing to help.

Kate soon comes to the realisation that she must put her fear to one side and find the truth behind her son’s disappearance.

Even if the child will always remain just Out of Reach...


Out of ReachOut of Reach by Elizabeth McGregor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Outstanding. Well written, beautiful descriptive language. With this originally published in 1997, McGregor was way ahead of her time and Out of Reach should be topping the charts with the likes of Gone Girl and Behind Closed Doors.

View all my reviews

Sunday, 21 May 2017

Book Review: Western Fringes by Amer Anwar

Western Fringes: Winner of the CWA Debut DaggerWestern Fringes: Winner of the CWA Debut Dagger by Amer Anwar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deserves every one of those stars! This is the Punjabi answer to Guy Ritchie's hit movie Snatch. Fast paced, violently thrilling with hints of humour throughout; a cracking read and more than worthy of its Dagger Award.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 18 May 2017

Book Review: Friend Request by Laura Marshall

Today's review is a thriller set to be released in the UK on 27th July this year. Firstly, as always, thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. Friend Request by Laura Marshall is described as "a pulse-pounding psychological thriller for fans of The Girl on the Train, I See You and The Darkest Secret" (Amazon) and 'A read-it-in-one-sitting thriller... Twisty and gripping but always relatable, Friend Request is the ultimate it-could-happen-to-you read' (Erin Kelly).

I was hooked from the moment I saw the blurb...


Maria wants to be friends.
But Maria is dead.
Isn't she?

When Louise Williams receives a message from someone left long in the past, her heart nearly stops.

Maria Weston wants to be friends on Facebook.

Maria Weston has been missing for over twenty-five years. She was last seen the night of a school leavers' party, and the world believes her to be dead. Particularly Louise, who has lived her adult life with a terrible secret.

As Maria's messages start to escalate, Louise forces herself to reconnect with the old friends she once tried so hard to impress. Trying to piece together exactly what happened that night, she soon discovers there's much she didn't know. The only certainty is that Maria Weston disappeared that night, never to be heard from again - until now. . .

Friend Request is a true 'read in one sitting' novel. Totally unputdownable! I love thrillers of this nature, especially ones that are as unpredictable as this. Guessing the ending of a thriller always disappoints me, but there was not a chance of that happening here. Told through the narrative of the main protagonist Louise, through her current situation and her past, we go on a journey back to high school to try to unpick the events that have lead to that unexpected friend request.

The novel is fresh and current, and as a thirty-something myself, I experienced profound bouts of nostalgia about my own friendship groups in high school. Louise's character really resonated with me, so much so that I often found myself nodding along in agreement with her throughout. It is well written, has great character depth and fantastic structure. The plot is brilliant and kept me guessing until the end.

I am very much looking forward to reading more from Laura Marshall, and I hope that Friend Request goes on to be one of the bestsellers of the summer.

Rachael xo

You can pre-order Friend Request here

Wednesday, 17 May 2017

Review Requests

Since starting this blog I have received some wonderful novels for review and I hope to continue to do so.

Please note that I am currently not accepting new requests for review. If you have emailed me before today with a review request and I have not yet responded, I will be undertaking your review as soon as possible. I hope to be able to accept new requests again soon.


Thank you!

Saturday, 4 March 2017

Upcoming Blog Tour!

Extremely proud to announce our very first blog tour stop! The lovely Lauren Westwood is bringing to us her second novel Finding Secrets. Visit us next Saturday, 11th March to check out Lauren and her book!


Friday, 3 February 2017

World Book Day

I couldn't be more excited for World Book Day this year! My eldest two children have decided they would like to dress as Hermione Granger and Quidditch Harry Potter. Costumes ordered and delivered ready! Now just the small matter of deciding what the toddler and the dog will wear!

I, on the other hand will be spending the day at my local Waterstones and any other bookshops that I may come across, breathing in the atmosphere and sipping tea with my latest read. Don't forget World Book Day is Thursday 3rd March!

March is actually shaping up to be pretty exciting so far. Aside from the usual reviews and offers we have our very first guest blog post from the lovely Lauren Westwood. Lauren's upcoming novel Finding Secrets is due for release on March 1st and I am looking forward to reading it and of course chatting with Lauren very soon.



My newest Amazon haul has just arrived as we speak and today I have decided to add some true classics to my shelf in the form of the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen. Excited to re-read these as a grown up to see how my perception of them changes.

My current read is All Fall Down from Tom Bale, so stay tuned for the review!

Until next time!

Rachael xo


Review: The Bone Field by Simon Kernick

The Bone Field (The Bone Field, #1)The Bone Field by Simon Kernick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think Simon is definitely on my favourite author list after reading this. I couldn't put it down. Something about cold cases always piques my interest so I had a feeling I would enjoy this. After reading a guest blog post by Simon I was in equal parts horrified and excited to discover that The Bone Field is just the start of the story with the remainder split over several books to come.
I was unsure how this would end and whether I would be left bereft waiting for the rest of the tale. Simon wrapped it up satisfyingly enough but with a humdinger of a cliff hanger! The Bone Field was the first of Simon's novels for me but definitely won't be the last. I loved his style and flow and found this book unpredictable which was a refreshing change from predicting the ending. One to watch out for in 2017 and eagerly anticipating the next installment.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

Goodreads Review: A Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom

A Year and a DayA Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, my heart is bursting after reading this! It's not my usual choice of genre, but in the spirit of widening my reading choices I gave it a go. I am so pleased that I did. The book is set in the beautiful city of Prague during the winter time. Having visited Prague many years ago myself, and with a little help from Google Earth (don't judge me!) I felt myself reminiscing the sights and sounds which made the reading experience even deeper for me. I loved the trilogy of tales woven intricately together to create one single saga. I have never read anything from Isabelle before, but I can truthfully say that next time I won't hesitate. I fell in love with the characters in the book so much so that it almost felt like my emotions were tied to theirs. A tale of love, expression, wonderment and loss, a beautiful release from reality. Da Iawn Isabelle Broom.

View all my reviews

Friday, 27 January 2017

Goodreads Review: Rattle by Fiona Cummins

RattleRattle by Fiona Cummins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Just, wow! The first novel I have read by Fiona and I just loved it! I knew from the first few chapters that it was going to be a good one! I love her style, the ease of reading and attention to detail. The pace of the story was perfect and the character depth was just enough to get to know them, without all the extra baggage. Overall it was much better than I had expected. The synopsis didn't scream at me to make me want to read it, but having done so, I would highly recommend it and I am looking forward to more from Fiona.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 26 January 2017

Book Review: The Woman in Cabin 10

Happy Publication Day to the amazing Ruth Ware and The Woman in Cabin 10! I gratefully received an advance reader copy of this last year and I loved it! Read my short review and grab your copy today!

The Woman in Cabin 10The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved In A Dark Dark Wood by Ruth and I hoped that The Woman in Cabin 10 would be as good. It was better! The mysterious plot outline of a supposed murder occurring on a ship where all its passengers are present and accounted for is riveting. Fantastic thriller and looking forward to more from Ruth Ware.

View all my reviews

Get your copy today!

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Book Review: The Breakdown by B A Paris

Wow! What a read! After the halfway point I genuinely could not put this down!! I became a huge fan of B A Paris after last year's Behind Closed Doors (who didn't?!) and The Breakdown has only cemented my opinion.

Fast-paced and gripping, it will leave you wanting more and more. Just as with Jack and Grace in Behind Closed Doors, here we are introduced to Cass and Matthew, a seemingly ordinary couple with run of the mill jobs and a few close friends to hang out with. Paris' character development is pure genius and the attention to detail second to none. On a personal level I really connected with Cass as someone who has suffered with anxiety and memory problems. We follow her as her life is almost falling apart at the seams, with the ever present and dependable husband to lean on. When a murder occurs a little too close to home, and with a murderer still at large, will the strange things going on around her be enough to send Cass over the edge before its too late?

Pre-order your copy today! Release date 9th February!

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Goodreads Review The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

The Bookshop on the CornerThe Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about this book, other than beautiful? It just confirmed everything I love about literature. The author really drew me in and allowed me to be a part of the story. I read it as if it were my own adventure, and what an adventure it was! Heart-warming and awe-inspiring, I want to read it all over again.

View all my reviews

Friday, 13 January 2017

Goodreads Review of Watch Me by Angela Clarke

Watch Me (Social Media Murders, #2)Watch Me by Angela Clarke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Angela Clarke is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Having devoured her debut Follow Me last year I couldn't wait to read more from her. The ultra-modern take on the serial killer thriller is fantastic and bang up to date. Watch Me is another cool, crisp thriller that's right at home in 2017.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 10 January 2017

Review - Blink by K L Slater

I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed reading this! I think it's probably safe to say that K L Slater's Blink is one to watch out for in 2017. Her previous novel Safe With Me was outstanding and Blink is even better.

Toni Cotter has recently moved to Nottingham with her 5 year old daughter Evie to be closer to her Mother after losing her husband to the war in Afghanistan. She is grief stricken and struggling to cope, often relying upon her dead husband's prescription meds to get her through the day. Things seem to be looking up when she gets a part time job at a local estate agency and the people around her seem nothing but friendly and helpful when it comes to beautiful little Evie.

Three years later, Evie has disappeared, taken from her Mother. Where is she? Who has taken her? It seems that the only person missing her is lying in a hospital bed after suffering a severe stroke. She cannot move, she cannot speak, she can't even blink. She is running out of time before her life support machine will be turned off. Will they find out the truth before it's too late?

Blink had me gripped from the very first page. The main character Toni has so many different layers. One minute you are sympathising with her and understanding her grief, the next minute shaking your head at her questionable parenting skills. There are so many aspects to this story that even an in-depth review would not do it justice. You have to read it to truly appreciate the brilliance of it.

We are only ten days in, but I predict Blink will be one of the most talked about thrillers this year. A rival to cousins Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, it is simply stunning, with one of the biggest twists I've ever seen.

Pre-order your copy now!

Saturday, 7 January 2017

Review - My Sister's Bones

Image result for my sisters bones

Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She's the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and their father. Her sister Sally didn't. Instead, she drinks.

But when their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.

What secret has Kate stumbled upon?
And is she strong enough to uncover the truth . . . and make it out alive?

A completely unputdownable story about the secrets families hide, with a twist that will knock your socks off, this thriller is the hottest debut since The Girl on the Train.

I have literally just finished this book and couldn't wait to review it. My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood was breathtaking! I didn't realise how good it was until 75-80% through and then I couldn't put it down.

At 400 pages (Kindle Edition) it took me 2 days to finish reading it around the 3 little ones, but I enjoyed it, a lot! The author's style is beautiful and well crafted. The book is comprised of 3 parts, each from a different perspective, which brings a real depth to the story and the main characters. I like to feel like I know the characters and I really liked Kate, the main character. The author really drew me in and I felt emotionally involved in the story.

One point that really made me enjoy this book was the plot twist. I never saw it coming, and I almost always do! I was caught completely off guard and thrilled about it!

I felt the story line was well balanced throughout and brought to an impeccable end with full closure. I personally don't like it when an ending feels hurried and with questions left unanswered.

I have rated this book at 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads because it truly deserves it. Go get your copy, it's well worth the read!