tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52907062175954185942024-03-05T07:40:54.824+00:00Book Addict ShaunA place for me to share my thoughts on books I've (mostly) loved. Est 2014. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.comBlogger635125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-38842959697158904212020-04-23T15:02:00.000+01:002020-04-23T15:08:38.068+01:00Hall of Fame Review: Ride or Die by Khurrum Rahman <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9kIUkKDVCYGXcnmcrI7F6PMJ7INJ5ftW2WqGuqqM0L-08ZzbU-yi4Ue4BZax_aI4az7WX_9J6W1XjcSHTwNJQ-MevknHedtdveB3Ezq4lbRZ1x2C-hr-Bg3CDQccbnht0Cyaxld4fpKL/s1600/rideordie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9kIUkKDVCYGXcnmcrI7F6PMJ7INJ5ftW2WqGuqqM0L-08ZzbU-yi4Ue4BZax_aI4az7WX_9J6W1XjcSHTwNJQ-MevknHedtdveB3Ezq4lbRZ1x2C-hr-Bg3CDQccbnht0Cyaxld4fpKL/s320/rideordie.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<b>Title</b>: Ride or Die<br />
<b>Author</b>: Khurrum Rahman<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: HQ<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 9th July 2020<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 400<br />
<b>Source</b>: NetGalley<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ride-Die-fast-paced-unputdownable-featuring-ebook/dp/B082C6GPHS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
<b>JAY QASIM</b> is finally out of the game and trying to lay low. But then he gets news that rocks his world and drags up everything that he thought he’d left behind. Jay must break his vow never to work with MI5 again and turn to the person who sold him out. But this time he’s determined to do it on his terms.<br />
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<b>IMRAN SIDDIQUI</b> once tried to kill Jay but now they have a common adversary. The one thing worse than death is watching the people closest to you die. And after the happiest day of Imran’s life becomes the most tragic, he will stop at nothing to take revenge on the people that have taken away his family.<br />
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But when everyone has their own agenda, who can you really trust?<br />
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<b>Your most deadly enemy is about to become your closest ally.</b></blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>Why does Khurrum Rahman enjoy ripping my heart out and stamping on it so much? But that aside, is he still my new favourite author? Abso-fucking-lutely. The Jay Qasim series has so far given me three of the best books I have ever read. If it wasn’t for the lockdown, I’d be standing outside Waterstones right about now with a megaphone, screaming at everyone to buy these books. Okay, maybe my social anxiety would stop me from doing that, but that’s what my blog, Goodreads and Amazon is for. For me to hopefully put across just how incredible these books have been. I was happy with my reviews for <i><b><a href="http://www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk/2020/04/review-east-of-hounslow-by-khurrum.html">East of Hounslow</a></b></i> and <i><b><a href="http://www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk/2020/04/hall-of-fame-review-homegrown-hero-by.html">Homegrown Hero</a></b></i>, but I don’t think I’ve got the words to do <i>Ride or Die</i> justice.<br />
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I don’t even know where to start. Maybe with the pure and real emotion that is packed into these stories. And how that emotion is brought out of me as a reader. The characterisation is just so brilliantly done. Khurrum Rahman has a real talent to bring to the fore the beliefs of some truly evil people. Some of the people we read about are just so beyond evil that it is scary to read about. But what’s scarier is these aren’t just villains within a fictional story. They exist in our real world, and the realism of these characters shines through and makes for a truly uncomfortable read in places. But on the flip side of that, we have the good guys. The ones who put their lives on the line to protect ours. But sometimes that backfires, resulting in the deaths of those closest to them. I really can’t say too much more than that, especially for those yet to read the previous two books but the characterisation here is some of the best I have ever read about. <br />
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In terms of the plot here in <i>Ride or Die</i>, it is nothing short of incredible. The ending to <i>Homegrown Hero</i> had my jaw dropping. Normally a cliche, this time it actually dropped when the finale of that book just knocked me for six. And so I just could not wait to get my hands on <i>Ride or Die</i>, reading it in just two action-packed sittings. We see our protagonist Jay Qasim having to team up with Imran Siddiqui, the man who blames him (and others) for the devastation that happened in <i>Homegrown Hero</i>. Imy’s character has been one of my favourites so far this series. He is a character who I feel I have gone through every emotion with as I’ve read about him. As the story opened here, it felt almost perverse to be given such an insight into his mind and his through processes. Those thoughts, emotions and feelings being palpable as I read. To see him having to work with Jay added a whole new dynamic not just to the story, but also to their fractured relationship as a whole. Could Jay trust Imy? Could Imy trust Jay? Khurrum does such a good job with Imy’s character, especially in terms of his relationship with Jay. The hatred, but the confusion. The thirst for revenge, but the somehow still trying to protect Jay where he can. As duos go, these are two of the best that I’ve read about. Never once do these characters feel fictional, it is like reading about real people.<br />
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Jay is just fantastic. I could just read about him for a thousand pages rather than just the 400 that flew by here. This series deals with some massive stories, however throughout there’s that underlying humour infused into the story the whole way through. Before we get into the meat of the story, the book opens with Jay in Qatar, soon having to make a rapid return to the UK. I’ve said in the past how unlucky he is, to find himself in these situations. We now know that it’s not just bad luck that brought him to the radar of some nasty people but still, I was asking myself just how much can one man have thrown at him. One of the elements of the story I enjoyed most was the introduction of a female love interest for Jay with the character of Sophia. Well, possible love interest. I have to say that Khurrum does write the comedy elements here just brilliantly. Jay’s outlook on life, the way he acts around Sophia, just everything about how he approaches the normalities of his abnormal life are just so brilliantly done that they just flow perfectly with the story, the comedy softening in places but never detracting from the seriousness of the entire narrative.<br />
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The plot moves at breakneck speed and I couldn’t read quick enough to see how things were going to conclude. As each chapter ended I instantly needed more, and as I started to near the end I was torn between wanting to finish the story and never wanting it to end. The last 40 or so pages I read on the edge of my seat. Well, the edge of my bed to be precise. I sat up, completely locked out the world around me and finished these closing pages almost forgetting to blink and breathe. When written words on a page can have that effect, you know you’ve discovered one incredible author. And that author is Khurrum Rahman. I finished the final chapter and immediately pressed to get to the next page, only to see an Acknowledgment page. I had finished the book. I almost screamed out 'No!', because I instantly wanted more. The ending to<i> Ride or Die</i> was just phenomenal. The whole book was outstanding. I finished <i>Homegrown Hero</i> in awe, and I finished <i>Ride or Die</i> even more in awe. I read the closing pages and had actual goosebumps. I might have even, almost, shed a tear. I can say nothing more other than this is a must-read series. It also has some of my favourite covers ever with the new paperback versions, and so I am hoping to pick them up soon. Please, please if you have this series on your TBR, do not leave it languishing, but move it straight to the top of that TBR and read them now. Thank me later. You won’t regret it. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-23629608326823832272020-04-22T20:18:00.002+01:002020-04-23T14:45:54.885+01:00Review: Vixen by Sam Michaels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr37fwr12SX_Cgn4-i18MMELOvBear3sFwng7s3GK11Zm4u8hDpvsxWTkLNO6qOEbmQzx-f2F2pkohoNDJKI24mNJu6XG-wmAkvh2aD1IsF5Ab9kX0_JBWu9w5oRe13fUgmTznUgwBfXk/s1600/vixen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinr37fwr12SX_Cgn4-i18MMELOvBear3sFwng7s3GK11Zm4u8hDpvsxWTkLNO6qOEbmQzx-f2F2pkohoNDJKI24mNJu6XG-wmAkvh2aD1IsF5Ab9kX0_JBWu9w5oRe13fUgmTznUgwBfXk/s320/vixen.png" width="209" /></a></div>
<b>Title</b>: Vixen<br />
<b>Author</b>: Sam Michaels<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Aria<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 23rd April 2020<br />
<b>Source</b>: NetGalley<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vixen-Georgina-Garrett-Book-3-ebook/dp/B083Y4MYGH">Amazon</a></b><br />
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<b>While World War Two rages on around them, the gangs of London are fighting for their turf...</b><br />
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There might be a war on, but that doesn't stop Georgina Garrett running her business with an iron fist. No one said running the Battersea gang was going to be easy, but her unflinchable nature makes Georgina unstoppable.<br />
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With a role that requires a ruthless ability to seek revenge and pay out crippling punishments, Georgina's enemies are growing in number. With a target on her back, Georgina knows she must do everything to protect her family. But, with the loss of someone closest to her, can Georgina rise up from the ashes or allow a usurper take her crown?</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I am a huge fan of the Georgina Garrett series by Sam Michaels and couldn’t wait to get my hands on <i>Vixen</i>. I’d say that this book could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the previous two books, <i>Trickster</i> and and <i>Rivals</i>, first to get the full enjoyment and emotional impact that <i>Vixen</i> delivers. <br />
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Sam Michaels is a fantastic author and has written three of the best books I have read in the gangland genre. Since <i>Trickster</i> we have followed Georgina Garrett across the course of one hell of a life. From childhood right through to her adult life, here in <i>Vixen</i> set during World War II. It was a refreshing change to read a gangland book set during the war. It added a whole new dynamic to this type of story and I felt that Sam captured that era perfectly. The fear felt by the characters was palpable, and the descriptive elements of the war were so brutal, written in a way that had you visualising all too easily this awful period in history. It’s a truly atmospheric read the whole way through. The dark side of the war, and how people used it to their advantage is on full display here, but so too is how Georgina uses it to help the people in her area. Breaking the law yes, but it’s not always as black and white as that when it comes to Georgina and her firm. <br />
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Whilst Georgina Garrett is definitely her own character, if asked to liken her to somebody, I would say she is like Annie Carter from Jessie Keane’s series, and that series is one of the reasons why I love this genre so much. Georgina is a fascinating character, and one who faces danger from many different corners, despite the fact she always puts others first and does everything she can to help those who come to her. It just shows how things like wealth and power can bring out the evil, nasty and jealous side to some people and whilst Georgina is sometimes like a cat with nine lives, <i>Vixen</i> is a book that had me thinking those lives were about to run out with each page turn of my Kindle. I just couldn't believe how much she had thrown at her, but I was rooting the whole way through for her to overcome everything.<br />
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The story in <i>Vixen</i> is outstanding. I was absolutely gripped to everything that I was reading. It was great to be back with all of the regular characters, but also good to meet some new ones too. I have to say that aside from Georgina, my favourite character was probably Charlotte. One thing I enjoy most is when an author makes you hate a character, only for your opinion to have completely changed by the end of the story. That happens here with a few of the characters, such is the journey we see them going on. Georgina only ever tries to help people, yet you wonder why when you see people just throw it back in her face. One such character who I have always hated is Fanny. A woman who expected her daughter, the weak and timid Molly to take over the business earlier in the series, not realising that she didn’t have the fearlessness, boldness and confidence that Georgina has in spades. Nor does she realise that the life she currently has is thanks to Georgina. But again, that is the talent Sam Michaels has in drawing out this emotion in me as a reader, seeing these characters and their situations as wholly believable and making me get completely caught up in everything that I am reading. <br />
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<i>Vixen</i> was a book that had me thinking about it whenever I was away from my Kindle. I was constantly thinking in my head about what was going to happen next, and I couldn’t wait to pick my Kindle back up and get right back into the story. Sam Michaels kept me on my toes the whole way through the story. Another thing I like about her is how she doesn’t hold back. It’s not always a given that the characters I like the most will survive each chapter, and so I was more than a little nervous at times at just what was going to happen next. It is a heartbreaking read in places, with a story I won't be forgetting in a hurry. This series is a must read for fans of the gangland genre and it’s one that I will be recommending everywhere. It reminds me of early Martina Cole where her books weren’t just one story, they were multiple stories within one book. Real, gripping sagas and that is exactly what each of these books by Sam Michaels have been too. <br />
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My only hope after finishing <i>Vixen</i> is that we will be getting another instalment in the near future. But for now, for those who are yet to read this series, I cannot recommend it enough. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-77243075093544894792020-04-10T18:30:00.003+01:002020-04-23T14:46:09.901+01:00Hall of Fame Review: Killing Mind by Angela Marsons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXZG5kpFPLgodZNvRdO-lPWLK95rs0KBtSynubHYeRWPPxVp4gXCkNloIFcCK7pEZHl4Lx_UOcCdVj9vtntnrKV-olR0ho-uYILjBAWvcaXSvYlSgt9LY2c36gnpFgizwO8paTYicIg2_/s1600/killingmind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXZG5kpFPLgodZNvRdO-lPWLK95rs0KBtSynubHYeRWPPxVp4gXCkNloIFcCK7pEZHl4Lx_UOcCdVj9vtntnrKV-olR0ho-uYILjBAWvcaXSvYlSgt9LY2c36gnpFgizwO8paTYicIg2_/s320/killingmind.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><b>Title</b>: Killing Mind<br />
<b>Author</b>: Angela Marsons<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 13th May 2020<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 367<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Killing-Mind-addictive-nail-biting-Detective-ebook/dp/B084VNRRD6/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=angela+marsons&qid=1586539214&sr=8-3">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote><b>It had seemed so simple. Get in, get the information, get out. But now they were getting inside her mind and she didn’t know how to stop them...</b><br />
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When <b>Detective Kim Stone</b> is called to the home of Samantha Brown, she finds the young woman lying in bed with her throat cut and a knife in her hand. With no sign of forced entry or struggle, Kim rules her death a tragic suicide.<br />
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But a visit to Samantha’s parents rings alarm bells for Kim – there’s something they’re not telling her. And, when she spots a clue in a photograph, Kim realises she’s made a huge mistake. Samantha didn’t take her own life, she was murdered.<br />
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Then a young man’s body is found in a local lake with his throat cut and Kim makes a link between the victim and Samantha. They both spent time at Unity Farm, a retreat for people seeking an alternative way of life.<br />
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Beneath the retreat’s cosy façade, Kim and her team uncover a sinister community preying on the emotionally vulnerable. <br />
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Sending one of her own undercover into Unity Farm is high risk but it’s Kim’s only hope if she is to catch a killer – someone Kim is convinced the victims knew and trusted.<br />
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With Bryant distracted by the emergence of a harrowing case close to his heart, and an undercover officer in way over her head, Kim’s neck is on the line like never before. Can she protect those closest to her before another life is taken?</blockquote><br />
<a name='more'></a>I never want the day to come where I finish an Angela Marsons novel and don’t say ‘<i>Wow</i>’ out loud. How this amazing and fabulously incredible woman manages to write the most gripping and thrilling crime dramas time after time is something I will forever be in awe of. I’ve said it before, twelve times in fact, but this series is just incredible and is in a league of its own. Quite simply, one of the best crime series in existence and <i>Killing Mind</i> continues the extremely high standard that Angie sets for herself with every book that she releases. I don’t know how many ways or times I can say it, but I just love this series and simply adore its author. I hope to one day be writing a review for the 30th book in this series, going on like a broken record about just how much I love it and how much it means to me.<br />
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One thing I enjoy is how Angie never fails to come up with a truly gripping storyline for each and every one of her books. <i>Killing Mind</i> deals with cults, something that has fascinated me for many years (when my early knowledge of them came from a storyline on <i>Home and Away</i>). The storyline within <i>Killing Mind</i> might be one of my favourites so far simply because of how scarily real the whole thing felt and how the manipulation of one character showed me just how quickly these cults can begin to brainwash someone and completely change their way of thinking and behaving. The cult provides lots of insights into how poor family relationships can have a damaging effect on a person, and how another person can use that to manipulate another person and completely take advantage of them. It also shows the effect that the cult can have on the friends and family members of those who have been taken in by them. This really is a gut-wrenching read in places. Angie always makes her characters feel like real people, with emotions and thoughts that are palpable and so there’s always a heightened sense of emotion in me when I read these stories as I quickly become invested in the lives of those I am reading about. <br />
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Coming into <i>Killing Mind</i> not long after reading the prequel to this series, <i>First Blood</i>, I have to say a part of me missed DS Dawson. However I am now firmly a fan of DS Penn and I enjoyed his role in this story and the part he plays within this fantastic team. Where the cult shows the damaging effects of poor family relationships, we see the flip side of the coin with the heartwarming relationship that Penn has with his brother. One scene in the book stood out to me especially and as I know Angie will be reading this, the scene that melted my heart was the text Penn received from his brother after a phone call. Being back with Kim, Bryant and Stacey was nothing short of sheer joy. I have to say that Kim and her team have started to feel like a family, not only to me but to each other, and that was something that shone through as I read. The camaraderie is wonderful to read, and these are some of the best characters I’ve ever read about within this genre. The secondary storyline we see Bryant going on added a further dynamic to the working relationship but also the personal friendship of him and Kim. I really enjoyed that part of the story and was as gripped to it as the main storyline. I think with each book we are seeing a softer side to Kim as she really starts to develop genuine care and affection for her team. After reading the prequel this is especially clear to me now more than ever. Kim is a character who develops so much with each book and it’s so intriguing to witness those changes in her with each story that I read. I think here especially there may be lasting emotional repercussions for Kim. <br />
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There was a standout character in the story here however and that was Tiff. There’s so much I want to say about this character but I am fearful of giving too much away. Tiff is a young and overly enthusiastic police officer, certainly too enthusiastic for Kim’s liking at times, but Tiff finds herself front and centre of this investigation with the huge role she plays in the uncovering of the cult. Her part in the story was one of my favourites because it was her character that allows the reader to really understand these cults more and to see how masterfully they take over the mind of a young and vulnerable person. Tiff is a character I really hope to see again in future books. As said I don’t want to say too much about her character but I was intrigued by my own thought processes in how the story ended up in terms of her relationship with one of the other characters. Recently I read a book where the bad guy had me seeing the good in them at times, and that was the same here. I know this is totally ambiguous and makes no sense but the denouement and reveal here in <i>Killing Mind</i> has sent my brain into overdrive as Angela shows that everything isn’t always black and white and there’s a couple of characters in this story I’ll be thinking about for a while longer yet. There’s lots of talking points raised within this story and some of the themes really would make for good discussion. <br />
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<i>Killing Mind</i> was once again another masterclass in how to deliver everything a crime novel needs to make it a gripping, thrilling and unforgettable read. Angela Marsons is one of my favourite authors and personally one of my favourite people I have ‘met’ since starting my blog. I’d love to one day meet her in real life but fear my anxiety would turn me into a total wreck. This series means so much to me and I have always been thrilled at the time Angela takes to read and share my reviews. I can’t come up with many more ways to describe my love for this series, just search Angela Marsons into the search box on this blog to see what I mean, and so I will finish by thanking Angela for another incredible story that was over far quicker than I wanted it to be. I sometimes wish this was one of those series I discovered when there were twenty other books to read right after it, but I have been here since the very start with the fantastic, <i><a href="http://www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk/2015/02/review-silent-scream-by-angela-marsons.html">Silent Scream</a></i>. If however you are one of the people who has been living under a rock since 2015, you are one of the lucky ones who does have an entire series of books to devour and fall in love with. <i>Killing Mind</i> is one of the best crime fiction books I will read this year and as always it will without a doubt be in my <i>Top Books of the Year</i> list. Absolutely brilliant and unmissable crime fiction. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-44084860602279751722020-04-09T17:42:00.000+01:002020-04-10T18:18:32.055+01:00Review: Amazing Grace by Kim Nash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqNgu_eubVkH8DoIzMD-gJpVEEsNt9OhilZB-KFY9oa08XcOjjucbGZOHt8XJe-6EmkHg2c6KdARwQLojJ2bfOpwERq4KkWTRp0dqMeQWOK2fWUnHO1JOvPnsyKOLLH6ILmJTV8EY9h37/s1600/amazinggrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1039" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqNgu_eubVkH8DoIzMD-gJpVEEsNt9OhilZB-KFY9oa08XcOjjucbGZOHt8XJe-6EmkHg2c6KdARwQLojJ2bfOpwERq4KkWTRp0dqMeQWOK2fWUnHO1JOvPnsyKOLLH6ILmJTV8EY9h37/s320/amazinggrace.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><b>Title</b>: Amazing Grace<br />
<b>Author</b>: Kim Nash<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Hera Books<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 10th April 2019<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 257<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazing-Grace-warming-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B07N85SPQM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=amazing+grace+kim&qid=1586449939&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote><b>She’s taking her life back , one step at a time…</b><br />
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<b>Grace</b> thought she had it all. Living in the beautiful village of Little Ollington, along with head teacher husband <b>Mark</b> and gorgeous son, <b>Archie</b>, she devoted herself to being the perfect mum and the perfect wife, her little family giving her everything she ever wanted. <br />
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Until that fateful day when she walked in on Mark kissing his secretary - and her perfect life fell apart.<br />
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Now she's a single mum to Archie, trying to find her way in life and keep things together for his sake. Saturday nights consist of a Chinese takeaway eaten in front of the TV clad in greying pyjamas, and she can’t remember the last time she had a kiss from anyone aside from her dog, <b>Becks</b>… <br />
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Grace’s life needs a shake up – fast. So when gorgeous gardener <b>Vinnie</b> turns up on her doorstep, his twinkling eyes suggesting that he might be interested in more than just her conifers, she might just have found the answer to her prayers. But as Grace falls deeper for Vinnie, ten-year-old Archie fears that his mum finding love means she’ll never reconcile with the dad he loves. <br />
<br />
So when ex-husband Mark begs her for another chance, telling her he’s changed from the man that broke her heart, Grace finds herself with an impossible dilemma. Should she take back Mark and reunite the family that Archie loves? Or risk it all for a new chance of happiness?</blockquote><br />
<a name='more'></a>I don’t know quite why it took me so long to read <i>Amazing Grace</i>, the debut novel of publicist, blogger extraordinaire, champion of books and bloggers and all-round fabulous woman Kim Nash, but I am so glad that I have now read it. Her brilliant book chat every Tuesday on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm/">Facebook page</a> has seen me filling my Kindle with her guest’s books, it was only fair I filled it with hers too. I can’t remember the last time I read a book in one sitting, but I very quickly got caught up in this story and just could not stop reading it. It was a pure joy from start to finish, if hugely emotional in places too.<br />
<br />
<i>Amazing Grace</i> tells the story of single mum Grace, who goes on quite the journey of self-discovery during this wonderful story. Grace is a fantastic character, I was instantly rooting for her and quickly became endeared to her. The relationship she has with her son Archie was magical, it reminded me of how close I was with my mum growing up and I wanted to tell Grace that it is possible for that closeness to be there during the teenage years as mine was and as an adult still is, with my mum. I finished this book imagining that Grace would go on to have the best relationship with Archie such was the closeness of the bond they had. Kim wrote such a fantastic and believable mother and son relationship and I think anyone who knows her will know that would have been easy because of the relationship she has with her own son. Archie was such a great character and really had a huge part to play in Grace going on that journey of self-discovery and really finding that true happiness that she both needed and deserved. <br />
<br />
I have to say there was a standout character for me and that was Vinnie. I might have drooled a little bit when he first arrives at Grace’s house and continued to do so as his character began to play a more crucial role in the story. The relationship that develops between these two characters was a delight to read, but as always in these books, the course of true love doesn’t run smooth and so there’s more than a few obstacles for them to overcome during the story. The biggest obstacle being Grace’s absolute twat of an ex-husband, Mark. I don’t want to say too much about him but what a truly horrendous character. The best love stories have you absolutely desperate for a couple to end up with one another and Kim does a good job of throwing these curveballs in the way of our characters all the way through the story.<br />
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I really enjoyed the family and friendship element that really shines through the story and I loved how the cast of characters in the story all had their part to play in the journey Grace and Vinnie go on during the story. One such character was Grace’s mum who died before Archie was born. I did think that my own beliefs about death and the afterlife would mean I didn’t relate to or enjoy (for want of a better word) this part of the story but I have to say that I truly did. I don’t want to say too much but this is certainly an emotional story in places. Friendship also plays a huge part too, whether it's Grace's best friend getting her into some horrendously hilarious situations as our story opens, to the wonderful friendship she develops with Vinnie's sister. This is one of those stories where it is all about characterisation and Kim does a brilliant job with each and every character that we meet.<br />
<br />
<i>Amazing Grace</i> is one of the best debuts I have read within the Women’s Fiction genre and I am so annoyed with myself for not reading it sooner. It has everything you could want from a story and more. There’s delightful moments, sad moments, hilarious moments, frustrating moments and pure joyous heart-warming moments. <i>Amazing Grace</i> really is just a beautiful story of family, friendship and falling in love. I finished it with tears threatening to fall but with a huge smile on my face. Kim Nash is obviously a woman of many talents and she has now added author to that list. It really is amazing to see people achieve their dreams but none more so than when it’s someone you know, albeit only over the internet. So it’s fantastic to see Kim having this success and writing such an enjoyable book in <i>Amazing Grace</i>. I can’t wait to read her next book, <i>Escape to Giddywell Grange</i>, which is already on my Kindle. I highly recommend <i>Amazing Grace</i> to those who are yet to read it. It is the perfect read in this current climate, and at only 99p on Kindle (at the time of writing) you really have no excuse not to pick it up. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-33790207679359335552020-04-06T17:12:00.000+01:002020-04-09T17:32:10.951+01:00Hall of Fame Review: Homegrown Hero by Khurrum Rahman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VQWjW8hRlD1waSkVFgwEo3o15Nd5by7WgQvs1rvSSNFxmaqiqpfGRmK-Hy8v8VdnLm38iKWsykNfbqcZ38KOcU3bIXKtxA-z4NbTm0MBa4Bdhxfmp7WsskmLcuy1KfbmwclU6PyOxlMi/s1600/homegrownhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1039" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VQWjW8hRlD1waSkVFgwEo3o15Nd5by7WgQvs1rvSSNFxmaqiqpfGRmK-Hy8v8VdnLm38iKWsykNfbqcZ38KOcU3bIXKtxA-z4NbTm0MBa4Bdhxfmp7WsskmLcuy1KfbmwclU6PyOxlMi/s320/homegrownhero.jpg" width="207" /></a><b>Title</b>: Homegrown Hero<br />
<b>Author</b>: Khurrum Rahman<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: HQ<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 25th July 2019<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 384<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homegrown-Hero-gripping-twisty-thriller/dp/0008287074/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote><b>Reluctant spy. Trained assassin.</b><br />
<b>WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?</b><br />
<br />
<b>JAY QASIM</b> is back home in West London and in pursuit of normality. He’s swapped dope-dealing for admin, and spends his free time at the local Muslim Community Centre or cruising around Hounslow in his beloved BMW. No-one would guess that he was the MI5 spy who foiled the most devastating terrorist attack in recent history.<br />
<br />
But Jay’s part in sabotaging Ghurfat-Al-Mudarris’ hit on London didn’t pass unnoticed.<br />
<br />
<b>IMRAN SIDDIQUI </b>was trained to kill in Afghanistan by the terrorist cell who saved his life after his home was destroyed by war. The time has finally come for him to repay them – throwing him headlong into the path of Jay Qasim.<br />
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<b>Now, they must each decide whose side they’re really on.</b></blockquote><br />
<a name='more'></a>I have a new favourite author and his name is Khurrum Rahman. <i>Homegrown Hero</i> is one of the best thrillers I have ever read. It is one of the best <i>stories</i> I have ever read. I really am struggling to put my thoughts into words. I’m stunned by this book and how much it’s affected me not only upon finishing it, but during my time reading it too.<br />
<br />
<i>East of Hounslow</i> was the first book in this series and introduces Javid (Jay) Qasim. Now possibly one of the most unluckiest people in the world. Instantly likeable and endearing, he is a character I have rooted for since the minute I first read about him. I won’t go into too much detail about his character or his story, as to say too much would spoil the events of <i>East or Hounslow</i> for those that haven’t read it yet. Safe to say however that if <i>East of Hounslow</i> was a starter, <i>Homegrown Hero</i> is one hell of a main course. You can read my review for <i>East of Hounslow</i> <a href="http://www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk/2020/04/review-east-of-hounslow-by-khurrum.html"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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Khurrum Rahman wrote an unforgettable story in <i>East of Hounslow</i>, and that continues here. That book really set the scene for everything that happens within the pages of this story. Khurrum’s writing, which was fantastic anyway, is even better here. What stands out for me most is the absolute realism of the characters created. These aren’t just characters created simply for a thriller. They are characters that carry a message. Characters that have feelings and thoughts that are palpable. They are believable, some scarily so. Khurrum has done a phenomenal job creating this cast of characters. I so want to go into detail about each and every one of them, but of course I can’t without giving things away. The bad guys are bad. Truly bad. Sickeningly evil. The entire story is a real rollercoaster ride of a read, emotions are played with and heads are fucked with. <br />
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Khurrum in places almost makes you root for the bad guy. There’s a character in the book called Imran (Imy). All I am going to say on this character is, aside from Jay, he was my favourite character. The life that Khurrum creates for Imy tore at my heartstrings. I was reading feeling genuine fear at what was ahead and how things would turn out not only for Jay, but Imy also. As I neared the closing pages of the story I had an actual lump in my throat. Khurrum isn’t an author who will just give every character a happy ending, and that is why I was constantly on edge of what was to come with every single chapter. I had no idea where these characters would end up by the final page. <br />
<br />
Fiction this may be, but characters and stories like this exist in the real world. Khurrum Rahman lays bare a world that most do not see, or choose not to see. Or, a world that we <i>do</i> see, but shows it from different angles. He shows that everything isn’t always as clear cut as we may be led to believe. He shows how the actions of one group of people can set in motion a ripple effect with devastating consequences. The emotion I felt reading this story is something I only experience with those truly special books, ones with characters and stories that aren’t easy to forget. The tension of the last 15% or so of this book was almost unbearable, but there was no chance of anything taking me away from my Kindle until I’d read that final page. And then that final page came along and twatted me right across my face. That last 15% should come with a health warning. I can’t tell you the last time a book had this effect on me. Both of these books would be perfect for a book club as I think they would provoke a timely and important discussion, the issues raised are so important and present in our world, and unfortunately probably always will be. <br />
<br />
When I had to put my Kindle down to continue with everyday life, I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters. I fell asleep thinking about them and I woke up and wanted to pick up my Kindle straightaway. Even now, I know I’ll be thinking about these characters until the minute I can get my hands on book three, <i>Ride or Die</i>. How many books do that to a reader? This series came on my radar off a Facebook ad. I was going to deactivate my Facebook only a couple of weeks ago. I am so glad I saw that advert and read <i>East of Hounslow</i>. I will never forget the stories contained within these two books. In a few years time I will look back on them and, unlike most other books where the stories fade from your memory, be able to remember exactly what happened. I am just in awe and I am actually quite gutted to have now read both of these books as for the past week or so I have spent all of my spare time reading them. At the end of the year I can honestly say I think my <i>Top 3 Books of the Year</i> will all be written by this incredible author. And that’s without having even read book three, I know for a fact it will be just as good as these two books if not better. There is honestly just not one negative thing I can say about these books. Buy them now, you will not regret it. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-53376250033905961462020-04-02T19:16:00.003+01:002020-04-06T16:59:11.347+01:00Review: East of Hounslow by Khurrum Rahman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAr7_RTAFMl1sKIk1PO5qEtyzk9fKzlnc5ideny99xlXEyfKJOemnFmoA9orJDwDDXtzSH1TQKXWAw7U_zkVsIHUw1imnS6-FBBzgAQj4VOftFtnSftDM65ecThH_xA2_8M52aRZ9DFnc/s1600/eastofhounslow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAr7_RTAFMl1sKIk1PO5qEtyzk9fKzlnc5ideny99xlXEyfKJOemnFmoA9orJDwDDXtzSH1TQKXWAw7U_zkVsIHUw1imnS6-FBBzgAQj4VOftFtnSftDM65ecThH_xA2_8M52aRZ9DFnc/s320/eastofhounslow.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<b>Title</b>: East of Hounslow<br />
<b>Author</b>: Khurrum Rahman<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: HQ<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 30th November 2017<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 353<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/East-Hounslow-addictive-thriller-shortlisted-ebook/dp/B0739NX4JB/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=east+of+hounslow&qid=1585850687&smid=A1G3UP32AZJ14F&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
<b>Meet Jay.</b><br />
<b>Small-time dealer.</b><br />
<b>Accidental jihadist.</b><br />
<b>The one man who can save us all?</b><br />
<br />
Javid – call him Jay – is a dope dealer living in West London. He goes to mosque on Friday, and he’s just bought his pride and joy – a BMW. He lives with his mum, and life seems sweet.<br />
<br />
But his world is about to turn upside-down. Because MI5 have been watching him, and they think he’s just the man they need for a delicate mission.<br />
<br />
One thing’s for sure: now he’s a long way East of Hounslow, Jay’s life will never be the same again.<br />
<br />
<b>With the edgy humour of Four Lions and the pulse-racing tension of Nomad, East of Hounslow is the first in a series of thrillers starring Jay Qasim.</b></blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I am not ashamed to admit that I judge books by their cover. I rarely pay attention to Facebook ads but about a week ago I saw an advert for a book called <i>East of Hounslow</i> and the cover immediately jumped out at me. Not long after reading the blurb, a short visit to Amazon had the book on my Kindle. At the time of writing this review, it’s just 99p on Kindle which is an absolute steal and I can’t think of anything better to spend 99p on.<br />
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I read a lot of thrillers and <i>East of Hounslow</i> is one of the best I have read in a long time. There’s so much I want to say about the story, so much in fact that I don’t even know where to start. Perhaps with the star of the show, its main character Jay Qasim. Jay is such a fascinating character, and completely endearing. A young Muslim just trying to find his place in life, he goes on one hell of a journey in this story. Others have said this is almost like a coming of age tale, and I have to agree. Jay is instantly likeable and through his eyes, we get an unfiltered and often unique look into the world of a young Muslim. It’s a truly thought-provoking book in places and that’s because of the sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-rending and always serious insights delivered by the character of Jay. I pictured two characters in the role of Jay, both of which I think would play this character brilliantly well. They were <a href="https://hollyoaks.fandom.com/wiki/Rishi_Nair">Rishi Nair</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himesh_Patel">Himesh Patel</a>. Rishi would be especially great as he was fantastic throughout the <i>Hollyoaks</i> race storyline last year and I think Himesh is a brilliant comedic actor. If this series was ever brought to the screen, both of these characters would be perfect for the series. <br />
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I don’t want to say too much about the plot, but I will say that <i>East of Hounslow</i> has everything you could possibly want from a thriller and more. Jay finds himself reluctantly becoming an employee of MI5 who recruit him for a mission they believe him to be perfect for. The story is laced with humour throughout but that never detracts from the seriousness of the story being told. Humour aside, there’s always that undercurrent of danger the whole way through the story and as I started to near the events the whole book had built up to, I couldn’t read quick enough to discover how everything would end. I did work out one major development in the plot, during a conversation Jay has with his mum, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story and in fact only made me want to tear through it even quicker. Jay wasn’t the only character that will leave a lasting impression on me in this story, and whilst I can’t go into detail about the ones that will, Khurrum Rahman does a brilliant job in really making you see things from every point of view and really understand the thought processes of some of the characters, especially those who deep down are good people, but are all too easily groomed and manipulated. I really cannot say too much more other than as well as such a strong storyline, the characterisation is also a real standout element in the book. <br />
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And so the judgment of a cover on Facebook led to me reading one of my favourite books so far this year. I will be recommending <i>East of Hounslow</i> everywhere that I can. Khurrum Rahman has created a truly fantastic character in Jay Qasim and has written one of the most exciting, thrilling and memorable stories that I have read in a long time. I simply cannot wait to continue with this series, as the closing pages of this book will mean every reader will be more than eager to pick up its sequel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D45HFMN?tag=authordatabase&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1">Homegrown Hero</a></i>, after one hell of a closing paragraph. If you are looking for a fresh, original thriller with a unique, endearing and memorable character with a gripping and unforgettable story, then <i>East of Hounslow</i> is the book for you.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-1998612028195992122020-03-18T12:35:00.004+00:002020-04-02T19:03:47.470+01:00Review: Deep Dark Night by Steph Broadribb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FoHeiOCq6iM1vKwgS4vlIMyOBurnTkweBPcVwRpNFnpb05v0jXSUVFjwJ9pLNzXcgKHwIF4HQydM1_kK_K-5aVzu4L_uNzcLjWcQgwMsh2FSvl7L_8BbQjXP1NGLW55TSKg4nK2R5dRO/s1600/deepdarknight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FoHeiOCq6iM1vKwgS4vlIMyOBurnTkweBPcVwRpNFnpb05v0jXSUVFjwJ9pLNzXcgKHwIF4HQydM1_kK_K-5aVzu4L_uNzcLjWcQgwMsh2FSvl7L_8BbQjXP1NGLW55TSKg4nK2R5dRO/s320/deepdarknight.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<b>Title</b>: Deep Dark Night<br />
<b>Author</b>: Steph Broadribb<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Orenda Books<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 5th March 2020<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 320<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Dark-Night-Lori-Anderson/dp/1913193179/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1584534442&sr=8-2">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
<b>A city in darkness. A building in lockdown. A score that can only be settled in blood…</b><br />
<br />
Working off the books for FBI Special Agent Alex Monroe, Florida bounty-hunter Lori Anderson and her partner, JT, head to Chicago. Their mission: to entrap the head of the Cabressa crime family. The bait: a priceless chess set that Cabressa is determined to add to his collection.<br />
<br />
An exclusive high-stakes poker game is arranged in the penthouse suite of one of the city’s tallest buildings, with Lori holding the cards in an agreed arrangement to hand over the pieces, one by one. But, as night falls and the game plays out, stakes rise and tempers flare.<br />
<br />
When a power failure plunges the city into darkness, the building goes into lockdown. But this isn’t an ordinary blackout, and the men around the poker table aren’t all who they say they are. Hostages are taken, old scores resurface and the players start to die.<br />
<br />
<b>And that’s just the beginning…</b></blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I am a huge fan of Steph Broadribb's Lori Anderson series. The first book, <i>Deep Down Dead</i>, made my <a href="http://www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk/2016/10/hall-of-fame-review-deep-down-dead-by.html">Hall of Fame</a> and went on to be my favourite book of the entire year in 2016 on my <a href="http://www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk/2016/12/my-top-10-books-of-2016-and-update.html">Top Books of the Year list</a>. The next two books in the series were also instant 5 star reads, and so I couldn't wait to read <i>Deep Dark Night</i>. I <a href="https://twitter.com/bookaddictshaun/status/1238907038643732481">said on Twitter</a> whilst reading this book that Steph was my favourite thriller writer since Lee Child, and that is a statement I stand by after finishing this incredible story. I have read hundreds of thrillers over the years and so hopefully that statement shows what a real talent Steph is when it comes to writing a gripping and truly unforgettable thriller.<br />
<br />
Lori Anderson is a fantastic creation and someone I can't ever see me tiring reading about. She is a strong, ballsy character with a ton of heart. It's impossible not to become endeared to her and genre aside she's one of the best characters I have read about in years, not just in the thriller world. What I most enjoy about this series more than some others is the continuation of the characters and their lives. Whereas in the majority of thriller series each book can be read as a standalone, they just happen to exist in the same world with sometimes a brief mention of past events, Lori's story continues whether it's with her relationship with JT and daughter but also in how the events of previous books drive future books forward. That's not to say the books in this series can't be read standalone, they absolutely can, but the enjoyment and emotional connection felt as a reader is much greater if you read the stories in order.<br />
<br />
Steph always comes up with the most adrenaline-fuelled stories that storm ahead at a thousand miles an hour, barely giving the reader pause for breath. Here in <i>Deep Dark Night</i> things are a little different as the story mostly takes place literally over a deep dark night, a Chicago blackout to be precise. Lori has found herself in an impossible situation in working with the FBI. She must trap the head of a notorious Chicago crime family in a high-stakes poker game which sees everything put on the line. I have to say that this change in pace worked brilliantly, and Steph expertly told this story in such a way that meant I struggled to tear myself away from my Kindle. The scenes within the tower this poker game plays were so tense and written in such an immersive way that I felt like I was in the room with these characters. Everything was so palpable, it was like I was experiencing the danger myself, all senses were on high alert whilst reading this story. I have to say also there might be some enjoyment to be had through reading this story in the dark, it'll certainly add to the exhilarating sense of danger felt while you read the story.<br />
<br />
The plot here really is incredibly strong and I just love how the story was told. When I first read the blurb it gives away a lot of the story, as blurbs do, but I had no idea what would happen once that blackout arrived and I couldn't read quick enough to find out. The setting of the Skyland Tower was great and allowed Steph to really come up with some inventive ways for these characters to try and come up with some kind of escape plan, all at the same time not knowing who they can trust in the room. There's a real fantastic cast of secondary characters, all with their own personalities and things to add to the story. Some of these characters, whether in their actions in the present, or as we learn about their past, give us a further insight into our main characters, Lori and JT, and allows us to see their thought processes better and understand their motives and moral compasses even more than we have already in previous books. The characterisation here is just as good as the plot.<br />
<br />
The last 30% or so is when I knew my Kindle wasn't being turned off until I'd read that final page. I was absolutely glued to the story and couldn't wait to see how things ended. Steph once again delivered a blinding ending. An ending that instantly made me wish that I had the next book on my Kindle to read right away. If you like thrillers with a realistic and believable main character, with unforgettable stories that take you on a truly exhilarating ride as you almost forget to breathe turning the pages then Steph Broadribb is an author who delivers all of that and more with this incredible series featuring Lori Anderson. I cannot recommend these books highly enough and hope that the next one isn't too far away.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-19318759231280953582020-03-13T17:53:00.002+00:002020-03-18T12:26:56.349+00:00Hall of Fame Review: Dead Wrong by Noelle Holten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZfClBIxB_nMC7dlq0fidtYv6DKQqtfi21buO2g1lcfJWtDHslKt1G5ChpVvQA-Ij0cuHZSXuaOTUXeX-vio0-dIbI6vDRVww7apd-mhXRnFa3NxeP8QvZCZvcSe2naMIEIO_SRhRqZqF/s1600/deadwrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZfClBIxB_nMC7dlq0fidtYv6DKQqtfi21buO2g1lcfJWtDHslKt1G5ChpVvQA-Ij0cuHZSXuaOTUXeX-vio0-dIbI6vDRVww7apd-mhXRnFa3NxeP8QvZCZvcSe2naMIEIO_SRhRqZqF/s320/deadwrong.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<b>Title</b>: Dead Wrong<br />
<b>Author</b>: Noelle Holten<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: One More Chapter<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 14th March 2020<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 432<br />
<b>Source</b>: NetGalley<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Wrong-completely-addictive-gripping-ebook/dp/B07NRXTSGF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dead+wrong+noelle&qid=1584121254&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
<b>The serial killer is behind bars. But the murders are just beginning…</b><br />
<br />
DC Maggie Jamieson's past comes back to haunt her in this dark and gripping serial killer thriller.<br />
<br />
<b>Three missing women running out of time…</b><br />
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They were abducted years ago. Notorious serial killer Bill Raven admitted to killing them and was sentenced to life.<br />
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The case was closed – at least DC Maggie Jamieson thought it was…<br />
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But now one of them has been found, dismembered and dumped in a bin bag in town.<br />
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Forensics reveal that she died just two days ago, when Raven was behind bars, so Maggie has a second killer to find.<br />
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Because even if the other missing women are still alive, one thing’s for certain: they don’t have long left to live…</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>One of the things I love most about reading is finding one of those books that immediately hooks me in. That consumes me as I read. One of those books that when I’m not reading it, I can’t stop thinking about the story, and I have so many scenarios running around in my mind when I have reluctantly had to put my Kindle down and resume everyday life. <i>Dead Wrong</i> is that book. In terms of pure addictiveness and brilliantly twisty storytelling, this is one of the best crime novels I have read in the past six months.<br />
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Noelle Holten has always been one of my favourite people when she has her blogging hat on over at <i>Crime Book Junkie</i>, not only as I used her website as a go-to source for must-read crime, but because she’s one of the biggest supporters of other bloggers out there. When I found out she was releasing a crime novel I couldn’t have been more excited. <i>Dead Inside</i> was that book and, the 3 star rating aside, I actually really enjoyed it. That’s the problem when you don’t review every book you read, a 3 star rating can mean different things to different people. <i>Dead Inside</i> was a solid start to what I knew would become a favourite series of mine and has a main character in Maggie Jamieson that I was immediately endeared to. Noelle also has a fantastic writing style and the short chapters I always love in crime fiction that always mean I just can’t stop reading after one more chapter. And so <i>Dead Wrong</i> confirms everything I knew when I finished <i>Dead Inside</i>, that this was going to become a must-read series for me.<br />
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<i>Dead Wrong</i> is a truly first class crime novel with one of my favourite antagonists I have read about for such a long time. Noelle has created a truly memorable character with Bill Raven, a man behind bars for murders that he confessed to committing. The only problem being, the women he is supposed to have killed have been showing up mutilated, forensic evidence showing they were killed while Bill was incarcerated. Maggie knows there’s more to the story, and is adamant that Bill Raven is still responsible despite being in prison. I often find it lazy and maybe a little insulting to compare authors but here the biggest compliment I can give Noelle is to say that Bill Raven is a character that could have came from the mind of Chris Carter, and anyone who has read one of his crime novels will know the sort of evil he writes about in his stories. Not only does Bill manage to get under Maggie’s skin, so too did he get under mine. The scenes where he is interviewed in prison had my blood boiling. How Maggie (mostly) kept her cool was beyond me. I don’t want to say too much about this character except he really is a fantastic creation and where Noelle took his story, and his backstory too made for an engrossing and perfect storyline for a crime novel. <br />
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Maggie is a wonderful creation, a brilliant character who I can’t wait to read about again. It’s hard to fully enjoy a book if you can’t love the main character and Maggie is a character I like a lot. I particularly like how she isn’t like any other fictional detective I have read about before which is so refreshing in this genre. I enjoyed reading about her personal life as much as I did her work life and I especially enjoyed the friendship between her and psychologist Kate Maloney. Theirs was an intriguing relationship not just personally but also professionally as they both work together to solve this case. It’s a good yin and yang to have Maggie looking at this procedurally and evidentially, whereas Kate looks at the psychological elements. This helps the reader to look at the case, and Bill Raven’s character, from many different angles. The psychological element I felt was really well done and was one of the standout parts of this entire book. <br />
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There’s a real mix of characters in the story and I enjoyed reading about each and every one of them. I especially liked Nathan and would love to see him have a larger role next time and to perhaps learn more about him. Kate Maloney was also an intriguing character to read about, and what stood out to me was her excellent ability to profile people for her job, but her struggle to work out her own personal life when some strange happenings begin occurring to her. The characters are not just what made me enjoy this story so much but the procedural element was also brilliantly done as well. Not bogged down too much with the boring stuff we know crime writers have to gloss over but actually what felt to me like a believable investigation; Maggie wanting to push ahead and get answers at any cost, and her superiors having to reel her in and make sure she doesn’t jeopardise the case. One other thing I liked as well was seeing some of the characters from previous stories, I hope that continues with the next one. In terms of the last third of the story and the ending itself, all I can say is bravo. An absolutely astonishing denouement to an excellently plotted story. I couldn’t take my eyes off my Kindle from around the 70% mark as I just had to finish the story. I didn’t quite finish it open-mouthed but I have to say I wasn’t far off. What an ending. <br />
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To summarise this essay dedicated to my love for <i>Dead Wrong</i>, I will say again that it is one of the best crime novels I have read in the past six months. Noelle Holten was a born crime writer and this book really is testament to that statement. I believe she is a name us crime fans will be seeing on the front cover of many more books and I for one cannot wait. One of my favourite things about being a blogger is seeing people that I ‘know’ do well. I quote know because while I don’t know Noelle personally she has been a huge supporter of my blog over the years and just generally been an all-round amazing person. When my mental health makes me retreat into my cocoon, it is the likes of Noelle and all of the other wonderful people in the blogging world that I miss. So it’s fantastic to see her having this success and I believe <i>Dead Wrong</i> will be well-received by all who read it. It truly is a first-rate crime novel and if I was to say it will be in my Top 5 Books of the Year, I think come December I’ll be able to prove myself dead right.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-65922279274855151422020-03-11T13:40:00.000+00:002020-03-13T17:41:19.528+00:00Review: Fearless Girl by Emma Tallon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8X8kvyn7UaqOlfnLKN1v0yKDt6mQFLCkARUjOfTPFC3UkcE37iveBhlTt2qYM4r76dYbSKPJBF5xHIT0bme_bl_kftuRiGnCiNywQJSkDND-NNqdVkRaMwv2S9SAhoXMk8bvxq-6Hjhe/s1600/fearlessgirl.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8X8kvyn7UaqOlfnLKN1v0yKDt6mQFLCkARUjOfTPFC3UkcE37iveBhlTt2qYM4r76dYbSKPJBF5xHIT0bme_bl_kftuRiGnCiNywQJSkDND-NNqdVkRaMwv2S9SAhoXMk8bvxq-6Hjhe/s320/fearlessgirl.png" width="210" /></a></div><b>Title</b>: Fearless Girl<br />
<b>Author</b>: Emma Tallon<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 14th April 2020<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 305<br />
<b>Source</b>: NetGalley<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fearless-Girl-completely-unputdownable-thriller-ebook/dp/B083WCYPWL/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=emma+tallon&qid=1583933222&sr=8-2">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>It’s been three years since Freddie Tyler was sent to prison, now he’s back on the streets of London and about to find out that everything has changed.<br />
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As Freddie enters his West End club for the first time in years, he finds ex-girlfriend Anna Davis sitting behind his desk, confidently leading his team of men. Anna used to hate the world he lived in, but she has now become a big part of it. And she’s not about to give up running the family business easily.<br />
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Anna shows a toughness Freddie has never witnessed in her before when she tells him about her new enterprise, smuggling stolen diamonds through London’s Hatton Garden. And alarm bells start ringing when Freddie meets Anna’s new partner. Cold and ruthless, Roman Gains isn’t someone Freddie trusts around the club and particularly not around Anna.<br />
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Whilst tensions flare between Anna and Freddie, a new Russian firm enters their world, determined to bring the Tylers down. And when they take out one of his best men, Freddie has to take drastic action to wrestle control from Anna. But she has other ideas. And when Roman becomes Anna’s closest ally, Freddie finally reaches breaking point. Could this be the fall of the Tyler empire and the last time Freddie and Anna are on the same side?</blockquote><br />
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Of all the gangland series currently being written, Emma Tallon’s series featuring Anna and Freddie is by far one of my favourites. It’s a favourite for many reasons but two of the main ones are the characters and their development. It really is fantastic to look back at these characters when we first met them in <i>Runaway Girl</i> and compare them to where they are here in <i>Fearless Girl</i>. None more so than Anna who is just a joy to read about. Emma Tallon is a brilliant storyteller and each and every one of her books I have read has had me enthralled. I don’t know how successful her books are in terms of sales, but they are equally as good as the gangland series that make the Sunday Times Top 10 every year and should be read by everyone who loves this genre.<br />
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I particularly liked how instead of dragging things out we literally jump forward to Freddie and Paul being released from prison, into a world that is so different to the one they left behind. Not least because Anna is now running the show and is virtually unrecognisable to Freddie in some ways, but in others she is still the person he left behind; the love of his life. It was such a fascinating dynamic to witness this power play between these two characters, characters we have followed and seen fall in love together and build a life together, only for it to then be torn apart. As Freddie learns what’s happened while he’s been behind bars, so too do we the readers, and it makes for truly gripping reading. I loved this line: ‘<i>She was the first enemy he had ever come across who he didn’t know how to fight</i>.’ With danger from all corners and, in Freddie’s eyes now possibly from within, Emma keeps the reader on their toes with some rollercoaster-worthy twists and turns. <br />
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I have always had a fear that this series could become repetitive, oftentimes in this genre with the series books it’s often the case of a new enemy comes along, the main characters beat them and come out on top and then at the end of the book another new enemy is teased. And actually that is not dissimilar to what happens in these books but for me, the realism of these characters and the gripping stories that Emma tells have stopped it from coming across as repetitive. The relationships in the series, not just between Anna and Freddie but in the friendships with Tanya and all of the other characters are what keep me eagerly turning the pages and wanting to know what happens next. After six books these are characters I feel that I know, and characters that I don’t want to stop reading about for a long time to come. These characters don't feel like cardboard cutouts of what characters in this genre should be, but actual real characters with unique personalities.<br />
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Emma does a fantastic job of truly immersing the reader into these stories. They are vivid reads with characters with feelings that are palpable. There are some scenes in this book that had me feeling like I was in the room with the characters, sharing their hurt and pain, most of them scenes being between Anna and Freddie because their relationship makes for some truly intense reading that almost makes you want to look away but there’s never a chance of that happening because I couldn’t read quick enough to see how things would unfold. I have always enjoyed this series because of the realism and believability of its characters and as fantastic as the stories always are, for me it’s these characters that shine through and make me want to keep reading.<br />
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Emma Tallon is a real talent and is one of the best authors writing in this genre today. She is a must read author for me, one of those authors who I will immediately drop everything (even the book I'm currently reading) for once I've got my hands on her latest book. This series is easily one of the best gangland series out there and for those that are yet to read these books, I can’t recommend them enough. And for those who are about to pick up <i>Fearless Girl</i> and continue this series, Emma does not disappoint with this latest instalment. I cannot wait for the next one. Also, be sure to read the Author’s Note when you have finished the story. I’ll say no more other than that. Now the agonising wait for the next book begins. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-30382834875086939972020-02-07T17:02:00.000+00:002020-03-11T13:28:41.891+00:00Hall of Fame Review: First Blood by Angela Marsons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQdpp8iH3MIE3Qztu5iRD00L95zZpxqguzJ95Sg_UcUJ65QSDwLOQemNePTwlRwOGQCz54IfEHanYC-InSQvuZoF_PIIe_XFa1H2u9Vbnjd0llWbqmEX9hdjfLkYBeKb0B6XFUNwynqkT/s1600/firstblood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQdpp8iH3MIE3Qztu5iRD00L95zZpxqguzJ95Sg_UcUJ65QSDwLOQemNePTwlRwOGQCz54IfEHanYC-InSQvuZoF_PIIe_XFa1H2u9Vbnjd0llWbqmEX9hdjfLkYBeKb0B6XFUNwynqkT/s320/firstblood.jpg" width="202" /></a><b>Title</b>: First Blood<br />
<b>Author</b>: Angela Marsons<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 14th November 2019<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 448<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Blood-Angela-Marsons/dp/0751579831/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1581094748&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
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When the body of a young man is found beheaded and staked to the ground in a secluded woodland area of the Clent Hills, Kim and her new squad rush to the crime scene.<br />
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Searching the victim's home, Kim finds a little girl's bedroom and a hidden laptop, but where is the child? And why does the man's own sister seem relieved that he's dead?<br />
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As Kim begins to unearth the shocking truth about the victim, a disturbing resemblance is spotted with the recent murder of a man found beneath the staircase of Redland Hall with multiple stab wounds.<br />
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Both these men had dark secrets and Kim discovers a link to a women's shelter. As a child of the care system herself, Kim knows all too well what it means to be vulnerable. Could the shelter be the key to cracking this case?<br />
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With the killer about to strike again, Kim is in deep water with a rookie squad. Inexperienced Stacey is showing signs of brilliance but struggling to hold her nerve and, while D.S. Bryant is reliable and calm, D.S. Dawson is a liability. With his home life in pieces, his volatile behaviour is already fracturing her fragile new team.<br />
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Can Kim bring Dawson in line and pull her crew together in time to catch the killer before another life is taken? This time, one of her own could be in terrible danger . . .</blockquote>
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Hall of Fame reviews on my blog are for books that are extra special and are in my opinion above 5 stars, but I feel like <i>First Blood</i> needs a category all of its own. Angela Marsons is just incredible. I honestly think it is impossible for this woman to write a bad story. <i>First Blood</i> was a master class in crime fiction and I loved every page of it. I am just in awe of Angela every time I finish one of her books. Writing reviews on this book blog has allowed me to speak to many authors on a personal level, and few have been as generous and caring as Angela has to me. I’m sad to say that with my mental health making me retreat from blogging over the last few years, I feel those connections that I have made have maybe lessened, but this series of books has always got me through some difficult times and the signed books and letters that Angela has sent over the years have meant the world to me. There can’t be a crime fiction fan alive who hasn’t discovered this series, but if there is then this is an author and series that should not be missed. <br />
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The Kim Stone series fast became a favourite of mine with the release of <i>Silent Scream</i> back in 2015 when me and thousands of other people were introduced to what is now one of my favourite fictional detectives of all time, the one and only Kim Stone. It’s hard to believe that <i>First Blood</i> is now the 12th book in the series, but one that serves well as an introduction to the series itself as it is one of the best prequels I have ever read. Angela does such a good job of introducing these characters that we already know but that we learn so much more about in this story. It felt almost like when on <i>Friends</i> they have a flashback episode. We already know the characters but we are learning something new about them, we are seeing them meet each other for the first time. Angela sets the scene wonderfully and it was a pure joy to see these characters meet and start to settle down as the team that we all now know and love. <br />
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Often in crime fiction, either the main detective or the teams they work with can seem a little bit samey. That has never been the case with this series. Kim Stone herself is an enigmatic and intriguing character. To see her in this series working with these ‘new’ characters just made me love her even more. Would I want to work with her? Maybe not but I do know that I never want to stop reading about her. There’s so much that I want to say about Kim and these characters but so much of it centres around the plot lines of future books and I don’t want to spoil anything. What I can say is just how much I enjoyed reading about these characters before they became the characters we know in subsequent books. Dawson especially surprised me and I particularly enjoyed seeing a somewhat more naive Stacey who in the future is one of my favourite characters. All I can say is anyone reading this series who is new to Kim Stone and her team, you are in for such a treat and I am so jealous of anyone yet to read all of these incredible stories. <br />
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I feel like I have been writing for hours and haven’t even alluded to the plot yet but, as brilliant as it was, this book was all about the characters for me. That said, Angela Marsons knows how to tell one hell of a story and how to send the reader down multiple paths before eventually sending them down the right one at the last minute. The story here was masterfully told. Angela’s stories are full of emotion, and there’s plenty of that here. They are always thought-provoking, opening up many points for discussion and that is certainly the case here when those huge revelations arrive in the story. I have always loved the setting for Angela’s books, all across the Black Country. They are vividly brought to life and it’s easy to picture everything that Angela describes to the reader. The denouement itself in this story was brilliantly done and Kim just shone even more to me as a truly remarkable character. <br />
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As I read the closing scenes of <i>First Blood</i> I got goosebumps and then my eyes started to fill with tears. I can’t explain why. This is a fictional story. This series is the work of Angela’s imagination. But, for as long as I can remember, books have been a source of comfort to me and a place to escape from real life. I feel as if I know this cast of characters personally after following their stories over so many books. Angela does such a fantastic job of making them seem like real people, of making it easy to believe in them and to want to see them succeed. In Kim Stone she has created a character that perhaps not everybody can relate to, but which it seems everybody loves. I myself feel I can relate to her, especially in the wanting people to keep their distance department. And in DS Bryant especially I related to him here in his not wanting to succeed past the rank that he is in. Sometimes people are just happy where they are. And I felt emotion because I was reading this story knowing what was to come for these characters in their future adventures together. I finished <i>First Blood</i> and immediately wanted to read all of those stories again. Yes this is fiction, but to me this series and its author is something quite remarkable and I hope to be reading books by Angela Marsons for decades to come. It’s not often you can describe a book as faultless, but every single book in this series is exactly that. I have no idea where Angela Marsons’ magical writing powers came from, but I am so glad she shared them with the world and wrote all of these phenomenal books. This is THE best crime fiction series being written today, maybe even ever. (Actually I’m going to call it a tie between Kim Stone and Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch, but both are just the best). And on a personal note I want to say thank you to Angela Marsons for all the joy these dark and twisted stories have brought to my life, as weird as that sounds. Long may they continue.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-41396708638333088122020-01-22T16:43:00.002+00:002020-01-22T16:43:56.053+00:00Hall of Fame Review: Queenie by Kimberley Chambers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqF76-FKx5nVr7rfxTmaZAurYR3u-n5PeVvyIe62sjywAi1R_FPDmd6AKhMw_JjWKdhKHFsVK-mJ7QYbJoKjbISvS8mMlLR1_RNbT2mnjzHAiaCcXeOutcMLb0ip19XTBmx69ZsfSnGWI/s1600/queeniecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1040" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqF76-FKx5nVr7rfxTmaZAurYR3u-n5PeVvyIe62sjywAi1R_FPDmd6AKhMw_JjWKdhKHFsVK-mJ7QYbJoKjbISvS8mMlLR1_RNbT2mnjzHAiaCcXeOutcMLb0ip19XTBmx69ZsfSnGWI/s320/queeniecover.jpg" width="208" /></a><b>Title</b>: Queenie<br />
<b>Author</b>: Kimberley Chambers<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: HarperCollins<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 23rd January 2020<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 512<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Queenie-Kimberley-Chambers/dp/0008144826/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1579710611&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
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<b>SHE WAS MADE IN THE EAST END . . .</b><br />
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For young Queenie, life in the backstreets of Whitechapel was a lesson in survival – Hitler’s bombs hit those with nothing the hardest. When danger strikes close to home, Queenie finds an ally in Mrs O’Leary, whose two sons are the kingpins of the East End. But while the O’Learys are the light in Queenie’s life, fate has a different path in store.<br />
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<b>AND MEN ARE WHAT THEIR MOTHERS MAKE THEM . . .</b><br />
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Now married to the useless Albie Butler, Queenie is raising her children to fight their own battles. If the O’Learys taught her anything, it was that surviving meant doing whatever you had to, no questions asked, and family always comes first. The Butler boys will make sure their mother’s name becomes East End legend.<br />
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<b>MEET QUEENIE. </b><br />
<b>THIS IS HER STORY.</b></blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I am a huge Kimberley Chambers fan and I have been so excited to read <i>Queenie</i> ever since Kim first said she was writing a prequel to the Butler series. And what a prequel this is, the tag line of <i>the Queen of Gangland Crime</i> has never been truer. I don’t want to speak too soon and say this is Kim’s best book yet, but it’s certainly one of them.<br />
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I was excited for the future of Kim’s books after the end of the Mitchell series and the Butler series with the incredible finale she delivered with <i>Backstabber</i>, but I was a little bit gutted to be leaving the families behind, especially the Butlers. I can still remember reading the Mitchell and O'Hara series across the course of one week, finishing <i>The Victim</i> at 2.30am in the morning. I can still remember the day I bought <i>The Trap</i> for the first time, well funnily enough I didn’t buy it my mum bought it for me and brought it home from work early on the morning of its release and I absolutely devoured it. I remember being in London and seeing <i>Payback</i> on sale early in ASDA on the Isle of Dogs, and so I bought it and didn’t mind one jot about carrying a big hardback around with me because I had one of my most anticipated books of the year early. Then along came my blog where I was privileged enough to start getting books early and I can remember my reaction to getting each and every one of Kim’s books. Memorable because of how excited I was and how much I loved the books, some books are easy to forget but I am never going to forget these ones. Kimberley Chambers is one hell of a storyteller, and she tells stories that leave lasting impressions. <br />
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Queenie has always been one of the best characters that Kim has created. A proper East Ender and in <i>Queenie</i> we see an incredible life from all the way back to the start of the war to Queenie’s old age. Kim has written books across many different decades but I felt that she captured the time of the war brilliantly here in <i>Queenie</i>. Even as a kid books set around the wartime fascinated me, especially about evacuation and then when I was older the books my mum and nan would read set in wartime Liverpool I started to read too. However <i>Queenie</i> is a much darker portrayal of that time with some of the stuff that goes on, but still there’s that real sense of community and camaraderie and it’s a believable portrayal of a time gone by, I’m not sure whether in the present day people would be the same as they were back then. One bit that will always feel powerful and draw emotion from me is the declaration of war by Neville Chamberlain, even here in its written form it’s still as haunting as hearing it spoken aloud, we can only imagine how people felt back then. Everything about that time for the chapters featuring that period felt so very real. <br />
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While I could talk about the story all day, and it would literally take me all day because this isn’t just a book, it felt like multiple books in one. It’s a proper saga that I took my time to read because I wanted to savour it and didn’t want it to end. It reminded me of when I fell in love with Martina Cole’s earlier books which weren’t just one story but were epic tales spanning many decades. Kim captures each the time periods so fantastically, it’s a truly evocative read and I always have no trouble visualising in my mind what I am reading about. The sights and sounds of London from the war onwards are brought to life here so vividly. For some reason I have always loved the East End of London and have always been fascinated by its history. Coming from a rough area of Liverpool maybe that’s why, but I always love reading about the old East End, and Kim always brings it to life so well. There was a line in the book where I think it’s Queenie who says about how a coffee shop wouldn’t do well in the area, well you can’t move for them now in some parts of the East End and while some say regeneration is good for what some see as ‘bad’ areas, it’s not for all of the people who get pushed out. The characters who grew up there and who made the area what it was are all present here and it’s a fantastic read of times gone by. <br />
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What I liked about <i>Queenie</i> was getting to see how the family came to be created. Queenie had a truly shocking start to life and I enjoyed seeing how she made a life for herself and the family that she went on to have. I’m not going to say she’s a wholly likeable character for the entire story because she’s not. Some of the things she does are questionable but at the same time I can easily see why she does what she does as deep down she only ever wants the best for her family. It was great seeing a younger Albie who I felt was shown in a much better light here than he was in the series, although not all of the time. I think that was where Queenie was her most unlikeable to me in terms of their marriage, but again all of the history that we read about in this mammoth story all add up to make sense to why certain characters behaved like they did in the main series. And as the book nears its conclusion I was absolutely gripped to what I was reading as some huge secrets are revealed.<br />
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All the other characters aside one of the ones who I was most intrigued to read about was a young Vinny Butler. We knew some of the reasons and events that made him the man he was in the later books but one reason why a prequel being written after a series has been completed works so well is that it makes us understand the characters more. I found myself thinking about scenes from the series after reading something in this book and thinking, 'well that’s why that happened' or 'oh that makes perfect sense now'. Vinny has always been a fascinating and enigmatic character and I have to admit I was gripped to some parts of his story here in <i>Queenie</i>. <br />
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I would say that I got more enjoyment out of reading <i>Queenie</i> having already read all of the later books. I don’t know what it was but I just felt that because I already knew the characters and where their stories went, there was just a different feel to the book than if I was meeting them for the first time. For that reason despite this being a prequel I think it could be beneficial to some readers to read the series first and then come back to this, but let’s be honest everyone has read all of Kimberley’s books already so let’s get <i>Queenie</i> bought and get another bestseller for the Queen of Gangland crime. I have read on Twitter about Sheridan Smith playing Queenie and I have to say if that ever happened it would be the best thing ever, I absolutely adore Sheridan Smith and think she would play Queenie so well. I would be over the moon to see Kim’s work on TV, and hope that it will happen one day.<br />
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I have to admit to finishing <i>Queenie</i> with a bit of a lump in my throat, once again Kimberley Chambers has written another story that is going to stay with me for a long time. I don’t feel like I’ve just finished a work of fiction, but rather read somebody’s life story. A story that was in places funny and heartwarming but then also harrowing and heartbreaking. <i>Queenie</i> is easily going to be one of my top reads of 2020, and I imagine it’s going to go straight to the top of the best sellers list. I cannot wait to see what Kim writes next but for now, her fans are absolutely going to love <i>Queenie</i>.<br />
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Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-50247346408779503982020-01-11T19:55:00.001+00:002020-01-22T16:29:36.512+00:00Review: The Six by Luca Veste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: The Six<br />
<b>Author</b>: Luca Veste<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Simon & Schuster UK<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 26th December 2019<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 432<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Untitled-Luca-Veste-1-Pa/dp/147116814X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1578772038&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
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<b>Six friends trapped by one dark secret.</b><br />
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It was supposed to be our last weekend away as friends, before marriage and respectability beckoned. But what happened that Saturday changed everything.<br />
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In the middle of the night, someone died. The six of us promised each other we would not tell anyone about the body we buried. But now the pact has been broken. And the killing has started again …<br />
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<b>Who knows what we did? And what price will we pay?</b></blockquote>
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It feels like forever not only since I wrote a review on this blog, but since we had a new book from one of my favourite authors, Luca Veste. As much I miss his Murphy and Rossi crime series, I am enjoying seeing Luca evolve as an author and keep on trying new things as opposed to sticking to a tried and tested formula.<br />
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It’s hard to know where to start with <i>The Six</i>, in fear of not wanting to give too much away. What I can say is it is a haunting novel with a story I won’t be forgetting for a while yet. I loved all of the 90s references in the beginning as we are introduced to our six characters on their way to a music festival, and seeing them reminisce on the way. There was some sense of being able to relate to some of them, the main characters are a few years older than me but I am only a few months away from the dreaded 30, so I am very much a 90s baby. I loved all of the pop culture references. Luca does a brilliant job of giving each character a personality and making each one shine through, despite the fact that we follow the story from the point of view of just one character, Matt. Something then happens at the festival that changes the lives of all six characters forever. <br />
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The story picks up a year later as we see a very different Matt, and I have to say Luca has done a fantastic job with this character in making his thoughts and change in character so real and so haunting. His thoughts and feelings are so palpable, his fear so believable and the whole story is endlessly gripping because of seeing everything from his point of view. Despite chapters showing our characters at various points in their friendships together giving away some clues as to what exactly might have happened, <i>The Six</i> for the most part contains a truly gripping mystery where you really have no idea just who you can trust or where the story is eventually going to go. The story had me thinking about my own friendships, and imagining what I would do in the scenarios that these characters find themselves in. I wouldn’t say that I liked Matt for the majority of the story, or indeed any of the characters, but it’s interesting how you can look at a character differently once you’ve finished the story. <br />
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A real highlight of <i>The Six</i> is the atmospheric quality to it. Rather than simply feeling as if I was reading a book, I instead felt like I was trapped in one of those dreams where you watch something from afar but are unable to have an effect on it or prevent what you are watching from happening. Whether it’s a simple scene such as Matt meeting a character at an almost deserted motorway service station, the six friends returning to the woods to find a dead body has vanished or the emotionally charged scene of meeting a missing person’s father, every scene is brought to life so vividly that you can’t help but feel like a bystander, I lived each and every scene as I read. <br />
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The tension never stops building throughout the story until it results in an astonishingly brilliant finale, sometimes you just finish a book and look around in wonderment as you return to the real world, <i>The Six</i> is one of those books. All of the horror-esque moments aside, the denouement of this story was just incredible. So brilliant in fact that it almost felt real and completely believable. This could all too easily be a story on the front page of every newspaper, and it could also be the next big drama that has the whole nation talking about it. But for now it’s one of the best crime novels published in the last 6 months and I implore everybody to pick it up and read it. The sign of a good book is one that you can’t stop thinking about when you aren’t reading it, and one you can’t stop thinking about when you’ve finished reading it. <i>The Six</i> is one of those books. Luca Veste is a real talent and this might be his best book yet. No, this <i>is</i> his best book yet. Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-83340996833186478762020-01-04T19:58:00.000+00:002020-01-04T20:06:11.909+00:00My Top 10 Books of 2019 (and a Return to Blogging?)Near the end of 2017 I lost control of my domain due to me not renewing it. Despite many attempts to try and get it back, I had no luck, until a few months ago when it expired again and became available for it to be mine once more. After over two years I was starting to get the blogging bug back again, and missed all of the friends that I had made in the blogging world. I started 2020 asking myself whether a return to blogging was doable.<br />
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When I quit blogging back in 2017 and read solely for enjoyment, with no time restraints, no commitments and no having to worry about writing a review, I found it to be extremely liberating and actually found that I enjoyed reading more than when I was blogging. And so, I might make a tentative return to reviewing and see how it goes. For now though I have compiled my <i>Top Reads of 2019</i>, some of the books were released in other years but were read in 2019.<br />
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I hope you enjoy reading what books I enjoyed the most in 2019 and will stick with me as I attempt a (probably somewhat quiet) blogging comeback.<br />
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<i>Harry Potter and the Cursed Child</i> wasn't released in 2019 but it was one of the first books I read at the start of the year and I absolutely loved it. I didn't mind reading a screenplay as I found it easy to follow and to picture the scenes in my mind. I loved the whole idea for the story and I would liken it to <i>Back to the Future</i> meets <i>Harry Potter</i>. I would love to see the play one day and I am so glad I finally read this book. I highly recommend it to Harry Potter fans but especially those who might be sceptical about it.<br />
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<b>9. Reckless Girl by Emma Tallon</b><br />
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Emma Tallon very quickly became an author to watch for me with the release of her first couple of books. <i>Reckless Girl</i> is the fifth in what is a fantastic series and one of my favourites in the gangland genre. What I enjoy most about Emma's books is their realism and the believability of the characters. I am really invested in their stories and feel almost like they are real people. I also like how Emma manages to make each book different than the last, but still retains the elements of her books that make them all such addictive reads. I always finish the latest book and immediately wish I had the next one to read, which is always the sign of an excellent series.<br />
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<b>8. Two Kinds of Truth (2017) by Michael Connelly</b><br />
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Michael Connelly is an author who needs no introduction, to me he is the <i>King of Crime</i> and I love his books. Harry Bosch is without doubt my favourite fictional detective of all time, he is an endlessly fascinating character to read about. I can't think of many authors who can keep up the consistency that Connelly has managed to achieve with this series. Most series would be running out of steam after 20+ years but this one only seems to keep getting better, helped along by the introduction of characters such as Mickey Haller. There can't be many crime readers yet to pick up a Bosch novel but if there are then I highly recommend reading them.<br />
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<b>7. Dead Memories by Angela Marsons</b><br />
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It's no secret on my blog how much I adore Angela Marsons and her books and <i>Dead Memories</i> was no different. Angela also released <i>Child's Play </i>(and a prequel, <i>First Blood</i>, that I am yet to read) in 2019 but my favourite out of <i>Dead Memories</i> and <i>Child's Play</i> had to be Dead Memories. I don't think I could ever tire of reading about Kim Stone and her team (nor would I want to), and I am always intrigued to see where Angela is going to take them next. In such a crowded genre Angela and Kim stand out and this series is one of the best ever. Judging by the fact these books hit the top spot on Amazon the day they are announced, I don't think there's a crime fan alive who hasn't read these books, but if you are the single person who hasn't, you need to ASAP. I can't wait to read the prequel.<br />
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<b>6. The Edge by Jessie Keane</b><br />
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I was thrilled when I found out that Jessie Keane was returning to the world of Ruby Drake in <i>The Edge</i>. I actually remember when the first book in the series, <i>Nameless</i>, was released and I was apprehensive about the new series and whether I would enjoy it. Well, I loved it and the two follow-up stories were no different. Jessie always writes books that completely consume me when I read them and God help anyone who interrupts me when I am hooked on a Jessie Keane book. The Annie Carter series will always remain my favourite, but I do love Ruby and her family and <i>The Edge</i> was another exhilarating and gripping read from one of my favourite authors.<br />
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</b> <b>5. Blackout (2017) by Mark Dawson</b><br />
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Mark Dawson's John Milton series is one of my all-time favourites and in 2019 I read 6 books out of the series and agonisingly managed to choose <i>Blackout</i> as my favourite. In a genre where books can often feel similar and leave the reader like they are walking down a path they have done many times before, I have found Mark's books to really stand out and bring something different to the genre. John Milton is a fantastic character, one who it is easy for readers to root for and get behind, despite his many flaws there's also many things about him that make him a likeable and enigmatic character. This is a series I am always recommending to thriller fans and one that I hope continues for many years to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk6deygNlGyIsQi8SH9JubtqsXZi2XSzJ6bCnfWGII8QfQxug6MwVRnBVEu_uEsmuXQaUoe7TeEtzlxv6YkJtLt1sqcPf9ihtn8XysDJ8p-VQNLuHcckJM7brJmykI_8Z0s58optih2kh/s1600/bloodsecrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk6deygNlGyIsQi8SH9JubtqsXZi2XSzJ6bCnfWGII8QfQxug6MwVRnBVEu_uEsmuXQaUoe7TeEtzlxv6YkJtLt1sqcPf9ihtn8XysDJ8p-VQNLuHcckJM7brJmykI_8Z0s58optih2kh/s320/bloodsecrets.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>4. Blood Secrets by Dreda Say Mitchell MBE</b><br />
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Dreda Say Mitchell is another author who makes me want to take a megaphone and stand outside every Waterstone's across the land and tell everyone passing by to buy her fantastic books. Not only is she one of my favourite people due to everything that she stands for, but she is also one of my favourite authors. I read <i>Blood Secrets</i> and the other books in the series over the course of a week and what a week it was. Dreda writes with gritty authenticity with characters that are totally brought to life and scenes that completely consume the reader and place them right at the centre of the story watching everything unfold. I can't recommend Dreda and her books enough.<br />
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<b>3. The Choice by Kerry Barnes</b><br />
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Just before Christmas 2017 I read my first Kerry Barnes book, <i>Cruel Secrets</i>, and knew I had found a new favourite author. Since then I have devoured each of her books and loved them all, rating each of them 5 stars. Kerry is a phenomenal storyteller and I am in awe of her after reading each of her books in just how she has managed to write such incredible stories. <i>The Choice</i> was the third book in a series that had me absolutely gripped to my Kindle. In 2019 I also read her <i>Ruthless</i> series and that definitely lived up to its name. If you love gangland stories and are yet to read one by Kerry Barnes, I highly recommend that you do so ASAP as they are some of the best ever written in this genre. Some authors were born to write and Kerry Barnes is one of them.<br />
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<b>2. The Sting by Kimberley Chambers </b><br />
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It isn't a secret on my blog that I am a huge Kimberley Chambers fan. I can still remember the night I finished <i>The Victim</i> at 2am in the morning and since that night Kim has given me many more sleepless nights. <i>The Sting</i> was one of my favourite books of 2019 because of the lasting impression the book had on me, in particular in how I struggled to get the main character out of my mind for some time after finishing the story. Kim writes authentic stories and she isn't afraid to hold back in where she takes her characters or in the brutality of the stories that she tells. It has been such a pleasure to see the success she has had over the past few years and her books are consistently in my Top 3 every single year.<br />
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<b>1. Hunting Evil by Chris Carter</b><br />
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Chris Carter is one of my favourite crime fiction authors and <i>Hunting Evil</i> saw the return of one of the most evil characters I have ever read about (hence the title). Chris's books are not for the faint-hearted, they are some of the most gruesome that I have ever read and that's why I love them. But, they aren't gruesome just for the sake of it, and despite how 'out there' some of his characters and scenes can be, there's real terror felt by the reader as they read because these characters and scenarios aren't actually all that unbelievable. It's almost like <i>Saw</i> in book form but much better. The Robert Hunter series is one of my favourites ever and Chris's books are always in my most anticipated books of the year.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-75090112145999344342017-04-12T08:00:00.000+01:002017-04-12T08:00:30.591+01:00Hall of Fame Review: Ashes to Ashes by Paul Finch<div>
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<b>Title</b>: Ashes to Ashes</div>
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<b>Author</b>: Paul Finch</div>
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<b>Publisher</b>: Avon Books</div>
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<b>Publication Date</b>: 6th April 2017</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 480</div>
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<b>Source</b>: Review Copy</div>
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<b>Rating</b>: 5/5</div>
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<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ashes-Detective-Mark-Heckenburg-Book/dp/0007551290">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
John Sagan is a forgettable man. You could pass him in the street and not realise he’s there. But then, that’s why he’s so dangerous.<br />
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A torturer for hire, Sagan has terrorised – and mutilated – countless victims. And now he’s on the move. DS Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg must chase the trail, even when it leads him to his hometown of Bradburn – a place he never thought he’d set foot in again.<br />
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But Sagan isn’t the only problem. Bradburn is being terrorised by a lone killer who burns his victims to death. And with the victims chosen at random, no-one knows who will be next. Least of all Heck…</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>It seems live forever since I last read a DS Mark Heckenburg novel and so I was beyond thrilled when it was announced that Paul Finch would be returning to this character and I am once again well and truly Hooked on Heck. I have to say that I think Paul is one of the darkest crime writers writing in the UK today, his work at times reminds me of Chris Carter in just how brutal some of his bad guys are, and the ones within the pages of Ashes to Ashes are perhaps some of the worst. He clearly isn't afraid to write about the absolute worst of humanity, but to do so in a totally believable way rather than a sensationalist way.</div>
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In Ashes to Ashes we have two bad guys. One is torturer for hire John Sagan, who on the surface is an Average Joe but who in reality drives around in a pimped up caravan, it just so happens that the pimping up has turned the caravan into his very own torture chamber, and it sounds terrifying. Heck is part of the team tracked with following Sagan and hopefully finding this caravan and bringing him to justice, Sagan's not soft though and manages to escape from the police barely leaving Heck alive and the investigation soon finds him returning to a place he thought he would never go back to again, his home town of Bradburn. Bad guy number two is also residing in Bradburn and it's someone who the press has nicknamed The Incinerator because somebody is going around Bradburn setting people on fire, seemingly at random and for no good reason whatsoever. Safe to say that Heck has more than enough to contend with without battling his inner demons at returning to his hometown. <br />
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I love Heck. I've said it before and I've said it again but he really is a fantastic character and one that I could never tire reading about. One of my favourite things about him is his relationship with his boss (and ex) Gemma Piper and she comes along for the ride up to Bradburn and once again there's some fantastic scenes between the pair. An author has done their job when everything about two characters is utterly believable, and when the tension between them can be felt on the page with neither of them speaking, just the descriptions from the author. Gemma herself is a fantastic character and the relationship between these two is just so intriguing. He's a police officer that doesn't abide by the rules, but for the most part he has always done it for the right reasons, and for me it says more about the politics of policing and the rules officers must follow rather than Heck just being a tear up the rulebook police officer just for the sake of it. There's always reasons behind why he does what he does and this is what sets him apart from your typical fictional detective who goes renegade just because it's the done thing in this genre. <br />
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I love London and often dislike it when an author who has previously set their books there takes their character away to somewhere else. But, Heck's job now sees him moving around the UK and this time around he's returning to Bradburn. Paul's created a fantastic and totally believable setting in Bradburn, it being the kind of place found right across the North of England and it being one of the places that the inhabitants of Manchester push to the back of their minds when they are singing about Scousers signing on when they visit Liverpool and Anfield stadium. It's a gritty setting perfectly imagined for the story that unfolds within, and what an immensely gripping story that is. The scenes following The Incinerator were some of the most uncomfortable to read, and yet I just couldn't take my eyes off the page of read quick enough. It left me wondering just who could have the kind of hatred within them to carry out something like this. In John Sagan also, the reader is left wondering just what type of mind a person could have to torture people in the way that he does. Lucky enough it's up to Heck and not the reader to work all of that out. <br />
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Ashes to Ashes isn't a short book, however I absolutely stormed through it and found the pages just flew by. This is because of Paul's ability to really lure you in as a reader, and to hold you there in a vice like grip with some of the best storytelling, and some of the best examples of policing that you will find on the UK crime fiction market today. It should be said that you do need a strong stomach to read this book, and it is an extremely dark and twisted crime novel. But, if you enjoy those types of books then you will love this one. I absolutely loved learning more about Heck's background, and seeing how he manages to deal with these personal issues alongside protecting the public and bringing down some truly nasty individuals. Paul Finch is one of the UK's best crime writers, and despite however many books he sells I still feel like he's quite an underrated author as I know of quite a few crime fans who are yet to pick up one of his books and all I can say to that is you aren't a crime fan until you have read one of Paul's books because they are some of the best you will find within the genre. I absolutely loved this book and my only disappointment was when I reached the end. <br />
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<b><u>A Guest Post from Paul Finch</u></b></div>
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One question I’m often asked is … what is it like, writing two separate series, in other words, two different lead-characters, both at the same time?<br />
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This is particularly relevant at present, because while my previous book, STRANGERS, featured my female police character, PC Lucy Clayburn, ASHES TO ASHES is now out, and that is centred around my male character, DS Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg. Ironically, of course, while everyone is currently talking about Heck, I myself am writing the next Lucy book. And so it goes on … there is certainly a lot of back-and-forthing between the two of them. <br />
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I suppose it’s possible, at first glance, to say that in actual fact there isn’t much difference between Heck and Lucy Clayburn, aside from the gender. They’re both cops, they’re both from the Northwest of England, they both investigate violent crime, their cases often taking them into the heart of urban darkness. But I hope a second glance will prove this to be erroneous. Because once you get into the nitty-gritty, Heck and Lucy are actually very different indeed.<br />
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The most obvious gap between them stems from their rank and role within the police force.<br />
Like Lucy, Heck commenced his career in the Greater Manchester Police, but moved down to London after two years. He’s now been in the job 22 years in total, and is a detective sergeant with the National Crime Group, based at Scotland Yard. The National Crime Group are a kind of British FBI, which comprises the Kidnap Squad, the Organised Crime Division and the Serial Crimes Unit. It’s to the latter of these, SCU, that Heck is attached. So, I think we can already see that, though he’s only a sergeant, Heck has reached an elite level of service. <br />
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In contrast, Lucy, though she’s eight years younger than Heck, is still in Manchester and is now an 11-year-veteran of the job – no small thing, though most of that time has been spent in uniform. If you read her first book, STRANGERS, you’ll know that she made detective quite early in her career, but made one spectacular mistake during her first week in plain clothes, which almost saw her dismissed from the force altogether. Somehow, she survived that, though it meant she was kicked back into uniform. The disgrace of this incident was difficult to live down, and though she managed to redeem herself by the end of STRANGERS, she’d still only earned enough brownie-points to justify a return to divisional CID at detective constable level. She has no expectation that she’ll ever be promoted in actual rank.<br />
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So, Lucy has got a long way to go before she catches up with Heck, and, as a result of this, their day-to-day experience of policework is going to be very different. Heck works exclusively on serial or mass-murder cases, and as part of NCG, has a remit to cover the whole of England and Wales. Lucy, on the other hand, deals with more mundane crime: burglaries, car thefts and assaults in the Crowley division of Manchester, where she grew up as a child and has worked all her career as a cop (though suffice to say that she always eventually manages to find herself pursuing one of the bigger boys – in her brief time in CID so far, Lucy has now taken down a crime syndicate and captured a pair of tag-team serial killers).<br />
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All this aside, there is clear blue water between them in terms of the approach I take as author.<br />
When I first set out to write these books, in both cases I intended to produce gritty, hardboiled cop stories, modern day British noirs filled with reprehensible characters and set against difficult urban backdrops. Heck, for whom ASHES TO ASHES, is the sixth outing, has had more time to evolve in that world, and mostly because of the unit he works for, has found himself on the trail of some outlandish criminals, real maniacs with no other purpose than the destruction of modern society. As such, he’s occasionally had no option but to use extreme methods to collar them, and frequently engages in all kinds of derring-do, which, if it wasn’t for the presence of his ex-girlfriend-now-turned-boss, Detective Superintendent Gemma Piper, would have seen him turfed out of the job some time ago.<br />
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The upshot is that I often describe the Heck novels as action-thrillers wrapped in police procedural, and judging by the feedback I get from readers, I don’t think that will change. <br />
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In contrast, the Lucy novels are more grounded in the everyday. But though Lucy, as a divisional detective, is not automatically assigned to each serious enquiry that comes along – with an ordinary but busy crime-log to work her way though, she has no time for this, often juggling five or six lesser cases all at the same time – she will always, as I’ve already hinted, become involved in major investigations in due course (often by elbowing her way in).<br />
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All that said, readers and potential readers must never fear. One thing I do NOT do with either Heck or Lucy is bury them in welters of paperwork. I like authenticity, but too much of it can be boring. I don’t write police textbooks; so even when Lucy is investigating routine crime while waiting to become embroiled in something bigger, I don’t portray her wading through documentation, or sitting in court, yawning, or kicking her heels waiting for solicitors or social workers. No, none of that. Lucy may not lead as action-packed a life as Heck, but she gets in among the villains, at every opportunity. ‘I’m a cop,’ as she often says, ‘not a secretary.’<br />
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I suppose the question still stands, though: how is it, writing both Heck and Lucy at roughly the same time?<br />
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Well, ultimately it’s pretty straightforward, because I can safely rely on the characters. As I think I’ve intimated already, they’re pretty well drawn, in my mind at least, so they speak for themselves, producing their own dialogue, setting their own pace, and this, to a degree, applies with other characters too. Heck, who, as I say, is six books in, has a cast of old reliables to work alongside him on a regular basis (though there’ll be a couple less after ASHES TO ASHES!). But Lucy, who’s still finding her feet in the world of CID, is a new kid on the block, and so is gradually getting used to a whole new range of colleagues.<br />
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But none of that is a problem. If there’s any big issue for me, I suspect it’s the horror and the action.<br />
The Heck books contain both of these in abundance. Reviewers have spoken approvingly about moments of intense tension and terror, and about bone-jarring violence. There are certainly plenty of fights, chases and shoot-outs in Heck, not to mention some (hopefully) blood-chilling encounters with genuinely crazy killers, but then this is what you get when you’re an adversarial character who regularly confronts the worst of the worst.<br />
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With Lucy, I consciously try to be more measured, but it can never be the case with either of my cop characters that it risks being formulaic. Lucy may be the less high-octane of the two, but the very last thing I want is to pitch her into mundane investigations that hold no interest. No way; Lucy will also be exposed to that much nastier side of police life, and she will respond to it in her own inimitable (and, with luck, very entertaining) way – if for no other reason that it’s largely the same readership who follow the Heck canon, and they will expect nothing less.<br />
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So, it’s a balancing act. And at the end of the day, though I hope this doesn’t sound like too much of a cop out, the readers are going to have to trust me to get it right. Though so far, judging from their responses, I think I’ve managed it.<br />
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<i>Paul Finch, April 2017 </i>Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-80647919332940502962017-02-12T15:14:00.000+00:002017-02-12T15:14:31.126+00:00Review: Revenge by Nigel May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: Revenge<br />
<b>Author</b>: Nigel May<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 10th February 2017<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 335<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revenge-gripping-utterly-addictive-turner-ebook/dp/B01MXXRKB8/ref=la_B00D35HQO2_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1486912201&sr=1-1">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
<b>If you keep dangerous secrets you’ll pay the ultimate price…</b><br />
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In the South of France, playground of the rich and famous, world renowned chef Dexter Franklin is organising a night to remember. As he opens the doors to his exclusive restaurant for the first time, he’s handpicked a list of guests, as hot and dazzling as the St Tropez sun itself:<br />
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<b>Mew Stanton</b>: Fashionable, beautiful and a notorious TV chef, Dexter’s ex-girlfriend has all the ingredients for success. As her books fly off the shelves, a secret from her past is about to surface with explosive consequences. <br />
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<b>Holly Lydon</b>: Ex girlband star who has fallen on hard times. Forced to make ends meet she’s having to sleep her way to the top. Now she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons.<br />
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<b>Rosita Velázquez</b>: Brazilian actress extraordinaire and girlfriend of Dexter’s brother, Leland. When she’s in town everybody needs to know about it, but this is one show-stopping entrance she’ll live to regret.<br />
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Three women have a past with <b>Dexter</b> and a grudge to bear against him. As fireworks ignite in the jet set capital of Europe, there’s murder on the menu. Who will be served their just desserts?<br />
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<b>The sun is setting in the South of France. Pour yourself a glass of champagne and sit back for a read of revenge, regrets and shocking revelations that will have you hooked to the very last page.</b></blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>Anyone who follows my blog will know that I am a huge fan of Nigel May (one of his biggest!) and his fabulous books. Nigel has fast became one of my favourite authors over the past few years and I go into each one of his books full of confidence that they will not disappoint, and <i>Revenge</i> was no different. I'm not the biggest fan of books set in France however St. Tropez is a little different and Nigel uses the glamorous setting to its fullest here in <i>Revenge</i> (with flashbacks and some scenes taking place around the world) and it is only a small part of what is an action-packed and very character-driven story.<br />
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Dexter Franklin has invited a whole host of characters to his newest restaurant opening in St. Tropez and, determined to make it a success and one of the most talked about events of the decade, he's invited just the right mix of people to make that happen. I'm not going to list them all as they should be discovered by the reader themselves, however there's a real mystery behind each of the characters and why they have been invited by Dexter. They each arrive in St. Tropez with a bang and there's a shock in store for each of them. I also love how Nigel's books all take place within the same world and there's always mentions and appearances from some of his past characters.<br />
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I love that by now Nigel has created so many characters across all of his novels and yet he still manages to make all of his newest ones feel fresh and original, all with their own believable backstories and stories to tell. Yes, as a bonkbuster some of the characters can behave a little over the top, but underneath all that, in his female characters especially, there's an underlying vulnerability that allows us as readers to relate to these characters who, whilst living in a world so far removed from our own, are relatable and we are able to view them as real people who just want the same thing everybody wants regardless of wealth or social status; love and happiness.<br />
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All throughout <i>Revenge</i> you know that Nigel is building up to something big and he never fails to deliver when it comes to his finales. Each book he has written has finished and left me desperate for me and I can't think of another author currently writing in this genre that does it better than Nigel May. As with the legendary Jackie Collins, Nigel's books transcend the genre and go far beyond being another book just filled with smut and sex. Instead you get a truly action-packed book here featuring murder, intrigue, revenge, comedy, rivalries, glamorous locations. Pretty much everything you could possibly expect from a book and then some. I am in awe of how Nigel manages to achieve this book after book, improving on what came before and his writing and storytelling in <i>Revenge</i> compared with his earlier work is astounding (and his early books are <i>amazing</i> so that should give some idea of how good <i>Revenge</i> is).<br />
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Nigel named a character after me in <i>Lovers and Liars</i> and I was ecstatic to see that I made a return here in <i>Revenge</i> as a fantastic journalist who refuses to take no for an answer and I appear in a couple of rather funny scenes (however a certain Daniel Riding also made an appearance as DC Riding and I found myself wishing I too had quite the fun he had in his hotel room...) <i>Revenge</i> is one of Nigel's best books to date and cements his place as the King of the Bonkbuster and one of my all-time favourite authors. If you are yet to discover one of his books then this is the perfect place to start, and then when you finish you have a back catalogue of books just waiting to be devoured. Now, when's the next one?<br />
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Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-60610078303107210822017-02-07T07:22:00.000+00:002017-02-07T07:22:21.901+00:00Hall of Fame Review: Backstabber by Kimberley Chambers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qqZW758hgjbXlxcB4Y9hQOXDqXvtc-98RXcz4Tb2QOsxU2ElwXmTljxw3lk6IqXAbXeEs-9tLoWoDiaSr3Ht2-tQCLOB_FRjs2AwKgbgROkjdq22HoEvXxZ0hR1upu6qnA3D9KqSxBKk/s1600/backstabber.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qqZW758hgjbXlxcB4Y9hQOXDqXvtc-98RXcz4Tb2QOsxU2ElwXmTljxw3lk6IqXAbXeEs-9tLoWoDiaSr3Ht2-tQCLOB_FRjs2AwKgbgROkjdq22HoEvXxZ0hR1upu6qnA3D9KqSxBKk/s320/backstabber.png" width="207" /></a><b>Title</b>: Backstabber<br />
<b>Author</b>: Kimberley Chambers<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: HarperCollins<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 9th February 2017<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 496<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Backstabber-bestseller-shocking-gripping-twist/dp/0007521804">Amazon</a></b><br />
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If you don't face your enemies – they'll stab you in the back.<br />
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One of them has a gun to his head. Who will pull the trigger?<br />
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When king of the underworld Vinny Butler goes into business with respected villain Eddie Mitchell, it's a match made in East End legend. Friends and family are treated like gold, enemies like rats – it's the life.<br />
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Then mysterious packages arrive, dead creatures and threats. Someone is out for revenge. Who the enemy is, nobody knows, anyone could be taking a pop. The gypsies who cursed Eddie, ghosts from Vinny's past, enemies needing revenge. Even their own flesh and blood? There are some people you should never cross, some who can't forgive or forget.<br />
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Who is the backstabber?</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I can't remember the last time I was so excited for a book to be released as I was up until I got my hands on an early copy of <i>Backstabber </i>(and I was ecstatic when I then won a signed copy over on Facebook). Readers of my blog will know that I am one of Kimberley Chambers' biggest fans and I am constantly recommending her books all the time and they consistently make my <i>Top 5 Books of the Year </i>blog posts because they really are that good. <i>Backstabber</i> sees the return of the now notorious Butler family, and whereas the previous Butler book, <i>Tainted Love</i>, saw a brief return of Eddie Mitchell, <i>Backstabber</i> features both families with Eddie and Vinny going into business together.<br />
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<i>Backstabber</i> is the book that Kim has been building up to with everything that she has written about the Butler family so far. I (and probably every single one of her die hard fans) was ecstatic when I found out that she would be reintroducing Eddie Mitchell and his family because readers have been crying out for a return from them ever since Kim was signed to HarperCollins. Along with Vinny Butler, Eddie is one of the most recognisable and memorable faces within this genre and these two families are easily two of the best ever created. I'm glad that Kim didn't drag this series out as we've seen other authors do in the past, instead with <i>Backstabber</i> she has delivered one hell of a rollercoaster read with plenty of bloodshed, revenge and, as the title suggests, backstabbing. It left me open-mouthed on more than one occasion and I couldn't read quick enough to discover how the story was ultimately going to end.<br />
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It's incredibly difficult to discuss the plot, and after how many books have came before <i>Backstabber</i> there's no chance of even offering any kind of recap about where things are for the two families now. I follow Kim across her various social media accounts and always enjoy reading the updates that she offers about her writing processes for each book. It's not something that came easy and Kim has mentioned a lot about the struggles of merging these two families together, and making sure that nothing in their stories doesn't match up with what she has written in the past. I can say that reading this you wouldn't even know how difficult a book it was to write for Kim, everything just flows naturally and I very quickly remembered everything about the Mitchell's despite the fact it has been a few years since I read that brilliant trilogy of books. Merging these two families together was one of the best things I've read in fiction and it results in one epic and unforgettable showdown.<br />
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I feel very invested in the characters that Kim has created and so I was reading this constantly on edge wondering which of them would meet an untimely end this time around. Kim has made no secret of the fact that there's plenty of bloodshed within this novel and she wasn't wrong. Each book has featured a huge cast of characters, and two of the most intriguing have been Vinny Butler and his son, Little Vinny. Vinny to me hasn't been a character who has ever shown any kind of remorse or qualities where you could kind of see the good in him. He is evil through and through. Little Vinny on the other hand is a changed man, but previous readers will know just what he's done in the past and I couldn't read quick enough knowing that those secrets just had to come out in full before this book was over. Queenie Butler is another favourite character of mine, a proper East End character who has been forced out of her beloved Whitechapel, she's quite lost in the world as the book opens with the funeral of her much-loved sister, Vivian. Kim offers some light relief alongside the heavier stuff thanks to Queenie who is a larger than life character, even more so when she's introduced to Eddie Mitchell's mother-in-law, Joycie.<br />
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<i>Backstabber</i> was somewhat of a bittersweet read for me, and I actually felt genuine emotion as I read the story, fictional characters they may be, but Kim writes a gritty and believable read that you forget all about that as you turn the pages and these characters come alive in your mind and feel like real people. It felt like we were saying goodbye to the two families for good, with most things tied up quite nicely (or not so nicely for those that didn't survive) however I do think there's potential to see a return from both the Butler's and the Mitchell's in the future, if Kim could come up with a good enough storyline to warrant us seeing them again. She has mentioned about wanting to write a prologue to <i>The Trap </i>(the book that introduced us to the Butlers) and I think that would be fantastic. One thing I have always enjoyed most about Kim's books is how she incorporates music into the story, and how authentic it feels reading about 'old' London, a London that is unrecognisable now. Reading about the early days of the Butler family would just be amazing. I am though excited to see what Kimberley Chambers brings us next. Is <i>Backstabber</i> her best book? I want to scream that yes it is, but I also want to read each of them again now that the series has been brought to a (for now at least) close and then give it some real thought (she's my favourite living author I'm allowed to overthink it...) but what I can say with no hesitation is that it is one of her best books and is a worthy conclusion to what has been one of the best series of books I have ever read, across any genre and I now hope that the series is finally picked up by TV. I know that Kim almost has the perfect cast in her head (there's even a cheeky mention of some of the actors within <i>Backstabber</i>) and this series of books would make for some of the most gripping drama TV has ever seen and would introduce these two families to a whole new audience.<br />
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<br />Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-53986315396310364752016-12-18T21:07:00.002+00:002016-12-18T21:49:51.211+00:00My Top 10 Books of 2016 (and an update!)2016 was a quiet year for me on the blog but I was still lucky enough to read some absolutely amazing books and I have compiled my favourites into a Top 10 here in the hope that it will help you find a recommendation for a book that I can recommend with no hesitation and with a certainty that you will enjoy it. Before I begin the list though I would like to write a short update about where I am personally and where I see the blog going in the future.<br />
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I sadly lost my grandad in July of this year and despite the fact I knew it was coming, it still knocked me for six and the blog went on hold indefinitely. For the past few months, despite the fact that I have been reading on and off, I just haven't felt like reviewing, and have even toyed with the idea of giving up the blog. I decided though that it's not something that I want to do just yet and I'm going to keep the blog going and perhaps review occasionally or hopefully, more regularly in the New Year. In other news I finally came out to my family and friends and luckily (as it wasn't exactly a secret to all of them) it went down well and I am hopeful and excited to see what 2017 is going to bring and not just in the world of books... </div>
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For now though, here are <b>My Top 10 Books of 2016</b>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzihpJjZ6ctOxTA22F1GRuW6XIxbA6ZbRfvR3wEYAhzf6VQ3hGjRBfWmzLrtU0bhzWrAcNtLq_KFGTE1XUAEXw2KETFXflcm6koI_rlVOw4eK5AMY-DU75wxk8Kv_b9pDpg5P0xuZPQKT/s1600/ruleoffear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzihpJjZ6ctOxTA22F1GRuW6XIxbA6ZbRfvR3wEYAhzf6VQ3hGjRBfWmzLrtU0bhzWrAcNtLq_KFGTE1XUAEXw2KETFXflcm6koI_rlVOw4eK5AMY-DU75wxk8Kv_b9pDpg5P0xuZPQKT/s200/ruleoffear.jpg" width="127" /></a><b>10. The Rule of Fear - Luke Delaney</b><br />
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<i>The Rule of Fear</i> immediately jumped out at me as one of my most memorable reads of 2016 because it was one of the darker reads that I read this year. Luke normally writes realistic police novels that have a real authenticity and this time around, despite the book still carrying that authenticity, he took a look at how a policeman suffering from PTSD can go on a real downward spiral and the closing scenes of this story are still extremely vivid in my mind. Crime fans who are yet to read this book should make sure that it is on their TBR.<br />
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<b>9. My Map of You - Isabelle Broom</b><br />
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<i>My Map of You</i> was one of my absolute favourite stories that I read in the summer and it got me in just the right mood for the holiday to Cyprus (my favourite place in the whole world) that I went on just days after finishing this book. It had one of my favourite love stories ever in a book, and Isabelle captured the Greek setting better than any author ever has before and I just loved the time I spent within the pages of this book. A fantastic summer read that would be perfect reading for warming up this winter. </div>
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<b>8. A Tapping at My Door - David Jackson</b><br />
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David Jackson's new Liverpool-set series was a resounding success and there wasn't any hesitation in me including it in my Top 10 Books of 2016. It was an extremely powerful story that contained a number of twists that I am still annoyed at myself for not seeing coming. It's a memorable read that will hit all readers emotionally, and I love a crime novel that can achieve that. I was also thrilled to see my quote used inside the paperback copy of this book, and it's a book that I am constantly recommending to crime fans. </div>
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<b>7. Then She Was Gone - Luca Veste</b><br />
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Another Liverpool-set crime novel and this time it is from one of my favourite crime authors, Luca Veste. Luca is an author who almost reinvents himself with each book that he writes because he makes a conscious effort to make them different from the one that came before but at the same time retain his 'hallmark' that has already made him an author to watch within the genre. <i>Then She Was Gone</i> is one of my favourite books from him so far, and has a rather chilling ending that I won't be forgetting in a hurry. </div>
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<b>6. In Her Wake - Amanda Jennings</b><br />
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<i>In Her Wake</i> was a book that consumed me whilst I was reading it and it was one of the most vividly told and most memorable books that I have ever read. It was a book that drew a real emotional response from me, and I finished the book believing the story within and seeing these fictional characters as real people. Characters that I still think about now, long after finishing the book. Amanda Jennings is an extremely talented author, and one that all readers should discover if they haven't already.<br />
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<b>5. The Finding of Martha Lost - Caroline Wallace</b></div>
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Lime Street Station is a place I see five days a week, and so when I read that this book was set in Lime Street Station and that it was about a young girl who was left abandoned inside the lost property at the station, I simply could not wait to read it. <i>The Finding of Martha Lost</i> is just a pure joy from start to finish. It is one of the best books that I have read, ever, not just in 2016. It's inventive, it's clever, and it's a story that I will never, ever forget. It's a book that you really can't say too much about without ruining it for potential readers, and so the best thing that I can say is read it and fall in love with the story.</div>
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<b>4. Blood Lines - Angela Marsons</b><br />
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Angela Marsons is another of my all-time favourite authors, and I could easily have included both of her 2016 books in this list but I do have an unofficial rule that I want to just choose one book per author and <i>Blood Lines</i> was my favourite out of the two (although <i>Play Dead</i> was absolutely fantastic). Angela writes some of the most authentic crime fiction that I have read, and her character of Kim Stone is perhaps the best fictional detective that I have ever read about. Angela's stories are gritty, but they also have a real emotional depth to them and they draw real emotion from me as a reader, and her books are always some of my most memorable books of the year and they are the crime books that I look forward to the most. </div>
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<b>3. Lovers and Liars - Nigel May</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbzx1Gpjx3aIdBrlQLIQC0fi0du2OEhmRXrGU880yp_ztawne0O7N9_wIPRS4IgNjfjmYKg-FkEeSi9hULviYzFvxFUq3TmAYUvAV-fJ6M1InPt-ps71Zxl-RDvfaX9xXV6qZRgH7eKV0/s1600/Lovers-and-Liars-Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbzx1Gpjx3aIdBrlQLIQC0fi0du2OEhmRXrGU880yp_ztawne0O7N9_wIPRS4IgNjfjmYKg-FkEeSi9hULviYzFvxFUq3TmAYUvAV-fJ6M1InPt-ps71Zxl-RDvfaX9xXV6qZRgH7eKV0/s200/Lovers-and-Liars-Kindle.jpg" width="126" /></a>Nigel May has fast become one of my all-time favourite authors these past few years and <i>Lovers and Liars</i> was another winner from him. He has been called the male Jackie Collins and that is absolutely true. Like all of his previous books, <i>Lovers and Liars</i> contains multiple stories within one and goes so far beyond being just another bonkbuster. There's a real mystery contained within his books, and they contain some of the best characters you will find in a fictional novel because Nigel's led a fabulous and colourful life and uses that to create some memorable and thrilling reads and <i>Lovers and Liars</i> is no different. Nigel also named a character after me in this book and I have to say that it is the best thing that has happened to me since starting the blog. I hyperventilated when I read the scenes and I am making a return in Nigel's upcoming 2017 book and I cannot wait. </div>
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<b>2. Tainted Love - Kimberley Chambers</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczTAluWJE0sBd9ojWLWwIXMd6LH1H_21YgbgpDqMK9qIFIM2eWaQw8DOwKz4jONXXovIiiet0_RB8k6HHJ4rDNbZjEg04Oc9ui6a5qV_e5Wm7fQcdPtNVaRW3eRgwvKNC4kWvI0DOAd78/s1600/taintedlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczTAluWJE0sBd9ojWLWwIXMd6LH1H_21YgbgpDqMK9qIFIM2eWaQw8DOwKz4jONXXovIiiet0_RB8k6HHJ4rDNbZjEg04Oc9ui6a5qV_e5Wm7fQcdPtNVaRW3eRgwvKNC4kWvI0DOAd78/s200/taintedlove.jpg" width="130" /></a>Readers of my blog probably know by now that I absolutely adore Kimberley Chambers and her books. I am simply in awe of everything that she has achieved, and when I received an early copy of <i>Tainted Love</i> I think my screams could be heard for miles around. I cannot say too much about this book because we are so far into the series, but it did not disappoint and I finished it absolutely desperate for me and I am so excited to get stuck into Backstabber which is the final instalment in this series and will be out in 2017. Kimberley Chambers is in a league of her own when it comes to the gangland genre and if you are one of the few people yet to discover her books, then what are you waiting for?</div>
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<b>1. Deep Down Dead - Steph Broadribb</b><br />
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It wasn't difficult to choose my Book of the Year for 2016. When I thought about which book was my absolute favourite of the year, <i>Deep Down Dead</i> immediately jumped out at me. It is Steph Broadribb's debut novel and it is a remarkable achievement as it reads like it was written by somebody who has been writing for years. I believe I was one of the first to call her the female Lee Child and whilst that's a lazy comparison (the story actually has depth you don't often find in a Child novel), there are comparisons to be made between the two. I was late to the Jack Reacher novels and I like to think that somewhere in the world there's a person yet to discover the love of reading, and in years to come I hope that person will discover the back catalogue of Steph Broadribb when the 20th Lori Anderson book is being released into the world. I cannot recommend <i>Deep Down Dead</i> enough, it is easily the best book I have read this year and it's my favourite release from Orenda Books. I simply cannot wait for the sequel.</div>
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Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-25952572842414080202016-11-04T02:16:00.003+00:002016-11-04T02:16:38.182+00:00Hall of Fame Review: Blood Lines by Angela Marsons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: Blood Lines<br />
<b>Author</b>: Angela Marsons<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 4th November 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 386<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Lines-Detective-Stone-thriller/dp/1786810999">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
A victim killed with a single, precise stab to the heart appears at first glance to be a robbery gone wrong. A caring, upstanding social worker lost to a senseless act of violence. But for Detective Kim Stone, something doesn’t add up. <br />
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When a local drug addict is found murdered with an identical wound, Kim knows instinctively that she is dealing with the same killer. But with nothing to link the two victims except the cold, calculated nature of their death, this could be her most difficult case yet.<br />
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Desperate to catch the twisted individual, Kim’s focus on the case is threatened when she receives a chilling letter from Dr Alex Thorne, the sociopath who Kim put behind bars. And this time, Alex is determined to hit where it hurts most, bringing Kim face-to-face with the woman responsible for the death of Kim’s little brother – her own mother.<br />
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As the body count increases, Kim and her team unravel a web of dark secrets, bringing them closer to the killer. But one of their own could be in mortal danger. Only this time, Kim might not be strong enough to save them…</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>It is no secret that I am a huge Angela Marsons fan, and her books are one of the reasons I could never quit blogging or stop writing reviews (no matter how much I've thought about it recently) because where else could I scream and shout about them? Angie writes books so quickly that I really am running out of things to say about them and so this might turn out really repetitive, and I am constantly blown away each and every time I pick up a book by Angie because each one surpasses what came before it, <i>Blood Lines</i> especially because of the return of one of my favourite villains in a crime novel, ever. It's neck and neck between Angie and Chris Carter for the title of my favourite crime fiction writer of all time and having recently finished Chris's upcoming 2017 novel, I have to say that these two authors are in a league of their own and no other crime author can even compare.<br />
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In 2015 I had the not exactly enviable decision of choosing just one of Angie's three novels from that year to make it into my Top 10 Books of 2015 and I foresee a similar problem occurring in just a few weeks time. In the end I chose <i>Evil Games</i> because it featured a character who is by far and away one of the best villains I have ever read about in this genre, sociopathic doctor, Alex Thorne. This character still haunted me up until I began reading this book, and that book gave me genuine goosebumps as I read. When I found out she was returning in <i>Blood Lines</i>, I was so excited and just couldn't wait to read it. I would recommend reading this series in order, not only because they are some of the best crime fiction I've ever read but also for continuity. At the very least read <i>Evil Games</i> first because it just adds so much understanding to the character of Alex Thorne and her history with Kim Stone, as well as Kim's own history which is brought to the forefront of the storyline here in <i>Blood Lines</i>. So much of what was only touched upon in previous books is finally brought out into the open here and at this point in the series I feel actual emotion for Kim who yes, is a fictional character but who is portrayed by Angie as somebody that I can really believe in, and so there's some real hard-hitting scenes here involving Kim that really had quite an effect on me. I've said it before but I absolutely love Kim Stone.<br />
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I hadn't even finished the first chapter of <i>Blood Lines</i> and my heart was beating faster than it normally does, I quickly became oblivious to everything around me, and for the few hours I spent glued to my Kindle, nothing else mattered apart from me reading this book. An author who can achieve reactions like that from a reader is an incredible one indeed, and hopefully that is a sign of what a special and rare kind of author Angie is. It's not only the continuation of the blog that I've questioned recently, but reading itself, and it just shows that it's all about choosing the right book and the right author to read, and Angie is an author I know will never let me down with her books and that's why I constantly recommend them to anyone who will listen. In terms of storyline I really do not want to say too much, certainly not about Kim's reintroduction with Alex Thorne but as if that wasn't enough she yet again has to contend with another seemingly unsolvable case when victims who at first glance have nothing in common turn up murdered in the same, strange way, with a single, precise stab to the heart. Kim is an exceptional detective, at least, in terms of eventually solving a case, it could be said that the routes she takes to get to that point aren't exactly the wisest ones for her sanity or her career, but she eventually gets the job done and she is a detective who time and again puts the victims and the cases she works before herself, but in <i>Blood Lines</i> I was left wondering just how far she could be pushed before she lost it completely and I so wanted her to come out the other side at least partly intact because there's another fifty or so books to come featuring her yet (or at least there better had be).<br />
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In school one of the things I loved to create was mind maps, and I would love to create a mind map with just one bubble in the middle to start off and that bubble would be Kim Stone's name. There is <i>so</i> much to discuss about this character, and so many different threads that would pop up if you were to think about why she is the person she is, how she got there, what made her like that, and it all comes down to her history, her family, and the life that she has led up to this point. She's a character that it's so clear how much thought and passion has been put into creating. She's such a complex character that even when I'm not reading about her she's in my thoughts and she's easily one of the best fictional detectives that I've read about. And in mentioning mind maps I would love to see Angie's creation processes for her stories, and how they are ultimately planned from start to finish. Everything just flows expertly from start to finish, and I challenge even the most seasoned of crime fiction readers to work out where the story in <i>Blood Lines</i> (or indeed most of Angie's books) will end up by the time that final denouement rolls around. I certainly failed to work it out what with all the hyperventilating I did throughout and the constant picking up of my jaw off the floor, twists and turns galore as expected from Angie. There is not one thing about this book or any of the others that prevents it from getting a perfect score. It has every single thing I look for in a crime novel and then things I didn't know I was looking for. I've said it all in my previous reviews of Angie's books but honestly, I cannot recommend this series enough, so much so that the best thing I can say is read them, a reason isn't even needed, they speak for themselves (as do those quite phenomenal sales figures). You cannot call yourself a crime fiction fan until you've read Angela Marsons. It's as simple as that. So, while you probably won't see many reviews from me in the near future, you can rest assured that the ones you do see will be for books that I have truly enjoyed and can recommend with no hesitation.<br />
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Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-59745734386373184492016-10-24T13:28:00.000+01:002016-10-24T13:28:30.659+01:00Review: The Girls Next Door by Mel Sherratt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: The Girls Next Door<br />
<b>Author</b>: Mel Sherratt<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 27th October 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 296<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 3.5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girls-Next-Door-edge---your-seat-ebook/dp/B01M02NTYA/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
One warm spring evening, five teenagers meet in a local park. Only four will come out alive.<br />
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Six months after the stabbing of sixteen-year-old Deanna Barker, someone is coming after the teenagers of Stockleigh, as a spate of vicious assaults rocks this small community. Revenge for Deanna? Or something more? <br />
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Detective Eden Berrisford is locked into a race against time to catch the twisted individual behind the attacks – but when her own niece, Jess Mountford, goes missing, the case gets personal.<br />
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With the kidnapper threatening Jess’s life, can Eden bring back her niece to safety? Or will the people of Stockleigh be forced to mourn another daughter…?</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I love authors who continue to mix things up and try many different things in their books and it's clear that Mel Sherratt is one such author (or two authors if she's wearing her Marcie Steele hat). Some of the most memorable books I have read these past few years have been written by Mel, and I was incredibly excited to read <i>The Girls Next Door</i>. Whilst it was an enjoyable read, and one I had read in less than twenty-four hours, I have to admit that it did lack that punch and grittiness found in some of her other books, but because the story itself held my attention and I didn't work out where it was ultimately going, it is still a book I can recommend without hesitation and it features a brilliant main character in Detective Eden Berrisford who I hope to see return in the future.<br />
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It's difficult to know how much to talk about the plot because there's a lot to get to grips with as the book begins. A case of mistaken identity finds sixteen-year-old Deanna Barker being stabbed to death in a local park and those responsible being held before trial, including a young girl who the reader knows wasn't at fault but is locked up anyway because of the supposed evidence against her. I felt there was a missed opportunity to develop this character more, or for things to perhaps take a more sinister turn but I think that's just my own imagination running wild but as it raises questions about the law surrounding cases like this, that sinister turn might have made this more of a talking point and had more of an impact. What follows is the reader following the families of those affected by the murder of Deanna, including those responsible for the murder. Detective Eden Berrisford finds herself caught up in proceedings when her niece Jess is kidnapped, and other teenagers in the area find themselves attacked and warned to keep their mouths shut. Is there a connection to the upcoming trial or is it something else entirely?<br />
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The blurb might have people thinking that Jess is simply an innocent teenager who is kidnapped but very soon the reader finds out that there's a lot about Jess and her friends that their parents are unaware of and the plot takes a couple of diversions that I didn't see coming and I really found myself taking a dislike to Jess because she is the sort of girl that in school I wouldn't have liked. There's some brilliant misdirection here by Mel because even though I thought I knew what was about to happen, I had no idea just what was going to be revealed as the plot progressed, and certainly not at the end when everything became a lot clearer. There were certain things about the characters that in the beginning felt insignificant but which then went on to play a huge role in how the plot unfolded and I loved that because it was so unexpected. I did very much enjoy <i>The Girls Next Door</i> but I did find it lacking in places and because Mel has set an extremely high bar for herself with her previous work, I just think a couple of missed opportunities means that this isn't my favourite book by Mel but it's still one that I can recommend.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-67595945607543999052016-10-18T12:00:00.000+01:002016-10-18T12:00:18.591+01:00Review: Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky by Holly Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky<br />
<b>Author</b>: Holly Martin<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 22nd September 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 324<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 4.5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Under-Cranberry-Sky-perfect-ebook/dp/B01K5UZUOU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Piper Chesterfield lives a glamorous life travelling the world and reviewing the finest hotels. She calls nowhere home, she works alone and that’s how she likes it. For long ago Piper decided that to protect her heart she should lock it away. <br />
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So when Piper’s next assignment brings her to the newly opened Stardust Lake Hotel for the festive season, the last person she expects to face is Gabe Whitaker, the man who broke her heart so completely she could never love again. <br />
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But Piper isn’t the only one who has been frozen in time by heartbreak. Gabe hasn’t forgotten the golden-eyed girl who disappeared from his world without a trace. <br />
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Now fate has reunited them on Juniper island, can the magic of Christmas heal old wounds? And can this enchanting town be the one place Piper can finally call home? </blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>Early October. The time of year when books start appearing with Christmas in the title, a nice wintery cover and then a story that actually contains just the briefest of allusions to the festive season. Then there's the few that are all about Christmas and Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky is one of those books. It was just magical, there's no other word for it. It has been far too long since I picked up a book by Holly Martin and when I glanced over the glowing reviews coming in almost daily for this book, I knew it was one I was going to have to read and it is the first of my Christmas themed books this year.<br />
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Piper Chesterfield has a job that I'm sure most of us would love to have. She travels around the world, staying in some amazing (and some not so amazing) locations and then she reviews them for <i>The Tree of Life</i> magazine. She's reached a point in her life though where she doesn't enjoy it anymore, as for her it's just no fun without somebody by her side to share it with. I do not share these thoughts and would take a ticket and a job reviewing hotels tomorrow and never look back but, in terms of the book needing a story, she takes on one last job on Juniper Island, reviewing the Stardust Lake Hotel and it's beautiful wintery surroundings, which are <i>all </i>about Christmas. Even Scrooge would find something to love about this place. It is so beautifully imagined that even the plane that takes Piper to the island screams Christmas. I so wish this place was real because if it was I wouldn't even be writing this review I'd be sitting on a plane like a kid on Christmas Eve and making my way to Juniper Island and never, ever leaving.<br />
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The place has changed a lot since Piper was a child when she used to visit with friend and love of her life Gabe, the man who went on to break her heart which then resulted in her closing herself off from the world (or at least the people of the world as she then went on to travel around the world as a reviewer). Arriving on the island and Piper is blown away by just how much has changed. It is almost unrecognisable from the place she once knew, and it's clear that this is a place she is going to have no trouble staying in, enjoying the Christmas surroundings and writing one last review before heading home and reevaluating her life. Of course, it was never going to be that easy and when Piper finds a young girl wondering through the snow, she soon finds herself standing face-to-face with none other than Gabe Whittaker, the man who broke her heart all those years ago. Awkward. Not only that but he is the man she has to thank for the beautiful surroundings she finds herself in, as he owns the island, and it's clear from the outset that the feelings these two characters once had for one another haven't exactly gone away.<br />
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Very few authors write a love story as enjoyable as those by Holly Martin. More than once as I read this book I thought it was going to be a contender to beat <i>One Hundred Proposals</i> as my favourite Holly Martin book, but I think that will forever be my favourite as I still think about it even now. This book does come an incredibly close second though. The connection between these two characters is palpable, to the point where I just couldn't wait for them to get on with it and admit their feelings for one another. The journey they go on throughout the story is extremely believable, and of course Holly has more than one spanner ready to throw into the works to make sure that this couple really have to work for their happiness. But, there's simply no better place for them to do that. Gabe's daughter was a true standout character of the book, her naivety and the way she just asks the most inappropriate of questions (but they just so happen to be the questions the reader wants to know the answers to the most) is just brilliant and she reminded me at times of one of my cousins who is also unafraid to just speak her mind and ask questions without fear.<br />
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Despite how much the reviews said this book was packed with Christmas I couldn't help wishing that there had been even more. Don't get me wrong everything about it was just amazing, and even in October I am already wishing for Christmas to arrive (which surprised even me as after losing my grandad in July it's not something I have really been looking forward to), but the book ends on Christmas Eve and whilst it leads nicely into the second book on Juniper Island, I did miss those scenes of waking up on Christmas Day and to wake up in a place this magical on Christmas Day was something I really wanted to read. That said, perhaps this is something we see in the second Juniper Island book, and I really hope so. Gabe transformed the island in his grandad's memory and this is something that brought tears to my eyes once his parents arrived on the island and praised him for all that he had achieved. It was just so special and was one of my favourite scenes in the whole book. Holly Martin has written in Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky one of the most enjoyable Christmas novels that I have ever read and has once again treated us to another beautiful and memorable love story (with more than enough heat to keep you warm on these upcoming winter nights, and no, I'm not talking about the hot chocolate). I honestly cannot recommend it enough and Holly proves here why she is one of my (and many other people's) favourite authors.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-41289424551825187892016-10-17T11:29:00.000+01:002016-10-17T11:29:21.990+01:00Review: The Killing Game by J.S. Carol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: The Killing Game<br />
<b>Author</b>: J.S. Carol<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 13th October 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 359<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 4.5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Killing-Game-tense-gripping-thriller-ebook/dp/B01LXKJUNR">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Imagine you are having lunch at an exclusive restaurant, filled with Hollywood’s hottest stars.<br />
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And a masked gunman walks in and takes everyone hostage. <br />
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You must bargain for your life against a twisted individual who knows everything about you.<br />
<br />
He also has a bomb set to detonate if his heart rate changes. <br />
<br />
If he dies. You die.<br />
<br />
You have four hours to stay alive.<br />
<br />
What would you do?</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I first became hooked on this genre a number of years ago when I first picked up one of Simon Kernick's books from the library and since then I have been an addict of thrillers that take place pretty much in real time and which focus on people in life-threatening situations that they seemingly have no way of getting out of. As soon as I read the blurb for <i>The Killing Game</i> I knew it was a book that I just had to read, and then the reviews began rolling in and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. To put it quite simply, it was amazing.<br />
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What impresses me most about authors writing in this genre is when they come up with a different spin on things than what's been written before. This is a genre with a huge amount of similar stories and scenarios but the one here in <i>The Killing Game</i> was original and incredibly exciting to read and you might just hear your heart beating whilst you read this book, tense is not the word. A masked gunman storms a restaurant filled with the biggest stars in Hollywood and takes them all hostage. Not only that but strapped to his chest is a bomb that will explode should his heart rate change. Armed with the secrets of those inside the restaurant, he clearly has an agenda, but what is it and how far will be go to achieve it? This book really makes you wonder just what the hell you would do in a situation like this and once the action starts, it's hugely thrilling.<br />
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There's a brilliant mixture of characters here for you to love and hate (all those egos in one room?) and it isn't just those within the restaurant that we follow but also the media outside who as we know only too well from real life news stories are desperate to get that story and they will do anything to get it and if this story happened in real life, it would obviously be massive all over the world. Who the bomber is and what he wants really gets the brain working and given that the hostages are all big players in Hollywood, it's safe to assume that they majority of them probably aren't whiter than white and any of them could be the reason why this person has taken them all hostage, or is it for a different reason entirely? James Carol has really captured the world of Hollywood, it's glamour and it's seedy side incredibly well and the split personalities of those that inhabit it's overly decadent world and I imagine he must have had a lot of fun creating some of these characters, don't expect to feel sorry for all of them and I'll say no more than that. It's a really unpredictable read as you never know just what is around the corner, or what the final outcome is going to be for these characters. Just know that you will not be able to read quick enough to find out. I really hope that James Carol continues writing books like this because it is a first rate thriller that delivers on everything that it promises.<br />
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Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-70318310231095921832016-10-16T19:07:00.000+01:002016-10-16T19:09:53.959+01:00Review: All I Want for Christmas by Jenny Hale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: All I Want for Christmas<br />
<b>Author</b>: Jenny Hale<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 6th October 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 233<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Want-Christmas-romance-heart-ebook/dp/B01KYKNUMK">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Snowflakes are falling, there’s carol singing on every corner, and Leah Evans is preparing for a family Christmas at her grandmother’s majestic plantation house in Virginia. It won’t be the same now that her beloved Nan is gone, but when Leah discovers she has inherited the mansion, she knows she can give her daughter Sadie the childhood of her dreams.<br />
<br />
But there’s a catch. Leah must split the house with a man called David Forester. Leah hasn’t heard that name in a long time. Not since they were kids, when Davey was always there to catch her.<br />
<br />
Now David is all grown up. He’s gorgeous, successful, and certain of one thing: Leah should sell him her half of the house.<br />
<br />
They can’t agree, but as they share memories over wine by the log fire, Leah notices a fluttering in her stomach. And by the look in his eyes, he’s starting to feel it too. <br />
<br />
Will it be Leah or David who must give up their dreams? Or, with a little bit of Christmas magic, will they finally understand Nan’s advice to them both about living life without regrets … and take a chance on true love?</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a><b>This review contains some mild spoilers.</b><br />
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I have wanted to read Jenny Hale's books for the longest time and it made sense to start with her latest Christmas release now that they are starting to arrive! I am happy to report that the festive rating for this book is high, and that means that it does contain a Christmassy and festive story and that it isn't just your everyday chick lit book packaged with a nice Christmas cover and title just to cash in on this time of year (I do deduct ratings for authors and publishers that do this). It also contains so much more than that but you'll have to read the book to find out just what that is. I finished <i>All I Want for Christmas</i> kicking myself at not having read Jenny Hale's books sooner, this one contained the most heartwarmingly lovely story and I think it'll be hard to find a Christmas book to beat it this year (and this is only my second one of the year so far). I am now hoping to read Jenny's other Christmas books before the big day arrives this year.<br />
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<i>All I Want for Christmas</i> tells the story of Leah Evans who is preparing for the countdown to Christmas, and her first without her beloved Nan. She sees her Christmas being spent at her grandmother's plantation house (where I too would now like to spend my Christmas) and whilst it obviously won't be the same without her grandmother, she's determined to make it a good one for her daughter, Sadie. It seems her grandmother had other plans however and has not only left the plantation to Leah, but she has also left half of it to a man named David Forester, whose family owned the home previously. Why would her grandmother do this? And how is Leah going to deal with his demands that she sell her half of the house to him? I think we know where the story is ultimately going to lead but let me tell you it's a brilliant journey getting there.<br />
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My grandad sadly passed away in July and not long into this book I felt real and genuine emotion for Leah like I really knew her. Her love for her grandmother shone through as I was reading this book and when she was reliving her precious memories and reading letters from her grandmother, I had actual tears in my eyes. I have been dreading Christmas this year because every single Christmas for my whole life has been spent with my grandparents and my mum, dad and, when he was born, my brother and this year will be our first without my grandad. I really want to thank Jenny for taking me on this journey with Leah. Our stories and situations are wholly different, but what this story did teach me was that perhaps it is possible to enjoy Christmas this year, my grandad wouldn't want us to sit around and not celebrate it as we normally do and his presence will be felt as it is everyday because he was such a huge part of my life. This is a story that I will remember for a long time because of that and the scenes where Leah reflects about her grandmother, what she taught her and the memories they made were just so beautiful and have reminded me of the past few months where, despite a lot of grief and mixed emotions, it is those memories and reflections about my grandad that has helped us get through these past few months.<br />
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Leah is an incredibly likeable character and one that every single reader will love. Her relationship with Sadie is just a joy to read, and she has a fabulous circle of friends who all have their own stories to tell. The relationship with David for some might feel a little rushed, but a love story set at Christmas is just the most magical thing to read about and I just couldn't get enough of it. My favourite scenes were those set around Christmas, and were perhaps the ones that really made me believe that I can enjoy Christmas this year. I especially loved reading about Leah's grandmother who, despite her passing, is a massive part of the story and we learn so much about her (as too does Leah as it turns out she had a couple of secrets). There's one quote from her grandmother that will remain with me and it is this: <i>Support one another and spend time together, because at the end, that's all you'll have to take with you - the love. Love each other and everything else will fall into place</i>. At my grandad's funeral a poem he wrote was read out, and reading that quote from Leah's grandmother reminded me of one from my grandad's poem: <i>During my life I've always believed in fate, I never had time for greed or hate, So when I've gone please stick together, And keep me in your heart forever</i>. Jenny Hale has captured the true essence in <i>All I Want for Christmas</i> of not only Christmas itself and what it truly means, but of love and family and friendship too and this to me will be an unforgettable story and one that I will return to year after year. Just a really, really beautiful story with an ending I just loved.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-17165302873220621542016-10-14T15:34:00.000+01:002016-10-14T15:34:44.946+01:00Review: The Little Village Bakery by Tilly Tennant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: The Little Village Bakery<br />
<b>Author</b>: Tilly Tennant<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 15th June 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 286<br />
<b>Source</b>: Purchased<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 3.5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Village-Bakery-romantic-Honeybourne-ebook/dp/B01F2M4BVO">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Help yourself to a generous slice of Victoria sponge, a perfect cup of tea and a big dollop of romance. Welcome to the Little Village Bakery. <br />
<br />
Meet Millie. Heartbreak has forced her to make a new start and when she arrives at the old bakery in the little village of Honeybourne she is determined that this will be her home sweet home. Her imagination has been captured by the tumbledown bakery but with no running water and dust everywhere, her cosy idea of making cakes in a rural idyll quickly crumbles. <br />
<br />
Luckily the locals are a friendly bunch and step in to help Millie. One in particular,Dylan, a laid-back lothario, soon captures her attention. <br />
<br />
But just as Millie is beginning to settle in, an unexpected visitor from her past suddenly turns up determined to ruin everything for her. It’s time for Millie to face the skeletons in her closet if she’s going to live the dream of running her little village bakery, and her blossoming romance with Dylan.</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>Tilly Tennant is an author I first became aware of not long after I started blogging as some of my new blogging friends spoke very highly of her books. Fast forward over two years later(!) and I started <i>The Little Village Bakery</i> with great excitement and wasn't left disappointed. Well, only that there was hardly a cake or baked good to be had anywhere within this book's pages despite what the cover and blurb had me believe. That said, there was so much story packed into these pages and I fell in love with the characters so much that I ended up forgetting all about the sweet stuff. It's bad for you anyway...<br />
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Millie arrives in the gloriously named village of Honeybourne after heartbreak forces her to start afresh and she thinks the best way to do this is to pay cash for a bakery she is yet to see the inside of. Arriving at the bakery and she soon discovers it's going to take a lot of work, and maybe a minor miracle for this to ever be the thriving bakery that she envisioned in her mind. Luckily for Millie the residents of Honeybourne, most of them at least, are incredibly welcoming and she soon has a queue of people ready to help her transform the bakery into a real business again. The village of Honeybourne is so well-captured and relayed to the reader that I could see myself there alongside the characters. The village setting is hardly unique in this genre but it's a setting I could never ever tire of reading about.<br />
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Millie is a mysterious character and I wanted to know just what all that excess baggage was that she brought with her to the village. A village is of course one of the worst places to move to if you've got something to hide or don't want people knowing your business because in a village, <i>everyone</i> knows your business especially with busybody neighbours like Ruth who Millie soon finds out loves to talk. In the beginning I did find Ruth to be quite an annoying character but she quickly grew on me and I really liked her. The story in this book isn't just Millie's as we also follow the quirky Jasmine, who lives with her husband Rich (ugh) and their triplets. Millie strikes up a friendship with Jasmine but her past forces her to be quite standoffish at times which has Jasmine and Rich (but mostly Rich) questioning just who she really is. Jasmine's brother Dylan also notices the new arrival to the village and is quick to introduce himself and is of course the chiselled, perfect stud you would expect from a book like this. I also loved the character of Spencer who I won't say too much about, nor will I mention too much the face from the past who turns up at just the wrong time for Millie.<br />
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For those expecting a sickly sweet romantic story, <i>The Little Village Bakery</i> is anything but and I loved it because of that. It's the story of a hugely likeable character trying to find her way after a life-changing tragedy. I so wanted Millie to find the happiness that she so obviously deserved and craved, and because she was so likeable, it was easy to root for her the whole way through. 'The course of true love never did run smooth' and at times reading this I wasn't sure where it was going to run at all. Jasmine too was a mostly likeable character but I wasn't overly fond of her at times idiotic husband Rich. I naively didn't spot one of the plot developments that was revealed partway through the story and that was a surprise that then had me wishing for a different outcome for two of the characters than that which was delivered. As some of these characters feature in the sequel to this book, perhaps there might be some developments there. I am so excited that there is a Christmas sequel to this book because these characters deserve more than just the one outing. Now that the bakery is finally up and running, I am hoping for a huge serving of cake with a massive side order of Christmas in that sequel and it's sitting on my Kindle ready to read very soon. I am so glad to have finally discovered Tilly Tennant and have no hesitation in recommending this book.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-87491851295387980572016-10-11T09:33:00.003+01:002016-10-11T09:33:58.442+01:00Hall of Fame Review: Deep Down Dead by Steph Broadribb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title</b>: Deep Down Dead<br />
<b>Author</b>: Steph Broadribb<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Orenda Books<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 15th October 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 320<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Down-Dead-Lori-Anderson-ebook/dp/B01F3F4480">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Lori Anderson is as tough as they come, managing to keep her career as a fearless Florida bounty hunter separate from her role as single mother to nine-year-old Dakota, who suffers from leukaemia. But when the hospital bills start to rack up, she has no choice but to take her daughter along on a job that will make her a fast buck. And that’s when things start to go wrong. The fugitive she’s assigned to haul back to court is none other than JT, Lori’s former mentor – the man who taught her everything she knows … the man who also knows the secrets of her murky past.<br />
<br />
Not only is JT fighting a child exploitation racket operating out of one of Florida’s biggest theme parks, Winter Wonderland, a place where ‘bad things never happen’, but he’s also mixed up with the powerful Miami Mob. With two fearsome foes on their tails, just three days to get JT back to Florida, and her daughter to protect, Lori has her work cut out for her. When they’re ambushed at a gas station, the stakes go from high to stratospheric, and things become personal.</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>Earlier this year <a href="http://www.thebookseller.com/news/stunning-action-thriller-orenda-320391">Orenda Books announced</a> that they would be publishing <i>Deep Down Dead</i>, the debut novel of Steph Broadribb (a.k.a. one of my all-time favourite bloggers <i><a href="https://crimethrillergirl.com/">Crime Thriller Girl</a></i>) and my Twitter timeline blew up. Everyone was talking about this book, and everyone wanted to read it. A torturous wait then ensued until the tireless and brilliant Karen Sullivan made my weekend by sending me an early copy to read with no deadline for a review (or a need for one at all). But, once I began reading <i>Deep Down Dead</i> I knew I was reading something special, a debut that, if there's any justice in the book world, will be <i>huge</i> and be the start of a long and book-filled career for Steph. <i>Deep Down Dead</i> might just be my favourite debut novel ever. When they start off this good, you know nothing but greatness is destined to follow. When I finished reading <i>Deep Down Dead</i> there was simply no question of me not reviewing it as loudly as possible. It has been a number of months since a book made my Hall of Fame and so hopefully that gives some indication of what a special book this is.<br />
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Lori Anderson. I really don't know where to start except to say that I <i>loved</i> her. She is a bounty hunter and mother to nine-year-old Dakota who has leukaemia. Desperate for cash to pay for her daughter's treatment she takes on an extremely risky case, and has no choice but to take Dakota along for the ride. The only problem (actually, the first of many problems) is that the person she is hunting is her former mentor JT, the man who taught her everything she knows, and the man who knows all her secrets. I went into this book knowing nothing other than what I've just relayed about the plot and I advise anybody planning on reading this book to do the same. More often than not I have to read the blurb to have some idea of what's to come, but I wanted to know as little about the plot as possible and that paid off as it resulted in an extremely tense and addictive read that contained a whole multitude of shocks and surprises (though one kind of major plot twist I did work out very early) and had I been hooked up to a heart rate monitor reading this book, the chart would have been all over the place. Believe me when I say that thrillers don't come much more thrilling than <i>Deep Down Dead</i>.<br />
<br />
<i>Deep Down Dead</i> might be a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled read but Steph Broadribb does not sacrifice character development to achieve that. Instead we are treated to three characters who will live on in my memory (not least because Steph finishes this debut novel leaving the reader absolutely desperate for more) as some of my favourites. At first I was thinking why oh why would you take a young child on such a dangerous case but then, because I was so invested in the story and these characters something happened and I actually shouted out loud 'No!'. Yes, really. I think that was the point I knew it was going to be a late night of reading. I began to get a real understanding of Lori's fears for her daughter's health and how her thinking, the logical part at least, was hugely affected by that. A mother desperate to save her child from something like this will do absolutely everything to achieve that and Lori might doubt herself throughout the story but it was clear to me just how much she loved Dakota and they both became real characters in my mind, characters who I truly believed in and I can't tell you how much I was hoping for the best whilst reading this book. I can't say too much about JT without stepping into spoiler territory but he was also a character I very much enjoyed reading about and his history with Lori is what really makes these characters feel so real. The scenes between them are so highly charged that at times I felt almost like an intruder, an intruder who refused to look away. I'm not too sure how I would describe Lori to somebody because she is a woman with many layers, but as a bounty hunter she is strong, fearless, ballsy and more than a match for any man. I can see someone calling her the female Jack Reacher, but I'll jump in and say she has more heart but, in terms of a thriller character, certain similarities can be drawn. I wouldn't want to mess with her, put it that way. I imagined her as some kind of cross between Doris Day's Calamity Jane (a modern version) mixed with the looks of Sookie Stackhouse. Quite the combination.<br />
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Just in case it isn't clear yet how much I loved this book I wanted to mention something else that really made me enjoy it even more and that's setting. For someone who has written hundreds of reviews (I don't really call them that, more just my thoughts about a book) I am often really bad at describing how something came across to me and what I'm trying to say is that this whole book had that 'American' feel that I have always loved when I watch American thriller movies or TV shows like <i>Breaking Bad</i>, even the dialogue between the characters had that feeling. I'm not sure Lori would appreciate her speech being called cute, but at times that's almost what it was like. It wouldn't be clear to a reader unaware of who the author was that she wasn't American herself and it's clearly research (I believe Steph knows her way around a taser) and knowledge that has allowed her to write a novel with this amount of authenticity when it comes to the setting. And mentioning film, <i>Deep Down Dead</i> is just crying out to be made into a film. Just look at that cover, it's movie poster ready and probably one of my favourite covers of the year. It's just fantastic, and so suited to the book. Carrying on with setting and some of the scenes in this book take place in a theme park and, despite the danger the characters were in at the time, it was such a fantastic setting for a book to take place and some of the scenes taking place here were my favourite of the whole book (and certainly the ones that had my heart racing the most). Steph's writing is incredibly immersive and creates some quite vivid imagery in the mind of the reader, it was very easy to picture these scenes in my mind and the action barely lets up the whole way through and it's a thoroughly exciting read but also with a lot of danger throughout for our main characters and it's never clear just where that danger is coming from, or whether our characters will be able to get away from it.<br />
<br />
I was at the 95% mark on my Kindle and the action still showed no signs of slowing down, <i>Deep Down Dead</i> is all action from start to finish. Then, sadly, the story did end and I was left desperate for more. This is one of those books that I wish I had the confidence to do something like climb up on the roof of a Waterstones with a megaphone and scream at passers-by to buy it, but I don't think that'd achieve much other than to get me arrested. So, as a blogger all I can do is hope that people read my review (which is surely just going to be one of hundreds) and take away from it that this really is a very special and rare kind of debut, a thriller that won't be forgotten and with characters that won't be forgotten (and not just the good ones, the villains in this book are rotten to the core) and that my rambling about how much I loved it can make even just a few people take a chance on the book as I just know that anybody who does will love it as much as I did. Luckily for Steph Broadribb she already has a megaphone-wielding super-publicist behind her in Karen Sullivan and if one of the hardest-working and most passionate people in publishing can't make this book a roaring success, nobody can. I cannot recommend <i>Deep Down Dead</i> enough, it is easily one of the best books I have read this year and it's my favourite release from Orenda Books. I simply cannot wait for the sequel.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5290706217595418594.post-40809316191472503312016-10-10T11:31:00.000+01:002016-10-10T11:31:04.452+01:00Review: Safe With Me by K.L. Slater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenq41ijmr0IRxm7LTC7s6cRACAEFa2ErZGbGHVbOwJMs5rytRJNK0F7NAN0r70MpvisQRxmtldNnYShpp5DDusj2yoUm5lXFlwiD2CbaNvWdHV5hWz5nxcc2UzFw9HhxWn6YVbDVBNAM5/s1600/safewithme.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenq41ijmr0IRxm7LTC7s6cRACAEFa2ErZGbGHVbOwJMs5rytRJNK0F7NAN0r70MpvisQRxmtldNnYShpp5DDusj2yoUm5lXFlwiD2CbaNvWdHV5hWz5nxcc2UzFw9HhxWn6YVbDVBNAM5/s320/safewithme.png" width="208" /></a></div>
<b>Title</b>: Safe With Me<br />
<b>Author</b>: K.L. Slater<br />
<b>Publisher</b>: Bookouture<br />
<b>Publication Date</b>: 3rd November 2016<br />
<b>Pages</b>: 324<br />
<b>Source</b>: Review Copy<br />
<b>Rating</b>: 4.5/5<br />
<b>Purchase</b>: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Safe-Me-psychological-thriller-breath-ebook/dp/B01K4MJVH6">Amazon</a></b><br />
<blockquote>
Thirteen years ago someone did something very bad to Anna. Now it’s her turn to get even …<br />
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Anna lives a solitary existence, taking solace in order and routine. Her only friend is the lonely old lady next door. She doesn’t like to let people to get too close – she knows how much damage they can do.<br />
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Then one ordinary day Anna witnesses a devastating road accident and recognises the driver as Carla, the woman who ruined her life all those years ago. Now it’s Anna’s chance to set things straight but her revenge needs to be executed carefully …<br />
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First she needs to get to know Liam, the man injured in the accident. She needs to follow the police investigation. She needs to watch Carla from the shadows…<br />
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But as Anna’s obsession with Carla escalates, her own secrets start to unravel. Is Carla really dangerous or does Anna need to worry about someone far closer to home?</blockquote>
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<a name='more'></a>I am currently on a Bookouture binge and <i>Safe With Me</i> is one of the books I picked up recently not knowing exactly what to expect. What followed was a tense twenty-four hours as I read this book at every available opportunity. Regular readers of my blog might remember those books that I become so consumed by that I download them to the Kindle app on my iPhone to read them whenever I can (such as shopping in ASDA or walking to and from work), <i>Safe With Me</i> became one of those books because I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end.<br />
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In <i>Safe With Me</i> we mostly follow the character of Anna who is a bit of a damaged character and one who as the book progressed became so unpredictable that I actually felt quite frightened more than once as I read. She is witness to a devastating road accident where she recognises the driver as Carla, the woman who ruined her life thirteen years ago. Anna immediately spots the opportunity to get revenge on Carla, first by befriending Liam, the man injured in the accident. Anna soon becomes obsessed with Carla and Liam, and soon the question in my head was who is the dangerous one here? It all pointed at Anna who would stop at nothing to get her revenge. If you haven't already then do not read the blurb because having finished the book it almost gives quite a big plot twist away.<br />
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At the beginning of the novel we see Anna as a woman who shuts herself off from the world apart from those she sees at work as a postal worker for the Royal Mail or next door neighbour Joan Peat. This is all because of something that happened in her past. Something that she blames Carla for and as the book progresses some of the chapters show us what happened thirteen years ago to make Anna have such a hatred for Carla. (One niggle here is that Carla had an iPhone thirteen years ago and they didn't exist then). Anna soon develops a quite unhealthy attachment to Liam and really pushes her way into his life and that of his grandmother. It was quite uncomfortable reading the lengths she went through to ingratiate herself into their lives and she soon finds herself on a real downward spiral. Because the characters are so well-drawn and realistic, I did find the story quite believable and even though Anna wasn't a wholly likeable character, there were reasons for the way she was behaving and I could feel some kind of sympathy for her. I'm just glad she doesn't deliver my mail.<br />
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In terms of how the story progresses it is of course difficult to talk in any more detail about it except to say that I didn't work out where it was going or what was ultimately going to happen to Anna and the rest of the characters. One of my favourites was Joan and there was even a big surprise involved with this character too. That's what I loved about this book, the dangers and the twists came from everywhere and when you least expected them. As you read you know the worst is coming, I felt like I was witnessing something that I really shouldn't be witnessing and yet I couldn't take my eyes off my Kindle, or press its screen quick enough to finish this story. I was mostly impressed with the plot itself because I had a few ideas in my head of how the story was going to end, or about the true intentions of some of the characters and none of them were right. I am going to put that down to Kim Slater's ability to lead the reader down the wrong path and her brilliant storytelling rather than my own obliviousness to the little nuances throughout. <i>Safe With Me</i> is a remarkable debut novel and I am incredibly excited to read more from Kim Slater.Book Addict Shaunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06667198070171330712noreply@blogger.com0