**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
On the run from a controlling husband and his underworld associates, Charlotte has adopted a new identity as an off-season caretaker in a tiny, deserted alpine resort. She knows dangerous people are after her and she's trying to convince herself she's okay. She's happy to be alone but she jumps every time the floor creaks or the wind whistles. But then strange things start happening and she starts to realise that every escape route is being sealed off one by one...
Having read previous novels from this author, I was expecting an action-packed heart-racer. I was half right: it's more of a slow-burner full of tension and anxiety, but certainly still sets the heart racing with the anticipation of something bad to happen. Charlotte has isolated herself in an empty ski resort to escape the clutches of others - she's frightened to the point of paranoia. Although, is it paranoia if there actually is a bunch of bad guys after you? The storyline is a cat and mouse game that cleverly alternates Charlotte's history and her current situation. Nothing is quite as it seems in this atmospheric read... Overall: if you are into tension-filled slow-moving thrillers, you'll find this one a treat....more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a lovely story about three friends who meet and live together in Paris before life circumstances pull them apart, and then they end up all back together in Paris again. The character perspectives alternate between Margot (Australian), Claire (French) and Gina (American). The titular gown references a Dior dress that the three end up sharing, with each wearing it once in an important moment of their lives. The storyline follows the women as they each work out what they really want from life and how to achieve this - particularly in relation to careers and then also relationships. At the core ofthis story is friendship, career ambition and some elements of romance. I found this to be a pleasant and satisfying story. ...more
This was an entertaining mystery story that uses the setting of a podcast to look at an unsolved crime. The narrative is told entirely as podcast, vidThis was an entertaining mystery story that uses the setting of a podcast to look at an unsolved crime. The narrative is told entirely as podcast, video and interview transcripts as well as comments listed on social media which worked quite well in my opinion. The Lancaster family felt familiar with their reality show antics - think like the Kardashian or Osborne family reality shows. It becomes quickly clear that they are untrustworthy in relation to the disappearance of a young man years ago from a party at their home. I found this to be an easy and engaging read. I have to admit though I wasn't a huge fan of the end; I didn't hate it, but I just thought it was getting a bit too hard to be clever. Overall: I quite enjoyed this book and would happily read another by the author. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
This is an A**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
This is an Australian crime novel that I very much enjoyed. It will surprise readers to learn it is a debut novel for the author given just how well-written and engaging it is. After the murder of a local woman in a small town, the consensus is 11-year-old Matty's dad did it. Matty is a budding journalist and links up with the local journalist Stuart to try and uncover what exactly happened to Wendy; the book alternates between Matty and Stuart's point-of-views. The character development of Stuart, the lazy journalist with a drinking problem, was great. Matty was one of the best child perspectives I've read for awhile, and I have no doubt that every reader will be cheering him along. Overall: an impressive and absorbing Australian crime fiction debut. ...more
I found this one quite absorbing, I really enjoyed it. The perspectives switch primarily between four female friends who are off an a hike up a mountaI found this one quite absorbing, I really enjoyed it. The perspectives switch primarily between four female friends who are off an a hike up a mountain in Norway. Bit of a stretch considering none of them are hikers, but as you do haha. When they arrive they learn that a year ago a local woman went missing from the exact place they are planning to go. They set off on their hike and readers gradually learn that each of the women have their own respective issues going on in their lives. As the weather worsens rapidly, old and new resentments are laid to bare, and there is an ominous feeling that something very bad is going to happen to at least one of these women. It's a real atmospheric read with the tension ramped up high - an excellent thriller that I'd happily recommend. ...more
I read this after reading the 'Haunting Adeline' duet. The main character from this novel, Sibby, also appears in those novels and to be honest she waI read this after reading the 'Haunting Adeline' duet. The main character from this novel, Sibby, also appears in those novels and to be honest she was one of my favourite characters in those books purely because of how unhinged she was, it was entertaining. I can't say I enjoyed this one much though. I think it's probably best described as torture porn. Heavy on the graphic gore, heavy on the sex scenes. To be super blunt, the writing is not great either. But the book is quite short so it is a very quick read. It is something different though which is why I picked it up. Overall: not really for me....more
I've had this one on my to be read list for awhile and finally got around to it. I thought it started off quite intriguing, however by th**3.5 stars**
I've had this one on my to be read list for awhile and finally got around to it. I thought it started off quite intriguing, however by the end I have to admit that I'd rate it as an average read for me. On the other hand I do think it was a great debut novel for the author and fans of Australian crime thrillers may appreciate it as it has primarily positive reviews on Goodreads. Set in wine country in Mudgee, New South Wales, there were a lot of references to the wine making industry and the art industry - neither are my forte so it was probably a bit lost on this reader. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the storyline with the gradual reveal of who the perpetrator was mixed in with some clever red herrings. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 July 2024****4.5 stars**
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 July 2024**
Having enjoyed previous novels by this author I went into this one with my hopes up and it didn't disappoint. If I had to put the storyline in a box it would be best described as a quirky love story. The only thing is that I'm pretty sure it wouldn't happen in real life - that's the magical realism element coming to play when Eileen somehow gets pulled into the setting of her favourite romance fiction series. At first it seems like a dream come true as she meets characters who had their happily ever afters, but it seems Elsy's presence is causing a ripple effect and things aren't quite right. As she tries to 'fix' things, Elsy ends up on her own journey of self-reflection and maybe on her way to her own happily ever after... Overall: a sweet escapism story that will touch the hearts of romance readers - happily recommend. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024***4.5 stars**
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I loved this high tension quick read. It started its life as an audiobook but has thankfully made it to print. This intense cat-and-mouse type thriller will keep you on the edge of your seats, biting your nails at the same time. It's well-written, has clever twists and is completely engrossing. Readers who have read previous novels from the author will spot a familiar face; I personally didn't know that was coming and was thrilled. Overall: I devoured this one, absolutely loved it - definitively one of my favourite thriller reads of 2024. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I found aspects**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I found aspects of this book quite interesting with the focus on the divisions in society and the different responsibilities, relationships and general living which occurs in both sides. Of course I knew that there were different classes in society, but I hadn't appreciated that in that time period people from a higher class were not supposed to interact at all with those from a lower class. I was quite surprised and honestly shocked to read that if a man did a wrong thing, his entire family were shunned for it and paid the price for it, even if he had left them. In terms of the friendship between Maggie and Lil, it was quite sweet and Maggie certainly had quite a big personal journey throughout the storyline. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get a character point-of-view from Lil as I think the storyline would have benefited from her perspective. Overall: an enjoyable Australian historical fiction....more
This one is an Australian rural romance/domestic drama novel, with the author having done other books set in the same town so if you've read any of thThis one is an Australian rural romance/domestic drama novel, with the author having done other books set in the same town so if you've read any of them you'll spot some familiar names. It's an easy light hearted read with some realistic issues going on for the characters. The lead characters Charity and Lachlan are both likeable and readers will spend the book hoping they manage to get together by the end after meeting on the way to a B&S ball event. By the way, having never been to a B&S event, that certainly sounds like a crazy time! The more serious elements of the book look at family relationships, grief and also the realities of trying to find a partner in small rural towns. Happily recommend for those that enjoy Australian rural romance. ...more
Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews
>
Books:
Read
(1117)
Loading...
