It was 2003 and Greer Mackenzie and her husband Colin had been housekeepers of Ardbray House in Scotland's Highlands for a long time, and before GreerIt was 2003 and Greer Mackenzie and her husband Colin had been housekeepers of Ardbray House in Scotland's Highlands for a long time, and before Greer, her family had continued the tradition. Kitty had taken up residence in 1899 with her new husband Charles Maclean, and while he travelled back and forth to his cotton business in Glasgow, to start with, Kitty went with him. But it wasn't long before Charles spent his time in Glasgow and Kitty in Ardbray House. Kitty loved the big, sprawling mansion and soon built a herb garden, with her medical knowledge - from her father - helping her in knowing what to plant. Her fascination of herbalism, the books she devoured - all kept her content. Until a day, ten years later, when disaster struck...
When Caitlin Black arrived at Ardbray House in 2003, Greer had all but given up that the house would be sold. It had been fifty years since the last of the family left, and although Greer and Colin kept the place as best they could, renovations were sorely needed. Was Caitlin the person who would buy Ardbray House, and restore it to its former beauty? She did a lot of research, she loved the house and area - it could be so.
The Herbalist's Secret is the debut novel of Annabelle Marx and I found it astounding! So hard to believe it's the author's debut! Hauntingly beautiful writing, the dazzling picture of the loch which Ardbray House was beside, the mountains and isolation which surrounded it; outstanding! Kitty herself is an excellent character who fills her part with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both Glasgow and Ardbray House, and am keenly looking forward to the author's next novel. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
It was 2003 and Greer Mackenzie and her husband Colin had been housekeepers of Ardbray House in Scotland's Highlands for a long time, and before Greer, her family had continued the tradition. Kitty had taken up residence in 1899 with her new husband Charles Maclean, and while he travelled back and forth to his cotton business in Glasgow, to start with, Kitty went with him. But it wasn't long before Charles spent his time in Glasgow and Kitty in Ardbray House. Kitty loved the big, sprawling mansion and soon built a herb garden, with her medical knowledge - from her father - helping her in knowing what to plant. Her fascination of herbalism, the books she devoured - all kept her content. Until a day, ten years later, when disaster struck...
When Caitlin Black arrived at Ardbray House in 2003, Greer had all but given up that the house would be sold. It had been fifty years since the last of the family left, and although Greer and Colin kept the place as best they could, renovations were sorely needed. Was Caitlin the person who would buy Ardbray House, and restore it to its former beauty? She did a lot of research, she loved the house and area - it could be so.
The Herbalist's Secret is the debut novel of Annabelle Marx and I found it astounding! So hard to believe it's the author's debut! Hauntingly beautiful writing, the dazzling picture of the loch which Ardbray House was beside, the mountains and isolation which surrounded it; outstanding! Kitty herself is an excellent character who fills her part with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both Glasgow and Ardbray House, and am keenly looking forward to the author's next novel. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1911 in Edinburgh and Miss Maud McIntyre had just opened her own detective agency, in partnership with former lady's maid, Daisy Cameron. They It was 1911 in Edinburgh and Miss Maud McIntyre had just opened her own detective agency, in partnership with former lady's maid, Daisy Cameron. They were yet to have any clients when the Duchess of Duddingston hired them as she was holding a Saturday-to-Monday weekend party and her knowledge of jewel thieves at previous parties had her concerned about her own. So Maud and Daisy were to go to the Duddingston House estate as the Duchess' guests, along with the others who would be there. But would it be a long and boring waste of time for the two fledgling detectives?
When a scream was heard in the middle of the night, all the guests rushed from their rooms in their night attire, and when one of the guests was discovered deceased, as well as jewellry missing, Maud and Daisy knew they had a case on their hands - but they hadn't expected murder to be included! Would they discover the culprit before the end of the weekend?
What a delightful start to a new series! I thoroughly enjoyed The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency by debut author Lydia Travers and am very much looking forward to book 2, Murder in the Scottish Hills. Both Maud and Daisy are great characters, and their disguises are lots of fun. With a dry wit and plenty of laugh out loud moments, I have no hesitation in recommending this historical cosy mystery to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
It was 1911 in Edinburgh and Miss Maud McIntyre had just opened her own detective agency, in partnership with former lady's maid, Daisy Cameron. They were yet to have any clients when the Duchess of Duddingston hired them as she was holding a Saturday-to-Monday weekend party and her knowledge of jewel thieves at previous parties had her concerned about her own. So Maud and Daisy were to go to the Duddingston House estate as the Duchess' guests, along with the others who would be there. But would it be a long and boring waste of time for the two fledgling detectives?
When a scream was heard in the middle of the night, all the guests rushed from their rooms in their night attire, and when one of the guests was discovered deceased, as well as jewellry missing, Maud and Daisy knew they had a case on their hands - but they hadn't expected murder to be included! Would they discover the culprit before the end of the weekend?
What a delightful start to a new series! I thoroughly enjoyed The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency by debut author Lydia Travers and am very much looking forward to book 2, Murder in the Scottish Hills. Both Maud and Daisy are great characters, and their disguises are lots of fun. With a dry wit and plenty of laugh out loud moments, I have no hesitation in recommending this historical cosy mystery to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Jimmy Mullen had served in the Falklands War where he’d eventually been medically discharged. He suffered from PTSD but was unaware of it – he was “fiJimmy Mullen had served in the Falklands War where he’d eventually been medically discharged. He suffered from PTSD but was unaware of it – he was “fine” according to Jimmy. Now homeless, all he needed was his faithful dog named Dog by his side, friends Gadge and Deano, and he would manage the rest. But the night he heard the argument and the following splash, he grappled with his conscience, concluding it “wasn’t his fight”.
Meeting up with Carrie after Jimmy had seen an article in the paper, he tried to explain what he’d seen and heard that night. She convinced Jimmy to go to the police with the story, but they were sceptical – looking at who Jimmy was, their minds were made up. But Jimmy was determined to help Carrie find her missing dad, not realizing he was putting himself in grave danger from both past and current enemies. As Carrie and Jimmy came closer to the truth, there were people determined that truth wouldn’t come out. What would happen to the war veteran and the young woman he was trying to help?
The Man on the Street is the debut novel of British author Trevor Wood, and it’s a gritty and fast-paced crime thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. Twists and turns throughout, red herrings, an excellent plot and great characters makes The Man on the Street one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Quercus Books UK via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Jimmy Mullen had served in the Falklands War where he’d eventually been medically discharged. He suffered from PTSD but was unaware of it – he was “fine” according to Jimmy. Now homeless, all he needed was his faithful dog named Dog by his side, friends Gadge and Deano, and he would manage the rest. But the night he heard the argument and the following splash, he grappled with his conscience, concluding it “wasn’t his fight”.
Meeting up with Carrie after Jimmy had seen an article in the paper, he tried to explain what he’d seen and heard that night. She convinced Jimmy to go to the police with the story, but they were sceptical – looking at who Jimmy was, their minds were made up. But Jimmy was determined to help Carrie find her missing dad, not realizing he was putting himself in grave danger from both past and current enemies. As Carrie and Jimmy came closer to the truth, there were people determined that truth wouldn’t come out. What would happen to the war veteran and the young woman he was trying to help?
The Man on the Street is the debut novel of British author Trevor Wood, and it’s a gritty and fast-paced crime thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. Twists and turns throughout, red herrings, an excellent plot and great characters makes The Man on the Street one I highly recommend.
With thanks to Quercus Books UK via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Tori McNair had just lost her beloved grandmother, Margaret, and once again her husband Duncan neglected to tell her important information regarding tTori McNair had just lost her beloved grandmother, Margaret, and once again her husband Duncan neglected to tell her important information regarding the funeral. It was one thing too many, and Tori had had enough. She fled her husband and his abuse, as well as the mother she didn't get along with, and the sister who sided with her husband. Tori's arrival in Florence, the city her grandmother used to bring her when Tori was a child, soothed her, and as she found an apartment, and a lawyer, contacted her agent about the book she was writing, and set to finding out about divorcing Duncan, she gradually found some peace.
Researching her grandmother's life took her back to a young man named Achille, and his younger sister Stella. Both were active in the resistance during the war, and both survived. But when Achille was tragically killed, and Stella vanished, Tori wondered if she'd hit a wall. Could she discover more about her grandmother, and about the secrets long hidden?
I was initially drawn to Escape to Tuscany by the beautiful cover, and the historical aspect cemented the need for me to read it. Escape to Tuscany is Kat Devereaux's debut novel and is set in Italy among ancient old buildings, restaurants, museums and art galleries - a divine place to find yourself, as Tori needed to. I enjoyed the historical side of the story the best, with Stella, Achille, their parents, the old priest, and many partisan friends - Tori was harder to like. But I definitely enjoyed it, and also recommend it :)
With thanks to NetGalley and Amy of Head of Zeus, for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Tori McNair had just lost her beloved grandmother, Margaret, and once again her husband Duncan neglected to tell her important information regarding the funeral. It was one thing too many, and Tori had had enough. She fled her husband and his abuse, as well as the mother she didn't get along with, and the sister who sided with her husband. Tori's arrival in Florence, the city her grandmother used to bring her when Tori was a child, soothed her, and as she found an apartment, and a lawyer, contacted her agent about the book she was writing, and set to finding out about divorcing Duncan, she gradually found some peace.
Researching her grandmother's life took her back to a young man named Achille, and his younger sister Stella. Both were active in the resistance during the war, and both survived. But when Achille was tragically killed, and Stella vanished, Tori wondered if she'd hit a wall. Could she discover more about her grandmother, and about the secrets long hidden?
I was initially drawn to Escape to Tuscany by the beautiful cover, and the historical aspect cemented the need for me to read it. Escape to Tuscany is Kat Devereaux's debut novel and is set in Italy among ancient old buildings, restaurants, museums and art galleries - a divine place to find yourself, as Tori needed to. I enjoyed the historical side of the story the best, with Stella, Achille, their parents, the old priest, and many partisan friends - Tori was harder to like. But I definitely enjoyed it, and also recommend it :)
With thanks to NetGalley and Amy of Head of Zeus, for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Detective Sara Hirst left London and her mother to join the small Norfolk Police Station’s Serious Crimes Unit, hoping she would settle in well, and aDetective Sara Hirst left London and her mother to join the small Norfolk Police Station’s Serious Crimes Unit, hoping she would settle in well, and also have some success in finding the father who had deserted her when she was only two years old. Sara didn’t have a lot of information about her father, except an old box with letters inside.
Sara’s first day with her new unit was fraught with bitterness as the boss hadn’t bothered to mention her starting. The shock of the others, one of whom thought she would have Sara's job, made Sara uncomfortable – not a good start. When the team was called out to a body in a ditch, the subsequent investigation uncovered many secrets. It also unexpectedly connected to another case the police were investigating. What would be the outcome for Sara? Would this first week in her new job also be her last?
Under Violent Skies is author Judi Daykin’s debut novel, and it’s a fast paced, tension filled crime procedural which I enjoyed very much. It’s hard to believe it’s a debut novel, and I hope it’s the beginning of a series, as I’d be keen to read more about Sara and the team. There were a lot of characters, but it was easy to keep track of them all. I think my favourite is Agnes – tough, determined, and very switched on. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Detective Sara Hirst left London and her mother to join the small Norfolk Police Station’s Serious Crimes Unit, hoping she would settle in well, and also have some success in finding the father who had deserted her when she was only two years old. Sara didn’t have a lot of information about her father, except an old box with letters inside.
Sara’s first day with her new unit was fraught with bitterness as the boss hadn’t bothered to mention her starting. The shock of the others, one of whom thought she would have Sara's job, made Sara uncomfortable – not a good start. When the team was called out to a body in a ditch, the subsequent investigation uncovered many secrets. It also unexpectedly connected to another case the police were investigating. What would be the outcome for Sara? Would this first week in her new job also be her last?
Under Violent Skies is author Judi Daykin’s debut novel, and it’s a fast paced, tension filled crime procedural which I enjoyed very much. It’s hard to believe it’s a debut novel, and I hope it’s the beginning of a series, as I’d be keen to read more about Sara and the team. There were a lot of characters, but it was easy to keep track of them all. I think my favourite is Agnes – tough, determined, and very switched on. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Four-year-old Esther and her eight-year-old sister Dorothy were accompanying their mother on a “special journey” but the destination wasn’t one eitherFour-year-old Esther and her eight-year-old sister Dorothy were accompanying their mother on a “special journey” but the destination wasn’t one either of them had expected. The Blakely Hall orphanage was run by a cruel, bitter woman who was to be the bane of the sisters’ existence. It was 1929 when they started their new lives at the orphanage and Esther strongly believed their mam would return for them. But when first Dorothy left at sixteen, then Esther a matter of weeks before her sixteenth birthday as war was declared, Esther’s anger at their mother abandoning them hadn’t abated.
When Dorothy and Esther – now Etty which she quite liked – moved into a little house together, Etty was overjoyed. The sisters were together again. But it was 1940 and the country was in the grips of war with London continually under attack from air raids. Their lives contained many highs, and too many lows but worse was to come. What would happen to the two sisters? Would Etty and Dorothy know peace after the war? Would they find their mother?
The Orphan Sisters is the debut novel by Shirley Dickson, and is a heartbreaking story of hope, sisterly love and support, and the devastating effects of war. I loved this book from the beginning – I was recommending it at only 20% in! Dorothy is a kind hearted and forgiving girl, while Etty is a feisty young woman, determined to prove herself. Thoroughly enjoyable, I highly recommend The Orphan Sisters to all fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Four-year-old Esther and her eight-year-old sister Dorothy were accompanying their mother on a “special journey” but the destination wasn’t one either of them had expected. The Blakely Hall orphanage was run by a cruel, bitter woman who was to be the bane of the sisters’ existence. It was 1929 when they started their new lives at the orphanage and Esther strongly believed their mam would return for them. But when first Dorothy left at sixteen, then Esther a matter of weeks before her sixteenth birthday as war was declared, Esther’s anger at their mother abandoning them hadn’t abated.
When Dorothy and Esther – now Etty which she quite liked – moved into a little house together, Etty was overjoyed. The sisters were together again. But it was 1940 and the country was in the grips of war with London continually under attack from air raids. Their lives contained many highs, and too many lows but worse was to come. What would happen to the two sisters? Would Etty and Dorothy know peace after the war? Would they find their mother?
The Orphan Sisters is the debut novel by Shirley Dickson, and is a heartbreaking story of hope, sisterly love and support, and the devastating effects of war. I loved this book from the beginning – I was recommending it at only 20% in! Dorothy is a kind hearted and forgiving girl, while Etty is a feisty young woman, determined to prove herself. Thoroughly enjoyable, I highly recommend The Orphan Sisters to all fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Kate had lost everything and when a ten-day retreat for writers was offered on a remote Irish island, Rathlin, and she was accepted into the group, shKate had lost everything and when a ten-day retreat for writers was offered on a remote Irish island, Rathlin, and she was accepted into the group, she hoped it would work to ease her mind; to recover the memories from a mind which was blank from trauma. The journey from London was a long one, the final few miles across the channel to the island by ferry, rough and exhilarating. Kate had no idea what to expect, all she had was hope.
Cormac ran the retreat, with help from Ewan. The old manor they were all housed in had been renovated; it was enthralling as they all sat around in a circle, listening to their host list the itinerary for the following ten days. He warned them some days would be hard but they weren't really prepared for what lay ahead. The wild weather accentuated the tasks; the howling wind and brutal storms caused fragmented memories to return to Kate and she wrote it all in her journal so she wouldn't forget again. It was all so intense...
Creepy, atmospheric and chilling best describes The Fog by debut Aussie author Brooke Hardwick. With well written characters who played their parts particularly aptly, the horror of some actions had me cringing. While there were a couple of places that didn't gel (view spoiler)[(the journals were supposed to be locked in the chest overnight, but Kate wrote in hers at night. I won't mention the other as it's a total spoiler (hide spoiler)], it was a good psychological thriller, especially as the author's debut. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster AU for my digital ARC to read....more
It was England, 1940 and Rose was still sad her sister Eleanor had left them for the bright lights of London; left their sick mother and brutal step-fIt was England, 1940 and Rose was still sad her sister Eleanor had left them for the bright lights of London; left their sick mother and brutal step-father Norman. Rose was doing her best to care for her mam, but being in the presence of Norman made her want to flee like Eleanor had. The night she was breathing in the fresh salt air, away from their cottage, and saw a plane fly over and a parachute fall from its innards, Rose had no idea her life was about to become even more complicated. For the injured airman was Walter, a reluctant German spy, who wanted to hand himself in as soon as his feet hit the ground. Rose persuaded him otherwise, as the law had changed and Germans on British soil were to be executed. Could she hide him, and tend to his injuries? Should she?
1990, Canada, and Emma had received a letter from solicitors in England, stating she'd been left a significant parcel of land and small cottage by her Great Aunt Rose, a woman Emma had never met. Emma flew to England, leaving her husband Mike behind, with the intention of selling the land and cottage. But what she learned about Great Aunt Rose, astounded her. Who was this reclusive old lady who'd buried herself away in the forest called Silverwood Vale? And how had she come to own the forest which housed such beauty?
Her Secret Soldier is an exceptional historical novel, based on fact, by Julie Hartley, which I loved. A heartbreaking story, but a story of hope and love, of resilience and courage, and one of trust; following Rose's journey was an inspiration. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review....more
Elma returned to Akranes - her old home town - after many years in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, as a police detective. The ending of her relationshipElma returned to Akranes - her old home town - after many years in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, as a police detective. The ending of her relationship of 9 years shattered her, so she returned to where her parents were, which made her feel safe and secure. But when the body of a woman was discovered on the rocks at the edge of the ocean, under the lighthouse, Elma and her team members - Sævar and Hörður - began an investigation which was at best, uncomfortable, and at worst, uncovering secrets which had been hidden for decades.
As Elma followed her intuition and asked the hard questions, only Hörður's thoughts weren't aligned with hers. Sævar was coming round to the way Elma was thinking, but none of them could possibly imagine what was ahead for them all...
The Creak on the Stairs is the 1st in the Forbidden Iceland series by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir and translated by Victoria Cribb. I picked it up because I needed a translated fiction book for a challenge, and found the plot immensely intriguing. But the ending was abrupt plus the conclusion didn't feel complete. There were definitely more answers needed which left me a little baffled - I doubt I'll continue the series. ...more
Journalist Kate Delaney had enjoyed a night out with her girlfriends and when Sylvie last saw her, she was walking to her boyfriend, Liam's place. ButJournalist Kate Delaney had enjoyed a night out with her girlfriends and when Sylvie last saw her, she was walking to her boyfriend, Liam's place. But Liam was frantic as Kate hadn't arrived there - 3am; 4am; 5am - still no sign of her. Liam rang Sylvie who hadn't seen or heard from Kate since they'd separated. He raced to Kate's house, hoping she'd gone there, but when the house was deserted, he dialed 000.
It wasn't long before an investigation was launched. But was Kate abducted? And was it a random attack or did they have a serial on their hands? Meanwhile Kate was frantic. She knew she'd shot her mouth off at the wrong guy, and now she was in trouble. What was he going to do with her? Could she escape?
Pheasants Nest is Aussie author Louise Milligan's debut novel and I was keen to read it, as Pheasants Nest in NSW's Southern Highlands, is an area I've been to often. We'd always stop there for fuel, about 40kms south of Sydney, relax with a cuppa, stretch our legs. So it was fully visual in my mind. Unfortunately, although the mystery surrounding Kate was a great plot, there was too much dialogue; not enough action and I found myself skimming.
With thanks to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin AU for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
1983 in Moscow saw Ella deep in her dreams of stardom; to be acting in War & Peace at the Moscow Theatre Academy. But when she became mixed up in a pr1983 in Moscow saw Ella deep in her dreams of stardom; to be acting in War & Peace at the Moscow Theatre Academy. But when she became mixed up in a protest - wrong place, wrong time - with her good friend Vlad, the KGB were instantly made aware. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Roman, whom she'd just discovered she was pregnant to, was creating problems and pushing boundaries. Ella had to quit the Academy, much to her distress, which made her rival smile with glee. But would she keep the baby? Confused, Ella sought advice; marrying Roman was the answer. But did she love him? Suddenly Roman was arrested and sentenced to two years in a labour camp. How could Ella escape the oppression of the Soviet regime? She needed to flee the country she'd learned to hate.
The Girl From Moscow is Aussie author Julia Levitina's debut novel and it wasn't what I expected. It seemed to tread water for quite some time, with the focus on Ella's pregnancy, Roman and other friends, drawn out. Olga's days during the war were few and far between and didn't really feel relevant, which was a shame. There could have been more depth to that part of the story. That said, I'll be interested to see what the author has for us next.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1942 when sixteen year old Maya Schulze arrived in Sawin, the German labour camp, with her mother and step father. It wasn't long before starvaIt was 1942 when sixteen year old Maya Schulze arrived in Sawin, the German labour camp, with her mother and step father. It wasn't long before starvation and hunger were a part of their lives; the hard work for twelve hours a day, digging trenches in the bitter cold and the burning heat. Gradually their number dwindled as their fellow Jews died or were murdered. The Commandant of Sawin was a cruel, brutal man; keeping clear of him was a must.
The concert that was planned saw Maya being asked to dance for the camp. Dancing had been her life but could she perform in front of the guards and Commandant, as well as her fellow Jews? But dance she did and the music took her away from the horrors she was living, back to when she was carefree. And a Polish guard saw her and took note of her. Jan fell in love with Maya, and she with him as they took those stolen minutes when they could. Jan plotted her escape, but it was dangerous - they would both be killed if the plot was discovered...
1995 Sydney, and Kate Young was a journalist originally from the UK. She attended a Holocaust survivors' memorial and there she met the elderly Maya, who decided it was time to tell her story, and see if the young Kate, with her contacts, could find the man she'd been looking for all her life. Time was against them, as Maya's memory was failing.
Maya's Dance by Aussie author Helen Signy is a heartbreaking fictional story based on the life of Lucie Pollack-Langford who was in a labour camp during the Holocaust. Both the young and elderly Maya are excellent characters; her courage and endurance; her views on life after the war - she is inspirational. The traumas the Jews suffered is well documented, but this one was slightly different in that the camp at Sawin wasn't a death camp. But death still visited. Recommended. (unfortunately I don't think the book cover fully fits the story.)
With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1879 and Della Rose was on the look out for someone affluent on whom to use her skills. She was the best pickpocket in London and had never beeIt was 1879 and Della Rose was on the look out for someone affluent on whom to use her skills. She was the best pickpocket in London and had never been caught, so her confidence was high. But Cole Winthrop had an agenda and had been watching Della for some time, so when she approached him, he was ready. Cole needed a thief to catch a thief. When his father's papers had been stolen, Cole was determined to carry on his father's work, and he needed to get the papers back. So Della had a new job; one she was prepared to work for as the end result was good.
As Della slowly learned to be a lady, she was prepared by Cole - who was an Earl - about the person she needed to get close to; the person who she needed to steal from. And she wasn't impressed. But she was determined to do her job, and do it well...
The Lady Thief of Belgravia is the debut novel by Allison Grey and I quite enjoyed it. The cover is gorgeous and the premise was intriguing. Della was a strong character - she had to be in her situation - while Cole was a "nice guy", kind and caring, but hard and cold when necessary. My only quibbles were the use of the "f" word, which, when I googled, wasn't around back in 1879. And the over use of the fully described sex scenes - after about the 5th or 6th time, the tone of the story was changed for me. Oh, and the £10,000 agreed on for Cole to pay Della converts to £1,532,390.16 today - so perhaps not!
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Nightwatching starts off with a bang! High octane tension, with the old house surrounding the woman and her two children in the middle of the night. TNightwatching starts off with a bang! High octane tension, with the old house surrounding the woman and her two children in the middle of the night. The mother was up to her son and heard noises - other than old house noises - the sound of footsteps coming their way. She weighed their options and as soon as the intruder moved away from where she was, she picked up her son, quietly woke her daughter and they fled to the old part of the house where a secret room was, off her husband's office. They'd be safe in there wouldn't they?
This tension immediately tapered off, with flashbacks to the mother's past - which went on and on. The flashbacks intruded on my ability to remain focused on the tension surrounding the mother and her children, trapped in a small, dark room, not knowing what was happening in the rest of the house. Outside the house was blizzard conditions, with the temperature at freezing; the snow and ice battering the house and the chance of escape - with the three of them in their night clothes - minimal. So how will this stand off end? Will the mother's fragile nerves crack? Will she give up her children to this monster? Will they escape?
Nightwatching is my first by Tracy Sierra and with none of the characters named, it was extremely disappointing and off-putting. The fluctuation of tension was frustrating as well, as I waded through the reminiscing until I once again found myself with the mother in current time. There was also some repetition which was annoying. Not my favourite book of the year so far, unfortunately.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Oliver Wingfield was the successful owner of the winery in Mudgee, NSW, Four Dogs Missing. He was known as a recluse but garnered a lot of respe4.5★s
Oliver Wingfield was the successful owner of the winery in Mudgee, NSW, Four Dogs Missing. He was known as a recluse but garnered a lot of respect throughout the region as well as the wine industry. When Oliver's estranged twin, Theo, arrived, it had been fifteen years since they'd seen each other. As different as chalk and cheese in everything except looks, Theo brought trouble with him, but no one was aware at the time of his arrival. Two days later, Theo was dead. Murdered. And Oliver was in the frame for his murder.
As Oliver tried to make sense of what was going on, the news of his Californian mentor's death shocked him to his core. He wasn't close to many people, but were those few people being targeted? His girlfriend, Penny, was concerned for him. But he was far more concerned for her. What had happened to his quiet, organised life that he reveled in? Oliver needed to prove to the police that he was being framed - but was it too late for that?
Four Dogs Missing is Aussie author Rhys Gard's debut novel and it was excellent! Set in the wine region of Mudgee, NSW; touching on Terrigal on the Central Coast and Sydney, as well as Orange not far from Mudgee, Oliver was a great character who was naïve and an introvert, with a few friends he trusted, Gabe being one. His knowledge of the wine industry saw him in good stead, while his past he kept shut down. A great crime novel which I recommend....more
Twelve year old El was starting a new school on the first day of year seven, and she had planned how it would go. But often things don't go to plan. ETwelve year old El was starting a new school on the first day of year seven, and she had planned how it would go. But often things don't go to plan. El's birth name was Laughter, but she chose El for the first letter of her name, and her parents were fine with it. She had a wonderful first day, with her favourite subject - English - and the teacher Mr. D making her look forward to the next day's lesson. But when her dad picked her up from school - not what was planned - El knew he had bad news. And he did. El's little sister Echo, who was only six years old, was in hospital, with a life threatening sickness...
El's following days at school were not like the first. She couldn't concentrate, her brain was fuzzy. When not at school, she and her dad went to the hospital where Mum and Echo were, and gradually a plan was made. And a friend from school, Octavius, helped El - slowly but surely, many people were on Team Echo.
Echo's Sister is the debut novel by Paul Mosier and it's exceptional. Told in El's voice, it was heartbreaking but very heartwarming, and the love and support that surrounded El's family was wonderful. El struggled; they all did, as El tried to get her head around what was happening to her little sister. A middle grade novel, I have no hesitation in recommending it highly....more
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