The Trophy Taker by Sarah Flint (DC Charlotte Stafford #2)

Synopsis:

He keeps each one floating in formaldehyde to stop them from rotting. Each finger denotes a victim, tortured and butchered, their heart ripped out and discarded, replaced instead by symbols of their treachery. He sits alone admiring his trophies weekly; each and every one of them guilty in his eyes. And now more must pay.

But who or what links the victims?

DC 'Charlie' Stafford is already investigating a series of escalating racist attacks and it now seems she has a vicious serial killer on her patch. With no leads and time running out, the team at Lambeth are at near breaking point.

Something has to give... and all the while he's watching, waiting... and counting.

My review:

The Trophy Taker is a second book in the DC Charlie Stafford series and it certainly lives up to its first instalment. It’s clever, fast pacing and keeps you guessing until the end.

Charlie has been through the mill in the first book and seems somehow a little more mature in this novel.  When the call comes in about a mutilated body of a woman found displayed in a local graveyard, Charlie is already handling a case close to her heart, a case of a local racist junkie attacking residents of any colour different to his own skin. She gets herself involved deep into each case she handles and makes it her own personal job to deliver justice for the victims.

As Charlie and her team face this new case where nothing seems to link together, they once again prove that team work gets things done. We get little glimpses and notes of their personal lives and the author cleverly hints at the developing relationship between Charlie and Ben whom we have met in the first book.

Sarah Flint has a 35 years’ experience working as a Police Constable for the Metropolitan Police and it shows throughout her books. From the forensic evidence to all the members of the team and their behaviour, you can tell that this is written with an insider’s knowledge.

I cannot wait to see what is waiting for Charlie next. I really enjoyed both of the books and just wish someone would pick it up for TV adaptations. It would make a brilliant crime drama for those long winter nights.

A massive thank you goes to the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me access to this.

My rating: 5/5

Available to purchase from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

Synopsis:

Well hello to you dear browser. Now I have your attention it would be rude if I didn't tell you a little about my literary feast. So, here is the thing: is it just me or does anyone else find that adulthood offers no refuge from the unexpected horrors, peculiar lack of physical coordination and sometimes unexplained nudity, that accompanied childhood and adolescence? 

Does everybody struggle with the hazards that accompany, say, sitting elegantly on a bar stool; using chopsticks; pretending to understand the bank crisis; pedicures - surely it's plain wrong for a stranger to fondle your feet? Or is it just me? 

I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences - from school days to life as an office temp - and here I offer my 18-year-old self (and I hope you too dear reader) some much needed caution and guidance on how to navigate life's rocky path. 

Because frankly where is the manual? The much needed manual to life. Well, fret not, for this is my attempt at one and let's call it, because it's fun, a Miran-ual. I thank you.

My review:

Miranda Hart has managed to put a much needed smile on my face and actually made me laugh out loud in public.

I am a big fan of her comedy sketch show ‘Miranda’ and I do miss it terribly. She has a very natural sense of humour that appeals to all sorts of different walks of life.

In this book, Miranda picks on various subjects from everyday live including dating, weddings, diets etc. She also talks to her 18 year old self and illustrates really well how differently we feel at that age and how different reality looks when we grow up and have responsibilities.

I must admit that I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the second half. As I was reading I could see Miranda and hear the words in my head being said in her voice. Then the book just kind of slowed down for me, hence the three stars.

I still enjoyed it though. It’s a brilliant holiday read, or something you pick up when you need a lift after a bad day at work, just to make sure that there really are people with the same trouble as you.

My rating: 3/5

Author’s website: http://mirandahart.com/

Available to purchase from:

Amazon UK 

Amazon US

Paris for One (and other stories) by Jojo Moyes

Synopsis:

Bestselling author Jojo Moyes brings us a charming and heart-warming short story in association with Quick Reads.

Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She has never even been on a weekend away with her boyfriend. Everyone knows she is just not the adventurous type.

But, when her boyfriend doesn't turn up for their romantic mini-break, Nell has the chance to prove everyone wrong.

Alone in Paris, Nell meets the mysterious moped-riding Fabien and his group of carefree friends. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life?

My review:

I have always been a big fan of Jojo Moyes and I can honestly say she is one of my favourite authors so I was excited to be reading her newest book.

I needed to read something light and easy and this hit just the right spot. The main story ‘Paris for One’ is a heart-warming one, following Nell to Paris for a romantic getaway with her boyfriend. Only Nell actually finds herself alone, in a big city, knowing nothing of the language, customs or cuisine. And then she meets Fabian, the heartbroken writer-to-be.

I won’t spoil the rest of the story but it’s lovely and the characters are likable just like the main characters we know and love from any other of Jojo’s books.

The other short stories are easy to read and identify yourself with some of their characters and some have more surprising conclusions than others.

3 stars might seem harsh, but all they mean is that I enjoyed this book but feel that it is not as complex as Jojo’s other works. It is an uncomplicated novel asking to be read on holidays and spare time to cheer yourself up.

I am most grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for access to this book in return for this honest opinion.

My rating: 3/5

Author’s website: www.jojomoyes.com

Available to purchase from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US