I Have Something To Tell You by Susan Lewis

Synopsis:

High-flying lawyer Jessica Wells has it all. A successful career, loving husband Tom and a family she adores. But one case – and one client – will put all that at risk.

Edward Blake. An ordinary life turned upside down – or a man who quietly watched television while his wife was murdered upstairs? With more questions than answers and a case too knotted to unravel, Jessica suspects he’s protecting someone…

Then she comes home one day and her husband utters the words no one ever wants to hear. Sit down… because I've got something to tell you…

Now Jessica must fight not only for the man she defends, but for the man she thought she trusted with her life – her husband.

Review:

Jay is a defence lawyer called to a client accused of murdering his wife in their own home under strange circumstances. Right from the start Jay has a nagging feeling something is not quite right and believes her client Edward to be innocent.

Whilst battling her own problems at home created by her husband Tom’s infidelity, she sets on a mission to discover what she can about the mysterious deceased wife Vanessa and the double life that she led.

Susan Lewis does it again and brings out the best and worst out of all her characters. The story is well thought through and lined with enough hints and twist to keep you guessing the ending of the story. This is another fabulous book.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Caduceus (Beth Harper Supernatural Thriller #2) by S.E. England

Synopsis:

Beth Harper is a highly gifted spiritual medium and clairvoyant. Having fled Scarsdale Hall, she's drawn to the remote coastal town of Crewby in north west England, and it soon becomes apparent she has a job to do. The congeniality here is but a thin veneer masking decades of deeply embedded secrets, madness and fear. Although she has help from her spirit guides and many clues are shown in visions, it isn't until the senseless and ritualistic murders happen on Mailing Street, however, that the truth is finally unearthed. And Joe Sully, the investigating officer, is about to have the spiritual awakening of his life.

What's buried beneath these houses though, is far more horrific and widespread than anything either of them could have imagined. Who is the man in black? What is the black goo crawling all over the rooftops? What exactly is The Gatehouse? And as for the local hospital, one night is more than enough for Beth...let alone three...

Review:

Second book in Beth harper series and things are escalating within the world of spirits, demons and the good guys like Beth. After leaving Curbeck and Scarsdale Hall behind and escaping just in time, Beth and Jennie arrive in the small seaside town of Crewby to try and begin a new life, hidden from Countess Martel’s sight.

It doesn’t take long for Beth to realise there really is no escape and until she fights them all and faces her most difficult challenges, she will always be on the run, with her enemies just one step behind.

Fabulous follow up to the first book, delving more into Jennie’s story and showing Beth’s character and powers growing. With the helpful police officer Joe on their side, they face the dark side once more. The book is skilfully written only given away as much as necessary, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat needing more!

Thank you to TBConFB for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Girl She Was Before by Jess Kitching

Synopsis:

Powerful, packed full of gruelling details that will linger with you long after the book has finished.

Nat lives a picture-perfect life, but it wasn’t always this way. A victim of horrific bullying when she was a teenager, Nat will do anything to keep distance between the girl she was before and the woman she is now.

But when her best friend is murdered and people begin to point their finger at her, Nat’s new life quickly unravels.

To Nat, it’s no surprise the crime happened at the same time as the return of her biggest tormentor, Chrissy Summers. A woman with a violent streak who destroyed lives when she was younger and isn’t afraid to do it again.

Face to face with the past she so firmly keeps behind her, Nat’s sanity wavers as her determination to reveal Chrissy as the monster she knows her as rises to dangerous heights.

The question is, can Nat prove Chrissy is a killer, or will Chrissy get to Nat and her family before she has the chance?

Review:

Oh my goodness. What a book. It’s modern, though-provoking and shocking, dramatic and scarily close to reality and what people really can be like.

Nat seems to have it all, but her past is still haunting her. She moved back to Coral Bay and gained friendships from the very people that have made her teenage years an absolute hell and she is praying every day that her sunny life continues.

That is until two of her new found best friends end up ran off the door with one dead and one paralysed forever. With her worst enemy Chrissy back in town at the same town, Nat believes she is behind her friend’s death and that Nat and her family will be next. Little does she know. And in the meantime the fingers start pointing to Nat unravelling the perfect life she has worked so hard to create.

This is the perfect book highlighting the impact of persistent bullying and how it destroys lives and keeps on destroying lives well after people part ways. It’s been put into a fabulous book and what an ending!

Thank you to TBConFB for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Masquerade (Beth Harper Supernatural Thriller #1) by S.E. England

Synopsis:

The first in a series of Beth Harper books, Masquerade is a supernatural thriller set in a remote North Yorkshire village. Following a whirlwind re-location for a live-in job at the local inn, Beth quickly realises the whole village is thoroughly haunted, the people here fearful and cowed.

As a spiritual medium, her attention is drawn to Scarsdale Hall nearby, the enormous stately home dominating what is undoubtedly a wild and beautiful landscape. Built of black stone with majestic turrets, it seems to drain the energy from the land. There is, she feels, something malevolent about it, as if time has stopped. With the help of her spirit guides and the gift of astral travel, she will soon face the most daunting task of her life. Why is she being shown images of expressionless children gripping the bars of fairground wheels, forever going around and around? And why are the lines of women and children walking to Scarsdale Hall each day, silent and grim-faced?

Barely a word is spoken here. There is no joy, no life… Past and present are as entangled as a box of ribbons, her task being to unravel the darkly disturbing truth laid down centuries before. But are the embedded secrets too horrific for those involved to ever admit, even to themselves? As the enormity of the task unfolds and Beth is pitched against one of the most powerful families on earth, she considers this may be too much for her. Ultimately, however, this is her journey, too. And she will be pushed to the limit of her abilities. Besides, as her spirit guide, Billy, says, ‘They’re still doing it…’Author note: this is not occult horror as such, but a supernatural mystery based on the very real experiences of a spiritual medium.

Review:

Second book I have read by this author and definitely not the last and what a way to hook me into a new series. I need more and now. So many questions unanswered!

So Beth is a medium/psychic and has all good abilities to help spirits move on and cleanse dark spirits away – all abilities she has learned off since early childhood. With the help of her spiritual guide Billy and the spirit of her grandmother Grace, she deals with situations normal people wouldn’t walk to walk into.

But this situation she is thrown into might actually be too much for her. Beth arrives in a quaint Yorkshire village to be the new cook in the local pub. Straight off she notices the heavy atmosphere, spirits trapped in all rooms and staff that seems to live in a trance, avoiding questions at all cost. And there is the mysteries Mantel family running the whole area. Beth has to face evil, deciphering a barrage of visions and people’s memories before it’s too late.

This book drove me mad. I think I was confused all the way through about 80% of this book and still some questioned lay unanswered. But I like that, knowing this is a first book in a new series, so I have some more to look forward to. Thoroughly enjoyed this and got a little spooked too, so perfect for October time.

Thank you to TBConFB for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Final Sunrise by Debbie L. Taylor (Nexus #3)

Synopsis:

For an instant, Max felt like everything was—and always would be—just fine. But how long would this picture of happiness last? When would Gregor come and tear it to pieces?

Max is overwhelmed by Grace’s arrival and quickly begins to question the circumstances of her journey to the earth’s depths. He discovers that not only is Grace pregnant, but she’s also on the run and hoping Nexus will be the perfect hiding place. As much as he wants to stay and protect her, he’s torn by his desire to return to the surface to help Alistair, who has lost contact after being tasked with delivering some vital documents to the Greys.

Grace and Maria’s future in Nexus begins to look increasingly unstable. Maria is troubled by a vivid dream in which her estranged husband, Gregor, stops at nothing to find her, shattering her hopes for a future without him. Grace so desperately wants to be able to reassure her mother and dismiss this nightmare but quickly begins to wonder whether it’s a sign of what’s to come. Will Nexus prove to be the haven they’ve been searching for or has running away only delayed the onset of the storm?

Review:

Oh I have been waiting for this. The Final Sunrise – third book in the Nexus trilogy. I love all the characters and just needed to read more. And I am king of hoping this book is not the end – some questions have not been answered!

Max, Thomas and all of Nexus are still awaiting the result of the Greys analysis of the documents damning the future of Nexus in order to keep it Grey free and a safe haven. Unexpected arrival of pregnant Grace, her mother Maria and Elisa (Alistair’s granddaughter) puts a spanner in the works with the Maria and Delilah finally meeting and revealing the truth of their roundabout relationship.

I really felt for Max – I think he only felt safe for five seconds before he has to flee to the surface to find Alistair and stop him from making more mistakes. On the other hand, I loved Max’s storyline on the surface, he certainly doesn’t have it easy and I do have an inkling his troubles are only just beginning. I cannot wait for another book!

Thank you to TBConFB for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

This is Our Undoing by Lorraine Wilson

Synopsis:

Could you condemn one child to save another?

In a near-future Europe fracturing under climate change and far-right politics, biologist Lina Stephenson works in the remote Rila Mountains, safely away from London State.

When an old enemy dies, Lina’s dangerous past resurfaces, putting her family’s lives at risk. Trapped with her vulnerable sister alongside the dead man’s family, Lina is facing pressure from all sides: her enemy’s eldest son is determined to destroy her in his search for vengeance, whilst his youngest carries a sinister secret...

...But the forest is hiding its own threats and as a catastrophic storm closes in, Lina realises that to save her family she too must become a monster.

Review:

Slightly strange to begin with and somewhat confusing to get into, this book suddenly garbs hold of you and doesn’t let you go. I loved it. I starting suspecting workings of ‘other forces’ about halfway through the book, but the author did not give anything away easily. I am still left guessing about characters’ pasts and I like it, it gives a feeling of another book coming, whilst this story has been closed off.

Lina has secret, so does Thiago. They work for ESF, hidden amongst the mountains of Romania in a world far apart from ours, where fear drives everyone’s lives. Lina tries desperately to save her remaining family, whilst dealing with State visitors hiding from their own secrets. Suspicions rise on all sides alongside a rising unrest from the local villagers. Lina is torn between the children in middle of it all and has to face some hard decision that will shape the future for her, her father and sister and pretty much everyone around her.

Fab characters, the story flowed really well, was intriguing all the way through to the last page.

Thank you to TBConFB for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Lies She Told by Lynda Renham

Synopsis:

Life in the village of Stonesend is pretty uneventful, that is until Detective Tom Miller is transferred there following a personal tragedy. He is not greeted well by local police officer Beth Harper, who feels he is not up to the job. The day of his arrival, Kate Marshall, a teacher at the local school, is beaten in her own home and left for dead. The villagers are left in a state of shock. Was it a random attack or something more personal?

Review:

Oh my goodness, what a page turner. I have stayed up till midnight 5 nights in the row ploughing through this book as I could not put it down. It’s so well written, keeps you guessing and is filled to the brim with drama and suspense.

When Kate is attacked, the whole village is shocked. She’s a lovely teacher, family girl and would not hurt a fly. She also lives in a small village, where crime just doesn’t happen. What’s worse, although Kate survives the horrific attack, she can’t remember anything about it or what preceded it. She’s stuck in limbo, hoping one day the truth will come to the surface enough for her to grasp it and remember.

As no leads come to light for DS Beth Harper and DI Tom Miller, the village slowly returns to normal, but Beth is a good cop and just knows this is not the end. Whilst tackling the mystery attack, Beth also fights the newly transferred DI and his own ghosts from the past. They make an unlikely team, but I was rooting for them right from the start. The are two separate stories within the book, cleverly interwoven, so as to add more suspense and mystery.

When another attack happens, things start to unravel pretty quickly. I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s brilliant.

Thank you to TBConFB for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Lights of Prague by Nicole Jarvis

Synopsis:

In the quiet streets of Prague all manner of otherworldly creatures lurk in the shadows. Unbeknownst to its citizens, their only hope against the tide of predators are the dauntless lamplighters - a secret elite of monster hunters whose light staves off the darkness each night. Domek Myska leads a life teeming with fraught encounters with the worst kind of evil: pijavice, bloodthirsty and soulless vampiric creatures. Despite this, Domek find solace in his moments spent in the company of his friend, the clever and beautiful Lady Ora Fischerová-- a widow with secrets of her own.

When Domek finds himself stalked by the spirit of the White Lady - a ghost who haunts the baroque halls of Prague castle - he stumbles across the sentient essence of a will-o'-the-wisp, a mischievous spirit known to lead lost travellers to their death, but who, once captured, are bound to serve the desires of their owners.

After discovering a conspiracy amongst the pijavice that could see them unleash terror on the daylight world, Domek finds himself in a race against those who aim to twist alchemical science for their own dangerous gain.

Review:

I picked this book because of the title. Being born in Czech Republic and knowing old Prague quite well I was able to picture the little side streets lined with cobblestones, the theatres, the castle and churches described in this book.

Great for any fantasy and all things supernatural lovers – it might be slightly more difficult to read for people not familiar with the Czech words – pijavica (vampire), vodnik (under water man) etc. But I loved it. It made the book homelier for me. And of course the good writing and story line really helped.

We are introduced to the world of lamplighters, really they are the monster hunters, hiding behind a simple job. They keep the streets and humans safe from the monsters lurking in the shadows. Domek is one of them and thinks he knows his job and friends well until he finds a small jar with a trapped soul in it.

Enter Olga Fisherova. Attractive widow with her eyes on the mysterious Domek. Slight problems is, she is one the monsters he hunts. They will have to find a way to settle their differences as they both fight for the good.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fab book.

Rating: 4/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Unwelcome Guest by Amanda Robson

Synopsis:

She had the perfect marriage. Until her mother-in-law moved in…

Saffron vowed to love Miles no matter what life threw at them both. But when her mother-in-law moves into their happy family home, Saffron’s shiny life begins to tarnish.

Even as Caprice’s barbed comments turn to something more sinister, Saffron hopes the new nanny’s arrival will shield her from the worst of it. She’s starting to feel paranoid in her own home.

Little does she realise that Caprice longs for a new daughter-in-law – and she’ll do anything to make that happen…

Review:

Well, I can confirm that this book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and it was well worth staying up till midnight last night to finish it. It gave me proper creeps, it’s fabulously written, the characters are believable and the books really gets under your skin.

Story revolves around the Jackson family. Caprice, the matriarch mother of Miles and mother-in-law to Saffron. Miles, the preferred son, the philosopher, a devoted husband to Saffron and father to their two boys Ben and Harry. Saffron, the lawyer, working mother, the breadwinner of the family, constantly critised by Caprice for not being good enough wife, mother and a woman. And then comes Hayleigh, the nanny, attractive, young girl with the hots for Miles.

As a reader you enter diary-style story from the point of view of Caprice, Miles, Aiden (Miles’s brother), Saffron and Hayleigh. Story of corruption, jealousy, love, strength and plotting. It’s fantastical, but highly intelligent and it’s a proper battle of wit, truth and trust. And every time you think you’ve sassed it, come another twist you didn’t expect.

Absolutely nerve-wracking book, that I kept thinking about every time I was not able to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK – release date 19 August 2021

Amazon US – release date 19 August 2021

The Couple at No. 9 by Claire Douglas

Synopsis:

It was the house of their dreams. Until the bodies were found . . .

When pregnant Saffron Cutler moves into 9 Skelton Place with boyfriend Tom and sets about renovations the last thing she expects is builders uncovering a body - two bodies, in fact.

Forensics indicate the bodies have been buried at least thirty years. Nothing Saffy need worry herself over. Until the police launch a murder investigation and ask to speak to the cottage's former owner - her grandmother, Rose.

Rose is in a care home and Alzheimer's means her memory is increasingly confused. She can't help the police but it is clear she remembers something.

As Rose's fragmented memories resurface, and the police dig ever deeper, Saffy fears she and the cottage are being watched.

What happened thirty years ago?

Why did no one miss the victims?

What part did her grandmother play?

And is Saffy now in danger?

Review:

I seem to be picking some cracking books at the moment and this one did not disappoint at all. Another fabulous novel that keeps you guessing until the last few pages with twists and turns all the way through.

When Saffy and Tom move into their cottage at Beggars Nook, they count their blessings – the cottage was an inheritance and that means they can spend their money on making it their own, including a modern kitchen extension. However, when the builders come across a human bone whilst digging the garden up, they uncover more than just an old shallow grave.

The whole family come together to uncover the truth and identity of the two bodies found in the garden and it brings out things none of them could have imagined.

The book covers the past and present event in a skilful way with brilliantly played out characters. I must say this would make a fab movie! This is a book of many emotions and when I shed a few tears at the end it just confirmed how good this book was.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this fab book.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pro-order from:

Amazon UK –  release date 19 August 2021

The House of Hidden Secrets by C.E. Rose

Synopsis:

The imposing gates of Ramsay Hall yawned open. As Serena and 4-year-old Lana walked up the long driveway, little did they know the dark secrets that lay within.

When Serena Green accepted the role of housekeeper for wealthy widower Hayden Ramsay, she never imagined her new home would be Ramsay Hall, an ancient, sprawling mansion in Northern England.

Serena quickly becomes an integral part of the household, making friends with Hayden’s younger son Hugh, despite Jack, his older brother’s, coldness towards her and Lana.

But the hall’s beautiful exterior hides many ugly secrets. Though Serena and Jack begin to grow closer, she’s confused by his behaviour around Lana. What is he guilty of? And is there more to their mother’s death than the Ramsay men will admit, even to themselves?

As the harrowing past of Ramsay Hall unravels, Serena fresh start becomes a fresh horror. She fears for her and Lana’s safety, but what are the bleak secrets in Serena’s own past?

This house is built on a lifetime of lies… and the truth might just bring the walls crashing down. A twisty, gripping and utterly unputdownable new thriller that fans of Lisa Jewell, C.L. Taylor and Mark Edwards will love.

Review:

Any crime/mystery/drama/thriller lovers out there – this is the book for you. This book has it all – love, secrets, drama, mystery, lies – you name it’s got it. Very cleverly written to keep you glued to every page and keeps the twist coming until the last page and even then it still keeps you guessing and wondering if you really have learned the whole truth.

Serena and Lana arrive at Ramsay Hall clearly running away. They settle quickly into the live in the Hall whilst Serena tries to cope with her fears and hiding injuries that testify to her previous life. However, meeting her boss’s sons Hugh and Jack, changes everything.

Serena finds herself uncovering family secrets whilst desperately trying to keep her own hidden and realising at the same time that she will never be completely safe.

I can’t say much more without giving things away, just to say the Ramsay family and Serena have more secrets than my brain could at times cope with! Brilliant read!

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

This Is How We Are Human by Louise Beech

Synopsis:

When the mother of an autistic young man hires a call girl to make him happy, three lives collide in unexpected and moving ways … changing everything. A devastatingly beautiful, rich and thought-provoking novel that will warm your heart.

Review:

Wow – so far, this is the best book of 2021 and it will take a lot to beat it. Incredible story and subject matter, which I thought was very brave to delve into. This book has literally broken my heart and sewn it back together.

The story cleverly clashes the worlds of an autistic young man Sebastian, student nurse/escort Isabelle and a devoted mother Victoria. Sebastian has reached an age of needs other than fried eggs and CD’s in alphabetical order. He has sexual needs and expresses them on daily bases, landing him in trouble and making him the subject of college bullying. In come his mother Victoria, who would do whatever it takes to make her son happy.  When Victoria finds out that the lovely student nurse they met at sexual health clinic, is also a high class escort by night, she makes contact with Isabelle and makes an offer Isabelle cannot refuse. For £250,000 give up escorting and only look after the needs of her son Sebastian.

The three people go on a massive journey of self-discovery with broken hearts, jealousy, guilt, judgment and love. It’s a huge rollercoaster of emotions whilst finding out reasons behind Isabelle’s escorting career and pain. Victoria has to find a way to get over her own prejudice ideas to let Isabelle in and find out the man that Sebastian becomes.

Wonderful book.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Karma Karma by Lorraine Cannell

Synopsis:

What would you do to escape the past?

Seventeen-year-old Jack Ethan Dray has put his street-gang past firmly behind him, or so he thinks.

When he gets a shout-out from an old gang member and his ex-girlfriend starts acting as if they’re getting back together again, Jack worries his past is coming back to haunt him.

Then Bonita Chang asks for his help to find her twin brother.

A brother that used to belong to a rival gang.

Jack knows that his only chance of being with Bonita is if he helps her.

But he’s no hero…until she starts acting like he is one.

Review:

Another fabulous book from this author combining a touch of supernatural with current issues surrounding gang culture in modern cities.

Jack is a young lad, trying to start over after making a dangerous decision to leave a gang called The Ride and nearly losing his own life for it. He’s happier, attends college and has ambitions to study law. He’s made new friends and there is a girl Jack is making a connection with.

Until his world is literally turned upside down and Jack is ripped apart by fear, loyalty and feelings for a girl he hardly knows. Strange things start to happen, Jack starts losing his friends through comments and actions he doesn’t remember and dreams that just feel too real. And what’s worse, his Ride tattoo seems to be coming back together.

Jack faces an internal struggle that makes an unusual appearance. He is forced to face up to his past and to himself in a battle to save his friends and the girl he is falling in love with.

Brilliant book, believable characters, face paced story. Great all round for young adult audience and adults alike.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

To Breath Again by Lorraine Cannell

Synopsis:

A new move. An old house. An ill-fated decision to try to contact a missing dad.

Abby Hudson is resentful about being made to leave her first love behind and feels like an outsider in her own family. Then she starts to notice a worryingly familiar change in her mum's personality. And her half-sister’s new ‘friend’ starts to feel more real than imaginary.

When she sees the spirit of a girl in the mirror, she realises they are all being affected by the spirits that have invaded their home.

If she doesn't fight for the only family she has, their souls could be lost forever.

Every house has its spirits. Every spirit has its story.

And some can become unlikely allies.

Abby is about to learn about the tragic events that took place at Dosett House, because the past is never lost - it's only sleeping

Review:

Any of the mysterious and supernatural will enjoy this fabulous book. No matter what age, it relates to anyone with interests in spirits, their mark on places and properties and their history.

Abby, her little sister Ness and her mum and step-dad move into Dosett House to be closed to family after Abby’s mum overcomes alcoholism and needs a fresh start. But fresh start in an old house isn’t something they get.

Abby starts to notice changes in her sister Ness, who is suddenly talking to someone in her room and who includes two new figure in family pictures she draws. And then changes start happening to her mum and dad too and Abby realises that if she doesn’t stop whatever is happening, she might lose her family forever.

With the help of her new best friend, cousin Natalie, a wanna-be-boyfriend Luca and the mysterious Mad Mags, Abby goes full force on the spirits of the house and the awful truth of what really happened in Dosett House.

Storyline was brilliant, it flowed well from chapter to chapter with well thought out characters past and present.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US