Silent Lies by Kathryn Croft

Synopsis:

Five years rebuilding your life. Five words will destroy it again.

Mia Hamilton lived the perfect life with her husband, university teacher Zach, and their two-year-old daughter. But everything changed when Zach committed suicide on the same night one of his students vanished. 

Five years later, just when Mia is beginning to heal, stranger Alison walks into her life, saying her husband didn’t kill himself. 

Fragile, slight Alison leads Mia on a path into Zach’s past, and Mia begins to think she never really knew her own husband. As the secrets revealed get darker, Alison becomes harder to read, and Mia starts to wonder – why is Alison so keen to help?

And then a piece of the puzzle appears in an impossible place, and Mia has to ask, is she losing her mind, or should she be afraid for her life?

Review:

Mia has moved on from the awful event that change her and her daughter’s live. Zach is gone, betraying them both. But life is on the up. She has someone who cares about her, someone she can trust. Freya is now 7 years old and thriving.

Until Alison knocks on the door with claims that Zach didn’t kill himself, which set Mia off onto a path of searching for the truth. This book keep going and is a quick read once the story grips you. I really enjoyed the timelines swap between Mia and Josie, it brought authenticity to the story.

There are a couple of unexpected turns and I must say I was surprised by the ending which is fab as it’s far too often now that we guess the ending and I certainly didn’t with this one.

Any fan of a psychological thriller will enjoy this book – give it a go.

Thank you to Netgalley for this book.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Moonstone by Laura Purcell

Synopsis:

From award-winning bestseller Laura Purcell comes her YA debut, MOONSTONE, a sparkling, chilling gothic romance with real bite… Following a scandal at Vauxhall pleasure gardens, Camille is sent away to her reclusive godmother, who keeps a strict watch over her and her own sickly daughter, Lucy.

Camille must stay away from everything she has known until the scandal is forgotten, keeping strictly to the small farmhouse in the woods. Away from the corsetry and curtsies of polite society, Camille finds herself surprisingly…free. She is also strangely drawn to Lucy, a pale, fragile girl who dreams of stars, but has never left the farm.

Yet as Camille and Lucy grow close and cross forbidden boundaries, the fine balance of their woodland home begins to death stalks between the trees, claw-marks rake the doors and the moon rises to the song of a creature Camille has never heard before. Camille begins to realise her godmother was holding more than unladylike behaviour at bay… 

Review:

Reading this as an adult I can see the simplicity of the story, however, thinking about reading this as a young adult, which this is targeted too, I would have loved it.

The pace goes between slow and fast as the story progresses. The ‘secret’ seems quite obvious from the start, but the development of the story is presented really well. I enjoyed this book even as an adult. It’s a bit of an escapism into a world of YA fantasy.

I liked Camille as the main character, she had her human flaws like naivety, but she was brave, head strong and not afraid to get stuck in. She was also kind and understanding and I felt she questioned things for all the right reasons. Lucy was clearly trapped in a very sad world her mother Rowena and Bridget created for her to keep her safe and Camille became the one bright star in the darkness.

I would certainly recommend this to any budding young adult reader, who would like to delve into mystical creatures fantasy genre, it’s a great start into this world and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for this book.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

The Better Mother by Emily Shiner

Synopsis:

Zoe just wanted to help. Now she may have a killer in her home.

Zoe is happily married to Ethan until the day a 13-year-old boy shows up on their doorstep. He says his name is Micah and that Ethan is his father. Distressed because his mother is missing, Micah has come to them for help.

Ethan is wary – he didn’t know anything about Micah - but kind-hearted Zoe feels she can’t possibly turn her back on the boy. She welcomes him into their home and does her best to make him part of the family.

But there’s something off about Micah.

He lies constantly, creeps silently around the house and towers over Zoe, observing her every move. And his growing bond with Anna, Zoe’s young daughter, feels all wrong.

So when his mother's body is found and the police start looking for the murderer, Zoe realizes something terrible. He might already be in her home.

The Better Mother – the stunning psychological thriller from the best-selling author of Her Husband’s Secret.

Review:

Zoe is a mum of a three year old girl Anna, happily married to surgeon Ethan and quite frankly her life could not be any better.

Until there is a knock on the door and a thirteen year old Micah announces that his mum is missing, and Ethan is his dad. But credit to Zoe, she welcomes this boy into their home and convinces Ethan that they must look out for Micah and make sure he has a nice home.

But quickly things start to get weird. Little incidents and Micah calling Zoe mom within 24 hours, make Zoe feel on edge and like something just isn't right with the boy and she realises that she has invited into he life someone, she knows nothing about. And when Police tell her, Micah's mum is found dead, Zoe swear she will protect her family at all costs.

This is a quick page turner. A little predictable especially since perfect Ethan is so squeaky clean and clearly has emotional superiority and control over Zoe, even is she doesn't admit that to herself.

Anyone that like a quick read thriller, will enjoy this book and the ending I felt was also perfect.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

My Favourite Mistake (Walsh Family #7) by Marian Keyes

Synopsis:

Anna has just lost her taste for the Big Apple…

Anna has a life to envy. An apartment in New York. A well-meaning (too well-meaning?) partner. And a high-flying job in beauty PR. Who wouldn’t want all that? Anna – it turns out.

Turning a minor mid-life crisis into a major life event she bins the lot, heads back to Ireland, and gets a PR job for a super-high-end coastal retreat.
Tougher than it sounds. Newsflash: the locals hate it. So much so, there have been threats – and violence.

Anna, however, worked in the beauty industry. There’s no ugliness she hasn’t seen. No wrinkle she can’t smooth over. Anna’s got this.

Until she discovers that leaving New York doesn’t mean escaping her mistakes.
Once upon a time she'd had a best friend. Once upon a time she'd loved a man.

Now she has neither. And now she has to face them.

We all make mistakes. But when do we stop making the same one over and over again?

Review:

Anna Walsh is back and slightly broken again. Back in Ireland, not knowing what to do with her life after leaving behind her high-flying job in New York, her apartment and her last boyfriend. Anna feels lost, not able to cope with the stress of her PR job anymore and sad from her amicable and very friendly breakup with Angelo. Suddenly she is not sure what to do.

When a job comes up to work for friends Brigit and Colm to save their luxury country retreat build and reputation with the local residents of a small town, Anna is thrown into the intricate world of new friends, small town gossip and the go-boy Joye – blast from the past she is not sure she is ready for.

But as they face each new crisis together, their friendship blossoms once again and there is hope for finally being together. But trust is earned and that seems nearly impossible for both of them.

I love the Walsh family - all the sisters and their different characters, so liking Anna was not a problem. Joye on the other side I struggled with a little bit – I found him weak and controlling - everything was down to him and his decisions. But one person I disliked completely? Jacqui – she is the worst friend I could possibly imagine – unsupportive, selfish, always the victim. For that – the book lost a star as I was just not interested in that relationship at all – I get it, but for me reading Anna and Jacqui’s past was enough – any future for them was not something I even wanted to read about and I think the book would have been better without it – at least for me.

But – bravo Marian – another fabulous book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for access to this book.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

 

Hear Her Scream by Dylan H. Jones

Synopsis:

He knows where you are. He knows where you're going. He's waiting for you.

Seven years ago. Valencia's best friend is brutally murdered and she's the one who finds the body. A man is convicted and is serving time. But there's still so much they don't know about the murder.

Valencia's never been convinced he's guilty and now she's ready to look for the truth. But what she discovers shocks her to her core.

A sick serial killer is sacrificing women. The method of death chosen by the highest bidder. Their murders livestreamed.

As Valencia's desire for the truth intensifies, the killer's need to kill is escalating.

He knows Valencia is looking for him . . . and he has her in his sights.

Review:

Valencia is a researcher for a podcast company that specialises in criminal cases where there is a possibility of the wrong person being behind bars for a crime they didn’t commit. Things take on a personal spin when that person is Clyde Domingo – incarcerated for the brutal murder of Jodi – Valencia’s best friend.

Valencia persuades her boss to let her go back to where Jodi was murdered and dig out what she can. And the more she digs, the more she is in danger. She is clearly not wanted there, where there are secrets decades old. Secrets that nobody wants her to know.

This is quite a fast paced, thriller, following couple of timelines. It’s descriptive, twisty and keeps you guessing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for access to this book.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

 

The Attic at Wilton Place by C.E. Rose

Synopsis:

A perfect life in a perfect home – but what secrets lie beneath?

Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and hostile mother, Joy, in favour of her older brother, her pain manifests in loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When her mother’s close childhood friend, glamorous actress Vanessa, shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention – to her mother’s disapproval.

When Ruth escapes to university in London, Vanessa invites her into her stunning home in Belgravia, Wilton Place. Slowly, she begins to blossom under Vanessa’s guidance, living a perfect life in a perfect home. As Vanessa begins to mould Ruth in her own image, Ruth finds herself seduced by the hypnotic, luxurious confines of Wilton Place.

But when Ruth finds a locked attic in her new home, she discover that Vanessa and Joy are hiding the darkest of secrets from their childhood, secrets that threaten everything Ruth knew about her mother. How far will Ruth go to find the truth - and how much does she really want to know?

Review:

This novel moved at a slightly slower paced than some of the author’s other books, but still a great, mysterious novel with new revelations round every corner.

I disliked Ruth’s family right from the start, her awful mother, weak father and selfish brother. And then when she finally escape them, she finds everything but peace.

It’s a great book, with mystery and great characters and if you like all of the above – this book is certainly for you.

Thank you to TBConFB and the author for access to this book.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

 

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

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

Jingle all the Way by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis:

Everly Lancaster always dreamed of leaving behind her hometown in rural Illinois, but her new life running a burgeoning startup in Chicago leaves little time for friends . . . or a holiday.

When a massive snowstorm hits, Everly's mother urges the workaholic to come home for Christmas, but she hesitates to return to the life that she tried so hard to escape.

Searching for other holiday plans, Everly tasks her assistant with booking her a cruise - an ideal escape. She embarks on a week-long tour of the Amazon guided by charming naturalist Asher Adams, but slowly realises just how important her relationships are to her.

Everly makes a bold decision to abandon her lonely holiday plans - but can she make it home in time for Christmas Day?

Review:

Lovely, easy read, just in time for Christmas. I mean, who doesn’t like a little romance at this time of year.

Set mostly in the Amazonian rainforest, on board an adventure cruiser, this is a perfect book for those long evening, whilst your Christmas lights twinkly in the background.

Daisy (Everly) is a high, flying, real estate career woman, who has forgotten how to live and love. She ditched her family for her work one year already and her job her completely overtaken her personal life, making it non-existent. She is reluctantly pushed into having the whole of December off and going on a supposedly luxury cruise, booked by her spoilt-brat assistant.

Tings turn out very differently when she comes aboard the Amazonian explorer, but Daisy soon gets into the swing of things, especially thanks to the handsome naturalist Asher.

As you can imagine, their love blossom, but there are obstacles in the way that could mean them parting and never looking back. The rest – you’ll have to read yourself.

Lovely book, perfect romance. Daisy was relatable and likable character.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Witching Stone by Danny Weston

Synopsis:

Beneath this stone lie the remains of Meg Shelton, alleged witch of Woodplumpton, buried in 1705.

After a messy breakup with his girlfriend, Alfie needs to get away for a while – so he decides to spend the summer holidays with his dad in a tiny village in the North of England.

In the local church graveyard, he chances upon a boulder with a strange inscription – and meets Mia, who then tells him about the local superstition surrounding the stone.

“If you walk three times around the stone and say “I don’t believe in witches,” Meg will come after you.’

Alfie, in a reckless attempt to show his bravery, accepts the superstition as a challenge. He thinks the story is nonsense. But it soon becomes apparent that he’s just made the biggest mistake of his life…

Review:

Fab book for any young adult (or older adult such as me), who is a fan of the supernatural and mystery. It’s got great pace, interesting back story and enjoyable characters.

Alfie is a bit lost, nothing to do, when he arrives in Woodplumpton with his dad. Whilst his father works, he finds himself exploring the local graveyard and bumping into Mia, makes the biggest mistake of not taking superstitions seriously. That mistake means he summons a 18^th witch who is set on revenging her untimely death.

Meg has her reasons and the more Alfie finds out about her life, the more willing he is to follow through (he has to or she’ll destroy all he loves – so that’s a good reason to do Meg’s bidding).

The only downside for me was the link between Alfie and Meg that has not been explored further, just hinted at and I found the story somehow missing a key piece of information about the characters.

Overall, this is a great, quick read; perfect for those drawn out autumn/winter evenings.

Thank you to NetGalley.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

Synopsis:

One green notebook. Six strangers. The chance to start being honest...

Six strangers with one universal thing in common: their lives aren’t always what they make them out to be.

But what would happen if they told the truth instead?

Julian begins The Authenticity Project – a small green notebook containing his ‘truth’ – to pass on and encourage others to share their own.

Little does he know that this small act of honesty will impact all those who come into contact with the book, and lead to a life-changing world of friendship and forgiveness…

Review:

This book was the best start to 2020 reading. What a pure joy, fantastic concept and brilliant characters. I had high hopes for this one upon reading the blurb and it didn’t disappoint. This will be bought as presents this year and this will be recommended to everyone I know – I will bore people talking about this book, but I don’t care, it’s so good!

What if you found a book that called for the ultimate truth. The truth you would never say out loud, the truth that you are scared off, that keeps you up at night, that embarrasses you. The kind of truth you know would feel so good admit, but at the same time is absolutely terrifying.

Well that’s exactly what happens to Monica. Owner of a café, seemingly happy, friendly, has-it-all kind of person. Until she finds The Authenticity Project notebook with one story in it. Story of a lonely, elderly gentleman, once life-of-a-party artist, Julian Jessop. It is up to Monica now to carry on or abandon the project. Of course, she chooses to continue the truth telling, writing down her deepest thoughts.

Unbeknown to him at the time, when Julian leaves the notebook in Monica’s café, he starts a series of events that change the lives of a handful of carefully chosen people including his own. People that really need a helping hand, even if they don’t know it yet.

This novel was such a pleasure to read. It is a thoughtful story of people like you and me, that sometimes think they are perfectly happy until something comes along to shows us a better way of life. People have become shut away from reality with technology, modern day issues and busy live styles. I do wonder if finding such a notebook would really make people stop and think.

This book will stay with me for a while. It definitely got me thinking – what would I write in that notebook if I was to find it?

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the author for this amazing story.

Rating: 5/5

Available to pre-order from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US