Katharine Johnson's Blog, page 5

Book review: Facade by Helen Matthews

Today is Publication Day for Facade. Having been treated to some snippets in a critique group I belong to with the author, my expectations were already high for this one. I ‘d been immediately sucked in by the beautiful old rectory harbouring a dark family secret, and the return of the resentful sister from her self-imposed exile in Spain following her husband’s sudden death, so couldn’t wait to find out how everything would connect and where it would lead.

[image error]

When seventeen-year-old Rachel’s baby brother drowns and her older sister, Imogen, escapes to live abroad with Simon, her musician boyfriend, Rachel must face the family’s grief and disintegration alone.

Twenty years later, Rachel is a successful businesswoman, with a daughter of her own, supporting her parents and their elegant Georgian home, The Old Rectory, that shackles them to the past.

Simon’s sudden death in Ibiza brings Imogen back, impoverished and resentful. Her family owes her, and she will stop at nothing to reclaim what she believes is rightly hers.

The rift between the sisters seems permanent. While Imogen has lived a nomadic life, filled with intrigue, in Spain and Tunisia, Rachel’s has appeared stable and successful but, behind the veneer, cracks are appearing. Now, she is vulnerable.

As the wall of silence and secrecy crumbles, danger stalks Rachel’s family. She must re-examine her baby brother’s death, find out what happened in Tunisia, and fight to hold onto everything she’s achieved –or risk losing it all.

This is a fabulous story accurately described as “a gripping tale of loss, guilt and danger” with all the ingredients I find irresistible – a beautiful old house full of dark and damaging secrets, sibling rivalry, the far-reaching repercussions of a tragic childhood accident, brooding tension, misunderstandings, festering grudges and explosive revelations.

As you might expect with this set-up, the characters aren’t likeable people – but they make for compelling reading and I was completely immersed in the lives of this complicated family.

On the surface Max and Miriam lead an idyllic life in their very desirable old house but look closely and you’ll see cracks on the surface of their lives as well as their home. The house feels like one of the characters as well as being a metaphor for their lives – it’s become a millstone and a mausoleum so why won’t they let it go?

From the start the reader’s wondering why this couple is so determined to stay in the house where their toddler son drowned, and how much the sisters know about what really happened.

Beautifully written and character-driven, the book has a literary feel. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark family dramas. It deserves to do spectacularly well.

Facade is published by Darkstroke, an imprint of Crooked Cat Books and is available here

Book review: Blurred Lines by Hannah Begbie

Rape cases are difficult to read about and must be even harder to write about but this one is sensitively handled and highlights the extremely difficult decisions potential witnesses have to make before involving themselves in a trial.

[image error]

When Becky stumbles on her boss having sex with a woman who isn’t his wife, she’s horrified but keeps her counsel – she owes Matthew so much for all he’s done for her career. But when the same woman accuses him of rape and asks for the witness to come forward, Becky doesn’t know what to do.

Was what she saw rape? Or is this a young actress looking to get ahead? And can Becky separate her own traumatic past from the present?

As she attempts to untangle these blurred lines, she must risk everything to find the truth…

In most rape cases there aren’t any eyewitnesses. In this case there is one but Becky’s not at all sure about what she saw, which leaves her with a huge moral dilemma. If the sex was consensual, this will destroy an innocent man’s life and she will also be throwing away her own future just as her career is finally about to take off.

Her idea for a film inspired by the Greek tragedy Medea, about a woman who avenges her husband in a horrific way, has been taken up by Matthew who has the power to make it a huge success. But if she agrees to Amber’s request to support her version of events and Matthew is found guilty Becky will lose this chance of a lifetime.

The story switches back and forth between past and present timelines, giving us a greater insight into Becky’s thinking and behaviour.

This is a thought-provoking, beautifully written, extremely uncomfortable read that feels relevant. Although I guessed the truth, I really liked the way it was revealed and the story kept me glued to the end.

Blurred Lines is published on 20 August 2020 by HarperCollins and is available in Kindle, paperback and audio book versions here

Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy via NetGalley with no obligation to review.

Publication Day post – Hunter’s Secret by Val Penny

It’s always a pleasure to read a new book in Val Penny’s Edinburgh Crime Mysteries series so I jumped at the chance to read this one and am excited to share my publication day review with you today.

[image error]

“You never forget. Certainly, Hunter never did. The sight, the stench, the dirt, the blood and the panic. You just never forget your first corpse.”

From the first page, it’s clear that this story is going to take us deep into DI Hunter Wilson’s psyche – and what a fascinating place it is! A crime in the present day triggers a memory that’s haunted Hunter for thirty years since childhood, revealing a more troubled, reflective side to his nature than we’ve seen before. I’m always intrigued by how characters are shaped by past events into becoming the people they are today. This one has clearly had a long term effect on Hunter but was also a driving force in his decision to become a detective.

When Bear and Tim are out training in the Hermitage, they find a corpse but when Hunter arrives the body’s disappeared. Convinced there’s a connection between with this murder and the body he and his brother found three decades ago, Hunter makes use of modern DNA testing to prove it.

If you’ve read the earlier books you’ll be familiar with most of the characters, including Tim’s father Sir Peter Myerscough who’s now been released from jail. He also recalls the earlier case but will Hunter be prepared to accept help from his nemesis in order to catch a killer?

As always, there is plenty of humour and family drama, but I really enjoyed the addition of Hunter’s first person narrative in this book, taking us into his thoughts and showing us his nightmares that he relives over and over.

The story also brings to the fore the topical issues of racism and LGBQT crime, holding a mirror up to some of society’s most appalling views. Hunter’s strong sense of justice means that, while fighting his own demons, he must do all he can to keep Edinburgh safe.

Hunter’s Secret is a riveting ride and an absolute treat for fans of the series. It’s published by Darkstroke Books and is available here

[image error]

Val Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and two cats. She has a Law degree from Edinburgh University and an MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, lawyer, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer. However, she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels.

Her crime novels Hunter’s Chase, Hunter’s Revenge, Hunter’s Force and Hunter’s Blood form the bestselling series The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries which is set in Edinburgh. Her first non-fiction book Let’s Get Published is also available now.

Book review: One Step Behind by Lauren North

[image error]

I’ve read one other book by Lauren North (The Perfect Betrayal) and love the way she writes so I came to this with high expectations.

Jenna is a hospital doctor with two lovely children – and a stalker. Every time she leaves the house she knows he’s there. Disturbing gifts are left on her doorstep, cruel emails are sent to her colleagues – but she has no idea why she’s being targeted and feels powerless. But everything changes when her stalker is brought into the hospital after a serious accident. The tables are turned and Jenna’s the one with the power. But how far is she willing to go to take back control of her life?

Wow, what an addictive roller coaster! It more than met my expectations – in fact, I read it in one night. It’s fast-paced and full of suspense with a strong, believable main character. From the opening lines you know you’re in for a heart-in-mouth read:

“My heart is beating machine-gun-fire fast as I reach out to undo the new deadbolt at the top of the front door.”

I really felt for Jenna who’s on high alert for her stalker’s next move while trying to hold her marriage together and keep things normal for her children, Beth and Archie.

The story also highlights the shocking fact that the conviction rate for stalking is less than 15%.

A second narrative is told by Sophie, a personal trainer who has a controlling boyfriend Nick and a vulnerable brother, Matthew who she’s always protected. I loved the way the different strands of the story unfolded. I’d recommend it to any fans of psychological suspense.

My thanks to the author and publisher for the chance to read an advance copy via Netgalley with no obligation to review.

One Step Behind is published by Penguin. The kindle version is available now and the paperback in September. Find out more here

Publication Day – The Bellhop Only Stalks Once by Cat Hickey

[image error]

A very Happy Publication Day to Cat Hickey, whose debut novel The Bellhop Only Stalks Once is out today! I was immediately intrigued by the book’s premise and excited to read it.

Bellhops (that’s bellboys for UK readers) keep mysteriously disappearing from a beautiful resort in Costa Rica. Chloe, a young Baltimore woman on a journey of self-discovery and seeking time out to consider her relationship back home, is plunged into the mystery as soon as she arrives. She sets out to rescue the missing bellhops with the help of some new friends she encounters including Sopie, a blue-haired yogi (yoga practitioner) and Mateo, the charming guest liaison at Club Pacifica, to whom she’s becoming increasingly attracted – but can she trust him?

This is an entertaining, lighthearted mystery with a hint of darkness but no gore or gaslighting, which suited me perfectly after reading a number of bleak suspense thrillers. The dialogue is snappy and funny and with the underlying romance, I can see the story appealing to YA readers as well as older ones.

The setting was a brilliant choice and had me enthralled. I felt myself transported into a land of volcanoes, rapids, hanging bridges, hot springs and jungle, surrounded by insects, snakes, howler monkeys and sloths. As well as the spectacular scenery, Costa Rica’s known for its ancient folklore which, along with the mind-altering properties of some of its plants, adds to the dreamlike nature of these bizarre events and had me turning the pages fast to find out what had happened to the bellhops and whether Chloe herself could come out unscathed.

There are surprises along the way and characters who aren’t as they first appear. If you enjoy entertaining, romantic mysteries set in beautiful locations, this could be the ideal choice.

The Bellhop Only Stalks Once is published today by Darkstroke Books.

You can buy it here

About the author

Cat Hickey has a Masters in Biology and teaches Anatomy and Physiology at a university in Baltimore. She writes lighthearted mysteries based partly on her extensive travels around the world. She is an avid yogi, teaches yoga and performs aerial arts. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her four rescue animals – three cats and a horse.

Book review: The Lost Girls by Helen Pryke

[image error]

I very much enjoyed Helen Pryke’s Tuscany-based Innocenti series and admire the way she writes. The Lost Girls was obviously going to be a very different type of story but as a huge fan of psychological thrillers I was excited about reading it.

It’s accurately described as “a gripping mystery thriller” and also has a strong psychological thread.

Four years ago, two teenage girls went missing. Desperate to find their missing siblings, Michael and Chloe approach investigative journalist Maggie Turner for help. Maggie, whose nephew was murdered the same year that the girls disappeared, is determined to solve this mystery for her family and that of the girls but it turns into a race against time.

The Lost Girls certainly fulfilled its promise of being a much darker, grittier read than the author’s Tuscan series and I devoured it in one hit. As well as the present timeline, we’re shown the events of four years ago which led up to the girls ‘ abduction, and their life as prisoners of a dangerous and deranged man.

Maggie the investigator is a strong, likeable character with a tragic backstory and a complicated personal relationship. I’m looking forward to reading more of her cases.

One of the narratives is from the kidnapper’s viewpoint, which I found chilling. 17 years ago, he lost his two sisters in a fire. Now he wants them back. Be warned, this isn’t a comfortable read!

If, however, you’re a fan of tense and disturbing investigative thrillers, I can highly recommend this one.

The Lost Girls is published by Bloodhound Books in ebook and paperback formats and is available here

Book review: I Made A Mistake by Jane Corry

Today is Publication Day for the ebook of I Made A Mistake. Having enjoyed another of Jane Corry’s books, I Looked Away, I jumped at the chance to read this one.

[image error]

Poppy Page would never cheat. She’s happily married to dentist Stuart with two delightful teenage daughters and enjoys her job running an extras agency. But when she bumps into Matthew Gordon at a party, her first love from almost 20 years ago, she makes a big mistake that will have far-reaching consequences.

The book opens with a shocking incident at a London underground station which immediately grabbed my interest and kept playing through my mind as I read. From then on the story is split into Poppy’s narrative and that of her mother-in-law, Betty, and some courtroom scenes.

Both narratives held my attention equally and I loved the relationship between Poppy and Betty which was a refreshing change from the usual rivalry plot line.

Although from the cover I was expecting a psychological thriller, I’d describe this book as a domestic drama. It’s very much character-based and consequently delves deep rather than rattles along but there are some twists and turns and I found it a very engaging and entertaining story.

I Made A Mistake is published by Penguin. The paperback version is out on 28th May.

My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of the book via NetGalley with no obligation to review.

Book review: Under Your Skin by Rose McClelland

It’s Publication Day for Under your Skin by Rose McClelland. As soon as I saw this cover I had to read the book!

[image error]

When Hannah goes missing, her husband Kyle calls the police, convinced something bad’s happened to her. Frustrated by the lack of progress in their investigation, however, he sets up a Facebook group to get people to search for her, using the hashtag #FindHannah. Someone out there knows the truth. Where is Hannah and what’s the truth behind her disappearance?

The premise drew me in from the first page of this dark and gripping domestic drama and held me captive to the end. Rose McClelland is best known for her romantic novels so in some ways this is a complete departure, but she’s never been afraid to delve into darker themes in her chick lit such as domestic abuse in The Year of No Rules. It’s a central theme of this novel, too, and she captures brilliantly the insidious nature of coercive control, painting a picture for us layer by layer.

We learn where Hannah is being held in the second chapter, but how did she get there and who’s responsible? Then we’re taken back into her past to find out how she got together with charismatic Kyle and the roller coaster relationship that followed. You might be thinking at this point that you know exactly where the story is going but don’t be fooled!

The story’s told in several viewpoints including police, friends, and Julia who joins Kyle’s Facebook group and gradually uncovers his secrets, so we also learn about their own relationships and how they’re affected by the search for Hannah.

Under Your Skin is published by Darkstroke Books. I can’t say any more about the story without giving away spoilers but you can read it here.

Be warned – it will get under your skin!

Book review: Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce

I’d heard so much about this book so was pleased it was the chosen as a book group read. The premise of a damaged marriage, a toxic affair, a dark obsession drew me instantly, and I was intrigued by the title and classy cover.

[image error]

Alison appears to have it all – a loving family and a well paid career as a criminal barrister. But she also drinks too much, has a troubled marriage and an affair which she knows she must end. When she starts receiving hate-filled texts it’s clear someone knows her secrets and wants her to pay.

Her client in her first murder case, Madeleine, is determined to plead guilty to stabbing her husband but Alison suspects Madeleine’s not telling the whole truth. Saving this woman may be the first step to saving herself.

I found this an addictive read despite the nastiness of the characters except for the little girl, Matilda. I loved the fact that everything is seen through Alison’s eyes and felt that the present tense gave the story an urgency which helped make it such a page-turner.

Alison’s a selfish, weak-willed person who’s drunk a lot of the time but wants to be better. Like many women, she’s conflicted between her dedication to her work and her role as a mother. She wants to patch up her marriage with her self-righteous therapist husband but is excited by her dangerous affair with her colleague. She sees Madeleine’s problems without recognising that to some extent they mirror her own. I found myself warming to her as the story unfolded.

Actions have consequences is a theme that runs through the book.

Although I guessed the truth behind Madeleine’s case and the identity of Alison’s tormentor early on, I liked the way these were revealed and the ending contained a final shock.

This is a dark, visceral legal thriller highlighting misogyny and domestic abuse which doesn’t shy away from graphic and grimy scenes. I think it would be a perfect read for anyone who enjoyed Apple Tree Yard.

The author Harriet Tyce was a barrister for nearly a decade. Blood Orange is her debut novel and is published by Wildfire, an imprint of Headline.

Book review: Her Last Mistake by Carla Kovach

Today is publication day for Her Last Mistake. I was drawn by the premise of a death at a wedding exposing a secret and leading to an act of revenge.

[image error]

Smart, beautiful, popular and irresistible to men, Holly Long is killed at her best friend’s wedding. When police search her apartment they discover a different side to party-girl Holly. She had a secret which threatened to ruin the lives of other wedding guests.

My review

Dark, savage and shocking, this is the sixth book in the series featuring Detective Gina Harte. However, it’s the first one I’ve read and I found it worked fine as a standalone.

I found the detective, Gina, very relatable. She’s sympathetic, principled and devoted to getting justice done while juggling her complicated home life. The other characters weren’t at all likeable but formed pieces of a fiendish whodunnit puzzle for Gina to solve.

Some of the story’s told from the killer’s point of view. I found these sections sinister and uncomfortable but had to read on because I was desperate to find out their identity and was rewarded with a clever twist at the end.

I’d recommend this to fans of action-packed police procedural thrillers.

Her Last Mistake is published by Bookouture and available now in kindle and audiobook formats here

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy which I’ve reviewed voluntarily.