A chilling and blisteringly relevant liteTime taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 416
Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
A chilling and blisteringly relevant literary novel of social horror centered around a brutal killing that takes place in a full-contact haunted escape room—a provocative exploration of capitalism, hate politics, racial fetishism, and our obsession with fear as entertainment.
On April 27, 1997, four contestants make it to the final cell of the Quigley House, a full-contact haunted escape room in Lincoln, Nebraska, made famous for its monstrosities, booby-traps, and ghoulishly costumed actors. If the group can endure these horrors without shouting the safe word, “reprieve,” they’ll win a substantial cash prize—a startling feat accomplished only by one other group in the house’s long history. But before they can complete the challenge, a man breaks into the cell and kills one of the contestants.
Those who were present on that fateful night lend their points of view: Kendra Brown, a teenager who’s been uprooted from her childhood home after the sudden loss of her father; Leonard Grandton, a desperate and impressionable hotel manager caught in a series of toxic entanglements; and Jaidee Charoensuk, a gay international student who came to the United States in a besotted search for his former English teacher. As each character’s journey unfurls and overlaps, deceit and misunderstandings fueled by obsession and prejudice are revealed, forcing all to reckon with the ways in which their beliefs and actions contributed to a horrifying catastrophe.
An astonishingly soulful exploration of complicity and masquerade, Reprieve combines the psychological tension of classic horror with searing social criticism to present an unsettling portrait of this tangled American life.
My Review
An escape room where it is more than one room, the players can touch/hit you and big money available to win. A team of four head in to tackle it, to win, when one of the group is murdered. The book goes back and forward in time and we meet the characters. Kendra, teen, lover of horror is uprooted and off to live with her cousin and aunt and where the ultimate escape room horror house. Jaidee Charoensuk a gay exchange student who can never quite forget the teacher he felt a connection with, Bryan who is Kendra's cousin and we meet Leon - a business guy who is having a bit of a time of it.
The thing with the book is, the house of horror and having to get through the cells and the tasks (X amount of envelopes and you must collect so many to be allowed to pass to the next cell, if it gets too much shout the safe word and it stops as does your chance of winning the cash). The book flip flops about a fair bit, we go between the characters and get huge backstories on them. We also have statements from the actual players of the game in the lead up to/post murder.
I think I thought it was going to be more horror, it isn't, no doubt the escape room bits are a wee bit gore giving, lots of blood, show and tell, sure only one group has ever won despite the money lure so you know it isn't a walk in the park. However that is all it really is, the greater focus is on the characters, their back stories and the players in the game.
It took me out the story a lot because we bounced so much and was it really relevant to know XYZ although some parts absolutely yes. I got the special edition and love the look of it, the inside has a map of sorts showing you a visual of the cells. It was ok, I didn't love it, I didn't hate it so 3/5 for me....more
Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was wrongfully convicted ofTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 352
Publisher - Avon
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Five years ago, Olivia Sutherland was wrongfully convicted of plotting to murder her husband.
Now she's finally free, Olivia has three goals: repair her relationship with her teenage daughter, clear her name, and bring down her husband – the man who framed her.
Just how far is she willing to go to get what she wants? And how far will her husband go to stop her? Because his lies run deeper than Olivia could ever have imagined – and this time it’s not her freedom that’s in jeopardy, but her life…
My Review
We open with Olivia Sutherland, in the courtroom, defendant, accused of attempted murder on her husband. She is staring at the jury, she is staring at her husband, she cannot believe this is happening to her. Flip five years later, she is out, she wants nothing more than to see the wean who is a teenager now and clear her name because she knows she is innocent, her husband set her up, by why?
We have a wee insight into jail life with Olivia and then we are outside and free with her. I found some of her actions/choices so infuriating, I get it - I don't think many of us would be thinking straight and acting right but man she is so lucky, the chances she took!
The chapters flip between Olivia (wife), Dominic (husband) and Dani (personal trainer to Olivia and servicing officer) and as we hear from each we learn a little more as the story unravels of who the key players are, what they have done and what their focus is.
The book starts off sharp and pretty much keeps up the pace/focus of the reader. I wanted to know how and why, what is coming next and how Olivia is going to get through this without getting her butt thrown back to jail.
I do enjoy Taylor's books I think I have read them all now, I look forward to the next 4/5 for me this time....more
Time taken to read - in and out over 4 dayTime taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 336
Publisher - Harper Collins
Source - Amazon Kindle
Blurb from Goodreads
Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days
Pages - 419
Publisher - Bloomsbury
Source - Friend gave me her copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Christie's classic mystery has Poirot racing to solve a crime before an innocent woman is put to death. A BBC Radio 4 Full-cast dramatisation.
Elinor Carlisle and Roddy Welman are the model English couple, perfect companions set for a life of ease when they inherit Aunt Laura's considerable fortune. But a poison pen letter begins a chain of events which is to end in tragedy. Convinced that Mary Gerrard, a childhood playmate of Elinor's, is attempting to ingratiate herself with her aunt for financial gain, the pair travel to the family home to investigate. They find no evidence but Roddy falls desperately in love with the beautiful Mary, little realising that beneath Elinor's restrained and unemotional exterior lies an almost obsessive passion for him. Elinor obeys her aunt's deathbed wish despite her heartbreak, and gives Mary a large bequest from the estate. But when Mary is found poisoned, the evidence against Elinor is damning. It's up to Hercule Poirot to find out if the case is as simple as it seems...
My Review
So this is my first ever Agatha Christie book :O I seen the challenge #ReadChristie2023 and said I would try the challenge and signed up. We open in the courtroom with Elinor awaiting her fate and the book flips back to the before and how we get to Elinor accused of murder *gasp*.
It has a whole host of goings on, Elinor is very reserved and a bit of a cold fish, her fiance who she is madly in love with but of course doesn't outwardly gush over him, well he is a bit of a wet blanket. He see's Mary, Elinor's aunt had taken her under her wing, sent her off and paid for her education, supported her and now the aunt is ill Mary is by her side. Elinor's fiance is blindsided by her beauty, Mary is to be provided for and Elinor's world is falling apart. So when Mary is bumped off of course Elinor is the main suspect, one man believes she is innocent despite everything pointing to her, even her own attitude doesn't help. And enter Poirot, the man who does his job very effectively.
Poirot wasn't overly featured in the book, I don't know if that is normal or not but it was interesting to see him *work*. We watched a movie of his, Murder on the Orient Express, Sean Connery was in it too and Poirot came off silly and a bit camp. I didn't get that from this book, more murder she wrote meets Columbo. Not overly nice characters by any means but really enjoyed reading about them and seeing how things panned out, 4/5 for me and will be checking out whatever the next recommended book is for the challenge.
When nineteen-year-oTime taken to read - in and out over 4 days
Pages - 419
Publisher - Bloomsbury
Source - Friend gave me her copy
Blurb from Goodreads
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.
At least, he’s not a beast all the time.
As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.
My Review
So I have never read this author but heard/seen the books/series all over book clubs, book tok etc but I got my copy off a friend who struggled to get into it. First heads up and warning, the opening chapter has animal death, Feyre is a bit Katniss Everdeen style character. Poor, struggling, she has her bow and arrow and is hunting to keep her siblings and father from starving. It is the event there that changes her life and sees her forced to live with immortal faeries that she and her fellow humans hate.
The book covers so much, family, character, strength, romance, survival, treachery, different beings, humans and faeries. I got Beauty and the Beast vibes from it too, instead of books/library it is paintings and a love of art. Some of the characters really annoyed me, like the whole family let the youngest, Feyre, go out hunting, risking herself whilst they stayed safe at home, only coming out with the lure of money from a sale from Feyre's hard graft. This is a tiny part but it really enraged me, some of the stuff that happens over in Faerie Lands. Like I love a riddle (I suck at them though) and any type of quest especially so much at stake however the shady underhanded behaviours of X was like really, why? How is that an actual show of power but that is just a wee thing that irked me too. There is a lot to like to be fair, it has magic, romance, hierarchy, evil, murder, lots of elements and the series is hugely loved by many, for me 3/5.
For me it is a good foundation and book one of a series, I will be reading book two to see what is next in store
In search of a new lifeTime taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 400
Publisher - Avon Books
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
The island watched and wept…
In search of a new life, sixteen-year-old Adriana Clark’s family moves to the ancient, ocean-battered Isle of Mull, far off the coast of Scotland. Then she goes missing. Faced with hostile locals and indifferent police, her desperate parents turn to private investigator Sadie Levesque.
Sadie is the best at what she does. But when she finds Adriana’s body in a cliffside cave, a seaweed crown carefully arranged on her head, she knows she’s dealing with something she’s never encountered before.
The deeper she digs into the island’s secrets, the closer danger creeps – and the more urgent her quest to find the killer grows. Because what if Adriana is not the last girl to die?
My Review
This is a standalone. A young girl has gone missing, the police don't seem overly convinced, the family are at their wits end so hire a private detective, Sadie. The police don't like her interfering and worse when she finds Adriana, dead and mutilated. There is a killer on the loose, Sadie and the police are at logger heads, the locals are shaken, some helpful, some not so much and as with all small towns, lots and lots of secrets.
Oh guys Sadie is feisty! She will not take any nonsense from the local police, nor will she be threatened nor bullied out of town. Her promise is to her clients, the poor girls family and she won't stop digging until they get the answers.
Some of the scenes are absolutely brutal and what is done to Adriana, graphic descriptions as Sadie is a PI and going through her findings and us with her as the reader so be warned. There is a lot of anger, hostility, threats and brutality, Fields doesn't shy away from creating scenarios and characters that are reflective of the uglier sides of humanity.
It has a good pace, horrific murder and then trying to pull through secrets, lies and sure is there not always folk hiding stuff for one reason or another. Sometimes Sadie annoyed me I was like don't do that, don't say that, ahhhh why are you touching that! But she was also fierce and despite being scared in X situations she never backed off from trying to get answers and keeping her word. 4/5 for me this time, I do like Fields books and whilst this one had a few graphic shocks (I have a shell we got on the beach I can now never look at the same way) along the way it is gripping and well for me anyway, kept me guessing....more
A woman being held captive is willing to risk everything to saveTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 241
Publisher -
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
A woman being held captive is willing to risk everything to save herself, her unborn child, and her captor’s latest victim in this claustrophobic thriller in the tradition of Misery and Room.
On an isolated farm in the United Kingdom, a woman is trapped by the monster who kidnapped her seven years ago. When she discovers she is pregnant, she resolves to protect her child no matter the cost, and starts to meticulously plan her escape. But when another woman is brought into the fold on the farm, her plans go awry. Can she save herself, her child, and this innocent woman at the same time? Or is she doomed to spend the remainder of her life captive on this farm?
Intense, dark, and utterly gripping The Last Thing to Burn is a breathtaking thriller from an author to watch.
My Review
If you read the blurb you know this book is going to be triggering for some, if you didn't this is your headsup. Trapped in an isolated farm and has been for SEVEN years *Jane* has had to endure horrific abuse and now she is pregnant. She has lost so much for every time she tries to escape or displeasures him in some way it costs her dearly.
This book is intense, horrific, stomach turning, brutal and absolutely captivating, you are absolutely rooting for *Jane* from the beginning. She has lost so much, he even changed her name! The horrors she has suffered and continues to endure to survive is shocking and the stakes really change when she finds out she is pregnant with this monsters baby. He has taken almost everything from her but he will not take her baby.
I read this when travelling to see family and almost finished it in one sitting, it is so easy to absorb into but it is shocking and disturbingly dark. It has many horrific incidents/themes and we don't do spoiler reviews but given the blurb and what you know of *Jane* you can prepare yourself for the absolute worst. This isn't my first time reading Dean but it is my first standalone of his, have another and I think two of the Tuva series to catch up with. Not for the faint hearted as he creates some of the darkest stains of humanity style characters but also fierce, strong women and in this, *Jane* is so strong as I said rooting for her from the start, 4/5 for me.
Three ordinary people risk everythinTime taken to read - in and out over 4 days
Pages - 352
Publisher - Michael Joseph
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
Three ordinary people risk everything for a chance at redemption in this audacious, utterly gripping novel of catastrophe and survival at the end of the world, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man
Hannah awakens to carnage, all mangled metal and shattered glass. During a hasty escape from a secluded boarding school, her coach careened over a hillside road during one of the year's heaviest snowstorms, trapping her inside with a handful of survivors, a brewing virus, and no way to call for help. If she and the remaining few want to make it out alive, with their sanity--and secrets--intact, they'll need to work together or they'll be buried alive with the rest of the dead.
A former detective, Meg awakens to a gentle rocking. She is in a cable car suspended far above a snowstorm and surrounded by strangers in the same uniform as her, with no memory of how they got there. They are heading to a mysterious place known to them only as "The Retreat," but when they discover a dead man among their ranks and Meg spies a familiar face, she realizes that there is something far more insidious going on.
Carter is gazing out the window of the abandoned ski chalet that he and his ragtag compatriots call home. Together, they manage a precarious survival, manufacturing vaccines against a deadly virus in exchange for life's essentials. But as their generator begins to waver, the threat of something lurking in the chalet's depths looms larger, and their fragile bonds will be tested when the power finally fails--for good.
The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater threat--one that threatens to consume all of humanity.
My Review
I will firstly say I have read almost all of this authors books and do really enjoy her writing and how she creates characters/atmosphere. So I do look forward to her next books and this one was no exception. The book surrounds three different groups of people and it is tense tense tense.
Carter and crew are in an abandoned ski resort, they call home and work on the vaccine to deal with the deadly virus that has swept the globe. Meg wakes up with strangers in a cable car suspended in the air, they are all knocked out and start waking and trying to recall how they got there. Hannah and her travelling companions are on a coach after escaping from the boarding school when they end up trapped, danger all around and no way to call for help!
Ooft the atmosphere and tension, some of it gave me The Things vibes, you know something bad could be in someone next to you and it is life threatening. Also the isolation all the group have, the guys at the retreat/chalet can come and go but there is still immanent threat about so they are effectively stranded although maybe not as bad as the cable car and bus guys.
There are a lot of characters and three separate scene settings which I don't always love as it can be distracting however Tudor writes it well you keep track no problem and when something kicks off on one group you don't want to leave to the next chapter. Then you are with the other group and its the same thing, I just wanted to know everything already.
Tudor keeps you on your toes and absolutely immersed in the carnage that follows as each group tries to survive. I had no idea where we were heading or what each endgame was going to be, that isn't always easy for authors especially when you have voracious readers. Yet she keeps it fresh every time and in this book we get three separate groups/happenings/stories that keep you hooked and guessing.
I think I only have one more story of hers to read and I so look forward to it, I think Master King gave a favourable quote to one of her works and he wasn't wrong. Exciting, shocking, horrific scenes, a deadly virus and in amongst trying to survive some humans will still be awful and some will show amazing feats of strength, loyalty and character, 4/5 for me this time. ...more
Sisters, Jolene, Marsha and Annis have convened at thTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages -
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Sisters, Jolene, Marsha and Annis have convened at their childhood home the huge and beautiful Fox House following the death of their mother, the cold and impenetrable Eleanor Vamplew, to arrange the funeral and sell up. Born seven years apart, the women have never bonded and are more strangers than sisters.
Jolene, the eldest, is a successful romantic novelist who writes templates of beautiful relationships even though her marriage to the handsome and charming Warren is a barren wasteland.
Marsha, the neglected middle child has put every bit of her energy into her work hoping money would plug up the massive gap in her life left by the man who broke her young heart, only to find it never has. And now he has been forced back into her life.
Annis is the renegade, who left home aged sixteen and never returned, not even for the death of their beloved father Julian, until now. It is therefore a surprise to all of them to discover that Eleanor recently changed her will to leave everything to the daughter she considered a wretched accident.
Together, Again is the story of truths uncovered and lies exposed, of secrets told - and kept. It is a novel about sister helping sister to heal from childhood scars, and of finding, in each other, the love they have all been deprived of. Together, Again is about vulnerability and strength, acceptance and family.
My Review
A family of sisters brought together by the death of their mum. One sister has been awol for a while and isn't how they remember her. Jolene is a well known author with her own problems, Marsha is your classic middle child syndrome and Annis the runaway aloof youngest who has changed so much and surrounded in mystery. Their mother was cold, aloof, keeping up appearances and everything was about her love for her husband. As the girls try to work their way through sorting mothers affairs as well as their own unexpecting feelings/issues.
Families, they can be rough as, there is no doubting the siblings all have their own form of issues from how they were treated and raised. The mother is a cold fish and whilst her passing is what kick starts the novel we do hear from her a little and get some insight as the book goes on.
Johnson creates characters you love, characters you hate, characters you pity and or want to hear more about. The book delves into secrets, lies, relationships, personal growth, love and trying to overcome the long reaches the past has on you. Whilst she looks at relationships of different varieties she touches on some darker and shocking themes, coercive control, gaslighting, manipulation, abuse but also brighter and happier aspects too. Using many of the true issues and hardships and or battles some of us face in real life so evokes emotional responses from the reader or just grasps them whilst she creates her characters worlds and draws you in.
It is no surprise I loved this, I am a big fan of Johnson's books, having a slump - read a Johnson, want to lose yourself in dramas that isn't your own, Johnson! 5/5 for me, I have read most of her books but do need to check Goodreads and Fantasticfiction to see what all I have missed....more
There was a time when I loved my mother. It’s shocking to iTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 276
Publisher - Thread
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
There was a time when I loved my mother. It’s shocking to imply that I stopped loving my mum because mothers always love their children and always do their best for them. Mothers are supposed to be good. But my mother wasn’t good.
Ten years ago, Helen Naylor discovered her mother, Elinor, had been faking debilitating illnesses for thirty years. After Elinor’s self-induced death, Helen found her diaries, which Elinor wrote daily for over fifty years. The diaries reveal not only the inner workings of Elinor’s twisted mind and self-delusion, but also shocking revelations about Helen’s childhood.
Everything Helen knew about herself and her upbringing was founded on a lie. The unexplained accidents and days spent entirely on her own as a little girl, imagining herself climbing into the loft and disappearing into a different world, tell a story of neglect. As a teenager, her mother’s advice to Helen on her body and mental health speaks of dangerous manipulation.
With Elinor’s behaviour becoming increasingly destructive, and Helen now herself a mother, she was left with a stark choice: to collude with Elinor’s lies or be accused of abandoning her.
My Mother, Munchausen’s and Me is a heart-breaking, honest and brave account of a daughter unravelling the truth about her mother and herself. It’s a story of a stolen childhood, mental illness, and the redemptive power of breaking a complex and toxic bond.
My Review
The blurb says the author found her mums diaries after she passed and that they were estranged after finding out her mum had been faking illness for thirty years. I thought the book was gong to be largely diary entries, this isn't the case. The book is us following Helen through her life, going from memories, growing up, things she endured with her mother first hand. Before she knew she was faking and what happened after, the diaries we get small snippets sometimes at the ends of some of the chapters so if diary format puts you off you don't have to worry as that isn't how the book is written.
Munchausen's is such a horrific condition and I so wanted to hug the author because there is so so many parts to the abuse she endured. Not just the things her mother did, some of the emotional abuse was horrific and had long lasting reach even after the author became a mum herself. It is very difficult for some people to get their heads around to the point some refused to believe it and held a lot of anger towards the author.
The book gives a raw emotive insight into the lengths someone with Munchausen's will go, the absolute tragedy of it and the negative impacts it has on those closet to them. This is by no means an easy read because the content is so difficult to absorb that someone would do that to themselves and their loved ones to achieve their goals. Heart-breaking, emotive, shocking, brutal and not for the faint hearted, that said I think everyone should absolutely read this, it isn't one we hear about as often as other conditions and yet the devastation it causes is just mind blowing, 4.5/5 for me. ...more
Bill Thigpen, writer producer of the No.1 daytimeTime taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 432
Publisher - Dell
Source - Mum bought me it
Blurb from Goodreads
Bill Thigpen, writer producer of the No.1 daytime TV drama was so busy watching his career soar that he never noticed his marriage collapse. Now, nine years later, living alone in Hollywood, even without his wife and kids, his life and success are still reasonably sweet. Top-of-the-chart ratings, good-natured casual affairs, and special vacations with his two young sons. His life is in perfect balance, he thinks. Adrian Townshed thought she had everything: a job she liked as a TV production assistant and a handsome husband who was a rising star in his own field. In as enviable life they'd worked hard for--the American Dream. Until she got pregnant. Suddenly all she had was chaos. And Steven's ultimatum. Him or the baby. The question was: did he mean it? He did. Bill Thigpen and Adrian Townshed collided in a supermarket. And the very sight of her suddenly makes him want more in his life.... a woman he really loves, a real family again. But does he need the heartache of another man's baby, another wife? Neither does. But they couldn't help it. Danielle Steel touches the Heartbeat of two wonderful people as their friendship deepens into love, as they meet the obstacles that life presents with humor, humanity, and courage.
My Review
Bill Thigpen is the writer of a super popular tv show, his marriage ended due to his over commitment to the show but he still sees the kids, not as much as he would like and he is keeping commitment free so as not to get hurt. Adrian Townsend is beautiful, successful news reader & the perfect (for her) husband, Steven, although she is esentially estranged really from her family/friends because of Steven. Life with Stephen is great (according to them as the reader I can't say I agree) until Adrian falls pregnant and Stephen gives her the worst ultimatum, its him or the child.
I have to say I really struggled with Adrian's whole behaviour/attitude to Steven and I know a lot of it is being in that type of relationship. It just shows the long hold a person can have even when one escapes their clutches but I found it insanely frustrating. Bill is such a sweetie and so patient/understanding and rare to find someone like that.
There is a central theme when discussing Steven or when he appears for pressure/emotional blackmail, underhanded tactics to try and pressure Adrian to choose him over the pregnancy so I think a warning is needed here just because it can be a lot for someone to read depending on their background.
I went back and forth on Adrian and was invested in seeing where the story went, 3.5/5 for me....more
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaireTime taken to read - 5 days
Pages - 368
Publisher - Avon Books UK
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
Settle down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine as you devour this irresistibly festive Christmas tale. The perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.
My Review
Alexia is helping out the small village, she does interior designing, is pretty good at it and popular, this is her stop before moving onto bigger things. The village has raised funds to finally have their community cafe when disaster strikes and the money is robbed. Alexia finds it hampers her prospects and she feels she needs to do what she can to help.
So I wasn't expecting spice, there is a little bit of romantic/erotica at the start nothing extreme but just a headsup. Ben has recently fled to the village after a disaster in his own personal life, his uncle lives there and he ends up with a little dependent called Barney, oh my I LOVED Barney, you know a wee character that doesn't have a huge part at all in the story but when appears totally steals the show? That's Barney for me. Anyway I digress, so Alexia is at her wits end, Ben steps up to the plate to help where he can and whilst him and Alexia butt heads but have the common goal of trying to help with the cafe getting sorted.
Jodie, Alexia's room mate I really had a hard time with, I found her really unlikeable and I get she has stuff going on and you learn more as you get in but yeah not her biggest fan. We all know a Jodie and I think if you have or had one in your life your eyeball may twitch a tad!
The characters are quite human, they have love, compassion, reactive, some are selfish, some are shady just like real life! It was nice to escape into the village, envelope into other peoples dramas and leave your own for a wee bit, 4/5 for me this time....more
The story behind real-life clubs of ordinarTime taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 240
Publisher - Ad Lib Publishers
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
The story behind real-life clubs of ordinary citizens who come together to solve true crime mysteries—including the sleuths behind Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer
In 2019, Netflix had a hit with documentary series Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer. It was based on one of Canada’s most infamous crimes: the 2012 murder of thirty-three-year-old Lin Jun by his porn-star boyfriend, Luka Magnotta, in Montreal. Magnotta filmed himself killing and (apparently) eating parts of his victim; he also mailed Jun’s feet and hands to two Canadian political parties and two elementary schools.
Prior to Jun’s murder, though, Magnotta had anonymously posted online videos of himself killing kittens. Horrified Facebook sleuths worked tirelessly to uncover the kitten-killer’s identity and location. Armchair detective Deanne Thompson, a data analyst for a Vegas casino by day, spent countless hours researching Lithuanian doorknobs, among other things, to help identify items in Magnotta’s videos during her quest to unmask him.
Nicola Stow reveals the fascinating stories behind this and and similar cases in which ordinary citizens, in real-life murder clubs, as in Richard Osman’s bestselling fiction, help to investigate crimes, both recent and cold cases. Includes the cases of Casey Anthony, John Wayne Gacy, JonBenét Ramsey, Golden State Killer, Boston Marathon bombings, and many more.
My Review
Just going to say to start off I never watched the Netflix show Don't F*ck with Cats, I heard about what happened and even though it is brief I just couldn't. So with that in mind it does mention in the book what he did to those poor wee kittens and it does mention harm to animals so just an fyi (it is something I struggle with reading so just a headsup. I have read a few books that talk about sleuths but if you haven't heard about them don't worry the book is a fantastic introduction to them and so much.
Ordinary people who have their own lives and often own jobs (some retired) get into sleuthing or armchair detectiving in different ways and reasons. If you like reaching about true crime you will really enjoy this book.
It talks about some very well known serial killers and some cases you may not be overly familiar with. It tells us about their community, forums available, what they do, how they came about (one of Ted Bundy near miss would be victims is involved in one) and some of the Jane and John Doe's they have identified, how they managed to do it. They discuss how they help the police and how some police do not want or avoid their assistance and how some are really grateful and or happy to work with them.
Michelle McNamara was an author (and famous husband actor Patton Oswald) who worked on so much research on The Golden State Killer and was working on her book "I'll Be Gone In The Dark" - I hadn't heard of it really and after reading this book I bought it. It has so much in it and I don't want to go into so as not to spoil anything. Absolutely for fans or true crime and if you are into or interested in sleuthing too its a double reason. 4.5/5 for me this time, first time reading this author, I would read her again....more
Brandi Glanville may be the newest bad girl in Beverly Hills, but it’s impossible not to love her for always speaking her mind. In this brash, candid, and vulnerable memoir, she spills all of her secrets, dishing on her infamous divorce, motherhood, the plastic surgery that made her “seventeen” again, and much, much more.
She’s the brutally honest breath of fresh air on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, known for her dramatic divorce, her barely-there clothing, and her inability to keep her mouth shut. So why should she change now? Brandi Glanville tells all in this hilarious, no-holds-barred memoir.
Fans have been waiting for Brandi’s scoop on one of the biggest divorces of the decade, since her husband of eight years abandoned her and their two sons to marry country singer LeAnn Rimes. Not only does Brandi spill the beans about her side of the split, the lovable housewife shares the incredible wild ride that took her from a life in the ghetto to Hollywood’s most elite circles. For the first time, Brandi talks about how she escaped a rough neighborhood on the outskirts of Sacramento and stumbled into a successful modeling career that swept her into a world of Paris Fashion Weeks, private jets, and uncircumcised penises. Before she knew it, Brandi was the perfect Hollywood trophy wife—at least until her marriage exploded.
Today, the refreshingly filter-free housewife and unapologetic mom is the newest full-time cast member of Bravo’s juggernaut franchise, where she often elicits raised eyebrows and gossip from her costars for her refusal to be the scorned ex-wife, to be bullied, to change her sarcastic sense of humor, or—on most occasions—to wear a bra. Sassy, raunchy, and compulsively readable, Drinking and Tweeting perfectly captures Brandi’s open-book attitude, as she dishes about everything from her DUI, her cheating ex, her one-night stands, and the secret plastic surgery that made her “seventeen” again. You’re sure to enjoy every page of this funny, upbeat, honest tale. Clear your schedule for an afternoon and grab your favorite cocktail, a comfy seat . . . and maybe a Xanax. But that’s for later.
My Review
So I didn't know who Brandi was, I knew of her husband as I used to watch Sunset Beach I think it was and I am sure he was Cole Deshanelle? on it. Leanne Rhymes was/is a singer and everyone at one point was singing "you can't fight the moonlight" so I think I either bought this at the height of the scandal or someone gifted me it.
Brandi is beautiful and her main thing was Eddie's wife and mum to her kids, glam lifestyle, devoted and then her world as she knows it comes apart. Cheating is huge in the industry of celebs/tv but Brandi I think was in her bubble. This is her book about what happened from her point of view, Leanne Rhymes and her husband out with her and Eddie, flirtation in front of them but surely not. The stages of denial, confrontation and implosion when everything comes to a head.
Ooooft if you like trash tv and reading about celeb scandals then this book has it all for you. STD's, affairs, a glimpse behind the glamour of celebrity ville. I think we have all had bad breakups, heartache and we may have acted in ways that upon reflection we are a bit mortified. Well imagine that but social media is there for it all, fans, followers, paps even friends stabbing you in the back because loyalty against fame (or more fame) for some people is too alluring.
I felt for her at some points, the things he did is so shady but they have kids together and the media is watching your every move. If you look now he is still with Rhymes and it looks like they have some kind of relationship (Brandi, ex hubby and Leanne) together which is good for the weans, regardless of age. The book looks at how Brandi went from mom/wife to finding her own place in celebrity Ville and part of a show that is pretty huge (I haven't seen it but lots of my gal pals and workies love them) and she has written another book or books so will need to have a nosey. If you think of Jackie Collins books, without the murder this is very much like that, sex, scandal, fame, paps (paparazzi), 4/5 for me, get your popcorn!
Source - I can't remember, its been on the shelve a long while
Blurb from Goodreads
Hailsham seTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 288
Publisher - Vintage
Source - I can't remember, its been on the shelve a long while
Blurb from Goodreads
Hailsham seems like a pleasant English boarding school, far from the influences of the city. Its students are well tended and supported, trained in art and literature, and become just the sort of people the world wants them to be. But, curiously, they are taught nothing of the outside world and are allowed little contact with it.
Within the grounds of Hailsham, Kathy grows from schoolgirl to young woman, but it’s only when she and her friends Ruth and Tommy leave the safe grounds of the school (as they always knew they would) that they realize the full truth of what Hailsham is.
Never Let Me Go breaks through the boundaries of the literary novel. It is a gripping mystery, a beautiful love story, and also a scathing critique of human arrogance and a moral examination of how we treat the vulnerable and different in our society. In exploring the themes of memory and the impact of the past, Ishiguro takes on the idea of a possible future to create his most moving and powerful book to date.
My Review
I heard so much about this book, you have to read it, it is so different, emotive so I don't know what I really thought it was going to be about. It certainly is different, we open in England in the late 90s. Kathy H is our narrator, she is early 30s and been a carer for eleven years however it isn't exactly how you image it. She mentions Hailsham as a estate and how she can choose to care for her own people from there. The book then gives us more about Kathy and Hailsham and why she would pick to care for people she knew. The book goes back and forth in time to when Kathy was younger and her relationship/friendship with Ruth and Tommy. It isn't until maybe a quarter or more of the book you realise it isn't quite as straight forward as you thought.
I feel I am in the minority as I didn't love this book, I wasn't super moved by it although there is no doubt some emotional tugs. The characters aren't all super loveable but as you get more back history you get a little more understanding I would say.
I feel like, for me and maybe it is just me but I was left with so many questions when I did finish, why, who, more history of Hailsham questions and don't get me wrong the book does hit some of it but it was one of those when I got an answer it sparked five more questions.
Maybe the book was being really deep and smart with undertones and it just went over my head. Like I say some folk love this but for me it was quite puzzling and overall whys. I believe there is a movie for it so I think I may have a look at that and see if I get any more insight, I just didn't overly get large amounts and the stuff I did was like ok but what, why and how, why wouldn't they do X, why do they do Z? I know that is a bit aloof but I don't do spoilers, I think this would be an amazing choice for a book group/discussion because it will get so much chat and people will have received it differently for sure. It is a reluctant 3 for me, I don't feel 2 would be fair because it does keep you engaged and wondering where it is going but I can't say I super enjoyed it either.
In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has eveTime taken to read -
Pages -
Publisher -
Source -
Blurb from Goodreads
In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.
Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.
As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers... or resume his lonely existence forevermore?
My Review
So this is book 17 in the series, you don't have to have read all the previous ones however it does help as there is so much going on and back stories with the characters. We had seen Murhder referred to previously, he is no longer in the brotherhood and had some problems with his mental health but we don't know everything just he has a history with Xhex John's good lady. Introducing Dr. Sarah Watkins, her partner died she flung herself into work and now that work has brought her into the way of danger and the path of the unthinkable........vampires.
This book gives us a lot of what we have come to expect, there is passion, erotica (graphic adult scenes so not for the easily offended), relationships, cross over of the human into the vampire circle. We learn more about Murhder's back story (did I say that I feel like I said that). There is an interesting look at the cruelty of humans, study of vampires and we touched on this previously in another book in the series.
Love story, violence, family, history, vampires still battling the Lessers but from the previous book we know we also now have a new enemy. For this book, whilst I think this one took a wee bit to get into its groove it is a good part of the series and a few more bits filled in.
The way we rounded out I am looking forward to the next book that picks this thread up, sometimes the book brings in a new character to our established ones and hopefully book 18 picks up where we left this one off, 4/5 for me.
He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile froTime taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 338
Publisher - Bantam books
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen.
She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found.
But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance — and nothing less than destiny — has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching.
My Review
Addison is our main character, what a poor soul. He is very much an *innocent* type of person but all he has ever known from interactions with other humans is hate, fear and death. We soon know he looks very different, even seeing his eyes is enough for people to react as they do. His upbringing is just so sad, before the eyes things his character reminded me of the old tv show Beauty and the Beast with Linda Hamilton. He has a chance encounter and meets Gwynneth who is running from a vile individual. Gwynneth is also a loner but very different from Addison. They strike up an unlikely friendship and we learn of the horrors they have both been through.
I do like Koontz books and I felt so bad for Addison and then Gwynneth so it is nice they met and become unlikely acquaintances or dare I say friends. As the book goes along we learn a bit more about both. There were a few different threads of storylines and whilst I enjoyed them I didn't always see the overall point, like I was left with quite a lot of questions and wanted a bit more/why.
The book touches on some really dark themes, brutal violence, predatory behaviour, murder and the sadness and anger I felt of behalf of poor Addison, imagine being someone who people hate, like try to murder instant hate upon seeing you. Even as a kid, he has such a lonely existence and a few scenes were just so enraging and sad for the poor child he was and adult he became. 3.5/5 for me I wonder if Koontz would ever return to these characters....more
What if any crime could be commTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages -
Publisher -
Source -
Blurb from Goodreads
What if your life were defined by a number?
What if any crime could be committed without punishment, so long as you could afford to pay the fee assigned to that crime?
Theo works in the Criminal Audit Office. He assesses each crime that crosses his desk and makes sure the correct debt to society is paid in full.
But when Theo's ex-lover Dani is killed, it's different. This is one death he can't let become merely an entry on a balance sheet.
Because when the richest in the world are getting away with murder, sometimes the numbers just don't add up.
My Review
So first thing I want to say is remember just because I wasn't a lover of this doesn't mean you won't be. I thought the premise was fantastic especially because of how things are just now, like I hate to be political but look at the expenses, bonuses, raises the government politicians give themselves and regular joes are having to strike because cost of living/wage doesn't cut it. Anyway, the book, basically peoples lives are valued depending on their *worth*, so if someone kills someone they look at how much that person contributed to society. If the offender is rich it is the equivalent of a slap on the wrist and a fine. If you aren't as well off and can't afford the fine you get papped to work it off.
Human rights are scrapped, people exploited left and right. Theo works doing these valuations and how much someone is worth. When someone from his past puts his normal lifestyle/routine/happening into a spin he looks at what he is job really is, the corruption and ends up breaking a few laws himself to investigate and get answers.
There are a lot of really interesting premises but so more around them or different veins of story pulled away from the enjoyment for me. People/animals it is horrible like you can bump off a kid if the kid is basically considered a menace or if you are homeless, addicted, anything less than rich or what they consider worth folk can get away with killing you. Now this is fiction and 2018 published but you feel uneasy because it does (I feel) mirror how some of those in power feel about those less fortunate than them.
There are different timelines and characters jumps which I found really distracting and a few things I felt were maybe put in to hit tick boxes rather than give something to the actual story. For example one character actually had more to them than first meets the eye but it ended up not going anywhere or having any bearing on the story or where it went, missed opportunity.
I know it is super easy to be an armchair critic and how hard it is for authors putting heart and soul into books and I appreciate the art of writing. I also acknowledge that mood reading is a genuine thing, if you are in a rubbish headspace it can absolutely impact your enjoyment. Sure it takes amazing stories to pull you out of that and into another world/mood. That said whilst this book wasn't for me I think many will/have loved it so absolutely check it out for yourself. One mans dislike is another's love and until you read it you don't know what side you fall on, 2/5 for me this time. First time reading this author and I would try her again, just because I didn't gel with this one doesn't mean I won't like another she pens....more
Beloved, best-selling science writer Mary Roach’s “acutely enteTime taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 320
Publisher -
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Beloved, best-selling science writer Mary Roach’s “acutely entertaining, morbidly fascinating” (Susan Adams, Forbes) classic, now with a new epilogue.
For two thousand years, cadavers—some willingly, some unwittingly—have been involved in science’s boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. They’ve tested France’s first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender confirmation surgery, cadavers have helped make history in their quiet way. “Delightful—though never disrespectful” (Les Simpson, Time Out New York), Stiff investigates the strange lives of our bodies postmortem and answers the question: What should we do after we die?
My Review
So I have a habit of buying books because I like the cover and or assume what they will be about. This one, from the photo, I thought was going to be about pathologist/mortician and their job, I do enjoy reading these true stories types. No. The book is non fiction however the book is about human bodies. Cadavers, things that happen to the human body after they pass. Some have been donated so it covers medical use and of course Burke and Hare appear, historical use.
The author goes on travels to many places and behind the scenes and takes us with her. Autopsy, the use of bodies for education, medical progression, the look at consumption of flesh, body farms, ballistics, testing for car crashes/safety.
It is really interesting, dark, eye opening and provokes thought, I only know one person who donated their body to science/medicine. It was difficult in that there was no funeral, none of the usual tradition we have when we mourn someone. I wish this book had been around then or I had forethought to look some of this stuff up as it would have helped I think.
Some of the book might be a bit much for some readers, some of the stuff is a bit stomach turning but there is no denying it is informative, insightful and educational. I think it is a topic that isn't as well discussed or even well known to be honest. I remember discussing we had visited one of those bodies exhibitions and that sparked the chat "real bodies?" "who would donate their loved ones" and again our own experience of it. A lot of people opt for the lower cost/fuss funerals without attendance of friends/family I think if they had thought of this as an option they possibly would have considered it. Furtherment of knowledge/advances in X field is so beneficial, I think I will still be cremated but it has given me thought to look into all options that are currently available, 4/5 for me this time. ...more
(TRUE) LOVE (TOXIC) LOVE (LOST) LOVTime taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 384
Publisher - Electric Monkey
Source - Vine & then bought copy
Blurb from Goodreads
(TRUE) LOVE (TOXIC) LOVE (LOST) LOVE
This is a different kind of love story.
17-year-old Luka isn't looking for love. She's trying to piece her life back together after a heartbreaking loss. But when she meets the gorgeous and charismatic Cosmo under a meteor shower at the Greenwich Observatory, it feels like destiny has played a hand. Surely theirs is a love written in the stars.
But Cosmo isn't what he seems, using Luka's love for him to slowly take control of her life. As the pandemic starts to make headlines and lockdown sets in, she is trapped emotionally and physically in a coercive relationship. Luka's friends and brother can see what's happening, but struggle to reach her. Something will have to be sacrificed so Luka can set herself free - but what will be left of her when she does?
Luka's story is told from many points of view: through her letters, and through the voices of her brother, Alec, his boyfriend Theo and Luka's best friend, Roisin. Each of them holds a fragment of the story - it's time to put it all together.
My Review
I don't know what I was expecting with this one, when I first got it and seen the trigger warnings I was looking after my dad so put it aside. The parental loss isn't a huge central theme but relevant to the characters and there are many emotive issues. The characters are young, taking exams age and a tight group, best friends Luka (main character) & Roisin, Luka's brother Alec and his boyfriend Theo. Luka and Alec lost their mother & live with their step dad and wee sister, Cosmo is lost, writing letters to her mum and leaving them at the grave. Enter Cosmo, a chance encounter and he sweeps Luka off her feet and that folks is when everything starts to change and become dark.
So I think this may be my first book with pronouns and a trans character and whilst Luka is central Theo and the issues surrounding them is hugely important and relevant. Cosmo is a piece of work, I haven't loathed a character like this in a while. Luka is in the flows of grief and dealing with loss, heartache and trying to find herself so when Cosmo comes along we see red flags and vile traits that Luka is blinded to.
Despite the characters being young the amount of adult themes and issues are relatable across the board. The toxicity of the relationship was really uncomfortable to read but so important and well done, homophobia, transphobic, isolation, coercion and you have friendships, relationships, grief, loss, coping or rather trying to.
This is my first time reading this author, I will absolutely check out their other works, 4/5 for me....more
"I hope this Christmas is better than last year'sTime taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 401
Publisher - Headline
Source - Review book
Blurb from Back cover
"I hope this Christmas is better than last year's."
Following a scandalous affair, wayward Emma Devaney is sent in disgrace from her home in Ireland to Ryhope, where she will live with her widowed aunt, Bessie Brogan, and help run her pub. Bessie is kind but firm, and at first Emma rebels against her lack of freedom. Struggling to fit in, she turns to the wrong person for comfort, and becomes pregnant.
Accepting she must embrace her new life for the sake of her baby, Emma pours her energy into making the pub thrive and helping heal the fractured relationship between Bessie and her daughters. She catches the attention of Robert, a gruff but sincere farmer, who means to win her heart.
As December approaches, thankful for the home and acceptance she's found, Emma is determined to bring not just her family, but the whole Ryhope community, together to celebrate - and to make one very special mother's Christmas dreams come true.
My Review
Set in 1923 lordy lord Emma is a bit of a riot, totally wild. Living in a small town with her mum (her dad ran off a while back causing local tongues wagging), a proud lady Emma does one of the worst things ever. Not only caught frolicking in a secret relationship but the person ooft huge scandal. Shipped off to her aunt even her trip and arrival there is shocking and sets tongues wagging. She is not like a lady of her time, she has fire, attitude and a longing for adventure!
The book covers a lot of issues and I have to be honest I wasn't a huge Emma fan to begin with. Knowing she left her mum and village in a scandal you think she would be super set on making a good impression and wow is her entrance to her aunts anything but. That being said I think the author did a pretty good job because we seem her go on a pretty big personal journey. She still remains spikey and noones doormat however she is very focused on family and doing the right thing.
The book has some shady characters, people taking advantage, people struggling with grief, family troubles, money troubles but it also deals with community, love, redemption, health, friendship. I loved Bessie and I think she stole the show, despite Emma being the forefront main character I felt Bessie was right up there with her, she is such a good egg. Very unjudgmental, warm, mothering, supportive but also stubborn and doesn't suffer fools. It was nice to see strong women for the time period and doing things like running a bar, dealing with the things that come with it. Emma really shone in parts too, being sent there by her mum was the making of them all and I loved the family themes that ran strongly throughout. This was my first book by Young, it won't be my last. Emotive, moving, engaging and characters you either love or hate, 4.5/5 for me!...more
The Coffin Path is an eerie and comTime taken to read - 5 days
Pages - 384
Publisher - Headline review
Source - I think I bought it
Blurb from Goodreads
The Coffin Path is an eerie and compelling seventeenth-century ghost story set on the dark wilds of the Yorkshire moors. For fans of Michelle Paver and Sarah Waters, this gothic tale will weave its way into your imagination and chill you to the bone.
Maybe you've heard tales about Scarcross Hall, the house on the old coffin path that winds from village to moor top. They say there's something up here, something evil.
Mercy Booth isn't afraid. The moors and Scarcross are her home and lifeblood. But, beneath her certainty, small things are beginning to trouble her. Three ancient coins missing from her father's study, the shadowy figure out by the gatepost, an unshakeable sense that someone is watching.
When a stranger appears seeking work, Mercy reluctantly takes him in. As their stories entwine, this man will change everything. She just can't see it yet.
My Review
It is the 1600s, Mercy Booth lives on the ?estate did they call big land estates back then? she is in her 30s, unmarried and very hands on with the running of the place. It is her, her dad and the locals who work on their farm and help keep the place going. A stranger comes just in time for lambing season, Ellis Ferreby & sure enough Mercy has come across a difficult birth.
So there is a lot of different themes going on in the book. The supernatural, 3 gold coins I thought was really intriguing and the whole someone watching, creepy atmosphere. Now if you are like me and struggle with animal harm/deaths then this is your warning. Poor lambs/sheep and others, obviously things happen in farm life but still, for me all the animal death was just too much.
There is an attitude too toward Mercy, unmarried and there is infidelity afoot, when things go a bit pear shaped at the farm the locals just show their nasty vile almost burn the witch shunning type attitude. I hate people being taken advantage of, sexism and abusive towards people so there was a lot of things that got my back up. Many folk will absolutely love it because things that upset or annoy others don't phase or they like x themes.
The spooky stuff and mystery I liked but the animal stuff overshadows for me, I am just one of those readers and animals get to me. 2/5 for me this time, I would read this author again but think I would check and make sure maybe no animals in it or if they are they are safe....more
It is 1888 and Queen Victoria has remarried, taking as her new Time taken to read - 8 days
Pages - 547
Publisher -
Sources - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
It is 1888 and Queen Victoria has remarried, taking as her new consort Vlad Tepes, the Wallachian Prince infamously known as Count Dracula. Peppered with familiar characters from Victorian history and fiction, the novel follows vampire Geneviève Dieudonné and Charles Beauregard of the Diogenes Club as they strive to solve the mystery of the Ripper murders.
Anno Dracula is a rich and panoramic tale, combining horror, politics, mystery and romance to create a unique and compelling alternate history. Acclaimed novelist Kim Newman explores the darkest depths of a reinvented Victorian London.
My review
So this is a chunky read just under 600 pages. There are a lot of characters and some very famous names you will recognize. Dracula and he manages to cozy in with the royals. Jack the ripper although he comes with a different name. Now the thing with this is there are loads of vampires in White Chapel and quite established older vampire Geneviève Dieudonné is investigating that someone is killing off female vampires, mutilating them (yup Jack The Ripper).
We have acts/people from history meshed into fiction and bringing them around the same time line, Vlad the Impaler, Dracula, The Ripper. It is such a busy book with so many characters I struggled to keep up with where it was going or what the relevance was with x y z.
That being said, the victims being vampires (as well as selling their bodies although in this case to get some blood) it was a different take. We also hear from the Ripper from their writings which again was different.
I am the first to admit my reading mojo is a bit all over the place which may well have influenced/impacted on my enjoyment. I would absolutely say read it yourself and see how you feel as I think it has been received differently, you could love it, it just wasn't for me, 2/5....more
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