A Bombay film company is shooting a drama, based on a Ceylonese legend, in Nuala and it’s up to Inspector Shanti de Silva to make sure all runs smoothA Bombay film company is shooting a drama, based on a Ceylonese legend, in Nuala and it’s up to Inspector Shanti de Silva to make sure all runs smoothly. As some scenes are bing filmed outside, reinforcements were brought in to make sure the fascinated crowds were kept under control.
The well known film star, Dev Khan, owns the company which also includes members of his family. The final scenes have been shot and de Silva is looking forward to peace reigning once again in his normally sleepy town. Unfortunately a suspicious death puts paid to his hopes.
"‘Don’t you see,’ a man was saying in a low, urgent tone. ‘If we do nothing, he’ll never let us be free to make a life of our own.'
A woman’s voice answered but her words were too muffled for de Silva to make them out. He watched as the shadows the couple cast on the side of the tent drew closer to each other and merged in an embrace."
There also seems to be something of a disturbance at the Residence, the home of Archie Clutterbuck, assistant government agent and de Silva’s superior. Small items are mysteriously disappearing and Clutterbuck’s dog is acting strangely.
The murder investigation throws up complications as the victim was known for being conceited and self centred by those who knew him. His relationship with those people close to him was difficult, and his marriage seemed to have been a turbulent one. De Silva is informed he needs to tread carefully with his investigation as news of the death would no doubt provoke much speculation and more than likely a public outcry.
Set in 1941, the war hasn’t yet affected Ceylon and life in the hill town of Nuala goes on as usual. I enjoy revisiting the characters in this series, also the wonderfully atmospheric setting. De Silva and his wife, Jane, have a lovely relationship and she enjoys throwing ideas back and forth with her husband when he’s working on a case....more
January 1868 and London was covered in a thick blanket of snow. Mr. James William Malin Barrowclough’s two sons couldn’t wait to get outside. They disJanuary 1868 and London was covered in a thick blanket of snow. Mr. James William Malin Barrowclough’s two sons couldn’t wait to get outside. They discover a snowman in the grounds, and to their horror the snowman appears to be more man than snow. Is it a weird prank or something much more sinister?
Detective Inspector Lachlan Greig was on duty with a skeleton staff after Christmas, and just about to go home when he was summoned to Hill House to view the bizarre spectacle.
The ‘snow man’ is wearing an expensive looking top hat which is proved to have links to the unfortunate Barrowclough. When another death occurs, the up and coming newest member of the detective team, DC Tom Williams, is drawn into the investigation and more than proves his worth.
Meanwhile two young siblings, Liza and Flitch, escaped their desperate situation in a Cambridge workhouse and, with Flitch’s resourcefulness, managed to evade their pursuers and arrive safely in London where a host of adventures await them. But a reward has been offered for the two runaways which attracts the unscrupulous.
We also catch up with our intrepid private investigator, Lucy Landseer, when she finds a gentleman asleep in the doorway of the house from where she conducts her business. Sam Thomas recounts his story and asks for Lucy’s help, despite the fact he believes it’s too late, as his ship back to America sails on the evening tide. When all hope is gone his story takes a fortuitous turn.
As always, Carol Hedges brings Victorian London and its inhabitants to vibrant and atmospheric life with evocatavely distinctive and descriptive prose. The multilayered mystery is told from various perspectives in the present tense, which puts the reader right at the scene, and there’s a varied cast of characters, ranging from despicable to engaging. Cleverly written dialogue gives insights into characters’ personalities and motivations. And I just love the ending. ...more
Finding Happiness at Penvennan Cove is the third book and final book in the trilogy. Kerra’s return to the cove and her integration back into the commFinding Happiness at Penvennan Cove is the third book and final book in the trilogy. Kerra’s return to the cove and her integration back into the community hasn’t been without its ups and downs but Kerra and Ross are together at last and seemingly very happy in Kerra’s beautifully restored cottage. The only cloud on the horizon is her dad’s refusal to accept them as a couple. There’s a long running feud between the two families, and father and daughter can’t seem to find a way to move forward.
Meanwhile Ross is facing a dilemma after being forced out of his business by his father’s machinations. There also are other factors affecting the village keeping Kerra from focusing on her own life.
Businesses are in trouble and, although the villagers don’t want to see them disappear, some of them don’t like the fact that Kerra brings in people from outside the community to try and boost the failing services. Just goes to show, you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Kerra does her best though, while trying to keep the integrity of the village.
Like any small community there’s a diverse cast of residents. I’ve especially enjoyed Kerra’s interaction with Mrs Moyle and her husband, Arthur, who both have to deal with very unwelcome and shocking news. Kerra’s circle of friends are delightful. Her fears and upset about the circumstances of her beloved grandfather’s death are laid to rest at last.
I enjoyed the conclusion of the characters’ story arcs as loose ends are tied up in a satisfyingly realistic manner. The location is gorgeous, I’m not sure whether it’s fictional, or based on a real place but if it’s real I’d like to visit. ...more
Christmas in Newfoundland is a delightfully nostalgic collection of stories portraying past Christmases, set in Grand Bank and St John’s and includingChristmas in Newfoundland is a delightfully nostalgic collection of stories portraying past Christmases, set in Grand Bank and St John’s and including some of the author’s own memories from childhood.
If you’re familiar with the books featuring RCMP Sgt Winston Windflower you’ll recognise the characters featured, and if not there are enough snippets of information added so you don’t feel lost and I liked the fact some of the characters are fleshed out a little more as well.
Windflower, a native Cree brought up in Northern Alberta, remembers that Christmas Eve was his favourite time when he was a child, with its feeling of expectation, putting up the lights and going into woods afterwards with his grandfather to leave food for the animal and birds.
I enjoyed reading about the traditions, one of which was calling the night before Christmas Eve, Tibb’s Eve. It marked the beginning of the season and the first night the locals thought it appropriate to have a Christmas drink.
The magic of Christmas and the atmosphere weaves its way through the pages, Christmas kindnesses, Windflower’s Christmases with his wife and two children, the Christmas Herb Stoodley came to the rescue…a lovely way to get into the spirit of the season.
Huge thanks to Mike Martin for my review copy....more
Close friends since their schooldays, Annie, Rick, Philip, Ken and Louise have been meeting at Pilgrim’s Retreat on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne eveClose friends since their schooldays, Annie, Rick, Philip, Ken and Louise have been meeting at Pilgrim’s Retreat on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne every five years since meeting and bonding there for the first time when they were students. During the first reunion, Isobel, one of the original group, was caught off guard by the rising tide along the causeway and died. She’d tried to leave after an argument, didn’t take the tide into consideration and her car had been swept away.
They’d all forged their own lives and careers – Philip was a priest, Rick had been a celebrity journalist before being sacked with a sexual assault complaint hanging over him. Ken is suffering from dementia and is cared for by his wife, Louise. Annie is part owner of a bakery and has taken on the role of looking after everyone.
'The most vivid memory was of the weekend when they’d first come together on the island. Only Connect, the teacher had called it. Part outward bound course, part encounter group, part team-building session. And there had been a connection, so strong and fierce that after fifty years the tie was still there, unbroken and still worth celebrating. This was where it had all started.
The next memory was of a death and a life cut short.'
Rick doesn’t seem particularly fazed by the circumstances surrounding the loss of his job, and is full of the plans he has for a book. But the next morning Rick is found dead in what appears to be a suicide.
DI Vera Stanhope is called out and her suspicions are aroused as she surveys the scene. Along with DS Joe Ashworth and DC Holly Clarke, Vera begins the investigation and, as they discover more about the friends’ lives and uncover secrets, the team are placed in more danger than they ever could have imagined.
Followers of the series will be well acquainted with the main characters, the others are also well fleshed out with a good sense of their personalities. More people connected to the friends’ group are brought into the investigation, including the Police Commissioner. Vera’s appearance is deceptive, people who are unaware tend not to see past her shabby appearance to the sharp mind and innate tenacity, and are very often taken by surprise. The Holy Island setting is hugely atmospheric, with swirling mists and a life dictated to by the tide. An excellent addition to the series.
'Joe thought it was odd to drive off the island. It was as if he were shifting from somewhere dreamlike, made up of water and shimmering light, back to the real world, solid and mundane.'...more
Last Christmas in Paris is set during World War I and is written in an epistolary style consisting in the main of correspondences between Thomas HardiLast Christmas in Paris is set during World War I and is written in an epistolary style consisting in the main of correspondences between Thomas Harding, Evie Elliott, her brother, Will and her good friend, Alice Cuthbert. Tom and Will, best of friends, enlist together. Heading off to what they believe will be a great adventure, doing their duty and defeating the German army, blissfully unaware of just what they will be facing and that the plans they made for Christmas, and each of the following Christmas, will come to nothing for the duration.
I didn’t realise initially the whole book, apart from a small departure now and again, was written via letters, but it worked so well. Evie, Thomas and Will had been friends since childhood and formed a tight knit group.
The letters are very revealing, gradually going from upbeat and confident to frustration, heartbreak and despair, giving a very realistic picture of the war on the front line and for those waiting at home for news. Evie is desperate to keep Tom’s spirits up and also do her bit for the war effort. She is angry at the restrictions placed on her as a privileged young lady. It’s obvious from Thomas’ letters how bad things are getting and the information on the news is full of government propaganda. At least that’s something she could try and change.
Last Christmas in Paris is beautifully and seamlessly written, with no hint two authors were involved. In no time I was caught up in the story and the range of emotions it evoked. The absolute horrors and suffering brought about by war. The societal changes for those left at home who needed to step up and take over the men’s jobs. The awful waiting for news of loved ones.
The main characters are extremely engaging and believable. The letters add an intimacy to the friendships, interactions, the slowly dwindling hope, the losses, the way the soldiers who suffered extreme stress and depression were treated, and the burgeoning romance between Evie and Thomas, which is sweet, subtle and moving. A compelling and poignant novel that will stay with me for quite a while....more
4.5* Racing the Light is the latest Elvis Cole and Joe Pike thriller in this long running series, which happens to be one of my favourites.
Josh Shoe, 4.5* Racing the Light is the latest Elvis Cole and Joe Pike thriller in this long running series, which happens to be one of my favourites.
Josh Shoe, a controversial podcaster who focuses mainly on alien conspiracy theories and their connection to Area 51, has gone missing and his mother, Adele Schumacher, wants to hire Elvis to find him. Josh’s friend, Skylar, who has been featured in a podcast and is helping him with his latest feature, is also missing.
Elvis soon realises the case isn’t as straightforward as a missing person, it’s much more complicated and dangerous. His initial enquiries lead him to Ryan Seborg, Josh’s podcasting partner, and he discovers other less savoury people are intent on finding Josh. Enter Joe Pike, the strong and silent, in more ways than one, partner in the Elvis Cole Detective Agency. Joe draughts in ex military contractor, Jon Stone, who has access to places and people the others don’t.
Elvis (in his own words – the world’s greatest detective) and Joe are two of my favourite fictional characters. Their personalities are completely different but the relationship and bonds of friendship are deep. Elvis’ sensitivity and jokey nature is a great foil for Joe’s toughness and enigmatic demeanour, and vice versa. Both have a strict moral code and always have each other’s backs. Elvis’ private life gets a jolt when Lucy Chenier and her son, Ben, arrive for a visit. He and Lucy were involved previously but their romance didn’t survive Elvis’ career. They remained good friends however and talked regularly.
I enjoyed Racing The Light, and love Robert Crais’ writing, although this one hasn’t knocked my favourites books in the series off the top spot. It’s still an engaging and twisty tale of murder, mystery and corruption running alongside Elvis’ personal life, with Los Angeles as a backdrop. And a wonderful performance by Luke Daniels....more
4.5* Jeannie Sharrock has run the family cider making business in the small village of Combe Pomeroy with the help of Barney, her farm manager, since h4.5* Jeannie Sharrock has run the family cider making business in the small village of Combe Pomeroy with the help of Barney, her farm manager, since her cheating husband left her and moved to Spain. Her son and his wife also moved to Spain, leaving their teenage twins, Ella and Caleb, with Jeannie while they finish their education. She has her nonagenarian mother to consider as well, although Violet certainly isn’t of the shrinking variety. Jeannie is seventy two years old herself and is feeling the strain.
Jeannie’s friends and book club members, Aurora, who runs the on site shop, estate agent Danielle whose marriage has hit the rocks, librarian Ruth, and potter Verity who is getting sick of her controlling and misogynistic husband. All the ladies are about to approach crossroads in the their lives, the catalyst being an impromptu visit to France.
Ruth runs the twinning association with Plouménez in France and has booked a gîte for the bookclub. With several villagers volunteering to keep an eye on the cider farm and Violet, Jeannie was reassured. So it was decided. The bookclub members were off to France and staying by coincidence on a cider farm.
I do enjoy a book with more mature characters, especially when they realise it’s never too late to change what isn’t working, and this group of friends fit the bill perfectly. They are so relatable and their situations believable. I loved reading about the trip to France, the places they visited and people they met, and how it had a long reaching impact.
The Golden Oldies’ Book Club is an entertaining read, written with warmth, humour and a message not to let chances slip by. Themes of friendship, community and navigating life and its opportunities run throughout. I’m a fairly recent convert to Judy Leigh’s books but will definitely be searching out more....more
4.5* This lovely story is set in Iceland where Lucy has secured a job as manager of the Northern Lights Lodge. She desperately needed to escape England4.5* This lovely story is set in Iceland where Lucy has secured a job as manager of the Northern Lights Lodge. She desperately needed to escape England after having to leave her previous employment under a cloud. The position is meant to be temporary until the Lodge is sold. The new barman, Alex, is working undercover, assessing the situation at the Lodge for the potential buyer. The arrival of a camera crew cause distress for Lucy.
The descriptive writing gives vivid impressions of the Lodge, Iceland and several of its natural wonders. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Lucy and Alex and the renovations of the Lodge, but all doesn't run smoothly.
There are ongoing themes of overcoming low self esteem, friendship, learning to trust even when it seems unwise. And I just love the setting....more
In Cases of Murder is the fourth outing for Bunch Courtney. Set during WWII, the Courtney’s home, Perringham Hall has been requisitioned by a secret dIn Cases of Murder is the fourth outing for Bunch Courtney. Set during WWII, the Courtney’s home, Perringham Hall has been requisitioned by a secret division of the military which means Bunch is living at the Dower House with her grandmother. Her father is away in London for most of the time in an advisory capacity, and her desperately ill mother is in a nursing home. It’s left to Bunch to run the estate with the help of a group of Land Girls. She also acts as a civilian consultant to the police, having assisted Chief Inspector Wright on more than one occasion, and it seems he needs her help again.
“There’s a telephone call, Miss. Chief Inspector Wright.”
Wright? What could he want? “Thank you. Tell the Inspector I’ll call him back.”
“He did say it was urgent, Miss. He called twice while you were out.”
“Did he indeed.” She tried a few passes of the brush across Perry’s ample rump but the moment was gone. It’s not Knapp’s fault, but dammit all the same. “All right, tell him I shall be in directly.” She tossed the brushes through the tack-room door and turned to scrub her knuckles against the sprinkle of white hairs between the Fell Pony’s eyes.
A young woman’s body has been discovered in shocking circumstances. The police have confirmed her name as Laura Jarman and are aware of her address but the family, particularly her father, are proving to be uncooperative. DCI Wright wonders if perhaps someone local with social connections might be helpful in gathering information he’s not able to access. This latest murder has distinct similarities to several previous unsolved cases and then yet another body is discovered, again with similarities, and this young woman was Laura’s flatmate, Kitty.
Bunch’s life isn’t easy with her father rarely at home and her mother’s condition deteriorating rapidly, not to mention the challenges and dangers of war time Britain. Clues and tidbits of information are garnered slowly in this complex case, adding to an emerging picture of the people involved and the crimes themselves. Leading further afield that was expected, they were taken on a convoluted trail involving munitions factories and London clubs. The link between Laura and Kitty and gentlemen’s private parties remains elusive.
Bunch is a very likeable character. She’s nobody’s fool, her heart is in the right place and she’s not averse to taking risks now and again even if she does get seriously reprimanded by Wright. Bunch still finds him difficult to fathom. She’s drawn to him but has no idea how he feels. The murder mystery is researched and set out well, characters are depicted realistically, and the nearness of war is always present adding to the intensity of life in general. In Cases of Murder is a very enjoyable addition to this series....more
4.5* Seventy two year old Dolly had been keeping herself to herself since her sister’s death, unable to face people and not wanting to go anywhere. The4.5* Seventy two year old Dolly had been keeping herself to herself since her sister’s death, unable to face people and not wanting to go anywhere. The only people she has contact with are her good friend, Leroy, trying to come to terms with the end of a realtionship, and her 11 year old neighbour, Flo, a bright light in her darker days, but who was at odds with her parents. Dolly and Greta had lived together for so long that Dolly felt as though a part of her was missing. Taking care of herself and the house is more than she could cope with.
Dolly and Greta had gone to the lost luggage auction every December and bought each other a suitcase to be opened on Christmas Day. After much deliberation Dolly decided to go this year to honour her sister’s memory.
Dolly’s bid won the case she’d had her eye on. Her purchase would change her life in ways she would never have dreamed of. The case belonged to someone called Phoebe, a young woman judging by her clothes and the journal found in the case which listed Phoebe’s ‘year of firsts’, giving the impression of someone who also seemed to be suffering. Something about the journal entries resonated with Dolly and she decided to follow Phoebe’s firsts with the hope she can return her belongings as well as helping Flo.
Lost Luggage is a wonderful, moving, multi generational story with well defined characters you can’t help but be drawn to, written with warmth and humour. The relationship and ongoing support between Dolly, Flo, Leroy and Phoebe too, is lovely as they all need to decide what makes them happy and go for it without trying to impress or worry about what other people think, even when it seems life has lost its meaning…learning it’s never too late. I loved the realistic interaction between the characters and the fact that sensitive issues were dealt with sympathetically....more
It’s almost a year since Beatrice (Bea) Beaumont lost her beloved husband, George, in a tragic accident in the lead up to Christmas, so it stands to rIt’s almost a year since Beatrice (Bea) Beaumont lost her beloved husband, George, in a tragic accident in the lead up to Christmas, so it stands to reason she’s not looking forward to the festive season this year. She’d give anything to go back and stop him from venturing out that day. Being the sole custodian of Ketton Hall, her husband’s ancestral home, and a single mother, Bea felt quite overwhelmed sometimes. Thankfully she had a successful online business and her daughter, both of which help to keep her focused in the present, though how she’s going to manage the upkeep of the Hall she has no idea.
One day, feeling particularly bereft, Bea called out George’s name and begged him to come back. She had the shock of her life when someone did appear, but unfortunately it wasn’t her George, although he did have the same name.
Bea’s unintentional summoning of ancestor George helped her in many ways she hadn’t expected, and after the initial shock had worn off on both sides they grew to like each other immensely. Their relationship as they got to know each other balanced out the darkness of Bea’s grief, which was portrayed very realistically. The story is well thought through with interesting historical anecdotes and a mystery to solve. Being such an old property, Ketton Hall had secret nooks and crannies Bea was quite unaware of. George, on the other hand, knew more…but not everything.
Bea is a very sympathetic character, easy to like, and George is lovely. The same can’t be said for the relative who is fairly obnoxious and out to cause upset. The Wrong Ghost is a delightful read, perfect for this time of the year. ...more
Listening Still centres around Jeanie Masterson who has what she considers a gift but also a curse. She can, for a short period of time, hear and talkListening Still centres around Jeanie Masterson who has what she considers a gift but also a curse. She can, for a short period of time, hear and talk to the dead, just like her father, and has been able to do so since she was a toddler. After Jeanie left school they have worked together in the family business, Masterson Funeral Directors, in the small town of Kilcross, Ireland along with Jeanie’s aunt Harry and her husband, Niall who were both embalmers.
Being privy to the thoughts and/or last wishes of the dead presents a moral dilemma for Jeanie and her father. All well and good if the messages are comforting and practical for those left, but what if the deceased is angry or bitter. Do they tell it like it is or soften the blow? And supposing the message is life changing for the recipient?
Jeanie’s world is rocked when her parents decide to retire and move away with Mikey, her autistic brother, leaving Jeannie, Niall and Harry running the business. This decision brings to the surface all the uncertainties about her life and choices made that Jeanie had pushed to the back of her mind.
And yet, although she struggled with the burden and obligation, she knew her gift mattered, to the dead and the bereaved, and she was afraid of losing that part of herself.
This was such an intriguing premise, I couldn’t resist. The narrative goes back and forth, past to present, filling in the layers of Jeanie’s past, thought processes and relationships and how they’ve impacted over the years. She’s not sure of anything anymore and when she discovers there’s someone else who can hear the dead she takes the opportunity to travel, hoping the break and seeing her friends will help her to resolve the indecisiveness she feels.
Listening Still is extremely well written. I had trouble connecting with Jeanie initially, she came across as quite self absorbed, although admittedly her life has been far from the norm. Perhaps I would have liked more action in the funeral parlour, so to speak but I think the listening part applied to Jeanie as well, in her regular life. I enjoyed the community feel in Kilcross and loved the relationship between Jeanie and Mikey. A thought provoking, slow burn read....more
After Matilda (Matty) Windsor became pregnant, she was taken to a home for unmarried mothers and forced to give her baby up for adoption. When she lefAfter Matilda (Matty) Windsor became pregnant, she was taken to a home for unmarried mothers and forced to give her baby up for adoption. When she left she didn’t know she wouldn’t be going home again. She was taken to Ghyllside Hospital and left there. Matty initially had no idea Ghyllside was a mental institution. She had no idea why her father would let her be taken there or why she had to stay. Her upbringing meant she was quite naive and had no experience of the wider world.
Matty’s story is tragic but not uncommon during the dark days when unmarried mothers were classed as ‘moral defectives’ and more often than not treated with unbelievable mental and physical cruelty.
'Not all the nuns were cruel. Some of the younger ones would address the girls kindly if Mother Superior were out out earshot. So Matilda counted her blessings when Sister Bernadette slipped onto the seat beside her in the taxicab, while a sombre man with a box-shaped head took the passenger seat at the front. He resembled a tradesman in his white cotton coat worn over an ordinary jacket and trousers; Matilda assumed the nuns had offered him a lift out of charity. He wasn’t introduced.'
Matty’s main concern was her six year old brother who she knew would be missing her, and wrote to him religiously over the years. Meanwhile as Matty tries to make sense of, and come to terms with her situation, she makes an unlikely friend in Doris, her polar opposite. Her friendship with Doris (and Eustace, who has his own story and is also very likeable) and Matty’s underlying determination not to see herself as mad or bad, helped to ease her sadness and rage at the injustices she suffered and see her through.
Stolen Summers is the hard hitting prequel to Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home, which is in my to be read pile. I can’t wait to read it after this. This short story alternates between the years 1939/40 and 1964 when attitudes regarding unmarried mothers thankfully had begun to change.
The story is beautifully written and the characters brought to life fully so you can’t help but be drawn to Matty and Doris in particular, while exploring a horrific time in the not too distant past....more
4.5* Max Rupert had been existing in self imposed exile in his small family cabin for over three years, and still was unable to find the peace or redem4.5* Max Rupert had been existing in self imposed exile in his small family cabin for over three years, and still was unable to find the peace or redemption he’d been hoping for. His out of character actions that precipitated his current situation live with him in nightmares… everything he had lost, and his final act of revenge persisted, giving him no respite. Unshaven with long hair, Max doesn’t see or speak to anyone for days on end, but on a recent trip into town for supplies Max had, for the first time, seen someone he knew and felt obliged to acknowledge him.
'Even before he had retreated to the cabin, Max disliked chitchat, but now it seemed a painful thing. Still, despite the overwhelming urge to get in his car and go, Max couldn’t bring himself to be rude to the one man in town who could call him by name.'
Ex sheriff Lyle Voight had been waiting for Sandy and Pip, his daughter and grandson, and their meeting signalled a change in Max’s life. Lyle begs for Max’s help when Sandy and Pip go missing. He’s certain Sandy’s ex husband is to blame but the local sheriff is adamant no crime has been committed. Max is eventually persuaded to help despite not wanting to get involved. Max realises that without a badge working a case is going to be much more difficult, and he’s forced to contact his old partner and good friend, Niki Vang, for help.
Forsaken Country continues Max Rupert’s story, one which I’m really enjoying. This is an exciting, poignant and dramatic chase taking place mostly in the wilderness area known as the Minnesota Boundary Waters. Seeing Niki again brings home to Max more sharply than ever just what he’s lost from his life. It’s a pain that’s etched deep, along with the mental anguish, and he’s struggling to reconcile his past with the present. I look forward to seeing what happens next with Max and Niki. There are hints of possibilities and I hope Max will be able to get his life together.
I part listened to the audio as well as reading, and was sorry the narration wasn’t performed by RC Bray who has done a brilliant job in the past. Brian Troxell didn’t do a bad job but for me, RC Bray is the voice of Max, that’s what I ‘hear’ when reading. Nevertheless, I love this series and Allen Eskens is now an automatic buy for me. The characters are fully fleshed out and the descriptions of the wilderness are vivid, and with ever present danger who will make it out of the unforgiving landscape....more
4.5* With a chilling, in both senses of the word, prologue we witness the death of a young woman in an icy lake. Alex Evans is woken up early one morni4.5* With a chilling, in both senses of the word, prologue we witness the death of a young woman in an icy lake. Alex Evans is woken up early one morning by a phone call from his father. His mother is in hospital after a heart attack and his father wants him home urgently.
'Alex stares at his phone.
Why the urgency if his mother is ok?
There’s something Ed’s not saying.
Alex shivers.
Is his mother fine … for now?
As he dresses, he rings Vicky’s mobile. The line doesn’t even connect, just goes straight to voicemail.'
Alex learns his sister, Vicky, has been found drowned in an icy lake in Lapland and he needs to bring her home. It turns out not to be such a simple task. As Alex meets and talks to Agatha Koskinen, the detective in charge of the investigation, in the small town of Koppe, it appears there are suspicious circumstances surrounding Vicky’s death. It wasn’t accidental and it was a fluke her body was discovered. There have also been several women in the area over the years who have disappeared without a trace.
It transpires that Vicky was well liked and as Agatha and Alex try to make sense of events, separately and together, there are many layers to work through and bit by bit the discover everything isn’t how it seems and there’s more going on than they could have imagined. Mostly set in the present but with a sub plot of several chapters taking us back to 1998. Kaya is a lonely young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, living on the side of a mountain, and desperate for a way out.
'But if she does that, the vengeful satisfaction will be fleeting.
So, instead, she turns and slinks back into town, her tail between her legs and a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach that this is not going to go how she’d planned.'
The atmospheric Lapland setting is a winter wonderland although a dangerous one, and the harshness of the landscape only adds to the dark and dramatic mood. Koppe is a small town that relies on the tourist industry and the last thing it needs is bad press.
The story starts off slowly and gradually builds up in complexity, action and suspense…a good mixture of murder/mystery and police procedural with some likeable characters and others you wouldn’t want to meet at any time. It took a little while but once I was properly drawn in I really enjoyed this Scandi thriller. ...more
The title and cover of this book was the initial draw for me. A bookshop in a lighthouse…how lovely is that. The lighthouse, more of a tower really, iThe title and cover of this book was the initial draw for me. A bookshop in a lighthouse…how lovely is that. The lighthouse, more of a tower really, is situated in the small, remote village of Newton Dunbar in the north east of Scotland. It was originally the private library belonging to the local landowner.
Rachel had appeared in the village five years ago and has been managing, and living in, the bookshop courtesy of Cullen MacDonald who now owned the building. Rachel is reticent about her past but she’s more than grateful to Cullen as the lighthouse is the place where she feels safe.
Toby Hollingwood is a burnt out journalist suffering nightmares from the terrible things he’s witnessed, who is now looking for somewhere remote and peaceful to write his memoirs. He thinks he’s found the perfect place in Newton Dunbar.
The quiet doesn’t seem to be working for Toby, any inspiration or motivation to begin writing eluding him, but his visits to the bookshop allow him to form friendships and integrate into village life. I love that the bookshop is the hub of the village, with regulars popping in to peruse the books and pass the time of day, with coffee, a cup of tea and a sweet treat on offer, and even a game of chess.
Newton Dunbar may be a small community but it has a fair share of individual, interesting, and in one case nasty, characters. Edie and Ezra, who live next door to each other, have an ongoing feud going back far enough that no-one can remember how or why it started. A recent addition to the village is teenager Gilly, a runaway who was sleeping rough. I really enjoyed her story arc and how she matured and developed with the help of the villagers.
The Lighthouse Bookshop also has a historical thread which involves a mystery and secret, adding a fascinating and tragic layer to the story. An engaging and emotional story which also addresses some sensitive issues and encompasses themes such as not giving up, healing, new beginnings and second chances, whatever your age. I enjoyed this very much, and wish Newton Dunbar with its quirky library was a real place....more
4.5* Following a suggestion from some friends, plus something that his late mother had left him, Jack Treadwell made his way to The Empire theatre. He 4.5* Following a suggestion from some friends, plus something that his late mother had left him, Jack Treadwell made his way to The Empire theatre. He hadn’t been sure what to do with his life since returning from the horrors of the war and his time in France, but now at least he had an objective.
Lady Lassiter, ex showgirl, old friend of Jack’s mother and joint owner since the death of her husband, wasn’t in the country. Jack found himself searching for Grace Hawkins, assistant to the manager, and the person who seemed to keep everything ticking over. Being back stage in the midst of a dress rehearsal was an eye-opener for Jack. It awoke something in him and he was enthralled. Jack was intent on securing the position of stage doorman, or any other as long as it was in the theatre, and he would take whatever was offered regardless of the hours or wages.
Set in Northern England in the early 1920s, we discover The Empire is struggling. The Lassiter family don’t seem to take much interest and a rival owner of several theatres and music halls, Joe Allerdyce, is using underhand tactics to try and acquire the Empire. Jack, whose open and friendly manner has charmed most of the people he’s come into contact with, and Grace are determined to do everything they can to keep the Empire up and running.
The Empire evokes the grandeur and magic of the theatre setting, the excitement, hard work and extravagance of staging a show, especially when it’s a make or break situation. I loved the sense of camaraderie between the actors and crew, once one or two had been put in their place, but regardless of that, things don’t always run smoothly. There’s more going on behind the scenes than on the stage.
The large cast of characters is slightly overwhelming, but happily there is a (very long) list to refer to. However, I soon became caught up in the story, following the fortunes of the cast, the theatre and the shows. I did wonder while reading whether Michael Ball had based some characters on people he knows and/or has worked with. I imagine it would have been hard not to do so but regardless, his love for the theatre and its people shines through.
The characters are well developed and complex. Apart from Jack, I think my favourite character was Bill. He was so sympathetically written as he worked to overcome his struggles, but there are also a good number of others who are likeable and add to the story.
The Empire is an accomplished debut. The story flows well and is written with warmth, feeling and wit, along with touches of romance. There are also darker moments, dirty dealings, tensions and secrets to uncover, but despite the unexpected and dramatic finale there’s no question of giving up.
I just have to mention the gorgeous cover which depicts the era perfectly and I love how it carries on round showing the back of the building complete with stage door. A must read for anyone who enjoys the theatre....more
Twelve months ago Kim Gillespie left her baby in the area reserved for prams during the Marralee town food and wine festival. The baby was discovered Twelve months ago Kim Gillespie left her baby in the area reserved for prams during the Marralee town food and wine festival. The baby was discovered later in the evening but there was no sign of her mother, only a shoe by the nearby reservoir. Federal Financial Investigator Aaron Falk was there then and now he’s back twelve months later to act as godfather at the christening of his good friends, Greg and Rita Raco’s baby. The ceremony was postponed due to Kim’s disappearance, which still haunts the local community. Greg would really like Falk’s help to investigate further. There was a hit and run several years prior at virtually the same spot, which also remained unsolved but whether the two are connected in any way remains to be seen.
The family dynamics aren’t straightforward. Kim was married to Charlie Raco, Greg’s brother, initially, and has a daughter, Zara, from that marriage. Zoe, the baby who was left in her pram, is from Kim’s second marriage.
Exiles has a measured pace. It’s a character driven, multi layered mystery with a fully developed cast, set in a small town where secrets abound. Falk suspects all is not as it seems in the close knit community, with all the tensions and clashes of a small group of people living in fairly close proximity. Snippets of information and discoveries are drip fed slowly as the narrative progresses until the final reveal, which was worth waiting for.
I liked Aaron Falk in the previous books in which he appeared – The Dry and Force of Nature – but I like him more in this one. The setting is very atmospheric – a small (fictitious) town in the lush South Australian wine country. I enjoyed the fact Falk was there unofficially which gave the reader chance to get to know the man rather than the investigator. And it seems this visit could also herald a turning point in Falk’s life as we witness his inner conflicts.
Well written as always, Exiles focuses on the sometimes complicated relationships between the characters and the setting is an important aspect of the story as well....more
4.5* Miss Julia Wychwood would be perfectly happy left to her own devices – riding her horse, Cossack, and reading, her two most favourite pastimes. Un4.5* Miss Julia Wychwood would be perfectly happy left to her own devices – riding her horse, Cossack, and reading, her two most favourite pastimes. Unfortunately for her, she was compelled to attend society events, despite her proclivity to panic in company, which in turn led to a dread of social events. She didn’t even have the comfort of her best friends as they were out of town. Her low self esteem was due in a large part to her selfish and hypochondriac parents who used her as their whims dictated. Sometimes she went as far as feigning illness herself to avoid social invitations, but the consequences of that were hard to bear and actually not very good for her health.
'Her parents were well-known invalids, prone to all manner of fancies. Their elegant town house in Belgrave Square played host to an endless stream of doctors, chemists, and an ever-changing roster of servants.'
Ex military and battle scarred with a reputation for cruelty, Captain Jasper Blunt was on the hunt for a rich wife. His estate in Yorkshire was in dire need of restoration and he had children to care for. However, he begins to realise not just any heiress will do. Julia Wychwood intrigues him. For her part, Julia longs to be free of her parents, as well as the prospect of marriage to a much older, lecherous Lord. Julia and Jasper meet by chance on several occasions and to her surprise Julia discovers they share a love of books.
'He’d learned many things about Miss Wychwood in the past several weeks, enough to know that marrying her and whisking her away to Yorkshire was going to be anything but simple.'
The Belle of Belgrave Square is a captivating historical romance, with elements of Beauty and the Beast. Julia is a sympathetic character, finding comfort in books, and confidence when riding Cossack. Initially uncomfortable in Jasper’s presence, his love of books and attitude towards her, begins to engage her feelings and she is drawn to him. Might he be the answer to her problems, and she the answer to his? It would be a marriage of convenience but she could live with that…couldn’t she?
I love the burgeoning relationship between Julia and Jasper, how it evolves and, despite the secrets Jasper is keeping, the chemistry between them is strong. Julia is so much happier in Yorkshire and her personality and strength shine through. However, everything doesn’t run smoothly and it’s good to see Julia rise to the challenges she faces. Both characters are fleshed out well as their backstories are incorporated into the narrative. I’ve enjoyed Mimi Matthews’ books very much and this is no exception....more
The New Shore is the third in the Little Sister Island series and it was so good to revisit the place and the people. Kathleen and Molly, Miss Louisa,The New Shore is the third in the Little Sister Island series and it was so good to revisit the place and the people. Kathleen and Molly, Miss Louisa, Meredith and her parents and many more. There are big changes on the horizon for some of the residents, particularly Rebecca and Kathleen, with soul searching and internal second guessing decisions made when it seemed the path in life was clear. I enjoyed how characters were explored and also the general progression in all of the residents’ lives.
Kathleen’s estrangement from her parents, particularly her mother, who has never been interested in Kathleen or what’s going on in her life since her brother’s death, is brought to the fore by illness. Despite her mother’s disinterest and the hurt she has always felt, Kathleen steps up and hopes her mother might finally show some acknowledgement of her, if not actual affection. Apart from that there is a major challenge for Kathleen that she knew would happen eventually but was unprepared for it happening so soon.
There are many challenges associated with living on a small, remote island and, although a new school is in the offing, meaning the island’s children wouldn’t have to be schooled on the mainland, the lack of access to medical care is an issue which is highlighted.
The characterisations are as flawless as ever, very realistic and dynamic, and the inclusion of new characters adds to the story, one in particular is an intriguing addition. The fascinating spiritual, cultural and magical elements were a huge draw from the start, as was the close knit community. The wonderfully descriptive prose brings the island, with its changing weather patterns, impressive landscape, ceremonies and traditions rooted in history, to vibrant life. The link between the island and islanders is an extremely strong one, nature and ancestry play a huge part in island life.
This is a series to be read chronologically, and savoured, in order to get the full impact of the characters, their lives and Little Sister Island....more
The second in the Martha Miller Mystery series sees Martha’s fame spreading, after solving a murder in her village a couple of months earlier, with anThe second in the Martha Miller Mystery series sees Martha’s fame spreading, after solving a murder in her village a couple of months earlier, with an invitation to open the Country Fair in the neighbouring village of Winteringham. Despite being slightly baffled as to why she had been selected as guest of honour, Martha accepted and travelled to the village with her sister, Ruby and her friend, the handsome vicar, Luke Walker. The vicar of Winteringham was an old friend of Luke’s and he was glad of the opportunity to visit.
'Usually, the local gentry were asked to open village events. I was just a housewife from a small village. Who was I to open an event half the country would travel to attend.'
All was going well at the fair until Martha, alerted by her dog that something was amiss, discovered a body behind the tea tent. The victim, Helen, was the niece of Luke’s friend. Martha didn’t need too much persuading before they began to investigate. There are multiple suspects – Helen was a popular girl with the male population of the village – and several red herrings, which did keep me guessing. It also begs the question how well does one know those classed as friends, and to what lengths people would go to for something they wanted desperately.
This series is set just after WWII so attitudes and societal issues of the period need to be taken into consideration. There’s a definite spark between Luke and Martha but Martha is an abandoned wife and even if she was divorced a relationship between the two of them wouldn’t be tolerated by the church.
'Luke looked at me in a way I found disconcerting. It was a strange sort of mix between the way a parent looks fondly at a child, and a sad resignation. I wasn’t nearly brave enough to ask him why he looked at me that way — that would be a conversation that would not only stray towards inappropriate, but the answer was likely to be one I didn’t want to hear.'
I enjoyed the story, although perhaps not quite as much as book one, and wasn’t expecting it to end as it did. The main characters are engaging and well fleshed out. Martha has really come out of her shell since she was forced by previous events to interact with her neighbours. With rumours flying around the village about her husband and where he might be, she had kept very much to herself. I’m intrigued to find out how the Martha/Luke/Stan storyline will be resolved....more
John Sands, the narrator, and his two friends are on the English Channel in their small sailing boat, Sea Witch, bringing her back to England from4.5*
John Sands, the narrator, and his two friends are on the English Channel in their small sailing boat, Sea Witch, bringing her back to England from France where she was purchased. It’s a dark and very windy night on the choppy English Channel. Through the blanket of mist they could see a translucent greenish light and then the huge bow of a steamer appeared, heading straight for them.
'The white of a bow wave showed dimly in the brilliance, and then the shadowy outline of the bows themselves took shape. In an instant I could see the whole for’ard half of the ship. It was like a ghost ship emerging out of the mist, and the blunt bows were already towering over us as I swung the wheel.'
The Sea Witch barely escaped the path of the ship and strangely, as far as they could tell, no-one appeared to be on the bridge. They came across the ship again the next day, stationary, looking deserted and damaged and ascertained the ship was the Mary Deare. As they were hoping to set up a business as salvagers, if the ship had been abandoned for whatever reason, this seemed like a perfect opportunity. Sands decided to board and check it out. To his surprise he found the captain, Gideon Patch, still aboard. Patch was exhausted, seemingly drunk and his incoherent speech not making much sense to Sands. Patch refused to leave the ship. The approaching storm meant neither of them would be leaving.
The story is told in three parts — the first full of suspense and danger as the two men battle the elements on an extremely damaged ship in a bid to stay alive. The second part covers the inquiry into what happened to the Mary Deare to leave her in the state she was in and filling in the backstory of how Patch came to be alone on the ship – details about the members of the crew and their conflicting stories of how the Mary Deare was damaged, who was responsible and why they abandoned ship. More adventure and danger battling brutal seas in the concluding part, with Patch’s and Sands’ desperate attempts to reach the Mary Deare, speared on the rocks of The Minquiers and slowly sinking.
On the whole The Wreck of the Mary Deare was an enjoyable listen. There’s a lot of nautical terminology included which, although a lot of it went over my head, was incredibly descriptive. An exciting story of men pitted against the elements in extreme situations.
Sometimes the narrator’s interpretation of Patch grated a little but he brought the scenes at sea and the conditions on board the Mary Deare to life vividly, bringing all the tension and suspense to the narrative....more
Octogenarian Mimi McKinlay may be a diminutive lady but she’s not quite ready to give in to age. Sometimes quite lonely, she re-lives her glory days iOctogenarian Mimi McKinlay may be a diminutive lady but she’s not quite ready to give in to age. Sometimes quite lonely, she re-lives her glory days in the theatre by dressing up, dancing and singing in her room in the attic, while enjoying her favourite tipple and egged on by her marginally younger friend, Isabella. Neither Mimi nor Isabella were ready to grow old gracefully, both were as flamboyant as each other and had a high old time when they were out and about.
Mimi lived with her sons Finlay and Hamish, with her third son Hamish, who writes and produces musicals for the stage, visiting as often as he could. They were all worried about Mimi living in the past and decided she needed a companion to befriend her and bring her into the present.
Based at a B&B, Jess Oliver was holidaying in the Highlands while her brother renovated her new home. Having recently sold the business she and her ex husband had owned, she was revelling in her freedom. When Jess’s brother phoned with the unwelcome news that the renovations were going to take much longer than expected, Jess was in a quandary. Her room at the B&B was booked out and she had nowhere to go. Perhaps the advertisement for a live in companion would solve her temporary problem.
The Highland Hens is a wonderfully written story with endearing characters. The romance aspect doesn’t overwhelm the storyline but emphasises that no matter your age, second chances are always possible. I love the relationship that develops between Jess and Mimi. Jess listens to all Mimi’s stories, they go out together, sometimes Isabella and the brothers join them, and they all have lots of fun. The story generates many emotions. There are lovely family interactions, friendship, humour and sadness. I did shed a tear or two....more
4.5* The second in the Borrow a Bookshop series sees Magnùs Sturluson booked in for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, courtesy of his brother. He’4.5* The second in the Borrow a Bookshop series sees Magnùs Sturluson booked in for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, courtesy of his brother. He’s hoping for a quiet time to get over a huge disappointment, but not sure now he wants to actually run a bookshop. Perhaps he would be able to use this opportunity to prove to himself that he’s capable of running a business successfully after all, despite not feeling at all festive. If it didn’t work out he’s not sure what he would do.
After an awful shock, Alex Robinson set sail in the Dagalien, the twenty seven foot river cruiser that had belonged to her father, with no destination in mind. She hadn’t stopped to think, she was angry and hurt and just wanted to get away.
'She wanted solitude and to be where nobody knew her, and she wanted to be alone on her dad’s boat, where she felt his presence the most. The feeling of going somewhere on the Dagalien was certainly better than going home and facing December’s brutal emptiness head on.
She’d have kept sailing too, if it hadn’t been for the great tower of cumulonimbus just offshore.'
So after just a week at sea Alex finds herself at the mercy of the weather, and she washes up on the rocks in Clove Lore harbour. The storm was raging and the boat needed repairs. Alex wasn’t going anywhere in the near future.
I loved the first book in the series and enjoyed the slightly different approach in this one, that of the two main characters having an almost instant rapport instead of disliking each other and not getting on. Although having said that, their relationship isn’t without its obstacles. I also love Clove Lore, which is modelled on the pretty village of Clovelly in Devon. I enjoyed the Icelandic references, particularly that of jólabókaflóð (explanation in the blurb)
This would be the ultimate – holidaying in a bookshop with attached cafè (as long as someone else did the baking!) in a pretty seaside location with a fantastic community of individual and very likeable people. Although the story is set over the Christmas period, it’s not your regular Christmas story. This is more about a close community pulling together and overcoming adversity in the shape of a monumental disaster.
As with all the books I’ve read by Kiley Dunbar, the well crafted characters are brought to life from the off, and the sense of place is immediate. Christmas at the Borrow a Bookshop has a wonderful mix of emotion, romance, friendship and drama. If you’ve enjoyed previous books by this author, I’m sure this will be a hit too....more
The story begins in 1703 in North Norfolk as Thomas Treadwater hears the dreaded words ’She is awake’. And he remembers how it began all those years aThe story begins in 1703 in North Norfolk as Thomas Treadwater hears the dreaded words ’She is awake’. And he remembers how it began all those years ago…
It was December 1643 and Thomas was recuperating after being injured during the English Civil War when he received a letter from his sister, Esther, begging him to return home as soon as he can.
"I will not share the whole story now. It is long and will, I fear, seem unlikely to you, reading by daylight. But I write in the shadows, by candlelight, with my hands shaking — even now you will see the difficulty I have in forming these letters — because our home is under attack by a great and ungodly evil."
After a long and arduous journey Thomas arrived at the family farm to find a field full of dead sheep and a father who had suffered a stroke. Esther was distraught, blaming the new servant girl, Chrissa Moore of bewitching their father and causing the death of the animals. Chrissa had been taken, jailed and charged with witchcraft. Thomas is a rational man, believing in what he can see and touch and so found Esther’s claim that Chrissa was a witch unbelievable. Nevertheless he decided to investigate, never dreaming where it would lead, what he would uncover and the struggles he would face while his beliefs were tested to the limits.
I chose to listen to the book and Rupert Farley does an excellent job with the narration. It’s always clear which character is speaking and the accents and speech sound authentic for the period. It took a little while to settle into the story, parts seemed slightly too drawn out and I had no idea where the narrative was going, but before too long I was drawn in.
The characters are wonderfully crafted, including the supporting cast. Thomas and Esther are total opposites and it’s hard to know what to make of Chrissa, she doesn’t say much, even to defend herself. The prose is atmospheric, rich and darkly menacing, with vivid historical details which capture the time and place. There are many twists which sometimes feel a bit random but I love the mythology, the supernatural and gothic feel to the story. An impressively sinister debut....more
One Fatal Secret begins with an intriguing prologue as a woman is abducted at gunpoint. Just a few minutes ago Nicole Jameson was rushing to make 4.5*
One Fatal Secret begins with an intriguing prologue as a woman is abducted at gunpoint. Just a few minutes ago Nicole Jameson was rushing to make sure her children weren’t late for a birthday party, and now she was in a car with two gunmen, but she couldn’t afford to attract any attention…
'A month ago, she’d have screamed and hollered if a man had accosted her in the street and bundled her into a nearby vehicle. But that was before the crash. Before life changed irrevocably.'
Only a month earlier Nicole had been waiting impatiently for her husband, Ethan, to come home from work to celebrate her father’s seventieth birthday. He’d promised to be home on time and hadn’t been answering his phone or replying to messages.
Then Ethan’s boss and his wife had unexpectedly turned up at the door with devastating news that would change Nicole’s life. The company jet with Ethan and Conrad, who was the pilot, on board had gone down over the English Channel as they returned from a business trip to France. There were no survivors. Not too far away Conrad’s wife, Ania had also been hearing the news from the police.
'‘I’m so sorry, Mrs Gilbert’ Time froze. Ania sat perfectly still, her mouth agape. They just told her they’d found a body. Her husband was dead.'
The two wives had never been close friends but when certain information came to light they began to wonder…and became convinced there was more to this than meets the eye. Trying to find out whether or not they had been told the truth seemed like a good plan at the time, until they were unsettled and frightened by events affecting them both, which only served to confirm their suspicions.
One Fatal Secret is tense and twisty, well plotted, full of intrigue and with enough action to keep the pages turning. The criminal aspect was believable and I enjoyed seeing Nicole’s character develop throughout, driven by the things she learns, how they affect her and then to the ultimate the decision she has to make. A thought provoking ending....more
Although he promised never to return, Vince Reid finds himself back in his hometown of Manson, despite the bad memories the town holds. Ex cop Reid isAlthough he promised never to return, Vince Reid finds himself back in his hometown of Manson, despite the bad memories the town holds. Ex cop Reid is now a private investigator working mostly for insurance companies. When he was first approached about the job and learning it was in Manson Reid declined, but was won over by a significant increase in pay.
He was tasked with investigating a single vehicle crash resulting in one fatality and a hospitalised driver. Looking like a simple case on the face of it — the police had deemed it accidental — Reid hoped he would be gone before anyone he knew realised he was there. He knew he wouldn’t be welcome. But when two teenage girls disappear things get much more complicated and high risk, the investigations uncovering more questions than answers.
The dual narrative, Reid in the present and Ashana, the survivor, leading up to the crash, allowing events to unfold from both perspectives. Both are compelling narrators. There seem to be many questions about Ashana’s husband and the state of their marriage, which leads to questions about the crash…whether it was an accident or deliberate.
The small town, actually two small towns close together, also known as the twin towns where everyone knows everyone else and nothing is quite what it seems, add to the atmosphere. Reid is persistent and determined to find out the truth, despite being impeded by his past, and the web of lies, secrets and intrigue surrounding the investigations.
The plot is well written, cleverly crafted and engrossing with unpredictable twists and an ending I wasn’t expecting. Characters are well defined and believable. I liked Reid a lot, I wonder if he’ll feature again…I’ll definitely be seeking out other books by this author as this is the first I’ve read....more
Loading...
