Stolen Children

by Michael Wood

Pub Date: 02 Oct 2020

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 04 Dec 2020

My Recommendation

 

DCI Matilda Darke returns for another action packed instalment.  9 year old Keeley is reported as kidnapped, which brings back upsetting memories of failed kidnapping ransom handover of Carl Meagan 4 years earlier.  It is soon revealed the kidnapping is a hoax and Keeley is now missing.  Sadly, the body of Keeley is discovered in the woods.  Darke and her team start looking closer at the family and all is not as it seems at first impressions.  Keeley’s body show signs of abuse, they are some very big questions that need answering. 
There is also an underlying story which keeps Darke in turmoil.
Fantastic book and well written.  Can be read as standalone, but are references to past cases.

The Coffinmaker’s Garden

by Stuart MacBride

Pub Date: 07 Jan 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 17 Dec 2020

My Recommendation

 

Ex DCI Ash Henderson is brought in to assist local police when a resident near the coast discoverers bones in the neighbouring garden when the land falls into the sea in a heavy storm.  The hunt is on to find Gordon Smith, whose garden it is, a friendly neighbour who turns out to be a sadist serial killer.  Time is not on their side as the evidence gradually disappears into the sea at an alarming rate.
An enjoyable book, but being third in the series and a lot of reference to previous events, it would make more sense to read the series in chronological order.

THE ICE DAUGHTERS

by D. E. WHITE

Pub Date: 17 Dec 2020

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 21 Dec 2020

My Recommendation

 

A house on fire, a frozen body outside and a mother missing from the house with her children left alone.  This is the setting that greats DC Dove Milson and the team.  The discovery leads to a group of university friends and unearthing disturbing historical events.  The race is on as a second body and another missing mother occurs. 
A rapid paced book, part of a series it could be read as a stand-alone.

 

The Players

by Darren O’Sullivan

Pub Date: 13 May 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 29 Dec 2020

My Recommendation

 

The Host forces people to become Players in his Game.  Kill or be killed are basically the rules, if you don’t, the Host will kill your family.  These Games are streamed online and although DI Karen Holt is suspended from duties, she can’t help but try to solve the case which also takes a personal twist.
Great plot and easy to read.

A Caller's Game

by J.D. Barker

Pub Date: 22 Feb 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 29 Dec 2020

My Recommendation

 

Another amazing plot from J.D Barker, quite Die Hard-esque!.  Talk Radio host Jordan Briggs takes a call from Bernie and he asks her to play a game.  The consequences of the games do not become prevalent until later and bombs starts going off around the city.  With her daughter in the building, Jordan wants to keep her safe.  The game continues with Jordan’s hand forced.  And the doors to the past are opened.  
Told from the perspective of Jordan and cop Cole Huntley.  One you can easily read in one sitting.

  

Face of Evil

by George Morris De'Ath

Pub Date: 11 Feb 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 06 Jan 2021

My Recommendation

 

Fans of Chris Carter will love Face of Evil.  Author, Lydia Tune is going to interview serial killer Jason Devere at Morton Asylum who is on death row.  She is warned he may play games with her.  But engaging in a game is the only way to get Jason to talk.  A spate of current killings involves local detective Alex Gilbey, that Lydia knows from her home town.  Is Jason the real Face of Evil or is someone else involved?
A book you can easily devour in one sitting, looking forward to the next book.

 

Black Widows

by Cate Quinn

Pub Date: 04 Feb 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Jan 2021

My Recommendation

 

Polygamist Blake Nelson is found dead and local police believe his wife killed him, which one?  Told in the narrative of each wife - first wife Rachael, sister wife Emily and newest sister wife Tina.  While being investigated, each tries to find out what really happened and who killed Blake, their pasts are explored and elaborated.
Easy to read in one sitting, great storyline.

 

The Silent Suspect

by Nell Pattison

Pub Date: 29 Apr 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Jan 2021

My Recommendation

 

Paige Northwood, British Sign Language interpreter is called by deaf  client after his house is set on fire.  When Paige arrives, Lukas is distraught and looking for his wife, Nadia.   Later, firefighters find the dead body of Nadia, but it seems she was murdered before the fire was set.  Paige and Social Worker, Sasha that Paige is interpreting for begin their own investigation after police do not seem active in tracking down any other suspect now they have Lukas in custody.  However there is someone not wanting Paiges interference and she is attacked.  
Life is changing fast for Paige as boyfriend Max asked her to move in and her feelings for DS Rav Singh blossom.
I enjoyed this latest instalment and look forward to more of Paiges adventures.

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My year in books 2020

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