The Game

by Scott Kershaw

Pub Date: 12 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

5 strangers receive instructions to play a game following their loved ones being kidnapped.  The only way to get them back is not just to plsy, but to win.  The odds are on and survival of the fittest.  The 5 strangers meet after travelling from all over the world to following the game  instructions received.
The story is told from the 5 players perspective and later flashbacks from previous players.  A gripping read with an unusual twist, which is hard to see coming.
Well done Scott Kerehaw on a fantastic debut novel, looking forward to reading more!

 

Girl on the Run (A Detective Madison Knight Mystery)

by Carolyn Arnold

Pub Date: 06 Apr 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Detective Madison Knight is called to a murder scene where 2 woman have been shot by a subway coffee stall.  When notifying the next of kin, Madison notices the likeness to one victim to her old childhood best friend who disappeared without a trace.  Is this really Courtney and what really happened all those years ago.
Another enjoyable read by Carolyn Arnold.  I liked the sub plots and can rep be read without having read the rest of the series.

 

The Hidden Child

by Rebecca Griffiths

Pub Date: 24 Feb 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

What a story!  Combining fact with fiction enhanced the terrifying aspect to this book.  7 year old Kathy goes missing while her mum, Connie and boyfriend are in the pub.  Connie is distraught as the days pass and no sign of Kathy.  There have other children disappear in the area over the recent years and have not been found yet.
Unbeknown to Connie the reason, but her best friend Myra Hindley and new boyfriend, Ian Brady and started acting more unusual lately and Ian has a run in with the police,
Meanwhile, 2 farmers make an alarming discovery and soon the paths of all parties entwine.
A really gripping read, with fact and fiction flawlessly entwined, making the scenario that bit more dark.

 

Breakneck Point

by T. Orr Munro

Pub Date: 14 Apr 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

CSI Ally Dymond is called to give evidence on a case and when questioned, admits one piece of evidence was planted.  The defendants gets off and lead investigator jailed instead.  Ally is shunned by colleagues and sent on all the unwanted, implausible cases.  Until one day she is called back to the major investigation team when a young lady is found dead.  Ally suspects foul play but the police do not want to listen.  Then things take a personal twist when Ally’s daughter is attacked.  She is determined to use science and any other means possible to find out who is behind this as the police are not interested.
An enjoyable read and really feel for Ally who has done nothing but stick to the rules.  There is no mystery as the killer is outlined early on.  But the suspense is there, willing Ally to identify this individual and trying to get the police to listen.  I’m hoping there will be a series for Ally following this book.

 

The Party at Number 12

by Kerry Wilkinson

Pub Date: 11 Mar 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Hannah is about to go away travelling, but family decide a farewell party would be a good idea.  Family and friends arrive at number 12 and not everyone is pleased to see one friend in particular.  The evening is fractious and one of the party ends up dead and the rest of the party decide it’s best to deal with this situation theirselves.  Which inevitably comes back to be something they regret.
A compulsive psychological thriller which keeps you turning the pages and guessing right until the end.  Loved it, like many of Kerry Wilkinson’s other books, you will not be disappointed.

 

No Place to Run

by Mark Edwards

Pub Date: 21 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

15 year old Scarlett disappears while visiting her brother, Aidan in America.  Two years later and no sign of Scarlett to date, an elderly lady spots someone meeting her unique description while on a train.  She contacts Aidan and he is on a mission to find Scarlett and meets up with Lana, who is trying to find her brother who disappeared in a ‘fire’.  The two need to be careful, because as they closer to the truth, the dangers become real and escalate quickly.
The storyline concept has potential, but didn’t find this book as gripping as other Mark Edwards books.

 

Nine Lives

by Peter Swanson

Pub Date: 03 Mar 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Nine people receive an envelope containing a letter with a list of nine peoples names.  None of them seem to recognise the other name.  One of the names is that of FBI special agent Jessica Winslow.  One by one, people on the list are being killed.  The FBI need to work out the connection between these people and who can be behind the killings before it is too late.
A fascinating concept and a compulsive read. Lots of likeable, well developed characters with an ending you’ll never guess.

 

Take Your Breath Away

by Linwood Barclay

Pub Date: 03 Feb 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Linwood Barclay does it again!!  Six years ago, while on a fishing trip, Andy comes home to finding his wife Brie missing without a trace.  After being investigated, Andy changes his name and moves away.  Then, one day his old neighbour gets in contact to say a woman looking just like Brie has turned up at their old house and looked confused to see the changes made to the exterior.  Later on, Brie’s sister and brother see the same lady outside the hospital their mother is at.
CanBrie really be back after all this time?  
A compelling read and you are really rooting for Andy through out.  Easy to lock yourself away and dedicate time to read this one in one sitting!!
5 stars!

 

Don't Look Back

by D. K. Hood

Pub Date: 08 Feb 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Jenna Alton, short story about how she became the sheriff at Black Rock Falls.  Jenna wasn’t always Jenna and before worked under cover, trying to gain enough evidence against her criminal husband and his family.  With the surprise addition of a little girl to look after, Jenna need to be careful not to get rumbled.  
A great prequel and introduction to the background of Alton.  A enjoyable series and this quick read provides a lot of detail into her past.

 

The Paris Apartment

by Lucy Foley

Pub Date: 03 Mar 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 18 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Jess needs a fresh start and decides to spend time with her brother Ben is his new Paris apartment.  However when she arrives, he is not there to let her in.  After she finds a way in, she sees Ben has not taken anything with him to appear he has gone away, so where is he??  The tenants of the apartment block are not that welcoming to Jess and her questions. 
Another gem by Lucy Foley with details and twists that keep you guessing right until the end.  The detail of the apartment paints a real haunting image in your mind.  Loved it!