Blink of an Eye

by Louisa Scarr

Pub Date: 19 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 30 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

DS Robin Butler and DC Freya West are called to a scene on Christmas Day where they find 1 dead body and 4 other people passed out from hyperthermia.  5 friends gathered but not explain why.  Meanwhile, Freya’s boyfriend, and colleague, Josh is looking at a cold case of a missing pub owner and the team realise there is a connection with the current investigation.  The group of friends try to keep past secrets, but forensic evidence starts to pain a different picture.   Freya is smitten with Josh and wants to tell him everything of her past but Butler has grave reservations over revealing their own past actions.  A turbulent time for Butler and West.  
This can be read as a standalone but much more beneficial to read as a series.  Another gripping instalment and can’t wait for the next.

 

The Binding Room

by Nadine Matheson

Pub Date: 7 Jul 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 30 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

Nadine Mathewson doesn’t disappoint with the latest instalment with Detective Anjelica Henley.  A pastor is found murdered in his church stabbed multiple times, and upon exploring the building, Henley discovers a room hidden behind a bookcase and discovers a body tied to a bed, however, this poor tortured soul is not dead.  Then another body is discovered, tied to the bed and tortured, but she is definitely dead.  Ritualistic killings and a murdered pastor - Henley and her team work tirelessly to make the connections and try to find the killer before more bodies are found.  Simultaneously, Henley is battling her own personal issues.
This well written book with fast paced action makes a great read.  Hard to put down, you will want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

 

Cat And Mouse

by M. J. Arlidge

Pub Date: 9 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 20 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

DI Helen Grace is back!  There is a killer on the prowl breaking in, ransacking properties, and then mercilessly murdering the occupant.  At first there seems nothing to connect these attacks, and DI Grace and the team focus on the wrong perpetrators but with good reason.  Meanwhile, DI Grace is trying to dodge attacks on her life from a previous encounter with psycho psychiatrist Alex Blythe.
Its great to have DI Grace back, she is a strong determined character, and nothing can stop her trying to prosecute those on the wrong side of the law.  Still not receiving the support or acknowledgement from her superiors, Grace must battle to save her career as well as her life.
This could be read as a standalone but would benefit more from having read the previous instalments to truly understand DI Grace’s grit and determination and connection with the team especially Charlie.

 

Believe Me Not

by Natalie Chandler

Pub Date: 9 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

Megan wakes up, disorientated, in a hospital bed but can’t remember why.  She feels a scar from recent surgery and then recalls, and wants to know where her baby is,  But the doctors, Megan’s husband, Stefan and family members keep evading her questions.  Why won’t anyone tell about her baby?  Then Megan realises she is not in a maternity ward but a psychiatric ward.  She is desperate to have answers but only faced with lies and more questions.
A gripping, psychological thriller that will really pull at your heart strings.  You will so desperately want to help Megan.  It’s if difficult to know who to trust.

 

Make Me Disappear

by Jessica Payne

Pub Date: 16 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

Noelle, a nurse is dating Dr Daniel Ashcroft, an anaesthetist at the same hospital.  He was the perfect boyfriend after a violent previous relationship.  However, the true Daniel starts to reveal himself, he is controlling and Noelle discovered cameras in her apartment and doesn’t want her seeing friends or family.  Noelle fears her only escape if to fake her own kidnapping.  She should have known Daniel wouldn’t let her go so easily as she is kidnapped for real..  Noelle will do anything to escape from Daniel forever.
A fast paced psychological thriller with a great twist.  An enjoyable debut from Jessica Payne.

 

by Ross Greenwood

Pub Date: 30 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

DI John Barton and his team are back when a prolific fire starter sets light to a skip and kills the homeless person sleeping in the skip.  More fires are started and the investigation leads to several suspects but do they arrest the right person?  The team need find out who the Fire Killer is before it’s too late.
Another well written read by Ross Greenwood.  DI Barton is a likeable character always battling the job versus home life.  With a supportive team, they well together to investigate the latest case. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

 

The Girl from the Sea

by Shalini Boland

Pub Date: 13 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

A woman is swept up on the beach and has no recollection of who she is or what led her to be on the beach.  Her boyfriend comes forward after police put out a campaign to help with her identity.
A dark thriller that I binged in one day.  She is told her name is Mia James and tries to put together what her live was like before the incident.  Though not everyone is who they say or the friend they portray.  Mia needs to realise this before it’s too late.
Highly recommended read.

 

Guilty Women

by Melanie Blake

Pub Date: 28 Apr 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

Guilty Women is the sequel to Ruthless Women, which I didn’t realise.  No real need to read in order as this book goes over previous happenings of the soap stars and staff on Channel Island TV. 
Not my usual read but an enjoyable read.

 

Carry On Regardless

by Caroline Frost

Pub Date: 30 Apr 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 04 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

A must read for any Carry On film fan.  Details, descriptions and photos from all the great classic films.  Bringing back great memories and recollections of the comedy genius that is the Carry On franchise.  Includes all your favourite Carry On actors - Sid James, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams.  A real feel good book.

 

The Serial Killer’s Daughter

by Alice Hunter

Pub Date: 21 Jul 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 04 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

Jenny and Mark live in a sleepy Devon village and are shocked to hear a school mum acquaintance has gone missing from her home one night.  The same night Jenny woke from one of her black out episodes with muddy pjs.  Told from Jenny and Marks perspective, this book builds up the tension and plot.  Dead animals keep getting left at the house that Jenny disposes off, as the bag containing the carcass also had a butterfly attached.  Innocent enough except Jenny harbours a secret about her past and is sure it is about to be discovered.  
I loved this book, not predictable and had some unusual twists.  I was spurring Jenny on throughout this book, without giving too much away!  Top read!

 

The Man Who Died Twice

by Richard Osman

Pub Date: 16 Sep 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 04 May 2022

My Recommendation

 

The Thursday Murder Club gather again mulling over stolen diamonds and trying to suss out the murderer.  A light hearted cosy murder genre, a bit slow paced for my liking.