by James Buckler

Pub Date: 5 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 25 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Lewis Miller, a solicitor desperately trying to step up the career ladder is surprised when he receives a call from the practice owner to deliver a cheque for settlement of a case on behalf of an important client.  When meeting the intended recipient of the cheque, Lewis discovers the cheque is a pay off following the suicide of an employee.  However, the mother is adamant her daughter would never commit suicide and is a coverup for what really happened.  Lewis is determined, at all costs, to find out the truth.
A fast paced book, with some intriguing twists.  An full action thriller and keen to see if Lewis will return for another instalment.

 

by Nell Pattison

Pub Date: 29 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 25 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Isabel Butterworth (Izzy) keeps receiving emails meant for another Isabel Butterworth who lives nearby, and decides one to befriend her, but under a pseudonym.  It turns out the other Isabel’s (Bella’s) life is not as perfect as Izzy first thought and has concern her husband has a dark side.
An intriguing thriller, which you think you have worked out, then a colossal twist right near the end.  An truly great piece of writing, rather cleverly told from the two Isabels perspective.  A highly recommended read and top marks to Nell Pattison.

 

Liar Liar

by L. G. Davis

Pub Date: 22 Jul 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Tess and Oliver along with disabled son Mason are happily married but trying to keep a low profile in their community.  Tess has a secret that she must keep hidden.  However, Mason is not Tess or Oliver’s son, but this is not her secret.  Tess has reasons to believe Olivier is having an affair and tries to retain his affection with a false pregnancy.  

A fast-paced book with past and present timelines.  It seems Tess is not the only one with a secret.  The story unravels a complex tale to how Tess and Oliver are now living as they are.  A really enjoyable, complex domestic thriller and certainly looking forward to reading more by L. G. Davis

 

Her Frozen Cry (Detective Amanda Steele Book 5)

by Carolyn Arnold

Pub Date: 9 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Detective Amanda Steele investigates the death of businesswomen Alicia.  Alicia’s husband is an old acquaintance of Amanda.  Initially, it looks like suicide, but then Amanda suspects foul play.

Not quite as gritty and fast paced as previous instalments, but an enjoyable read.  Good to see Steele’s character back and her adjustment to caring for adopted daughter, Zoe.  This can be read as a standalone as well as the series.

 

From the Ashes

by Deborah Masson

Pub Date: 18 Aug 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

DI Eve Hunter is called into investigate a fire at a children’s home, when a child is found dead, trapped in the basement.  During the investigation, the firefighters also come across an old drum with hazard warning stickers on it.   Upon scanning the drum, they find the remains of a young women and foetus.  The hunt is now on to find out what happened to both victims, could the two cases be related?

It is great to have DI Hunter back in this latest instalment.  A likeable character, with her own issues, she leads to team well during the investigations.  There is a nail biting ending which is extremely well written that keeps you on edge and wanting to know what happens next.

 

The Murder Rule

by Dervla McTiernan

Pub Date: 12 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 15 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Hannah talks her way into working on the university Innocence Project and really wants to work on a specific case - a man on death-row for rape and murder.  However, Hannah has an alternative motive. 
Told from the point of view of Hannah in present and from her mum Laura’s diary when she was 19.  As the story develops, more and more detail from Laura’s past and Hannah’s motive is disclosed.  Lots of twists and a steady amount of intrigue keeps you wanted to read more.

 

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 20 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 15 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Part 3 of the Dr David Galbraith series.  This episode is told from the perspective of Anthony, the 7 year old boy Galbraith abducted and tortured.    Tony is now 37 and advised it would be cathartic to write a book about the experience and interviews all those around Tony at the time it happened.  
I really enjoyed this instalment, the interviews unveiled new information from the original book and the ending had a really emotional twist.

 

One of the Girls

by Lucy Clarke

Pub Date: 26 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 14 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Six friends go to Greece for Lexi’s hen party.  The drinks are flowing and so are the secrets being revealed.  Then one night tragedy strikes, one of them turns out to be a killer.
A very slow burning psychological thriller, but worth persevering with.  The end twist is a little predictable, but a good book to read poolside in the sunshine.

 

The Boyfriend

by Kerry Wilkinson

Pub Date: 16 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 14 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Jodie has just been to her fathers funeral.  He was the mayor of the town, well liked by everyone.  When Jodie starts clearing out the loft she comes across a box labelled ‘keep’ and has a look inside.  Jodie goes numb seeing what’s laying on top - the t-shirt her boyfriend, Ben was wearing when he went missing, presumed dead nearly 20 years ago.  How did her father get hold of it?  She mentions the t-shirt to a few close contacts, but a break in followed by the fire makes her think someone wants the t-shirt back and perhaps there was a side to her dad she never knew.
A really interesting thriller, with plenty of content to keep you reading, wanting to know what happens next.  A few twists thrown in to keep interest peaked.  A great read by Kerry Wilkinson.

 

The Wife

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 15 Aug 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 14 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Part 2 of the Dr David Galbraith series and recommend you read the first book for this one to make sense.
Galbraith’s wife, Cynthia is in prison following her brave fight with Galbraith, ending his reign of terror and his life.  She has been recommended to write down her story to help her come to terms with that happened.  No one believed the terror she endured.
A surprising twist of luck occurs at the end, which leads to a pleasing result for Cynthia.
An interesting read and links so well with Part 1.  It is good to see some positivity for Cynthia after hearing what she endured.
Another epic story by John Nicholl.

 

The Doctor

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 27 Jul 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 14 Jul 2022

My Recommendation

 

Dr David Galbraith is a well respected child psychologist.  He also happens to be a predatory paedophile.  Galbraith latest victim is 7 year old Anthony Mailer who is struggling since he dad moved out after he was caught having an affair.  Anthony is referred to Galbraith who is too keen to have Anthony as a patient.  He has a disturbing alternative motive.  Galbraith snatches Anthony and the police are against to clock to find out who has taken him before it is too late.
This is part 1 of a series and seems to be key to the subsequent parts.  An enjoyable but also disturbing read.  The book is so well written that Galbraith character really gets under you skin and you want to save all his victims.