The Last House on the Cliff

by Anne Wyn Clark

Pub Date: 18 Aug 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 23 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

Lowri spent the school holidays with her Aunt Gwyn on the island of Anglesey.  When Gwyn passes away she goes back to the old house, taking her daughter, Ruby.  At the wake, Ruby disappears and Lowri fears the worst.  When she visited as a child, another girl disappeared, never to be seen again.  Lowri is about to discover her family may not necessarily be all that they seem as the skeletons come flying out of the closet.
A gripping read and really detailed characters made you feel for Lowri throughout the book.  As a new author to me, looking forward to reading more books by Ann Wyn Clark.

The Winter Killer

by Alex Pine

Pub Date: 13 Oct 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 23 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

It is New Year’s Eve and DC Jessica Abbott is attending the wedding of her fiancé’s friends.  When the maid of honour, the brides sister goes missing.  Everyone is looking for her when her bloody glasses and bag are found by the lakeside.  Jessica calls in DI James Walker and soon Rachael’s body is found and the wounds indicate murder.  Is the killer a guest?!
The Winter Killer is the third book in the series, and a good addition.  Lacks the grip of the first two, but still a fantastic read with a very unexpected twist

 

Silent Victim

by Michael Wood

Pub Date: 28 Oct 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 23 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

DCI Matilda Darke is back with a bang!  Just when you think there are no more cliffs to hang off, this instalment leaves you dangling right there!
14 year old Tilly Hall is brutally raped and left for dead after the attacker slashes her throat and throws her from the van.  But Tilly isn’t the first victim, three women have been attacked and killed by this monster.  DCI Darke is brought back from retirement by the Chief Constable Ridley and gathers together most of the team from the recently disbanded specialist unit.
The killer is meticulous and has carefully not left any trace of DNA in all the attacks.  DCI Darke has little to go on but she is determined to bring justice to Tilly and the other victims.  DCI Darke bonds with Tilly as both survivors of brutal, life defying attacks.
You can easily read this book in one sitting as you won’t want to put it down.  Fast paced, gritty and horrifically detailed, this tension-filled story will leave you on tenterhooks, waiting for book #11!

 

The Institution

by Helen Fields

Pub Date: 2 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

A novel, set in The Institution, a hospital for the criminally insane.  Dr Connie is brought in with a secret mission to discover the killer of a pregnant nurse, who stole her baby.  None of the other staff or patients know Tara has been killed.  Her colleague, Braada is also at The Institution as inmate, patient B.  The pair need to conduct a covert investigation, they have 5 days to find out who committed this heinous crime.
Lots of detailed characters and scene setting, you can really picture everyone clearly.  Very different to Helen Fields previous books.  A very dark, atmospheric read,

 

The Ex-Wives

by Jenna Kernan

Pub Date: 10 Oct 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

Elana believes she has made the best decision in her life for her and her daughter, Phoebe.  She has met the man of her dreams, Jackson.  However, she is warned by his 2 ex-wives that Jackson is dangerous.  Plus the major fact that his 2 step daughters have gone missing.  Even the FBI pay the house a visit to speak to Jackson.  Jackson is a master manipulator and verbally abusive, ascertaining his power and authority over Elana and using Phoebe to control her.  However, Jackson is Mayor and his brothers are also well respected in the local town.  
Elana knows she must leave Jackson, but he has made it clear he would kill her.  A powerful struggle throughout, knowing she cannot trust anyone close to her.  You are left willing Elana on, hoping she makes the break.

 

Hidden Scars (Detective Kim Stone Book 17)

by Angela Marsons

Pub Date: 9 Nov 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

DI Kim Stone returns to work after recuperating from her previous near death investigation.  She is stunned to see the DI that failed to protect her is now leading her team.  They seem timid and actively discouraged from investigating a recent suicide.  But Kim wont allow Jamie’s death to be swept aside without proper investigation.  She gains control of the team again and soon links Jamie’s death with another murder, made to look a suicide.  Plus they were both gay and attended a clinic to cure their sexuality.  Kim is appalled such a clinic exists and goes to all lengths to see what happens behind closed doors.  
Another fast paced, gripping book.  Kim, Bryant, Penn and Stacy are a close knit team and obviously missed each other in Kim’s absence.  Great to have them back in action, righting the wrongs.

 

Picture You Dead

by Peter James

Pub Date: 29 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 7 Oct 2022

My Recommendation

 

Harry and Freya always hope to find a hidden gem at a car boot sale.  When Harry buys a painting for its frame, it turns out he could have a missing part of a series by a Master.  Soon life spirals out of control and Harry is targeted by a criminal determined to have this painting for himself.  DI Grace investigates a body outside an art dealers house and the 2 investigations turn out to be linked.
Quite a slow burning start, laying out the details and characters, but Peter James never disappoints with another cracker.  Great to have Grace back, still grieving his newly found son, Bruno.  Already looking forward to the next book!