The Mother

by T.M. Logan

Pub Date: 2 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Heather is released from prison after serving 10 for being convicted of killing her husband.  Heather is innocent and wants to clear her name.  And more importantly, gain access to her two sons.  Heathers seeks the help of her sister in law and a  journalist to help clear her name and discover the identity of the true killer.
Of course, there are plenty of twists and layers to this storyline that build up to an epic finale.  Heather learns that you should be careful who you trust.  A fast paced page turner recommended to any T.M. Logan fan and any reader of thrillers.

 

The Silent Man

by David Fennell

Pub Date: 31 Aug 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Grace Archer and Harry Quinn are called to a crime scene where a man was killed by having his head completely wrapped in tape and drawing a smiley face on the mask.  The man’s child was left untouched during the attack.  Then an another incident occurs under the same circumstances, parent killed by tape mask and the child untouched.
Circumstances are made worse when notorious gangster Frankie White puts a target on Graces back as blames her for killing his grandson.  Time is ticking on both scenarios and Grace need to survive and search out the tape killer.
David Fennell is in a league with Chris Carter on his writing style and gruesome details.  The writing paints such a realistic picture and you feel emerged in the plot and with the characters.  Such an enjoyable read with a fantastic finale that doesn’t disappoint.

 

The Brother

by N. V. Peacock

Pub Date: 1 Aug 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Fallon is a psychologist, facing a trial for the near death attack she survived and struggling with PTSD.  Meanwhile, her brother, Ollie buys her a DNA genealogy kit for her Christmas present and discovers they are not blood related.  Her mother finally admits her own baby died and her financially struggling friend who had a large family already swapped babies.  Fallon discovers she has four more brothers.  However, one is playing a deathly psychological game with her and she needs to discover his identity before he kills another victim, or for Fallon, worse yer, her.
A gritty psychological thriller, rather fast paced that will keep you guessing which brother is the evil one.  You can easily divulge this book in one sitting as so compelling.  A new author to me and one I will be keeping an eye out for, for more great thrillers.

 

Below Ground

by Michael Wood

Pub Date: 30 Sep 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

DCI Matilda Darke and the team are back with a bang.  Below Ground starts with Scott being found stabbed at Matilda’s house and she is missing.  The team know Matilda well enough to know she had nothing to do with Scott’s attack and would only be missing for a serious reason and find out she has been kidnapped.
First thoughts point to the begrudged Steve Harrison, who blames Matilda for his life failings and being locked up for life in a max security prison.  He makes no secret of his hatred.  Steve is questioned but is he really behind Matilda’s disappearance?
Meanwhile a body has been found in a car deserted in the woodland, it is one of three missing sex workers and Sian fears her ex-husband and serial killer Stuart is to blame.  Stuart denies any involvement in this death.  The forensic team discover more bodies in the vicinity and the team are getting a bit to close to the truth for the killers liking.
As always, such an eventful, rollercoaster plot.  Twist upon twist as the story develops.  Even without Matilda being present, this book really works as the characters and team are so well developed and likeable that you can really relate to the emotions they are going through.  Just when you think Michael Wood has peaked, he succumbs all expectations with this instalment.

 

Stop Them Dead

by Peter James

Pub Date: 24 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Great to see Roy Grace and the team back.  This time for quite an unusual investigation.  A farmer is woken in the night by his dogs barking, and is killed by the intruders whilst defending the puppies they are stealing.  Meanwhile, young dog lover, Bluebell is promised a puppy by her parents and when viewing the puppies, she is nipped on the nose by one.  Bluebell then falls ill and is hospitalised, the doctors are amazed to learn she has contracted rabies, an eradicated disease.
Whilst Grace and Branson are investigating the farmers death, his own dog, Humphrey is taken.  They are led to a dubious character called Grecko who has a trait of dognapping and stealing dogs to order from his boss.  
The investigation leads to a nail biting standoff between Grace, Potting and a brutish puppy farmer.  
Though not the usual killer storyline, a very thought provoking and eye opening plot on topics which are not always brought to the forefront.  
Nothing to fault on this book, a perfect 5 star score.

 

The Nail Salon

by Natalie Tambini

Pub Date: 6 Jul 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

A powerful thriller.  Melinda runs a nail salon and offers a sympathetic ear to many of her clients.  However, you should be careful what you tell Melinda as there is a dark side to her, hiding in pain sight.  By night she ‘helps’ teenage runaways and wants to ‘mother’ them.
DCI Sue Fischer is investigating the disappearance of a teenage girl, Anna and the rush is on to find her.  The investigation brings her to the nail salon and events then spiral as secrets are unraveled.
A gripping read with lots of triggering topics such as child abused, sexual abuse and grooming.  Appearances are not always as you first see.  This book will take you on an incredible journey, trying to find Anna in a dark world.