The Mystery of Four

by Sam Blake

Pub Date: 5 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Tess has recently renovated Kilfenora House, a country mansion which locals rumour to be haunted. But with tragedy just before the grand public opening, Tess wondered if there is any truth in these rumours. Plus there are suggestions a body is buried within the grounds…
A suitable cosy crime plot for any Agatha Christie lover. A bit of a slow burner, but worth persevering.

 

The Cellar

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 7 Nov 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Marcus Grove works in hospital for the criminally insane, but facing disciplinary action. He is there harbouring knowledge from the patients about the skills on killing before performing his own executions.
Years later, Marcus is on a killing spree for his own perverse satisfaction. He wants to pass on his skills and seeks a protégé in artist, Lucy Williams. Lucy now needs to survive the ordeal and escape from Marcus’s clutches.
I was anticipating more of a juicy read from the description and previous books by John Nicholl that I devoured. Something just didn’t gel with this book.

 

The Puppet Master

by Sam Holland

Pub Date: 30 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Cara and her team are called to a grizzly suicide when a man jumps in front of a train. Then Nate is informed of another suicide, but knowing the victim, he knows this couldn’t b possible. Soon it transpires, a lot of recent suicides are not as they are first perceived. There is a killer out there, watching and always ahead of the game.
Gruesome in places, this outstanding read won’t leave you feeling disappointed. Another great read in the series that will keep you hooked to the end. Possible best to read the previous books first to understand the characters a little better, plus references about the Echo Man may be a spoiler!

 

The Mystery Guest

by Nita Prose

Pub Date: 18 Jan 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Molly the maid is back in another amazing cosy crime book. A distinguished author dies at The Regency Grand hotel, and Molly’s input while the detectives investigate the case, allow her to assist the team to discover the truth. All while maintaining cleaning and etiquette standards to ‘perfection’. 
I really warmed to Molly’s positive and bubbly nature who speaks her mind in the politest way. With her childhood spent at the authors mansion, when her beloved Gran was a maid there, Molly has an insight in the killers true motive.
Thoroughly enjoyable, I would love to see another Molly the Maid mystery.

 

Bad Apple

by Alice Hunter

Pub Date: 9 May 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

As a member of the police force, when Becky learns her police husband is a rapist, she turns him in. It soon becomes a story about protecting their own, and everyone turns on Becky and she leaves the police. But she is determined her husband will pay for his crimes and seeks vengeance. But he is not the only bad apple.  
I was expecting to be wowed by this book after reading the blurb and previous books by Alice Hunter, but this one didn’t hold my interest and fell a bit flat. A little surreal in places and overlooking the obvious basics in police work.

 

The Intruders

by Louise Jensen

Pub Date: 11 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 9 May 2024

Cass and James take on a new adventure when they housesit an old manor house, Newington House, with a murderous past. Thirty years ago the Madley family were killed by an invader, but
the youngest child hid and escaped the onslaught. However, Cass is spooked when things start moving place and hearing noises. Cass and James are expecting their first baby and encourages them to look into their own family history and unearth some painful truths.
The book also features points of view from two mothers and their families from thirty years ago which implodes the whole plot. A gritty, dark psychological thriller that will keep you fixated on wanting to know the true events of that fateful night.
Louise Jensen always provided a first class read and The Intruders will blow your socks off!! 5 stars!! The book is fast paced, well written, has detailed characters that you really warm to. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

 

A Killing in Paradise

by Elliot F. Sweeney

Pub Date: 6 Jun 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 May 2024

Dylan Kasper is a former policeman, turned PI and investigates the murder to Patience’s brother on an infamous London housing estate. It turns out Patience’s brother discovered a thriving snuff film enterprise and took a camera with raw footage. Then Kasper stumbles across a draw full of photos, linking numerous sex workers to these heinous films who are all missing, presumed murdered.
The investigation takes Kasper down a dangerous path that he knows could end his own life, but pursues it regardless to find the truth and justice for all those killed.
An enthralling tale that keeps you encapsulated, wanting to know what happens next. Totally worth a read for any crime procedural fan, with plenty of twists included to keep you guessing. This is the second book, but can easily be read as a standalone.

 

Storm Child

by Michael Robotham

Pub Date: 26 Jun 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 May 2024

Hmmm, I was so excited to read the next instalment of Evie and Cyrus, but felt let down by this plot. Obviously there was a need to reference refugees and asylum seekers at this was central to the plot and unearthing Evie’s hidden past. However this subject felt over emphasised and raw opinions making it an uncomfortable read. Evie’s edge seemed tamed and not as gritty as usual. Plus all the various characters in Scotland became a bit muddled. But at least it came to a conclusion, not sure if this is the end of the Evie and Cyrus saga, hopefully the next instalment will be in the same league as books 1-3. It would be beneficial to read this series in order to appreciate their relationship and Evie’s nature.

 

The Girls on Floor 13

by Helen Phifer

Pub Date: 30 May 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 May 2024

Detective Maria Miller and partner Frankie are called to the Parker hotel where 2 teeanager girls are discovered dead, with their feet missing. Perplexed as this doesn’t seem a supernatural case, however, soo the Parker hotel reveals a nasty shadow that is our to get Maria. The hotels history relays years of strange encounters on the 13th floor and this isn’t the first murder either. Can these cases be linked?
I really enjoy this series, slightly off the mainstream route, but provides a well written paranormal plot, with likeable main characters that have history together. I hope to see more books in the series.

 

If Something Happens to Me

by Alex Finlay

Pub Date: 6 Jun 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 May 2024

Ryan Richardson and his girlfriend, Alison are at lovers Lane when they are attacked. When Ryan wakes up, the car and Alison are gone. For 5 years he fights his innocence. Now under a new identity, Ryan is trying to start life again and studying abroad.  
The book also tells the tale of gangster Shane O’Leary and the tragedy of his son, Anthony. The relevance of this soon unravels and provides complexity to Ryan’s situation.
Now the missing car is discovered in a nearby lake, and Detective Poppy McGee needs to find out who the men submerged in the car are and understand the cryptic note also found.
There is a lot going on and told from various points of view, but all comes together to the most delightful story. Really enjoyed this book and warmed to Poppy’s character as she pulls it all together.

 

Guilty Mothers (Detective Kim Stone Book 20)

by Angela Marsons

Pub Date: 30 May 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 May 2024

Detective Kim Stone and the team are back to investigate the murder of a mother, savagely stabbed to death, with her grown up daughter sitting at the murder scene with the knife. Case closed. However, another mother is murdered and the autopsies reveal trinkets from both daughters childhood pageant days. There is a killer out there with reasoning behind their revenge and the clock is ticking before another victim is found.
As always, this book delivers a great plot and the camaraderie within the team is first class. Kim’s dry humour keeps them in check and closely knit. Any fan of this book should defo treat themselves to reading the entire series. Superb!!

 

Three Drowned Girls

by Emily Shiner

Pub Date: 22 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 May 2024

What a start to a new crime detective series! Detective Freya Sinclair comes back to her home town after leaving under a cloud when her parents were discovered to be serial killers. Now back, she is all guns blazing when the body of a girl is discovered in a river, but when trying to identify her, finds there are a number of local girls missing. Soon another body is found and the race is on to find our what is happening to these girls and who is behind it.
A powerful pinch of a book that I devoured in one sitting. Slowly the background of Freya revealed the details of her past and reluctance of the town to welcome her back. She makes some allies on the team and together they bring justice to the town. You are never let down with a Emily Shiner book and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.

 

This is Why We Lied

by Karin Slaughter

Pub Date: 20 Jun 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 2 May 2024

Medical examiner Sarah Linton and GBI Agent, Will have recently married and enjoying a mountain retreat for their honeymoon. When host, Mercy is found fatally attacked, all eyes immediately go to her ex-husband who still helps at the retreat. Will calls Amanda, the GBI boss who send Will’s partner Faith to assist with the investigation. Not all is as it seems with Mercy’s unconventional family, an abusive, wheelchair bound father, dismissive mother along with her brother and son all help run the retreat.  
Mercy’s ex-husband Dave, knows Will from their time at the children home, and his character doesn’t help prove his innocence.
With graphic descriptions of the post-mortem and the pain Mercy was put through, you are desperate to know who would do this to her.  
A dark mystery that any Will Trent fan will love. To really appreciate the background to the sub-plot and characters history, it would be beneficial to have read previous books - which are all great reads!

 

The Teacher's Secret

by Lauren North

Pub Date: 23 Feb 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 2 May 2024

Lexie is called in a supply teacher in sleepy village school after teacher, Kate and her son disappeared after walking home the previous week. Kates husband, Oliver is still working despite Kates disappearance. There is an alternative motive for Lexie desperately wanting to keep this posting, but holds this reason secret. Lexie starts her own investigation into Kates disappearance and causes a stirring within the community and starts getting threatening notes.
A clever plot, which evolves as the layers are removed into the characters backgrounds and true self. This fast paced book will keep you hooked, wanting to know more about Lexie’s motives and the truth about what happened to Kate.