The Child in the Photo

by Kerry Wilkinson

Pub Date: 14 Jun 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 19 May 2021

My Recommendation

 

Hope comes home and checks the post, there is an plain envelope with her name on, no address or postal marks.  Intrigued, Hope opens the envelope to find a newspaper clipping from 34 years ago, about a baby girl, Jane who was snatched from her mother’s car.  Hope looks closer and notices baby Jane has the same disfigurement as Hope and believes she is baby Jane.
Then a stranger appears claiming to be her sister.  Hope goes on a crusade to find out if there is any truth in this article and encounters several people from her past that had involvement in what happened.
A great thriller with plenty or twists throughout the story.  Hope is a likeable character which you warm to instantly.  Definitely one you can devour in one reading sitting.

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Sleepless

by Romy Hausmann

Pub Date: 24 Jun 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 17 May 2021

My Recommendation

 

There are 2 stories being told, firstly Nadja, who is a troubled soul who was accused of committing a crime in her mid teens.  Snap shots are also told through her letters she writes to her younger brother.  Nadja is then brought into another crime where her friend / bosses wife has asked for assistance but then tries to frame her for this crime.
Meanwhile there is the tale of Nellie and her lover who is accused of murdering Nellie.
The two stories eventually start to tie up but I found the plot quite muddle-some and disjointed for a lot of the book.  It all falls into place by the end so is worth persevering with.

 

The Whole Truth

by Cara Hunter

Pub Date: 29 Apr 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 14 May 2021

My Recommendation

 

DI Adam Fawley is back to investigate a sexual assault at a nearby college, with the tables being turned and it is a male victim and female abuser who is also a senior member of staff.  When questioned, both parties claim to be the victim.  Fawley needs to find out who is really telling the truth.
Meanwhile, Fawley’s 8 month pregnant wife is nervous as her attacker from 18 years ago, Gavin Parrie, is now out of prison.  A similar sexual attack and murder takes place and the victim is known to them. The race is on to find out if Parrie has reoffended or there is a copycat out there.  It comes very personal to Fawley and needs his teams support. 
A great read, with plenty of twists throughout.  This book is fifth in the series but could be read as a standalone.

 

The Rule

by David Jackson

Pub Date: 01 Jul 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 May 2021

My Recommendation

 

Daniel is a giant physically, but a young boy mentally.  Daniel is soon to be 23 and looking forward to his chippy chips, caterpillar birthday cake and new superhero toys for his special day.  However, one day, Daniel breaks The Rule and his strength ends up killing a stranger.  His parents just want to protect Daniel and their actions spiral out of control and now the whole family is in danger.  Parents will do anything to protect their child.
An enjoyable, easy to read in one sitting book characters you really sympathise for.  Some great twists that will keep you turning those pages.

 

The Embalmer

by Alison Belsham

Pub Date: 12 Nov 2020

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 May 2021

My Recommendation

 

When a newly wrapped mummified body appears overnight at the Museum of Natural History, DI Francis Sullivan and team are brought into investigate.  At the same time, the Museum Director disappears, but the mummy cannot be her, then a string of gruesome murder victims appear over the city.  Sullivan must unmask The Emblamer before another body is discovered and the target now seems personal.   
Another great read from Alison Belsham.  With underlying story with Marni & her son, Alex Mullins carrying on through the book.  This can be a stand alone book, but is part of a trilogy and as ways good to read the previous books first.

 

False Witness

by Karin Slaughter

Pub Date: 24 Jun 2021

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 04 May 2021

My Recommendation

 

A new standalone from Karin Slaughter.  Leigh Collier is a defence lawyer and brought in to represent a rape defendant at the last minute.  She soon realises she knows this defendant and is worried a deep dark secret from over 20 years ago is going to unravel her world.  Leigh has tried so hard to step aside from her abusive, dysfunctional childhood and is now a successful lawyer with daughter and technically, still a husband.
Leigh enlists her estranged junkie sister, Callie when she realises the defendant knows what they did all those years ago and is seeking revenge.  
True to form, a gripping thriller from Karin Slaughter with some hard hitting characters.