by Shelley Burr

Pub Date: 09 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 25 Mar 2022

My Recommendation

 

Evelyn McCreery disappeared one night after the town fair, from a farm isolated for miles.  No one saw her, no traces of an intruder and what happened has remained a mystery for 20 years.  Lane Holland arrives in town with the purpose of solving the cold case, he is faced with hostility and scepticism but slowly Mina, Evelyn’s sister, warms to Lane and his mission.  Lane also has a personal reason to find out what happened to Evelyn.
A really gripping read and hard to putdown.  I warmed to the main characters and really hoped for a happy ever after ending.  The ending took a  twist I wasn’t expecting (or hoping for) which made it bitter sweet.  But would highly recommend this book and will be looking for kore to read by Shelley Burr.

 

The Serial Killer's Girl

by L. H. Stacey

Pub Date: 27 Apr 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 10 Mar 2022

My Recommendation

 

Lexi Jakes is dreading this day, the anniversary of serial killers, Peter Graves last murder.  Peter is actually her father, but no one knows this secretive past.  Then she hears a woman has been found murdered, red ribbon round their neck and holding a chess piece, just like how her father killed.  The identity of this woman shocks Lexi.  As the killer comes to close to home, she escapes to her Foster mums sanctuary.
An amazing books, great plot and characters you really warmed to and an ending that is not obvious.  5 stars to L. H. Stacey and look forward to reading more.

 

This Might Hurt

by Stephanie Wrobel

Pub Date: 03 Mar 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 10 Mar 2022

My Recommendation

 

This Might Hurt is a story told from 3 peoples perspective.  Natalie, her sister Kit and an unknown person.  Kit has gone to Wisewood retreat for 6 months when Natalie receives a mysterious email and goes to Wisewood to check her sister is safe.  Wisewood turns out to be more of a cult than a tranquil retreat.
Not entirely sure I really got this meaning of this story. After reading Darling Rose Gold, I had high expectations for this read but couldn’t gel with the plot.

 

Vanished

by Lynda La Plante

Pub Date: 31 Mar 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 10 Mar 2022

My Recommendation

 

DS Jack Warr is called to Avril Jenkins, a widow in her seventies, after calling in an intruder in her house.  Warr discover she suspects her ex-lodger and they her frequently breaks in and steals items.  The next time he is called to Avril’s house, she has been killed and dismembered.  Warr and team needs to urgently find the ex-lodger, meanwhile the body count keeps rising.  The house reveals there was more to Avril than first meets the eye, what other secrets was she keeping?
Another gem by Lynda La Plante, a great series which is well written and you really get to know Warr’s personal life as well as his professional one.  Can’t wait for the next instalment,

 

The Game

by Scott Kershaw

Pub Date: 12 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

5 strangers receive instructions to play a game following their loved ones being kidnapped.  The only way to get them back is not just to plsy, but to win.  The odds are on and survival of the fittest.  The 5 strangers meet after travelling from all over the world to following the game  instructions received.
The story is told from the 5 players perspective and later flashbacks from previous players.  A gripping read with an unusual twist, which is hard to see coming.
Well done Scott Kerehaw on a fantastic debut novel, looking forward to reading more!

 

Girl on the Run (A Detective Madison Knight Mystery)

by Carolyn Arnold

Pub Date: 06 Apr 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

Detective Madison Knight is called to a murder scene where 2 woman have been shot by a subway coffee stall.  When notifying the next of kin, Madison notices the likeness to one victim to her old childhood best friend who disappeared without a trace.  Is this really Courtney and what really happened all those years ago.
Another enjoyable read by Carolyn Arnold.  I liked the sub plots and can rep be read without having read the rest of the series.

 

The Hidden Child

by Rebecca Griffiths

Pub Date: 24 Feb 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Feb 2022

My Recommendation

 

What a story!  Combining fact with fiction enhanced the terrifying aspect to this book.  7 year old Kathy goes missing while her mum, Connie and boyfriend are in the pub.  Connie is distraught as the days pass and no sign of Kathy.  There have other children disappear in the area over the recent years and have not been found yet.
Unbeknown to Connie the reason, but her best friend Myra Hindley and new boyfriend, Ian Brady and started acting more unusual lately and Ian has a run in with the police,
Meanwhile, 2 farmers make an alarming discovery and soon the paths of all parties entwine.
A really gripping read, with fact and fiction flawlessly entwined, making the scenario that bit more dark.