The Mistress Next Door

by Lesley Sanderson

Pub Date: 15 Feb 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Harriet seems to have the perfect life, handsome doting husband, Oliver, 3 beautiful daughters living in the affluent estate of Prospect Close.  However, Harriet starts receiving notes from a stranger, let her know, they know her secret.  Threatening to expose Harriet and take away her perfect set up.  Harriet’s life starts to spiral and she learns Oliver is having an affair and overhears gossip to direct attention to Harriets best friend next door, and now is not sure who to trust or turn to anymore.
Quite a quick paced book, some of the characters needed a bit more depth and development.  An enjoyable read, but did lack the edge of the seat suspense expected in such a thriller.

 

Death of a Bookseller

by Alice Slater

Pub Date: 27 Apr 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Set in a bookshop, true crime enthusiast and loner, Roach develops an unhealthy obsession with fellow bookshop worker, Laura.  Laura is beautiful and well liked, Roach aspires to copy her looks and fashion choices.  Roach goes too far and one evening of post-work drinks, Roach escorts a drunken Laura back to her apartment and takes a set of keys to come and go into her apartment any time she likes.
A disturbing and dark tale told from Roach and Laura’s view points.   Both characters have the flaws and and develops onto an intriguing story.  As an audiobook, the narrator was really engaging and kept my attention.  Though found the title a bit misleading.

 

The Suspect

by Kathryn Croft

Pub Date: 8 Feb 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Twenty years ago, Jessica was in the park with her mother when she was attacked and killed.  Now, Jessica encounters a stranger who turns out to be the prime suspect at the time.  He reveals some hidden secrets and Jessica starts looking into the circumstances of her mothers death.
Told from .Jessica and her mother, Lori’s point of view over twenty years apart, the plot soon builds up into a gripping domestic thriller.  Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing what really happened on that fateful morning.  Lots of details, build up a great picture of each character.  A well written book and as a first from Kathryn Croft, I look forward to reading more by her.

 

The Dying Place

by Charly Cox

Pub Date: 9 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Feb 2023

My Recommendation

 

Detective Alyssa Wyatt and Cord and back to investigate the disappearance of Reagan, a young woman reported missing by her family.  Unfortunately, Rheagan brutally beaten body is found and another young woman, Kennedy is reported missing.  The medical examiner finds a message for Wyatt in Rheagan and Wyatt now know this isn’t the first time the killer has struck.  He refers to an unsolved case 14 years earlier that Wyatt was involved in.  The clock is ticking and they need to locate Kennedy before she ends up like Rheagan and ultimately, to find the perpetrator behind these heinous crimes.
Fast paced, the twists and turns will have you wanting to turn those pages and discover the true identity of the killer.  Another fantastic saga from Charly Cox.  Can’t wait for the next instalment.

 

The Doctor's Wife

by Daniel Hurst

Pub Date: 31 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Feb 2023

My Recommendation

 

When Dr Drew Devlin suggests to his wife, Fern that they move from Manchester to a Scottish village, Aberness, to enjoy a quieter pace of life, she decides it would be a good move for them.  However, Drew doesn’t know that Fern knows his secret and the real motive for the upheaval.  Fern and Drew befriend another Manchester born couple, Alice and Rory.  
The book is told from different peoples viewpoint and soon escalates into something a bit more dark and sinister then you first expect.  A really gripping plot that you will want to consume in one sitting!

 

Those People Next Door

by Kia Abdullah

Pub Date: 19 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Feb 2023

My Recommendation

 

Salma, Bill and son Zain move away from their current home and troubles to a safe neighbourhood, Blenheim.  With the hopes a finding some new friends, they can’t wait to meet the new neighbours, Tom, Willa and Jamie.  The initial meet at a BBQ goes well, then Salma sees Tom knock down a ‘black lives matter’ banner and when Salma moves the banner to the window, she finds her window painted over.  A line of racist incidents occur and soon spirals out of control when a life altering incident and consequences alters these families lives forever.
A powerful storyline with a shocking tale of racism underlying the plot.  Really thought provoking.

 

The Stranger in Our House

by Sarah A. Denzil

Pub Date: 7 Feb 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Feb 2023

My Recommendation

 

The Aitken family leave suburbia to the village of Little Crake.  One night, 15 old Noah disappear in the woods and the whole village search for him.  He is found a few days later with superficial injuries but it not the same boy he was.  Noah, once studious is now causing trouble at school and the family are really concerned about him.
Told through diary entries and journalistic pieces, the tale is fast paced and takes an unexpected turn towards the end.  This book will not disappoint!