In The Dark

by Claire Allan

Pub Date: 19 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Nora Logue’s daughter, Daisy went missing 8 years ago under circumstances that has cast a dark cloud on Nora.  Nora has remarried and has a son, Luca, a smear campaign now focuses on her care towards Luca.  Izzy and Tom film makers approach Nora to re tell her story and helps recollect the events of the time Daisy disappeared with the input of amateur sleuths true crime blog.  Soon some new revelations are made the truth makes some shocking revelations.
Never let down by a Claire Allan book.  A unique plot that will keep you captivated.

 

The Slumber Party

by Shannon Hollinger

Pub Date: 22 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Four best friends, Liz, Mo, Amy and Sami celebrate Graduation and turning 18 by having one of their slumber parties.  But this night ends in tragedy and the death of one of the group.  Friends who thought they would always be in each other’s lives then going their separate ways and to now only start to speak to each other 10 years on when Liz starts to receive notes from the grave.  Told from the 4 friends points of view, the story engages in lies, cheating, abuse, jealously, sabotage and toxic friendship.
A fast paced book with short chapters, each leaving you wanting to know what happened next in their characters life.  With plenty of twists and surprises, this book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotion.  5 stars to Shannon Hollinger.

 

THE SCARECROW KILLER

by Margaret Murphy

Pub Date: 23 Feb 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Detective Cassie Rowan investigates a case with a body hanging from the trees and a hit a run.  Soon a link between the bodies and the effigy foretelling the death builds up.  A killer is on the loose and Cassie needs to work out who it is before any more bodies are discovered.  
Second in the series, but can be read as a standalone book.  Some great characters and look forward to seeing Cassie grow in future instalments.

 

The Holiday Home

by Daniel Hurst

Pub Date: 1 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Mar 2023

My Recommendation

 

Another exceptional psychological thriller from Daniel Hurst.  Nicola, husband Ryan and daughter Emily, join close friends, Kim, Lewis and their son Cole at their holiday home in Scotland.  Phone and Wifi signal is weak and Cole runs the car battery down by leaving the engine on, leaving them all stranded.  Told from multiple points of view, the secrets laid deep for 15 start to unravel when conversations between Kim and Ryan are overheard and Nicola's world is shattered.  Tragic events in the woods has life altering consequences all round.
A book you can consume in one sitting, a fast paced, gripping read with comeuppance.

 

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.