THE GIRLS IN THE CABIN

by Caleb Stephens

Pub Date: 8 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

Chris and his two daughters, Emma and Kayla are hiking in the wilderness when his youngest daughter badly hurts her leg.  Miles away from the car and any type of phone signal, they fear the worst until they find a house.  They are welcomed in by the owner, Carla and her son offers help, rest and a meal.  But are they really safe?  While cleaning up, Chris finds Emma has gone missing from the sofa, but she can’t walk.  Where has Emma gone, then the weirdness escalates when Miss Sydney is introduced to the group.  Can Chris find Emma and escape alive?
A engrossing psychological thriller that will keep you wanting me and will easily read in one sitting.  A new author to me, but will definitely be looking out for more by Caleb Stephens.

 

Slaughterhouse Farm

by T. Orr Munro

Pub Date: 25 May 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 10 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

CSI Ally Dymond is still on compassionate leave from the incident last year where her daughter nearly died at the hand of a predator killer.  She is asked to help out on a case where a lady, Miriam, is found in the middle of the night in the countryside, dressed in her nightgown, holding a blood dripping with blood.  Back at her farmhouse, her son, Gabe is dead, stabbed multiple times.  
Ally’s daughter is still friends with drug dealer, Jay, much to Ally’s dismay, but as his live takes a downturn when his father kicks him out after an altercation, Ally decides to help him out and let Jay live with them temporarily.  
When investigating Miriam’s family history, some dark truths are unraveled, but is it all as it seems.
A fast paced ride for Ally, and she starts investigating all the crimes, rather than sticking to her area of expertise, crime scene investigation.  I liked how this story follows closely to the first book, Breakneck Point and would be beneficial to read that book first.

 

The Woman in Carriage 3

by Alison James

Pub Date: 22 May 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 10 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

Hattie works as a temp in London, recently single and back living with her parents, who disapprove of her drinking, always catches the same train home, the 18:53.  One night, an incident on the train leads to conversation striking up between the usual commuters in her carriage, Bridget, Casper, Louis and Julian .  Hattie takes a liking to Casper and they soon start dating.  Though Casper has an ulterior motive for his relationship and starts gaslighting Hattie.  He convinces her not to go for the job she has her heart set on, instead the pair should start a new life in Mexico.  And Hattie, seemingly obliges.  What Hattie doesn’t know is who Casper really is and he true reason for going to Mexico.  
Quite a slow paced tale, with Hattie making some cringing decisions throughout.  But the storyline still keeps you interested and wanting to know how everything will pan out.

 

The House in the Woods

by Mark Dawson

Pub Date: 27 Apr 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

On Christmas Eve, DCI Mackenzie Jones is called to a house after Ralph Mallender can see his dad lying dead and believes the rest of his family has suffered a similar fate.  He can’t get in and soon the police gains access and confirms his fears.  However, now facing trial for the killings, Ralph’s wife calls upon the services of Private Investigator Atticus Priest to evaluate the evidence and help get her husband off the charge.
A new character that brings lots of gusto into this police investigation.  The background between Atticus and Mack is detailed and helps build up their connection and now face each other again in a professional capacity.  A little slow in places, but still found this a refreshing read and any Mark Dawson fan will not be disappointed.  I can see a great series ahead featuring Atticus.

 

The Bride

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 28 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

Daisy is a newlywed and pregnant.  However, her husband, James is now dead and Daisy is now on trial for murder.  How has Daisy’s life spiralled into this crazy situation?  Daisy tells her story of how she met James, the wedding and honeymoon, getting their first home and all the events that has led to her sitting in a prison cell.
An engrossing tale that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of Daisy’s young life so far.  With only a few characters, you get to know them quite well and twists keep you reading.  A short story but well thought out and an engaging plot.

 

Go Seek

by Michelle Teahan

Pub Date: 1 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 1 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

Maeve loves her family, husband Christopher, and daughters Abbie and Sarah.  Maeve’s worst nightmare becomes reality when her youngest, Sarah is taken in broad daylight.  But Maeve knows who is behind this and knows she has to play the game.  She sharply heads to Ireland to become the other Maeve she used to be and head for the gang lands, determined to get her daughter back.
A fast paced, gritty action thriller.  I liked Maeves many characters, certainly not one to mess with!

 

The Girls on Chalk Hill (Detective Lexi Bennett Book 1)

by Alison Belsham

Pub Date: 26 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 1 May 2023

My Recommendation

 

Detective Lexi Bennett is out for a run before starting her new post back in the UK, after being at Quantico for 4 years.  She stumbles across 2 teenagers, dead, with their throats slit.  When identified, the 2 girls are actually triplets and the third girls is still missing.  Lexi is taken aback, as she too is a triplet, and 17 years ago she and her sisters were taken, and sadly one sister never escaped.  With this raw memory, Lexi is determined to find the missing triplet and catch the killer, who has to be the same person that attacked her all those years ago.
An exciting start, to what I hope is a new series.  Lexi is a great character, her background resonates in the strong persona she portrays now.  Lots of detail and thought has gone into developing a tough but likeable character.  A very enjoyable and gripping read. Can’t wait to read more Lexi Bennett stories.