DEAD REAL

by Helen H. Durrant

Pub Date: 26 Jul 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Jul 2023

My Recommendation

 

Bayliss and Calladine are back to investigate when the body of 16 Noah Crosby is found, with links to drug and gang activities.  The post-mortem identifies a mark left by a serial killer called The Shadow who attacked the same estate twenty years earlier.  But with gangs, no one will talk and the pair face a wall to identify the killer.
Worth while reading previous books to fully understand the detectives and their relationship.  An enjoyable read and part of a great series.

 

The Perfect Girlfriend

by Hayley Smith

Pub Date: 20 Jul 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Jul 2023

My Recommendation

 

Lauren meets Jay at a festival and after a whirlwind romance, she moves into his rundown cottage to live a self sufficient lifestyle.  However, Jay’s very cagey about his past and gaslights Lauren into selling her possessions.  When she finds a children’s bike and toys in the shed, he won’t give a straight answer about their origins, despite say the cottage belonged to his friend, Rick’s grandmother.  Lots of things don’t add up and Lauren finds items hidden that are disturbing.  However, Lauren has her own secrets and hidden past, is she really the perfect girlfriend?
A fantastic debut novel and completely gripping.  So many layers and secrets to each character, really hooks you in, wanting to know their truth.  Highly recommended.

 

The Girl Who Survived

by Lisa Jackson

Pub Date: 28 Jun 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 30 Jun 2023

My Recommendation

 

One fateful night, Kara is dragged out of bed by her older sister, Marnie and told to hide in the attic and to be quiet as something bad has happened.  Marnie leaves Kara alone in the dark and after a while Kara gather the courage to open the attic door to see where her family is.  She finds her brother, Donner slaughtered and her parents also dead.  Her other brother, Jonas is injured, but no sign of Marnie.  A man sees Kara and she runs and escapes into the woods.
Twenty years later, Kara is the lone survivor of that dreadful night, Marnie was never found and Jonas was sentenced to prison for the tragedy as was his sword used as the murder weapon.  Kara seeks regular psychological therapy to help deal with the events of that night and her fears are escalated when she hears Jonas is about to be released.
An accelerating read with complex characters that will keep those pages turning.  The events of that night are not clear cut and Kara eventually finds out the truth.  A suspenseful book and highly recommended.  Some aspects are a bit farfetched, but let that go!

 

The Party

by Tríona Walsh

Pub Date: 23 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 30 Jun 2023

My Recommendation

 

Widow, Claire and her children, Lizzie, freshly out of rehab and Liam are back together for Claire’s wedding to George, after a whirlwind 6 months romance.  They are joined at George’s remote mansion by his daughter and newlywed American husband.  However, the day takes a dramatic turn when Claires dead husband shows up.  Declan admits he faked his death and left Claire to pick up the pieces of his failed business.  Emotions become fractious and Declan says he is not going anywhere without reuniting his marriage and family life.  However, the next morning, Declan is found dead and this time he is definitely dead.  Due to the remoteness and high security surrounding the mansion, the murderer has to be one of the wedding party.
Plenty of twists throughout, some of the characters seemed rather flawed and a little unrealistic but persevere, an entertaining read and the ending is worth it.

 

The Safe House

by Louise Mumford

Pub Date: 12 May 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 30 Jun 2023

My Recommendation

 

Esther was 5 years old when she left her home and the world she had grown up in, when her mum told her to pack a bag as they were leaving.  After recently developing asthma, Esther’s mum was dedicated to keeping Esther ‘safe’ and ensuring she has her inhaler with her at all times.  Esther and her mum now live in The House which is a war bunker and never goes outside.  Her mum only goes to the shops on a yearly trip and always wears her breathing mask and overalls so not to pollute Esther’s air she breathes.
For 16 years, The House is all Esther knows, until one day a man knocks on the door and calls her name.  He tells Esther she has been lied to by her mother and no need to remain locked in The House.  The air is perfectly safe to breathe.  Esther begins to doubt whether her mother has kept her safe or a prisoner.
An unusual story, but certainly a powerful one.  You can understand Esther’s mother concerns for her daughter’s health, but clearly is overzealous in her approach and outlook.  I was spurring Esther on during many points of reading this.  Certainly, a likeable character and really enjoyed the book.  Just when you think all the lies and been unravelled, Esther finds out more lies.  Louise Mumford always delivers and would encourage this book to go on your to read list!

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Beautiful Remains

by Gwyn Bennett

Pub Date: 3 May 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Jun 2023

My Recommendation

 

Dr Harrison Lane, head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit is called in when the body of man is discovered in mysterious circumstances, pinned down by horseshoes and a bone necklace around his neck.  Lane has his suspicions of who is behind this kill, which is confirmed when they find a white envelope containing horsehair in his possessions.  The work of the secret organisation, The Horsemen is at blame.  But being secret, Lane along with the detectives, need to work out who in the jockey world is behind these crimes.
Lane is also worried about colleague who is smitten with, who is being stalked.  The stalking begins to escalates and really worried for Tanya’s safety.
Lane has a complicated past which makes him an intriguing character.  Events take a turn with his and Tanya’s relationship which you are cheering him on.  An enjoyable read and likeable characters and looking forward to reading more in the series.

 

My Daughter's Boyfriend

by Daniel Hurst

Pub Date: 3 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 28 Jun 2023

My Recommendation

 

This whirlwind story is fast paced and easily read in one sitting.  As the title denotes, the story is about Dawn and her grown up daughter 
Ellie who Dawn would love Ellie to settle down with a boyfriend and move out of home.  Told from Dawn and Ellie’s point of view, the pair set off to LA to meet Ellie’s new online boyfriend.  Dawn going to ensure Ellie is safe.  They are met at the airport by boyfriend Daryl and his dad Harvey.  On the journey to their house, Dawn sees a lots of posters for a missing girl and gets blank responses when she questions Harvey.  Suffering with jet lag, Dawn is up early and explores the house, she goes into the basement and unearths some items clearly no one wanted her to see.  Including a photo of Daryl and the missing girl.  Alarm bells start ringing when Ellie isn’t in bed, and she learns Daryl has taken her to a secluded spot.  Is Ellie in danger?
A clearly written story, with the title making you wary of Daryl, but he wasn’t the only person with secrets and a dark side.
You won’t be let down by Daniel Hursts latest, delivering a punchy psychological thriller.