The Brother

by N. V. Peacock

Pub Date: 1 Aug 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Fallon is a psychologist, facing a trial for the near death attack she survived and struggling with PTSD.  Meanwhile, her brother, Ollie buys her a DNA genealogy kit for her Christmas present and discovers they are not blood related.  Her mother finally admits her own baby died and her financially struggling friend who had a large family already swapped babies.  Fallon discovers she has four more brothers.  However, one is playing a deathly psychological game with her and she needs to discover his identity before he kills another victim, or for Fallon, worse yer, her.
A gritty psychological thriller, rather fast paced that will keep you guessing which brother is the evil one.  You can easily divulge this book in one sitting as so compelling.  A new author to me and one I will be keeping an eye out for, for more great thrillers.

 

Below Ground

by Michael Wood

Pub Date: 30 Sep 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

DCI Matilda Darke and the team are back with a bang.  Below Ground starts with Scott being found stabbed at Matilda’s house and she is missing.  The team know Matilda well enough to know she had nothing to do with Scott’s attack and would only be missing for a serious reason and find out she has been kidnapped.
First thoughts point to the begrudged Steve Harrison, who blames Matilda for his life failings and being locked up for life in a max security prison.  He makes no secret of his hatred.  Steve is questioned but is he really behind Matilda’s disappearance?
Meanwhile a body has been found in a car deserted in the woodland, it is one of three missing sex workers and Sian fears her ex-husband and serial killer Stuart is to blame.  Stuart denies any involvement in this death.  The forensic team discover more bodies in the vicinity and the team are getting a bit to close to the truth for the killers liking.
As always, such an eventful, rollercoaster plot.  Twist upon twist as the story develops.  Even without Matilda being present, this book really works as the characters and team are so well developed and likeable that you can really relate to the emotions they are going through.  Just when you think Michael Wood has peaked, he succumbs all expectations with this instalment.

 

Stop Them Dead

by Peter James

Pub Date: 24 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Great to see Roy Grace and the team back.  This time for quite an unusual investigation.  A farmer is woken in the night by his dogs barking, and is killed by the intruders whilst defending the puppies they are stealing.  Meanwhile, young dog lover, Bluebell is promised a puppy by her parents and when viewing the puppies, she is nipped on the nose by one.  Bluebell then falls ill and is hospitalised, the doctors are amazed to learn she has contracted rabies, an eradicated disease.
Whilst Grace and Branson are investigating the farmers death, his own dog, Humphrey is taken.  They are led to a dubious character called Grecko who has a trait of dognapping and stealing dogs to order from his boss.  
The investigation leads to a nail biting standoff between Grace, Potting and a brutish puppy farmer.  
Though not the usual killer storyline, a very thought provoking and eye opening plot on topics which are not always brought to the forefront.  
Nothing to fault on this book, a perfect 5 star score.

 

The Nail Salon

by Natalie Tambini

Pub Date: 6 Jul 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

A powerful thriller.  Melinda runs a nail salon and offers a sympathetic ear to many of her clients.  However, you should be careful what you tell Melinda as there is a dark side to her, hiding in pain sight.  By night she ‘helps’ teenage runaways and wants to ‘mother’ them.
DCI Sue Fischer is investigating the disappearance of a teenage girl, Anna and the rush is on to find her.  The investigation brings her to the nail salon and events then spiral as secrets are unraveled.
A gripping read with lots of triggering topics such as child abused, sexual abuse and grooming.  Appearances are not always as you first see.  This book will take you on an incredible journey, trying to find Anna in a dark world.

 

The Girl at the Party

by Danielle Stewart

Pub Date: 12 Jul 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 Jul 2023

My Recommendation

 

Old friends come together under the guise of a podcast to see to talk about what happened to their friend Stephanie 4 years ago the Igbo she was murdered.  This story starts off straightforward but found the different character points of view and timelines quite confusing at times.
A twisty thriller that comes together at the end after plenty of lies, secrets and coverups are discovered.

 

The Couple Across The Street

by Anita Waller

Pub Date: 20 Jun 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 Jul 2023

My Recommendation

 

Claire, recently widowed, is clearing her husbands desk out and stumbles upon a secret drawer. Inside is an envelope with a Father’s Day card signed Jed and a photo of a child she doesn’t recognise.  Did her husband have a secret child?  Claire does her best to track Jed down, until he tracks Claire down.  Meanwhile, Claire’s best friend across the road leaves her husband Rob after her beats her up.  Claire and Vic go to gather some of Vics clothes and discover a body in the house.
A compelling tale of two halves that become entwined.  Anita Waller always impresses with her writing technique and cunning plots and this book is no exception.  The main characters have empathic traits and really feel for their situation.  You will be hooked from the beginning on this thriller.

 

Out of the Ashes

by Louisa Scarr

Pub Date: 6 Jul 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 5 Jul 2023

My Recommendation

 

Louise Scarr never fails to provide gripping books, but what a way to bring the Robin Butler and Freya West series to a climax.  Robin returns to help on an arson case that links his area and his old area.  Meanwhile, Freya is on stalking case that is becoming more volatile.  Soon they realise a connection between the arson and Emily replying harsh messages to the stalker.  The severity soon escalates and they need to stop this person before anyone else gets harmed.  Meanwhile, Robin and Freya are battling their personal lives and their feelings for each other, suppressed for so long.
A corker of a read, and Out of the Ashes is the perfect finale and a fantastic series. Highly recommended.