The Boat House

by Keri Beevis

Pub Date: 24 Aug 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 13 Sep 2023

You are never let down by a Keri Beevis read and the Boathouse didn’t disappoint. Max and Emily are going to a holiday home in the Norfolk Broads, staying at the Boathouse. With the house being so isolated and items appearing that neither of them brought, Emily is really unnerved, but Max is trying to be more practical about the events. Soon the are both spooked and want to leave. With flashbacks to past, it is clear both Max and Emily have their secrets and they start to unravel during their weekend away. A creepy read with chilling aspects will keep you wanting to read one more chapter! The characters and sub- plot are well thought out and provide plenty of detail for you to become submerged in their action. A perfect standalone thriller book.

 

The Puppet Maker

by Jenny O'Brien

Pub Date: 17 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 13 Sep 2023

An abandoned toddler is left at a supermarket with a well loved rabbit soft toy and a note asking for Casey to be looked after and that it wouldn’t be safe to look for the mother. Alana (Alan) Mack is the detective in charge and takes Casey under her wing. Alan has recently been recovering from an accident, leaving her wheelchair bound. She asks her ex-husband, an child psychiatrist to analyse Casey using art therapy. Meanwhile, another case of discarded organs discovered in an alley suddenly becomes linked to Casey, as DNA shows a familial match. A great start to a new series, I can see a strong future for Alan Mack and her team. A gritty and graphic plot, and involves a lot of abuse triggers. Looking forward to the next instalment already.

 

The Wife in the Photo

by Emily Shiner

Pub Date: 7 Sep 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 13 Sep 2023

Police Chief, Evan Warner has recently lost his wife, Lola. To help run the house, provide meals and look after tea age daughter, Jessica, the Warner household take on home help and Ariel is employed. Ariel makes a great impact of keeping the house clean, but becomes clear that there is a huge ulterior motive for Ariel wanting to be in the Warmers household. Ariel is looking for proof to back her suspicions. A domestic suspense thriller, full of twists and turns. Some aspects of the ending took an unrealistic turn which let the overall rating down for me. But remains an entertaining read.

 

The Mother

by T.M. Logan

Pub Date: 2 Mar 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Heather is released from prison after serving 10 for being convicted of killing her husband.  Heather is innocent and wants to clear her name.  And more importantly, gain access to her two sons.  Heathers seeks the help of her sister in law and a  journalist to help clear her name and discover the identity of the true killer.
Of course, there are plenty of twists and layers to this storyline that build up to an epic finale.  Heather learns that you should be careful who you trust.  A fast paced page turner recommended to any T.M. Logan fan and any reader of thrillers.

 

The Silent Man

by David Fennell

Pub Date: 31 Aug 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 16 Aug 2023

My Recommendation

 

Grace Archer and Harry Quinn are called to a crime scene where a man was killed by having his head completely wrapped in tape and drawing a smiley face on the mask.  The man’s child was left untouched during the attack.  Then an another incident occurs under the same circumstances, parent killed by tape mask and the child untouched.
Circumstances are made worse when notorious gangster Frankie White puts a target on Graces back as blames her for killing his grandson.  Time is ticking on both scenarios and Grace need to survive and search out the tape killer.
David Fennell is in a league with Chris Carter on his writing style and gruesome details.  The writing paints such a realistic picture and you feel emerged in the plot and with the characters.  Such an enjoyable read with a fantastic finale that doesn’t disappoint.

 

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.