My Darling Daughter

by JP Delaney

Pub Date: 15 Sep 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 Oct 2023

Susie is contacted on social media by Anne, claiming to be her daughter (known then as Sky) that she gave up to adoption 15 years ago. Anne relays some details that convinces Susie and as she has always dreamt of this moment, can’t wait to be reunited. However, Anne’s adopted parents are cruel and overbearing and Anne pleads to Susie and husband Gabe to take her in. However, they are in contempt of the law and face child offences for not having permission from the adopted parents to have contact. Things escalate quickly and so does Anne’s temper and the adopted parents relinquish any responsibility. Anne, now goes by Sky, starts to show her true, manipulative colours and makes all sorts of accusations, putting marriage and careers at risk. A truly dark domestic psychological thriller, with plenty of turmoil and twists as revelations are announced throughout. The consequences of Skys actions affecting everyone around her. A fast paced read that will keep you wanting to know more.

 

Fatal Lies

by Anita Waller

Pub Date: 17 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 Oct 2023

Matt Forrester, and his business partner, Steve are busy renovating private detective business following the recent death of his father (whose business it was). Along comes Carol, the perfect receptionist they were in need of. A burglary case soon escalates into something darker and the victim is found murdered. Part PI, part police procedural as Matts partner, Karen, a DS and Steve’s partner and Matts sister, Hermia put their resources together to find out what has really happened. Such likeable characters that gel together so well. Plenty of details within their personal lives keep developing the relationships. Lots of layers to the storyline keep the reader engaged and wanting more. An enjoyable series and looking forward to the next instalment.

  

The Haunting on West 10th Street

by Helen Phifer

Pub Date: 19 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 27 Sep 2023

This supernatural detective novel provided an easy and enjoyable read. NYC Detectives Maria and Frankie, facing their own personal life issues, are called into help revisit a cold case from three years ago where a body, minus the head was found in a room with satanic materials all around. It turns out this mirrors a crime from the 1950s and is too much of a coincidence to happen again in the exact same room. The story flips from present day to the 1950s where the original murder took place and sets the scene for what is happening in the present. A light read that will keep you entertained and turning those pages. There is also the potential for more from Maria and Frankie and hope to read more in the future.

 

The Nice Guy

by Sarah A. Denzil

Pub Date: 30 May 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 27 Sep 2023

A powerful read from Sarah Denzil and could involve some trigger subjects for some. At a protest, Laura falls into the crowd and injures herself, and a talk, dark and handsome stranger comes to her rescue. Ethan is the dream package and after a one night stand, he starts to reveal his true, controlling colours. Laura tries to distance herself from Ethan, but he is not a man used to being told no. Months later, after blocking his harassing messages, Laura discovers she is pregnant. While tolerating Ethan’s demands and mood swings while pregnant, things escalate when Christopher is born and Ethan and his mother go to a whole new level of crazy. A fast paced domestic thriller, with several dark and sinister moments. I enjoyed reading this and really felt for Laura time and time again, willing a positive outcome.

 

Her Husband's Mistake

by Daniel Hurst

Pub Date: 30 Sep 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 27 Sep 2023

A family holiday to New York, celebrating their children’s milestone birthdays (18 & 21) goes horribly wrong for Jack and Lorna. The children wanted to see the city where they grew up and reluctantly, the couple agree. At separate events, the children go missing. They both fear the worst, knowing the true reason why they fled New York and scared it has come back to bite them. Mainly told from the parents point of view, the secrets they hold are gradually revealed and who exactly is seeking revenge. A fast paced, gritty psychological thriller, Daniel Hurst never disappoints in this genre. There are some unbelievable moments, but skim pass that!

 

Jackdaw

by Daniel Cole

Pub Date: 10 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Sep 2023

Daughter of a murderer, Detective Scarlett Delaney is involved in a mysterious case. Victims are left with scratch marks and killed in public view, the killer is nicknamed the Jackdaw. Circumstances led to an introduction to the charismatic Henry Devlin who helps work out some of the impossible details of these cases. With her boss and father like mentor, DS Frank Ash being skeptical of Henry, Scarlett goes off on her own with drastic consequences. The characters were rather likeable and could relate to their feelings and actions. Some graphic details really help set the scene. Fast paced and easily devoured, I can see a new series centred around Scarlet.

 

Trust No One

by Keri Beevis

Pub Date: 24 Sep 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 Sep 2023

Olivia Blake starts to receive some sinister notes, referencing something bad in her past. She seeks comfort in her boyfriend Noah and lodger, Molly. As an estate agent she meets a client at a derelict house and finds a man tied to a chair on fire. It turns out to be an old school acquaintance. Soon, other school friends of Olivia meet a grizzly end and Olivia fears her own life is in danger. Olivia knows that tragic events led to a friend dying on a school trip and now, someone is seeking revenge. You know you are in for a ride when reading Keri Beevis and this book is no exception. A rollercoaster of a read, full of twist and turns. 5 stars!