They Thought I Was Dead: Sandy's Story

by Peter James

Pub Date: 9 May 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 8 Apr 2024

The most anticipated book in my opinion. Sandy has always held intrigue in the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series. Why did she disappear, why move to Germany, is Bruno Roy’s son? The book finally put some meat on bones, providing detail and reasoning behind a lot of unanswered questions.  
Sandy’s life is complex and full of secrets which all catch up with her. With several white knights that aren’t all as they seem, she has not had an easy time of things.
5 stars to Peter James and thank you for finally giving us the story we have all wanted!

 

A Lesson in Cruelty

by Harriet Tyce

Pub Date: 11 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 8 Apr 2024

Three appearingly separate tales of three women, their scenario and problems. It is hard to see how they are connected but eventually they do. I found this book was quite put together in quite a blunt style and didn’t like the suddenly move to another character to another. The twist was not as expected and made a confusing conclusion. The narrator was not easy on the ear which didn’t help. Not quite what I was expecting after enjoying other books by Harriet Tyce.

 

I Let Her In

by Maria Frankland

Pub Date: 19 Mar 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 8 Apr 2024

Cassie, husband Jon and son Teddy move into Jon’s childhood home after left to him by his parents. However, Jon never revealed what happened in this house when Jon was a teenager or why he wasn’t close to his family. Cassie, starting a new job, hires local, Amy to walk the dog while at work. Amy has an alternative reason for helping out. A regular domestic setting soon turns in to a psychological nightmare.
A fast paced thriller that doesn’t disappoint. A few red herrings put you off the true twist. Perfectly written and throughly enjoyable. I listened to the audio book and found the narrator pleasant to listen to.

 

The Final Hours of Muriel Hinchcliffe M.B.E

by Claire Parkin

Pub Date: 21 Mar 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 Mar 2024

A elderly Ruth cares for her life long best friend, Muriel, who is now bed bound. Sharing a colourful past, the pair have their ups and downs but coexist with mutual benefits. Muriel has an episode and predicts her time of death. The story jumps to different times of their lives, where the plot builds and layers of intrigue unravelled.  
A cosy crime vibe to this audio made for easy listening, but the story kept you hooked as to what else this pair got up to in their younger days and the events that lead to present day.

 

The Fallen Girls

by Paul J. Teague

Pub Date: 29 Jan 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 Mar 2024

A 5 star read from Paul Teague. Told from different times, the connection between a nun hanging from a bridge and a home for unmarried mothers in the ‘70s is made by new Detective in the area, Hollie Turner.  
The flashbacks really built up the suspense on what the girls experienced at the time and what could lead to vengeance all these years later. The book finished on an absolute cliff hanger and can’t wait to read part 2.
The background to Hollies character is well laid out and feel for her battle between career and family life. Building up new relationships in the workplace is never easy, and has a few challenges to overcome.  
A start to a compelling series and looking forward to seeing what happens next.

 

Her Daughter

by Jen Craven

Pub Date: 1 Mar 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 Mar 2024

Rachel was a teenager at university when she fell pregnant with Chloe, and now, with Chloe a teenager going to university, her biggest which is for history not to repeat itself. So when Chloe falls pregnant, she turns to her mums best friend, Monica for guidance. Monica hates keeping secrets from her friend, but can’t break Chloe’s confidence.  
When the baby arrives, it is clear there has been a number of secrets kept and deceit. Rachel and Monica’s friendship is put to the test along with their marital relationships.
An easy listening audio book that keeps you hooked, wanting to know more as the next layer is unraveled. The characters are well defined and you could feel their personal angst. A cleverly written book with plenty of twists and bombshells. Told from different points of view helped the narrative along.

 

Profile K

by Helen Fields

Pub Date: 25 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 6 Mar 2024

The blurb had me hooked, but the overall plot fell a bit flat personally. Midnight Jones works as a profiler at a large tech company, analysing university applicants. She stumbles across a profile that cannot exist, showing no human emotion to the most graphic images. Reporting this to the top ranks, she is told it is Profile K, a psychopath, a killer. Midnight, despite warnings from friends and her employer, is determined to find out who Profile K really is.
I liked Midnight, but her stubbornness, putting herself and sister who she cares for in constant danger, grated on me somewhat. A real dark crime story, with a dystopia edge is quite unique and will appeal to plenty.