The Dream Home

by T.M. Logan

Pub Date: 29 Feb 2024

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 7 Jul 2024

Adam and Jess move into a large Victorian home with their 3 children. While renovating, Adam discovers a hidden door behind wardrobe with a number of articles left in there, including a rolex watch and a mobile phone. Adam hasn’t revealed to Jess he is in between jobs, so pawns the watch for some extra cash. He does tell Jess about the mobile, so when they turn it on, they message the only number stored and this is the beginning of their nightmares. Threats and violent messages are left, Adam is worried he cannot meet the mystery persons demands.
The tension and suspense builds as the threats escalate and Adam worries for his families safety. The old house is the perfect setting for this dark thriller. Well written and full of details, making you really feel for Adam and the situation he is in. Recommended for any TM Logan fan.

 

Vengeance is Mine

by Michael Wood

Pub Date: 29 Jun 2024

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Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 7 Jul 2024

A new standalone from a fantastic writer. Dawn Shepherd has never known her father, but one day her mother reveals he is Dominic Griffiths, a child killer and about to be released from prison after serving twenty years. Despite always maintaining his innocence, no one believes Dominic is anything but guilty. Dawn decides to investigate the case herself, talking to Domenic’sdadandafriendofthemurderedschoolgirl. Dawnunearthsmoredetailsthanthe original police investigation and getting close to the truth can be a dangerous thing.
A fast paced, twisty thriller that any Michael Wood fan will love. A brilliant read and you won’t be disappointed with. With questions over morality and vengeance, this is will keep you on the edge of your seat.
5 stars.

 

The Mystery of Four

by Sam Blake

Pub Date: 5 Jan 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Tess has recently renovated Kilfenora House, a country mansion which locals rumour to be haunted. But with tragedy just before the grand public opening, Tess wondered if there is any truth in these rumours. Plus there are suggestions a body is buried within the grounds…
A suitable cosy crime plot for any Agatha Christie lover. A bit of a slow burner, but worth persevering.

 

The Cellar

by John Nicholl

Pub Date: 7 Nov 2022

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Marcus Grove works in hospital for the criminally insane, but facing disciplinary action. He is there harbouring knowledge from the patients about the skills on killing before performing his own executions.
Years later, Marcus is on a killing spree for his own perverse satisfaction. He wants to pass on his skills and seeks a protégé in artist, Lucy Williams. Lucy now needs to survive the ordeal and escape from Marcus’s clutches.
I was anticipating more of a juicy read from the description and previous books by John Nicholl that I devoured. Something just didn’t gel with this book.

 

The Puppet Master

by Sam Holland

Pub Date: 30 Apr 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Cara and her team are called to a grizzly suicide when a man jumps in front of a train. Then Nate is informed of another suicide, but knowing the victim, he knows this couldn’t b possible. Soon it transpires, a lot of recent suicides are not as they are first perceived. There is a killer out there, watching and always ahead of the game.
Gruesome in places, this outstanding read won’t leave you feeling disappointed. Another great read in the series that will keep you hooked to the end. Possible best to read the previous books first to understand the characters a little better, plus references about the Echo Man may be a spoiler!

 

The Mystery Guest

by Nita Prose

Pub Date: 18 Jan 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

Molly the maid is back in another amazing cosy crime book. A distinguished author dies at The Regency Grand hotel, and Molly’s input while the detectives investigate the case, allow her to assist the team to discover the truth. All while maintaining cleaning and etiquette standards to ‘perfection’. 
I really warmed to Molly’s positive and bubbly nature who speaks her mind in the politest way. With her childhood spent at the authors mansion, when her beloved Gran was a maid there, Molly has an insight in the killers true motive.
Thoroughly enjoyable, I would love to see another Molly the Maid mystery.

 

Bad Apple

by Alice Hunter

Pub Date: 9 May 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 22 May 2024

As a member of the police force, when Becky learns her police husband is a rapist, she turns him in. It soon becomes a story about protecting their own, and everyone turns on Becky and she leaves the police. But she is determined her husband will pay for his crimes and seeks vengeance. But he is not the only bad apple.  
I was expecting to be wowed by this book after reading the blurb and previous books by Alice Hunter, but this one didn’t hold my interest and fell a bit flat. A little surreal in places and overlooking the obvious basics in police work.