BookwormBurrows

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Beautiful Ugly

by Alice Feeney

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on Jan 05 2025

Another masterpiece from Alice Feeney, full of twists. Grady Green finally gets a call from his publisher with the news he has been waiting for. He calls his wife, Abby who is driving home, to share the news when he hears her veer off the road. The car is found by the cliff edge, but no sign of Abby, she has complete disappeared.
Grady goes to a Scottish island to recover from the trauma of losing his wife, but a lot of the locals are acting strangely, they never disclose how he can get off the island and hindered by no Wi-Fi signal. To add to Grady’s confusion, he keeps seeing a figure remarkably like Abby...
There is something quite sinister about the island, lots of layers and unanswered questions which makes Grady begin to doubt reality. An eery read for any Feeney fan and definitely worth a read.

Friday, October 11, 2024

A Violent Heart

by David Fennell

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 Oct 2024

A Violent Heart is the 4th book in the DI Grace Archer series, and would be beneficial, not essential to read the books in order. A sex worker, Elena Zoric is found dead and the last call on her mobile is to Archer. Archer is desperate to investigate the murder of Elena as had known her and helped her out in the past. However, she is told it is out of her jurisdiction.
Then a body of a female is discovered wrapped in a carpet in the attic of an abandoned house but has been there for over 30 years. It turns out that both Elena and the body in the attic were killed in the same way and Archer is determined to find out how the two are linked and who is responsible. When another body is discovered, Archer is keen for these victims to have the care and time investigating their deaths as sex workers are often lower down on the police’s priorities.
A real gritty novel that doesn’t shy aware from the realities of sex workers and how they are portrayed in society. Archer is a caring, determined character, backed up by a highly skilled team, always determined to find out the truth. A twisty and fast paced plot, like with all David Fennell books, will keep you reeling, desperate to read one more chapter!

One Of Us Is Dead

by Peter James

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 11 Oct 2024

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is back in another thrilling instalment. James Taylor is attending the funeral of a childhood friend and notices someone familiar. However, he knows it can’t be Rufus Rorke, as he read a eulogy at their funeral several years ago. James is determined to find out who this shadowy character is.
Meanwhile, forensics notify Grace of several mysterious deaths, that to the less detailed eye, could have gone unnoticed and put down as accidental and not suspicious deaths. The world of mushroom poisoning and the dark web result in a familiar name arising and soon Grace starts to see a connection between the two situations.
A complex and twisty plot from the beginning will keep your attention as Grace and Branson sleuth away trying to pin down a dangerous sociopath whose ego makes him think he is untouchable. Grace is hindered by a run in with Cassien Pew, but oversees his treacherous behaviour. Another well executed book, and hope the Grace series to continue with another instalment.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

The Killing Circle

by Paul J. Teague

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Aug 2024

Detective Hollie Turner returns when sixth former, Kyle Wilson is found brutally and fatally attacked in a derelict outbuilding. Who would want to harm this quiet teen? A series of clues lead to a group of popular kids that Kyle was on the periphery of. It appears Kyle unearthed a dark secret and the killer was determined to keep it a secret.
A well written police procedural that is gritty and will keep you hooked. Although 4th in the series,Ifeelthisinstalmentcouldalsobereadasastandalone. Plentyoftwistswithan outcome you wont see coming. A first class read.

Cover Image: The Reunion

The Reunion

by M. J. Arlidge; Steph Broadribb

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Aug 2024

A MJ Arlidge collaboration with Stephanie Broardribb. 5 stars for a compelling read. White Cross Academy is about to be demolished, but the construction workers find a body in the grounds. Detective Jennie Whitmore went to White Cross and wonders if it is her friend, Hannah who disappeared over twenty years ago and presumed a runaway.
Jennie doesn’t disclose her close relationship with her superiors and investigates the case. With insider knowledge of the friendship circle and the photography group that used the basement where Hannah’s body is found, Jennie is determined to finally unearth the truth of what really happened to her friend.
An excellent standalone read, gritty and fast paced, keeping you wanting to read one more chapter to find out the truth.

Cover Image: The Reunion Party

The Reunion Party

by Penny Batchelor

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Aug 2024

It is 25 years since Tania’s death and her uni friends come together for a vigil. Staying in a hotel Jeannie runs, things soon take a turn for the worst. Isolated, with no phone or internet signal, a member of the group falls ill, without signal to call for help, they decide to drive to the hospital, but all the tyres are slashed. There is someone in the hotel wanting vengeance, the group need to stay together before they are next.
I found this audiobook quite compelling, wanting to know what happens next. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. A little bit unbelievable in places, but what is fiction for!! A recommended read.

Murder at an English Pub

by Alice Castle

Pub Date:

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 3 Aug 2024

A light hearted cosy crime plot set in the fictional town of Merstairs with retired doctor, Sarah Vane. Sarah moves to the seaside town to enjoy a quiet retirement, but when a body is found in a beach hut, Sarah starts looking into the mysterious circumstances.
Very Midsommer Murders.