All Us Sinners

by Katy Massey

Pub Date: 7 Mar 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 20 Oct 2023

It is 1977 in Leeds, which is a very dangerous place to be for sex workers with the Yorkshire Ripper on the prowl. Maureen runs Rio’s, a local brothel, but still fears for herself and the girls, Bev and Annette. Maureen is fraught about who to trust as is she made to confront her past. A debut novel, the description sounded dark and gritty, which it seemed to lack in general, however still an enjoyable read.

 

The Weekend Away

by Miranda Smith

Pub Date: 4 Oct 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 20 Oct 2023

Sienna is still grieving the death of her twin sister, Samantha and fails to believe she would ever harm herself. To mark the one year anniversary, Samantha’s close knit group of friends invite her to a weekend away to commemorate her memory. When Sienna arrives she is horrified to see Samantha’s best friend and boyfriend are now a couple. As the weekend progresses, Sienna reveals she has Samantha’s diary and there is some very interesting revelations. Sienna declares someone within the group killed Samantha and will find out who… A dark thriller that will keep you hooked until the end. With plenty of intrigue and twists, this book build and builds into an explosive finale.

 

Bad Blood (Detective Kim Stone Book 19)

by Angela Marsons

Pub Date: 15 Nov 2023

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 20 Oct 2023

Detective Kim Stone and the team are back to investigate a body found under a tree, however, much to pathologist, Keates horror, he is not actually dead…yet. The victim was found with broken bones and posed in a strange position. It is not long before a second body, which is definitely dead this time, is found in a similar macabre fashion. Stone and the team receive information that the victims were part of a gang in a youth offenders facility and fear the rest of the gang could also be in danger. Another fantastic read, with an intensely gripping plot and on going story with Kim and her teams personal lives. You can’t go wrong with reading any of the Kim Stone books. First class writing!

 

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.