Middle of the Night

by Riley Sager

Pub Date: 2 Jul 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 2 May 2024

10 year old Ethan and best friend Billy are camping in the back garden, but when Ethan wakes up the next morning, Billy has vanished and is never seen again. 30 years later, Ethan returns to the neighbourhood when messages are left for him like Billy used to when they were kids. Ethan questions if Billy is actually alive and tries to solve the mystery.
As with all Riley Sager books, you won’t be disappointed with this standalone offering. Detailed setting and characters build up a scene you can really see and feel. You long for Ethan to find out the truth of that fateful night. With flashbacks to Ethan and Billy as children and the events leading up to that night. You start to suspect all residents with some involvement, but the truth is finally revealed in the anticipated twist.. 5 star plot and writing style.

 

Her Lost Soul

by Helen Phifer

Pub Date: 28 Feb 2024

Review by

Emily B, Reviewer

Last updated on 8 Apr 2024

Four high school friends enter the abandoned hospital as a dare. It has been boarded up for years. As the four move around the corridors, they separate and Riley hears a noise upstairs, but when she investigates there is nothing there. Reunited again, the four friends see something that makes them run for their lives. Outside, there is now only three of them, Riley is nowhere to be found.  
Detective Maria Miller and partner Frankie are called in with her experience in the supernatural. They discover they need to address an issue in the last to help with the present dilemma and time ticking quickly, a true race against the clock.
Another compelling and eerie tale with a supernatural twist. I love this series, which is refreshing but completely gripping. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

 

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.