Gemma
Sal Prentiss, a sixth grader, who recently lost his mother finds his maths teacher dead one morning. His teacher Adam Merkel, was a newly appointed maths teacher at the school and had previously been a professor from the University of Nevada. Having made a significant change in job title and moving alone to a small town caused quite a stir within the local community. Without time to form bonds with his work colleagues and living in solitude made Adam and his death quite a mystery.
Although the book surrounds itself around the mysterious death of Adam, Adam's voice is told through the other characters and their limited knowledge of the man. I found this quite a powerful feature in the novel. The story alternates between three character's: Sal, Nora and Jake.
Sal was a really interesting character. A young boy who had recently lost his mother and had been sent to live with his two uncles. Sal had formed quite an endearing relationship with his teacher but I found myself second guessing his reliability and their relationship didn't sit comfortably with me.
Nora, a teacher at the school also had her fair amount of heartache and trauma having lost both her brother and mother. Her backstory was extremely fascinating, especially her relationship with her own father.
The Distant Dead is a complex story about a small town and the history that weaves its way into the lives of everyone living there. The characters have all faced adversity and their emotions are written with a rawness that cuts through to the reader. The plot was shocking, twisty and all-consuming.
I found Young's writing in The Distant Dead to be poetic, evoked strong emotions within me and was very thought-provoking.
I love a good thriller and this book was exactly that. The book begins with a body being discovered and throughout the novel you get snippets from reporters through to the emergency services building a picture of the horrors that have occurred. The main bulk of the novel is written from Sylvie's point of view before the tragedy. Sylvie, a district judge and barrister finds herself in a real predicament when her best friend Tess is diagnosed with an illness and wants to make amends on her past mistakes. However, in order to do so could not only cause Sylvie to lose her job but jeopardise any future career plans. Torn between helping a friend find peace and protecting herself Sylvie relents and tries to make contact with a former associate who was sent to prison based on the evidence Tess and Sylvie gave years before. As Sylvie's life spirals out of control she tries everything she can not to lose a grip of the things that means the most to her. But as the clock ticks towards midnight Sylvie knows she is running out of time.
This was a fantastic read and one that I couldn't read fast enough. I loved the unexpected twists and turns which added to the suspense of the novel. Unpredictable, thrilling and a mesmerising read.
This beautifully written novel was touching, poetic and an emotional read. Set in the fictional village of Kosawa, where their farmlands, water supply and air have been corrupted by an American oil company, Pexton, the people of Kosawa are left to simply survive whilst watching the devastation that the oil has caused around them. It is not only their land that is suffering but their family and friends. Children are dying with too many people being buried before their time. With the company not taking ownership and washing their hands of the situation in Kosawa, the people are left with no option other than to fight back.
As the story unfolds we hear the voices of different people within the village from ‘The Children' through to different members of Thula's family. Each voice is not only thought-provoking but heartfelt. This is a story of struggle, exploitation, oppression, grief, loss but also of family, hope, love, dedication and fighting for what is right.
A memorising, poignant read that I urge you to read.
he Boy Whose Wishes Came True is a gorgeous story of Archie Crumb by author Helen Rutter.
Archie is an eleven year old who lives alone with his mother. His mother has become very sad since Archie's father left home, remarried and now has another child. She spends most of her days upstairs in bed, crying. Although Archie visits his dad every other weekend and adores his baby sister he doesn't feel like he belongs to this new blended family. And home is not really home anymore with his mother locked in her room and Archie having to fend for himself.
Archie tries his best to keep going but he wishes he could find something that he is good at; everyone around him seems to have a special talent. Then one day Archie bumps into his football hero who grants Archie nine wishes. This comical part of the novel find Archie in a few predicaments as his wishes don't always turn out like he had hoped.
This was such a heartwarming read. Archie's life is far from perfect but with the support from his one true friend Mouse, Archie discovers that in order to achieve you must believe. I got caught up in the character of Archie Crumb and felt everyone of his emotions as he journeyed on through the book. A must read for children aged 8+. Expect laughs, perhaps a few tears (only if you are soft like me) but above all a truly memorising book about a realistic and likeable character who faces many challenges in his young life with grit and determination.
I adored this book, a 5 star read from me.
What would you do if your 3 year old started to have night terrors, wet the bed and become very clingy after staying away with her father? Then use bad language and draw a disturbing picture? Tess, like any other mother I'm sure, begins to seek immediate help and starts investigating the change in her daughter's behaviour. A few days later a woman is found dead, suspected suicide. However, Tess is convinced that this is what her daughter's picture was depicting: a woman falling from a tower to her death.
With a growing sense of dread that Poppy has witnessed a crime, Tess is convinced that she must solve this mysterious death in order to protect Poppy. However, with the police and acquaintances not taking her serious Tess finds herself alone and going to dangerous depths in order to solve this mystery.
This was a real page-turner. I loved the dilemmas that Tess found herself in and the lengths she went to to protect her daughter. There is a fine line between doing everything you can to protect your daughter and then taking things to the extreme, which the author Nicci French explores brilliantly in the novel. Tess finds herself facing persecution from the police and her ex-husband. Feeling very much alone Tess has no option but to isolate herself further from everyone she knows in order to protect her daughter and eliminate who she can and cannot trust. I had no idea how this novel would pan out and I held my breath with anticipation whilst reading.
A great psychological thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Molly's character shines through the pages of this book and it is hard not to fall in love with her. Yes she is quirky and different and not good in social situations but she has an absolute heart of gold. I love her relationship with her grandmother, who has recently passed. Her Gran's words still echo through Molly, showing her the way to behave and manage difficult situations. This book has a cosy mystery feel to it, with the characters at the heart. If you loved books like Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Saving Missy then this is a must read. I truly enjoyed this debut novel; set in a glamorous hotel with high profile guests, a murder, a police investigation and a story of acceptance and friendship.
Many thanks to Nita Prose, for writing such a heartfelt novel and for giving the character Molly such a prominent voice in this story. I devoured this gorgeous book.
The perfect winter read; from the icy British weather to the isolated setting - St. Michael's Mount, this book had it all.
The book starts with a bang! A murder of a woman and her children on the eve of Christmas. Presents under the tree never to be opened and enjoyed. The crime scene very distressing for all those that had to visit. Then we go forward in time to another Christmas, one to be celebrated on St. Michael's Mount. An exclusive gathering with a very famous celebrity. However, with a storm brewing not all guest will make it in time, and some will not see in the Christmas celebrations, as among them is a killer.
This was an addictive read. This cosy mystery shocked me at times with the horror of the murders and kept me guessing right until the end. I was completely drawn in and didn't want it to end. Luckily for me there are other titles in the series to explore. If you haven't read any of Nicola Upson's novels then I urge you to do so. Fabulous writing, intriguing plots and warm characters.
This charming novel was the perfect read after the end of term busyness and the lead-up to Christmas. Although The Bone Ranger is the second book in the Monty Dog Detective series it can also be read as a stand-alone.
Rose is a detective working for the Major Crimes unit; due to a recent traumatic case, which nearly cost Rose her life, she is on sick leave and can only return back to work once the psychiatrist gives her a clean bill of health. As of yet, Rose hasn't attended any appointments. During a routine visit to the supermarket, Rose is stopped by a young woman who recognises her, and her dog, from solving a recent murder case. She asks for Rose's help in finding her friend who has gone missing. Adamant that she doesn't want to go to the police Rose calls her work colleague Joe to help her look into the case.
Over the course of the next few days Rose finds herself emerged in a murder investigation (albeit on the sidelines and without the support of her former boss and colleagues), a suspicious farmer, a series of dognapping in the local area and in helping a young boy escape the thugs who threaten to hurt him. This is just the distraction that Rose needs and a way of avoiding her psychiatrist appointments. With the help of her faithful crime-seeking dog, Monty, and her friends Joe and Malcolm the vet, Rose sets off on a mission to solve the recent crimes and in doing to prove to her boss that she is fit to return to the job the loves.
This cosy mystery was very endearing and quite the page-turner. I loved how the chapters were split between Rose and Monty and how the author truly captured the voice of Monty. You can tell that Bennet is a dog owner and any dog lover will appreciate how she has completely captured the spirit and personality of a dog through her storytelling and depiction of Monty. I must admit when reading I often thought about my own dog and would laugh along at some of the things that Monty was ‘saying'.
A clever read for anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries, is a dog lover or a pet owner. This book made me smile, kept me entertained and was a fantastic read. Many thanks to Louisa Bennet for gifting me a copy of The Bone Ranger. I will look forward to more in the Monty Dog Detective series.
This atmospheric, chilling novel is a tale of family history and drama. I loved how the dual timeline weaves through the generations of female characters, alternating between Lucy and Justine.
Lucy's story is set in the 1930s and based around the lake house. Here, Lucy and her eldest sister Lilith enjoy their freedom exploring the lake and its surrounding area. It was during one fateful night that their youngest sister Emily goes missing causing devastation to their family unit and the community around them. Justine, Lucy's great-niece, inherits the lake house after she passes away. She decides to travel the lake house to escape an overbearing relationship, taking her two daughters with her. It is during her time here that she finds Lucy's journal and discovers the secrets to her family history and the mystery surrounding Emily's disappearance. She also finds herself.
The dual timeline works brilliantly in this novel, allowing you to get a real feel of the characters and their family dynamics. The plot unfolds slowly but steadily capturing the essence of story and drawing you in. Beautifully written, emotive and haunting, this book will stay in my thoughts for some time.
Although this book starts on Christmas Eve, it is not a Christmas feel-good novel, far from it. Nasty Little Cuts is based around a toxic, abusive relationship between the two main characters, Debs and Marc.
The book weaves back and forth in time giving you insight into how the couple met, their own family backgrounds and their present day mental health. It is raw and harrowing but one that I could not put down. It had me from the very first page.
Although I hated Marc I was also torn, I admit I did feel sorry for him at times. His demise was palpable and heartbreaking, I only wished he had reached out for support or had someone he could have turned to. Tina Baker has pledged to donate 10% of her royalties to The Samaritans
This cosy mystery set in the 1920s was a delightful read. I loved how it featured strong female characters who fought their way for equality in a white, dominated male world. Their feisty and determined personalities added to the storyline and as a female living in today's age it made me truly appreciate the horrors and constrictions that women, or persons of colour had to face in the 1920's. It's also very sad to think that ten decades later we are still living with prejudice in our society and still fighting for equality.
The Crystal Crypt was a well-written murder mystery and although book 6 in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. The characters were well rounded, three-dimensional and quirky which I loved. The historical setting was a pure joy to read and I loved the rich description of Oxford. The map at the front of the book added further to the detailed description and I enjoyed ‘walking' around the city following Poppy on her investigation. I was thrilled to learn that The White Horse is still a landmark in Oxford today as to is Blackwell's Bookshop. It is these added details that make the book stand out.
There were a few red herrings in the novel with the addition of lots of twists and turns. I thought I had figured it out to then be totally thrown off guard again. As this was an easy read I wasn't quite anticipating the complexity of the plot or the depth of characters that really made this a unpredictable read. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
This is the second book in the DI Corstophine series and having read and loved Whirligig I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of The Devil's Cut.
The Devil's Cut starts in very much the same way as Whirligig, with a bang, which leads DI Corstophine and his police officers with an investigation to contend with. I loved that the familiar police crew are back with a host of new characters to get to know. The characters all have their faults which makes them realistic, relatable and unpredictable.
The McCoach family own the local distillery but when Jack suffers a fatal heart attack during a lonesome hill walk only his sister has cause for concern and believes that the whole family are at risk of becoming the next victim. With a host of catalytic converter thefts happening in the area, possibly relating to drug crime, a suicide, a local peeping Tom; Frankie and Corstophine have their hands full but agree to investigate Jack's death to rule out foul play. In true Greig style this leads to a twisty plot full of action, suspense and more murder.
The Devil's Cut is a twisty police procedural, it is fast-paced and such a page-turner. I was hooked. Many thanks to Andrew James Greig for another stonking read. I can't wait to see what Corstophine and Frankie encounter next.
This beautifully written novel is emotive, thought-provoking and full of surprises.
Jenny is 100 years old and as sharp as a button, but she has one thing that she must do whilst she still can and that is to return to Italy for a visit. Enlisting the help of Candice, a young woman who works in the care home, the duo embark on a soul-searching journey that changes both of their lives forever.
I love Kathryn Hughes' novels as they are character driven and really emotive. The Memory Box was a powerful read exploring emotional abuse, friendship and survival with strong female characters. The novel alternates between Jenny's early life and present day, and was really insightful. Jenny and her younger brother are sent to Wales during WW2, it is here that Jenny falls in love with Nico. Ten months into the war Winston Churchill declare all Italians living in the UK to be enemy aliens and all males are arrested. They were subsequently shipped off to The Isle of Man, Canada and Australia. Hughes features this historic event in her novel beautifully, capturing the horror, disbelief and heartache that many faced over Churchill's unjust decision.
The Memory Box is a novel where you just cannot stop reading. There are so many heartwarming moments which balance the sadder ones perfectly. I was swept away with Hughes' storytelling and felt very connected to her characters, especially Jenny and Candice. A fantastic read,highly recommend.
Having really enjoyed the first book in the series I was very excited to receive a copy of The Burglar's Ball.
This book features our heroine Jane Austen and her trusted four-legged companion Grandison, who set off on another adventure and encounter a crime to solve. This time they are joined by Jane's sister Cassandra. Cassandra is invited to the end of year ball at Reading Abbey Girls' School which they both attended a few years ago. Cassandra is very eager to go and persuades Jane to go with her. What sways it for Jane is that her friend Deepti, who we met in the previous book, has moved to Reading and Jane is thrilled at the chance to see her again.
When Cassandra and Jane arrive at the school they soon realise that things have taken a bit of a downward turn for the school and their finances; there seems to be a limited number of staff and the place is looking a bit rundown. During the ball one of the girls' necklaces is stolen from her room which sparks an investigation. The police reveal that there have been a number of burglaries in the local area recently and this could be connected as the burglar is still at large. Jane's mind starts to go into overdrive at solving the case and also in clearing the name of Brandon, a young musician who has been accused of the crime.
This book was a joy to read and I loved the fun letters that feature throughout the book, where Jane is writing to her brother to update him on what is happening. These letters are playful and quirky often with the look of having been torn out of a notepad and written in a hurry. The combination of a mystery novel written from the historical period of 1789 works really well and gives it cosy feel. The book touches on African slavery and the point of view of Indian nationalist being monopolised by the British East India Company.
Many thanks to Fern Lindsay-Trolley at Lion Hudson Ltd for sending me this beautiful proof copy and to Julia Golding for writing another gorgeous middle grade novel that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
I love a Gothic novel and this book ticked all the boxes for me. It was dark, haunting and such a compelling read. The story is set in a secluded part of Scotland where Liv, a mother of three girls has been commissioned to paint a mural inside an old abandoned lighthouse. Fleeing from her former life Liv is happy to start over again, much to the annoyance of her teenage daughter Saffy, causing a rift in their relationship. Working on the lighthouse is a challenge especially with the nuisance of the bats to contend with and the strange symbols that appear along with other ghostly happenings. The lighthouse was once a place where women, who were accused of witchcraft, were kept before their trial.
Strange things start to happen when Saffy decides to hide from her mother to punish her for bringing them to Lòn Haven, and a child identical to her daughter knocks on her door one evening. The locals believe this child is a wildling who is there to kill everyone in the family. They warn and plead with Liv that the only way to protect her family is to kill the child/wildling. Running alongside this story line is Luna's story, she is now an adult and still trying to deal with losing her family when she was a child. Saffy never returned and then both her mother, Liv and her little sister Clover went missing. Luna was taken into foster care and has always been trying to locate news of her family. Then one day she gets a call saying they have found Clover. When Luna arrives at the hospital Clover is still a child and hasn't appeared to age in the twenty years since she last saw her. But how is this possible? Is this the real Clover or an impostor?
The Lighthouse Witches is deliciously creepy in parts; a Gothic thriller with a bit of witchcraft thrown in, a mystery to solve and at the centre a family of female characters. One of my favourite reads this year. Highly recommend.
Daughters of War is the first book in a new trilogy by Dinah Jefferies. Three sisters: Hélène , Elise and Florence are living together in war torn France near the end of WW2. Under German occupation life in France is full of uncertainty, terror and danger. Hélène, the eldest, has taken on the full responsibility of looking after her sisters, having lived in France for seven years on their own. After their father passed away and their mother decided to stay in England the sisters have learned to survive and thrive in France. Hélène, working as a nurse, Elise, setting up her own cafe where she helps the Resistance and Florence, growing their own produce to feed their family.
Jefferies writes with such beauty and passion. Her characters are realistic and very likeable making it easy to become fully involved in their lives. I was captured by the sister's differing personalities and found I could relate to each one of them. Their fight for survival and for one another is heartwarming but added to this is their maternal, humanistic nature that offers care for those around them, including that of strangers, which puts them at great risk. Jefferies' portrays the brutality of war very skilfully, outlining the impact it has on communities and individuals, as well as the courage and determination people endured.
Daughters of War is an emotive family drama which sends you on a roller-coaster of emotions. There are graphic scenes of rape and murder which sit alongside the beauty of friendship and the power of love. A multi-layered plot which was hard to predict and Jefferies' brilliant storytelling makes this not only a compelling read but one that is completely captivating. A fantastic start to the series. I'm very intrigued to see what happens in book number two.
I have been saving this book to read over the summer and I'm so glad I did. It was the perfect cosy summer read sat outside in the sun with a cold drink and emerging myself in the idyllic Irish setting. The atmospheric castle was a great backdrop for the novel combined with the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant.
Darcy returns home to help her mother who has fallen and injured herself. Every year Diana hosts a baking competition and with finances struggling to keep them afloat, she needs to make sure that this year the publicity from the filming of the show is fruitful. With the help of her daughter Darcy and another baker, Beatrice, Diana prays this will help keep the castle going. Unfortunately, Beatrice is not the sweet and innocent character Diana was tricked into believing and with the arrival of Beatrice a whole whirlwind of chaos and destruction follows.
In contrast to Beatrice, Darcy is the easy-going, girl next door character who although is camera shy, agrees to be filmed to help out the family business. Whilst she has known some of the staff since she was a child, Darcy finds her childhood crush is growing stronger and her heart beats faster every time she is near the hot-headed chef Conor.
This was the perfect romantic story, combined with hidden family secrets and the appreciation of food. I loved the recipes and food blogs that featured in the novel as well as the mystery surrounding Colleen. A Summer At The Castle is a truly comforting read.
Deep Cover by Leigh Russell, published by noexitpress is book number 16 in the Geraldine Steel series but can be read as a standalone.
Detective Inspector Geraldine Steel is investigating the murder of a sex worker who has been found in the local woods but she is finding it hard to focus, as her partner has moved away following their recent split. Unbeknown to Geraldine, Ian has moved to London to work undercover, trying to take down a criminal drugs gang.
The two investigations run parallel in this novel making it a pacey, intriguing read. Ian's work is dangerous and gritty, adding a dark edge to the storyline. Geraldine's investigation takes an unexpected turn as another body is found and the hunt for a serial killer is on.
An action-packed police drama full of twists and lots of tension. Leigh puts her characters to the forefront of her novels making for a compelling read. If you love police procedurals then why not add this series to your reading list.
This was a gripping thriller set aboard a luxury cruise ship and yacht, travelling to exotic locations; a perfect summer read.
Charlotte and Sam were partners in both life and crime. Working the cruise ships they would seek out wealthy passengers who they would target and steal from. However, nothing lasts forever and Charlotte finds herself estranged from her husband and trying to lead a more honest life. When out of the blue Sam goes missing, presumed dead and Charlotte starts to receive threatening messages. Her past is coming back to haunt her and Charlotte knows she must discover where Sam is and what has happened to him, as well as avoid her stalker, who is becoming more and more menacing.
This was a great cat and mouse chase where the protagonist cannot and shouldn't trust anyone. The novel picks up pace as Charlotte's stalker becomes more desperate and volatile. The mystery behind Sam's disappearance was a great sub-plot and was very intriguing. I loved the dual timeline: Now and Then, which allowed you to see how devious the pair were and the consequences they faced afterwards. I adored the setting: crystal clear waters and sunshine, what a perfect backdrop and juxtaposition to the thrilling plot. Lots of twists and surprises throughout, but especially the ending, which I have to say was very fitting. An enjoyable read which kept me reading until the small hours of the night.
Wow, what an amazing psychological thriller. I loved it. For me it had just the right mix of EVERYTHING and I particularly loved the ghostly undertone, although subtle, that weaved throughout the book.
Abi and Grace meet at university and form a strong friendship. The duo do everything together and at times Abi feels controlled and manipulated by Grace. Their relationship comes to an end when Grace goes travelling and Abi meets her husband to be. Whilst Grace is out of Abi's life she marries Rohan and buys a derelict house which they slowly transform. Abi can feel the previous owners' presence as the house creaks and groans which almost comforts her. One day Abi receives an email from Grace saying she is returning to the UK and is looking for a temporary place to stay. Although dreading her return, the timing couldn't be better as Rohan is leaving for New York, and with the increasing pressure Abi is under in producing a set of artwork for a new exhibition, Grace's arrival could be just what she needs to kick start her creative flow and provide her with much needed company whilst Rohan is away.
It soon becomes apparent that Grace hasn't changed and is still very passive aggressive and controlling, which makes for a highly toxic relationship. However, Abi finds that she is engulfed with inspiration for her paintings and although all-consuming, is producing some of her best work ever. With Grace as her muse can she really ask her to leave until her work is complete?
The tension in this books builds slowly but powerfully, from the atmospheric setting of the house to the anticipation of what Grace will do next, I was truly gripped. Kent's writing is dramatic and very visual especially when describing Abi's paintings. This not only heightened my enjoyment of the novel but made me feel that I was right there beside Abi, peering over her shoulder in the loft. I loved the way the painting came to life on the canvas and how in contrast Abi's life fell apart whilst she was all-consumed with creating her series of paintings.
This clever novel is written in such a way that secrets from the past are revealed in small sections which makes the twists that occur all the more shocking and emotional. The interview transcripts allow you to know that something is brewing but without giving anything away, leaving you intrigued but also imagining the worst possible scenarios. I was one hundred percent invested in Abi as the main character and although it was hard to read at times I was engrossed by her relationship with Grace and Rohan. This novel had me from the opening pages and left me saddened by the events that occured. A book that would be perfect for book club and is one I will be recommending.
As soon as I read the blurb I just knew that I had to read this book. I was definitely intrigued by the premise of the novel and loved the uniqueness of it.
Although she goes by many names and different personalities, Lisa is ultimately a single mum and a scammer. She spends her time researching people on the internet and committing acts of fraud. As you delve deeper into the novel you get to see snippets of her early childhood and realise the horror, abuse and trauma she has been through. Her main mission in life is to protect her only son and provide for him. I loved how these flashbacks into Lisa's life ran alongside the main storyline, making her appear more likeable by unearthing a much more vulnerable side to her personality.
However, the tables are soon turned when Lisa is facing her own intentity fraud. Someone is clearly out to get her by placing her at the scene of a murder. With the police knocking on her door, Lisa fears that it is only a matter of time until her arrest. She needs to find the evidence that she is being targeted for this crime and is an innocent bystander. As the time ticks away, Lisa finds herself in a cat and mouse chase to clear her name.
This book was quite the page-turner I was hoping it would be. Like Lisa, I doubted the integrity of all of the characters not knowing who to believe or who Lisa could trust. I had no idea what the outcome would be which kept me hooked and turning the pages with increased speed. I have to say I loved the ending and was both surprised and relieved all at the same time. Although this was a complex plot it was easy to follow and a very compelling read. A modern day intelligent thriller which kept me guessing till the very end.
Having lived in South East London for the majority of my life, I was thrilled to find that the setting of this book was in familiar locations to me, making it feel even more realistic and completely drawing me in. I loved the police reports and interview updates that were scattered throughout the novel. This added a uniqueness to the book and allowed the reader to find out snippets of what was to come, whetting your appetite and intriguing you further.
The opening pages: a body has been found deceased on the railway line with no identification or distinguishing features. Then we meet Kirsten, a mother to a teenage daughter and wife to Mark. Their lives are stuck in a rut. Mark enjoys keeping fit and cooking but has little time or energy to spend intimate time with Kirsten, which is getting her down. Kirsten is dragged to a school reunion and meets Dianne, an old school friend. Dianne introduces Kirsten to an agency for people who are happily married and don't want to leave their partners but are looking for casual sex. This is where Kirsten meets Zac.
Kirsten's world is brightened immediately by her secret meetings with Zac and everything is going well until Zac's starts to show up unannounced, breaking the rules that were stipulated by the agency. With Zac's appearances occurring more frequently and the threat of being exposed Kisten has no choice but to end her relationship with Zac. Then Zac's body is found on the railway and the police are questioning her about this man. How much longer can she keep her relationship with Zac a secret and how did Zac end up dead? Suicide or murder?
Kirsten is a very interesting character and one who I couldn't help but feel for. Her life has never quite gone the way she planned and now in her forties is left with a gaping hole where something is missing. Her infidelity is out of character for her and although she has regrets about cheating on her long-term partner is actually enjoying life more, is more fulfilled. However, nothing last forever and she is aware she is on borrowed time before her whole world comes crashing down and she loses the things she holds dear to her - her family. The tension races through the book and builds as Zac's behaviour becomes more sporadic and unpredictable. The police reports and interviews with Kirsten creates an intensensity to the novel that left me holding my breath at times. I never could predict what would happen next which kept me fully engrossed and invested in the storyline. Reckless would make for one epic tv series.
A truly fascinating read; racy, intriguing and unputdownable.
The premise of the book is terrifying; to be stuck on a plane knowing that you probably won't survive! My heart was in my throat as I was reading and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
The book alternates between the characters: Bill, the pilot; Carrie, his wife; Jo, head of the cabin crew and Theo, an FBI agent. This really helped with the pace of the novel and gave it a three dimensional quality. As Bill embarks on a routine flight he receives a message from home. His wife and family are being held hostage with an explosive vest strapped to their bodies. The abductor demands that the pilot makes a choice: who will die, his family or the passengers aboard the aircraft? In order to keep his family safe he must crash the plane.
The novel was so credible, due to the author's own experience of working as a flight attendance, that I was really drawn into the storyline and the drama that unfolded. A fast-paced, action-packed thriller, which I very much enjoyed.
It has been 10 years since Ambrosia Wellington left Wesleyan college, she is now married and has put those days behind her. But when she receives numerous emails inviting her to the tenth year reunion Ambrosia's thoughts turn to those upsetting years when her behaviour and action were far from acceptable. With the emails becoming more frequent and an invitation sent in the post Amb finds herself journeying to her old college with her husband in dreaded anticipation of what lies ahead. She is determined that Adrian does not find out the truth of what happened ‘that night' and about who she was back then. From the moment she arrives Amb knows that she has been lured there and that something sinister is being planned. Payback? Revenge for what they did? Someone is out to get the answers that she has hidden for all these years.
An addictive read from start to finish. Ambrosia, the main protagonist of the story, is a difficult character to warm to. There are times when you see a glimpse of something ‘good' in her and can put the blame of her actions on her wanting to fit in or perhaps being lead astray by Sully but I could never regard her as innocent or blameless, and believe me I so wanted to find something endearing about her. Sully is a much easier character to comprehend she is pure manipulation and definitely a ‘mean girl', one that you would hope to avoid at all costs. She would definitely throw you under the bus rather than save you. It is very unique to read a book where you don't gel or particularly like the characters, I confess I didn't like any of them! However, I believe this was a deliberate ploy of the author and for me, it made the book a much more addictive read. I became emotionally involved with the girl's behaviour and was always hopeful that something would happen to change my opinions of them.
The themes running through the book were powerful, emotive and realistic. This book is enough to put you off going to college or university as we would refer to it in the UK. I think everyone has experienced the notion of a group of ‘mean girls' during their own education and this novel takes hold of that premise and intensifies it. A chilling, psychological thriller that you know will end in complete disaster but you can't turn away from. Many thanks to HQ Stories for my gifted copy; what a dark, twisted and completely compelling read, I couldn't put it down.