My Book Reviews

Category: Book Reviews

This section categories all the posts that I have written for my book reviews.

  • The Ugliest Man on the Mountain by Mark Laming

    The Ugliest Man on the Mountain by Mark Laming

    The Ugliest Man on the Mountain

    The Ugliest Man on the Mountain by Mark Laming

    Release: July 1st 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

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    Amber McCarthy is a young woman with a high IQ and a well-paid job, but it is never enough for her and she seeks the thrill of planning and executing the perfect burglary.

    On meeting wealthy businessman, Kane, her life changes and she relishes the challenge to win his love.

    A new enemy at the door plays havoc with her plans and Kane moves to Andalusia.

    With just one last chance of rebuilding their relationship, Amber believes she has the answer.

    A thousand miles away in Spain, Kane has a shock in store for Amber that changes everything.

    Author Bio:

    My passion has always been writing and I am unable to imagine a day without putting the laptop through its paces. As a young boy I remember hiding in the wings of my father’s theatre in Harrogate, staring in awe at the actors rehearsing for a show that he had written. Irrefutably, a tiny slice of his magic, thankfully, rubbed off on me and became the catalyst for my storytelling.

    To date, four of my novels have seen the publishing and I am in the process of writing another one. I have written over two hundred short stories of which and BBC has broadcasted four of them. More recently I have become a regular contributor to a Dorset magazine group. My interests include horology and being grandfather to four colourful characters who continually test my mind and bank account!

    I got nomination for The People’s Book Prize 2019 for my novel ‘Shadow with Nowhere to Fall’. The patrons are Frederick Forsyth CBE and Founding Patron: Dame Beryl Bainbridge. The last couple of years have been a busy time for me with local BBC radio interviews. I have also been featured as a guest on the American Author’s Show.

    Finally, as many authors will confirm, it is a long and bumpy path getting published. If I had my time again, would I choose writing as my first love? You bet I would!

    Website | Facebook |  Twitter |Goodreads

    The Ugliest Man on the Mountain Review:

    There are many aspects that I enjoyed about the story. Firstly, I adored Amber and thought the author wrote her strengths nicely. Initially, she comes off as somewhat of a kleptomaniac. However, as the story progresses, you see her facing challenges and changing her life for the better. Some of my favorite moments were when she interacted with Liz or when she first met Toni.

    Similarly, I appreciated the focus on charity and how the author emphasizes it in the plot to help homeless people. Amber comes up with pretty innovative solutions to help with funding options with the storyline, and I liked how the author executed it. Moreover, the story includes some genuinely lovely people who don’t have any ill intentions, like Liz, James, and Toni. The book had a lot of cozy moments, which is a nice change from the

    The main criticism of the tale is the relationship between Kane and Amber. Their romance felt rushed, and I didn’t get why Amber kept going after Kane and was madly in love with him, even though they had just met a few times, half of which he was curt with her and quickly lost his temper. Also, Kane was a mixed bag for me. While I felt terrible for him on the one hand for what he goes through, on the other hand, I was not too fond of his attitude and the way he had high expectations of everyone. Frankly, I liked Jason more than Kane because Jason at least spiced up the story with his antics.

    Nevertheless, “The Ugliest Man on the Mountain” is a fun read if you are in the mood for a dramatic romance where both characters go through significant ups and downs and try to connect.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Ugliest Man on the Mountain

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Ugliest Man on the Mountain by Mark Laming Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours..

     

     

  • The Clinic by Sally-Anne Martyn

    The Clinic by Sally-Anne Martyn

    The Clinic

    The Clinic by Sally-Anne Martyn

    Release: October 27th 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Joffe Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

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    Would you go to a beauty clinic that promises to transform your life? If you’re prepared to put the work in.

    It seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. An all-inclusive stay at a top-of-the-line wellness retreat for a month of pampering and luxury. Not just anyone gets in. Guests are hand selected.

    They promise big results: a total transformation.

    All you have to do is take a few pills every day. Join in the activities. Make some new friends.

    But then you start to lose track of time. The meals get smaller. They take away everything from you.

    And the guests start disappearing . . . Will you be next?
    About the Author:

    Sally-Anne grew up near Sheffield, in the north of England. She has worked as a writer, film and television extra and formerly as an auxiliary nurse, including a spell working in one of the last Victorian asylums in England.

    As a child she loved Hammer House and Tales of the Unexpected, so unsurprisingly her books lean towards the darker side. She writes female led thrillers, inspired by the working-class women she grew up with.

    She has written for international print and digital publications and won an ITV initiative for her short film script, ‘Freak Show.’

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Clinic Review:

    Wow! “The Clinic” is perhaps one of the best psychological thrillers I have read this year, and I could not put it down.

    This book has all the elements that excite me from the genre. Creepy asylums, shady characters, mysterious pasts, and tense moments get you to the edge of your seat. The author does a beautiful job of building suspense. The chapters toggle between Amy and Jenny, and while you feel like their stories are separate, I enjoyed how they connected. Even though there are 92 chapters, you don’t see the time fly by as you immerse in Amy and Jenny’s world.

    Amy and Jenny are excellent in their roles. Jenny was my favorite because I loved how my perception of her changed. She is more vigorous and brave than I gave her credit for, considering her challenges since childhood. Similarly, Amy brings a sense of innocence to the tale as our heroine tries to discover what happened to her fellow friends. Dr. Cavendish is also exciting to read because you sense something is wrong with the methods she suggests, but you cannot place what unless you read the story.

    Many moments stood out for me, like when Amy and Jenny meet or when we see what happens to Gaynor. The supporting cast, like Bob, Gaynor, Jasmine, and even the sleazy Robert, added well to the mix and made the story atmospheric.

    Moreover, the author adds an underlying message that you don’t have to be model thin and look exotic to appreciate life and have people admire you. I enjoyed how the author embedded the theme, albeit in such a twisted manner.

    Overall, “The Clinic” is a gripping psychological thriller and a must-read for fans of the genre.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

      The Clinic I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Clinic by Sally-Anne Martyn Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds

    Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds

    Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds

    Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds by Janey Clarke

    Release: April 26th 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    The discovery of a murdered woman with a rescued dog and her puppies on Bodmin Moor, hurtles Daisy, a shy retired librarian and her oddball friends, into another dangerous, yet comical escapade.
    Daisy is on a mission to find the murdered woman’s killer, linking events to the puppy farm, and is suddenly thrust into a world of explosions, shootings and kidnappings!

    Furthermore, family secrets come to light and Daisy discovers an unexpected revelation that will change her life forever. This newfound knowledge is difficult for Daisy to cope with and somewhat hinders the situation that befalls herself and her friends. And if that isn’t enough, the return of her ex-husband poses even more problems.

    Daisy enlists the help of Cleo her cat, and Flora her puppy, both rescue animals, in her search for the puppy farm. However, the question remains, even with all the help she has, can Daisy manage to outwit the villains and save herself and the puppies from harm?

    About the Author:

    Scottish born, I now live on the Jurassic coast of Dorset with my husband, and Monty our enormous Cavalier. Our two adult children live in Yorkshire and Germany. 

    As a lifelong sufferer from E.D.S, I cope with my restricted mobility by reading and writing. I often scribbled stories from childhood, stemming from Scotland, Cornwall, Norfolk, Essex, and the Home Counties.

    Now a teacher, tutor, and hotelier, I still scribble with each novel disappearing into a drawer!

    Changing primary schools, five in total, meant that I was unable to read until given special lessons. This gave me a deep love of reading, and being an only child, I devoured books. Following this experience, when I became unable to teach because of mobility problems, I became a home tutor. After extra training, I specialised in children with reading difficulties.  Still an avid reader, I love cosy mysteries, where the murder doesn’t scare me to death!

    The Open University helped with my exams, enabling me to continue studying. I had an amanuensis who wrote out my answers.  Of course, I did English and history, my great loves. Creative Writing was difficult as I love to write amusing and light pieces, and they preferred dark and dismal topics!

    I studied botanical art for many years and then got RSI. Determined to carry on with my art and writing, I now paint with my left hand and dictate all my novels. I still paint flowers trying to capture their beauty, it is hard work but so enjoyable. 

    . Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I rarely say this when I read a mystery novel, but I loved the personal character growth of Daisy in the story more than the actual plot of the murder. The author did a terrific job progressing Daisy as she reconnects with her family and tries to find her roots. Moreover, I enjoyed the touch of supernatural elements that the author adds to the plot, which gives it a mystical feeling.

    That isn’t to say that the story lacks adventure. The author amps up the thrills more than in the first book, as we have bomb explosions and high-speed chases on a cliff that endangers the groups’ lives. Let’s not forget the adorable puppies who add a layer of cuteness to the cozy mystery. The author balanced the characters and the plot beautifully and managed to add a little of everything for everyone.

    Another highlight of the story was Sheila. I loved how the author gave importance to Sheila and the positive energy she exuberates. She has more action and adventure than Daisy at times. Similarly, we meet the sleazy Nigel, who gets on my nerves.

    However, the only aspect that felt odd about the tale was the Templar Creeper from the previous book. The continuation did not get the importance I expected in this story and ended abruptly. I did enjoy the book but wished that the author had also created an exciting continuation of this storyline.

    Apart from that, “Daisy And The Dazzling Dachshunds” is a lovely continuation of the series, and I am excited to see how the next book continues.

     
     
    Book Tour Schedule

    Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds by Janey Clarke Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • Daisy And The Deadly Dagger by Janey Clarke

    Daisy And The Deadly Dagger by Janey Clarke

    Daisy And The Deadly Dagger

    Daisy And The Deadly Dagger by Janey Clarke

    Release: September 29th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    In a priory on Bodmin Moor, murderous mayhem, Knights Templar fanatics, and long hidden family secrets unravel.
    Daisy Dunwoody and Cleo, her rescue cat, retire to Bodmin Moor. Shy Daisy hopes that new clothes, a zany hairstyle and her bonkers BURT’S van, will help her to overcome a marital breakup, the sale of her family home, and that dreaded significant birthday.
    But Daisy’s new simple life becomes complicated when a body is found in her cottage. Suddenly, Daisy has to change her timid nature to save herself, and her newfound friends from the increasingly dangerous situations they find themselves in. Little do they know that their every move is being watched in the priory, corridors and crypt. Searching for Templar artefacts, their moorland visit ends in a scene of bloodshed.
    The arrival in the post of a birth certificate, leaves Daisy shocked and distraught. Chaos ensues when Flora, Daisy’s new, boisterous puppy, finds the vital evidence. But is it enough to solve the puzzle?

    About the Author:
    Scottish born, I now live on the Jurassic coast of Dorset with my husband, and Monty our enormous Cavalier. Our two adult children live in Yorkshire and Germany. As a lifelong sufferer from E.D.S, I cope with my restricted mobility by reading and writing. I often scribbled stories from childhood, stemming from Scotland, Cornwall, Norfolk, Essex, and the Home Counties. Now a teacher, tutor, and hotelier, I still scribble with each novel disappearing into a drawer! Changing primary schools, five in total, meant that I was unable to read until given special lessons. This gave me a deep love of reading, and being an only child, I devoured books. Following this experience, when I became unable to teach because of mobility problems, I became a home tutor. After extra training, I specialised in children with reading difficulties.  Still an avid reader, I love cosy mysteries, where the murder doesn’t scare me to death! The Open University helped with my exams, enabling me to continue studying. I had an amanuensis who wrote out my answers.  Of course, I did English and history, my great loves. Creative Writing was difficult as I love to write amusing and light pieces, and they preferred dark and dismal topics! I studied botanical art for many years and then got RSI. Determined to carry on with my art and writing, I now paint with my left hand and dictate all my novels. I still paint flowers trying to capture their beauty, it is hard work but so enjoyable. . Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Daisy And The Deadly Dagger Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Daisy And The Deadly Dagger” is a fun start to the cozy mystery series I adored reading!

    I loved Daisy in the lead and how she fits in with the others to form the priory five. Even though she knows she is getting old, she doesn’t let it stop her from living and making her own decisions. Even her bond with Jim makes the book stand out. Jim was another of my favorites, and I was intrigued by his secretive past. The author describes the characters as cutesy, and you adore them, like Sheila, Maggie, Martin, and even Flora and Cleo. Even Tenby, who appears grouchy, melts your heart and makes you laugh at his shenanigans, even when he tries to be serious.

    Moreover, the author also wrote the plot nicely, where you have more than one mystery that Daisy and the team investigate. I enjoyed Jim’s approach in trying to help with the case. The angle with the Knights Templar also sparked my curiosity. Frankly, I had no idea about them, and reading this book made me further research and fascinated with the military order.

    Also, the story paces beautifully, and there are some exciting moments, mainly when someone attacks them in the church or when they encounter a foul smell near the Wishing Well Cottage. I was surprised by some scenes’ excitement and felt how the group would get past it. Perhaps my only suggestion would have been to see the prominence of other figures, like Maggie and Sheila.

    Overall I enjoyed reading “Daisy And The Deadly Dagger” and found it an exciting start to the Daisy series.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds
    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Daisy and the Dazzling Dachshunds by Janey Clarke Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • The Devil’s House by J.M O’Rourke

    The Devil’s House by J.M O’Rourke

    The Devil's House

    The Devil’s House by J.M O’Rourke

    Release: 28 October 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon __

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    A killer, silent for ten years. Now he’s back.

    Ten years ago, three teens were murdered at a summer party in sleepy little Meadowstown. One of their friends was convicted of the murders and has been in a mental hospital ever since.

    But now items are turning up which could have only been taken from the victims on that fateful night. Is it possible there was more than one killer? Or has the wrong person been convicted?

    Det Sergeant Jack Brody of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit is sent to investigate. And comes up against apathetic local police who are determined to resist his every move.

    Brody isn’t easily deterred. He pushes hard and becomes convinced the murderer is still out there, is stirring back to life, preparing to choose another victim. Brody summons the rest of his team, and they race to find the killer before he or she can strike again.

    But this little town has some very dark secrets, and as Brody begins to uncover the horrifying truth, he realises that no-one here is safe, that even he and his team may be in terrible danger…

    The Devil’s House – the first in the gripping crime series featuring DS Jack Brody.

    About the Author:

    I hail from Mayo in the west of Ireland, although I spent much of my life away. I was in the US, UK, Europe, Jersey in the Channel Islands and various parts of Ireland.  In my younger years I was incredibly restless.

    I left home and school at 16 and spread my wings. I’ve had over forty jobs, everything from barman, labourer,  staff newspaper reporter, soldier  in the Irish army, station foreman with London Underground, mason, and many more besides. I returned to education as a mature student in the early noughties and hold a BA in history and sociology from the National University of Ireland at Maynooth, and an M.Phil in creative writing (first class honours with distinction) from Trinity College Dublin.

    Since 2005 I’ve been a civilian employee of the Irish police, An Garda Síochána. However, I’ve been on extended sick leave since 2015 following a mystery illness which struck while travelling in Spain. It almost killed me. The doctors never got to the bottom of it and they call me the Mystery Man. But every cloud has a silver lining. It has given me the time to write. Although I’ve been writing all my life, most of my output languishes in the bottom of drawers.

    Under my real name, Michael Scanlon, I was published for the first time in 2019 by Bookouture  with the first of three crime novels. Working with Inkubator is a great opportunity because I think I’ve learned something since becoming published and I want to put it into practice. It is a new departure and I have adopted a pseudonym because the books are so different. I hope readers like them.

    The Devil’s House is his first police thriller with Inkubator Books.

    Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads

    The Devil’s House Review:

     

    Click to view on Instagram

    The story’s premise starts strong when we see evidence from an old murder case years ago showing up to the victims’ families. Brody shines in the lead as the Detective in charge of the case as he tries to figure out why things are starting now. The reason I enjoyed this book was because of the thorough analysis that the team conducts. Each chapter covers a different angle they look for, and I was fascinated at how comprehensive and detailed the author made the story like I was reading a proper case file of investigations.

    Moreover, Patton gave me the creeps. He is like the perfect squirmy, cowardly antagonist who feels threatened when Brody enters his territory. I was also keen to know what hold he had on Kinsella. There is also a side story of a man attacking women, which blends well with the plot.

    Speaking of Kinsella, I enjoyed Brody and her scenes together. They share a beautiful friendship and professional camaraderie, and I’m happy that the author did not stray into the plot of the two of them together. Even the supporting cast, like Voyle and Considine, was memorable. I particularly enjoyed Harry because he spiced up the story with his eccentric behavior.

    The only downside to the tale was how there were many characters on canvas. Moreover, the characters are often referred to by their first or last name, so I had to know their full names to know who a person was referencing. It would have been nice if the references to the cast were consistent.

    Besides that, “The Devil’s House” was a solid start to the Detective Jack Brody series, and I can’t wait to read the continuation.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Devil's House I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Devil’s House by J.M O’Rourke Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • Dissection by Cristina LePort

    Dissection by Cristina LePort

     

    Dissection

    Dissection by Cristina LePort

    Release: September 20, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Bancroft Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible

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    DISSECTION is the suspense-filled story of DC heart surgeon Dr. Steven Leeds, who becomes suddenly besieged by a number of complicated heart attack and stroke cases, all caused by dissection, a rare medical condition. Complicating the mystery is the fact that each of the victims had received cards announcing: “Your heart attack/stroke will arrive within one hour!” – just before their attack.

    Private detective Kirk Miner and FBI agent Jack Mulville investigate, and immediately suspect Dr. Leeds’ former lover, Dr. Silvana Moretti, a brilliant research scientist, who harbors a grudge against all the victims. 

    When prominent people in the U.S. government begin to receive the same threatening cards and experience the same deadly cardiac emergencies, it falls to an unlikely team of three: Miner, a headstrong FBI agent; Mulville, the gifted private investigator; and Dr. Leeds, the conflicted heart surgeon―to find the real perpetrators and foil the catastrophic plot before it’s too late. 

    Says Dr. LePort, “At medical school, I specialized in Internal Medicine, and had been practicing for over 17 years when, one day, while attempting to get into a Cardiology fellowship, I began listening to Ayn Rand’s lectures   The Art of Fiction. I was inspired to write a novel and became addicted to the feeling of entering a world where I could make anything happen.”

    DISSECTION is a taut thriller that combines cutting-edge medical technology with complex characters, set against a believable backdrop of medical science informed by Dr. LePort’s long career as a cardiologist.

    About the Author:

    Dr. Cristina LePort was born in Bologna, Italy. She attended medical school at the University of Bologna and then completed her medical training at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn and at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases and has been practicing medicine for more than thirty years. Cristina is also the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Genescient, a biotech company devoted to genetic research on aging and the amelioration of chronic diseases. Medicine and fiction are her twin passions, and she is absolutely thrilled to be able to share her medical thrillers with the world.

    LePort currently resides in Orange County, California, with her husband Peter LePort, a general surgeon. They have three children and three grandchildren.

    .Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Dissection Review:

    “Dissection” is a gripping medical thriller (the first one I have probably read in this combo), and it was an exciting roller coaster ride.

    I cannot believe this is the author’s debut because it is so good! It is along the same lines as John Grisham or James Patterson. The story starts on a solid note, and halfway into the plot, it gets more gripping and shocking with twists and turns. Moreover, I loved the medical theme behind the story. I have never read a book where the thriller sets on a medical condition, and the author also makes it so tech-savvy and innovative. The entire premise is so polished and intelligent that you feel that something like this could happen in reality. As the story progresses, you see how it connects to a more significant threat, where the stakes a higher. The author also paces the story so well, where almost every chapter has something shocking happening.

    Moreover, I loved the character growth and how my opinion of the people changed over the plot. For instance, I wouldn’t say I liked Mulville because he is harsh towards others. But he soon turned out to be my favorite character, and I loved his rapport with Kirk. Similarly, Kirk and Steve also added nicely to the plot. The author also doesn’t sidetrack the story by focusing n the romance between Steve and Silvana. Even Bloom is a character that fascinated me even though she only makes a brief appearance. I hope the author writes this as a series, as I would love to see the three core characters return for another action-packed adventure.

    Overall, “Dissection” is one of the best debut thrillers this year, and I encourage all to pick up this one.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Dissection

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dissection by Cristina LePort Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. 

     

     

  • As The Moon Fell Down by L.B Stimson

    As The Moon Fell Down by L.B Stimson

    As The Moon Fell Down by L.B Stimson

    Release: July 13th 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Question Mark Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

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    In the spring of 1982, photographer Ellie Spaulding conned her way into the perfect setting to complete her upcoming gallery show. A secluded farmhouse in rural Virginia.

    There were only two rules to follow. She soon learns the house is keeping secrets and those dwelling within it have been waiting for someone to expose them.

    Once again, L.B. Stimson has created a terrifying ghostly tale inspired by her own haunting experiences. Readers will find themselves interesting in the lives of both the living and the dead as the veil is broken, worlds collide, and secrets are revealed.

     

    About the Author:

    L.B. grew up in a one stop-light town in central Idaho. She earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in cultural anthropology from California State University-Chico. She uprooted herself to begin a new life in Washington, D.C., where she began a varied career in professional communications in private business and education.

    “I’ve always had a passion for photography, travel, writing, and history. I am thrilled to now be creating works of fiction that allow me to share these passions with others. One of my favorite parts of the writing process is the historical research required to bring authenticity to my characters’ lives.”

    This is her fifth book and the second in her standalone series: Tales from the Parlor Room–a collection of gothic and ghostly tales.

    She currently resides in Virginia where she enjoys cemetery walks, visiting abandoned and haunted places and working on more ghostly tales.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

    As The Moon Fell Down Review:

    The central aspect I loved about the story is how the author set the timeline. The story is like reading a gothic haunted house supernatural thriller from 50 to 70 years ago. It takes you back to a time with no smartphones and electronics, and you feel nostalgic, yet something relatable. Even if the author wrote it for present times, I loved how timeless it felt.

    Secondly, I loved how the author constructed the plot. The tale has hardly three to four characters, but the author never makes it dull. Right from the get-go, I felt scared for Ellie as she resides in the house, trying to capture the perfect shots for her next gallery. You know something sinister about the place when you hear tapping noises, creaking floorboards, and lurking shadows in the corner. The author makes the story genuinely atmospheric, and I loved it.

    Thirdly, the author wrote the characters well. Ellie is also excellent in the lead as she tries to figure out what is happening. Similarly, I liked Curtis and how protective he is towards Ellie. Even the other characters, like Hayes, Jolly, and Sue Christie, were memorable. The story is also short, and you can quickly finish it in one sitting. You won’t notice the time fly by once you start reading.

    The only criticism of the book is that there are quite a few questions unanswered, especially with the back story of one of the characters. Perhaps the author intended to leave it open for interpretation, but it would have been nice to get some answers.

    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “As The Moon Fell Down” by L.B Stimson” and would love to pick out some of the author’s other works.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

      I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the As The Moon Fell Down by L.B Stimson Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • The Dominion Destiny by Chris Cloake

    The Dominion Destiny by Chris Cloake

    The Dominion Destiny

    The Dominion Destiny by Chris Cloake

    Release: September 26th, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Chris Cloake
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    The ancient dominion of Ordefima faces a catastrophic invasion that will rip it apart.

    This is a tale of desperate duels, greed and loss, dreams unrealised and the ultimate price paid by those in love. Can the close siblings, Rupert and Socha, survive such insurmountable odds and find any kind of happiness? Or will darker powers and covetous enemies prevail?

    The Dominion – Destiny is the unmissable concluding part of the fantasy trilogy. Fans of legendary sagas leading to dramatic conclusions, with a vibrant cast travelling strange lands, can’t fail to find thrills in this final instalment by emerging author Chris Cloake.
    Buy The Dominion – Destiny and prepare for an odyssey that knows no bounds.

    About the Author:

    Chris Cloake was born in 1964 and began telling stories a couple of years later. He grew up in Kent, England. He is motivated to write by a deep interest in life, particularly the cruel, deeply flawed nature of people contrasted with their incredible creativity and inspiration. The power of the natural world is a common theme in his work as a writer and professional photographer. He lives happily with his wife, two children and a large collection of music, books and board games

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Dominion Destiny Review:

    Firstly, I enjoyed the extensive world-building the author created. We have many characters who all come together for the greater good. Rupert and Socha share an extraordinary bond as they try to fix Ordefima from the evil Gharids. They go through a lot in the book, risking their lives through various catastrophes to save their land.

    Even the supporting characters like Meava and Suky add complexity to the book. I liked Suky a lot because of her predictions and how she gives the story a magical touch. I enjoyed how no matter how unique each character is, Rupert connects with them beautifully and makes it special. Even the negative characters like Greeson and Gaticus are impressive as they search for The Lady of the Goblet.

    The author also adds many exciting moments to the scene, like when the tsunami hits and the devastation it causes or when Greeson enters the scene, and you don’t know what he can do. The author builds the story and progresses the plot well, which leads to a thrilling conclusion to the series.

    I only wish I had read the first two books to immerse myself in the characters. The series would be great if I read in order because the author dives right into the plot, and there are parts where I felt lost because I didn’t know what happened earlier. I would love to pick up the first two books and see how it all started with Rupert and Catarina and the events that led to Dominion Destiny.

    Overall, “The Dominion Destiny” and the series are perfect if you are in the mood for a grand fantasy like Game of Thrones.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Dominion Destiny

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Dominion Destiny by Chris Cloake Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • Forget Me Not by Miranda Rijks

    Forget Me Not by Miranda Rijks

    Forget Me Not

    Forget Me Not by Miranda Rijks

    Release: 26th October 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    Five years ago, Helen lost her husband. Now she may lose her life.

    Five years ago, Helen’s husband Paul went missing while skiing in the Swiss Alps. His body was never found, but he is presumed dead because no-one could have survived a night on that freezing mountainside.

    It took Helen a long time to get over her loss, but now she has pulled her life back together – she is an acclaimed interior designer in a loving relationship with a new man.

    Even better, Helen has just got her dream project, renovating a luxurious chalet in an idyllic location. There’s only one catch – it’s right next to the resort where Paul went missing.

    She decides to take the job anyway, convincing herself that a visit to the scene of her great tragedy will actually be good for her, that it will give her a chance to lay old demons to rest.

    But soon after she arrives, she makes an utterly shocking discovery and finds herself caught up in a nightmarish web of treachery and deceit where nothing is as it seems.

    Only one thing is certain – the mountains want to claim another body…

    About the Author:

    Miranda Rijks is a writer of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. She has an eclectic background ranging from law to running a garden centre. She’s been writing all of her life and has a Masters in writing. A couple of years ago she decided to ditch the business plans and press releases and now she’s living the dream, writing suspense novels full time. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband, musician daughter and black Labrador.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Forget Me Not Review:

    I have read a few of the author’s works, and one thing which I always enjoy about her books is how campy and suspenseful they are. Similarly, in “Forget Me Not,” the author builds suspense and makes you wonder what is happening with the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. I also liked how the story toggles between the past and the present. The author also shifts the perspectives between various characters connected to the plot. On a side note, I also enjoyed the tidbits about interior design that the author adds to the story.

    Moreover, I was impressed by how the author made me change my opinion of the characters as the story progressed. Initially, I felt terrible for Helen and despised Paul for how he treated her when he learned about Emily. Yet, as the story went on, I felt bad for Paul. Similarly, Orla is a complex character, who is so good at being bad, she sparks the story. There is also a mystery aspect of someone targeting Helen’s life, and the reveal was surprising, which I did not expect. Some highlights for me were when Emily showed Helen the soft toy or when we read about Orla’s backstory and plot.

    My only criticism is how the story felt patched up at times. For instance, certain characters like Susanna make prominent appearances initially but disappear in the latter half, when the plot focuses on Orla. Similarly, I liked Camilla and wanted to see more of her, as she seemed spunky and caused chaos in Helen’s life.

    Yet, overall, “Forget Me Not” is a fun, campy, suspenseful read that will make you guess how much more stress Helen can face, especially since there is someone out there to end her.

    Book Tour Schedule

     

    Forget Me Not

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Forget Me Not by Miranda Rijks Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • The App by Stuart James

    The App by Stuart James

    The App

    The App by Stuart James

    Release: October 28, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Independently published
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    The App…
    Once you’re in, they’ll never let you leave.
    Whatever happens, don’t download The App.
    * It will come in the form of a link or on a social media account, emails or a WhatsApp message from a friend.
     You’ll be enticed by the chance of winning one hundred thousand pounds on offer every Friday, wired straight into the winner’s bank account.
    It’s not a joke.
    This part is genuine.
     Someone can and will win the money.
    But at what cost?
    Marty Benson gets the link from a friend.
    He clicks it, downloads the app and enters a few basic details.
    An hour later, another message.
    Do not delete the app or tell anyone outside of your family about the app.
    Send the link to one person who is close to you.
    If you break any of the rules, we’ll kill a member of your family. Then we’ll kill you.
    Marty is sent a picture of his wife, who is shopping with her mother in Oxford Street.
    As Marty struggles to breathe, he clicks the links and watches the most recent streams, realising what happens within the app.
    Every Friday morning, a person is a pick from social media.
    Their profile appears on the app’s main page; all their details are displayed.
    Every app member must play the game at least once a month or face the consequences.
    Kill the person randomly selected from social media.
    Win one hundred thousand pounds.
    As Marty watches the terror unfold and everyone streaming the hunt within the app, he realises he has to do something.
    But how do you stop a murder, when everyone could be the killer?

    Author Bio:

    Scary stories, especially ones that shocked me, left me terrified, looking under my bed or in the wardrobe before going to sleep was always interesting.

    Stayed at my nan’s house in Ireland as a youngster with my mother and sister, on the West Coast, in a cottage, surrounded by miles of fields. And my family sitting around the table in the kitchen at night telling ghost stories. Going out and exploring derelict farmhouses in the middle of nowhere. I remember clearly the field at the end of the road was supposed to be haunted by headless nuns. My cousins often remind me of the great times we had, frightening each other and running for our lives whenever we’d see something that didn’t look right.

     I’m so grateful when people not only read my thrillers but also take the time to get in touch and leave a review. To me, that is the greatest feeling, hearing from people that have enjoyed my work.  And I know then that I’m doing something right.

    I’m 45, married and have two beautiful children. Currently, I’m a full-time plumber but would love nothing more than to make a living from my writing. I hope I write stories and people continue to enjoy them for years to come. That would be completely amazing and a dream come true.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

    The App Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “The App” is a roller-coaster horror ride you cannot take down once you start reading.

    I just finished reading this book, and I still have goosebumps. The author created a setting that’s so relevant to the present times, where all of us are addicted to our phones and spend countless house on our favorite apps. What if your best friend, who you closely trust, sends you the link to an app promising riches? Wouldn’t you be tempted to install it, hardly realizing it could be a death trap? I love the concept of the story and feel the author executed it well (where even the mechanisms feel tech-savvy). The author adds something exciting in each chapter where Marty, our hero, has to make a life-changing decision.

    Marty is excellent in the lead, and I loved how protective he is towards Abbey and Beth. He is by no means superman but does what any average person would do to save his family while they are on the run and hunted down like animals. Similarly, Jonathan is an alarming character that the author wrote well. His backstory from 1981 intrigued me and crept me to see the person he became, especially in the scenes with Aunt Joyce. Even supporting characters like Gary and Davey add nicely to the mix. But, apart from Marty, the other highlight of the story was ETHEL! I loved her, and she blended humor into the tale so well! I never believe horror and comedy mix reasonably, but I would give an exception for Ethel because her dialogues and sassiness (not to mention her love for Coronation Street) just had me giggling.

    Overall, “The App” is a gripping suspense, thriller, and horror novel that keeps you entertained and is worth reading!

     

    Book Tour Schedule

     

    The App

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The App by Stuart James Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.