My Book Reviews

Category: Mystery

Behind You by Chloe Phoenix

Behind You: A Shona Jones Mystery by Chloe Phoenix

Release: January 9, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independently published
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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Practice nurse Shona Jones treats herself to a well deserved holiday in Spain.

When she arrives she makes a grim discovery in a theatre. This plunges her into an investigation .It reveals secrets well hidden among the inhabitants of the small Spanish town and an amateur Pantomime company run by expats.

Shona also encounters another puzzle centred around a disastrous visit she made to the town when she was a teenager.

She makes friends, and some enemies as she searches for answers, including the enigmatic Ron . He seems eager to help her solve the mystery.

About the Author:

In 2014 Chloe Phoenix retired early to Spain, after a busy life of raising a family, and working, mostly in admin in the UK. She fell in love with the area and settled there with her partner, later to become her husband.

As she had always enjoyed reading and writing, and with plenty of time on her hands, she joined a writer’s group. Encouraged by the support of the group, and inspired by her life in Spain, she produced her first novel Behind You. It is the first of a series about a female detective called Shona Jones. She is writing her way through this series and thoroughly enjoying the process.

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Behind You Review:

“Behind You” is a lovely slow-burning crime fiction mystery set in the backdrop of a pantomime show, and I enjoyed reading it.

Firstly, I enjoyed the setting and the character. Shona shines as the nurse, taking a break from her volatile relationships and coming to Malaga. As soon as she comes to town, she stumbles on a mystery as she sees a victim in the theater. I liked how the author paced the mystery element, and I admit I did not figure out the suspect until the end. Moreover, I enjoyed how she sparked a conversation with Ron to see how it would go. Ron was pleasant but gave me mixed vibes because he acted impulsively and sometimes hurt Shona.

Even the supporting characters were lovely. I particularly enjoyed Zara and how he spices up Allison and Jeff’s relationship. The author also gives depth to the supporting cast, so you feel like you know them in person and can understand what they go through. Some of my favorites were Joe, Allison, and even Alan. I also liked the quaint backstop of Los Perdidos and how the author described it.

The author also adds humor to some scenes, like how Ron introduces Jack and Jill to Shona. We also get some interesting spooky moments, like when Shona meets Vixen, who predicts her future. The book also ends well and sets the pace for the continuation. Some moments were left open-ended, particularly relating to Paul, but we will find out in the continuation.

Overall, “Behind You” is a fun start to the Shona Jones Mystery series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Behind You: A Shona Jones Mystery by Chloe Phoenix Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

December 2, 2022
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:

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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

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.

November 12, 2022
Daisy And The Deadly Dagger by Janey Clarke

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:

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“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

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.

November 12, 2022
The Devil’s House by J.M O’Rourke

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.
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The Devil’s House Review:

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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

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.

November 11, 2022
Dissection by Cristina LePort
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

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dissection by Cristina LePort Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.
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- Reading Late Into The Night-Oct. 24th
- David L Morgan-Oct. 29th
- Miss W Book Reviews-Nov. 1st
- Subakka Bookstuff-Nov. 2nd
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- Plains Reading-Nov. 4th
- Thrillers and Coffee-Nov. 7th
- Kelizak 93-Nov. 8th
- Rajivs Reviews-Nov. 9th
- Nurse Bookie-Nov. 9th
- Amys Book Nook-Nov. 14th
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November 9, 2022
Forget Me Not by Miranda Rijks

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

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

November 4, 2022
The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland

The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland

Release: 19th October 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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He was gentle, kind, loving. Until he moved in.

A small-town barbeque in summer’s dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on her every word.

He’s the one. Isn’t he?

But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert’s mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won’t tell her where he’s been, he even locks her own door against her.

Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she’s living with and what terrible things has he done?

As Laura slowly discovers the truth about Robert, she begins to realise that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger. And finally she understands she will have to answer one terrifying question – how far is she willing to go to protect her baby?

About the Author:

Iain Maitland is the author of three previous psych thrillers, The Scribbler (2020), Mr Todd’s Reckoning (2019) and Sweet William (2017), all published by Contraband, an imprint of Saraband.

Mr Todd’s Reckoning is coming to the big screen in 2023, courtesy of Infinity Hill, the team behind the award-winning BBC TV series Staged, starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

Iain is also the author of two memoirs, Dear Michael, Love Dad (Hodder, 2016), a book of letters written to his eldest son who experienced depression and anorexia, and (co-authored with Michael) Out Of The Madhouse (Jessica Kingsley, 2018).

He is also an Ambassador for Stem4, the teenage mental health charity. He talks regularly about mental health issues in schools and colleges and workplaces.
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The Perfect Husband Review:

“The Perfect Husband” glued me because of the main character, and I wanted to find out what happened to her.

Laura, Laura, Laura. Where do I begin with her? She had me going through various emotions, and I admire the author for writing her this way. She is not cunning, manipulative, or even astute and makes decisions and mistakes that an average person would make in that scenario. Initially, I felt sorry for her and all the trouble that Robert had put her through. But, in the second half, I sometimes rolled my eyes, trying to figure out how deluded she behaved with her bad decisions, especially when Andrew entered the picture. The author wrote the characters realistically, and it was fun to see how they reacted to the situations. Robert is a devious villain who you despise for how he treats Laura. Alex also creeped me out, especially with his weird dance and how he unnerves Laura.

However, the only criticism I had was on the pacing. While I enjoyed the plot, the story staggered at times, where we get the same paragraphs of Laura fearing for her actions and what would happen to her. There are also quite a few ‘what-if’ scenarios that play out, which I felt unnecessary, and it would have been nice if the author had added more twists to the tale.

Nevertheless, the story is engaging, and while you might not like Laura at times, you want to keep reading to find out just how far she will make it and if she will succeed in the end or not. The climax was not one which I wanted, but it felt like a proper ending.

Overall, “The Perfect Husband” is a suburban thriller that will hook you for its surprising plot and Laura.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 30, 2022
Killing Kindness by Lisa Sell

Killing Kindness by Lisa Sell

Release: 15th September 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Red Dragon Publishing
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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Summer 1992: The Six, a group of teenagers, met in a disused mill every night. They thought they were invincible until Simon, a kind young man, disappeared.

Summer 2021: The Six – minus Simon – gather at the renovated mill for his memorial. The reunion begins and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues. The body count rises. Someone is killing kindness.

It’s cruel to be kind…

About the Author:

Lisa Sell is a thriller, crime, and mystery author. She is an avid reader with a to-be-read tower rather than a pile.

Music rocks Lisa’s world too, particularly a good eighties tune. If lost, you’ll find her in a DeLorean, headed for her favorite decade.

Lisa’s cats try to help her write but often fail. The furry pests demand attention and desk space. Lisa is currently applying for cat wrangling to be recognized as an Olympic sport.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Killing Kindness Review:

“Killing Kindness” is a thrilling murder mystery that kept me guessing what was happening, and I loved how the author executed it.

Firstly, I enjoyed the way the author told the story. Each chapter is short yet throws the punch effectively in terms of plot progression. We have a large cast of characters, and while it might take a few pages for you to get the hang of them all, you feel like you are part of the group once the plot absorbs you. Also, I loved how the story randomly goes between the past and present, where you see incidents from the 90s, then the 00s, and then a few years ago to the present, in no order. As the story progresses, you see the kill count increase and wonder who is behind it. The author connected all the plots nicely and even looking back at the events, it made sense.

Moreover, each character stands out uniquely yet has an air of mystery. For instance, Simon, in the flashbacks, appears like a kind chap, but you sense there is a dark side to him. Similarly, Joe sometimes got on my nerves, but I still felt terrible for him. The author made me feel various emotions for each character, and it was exciting to see their backstory and what they were hiding. True, there were a few lackluster characters, in my opinion, like Erin and even Stevie, but it didn’t make the story any less thrilling. My favorite characters, perhaps, were Charlotte, Dylan, and the Witch. These people were just a big question mark, and I wondered how everything connected to the arc.

If you love murder mystery whodunit thrillers that keep you guessing, check out “Killing Kindness by Lisa Sell”!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Killing Kindness by Lisa Sell Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 21, 2022
Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack

Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack

Release: 31st August 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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It’s 1944 and the war, it seems will never end.

When Lizzy, her brother and sister, are evacuated to the village of Inglestone, they find their new home strange.

Under the shadow of the ruined Inglestone Manor, they meet Dorothy Inglestone, the last of her line, and the ever-watchful Mr and Mrs Gains. When they come to know of a treasure hidden in a ruin manor, they can’t resist trying to find it.

During hunting, they come across a strange boy roaming the ruins.

Not only the police wants the boy, but the Gains also want him. Can the Allens keep a secret and not betray the boy? Before long, their loyalties will be tested.

About the Author:

Originally from Guyana, a country in South America, S S Saywack came to London with his family in 1962. Educated in North London, he studied information graphics at a London college and then worked as a graphic designer for many years. He later changed careers and became a teacher at a sixth-form college in East London. Taking early retirement, he turned to a third career, being an author.

With a love for reading and history in general, he wrote his first novel that became the Mary Finch Series (four books for older children set in the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes and an additional chapter book to make five in total) and that was swiftly followed by Inglestone Manor.

His current writing scurries between children’s fiction and adult detective fiction.

To find out more about S S Saywack, you can visit his website, https://saywackwrites.com/ or find him on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SSSaywack/

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Inglestone Manor Review:

“Inglestone Manor” is a creative middle-grade historical fiction novel that follows three siblings and how their lives turn upside down when they arrive at the manor, and I found it intriguing.

Firstly, I enjoyed the way the author wrote the plot. What I appreciate about the story is how the author tries to incorporate a lot. It is part mystery, part historical fiction, part family drama, part middle-grade adventure, part fantasy (and perhaps even time travel), and it touches many genres. You never know what will happen next, and even though I have read quite a few middle-grade novels, I couldn’t guess what was happening here. The characters are memorable and charming, and the author expresses their feelings beautifully.

The highlight of the story was Lizzy. I loved how the author wrote Lizzy and how protective she is toward her loved ones. She is not afraid to put her foot down and even yell at the adults if needed, like Bill Gains. At the same time, Lizzy shares beautiful moments with Mrs. Inglestone and May. Similarly, Bill Gains is superb as the villain, and you wonder just how far his greed will take him. However, Mrs. Gains is perhaps the most complex character because you see her grow in the tale. Even Abel and Mrs. IngleStone were memorable and added a touch of mystery to their backstory.

Perhaps the only downside to the tale is that we saw less of the other children, particularly Billy. It would have been nice if Billy and May were equally prominent like Lizzy.

Overall, “Inglestone Manor” was lovely to read, and I look forward to reading more of the author’s works.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 11, 2022
The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

Release:21st September 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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Getting into their house was easy. The hard part was getting out.

Maria and William seem to have it all. Two happy children. A beautiful house. A thriving business.

But when their home is invaded by David, an ex-employee with a score to settle, the couple face a terrifying fight to survive.

During the course of one hellish night, David picks apart their carefully constructed life. Secrets are unearthed, truths revealed.

And soon David begins to wonder if he’s bitten off more than he can chew. It is because he’s discovering Maria and William are not the defenseless couple he imagined. By the time he realizes who these people really are, it may already be too late…

Who will make it out alive?

One couple. One intruder. Several shocking secrets…

About the Author:

Daniel Hurst writes psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people. He has written all his life, making the progression from handing scribbled stories to his parents as a boy to writing full length novels in his thirties. He lives in the North West of England and when he isn’t writing, he is usually watching a game of football in a pub where his wife can’t find him.

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The Intruder Review:

“The Intruder” is an intriguing suspense thriller that makes you wonder how well you know the people around you.

The story’s highlight is how many thrills the author puts into each chapter. I didn’t expect much for a domestic thriller, but I was surprised that there was a new revelation in almost every chapter, where you learn something new about the character or the plot. Moreover, as we got the perspective of different characters toggled each section, it was fun to see how they all reacted differently to the situation.

I also liked Maria in the lead. She goes through quite a lot, and I was surprised to see how she dealt with the changes. The story’s villain (I’m not going to see who) also turns out to be someone compelling and manipulative and made me glued to how Maria would escape them. Some notable exciting moments include when Maria sees David in her house or when she gets locked in the trunk of the car. Some of the scenes are, in fact, pretty creepy and gruesome but also made the story very atmospheric.

The only downside to the story is how the story takes a different turn in the second half. While I enjoyed the plot, I felt the story shifted to another tangent. For instance, a person I thought was a core character in the first half disappears in the second, making me feel like the story’s title didn’t do the actual plot justice.

Apart from that, “The Intruder” is a decent thriller that you will enjoy as a quick read if you love the genre.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Intruder by Daniel Hurst Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

September 30, 2022