My Book Reviews

Category: Suspense

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of suspense genre.

  • Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj

    Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj

    Blacktelligence Rules

    Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj

    Release:1st October 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: SpellBound Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours

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    THE MOST THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND CONTROVERSIAL THRILLER YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR

    Adam Benedict, a 28-year-old researcher, comes across a startling discovery about race and intelligence. Then he sets in motion a deadly chain of events.

    As he tries to get his results published, he finds his work is tampered with to make it appear riddled with errors. He is discredited and denounced as a fraud, a liar, and worse. He endures a storm of criticism in social media . And is hounded by the press for spreading views that are deemed toxic.

    It becomes clear there is a conspiracy against him, and the conspirators will use any means possible to silence him, up to and including murder.

    As Benedict races against the clock to clear his name, he realises the truth is more likely to get him killed than set him free.

    And he has to make a decision: is a truth that will change the way humanity views race worth laying his life on the line for?

    About the Author:

    Andrew Komarnyckyj has been a lawyer, odd-job man, PR Consultant, hospital porter, and plongeur among many other occupations. It’s the classic work history of an author but it wasn’t planned that way. It was a happy accident which has stood him in good stead for writing novels.

    His literary tastes range across every fiction genre including – perhaps inevitably – postmodernism, with which he has a love-hate relationship.

    When not writing or reading he loves conversation, listening to anecdotes, craft beers, and hiking in mountains.

    On a personal note he’s married with two adult daughters.

    Website | Twitter 

    Blacktelligence Rules Review:

    When I started reading this story, I didn’t expect “Blacktelligence Rules” to be so fast-paced. The author makes the story so thrilling that I was at the edge of my seat in the second half, wondering what would happen to Benedict. As the plot deepens, your heart goes out to Benedict because you see just how much danger surrounds him and wonder what will happen to him. Some notable moments that stood out are when intruders come and Adam blacks out, the events behind the Netlopedia entry, and the exciting climax. The last four chapters in the book were like high adrenaline, where you couldn’t miss reading a word.

    Adam Benedict is great as the lead. The author wrote him well, where you see his paranoia settle about conspiracies as he tries to figure out who is trying to ruin his name. Moreover, the supporting characters blend in nicely. I enjoyed Benedict’s relationship with Fay and how he gets protective. Similarly, I enjoyed the scenes with Father Spike and the words of encouragement. Even Powell, Bron, and Thorne added nicely to the plot.

    Thirdly, I enjoyed the theme of the story that the author touches upon, on race, and highlights some of the racial injustice and problems we face in society in a very indirect but effective manner. On a side note, the book also inspired me to research more on the Rwandan Genocide that the author highlights. My only criticism of the story was in connecting the character names. For instance, the author refers to Bron as “Bron” in a few places and “De Souza” in others. It would have been nice to use the same name for consistency.

    If you love action-packed, fast-paced thrillers like “The Bourne Identity,” you should read “Blackintelligence Rules.”

    Book Tour Schedule:

    Blacktelligence Rules

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

    The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

    The Intruder

    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.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    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

    The Intruder

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  • They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    They Come At Knight

    They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Release: September 13, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: ‎ Thomas & Mercer
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,  Audible, B&N 

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    For elite assassin Nena Knight, eliminating dangerous players on the world stage is part of the job. The Tribe, a powerful business syndicate in Africa, ensures that she has those opportunities. But for Nena, the Tribe is more than just her employer; it’s an organization that supports the African people—until it turns on itself.

    As Nena embarks on a new mission, a violent siege by a paramilitary group throws the Tribe into chaos, and mysterious acts of violence plague the Tribe’s territories. While the attacks escalate, Nena suspects a different kind of enemy at play: someone on the inside, determined to undermine the Tribe’s leaders.

    As this new threat closes in on her own family, Nena enlists a team to root out the danger. But as she gets closer to the truth, she will have to risk everything to protect the future she holds dear—even if it means facing off with an enemy she never expected.

    About the Author:

    Yasmin Angoe is the debut author of the bestselling and award-winning thriller Her Name Is Knight. She is a first-generation Ghanaian American and has worked in education for nearly twenty years as a middle and high school teacher and instructional coach. Currently, Yasmin works as a developmental editor and sensitivity reader for publishers and authors.

    Yasmin received the 2020 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Writers of Color from Sisters in Crime of which she is a member. She is also a proud member of numerous crime, mystery, and thriller writing groups and organizations like Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.

    When she’s not writing, Yasmin’s editing for clients, searching what show or movie to binge, absorbed in an audiobook, or obsessing about the fact she should probably be writing at that very moment. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    They Come At Knight Review:

    “They Come at Knight” is a gripping continuation of the Nena Knight series, and I loved reading one of my favorite characters.

    The story’s highlight is how the author focuses on character relationships. For instance, I enjoyed reading about the bond between Keigel and Nena. While we only see Keigel briefly in the first book, I loved how prominent he was in this story, and he even brought a touch of humor. Similarly, I loved Nena’s chemistry with Elin and how they tried to get back what they had. The author also touches on Nena and Cort’s relationship, which was one of the highlights for me because I wondered how Cort would get together after the first book’s events.

    Moreover, I liked how half the story takes place in Ghana, and the people come together. The mystery behind who is disrupting the operations was also intriguing, as the author soon reveals a bigger picture, with shocking twists that I did not expect, especially towards the climax.

    However, while I enjoyed revisiting the characters, I felt the book missed its spark from the first. In the first book, we see the torture that Nena endures before she meets the Knights and how she surpasses them all and becomes a tough, formidable protagonist. In this book, the story turns out to be more of a ‘whodunit’ plot, which feels different from the first book. Moreover, there are many references to the first book’s events, so I am not sure if a reader would get the same impact reading it as a standalone.

    But, the series, in general, is fantastic! Be sure to read “Her Name is Knight” to learn of Nena’s past to get the full impact of this book.

    Book Tour Schedule

    They Come At Knight

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours

  • Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Her Name Is Knight

    Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Release: November 1, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: ‎ Thomas & Mercer
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N

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    A smash debut novel from rising star Yasmin Angoe, Her Name Is Knight features an elite assassin heroine on a mission to topple a human trafficking ring and avenge her family.

    Stolen from her Ghanaian village as a child, Nena Knight has plenty of motives to kill. Now an elite assassin for a powerful business syndicate called the Tribe, she gets plenty of chances.

    But while on assignment in Miami, Nena ends up saving a life, not taking one. She emerges from the experience a changed woman, finally hopeful for a life beyond rage and revenge. Tasked with killing a man she’s come to respect, Nena struggles to reconcile her loyalty to the Tribe with her new purpose.

    Meanwhile, she learns a new Tribe council member is the same man who razed her village, murdered her family, and sold her into captivity. Nena can’t resist the temptation of vengeance―and she doesn’t want to. Before she can reclaim her life, she must leverage everything she was and everything she is to take him down and end the cycle of bloodshed for good.

    About the Author:

    Yasmin Angoe is the debut author of the bestselling and award-winning thriller Her Name Is Knight. She is a first-generation Ghanaian American and has worked in education for nearly twenty years as a middle and high school teacher and instructional coach. Currently, Yasmin works as a developmental editor and sensitivity reader for publishers and authors.

    Yasmin received the 2020 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Writers of Color from Sisters in Crime of which she is a member. She is also a proud member of numerous crime, mystery, and thriller writing groups and organizations like Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.

    When she’s not writing, Yasmin’s editing for clients, searching what show or movie to binge, absorbed in an audiobook, or obsessing about the fact she should probably be writing at that very moment.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Her Name Is Knight Review:

    “Her Name Is Knight” is a brilliant start to the “Nena Knight” series, and I could not put the book down.

    Wow, I cannot believe this is a debut novel by the author because I could not put it down. Nena is one of the best characters I have read recently, and I was rooting for her throughout. She goes through so much in the tale, and you can see how she progresses to become a strong person. Even the supporting characters were so memorable. I loved Nena’s relationship with Georgia and how she opened her heart when she met Cort. The author writes Nena’s feelings so dynamically that you can connect with her. Similarly, the story’s villains, especially Paul, are so conniving and ruthless that you immediately despise them for what he does.

    Moreover, I loved how the author toggled the story with two different timelines, one before and one after the events that changed Nena’s life, by also changing the perspective. My heart went to Nena in the “Before” segment, and I was cheering for her in the “After.” What’s also beautiful is how there is a little of everything for everyone. You have romance, intrigue, action, adventure, and even horror when you witness what Nena witnesses in Ghana. Please note that there are many violent, graphic scenes, so the book is not for the faint of heart. I won’t forget some moments when Nena is in France or when she first reaches the compound.

    Overall, “Her Name Is Knight” is a brilliant debut, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to read a fast-paced action adventure with a strong female lead, you should pick this one up.

    Book Tour Schedule

    They Come At Knight

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours

  • I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter

    I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter

    Let You Go

    I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter

    Release:14th September 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    She has repeated  nightmare. But she can’t wake up.

    Emily is devastated when she receives an anonymous note proving her long-term boyfriend has been cheating on her.

    Determined to confront him, she tracks him to a seedy bar far off the highway and they have a massive row. As she storms out the door, she rejects a stranger named Daniel who tries to pick her up.

    When she returns to her car, it won’t start. Even worse, her phone has no signal, and no way is she going back into the bar to ask her boyfriend for help.

    Emily has no choice but to walk. As she trudges down the desolate highway, Daniel drives by and offers her a ride. She’s scared by his sudden reappearance and refuses him again.

    But Daniel won’t take no for an answer. As Emily walks on, he keeps coming back and each time he is more threatening, more menacing. As this terrifying game of cat and mouse steadily escalates, Emily begins to wonder if she’ll ever get off this lonely road alive.

    But who is Daniel really? And what does he know about Emily?

    About the Author:

    Cole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

    He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

    His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!

     Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    I Won’t Let You Go Review:

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    Goodness! This book gave me the shivers, mainly because of Emily and Daniel. The story is a cat and mouse game, and the author keeps you at the edge of your seat as Emily tries to survive the psychopath. The author writes the suspense so intensely that you cannot put the phone down. Daniel is one of the most unpredictable, creepy villains, and I hope I never encounter someone like him in real life. The way he stalked Emily, tormented her, and mentally broke her down unnerved me and gave me goosebumps. Emily is great in the lead. Even though the whole story spans less than 24 hours, I feel we get to see Emily mature and go through many emotional changes. You see her go from angry to scared, and eventually, a brave girl who still manages to see good in people, especially men, after what she encounters with Daniel.

    Moreover, the supporting characters in the second half made the story so memorable. I loved Ollie and Mary as a couple and wished they were prominent in the first half. Similarly, I also liked Det. Cole, even though she makes a brief appearance.

    Perhaps the only downside to the tale is how there are many loose ends, especially how Daniel managed to do what he did. For instance, how did he find Emily on top of the tree? And was he responsible for the blackout? We don’t get explanations and rely more on Emily’s assumptions. It would have been nice if there had been a follow-up on how Daniel executed everything. Also, some parts initially were a bit repetitive at how Daniel mocks Emily and the pacing staggers.

    Overall, I loved reading “I Won’t Let You Go” and would be checking out more of the author’s works.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Let You Go

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the I Won’t Let You Go by Cole Baxter Blog Tour hosted by  Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner

    The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner

    The Stolen Child

    The Stolen Child by Emily Shiner

    Release:11th September 2022
    Format: eBook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    She has hundreds of adoring fans. Only one wants to be her best friend. 

    Eliza has the perfect life. A beautiful home, a hugely successful blog, a loving husband and two adorable children.

    Bethany barely scrapes by in a dead-end job. Her only happiness comes from reading Eliza’s blog. Obsessed with her, she believes they’re destined to be best friends.

    But Eliza doesn’t want another friend . . . especially one as pushy as Bethany. Because Eliza is hiding a family secret. One that would shatter her entire world if it was ever revealed.

    Rejected and furious, Bethany starts stalking Eliza. And, as she watches her every move, Bethany discovers Eliza’s secret and threatens to expose it.

    But Eliza will do whatever it takes to protect her perfect life. Even if it means getting rid of Bethany . . . forever.

    About the Author:

    Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.

     Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Stolen Child Review:

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    The author wrote the two main characters very well. The dynamic between Eliza and Bethany was the story’s highlight and had me glued to the pages. The surprising part is that I enjoyed Bethany the most. Even though she is completely delusional about befriending Eliza, I found her entertaining, and at times, I was almost rooting for her to succeed in her plans. Eliza, to be honest, got on my nerves, especially with how she treated James. Even though she is the protagonist, I didn’t particularly appreciate how she mocked James for warning her about setting her priorities and focusing on Knox over her social media profile. I felt she didn’t start prioritizing Knox until Bethany threatened her family.

    Yet, the scenes between both the characters kept the story intense. The author builds the suspense and plot so well that you wonder just how far Bethany would go and what Eliza and James would do to stop her. The story, in general, also makes you think about how some people would have ardent followers on social media, where they feel they know you personally for sharing so much information, to the point where they can invade your life. Some of my favorite moments in the story were when Bethany initially tries to befriend Eliza by accidentally running into it or when Bethany spends time with the kids.

    However, the ending was not really to my taste. The story ends abruptly and not in the direction I would have liked the author to take. Also, I wished Camilla was more prominent, as adding her to Eliza’s stress would have been interesting. But, overall, “The Stolen Child” is a gripping thriller that I enjoyed reading.

    Book Tour Schedule:

    The Stolen Child

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  • Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain

    Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain

    Secrets In The Mirror

    Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain

    Release: September 13, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Atmosphere Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    Family. The same people who destroyed Gavin’s self-esteem are the ones he must save.

    When Gavin looks in the mirror, he sees his twin Devon ― literally. Yet like the mirror, inside, they are the reverse of each other. Devon is the chosen one, anointed by their demanding Mob-connected father, who demeans Gavin as a nerd but expects him to save his brother from his worst instincts. Gavin struggles to believe in himself and make his own decisions in the face of Dad’s bullying and Devon’s narcissistic gaslighting. When Devon gets into drugs and crime, people start dying. Gavin’s loyal allies tell him he can’t save his twin; he must save himself. He flees to find freedom and success far away, but he can’t hide from his sociopathic brother or the Mob.

    Secrets In The Mirror is a sweeping saga of one family’s journey to rise above cultural precedent. But Gavin is the one who must finally break the shackles of multigenerational and narcissistic abuse, despite inextricable bonds with a twin who’s headed for self-destruction. It is a tale that grapples with the imperative to save others versus the struggle to protect oneself.

    About the Author:

    Leslie Kain earned her degree in psychology at Wellesley College, then worked at McLean Hospital for two years. But supporting children demanded a more significant income, so she got her MBA at Boston University and began a career doing business development in bleeding edge high tech and Intelligence. Once her kids were somewhat self-sufficient, she returned to her passion, serving as a director in nonprofits (NAMI, CHADD), focusing on mental health. Having written “nonfiction” (technical, scientific, marketing) during her varied careers, she surprised herself when she attempted fiction. She turned to novels with several short stories published in literary journals and an anthology. She brings her passion for psychology to levels of inner conflict and resolution. Originally from “all over” the U.S., she now resides in Mexico with her husband and cat Sheba (her writing muse)

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Secrets In The Mirror Review:

    Oh, my goodness! “Secrets In The Mirror” is a remarkable story with strong, contrasting leads that hooked me to the storyline.

    Let me start by saying that I loved stories with twins. The author does a fantastic job in writing Gavin and Devon. As soon as the tale absorbs you, you feel so protective towards Gavin and despise Devon with a passion. I loved Gavin, and he was the star of the show. He goes out of his way to care for everyone around him, even though everyone tells him to focus on himself. Some of my favorite moments are the moments with him and Katie, his graduation, and the love he shares for his mother.

    Similarly, Devon is just nasty to the core, and you wonder what havoc he would wreak as he is not mentally stable. The author writes their personality so well that you worry about what Devon would do to sabotage Gavin and hope that Gavin will not turn sour just like him. The supporting characters, like their parents, also had a dramatic role, and I was not too fond of Tony. However, that is not to say that the characters are one-dimensional. The author surprisingly adds different tones to each character, and I felt even a bit sorry for Devon.

    Moreover, the author gave me a lot to think about regarding Narcissistic personality disorder, and I realized that I know people in reality who display this personality (albeit not as strongly as Devon). The author adds in many passages, especially in the beginning, when we hear from Dr. Epstein about the various causes and side effects, that made me fascinated on the topic.

    Overall, “Secrets In The Mirror” was a story I don’t think I will forget anytime soon, and I loved it!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Secrets In The Mirror

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

     

  • Don’t Leave by Pru Heathcote

    Don’t Leave by Pru Heathcote

    Dont Leave

    Dont Leave by Pru Heathcote

    Release: 29 July 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Red Dragon Publishing LTD
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at Amazon

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    JANE is a young woman who is grieving for her child.  Relatives take her to a remote holiday cottage on the Northumberland coast.

    From the moment she arrives at the cottage with her much older and over-protective husband, Peter, Jane keeps catching glimpses of a little girl and hearing a child crying.

    Peter is sure that these are hallucinations. Moreover, Jane has been diagnosed with schizophrenia – a diagnosis she disagrees with.

    She sets out to discover who or what the child could be. A ghost? A real child? Or something else?

     Author Bio:

    I’ve always loved telling stories and putting them down on paper as soon as I could write. I began my working life in Hertfordshire as a local newspaper reporter – obits, weddings, Uncle George’s Kiddies’ Corner – then went on to teenage magazines (Fab and Rave) and women’s magazines.

    I moved to Northumberland forty years ago and worked as an adult education tutor, teaching any subject I didn’t need a qualification for, including creative writing.

    Over the years, I’ve written dozens of stories for magazines, a commissioned biography, and several plays, one of which was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.

    Out of my Plays, my novel “Dont Leave” won entry in the 2020 Lindisfarne Prize, From marriage, I have three grown-up children and two grandchildren. I live in Warkworth, a village on the Northumberland coast, an area that provides most of the inspiration for my stories.

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    Don’t Leave  Review:

    “Don’t Leave” is a unique psychological, supernatural thriller I enjoyed reading because of its exciting twists.

    I admit; that this book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a traditional ghost story where a couple experiences supernatural experiences when they enter a new house due to something that happened there. The author surprised me with a twist I did not see coming, and I loved the plot’s direction. There are quite a few twists and turns that I did not expect, which made the story very entertaining.

    Moreover, I liked Mrs. Mortimer a lot. She is a complex character that initially, you dislike her attitude and hatred towards the world (except for her cat Whiskey). However, as the story progresses, you start to feel sorry for her and appreciate her more than anyone else. Frankly, I liked her even more than Jane. While good for the most part, Jane was sometimes a bit annoying. I didn’t appreciate how she suspected Peter and simultaneously got romantically inclined toward another person. Jane’s personality was certainly a bit weird at times, but I liked her, especially when she was with Suzy.

    Also, I liked the eerie moments that the author adds to what Jane experiences in the house. Wherever she goes, and whatever she does, Jane hears a small girl crying and saying, “Don’t Leave.” I also comprehended that would be the reason, and the climax surprised me. The author has a beautiful knack for writing in this genre, and I cannot wait to see what other stories she weaves.

    Overall, “Don’t Leave” is a great book to pick up if you enjoy the genre.

    Book Tour Schedule

    DONT LEAVE

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dont Leave by Pru Heathcote Blog Tour sponsored by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner

    Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner

    Echoes of Home

    Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner

    Release: January 1st 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Question Mark Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

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    After accepting a generous opportunity to start afresh, Leslie Wills, eagerly begins his journey to the Scottish Highlands of Elphin.  It is a settled village that sits huddled amongst the mountains.

    The people are welcoming, and the scenery is breath taking.

    But deep within its Highland paths, there is a location without  the public’s knowledge. This an atmospheric location you love to learn the truth of its troubled past.

    But once you bear witness to its sights and sounds, you will never forget its presence. Then, you uncover the truth, journeying back to a forgotten time.

    Echoes of Home, is beautifully crafted into a plot full of secrets and suspicion. You will start  longing for answers. A ghost story, which will haunt you long after it’s finished…

    About the Author:

    Born and bred in the county of Staffordshire. Matt is a keen reader of classical, horror and fantasy literature and enjoys writing in the style of traditional ghost stories. During his working life, Matt joined the ambulance service in 2009, transporting critically ill patients all over the UK. After writing his first novel, Matt became a part of the family of Question Mark Press publishing. And , he now dedicates his time on future releases. His hobbies include genealogy and hiking, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emma, his children, and his family.

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    Echoes of Home Review:

    The highlight of the story is the connection between Les and Coull. What surprised me was how the author managed to write the friendship between the two characters nicely. The tale mainly focuses on the ghost story surrounding Elphin Cottage, but I got immersed in Coull and Les’s bond. Both have spent time in loneliness, and it was heartwarming to read how the situation brings them together.

    Secondly, I liked how the author brought the elements of a classic ghost story into the picture. We get instances of spooky rattlings, and unexplained tappings, in a ghostly cottage, where Les, our hero, witnesses strange occurrences. The story will give you shivers in some scenes, and the parts where Les sees an image in the window or what he experiences in the woods stood out for me. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author incorporates different styles, like letter inserts from other characters, that add to the story’s charm.

    Thirdly, I liked Les in the leading role. He is someone who is trying to build a new life after facing loneliness with all the family members leaving. It was interesting to see how he reacts to the situations he encounters, even with people like Jonathan, who returns to his life for a short while. The author portrayed the emotions of the cast very well.

    Perhaps the story’s only improvement I would have liked was the climax. I felt the story took a more emotional and easy turn when I would have liked a more build-up for the ending, especially on the villain and other vital characters.

    Overall, “Echoes of Home” is a simple yet emotional ghost story that will spook you at times and get you teary-eyed, too. It was a lovely read.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Echoes of Home

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Echoes of Home by M.L Rayner Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves

    A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves

    A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves

    Release: 27th May 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Red Dragon Books
    Source: ZooloosBook Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon

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    A sleepy town in 1960s South Georgia, where to some residents, segregation is more important than catching a killer.

    An ex-homicide detective from Chicago called to honor an old promise.

    With a rising body count and a community guarding their secrets more fiercely than their children, asking questions could prove deadly for the outsider…

    Author Bio

    I started as an engineer, then an estate agent, followed by senior management roles in cable TV and telecoms. I spent a few years as a management consultant and now work in the language translation industry.

    Moreover, I have played music all my life. I classically trained on the clarinet from eight until fourteen, when my world took a quantum leap forward after hearing Jimi Hendrix and Voodoo Child on the radio. Also, I thought, wow, I gotta do that. I dumped the clarinet, picked up the guitar, and never put it down. I have played alongside topflight musicians, both live and in studios.

    From a young age, I read books like Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, Black Beauty, Swallows and Amazons, The Famous Five, Billy Bunter, Jennings and Derbyshire, Biggles, and Tarzan. Agatha Christie had a significant impact, as did Georges Simenon. I penned short stories at school – mostly adventure, but it wasn’t until I became hooked on American Crime Noir that my urge to write came crashing to the forefront of my mind. Reading Hammett, Chandler, Jim Thompson, Macdonald, and the master, James M. Cain, had the same effect on my potential writing career as Hendrix had on my music.

    Having been further influenced by the greats of Southern literature, I write crime stories based in the Deep South and UK-based dark noir crime set in Northamptonshire, where I reside. Throw into the pot crime and horror short stories and novellas, and you’ll have some idea of what goes on in my head.

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    A Long Way From Home Review:

    I loved reading “A Long Way From Home” and could not put it down once I started.

    Firstly, I must commend the author for the excellent style in writing the tale. I have read many mysteries and crime novels, but this book stands apart from them. The main character, Tom, is someone you immediately root for because of his talent for studying people and willingness to help others. The story has quite a large, eclectic cast, and I loved how it made me feel like I was living with them in Paradise Creek. I loved Tom’s bond with Clayton and Charlotte, which was the highlight. Some memorable characters like Coop and Maryanne have flaws but are still attractive. Yet, we also have sleazy characters, like Swales and Henry, that annoyed me. The author writes the characters so compellingly that you feel a strong emotion toward them.

    Moreover, the story is set in the 1960s and covers many themes, from racism and political corruption to voodoo and interracial romance and a compelling murder mystery. I adored the way the author blended so many elements. There were moments when I was at the edge of my seat, especially when some people attacked Tom while he was driving. One of the best moments in the story is the shocking events that happen in Court. The author also wrote the murder mystery well, and I wondered who would be the next victim. Although I figured out who the culprit was before the reveal, it took me a good while to determine the potential suspect. Even how he described the swamps and the lakes as the backdrop was mesmerizing and gave the book a magical touch.

    Overall, I thought this book was terrific, and I can’t wait to read more stories featuring Tom Bale.

    Book Tour Schedule

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves Blog Tour hosted by ZooloosBook Tours.