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Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

SKELF SUMMER: A Dark Matter (The Skelfs, 1) by Doug Johnstone

Published January 23rd, 2020 by Orenda Books
Thriller, Mystery, Crime Fiction, Suspense, Urban Ficiton, Lesbian Literature, Crime Series

Today I’m sharing my first review for Skelf Summer. Thank you to Danielle at Orenda for the invitation to take part.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Three generations of women from the Skelfs family take over the family funeral home and PI businesses in the first book of a taut, gripping page-turning and darkly funny new series.

***Shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Book of the Year*** 
***Shortlisted for the Amazon Publishing Capital Crime Awards***

‘An engrossing and beautifully written tale that bears all the Doug Johnstone hallmarks in its warmth and darkly comic undertones’ Herald Scotland

‘Gripping and blackly humorous’ Observer

‘I was addicted from the first page; gripping, gritty and darkly funny as hell’ Erin Kelly

‘A Dark Matter showcases a writer at the peak of his powers, except that with every book, Doug Johnstone just gets better’ Val McDermid

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Meet the Skelfs: well-known Edinburgh family, proprietors of a long-established funeral-home business, and private investigators…

When patriarch Jim dies, it’s left to his wife Dorothy, daughter Jenny and granddaughter Hannah to take charge of both businesses, kicking off an unexpected series of events.

Dorothy discovers mysterious payments to another woman, suggesting that Jim wasn’t the husband she thought he was. Hannah’s best friend Mel has vanished from university, and the simple adultery case that Jenny takes on leads to something stranger and far darker than any of them could have imagined.

As the women struggle to come to terms with their grief, and the demands of the business threaten to overwhelm them, secrets from the past emerge, which change everything…

A compelling, tense and shocking thriller and a darkly funny and warm portrait of a family in turmoil, A Dark Matter introduces a cast of unforgettable characters, marking the start of an addictive new series.

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MY REVIEW:

“If they didn’t solve these mysteries, who would?”

I’m a big fan of Doug Johnstone’s Skelfs Series but I started it by reading the second instalment, and then somehow skipped a couple of others. So when I received an email from Orenda Books asking if I would like to take part in Skelf Summer – six weeks of reading the series in order leading up to the publication of book six in September – I jumped at the chance. 

First up is A Dark Matter, in which we are introduced to Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah Skelf, three generations of a well-known Edinburgh family that own a long-established funeral home and private investigation business. At the start of the book, they are mourning the death of patriarch Jim while also trying to get on with the day-to-day task of running their businesses. When Dorothy discovers mysterious payments being made to another woman each month going back years, she realises that Jim had been keeping secrets. Meanwhile, Hannah’s best friend Mel has disappeared and the police aren’t interested in investigating, leaving her to take on that challenge herself, and a simple adultery investigation leads Jenny onto an unexpected path. But they are unprepared for the dark and shocking revelations they are about to unveil…

Suspenseful, twisting, darkly funny and addictive, this is a fantastic start to Doug Johnstone’s original series. I have no idea how he came up with the idea of three generations of women running a funeral home and private investigators, but it is a brilliant concept that I can’t get enough of.  The three women at its heart are intelligent, fierce, warm, wickedly funny, likeable but flawed, and easy to root for. Matirach Dorothy may be in her seventies, but has lost none of her zeal and is determined to get to the bottom of the secret payments Jim had been making. Her daughter and granddaughter are equally tenacious and they all have a quiet fortitude that they must draw on as their investigations intersect in unexpected ways, leading to shocking revelations that will change their lives forever.

Doug Johnstone never misses. His writing is atmospheric, tense, propulsive, witty and full of complex emotions that keep the reader hooked. He explores difficult subjects such as predatory men, the danger they pose and how blase so many have become about the issue. Another big topic in this book is grief and how differently we are all affected, portraying it in ways that are relatable, touching and full of black humour. But it is how intricately he intertwined  the storylines in unexpected ways, throwing in red herrings and unforeseen twists, that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. 

This is a must read for any thriller fan.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to get 90 days free with my affiliate link*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Doug Johnstone is the author of Fourteen novels, includingThe Great Silence, the third in the Skelfs series, which has been optioned for  In 2021, The Big Chill, the second in the series, was longlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. In 2020, A Dark Matter, the first in the series, was shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year and the Capital Crime Amazon Publishing Independent Voice Book of the Year award. Black Hearts (Book four), was published in 2022, with The Opposite of Lonely (book five) out in 2023. Several of his books have been bestsellers and award winners, and his first science fiction novel, The Space Between Us, was a BBC2 Between the Covers pick. He’s taught creative writing, been writer in residence at various institutions, and has been an arts journalist for twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with five albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He lives in Edinburgh.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOGATHON: Firewatching by Russ Thomas

Published February 20th, 2020 by Simon & Schuster UK
Mystery, Thriller, Police Procedural, Crime Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, LGBT Fiction, Gay Fiction, Crime Series

Today I’m delighted to be taking part in the first of four Russ Thomas Blogathon posts and am sharing my review for his outstanding debut thriller, Firewatching, which was one of my favourite reads of 2020. Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours for the invitation to take part and to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

ONE WRONG MOVE
A body is found bricked into the walls of a house. From the state of the hands, it’s clear the dead man was buried alive. Soon, the victim is linked to an old missing person’s case and DS Adam Tyler is called.

WILL IGNITE
As the sole representative of South Yorkshire’s Cold Case Review Unit, Tyler recognises his role for what it is – a means of keeping him out of the way following an ‘incident’. When this case falls in his lap, he grabs the opportunity to fix his stagnating career.

THE CITY
And then Tyler discovers he has a connection to the case that hopelessly compromises him. He makes the snap decision not to tell his superiors, certain that he and only he can solve the crime. But now Tyler must move carefully to find out the truth, without destroying the case or himself.

Meanwhile, someone in the city knows exactly what happened to the body. Someone who is watching Adam closely. Someone with an unhealthy affinity with fire . . .

A taut investigative thriller bursting with character and tension, introducing an enigmatic, fresh lead detective unlike any you have met before – Detective Sergeant Adam Tyler – for fans of Adrian McKinty, Tana French, Steve Cavanagh and Sharon Bolton. 

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MY REVIEW:

DS Adam Tyler is called to the discovery of a body that was buried alive by being bricked into the wall of a house. The house’s owner, Graham Cartwright, had vanished six years ago amid high-profile scandals. Solving this case could be Adam’s way to salvage his career so he’s determined to be on the case. But he doesn’t work well with others, so this also becomes his chance to prove to his boss that he can be a team player. As he investigates alongside old-school copper DI Jim Doggett, the original investigator in the disappearance, and Amina Rabbani, a young police officer who sees the case as her chance to finally make it into CID, it soon becomes clear that there are people who’ve been keeping secrets that they want to remain hidden and that this will be a more complex case than they first thought. And as his professional and private life seep together, Adam finds himself in a fight not only for his career, but also his life. 

Heart-pounding, intense, and addictive, this debut left me trying to catch my breath when I read upon its release in February 2020. I love a good crime series and don’t get to read many books set in my hometown, so seeing that this new series was set in Sheffield was definitely part of the attraction for me. But while reading about familiar places was fun and helped me feel a greater connection to the story, it was Russ Thomas’ magnificent storytelling that made this series become one of my favourites, just as I predicted it would be at the time. I was hooked from the first page and putty in the palm of his hands as he spun his intricate and twisted tale. I read every spare minute, unable to put it down as I tried in vain to predict what would happen next. 

Part of the genius of this book is that everyone is a suspect. I literally had all but about three characters on my suspect list at one point or another, including the protagonist. You don’t know what to think, who to trust and where it is going next, leaving you on the edge of your seat as your mind fizzes with questions and suspicion. The vast array of characters are all fleshed out and vivid, each illuminating the story in their own unique way. I liked that Tyler wasn’t beloved by everyone or a team player. His battle to be treated like the other male officers because of his sexuality and the trauma of his father’s suicide gives him not only the spikiness that was fun to read, but also made me feel warmth towards him for those struggles. I enjoyed his banter with the other officers and how they reluctantly worked together to solve the case. Real life means having to work with people you can’t stand sometimes and the author certainly used that to his advantage in this book. 

One of my favourite parts of this book was the inclusion of the blog posts by the arsonist. They were mysterious, bizarre, creepy and fascinating. You got a real sense of how twisted and traumatised this person was and they increased the foreboding atmosphere that hung in the air. In the beginning they read like stories but slowly the readers see that there is more to them and realise how sick and twisted the writer is. But their identity remains a mystery, known only by the name The Firewatcher, remaining in the shadows until the tense finale. I loved being in the dark as much as the investigating officers and honestly couldn’t pinpoint a clear suspect. I was completely blindsided by the big reveal.

Firewatching is an outstanding, atmospheric, claustrophobic and surprising debut. It has everything you want in a great thriller and leaves you wanting more, just as a good series should. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys this genre. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RUSS THOMAS was born in Essex, raised in Berkshire and now lives in Sheffield. After a few ‘proper’ jobs (among them: pot-washer, optician’s receptionist, supermarket warehouse operative, call-centre telephonist, and storage salesman) he discovered the joys of bookselling, where he could talk to people about books all day. Firewatching is his debut novel.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part and keep an eye out for more reviews coming next month.

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: A Girl’s Guide To Winning the War

Published July 25th, 2024 by Headline
Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Military Romance

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this heartwarming and uplifting novel. Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Headline for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A heart-warming tale about resilience, friendships and family, and the inestimable power of the written word’ RUTH HOGAN

‘A heart-warming depiction of strong female friendships tested by suffering – Annie Lyons really is the queen of the wartime saga’ CLARE CHAMBERS
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Can two young women and one book change the course of war?

1940. Whip-smart librarian Peggy Sparks is determined to make sure that her brother Joe returns from the frontline to their London home, which they share with their beloved mother and grandmother. So when she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job at the heart of the war effort, Peggy jumps at the prospect of making a real contribution to her country.

But when she finds herself working under the fanciful socialite Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy discovers that those around her are more keen on dancing at the Café de Paris than on ending the war. Writing accounts of her daily life is the only thing keeping Peggy’s hopes alive. But when she finds her inner-most thoughts accidentally published by the Ministry of Information, Peggy realises she needs Marigold’s help to save her job, and to bring her brother home . . .

From the author of The Air Raid Book Club comes a powerful tale of unexpected friendship, community and two remarkable women who change the course of the war. Full of heart, emotion and drama, it is the perfect uplifting story for fans of Kate Thompson and Natasha Lester.

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MY REVIEW:

“This wasn’t an unusual story. In fact, it was the story of millions of women living through the war along the length and breadth of the country… This was about women fighting and surviving , not on the battlefields but in their own back yards.”

Heartwarming, compelling and uplifting, A Girl’s Guide To War is a glorious tale of courage, strength, friendship, and family. Of finding light in the darkest times. And of the power of books.

London, 1940. Librarian Peggy Sparks lives with her mum, Alice, grandmother, Emily, pregnant sister-in-law, Flo, and young niece, Nancy. Her twin brother, Joe, is serving on the frontline and she is determined to see that he returns home safely. So, when she is offered a job as a proof-reader at The Ministry of Information, she jumps at the chance, recognising this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only make a contribution to her country, but fulfil her promise to bring Joe home. It is there she meets Lady Marigold Cecily, a workshy aristocrat. But the pair slowly become friends before working together to publish books that are a vital part of the war effort. 

As a bookworm who loves reading historical fiction set in World War II this book was made for me. From its opening line I knew I’d found a book and character I’d street and from its opening lines I knew I’d found a book and character I’d love. Annie Lyons shows us the realities of war through the eyes of women and has filled the book with strong female characters of all ages, their bonds of community strengthened by the struggles and heartache of war. Their bravery is evident in the small things they do while living their lives each day. It is humbling, honest and raw, but also written with deep compassion and sensitivity and I was glued to the pages.

Peggy Sparks is a fantastic protagonist. Smart, determined and kind, I felt an immediate connection to this family-orientated, lifelong bookworm. When we meet her, Peggy is keeping a written account of how the war affects her daily life but her job at the Ministry offers the chance to do this, and more, on a greater scale. It is at the Ministry she meets Lady Marigold, and the pair could not be more different. Peggy is a homebody and hard worker, while Marigold is always late and prefers nights out at the Cafe de Paris. But the pair slowly form a friendship and work together to create and publish books that are an important part of the Ministry’s war effort. I loved their friendship and how they taught each other so much about life from another perspective. Central to the story is the close relationship between Peggy and her family. They may not have a lot financially, but they have things that money can’t buy, such as love and togetherness, and the bond between them radiates from the pages. I loved reading their scenes together and had a real soft spot for little Nancy who is a real firecracker that often dropped pearls of wisdom. Another brilliant character was Emily, Peggy’s grandmother and matriarch of the family. I loved this no-nonsense woman and she often had me laughing with her quips. Peggy’s twin brother may have been away at war but he is made flesh and blood through the letters he writes to Peggy. I thought this was a clever way to make him real while also displaying the power of writing. 

Books are an integral part of this story and both they and the written word are woven into every facet of the story. All book lovers know the power, magic and joy of books, but it felt extra special seeing the power they had during the war not only as a tool for information, but also in boosting morale. I enjoyed reading about the pamphlets and books that were published by the Ministry during the war and how they were seen as a vital way of boosting morale. It was fascinating to read about the publishing process and I enjoyed learning through historical fiction once again. Despite knowing quite a lot about this era I had somehow never considered or come across paper rationing so I enjoyed learning more about that and the difficulties faced by the publishing industry at the time. I also enjoyed reliving the connection we get through letters, a format that isn’t often used in today’s age but was vital at a time when there was no other way of communicating with loved ones serving on the frontline.

Delightful, moving and hopeful, this is a must-read for book lovers and fans of historical fiction.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

After a career in bookselling and publishing, Annie Lyons published numerous books in the U.K. and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett in the U.S. When not working on her novels, she teaches creative writing. She lives in south-east London with her husband and two children.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books Squadpod Reviews

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: The Long Water by Stef Penney

Published July 4th, 2024 by Quercus
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime Ficiton

Welcome to my review for this darkly atmoshperic, cryptic and compelling story. Thank you to Quercus for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Author of the Costa-prizewinning, world-wide bestseller The Tenderness of Wolves, Stef Penney, returns to her snow-covered heartland in this tense mystery set in a small Scandinavian town.

Nordland. A region in the Norwegian Arctic; a remote valley that stretches from the sea up to the mountains and glaciers.

It is May in what was once a prosperous mining community. The snows are nearly gone and it’s a time of spring and school-leavers’ celebrations – until Daniel, a popular teenage boy, goes missing. Conflicting stories circulate among his friends, of parties and wild behaviour.

As the search for Daniel widens, the police open a disused mine in the mountains. They find human remains, but this body has been there for decades, its identity a mystery.

Everyone in this tight knit, isolated community is touched by these events: misanthropic Svea, whose long life in the area stretches back to the heyday of the mines, and beyond. She has cut all ties with her family, except for her granddaughter, Elin, an outsider like her grandmother. Elin and her friend Benny, both impacted by Daniel while he was alive, become entangled in the hunt for answers, while Svea has deep, dark secrets of her own.

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MY REVIEW:

Due to the craziness of our house move I’m a bit behind with this month’s book reviews, but I’m finally getting around to posting my review of The Long Water, which was one of this month’s SquadPod Featured books.

I adored The Tenderness of Wolves when I read it years ago, so I was excited when the SquadPod were offered the chance to read Stef Penney’s latest novel as one of our featured books. Set in Nordland, a valley in the Norwegian Arctic, the story centres around the disappearance of Daniel, a popular teenager in this remote valley. The story opens in May, when the snow has almost melted and school is ending for the year. The school-leavers celebrations are traditionally a time for parties, pranks and wild behaviour. Daniel is one of the popular kids and his disappearance touches everyone in this small town. It’s the talk of the village and different stories and theories quickly circulate. The police widen their search, eventually leading them to disused mine in the mountains. Human remains are discovered but they are not Daniel. This body has lain there for decades. Daniel’s disappearance soon fades into the background as the police try to decipher the identity of the body and what happened to them. In this small town where everybody knows everybody and secrets don’t stay hidden for long, how is it possible a body has lain in the mine for decades? And where is Daniel?

Cryptic, intriguing and compelling, this is a story you get lost in. Part crime fiction and part family saga, this beautifully written story showcases Ms. Penny’s masterful storytelling to perfection. She sets the scene through evocative imagery, transporting her reader to the remote Norwegian Arctic. Through the lens of these tragic events we are introduced to the inhabitants of this small, close-knit mining town. There’s a strong sense of community and everyone is embroiled in the search for answers. As events  unfold, shockwaves are felt throughout the town with family dramas, prejudices and long-buried secrets finally being revealed. 

Atmospheric, tense, moving and mysterious, this is one not to be missed. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Stef Penney is a screenwriter and the author of three novels: The Tenderness of Wolves (2006), The Invisible Ones (2011), and Under a Pole Star (2016). She has also written extensively for radio, including adaptations of Moby Dick, The Worst Journey in the World, and, mostly recently, a third installment of Peter O’Donnell’s Modesty Blaise series.

The Tenderness of Wolves won Costa Book of the Year, Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year, and was translated into thirty languages. It has just been re-issued in a 10th anniversary edition.

Five facts about SP:

1. I like snow. There is a magic in cold landscapes that compels me more than any other. I’m the ultimate armchair explorer. In my mind this is linked to my former agoraphobia. Wide open, hostile places produce in me a visceral reaction; perhaps that’s why I can’t stop writing, or reading, about them. I’m drawn to what scares me – treeless wilderness, the open sea, Space…

2. I do zero-carbon research. Unlike the protagonist of Under A Pole Star, I haven’t been to the North Pole. I have been to the Scandinavian Arctic – which is totally different – but am unconvinced that being there has made my writing about landscape any stronger (I hadn’t been before The Tenderness of Wolves). Being there normalises a place; you are struck by differences, but even more by similarities: wherever there are people, there be dentists. Still, I have great memories of Lapland: picking sour blueberries from the banks of a mountain stream; cross-country skiing and realising that I could still fall over as safely as when I was a child; watching a Japanese contestant in the Air Guitar World Championships channel Star Wars; visiting Santa’s village and meeting the man himself – and sitting on his knee – in August…

3. I’m Scottish. I have a love-hate relationship with Scotland that is shared by many Scottish exiles. Elements of this: pride in its Enlightenment thinkers, its inventiveness and internationalism; love and awe of the landscape; nostalgia for chilly Highland summers; a sneaking pride in having endured games on frozen fields, in shorts, and endless walks in scenery obscured by drizzle. Then there’s the food: deep-fried Mars bar – delicious. Deep-fried frozen pizza, on the other hand… Scotland’s a great place. I’d probably want to live in it, if I hadn’t grown up there.

4. I’m a feminist. Doesn’t need saying these days, right? Or maybe it does. Writing about a female explorer at the end of the 19th Century, I’ve been more aware of it than ever. The protagonist struggles to be taken seriously with her ambition, of course, but something else happened in the writing process I didn’t expect: it became a deeply explicit love story. This felt like a political as well as a narrative necessity; there have been far too many vague, unconvincing and plain misleading sex scenes in books and films, and it felt vital to tell the truth – and for that, “Dot, dot, dot. Afterwards” was not going to cut it.

5. I have a degree in Philosophy and Theology. It made me unemployable. In my final year, I was browsing through the job pages when I came across my perfect job – Officer for Comparative Religions in a local authority. Hurray, I thought, finally, something that suits my skill set. Then I noticed that the advert next to it was for a Senior Carrot Inspector. I looked at the date – it was April 1st. Obviously, I had to become a writer.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophile xxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Cabaret Macabre by Tom Mead

Published August 1st, 2024 by Head of Zeus
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this nostalgic and riveting locked-room mystery. Thank you to Poppy and Sophie at Ransom PR for the invitation to take part, and to Head of Zeus for the gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Cabaret Macabre really had it all… [Mead’s] characters are so well ‘fleshed out’ that you can picture them with ease. The twisted and complex puzzle totally foxed me, and although I hate to admit it, I really didn’t have a clue whodunnit! Entertaining and fiendishly clever.’ Joy Ellis, #1 bestselling author

Sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector investigates his most complex case yet in this gripping new locked-room murder mystery from Tom Mead, set in an English country house just before the Second World War.

Hampshire, 1938. Victor Silvius is confined in a private sanatorium after attacking prominent judge Sir Giles Drury. When Sir Giles starts receiving sinister threatening letters, his wife suspects Silvius. Meanwhile, Silvius’ sister Caroline is convinced her brother is about to be murdered… by none other than his old nemesis Sir Giles.

Caroline seeks the advice of Scotland Yard’s Inspector Flint, while the Drurys, eager to avoid a scandal, turn to Joseph Spector. Spector, renowned magician turned sleuth, has an uncanny knack for solving complicated crimes – but this case will test his powers of deduction to their limits.

At a snowbound English country house, a body is found is impossible circumstances, and a killer’s bullet is fired through a locked window without breaking the glass. Spector and Flint’s investigations soon collide as they find themselves trapped by the snowstorm where anyone could be the next victim – or the killer…

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MY REVIEW:

“Closing the doors again, Spector looked up at the exterior of Marchbanks. It was a place of secrets, he thought. Secrets and death.” 

Clever, twisty and addictive, Cabaret Macabre sees the return of sleuth and illusionist Joseph Spector in his most intricate mystery to date. 

Hampshire, 1938. Spector is asked to investigate after Sir Giles Drury, a prominent judge, begins receiving sinister letters that his wife thinks are being sent by Victor Silvius, a man who was sent to a sanatorium after attacking Sir Giles nine years ago. Meanwhile, Victor’s sister, Caroline, fears for her brother’s safety and is convinced that Sir Giles is plotting to kill Victor and turns to Inspector Flint for help. Their and their investigations collide after the discovery of a body at the Drury’s country house. As they investigate a snowstorm hits, trapping potential victims with the killer and the race is on to identify the culprit before they kill again.

Locked-room mysteries are my favourite sub-genre of thrillers, so I was very excited to finally read a book from this series. Tom Mead drew me in immediately, transporting me back to pre-war England with the books’ old-fashioned mystery vibes. This was my first time reading this author and this series, and while it is a great standalone, I will definitely be going back and reading the other books in the series as I enjoyed it so much. Well-written, sharply plotted and pacy, this complex web had so many different threads that I have no idea how the author came up with this or kept things straight in his head. I’m usually quite good at figuring out culprits and predicting what will happen next, but this one had me completely stumped. And when the truth was finally revealed my jaw hit the floor, astounded at the small, detailed clues I’d missed that unveiled the killer. 

“It’s like a jigsaw, but with all the wrong pieces.” 

The story is filled with a large cast of colourful, fascinating and memorable characters that leaped from the pages. Joseph Spector is a compelling protagonist and I think that having an investigator who used to be an illusionist is such an original concept that allows for some really fun and intriguing moments. There is no obvious villain and everyone has a possible motive, which I liked as it made it impossible to unravel the mystery and I got to simply enjoy the wild ride. 

Nostalgic, riveting and inventive, Cabaret Macabre is a must-read for anyone who enjoys an entertaining cosy mystery.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Tom Mead is a Derbyshire mystery writer and aficionado of Golden Age Crime Fiction. His debut novel, DEATH AND THE CONJUROR, was an international bestseller, nominated for several awards, and named one of the best mysteries of the year by The Guardian and Publishers Weekly. Its sequel, THE MURDER WHEEL, was described as “pure nostalgic pleasure” by the Wall Street Journal and “a delight” by the Daily Mail. It was also named one of the Best Traditional Mysteries of 2023 by Crimereads. His third novel, CABARET MACABRE, will be published in 2024.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

PAPERBACK BLOG TOUR: The Beaver Theory (The Rabbit Factor Trilogy, Book 3) by Antti Tuomainen

Published July 18th, 2024 by Orenda
Mystery, Thriller, Horror Fiction, Hard-boiled, Humourous Fiction, Translated Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the kooky and original The Beaver Theory, which is the final book in the brilliant The Rabbit Factor Trilogy. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours and to Karen at Orenda for the copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can everyone’s favourite insurance mathematician, Henri, combine the increasingly dangerous world of adventure parks with the unpredictability of blended-family life? He’s about to find out in the final instalment of the hilarious, nail-biting Rabbit Factor Trilogy.

‘A joyous, triumphant conclusion to Tuomainen’s trilogy … the comic thriller of the year’ Sunday Times THRILLER OF THE YEAR

‘Quirky crime capers don’t come more left field than the Rabbit trilogy … extremely funny, with a wicked line in social satire’ Daily Mail

‘One of those rare writers who manages to deftly balance intrigue, noir and a deliciously ironic sense of humour’ Vaseem Khan

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Henri Koskinen, intrepid insurance mathematician and adventure-park entrepreneur, firmly believes in the power of common sense and order. That is until he moves in with painter Laura Helanto and her daughter…

As Henri realises he has inadvertently become part of a group of local dads, a competing adventure park is seeking to expand their operations, not always sticking to the law in the process…

Is it possible to combine the increasingly dangerous world of the adventure-park business with the unpredictability of life in a blended family? At first glance, the two appear to have only one thing in common: neither deals particularly well with a mounting body count.

In order to solve this seemingly impossible conundrum, Henri is forced to step far beyond the mathematical precision of his comfort zone … and the stakes have never been higher…

Warmly funny, quirky, touching, and a nail-biting triumph of a thriller, The Beaver Theory is the final instalment in the award-winning Rabbit Factor Trilogy, as Henri encounters the biggest challenge of his career, with hair-raising results…

Soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell

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MY REVIEW:

We’re back with Henri and the others at the YouMeFun Adventure Park for the last book in the Rabbit Factor Trilogy. In his final adventure, the actuary and adventure-park entrepreneur is trying to balance his new family commitments with saving his park, preventing his staff becoming embroiled in an adventure-park war, and solving a murder. And time is running out. But Henri believes that order and mathematics will win the day as they always have, even if he’s forced further out of his comfort zone than ever as he faces his biggest challenges to date.

Laugh-out-loud funny, wacky, touching and unpredictable, The Beaver Theory is a glorious finale for this offbeat trilogy. In this instalment Henri is a real fish out of water as he embraces the chaos of family life, school runs and bake sales alongside the running of his adventure-park, a job that is far more dangerous than you’d imagine. Written with Antti Tuomainen’s signature kooky comic genius, warmth and tension, he kept me guessing as the madness unfolded right up to the spectacular finale. But this witty caper was also bittersweet as I never wanted the trilogy to end and I’m glad I’ve got the TV adaptation to look forward to. 

Henri remains one of my favourite characters ever written. Sensible, ordered, meticulous and very quirky, there is no one else like him. I adore this character and love the way he finds respite in logic, order and mathematics even when he’s a suspected murderer. He’s such a refreshing character to read and you can’t help but root for him every step of the way. I loved seeing him happy and taking on the challenge of family life and all its craziness in this book, especially when he’s pulled into being part of the ‘Dads Gang’. The latter paved the way for many hilarious moments and I enjoyed seeing his softer side in his interactions with Laura and her daughter. 

Kooky, original and entertaining, The Beaver Theory is another must-read from Tuomainen and Orenda. While it could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the whole series to avoid missing out on some of the best fiction you’ll ever read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. In 2011, Tuomainen’s third novel, The Healer, was awarded the Clue Award for Best Finnish Crime Novel and was shortlisted for the Glass Key Award. In 2013, the Finnish press crowned Tuomainen the ‘King of Helsinki Noir’ when Dark as My Heart was published. With a piercing and evocative style, Tuomainen was one of the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime-genre formula, and his poignant, dark and hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards. Palm Beach Finland (2018) was an immense success, with The Times calling Tuomainen ‘the funniest writer in Europe’, and Little Siberia (2019) was shortlisted for the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Readers Awards, the Last Laugh Award and the CWA International Dagger, and won the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel. The Rabbit Factor, the prequel to The Moose Paradox, will soon be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell for Amazon Studios.

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MEET THE TRANSLATOR:

David Hackston is a British translator of Finnish and Swedish literature and drama. Notable publications include The Dedalus Book of Finnish Fantasy, Maria Peura’s coming-of-age novel At the Edge of Light, Johanna Sinisalo’s eco-thriller Birdbrain, two crime novels by Matti Joensuu and Kati Hiekkapelto’s Anna Fekete series (which currently includes The Hummingbird, The Defenceless and The Exiled, all published by Orenda Books). He also translates Antti Tuomainen’s stories. In 2007 he was awarded the Finnish State Prize for Translation. David is also a professional countertenor and a founding member of the English Vocal Consort of Helsinki.

BUY THE BOOK:

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Reviews

SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst by Katie Lumsden

Published July 18th, 2024 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Welcome to my review for this charming, witty and sassy novel, which was the SquadPod Book Club book for July. Thank you Michael Joseph for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:


‘Romance and scandal abound in this compelling period drama . . . Recommended for all lovers of Regency historical fiction’ LAURA SHEPPERSON, author of The Heroines

‘Warm and witty, with a wonderful cast of quirky characters whose company I found irresistible’ JESSICA BULL, author of Miss Austen Investigates

‘A glittering comedy with spiky wit, an eye for social critique, and (of course) a terrific sense of irony’ TOM MEAD, author of Death and the Conjuror and The Murder Wheel

‘Rich with scandal, romance and social mores . . . a total delight!’ ANITA FRANK, author of The Lost Ones and The Good Liars

—

A single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife…
But why would he choose her?

Summer 1841. It is marriage season in the county of Wickenshire, and Miss Amelia Ashpoint isn’t sure she can face yet another ball. But now that she has reached the grand age of three-and-twenty, time is (apparently) running out. Her father is anxious to secure her a husband and has set his sights on Mr Montgomery Hurst of Radcliffe Park.

Only, Mr Hurst has just announced his engagement to somebody else.

To the great consternation of Wickenshire, a community that thrives on gossip, the county’s most eligible bachelor is about to marry not only an unknown stranger – but a widow with three children, odd manners and no ancestry to speak of. Society is appalled and intrigued.

Meanwhile, Amelia Ashpoint has no interest in marriage at all. But in this town, it is clear that nobody’s business is their own. And while society has high expectations for Amelia, her heart is drawing her in a very different direction . . .

A love letter to Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst is a witty novel of manners and gossip, class and family, scandal and romance.

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MY REVIEW:

Witty, fun, gossipy and addictive, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst is a glorious Regency comedy of manners. Katie Lumsden’s sensational debut, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was one of my top reads of last year so I was excited to dive into her sophomore novel. I went into it blind, expecting another Victorian gothic mystery, and was pleasantly surprised by this piece of Victorian uplit.

Set in the fictional county of Wickenshire in 1841, this is a story of family, romance, society, gossip and scandal. It follows Amelia, the eldest daughter of the wealthy Ashpoint family. Amelia is not your average 19th century heroine and has vowed never to take a husband. Despite this, her father hopes to secure her marriage to Mr. Montgomery Hurst, but his hopes are quashed when Mr. Hurst announces his engagement at the first ball of the marriage season. The gossip fires are ablaze as all of Society wonders who his mystery bride-to-be could be. Tongues wag further when it is revealed that not only is the new Mrs. Hurst a stranger, but also a widow and mother of three young children. The scandal! How could a gentleman choose such an unsuitable bride? And what will become of Miss Ashpoint now? 

Katie Lumsden has knocked it out of the park once again with this magnificent tale. She brings her fictional world to life in vivid technicolour with her exquisite period prose, cleverly choreographed plots and ebullient characters. I lost myself completely in this book, captivated by the people and their lives. It is lively and upbeat, but also touches on serious topics from that time such as  sexuality, gender and illegitimacy. These are all handled sensitively but honestly, woven into the narrative seamlessly alongside the secrets, drama, romance and laughter. It gave me wholesome Bridgerton vibes and feels ripe for a sequel.

I was captivated by the book’s cast of quirky, compelling characters. Its heroine, Amelia Ashpoint, is not your average 19th century heroine, and that is why I loved her so much. Spiky, headstrong and plain-speaking, she prefers reading books to dancing, doesn’t fit into the strict gender roles available to her, vows never to take a husband, and is struggling to find her place. But she is kind hearted, likeable, and so fun to read. The eponymous Mrs. Hurst was another fascinating character. Only we know very little about her and are given only breadcrumbs of information about her history and character, keeping us guessing what she might be hiding. I also really liked Diggory, Amelia’s older brother. There were also some great stuck up and unlikeable characters who added to the drama and authenticity. 

So if you’re looking for a different kind of lighthearted and escapist read this summer, then look no further than this charming, elegant and sassy novel. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

From Katie’s Website:
Right, so, hello!

Hi, I’m Katie and I like books. I like to read books, write books and talk about books on the internet. When I am not speaking rapidly about Victorian literature and historical fiction on YouTube, I also write novels and work as a freelance editor.

I chiefly write historical fiction, both novels and short stories. My debut novel, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was published in spring 2023, by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK and by Dutton in the US.

My second novel, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst, will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK in July 2024

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BUY THE BOOK:

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BLOG TOUR: Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life by Helen Fisher

Published July 18th, 2024 by Simon & Schuster UK
Humorous Fiction, Disability Fiction

Today is my stop on the blog tour for this heartfelt and mesmerising story. Thank you to Sara-Jade at Books and the City for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘Extraordinary’ Heidi Swain
‘Life-affirming’ Hazel Prior
‘Big-hearted’ Caroline Day
‘Beautiful’ Julietta Henderson
‘Heartwarming’ Daily Mail
‘Unputdownable’ My Weekly
‘A joy’ Good Housekeeping
 
Joe loves predictability. But his life is about to become a surprising adventure.

Joe-Nathan likes the two parts of his name separate, just like his dinner and dessert. Mean Charlie at work sometimes calls him Joe-Nuthin. But Joe is far from nothing. Joe is a good friend, he’s good at his job, good at making things and good at following the rules, and he’s learning how to do lots of things by himself.

Joe’s mother knows there are a million things in life he isn’t prepared for. While she helps guide him every day, she’s also writing notebooks full of advice about the things she hasn’t told Joe yet, things he might forget and answers to questions he hasn’t yet asked.

Following her wisdom – applying it in his own unique way – this next part of Joe’s life is more of a surprise than he expects. Because he’s about to learn that remarkable things can happen when you leave your comfort zone, and that you can do even the hardest things with a little help from your friends.

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MY REVIEW:

Oh, my heart was not ready for this book. Tender, moving, funny and uplifting, this is one of those books that will strike a resonant chord in the heart of every reader. Exquisitely written and emotionally astute, Helen Fisher has crafted a delightful story filled with joy, humour, heartbreak and hope in equal measure. 

Joe Nuthin’s Guide To Life is a story about love, life, friendship, community, and self-discovery. It follows Joe-Nathan, who lives at home with his mum, Janet, and works at The Compass Store. He has OCD, and lives his life governed by his routines such as going to the pub every Friday evening, and getting a takeaway on Saturday nights. To help Joe live an independent life, Janet has put together a blue notebook that is filled with all the things Joe might need to know and any time he doesn’t know what to do in a situation, he consults the book. But the most important thing to know about Joe is that he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. Unfortunately, others do. Mean Charlie at work has nicknamed him Joe Nuthin while Owen is even nastier. Thankfully he has some good friends, such as Chloe and Hugo Boss, who always have his back. 

Joe is a special character unlike any other you have read. He stole my heart and I loved living every moment of this story alongside him. One of the things I liked about Joe is that although he lives a simple life according to strict rules, he is actually a very nuanced character whose black and white view of the world offers gems of wisdom that many of us could learn from. I loved his relationship with his mum, Janet. She’s a fantastic mum and I loved that she created this beautifully written manual to help him through life. She wants her son to embrace life and enjoy independence, and although it is Joe and Janet against the world at the start of the book, we soon discover he has so many others in his life to also encourage him as he bravely stepped outside of his comfort zone to experience new things. The love and camaraderie radiated from the pages and the characters were so much fun to read. I had a real soft spot for Chloe, his fiery and loyal work colleague. But it was his relationship with Charlie that I found most touching as Joe discovers Charlie is hiding dark secrets, showing incredible kindness as he tries to help him in his own unique way.

Thoughtful, heartfelt, mesmerising, and achingly human, Joe Nuthin’s Guide To Life is a must read that will warm you from the inside and restore your faith in others. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Helen Fisher spent her early life in America, but grew up mainly in Suffolk where she now lives with her two children. She studied Psychology at Westminster University and Ergonomics at UCL and worked as a senior evaluator in research at RNIB. She is now a full-time author.

Helen’s debut novel, SPACE HOPPER, was published by Simon & Schuster UK in Feb 2021. Her upcoming novel, JOE NUTHIN’S GUIDE TO LIFE (Simon & Schuster) was published in 2023.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

*********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: The Dead Friend Project by Joanna Wallace

Published July 11th, 2024 by Viper Books
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Women Sleuths

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this darkly funny thriller. Thank you to Viper for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A fresh new voice in crime fiction’ – JANICE HALLETT
‘Funny, sad, witty and very engaging’ – EMMA CURTIS
‘Darkly funny and deftly plotted’ – ALICE CLARK-PLATTS

Everyone needs a hobby…

Things haven’t been going well for Beth. Her husband has left her for one of her friends. Her fellow school mums judge her for swearing too much and not shifting the baby weight. And now she’s stuck in A&E after her son fell off the climbing wall on the first day of school.

In fact, things haven’t been going well for Beth since Charlotte died – her best friend, a favourite at the school pick-ups and the only person to ever run an interesting PTA meeting. But after being hit by a car while on an ill-timed evening jog, Charlotte is no longer there to help Beth pick up the pieces of her increasingly difficult life.

That is, until Beth discovers that Charlotte left her toddler alone in the house during that fatal run. The Charlotte she knew would never do something so irresponsible, and suddenly Beth is questioning whether Charlotte’s death was really an accident. With a newfound purpose and a glass of wine in hand, it’s time for Beth to uncover what really happened to her best friend. And what better place to start than the circle of chatty school mums, who can’t be as perfect as they pretend. But which of them is hiding something? Beth’s determined to find out. Once she’s put the kids to bed, of course…

‘Riotously funny and searingly observed’ – KATE SIMANTS
‘A twisty-turny mystery that drew me in from the opening lines’ – PHILIPPA EAST

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MY REVIEW:

Dark, laugh-out-loud funny, messy, vibrant, and addictive, this was an absolute riot. I loved Joanna Wallace’s debut and couldn’t wait to pick this one up. And when I did I devoured it in under a day, unable to put it down once I’d started. 

It follows Beth, a woman who is teetering on the edge. Nothing has gone right for her since her husband left her for her friend. She’s struggling with single parenthood, the other mum’s judge her for swearing too much, and her drinking is becoming a problem. She’s a hot mess. And to make things even worse, the only person she can turn to, her best friend Charlotte, was killed the same night her husband left. But when Beth discovers that Charlotte left her young son home alone that night she immediately becomes suspicious. The Charlotte she knew would never be so irresponsible, and she begins to question if her friend’s death really was an accident. With a new found sense of purpose, Beth sets out to uncover the truth about that night….

Joanna Wallace is proving herself to be a must-read author for anyone who loves a darkly comic thriller. Deftly plotted, acutely observed and charged with adrenaline, she manages to walk that fine line of being both absolutely hilarious and deeply moving. A story of friendship, loss, grief and obsession, there are some difficult topics woven into the narrative. Dark secrets, fractured people, and complex relationships inhabit the pages, creating a melting pot of disaster ripe for boiling over. And when it does, no one will come out unscathed. Everyone is a suspect and, like Beth, I didn’t trust anyone. I loved that Wallace used certain details to make the reader suspect characters, adding to the suspicion, mistrust and unease. I was on the edge of my seat, my heart thumping, as the tension sizzled on the pages. 

Beth was a great protagonist. It’s not just her life that‘s a disaster, she is too, and it’s like she’s determined to self-destruct. I liked that she wasn’t a picture-perfect mum and had a lot of empathy for all she was going through, but I also really wanted to give her a shake. She becomes increasingly obsessed with discovering what happened to Charlotte but she is an unreliable narrator, so it was hard to know if we could trust her recollections, discoveries and suspicions. Were the pieces she’s putting together real or the overactive imaginings of a grieving woman? As the story went on she became increasingly unstable, something that seemed inevitable with her alcohol consumption and being surrounded by people she suspects of murder. The other mums and playground politics are perfectly written and I think all parents have met mothers like the ones on these pages. It certainly took me back to the days I used to do the school run and all the clique-filled drama that was part of it. 

Propulsive, tense and twisting, The Dead Friend Project is a riveting ink-black comedy not to be missed.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Joanna Wallace worked as a solicitor until an autoimmune condition took away some of her sight. She now volunteers at a charity helpline and runs a family business with her husband. She was partly inspired to write You’d Look Better as A Ghost following her father’s diagnosis of early onset dementia. Joanna lives near London with her husband, four children and two dogs.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: The Silence in Between by Josie Ferguson

Published June 20th, 2024 by Doubleday UK
Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction, War Story, Political Fiction

Welcome to my review for this poignant, courageous and unforgettable debut. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Blog Tours the invitation to take part in the blog tour and to Doubleday for the sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES DEBUT PRIZE 2024

The gripping historical debut about a family separated by the Berlin wall – perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See, In Memoriam and Alone in Berlin

‘A tautly plotted, deeply involving novel that packs a real emotional punch … I can’t recommend this novel highly enough’ Laura Barnett, author of The Versions of Us
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Imagine waking up and a wall has divided your city in two. Imagine that on the other side is your child…

Lisette is in hospital with her baby boy. The doctors tell her to go home and get some rest, that he’ll be fine.

When she awakes, everything has changed. Because overnight, on 13 August 1961, the border between East and West Berlin has closed, slicing the city – and the world – in two.

Lisette is trapped in the east, while her newborn baby is unreachable in the west. With the streets in chaos and armed guards ordered to shoot anyone who tries to cross, her situation is desperate.

Lisette’s teenage daughter, Elly, has always struggled to understand the distance between herself and her mother. Both have lived for music, but while Elly hears notes surrounding every person she meets, for her mother – once a talented pianist – the music has gone silent.

Perhaps Elly can do something to bridge the gap between them. What begins as the flicker of an idea turns into a daring plan to escape East Berlin, find her baby brother, and bring him home….

Based on true stories, The Silence in Between is a page-turning, emotional epic that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

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MY REVIEW:

“Evil demanded little of me – it merely asked me to remain silent, to do nothing. And I complied.” 

Imagine waking up one morning to discover there is a wall separating your city. You are on one side, and your sick baby is in hospital on the other side. You can’t reach him because guards patrol the wall day and night and shoot anyone who tries to cross. That is the heartbreaking reality facing Lisette when she wakes up on August 13th, 1961 to find the Berlin Wall now completely separates east and west Berlin. She is in the east, whilst her sick baby boy is in hospital in the west. What would you do? If you’re Lisette’s daughter, Ely, then you start concocting a plan to cross the border and rescue your little brother. But can she succeed where so many others have failed?

Powerful, poignant, haunting, courageous, and mesmerising, The Silence in Between is an extraordinary debut. Having the opportunity to read breathtaking books that feel like a watershed moment, such as this one, is one of the biggest privileges of being a book blogger. A story of family, love, loss, fear and hope, the story is set across dual timelines: the end of World War II and the months following the construction of the Berlin Wall. Exquisitely written and rich with historic detail, this is a book you live, not simply read. The fact that all of the things that happen on these pages are taken from real moments in history makes it all the more moving, compelling and terrifying. It is a master-class in bringing history to life, Josie Ferguson’s meticulous research immerses you in the story completely and I tried to soak in every word as the story washed over me. 

“Like so many, I chose to be ignorant of the events that were unfolding. I was like a small girl plugging my ears with my finger tips and singing loudly to drown out the voices of truth. I was present, yet stupidly unaware.”

It is a challenge to write about a significant period in history and Ms. Ferguson decided to write about two of them, but she excels. There is an overwhelming sense of malevolence and an undercurrent of fear hints at danger lurking in every corner in both timelines.  There’s feelings of isolation as you don’t know who you can trust or who might betray you, and we see how circumstances can lead ordinary people to do desperate and despicable things to survive. It was hard to read at times, especially when addressing the brutality German women were subjected to by the Russians in the aftermath of World War II. But while she writes with honesty, it is never graphic or gruesome, only showing us what is needed to understand the characters. Unbearably human and heart-rending, it explores the worst of humanity but also gives us a glimpse of hope; that this too shall pass and better times will come. 

“Everyone’s songs will change for ever with today’s news, and though I know it’s only my imagination that creates the sound of their music, I still find the cacophony of their panic deafening.”

Ms. Ferguson explores a variety of themes in this book. The three most recurring themes are trauma, mother/daughter relationships, and music. These allowed us to forge a very real connection with the characters despite them living in extraordinary times. The mother/daughter bond is explored most obviously through Lisette and Ely, who narrate the story. They have always had a difficult and distant relationship that Ely struggled to understand. And while they seem very different on the surface, they are actually quite alike and are both strong, determined and gutsy women who will go to great lengths for those they love. The two also share a love of music, which is a topic woven through every facet of the story. Lisette used to play piano while Ely hears music personal to everyone she meets. This was a beautiful addition to the story and I was fascinated by the idea that we all carry our own theme tune that tells people more about us than words ever could. Sadly this shared love only tears them apart even more as Lisette has stopped playing the piano for reasons unknown and doesn’t like Ely to talk about her gift. The reasons for all of this are revealed slowly, as secrets in Lisette’s past are revealed and we explore the curse of generational trauma. 

Atmospheric, emotional, tense, and unflinching, The Silence in Between is an unmissable and unforgettable debut that I can’t recommend highly enough. This will be in my top books of the year and is a contender for my overall favourite book of 2024. Josie Ferguson is a talent to watch and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Born in Sweden to a family of writers and readers, Josie Ferguson moved to Scotland when she was two. She returned to Sweden in her twenties, where she completed a vocational degree in Clinical Psychology (MSc). Upon graduating, she moved to London to pursue a career in publishing, something she had dreamed about since delving into fictional worlds as a child, hidden under the duvet with a torch.

She later moved to Asia in search of an adventure and a bit more sun and currently works as a freelance book editor in Singapore, where she lives with her husband and two young children. While training to become a clinical psychologist, Josie learned about the complexity of human nature, something she explores as a writer. She believes books about the past can change the future and she aspires to write as many as possible. The Silence in Between is her debut.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshoop.org* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.