Tag: Emma’s Anticipated Treasures

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Recommends Squadpod Reviews

SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB REVIEW: Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray

Published May 7th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Legal Thriller, Crime Fiction, Courtroom Drama

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Breathlessly compulsive courtroom drama with expertly-crafted twists that you won’t see coming, Dissection of a Murder is the razor-sharp debut novel from Jo Murray.

A dead judge. A silent defendant. And a courtroom full of liars.

When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is: the murder of a well-respected, well-known judge. This shouldn’t be the kind of case she’s leading; it’s way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her.

To make things worse, he’s refusing to talk. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case?

Losing is not an option. She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers – they’re all about convincing a jury.

Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison, but also to keep her own secrets buried.

It’s true what they say – there are two sides to every story.

Guilty or not guilty?

You decide . . .

BUY THE BOOK

********

MY REIVEW:

Guilty or not guilty? You decide…

That is the question asked by this outstanding debut thriller And days after finishing it, I’m still reeling. 

The story follows lawyer Leila Reynolds who is defending her first murder case. She was shocked to be chosen because a judge has been murdered and this is a high profile case. But the defendant, Jack Millman, makes it clear he wants her to defend him. Things are made even harder because Jack is refusing to talk and says he’ll only reveal what really happened on the stand. How can she win the case without knowing his defence? But losing isn’t an option. Especially with her husband prosecuting the case. She just needs to find an argument that will convince the jury there’s reasonable doubt. But as the case goes on, Leila’s own secrets threaten to surface, and suddenly she’s fighting not only for Jack’s freedom, but to keep her life from falling apart.

Holy freaking twists! I was not prepared for how much of a nail-biting rollercoaster ride this was going to be. Atmospheric, urgent, compulsive, and heart-poundingly tense, this had me on a knife-edge from start to finish. It is a story of secrets, lies, revenge and murder. A sophisticated and twisty Courtroom drama that you will find impossible to put down once you’ve started. Jo Murray showcases herself as an author to watch with this exquisitely written and expertly crafted debut, delivering an intoxicating combination of malice-ridden prose, red herrings and clever twists. As she drip-fed the clues I was hoodwinked by her misdirections multiple times, and my jaw hit the floor when she delivered that triple-bluff ending that I still can’t get over. I listened to the audiobook and Joanne Froggart’s superb narration elevated the story to another level, pulling me into the story and making me feel like I living every moment alongside the characters.

The story is filled with a cast of deeply flawed but compelling characters who were so much fun to read. Protagonist Leila was easy to like and root for but also feels like an enigma as there are hints of secrets and a hidden past. There is a lot of focus on Leila’s marriage as her husband, Julian, is the prosecutor in the case. I couldn’t stand Julian and had no idea why Leila was with him. All the same, I enjoyed the added tension that having a married couple on opposing sides of the same case brought to the story. But my favourite character was the enigmatic Witness X. This character narrates regular chapters where they take us through their rules for life and terrible backstory. I had a few candidates for who this character might be and loved that Jo kept me guessing who they were right up until the big reveal. 

This phenomenal thriller is a must-read for all thriller thriller lovers.

Rating: 👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️

Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jo Murray grew up in Teesside during the 1990s when working-class girls were told they probably shouldn’t try to become barristers. Thankfully, she ignored everyone. After studying Classics at Newcastle University, she went to law school and was a criminal barrister before leaving the profession to look after her two children.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

*this post contains affiliate links

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

Published February 26th, 2026 by Bantam Press
Gothic Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Romantic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Ghost Story, Debut Novel

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A dark, gothic slow-burn fantasy romance, Weavingshaw follows a young woman haunted by the ghosts of her past and the Saint of Silence who promises her greatest desire in return for her darkest secret…

‘LEENA DIDN’T BELIEVE IN MONSTERS UNTIL SHE SAW WEAVINGSHAW.’

The Saint of Silence trades coins for every sordid divulgence uttered to him. The darker the secret, the higher the price.

Leena has a secret, one that has haunted her since she was seventeen – she can see the dead. When her brother falls ill, she knows what she must do: seek the Saint.

But Leena’s secret is more valuable to him that she could have imagined. To save her brother, she must make a deal with him to find the ghost he’s searching for.

All paths lead to Weavingshaw, a cursed estate on the moors. As Leena grows closer to the Saint, and is plunged into his world of danger, deceit and desire, she learns that he is hiding his own secrets – ones that have the power to destroy them all.

buy here

********

MY REVIEW:

Leena can see the dead. It’s a secret she’s kept since she was seventeen. But now she’s going to trade that secret for the money to save her sick brother. So, she seeks out the Saint of Silence, who says that in order to save her brother she must agree to help him find the ghost he’s looking for. She reluctantly agrees. But Leena isn’t the only one hiding a secret. So is the Saint, and as their search leads them to the cursed estate of Weavingshaw, Leena learns his secret could destroy them all…

Darkly atmospheric, gothic and spellbinding this slow-burn fantasy debut that is so much more than a ghost story. It feels cinematic and epic: a story of deadly secrets, demons and haunted houses that has themes of power and debt at its core. Filled with tension, twists and surprises, the story unfolds piece by piece, giving us just enough  information to think about while keeping us guessing about the full picture. It kept me on tenterhooks, eager to learn more and discover what other secrets were lurking beneath the surface. Heba Al Wasity’s storytelling is gorgeous, her imagery evocative and her world building rich and detailed. I loved the dark, supernatural elements, the magic and how the political unrest added to the tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, Weavingshaw itself looms large over the entire story, feeling like a character in its own right. There are beautiful, haunting descriptions of this eerie house and the dark undercurrent that runs through it. It’s shadowy, gothic and unnerving. Exactly what I wanted in a gothic fantasy. 

The characters are morally complex and compelling, pulling you into their world and their stories. I thought Leena and Silas were great protagonists. She’s a heroine who is haunted by ghosts and he’s a tortured saint who is more sinful than good. I enjoyed learning their histories, what makes them tick and what motivates them. Leena’s experiences as a WOC and a refugee are central to who she is and I loved how they were woven into the narrative. Silas keeps his cards much closer to the vest but I was keen to unlock what secrets he was hiding. The romance between them was slow-burn which I enjoyed as bonding slowly and being reluctant to admit their feelings felt more realistic than if they’d instantly fallen in love.

A fantastic beginning to what promises to be an epic new series, this is a must for fantasy lovers. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Bantam Press and Libro.fm for sending my proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heba Al-Wasity was inspired to write by her own experiences of being born an Iraqi-refugee in Libya, growing up in Canada, and attending medical school in the UK. She has worked in emergency care and several psychiatric inpatient units, allowing her to gain first-hand insight in the ways that poverty and deprivation can lead to social inequalities. She currently lives with her husband near Manchester, just close enough to the moors to set her imagination alight.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*This post contains affiliate links

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum

Published March 12th, 2026 by Hodder & Stoughton
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Romance Novel

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A MYSTERY WRAPPED INSIDE A LOVE STORY. A STUNNING DEBUT’ ALICE FEENEY

‘THIS IS THE THRILLER I NEEDED TO FILL THAT GONE GIRL-SHAPED HOLE’ RUTH MANCINI

‘Absolutely addictive. This story might keep you up at night’
‘THIS AMAZING THRILLER MIGHT JUST SAVE YOUR LIFE’

Benny and Joy like to say that they’ve been saving each other since the moment they met.

Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is accused of her murder.

Best friends Benny and Joy host a beloved ‘comedy survival’ podcast, gleefully finding life-affirming humour in near-death experiences.

When Benny arrives at Joy and her husband’s home one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house.

With Joy missing and the hours ticking by, not even their most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets they have hidden from the world – and from each other.

If Benny wants to find Joy in time, and clear his own name, he’ll have to solve the highest stakes survival story yet.

BUY THE BOOK

********

MY REVIEW:

We have a strong contender for my favourite book of the year. 

Best friends Benny and Joy co-host a popular comedy survival podcast, finding life-affirming humour in near death experiences. But when Benny arrives at Joy’s house one morning to record, he discovers the house empty and in disarray. Joy and Xander are missing. There are few clues and as the police search for the couple, Benny is trying to decipher them in an attempt to find Joy and clear his own name before it’s too late.

What a rollercoaster! Funny, vibrant, and heart-poundingly tense, This Story Might Save Your Life is a  love story cloaked inside a compelling mystery. Tiffany Crum has crafted a truly original debut. Beautifully written, perfectly paced, meticulously choreographed and layered with intimacy, humour and suspense, Crum had me in her thrall from start to finish. This feels like a very modern story and I loved the podcast element, especially 

how clips from actual episodes were included. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators elevated every facet of the story, which also meant I often found myself forgetting I wasn’t listening to a real podcast. I also loved  trying to piece together the clues alongside Benny but it was hard to predict and my jaw dropped with every revelation. Totally unputdownable, it kept me on the edge of my seat and up well past my bedtime. And that ending! I’d never have guessed it.

The book is filled with a cast of characters that were likeable, charismatic and real, especially Benny and Joy, whose friendship felt genuine. I loved their easy, witty banter and the way they supported each other. And then there’s the undercurrent of love and longing, which creates a will they/won’t they tension. It’s obvious from the start that they have feelings for each other, but there is always a reason not to confront it, whether that’s other relationships or fear of ruining their friendship. I was screaming at them that they were meant for each other and that none of this would have happened if they’d just been together all this time.

A magnificent and unforgettable debut, this is a must for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tiffany Crum grew up on a dairy farm just down the road from a maximum-security prison. A longtime Californian, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband, two sons, and dogs, and spends her free time trying to keep her vegetable garden alive. Her debut novel, This Story Might Save Your Life, is a New York Times bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of March, a Book of the Month selection, and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick. It will be published in nineteen languages and is under option for television.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*This post contains affiliate links

Categories
Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Governess by Wendy Holden

Published August 20th, 2020 by Welbeck Publishing
Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Before there was Elizabeth, there was Lilibet…

‘A hugely entertaining, emotionally satisfying story of love and loyalty’DAILY MAIL

‘A poignant, fictional reimagining of a woman condemned by history, with plenty of modern-day echoes’MAIL ON SUNDAY
___________

She Came From Nothing . . . and Raised a Queen

The drama of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the trauma of World War II – Marion Crawford, affectionately known as Crawfie, stood by the side of the royal family through it all.

In 1933, a progressive young teacher became governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Determined to give her pupils a fun and normal childhood, she took them on buses, swimming at public baths and Christmas shopping at Woolworths.

For seventeen years she served at the heart of the royal family. But her devotion and loyalty counted for nothing when a perceived betrayal brought everything crashing down.

This sweeping, sumptuous novel brings her long-buried story to life and shines a completely new and captivating light into the world’s most famous family.

BUY HERE

********

MY REVIEW:

Sweeping, sensitive, poignant and absorbing, this is a wonderful reimagining of the life of the little-known woman who came from nothing to become the governess to a future Queen. It is also a fictionalised account of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret’s childhoods, told through the eyes of their governess, Marion Crawford, known affectionately as ‘Crawfie’.

Marion was no ordinary governess. Sassy, independent, innovative and progressive, she was a trailblazer who set out to teach the young Royals about normal life, how poor people live, equal opportunities, social justice and feminism. She introduced fun and normalcy into the Princesses’ lives, taking them for trips on the Underground, bus rides, swimming lessons and shopping for Christmas gifts at Woolworths. Her original ambition was to teach children in the slums and she only took the position with the then Duke and Duchess of York on a temporary basis. That temporary job turned into seventeen years of loyal and devoted service, before a perceived betrayal saw her dismissed from her position and banished from the Royal Family’s lives.

Wonderfully written and meticulously researched, Wendy Holden has created a book that reads like an autobiography rather than fiction. She strips away the pomp, ceremony and stiffness of Britain’s First Family to give us an intimate glimpse into their lives and personalities. We are so used to seeing the royals surrounded by glamour and doing their public duties that it was fascinating to see them humanised at home. I quickly took the caring and anxious Princess Elizabeth into my heart and enjoyed reading the exploits of the mischievous Princess Margaret. Woven into the narrative is a backdrop featuring some of the most dramatic events in history including the devastating Abdication of King Edward VII, the glamorous Coronation of King George VII, and the terror and trauma of World War II. Holden has also intertwined themes such as feminism, civil rights, poverty and privilege, allowing us to see how life really was for many people during the 1930s and 40s.

Powerful, moving and utterly captivating, this is a must for historical fiction fans.

Rating: 👑👑👑👑

Thank you Welbeck for sending me a proof copy of this book

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Amazon: I’m a No 1 bestselling novelist whose 21 books have sold over 3m copies in 14 languages worldwide. 10 of my titles have been top 10 bestsellers in hardback and paperback. My experience on glossy magazines was the inspiration for my debut, the smash-hit comedy Simply Divine.

I then pivoted to historical fiction with the bestselling Windsor Trilogy. The Governess was about Marion ‘Crawfie’ Crawford, the young Scottish teacher who brought fun and normality to the childhood of Elizabeth II. The Duchess explored the incredible rise of Wallis Simpson whilst The Princess traced the young Diana Spencer’s extraordinary path to the altar.

The Queen’s Painter, my latest novel, has Tudor artist Hans Holbein as its hero. Henry VIII’s court has been novelised every which way, but never from the point of view of the man who was its ultimate insider. Who observed it all so closely and knew and painted every major figure. But what did Hans make of the bloody dramas for which he had a ringside easel? In particular, the death of Anne Boleyn, his first patron and long-time friend. Did he use his genius to get revenge? Out June 18 from Mountain Lion Press.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

*this post contains affiliate links

Categories
Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Published February 29th, 2024 by 4th Estate
Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction, Translated Fiction

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

WINNER OF WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DEBUT NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2025

THE NUMBER 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICK

‘A full-fat, Michelin-starred treat’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘I have been glued to Asako Yuzuki’s new novel Butter’ NIGEL SLATER

The cult Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story, and translated by Polly Barton.

There are two things that I can simply not tolerate: feminists and margarine.

Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in Tokyo Detention Centre convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, who she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking. The case has captured the nation’s imagination but Kajii refuses to speak with the press, entertaining no visitors. That is, until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew and Kajii can’t resist writing back.

Rika, the only woman in her news office, works late each night, rarely cooking more than ramen. As the visits unfold between her and the steely Kajii, they are closer to a masterclass in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii but it seems that she might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body, might she and Kaji have more in common than she once thought?

Inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, “The Konkatsu Killer”, Asako Yuzuki’s Butter is a vivid, unsettling exploration of misogyny, obsession, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.

buy here

********

MY REVIEW:

Food and murder. The perfect recipe for a great read.

Manako Kaji is a convicted serial killer who used a dating service to pick her victims, who she seduced with her delicious home cooking. Her case captured the nation’s imagination but she has always refused to speak to the press. Until journalist Rika Machida sent her a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew. After all, she may not want to talk about her case, but Manako will always talk about food. What follows is a mesmerising story about food, sex, murder, misogyny and obsession that is impossible to forget. 

Captivating, mysterious, sensuous, quirky and uncompromising, Butter is a magnificent debut. This cult Japanese bestseller was a highly  anticipated read for me. I finally read it with my book club last year and seeing all the hype on bookstagram had me even more excited to finally experience it for myself. I wasn’t disappointed. Asako Yuzuki is a masterful storyteller who has created a love letter to good food mixed with mystery, wit, tension, murder and feminist rage. A feast for your senses, food plays a huge role and there are an array of mouthwatering descriptions of food that made my stomach rumble. Asako also looks at the role food plays in sensuality and pleasure, exploring how eating can be a sensual experience or used to seduce, as Manako did with her victims. But it also explores Japan’s beauty culture and obsession with being slim, leading to lots of criticism of Manako’s curvier appearance and Asako explores the societal expectations and sexism that accompany it. 

The characters in this book are richly drawn and unforgettable. The two main characters are strong and formidable women who I loved reading. Rika was likeable and easy to root for, and her hunger to interview Manako and fascination with the case was relatable to this true crime aficionado. Meanwhile Manako herself is an unsettling character that lingers in your mind. And knowing she’s based on the real serial killer, ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, only makes her all the more terrifying. 

I devoured this darkly delicious thriller hungrily, reading it in under a day. It’s easy to see why it took  the literary world and bookstagram by storm and has received numerous awards. I can’t wait to read more from Asako.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you to 4th Estate for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Asako Yuzuki (柚木 麻子, Yuzuki Asako) is a Japanese writer. She won the All Yomimono Prize for New Writers and the Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize. Asako has been nominated multiple times for the Naoki Prize, and her novels have been adapted for television, radio, and film.

********

ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:

Polly Barton is a writer and Japanese translator based in Bristol. In 2019, she won the Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize, and her debut book Fifty Sounds , a personal dictionary of the Japanese language, was published in the UK by Fitzcarraldo Editions in April 2021. In 2022, Fifty Sounds was shortlisted for the 2022 Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year.

Her translations have featured in Granta, Catapult, The White Review and Words Without Borders and her full length translations include Spring Garden by Tomoka Shibasaki (Pushkin Press), Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda (Tilted Axis Press/Soft Skull), which was shortlisted for the Ray Bradbury Prize, and There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura (Bloomsbury).

Her new book, Porn: An Oral History , will be published by Fitzcarraldo Editions (UK) in March 2023 and La Nave di Teseo (Italy).

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

This post contains affiliate links

Categories
Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Lamplighters Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Published March 13th, 2025 by Harper Fiction
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy

*I listened to this book on Bookbeat. Click here for 60 days free listening with my affiliate code*

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Netgalley Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2025!!

Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

‘What’s not to love?! Nineteenth century York, bookshops and brilliant characters!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the shadowy aisles of the Lamplighter’s Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust…

When Evelyn Seaton answers an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop in York, she is not the only one with something to hide.

There she meets the enigmatic and prickly William Morton, an aspiring writer keeping secrets of his own. But when the walls that Evelyn has built around herself start to crumble, there is only one person she can turn to.

As the layers are brushed away, can Evelyn and William find the courage to write the next chapter of their story?

BUY hERE

********

MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, delightful, romantic and compelling, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is a truly gorgeous debut. And that ending! My heart has still not recovered. I can see why this was voted as historical fiction book of the year on Netgalley last year.

The story follows Evelyn Seaton, who is at home with her mother, Cecilia, when the police arrive one evening and tell them that they must leave their home. Her father has gambled away everything they have and they are there to seize it all. So they go to York to stay with the only family member they have, Cecelia’s Aunt Clara. With nothing to their name, Evelyn decides she must go against her mother’s wishes and get a job, answering an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop. It is in this shadowy bookshop that she meets William Morton, a mysterious and prickly aspiring writer who, like Evelyn, is keeping secrets to protect himself. The pair try to deny their attraction, but when Evelyn’s life begins to fall apart all over again, William is the only one she can turn to. Can they find the courage to give into their true feelings?

Sophie Austin reveals herself as a writer to watch with this magnificent debut. Her storytelling and imagery is so evocative, bringing the world and characters she’s created to life so vividly that it felt like I was walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century York, wandering the shadowy aisles of the bookshop, and living every moment alongside the characters, who are ebullient and memorable. A story about love, secrets and betrayal, Ms. Austin keeps her reader guessing what secrets most of the characters are hiding. I was on tenterhooks trying to guess what they were hiding and wondered what would happen when they were finally truthful with each other and their secrets were revealed. 

Evelyn is a fantastic protagonist. Not only is she likeable and easy to root for, she’s feisty, intelligent, resourceful, determined and fiercely independent. I was rooting for her from the start as she tried to navigate this scary new reality she’d been thrust into whilst also trying to deal with the heartache of her father’s betrayal. Evelyn also comes up against societal expectations from her mother and others that get in her way, but she finds ways to overcome them at every step, intent on making life better for herself and her mother.  Another character I really enjoyed was Aunt Clara. She was snarky, sharp and witty, lighting up the pages in every scene while also offering sage advice to Evelyn and Cecilia. 

As this is a romance, I obviously need to talk about our potential lovebirds. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope, which was masterfully executed by Ms. Austin. There’s an immediate spark between Evelyn and William but they try to deny it and spend their time disagreeing instead. I loved this quarrelsome pair and their verbal sparring. Their will they/won’t they aspect of their relationship created tension and gave me something to root for. Plus, I knew the pay off would be amazing if they did finally give into their feelings. Something I also liked was what a great character William was in himself. He’s enigmatic, complicated and flawed, and I was as desperate to work him out as Evelyn, keeping me rooted to my chair and turning the pages.

A heartwarming and wonderful debut, I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms. Austin.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from London, Sophie Austin is a historical fiction novelist who now lives in Sweden. Her debut novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER’S BOOKSHOP (coming March 2025) is a turn of the century tale of rivalry, redemption, and love set under the darkening skies of York in 1899. Sophie loves spending time in Victorian England, both in her writing and in her reading, and you can step back in time with her via her website or her Instagram page. When Sophie isn’t writing historical fiction she works as a Senior Creative Writer for a blocky video game writing articles, scripts and more about mining, crafting and surviving

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*This post contains affiliate links

Categories
Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

REVIEW: The Confession by Jessie Burton

Published September 19th, 2019 by Picador
Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Lesbian Literature

********

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Bookclub pick, The Confession is an absorbing tale of secrets and self-discovery from Jessie Burton, the million-copy bestselling author of The Miniaturist and The Muse.

When Elise Morceau meets the writer Constance Holden, she quickly falls under her spell. Connie is sophisticated, bold and alluring – everything Elise feels she is not. She follows Connie to LA, but in this city of strange dreams and 1980s razzle-dazzle, Elise feels even more out of her depth and makes an impulsive decision that will change her life forever.

Three decades later in London, Rose Simmons is trying to uncover the story of her mother, who disappeared when she was a baby. Having learned that the last person to see her was a now reclusive novelist, Rose finds herself at the door of Constance Holden’s house in search of a confession . . .

‘Without doubt one of the best novels of recent years’ – Elizabeth Day, author of How to Fail.

buy here

********

MY REVIEW:

Elise Morceau meets Constance Holden on a winter’s afternoon on Hampstead Heath in 1980 and quickly falls under her spell. Connie is a successful writer and when she relocates to LA while her novel is made into a movie, Elise follows her there. And while LA is the city of dreams, Elise feels out of place and makes a life-changing impulsive decision.

Three decades later, Rose Simmons is trying to finally unveil the story of her mother, who disappeared when she was a baby. She learns that the last person to see her was Constance Holden, who is now a reclusive novelist. So, Rose travels to her house and knocks at her door in search of a confession…

A beautiful journey of self discovery, a timely exploration of motherhood, an enthralling love story and an ode to storytelling, The Confession is tender, moving and achingly real. This one had been on my shelves ever since I received a proof in 2019 and I’d picked it up a few times. But the time wasn’t right until January this year when the stars aligned and I finally got to enjoy this riveting tale. Jessie Burton is a masterful storyteller and it is no secret that I’m a huge fan. Once again she has crafted a story written with lyrical prose, evocative imagery and a plot that is intricately interwoven. I was quickly pulled into the story and lost myself in the world Ms. Burton had created. 

The story moves seamlessly between Rosie in 2017 and Elise in 1980, the mystery slowly unfurling as decades-old secrets are finally revealed. The characters are richly drawn, complex and compelling, with Rose having a special place in my heart. I adored the love story between Elise and Constance, even if it did lead Elise to make some questionable decisions. But I liked that nuance. That Elise was neither angel nor sinner, but a flawed person who lived in the shades of grey that each of us spend most of our lives. It made the story feel all the more relatable and real whilst also enabling Burton to explore topics such as the devastation caused by deception and the consequences of the choices we make. 

A powerful and tender story from an exquisite storyteller, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Picador for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jessie Burton is the author of four novels, The Miniaturist, The Muse, The Confession, and The House of Fortune.

The Miniaturist and The Muse were Sunday Times no.1 bestsellers in both hardback and paperback, New York Times bestsellers, and Radio 4’s Book at Bedtime. The Miniaturist went on to sell over a million copies in its year of publication, was Christmas no.1 in the UK, National Book Awards Book of the Year, and Waterstones Book of the Year 2014.  In 2017 it was adapted as a two-part miniseries on BBC One, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Alex Hassell and Romola Garai, screened over Christmas, and now available on DVD and streaming services. The Confession was an instant Sunday Times bestseller, and Radio 4 Book at Bedtime​. The House of Fortune was a Sunday Times no.1 bestseller in hardback, and the paperback was released in July 2023.

Her novels have been published in 40 languages.

Jessie’s first book for children, The Restless Girls, was published in September 2018, and Medusa, her second, in October 2021. Medusa was shortlisted for the 2023 Carnegie Medal for Children’s Writing. ​Her story ‘Daphne and the Doughnuts’ appeared in The Book of Hopes, a collection of children’s stories published in 2020, from which all profits go to the NHS. 

As a non-fiction writer, she has written essays and reviews for The New York Times, Harpers Bazaar UK, The Wall Street Journal, The Independent, Vogue, Elle, Red, Grazia, Lonely Planet Traveller and The Spectator. Harpers Bazaar US and Stylist have published her short stories. You can read her answers to the TLS’ 20 Questions on books and writing here.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*this post contains affiliate links

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Household by Stacey Halls

Published: April 11th, 2024 by Manilla Press
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Thriller, Historical Thriller

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE CAPTIVATING NEW NOVEL, SET AGAINST CHARLES DICKENS’ HOME FOR FALLEN WOMEN

‘Absorbing . . . Halls weaves together the elements of her story with great skill’ Sunday Times
‘Compelling and richly detailed’ Good Housekeeping
‘Captivating’ Woman
‘Meticulously researched and compelling’ Red
‘Keeps the reader enthralled’ Prima
‘Exquisitely written . . . full of heart and hope’ Fabulous

NOT ALL WHO ARE FALLEN WANT TO BE SAVED

London, 1847. In a quiet house in the countryside outside London, the finishing touches are being made to welcome a group of young women. The house and its location are top secret, its residents unknown to one another, but the girls have one thing in common: they are fallen. Offering refuge for prostitutes, petty thieves and the destitute, Urania Cottage is a second chance at life – but how badly do they want it?

Meanwhile, a few miles away in a Piccadilly mansion, millionairess Angela Burdett-Coutts, one of the benefactors of Urania Cottage, makes a discovery that leaves her cold. Her stalker of ten years has been released from prison, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before their nightmarish game resumes once more.

As the women’s worlds collide in ways they could never have expected, they will discover that freedom always comes at a price . . .

The Household is the new novel from the award-winning, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars, The Foundling and Mrs England. Set against Charles Dickens’ home for fallen women and inspired by real figures from history, it is Stacey Halls’ most ambitious and captivating novel yet.

buy here

********

MY REVIEW:

The house she was promised, is the first clean page in a new book for girls like her . . .

London, 1847. Martha arrives at Urania House, a house that she has been promised is a new start for girls like her. Martha is the first resident at Charles Dickens’ new house for fallen women and is soon joined by other girls hoping for a fresh start. A place of refuge and reformation, the project and its location are a closely guarded secret and the girls are forbidden from discussing their lives before they arrived at the house. 

On the board of governors is Angela  Burdett Coutts, London’s richest woman. But as the house opens Angela’s world is upended when Richard Dunn, the man who has stalked her for a decade, is released early from prison. Angela knows it won’t be long before his nightmarish games begin again and she’s terrified. Trying to put her worries aside, Anglea becomes increasingly invested in the lives of the girls at Urania, especially Martha. And soon, their lives collide in unexpected ways. Are they prepared for the price they must pay for freedom?

Atmospheric, immersive and beguiling, The Household is another masterpiece from the pen of storyteller extraordinaire Stacey Halls. It’s no secret that Stacey is one of my favourite authors ever, and one of the nicest, too, so I am always excited when she releases another book. She just gets better every time and this one was close to knocking her debut from its spot as my favourite of her books.

I love books based on real events and real people so this was right up my street. Although, before this book I had no idea that Charles Dickens opened a house for fallen women. Expertly written, perfectly paced and acutely observed, this evocative story leaped from the pages  Stacey’s meticulous research is evident on every page, bringing Victorian London to life through every word and the smallest of details. I truly felt like I’d stepped into a time machine and emerged in my favourite era. And then there’s the characters. Every one, however big or small, is richly drawn, charismatic and memorable and I was completely invested in their lives. I had a real soft spot for Martha, Angela and Josephine, and Richard was a deliciously creepy villain who sent chills down my spine. Stacey had me completely in her thrall and I devoured this book in under a day.

This is a story about women. About the hardships they have endured and the ways in which they have learned to survive. These aren’t the meek and weak women that Victorian society would like them to be. Nor do they suffer in silence. These women are strong, determined and courageous. I loved these women, especially Martha, Josephine and Anglea, who are three of our narrators. They put me through the emotional wringer but I loved their stories and the sisterhood they shared. And knowing that Angela is based on a real person also made her even more fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the conversation between Stacey and Sophia Money-Coutts, who is one of Angela’s descendants, at the end of the audiobook. 

Absorbing, accomplished and utterly mesmerising, this is a must-read for anyone who loves well-written historical fiction.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you to Manilla Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Stacey Halls was born in 1989 and grew up in Rossendale, Lancashire. She studied journalism at the University of Central Lancashire and has written for publications including the Guardian, Stylist, Psychologies, The Independent, The Sun and Fabulous.

Her debut novel, The Familiars, was published in 2019 and was the bestselling debut hardback novel of that year, won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Debut Book of the Year. Her subsequent novels, The Foundling and Mrs England, were also Sunday Times bestsellers. The Household is her fourth novel.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*The purchase link in this post is an affiliate link

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

Vengeful Women (Falcon Bay, 3) by Melanie Blake

Published November 6th, 2025 by Piranha Publishing
Thriller, Crime Fiction, Romantic Suspense

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:Ro

Power. Passion. Revenge. Nothing is off-limits in Falcon Bay.

From Sunday Times bestselling author Melanie Blake comes a gripping new chapter in the Falcon Bay series – where showbiz glamour collides with dark secrets, and women who’ve lost everything are ready to fight back.

On a private island off the coast of England, five powerful women sit in jail, awaiting trial for manslaughter: a world-famous soap star, an ambitious talent agent, a ruthless producer, a brilliant screenwriter and a cougar casting director.

The man who put them there, their long-term nemesis Jake Monroe, is cashing in – turning the island they once ruled into a twisted theme park crowned by the world’s tallest skyscraper. While the women plot revenge, old secrets that could change everything begin to surface.

The glossy veneer of their showbiz world was shattered when they were incarcerated and the rot beneath the red carpets and studio lights is beginning to show… and meanwhile, a journalist chasing the truth behind an American serial killer is uncovering stories that could destroy everything – and everyone.

As the body count climbs and the women’s trial date looms, Jake’s empire teeters. Because one thing is certain. Hell has no fury… like vengeful women.

If you love the glossy scandals of Jilly Cooper and Jackie Collins, the fast-paced suspense of Frieda McFadden, and the addictive twists of modern crime thrillers, Vengeful Women will keep you reading late into the night.

BUY THE BOOK

********

MY REVIEW:

We’re back on St Augustine for the third instalment in the wonderfully over-the-top Falcon Bay series.

The story picks up a year after the events at the end of book two. Sheena, Helen, Catherine, Amanda and Farrah are all sitting in jail awaiting their trial for manslaughter after the death of their co-worker, Madeline Kane during a live episode of their show, Falcon Bay. Meanwhile, their nemesis, Jake Monroe, who is busy cashing in on the tragedy and turning St Augustine into a theme park where the world’s tallest skyscraper will be his crowning glory. The women plot revenge, but old secrets soon threaten to derail their plans. And someone else is exacting revenge; a serial killer in LA has a hit list of targets who wronged former Falcon Bay star Honey Hunter. A journalist is hot on the case and on the cusp on uncovering stories that could destroy all their lives. 

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. And this book has them in abundance.  I loved the first two books in this series so I was very excited when I was offered the chance to step back into Falcon Bay. I had been wondering what was next after that cliffhanger at the end of book two and was thrilled to finally find out. It’s another story of love, lust, power, money, secrets and revenge. And it was totally worth the wait!

Tense, surprising and sexy, this enthralling story had me totally hooked. The book begins with a cast of the characters and a short blurb that tells us their story so far, which was really helpful for catching up on events. Melanie Blake once again showcases why she’s the heir to Jilly Cooper’s crown with this fun, sexy, fast-paced thriller that has tons of surprising twists, blood, backstabbing and blackmail along the way. And don’t think that the women being in jail will mean a lack of glamour and glitz, because there is still plenty on these pages. I loved being back in St Augustine and with these characters, especially the quintet of so-called ‘vengeful vipers’. They may be morally grey, but I love them and was rooting for them at *almost* every step. I also really enjoyed Tabitha’s character this time around, and Jake was as slimy and sleazy a villain as ever. 

An outrageous and entertaining bonkbuster that feels as campy and dramatic as Dynasty, Vengeful Women is pure escapism. Highly recommended.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Tiger Team Creative for my invitation to take part in this blog tour and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

Q&A WITH MELANIE:

What’s your favourite place to sit and read?

I love to read in bed, with my dog on one side and a load of snacks on the other. My snack pile is made up of cans of ice-cold Coke and a bunch of crappy sweets – thank god I’ve got veneers!

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Blake is the international bestselling author behind the sensational trilogy that began with Ruthless Women, the Sunday Times #4 bestseller that sold 250,000 copies in its first month. Along with its sequel, fellow bestseller Guilty Women, and her first novel The Thunder Girls, Melanie’s books have been translated into nine languages, and captivated more than a million readers worldwide.

Melanie’s stories are exhilarating rollercoaster rides packed with all the glamour, passion, and intrigue of her favourite novelist Jackie Collins. When Melanie was dubbed “the new queen of the bonkbuster” by the Sunday Times, and was later asked to write a foreword to a new edition of Jackie Collins, it was a dream come true.

Melanie has always blazed her own path, and last year she launched her own publishing company, Piranha, to ensure that this deluxe limited edition hardback of the thrilling finale to her celebrated trilogy, would meet her exacting standards and deliver an unmatched reading experience for her fans. She hopes you love reading it as much as she loved writing it.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

Blog Tour: No Body No Crime by Tess Sharpe

Published August 14th by Dead Ink
Thriller, Suspense, Romance Novel, Lesbian Literature

Today is my stop on the blog tour for this additctive cat-and-mouse survival thriller. Thank you to FMcM for the invitation to take part, and to Dead Ink for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the bestselling author Tess Sharpe comes a new action packed, love-soaked thriller about two women whose lives—and hearts—are destined for each other.

Murder either bonds you or breaks you. Rural PI Mel Tillman knows this well. She’s seen her fair share of bloody cases and botched cover-ups. But killing with someone? That is a different kind of mess all together, and Mel’s got real experience with it.

No one’s heard from Toby Dunne since Chloe Harper’s sweet sixteen party—because the birthday girl and sixteen-year-old Mel buried him so deep in the backwoods, no one’s ever finding him. Mel loses little sleep over it—Toby had been terrorizing them. What she does lose sleep over is Chloe, the girl with whom she survived that horrible night in the woods. Chloe, the girl she fell in love with. Chloe, the girl who disappeared and hasn’t been seen in more than six years.

Tasked with locating Chloe by her family, Mel can’t resist the call of a good chase, or finding the one who got away with her heart (and with murder). When Mel finds an armed and vigilant Chloe living off-grid in a highly booby-trapped patch of Canadian wilderness, she realizes that Chloe had been expecting someone other than her ex to come looking for her. The thing that’s kept Chloe going for years is that she’s kept Mel safe by running. Now, the truth must come out as they run for their lives once again.

Because when they buried Toby Dunne in the backwoods, they buried something else, too. Something Toby took. And the powerful family he stole it from? They’ll do anything to get it back.

Twisty and razor-sharp, Tess Sharpe’s No Body No Crime is a heart-pounding thriller teeming with secrets, betrayals, and a star-crossed romance for the ages.

********

MY REVIEW:

“That’s what happens when you survive with someone. 
That’s what happens when you kill with someone.”

Since the night of Chloe’s sweet sixteenth, she and Mel have been bonded by a secret. For two years that secret, and their blossoming romance, kept them close, only for Chloe to disappear just as their life together was about to start. Mel has been searching for her ever since. So, when the now-PI is hired by Chloe’s family to track her down, she can’t resist the chance and finally finds her living off-grid in a place riddled with booby traps. Clearly Chloe was expecting someone other than her former girlfriend to come looking for her. Who is Chloe so scared of? Could someone know what happened that night in the woods?

Action-packed, sinister and suspenseful, No Body No Crime is an addictive cat-and-mouse survival thriller full of star-crossed lovers, secrets, murder and betrayal. It packs a punch from the first page, opening with the aftermath of a plane crash and someone’s attempts to apprehend Mel and Chloe. And there isn’t just one mystery for us to unravel in this book. There are many. What exactly happened that night in the woods? Why did Chloe disappear? Who is after her? And why did the plane crash? 

This was my first time reading a book by Tess Sharpe, but it won’t be my last. Expertly written, skillfully plotted and full of complex and vivid characters, this is one of those books you can’t stop thinking about even when you’re not reading. It’s fast-paced, astute, chaotic, imbued with heart-stopping twists and shocking revelations, and has an irresistible love story woven in that I couldn’t help but root for. The story moves between timelines and narrators, keeping the reader guessing and on the edge of their seats. And Sharpe creates a strong sense of tension and foreboding throughout which she heightens by counting down to the significant events in each timeline. But when the full picture is finally revealed it isn’t over as Sharpe creates yet more mysteries that keep us glued to the pages. And that finale! Absolutely crazy but so good. 

A moreish, entertaining and twist-laiden mystery that gives me Yellowjackets vibes, this is a must for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in a mountain cabin to a punk rocker mother, Tess Sharpe grew up in rural California. She is the author of bestselling and award-winning fiction for kids, teens and adults. She lives deep in the backwoods with a pack of dogs and a growing cabal of slightly feral cats.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | 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.