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BOOK REVIEW: Holy Island (DCI Ryan Mysteries, Book 1) by LJ Ross

Published December 31st, 2014 by Penguin UK
Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Get ready to be gripped by the thrilling first instalment of the bestselling DCI Ryan murder mystery series, the perfect mix of crime, humour, and a touch of romance for fans of Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.

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On the spectacular Northumbrian island of Lindisfarne, a killer is hiding in plain sight…

Forced to take leave from his duties as a homicide detective, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan seeks sanctuary on Holy Island.

But just a few days before Christmas, he is thrust back into the murky world of murder when a young woman is found dead amongst the ancient ruins of the nearby Priory.

When former local girl Dr Anna Taylor arrives on the island as a police consultant, old memories swim to the surface making her confront her difficult past.

She and Ryan struggle to work together to hunt a deadly killer, while pagan ritual and island politics muddy the waters of their investigation.

Can they overcome their differences before the killer strikes again?

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Lindisfarne is a quiet island where everybody knows everybody and everyone feels safe. But all that changes one winter morning when a resident out walking her dog finds Lucy Mathieston’s naked body on the altar of the Priory. There hasn’t been a murder here for two decades. So DCI Ryan has his work cut out. And as rumours of a pagan sacrifice swirl, Dr Anna Taylor is asked to come and consult on the case. She accepts but feels nervous as she hasn’t been back to Linisfarne for eight years and memories she’s tried to bury are returning to the surface. As Ryan and Anna struggle to find a way to work together, another brutal murder rocks the island and the hunt for the killer becomes even more urgent. Who amongst them is hiding the darkest of secrets? And can they find them before any more lives are taken?

I had heard about L. J. Ross and her DCI Ryan series for many years. The books were highly recommended by a number of my friends and I finally decided it was time to see what they were about for myself. Expertly written, cleverly choreographed, oozing tension and filled with compelling characters, I now get the hype and am kicking myself for waiting so long to read them. I love a layered thriller, and this one certainly fits that bill. Tense, twisty, grisly, emotional and funny, it had me hooked from the opening pages and I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t reading. I was in a chokehold, racing towards the finale with my heart beating out of my chest. Everyone is a suspect and you could never be sure who was telling the truth. Many of my suspicions were right but it still kept me on my toes with many twists that blindsided me. And that ending! I am so glad I don’t have to wait for the next instalment and have 23 more books to read in the series.

Ross has created a motley crew of captivating characters who inhabit the island. At the heart of it all is Ryan and Anna, who are our protagonists. Determined, likeable and no-nonsense, I really liked Ryan and found him easy to root for at every step. We know from the start that he’s been through something traumatic and is plagued by nightmares, but I was not prepared for the horror of what that was. My heart broke for him and I feel like I understand him even more after learning what he’s been through. Anna is a little bit more spiky but also easy to like and root for. I was intrigued by her history and connections with the island and liked the knowledge of pagan rituals and ancient beliefs that she brought to the case. I loved their will they/won’t they romance and was screaming at them through the pages to just admit their feelings to one another.  Lindisfarne feels like a character in its own right. A darkly atmospheric and claustrophobic place where everyone knows everybody’s business. It’s a place where you would think there are no secrets, but some residents are hiding dark secrets and evil intentions that begin to surface with the discovery of Lucy’s body. I can’t wait to see what is next for Ryan, Anna and the other characters, especially after that ending.

Riveting, superb and bingeable, this is a must for all thriller lovers.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

LJ Ross is an international, Sunday Times bestsellig author, whose books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, more than thirty of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.

Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.

The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category. Louise was shortlisted again in 2023 for the nineteenth novel in her DCI Ryan series, Bamburgh.

In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries. She was shortlisted again in 2024.

Louise was born in Northumberland. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career. Now, she writes full time and lives with her husband and two children in Northumberland.

To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford

Published February 12th, 2026 by Bantam
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Police Procedural

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Don’t miss the award-winning crime debut of the year – perfect for fans of The List of Suspicious Things. A murder mystery unlike any other…

*WINNER: VAL McDERMID CRIME DEBUT AWARD*
*WINNER: McILVANNEY PRIZE FOR BEST SCOTTISH CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR*
*WINNER: BLOODY SCOTLAND DEBUT PRIZE*

What happened to the dog walker who found the body?

Glasgow, 1979.

Twelve-year-old Janey won’t take her dog, Sid Vicious, for a walk. Not anymore. It’s Sid’s fault she found the murdered woman.

Janey claims she can’t remember what she saw at the abandoned railway, but the police think she’s hiding something. And they’re not the only ones interested.

Fear and rumour rip through the tight-knit community of Possilpark. Janey and her nana, Maggie, are dragged into the hunt for a murderer. And Maggie’s struggle to keep her beloved granddaughter safe becomes ever more desperate.

Because Janey’s memories can’t stay hidden forever.

And neither can the killer…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Glasgow, 1979. Twelve-year-old Janey won’t take her dog, Sid Vicious for a walk anymore. Not since she found the body. Janey claims not to remember what she saw that day at the abandoned railway, but the police don’t believe her. And they are right. Janey is haunted by the brutal images she saw that day but has vowed to herself she’ll never reveal what she really saw. And as rumours sweep through their tight-knit community, Janey’s nana, Maggie, tries to keep her granddaughter safe from a killer that is still on the loose. 

This sensational debut has won multiple crime awards here in the UK this year and it is easy to see why. Insightful, funny, gut-wrenching, original and addictive, it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Exquisitely written, this first-class thriller is a masterclass in pace, plotting and tension. The story has a strong sense of place and a troubled, small-town vibe. This is a place where everybody knows everybody and they like to think there are no secrets. But when Sam is murdered they are forced to wrestle with the fact that one of them is keeping the darkest of secrets. But who? There are multiple suspects and unreliable narrators which kept me guessing right up until the final page. Frances Crawford had me in a chokehold, my heart racing through the twists and turns, right up until that final reveal. And I’m still not over that ending!

The characters feel achingly human. They are messy, flawed, vulnerable and real; ordinary people who have been plunged into a nightmare. The tragedy consumes and haunts them, their horror leaping from the pages as you walk every step beside them. Told in alternating chapters by Janey and Maggie, Janey’s chapters begin with however many days it has been since the murder, which I found heartbreaking. It is evident how much of an effect this has had on her and I can’t imagine seeing something so horrific at just twelve years old. Janey is haunted by what she saw and terrified to admit what she knows but also eager to see justice done for Sam, so she quietly starts her own investigation, which felt like a very real response. Maggie is also well written. Strong and fiercely protective, I loved the relationship she had with Janey and it is obvious she only does what she thinks is best for her granddaughter. I liked that we got to know Sam as a person, too, even though she’s already dead at the start of the book.

A tense, heart-rending and unmissable debut, this is a must-read for all thriller lovers. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As a passionate advocate of lifelong learning, Frances Crawford graduated in 2022, age 60, with MLitt (Distinction) in Creative Writing from Glasgow University. In 2023, she won the Bloody Scotland/Glencairn Crime Short Story Competition, and the first chapters of her debut novel A Bad, Bad Place won Highly Commended in the Moniack Mhor Emerging Writer Award 2024. 

A Bad, Bad Place was published by Transworld in February 2026, and has since won the 2026 Theakston Old Peculier McDermid Debut Award at Harrogate Festival, the 2026 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, and the 2026 McIlvanney Award for Best Scottish Crime Novel at Bloody Scotland: the first author to win both awards in one year. 

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Nancys and the Secret of Tulip Farm by R. W. R. MacDonald

Published October 8th, 2026 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller, Humorous Fiction, Cozy Mystery

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Tippy Chan, Uncle Pike and Devon are determined not to reform their secret detective club, The Nancys, but when an explosion kills three people and the investigation turns chaotic, dangerous and deeply personal, the club is back in business, in another riotous instalment of the award-winning series.

*** Finalist for the Ngaio Marsh Best Novel Award***
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The Nancys are back…

It’s four months after Christmas, and Tippy Chan, Uncle Pike and Devon are reunited in Riverstone for the first anniversary of Tippy’s father’s death. This time, the plan is simple: no mysteries, no crimes, and definitely no secret detective clubs.

Riverstone has other ideas…

When an early-morning explosion destroys the town hall and kills three people, the town is thrown into chaos. An arrest is made and everyone in Riverstone decides the case is closed … except for Tippy and the Nancys. Once again, it’s up to the Nancys to go against the flow … and police advice.

Their search draws them towards Tulip Farm and raises more questions than answers. Is the accused bomber really guilty? Was he working alone? And when everyone else is convinced they’re right, does that make you wrong?

With rumours spreading, tempers flaring and the threat of another attack hanging over the town, the Nancys must work out who to trust, who to ignore, and how to stop a killer before they strike again…

Funny, fearless and fizzing with heart, The Nancys and the Secret of Tulip Farm is a joyful, nerve-jangling mystery about belonging, loyalty and asking awkward questions, with a dark and dangerous secret at its core and characters you will never forget…

A hilarious, and heartfelt twist on Nancy Drew – perfect for readers who love The List of Suspicious Things.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Uncle Pike and Devon are back in town for the first anniversary of Tippy Chan’s father’s death. She’s thrilled to see them, but they are all determined that this time around they won’t be solving any crimes or reforming their secret detective club, the Nancys. But that all changes when an explosion rocks Riverstone. Three people are killed and the perpetrator is captured, but the Nancys aren’t so sure that the case is closed. So, they reform their club and start investigating…

The Nancys are back for more amateur detective exploits in this entertaining mystery. I loved everything about the first book in this series so I jumped at the chance to read its sequel. I’m a big fan of cosy crime and amateur detectives, so this series is a bit of me. This time around there is a police suspect but the Nancys aren’t sure they have got it right, so once again everyone is under suspicion as they investigate who really planted the bomb that killed three people. Mysterious, emotional, funny and uplifting, R. W. R McDonald has crafted a sequel that is even better than the brilliant first installment. Skillfully written and cleverly plotted, there were a number of suspects and it kept me guessing right up until the truth was revealed.

I adore this motley crew of fabulous characters and it was so much fun to be back with them. Once again, the story is told from Tippy Chan’s perspective, which McDonald has nailed perfectly. In this installment, Tippy really goes through it and I felt for her. Uncle Pike and Devon also go through a lot this time around, and while the deep emotion and serious topics are written with sensitivity, they are also perfectly balanced with humour and the whole book still has that refreshing, cosy crime vibe that I loved in book one.

A must-read for anyone who loves a crime caper.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and Orenda for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

R.W.R. McDonald (Rob) is an award-winning author, a Kiwi and Queer dad living in Melbourne with his two daughters and one HarryCat. His debut novel, The Nancys, won Best First Novel in the 2020 Ngaio Marsh Awards, as well as being a finalist in the Best Novel category. It was shortlisted for Best First Novel in the 2020 Ned Kelly Awards, and Highly Commended for an Unpublished Manuscript in the 2017 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. His second novel, Nancy Business, was a finalist for Best Novel in 2022 Ngaio Marsh Awards.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Deadly Inheritance of Everest MacDonald by A. J. West

Published October 8th, 2026 by Orenda Books
Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Mystery, Crime Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set in wartime London and based on a true story, Everest Macdonald investigates the murder of her uncle, the actor William Terriss. A riveting, dark historical mystery from Sunday Times bestselling author A.J. West.
‘Meet Everest Macdonald, your new favourite historical sleuth … a work of Bayeux proportions, beautifully imagined with perfect pacing and twists galore!’ Janice Hallett
‘A dark confection of phantoms, hidden motives, the angst of the Victorian theatre … and murder’ Vaseem Khan
‘You are in for one hell of a ride when you meet Everest Macdonald! Essie Fox
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Some inherit a fortune.
She inherited murder…
1917. As the Great War rages on the continent, Everest Macdonald is summoned to her father’s deathbed and entrusted with a final urgent request: she must uncover the truth behind the murder of her uncle, the celebrated Victorian actor William Terriss, a crime that has haunted her family for twenty years.
In 1897, Terriss was stabbed to death outside London’s Adelphi Theatre, a killing that shocked Victorian society. The murderer was swiftly arrested and confined to Broadmoor, the case declared closed. Yet, years later, a sealed package of evidence is passed to Everest by her dying father, which casts doubt on the official verdict and the haste with which it was reached.
Drawn back to wartime London, with her husband and children left behind, Everest begins her investigation, following a trail that leads her into the world of late-Victorian theatre, where fame and fortune mask obsession, envy and cruelty. With time running out and her father’s strength failing, Everest must uncover what really happened on the night Terriss died, and shed light on the unsettling legacy he left behind.
Based on an extraordinary true story, The Deadly Inheritance of Everest Macdonald is a dark, atmospheric historical mystery and a compelling adventure, as an unlikely investigator risks everything to pursue one of the most notorious killings of the Victorian stage.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

On December 16th 1917, actor William Terriss is murdered outside London’s the Adelphi Theatre. His shocking murder is quickly solved and the perpetrator, Richard Arthur Prince, is swiftly arrested and locked away in Broadmoor. Twenty years later, Everest Macdonald, is called to her father’s deathbed and receives his final request: to find the truth about her uncle’s murder. Because as Everest now learns, her father has never believed the official version of the crime and has compiled a dossier of evidence she must now follow to lead her to the truth. But can she solve a twenty-year-old murder before her father’s time runs out?

Atmospheric, immersive, witty, cryptic and compelling, The Deadly Inheritance of Everest Macdonald is a gorgeous slice of Victoriana. Masterfully written, cleverly choreographed and meticulously researched, A. J. West has crafted a madcap and eerie mystery inspired by the real-life murder of William Terriss. Set against a backdrop of WWI and the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the story moves between timelines and narrators as it tells the story through traditional narrative, flashbacks, memoirs and diary entries. A story of family, ghosts, secrets and murder, West had me in his thrall from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook and West’s evocative imagery merged perfectly with the fantastic narration of Lucy Penrose to make the characters and story leap from the pages. I felt like I lived every moment alongside the characters, including the twists and turns, and my heart was racing as we approached the dramatic conclusion.

Everest Macdonald is my new favourite amateur sleuth. As a middle-aged, menopausal woman I felt a strong affinity with Everest from the start. And the more I got to know this intrepid, strong and inquisitive heroine, the more I loved her. Once again West has created an unforgettable character who I will hold dear in my heart long after reading. But Everest isn’t the only star of this show and there are many richly drawn and compelling characters who I loved reading. I had a real soft spot for Clare in particular and, even though he’s mad as a hatter, Prince is so much fun to read. I liked that we were never sure if he – or the others – were reliable narrators and that there were so many different suspects for Willie’s murder. I had my suspicions but my jaw hit the floor when all was revealed. 

A must-read for anyone who enjoys an entertaining historical murder mystery.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my invitation to take part in the blog tour, and to Orenda Books for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A.J. West’s bestselling debut novel The Spirit Engineer won the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award, gaining international praise for its telling of a long-forgotten true story. His second novel, The Betrayal of Thomas True, debuted at number two on the Sunday Times bestseller list, and won the CWA Historical Dagger. A.J. was also shortlisted for the Booksellers Association Author of the Year.

An award-winning BBC newsreader and reporter, he has written for national newspapers and regularly appears on network television discussing his writing and the historical context of contemporary events. A passionate historical researcher, he writes at The London Library and museum archives around the world.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: Serenity Falls by C. J. Tudor

Published September 10th, 2026 by Michael Joseph
Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Horror

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Welcome to Serenity Falls – the most idyllic, and safest, town in the US – a place to grow up, grow your family and grow old together. For Dan and his daughter, Sadie, it’s the perfect relocation option. A fresh start, thousands of miles from their troubled past in the UK.

But their idyll is shattered when they find a dead body in the swimming pool of their new house – a house Dan’s late mother kept secret from him all his life.

It’s just the start of a series of disturbing discoveries. Abandoned houses where people have seemingly just upped and left. The strange woman Sadie sees around town putting up ‘missing’ posters for a child who drowned almost thirty years ago. An ice cream van that drives around at night making sure residents are asleep…

As plans gear up to celebrate Serenity Falls’ fiftieth anniversary, something is stirring beneath the surface of the blissful façade. Is Serenity Falls really the perfect town or is it founded on something far darker? And is someone so desperate to keep its secrets that they’d resort to anything to preserve them?

Welcome to Serenity Falls.
Once you’re here, you’re here to stay.

Serenity Falls’ first readers have fallen in love with it…

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Welcome to Serenity Falls. An idyllic, gated town that is known as the safest place to live in the US, it seems like the ideal place for Dan and his teenage daughter, Sadie, to make a fresh start. But when they arrive at their new home they are shocked to find a body floating face down in their pool. Especially as they were told there is no crime in Serenity Falls. But this place is not what it seems and as the days go by Dan and Sadie notice cracks in the friendly residents, bright smiles and perfect homes. They begin to realise that Serenity Falls is a place filled with dark secrets that some people will kill to keep hidden.

Ominous, dark, eerie and unsettling, C. J. Tudor has knocked it out of the park once again, holding me in a chokehold from the first page until the heart-stopping finale. Exquisitely written, shrewdly plotted and expertly paced, this book showcases why Will Dean has called C. J. ‘the maestro of macabre’. It’s claustrophobic, chilling and uncomfortable, this is a masterclass in malice. The suspense and dread are omnipresent, like there is danger lurking in every corner of this picture-perfect paradise. C. J is an expert at taking the ordinary and turning it into a nightmare. I know I’ll never look at an ice cream van the same way again after reading this book. As secrets are uncovered skeletons come out of the closet and tradies are discovered, changing everything we think we know about this town.

Serenity Falls is based on the real town of Celebration in Florida which used to be owned by Disney, which is the company that inspired the Winsome Corporation. I have been to Disney World twice and visited Celebration in 2016 and can see how both places could inspire a sinister, secretive story such as this one. C. J. perfectly captures the cookie-cutter perfection of the town and I can only begin to imagine how living in a place governed by so many strict rules could get stifling. Especially as in the fictional Serenity Falls there are no mobile phones allowed, people have to wear a special bracelet at all times and there is a strict curfew that everyone must adhere to. 

There is a huge cast of great characters and many of them are narrators, which can make it a little confusing at times. But I also really enjoyed those different perspectives as they allowed us glimpses into different lives and there were times where what I knew made me terrified for Dan or Sadie and I just wanted to jump into the book and help them. 

A deliciously unsettling thriller, add this to your spooky season TBR now.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

C. J. Tudor lives with her partner and young daughter. Her love of writing, especially the dark and macabre, started young. When her peers were reading Judy Blume, she was devouring Stephen King and James Herbert.

Over the years she has had a variety of jobs, including trainee reporter, radio scriptwriter, dog walker, voiceover artist, television presenter, copywriter and, now, author.

Her first novel, The Chalk Man, was a Sunday Times bestseller and sold in thirty-nine territories.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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BLOG TOUR: Watch Them Disappear by Carla Kovac (Detective Gina Harte, Book 19)

Publised September 21st, 2026 by Bookouture
Thriller, Mystery, Crime Fiction, Suspense, Police Procedural, Crime Series, Noir Fiction, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The house where she lives alone lies dark and empty, her bed still perfectly made. Her car waits in the carpark, her phone unanswered. Mindy Carson has vanished into thin air…

When Ursula leaves work for the evening, she’s shocked to see her friend’s car still parked nearby. Happy-go-lucky dog groomer Mindy left for home ages ago. Something is desperately wrong. On the window is an unmistakable smear of blood.

As police visit Mindy’s home on the outskirts of town, everything looks in order, until they notice the small red light in the corner of her bedroom. Then another, and another. There are cameras watching her every move…

Unpacking Mindy’s life piece by piece, police start to wonder whether Ursula knows more than she’s letting on. Had she found out about her husband’s secret messages to Mindy? Who was the person behind the cameras, watching Mindy’s most private moments? And was the local teenager making Mindy’s life hell really the last person to see her?

When the body of a young woman is found in a local park, police fear they are too late to save Mindy. And when another person is reported missing, it’s clear she isn’t the only one being watched. Does the killer have another victim in their sights? And can they catch them before another life disappears forever?

Prepare to be absolutely hooked by the latest nail-biting thriller from bestselling author Carla Kovach. Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons and Karin Slaughter.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Mindy left work hours ago, so Ursula is surprised to find her car still parked nearby. And when she sees the smear of blood on the window, she knows something bad has happened to her friend. Detective Gina Harte and her team are called in to investigate. At Mindy’s house they notice cameras hidden in her fire alarms. Someone has been secretly watching Mindy. Does Ursula know more than she’s admitting? As they race to find Mindy, a woman’s body is found in the park. Are they too late? And when another person is reported missing, they are worried that the killer has their sights set on another victim. Can they catch them before they kill again?

Carla Kovach’s Gina Harte series has been one of my favourite police procedurals for years. She always delivers a first-class thriller filled with great characters, menacing crimes, important topics and recurring characters I love returning to time and again. And this latest installment is her best yet. Nail-biting, twisty and addictive, Carla had me in a chokehold from start to finish. And this time she’s exploring the damaging effect of revenge porn and the dangerous allure of the dark web. On the lighter side of things, I really enjoyed seeing Gina happy again in her new relationship. But that ending! Carla, how could you. You totally broke my heart and I don’t think I’ll get over what happened.

One of Carla’s skills is writing fantastic characters who are flawed and real. She has created some brilliant characters in this story, including Mindy, Ursula, Brian and Tabitha. I was rooting for Mindy to be found before it was too late, but as time ticked by I worried they wouldn’t find her in time. Teenage siblings Brian and Tabitha brought out my maternal side and I just wanted to reach into the book to protect them from themselves. But the most memorable character from this book has to be the man in the Morph mask. This man was utterly terrifying but I loved reading the chapters from his perspective. As I read his sinister thoughts and plans I was holding my breath wondering if Gina and her team could find him before he was able to complete his terrible scheme. 

Highly recommended.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla has been writing seriously since her mid-thirties. She started by writing stage plays which led to her producing and directing her own full length piece of theatre. After that, she decided to write films and books where she began by self-publishing. In the past, she has acted in a few indie films and has also co-owned a photography and video production company.

Right now, she is a full time crime and thriller author living in Worcester with her husband, Nigel and Poppy the cat.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Pride, Prejudice and Peril by Jessica Bull

Publised September 17th, 2026 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Cozy Mystery

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jane Austen is preparing for the summer season.

As guests of their wealthy relatives Mr and Mrs Leigh-Perrot, Jane and her sister Cassandra will be holidaying in Bath Spa – the world-famous health resort, and more importantly, the epicentre of the marriage mart.

For many, the summer will be spent hunting husbands. But for Jane, when a series of murders breaks out across the city, she must chase down a killer instead.

With her beloved sister by her side, Jane is determined to bring the murderer to justice. Can she stop this villain from taking any more victims, before the summer ends? Or will her only dance of the season be with death…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

October 1799. Jane and her sister Cassandra are staying with their wealthy aunt and uncle in Bath Spa – a place famous for healing health and the epicentre of the marriage mart. But Jane isn’t interested in either of those things. She is here to try and forge links to the literary world. However, things soon take a very different turn when her aunt is accused of theft and a gentleman’s body is pulled from the River Avon. There is a mystery waiting to be solved and Jane and Cassandra are on the case. Soon, they find links between the two cases and a mysterious man named Mr. Rex who is trying to blackmail them. Who is Mr. Rex? And how did he discover their secrets? Can they find him and stop him before he claims another victim?

Charming, witty and uplifting, we’re back with another delightful whodunnit featuring amateur detective Jane Austen. Exquisitely written, cleverly crafted and richly imagined, Jessica Bull transports us back in time and immerses us in Jane’s world, where there always seems to be a new mystery that needs to be solved. In this installment there are a number of different investigations at first, but it soon becomes clear there are links between them. The cases are cryptic and complex, with many threads to unravel and a multitude of suspects, but our intrepid heroine doesn’t give up and eventually puts all the pieces of the puzzle together. 

Jane is a fabulous protagonist. Intelligent and feisty, she knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. I love how she rallies against societal norms, pursuing a career in literature instead of settling down and finding a husband. One of my favourite things about this series is Jane’s bonds with her siblings, particularly the close bond between Jane and her elder sister, Cassandra, who often helps Jane in her investigations. In this book their bond seems closer than ever and I loved watching them work together. They are very different, but those differences compliment one another and help them as they try to solve a case. 

So if you’re looking for a cosy mystery that is also an absolute riot, this is the book for you.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thanks to Vic at Insta Book Tours for the invitation to take part in the blog tour and Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessica Bull lives in South East London with her husband and two daughters. A former librarian and communications consultant, she studied English literature at Bristol University and information science at City, University of London. Miss Austen Investigates, her debut novel, was published in 2024. Pride, Prejudice and Peril is her fourth book.

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BOOK REVIEW: How To Disappear by Gillian McAllister

Published July 9th, 2020 by Michael Joseph
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Fiction, Legal Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Political Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The gripping Sunday Times bestseller that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page

‘Bravo! Gripping and emotional – a cracking read’ Clare Mackintosh

‘A relentless drumroll of suspense . . . ranks among the best psychological-suspense thrillers of recent years’ A. J. Finn

You can run, you can hide, but can you disappear for good?

Lauren’s daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara’s identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back.

The only choice is to disappear.

To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband.

There will be no goodbyes. Their pasts will be rewritten. New names, new home, new lives.

The rules are strict for a reason. They are being hunted. One mistake – a text, an Instagram like – could bring their old lives crashing into the new.

They can never assume someone isn’t watching, waiting.

As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy. Staying hidden is harder . . .

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

After witnessing a group of young men stabbing a homeless man to death, Zara speaks up and testifies in court. The young men, who were promising footballers, are outraged that they have lost their careers and had their life ruined. Her identity is revealed online and Zara’s life is now in danger. There is only one solution: Zara and her mother, Lauren, must disappear…

Heart-stoppingly tense, twisty and addictive, I binged this book in under a day. Nobody goes heart-pounding tension and twists that make your jaw drop like Gillian McAllister, and this book is the perfect example of why she’s one of my favourite thriller authors. Masterfully written and skillfully choreographed, this is a story that held me tight by the heartstrings whilst keeping me on the edge of my seat. And make sure you clear your schedule before you start reading, because once you pick this one up you won’t be able to put it down. It’s emotional, hard to predict and so twisty it gave me book whiplash. And that ending! A round of applause Ms. McAllister for one of the best thriller endings I’ve ever read. It’s been a few weeks and I’m still not over it.

Before Zara witnesses the crime, she, Lauren, Aiden and Poppy are an ordinary blended family. But after Zara’s identity is revealed they are dropped into a nightmare. Lauren and Aiden have difficult decisions to make that could tear their family apart. It is so emotional as well as tense, and really made me think about what I would have done in their situation. My heart broke for them, but especially for Zara. Being a teenager is hard at the best of times, but being a teenager when you’re having to hide your identity, run from people trying to kill you and worry about everything you say and do, is impossible.

Thriller lovers, you don’t want to miss this book! 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you Michael Joseph and Netgaelly for provoding me with a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gillian McAllister  is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of nine stand-alone novels. Her books have been selected for the Radio 2 Book Club, Reese’s Book Club and the Richard & Judy Book Club. Her previous novel, Wrong Place Wrong Time, was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month and was shortlisted for The British Book Awards Crime & Thriller Book of the Year and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Gillian’s books are published in thirty-eight languages.

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Time To Burn by Ellery Lloyd

Published July 23rd, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Historical Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the author of The Club, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Time to Burn is Ellery Lloyd’s compelling time travel thriller.

If the past catches up with you, time travel can be murder . . .

London, the present day: commercial time travel is a reality.

Tempus Tours – owned by controversial tech entrepreneur Inigo Frank – offers the wealthy a chance to witness pivotal moments in history.

To immortalise his achievement, Frank enlists award-winning filmmaker Phoebe Hunt to create a fly-on-the-wall documentary. On her first day shadowing Inigo, she is set to witness the return of a billionaire property developer and his family from their trip to the past. But instead of their awe-filled return, she captures the group arriving bloodied and traumatized, with one of their number missing.

Not only that, but Phoebe recognizes the missing woman. She knows not only that she’s not who she claims to be, but that the woman has every reason to harbor a grudge against her. And as events begin to unravel in the present day, it seems increasingly clear that the woman had sinister motives for returning to the past – and that people close to Phoebe are in danger.

Can Phoebe stop the ripple effect before she loses everything – and everyone – she holds dear?

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and witness some of the most pivotal moments in history? Well now you can with Tempus Tours, a commercial time travel business that allows you to do just that. For a hefty price tag of course. Tempus’ owner, controversial tech entrepreneur Inigo Frank, decides he wants his achievements immortalised and invites award-winning filmmaker Phoebe Hunt to create a fly-on-the-wall documentary that goes behind the scenes at Tempus. She will start by capturing the return of a group who travelled back to the Blitz. But things don’t go to plan and the group return injured and bloody, while one member, Sasha, is left stranded in 1941. As Inigo and his team try to figure out how to rescue Sasha, Phoebe realises she recognises the missing woman. And she’s not who she says she is. And as events unfold, we learn she has sinister motives for remaining in the past that could change everything for people in the present.

Suspenseful, transportive, twisty and bingeable, Time To Burn is another winner from Ellery Lloyd. Expertly written and cleverly choreographed, this action-packed historical thriller had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story is told in the present and in 1941, with flashbacks that tell the story of Phoebe and Sasha’s shared past. I was intrigued by the idea of being able to travel back in time to witness history for yourself, but this story serves as a reminder of how such technology can be exploited and the butterfly effect that can occur from going back in time. 

Narrators Phoebe and Sasha are compelling and deeply flawed characters. But I had a real soft spot for these women, even if I didn’t always agree with their actions. We know from the start that their histories are intertwined in some way, that Phoebe regrets her behaviour and understands that Sasha is probably out for revenge, but it takes some time for the full picture to emerge. And when it did I certainly understood Sasha more but still wasn’t on board with her plan for revenge and the way she altered people’s lives.

An addictive and propulsive historical thriller that you don’t want to miss.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ellery Lloyd is the pseudonym for New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife writing team Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos.

Collette is a journalist and editor, the former content director of Elle (UK) and editorial director at Soho House. She has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.

Paul is the author of two previous novels, Welcome to the Working Week and Every Day is Like Sunday. He is the program director for Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Greenwich.

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BOOK REVIEW: Midnight at Malabar House by Vaseem Khan

Published August 20th, 2020 by Hodder & Stoughton
Hisotorical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Police Procedural, Adventure Fiction, Suspense

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

*** WINNER OF THE CWA SAPERE BOOKS HISTORICAL DAGGER 2021, and an INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER ***

‘The leading character is the deftly drawn Persis Wadia, the country’s first female detective. She’s a wonderful creation and this is a hugely enjoyable book’ ANN CLEEVES

‘This is historical crime fiction at its best – a compelling mix of social insight and complex plotting with a thoroughly engaging heroine. A highly promising new series’ MAIL ON SUNDAY

Bombay, New Year’s Eve, 1949

As India celebrates the arrival of a momentous new decade, Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city’s most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after joining the force she remains India’s first female police detective, mistrusted, sidelined and now consigned to the midnight shift.
And so, when the phone rings to report the murder of prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot, the country’s most sensational case falls into her lap.

As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world’s largest republic, Persis, accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch, finds herself investigating a case that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil, Persis, smart, stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her, must find a way to solve the murder – whatever the cost.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Bombay, New Year’s Eve, 1949. Inspector Persis Wadia spends the evening standing vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city’s most unwanted unit of police officers. Persis is India’s first female police detective and people haven’t exactly been welcoming. She faces sexism, mistrust and scathing criticism, which is why she has been consigned to the midnight shift. But then the phone rings. Prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot has been murdered. And Persis realises that the most sensational case in the country has just fallen into her lap. 

Intriguing, clever, tense and totally riveting, Vassem Khan has crafted a book that feels like an Indian Agatha Christie. Transporting us to post-Partition India, he introduces us to maverick cop Persis. Gutsy, headstrong, driven and formidable, Persis is a brilliant protagonist who would fit right in with Poirot or Marple. Unafraid to defy convention or challenge authority, Peris is more than up for the challenge of being India’s first female detective. I was rooting for her to prove her haters wrong at every step and am so glad this is a series so I can see what is next for her.

Although I’ve had Khan’s books on my shelves for years, I’m ashamed to say that this was my first time reading one of them. Why did I wait so long? At least doing so means I have his extensive backlist waiting for me to discover. Skillfully written, richly drawn and filled with complex plotting, this is a first-class cosy mystery. Khan knows how to keep his readers on their toes, delivering an array of suspects who all have reasons to kill the victim so that the answers are hard to predict. 

One thing I particularly loved was Khan’s decision to set the story during such a fascinating and tumultuous time in Indian history. It is an era I was unfamiliar with before picking up this book, but one of my favourite parts of reading historical fiction is learning about new historical events. Overflowing with Indian history, Khan’s extensive research is evident in every small detail, exploring themes such as colonialism, racism and sexism. 

This outstanding cosy mystery is a must for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vaseem Khan is the author of two award-winning crime series set in India, and the Q Mysteries, beginning with Quantum of Menace, the first in a murder mystery series featuring Q from the James Bond franchise. His debut, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, was selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 40 best crime novels published 2015-2020. In 2021, Midnight at Malabar House, the first in the Malabar House novels set in 1950s Bombay, won the CWA Historical Dagger. Vaseem was born in England, but spent a decade working in India. Between 2023-2025, Vaseem served as the Chair of the UK Crime Writers’ Association. In 2025, his first psychological thriller, The Girl in Cell A, was published, set in small town America.

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