Tag: November Books

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Magpie by Mark Edwards

Published November 13th, 2025 by Michael Joseph
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Holiday Ficiton, Festive Fiction

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A chilling standalone thriller for the holiday season, set in the world of the million-copy bestselling The Magpies

‘Dark, twisted, chilling and utterly unputdownable’ CLAIRE DOUGLAS

It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect – lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.

But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.

First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.

Then they are sure someone is watching them…

And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?

After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .

buy here

********

MY REVIEW:

Noel and Dani have recently moved into Nightingale Crescent, a quiet suburban street in a welcoming community where all the neighbours look out for one another. It’s early December and they are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas as husband and wife. Noel is sure this will be the best Christmas ever. But then the first unwelcome gift from ‘Secret Santa’ arrives, and then they get the feeling that someone is watching them. As more strange and sinister gifts arrive, Noel and Dani are determined to get to the bottom of who is behind them. 

Meanwhile, infamous serial killer Lucy Newton is housed at Franklin Grove, the open women’s prison nearby. She misses causing havoc but knows this place is better than any other prison she’s been in. When the creative writing teacher asks Lucy to write an adaptation of A Christmas Carol for her fellow inmates to perform this festive season, Lucy is surprised but agrees. However, she has secret plans in store to put on a performance that no-one is expecting…

Tense, twisty, addictive and witty, I flew through this chilling festive thriller. I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Edwards’ books for years. He’s the  King of stories that turn the ordinary into our worst nightmares and never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The Magpies series are some of my favourites of his books so I was excited to learn there was not only a new instalment, but one set at Christmas because I love a good festive thriller. So my expectations were high for this book. And it didn’t disappoint, delivering the heart-stopping suspense, clever red herrings and shocking twists that I’ve come to expect from Mark’s stories. It’s skillfully written and choreographed, intricately interweaving all of the storylines and creating an array of suspects so it is hard to predict. He kept me guessing and I didn’t suspect the real culprit until only moments before the big reveal, which I absolutely loved. 

Lucy Newton is one of my favourite villains and I was so happy to be back with her again. She’s cold, calculated and an absolute psycho. Someone I’d hate to run into but love to read. I also liked that this time around she also had a mystery to solve, with Secret Santa also sending her Christmas cards telling her they admired her and were causing chaos in her honour. And for every antagonist we need protagonists, which is where Noel and Dani come in. They were likeable, compelling, easy to root for and could be any one of our neighbours. That familiarity adds to the tension and horror as things progress as you really feel like it could be happening to anyone. And that ending! All I’m going to say is I loved it…

A heart-pounding festive thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I can’t recommend this highly enough. And don’t worry if you’ve not read the other books because this can easily be read as a standalone.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Edwards writes books in which scary things happen to ordinary people, the best known of which are The Magpies series, Follow You Home and Here To Stay. His novels have sold over 5 million copies and topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His latest novel, The Wasp Trap, was published in 2025. The New York Times said, “Moves with increasingly head-spinning velocity as the secrets come spilling out.”

Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their children, two cats and a golden retriever. No pets are ever harmed in Mark’s novels. That’s a guarantee.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*This post contains affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews

BLOG TOUR: Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash

Published October 31st, 2025 by Boldwood Books
Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Nautical Fiction

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set against the sparkling shores of Cornwall☀️, this BRAND NEW heartwarming, uplifting and gorgeously romantic tale of second chances is perfect for fans of Veronica Henry, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley. ✨

When life gives you heartbreak 💔, sometimes it also gives you a second chance… 💕

When Tom Sullivan returns to the quiet village of Sandpiper Shore, Emma can hardly believe her eyes. She hasn’t seen him since they played Romeo and Juliet in their school play – a lifetime ago, before real heartbreak, and long before she ever imagined life as a widow.

The last thing she wants is to relive the past, especially with someone who once made her teenage heart flutter. But when Emma agrees to put on a charity pantomime to raise money for the air ambulance service that helped her late husband, she’s thrown firmly back into Tom’s path.

As rehearsals begin and the local community rallies around her, Emma finds unexpected joy in bringing people together – and a surprising connection with Tom that feels far too real to ignore. Maybe it’s time for Emma to become the leading lady in her own life, not just for the show, but for herself.

Full of warmth, humour and heart, this is a story about letting go and discovering that it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

While this novel is set in the same village as the other books in the Sandpiper Shore series, it can be read as a STANDALONE

BUY HERE

********

MY REVIEW:

Emma Montgomery is trying to move on with life following the sudden death of her husband, Ben. Along with her friends Jo and Michelle she runs the Lonely Hearts Club, a group for singles wanting to make friends, and has agreed to organise the local pantomime to raise money for the air ambulance. But Emma gets a huge shock when at a meeting about the pantomime who should appear but Tom Sullivan, Emma’s first love who she hasn’t seen since they played Romeo and Juliet in their school play. To Emma’s dismay, he still makes her heart flutter just like he did when they were teenagers. But Tom broke her heart and she’s not looking for a man, so Emma is determined they will just be friends. But can she resist what her heart seems to want?

There is nothing better at this time of year than an uplifting romcom. And this book certainly fits that bill. Charming, warm, and witty, this was a joyful festive read and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Kim Nash writes with heart and humour, expertly immersing you in the lives of her charismatic characters. And while there was laughter from the start, this is also a lot of depth to this story as Kim explores difficult topics such as coercive control, particularly the complex emotions that accompany it, and delivers an an evocative and moving portrait of grief and self discovery that reminds us all to believe in ourselves and take the opportunities life brings our way. 

But what’s most important in a romcom is the romance. You need characters who seem destined for each other and make you root for their happy-ever-after. This is something Kim delivers perfectly. I loved Emma and Tom. Not only were they great characters in their own right, but they had a compelling and tragic history and an undeniable chemistry that is still there over three decades later. These are people who make you believe in soulmates and I was rooting for them to find happiness again with one another despite the obstacles in their path. 

Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage is the perfect romcom to escape with this festive season. Highly recommended.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours, Anne at Random Things Tours, Rach at Random Resources and Zoe at Zooloos Book Tours for the invitation to take part in this tour and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Nash is the bestselling author of uplifting, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction. She has wanted to write books since she was a little girl. Her other dream, is to live in a home that has a view of a golden sandy beach and the sea sparkling in the sunlight. Until that dream comes true, she’ll continue to write second chance romances about women who live or move to the seaside on her behalf.

Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage, the second book set in Sandpiper Shores, is out on 31st October 2025 and is available to pre-order now.

One of her greatest writing achievements is to be nominated for the Kindle Storyteller Award in 2020, and she was delighted when Claudia Winkleman had read her book and said it was ‘Totally warm and absolutely lovely.’

She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Author Community Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and, as an avid reader, started her career in the publishing industry as a book blogger.

When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading and binge-watching TV. She’s also quite partial to a spa day, lemon drizzle cake and a gin and tonic (not all at the same time!)

Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*This post constains an affiliate link

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Published March 22nd, 2022 by Harper Collins UK
Historical Fiction, Thriller, War Story, Drama, Biographical Fiction, Spy Fiction, Holiday Ficiton

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The brand-new historical novel based on a true story from the bestselling author of The Rose Code and The Alice Network

*Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee: Best Historical Fiction 2022*

In the snowbound city of Kiev, aspiring historian Mila Pavlichenko’s life revolves around her young son – until Hitler’s invasion of Russia changes everything. Suddenly, she and her friends must take up arms to save their country from the Fuhrer’s destruction.

Handed a rifle, Mila discovers a gift – and months of blood, sweat and tears turn the young woman into a deadly sniper: the most lethal hunter of Nazis.

Yet success is bittersweet. Mila is torn from the battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America while the war still rages. There, she finds an unexpected ally in First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and an unexpected promise of a different future.

But when an old enemy from Mila’s past joins forces with a terrifying new foe, she finds herself in the deadliest duel of her life.

The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier, of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever.

buy here

********

MY REVIEW:

Powerful, atmospheric, immersive and intense, , The Diamond Eye is the remarkable story  of Lyudmila ‘Mila’ Pavlichenko, a Russian sniper during the Second World War who went on to become the deadliest sniper in history. It opens on  August 27th, 1942, when Mila is a Russian Envoy at the White House, before jumping back to November 1937, when she was an ordinary citizen in Kiev. Told by Mila, the Marksman, and in extracts from the diary of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, it then moves between timelines and narrators, blending fact with fiction as Kate Quinn tells the story in cinematic detail. 

Mila was a history maker and her story is one of an extraordinary life. But it didn’t start out that way. In 1937 she was 21 years old, an ordinary Russian citizen and a single mother to a five-year-old son. Vowing to be both mother and father to her son, she became an expert shooter to prove to him she could take on the male role he needed, and by the time Russia was invaded in 1941 she was an experienced marksman. Determined to defend her country, Mila joined the Red Army. And with no limits on what roles a woman can take in Russia, unlike the UK and USA, she becomes a sniper. Known to her enemies as ‘Lady Death’, Mila went on to become the deadliest female sniper in history, with 309 confirmed kills recorded. She was also the first Soviet citizen welcomed in the US when she travelled there on a goodwill tour, talking about her experiences as a female soldier and to advocate for their help opening a second front in Europe.

I loved this woman. Feisty, strong, intelligent, determined, ambitious and accomplished, she is someone I’d want on my side. She was also straightforward, with a bluntness that could sometimes come across as brusque to Americans. A staunch advocate of women’s rights, Mila was intent on demonstrating that girls can do anything boys can, demanding respect from her male peers instead of trying to impress them or being intimidated by them. She was an inspiration and a symbol of a strong woman, all whilst hiding her own heartache and trauma underneath. 

Books based on true stories are some of my favourites and I won’t forget this story of heroism, heartache, love, loss, feminism, war and self-discovery is one I won’t forget. Expertly written, meticulously researched, full of evocative imagery and richly drawn characters, Kate Quinn had me in her thrall from start to finish. And that ending! I was on tenterhooks, my heart racing, and then just when I thought it was all over…Bam! She delivers a jaw-dropping curveball that I didn’t see coming and I’m still trying to recover from. 

Action-packed, moving, suspenseful and haunting, The Diamond Eye is a breathtaking story that would be perfect on the big screen or adapted for Netflix and is a must for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of southern California, she attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Voice. She has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with “The Alice Network”, “The Huntress,” “The Rose Code,” “The Diamond Eye,” and “The Briar Club.” She is also a co-author in several collaborative novels including “The Phoenix Crown” with Janie Chang and “Ribbons of Scarlet” with Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie, Eliza Knight, Sophie Perinot, and Heather Webb. “The Astral Library,” releasing in 2025, is her first foray into magical realism. Kate and her husband now live in Maryland with their two rescue dogs.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

*The purchase link in this post is an affiliate link

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

Published January 30th, 2025 by Michael Joseph
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Psycological Thriller, Domestic Fiction

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s Camilla’s first day back at work, her daughter’s first day at nursery.
But husband Luke is nowhere to be seen. The only trace of him is an unfinished note. Camilla tries to put it out of her mind; there must be a rational explanation.
At work, there are welcomes back, and too many distractions.
Then it starts.
Breaking news: there’s a hostage situation developing in London.
The police arrive: Luke is caught up in it.
But he isn’t a hostage. Luke – doting father, successful writer, enthusiastic runner and eternal optimist – is the gunman.
What Camilla does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind says, and the clues it might hold . . .

BUY HERE

********

MY REVIEW:

It’s Cam’s first day back at work after nine months of maternity leave and her daughter Polly’s first day at nursery. She is frustrated to find her husband, Luke, has left her to do it all alone. Then she finds a note from Luke that reads, “It’s been so lovely with you both”.  She’s confused but drops Polly off and heads to work, trying to distract herself from the uneasy feeling in her stomach. A few hours later there is a breaking news story about a siege where a man has taken three people hostage. The police arrive and tell her that the man responsible is Luke. A hostage negotiator, Niall, is called and they desperately try to stop the siege, but things soon take an even darker turn…

Gillian McAllister is the Queen of the moral dilemma thriller. Her books always make you think about what you would do in the character’s shoes and she has a flair for writing character-driven stories that pack a suspenseful punch. Gillian’s skillful storytelling and expert choreography had me in her thrall. This book is a masterclass in suspense; beautifully written but with a sharp edge and a sense of dread that keeps you on tenterhooks as you read. But what really sets this, and all of Gillian’s books apart is their emotional depth. This isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story that asks if we can ever truly know someone and an exploration of love, family and loss.

The story is told by Cam and Niall, who offer us two very different perspectives. Cam’s narration is an emotionally-fraught rollercoaster ride where her fear, devastation, grief and confusion leap from the pages. She’s got so many questions and no answers, making it even harder to move on from that day. Meanwhile, Niall is haunted by the events of that day. He’s an expert at talking down hostage-takers but he has so many questions about what happened. I had the same questions: what was the catalyst for the siege? What secrets was Luke hiding? And who were the bad guys in this story? But Gillian kept her cards to her vest, revealing very little until the finale, which made the payoff that much sweeter when the truth was finally unveiled.

Intriguing, tense, complex, emotional and twisty, Famous Last Words is a must-read for any thriller lover.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Amazon:
Hello there!

As you find me, it’s winter 2025 and my new novel is Famous Last Words, a thriller with a marriage at its centre. It asks the question: what would you do if your husband is caught up in a siege in central London? Only, the police tell you he isn’t one of the hostages: he is the gunman… I hope you like the answer!

As to me, otherwise, I am the author of these novels:

Everything But The Truth (2017)

Anything You Do Say (2018) called The Choice in America

No Further Questions (2018) called The Good Sister in America

The Evidence Against You (2019)

How To Disappear (2020)

That Night (2021)

Wrong Place Wrong Time (2022)

Just Another Missing Person (2023)

Famous Last Words (2025)

My most popular novel is probably Wrong Place Wrong Time, which was selected for the Radio 2 book club and was the Reese’s Book Club August ’22 pick. It debuted at number 4 on the Sunday Times Bestseller List and number 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List.

When not writing (which is basically never), I can be found walking my dog Wendy and parenting my small toddler. The best moments of my day always are the first sip of my coffee, the moment I step into the bath at night, and my son telling me he loves me. And that rare thing that happens only once a year – a novel idea.

********

Tbanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*this post contains affiliate links

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Readalong

READALONG REVIEW: The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace by R.W. R. McDonald

Published November 20th, 2025 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Humorous Fiction

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Eleven-year-old Tippy’s uncle and his boyfriend turn up in her small New Zealand town to look after her when his mother is away over Christmas, but when her schoolteacher is found dead and her best friend has a near-fatal accident, the trio turns detective, dubbing themselves The Nancys, and launching a chaotic, hilarious investigation.

‘Heartfelt and hilarious, this mystery is packed with vivid, beautifully written characters … highly recommended’ A.J. West

‘Wonderful … A book of great heart, humour and originality. I loved it’ Chris Hammer

‘A wonderfully smart, funny, intriguing and joyously camp mystery. I loved it!’ William Hussey

‘Entertaining and satisfying, with a cast of characters I loved and genuinely cared about … unsettling, captivating and uplifting‘Vanda Symon

*** WINNER of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel***

_____________

Meet the Nancys…

Tippy Chan is eleven years old, and she lives in a small town in a very quiet part of New Zealand – the town her Uncle Pike escaped as a teenager, the moment he got a chance. Now Pike is back with his new boyfriend Devon to look after Tippy while her mum is on a Christmas cruise.

Tippy can’t get enough of her uncle’s old Nancy Drew books. She wants to be Nancy and is desperate to solve a real mystery. So, when her teacher’s body is found beside Riverstone’s only traffic light, it looks like Tippy’s moment has arrived. She and her minders form The Nancys, a secret detective club.

But what starts as a bonding and sightseeing adventure quickly morphs into something far more dangerous. A wrongful arrest, a close call with the murderer, and an intervention from Tippy’s mum all conspire against The Nancys. But regardless of their own safety, and despite the constant distraction of questionable fashion choices in the town that style forgot, The Nancys know only they can stop the killer from striking again. Whatever the cost…

Gripping, glorious and glittering with suspense, The Nancy’s is also a heartwarming, hilarious novel for anyone who’s ever felt like they were on the outside, looking in, with a simmering mystery at its heart and characters you will never forget.

A hilarious, and heartfelt twist on Nancy Drew – with murder, mayhem and makeovers in small-town New Zealand.

BUY HERE

********

MY REVIEW:

Heartwarming, witty, chaotic and flamboyant, this delightfully original debut had me hooked from start to finish. 

11-year-old Tippy Chan lives in a small, quiet town in New Zealand with her mum, Helen. She is obsessed with her Uncle Pike’s old Nancy Drew books and longs to solve a real mystery just like her hero. So, when the body of her teacher is discovered one morning, it looks like Tippy’s moment is finally here. Together with her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, she forms The Nancys, a secret detective club, and they begin their investigation. It all starts as a fun adventure, but things quickly morph into something more dangerous and they face mounting obstacles as they search for the truth. But The Nancys are sure they are the only ones who can find the killer and stop them before they strike again. 

This book is the hilarious and uplifting mystery I didn’t know I needed. I’m a big fan of cosy crime stories and love an amateur detective, so I was excited to read this. And in The Nancys I’ve found my new favourite crime-solving trio. It’s a story of family, friendship, murder and makeovers. A story for the outsiders. And I loved every word. R. W. R. McDonald writes with heart and humour, creating a compelling mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat but also makes you feel all the feelings, adding depth to the story as he addresses topics such as grief, trauma and identity. 

The first rule of The Nancys is that everyone is a suspect. And they take that to heart; unafraid to suspect everyone they know in this tiny town as they search for the killer. This created a sense of unease and distrust, as we couldn’t be sure about anyone or anything. I had my own suspicions and theories, but the author did an excellent job of making me feel unsure about them, keeping me guessing and delivering red herrings that shook me along the way. 

There is a motley crew of captivating richly drawn characters on these pages who pull you into their world and take you along with them for the ride. I loved that this story was told from Tippy’s perspective, and that she is such a likeable character who is easy to root for. In many ways she’s a typical 11-year-old girl who just wants the latest smartphone, but she’s also dealing with a lot after the sudden death of her father earlier in the year. When we meet her, she’s on the cusp of both her first Christmas without her dad and her first time apart from her mum, who is off on a cruise she won. And that’s where the fabulous Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, step in. I loved these delightfully campy characters and they never failed to make me laugh. I also enjoyed their untraditional approach to babysitting and that they quickly decided to makeover the girl next door and enter her in a local beauty pageant. This was a fun side story that added lots of levity alongside the darker search for a killer. 

Hilarious, mysterious, quirky and heartfelt, this glorious debut is not to be missed. And I am really hoping that it is the first in a series as I need to return to these wonderful characters again.

Rating: 🔎🔎🔎🔎

Thank you Orenda Books for the invitation to take part in this readalong and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

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.

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*This post containst 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
Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Support Debuts

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Geneva by Richard Armitage

Published October 12th, 2023 by Faber & Faber
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction

Welcome to my review of this sesnational debut. Thank you to Faber & Faber for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nobel Prize-winning scientist Sarah Collier has started to show the same tell-tale signs of Alzheimer’s disease as her father: memory loss, even blackouts. So she is reluctant to accept the invitation to be the guest of honour at a prestigious biotech conference – until her husband Daniel, a neuroscientist, persuades her that the publicity storm will be worth it. The technology being unveiled at this conference could revolutionise medicine forever. More than that, it could save Sarah’s life.

In Geneva, the couple are feted as stars – at least, Sarah is. But behind the five-star luxury, investors are circling, controversial blogger Terri Landau is all over the story, and Sarah’s symptoms are getting worse. As events begin to spiral out of control, Sarah can’t be sure who to trust – including herself.

‘SENSATIONAL.’ Clare Mackintosh

‘I RACED THROUGH IT.’ Lucy Foley

‘OUTSTANDING.’ Harlan Coben

‘HEART-POUNDING.’ Lucy Clarke, author of The Hike

‘IMMENSELY READABLE.’ Sarah Hilary, author of Fragile

‘HIGHLY ADDICTIVE.’ Alice Feeney, author of Daisy Darker

‘STUNNING.’ Helen Fields, author of The Institution

********

MY REVIEW:

Gripping, intense, suspenseful and surprising, Geneva is a high octane thrill ride where no-one is what they seem and you don’t know who to trust. 

The story follows Sarah Collier, a nobel-prize winning scientist and her husband, Daniel, who is also a neuroscientist. Sarah has been invited to be the guest of honour at a prestigious biotech conference but she’s reluctant to accept as she has recently been showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the same illness that affected her father. But Daniel persuades her to go, reminding her that the technology being unveiled at the conference could revolutionise medicine and maybe even save her life. So, the couple head to snowy Geneva and are treated to five-star luxury. But while they are there Sarah’s symptoms worsen, events spiral out of control, and a controversial blogger is covering the story, leaving Sarah unsure if she can trust even herself. 

Fast-paced, heart-poundingly tense, and cleverly choreographed, with this sensational debut, Richard Armitage showcases himself as a thriller writer to watch. He drew me into the story from the start, balancing the tension and heavy science with lighter moments perfectly and keeping you on your toes with an electrifying game of cat and mouse and twists I never saw coming. Armitage’s evocative imagery and attention to detail really set the scene, and combined with narration by the author himself, brings the story to life so vividly it feels like you’re there. 

An exhilarating and unpredictable thriller not to be missed, I can’t wait for the TV adaptation and whatever Armitage writes next. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Richard Armitage is a multi-award winning stage and screen actor. Armitage is best known for his role of Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson’s trilogy of ‘The Hobbit’. On Film Armitage starred in ‘Into the Storm’ ‘Alice Through The Looking Glass’ ‘Captain America, the First Avenger’ ‘Oceans 8’. Independent features include ‘The Lodge’ ‘My Zoe’ ‘Brain on Fire’ and ‘Pilgrimage’. On TV, Guy of Gisborne in ‘Robin Hood’, Daniel Miller in Epix ‘Berlin Station’, ‘John Porter’ in Sky’s Strike Back, Francis Dolerhyde in NBC’s Hannibal, Lucas North in ‘Spooks’ and John Thornton in ‘North and South’ both for the BBC. He also voices Trevor Belmont in the Netflix series ‘Castlevania’, Devereaux in their upcoming animated ‘Tomb Raider’ and Logan in Marvel’s ‘Wolverine’ podcast.

Recent TV adaptations for Netflix include Ray Levine in ‘Stay Close’ and Adam Price in ‘The Stranger’ both written by Harlan Coben. He recently played William Farrow in “Obsession” also for Netflix based on the novel ‘Damage’ by Josephine Hart.

The ‘Jackman and Evans’ crime series by Joy Ellis and ‘The Taking of Annie Thorne’ by CJ Tudor both available on Audible, are currently in development for TV adaptation from his production company White Boar Films alongside The Imaginarium and Sprout Productions/ Night Train.

In 2022 he penned his debut crime thriller ‘Geneva’. It was an instant #1 bestseller for Audible and will be published by Faber&Faber (UK) and Pegasus (US)

********

BUY THE BOOK:

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

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024

BOOK REVIEW: How To Solve Your Own Murder (The Castle Knoll Files, 1) by Kristen Perrin

Published March 26th, 2024 by Quercus
Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Crime Fiction, Crime Series, Women Sleuths

Welcome to my review of this captivating cosy whodunnit. Thank you to Quercus for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

FRANCES ALWAYS SAID SHE’D BE MURDERED.
SHE WAS RIGHT.

In 1965, Frances Adams was told by a fortune teller that one day she’d be murdered. Frances spent the next sixty years trying to prevent the crime that would be her eventual demise. Of course, no one took her seriously – until she was dead.

For Frances, being the village busybody was a form of insurance. She’d spent a lifetime compiling dirt on every person she met, just in case they might turn out to be her killer. In the heart of her sprawling country estate lies an eccentric library of detective work, where the right person could step in and use her findings to solve her murder.

When her great-niece Annie arrives from London and discovers that Frances’ worst fear has come true, Annie is thrust into her great-aunt’s last act of revenge against her sceptical friends and family. Frances’ will stipulates that the person who solves her murder will inherit her millions.

Can Annie unravel the mystery and find justice for Frances, or will digging up the past lead her into the path of the killer?

********

MY REVIEW:

Frances always said she’d be murdered.

She was right.

In 1965, Frances Adams is told by a fortune teller that one day she will be murdered. She spends the next sixty years trying to prevent it. No one took her seriously and she spent her life ridiculed by everyone else living in the small village of Castle Knoll. 

Now, Frances is dead. Murdered. And her great-niece, Annie, finds herself pulled into her Aunts’ final act of revenge against the people who refused to believe her; a hunt for her killer that sees the person who solves the crime inherit Frances’ millions. Can she solve the crime? Or will the killer silence her first?

Fun, heartwarming, suspenseful and original, How To Solve Your Own Murder is a superb debut that radiates Christie vibes. I’m a big fan of the amateur sleuth, so a book with two of them sounded right up my street. Skillfully written, sharply observed, cleverly plotted, full of surprising twists, and inhabited by fascinating characters, Kristen Perrin’s first installment in the Castle Knoll series was impossible to put down. The story is told in dual timelines, the flashbacks being revealed through Frances’ diaries, and moves seamlessly between past and present to intricately weave this tangled web of secrets, lies, paranoia and murder. 

Set in the fictional village of Castle Knoll, which is inspired by the real village of Corfe, Dorset, which is one of my favourite places, the village and its fascinating characters are brought to life by Perrin’s evocative imagery and descriptions. Castle Knoll has that charming but claustrophobic vibe that is unique to small towns where everyone knows everyone. France’s place as the village’s crazy lady was set when she received the chilling fortune in her teens. Her obsession with solving and preventing the crime, and her habit of seeing clues everywhere, only solidified her strangeness in the minds of the other residents. 

Cosy, clever, witty and totally addictive, How To Solve Your Own Murder is an inventive whodunnit you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to return to these characters in book two. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristen Perrin is originally from Seattle, Washington, where she spent several years working as a bookseller before immigrating to the UK to do a Masters and PhD.

She loves working on projects that have a mystery at their heart, and splits her time writing cosy crime for adults and working on middle grade books that mix magic and adventure. Her children’s series, Attie and the Worldbreakers, is currently available in Dutch, German, and Polish.

She lives with her family in Surrey, where she can be found stomping in the mud with her two kids, collecting too many plants, and painting and sketching in her spare time.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

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

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOKS: To Die For (Travis Devine, 3) by David Baldacci

Published November 7th, 2024 by Pan Macmillan
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime Ficiton, Police Procedural, Political Thriller, Adventure Fiction

Welcome to my review for this tense thriller. Thank you Pan Macmillan for my copy.

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The bodyguard becomes the hunted in To Die For, the electrifying third Travis Devine thriller from international no. 1 bestselling author David Baldacci, following The Edge and the runaway no. 1 bestseller The 6:20 Man.

* * * * *

Some secrets are too dangerous to keep . . .

TWO SUSPICIOUS DEATHS

When Dwayne and Alice Odom are killed, the police report states clearly that it was a drug overdose. So why is their daughter, who was there when they died, claiming that’s not the truth?

ONE YOUNG SURVIVOR

Betsy Odom doesn’t trust the police but when she finds herself in the FBI’s custody after her parents’ deaths, she knows she has to be careful. Her uncle wants to adopt her and as he is a very rich and powerful man, she wants to let him. His criminal connections, however, mean the authorities aren’t so sure.

ONE MAN ON THE RUN

Enter Travis Devine. Trying to escape a skilled predator who wants him dead, Devine finds himself as Betsy’s bodyguard. But when an informant is found murdered, Devine knows this job is perhaps even more dangerous than the one he’s running from . . . and the true enemy may be on his side.

********

MY REVIEW:

Former Marine Travis Devine – now a bodyguard, fixer and investigator – becomes the prey in the third installment in this series. A threatening note in his pocket from the mysterious girl on the train is only the latest in the line of attempts to kill him. And finding out who she is isn’t the only thing on Devine’s mind. The Department of Justice has sent him to the West Coast to protect a young girl whose uncle is the defendant in a federal case. Young Betsy Odom’s parents died of a drug overdose in front of her. But she claims they were murdered. Can Travis keep Betsy safe, discover the truth and stop the woman determined to kill him.

Suspenseful, gripping and intriguing, this my first time reading a David Baldacci book and this series so it took me a bit of time to get to grips with the characters and story, but once I did I was hooked. I particularly enjoyed the parts from the perspective of the woman on the train and was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. A great addition to the TBR of anyone who loves a great thriller.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, “because every mom needs a break now and then.”)

David published his first novel, ABSOLUTE POWER, in 1996. The feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 50 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been translated into over 45 languages and sold in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. David has also published seven novels for younger readers.

David is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy programs across the United States.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

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

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Mistletoe Mystery (Molly the Maid, 3) by Nita Prose

Published October 10th, 2024 by Harper Fiction
Mystery, Domestic Fiction, Festive Fiction, Christmas Story, Holiday Fiction, Romance Novel

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

There’s a 5* Christmas mystery unfolding at The Regency Grand Hotel…

Full of charm and feel-good festive cheer, The Mistletoe Mystery short story is the perfect stocking-filler this Christmas!

____

It’s the Christmas countdown at the Regency Grand Hotel, and Molly the maid is polishing up her holiday list.

*Deck halls

*Dust off decorations

*Buy Secret Santa gift

*Solve mystery?

A festive plot throws Molly off-kilter. Why does her beau, Juan Manuel, keep disappearing? And why are the hotel corridors filled with whispers?

Someone is keeping a secret. And, as Molly discovers, the answers to the mystery lie in a most unexpected gift…

*Escape into the world of Molly the Maid in this delightful Christmas short story!*

********

MY REVIEW:

Molly the maid is one of my favourite characters and I’m a big fan of this series, so I was thrilled when this Christmas novella was announced. The story is set about a year after the events of book two as Molly is gearing up for her fifth Christmas with her hunky boyfriend, Juan. But her plans are thrown awry with a new mystery to solve: what is it that has everyone at the Regency Grand Hotel whispering in the hallways?

Warm, cosy and compelling, The Mistletoe Mystery was a delightful quick festive read. I loved the flashbacks to Molly’s childhood Christmases and seeing more of her memories of her grandmother. The answer to the mystery was obvious to me but I still enjoyed how it unraveled and watching Molly discover the truth for herself.

Charming and heartwarming, it was a joy to spend the festive season with Molly and her friends. This delightful festive novella is perfect for fans of the series.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nita Prose is the author of The Mystery Guest and The Maid, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and was published in more than forty countries. A #1 New York Times bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club pick, The Maid won the Ned Kelly Award for In­ternational Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best First Mys­tery, and was an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. 

********

BUY THE BOOK:

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

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliohpiles xxx