Tag: Psychological fiction

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BLOG BLAST: Dead Heat by Sabine Durrant

Published July 30th, 2026 by Penguin UK
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psycological Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Former journalist Matt Grimshaw’s life is at a low ebb. He’s been ‘let go’ by the paper where he’s worked for years, and his relationship with his long-term girlfriend has come unstuck.

So when an invitation arrives from his two closest friends, Celia and Adam Murphy, to join them at their house in Greece, he jumps at it.

It may be harsh and unwelcoming on the Mani Peninsula but Matt determines to stay there for the whole summer and to write his much put-off screen-play.

But then the Murphys plus children arrive, and a wealthy newcomer to the area starts throwing loud and lavish parties in his big house across the bay.

As the nights become hotter and the parties wilder, everyone’s motivations darken. Envy rises, resentments grow – until a terrible accident stops the summer in its tracks.

At least, it looks like an accident…

Set over one blazing Mediterranean summer, Sabine Durrant’s new thriller is tense, claustrophobic and utterly gripping.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

After being dumped by both his long-term girlfriend and his job, former journalist Matt Grimshaw heads to Sparta to stay with his best friend, Adam, and his wife, Celia, to lick his wounds and begin work on his screenplay. But his idyllic summer in the sun takes a mysterious turn when he spots a missing poster for a man named Mark Ashley and gets talking to his worried sister. Matt feels sure there is something more to Mark’s disappearance. When he meets Rey, the wealthy newcomer to the island who Mark worked for, Matt gets a sense that he can’t be trusted. Could Rey know more about the disappearance than he’s letting on? Matt has to know, so he starts his own investigation, determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Mark. But is he prepared for the secrets he will uncover along the way?

Tense, twisty and claustrophobic, this is the perfect escapist summer thriller. Skillfully written and cleverly choreographed, Sabine Durrant tells the story so evocatively that I was transported to Sparta and could feel the sun beating down on me as I read. The tension builds slowly, and I’ll admit there were times at the beginning where my attention waned a little, but it soon picks up, surrounding us with a dark atmosphere that is nail-bitingly tense. I love a locked-room thriller, and as the story goes on the claustrophobia of being trapped on a small island while not knowing who you can trust was perfect, ramping up the suspense and keeping me on the edge of my seat as I waited to learn the truth.

Matt is a likeable narrator who is easy to root for. And I do enjoy an amateur detective so it was fun to get behind his investigation. I liked Celia but her Adam, her husband and Matt’s best friend, really gave me the ick. Like Matt, I didn’t get a good vibe from Rey but I also couldn’t predict what had actually happened and was kept guessing right up until the big reveal.

A scorching and suspenseful summer thriller, add this to your TBR now.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Compulsive Reads for the invitation to take Part in this blog blast and to Penguin UK for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sabine Durrant is a journalist and the author of the best-selling HAVING IT AND EATING IT and the CONNIE PICKLES series of children’s books. Her first psychological suspense novel, UNDER YOUR SKIN, was published by Hodder in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US in 2014. Her second, REMEMBER ME THIS WAY, was also published by Hodder in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US in 2015. Both novels have been translated into more than 12 languages. Her third novel, LIE WITH ME, a Richard & Judy pick and Sunday Times bestseller, was published in July 2016. TAKE ME IN was published by Mulholland Books in June 2018. FINDERS, KEEPERS was published by Hodder & Stoughton in July 2020.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025 Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Against the Tide by G. D. Wright

Published June 18th, 2026 by Avon Books
Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Ficiton, Police Procedural, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

If the truth could destroy you, would you choose to know it?

DC Vinny Robson has spent his career seeking justice for others, but when an elderly couple are violently murdered in his hometown of Beachbrook, the investigation takes a devastating turn – one that cuts straight through his own family.

As Vinny dives deeper, the case becomes more than a pursuit of a killer – it’s a fight against the undertow of his own past. But in chasing the truth, will he finally find justice, or will he drown in the wreckage of everything he thought he knew?

Some truths should stay submerged. But once the tide turns, there’s no stopping what comes to light.

An emotional crime drama set on the south coast of England, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister and Ann Cleeves.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

G. D. Wright never misses. He’s three for three on the tense and emotional thrillers that you can’t put down. And this is his best yet!

An elderly couple are brutally murdered in their home in Beachbrook and DC Vinny Robson is on the case. But the case soon takes an unexpected and devastating turn that could turn Vinny’s world upside down. Now, this is more than the hunt for a killer; it’s the pursuit of a truth and justice that he never knew he needed to find.

Suspenseful, gripping, twisty and totally unpredictable, this sensational thriller was impossible to put down. I’m a big fan of Gaz’s books so I was thrilled when I heard that the SquadPod had got his latest novel as one of their July reads. And he has knocked it out of the park once again. He lulls us into a false sense of security, starting slowly by introducing us to the characters and the story. But the pace soon picked up, and before long I was holding on tight for dear life with no idea what shocking revelation would hit next. Expertly written, cleverly choreographed and intricately interwoven, this is a complex thriller filled with twists you’ll never see coming and characters you’ll love. And that ending! I was not prepared and it will stay with me for a very long time.

Gaz is the King of the emotional thriller and this story had me fighting back tears quite a few times. Vinny’s mum has dementia in the story, something I know was inspired by a member of Gaz’s own family. And his experience of this terrible illness is evident in the care, sensitivity and honesty with which it was written. Another thing I love about Gaz’s books is the authenticity that shines through from his time as a Police Officer. Those small details really make a difference and allow you to have confidence in the accuracy of what you are reading.

A must-read for any thriller lover.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From his website: Hi, and thanks so much for visiting my website. My name is Gary (pen name G.D. Wright) and I live in Kent with my wife and two young children.

I joined Kent Police at the age of 18, working on the front line in a variety of uniformed roles until the age of 29 when, completely out of the blue, I suffered two cardiac ‘events’, and was subsequently diagnosed with a hereditary and incurable disease of the heart (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy if you’re being fussy!). As a result, I had an internal defibrillator implanted in me, and I had to retire from the police aged 30.

One door closed, but another opened, and my wife and I bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour. We spent eight of the happiest years of our lives there but, when the kiddies came along, it just wasn’t sustainable. Family comes first, every single time (a theme in my books…), and the simple fact was that we knew our summers should be spent with the kids, not working seven days a week. In 2022, we sold our ‘third baby’ (the coffee shop, not an actual baby – although… what a plot line for the future… making a mental note…), and I took to writing full time.

Fast forward to now. I’ve signed a two book deal with Avon UK (part of the Harper Collins family), and my debut was released in August 2024. It’s called AFTER THE STORM, and it’s a police procedural with a twisty, emotional hook. My second novel, INTO THE FIRE, was released in June 2025.

As a screenwriter, my feature film BREATHE DEEP is scheduled to shoot in September 2025.

I’m always up for chatting, so find me on my socials (below) and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have!

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Mad Wife by Meagan Church

Published October 30th, 2025 by Sourcebooks
Historical Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction, Bildungsroman, Domestic Fiction

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From bestselling author Meagan Church comes a haunting exploration of identity, motherhood, and the suffocating grip of societal expectations that will leave you questioning the lives we build―and the lies we live.

They called it hysteria. She called it survival.

Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu’s carefully crafted life begins to unravel.

When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman’s constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew―and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept?

In the vein of The Bell Jar and The Hours, The Mad Wife weaves domestic drama with psychological suspense, so poignant and immersive, you won’t want to put it down.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, thought-provoking, moving and powerful, The Mad Wife is a haunting and mesmerising portrait of identity, motherhood, silenced voices and societal expectations. It follows Lulu, an ordinary suburban woman who has spent the last five years becoming the perfect 1950s housewife that everyone expects her to be. But she never quite feels like she fits in and it all seems so much easier for the other women on her street. Then, after the birth of her second child, her carefully curated life begins to unravel and she develops a fixation on her new neighbour, Bitsy, who she is sure is hiding something. People soon notice something isn’t right. The doctor diagnoses hysteria. Is Lulu really losing her mind? Or is there another explanation?

What an amazing read! An easy five stars from me. This was my first time reading a Meagan Church novel, but now I can’t wait to devour her backlist. Exquisitely written, cleverly choreographed, intricately woven and meticulously researched, I felt like I’d stepped back in time when reading this book. 1950s America is brought to life in vivid technicolour and I could see the perfectly manicured lawns and smell the cigarette smoke. The characters are richly drawn and compelling while Lulu is a great protagonist who was likeable and easy to root for. I felt for her being trapped in a world where she has so many expectations on her while she’s in the trenches of motherhood. Men at the time were completely unhelpful so she was basically doing it all alone and it was expected that she do so with a smile on her face and without complaining. In terms of other characters, I really enjoyed Nora, her neighbour and friend, who seemed like a light in her life.

A haunting story with warm humanity at its heart, Meagan shines a light on some important issues including the silencing of women’s voices, medical misdiagnosis, and the dangerous consequences of doctors dismissing women, something that is sadly still all-too prevalent today. But I loved the dark humour that is woven into the story from the start and how such a complex story that explores some dark topics manages to remain enjoyable. And that twist! I did not see it coming and my heart broke in two as it was revealed, pulling the rug from under me and changing everything I thought I knew. Then there is the epilogue. I was fighting back tears and I swear, Meagan, that you were trying to break me. 

A riveting and surprising story that will have you hooked, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Meagan Church is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Mad Wife, The Girls We Sent Away, and The Last Carolina Girl. She writes emotionally-charged, thought-provoking, empathy-inducing stories that explore the complexity of human nature. Her historical fiction chronicles the plight and fight of unheard voices of the past. Meagan holds a B.A. in English from Indiana University and is an adjunct for Drexel University’s MFA in creative writing program. A Midwesterner by birth, she now lives in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart, three children, and a plethora of pets.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Bad Influence by Will Carver

Published June 18th, 2026 by Orenda Books
Crime Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Dark Comedy

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Two bored, obsessed teenagers break into and secretly live in influencers’ houses. But when they choose the wrong home, their twisted experiment turns deadly. A darkly funny, breathtakingly tense thriller from ‘one of the most original writers in Britain’ (Daily Express).

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Two bored teenagers.
One stupid game.
The wrong place to play…

Alyssa wants to be seen. Less wants to be someone. She takes two buses to class, posts pictures of her lunch, and pretends it’s all effortless. He hides his privilege beneath thrifted clothes and a sketchbook full of impossible designs. Together, they are inseparable – two outsiders constructing a version of themselves the world might finally applaud.

Then Alyssa stumbles upon the hidden world of phrogging – living unnoticed inside other people’s homes. She and Less slip through Los Angeles’ glossy veneer: influencers, producers, pop stars, all so busy performing their perfect lives they don’t notice the shadows in their attics, the scratching in their walls.

An act of rebellion. A harmless thrill. A social experiment.

Until they choose the wrong house.
Until the influencer they idolise catches them in the act.
Until the cameras, already rolling, capture everything.

What begins as a reckless adventure becomes a nightmare of lies, power … and murder…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

All the stars for the latest, mind-blowing thriller from Will Carver! 

Alyssa and Less are two bored teenagers from opposite worlds. Alyssa’s family are poor, spends her spare time caring for her grandmother with dementia, and just wants to be seen. Less is from a rich family, is ignored by his parents and wants to make a name for himself. Despite their differences the pair are inseparable. And when Alyssa discovers phrogging – the act of secretly living in someone else’s home without their knowledge – she introduces it to Less and the pair embark on a dangerous game that spirals out of control…

Will Carver has done it again. Suspenseful, surprising, and totally unpredictable, this book blew me away. Exquisitely written, cleverly plotted and  intricately interwoven, Will had me in the palm of his hands from start to finish. He builds the story slowly, lulling you into a false sense of security before pulling the rug out from under you with a twist that will make your jaw hit the floor. I was literally sitting with my mouth hanging open wondering where on earth the story could go from here. I knew there was no chance of me sleeping now until I knew what happened and I devoured it in one sitting. It was a wild ride but I loved every second and it was totally worth losing sleep for.

I’ve been a proud member of the Carver Cult for many years and Will’s books are always a highlight in my reading year. He is one of the most unique voices in fiction today and I know I can always rely on him to deliver a story that is timely, entertaining, full of scathing social commentary and great characters. Bad Influence lives up to that reputation, taking us behind the curtain of the world of influencing. Everyone in this book is flawed and they commit some terrible acts, but some are more likeable than others. I liked Alyssa and Less and found them easy to root for despite their illegal deeds. Paige was likeable at first but when the twist hit at the end of chapter one it changed everything and she unsettled me from that moment on. 

A must-read for any thriller lover. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part in this tour and to Orenda Books for sending me a proof copy in exchage for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Will Carver is the international bestselling author of the January David series and the critically acclaimed, mind-blowingly original Detective Pace series, which includes Good Samaritans (2018), Nothing Important Happened Today (2019) and Hinton Hollow Death Trip (2020), all of which were ebook bestsellers and selected as books of the year in the mainstream international press. Nothing Important Happened Today was longlisted for both the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2020 and the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Hinton Hollow Death Trip was longlisted for the Guardian’s Not the Booker Prize, and was followed by the literary thrillers, The Beresford, Psychopaths Anonymous, The Daves Next Door, Suicide Thursday and Upstairs at the Beresford. Will spent his early years in Germany, but returned to the UK at age eleven, when his sporting career took off. He and his partner run their own fitness and nutrition company, and live in Reading with five children and a tortoise.

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Thank you for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxxx

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

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Five by Ilona Bannister

Published May 5th, 2026 by Juniper
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction, Mystery, Literary Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Five passengers. Five minutes until the next train … five minutes until someone dies.

‘Will have you glued to the page … guaranteed to shock and entertain’The Times

‘Ridiculously good … darkly thrilling and unforgettable’ Chris Whitaker

* * * *

Someone will die here this morning, at this suburban train station. It will happen in the next five minutes when the 7:06 to London Victoria arrives.

Take note of their positions. The child, the mother, the businessman, the old woman and the gambler.

One of them will die despite your attachment to them. There is probably one you want to get rid of. You don’t have to admit who. But perhaps you should ask yourself why.

The train has stopped.

Someone is dead.

Was it who you chose?

It wasn’t your fault …

So why, dear reader, do you feel so guilty?

Five stories. Five minutes until a life ends. Unfolding in real time, FIVE doesn’t just tell a story; it provokes, unsettles, and lingers. By weaving together the stories of those complex, flawed lives, Bannister creates a tapestry of human struggle, resilience, and hope. FIVE offers no easy answers, but rather a nuanced exploration of the human condition in all its messy complexity.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Five passengers are waiting for a train. Five minutes until it arrives…five minutes until one of them dies.

Atmospheric, intense, propulsive and gripping, this heart-stopping debut asks you to become the detective and try to predict which passenger will die. Most books will give you time to get to know the characters and grow attached to them before ticking down the clock to one’s impending doom. But in this book Ilona Bannister does things differently and starts the countdown on the first page. It means the tension is sky high and the reader is kept on the edge of their seat from the first page. And as the clock ticks down, we get to know the five passengers: mother Emma and her son, Gideon, businessman Liam, old Mrs Worth and gambler Sonny. Interspersed with events at the station are the character’s stories that allow us to learn their histories and what brought them to the station today. Skillfully written, razor-sharp, deftly plotted and fizzing with tension I was in Ilona’s thrall from start to finish. And as the jaw-dropping revelations kept coming I still couldn’t predict who would live and who would die.

The five passengers are an eclectic cast of characters who are all broken in some way. Each of them have said and done horrible or even despicable things and their histories are filled with tragedies that make every character a candidate for death. None of them are particularly likeable, but some are more unlikeable than the others. – Liam, I’m looking at you. To be honest, I felt like they all deserved to die in some way and it was more a case of ranking whose death felt most justified than wishing any of them would survive. Yes, even the child. But while I didn’t particularly like them, I was still very invested in them and their stories; each of them kept me glued to the pages of their chapters. This is a testament to the excellence of Ilona’s writing which was acutely observed, achingly human and emotionally resonant.

A jaw-dropping, darkly funny and urgent ticking-clock of tension, this is a must for all thriller lovers.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Juniper for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ilona Bannister was a dual qualified US attorney and UK immigration solicitor before she started writing fiction. Her first novel, When I Ran Away, was developed on Faber Academy’s Work in Progress course. Ilona’s experiences as a mother, lawyer, and an American transplant in Britain are reflected in her novels. Although she will always be a New Yorker at heart, Ilona’s home is in London with her husband and young sons.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026

BOOK REVIEW: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Published April 9th, 2026 by Fourth Estate
Historical Fiction, Satire, Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Speculative Fiction

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘My name is Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive…’

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them.

Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children―they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn’t her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible.

As darkly funny as it is shocking and gripping, Yesteryear is an electrifying examination of tradition, fame, faith and the grand performance of womanhood, from a thrilling new talent in fiction.

NOW BEING ADAPTED INTO A MAJOR FILM STARRING ANNE HATHAWAY

BUY THE BOOK

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MY REVIEW:

Natalie Heller Mills is perfect at being alive. A flawless Christian woman, she is the wife men dream of, the mum every woman wants to be. She lives with her husband Caleb and their soon-to-be six children on a working ranch where every inch of their life and home is perfectly staged. No-one sees the nannies and producers behind the scenes. And they never will. Then one morning Natalie wakes up and doesn’t recognise her reality. This is her ranch but it’s dirty, the man looks like her husband but doesn’t act like him, and she doesn’t recognise the children who call her ‘Mama’. Natalie wonders if this is a test from God or maybe she’s on a reality show. But whatever the reason she’s here, she knows she must escape and get back to her perfect life.

This book is everywhere. I couldn’t wait to read it and listened to the audiobook as soon as it was released. But since then I’ve struggled to write my review. I think that’s partly because this book wasn’t what I expected. The marketing focuses on the historical side but a lot of the story is contemporary. And I found my attention wavering half way through the second timeline until the big twist brought things back around. But there was also a lot I loved. Dark, bold, original, perceptive and unsettling, it’s a timely and thought-provoking read and one hell of a wild ride.

Well written, cleverly crafted, acutely observed and interwoven with humour, Caro Claire Burke delivers an unforgettable debut. Caro explores some important and relevant themes, including feminism, religion, misogyny, motherhood, marriage, mental health and sexuality. She also explores social media, influencers and trad wife culture, showing the reality of these people’s lives versus the polished version they present to the world. In the 1850s timeline Caro showcased how different the life these modern women glamorise would really look as Natalie is forced to live the harsh reality. And it’s nothing like she thought it would be. This timeline also shows us that the modern trad-wives have autonomy and choices that the women of the past didn’t have, reminding us why it’s so dangerous to promote a return to these times and to strip women of their autonomy in so many areas of life. It’s an uncomfortable read at times, but it is a necessary discomfort that helps the reader really understand what the author is trying to convey.

Natalie is a great protagonist, but not because she’s likeable. Quite the opposite. She’s totally insufferable, bitchy and mean to the people around her. Caro has written her so well and I loved reading her. But I was also rooting for her to be brought down a peg or two. Though I will admit part of me also felt sorry for her. She’s so caught up in the trap of being a perfect trad-wife and portraying a perfect life for her followers that image matters more than anything to her. Even her own happiness or that of her children. To her, the worst thing would be for her followers to find out she has nannies, hear the way she really talks to people or what she actually thinks. So when she woke up in the 1850s I was thrilled and hoped she would finally be humbled.

One of the things I loved about this book was how it was so unpredictable. I had a number of predictions about how and why Natalie was in the 1850s but I could never be sure if any of them were right or guess what direction the story would take next. And that ending! It was so unexpected, powerful and moving. Even a month later I’m still thinking about it.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Caro Claire Burke received her Master’s in Fine Arts from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She is the co-host of Diabolical Lies, a politics and culture podcast. Yesteryear is her first novel.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Darling Bud by C. J. Skuse

Published June 4th, 2026 by HQ
Dark Comdey, Suspense, Mystery, Crime Fiction, Psychological Thriller

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The brand-new gripping dark comedy thriller from the world of the Sweetpea series – Now a major TV series on Sky Atlantic, starring Ella Purnell!

Murder can be a family business …

Even wallflowers have to bloom.

Sixteen-year-old Ivy is your average teenager. She’s annoyed by the scratchy labels on her school uniform, old men who wolf-whistle, and her mother the serial killer.

But is murder in her roots?

Ivy was raised far away from the shadows of Rhiannon Lewis, the Sweetpea killer, but when the local predator – better known as Ivy’s football coach – is found dead, could it be that she has discovered a taste for blood?

As suspicion grows deeper, Ivy’s only way out is to get some motherly advice. But when the internet’s unlikeliest vigilantes determine that Ivy must be punished for her mother’s crimes, she must decide whether to control the rage burning inside her.

Or to unleash her thorns…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Move over Sweetpea; there’s a new flower in bloom and she’s ready to take centre stage.

It’s no secret that Sweetpea is my favourite series of all time and I was bereft when it was over. But C. J. Skuse did hint that she *might* write a book from the perspective of Ivy, Rhiannon’s daughter. I’m thrilled to say not only has she done it, but it’s bloody brilliant. I finished this book a few days ago and I haven’t been able to pick up anything else as I’m still reeling. That ending!! How could you end the book there?! My jaw is still on the floor and I need the rest of the story right now! 

Darkly funny, sassy, compelling and emotional, this book had me in a chokehold from the first page to the last. As the story is from a new character’s perspective, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But thankfully this book has everything I’ve come to love about the Sweetpea series and more: the humour is black as ink, there is bloody murder, complex characters and heaps of emotion. Expertly written, intricately interwoven and perfectly plotted, it showcases why C.J. is one of my favourite authors.  It’s also a masterclass in ambiguity, making you torn between rooting for wickedness and knowing murder is wrong. 

When we meet Ivy things aren’t going well. Not only is she an angst-ridden sixteen-year-old, but her adoptive mum is dying and she’s under suspicion after the pervy football coach at her school was found murdered. Everyone seems to think murder runs in the blood and she’s just like her biological mother – serial killer Rhiannon Lewis. But Ivy maintains her innocence. So, with nowhere else to turn, she reaches out to Rhiannon for advice and goes down the rabbit hole of her mother’s crimes. Meanwhile, there is a creepy man who follows her everywhere, she’s arguing with her girlfriend, and she’s facing being left with no-one once her adoptive mother dies. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and C.J. took me along for every bump of the ride. 

I loved Ivy. She is such a great character who was easy to like and root for despite and I was with her on every step of her escapades. She might have spiky edges, but at heart Ivy is a vulnerable teenager who is trying to find her place in the world. She acts out but all she wants is a family and a place to belong. She’s also trying to escape the shadow that her birth mother has cast over her life, no mean feat when everyone knows who she is, what she did, and she’s about to give a live TV interview from jail about her crimes. I also loved being back with Rhiannon and seeing some new sides to her in addition to the ones we know and love. No one writes a complex anti-hero like C. J.

Read it now!

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

C.J. Skuse is the bestselling author of the Sweetpea series (2017–2024), along with six other novels spanning both young adult and adult crime fiction. She holds First-Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Young People and earned a PhD by Publication from the University of Gloucestershire in 2025. Her work has received multiple accolades, including the Dumfries and Burgh Book Award and the Jean Monnet University Student Literary Prize in France. She has also been shortlisted for the Lancashire Book of the Year, the BookTrust Best Book Award, and longlisted for the Branford Boase.  Skuse was credited by The Guardian with pioneering the ‘YA antiheroine’ trend following the publication of her debut novel Pretty Bad Things. Her adult debut Sweetpea was a flagship title in the rise of ‘Sassy Noir’ – a crime fiction subgenre defined by confident, darkly complex female protagonists, often serial killers, and infused with biting social satire.

Sweetpea was optioned for television by See-Saw Films in 2017 and premiered on Sky Atlantic on October 10, 2024 starring Ella Purnell. A second series is currently in production.

Skuse now writes full-time and lives in South West England.

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

Published Steptember 22nd, 2016 by Picodor
Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Religious Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Eleven-year-old Anna O’Donnell stops eating, but remains miraculously alive and well. A nurse, sent to investigate whether she is a fraud, meets a journalist hungry for a story . . .

Set in the Irish Midlands in the 1850s, Emma Donoghue’s The Wonder is inspired by numerous European and North American cases of ‘fasting girls’ between the sixteenth century and the twentieth. A psychological thriller about a child’s murder threatening to happen in slow motion before our eyes.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, intense, heartbreaking, intriguing and transcendent, The Wonder is a powerful gothic tale that will linger long after reading. The story is told by Lib Wright, who travels to Ireland to work as a private nurse for the O’Donnell family for two weeks. She is there to observe their eleven-year-old daughter, Anna, who claims not to have eaten a morsel of food for four months. But the girl isn’t emaciated or bed-ridden. She’s a little thin but otherwise healthy and seems full of energy. Anna’s family is certain she’s been blessed by God. A wonder. Lib is sure it’s all a hoax. As is the journalist she meets who has been sent to report on the strange case. But who is right?

A story steeped in folklore, religion, trauma and suspicion, this one will keep you guessing. Try as I might, I just couldn’t figure this one out. Emma Donoghue has been one of my favourite authors ever since I read Room many years ago. This book had languished on my shelf for years. And now that I’ve read it I’m kicking myself for waiting so long. Exquisitely written, skillfully plotted and intricately interwoven, Ms. Donoghue hides her clues in plain sight, weaving them into the narrative so expertly that we never notice they are there. When the shocking truth was revealed I was left looking back at the story in awe of how cleverly she’d disguised her clues so that I never even noticed they were there. And the story’s bleak and remote setting adds to the isolated, claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere. It is a  masterpiece and one of my favourite books by this author to date. It is a  masterpiece and one of my favourite books by this author to date.

Lib, a nurse from England who trained under Florence Nightingale and served in the Crimean War is our narrator. She is a great character who was likeable and easy to root for. I loved her skeptical and scathing internal monologue and how she put her patient’s care above anything else, even the orders of the church and other powerful people who had hired her to decide if this whole affair is a hoax or truly heaven-sent.  One of the things I loved was the bond that slowly developed between Lib and Anna. I was so thankful for it and happy that the little girl had someone in her corner who wasn’t influenced by religious fervour, especially as the story went on. Anna was a difficult character to figure out but I did get the impression that she truly believed what she was saying, which made the situation even stranger and more perplexing. I was unprepared for the truth, though, and was left reeling when it was finally revealed. 

A mesmerising and unforgettable page-turner, this is a must-read.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Emma’s Website: Born in Dublin, Ireland, in October 1969, I am the youngest of eight children of Frances and Denis Donoghue (the literary critic). I attended Catholic convent schools in Dublin, apart from one eye-opening year in New York at the age of ten. In 1990 I earned a first-class honours BA in English and French from University College Dublin (unfortunately, without learning to actually speak French). I moved to England, and in 1997 received my PhD (on the concept of friendship between men and women in eighteenth-century English fiction) from the University of Cambridge. From the age of 23, I have earned my living as a writer, and have been lucky enough to never have an ‘honest job’ since I was sacked after a single summer month as a chambermaid. After years of commuting between England, Ireland, and Canada, in 1998 I settled in London, Ontario, where I live with Chris Roulston and our son Finn and daughter Una.

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Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Published May 3rd, 2022 by Bloomsbury
Contemporary Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Romance Novel, Psychological Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late…

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

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MY REVIEW:

Tova Sullivan is the night cleaner and oldest employee at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. The job has been a welcome distraction ever since her son, Erik, died at just eighteen and she loves her evenings surrounded by the sea creatures. One of the creatures is Marcellus, a Giant Pacific Octopus who has been in captivity for 1299 days. Marcellus is bright and sees everything, including Tova’s loneliness. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship and Marcellus decides he must help heal the hole in Tova’s heart. So he turns detective, determined to find out what happened the night Erik disappeared. But he’s running out of time. Octopus’ only live for around four years, which gives him 160 days to get to the truth.

What an absolute joy! Gorgeous, moving, funny and full of heart, reading Remarkably Bright Creatures feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. I had heard all of the praise and it had been on my TBR for years, but when I learned that the adaptation was being released this week, I knew I had to finally read it. And I am so glad I did. Beautifully told, tender and evocative, Shelby Van Pelt has crafted a truly unforgettable debut. It did take me a bit of time to get into the story but it soon wrapped me in its tentacles. I lived every moment alongside these characters and inhaled the book in a day.

While the writing and story are fantastic, it is the characters who shine brightest in this book. I never imagined that an Octopus would become one of my favourite characters of all time, but here we are. Marcellus is intelligent, heartwarming and ebullient, lighting up every page he’s on. I loved this creature and I was rooting for him at every step. I also loved Tova immediately and would smile when reading whenever she was going through her cleaning routines. I loved the connection between Marcellus and Tova, which proved you don’t have to be human to make a connection or find friendship. There is also a great cast of background characters that I can’t wait to see come to life on the screen alongside our dynamic duo. 

Heartwarming, addictive and unputdownable, this marvellous debut is the ultimate feel-good read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When Shelby Van Pelt isn’t feeding her flash-fiction addiction, she’s juggling cats while wrangling children. Her debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, will be published by HarperCollins in May 2022. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s currently missing the mountains in the suburbs of Chicago.

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Audio Books book reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Weekend by T. M. Logan

Published February 26th, 2026 by Zaffre
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE BRAND NEW, ADDICTIVE UP-ALL-NIGHT THRILLER

Six friends. Five secrets. One holiday to die for . . .
Welcome to THE WEEKEND.

When a group of friends rent a converted farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales, they have little idea that this one weekend may change the course of their lives forever.

While out on a walk, a storm descends and the friends take shelter in the mouth of an old lead mine. Inside, they discover a backpack filled with more money than they’ve ever seen.

Of course, they agree, they will hand the money to the police at the first opportunity. But as the storm continues and time passes, some of the party begin to think again. Because there are secrets festering at the heart of this group. Debt. Obsession. A career on the brink. Problems that could be solved instantly with an unexpected windfall.

And perhaps they don’t know each other as well as thought they did.

Before long, six good friends find themselves sliding headlong into a world of deceit, treachery, betrayal and murder . . .

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MY REVIEW:

I have a confession. Although I’m a thriller fan, this was my first time reading a book by T. M. Logan. And after finishing it I’m so mad at myself for sleeping on his books for so long! Skillfully written, perfectly paced and cleverly choreographed, Logan had me in his thrall. I can’t wait to read more from him and the good thing about waiting so long to read his books is that now I have a backlist to enjoy. 

In this book, Logan takes something all of us have dreamed about – an unexpected windfall – and shows how it can become a nightmare. The story follows a group of six friends on their annual New Year holiday in a converted farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales. While out on a walk they shelter from a storm inside an old lead mine. Inside, they discover a backpack stuffed with more money than they’ve ever seen. They decide they will hand the money in to the police. But as time goes on and the drinks flow, temptation soon wins out and some of the group admit they want to keep it. A secret ballot results in them keeping the cash. It seems like a victimless crime. After all, they just found the money, can find no trace of the police looking for it online, and they have problems that this money could solve. But there is no such thing as a free lunch and it is soon apparent that the cash could be the start of much bigger problems and they find themselves caught up in a world of secrets, lies, betrayal and murder.

Compelling, tense, twisty and propulsive, this book had me on the edge of my seat and was impossible to put down once I’d started. There are so many red herrings and twists and turns that got whiplash. Seriously, every time I thought I had it all figured out Logan would come along with another twist that changed everything. And that ending! I did not see it coming until it was pretty much right in front of me. The characters are relatable and real. People you can imagine hanging out with and they have problems we can relate to, helping us understand their actions even when we don’t agree with them. 

A riveting thriller that keeps you on your toes, this is a must-read for all thriller fans.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TM Logan’s thrillers have sold more than three million copies in the UK and are translated into 23 other languages for publication around the world.

His new novel, THE WEEKEND, opens with six friends out on a hike in the remote beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Taking shelter from a storm, they make a chance discovery: a backpack full of money. They all know they should ‘do the right thing’ and take it straight to the authorities, but before long they’re sliding headfirst into a world of deceit, betrayal, treachery and murder… THE WEEKEND is out now!

THE DAUGHTER follows the story of Lauren, who goes to pick up her daughter from university at the end of her first term – only to find the room occupied by a stranger. No-one knows her daughter’s name or recognises her picture, and it soon becomes clear she’s vanished without trace…

THE HOLIDAY was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick and spent ten weeks in the Sunday Times paperback top ten. It has since won a Nielsen Gold Bestseller Award and been made into a four-part TV drama with Jill Halfpenny. THE CATCH was also adapted for TV, starring Jason Watkins, Poppy Gilbert, Aneurin Barnard and Cathy Belton.

Tim’s other books are THE DREAM HOME, THE MOTHER, THE CURFEW, TRUST ME, LIES and 29 SECONDS.

A former national newspaper journalist, Tim lives in Nottinghamshire with his family and writes in a cabin in the corner of his garden.

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