Tag: Random Things Book Tours

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace

Published September 21st, 2023 by Viper Books
Thriller, Mystery, Dark Comedy, Ghost Story, Satire

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this darkly funny debut. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part, and to Viper Books for the finished copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

SYNOPSIS:

‘Refreshingly original and laugh-out-loud funny’ – CLARE MACKINTOSH
‘Delightfully shocking and irreverently funny’ – JANICE HALLETT

I have a gift. I see people as ghosts before they die.
Of course, it helps that I’m the one killing them.

The night after her father’s funeral, Claire meets Lucas in a bar. Lucas doesn’t know it, but it’s not a chance meeting. One thoughtless mistyped email has put him in the crosshairs of an extremely put-out serial killer. But even before they make eye contact, before Claire lets him buy her a drink, before she takes him home and carves him up into little pieces, something about that night is very wrong. Because someone is watching Claire. Someone who is about to discover her murderous little hobby.

The thing is, it’s not sensible to tangle with a part-time serial killer, even one who is distracted by attending a weekly bereavement support group and trying to get her art career off the ground. Claire will do anything to keep her secret hidden – not to mention the bodies buried in her garden. Let the games begin…

Dexter meets Killing Eve in this superb thriller, perfect for fans of How To Kill Your Family and My Sister, the Serial Killer.

‘I doubt I’ll read a more original thriller this year’ – JACK JORDAN
‘If Bret Easton Ellis ever went to grief counselling, this would be just the kind of brilliant book he’d write’ – PHILIPPA EAST

********

MY REVIEW:

“I have a gift. I see people as ghosts before they die.
Of course, it helps that I’m the one killing them.”

Have you ever heard a better tagline? I don’t think I have. And that title is probably my favourite of all time. Whoever came up with it deserves a raise as even without reading the synopsis I was desperate to read it. Add the striking purple and red cover, sinister tagline, and a hammer-wielding murderess, and I was all in. But be warned; this isn’t for the faint of heart. 

I’ve been in a very murdery mood lately, and this darkly funny, deliciously unhinged, and devilishly addictive debut was just what I was craving. Joanna Wallace’s storytelling is scalpel-sharp, funny, and compelling, and the plot is mysterious, vengeful and macabre. It’s my idea of book heaven and I couldn’t get enough of Claire’s deadly deeds. I haven’t loved a serial killer so much since Rhiannon and the Sweetpea series and never wanted the book to end.

“… I smile, enjoying my favourite part of the process. The part when I know they’re going to die soon. The part when I can anticipate every moment of their deaths. The part when I already see them as ghosts.”

I love an anti-hero, and with her murderous rage, bloody hammer, and body parts hidden in her garden, Claire certainly fits that bill. She’s feisty, sassy, sarcastic, witty, intelligent, doesn’t take anyone’s crap, and I loved her. Murder is her coping mechanism. Her way of chasing away the pain and finding peace among the chaos. And she’s totally blase about it. Unapologetically herself as she revels in being a predator and feeding on the fear of her victims as she slowly tortures and kills them. Wallace has written her brilliantly, refusing to create a caricature of a killer, instead writing a morally complex, nuanced and deeply human character you won’t be able to forget. The flashbacks are a vital part of this as they give us a glimpse into how she became the killer she is today. We learn that her father was her only real parent and that her mother should never have had children. I loathed that woman and really wanted to slap her! Another aspect I liked was the humanity we see in her grief after her father’s death. After all, we expect serial killers to be emotionless psychopaths not struggling to focus and attending bereavement groups.

Dark, chilling, gruesome, and laugh-out-loud funny, You’d Look Better As A Ghost is easily one of my favourite books of the year. Perfect for fans of books such as Sweetpea, My Lovely Wife, and Death of a Bookseller, this is an absolute must read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

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

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*All purchase links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

Published May 25th, 2023 by Orion
Mythology, Fantasy Fiction, Greek Mythology, Fairy Tales, Hiistorical Romance, Ancient History, Literary Fiction

Today I’m finally sharing my full review for Psyche and Eros. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Orion for the copy of the book.

********

SYNOPSIS:

‘A riotous adventure, populated by a cast of vivid, glittering characters. An absolute joy!’ JENNIFER SAINT

‘A fabulously entertaining retelling, full of magic, humour and heart’ ELODIE HARPER

A stunning, exciting and hotly-anticipated feminist retelling of one of the greatest love stories in Greek mythology!

The greatest love story ever told…

Born into an era of heroes, a prophecy claims that Psyche – Princess of Mycenae – will defeat a monster feared even by the gods themselves. Rebelling against society’s traditions, she spends her youth mastering blade and bow, preparing to fulfil her destiny.

But she is soon caught up in powers beyond her control, when the jealous Aphrodite sends the God of Desire, Eros, to deliver a fatal love-curse. The last thing Eros wants is to become involved in the chaos of the mortal world, but when he is pricked by the very arrow intended for Psyche, he is doomed to love a woman who will be torn from him the moment their eyes meet.

Thrown together by fate, headstrong Psyche and world-weary Eros will face challenges greater than they could have ever imagined. And as the Trojan War begins and the whole of the heavens try to keep them apart, will they find their way back to each other… before it’s too late?

Luna McNamara’s exquisitely written debut will appeal to fans of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint and Susan Stokes-Chapman.

********

MY REVIEW:

“There is something powerful in this, I think. We were not in thrall to destiny or fate, but merely the weight of our own choices. When we turned towards each other like flowers facing the sun, we were not fulfilling some prophecy or old story. We were writing our own.”

Alluring, evocative and exhilarating, Psyche and Eros is a feisty feminist retelling of one of Greek Mythology’s greatest love stories. Psyche – Princess of Mycenae – is prophesied to slay a monster even the gods fear. She rebels societal traditions to train as a warrior in preparation for fulfilling her destiny. Eros – God of Desire – is sent by Aphrodite to deliver a fatal love-curse to Psyche in an act of revenge. But when he is pricked by the arrow meant for her, he falls madly in love. Cursed to be torn from each other should their eyes ever meet, their love seems doomed from the start. Can they   overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their way to find a happy ending together?

As a fan of Greek mythology retellings and a sucker for a gorgeous cover, I was excited to read this one. I went into this one blind and was unfamiliar with Psyche and Eros’ story. But I was soon transfixed as debut author Luna McNamara’s gorgeous storytelling transported me across the ocean and back in time to their world. These vividly drawn, star-crossed lovers are fascinating characters, and by telling the story from both perspectives, McNamara allows us to really get inside the hearts and minds of both characters as well as allowing us to see the broader picture, rather than a skewed, one-sided version of the tale. Psyche is  fiery, gutsy, headstrong and determined while Eros is disenchanted, jaded and often seems melancholy, especially before meeting Psyche. I felt for Eros as he grappled with how he could be with her without the curse taking hold but I had even more empathy for this girl who was taken away from all she knew without warning. The tension escalated as they became closer and I was on tenterhooks as I waited to discover if they could overcome the obstacles in their path.

“I had long noticed that the stories of heroes were mainly about men, Atalanta being one of the rare exceptions. Women when they had roles to play at all, appeared only as mothers or lovers or sometimes monsters.”

McNamara also explores how women were second class citizens and the lack of agency they had at this time. Not only were girls not educated or trained to be heroes like their boys were, but they were viewed as best silent and only useful for sex, bearing children, and cleaning. Psyche recognises this as an obstacle in fulfilling the prophecy and is also concerned that she will soon be expected to become a meek and obedient wife to a stranger rather than the hero she dreams of becoming. I am loving the current trend of feminist retellings of mythology as it is finally giving these women their time to shine and ensuring their place in legend just like their male counterparts.

Intoxicating, fierce, and enthralling, Psyche and Eros is a sensational debut and must-have addition for your Greek Mythology shelf. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:


Luna McNamara is a social worker by day, and by night she writes about historical women and forgotten gods.

Luna holds a master’s degree from Harvard University in the study of women and gender in world religions; she has also studied ancient Greek language and philosophy. She lives in Boston with her faithful lop rabbit, Leo. 

Her first novel, Psyche & Eros, will be released May 25th 2023 by Orion Books in the UK, and June 13th 2023 by HarperCollins in the US.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

*All these links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours Book Features Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Life and Otter Miracles by Hazel Prior

Published September 14th, 2023 by Transworld
Romantic Comedy, Humorous Fiction, Uplit, Adventure Fiction, Holiday Fiction

Happy Publication Day to Life and Otter Miracles! I’m delighted to be sharing my review for this uplfiting story on such a special day. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Transworld for the gifted copy of the book.

********

SYNOPSIS:

From the bestselling author of Richard & Judy’s pick Away with the Penguins comes this ‘otterly’ delightful, heart-warming and feel-good story about the healing power of nature.


‘A lovely holiday read . . . Packed full of humanity and otters!’ Sally Page

‘This book was just amazing. It made me laugh and cry!’ *****
‘There is so much to love and treasure in this story’ *****
‘This book was a delight from start to finish!’ *****
‘Glorious dose of otter cuteness’ *****
You loved Veronica McCreedy. Now meet Phoebe Featherstone . . ._____

Down by the river, Phoebe Featherstone is about to make a life-changing discovery . . .

Clever, nosy Phoebe is unable to get out much, but she has a talent for uncovering her neighbours’ secrets by examining the parcels delivered by her courier father, Al.

When they discover an abandoned baby otter on the riverbank, Phoebe must step out of her comfort zone – and she experiences an unexpected sense of happiness that she has not felt in a very long time. But now, further secrets are coming to light.

Phoebe soon realizes that something is amiss at the local otter sanctuary. She will need to overcome her own close­ly guarded issues and put all her sleuthing skills to good use if she wants to save the otters . . . and in the process, change her life for ever.

********

MY REVIEW:

“In this moment, Phoebe felt it for the first time: A curious concentration of joy that had nothing to do with her own state, that was activated by focusing wholly on the baby otter. It was a new and glorious phenomenon. It should have a name. Perhaps she would call it ‘the Otter Effect’. Like the Butterfly Effect, only much, much better.”

Be prepared to feel ‘the Otter Effect’. 

A story of family, friendship, community, and self-discovery, I adored this beautifully told gem of a story told with wit, warmth, and wisdom that is a balm for the soul. It is the book I never knew I needed and I’ll never be the same again after reading. Hazel Prior has been a favourite and auto-buy author for me ever since I read Away with the Penguins, and with every book she just gets better. Life and Otter Miracles showcases her gift for writing animals you’ll fall in love with, humans you’ll relate to, and stories you won’t forget to perfection. I loved the attention to the tiniest details such as the chapter names and the otter illustrations at the start of each one. But this is the book I never knew I needed and I’ll never be the same after reading it.

19-year-old Phoebe Featherstone and her father, Al, who have just moved to the small Exmoor village of Darleycombe and are out exploring the beauty their new home has to offer when they come across an otter cub abandoned on the riverbank. Phoebe is soon struck with what she calls ‘the Otter Effect’; the warm, happy feeling that these animals bring and can’t bear to be parted from her, so after they take the little creature to the local otter sanctuary she volunteers to help care for the cub and prepare her for release back into the wild. There’s a varied cast of characters that I loved, particularly Phoebe, Al, and Christina – a woman Phoebe quickly becomes friends with and hopes to set up her father with. Phoebe is a big fan of detective shows such as Poirot and I loved how she used this knowledge to play amateur detective at various points in the story, particularly when it seems clear that someone is trying to sabotage the otter sanctuary. By this point in the story, Phoebe has found her own kind of sanctuary there, and the idea of it closing is devastating. She is determined to catch the culprit, and I enjoyed following the clues along with her to try and figure out the answers. One of my favourite aspects of the book was the relationship between Phoebe and Al and it was great to read a story that focused on a single father. Phoebe’s attempts to play matchmaker for him were fun to read, though I did doubt they’d be successful. But the stars of the show are undoubtedly the otters. Coco is the cutest little animal ever and everyone will fall for the charms of her and the other otters in this book. I wanted to immediately find the nearest otter sanctuary to visit and now understand why they are my eldest son’s favourite animal. 

But although it was the amazing writing, compelling characters, and adorable otters that drew me to this book, it is the author’s depiction of Phoebe’s chronic pain that had the greatest impact on me. I developed chronic pain at a similar age to Phoebe and I have never seen myself or my experience so evocatively represented in a book. It brought me to tears and means more than I could ever express. I can honestly say I have never felt so seen as I did when reading Phoebe talk about the little things she has to think about just to get through the day. It’s woven into every facet of her life and I lost it all over again a couple of times when Phoebe’s struggle was especially palpable. Ms. Prior’s familiarity with chronic pain is evident in the raw, honest, and sensitive way that Phoebe’s experience is written and I don’t think anyone who hasn’t lived it could have conveyed the brutal, devastating reality of living in agony day after day. I am so grateful to her for being brave enough to write this character so that those of us with chronic pain can feel seen and those who don’t know how it feels are educated by reading her words. Thank you Hazel. 

Compassionate, heartwarming, moving, and uplifting, Life and Otter Miracles is the perfect book to cosy under the blanket with on a cold night. But be warned—you will fall in love. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Hazel Prior lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat. As well as writing, she works as a freelance harpist. Hazel is the author of Ellie and the Harp-Maker, the #1 ebook and audiobook bestseller Away with the Penguins and its follow-up, Call of the Penguins. Life and Otter Miracles is her fourth novel.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BLOG TOUR: The Opposite of Lonely (Skelfs 5) by Doug Johnstone

Published September 14th, 2023 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Urban Fiction, Lesbian Literature, LGBT Literature, Religious Fiction

Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Opposite of Lonely. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Book Tours for the invitation to take part, and to Karen at Orenda for the gifted ARC.

********

SYNOPSIS:

A body lost at sea, arson, murder, astronauts, wind phones, communal funerals and existential angst … This can ONLY mean one thing! The Skelfs are back, and things are as tense, unnerving and warmly funny as ever!
 
The Skelf women are recovering from the cataclysmic events that nearly claimed their lives. Their funeral-director and private-investigation businesses are back on track, and their cases are as perplexing as ever.
 
Matriarch Dorothy looks into a suspicious fire at an illegal campsite and takes a grieving, homeless man under her wing. Daughter Jenny is searching for her missing sister-in-law, who disappeared in tragic circumstances, while grand-daughter Hannah is asked to investigate increasingly dangerous conspiracy theorists, who are targeting a retired female astronaut … putting her own life at risk.
 
With a body lost at sea, funerals for those with no one to mourn them, reports of strange happenings in outer space, a funeral crasher with a painful secret, and a violent attack on one of the family, The Skelfs face their most personal – and perilous – cases yet. Doing things their way may cost them everything…
 
Tense, unnerving and warmly funny, The Opposite of Lonely is the hugely anticipated fifth instalment in the unforgettable Skelfs series, and this time, danger comes from everywhere…

********

MY REVIEW:

We are back in Scotland with the Skelf women for another outstanding instalment of this addictive series filled with arson, stalking, arson, murder, theories, secrets, family drama, green funerals, community funerals, astronauts, and more. This is suspense writing at its finest and it’s easy to see why this book has been included in The Times’ list of Best New Crime Fiction for September 2023.

Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah Skelf work together running their family funeral home and private investigation company. Intelligent, fierce, funny, sassy and no-nonsense, the trio are likeable, flawed and real. They are easy to relate to and root for and feel like the kind of women I could meet in my everyday life – just with an unusual combination of jobs. I’ll admit I have a particular soft spot for Dorothy, the matriarch of her family. Dorothy is in her seventies but has lost none of her character or sass. Not only does she still run and actively participate in both businesses but she also has a younger boyfriend, active sex life, and plays in a band. She is the kind of older female character we need more of as life is far from over when you hit middle age and I love reading about women who are thriving in their twilight years. 

Doug Johnstone is a masterful storyteller who just keeps getting better. He writes with an intoxicating mix of apprehension, sensitivity, and humour, which he combines with a multilayered plot, authentic characters, and short, striking chapters to create a first-rate thriller. The intricately woven plot explores topics such as prejudice, the environment, and grief, and I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of the Japanese wind phone that people use to call their lost loved ones. I devoured this book in almost one sitting, reading in breathless anticipation as it built to its heart-pounding crescendo.

A sensational thriller that is also darkly funny, moving, and crackles with tension,  The Opposite of Lonely is a must-read for all fans of this genre. Perfect whether read as part of the series or as a standalone. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Doug Johnstone is the author of fourteen previous novels, most recently The Big Chill (2020). Several of his books have been bestsellers and three, A Dark Matter (2020), Breakers (2019) and The Jump (2015), were shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year. A Dark Matter, the first in Doug’s first-ever series, was also shortlisted for the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Readers Awards. He’s taught creative writing and been writer in residence at various institutions over the last decade – including at a funeral parlour ahead of writing A Dark Matter – and has been an arts journalist for over twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with five albums and three solo EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. He’s also player-manager of the Scotland Writers Football Club. He lives in Edinburgh.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Waterstones*| Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*These purchase links are affiliate links
 

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BLOG TOUR: The Fascination by Essie Fox

Published June 22nd, 2023 by Orenda
Gothic Fiction, Historical Thriller, Historical Romance, Gothic Romance, Suspense

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this deliciously dark and enthralling piece of gothic fiction. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Book Tours for the invitation to take part, and to Karen at Orenda Books for my gifted proof copy of the book.

********

SYNOPSIS:

The estranged grandson of a wealthy collector of human curiosities becomes fascinated with teenaged twin sisters, leading them into a web of dark obsessions. A dazzlingly dark gothic novel from the bestselling author of The Somnambulist.
 
‘Mysterious, sometimes shocking, full of surprises and twists … brimming with Victorian wonders!’ Sean Lusk

‘A magical, macabre masterpiece’ A.J. West
 
‘Fascinating and immersive’ Anna Mazzola

________________________________


Victorian England. A world of rural fairgrounds and glamorous London theatres. A world of dark secrets and deadly obsessions…

Twin sisters Keziah and Tilly Lovell are identical in every way, except that Tilly hasn’t grown a single inch since she was five. Coerced into promoting their father’s quack elixir as they tour the country fairgrounds, at the age of fifteen the girls are sold to a mysterious Italian known as ‘Captain’.

Theo is an orphan, raised by his grandfather, Lord Seabrook, a man who has a dark interest in anatomical freaks and other curiosities … particularly the human kind. Resenting his grandson for his mother’s death in childbirth, when Seabrook remarries and a new heir is produced, Theo is forced to leave home without a penny to his name.

Theo finds employment in Dr Summerwell’s Museum of Anatomy in London, and here he meets Captain and his theatrical ‘family’ of performers, freaks and outcasts.

But it is Theo’s fascination with Tilly and Keziah that will lead all of them into a web of deceits, exposing the darkest secrets and threatening everything they know…

Exploring universal themes of love and loss, the power of redemption and what it means to be unique, The Fascination is an evocative, glittering and bewitching gothic novel that brings alive Victorian London – and darkness and deception that lies beneath…

********

MY REVIEW:

“A narrow ray of sunlight shafts through the door and draws his eye towards the jar that, till that moment, had been concealed in veils of shadow. The skin of what it holds is white and luminous, like pearls…he notices the place where the shoulder blades should be, and where…
Is that a pair of wings? But if they’re wings, is this a fairy? A real-life fairy in a bottle? 
The fascination has begun…”

The Fascination is a deliciously dark slice of Victiorian gothic about life’s outsiders and oddities. A story about the so-called-freaks who would be put on display and stared at for an entry fee. But this book takes that familiar trope and twists it into something that is unexpected. This is a story of trauma, grief, obsession, secrets, redemption and the search for acceptance. A story that we can all relate to that is told by those so often not given a voice. 

Atmospheric, beguiling and intoxicating, I loved the vibe of this story from the beginning. I’m an immediate fan after this first time reading a book by Essie Fox and can’t wait to explore her back catalogue and read any future releases. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, she has crafted a world filled to the brim with intricate details and marvels from the Victorian era. This created an immediate sense of trust between me and the author, leaving me completely hooked and in the palm of her hand as she took me on a journey into the world of curiosities. And the story she tells is one that is complex, layered, and intricately woven, filled with luscious enchantments and unsettling horrors. It is a tale of the best and worst of human nature that will tug at your heart strings, make you rage, and give you hope. And that ending! Omg. Talk about pulling the rug out from under me! Bravo, Ms. Fox. Bravo.

Leaping from the pages of this book is a cast of eclectic characters who are all richly drawn, compelling and memorable. You will love some and loathe others, but every one of them will pull you in. The spotlight inevitably shines on brilliant narrators Keziah and Theo, but the background characters are also given their time to shine, creating some of the most memorable moments of the book. I also loved that every character, however small, has their own captivating story, and enjoyed following their triumphs and trials as the author slowly intertwines them to craft a skillfully woven novel of stories within stories that is mesmerising. 

Hypnotic, heady, mysterious, and original, The Fascination is a gorgeously gothic tale you will lose yourself in. One of my favourite books so far this year, I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

Rating: ✭✭✭✭✭

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Essie Fox was born and raised in rural Herefordshire, which inspires much of her writing. 

After studying English Literature at Sheffield University, she moved to London where she worked for the Telegraph Sunday Magazine, then the book publishers George Allen & Unwin – before becoming self-employed in the world of art and design. 

Always an avid reader, Essie now spends her time writing historical gothic novels. Her debut, The Somnambulist, was shortlisted for the National Book Awards, and featured on Channel 4’s TV Book Club. The Last Days of Leda Grey, set in the early years of silent film, was selected as The Times Historical Book of the Month. Her latest novel, The Fascination is based in Victorian country fairgrounds, the glamour of the London theatres, and an Oxford Street museum full of morbid curiosities.  

Essie is also the creator of the popular blog: The Virtual Victorian. She has lectured on this era at the V&A, and the National Gallery in London.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Waterstones* | Berts Books | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*These purchase links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2022 Paperback Publication Day

BLOG TOUR: The Moose Paradox by Antti Tuomainen (The Rabbit Factor Trilogy Book 2)

Published June 22nd, 2023 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Hardboiled, Police Procedurals, Humorous Fiction, Book Series

Happy Paperback Publication Day to The Moose Paradox, which is the second in one of my favourite-ever series. Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for asking me to reshare my review today as part of the papaerback publication tour, and to Orenda Books for my ebook ARC.

********

SYNOPSIS:

Insurance mathematician Henri has his life under control, when a man from the past appears and a shady trio take over the adventure park’s equipment supply company. Things are messier than ever in the absurdly funny, heart-stoppingly tense second instalment in Antti Tuomainen’s bestselling series.

‘In these uncertain times, what better hero than an actuary?’ Chris Brookmyre

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

‘What a book! Antti has managed to put the fun into funerals and take it out of fun fairs in a gripping nail-biter … a thrilling and hilarious read’ Liz Nugent

**Soon to be a major motion picture starring Steve Carell**

_______________________________

Insurance mathematician Henri Koskinen has finally restored order both to his life and to YouMeFun, the adventure park he now owns, when a man from the past appears – and turns everything upside down again. More problems arise when the park’s equipment supplier is taken over by a shady trio, with confusing demands. Why won’t Toy of Finland Ltd sell the new Moose Chute to Henri when he needs it as the park’s main attraction?

Meanwhile, Henri’s relationship with artist Laura has reached breaking point, and, in order to survive this new chaotic world, he must push every calculation to its limits, before it’s too late…

Absurdly funny, heart-stoppingly poignant and full of nail-biting suspense, The Moose Paradox is the second instalment in the critically acclaimed, pitch-perfect Rabbit Factor Trilogy and things are messier than ever…

********

MY REVIEW:

We are back at the YouMeFun Adventure Park for the second instalment in Antti Tuomainen’s Rabbit Factor series and Henri’s life is messier than ever.  Starting as it means to go on, we leap head-first into the action and don’t pause for breath as we are taken on a tense roller-coaster ride of crazy antics involving a serious insurance mathematician, unsavoury characters and theme park equipment.

He’s done it again.  Hilarious, bizarre, clever and original, Antti Tuomainen has created another riveting page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I devoured it quickly, Tuomainen’s singular style captivating me completely.  Brilliantly written, tense and pacy, he didn’t miss a beat as he succinctly catches the reader up on events from book one while the madness is still going on around the characters.  It is far-fetched and absurd, yet you totally believe it and he had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.  

Henri is one of the most eccentric yet endearing characters I’ve ever read and I challenge anyone not to fall in love with him.  He’s straight-laced, rational, makes sense of the world through numbers and mathematics and finds social etiquette and the actions of others confusing and strange.  You will laugh, you will cringe, and your heart will go out to him.  But what I enjoyed most about this book is that he really came into his own.  It was great to watch him fall in love, read between the lines, understand how to interact with others and show that he is much more astute and capable than he’s given credit for.  I think Steve Carrell is the perfect actor for this character and I can’t wait to see him play Henri when the adaptation comes to our screens soon.

Quirky, original, funny and entertaining, The Moose Paradox is a book you simply have to read. It is one of those books where it’s best to know little about the book before reading, but it is important to read the first book, The Rabbit Factor, before this one in order to make sense of what’s happening.  And because it’s absolutely brilliant. 

So go and read The Rabbit Factor and The Moose Paradox now!  Meanwhile, I will be eagerly awaiting book three, which is out in November.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. The critically acclaimed My Brother’s Keeper was published two years later. In 2011, Tuomainen’s third novel, The Healer, was awarded the Clue Award for ‘Best Finnish Crime Novel of 2011’ and was shortlisted for the Glass Key Award. The Finnish press labelled The Healer – the story of a writer desperately searching for his missing wife in a post-apocalyptic Helsinki – ‘unputdownable’. Two years later, in 2013, they crowned Tuomainen ‘The King of Helsinki Noir’ when Dark as My Heart was published. With a piercing and evocative style, Tuomainen was one of the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime genre formula, and his poignant, dark and hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards. Palm Beach Finland (2018) was an immense success, with The Times calling Tuomainen ‘the funniest writer in Europe’, and Little Siberia (2019) was shortlisted for the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Readers Awards, the Last Laugh Award and the CWA International Dagger, and won the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel. The Rabbit Factor is the first book in Antti’s first-ever series.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Orenda Books | Berts Books | Waterstones* | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*These links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Funeral Cryer by Wenyan Lu

Published May 4th, 2023 by Allen & Unwin
Literary Fiction, Humorous Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the beautiful and moving, The Funeral Cryer. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part, and Allen & Unwin for the gifted copy of the book.

********

SYNOPSIS:

***’A refreshing perspective on mourning, as well as a moving tale of a social outcast’ – i-D Magazine***

An Yu’s Braised Pork meets Flaubert’s Madame Bovary in this unforgettable, tragi-comic tale of one woman’s mid-life re-awakening in contemporary rural China.

The Funeral Cryer long ago accepted the mundane realities of her life: avoided by fellow villagers because of the stigma attached to her job as a professional mourner and under-appreciated by The Husband, whose fecklessness has pushed the couple close to the brink of break-up. But just when things couldn’t be bleaker, The Funeral Cryer takes a leap of faith – and in so doing things start to take a surprising turn for the better . . .

Dark, moving and wry, The Funeral Cryer is both an illuminating depiction of a ‘left behind’ society – and proof that it’s never too late to change your life.

********

MY REVIEW:

“I almost live in isolation, with very little movement. Sometimes I was even suspicious of myself. Was I really carrying something contagious or lethal in my body? Maybe I was. I did breathe in a deadly atmosphere regularly at funerals.”

The Funeral Cryer isn’t an easy book to review. A truly unique story, this touching exploration of identity, mourning and social isolation follows the mid-life awakening of one woman in contemporary rural China.

Living in a loveless, unhappy marriage, the funeral cryer is resigned to her mundane life in the small village where she was born and raised. A good husband is one who doesn’t hit you, which hers doesn’t, but he also never speaks a kind word and they are just two people who sleep in the same bed each night rather than partners or friends. It is a lonely and bleak existence, something that is magnified by the superstition surrounding her profession that makes her an outcast. We never learn the funeral cryer’s name. In fact, she isn’t even sure the others in her village even remember it as they now only refer to her as that woman who cries at funerals. This namelessness adds to the sense of a lack of identity and belonging surrounding her, and makes her feel all the more distant and disconnected from both the reader and the world. It is a life filled with sadness, guilt and isolation, emotions that permeate the pages along with an atmosphere of melancholy, monotony and acceptance as she  evaluates and looks back on her life, wondering how things might be now had she taken different paths and contemplating an array of questions she has no one to answer. 

From the start this story avoids feeling overshadowed by any of its sombre or negative emotions thanks to Wenyan Lu’s exquisite and at times almost poetic prose. It is also helped by the narration continuously and seamlessly moving between a tale of heartrending tragedy and dark comedy as the funeral cryer finally makes choices for her own happiness and begins her reawakening. I was rooting for her to seize something for herself and rejoiced as she discovered parts of life, and herself, that had lain dormant for so long.

Profoundly moving, wistful and thought-provoking, The Funeral Cryer is a curiously beautiful story that will linger long after reading.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✫

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Originally from Shanghai, China, Wenyan Lu is the winner of the SI Leeds Literary Prize 2020. She holds a Master of Studies in Creative Writing as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge. Her unpublished historical novel The Martyr’s Hymn was also longlisted for SI Leeds Literary Prize 2018 and Bridport First Novel Prize 2019.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Watertones | Amazon | Bookshop.org

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*All purchase links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BLOG TOUR: Atalanta by Jennifer Saint

Published April 13th, 2023 by Wildfire
Greek Mythology, Historical Fiction, Fairy Tale

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Atalanta, the magnificent third book by Jennifer Saint. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Caitlin at Wildfire for the gifted proof copy.

********

SYNOPSIS:
The heroic story of the only female Argonaut, told by Jennifer Saint, the bestselling author of ELEKTRA (UK, Sunday Times, May 2022) and ARIADNE (UK, Sunday Times, April 2021).

‘A brilliant read’ Women & Home | ‘A spirited retelling’ Times | ‘Beautiful and absorbing’ Fabulous | ‘A vivid reimagining of Greek mythology’ Harper’s Bazaar | ‘Jennifer Saint has done an incredible job’ Red

When a daughter is born to the King of Arcadia, she brings only disappointment.

Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis.

Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason’s band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men?

********

MY REVIEW:

“The world should know the name Atalanta. They should see what you can do.”

I think we’ve all heard the infamous story of Jason and the Argonauts. Those of us of a certain age will find our minds instantly flash to the 1963 movie of the same name and its now-dated special effects. But it turns out that we have been missing an important detail in most of these retellings; Atalanta – the only female Argonaut. Now it’s time to hear her heroic story.

Jennifer Saint’s books have become one of the most anticipated highlights of my reading year. I love how she gives a voice to the forgotten women and lesser-known parts of the infamous myths. A perfect combination of entertaining, educational and enthralling, her love for the subject radiates from every page. You will lose yourself in these stories, the real world falling away as she brings ancient Greece and its mythology to life in vivid technicolour. She makes the heroes, gods and goddesses feel real, allowing us to really see them, rather than them remaining one-dimensional characters from a distant time, something that is particularly evident in how she explores and expands the female perspective so these women are no longer consigned to be merely possessions or accessories to men. I think Atalanta is her best book yet and I am only sad that I now have a year to wait for another one of her books.

“I felt his words awakening something within me, opening up a vision of myself alongside the catalogue of demi-gods and heroes. I saw myself, as though from the outside. A baby opening her eyes to the savage bear, a child running through the forest, a young woman loosing arrows at rampaging monsters. It felt as though every moment of my life had been building up to this: my destiny. “

Atalanta is a feisty, formidable, and unyielding woman who I found utterly fascinating. Though mortal, the expert huntress and warrior has a strength and ability that surpasses other mortals, in part thanks to being raised first by bears and then by the goddess Artemis in the forest. She knows nothing but a life of freedom surrounded by nature, so when she first encounters the city she finds it overwhelming and claustrophobic. Atalanta is excited by the thought of joining Jason and his Argonauts in the search for the Golden Fleece as Artemis’ champion; the promise of battle and adventure is a greater lure than her fear of leaving all she knows.  But she soon realises she has a lot to prove as the men either doubt her abilities or find her strength emasculating. It’s an uphill battle but Atalanta never wavers from the challenge and proves herself again and again. I loved hearing this story from a new perspective and am thankful I’ve finally been introduced to this remarkable woman. 

Lush, atmospheric, immersive and bursting with adventure, Atalanta is another masterpiece from the pen of Ms. Saint. A must-read for anyone who enjoys great storytelling. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Saint grew up reading Greek mythology and was always drawn to the untold stories hidden within the myths. After thirteen years as a high school English teacher, she wrote ARIADNE which tells the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur from the perspective of Ariadne – the woman who made it happen. Jennifer Saint is now a full-time author, living in Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two children. Both ARIADNE and ELEKTRA are Sunday Times bestsellers.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

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

*All purchase links are affiliate links

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: The Pain Tourist by Paul Cleave

Published: November 10th, 2022
Publisher: Orenda
Genre: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Medical Thriller, Police Procedural
Format: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Pain Tourist. I’m so excited to finally share my review for this jaw-dropping thriller. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and Karen at Orenda Book for the gifted proof.

********

SYNOPSIS:

A young man wakes from a coma to find himself targeted by the men who killed his parents, while someone is impersonating a notorious New Zealand serial killer … the latest chilling, nerve-shredding, twisty thriller from the author of The Quiet People…
 
‘Paul Cleave is an automatic must-read for me’ Lee Child
 
‘You can’t be a true fan of crime fiction if you’re not reading Cleave’s books’ Tom Wood

‘Uses words as lethal weapons’ New York Times

______________
 
James Garrett was critically injured when he was shot following his parents’ execution, and no one expected him to waken from a deep, traumatic coma. When he does, nine years later, Detective Inspector Rebecca Kent is tasked with closing the case that her now retired colleague, Theodore Tate, failed to solve all those years ago.
 
But between that, and hunting for Copy Joe – a murderer on a spree, who’s imitating Christchurch’s most notorious serial killer – she’s going to need Tate’s help … especially when they learn that James has lived out another life in his nine-year coma, and there are things he couldn’t possibly know, including the fact that Copy Joe isn’t the only serial killer in town…

********

MY REVIEW:

“Pain tourists are who we get when the podcasts and true-crime novels and the documentaries aren’t enough. They wonder what it’s like being either killer or victim. They slake that curiosity by visiting places where the terrible things happened, and the next you know they’re going from ‘how did this happen?’ to ‘how can I make this happen?’ ” 

It’s been a few months since I read this book and I still can’t stop thinking about it.  A heart-pounding, jaw-dropping thrill ride that will blow your mind, this book is like nothing I’ve ever read before.  It is one of those books where you think you know where it’s going but you really have no clue, the many twists and turns giving me book whiplash. Complex and layered, author Paul Cleave slowly weaves the many threads together so that the full picture begins to take shape. And it looks nothing like you imagined. And that finale… I was holding my breath in anticipation and did NOT expect the turns it took. 

I was a big fan of Cleave’s last book, The Quiet People, and I feel like he gets better every time. Exquisitely written with gorgeous and evocative imagery, this book really showcases just how damn good he is. An ensemble cast thriller with multiple threads, it manages to avoid getting confusing. Each character is brilliantly written, compelling and memorable, and it felt like there were no real background characters. But it was James and the mysterious killer whose points of view I found most enthralling. The concept of James living an entire life in ‘coma world’ was genius, and the anguish and confusion he felt upon waking was heartbreaking. I loved how the author brought James’ coma world to life for the reader, making it feel as real to us as it did him. As for the killer, well, what can I say except that I’m a sucker for an insight into a dark and twisted mind. 

Imaginative, tense and moving, The Pain Tourist is an absolute triumph. It is one of those books you never want to end but you are also desperate for answers. One of my favourite books this year, if you haven’t read this author yet then do it now!

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Paul is an award winning author who often divides his time between his home city of Christchurch, New Zealand, where most of his novels are set, and Europe. He’s won the New Zealand Ngaio Marsh Award three times, the Saint-Maur book festival’s crime novel of the year award in France, and has been shortlisted for the Edgar and the Barry in the US and the Ned Kelly in Australia. HIs books have been translated into over twenty languages. He’s thrown his Frisbee in over forty countries, plays tennis badly, golf even worse, and has two cats – which is often two too many. The critically acclaimed The Quiet People was published in 2021, with The Pain Tourist to follow in 2022.

********

BUY THE BOOK

Orenda Books | Berts Books | Waterstones* | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxx

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

*These links are affiliate links