Published May 12th, 2022 by Simon & Schuster UK Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Noir Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Gay Fiction, Crime Series
Today is the third instalment of the Russ Thomas Blogathon and I’m thriller to be sharing my review for Cold Reckoning. Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours for the invitation to take part and to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
‘A rollercoaster ride of a thriller . . .will keep you hanging on by your fingertips until the tense final moments’ PETER ROBINSON _____________________________
THE DARKNESS FROM HIS PAST WILL FINALLY COME TO LIGHT
The death of DS Tyler’s father irrevocably changed his life. As a child, he believed Richard had killed himself but, as the years have passed, Tyler has grown convinced he was murdered.
When a cold case lands on Tyler’s desk, there’s nothing immediately notable about it, apart from the link it has to his father. Richard was investigating the same case shortly before he died.
Finally, Tyler has a tangible link to the past, one that could give him the answers he has been looking for. And while there are dangerous people who will do anything to keep him quiet, he knows he has to keep digging.
Because you’d risk anything for your family – even your life.
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MY REVIEW:
A gunshot rings out at Damflask Reservoir on a cold winter morning. It leads to the discovery of a body that has a connection to the case Tyler’s father, Richard, was investigating before his death. Could this finally lead Tyler to the answers about his father’s death he’s been searching for all these years? As he digs deeper he must face those who will do anything to stop the truth from being revealed. But with all the clues seeming to say he’s on the right path, Tyler is determined nothing will stop him from finally learning what happened that day.
Gripping, tense and twisty, Russ Thomas has delivered another fantastic instalment in the DS Adam Tyler Series. Events pick up right after the cliffhanger at the end of book two, so I’d highly recommend you pick that one up first. This book felt more personal than ever with the search for Tyler’s godmother and mentor, DCI Diane Jordan, and a case that seems to be connected to Tyler’s father’s death. Since the start of this series there’s been a sense that his father’s death has overshadowed every facet of Tyler’s life so I was really rooting for him to find answers so he can finally move forward. But things obviously won’t be straight forward. Tyler is left not knowing who he can trust and there are some intense scenes as he tries to get to the truth. Meanwhile, the deeper he gets into the investigation, the more danger there is as those who know the truth try to stop it from coming to light.
Fast-paced and intricately woven, the high-octane tension never drops for a moment, Thomas keeping you on the edge of your seat as he intricately weaves the threads together to a heart-pounding finale. A must for all thriller fans.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RUSS THOMAS was born in Essex, raised in Berkshire and now lives in Sheffield. After a few ‘proper’ jobs (among them: pot-washer, optician’s receptionist, supermarket warehouse operative, call-centre telephonist, and storage salesman) he discovered the joys of bookselling, where he could talk to people about books all day. He released his debut novel, Firewatching, in 2020. Cold Reckoning is his third novel.
Published September 24th, 2024 by Bookouture Mystery, Thriller, Police Procedural, Crime Fiction, Crime Series
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this dark, tense and addictive thriller. Thank you to Bookouture for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
She wakes to find herself alone in complete darkness. Fearing for her life, in that moment her only thought is for her beloved daughters. What will they think when they find out she’s missing? Then it hits her. She’s kept a secret hidden from her family for years. Is she about to pay for it with her life?
When Victoria Marsh disappears from her family’s exclusive resort in Cougar Point, Washington, her family is devastated. A charity worker and pillar of the local community, how could she just vanish without a trace?
Though not officially her case, Detective Megan Carpenter races to the scene for a very personal reason. Victoria is Ronnie’s mother and Megan will do anything to help her when she has sacrificed so much.
Together they build up a picture of the days before the disappearance but the only clue is a note with the words, “You promised” scrawled on it. It soon emerges that Victoria’s marriage was far from perfect and she had spent years running from a deadbeat brother. Could someone in Victoria’s family want her dead?
But when the body of another woman is found, Megan starts to link the cases. Both women had huge ransoms placed on them. Both families received chilling threats in the mail. And with one victim already dead, time is running out to find Victoria alive.
Local law enforcement warns Megan off the case but she’s certain that the disappearance is more than just bad blood. But with a potential serial killer on the loose, how much is Megan willing to risk? Worse still, could they be closer to her than she had ever imagined?
A completely gripping mystery thriller that will have you hooked to the very last page, from a number one, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Michael Connelly and James Patterson.
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MY REVIEW:
“If I’ve learned anything by being here, where secrets are abundant, it’s that secrets are deadly. Secrets can kill.”
Dark, tense and twisty, Cougar Point is another gripping instalment in the Detective Megan Carpenter series. The stakes are higher than ever as Megan and her partner, Ronnie, investigate a very personal crime. Ronnie’is mother, Victoria, has disappeared from the family’s exclusive resort in Cougar Point, Washington, and they are unofficially on the case. But who could have taken her? As the pieces of the puzzle emerge, family secrets are revealed and it seems to lead to more questions than answers. And could there be a link to an old murder that happened in the area? The race is on to find out before it’s too late…
Gregg Olsen never disappoints and the fifth instalment in this series is every bit as fast-paced, grisly, and nail-bitingly tense as the previous books. Olsen holds his reader captive as he tells his story, moving seamlessly between current events, flashbacks to another crime, and narration from the victim. At first it wasn’t obvious how the flashbacks would merge with current events, but he slowly sprinkles breadcrumbs that lead you to the surprising answers. And while I enjoyed all three threads, it was the narration by Victoria as she’s being held by the kidnappers that captivated me most, her fear palpable and making my heart race.
The characters are compelling and I enjoyed learning more about Ronnie’s family and background in this instalment. I love her and Megan as a team as they really compliment one another and I enjoyed seeing how they worked outside of their usual community and while juggling tricky family dynamics. And, speaking of families, a key theme of the book is dysfunctional families, which are explored not only in Megan’s murky past but also Ronnie’s estranged family. Olsen also explores how secrets can damage lives and relationships as the truths about the Marsh family are revealed. It heightened the tension in the story and kept me on my toes as I wondered what would be revealed next.
Suspenseful, addictive and hard-hitting, Cougar Point is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a darker thriller.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
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MEET THE AUTHOR:
Gregg lives in rural Washington State (about a mile as the crow flies from Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard’s infamous Starvation Heights sanitarium). His thriller, THE LAST THING SHE EVER DID was an Amazon Charts bestseller. LYING NEXT TO ME was a reader favorite, charting at No. 1 in the Kindle store and the bestseller’s list at the Washington Post. Gregg’s true crime book, IF YOU TELL, found a home on Amazon Charts for more than 140 weeks. In fact, it was the bestselling Kindle ebook of 2020 (and the second-bestselling of 2021). He’s been a guest on Dateline NBC, NPR, Good Morning America, The Early Show, FOX News, CNN, Anderson Cooper, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, 20/20, Snapped, Deadly Women, William Shatner’s Aftermath, and A&E’s Biography.
Published September 12th, 2024 by Michael Joseph Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction
Welcome to my bookish thoughts on Circus of Mirrors, which was the SquadPod Book Club pick this month. Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Cabaret dancer falls in love as political tensions rise and the city becomes increasingly dangerous not only for herself, but also for her lover . . .
Perfect for fans of Cabaret and The Whalebone Theatre
‘Julie Owen Moylan writes about mid-20th century women like no-one else’ Laura Price
‘Sexy, electrically stylish, and beautiful – a gorgeous story about sisterhood, and a glamorous, evocative passport to a period we all long to get lost in’ Daisy Buchanan
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BERLIN, 1926: After the death of their parents, sisters Leni and Annette only have each other. Desperate, but dreaming of better days, Leni finds work at a notorious cabaret: the Babylon Circus.
From the dancer’s barely-there costumes, to the glimmering mirrors that cover the walls, the Babylon Circus is where reality and fantasy merge. For Leni, it’s an overwhelming new world, and she’s happiest hiding in the shadows.
Until she meets the cabaret’s resident pianist, Paul. And so begins a tentative love affair that will play out over the next forty years.
But, in a city whose divisions will define a century, can a love born within the feverish walls of the Babylon Circus ever survive?
And can the bond between Leni and Annette – tugged in opposite directions of their own – also endure?
In Berlin, two sisters dared to dream of a better life – but where in this dark and dazzling city will they find their true home?
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MY REVIEW:
Sexy, stylish, dazzling and evocative, Circus of Mirrors is Julie Owen Moylan’s best book yet. Set in Berlin, the story begins in 1926 when nineteen-year-old Leni and her younger sister, Annette, are living on the street following the death of their parents. Desperate for a way to put a roof over their head, Leni finds a job at the Babylon Circus, a strange and intense place where fantasy blends with reality. And it is there that Leni meets Paul, the resident pianist, and begins an all-consuming romance. But, the course of true love doesn’t run smooth for these lovebirds, and we follow Leni and Annette as they – and their city – experience some of their most tumultuous years in a story of survival, strength, self-discovery, love, dreams and regret.
I’ve been a fan of Julie’s book ever since her brilliant debut and her books are always a big event on the SquadPod’s calendar. So I was very excited when we were offered the chance to read Circus of Mirrors. Expertly written, intricately woven and perfectly paced, this book is flawlessly crafted and her meticulous research is evident on every page.Babylon Circus and the city of Berlin feel like characters in their own right and are brought to life in vivid technicolour. A city of conflict that is inextricably linked to much of twentieth century history, Berlin is made alive once again on these pages, making me feel like I’d stepped back in time. But that history is a mere backdrop as the lives of the characters take centre stage, Julie breathing life into them so evocatively that it felt like they were in the room with me. I was in her thrall as she wove her magnificent tale around me and I lost myself in it completely.
One of my favourite things about Julie’s books is how she writes women who are flawed, complex, conflicted and nuanced. These women are recognisable and reliable, reflecting parts of ourselves back at us as we read. She makes us understand them and their actions, even when they aren’t likeable, and Annette was a great example of this. Rebellious, selfish and aggrieved at the things she’s lost or doesn’t have, Annette is someone it would be a nightmare to know in real life, but we can understand her feelings and behaviour because of the things she’s gone through. And in an exploration of how people can experience the same thing with different outcomes, Leni is the polar opposite of her sister. While Annette rebels, Leni is dutiful and responsible, giving up her own freedom to raise her young sister when their parents died and continuing a life of servitude over pursuing her own desires. It is these differences that slowly build a wall of resentment and misunderstanding between them that neither one can breach, though at times they do try. It was heartbreaking to read but wonderfully written.
And I can’t review this book without talking about the romance between Leni and Paul. Their love story has to be one of my favourites I’ve ever read, primarily because it was so refreshing to see the good guy get the girl. I loved seeing him as the romantic lead instead of the more typical problematic male. Yes, Leni and Paul had their ups and downs, but the obstacles in their relationship come from outside forces and I was rooting for them at every step.
Enthralling, moving and simply unforgettable, this is a must for all your TBRs.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Owen Moylan is the author of three novels: That Green Eyed Girl, 73 Dove Street and Circus of Mirrors.
Her debut novel That Green Eyed Girl was a Waterstones’ Welsh Book of the Month and the official runner up for the prestigious Paul Torday Memorial Prize. It was also shortlisted for Best Debut at the Fingerprint Awards and featured at the Hay Festival as one of its TEN AT TEN.
73 Dove Street was recently named as one of Waterstones’ Books of 2023 and a Daily Mail Historical Fiction Book of the Year.
As a filmmaker Julie won the Celtic Media Award for her graduation film “BabyCakes” before going on to win Best Short Film at the Swansea Film Festival.
Her writing and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications including Sunday Express, The Independent, New Welsh Review and Good Housekeeping.
She has a Masters in Filmmaking and an additional qualification in Creative Writing & English Literature. Julie is an alumna of the Faber Academy.
Published September 12th, 2024 by Piatkus Contemporary Romance, Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this hopeful and uplfiting story. Thanks to Vic at Insta Book Tours for the invitation to take part and to Piatkus for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to belong to those you love.
‘A warm-hearted, emotional read’ Daily Mail
‘Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish – one not to miss’ HOLLY MILLER ‘Joyful and tender’ Woman’s Own
‘The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy’ LORNA COOK
‘A delightful, big-hearted story of family and forgiveness’ Good Housekeeping
‘Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for’ PHAEDRA PATRICK
………………………………………… Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . .
When unexpected circumstances bring Grace’s estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart.
It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other – and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.
This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful.
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MY REVIEW
The Art of Belonging follows three generations of one family septuagenarian Grace, her estranged daughter Amelia, and granddaughter Charlotte. When Amelia’s marriage breaks down she and Charlotte move in with Grace while they get back on their feet, forcing Grace and Amelia to face their complicated relationship and the heartbreak that led to their relationship breaking down. Heartwarming, tender, emotional and endearing, this story of family, friendship, loneliness, forgiveness and healing will warm you from the inside out.
I loved Eleanor Ray’s outstanding debut so I couldn’t wait to read this book. Once again, Ms. Ray has crafted a thought-provoking story written full of pathos, charm, wit and heart. Difficult and emotional subjects are written with compassion and while the pain of these characters leaps from the pages, so does their joy. We know from the start that Grace and Amelia are estranged and that Grace blames herself, but as the story goes on their history is slowly unravelled, exploring the many nuances of their relationship and reminding us how easy it can be to misunderstand someone or for two people to view the same situation completely differently. Seeing these two women repeatedly misunderstand and hurt one another broke my heart and I was silently screaming at them to talk about things so they could finally see one another for who they truly were.
The three women at the heart of this book are compelling, complicated, flawed and wonderful characters who I adored. I’ll admit, I had a particular soft spot for Grace and a highlight of the book for me was watching her relationship with Charlotte blossom. The background characters are as richly drawn as the main characters and I loved the varied cast of ebullient characters on these pages. I do love an outsider, so I loved that many of these characters weren’t popular people and had unique traits and hobbies. There are also some beautiful friendships on these pages that were a delight to read, especially the friendship between Charlotte and Sammy.
So if you’re looking for an uplifting and hopeful read that will make your day brighter, this is the book for you.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eleanor Ray has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and lives in London with her husband and three young children.
Eleanor was inspired to write Everything is Beautiful by the objects her toddler collects and treasures – twigs, empty water bottles and wilting daisies.
The Art of Belonging is her second novel and was written in lock down. It is about the messy, complicated and wonderful things that can happen when families are together.
Published September 12th, 2024 by Tor UK Fantasy Fiction, Romance Novel, Contemporary Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Gay Fiction, Fantasy Series
Today is my stop on the blog tour for this gorgeous and uplitfting cosy fantasy. Thank you to Stephen at Black Crow PR for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
This is the hugely-anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, a cosy-fantasy triumph and a New York Times bestseller.
Arthur Parnassus has built a good life on the ashes of a bad one. He’s headmaster at an orphanage for magical children, on a peculiar island, assisted by love-of-his-life Linus Baker. And together, they’ll do anything to protect their extraordinary and powerful charges.
However, when Arthur is forced to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself fighting for those under his care. It’s also a fight for the better future that all magical people deserve. Then when a new magical child joins their island home, Arthur knows they’ve reached breaking point. The child finds power in calling himself a monster, a name Arthur has tried so hard to banish to protect his children. Challenged from within and without, their volatile family might grow stronger. Or everything Arthur loves could fall apart.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.
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MY REVIEW:
“There is magic in the ordinary. Magic that has the power to change the world “
We’re back on Marsyas Island with Linus, Arthur and their motley crew of magical children for the second book in the Cerulean Chronicles. This time the story is told from Arthur’s point of view, opening with a glimpse at the dark past he has risen from before picking up where the first book left off as him and Linus are settling into life as a family with their children, even adding to their brood when David, a young Yeti, moves into their home. But when Arthur is forced to make a public statement about his past, he and Linus find themselves fighting to protect the family they’ve created.
Heartwarming, uplifting, powerful and inspiring, once again TJ Klune has created a balm for the soul with this extraordinary tale. It was such a joy to be back in this captivating magical world with these wonderful characters. The real world around me disappeared as I lost myself in the one Klune has created, brought to life by his colourful, evocative storytelling. A story about love, inclusion, tolerance, self-worth and found family, Klune explores the topic of prejudice even further this time around and adds in the monsters that live inside all of us, asking whether it is ever okay to proudly claim that side of us or if it should be hidden. It’s powerful and thought-provoking, but wrapped up in a cosy and whimsical package that stops it from ever feeling heavy.
But it is the richly drawn and compelling characters that shine brightest for me. These characters may be magical beings and considered dangerous, particularly anti-christ, Lucy, but they are relatable and feel deeply human. I love how Klune has used magical creatures as a metaphor for the LGBTQ community or anyone else who is different from the ‘norm’. Like Arthur and Linus, I feel protective of them and my heart was pounding as their future came under threat from the Department in Charge of Magical Youth – aka DICOMY. I was raging at the things their representatives said and the things they tried to do, but was cheering as Arthur, Linus, the children, and others on the island all stood against them.
This series has become one of my favourites, so I am really hoping this isn’t the last we hear from these characters. And don’t miss reading the author’s note at the end. If the book doesn’t break you, then that will 😭😭
Soulful, spellbinding and full of heart, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is uplit at its finest. A must-read for anyone who wants their day made brighter, add this, and the previous book, to your TBR now.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
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MEET THE AUTHOR:
TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.
Published September 12th, 2024 by Orenda Books Mystery, Suspense, Crime Fiction, Noir Ficiton, Crime Series, Women Sleuths
It’s the final week of Skelf Summer and I’m sharing my review for Living is a Problem, the latest brilliant instalment in the series. Thank you to Orenda books for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Drones, gangland vendettas, a missing choir singer, disturbances in the cemetery, PTSD, panpsychism, and secrets from the past … This can ONLY mean one thing! The Skelfs are back, and things are as nail-biting, tense and warmly funny as ever!
‘Hurroo! The Skelfs — Edinburgh funeral directors and part-time private eyes — are back … the persistence of love in the Skelf household, no matter what fate flings at it, is reassuring and life-affirming’ The Times Book of the Month
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The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they’ve been through. But when a funeral they’re conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they’re in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta.
At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy’s band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory.
And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son.
Everything is changing for the Skelfs … Dorothy’s boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close, and Hannah’s case leads her to consider the curious concept of panpsychism, which brings new danger … while ghosts from the family’s past return to threaten their very lives.
Funny, shocking and profound, Living Is A Problem is the highly anticipated sixth instalment of the unforgettable Skelfs series – shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Novel and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Book of the Year – where life and death become intertwined more than ever before…
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MY REVIEW:
Skelf Summer has come to end so I’m sharing my review for the sixth and latest book in the series, Living is a Problem, which was released last week. As always, it starts with a bang, and this time there’s a drone attack on a funeral that has all the mourners running for cover. And there’s little time to catch your breath as the action keeps going with gangland vendettas, strange disturbances at a grave and a missing mum.
The Skelf women are back for another witty, tense and twisty instalment in what has become one of my favourite series. What’s impressed me so much about reading these back-to-back is how the quality has remained consistently high with its nail-biting tension and dark wit. These books are complex, layered, chaotic, outrageous and entertaining, keeping me hooked from beginning to end then leaving me wanting more when it’s over. Doug Johnstone’s writing is always exquisite, deeply human and insightful, exploring some serious topics in ways that are relatable, moving and uplifting all at the same time. This time around he explores PTSD, panpsychism (the belief that all things have a mind or mind-like quality), refugees and the loss of a child alongside the usual family drama. Johnstone also examines environmental concerns as we see the Skelf women becoming natural undertakers and holding eco-friendly burials. I found these parts really interesting as I’d never thought about the economic impact of a funeral and it was interesting to hear about the more environmentally friendly ways we can bury or cremate our loved ones.
But the best part of these books is the characters, particularly the Skelf women themselves. Compelling, full of depth and relatable, I love these women. They feel like old friends at this point and it’s been a joy to follow them on their highs and lows over the past six books. And I still have a soft spot for Dorothy, the matriarch of her family. If only I could be like her now, let alone in my eighth decade. I also love the community surrounding them who I have got to know really well at this point. I think building that connection and familiarity with the characters is my favourite part about reading a series. But what am I going to do now that I face the long wait for a new Skelf book? I will miss these characters so much.
I can’t recommend this amazing series enough. While you could read this or the others as standalones, I would recommend reading from the beginning. You won’t regret it.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Doug Johnstone is the author of Fourteen novels, includingThe Great Silence, the third in the Skelfs series, which has been optioned for In 2021, The Big Chill, the second in the series, was longlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. In 2020, A Dark Matter, the first in the series, was shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year and the Capital Crime Amazon Publishing Independent Voice Book of the Year award. Black Hearts (Book four), was published in 2022, with The Opposite of Lonely (book five) out in 2023. Several of his books have been bestsellers and award winners, and his first science fiction novel, The Space Between Us, was a BBC2 Between the Covers pick. He’s taught creative writing, been writer in residence at various institutions, and has been an arts journalist for twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with five albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He lives in Edinburgh.
Published September 12th, 2024 by Renegade Books Historical Fiction, Mythology
Today is my stop on the blog tour for this gorgeous exploration of godesses and our ancient past. Thank you to Midas PR for the invitation to take part and Renegade Books for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
‘I loved Goddess with a Thousand Faces. Fascinating, fun and thoughtful and enlightening’ JENNIFER SAINT
‘A beautiful weave of history, myth and storytelling by one of our most exciting new classicists’ DAN SNOW Steeped in ancient magic, dark divinity and wild ways, Goddess with a Thousand Faces takes you on a historical journey like no other…
Blending mythological retellings with historical research, Goddess with a Thousand Faces traverses the world and transports through time to bring ten formidable and inspiring ancient goddesses to life. Meet Artemis, the Greek goddess of the wilderness, never without her bow and arrow; Sedna, Inuit goddess of the ocean, guarding the icy waters and all its creatures; Isis, Egyptian goddess of healing, who dwells by the River Nile, just to name a few…
Jasmine Elmer explores these goddesses of our past, uncovering their truths, their rebellion and their freedom. For too long, they have been written out of history; lost to the sands of time and stamped into silence. Goddess with a Thousand Faces restores these women to their glory.
Pour over this treasure trove of myths, legends and mighty goddesses. Hear the messages echoing through the ages and see yourself in the faces of these icons. For while their stories might ancient, today they are more important – and more powerful – than ever.
A treasure trove of beautiful storytelling and ancient wisdom, perfect for fans of Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola and Storyland by Amy Jeffs.
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MY REVIEW:
“Welcome to the world of the goddess…”
Goddess with a Thousand Faces is like no other book I’ve read. Beautiful, poetic and ambitious, it tells the story of nine different goddesses from around the world, blending myth with history and exquisite storytelling to go deeper than the average retelling. Jasmine Elmer tells us the goddesses story and then examines the history of the ancient society that created it, allowing us to understand the environment that created the myths, how they viewed women, and giving us a greater comprehension of what the stories are trying to tell us. All of this merges with Elmer’s evocative imagery to completely immerse her reader in these myths and ancient civilisations. And how could I write a review for this book without mentioning that stunning cover. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful books in my collection.
“So, tell the world, femininity can be dark. It can be angry. Embrace it. Honour it. Next time the Rangda within rages, go to her and listen. Tell her that it’s OK to step out of the shadows… Wear her with pride.”
Each of the nine goddesses in this book are carefully chosen by Elmer and blended with her meticulous research where she asks us to think about what we can learn from these myths and how we can relate to them today. One of the things I liked most about this book was how it was about goddesses from all around the world. I’ll admit, I’ve only really read Greek mythology before this, so although I had read about Artemis before and knew a little about Isis, the other goddesses were completely new to me. It was fascinating and sparked a new interest in me to learn more about different mythology. I loved all of the goddesses, but the one that I felt the strongest connection to was Rangda – Balinese Goddess of Evil, Black Magic and Balance. She was such an interesting, powerful and enthralling goddess and I found myself relating to so much of her story. I will definitely be reading more about her in the future.
Atmospheric, detailed and enlightening, Goddess with a Thousand Faces is a must-read. Even if you’ve not read any mythology before, I think you’d enjoy this book.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A straight-talking expert in ancient cultures, Jasmine Elmer is passionate about opening up this knowledge to everyone in an engaging, inspiring way.
She believes in challenging the traditional approaches, and brings her energy and storytelling skills to use the modern world as a springboard to the ancient one.
Welcome to my list of Emma’s Anticipated Treasures for September. It’s a great month, with books from stone of my favourite authors such as Louise Swanson, M. J. Arlidge, Julie Owen Moylan and Richard Osman.
Here’s what’s on my list:
Lights Out by Louise Swanson
Published September 5th by Hodder & Stoughton Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller
BOOK DESCRIPTION: When darkness is everywhere, nowhere is safe…
A state of emergency has been declared in the UK. From now on, at 8pm every night, all electricity cuts out. The Government promises it’s a temporary measure. They promise they are always thinking of your safety.
But for Grace, the darkness is anything but safe.
Someone is coming into her house under its cover every night while she lies in bed upstairs, too terrified to sleep. Someone who knows her past, who knows why she has more reason to fear the dark than most…
And every morning she wakes to a new message from the intruder:
I have you in my sights. Love, The Night
But how can Grace escape, when there’s nowhere safe left to hide?
Published September 5th by Orion Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A skull looks up at Jennie from the trench, but it’s not the chalk-white bone and grimacing teeth that send her reeling. It’s the heart-shaped gold pendant, its delicate chain snapped in two. The necklace Hannah never took off. It can’t be Hannah. But it is.
When Jennie Whitmore arrives at her school reunion, she immediately regrets her decision. Why would she choose to surround herself with people who were never nice to her? Who still aren’t, even now she’s a police officer? The only person who truly looked out for her all those years ago was charming, beautiful Hannah.Until the day she disappeared.
Jennie is ready to finally put White Cross Academy behind her, the old school building demolished the morning after the party. But with the demolition comes a call: a teenage girl’s remains have been found on the grounds.
The instant drop in Jennie’s gut tells her that the remains might be Hannah’s, but when she’s called in to examine them, the truth becomes undeniable. Hannah didn’t run away and abandon Jennie thirty years ago; in fact, she never left White Cross at all.
Suddenly, Jennie has a murder to solve. The murder of her best friend. But can she do so before her colleagues discover just how closely connected she is to the victim? Before a mystery stalker makes good on his threats to silence her for good?
The Reunion is a gripping mystery perfect for fans of THE SANATORIUM, Lucy Foley, and Ruth Kelly.
Published September 5th by Oneworld Publications Suspense, Literary Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: CLOVE HAS SPENT YEARS BUILDING THE PERFECT LIFE. IT’S ABOUT TO COME CRASHING DOWN.
An unexpected letter from her mother threatens to pull Clove back to a life she’s left behind, in this thrilling novel from an explosive new talent
To the outside world, Clove has it all. Thanks to her lies, she’s landed the life of her dreams, complete with a kind, reliable husband, two adorable children, a stable family home. So what, if silencing the memories of her own abusive childhood means racking up a little credit card debt or obsessing about her wellness routine? Nothing to see here.
But then a letter arrives from a women’s prison in California – a letter that threatens to expose the secrets of a past she has worked so hard to hide. Soon, Clove will become caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the very people she thought she had outrun. No amount of shopping, green juice or meditation can help her avoid the defining day of her life forever.
Brave, hilarious and full of surprising twists, Madwoman is a story about violence, recovery, and Clove’s refusal to be defined by her worst experiences.
‘A truly stunning read – this is my book of the year.’Ella Berman
Published September 5th by Michael Joseph Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Police Procedurals
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Six people land on a desert island ready to make their reality show debut.
The contestants are hungry to prove themselves. The stakes are high and losing is not an option. But three weeks and eighteen episodes later, five of the six contestants sit in a Portuguese police station, and none of them are winners.
Because twelve million people were watching when Rhys Sutton died on camera, and someone must pay for the crime.
The best friend, the rival, the girlfriend, the lover, and the sworn enemy are left standing. And of course, no-one is talking. But how do you keep secrets when the world has been watching?
Especially when, just a day before his murder, Rhys was the most hated man on television.
Published September 5th by Doubleday UK Historical Fiction, Fairy Tale, Adventure Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: For fans of THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES, THE CAT WHO SAVED BOOKS and SHE AND HER CAT, discover the award-winning bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation in this utterly charming celebration of the healing power of cats.
A cat a day keeps the doctor away …
On the top floor of an old building at the end of a cobbled alley in Kyoto lies the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul. Only a select few – those who feel genuine emotional pain – can find it.
The mysterious centre offers a unique treatment for its troubled patients: it prescribes cats as medication.
Get ready to fall in love: – Bee, an eight-year-old female, mixed breed helps a disheartened businessman as he finds unexpected joy in physical labour; – Margot, muscly like a lightweight boxer, helps a middle-aged callcentre worker stay relevant; – Koyuki, an exquisite white cat brings closure to a mother troubled by the memory of the rescue kitten she was forced to abandon; – Tank and Tangerine bring peace to a hardened fashion designer, as she learns to be kinder to herself; – Mimita, the Scottish Fold kitten helps a broken-hearted Geisha to stop blaming herself for the cat she once lost.
Brimming with feline comfort and warmth, we see how the company of a wise and satisfied cat never lets us down when we need it most in this irresistible celebration of our furry friends.
Published September 5th by Hodder & Stoughton Romance Novel, Episolatory Novel, Contemporary Romance
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A REASON TO LIVE. Still grieving the death of her best friend, Erin knows she needs to start living – but has no idea how. Then she loses her favourite book, a heavily annotated and containing her friend’s final words to her.
A REASON TO LOVE. When James finds Erin’s note-filled book in his local community library, it sparks a life-changing conversation. He writes his own message back, and soon they are locked in an anonymous book exchange, with no idea who the other person in the margins might be.
A REASON TO FORGIVE? But Erin and James have a shared history that neither of them realise. How will Erin react when she discovers the other writer isn’t a stranger at all – but the person she once swore she’d never forgive?
A story of second chances and new beginnings, this is a love letter to books – and a love letter to love.
Published September 5th by Jonathan Cape Mystery, Thriller, Literary Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: From Rachel Kushner, Booker Prize finalist and two-time National Book Award finalist, comes a new novel about a seductive and cunning American woman who infiltrates an anarchist collective in France
‘The most exciting writer of her generation’ BRET EASTON ELLIS
‘Reinvents the spy novel in one cool, erudite gesture’ HERNAN DIAZ
‘Compulsively readable… Kill Bill written by John le Carré’ OBSERVER
Sadie Smith – a thirty-four-year-old American undercover agent of ruthless tactics and bold opinions – is sent by her mysterious but powerful employers to a remote corner of France. Her mission: to infiltrate a commune of radical eco-activists influenced by the beliefs of an enigmatic elder, Bruno Lacombe, who has rejected civilisation, lives in a Neanderthal cave, and believes the path to enlightenment is a return to primitivism.
Sadie casts her cynical eye over this region of ancient farms and sleepy villages, and finds Bruno’s idealism laughable, but just as she is certain she’s the seductress and puppet master of those she surveils, Bruno Lacombe is seducing her with his ingenious counter-histories, his artful laments, his own tragic story.
Beneath this taut, dazzling story about a woman caught in the crossfire between the past and the future lies a profound treatise on human history. Creation Lake is Rachel Kushner’s finest novel yet – a work of high art, high comedy and irresistible pleasure.
Published September 5th by Transworld Gothic Ficiton, Horror Fiction, Southern Gothic, Supernatural Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Discover the gothic horror phenomenon that is sweeping across Europe, with over 2 million copies sold
‘RIVETING, TERRIFYING…JUST ABSOLUTELY GREAT’ STEPHEN KING
As the dark and menacing waters of the local river submerge Perdido, a small town in the south of Alabama, the Caskeys – a family of rich landowners – must confront the tide of damage caused by the flood. Led by Mary-Love, the powerful matriarch, and by Oscar, her devoted son, the family must pick itself back up. But what they haven’t anticipated is the sudden appearance of Elinor Dammert – a mysterious but seductive young woman with a troubling past. Her sole ambition appears to be to infiltrate the very heart of the Caskey clan…
Published September 5th by Del Rey Science Fiction, Space Opera, LGBT Literature, Science Ficiton Comedy
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A dying universe. A search for answers. An adventure at the end of a trillion lifetimes.
When the home worlds finally achieved the technology to venture out into the stars, they found a graveyard of dead civilisations. What befell these worlds is unknown. All they know is that they are the last ones left – and whatever came for the others will one day come for them.
Scout is an Archivist who scours the dead worlds of the cosmos for their last gifts: interesting technology, cultural rituals – anything left behind that might be useful to home and their survival. During an excavation on a lifeless planet, Scout unearths something unbelievable: a surviving message from an alien who witnessed the world-ending entity thousands of years ago.
Now Scout, their brother and their sometimes-fearless, space-faring cat, Pumpkin, must race to save what matters most.
Published September 5th by MacLehose Press Short Story, Urban Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Is three days with a cat enough to change your life?
The troubled and anxious of Tokyo are desperate to find out. They all have their problems – and they all want to believe that a feline companion from a unique pet shop can help them find a solution. But there are rules: they must be returned after three days, and they must always sleep in their own familiar blankets.
In The Blanket Cats, we meet seven such customers, including a couple struggling with infertility, a middle-aged woman on the run from the police, and two families in very different circumstances simply seeking joy.
But like all their kind, the blanket cats are mysterious creatures with their own unknowable agendas, who delight in confounding expectations. And perhaps what their hosts are looking for isn’t what they really need.
Three days may not be enough to change your life. But it might be enough to change how you see it.
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Would you know if you lived next door to a serial killer? Based on her smash hit tour, Emma Kenny – psychologist and true crime expert – reveals the chilling true stories of killers who hide in plain sight.
Taking readers on a journey into the dark side of humanity, Emma Kenny explores the ingredient list of experiences that turns regular people into murderous monsters, looking at crimes that shook the world.
From Ted Bundy to Joanna Dennehy, Richard Trenton Chase to Aileen Wuornos and many more besides, Emma explores the crime scenes and criminal minds of some of the most notorious serial killers of our time. She also unveils shocking stories of lesser-known killers that even the most dedicated true crime fan will be surprised by.
What unites all of these killers is the ability to slip into society. They look just like you and me. Some were married or parents, conscientious neighbours, teachers or fixtures of their community. Join Emma in this compelling exposé of their depraved world to understand what motivates them and what they look for in a victim. Then maybe you’ll be able to spot the serial killer next door...
Published September 12th by Michael Joseph Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: ‘Sexy, electrically stylish, and beautiful – a gorgeous story about sisterhood, and a glamorous, evocative passport to a period we all long to get lost in’ Daisy Buchanan
‘Julie’s best novel yet’ Georgina Moore _________
BERLIN, 1926: After the death of their parents, sisters Leni and Annette only have each other. Desperate, but dreaming of better days, Leni finds work at a notorious cabaret: the Babylon Circus.
From the dancer’s barely-there costumes, to the glimmering mirrors that cover the walls, the Babylon Circus is where reality and fantasy merge. For Leni, it’s an overwhelming new world, and she’s happiest hiding in the shadows.
Until she meets the cabaret’s resident pianist, Paul. And so begins a tentative love affair that will play out over the next forty years. But, in a city whose divisions will define a century, can a love born within the feverish walls of the Babylon Circus ever survive? And can the bond between Leni and Annette – tugged in opposite directions of their own – also endure?
In Berlin, two sisters dared to dream of a better life – but where in this dark and dazzling city will they find their true home?
The Torments (The Annie Jackson Mysteries, Book 2) by Michael J. Malone
Published September 12th by Orenda Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Contemporary Horror, Horror Thrillers, Hard-boiled Mystery, Book Series
BOOK DESCRIPTION: ‘A tense, creepy page-turner’ Ian Rankin, New Statesman
Hiding from the world in her little white cottage on the shores of a loch, Annie Jackson is fighting to come to terms with the world of the murmurs, a curse that has haunted female members of her family for centuries.
While she is within the ancient, heavy stone of the old dwelling, the voices merely buzz, but the moment she steps outside the door they clamour to torment her all over again, bringing with them shocking visions of imminent deaths.
Into this oasis comes her adoptive mother, Mandy McEvoy, begging for Annie’s help. Mandy’s nephew Damien has gone missing, after dropping off his four-year old son at his mother’s home.
Unable to refuse, but terrified to leave her sanctuary, Annie, with the help of her brother Lewis, is drawn in to a secretive, seductive world that will have her question everything she holds dear, while Lewis’ life may be changed forever…
The second book in the critically acclaimed Annie Jackson Mysteries series, The Torments is both a contemporary gothic thriller and a spellbinding mystery that deeps deep into a past that should, perhaps, remain undisturbed…
Published September 12th by Viking Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime Series, Humorous Fiction, Literary Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB
A brand new series.
An iconic new detective duo.
And a thrilling new murder to solve . . .
—–
Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favourite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.
Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job . . .
Then a dead body, a bag of money and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a deadly enemy?
Published September 12th by The Borough Press Mystery, Crime Fiction, Humorous Ficiton, Urban Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: ‘Delicious’ JOJO MOYES
‘Very funny… I inhaled it’ JOE LYCETT
‘Taut, pacy, seamless… a huge pleasure to read’ MARIAN KEYES
‘I was immensely grateful that despite the gruesome way my husband died, he’d done it with his clothes on.’
Anthony Wistern is wealthy beyond imagination. Fragrant wife, gaggle of photogenic children, French chateau, Cotswold manor, plethora of mistresses, penchant for cutting moral corners, tick tick tick tick tick tick.
Unfortunately for him, he’s also dead. Suddenly poised to inherit his fortune, each member of the family falls under suspicion.
And that’s when everything comes crashing down…
‘Still not over Succession? A dysfunctional family with four inheritance-obsessed children gives the Roy clan a run for its money, with a murderous twist’ SUNDAY TIMES STYLE
Living is a Problem (The Skelfs, 6) by Doug Johnstone
Published September 12th by Orenda Mystery, Suspense, Crime Fiction, Crime Series, Humorous Fiction, Women Sleuths
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Drones, gangland vendettas, a missing choir singer, disturbances in the cemetery, PTSD, panpsychism, and secrets from the past … This can ONLY mean one thing! The Skelfs are back, and things are as nail-biting, tense and warmly funny as ever!
‘Hurroo! The Skelfs — Edinburgh funeral directors and part-time private eyes — are back … the persistence of love in the Skelf household, no matter what fate flings at it, is reassuring and life-affirming’ The Times Book of the Month
_______________
The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they’ve been through. But when a funeral they’re conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they’re in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta.
At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy’s band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory.
And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son.
Everything is changing for the Skelfs … Dorothy’s boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close, and Hannah’s case leads her to consider the curious concept of panpsychism, which brings new danger … while ghosts from the family’s past return to threaten their very lives.
Funny, shocking and profound, Living Is A Problem is the highly anticipated sixth instalment of the unforgettable Skelfs series – shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Novel and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Book of the Year – where life and death become intertwined more than ever before…
Published September 12th by Renegade Books Historical Fiction, Mythology
BOOK DESCRIPTION: ‘A beautiful weave of history, myth and storytelling by one of our most exciting new classicists’ DAN SNOW Steeped in ancient magic, dark divinity and wild ways, Goddess with a Thousand Faces takes you on a historical journey like no other…
Blending mythological retellings with historical research, Goddess with a Thousand Faces traverses the world and transports through time to bring ten formidable and inspiring ancient goddesses to life. Meet Artemis, the Greek goddess of the wilderness, never without her bow and arrow; Sedna, Inuit goddess of the ocean, guarding the icy waters and all its creatures; Isis, Egyptian goddess of healing, who dwells by the River Nile, just to name a few…
Jasmine Elmer explores these goddesses of our past, uncovering their truths, their rebellion and their freedom. For too long, they have been written out of history; lost to the sands of time and stamped into silence. Goddess with a Thousand Faces restores these women to their glory.
Pour over this treasure trove of myths, legends and mighty goddesses. Hear the messages echoing through the ages and see yourself in the faces of these icons. For while their stories might ancient, today they are more important – and more powerful – than ever.
A treasure trove of beautiful storytelling and ancient wisdom, perfect for fans of Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola and Storyland by Amy Jeffs.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, 2) by T. J. Klune
Published September 12th by Tor Fantasy Fiction, Romantic Fantasy, Romance Novel, Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Gay Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.
This is the hugely-anticipated sequel to TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea, a cosy-fantasy triumph and a New York Times bestseller.
Arthur Parnassus has built a good life on the ashes of a bad one. He’s headmaster at an orphanage for magical children, on a peculiar island, assisted by love-of-his-life Linus Baker. And together, they’ll do anything to protect their extraordinary and powerful charges.
However, when Arthur is forced to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself fighting for those under his care. It’s also a fight for the better future that all magical people deserve. Then when a new magical child joins their island home, Arthur knows they’ve reached breaking point. The child finds power in calling himself a monster, a name Arthur has tried so hard to banish to protect his children. Challenged from within and without, their volatile family might grow stronger. Or everything Arthur loves could fall apart.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.
Published September 12th by Wildfire Gothic Fiction, Ghost Story, Horror Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Folklore
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Spring, 1985. Twelve year old Phoebe MacDonald’s world is falling apart.
She has just buried her parents, a fire at their family home claiming both in a freak accident. Now she must leave Scotland, the only place she has ever known, and go to live with her uncle Louis and aunt Maude in their home in the Welsh woods.
As spring turns to summer, Phoebe falls slowly into the rhythm of life with her eccentric guardians in their curious home. But there is no one her age in the nearby village, and she is lonely until she meets a strange girl, Gwyneth, who wanders the surrounding forest barefoot and alone.
Outsiders both, the two girls form a strong bond, though nobody else seems to believe that Gwyneth is real. Phoebe knows better, and soon with her new friend’s help, she begins to see the woods for what they truly are – a place of magic and wonder, where the line between life and death is blurred. Where spirits roam and secrets fester.
Something happened here, a lifetime ago. A wrong that yearns to be put right. The answer is within Phoebe’s grasp, but will revealing it put her in grave danger?
For the woods hold a dark truth, and some will do anything to keep it in the shadows.
Published September 12th by One More Chapter Historical Ficiton, Historical Romance, Romance Novel, War Story
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Kehinde must put everything on the line to find herself during a time of war.
Lagos, 1939
With the announcement of World War Two and a change that sends shockwaves through her family, Kehinde is forced to put aside her dreams of writing and become the third wife of Mr Ogunjobi.
Kehinde makes her peace by selling snacks at a small market. When she gets the chance to assist the leader of the Lagos Women’s Market Association, fighting for the rights the British are trying to take away, Kehinde finally feels useful again.
But if her husband finds out he’ll abandon her.
Can Kehinde find the courage to fight for herself and the other women of Lagos? Or will she remain a caged bird, a parlour wife, forever.
A poignant story of a young Nigerian woman, living with the consequences of a war her country didn’t choose.
Published September 12th by Black & White Publishing Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Merry lives a simple life. For work, she writes cryptic crossword puzzles. For pleasure, she swims in the icy cold sea. And in between she keeps a careful eye on her neighbour, Lucas Manning, the son of her late best friend Julia.
One day Lucas’s wife reports him missing. Merry has known Lucas his whole life; he would never walk out like this. Bad things have always hovered around the Manning family. Lucas’s abusive criminal father disappeared decades ago, and his brother Sean is in jail. But Lucas is different. A good man. He was the one who turned Sean in to the police, after all. Although Sean has spent every day since professing his innocence.
As she begins to dig into Lucas’s life, Merry forms an uneasy alliance with a private investigator doing the same. Gareth was hired by Lucas’s employers, who are also desperate to locate him – and the sensitive work project he has absconded with. Merry might be a cryptic crossword mastermind, but reading people is hard. Was she wrong about Lucas? Did the wrong brother go down all those years ago? This is no straightforward disappearing act: something much more sinister is at play. But as she get closer to the truth, Merry must confront her own dark past with the Manning family, which she has fought so long to keep buried. Who can she trust with her secrets?
Published September 12th by Harper Collins UK Mystery, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Fairy Tale,Horror Fiction, Supernatural Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Chilling and uncanny folk suspense in a novel of twisted sisterhood and dark secrets.
Some places are cursed.
An isolated village
A twisted sisterhood
A dark secret that festers in silence
___________________________________
1978. When teenager Rina Pine is abandoned by her hippy mother in the isolated village of Sorrow Spring and forced to live with her elderly aunt, she quickly realises no one is coming to rescue her.
Rina finds herself trapped amidst a community of women beholden to the past, who believe in the protective powers of the local spring. When a child goes missing and a young mother is killed, she is drawn into the dark and sinister truth flowing through the sacred waters that give the village its name.
Rina is about to learn what it truly means to be a daughter of Sorrow Spring…
Published September 12th by Avon Cozy Mystery, Fantasy Fiction, Magical Realism, Romantic Fantasy, Supernatural Fiction, Contemporary Horror, Horror Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: One new owner. One hot barista. And one seriously weird coffee shop…
Adele is down on her luck. She’s just failed her last musical theatre, and it now looks like the bright lights of Broadway are behind her for good. So, when the opportunity comes up to take over a Brooklyn coffee shop, finally it feels like at last things are going her way.
The only issue is the coffee shop comes with strings attached in the form of one very grumpy (but roasting hot) barista, Ben. He’s worked there for years and he’s not about to move on just because there’s a new owner in town.
But soon it’s not only Ben who’s smouldering, because strange things are happening with the old coffee roasting machine in the basement, with roaring flames and weird noises that seem to come from nowhere. She’d ask Ben for help, but he never seems to be around when there’s a problem to fix. And to add to it all, now some of the regular customers are nowhere to be seen…
Trouble is brewing for Adele and, before she knows it, she’s in a whole latte trouble…
Published September 12th by Bedford Square Publishers Domestic Ficiton
BOOK DESCRIPTION: ‘A gorgeous and funny story about family and acceptance’ Nina Pottell (Prima) ‘Laugh out loud funny yet poignant at heart’ Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman __________
Twenty-nine-year-old teacher Emily needs her father to believe her life is a success. He may have walked out on the family when she was a child and let her down when she needed him most, but her life is perfect despite him.
Or it was until last Friday, when her fiancé dumped her. Now she’s facing a frighteningly empty future, and she’s unravelling at work. And just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, her father turns up on her doorstep.
Ed knows he’s got it wrong, and he wants to make amends, even if his motives aren’t entirely selfless. What better way to do that than to show Emily how much he cares about her wedding? He’ll even shell out for the dress if that’s what it takes.
Emily can’t bear to tell her father that her life has fallen apart. So she doesn’t. Before she knows it, they’re planning – and booking – a wedding that’s totally perfect.
Published September 17th by Daphne Press Fantasy Fiction, Romantic Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Folklore, Dark Fantasy, Lesbian Literature
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A sharp-tongued folklorist and her academic rival must solve their mentor’s murder in this lush sapphic fantasy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic.
Lorelei Kaskel, a folklorist with a quick temper and an even quicker wit, is on an expedition with six eccentric nobles in search of a mythical spring of untold power. The king wants to harness the fabled water source from which magic flows to secure his reign, and Lorelei is determined to prove herself and to make her dream come true: to become a naturalist, able to travel freely to faraway lands.
The expedition gets off to a harrowing start when its leader―Lorelei’s beloved mentor―is murdered in her quarters aboard their ship. The suspects are her five remaining expedition mates. The only person Lorelei knows must be innocent is her longtime academic rival, the insufferably gallant and maddeningly beautiful Sylvia von Wolff. Now in charge of the expedition, Lorelei must find the spring before the murderer strikes again―and a coup begins in earnest.
But other dangers lurk in the dark: forests that rearrange themselves at night, rivers with slumbering dragons hiding beneath the water, and shapeshifting beasts out for blood. As Lorelei and Sylvia grudgingly work together to uncover the truth―and resist their growing feelings for each other―they discover that their leader had secrets of her own. Secrets that make Lorelei question whether justice is worth pursuing, and if this kingdom is worth saving at all.
The Butcher Game (Dr Wren Muller Book 2) by Alaina Urquhart
Published September 17th by Zando Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction. Crime Ficiton, Police Procedural, Horror Ficiton, Crime Series
BOOK DESCRIPTION: From the New York Times bestselling author and cohost of chart-topping true crime podcast Morbid comes the thrilling book two in her national bestselling series, told from the dueling perspectives of a notorious serial killer and a medical examiner seeking justice.
Destruction follows the ruthless serial killer, Jeremy Rose, the Bayou Butcher, as he heads north to evade capture for his horrific crimes. As he seeks safe harbor with a former friend, he remains focused on unfinished business with forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller, the only target who’s ever escaped him–twice. But not this time. He’s determined to make Wren suffer, and he’s promised to make her play by his own twisted rules.
Still in shock over the harrowing encounter with her old nemesis, Wren is on forced medical leave in New Orleans, attempting to mend the deep scars of her traumatic past. But with growing evidence that Jeremy is leaving a fresh trail of mutilated victims across Massachusetts, Wren realizes the best way to heal is to renew her pursuit of this vicious killer. She sets her sights on Jeremy, only to discover that she may have walked directly into his trap. As their twisted cat-and-mouse game rachets up to a violent clash of good versus evil, Wren prepares to sacrifice everything to bring Jeremy to justice.
With intense true-to-life details from autopsy technician and Morbid podcast cohost, Alaina Urquhart, The Butcher Game is a gripping addition to the New York Times bestselling Dr. Wren Muller series.
Published September 19th by Michael Joseph Mystery, Fantasy Fiction, Horror Fantasy, Horror Ficiton, Supernatural Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Dark academia meets horror in this gripping fantasy series which is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s NINTH HOUSE.
‘All the Devils is eerie, intense, and mysteriouswith immersive world building and mythology. The fast pace kept me turning pages, and I’d follow Jae pretty much anywhere’ Stacia Stark, bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series — HELL IS EMPTY AND ALL THE DEVILS ARE AT RAVENSWOOD ACADEMY . . .
Mourning the sudden death of her sister, Andy Emmerson knows she must come to terms with a life without Violet. But on the day of the funeral Andy is shocked to discover one thing: the person in that casket is not her sister.
Violet is alive.
Convinced her sister’s elite boarding school is covering up the truth, Andy enrols at Ravenswood Academy to discover what really happened and find Violet.
The school is as beautiful and haunting as the students within it and Andy learns that it’s not just good grades that drives these pupils. Something much darker is at play.
After discovering a cryptic note from her sister, Andy must follow a set of clues to unlock the truth. This will bring her into contact with secret societies, ancient magic, demons and monsters. And a charming senior named Jae Han who has his own reasons for finding out what happened to Violet . . .
Soon Andy realizes the price she must pay to bring her sister home is darker and more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.
Published September 19th by Viking Drama, Soap Opera, Coming-of-Age Story
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A hopeful, healing novel about new friendships, old loves, and the very human desire to leave a mark on the world, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Booker-shortlisted author
It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer, Lucy Barton, who lives nearby in a house next to the sea. Together, Lucy and Bob talk about their lives, their hopes and regrets, and what might have been. Lucy, meanwhile, befriends one of Crosby’s longest inhabitants, Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known – “unrecorded lives,” Olive calls them – reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.
Brimming with empathy and pathos, TELL ME EVERYTHING is Elizabeth Strout operating at the height of her powers, illuminating the ways in which our relationships keep us afloat. As Lucy says, “Love comes in so many different forms, but it is always love.”
Before We Forget Kindness (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, 5) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Published September 19th by Picador Time Travel, Contemporary Fantasy, Psychological Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: The million-copy bestselling series.
In the fifth book in the sensational Before the Coffee Gets Cold series translated from Japanese, the mysterious Tokyo café where customers arrive hoping to travel back in time welcomes four new guests:
– The father who could not allow his daughter to get married – A woman who couldn’t give Valentine’s Day chocolates to her loved one – A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents – A wife holding a child with no name . . .
They must follow the café’s strict rules, however, and come back to the present before their coffee goes cold.
Another moving and heartwarming tale from Toshikazu Kawaguchi, in Before We Forget Kindness our new visitors wish to go back into their past to find closure and comfort so they can embark on a beautiful future.
Catch up on the rest of the series with Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Tales from the Cafe, Before Your Memory Fades and Before We Say Goodbye.
Published September 19th by Pan Macmillan Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
BOOK DESCRIPTION: It’s time to rediscover her magic . . .
With found family, a dash of romance and an uplifting message about self-love, Rewitched is a cosy autumnal fantasy that will leave readers spellbound.
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark, but she hasn’t seen it in a while either. Balancing work at her beloved London bookshop, Lunar Books, with handling her toxic boss and concealing her witchcraft from those around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.
But, when her thirtieth birthday brings a summons from her coven and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic for ever. With the month of October to fix things and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure and even from an (infuriating) coven watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . .
‘I was completely charmed by this delightful and endearing novel about rediscovering your spark’ – Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Spellshop
Published September 19th by Constable Mystery, Crime Fiction, Thriller, Humorous Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: A twisty and wickedly funny murder mystery
Welcome to Aberfal Boys High School. Independent jewel of academic and sporting excellence in the South-west — until the headmaster is murdered in his study. And now the Year Seven School Mums’ WhatsApp Group really do have something to talk about…
Clare Withoutani: OMG have you heard about Newhall?!!! Becky Rupertsmum: Helen-Louise just texted. Can’t believe it. Asha: Not heard anything. What’s happened? Pam Geoffreysmum: What’s he done this time? They’re going co-ed, aren’t they? I knew this would happen. Clare Withoutani: Can’t believe it, Becky. I’m in shock. Pam Geoffreysmum: Are we going co-ed? Becky Rupertsmum: No, Pam. Newhall died. Pam Geoffreysmum: Oh GOD. Seriously??!! Can’t believe it. So sad. He’ll be such a loss to the school. The boys will be devastated. Will the school be offering grief counselling? Rose Oliversmum: Anyone know what pages they’re meant to do for chemistry? Ollie’s homework diary says ‘do questions 1-4’ but no page numbers!
As the resulting police investigation reveals more and more of Aberfal’s long-hidden secrets the list of suspects who wanted the headmaster dead grows by the day. And far from being a glittering jewel of exclusivity and excellence, it would appear Aberfal Boys High School is rotten to its core…
Published September 26th by Magpie Gothic Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Mythology, Coming-of;Age
BOOK DESCRIPTION: YOU’LL WANT TO BE ONE. UNTIL YOU KNOW THEIR SECRETS.
After sixteen-year-old Emily’s father tragically dies, she is forced to live with the only family she has left, an aunt and grandmother in the heart of Savannah, Georgia in a house as beautiful as it is mysterious.
But all is not what it seems with the Bell family; they’re hiding a magical secret.
When Emily meets the alluring Wyn, she forms a connection that feels like it was always meant to be. As the spark between them grows more powerful, her life takes an exhilarating and terrifying turn; but every step closer to him, takes her a step further away from her family.
Emily will find out that blood is always thicker than water…
Published September 26th by Oneworld Publications Fantasty Fiction, Fairy Tales, Mythology, Dark Fantasy
BOOK DESCRIPTION: From the author of House of Salt and Sorrows comes the breathtaking fairy tale retelling readers have been waiting for
When death calls, she must answer.
Hazel has always known she was different from her siblings. A thirteenth child, she was promised at birth to Merrick, the god of death.
Under his care, Hazel learns the art – and magic – of healing. Word of her extraordinary gift spreads throughout the kingdom. But all gifts come with a price. When Death claims a soul for himself, it is Hazel who must end their suffering… permanently.
Soon, destiny brings her to the royal court where she meets Leopold, an infuriatingly alluring prince with a disdain for everything and everyone. Here, Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet: to carry out her duties or follow the urges of her own heart. Can she go against the will of Death himself to save someone who is marked to die?
Published September 26th by Black & White Publishing Historical Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Crime Fiction, Medical Thriller, Medical Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Inside the grand walls of Edinburgh’s nineteenth-century scientific institutions, anatomists began to map the secrets of the human body in order to discover new medical innovations.
But to the horror of the local population, a shortage of bodies soon led to the gruesome act of graveyard bodysnatching, a heartless crime that would soon spread like a disease throughout the city. And when stealing cadavers turns to murder, Burke & Hare became two of the most notorious serial killers of their time.
This is the story of those grim events, told for the first time through the eyes of Susan and Helen (Nelly), two women caught up in those horrific matters.
Published September 26th by Michael Joseph Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: We’re all so busy, caught up in life’s moments, big and small . . .
The flight attendant working a shift on her birthday. The mother struggling alone with two young children. The newlyweds excited about their tropical honeymoon . The overworked father missing his kid’s big show. The young man returning from his best friend’s funeral. The ER nurse wondering what retirement will bring.
All strangers. All unsuspecting. Each with a life heading in a particular direction – or so they imagine.
Because an elderly woman is about to step into each of their paths. In just a few words, she will make a prediction, tying herself to all of them. And, in being bound to her, these disparate strangers will all face similar existential dilemmas. .
Who is this woman? Is she a genuine clairvoyant? A charlatan? The answer to prayers, or a harbinger of nightmares?
What she will prove to be is an agent of chaos, fraying relationships, putting entire futures into doubt and causing the most ordered of lives to unravel in the most unexpected of ways . . .
Published September 26th by Michael Joseph Greek Mythology, Folklore
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Pre-order the final book in Stephen Fry’s acclaimed internationally bestselling Greek myths series telling the story of The Odyssey – can a hero find his way home?
Sometimes the hardest journey is the way back home . . .
Wily Odysseus, King of Ithaca, has won Troy for the Greeks – after a decade of brutal, bloody warfare. But now this warrior remembers he is a husband and father – and his gaze turns longingly towards home.
Setting sail with a small fleet, Odysseus dreams of soon lying in the arms of his beloved wife Penelope, and of teaching his son Telemachus the ways of a warrior. However, the gods laugh at the foolish hopes of mortals. Angered by this upstart, Poseidon – God of the ocean realms – curses our hero to wander the seas for ten long years.
Encountering one-eyed giants, six-headed monsters, terrible storms, titanic whirlpools, hypnotic sirens, seductive witches and jealous goddesses, Odysseus is tempted and tormented beyond any man’s endurance.
Yet he is no mere mortal – and the lure of his wife and son draws him, step by step, stroke by stroke, ever closer to home and his ultimate destiny . . .
A tale of love and longing, return and redemption, home and hope, Stephen Fry’s Odyssey weaves the final threads of the story begun in the worldwide bestseller, Mythos, into an astonishing and mesmerising tapestry for the ages.
Published September 26th by Verve Books Contemporary Fiction
BOOK DESCRIPTION: An unflinching and emotionally insightful debut about cultural identity, homesickness, love and loss.
In the five years following his brother’s death, Aaron has built himself a life of solitary routines. After moving from Dublin to Boston, and illegally overstaying her visa, Róisín has done the same.
When the two meet on a night out, they each find in the other something missing in their lives. A semblance of home.
Their relationship is complicated by their disparate religious backgrounds – Aaron is Jewish; Roísín is atheist – and by the harsh realities of everyday life. Just as they’re pushed to their breaking point, Roísín realises she is pregnant.
Placeholders is a poignant story of loneliness corrected and the transformative power of love. The next fix for fans of Sally Rooney, Nick Hornby, David Nicholls, Louise Kennedy and Coco Mellors.
Published January 15th, 2019 by Orenda Books Mystery, Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Horror Thriller, Hard-boiled Mystery, Crime Fiction, True Crime
TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic Abuse
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SYNOPSIS:
lusive online journalist Scott King investigates another cold case the disappearance of a seven-year-old boy from his father s car on Christmas Eve in an intensely dark, deeply chilling and searingly thought-provoking thriller, in another episode of Six Stories.
***LONGLISTED for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year***
***SHORTLISTED for Best Thriller at the Amazon Publishing Readers Awards 2019***
***SHORTLISTED for Best Independent Voice at the Amazon Publishing Readers Awards 2019***
‘Insidiously terrifying, with possibly the creepiest woods since The Blair Witch Project a genuine chiller with a whammy of an ending’ C J Tudor
‘Frighteningly wonderful one of the best books I ve read in years’ Khurrum Rahman
‘A creepy, chilling read that is ridiculously difficult to put down’ Luca Veste
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A missing child A family in denial Six witnesses Six stories Which one is true?
On Christmas Eve in 1988, seven-year-old Alfie Marsden vanished in the dark Wentshire Forest Pass, when his father, Sorrel, stopped the car to investigate a mysterious knocking sound. No trace of the child, nor his remains, have ever been found. Alfie Marsden was declared officially dead in 1995.
Elusive online journalist, Scott King, whose ‘Six Stories’ podcasts have become an internet sensation, investigates the disappearance, interviewing six witnesses, including Sorrel and his ex-partner, to try to find out what really happened that fateful night. Journeying through the trees of the Wentshire Forest a place synonymous with strange sightings, and tales of hidden folk who dwell there, he talks to a company that tried and failed to build a development in the forest, and a psychic who claims to know what happened to the little boy
Intensely dark, deeply chilling and searingly thought provoking, Changeling is an up-to-the-minute, startling thriller, taking you to places you will never, ever forget
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MY REVIEW:
“At the end of it all, you just want answers, and for this to end. You want to tie off the loose threads of this case like the veins and arteries of an infected limb; amputate and move on. It’ll leave a scar. But you knew that when you started, somehow.”
Changeling is the third instalment in Matt Wesolowski’s sinister Six Stories series. I started this series on book four and then read books five and six before going back to the beginning, so listening to Changeling has completed the series for me. I’ve loved this series and was reluctant to say goodbye, so I put off reading this one for a long time. But finally I decided I could wait no longer and listened to it on audiobook in September.
The format of six stories is simple but effective: host Scott King takes a cold case and looks at it six different ways for his podcast ‘Six Stories’. He interviews six different witnesses to get the different perspectives on each crime and tries to unearth the long-buried truth In Changeling he is exploring the case that, unbeknownst to him, will have the biggest impact on his life yet. Seven-year-old Alfie Marsden, who vanished in the dark Wentshire Forest Pass on Christmas Eve 1988. His father, Sorrel, was the last person to see him alive. But is he telling the truth about what happened that day in the forest? Could the folklore about Wenshire Forest be true? And could a psychic really hold the key to discovering what really happened to Alfie?
“Some say that Alfie’s disappearance in 1988 was one controversy too many for Wenshire Forest and led to the majority of the site being closed to the public. But this only meant the ghoulish draw of the forest intensified, as did the speculation in the press. Descriptions of alleged occurrences between the tangled branches of one of England’s most ancient woods became distorted and bloated. With story upon story, claim upon claim, Wentshire forest has become a place synonymous with horror.”
Atmospheric, sinister and eerie, this one chilled me to the bone. There’s a missing child and a case that’s steeped in folklore and rumour, making this a difficult one to listen to at times. I don’t mind admitting that I got so freaked out that I had to stop listening and go do something else a couple of times. And that epilogue! I had chills running down my spine. But it wasn’t just the hints of the supernatural that were difficult for me, it was also the discussion of domestic abuse that felt like reliving my own first marriage that made it necessary to take a breather at times. Not that it is explicit or badly written, Wesolowski has written about a difficult subject with honesty and sensitivity that feels very relatable. So much so that I felt like I’d gone back fifteen years and had to centre myself in the present before I could keep listening. Wesolowski addresses writing about domestic abuse in his Author’s Note at the end of the book and I appreciate him bringing awareness to this important subject and including places readers can access support.
As I’ve said before, the premise of this series makes it perfect for audiobooks. It is a completely immersive experience, making you lose yourself in the story and it really feels like you’re listening to your favourite true crime podcast. Matt Wesolowski is one of my favourite sinister storytellers with a unique style that is instantly recognisable. His books are unnerving, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, and not for the faint hearted. But they are absolutely phenomenal and I’m bereft to have come to the end of this spectacular series. But who am I kidding, I’ll definitely be listening to them again.
So if you love dark, eerie stories and are feeling brave, add this series to your TBR.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮
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MEET THE AUTHOR:
Matt Wesolowski is an author from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK. He is an English tutor for young people in care. Matt started his writing career in horror, and his short horror fiction has been published in numerous UK- and US-based anthologies, such as Midnight Movie Creature, Selfies from the End of the World, Cold Iron and many more. His novella, The Black Land, a horror set on the Northumberland coast, was published in 2013. Matt was a winner of the Pitch Perfect competition at the Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival in 2015. His debut thriller, Six Stories, was an Amazon bestseller in the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia, and a WHSmith Fresh Talent pick, and film rights were sold to a major Hollywood studio. A prequel, Hydra, was published in 2018 and became an international bestseller. Changeling, the third book in the series, was published in 2019 and was longlisted for the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. His fourth book, Beast, won the Amazon Publishing Readers’ Independent Voice Book of the Year award in 2020. Matt lives in Newcastle with his partner and young son.
Published July 21st, 2022 by Simon & Schuster UK Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Adventure Fiction
Thank you to Simon & Schuster UK for the proof copy of this outstanding historical fiction novel.
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SYNOPSIS:
‘What a heroine Endurance Proudfoot is! I loved her from the start. An unconventional woman who takes us on a fascinating – if bumpy – ride through a man’s world. I laughed, cried and most of all cheered! Can’t stop thinking about it… an absolute cruncher of a tale’ Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
‘A complete joy of a novel that, like it’s wonderful protagonist’s namesake, is a story of endurance against all odds. Full of heart and so eloquently written, THAT BONESETTER WOMAN had me cheering Durie on from start to finish – I absolutely loved it’ Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora
It’s usual, they say, for a young person coming to London for the first time to arrive with a head full of dreams. Well, Endurance Proudfoot did not. When she stepped off the coach from Sussex, on a warm and sticky afternoon in the summer of 1757, it never occurred to her that the city would be the place where she’d make her fortune; she was just very annoyed to be arriving there at all.
Meet Endurance Proudfoot: clumsy as a carthorse, strong as an ox, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie wants one thing in life: to become a bonesetter like her father. It’s physically demanding work, requiring nerves of steel, and he’s adamant it’s not a job for a woman.
Strong-willed and stubborn, Durie’s certain that in bonesetting, her big, usually clumsy hands have found their natural calling. So when she’s bundled off to London with her beautiful sister, she won’t let it stop her realising her dream. As her sister finds fame on the stage, Durie becomes England’s most celebrated bonesetter – but what goes up must come down, and her success may become her undoing.
Inspired by the true stories of two of Georgian England’s most famous celebrities, That Bonesetter Woman is an uplifting tale about finding the courage to go your own way, when everyone says you can’t – and about realising that what makes you different can also make you strong.
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MY REVIEW:
“She was going to be a bonesetter. She was going to fix people.”
I was delighted when That Bonesetter Woman was chosen as the September book by the Historical Fiction Book Club as it has been on my TBR since receiving a proof last year (yes, this review is very late). It was also one of the 12 backlist books I added to my ‘12 in 2023’ list back in January and I haven’t been good at getting to those so I was pleased to tick another off that list.
Endurance (Durie) Proudfoot has never fit in. Instead of being beautiful, graceful, and tactful like other girls, she’s clumsy, unusually strong, tactless, and has a face only a mother could love. She also has an unusual dream: to be a bonesetter like her father. But bonesetting is seen as a job for boys, so a frustrated Durie is carted off to London with her younger sister, Lucinda. But she’s determined that this isn’t the end of her bonesetting dreams and carves out a path to accomplish becoming England’s most celebrated bonsetter. But traditionalists don’t like that a woman is taking up space in a man’s world and set out to put her back in her place.
Mesmerising, immersive, and absorbing, That Bonesetter Woman is another outstanding novel from the pen of masterful storyteller Frances Quinn. Her magnificent debut, The Smallest Man, was one of my favourite books of 2020, so I had high expectations for this book. And she surpassed them all. As she did in her debut, Quinn has created fictional characters inspired by real historical people and then merged fact with fiction to craft an unforgettable story about those who are different. Meticulously researched and rich in fascinating historical details that I loved—did you know you used to get free zoo entry to the London Zoo with a dead cat?—it feels so real that I had to keep reminding myself this wasn’t biographical fiction and Durie is a fictional character. Exquisitely written and perfectly paced, Quinn puts our emotions through the wringer with some heartwarming, heartbreaking and wonderful subplots that are woven into Durie’s story. She brings history to life, wrenching you out of your own reality and into the one she’s created.
“Each time seemed like a reminder that she just didn’t fit in the world like other people did. Except when she was doing the one thing age wasn’t clumsy and cack-handed at, and what was she going to do if she wasn’t allowed to do that?”
Durie Proudfoot is a truly original heroine. I can promise you will have never read anyone quite like her. She’s headstrong, stubborn, determined, plain-speaking, and honest. Someone with heart and morality who has no time for flattery, lies, or greed. And though Durie lives a life that is extraordinary and memorable, it is also a life marred by anguish and misfortune. Quinn creates a strong connection between the reader and protagonist, making us feel deeply the pain that inhabits her as she struggles with being different, trying to understand the behaviours of others, and other challenging events in her life. Also palpable is her frustration at being caged by the expectations of society as they attempt to put her in a box she has never and will never fit in. I loved how she fought for what she wanted and knew was right for her from a young age, even when facing what seemed like increasingly insurmountable odds as she got older. She was a truly remarkable and fascinating woman and I loved watching her metamorphosis from clumsy outcast to celebrated bonesetter.
Though no other character shone as brightly as Durie, the book has a cast of richly drawn background characters that I enjoyed. George stands out as one I particularly liked, probably because of his kind, thoughtful character and the sweet relationship he shared with Durie. Like her, he is straightforward and is one of the few people she really connects with. He’s the kind of love-interest we dream of: someone who really gets you and accepts you for who you are. Their scenes together were some of my favourite in the book and I was rooting for them every step of the way.
Atmospheric, evocative, ambitious and compelling, That Bonesetter Woman is an epic masterpiece of historical fiction that I highly recommend.
Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5
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MEET THE AUTHOR:
Frances Quinn grew up in London and read English at King’s College, Cambridge, realising too late that the course would require more than lying around reading novels for three years. After snatching a degree from the jaws of laziness, she became a journalist, writing for magazines including Prima, Good Housekeeping, She, Woman’s Weekly and Ideal Home, and later branched out into copywriting, producing words for everything from Waitrose pizza packaging to the EasyJet in-flight brochure.
In 2013, she won a place on the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course, and started work on her first novel. The Smallest Man was published in 2021 by Simon & Schuster with her follow up, That Bonesetter Woman, published in 2022.
She lives in Brighton, with her husband and two Tonkinese cats.
