#BlogTour Good Cop Bad Cop by Simon Kernick

 It's my turn on the BlogTour Good Cop Bad Cop by Simon Kernick.

About the Author

Simon Kernick is a number one bestseller and one of the UK's most popular thriller writers, with huge hits including Relentless, The Last 10 Seconds, Siege and The Bone Field series. Follow @simonkernick on Twitter

About the book

It's 14 years after the worst terrorist atrocity in UK history and, with the perpetrators either dead or missing, the motive remains a mystery. But Dr Ralph Teller, a wealthy industrialist who lost his wife in the attack, never gave up hope of justice.  He thinks he knows the real identity of the mastermind responsible.

Only one person can help him put together the final pieces of the puzzle - retired police officer Chris Sketty, who infiltrated the terrorist group and was wounded trying to prevent the attack. But Cleverly thinks Sketty is a liar...and possibly far worse. He has a dossier on all the former cop's dark secrets and will make them public unless Sketty tells the truth.

So, over one night, Sketty will share his brutal tale of betrayal, ruthlessness and corruption, finishing with a revelation so terrifying and unexpected that it will change everything. Is Sketty a brave hero, crippled in the line of duty, or the most ruthless mass murderer the country has ever seen?

Review

Chris Sketty spends a lot of time thinking about the before and after of events that have defined his life, his choices and the paths he decides to take along the way. It takes him a while to comprehend that many of those have been manipulated and mapped out for him. Knowing his predictable behaviour patterns have made it easier for others to do so - or do they?

He is a good guy with a great reputation, a hero. He is also self-assured and determined to outwit the man who has invited him into his home under false pretences. The truth will out. Or will it be a version of the truth?

It's a combination of psychological crime with a taste of urban, and it's all tinged with the flavour of corruption. Kernick has his character straddle the black, white and all the grey areas at the same time. That sense of instability, doubt and battle with the remnants of a conscience - it's all just a little too close to reality for comfort.

It's a fast-paced crime read, which will probably keep you guessing and doubting until the end. What's the difference between good or bad when the two are so closely intertwined.

Buy Good Cop Bad Cop at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline Books; Out in Hardback on 11th November 2021 - £16.99. Buy at Waterstones.

#BlogTour Say Goodbye by Karen Rose

 It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Say Goodbye by Karen Rose.

About the Author

Karen Rose was introduced to suspense and horror at the tender age of eight when she accidentally read Poe's The Pit and The Pendulum and was afraid to go to sleep for years. She now enjoys writing books that make other people afraid to go to sleep.

Karen lives in Florida with her family, their cat, Bella, and two dogs, Loki and Freya. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, and her new hobby - knitting. Follow @KarenRoseBooks on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit karenrosebooks.com

About the book

The closer you get to the truth, the more dangerous it gets. - FBI Agent Tom Hunter has been chasing down leads to find the brutal cult that damaged some of his closest friends. They managed to escape to tell their stories, but Eden's location has always remained a mystery.

Liza Barkley is struggling with her feelings for Tom and wonders if their friendship can survive the secrets they've kept from one another. But they may be forced to confront the truth when a chance to help the investigation puts Liza directly in the line of fire.

When the perpetrator of an attempted sniper attack on Liza and her friends is discovered to be one of the cult's leaders, DJ Belmont, it becomes clear that he is out to get revenge on the victims who escaped Eden's clutches.

But there is one person who has always had control over DJ, and who no one outside of Eden has ever glimpsed: cult leader Pastor. When a serious injury forces Pastor to seek help outside the confines of the Eden, Tom and his team finally have a chance to bring the cult down. But DJ Belmont has his own plan, and is not going to stop until he gets what he wants...

Review

In this third book in the Sacramento series the hunt for Eden and some closure for the victims takes centre stage. Old victims and new ones unite to help bring down this dangerous cult.

Aside from the annoying juvenile-like relationship and the toing and froing of Tom and Lisa, there are other elements of the story that are a little repetitive and simplified. In comparison to the premise of Eden and the excellent way Rose is shining a light on the insidious nature of cults - there is a stark difference between the aforementioned and the latter.

The most worrying thing about any cult or organisation that recruits and preys on the vulnerable, is the fact they appear to be protected by the law. So much so that innocent children and adults become victims and are unable to seek help or receive it. Generations of innocents are used for the gratification of megalomaniacs and deviants, whilst the authorities often look on helpless to do anything in the face of antiquated laws protecting the perpetrators. 

It's no surprise that two of the characters who previously escaped from Eden are damaged to the point that it impacts the rest of their lives, especially when Eden doesn't want to let go. Everyone is invested in shutting down this hellhole of torture.

Rose delivers a captivating read, whilst delivering an eye-opening commentary on one of the most disturbing concepts that exists and is accepted by society, despite the conditions and structure that allows the damage, pain and destruction of fellow humans. It's a fast-paced gripping read.

Buy Say Goodbye at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Published in hardback by Headline pub date 8th August 2021- RRP £20.00. Also available in ebook and audiobook. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Kill A Stranger by Simon Kernick

It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Kill a Stranger by Simon Kernick.

About the Author

Simon Kernick is a number one bestseller and one of the UK’s most popular thriller writers, with huge hits including Relentless, The Last 10 Seconds, Siege and The Bone Field series. Follow @simonkernick on Twitter

About the book

To save a lie, could you take another? How far would you go for the one you love? And how well do you really know them? They took your fiancée. They framed you for murder. You have one chance to save her. To clear your name. You must kill someone for them. They give you the time. The location. The target. You have less than 24 hours. You must make an impossible choice.

Review

I loved how messed up this was. The clock never stops ticking, even the ending is violence waiting to happen. I wonder if it will? Tell me, will it?

Imagine coming home to your pregnant fiancée and instead of finding her tucked up in bed - she is gone. Kidnapped, and the ransom is more than you're willing to pay or are you? Matt isn't sure at first, but knowing his actions can mean the difference between life or death for Kate - it's a great motivator.

Is it enough motivation to kill a complete stranger though? Like, really kill and not just stun, maim or disfigure. Stone cold killer dead. Are many deaths worth it to save a life, the life of a loved one. Is it true that anyone can cross the ultimate boundary if given the right circumstances?

It's a captivating psychological thriller. I especially liked the way the author gave each character a voice and avenue to present their side of the story. Not everyone sees the events the same way, especially not the detective in charge.

Kernick gives this slowly evolving tense crime read an urban feel to it, as he keeps readers guessing. I'm pretty sure what is coming right at them is completely unexpected.

Buy Kill A Stranger at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline pub date 26th November 2020 . Hardback . £14.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour The Good Samaritan by C. J. Parsons

 

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour The Good Samaritan by C.J. Parsons.

About the Author

C J Parsons was born in Britain and grew up in Canada. She graduated from Montreal's McGill University with a degree in psychology and went on to earn a graduate degree in journalism. She worked as a newspaper reporter at Canada's Globe and Mail before moving to Hong Kong, where she became a columnist at The South China Morning Post. 

She also spent two years covering crime, seeing first-hand the disturbing forces that drive people to kill, something that has informed her writing to this day. After returning to Britain, she moved into television news, working as a broadcast journalist for both the BBC and CNN International. C J is now a senior producer at CGTN. She lives in north London with her twelve-year-old daughter.

Follow @charlopar on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit cjparsonswriter.com, Buy The Good Samaritan

About the book

When five-year-old Sofia is taken from the park, her mother, Carrie, is beside herself with worry. Carrie has a condition which means she struggles to read facial expressions, so she is terrified she missed something that put her daughter in danger.

But just days later, Sofia is found unharmed. The police immediately suspect Josh, the man who found Sofia, but with no evidence against him they are forced to let him go without charges.

Josh is keen to make sure Sofia is safe and well and Carrie is charmed by his kindness. Carrie also befriends Tara, a mother from the park who helped with the initial search party. But with the identity of Sofia's abductor still unknown, how much should Carrie trust those who have offered their help?

Are they good Samaritans or has Carrie missed the warning signs?

Review

When Sofia is enticed away from her mother and disappears it is fair to say that a nightmare begins for Carrie. Could it be the child's own father, who struggles with mental health issues, was Sofia targeted or was she just a child in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Luckily the child is returned by a friendly stranger who just happens to find her. Instead of calling the police or calling for help, he just carries the child home. Slightly odd or just in shock from finding a young child who has been abducted? Carrie finds herself enamoured with more than just one good Samaritan on the day her daughter goes missing and is returned.

I think the automatic reaction for many will be the lack of understanding when it comes to the reactions of the mother, regardless of her diagnosis. It makes it seem, at least from her outward responses, as if she is missing any normal maternal instincts. Saying that, there are plenty of women without any difficulty with their social interaction skills and emotional responses, who also lack the ability to listen to a gut instinct, simply lacked maternal instincts or just don't care.

It's a dark domestic thriller, a worrying tale of trust and betrayal. How easy it is to lose what it is you love the most, despite your best efforts to keep everyone safe. Parsons writes the story from the perspective of a main character who doesn't interact with the world in the way society expects, and questions whether our lack of comprehension in that regard enables a lack of safeguarding for those on the spectrum. When it comes to both adults and children. It's an interesting take on the regular crime scenario.

Buy The Good Samaritan at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline ; pub date 26th November 2020 Paperback | £8.99. Also available in Ebook & Audio. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour The Lost Child by Emily Gunnis

Today it's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour The Lost Child by Emily Gunnis.

About the Author
Emily Gunnis previously worked in TV drama and lives in Brighton with her young family. She is one of the four daughters of Sunday Times bestselling author Penny Vincenzi. This is her second novel.

Follow @emilygunnis on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy The Lost Child

About the book
A tragic death. A missing baby. A long-kept secret...

1960. Thirteen-year-old Rebecca and her mother live in fear of Rebecca's father's violent temper. As a storm batters Seaview Cottage one night, Rebecca hears a visitor at the door and an argument ensues. By the time the police arrive, the visitor has fled and both Rebecca's parents are dead. No one believes Rebecca's story that she heard a stranger downstairs...

2014. Iris, a journalist, is sent to cover the story of a new mother on the run with her desperately ill baby, as the police race against time to find them. When the trail leads back to Seaview Cottage, the childhood home of Iris's own mother, Rebecca, Iris must unravel the events of the night Rebecca is desperate to forget for Seaview Cottage to give up its secrets. To find the truth she must follow in her mother’s footsteps.

Review
A friendly suggestion if you don't like spoilers - the book starts with a Dear Reader letter from the author - don't read it until after you have finished the actual story.

The story is told via multiple women, in the past and the present, and all threads lead back to a young girl called Rebecca. A child damaged and defined by the murders of her parents at the tender age of thirteen.

In the present a young woman has run off with her really ill newborn baby. Journalist Iris is sent to cover the story and neglects to mention why she is so personally invested in finding the young woman before she hurts herself or the baby.

I had to keep reminding myself that Jessie was vulnerable and perhaps not thinking straight when she was interacting with Rebecca. I found myself getting angry on Rebecca's behalf, but being drawn in emotionally is always a sign the author has done their job. Jessie owns her own experience with Rebecca, but what she doesn't own and has no right to demand is what Rebecca did or did not experience in the past. It is entitled, pushy behaviour - regardless of what Jessie thinks she might know.

Aside from the obvious tragedy of a lack of understanding when it comes to postpartum psychosis and the way women have and often still suffer because of it, this story is very much one about a broken family. How the jigsaw pieces of that family fit together is another story.

It's a captivating story of betrayal, abuse, the irreversible damage of systemic misogyny and how the bond between mother and child isn't necessarily defined by blood.

Buy The Lost Child at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Published by Headline Review; pub date 16th April 2020 Paperback - £7.99 - Also available as eBook and Audiobook. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon. The story is inspired by the gripping true story of World War 2 spy Nancy Wake.

About the Author
Ariel Lawhon, author of I Was Anastasia (2018), Flight of Dreams (2016) and The Wife, The Maid And The Mistress (2014), is a critically acclaimed writer of historical fiction. She lives with her family in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee.

Follow @ArielLawhon on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon,Visit ariellawhon.com, Buy Code Name Hélène

About the book
In 1936, foreign correspondent, Nancy Wake, witnesses first-hand the terror of Hitler's rise in Europe. No sooner has Nancy met, fallen in love with and agreed to marry French industrialist Henri Fiocca, than the Germans invade France and force her to take on her first code name of many. The Gestapo call her the White Mouse for her remarkable ability to evade capture when smuggling Allied soldiers across borders. She becomes Hélène when she leaves France to train in espionage with an elite special forces group in London. Then, when she returns to France, she is the deadly Madame Andrée. But the closer Frances gets to liberation, the more exposed Nancy - and the people she loves - will become.

Inspired by true wartime events, Code Name Hélène is a gripping and moving story of extraordinary courage, unfaltering resolve, remarkable sacrifice - and enduring love.

Review
This story is inspired by the gripping true story of World War 2 spy Nancy Wake. A nurse and journalist, who became a decorated heroine of the French Resistance and then later during the war a British S.O.E working with the French Resistance.

Her need to intervene and help in some way was driven by the events leading up to the Second World War. Witnessing first-hand the oppression, violence and torture of Jewish men and women in the streets, during the mid to late 30s, by the Brownshirts and their supporters, made her determined to do her part.

She certainly did that, and became infamous for evading those who tried to capture her. In fact she proved that her mission/s were more important than individual loyalties. Personal sacrifice was often necessary to keep many others safe, to be successful in the face of great opposition.

It's historical war fiction based on a true story. A story about one of many brave men and women who tried to influence the course of history by doing their bit, knowing that capture would mean torture at the very least and almost certainly death.

Lawhon doesn't bow to preconceived ideas and make Nancy something she wasn't. She was a strong woman capable of making hard and ruthless decisions for the greater good, which is definitely the kind of woman she comes over as in her interviews. If the torture and death of one is necessary to save the lives of hundreds, thousands - perhaps even more - then that one death is justified. No matter who that person may be.

Buy Code Name Hélène at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline Review; pub date 31 Mar. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Into The Dark by Karen Rose

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Into The Dark by Karen Rose.

About the Author
Karen Rose was introduced to suspense and horror at the tender age of eight when she accidentally read Poe's The Pit and The Pendulum and was afraid to go to sleep for years. She now enjoys writing books that make other people afraid to go to sleep.

Karen lives in Florida with her family, their cat, Bella, and two dogs, Loki and Freya. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, and her new hobby - knitting.

Follow @KarenRoseBooks on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit karenrosebooks.com, Buy Into The Dark

About the book
When Michael Rowland saves his younger brother Joshua from the clutches of his stepfather, he runs for his life with his brother in his arms. From his hiding place he sees the man who has made their lives a misery taken away in the trunk of a stranger's car, never to be seen again.

Doctor Dani Novak has been keeping soccer coach Diesel Kennedy at arm's length to protect him from her dark secrets. When they are brought together by the two young brothers who desperately need their help, it seems they might finally be able to leave their damaged pasts behind them.
But as the only witness to the man who kidnapped and murdered his stepfather, Michael is in danger.

As Diesel and Dani do all that they can to protect him, their own investigation into the murder uncovers a much darker web of secrets than they could have imagined.

As more bodies start to appear it's clear that this killer wants vengeance. And will wipe out anything that gets in his way...

Review
Michael has only one concern - keeping his brother Joshua safe. The only way to do that is making sure they stay together, and their step-father away from him. When he stumbles upon said step-father preparing to put his brother in danger certain events are set in motion that will change their lives forever.

I have to say kudos to the author for writing the story in such a careful, thoughtful and emotive way. Part of me wishes, and I can imagine other readers and perhaps even the author, that victims of abuse were always treated with such sincerity and genuine concern. The truth is that the systems that are put in place to keep children safe are often inadequate and overburdened. The vulnerable fall through the loopholes of the systems, and even when the abuse is recognised and acted upon what comes afterwards is only as good as the system that put the procedures in place.

Also the sensitivity with which Rose approaches both the abuse, the deaf child and the hearing impaired is exceptionally well done. When you take all of the above and add crime to the plot, whilst simultaneously throwing in a serial killer who leaves body parts all over the place, it creates this spectacularly emotionally raw and charged read.

Then as if crime and abuse weren't enough to keep the reader captivated the author adds romance to the picture, and where the abuse is concerned I don't mean captivated in a salacious way but rather in an emotionally involved way. Usually this often leads to a less is more or too many cooks scenario, but Rose balances every part of the story so well - it's as if it was meant to be.

It's romantic suspense, an uncompromisingly direct and honest read with a great set of characters and highly sensitive topics.

Buy Into The Dark at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline Publishing│Hardback │£20 pub date 14th November 2019 - eBook and audio also available. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour The Poison Song by Jen Williams

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour The Poison Song by Jen Williams. It's fantasy with elements of sci-fi

About the Author
Jen Williams started writing about pirates and dragons as a young girl and hasn’t ever stopped. Her short stories have featured in numerous anthologies and her debut novel, The Copper Promise, was published in 2014 to huge acclaim.

Jen was nominated in the Best Newcomer category at the 2015 British Fantasy Awards and her following two novels, The Iron Ghost and The Silver Tide were both shortlisted for the British Fantasy Awards Novel of the Year. Jen lives in London with her partner and their cat.

Follow @sennydreadful on Twitter, on Goodreads,
Buy The Poison Song

About the book
Ebora was once a glorious city, defended by legendary warriors and celebrated in song. Now refugees from every corner of Sarn seek shelter within its crumbling walls, and the enemy that has poisoned their land won’t lie dormant for long.

The deep-rooted connection that Tormalin, Noon and the scholar Vintage share with their Eboran war-beasts has kept them alive so far. But with Tor distracted, and his sister Hestillion hell-bent on bringing ruthless order to the next Jure’lia attack, the people of Sarn need all the help they can get. Noon is no stranger to playing with fire and knows just where to recruit a new - and powerful - army. But even she underestimates the epic quest that is to come. It is a journey wrought with pain and sacrifice - a reckoning that will change the face of Sarn forever.

Review
I think it's important to note that this can be read as a stand-alone novel, however I suggest reading the first two parts of this trilogy to get the full experience of the premise and the characters. The Ninth Rain and The Bitter Twins, the first and second book in the series, take you on the path that leads to the decisions made and actions taken in this third book.

Does that sound ominous? It's supposed to. The actions start with characters using war beasts to seek revenge, set things straight and press the reset button for many others in similar situations. To free the oppressed, which seems like a noble thing, but has it been thought through enough? Perhaps less spontaneity and more impulse control would have been better.

What's interesting about this trilogy is the way Williams gives her younger characters great depth, the kind of depth and emotional awareness you see in more adult characters. That means you don't just get the immature, inexperienced and often lackadaisical attitude of YA or teen characters.

These characters, especially Noon, have reached (in this book) the point of no return. In fact the beginning of this book is indicative of her thought process throughout the book. It's time to give the silenced a voice, to free the imprisoned, and it is definitely time to fight back.

It's fantasy with elements of sci-fi, in fact I would call it sci-fi fantasy. Is that a sub-genre? The alien invasion and  the whole bug aspect of the story was very science fiction meets the world-building of a fantasy story.

Kudos to Williams for giving this book the ending it deserved and not being too scared of the reaction of avid fans, who are invested in certain strong characters. It was the perfect conclusion to this trilogy.

Buy The Poison Song at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline; pub date 16 May 2019. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Headline.

#BlogTour Never Be Broken by Sarah Hilary

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Never Be Broken by Sarah Hilary. It's crime fiction with nuances of literary fiction.

About the Author
Sarah Hilary’s debut, Someone Else’s Skin, won Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year 2015 and was a World Book Night selection for 2016. The Observer’s Book of the Month (‘superbly disturbing’) and a Richard & Judy Book Club bestseller, it has been published worldwide. No Other Darkness, the second in the series was shortlisted for a Barry Award in the US. Her DI Marnie Rome series continued with Tastes Like Fear, Quieter Than Killing and Come And Find Me.

Follow @sarah_hilary on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit sarahhilary.com Buy Never Be Broken

About the book
Children are dying on London's streets. Frankie Reece, stabbed through the heart, outside a corner shop. Others recruited from care homes, picked up and exploited; passed like gifts between gangs. They are London's lost. Then Raphaela Belsham is killed. She's thirteen years old, her father is a man of influence, from a smart part of town. And she's white. Suddenly, the establishment is taking notice.

DS Noah Jake is determined to handle Raphaela's case and Frankie's too. But he's facing his own turmoil, and it's becoming an obsession. DI Marnie Rome is worried, and she needs Noah on side. Because more children are disappearing, more are being killed by the day and the swelling tide of violence needs to be stemmed before it's too late.

Review
I have to hand it to Hilary, it's no small feat to write crime fiction which has the written beauty of literary fiction. Whilst the reader enjoys the criminal aspect of the plot they can simultaneously float in the pleasure of the beautiful prose. I had to stop at times and just go over certain sentences or paragraphs again, and I would love to give an example of said moments, to just take in the words once more and let them sink in.

The violent crime takes place, as the main characters circle the events like distracted birds of prey. The prose initiates moments where the reader is taken out of the story then brought back to earth with a thrust of brusque reality. In doing so Hilary gives the reader a taste of her talents if released from the confines of the genre and also changes the experience of the read in regards to the crime element. I felt there was more of visceral connection to the characters because of it, especially to Noah.

The premise is very much in keeping with the Wild West scenario in London at the moment. The killing and murders of young people on a regular basis. The author describes the grooming that takes place, of young children and teens in areas of deprivation. Scouted from the very beginning and not given much choice in the matter. It's a join or be a target kind of gang culture.

At the centre of this story is DS Noah Jake, who is grieving the loss of his brother. His inner torment has manifested itself in visual and oral hallucinations, which Noah is reluctant to let go of. Letting the process of grief take place may mean saying goodbye to his brother forever.

It's crime fiction with nuances of literary fiction. Hilary is an excellent storyteller and writer, and is getting better with every book.

Buy Never Be Broken at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline; pub date 16 May 2019. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Headline.

#BlogTour Come Back to Me by Daniela Sacerdoti

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Come Back to Me by Daniela Sacerdoti. It's a contemporary read with elements of magical realism combined with the concept of what family is for each of us. It's a lovely read.

About the Author
Daniela Sacerdoti is a phenomenon. Over one million copies of her novels have been sold in eBook, her debut novel Watch Over me was the 8th bestselling Kindle book of all time in 2015 and she was also ranked as the 11th top-selling Kindle author. Daniela writes beautiful, haunting and bestselling fiction for adults (the Glen Avich series), young adults (the Sarah Midnight trilogy) and children. Her novels have been translated in twelve languages. Daniela was born and raised in Italy. She studied Classics, then lived in Scotland for fourteen years, where she married and taught in a primary school.

Daniela's children's book Really Weird Removals.Com was shortlisted for the Scottish Children's Book Awards. She has also written for the BBC. Daniela, her husband and their two sons make their home in a tiny village in the Alps.

To discover more about Daniela and her world, visit www.danielasacerdoti.com.

Follow Daniela on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads,
Buy Come Back to Me

About the book
Three separate lives. Three broken hearts.
Haunted by his wife's death, Matt arrives on Seal Island determined to be alone and unable to
escape his grief.

In the island's hospital, a young woman named Rose lies in a coma, trapped by the memories of
events leading up to her accident.

Grace, the island's doctor, is at the heart of the community. Only she knows how much she regrets
turning down the chance of love and a family years ago.

For these three people hope seems gone. But life is about to offer an unexpected new beginning...

Review
There are many types of reading experiences, the ones that leave you feeling happy, sad or angry. Now and again you get a book that reaches from the pages and takes a piece of you, even if just for a moment.

It may give you a sense of peace, a few seconds of indignation or fill you with rage. It doesn't really matter what emotion or thoughts linger, but if they do then the author has done their job by extending a hand to invite you inside and you entering their house of words, staying for a while and leaving with some of their powerful words imprinted in your memory forever.

Sacerdoti evokes that kind of magic with her story. It is a perfect fictional exploration of grief, forgiveness, accepting life and the obstacles it throws in your way, and finding your own type of happiness.

This is the third book in the Seal Island series and the focus is on multiple characters who become connected through the island. Matthew is still riddled with guilt after the death of his wife. He welcomes the isolation of and on the island. Grace keeps herself busy to avoid thinking about her all her regrets, about the life and family she should have had. Then there is Fergus and the strained relationship with his teenage daughter, a young girl who feels abandoned and neglected by both parents.

The story of Rose runs alongside the others, but takes place in the past, as we see her navigate the complicated oppressive relationship between herself and her brother.

On the surface that may seem like a normal contemporary story about family, relationships and love, but the author makes it stand out from the crowd by adding a layer of magical realism to the story. It falls over a certain character like a soft, soothing and healing blanket.

It's a contemporary read with elements of magical realism combined with the concept of what family is for each of us. It's a lovely read.

Buy Come Back to Me at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Published by Headline in eBook on 1st May and available in paperback original on 25th July. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Belle of the Back Streets by Glenda Young

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Belle of the Back Streets by Glenda Young. It's historical fiction with a strong sense of family and community.

About the Author
Glenda Young credits her local library in the village of Ryhope, where she grew up, for giving her a love of books. She still lives close by in Sunderland and often gets her ideas for her stories on long bike rides along the coast. A life-long fan of Coronation Street, she runs two fan websites for which she sometimes interviews the cast of the show.

Follow @flaming_nora @headlinepg on Twitter, on Facebook,
Visit glendayoungbooks.com, flamingnora.blogspot.com
Buy Belle of the Back Streets

About the book
‘Any rag and bone!’
Everyone recognises the cry of Meg Sutcliffe as she plies her trade along the back streets of Ryhope. She learnt the ropes from her dad when he returned from the War. But when tragedy struck, Meg had no choice but to continue alone, with only her trusty dog Spot and beloved horse Stella for company. Now the meagre money she earns is the only thing that stands between her family’s safety and predatory rent collector Hawk Jackson...

Many say it’s no job for a woman - especially a beauty like Meg who’s noticed everywhere she goes. When she catches the eye of charming Clarky it looks like she might have found a protector and a chance of happiness. But is Clarky really what he seems? And could Adam, Meg’s loyal childhood friend, be the one who really deserves her heart?

Review
Meg and her younger brother have had no choice but to become the breadwinners in their family. Meg is forced to enter a ruthless world of bargaining and thievery. Trying to recognise who is friend or foe isn't exactly easy when you're young and lack experience. On top of that it doesn't help that Meg is a pretty lass, the kind of pretty that attracts the right sort of men and the wrong ones too.

Meg makes an unusual choice for her life considering the era she lives in. She decides to not choose the safe option and luckily for her she doesn't get too much flack because of it. She wants to be wanted for herself and not because it's the right thing to do.

It's written with a flair of Cookson, with a focus on supportive neighbours and feeling of small communities. Where family isn't necessarily defined by blood, but rather by a sense of kinship due to being in the same grim situation. The working class support system and loyalty, because there is no other person looking out for them, so they automatically do it for each other.

It's a dramatic read at times and yet simultaneously also a cosy read, with just enough danger and heartbreak to keep the pages turning, but not too much lest it become too dire a read. The strength of the premise is the way the author shows us that there is always a solution, a way forward, despite how desperate the situation may seem. It's a retreat from harsh reality.

It's historical fiction with a strong sense of family and community.

Buy Belle of the Back Streets at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline; Paperback pub date 7th March 2019. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce. It's a psychological thriller with a wicked punch and one that leaves the reader with food for thought.

About the Author
Harriet Tyce grew up in Edinburgh and studied English at Oxford University before doing a law conversion course at City University. She practised as a criminal barrister in London for nearly a decade. She is currently doing a PhD in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. She lives in north London. Blood Orange is her debut novel.

Follow @harriet_tyce @Wildfirebks @headlinepg on Twitter,
Visit harriettyceauthor.com
Buy Blood Orange

About the book
Alison has it all. A doting husband, adorable daughter, and a career on the rise - she's just been given her first murder case to defend. But all is never as it seems...

Just one more night. Then I'll end it. 

Alison drinks too much. She's neglecting her family. And she's having an affair with a colleague whose taste for pushing boundaries may be more than she can handle.

I did it. I killed him. I should be locked up.

Alison's client doesn't deny that she stabbed her husband - she wants to plead guilty. And yet something about her story is deeply amiss. Saving this woman may be the first step to Alison saving herself.

I'm watching you. I know what you're doing.

But someone knows Alison's secrets. Someone who wants to make her pay for what she's done, and who won't stop until she's lost everything....

Review
It sure is a humdinger of a plot. Even after the last page I wasn't sure who was guilty and which one of the characters just carried a certain element of guilt. There were so many aspects to this story that were intriguing I'm not sure I know where to start, which is certainly a sign of a good read.

Alison is a bit of a mess. She has a successful career and a beautiful family, and yet she is having sexual encounters with a colleague and spends a lot of her time drunk as a skunk. She doesn't spend a lot of time worrying about her husband or young daughter, whilst she is getting her jollies.

The first instinct is to see Alison as the bad guy, however there is something likeable about her, despite the mess and all her failings. As the story progresses the reader knows there is something off, something dark just lurking in the shadows. The question is whether she will be able to recognise the reality of her situation before it's too late.

Tyce brings two important topics into the storyline. It's done in such a subtle way that it may go under in the viciousness of some the scenes or in the skewed boundary lines of some of the scenarios. One of those topics is consent and the comprehension of what consent means. The other is the insidious nature of abuse and the fact everyone can fall prey to an abuser.

I enjoyed the fact Alison wasn't really completely good or bad. The author writes her with a refreshing sense of authenticity, she is human and makes mistakes. It doesn't mean she loves her child any less or defends her clients to anything other than her full capability.

It's a psychological thriller with a wicked punch and one that leaves the reader with plenty of food for thought.

Buy Blood Orange at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Wildfire; pub date 21 Feb. 2019

#BlogTour The Hunter by Andrew Reid

It's my turn on the BlogTour The Hunter by Andrew Reid. Reid keeps it popping and the reader on their toes with this gripping crime action novel. It's a read that captivates from start to finish and never fails to surprise.

About the Author
Born in Scotland, Andrew Reid worked as a research scientist for almost a decade, on projects including DNA synthesis, forensics, and drug development. His short fiction has featured in several anthologies published by fox spirit books and his fantasy novel serial on Wattpad amassed nearly 175,000 reads. The Hunter is his debut novel.

Follow @mygoditsraining  @headlinepg on Twitter,
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Buy The Hunter

About the book
In the ring, Cameron King is known as The Hunter. A celebrated champion. A warrior.

But when her brother, science genius Nate, deliberately crashes the car they're in and vanishes without trace Cameron is left with a career in ruins, a reconstructed body and one burning question: why?

A troubled genius who vanishes in a mysterious car crash. A disillusioned cop sensing conspiracy in the corridors of power. A ruthless team of mercenaries operating in the shadows. A billion-dollar business that wants the world in its grip. One link connects them all. A champion fighter. Betrayed and searching for the truth. Cameron King is The Hunter.

Review
Let me just start by saying that this story is non-stop action from the beginning until the end. Reid has created a strong female lead, who is a force to be reckoned with and an adversary to be feared. Cameron thinks on her feet, fights with a cold brutality that often turns into a burning rage, and is obsessively driven by a need to know why her brother Nate betrayed her.

Simultaneously she struggles with the emotional turmoil of loving her brother and her gut instinct. At least part of her thinks she can trust him to act in her best interest. She believes all of that, despite the fact he is known for thinking only of himself, and of course he is the reason she can no longer enter the ring and continue her career as a celebrated fighter.

What makes this read so captivating to me are the fight scenes, specifically those with the main character. They are extremely well-researched, described and delivered. You can almost feel Cameron flexing her muscles, rolling her shoulders and accessing her opponent. My favourite element is the way she chooses to do the least expected move in the middle of a conflict. Instead of running in the opposite direction she will lunge headfirst into the onslaught.

Reid keeps it popping and the reader on their toes with this gripping crime action novel. Cameron King is the kind of female action protagonist the book world needs. We need more strong characters girls and women can identify with. It's okay to be emotional, approachable and independent, but it is equally okay to be a strong and physically capable woman too.

I really enjoyed meeting Cameron King and her accidental sidekick Ray. It's a read that captivates from start to finish and never fails to surprise. The only thing wrong with this incredibly good debut novel is the fact there isn't a second book I can read straight away, and that I now have this unnatural desire to kick the hell out of people and become a kickboxing cage fighter.

Buy The Hunter at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Headline; pub date 7 Feb. 2019