#BlogTour Darke Matter by Rick Gekoski

 It really is a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Darke Matter by Rick Gekoski, which is an excellent read.

About the Author

Rick Gekoski came from his native America to do a PhD at Oxford, and went on to teach English at the University of Warwick. In 1982, sick of lecturing, he decided to become a full-time rare book dealer, specialising in important twentieth-century first editions and manuscripts. He lives in London and spends time each year in Paris and New Zealand. 

Follow @RGekoski on Twitter, Visit gekoski.com

About the book

James Darke is dreading the first family Christmas without his wife Suzy. Engulfed by grief, his grudging preparations are interrupted by a persistent knock at the door. Questions about the circumstances of his wife’s death force him to confront the outside world and what really happened to her.

Isolated, angry and diminished, James soon faces a crisis both legal and psychological. It will test his resolve and threaten his freedom. Darke Matter is a brilliant, mordant examination of the nature and obligations of love. Both immensely sad and extremely funny

Review

I absolutely adored this read. The style of writing, the voice, the premise and above all the main character. James Darke is true unto himself and others, as no other is. He is unwilling to sway even a little from his idea of what is right, and yet he will acquiesce now and again to the norm demanded by society.

The chapters with Rudy and his grandfather are a testament to the emotions Darke keeps close to his heart and never lets anyone see or experience. He is a man of many words and lets no one in. The death of his wife and his part in it, isn't something he is willing to expose to the gossip hungry world. Moving on and through the grief are a private endeavour until he is confronted with the legal ramifications of his actions.

I loved the way Gekoski created the fabric of the story by sewing a patterned quilt of poetry within the story. The readers imbibe the poetic and literary nuances almost in a secondary matter, because Darke is the kind of character who demands attention throughout the entirety of the book.

As if the above wasn't enough to intrigue, the premise itself is one I feel quite strongly about and think is one of the more important moral, ethical and medical issues of our time. Making the right to die a legal option for those who are suffering and want to end their existence on their own terms. Other countries have moved on from the dark ages, the majority of people in society support euthanasia, unfortunately the medical world still believes the individual is incapable of making such a definitive decision.

I can honestly say this author is one I will be returning to if this is an indication of the brilliance he is capable of. He walks that contentious line well, the line many authors are unable to balance successfully - the line between literary intellect and trying to outsmart readers with a sense of their own self importance and said intellect.

It's a wonderfully smart, insightful, moving and simultaneously dry and factual read with the kind of main character you can't help but adore just a tad - even when he is being a bit of an elitist snob and crotchety old man.

Buy Darke Matter at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Constable pub date 14 May 2020 - hardback £16.99/eBook. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive.

#Blogtour The Drowned City by K. J. Maitland

 It's my turn on the Blogtour The Drowned City by K. J. Maitland.

About the Author

Karen Maitland is an historical novelist, lecturer and teacher of Creative Writing, with over twenty books to her name. She grew up in Malta, which inspired her passion for history, and travelled and worked all over the world before settling in the United Kingdom. She has a doctorate in psycholinguistics, and now lives on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon. Visit karenmaitland.com

About the book

The first in an exciting new series from an expert writer at the height of her powers. Gunpowder and treason changed England forever. But the tides are turning and revenge runs deep...

1606. A year to the day that men were executed for conspiring to blow up Parliament, a towering wave devastates the Bristol Channel. Some proclaim God’s vengeance. Others seek to take advantage.

In London, Daniel Pursglove lies in prison waiting to die. But Charles FitzAlan, close adviser to King James I, has a job in mind that will free a man of Daniel’s skill from the horrors of Newgate. If he succeeds. For Bristol is a hotbed of Catholic spies, and where better for the lone conspirator who evaded arrest, one Spero Pettingar, to gather allies than in the chaos of a drowned city? Daniel journeys there to investigate FitzAlan’s lead, but soon finds himself at the heart of a dark Jesuit conspiracy - and in pursuit of a killer.

Review

On the back of a catastrophe that people think has been caused by an angered God or perhaps the foot soldiers of Satan, Daniel Pursglove is released from Newgate. The adviser to King James wants Daniel to find a lone elusive conspirator to the infamous Gunpowder plot. Instead he finds himself drawn into the hunt for a killer.

What I found incredibly intriguing was imagining how a natural catastrophe, such as the flood, tidal wave or the surge of 1606 would have been perceived a few centuries ago. In the 21st century we know why they happen, but are no less overwhelmed by the sudden appearance and the destruction such events leave in their wake.

In the 17th century it would have been perceived as an unnatural occurrence and connected to anything odd or inexplicable. Dots connecting people to witchcraft, which gives allowance to scapegoating. The author captures the superstition, paranoia and sense of comfort derived from blaming someone else.

It's a combination of historical crime and a mystery. It takes plenty of fact and fiction to create a riveting read that teaches and captivates at the same time. I really enjoyed the descriptive and often poetic prose. Maitland has a knack, although I do think it sometimes drifted off into a less structured style. Either way it was a great read.

Buy The Drowned City at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.  Publisher: Headline Review: pub date 1st April 2021 | Hardback | £16.99. Available as ebook and audiobook. Buy at hive.

Lockdown Buys and Reads - Giveaway!

 

To celebrate the beginning of lockdown finally easing a little, and trying to see some positive in the negative after the past year, I am giving away a signed copy of Ruthless Women by Melanie Blake! It's bringing sexy and bonkbusters back in a big way.

I don't do a lot of opinion pieces on my blog. I like to keep things strictly about the book love and sharing reviews, but I am going to deviate from my usual pattern to share a little about how books have become an even bigger part of my life - if that is even possible - during this new era of lockdown, pandemic and a change in life as we have known it.

I buy a lot of books. I bought a lot of books before the pandemic - now I am buying at least double the amount. I think there is generally a misconception when it comes to the perception of book bloggers (and any other social media outlet book ravers), that we receive review copies and aside from a marketing perspective - sharing and telling everyone about said books - we give nothing back to the book world in a financial capacity.

Absolutely a myth for the majority of us, obviously I can't speak for everyone, but I for one spend loads on books. I often buy a copy of my own even if I have received a review copy. If I buy an audiobook I usually buy the digital or physical version too - mainly because I am a fast reader and get impatient whilst listening (usually a sign of a good book). Then there are the copies I buy as gifts, because I love sharing a great read with the people around me. And that's without counting the books I buy because they sound like a great read.

During the isolation of lockdown and the extreme changes we have faced in the past year I have found my book buying has evolved into a full blown coping mechanism (and so has buying American snacks, but that is a whole other matter). 

I thought it would be fun to share some books and reviews under the caption of Lockdown Reads and to kick things off with a competition. Enter the Giveaway below to win a signed copy of the brilliant Ruthless Women by Melanie Blake.

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#BlogTour The Tuscan House by Angela Petch

It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour The Tuscan House by Angela Petch.

About the Author

'I’m an award winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem. Every summer I move to Tuscany for six months where my husband and I own a renovated watermill which we let out. When not exploring our unspoilt corner of the Apennines, I disappear to my writing desk at the top of our converted stable.

In my Italian handbag or hiking rucksack I always make sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas. The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of our family live. When I’m not helping out with grandchildren, I catch up with writer friends.'

Follow @Angela_Petch on Twitter, On Facebook, Visit angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com

About the book

Corbello, Italy, 1947. A woman and a little boy stagger into the ruins of an old house deep in the forest, wild roses overwhelming the crumbling terracotta walls. Since the war, nowhere has been safe. But they both freeze in shock when a voice calls out from the shadows…

For young mother Fosca Sentino, accepting refuge from reluctant British war hero Richard – in Tuscany to escape his tragic past – is the only way to keep her little family safe. She once risked everything to spy on Nazi commanders and pass secret information to the resistenza. But after a heartbreaking betrayal, Fosca’s best friend Simonetta disappeared without trace. The whole community was torn apart, and now Fosca and her son are outcasts.

Wary of this handsome stranger at first, Fosca slowly starts to feel safe as she watches him play with her son in the overgrown orchard. But her fragile peace is shattered the moment a silver brooch is found in the garden, and she recognises it as Simonetta’s…

Fosca has always suspected that another member of the resistenza betrayed her. With Richard by her side, she must find out if Simonetta is still alive, and clear her own name. But how did the brooch end up at the house? And with a traitor hiding in the village, willing to do anything to keep this secret buried, has Fosca put herself and her young son in terrible danger?

Review

This is told from multiple perspectives and with an interesting dual timeline - interesting because we don't wander that far into the past. Fosca returns to a place that haunts her, only to find both living ghosts and dead ones awaiting her arrival.

Part of the charm of a book by this particular author is the way she is able to convey the awe-inspiring beauty of the surroundings, which is often tinged with nostalgia. Personally I liked the contrast drawn between the landscape, the architecture, the people and the turbulent traumatic and destructive power of war. Two worlds collide. That contrast is mirrored again with resistance fighters, the collaborators, the silent observers and the enemy of course.

In the same way Richard's renovation or restoration project becomes part of his recovery process. A way of weighing actions, guilt and conscience with his choices and actions. Fixing himself, by restoring the factory - putting the pieces back together bit by bit. Or Fosca trying to work through her own trauma by solving the mystery of what happened to her friend. These are elements that give the read a certain type of depth. 

The reflection and restoration are at the core of this historical fiction set during the Second World war and in the years after. The devastation and destruction of war, and the aftermath of all the traumatic events. Life must go on and more importantly you either choose to confront the past or tuck it away like a dirty secret.

It's a bit of a slow burner, but worth it. The author gives voice to the different experiences of war by giving each character a common denominator and yet ultimately always a completely individual story. 

Buy The Tuscan House at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bookouture pub date 7 April 2021. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive.

#BlogTour Facets of Death by Michael Stanley

It's my turn on the BlogTour Facets of Death by Michael Stanley.

About the Author

Michael Stanley is the writing team of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. Both were born in South Africa and have worked in academia and business. Stanley was an educational psychologist, specialising in the application of computers to teaching and learning, and is a pilot. Michael specialised in image processing and remote sensing and taught at the University of the Witwatersrand.

On a flying trip to Botswana, they watched a pack of hyenas hunt, kill, and devour a wildebeest, eating both flesh and bones. That gave them the premise for their first mystery, A Carrion Death, which introduced Detective David ‘Kubu’ Bengu of the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department. It was a finalist for five awards, including the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger. 

The series has been critically acclaimed, and their third book, Death of the Mantis, won the Barry Award for Best Paperback Original mystery and was shortlisted for an Edgar award. Deadly Harvest was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award. They have also written a thriller, Dead of Night, following the investigative journalist, Crystal Nguyen, who gets caught up in the war against rhino poaching and rhino-horn smuggling.

Follow @detectivekubu and @Orendabooks on Twitter, Visit detectivekubu.com

About the book

A dark and sophisticated thriller set in the heart of Botswana, introducing Michael Stanley’s beloved Detective Kubu.

Recruited straight from university to Botswana’s CID, David ‘Kubu’ Bengu has raised his colleagues’ suspicions with his meteoric rise within the department, and he has a lot to prove. When the richest diamond mine in the world is robbed of 100,000 carats worth of gems, and the thieves are found, executed, Kubu leaps at the chance to prove himself. First he must find the diamonds – and it seems that a witch doctor and his son have a part to play.

Does this young detective have the skill and integrity to engineer an international trap? Or could it cost him everything? 

Review

This is a prequel to the Kubu crime series. Kubu is tasked will solving a classic heist, a diamond heist no less. One set in Botswana in a diamond mine, which brings a certain level of political, corporate and economic problems with it. A minefield that Kubu is not willing or able to tiptoe through. 

I think it's a brilliant idea to give Kubu a prequel series. It really gives a lot of insight into the man and detective we have gotten to know in the Detective Kubu series. What becomes evident in this book is that the core of the man is that of resigned peace, he is astute and perceptive, and above all he tries to do what is right. It's certainly a trait he doesn't shake off as he gains more experience.

He has taken jibes and turned the tables on those who mock him. Where is the laugh when he himself parades the insult like a trophy for all to see. It takes the wind out of their sails, which is the sole purpose of his actions.

I kind of like this refreshing take on this series and hope there will be more. It's a bit like the Morse series going back to his early years with Endeavour - it's a completely different experience. It still has the same cultural relevance and gritty vibe. The same strong, vibrant characters and especially the determined Detective Kubu, and yet seeing it being built from the beginning allows readers to see everything from a different perspective. What's not to like?

Buy Facets of Death at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Orenda Books, pub date 29 April 2021 | Paperback Original | £8.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour The Imposter by Anna Wharton

 

It's my turn on the BlogTour The Imposter by Anna Wharton.

About the Author

Anna Wharton has been a print and broadcast journalist for more than twenty years, writing for newspapers including The Times, Guardian, Sunday Times Magazine, Grazia and Red. She was formally an executive editor at The Daily Mail. Anna has ghostwritten four memoirs including the Sunday Times bestseller Somebody I Used To Know and Orwell Prize longlisted CUT: One Woman’s Fight Against FGM in Britain Today. The Imposter is her first novel.

Follow @whartonswords, Visit annawharton.com

About the book

Chloe lives a quiet life. Working as a newspaper archivist in the day and taking care of her Nan in the evening, she's happy simply to read about the lives of others as she files away the news clippings from the safety of her desk. But there's one story that she can't stop thinking about. The case of Angie Kyle - a girl, Chloe's age, who went missing as a child. A girl whose parents never gave up hope.

When Chloe's Nan gets moved into a nursing home, leaving Chloe on the brink of homelessness, she takes a desperate step: answering an ad to be a lodger in the missing girl's family home. It could be the perfect opportunity to get closer to the story she's read so much about. But it's not long until she realizes this couple aren't all they seem from the outside . . .

But with everyone in the house hiding something, the question is – whose secrets are the most dangerous?

Review

Chloe struggles with her identity, perhaps because it is neither here nor there, and now her Nan is suffering from dementia her identity is slipping away from the only family she knows. When you add that frustration to a boring job, it's easy to see how she could be swept up by a mysterious disappearance.

A young child who simply vanished one day many decades ago. Parents who still hope for some news, whether good or bad. Chloe becomes absolutely fascinated by the correlation between the blanks in her own childhood and this young child. One could say a little obsessed.

As the obsession with fantasy merges into reality the reader isn't sure if Chloe is on the brink of a revelation, a breakdown or has she found herself in the web of a murderous spider?

It reminded me of the way Kubica plots - there is always this insidious and nefarious thread woven into the fabric of the story. You think you know where the author is going, but just as you get comfortable there is a sharp left. Victim, villain, damaged individual - which is it or is at all three?

It's an engrossing dark domestic psychological thriller, definitely a story for readers who like their crime twisty, tense and unpredictable. 

Buy the Imposter at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Mantle; pub date 1st April - Hardback - £14.99. Buy at Waterstones.

#BlogTour The Mersey Mistress by Sheila Riley

 It's my turn on the BlogTour The Mersey Mistress by Sheila Riley.

About the Author

Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie Groves and is now writing a new saga trilogy for Boldwood under her own name. She has set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where she spent her early years. She still lives in Liverpool. Her new trilogy began with The Mersey Orphan in September 2019. Sign up to here for her newsletter sheilarileynewsletter

Follow @1sheilariley on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Bookbub, 

About the book

1910 Liverpool Docks.

Ruby Swift is a hard-working, straight-talking woman of substance who does not suffer fools gladly, but when tragedy strikes on a bitter Christmas Eve, Ruby and her beloved Archie take matters into their own hands when a trusted employee’s house is mysteriously engulfed by flames and lives are lost.

Orphaned by the fire, Ruby welcomes heartbroken sixteen-year-old Anna Cassidy, into her home and family but circumstances conspire against them and she is unable to save Anna’s twelve-year-old brother Sam Cassidy, who is sent by the Church to Canada as a Homeboy. 

Can Ruby help mend a broken heart and can these two children ever be reunited or is there another higher game in play? Mersey Mistress takes you on a journey to another time, another place. From the banks of the River Mersey to the frozen waters of the Canadian Saint Laurence River.

Review

It's the story of two women trying to survive the archaic rules of a patriarchal system. Trying to keep their family units together. Ruby is in an open prison made by the constraints of her family. Torn from her child and unable to have her own children she tends to mothers those in need. It makes her feel closer and like a mother again.

Anna has had to endure the loss of her family which makes her all the more determined to find the only family she has left. Tragedy and grief spur her on through the search for her brother. Her own needs take a secondary place when it comes to finding him.

It's historical fiction with a Cookson feel to it. The divide between rich and poor, and the power imbalance between the two is very much at the core of this story. The way women and children are treated like afterthoughts, and in this case the children are nothing more than a nuisance that need to disappear.

The characters and their stories have to navigate traumatic events in history, but of course that's the reality of life during that era. Perseverance and survival instincts combined with strong female characters make for an interesting read. 

Buy The Mersey Mistress at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Boldwood Books; pub date 6 April 2021. Buy at Amazon com.