Inside The Mind of John Wayne Gacy by Brad Hunter

Inside the Mind of John Wayne Gacy: The Real-Life Killer Clown by Brad Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages -

Publisher -

Source -

Blurb from Goodreads

Brad Hunter has spent over thirty years writing about some of America’s most horrific crimes. In this new book he enters the mind of John Wayne Gacy, the real-life ‘Killer Clown’, often said to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s evil Pennywise in It.

Gacy lured victims to his home with the promise of work or a warm bed and then duped them into putting on handcuffs, claiming he wanted to show them a magic trick. He would then rape and torture his victims before killing them by suffocating or strangling them. Twenty-six were buried in the crawl space beneath his home; others were buried elsewhere on his property, while a handful were dumped in the Des Plaines River.

Gacy was executed for his crimes in 1994, but many questions remain unanswered. How many victims were there? Did Gacy act alone? And what drove John Wayne Gacy to murder? What caused the seemingly normal Gacy to sexually assault, torture and murder at least thirty-three young men and boys? local Democratic Party circles?

Drawing on his many years’ experience investigating and interviewing perpetrators of terrible crimes, Hunter seeks to understand what drove Gacy to unleash a reign of terror in suburban Chicago.


My Review

True crime about John Wayne Gacy, a pillar in his community, friends in high places, a construction company giving jobs to young men who often were down on their luck. When stirrings of trouble arise, when Gacy's name is mentioned again and again still nothing seems to be done nor connected because he couldn't be involved in young boys going missing. The book goes into who John Gacy was, the things he did, his marriage, his façade.

I have read a lot of true crime and whilst they always focus on the bad guy, the book is about him of course it does actually cover the victims, who they were. There has clearly been a lot of research done into this one, we get snippets from Gacy's own written words/accounts.

People who knew Gacy, the way the police worked at the time, how had the police actually taken seriously what was in front of them there would not have been as many victims. It is scary how some of these deviants are seemingly so normal until they are in front of his victims. It is scary how despite having such a shady red flags background and criminal charges he still went unchallenged for so long.

The book goes from Gacy's childhood up until after he is arrested and his debt to society is "paid" - with his last meal and even last words. For a short book it packs a lot, he is an evil man who was allowed to kill and harm unchecked for far too long, 4/5.

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Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 387

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series!
When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.



My Review

If you have seen or read The Hunger Games you know how Haymitch is, if you don't, don't worry you can start here because this is his story. We know Haymitch as being the drunk mentor to Katniss and Peeta, he seems a good guy but troubled and addicted booze. We know he won his hunger games hence mentor but we don't know anything else. Now we do. Its his birthday the same day as the tributes are picked for the games. He does what he can to keep him and his wee family afloat, his mum, brother and he has a girlfriend who is part of the Covey. Now Haymitch's worst fears are coming true and it takes everything he has to survive, the odds are against him at every turn, he is on Snow's radar and everyone is counting on him.

Ooft guys, twice the amount of tributes as the normal hunger games cos it's the fiftieth anniversary, it is bloody, it is murder, it is brutal, honestly the Capital and Snow are horrific. He isn't hugely seen in this one but he is the wizard behind the curtain, everything is through him, the cruelty, the brutality, ugh he is just a horror.

I felt so so much for Haymitch and I now want to go back and watch The Hunger Games but with my focus being on Haymitch now I know his back story. Love, family, loss, cruelty and you know the Hunger Games are very Gladiator like but with kids instead and the rich community betting on them surviving and Snow's game keepers manipulating things as and when they see fit.

Emotive, I didn't cry but I did feel heart sorry for Haymitch and knowing how Snow's story ends I think he got off lightly. An evil evil man causing terror, horror and cruelty, ugh! Some new characters to meet, like, hate and scream over, 4/5 for me.

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Good Spirits by B K Borison

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - HQ

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm


My Review

Duo character point of view, meet Harriet, people pleaser living a very quiet life and always doing what it takes to keep the peace even if it means she misses out. The last person you would expect to be getting a visit from the ghost of Christmas past, enter Nolan. Nolan also isn't what you would expect for a ghost from the Christmas past. Easy on the eye, bit grumpy, it is his job to take Harriet back to her past and get her to the stage she needs for the next ghost. And scene!

So this is a very different take on a Christmas carol, how do you even get a job as a ghost (with head offices and everything) let alone as the festive spook! As the two spend time together, navigating Harriet's memories, trying to figure out why she has been selected and what these memories mean they find themselves drawn to each. Feelings growing, times getting closer to Nolan having to get the goal of his haunting of Harriet and Harriet trying to understand and navigate Nolan, her memories, why her and her life/choices.

This is a cutesy festive read, I liked Harriet, she is a total people pleaser bless her and as we explore her life and past we understand how she is the way she is. She loves Christmas, candy canes, old beautiful things (she works in an antique shop) and the absolute opposite of who you would expect the ghost of Christmas past targeting.

I liked the way she reacted to him, I absolutely could see that being me, how do I know you are real you could be some mad burglar, she cracks me up. Nolan is a bit of a mystery I think we all enjoyed unravelling and finding more about him. As well as the wee work visits like an actual job as a ghost/Christmas past, love it and woulda liked to see more snippets from there.

Lil bit of romance, pinch of spice, lots of festiveness - first time reading this author and I would absolutely read her again. I did this as a buddy read with Niamh (tiktok) and would absolutely do another buddy read for sure. 4/5 for me this time, if you just want a read that has a wee bit of everything and Christmas centred and ghosty, this one is for you!

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Powerless by Elsie Silver

Powerless by Elsie Silver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 days

Pages - 464

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Two childhood friends. Two broken hearts. One impromptu road trip to get away from everything. That’s all this was supposed to be. Afterall, I’ve been living in the friend zone for years now.

But hockey heartthrob Jasper Gervais isn’t looking at me like a friend anymore. And he isn’t touching me like one either.

To his fans, he’s the handsome, talented athlete on TV. But to me he’s still the lost boy with sad eyes and a heart of gold.

The man I’ve loved in secret for years.

So when my life falls apart on my wedding day, it only makes sense that he’s the one to swoop in and save me. And when his world comes crashing down around him, I’m there to return the favor.

But the more time we spend alone, the more Jasper doesn’t feel like a friend at all. He feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and thought I could never have.

Our feelings aren’t straight forward though. They twist and turn around the pain of his past and the reality of my present.

Jasper Gervais acts like he wants me.

But after years of turning me away, he’s going to need to prove it.


My Review

I have read the other two Chestnut Springs books and to be honest you can absolutely read this as a stand alone. Sloan has always had eyes for Jasper since he came into the family and her life. HE knew she had a crush but there is a wee bit of an age gap, like she wanted him to go to prom with her and he was like college or just started his hockey career so it isn't much at all but it does sound bad. Now she is getting married and somewhere along the years Jasper's friend Sloan became a grown beautiful woman and is marrying an absolute creep.

So we get a current day, the wedding is looming, her fiance is just a horrible dude, her father really wants this marriage because it will be good for business. Sloan just wants everyone to be happy and has long since given up hope for her and Jasper. Jasper is nailing it in his hockey career, he is a net minder, he has beautiful women on his arm at all the big events, their paths are set. However on Sloan's wedding day things blow up and Jasper is there for her. After events transpire the two find themselves together on a trip and the attraction is electric, will Sloan finally get her man? Will Jasper finally allow his feelings for his bestie to surface?

So I liked this but I didn't love it, there is spice (I did find some a wee bit cringe but I know hundreds LOVED them), drama, throwbacks to how their friendship came to be. Family expectations and that recently dropped fiancé, ugh I wanted revenge and consequences. I was left lacking in a few parts. I LOVE the wee snippets from Cade, Willa and Harvey I have two books left in the series and not sure who gets these stories. Hoping for Harvey for sure and the very small snippets of Sloan's mum I liked. I think maybe because I enjoyed the first two of these books I just wanted a bit more. Like I liked it, it was absolutely making me want to read and not put it down but I just didn't love it, 3/5 from me this time. Looking forward to book four and five and I have one other of hers, I do enjoy her writing.

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Diamond by Jesse Keane

Diamond by Jessie Keane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days

Pages - 543

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

This thrilling and twisty crime novel is perfect for fans of Martina Cole' My Weekly'A rollercoaster of crime, revenge and murder' The SunIn the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man.Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?For fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, as well as viewers of Peaky Blinders, this is historical crime fiction at its most compelling.'No one delves into the underworld like Keane!' Woman's Weekly'A brilliant historical crime read' Bella'A gritty and enlightening read'



My Review

When Diamond's father faces those they have been running from, noone could know it would change their lives forever. Trying to navigate loss at fourteen is never easy but when her estranged uncle forces his way into their lives things go from bad to worse. Forced to do things she would never by choice she meets Richard Beaumont, a man who has as much affect on Diamond as Diamond has on him.

Ok so I normally love Keane's books, this one is historical fiction, her uncle is an absolute vile abusive ratbag, he avoids doing his duty for his country because why should he risk his life when he could be making a mint! The timeline and reference to the war really is the only historical so it isn't huge to the book although it is more relevant to Richard who is home from serving, ptsd and survivors quilt. We don't hear a whole lot about him in the book until much later so I was a bit meh. Also Diamond, Diamond made me want to pull my hair out at times, the way she reacts to a violent SA encounter, the way she falls for these guys quicker than heels on an ice patch. I know a lot with a book can be impacted upon with the readers mood but the rage I had for some of this, especially after the SA, just no!

Her uncle Victor is just horrible, like we get his card very quickly and he only escalates as the book goes on. DV, SA, drugs, murder, abuse, coercion, cheating honestly the guy has zero redeeming qualities and I just wanted karma through the whole book.

I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. A lot of unsavoury characters, some questionable behaviours and turf war and old grudges over rivals, I can't say gangs because that doesn't fit right but crews or organised crime gangs would cover it, 3/5 for me. I will read her other stuff because I do like her books, I just didn't love this one but I know I am in the minority.

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The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan

The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 dats

Pages - 437

Publisher - Orbit

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches , returns with another riveting tale of family, witchcraft, and love that spans generations, set in Gilded Age New York and London.Harriet Bishop, descended from a long line of witches, uses magic to help women in need -- not only ordinary women, but also those with powers of their own. She must intervene when a distant cousin wields dangerous magic to change the lives of two unsuspecting young people... one of whom might just be a witch herself.Frances Allington has used her wiles and witchcraft to claw her way out of poverty and into a spectacular marriage with one of New York's wealthiest new tycoons. She is determined to secure the Allingtons' position amongst the city's elite Four Hundred families by any means necessary -- including a scheme to make a glorious aristocratic match for her headstrong and reluctant step-daughter, Annis, using the same strange power with which she ensnared Annis's father.To save Annis from this dark magic, Harriet reveals to her Frances' misuse of their shared birthright and kindles in Annis her own nascent powers. Together, Harriet and Annis must resist her stepmother's agenda, lest she -- and the dashing young lord she suspects she could come to love -- lose their freedom, and possibly their lives.


My Review

I LOVE LOVE LOVE books with witches and it has been a while I think since I read one like this. We open in 1692, a woman being charged & dealt with as a witch, her thoughts go to her daughters, both have abilities, both very different. Then the book goes to 1890 and we go between main characters Harriet, Frances & Annis. Harriet and Frances are cousins but now estranged, Frances is Annis's step mother. Coming from poverty Frances has used all her magic and knowledge to claw her way into the finer things in life, including Annis's father. She has high hopes getting into higher society and Annis is her key, a good marriage will sort her place in society, where she has always seen herself. Annis is headstrong, not your routine lady of the times, she is hands on with her horses even down to the stallions and breeding which is unbecoming for the times. When Frances dips into her craft to manipulate and bend people's will Harriet is forced to act. What happens when strong magic is used for opposing goals, good vs bad.

Oh I love a bit of magic, Harriet is very much the peoples person, making potions etc to help people. Frances however is far more self involved and uses dark magic despites the dangers, even when confronted, nothing will get in Frances way. We see love spells, manipulation, dark magic, healing, action family relationships, romance, lust and when magic comes up against magic.

I really liked this one, a wee bit of family history, a lot of magic, the authentic feel of the times, the restrictions and expectations set on women, having to toe the line and do as is told and expected of. Annis is a sweet but head strong girl, I loved the difference between the three female characters, all strong in one way or another. This was my first by this author, I have already ordered more and got some on my wishlist. I really liked how she wrote and pulled you into their world, plus hello witches and magic, 4.5/5 for me this time.

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A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 288

Publisher -

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s encouragement and feedback inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.


My Review

Think this is my first time reading this author. Hailey is so over it, her ex has suddenly appeared after they broke up three years ago. He had zero faith in her ability as a song writer and singer which is something she loves and breathes. He eroded her confidence so much she has barely written a line let alone a song since he left. Her mother has never really gotten over it as she loved him/them and now knows it won't be long before the pressure is on, oh and it is Christmas practically. When Hailey gets a chance to escape to a cabin by herself, this is the chance to make some music and just have some her time with her guitar. She has an encounter with a wild animal and a local comes to her rescue, Jay. Jay also has a love and passion for music as well as his own issues with a musical past. The two connect and music bonds them, attraction is there, could this be perfect timing and finally everything in her world coming together?

Some of the characters in this one ripped my knitting, the ex, what an absolute banger like seriously who pops back after three years and doesn't take no for an answer. Her mum as well, so so rude and ignorant of Hailey's feelings and more interested in getting them back together. To be fair though I was like Hailey come on, find your spine and get them telt!

I loved the wee town, how they were like initially a wee bit shady but then totally accepting. Her and Jay are quite cute too and I loved the time/feel/aspect of the community there. Her sister I wasn't a huge fan of for small parts but then I actually came round to her and really liked her.

Family, friendship, music, romance, annoying exe's and an isolated wee cabin, all that was missing was befriending a wild animal and I would have been delighted. Nice read for this time of the year and just switching off from the world, 4/5 for me this time. I will be checking out her other books.

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