HALLOWEEN IS COMING YAAAY
I love doing themed reads, if I can link something to a month I try and read books relevant to it, October - Halloween so anything spooky/supernatural/scary. February - Valentines Day so anything romantic, someone said they do war related books in November and whilst that isn't a genre I would normally go to I think this year I will give it a try.
So I have made a wee book bingo for those of us who like themed reads. You can start it now or the first of October and complete it on the 31st (midnight) or before, you can pick and choose or go for the whole card. If you manage the whole card I might do a wee prize and put all the names in a draw and select at random. If you decide to play you can play fast and loose if you don't want to stick to complete horror, for example the word can be in the title. It is just a wee challenge for a bit of October book fun, enjoy.
#SMBSLTBookBingo
I will post this to Instagram and the other social media platforms I use for the blog. Feel free to tag me if playing, sharing and or with your book posts, use the hashtag #SMBSLTBookBingo or tag my accounts depending on which platform(s) you use. I am @always_reading on Instagram On Twitter @smbslt and on Facebook
Happy October you guys xxx
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Friday, 28 September 2018
Thursday, 27 September 2018
Street Cat Blues by Alison O'Leary Blog Tour
Today is my turn on the blog tour for debut novel "Street Cat Blues" a serial killer story with a difference. Please check out all the stops on the tour as we all offer different content.
Street Cat Blues by Alison O'Leary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 216
Publisher - Crooked Cat
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
After spending several months banged up in Sunny Banks rescue centre, Aubrey, a large tabby cat, has finally found his forever home with Molly and Jeremy Goodman, and life is looking good. However, all that changes when a serial killer begins to target elderly victims in the neighbourhood. Aubrey wasn't particularly upset by the death of some of the previous victims, including Miss Jenkins who Aubrey recalls as a vinegar-lipped bitch of an old woman who enjoyed throwing stones at cats, but Mr Telling was different. Mr Telling was a mate ...
My review
Aubrey is living with his new humans Jeremy and Molly after being adopted from Sunny Banks rescue centre. Aubrey has been around a bit, different owners and as he isn't getting any younger he doesn't want to go back. However there is a killer around his neighbourhood and now one of his human friends has been killed. Aubrey has that to contend with and the normal worries a feline has, territory issues, keeping things calm with fellow cat buddies and his relationships with humans.
This is a cute wee debut - weird thing to say when a killer is involved but really the cuteness is the cat, the killing happens very quickly and then we see everything through Aubrey. As Aubrey is a cat other things are more pressing at times than a killing and we follow him around the neighbourhood. This isn't a book where the cat speaks to the humans although he understands everything around around him, the human interactions and he speaks to his fellow cats.
The book has several threads to it, the serial killer/murder side, Aubrey's interactions/relationships with the humans around him and his standing in the cat community and the goings on in there. The murder pulls you in to start with and as the story goes in you have a vested interest in Aubrey, his life and an insight into the goings on in the cat world. I think a Q&A would be grand with this author so get a bit more chat about what she did to come up with some of the things she has. I have read a few books this year where the main character was an animal, I quite like it. It gives the reader a different narrator and perspective which can be a breath of fresh air when you read as many books as I do. It was nice to read other issues within the main story lines, poverty, being an outsider, there is a little bit of swearing and some terminology that could offend some readers however most of that is down to one character and does not feature greatly in the book at all.
If you are looking for something different I absolutely recommend this, murders, skulduggery, some deeper issues, relationships, cat business and the cat as a main character, quirky, fun and a bit deep, 3.5/5 for me this time. Not sure if this will be a series or just a one off but I would like to read more adventures with Aubrey!
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Blood Lines by Angela Marsons
Blood Lines by Angela Marsons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 380
Publisher - Sphere
Source - Birthday present
Blurb from Goodreads
How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace?
A victim killed with a single, precise stab to the heart appears at first glance to be a robbery gone wrong. A caring, upstanding social worker lost to a senseless act of violence. But for Detective Kim Stone, something doesn’t add up.
When a local drug addict is found murdered with an identical wound, Kim knows instinctively that she is dealing with the same killer. But with nothing to link the two victims except the cold, calculated nature of their death, this could be her most difficult case yet.
Desperate to catch the twisted individual, Kim’s focus on the case is threatened when she receives a chilling letter from Dr Alex Thorne, the sociopath who Kim put behind bars. And this time, Alex is determined to hit where it hurts most, bringing Kim face-to-face with the woman responsible for the death of Kim’s little brother – her own mother.
As the body count increases, Kim and her team unravel a web of dark secrets, bringing them closer to the killer. But one of their own could be in mortal danger. Only this time, Kim might not be strong enough to save them…
My Review
Detective Kim Stone and crew are back on another case, a victim with a single stab wound to the heart. Kim knows it isn't a robbery gone wrong and soon her hunch is proved right but how and why is the killer choosing their targets? As if that isn't enough to contend with Doctor Alex Thorne makes a reappearance in Kim's life turning everything upside down.
Oh that Alex Thorne is one horrible human being, even incarcerated she is pulling strings and her actions have long consequences. Stone tries to keep her mind focused on the task at hand but with someone so manipulative and dangerous as Thorne the going is tough. The investigation kicks off but how do you find the bad guy when you don't know what drives them, why their victims, how they are selected. We follow the team as they try to put the puzzle together. In between we visit Thorne and how her predicament unravels, her calculating ways and how she manages to play people and the ripples that come from her earlier manipulations
She is a shocking character and her parts in the story overshadowed the investigation for me as she is just such a horrific character with no moral compass. One of those you love to hate! The usual trademark of Marsons, death, destruction, investigation, relationships, actions, consequences and the past never quite staying in the past. She weaves a story that pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you turning page after page trying to figure out who and why, 4/5 for me this time.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 380
Publisher - Sphere
Source - Birthday present
Blurb from Goodreads
How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace?
A victim killed with a single, precise stab to the heart appears at first glance to be a robbery gone wrong. A caring, upstanding social worker lost to a senseless act of violence. But for Detective Kim Stone, something doesn’t add up.
When a local drug addict is found murdered with an identical wound, Kim knows instinctively that she is dealing with the same killer. But with nothing to link the two victims except the cold, calculated nature of their death, this could be her most difficult case yet.
Desperate to catch the twisted individual, Kim’s focus on the case is threatened when she receives a chilling letter from Dr Alex Thorne, the sociopath who Kim put behind bars. And this time, Alex is determined to hit where it hurts most, bringing Kim face-to-face with the woman responsible for the death of Kim’s little brother – her own mother.
As the body count increases, Kim and her team unravel a web of dark secrets, bringing them closer to the killer. But one of their own could be in mortal danger. Only this time, Kim might not be strong enough to save them…
My Review
Detective Kim Stone and crew are back on another case, a victim with a single stab wound to the heart. Kim knows it isn't a robbery gone wrong and soon her hunch is proved right but how and why is the killer choosing their targets? As if that isn't enough to contend with Doctor Alex Thorne makes a reappearance in Kim's life turning everything upside down.
Oh that Alex Thorne is one horrible human being, even incarcerated she is pulling strings and her actions have long consequences. Stone tries to keep her mind focused on the task at hand but with someone so manipulative and dangerous as Thorne the going is tough. The investigation kicks off but how do you find the bad guy when you don't know what drives them, why their victims, how they are selected. We follow the team as they try to put the puzzle together. In between we visit Thorne and how her predicament unravels, her calculating ways and how she manages to play people and the ripples that come from her earlier manipulations
She is a shocking character and her parts in the story overshadowed the investigation for me as she is just such a horrific character with no moral compass. One of those you love to hate! The usual trademark of Marsons, death, destruction, investigation, relationships, actions, consequences and the past never quite staying in the past. She weaves a story that pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you turning page after page trying to figure out who and why, 4/5 for me this time.
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
The Girls From The Local by Rosie Archer
The Girls from the Local by Rosie Archer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 480
Publisher - Quercus
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
Gosport, 1943, and even in the middle of war the local pub provides a warm welcome, thanks to its trio of barmaids. A heartwarming saga for fans of Sheila Newberry and Daisy Styles.
Ruby has been living and working at the Point of No Return pub since her parents were killed by a bomb. She loves the bustle of the pub; it helps take her mind off worrying about her fiance, Joe, away fighting in France.
The only thing Ruby doesn't like about the Point is Sylvie. This singing siren may have a beautiful voice, but she's out for all she can get, including Joe.
Finally, there's Marge, a true party girl. She's a great friend to Ruby and makes sure they have fun, going out to dances and flirting with all and sundry, but she's not as fond of her other role as a mother to two young children.
The three of them face many obstacles to fulfilling their dreams, but the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that hold the Point together will keep them going through the darkest of times.
My Review
Ruby is a sweet girl, devoted to her man Joe soon to be husband who is away fighting in the war. Working in the bar along with her best friend Marge, mum and provider for her family as her husband is less than useless and finally Sylvia. Sylvia is beautiful, ambitious and always had her eye on Joe, she has no scruples and will stop at nothing to get her prize, Joe! Trying to make a living, stay out of the bath of dropping bombs and just get through the day to day we follow the three ladies and their stories.
I like Ruby, she is such a sweet girl and finds herself in the predicament so many did in those times and tries to keep her mind and spirits up. Marge is a poor soul, lively, working to the bone trying to find a snatch of enjoyment whilst her husband has all but abandoned her to look after the kids and her gran. Sylvia I despised, she is a horror, her beauty is skin deep only she is a nasty individual who is so self involved no one and nothing gets between her and what she needs. We get a bit of an insight into what made her so and I felt for her but as an adult she makes choices and her behaviour is deplorable.
It is a story about lives during the war, the struggles, survival, rationing, friendship, love, loss, grief, anger, death, loyalty and then some. Archer covers a host of topics and emotions in her books, creating characters that whether you love or hate you just want to keep reading. Some of the actions of the characters enraged me or irritated me and you just wanted to shake them or shout nooooooooooo, engaging! This isn't my first by this author and it won't be my last 3.5/5 for me this time.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 480
Publisher - Quercus
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
Gosport, 1943, and even in the middle of war the local pub provides a warm welcome, thanks to its trio of barmaids. A heartwarming saga for fans of Sheila Newberry and Daisy Styles.
Ruby has been living and working at the Point of No Return pub since her parents were killed by a bomb. She loves the bustle of the pub; it helps take her mind off worrying about her fiance, Joe, away fighting in France.
The only thing Ruby doesn't like about the Point is Sylvie. This singing siren may have a beautiful voice, but she's out for all she can get, including Joe.
Finally, there's Marge, a true party girl. She's a great friend to Ruby and makes sure they have fun, going out to dances and flirting with all and sundry, but she's not as fond of her other role as a mother to two young children.
The three of them face many obstacles to fulfilling their dreams, but the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that hold the Point together will keep them going through the darkest of times.
My Review
Ruby is a sweet girl, devoted to her man Joe soon to be husband who is away fighting in the war. Working in the bar along with her best friend Marge, mum and provider for her family as her husband is less than useless and finally Sylvia. Sylvia is beautiful, ambitious and always had her eye on Joe, she has no scruples and will stop at nothing to get her prize, Joe! Trying to make a living, stay out of the bath of dropping bombs and just get through the day to day we follow the three ladies and their stories.
I like Ruby, she is such a sweet girl and finds herself in the predicament so many did in those times and tries to keep her mind and spirits up. Marge is a poor soul, lively, working to the bone trying to find a snatch of enjoyment whilst her husband has all but abandoned her to look after the kids and her gran. Sylvia I despised, she is a horror, her beauty is skin deep only she is a nasty individual who is so self involved no one and nothing gets between her and what she needs. We get a bit of an insight into what made her so and I felt for her but as an adult she makes choices and her behaviour is deplorable.
It is a story about lives during the war, the struggles, survival, rationing, friendship, love, loss, grief, anger, death, loyalty and then some. Archer covers a host of topics and emotions in her books, creating characters that whether you love or hate you just want to keep reading. Some of the actions of the characters enraged me or irritated me and you just wanted to shake them or shout nooooooooooo, engaging! This isn't my first by this author and it won't be my last 3.5/5 for me this time.
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
The Bone Keeper by Luca Veste
The Bone Keeper by Luca Veste
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 400
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
What if the figure that haunted your nightmares as child, the myth of the man in the woods, was real?
He'll slice your flesh.
Your bones he'll keep.
Twenty years ago, four teenagers went exploring in the local woods, trying to find to the supposed home of The Bone Keeper. Only three returned.
Now, a woman is found wandering the streets of Liverpool, horrifically injured, claiming to have fled the Bone Keeper. Investigating officer DC Louise Henderson must convince sceptical colleagues that this urban myth might be flesh and blood. But when a body is unearthed in the woodland the woman has fled from, the case takes on a much darker tone.
The disappeared have been found. And their killer is watching every move the police make.
The brilliant new police procedural from Luca Veste, featuring series characters Murphy and Rossi - a guaranteed page-turner.
My Review
We open with some young kids spooking each other, taunting over the legend that is The Bone Keeper. A chilling rhyme the kids sing about a boogey man who skins your flesh and keeps your bones. At the beginning of the book her brother goes missing and we come to present day. Louise Henderson is a cop called out to a case. When the woman tells them she was attacked by the Bone Keeper Louse and her partner react differently. Louise very much believes the legends could be real and is trying to keep on top of her anxiety. As the case progresses they have to consider could the legend of the bogey man actually be real after all?
So this is one of those reads that if you had tales of a local bogey man growing up then this will grab you quickly. Police procedural with an attack on a female being investigated, the victim is claiming it was the bogey man so initially they don't think much of it. As they investigate things get a little big spooky and eerie. There are a few parts to the book, Before and Now, Now is present Day, Before goes back to the kids messing around and one going missing. The Bone Keeper Legend and then Louise being the main character and her personal issues whilst trying to keep on top of an active investigation.
The chapters are short which I love, it took me a wee bit to get into and I wasn't always sure where the story was heading. By the end things you read earlier start to click but for a wee bit I wasn't too sure. Veste tackles a few things in the book and brings together police procedure with horror and chilling moments. Good for a night with the lights off and a wee candle, I also think this would work really well as a movie, 3.5/5 for me this time.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 400
Publisher - Simon & Schuster
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
What if the figure that haunted your nightmares as child, the myth of the man in the woods, was real?
He'll slice your flesh.
Your bones he'll keep.
Twenty years ago, four teenagers went exploring in the local woods, trying to find to the supposed home of The Bone Keeper. Only three returned.
Now, a woman is found wandering the streets of Liverpool, horrifically injured, claiming to have fled the Bone Keeper. Investigating officer DC Louise Henderson must convince sceptical colleagues that this urban myth might be flesh and blood. But when a body is unearthed in the woodland the woman has fled from, the case takes on a much darker tone.
The disappeared have been found. And their killer is watching every move the police make.
The brilliant new police procedural from Luca Veste, featuring series characters Murphy and Rossi - a guaranteed page-turner.
My Review
We open with some young kids spooking each other, taunting over the legend that is The Bone Keeper. A chilling rhyme the kids sing about a boogey man who skins your flesh and keeps your bones. At the beginning of the book her brother goes missing and we come to present day. Louise Henderson is a cop called out to a case. When the woman tells them she was attacked by the Bone Keeper Louse and her partner react differently. Louise very much believes the legends could be real and is trying to keep on top of her anxiety. As the case progresses they have to consider could the legend of the bogey man actually be real after all?
So this is one of those reads that if you had tales of a local bogey man growing up then this will grab you quickly. Police procedural with an attack on a female being investigated, the victim is claiming it was the bogey man so initially they don't think much of it. As they investigate things get a little big spooky and eerie. There are a few parts to the book, Before and Now, Now is present Day, Before goes back to the kids messing around and one going missing. The Bone Keeper Legend and then Louise being the main character and her personal issues whilst trying to keep on top of an active investigation.
The chapters are short which I love, it took me a wee bit to get into and I wasn't always sure where the story was heading. By the end things you read earlier start to click but for a wee bit I wasn't too sure. Veste tackles a few things in the book and brings together police procedure with horror and chilling moments. Good for a night with the lights off and a wee candle, I also think this would work really well as a movie, 3.5/5 for me this time.
Sunday, 16 September 2018
Overkill by Vanda Symon Blog Tour
Today is my stop on the blog tour for Overkill by Vanda Symon. Today I have an excerpt, have a wee read and let me know what you think. Have you read it? Please check out the other stops on the tour (see below) as we all host different content.
I never used to be about book covers but either they have really upped their game in the last few years or I am just starting to pay more attention, how good is this cover!
And you lucky lucky people, here is a wee excerpt from the book:
I never used to be about book covers but either they have really upped their game in the last few years or I am just starting to pay more attention, how good is this cover!
And you lucky lucky people, here is a wee excerpt from the book:
Once
again, I pulled up outside the Knowes’ house, and once again I parked on the
grass verge, taking care not to end up in the ditch. I paused at the gate to
take in the deceptively tranquil scene before me. Only the presence of several
other vehicles in the driveway, including a rather impressive new Range Rover,
signalled that all was not as normal. That vehicle had to belong to Gaby’s
mother – I’d heard Gaby’s family were well-to-do. Her parents had moved to
Queenstown from Auckland to be closer to her when she married Lockie. Her
father was a company executive and flew back up north each week when needed.
Nice for some.
Gravel crunched underfoot as I walked back up the
driveway. This time, no one came out to meet me. I stepped up onto the veranda
and rang the doorbell. It was only a moment before I could make out a distorted
shape through the stained-glass panelled door. It was Colin Avery.
‘Sam,’ Cole said, swinging the
door open wide to let me in.
I bent over to take off my boots.
‘How’s things this morning?’
‘Much as can be expected.’
‘That bad, huh?’
‘Yup.’
‘Thanks for staying with them. Lockie needed a mate
around. What time did Gaby’s mum get here?’
‘Only quarter of an hour after you left.’ He paused
for a moment and waited until I was next to him. ‘It was a very late night for
us all.’
‘What’s her name, by the way?’ I
asked.
‘Leonore. Leonore Watson.’
At the entrance to the lounge I stopped, aghast. I
wouldn’t have recognised it as the same room. Where last night there had been
pandemonium, this morning there was pristine order. There was a small pile of Angel’s puzzle
pieces, but otherwise the room – the whole house – was lemon-scented spotless.
Someone had been very industrious. They still were, judging by the muffled
sound of a distant vacuum cleaner.
‘Wow, who’s been busy?’ I asked Cole, who’d
followed me into the room.
‘Leonore. She’s been on the go,
non-stop, since she got up.’
‘I’m glad I took all those photos last night,’ I
said as I took in a scene more House
& Garden than family home. I had in fact toyed with the idea of leaving
it until the morning. That would have been a major faux pas. Any trace of
evidence looked like it would have been well and truly sanitised. I made a
mental note to self for future reference: by the book, Sunshine, absolutely by
the book. The higher echelons in the district office were applying constant
pressure to justify my existence here. Resources in the force were limited, and
stretching the budget by reducing the number of small stations was an obvious
cost cutter. Pencilling in more hours on traffic duty was another. I cringed.
It wouldn’t do to make it easy for them by making basic errors.
I could understand where Leonore Watson was coming
from; I had witnessed exactly the same reaction in my mother in times of high
stress or tragedy. Busy, busy, busy. Clean, clean, clean. Do anything other
than accept the unfathomable had happened. Some people just operated that way.
My personal method for dealing with stress involved dressing gowns, slippers,
sofas and chocolate.
Involuntarily, I thought of my mother’s response if
I died. Despite her well-constructed façade, her grief would be a yawning
chasm, inexhaustible. Mrs Watson would be no different. I could only imagine
what that family were experiencing – I’d been fortunate, untouched by the death
of anyone really close.
I walked through the living room to the kitchen,
where Lockie stared off into space while he fed something mushy into Angel. The
poor girl had her mouth agape as she tried to track and apprehend the spoon.
Lockie had a bristle of growth on his chin that only emphasised the look of
desolation.
‘Lockie?’ He looked up, startled by the intrusion
on his thoughts. Once again, I was rocked by how hollowed out his eyes looked.
The terror from last night had been replaced by a haunted numbness. He gave a
brief jolt of recognition and then a brave smile at my greeting.
‘Sam, back again so soon?’
‘Afraid so. Had to see how you
all were.’
‘Bloody awful. Angel’s the only one who slept. My
wife’s dead, it’s all a bloody mess and it’s nothing I can fix.’ He raised his
hand to his mouth; large tears rolled down his cheeks. His brutal honesty did
nothing to ease my discomfort. I turned my eyes away towards Angel.
‘God, Lockie, I’m sorry,’ I said, and realised
instantly how useless those words really were. ‘I know this is not a good time,
but I do have to ask you some more questions, and we need to do it while
everything is fresh. I’m going to go and have another look around outside now
it’s daylight. I’ll be fifteen minutes or so, then I’ll come back and we’ll go
over things. You can do that?’
He drew
my eyes with a look of resignation and weariness. ‘Yeah, of course. Angel’s
almost finished.’ He sighed and managed
to get
another spoonful into her mouth. ‘Everything seems to take so long. She wants
her mother, not me. She won’t let me do hardly anything for her, not even brush
her hair.’
I looked at her beautiful tousled curls. ‘She’ll be
wondering where Mummy is, why she’s not here. It’s huge for you all.’
Everything I said felt so inadequate. ‘Look, I’ll go and do what I have to do
outside, then I’ll be back soon to talk.’
‘Do you want Gaby’s mum there as
well?’
‘Please. We’ll try and get through everything in
one go, then we’ll be able to leave you…’ I didn’t finish the sentence; I
didn’t know what to say. Leave you in peace, alone, leave you to grieve, leave
you to wonder, blame, tear yourself apart? I left him with the best I could
offer: a shrug and a gentle hand on his shoulder.
If you like the sound of the book you can buy your own copy of Overkill by Vanda Symon, from Amazon (also available in bookstores) by clicking here. Available in both kindle and paperback format.
If you like the sound of the book you can buy your own copy of Overkill by Vanda Symon, from Amazon (also available in bookstores) by clicking here. Available in both kindle and paperback format.
Saturday, 15 September 2018
Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 384
Publisher - Trapeze
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Amazon
ONE BODY. SIX VICTIMS. NO SUSPECTS.
A body is discovered with the dismembered parts of six victims stitched together, nicknamed by the press as the 'Ragdoll'. Assigned to the shocking case are Detective William 'Wolf' Fawkes, recently reinstated to the London Met, and his former partner Detective Emily Baxter. The 'Ragdoll Killer' taunts the police by releasing a list of names to the media, and the dates on which he intends to murder them.
With six people to save, can Fawkes & Baxter catch a killer when the world is watching their every move?
My Review
A gruesome discovery, a dead body (Ragdoll) made up from other bodies, who are the victims and why is the body posed in such a way? Detective Wolf Fawkes recently reinstated after a very public meltdown, breaking the law and subsequent consequences that followed. His ex partner Emily Baxter and her new side kick Edmunds are on the case, Edmunds has plenty smarts but is he cut out for homicide (recently transferred from a different apartment).
So, it is an ambitious book to be honest. There is no denying there is a lot of action and a few moments your are like Oh My God, no way! You need to suspend reality (yeah yeah it is fiction but even in fiction some things you are like REALLY?) to swallow some of the happenings, behaviours and antics of the places and people mentioned.
The killer is smart, always steps ahead of the police and the investigators whilst good at their job are pretty dysfunctional. Add into the mix a cop recovering from a pretty bad mental break, his ex wife has a job that makes the cops groan, Edmunds is smart but yet to prove himself. The killings are brutal, there are some gross out moments, quips and one liners that evoke a chuckle along the way. It keeps you interested and I would read this author again, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it, I found myself frustrated with a few of the things I read. Otherwise I think a good start to a series and likely to pick the next one up to see what is in store for the team!
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 384
Publisher - Trapeze
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Amazon
ONE BODY. SIX VICTIMS. NO SUSPECTS.
A body is discovered with the dismembered parts of six victims stitched together, nicknamed by the press as the 'Ragdoll'. Assigned to the shocking case are Detective William 'Wolf' Fawkes, recently reinstated to the London Met, and his former partner Detective Emily Baxter. The 'Ragdoll Killer' taunts the police by releasing a list of names to the media, and the dates on which he intends to murder them.
With six people to save, can Fawkes & Baxter catch a killer when the world is watching their every move?
My Review
A gruesome discovery, a dead body (Ragdoll) made up from other bodies, who are the victims and why is the body posed in such a way? Detective Wolf Fawkes recently reinstated after a very public meltdown, breaking the law and subsequent consequences that followed. His ex partner Emily Baxter and her new side kick Edmunds are on the case, Edmunds has plenty smarts but is he cut out for homicide (recently transferred from a different apartment).
So, it is an ambitious book to be honest. There is no denying there is a lot of action and a few moments your are like Oh My God, no way! You need to suspend reality (yeah yeah it is fiction but even in fiction some things you are like REALLY?) to swallow some of the happenings, behaviours and antics of the places and people mentioned.
The killer is smart, always steps ahead of the police and the investigators whilst good at their job are pretty dysfunctional. Add into the mix a cop recovering from a pretty bad mental break, his ex wife has a job that makes the cops groan, Edmunds is smart but yet to prove himself. The killings are brutal, there are some gross out moments, quips and one liners that evoke a chuckle along the way. It keeps you interested and I would read this author again, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it, I found myself frustrated with a few of the things I read. Otherwise I think a good start to a series and likely to pick the next one up to see what is in store for the team!
Thursday, 13 September 2018
Open My Eyes by Alice Allan
Open My Eyes, That I May See Marvellous Things by Alice Allan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 240
Publisher - Pinter & Martin
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: when adopted midwife Mariam embarks on a project to protect an abandoned premature baby, she is forced to face her own abandonment years before. Time is running out before the baby is sent to the orphanage. Mysterious characters from the city surrounding the hospital will be crucial in determining the baby's fate, as will a workaholic British doctor with whom Mariam finds herself falling in love... Alice Allan's debut novel is an original, vivid and moving story about attachment and loss.
My Review
We are in Ethiopia when we meet Mariam, midwife and very good at her job although outspoken which doesn't always go well with her colleagues. When a baby is abandoned it shouldn't be any different from all the others but this one is. Mariam cannot help but be drawn to the baby and reflect, question and acknowledge her own past.
The book chapters splits between Mariam, A Person, the baby and John a doctor in the hospital, married to the job. As we move between the characters we get a feel for the city, hospital, life for some in Ethiopia and how we cannot out run our past. I do like a book that has health related issues or a medical setting in them and being set in Ethiopia was an added bonus point for me as it is always interesting (for me) to see how things are done in other settings.
It isn't medical heavy so if that isn't your thing don't worry about it, I just mention is as I enjoyed those parts. There is a lot of personal issues going on with the characters and we find them, particularly Mariam, going on a bit of an emotion rollercoaster. Work dynamics, relationships and adoption also feature in the story, it has a lot going on but written well.
I also need to mention the actual physical book I have. I am not sure if they are all like this but it has such a lovely feel and the pages are very different from any of the other books I have read. The material is so nice I would love all my books to be made of that but then would maybe be even harder to give them away! I think this is a really well tackled and written debut novel and I am so glad I was sent it as I may well have bypassed it in the book shop. This is my first by Allan but it won't be my last, I look forward to her next offering, 3.5/5 for me this time.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 240
Publisher - Pinter & Martin
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: when adopted midwife Mariam embarks on a project to protect an abandoned premature baby, she is forced to face her own abandonment years before. Time is running out before the baby is sent to the orphanage. Mysterious characters from the city surrounding the hospital will be crucial in determining the baby's fate, as will a workaholic British doctor with whom Mariam finds herself falling in love... Alice Allan's debut novel is an original, vivid and moving story about attachment and loss.
My Review
We are in Ethiopia when we meet Mariam, midwife and very good at her job although outspoken which doesn't always go well with her colleagues. When a baby is abandoned it shouldn't be any different from all the others but this one is. Mariam cannot help but be drawn to the baby and reflect, question and acknowledge her own past.
The book chapters splits between Mariam, A Person, the baby and John a doctor in the hospital, married to the job. As we move between the characters we get a feel for the city, hospital, life for some in Ethiopia and how we cannot out run our past. I do like a book that has health related issues or a medical setting in them and being set in Ethiopia was an added bonus point for me as it is always interesting (for me) to see how things are done in other settings.
It isn't medical heavy so if that isn't your thing don't worry about it, I just mention is as I enjoyed those parts. There is a lot of personal issues going on with the characters and we find them, particularly Mariam, going on a bit of an emotion rollercoaster. Work dynamics, relationships and adoption also feature in the story, it has a lot going on but written well.
I also need to mention the actual physical book I have. I am not sure if they are all like this but it has such a lovely feel and the pages are very different from any of the other books I have read. The material is so nice I would love all my books to be made of that but then would maybe be even harder to give them away! I think this is a really well tackled and written debut novel and I am so glad I was sent it as I may well have bypassed it in the book shop. This is my first by Allan but it won't be my last, I look forward to her next offering, 3.5/5 for me this time.
Tuesday, 11 September 2018
Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell Blog Tour
Today is my turn on the blog tour for Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell, please check out the other stops as we all offer different content.
How nice is the cover, I don't often notice covers but it was one of the first things that drew me to this book.
Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 288
Publisher - Flame Tree Press
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
It’s Ray’s and Sandra’s first family holiday in Greece, on the newly developed island of Vasilema. The family weren’t to know that the skies are cloudier above the island than anywhere else in Greece, and they’re mostly intrigued by the local eccentricities and customs—the lack of mirrors, the outsize beach umbrellas, the saint’s day celebrated with an odd nocturnal ritual. Only why are there islanders who seem to follow the family wherever they go? Why do Sandra and the teenage grandchildren have strangely similar dreams? “I was in this huge place with no light and I didn’t want to see. Something sounded... huge.” And has Sandra been granted a wish she didn’t even know she made? Before their holiday is over, some of the family may learn more than they can bear about the secret that keeps the island alive...
My Review
Ray and Sandra are heading to Greece for a family holiday, their children and grand children are joining them. It is their first visit and the place is a wee bit strange, thinking it is just their customs and ways they will get used to it. Things however get stranger, affecting members of the family more than others, the locals react bizarrely at times and Ray needs answers the more he gets drawn in.
Ok so this is my first dance with this author, anyone who has Stephen King's backing - you just know is going to be good. From the get go we pretty much know something is afoot but you aren't exactly sure what. The tingling at the base of your spine, the urge to put the light on a bit brighter as you go further into the story. This isn't an in your face horror, it is more a slow burning gothic type style with suspense and bone chilling tension building up. Subtle hints, creepiness, warning signs that as a reader I was urging the characters to pick up on.
There is a huge focus on family dynamics and the family relationship as a whole, I really hated the son in law, how he spoke to staff, locals and his family. Pompous I think is the word that comes to mind and he really irritated me but it makes for good characterisation. We see how the family interact and are with each other and to the locals. What they want to do with the holiday and what is important to them, the choices they make and how the locals engage with them.
The book has many dimensions, relationships, love, family, local history and a bit of legends. If you are looking for an in your face, monsters and jumping scare fest this isn't the book for you. However, if you want something that is like the old black and white movies, slow building tension, hints at what is looming, dark, atmospheric and engaging then this is your book. Nothing screams out at you, it is all so subtle for the most part which sometimes gives the reader the power to build the fear and terror themselves. I actually nearly missed my bus stop because I was enthralled within a specific scene again nothing was in your face but I was holding my breath at what I suspected was just around the corner.
All to often we get blood, guts and gore but sometimes we like to revisit the golden oldies were you don't see the monster but you know it is there, something is there. Jaws and Blairwitch had you the audience doing the work but gave you the tools to build the terror (Jaws to a point), this was what Campbell done here I think. I read a lot of books, horror, supernatural, spooky, monsters and all the other genres, this was something different for me. Creeped me out at parts, some of the family scenes enraged me again purely because one character grated on me so much. But overall I loved the feel of the book and what I feel the author did, I also enjoyed the story within the story. I would love Campbell to visit that again and make it a book in its own right. 3.5/5 for me this time, although it is my first dance with this author I know it won't be my last, I look forward to checking out more of his work.
View all my reviews
How nice is the cover, I don't often notice covers but it was one of the first things that drew me to this book.
Thirteen Days by Sunset Beach by Ramsey Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 288
Publisher - Flame Tree Press
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
It’s Ray’s and Sandra’s first family holiday in Greece, on the newly developed island of Vasilema. The family weren’t to know that the skies are cloudier above the island than anywhere else in Greece, and they’re mostly intrigued by the local eccentricities and customs—the lack of mirrors, the outsize beach umbrellas, the saint’s day celebrated with an odd nocturnal ritual. Only why are there islanders who seem to follow the family wherever they go? Why do Sandra and the teenage grandchildren have strangely similar dreams? “I was in this huge place with no light and I didn’t want to see. Something sounded... huge.” And has Sandra been granted a wish she didn’t even know she made? Before their holiday is over, some of the family may learn more than they can bear about the secret that keeps the island alive...
My Review
Ray and Sandra are heading to Greece for a family holiday, their children and grand children are joining them. It is their first visit and the place is a wee bit strange, thinking it is just their customs and ways they will get used to it. Things however get stranger, affecting members of the family more than others, the locals react bizarrely at times and Ray needs answers the more he gets drawn in.
Ok so this is my first dance with this author, anyone who has Stephen King's backing - you just know is going to be good. From the get go we pretty much know something is afoot but you aren't exactly sure what. The tingling at the base of your spine, the urge to put the light on a bit brighter as you go further into the story. This isn't an in your face horror, it is more a slow burning gothic type style with suspense and bone chilling tension building up. Subtle hints, creepiness, warning signs that as a reader I was urging the characters to pick up on.
There is a huge focus on family dynamics and the family relationship as a whole, I really hated the son in law, how he spoke to staff, locals and his family. Pompous I think is the word that comes to mind and he really irritated me but it makes for good characterisation. We see how the family interact and are with each other and to the locals. What they want to do with the holiday and what is important to them, the choices they make and how the locals engage with them.
The book has many dimensions, relationships, love, family, local history and a bit of legends. If you are looking for an in your face, monsters and jumping scare fest this isn't the book for you. However, if you want something that is like the old black and white movies, slow building tension, hints at what is looming, dark, atmospheric and engaging then this is your book. Nothing screams out at you, it is all so subtle for the most part which sometimes gives the reader the power to build the fear and terror themselves. I actually nearly missed my bus stop because I was enthralled within a specific scene again nothing was in your face but I was holding my breath at what I suspected was just around the corner.
All to often we get blood, guts and gore but sometimes we like to revisit the golden oldies were you don't see the monster but you know it is there, something is there. Jaws and Blairwitch had you the audience doing the work but gave you the tools to build the terror (Jaws to a point), this was what Campbell done here I think. I read a lot of books, horror, supernatural, spooky, monsters and all the other genres, this was something different for me. Creeped me out at parts, some of the family scenes enraged me again purely because one character grated on me so much. But overall I loved the feel of the book and what I feel the author did, I also enjoyed the story within the story. I would love Campbell to visit that again and make it a book in its own right. 3.5/5 for me this time, although it is my first dance with this author I know it won't be my last, I look forward to checking out more of his work.
Saturday, 8 September 2018
The Outsider by Stephen King
The Outsider by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 561
Publisher - Scribner
Source - WHSmith (special purple edition)
Blurb from Goodreads
An unspeakable crime. A confounding investigation. At a time when the King brand has never been stronger, he has delivered one of his most unsettling and compulsively readable stories.
An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.
As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.
My Review
Oh you guys I love Stephen King and it has been longer than I would have liked since I read him. Here we see ourselves visiting a small town, a small child's body is found, murdered, brutalised, violated, ruined. The little league coach is ID'd by locals and evidence is irrifutable that Terry Maitland is the killer. Friend, teacher, kids coach, everyone knows Terry, they know what he looks like, they haven't got it wrong but Terry maintains his innocence and can prove he wasn't there. Can one person be in two places at one time and if so, who is the other Terry?
Oooft this kicks off quickly, the find of the child is horrific and the details aren't spared for what he endured so this is your FYI. The rage is high and Terry is arrested in a very public manner, sure the cops have eye witnesses and evidence so they KNOW he did it. As the investigation unfolds and Terry maintains his innocence people are torn and split between what they saw, what they know and the man they have known and loved, trusted with their kids for so long.
This is a great tale, it has the spooky elements we have known and loved from King, also a character from a previous book(s) turns up which I hadn't read so I am hoping I haven't spoilered it for myself. Crime, investigation, public trial and then the spooky other, two men with one face? Or a sick killer who has fooled the people he has known and loved for years. I loved it, you are back and forward, you feel the angst for the characters, the questioning, the proof, the evidence, doing what is right, justice for the child.
The bits with the child thankfully aren't many as they are graphic, you get the old hairs on the back of your neck standing up. Outrage for some of the characters, rage at some antics and question but what if you were them. I love a book that does that and carrys you along, I have been a King fan since I was a kid - I grew up on King and feel in love with his writing from a very young age. I think this is one of those stories that you can't help but love, devouring each page because you have to know where is it going. At one point I gasped out loud, I couldn't believe what I had just read nor what it meant for the turn the story was going to take. An author that can do that to you is absolutely deserving of the title Master, he is brilliant, 4.5/5 for me this time. Also, there are a few editions of this book, red cover, blue, black and then WH Smith did an exclusive purple edition (check my instagram @always_reading) beautiful and purple is my fav colour so I had to buy that one. I cannot wait to read more of King, I have a handful left I haven't gotten to yet, the man has a way with words!
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 561
Publisher - Scribner
Source - WHSmith (special purple edition)
Blurb from Goodreads
An unspeakable crime. A confounding investigation. At a time when the King brand has never been stronger, he has delivered one of his most unsettling and compulsively readable stories.
An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.
As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.
My Review
Oh you guys I love Stephen King and it has been longer than I would have liked since I read him. Here we see ourselves visiting a small town, a small child's body is found, murdered, brutalised, violated, ruined. The little league coach is ID'd by locals and evidence is irrifutable that Terry Maitland is the killer. Friend, teacher, kids coach, everyone knows Terry, they know what he looks like, they haven't got it wrong but Terry maintains his innocence and can prove he wasn't there. Can one person be in two places at one time and if so, who is the other Terry?
Oooft this kicks off quickly, the find of the child is horrific and the details aren't spared for what he endured so this is your FYI. The rage is high and Terry is arrested in a very public manner, sure the cops have eye witnesses and evidence so they KNOW he did it. As the investigation unfolds and Terry maintains his innocence people are torn and split between what they saw, what they know and the man they have known and loved, trusted with their kids for so long.
This is a great tale, it has the spooky elements we have known and loved from King, also a character from a previous book(s) turns up which I hadn't read so I am hoping I haven't spoilered it for myself. Crime, investigation, public trial and then the spooky other, two men with one face? Or a sick killer who has fooled the people he has known and loved for years. I loved it, you are back and forward, you feel the angst for the characters, the questioning, the proof, the evidence, doing what is right, justice for the child.
The bits with the child thankfully aren't many as they are graphic, you get the old hairs on the back of your neck standing up. Outrage for some of the characters, rage at some antics and question but what if you were them. I love a book that does that and carrys you along, I have been a King fan since I was a kid - I grew up on King and feel in love with his writing from a very young age. I think this is one of those stories that you can't help but love, devouring each page because you have to know where is it going. At one point I gasped out loud, I couldn't believe what I had just read nor what it meant for the turn the story was going to take. An author that can do that to you is absolutely deserving of the title Master, he is brilliant, 4.5/5 for me this time. Also, there are a few editions of this book, red cover, blue, black and then WH Smith did an exclusive purple edition (check my instagram @always_reading) beautiful and purple is my fav colour so I had to buy that one. I cannot wait to read more of King, I have a handful left I haven't gotten to yet, the man has a way with words!
Thursday, 6 September 2018
September's competition is now open
Yaaaaay, six days late, that is not bad for me! I think it is worth the wait though guys.
So I love these book sleeves, zleeves, protectors. Seriously I have about ten now, I saw this one on special offer so I bought two, one for me one for you lucky ducks as a wee giveaway. They are so light that I am opening up the competition world wide. They are as pictured, fit just about any paperback and you maybe get a few sizes of hardbacks in it (not the largest though I think that may be a squish).
The inside is lined with white satin type of material, I love mine I am a Game of Thrones fan and I love these Zleeves. So, to be in with a chance of winning just fill in the Rafflecopter as normal. Good luck, will run until the end of the month.
Any issues please give me a shout. Thanks so much for the constant support,comments, emails and late night chats.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So I love these book sleeves, zleeves, protectors. Seriously I have about ten now, I saw this one on special offer so I bought two, one for me one for you lucky ducks as a wee giveaway. They are so light that I am opening up the competition world wide. They are as pictured, fit just about any paperback and you maybe get a few sizes of hardbacks in it (not the largest though I think that may be a squish).
The inside is lined with white satin type of material, I love mine I am a Game of Thrones fan and I love these Zleeves. So, to be in with a chance of winning just fill in the Rafflecopter as normal. Good luck, will run until the end of the month.
Any issues please give me a shout. Thanks so much for the constant support,comments, emails and late night chats.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, 4 September 2018
And that's a wrap - Edinburgh book festival
This is later than I meant to post, the festival finished last week then me and the o/h went on a wee mini roadtrip and seen some family.
This was my first ever book festival, it won't be my last, if you have been following the blog you will have seen the coverage of the days I went to and events I attended.
I went through to see Denzil Meyrick who was sharing the stage with Kjell Ola Dahl, the event chaired by Philip Ardagh. I was hoping to meet up with a fellow Crime Book Club member but I missed her, I did meet the beautiful Mary from Live and Deadly blog and Karen from Orenda Books lovely ladies and very welcoming.
Denzil comes to the stage with a dram of whisky and took a wee live video of the audience (full room guys, pow!) before we begin. Kjell writes Nordic Noir, police procedural "The Oslo detectives" and is from Norway. Kjell's novels are now translated in english and available to buy (what are you waiting for). Kjell finds it inspiring to explore differences in his writing, classes, politics, oil, money, society and what people are affected by. Kjell has a very quiet manner, soft spoken but you find yourself leaning forward, taking in every word, whilst his volume is low his words/vibes are loud and riveting.
Denzil started writing when he was ill and didn't expect much to come of it. After a bit of a palaver with another publisher he was rescued by Polygon and the rest is history. He writes about Daley and a wee place called Kinloch (really Campbeltown) a unique place in Scotland that has a sense of 50s or 60, an otherness and means a lot to him, everyone should visit. Denzil has an ease and jokey manner making everyone at ease and was a good combo with Kjell's quieter presence. Denzil spoke about his career (he used to be a police officer) and how different things are now compared to then (he joined in the 80s) and how policing is different in the city compared to small towns. His books are all police investigation, murder, relationships, dynamics of the team and people with a bit of swearing and infused with Scottish banter.
Kjell's book brings in a lot of artifacts, important folklore and likes to play with the idea "you don't know everything", he enjoys mysteries himself. Denzil likes to bring a bit of humour into his books and engages with his fans on Twitter and Facebook, we may also be getting a Brian Scott twitter feed, how awesome would that be! Kjell is on social media, you can find him on Twitter and read about him on Orenda's website, he is on Facebook and Instagram. Talking of social media he admits he doesn't sell himself on there as he feels a bit of shame in it. He is such a nice well spoken man and whilst you all know I am not a fan of translated novels, after listening to him and recommended by both Mary and Karen I have bought his newest book "The Ice Swimmer" this is part of a series but I am assured I can read it not having read the others. Bargain price too and only brought out this year. Denzil's new book "The Relentless Tide" is out in two days, 6th of September but available to pre order now. I have jst read book one, I have all of his books waiting and cannot wait to get stuck in. Book one is Whisky from small glasses, fantastic opening to a series so if you haven't read him yet series grab a copy and then catch up with the others for the new book coming.
Friendship with other writers seems to be important to both writers, Kjell talks of a big group meet up with other crime writers at least once a year and at events like this, he feels he learns a lot from them. Denzil regales us with a meeting just before the event with Ian Rankin, a quick turn and some spillage of bodily fluid, whats happens at the festival stays at the festival, no one was hurt lol! He has a laugh about the ego maniacs that are authors, Douglas Skelton was in the audience and got a special nod for that then tells how he is limited in meetings due to his health issues. His next book, the one he is writing next, will see Daley visit some health issues and will be drawing from his own personal experiences. Humour aside, discussing juts how bad things got for him, facing his own mortality and his wonderful wife by his side. What a man! So much positivity and humour in the face of what would have been a terrifying time
An hour was just not long enough to listen to these gents, I would have happily sat there all day. I came away with a few books, some gifted, some bought and two new totebags (like I need more of either!).
Trying to get the perfect shot is never easy when you have a kitty cat, let alone a diva like Princess Trixie.
It took a few attempts (more than ten photographs) before I came to the realisation that if I wanted a proper piccy I would need to wait til miss paws was asleep, so I did.
A fantastic festival, the staff were lovely, helpful and couldn't have done anything better. I had a wee sample of the food and you know how much of a fussy riot I am, lovely. Everything else I addressed in my original post so if you haven't been to a festival but holding back, please check it out. I cannot wait til the next and aim to go to as many other book events as I can, book people are the best!
Sunday, 2 September 2018
Perfect Silence by Helen Fields Blog Tour
Today is my turn on the blog tour, please check out the other stops as everyone offers different content on their stops.
Thanks so much Helen for taking time out to answer some questions.
Tell us a bit about the book?
The book has two strands. The main case has MIT on the hunt for a vicious killer who cuts the shape of dolls from the skin of young women. DCI Ava Turner is also pursuing a group who are mutilating Edinburgh’s homeless and drug user communities, and branding them. It’s very much a plot driven book, with less emphasis on Luc and Ava’s personal lives, but that will resurface with a vengeance in book 5! Perfect Silence is pretty dark, but that’s how I like to write.
Is it easier writing a book as the first in the series or down the line in a series?
For me, it’s easier to write the first book in terms of the creative freedom I have. There’s no worrying about what happened before, staying true to characters or continuity. On the other hand, it’s a wonderful thing to see your characters grow and evolve. As a writer, your relationship with them grows in a way that feels very real, but keeping the material fresh is the real challenge in a series.
What was the inspiration for your book and characters?
I was heavily influenced by Edinburgh itself, which lends itself so perfectly to the dark, more gothic-based literature, and the first book in the series - Perfect Remains - was very disturbed indeed. Perfect Silence has also been influenced by my new life in the USA, and the way religion touches so many lives but can become a twisted and powerful excuse for a weapon in the hands of a tiny number of psychopaths. The secondary storyline is a personal concern of mine relating to the way we treat the homeless, and how we often choose not to see them. Crimes against the homeless go largely unreported. The sexual and violent assault statistics are so far out of proportion to the rest of society that it’s hard to comprehend, and yet they have the lowest resolution.
Are the characters based on anyone?
The characters are really bits of people I’ve encountered over the years. I spent several summers in France and fell madly in love with a pen friend’s brother, who I suspect is responsible for Luc. Having worked as a criminal barrister, many of my antagonists have small elements of some of the dangerous and unbalanced people I met over the years. Ava came entirely from my imagination, although she’s really just the woman I wish I had been - smarter, funnier, tougher, more secure.
What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always wanted to write, but the demands on me when I was in court every day were too great to allow me the freedom to get creative. By the time I’d had three children, I’d given up being a barrister and was working in my husband’s production company. That was when I picked up writing again. I self-published two books to flex my creative muscles, then managed to sign with an agent. I’m now writing my sixth book and I haven’t looked back. Crime was a natural fit with the work I used to do, and I’ve always preferred reading pretty scary stuff. I just write the type of books I like reading.
What is your favourite book in the world in why?
My favourite book, ever, is The Handmaid’s Tale. I read it during my sixth form and it left a mark on me that hasn’t diminished over the years. I’m currently watching the TV series so it’s back on my mind again, but there’s been a general rise in Dystopian fiction that highlights how women are controlled by governments and religions. The Handmaid’s Tale, of course, has been proved to be horribly real and Atwood’s vision of the future, whilst grim, was remarkably astute. That said, my favourite book changes from year to year, so ask me again in another 12 months!
What is next for Helen?
I’m tinkering with an idea for a screenplay (don’t tell anyone) and as soon as I have a free month I’m going to start writing. In the meantime I travel regularly from California where I live back to the UK so there’s never a dull moment. Living near Los Angeles makes everyone dream of writing that killer movie script, I guess.
Will there be more books in the perfect series?
I’m just finishing book 5 (Perfect Crime) and there’ll certainly be a book 6. Expect book 5 to have a greater focus on the relationship between Luc and Ava (with mountainous ups and downs) and a resolution that will have readers of the series screaming at me.
Where can fans find you?
Mainly on Twitter @Helen_Fields (the great time vortex - rescue me). I try to respond to anyone who contacts me. I love the immediacy and brevity of it, and the fact that everyone’s on a level with each other. Also Facebook though, and it’s fun engaging in a relaxed way. I love the contact with readers that social media brings. No author writes in a vacuum. Getting feedback is what makes it all worthwhile.
Anything else you would like to answer that I haven’t asked?
If people love my books, how can they show it? With liquorice, of course. I can never pass a sweet shop without treating myself.
Thanks so much Helen for taking time out to answer some questions.
Tell us a bit about the book?
The book has two strands. The main case has MIT on the hunt for a vicious killer who cuts the shape of dolls from the skin of young women. DCI Ava Turner is also pursuing a group who are mutilating Edinburgh’s homeless and drug user communities, and branding them. It’s very much a plot driven book, with less emphasis on Luc and Ava’s personal lives, but that will resurface with a vengeance in book 5! Perfect Silence is pretty dark, but that’s how I like to write.
Is it easier writing a book as the first in the series or down the line in a series?
For me, it’s easier to write the first book in terms of the creative freedom I have. There’s no worrying about what happened before, staying true to characters or continuity. On the other hand, it’s a wonderful thing to see your characters grow and evolve. As a writer, your relationship with them grows in a way that feels very real, but keeping the material fresh is the real challenge in a series.
What was the inspiration for your book and characters?
I was heavily influenced by Edinburgh itself, which lends itself so perfectly to the dark, more gothic-based literature, and the first book in the series - Perfect Remains - was very disturbed indeed. Perfect Silence has also been influenced by my new life in the USA, and the way religion touches so many lives but can become a twisted and powerful excuse for a weapon in the hands of a tiny number of psychopaths. The secondary storyline is a personal concern of mine relating to the way we treat the homeless, and how we often choose not to see them. Crimes against the homeless go largely unreported. The sexual and violent assault statistics are so far out of proportion to the rest of society that it’s hard to comprehend, and yet they have the lowest resolution.
Are the characters based on anyone?
The characters are really bits of people I’ve encountered over the years. I spent several summers in France and fell madly in love with a pen friend’s brother, who I suspect is responsible for Luc. Having worked as a criminal barrister, many of my antagonists have small elements of some of the dangerous and unbalanced people I met over the years. Ava came entirely from my imagination, although she’s really just the woman I wish I had been - smarter, funnier, tougher, more secure.
What inspired you to start writing?
I’ve always wanted to write, but the demands on me when I was in court every day were too great to allow me the freedom to get creative. By the time I’d had three children, I’d given up being a barrister and was working in my husband’s production company. That was when I picked up writing again. I self-published two books to flex my creative muscles, then managed to sign with an agent. I’m now writing my sixth book and I haven’t looked back. Crime was a natural fit with the work I used to do, and I’ve always preferred reading pretty scary stuff. I just write the type of books I like reading.
What is your favourite book in the world in why?
My favourite book, ever, is The Handmaid’s Tale. I read it during my sixth form and it left a mark on me that hasn’t diminished over the years. I’m currently watching the TV series so it’s back on my mind again, but there’s been a general rise in Dystopian fiction that highlights how women are controlled by governments and religions. The Handmaid’s Tale, of course, has been proved to be horribly real and Atwood’s vision of the future, whilst grim, was remarkably astute. That said, my favourite book changes from year to year, so ask me again in another 12 months!
What is next for Helen?
I’m tinkering with an idea for a screenplay (don’t tell anyone) and as soon as I have a free month I’m going to start writing. In the meantime I travel regularly from California where I live back to the UK so there’s never a dull moment. Living near Los Angeles makes everyone dream of writing that killer movie script, I guess.
Will there be more books in the perfect series?
I’m just finishing book 5 (Perfect Crime) and there’ll certainly be a book 6. Expect book 5 to have a greater focus on the relationship between Luc and Ava (with mountainous ups and downs) and a resolution that will have readers of the series screaming at me.
Where can fans find you?
Mainly on Twitter @Helen_Fields (the great time vortex - rescue me). I try to respond to anyone who contacts me. I love the immediacy and brevity of it, and the fact that everyone’s on a level with each other. Also Facebook though, and it’s fun engaging in a relaxed way. I love the contact with readers that social media brings. No author writes in a vacuum. Getting feedback is what makes it all worthwhile.
Anything else you would like to answer that I haven’t asked?
If people love my books, how can they show it? With liquorice, of course. I can never pass a sweet shop without treating myself.
Saturday, 1 September 2018
Trick of the Dark by Val McDermid
Trick of the Dark by Val McDermid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time Taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 544
Publisher - Sphere
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
"Val McDermid is one of the bright lights of the mystery field."--"The Washington Post"
"She's the best we've got."--"The New York Times Book Review"
Barred from practice, disgraced psychiatrist Charlie Flint receives a mysterious summons to Oxford from an old professor who wants her to look into the death of her daughter's husband. But as Charlie delves deeper into the case and steps back into the arcane world of Oxford colleges, she realizes that there is much more to this crime than meets the eye.
Val McDermid has published twenty-four novels. An internationally best-selling author, her books have been translated into thirty languages. She has won more than a dozen major awards, most recently the 2010 Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award for outstanding achievement in the field of mysteries.
My Review
Charlie Flint is having a bit of a tough time, normally called for her expertise with the police on court cases she is now "untouchable". Her last expert witness testimony lead to horrific consequences and now she is struggling to find things to do. When she gets an anonymous letter and a puzzle to solve Charlie heads back to her old university to investigate. In between that she is dealing with temptation and considering embarking on an affair and her supportive wife is none the wiser.
So we have a murder, Charlie's old mentor wants her to investigate as she suspects her daughters new girlfriend of killing her husband on his wedding night, gasp! Jay is rich, successful and currently penning her memoir which we get snippets of throughout the book.
It is tense at times, filled with questioning behaviour particularly the issue of infidelity (Charlie), relationships, love, investigation, murder, manipulation, lesbianism and loyalty. It is a busy book but I felt sometimes the relationship stuff overshadowed the investigation and crime aspects. It is a good read and I will read more of McDermid, I liked it I just didn't love it.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time Taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 544
Publisher - Sphere
Source - Amazon
Blurb from Goodreads
"Val McDermid is one of the bright lights of the mystery field."--"The Washington Post"
"She's the best we've got."--"The New York Times Book Review"
Barred from practice, disgraced psychiatrist Charlie Flint receives a mysterious summons to Oxford from an old professor who wants her to look into the death of her daughter's husband. But as Charlie delves deeper into the case and steps back into the arcane world of Oxford colleges, she realizes that there is much more to this crime than meets the eye.
Val McDermid has published twenty-four novels. An internationally best-selling author, her books have been translated into thirty languages. She has won more than a dozen major awards, most recently the 2010 Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award for outstanding achievement in the field of mysteries.
My Review
Charlie Flint is having a bit of a tough time, normally called for her expertise with the police on court cases she is now "untouchable". Her last expert witness testimony lead to horrific consequences and now she is struggling to find things to do. When she gets an anonymous letter and a puzzle to solve Charlie heads back to her old university to investigate. In between that she is dealing with temptation and considering embarking on an affair and her supportive wife is none the wiser.
So we have a murder, Charlie's old mentor wants her to investigate as she suspects her daughters new girlfriend of killing her husband on his wedding night, gasp! Jay is rich, successful and currently penning her memoir which we get snippets of throughout the book.
It is tense at times, filled with questioning behaviour particularly the issue of infidelity (Charlie), relationships, love, investigation, murder, manipulation, lesbianism and loyalty. It is a busy book but I felt sometimes the relationship stuff overshadowed the investigation and crime aspects. It is a good read and I will read more of McDermid, I liked it I just didn't love it.