The Cumbria Major Crimes team is under immense pressure to get results. DCI Harry Evans and his subordinates, DS Neil Chisholm, DC Lauren Phillips and DC Amir Bhaki must juggle cases while tragedy stalks them. Up in Glasgow, DI John Campbell is preparing to replace Evans, whose renegade ways have brought enforced retirement. Together they must investigate a man killed in his own home, a vigilante group chasing a suspected paedophile, a river dammed for no obvious reason and a woman whose cries of ‘wolf’ turn to ‘rape’. Meanwhile DC Phillips goes undercover off the books. My Thoughts. 5/5 What a great introduction to DI Harry Evans and his team I really liked the idea of this book, a collection of Short stories, each one featuring one of the individual officers. A great way to get to know them all, with some great short stories. I can't say that any of the stories were my favourite or stood out from the others, as in my opinion they were all very well written and well put together. I find sometimes with short stories, that Just as they get going, they end. But I didn't feel that at all with these stories. They were very well written and very well put together. I recently read Snatched from home, and although it's really not necessary I think I would have liked to have read this one first. And got more of an early feel for the officers. But there is nothing stopping me going back and reading it again. I'm really looking forward to more Harry Evans, He's a very different and individual character and I for one can't wait for more books by Graham Smith. I look forward to reading more.
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Crime reporter Rosie Gilmour has learned to be tough. The places she's been and the stories she's covered, she's had to be. Her experience stands her in good stead for a grisly new investigation: the body of a refugee in a Glasgow canal, missing limbs and vital organs. He's not the first person to go missing - are there vigilantes at work or is there something far more sinister going on? It's up to Rosie to find out - but will what she discovers leave her with murder on her hands? Just how the Hell did I end up so far behind on this series of books. On the plus side though I now have all the others to read. An easy 5* read for me.
What a read. Anna Smith certainly has a way of dragging you right into the story and has produced yet another first class page turner. The action through this book was constant, and you are really kept on your toes wondering what is going to happen next.
For this story Rosie Gilmore #SuperJourno is investigating a missing refugee, after speaking with his friend Rosie thinks something isn't quite right and offers to see what she can find out. In typical Rosie style, every time she finds something out, she manages to get her self deeper into a story and deeper into trouble. It soon becomes clear to Rosie that there is a lot more going on and there is a reason these refugees are going missing. Is there anything this woman wont do for a story? Rosie really does have a knack of getting herself into the thick of it and trouble just seems to follow her. She's certainly a woman on a mission, a bit like a dog with a bone. One sniff of a juicy story and she's all over it. I have really enjoyed getting to know Rosie, and we see a little more of her home life/love life in this book. It's going to be interesting to see what happens to Rosie in future books, and I really cant wait to get stuck into the rest of them. Anna Smith has certainly outdone herself in this book, A first class Page Turner.
Every New Yorker's worst nightmare is about to become a reality. New York has seen more than its fair share of horrific attacks, but the city is about to be shaken in a way it never has before. Two devastating catastrophes hit in quick succession, putting everyone on edge. Detective Michael Bennett is given the near impossible task of hunting down the shadowy terror group responsible. Then a shocking assassination makes it clear that these inexplicable events are just the prelude to the biggest threat of all. Now Bennett is racing against the clock to save his beloved city – before the most destructive force he has ever faced tears it apart.
It's certainly no secret. I love a JP book. However I have managed to get a little behind so I'm trying to play catch up.
Michael Bennett series is by far one of my favourite. There is just something about him and his superhuman powers of being an amazing Copper but also a father of 10. As with all of JP's books this one again is another great page turner. And after buying book 9 I realised I hadn't read book 8, part way through this one, I found I haven't read book 7 either so I'm going to have to do one thing I hate doing and reading books out of order. I think with the amount of terrorism that's been in the news recently all around the world, it does help make this book more realistic. You can truly believe that this could be happening. Another big case for Bennett and of course the teams he works with. A great read for any JP fan. Product details
'Another year and I still don't like old people. Me? I am 83 years old.' Hendrik Groen may be old, but he is far from dead and isn't planning to be buried any time soon. Granted, his daily strolls are getting shorter because his legs are no longer willing and he had to visit his doctor more than he'd like. Technically speaking he is ... elderly. But surely there is more to life at his age than weak tea and potted geraniums? Hendrik sets out to write an exposé: a year in the life of his care home in Amsterdam, revealing all its ups and downs - not least his new endeavour the anarchic Old-But-Not Dead Club. And when Eefje moves in - the woman Hendrik has always longed for - he polishes his shoes (and his teeth), grooms what's left of his hair and attempts to make something of the life he has left, with hilarious, tender and devastating consequences. The indomitable Hendrik Groen - Holland's unlikeliest hero - has become a cultural phenomenon in his native Netherlands and now he and his famously anonymous creator are conquering the globe. A major Dutch bestseller, The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen will not only delight older readers with its wit This is one of those books when you want something a little different, then this is it. It is a good fun read, some great lol moments.
Anyone who read and enjoyed The Secret life Of Frank Derrick would enjoy this. Hendrik lives in a Care home, but he certainly doesn't sit looking out the window all day or watching TV. No he seems to like trouble and mischief. And he has started to record everything daily in his diary. As well as the fun side, it also shows how important friendship can be. and having a support group of people you can get along with, and share life. This book also covers some of the health issues that fold in the home suffer with. It is an interesting and different read.
The stakes are high when a holiday turns tragic... When Louise Gillespie regains consciousness after a traffic accident, she learns that her husband and four-year-old daughter are missing. Her frantic search to find them is encumbered by her own brain trauma and the local sergeant in charge of investigation, who thinks she's crazy. Her luck finally changes when she bumps into PIs Ellen Brazil and Brian Lynx. Despite being on holiday themselves, they take on Louise's case. It's not long before Ellen and Brian discover the truth behind the family's sinister disappearance. Firstly I'd like to say a huge super big THANK YOU, to Mel. Who sent me an ARC of this book. You never fail and I'm grateful for every chance I get to read one of your books. So here we are book 3 in the Intention series, another cracking series from this amazingly talented author. Just to help refresh my mind, as sometimes when you read so many books, you tend to forget little bits of each, so I did a re read of books one and two before this, and I have to say I enjoyed them just as much the second time around as I did the first time. You can click the images below to take you to my original reviews of each book. Wowzerz.. what another great book from this very talented author. The list of books by Mel seems to be growing all the time, which for a reader like me is a bloody good thing. In this book we meet Louise Gillespi, she is off on a holiday with her husband and young daughter. A family holiday by the seaside n Cornwall. Only this getaway turns out to be no holiday for Louise. Her and her family are involved in a terrible car accident on their way there. Waking up from the accident Louise seems to have concussion, and is told her husband and child were not in the car with her at the time of the accident. But how can that be she is sure they were all together. What's more she also discovers that she was driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Very confused and not knowing what to do next, Louise has the very good fortune of ending up chatting to Ellen Brazil and her partner Brian Lynx, who are on holiday with Brian's daughter Cally. Louise soon starts to tell Ellen what has happened to her and can't believe her luck when it emerges that Ellen and Brian are Private investigators. It now looks like although on holiday, they have a new case to work, they just can't help themselves. So the big question that needs answering is Where are Louise's family? Be warned the way this book is written once you start it, it is very difficult to put it down. You want the answers to the questions you have, and the only way to get them is to continue reading. I am a huge MC fan and have read almost all of her books, I'm also a huge fan of The Justice series that she writes, but I have to say this series is slowly creeping up alongside it in my favourites. Mel I can't help thinking you are making it hard for yourself to keep on topping each book you write, but somehow you keep doing it. Keep going girl. Looking forward to the next one.
About the Author
BiographyNew York Times, USA Today, Amazon Top 20 bestselling author, iBooks top 5 bestselling and #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble. Over one million copies sold world wide. I am a British author who moved to France in 2002, and that's when I turned my hobby into a career. I'm fortunate to be represented by a top New York agent. I share my home with two crazy dogs that like nothing better than to drag their masterful leader (that's me) around the village. I hope you enjoy reading my books, especially the Justice series, Cruel Justice, Impeding Justice, Final Justice, Foul Justice, Guaranteed Justice, Ultimate Justice, Virtual Justice, Hostile Justice, Tortured Justice, Rough Justice, Dubious Justice, Calculated Justice and the novella Blind Justice. As well as the DI Sally Parker thriller series, WRONG PLACE and NO HIDING PLACE Also available in the Hero series, TORN APART and End Result. Plus two books in the Intention series, Sole Intention and Grave Intention. If you'd like to keep up to date with new releases you can find me on facebook by following this link http://smarturl.it/sps7jh or sign up for my newsletter http://www.smarturl.it/8jtcvv If you fancy a lighter read, why not try one of my romances: A Time to Heal, and A Time for Change--Based on a TRUE story. I also have a selection of short stories and novelettes available which I know you'll enjoy. You can find out more about me at the following blogs. http://melcomley.blogspot.com http://melcomleyromances.blogspot.com
Quintin Jardine's twenty-sixth Bob Skinner mystery sees the Edinburgh sleuth plunged into a gruelling new case in which no score will go unsettled. Former Chief Constable Bob Skinner has uncovered his fair share of crime scenes over his thirty-year career. But few have affected him quite as much as the horrifying sight he finds stowed in the back of a stolen car that collides with his on the outskirts of Edinburgh. As his former colleagues investigate, Skinner takes on an unusual commission of his own. The body count rises, motives appear, the hunt goes global, and potential conflicts surface. In his new guise, is Skinner is on the side of the angels...or working against them?
Wow, It still amazes me how far this series has come. I have been reading this series now over many years, and I never tire of it. I would love to see Bob Skinner as a detective series on TV.
I have to say though with this book, it was like having a reunion with old friends. There are an awful lot of characters that have been in these books over the years, and this book seems to give you a reminder or a history lesson of some of the more memorable characters, it also helps refresh your mind as you do forget certain people as the books progress. But it was just wonderful to be back with old friends. I have loved and enjoyed each and everyone of these books, and this one is certainly no exception. I would say if you have not read any of the Bob Skinner series then it really is worth doing so in order. It really would add to the enjoyment of the reading, and following Bob through his personal life as well as his police Career. In this instalment, Bob is now a Private Investigator, no longer a police office. But come on this is Bab Skinner. You think not being a copper is going to hinder him in any way at all. After all he has a whole heap of friends on the police force, Doesn't he? His first PI case is to help an old acquaintance whose Luxury Boat has gone missing. I don't mean a little pedal boat, its a 5million pound Yacht. How the hell can one of those go missing, well that's up to Bob to figure out, and it soon becomes apparent that his colleagues on the police force have not really done a thorough job of looking for it. And yes in true Bob style he is caught up in a police investigation after he has a bump in his car and the driver of the other car does a runner, It was only a little bump so what the hell made the other driver run for it, like his life depended on it. I can't be giving to much away so I'm not going to say any more, but if like me you do enjoy a QJ book, then this one is certainly well worth reading. I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of Private Investigations. A book like all the others I really did enjoy.
Book 1 in a series following one family over forty years on an East London estate, BLOOD SISTER is non-stop drama, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller. There are two ways out of Essex Lane Estate, better known as The Devil. You make good, or you turn bad. Jen Miller is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother did. She's waiting to find herself a good job and a decent man. Her younger sister Tiff is running errands for a gangster and looking for any opportunity for fun and profit. But she might just be in over her head... The choices you make and the plans you have don't always turn out like you expect. Especially if you live on The Devil's Estate. When their paths cross with the unstoppable Dee - a woman with her own agenda - Jen and Tiff will learn that lesson the hard way. At least they can rely on each other. Can't they? Firstly a super big thank you to the Author and Publishers for an ARC of this book. In true Dreda style this book is a first class read. As with all her other books, this is a first class read. I have never been disappointed when finishing one of Dreda's books. This is the first book in a new series and it's a series I can see going from strength to strength if this first book is anything to go by. I loved everything about this book from the cover to every single page in between. It really is a page turner. In this book we are introduced to 'The Devils Estate' certainly not somewhere you would want to live. Saying that the residents don't want to live there either and for some all they want to is meet someone and do well in life to allow them to get off the estate. Bab's and her two girls, Jen and Tiff live on this estate. Tiff is a bit of a sod, and will go out of her way to upset people, where Jen is the total opposite, Jen want's off the estate and is trying to do her best at collage so she can do well and get out of the The Devil.. Tiff end's up running errands for one of the local gangsters, and you just know this will not end well for Tiff. She's in too deep before she realises she needs out. As Jen and Tiff grow their rolls seem to change. It isn't long before their paths cross with the wonderful character that is Dee, the story takes a turn. I loved the main characters in this book, and I certainly loved Dee she's just a time bomb waiting to go off. But she's a woman that knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get it. I'm getting worried about giving to much away, as it certainly is a book well worth reading. It has everything in it that you expect from a DSM book and more. And I think anyone out there who enjoyed any of Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller, Casey Kelleher. all those sort of authors, then you really must pick this one up and give it a read, you will not be disappointed. This book has now been added to my 2016 Best Reads. It seems like forever ago since I read my first DSM book. Geezer Girls, back in 2009. And as I read so many books I'm finding I can go back to books and still enjoy them so I have just bought the 3 books again, to read again and enjoy all over again. Geezer Girls: Gangland Girls Book 1 Gangster Girl: Gangland Girls Book 2 Hit Girls: Gangland Girls Book 3 Some more books by this author that you may enjoy are.
When she was almost seventeen, Rosie Draper locked eyes with a charismatic student called Peter during their first week at art college, changing the course of her life forever. Now, on the cusp of sixty-five and recently widowed, Rosie is slowly coming to terms with a new future. And after a chance encounter with Peter, forty-seven years later, they both begin to wonder 'what if' . . . Told with warmth, wit and humour, We'll Always Have Paris is a charming, moving and uplifting novel about two people; the choices they make, the lives they lead and the love they share. My Thoughts I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this. But after just finally getting around to reading Bella's Christmas Bake off and loving it, I ended up giving my to read pile a bit of a shake up and starting this one. The book opens with Rosie Draper and her husband Mike who is terminally ill. He passes away not long after his diagnosis and Rosie is left heartbroken. It was a very sad and moving opening to the book. I must confess though it was so nice to read a book that wasn't focused on some young girl/lady. Rosie is a slightly more mature lady in her 60's, and I loved how the book was based around her and her life, I like the little bits that told of pasts gone, and it gave a great warmth to the story. Rosie has an unexpected encounter with a man from her past, forty plus years after she last saw him. And although its very nice to see him again, Rosie has so many mixed emotions about Peter. After all he was her first love. But can a friendship be re built after so much time has gone by. Or will their lives be so much different now that there is no room for past events. I loved Rosie's family her overprotective daughters and her super cool granddaughter, they were just what the book needed to help the humour along. But I'm guessing there are an awful lot of families out there who are just like Rosie's family. And after the death of her husband and the girls father, It's got to be so difficult introducing a new friend to the family. I know because when my mother met My step dad, I was only 8 and I hated him and the fact that he was with MY MUM. Luckily we soon became inseparable and I loved him with all my heart. A brilliantly written book, Sue certainly seems to be able to write a damn good book and although this one is a little different from her other books there is still some of that humour that we've grown to love with Sue's books. And I always seem to end up somewhere in sue's books not only laughing but crying too. So when you start this book you need to make sure you have a good few hours where you have nothing to do, a big comfy chair, several bars of chocolate or cake, a cuppa and a box of tissues. I can't wait for more books by this amazing author. Another Bloody brilliant book. Thank you to the publishers, Author and Netgalley for a review copy of this book.
Two best friends. One big lie. The best bake off EVER.
Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking – a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter ‘Silver Fox’ Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials. But this year things are going to be different. For Amy Lane, Bella’s best friend from school, life hasn’t held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy’s husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever. Amy has watched Bella’s rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realises that Bella’s latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy’s mother’s recipes, the gloves are off… After winning a competition to appear on Bella’s TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember… A hilarious, heart-breaking and feel good read about best friends, baking and the magic of Christmas. A big fat 5/5 What can I say about this. Well first off if you haven't read any of Sue Watson's books, you really do need to. I have loved everyone I have read, and Bella's Christmas Bake Off is no exception. It's fun, heart-warming, enjoyable and bloody funny. I will also add that as well as laughing out loud, I did end up with a warm fuzzy feeling and slightly watery eyes towards the end. It felt a bit like that huge mug on the TV commercial that wraps its arms around you, and gives you a warm feel good feeling. I just can't believe it's taken me until now to read it, but it got lost in kindle world and has just turned up again, So glad I decided to read it. After feeling a little down and fed up this really give me the pick me up I needed. The characters in this book were just first class, and I have to admit I liked each and every one of them. Even Bella who to start off with I though was a little up her own arse, but she grew on me. Amy I just adored from the start, trying to build a new life after a marriage break up, I really felt for her and was rooting for her and praying for happiness for her. I loved how things just seemed to go against her, but in the humorous way it was written, I really did laugh most the way through this book. Sue really does seem to write books that as well as covering every day topics and the mishaps of everyday folks, she manages to write them with an air of fun and her humour in the characters shines through in this book. Bloody loved it.... Thanks to Netgalley and The Publishers for an ARC of this book. I'm just gutted it's taken me this long to get around to reading it.
The Little Village Bakery: A feel good romantic comedy with plenty of cake (Honeybourne Book 1)
Meet Millie. Heartbreak has forced her to make a new start and when she arrives at the old bakery in the little village of Honeybourne she is determined that this will be her home sweet home. Her imagination has been captured by the tumbledown bakery but with no running water and dust everywhere, her cosy idea of making cakes in a rural idyll quickly crumbles. Luckily the locals are a friendly bunch and step in to help Millie. One in particular,Dylan, a laid-back lothario, soon captures her attention. But just as Millie is beginning to settle in, an unexpected visitor from her past suddenly turns up determined to ruin everything for her. It’s time for Millie to face the skeletons in her closet if she’s going to live the dream of running her little village bakery, and her blossoming romance with Dylan. My Thoughts. 5/5 What a brilliant read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I'm a huge fan of crime books, and every so often I like to take myself off somewhere a little different and a little less gruesome. And this was the perfect book to do that with. I loved every bit of this book. The characters were just perfect, Once started I read this in just over a day. A real feel good book. Millie has moved to Honeybourne to get away from things that have happened in her past. The only problem is when things just seem to be going as they should for her, and she's slowly on track setting up her new business, a run down bakery. She is making friends and finding romance. An unexpected visitor from her past turns up to destroy all that she has. The only way Millie is going to get anywhere is open up and be honest to the people she has become friends with. But is it to late for that. I can't believe when looking at Tilly's other books on Amazon that this is the first one I have read. But on the plus side, I have found myself a new author, and can now read all her other books. Even better today I have just learnt that there is to be a second book out in September. Christmas at theLittle Village Bakery: A feel good festive romance to curl up by the fire with (Honeybourne Book 2). And I am now so looking forward to reading that. I really can't wait. I look forward to reading many more books from this author. A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read and review this book. |
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May 2023
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