From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes a heartbreaking and uplifting historical novel about a young woman trying to snatch her chance at happiness amongst the ruins of World War Two.
1946, Liverpool. Bella Harrison cannot believe the devastating war that stole the lives of her father and sister is truly over at last. She wonders how they will ever rebuild Victory Street with the city in ruins, and half their neighbours gone. But for now, she and her childhood sweetheart Bobby are happy newlyweds, doting on Bella’s little son, her child with black American pilot, Earl Franklin Junior. With the other members of Bella’s wartime singing trio, The Bryant Sisters, busy starting families of their own, Bella focuses on recording and writing songs with her husband. Everything seems to be falling into place until they get a surprising letter: Earl is moving to England and wants to see them. Earl arrives and is delighted to see that his son is well and happy. He joins them as a singer and together, they start recording songs. But one night as Earl leaves the recording studio, a racist gang brutally attacks him and sets the place alight, leaving Bobby trapped inside. Meanwhile, Bella is at home, waiting to tell Bobby a devastating secret… With peace in Liverpool at last, Bella had hoped for a brighter future. But as she faces her life being ripped apart once again, can she rediscover the strength that carried her through the war? A totally unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell. What readers are saying about Pam Howes: ‘Gripped me from the first page… Tearful at times, but equally filled with joy at others… I really enjoyed this book and once started I found it difficult to put it down!… Would definitely recommend!!’ Goodreads reviewer ‘I absolutely adored this book! I could not put it down, probably the fastest I have read a book… If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this. The perfect book to curl up on the sofa with.’ Raesbookshelf ‘Utterly impossible for me to put down. A heartbreaking story… I really haven’t been able to put this one down and found I had devoured the entire book in just one sitting… I have loved this book so much, I wish I could give it five hundred stars.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I was hooked… I wiped tears away tears… If you love a really good wartime saga, then this is definitely the book for you!’ Stardust Book Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I absolutely loved this book… A heartbreaking story but one that gets you so engaged in it you cannot put it down… Will keep you reading and enjoying right to the very last page… and will desperately want more.’ Vicki, I Love Reading UK ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I absolutely fell in love… Utterly unputdownable, it will have you hooked from the first page.’ Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I loved every minute of the story… I couldn’t put this down… Five stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3, What a superb Family Saga this has turned out to be. I absolutley loved each book in this series and the family and friendships, the bonds that the characters have is first class.
The Bryant sisters are moving on with life after the war. Married Bella and her husband Bobbi seem to have it all, with their beautiful little boy Levi, life finally seems to be going in the right direction for them. Along with Fran and Edie the ladies are still good friends, alough they haven't sang together for a while, the girls are hoping that will change soon. This is a saga that packs so much into it. Everything you want from an amazing read. Love, life, hurt, happiness its all in here all mixed up in a big bowl and baked into the perfect story. I felt there was some real raw emotions coming from these pages. Characters have to have downs when they need ups and this was done perfectly. I loved the story behind why Bella and Bobby were staying with a once child family, i felt the emotions for them . When Levi's biological father decides he wants to return to England and get to know his son, it really got me worrying for the family and how things would work out. Although Bella and Bobby are the main 'couple in this story, it's brilliant how the lives of their friends and family are all interwoven around this. I would have loved to have watched this as a drama, I think it would make amazing TV. I have never yet been disappointed by this authors writing and her books are first class, I have no hessitation in recomending them to anyone who enjoys a great family saga or just a damn good read. 
'What a read!
Author Bio:
Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner. The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band, The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041354393134 https://twitter.com/PamHowes1 Buy Link: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wAzvED
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“I want Michael Hunter to fall so deeply in love with me that he can’t bear to be more than fifty feet away,” Cher declares to her best friends over cheesecake and wine. But what if she’s searching for happiness in the wrong place?
As Cher types up letters about overflowing rubbish bins in a job she hates, she dreams of Michael Hunter. He’s gorgeous, smart, funny and he’s about to become her new boss. But he barely looks at Cher except to ask for a coffee refill. How can she get him to notice she’s the perfect girl for him? While Cher ignores the warning from workmate Dan that Michael is bad news, her friends have their own problems to fix. Sarah is longing to start a new life with a man who won’t commit, and bride-to-be Deb should be looking forward to her wedding, but her future mother-in-law is turning it into a nightmare from hell... If only her fiancé could see it that way. So, when one summer evening, over several glasses of wine, Cher, Sarah and Deb stumble across an old book and decide to cast a wishing spell, they don’t think for one minute that it will come true. It’s just three best friends having a laugh and throwing some herbs around the garden. Or is it? Totally unputdownable, absolutely full of laugh-out-loud ‘I’ve so done that’ moments, and plenty of emotional twists and turns that will keep you refilling your wine and racing through to the end. The perfect romantic comedy for fans of Shari Low and Sophie Kinsella. 
I really didn't know what to think when I noticed the authors name on this book. I absolutely, have loved each and every book this author has written. Her writing style is first class.
It may be a change in genre, but Marsons has still managed to create characters that are likeable. This was a fun and enjoyable read. I couldn't wait to follow these three friends, Cher, Sarah, and Deb on their journey of happiness. In parts this story has some really fun elements, some real comedy moments that made me laugh out loud. I also found following someone who thinks they know what they want from life great and interesting. It's fascinating how everyone around can see what you want, yet knows its not the right thing for you. As they say 'The grass isn't always greener on the other side' These ladies are off to find what it is that is going to make them happy. It's a fun, fun, fun read following them and seeing if the reality of what they think they want is actually what they really want. Brilliantly written, well paced and enjoyable easy read. Just what I needed to rid myself of the trauma's real life is throwing my way. I love how this author can turn her hand to writing pretty much anything and making it god damn amazing. Angie, you are bloody awesome, can wait for more. If you haven't read any books by this author, I really would recommend that you change that, treat yourself, you deserve it. I have no issues at all recommending this authors work. 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela Marsons is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of the DI Kim Stone series and her books have sold more than 4 million in 5 years. She lives in Worcestershire with her partner and their 2 cheeky Golden Retrievers. She first discovered her love of writing at Junior School when actual lessons came second to watching other people and quietly making up her own stories about them. Her report card invariably read "Angela would do well if she minded her own business as well as she minds other people's". After years of writing relationship based stories (The Forgotten Woman and Dear Mother) Angela turned to Crime, fictionally speaking of course, and developed a character that refused to go away. She is signed to Bookouture.com for a total of 28 books in the Kim Stone series and her books have been translated into more than 27 languages. Many of her books, including Blood Lines, Dead Souls, Broken Bones, Fatal Promise and Dead Memories reached the #1 spot on Amazon on pre-orders alone and the translation of Dead Souls, La Verita Sepolte, recently won the prestigious Primo Bancarella award. 
DI Kate Young can’t trust anybody. Not even herself.
In the bleak countryside around Blithfield Reservoir, a serial murderer and rapist is leaving a trail of bloodshed. His savage calling card: the word ‘MINE’ carved into each of his victims. DI Kate Young struggles to get the case moving—even when one of the team’s own investigators is found dead in a dumpster. But Kate is battling her own demons. Obsessed with exposing Superintendent John Dickson and convinced there’s a conspiracy running deep in the force, she no longer knows who to trust. Kate’s crusade has already cost her dearly. What will she lose next? When her stepsister spills a long-buried secret, Kate realises she’s found the missing link—now she must prove it before the killer strikes again. With enemies closing in on all sides, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to bring them down. But time is running out, and Kate's past has pushed her to the very edge. Can she stop herself from falling? 
Here we are, all ready at the second book in this series. It's brilliant still getting to know DI Kate Young. She has so much going on her life its a wonder she doesn't spontaneously combust.
Battling the demons of her Husbands death and being at work tackling what could be a serial killer is really going to test Kate and take her to her limits. This is looking like it's going to be another 'must read' series of books. Carol Wyer certainly knows how to write a gripping series, she knows what the readers want and manages to deliver, each and every time. This book certainly will not disappoint any fans of this author. For any fans of an exceptionally good crime series. For me personally, I have to say start with the first book, An Eye for An Eye, get to know Kate and her rollercoaster of a life, she is a great character and one I just can't help taking a liking to. A must read, a great book to get lost in, if one thing has help me me through the 'Covid years' it's reading, but especially reading books like this corker. I have gotten to that stage now where I don't even read what the book is about before starting it. If it's by this author it's worth reading. I enjoyed each and every page of tis book and I know this series is going to be amazing. I can't wait for the next book. 
About Carol Wyer:
USA Today bestselling author and winner of The People's Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction. A move from humour to the 'dark side' in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST and demonstrated that stand-up comedian Carol had found her true niche. To date, her crime novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets. Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ''Irritable Male Syndrome' and 'Ageing Disgracefully' and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly', featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and the Huffington Post. She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy... who is very, very grumpy. When she is not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth. Social Media: Website www.carolwyer.co.uk Blog www.carolwyer.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolEWyer/ Twitter https://twitter.com/carolewyer Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carolwyer Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/carolewyer Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-wyer-407b1032 Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14925467.Carol_Wyer YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5O-lvkAYO19S0AMW8VqJQ  Someone’s playing both sides and now they have a score to settle… When the family business is crime, you can never be sure who to trust. And when three of their businesses are hit in one night, the notorious Glass family close ranks. Either someone is sending them a message or a war is coming... With trouble coming from all sides, the heads of the Glass family have more than enough to deal with, but all bets are off when a stranger from the past enters the game, causing division and mistrust. Crooked cops, rival gangs and old enemies are bad enough, but when the trouble comes from the inside, loyalties are tested, with deadly consequences. Page-turning, gripping, gritty, Insider is perfect for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller. I was so looking forward to this book. After reading the first book in this series I was hooked. It was a clear your diary kind of read. Back in the dangerous world of The Glass Family. Luke Glass is heading the family. His Club LBC is doing well. His sister Nina is running her business and all is good. When their businesses are targeted then war is declared. The attacks come at a cost and someone is about to pay. Finding who is behind the attacks and the reasons is priority. Once started this is a book you have to continue reading, its addictive and exciting. I wanted and needed to read at every opportunity. Action packed and exciting, anyone who read the first book will be looking forward to this. This is certainly a page turner and an author I will be reading a lot more of. I now have a number of this authors books sat on my kindle waiting for me and I really can't wait to see what else is on offer. An author that knows how to get the reader engaged so well in characters and a story line gets the thumbs up for me. If you like a gangland family type of book, this is a must for you.  About Owen Mullen: Owen Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete. In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. He has now written seven books and his first gangland thriller for Boldwood, Family was published in January 2021. Say hello to Owen on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to his newsletter.  Bad Blood by Heather Atkinson #BadBlood #Review #Boldwoodbloggers @rararesources @HeatherAtkinso14/6/2021 
I absolutely loved the first book in this new series, I also loved this one, the second book.
Heather Atkinson is a very talented author, each of the series she does is fantastic, you get lost in her story telling, addicted to the books because you really do not know what is coming next. Her books are not repetitive, each and every book feels new and fresh. In this the newest series we are slowly getting to know the characters, and as always Heather has created fantastic likeable characters. We have four friends, who are known on the estate as The Blood Brothers-Jamie, Logan, Gary, and Digger. Brilliant characters, I can see these characters could have a huge future and this could be a series that goes a long way. The boys Keep the estate clean, clean as in, no trouble, no dealers. If there is a problem then the boys are called up on. Jamie has nothing to do with his father, however he's turned up like a bad penny and bringing trouble with him. Jamie's mother Jackie is not impressed, she has no time at all for Jamie's father and wants Jamie to stay away from him. Jackie is a formidable character, she's first class, I love how her character has been created and her love of a frying pal is brilliant. Jamie is also stressed with the upcoming court case of his girlfriend, Allegra's father. Her father is being tired for her murder. Jamie had never loved like he did with Allegra, she was Jamie's all, all he ever wanted and all he ever needed. The two of them being brought up in totally different worlds is how the trouble from her father started for them in the first book. Jamie has to try and get on with life, but with his father on the scene it appears things can only get worse. Totally loved this book, each and every page was enjoyed. I really can not wait for more from this series and I'm eager to see what happens with some of these characters. Well done to the author you have created another addictive series. Can't recommend this book highly enough, but must stress it will be much better if you have read book 1. Happy reading.
If you can't trust your family, who can you trust...?
Glasgow gangster Jamie Gray and his fellow Blood Brothers rule the Gallowburn Estate with an iron fist. No one messes around on their turf without consequences. But when Jamie’s erstwhile dad, Jason Gray, reappears after many years away - some of them spent behind bars - the Blood Brothers are drawn into the murky and dangerous world of the toughest gangster of them all – The Queen of Glasgow, Toni McVay. Toni is the head of the most powerful organised crime family in Scotland and, as the psychotic leader enjoys scooping out the eyeballs of those who displease her, Jamie has no option but to do her bidding. With the love of his life Allegra still missing, his enemies closing in, and his family’s safety at risk, Jamie Gray faces the battle of his life. But with his father’s bad blood running through his veins, and the bravery and brains he has inherited from his mother Jackie, Jamie has all the tools he needs to survive. Twisted Lies by Angel Marsons. #BlogTour #Review #TwistedLies #KimStone @bookouture @writeangie15/5/2021 
Her stomach lurches as she sits in the windowless room. He throws her phone to the ground, grinds it against the floor with the heel of his shoe and brings his face closer to hers. There was no turning back now, her life as she knew it was gone.
When the lifeless body of a man is found on an industrial estate, Detective Kim Stone arrives on the scene and discovers he’s been tortured in the worst way imaginable. But as she breaks the devastating news to the victim’s wife, Diane Phipps, Kim can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right about the woman’s reaction. Twenty-four hours later, the victim’s family disappears into thin air. Then a second body is found staked to the ground in a local nature reserve. Desperate to crack the case open quickly, Kim and her team unravel a vital clue – a fiercely guarded secret that links both victims and could cost even more lives. A secret that some police officers are also protecting. Faced with deceit from those she should be able to trust, family members who won’t talk, and local reporter, Tracy Frost, opening a can of worms on the case of a woman murdered by her husband a year ago – Kim is in deep water like never before. Kim must find the motive if she is to find the killer who is systematically targeting and torturing his victims. But can she unlock the shocking truth and stop him before he strikes again? An absolutely jaw-dropping crime thriller from the number one, multi-million-copy bestselling author of the incredibly addictive Detective Kim Stone series.
This book has been added to my 2021 'Must reads' list.
I think we all have a series or author, or two that no matter what as soon as that author releases a book, you know you have to read it. The Kim Stone series and author Angela Marsons is one of those for me. I don't even bother reading what the book is about anymore, I see Angela's name and know I'll be reading it. Clear your diary, you are going nowhere when you start this. You know it! I know I say this with ever book I've read from this author but OMG. How the hell does Angela manage to keep this series so flaming exciting, so gripping and unique. How does she keep her characters so alive, interesting and likeable. High praise for this series, this would make prime time tv viewing amazing and needs making into a TV series. My words never seem to do these books any justice, I want you to understand how good this series is, how addictive it is, how each and every book just gets better and better. How Angela Marsons is an author who clearly knows what her readers want and she manages to deliver it each and every time. Never fails. Any fan of this series will no doubt regard Kim Stone as a fictional friend. I love to hear about her and her life as much as I love her work life and the cases she deals with. The comradery and humorous banter between the team in this series really makes it stand out. The author seems to be able to cover any subject matter and make the story around it so real and believable. I did have a sneaky idea what was going on, but i wont reveal that here. The ending of this book was also superb and we all know we have to wait for the next one, but no one wants to wait. If you haven't read this series then oh my what a treat you have in store being able to jump from one to the next. If you don't have an OMG, WTF or 6 while reading this book, may I suggest you read it again. lol.. I also had some other words but best not to say them out loud. Devoured this book, loved being back with the team and a whole new case. A pretty gruesome case at that. 
A child has been taken. A family is out for revenge.
Riley Cooke is just one day old when he is stolen from the hospital. His young mother, Shelby, is beside herself. DC Lucy Murphy and her team face a race against time to find the vulnerable baby and bring him home – before the child’s grandfather, fearsome gangster Pete Baker, takes matters into his own hands. Pete is sure he knows who’s behind baby Riley’s abduction, and he thinks they ought to pray Lucy finds them before he does. Because someone is going to pay dearly for causing this much pain to his family. They say never stand between a gangster and his target. But that’s exactly what Lucy must do – because if Pete is wrong, innocent blood could flow. 
Another stonker of a read. Casey Kelleher know how to write a book and keep readers entertained and enthralled.
Back with the wonderful Lucy Murphy. A character I've really grown to like over these books. This is book 3. For me personally I would always say, these are best read in order, but that's just me. You'd get away with this being the first one you read. A young woman is attacked on the estate where she lives, as she is pregnant the attack brings on premature labour. It's down to Lucy and the team to piece together what has happened and if this attack on Shelby is linked to her family or a random attack. The team are amazing at putting together their investigation and they soon have leads to follow. What dark murky streets will the team be lead down? Will they be able to figure out this disturbing case. The characters in this book are first class, as usual Casey Kelleher has delivered what we all want from a book, a damn good unputdownable page turner. A book you desperately want to finish, but you don't want it to end. I could have read more and more of this story and it's characters and never have gotten bored. You are dragged into the world of these characters and live every bit of the story with them. The characters are brilliantly put together and the story line will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the book. As always I look forward to seeing what is offered up for us next from this author.  On a quiet street, one house is burning to the ground…By the time sign language interpreter Paige Northwood arrives, flames have engulfed her client’s home. Though Lukas is safe, his wife is still inside. But she was dead before the fire started… Lukas signs to Paige that he knows who killed his wife. But then he goes silent – even when the police arrest him on suspicion of murder. Is he guilty, or afraid? Only Paige can help him now… A taut, gripping mystery perfect for fans of The Silent Patient and The Family Upstairs. Praise for The Silent House:‘A unique, chilling, fast-paced read that plunges you into a world of silence that has so much to say’ Deborah Masson ‘A superb innovation for the crime genre . . . a brilliantly terrifying premise and a twisty, gripping tale’ Philippa East ‘Sinister, layered, atmospheric … I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough’ Debbie Howells ‘A nail-biting page-turner of a thriller … The sense of a community isolated, and all the conflicts and tensions that brings, adds satisfying layers of complexity’ James Oswald  i was thrilled at the chance of reading this book. I have read this authors previous work and I can honestly say I was really looking forward to this one.
This is one of those books that really does drag you in. Paige Northwood is a BSL interpreter. (British Sign Laungage) Paige interprets for a lot of different people. After being contacted and finding out that a house was on fire, Paige attends to help Lukas whose house is on fire, Lukas is deaf so needs Paige to sign for him so he can understand what is going on. Lukas' wife is still inside the burning building. It is soon discovered that Lukas' wife Nadia was all ready dead when the fire started and it wasn't the fire that killed her. Paige believes that Lukas is innocent and will go as far as she can to help him. However not everyone is being straight with Paige. Why are people not telling her the full facts, what are things being kept from her. Deceipt, family. love, loyalty this book has it all. Full of twist yet a very easy read to fly through. Once started I was so engrosed in the story I couldn't put it down. Loved everything about this book and more. I look forward to reading more from this author and I have no problems what so ever recommending this book. 
Psychopaths can take root in the unlikeliest soil…
DC Maggie Jamieson crosses paths once again with Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood when a domestic violence survivor stumbles into her new refuge, unable to speak, desperate for help. Then another case hits Maggie’s desk. A young man has been murdered, and a curious constellation of black dots has been inked onto his cheek. That’s when DCI Hastings goes missing and Maggie uncovers a shocking connection that turns the case on its head. Every family may hide secrets, but not every family buries them…
Dead Secret by Noelle Holten, I can't believe that this is all ready the 4th book by this author. It doesn't seem long since reading her debut and I'm thrilled at the success this series has achieved. Since that first book I have eagerly awaited each new instalment and I have to say they are just getting better and better. I didn't think it was possible after the first book. I think this author has an advantage as a book blogger, she knows the sort of books people enjoy and she is now in a position to deliver the exact read that people want. Bravo Noelle, you are smashing this.
so Book 4, what did I think. Simple, loved it. The end. This is a fantastic addition to the series, familiar characters, new characters and a story that gets you involved, absorbed into the pages, wanting to read as quick as possible, then not wanting it to end. Its time that Maggie started to think of herself, too much work and not enough fun. But with a missing DCI is that going to be possible. While investigating a murder, it emerges that DCI Hastings is missing! But then it appears that his wife and daughter are also missing. Is Maggie taking on more than she can handle. A domestic case brings Maggie into contact with Lucy Sherwood, who has set up a shelter, a safe house to help people from domestic violence. But Who is this lady that needs help and what has happened to her, it's a struggle to find anything out. With everything going on in her life it's a wonder Maggie knows what day it is, but as always everything she does, she gives her all. I again found this book really engaging, not wanting to close the pages, needing to know what was happening. It really did pull me in, and oh my god, it spits you out at the end and leaves you gasping, needing more but knowing you are going to have for the next book to find out what is going to happen next. Fantastic ending. 
Author Bio:
Noelle Holten is an award-winning blogger at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. She is the PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of risk cases as well as working in a multi agency setting. She has three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice – and a Masters in Criminology. Noelle’s hobbies include reading, attending as many book festivals as she can afford and sharing the booklove via her blog. Dead Inside – her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson. Connect with Noelle on Social Media here: Subscribe to Newsletter: http://ow.ly/cgww50BkBtt Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelleholtenauthor/ Blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crimebookjunkie/ Instagram: @author_noelleholten Website: https://www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk Bookbub Author page : https://bit.ly/2LkT4LB 
Thrilled today to be sharing an extract from Blood Loss
'...in the same league as Ian Rankin and L J Ross...' Graham Rolph
'. My arms broke out in goose-bumps! Wow!' Susan Hampson, Books From Dust Till Dawn Kerena Swan’s brilliant novel explores how honest mistakes and human frailty can have terrifying and long-reaching consequences. It’s a tale of family ties and loyalty, revenge and redemption that you won’t want to put down. Sarah With one eye on the rear view mirror and the other on the road ahead, Sarah is desperate to get as far away from the remote Scottish cabin as she can without attracting attention. But being inconspicuous isn't easy with a black eye and clothes soaked in blood... ... and now the fuel tank is empty. DI Paton When a body is discovered in a remote cabin in Scotland, DI Paton feels a pang of guilt as he wonders if this is the career break he has been waiting for. But the victim is unidentifiable and the killer has left few clues. Jenna With the death of her father and her mother's failing health, Jenna accepts her future plans must change but nothing can prepare her for the trauma yet to come. Fleeing south to rebuild her life Sarah uncovers long-hidden family secrets. Determined to get back what she believes is rightfully hers, Sarah thinks her future looks brighter. But Paton is still pursuing her... ... and he's getting closer.
I was inspired to write this novel after reading a news article about people who undertook DNA tests to find out more about their heritage with shocking results.
Blood Loss is book one in a series featuring DI Paton and his son Tommy, a boy with Down’ Syndrome. After writing Who’s There? I was asked many times to write a sequel with the main character, Arnold. Tommy is a reincarnation of Arnold with a few subtle differences. You can discover the characters in a free novella available on my website. www.kerenaswan.com DI Paton Detective Inspector Dave Paton disconnected the call to his mobile and looked at his son who was pulling on his coat. This wouldn’t go down well. ‘I’m sorry, Tommy, we can’t go bowling today after all. Something has come up at work. I promise we’ll go next Saturday instead.’ Paton couldn’t deny the shiver he’d felt across his skin when the Chief Inspector said a murder victim had been discovered, and he couldn’t quite decide if it had been alarm or excitement. He longed for a case to challenge him and help him get promotion. Something that would prove he was capable of being the senior investigating officer. After all, he was forty-eight now and if he didn’t achieve this soon it would be too late in his career. With the demands his family placed on him he’d never had the opportunity before. Would this be his chance? Tommy paused with one arm in a sleeve. His flat face and slanted eyes, typical of a child with Down’s syndrome, gave nothing away but his voice was aggrieved. He was nearly as tall as his father and he looked him straight in the eye. ‘You promised, Dad.’ Paton grabbed his car keys. ‘I know, son, but this is important. I’ll take you to Auntie Ursula’s instead and Mum will pick you up when she finishes work.’ Tommy might be fifteen but he couldn’t be left alone. To Paton’s relief, Tommy nodded. He was a nice-natured boy and he understood his dad had important work to do. The cold air pinched Paton’s cheeks as they rushed to the car outside. Scotland always seemed much colder compared to Weymouth in the south of England where he grew up. ‘Get in the back please, Tommy. We need to collect Cheryl.’ Ten minutes later Paton pulled up at the kerb and Detective Constable Cheryl Campbell scrambled in. ‘Hi, boss. Any more info?’ She clipped her seat belt on quickly as he accelerated away. He did have more information, but he couldn’t tell her yet. ‘Hello, DC Cheryl.’ She swivelled in her seat to look behind her. ‘Tommy! I didn’t realise you were with us.’ She smiled at the boy then glanced across at Paton with her eyebrows raised. Tommy leaned forward and patted her shoulder. ‘I’m coming to work with you.’ His round face was creased into a wide smile and his thick tongue muffled his speech. ‘Sorry. Not today, Plodders.’ Paton flashed Tommy a quick smile, using the nickname he’d earned as a small boy when he’d insisted on being called PC Plod. ‘I’m dropping you at Auntie Ursula’s like we agreed. We’ll do some investigating another day. Perhaps we can track down the thief who’s been raiding the biscuit jar.’ ‘Oh, Dad, I know it was you.’ Tommy laughed and sat back in his seat. ‘He ate all the Fox’s Crunch Creams again,’ Tommy told Cheryl. ‘Mum will be cross.’ ‘How is your mum?’ Paton glanced sideways at Cheryl. She knew about Wendy’s bouts of depression which confined her to bed for a week or two and sometimes longer. In fact, his whole team knew but he wasn’t keen on discussing it in front of Tommy, or at all for that matter. Paton’s private life was just that. Private. He couldn’t have people feeling sorry for him and thinking he couldn’t do his job properly. They got by… just, although it was difficult at times. ‘Mum’s upset. She found three grey hairs the other day,’ Tommy said with a small shake of his head. Cheryl grinned. ‘I wish I could come to work there again. Where are you and Cheryl going, Dad?’ Paton looked at his son in the rear-view mirror and felt a rush of affection. Tommy had his heart set on being a detective like his father and Grandfather and had recently been given the opportunity of two weeks’ work experience in the police station staff canteen, He was devastated when it finished. He’d even helped solve a problem case for Paton, albeit unwittingly. ‘Will you need your handcuffs? Is someone stealing again?’ Tommy pulled a plastic set of cuffs from his pocket. ‘You can borrow mine if you’ve forgotten yours.’ He dangled them between the front seats. ‘I won’t, but thanks for the offer.’ Paton stopped outside his sister’s house. ‘Come on, out you get. Maybe Mum will buy you fish and chips when she finishes work.’ Paton’s stomach growled at the thought of food and he sighed. ‘Tell her I’ll grab a sandwich somewhere.’
Purchase Links
US - https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Loss-Paton-Investigates-Book-ebook/dp/B08ZLPV615/ UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Loss-Paton-Investigates-Book-ebook/dp/B08ZLPV615/ Blood Loss will be just 99p for a limited time only! About Kerena Swan We are thrilled to be introducing DI Dave Paton and his son Tommy, the stars of the first novel in Kerena Swan’s new series, to the world. Before coming to Hobeck, Kerena had published three novels, Dying To See You, Scared to Breathe and Who’s There? and has built a solid fan base around her writing career thus far. She is a juggler extraordinaire: driving forward a successful care business she runs with her husband yet finding time to write. She loves to write, here and there and everywhere when she’s not working. We don’t know how she does it but we are glad that she does! Kerena talks about her writing, her influences and how she came to Hobeck in this video. Social Media Links Website: https://kerenaswan.wordpress.com/ Twitter: @kerenaswan Facebook : @kerenaswan · Author |
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