FORGET ME NOT Claire Allan 30 May 2019 ‘AMAZING’ Marian Keyes I disappeared on a Tuesday afternoon. I was there one minute and the next I was gone. They’ve never found my body… It’s six in the morning during the hottest summer on record when Elizabeth O’Loughlin, out walking her dog, comes across Clare, a victim of a horrific knife attack, clinging onto life at the side of the road. Clare dies minutes later, but not before whispering her haunting last words to Elizabeth. When it becomes clear that Clare’s killer has more than one murder on his mind, Elizabeth has to take drastic action or face losing everything. But what if she can’t stop a killer determined never to be forgotten? About the author: A former journalist and columnist, Claire Allan has been writing fiction since 2006. An Irish Times bestseller, she has tackled issues from post-natal depression, infertility, and dementia through to writing a based-on-a-true-story book about a couple reunited after 50 years apart. She has now decided to unleash her dark side! Married with two children, two cats and a mad puppy she is happiest lost in a good book. She has kissed Michael Buble. Thrilled to be sharing this extract with you today.I was sitting in front of the kitchen range, shaking. I winced at the sweetness of the tea I’d been given for the shock.
‘Mrs O’Loughlin, if we can just go over your statement one more time,’ the kindly faced police officer said to me. He’d been lovely. So gentle in his manner. So sorry for what I’d been through, even though I wasn’t the victim here. Not at all. ‘I’m not sure I’ve anything more to tell you,’ I said, placing the cup on the kitchen table, the shake in my hand more pronounced than it normally was. ‘I can’t think of anything more.’ My brain was trying to process the trauma. I knew that. In my younger years I’d worked as a theatre nurse. Cared for many survivors of catastrophic traumas – the de facto warzone that Derry had been during the Troubles meant I saw more than most. Heard more than most. Lost limbs, blast wounds, burns, gunshots, a child who couldn’t be saved, whose body was broken beyond repair by the impact of a car bomb. Images were coming at me now. Fast. Horrific. I shook my head to try to get rid of them, but they didn’t go. They wouldn’t go and now I had these flashes of that woman, her orange T-shirt and linen trousers – blood-soaked, mud-soaked, wet through. Her eyes, flickering, closed. That wound, jagged, vicious, intentional.
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'Fantastic' MARTINA COLE
'Britain's answer to Harry Bosch' MATT HILTON 'A powerful thriller from an explosive new talent' DAVID MARK ______________________ After The Puppet Show, a new storm is coming . . . Jared Keaton, chef to the stars. Charming. Charismatic. Psychopath . . . He's currently serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of his daughter, Elizabeth. Her body was never found and Keaton was convicted largely on the testimony of Detective Sergeant Washington Poe. So when a young woman staggers into a remote police station with irrefutable evidence that she is Elizabeth Keaton, Poe finds himself on the wrong end of an investigation, one that could cost him much more than his career. Helped by the only person he trusts, the brilliant but socially awkward Tilly Bradshaw, Poe races to answer the only question that matters: how can someone be both dead and alive at the same time? And then Elizabeth goes missing again - and all paths of investigation lead back to Poe.
After reading book 1, The Puppet Show and absolutely loving the characters in it, I couldn't wait to start book 2. What a god damn awesome read it was.
I couldn't wait to be back in the lives of Poe and Tilly, what a remarkable duo these two are. I love the bond between them both and the so unlikely working relationship that just works so well. Poe is again in need of help again and it's his buddy Tilly that will be there to help him. Super Chef Jared Keaton was locked up for the murder of his daughter, It was Poe who helped get him locked up. The shocker is when 6 years later still serving the time he was given, Jared Keaton's daughter Elizabeth suddenly turns up. This has everyone stumped, even super fact finding Tilly can't work out this one, after all, all the evidence was there to show that Elizabeth had been murdered. That is everything, but the body. Let the madness commence. WHAT A READ! These books would make for some awesome Sunday night TV viewing. I really couldn't recommend these books highly enough. I guess you could get away with reading this having not read The Puppet Show, but I really wouldn't recommend doing so. These books are so good, to know you have every little detail in your mind, you really should read them in order. Outstanding writing, and a series i'm going to love book after book, I just can't keep waiting for the next one to come out. Maybe I need some form of time machine to take me to the next publication. I so so can't wait. This book will be going on my 2019 Must Reads list, without a doubt.
Description‘Gritty and gripping’ Kimberley Chambers
‘A gripping yet tear-jerking gangland masterpiece’ Kerry Barnes Having been brought up amongst the hardest gangsters and faces of London, Franny Doyle learnt never to let love be her weakness. But she’ll do anything to protect those close to her, and at whatever cost. Her partner Alfie Jennings is under pressure. The only person he ever sent down has recently been released from prison, and his Soho nightclub is under threat from his rival Charlie Eton – a man who doesn’t respond kindly to people taking away his business. Charlie is playing dirty to come out on top, and when innocent children become involved in the feud, Franny and Alfie are dragged into a dark underworld where Alfie must face demons from his past, and Franny is in a dangerous race against time to ensure her own secrets aren’t exposed. Betrayal and lies come with consequences, and old sins cast long shadows…The heart-racing new thriller perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole.
Jacqui Rose is one of those authors that I don't even have to read the synopsis to know, I WILL BE READING THE BOOK. JR has never disappointed me with any of her books and she is one of my all time favourite authors.
This lady can write! Sinner is the latest instalment in the Alfie Jennings & Franny Doyle series of books. I love these characters, have loved following them on their journeys. For me personally the story is better as I've read all the previous books. I wouldn't say you needed to read them all first, but I always find you get a better feel for the characters. For me in this book Franny seemed a very different person, obviously things that have happened in the past have contributed to this, and while things are explained as you go along, a better feel is had by reading the books in order. When an old face rears his ugly head, Alfie Jennings is not happy, facing pressures and seeming somewhat stressed out, Franny pleads with Alfie to slow down, move away again but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. With his business under threat Alfie Jennings seems to have it all on his hands. With the tension building it isn't long before Franny and Alfie have trouble in their life. Franny is also trying to keep secrets hidden, but how long she can do this for is anyone's guess? The past could be coming to bite everyone. This book has you gripped from the opening pages, starts with a boom and ends with a boom. Filled with suspense. Each and every page from start to finish, I couldn't turn them quick enough. I wanted to read and find out what was going on, what was going to happen, then I wanted to slow down and savour the book because I knew I'd have a while to wait for the next one. Everything a Jacqui Rose fan will want in a book. Ideal for fans of Mel Sherratt, Jessie Keane, Casey Kelleher, Emma Tallon.
Description
Can she follow her dreams – against all the odds? Liverpool, 1955. With her abusive husband drinking all her wages, Alice faces a daily struggle to provide for her family. Her eldest daughter Cathy has always longed to be a nurse, but when the family’s poverty means she’s forced to leave school and get a job – without the qualifications she needs – it looks like her dreams are over. But Cathy isn’t willing to give up without a fight, and with the support of old friend – and new love – Gianni, she manages to secure a place as a cadet nurse, learning as she works. Cathy knows that without her around, her mam must stand up to her violent husband alone – and that with less money coming in, Alice will be in danger of losing everything. What’s more, since nursing students must be unmarried, and Gianni is desperate to settle down, it’s not just her mam who hopes that Cathy will come home… Can Cathy find a way to have it all, or will becoming a nurse mean leaving her family – and love – behind her? The Nurses of Lark Lane is a heart-breaking saga about a family’s battle to survive. If you love Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Donna Douglas, you won’t want to miss Pam Howes! An earlier version of this book was previously published as Cathy’s Clown. This edition contains significant editorial revisions. My Thoughts I am so glad I got into reading this series. What an emotional rollercoaster these characters have been on, and I've been there with each and every up or down. Pam has created an amazing set of characters, characters that you can really relate to, characters that I really feel like I actually know, and at times I've wanted to reach into the pages and give out cuddles, advice or a slap or two. If a book can make you feel so many emotions, then it shows what an amazing job the author has done in engaging you with the story. It was fantastic being back in the world of the Lark Lane Crew. We focus more this time around on Cathy and her life. Cathy has grown into an amazing young lady. Training to become a nurse has been a dream for Cathy, but circumstances at home mean getting a job is the only thing really that Cathy can do to help support her mother and younger sisters. Her Step father Jack is nothing but a horrible drunk and Cathy hates that she is working to support his drinking. The author does an amazing job taking you back in time. I can not recommend this book or this series highly enough. I have loved each and every one. If you are going to read this one may I just say that a pack of tissues would be advisable. The emotions you go through are crazy. Loved it. a first class read, taken back in time with fantastic characters. Written beautifully.
Readers love Lark Lane!
‘I absolutely loved it!… Alice is an excellent character… This book gave me so many different emotions throughout… All of the characters are so well written… I can't wait to read more from Pam Howes. A must read.’ Booking Good Read ‘I really love this… The author has a definite knack of writing stories which just get you absolutely hooked 100% and tugs at your heartstrings… I found myself gripped… Took in the atmosphere and surroundings… absolutely perfectly!… It does make you reach for the tissues, but it’s a wonderful heart-warming read of love, loss, family and friendships. Fabulous!!!’ Stardust Book Reviews ‘Pam has a wonderful talent and makes these books engaging, emotional, enjoyable and unputdownable… The story is brilliant. Very well written. It flowed beautifully… Captures you from the word go… This really was an emotional book at times, I feel like I have been on a huge life journey with Alice… A first-class page-turner you really want to read.’ I Love Reading
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pam Howes was born in Cheshire. She is an ex Interior Designer who began writing seriously in the mid nineties. The idea for her first novel, set in the sixties, was inspired by her time as a teenager, working in a local record store and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. That first novel evolved into a series set in the fictional town of Pickford, based on her home town of Stockport. Three Steps to Heaven; 'Til I Kissed You; Always On My Mind; Not Fade Away, and That'll Be The Day, follow the lives and loves through the decades of fictional Rock'n'Roll band The Raiders. Pam is a big fan of sixties music and it's this love that compelled her to write the series. A stand-alone true-life romance, Fast Movin' Train, set in the nineties, was published in early 2012. Pam is mum to three adult daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren, and roadie to one musician partner. Pam recently signed a second contract with the award winning publisher Bookouture and the first novel in her new Lark Lane series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane, will be published in July 2018. Her first series for Bookouture - The Mersey Trilogy - is available in E book, paperback and as audio books. The Lost Daughter of Liverpool The Forgotten Family of Liverpool The Liverpool Girls Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pam-Howes-Books/260328010709267 And Twitter @PamHowes1 Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publication Date: April 2019 Series: The Detective’s Daughter #7 Purchase link Amazon uk Trudy Wates stopped inside Stella’s porch. The front door was ajar. She had two choices. Step away and call Stella –better still the police –or venture inside and check the place herself.Since she’d started working as Stella Darnell’s a year ago ago, Trudy knew that she had a hard act to follow. Her predecessor, Jackie Makepeace, had anticipated Stella’s every requirement before Stella realized what she required. Trudy had set about proving herself a match for Jackie (now running Stella’s fledgling detective agency). Trudy intended to exceed expectations.Stella would hate to be interrupted while she was deep cleaning for a client. Trudy must present Stella with a problem solved. She tipped open the door with a gloved finger.The ground floor –living room and kitchen –appeared untouched. Easy to tell because of course Stella kept her own house as clean and tidy as she did her clients’. Trudy climbed to the half landing.The first door was shut. A burglar could be lying in wait.‘Who’s there?’ Trudy hadleft the front door open so that she could be heard from the street. She was in her forties but went to a boot camp twice a week and walked whenever possible. She carried a penknife, an unwanted present from her husband that, since his death, she treasured. It was her talisman.Trudy flung wide the door. No one in the bathroom. One down. Two to go.She climbed the stairs to the top landing and approached the room that faced the street. If there was someone in there she would confront them. She didn’t want to be surprised from behind by trying the door of the closest room.Stella’s bedroom. Her bed was neatly made without a crease. Trudy found no one inside the built-in wardrobe. A lingering whiff of Stella’s perfume was distantly reassuring. She caught herself in triplicate in the three mirrored doors. She looked rigid with tension. Since becoming a widow she had aged years. She gripped the knife and went back along the landing.Later, Trudy would tell the police (they sent Chief Superintendent Cashman, presumably because Stella was a copper’s daughter) that the intruders had only been in Stella’s study where they’d tried to steal Stella’s computer and her printer. The monitor lay by the door, wires trailing. Paper files were strewn on the floor. Cashman
BiographyLesley Thomson is a Londoner. Her first crime novel A Kind of Vanishing won The People's Book Prize in 2010. The Detective's Daughter is a number one bestseller and Sainsbury's ebook for 2014. Ghost Girl, the second in the The Detective's Daughter series (2014) went to number one in Sainsbury's e-chart and is another bestseller. The Detective's Secret was published in 2015. The Runaway, an ebook short about Stella Darnell (the detective's daughter) came out in July 2015 and the fourth in the series, The House with No Rooms in 2016. The Dogwalker, another case for Stella and Jack, in 2017. In 2018 The Death Chamber was published. The Playground Murders came out in 2019.
Lesley lives in Sussex with her partner and her dog and is working on The Mermaid Murder, a story set in Newhaven that features Fred Power, a female mobile fishmonger.
Praise for Mel Sherratt:
‘I love all Mel Sherratt’s books’ IAN RANKIN ‘Twists and turns and delivers a satisfying shot of tension’ RACHEL ABBOTT TICK… In the city of Stoke, a teenage girl is murdered in the middle of the day, her lifeless body abandoned in a field behind her school. TOCK… Two days later, a young mother is abducted. She’s discovered strangled and dumped in a local park. TIME’S UP… DS Grace Allendale and her team are brought in to investigate, but with a bold killer, no leads and nothing to connect the victims, the case seems hopeless. It’s only when a third woman is targeted that a sinister pattern emerges. A dangerous mind is behind these attacks, and Grace realises that the clock is ticking… Can they catch the killer before another young woman dies? The #1 bestseller returns with a breathtaking thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers.
I really was excited when I received an early copy of this. I had loved reading Hush Hush and couldn't wait to get started. As I read so many books sometimes I find it good to refresh my mind, so I read the last 25% of Hush Hush then moved right on to Tick Tock... I was chomping at the bitt to get started.
I love the character that is Grace Allendale and she's back fighting another case. What is in store for her this time around is a pretty grim case. When a local school girl if found dead while taking part in a cross country run with school all eyes are on Grace and her team to find out how this could have happened. How did anyone know when and where the children would be running? Was this an opportunist or someone she knew? When a young mother is found dead two days later the pressure steps up for Grace and her team. Are these two murders linked in someway, could it be a serial killer or is it just a coincidence that 2 murders happen within 2 days. No leads, no clues its a race against the clock 'Tick, Tock' This book will no doubt keep all 'Sherratt' fans on the edge of their seat, another stonker of a read, absolutely loved it. I wanted and needed to read, read, read. It had me well and truly hooked. Grace and her team go the extra mile as always and will do everything they can to solve this case, no matter what it throws at them along the way. It was good getting to Know a little more of Grace in this book and finding out more of her private life. She's one of those characters that you just want to wish the best for, one of those characters that you really connect with. Yes she's a police officer, but she's also human and this really stands out for her. This book really will get those nerves tingling, have you hanging off the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more. Outstanding from the first page to the very last page. I look forward to reading more.
He’s inside.
She’s running the family. But now he’s back – only one can boss the streets of Liverpool. Packed with twists, turns and deceit, get ready for the first novel in an explosive new gangland crime series. HE’S OUT FOR BLOOD After a stint inside, notorious gangster Nathan Conlon is back. He says he’s a changed man, but old habits die hard on Liverpool’s gritty streets. He’ll stop at nothing to reclaim his formidable criminal empire – and his long-suffering ex-wife, Grace. SHE’S OUT FOR REVENGE Grace once kissed the ground that Nathan walked on, but not anymore. She’s head of the firm now, commanding respect from the best of them, and she’ll do anything to protect her family – even if it means beating Nathan at the dirtiest of games . . . WHO WILL COME OUT ON TOP?
Ohhh my dayzzzz. What a read!
Loved this book, absolutely loved it. I wanted to follow Grace's life forever, I wanted to part of it. Hell there were times in this book I actually felt like I was sat on the bar stool in the Rose & Crown listening and watching the comings and goings. I really felt like I'd walked into this book, the moment I started reading it, I knew it was one I was going to be lost in. Grace is taking back her life. Little by little. Having suffered in an abusive marriage it's time for Grace to put on her big girl knickers and tackle the monster that was once her husband, Nathan. Nathan is a nasty, sly piece of work and you can really see the damage he has done to Grace. He's a typical charismatic villain Unfortunately he's also controlling and manipulative. The good looks, the gift of the gab, but no more, it's now graces to turn to show who is the boss. This is a fight for the top and you won't want to miss out on being part of it. Set in Liverpool this Gangland thriller has everything you want from a book that is going to keep you reading until the early hours. Great twists and characters you will either love or hate. A fantastic story line with plenty packed into the pages that will keep you rooted. I'm not always a fan of books that go from past to present, but this was done perfectly to help you get to know the characters and their back story. Suffering with a chronic illness sometimes has it's advantages as I woke twice during the night, got up made a cuppa and got back in bed with my kindle. It didn't take me to long to get through this bad boy. Trust me when I say 'it's a book that's not to be missed' Caz Finlay is going to be an author to watch for in this genre. She will soon be up there with some of the best. I really look forward to reading a lot more from this author. Fans of Jessie Keane, Jacqui Rose and Casey Kelleher will absolutely love this book. Praise for THE BOSS! 'A fast-paced tale of family bonds, treachery, cruelty and love that will have you gripped from the very first page. A must-read for crime lovers’ Amanda Brooke ‘A stunning debut . . . an explosive ending which will leave readers both satisfied and wanting more’ Mary Torjussen ‘A gritty, gripping page-turner of a read! A 5* stonker of a debut . . . Loved it and can’t wait to read more in this series’ Fiona Collins Dead Inside by Noelle Holten #Review #BlogTour @CrimebookJunkie @Killerreads @BOTBSPublicity6/6/2019
Book Description:
‘Kept me hooked … excellent pace and a very satisfying ending’ Angela Marsons ‘An excellent read’ Martina Cole 'A brilliant debut – gritty, dark and chilling. Noelle Holten knows her stuff’ Mel Sherratt A dark and gripping debut crime novel – the first in a stunning new series – from a huge new talent. The killer is just getting started… When three wife beaters are themselves found beaten to death, DC Maggie Jamieson knows she is facing her toughest case yet. The police suspect that Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood – who is connected to all three victims – is hiding a dark secret. Then a fourth domestic abuser is brutally murdered. And he is Lucy’s husband. Now the police are running out of time, but can Maggie really believe her friend Lucy is a cold-blooded killer?
Well, well, well. What a debut this is. This book is going places. Thrilling from the first page to the last, brilliant story, brilliant characters, turns you wouldn't expect, wow, this book has it all. Everything you need for an unputdownable read.
It's hard to believe that this book is actually a debut. it's written like it's by an author who has many, many books under their belt. For a crime thriller it was great to see not only what goes on with the Police, but how some things worked in the probation side of it. I also loved the Characters, so many familiar names in there that I felt I already knew the characters and had their image in my head each time I read about them. I loved that the chapters were kept short, it gives you the chance to just keep saying one more chapter. There is just something I love about books with short chapters. Lucy was an amazing character to follow. Working for probation and specialising in Domestic abuse, Lucy is very good at the job she does. She is assertive and in control. If only this was the case in her private life. Lucy is the victim of domestic violence, you would think this would be something Lucy would get away from but her husband Patrick seems to have such an influence over her it's scary. It's almost like Lucy is playing the part of two different people. You have to read the book to fully understand this, Its amazing the effect Domestic Abuse has on people and how people can find ways of hiding it. Being fearful of her husband is something I really couldn't imagine for myself, as they say you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Patrick is a man you just want to hate, although he does seem to have a nice side somewhere it's a shame that side of him isn't the real Patrick. His character really got on my nerves, I don't mean in a way that put me off the book, I mean he was someone I could have happily done harm to. He frustrates me so much that he could be like he was with his wife. There are a whole host of other characters in this book that I really did like, and i'm hoping to meet them again when Noelle's second book comes out in November. The overall story of this book, even though it was based around a not so good subject of Domestic Abuse it was done fantastically. A fast paced plot, and a story you just lost yourself in. If you are going to read this book then please, clear your diary first. I can't believe i'd had this book on pre order for almost 7 months. It's safe to say it was well worth waiting for.
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 a regular reviewer on the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast. Noelle worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of cases including those involving serious domestic abuse. She has three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice – and a Masters in Criminology. Noelle's hobbies include reading, author-stalking and sharing the booklove via her blog. Noelle is also a very good friend and support to many, many people in the bookish world, Noelle has been a wonderful friend and support to me over the last few years and I'd like to take the opportunity to say 'Thank you' You have been a massive support to me when I've bugged you with silly questions, and messaged you in middle of another of my family crisis'. Thank you will never be enough. Noelle it amazes me when you put your mind to something you go out and literally smash it. You don't do things by halves, when you do something you give it your all. I want to wish you all the luck in the world and I know your book and following books are going to be a huge success. Love ya girly. Dead Inside is her debut novel with Killer Reads/Harper Collins UK and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson. Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelleholtenauthor/ Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40 Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18489795.Noelle_Holten Blog: https://www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk Instagram: @crimebookjunkie |
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