Description VICTIM. SURVIVOR. ABDUCTOR. CRIMINAL. YOU WILL BECOME EACH ONE. 'Starting THE CHAIN is like climbing aboard a runaway train. You'll miss meals, sleep, and your stop on the bus - guaranteed.' VAL McDERMID 'Incredibly propulsive and original. You won't shake it for a long time.' STEPHEN KING 'Scary, plausible, gripping ... If you like compelling storytelling, this taut thriller is going to be your summer holiday read.' IAN RANKIN 'I may not read a better thriller in my lifetime. It just doesn't get any better than THE CHAIN.' STEVE CAVANAGH * * * * * YOUR PHONE RINGS. A STRANGER HAS KIDNAPPED YOUR CHILD. TO FREE THEM YOU MUST ABDUCT SOMEONE ELSE'S CHILD. YOUR CHILD WILL BE RELEASED WHEN YOUR VICTIM'S PARENTS KIDNAP ANOTHER CHILD. IF ANY OF THESE THINGS DON'T HAPPEN: YOUR CHILD WILL BE KILLED. YOU ARE NOW PART OF THE CHAIN * * * * * You just dropped off your child at the bus stop. A panicked stranger calls your phone. Your child has been kidnapped, and the stranger explains that their child has also been kidnapped, by a completely different stranger. The only way to get your child back is to kidnap another child within 24 hours. Your child will be released only when the next victim's parents kidnap yet another child, and most importantly, the stranger explains, if you don't kidnap a child, or if the next parents don't kidnap a child, your child will be murdered. You are now part of The Chain.
I loved the idea behind this story. It sounded intreuging and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. The Chain is brilliantly written with an excellent story line that drags you right into those pages. This was an easy to follow story with some brilliant characters. This is the first book I have read by this author and I think it's safe to say it won't be the last one. This book leaves you thinking about it, long after you have finished reading it.
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The Missing Wife by Sam Carrington #BlogTour @AvonBooksuk #Extract @sam_carrington1 @Sabah_K19/7/2019
You think you know those closest to you. You are wrong…
A sleep-deprived new mother approaching her fortieth birthday, the very last thing Louisa wants to do is celebrate. But when her friend Tiff organises a surprise party, inviting the entire list of Louisa’s Facebook friends, Louisa is faced with a room full of people she hasn’t spoken to in years – including someone she never expected to see again: her ex-boyfriend, Oliver Dunmore. When Oliver’s wife Melissa goes missing after the party, everyone remembers the night differently. Someone knows what happened to Melissa, and Louisa is determined to find them. But the truth could be closer, and the deception more devastating, than she’d ever imagined… A gripping psychological suspense novel, perfect for fans of Samantha Downing’s My Lovely Wife, Lucy Clarke’s You Let Me In and Linda Green’s The Last Thing She Told Me. ** PRAISE FOR THE MISSING WIFE ** ‘A pacy read, packed with surprises. Will keep you on your toes.’ Jane Corry, Sunday Times bestselling author of My Husband’s Wife ‘The Missing Wife is superb: one of those books that keeps you guessing and keeps you turning the pages. I was riveted.’ Alex Lake, bestselling author of After Anna ‘A gourmet read from start to finish – I couldn't put it down. Captivating. Exquisitely written. Exquisitely televisual.’ Amanda Robson, Sunday Times bestselling author of Envy Extract
Noah enjoyed being pushed in his pram, as long as Louisa kept it moving. If she could spend every hour of each day treading the pavements of Little Penchurch, he’d be a quiet baby. Tiff only lived a few minutes from her house, so rather than take the direct route, she went the long way around, circumnavigating the village in the hope Noah may stay asleep once she stopped at her destination. It was unlikely, but nevertheless she had to try something – and she was determined that nothing would stop her seeing Tiff this morning.
Tiff’s house was stunning, like her. It was detached – which again, some would say was one of her traits – standing in its own grounds set back from the road. Inside it was modern, spotless – like a show home. No husband or children to mess it up. Louisa opened the heavy wooden gate, manoeuvred Noah’s pram through and closed it behind her before walking down the side of the house to the back entrance. It was easier to get the pram through the patio doors at the rear. She hadn’t called ahead, so she hoped Tiff hadn’t left yet – she couldn’t remember if it was her yoga day.
What happens when a private investigator ends up being the one uncovered?
Having lost everything after a failed marriage, Beverley Saunders now lodges in the basement flat of a house owned by her best friend Sophie and her husband, Tim. With Bev's former glittering marketing career in the gutter, she begins to do investigative work for other wronged women, gathering dirt on philanderers, bosses and exes. But when Beverley takes on the case of Sophie's friend Angela, who is seeking to uncover grounds for divorce from her controlling husband, Jerry, the shadow Science Minister, she soon discovers that she isn't the only one doing the investigating... Beverley has a secret history she doesn't want coming out - but will she manage to stay hidden long enough to give Angela the freedom she deserves? Marnie Riches is back in this darkly comic thriller, perfect for fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers. Praise for Marnie Riches: 'Gritty and gripping' Kimberley Chambers, Sunday Times No.1 Bestseller 'Marnie Riches is already a leading light in the field of Mancunian noir.' The Guardian 'Gritty and great fun.' The Express 'Pacy, poignant, funny and violent, it grabs you by the hand and drags you down the mean streets of Manchester with such verve and authenticity that you can almost smell the rain and blood as you turn the pages.' Simon Toyne 'Fast-paced and enthralling' C. L. Taylor 'Fast, furious, fantastic...One killer thriller!' Mark Edwards 'Edgy' Clare Mackintosh
This got bumped up my TBR pile after reading some great reviews on it. The description of this book got me excited to read it.
Having a failed marriage behind her Bev is living in the basement flat of a wealthy friend. Her former career is over and Bev needs to be doing something to bring in some money. Her bills are piling up, her rent isn't being paid. Beginning to do Private investigative work, Bev soon has a client in need of her help. The wife of The Shadow Science Minister want's a divorce. Her husband is nasty and controlling and she's desperate to break away from him. This book had me hooked, well and truly hooked. You know from quite early on that this story was building up to something big, something explosive, which means every opportunity I had to sit and read some more. Not sleeping also helped as instead of arguing with my self that I needed sleep I just picked up my kindle to read some more. A superbly written story that felt very different to have the main character as a private detective rather than a police officer or gangster. I love that the setting of this book in and around Manchester meant that I knew a lot of places that were mentioned. I always find it really helps add to the visual of the story. The character of Bev was first class, I loved everything about her, in fact I loved everything about this book it's gritty, thrilling, an edge of your seat page turner but with some humour throughout. This book has everything, and more. Is Bev getting herself in too deep and causing herself more upset than is needed? Can she help Alison break away from her controlling husband. Well to find out you need to read the book and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this book.
A case with no leads.
A victim with no enemies. A killer with no conscience… When Detective Beth Young is called to investigate a victim with multiple broken bones, nothing prepares her for what she finds. James Sinclair is fighting for his life, and Beth can’t shake the idea that the nature of his injuries suggest someone with a personal grudge against him. But James’s devastated wife Laura insists that her kind, softly-spoken husband is a man with no enemies. She was the one with the fiery temper, but James was so calm, she’d never once managed to provoke even a cross word from him in their eight year marriage. And he was the same with everyone – she can’t name one person who might want to hurt him. But she knows virtually no details about her husband’s childhood or his life before he moved to the Lake District as a young man, and Beth feels sure that the key to finding James’s attacker is hidden in the secrets of his past. Who was he really? And what is the significance of the coded messages that Beth finds hidden on his laptop? Then two more bodies are found in one of the deep, picturesque lakes that the area is so famous for, exhibiting similar injuries to the ones James Sinclair suffered. How are they connected? And how many more people are at risk? Beth knows she is in a race against time to hunt a vicious killer who is both elusive and incredibly dangerous. A killer who knows what James did in the past. Who likes to be one step ahead. But who – if they realise they’re being hunted – might come for Beth next…
I just knew as soon as I started this book that I wasn't going to be disappointed. Mr Smith certainly knows how to write a book that will drag you in at page one and spit you back out at the end, leaving you wanting more. I'm loving this series.
When DC Beth Young is given a new case to investigate it's all systems go. Found at home by his wife, James Sinclair is on the edge of life, an attack that was so vicious , so nasty that Beth know whoever has done this needs to be caught and caught soon. It seems James had no enemies and got on with everyone. But it's clear to Beth that this can’t be the case or this man wouldn't have just been found looking like he'd been hit with a speeding train. Beth and her investigating team are soon put to the test when two more bodies are found. It's time to look into things more and start examining who could be responsible for these crimes. There has to be some connection somewhere, it's time to did in to their pasts and see what answers are thrown up. I'm loving the character of Beth, and it's good to see she getting on with her private life and not all work. Beth is a great character that over the last few books I really feel we have gotten to know her. She has demons that she wants answers to and it seems in this outing she is going to find the answers she needs. This was a fast read and I seemed so engrossed I devoured it in no time at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have no problems recommending this book at all. As with all of this authors books once you start them it's difficult to put them down. I look forward to reading more of this series and believe it's just getting better and better. Personally I would advise that you read these books in order as you get the feel for the characters a whole lot better. It could be read as a standalone but for the best of the characters then knowing their back stories is best. Description How far would you go to save the ones you love? The first book in a gripping new crime series featuring DCI Anna Tate. When nine children are snatched from a nursery school in South London, their distressed parents have no idea if they will ever see them again. The community in the surrounding area is in shock. How could this happen right under their noses? No one in the quiet suburban street saw anything – or at least that's what they're saying. But DCI Anna Tate knows that nothing is impossible, and she also knows that time is quickly running out. It’s unclear if the kidnappers are desperate for money or set on revenge, but the ransom is going up by £1million daily. And they know that one little boy in particular is fighting for his life. It’s one of the most disturbing cases DCI Anna Tate has ever worked on – not only because nine children are being held hostage, but because she’s pretty sure that someone close to them is lying… The first book in a gripping new crime series, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons’ Detective Kim Stone Series and LJ Ross’ DCI Ryan Mystery series. I have had this book a while on my kindle and been meaning to get round to reading it. When I realised the next book, AT YOUR DOOR was soon to be released I decided to get stuck in and make a start of this one. It was a good, interesting yet easy read. A difficult subject matter with it being about kidnapping. As a parent something like this would be one of your worst nightmares. This books makes you think about how you would cope should it have been you. It's a scary thought. DC Anna Tate is investigating a when 9 children have been kidnapped from a nursery. With something like this, everyone becomes a suspect. Parents are on the edge, tempers are flaring. This story moves along brilliant and really did grab my attention from the opening pages. There was at times some parts that I found myself getting emotional, this story is one that you feel you are involved with. I like the character of Anna Tate and I look forward to reading more in this series. The first book in a gripping new crime series, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons’ Detective Kim Stone Series and LJ Ross’ DCI Ryan Mystery series. I have previously read some of this authors other works and really enjoyed them. when I started this book that I didn't realise this author writes under another name also, I'm glad I hadn't realised as I feel I would have probably been comparing them. Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an Arc of this book.
Finally we’re playing a game. A game that I have chosen. I give one last push of the roundabout and stand back. 'You really should have played with me,’ I tell her again although I know she can no longer hear.
Late one summer evening, Detective Kim Stone arrives at Haden Hill Park to the scene of a horrific crime: a woman in her sixties tied to a swing with barbed wire and an X carved into the back of her neck. The victim, Belinda Evans, was a retired college Professor of Child Psychology. As Kim and her team search her home, they find an overnight bag packed and begin to unravel a complex relationship between Belinda and her sister Veronica. Then two more bodies are found bearing the same distinctive markings, and Kim knows she is on the hunt for a ritualistic serial killer. Linking the victims, Kim discovers they were involved in annual tournaments for gifted children and were on their way to the next event. With DS Penn immersed in the murder case of a young man, Kim and her team are already stretched and up against one of the most ruthless killer’s they’ve ever encountered. The clues lie in investigating every child who attended the tournaments, dating back decades. Faced with hundreds of potential leads and a bereaved sister who is refusing to talk, can Kim get inside the mind of a killer and stop another murder before it’s too late? The addictive new crime thriller from multi-million copy, number one bestseller Angela Marsons explores the dark side of child prodigies and will have you absolutely hooked.
Well, well, well,… I think I'm running out of things to say about this series without repeating myself, but when a series is this good it just needs shouting about, so I don't care if I repeat myself. I said, I don't care if I repeat myself.
Book 11 and this series just gets better and better. It's difficult to keep a series fresh and enjoyable but Angie Marsons certainly manages it. A feeling of being back with friends is what you get when opening a book from this series and as always real life needs to go on hold while you start the book. It's not far in and you know you are going to just love the book. Kim Stone has taken some time to get to know, and I feel she is a character that needs no explanation for fans of the series. This book certainly grips you with it's opening. What a way to start! This book like others has a whole host of characters, some you'll love, some you won't. What I did like in this book what the introduction to a new team member, which I think was received into the team a lot better than the last new member. Penn is off back to his old team, but don't worry it's only while there is a court case he is involved with. I think this also helped split the story and give us more of an insight into Penn the person. Kim and the rest of her team are investigating a very brutal murder, just where the author get's her idea's from, I don't know, I'm just glad she has them. A woman is found in rather grim circumstances and it's down to Kim and her to team to try and get to bottom of what has happened. It all happens in true 'Stone fashion which is what makes these books so damn enjoyable. Another great addition to the series, book 11 will like the previous 10 have you gripped from the opening pages and spit you out breathless at the very end. Bravo Angie Marsons you've done it again.
A Walk in Wildflower Park was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.
Life’s not always a walk in the park…Anna thought she’d found The One – until he broke off their engagement exactly a year before their wedding day. Hoping new surroundings will do her the world of good, she moves in to a place of her own on the edge of gorgeous Wildflower Park. With the help and friendship of her neighbour Sophie (a stressed-out mum whose children a regular source of newly-invented swear words and unidentifiable sticky surfaces), Anna quickly settles in and pledges to focus on her career, but a handsome new colleague seems determined to thwart her attempts at every turn. And when she receives a text from a mystery man, it looks as though an unlikely romance is on the horizon… Is Anna about to be swept off her feet by someone she really shouldn’t be falling for? Or could this be the new start she needs and deserves? Full of warmth and humour, this charming novel will delight fans of Debbie Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Jill Mansell.
Playlist
As I’m writing my novel I like to make a playlist of songs that feel appropriate and match to different scenes in the story. I see my book just like it’s a film so having a soundtrack makes perfect sense to me. And it’ll be very handy if the wonderful Richard Curtis ever comes knocking (well, an author can dream!) Different songs conjure up different moods and I think the mixture of tracks reflects the book. There are times of fun and happiness but the characters go through low points and struggles too. The songs span a wide date range, which says more about my eclectic taste in music than anything else but certainly makes my playlists unique. For A Walk in Wildflower Park I’ve found it tricky to whittle down my list because there have been so many songs that have felt like they fitted perfectly. The story spans the four seasons of the year and ends at Christmas so the music I’ve chosen reflects this but I didn’t need much of excuse to get Fairytale of New York on there! Here’s the final list: Wildflowers by Tom Petty One Kiss by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations Cherry Blossom Girl by Air Walks Like Rhianna by The Wanted Dreams by The Cranberries Gone by N Sync In Demand by Texas It’s Raining Men by the Weather Girls New York by Paloma Faith Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty McColl Christmas (Baby please come home) by Darlene Love Here’s a link to the playlist on Spotify -
A man who survived being drowned ends up in Manchester’s canal. Someone who was hit by a car is shoved in front of DC Archie Davey’s patrol vehicle.
Killers generally aren’t a happy bunch but this particular one seems to have a problem with second chances. Luckily for DI Jessica Daniel, things are looking up. She’s been assigned to work on the most crime-free estate in the city and she’s back living with her best friend. Things could not be hunky-dorier. That is unless there’s a sinister reason why the estate is so free of trouble...
It's no secret, I'm a huge Kerry Wilkinson fan and an even bigger fan of his Jessica Daniel series. I can't believe here we are at book 14. Wow, this woman has been through some stuff.
Each and every book for me just get's better. It's not just the stories and the cases that drag me in, I love following the lives of these fictional characters, and Jessica Daniel feels like a personal friend. I know more about her than I do of myself. Another great instalment here to the series. I find when there are so many books in a series it's so much better to read the books in order. This one didn't feel as action packed as some of the other books, but still a superbly enjoyable read, I loved how we got to see more of Jessica in her private life as well as her work life. The team are investigating an accident in which Jessica herself was involved with, the story flows along nicely and in parts really does grip you. A second case is woven into the story and really drags you along with it. Another superb read from an author who for me just doesn't write fast enough. Saying that if He released a book a week I'd still complain it wasn't quick enough. I look forward to reading more, and can't wait for the next one. |
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