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ClareR (5916 KP) rated Gallowstree Lane (Collins and Griffiths #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Fans of The Wire or Broadchurch will love this.
I didn't realise until after I'd finished this, that it was actually the third in the series - not that it made any difference whatsoever to my enjoyment!
It's a really well told, gritty police procedural, heavy on the character building. In fact I became very attached to these characters: the struggling single parent WPC; the teenaged boys who had become involved in drug dealing; the officer involved with a big operation; the DC investigating a murder. I didn't like the big drug dealer though (which I think was the whole point. He was a man devoid of conscience).
The mothers in this really resonated with me: women trying to do their best , one working long hours and sacrificing time with her baby to be able to provide for him in a job she loves; the other, a woman who risks losing her son to drug dealing and violence. Both women backed into impossible-to-get-out-of corners.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I'll be buying the first two in the series to read and catch up!!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to the author, Kate London, for reading along with us!
It's a really well told, gritty police procedural, heavy on the character building. In fact I became very attached to these characters: the struggling single parent WPC; the teenaged boys who had become involved in drug dealing; the officer involved with a big operation; the DC investigating a murder. I didn't like the big drug dealer though (which I think was the whole point. He was a man devoid of conscience).
The mothers in this really resonated with me: women trying to do their best , one working long hours and sacrificing time with her baby to be able to provide for him in a job she loves; the other, a woman who risks losing her son to drug dealing and violence. Both women backed into impossible-to-get-out-of corners.
I really, really enjoyed this book, and I'll be buying the first two in the series to read and catch up!!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to the author, Kate London, for reading along with us!
Dee R (8 KP) rated Midnight (Skulduggery Pleasant #11) in Books
Sep 11, 2018
Quikly captures the reader (3 more)
Paints the images clear
Cover work is enticing
Great next installment
Derek Landy is amazing
Contains spoilers, click to show
So fans of Skulduggery Pleasant had been waiting for this installment of the series for a year. Derek Landy had said this was the last in the series so it was highly anticipated and most of us had preordered copies and some lucky fans got to get theirs signed.
Starting the first page you are instantly teleported into the world of Valkyrie and Skulduggery.
How Derek focused on the after affect of Valkyrie becoming Darquesse, shows dedication to the main characters and that even though they may only be real within the words he types, that there is love there.
He portrays Valkyrie going through a difficult transition and coming to terms with what she had done but she knew once she had the individuals in the magic world would not forget.
The tale gets intense within a few chapters, as they work on a case as unoffical investigators. Meeting new and important people throughout, helping them once more save the day.
But the best thing of this book is the fact right at the end Derek Landy gives us a short snippet of the next book! Which like this one is now highly anticipated.
Starting the first page you are instantly teleported into the world of Valkyrie and Skulduggery.
How Derek focused on the after affect of Valkyrie becoming Darquesse, shows dedication to the main characters and that even though they may only be real within the words he types, that there is love there.
He portrays Valkyrie going through a difficult transition and coming to terms with what she had done but she knew once she had the individuals in the magic world would not forget.
The tale gets intense within a few chapters, as they work on a case as unoffical investigators. Meeting new and important people throughout, helping them once more save the day.
But the best thing of this book is the fact right at the end Derek Landy gives us a short snippet of the next book! Which like this one is now highly anticipated.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Choosing (Seer, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I am finding it difficult to write a review without giving too much of the story away! This book is filled with so many aspects that left my mind reeling, my heart aching, and my stomach churning. But through it all, the message is clear. The Father has chosen us, chosen me. I am beautiful, I have worth. There is freedom in the truth.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Summoned to Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson, #13) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
So this continues where book 12, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, left off. Charley has been banned from Earth for bringing someone back from the dead after their soul had already left the body. It's been over 100 years and she's sad that she's missed the passing of all of her friends and family. She lands in the middle of the desert and within seconds can feel Reyes seductive heat surrounding her. Turns out that, on Earth, she's only been gone for ten days and she has to help destroy the hell dimension that they accidentally opened when Reyes broke the God glass a few books ago.
Hmm... I did enjoy this but I do feel like the series has not been fully completed. There's still the whole Beep facing Lucifer thing and where did Osh disappear to?
Nevertheless, this was once again full of Charley craziness and I do love her and her gang of friends. There were several mysteries thrown in to the mix for her to solve including one to do with her birth, secrets came out of the woodwork and a few little shocks thrown in too.
I can't say I'm disappointed with how the author finished this series... I just feel it hasn't been fully ended as mentioned above.
Hmm... I did enjoy this but I do feel like the series has not been fully completed. There's still the whole Beep facing Lucifer thing and where did Osh disappear to?
Nevertheless, this was once again full of Charley craziness and I do love her and her gang of friends. There were several mysteries thrown in to the mix for her to solve including one to do with her birth, secrets came out of the woodwork and a few little shocks thrown in too.
I can't say I'm disappointed with how the author finished this series... I just feel it hasn't been fully ended as mentioned above.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Murder Most Fowl in Books
Sep 1, 2021 (Updated Sep 1, 2021)
Which of the Things Meg is Juggling Led to Murder?
It’s turning into a crazy summer for Meg Langslow. Not only is her husband, Michael, directing a production of Macbeth, but the actors are camping out on their farm. Meanwhile, another group has decided to reenact what life was like in sixth center Scotland, and they are camped nearby. Filming all of this is a documentarian, Damien Goodwin. But when he shows what he has so far, no one seems happy. The next morning, Meg finds Damien’s dead body. Can she figure out who killed him?
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Because of all the plot threads that need to be set up, this book feels like it is taking a bit of time to get going, but it is all definitely worth it as we get to see everything pay off before Meg solves the mystery. Of course, spending time with Meg is always a joy. She and the other from the large cast of regulars are a delight as always, and the suspects fit perfectly into the world. I grinned through much of the book, and even laughed a few times. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this entry. If you are looking for a light mystery, this series is definitely for you.
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Flying Hard for Finn (Pet Play by the Lake) in Books
Apr 21, 2023
FLYING HARD FOR FINN is another in the Pet Play by the Lake series and introduced me to dove play. I've read about puppies, ponies, and bunnies, but never a bird. It started off differently than usual too, which I thought was brilliant.
Finn is the younger one in the couple. When the story starts, he is a handler without a pet because puppies and kittens just don't do it for him. That changes when he sees a dove. It changes even more so when he realises he knows who the dove is - his step-uncle of the past four years.
There is lots going on here and with a slight hint of taboo-but-not-really. Theo is a brilliant character but his ex, Isaac, is a douche through and through. Finn has more understanding and patience than most twenty-three-year-olds. Together, it works.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 21, 2023
Finn is the younger one in the couple. When the story starts, he is a handler without a pet because puppies and kittens just don't do it for him. That changes when he sees a dove. It changes even more so when he realises he knows who the dove is - his step-uncle of the past four years.
There is lots going on here and with a slight hint of taboo-but-not-really. Theo is a brilliant character but his ex, Isaac, is a douche through and through. Finn has more understanding and patience than most twenty-three-year-olds. Together, it works.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 21, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra in Books
Jun 30, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2022)
Charlie’s Following Cleopatra’s Footsteps
Charlie Thorne is once again on her own, and she’s decided to find out what Cleopatra left behind over two thousand years ago. To do so, she needs to slip into the apartment of a rich Egyptian playboy. Naturally, things don’t go as planned, and Charlie finds herself being chased by not only the man’s security, but several different countries’ agents. Can she dodge them and still find what Cleopatra left behind?
This series has a couple of issues for me. One is Charlie, who can come across as a perfect character for far too long. Eventually, we do see some weaknesses, but it takes a while. I suspect this is something that adults will pick on more than kids do. Then there’s the data dumps. We need some of that information to have the context for the action, but it can get to be a bit much. However, overall, I do like these books, and this one in particular. There are plenty of action sequences and twists. I’m curious where the series is going to go from here. I like the core cast, yes, even Charlie. And I mentioned the action, right? Fans of good stories will enjoy this book.
This series has a couple of issues for me. One is Charlie, who can come across as a perfect character for far too long. Eventually, we do see some weaknesses, but it takes a while. I suspect this is something that adults will pick on more than kids do. Then there’s the data dumps. We need some of that information to have the context for the action, but it can get to be a bit much. However, overall, I do like these books, and this one in particular. There are plenty of action sequences and twists. I’m curious where the series is going to go from here. I like the core cast, yes, even Charlie. And I mentioned the action, right? Fans of good stories will enjoy this book.
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Of Mates & Magic (Eliza Falls #1) in Books
Dec 2, 2022
OF MATES & MAGIC is the first book in the Eliza Falls series and it gives you a quick insight into the small hallmark town.
Cora and Seb are the main characters who spend most of the book avoiding each other, but then seem to get together very quickly. I did like the build-up but then it was a steamy scene and boom! The book was over. Well, not quite, but the build-up definitely takes up the majority of the pages.
Some pieces of information seem as though they're going to play a part in the book but never come to fruition. I don't know if they will show up in later books that Seb and/or Tate are in.
The pacing is fast and so the world-building is a little rushed in places. That could be remedied in future stories though.
On the whole, this was a quick and enjoyable story that I can recommend. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the other books in this series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Cora and Seb are the main characters who spend most of the book avoiding each other, but then seem to get together very quickly. I did like the build-up but then it was a steamy scene and boom! The book was over. Well, not quite, but the build-up definitely takes up the majority of the pages.
Some pieces of information seem as though they're going to play a part in the book but never come to fruition. I don't know if they will show up in later books that Seb and/or Tate are in.
The pacing is fast and so the world-building is a little rushed in places. That could be remedied in future stories though.
On the whole, this was a quick and enjoyable story that I can recommend. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the other books in this series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Right Place, Right Time (The Pilsdale Chronicles #1) in Books
Jul 20, 2023
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME is the first book in The Pilsdale Chronicles. In it, we meet Ben, who left Pilsdale four years ago after his parents died, and Jasper, the father of Ben's best friend, Finn. Ben had had a crush on Jasper for years but thought nothing would come of it. When he returns to Pilsdale to sort out his aunt's house, he goes to see Finn. Unfortunately - or luckily - Finn isn't around, but Jasper certainly is.
This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?
This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2023
This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?
This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2023
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Forever Ink (Tewsbury Daddies #2) in Books
Nov 24, 2023
FOREVER INK is the second book in the Tewsbury Daddies series, and we follow Rhys and Simon as they prepare for their first Christmas together. Rhys only has bad memories of Christmas, so Simon is determined to make it one to remember for him. But Simon doesn't know about Rhys' own surprise he has planned!
There is a lot that goes on in this story. You not only catch up with Rhys and Simon, but you also have interactions with Simon's dad, Rhys' grandad, Mouse, Cal, and Cullen, as well as a character from book one that Rhys would rather forget. There is a lot of background-building for future books, which is great, but I do feel it took the edge off Rhys and Simon. So much time is spent with others that I found myself missing the connection and playtime between Rhys and Simon.
I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 22, 2023
There is a lot that goes on in this story. You not only catch up with Rhys and Simon, but you also have interactions with Simon's dad, Rhys' grandad, Mouse, Cal, and Cullen, as well as a character from book one that Rhys would rather forget. There is a lot of background-building for future books, which is great, but I do feel it took the edge off Rhys and Simon. So much time is spent with others that I found myself missing the connection and playtime between Rhys and Simon.
I still enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 22, 2023