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Nick McCabe recommended Street Sounds Electro 5 by Various Artists in Music (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Puppet Show (Washington Poe, #1) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Tilly and Poe are an absolutely stunning combo. They are total opposites in everything: age, the way they work, IQ levels, but they make such an amazing team together. I really liked Poe and his personality, he has a great analytical mind and strong determination to achieve justice. However, Tilly was my favourite in this book, she is such a unique and original character! She is full of surprises, and her intelligence and naivety are incredibly refreshing. I really liked the way the author portrayed the different relationships between police personnel, all the politics and territorial fights were very amusing to read about, and gave the sense, that the author really knows what he is talking about. His work experience in the police and life in the Lake District was very well utilized in this book.
The narrative was very creatively written. The excitement in this book comes in waves, we have these calm periods, when it seems that not many things happen, and then the author throws in some great twist or turn, and the whole buzz comes back rushing. I really liked the topics which the author discussed in this book, such as workplace bullying, child abuse, politics in the management, etc. The story was told from a single perspective, bringing in a lot of Poe’s personal emotions. Even though it was sufficient to me, I would love to see how Tilly’s brain works and how she is processing different situations.
The setting of the book is constantly changing between different places in Cumbria, and the detailed descriptions made me feel like I am with Poe on this journey. The writing style was very pleasant with short chapters, which really just flew by. I have to add a little warning, this novel does carry some scenes where people might feel disturbed. The ending was very cleverly written, where it rounded the whole story very well, but at the same time, leaving you questioning of what is going to happen next.
To conclude, I think it is a very intriguing and absorbing thriller, filled with very unique but at the same time believable characters, and the plot, that keeps thickening as you go, engrossing you with all the new findings and leads. It was a true page-turner to me and I can not wait for the second book in the series. If you haven’t read it, please do, I think it is worth the time, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
The narrative was very creatively written. The excitement in this book comes in waves, we have these calm periods, when it seems that not many things happen, and then the author throws in some great twist or turn, and the whole buzz comes back rushing. I really liked the topics which the author discussed in this book, such as workplace bullying, child abuse, politics in the management, etc. The story was told from a single perspective, bringing in a lot of Poe’s personal emotions. Even though it was sufficient to me, I would love to see how Tilly’s brain works and how she is processing different situations.
The setting of the book is constantly changing between different places in Cumbria, and the detailed descriptions made me feel like I am with Poe on this journey. The writing style was very pleasant with short chapters, which really just flew by. I have to add a little warning, this novel does carry some scenes where people might feel disturbed. The ending was very cleverly written, where it rounded the whole story very well, but at the same time, leaving you questioning of what is going to happen next.
To conclude, I think it is a very intriguing and absorbing thriller, filled with very unique but at the same time believable characters, and the plot, that keeps thickening as you go, engrossing you with all the new findings and leads. It was a true page-turner to me and I can not wait for the second book in the series. If you haven’t read it, please do, I think it is worth the time, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Sisters in Books
Oct 5, 2020
I am extremely happy and excited to be part of the blog tour for Sisters by Michelle Frances. Thank you to the team at Pan Macmillan - for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. Check out the other book bloggers that are part of the tour as well:
Synopsis:
Is blood really thicker than water?
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.
When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .
But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .
My Thoughts:
Sisters by Michelle Frances was a very enjoyable and exciting ride for me. Not having read her previous books, I started reading without any expectations, hoping to enjoy the story for what it was. Two sisters - trying to improve their relationship, hopefully without their mother interfering.
What I got instead, was so much more! The suspense keeps building up from the very first chapter. The tension between the sisters is really awkward. The relationships between the mother and both daughters is very different and very concerning.
And then everything changes.
We have a surprising plot twists, and from that moment on, we are on a wild adventure. Old secrets will start coming up, things people thought were forgotten in the past. I did not know, and couldn't guess who the real villain is until the very end, and that was quite enjoyable for me! Everyone will tell you stories, everyone will say their own point of view. To you, everyone will seem like a villain and a victim at the same time, and this uncertainty will make you keep turning pages until you find out. Until the end.
I am glad I read Sisters by Michelle Frances. Another amazing suspense now added to my list. I highly recommend it to mystery, thriller and suspense fans, especially the ones that enjoy family drama.
Synopsis:
Is blood really thicker than water?
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.
When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .
But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .
My Thoughts:
Sisters by Michelle Frances was a very enjoyable and exciting ride for me. Not having read her previous books, I started reading without any expectations, hoping to enjoy the story for what it was. Two sisters - trying to improve their relationship, hopefully without their mother interfering.
What I got instead, was so much more! The suspense keeps building up from the very first chapter. The tension between the sisters is really awkward. The relationships between the mother and both daughters is very different and very concerning.
And then everything changes.
We have a surprising plot twists, and from that moment on, we are on a wild adventure. Old secrets will start coming up, things people thought were forgotten in the past. I did not know, and couldn't guess who the real villain is until the very end, and that was quite enjoyable for me! Everyone will tell you stories, everyone will say their own point of view. To you, everyone will seem like a villain and a victim at the same time, and this uncertainty will make you keep turning pages until you find out. Until the end.
I am glad I read Sisters by Michelle Frances. Another amazing suspense now added to my list. I highly recommend it to mystery, thriller and suspense fans, especially the ones that enjoy family drama.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Promise in Books
Feb 28, 2019 (Updated Mar 1, 2019)
More of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.
Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..
Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.
I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.
Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..
Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.
I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Cold Calling in Books
Mar 15, 2018
<b><i>People will put up with all manner of perversion, all manner of fucked-up-ness, theyll positively revel in it, but what people wont tolerate is boredom.</b></i>
To a certain extent, I did enjoy this, but I don't feel comfortable saying that due to the depravity and obscenity of it. This certainly has some <i>American Psycho</i> vibes to it, a book which I thoroughly enjoyed, but <i>Cold Calling</i> somehow seems to excel Bateman's darkness with Rhys' spur-of-the-moment crime. I suppose because in <i>American Psycho</i>, there is a clear underlying cultural message and in <i>Cold Calling</i>, that same message doesn't get across so easily, if it's even there at all.
Wilks' writing is good, there's no doubt about that, he keeps you reading and wanting more no matter how disturbed you feel. There's a card game scene in the middle of the novel that I got a bit tired with, but it was to develop the growing anger, boredom and hatred inside of Rhys.
This is definitely <b>NOT</b> one for the squeamish. I'm not surprised this has several low ratings, it's certainly a difficult novel to handle and is only going to be enjoyed by a very niche market.
One thing I <i>really</i> love about this book is the gruesome cover art!
Thanks to Haydn Wilks for sending me a copy in exchange for a review!
To a certain extent, I did enjoy this, but I don't feel comfortable saying that due to the depravity and obscenity of it. This certainly has some <i>American Psycho</i> vibes to it, a book which I thoroughly enjoyed, but <i>Cold Calling</i> somehow seems to excel Bateman's darkness with Rhys' spur-of-the-moment crime. I suppose because in <i>American Psycho</i>, there is a clear underlying cultural message and in <i>Cold Calling</i>, that same message doesn't get across so easily, if it's even there at all.
Wilks' writing is good, there's no doubt about that, he keeps you reading and wanting more no matter how disturbed you feel. There's a card game scene in the middle of the novel that I got a bit tired with, but it was to develop the growing anger, boredom and hatred inside of Rhys.
This is definitely <b>NOT</b> one for the squeamish. I'm not surprised this has several low ratings, it's certainly a difficult novel to handle and is only going to be enjoyed by a very niche market.
One thing I <i>really</i> love about this book is the gruesome cover art!
Thanks to Haydn Wilks for sending me a copy in exchange for a review!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Hidden Child (Patrik Hedström, #5) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Had I realized when I picked it up that this was the 4th book in a series, I would have looked for the first book to start at the beginning. I didnt feel like I was missing anything starting at this point in the story, however. The relationships between characters were either evident or explained well enough that you can easily read or listen to this book without having read the previous books, and not feel lost.
A lot of Swedish crime fiction has a particular melancholy feel to it, and The Hidden Child is no exception. The author did injected occasional brief moments of humor into the story that helped lighten the mood, however, and they kept it from feeling too dark.
The story is told in both in the present, and through flashbacks, in the time around WW2. It follows the police investigation into the murder of a local historian, as well as the family drama unfolding as Erica Faulk digs into her mothers past. The two series of events turn out to be more intertwined than anyone could have imagined, and even though I could see where it was going, the story didnt give everything away at once and I didnt really know what had happened until the end.
If you are a fan of police procedural and / or historical mysteries, give this one a try!
A lot of Swedish crime fiction has a particular melancholy feel to it, and The Hidden Child is no exception. The author did injected occasional brief moments of humor into the story that helped lighten the mood, however, and they kept it from feeling too dark.
The story is told in both in the present, and through flashbacks, in the time around WW2. It follows the police investigation into the murder of a local historian, as well as the family drama unfolding as Erica Faulk digs into her mothers past. The two series of events turn out to be more intertwined than anyone could have imagined, and even though I could see where it was going, the story didnt give everything away at once and I didnt really know what had happened until the end.
If you are a fan of police procedural and / or historical mysteries, give this one a try!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters, #2) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Well... This book took me quite a long time to finish. Aka, I didn't have as much of a commute for the past 2 weeks.
This book is beautiful. Juliet Marillier is truly a master at weaving a story. This book was recommended to me by my sister and I cannot believe that it took me this long to finally read it. A couple years ago, I did a reading challenge where I asked my family and close friends what book they would want me to read. Naturally, my sister chose the first in this series with the knowledge that I would relate better to the second. I'm glad that I took the time to listen to the audiobook of this novel. The narrator was wonderful and truly made the series come alive. For the past two days, I have actually gone out of my way to listen to the book when normally I would just listen to it on my drive into work.
The characters in this book are spectacular. I loved how Juliet Marillier captured the anguish, joy, and all the emotions in between. I fell in love with the relationships that were written in this series. The characters were realistic and had great depth to them.
If you're looking for a beautiful fantasy with some romance, this is the book for you. Seriously, you need to read this book.
This book is beautiful. Juliet Marillier is truly a master at weaving a story. This book was recommended to me by my sister and I cannot believe that it took me this long to finally read it. A couple years ago, I did a reading challenge where I asked my family and close friends what book they would want me to read. Naturally, my sister chose the first in this series with the knowledge that I would relate better to the second. I'm glad that I took the time to listen to the audiobook of this novel. The narrator was wonderful and truly made the series come alive. For the past two days, I have actually gone out of my way to listen to the book when normally I would just listen to it on my drive into work.
The characters in this book are spectacular. I loved how Juliet Marillier captured the anguish, joy, and all the emotions in between. I fell in love with the relationships that were written in this series. The characters were realistic and had great depth to them.
If you're looking for a beautiful fantasy with some romance, this is the book for you. Seriously, you need to read this book.
Code Red: How to Protect Your Savings from the Coming Crisis
John Mauldin and Jonathan Tepper
Book
Wall Street Journal Bestseller Valuable insights on monetary policies, their impact on your...
A Song for Issy Bradley
9.5
Rate It
Book
This is the story of what happens when Issy Bradley dies. It is the story of Ian - husband, father,...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated Murder in Chelsea in Books
Mar 3, 2021 (Updated Mar 3, 2021)
The Mystery of Catherine
Sarah Brandt is devastated to learn someone is trying to locate Catherine, the little girl she’s taken in. When Sarah goes to meet this woman, her story seems genuine, but it could mean that Catherine is in danger, so Sarah asks Frank Malloy to help her figure out what is truly going on. However, Frank goes to meet the woman who is asking after Catherine only to find her dead. Is Catherine in danger, too?
The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
The mystery of Catherine’s past has been brewing for several books now, and I was thrilled to see it finally fully explored. While you could jump in here, you’ll enjoy it more if you are already familiar with the characters. That includes some humor coming from how the regular characters interact with each other – I am loving how these relationships are developing. The plot is compelling and drew me in. These books always transport me to the world of New York City in the 1890’s, and I love visiting. I did have to question the series’ timeline as I read this book since it suddenly seemed to be compressed, but maybe that’s just me. I’m also very happy with some of the events that happened in the main character’s lives in this book. The series gets better with each book, and I can’t wait to get to the next entry in the series.
