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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Don't Speak in Books

Nov 21, 2021  
Don't Speak
Don't Speak
A.J. Park | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, I can safely say I enjoyed that!

This is a gripping read which has a great plot that had me guessing for the majority of the time, a fast pace and excellent characters which is what you want from a thriller. There is unpredictability and suspense with an ending that was very satisfying.

I admit, there were moments that pushed the boundaries of reality, Amelie 'disappearing' during an ongoing serial killer case for example, but I am able to push those to one side because, overall, the story had me engaged from the very beginning.

I am hoping there is more to come from DS Amelie Davis; she is an interestingly flawed character and there is definitely more mileage there for further stories especially if her colleagues are brought into it a little more than they were in this one.

Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
Black Truffle & Spice (Spice #3)
Black Truffle & Spice (Spice #3)
Mathis Bailey | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Zola has finally made her dream of opening her own café come true the heart of the South, and it's up to her and her best friend and business partner Pierre to make it a success, even with a Michelin starred bistro opposite them.


I absolutely adored this book. I will be reading the other two in the series. I actually hope there may be more to hear about Zola and Darshan's life, successes, and maybe even failures? (I hope not!)


It's a very gripping story of romance, determination and difficulties, but all done tastefully. The sex scenes aren't too crude and are almost poetic. I enjoyed finding out about some of the characters pasts. The only complaint I have is I was just wanting more. I wanted to know all of the back stories - where they came from, why they behaved that way, etc.


A big congrats Mathis a super job.
  
A Flight of Arrows (The Hundred Years War #1)
A Flight of Arrows (The Hundred Years War #1)
AJ MacKenzie | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As an actual archer (in my case, Olympic Recurve style although I have also shot Longbow) who enjoys reading historical fiction, I thought this would be right up my street.

Especially when it was on Amazon as #1 in archery.

Unfortunately, I found it rather sluggish in parts, with it never really gripping my attention the same way as a historical novel by Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow or Angus Donald does.

This is set during the early stages of the 100 Years War (which lasted for 116 years), and is really a detective/spy story (rather than concentrating on the lives of the archers) as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates the assassination of an English knight , leading up to and including the Battle of Crecy.

Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the history, and learning a bit more about the times and the background to the war; I just wish it had gripped me more somewhat.

Maybe the sequels will follow through on that ... ?
  
The Close (Maeve Kerrigan #10)
The Close (Maeve Kerrigan #10)
Jane Casey | 2023 | Crime, Thriller
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Yet another cracker from Jane Casey in her excellent Maeve Kerrigan series that never gets stale and whilst this may be book 10 in the series, I think you could just about get away with it as a standalone but I really would recommend you read the rest of the books if only because they are all excellent!

The Close is yet another gripping read with the right mix of intrigue and action, red herrings and plot twists. Being a fan of Maeve and Josh, I loved that they were working undercover together acting as a couple and it really brought a different dimension and added tension to the story and kept my grubby little eyes reading as fast as they possibly could.

Highly recommended series and I can't wait for the next and many thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Close.
  
The Girl's Last Cry (Detective Lexi Bennett #2)
The Girl's Last Cry (Detective Lexi Bennett #2)
Alison Belsham | 2023 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I listened to the audiobook of the first in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it so was eager to get my grubby little fingers on this, the second and I definitely wasn't disappointed. You don't have to have read the first book as I think this works really well as a standalone but I would recommend it as it's a cracker!

Once again, Alison Belsham has constructed a story that is absolutely gripping with bundles of tension, characters that are believable and written at a pace that is perfect.

Please be warned that this book deals with teenage suicide so if that is a trigger for you, I would move on although I think Alison deals with it sensitively and without any sensationalism.

My thanks go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this latest Lexi Bennett investigation and I look forward to the next.
  
Vampires and Villains (Magical Mystery Book Club #2)
Vampires and Villains (Magical Mystery Book Club #2)
Elizabeth Pantley | 2022 | Mystery, Paranormal
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


The book club has decided it's time for their second adventure. They have the addition of a new member to get to know as well. When and where will the snapdragon inns magical mystery book club take them this time?

This is the second book of the magical mystery book club series and yet again it's another series by Elizabeth that I absolutely am obsessed with. She has a way of involving you in the story so that you feel you are there and solve the mystery with them. She is so talented I think its great that she makes a reference to the destiny falls series (the book that Paige is reading) it's a real personal touch and I found myself grinning as I read that bit.


Elizabeth has produced another gripping series and yet again I cannot wait for the next instalment. Thank you, Elizabeth.


** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
  
The Children of Berlin
The Children of Berlin
Sharon Maas | 2023 | History & Politics
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am becoming a fan of historical fiction and this book has only cemented that opinion.

Leah and Magda grew up as best friends but their friendship is put to the ultimate test when the monster that was Hitler came to power and everything changed.

The story is told from both Leah's and Magda's perspectives; Leah's from her memories and Magda's in letter form. I have to admit that I preferred Leah's story as Magda's was a little repetitive and 'wordy' however it did show how easy it was for people to be brainwashed and to take a path in their lives that has far reaching and devastating consequences for them and those they love.

The Children of Berlin is a gripping and powerful story of love, loss, bravery and forgiveness and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy this genre and many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.
  
The Memory House
The Memory House
Rachel Hauck | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
characters (1 more)
plot line
Timeless and Gripping!
When I pick up a Rachel Hauck novel, I don’t have to wonder if I’ll like it, or if it will be one that I will put down and walk away from. Because, when I read a novel by this phenomenally fantastic author, I will love it and I will most certainly not walk away from the novel. In fact, I always read a Hauck novel in less than 48 hours.

The Memory House is a moving and captivating story. It’s chiseled magnificently and really makes the reader feel as if they are the heart of the story. It’s told in trademark Hauck style of dual timelines, but is still absolutely gripping. Each page turn tells more of Beck and Everleigh’s stories, and each turn of the page, opens the readers eyes just a little more.

Having been through hard times in life, I sometimes find myself questioning God, and wondering if anything good will come of my situations. Then, with a little faith and hope, He shows me that nothing is for naught, and everything will be just fine, even if it feels like the end. Beck and Everleigh, both dealt heartache and pain in their lives, blossomed for me and I saw a little bit of myself in each of them.

This story is filled with love, hope, faith, and heartache. This story is filled with beautiful souls, and a plot line that will leave you wanting more from this fantabulous author. From start to finish, you’ll fall more and more in love with these tender characters. You’ll feel the messages surround you, and you’ll hear God whispering throughout.

Don’t waste another minute without grabbing this book. If you’ve never read a Hauck novel before you’ll be a fan for life. If you’re a current fan, you’ll find yourself lost in another amazing novel by Hauck. Definitely worthy of 4 stars, two thumbs and hats off. I can’t wait to share this novel with my friends and family.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*