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Still Standing (Matt Standing #3)
Still Standing (Matt Standing #3)
Stephen Leather | 2023 | Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Once again, Mr Leather treats us to a story full of action and intrigue from the start. This might be the third in the Matt Standing series but can easily be read as a standalone so don't worry.

When Pete Green apparently commits suicide whilst taking a break in Thailand, his twin brother smells a rat; Matt agrees to accompany him to find out how Pete died and repatriate his body back to the UK. On arrival, it quickly becomes apparent that things are definitely not what they seem and things quickly go downhill and it's going to take all Matt's SAS training and guile, as well as a little intel from a certain "Spider" back in the UK, to get out of the trouble he finds himself in.

Well written, fast paced with great characters and an excellent story, this is a great read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others and my thanks go to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Still Standing.
  
Gone but Not Forgotten
Gone but Not Forgotten
C. Michele Dorsey | 2023 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Olivia Learn About Her Past?
Olivia has always wondered about her past, something her mother has kept hidden from her. Now, her mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and Olivia fears she might never learn the truth. Then, her mother signs a legal document with a name that isn’t her own. Is this the clue Olivia needs to find her past?

I’m a fan of the author, and the premise sounded intriguing, so I jumped in. I was hooked early, and I enjoyed watching the story unfold. I do feel like it has too many storylines, so a few things were rushed. Still, I was satisfied when I set down the book. This is almost a coming-of-age story wrapped in a mystery, so that means lots of growth for Olivia, which I enjoyed since I liked her from the beginning. The rest of the cast, both friend and potential foe, were fun to spend time with. This is intended as a standalone, and you’ll be glad you picked it up when you turn the final page.
  
Fear The Silence
Fear The Silence
Robert Bryndza | 2023 | Crime, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely love Mr Bryndza's Kate Marshall series but this is his first standalone crime thriller and what an absolute triumph it is.

From the very first lines, I was absolutely hooked right to the very end. The author certainly knows how to grab you by the short and curlies and not let go!

With excellent characters, a great setting which added to the atmosphere, a riveting plot that pulled me in and all written at a perfect pace, this book had me on the edge of my seat ... I loved it.

I have no hesitation recommending this to lovers of psychological thrillers. In fact, I have no hesitation in recommending Robert Bryndza's work as everything I have read by him has been to notch and he is one of my go-to author's where I don't even need to read the blurb to pick it up and know I will enjoy the ride.

Many thanks to the author, Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Fear The Silence.
  
Cloud Dragon (Dragon Prophecy #2)
Cloud Dragon (Dragon Prophecy #2)
Minerva Howe | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
CLOUD DRAGON is the second book in the Dragon Prophecy series and, although it says you can read it as a standalone, I would definitely recommend you read it as part of the series. I haven't read book one and felt the loss of it.

Although I enjoyed the story, with the gnomes, the babies, and the mountain, I did struggle to fully comprehend it sometimes when it wasn't always clear who was speaking telepathically to whom. The timeline is also fast-paced and leaps ahead in places.

This is so much more than a paranormal romance. I would put it in the family saga category too. There is a lot going on with different dragons and wolves mentioned in different locations. I enjoyed this story but felt a little disconnected from it.

** 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 27, 2023
  
Cat and Mouse (Helen Grace #11)
Cat and Mouse (Helen Grace #11)
M.J Arlidge | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh my goodness ... that was a good book ... had me absolutely hooked from the beginning to the end!

This is the 11th book in the Helen Grace series but if you haven't read any of the others, don't worry, it works quite well as a standalone but I think you will want to go back and read the others after finishing this one if only to put a bit more flesh onto the main characters.

This is an intense read where the short and punchy chapters add to that intensity and keeps the story rolling along very nicely. The plot is engaging and intriguing and the characters are strong and well developed.

Full of action and heart-in-the-mouth scenes of peril, this is one for people who enjoy a great crime thriller/police procedural but, be warned, you will definitely be checking your windows and doors more than once each night!!

Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read Cat & Mouse and to share my thoughts.
  
Silent Victim (DCI Matilda Darke #10)
Silent Victim (DCI Matilda Darke #10)
Michael Wood | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
... aaaannnnd breathe!!!!

What can I say ... wow ... another absolute belter to add to this truly excellent series with the only complaint I have is that we have to wait until March for the next instalment ... March?!? ... I have to wait until March?!?!? Oh Mr Wood you are wicked 😀

I don't even know where to begin on just how good this book, and the rest of series, is but once again, we are treated to outstanding characters, a dark and gritty storyline all wrapped up in an tense plot with twists and turns that had me swiping my Kindle so fast I got friction burns!

Highly recommended book to read as a standalone but, to get the best out of it, I would suggest you read the whole series; you won't be disappointed and DCI Darke, her friends and colleagues will become like old friends you will laugh and cry with.

A huge thanks must go to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the excellent Silent Victim.
  
Flirting with Death (The Hunted #1.5)
Flirting with Death (The Hunted #1.5)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Flirting With Death is a short standalone story, set in the same world as The Reapers. It can be read before or after as there are no spoilers in here.

I actually enjoyed this one slightly more than The Reapers, I think because there is no triangle. What you get is someone whose time is about up, who acts like a complete jerk, so you actually have no sympathy for him anyway. Then there is Evander, who I loved, and Piper, who was brilliant.

For a short story, this had everything that you need, complete with a HEA (sort of) if you're a sap like me. I would absolutely love this story to be developed into a longer book as I need to know more about Piper and Evander. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 15, 2016