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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Dead (Detective Jackie Cooke #2) in Books
Nov 6, 2022
A great addition to what is fast becoming a great series and whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first so you get the most out of this and also because it's an excellent read.
Like the first in the series, there is a lot to like about The Silent Dead - the characters, the plot, the twists, the back-stories, the writing style, the pacing - pretty much everything really!
Jackie Cooke is an excellent character; battling with a boss who clearly doesn't like her very much and a soon-to-be ex-husband who's moved on to pastures younger and left her with a new baby and twin boys and having to rely on her mum more than either of them would like all whilst trying to find a heinous murderer who is targeting single mums.
From the very first to the very last word, this book had me hooked and thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Dead and I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Like the first in the series, there is a lot to like about The Silent Dead - the characters, the plot, the twists, the back-stories, the writing style, the pacing - pretty much everything really!
Jackie Cooke is an excellent character; battling with a boss who clearly doesn't like her very much and a soon-to-be ex-husband who's moved on to pastures younger and left her with a new baby and twin boys and having to rely on her mum more than either of them would like all whilst trying to find a heinous murderer who is targeting single mums.
From the very first to the very last word, this book had me hooked and thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Dead and I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Imposter (Dr Bloom #4) in Books
Nov 27, 2022
This is the fourth in this series starring Dr Bloom but the first I have read and whilst I feel this worked pretty well as a standalone, I definitely feel I have missed significant backstory and character development which would likely have enhanced my reading experience. Having said that, I found it easy to become engrossed in this engaging story.
There are dual aspects to this which are separate but with some crossover; the hunt for a serial killer and the story of high functioning psychopaths that is clearly the continuation from previous books.
There are quite a lot of characters and this, along with the storylines, means you have to be on the ball and remain focused. I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the parts relating to the serial killer and I loved the twist; the other parts which follow on from previous books, not as much but I think that is more my fault coming in late rather than the author.
Overall, a really engaging read that is well written and I must thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Imposter.
There are dual aspects to this which are separate but with some crossover; the hunt for a serial killer and the story of high functioning psychopaths that is clearly the continuation from previous books.
There are quite a lot of characters and this, along with the storylines, means you have to be on the ball and remain focused. I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the parts relating to the serial killer and I loved the twist; the other parts which follow on from previous books, not as much but I think that is more my fault coming in late rather than the author.
Overall, a really engaging read that is well written and I must thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Imposter.
My Professor Sweetheart (Sweetheart Escapes)
10.0
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Jamie What is fun? Sure, I go out occasionally with my best friend and I have my MMA fights, but...
Contemporary MM Romance
Clues to You (Love in the Comptons #3)
10.0
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One murder mystery weekend. Two rival sleuths. They’re looking for answers. But will they find...
Contemporary Romance
Merissa (13961 KP) rated Faith and Moonlight (Faith and Moonlight #1) in Books
May 20, 2023
This is a young adult fantasy novella that starts with Roan and Kay on their way from an orphanage fire. They have little left in the world apart from each other but are determined to make their path at the College. Kay and Roan are both interesting characters, with strengths and weaknesses of their own. They balance each other out nicely, but it may be that their lives will take different paths.
This was a quick read that was thoroughly enjoyable, a fantasy-filled ride full of characters and hardships. Well written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, the story flowed well and was evenly paced throughout.
This is the first novella by these authors that I have read, and although this can be read as a standalone, I understand that it is best if you have some prior knowledge of the "Echo of the Ascended" series. I don't have such knowledge, but I don't feel that this negatively impacted my enjoyment of this novella either. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the authors in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 21, 2016
This was a quick read that was thoroughly enjoyable, a fantasy-filled ride full of characters and hardships. Well written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, the story flowed well and was evenly paced throughout.
This is the first novella by these authors that I have read, and although this can be read as a standalone, I understand that it is best if you have some prior knowledge of the "Echo of the Ascended" series. I don't have such knowledge, but I don't feel that this negatively impacted my enjoyment of this novella either. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the authors in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 21, 2016
Merissa (13961 KP) rated Fire Witch (Witches of Westwood Academy #3) in Books
May 29, 2023
FIRE WITCH is the third book in the Witches of Westwood Academy and this time, it is Tana's turn. She has always been the snarky one and now we find out why. We also find out just why this group of witches was placed together, instead of in the separate Elemental-based dorms.
This is a quick read so don't expect a multi-layered story. What you get is quick and hot (it is Fire, after all!) Personally, I would have preferred it a little longer to see more build-up to the connection between Brandon and Tana. However, saying that, the story does move along, giving answers to questions you may not have even realised you had.
A great addition to the series and it will definitely leave you wanting more. I would recommend you read these as a series, but each book can be read as a standalone if you wanted.
** 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!
May 29, 2023
This is a quick read so don't expect a multi-layered story. What you get is quick and hot (it is Fire, after all!) Personally, I would have preferred it a little longer to see more build-up to the connection between Brandon and Tana. However, saying that, the story does move along, giving answers to questions you may not have even realised you had.
A great addition to the series and it will definitely leave you wanting more. I would recommend you read these as a series, but each book can be read as a standalone if you wanted.
** 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!
May 29, 2023
Midnight Conquest (Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles #1)
8.0
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Falling in love was not part of the plan. After thirty years of seeking my enemy, I find him... ...
Adult Historical Paranormal Romance
Merissa (13961 KP) rated The London Monster in Books
Feb 10, 2021 (Updated Jun 10, 2023)
THE LONDON MONSTER is set about one hundred years before Jack the Ripper, and tells the story of a man who attacked women at night. It became known that he would only attack beautiful women, so it was almost a 'badge of honour' to have been chosen.
I have to say, I had no idea who it was, right up until The Final Note. The characters all intermingle, and you have no idea how much until it is revealed by the author. Simply wonderful!
This book reads as a standalone and I have no idea if the real London Monster was ever truly identified. I would love to know more about Tom, Sophie, and in particular, Dalton and Cuthbert. Those two got off very lightly in my opinion.
A long book that you can fully immerse yourself in, I found this to be one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2021
I have to say, I had no idea who it was, right up until The Final Note. The characters all intermingle, and you have no idea how much until it is revealed by the author. Simply wonderful!
This book reads as a standalone and I have no idea if the real London Monster was ever truly identified. I would love to know more about Tom, Sophie, and in particular, Dalton and Cuthbert. Those two got off very lightly in my opinion.
A long book that you can fully immerse yourself in, I found this to be one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2021
Merissa (13961 KP) rated The Women in the Shadows in Books
Oct 1, 2025
THE WOMEN IN THE SHADOWS is a standalone story that focuses on Jack the Ripper's crimes, but told from the perspective of women - some of whom he murdered, some investigating.
Bet, Emma, and Maggie are all different - ages, statuses, and relationships - but they are all connected by the horrendous murders that are happening in Whitechapel. Unhappy with the way the police are referring to the victims and the progress being made, they join forces to investigate it themselves. This leads to some events that seemed almost too funny to be in this book. It was pretty obvious who the killer was, but I enjoyed their thought processes and actions as they arrived at the same conclusion.
Evenly paced, with moments of action interspersed with calm, this was an easy read that I enjoyed. I would also be happy to return to these three ladies, just to see what trouble they could find next. 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!
Oct 1, 2025
Bet, Emma, and Maggie are all different - ages, statuses, and relationships - but they are all connected by the horrendous murders that are happening in Whitechapel. Unhappy with the way the police are referring to the victims and the progress being made, they join forces to investigate it themselves. This leads to some events that seemed almost too funny to be in this book. It was pretty obvious who the killer was, but I enjoyed their thought processes and actions as they arrived at the same conclusion.
Evenly paced, with moments of action interspersed with calm, this was an easy read that I enjoyed. I would also be happy to return to these three ladies, just to see what trouble they could find next. 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!
Oct 1, 2025
Thorns The Bloom (Venusverse #3)
10.0
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Sam is doing everything he can to bounce off the rock bottom and get his life back on track. After...