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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Sleep in Books

Jan 27, 2019  
Sleep
Sleep
C.L. Taylor | 2019 | Thriller
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
A little gem
What a little gem this is - totally gripping, full of atmosphere, tension and general creepiness all set in the stunning but isolated Scottish island of Rum which creates a sense of trepidation all on its own.

This book can be likened to a classic who-dunnit story - a group of people trapped together in an isolated location with a possible murderer amongst them - it's your job to try and work out who it is from the drips of clues amongst the red herrings provided by the author and I have to give Ms Taylor a round of applause because I didn't figure it out until it was right in my face! and, to be honest, that doesn't happen too often.

Excellent characters - some nice, some not so nice - absolutely perfect setting, great story line and ideal pace makes this a great read and one I have little hesitation in recommending to all psychological thriller lovers out there.

A very big thank you to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Chop Shop in Books

Jul 7, 2019  
Chop Shop
Chop Shop
Andrew Post | 2019 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I admit that I actually quite enjoyed this book in a strange kind of way. It was well written, had a unique story-line, surprising ending and great characters although some of them are not particularly likeable. There is ample dark humour which offsets the tension perfectly and although it does seem to be a bit OTT in parts, it does work well in this book however, I have to say that, in my opinion, the wrong person died at the end!!

Please be aware that this is not a politically correct book and there is a lot of violence and blood however, the title and description should have given this away so this shouldn't come as too much of a shock.

I haven't read anything by this author before but I am likely to pick up another of his works in the future.

Thanks to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review and for, once again, introducing me to another new author to look out for.
  
The Exorcist
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.7 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
good back stories, right amount of tension (0 more)
ended too quickly (0 more)
Descriptive and Chilling horror
I saw this film many years ago and have meant to get around to reading the book. William Blatty does a nice foreword and explains why the book was written and about the extra character that is in it. Its a gripping read from the very start but be warned it goes into very graphic, obscene and depraved descriptions so if you are easily offended stay away (well it is a book about possession after all). A very good read that keeps you wanting to just read a bit more, good back stories to some of the characters help to explain situations that were not dealt with in the film. The character of father Merrin could have been written for Max Von Sydow (who played him in the film). I would give this four stars as i thought it ended a little too quickly and it would have been better if the ending had been stretched out and explained (like the film).
  
Private Sessions
Private Sessions
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Middle of the Range
Caleb Payne is a calculating entrepreneur. An avowed bachelor. He takes what he wants - in the boardroom and the bedroom - and gets thanked for it! While Bryna Metaxas is his opposite; emotionally invested in her family’s business and about to enter into a business deal with Caleb that will shock her on every level... yet she’ll love every minute of it.
It’s a dangerously hot situation, filled with steamy sexual tension and cold business machinations. Can Caleb earn Bryan’s trust - and love??

Very much what you would come to expect of a Blaze Mills and Boon, with a hint of additional naughtiness. I generally view these as a quick read, palette cleanser between more heavier reading material. Tori is well known in the MB world for her good writing. This one whilst well written was lacking in something special. I struggled to like the characters, and the storyline is missing something that I can’t put my finger on.

Not the worst I have read, but far from being the best.
  
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost, #1) in Books

Mar 20, 2020 (Updated Mar 20, 2020)  
Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost, #1)
Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost, #1)
Alicia Rades | 2015 | Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
"There's a fire growing inside of me. It's not the harmful kind that can kill a girl like Olivia. It's the kind that can save her."

CRYSTAL FROST tells herself she isn't crazy, but sane people don't see ghosts. As her psychic abilities manifest, Crystal discovers she can see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead. Add blackmail to the list of things she never thought would happen to her, and you basically have her sophomore year covered. After spotting her first ghost, secrets from her family, friends, and classmates begin to surface. Uncovering secrets can be dangerous, but giving up means someone will get hurt. Again.

What was refreshing with this YA was there was no teenage sexual tension drama!! It was a really well written story about a young girl discovering her special gift. It also raised awareness for domestic violence and that it's not acceptable at any age, Alicia Rades did this without coming across as preachy like some authors can. I was impressed with her style and looking forward to reading more by her.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Stolen in Books

Aug 4, 2019  
Stolen
Stolen
Paul Finch | 2019 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dark and Gritty
I am a fan of Paul Finch and love Lucy as a strong, female character who takes no prisoners. Here she finds herself in the midst of a pretty grim series of what initially appear to be a series of unconnected events but they quickly turn into a nightmare investigation. This is where I need to warn you that this book does contain scenes of animal cruelty and abuse ... it also contains scenes of human cruelty! Both are hard to read.

Dark, gritty, exciting, full of tension and suspense, well written with a cast of brilliant characters, this is a great addition to the series and one I would happily recommend.

This is the third book in the series and although can be read as a standalone, to get the best out of it, I would recommend you read them in order so that you get the back story to the characters ... you won't be disappointed.

My thanks go to Avon Books UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.