Month March 2021

The April Dead by Alan Parks @AlanJParks @blackthornbks @RandomTTours #HarryMcCoy #crime #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my thoughts today on The April Dead by Alan Parks. I read and reviewed his previous book earlier this month and this 4th book in the series is just as brilliant. My thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of the book from the publisher Black Thorn Books.

The fourth dark and gripping Harry McCoy thriller from the most exciting new voice in Scottish noir…

NO ONE WILL FORGET . . .


In a grimy flat in Glasgow, a homemade bomb explodes, leaving few remains to identify its maker. Detective Harry McCoy knows in his gut that there’ll be more to follow. The hunt for a missing sailor from the local US naval base leads him to the secretive group behind the bomb, and their disturbing, dominating leader.


On top of that, McCoy thinks he’s doing an old friend a favour when he passes on a warning, but instead he’s pulled into a vicious gang feud. And in the meantime, there’s word another bigger explosion is coming Glasgow’s way – so if the city is to survive, it’ll take everything McCoy’s got . . .

My Review…

What a fabulously gritty crime thriller book The April Dead is. I haven’t read the first two books in the series but I did read the third and loved it.

Set in 1974 Glasgow, the author transports the reader back to a time where not all police are on the right side of the law. Some are corrupt and some walk a very fine line. One fine line walker is Harry McCoy, he isn’t exactly a dirty copper taking backhanders, but he does stray into grey areas.

A missing American man and bombs exploding is just the tip of the iceberg for McCoy. His colleague Wattie is trying to juggle fatherhood and the pressure of leading a case. While McCoy doesn’t exactly have the time to help out Wattie, he does manage to pep-talk him.

The author really does keep the reader in the era of the story, with mentions of music and also the fact that smoking is done in every and all buildings. Add to this the murky underworld and a new threat with the bombs, McCoy really does have his work cut out.

This story is one that has a really dark side to it. Historic crimes and atrocities are explained with enough detail to make your skin crawl. I do think the author got the balance right with his descriptions and explanations.

This is a tough gritty inner-city crime thriller read, it dips its toes into gangland and touches on the historic. One for readers who like their crime to be more thriller than mystery, although the mysteries of the subplots are eventually solved. Another brilliant read and it confirms that this is an author who I will definitely be reading in the future. I would definitely recommend this one.

About the Author…

Alan Parks has worked in the music industry for over twenty years. His debut novel Bloody January was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. He lives and works in Glasgow.

Bloody January (Book 1)
February’s Son (Book 2)
Bobby March Will Live Forever (Book 3)
The April Dead (Book 4 )

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Judas Horse by Lynda La Plante @ZaffreBooks @NetGalley @LaPlanteLynda #compulsivereaders @Tr4cyF3nt0n #crime bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Judas Horse by Lynda La Plante. It has been a while since I have read a book by this author and I was delighted to get a spot on the Blog Tour. My huge thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for my spot on the tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book.

54968105

Not all killers can be tamed… The thrilling second book in the Sunday Times bestselling Detective Jack Warr crime series. 

Wild mustangs are difficult to rope, their lead stallion wary and protective of his herd. To capture that special stallion takes time. He is separated, roped, and lead back to the ranch. Once tamed, he is sent back into the wild. And before long, he will lead the entire herd back to the ranch. He is given the name ‘Judas Horse’. When Detective Jack Warr identifies an informer, the terrified man begins to give details of a massive robbery planned by a team of unscrupulous and dangerous men. These men have already orchestrated many audacious robberies, leaving terrified victims in their wake. And they have already killed to get what they want. Detective Jack Warr and his team must use their informant as a ‘Judas Horse’ to draw in the unsuspecting robbers, so that they go ahead with the planned robbery. However, one false move, and more blood will be spilled . . .

My Review…

This is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series and I can say it works very well as a standalone, I have not read the first one.

It has been a while since I have read any of this authors books, and I am delighted to see that she has lost none of her magic when it comes to writing. There is something mesmerising about her writing and the ability to draw the reader into a story so quickly.

Jack Warr is a character I already have a soft spot for. He is one of those intrinsically good guys, but there is something a little more to him. He shows not only great instincts when it comes to his work, but has a way with people, they either respect him or think he is above himself.

The story sees Jack join a team that has run out of ideas for a series of burglaries. Jack has superiors who believe in him and his abilities to get to the bottom of cases, so he becomes the ideal officer to send to the wealthy area of Chipping Norton.

The ability of the author to create such a complex and yet easy to understand the story is something else. There are layers upon layers to the story that seems to get deeper and deeper the further the story goes. It takes a while for all the threads to emerge and for them to get linked. This means the reader gets a wonderful story that is full of intrigue, plots, subplots and as if this isn’t enough there are some wonderful personal stories that have been woven in as well.

This was such a brilliant crime novel to read and has made me realise how much I used to enjoy reading this authors books. I thought that Jack was such a good character and is one that has more to him than meets the eye. I can’t wait to get to know him more. This is one for police procedural fans and lovers of crime thrillers. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

My Week In Books (w/e 28th March) #bookupdates #booknews #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee

Hello and welcome to another weekly update for the books I have read.

Before I get into that though, a garden update for those that are interested. We have now planted the potatoes and getting things ready for seeds to be set.

This year I am going to have a go at growing hydroponically. I do grow some house plants in water and I now have the chance to try some veg and salad, so lettuce, spinach, kale, strawberries, mooli, watercress maybe some peppers as well. I like the idea of using water to grow and it will be interested to see how I get on. It means growing this way I will not be using so much mains supply or constantly emptying my water butts. I will post photos as things get started.

Now onto the books I have read this week…

54532070. sy475

Heidi Perks has created another addictive novel with The Whispers. This is a dark and deviously deceptive story that wrong-stepped me a couple of times. Two childhood friends apart for several years are once again reunited at the school gates but this time as mothers. Told across two timelines, one when the girls were younger and then the present. The author has twisted and woven away to create a wonderful crime, thriller mystery tale and it is one I would recommend.

54531934

Lost Property by Helen Paris was a book I liked, the story of Dot, and her job working in a Lost Property department. This was a story that was good, and it did keep me reading but I think this may be a marmite one. Dot is, in some ways, a woman who is as lost as the items that lay unclaimed. A bit of a loner and one that has an over-ruling sister. A nice read and one for those who like stories about life.

57032379

Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft is a fabulous read, but then if you have read any of Sue’s books then youwill not be surprised. A story about a family with secrets, of discovering your past ad also about making steps towards a future. I adored this and read it in one sitting. One to pop on your pre-order list and one I woudl defintiely recommend.

54860500

I think this is the first time I have read anything by Katy Birchall, and based on The Secret Bridesmaid, it will not be the last time I pick up one her books. This is a fun rom-com that does have more to it than first meets the eye. I loved the way the author dealt with her demanding bride and the extremely patient bridesmaid as they gradually tried to do their best to get what they want. A brilliant read and one that I loved. Ideal for rom-com and contemporary romance fans.

56880329. sy475

When you see a tag on a book that mentions it being “absolutely gripping” often the sceptical part of me goes “yeah right”. Well, Last Seen by Joy Kluver is… yeah you guessed it… Absolutely gripping! This is such an amazingly twisted and fabulous story about a missing girl and the investigation that follows. There is so much more to this story than I was expecting and I am delighted to see the words “Book 1” as this means there is going to be more to come. Definitely one for the crime, thriller and mystery readers.

There you have it, five books for me this week as well as a good bit of gardening.

Have a wonderful week ahead and happy reading,

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Girl With Secrets by Carol Rivers @carol_rivers @rararesources #GuestPost

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share a post with you today from, Carol Rivers, the author of Girl With Secrets. I wish I had the time to read all the books I see and I know this is one that would be right up my street!

My thanks to Rachel at Rachels Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for organising wonderful Guest Post for me today to share with you all.

A coming of age war story and family saga full of romance, mystery and danger in London’s East End. From the Sunday Times and ebook bestselling author of the Lizzie Flowers series and A Wartime Christmas comes a gripping NEW coming-of-age saga about love, loyalties and secrets.



IN THE TURMOIL OF WAR, CAN SHE KEEP HER FAMILY TOGETHER?

‘Surely one of the best saga writers of her time’ – Rosie Clarke

1938, East London. Nine year old Daisy Purbright is a country girl at heart and together with beloved brother Bobby, they’ve enjoyed the endless freedoms of rural England.

But when her father gambles the family’s fortunes on a speculative investment in London’s docklands, Daisy and her family are swept up into the intrigue, danger and excitement.Desperately the Purbrights attempt to settle to a new life in the East End, but the whisperings of war grow louder.

Then, one late afternoon in September 1940, Adolf Hitler conducts a paralysing bombardment on London and war tightens its grip. Life changes dramatically and closely guarded secrets threaten the Purbrights’ happiness.

Can Daisy and her family survive one of the most fateful events of the 20th century?

Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Pam Howes, Rosie Clarke and Dilly Court.

Purchase Links – Amazon UK – US

Guest Post by Carol Rivers…

How Daisy became Daisy …

Have you ever wondered how authors bring their characters to life? There are many techniques and each author’s way is different. But for me, the first step is essential. I need to have a visual image of my character, similar to a photofit sketch similar to a police drawing. Google gives me this definition. “A facial composite is a graphical representation of one or more eyewitnesses’ memory of a face, as recorded by a composite artist.”

Well, I am the eyewitness and I’m fortunate enough to have an artist in the family – my husband. Right from the word go, he sketches out my description, in this case, fair hair, blue eyes, cheeky smile and a determined appearance. (Above left). I am always blown away by the end result and this time, my nine-year old heroine, Daisy Purbright, literally jumped off the page and into my hard drive!

Girl with Secrets is my most ambitious book yet, a culmination of thirty-five years writing and what a project it turned out to be! Daisy’s extraordinary wartime journey had me riveted. Thanks to the magic of my photofit Daisy, she became the character I had always wanted to write. She’s gutsy, precocious, self-centred, but deeply loyal. Luckily her faults become her attributes during one of the most terrifying events of the twentieth century, World War ll. I do hope she entertains you as much as she did me!

With love as always, Carol x

About the Author…

Mum and Dad were both East Enders who were born on the famous or should I say the then infamous Isle of Dogs. Their family were immigrants who travelled to the UK from Ireland and France, while others emigrated to America.

As a child I would listen to the adults spinning their colourful stories, as my cousins and I drank pop under the table.

I know the seeds of all my stories come from those far off times that feel like only yesterday. So I would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to all my family and ancestors wherever you are now … UK, Ireland, France or America, as you’ve handed down to me the magic and love of story telling.

Social Media Links – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Pinterest – Website

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Fall of Koli by M.R. Carey @michaelcarey191 @Tr4cyF3nt0n #compulsivereaders @orbitbooks #fantasy #dystopian #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am absolutely delighted to share my review today for The Fall of Koli by M.R. Carey. I am also gutted that this is the final book in The Rampart Trilogy.

My huge thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my book with the publisher Orbit Books.

The Fall of Koli is the third and final novel in the breathtakingly original Rampart trilogy – set in a strange and deadly world of our own making.

The world that is lost will come back to haunt us . . .

Koli has come a long way since being exiled from his small village of Mythen Rood. In his search for the fabled tech of the old times, he knew he’d be battling strange, terrible beasts and trees that move as fast as whips. But he has already encountered so much more than he bargained for.

Now that Koli and his companions have found the source of the signal they’ve been following – the mysterious “Sword of Albion” – there is hope that their perilous journey will finally be worth something.

Until they unearth terrifying truths about an ancient war . . . and realise that it may have never ended.

My Review…


The Fall of Koli is the final book in the trilogy and as much as I was eager to read it there is also a sadness knowing this is it.

Having previously read and loved the first two books I didn’t even think about reading the synopsis before I began. The title gives an indication that the story is coming to an end, but how that end is arrived at was something that I was strangely nervous about.

If you have read the previous books then you know that this is set in the future, it has several characters that join the main character Koli. Koli is an exile from his village and has to survive the wilderness. Not your average forest, this one has trees and plants that are as fierce and carnivorous as wild animals.

While Koli is making his journey, the village he has left behind has not been forgotten by the author. Spinner’s character is used skillfully to keep the reader up to date with what is happening in Mythen Rood.

The world the author has created is one that is full of awe, wonder and danger. Old technology is prized, even more so if it still works. One piece of tech is Monono. There are also weapons and medical equipment.

The final book sees the author filling in gaps, linking stories and also going back to finally give the reader the full picture. Explanations about some of the tech, what a strange signal is and also to give such a wonderful conclusion.

I am aware that this review may be vague, but if you have not read the previous books then there should be no spoilers.

M.R. Carey has created a world of characters having adventures that I adored. Each book has been an addictive read, from building blocks of the first book, through to more explanations and travels in the second until the final stunning conclusion of the final one.

An absolutely amazing trilogy from start to finish and it is one I would very absolutely recommend to those who like dystopian and fantasy genres.

About the Author…

M.R. Carey

Mike Carey is the acclaimed writer of Lucifer and Hellblazer (now filmed as Constantine). He has recently completed a comics adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, and is the current writer on Marvel’s X-Men and Ultimate Fantastic Four. He has also written the screenplay for a movie, Frost Flowers, which is soon to be produced by Hadaly Films and Bluestar Pictures.

Also writes as Mike Carey 

Check put the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Here are all three books in all of their gorgeous-ness…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Trust Me by T.M. Logan @TMLoganAuthor #TrustMe @ZaffreBooks #CompulsiveReaders @Tr4cyF3nt0n #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 7 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Trust Me by T.M. Logan. After reading a couple of this author’s previous books I knew this was one I wanted to read. My huge thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous thriller.

55196693. sy475

Two strangers, a child, and a split second choice that will change everything . . .

Ellen was just trying to help a stranger. That was how it started: giving a few minutes respite to a flustered young mother sitting opposite her on the train. A few minutes holding her baby while the mother makes an urgent call. The weight of the child in her arms making Ellen’s heartache for what she can never have.

Five minutes pass.
Ten.

The train pulls into a station and Ellen is stunned to see the mother hurrying away down the platform, without looking back. Leaving her baby behind. Ellen is about to raise the alarm when she discovers a note in the baby’s bag, three desperate lines scrawled hastily on a piece of paper:

Please protect Mia
Don’t trust the police
Don’t trust anyone

Why would a mother abandon her child to a stranger? Ellen is about to discover that the baby in her arms might hold the key to an unspeakable crime. And doing the right thing might just cost her everything . . . 

My Review…

Well, what a brilliant title this book has. “Trust Me” is just two little words, but when people tell you to trust them, can you really!

Ellen was only holding a baby for a fellow passenger on the train, just helping while an important phone call was being taken. An innocent act, and yet one that leaves Ellen in more danger than she had realised would be possible.

The thing the author has done with this story, apart from making it highly addictive, is to leave the reader wondering who to trust. Like Ellen, I was introduced to characters who all seem to have a reason for their actions. This act of asking for trust is one that is used to high effect throughout the story. The problem is is that when the main character, along with the reader, doesn’t know the full story. Hearing only one side of a person argument is one thing, but when it seems that every person’s version is slightly different it does make you wonder.

While I read the story I found myself changing my mind about who the main culprit was, as the author divulged more and more information like breadcrumbs. I do admit that I did get to the who, but I think this was down to a couple of clever sentences that the author gave. It wasn’t one of those “eureka” moments, more of an “I wonder if it was…” moment.

The pacing is really good and it does fit this style of story. It is not overly fast and this is ideal as all the pieces of the puzzle are tweaked until they finally fall into place. There are several things that are seemingly unconnected, but gradually they do link.

This is quite a tense thriller as Ellen tries desperately to discover the truth. It does have a police investigation that runs in the background, but the story focuses on Ellen involvement more. This is an intriguing read and its one that falls into the crime, thriller and mystery genre. It’s one I would recommend.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Hydra by Matt Wesolowski #murdermystery #crimethriller #Hydra #SixStories #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Hydra by Matt Wesolowski. I have all of this authors Six Stories Series of books and I thought it was about time to catch up with them. I listened to the first book in the series and it worked brilliantly as an Audio, so how would I get on with reading Hydra, the second book?

35960886. sy475

A family massacre
A deluded murderess
Five witnesses
Six stories
Which one is true?

One cold November night in 2014, in a small town in the north west of England, 21-year-old Arla Macleod bludgeoned her mother, father and younger sister to death with a hammer, in an unprovoked attack known as the Macleod Massacre.

Now incarcerated at a medium-security mental-health institution, Arla will speak to no one but Scott King, an investigative journalist, whose Six Stories podcasts have become an internet sensation.

King finds himself immersed in an increasingly complex case, interviewing five witnesses and Arla herself, as he questions whether Arla’s responsibility for the massacre was a diminished as her legal team made out.

As he unpicks the stories, he finds himself thrust into a world of deadly forbidden ‘games’, online trolls, and the mysterious black-eyed kids, whose presence seems to extend far beyond the delusions of a murderess…

Dark, chilling and gripping, Hydra is both a classic murder mystery and an up-to-the-minute, startling thriller, that shines light in places you may never, ever want to see again.

My Review…

I am stunned, in shock and have been left reeling after just finishing Hydra, the second book in the Six Stories series.

You know when you get towards the end of a story and suddenly there is that moment when the penny drops and things just suddenly fall into place? Well, this author didn’t just let a penny drop, he dropped the whole of the Royal Mint!!!! Talk about a brilliant ending or what?

Let me backtrack a moment… this is the second book in a series that is a podcast transcript format of a fictional true crime that is told via six voices of those who have some connection to the crime that was committed.

The crime is of the murder of a mum, stepdad and daughter. The perpetrator has been caught and is in a psychiatric facility, she is the elder daughter of the family.

The author weaves so a deliciously deep and addictive story about a young girl who has not had the best upbringing. As she enters her teens, she rebels. The story gradually goes into more detail about the rebellion and also attempts to identify the causes through the accounts of others. The podcast is run by Scott King, he interviews and hosts his podcast to allow people to make up their own minds rather than give people the answers.

I loved the format of these books, yes it is a podcast, but it is like you are reading a simplified transcript version. This makes it so much easier for reading and to allow the full story to flow. I listened to the first book and was intrigued as to how I would get on with it as an actual book, I have to say it works brilliantly.

The author sy=tarts with what appears to be a straightforward crime, I say straight-forward because the case has been to court and the murderer has been given a sentence. What the author now does is to start adding doubt, this comes through the witness accounts. While for the most part, they do come across as being good accounts, there is something that each one appears to hold back. This leads to doubt, mistrust and more questions than answers at some points.

The ending, however, well, wow! I am so glad I had my kindle on the table otherwise it would have gone into orbit! Sat there reading away, I was, then suddenly both arms were flung up in the air, imagine a one-woman Mexican wave… yeah that was me! I do believe a few unmentionable words may have been uttered!

This is a totally brilliant and addictive read and I cannot believe it has taken me this long to pick up this book. I do actually have all of the books in the series they just seem to have trickled down the reading pile. This is a book for those who love crime, mystery and thriller reads and that also have quite a strong psychological vibe to them. There is so much more to the story than I have divulged here and it is one I would absolutely recommend.

35960886. sy475

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂

My Week In Books (w/e 21st March) #bookupdates #booklove #MeAndMyBooks

yvonnembee 11 Comments

How is it we are nearly at the end of March! Not that I am complaining of course, but wow this month is going fast. Spring is definitely springing as far as the garden is going. Shoots, coming up, leaf and flower buds starting to form and seeds starting to go in. A much nicer part of the year for me.

Last weeks book post was a very random one with a definite mix, more so than normal! This week, though not quite so random, it still does have a good variation.

53321887. sy475

I have adored this trilogy and I am gutted to have finished it with The Fall of Koli by M.R. Carey as the final book in The Rampart Trilogy. This trilogy has been amazing and it has a great dystopian feel that has been blended so well with a fantasy element. I do think this is a trilogy that would work well for many readers. Keep an eye out for the Blog Tour and my full review.

57210980. sy475

As soon as I see Rich Amooi‘s name come up on Rachel’s Random Resources, I am there and I know there are several other Book Bloggers that immediately ask for a spot on the Blog Tour. Uncork My Love has the usual cheekiness and cheesiness but it also felt as it was the secondary characters that had such a hilarious part to play. I do love this authors books and this is another fabulous light-hearted read.

54968105

It has been quite a long time since I have read any books by Lynda La Plante and her latest novel, The Judas Horse, reminds me just how much I used to love her crime stories. This is the second book in the DC Jack Warr series and it works really well as a standalone, yes you guessed it, I haven’t read the first one! Jack has been asked to help out on another areas case and I have to say the author has done a brilliant job of how she deals with the characters and also the hierarchy. Such an addictive read, it makes me wan to go back and read all of her other books again, if I had the time and a smaller TBR pile I would!

55600950. sy475

After starting the month with the third book in the Harry McCoy series I had the chance to read The April Dead by Alan Parks. This is the fourth book and wow, it is another amazing read. It is very dark and there are some unpleasant themes that the author has used. He has got the balance right in his descriptions, enough to relay the meaning. This is one that crime thriller readers who prefer darker, gritty and noir based police procedural books. A cosy mystery it isn’t.

57290433. sy475
I have not read anything by this author before and The Mersey Mistress by Sheila Riley is such a great introduction to her writing. So much so that I found this to be a one sitting read. Such a emotional and wonderful historical fiction that I could not put it down. I am so glad Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources gave me a nudge about this one as I had missed the Blog Tour sign up for it. Set in Liverpool in 1910 the author introduces two women and tells their tale. Fabulous book.

There you have it for another week. Fantasy/ Dystopian, crime, historic, romance and rom-com!

All that leaves to to do is wish you all a wonderful week ahead,

Yvonne xx

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Silent Friend by Diane Jeffrey #TheSilentFriend @dianefjeffrey @HQstories @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours #crimethriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Silent Friend by Diane Jeffrey. This was a fabulous crime thriller read that did have a great psychological aspect to it.

My huge thanks to Emma at #dammppebblesblogtour for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this brilliant read.

I love this cover! As I have read this book I can see how well it works for the story inside.

Tragedy brought them together. The truth will tear them apart. 

It’s supposed to be Laura’s dream holiday: a trip to France with a group of friends to see their favourite band play live. But the holiday quickly turns to disaster, and Laura is left haunted by terrifying images from the worst night of her life. 

When Laura finds an online support group for victims like her, she’s not convinced it will help. But when Sandrine replies to her message, she seems to understand what Laura’s going through, in a way that no one else can. 

Soon, Laura and Sandrine are sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings with each other. But one of them has a terrible secret – she isn’t who she says she is. And once the twisted truth is revealed, there’s no going back… 

PURCHASE LINKS – Amazon UK or US – Kobo – Google – Apple – Waterstones – Hive

My Review…


I love it when you get a book that gives very little away in the synopsis. It’s like going in blind and for The Silent Friend, this was perfect. I got a story that pulled me in very quickly and led me on a journey that I didn’t expect at all.

Given the slim synopsis, my review will also be a bit on the vague side. The story is told from two perspectives. One from a woman who has lost two of her friends and the other from a mother. The two characters share their experiences of an event that happens in France. Both are victims. Both are suffering. Both feel guilty.

The story is told over a timeline that is shown over the course of a few months before the event, the event itself and then onwards. It gives the thoughts and feeling of both women and of those who are in immediate contact with them. This keeps the character list small and gives a more intimate account.

There is a psychological aspect to this, but not the usual crime thriller one. Yes, a crime was committed, but it is the psychological impact that the women deal with that becomes the major thread of the story for me. The author very craftily draws the reader into the lives of the women and then delivers some wonderful heart-stopping moments. Things suddenly linked and left me shocked as I didn’t really see them coming.

This was such an addictive read. From initially not really knowing what story was going to unfold I soon found myself flying through this. The author wove a story that is full of intrigue but from different perspectives. It gives an idea of what people go through after a traumatic event and how they cope with living afterwards.

I loved this story so much. It had me with my heart in my mouth at times and also with the odd tear in my eye as the full picture was brought out. This is one for readers who like a crime mystery read and it is one I would definitely recommend. 

About the Author…

Diane Jeffrey is a USA Today bestselling author. 

 
She grew up in North Devon and Northern Ireland. She now lives in Lyon, France, with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat. 

 
Diane’s is the author of four psychological thrillers, all of which were Kindle bestsellers in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia. 

 
THE GUILTY MOTHER, Diane’s third book, was a USA Today bestseller and spent several weeks in the top 100 Kindle books in the UK. 

 
Her latest psychological thriller, THE SILENT FRIEND, is set in Belfast and Lyon. It was published in ebook in November 2020 with the paperback and audiobook to follow in 2021. 

 
She is currently working on her fifth psychological thriller. 

 
Diane is an English teacher. When she’s not working or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays. 

 
Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. 

 
Author website: http://www.dianejeffrey.com 
Readers can also follow Diane on – Twitter – Facebook – Website – Instagram

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman #GoodEggs #NetGalley @AllenAndUnwin #PublicationDay #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardiman. Many thanks to Allen And Unwin who granted my request to read this via NetGalley.

Happy Publication Day to Rebecca as well xx

I do have to mention this cover. As I have read this book I can look at it and it just makes me smirk. A moody teen, a rebel Grandmother and a son who is at his limits 👍😂

56887128. sy475

Meet the Gogartys; cantankerous gran Millie (whose eccentricities include a penchant for petty-theft and reckless driving); bitter downtrodden stepson Kevin (erstwhile journalist whose stay-at-home parenting is pushing him to the brink); and habitually moody, disaffected teenage daughter Aideen.

When Gran’s arrested yet again for shoplifting, Aideen’s rebelliousness has reached new heights and Kevin’s still not found work, he realises he needs to take action. With the appointment of a home carer for his mother, his daughter sent away to boarding school to focus on her studies and more time for him to reboot his job-hunt, surely everything will work out just fine. But as the story unfolds – and in the way of all the best families – nothing goes according to plan and as the calm starts to descend into chaos we’re taken on a hilarious multiple-perspective roller-coaster ride that is as relatable as it is far-fetched.

Good Eggs is a heady cocktail of that warmth and wit of Marian Keyes, Caitlin Moran and TV’s Derry Girls.

My Review…

This is such a lovely story of three generations of the Gogarty family. Millie, the 83-year-old grandmother, Kevin her son and then the teenage grand-daughter Aideen.

The synopsis does give a good idea that this is a story that is going to have a few chuckles, and it certainly does. Right from the get-go, I adored Mille, she is an elderly rebel and poor Kevin does have his hands full with her. Aideen is a troubled teen, she feels overlooked as her twin sister does tend to get more of the attention.

Between the antics of Millie and the antics of Aideen, Kevin is definitely stuck in the middle. I did feel for him as he is pulled from pillar to post. From one situation to another with often quite funny events in the midst.

This is a story that has a good heart to it, no matter what age you are or generation there is always something that you wish you had done. In some ways, this feels like a coming of age for all the generation involved. Realising that there are options and choices, that changes and chances are part of life.

This was a lovely contemporary fiction novel about a normal family, dealing with situations as they rise. At times it was quite serious as there are topics that the author deals with, but at the same time with a snigger of humour interlaced in between. It did make me chuckle as well as giving me that lovely warm heart-warming feel. One I would recommend to those who like a feel-good story.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx