Category First Book In A Series

The Medici Murders by David Hewson @david_hewson @RandomTTours @canongatebooks #histfic #murder #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee 8 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today of The Medici Murders by David Hewson. This is the first book in the Venetian Mystery series and I am looking forward to reading more of this one. This was a great intro to this author as it is the first of his books I have read.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of this murder mystery from the publisher Canongate Books.

When a well-known British TV historian, Marmaduke Godolphin, is found murdered in the canals of Venice during carnival, stabbed by a stiletto blade, the Venetian police are eager to have the case solved and cleared up within a day – murder is bad for tourism!

The police recruit the help of retired archivist, Arnold Clover. Godolphin had hired his services on arriving in Venice to help sort through some historical papers of note. These dusty documents may contain previously unknown information about the assassination of the murderer, Lorenzino de’ Medici, 500 years previously.

How coincidental that Godolphin meets his death in the same place as the Medici murderer, Lorenzino, on a cold, dark, bloody night. Can Arnold use his powers of perception to establish a link and solve the murder of Godolphin?

MY REVIEW

This is a murder mystery that has the feel of a sleuthing-style whodunnit. A mix of a present-day murder that has been mixed with a historical fiction story, some of which is factual.

Duke Marmaduke is a historian who has become a TV celebrity, although his spotlight has waned over the years. Once he was in demand for his TV shows that made history more theatrical than necessarily true. He contacts others for help in discovering some documents that had been lost over time. One of these is Arnold, he has been a diligent archivist and has moved to Italy to retire. Arnold is a person who has always been in the background and the complete opposite of the loud and bullish Duke.

It is when those called, meet up that Duke reveals, well partly reveals his next project. He has been given documents that could shine a new light on an old murder. It is one that could have some interesting outcomes. When Duke is found dead in the canal, it shows similarities to the old murder, so who wants him dead? Arnold is asked to talk with a Captain who leads the investigation, it is this account that tells the story.

I liked this story and it is one that had me intrigued. I did find it a little slow at times but on the whole, it is an interesting story. It is one that had loads of twists and the author has set the stage with some very interesting characters. There are connections and these are told as there is a relevance to when the gathered group were at University. Duke was head of this group known as the Guilded Circle, Arnold was not part of this so it gives him an ideal perspective, an outsider that is looking in. I liked this a lot as it gave Arnold a spectator’s view as such and when he relates the information to the Captain he does so in a more neutral.

This is a mix of historical fact and the author does say at the end of the book that there is also his fictional slant on the mystery. It makes for an interesting and also quite addictive story. As I said I did find it slow, but as I got more used to the characters and their roles I found it gained pace.

This is one that fans of murder mystery genres would enjoy, it has a sleuthing vibe to it and while it does have a police presence it is not a police procedural. I must also mention the food that is consumed by the characters, there is quite a bit, but it does sound very mouthwatering and very Venetian.

A wonderfully twisted story that had me guessing and one I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Hewson is a former journalist with The Times, Sunday Times and Independent. He is the author of more than twenty-five novels, including his Rome-based Nic Costa series which has been published in fifteen languages, and his Amsterdam-based series featuring detective Pieter Vos. He has also written three acclaimed adaptations of the Danish TV series, The Killing. He lives near Canterbury in Kent. @david_hewson | davidhewson.com

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

Death on Cromer Beach by Ross Greenwood @greenwoodross @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of Death on Cromer Beach by Ross Greenwood. I am a big fan of this author and have read several of his books over the years. Death on Cromer Beach is the start of a new series and it is a brilliant way to start!

My huge thanks to Boldwood Books for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Publication Date – 26th April 2023

The first in a new series from bestselling author, Ross Greenwood!

A brutal double murder on a Norfolk beach horrifies the town of Cromer. The way the victims died is chilling and so Norfolk’s Major Investigation Team task DS Ashley Knight to manage the case.

It soon becomes clear that the murders were carefully planned and the finger of suspicion points to an organised crime gang, but as the evidence mounts, a far more sinister theory emerges. 

Ashley has been allocated a young but opinionated partner in Hector Fade, and sparks soon fly. Annoyingly for Ashley, Hector is no pushover and looks destined for great things.  When the pair delve into the case, they struggle to understand who would inflict such suffering on their victims and hope the crime is a one-off from a deranged and dangerous individual. But then another body is found.

There’s a killer on the loose who must be caught, or other victims will meet their fate by the sea.

MY REVIEW

I have read several of this author’s books and when I saw he had a new series I definitely needed to check it out.

DS Ashley Knight, loner, single, middle-aged, has just been asked to investigate a double death on Cromer beach. She has also been saddled with one of the fast-track detectives, Hector Fade.

Finding a double murder on her local beach is not something Ashley would have expected to get a call out to, especially when there is more to this than meets the eye. She has a bad feeling and she is not wrong as more bodies surface.

This first book in this new series is so good, it has such a tense and atmospheric feel to it. Having to deal with a double murder and then more as another and another body turns up is tough on the whole team. What makes this case even harder is that the link is tenuous but it is a link. Those connected are so varied and have many problems and this also makes trying to work out events, truths and lies very difficult.

In between the questioning and interviews, the author takes the time to have Ashley and Hector get to know each other, a great way to fill in some details about them. They are very opposite and so their differences can show. Discovering more about them helps to understand their characters a little more, there is more to each than you first imagine.

Having more to it than first expected also goes for the case. There are reasons for it to have a connection to an event from years ago. What this connection is and how it is worked into this story is such a good one. There are twists and misdirections and an overall sense of danger and of something lurking and waiting.

This is a fabulous first book in the series and I do hope that Hector is not fast-tracked out too soon as I do kind of like him. Ashley is a tough one, and she does get on well with her younger colleague, Between them, I do think they would make a great team, but then I am not writing the books 🙂

If you are looking for a new series then this is one you need to look at if you are a fan of tough, gritty crime thrillers. There are so many unexpected things that occur and this adds to the mystery and the suspense. Excellent storyline and great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King’s School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I’m still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, I randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

I’ve now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought-provoking and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.

The first three books are stand-alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.

Abel’s Revenge is something a bit different. It’s a modern-day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There’s a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.

Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women’s side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won’t have read a book like it.

I hope you enjoy reading them.

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

Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey @ michaelcarey191 @OrbitBooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n #Pandominion #dystopia #scifi #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey. This is the first book in the Pandominion trilogy and it is fabulous.

I have to say a huge thanks to Tracey at Compulsive Readers for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my paperback copy of this brilliant book from Orbit Books.

The Pandominion: a political and trading alliance of a million worlds – except that they’re really just the one world, Earth, in many different realities. And when an AI threat arises that could destroy everything the Pandominion has built, they’ll eradicate it by whatever means necessary, no matter the cost to human life.

Scientist Hadiz Tambuwal is looking for a solution to her own Earth’s environmental collapse when she stumbles across the secret of inter-dimensional travel. It could save everyone on her dying planet, but now she’s walked into the middle of a war on a scale she never dreamed of.

And she needs to choose a side before it kills her.

INFINITY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

MY REVIEW

What a brilliant first book in the Pandominion series Infinity Gate is. The Pandominion is a series of worlds, well actually millions upon millions of worlds. They are all a variation of Earth and The Pandominion is the alliance that runs them, well most of them, some are not deemed acceptable. Our version of Earth is dying, there is nothing worth saving so the Pandominion has ignored it. However, a scientist by the name of Hadiz Tembuwal discovers that there are multiverses and this could mean a way of saving our Earth.

It can be a little difficult to review the first book in a series that you know is going to be huge, I mean in the way the book is laid out and how far into the galaxy, multiverse or time it goes. This author does know how to deal with large areas, dimensions and spaces and he also knows how to fill them. He has some main characters such as Paz, Essien, Moon, Dulcie and Rupshe. There are obviously many others, but not too many to get confusing.

Mixing in travel through different dimensions of universes would make you think that this was very science-based, it isn’t, well it is, but not over-the-top tech speak. The terms used are part of the story and kind of make sense. Tactical soldiers with enhanced armour known as the Cielo were interesting to come across, as were the various other inhabitants of the different verses. YOu will soon discover how the author manages to mingle and mix machines with beings and gradually work towards a more AI form. There are those that are alive and then there is the machinery.

This first book lays out the foundations and gives great detail about how things are seen from a viewpoint of someone who has never heard of the Pandominion. This makes it more accessible to different readers. There are also different perspectives from the different beings and they have worked together to start to form a great image of this alternative verse.

Having great characters and a storyline that is building momentum makes for a really great read. I have read this over a few days or so and even when I had put it down due to work I could remember what was going on. I found that the characters are very memorable and I am already starting to have favourites.

The author obviously has a lot more up his sleeve for this series and it will be interesting to how or where he lets his imagination run.

It is a mix of sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian and with some fabulously explained characters. I have already started to build up a picture in my head of how some of these appear, I just couldn’t help it.

A brilliant first book and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

A Psychic Subterfuge by J.P Alters @RandomTTours #horror #paranormal #psychologicalthriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for A Psychic Subterfuge by J.P Alters. This is a fabulous book and I absolutely adored it.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my copy of the book and my spot on the tour.

Everything has a plan…

Mary Obosa Jameson, a diagnosed schizophrenic, attempts to take her own life and is admitted to a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital.


Mary hears voices and has friends that nobody else can see… but what she does not know, is that she is actually a powerful medium and that everything, has a plan.


Whilst admitted to the hospital, Mary makes friends who uncover a fiendish conspiracy. Mary’s life, and the lives of her friends are in great danger and only she can save them, but does she believe?


They are her friends. However, when you are diagnosed with schizophrenia, how do you know what is real, and what is not?


A Psychic Subterfuge is the first book in a series of paranormal thrillers featuring protagonist Mary Jameson, by debut author: JP Alters.

MY REVIEW

I was really intrigued when I read the synopsis for this book and it was one I decided I really fancied. I am so glad I gave this a chance because it was brilliant right the way through. From an addictive and emotional start going through some amazing scenes, events, mysteries, terrors and suspicions to an amazing ending. It has left me wanting to read more in this series as soon as possible.

Mary has non-treatable schizophrenia, she has just been admitted to a world-class treatment centre after trying to end her life. This is top of the art, full of luxurious surroundings and a small group of residents that are helped by staff and nurses. All under the watchful eye of Dr Adelia Sinclair, she has been working on alternative treatments and therapies that allow her patients to go on to live lives out in the community.

Mary is nervous when she arrives, it is so different to the usual mental health units she3 has been in, it is quiet, and clean and she has her own room with nice clothes. There is one thing that she is missing though, and that is the voices of those who have followed her around, some for years. Many think Mary is crazy, but she isn’t. She has a gift and hasn’t yet realised it.

This is such an amazing book to read, it was emotional but not necessarily in the way you would think. The story focuses on Mary, her life, how she came to be in this unit and the people she meets there. In some ways, the author plays on some of the stereotypes of how people with serious mental illnesses are perceived. This works very well with how previous treatments were used. The approach that Adelia takes with her patients in this book shows of progressive modern thinking. This is where again the stereotype comes in, conspiracy theorists. Again it is something that fits with stereotypes and perceptions along with muttering, mumbling, rocking and unacceptable behaviours.

This is a mix of several genres, for me, the mystery was the main one along with a good thriller vibe. I would say this has a strong paranormal element, but within the context of the story, it is one that works incredibly well. I know some people will look at the genres and turn away from this style, but for me, it is the mystery of what is happening and why that makes this book so very good. But then I do lie the odd paranormal read from time to time.

This book delves into some tough issues that people have gone through, they can be tough at times but they are part of the story and one or two are particularly heartbreaking. By the end of the book, I was caught up in emotions that I didn’t expect from this genre. An amazing feeling, with many positives and a definite interest in wanting to read more in this series. It is one I would definitely recommend and I look forward to reading what the author comes up with next.

I also have to mention how brilliant the title is for this book!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A debut, indie author, J.P. loves writing, and in December 2022, self-published the first in her series of paranormal thrillers: A Psychic Subterfuge.
J.P. Alters writes under a pen name. A people person, J.P. has enjoyed many jobs throughout the years, working in either social care or mental health. Currently, she has two jobs, sharing her time between being a mum to three children, her role as a mentor, and working for a homeless charity.
J.P. hopes to write books that are accessible and appealing to many. Most of all, she plans to continue to enjoy the writing ride, and hopes her readers will too!
Subscribe to http://www.jpaltersauthor.com to stay updated, and follow J.P. Alters author on Tik Tok, Facebook or Instagram.

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

The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten @LittleBrownUK @orbitbooks #NetGalley #fantasy #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten. This is the first book in The Nightshade Kindom series and it is a fabulous book to delve into.

I wish to thank the publisher Little, Brown Books and Orbit Books for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.This title is due for publication tomorrow and I would like to wish the author a very Happy Publication Day 🙂

In this lush, romantic new epic fantasy series from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Whitten, a young woman’s secret power to raise the dead plunges her into the dangerous and glamorous world of the Sainted King’s royal court.

When Lore was thirteen, she escaped a cult in the catacombs beneath the city of Dellaire. And in the ten years since, she’s lived by one rule: don’t let them find you. Easier said than done, when her death magic ties her to the city.

Mortem, the magic born from death, is a high-priced and illicit commodity in Dellaire, and Lore’s job running poisons keeps her in food, shelter, and relative security. But when a run goes wrong and Lore’s power is revealed, she’s taken by the Presque Mort, a group of warrior-monks sanctioned to use Mortem working for the Sainted King. Lore fully expects a pyre, but King August has a different plan. Entire villages on the outskirts of the country have been dying overnight, seemingly at random. Lore can either use her magic to find out what’s happening and who in the King’s court is responsible, or die.

Lore is thrust into the Sainted King’s glittering court, where no one can be believed and even fewer can be trusted. Guarded by Gabriel, a duke-turned-monk, and continually running up against Bastian, August’s ne’er-do-well heir, Lore tangles in politics, religion, and forbidden romance as she attempts to navigate a debauched and opulent society.

But the life she left behind in the catacombs is catching up with her. And even as Lore makes her way through the Sainted court above, they might be drawing closer than she thinks.

MY REVIEW

I absolutely adored this book, a mix of dark magic, fantasy, conspiracy, cults, kings and monks all woven together to create not only a brilliant world but also an addictive story. The synopsis gives a tantalising glimpse into the story and it was one that caught my eye when I read it.

Death is something that Lore knows about, she is able to work the essence of death. She was born in the dark catacombs and doesn’t remember too much. As she gets older she is taken up into the world above where she becomes a spy, a runner of poisons. In this fantasy world poison is something to help prolong life.

When Lore is caught she is taken to the citadel where she is asked to spy on a traitor. Who is the traitor, well that becomes more confusing as there are differing opinions, theories, religious interpretations and also the quest for power. With the eclipse coming up time starts to become more important as answers need to be found. When everyone is hiding something it is difficult to know who to trust.

This is such a wonderful first book in The Nightshade series by this author, who is new to me. A world where death and life are in the balance just as much as truth and conspiracy. The differences between life outside the citadel and that inside are something that doesn’t sit well with some, and I do like the way the author touched upon the differences and how expendable people actually are. Having theories and differences is something that I really enjoy within a story as it pits characters against each other and creates such a mysterious element for the reader.

The way the author has described her characters, the realm, the religion and the way of life is wonderful. The imagery was great so I was able to visualise certain things as I read. There are some major characters and while I am not going into too much detail about them, they all have a reason for being there.

There is a sense of action and adventure in this story and I like this search for the truth as well as people being slightly less honest. It helps to build intrigue and suspicion in a setting that works well with the storyline and the characters.

I really enjoyed this book and I am definitely looking forward to following this series. An addictive fantasy story that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Whitten has been writing to amuse herself since she could hold a pen, and sometime in high school, figured out that what amused her might also amuse others. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, making music, or attempting to bake. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and children in a house ruled by a temperamental cat.

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

Lockwood and Co by Jonathon Stroud #fantasy #mystery #YA #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for Lockwood & Co by Jonathan Stroud. This is a book that I adored and I might even watch the NetFlix version! I was fortunate to receive a paperback copy from Amazon Vine for review.

‘The Screaming Staircase?’ Lockwood edged forward in his chair. ‘Please, Mr Fairfax, tell us more.’

For more than fifty years, Britain has been terrorised by an epidemic of murderous ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy them – with mixed results . . .

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping to begin a shining new chapter in her career. Instead she finds herself joining Lockwood & Co., the most ramshackle agency in the city, whose ineptitude is matched only by the charisma of its owner.

But Lockwood & Co. have one last chance for redemption. All they have to do is spend the night in one of the most haunted houses in England . . . and come out alive.

The first book in an amazingly addictive, binge-worthy series, this is an electrifying, witty and brilliantly spooky thriller, perfect for fans of Rivers of London and Good Omens.

MY REVIEW

It has been a while since I have read anything by this author, so when I saw that this series had been released to coincide with the Netflix series I wanted to give the book a go. I prefer to read books prior to watching a program.

Lucy has just started work for Lockwood & Co, this company is made up of the owner, Lockwood and his colleague George. It is children or teens that are most perceptive to visitors, ghosts, paranormal entities and psychic energies. Lockwood & Co is one of the smaller investigating units and Lucy’s first case with them doesn’t really go to plan. It is, however, licky when a rich industrialist who then approaches them to help him with a notorious haunted house.

This is aimed at a young adult audience, but this older adult thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes it is great to go back to books aimed at a younger audience as it brings back the sense of action and adventure that these books exude.

Having the main characters as children makes sense as it is often said that it is the younger generation that is more sensitive to paranormal events. It is also great that these three are living and working in an adult world and are doing very well, well almost!

The three definitely have more bravery than I would, I definitely wouldn’t be wandering around a strange house haunted or not with just a candle and a few bags of salt, iron and magnesium. Thank goodness the author has created characters that are far braver than I am.

This is a fabulous book and is full of excitement, adventure, daring and a good amount of humour. It has been a wonderful book to pick up and read and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. Ideal for young and older adult readers who like fantasy adventure and mystery stories. I would definitely recommend this.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Anthony Stroud is an author of fantasy books, mainly for children and youths.

Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.

In May 1999, Stroud published his first children’s novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children’s books.

Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, and Ptolemy’s Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.

Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children’s books.

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

Don’t Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell #policeprocedural #crime #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Don’t Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell. This is the first book in the Detective Jennifer Knight series and it was an excellent crime thriller with a twist!

You don’t know him. But he knows you.

Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him.

As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave.
When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murders mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper – from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict.

Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play …

With her mother’s terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer – but to save herself and those she loves. 

MY REVIEW

I have recently read a book by this author and really enjoyed it. I often see her books being reviewed and they always intrigue me, I do have several books that I have bought based on those reviews, but I still need to read them!

It was good to start this series from the beginning, it’s not something I do often. Meeting Detective Jennifer Knight was an interesting experience. She works in Haven with fellow officer Will. They have a good working relationship and the banter between them attests to this. There is however something about Knight that means she is not really seen as a ‘proper detective’ as such, I mean she is but she is one that has been shunted down the pecking order and not given important cases, her partner Will is given the same sort of treatment.

Knight has a unique gift and this is something that gives her trouble but also makes her stand out as being different, not in a good way either. Others are suspicious of her for various reasons and I think they don’t see her as being stable enough to have their backs.

As the synopsis suggests, the duo have been given a case, it is one that could have links to other cases and maybe the past. The thing is with the past, you are never sure if it’s the right route to go down or if you are just trying to make things fit. Then, of course, there is that question… who is the past linked to?

This is a really good story and it is one that takes on some interesting turns, there is a paranormal or supernatural element to it, and I do know that this can put some people off but it is done in a very good way. Not corny or tongue-in-cheek and it does work well.

I enjoyed this a lot and it is definitely a series that I will be continuing. Great for those who like police procedurals, crime and thriller stories and also ones with a twist. It is one I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018. Over 1.5 million books sold.

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

Unquiet Souls by Liz Mistry #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am still playing catch-up with books I read before Christmas, today’s review is for Unquiet Souls by Liz Mistry. This is the first book in the D.I. Gus McGuire series and I am definitely looking forward to reading more.

MY REVIEW

I have several books by this author, have seen loads of reviews and have yet to pick one up. Well, that changed when I decided to read Unquiet Souls. Oh my goodness, why have I not gotten to this series sooner or this author!!! Talk about a hard-hitting, brutal, crime thriller and police procedural or what! This was such an amazing book to read and one of those that I literally ‘did not want to put down’.

D.I Gus McGuire, I like him a lot btw, my first meeting with him is while he is still getting his head around a previous case and coming to terms with the loss of his best friend.

The main theme of the story centres around child abuse and trafficking, not a subject that makes for enjoyable reading as such, but if done well makes for an addictive fictional story that opens your eyes. The author does deal with the abuse carefully and doesn’t go into details, which I am really glad about. Instead, she carefully uses the reactions of others to impart the horrific and awful brutality.

Gus is back to work and is dealing with a murder that, as the synopsis tells, is when the abused children are discovered. This is the start of an investigation that has roots in the past and is obviously a continuing case for some other officers. Gus and his team are tasked with finding all they can and discovering the truth.

The author definitely knows how to twist a tale and had me so intrigued I didn’t really attempt to try to work things out. I was happy following the team and discovering things along with them. There were a couple of points where I thought, “I wonder,” but to be honest it was only because the author had gently nudged me in the right direction.

This is a hard-boiled crime thriller, it is great to start a series at the beginning and this is something that doesn’t happen very often with me. I do like how the team have been set up within this book and they look like they are going to be a trusted group.

I do like how the author switches between Gus and his personal life and problems as well as the investigation. There are twists and turns in both.

A fabulous start to a series I am definitely going to read more of and it is a book I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.

Social Media – Twitter – Website

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The Angel’s Mark by S.W. Perry #partofaseries #historicalfiction #crime #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for The Angel’s Mark by S.W. Perry. I have had this book for a while and I am so glad I have finally got to reading it. This is the first book in the Nicholas Shelby series and I am looking forward to reading the rest.

LONDON, 1590. Queen Elizabeth I’s control over her kingdom is wavering. Amidst a tumultuous backdrop of Spanish plotters, Catholic heretics and foreign wars threatening the country’s fragile stability, the body of a small boy is found in the City of London, with strange marks that no one can explain.

When idealistic physician Nicholas Shelby finds another body displaying the same marks only days later, he becomes convinced that a killer is at work, preying on the weak and destitute of London.

Determined to find out who is behind these terrible murders, Nicholas is joined in his investigations by Bianca, a mysterious tavern keeper. As more bodies are discovered, the pair find themselves caught in the middle of a sinister plot. With the killer still at large, and Bianca in terrible danger, Nicholas’s choice seems impossible – to save Bianca, or save himself…

MY REVIEW

Set in Elizabethan England in 1590, the author creates a world around a physician. Dr Nicholas Shelby is a young doctor and one that doesn’t always believe in the old ways. New research is coming forward but this is a time when heretics, herbalists and witchcraft are not accepted. A licence is required to carry out basic medicine unless you are lucky enough to be one of the learned gentlemen.

Shelby suffers a dramatic event in his life, which leads him astray and towards the banks of the Thames. Here he discovers something unnatural at work when the body of a child is discovered with a dubious symbol cut into the leg. With the help of local tavern owner Bianca, they discover that London’s secrets are much deeper and more far-reaching than they ever imagined.

I do love good historical fiction that is full of murder and mayhem and this one is just the book to tick those boxes. The author doesn’t just focus on the characters and the story but also brings in relevant and very interesting medical procedures, thoughts, practices and observations of the time. This extra detail is wonderfully woven into the story and adds something special.

England does have a Queen in the form of Elizabeth I, but the country is still settling after Henry VIII and his dissolution of the Roman Catholic Church. It was Elizabeth that restored Catholicism with the Pope as its head, but she also established the Church of England with herself as the head. At this time religion is something that you are expected to take part in and if you do not attend the right Church it can hamper your future career. Shelby discovers that religion isn’t the only way your career can be ruined. Medicine had its own rules, regulations and thoughts and to rock that particular boat is to court trouble.

As well as Shelby’s story, there is another mysterious one. It is a troubled and hurt soul that the author uses in this instance, these passages are italicised and they tell of hardship and loss.

This is brilliantly researched and I loved the way the author brings in politics, religion, medicine and opinions of the time into the story. This is well-researched and the author obviously likes this era of history as he makes it exciting and so atmospheric. The different practices involved in medical practice are great, apothecary, witchcraft, herbalists, astrologers, divination and all manner of other tools used.

I really liked this and it is full of intrigue, suspicion, suspense, corruption and of course murder and mystery. Fabulous start to a series that I will definitely be keeping on with.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S. W. Perry was a journalist and broadcaster before retraining as an airline pilot. He lives in Worcestershire, England with his wife.

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Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch #fantasy #crime #murder #mystery #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch. This is the first book in the Rivers of London series and I am so glad there are lots more to read since this one was first published in 2011.

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Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.

MY REVIEW

I have had this book on my kindle for far too long. (3rd August 2012 to be exact!) When I first saw this book I knew it was one I wanted to read but over time it has slipped down the list and now I have discovered it!

This is a police procedural of sorts, it does have police officers, and detectives and there is a chain of command and all that gumpf. But in with this, there are also ghosts, ghouls, auras, vampires and other things that lurk in the shadows.

Peter Grant is a probationary police officer, he has been given his first assignment. It isn’t to the detective department as his fellow officer is going to go, but to work alongside DCI Thomas Nightingale. He is a one-man department within the MET and he has decided to take on an apprentice. Yes, an apprentice!

Nightingale is the officer that is called when bizarre and other world events happen. River of London is a wonderful introduction to the Gods Goddesses and other creatures of the Thames and tributaries. Peter will have to tiptoe the shores and the politics of the river rulers as well as keep on the right side of other detectives who are reluctant to accept that Nightingale does in fact have his uses.

This was a brilliant story to sit down with and it soon became one that I knew I would not put down until I had finished it. A one-sitting read that has many twists, and unexpected occur5ance, with danger lurking around and within the walls.

At times this is quite funny and I love the writing style of the author. A mix of fantasy and mystery that have been warped or wrapped around a crime and police procedural genre. I can see now how this book has garnered so many great reviews and why it has become a popular series. I will definitely be reading the next book very soon and I would definitely recommend this to readers who like crime with a fantasy twist.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Aaronovitch’s career started with a bang writing for Doctor Who, subsided in the middle and then, as is traditional, a third act resurgence with the bestselling Rivers of London series.

Born and raised in London he says that he’ll leave his home when they prise his city out of his cold dead fingers.

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