Category Murder Mystery

No Time For Doubt by Robert Crouch @rcrouchauthor #crime #mystery #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today of No Time For Doubt by Robert Crouch. I have read and enjoyed every book in this series and this latest one is the 10th. This one is another wonderful story and things are personal once again for Kent Fisher.

My huge thanks to Rob for inviting me to read and review this book. My review is my own and unbiased.

Can the wounds left by the past ever heal?
The decomposed remains of a murdered woman are found in a bedsit. Forced to confront a past he’s tried to forget, Kent Fisher discovers crimes that were brushed aside and hidden almost thirty years ago. Crimes that could destroy what’s left of his family.
When more murders silence those who know the truth, only one person remains to reveal what happened all those years ago.
Can Kent find her before the killer makes one final strike? Or will she die, taking the truth with her?

MY REVIEW

It is always great to pick up a new Kent Fisher book and this one is twisted, and devious and took me back into Kent’s past. If you have not read any of these books, I would suggest reading them in order, but they would work as stand-alone as the author does give background information.

Kent is a complex character and he has an interesting backstory, this is expanded upon in this latest book. As always Kent manages to find himself in an investigation, this one will test Kent more than some others have. He is still trying to sort out what he feels about Gemma while working out this latest murder and wondering what his future looks like.

The author really has nailed this one and there were more twists and turns, red herrings and misdirection. I will say that this is something that he does well, but this particular one seemed to take it up a notch. The murder victim comes with a whole load of questions and the answers do not come easily, when they do are they the answers Kent is looking for? He does have the help of Francis and Belinda and he does fall back on his contacts from his days working as an Environmental Health Officer.

As well as being an ex-environmental health officer, he also runs an animal sanctuary, it started small but then expanded and took on a different route. It has been run by various people and volunteers if you have read the previous books you will know how this has come about. He also solves murders and has done so since his time as an EHO, dead bodies and unhygienic premises seem to go hand in hand for Kent!

This story is intense for Kent and he does question what he knows against what he is discovering. He still needs to work out who is who, sort the truth from the lies and finally get to grips with what is going on. This one is a dangerous one for Kent and those around him and it has repercussions for many.

If you are a fan of crime and mystery books with a difference then have a look a this series, I have read and enjoyed each one and this is another that I would definitely recommend.

About the author…

Robert Crouch combined his love of murder mystery novels with his extensive experience as an environmental health officer to create a new kind of private detective.

Motivated. by desire for justice and fair play, Robert wanted to show how an ordinary person could solve complex murders. Inspired by Sue Grafton’s irreverent detective, Kinsey Millhone, Robert crafted an investigator who’s rooted in the classic whodunit, but firmly set in the contemporary world.

When he’s not creating complex mysteries, Robert can be found among the gentle hills and coastline of the South Downs with his camera.

You can find out more about Robert at his website, https://robertcrouch.co.uk, where you can also join his Readers Group for more news, insights and giveaways, including a free short story. 

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

Westport by James Comey @HoZ_Books #netgalley #crime #mystery #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of Westport by James Comey. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was one I enjoyed. I will be looking out for more.

My thanks to Head of Zeus for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

She’s the lawyer. But now she’s the one on trial.

A red canoe sits abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River meets Long Island Sound. The elegantly dressed corpse of a woman lies inside…

Nora Carleton left New York to become lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, where her life has become slower, more predictable. That is until her colleague and friend, Helen, is brutally murdered – and she becomes the prime suspect.

In the months leading up to Helen’s death, she and Nora were investigating someone within the company who was using insider information to undercut Saugatuck’s investments. Nora knows this is somehow linked to Helen’s murder – if only she can see how.

Calling in old colleagues from the US Attorney’s office, Mafia investigator Benny Dugan and attorney Carmen Garcia, Nora must find evidence to prove her innocence – or risk being put behind bars herself…

MY REVIEW

This book took me a few chapters to get into, but once in I was addicted. the body of a woman found in a canoe and all the evidence points to the perpetrator as being Nora Carleton. She didn’t do it, others around her don’t think she did but the police are looking at her as being the number one suspect.

Nora lives with her daughter and mother, she has joined a hedge fund company called Saugatuck Associates. She was friends with the victim, Helen, and Nora was aware that there was an investigation being run by Helen. Nora found Helen a nice woman, got on well and were friends.

Nora has friends in the best places, and she calls on them to help her. Benny works for the US attorney’s office and Carmen is an attorney. The three of them start to dig and delve into Saugatuck and the hierarchy that runs the show.

Saugatuck is an interesting company that the author has created and it adds an interesting twist. Truth and transparency are something the company preaches and expects its employees to do the same. Some do, some think they do and some don’t. Working out which falls into which category makes for some interesting reading. As they look into Helen they discover she was running a personal investigation and she has discovered many secrets.

It took me a while to get to grips initially, I think that was because I wasn’t sure where the story was going, to be honest though, if I had read the synopsis it would have helped! Also, I couldn’t quite get a feel for the story or the characters, however, after a few chapters things started to happen and my interest was definitely piqued. I should also mention this is a follow-on from a previous book!

This is a murder mystery and one the author has added twists and red herrings to many times. It keeps you on your toes. There are also some light-hearted moments and this helps to alleviate some of the tension for Nora. There are several characters for the author and reader to deal with, but actually, these are used really well. Brought up when needed for questioning or being referred to, this means these additional characters are always in context rather than popping up randomly.

The main characters are memorable and some have some unique traits, these worked well in the storyline and also gave some of that light-heartedness I mentioned.

This is a complex book as I sit now and write my review, but at the time it had a wonderful flow and I didn’t feel out of my depth. One for those who like crime, murder and mystery stories and one I would happily recommend.

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

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller @AtriaBooks #murder #mystery#NetGalley

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C. L Miller. This was a fun murder mystery and I do hope there will be more to come.

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

In this irresistible and thrilling debut novel, a former antique hunter investigates a suspicious death at an isolated English manor, embroiling her back in the dangerous world of tracking stolen artifacts.

What antique would you kill for?

Freya Lockwood is shocked when she learns that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and her estranged mentor, has died under mysterious circumstances. She has spent the last twenty years avoiding her quaint English hometown, but when she receives a letter from Arthur asking her to investigate—sent just days before his death—Freya has no choice but to return to a life she had sworn to leave behind.

Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Freya follows clues and her instincts to an old manor house for an advertised antiques enthusiast’s weekend. But not all is as it seems. It’s clear to Freya that the antiques are all just poor reproductions and her fellow guests are secretive and menacing. What is going on at this estate and how was Arthur involved? More importantly, can Freya and Carole discover the truth before the killer strikes again?

MY REVIEW

Freya is estranged from Arthur, they worked together in the antique business until something affected their relationship. This is something that will make itself known during the story. The only problem is that Arthur has just died. He fell down the stairs of his antique shop. But his best friend Carole is suspicious and mentions this to her niece Freya.

The story gradually emerges that Arthur has left a series of clues, and has things in place just in case something does happen to him. Good job he did because there is definitely something amiss as Freya and Carole attend an antiques weekend, it is not something that the general public would be invited to or even aware of, but Arthur has arranged for the women to be there.

I really enjoyed the twisted and devious way the author has brought together several characters. The book definitely has a whodunnit feel as Freaya starts to follow clues, leads and hunches. Carole helps her, but Carole is a bit dramatic, she was once an actress. But, it does have its advantages.

With several characters being introduced gradually it was easy to keep up with who was who. I will say that not all of them are nice, some are needy, aloof or just very unlikeable. Like most murder mysteries, there has to be a few twists and this book certainly has plenty of them. Some things emerge quite quickly but the vast majority fall into place later. With the final pieces being answered in a grand finale.

This does have the feel of a Marple-style mystery and I enjoyed it. It was a fun read with some danger and plenty of adventure for our daring do of Freya and Carole. I liked these two and there is an interesting development that would make this the ideal opportunity to make another book or series. I do hope that this is something that happens because I really enjoyed this one.

The author does mention some interesting antiques and this is down to her background. She is the daughter of Judith Miller of Miller Antique Guides and she helped with editing the guides and other books.

This is for fans of murder mysteries, crime, sleuthing and whodunnits. I enjoyed it and would happily recommend it.

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

Anna O by Matthew Blake @HarperCollinsUK #psychologicalthriller #crime #mystery #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of Anna O by Matthew Blake. This is a debut by the author and it was a brilliant psychological thriller.

My huge thanks to Harper Collins UK for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

THE WORLD WILL KNOW HER NAME

What if your nightmares weren’t really nightmares at all?

We spend an average of thirty-three years of our lives asleep. But what really happens, and what are we capable of, when we are sleeping?

Anna Ogilvy was a budding twenty-five-year-old writer with a bright future. Then, one night, she stabbed two people to death with no apparent motive—and she hasn’t woken up since. Dubbed “Sleeping Beauty” by the tabloids, Anna suffers from a rare psychosomatic disorder known to neurologists as “resignation syndrome.”

Dr. Benedict Prince is a forensic psychologist and an expert in the field of sleep-related homicides. His methods represent the last possible hope of solving the infamous “Anna O” case by waking Anna up so she can stand trial. But the doctor must be careful treating such a high-profile suspect—he’s got career secrets and a complicated personal life of his own.

As Anna shows the first signs of stirring, Benedict knows he must determine what really happened and whether Anna should be held responsible for her crimes.

Only Anna knows the truth about that night, but only Benedict knows how to discover it. And they’re both in danger from what they will discover.

MY REVIEW

This is a fabulously twisted and atmospheric psychological thriller. Anne O, the ‘O’ is for Ogilvy, her surname and ‘Oh my goodness’ and ‘Oh, I didn’t expect that!’.

Anna O is asleep, she has been for four years continuously and the trial is on hold until she wakes. The trial is for the murder she committed, or maybe committed. Nobody seems to know what happened until she wakes and the case can finally close.

This is a book that is slower-paced as such and very deep, looking into several people and their interactions with each other. It is one where I was never sure where the story was going, well I thought I did, but then other things began to emerge and throw me.

Anna is moved to a sleep clinic where she comes under the care of Dr Benedict PRince, he is a lecturer and a forensic psychologist and he is tasked with trying to find a way of waking Anna up. He sort of has a connection to this case as it was his ex-wife who originally attended the scene, she is in the police and was first on the scene.

The story emerges and there are sections from a notebook Anna has kept. This gives you an insight into what was going on in her life before the murders and her falling asleep. Around that there is the main story of Ben, how he is trying to wake her, some psychological profiles, mentions of different diagnoses and all-in-all quite a lot of information relevant to the story. I really enjoyed this and for me, it really added to the story as it sort of added credence to the character of Ben.

Anna O was a real person, a search on the internet will give you information about her ( I should mention that this case was not something that the author has referred to, just something I have come across).

I have, however, seen an article from the author who based this book on real-life events, one is of people committing murder while sleepwalking the other is his study of resignation syndrome, which is where people fall asleep for years with no medical reason. Putting these two concepts together and then researching to create such an enigmatic story makes for addictive reading.

By the end of the book I found myself completely turned around, and so very far from where I thought this would go. I for one completely enjoyed this and it is one for those who like twisted thriller with a strong psychological premise, some great research and one that makes you think. There were a couple of times when I paused to think about what had just happened, to process the next twist or to just wallow in the eureka moment only to have another eureka moment later on!

Addictive, brilliant and one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

After discovering that the average person spends thirty-three years of their life asleep, Matthew Blake felt the pull of a story. He began extensive research into sleep-related crimes and into the mystery illness known as resignation syndrome, research that sparked a thrilling question: if someone commits murder while sleepwalking, are they innocent or guilty? And so his novel Anna O was born.

Before writing fiction, Matthew worked as a researcher and speechwriter at the Palace of Westminster. He studied English at Durham University and Merton College, Oxford and now lives in London.

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

The Fury by Alex Michaelides @MichaelJBooks #crime #thirller #suspense #murder #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today of The Fury by Alex Michaelides. I do own his previous books but this is the first time I have read a book, I will get to his other ones.

My huge thanks to Michael Joseph and Random House publishers for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Totally original and utterly compelling, with a voice all of its own, this is the outstanding new thriller from the no.1 internationally bestselling author of The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides.

This is a tale of murder.
Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it?

One spring morning, reclusive ex-movie star Lana Farrar invites a small group of her closest friends for a weekend away, on her small private island, just off the coast of Mykonos.

Beneath the surface, old friendships conceal violent passions and resentments. And in forty-eight hours, one of them will be dead.

But that was just the beginning…

You may think you know this story. Think again.

MY REVIEW

I still have to read The Silent Patient and I have two copies so there is no excuse, but when I saw this one I liked the synopsis and it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. This is a dark slow burner of a thriller and one that focuses on a small group of friends.

Told from the perspective of Eliot, one of the group the whole narration comes from him. He tells of those involved, the past and the present and takes the reader on an enigmatic journey through to the final scene. The story is laid out in acts and this does work well as the story is about theatre, an actress, movies and the connections between the characters. It is a tragedy as such but one that is not as straightforward as it first appears.

I really enjoyed this story and I liked how devious the characters become. The story lays out the scenario and then the fun begins, getting to know the characters and how they all came to be on the Greek Island. You don’t immediately know why there was a death but you know there was one. It is the journey to the answers rather than the answering of questions that makes this a good read.

The isolation of the island gives it an atmospheric air, especially with the mythological histories and also the strong Hitchcock presence in the story, he is mentioned a few times and is a muse as such. Again this adds to the atmosphere and intrigue.

Having a group of people in the story is good, but having just one narrator was ideal for this story and it worked so well. It gave a one-sided view of events, but then it changed and became a battle and turned into a psychological thriller as well.

This is a story that has a lot going on but it is told in a well laid out way and this is what made the story so addictive. Watching the twists develop and appear was great. It is a whodunnit and there is a lot of misdirection, the characters are flawed and not really that likeable if I am honest. The end of the story came in a whirlwind with a frenetic feel as the truth finally emerged.

A mix of psychological, thriller, mystery, whodunnit, murder, suspense and a very, very good read. It is one I would happily recommend.

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

What Dies Inside by Tony J Forder @TonyJForder #DIBliss #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review of What Dies Inside Us by Tony J Forder. THis is the 11th book in the series and it sees our loveable DI Jimmy Bliss coming up for retirement, but that does not mean he has an easy final week! And what an amazing book it was, again my favourite one so far 🙂

My huge thanks to Tony for sending me an advanced copy of this book. My views are my own.

FOR SOME, LIFE CAN BE MURDER

When the police are unable to find a body, they are forced to dismiss a homeless veteran’s claim that he witnessed a homicide. But after he is found murdered in the same spot two days later, DI Bliss and the Major Crime Unit set their sights on catching a ruthless killer.

Elsewhere, when the daughter of a cuckooed family is reported to have attempted suicide, Jimmy Bliss and DC Penny Chandler have their doubts and vow to uncover the truth. But the situation is about to get much worse, and violence is certain to erupt on the city streets.

In his final two investigations before retiring from the police force, Bliss undergoes a desperate search for answers. Answers that prove to be as elusive as the identities of the men making so many people’s lives a complete misery. But with his colleagues every bit as determined to bring these people to justice, the team uses all of their experience and insight to uncover the one lead they need to make a breakthrough in both cases…

MY REVIEW

This is the last time we get to see DI Jimmy Bliss in this role, he is in his last week at the Peterbortough Major Crimes Unit before his retirement. This will not, however, be the last we see of him as he will still be working with the force but in a different role. This means the series will continue, which I am very glad about.

This book starts with a heart-stopping moment. It threw me for a moment, you will understand if you have read this series. From then the story gets into the nitty gritty of murder and an investigation. Just because it is Jimmy’s last week does not mean he will not take on work.

When a murder has been reported but the body has disappeared, it makes the witness come across as unreliable, there are other reasons for this. But, when the witness is murdered it begs the question as to why, what did he see that would cause this reaction?

As the team try to get their heads around this case, or could it be two cases? After all, just because there is a connection, does not necessarily mean they are connected. Add to that the missing body! As I was saying, there is also another case that comes into the office. This is one of an overdose and of a drug gang taking over a residence, they have become victims of being cuckooed!

With two, possibly three cases on the books, this is going to be a tough week for Jimmy. Not only will he want to leave with a clean sheet and no outstanding cases, but he also has other things on his mind.

Once again the author has really got the team working overtime and there are diversions and conflicts on the cards. There are some grey areas, but Jimmy is the older style of copper who sees beyond the theory and the protocols. Because this team has been together a while there is a solid camaraderie between them, the banter is good as always but there is also the opportunity for thoughts to be aired, and if things don’t feel right then someone will mention it. You only get this sort of thing with an established team and the author knows his characters inside out and this is why this sort of banter works so well.

There is a really nasty element to this story, not just murder, even though that is, of course, bad, but the cuckooed family have their own storyline. This is one that looks like an attempted suicide, but there is far more to this than first impressions suggest.

Having Jimmy Bliss as the main character means he has built up a lot of respect over the years, as well as treading on a few toes. This becomes evident with his retirement party, it did feel emotional and it was a chance to see the softer side of this man.

Having Jimmy still remain around in the future is fabulous, and it also fits in so well with the character. Still wanting to help and be part of the force feels right. This is his work family and they are a very close bunch. I cannot imagine him wanting to leave them behind and go into full retirement just yet! So I am eagerly awaiting to see what the author has in store for the loveable Jimmy.

This is an established series and one that I have read from the beginning, it is one I would recommend reading in order as there are things that have happened in the earlier books that still crop up and have a bearing. And, they are also amazing books to read as well!

If you are a fan of crime and thrillers that are fast-paced and intense then this is a series and a book for you. A police procedural that has more than just the crimes at its centre. This is another amazing instalment in the DI Bliss series and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. The first seven novels, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, and Slow Slicing, were joined in December 2020 by a prequel novella, Bliss Uncovered. The series continued with The Autumn Tree and Darker Days to Come, and The Lightning Rod. The next, What Dies Inside Us will be published in autumn 2023.

Tony’s other early series – two action-adventure novels featuring Mike Lynch – comprises both Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun. These books will hopefully be joined in 2024 by The Dark Division.

In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.

The Huntsmen, released in October 2021, was the first book in a new crime series, set in Wiltshire. It featured DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May. The second book, The Predators, will be released on 15 May 2023.

Tony’s first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.

Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. He is currently working on the two more Jimmy Bliss books.

Links
All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: HERE

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

The Man Who Didn’t Burn by Ian Moore @Duckbooks #NetGalley #crime #mystyery #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Man Who Didn’t Burn by Ian Moore. This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was interesting to see how the French Police set up their rural crimes and investigations.

My huge thanks to Duckworth Books for accepting my request to read and review this title via NetGalley.

A KILLER. A SAINT. A TOWN FULL OF WHISPERS

–––––––––––

When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the perpetrator.

Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.

But rather than towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d’Or? Or in another century altogether?

The thrilling new crime series from The Times -bestselling author of Death and Croissants

MY REVIEW

This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was a thoroughly enjoyable book. This is the first book in the Juge Lombard Mystery series and it is set in France. Lombard is called back to oversee a crime and it is the first case he is attending since the death of his wife.

The French Police system is different to ours in the UK, and this made for interesting reading in itself. It is interesting to see how other countries’ departments work. Lombard is not like others, rather than sit behind a desk he likes to be out investigating, much to the annoyance of police officers and others. Lombard is sarcastic, often found to be mulling and keeping his thoughts to himself, being vague and going off on a different tangent. I liked him.

When a body is discovered disguised as a scarecrow, but crucified, then Lombard has his work cut out. There is little in the way of clues, but there is a link, this is one that becomes longer and longer as the case continues and another body is found. What starts as a coincidence, now becomes something that is almost a hindrance. Too much is fitting too well together, but does that mean the team are being sidetracked, set up or being led too well?

I really liked the pacing of this story, the mystery and investigation are not too fast-paced and there are some interesting locations and some history mixed into the storyline. Having mentions of bureaucracy, ways of doing things, councils, mayors and other positions of office makes for interesting reading. There is also the murder and the accompanying investigation, as I said a different style compared to UK or US styles and this is what I have read most so it was great to see.

This is a murder mystery and also crime and police procedural, there are some wonderful twists and I do like Lombard, he is a little bit like Poirot and Morse, or at least he reminded me of them! Not a brutal and bloodthirsty thriller, but more than a cosy mystery. Very enjoyable story and I am looking forward to picking up more by this author. I would happily recommend this one.

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

Deadly Depths by John F. Dobbyn @oceanviewpublishing #NetGalley #mystery #historicalfcition #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Deadly Depths by John F. Dobbyn. It is the first time I have read a book by this author and I can definitely say it will not be the last. I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action-packed mystery thriller.

My huge thanks to Oceanview Publishing for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

A notable archaeologist, close to finding a priceless artifact, meets his untimely demise— Matthew Shane vows to find his murderer

Matthew Shane is a law professor in Salem, Massachusetts, where he enjoys a rewarding mentorship with Professor Barrington Holmes, a well-known archaeologist. So when Professor Holmes is found dead in his office and the police rule it a suicide, something doesn’ t sit right with Matthew. He becomes determined to find the true cause of Holmes’ death and bring closure to his widow.

Matthew soon learns that Professor Holmes belonged to a group of notable archaeologists dubbed “ The Monkey’ s Paw,” who were all entangled in an expedition to find an unknown object of unprecedented historical and financial value. Each member had been given one piece of the instructions to find the object, but some of the men had encountered horrific twists of fate before the group could reunite to continue in their search. Joining forces with the remaining members, Matthew’ s quest for the cause of the apparent curse of The Monkey’ s Paw leads him on a global wild goose chase that culminates in a turn of events not even Professor Holmes could have predicted.

MY REVIEW

The cover of this book was what first caught my eye. I did briefly scan the synopsis and decided it sounded ideal for me. I do like a good adventure story and this one was perfect and full of twists, mysteries and action-packed from the very beginning.

The book centres around Matthew Shane, his good friend and mentor who has committed suicide, but he knows this man and knows that this does not fit with what he knows of the man. This starts a journey that will take him around the world on a treasure hunt, a dangerous one.

Matthew is given clues and follows leads to discover what the mysterious Monkey Paw group is and who was in it. A group who would meet for a poker game once a year, all with a background in archaeology and given the chance to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime discovery. The problem is that they are being killed off.

I adored this book from the very outset and as I got to know the characters and understand the storyline I found myself being transported around the world and to some very exotic locations. There is a section of the story that goes back in time, into history and it made a fascinating and brilliant section to the story.

With pirates, Aztecs, the Spanish and the English trying to conquer parts of South America, religion and beliefs there is a huge amount going on. While the story feels really huge it reads really well. It is not confusing it just flows seamlessly from one page to the next.

Mixing historical fiction into the story was great as it gave it the glamour that anything related to pirates seems to exude. It was a story that I was able to visualise as I was reading. It had a feeling of a certain Dr. Jones movie franchise and had that same excitement to it mixed in with Dan Brown’s character Robert Langdon.

This is a roller coaster of a story that is fast-paced and full of adventure. Races to discover an ancient artefact, piecing clues together and trying to stay alive while being chased around the globe. I enjoyed this one and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John F. Dobbyn is an American mystery writer and Professor of Law at the Villanova University School of Law. His Devlin and Knight short story “Trumpeter Swan,” published in the February 2004 issue of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, was a finalist for the Shamus Award for Best Short Story from the Private Eye Writers of America. He lives in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania with his wife Lois.

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

Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter @WmMorrowBooks #crime #thriller #suspense #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today of Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter. I spotted this one on NetGalley and the synopsis caught my eye. I have not read anything by this author but I am aware she does write a series that many Book Bloggers are fans of.

My huge thanks to William Morrow Books for accepting my request to read and review this title via NetGalley.

A shocking thriller about a cold case, a fictional true crime series, and the family caught in the middle.

SIX EPISODES. ONE KILLER.

It was a case that gripped the nation. In December 2003, Luke Ryder, the stepfather of acclaimed filmmaker Guy Howard (then aged 10), was found dead in the garden of their suburban family home.

Luke Ryder’s murder has never been solved. Guy Howard’s mother and two half-sisters were in the house at the time of the murder–but all swear they saw nothing. Despite a high-profile police investigation and endless media attention, no suspect was ever charged.

But some murder cases are simply too big to forget…

Now comes the sensational new Netflix series Infamous, dedicated to investigating–and perhaps cracking–this famous cold case. The production team will re-examine testimony, re-interview witnesses, and once again scour the evidence. The family will speak. The key players will be reunited–on camera. The truth will come out.

Are you ready to see it?

MY REVIEW

I do like to get my hands on a crime thriller with something different about it, Murder in the Family is just one of those books. It is told in a series of transcripts from a TV series, emails, video feeds and re-examining old accounts, videos, footage and anything else that is seen to be relevant. A group of experts have been gathered to give their insights and to help to solve a 20-year-old case.

The case is that of Luke Ryder, found murdered in his garden. At the time he was living with his wife and stepchildren. He had not been married long and the case has remained a mystery. The premise of the story is to try to uncover the truth and solve the case, one of the filmmakers was 10 at the time and he was Luke’s stepson.

This did not take me long to get into, I did have to change from my older Kindle to my kindle fire to be able to see some of the graphics that were included in this book.

The story is one that has many twists and also, being as it is set as a true crime investigation, it has some cliffhangers. There are points in the story when things happen that do step on the toes of what is seen as moral. Giving out information that is unknown to the family and not giving them advance notice adds a shock value to the story.

Having a group of experts is a good way of giving different points of view and also perspectives. There is one who becomes a natural leader. These people have experience in police investigations, profiling and law and all bring their own ideas and ways of working to the table.

I really liked how the author wove her story and given that this is told in a different style it kept up the momentum and also the suspicion. There were a couple of times when I thought I had this sussed, but I was way off the mark as another “cliffhanger” scuppered my idea.

This is a story that is twisted and does hop continents. It is a lot deeper than I originally thought it would be and this worked well. Keeping my attention and up to speed was never in doubt with this book and if you are a fan of crime with something a little different then you really should give this book a go. Brilliant story and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cara Hunter is a writer who lives in Oxford, in a street not unlike those featured in her series of crime books. Close to Home is her debut featuring DI Adam Fawley.

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

Canticle Creek by Adrian Hyland @ultimopress #crime #mystery #suspense #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Canticle Creek by Adrian Hyland. This is a murder mystery that is set in Australia and is the first time I have read anything by this author.

My huge thanks to Ultimo Press for accepting my request to read and review this title via NetGalley.

Two bodies. One long hot summer. A town that will never be the same.

When Adam Lawson’s wrecked car is found a kilometre from Daisy Baker’s body, the whole town assumes it’s an open and shut case. But Jesse Redpath isn’t from Canticle Creek. Where she comes from, the truth often hides in plain sight, but only if you know where to look.

When Jesse starts to ask awkward questions, she uncovers a town full of contradictions and a cast of characters with dark pasts, secrets to hide and even more to lose.

As the temperature soars, and the ground bakes, the wilderness surrounding Canticle Creek becomes a powderkeg waiting to explode.

All it needs is one spark.

MY REVIEW

I like the cover for this book and it is now that I have finished that I realise the relevance. While it looks like a nice cheery cover, the story is dark and twisted and the author has created a wonderful mystery set in this remote area of Australia.

This is quite a riveting story but also one that is a slow burner, the author introduces his characters in a way that makes them easier to remember. These are relevant and while some have more input than others, they all provide something that helps the story along.

I liked the descriptions I was given of the countryside, tracking, weather and the fear that as everything was so dry that it could go up in a moment. I did read in his acknowledgements a the end of the story that he received help and advice from Indigenous People and this has been incorporated into the story so well. It is great to be able to learn more as well as have their experiences and expertise acknowledged and used in the story.

The story is one of murder, but who murdered who is the question. It takes the intervention from Jesse Redpath, a copper from a different district to step in and cause trouble. She knew one of the bodies, and it doesn’t fit with what she knew about him. As she steps out of her jurisdiction she finds her own leads from unexpected places and uses her own skills to discover what is going on.

I enjoyed this story and I was able to envisage various things from the words and descriptions. It is an atmospheric story and one that I got into and kept me turning the pages. It is a mystery and has a crime feel to it. Suspense I think more than thriller but definitely enjoyable and one I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Adrian Hyland spent many years in the Northern Territory, living and working among indigenous people. He now teaches at LaTrobe University and lives in the north-east of Melbourne. His first novel, Diamond Dove won the 2007 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction.

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