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No Easy Answers by Robert Crouch @robertcrouchuk #mystery #crime #murder #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for No Easy Answers by Robert Crouch. This is the 9th book in the series and it is a series that I have adored from the very beginning. This is such an appropriate title for this book and there really are No Easy Answers for Kent Fisher.

My huge thanks to Rob for asking me to be part of his Book Launch and providing me with an e-copy of his book for my unbiased review.

Confronting the past can be deadly.
As Christmas approaches, murder is the last thing on Kent Fisher’s mind.
When contractors employed by local entrepreneur Stephen Fox discover the remains of a woman on the site of Kent’s original animal sanctuary, old family secrets come to light, threatening those closest to him.
Fox believes it’s his missing wife. Despite intense pressure and a lucrative fee, Kent still refuses to investigate, having promised not to take on more cases. But when the police launch a murder inquiry, can he keep his promise?
Or will he investigate?
If he does, he risks interfering with a criminal investigation and losing the woman he loves.
If he doesn’t, the wrong person could be accused of murder.

‘A fantastic series that just gets better and better.’

MY REVIEW

I have to say I really enjoyed this latest in the Kent Fisher Mysteries. While Kent is still trying to come to terms with the fact that his wife, Gemma, had disappeared and then found she still is not ready to come home to him. The previous book was one that was emotional for Kent and this left Gemma feeling betrayed. One thing he has agreed to do is to stop his investigating, it is something this retired Environmental Health Officer had done at the same time as running the Animal Sanctuary and working. Trying to focus more on the sanctuary is not as easy as it once was.

The sanctuary was literally Kent’s sanctuary, it grounded him and while he only just made ends meet, the animals were looked out for. The sanctuary has moved and morphed into something more financial. Over the series, I have come to know Kent and he really isn’t a people person but he has staff, volunteers and visitors coming at him from all directions. One visitor wants his help, it means breaking his word to Gemma.

The tension and stress of this story is one that is evident throughout. Kent is struggling to keep to his word but when a missing person becomes a victim then the rules change. Especially when it is somewhere close to his heart. With the police trying to tell him to back off, but also knowing how he can be of use, they have an understanding.

The mystery of the body is one that had me hooked, with so many twists it gives it that whodunnit feel, not enough to be a crime thriller but also too much to be a cosy mystery. I do like the balance that the author has found with his characters, there is an element of danger which keeps you on your toes, but not the massive blood and guts that you can get.

What the author does bring is a tale and investigation that is quite complex but not while you are reading it. It has a great flow and just rolls along at the right pace. There are so many red herrings but also lots of clues. I did wonder if I had guessed the identity of the killer, but I had no real idea as to how things were linked until a lot later in the story when the author allowed me to slot the pieces together.

The story is one that does focus on Kent and the investigation but also on his personal life. He is trying to juggle two and not always well. Kent has some tough decisions in this one, while he may not be a huge people person he also doesn’t like to upset them. He is going to have to do this though. Who it is and why is revealed in this fabulously addictive story. The ending that the author came up with for this book made me grin and I cannot think of a better one.

This is a brilliant series that I have followed from the beginning, I do like Kent and various other regular characters, and yes there is one or maybe two that do wind me up. Then life is made up of people like that!

This is another addictive read for fans of crime mystery novels that have a big sleuthing feel to them. This is one, well I think I say this for all the books in the series, it is one that is better read as part of the series to understand the larger picture that has been developed over each one. Fabulous story and series that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert wanted to bring something fresh and original to the murder mystery novel.
He drew on his own extensive experience to create environmental health officer Kent Fisher, a different kind of sleuth to appeal to today’s readers. While neither a police officer nor a private detective, Kent has the enforcement skills, contacts and determination needed to tackle the most complex murders.
While Robert taps into his early experiences of injustice to explore the motivations that drive people to kill, he tempers this with irreverent humour and a hint of romance. A love of wildlife, nature and the environment help add a contemporary slant to the stories.
When not writing, Robert can be found walking among the gentle hills and the coast of the South Downs with his wife. Armed with a camera, or two, he likes to photograph the local wildlife and seek out settings for the next novel.
You can find out more about 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.

Keep an eye out for the other stops on the book launch…

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

The Monk by Tim Sullivan @AriesFiction @HOZ_Books #policeprocedural #murder #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of The Monk by Tim Sullivan. This is part of the DS Cross series, I have not read them all but I am aware of the uniqueness of Cross and how he applies it to his work.

My huge thanks to Aries & Aria Fiction for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Publication Date – 27th April 2023

To find a murderer, you need a motive . . .

THE DETECTIVE
DS George Cross has always wondered why his mother left him when he was a child. Now she is back in his life, he suddenly has answers. But this unexpected reunion is not anything he’s used to dealing with. When a disturbing case lands on his desk, he is almost thankful for the return to normality.

THE QUESTION
The body of a monk is found savagely beaten to death in a woodland near Bristol. Nothing is known about Brother Dominic’s past, which makes investigating difficult. How can Cross unpick a crime when they don’t know anything about the victim? And why would someone want to harm a monk?

THE PAST
Discovering who Brother Dominic once was only makes the picture more puzzling. He was a much-loved and respected friend, brother, son – he had no enemies. Or, at least, none that are obvious. But looking into his past reveals that he was a very wealthy man, that he sacrificed it all for his faith. For a man who has nothing, it seems strange that greed could be the motive for his murder. But greed is a sin after all . . .

Perfect for fans of M.W. Craven, Peter James and Joy Ellis, The Monk is part of the DS George Cross thriller series, which can be read in any order.

MY REVIEW

I have not read all the books in this series, but I have read one of them and found it an easy series to get into. I then seem to have missed a couple more and now come across this latest one. again another one that is easy to pick up given that it is a series. The character of DS George Cross was very easy to remember as he is socially awkward and has a very specific way of dealing with his life, those of people he knows and of the crimes he is investigating.

He is tenacious and it is this tenacity that has helped him navigate his way through tricky investigations before and will do so again this time as well. While he has always been able to look at crimes from the outside, this time he discovers a connection that makes one of his friendships a little strained.

Luckily for him, he has people around him who know how he works and he has built up a level of respect. He really is a character I like given his very literal understanding of everyday conversations, sarcasm, joking and general banter.

When the body of a monk is discovered it leads Cross and the team along a route that even surprises them. Everyone comes from somewhere and even a monk has a past, even one that has been left behind. As the team investigate there seems to be something more than first meets the eye.

Having different threads in this story the author is able to weave what would seem like a complex case. If I was to try to explain it, well it would be complex, but the way the author lays it out makes sense. Leads are followed, but not always successfully or with full understanding. Progress is slow and is hampered by not having knowledge of all the facts.

While this is a police procedural first and foremost, the author does bring in the out-of-hours or off-the-job aspect to his main characters. It is a chance to get to know more about Cross and what happened to his mum and dad when he was younger and they went their separate ways.

Being on the spectrum, Cross is shown to struggle with changes in his routines and these revelations do up skittle him. He is however a professional and is able to departmentalise so his focus is where it needs to be. Being a stickler for having every ‘I’ dotted and ‘T’ crossed he will always keep working at things that niggle him.

This is a fabulous story and as I mentioned this does not have to be read in order. It does mention this is the book blurb so I will be going back to read the previous ones I have missed. If you are a fan of crime, thriller and police procedural stories then this is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter. He originally read English and Law at university – the latter forced on him by his Dad – but instead, he wriggled free of those parental ambitions and pursued his own, to make films. His writing credits include A HANDFUL OF DUST, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, JACK AND SARAH (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and LETTERS TO JULIET, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include SHERLOCK HOLMES and COLD FEET and CORONATIONS STREET. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live-action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth SHREK movie.

He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the eccentric and socially-awkward, but brilliantly persistent DS George Cross.

He self-published the first two books and once they’d achieved over 200,000 downloads he came to the attention of Head of Zeus publishers. So thanks to all his readers for this success and their shared love of George.

The novels are set in Bristol in the southwest of England, Cross’ methods often infuriate his colleagues and superiors “not so much a thorn in my side as a pain in my arse,” according to his boss DCI Carson. But his conviction rate, thanks to his dogged persistence and attention to detail, is the best in the force. Tim has now written the first four in the series with The Patient being published on March 3rd 2022.

Tim feels confident in his claim that he is the only crime writer around who has also co-produced and written a My Little Pony movie for Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY – A NEW GENERATION is now available on Netflix.

Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA and PIONEER WOMAN. Their daughters live nearby.

For more stuff about Tim visit his website http://www.timsullivan.co.uk

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

Go As A River by Shelley Read @RandomTTours @DoubledayUK #GoAsARiver #historicalfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Go As A River by Shelley Read. This is a stunning book and the story was such an amazing one to read.

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

In this soaring, compassionate novel, a breathtaking picture of our natural world – its trees and mountains and light – emerges. But more than this, it is the tale of female resilience and becoming that gives Go As A River its strength, its soul, and its possibility.


Nestled in the foothills of the Elk Mountains and surrounded by sprawling forests, wandering bears and porcupines, the Gunnison River rushes by the tiny town of Iola.


On a cool autumn morning, seventeen-year-old Torie Nash heads into her village pulling a rickety wagon filled with late-season peaches from her farm. As she nears an intersection, a mysterious young drifter with eyes dark and shiny as a raven’s wing, grimy thumbs and smudged cheeks, stops to ask her the way. She could have turned left or crossed over, but she did not. She stayed. ‘Go as a river,’ he whispers to her.


So begins a mesmerising story that unfolds over a lifetime, as Torie attempts to absorb and follow his words.
Gathering all the pieces of her small, extraordinary life, spinning through the eddies of desire, heartbreak and betrayal, embracing and challenged by the landscape she calls home, Torie arrives at a single rocky decision that changes her life forever.


“What I’ve learnt about becoming is that it takes a long time”

MY REVIEW

Oh my goodness, this is an absolutely heartbreaking yet gorgeously written story. This is a historical fiction story that does have some roots that are based around an actual event. The tale the author has brought is of a young woman who discovers life as she gets older and that things can have consequences.

Set in the 1950s through to the 70s the author tells of a small town, Iola in Colorado. Her family grow peach trees and the main voice of this story is that of Victoria Nash. Victoria has a younger brother and her father, after the death of her mother it has gradually fallen to her to take over the house chores.

It is a random meeting with a young man that alters her life in a way she could never have dreamed of. Realising she needed to get away she goes into the mountains, this is an area the author knows well and she describes the terrain and the conditions so well. I should also add other is also a good amount of detail regarding the peaches.

The town of Iola is destined to be lost under the waters when a new dam is to be built. Taking courage and initiative Victoria decides to make a huge move and make one of the biggest gambles of her life.

This is a book that enthralled me and captured my attention from the very first pages. A story of growing up in the US with references to the war in Vietnam kept me rooted in the time. The author brings the hardships and also the hard work required to live and work on a farm and also some of the politics of the time. Not too much, but enough that is relevant and to the point.

The story is one that is of life, love and loss. It is part and parcel of most people’s lives no matter what time they live or where they live. Bringing the humdrum and mundane world of Victoria, as she sees it, to life in such a way as to make such a compelling story was fabulous. The author really nailed this for me. Completely riveting.

There is much more to this story than the synopsis or this review lets on. The story does flow as a river with highs and lows, rapids and quiet pools but it is forever moving. I was so surprised when I read the synopsis after reading the book, this is a debut! Wow!

This is one for those who like their fiction to lean a little towards literary fiction but also have a feel of a classic. It is imaginative and thought-provoking but above all extremely readable and an addictive historical fiction story. I adored this book so much and I am excited to see where the author goes next. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Read is a fifth generation Coloradoan who lives with her family in the Elk Mountains of the Western Slope. She was a Senior Lecturer at Western Colorado University for nearly three decades, where she taught writing, literature, environmental studies, and Honours, and was a founder of the Environment & Sustainability major and a support program for first-generation and at-risk students. Shelley holds degrees in writing and literary studies from the University of Denver and Temple University’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing. She is a regular contributor to Crested Butte Magazine and Gunnison Valley Journal, and has written for the Denver Post and a variety of publications.
Go As A River, her first novel, is inspired by the landscape she comes from and will be published in over thirty territories.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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

Hunted by Shalini Boland @ShaliniBoland @SecondSkyBooks #NetGalley #paranormal #youngadult #fiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for the final book in the Vampires of Marchwood trilogy. Hunted by Shalini Boland brings the answers to the questions and settles old scores and while it has ended I am going to miss these books.

My huge thanks to Second Sky Books for granting my request to read these titles on NetGalley.

My name is Madison Greene and my boyfriend is a vampire. And not just any vampire, one with brooding good looks and a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. As I curl up against Alexandre’s side, our hands entwined, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Although our relationship hasn’t been easy. I’m human, so there were always going to be complications. But I thought we’d banished the demons from his previous life. I couldn’t have been more wrong…

Because there’s a new threat in the form of Nadia – a blue-eyed beauty who seems determined to do everything she can to break us apart. I trust Alexandre but I don’t trust her.

As I start digging into the truth to find out who Nadia really is, centuries-old secrets begin to unravel. And in order to set Alexandre free from the chains of his past, we must return to the ancient underground city of vampires to defeat Alexandre’s archnemesis once and for all.

Can I finally save Alexandre? Or will loving a vampire be the death of me?

MY REVIEW

After reading the first two books in this trilogy I was definitely eager to see what happened to Maddie and the rather unusual family at Marchwood. Maddie and her brother Ben have inherited Marchwood House and also discovered they have a family they knew nothing about. This family are o100 years old and are vampires. The previous two books have been brilliant at introducing the characters and then showing their journey together. Now, in this final episode, lives are at stake.

Once again the author has created a wonderfully addictive story. The previous books have followed a split timeline and with each book, the historical sections have got older and gone further back into history and time. This is where we begin to see some of the threads wrapping up and also to see what twists and surprises the author has had in store for us readers. I will admit now, I did not envisage the ending how the author did, but it does work brilliantly.

The journey from being alone to being part of a family has been a wonderful one. It has been fraught with danger but at the same time, it has brought these two branches of the family closer. Along with the two families, there is also Alex he was turned at the same time as the older members and is an important person in Maddie’s life.

Slipping back and forth between times is a great way of keeping up to date with present-day events, but also giving something more sinister that lurks from the past. I really enjoyed the way the author made the past events exciting and atmospheric with a sense of mistrust and an ancient being.

Even though this is a mix of horror and a fantasy book, the way it has been written is fabulous no matter what your age. There are some things in the books that reminded me of Twilight but this book also had a lot more uniqueness. There are several routes the author has gone down that make for riveting if at times quite a gory blood-fest. Among all this there is also a romantic element, this is one that has a good feel to it, while other is confusion and arguments there is also a sense of getting used to new situations and feelings. Of young adults finding their place and dealing with a whole array of challenges.

This final book had some great twists and it saw the series brought to its conclusion. It felt right and the author for me has finished it properly, by this I mean it does feel that their story is at an end. There is however a little opening that has been left, well you never know!

This has been a wonderful set of books and if you are a fan of horror, vampires, Young Adult stories, romance and vampires then you will enjoy this one. I am so glad I came across this series and I would definitely recommend this final book and the series as a whole.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shalini –  I write psychological thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!

See all the books in the series…

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

Summer at Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanauth @emblabooks #Netgalley #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review for Summer at Green Valley Vineyard by Lucy Coleman. I have read several of this author’s books and her latest one is another fabulous read.

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

How gorgeous and wonderful is this cover. I can almost feel the sun’s rays 🌞

A beautiful vineyard. A new beginning. A summer that will change their lives forever…

Linzi arrived at Green Valley Vineyard nine years ago, in need of a fresh start. In the lush emerald countryside and ripening grapes, she finally has a place to call home.

But Linzi’s world is rocked when the owner announces he is retiring, and his grandson is taking over.

When Elliot Montgomery first sets foot at Green Valley, Linzi’s worst fears are realised. He’s stepped straight out of the boardroom in shiny shoes and a tailored suit. How will a numbers man like him ever understand the magic of what they do here?

Elliot has his own demons, carrying the grief of his father’s death. Despite their differences, he has come to the vineyard for a new beginning, much like Linzi once did.

As the summer unfolds, Elliot and Linzi find themselves in an uneasy alliance while old secrets threaten to be revealed.

Could more be about to bloom here among the twisting vines than they ever thought possible?

MY REVIEW

This was an absolute delight to read. I do enjoy this author’s books so it was great to pick up her latest one. Working in a vineyard sounds like hard work, but for Linzi, it is her dream job. She is single, works hard and enjoys being out in nature and in the fresh air. When the grandson of the current owner is brought in to take over the running of the property there are worries. Will he change things, will he interfere or will the ethos of the vineyard, restaurant and hotel be ruined by his own vision? Elliot has already been told that he needs to work with Linzi, she will be a valuable asset and she is also knowledgeable.

This is a gorgeous book to sit and read during these nice sunny spring days that we have had recently. It was so easy to imagine how Linzi found pleasure and serenity in her job. Even though things could change she has a feeling of belonging to Green Valley Vineyard and do some of the main staff there. People are on edge as he spends a lot of time going through the accounts and seeing where money is being spent, what works, what doesn’t and of course how to improve the business? This is the thing though, with his background he will see this as a business and it is not just that, it is a place where people feel welcomed, at home and more importantly respected.

Elliot has a tough job on his hands. Taking over a business he wasn’t expecting to means he knows very little about it. He is going to have to learn and learn fast if he is to make things viable.

There has obviously been some good research done for this book and the author brings this into the story with details about grapes, vines, growing, nurturing and also the end product of the wine itself. I found this really interesting and it was a great part of the story. Bringing someone with knowledge together with someone who hasn’t is great. Both of the main characters have knowledge in their own fields, but they also need to understand the priority and responsibilities of the other. This leads to them working, chatting and discussing plans and possible future projects.

As they get to know each other they form a respectful friendship, both realise quickly that they will need to work together and with the odd gentle nudge from Linzi, Elliot starts to understand the passion of those who work there.

I adored this book a lot and there is more to this story than someone coming in to make a profit from vines. Each of the characters has their own demons and there are things that they are not really honest about with themselves, never mind sharing. As the story evolves they do start to break down some of these barriers.

I love being outside in my garden, but my goodness the author definitely works Linzi and Elliot hard. They seem to be constantly on the go, but this actually works well for their characters. For me, anything less would not make them the versions the author has in mind for them.

This is a fabulous book and if you have read any of this author’s previous books then you know you are in for a treat. A gorgeous contemporary fiction story that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lucy Coleman always knew that one day she would write, but first life took her on a wonderful journey of self-discovery for which she is very grateful.

Family life and two very diverse careers later she now spends most days glued to a keyboard, which she refers to as her personal quality time.

‘It’s only when you know who you are that you truly understand what makes you happy – and writing about love, life and relationships makes me leap out of bed every morning!’

If she isn’t online she’s either playing with the kids, whose imaginations seem to know no bounds or painting something. As a serial house mover together with her lovely husband, there is always a new challenge to keep her occupied!

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

Red Light and Bell by Richard Cobourne @RichardCobourne @CameronTweets @RandomTTours #crime #thriller #

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Red Light and Bell by Richard Cobourne. This is the second in the trilogy and if you have not come across this one yet, you should look. Here is my review of the first book Band Wagon.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for organising my spot on the tour and for my copies of the first two amazing books.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Real people, real events, real organisations, and real places are frequently mentioned in this trilogy – there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing, they are there solely to add authenticity and context, nothing more. You may like to think that this is entirely a work of fiction – but that’s up to you…

Daisy DeVilliers, celebrity PR, and Danny Owen, former investigative journalist, sit hand-in-hand in the VIP seats enjoying the much-anticipated return of global pop-megastar Martha. Following the kidnapping and dramatic rescue of the star and her sister, neither thought this glamorous night would ever happen. The ecstatic audience are demanding encore-after-encore. Martha is back!

As the final notes die away, there is pandemonium ― the police sergeant seated next to Daisy is assassinated by a sniper. Daisy is covered in blood and gore. Martha is unwillingly bundled off the stage to safety. But why was the police sergeant killed? Mistaken identity or deliberate act? Who orchestrated the murder and why? Soon Daisy and Danny are forced out of their comfort zones from show business into a world of high-level corruption, international organised crime, attempted cover-ups, and governmental chest-stabbing ― all too believable with our current politicians and parties.

Featuring well-informed behind-the-scenes entertainment action ― who to trust in the duplicitous world where celebrity, the police, security services, and politics collide? This exciting page-turner takes you far and wide to Elstree Studios, the 02 Arena, the Houses of Parliament, inside the Security Services, and to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

MY REVIEW

Red Light and Bell is the second book in this trilogy, it does continue on from the first book Band Wagon. I suppose you could read this second book as a stand-alone, but I would definitely suggest reading these in order as they are both fabulous.

After Martha and her sister had been kidnapped and then released, and also after the potential people trafficking had been stopped Nowak believes he has nothing to worry about. He thinks the debt he owes has disappeared into the ether and he is free and clear to start making some money from the Movin’ Out Tour that Martha is due to perform.

That is until a police officer is shot during the opening tour!

Once again this author has absolutely delivered a fast-paced, entertaining and action-packed story. Martha is just getting back on her feet and looking forward to her new tour and this latest blow knocks her confidence. The PR machine in the form of Daisy works hard to find a balance between supporting Marths, the victim of the shooting and supporting others when needed. A good job then that her boyfriend Danny is there watching her back.

In the first book a scheme was hatched in the past Nowak, it showed how he had been able to get away with crimes and never be convicted. He is shady and dangerous as Danny knows only too well. This is where reading the first book definitely does help with the back story and the character dynamics.

Having corruption included in this story is such a great angle, and it is something that the author has worked on so well. Not only is it a story full of showbiz glitz and glamour, but it is also dirty and underhanded. It makes for riveting reading.

There are some subplots going on in this trilogy and this book helps to develop further. It is gradually building up the suspense and drama at a fast rate of knots. This book leaves the reader hanging on a precipice and wondering what is going to become of the characters. There is an ever-present danger that is lurking and I think it still has more to reveal. It has made me eager to get my hands on the final book.

This is great for people who like to mix the genres up. A sort of procedural as there is a police presence, the investigation side, the showbiz and then there is the corruption, conspiracy, lies and the overall thrill of reading this fast-paced book. A book and trilogy that I would definitely recommend reading.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Cobourne writes with a production background in the broadcast, corporate, music and global events and communications industries. He has worked in the business-of-show all over the world for many years – and as a result has a deep understanding of the shenanigans of the industry. He began his career working for the BBC, initially in the sound department of radio, TV, and outside broadcasts. After fifteen years he left to co-found On Screen Productions Ltd, which he sold in 2015 to pursue a career as a freelance consultant creative producer, occasional voice artist, and to enable him to write full-time. He is a member of The Ivy Club, BAFTA and the National Liberal Club.

This is the second novel in the showbiz thriller trilogy. The third, maybe final (who knows?), is in progress.
Richard Cobourne lives with his wife on the Welsh side of the Wye Valley and in Fuerteventura.

The author can be contacted via http://www.Cobourne.com
PREVIOUSLY
FICTION

  • Bandwagon (the first Danny and Daisy showbiz thriller)
    NON-FICTION
  • The History of Castration
  • The History of Diabetes
  • The History of Contraception
  • The Cardio-Protective Effect of Wine

Check post the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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

Crow 27 by Matt Johnson @Matt_Johnson_UK #thriller #mystery #policeprocedural #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Crow 27 by Matt Johnson. This is a police procedural and is set within a barracks where there is another investigation going on. The book is inspired by true stories and it makes an intense story to read. It sees the return of Robert Finley and it was great to catch up with this character.

A crime thriller inspired by a series of true stories.

Four young women soldiers.
All are victims. All want justice.

When veteran cop, Robert Finlay, is sent to a military barracks to investigate the source of weapons found in the possession of London gangsters, he is given strict instructions not to get involved in a suicide enquiry into the recent death of a young recruit soldier. The army partners him with an ambitious military policewoman who is determined he will.

When an undercover police officer goes missing, Finlay identifies a cabal of soldiers – led by a narcissistic training sergeant – who exploit young recruits for sexual and criminal purposes. What appears to be a routine investigation soon takes on a life of its own as he finds himself in a struggle with powerful forces – both criminal and from the military establishment – who know that, inside the wire, they make the rules.

What begins as a fight for justice will end as a battle for survival.

MY REVIEW

OH WOW! This is an amazing book and one that I devoured in one sitting. Anyone aware of institutional abuse within the military may probably be aware of the Deepcut Barracks. If not search on the internet for reports about the suicides of young soldiers training there. The author does take great pains at the end of the book to state that Crow 27 is a work of fiction and that his approach is one that does have some factual events.

When Finley is asked to look into two missing rifles from an army barracks, he is told that it is nothing to do with the suicide of a soldier. Sgt Floria McLaren is his liaison while working on this case.

It was so interesting to see two different approaches to the investigative approaches of Finley from the MET and the way the Military Police handle things. The subtitle of the book ” Behind the wire, we make the rules” is something that is very important to remember and the author does show how what happens on a camp remains there. Secretive and not altogether helpful is what comes across, but also one of being part of a large military family. The only problem with this approach is that things are swept under the carpet, accusations are not taken seriously and the result is the death of a soldier.

The military has a distrust of the police, and the police have the same for the military police. This is evident from the very outset, but there is one thing that Finley has to his advantage before he came to the force he was military, he knows all the tricks in the book. I will add here that this is also where the author has a great perspective, being in the military and also the police!

Starting with the basic search for missing guns that turn up in London takes Finely to the barracks. Keeping his past to himself provides an advantage, but with the military wanting to cover their own backs it is difficult for Finley to keep his past hidden.

Floria takes time to warm up to Finley and doesn’t trust his motives. As she begins to understand him they are able to investigate more effectively. As they do investigate things of a darker nature start to reveal themselves. There is far more to this story than first meets the eye. There are several other characters in the story that adds to the mystery and the suspense. From those just arriving at the camp for their training, to those higher up that has been there for a while and those who are using this as a stepping stone to further their careers, no one is above suspicion.

This is such a riveting story, it deals with some tough subjects and while nothing is overly graphic, there is a sense of what has happened. The author has got the balance right in my opinion, not sharing too much but providing the reactions of others to convey the awful nature of acts committed.

This is a book that explores institutional abuse at several levels. The author uses his knowledge of the military and police to great effect and gives the reader an amazing story. Even though this is fiction, it is based on some true events. It doesn’t take much to search on the internet for examples of abuse not just in the military arena but across many workplace establishments. This is what adds the fear and suspense element to this story, unfortunately, this makes it feel all too plausible.

This is a story for those who like a procedural approach to their crime thrillers. It is dark and it had me absolutely hooked. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Johnson served as a soldier from 1975-78 and Metropolitan Police officer from 1978 -1999.

His debut novel Wicked Game – a crime thriller – was published by Orenda Books in March 2016. The sequel Deadly Game, was published March 2017.

Wicked Game was listed for the Crime Writers Association John Creasey Dagger award, has topped the Amazon and WH Smith KOBO charts in several categories and at the end of 2016 was listed by Amazon UK as the highest-rated ‘rising star’ novel of 2016.

Deadly Game tackles the current and sensitive topic of people trafficking – it is told from the authentic view that only a former cop could achieve.

Peter James, the international best-selling novelist said of Matt’s first book “Terse, tense and vivid writing. Matt Johnson is a brilliant new name in the world of thrillers.”

Sir Ranulph Fiennes said of Wicked Game – “From the first page to the last, an authentic, magnetic and completely absorbing read.”

Such endorsements would be serious praise were Matt to have been trained as a writer and have come though a traditional route. But he didn’t. In fact, his journey from the military, through policing to eventual publication might be described as unique.

In 1999, Matt was discharged from the police with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Whilst undergoing treatment, he was encouraged by his counsellor to write about his career and his experience of murders, shootings and terrorism.

Matt was eventually persuaded to give this a go, and one evening, he sat at his computer and started to weave his notes into a work of fiction that he described as having a tremendously cathartic effect on his own condition. He used his detailed knowledge and recollections to create what has been described by many readers as a fast paced, exciting and authentic tale of modern day policing and terrorism.

I could be argued that Matt Johnson is living proof PTSD is a condition that can be controlled and overcome with the right help and support. He has been described by many fans as an inspiration to fellow sufferers.

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

Love Will Tear Us Apart by C.K. McDonnell @Caimh @TransworldBooks #NetGalley #LoveWillTearUSApart #fantasy #fiction #PublicationDay

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of Love Will Tear Us Apart by C.K. McDonnell. This is a fabulous book and it is the 3rd one in the series that I adore it a huge amount. I was delighted to be able to review this book early via NetGalley from Transworld Books.

Love can be a truly terrible thing.

Marriages are tricky at the best of times, especially when one of you is dead.

Vincent Banecroft, the irascible editor of The Stranger Times, has never believed his wife died despite emphatic evidence to the contrary. Now, against all odds, it seems he may actually be proved right; but what lengths will he go to in an attempt to rescue her?

With Banecroft distracted, the shock resignation of assistant editor, Hannah Willis, couldn’t have come at a worse time. It speaks volumes that her decision to reconcile with her philandering ex-husband is only marginally less surprising than Banecroft and his wife getting back together. In this time of crisis, is her decision to swan off to a fancy new-age retreat run by a celebrity cult really the best thing for anyone?

As if that wasn’t enough, one of the paper’s ex-columnists has disappeared, a particularly impressive trick seeing as he never existed in the first place.

Floating statues, hijacked ghosts, homicidal cherubs, irate starlings, Reliant Robins and quite possibly several deeply sinister conspiracies; all-in-all, a typical week for the staff of The Stranger Times.

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in the Stranger Times series. Stranger Times is a newspaper that reports on stories that are a little different, well a lot different to mainstream papers. If there is a UFO sighting or a conspiracy that needs an airing, the moon is hollow or any other number of strange theories, bits of gossip or potential stories then you will find these in Stranger Times.

The editor is Banecroft, and his assistant editor Hannah has left, in her shoes has stepped the indomitable force that is the new assistant editor and the rest of the news team is trying to work out what on earth is going on in the office.

Having read and adored the previous two books in the series I was looking forward to seeing what delights the author had in store. As you can see from the synopsis there is a lot going on in this story. It is as if each member of the team at the paper has their own story or mystery that they are following. This means the office is more than its usual organised chaos and is in just plain chaos. The author has mixed stories from the past with the present.

With pretty much every member of staff trying to discover their own thing, you would think that the plots would become mixed but the author keeps his cast in order and the stories flow between one another. This makes it quite difficult to write a review, if I mention too much about one plot then it will inevitably spoil another. I will say that lives are on the line with this one, lives of the living and of the dead, or the nearly dead or of whatever state of death they are in!!!

This is another brilliant read that mixes fantasy and humour together so well. The author has moments of real tense drama and the next had me chuckling at some of the situations his characters find themselves in.

I am loving this series and as it continues I am getting to know the characters more and I can see how this disjointed group are coming together. A fabulous book and series for fans of urban fantasy with a strong humourous slant, full of mystery and mayhem and an altogether excellent read. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.K. McDonnell is the paranormal pen name of the Irish bestselling author Caimh McDonnell. Born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, Caimh is a former stand-up comedian and TV writer. He performed all around the world, had several well-received Edinburgh shows and supported acts such as Sarah Millican and Gary Delaney on tour before hanging up his clowning shoes to concentrate on writing. He has also written for numerous TV shows and been nominated for a Kid’s TV BAFTA.

When not writing about the adventures of the staff at The Stranger Times in his adopted home of Manchester, he is the author of the Increasingly Inaccurately titled Dublin Trilogy of books and the various spinoffs, all of which have been Amazon bestsellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Caimh lives in Manchester with Wonderwife and their two dogs. To find out more about him, visit whitehairedirishman.com, and to find out more about The Stranger Times, and to join the mailing list for updates plus a free short story collection, go to TheStrangerTimes.com.

Also check out The Stranger Times podcast, available almost everywhere, and featuring short stories set in the world of The Stranger Times, written by C.K. and read by some of the finest stand-up comedian talent that are willing to do it for the money.

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