Category: Book Reviews

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Blog Tour w/Review: You Are Mine

If you have read any of my reviews, you know that I read a lot of psychological thrillers.

I have read about loathsome villains, misunderstood villains, and those who weren’t villains at all and were actually the good ones in the story.  

But never in recent memory was there one who was so insidiously creepy as Sir Rupert.

Honestly, I can’t even begin to explain the levels of creepiness to this guy. You have to read it to experience it.

The story is told from multiple points of view. They mostly alternate between Sir Rupert (of course) and Charlotte (a painter commissioned by Sir Rupert to do a portrait of him), but there are a few chapters from Simone (from when Rupert was a teenager) and Jodi (Charlotte’s sister). There is never any confusion from the changing points of view. Simone’s story is especially interesting, given her ultimate impact on the characters.

There were some good twists along the way. I guessed one of the major ones but did not think it through, so when the characters realized it, I was as shocked as they were. That was a moment where I realized just how twisted a person can become.

I thought the author did an especially good job of building the suspense and allowing the story to unfold naturally. Nothing felt forced, and the sense of dread that developed over time caused me to turn pages quickly (albeit with a sense of foreboding and wondering if I really wanted to know how bad it was going to get).

I highly recommend this book. But you may feel like you want to take a shower when you’re done if only just to get rid of the slime left by Sir Rupert.

About Miranda Rijks:

Miranda Rijks is a writer of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, and YOU ARE MINE will be her sixth novel published with Inkubator Books. She has an eclectic background ranging from law to running a garden centre. She’s been writing all of her life and has a Masters in writing. A couple of years ago she decided to ditch the business plans and press releases and now she’s living the dream, writing suspense novels full time. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband, musician daughter and black Labrador.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MirandaRijks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MirandaRijksAuthor/
Website: https://mirandarijks.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mirandarijksauthor/
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Books On Tour (Review): Single

I love this author’s books, but I must admit that this particular story left me feeling a little bit off.

The plot starts relatively straightforward, but the reader soon gets hints that not everything is as it seems. There are allusions to an incident that happened before Darcy’s husband’s death, and it is a bit into the story before we find out how he died in the first place. There are enough veiled references that I was kept guessing that it might have been something nefarious. (Not saying if I was right or not).

I’m going to be brutally honest and say that there are so many twists and turns that I have typed and deleted multiple sentences of this review because they ultimately referenced events and could be considered spoilers. So, I’m going to go very broad.

Darcy has a touchy relationship with her in-laws, and they may or may not have her best interests in mind. She enters into a relationship with a doctor who may or may not be who he says he is. Even Darcy’s backstory and “truth” is up for guessing. There are family members, servants, and seemingly secondary characters who may or may not be important in the grander scheme of things.

I have several notes in the book that range from “no way!” to “WTAF?!?!?” That’s the type of roller coaster this book becomes about mid-way through. There were a few points where I had to stop reading just so my brain could keep up with the amount of information and “truth” that was coming out.

I will say that there were also a few moments where I thought the twists were more manipulative than practical. I appreciate a good “no way” moment, but I don’t like feeling that there was nothing more behind it than an “aha, gotcha!”

I did not guess most of the twists, so kudos to the author for keeping me on my toes. And the ending was just as twisted as the rest of the book, but it all made sense in the same odd way that the other plot points did. I liked it a lot and would recommend it, but I think I was not expecting it to be as absolutely crazy towns as it was. It was still an enjoyable, and very twisted, read.

Author Bio
Kim is the million-copy bestselling author of nine standalone psychological crime thrillers. SINGLE, her new thriller, is published November 2019.

Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor

Order of publication:
SAFE WITH ME (2016)
BLINK (2017)
LIAR (2017)
THE MISTAKE (2017)
THE VISITOR (2018)
THE SECRET (2018)
CLOSER (2018)
FINDING GRACE (2019)
THE SILENT ONES (2019)
SINGLE (2019)
THE APARTMENT – AN AUDIBLE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION (2019)

Her titles are published in eBook by Bookouture and in paperback by Sphere (UK) and Grand Central (USA).

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer. She has one daughter, two stepsons and lives with her husband in Nottingham.

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Blog Tour w/Review: The Last Affair

Right from the first scene of this book, the author grabbed me and pulled me into a twisted tale of affairs and wrecked homes. I thought that starting with the murder was a great way to create atmosphere. When I came to the resolution at the end, I found myself going back to re-read the opening to see if there was anything that I had missed.

BUY LINKS:
Harlequin 
Indiebound
Amazon
Barnes & Noble 
Books-A-Million
Target
Walmart
Google
iBooks
Kobo

I thought that the characters in this story were exceptionally well-done. It’s easy to write a cheating spouses story, but this one had so many more dimensions to it. The point that sometimes the heart knows what it wants was obvious, but at the same time, the characters were not without conscience. I liked that the author gave that some thought.

I also appreciated the roles that secondary and seemingly unimportant characters played in the overall story arc. Those were also well-done and added to the natural flow of the story. In fact, some scenes added to the suspense/mystery aspect of the plot. Even though I read a lot of crime thrillers and can often figure at least part of the investigation. T

This one was so well-crafted that I did not see the big reveal coming. The scenes leading up to the unmasking of the killer were especially well-written.

Ultimately, this was a definite page-turner with characters I could both empathize with and hate – I do love it when an author can hit all of those emotions. And the resolution at the end seemed to me to indicate that there might be a sequel, which I would read in a heartbeat.

TWITTER: @HuntAuthor
FB: @AuthorMargotHunt
Insta:@margot_hunt
Goodreads

Margot Hunt is a critically acclaimed author of psychological suspense. Her work has been praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist and Kirkus Reviews.

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Books On Tour Review: The Beginning and End of Us

Breathtaking, heartbreaking, and unlike anything I have read in recent memory, this book has left an indelible mark on me. Do not hesitate, go get this one now. In the season of thankfulness, there is no better choice than a novel that celebrates love.

Buy  Links:      
Amazon: https://geni.us/B07WVBK1KDSocial
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Zp1Jq8
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Uglr1G
Googleplay: http://bit.ly/30LQ6Xa

From the beginning, I could tell that it was going to be a unique story. I will admit that I found it a challenge at first because the writing style was written as a reflection, both conversational and almost confessional, two things that I usually do not enjoy while I read. But I was curious enough to continue reading, and I am so very glad that I did.

I don’t want to give anything away, because the path the author takes is carefully laid out and should be discovered by each reader at their own pace. I will say that each stage of love over a person’s lifetime is thoughtfully addressed in such a way that I found myself thinking about my past romances and trying to figure out which one would fit in with each of Aphrodite’s.

The in-depth exploration of love and all of its beauty and pain is thought-provoking. Every experience is written with emotion, and I found myself tearing up more than once. I particularly enjoyed the mythology of Aphrodite’s story and how there was a mystic quality about each of her experiences.

To be perfectly honest, though, it is difficult to put into words just how impactful this book is; it is a must-read and definitely shoots to the top of my best books of 2019. Seriously, go get this one NOW.  

Author Bio:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosejamesauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseJamesAuthor

Rose James’ debut novel, The Beginning and End of Us was shortlisted in the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition in 2014, and after a lot of rewriting and personal ups and downs, she’s delighted that it’s being published through Bookouture.

Rose has been addicted to reading and writing for almost as long as she can remember, and she’s currently working towards a Creative Writing MA (distance learning) with Lancaster University.

Among her other favourite things to do are travelling, making connections with fascinating people, and playing and writing music, all of which she thinks translate into her writing. Living in gorgeous Shropshire, she’s endlessly inspired by the beautiful landscape and historical architecture, which makes it very easy to daydream – perhaps too easy!

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Books On Tour (Review): The Mother I Could Have Been

How many of us often wonder if we are doing the whole “motherhood” thing right? Kerry Fisher takes an unflinching look at how easy it is for a mom to be doubtful about her capabilities in raising a child in The Mother I Could Have Been.

When I started reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seemed a little bit “thriller-ish” with chapters from Vicky’s point of view interspersed with ones from a mystery person. But at the same time it also appeared to be more straight fiction in the actual plotline (if that makes sense).

I think many readers will be able to relate to Vicky’s uncertainty and self-doubt as well as her feelings of inadequacy. I also think some might live vicariously through her as she makes choices that allow her to live mostly free of any responsibility.

But what happens when responsibility is thrust upon her, not once but twice? You’ll have to read it to find out because you won’t find spoilers here.

I enjoyed the way Caro’s and Vicky’s lives crossed and intertwined. I thought both characters (and the secondary characters as well) were realistic, and their actions thoroughly natural. India, Caro’s daughter, was especially well-done; it was a pleasure to despise her.

I did think that there were a few events that seemed more manipulative than organic, but they didn’t bother me too much. I understood why the author had to have them occur the way they did.

I also appreciated a little twist that made me go back and re-read a few sections. I love when an author writes in such a way that what is assumed is not actually reality. My real only complaint was that the ending seemed a little rushed and quite abrupt. But again, I realize that it wasn’t meant to be a “full-circle” as much as “finally on the right path” type of story.

It’s another great read for you to put on your TBR or Holiday Wish List.

AUTHOR BIO

Kerry Fisher is the bestselling author of five novels, including The Silent Wife and The Secret Child. She was born in Peterborough, studied French and Italian at the University of Bath and spent several years living in Spain, Italy and Corsica. After returning to England to work as a journalist, she eventually abandoned real life stories for the secrets of fictional families. She now lives in Surrey with her husband, two teenage children and a naughty Lab/Schnauzer called Poppy.

 Website: http://www.kerryfisherauthor.com/ 
  Twitter: https://twitter.com/KerryFSwayne
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Books On Tour: The Silent Victim

Note: I received this book under the initial title, “Girl Walking Alone.” (I like the new one better!)

Right from the beginning, this book was different from many other crime thrillers that I have read, mainly due to the protagonist (Jessie) being a reporter rather than a member of law enforcement. That alone made the story more potentially accessible to readers, as there was not a lot of police procedure to wade through.

Jessie also has unique insight throughout the investigation as her story provides not only as a backdrop but also as a catalyst for events to move forward. It is an interesting balance that serves the plot well. Jessie is wrapped up enough in her own experiences that the reader, along with some characters, questions whether she is objective enough to get the story accurate.

Overall, the plot reads more like a television show or movie – the action skims along, discoveries are made and followed, and there aren’t a whole lot of inner monologues or deep-thinking. There were a few times that Jessie’s “thoughts” seemed repetitive (the constant mention of the tv-movie of her experience is an example).

I did feel like there were some uneven spots. Some events had a lot of detail, and others (that seemed important) barely got a mention. There were also some passages that seemed less well-written, with simple language. Those stuck out because so much of the novel was crisp.

There were more than a few good twists in the story, but also a few red herrings that went nowhere. I liked the twists, did not care for off-handed disposal of a couple of points (especially when they were prefaced by “we may never know” after they appeared to be vital to the plot).

Overall, however, it was a good story with some interesting plot turns and a mostly satisfying ending. Plus, I liked reading about my old stomping grounds of NYC! I look forward to reading more of Jessie Tucker’s investigations.  

Author Bio

I am a New York City author who writes mystery thrillers for Bookouture about newspaper reporter Jessie Tucker. Coming this winter…THE SILENT VICTIM

Email: DanaPerryAuthor@yahoo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanaPerryAuthor
Facebook: @danaperryauthor

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Books On Tour: Snow Creek

No sense in beating around the bush: this book is one of the most well-crafted thrillers I have read. There is so much to unpack that it is hard to know where to start. I guess the best place to begin is by saying this is a must-read!

It had it all: a tormented protagonist who uses her job to assuage a troubled past, a twisted crime that is nowhere near open and shut in a location that is almost a character itself, and side stories that keep the pace moving at rapid-page-turning speed.

BUY LINKS:
 
Amazon: https://geni.us/B07XSB35SSSocial  
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2men9nf
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lS0LQ8.
Googleplay: http://bit.ly/2lQLE9G

Snow Creek is where people go to live off-the-grid, away from society and its laws, which results in a whole lot of lawlessness. But the author does a fantastic job of not allowing the reader to know precisely what is going on at any given point; just when I thought I understood something, another piece of information came to light, making me question it.

Not going to lie, it is difficult to review this book without giving specifics away because this is one time that secondary plot threads and character backstories are just as twisted as the main plot.

The author also does a phenomenal job of weaving everything together so that hints pop up in one place, referring to another plotline, and clues are revealed when the reader least expects them.

I particularly liked how the author exposed Megan’s history in bits and pieces. I found myself almost more intrigued by her story than by the crimes she was investigating. And the cliffhanger left me definitely looking forward to the next book.

I do like it when an author rolls out just enough information that keeps me satisfied but also wanting more. I can’t wait to see how Megan’s story proceeds – and to see what twisted crime she investigates next.

Author Bio

A #1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Olsen has written nine nonfiction books, seventeen novels, a novella, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.

The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel.

The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.

Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife, twin daughters, three chickens, Milo (an obedience school dropout cocker) and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).

Website: https://www.greggolsen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Gregg_Olsen
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Books On Tour: The Quiet Girls

As someone who reads a lot of psychological thrillers, I tend to get a little complacent about the plots and think I have things figured out fairly early. Sometimes, I end up being right; still can make for a good read.

The Quiet Girls went in the opposite direction from where I thought it was going to go, and for that reason, it was truly an addicting story (as the tagline promised). I read it in one sitting.

Buy Links

The story starts with a bad dream, follows quickly with the adventure of three girls in a seemingly abandoned house, and never really lets up until the very last page.

I thought that there were some unique character choices, which added depth to the story. The allusions to Harry’s past illness, followed by his relapse, gave the whole plot an added dimension and allowed it to make sense. Without his issues, the decisions he made would have seemed farfetched.

There was not a lot of depth to the characters, although we did get a lot of backstory for Carrie, which was suitable for the character but stood out because other characters did not have the same details.  For the most part, this worked because it kept the plot skimming along.

About mid-way through, there were a couple of twists that really got the story going.  That being said, there were a few parts that seemed a little bit too convenient as well. Carrie’s backstory is one of them.

The messages that the devil is sometimes closer than you think, and in spite of our best intentions we might still make crucial mistakes come through loud and clear and ultimately drive the narrative to a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book.

Author Bio

J.M. Hewitt writes crime fiction and is the author of three previous crime fiction novels and has been published in two short story publications. Her work usually incorporates twentieth and twenty-first century events and far-flung locations, and her novels explore the darker side of human behaviour.
In contrast to the sometimes dark content of her books, she lives in a seaside town in Suffolk with her dog, Marley. 

When she was ten years old she’d read all the books she owned, all those on her mother’s bookcase and everything the library had to offer. She decided the only course of action to take was to write her own stories. Thirty years later, she is still writing them.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jmhewitt
WEBSITE: www.jeanettehewitt.com
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Blog Tour w/Review: The Bowery Slugger

Having read a few of this author’s books, and finding some to be better than others, I had a little bit of trepidation when approaching The Bowery Slugger. Turn of the last century America is one of my favorite periods in history, and I am always wary of accuracy in historical novels.

I am happy to report that Mr. Borstinski does an admirable job of creating the atmosphere of the NYC Bowery in the early 1900s. This gritty look at the immigrant experience should not be missed.

I was drawn into the story almost immediately, as I thought the immigrant experience and the tenements of the Bowery were especially well-described. The whole story had a “Gangs of New York” feel to it, and it kept me turning pages. Some people may find the brutality to be a bit much, but it is definitely realistic to the time and place of the story.

I particularly liked the balance that Alex tried to achieve. Even as he was working his way up in the organization, and brutally so, he still had a bit of his “Old World” self that he tried to embrace as he became more interested in his neighbor, Rebecca.

I also found the author’s treatment of the rise of unions, exploitation of immigrants, and the corruption of Tammany Hall to be well-done. I appreciated the way that he wove historical facts into his narrative. His research for this novel is admirable.

This was by far the best of his books that I have read, and I look forward to the next installment in the Alex Cohen series, out in the spring of 2020 (hopefully!)

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Blog Tour w/Review: From Inside the House

I was pleased to see another DI Graves book released so soon after the first one. I very much enjoyed The Demons Beneath and looked forward to jumping back into the plot, assumedly where it had left off.

I was a little bit surprised to find that wasn’t the case. Instead, the author starts with a fascinatingly gruesome murder, followed in quick succession by Detective Inspector Graves and Palmer arriving at the scene. As one character puts it (and I’m paraphrasing here), if they are on the case, you know there is more to it.

As this is another cracking crime thriller, I’m not going to give any spoilers. Suffice to say that the murders and the common thread that ties them together are well-written and creepy, and answer the question of “what happens when a psychopath and a sociopath work together?” These scenes are very well-described, so it is easy for the reader to see why Graves has such a problem with crime scenes. (He reminds me of Doc Martin, the doctor who gets queasy at the sight of blood).

I loved that this aspect of his character got more attention in the story – the brutality of the murders lent itself easily to exploring Graves’ issues. I also liked how we got more back story as to why he is the way he is.

I think that this is a strength of the author; all of the characters are very natural. They have quirks and personal baggage that sometimes help/hinder their investigations. They do not exist in a vacuum solely to solve crime; they are real people.

I also liked that several departments contributed to the investigation. From the Medical Examiner to the profiler and even the rank and file, everyone came up with a piece of the puzzle to solve the crime. As a person who is very familiar with law enforcement, I appreciated the attention to detail and recognition that the littlest bit of information can truly crack a case.

I did wish for a little bit more of Jenny’s story, but it is quite apparent that this is going to be a cat and mouse thread that weaves through future installments of the series. The melding of two different plot threads left quite the cliffhanger and made me eager for the next book.

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