Tag: #Bookouture

The idyllic setting of Lake Windemere in the Lake District is disturbed when a young lady is found floating face down near a boat. From that opening sequence, this is a gripping crime thriller that had me turning pages to find out “whodunit.” The author does a fantastic job of building the suspense while following the forensic clues that lead to the killer.

I liked that the heroine of this book (Beth) was a Forensic Pathologist, rather than a detective. The author went into great detail several times (I learned more about autopsies than I ever thought I would). Having the lead character not be a detective allowed for a unique perspective on the investigation.

I liked the characters, although I felt some of them could have been more developed. I would have liked to have learned a little more about the squad of detectives, but I suppose that would have taken the focus away from Beth. However, considering that one of them had a family member that figured heavily in the plot, I think we could have had a little bit more.

I did enjoy the plot. I thought it was unique, and the author did a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing. Some clues pointed to multiple people, just like in a real-life investigation, and only someone who reads a lot of crime novels will put the pieces together faster than Beth.

Not having read the first book in the series, I missed the importance of Beth’s past and that figured heavily in the first part of the book. It didn’t wreck the narrative, but I think I would have appreciated it more had I read the first one. I intend to do so in my downtime – whenever that might be. But in spite of that, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

I recommend this book and look forward to further investigations with Forensic Pathologist Beth Adams.

Author Bio

Helen Phifer lives in a small town called Barrow-in-Furness with her husband and five children. Helen has always loved writing and reading. Her love of horror films and novels is legendary. Helen adores reading books which make the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Unable to find enough scary stories to read she decided to write her own. 

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.

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:

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!

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.