Book Review - The Killer in the Cold by Alex Pine

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Title: The Killer in the Cold

Author: Alex Pine

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 7th November 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Chilling truths are buried in this snow…

When a body dressed in a Santa Claus suit appears in the snow just outside a small village in Cumbria, DCI James Walker is the first to appear on the scene. Almost a year has passed since something so tragic has happened in the close-knit community, and James is hopeful that it’s just an accidental death.

But when he uncovers the body, he discovers something that chills him to the bone. The man, a former police officer, was murdered. And it’s not long before another body appears.

Time is ticking as James races to uncover the killer’s next victim, before they strike again. But can James find them before the snow washes away the evidence?

From the master of wintery crime, comes a thriller that will chill you to the bone…

You know it is the start of the winter reads season when you see a new Alex Pine has landed on your Kindle. 

For James Walker lives in the worst place to live in the UK at Christmas, as for now five years in a row there have been murders at Christmas in and around Kendal, and James has had to work to solve them instead of spending time with his young family. 

And this was a particularly tricky case for him as the dead bodies are former colleagues of the police. Which adds an even more personal dimension to the whole investigation.  Add in they are in a small village where everyone knows James and wants more info from his (or his long suffering wife), and it makes for a really tricky case. 

There is very little to go on, plenty of suspects, various potential motives, but a lack of cold hard evidence, which means the pressure is on for the team. 

As interesting as this case was, I found it wasn't as gripping to me as previous books in the series. It's a really good book still, just didn't quite capture my imagination in the same way, which is probably on me and not the author. 

Regardless I did really enjoy it, and I totally gobsmacked by the final third of the book where things suddenly ramp up and get a whole lot more compelling and I had never suspected the actual murderer. 

it's another very readable book in this series. But please never let me move to a small village in Cumbria, it sounds rather dangerous and I like Christmas! 

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Secret Santa Project by Tracy Bloom

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Amazon UK

Title: The Secret Santa Project

Author: Tracy Bloom

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: 10th October 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A name drawn from a hat

Someone you barely know

A Christmas you’ll never forget

___________________________________

This December, Jolene can’t wait for the office Secret Santa moment — the festive present-swapping exercise made up of unlikely pairings and inappropriate gifts.

But this year, her colleagues are in need of more than a novelty wine glass and a box of Celebrations to get their tinsel twinkling.

So Jolene’s a woman on a mission, and she’s hatched a secret plan to make this their best Christmas ever…

Hilarious from start to finish! 

This was Tracy Bloom at her comedic very best! But in amongst the humour there is a heartwarming story about a group of people that work in a council accounts department, who have been tasked with trying to work out the real value of Christmas and whether they can cancel it the next year. 

Jolene is excited for her first ever job in the adult world of work, only to get to the office on her first day and it not really being anything like she imagined. Not only that she is my sort of person being a Disney and Christmas loving adult - something her new colleagues weren't as sure about. 

But Jolene does come up with a great concept for the office - a secret santa project where her idea is for them to all do one good deed for their chosen person to help make their Christmas, and to spend no money doing so. 

We get chapters from all of the characters points of view, and get to really know all of them quite well, and it was interesting to see how their lives connect away from the office in ways they aren't even aware of. 

I really enjoyed seeing all of these characters develop over the course of the story and I was totally invested in all of their lives. 

A fabulous assortment of down to earth, relatable characters, set to a backdrop of Christmas, and the possibility of Christmas magic.  

Good seasonal fun that I totally adored. 

Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Trial by Jo Spain

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Amazon UK

Title: The Trial

Author: Jo Spain

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 25th April 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

2014, Dublin: at St Edmunds, an elite college on the outskirts of the city, twenty-year-old medical student Theo gets up one morning, leaving behind his sleeping girlfriend, Dani, and his studies - never to be seen again. With too many unanswered questions, Dani simply can't accept Theo's disappearance and reports him missing, even though no one else seems concerned, including Theo's father.

Ten years later, Dani returns to the college as a history professor. With her mother suffering from severe dementia, and her past at St Edmunds still haunting her, she's trying for a new start. But not all is as it seems behind the cloistered college walls - meanwhile, Dani is hiding secrets of her own.

Wow, well that got under my skin and totally hooked me in. 

I'm not necessarily a fan of books with detailed medical research as frankly it goes over my head, but the story around the clinical trial at the centre of this book was utterly compelling reasoning. 

Dani has always been haunted by what happened ten years ago with Theo, even more so when she is back at the same college, in her new job and reminders are absolutely everywhere. 

There are so many layers to this fascinating story, which is told in dual timeline, both featuring Dani's time at this college - both as a student and now as a professor.  And I felt for her a lot during the book, she's really not had an easy time of it since the events in 2014 that kicked everything off. 

There are secrets galore, and I was totally hooked, to the extent I ignored real life for a couple of hours in order to finish the second half of the book in one sitting.  I had to know how things were going to turn out and I was definitely in for some surprises.

Another brilliant book from the always talented Jo Spain. 

Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Lost and Found in Venice by Joanna Knowles

Amazon UK

Title: Lost and Found in Venice

Author: Joanna Knowles

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 31st October 2024 

Rating: 5 Stars

Rosie Redbrush, a travel agent working for Wanderlust Wishes travel agency, is someone who sells holidays but never takes them. At twenty-nine, she lives a quiet, comfortable life in the town she grew up in. But then, just a few days before Christmas, a problematic customer tricks Rosie into becoming a tour guide for a group of ten disgruntled old-age pensioners in Venice! And suddenly, Rosie's quiet life is thrown into disarray.

Escorting an elderly group through the streets of Italy's most romantic city is hard enough, but throw in a neurotic aquaphobe, an accidental Santa race, a regrettable selfie, and a missing backpack, suddenly Rosie finds herself extremely lost in Venice, without a penny or a passport to her name.

Rosie can't go home. And as she travels Italy looking for a solution, what she doesn't expect to find are a loving family, a group of eclectic new friends, and the possibility of true love in the most unlikely of places...

The gorgeous new festive romcom from Joanna Knowles, Lost and Found in Venice is guaranteed to be your favourite new comfort read.

I'm so glad that the gorgeous cover for this book caught my eye, as this was an absolutely stunning book, that even when I wasn't reading it, I was wanting tot be back within its pages. In fact I'm a bit gutted that I have finished it already. 

Definitely an incredibly positive first experience reading this author and I already know I will have my eyes open for her future releases. 

For this mixes all of my favourite things into one book - travel, Christmas, humour, some fabulous characters and a brilliant adventure for Rosie. 

She is unwittingly co-erced into guiding a group of pensioners on their pre-Christmas trip to Venice, despite having never been, and to say things don't go according to plan is an understatement.  Between some drunken decisions before the trip, and one set if iffy mini decisions once in Venice, she is set on a path that is completely out of her comfort zone, but oh so brilliant for a reader. 

I'll say that we see more of Italy and just Venice, although the title is apt in so many ways. There is a memorable meet cute, although initially you aren't positive that is what it is! The personalities of the pensioners were so entertaining. 

And this is a book that really does emphasise the kindness of strangers, there is a lot of compassion as people learn of Rosie's situation. 

I don't want to spoil the story - and it really is one that is really lovely, fairly emotional at times, and one that anyone that loves a bit of armchair travel at Christmas, will absolutely adore.  I couldn't get enough of this book and really wish I had more words to devour. 

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Life Sentence by Jackie Kabler

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Amazon UK

Title: The Life Sentence

Author: Jackie Kabler

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 9th May 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

Convicted. Jailed. All for a crime that never even happened…

My name is Amber Ryan.

I’m in prison, but I’m innocent.

And I’ve been jailed not just for a crime I didn’t commit, but for a crime that never even happened.

Now, my friend is going to try to prove it.

But to do that, she has to go back.

Back to the dark place.

And I know she may not get out alive…

Wow, Jackie Kabler has done it again and written a completely impressive book that has astounded me. 

Jack Shannon is a brilliant villain, and I was never completely sure who I was meant to believe. 

We have Amber who is in jail for a crime, that she is adamant she didn't commit. And her old best friend is contacted to try to find evidence that the crime didn't even exist, as they both had dated the same man. 

There is a fabulous plot that is twisty, and I found myself not really trusting anyone.  I knew what I was being told by the narrators but I was never quite sure! 

I was totally gripped from this book, and couldn't get enough of it. 

This is an author going from strength to strength and I can't wait to see what she writes next. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Last Christmas by Clare Swatman

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Amazon UK

Title: Last Christmas

Author: Clare Swatman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 27th August 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

‘Bea was always early for everything. Even, it turned out, when she was running away from her life.’

As Christmas approaches, Bea Preston has a choice.

Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.

What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?

In a grand sliding-doors love story that spans oceans, years and lives, Clare Swatman’s unforgettable tale of fate and friendship is perfect for all fans of Jojo Moyes, Beth Moran and Ruth Jones.

Christmas meets Sliding Doors meets fabulous author,  terrific characters and a the 00s!

Simply superb....

... but hard to review for fear of giving away spoilers. 

It's the first book I've read by this author and I was lured in by Christmas in the title.  And it's a good thing I was as I couldn't get enough of it. 

We follow Beas life as we see the outcome of the big airport decision occur in clearly headed and alternating chapters.  And it's surprisingly easy to follow with each year getting two chapters one from the go timeline and from the stay timeline. 

I believe there is an important message about fate, and that things happen for a reason and a whole lot more within these pages.  

There is are some deep subjects dealt with sensitively and empathetically from the author.  

In short it's certainly a book to add to your TBR, and one to savour. 

Thank you to Boldwood and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Come Fly With Me by Helen Rolfe

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Amazon UK

Title: Come Fly With Me

Author: Helen Rolfe

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 22nd May 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

A Second Chance…

For Maya, serving as a pilot in the Whistlestop River air ambulance team is a dream come true. And now, with her divorce from her overbearing husband finally complete, flying over the fields of Dorset, and saving lives with the Skylarks, is the centre of her world. If only her ex would accept their separation as readily as she had, life would be perfect…

A fresh start…

Having recently transferred from London to Dorset, paramedic Noah is ready for a new start. But he’s brought with him a lot of baggage, not least his infant niece who he’s been looking after since his sister died unexpectedly earlier that year. Noah adores Eva, but is he really cut out to look after a baby?

A risk worth taking?

When Noah and Maya find themselves on the same rescue team, they’re immediately drawn to each other. Yet, with so many complications in their personal lives, do they have time to open their hearts to someone new?

As their friendship grows, Noah and Maya are both about to discover that life is worth nothing unless you share it with the people you love.

Take to the skies in this gorgeous and gripping new series from bestselling author Helen Rolfe, perfect for fans of Jo Bartlett and Cathy Bramley.

Wow! What a series this promises to be based on this epically brilliant first book. 

I definitely think Helen Rolfe has come up with a fantastic setting, and I've never read anything before featuring an air-ambulance team, and better still with a female helicopter pilot too! 

It is clear there has been a lot of research put into this book as we really get to feel as though we know Hilda (the helicopter) and the Red team especially well.  Including Maya who really needs to do something about the horrible hold her now divorced husband has over her and Noah who is new in town, complete with Eva his niece. 

There are some exceptionally horrible men in this book, and I was curious to see just what would happen to them (if anything). 

But above all this is a totally fascinating story, many ups and downs (especially in helicopters), and I absolutely loved seeing how the characters developed over the course of the book. 

And the big reveal of Maya's massive secret was something I definitely wasn't able to guess. 

I already can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Anti-Social Season by Adele Buck - #HolidayReading Cyprus

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Amazon UK

Title: The Anti-Social Season

Author: Adele Buck

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mills & Boon Afterglow

Publication Date: 24th October 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

Can they keep their attraction under control?

After working as a firefighter for the past ten years, burnout is real for Thea Martinelli. But just when she’s ready to hang up the hose for good, she’s offered a position as the station’s new social media coordinator. It’s a move that would keep her on the squad and off the truck.

Librarian and social media coordinator Simon Osman is shocked to learn his new responsibilities include showing Thea – his high school crush – the ins and outs of digital engagement. And the fact that she doesn’t even remember him? Not helpful.

But as the chaos of the holiday season unfolds, Thea and Simon find that the closer they work together, the hotter their attraction burns. Are they willing to risk everything they’ve worked toward…for each other?

I'm not sure I can remember the last time I read a book featuring a fire fighter, let alone a female fire fighter, so its to be a bit of a shame that at the start of the book Thea is hanging up her hose, and agrees to become the social media manager for the county's fire service. 

And the man giving her the training is the current social media manager at the library, Simon, who fancied Thea like mad when they were at high school and from their first re-meeting its clear those feelings may still be present. 

It starts fairly sweet but then the spice really does ramp up, and I loved the dynamics between Thea and Simon. 

There are great fire safety videos being made, which seem to put the pair in some wonderful positions! 

This is a really enjoyable story that I romped through. 

Thank you to Mills and Boon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Snowed in With You by Heidi Stephens

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Amazon UK

Title: Snowed In With You

Author: Heidi Stephens

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Accent

Publication Date: 24th October 2024

Rating: 5 Stars

WHEN THINGS SNOWBALL, CAN FROSTY FEELINGS THAW?

Lucy hasn't left the country in years. In fact, she's barely left Bristol's city limits. So, when the opportunity presents itself to join a work trip to the Swiss Alps, she's wary, especially when she learns that it will coincide with that weekend - the one that, eleven years ago, tore her world in two.

But how can she turn down an all-expense-paid trip to the snow-capped Alps? Lucy knows what Leo would say if he were still with her, and besides, she'll have her work husband, Jonno, there for emotional support.

What - or who - she didn't bank on, however, was moody (read: rude) Nate stepping in at the last minute. And what's worse, they're the only two in the group who don't ski, so they're stuck with each other . . . up the side of a mountain in the middle of a snowstorm.

With the weather closing in, an avalanche leaves them snowbound in an alpine bar with an eclectic cast of fellow refugees. But with roaring log fires and steaming mugs of glühwein (and maybe a shot or two of Jägermeister), it's a chance for Lucy and Nate to discover there might be more to one another than meets the eye.

Where will their mountainside adventure leave them when the snow finally melts?

I think I would quite like to be Lucy.  She has initially a wonderful philosophy towards her love life and has made me consider trying something similar.  And then she ends up in the Swiss Alps, on a work trip, snowed in with a colleague who clearly has hidden depths! 

There is a journey of self growth for Lucy and I loved the motley crew she was snowed in with, up a mountain.  There is a huge cast of characters, but it was Nate that I really kept wanting to know more about. 

His journey in this book is even more impressive than Lucy's and the more I got to know him, the more I was falling for him myself.  

I was never completely sure who if anyone that Lucy might end up with, and although I know who I was rooting for, there were other good options! 

I was totally gripped by this book, I loved every second of it and it is fast cementing Heidi Stephens as an author I need to keep reading everything by. 

Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Ice Retreat by Ruth Kelly

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Amazon UK

Title: The Ice Retreat

Author: Ruth Kelly

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 24th October 2024 

Rating: 4 Stars

From bestselling author Ruth Kelly, The Ice Retreat is a spine-tingling thriller set in the world of controversial wellness treatments. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Sarah Pearse.

HEALER?

Meet Hollie Jenson, presenter of the smash-hit docu-series Bad Medicine, which exposes the perils of extreme therapies. Her next target: a new retreat run by wellness guru Ariel Rose, who claims to have discovered the secret to healing pain through her three-day ice rebirth treatment.

LIAR?

Acting on a mother's plea to find her son, who vanished soon after his stay, Hollie ventures into the Swiss mountains where the retreat occupies a former observatory. There she will search for the boy, and hopes to expose Ariel as the charlatan she believes her to be.

KILLER?

As the isolation of the valley sets in, Hollie finds herself in an increasingly dangerous situation. There is much more to the retreat than meets the eye, and she must confront explosive secrets from her own past if she is to ever make it out alive . . .

This was the first time I've encountered a Ruth Kelly book, and I'm impressed. 

I'll admit the ending had me slightly befuddled but also open mouthed as I really would have never imagined the truth of the Ice Retreat.  

In fact the whole of this type of treatment, sounds rather cold and scary, and as Hollie who knows Science knows, shouldn't work.  Hollie is determined to debunk this place as a fraud at best, and possibly a cult, as that is what she does - makes documentaries about bad medical practices. 

I loved the whole creepy feeling about this story, especially once Hollie is at the retreat, trying to determine the truth.  And she has an ulterior motive for targeting this particular retreat, which had me guessing for a large portion of the book. 

Definitely got my blood pumping and adrenaline pumping towards the finale, as I wasn't really sure who to trust at all.   We get the story from three main view points, all quite different and unique, and I was totally hooked on finding out the truth. 

A really great book, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.