The Monthly Paper....back Mini Reviews #1

For the past few years, every January I have said over the upcoming year that I wish to read more paperbacks over the course of the year and every year I fail to reach any of my physical books when I have the ease of my kindle. 

So this year I'm trying things a bit differently and I've decided that if I'm going out then I can read a paperback on the tube, and I'm also hoping to have one on the go at all times, to be read in bed.  I've bought a USB clip on reading light, so I don't have to get out of a warm comfy bed to turn off the light once I'm done reading which I think was putting me off in the past.  

The hope being that if I read a small amount each night, I may read a book in a week or so - but deep down I know the longer I spend reading a book the less I tend to write in a review, so I'm going to try and do this - a monthly digest of mini reviews of the paperbacks I read each month. 

I'm hoping this will mean that I also read more books that I I think mum would enjoy (although I'm only confident about one of these for her), that I fancy too, but haven't read, and hopefully will get more from my shelves to her in the care home, on a more regular basis.  Plus means I'll most likely be reading in paperback form, non specific review books, which will be a nice change. 

January Mini Review #1 - The Black Dress by Deborah Moggach - 5 Stars

Amazon UK

 Well this is a book that once it got going, had me exclaiming or mouthing WTF multiple times.  I couldn't believe the number of twists that I never saw coming. 

 I've read books from this author before and this one took a much darker turn than I was expecting, while at the same time, a points reminded me of the scenes in The Wedding Crashers (film), where they consider crashing a funeral. 

 For this does feature a funeral crasher, and as a result meets some rather interesting men, while Prudence deals with her husband having left her for her best friend.   You can't help but feel sorry for Prudence at times, while simultaneously wondering what on earth she really doing.   It's a cracking story that kept me on my toes, and I really devoured it.  

January Mini Review #2 - The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home - 5 Stars

Amazon UK

 I couldn't get enough of Hattie and Walter, two incredibly different people with the a big thing in common -they both want to go back to their own homes and no longer be kept captive at Woodlands Nursing Home. 

The staff seem to care more about box ticking health and safety, than just what the residents may need, with the exception of Sister Bronwyn and her Night Owls. 

With Hattie learning how to interact with other people, she is far more used to observing birds and being a loner, and Walter determined to pass his mobility scooter test - there are all manner of antics going on. 

And the escape mentioned in the title - it really was great and brought a huge smile to my face.  This is the first book I've read from this author but given how much I loved the style, writing and content and kept wanting to read just one more page, it certainly won't be my last.  

 

January Mini Review #3 - A Glasgow Kiss by Sophie Gravia - 4 Stars 

Amazon UK

This is a real, gritty, no holds barred, dating story, that describes things as they really happen, and not the often more cleaner version for fiction.  This includes things like messy period sex, something you just don't see in any other book, but made me like Zara all the more as a result, as these are situations that can and will happen to any modern girl. 

She is a kick ass heroine, who has her own needs and isn't afraid to go after what she wants.  I loved Zara, although not so keen on her choice of men. 

If you want to read some incredibly realistic fiction, then this is the book for you.  Expect bad language, the nitty gritty of sex and the thoughts associated with it, which is all things that added to the appeal for me. I'm already keen to read the sequel and find out just what Zara gets up to next. 

January Mini Review #4 - The Hardest Fall by Ella Maise - 4 Stars 

Amazon UK

This book made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions and the first meeting between Zoe and Dylan was particularly memorable. 

 I loved all of Zoe's character quirks, and was intrigued by the various storylines running through the book. Including Zoe and Mark's story. 

There are moments in this that are far grittier than I had been anticipating and one scene that is memorable but you have to wish it hadn't been necessary, for the poor character, who I felt rather sorry for, as nobody deserves what they had to go through in that. 

Apart from that I had a lot of fun reading this and the chemistry between Zoe and Dylan was phenomenal, and yet having the book from both their points of view, you could see their doubts too which just made them all the more human. 

Very enjoyable story from an author I had never heard of until I saw this book. 

Book Review - The Summer Party by Rebecca Heath

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Title: The Summer Party

Author: Rebecca Heath

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aries

Publication Date:  5th January 2023

Rating: 3 Stars

An atmospheric psychological thriller about a glamorous family living on the coast of southern Australia. 2023's most addictive beach read.

A perfect family. A devastating secret.

Summer, 2000. In the tranquil town of Queen's Point in southern Australia, the Whitlam family marks the end of every season with a lavish party in their clifftop mansion. Here, clutching her first glass of real champagne, the summer breeze intoxicating on her skin, sixteen-year-old Lucy Ross is kissed for the very first time. And then, in the shadows of the rose garden, she sees something she shouldn't.

Winter, 2019. After two decades of silence, Lucy is back in Queen's Point. She hasn't planned on staying long. But when human remains wash up on the freezing beach, the police close the town. Unable to leave, Lucy is forced to rekindle old friendships – and examine old truths – she has long ago tried to forget.

As long-buried secrets start to surface, Lucy must decide. Will she confront the past and tell the truth? Or will she still do anything to protect the people she loves?

A glamorous, escapist psychological thriller set in Australia, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, A.A. Torre and Adele Parks.

This is a an ok psychological thriller that for the last quarter or so ramped up to completely unputdownable. 

For the end section I was fully engrossed, and it was a good payoff for the build up to that point. 

However I found myself not overly liking any of the characters and it felt as though the more I learnt about all of them the less I trusted any one of them.  Plus the regular swapping between the past and present day, seemed to confuse me a lot more than it normally does in similar books. 

In fact occasionally had to go backwards multiple page turns on my kindle just to check the chapter heading and timeline I was currently in. 

I enjoyed that the book was set in small town Australia, which makes a refreshing change, and it was interesting to see just how much power the Whitlam family really has over the entire area. And the three Whitlam children that Lucy admired back when she first met them, well they really are nasty pieces of work each and every one of them. But also troubled too.

The more I learnt about the victim the less sympathy I had for someone being killed, and I did want to discover who did it which kept me reading. As I say absolutely loved the finale, but the rest just didn't quite hit the spot as well as I would have hoped for I'm afraid. 

Thank you to Aries and Netgalley for this chopy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Sleepless in Sicily by Emma Jackson - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Amazon UK

Title: Sleepless in Sicily

Author: Emma Jackson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion Dash

Publication Date: 29th July 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Under the starry Italian skies, anything can happen...

For most women, getting locked into a storeroom with movie star and undeniable heartthrob Rowan during a pre-production shoot in London would be the stuff of dreams. But for shy makeup artist Lila, it's more like a nightmare. It doesn't matter that Rowan is kind, easy to talk to and even more gorgeous up close. With her social anxiety, she can't bear the idea of being embroiled in gossip and rumours about what exactly they were doing together.

More scandal is also not an option for outspoken Rowan, whose agency is threatening to drop him if he doesn't toe the line. After the two make their escape, they promise to keep the incident a secret, and when they meet again on set in stunning Sicily, they pretend not to know each other. But between the blue skies and sizzling Italian heat, it becomes impossible to ignore the attraction simmering between them...

Lila and Rowan couldn't be more different... but can they find a way to bring their worlds together?

For fans of Sandy Barker, Mandy Baggot and Samantha Parks, Sleepless in Sicily is the perfect summer holiday read.

Eye opening novel that deals with social anxiety in great detail, but also sensitively. 

For it is what main character Lila is dealing with the entire time and we can see just how it shapes her every interaction with everyone. 

Well apart from with Rowan who is on paper not a great match, given he is from a completely different world, and a movie star at that, but he is also salt of the earth, one of my favourite characters in a long while. 

Certainly my latest book boyfriend, I absolutely loved the guy and only wanted good things for him. 

I loved life on a film set, on location in Sicily and seeing how Lila deals with everything, despite being very far out of her comfort zone is inspiring. 

I devoured this book in an afternoon, poolside while on holiday and thought it was certainly a fantastic holiday read. 

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

Book Review - Finding Love in Positano by Lucy Coleman - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Amazon UK

Title: Finding Love in Positano

Author: Lucy Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Embla Books

Publication Date: 15th March 2022

Rating: 4 Stars

One summer in Italy might just change everything...

Marci James loves her job so much she's not had a holiday in 5 years. But after receiving a mysterious letter from her godfather, Richard, Marci must pack up for a summer on the Italian Coast. Tasked with sorting through Richard's antiques shop, Marci is determined to find the right balance of work and pleasure.

But when Marci arrives it's apparent that the task is far more daunting than she imagined, and it isn't long before Nico, her gorgeous local guide, offers to step up and lend a hand. As the two enjoy the Positano summer, and all that the Amalfi Coast has to offer, Marci finally lets herself relax and the sparks between the pair soon begin to fly.

But Richard hasn't just left his possessions behind, he left a secret, one that Marci unwittingly stumbles across. Will it break her heart after the happiest summer of her entire life?

Perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Rosanna Ley and Sarah Morgan.

I felt transported to a world of antiques, and gorgeous Italian scenery as Positano was brought to life exquisitely in this new Lucy Coleman novel. 

I really enjoyed the feeling of being welcomed into a big Italian family, that has so many strands to it, it can be daunting at first to keep up. 

But Marci is in Positano to do a job, even if her godfather is proving hard to get hold of, not to mention her own growing friendship with Nico. 

I really enjoyed seeing how this story developed, in some surprising ways, while the descriptions of Italian food were plentiful and tantalisingly tasty. 

This felt like a real love letter to the town of Positano, which I've personally only visited briefly but it all seemed to match up with my memories of the town. 

A rather enjoyable book that I am delighted I had the chance to read. 

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

Book Review - Truth or Dare by M. A. Comley

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Amazon UK

Title: Truth or Dare

Author: M. A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 22nd December 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

A gruesome discovery! A truth or dare that went too far!

DI Sally Parker and her temporary partner, DS Lorne Warner, investigate a cold case which taxes these ultimate professionals.

With little evidence they’re forced to seek the assistance of an old acquaintance to help them solve this challenging investigation.

What they uncover is a web of lies and deceit that puts their lives in danger.

What can I say that I haven't said a million times before about this authors' books?! Like everything else i've ever read from M. A. Comley this book has kept my intrigued, amazed at the skills of the police and utterly hooked on how on earthy they may be able to solve the case. 

I love these cold cases, even more so since DS Lorne Warner is working with DI Sally Parker. I am a Lorne-aholic and can't get enough of her no matter what books she is featuring in.  And I was also delighted to see a familiar and popular recurring character from the Justice series pop up in this story too. 

I found the case to be fascinating, and from very little clues it's surprising how much investigating they can do, even without initially knowing who the victim is. 

I whizzed through the second half of this unable to put it down for a second as I discovered my initial strongest hunch was completely and utterly wrong.  

Was good to see a bit more of the rest of Sally's team too, and I definitely want to see more from Jordan in the future too. 

I love Sally and Lorne's easy friendship and respectful working partnership, and wish they could be full time partners, and not just temporarily. And was great to catch up with their families too. 

Another wonderful book in a series I can't get enough of. 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

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Amazon UK

Title: The Lies I Tell

Author: Julie Clark

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 23rd June 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Meg Varnum. Maggie Littleton. Meg Upton. Different names for the same person, depending on the town, depending on the job. I'm not a con artist as much as an avenger. A righter of wrongs. But nothing about me is real, other than my desire to hold men like you accountable for the things you've done.

I don't break any laws, and what I take is given willingly. I can't be blamed for how easy it is to manipulate you. It's a discipline involving confidence, cleverness, and deception. And now, I'm about to work my final trick . . . this time under my real name. Because when it's done, I want you to know who I am and remember what you did to me.

Wowsers! What a book! 

Meg might be a con artist, a grifter but her intentions are different to the average one, and her cons are so well thought out.  I absolutely loved how clever she was, how she was always many steps ahead of everyone, including the reader, and we had chapters written from her perspective. 

I loved her backstory, and the details of some of her early cons and the reason she is back in town is just understandable. 

We also have chapters from Kat, a journalist who for years has been trying to uncover the truth about Meg and all of her aliases.  And when she finally thinks she can get close to Meg she is determined to make the most of the opportunity. 

I was hooked from the first few pages until the end, just slightly regretful that I hadn't been in a position to read it in one sitting, but I was trying to grab any moment to read just a bit more.  I just wasn't sure what Meg's end game was, and I had no clue how to guess how Kat's story would play out. 

I am though delighted with both of the conclusions and I really enjoyed Meg's self awareness of what she was doing, and all the tips she gave us on how to pull off a good con.  It's fascinating and brilliant and I just loved it. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily 

Book Review - Promise Me by Jill Mansell - #BlogTour #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: Promise Me

Author: Jill Mansell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 19th January 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

One minute Lou is happily employed, with a perfect flat. The next, her home and job have gone. Suddenly she has to start over.

The last thing Lou wants is to move to a tiny Cotswolds village. She certainly doesn't intend to work for curmudgeonly eighty-year-old Edgar Allsopp. But Edgar is about to make her the kind of promise nobody could ignore. In return, she secretly vows to help him fall in love with life again.

Foxwell is also home to Remy, whose charm and charisma are proving hard to ignore. But Lou hasn't recovered from the last time she fell for a charmer. She needs a distraction - and luckily one's about to turn up.

Secrets never stay hidden for long in Foxwell, nor are promises always kept. And no one could guess what lies ahead...

I don't know how Jill Mansell keeps doing it, but every single year without fail, she writes a new completely brilliant book that has me hooked and at times on the edge of my seat. 

For there are so many curveballs in the latter half of this story that I was never completely sure how it might turn out, and really didn't guess some elements at all. 

Which truly is the sign of a great author. 

I loved Edgar's character and his development over the course of the book, from someone who clearly needed Lou's help, to a far more rounded human, in spite of his advancing years. 

And Lou, well I could understand her motivations for agreeing to work for Edgar against her better judgments, and really enjoyed how she challenged herself to improve his life. 

This was heartwarming and fantastically well written and I adored every second of it.  Jill Mansell is once again a master storyteller, and I'm already looking forward to whatever her next book is. 

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

Please do follow along with the rest of the blog tour. 

Book Review - The Woman in the Middle by Milly Johnson - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Amazon UK

Title: The Woman in the Middle

Author: Milly Johnson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 14th October 2021

Rating: 4 Stars

The emotional, uplifting and completely relatable new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Milly Johnson.

 

Shay Bastable is the woman in the middle. She is part of the sandwich generation – caring for her parents and her children, supporting her husband Bruce, holding them all together and caring for them as best she can.

 

Then the arrival of a large orange skip on her mother’s estate sets in motion a cataclysmic series of events which leads to the collapse of Shay’s world. She is forced to put herself first for a change.

 

But in order to move forward with her present, Shay needs to make sense of her past. And so she returns to the little village she grew up in, to uncover the truth about what happened to her when she was younger. And in doing so, she discovers that sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to find the only way is up.

Starting off with a sandwich analogy for how Shay feels, this book goes from strength to strength with its great looks at marriage, mental health, family, and a whole lot more too. 

There are so many interwoven threads especially within Shay's family that it may seem daunting at first to follow, but once you get your head in the game, and are engrossed between the pages, it all comes together incredibly well.

I am reluctant to say too much as it really is a book best read  with no prior knowledge, just go into it with an open mind and be prepared to be dazzled by Milly Johnson's storytelling prowess about just an ordinary typical family and the life they lead. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Wedding Pact by Isla Gordon - #HolidayReading Summer 2022

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Amazon UK

Title: The Wedding Pact

Author: Isla Gordon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 19th August 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

August Anderson needs somewhere to live. Dumped by her boyfriend who would rather be alone than move in with her, she has almost given up on happiness. Until she notices that the beautiful Georgian townhouse she's long admired (ahem, *obsessed over*) is looking for a new tenant, and suddenly it seems like things might be looking up . . .

There's just one catch - the traditional, buttoned-up landlord is only willing to rent to a stable, married couple and August, quite frankly, is neither. Competition for the house is fierce and August knows she'll have to come up with a plan or risk losing her last shot at her happy ending.

Enter Flynn, the handsome, charming and somewhat unsuspecting gentleman who August accidentally spills her coffee over. Flynn is new to the area and is looking for somewhere to live, and August thinks she knows just the place, but only if he's willing to tell a little white lie . . .

The perfect feel-good summer read from reader favourite Lisa Dickenson, writing as Isla Gordon. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan and Anna Bell

I always enjoy a "fake dating" trope, so one that involves a fake marriage in order to be able to rent a dream property between complete and utter strangers was definitely up my street. 

And I loved August and Flynn and the dynamic between them from their first meeting, which may have involved spilt coffee, to everything that follows, they both very quickly had a place in my heart 

Of course as you would expect from the trope, things don't seem quite as easy as it sounds, so while it seems like such a simple lie, the reality is far more complicated which makes for compelling reading. 

This just just a pleasing, enjoyably entertaining rom com that I loved reading on holiday. 

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

Book Review - Wicked Whispers at St Brides by Debbie Young

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Amazon UK

Title: Wicked Whispers at St Brides

Author: Debbie Young

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 14th November 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

Gemma Lamb is ready for an uneventful term at St Bride’s, she’s had enough of dastardly deeds and sinister strangers.

However, she’s barely back at school before:

Unlucky in love Oriana is sneaking around at odd hours

Handsome Joe is keeping secrets

Militant Mavis feels a scandal is brewing

It’s all a bit much, so when a stranger appears, Gemma thinks she’s had enough. But this stranger isn’t so sinister, instead he looks rather too familiar. If Gemma can’t get him away from the school the whispers and scandal his presence could unleash may just close St Bride’s doors for good.

Gemma's joined forces with her colleagues to save the school in the past, but this time she's going to have to do it on her own .

Have I mentioned recently how much I am loving these St Brides books. I am completely and utterly hooked and they are barely having a chance to land on my kindle before I am reading the next one.  I really hope there will be more to this series than just these first three books. 

There is certainly a few gently mysteries for Gemema Lamb to look into this time, why is someone cutting things from the local newspaper, just what stories is being hidden, and just what exactly is the stranger she ends up having tea with on the first weekend of term really up to?

Not to mention one of the pupils being front and centre of a really touching in the end storyline, although it had me worried at one point. 

And I loved catching up with Hairnett, Joe and Oriana especially, as we learn more about all of their pasts and presents. 

This book and the whole series, just feels as though it is like a Malory towers for grown ups with just a tad more intrigue, and i just love everything about them.  

More please.... after all I couldn't put this one down, and couldn't get enough of it, so definitely want more! 

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

Book Review - Sinister Stranger at St. Brides by Debbie Young

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Amazon UK

Title: Sinister Stranger at St. Brides

Author: Debbie Young

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

For anyone who loved St Trinian’s – old or new – or loves a cozy mystery on a grand estate filled with rather ‘interesting’ characters.

When an American stranger turns up claiming to be the rightful owner of the school’s magnificent country estate it could spell trouble for everyone at St Bride’s . . .

No one can believe it when the headmistress, Hairnet, instantly accepts the stranger’s claim, not:

the put-upon Bursar, ousted from his cosy estate cottage by the stranger

the enigmatic Max Security, raring to engage in a spot of espionage

the sensible Judith Gosling, who knows more about Lord Bunting than she’s letting on

the irrepressible Gemma Lamb, determined to keep the school open

Only fickle maths teacher Oriana Bliss isn’t suspicious of the stranger, after all she can just marry him and secure St Bride’s future forever. That's if inventive pranks by the girls - and the school cat - don't drive him away first.

Who will nab the stranger first? Oriana with the parson’s noose? Gemma with sinister secrets? Or could this be the end of St Bride’s?

Previously published by Debbie Young as Stranger at St Bride's.

Was completely and utterly hooked from the first page to the last. 

I may have said book one in this series didn't really feel like a mystery, but that has certainly been rectified in this second book, as it is all one big mystery all regarding a potential claim to the St Bride's estate and school. 

But is Mr Earl Bunting all he seems, well the the staff and the pupils don't really take to him hanging about, and neither do I. 

I'm definitely with Gemma Lamb and the rest of the teachers in thinking something is off with him, and I was fully on her side, with all the attempts she makes try to find out the truth. 

I loved catching up with all of the teachers and girls, set just after the first book ends, in the half of term that is between Halloween and Christmas, including a memorable Fireworks night too, there is a lot of touches to really get you into the autumn term feel.  

And I enjoyed seeing how St. Brides celebrates Christmas and all their traditions. I also really enjoyed just seeing how more secrets of this vast school get uncovered, and also seeing a few pranks from the girls.

I am just loving this series so much and already can't wait to read the next book. I am finding these really quick to read and I do love a book I can just ignore the outside world and want to continue reading on and on - which is what this story was for me. 

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

Book Review - Murder in Tuscany by T. A. Williams

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Amazon UK

Title: Murder in Tuscany

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th October 2022

Rating: 5 Stars

A remote retreat…

Nestled high in the Tuscan hills lies Villa Volpone, home to renowned crime writer Jonah Moore and his creative writing course. It’s also the last place retired DCI Dan Armstrong expected to spend his retirement! Dan’s no writer, but maybe this break will help him to think about the next chapter in his own life story?

A gruesome murder…

But only days into the course, Jonah Moore is found stabbed to death with his award-winning silver dagger! And Dan finds himself pulled out of retirement with a killer to catch.

Eleven possible suspects.

The other guests all seem shocked by Jonah’s death, but Dan knows that one of them must be lying. And as he and Italian Commissario Virgilio Pisano begin to investigate it quickly becomes clear that everyone at Villa Volpone has secrets to hide…

But can Dan discover who the murderer is before they strike again?

A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.

From the opening chapter which is probably one of the funniest things I've read from this author, turning into a cosy mystery that had me completely and utterly gripped - I can safely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed T. A. Williams change of genre. 

I loved that this was set on a remote writing retreat in the Tuscan countryside, on a writing course specialising in one rather adult genre - which given Dan wasn't intending to write the genre in question, has a rather eye opening time for all manner of reasons. 

Some of the conversations between him and the other participants on the course were so so funny, and incredibly enjoyable. 

Then there is the murder, fairly early into the story, and it was good to see Dan trying to help the local police, given he is a retired DCI.  I loved seeing his investigative attempts, and literally had no idea just who had offed a rather unlikeable man. 

I had a very strong theory the whole time as to the motive, and shockingly it wasn't even one contemplated by anyone in the book, which shows just how little I know about predicting a killer! 

I was transported to Tuscany, to this writing retreat, with great descriptions of the area, local food, Italian policing, and the authors trademark back lab has also made the change of genre, and plays a key part to the story too. 

I am very excited to learn this if the first book in a series, I literally can't wait to read the next books, I think just like their romance's, the author is onto another winning book here. I can't fault it in the slightest and was addicted! 

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