Book Review - The Last Charm by Ella Allbright

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Title: The Last Charm

Author: Ella Allbright

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter 

Publication Date: 21st August 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Leila’s charm bracelet tells a story of love, a story of loss, a story of hope.

This is the story of her… and the story of Jake.

When Leila Jones loses her precious charm bracelet and a stranger finds it, she has to tell the story of how she got the charms to prove she’s the owner. Each and every one is a precious memory of her life with Jake.

So Leila starts at the beginning, recounting the charms and experiences that have led her to the present. A present she never could have expected when she met Jake nearly twenty years ago…

I had no pre-conceptions about this story, and even as I was reading, wasn't completely sure what direction it would ultimately take.  For which I'm delighted and think its the best way to go into this story - so that you can experience it fully, without any hints of the specifics in advance. 

And in saying that, it makes writing this review a whole lot harder!

This is the story of Leila and her charm bracelet.  She is recounting exactly how each charm came into her life,  and so we see her grow up from age 10, up to present day.  We go through highs and lows with her, and although we are only getting snapshots of her at various ages and points in her life, you feel like you get to know her incredibly well. 

I love how  this isn't flashbacks interspersed with present day - there is a short intro which is a valid way of explaining why we are getting the story of each charm, and then that isn't referred to again, until it is relevant towards the end. 

So it really is watching Leila and her friends and family grow up.  There are characters that appear in most chapters, and there is one particular person who is very present in this book besides Leila.  And it is the parallel of both of their stories and seeing how they both develop that fascinated me. 

I found this to be a really gentle read, it was a book I was always delighted when I could pick it back up, and lose myself within the next instalment of Leila's life.  I'm  very impressed that a book about a charm bracelet could develop the way it did, and I absolutely adored everything about this story. 

There are ups and downs, definitely some emotional bits but also some sections that will make you smile.  I don't want to say much more other than this book is very well written, it had me completely engaged with it, and I'm very much looking forward to Ella Allbright's next book as I know I need to read more by her.

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

Book Review - The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin

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Title: The Little Teashop in Tokyo

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 11th June 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Grab your passport and escape to a land of dazzling skyscrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, can Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently?

How wonderful it was to be transported to Japan, at a time where there isn't really any international travel.   

I literally felt as though I was there alongside Fiona, as she takes in the sights, traditions, culture and way of life of Tokyo for the first time.  Although I've never been from what I do vaguely know of the country, this all seemed incredibly authentic, and very well researched. 

There were spatterings of Japanese words and their meanings, various practices, the Japanese tea ceremony and so much variation in the food that I was practically salivating at the descriptions.  I could totally identify with Fiona's issues with chopsticks to eat with! 

Yet between the clear love of Japan in this book, at its heart there is what could be a romance between Fiona, and her reluctant photography mentor Gabe. 

Gabe who appears to be tired of life, and only doing a half hearted job at anything, is supposed to be helping Fiona, but rather needs an initial attitude adjustment. 

I could completely sympathise with Fiona, about her mother, mine isn't quite as bad, but can be similarly frustrating, so I very much empathised with her there.  

And the host family Fiona stays with, three generations are fabulous, and teach us all so many wonderful things about life in Japan, and the blending of the traditional with the modern.   I would have loved to have gone to the digital art museum that the grand daughter takes Fiona too - it sounded amazing. 

Such a fabulous story, I was loving every single second of it, and it was a shame to then realise I was in my garden and not actually in such a different country.  Another top notch book in this romantic escapes series from one of my favourite authors, Julie Caplin. 

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

Book Review - The Perfect Couple by Jackie Kabler - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: The Perfect Couple

Author: Jackie Kabler

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 25th June 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

The perfect couple…or the perfect lie?
A year and a half ago, Gemma met the love of her life, Danny. Since then, their relationship has been like something out of a dream. But one Friday evening, Gemma returns home to find Danny is nowhere to be seen.

After two days with no word from her husband, Gemma turns to the police. She is horrified by what she discovers – a serial killer is on the loose in Bristol. When she sees the photos of the victims she is even more stunned…they all look just like Danny.

But, the police aren’t convinced by Gemma’s story. Why has no one apart from Gemma seen or heard from Danny in weeks? Why is there barely a trace of him in their flat? Is she telling them the truth, or are there more secrets and lies in this marriage than meets the eye?

Jackie Kabler is going from strength to strength with each book she writes. 

This is a story that kept throwing in mini OMG hooks to keep you turning the pages, and has me second guessing everything. 

In fact the book is written from two perspectives, Gemma who is reporting her husband missing, and the police, who are already looking into two murders of men that look quite similar, and have no idea what to think when it turns out Gemma's husband also looks like the two victims. 

As I was reading each point of view in alternating chapters, my thoughts as to what exactly was going on flip flopped continually.  Such was how convinced I was by both viewpoints that I couldn't really work out which may be accurate. 

Much less just how the murderer was or where the missing husband may be or why. 

The Perfect Couple screwed with my head, in a way that had me reading on, unable to put the book down, as I needed to know the truth!

Very addictive and compelling read. 

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

Book Review - That Night in Paris by Sandy Barker

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Title: That Night in Paris

Author: Sandy Barker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 15th April 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

Note to self: don’t sleep with your flatmate after a curry and three bottles of wine… especially if he’s secretly in love with you and wants you to meet his mum.

Cat Parsons is on the run. She doesn’t do relationships. After ten years of singlehood even the hint of the ‘L’ word is enough to get Cat packing her bags and booking herself onto a two-week holiday.

A European bus tour feels like a stroke of genius to dodge awkward conversations at home. But little does Cat realise that the first stop will be Paris, the city of love itself. 

Joined by new friends, Cat has got two weeks, eight countries and a hell of a lot of wine ahead of her. As they discover hidden treasures and the camaraderie of life on the road, will Cat find a new way of looking at love? 

Discover the beauty of Europe’s most romantic cities in this uplifting and laugh-out-loud novel for fans of Samantha Parks, Alex Brown and Mandy Baggot

If you want a whistle stop tour around part of Europe then this is certainly the book for you.  For me it has re-affirmed something I have always suspected I would not enjoy doing a coach tour for myself, if I'm going to fit in multiple cities in one trip, give me a cruise ship to travel by, but not a coach! 

However reading about someone else's coach trip starting in Paris, taking in the South of France, Florence, Rome, Switzerland and more over a short space of time is really entertaining. 

Especially given Cat had always sworn she would never take this sort of holiday, but books it last minute while fleeing from a love-struck flatmate.  

It doesn't take too long for Cat to make some wonderful new friends on this trip and with that we have her bus posse, 4 women all on the trip for different reasons and we get to know them all really well, as what else are you going to do on a coach of hours at end, than talk to people! 

The accommodations again would have put me off the trip and Cat didn't seem that impressed with them either, but past that we get wonderful descriptions of each place they visit.  There is the echoes of past loves, a blast from the past that becomes rather key,  

Let's just say there is a gorgeous Frenchman that really affects Cat's "lady bits" (the author's words not mine, and was a phrase used rather a lot), but the chemistry between them is amazing even if Cat is trying to delude herself. 

Some of the cities we get more from than others, but I'd say we get a decent feel for each place, especially the ones where  Cat and her bus bestie Lou decided to fit in as much as humanly possibly in a tiny amount of time. 

I really enjoyed this story, and love Sandy Barker's way of writing about different places.  I'm already keen to see what the author will write next. 

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

Book Review - The New Guy by Kathryn Freeman - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Amazon UK

Title: The New Guy

Author: Kathryn Freeman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 11th June 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Sam Huxton doesn’t do one-night stands, especially not with men she’s just met! But the hot guy at the bar was hard to resist and their one night together is one she’ll never forget.

But one night is all they share – no names, no numbers, just some much needed fun…

Until the same guy walks into Sam’s life the next day as her new employee.  Sam never mixes business with pleasure and makes it clear an office fling with Ryan is off-limits.  But after-hours…one thing can lead to another. Can Sam trust her heart and her business with the new guy?

Ever had a one night stand where no names were exchanged, only to come into work the next day, to discover the new guy, the one you didn't interview despite being the boss, due to a family emergency, is in fact the one you slept with the night before?

Honestly having seen how Sam and  Ryan react in that exact situation, I'm very glad it hasn't happened to me! 

Written with Kathryn Freeman's usual amounts of sexual chemistry, banter, amusing dialogue and just generally people that feel realistic, it is another gem of a book from this fabulous author. 

I loved the setting of a an app company, was different and I found quite interesting, and I loved all the others that work alongside Sam and Ryan. 

Ryan is a straight talking guy even if it gets him into trouble, while Sam has been hurt by work place relations before and is understandably cautious.  

I throughout enjoyed seeing how this story developed and was rooting for Sam and Ryan the whole time. 

Another wonderfully entertaining story from an author that I love. 

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

Book Review - Up Close and Personal by Kathryn Freeman

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Title: Up Close and Personal

Author: Kathryn Freeman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter 

Publication Date: 12th June 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

She can’t let him out of her sight…

Sizzling chemistry, a page-turning will they/won’t they romance and the hottest twist on one of your favourite movies…
British actor Zac Edwards is the latest heartthrob to hit the red carpets. Hot, talented and rich, he sends women wild…all except one.

Close protection officer Kat Parker hasn’t got time to play celebrity games.  She has one job: to protect Zac from the stalker that seems to be dogging his every move.

Zac might get her hot under her very starched collar, but Kat’s a professional – and sleeping with Zac is no way part of her remit…

From the moment that Zac and Kat met I was hooked.  Once again this author's fabulous ability to write humorous scenes, characters with clear chemistry and enjoyable conversation has shone through, to make this a ridiculously enjoyable book! 

It's not every day you read a book featuring a film star and a bodyguard, especially not when the bodyguard is female.  Kat is amazing, she is like a female superhero, and all the while she is looking after her 14 year old niece, in addition of doing her day job of protecting superstar Zac from what we assume to be a stalker. 

Although you may never in your life come up close and personal with a movie star actor yourself, or need a bodyguard, these are characters that are so lifelike and realistic that it feels as though you know them intimately.  They are both clearly hiding things from each other, which may or may not be relevant to Zac's protection. 

I loved seeing the various revelations and there is plenty of action in this book. I also really enjoyed seeing just what a nice guy Zac truly he, he made some gestures that were so lovely, including treating Kat and her niece to a memorable day out for them, even if he wasn't that into it.  I would have swapped places with any of the characters to have had the experience Kat had that day! 

This is just another top quality Kathryn Freeman book which is what makes her an auto must read author for me.  Thoroughly enjoyable the whole way through, I accidentally managed to read it one sitting (when I'm sure I was meant to be doing other things). 

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

Book Review - Clover Cottage by Christie Barlow

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Title: Clover Cottage

Author: Christie Barlow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter 

Publication Date: 20th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Vet Rory Scott inherits ramshackle Clover Cottage in the quaint village of Heartcross, Allie MacDonald just knows this is their happy ever after. A place to call home with the man she loves – it’s her dream come true!

Until Rory drops a bombshell. He loves Allie but he has dreams of his own to follow – to live and work in Africa. Clover Cottage will have to wait just a little longer…

Allie can’t imagine life without Rory, but she loves him too much to hold him back. And as he embarks on his adventure, Allie begins to rethink her own plans. She loves Rory and knows she wants him in her life, but maybe she can follow her own dreams too?

And always there, nestled in the beautiful village of Heartcross, surrounded by the people she loves, will be the place that will always bring them back to each other. Their forever home, Clover Cottage.

I've just spent the most wonderful couple of hours in Heartcross, back amongst my friends from Love Heart Lane, and meeting whole new ones at the same time. 

And what a roller coaster of a book this was, what I can definitely say is Christie Barlow really is producing her best stories and writing with this series.  This was another super duper book! 

I was hooked from the first few pages, and although at times the conflict between Allie and Rory was getting a bit frustrating, I could see things from both their points of view, and had my everything crossed they would have a great ending. 

There is a story line involving Rory's mother that I sort of saw coming but didn't make it any less surprising and then there are revelations involving Rory's father's past that really did shock me.  Not to mention the incredibly sexy Netflix star who rocks up in Heartcross and  soon feels like part of the gang. 

He added a new dimension to the books, and he was in some ways a catalyst for some potentially huge changes in both Rory and Allie's lives. 

If you have read the other fantastic books in the series, then you will be as delighted as I am to see Felicity and Isla are Allie's best friends.   Oh and there is such an adorable scene involving Mop the llama, and the dog show.   I love Mop, he's so cute, and it was so amusing seeing him at the Summer fair. 

Clover Cottage itself is key to a lot of the story, but not quite in the way you may expect, but it certainly deserves the title role in this book. 

This is a warm and cosy story, if felt like I was wrapped up in a hug and I couldn't stop reading.  I love this series so much it's scary, and I'm counting down the days until the next book is out! 

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

Book Review - The First Date by Zara Stoneley

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Amazon UK

Title: The First Date

Author: Zara Stoneley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 24th April 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Right place.
Right time.
Wrong guy …

‘The novel equivalent of binge watching a tv series…"just one more chapter, who cares if it's 2am!" It's exactly the sort of novel you need with so much chaos in the world’ Sarah, Reader review

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up in person.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Stood up.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Mhairi McFarlane.

From the moment of Rosie's first conversation with Noah, I knew this book was going to be a winner.  Throughout their dialogue, verging in banter, is quick witted, amusing, and just really fun to read. 

But yet Rosie and Noah aren't dating, they have only just met, and Noah in fact decided he will help Rosie on her quest to get her first, first date since she was a child sorted and give her the confidence to deal with it. They meet in a bar, just after Rosie is stood up from her Tinder date! 

However Noah does have one flaw - he reminds Rosie far too much of her father, of which well lets say she has daddy issues to be resolved.  And so what is obvious to the reader, is fought against internally by Rosie, as she tries to reason with herself! 

I loved all of Noah's "lessons" for Rosie, in seduction, the scene in the lingerie shop is hilarious, oh there is a huge great dane that provides some amusement, there are friends and family to be met, and above all this book is just a whole lot of fun. 

In fact this is exactly the sort of book for these troubled times, that will lift your spirits, perhaps remind you of your own first dates, and take you to happier times for a while.  And who doesn't want a bit of fun, even between the pages of a book, while the world is such a doom and gloom place. 

Another thoroughly entertaining story from Zara Stoneley, I can't wait for her next book. 

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

Book Review - The Book of Us by Andrea Michael

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Amazon UK

Title: The Book of Us

Author: Andrea Michael

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 6th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

We’ve got some important things to talk about. It’s time.
Cass and Loll used to be inseparable. They met at university and they made sense, like two halves of a whole. They had planned their lives around each other, writing down their dreams in The Big Book of Our Life – the things they wanted to achieve, the places they’d go after they finished university. But then one night changed everything.

Seven years later, Loll receives a letter from her old friend. The coming year will be the year they both turn 30, but Loll might be making it to 30 alone. Cass has cancer. Loll had believed she would have her whole life to come to terms with Cass’ betrayal, but time is running out. Cass’ final wish is to complete The Big Book of Our Life, but has enough time passed to heal old wounds?

Beautifully written, with a really emotional base to it, this really is a heartwarming story.  

It's about two friends who have been estranged, until Loll finally reads one of Cass' letters and discovers her best friend doesn't have long to live.  But whether Loll can let go of the anger is another matter. 

For things between them go messy and it wasn't the best functioning relationship anyway, but Loll has always been in Cass' thrall, and she can't resist going to see her, and she discovers far more than she bargained on. 

I found the first few chapters took a bit for me to get into, but once Loll and Cass were face to face once more the book really came into its own, and I needed to know what would happen. I mean one thing was inevitable, but there is so much around it that had me keeping reading. 

I loved the various things they did to make precious memories while Cass still could, it was like a month long bucket list, but a bit more serene than the average bucket list. It was following all their dreams from while they were in college, or at least those that were feasible, and I loved seeing them re-connect and see how their newly revived fledgling friendship would develop. 

At times I was reading it with a big lump in my throat such was the power of the writing, and if you are more emotional than me, then I'm sure you will be in tears at varying points  of the book. 

There is a lot to this story of friendship and family, and on the whole it is rather light in tone even with the more serious undertones.  Once the girls set off on their big adventure I just couldn't get enough of the book, turning the pages eagerly to see what would happen next. 

It's a truly fabulous book and one I'm delighted that I've been able to read. 

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

Book Review - My Best Friend's Royal Wedding by Romy Sommer

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Title: My Best Friend's Royal Wedding

Author: Romy Sommer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 29th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Cocktail waitress Khara Thomas never expected to trade the dazzling lights of Vegas for European aristocracy but as maid of honour in the royal wedding of the decade she’s forced into an unexpected spotlight when her best friend marries a prince.

Luckily for Khara, gorgeous but infuriating best man Adam Hatton is happy to show her the ropes. Khara knows Adam’s entitled rich guy type but as their connection grows she realises there’s more to this playboy than meets the eye. And when she learns his royal secret? She might just find that fairytales do come true…

The second I twigged that this book was the latest in the Westerwald series, I was incredibly happy, I do love Romy Sommer's adult fairy tales and this one is no exception. 

I would say its the direct sequel to Waking Up In Vegas,  as this story features front and centre Max and Phoenix's official royal wedding. And Khara has been asked to be the bridesmaid.  Khara who lives in a trailer park and never left Vegas before, is suddenly getting a few weeks in Europe seeing just how the other half lives. 

And it's best man Adam who tries his hardest to guide her when she is out of depth. Yet Adam isn't just some ordinary guy either and I really enjoyed seeing him try to become a better person, and see if he is going  to step up into the new role he is considering. 

I loved every moment of this book, the chemistry between Khara and Adam is very clear even if they are trying to deny it, and being able to catch up with the various members of the Westerwald royal family that I recall from the previous books was a joy in itself.   Although this is the 5th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, but I did love it all the more for having read the previous books. 

Incredibly enjoyable and perfect escapism for these troubled times. 

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

Book Review - The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: The Summer House in Santorini

Author: Samantha Parks

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter 

Publication Date: 7th August 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

One summer in Greece will change everything…

Anna’s running away. From a failed relationship, a dead-end career and a complicated family life.

On the island of Santorini, with its picturesque villas, blue-tiled roofs, and the turquoise waters of the Aegean lapping at the white sand beaches, Anna inherits a less-than-picturesque summer house from her estranged father.

As she rebuilds the house, she rebuilds her life, uncovering family secrets along the way that will change everything. She soon starts to fall for her little slice of paradise, as well as for gorgeous, charming Nikos.

Will Anna lose her heart in more ways than one?

Brimming with secrets and sunlight, this is the perfect holiday read for fans of Alex Brown, Jill Mansell and Sue Moorcroft.

I adored all the descriptions of Santorini, the Greek food, the landscapes and most of all the Summer House itself. 

Anna was not expecting to inherit this summer house from her estranged father, who she has been brought up to hate. Much less does she have any desire to go to Greece, meet her paternal grandparents and sort this inheritance out. 

But after she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her, and loses her job, off to Santorini is a far better plan. 

It's a story of a woman falling in love with not only a man, as there is of course a Greek Adonis figure to drool over, but of her falling in love with a country, although admittedly neither of those are quick. 

As Anna renovates the house ready for a sale, she makes some very good new friends, discovers the truth about her father, and starts to learn more about herself too. 

A very enjoyable debut novel, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the author writes next. 

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

Book Review - Dead Wrong by Noelle Holten - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: Dead Wrong

Author: Noelle Holten

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 14th March 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

The serial killer is behind bars. But the murders are just beginning…

DC Maggie Jamieson's past comes back to haunt her in this dark and gripping serial killer thriller.

Three missing women running out of time…

They were abducted years ago. Notorious serial killer Bill Raven admitted to killing them and was sentenced to life.

The case was closed – at least DC Maggie Jamieson thought it was…

But now one of them has been found, dismembered and dumped in a bin bag in town.

Forensics reveal that she died just two days ago, when Raven was behind bars, so Maggie has a second killer to find.

Because even if the other missing women are still alive, one thing’s for certain: they don’t have long left to live…

What a dark and twisted mind Noelle Holten must have, in order to have come up with a villain such as Bill Raven.  He messes with people's minds and the way he had the public and police stumped was sheer evil genius.  

After all it's not often you get someone in prison convicted of murder, only for the bodies to show up two years later, and looking freshly killed.   Which is enough to stump most! 

I would love to know how an author even remotely thinks up such dastardly plot lines, let alone how they weave them together such as in this case, that keep you gripped from page to page, eager to know more about everything. 

I had absolutely no clue how it would all come together, let alone how on earth DC Maggie Jamieson and her team were ever going to be able to solve it. 

I found Maggie's growing friendship with Kate Moloney, a profiler who has terrific insights into any case she is working on, to be a lovely touch.   I loved getting to know Kate and found her fascinating. 

This is the second book in the Maggie Jamieson series, and can easily be read as a standalone.  However having read the first book, I enjoyed getting to know some of the recurring characters a little bit deeper, something I'm sure that will continue as the series progresses. 

As someone who can find the specific live action killings of victims in these sorts of books at times incredibly gruesome, I was very happy to be spared that... and just had the descriptions of  dismembered body parts appearing.. ok that still made me fill slightly ill, but in a different way. 

A truly remarkable police procedural that had me scratching my head in disbelief, eager to read each and every short chapter as fast as I could and that I actually couldn't put down for the last third!  I can't believe this is only the author's second book.  She clearly is a criminal mastermind... (well fictional crimes only I hope!). 

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

Please do follow along with the rest of this blog tour

Book Review - The Beach by Sarah Linley

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Amazon UK

Title: The Beach

Author: Sarah Linley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 21st February 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

The gripping debut thriller – you will not want to miss the book everyone will be talking about this year!
It should have been paradise. But it turned into hell…
It was supposed to be the perfect trip. Four friends, fresh out of university, backpacking around Thailand. But among the sun, sea and sand, something went horribly wrong…

In the years since, Holly has tried hard to push memories of that terrible summer from her mind. Now a schoolteacher, she believes her life is finally coming together when she meets Tom and his adorable five-year-old son, Jack.

But then, Holly starts receiving anonymous messages, showing photos which Holly was sure she destroyed years ago. Someone clearly knows the truth about what really happened. The only question is, how far will they go to get revenge?

'A gripping thriller which kept me hoo

From the first few pages I was gripped and needed to know the truth of whatever the situation was that had Holly fearing her life  would be over if the details were ever revealed. 

She is being stalked but doesn't want to report it for fear of the police wanting to know the why, and she is also trying to deepen her new boyfriends commitment so that she doesn't feel like a secret.   In addition she is worried about one of the children in her class at school , which although not a main story-line, did hold my interest especially with regards safeguarding procedures. 

We also in between the present day chapter get the story of Holly's close friendships at uni and eventually that trip to the Far East that lead to one of the friends coming home dead.  

The chapters where we get to see their travels were spot on for, I loved the details, I felt as though I was alongside the friends in Cambodia, Vietnam and then Thailand.  I could picture it all so clearly, and would have loved more of it in the book. 

As readers we know early on who is causing Holly hassle, but the motives are only made clear slowly, and I loved seeing inside their head, while wondering what they will try next, given it's clear they are ramping up their campaign on Holly.

At times rather creepy, others a bit more gentle but still very interesting, and at others I was hitting the end of a chapter and gasping, then ruing the inevitability that he best most addictive bits were at points I had to put the book down to either get on with real life, or to stop myself reading all night!! If life wasn't in the way I'd be saying this was fairly unputdownable! 

A rather impressive debut thriller, that I'm delighted I took the time to read.  Definitely kept me on my toes and when I wasn't reading, I was wishing  that I was continuing with the story. 

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