Nightfall by Stephen Leather

Nightfall by Stephen Leather

***** 5 stars!

Review

Another new series I have started this year and will certainly be carrying on with.
As Jack Nightingale, the main character is a very unique and charming individual. And I love the paranormal so a definite must for me!

Jack finds out in this first book that his birth father has sold his soul to a devil in his 33rd birthday.
Well from that one sentence I am sure you will be eager to read this book soon.

A brilliant story that takes you to the darkest depths, and shows you a universe that you knew nothing about. With the hierarchy of demons that you have never heard of or would ever want to meet.

A fantastic first book in a very intriguing series.
A must read!

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

**** 4 stars

Review

This was a very strange book about a young woman who plans to sleep for a year!

I did read until the end even though nothing much was happening, it did keep me interested because of how funny and sometimes how sad it made me feel for the main character. How her boyfriend treated her and how she treated other people, could be quite dark at times.
She just wants to get away from her life and try to start again when she eventually emerges from this year long sleep. She keeps herself medicated throughout and wakes only long enough to eat, drink and use the bathroom every few days.

A strange but interesting read!

Ayiti by Roxane Gay

Ayiti by Roxane Gay

**** 4 stars

Review

I absolutely love Roxane Gay's writing, and this collection of short stories was a wonderful read.

Roxane writes about Haiti, where she was born and grew up, but shows the worse side of Haiti as well as the good.
Kidnappings and rape play a huge part in her stories and are a powerful and moving read. She is sometimes brutal in her work. But this just makes me love her more and want to read everything that she writes.

Captivating and thought provoking, a fantastic author.

Hunger by Roxane Gay

Hunger by Roxane Gay

**** 4 stars

Review

This is another great book by Roxane, about her unhealthy relationship with food.
I have never had a good relationships with food and I struggle on a daily basis with my choices.

Though when Roxane started to binge eat and put on a lot of weight, it was because of a traumatic experience that she went through when she was a young girl and she just wanted to feel safe again. She thought she could do this by trying to make herself less attractive to the opposite sex.

A very moving and thought provoking read. One which I definitely could relate to and one which, I am sure could help a lot of people come to terms with an eating disorder and to start to get help.

Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo

Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo

**** 4 stars

Review

This book was a very moving read and showed the worst side of male pride.

Yejide wants a baby so very badly and is hoping for a miracle to help her conceive. But when she doesn't her husband takes another wife.
Then that miracle happens, but how? And how much heartache is going to come along with it.

A beautiful story, which shows how one person can be pushed to breaking point. And what another is capable of, to restore his pride in the eyes of his family.

Recommended Read!

The House At Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

The House At Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

**** 4 stars

Review

The third book in The Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries, and another great read.

Bodies have been found on the beach and appear to be from World War II. How did they get there and who killed them?
Another murder mystery to solve for Harry and Ruth, and Harry's team.
Ruth seems to be struggling in this book, working full time and becoming a mother. Will she start to let Harry help her more, and will their secret finally be revealed?

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to start the 4th, as the ending in this one may just throw a spanner in the works for Ruth and Harry.

Enjoyable read, recommended!

The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths

The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths

**** 4 stars

Review

The second instalment of the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries.
I couldn't wait to see how Ruth's and Harry's relationship progressed in this book.
Another murder to solve, but how do they manage to remain professional when their feelings for each other seem to be growing.

I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first book, but I carried on and was glad I did.
It was very similar to the first story, but we get to know the characters more in this one. Which I loved. It felt like sitting down for coffee with some old friends.

I look forward to the third book.
A good mystery read!

Blood Communion by Anne Rice

Blood Communion by Anne Rice

*** 3 stars

Review

I love Anne Rice and The Vampire Chronicles, but I am sad to say I really do think that these books should have come to an end now.

I was disappointed in this story as I love Lestat, but they seem to have taken a wrong turn some how, bordering on slightly ridiculous, which makes me angry.

You find Prince Lestat holding court, while one of his many enemies tries to destroy him. The usual story.

I finished this book and did enjoy it on the whole, but Anne Rice needs to finish this series before it gets anymore farcical.

When I Hit You by Meena Kandasamy

When I Hit You by Meena Kandasamy

*** 3 stars

Review

I know many people loved this book, but I just didn't.
It was about a very important subject which was domestic violence, but it had something missing, as I had to force myself to finish it.

A young woman married a university professor after finishing a love affair with a married man. But it is not all roses and flowers for her.

What she had to go through was appalling, but I have to say I was just bored and had no real feelings for any of the characters.

A disappointing read unfortunately.

The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

*** 3 stars

Review

I think I will be in the minority with this book as I didn't really enjoy it.
It was very well written, but I just kept on reading, hoping for something more exciting to happen, and it didn't!

Romy Hall was a very complex character I felt and was unjustly served her sentence with no real support from the justice system, as she had no money to pay for a good lawyer.

The prison story kept me intrigued but when it went into the past, it just lost me, as I was then just reading for the sake of it.
I did finish this book, which is why I have it 3 stars, but it just wasn't for me I am afraid.

The Quickening by Julie Myerson

The Quickening by Julie Myerson

*** 3 stars

Review

Rachel and Dan, newly married and expecting their first baby, decide to take a honeymoon to Antigue, but it doesn't turn out how either of them expected it to.
Strange things start to happen to Rachel and she starts to see things and to become completely irrational and paranoid.

A creepy and spine tingling ghost tale which was good but not as good as it could have been.

I enjoyed it and would recommend as a short tale to be read maybe at Halloween to be enjoyed by the whole family.

In Bloom by C.J Skuse

In Bloom by C. J. Skuse

***** 5 stars!!!!

Review

Wow! Again! I had to start this straight after finishing Sweet Pea as I just couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

Rhiannon is back to her old tricks again, making this a totally terrific read!

I felt this was a little more serious than the first book and really felt for Rhiannon and what she had gone through in her past, making her who she is today.
I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next book in this series.
I can honestly say these are the best books I have read in a long time.

Would definitely recommend to everyone and do all of the time!

All The Birds Singing by Evie Wyld

All The Birds Singing by Evie Wyld

**** 4 stars

Review

This was recommended to me on one of the book tube channels that I watch. I wasn't sure at first but I kept on reading.

It is a very gothic story, keeping you chilled and nervous to turn the pages to see what happens next.
Jake was a very unique character and in this story we found out about sheep farming in the outback, especially for a female in this role.

This book also seemed to be uniquely written as chapters alternated with the past and the present, going backwards, leaving you with lots of unanswered questions.
A captivating story but I still do not know how I feel about the ending!

Unsub by Meg Gardiner

Unsub by Meg Gardiner

***** 5 stars!!!

Review

Bloody Hell!!! I would give this 10 stars if I could. The best book I have read for a long time! And now the second book has just arrived, I cannot wait to get started on it!

Based on the Zodiac serial killer, Caitlin is chasing the killer that her father failed to catch years ago and which has haunted him ever since.
The Prophet is back and as always seems to be one step ahead of them. He enjoys playing games with the police and tormenting them as he feels he is so much more smarter than they could ever be!

A fantastic thriller which really did keep me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages at lightening speed. And then boom! What an ending!
Very highly recommended!

Murder In The Dark by Betsy Reavley

Murder In The Dark by Betsy Reavley

**** 4 stars

Review

This is more of a cosy murder mystery than a thriller, but saying that I did really enjoy it.

Set in Cambridge at Christmas, a murder occurs and the police team have to solve it.
You get to know the team and I am sure in the following books that the characters will progress.
The best part was it was set in a book shop, what could be better.

A good read which kept me interested and turning the pages. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series and other titles from this author as I really enjoyed her writing style

Autumn by Ali Smith

Autumn by Ali Smith

** 2 stars

Review

I have since discovered that Ali Smith seems to be a marmite author, you either love her or you don't. This was my first book by her so I am reserving judgement for now as I have a couple more on my book shelves.

This is the start of her seasonal series where she incorporates topical issues with her stories.
This one included a young girl and an old man who had known each other for years and as she visited him in the home he is in, it showed glimpses of their history together.

As you will be able to see from my 2 stars, unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book at all. I finished it because it was only a short book, but I had to make myself do that. I just didn't enjoy her writing style and grew bored of the story very quickly.
Sorry but I just cannot recommend this book.

The Therapist by Nial Giacomelli

The Therapist by Nial Giacomelli

***** 5 stars!

Review

This is the most beautifully written book that I have read this year. I have just come across Fairlight Moderns which is the publisher for this book, and I will certainly be reading many more of them in the future.

A couple embarks on therapy after the horrific death of their young son. Meanwhile a very odd sickness is taking place all over the world, where the sick disappear completely after suffering strange symptoms.

I really wasn't sure where the author was taking this book with both of these stories intertwined. But it all comes together at the end.

I just couldn't put this book down.
A wonderful story, characters and writing.
Highly recommended!

Four by Billy McLaughlin

Four by Billy McLaughlin

***** 5 stars!

Review

This book is the fourth book in the series, but can certainly be read as a stand alone. But I warn you! That you will be wanting to read the others straight away, as you will be eager to know about Phil and Kate's history.

This was a fantastic thriller and had me on edge all the way through it. I just couldn't wait to turn the pages and find out what will happen next.
Phil is the lead detective on a case where 2 girls have gone missing and left to die in a pit. Now a third girl has gone missing and it is a race against time, to find her alive and to find the serial killer walking the streets of Glasgow.
Can Phil's team find them or will they come upon someone trying to thwart their progress?

A truly great read, very addictive! Be prepared to read all night!

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity by Colleen Hoover

**** 4 stars

Review

This is the first book that I have read from this author and this was a fantastic thriller, which really is my favourite genre.

Lowen goes to live with Jeremy as she has been hired to continue to write his wife's books as a co-author.
Verity , Jeremy's wife is suffering from a tragic accident following the death of both of their daughters.
But things are not as they seem, or are they?

A brilliant story that packs a huge punch and keeps you guessing all the way to the end, and then boom!
A captivating thriller, which I thoroughly recommend.

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

***** 5 stars!

Review

This is the series I have chosen to read this year and this is the first book of that series called the Dr Ruth Galloway Mysteries.

Ruth is a forensic archaeologist who teams up with DCI Harry Nelson and his team to solve murders.
In this first mystery a body is found in the Saltmarsh, very close to where Ruth lives. But how old is this body they have found? And will it help them to find a missing child?

A fantastic start to a new series for me, I cannot wait to get to know these characters better as they unfold in future books.
Totally recommended!

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

**** 4 stars

Review

A captivating short book aimed at young adults, I loved it!
It was beautifully written and had me reading it in one sitting.
Conor was just such a wonderful character and so very innocent and heart broken about his mother's illness.

A powerful book and very helpful to children who are maybe going through a bereavement in their family the same as Conor was.

I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
Very engaging read and thoroughly recommended!

You Let Me In by Lucy Clarke

You Let Me In by Lucy Clarke

***** 5 stars!

Review

Wow, what a fantastic thriller. Atmospheric, chilling and twisty. All of the best things that make up one hell of a story!

Elle has rented out her dream home while she goes on a writing retreat, but when she comes home things just don't feel the same as when she left it.
The feeling that she is being watched, weighs heavily on her, and that some one has invaded her private space continues to plague her.
But is this all in her head or are these feelings real?

I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough and I was completely gripped from the first couple of pages.
 A 5 star read for me!

Mad Girl by Briony Gordon

Mad Girl by Briony Gordon

***** 5 stars!

Review

I also suffer with OCD, depression and anxiety and this book had me laughing out loud at her antics. I so very understood Briony's struggles and empathised with her completely.

This book is so beautifully written and as you go on the journey with Briony, you are by her side all the way and cheering her on.
As this book explains how it is to live with these mental illnesses, it raises awareness of how complex and how hard these are to live with and how they completely take over your life.

A wonderful and very honest book that I enjoyed reading and felt others would definitely benefit from reading.

Sweet Pea by C J Skuse

Sweet Pea by C J Skuse

***** 5 stars!!!

Review

Oh my! I loved this book!
Do I sound weird if I said I would love Rhiannon to become my best friend?
She is such a fantastic character, the one liners that she comes out with are laugh out loud funny and her dry humour had me in stitches.
Though we do need to remember that she is a serial killer!

This book is dark and twisted but totally addictive.
No matter how wrong it seems you are always on Rhiannon's side, just rooting for her and hoping that one day she can have a normal and happy life, but it never seems to happen for her.

Again I absolutely loved this book and couldn't wait to start the second in the series, straight after finishing this one.
A five star read for me!

Girl A by Anonymous

Girl A by Anonymous

**** 4 stars

Review

I just couldn't put this book down, even though the contents sickened me.
How could these men use these young girls like they did and why didn't the authorities step in sooner and do more to help these vulnerable children.
This happened not that far from where I used to work. How????
Sometimes though I did get very frustrated with Girl A, I just wanted to shake her and shout please tell someone! But then when she did, nobody did anything to help her so she was back at the mercy of these terrible men again!
A horrific account of what is actually happening in our towns and cities!

So very heartbreaking to read, but yet so very important!

Brutally Honest by Mel Brown

Brutally Honest by Melanie Brown

**** 4 stars

Review

I have always loved the Spice Girls and Mel B was my favourite so reading about what she has gone through, broke my heart, and as Mel says she really is brutally honest in this book!

The abusive and controlling relationship that she suffered at the hands of her husband is hard to believe as she is such a strong woman, yet I believed every word of this book.
This book shows the world how this can happen to any woman and how hard it can be to admit and escape from a controlling relationship.
Mel's spirit shows through this whole book and is what helps her to see what she has to do to save her family.

I am sure this book has helped give some women the courage they needed to help change the course of their lives.
A totally inspiring and addictive read!

The Familiars by Stacey Halls

The Familiars by Stacey Halls

**** 4 stars

Review

I loved reading this book, as I live in Lancashire, the area was very familiar to me and the Pendle Witches have always fascinated me!

This story centres around Fleetwood Shuttleworth and Alice Grey.
Both are great characters and based on real people, but this story is fictional. And what a great story it is.
Based on the Pendle Witch trials and if a young gentry woman, trying her best to conceive to give her husband an heir.
The lengths that Fleetwood goes to, to help her friend Alice and to save her life is a pleasure to read and how Alice helps Fleetwood to become a mother are also fabulous reading.

A fantastic book that I would totally recommend!

Dark Blossom by Neel Mullick

Dark Blossom by Neel Mullick

**** 4 stars

Review

Dark Blossom is about a terrible tragic accident. Bringing together Sam and Cynthia.
Cynthia is a therapist who tries to put Sam's life back together after his wife and son are killed.
Though Lily, Cynthia's daughter is carrying a dark secret of her own.
While this is a short novel, it really packs a punch and deals with the element of grief very well.

It was very emotional and had me turning the pages at an exceptional speed, hoping that these characters find a way to cope with what has happened.

And then Wow! What an ending.