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Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater
Death of a Bookseller is something new. It has a killer premise. The story was impactful with a deep plot that evokes emotion on every page. Slater constantly stokes the flames of mystery. Well, wasn’t this one an anvil to the head? I love a fantastic crime story and Death of a Bookseller didn’t disappoint. The aura of obsession, jealousy and pain are never far from the pages. It’s like a shadow, preparing to swallow you whole, consume you as you consume it. A full circle of darkness. Okay, So Roach (real name Brogan), works in Spines, a bookstore in Walthamstow. The images my mind conjured up is nothing short…
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Bad Mother by Mia Sheridan
Bad Mother is a suspense thriller that reminded me a lot of Karen Rose’s work. I had enjoyed a lot of Mia Sheridan’s romance titles, so I was excited to see what she was capable of in the mystery genre. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t really care for the romance side of things as I just felt this second chance romance was a little bit implausible. I don’t think I’d hook up with someone that ditched me at the alter but there we go! I didn’t read much about the synopsis before delving in, but the premise of a Bad Mother really intrigued me. This really helped me get…
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The Last Party by Clare MacKintosh
The Last Party is a gripping, eloquently crafted tale seeped in dark secrets. Short chapters and lethally potent writing had me aching for each chapter. A fine blend of police procedural and compulsive thriller. The Last Party ticked all those thriller/crime boxes. It’s so unapologetically Welsh which I loved. This is the first Clare Mackintosh book I’ve read and let me tell you, it won’t be the last. A party to celebrate the new year and the opening of The Shore – a luxurious high-end resort next to the mountains. It’s out of the local’s price range, but owner, Rhys Lloyd throws a party to end all parties – literally,…
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Interview with Rowan Hill
Today we welcome Rowan Hill, horror author, an expert on the creeping unease, and an all-round good egg. Firstly, could you tell the readers a little about yourself? Good Morning! Oh well, where to start!? I am an author of horror and sci-fi with a deep love of the 80s. though am a product of the ’90s/00s. I grew up in Australia and America and have lived a little bit of everywhere since college. If I have time (and energy), I love art museums, hiking mountains, and (of course) writing! Your published novella, In the Arctic Sun, was particularly telling. It was one of my favourite reads of last year.…
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Beyond the Creek by Nico Bell – REVIEW
Beyond the Creek is dark desperate and engaging. If you want to explore a world that is beyond the ordinary, then this a novella for you! A propulsive plot and the perfect read for spooky season. A creature feature with a beating heart and venomous fangs, I was entrapped by its consummate storytelling and succinct narrative. The ending had me high-fiving the person next to me. It was fresh air I was hitting but still, it felt good to have that conclusion. Beyond the Creek – a perfect title that promised mystery and intrigue. The cover increased the appeal, I was beyond curious to find out just what was beyond…
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As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh – REVIEW
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a title that truly deserves book of the year. A compelling story that is incredibly important. Raw, visceral, wrenching and revelatory. Have you ever read a book so powerful that you couldn’t find the words to describe just how impactful and an important narrative that it pushes upon you? That’s exactly how I feel with As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow. I always think it’s a good thing to read outside your usual boundaries – YA isn’t usually my bag but with this cover and the heartbreakingly powerful story, I couldn’t resist. A story of survival in war torn Syria, I…
