Sometimes its Trial and Error other times its ...

Blurb:

The good news, Public Defeder Summer Neuwirth just won her first case.

The bad news was, her defendant might have been guilty.

And what's more, he seems to know something important about Summer's past.

As Summer battles her next case, this time tokeep a women she knows is innocent off death row, elements of that past - a mysterious case f childhood amnesia, her police officer father's involvement with a serial killer, a terrifying attack she sustained just a few years prior - entwine with her present legal work, her missing mother, and her rocky relationship with a pricate investigator to culminate in a thrilling trial ... and terror.

Review:

I don’t want to go into the whys and wherefores of the plot as I am sure that loads of other reviews have touched on this.  I would rather review the book a whole.

The book is written in such a way as the writer leads the reader into a journey that is basically a roller-coaster which leaves the reader breathless.  However, the ending was rather strange and a bit beyond reasonable logic. 

The characters are numerous which makes it difficult to keep track of who is who; and of the major characters there is little or no back story additionally, we, the reader, are expected to accept all this at face value.

The overall layout of the book was also confusing and there were large jumps between the chapters that jarred with this reader.  Sometimes the chapters were not announced at all and the reader was meant to make quite a few logical leaps in the narrative which did not necessarily work as the author intended.

There are twists and turns a plenty yet the overall ending felt rushed with the majority of the questions raised in the book taking place in the last few pages.  The ending was unexpected and to be honest would anyone of the heroine’s intelligence really have done what she did?

I loved the idea of this book even though it was slightly cliché ridden.  It seems that this book had loads of potential and yet fell a bit short.  But if you like this genre then this may well be the book for you.

Thank you Netgally for providing me wth a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I rated this book 4 stars on Netgalley, 3 stars on Good reads and

Nothing is as it seems ...

Blurb:
All over the wold, brutal animal attacks are crippling entire cities,  Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread.  When he witnesses a co-ordinated lion ambush is Africa, the enormity of the impending violence becomes terrifyingly clear.

With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it's too late.  The attacks are growing in ferocity, cunning, and planning, and so there will be no place left for humans to hide.

Review:

 I came to this novel having watched the first season of the TV show of the same name; and I wanted to know what had promoted the development of the show.  I usually find James Patterson’s psychological thrillers to be a bit lightweight compared to Jonathan Kellerman (but I guess that comes down to which author you read first).

I am now quite sure how co-authoring a book works.  Does someone have the idea and the other person write it or do they both write it or is James Patterson’s name on the book to help make it sell?  Not being a fan of JP this book is not really in his favoured genre; and the writing, in places, was different.

I love a good science fiction book and unfortunately this was quite a bit lacking.  I know people’s eyes glaze over when people write books that are science heavy but some science is necessary.  However, here there is no great detail of the concepts behind the occurrence and very little technical jargon was used which begs the question as to how much research was actually done on the subject.

Yes the book is well written with a good pace, yet there is no change in the ‘voice’ of the book between all the various Points of View (‘POV’).  There are also large gaps in the storyline that are not explained and left this reader scratching her head, not to mention the inconsistencies.

The characters were a bit flat with few redeeming qualities and unfortunately JP used the romantic novel standard of insta-love.

I was surprised that part way through the book there was a rather large leap in the story with little or no explanation.  I personally want to know what happened in those intervening years.  All this said this book kept me interested so much so that I would be interested in reading the sequel that will surely follow; and I will be watching the TV series for however long it lasts.

So if you like science fiction (light on the science) and want a nice light entertaining summer read then this is one for you.

Some crimes ate deadly but others are

Blurb:

The body of an attractive festival-goer is discovered on the rocky shoreline at Peveril Point.

Two women go away for the weekend, but only one comes back alive. Was it just the music they were into?  And who was the man the victim met at the festival?

DCI Sophie Allen is back in charge after the emotional upheavals she suffered in 'Deadly Crimes', but is she really in control?  And Detective Constable Rae Gregson joins the team and immediately faces challenged that put her life in peril.

Discover a gripping and detailed mystery that will have you hooked from the start until the stunning twist at the end.

Review:

I just loved novel Dark Crimes.  There is just something special about a British procedural novel but as I was reading this I was getting more and more confused as to why the beginning of this novel did not tie in with the ending of the previous novel and why the action seemed to have jumped forward in time.  It was then that I realised I had missed a novel out.  Despite the above my enjoyment of this novel was not affected.

As before the story was well crafted with well researched procedural elements.  The story is well paced and as usual there are lots of twists and turns in this novel that keep the reader intrigued until the end.  It is interesting that the author is not afraid to tackle subjects that are controversial bringing them out into the open to be discussed and examined.

Obviously the focal point of the novel is the crime but without a strong cast of well-developed characters very little could occur.  Although Sophie is the main character this novel stresses the importance of team work when attempting to solve crimes.  These are ordinary people doing a tough job under tough circumstances.  Sophie has just returned following an illness and not only her family but also her team rally around her. 

We also learn more about DS Marsh and are also introduced to another interesting character (I won’t say any more for fear of ruining the plot).

As the characters are being developed with much more of their private life is being revealed (please can we have more of this); so too is the location of these stories.  They are described in such great detail that one feels as though they are walking in their shadows along the same streets.

This author’s books just keep getting better and if you love a crime novel you can’t go too far wrong with this novel.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange of an honest review.

I rated this 4 stars on Netgalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.

More of a dull disaster

Blurb:

How far would you go to achieve happiness?  What if it meant letting go of everything you'd once believed in?

Piper Allen is looking to spread her wings and unfortunately, her podunk hometown in Missouri is stunting her spiritual growth.  Moving to Dallas to finis up college with her two friends, Stephanie and Nicole, she hopes to challenge herself to reach new heights.  Her bohemian ways allow her to float through relationships frequently and with ease; when there are no strings attached, there is no chance of being hurt.

Texas rancher, Moye McKenzie, is a no nonsense, good ol' boy, who doesn't play games where matters of the heart are concerned.  When this straight-shooter walks into Piper's life, sparks fly and tempers flare.  Wanting to give her the life she deserves, Moye has to show her that getting hurt can happen whether you're holding onto the reins or not.

If she could just let go, Piper might be surprised to find she's someone's dream girl.

Review:

Although this is not my favourite genre of novel I am quite partial to a good romance especially if it has an original well-written story and lovable characters.

Unfortunately this novel is not at all original and uses cliché after cliché.  In fact one could be reading any number of other books it was that formulaic.  That said it made for a quick read and I did finish this novel.  There was a sort of insta-love although the main character had cried off love and as regards the intrigue part of the novel I guessed that straight away; and there was the inevitable happy ending

The characters were reasonably well written but the angst of girls going off to college was something that grated on this reader’s nerves.  None of the three girls really had anything going for them and, unfortunately, this reader did not relate to or like any of them.

The pace of the novel was OK but there were some elements that did not jell well.  I did not feel any real connection to the novel or any of the characters but I did not hate it.  It was a short novel of young adult love and I must say I was glad when it was all over.  But don’t let my experience of this novel spoil yours if this is what you like to read.

Thanks go to Netgalley for providing me with the opportunity to provide an honest review in exchange for a copy of the novel.

I rated this one star on Goodreads, 2 stars on Amazon and Netgalley.

Descendants of an old trade route

Blurb:
'She crossed over to the shelf where her father kept the dragon vase.  He had placed it there when they first arrived in Venice.  She took it down carefully, feeling it cool and comforting under her shaking fingers.'

Venice 1441: Maria and her brother Daniele arrive in the birthplace of their father, Niccolo dei Conti.  An Italian merchant who had travelled far and wide, Niccolo has brought spices from India, lengths of silk and damask from the lands east of India and porcelain; a vase of pure white, its surface decorated with a cobalt blue dragon, the Chinese symbol of good fortune.

Maria settles in her new home, watching the magnificent and bustling city come to life each morning from her bedroom window.  But while her father is away travelling, she soon finds herself and Daniele in terrible danger.  She must protect her brother at whatever cost, and she must guard the delicate vase.

London 2015:  Single mother Miranda is struggling to make ends meet and build a new life for her and daughter Georgie.  When Miranda meets the charming but mysterious Charles. she is intrigued. Could he be her second chance at love?  And why is he so fascinated by the old vase sitting on her hall table ...


Review:

This is a wondrous historical novel that is well researched.  This is a multi-generational tale with multiple time lines yet the main pivotal character is a Ming Vase, much revered by past generations yet loathed by the current generation.

I personally loved the interplay between the two main stories, one told in back story and one told in the current/future time line.  Each timeline had different issues in the past there was trouble, in the present/future there is tension and mystery.  Both stories include the journey of the vase from its origins in China to its current location.

The novel was written in the third person, as though we were an observer to all the action.  The description of historic events was fairly precise and although the characters were well researched and reasonably well written it was difficult to form an emotional bond with them.  I thought that the modern day characters were unaware of the value of the vase, not least its historical value but also its monetary value until it was potentially too late although it caused some exciting intrigue for a while.

One lovely aspect was that Miranda followed the journey of the vase and ended up in Venice.  The description of Venice was spot on and it felt as though the story had come full circle and yet it felt a bit empty.

If you like a bit of fact with your historical fiction then this novel, with its family saga elements and intrigue, may well be up your street.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I rated it 5 stars on Netgalley, 4 stars on Amazon and Goodreads.

It is not what you think ...

Blurb:
The first female president of the United States is summoned to an emergency briefing.  Deep in the jungle of Peru, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist party whole.

FBI agent Mike Rich investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery.

Unusual seismic patterns register in an Indian earthquake lab confounding the scientists there.

The Chinese government "accidentally" drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country.

And all of these events are connected.

As panic begins to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at Melanie Guyer's Washington laboratory.  The unusual egg inside begins to crack.  Something is spreading ...

The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster.  A virulent ancient species of spiders, long dormant, is now very much awake.  But this is only the beginning of our end ...

Review:
Who doesn't love a scary story about our favourite scary thing, spiders, which happened, in this case, to be carnivorous!  I know this premise ma y sound ridiculous but this author makes it work.  The right amount of initial tension reals the reader in and then the story explodes in more ways than one.

Initially there were a lot of elements that were seemingly unrelated, and strangely confusing, with a large cast of characters.  However once the various stories linked up, and the characters substantially reduced, the reader is taken on a rip roaring ride.

There were parts of the book that got a bit long winded and bogged down by technical details but otherwise this is a rather unique scary story.  The writing is what saw me through the down times together with the interesting characters and their various Points of View (‘POV’).

The characters are realistic and relateable and cover a diverse section of society from the US President to experts and the FBI.  The reactions of the ‘common people’ were often times stupid and mistake laden.  In one instance a main character did not pay nearly enough attention to the area in question.  The writing also begs the question ‘how would you react in this situation?’

I can appreciate that the wide range of characters involved in this novel enhances the scope of the problem but there seems to be a few too many main characters and it is just not possible to really get under their skin.  It is this reader’s hope that more of their characters will be revealed in later books (the story was too open ended for this to be a stand-alone novel).

There seems to be an emergence of spider related phenomena throughout the world and this ancient species appears not just to be hatching here or there but everywhere (that emphasises the scope of the problem).  What could come across as implausible is not as the author keeps us grounded not merely on the human reaction side but also on the natural side – these emerging ancient spiders have a long life cycle (which is extremely plausible – consider the corpse plant that flowers once every 100 years).

Somehow a zombie apocalypse seems a bit too far-fetched, yet a spider apocalypse seams all too real and relateable.

The story was left open ended and it is this reader’s fervent hope that there will be a sequel as there were a load of unanswered questions.

The Hatching is this author's debut novel and this reader looks forward to seeing not only how this series, but also how this writer develops n the future.  If you want a fairly realistic horror story that has just the right amount of tension and makes your skin creep, by an author who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Dean Koontz, Michael Crichton or even Stephen King then do yourself a favour and read this one, you can't go far wrong.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

I also rated this on Amazon (4 stars) and Goodreads (4 stars).

All part of life's rich tapestry

Blurb:
This Decade-Spanning Novel of Family and Faith Will Delight
Now in her eighties, Perla Phillips has carried a secret since she was eighteen years old.  When she sees her granddaughter, Ella, struggling for perfection, she decades to share her secret to show that God can use even the biggest mistakes for good.  But before she can reveal what happened during that summer sixty years ago, she has a debilitating stroke.

Carrying a secret of her own, Ella arrives back in Wise, West Virginia, to help her aunt Sadie care for Perla.  Both know the woman wanted to tell them something, but she's now locked in silence.  Together they begin looking into the past, but they may learn more than they expected.

Will they have the courage t share their hearts?  Or will the truth reman buried forever?


Review:
I did not realise that a) this was the third book in the series; and that b) it was a religiously themed book.  If I had known either I would have avoided this book like the plague.  But then I would have missed out on a good read.

Although this is the third in a series it is a stand-alone and this reader had not read the previous novels which did not really matter.

Unlike other religiously based books the religion did not seem false but rather an integral part of the lives of the characters involved.  These characters were well developed and in its own way unique and the reader definitely roots for each of the characters.  Each character has secrets and troubles that they need to overcome and the reader feels as though they are experiencing journey with Ella and Pearl.  Indeed the challenges faced by these two characters are ones that many of us have experienced in our lives at some time (and for some of us this included questioning our faith, and how our dreams and actions align with God’s plan for us).

Equally the town within which they live is believable.  I live in the UK and have never been to the US and despite not having read the other novels, the author describes a small rural town that the reader immediately falls in love with (a la Little House on the Prarie-esque yet a modern take).  In this town everybody knows everybody else – and family is central to everything.

That said this is a stand-alone novel sure if one were to read them all there would be more depth to the story.  The plot moved along at a nice steady pace.

Overall this is a nice heart-warming gentle novel with some but not loads of drama.  The reader becomes invested in the characters, making you want to read to the very end.  If you love these types of books with a perfectly plotted story line, then I would highly recommend this one for you

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I rated this 3 stars on Amazon and 2 stars on Goodreads

When is an Alchemist's code not an Alchemist's code ...

Blurb:

The first of a gripping conspiracy thriller series for fans of Scott Mariani and Dan Brown.

A dark figure.  A secret code.  A battle between good and evil...

Years ago the Knights Templar developed a secret code.  A code so secret that only one man could remember it.

The code lies in the hidden recesses of Lorenzo Aragona's memory.  The alchemist has always known it, but, until he crosses paths with a beautiful but brutal Russian spy, he does not realise its significance.

In a race against the clock from Naples to Kiev, Lorenzo uncovers an ancient history involving Nazis and Freemasons, secrets and spies.  He must remember the code, unlock the Baphomet and take control of The Guardian of the Threshold.  The lives of the Pope, his dying wife and all of mankind are at stake and only Lorenzo had the power to save them.

Review:

I love historical mystery novels of which there are a great deal written.  The ones I like the most make use of an historical myth and base a novel around it; then at the end (in the noted) they tell you what is real and what is fiction.  Some authors are more successful than others, unfortunately this is the latter. 

As I was reading this novel I was confused by the title.  The main protagonist was a sort of Alchemist in the sense that he was an esoteric expert; and there is a sort of code that needs to be deciphered relating to a mythical society which drove the novel shortly.

The main protagonist - Lorenzo Aragona was dislikeable and full of me-itis.  Although he appears to be living an ideal life nothing is quite as it seems.  As the story develops whatever Lorenzo did appeared at odds with what a reasonable person would do or how they would react.

The actions of Lorenzo were not helped by the fact that the author was not content to just include one historical myth and deal with that thoroughly.  Instead he not only included  secret =society from World War II but also the Knights Templar, alchemy, various other people described as evil; and last but not least the Pope.  With so much going on it got very confusing very quickly.

It would have been far better just concentrating on the Thule society and getting his facts and figures about them well researched and well developed including the actions of the protagonist.  Instead this author does ot seem to know where he is going with any of the story lines leading to a very confusing and badly researched novel.

There are lots of areas in this book where the narrative was repeated, there are some areas that lack credibility and a lot of inconsistency where subsequent actions do not mesh with what had happened before, leaving the reader really confused.  Equally many of the characters are not developed at all and/or are just labelled something without further explanation.

The first part of the novel is really extraneous with the majority of the novel, or at least the action parts, taking place over s dozen or so pages.

This novel was very confusing and was not n the least bit original.  The narrative was incoherence to say the least and fairly reminiscent of another best-selling novel that will remain nameless.

Thank you Netgalley (and the publishers) for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was rated 2 stars on Goodreads and 3 stars on Amazon. 

After the man is hanged ...

Blurb:

Morlock is coming.  Death will follow.

DCI Jericho may have evaded the Hanged Man, but he knew there was something missing.  He knew there was still someone out there  He knew there would be more death...

A man is murdered on the Somerset Levels, a bullet in the head from three feet.  Jericho soon learns there was a connected killing the previous day in the Swiss Alps.

Death comes in the post, quickly strands from the past become entangled: the hunted mountaineers, a long lost secret, the mystery of Jericho's wife and the covert organisation, working in the shadows, always in control.

Joined by DI Badstuber of the Swiss police, Jericho travels across Europe to North Africa, chasing an invisible killer.  But Death is always one step ahead, while his past, sinister and terrifying, is closing in.

Review:

I was not really sure what to expect from this book as I found the previous book rather difficult to get into as I am not really in to satire in any way shape or form.  As it turned out this one was easier to get into not least that we knew the characters and it was a straight police procedural that continues on from the first.

The unseen hand that guided the events in the first book is back manipulating the characters once again and leads them on a manhunt across Europe.

This author writes real characters and this novel only builds on this all the while having a dark humour running through the entire novel.  I love the interaction between Jericho and Hayes.  I also enjoyed the Hayes’s romance which in no way detracted from the novel itself.

The plot was reasonably well plotted and the author’s research was good; the descriptions of the other countries were consistent with those of other novels this reader has read.

Unfortunately, there were a few unresolved issues from the first novel, together with unresolved questions from this novel, which I hope will be dealt with in the next novel in the series, of which  am sure there will be one.  One thing that did stick in this reader’s craw was what Jericho did with his inheritance – I mean would a real person really do that?

If you love police procedurals, especially British police procedurals, with a bit of bite and a lot of 

creep.  Or if you love the works of Douglas Lindsay then this novel is definitely one for you.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange of an honest review.

I reviewd this as 'It was OK' on Goodreads and Amazon.

It is all about

Blurb:

Naomi Carson is a survivor.  As a child, her family was torn apart by a shocking crime.  It could have destroyed her, but Naomi has grown up strong, with a passion for photography that has taken her all around the world.

Now, at last, she has decided to put down roots.  The beautiful old house on Point Bluff needs work, but Naomi had new friends in town who are willing to help, including Xander Keaton - gorgeous, infuriating and determined to win her heart. 

But as Naomi plans for the future, her past is catching up with her.  Someone in town knows her terrifying secret - and won't let her forget it.  As her new home is rocked by violence, Naomi must discover her persecutor's identity, before it's too late.

Book Club Review:

Reading a Nora Roberts novel is like speaking to a friend you have not seen for years and it being like you saw them yesterday.  Such is with this novel.  I went through a spate of reading Nora Roberts books and then took a break.  I picked this one up as it my book club’s choice for the month and it was just like that; meeting an old friend or snuggling up with a cup of tea in front of a fire on a winter’s day.

As one would expect from one of Nora’s books the plot was engaging, well-paced and beautifully executed.  The characters were well-rounded, beautifully written, and complex with their lives entwined as is the case for those who grew up and live in a small town.  Nora pays as much attention to her secondary characters as she does to her primary characters making her readers all in love with everyone; and the town within which they reside.

This book was listed as romance/suspense, yet the first few chapters are hard hitting and unsettling to say the least.  The tone is hopeful although the happenings are scary and sinister.  The novel does not concentrate on the doer but rather the aftermath and how it affects the family.  And instantly one wants the best for Naomi and her brother, Mason.

The book then jumps forward to a teenager Naomi and then again to an adult Naomi.  Which suits the story really well and through it all you get to know these complex intriguing characters at different points in their life (some more so than others – I personally would have loved to have more of Mason (perhaps he will get his own book?)).

The romance part is well done and features reader’s eye candy.  Someone figures out Naomi’s past but waits until she is ready to reveal it to him.  He (the eye candy) even gets her to adopt a dog!  How great is he?!  All in all the romance and the thriller parts were well balanced.

I did figure out who the antagonist was but this was towards the end of the book as her brother was tracing Naomi’s moments.  And as it turned out I was correct.  I don’t usually guess ‘Who did it’, but the excellent writing and clues did help this time.

Sometimes authors who have written as many books as Nora Roberts get to write to a formula and their books start to feel the same.  This is not the case with Nora.  She usually writes trilogies but this is a one off – well I do hope Mason gets his own book (but that is my psychological mystery bent coming out!).

My only complaint was that the book finished too quickly.  I would have loved to have seen more interaction with Mason and the killer and (as I have said before) it is my fervent hope that a further book (or two) will be written about Mason.

If you love Nora Roberts and some suspense with your romance you will love this book.

We read this for my Book club and I rate it 4 stars.

Not all is well in the garden, even

Blurb:

Near an isolated mansion lies a beautiful garden.

In this garden grow luscious flowers, shady trees ... and a collection of precious 'butterflies' - young women who have been kidnapped and intricately tattooed to resemble their namesakes.  Overseeing it all is the Gardener, a brutal, twisted man obsessed with capturing and preserving his lovely specimens.

When the garden is discovered, a survivor is brought in for questioning.  FBI agents Victor Hanoverian and Brandon Eddison are tasked with piecing together one of the most stomach-churning cases of their careers.  But the girl, known only as Maya, proves to be a puzzle herself.

As her story twits and turns, slowly shedding light on life in the Butterfly Garden, Maya reveals old grudges, new saviors, and horrific tales of a man who'd go to any length to hold beauty captive.  But the more she shares, the more the agents have to wonder what she's still hiding ...

Review:

Having read this novel a while ago I am still not sure whether what it said on the cover was what I actually read.

The main story is told in flash-back – interview style, as the FBI are interviewing Maya, an escapee, after the fact.  However, when you are in the story Maya is telling it is as if you are actually there shadowing her.  

The sadistic nature of the book is revealed slowly and with some forethought so as not to trouble the reader too much but leaving enough to the reader’s imagination to fill in the terrible gaps in the narrative.  The pace is relentless and totally fascinating (especially if you love psychological thrillers).  What could be a totally macabre situation is handled exceptionally well such that is seems that such a novel has never been written before; and although the reader may loath the gardener they are equally rooting for the release of the flowers or rather butterflies.

Given the nature of the books one would think that the characters in the story are somewhat 2 dimension yet these women are fearless and strong.  There are so many characters yet each one is unique and they do not get lost in the collective.  Each character has clarity and leaves a distinct impression on the reader.

Yet there is just something that does not ring true with Maya, which is revealed at the end of the book.  And to be honest when the big reveal was made (and oh my goodness it is a whopper) would any sane person have put themselves in that situation?  Thus an incredibly detailed plot was left to fizzle out like a wet firework.

Thank you etgalley for allowing me to provide an honest review of this book, which in this case is 4 stars.

All that we see is not all that is there

Blurb:
Brighton, 1938:  Grace Kemp is pushed away by the family she has shamed.  Rejected and afraid, she begins a new life as a nurse.  But danger stalks the hospital too, and she'll need to be on her guard to avoid falling into familiar traps.  And then there aer the things she sees ... Strange portents that have a way of becoming real.

Eighty years later, Mina Morgan is brought to the same hospital after a near-fatal car crash.  She is in terrible pain but recalls nothing,  She's not even sure whom to trust.  Mina too sees things that others cannot, but now, in hospital her visions are clearer than ever...

Two women, separated by decades, are drawn together by a shared space and a common need to salvage their lives.


Review:

Having recently finished this book I really don’t know what I feel or even how these two stories were related to each other.  I thought the end was rather rushed and did not tie the two stories together as far as I was concerned.  This is really a book of two halves; one a psychological thriller and the other a historical novel (to a point).  The element that ties the two stories together is the supernatural element that is spooky and certainly well done being an integral part of the story as it is shared by both the women in the book.

That said I will deal with each part separately.  In the psychological part the tension was built gradually.  As the reader is aware of the larger picture we see the larger picture and often want to yell at the Mina just to warn her of the impending danger. 

The historical part of the novel could be said to be a friendship saga.  We are also told about the daily grind of a student nurse (Grace), the lowest rung on the medical hierarchy.

Mina is a surprisingly strong character but still vulnerable and from part of her back story she is not the most likeable person, yet after the accident see sees people, things and herself in a different light.  In contrast, Grace is naïve and also vulnerable but she grows the most throughout the book and gains both strength and determination.

But detailed characterisation is not just reserved for the main character but is also given to the supporting cast such as Grace's best friend and roomie Evie and to Mina's Aunt Pat thereby enriching the main characters and giving the story more depth.

The one element that joins these two women together is they are able to see things that others cannot – a sort of second sight.  This is also where the two stories sort of come together.  Mina is hospitalised and starts to see Grace.  It just so happens that the hospital that Mina is in was where Grace worked many years ago.  Never once did Mina cross into Grace’s timeline.

As far as this reader was concerned there were quite a few unresolved issues.  Why did Grace go into nursing? Why did Grace reach out to Mina? Why was there no other obvious connection between the two women?

Perhaps the two stories should have been dealt with as two separate novels and thereby each story could have received better treatment, the back story (of which I am sure there is a great deal in each case) could have been told, and some of the unresolved issues could have been cleared up.

Take all this together and add an element of romance and you have a novel that is difficult to pigeon-hole with is clearly written, well plotted yet entertaining and annoying in equal measure.  But the ending did leave this reader rather flat but that is just my opinion.  Form you own by reading this strangely haunting book.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to provide an honest review in exchange for receiving this book which I rated as 'It was OK' on Goodreads and Amazon.

A great new British author to keep an eye on

Blurb:

Introducing DCI Sophie Allen in an exciting new detective series that will have you gripped from start to heart-stopping finish.

A young woman's body is discovered on a seserted footpath in a Dorset seaside town late on a cold November night.  She has been stabbed through the heart.

It seems like a simple crime for DCI Sophie Allen and her team to solve.  But not when the victim's mother is found strangled the next morning.  The case grows more complex as DCI Sophie Allen discovers that the victims had secret histories, involving violence and intimidation.  There's an obvious suspect but Detective Allen isn't convinced.  Could someone else be lurking in the shadows. someone savagely violent, looking for a warped revenge?

Review:

Michael Hambling is a new author to me as this is a new series.  A UK author, a likeable detective, and a South West Coast of England setting.  There is just something about UK authors that strikes a chord with me and it is so good that they are coming more to the fore.  My only question is ‘Why has it taken so long for these UK authors to make a dent in a previously US dominated field?

The beginning of this novel is rather brutal (which I love) and does not let-up until the last page.

The plot is well written – and although the reader does not know who did what until the end, seemingly unlinked murders have a sole protagonist.

It is lovely to see a strong driven lady lead, who is not too damaged and un-intimidating – unless the occasions required it.  She stands up for her team who she can manage with an iron hand should the occasion arise.  Yet her main mission is seeking the truth and blast the politics.  The secondary members of the team all have their own foibles and enhance the main character adding contrast not just to her but also to the story as a whole; making rounded secondary characters. In sort all the characters are believable with their own traits that that make them personable and relateable. 

The police procedures seem to be well researched and there is painstaking detail so much so that although there is some repetition it all seems natural in the grand scheme of things.  No matter what the story shows the links seem to be tentative at best yet the detective shows her worth, and indeed why she is a DCI.

The storyline is well paced and well plotted and quite complex with many a twist and turn to keep the reader guessing until the end.

One pet peeve of mine is that UK authors have to revert to Americanisms to sell their books.  Be strong and stick to what you know.

So if you love a complex, character driven police procedural novel you can’t go far wrong with this one.  I will definitely be on the look-out for more books by this author. 

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to provide an honest review of this novel which in this case is 4 stars.

Little fun projects which are just right for ...

Blurb:

If you want to learn to knit, you only need a ball of yarn, knitting needles, some patience - and this book!  It's the ideal introduction to knitting, with easy-to-follow, full-color instructions for more than fifteen projects.  Clear, step-by-step explanations of basic techniques make this guide great for beginners of all ages, especially those wishing to create handmade gifts.  An introduction explains the how-to of knitting, from holding the needles ad yarn to casting on, basic stitches, and finishing touches.  Patterns start out a simple as can be and gradually become more challenging, although by no means difficult.  Readers can advance from bracelets, hair ornaments and pocketbooks to scarves and hats, in addition to a charming variety of household decorations.

Review:

This was a well informed and written, in simple, age appropriate language.  The stitches are on the simple, well explained, and accompanied with clear diagrams and pictures.  As an experienced knitter there are a few patterns that I want to try especially the Owls.

Although there are the traditional egg cosies they are given a twist and everything is done in bright modern colours.  I particularly love the idea of cup wraps and knitted coasters.

I though the hearts project was more complex however this allows the beginner to stretch their wings and try more advanced techniques. 

There are also some scarves to make and the one I like, the purple, one is not just a plain stocking stitch pattern but has a bit of design flair too to make it attractive to the more discerning youthful knitter.

There is even a section on how to deal with dropped stitches which is great and saves the knitter from unravelling their work and getting disappointed.

However, there are two errors in my copy.  For example on the ‘Mixing Stitches’ page there I a chard under Number 4 that related to Number 4 (for which there is already a chart).

The second error is for the Egg Cozies project.  I says for the carves “Size B (2.25 mm crochet hook) But the pattern states “Cast on 5 sts.” Then “work in garter stitch”!

In short would I give this, a ball of wall and pair of knitting needles to an absolute beginner; I don’t think I would.  But I would use is as an aide memoir and a project book to accompany classes.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to review this book, which I give 4 stars.