Mediocre vampyr crime caper - 2 star

Detective Barbara Atkins is sent to Deadhart, a godforsaken place somewhere east of Anchorage. She is a Doctor of Forensic Vampyr Anthropology (try saying that after a few drinks :) A young boy has been found murdered, his throat cut out and the death has all the hallmarks of a "Colony" killing. The Colony is where Vampyrs reside and our viewed as second class citizens by Deadhart residents. There is an uneasy truce between those who view themselves as the rightful owners and settlers and Vampyrs who have been gradually isolated and blamed for any wrong going. If a murder could be attributed to the Vampyrs then law dictates that a cull would follow, an opportunity to kill and annihilate those who are viewed with suspicion and hate, and it is into this melting pot that Barbara jumps.
Although I found the writing good, I found the story poor. In essence this is just a mediocre crime caper, the enemy replaced by Vampyrs their removal paramount in the eyes of Deadhart residents, whether they are guilty of murder or not.

The true queen of crime! - 5 star

Slowly re-reading a number of Val McDermid crime novels and they are even better the 2nd time around :) A regional reMIT murder investigation team has been set up spearheaded by Carol Jordan. Carol is awarded carte blanche to recruit and operate as she wishes, and is soon joined in her new offices by DS Paula McIntyre, Doctor Tony Hill, hi tech wiz Stacey Chen, and ex demoted newly retired DCI Kevin Matthews. A number of unexplained suicides (linked to famous authors/poets) by strong independent women with a very notiecable online presence, soon has the team fully occupied. In the meantime Carol commits a stupid act, that could put her whole career in jeopardy, and will prove to have long and lasting consequences.Once again Val McDermid shows her undoubted skill as the queen of crime with a tighly plotted, imaginative, and highly readable novel. Carol Jordan is a true survivor, operating in a misogynistic police world, but refusing to be blindsided in her search for the truth. Truly wonderful story telling and a joy to read.

One word....brilliant - 5 star

I think if I was a police person I would welcome DCI Carol Jordan as my superior. She is dedicated (sometimes to the point of obsession) driven, and yet trusting of those within her department who display the same attributes. She is super efficient at managing a small team, allowing her most trusted sufficent latitude to get the job done, but woe betide anyone who takes advantage of this trust as they will become the focus of her extreme wrath. A teenager is found murdered, and mutilated in the most horrific fashion causing great concern and worry that the perpetrator remains unchecked. In the meantime psychotherapist Tony Hill is empolyed to help an adjoining police force when a similar incident occurs. As the body count rises Tony and Carol realize that this barbarous killing is not random, and they must work together efficiently to ascertain just why an apparently unconnected group of young people are being targeted.Carol has a newly appointed superior: Chief Constable James Blake, a pedantic and fussy little man more concerned with data and cost saving than actual crime solving. In the meantime Tony is unravelling the mystery that was his father Edmund Arthur Blythey, and what he discovers is not quite what he expected.This is crime writing at its best, yes it doesnt get any better than this! The Carol Jordan books are a little more gritty, and graphic than the DCI Karen Pirie series, but such descriptions are limited and essential if we are to fully understand the great mind and deductive skills of Tony Hill. A truly brilliant read that grips the reader from the start and once again shows Val McDermid as the queen of crime :)

Great read - 4 star

This great little novel transports us out to space, where a team of six astronauts observe the world below. Asking big questions about humanity and the fragility of our lives, this is a short but essential read.

Each new book in the series just gets better and better - 5 star

Step up to the mark acting Detective Inspector Janie Harrison and wow! does she not disappoint. Inspector Tony McClean has resigned from the police force becoming the full time carer for his partner Emma who recently suffered a debilatating stroke. With few officers available and a Scottish police force in great need of manpower, there is little choice but for Janie Harrison to accept the role as acting Detective Inspector until a replacement for Tony can be found. When the body of a man is found in the remains of an old church, foul play is not initially suspected a view that quickly changes when 2 more bodies appear all linked to Edinburgh's criminal underworld. Meanwhile McClean receives a call from known underworld figure Archibald Seagram stating that he has some information that could benefit him. CCTV points to a shrouded individual who appears to be present at all the incidents. What is the connection between Robert Murphy, a child, who suffered abuse at the hands of a notorious Catholic priest in the early 80's? Meanwhile Janie is receiving unwanted attention from her recently appointed superior Detective Superintendent Peter Nelson which will have far reaching consequences. As always there is a wonderful cast of characters that make "For our Sins" such a joy: Madame Rose the alluring mysterious trans medium, Grumpy Bob retired but still enjoying life in the historic case archives, and not forgetting Tony's honest and faithful companion...Mrs McCutcheon's cat!

The author has done an amazing job of bringing Janie to the fore, she has just the right blend of steely determination, intuition, and sympathy to ensure she a shining career as Detective Inspector. As the case progresses Tony is employed as a temporary consultant....does this mean he will be returning in the next book?.....lets hope so as Tony McClean and Janie Harrison are not only two great detectives but two respectful work colleagures. An excellent read, a great edition to the series that gets better and better on each outing...Highly recommended.

Auster's writing style as always superb, and so emotive - 5 star

Many thanks to the publisher for an early copy of this excellent book to read and review. This is the story of Sy Baumgartner, philosophy professor and author, living alone. When we first encounter him he is reflecting on his life and still mourning the loss of his beloved Anna some 10 years previous. In his 72nd year his memory is fading as he reminisces and recalls the events both sad and happy of a life well lived. As always Auster's style of writing is easy on the eye, Anna's voice and presence is everywhere as Baumgartner recalls the moments, and the passion of the 40 years they shared together....." She was the one person in the world I've ever loved, and now I have to find a way to go on living without her"...."For such are the powers of memory bestowed on a man who has listened to the voice of his dead wife talking to him through the disconnected wires of a defunct telephone"......"A person has no life without being connected to others, and if you're lucky enough to be deeply connected to another person, so connected that the other person is as important to you as you are to yourself, then life becomes more than possible, it becomes good.".........Highly recommended.

An enjoyable collection of short stories - 4 star

A very enjoyable book with an eclectic mix of stories set in different locations, with a predominance for Italy. All unique and all a very different, a nice collection to return to again and again. Recommended :)

Historical and sensational writing at its best! - 5 star

Magdalen and Norah Vanstone are the daughters of a wealthy landowner and expect to inherit a substancial legacy on the death of their parents. However a change in circumstances, and a catastrophic event will alter the course of their lives irrevocably.....nothing will ever be the same again. Collins was a prolific writer from the mid nineteenth century and his novels were often described as "sensation" but he did tackle and highlight issues of the time. No Name was in part a social commentary concerning the absurdity of the law as applied to children of unmarried parents. The storyline is a little incredible however the author, as a great lover of women, often has strong even devious female characters, and in the same breadth he is not afraid to show men as weak and pitiful unworthy of the reader's sympathy. The writing is fluid and very accessible, which is important as the page count is just under 800. I found myself engaging totally with the characters (not something I can always attain in modern thrillers) and hoping that the outcome for our 2 heroines would be favourable......Here are some examples of the descripitve prose....." a seductive, serpentine suppleness, so lightly and playfully graceful, that its movements suggested, not unnaturally, the movements of a young cat"......." whose personal appearance was little less than a triumph of physical resistance to the deteriorating influence of time"...." the elegant black gown in which she mourned the memory of Michale Vanstone was not a mere dress- it was a well made compliment paid to death".......If you have not already discoverd the delights of one of our great English authors then No Name is a superb novel to begin. Highly recommended :)

Amazing, informative, and oh so exciting! - 5 - star

An amazing read following the colourful life of Cashel Greville Ross from the killing fields of Waterloo to the searing heat of North Africa in an attempt to find the source of the Nile. Boyd is the master of whole life stories and each page is another discovery as Ross enlists as a soldier, becomes a farmer in the US, and has limited success as a published author. However it is his love affair with the beautiful Ravenna that holds the reader's attention until the final pages as we discover how chance, time and lost opportunites all come together to dictate the direction of the life of Cashel Ross. A brilliant book and highly recommended!

Superb, informative, emotive - 5 star

Peggy and Maude are 2 twin sisters who live on a barge  “Calliope” and work in the book bindery in the town of Jericho, a suburb of Oxford. The book is set, before, during, and after the 1st world war, at a time, not only of great political turmoil but also the beginning of the emancipation of women under the guidance of Emmeline Pankhurst leader of the suffragettes in Britain and in this respect one of the most important figures in modern British history. 

The work of a “binder” is exactly as it sounds. Maude and Peggy spend each day cataloging/numbering pages before binding them into the complete book. Peggy in particular has a lifelong love of the written word, and the power of reading, indeed their home on the barge is adorned with reject bindery books. Peggy has ambition to attend Somerville College Oxford which was created for women when universities refused them entry, and for people of diverse beliefs when the establishment religion was widely demanded. However this is a time when the evil ambition of a war hungry Germany spread its tentacles deep into Europe and when the countries of Belgium and France are threatened England rises to Kitchner’s call to arms.

Rather than view the 1st world war through events on the battlefield we the reader are shocked by stories of soldiers sent to recover and recuperate at English hospitals. Volunteers were needed to alleviate the increasing workload and suffering and it was in one such a location that Peggy met “Bastiaan” a Belgium soldier badly wounded both mentally and physically……”I’m begging. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me……I looked. A graft of skin from forehead to jaw, more like vellum than tripe. It had been scraped and stretched and stitched to the good skin around it. But there was no bone to shape it and where the eye should have been there was just a hole”...........

This is a superb, informative and highly emotional read with a young, attractive headstrong heroine, through Peggy the author expertly explores issues of the time pertaining to women, their emancipation, and right not only to vote but to have good education. The relationship between Peggy and a very damaged Bastiaan highlights the futility and carnage that was the 1st world war……”German people are not my enemy, Peggy. But there are some who have used their language like a weapon, to share the evil of their thoughts”........”Lovers were proposing, fathers were passing on pocket watches and sage advice, mothers were knitting thick socks and vest (they might not be able to protect their boys from the Hun, but they sure as hell could protect them from the cold)”........

Many thanks to the publishers for an early copy, highly recommended.

Superb piece of Scottish noir - 5 star

Superb piece of tartan noir and at the centre is unconventional policeman Harry McCoy. Harry at the edge of 32 is spent and worn out, a body abused by drugs and alcohol but still determined to see justice done. With the body counting mounting and the fallout of a burnt hairdresers to be solved, together with the kidnapping of the 3 boys suspected of the arson, Harry must use his best endeavours and possibly the law, to solve the crimes before more murders are perpetrated. Many thanks to NG and the publisher for and early copy of this brilliant novel in return for an honest review and that is what I have written. Highly recommended.

Wonderful sense of time and place - 5 star

A beautiful historic work of fiction with a great sense of time and place. Lesley and Robert live in the Malayan districe of Panang, Lesley , a society hostess, entertains whilst Robert is a high powered lawyer. Into their lives one day comes William Somerset Maughan, effectionately known as Willie. Willie is greatly troubled by his sham marriage, and Lesley proves a wonderful listener but equally as her world collapses she finds comfort from the great writer. She discloses her admiration for a revolutionary and admits to a clandestine love affair that lasted many years but was ultimately doomed, and equally scandalously discloses her relationship to a woman accused of rape many years ago. The writing is sublime using events and historical figures to create a work of fiction that I devoured in 2 sittings..."the sea that was eternal yet ceaselessly changing, from wave to wave, swell to swell"...."All of us will be forgotten eventually. Like a wave on the ocean, leaving no trace that it had once existed"....."I lay in bed for a while, listening to the drowsy waves as the light outside changed, the ink of night diluting to dawn."........"While we are living, the air sustains us, but the very instant we stop breathing, that same air immediately sinks its teeth into us. What keeps us alive will also, in the end consume us."....... Highly recommend and many thanks to NG for a gratis copy in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.

Unusual and erotic debut book - 3 star

Not my usual read but always nice to step into the unknown and embrace a story and a situation very unfamiliar to me. An unknown Australian lesbian is working as a matron in an exclusive English boarding school for girls. Mrs S (we only ever know her initial) is the headmistress and oversees the operation of the school helped by Mr S. We very soon become aware of the matron’s sexual orientation as she becomes obsessed with the elegant Mrs S who surprisingly returns this affection. There is an unwritten sense of sexual tension and when ignited explodes in the pages of the book. I felt that these scenes were well expressed and not overtly sexual written in a way that kept the readers attention whilst slowly building to a somewhat predictable climax (no pun intended). Many thanks to netgalley for an advance ARC in exchange for an honest review and that is what I have written.

Enjoyable, atmospheric horror/fantasy novella - 4 star

Enjoyable little horror/fantasy novella gifted to me by the good people at netgalley in return for an honest review. Theobard lives amongst the brothers of a monastic sect who never speak and has dwelt here since brought by his parents as a child. His mentor and friend is Dak.... "his thick, black monastic robes made his head look as though it were floating disembodied in the night".... Day to day life follows a comfortable and well trodden path, homage and respect always given to their goddess Bulahl..."to serve Bulahl is a great honour"...However with the arrival of a beautiful and vibrant young girl Dellia, Theobard begins to believe their is something sinister and unsettling in the "Sanctuary" soon decisions taken will put both in mortal danger. I really enjoyed "Sanctuary" and would recommend to lovers of both horror and fantasy.

Taut and well written police procedural - 5 star

Think of a book caught somewhere between the tv drama Line of Duty and a taut well written detective story and you have an idea of the very clear and highy charged emotional story that is "The Blood Line" After a forced 6 months leave of absence DI Alex Finn is back behind the desk of the job he loves. If he was hoping for a gradual and easy return Finn very soon finds himself at the heart of a murder investigation when a somewhat unpleasant and bloody parcel is delivered to the home of a local MP. Just as Finn is trying to analyse if there is a connection with the disappearance of a social worker, a second incident occurs just as bloody and mindless as the first. Why is this local MP being targeted and is there a connection with her ongoing high profile case, seeking justice for asylum seeker Benjamin Ngomo? This is a first rate detective story with a notorious criminal Ray Spinney who seems to have informers at the very heart of the police investigation that will have prove to have long reaching repercussions. A great read and highly recommended.

Not for me - 2 star

The most interesting part of this book was the author's notes and her understanding and acquired knowledge of Dissociative identity disorder. For some will question that such a mental illness exists but by encompassing this as the central theme Catriona Ward has certainly ensured we the reader will at least in part, be a little wiser on completion. However nomatter the issues I as an avid reader must judge this book on its enjoyment factor, and sadly I found it difficult and very confusing....but of course I hear you say that is exactly the point.....and naturally I smile and agreeLauren disappeared many years ago, sister Dee has never given up hope, Ted lives alone presenting at the very least signs of autism to his neighbours. Ever watchful, ever present Olivia observes as events unfold always an active witness a silent voice...... the ever resourceful cat. As the story concluded, as the horror unfolded, and the true nature of Ted's life on "The Last House on Needless Street" is revealed only disbelief and sadness remain.

Powerful and emotional - 5 star

Sometimes as the last page closes and you slowly ease yourself back into the now, a feeling of such profound emotion can take your breath away. Beartown is special, it is not just a book put together with words, it is a journey, a coming of age story, life in a small community, and when a happening occurs, and when the fallout settles, nothing or no one will ever be the same again. 

Don’t be misled into believing that ice hockey is the central theme it is simply a means to the transcendence. The prosperity of Beartown rises or falls on the young shoulders of the hockey players none better or more charismatic than Kevin Erdhal. When success rewards with a feeling of invincibility, and decisions taken lead to aggression and destroyed lives, the hope,friendship,and love,once the heart of this community,lies buried and shattered in the gathering storm

This is writing of the finest order what is a book if it does not stay with you, what is a book if it does not make you question and look deep within yourself as it showers you in love, shock, hope, friendship, and tears. Highly, highly, recommended.

A solid read - 4 star

DI Tony McClean is great antihero. He does not need to work, he has inherited great wealth and this gives him the power to question and indeed show 2 fingers to his superiors if they hinder his doggedness to solve a case. He is a typical good cop working on instinct, living close to the edge, taking risks and acting like an arse😀although he would use the word maverick. An explosive start sees a body dropped from a great height entangled in a tree before smashing to the ground. With few leads to rely on and a police hierarchy increasingly at odds with McClean, the DI begins to smell the stench of a coverup. What is the relationship between a wealthy entrepreneur, a renowned gangster and an ex policeman. A solid read with strong characters, excellent plot, and explosive finish kept me enthralled and engrossed until the final page.

Rubbish! - 1 star

Let me say from the start that I am a no 1 fan of Mz McDermid and rate the Karen Pirie as one of the best if not the best modern detective series. By comparison 1979 is terrible. New kids on the block Allie and Danny want and need a front page scope. Danny in particular is hoping to become the new Bob Woodward or Carl Bernstein and unbelieveably a story presents itself very close to home. No sooner can the reader catch his breath than Allie discovers a terrorist threat in the heart of Scotland and with Danny's help hopes to make the big time. This is 1979 and homophobia, misogyny, heavy male drinking back slapping culture is all the rage and quite rightly Val McDermid incorporates these vital elements within her story. I use the word story loosely, the plot is way over the top, reminiscent of a badly made for tv series, and whilst i laud her highlighting issues of the time, the overall effect makes for very poor reading. Avoid at all costs!

Wonderful storytelling, superb novel - 5 star

A wonderful storyteller. He has the ability to transform you to a time in history where often a major event is happening or about to take place. In this instance it is Vienna 1913 and Lysander Rief, an out of work actor is visiting an eminent psychiatrist when the beautiful elfin Hettie Bull walks in. A passionate, and ultimately doomed affair commences that will have long reaching consequences. Meanwhile 1 year later in London Riel is employed by wartime intelligence service to identify the person at the heart of government who is supplying valuable confidential wartime information to the enemy. As always I was swept along with Boyd’s descriptive prose and his very precise sympathetic nod to the events of that time. His books not only entertain but also educate. I was not aware of Turner Cars, founded in Wolverhampton in 1902, who manufactured one of the earliest 2 seater open tourer sports cars simply named the Turner 2 seater. This was the plaything of Lysander’s uncle Hamo, a colourful character, who enjoys a pivotal role in this superb novel. Highly recommended.