How the mighty have fallen - 1 star

Many moons ago I read Blacklands: published in 2009 it was part of a set referred to as the Exmoor trilogy and was the debut novel of Belinda Bauer. It concerned a young boy Steven who spent his days digging on Exmoor hoping that he might uncover the dead bones of his nan’s son who went missing, presumed dead, many years ago. It is assumed the killer was a known paedophile Arnold Avery who was imprisoned but never admitted his guilt. Stephen tries to help his nan and makes contact with Avery in the hope of a confession and what results is brilliant edge of the seat crime writing and one particular scene (which I will not disclose 😀) has remained with me ever since. So why do I refer to a book written some years ago when talking about this later book “The beautiful Dead” published in 2016…..the reason is simple the aforementioned is dreadful, the premise utterly ridiculous……Eve Singer is a crime reporter and loves nothing more than a good bloody murder, she will do anything to be the first person on site and claim all the credit. In short she is the best. A crazed serial killer realizes that he can use Eve to showcase his bloody acts and thus he forms a bond with her, he will commit the crimes, direct Eve to the scene, and she will be the first to report and claim all the praise…a win win situation. What a bizarre story, whatever happened to the great storytelling capabilities of thIs author I once revered. The only slight saving grace was the relationship that Eve enjoyed with her father who in the depths of dementia is presented to the reader with great sympathy and understanding.

Hang on for a fast ride! - 2 atar

This is what is best referred to as a chase book. When Jess a budding actress makes the surprising acquaintance of "Kiddo" a boy with unusual skills they must run for their lives. The father of the boy, a damaged war hero, a part time werewolf with a mind and body damaged by scientific experiments, gives chase, the killing spree is on! Add to this an obsessed, driven government agent who will stop at nothing to hide the agencys involvement then all the ingredients are present for a hight octane ride.

An enjoyable coming of age story - 3 star

A pleasant coming of age story written in a rather engaging style which helps to encapsulate the trials and tribulation of young Daniel. He is on the cusp of manhood and has to face the disgrace of his father, the overpowering love of his mother, and his increasing interest in a boy called Philip. The question of sexual orientation, the need for spiritual guidance (or not as Daniel comes to realise) is dealt with understanding, sympathy if not a little humour.

The Death Watcher, Chris Carter still top of his game - 5 star

I have read all Chris Carter’s books and have found them unputdownable until that is I read Genesis, 14th in the Robert Hunter series….and I  thought it was terrible ( well every author is allowed one book that just doesn’t float my particular boat :) So with more than a little trepidation I picked up The Death Watcher and hoped the winning formula that had held me glued to the antics of Hunter and his intrepid partner Garcia, would return….and boy was I not disappointed.

As fans of Carter will know Hunter and Garcia work in the Robbery and Homicide division in the LA PD but more particularly the Ultra Violent Crimes unit, dealing with homicides so severe and grotesque that only those of a certain disposition (our 2 heroes :) can be allocated. Yes the Death Watcher is yet another serial killer book, but it is much more than that, and to find out why we just need to look at the author’s background….Born in Brazil of Italian origin, Chris Carter studied psychology and Criminal behaviour in the USA. As a member of the District Attorney's Criminal Psychology team, and working together with the Police Department in numerous cases, he interviewed and studied many criminals, including serial and multiple homicide offenders with life imprisonment convictions.

So in The Death Watcher we are invited to attend and be witness to group sessions with evil men who are prepared to acknowledge their crime and by this acknowledgement maybe find a little peace. It is this evaluation and understanding of perpetrators that gives Carter a unique insight into the criminal mind and makes his books (well nearly all of them) an essential read. The Death Watcher concerns a very disturbed individual and when the bodies of his victims are discovered, Hunter and Garcia start on a journey that could result in a fatal conclusion. Enjoy, and hold on tight, for the ride, welcome back Chris, you are still top of your game :)

An author at the top of her game - 5 star

A big welcome back to the Martini club, a loose configuration of ex spies living in the aptly named Purity (it’s not so pure :) For those of you who have not read the first in the series “The spy Coast” the Martini club comprises unofficial leader Maggie, Declan, her possible boyfriend, Ben, Ingrid and Lloyd. Retirement has brought little respite for the five and when a young girl Zoe is reported missing they are determined to help acting chief Jo Thibodeau solve the case, even if acting chief Thibodeau does not want any help.

Susan, Ethan and their daughter Zoe are travelling to Maiden Pond to scatter the ashes of Ehtan’s father George. There he will meet with George’s widow Elizabeth, his brother Colin, wife Brooke and their young son Kit. However all is not well in this family, when Zoe disappears, the past resurfaces and deadly family secrets emerge with near fatal results 

I thought this was an excellent story weaving parts of questionable CIA history (and educating me in the process)with a top notch edge of the seat thriller. I love this new series that the author has commenced, what a wonderful direction for her to take, and a treat for the reader. Highly recommended.