Human Remains by Jo Callaghan @JoCallaghanKat @simonschusterUK @RandomTTours #crime #thriller #bookreview

I am delighted to be kicking off the Blog Tour today with my review for Human Remains by Jo Callaghan. This is the 3rd book in the series and it is a belter!

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for arranging my copy of the book from the publisher, Simon and Schuster UK, and for my spot on the Blog Tour.

DCS Kat Frank and AIDE Lock are back in a cutting-edge new thriller.

The truth will always come out, but at what cost? 

Fresh from successfully closing their first live case, the Future Policing Unit are called in to investigate when a headless, handless body is found on a Warwickshire farm. But as they work to identify the victim and their killer, the discovery of a second body begins to spark fears that The Aston Strangler is back. And as the stakes rise for the team, so do the tensions brewing within it.

When DCS Kat Frank is accused of putting the wrong man behind bars all those years ago, AIDE Lock – the world’s first AI Detective – pursues the truth about what happened with relentless logic. But Kat is determined to keep the past buried, and when she becomes the target of a shadowy figure looking for revenge, Lock is torn between his evidence-based algorithms and the judgement of his partner, with explosive results.  

When everything hangs in the balance, it will all come down to just how much an AI machine can learn, and what happens when they do . . .

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in this series. given the nature of one of the characters, I would suggest reading this series in order.

Kat, or DCS Kat Frank, works with AIDE Lock, which is an AI prototype that is sort of seconded into the police force to work with and alongside the team that makes up the Future Policing Unit. He provides a logical and analytical approach, giving the team details that would usually take several hours in minutes. On the whole, the presence of Lock is tolerated; some like the arrangement as it gives a more precise response, but others still don’t trust it.

Kat has been through the mill with her last case, and when a young woman is discovered, the opportunists take no time in jumping in and accusing her of arresting the wrong person in a previous case. A podcast causes many problems for Kat and her team, and she is reluctant to discuss it, leaving her snappy and out of sorts with her team. When another body turns up, it only adds fuel to the already raging fire.

Kat is trying to juggle her emotions, her family life, her team and the investigation. All the while, she is being pressured by others to give interviews, to justify herself and her actions. This leads to and adds to more and more stress.

This is such a great premise for this series, and I do adore the dynamic Kat and Lock bring to this style of crime novel. It is a police procedural, but the author infuses it with some science behind new techniques. More and more often, we are seeing how AI is being used, so it makes sense that at some point it could be used in the way the author envisions. So is it a big step in the imagination? I think not, and I do like how the author includes different perspectives about how Lock is part of a team and how he impacts the rest of the team, after all, they are all human!

The investigation requires Kat to take a deep, hard look at herself and her life, as well as trying to solve the mystery behind the bodies. The pressure is almost tangible as the author just keeps piling the pressure on; it makes for very addictive reading. All the while, there is something else going on, which increases the suspense of the story for certain characters.

I adored this one, to be fair, I have all the previous ones as well. This one, though, does have a sense of “Uh Oh!” to it. You’ll know when you get to it 🙂

This is a book for those who like a police procedural with a twist, it is well researched. This is a crime, mystery thriller that I would definitely recommend.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper @HarperFiction #NetGalley #crime #thriller #suspense #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper. I have read a few of this author’s books, and I definitely enjoy them. This one is the latest, and it is fabulous.

My huge thanks to Harper Collins for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Beneath the glamour dark secrets lurk.

World famous singer Enola had it all – fame, fortune, and a breathtaking penthouse view. Then she vanished without a trace, leaving the band’s careers in ruins.

Fifteen years on, the remaining members are reuniting for a series of concerts in Las Vegas. But when mysterious accidents plague them, some start to wonder if Enola is back for revenge.

What happened all those years ago – and who really knows the truth?

MY REVIEW

I have read a few of this author’s books, and I think this one is her best to date. For me, she really captured the toxic world of the media, rising stars, and so many other things that I won’t mention for fear of spoiling the book for others.

Think of an “X Factor” style of TV show. A pair come on to audition, one is selected and the other isn’t. This is what happens to Enola. She was selected, even though she wasn’t that bothered about auditioning; she did it for her friend. Fast forward to after the show has ended. Enola is given a chance to join a new girl band called Breathe, and they make an impact on the music world. They join with the already established boy band. Together they make music, sell papers, pictures and all that comes with being a star.

With the success of the band, Enola is able to buy a penthouse flat. Luxury and opulent, but when the after-award-ceremony party finishes, Enola is not to be found. No one knows why she has left, her passport gone, no sign of her for 2 decades. A tribute show is arranged, is this to finally lay the memory of Enola to rest, or will she suddenly appear out of the woodwork?

Jealousy is a huge vibe through this story and from so many characters, some I sort of expected but others… well, I will let you discover that for yourself! But, to be fair, when you look at how celebrities are often portrayed or act, this is an understandable, if not very desirable, trait. The author does use it to great effect within this story.

I enjoyed the flitting back and forth between the main characters and an unknown one. These go back and forth in time as the author gives different perspectives, thoughts, opinions and how events play out. There is a threat, and this becomes more and more obvious as the reunion tour starts.

In a world where egos are as big as the billboards and record sales, there is going to be some strain in the professional relationship, and the author manages to portray this through the story. This is something that occurs throughout the story, after all, where there is jealousy, then its friend’s ego is sure to be in close company.

The story was an amazing read, I liked how the author charts the life before and during the life in a band as well as the experiences from fellow bandmates, family and others. The timeline does flit, but it is easy to understand the dynamics between the characters changing and opinions dividing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it is very engaging, quite complex as I think about it now, writing this review, but it didn’t feel so at the time. A mix of mystery, suspense, crime and thriller that would appeal to many readers, and one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

A Silent Death by Peter May #crime #thriller #policeprocedural #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for A Silent Death by Peter May. I have a confession to make… I have not read any of this authors books before… but I do have some on my Kindle. I spotted this book in the supermarket when I getting some picnic bits for a recent day out and I was not disappointed.

When expat fugitive Jack Cleland watches his girlfriend die, gunned down in a pursuit involving officer Cristina Sanchez Pradell, he promises to exact his revenge by destroying the policewoman.

A SILENT LIFE Cristina’s aunt Ana has been deaf-blind for the entirety of her adult the victim of a rare condition named Usher Syndrome. Ana is the centre of Cristina’s world – and of Cleland’s cruel plan.

A SILENT DEATHJohn Mackenzie – an ingenious yet irascible Glaswegian investigator – is seconded to aid the Spanish authorities in their manhunt. He alone can silence Cleland before the fugitive has the last, bloody, word.

MY REVIEW

This is set on the Costa del Sol. Glaswegian investigator John Mackenzie, is asked to travel to Spain to bring back Jack Cleland, a wanted man and fugitive. A Spanish officer, Cristina Sanchez was involved in his arrest but in the process Cleland killed his girlfriend. Cleland blames Sanchez for the death and wants revenge. During his transport to the airport to meet Mackenzie, he escapes and he wants revenge.

This is a brilliantly addictive book and I will definitely be looking at my kindle and reading the ones I already have on there.

Mackenzie is a good character, he says what he thinks and this can cause friction. He is someone who has problems at home and this trip to Spain is supposed to be a quick pick up and return job. This however, turns into something longer as he becomes part of the man hunt and works alongside Sanchez. Cleland has her in her sights and he focuses on her family, her Aunt Ava plays a large part in this story and the authors brings her Usher syndrome into the story with great effect.

AS much as the story is about the hunt for Cleland, it is also about family and relationships and the author does delve back into the life of Ava, it adds a lot to the story and highlights a disease I had not heard much about before.

The story is tense and there is a lot going on, there are several twists and mentions of money and drugs. For my first time with this author I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can see why he is so popular with readers.

This is a standalone story and the perfect intro to the author and if you are a fan of crime, mystery, thrillers and police procedurals then this is definitely one I would recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Death of Us by Abigail Dean @HarperCollinsUK #NetGalley #crime #thriller #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today of The Death of Us by Abigail Dean. I have read Girl A by this author, so I am aware that she does tackle some difficult subjects in her fiction. The Death of Us is another that does the same.

Many thanks to Harper Collins UK for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

That spring night in South London, when Isabel and Edward’s lives were torn apart.

The night Isabel learned that the worst things wait, just outside the door.

The night Edward learned that he was powerless to stop them.

The night they never talk about.

When their attacker is caught, it’s finally time to tell the story of that night.

Not to the world. Or to the man who did it. But to each other.

This is a story of murder. This is a story of survival. But most of all, this is a story of love.

MY REVIEW

From the synopsis, you kind of know that this is going to be a tough read as far as the content is concerned. One night that changed the lives of those involved.

The author frequently flits back and forth between the main characters and also in time. This is done very well, and I didn’t have any issues with this at all. The characters tell their version of events, and this gives the reader access to the bigger picture, as all perspectives are covered and the emotions of each person are conveyed well.

The event of the night had a profound impact and continued to have lasting effects long after. It is only when the characters are in the present that they finally reveal what happened, what they felt and how they feel. The author does not go into details about the crime, but infers what took place. Having this revealed at trial means that they have to relive the experience. The way the victims have changed over the course of that night and to the trial shows how traumatic the event was and that PTSD is an ever-present shadow.

This is a very addictive book. I did enjoy reading it, but there was something that I couldn’t quite connect to. I think it was the characters as they are understandably cut off, not emotionless, but cold. It is hard to explain.

This is one for those who like the tougher crime thriller genres, it is a very good book and one I would be happy to recommend.

Many thanks for reading my review, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Death and Other Occupational Hazards by Veronika Dapunt #NetGalley #fantasy #mystery #humour #fiction @penguinrandom #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for Death and Other Occupational Hazards by Veronika Dapunt. This is a fun book about Death and well what she does when she needs a break…

My huge thanks to Penguin Random House for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Her job is to die for. Literally.

Most people think that when they meet Death, it’ll be a skeleton in a black potato sack. Maybe with a scythe. Truth is, she’s just a woman doing a job and she’s very good at it.

But when Death takes a much-needed break to live on earth, things start to go terribly wrong. Someone’s killing people not on her list (well, not yet anyway) and it’s down to her to find the culprit before it’s too late.

To make matters worse, her sanctimonious sister, Life – whom Death hasn’t got on with in millennia – won’t stop blaming her . . . And then there’s the slight problem of the charming (sexy) parasitologist she’s suspicious of.

But she’ll be fine, right?

After all, who better to investigate a murder than Death herself?

MY REVIEW

This was a fun read, and I do like the idea of Death being a woman! Death has been doing her job forever, and she helps those at their final moments, whether human, animal, insect, or other. Time works differently for Death, and it just as well.

She decides she needs a sabbatical and so gets a job in London. The one thing about being Death is that she knows when people are to die. While she is in London she does have a temp standing in for her. She is shocked, though, when there is an unauthorised death, something that should not be possible.

She is trying to work out if this death and then another are connected and how. But when you are living a mortal life, with a basic wage and a small and cheap flat, well, money becomes an issue… welcome to real life, Death! She does have her sister Life to talk to, yes, her sister is called Life… but Life is not that fussed with her sister, so they have a slightly tentative relationship that goes back to something that happened a very, very, very long time ago. The Boss does have a say, and he puts Death in danger.

This is a humorous book at times and there was a lot I really enjoyed about it. It definitely made an impression, and there is, of course, the murder and the mystery to be solved behind said murder. Once I got into this I enjoyed it a lot and it is something that I think those that like fantasy murder mysteries would enjoy. It is a book I would be happy to recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Mere by Danielle Giles @panmacmillan #NetGalley #histfic #crime #murder #mystery #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for Mere by Danielle Giles. I admit the cover caught my eye and then it was the synopsis that made me to decide to read this book.

My huge thanks to Pan Macmillan for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

The mere has fingers.
Clever fingers to reach through the marsh and wrap around little ankles.
Strong arms to pull poor sinners downwards.
And a great gaping belly that can never be filled . . .

Norfolk, 990 AD. Deep in the Fens, isolated by a vast and treacherous mere, an order of holy sisters make their home. Under the steely guidance of Abbess Sigeburg they follow God’s path, looking to their infirmarian, Hilda, to provide what comfort and cures she can.

But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realises this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom.

Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a a curse is upon them and change must be brought. Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow . . .

Mere by Danielle Giles is a strikingly beautiful historical novel about fear and survival, power and position, and a love that takes hold in the darkest of places.

MY REVIEW

This historical fiction story is set in the Fens of Norfolk in 990 AD. Set amid this area is a community of nuns and those living nearby. There is a fear of the fens and the dark bogs, pools and unclear pathways. Some will forage around the edges, and those who know some of the pathways.

Having visited Norfolk, the Fens and the surrounding area when I went camping with my family as a child, I remember the warning I was given about sticking to the pathways. I know the landscape has changed obviously between the time of the story and when I visited, but the atmosphere of wandering the paths and not walking at night in the area added a huge sense of dread, fear and suspense.

There are some key characters in this story and these are very easy to remember as the story of the community unfolds. There is a fear that the land that is used for farming, foraging and fishing is not producing what it once did. Times are getting harder, and there is a young boy who gets lost in the fens. He was the latest arrival to the community, along with Wulfrun, who is to join the order. It is Wulfran’s arrival that upsets the balance, and along with this comes a huge change to the way things are.

The author uses the iron will of the Abbess to maintain control, but there are whispers in the corners about a curse. While this is a Christian community, there are also the old ways that are intertwined into everyday lives. The details of their living conditions, the daily life and chores, and how society treats women who are discarded by husbands or parents are interesting.

The sense of fear and mistrust of change that is shown through the story is intriguing and adds a huge amount of suspense. There are mentions of romance and also how treatments and natural remedies are used in the infirmary.

This story has a lot of detail about the life and times in the area and I found it interesting to read and the main storyline to be very addictive. This is not a fast paced book, and everything is timed with the way of life and the seasons, so it is a very fitting pace. But it does allow the author to explore her characters more.

If you are a fan of historical fiction then this is a book that might very well interest you. It took me a little longer to read than normal, but I do tend to notice this more with historical fiction. I would definitely recommend it.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

March Wrap-Up #MeAndMyBooks #books #booklove

A little late for a March wrap-up, but I have been on Annual Leave for the past week, and if I am being totally honest, it was nice to get away from the computer. I would like to say a huge “Thank You to you all for sharing my posts while I have been off” 🙂 xx

I have had a few days out, locally for a cream tea and a couple of trips to a garden centre, but the main whole day visit was to The Eden Project. Luckily, I live locally, so I do get the benefit of a locals pass, and I have been several times before. There is always something new to see; this time, I decided I would climb the steps to the very top of the Rainforest Biome. It was definitely warm up there!

The garden is starting to come along nicely, we have had colour for most of the year, but suddenly it has all burst into colour and we have made a start on sowing seeds.

Books I read in March…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Dirty Business by Evie Hunter @wendyswriter @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources #gangland #crime #thriller #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for Dirty Business by Evie Hunter. This is the first book in this gangland crime series and it is a fabulous read.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for arranging my copy of the book for the Blog Tour from Boldwood Book Publishers.

High stakes, killer secrets…

Frenchurch Falls is a playground of indulgence for the rich and famous. But behind its gleaming facade, lie dark and dangerous secrets. And some of them will prove deadly…

When Callie Renfrew’s husband, Gavin, vanishes, she isn’t entirely surprised. As the owner of Frenchurch Falls, Callie has always known Gavin had a knack for skirting the law. But what she uncovers about his dealings will drag her into a web of danger.

Gavin’s disappearance threatens more than Callie’s business—it also threatens the lives of her oldest friends, Angela Dalton and Dawn Frobisher, each tied to the spa in their own way. Drawn into the chaos, together, they must uncover the truth: Is Gavin alive, or has someone already exacted vengeance?

With mounting debts, ruthless enemies circling, and a crumbling control, Callie must rely on Angela and Dawn like never before. But trust comes at a price, and in a world this deadly, misplaced faith could cost Callie everything— even her life.

One Christmas Eve Banner

MY REVIEW

This is an intense gangland crime thriller. For a change, it focuses on the females of families, and I do like this.

The females in question have been thrust into the midst of something they no nothing about. When the local thugs come knocking at their doors demanding to know where their husbands are. Not only are two husbands missing, but also a son!

when the women have no idea what is going on they do not know who they can trust. After all, this is a lifestyle where secrets, devious backhanders, mysterious shenanigans and threats of violence are part of everyday life. The fact that the males of the families are not missed for a while, goes to show how relationships have been stretched.

I enjoyed the fact that this story was told from the female perspective and it showed a different side to the gangland crime family. This meant I learnt what was being unearthed as the women did, it made it feel more personal.

Gangland crime is a great genre to read and this book was a fabulous way to start a new series, I cannot wait to see what happens next. There are unanswered questions and I imagine there are lots of opportunities for revenge, more secrets and deviousness to come.

If you are a fan of gangland, crime, and thriller books then this is one I would definitely recommend.

Check out the other stops on the Blog tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Cure by Eve Smith @evecsmith @OrendaBooks @RandomTTours #speculativefiction #thriller #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for The Cure by Eve Smith. This is another brilliant, thought-provoking story about finding a cure for a disease, but that has a side effect of something completely different! I absolutely adore this author’s books and always eagerly await her next book.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for arranging my spot on the Blog Tour and for my copy of the book from the publisher Orenda Books.

Image preview

Living forever can be lethal…

Ruth is a law-abiding elder, working out her national service, but she has secrets.

Her tireless research into the disease that killed her young daughter had an unexpected the discovery of a vaccine against old age. Just one jab a year wards off age-related diseases, guaranteeing long, healthy life.

But Ruth’ s cure was hijacked by her colleague, Erik Grundleger, and his elderly billionaire backer, who hunger for immortality, and SuperJuve – a premium upgrade – was created, driving human lifespan to a new high. The wealthy elite who take it are the Supers, and the population begins to rocket.

Then, a perilous side-effect of SuperJuve emerges, with catastrophic consequences, and as the planet is threatened, the population rebels, and laws are passed to restore life ends at 120. Supers are tracked down by Omnicide investigators like Mara, and executed.

Mara has her own reasons for hunting Supers, and she forms an unlikely alliance with Ruth to find Grundleger.

But Grundleger has been working on something even more radical and is one step ahead, with a deadly surprise in store for both of them…

MY REVIEW

Once again this author has absolutely nailed her latest book. The Cure is a delve into a society that has access to living a longer life.

When Dr Ruth Hammond is looking for a cure for her daughter’s life-limiting disease, a side effect of this drug is that it can prolong life. Ruth doesn’t want anything to do with side effects but others do and the project takes a turn she does not expect. While she works on her project she sees the other one taking the world by storm. Initially, it is limited to those who can afford it so Rejuve is born, and the NHS takes it on for those who are prepared to live a fit and healthy lifestyle.

The next form of Rejuve is something that adds years to someone’s life, this is something that is definitely for the super-rich. with this increase in life expectancy then the world becomes overpopulated and something has to be done. An age limit is imposed.

I do adore dystopian and speculative fiction and this author does it so very well. While we like to imagine life is not like is in her novels, there is something that does make you stop and think. This novel is no different as the author delves into genetics, disease and illness, life expectancy and what happens with an increasingly older population. She definitely explores many avenues in this book and some took me by surprise as she takes a step further. This turns the story into a darker and more profound book as dilemmas are put on the table and adds a psychological side to it.

There are a few characters in this book, but each has an essential role, one of the main ones alongside Ruth is Mara, an officer who tracks down those who are exceeding their years. Many of the other characters are part of the story whether in the past or the present and there are some that are in both settings.

I do like how the author builds a picture of a landscape that becomes unrecognisable, with more housing there is less green space. Some megacities have evolved as towns, villages, suburbs and other cities have joined and become vast. The population has to be fed so there are mentions of food supplies, the emphasis the governments place on keeping yourself healthy, working ages and so many other things that would cause an impact on society as we know it.

The thing with this book is the way the author takes the situations we are already experiencing and then takes them to a natural future. I know these thoughts, as much as we would like to to be impossible, could become an actuality, and it makes you stop and think about where we are going in the future as far as genetics, population growth, climate changes and all the other things that are explored in this book. I think this is a book that creates more talking points, so would be brilliant for Book Clubs to discuss.

Another brilliant story from this author and one for those who like speculative fiction and dystopian novels but also thrillers, crime and psychological thrillers. It is one I would definitely recommend.

See what other readers think by following the Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Asylum Years: Back to the Future? @FAB_publishing @RandomTTours #asylumyears #mentalhealth #nonfiction #bookreview

I am delighted to share my review today for Asylum Years: Back to the Future? Glimpses of Institutional Life in the 1970s by Robert Hayward and Andrew Heenan. As I work in the care sector it is always interesting when I get a chance to read a book like this as I think it makes me understand more about how things have improved, but also how long it can take for these improvements to be put into place and how things can still be improved.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book.

Has the legacy of the asylum era impacted on the thinking that underpins health policy today? Evidence gathered here from a number of people who worked in an asylum 50 years ago suggests that there is considerable inheritance from the institutional times that reinforce current mental health policy and mode of provision. 

This book begins with a historical overview of mental health care and provides a detailed ethnographic account at the end of the 20th century; comparisons from this are examined in the context of present mental health care with a particular focus on underlying thinking which appears to differ less than that of the previous institutional years. Referring to more recent work, including user-led programmes, “mad studies” and emerging policy models, we explore alternatives that could challenge the philosophy or ethos that buttresses thinking about mental health policy and go some way to address the persistent marginalisation and inequalities experienced by people using mental health services.

MY REVIEW

I think there is always some morbid fascination with asylums, at least for me there is. I have read several books going back to the early days of the institutions and this one took me to the 1970s.

This book is made up of contributions from those who have had some sort of connection with an asylum in the UK. These may have come from those who were patients, nurses, students and those who have made a career in this field.

The way patients were treated in the 70s was not respectful, it was with a stigma and stereotypical approach. Those under the care of staff were often ridiculed, abused, spoken down to or treated with contempt. Seen as lesser than those who looked after them. Some of the accounts are horrific, especially given the way students were often left in charge or were in situations that they were not trained or prepared for.

There are mentions of ECT, medication abuse and lack of privacy and funding. Practices were not overseen properly and it seemed as if there were no proper checks, updated policies or procedures, and no interest in looking beyond the person for what may be the underlying cause.

Told by various voices, this book looks into the way these institutes were run and the problems that those who wanted to see improvements found. Not everyone was lacklustre in their care for the residents, but they were few and far between.

This is an interesting look at asylums and the procures during the 70s and beyond, looking at constitutionalism, conveyor belt care and those that became regular visitors or were there for life. Some of the accounts are shocking and while things have improved there is still a need for improvement.

The book is well laid out and documents the history of asylums but does not delve too much as this is actually a huge subject. It is a good book for those who want to learn a bit more and there is a great bibliography at the end which is good for further reading.

An interesting book looking at mental health care and one I would be happy to recommend.

See what others think by following the Blog Tour…

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx