Death in Bacton Wood - Ross Greenwood

 

A family’s secrets lie buried. The time has come to uncover the truth…

When a mud-splattered man staggers from Bacton Wood with a terrifying tale about being buried alive, DS Ashley Knight and her team are called in to investigate. Soon, another victim is found, and more men are missing – all with connections to the well-known Vialli family.

The Major Investigation Team find themselves attempting to untangle a case that stretches from Eastern Europe through to North Norfolk. Along with rookie detective, the whip-smart Hector Fade, Ashley is in a race against time trying to help a family who seem determined to take matters into their own hands. And when Ashley suspects there is a department rat, the stakes get even higher.

As the evidence continues to point in different directions, and as new victims are uncovered thick and fast, Ashley and Hector begin to fear they have finally met their match in a killer too ruthless and clever to be caught.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/bactonwoodsocial

My Review:

The third book in the Norfolk Murders series, another drama filled and complex police procedural book with the interesting DS Ashley Night and the rest of the team.

Action packed from start to finish – you know when a book starts with someone almost being buried alive that you will be kept on the edge of your seat all the way through.

Death in Bacton Wood takes a deep dive into the dark, violent world of drugs and people trafficking and the long-held grudges that come back to haunt each monster involved.

With detailed and explicit descriptions of torture, they added a harsh and violent realism to the story – and whilst each crime was truly horrific; its hard to muster any sympathy when you’ve read about the heinous crimes, they have been involved with themselves.

DS Knight is a fantastic character and the team have really grown on me since book one. They work together well and can occasionally add some light relief amongst the gruesome crime action.

With fantastic twists along the way, I was trying to piece everything together as the story progressed rather than already knowing what was happening and who was to blame. I couldn’t put this one down!

This is a brilliant crime series and I look forward to the next. 

Author Bio:

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

It's surprising for me to realise I've written ten books now. There are two strands, one where the books concern lives affected by prison, and then my detective series starring DI John Barton. The first Barton book, The Snow Killer hit the coveted number one spot on KOBO, with the second and third in the series not far behind.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoodAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenwoodross

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossg555/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RossGreenwoodnews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwood

The Silent Child - MJ White

When a body is discovered at an abandoned Suffolk farm, DS Rob Minshull and the squad believes it’s the latest casualty of the drugs war terrorising rural communities. But when the victim is identified as a well-respected local teacher, the case is thrown wide open.

While they hunt the murderer, the South Suffolk CID team face a new threat. A brutal vigilante group dispensing their own twisted justice puts the investigation in grave danger, as well as the detectives.

Educational psychologist, Dr Cora Lael, is called in to work with Lottie Arundel, a troubled teen who stopped speaking a year ago.

As Cora enters Lottie’s world, it seems that the teen’s silence might hold the key to the case. But as Cora and Rob work together to find a vicious killer, it’s clear that uncovering Lottie’s secrets will take Cora and Rob into the most dangerous of places – where the price to pay for the truth might be death…

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3yiWXZT

My Review:

The Silent Child is the second book in the Cora Lael series by MJ White (otherwise known as wonderful Miranda Dickinson). I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and eagerly awaited this next one and it did not disappoint. An author that has definitely succeeded in crossing genres and doing both well.

The discovery of a body in a barn sets us on gripping and dramatic journey to find the killer whilst we see Cora start working with a teenager who has stopped speaking. When Cora’s work starts crossing into the police investigation she is soon back in familiar territory of working with the police.

I was hooked from the start, I really enjoy the premise of Cora’s special talent and so love seeing how it can be put to use within these storylines. The author draws us in and makes us feel like we are part of it all, I really enjoy trying to solve the investigation as we read along, although I’m usually wrong!

With many twists and turns along the way, this storyline is dark at times with themes that could make some uncomfortable but it is well written and necessary for the storyline. Sensitive issues that have been very well handled by the author.

I think we have seen more character development in this book than the first, almost like the first setting the scene and now we are really getting into knowing more of the characters and lengths they will go to for justice. I believe we have more to see from them and look forward to more books in the series. 

A fantastic crime drama that I love in book form but believe would adapt well onto the screen. I highly recommend and eagerly await number three!

Author Bio:

MJ White is the pseudonym of bestselling author Miranda Dickinson, author of twelve books, including six Sunday Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into ten languages, selling over a million copies worldwide. A long time lover of crime fiction, The Secret Voices is her debut crime series. She is a singer-songwriter, host of weekly Facebook Live show, Fab Night In Chatty Thing..

Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/wurdsmyth

https://www.instagram.com/wurdsmyth/

Daggers at the Country Fair - Catherine Coles

 

Winteringham Village 1947

As a thank you for her previous brilliant crime solving, amateur sleuth, Martha Miller is guest of honour at the Winteringham Country Fair. However, this time she is looking forward to simply judging dog shows and eating cream teas rather than apprehending a killer!

And Martha is just beginning to enjoy spending quality time with Vicar Luke Walker away from the prying eyes and gossips of her own village, when disaster strikes, and the local teenage femme fatale is found stabbed to death behind the tea tent by Martha’s trusted red setter Lizzie!

But who would want to kill such a young girl and why? Someone in the village has secrets to hide and it seems Martha and Luke have another case to solve!

Let the investigation commence!

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/39FO4RF

My Review:

A second cosy mystery, set in a rural village in 1947, Daggers at the Country Fair is another opportunity for Martha Miller to use her amateur detective skills yet again.

Martha has been asked to open a local village fair, what everyone doesn’t bank on is someone being murdered and the whole villages secrets start becoming public knowledge. Everyone is in the frame for this murder with most men having some connection to the victim.

I felt this book was a little more to the point than the previous one but contained more red herrings and some interesting twists along the way. I enjoyed seeing how the mystery was solved and it took me a while to piece the clues together.

I really enjoy seeing Martha’s character development from book one, she’s becoming more confident and her relationships/friendships are developing. She is making headway in getting locals in her own village she understand her and see her as Martha and not the woman with her husband buried in her garden (he ISNT, he walked out).

I’d love a little more romance with Luke, but as the story is very in keeping with the era I think we need to solve the missing husband mystery.

A charming read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will look forward to the next visit. 

Catherine Coles writes bestselling cosy mysteries set in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie series is based in North Yorkshire in the 1920’s and Catherine herself lives in Hull with her family and two spoiled dogs.

Social Media Links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CatherineColesAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/catherinecoles

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/catherinecolesauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CatherineColesNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/catherine-coles

 

Murder in Myrtle Bay - Isobel Blackthorn

When feature writer Ruth Finlay and her elderly neighbour Doris Cleaver visit an antique and collectibles market in the small town of Myrtle Bay, they get a lot more than they bargained for.

After Ruth's old tennis coach is found dead, they discover that there's no lack of people who harbour a grudge against the victim, and a tangled web of family ties and lies begins to unravel. But can Ruth and Doris find the killer in time to avert a second murder?

A quirky feel-good mystery laced with intrigue, Murder in Myrtle Bay is the first book in Isobel Blackthorn's 'Ruth Finlay Mysteries' series. Set in small town Australia, it is a sure pick for any fan of classic whodunits and cozy mysteries!

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Myrtle-Ruth-Finlay-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0B5VRZX2Q/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Myrtle-Ruth-Finlay-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0B5VRZX2Q/

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoy a cosy mystery (even ones full of recipes) and this definitely entertained me, although it took me a few chapters to settle into it, especially with so many characters to get my head around. Set in Australia, we meet Ruth and Doris who suddenly find themselves in the middle of a 'situation' and get stuck in solving this murder mystery. Amateur sleuths at their best!

A pair of fab leading characters, mouthwatering recipes and descriptions of food, you better have a snack or two handy! A good plot with fun characters led to this keeping me invested all the way, I was desperate to know everything and almost wanted to race through to find out. I love to see if I can figure it all out, but I didn’t quite manage it this time.

I have never read anything from this author but I am now a fan and will look to be reading more. The first in a series, I shall look forward to more sleuthing, A must read for mystery fans!

Author Bio:

Isobel Blackthorn is a prolific novelist of unique and engaging fiction. She writes across a range of genres, including gripping mysteries and dark psychological thrillers.

The Unlikely Occultist: A biographical novel of Alice A. Bailey received an Honorable Mention in the 2021 Reader's Favorite book awards. A Prison in the Sun was shortlisted in the LGBTQ category of the 2021 International Book Awards and the 2020 Readers' Favorite Book Awards. Her short story 'Nothing to Declare' was shortlisted for the Ada Cambridge Prose Prize 2019. Her dark thriller A Legacy of Old Gran Parks won a Raven Award in 2019. The Cabin Sessions was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award 2018 and the Ditmar Awards 2018.

Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism from the University of Western Sydney for her ground-breaking study of the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Her engagement with Alice Bailey’s life and works has culminated in the biographical novel The Unlikely Occultist and the full biography Alice A. Bailey: Life and Legacy.

Isobel carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain, her former home. Five of her novels are set on the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. These standalone mystery novels are setting rich and fall into the broad genre of travel fiction.

Isobel has led a rich and interesting life and her stories are as diverse as her experiences, the highs and lows, and the dramas. A life-long campaigner for social justice, Isobel has written, protested and leant her weight to a range of issues including asylum seekers and family violence. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives in rural Victoria, Australia.

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/IBlackthorn

https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Isobel.Blackthorn/

www.isobelblackthorn.com

https://twitter.com/IBlackthorn

Murder At The Summer Fete - Victoria Walters

 

A fete worse than death…

After finding the killer of Lucy Roth six months ago, life has settled back to normal for bookshop owner, Nancy Hunter, and her grandmother, Jane. The annual Dedley End village fete is just around the corner, and Nancy is delighted when bestselling author, Thomas Green, agrees to launch his first new novel in ten years there.

But then a series of sinister events lead Nancy to realise someone is trying to sabotage their fete, so she, along with Jane and their journalist friend Jonathan, must turn detective to discover who isn’t at all thrilled about the return of Thomas Green.

When a body is discovered at the summer fete, the death scene mirroring that in Thomas’ latest bestseller, they realise that there’s another killer in Dedley End, but can they outsmart someone who appears to have pulled off the perfect crime?

The clues are right under Nancy and Jane’s noses, if only they can find them. Because the answers to life’s questions can always be found in a book…!

A twisty, unputdownable cozy mystery that fans of Richard Osman, S.J. Bennett and The Marlow Murder Club will love.

Purchase Links

AMZ: https://amzn.to/3HE7928  

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3JLSUtX

Apple: https://apple.co/3zDUyte

 My Review:

I loved Murder at the House on the Hill, so I’ve been excitedly awaiting this next instalment and it has not disappointed at all. Victoria Walters has created the perfect cosy murder mystery series here, I hope we have many more mysteries to solve (via Nancy and co!)
Bookshop owner, and amateur sleuth, is hosting her first author event during the annual village fete. She’s excited as the author is a famous best seller and former local, although this excitement dims slightly when she starts receiving threats against him. When a body is discovered during the fete in the very same circumstances described in the authors latest book, all eyes look to those close to him to discover who did it and why.
After their previous success in murder mystery solving and feeling responsible for the death taking place at their event, our favourite trio – Nancy, Jane and Jonathan leap into action once again, despite several warnings from the local police officials. Nancy is keen to figure out who had it in for popular writer and knows that time is of the essence.
Not everyone is happy that the sleuths are getting involved, making it clear they should keep their noses out. This time a lot more is at stake, lives are on the line.

I love trying to figure it all out along with Nancy and her Gran, this time did seem to have less suspects than the first book although I did have an inkling who might be the culprit, I was unsure as to why. It kept me entertained throughout, mystery, drama and a lot of fun.
It well written, good plot and interesting characters. Love this series and I cannot wait for the next book for more detective work!

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of the bestselling GLENDALE HALL series, which continues with its third book HOPEFUL HEARTS at GLENDALE HALL in September, as well as two other standalone novels - SUMMER at the KINDNESS CAFE, and THE SECOND LOVE of my LIFE. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for two RNA awards. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won wide reader acclaim.

Victoria is a full-time author. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry, and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.

Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at:https://victoria-writes.com/

Every Little Breath - Keri Beevis

 

How much could one phone call change your life?

‘Only you can save her. If she dies, it is your fault.’

When radio presenter, Casey Fallon, answers a call she assumes it is a prank. But then a woman’s body is discovered, and she finds herself up against a cruel and calculating killer who wants her to find his victims before they take their last breath.

Fifteen years ago, Casey was a key witness in the trial of serial killer, Steve Noakes, and her evidence helped put him behind bars for the murders of five women.

Someone remembers what happened that summer. Someone who is desperate for revenge. Someone who won’t stop until Casey has been punished.

‘You saved a life once. Can you do it again?’

The game is just beginning…

Number one bestselling author Keri Beevis is back with a breathtaking new psychological thriller which is simply too good to miss. It's the perfect read for fans of authors like Clare Mackintosh, Cara Hunter, Paula Hawkins.

 

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read from Keri Beevis but I’m definite tat it will not be my last. Wow, what an incredible read.

Gripped from the start, this book took me on a thrilling, twisted journey to the very last page. There were moments I was holding my breath with anticipation or fear. The plot is complex and quite dark in its descriptions in places, I think there was a good balance between the descriptive, harrowing scenes where it was grim to imagine to the rest of the book.

I liked the pace of the storyline, nothing seemed to drag on at all and I was kept on my toes. I found it so engaging I read it completely in one fantastic afternoon. Very well written, I felt a vast range of emotions from disgusted to mortified, sympathetic to scared and intrigued.

A cast of characters so different and unique; there are nice, likeable characters, worrying and troublesome characters, honest characters who support Casey throughout, and those out to cause trouble. There are some real shocks in the latter part of the book, I didn’t see them coming, well except perhaps that final twist at the end.

I won’t go into depth regarding the plot as I think the beauty in this is not knowing and the synopsis sums it up perfectly.

I hope this is the start of a series as the ending left me wanting more, please say there will be more.

Dramatic, twisted and captivating. A must read!

Purchase Links

PAPERBACK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Little-Breath-Keri-Beevis/dp/1913942295
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1913942295

KINDLE
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Little-Breath-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B092DMJPQC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092DMJPQC

AUDIO
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Little-Breath/dp/B091BHWGND
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Little-Breath/dp/B091BHTWK5

GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822669-every-little-breath

 

Author Bio:

Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of Dying To Tell and Deep Dark Secrets. Her new psychological thriller, Trust No One, was released November 2020.

Keri lives in Norfolk, England, with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel). She loves Hitchcock movies, exploring creepy places, and gets extremely competitive in local pub quizzes. She is also a self-confessed klutz.

 

Social Media Links – www.facebook.com/allaboutbeev

www.twitter.com/keribeevis

www.instagram.com/keribeevis/

Girl A - Dan Scottow

 

Someone thinks they know who she is… and what she did.

But she insists it’s a mistake.

All Beth has ever wanted is a quiet life for her and her family. And that is what she has, until one evening a note is pushed through the door, with two words scrawled in menacing black ink; Found you.

As Beth’s neatly crafted life begins to unravel, an unseen menace torments her and those she loves. But who’s behind the threats?

Somebody is out to get Beth, but do they have the right woman?

Beth faces losing everything, and there is far more at stake than just her marriage…

Purchase Link

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-unforgettable-psychological-Dan-Scottow-ebook/dp/B08YZ7YR8K/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Girl-unforgettable-psychological-Dan-Scottow-ebook/dp/B08YZ7YR8K/

My Review:

Fantastic! GIRL A is a standalone psychological thriller by Dan Scottow. I’ve seen this is his second release – I am going to be reading the first now though, what brilliant writing!

The writing style helped this rollercoaster story flow and all the dramatic, brilliant twists and turns meant I just couldn’t put it down. I was on tenterhooks all the way through and although I thought I had it all summed up, I didn’t. There were moments that I did not see coming right until the end.

I’m not going too much into the storyline as I think you need to just read what happens to fully get the impact of each revelation and dramatic moment. Main character Beth, well, she is really very interesting. I didn’t really like her but then again I didn’t hate her either, she is a great character to read about though, I was fully invested in what happened.

A book full of suspense, thrills and drama, I highly recommend for fans of psychological thrillers. I will keep a look out for future releases from this author, if this is anything to go by Dan Scottow will be a -must-read-author. 

Author Bio:

Dan grew up in Hertfordshire before moving to London in his early twenties. After more than ten years living there, he decided enough was enough, and packed his bags for Scotland in search of a more peaceful life. Dan works as a graphic designer, but dreams of the day he can give it up and write full time. Besides writing, he enjoys painting, watching a good scary film, travelling the world (at least, he used to!), good food, a gin and tonic or two, long walks on the beach with his dogs, and of course, reading a great book.

Dan’s debut novel ‘Damaged’ was released in January 2020, published by Bloodhound books.

Social Media Links – Twitter: @DanScottow

Facebook page: @danscottowauthor

How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

You can run, you can hide, but can you disappear for good?

Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back.

The only choice is to disappear.

From their family, their friends, even from Lauren's husband.

No goodbyes. Just new names, new home, new lives.

One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.

As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy.

Staying hidden is much harder . . .

Tell That to My Heart - Eliza J Scott

Tell That To My Heart (Heartshaped Book 1)

Jemima Dewberry wears her heart on her sleeve. Her weakness for bad boys, coupled with her track record for making bad decisions has led to endless heartbreak. The only trouble is, she can’t seem to kick the habit.

On top of that, her “dream” job at Yorkshire Portions magazine hasn’t turned out to be what she’d hoped, and she seems to have developed the knack of annoying her boss without even trying. It doesn’t help that the new girl seems to have taken an instant dislike to her. All that’s keeping her there are her best friends Anna-Lisa and Aidey, who have picked up the pieces of her shattered heart more times than they care to remember.

When Jemima’s latest boyfriend turns out to be no better than the rest, the hurt and humiliation is almost unbearable. She declares she’s finally through with love, and swears off men for life. But when charismatic Caspar De Verre walks into the office with his dangerous good looks and mesmerising smile, she’s utterly captivated, and her promises to Anna-Lisa and Aidey not to let her heart rule her head are soon forgotten.

But is Caspar all he seems? Anna-Lisa and Aidey have their doubts. And Herbert, the happy-go-lucky black Labrador Jemima’s looking after, doesn’t seem to like him either.

As Jemima falls for Caspar’s charms she finds herself being forced to confront the struggle between her head and her heart. But which one will prove the most powerful?

And will Jemima get the happy-ever-after she so desperately craves?

My Review:


As a fan of this authors previous series of books I was very excited to discover the start of this new ‘Heartshaped’ series with ‘Tell That to my Heart.’

Eliza J Scott creates wonderful characters that you take to your heart almost immediately; brilliant community settings that are well described and make you want to take. Her books are always full of heart, love, kindness, and compassion.

I love that Eliza always gives us a key group of strong characters who have brilliantly, supportive friendships. Mim is our main character in this book but she is always fully supported by great friends, Anna Lise, Aidey and Carly. They have such fun when they are all together and it comes across so nicely in Eliza’s writing. Also, I must mention Herbert – he is one to judge people quickly!

Mim is working well at Yorkshire Portions magazine, it is a good job and she gets to spend time with her close friends. This all starts to unravel with the arrival of a couple of new arrivals. One gets Mim’s heart racing and the other gets on her nerves. Quite quickly strange things start happening around the office and it becomes clear that someone has it in for Mim.

With her heart and her job both at risk, can Mim figure out the truth before everything gets out of hand?

This is an absolute corker. I adored every moment of reading this one, I could not put it down. I laughed, I was surprised and shocked, I could have quite happily booed along pantomime style with some parts. It a fantastic read and I cannot wait for the next in the series!


Purchase Links

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B084VQHQDL 

US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084VQHQDL

About the Author:

Eliza is proud to be a member of the RNA. She lives in a 17th-century cottage in a village in

the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden, fighting a losing battle against the weeds.

When she's not reading or gardening, Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Her biggest weakness is ginger biscuits dunked in tea.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming romance stories with relatable female characters. She enjoys exploring the dynamics of female friendship, with a key feature of her books being how women pull together and support one another when things get tough.

Eliza's novels will always have happy endings.
Social Media Links –

Twitter: Eliza J Scott – @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscott

Facebook: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscottauthor

Blog: www.elizajscott.com

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza-j-scott

Amazon Author Page: UK:  www.amazon.co.uk/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH

                                        US: www.amazon.com/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH