Good Neighbours - Mary Grand

 

It was meant to be a safe place to start again... 

In need of an escape from her failing marriage, Nia agrees to house-sit her aunt’s cottage on the Isle of Wight. She feels sure the cosy close in a quaint harbour town will be a safe place to hide and figure out what to do next. 

But things are not all as they seem in the close, and the neighbours who welcome her with open arms, are keeping secrets. When Nia finds the body of one of her new friends lying on the beach, she feels sickeningly sure that the killer is dangerously near to home.

Who killed her friend and why did she have to die? And if Nia discovers the answers she’s looking for, is she next on their hit list? Good neighbours may become good friends, but they can also make deadly enemies… 

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

My Review:

An atmospheric and tense read, I enjoyed this ‘whodunit’ style thriller. It caught my attention and I found I wanted to keep reading to find out who was behind it all.

This story is set on the Isle of Wight where, upon first impressions they are a close group of friends/neighbours but beneath it all secrets, resentments and arguments mean someone has become a killer and will do all it takes to keep their identity from every being revealed.

Nia, has left Cardiff and her husband, Chris, of 20 years and is seeking refuge in her Auntie Gwen’s vacant property on the island. It isn’t long before she’s part of the group, but a tragic discovery leaves her feeling unsure of who to trust and their motives for wanting to keep her close.

It’s full of red herrings, but the clues are there. You will read along as Nia tries to eliminate each neighbour whilst being under the spotlight herself. As secrets start coming to light, you will not know who she can trust or whether she will be the next victim.

This book will grab you attention and fill you with suspense. It was very well written and moved along at a good pace, which I like with this genre. Very enjoyable for fans of this genre.

Author Bio:

Mary Grand is the author of five novels and writes gripping, page-turning suspense,
with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years
a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight where her novel, The House Party, which was published by Boldwood in July 2020, is set.

 

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Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square - Heidi Swain

Available on Amazon here 

Kate is almost-divorced and desperate to keep as far away from her ex-husband as possible. He is determined to have her back but she has found the perfect place to hide away. Kate finds herself besotted with a house on the historical Nightingale. The residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer so Kate soon finds herself pulled into new friendships and adventures.

Kate soon finds herself campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, whilst all the residents are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. Concerned for the preservation of their small community they begin to worry all hope is lost until the arrival of a handsome stranger looks sure to turn things around!

You know a book is good when you simply cannot pick up another for a couple of days… that is exactly how I have felt since finishing Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square. Heidi Swain (@Heidi_Swain) has yet again given us an array of wonderful characters as well as creating a fantastic setting– Nightingale Square sounds like the type of place I would love live; where something is always happening, people take you in and make you part of a great group of friends and neighbours forming a real community - looking out for each other and their local area.  This book simply captures your heart and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling – I couldn’t stop imagining what these characters would be up to next.

Our leading lady, Kate, is a charming character that we learn has been treated poorly by a cheating husband and now believes the only life for her is the single life! Kate keeps things to herself but we  do eventually discover that she blames herself for the husband being a cheater and also that he gave her more than she bargained for in more ways than one.

The Nightingale Square characters have brilliant and individual personalities - busybody Carole, struggling first time mum Heather and the bolshie, loud but absolute sweetheart Lisa – all play an important role in supporting Kate in the local campaign but also in replenishing her faith in people and love. 

If you are already a fan Heidi’s books (and of Wynbridge) you will be happy to know that, whilst this novel is set in Norwich, there is a brief visit to the much-loved market town. Kate is originally from Wynbridge and is related to one of Heidi’s much loved characters. 

I love Heidi’s style of writing; it flows very nicely and fully engages you throughout. I devoured the book in one sitting, as I was engrossed and didn’t want to stop. With all stories, especially if you read a lot, you can predict what will happen, I don’t say that to be negative as I always enjoy to read how the story actually blossoms but with Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square there are added ups and downs that do keep you on your toes, the will they/wont they romance; the added surprises you wouldn't predict– all will keep you hooked until the end. 

This is a great story of how one woman rebuilds her life, her heart as well as her trust in other people. It is a story of true friendship and community- finding things where you least expect them.  If you haven’t had the sheer pleasure of reading any Heidi Swain books before – then you must, you will not regret it. In fact, like me, you’ll be eager to devour as many as you possibly can.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍