What would you do if your abusive ex-husband stole your son? What if you couldn't find him for years? What do you do when suddenly, six years later, hWhat would you do if your abusive ex-husband stole your son? What if you couldn't find him for years? What do you do when suddenly, six years later, he turns up?
Megan has been looking for her son Daniel ever since he wasn't there when she went to pick him up from school. There is no trace of him, or her ex-husband. Her media and online appeals have come to nothing. Then one day she gets the call, Daniel has been found. Her relief and excitement are soon tempered by the realisation that Daniel is no longer the happy child she once knew. He is traumatised and damaged, having been fed a pack of lies by her now deceased ex. Daniel is uncommunicative and distant, though he shows glimpses of the child he once was. She knows Daniel knows more about his fathers death than he is letting on, but doesn't realise that his secret could well destroy the whole family!
I did enjoy this book. It was quick and easy to read. However I really failed to connect fully with the characters, and found the plotline predictable. It was clear what was going on very early in the piece, and therefore there were no surprises in it for me. I like a thriller with twists and turns I don't see coming, and sadly, for me, that wasn't this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
What would you do if your abusive ex-husband stole your son? What if you couldn't find him for years? What do you do when suddenly, six years later, he turns up?
Megan has been looking for her son Daniel ever since he wasn't there when she went to pick him up from school. There is no trace of him, or her ex-husband. Her media and online appeals have come to nothing. Then one day she gets the call, Daniel has been found. Her relief and excitement are soon tempered by the realisation that Daniel is no longer the happy child she once knew. He is traumatised and damaged, having been fed a pack of lies by her now deceased ex. Daniel is uncommunicative and distant, though he shows glimpses of the child he once was. She knows Daniel knows more about his fathers death than he is letting on, but doesn't realise that his secret could well destroy the whole family!
I did enjoy this book. It was quick and easy to read. However I really failed to connect fully with the characters, and found the plotline predictable. It was clear what was going on very early in the piece, and therefore there were no surprises in it for me. I like a thriller with twists and turns I don't see coming, and sadly, for me, that wasn't this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
When Isabel and Dean Harris move to Riley for Dean's work, Isabel gets the feeling the town doesn't want them there. Dean is investigating the financeWhen Isabel and Dean Harris move to Riley for Dean's work, Isabel gets the feeling the town doesn't want them there. Dean is investigating the finances of the local hospital, and the viability of keeping it open. With jobs in the balance, the local's livelihoods are being threatened, and they soon let their anger at the situation shine through.
Psychologist Issy, with toddler Noah in tow, starts up a woman's group for new mothers, and soon finds it's not just the hospital situation that's causing a simmering tension in the town. Someone has sent an anonymous letter to the police that a baby killer is going to strike soon. And it's not the first time they have killed...
With intriguing, yet mostly unlikeable characters, and a plot driven with local tensions, I found The Long Shadow to be a mostly absorbing read. I did find it bogged down a bit during the group therapy sessions, but soon picked up as it wound up all the threads in an excellent ending. A worthwhile read for all lovers of psychological dramas and small town secrets.
My thanks to Text Publishing for an uncorrected copy to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own....more
This is a book I've had sitting on my shelf for a while, daunted by the size of it, yet telling myself I must get to it soon. I'm so glad I finally diThis is a book I've had sitting on my shelf for a while, daunted by the size of it, yet telling myself I must get to it soon. I'm so glad I finally did!
Sydney journalist Anna Rosen gets an email from a friend and colleague in the Netherlands, containing photos of a man she had once loved and now believed to be dead. Marin Katich has been incarcerated for war crimes, and Anna finds her self on a plane to see him with her own eyes.
Look I could describe the plot to you, but we'd be here all day. Let's just say In Darkness Visible is an intriguing follow up to Tony Jones' previous book The Twentieth Man. We learn more of Anna and Marin's complex relationship, and what caused Marin's downward spiral to the killer he became. This book is not always an easy read, but I urge anyone who loves a good complex thriller to pick it up and give it a go. You'll be glad you did.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an uncorrected proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own....more
Another wonderful entry in John Marsden's award winning Tomorrow series. In Darkness, Be My Friend, Ellie and her friends find themselves back in HellAnother wonderful entry in John Marsden's award winning Tomorrow series. In Darkness, Be My Friend, Ellie and her friends find themselves back in Hell, against their wishes. When something goes wrong they make their way to Wirrawee, looking for their allies. What they find is danger around every corner, so, against the odds, they embark on their most daring mission yet.
This is such a good series, written for young adults, but with an appeal that crosses generations. Powerful characters, an excellent setting and astounding, action packed plotlines mark this series, one I have no hesitation in recommending to everyone, not just lovers of dystopian fiction....more
Well that's certainly what I call an unputdownable novel! It comes out of the boxes running, and doesn't let up until the finishing post is reached.
WWell that's certainly what I call an unputdownable novel! It comes out of the boxes running, and doesn't let up until the finishing post is reached.
When an injured girl drives into a service station in outback Australia, little does the owner know that his life, and the lives of those around him, are about to get very interesting. And that's an understatement. I'm not going to say anymore as I don't want to give anything away.
This is a book for all action, thriller and suspense lovers, so do yourself a favour and grab a copy!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
An enjoyable action adventure novel, we have bereaved father Jed, a special forces soldier, travelling to Zimbabwe after the death of his daughter MirAn enjoyable action adventure novel, we have bereaved father Jed, a special forces soldier, travelling to Zimbabwe after the death of his daughter Miranda, who was studying lions in the bush. Desperate for answers, Jed meets up with Miranda's boss Chris, who seems to have her own agenda. As Jed gets closer to finding out what happened to Miranda, he finds he has more questions than answers. What is Chris hiding? Where is Miranda's mysterious lover? What really happened that day in the bush? Jed is in for some answers that will shock him to the core.
While I found this book well-plotted and hard to put down, I really didn't connect with any of the characters, finding them unlikeable for the most part. While this didn't detract from the book it did rankle a bit. However this wont stop me looking out for more of Tony Park's work, and I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all lovers of action-adventure....more
An intriguing political thriller, set in the early seventies, and the historical events surrounding a visit to Australia from the Yugoslav Prime MinisAn intriguing political thriller, set in the early seventies, and the historical events surrounding a visit to Australia from the Yugoslav Prime Minister. A blend of historical fact and fiction, with real characters mixing with the made up.
Political thrillers are not usually my cup of tea, but I found this one to be well written, and quite gripping, especially as it was based on fact. While it's definitely not light entertainment, it's still well worth reading....more
An extremely useful guide to local walks on the Gold Coast, covering both beach and hinterland walks. It includes walk grading and distance, many coloAn extremely useful guide to local walks on the Gold Coast, covering both beach and hinterland walks. It includes walk grading and distance, many colour photos, and lots of helpful information about local flora and fauna. It has well detailed maps, and covers parking and local transport. I can't wait to try them, if we ever get out of Coronavirus lockdown......more
I really do like Grace York's Getaway Bay Mystery series. The Fatality At The Funeral is the sixth installment, and it sees Addison and her friends goI really do like Grace York's Getaway Bay Mystery series. The Fatality At The Funeral is the sixth installment, and it sees Addison and her friends going in to bat for Henry, one of the boarders at her beach house. Henry is accused of murdering his estranged brother at his sister-in-law's funeral, and with all the evidence pointing towards him Addison has her work cut out to prove his innocence. As old secrets come to light, and the police convinced they have the right man, will Addison be able to save her friend? Or is he really guilty?
A quick and easy to read mystery, the Getaway Bay characters are fast becoming old friends. I enjoy the banter between them, and their camaraderie. Add this to some interesting plots and we have a fun series that I have no hesitation in recommending to all lovers of cozy mysteries....more
An enjoyable mystery set in the highlands of Fiji, we follow former rugby star turned detective Joe Horseman and his team when they are called to inveAn enjoyable mystery set in the highlands of Fiji, we follow former rugby star turned detective Joe Horseman and his team when they are called to investigate the murder of a young man in a remote village. Joe wants to wrap up the investigation quickly, as his American girlfriend is due to fly in, but local customs dictate taking things slowly, and the clan chiefs will not be rushed. Is Joe putting himself, his team, and even his girlfriend, in danger?
A quick, easy read, Death By Tradition is the second in the Fiji Islands Mystery series by Aussie author BM Allsopp. With wonderful characters, and a great sense of place, this intriguing mystery and it's exotic location is well worth a read. I would happily read more of this author's work.
Former Philadelphia hitman Blake Saunders escapes the mob after the death of his brother, and winds up on the New South Wales north coast. Spending hiFormer Philadelphia hitman Blake Saunders escapes the mob after the death of his brother, and winds up on the New South Wales north coast. Spending his time surfing and in his bar The Surf Shack life is idyllic, until a woman is murdered, and some local goons start to try to strongarm Blake. When his friend is arrested for the woman's murder, Blake finds all his skills from his mob days coming back to him.
I found River Of Salt to be an enjoyable, quick read. With believable characters and setting, and an intriguing plot, I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more of this author's work.
Another intriguing entry in the Dusty Kent series, in this book Dusty and her assistant Sean head off to Port Douglas in North Queensland to investigaAnother intriguing entry in the Dusty Kent series, in this book Dusty and her assistant Sean head off to Port Douglas in North Queensland to investigate the death of a monk. Who would want to murder a mild mannered, gentle monk? It seems there is a few people who could be harbouring grudges against the monk and the monastery. As Dusty and Sean dig further, uncovering some surprising revelations, Dusty realises that there is far more to this case that meets the eye.
I'm really enjoying this series. Good, relatable characters, wonderful settings and excellent plots will always keep me coming back for more, and Brigid George achieves this and more with this series. I'll be looking forward to the next installment, to find out what Dusty and Sean get up to next. Recommended to all lovers of cozy mysteries....more
The small coastal town of Getaway Bay is the scene of another murder, this time a visiting surfer has been found dead at the bottom of a coastal cliffThe small coastal town of Getaway Bay is the scene of another murder, this time a visiting surfer has been found dead at the bottom of a coastal cliff. Addison and her murder club team are soon on the case. When it turns out the surfer is heir to a mining company, with several people with motives hanging around, Addison has to go into overdrive to get to the truth.
Another fun. light read in the Getaway Bay series. This series is a breath of fresh air. A quick, easy read with likeable characters and a wonderful setting. Recommended....more
What a wonderful series this is turning out to be. In The Good Turn, the third book in the Cormac Reilly series, Cormac is left to investigate the abdWhat a wonderful series this is turning out to be. In The Good Turn, the third book in the Cormac Reilly series, Cormac is left to investigate the abduction of a young girl with a woefully inexperienced and understaffed team, while officialdom puts all their resources into a potential drug bust. When a tragedy happens Cormac and his team are sitting ducks, and left as scapegoats.
With his career on the line, yet again, Cormac finds himself fighting for himself and his team, while his enemies in the ranks are out for his blood.
An unputdownable read, I found The Good Turn to be full of surprising twists and turns. With memorable characters, and a well thought out plot, it is well worth adding to your reading list. Recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
When the bones of missing woman Celia Delaney are found in the Snowy Mountains by ski patroller Vanessa Bell, Sydney detective Pierce Ryder is called When the bones of missing woman Celia Delaney are found in the Snowy Mountains by ski patroller Vanessa Bell, Sydney detective Pierce Ryder is called to the scene. Surprisingly all the suspects from the time she went missing are present at Charlotte Pass ski village for the Winterfest celebrations, even though over fifty years have gone by. Ryder quickly determines murder, then has to sort the wheat from the chaff when interviewing suspects, hard after so much time. Ryder thinks the culprit is in the village, which is confirmed when another murder takes place, but everyone has something to hide, and stories are changing. So who did kill Celia Delaney? Ryder has his work cut out for him.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quick and easy to read, and even though I guessed the perpetrator early on, this didn't detract from the book at all. It has some wonderful characters, and a marvellous setting in the Snowy Mountains, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of crime and mysteries.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an uncorrected proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own....more
I picked this up because I really loved Terence J Quinn's debut thriller The Scoop, and expected more of the same here in the second book in the serieI picked this up because I really loved Terence J Quinn's debut thriller The Scoop, and expected more of the same here in the second book in the series, but this book is totally different. I was ready for more action and adventure, as that was the genre of the first book, but this book is more a journalistic thriller, with a political edge. I was a bit put out at first, but reading through I soon found myself completely invested.
In this book Johnno and his wife Annie have moved to London so Johnno can take over as editor of a major tabloid, at the request of the paper's owner, a Russian oligarch. After a couple of major scoops in quick succession after his arrival, Johnno finds himself and his family in grave danger from several angles, including from the newspaper's hierarchy itself. As things escalate, he finds himself onto a story so huge things are about to go nuclear, and the danger closes in...
So yes, although this book is not in the same vein as the first book I did really enjoy it, and read it in just a couple of sittings. Johnno is a great character, the people he surrounds himself are very real, and the plot is gripping. I recommend this book to all lovers of thrillers.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
After spending the war years as a searchlight operator in an all-female crew, Evelyn Bell finds the post war years dull. Her sisters want her to find After spending the war years as a searchlight operator in an all-female crew, Evelyn Bell finds the post war years dull. Her sisters want her to find a husband and be a perfect wife, but to Evelyn being cooped up in an unfulfilling life is just not for her, and she longs for escape. Enter the Victory, a boat that offers risque shows to any who want to come and watch. Evelyn soon becomes part of the rag tag crew, and adventure awaits.
Years later an unwanted and unloved young girl is taken from her dreary life in London and finds a new home amongst former members of the Victory crew on the Isle Of Wight. She finally finds the love that has been denied her for years, but also gets the feeling that there are secrets that her new found family aren't telling her.
Another winner from Kerri Turner, with wonderful characters and a great sense of time and place. I was soon sucked in by the drama and escapism of the Victory, and it kept me turning the pages long into the night to find out what had happened. The angst felt by a young girl is particularly vivid and heart wrenching. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all lovers of historical fiction.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
I was looking forward to reading this book after loving The Nowhere Child, and while I did enjoy it, I don't think it's as good as the author's previoI was looking forward to reading this book after loving The Nowhere Child, and while I did enjoy it, I don't think it's as good as the author's previous work. We have two women brought together on the island off the coast of Victoria, one grieving the death of her husband, the other wondering what has gotten into hers. As their lives entwine we are brought closer to the truth of what happened, in a place where nothing is as it seems.
The Wife And The Widow is a good quick read, and yes it has one hell of a twist, but all in all I wasn't completely riveted to it. It does have an interesting premise, and is worth reading. One for a rainy day maybe?...more
Gee, I'm enjoying this series, it has great characters and a great sense of place, plus the mysteries are good too! In this 3rd instalment Dusty and SGee, I'm enjoying this series, it has great characters and a great sense of place, plus the mysteries are good too! In this 3rd instalment Dusty and Sean head to Darwin to investigate the death of a young man named Cody, who by all accounts has committed suicide. However his distraught parents don't agree, saying he was murdered. Cody had been suffering from depression since his friend Jerry, who had been killed by a crocodile a year before. But was there more to Cody's death than depression? Or was it suicide like the police believe? As Dusty and Sean investigate they find there's much more to the matter than meets the eye.
I really had no idea what the outcome of this investigation was going to be, and I love to be surprised by a book. I certainly was by this one, my guesses were all wrong. I happily read this book in a day, when I was supposed to be doing other things. Oh well, it was worth it, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Recommended....more
Another excellent book in the Tomorrow series, with Ellie and her friends setting their sights on their next target. We follow them as they start to pAnother excellent book in the Tomorrow series, with Ellie and her friends setting their sights on their next target. We follow them as they start to prepare their for the onslaught, on what will prove to be their most dangerous mission yet.
Be prepared for shocks, thrills and heartbreak in this book. John Marsden has certainly set a high bar with this series, and I'm looking forward with great anticipation to the next one. Wonderful characters, that we really feel for, being thrust into a situation so far from their normal life. We watch them as the grow, and harden, into new people. I can't recommend this series enough....more
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