My Review for False Witness by Karin Slaughter

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of False Witness by Karin Slaughter.

I haven’t read many thrillers before now and this is the first Karin Slaughter novel I have read, however, it won’t be the last. I was hooked from beginning to end!

Leigh Collier works as a defence attorney in Atlanta, Georgia and is called on by her boss to defend Andrew Tenant in court. Accused of violent rape, Andrew isn’t a stranger to Leigh and very quickly she is thrown into the past as she remembers what happened while she was growing up. Leigh has a younger sister, Callie, and the story is told throughout from both their viewpoints. Leigh has made a success of her life, married with a teenage daughter and has a rewarding career. However, Callie takes drugs, is living in sleazy motels, and takes what she can from wherever she can.

I don’t want to give too much away in my description of the book, as for me, that spoils it and a lot of reviews just go into too much detail. Having never read a Karin Slaughter book before, I don’t think I was prepared for the descriptions she provides, from the rape to the drug-taking, to the violence throughout. However, I was blown away by the entire story and because of the minute detail and such vivid descriptive writing, I could visualise every detail of what was happening.

This is the first book I have read that incorporates COVID and although far from the principal topic, it shows how people manage the unusual situation that we find ourselves in and how it affected our daily lives as we learn to live a new normal. The author is adept at showing how strong a family bond can be as Leigh and Callie work together to make some sense of their adult lives.

Because of the topics covered, and how in-depth some subjects are, I would suggest caution to those choosing to read this book. However, if you enjoy a gritty, violent thriller then you won’t be disappointed.

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My Review for The Guilty Wife by Alison James

⭐⭐⭐⭐  Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Guilty Wife by Alison James.

Pippa calls off her wedding to Alistair just hours before they were due at the Registry Office, and not wanting to face the music, she goes on their honeymoon to Mauritius, on her own, just to escape. She realises that there is another person on their own and she makes the acquaintance of Jim Cardle. Meanwhile, Tansy and Dan and Nikki and Arne are also on their honeymoon at the same resort, and over the next few days, their lives become mysteriously intertwined.

Alison James takes the reader all around the world, travelling from London to Australia, Mauritius and Thailand, describing all these locations in such great detail that I almost believed I was there. The story briefly covers the Tsunami in Thailand on Boxing Day 2004 and, knowing someone that was caught up in the disaster (but thankfully survived), it was quite harrowing to read those parts.

I found the story fairly slow, to begin with, although not off-putting, as James introduces the characters and explains their back-stories. Most of them were easy to connect with and only one was actually a pain in the proverbial and I just wanted to throw her off a cliff!

There were lots of twists and turns in the plot. Whilst at one point I was convinced I knew what was coming, the story moved in a completely different direction and kept me guessing until the end. The story includes murder, bereavement, grief, greed and just a little bit of love and made for a great read. I would recommend The Guilty Wife to anyone who enjoys a mysterious thriller with no gory bits!

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My Review for The English Girl by Sarah Mitchell

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The English Girl by Sarah Mitchell.

The English Girl begins at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in 1989, as the wall is coming down.  Tiffany travels from West to East with a letter in her hand and only an address to begin her search for someone important.

Most of the book takes place in 1946/47 in Norfolk, at the end of the Second World War.  German soldiers in a Prisoner of War camp are being used to clear mines and make the beaches safe and the book centres around the camp and the people who are helping to run it.  Fran begins work in the office in the camp and quickly meets and falls for Thomas, one of the German prisoners.  

Fraternising with a German is strictly against the law, and so Fran and Thomas have to hide their love for each other from everyone else but continue to see each other at any snatched opportunity they can.  Only time will tell whether there is any future for their forbidden relationship and Sarah Mitchell keeps the reader guessing throughout the book.

Inspired by a true story, The English Girl was a beautiful read and opened up my eyes to the fact that people who fought in the war weren’t just allowed to pack up their bags and go home as soon as it was over.  For many, it continued for years without them knowing what had happened to their families back home.   The story also told of how wartime events affected not only the soldiers who fought but those who were left behind, both men and women, and how society treated them.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a difference, then I would recommend The English Girl, you never know, you might learn of events that you didn’t realise had happened.  I definitely need to read more by Sarah Mitchell!

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My Review for The Bird in the Bamboo Cage by Hazel Gaynor

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐When the weather is sunny and I’m pottering around the garden, and if the story is addictive I can get through an 11-hour Audiobook in a couple of days and The Bird in the Bamboo Cage by Hazel Gaynor (read by Imogen Church and Rosie Jones) was one of these.  

Set in China during the Second World War,  just as the Japanese declared war on the Allies, The Bird in the Bamboo Cage is primarily told from the points of view of two characters, ten-year-old Nancy Plummer and her teacher, Elspeth Kent.  The story begins at Chefoo school, an international missionary school, where the children are happy and well cared for, but as war is declared they are first invaded by Japanese soldiers who watch their every move, and they are then uprooted from what they know and feel safe with and moved to an internment camp, where punishment is high, and the Japanese soldiers enjoy making people suffer.

The story follows the teachers and children of Chefoo school as they embark on a torturous and heart-breaking few years, never knowing what is happening at home, whether their families are safe or how long the torment will continue.  Hazel Gaynor brings the horrors of an internment camp alive as she describes the living conditions and the events that the children and teachers suffer as they try to survive day to day.  The book is also very much about friendship and loyalty, how everyone will work together to get through another day.  

To keep things as normal as possible, the girls continue with their Kingfisher Girl Guide troop, working for badges and helping others in the camp, as much as they can.  

The Bird in the Bamboo Cage is based on true events and Hazel Gaynor has researched her book well. Once again I have read something based during wartime that I had no knowledge of and knowing that children suffered in internment camps and the sufferings they endured is heartbreaking.

Right at the end of the book, the girls sing Taps, which is how every meeting of the Brownies or Guides ends (I’m not sure if it still does) but this was a real memory blast for me and I even remembered the words....

Day is done,

Gone the sun,

From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky,

All is well,

Safely rest,

God is nigh.

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My Review for Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Secrets of Magpie Cove by Kennedy Kerr.

Lila leaves London and her ex-boyfriend behind to begin a new life and a new career in Cornwall. Whilst undertaking a college course to become a patissier, Lila works part-time in Serafina’s cafe in Magpie Cove and is enjoying getting to know the locals and spending time with Oliver - her new friend at college. However, after Serafina sadly passes away, her son Nathan inherits the cafe and some decisions that he is making just don’t sit well with Lila.

I loved Secrets of Magpie Cove and although I haven’t read the first book in the series, this really didn’t matter. I will definitely put it on my TBR list though. Kennedy Kerr reminds me of Liz Fenwick in her writings and transports you into the lives of the characters from the outset. With her descriptions of the pastries that Lila is learning to cook, she made my mouth water many times!

Serafina helped so many people during her life, and some of this only comes to light after her death. Lila wants to help the local community in the same way that Serafina did and enlists the help of those around her to aid her in her mission. Secrets of Magpie Cove is lighthearted and an easy read with a genuine sense of community spirit. If you fancy something lovely to read in the sunshine, grab yourself a copy of Kennedy Kerr’s new novel.

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My Review for This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I bought ‘This is Going to Hurt’ during lockdown 1.0 in 2020 but I’ve only just got around to reading it (the dilemma of having too many books to choose from)!  Having worked in the NHS for 25 years as a Receptionist/Secretary and Personal Assistant, I thought it would be interesting to see what Adam Kay went through as a junior doctor.  

Adam Kay wrote snatched entries into his secret diaries whenever he had a chance, ‘after endless days, sleepless nights and missed weekends.  Beginning when he got his first post as a House Officer through to when he quit medicine as a Senior Registrar.  Throughout his stories, he holds nothing back, being totally honest about what he thinks of the NHS, his colleagues and his patients.  For anyone who thinks a doctor has things easy and gets paid a lot, and for anyone who doesn’t work in the NHS (and those who do) - read this book - I think you will be surprised.

I loved the honesty Adam brings to his diaries and I’m guessing a few folks out there will think that he should keep quiet about some things that happened not only during his time as a doctor but also in days gone by when his Consultants tell him tales that will make your toes curl.

I think readers will be shocked by the reality, that yes, doctors have their holidays cancelled at the very last minute, yes, they are expected to just ‘pop’ back home to cover a shift - even if they are in the middle of the Indian Ocean and indeed clinics and operations run over.  You can’t just leave a patient on the operating table because your shift should have finished an hour ago!

The book is funny, thought-provoking, eye-opening and devastating.  Adam tells his tales of his career as a junior doctor with so much witticism it is difficult to put down.  At the end of the book, he writes an open letter to the UK Government, asking them to take doctors and the NHS seriously.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Adam’s book and I would urge you to do the same.

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My Review for Beta's Bane by Liv James

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. When the opportunity came my way to read and review an ARC of the first in a paranormal series, I jumped at the chance.  Give Me Books Promotions sent me a copy of Beta's Bane by Liv James and it is absolutely outstanding, as the author's debut novel I am only hoping she continues to write more!

Cam and Brodie are brothers, born to Cecily, who was the Alpha of the Ridgeway pack.  Cam steps into his mother's shoes and becomes the new pack Alpha, with Brodie as his Beta.  The Pathway is the route that Wolf Shifters take when their souls pass from one world into the next and must be protected.   Liv James's story follows Brodie as he attempts to claim his fated mate, Iris, but will his brother's new law prevent them from being together?

Different squads form the Ridegway pack, with Squad Leaders in charge of their own team.  They work together, training with other warriors from around the world, to protect the Pathway.  Once I became familiar with the characters I couldn't get enough of this new series.  The majority of them were so likeable and entertaining, it was a joy to read.  

The author draws the reader into the story with her descriptions and tales from the past as we learn the story behind the prophecy and how the Ridgeway pack, is what it is.

As there is erotic content in the book, it is definitely for those over 18, however, don't be fooled into thinking it's just a lot of sex with a bit of a story - it is so much more than that.  Liv James writes beautifully and there are some very poignant moments included throughout the book.

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My Review for 20th Victim by James Patterson

⭐⭐⭐⭐  20th Victim is my first James Patterson novel and part of the Women’s Murder Club series.   I listened to it as an Audiobook,  narrated by January LaVoy and borrowed from Borrowbox. I enjoyed it but I think James Patterson is probably better to read as a physical book rather listened to as an Audiobook - it got slightly confusing for me - it doesn’t take much these days though!  Having read other reviews of James Patterson's books it appears that once again I’m late to the party, and, as this is one of his more recent books I am convinced that they can only get better as I go backwards.

Predominantly the dominant story is about three victims, in three cities at the same time with Sergeant Lindsay Boxer as the investigating officer.  There are a couple of other subplots which don’t seem to have any relevance to the story but I guess everyone has a life outside of their job, with friends and family who are connected with the protagonist and this is what Patterson shows as he writes his story.  

I loved the enthusiasm and comradeship of the women, who I am presuming, are the ‘Women’s Murder Club’.  With careers that are different, but linked, they are always there for each other, no matter what.

Will I read another James Patterson?  Almost certainly, although I need to do some research into his earlier novels and start off with those, I think.

If you are a James Patterson fan then yes, definitely read 20th victim, however, if, like me, you are new to the author then start off with something different.  I'm off to find out what I should have read first!

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My Review for The Cursed Girls by Caro Ramsay

⭐⭐⭐⭐. Thank you to NetGalley, Canongate and Black Thorn for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Cursed Girls by Caro Ramsay.

What is the Melvick Curse?  It seems that lives begin to deteriorate for anyone who gets involved with the Melvick family.  Melissa is the eldest daughter, and she’s dying, Megan, the youngest, is deaf and people think she’s mad.  Their mother disappeared. And whatever happened to Megan’s best friend?

Megan returns to her childhood family home, the Melvick Estate, to say goodbye to her dying sister.  But once there she finds it hard to leave, people around Megan are doing their utmost to make her stay, but why?

I found The Cursed Girls slow, to begin with, but it soon became a book I just couldn’t wait to get to the end of - for all the good reasons!  Caro Ramsay is brilliant at keeping you guessing throughout the story and it will keep you guessing as to what will happen next.  There were many times throughout the book when I was sure I knew what was coming, only to be thrown in a completely different direction!

I wasn’t sure which characters I could trust in this book and even right until the end, the only one I believed was the protagonist, Megan Melvick.  Certainly, strange things were happening to her, some of which she couldn’t explain, Megan but for me, she was a likeable character who only wanted to discover the truth.

If you like a mystery/thriller then check out The Cursed Girls, I need to find myself some more Caro Ramsay novels to read.

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My Review for Stephen Fry in America

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. In September 2021 we have a 5-week road trip booked in America, flying to Atlanta, Georgia and travelling South, then West, then North a bit and finally East, back to Atlanta!  Whether this will happen in September 2021 remains to be seen as currently (June 2021) we still aren’t allowed to travel there from the UK.   Never mind, we will get there eventually, I tell myself!  If you are reading this and there is also a post on this blog for the trip, then we made it at some point!  In the meantime I thought I would get myself in the mood, so we watched BBC1’s ‘Stephen Fry in America’ and I decided to listen to the audiobook too.

In his own inimitable style, with wry humour and enthusiasm, Stephen tells us of his journey across the 50 (or 51 - I’m still not sure) states of the United States of America in an English, black taxi cab, collecting fridge magnets as he goes!  

Stephen meets and talks to fascinating people, views wondrous landscapes and mingles into small-town life, taking Thanksgiving dinner with a family on a plantation.  All throughout his journey (which takes about 8 months in total) Stephen transported us into the days and weeks alongside him. As he describes each state in such detail, we can almost imagine we are there with him.

The audiobook was so, so much better than the television series. There was more content, more detail and a lot, lot more humour.  I’m guessing that if I’d read the actual book, the same content would have been there, probably with photographs too, but I wouldn’t have had Stephen’s dulcet tones, speaking to me directly for 8 hours and this made it even more appealing.

I would definitely recommend Stephen Fry in America for anyone who has the slightest interest in the United States, for me who loves the country. It was a simple decision.  I don’t know why I hadn’t sought out the book before now.

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