Book Description:

Reeling from the death of his great love, Karin, Varg Veum’s life has descended into a self-destructive spiral of alcohol, lust, grief and blackouts. When traces of child pornography are found on his computer, he’s accused of being part of a pedophile ring and thrown into a prison cell. There, he struggles to sift through his past to work out who is responsible for planting the material . . . and who is seeking the ultimate revenge. When a chance to escape presents itself, Varg finds himself on the run in his hometown of Bergen. With the clock ticking and the police on his tail, Varg takes on his hardest—and most personal—case yet. Chilling, shocking and exceptionally gripping, Wolves in the Dark reaffirms Gunnar Staalesen as one of the world’s foremost thriller writers.

My Thoughts:

Wolves in the Dark is the second book I have read by this author. I have to give a mention to the fabulous translation of this novel by Don Bartlett. I’m not always a big fan of books that have been translated but I have personally had no problems with these books and felt that they flow really well.

My first introduction to Varg was in Where Roses Never Die. I took to him straight away. If things weren’t bad enough for him as it was in the previous book, things are about to get a whole lot worse!

Varg is without a doubt a character that readers will take into their hearts. No matter how much rubbish life throws at him, he never lets it beat him. To be accused of what Varg is being accused off, is just horrendous. I like that the author has used a crime that is sadly very much one that is current in todays world. For Varg to be accused of it though sent me reeling. The reader knows there is no way that it would be possible but sadly not everyone thinks the same.

The author has yet again created a story that will have the reader racing through the pages to see whether Varg can prove his innocence. My heart was literally in my mouth wondering if he would be able to get himself out of this appalling situation. It certainly makes for a tense and exciting read.

My thanks to Orenda Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

Goodreads rating 4/5 stars.

Wolves in the Dark is available to purchase from Amazon.

Book Description:

Four friends. One promise. But someone isn’t telling the truth. The twisting new mystery from bestselling phenomenon Ruth Ware.

The text message arrives in the small hours of the night. It’s just three words: I need you.
Isa drops everything, takes her baby daughter and heads straight to Salten. She spent the most significant days of her life at boarding school on the marshes there, days which still cast their shadow over her.

At school Isa and her three best friends used to play the Lying Game. They competed to convince people of the most outrageous stories. Now, after seventeen years of secrets, something terrible has been found on the beach. Something which will force Isa to confront her past, together with the three women she hasn’t seen for years, but has never forgotten.

Theirs is no cosy reunion: Salten isn’t a safe place for them, not after what they did. It’s time for the women to get their story straight…

My Thoughts:

The Lying Game is the third book I have read by this author and another great read.

The story is mainly set in present day with some quick flicks to the past so we get to see how all four girls meet and become friends. We also see everything from the point of view of Isa.

I was dying to know what secret the four women were keeping from everyone. The author though made sure that she didn’t tell me a moment before she was ready and it was pure torture. Even though a steady read, I was racing through the pages as I was desperate to find out. I mean who doesn’t love secrets?

All four women are very different in character and it made me wonder what drew them all together. Even though they haven’t seen each other for nearly two decades, they all drop everything to go see Kate. I didn’t know what had tied them together for this length of time but you can tell when they all meet again that there is certainly a strong bond between them.

The setting for the story was just brilliant. It just gave a bit of an eerie feel to it all and I for one wouldn’t have wanted to go venturing off on my own like Isa, especially with a baby!

The Lying Game is such an engaging read. I literally struggled to put it down. Filled full of secrets and lies that bond these four women together it will certainly keep you guessing with an ending that didn’t disappoint. Really enjoyed it.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

Goodreads raying 4/5 stars.

The Lying Game is available to purchase from Amazon.

Book Description:

 

Kate Palmer, an undergraduate student, discovers that she is pregnant and makes the decision to drop out of university. However, on the evening before she returns home, her body is discovered in Aston park. She is the first victim of several murders that will rock the city of Birmingham.
Detective Sergeant James “Jim” Wardell, who has his own issues to contend with, is given the case.

 

When Eddie Carter, a popular talk show host on Birmingham’s Radio Station, is contacted by someone claiming to be the killer, it is the start of a cat and mouse game between a deranged killer and the police.

After a second body is discovered the pressure mounts on the police to capture the man responsible.

 

Who is killing these women and why?

Can Jim capture the twisted killer before more innocent women are murdered?

My Thoughts:

I love how this story is told. It flicks between the killer himself, the victims families as well as the police. You really get a feel for what it’s like from all sides. The parts to do with the victims families was particularly emotional, I found myself filling up numerous times as what they were going through was just horrific.

Not only does the story focus on a serial killer but it deals with domestic abuse. We get to know the killer in his home life with his wife and daughter. The abuse that he dishes out to his wife does make for uncomfortable reading and my heart went out to her and what she was having to put up with.

The killer himself, I truly detested. I couldn’t wait for the police to capture him. I wanted him to pay for the horrendous things he had done and it certainly made for a heart in your mouth read wondering how many more he was going to kill and if it was ever going to end.

I really liked Jim, he is just one of those likeable characters. I didn’t pity him whatsoever having to let the victims poor families know about the death of a loved one. Through his character you could really tell how much this side of things can take it’s toll. He is quite a gentle soul and he really cares about this case. I for one would love to see more of Jim as not sure if this is just a stand alone or the start of a new series.

A Deadly Game is a gripping read that will have you going through a whole array or emotions. I loved that the author had a couple of things up her sleeves which meant there were a couple of surprises in there that I wasn’t expecting. A great debut novel and can’t wait to read more by the author.

My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

Goodreads rating 4/5 stars.

A Deadly Game is available to purchase from Amazon.

 

Book Description:

“The truth costs nothing, but a lie can cost you everything…”

June 2007: a barbaric nail bomb is planted outside a London nightclub, a spy is found dead in his garden, and a blazing Jeep is driven into Glasgow airport. Three events bound by an earth-shattering connection that should have remained buried forever.

From the author of ‘The Theseus Paradox’, the smash-hit 7/7 thriller based on true events, comes the sequel about a real-life mystery that threatens to destroy a nation. Detective Inspector Jake Flannagan must uncover how a series of astonishing events are inextricably linked, before the past closes in on him.

We all have secrets we say we’ll never tell…

My Thoughts:

As there are references to the case that Jake worked on in the first book in the series, I would recommend reading The Theseus Paradox before reading The Detriment.

It was great catching back up with Jake. He is trying to turn his life around as he has been on a type of probation while he proves himself to the powers that be. He has stopped drinking and was good to see him not on self destruction mode. He still needs to sort himself out where women are concerned but this is obviously harder for him than stopping the drinking.

There is so much going on in this book and was quite a fast paced read. I was glad that I had an evening which was really peaceful and had no interruptions so that I could fully concentrate on the story.

I loved the different threads running in the story and was intrigued with all of it. We also get to see more of Jakes ex which I really liked. Even though Jake is a bit of a player and gets himself into some sticky situations at times, there is no doubt that he is a really caring guy. We especially get to see this with his ex.

If anything Jake reminded me of Bond in this book. I’m not sure if it’s because he had to keep answering to a female boss who obviously has his best interests to heart and he always seems to be in trouble, either way it really reminded me of Bonds relationship with M.

The Detriment is a fast paced and thrilling read. The author brings the whole story to life with mentions of real life events and had me gripped through out. Hope the author doesn’t keep us waiting to long for the third in the series!

My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

Goodreads rating 5/5 stars.

The Detriment is available to purchase from Amazon.

Book Description:

How far would you go to protect your family?

Single dad Ben is doing his best to raise his children alone, with the help of his devoted mother Judi. Life isn’t easy, but Judi’s family means everything to her and together, they manage.

Then Ben meets Amber. Everyone thinks this is a perfect match for Ben but Judi isn’t sure … there’s just something about Amber that doesn’t add up.

Ben can’t see why his mother dislikes his new girlfriend. And Amber doesn’t want Judi anywhere near her new family. Amber just wants Ben and the children.

The further Judi delves into Amber’s personal life, the closer she gets to shocking secrets that could change everything. And Judi must make a decision that could lead to the most disastrous consequences.

My Thoughts:

This is the authors third book I have read now and I have to say I am getting to be quite the fan. I know as soon as I pick up one of her books that I am guaranteed a good read and Liar was certainly no different.

The story starts off with a shocking start and then goes back to where it all started off and the events that lead back up to the present day. It flicks between Amber who is Ben’s new partner and Judi, Ben’s mum.

As a parent I do think it’s hard thinking that anyone is good enough for your children. Judi was lucky that she loved Ben’s first wife who sadly lost her life to cancer and is very much shocked and scared when Ben informs his parents that he has met someone else.

Without a doubt I could relate to Judi. She has been a big part of Ben’s as well as her grand children’s lives for the last two years. When Amber comes into their lives, it’s obvious that she wants Judi cut out of their lives.

Amber I took an instant dislike to straight away. It is obvious she is up to something but I didn’t know why. She seems hell bent on making things as difficult for Judi as possible and delights at driving a wedge between mother and son.

Liar is one very twisted story where I was certain I knew the outcome. The author weaves a story with twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and made me question everything. No way did I ever envision the ending to this book which I loved it when an author takes me by surprise. I would have personally loved some sort of epilogue as it ended slightly abruptly for me and left me wondering a few things but other than that I totally loved it.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

Goodreads rating 4/5 stars.

Liar is available to purchase from Amazon.

Book Description:

David Booker and Jo Cash are experiencing similar stuttering starts to their new lives on Romney Marsh when Rebecca Swaine turns up seeking help. Someone is demanding a lot of money from her husband and she wants to know why.

What do the dying words of one man – he made me – actually mean?

As the mystery unfolds people will come undone and reputations will be ruined before the answer becomes clear.

At the end of the day Mrs Swaine might end up wishing she’d let sleeping dogs lie…

My Thoughts:

He Made Me is the second book in the Booker and Cash series. I wouldn’t say it’s essential to have read the first book in the series but it will definitely give you more background to how both characters end up in Romney Marsh.

I’ve never been to Romney Marsh but through these books I get a real sense of the area from the authors descriptions. Though the weather can be quite dreary, it doesn’t take away from what sounds an idyllic part of the country and I certainly hope to visit at some point in the future.

It was good to catch back up with Booker and Cash. Both are quite different in personalities yet they seem to work well together. I get the sense of something seriously brewing between these two and I for one can’t wait to see what the future has in store for them both.

The story has an intriguing story line that had me hooked right from the start. Even though essentially this series is one of crime it feels very much a murder mystery kind of read. Think more Midsomer Murders or even Inspector Morse. There is just that added touch of humour that runs deep within the pages that just makes it a more lighter crime book rather than the dark gritty reads that are out there. It certainly makes for an entertaining read.

He Made Me has plenty going on in it to keep the reader turning the pages. The whole investigation brings to light plenty of revelations of which I for one was not expecting. Yet another solid read in the series.

Goodreads rating 4/5 stars.

He Made Me is available to purchase from Amazon.