Murder At The Playhouse by Helena Dixon @NellDixon @bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookReview

Title: Murder At The Playhouse by Helena Dixon

Publisher: Bookouture

Date Published: 30th June 2020

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Description:

The scene is set for murder… and Kitty Underhay’s partner has been cast as the killer.

Late Summer, 1933. After a quarrel with too-plucky-for-her-own-good amateur sleuth Kitty Underhay, dashing ex-army captain Matthew Bryant is nursing his wounds, and a tumbler of brandy, when there’s a heavy knock at the door and he finds himself arrested for murder. The body of aspiring actress Pearl Bright has been found, strangled with one of Matt’s own bootlaces, and the evidence seems to be stacked against him.

The local constabulary might have locked Matt up, but before they can throw away the key, Kitty hears the news and hies to his aid, determined to prove his innocence. And when her investigations lead her to the home of retired theatre impresario Stanley Davenport, and the local amateur dramatics society, Kitty uncovers a web of deceit that stretches far beyond the stage make-up. But Kitty’s digging is bringing her to the attention of the killer. Without her partner in crime-fighting, can Kitty expose them and clear Matt’s name? Or will it be curtains for them both?

A gripping Golden Age cozy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss.

You can by your copy here: https://geni.us/B085QNNFWHSocial

Review: 

I want to thank Noelle at Bookouture for inviting me on this tour and providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I have really enjoyed the first two books of this series and so I was looking forward to  Murder At The Playhouse, especially when I saw the absolutely gorgeous cover!

Murder At The Playhouse is a historical cozy mystery set in the 1930’s with a likeable amateur sleuth and plenty of memorable characters. 

Poor Matthew is locked in a cell, accused of the murder of a young woman found dead on the golf course behind his house. He’s banned from looking into the case so it’s up to Kitty to find out more. 

I enjoyed the fact we got to know Matthew a little better in this story, he’s starting to open up after his traumas during the war. We even got to meet his parents which was interesting to say the least! I also love the slow burn romance going on between Matthew and Kitty, I’m rooting for them to get together.

I liked the attention to detail these novels have with nice historical facts and features that makes it stand out from other modern novels set around this time.

There’s also a nice sub-plot building with Kitty’s mother and I’m anxious to see how that pans out.

Murder At The Playhouse is a puzzling whodunnit and a must for fans of golden age mysteries! I can’t wait to read more of this series.

About The Author:

Nell Dixon was born and continues to live in the Black Country. Married to the same man for over thirty-five years she has three daughters, a cactus called Spike, a crazy cockapoo and a tank of tropical fish. She is allergic to adhesives, apples, tinsel and housework. Her addictions of choice are coffee and reality TV. She was winner of The Romance Prize in 2007 with her book Marrying Max, and winner of Love Story of the Year 2010 with her book, Animal Instincts. She also writes historical 1930’s set cozy crime as Helena Dixon.

Author Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.nelldixon.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nell.dixon

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/NellDixon

A Body In The Village Hall by Dee MacDonald @bookouture #Bookreview #BooksOnTour

Title: A Body in the Village Hall by Dee MacDonald 

Date Published: 29th June 2020

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Description:

Kate Palmer is more than ready for the quiet life in Lower Tinworthy, Cornwall. But within weeks of her arrival, a woman is found dead in the village hall, stabbed to death with her own kitchen knife…

The victim is Fenella Barker-Jones: chairwoman of the Women’s Institute, doyenne of the amateur dramatic society, and reigning champion of the WI cake-baking contest. But whilst she may have been at the centre of village life, there were plenty who had reason to dislike her – as Kate is about to find out.

As a practice nurse and one of the first on the scene, Kate can’t help but get drawn into the investigation. Her patients are only too eager to tell her about the victim’s extra-curricular activities and, the more Kate hears about Fenella, the more the list of suspects grows: it seems half the village wanted her dead.

Kate’s sister Angie tells her to leave it alone, but Kate can’t resist piecing together the clues. Especially not if brings her closer to the handsome Detective Inspector ‘Woody’ Forrest, who is near to retiring himself and determined to crack his last case.

But when someone breaks into Kate’s home and leaves a warning note on her pillow, it becomes clear the murderer is prepared to do anything to keep their identity hidden… Will Kate and Woody work out who’s responsible, before she becomes the next victim?

If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this page-turning novel will have you reading late into the night!

You can buy your copy here:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2AXm3E6

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

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Jzaeok

Google: https://bit.ly/2yqcSu8

Review:

I want to thank Sarah at bookouture for inviting me on this tour and providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first in the Kate Palmer mystery series and the first book I’ve read by Dee MacDonald and I can safely say that it won’t be the last!

Nurse Kate Palmer moved from London to Cornwall with her sister hoping for a quiet life but a murder of Fenella Barker-Jones soon puts an end to that. Fenella has no shortage of enemies and amateur sleuth Kate gets pulled into the investigation.

A body in the village hall is a light hearted mystery with plenty of red herrings, intriguing character and a little romance thrown in there to boot.

This is such a fun fast paced book, I devoured it in two sittings, I didn’t want to put it down!

I love the character of Kate. Sometimes with an amateur detective, they come across as a little pushy or annoying but she comes across as caring and kind yet firm when she needs to be. Also how she puts up with her overdramatic alcoholic sister Angie is beyond me. 

I wasn’t entirely surprised by the ending but I do love to play detective myself and figure out the mystery before the amateur sleuth does.

A body in the village hall is a great start to this series and I can’t wait to read more!

About the author:

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.

She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!

Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.  

#Blogtour #Review A Wish For Jinnie by Audrey Davis @audbyname @rararesources

Title: A Wish For Jinnie by Audrey Davis

Date Published: 22nd June 2020

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Description:

What if wishes really could come true? 

When Jinnie Cooper is dumped by her fiancé, and exiled to a job in an antiques shop in a sleepy Scottish village, little does she know a battered old lamp is about to shake up her life. 

Genie Dhassim grants wishes. But he also wants a few of his own to come true. Letting him explore the outside world proves nerve-wracking as Dhassim has an uncanny knack of putting his pointy-slippered foot in it. 

As Jinnie grows closer to her employer Sam, Dhassim discovers his time on earth is running out. 

Can both Jinnie and Dhassim find true happiness? Or are those wishes that cannot be granted?

You can buy your copy here:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wish-Jinnie-magical-romantic-difference-ebook/dp/B088HGYN8G/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Wish-Jinnie-magical-romantic-difference-ebook/dp/B088HGYN8G/

Review:

I want to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on this tour and Audrey Davis for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been in a funk recently but when I picked up A Wish For Jinnie it cheered me right up!

As a child I had a bit of a love for all things genie. I used to watch repeats of a show called I Dream Of Jeannie and the Disney movie Aladdin, so when I saw the blurb for this book I thought yes I need to read that.

Jinnie wants a fresh start after her disaster of a relationship so she moves to the small town of Cranley. What she doesn’t bank on is finding her very own genie in a lamp! Will he help her find happiness or make her life into more of a disaster?

Audrey Davis has created such wonderful and lovable characters that when I finished this book I genuinely didn’t want to leave behind, even the genie Dhassim with his tendency to drive poor Jinnie a little nuts. 

This is one of those stories that just has everything you want in a rom com, humour, a heroine you root for and even moments that tug at the old heart strings.

There were a few parts of the story that I thought could be carried into a sequel but maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part!

A Wish For Jinnie is a sweet, funny and uplifting story that is the perfect story to escape from the real world for a while.

About The Author:

Audrey Davis is a Scottish-born former journalist, now resident in Switzerland. Her newspaper career saw her cover events in Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands, as well as working for a London-based movie magazine writing reviews and carrying out interviews.

She self-published her debut romantic comedy novel A Clean Sweep in June 2017, following an online Open University course in Writing Fiction. 

Audrey followed up with a short, darker prequel A Clean Break before beginning work on a rom-com novella trilogy with a ghostly twist – The Haunting of Hattie Hastings. Again, reviews across the board were excellent, and it was combined into a standalone novel in November 2018.

A Wish For Jinnie is her third standalone novel.

Apart from writing, Audrey enjoys travel and spends a lot of time in Edinburgh. She is an avid cook, watcher of scary movies and reluctant gym-goer.

Social Media Links – 

Tweets by audbyname

https://www.facebook.com/audreydavisbooks/

https://www.instagram.com/cowieaudrey/

Home

The Curious Case Of Faith and Grace by David B. Lyons @TheOpenAuthor @damppebbles @damppebblesBTs #damppebblesblogtours #TheCuriousCaseofFaithandGrace

Title: The Curious Case Of Faith and Grace by David B. Lyons

Date Published: 3rd July 2020

Genre: Legal Thriller

Description:

Pretty… or pretty twisted?

ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO FAITH AND GRACE TIDDLE ARRIVED HOME FROM THEIR USUAL SATURDAY MORNING DANCE CLASS TO FIND BOTH OF THEIR PARENTS FACE DOWN IN POOLS OF BLOOD.

Five days later, the twins — only nine years old at the time — were arrested for the double homicide.

And now, twenty months on, the entire country awaits with bated breath as the jury are dismissed to deliberate their verdict on a case that has become a national phenomenon.

But if Lead Detective Denis Quayle — the man who knows the case better than anybody else — isn’t fully convinced of the twins’ guilt…

Can a twelve-person jury be?

GET READY TO EXPLORE…

THE CURIOUS CASE OF FAITH & GRACE

You can get your copy here:

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/30ZMCDh

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2YRbhHj 

Review:

I want to thank Emma at Damppebbles blog tour for inviting me on this tour and David B. Lyons for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Curious Case Of Faith and Grace is a taut and in many ways a thought provoking legal thriller.  

I think most people have a fascination with identical twins, either you think they’re intriguing or a little disconcerting and that’s certainly the case with Faith and Grace. But the question is are they innocent or not?

The story is told from several POV’s including Alice who is a member of the jury on Faith and Grace’s trial and Detective Quayle who is lead investigator into the deaths of Faith and Grace’s parents. The characters are really realistic, at times not all that likeable but I have a soft spot for Quayle who is a country policeman who is way out of his league during the investigation.

The main issue I had was that the two girls were on trial, even if the crime was murder, as I thought couldn’t be tried for any sort of crime if it was committed under the age of ten but I’m not an expert in these matters.

The curious case of Faith and Grace is an intense legal thriller that is a must if you love a character driven novel. 

About the Author:

David B. Lyons is an international bestselling author — a writer of psychological thrillers.

He has reached No.1 in charts in Ireland, the UK, Canada and Australia.

David grew up in Dublin – the city his novels are set – but currently spends his time between Birmingham in the UK and the Irish capital. David is married to a Brummie, Kerry, and they have one daughter, Lola.

He has lectured in Creative Writing in colleges and universities in both Ireland and in the UK and coaches people how to write with free tutorials at TheOpenAuthor.com.

You can connect with David here:
Website: TheOpenAuthor.com
Twitter: @TheOpenAuthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorDavidBLyons

#CoverReveal #NotTheDeathsImagined by Anne Pettigrew @pettigrew_anne @RingwoodPublish @damppebbles @DamppebblesBTs

Today I have a cover reveal for Not The Deaths Imagined by Anne Pettigrew, organised by Emma at Damppebbles blog tours but first a little about the book:

Title: Not The Deaths Imagined by Anne Pettigrew

Publication date: 1st August 2020

Publisher: Ringwood Publishing 

Genre: Crime Fiction 

Description:

In a leafy Glasgow suburb, Dr Beth Semple is busy juggling motherhood and full-time GP work in the 90s NHS. But her life becomes even more problematic when she notices some odd deaths in her neighbourhood. Though Beth believes the stories don’t add up, the authorities remain stubbornly unconvinced.

Soon, Beth’s professional reputation is challenged. There follows a chilling campaign of harassment and she finds her professional reputation – and family – are put at risk.

Is a charming local GP actually a serial killer? Can Beth piece together the jigsaw of perplexing fatalities and perhaps save lives? And as events accelerate towards a dramatic conclusion, will the police intervene in time?

From the author of Not the Life Imagined, this slow-burning tartan noir novel from a Bloody Scotland Crime Spotlight author follows Beth on another quest for justice. Reflecting Pettigrew’s own medical expertise, Not The Deaths Imagined re-affirms the benefits of growing up in a loving family and the need for friends in hard times, while offering insight into the twisted development of a psychopathic mind.

Ooh sounds intriguing right? Now here’s the cover:

You can pre-order it here:

Ringwood Publishing: https://bit.ly/2B0I0C2

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/31eOqIC

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2B4gMuk

About Anne Pettigrew:

Glasgow-born, 31 years a Greenock GP, graduate of University of Glasgow (Medicine 1974) and Oxford (MSc Medical Anthropology 2004). Worked also in psychiatry, women’s health, and  journalism (Herald, Pulse, Doctor, Channel 4). In retirement she took Creative Writing tuition at Glasgow University aiming to pen novels about women doctors (rare in literature except as pathologists or in Mills & Boon). Runner-up in SAW Constable Award 2018, chosen as a 2019 Bloody Scotland Crime Spotlight Author – ‘one to watch.’ Member of several writers’ groups and a short story competition winner, she lives in Ayrshire and enjoys good books, good wine, and good company.

Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pettigrew_anne @pettigrew_anne

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

Website: http://www.annepettigrew.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anne.pettigrew.author/

Blog: https://annepettigrew.literaryglobe.com/ & http://www.annepettigrew.co.uk

#BlogTour The Patient Man by Joy Ellis @JoffeBooks

Title: The Patient Man by Joy Ellis

Publisher: Joffe Books

Date Published: 18th June 2020

Genre: Police Procedural

Description:

From #1 best-selling author Joy Ellis, a totally absorbing mystery full of stunning twists and turns. Discover the author who’s sold over two million books globally.

A MYSTERY WHICH WILL CAPTIVATE YOU FROM START TILL THE DRAMATIC ENDING

JACKMAN AND EVANS’ MOST DANGEROUS ENEMY IS BACK TO FINISH THINGS OFF
The domestic bliss of Detective Inspector Rowan Jackman of Fenland Constabulary doesn’t last long. His nemesis, serial killer Alistair Ashcroft, is back in town and ready to tidy up unfinished business.

Ashcroft sends a sinister text to DS Marie Evans. His opening move in what will prove to be a lethal game of cat-and-mouse. Yet for all his taunts, where is he? In a county crawling with police on the lookout for him, Ashcroft is nowhere to be found.

EVERYONE JACKMAN CARES ABOUT IS IN DANGER
Alongside the hunt for Ashcroft, normal police work must continue. The separate thefts of guns, six pigs, a thoroughbred stallion and some oil lead Jackman’s crew to the notorious Lorimer family, ruled over on their farm by the fearsome matriarch Rachel.

Meanwhile, a seemingly routine break-in at the home of gun-club owner Kenneth Harcourt quickly becomes more complicated when the man long held responsible for having killed Harcourt’s young daughter in a hit-and-run is shot dead in a carpark — by a sniper.

A killer is on the loose in the quiet streets of Saltern-le-Fen and he isn’t going to stop at claiming one life. But why is he focusing on young Kevin, so close to promotion to detective?

A LETHAL GAME WITH A VERY PATIENT MAN

And the sniper, like Ashcroft, takes to taunting the police: they’ll never catch him, they need to respect him, they shouldn’t be side-tracked looking for their old adversary.

In a stunning conclusion, Jackman and Evans race against time to catch the sniper and track down their deadly adversary.

Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.

CAN THEY FINALLY STOP ALISTAIR ASHCROFT?

What readers are saying about Joy Ellis

“Another breathtaking thriller from Joy.” Carole

“Great read from start to finish.” Nerys

“Just a wonderful enjoyable read.” Nicki

“A hugely compelling police procedural, with twists and turns that raise tension and suspense.” Paromjit

“All the twists and turns kept me reading.” Viv

“Another great book from Ms Ellis.” Barbara

Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Sarah A. Denzil, Robert Bryndza, Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.

THE DETECTIVES
DI Jackman leads the investigation. He is extremely smart and has a knack for bringing out the best in his diverse team. DS Marie Evans is haunted by the loss of her husband in a motorbike accident. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and colleagues.

ALSO BY JOY ELLIS
THE NIKKI GALENA SERIES
Book 1: CRIME ON THE FENS
Book 2: SHADOW OVER THE FENS
Book 3: HUNTED ON THE FENS
Book 4: KILLER ON THE FENS
Book 5: STALKER ON THE FENS
Book 6: CAPTIVE ON THE FENS
Book 7: BURIED ON THE FENS
Book 8: THIEVES ON THE FENS
Book 9: FIRE ON THE FENS
Book 10: DARKNESS ON THE FENS
Book 11: HIDDEN ON THE FENS

JACKMAN & EVANS
Book 1: THE MURDERER’S SON
Book 2: THEIR LOST DAUGHTERS
Book 3: THE FOURTH FRIEND
Book 4: THE GUILTY ONES
Book 5: THE STOLEN BOYS
Book 6: THE PATIENT MAN

Review:

I want to thank Jill Burkinshaw for inviting me on this tour and Joffe Books for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

So this is the sixth book in the Jackman and Evans series I would highly recommend that you read a few of the other books in this series, not just because it’s such a fab series, but there’s a certain part of the story that carries over from previous books.

Jackman and Evans’ nemesis is back again and boy oh boy does he put them through the ringer in this book! Burglaries, snipers, not to mention the mind games, I was worried that Jackman and Evans wouldn’t come out of it in one piece, physically or mentally.

What I really enjoy about the series is the great characters that Joy Ellis creates from the good hearted policemen and women, to the dastardly villains and all the innocent people who get caught in between.

There is a slight predictability to the story but I personally don’t mind that and enjoy playing detective myself while I’m reading and figuring out the mystery.

The Patient Man is a well written and engrossing police procedural that grips you from that very first chapter.

About The Author:

UK #1 BEST SELLER WITH THEIR LOST DAUGHTERS, DARKNESS ON THE FENS, THE FOURTH FRIEND, BEWARE THE PAST, FIRE ON THE FENS, AND THE GUILTY ONES

OVER 2 MILLION BOOKS SOLD!

“I was born in Kent but spent most of my working life in London and Surrey. I was an apprentice florist to Constance Spry Ltd, a prestigious Mayfair shop that throughout the sixties and seventies teemed with both royalty and ‘real’ celebrities. What an eye-opener for a working-class kid from the Garden of England! I swore then, probably whilst I was scrubbing the floor or making the tea, that I would have a shop of my own one day. It took until the early eighties, but I did it. Sadly the recession wiped us out, and I embarked on a series of weird and wonderful jobs; the last one being a bookshop manager. Surrounded by books all day, getting to order whatever you liked, and being paid for it! Oh bliss!

And now I live in a village in the Lincolnshire Fens with my partner, Jacqueline, a highly decorated retired police officer, and our four barking mad Springer spaniels. If I do get any spare time, which is rare these days, my one relaxation is painting, especially using soft pastels. We have been here for twenty years now and although I’ll never be a true ‘Yeller Belly’, a native born to this county, I have adopted it as my own. I love the mists, the big skies and the endless waterways. All my books are set here on the Fens, and why not? The location is perfect for murder!”

#BlogTour Snow Light by Danielle Zinn @DanielleZinn4 @darkstrokedark @BOTBSPublicity

Hello lovelies! Today I’m resharing my review for Snow Light by Danielle Zinn as part of its re-release blog tour organised by Sarah Hardy at Books On The Bright Side Publicity. First a little about the book:

Title: Snow Light by Danielle Zinn

 Date Published: 1st June 2020

Publisher: Darkstroke Books

Genre: Police Procedural

Description:

When Detective Inspector Nathaniel Thomas encounters a man attacking a young woman in a local park, the DI is unable to save her. Out of guilt, Thomas quits his job at Homicide Headquarters and relocates to the tiny village of Crottendorf, where he regains control of himself and begins to enjoy life again.

However, a year later, all the guilt and shame of the park incident re-emerges when a local hermit, Ethan Wright, is murdered with an unusual weapon and left on display in the centre of the village.

For Thomas, the situation gets worse when Detective Sergeant Ann Collins, a colleague from his past, appears to help with the case. But things become complicated when the victim’s identity is put into question.

Who is the victim? And why was he murdered?

Whilst Thomas and Collins find themselves trying to solve the unusual case, they may have more in common than they could have ever imagined. 

Review:

DI Nathaniel Thomas comes across a murder in progress but is unable to stop. He quits his job and moves to the small village of Turtleville in the Ore Mountains. His quiet life is thrown into chaos when Ethan Wright, the local oddball and hermit is murdered and placed on public display. But Ethan Wright is not who everyone thinks he is. With the help of DS Ann Collins, he must find out who Wright really is and catch the killer.

The opening to this book was fantastic, you’re thrown right into the action, when we relive DI Thomas’s memory of him comes across a murder in progress. It skips to a year later with Thomas being called out to another crime scene, this time in a sleepy little village.

I loved the setting up in the snowy mountains, which was so realistic it made me shiver at times. I’m just glad I don’t live there myself, I don’t think I could live with all that snow!

I liked the character of DI Thomas. You really feel his guilt and pain throughout the book as this murder brings up a lot of his unresolved issues. There is also an extra complication because he is acting guardian/surrogate dad to his friends’ 11-year-old daughter Sky, who is full of sassiness and is constantly trying to break the rules (She reminds me of a cheekier version of my son). His partner DS Ann Collins was not overly likeable, she’s quite blunt and moody (which makes a change it’s usual the men who are the taciturn ones), but she was a fascinating character and played off DI Thomas well.

It is fairly slow to start off but there were a few twists I did not see coming once the story got nearer the end, which made me not want to put it down until I finished it.

My only issue was it was quite a complicated story line and I got a little bit lost in the middle with who was who and who were the suspects.

A great debut novel and is the perfect wintry read for crime fans.

About The Author:

Danielle holds a BA (Hons) degree in Business and Management from New College Durham/UK and has settled down in Leipzig/Germany, where she works as a Financial Controller at an IT Consultancy.

Born and raised in a small village in the Ore Mountains/Germany Danielle was introduced to the world of English literature and writing from an early age on through her mother – an English teacher.

Her passion for sports, especially skiing and fencing, stems from her father’s side. Danielle draws her inspiration for writing from long walks in the country with her partner as well as circumnavigating the globe and visiting friends scattered all over the world.

Mix everything together and you get “Snow Light”, a detective mystery combining a stunning wintry setting in the Ore Mountains with unique traditions, some sporty action and lots of suspense.

Find Danielle Zinn on:

Twitter: @DanielleZinn4             https://twitter.com/daniellezinn4 

Facebook: Danielle.zinn.7           https://www.facebook.com/danielle.zinn.7

#BlogTour The Tree Beasts by E.R. Fallon @MysteryCreator @BOTBSPublicity @darkstrokedark #BookReview

Title: The Tree Beasts by E.R. Fallon

Date Published: 11th June 2020

Publisher: Darkstroke Books

Genre: Mystery/Fairytale

Description:

“Bewitching darkness laces every chapter, every word. This is the kind of book we stay up all night to finish. It’s simply remarkable.” ~ Da Chen, New York Times best-selling author

Beautiful Blackthorn Island is a small community, but at its heart lies a big, ugly secret…

The island of Blackthorn is a seemingly normal place that hides an evil secret. Not only does the island have strange trees that appear like exotic, menacing beasts – several of its youngest residents have mysteriously disappeared over the years. Some inhabitants think that the island’s trees even look like the missing children.

Paul Gold, one of identical twin boys, is the latest child to go missing. When his mother and sister believe they are seeing him again on the island years after his disappearance, they are determined to discover the truth behind what happened to him.

But there are those on the island who are just as determined to keep the secret…

Review:

I want to thank Sarah Hardy for inviting me on this blog tour and providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

E.R. Fallon is an author that is new to me and I was intrigued by the synopsis so I thought I’d give the book a go.

We follow the Gold family after Paul, a sickly child who is also an identical twin, goes missing. Strange things start to happen to them, especially around their youngest daughter Katie. There is so much mystery surrounding Paul’s disappearance and nobody wants the family to find out the truth.

The Tree Beast is a mix of folklore and mystery, creating an almost fairytale like story. 

I enjoyed the creepy atmosphere of the island, with all the secrets, weird trees and unexplained happenings.

I can’t say too much more about the storyline in case of spoilers but if you like your mystery mixed with a little fantasy/supernatural, I’d say you’d definitely enjoy this.

It was a fairly quick read but I did wish it had been a little faster paced but of course that’s just my opinion. 

The Tree Beasts is an inventive and intriguing story that will capture your imagination.

About The Author:

Bestselling crime author E.R. Fallon knows well the gritty city streets of which she writes. She studied criminology and was mentored by a leading advocate for the family members of homicide victims. E.R. is currently writing a book about living with autism and also working on her next gangland book, The Trouble Legacy, with her writing partner, KJ. 

Twitter: @MysteryCreator

https://www.instagram.com/erfallonwriter

https://www.facebook.com/ER-Fallon-and-KJ-Fallon-109913467225364

Mystery At Seagrave Hall by Clare Chase @ClareChase_ @Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookReview

Title: Mystery At Seagrave Hall by Clare Chase

Date Published:11th June 2020

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Description:

It’s Eve Mallow’s first visit to the local village fair. But amidst the booths, stalls, tables and tents lurks something darker… A mysterious fall means a new case for amateur detective Eve!

The charity fair at Seagrave Hall is a key date in the Saxford St Peter calendar – a chance for the villagers to nose around the house and grounds and cross paths with the rich and famous.

New resident Eve Mallow is particularly excited by this year’s special guest: the explorer Verity Nye, who is engaged to the heir to the Hall. Eve loves Verity’s determination, and she can’t wait to meet her.

But when they talk, Verity hints that she has something troubling on her mind. So after the festive mood is tragically interrupted by Verity’s fall from a third-floor window, Eve can’t be sure that it’s an appalling accident. Especially when one small boy claims he saw someone behind her…

Soon Eve finds herself tasked with writing Verity’s obituary. As she dusts off her notebook and begins her interviews alongside her trusted dachshund sidekick Gus she realises she has a fine array of suspects before her. Could it be a corrupt charity manager, the distraught fiancé, or jealous cousin Cora? And can Eve find out before her questions cause the killer to turn on her?

A charming and gripping page-turner, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Agatha Christie and Betty Rowlands.

Review:

I want to thank Noelle at Bookouture for inviting me on this tour and providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Eve Mallow the obituary writer/ amateur sleuth is back again in her third adventure, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the first two in the series as they can easily be read as stand-alones.

Mystery at Seagrave Hall is an interesting twist on the classic country house murder. Famous diver Verity Nye falls from a window at Seagrave hall, it’s classed as an accident until a little boy pipes up and says there was someone behind her. Was she pushed?

Eve can’t leave it alone so with the help of the secretive Robin Yardley and her trusty dachshund Gus she starts digging into the mystery, putting herself in more danger than she’d bargained for.

If you love the British countryside, mysteries that are not too explicit with a hint of romance you really can’t go wrong with this series.

I enjoyed Eve’s growth from the first book to this one, she’s not taking her interfering ex to heart quite as much. Also I’m enjoying the slow burn romance that I feel is building between her and Robin Yardley.

I have to be honest near the sixty percent mark, I felt myself drifting off a little but the satisfying ending made up for it.

Mystery at Seagrave Hall is a light hearted mystery which really kept me guessing throughout.

About The Author:

Clare Chase writes women sleuth mysteries. After graduating from London University with a degree in English Literature, Clare moved to Cambridge and has lived there ever since. She’s fascinated by the city’s contrasts and contradictions, which feed into her writing. She’s worked in diverse settings – from the 800-year-old University to one of the local prisons – and lived everywhere from the house of a Lord to a slug-infested flat. The terrace she now occupies, with her husband and teenage children, presents a good happy medium.

As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.

You can find Clare’s website and blog at www.clarechase.com

Author Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClareChase_

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10204574.Clare_Chase

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

#BlogTour Long Shadows by Derek Thompson @DerekWriteLines @JoffeBooks

Title: Long Shadows by Derek Thompson

Date Published: 1st June 2020

Publisher: Joffe Books

Genre: Police Procedural

Description:

A SECRET THAT WON’T STAY BURIED. A KILLER WHO CAN’T FORGET.

Detective Craig Wild couldn’t cut it in London. He swaps the Met for Mayberry, a sleepy Wiltshire backwater where ambition goes to die.

Then Wild is faced with the most baffling case of his career.

THIS IS HIS SECOND CHANCE

Eccentric farmer Alexander Porter is shot dead in his own field. Everyone assumes it was suicide. But Wild knows there’s more to it than that.

Determined to uncover the truth, he teams up with plucky PC Marnie Olsen. They set off on a twisting trail.

The first suspect is Nathan Porter, Alexander’s tearaway son. Wherever Nathan goes, trouble follows.

THEN SOMEONE ELSE DIES

Wild and Marnie must delve into the darkest corners of the family’s history if they are to uncover the truth.

Can they unmask the killer before Wild’s own chequered past catches up to him?

Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Robert Bryndza, L.J. Ross, Angela Marsons, Peter May or Alex Gray.

Review:

I want to thank Jill Burkinshaw for inviting me on this tour and Joffe Books for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Long Shadows is the first in a new detective series by Derek Thompson, having read his spy thrillers before I was excited to see how he would take on a police procedural.

Long Shadows is a solid, well plotted mystery and a really good start to this series.

Craig is an interesting character. Forced out of London he moves to the countryside, where he’s finding it hard to fit in with the close knit community. He’s desperate to prove his worth but still carries scars from his previous case. I also liked Marnie Olsen, an ambitious PC. They make a great team and I feel there’s a bit of a spark between them which I enjoyed.

I did feel that the side story concerning Criag’s past distracted me slightly from the main story.  I thought it could have done with a bit more expanding upon or maybe even its own book altogether but of course that’s just my opinion. 

Long Shadows is a smart and compelling mystery and a definite must if you enjoy a British set police procedural. I’m looking forward to reading more from DS Craig Wild.

About The Author:

Derek Thompson grew up in London and started writing fiction in his teens. After spending a year in the US, he returned to London and subsequently moved to the West Country. He wrote a commissioned piece for The Guardian in 2008 and entered the world of freelance writing in 2009. His short fiction has featured in both British and American anthologies, and can be found online. He has also written comedy material for live performance and radio.

His love of film noir and thrillers began with The Big Sleep, and has never left him. Much of his fiction involves death, loss or secrets. As the saying goes: write about what you know. He writes about Thomas Bladen and his role in the Surveillance Support Unit.

BOOKS BY DEREK THOMPSON 

THOMAS BLADEN SERIES

STANDPOINT

LINE OF SIGHT

CAUSE & EFFECT

SHADOW STATE

FLASHPOINT

SPY CHASER (BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET)