April Books

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Black Wood by SJI Holliday - The story is set in an East Lothian village where everyone knows everyone else and their business.

The story centres round what happened to Jo & Claire in Black Wood over 20 years ago. An attack in the woods by two boys left their lives destroyed.

Interesting characters and a story which had me guessing until the surprise ending I didn't see coming! Loved it.

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Don't turn around by Caroline Mitchell* - free copy from NetGalley. A brilliant debut novel from Caroline Mitchell. DC Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in sleepy Haven.  She is getting a message from beyond the grave which seems to be personal.  A series of murders happen which are mirror images to a case of the Grim Reaper over 20 years ago. A killer her mother helped to convict. I really warmed to Jennifer, her police partner Will and her little nephew Josh. and I look forward to Caroline's second in the series. A supernatural police thriller which I found un-put-downable.

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Friendless Lane by Helen Black - Lily Valentine a tough talking lawyer and single mum's latest case is her toughest yet. A few years ago Kelsey Brand who was accused of murdering her mother and Lily represented her. Ten years on Kelsey contacts Lily for her help to find her missing friend Gem who was last seen working in a strip club in Luton.

Another girl disappears from the same area and it looks like a gang are grooming vulnerable teens. Gem's mutilated body is found and the race is on to find the missing girl.  This could be read alone but is part of a series.

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Dying for Christmas by Tammy Cohen - Jessica Gold decides to stop for a coffee when Christmas shopping and meets a handsome blue eyed stranger called Dominic Lacey. He starts flirting with her and she flirts back even though she has a boyfriend called Travis. 

Dominic invites her to his place for a festive drink and he keeps her prisoner marking the twelve days of Christmas with her each day giving her a gift each more horrible than the last. We hear how her parents, brothers and Travis deal with her disappearance and Kim the PC on the case believes there is more to the story than we are led to believe...Brilliant read with many twists and turns most of which I didn't see coming. Would recommend.

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Boxer Handsome by Anna Whitwham - The story opens with Bobby and Connor fighting over traveller girl, Theresa. The fight is violent and brutal. They are due to meet each other in the ring in a week's time.

Fighting is in the history of both boys - Bobby's dad Joe was a great boxer, now ruined by drink as was his grandad.  Bobby's handsome like his dad "boxer handsome".  When Bobby meets Chloe, a girl who is different from anyone he's ever met before he takes her on a date but he's unable to cope with a relationship and violence wins through. An interesting read with hope at the end. Would recommend.

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Of Broken Things by Lynda Tavakoli - set in 1920s Ireland John Flynn is 10 when his sister Stela is born, a much longed for sister.  She's a beautiful child and everyone loves her.  Their dad Redmond is harsh and an alcoholic and John has to take on chores from an early age. Stela withdraws from the world as she reaches her third birthday only speaking with John. Tragedy strikes and a secret long hidden becomes known to John.  He starts to make his own way in the world and finds a love of his own. A great read.

Without a Trace by Lesley Pearse* - copy received from Love Reading for review.  Molly Heywood wonders where her friend Cassie and her daughter Petal are when they don't turn up to the Coronation Day 1953 in the village of Sawbridge in Somerset.

She turns up at their cottage and discovers something tragic and Cassie's daughter Petal is missing..  She believes the police are not doing enough to discover what has happened and takes matters into her own hands when she finds a letter. Leaving the village after a row with her bully of a father she embarks a new life although she is determined to find Petal.

A great read which I'd highly recommend.

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary sent for review