Tuesday 31 January 2017

January Books

Here's what I've been reading in January:



Lie in Wait by G J Minett* - I found the story a little hard to get into (after having loved The Hidden Legacy) but about 20% in I started to love it and couldn't put it the book down and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it which is always the sign of a good read. 

The story surround a murder and each chapter is narrated by a different character on a different timeframe (there are loads of characters and I initially struggled to keep track of them) but they all have their part to play.

Owen is a loner, a wee bit different, with a stammer and was bullied at school by Abi's husband, Callum and is a whizz with numbers. As the story goes along we are introduced to a whole cast of believable characters. You are just never quite aware who you can trust, who's up to no good and for what reason. A fast paced read with many twists and turns as the police try to find the killer. A gripping read.


The Devil's Work by Mark Edwards* - Sophie Greenwood returns to work after a four year break when her daughter, Daisy starts school. She was headhunted and is starting work at Jackdaw Publishing, a company she's idolised for years. It really is her dream job.

From the very first day things start to go wrong for her. A colleague is undermining her authority, her husband supposedly sends a tweet which goes viral for all the wrong reasons and is suspended from his job. Sophie feels unable to trust anyone at work especially when strange things start happening...I was on the absolute edge of my seat and decided along with Sophie who exactly was behind it all...wrongly I may add!

Running alongside are stories from Sophie's University years with her best friend Jasmine and her boyfriend Liam which made interesting reading and gave more body to the story. An absolutely gripping fast paced read which I read in two sittings!




Mary's the Name by Ross Sayers* - this is Ross's debut novel and is absolutely fantastic. The book was published yesterday and you can read my review on 6th February when I'm on the blog tour.


Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave - I came across this book via Anne when she was reviewing her best books of 2016. The story is set in 1939-42 and it's mainly set in London but also in Malta.

When war was declared Mary North upped and left her "finishing school" and instantly signed up for war work.  She hoped to get into espionage and was disappointed when she was given a teaching job. However she loves her pupils and teaching. She meets Tom who falls for her instantly and his friend Alistair who she can't imagine life without.  Her friend Hilda is always in her shadow but shows herself to be a true friend.

A stunning novel which depicts daily life, love, friendship and survival throughout the war years. 


Don't look Behind You (Detective Eden Berrisford #2) by Mel Sherratt** - this is the second novel in the Detective Eden Berrisford series which keeps getting better and better. Roll on book #3! This is launch day too for the book - it's a cracker Mel!

The story is set in the small town of Stockleigh. Three women are brutally attacked within days of each other and Detective Eden Berrisford and her team try to find out if the women are connected in any way.

Carla, who works at the refuge is trying to re-build her life but feels like she is forever looking over her shoulder. Her abusive ex-husband has done his time and she knows he'll be out to get her. Eden's own past is catching up with her also... A fast paced and creepy read which I recommend.



Secrets we Keep by Faith Hogan* - I absolutely devoured this book - it's just so good! Highflying Lawyer Kate Hunt comes to Ballytokeep to visit her estranged Aunt Iris whom she met at Kate's grandmother's funeral.

She falls in love with Ballytokeep and her Aunt and Uncle and decides to give up city live and start afresh running the old bathhouse as a cafe with the help her her new friend Rita.  She finally feels happy in herself and that her broken heart can mend.

The story is told in the past and the present and we find out about young Iris, her past, her hopes, dreams and heartache she has suffered. Archie has always loved her despite knowing her secret all these years. Kate is there to help when Archie shows the first signs of dementia and Kate finds herself unexpectedly falling in love again.

It's a story of love, loss, friendship, second chances and happiness and I absolutely loved it (and it's published tomorrow!)

*copy from Netgalley
**copy from the author

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