You can see my top reads January - June 2018 (HERE) and July - December (HERE). This year in the January to June period I read 48 books (books marked * I received either from netgalley/publisher for review) My stand-out reads are:
In January, I read 10 books (!) and my top reads were:
*The Second Wife by Sheryl Browne - which was a fast paced page turner with twists I didn't see coming.
*The Second Wife by Sheryl Browne - which was a fast paced page turner with twists I didn't see coming.
Betsy & Lilibet by Sophie Duffy - I loved this carefully researched and sweet tale which fictionally follows the very different lives of Queen Elizabeth and Betsy Sunshine.
*Call Me Star Girl by Louise Beech - a creepy and twisty read edged with sadness and love. With memorable characters and storylines.
*The Hidden by Mary Chamberlain - I loved this story which is set in the current day and when the Germans occupied Jersey in the Channel Islands during the Second World War.
*Bitter Edge - DI Kelly Porter #4 by Rachel Lynch - I just love this series - and DI Kelly Porter! Another fast paced tale where the storylines are cleverly weaved together.
*Dead Memories by Angela Marsons - DI Kim Stone #10 - a roller-coaster of a read. Someone is recreating every bad thing which happened to her and the race is on to stop them before it's too late...
In February, I read 9 books and my Top Reads were:
The Puppet Show by M W Craven - this new series featuring Tilly, Poe and Edgar! is seriously one of the best series I have ever read. Totally un-put-down-able and brilliant.
*Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce - I had the real pleasure of meeting Harriet at an event very generously held by Headline for 'new voices' in Edinburgh, earlier this year. Again, a superb debut which had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
*Nobody's Wife by Laura Pearson - when I was reading this novel it was always just one more chapter! A rollercoaster of a read which has an OMG twist.
In March I only read 5 books. My top picks are:
*The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary - I loved this funny tale which was laced with humour, friendship, sadness and love.
*Final Betrayal - DI Lottie Parker #6 by Patricia Gibney - I just adore Lottie Parker! As ever, a fast paced on the edge-of-your-seat read.
*Runaway by Claire MacLeary - I took part in the Blog Tour having not realised it was the third in a very magical and readable series. I adore the characters of Maggie & Big Wilma.
*The Oceans Between Us by Gill Thompson - I also took part in the Blog Tour for this fabulous novel which is based on real life events.
In April, I read 8 books and my Top Reads were:
*Death at the Plague Museum - A Health of Strangers Thriller by Lesley Kelly - I've met Lesley in real life (she's a member of the Authors & Bloggers group in Scotland on Facebook - we have occasional get-togethers which is really nice). I took part in the Blog Tour. My fav character is Bernard who really steps up to the plate in this episode!
*Bold Lies by Rachel Lynch (DI Kelly Porter #5) - always happy to read another DI Kelly Porter tale. Fast paced and exciting this series just keeps getting better and better.
*The Lives before Us by Juliet Conlin - a stunning and richly drawn story set in 1939 Shanghai before and during the Japanese occupation.
*You will be Safe Here by Damien Barr - an incredible read which is based on a true story. I'm still thinking of it now.
In May, I read 6 books and my Top Reads are:
*Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - a deeply descriptive and rather brilliant debut novel set in 1781 which follows Captain Harry Corsham on his search for his missing friend.
*Those who are Loved by Victoria Hislop - Victoria Hislop at her best! I took part in the Blog Tour.
*The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell - this is a super creepy read which I devoured in a couple of days. I'll be sharing my review in my August book round-up.
*The Glittering Hour by Iona Grey - a stunning read set in the 1920s and 1930s for which you'll need a a box of tissues. I absolutely loved it.
Indian Summer - Mirabelle Bevan #7 by Sara Sheridan - I'm a huge fan of plucky Private Detective Mirabelle Bevan and in this book her cases all seem to be connected. A wonderful read.
Coming into June, I read 7 books and my Top Reads are:
*Black Summer - Washington Poe #2 by M W Craven - I just love this series and Poe, Tilly and Edgar! Absolutely amazing. That opening chapter OMG. I can't wait for book #3.
Turn the Other Way by Stuart James - oh wow oh wow what a creepy read. I'm still thinking of that ending now!
*Horizontal Collaboration by Navie & Carole Maurel - my first graphic novel which I found atmospheric, very vivid and very real. I took part in the blog tour - see HERE.
*Child's Play - DI Kim Stone #11 by Angela Marsons - yet another jaw-droppingly fabulous book featuring Kim Stone. I've not actually reviewed this yet as it's out in August.
*The Unmaking of Ellie Rook by Sandra Ireland - wow this is an absolutely incredible read with characters I'm still thinking of now. See my stop on the blog tour HERE.
Do we share any Top Reads?
Thank you so much, Sandra! That was a lovely thing to see first thing this morning! You are a star! So pleased you enjoyed The Second Wife and proud to be in such talented company! :) xx
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