Tag: Book Blog

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Fiction Romance

Table For One, Emma Gannon

Willow is a thirty-something-year-old woman who has everything worked out (well at least to society’s standards). She has the partner, the career and the house. However, when her boyfriend unexpectedly dumps her, Willow lands on a trajectory with no clear direction. What makes it harder is all her friends’ lives appear to be moving forward, while Willow finds herself moving in the opposite direction.

We follow Willow as she navigates her heartbreak- and, more importantly, rekindles a very important relationship – the one with herself.

Table For One is the perfect book for anyone in their thirties who is feeling like they should have it all figured out but don’t. It’s a heartfelt and relatable reminder that it’s okay to hit pause, to slow down, and to get back to the things you enjoy. Emma Gannon writes with warmth, but also humour making even the heavier moments feel light and comforting.

Themes explored in the book include the impact of social media, and the fact that sometimes people are hiding behind a curated narrative, the power and complexities of female friendships, relationships, and the pressures placed particularly on millennial women to follow a timeline.

From a personal perspective I did struggle a little to connect with some of the anti-relationship sentiments (maybe that’s because I’m a married millennial lol). However, the overall message- that self-love and remaining true to your identities and values, as well as the fact you don’t need to have it all figured out or stick to an imaginary timeline – really resonated.

Categories
Fiction

We All Live Here, JoJo Moyes

Welcome to the Kennedy household. Lila’s last bestseller was about keeping your marriage alive – ironic, considering her ex-husband was having an affair with another school mum. Meanwhile, following the death of her mother, her stepdad Bill has moved in and is driving her nuts. Her eldest daughter is struggling at school, her dog’s incessant barking is upsetting the neighbours, and if that’s not enough, her estranged father Gene has turned up on her doorstep.

Wherever Gene goes, domestic discord follows, but does his presence lead to unexpected changes? If so, how?

JoJo Moyes’ books aren’t typically my go-to genre, but like many of her other novels, I always find them uplifting. They are feel-good but not cheesy and often highlight life’s imperfections in a relatable way. We All Live Here is no exception; it’s a domestic drama about a household who could not be further from your cereal packet family – but also about all the beautiful imperfections which come with it.

This is a very character driven novel, where each individual is memorable, distinctive, and dealing with their own set of problems. It is interesting to see how each of their journeys develop.

Themes in the book include family, divorce, grief, heartbreak, forgiveness, and redemption. Despite the fictional book and the humour which runs through the narrative, these themes are all explored in a way that feels authentic.  

Overall a fun read. Relatable, feel-good and humorous, it captures the messy, beautiful complexity of family life.

Categories
Fiction Thriller

Hollow Grave, Kate Webb

A chance discovery which presents new evidence into Nazma Kirmani’s disappearance. A prospecting archaeologist, Nazama went missing twenty one years earlier when a site was being excavated in the grounds of Trusloe Hall for a TV documentary.

The case was closed after Nazma presented herself at a police station back in 1999, but what does this new evidence suggest, and can DI Lockyer and DC Gemma Broad help find the truth for Nazma’s family whose lives have been in upheaval for more than two decades?

Hollow Grave is a cold case mystery – perfect for any fans of ITV’s ‘Unforgotten’. It is  the third installment of the DI Lockyer series, following ‘Stay Buried’, and ‘Laying Out The Bones’. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order for extra depth. The character development over the trio of novels has been phenomenal and all three books have been compelling.

Hollow Grave goes above and beyond most mystery books, and does an outstanding job of highlighting so many other themes throughout the book, which is a testament to the author Kate Webb. In addition to themes of grief and inequalities which have been present throughout the predecessors, Hollow Grave also touches upon the subjects of loneliness, new parenthood racism, domestic abuse, power and control.

Once again I’m blown away at how Kate Webb manages to have so many different storylines and so many well developed complex characters, and yet somehow it all comes together.

Overall 5 stars… the countdown to book four is on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC. Hollow Grave will be published on 13th March 2025.

Categories
Fiction Thriller

The Personal Assistant, Becki Willis

They say bad things come in threes, and for Lexi, that’s certainly true. After losing her phone, having her purse stolen, and getting fired, her life seems to be falling apart. But when she’s offered a lifeline – a job as a personal assistant to the millionaire businesswoman Mrs Lilian Sampson – things are looking up. However, it doesn’t take Lexi long to realise something isn’t quite right about Lilian or the company she inherited from her late husband. As the story unravels you’ll be kept on the edge of your seat.

The Personal Assistant is a fast paced psychological thriller, with suspense and intrigue. This was my first Becki Willis book, and I was hooked by her engaging writing style. The plot was innovative, with plenty going on, and I didn’t find it predictable at all. While I was initially taken aback by the secondary storyline (when you read it – you’ll know), it ended up adding another dimension the plot of which the psychology behind was intriguing.

The majority of the characters are well-developed, with Lexi standing out as a strong, likeable female protagonist. It’s easy to root for her as she navigates the twists which this book has to offer.  There were one or two secondary characters who I felt could have been fleshed out more to help us better understand them.

Overall, the twists throughout the novel keep you gripped, and the ending was completely unpredictable I didn’t see it coming and genuinely felt my jaw drop!  This is a perfect read for fans of psychological thrillers. 4/5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Personal Assistant is out on the 24th September 2024.

Categories
Fiction Thriller

A Good Place To Hide A Body, Laura Marshall

For many women of Penny’s age, helping elderly parents is a natural part of life. But for Penny, things have taken a more serious turn.

One night, Penny receives a frantic call from her parents. No, they haven’t had a fall – they’ve killed someone, and his body is in the garden right next to the rose bushes!

Laura Marshall is an authors whose books I pick up without a second thought. They are always fast-paced, gripping, and consistently shocking. So, when I had the opportunity to read A Good Place to Hide A Body, I was thrilled to dive in.

First things first: you should never judge a book by its cover, but I have to admit I was drawn to the vibrant cover of this one (that green will look beautiful on the bookshelf!) The caption ‘Everyone is Capable of Murder. They just need to meet the right person’, promised a suspenseful journey and the book certainly delivered.  

The prologue introduces the main event, making it engaging from the very first page. Laura Marshall’s use of short chapters adds to the bris pace. One writing technique I’ve noticed across her works is how she portrays ordinary characters. By this I mean, we often expect perpetrators to stand out, but her characters could easily be you, or me, which adds an extra layer of suspense. I felt warm towards the main character in the book.

I really enjoyed the characterisation in the book. The characters were all quite stereotypical, but this added some humour to the story, and I felt warm towards the main character Penny. She faces so many relatable problems, such as caring for ageing parents, parenting teenagers, dealing with grief, juggling a full time job, divorce and co-parenting. I emphasised with her struggles and could truly feel the pressure she was under.

To summarise, Laura Marshall has crafted yet another page-turner with A Good Place To Hide A Body. It’s a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, if you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers, this book is a must read. Five Stars.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC. A Good Place To Hide A Body is out on the 4th July 2024.

Categories
Biography Non Fiction Self help

Mad Woman, Bryony Gordon

Ten years after the release of her debut book, mental health advocate Bryony Gordon’s continues to offer us a raw and unfiltered glimpse into her ongoing battles with mental illness, in her latest book ‘Mad Woman’.

In this unique blend of autobiography and self-help, Bryony delves into her recent experiences of menopause, binge eating and the continuous battle she faces with OCD, personified as the notorious Jareth the Goblin King. Through her candid storytelling, she invites us as readers to emphasise with the challenges she faces each day as someone living with mental health illnesses including her recovery from alcoholism – has she broken her sobriety by taking cough medicine?

In addition to sharing the experiences she faced throughout the years of the pandemic, Bryony also reflects on many broader societal issues, including the dismissal of women’s health concerns, and damaging assumptions about body weight and fitness. Most groundbreakingly she reflects on what she has learnt about mental health illnesses throughout her journey – perhaps we aren’t the problem but existing in a world where we are constantly in a state of perma-crisis is, offering a poignant realisation that perhaps our brains are simply trying to keep us safe (the unveil of which is emotional).

What sets Bryony apart from other mental health advocates is that she tackles difficult subjects and infuses her narrative with a touch of humility and wit. Through moments of raw honesty and humour, she takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, offering hope and most importantly making them feel less alone and united in mental illness struggles.

Raw, honest and hilarious, Bryony is the mental health bestie we all need. 5 stars.

Categories
Fiction Thriller

Laying Out The Bones, Kate Webb

Following flash floods, something sinister is brought to the ground’s surface; a human skeleton. Forensic tests soon reveal that the body belongs to Lee Geary, a man who went missing nine years earlier and the case is passed to DI Lockyer to solve.

As Lockyer digs into Geary’s past he unveils the fact that Geary was questioned during the same year he went missing in relation to another crime- the murder of Holly Gilbert.

Alongside DC Gemma Broad, Lockyer delves deeper and discovers a web of mysteries which he is left to untangle.

At last! The long awaited sequel to Stay Buried has arrived. Laying Out The Bones is the next in the DI Lockyer series. With such a high standard to follow I was relieved the second book in the series did disappoint!

Laying Out The Bones is another fast paced, multifaceted mystery about unsolved murders and buried secrets. The story spans over a long timeframe, and involves many characters with intertwining stories- the fact Kate Webb pulls this off is truly a testament to her writing skill. Very much like the first book – every character is well thought out, and despite there being so many you really gather an insight into each of their histories, struggles and motivations.

Similarly to its prequel the series continues to highlight themes surrounding inequalities, grief and injustice. I thought these were presented well and added substance to the story, evoking emotion beyond your typical crime mystery/thriller.

Overall, Laying Out The Bones is masterfully crafted, from compelling characters to intricate plot twists and with the book ending on a cliffhanger, I am very hopeful this is not the last of DI Lockyer. 5 stars.

Categories
Fiction Thriller

A Death at the Party, Amy Stuart

Nadine Walsh is hosting a party for her mother’s 60th birthday. As she prepares to welcome her guests, she appears distracted. Her husband is of little help, her teenage children are going through their own problems, and she has secrets of her own which threaten to destroy her perfect party.

By the end of the night, Nadine will be standing over a dead body in the basement, but how did it come to this and how far will Nadine go to keep her secrets buried?

A Death at the Party is a slow burning domestic thriller. Forget ‘whodunnit’. This is a ‘whydunnit’ and ‘whoisdun’, as the mystery surrounds which of the party attendees has met their demise, and why.

Some novels lose readers because they get off to a slow start. This is the complete opposite; Amy Stuart was not messing here as she starts with the ending.  Just reading those first few introductory pages had me gripped as I needed to know how we got there.  

Despite some flashbacks to past events which help us to understand the history of some of the characters, much of the book purely spans over the timeframe of just one day. Split into three parts; morning, afternoon and evening, with an undeniable amount of tension building throughout. Having a book written over such a short time span, and still managing to build the level of suspense which A Death at the Party does is a testament to the author.

I enjoyed the characters, particularly the main protagonist Nadine. She wasn’t overly likeable, but she was very real.  She came across as a good wife, mother, and daughter and yet she also made mistakes. Her suspicious nature added to the mystery for me, and many of her actions were unsurprising given what she had gone through as a child. In addition to Nadine, all the other characters were well thought out, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and many of whom have their own secrets.

Themes in the book include loyalty, grief, and family secrets. There was also a clear gender divide in the book, there was a lot of focus on the complexities of the lives of women, with many of the males coming across as mistrustful and having inappropriate intentions, representing some of the inequalities we see in society.  Overall, the focus on family bonds was powerful, reminding us just how complex families can be and the lengths which people may go to protect their loved ones.

Overall a thoroughly engaging domestic thriller with compelling characters and a gripping plot.

Categories
Fiction Thriller

The Girl in the Dark, Deirdre Palmer

Ellen Randall, chilled by the January wind at a train station, spots a red scarf and is startled by the wearer’s identity. Three weeks later, a man explores an abandoned station, finding Ellen in distress. She confesses to having intentionally killed someone, surprising him with her confession.

The Girl in the Dark is a riveting psychological thriller with a brilliantly crafted plot that constantly challenges your assumptions. Just when you think you have it figured out, the story takes a thrilling twist.

Deirdre Palmer skillfully employs a multi-narrative approach, allowing readers to reach into the minds of various characters and experience the story from their unique experiences. The characters were well-rounded, some more flawed than others but the psychological exploration of their unique struggles added depth and intrigue to the story.

Profound themes are explored in this gripping tale. These include but are not limited to grief, the influence of memories on our thought process, the enduring impact of early life experience, while also shedding light on the poignant issues of suicide and loneliness.

The author’s post-epilogue reflection on the inspiration behind the story, especially the exploration of London’s secret underground locations, was a unique and intriguing addition to the book’s conclusion. It not only added a fresh perspective but also offered a fascinating glimpse into the history of London’s underground network. It’s clear that the author invested a substantial amount of research to craft this captivating tale.

Overall a gripping psychological thriller which I enjoyed from start to finish.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. The Girl in the Dark is out now.

Categories
Non Fiction Politics

Politics, But Better, Tatton Spiller

From the founder of Simple Politics comes a guide on how we can rediscover the heart of our democracy, reshape our political system and make the UK a better place for all.

With all the issues we hear which occurs at No.10 and it’s surroundings (especially over the past few years!) it is no wonder so many have lost faith in politics! However, Tatton Spiller brings to light twenty six issues in this A-Z guide and makes suggestions on how we can deal with them putting humanity and respect at the very forefront.

Perhaps there is hope after all.

I have always had an interest in politics but in our twenty four hour always on world it can be so incredibly difficult to keep up – not to mention anxiety inducing! That is where Simple Politics is incredibly useful as if you visit their Instagram you will see you get the facts, which are always partial, and they explain things in a way which the average person can understand. As a result of following them for years- I was very excited to see this book which was written by the founder!

The book is split in an A-Z style- each letter representing a different issue which is present in politics. This was a brilliant way to touch on many different issues, which were discussed partially, drawing upon evidence, as well as suggestions being made on how we could approach certain issues.

Tatton presents his thoughts in a unbiased way and draws upon examples from both the left and right, which makes this book a decent read no matter where you sit on the political scale. My only slight draw back is that there was a chapter which explained the values of conservatism but we didn’t get a similar chapter on the left and I think that would have made a wonderful addition especially for a reader who may be completely new to politics and/or someone who may have never opened their mind to the other viewpoint.

When I finished this book the main thing I took was we need to do better. We live in a world where you do something wrong- you get cancelled. You have an opinion- it if it doesn’t suit the majority then you receive unwarranted abuse. Throughout the book we are encouraged to be able to have debates, to listen to each other and to respect different opinions which I thought was such an important message.

Overall, a very enlightening read. I really hope one day we can see respect at the heart of our government again – Tatton for PM?

Many thanks to the publishers Elliot & Thompson and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Politics, But Better will be published on the 7th September 2023.