The Butcher's Hook by Janet Ellis

A thrilling dark historical novel that has your complete attention from the beginning to end.

An excellent first novel by Janet Ellis, set in 18th century London this is a story that is sad, horrific and thrilling with an excellent twist.

Regarding Anne the main character, the author describes her in acute detail so that we can get an insight into Anne's past and current life. You feel sorry for her one minute and you are on her side and then the the story unravels her nature piece by piece.

The various people the reader meets that come into Anne's life with hindsight maybe would have second thoughts about doing so and the story builds up to a horrific but excellent ending.

The author's writing style is very fluid and descriptive allowing the reader to feel as if they are actually watching a movie instead of reading a book.

All round an excellent and enjoyable novel that covers several genres so should appeal to many readers.

Eden Gardens by Louise Brown

A beautiful historical and thrilling novel set in the era of the decline of the Indian Raj. 

‘Eden Gardens’ takes the reader to India set in the latter part of the 1940's when India was in the turmoil of obtaining independence. The book is written in such a way that the reader is beside the characters in the book, all of whom are beautifully described by the author. 

However the reader experiences India from the poverty side of the country and brings reality to the characters in the book. Each character develops as the story unfolds, poor Maisy trying to survive each day, her selfish dominant mother, Pushpa the ever loyal servant, Charlie - Maisy's son, MacBraye her lover and of course Sunil. ‘Eden Gardens’ is truly down to earth in relation to language used and also the events that take place. Love, drunkenness, prostitution, affairs, theft being some of the events which make the book such a vociferous read.

 A truly brilliant novel, covering several genres, one I found difficult to put down and can thoroughly recommend it as the reader won’t be disappointed! 

Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson

A truly enchanting love story that will melt the reader's heart.

A lovely novel of romance and heartache set in a theatrical background. Tessa's story warms the heart and is a thoroughly enjoyable book. Set in the time between the World Wars in Vienna, Tessa tries so hard to be like the ordinary person and this is not easy when you have a royal background, always waiting for someone to find out.

Not wanting to give the story line or plots out, this is a really well written light book that brings sunshine even on the gloomiest days. The Author has kept up her writing standards in this book which is light and easy to read. This is the fourth book in the series I have read and as always the Author does not disappoint her readers.

 Well worth the time to read.

A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

A historical romance story, intimate in places, but well worth reading even if you are not a ballet fan.

A historical romantic fiction writing from the author who keeps the Reader's attention throughout the book. The main character in the book is Harriet and this story describes her innocence and ambitiousness to leave her rather harrowing family home and try to improve her life via her love for ballet.

The author takes the reader to South America and her description of the surroundings of the Amazon is first class. Written into the novel are rather some 'risqué' emotional issues which I think gives life to the book but some readers may be of the opposite opinion.

Set in the Edwardian era, the book also comes into the historical fiction genre and I can certainly say that readers of the book will not be disappointed. The only criticism I have is the ending of the story but that is only my opinion.

Well worth reading and is written in a light informal style similar to the author's other novels.

A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson

A lovely story set in London and Austria just as World War Two is breaking out.

A moving story about Ellen who is bored with her life in London, full of drudgery and decides to change by moving to Austria in the hope of improving her quality of life. Having established relationships within her new working environment, this is the part of the book where the Author takes the reader through the ups and downs of a growing attachment for one of her colleagues.

The Author has also drawn on her own background and experiences in the writing of this book and can thus add description and authenticity of reality in her writing giving her book a more vivid account. A really good book and one that can be read easily and allows the Reader's imagination to roam. Without giving too much of the story away, Ellen's intrigue with her lover is an excellent part of the story with hindsight being a wonderful thing.

Well worth a read.

The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson

A truly enchanting love story set against the trials of falling in love during the War.

This is one book that I can say I thoroughly enjoyed from the beginning to the end. The story itself is appropriate to what is happening in the world today and has the Reader's attention throughout the book.

The decisions that Ruth has to face and deal with are not easy and Eva Ibbotson involves the Reader in these choices and decisions and at times I am saying to myself 'Yes' and at other times saying 'No' as Ruth faces up to life-changing moments. This is a story which has a brilliant twist in it and increases the Reader's involvement.

Eva Ibbotson writes delightfully but also tragically at stages in the book when things are not going well for Ruth. The descriptive content of the book is first class ‘The Morning Gift’ is an excellent first book that I have read by the Author and look forward to reading other books by the Author.

An excellent read not just for those who enjoy the romance genre.

The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson

A truly well written romantic love story with a surprising twist.

This is the third novel by Eva Ibbotson that I have read and must say each book is as good as the previous books. Again the Author draws on her own life experiences for the background of the novel and it is well written, very descriptive and is light reading so ideal for a book at bedtime.

The genres of the book falls into romance, mystery and thriller and is sure to satisfy readers who enjoy these genres. Again as in previous books, the Author takes the reader through Anna's journey from her rich background to meeting and finding her new lover and the trials that she has to face on her own and also those with her new lover. The ending of the book is excellent and surprising, is her secret revealed?

A must-read to find the answer and the reader won't be disappointed.

Bad Bones by Graham Marks

A thrilling book that has you sitting on the edge of your chair with suspense and excitement. Gripping story that starts of innocently for Gabe and then the author takes us on Gabe's journey which is full of horror and unearthly encounters taking readers to an excellent peak at the end of the book.

This is the sort of book that you don’t have to guess anything, the author has written in such a fashion that you are following Gabe as if your are an onlooker watching events happen. Your emotions are tumultuous as you read as the author takes the readers to highs and lows, leaving you tingling with excitement. The style of writing is first class and a very easy to read, follow and understand book not only for kids but also for adults.

Bad Bones - is an excellent choice for the title of the book as the story starts with 'Bad Bones' and finishes with 'Bad Bones' and this is is carried through the story.

It is a fast action,well-detailed book and well worth reading and a firstclass addition to the Red Eye Series.

So good in fact that I am going to read it again!!

The White Rose by Amy Ewing

Great thriller that keeps you captivated from the beginning of the book.

A great story by Amy Ewing which is sure to thrill and please all readers. A real thriller as far as both the author and the storyline are concerned and guaranteed to keep the reader's attention from page one to page 310.

A gripping, exciting story regarding the journey of Violet, Ash and Raven and the dangers and the hurdles that they face whilst trying to reach the sanctuary of The White Rose. Total excitement wrapped up in a book! An excellent story following on from Amy Ewing's previous novel in this genre 'The Jewel'.

A must read this year

Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickam

A truly brilliant and funny book that has the reader laughing throughout.

This is a really funny, cheer-you-up book which is serious as far as Homer Hickam is concerned, but his wife Elsie and her antics and desires leaves the reader laughing through sheer enjoyment.

Albert is brilliant from stopping bank robbers to liking a tummy rub and the rooster who comes and goes throughout the book just adds the icing to the top of the cake.

An easily light read that can be read, left and picked up again and is one of the books that should be read this year. It fair cheers you up as it written in such a light hearted manner. There are parts of the book which are totally made up but they follow the journey that all four are taking and truly adds a happy feel-good factor to the story.

Definitely a book not to be ignored.

How to Get Ahead in Television by Sophie Cousins

An upbeat brilliant book that will lift your spirits and make you laugh. 

This is one of those books that you start to read and put it down when you finish it. A superbly written book about Poppy starting out in her career in media and the people, problems and pitfalls that she faces. 

The author has written this book in a light hearted manner and the constant struggle between Poppy and Rhidian for top dog for the one placement at the studio had me laughing out loud on several occasions, especially when Poppy's mums add her typical mum's advice too. The idea of starting each chapter with a piece of advice regarding the world of work just adds more pleasure to reading the book and I can thoroughly recommend even just starting to read the book and you will be hooked. 

Does Poppy succeed in her media career? Read the book and find out whilst enjoying Poppy's journey in her new career. Poppy is the central character and you are introduced to the other characters who all add fun to the story and these people will remind you of some real people that you yourself have met in your own life. 

Excellent well-written book!

Alone in the Dark by Karen Rose

A masterpiece story that is a must read from beginning to end. ‘Alone in the Dark’ is one of the best thriller/crime genre books that I have read in a long time.

The book keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat with what befalls Scarlett and Marcus and what they have to deal with and the hurdles they have to face and cross The story is written in a thrilling manner itself and at times I found myself rushing to finish one page so that I could turn the next to find out what was going to happen next. 

Not a light read, but full of descriptions that allows the reader to send their imagination into freefall the further you read into the book and feel that you are actually there in the book itself.  

A book not to be missed!

The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley

A unique book that covers several genres and is a delight to read. 

This book is one of those books that once you start you can’t put down. The author narrates the reader through the story as if he has written for you and you alone. The story itself is first class, with suspense, horror, supernatural, thriller, crime being a few of the genres covered. 

The author describes the relationship with his family, his aunt and uncle, his brother, the old and new priests, the priest's housekeeper and her fiancé and the sub-relationships that have formed within these. Each character in the book have their own problems/demons to deal with and the author writes as if he is trying to hold everything together and make sense of the world in which he lives while knowing it is out of his hands.

The author's geographical descriptions of the local area in the book are first class and leaves one feeling as if one had actually been there. Damp, dismal and cold weather permeates throughout the book adding to the chilling story itself. 

Well written and thoroughly recommended.

A Thousand Nights by E K Johnston

Superb book taking the reader into Arabian Nights genre and keeping you there. 

An excellent well-written book set in the realms of Arabian Nights with surprises, mysticism, love and magic all rolled into one. 

The book whisks you away where the reader is taken on an unforgettable journey as it tells the story of LoMelkhiin, a ruthless king and his young wife and their unusual romance/marriage and is written from the viewpoint of his young wife. 

The author writes in a continuous flow and leads the reader through each epoch of their marriage and the mysteries and magic that the couple both possess. An excellent story which will keep the reader's enthusiasm from Page 1 to the end and for those who love romances, this one is truly different and enthralling.

Whispering Shadows by Jan-Philipp Sendker

A gripping novel covering various writing genres which keeps your attention to the very last page.

A very enjoyable book from author Jan-Philipp Sendker which commences very sadly for the main character of the book but as the story progresses Paul Leibovitz slowly begins to see light at the end of the tunnel for his problems only to be faced with other problems that were not of his making. Set in a cultural changing country, China, the plot of the story is well written and keeps the readers attention throughout the book as the reader is eager to see the outcome of each problem and how it has affected Paul Leibovitz. 

Several genres are touched within the book and each plays its part within the novel. This is a book that will delight many people from a variety of reading backgrounds and is a delightful first read from the author. 

I look forward with enthusiasm to the remainder of the trilogy and am sure that I won’t be disappointed. 

The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan

An excellent book from a new author, a definite first read so don't delay, order your copy today you will not be disappointed! 

A brilliant and exciting new book from author Vaseem Khan. If you only read one book this year then this is it! 

Inspector Chopra retires from the police, but policing is in his blood and he dreads having to retire. The story takes on a journey with Inspector Chopra as he deals with an unexpected but intriguing case, albeit he is no longer a policeman, with the help of his 'associate' Baby Ganesha, his inherited elephant. Dealing with his own personal feelings, Poppy his wife, Mrs Subramanium the unofficial housing warden, his acerbic mother-in-law and Ganesha, the plot is intriguing as is the ending surprising and heart-warming. 

There are superb 'one liner' replies that Inspector Chopra gives people and these made me laugh out loud, together with some of the antics he gets up to had tears rolling down my cheeks. The plot of the story is well written and the author's style makes this an interesting thriller and allows your imagination to flow as he takes us on a tour of Mumbai and surrounding areas. 
A superb first novel from Vaseem Khan and really looking forward to the release of his next novel.  

Royal Wedding: The Princess Diaries11 by Meg Cabot

A delightful book where you can disappear into Princess Mia's hectic lifestyle and enjoy her diary about her life and the problems that even a Princess has to deal with. 

This is a superb book which follows on the story of Princess Mia's life now that she is growing up. With such a hectic and full social lifestyle to deal with Princess Mia's diary enthrals the reader with the ups and downs of being a Royal Princess, making us mere commoners appear to have a boring life! But all is not easy for Pricess Mia as she deals with growing up and accepting the responsibilities and the problems that come with this time in her young life. 

Gripping and enjoyable story from beginning to end and Meg Cabot has certainly kept her writing skills up to the high standard of her previous writing. Warmhearted and funny and times, the thrills and spills of Princess Mia's life written in an attention keeping fashion. 

Meg Cabo fans won’t be disappointed

I Saw a Man - Owen Sheers

Secrets, love, tragedy, guilt, death, acceptance, tragedy, affairs, suspicion, responsibility… and more all within this one compelling novel.  

A fantastic read which takes the readers deeply into the very personal lives and thoughts of the characters within the book. Each character is different but each one being very similar in having to cope with a host of personal problems within themselves whilst silently dealing with emotional and physical aspects of daily life. 

Michael moves to London from New York to try and find peace after losing his wife in an horrific accident and thinks he has done so by befriending the family next door, but all is not as it seems regarding his neighbours, until the one Saturday afternoon in June when circumstances caused his world to stop and change and from then on things would never be the same. Still racked with troubles Michael moves back to New York , but this time far more capable to deal with the ghosts that still haunt him has he begins to move on with his life. 

A brilliant read, the reader gets to know the characters in detail, their lives and problems and all blends into a fulfilling read which is light and easy to follow.

Lie of the Land by Michael F Russell

This thrilling book will grab and hold onto you as it unfolds its story- a gripping tale that must be read!! 

Once in a while a book will grab hold of you and wrap you so deep in its story that you don't want to stop reading til the end and ‘Lie of the Land’ is one such book! 

Excellent writing by Michael F Russell, ‘Lie of the Land’ describes life in the not too distant future where everyone and everything is controlled by a few in power. Under this environment, the reader is taken on a journey to a small fishing village in Scotland where society is about to change for ever. Human nature gradually takes over as the villagers find their new positions in this new society with some being more equal than others but where all are 'equal' whilst all are prisoners in the village, all trying to cope in their own way to survive daily. 

The author's writing skills more than adequately describe in detail the barren harsh Scottish landscape, the problems of isolation, having to do without, horrendous weather, seeing everyday life slowly changing while trying to make sense of what is happening in the world outside the village, but can anyone give an answer? A fantastic story through which the author guides us and allows us to make our own assumptions about events happening in the novel. The writing style is light, but keeps your attention at all times and the narrative is easy to follow. Not a heavy read but one that once you start, be prepared for a long and satisfying read. 

First class on all accounts and a must read!!

The Northumbrian Thrones: Edwin High King of England

A brilliant historical novel of Edwin High King of Britain, full of action and excitement - a must-read!! 

A beautifully written and well-detailed historical novel, one of a trilogy by Edoardo Albert, which is set in a collection of Kingdoms which we now know as Britain in 600AD.

 In a world set in the Saxon age, people are living in a culture of customs and beliefs where strong warriors live in strongholds of castles, the King being Supreme Ruler over his Kingdom. The author introduces Edwin, a widower with two sons, exiled from his own land seeking sanctuary from his friend Raedwald, and from fighting Kingdoms, divided lands and fighting Kings. However, Raedwald has other plans for Edwin and pushes Edwin towards the authoritarian King Aethelfrith, whereupon battle commences for his life and birthright. 

Whilst Edwin endeavours to gain his rightful place, he repeatedly has to pay for this but achieves becoming King. Whilst battles ensue, religion creeps in in the form of Christianity, whereupon as if in a miracle he meets an enigmatic man who gives Edwin a choice: The Kingdom in return for a Christian belief in God within the Kingdom. A choice not only affecting Edwin but also his wife Aethelburh and protector Fothreal Against a background of mistrust and misunderstanding, each Ruler claims to be the rightful successor and now Edwin finally succeeds in Rulership by converting to Christianity, being careful of his in trying to unite his people under a religious context whilst keeping his promise made to the religious man and Edwin feels that his Kingdom can only be safe when he is King. 

This excellent novel ends with a stunning climax and leaves the reader looking forward to the next novels of the trilogy with baited breath.  

I am In Blood: Old Murders Never Die by Joe Murphy

An exciting, gripping, breath-taking story of murder, horror, mystery and suspense flavoured with a gothic taste from beginning to end whilst intertwining Victorian times and modern day! A truly thrilling and exciting book by Joe Murphy which is guaranteed to thrill and delight readers of all genres. A brilliant 'who done it' being played out over a century in such a way that it is a compulsive read. The story line is first class as the author unfolds the tale of two people whose identities becomes parallel over a period of time and who have more in common with each other without me giving the story line away. The description of the epochs visited is first class and the reader will relate to this book in many ways. A haunting gothic mist seeps its way through the story giving it a chill factor that grips the reader. The structure of the story is excellent in that the chapters' timelines allow the reader to backtrack and pick up the story at any previous point and thus keeps the story fresh and fulfilling in the reader's mind. The writing is dynamic and flowing thus arresting the reader's attention while the story unfolds. The book will be of delight to a wide variety of reading genres – horror, murder, mystery, suspense, thriller, crime, history to name but a few and ‘I am Blood: Old Murders Never Die’ is a novel that will have a wide reader base due to the style of writing and the content of the story. Joe Murphy is certainly an author to look out for in the future and I will be definitely looking out for him. Fantastic read!

For The Most Beautiful - Emily Hauser

Truly delightful as this is a book which takes you into an era of Greek gods and Greek mythology and is an enchanting story similar to Homers Illiad but with a slight change as it is written from two female points of view – Briseis and Krisayis.

The author has written in such a way that takes your attention and imagination to Troy and tells the story in an enlightened manner. Emily Hauser has completed her research to a deep level and her knowledge of Greek mythology flows throughout the book. This novel is a lighter version of the Homers work and readers do not require a knowledge of this to follow the story as it unfolds in the book. This different perspective allows the reader to enjoy the story as it is written in an enjoyable modern day fashion that will appeal to readers from many genres. It is not a heavy book to read and is most enjoyable as it looks upon Grecian life from a different angle and allows the reader to step into the story which adds to the books enjoyment. A boring history story this book definitely is not.

For The Most Beautiful is the first of three novels leading to the Golden Apple trilogy and these are books that I am really looking forward to reading.

The Harmony Scroll by Edita A Petrick

This is the second book in the Stella Hunter Mysteries and I read The Harmony Scroll first and then the first novel Ribbons of Death and I can say I was not disappointed in either book!! I was able to follow on from where the first book, Ribbons of Death, left off and The Harmony Scroll commences with Timothy J Carter recovering in a military hospital from where the story unfolds.

Without giving too much of an excellent storyline away, the two heroes in the book are Timothy J Carter, who has a long standing military career and also with the CIA and FBI and Dr Stella Hunter who is an expert in paranormal studies. The story starts with Carter' recovering in hospital and doing his best to get discharged and when he does the action kicks in. Living in a small American town a fire occurs at Stella's house with the arsonist hoping to have 'taken care' of both Stella and her son Gabriel. Carter is not convinced and proceeds to take matters into his own hand to solve the matter.

Stella's son is also under an ancient curse and is searching for a way to end this and she and Carter go on an epic journey to try and end the curse by searching for the Harmony Scroll, the location of which is unknown. The Harmony Scroll is believed to contain a mantra to free Gabriel from the curse. Their exploits are also being watched and dark forces enter their search and when they hopefully think their search is coming to an end the paranormal have been manipulative in Carter and Hunter's search. From here.............. read the book!

If you are looking for a book which covers many genres, this is one not to be missed as it can be found under mystery, murder, crime, violence, paranormal, suspense, historical, thriller and the list goes on.

An excellent novel which has an exciting story line throughout. The plots, characters, locations etc are very well described giving the reader a feeling of being there, and in parts reading quickly to turn the page to see what happens next. Edita's writing style is flowing, easy to read and continuous so that the reader is not having to back-track previous chapters of the book to refresh one's memory. It is good quality writing that enables the reader to leave the book and pick up without loosing one's place in the story. The story is well constructed and the whole book flows from beginning to end and keeps the reader's attention at all times.

A great book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and is a definite must-read irrespective of whatever your favourite genre is.

Zero Hour Shifting Power by David Berko

An excellent book covering many genres and sure to be appreciated by a large reader audience.

This is a novel sent in a dystopian USA in the future after a Civil War. The USA does not now exist as it does today but has been broken up into 6 super-states with Alaska and Hawaii marginalised. Two groups emerge with competitive leaders - The Scorpions and the FRN (Free Republic of North America) with constant conflict, skirmishes, murders et al all attributable to both sides as they feed their fix for power legal or illegal. Conservatism versus socialism taken right to the wire.

David's writing keeps the reader on the edge of their chair, turning pages quickly to see what happens next from the start of the book till the end. This is a fast-pacing futuristic novel and David's description of people, places, events, especially technology is excellent which adds to the thrilling and exciting plots and turns within the story. This is not a difficult or heavy read and in fact the book captures your attention so much that you don't want to put it down as you are breathless keeping up with the various themes within the novel and filled with anticipation about what is going to happen next.

This is also a book that will make the reader stop and think about the USA today with regard to the country's politics and politicians and the various roads that it is possible for the country to go down. Although this is only a 'story' it is also close to reality in places and who can say what the future will bring.

A truly exciting and adrenaline-rushing for the reader and definitely a must read for any reader.