No Escape by Casey Kelleher #BookReview @CaseyKelleher @bookouture

Today I’m thrilled to be sharing my review of No Escape by Casey Kelleher, read on for my thoughts…..

The one place she never wanted to go back to. The one place she can’t escape.

When she was just five years old, Lucy Murphy witnessed her mother’s brutal murder in their home on London’s notorious Griffin Estate. The case was never solved. Now a newly qualified police officer, Lucy has been given her first job: she’s going back to the Griffin Estate.

She is there to protect the estate’s vulnerable residents, including Shannon and Kian Winters, two kids struggling to deal with their alcoholic mother. Fifteen-year-old Shannon is working every spare hour to keep a roof over their heads, but thirteen-year-old Kian has fallen under the sway of gang leader Jax Priestly. And now Jax has plans for Shannon too…

As Lucy gets to know Kian and Shannon she becomes determined not to let the two teenagers become Jax’s victims. But time is running out. Jax is out of control, and the gang’s violent reprisals are escalating. Can Lucy face down her own demons in time to prevent a tragedy? As a child, she already witnessed the murder of one innocent person. It will take all her courage and training to stop another.

Casey Kelleher is one author whose books I turn to when I’m looking for my ‘grit lit fix’ I’m a huge fan of stories that delve into the murky world of crime. For me personally this type of book has to have an engrossing story line that features violence, feuds, and family. Even better if it’s a tale of survival against the odds. Guess what? No Escape the latest book by the author has it all, and so much more to offer. No Escape is set on the notorious Griffin Estate where crime and violence are very much part of the residents every day life. The plot follows the life’s of Detective Lucy Murphy,  Fifteen-year-old Shannon and her thirteen-year-old brother Kian.

The author has created some remarkable characters. My heart went out to Shannon and Kian, the responsibilities they have forced upon them through living with an alcoholic mum, mean they’ve had to grow up fast. The lack of parental supervision means Kian is the ideal candidate to be recruited by wannabe gangster Jax and the Griffin boys. Newly qualified police officer, Lucy Murphy is another character who I warmed to, despite witnessing her mothers horrific murder at five years old, she doesn’t come across as a victim, quite the opposite, as she’s determined to make a difference to the life’s of kids like Shannon and Kian. There is also a superb supporting cast, some I grew to loathe, but there were others that pulled on the heartstrings, offering hope in the most depressing circumstances.

Casey Kelleher takes the readers into the seedy and murky world of the criminals at work on the Griffin Estate it’s not pretty, it’s violent, grubby and sometimes very disturbing, the scenes, the violence, the gangs that prey on the vulnerable residents of the estate give this book an authentic feel to the read. The author draws you into this world; you feel the fear and emotions of the residents, experience their frustrations and pain, the Estate comes alive thanks to the authors descriptive writing. I really enjoyed No Escape with its vibrant characters and gritty, authentic plot. Casey Kelleher’s writing goes from strength to strength and I’m keeping everything crossed this is the first book in a series featuring Lucy Murphy and the Estate.  Highly recommended

• Print Length: 288 pages
• Publisher: Bookouture (2 Jun. 2020)

Buying links:  Amazon UK 🇬🇧    Amazon USA 🇺🇸

My thanks to the publishers for my ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Mine by Case Kelleher @CaseyKelleher #Mine #psychologicalthriller #MustReads2020

Today I’m thrilled to share my review for Mine by Casey Kelleher this book is so different to her usual gritty crime thrillers. Read on for my thoughts….

WHO DO YOU TRUST IN A WORLD BUILT ON LIES… 

Rebecca Dawson lives a life that many women want – married to wealthy, handsome businessman Jamie and new mum to beautiful daughter, Ella, she thinks nothing can burst her bubble. Until a series of sinister events leaves Rebecca convinced that she is being stalked. While her only priority is keeping Ella safe, Rebecca knows that this might be more than coincidence, and fears that her past is back to haunt her. Because somebody knows what she did. They are watching her, tormenting her and soon they are going to make her pay. 

While she hides her past, Rebecca finds herself unable to trust anyone, not even her husband, Jamie. Because Jamie is keeping secrets too. Is Jamie gas-lighting Rebecca into thinking she is going mad, in a bid to cover up his own sordid lies? Or is someone more sinister seeking their revenge?

I have always been a big fan of Casey Kelleher’s gritty crime thrillers, so I was eager to read her latest offering Mine, unlike her previous books this one is a psychological thriller, and what a fantastic, twisted read it turned out to be! I know there are a vast number of psychological thrivers published every year, so what makes Mine so special? It’s riveting, with a plot steeped in malevolence and trepidation, it’s one of those reads that will make you place everything on hold whilst you read to the end.

Rebecca thinks she found her ‘Prince charming’ who comes in the shape of wealthy Jamie, now happily married she gives birth to her daughter Ella, and here’s where the fairy tale ends and the nightmare begins! Ella is a demanding baby, and for Rebecca motherhood isn’t a stroll in the park, her mental wellbeing is a cause for concern, as her perfect  life begins to crumble under the pressures of motherhood. I love an unreliable narrator and Rebecca  is one such character or is she? At times she appears paranoid and delusional so its almost impossible to take anything she says at face value, I enjoy a book more when it messes with your head, and Casey Kelleher does just that with finesse. Is Rebecca spiralling into a psychosis? Or is her beloved James toying with her? So many questions to keep your head in a spin. 

Sporadic chapters told from an unknown narrator add a growing sense of fear to the story, thick with tension I’m sure my blood pressure went through the roof by the halfway mark! The author manages to convey Rebecca’s frame of mind and emotions with such conviction; I found myself living and breathing her story; I became paranoid, anxious and fearful as Rebecca’s story took on a far more sinister tone. I really thought I had the plot worked out, and was feeling pretty smug with myself, but then OMG the author threw a curveball that I clearly didn’t see coming! Casey Kelleher has proven what an accomplished author she is, whether it be a gritty crime thriller or a psychological thriller, she certainly knows how to capture a reader’s attention. Highly recommended. 

Print Length: 403 pages

Sold by: Amazon Media 

Publication Date: 7th January 2020

Buying links:  Amazon UK 🇬🇧   Amazon USA 🇺🇸

My thanks to Casey Kelleher for my ARC in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

 

 

**Blog Blitz** #TheForgotten by Casey Kelleher @CaseyKelleher @Bookouture

 

Today I’m thrilled to be one of the bloggers on the Blog Blitz for The Forgotten by Casey Kelleher. If you love a gritty crime series then I might just have found your next book. Read on for my thoughts but first the book description…….

The more people you love, the more you have to lose…

Nancy Byrne might be the head of the notorious Byrne crime family, but she’s determined to give her little daughter, Scarlett, the best start possible.

After the death of her beloved father, the notorious gangster Jimmy Byrne, nothing’s stopping Nancy from making money on her own terms – even if she has to combine motherhood with providing for her entire family. But with enemies at their door, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones.

But then comes the day when Scarlett goes missing, snatched by a stranger during a trip to the local park, and Nancy’s world is torn apart. Amidst the terror of losing her precious daughter, Nancy is sure of only two things. Someone has taken her daughter … and when she finds them, there’s going to be hell to pay.

Can she find Scarlett – before it’s too late? Or will Nancy’s life of crime come back to haunt her in the worst way possible. 

Oh my what an explosive book The Forgotten turned out be, when it comes to writing hard hitting crime thrillers Casey Kelleher’s  up there with the best. Not only has she written a cracking story but she managed to incorporate all the elements I love in this type of read, a gritty storyline, dysfunctional characters, violence and treachery  all combined  together in one darkly wrapped package. I would recommend you read all three books in the series as each is a continuation of the last, but it wouldn’t be any hardship to start at the beginning as it’s such a brilliant series. 

Nancy as the head of the notorious Byrne crime family has gathered many enemies over the years, each one holds a grudge and it’s time for them to exact their revenge,  as the old adage says “revenge is a dish best served cold” and my god Nancy’s enemies are queuing up in droves to get theirs. The Byrne family are the definition of dysfunctional, each has their own secrets they would prefer to stay buried, the simmering anger between them causes tension and rather like car crash you can’t help but read on in horrified fascination, as you know things are going to get a lot worse!  

Nancy is one hell of a character ballsy, confident and doesn’t suffer fools gladly, even if their members of her own family, but now she has a daughter to protect you can actually see a chink in her armour, a softer side that wants to protect her daughter at any cost. There’s violence and swearing but that’s pretty much standard in a book that’s set around the criminal world, personally I think it gives the book an air of gritty realism. The author certainly knows how to keep the reader entertained with Nancy facing crisis after crisis I flew through the pages. The Forgotten is a story of treachery, loyalty and family ties and although these are familiar themes in the authors book, she still manages to write an exciting tale with surprises galore which make this a “must read” series for crime thriller lovers.

• Print Length: 380 pages
• Publisher: Bookouture (7 Aug. 2018)

Buying links:    Amazon UK 🇬🇧          Amazon US 🇺🇸

About the author 

Born in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Casey Kelleher grew up as an avid reader and a huge fan of author Martina Cole. 

Whilst working as a beauty therapist and bringing up her three children together with her husband, Casey penned her debut novel Rotten to the Core. Its success meant that she could give up her day job and concentrate on writing full time. 

She has since published 

Rise and Fall, 

Heartless, 

Bad Blood, 

The Taken, 

The Promise, 

The Byrne Trilogy

The Betrayed (Book 1 Byrne series) 

The Broken (Book 2 Byrne series) 

and her latest The Forgotten (Book 3 Byrne series) due for published on the 7th August 2018. 

For all news and updates:

www.caseykelleher.co.uk

 

 

 

To learn more about the series or buy the authors books….Casey Kelleher Books

My thanks to Kim Nash, Noelle Holten and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Don’t forget to check out my fellow book bloggers reviews……..

#BlogBlitz The Broken by Casey Kelleher #BookReview @caseykelleher @Bookouture

Woohoo today I’m thrilled to be part of the #BlogBlitz for The Broken by the very awesome Casey Kelleher, which means I can finally share my review for this fabulous book. The Broken is published by Bookouture and the best news of all? You can get your copy today, it’s  just one “click” away. If like me you are a fan of an authentic, gritty crime series then look no further this ones definitely for you. Anyway enough of my ramblings first the book description………

Book description

They took her dad, but she won’t let them take her.

Nancy Byrne was the apple of her daddy’s eye. He might have been one of the most-feared gangsters in London, yet Jimmy Byrne idolised his little Nancy. But now Jimmy is dead, gunned down in cold blood – and Nancy vows to avenge his death.

She’s only twenty years old, but as the new head of the ruthless Byrne gang, running a lucrative world of drugs, sex and violence, she’s in over her head. Keeping her family together all while Joanie, her beloved grandma, falls apart, and her brother Daniel goes off the rails forces Nancy to grow up – fast.

But while Nancy takes the men on at their own game, there’s a greater danger hiding on the dark streets. Jimmy’s killer is on her trail – and will stop at nothing to shut her up.

Blood might be thicker than water, but soon, Nancy realises she can’t trust anyone. Not even her own family.

Especially her own family.

 

Ever since I read The Betrayed  I’ve been hoping and praying Casey Kelleher would write a follow up and lo and behold my book prayers were answered with The Broken, the second instalment in an explosive and gritty series. This book takes the reader into the dark belly of the criminal underworld where violence is par for the course and revenge is deadly. It’s a world I want no part of but my oh my I do love reading about it! The Broken is brutal and “heart thumping” thrilling, it’s one of those books you will be hard pressed NOT to read in one sitting. I would highly recommend you read The Betrayed first if you haven’t already, as the two books go hand in hand.

The most-feared gangsters in London, Jimmy Byrne is dead and Nancy his beloved daughter finds herself head of the ruthless Byrne gang, running a lucrative business involving drugs, sex and violence. If that isn’t enough to cope with, her fathers killer has never been caught and it looks like Nancy could be their next victim. Oh boy what a dysfunctional family the Byrne’s turned out to be, this is a family with HUGE issues, jealousy, deadly secrets and vengeance all have a part to play, but my god it certainly made for a gripping read. Casey Kelleher has a knack of creating vibrate character that come the end of The Broken you feel like you know them intimately. Some characters you will love and others you can’t help but loathe, as the reader I found myself hoping that certain characters got their comeuppance, which certainly added an overwhelming sense of tension to the plot.

From the opening chapter the reader is hurled into the sordid and brutal criminal world, as you can imagine there is plenty of violence and choice language but personally I felt it made for a more realistic read. Fast paced and jam packed with drama there is no let up in pace, my definition of the “perfect” crime thriller.  If I have one small gripe it’s that Casey Kelleher is compared to authors such as Martina Cole in my opinion I think this author has made this genre her own, with vibrant characters and gritty plot’s and her own unique style of writing, I personally believe Casey Kelleher is an extremely talented author in her own right. Highly, highly recommended. I’m thrilled to see there is going to be a third book in the series and personally I can’t wait.

Buying links:    Amazon UK 🇬🇧                         Amazon US 🇺🇸

Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (22 Feb. 2018)

About the author

Born in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Casey Kelleher grew up as an avid reader and a huge fan of author Martina Cole. 

Whilst working as a beauty therapist and bringing up her three children together with her husband, Casey penned her debut novel Rotten to the Core. Its success meant that she could give up her day job and concentrate on writing full time. 

She has since published Rise and Fall, Heartless, Bad Blood, The Taken, The Promise, The Betrayed and her latest release The Broken is due for publication on the 22nd February 2018.
For all news and updates:

www.caseykelleher.co.uk

www.facebook.com/officialcaseykelleher

http://caseykelleher.wordpress.com



Twitter: @caseykelleher

My thanks to Kim Nash and Noelle Holten for my ARC of The Broken in exchange for an honest review.

There are some awesome bloggers taking part in the #Blogblitz for The Broken so don’t forget to check out their fabulous reviews.

 

 

**My Book Of The Month** June 2017

Now we’re in July (OMG where have those six months gone?) it’s time for me to look back at June’s reads and choose my Book Of The Month.

The Book Of The Month is chosen by myself at the beginning of every month, for the previous month. It goes to the author/book that I found outstanding for that month, and I may have given a higher rating than a 5 star review.

I read some outstanding books in June in fact I really struggled to choose just one book, this month so I’m going for two books! I absolutely loved these books and although very different in subject and writing they had all the elements I look for when reading a book, well developed characters, a strong plot and bucketfuls of suspense. So without further ado the books I have choosen are………

The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne

Each chapter starts with a part of the The Marsh King’s Daughter fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson, as we all know some of the best fairy tales are also the scariest and as the story relates to Helena’s own life it adds to the overwhelming sense of foreboding that radiates from the pages of this novel.
Expertly plotted and wonderfully written this novel made for haunting and compelling read, it’s one of those books that just begs to be read in one satisfying sitting. This is one book I will be recommending to anyone and everybody.

You can read my review here……The Marsh King’s Daughter

The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker

Oh my god I absolutely loved The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker, what a deliciously dark and utterly gripping novel this one turned out to be. I’m the first to admit you can’t beat a good serial killer in a crime thriller (hmmm I’m not sure what a psychologist would make of that) but believe me when I say they don’t come more twisted than the The Fourth Money (or 4MK as they are known) but it certainly made for a brilliant read. Masterfully written, fast-paced thriller this novel made for a rivetting read. You can read my full review here…….The Fourth Monkey

As I mentioned earlier in my post  I have read some exceptional  books this month,  and if you are looking for your next read I would highly recommend all the books listed below

 

Exquisite by Sarah Stovell you can find my review here…. Exquisite

The Detriment by David Videcette you can read my review here….The Detriment

Each Little Lie by Tom Bale you can find my review here…..Each Little Lie

The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher you can read my review here….The Betrayed

Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips you can find my review here….Fierce Kingdom

The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher #BookReview @CaseyKelleher @Bookouture

Book description

Those closest to you don’t stab you in the back. Do they?

Jimmy Byrne is one of the biggest faces on the Soho scene. Equally feared and respected, he’s clawed his way to the top. Money is his game, and he’ll make it by any means necessary.

When Jimmy sets his sights on shy young Colleen Walsh, she is quickly seduced by his sweet words and the life of luxury he offers her. But behind the diamonds and fur coats lies the reality of gangland violence – and by the time she realises the truth, she’s already in too deep.

Like her father, Jimmy Byrne, Nancy Byrne is strong, opinionated – and ruthless. But when Jimmy is murdered. Nancy vows to find the killer and make them pay for their actions.

Only the perpetrator is someone close to home. Someone she trusted. Someone who betrayed them all.

Blood is thicker than water – but Nancy is not afraid to spill some to get the truth.

Hells bells Casey Kelleher certainly knows how to drag the reader in with a shocker of a first chapter,  this pretty much sets the tone for this gripping book. Spattered with choice language The Betrayed isn’t one I would recommend to the faint hearted there’s lots of swearing and I mean lots! but it’s very much in keeping with the plot and characters. If you enjoy what I personally call “Grit lit”, a story full of violence, treachery and family ties then look no further, this book has all this and so much more.

A lot of the characters in this novel could be seen as your typical stereotypes In a novel of this genre, fortunately for the reader Casey Kelleher has the ability to make her characters standout, love them or hate you certainly won’t forget them! From the ruthless gangster Jimmy, the shy and innocent Colleen who isn’t prepared for the life of a gangsters wife, to the sharp witted Edel who made me laugh out loud with her “one liners” you can’t help but become immersed in their gritty story.

I love a dysfunctional family and the Byrne’s certainly fit the description perfectly, they are a family whose life’s are built on lies, violence and betrayal which you know is going to lead to a whole host of trouble, what follows is a brutal and explosive story, one that I found impossible to put down even for a few minutes.

The Betrayed is a novel that pulls no punches, the authors ability to portray the viciousness of the criminal world made for a gripping read. I would have loved this book to have been longer because it really was so good, I’m really hoping there is going to be a sequel to The Betrayed and if not there really should be. Would I recommend this book? It’s a huge “yes” from me, this is Casey Kelleher best book yet without a shadow of a  doubt.

Pre-order links:     Amazon UK 🇬🇧        Amazon US 🇺🇸

Print Length: 328 pages
Publisher: Bookouture (June 21, 2017)

 

**Weekly Wrap Up**

Have I got news for you, I hope you are sitting comfortable as I’m sure my news will shock some of you! I’m thrilled to report I’ve read three books this week, and still managed to fit in a 39 hour working week! I surprised myself this week and may have to go and have a lie down to get over the shock now I’ve shared my book news with you all 😂😂

Books I read this week

The Detriment by David Videcette

The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher

The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne

I’m just starting a fourth book which I’m really excited about for so many reasons, it’s going to be a first for the book review café and I’m so excited but also very nervous about it,  but for now my lips are sealed 🤐🤐

Book post I received this week

Book description

A happy child.

Every parent knows the world can be scary. Lawyer Jen Sutton knows it better than most. And she’ll go to any length to protect her son from what – and who – lies outside their front door.

A loving mother.

Some might say she’s being over-protective. But isn’t it a mother’s duty to protect her child from harm?

A family built on a lie.

Jen has kept her secrets safe. Until the postcard arrives, signed by the one person she hoped would never catch up with her… and her new case begins to feel a little too close to home.

One thing is clear: Jen has been found.

Now, she faces a choice. Run, and lose everything? Or fight – and risk her son discovering the truth.

 

Book description

Losing the trial of his life could mean losing everything.

When a young reporter is found dead and a prominent Philadelphia businessman is accused of her murder, Mick McFarland finds himself involved in the case of his life. The defendant, David Hanson, was Mick’s close friend in law school, and the victim, a TV news reporter, had reached out to Mick for legal help only hours before her death.

Mick’s played both sides of Philadelphia’s courtrooms. As a top-shelf defense attorney and former prosecutor, he knows all the tricks of the trade. And he’ll need every one of them to win.

But as the trial progresses, he’s disturbed by developments that confirm his deepest fears. This trial, one that already hits too close to home, may jeopardize his firm, his family—everything. Now Mick’s only way out is to mastermind the most brilliant defense he’s ever spun, one that will cross every legal and moral boundary.

Book description

Punk rocker, bird nerd and book lover Rob Bell had a full, happy life. He had a loving wife, a big-bottomed dog named Daisy and a career as a respected science journalist. But beneath the carefully cultivated air of machoism and the need to help other people, he struggled with mental health and a drug addiction that began as a means to self-medicate his illness. In 2015, he ended his life in New Zealand on a winter’s night.

But what happened? How did a middle-class Catholic boy from the suburbs, who had an ocean of people who loved him, and a brain the size of a planet, end up dying alone by his own hand? How did it get to this point?

In the search to find out about the man she loved, and how he arrived at that desperate, dark moment, Poorna Bell, Executive Editor of The Huffington Post UK, went on a journey spanning New Zealand, India and England to discover more about him.

A month after his death, she shared her personal tragedy in an open letter to Rob on the site, which went on to be read by hundreds of thousands of people across the world. This is Poorna’s story, not only of how she met the man of her dreams and fell in love, but also Rob’s story and how he suffered with depression since childhood and had secretly been battling addiction as a means to cope with the illness.
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 and a staggering 1 in 4 of us will experience mental illness disease at some point in our lives, but the stigma surrounding mental health means that millions still suffer in silence.

Chase the Rainbow is an affecting, poetic, and deeply personal journey which teaches to seek hope and happiness, even in the most tragic of circumstances. Shattering the stigma surrounding depression and suicide, Poorna Bell challenges us talk about what we most fear, and to better understand the personal struggles of those closest to us.

I haven’t requested any ARC’s from Netgalley as my percentage is 82% and I hope to read a few more from my pile and get it higher, until them I’m still on a self imposed book buying ban and I think this is the third week I haven’t bought any books! But I’m sure I will more than make up for it at some point.

Last week on the book review café

Good Girl Gone by KT Finch #MiniReview | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/16/good-girl-gone-by-kt-finch-minireview/

#TopFiveThursday With #BookBlogger Dee aka noveldeelights @BookaholicDee | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/15/topfivethursday-with-bookblogger-dee-aka-noveldeelights-bookaholicdee/

Each Little Lie by Tom Bale #BookReview @tOmbale @bookouture | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/14/each-little-lie-by-tom-bale-bookreview-tombale-bookouture/

The Lucky Ones by Mark Edwards #BookReview @mredwards | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/12/the-lucky-ones-by-mark-edwards-bookreview-mredwards/

Next week on the book review café

**Blog tour** The Woman In The Wood #BookReview and content

The Betrayed by Casey Kelleher #BookReview

The Detriment by David Videcette #BookReview

#TopFiveThursday

**Weekly Wrap Up**

Where has the week gone? I’m sure I’ve missed a couple of days somewhere!! You will be glad to know I’ve managed to have an incident free week, and I’m back to work. I’m sure you are all eager to learn how many books I read this week so here goes…….. I managed to read Two books yaaay go me 😀

Books I read this week

ARC’s I received this week

Book description

June 2007: a barbaric nail bomb is planted outside a London nightclub, a spy is found dead in his garden, and a blazing Jeep is driven into Glasgow airport. Three events bound by an earth-shattering connection that should have remained buried forever.

From the author of the The Theseus Paradox, the smash-hit 7/7 thriller based on true events, comes the sequel about a real-life mystery that threatens to destroy a nation. Detective Inspector Jake Flannagan must uncover how a series of astonishing events are inextricably linked, before the past closes in on him.

 

Book description

BLOOD DAUGHTER sees the Miller sisters’ loyalties put to the ultimate test in a gripping thriller, perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers and Mandasue Heller.

They say blood is thicker than water.
That’s not going to stop it being spilled.

Life hasn’t been easy for the Miller family. Finally, mum Babs has had one bit of luck. She plans to share the profits with her daughters. She thought they’d be pleased…

But money always causes trouble, especially when it’s desperately needed. Jen wants to make a better life for her kids. Tiff owes a lot of bad men a lot of money. And Dee is worried that her husband is getting back into the criminal life.

As the sisters fall out, a gold bullion heist brings more opportunities – and many more dangers. None of them are giving up without a fight…

 

Book description

The thriller with the twists you’ll never see coming! Perfect for fans of The Girl in the Ice and The Missing Ones.

WHEN HE FOUND HIS LITTLE BOY, NICK THOUGHT THE NIGHTMARE WAS OVER . . . IT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

One rainy morning, just after Nick drops off his young son Gabriel outside the crowded school gates, he has a minor collision with another car. The driver won’t surrender his insurance details, so Nick photographs the licence plate. When he gets home, he enlarges the shot on his phone and spots something odd about the picture – Gabriel in the back seat, being driven away by a stranger. Nick needs to know what happened to his boy, but losing Gabriel turns out to be far less terrible than the shock of finding him. Now, to discover the truth, he must relive the nightmare all over again…Be warned, this is not another missing child story: what happened to Nick and his son is far more shocking.

I’ve still managed to keep to my book buying ban,  as I’m still struggling to get my NetGalley pile down to a reasonable level, see I do have some will power 😂😂

Books I’m hoping to read this week

Only 1 Book in the post this week and my fabulous prize from Jen over at https://jenmedsbookreviews.com/

Book description

What if your perfect home turned out to be the scene of the perfect crime?

Londoners Jack and Syd moved into the house a year ago. It seemed like their dream home: tons of space, the perfect location, and a friendly owner who wanted a young couple to have it.

So when they made a grisly discovery in the attic, Jack and Syd chose to ignore it. That was a mistake.

Because someone has just been murdered. Right outside their back door.

And now the police are watching them

Last week on the book review café

#TopFiveThurday with #BookBlogger Kate aka TheQuietKnitter @murronsmama | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/08/topfivethurday-with-bookblogger-kate-aka-thequietknitter-murronsmama/

Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips #BookReview @GinPhillips17 @TransworldBooks @alisonbarrow #Giveaway | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/07/fierce-kingdom-by-gin-phillips-bookreview-ginphillips17-transworldbooks-alisonbarrow-giveaway/

The Fourth Monkey by J.D.Barker @jdbarker #Bookreview #4MK | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/05/the-fourth-monkey-by-j-d-barker-jdbarker-bookreview-4mk/

Next week on the book review café

The Lucky Ones by Mark Edwards #BookReview

Each Little Lie by Tom bale #BookReview

Good Girl Gone by KT Finch #MiniReview

#TopFiveThursday with yet another awesome blogger

And on a final note congratulations to all the awesome book bloggers who won in yesterday’s Annual Blogger Awards, so thrilled for you all 😘😘 you can find a list of all the winners here……http://sachablack.co.uk/2017/06/10/winners-of-the-2017-annual-bloggers-bash-awards-bloggersbash-bloggersbash/

 

 

 

 

**Weekly Wrap Up**

I have surpassed myself this week are you ready? I read five, yes you read that right! Five whole full length books and just started on my sixth! This isn’t because I’ve finally found a pattern to fit in reading between work, I actually had an accident don’t panic I’m still in one piece just about!

I bought myself a lovely pair of wedges to wear out last Saturday night and all was well until I walked home twisted my foot in the bloody things and went down like a sack of spuds, apart from a bloody finger and a huge bruise on my foot and ankle I was fine, well until I got up the next morning in agony my neck went into spasm and has been ever since! Consequently I haven’t been able to work (no work no pay 😢) or do anything apart from read (always a silver lining I guess😂😂), mind you the meds I’m taking also make me really sleepy otherwise I would probably have read another book or two!

The moral of the story?  I need to wear flat shoes at all time for my own safety, anyone looking for a pair of gorgeous pink wedges? Free to a good home 😂😂

Books I read this week

Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips

Each Little Lie by Tom Bale

The Lucky ones by Mark Edwards

The Serial Killer’s Daughter but Lesley Welsh

The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker

ARC’s I received this week

Two! I’m keeping well away from NetGalley at the moment as promised in last weeks post, but I did request Karin Slaughter’s new book The Good Daughter ages ago and finally got accepted (so that doesn’t count😂🙈).

I also got sent an ARC of Shadows by Conrad Jones, after reading Brick which I loved there was no way I could ignore this one

Book description

Suicide. Drugs. Murder.

DI Braddick is put on the case when a hijacked drug deal has resulted in murder and an eye witness goes missing. When victims are discovered strung up from the rafters of an abandoned fish factory, on the Anglesey coastline, the police are baffled as to what went on. A deserted trawler found at the scene helps Braddick put the pieces together.

Could this be the work of a notorious Russian crime family?

When an undercover officer goes missing everything points to an informer for the family and it is clear they will stop at nothing to the silence the leak and have their revenge.

As the body count rises Braddick will come to realise that no one is safe…

I’ve also still got my Amazon voucher but I’ve kept to my word and not bought any books yet! Although four of the books I read are from my NetGalley reads so I am  slowly getting there!

Book description

The stunning new standalone, with a chilling edge of psychological suspense, from the No. 1 bestelling author of the Will Trent and Grant County series.

Twenty-eight years ago, Charlotte and Samantha Quinn’s happy smalltown family life was torn apart by a terrifying attack on their family home. It left their mother dead. It left their father – Pikeville’s notorious defence attorney – devastated. And it left the family fractured beyond repair, consumed by secrets from that terrible night.

Twenty-eight years later, and Charlie has followed in her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer herself – the archetypal good daughter. But when violence comes to Pikeville again – and a shocking tragedy leaves the whole town traumatised – Charlie is plunged into a nightmare. Not only is she the first witness on the scene, but it’s a case which can’t help triggering the terrible memories she’s spent so long trying to suppress. Because the shocking truth about the crime which destroyed her family nearly thirty years ago won’t stay buried for ever …

Book Post

The Friend by Dorothy Koomson

Book description

What secret would you kill to keep?
After her husband’s big promotion, Cece Solarin arrives in Brighton with their three children, ready to start afresh. But their new neighbourhood has a deadly secret. Three weeks earlier, Yvonne, a very popular parent, was almost murdered in the grounds of the local school – the same school where Cece has unwittingly enrolled her children.

Already anxious about making friends when the parents seem so cliquey, Cece is now also worried about her children’s safety. By chance she meets Maxie, Anaya and Hazel, three very different school mothers who make her feel welcome and reassure her about her new life. That is until Cece discovers the police believe one of her new friends tried to kill Yvonne. Reluctant to spy on her friends but determined to discover the truth, Cece must uncover the potential murderer before they strike again . . .

The publishers kindly sent me a hardback copy of this book to #Giveaway. So keep your eyes peeled as I will running a little competition soon.

I also received a letter from the author which will be sent with book. The letter is printed on seeded paper, you put the paper in a pot with compost and watch the flowers grow🌻🌺🌸💐🌷 how cool is that? and will be included with the book.

Books I’m hoping to read this week

Last week on the book review café

What a busy week I had last week on my blog, and here’s a round up just in case you missed anything

**Blog Tour** Vile City by Jennifer Lee Thomson #AuthorQ&A
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/02/blog-tour-vile-city-by-jennifer-lee-thomson-authorqa-jenthom72-caffeinenights-tastpublicity/

**My Book Of The Month** May 2017 | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/06/01/my-book-of-the-month-may-2017/

**Blog Tour** #BeMyKiller by Richard Parker #BookReview @Bookouture @Bookwalter | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/31/blog-tour-bemykiller-by-richard-parker-bookreview-bookouture-bookwalter/

**Blog Tour** Body Breaker by Mike Craven #BookReview @caffeinenights @MWCravenUK | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/30/blog-tour-body-breaker-by-mike-craven-bookreview-caffeinenights-mwcravenuk/

Brick by Conrad Jones #BookReview @bloodhoundbooks @ConradJones | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/29/brick-by-conrad-jones-bookreview-bloodhoundbooks-conradjones/

Next week on the book review café

**Blog tour** The Lighterman by Simon Michael author interview

Fierce City by Gin Phillips #Review

The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker #Review

#TopFiveThursday is  back with yet another awesome book blogger

I will be running a couple of #Giveaways next week as the for the following…..

A paperback copy of The Lighterman by Simon Michael 

A Paperback copy of a Fierce Kingdom 

Other news from the book review café

I’m not sure how long it’s been sat there as I don’t tend to look at my dashboard page on NetGalley I’m usually to busy salivating at all the wonderful books on there,  but some how or other I managed to get my Top Reviewer badge which made my day.

I’m so pleased I’ve cut back on the blog tours I’ve actually turned down so many this week, even though they were for really fantastic books. It’s such a brilliant feeling to be able to pick and choose my own books with no time constraints.

 

 

 

**Weekly Wrap Up**

Yessssssss! I’m on a roll I managed to read another two books this week, I feel like I should be celebrating 🎉🍾🍹🎉 I’m sure at some point I will hit a reading slump,  but I’m happy with two books per week for now. I even managed a two day social media ban which certainly helps with the reading.

Books I’ve read this week

Final Girls by Riley Sager

Exquisite by Sarah Stovell, I absolutely loved this book but unfortunately I’m having to save my review for the blog tour, you can read my review on Monday June 26th

ARC’s I received this week

Book description

Dean Hudson didn’t look evil…so what could drive an ordinary boy to kill?

When the teenage son of Holly Gold’s school friend brutally murders his parents before killing himself, her sleepy home town is rocked by the sudden tragedy.

Appalled, Holly investigates. What could have caused the happy-go-lucky boy she remembers to commit such a heinous crime? When another teen commits suicide, she uncovers a horrifying link between the recent deaths and a dark conspiracy to hide the truth.

But someone doesn’t want Holly asking questions and, as she hunts for evidence to prove her theory, she’s dragged into a nightmare that threatens her life and her sanity. Then tragedy strikes again—and this time it’s closer to home…

 

Book description

Lighterman is the third book in the bestselling series of legal thrillers starring barrister Charles Holborne. Simon Michael’s follow up to the bestselling The Brief and An Honest Man, continues the adventures of criminal barrister Charles Holborne. The Lighterman provides more of Charles’ personal history, dating back to the war years when he worked on the River Thames with his cousin Izzy. Gangland leader Ronnie Kray is not a man to forgive or forget. Holborne has “taken liberties” and revenge will follow. But how to get at a tough and resourceful Brief with his own history of criminality and a penchant for violence? The answer: find a man who can’t be hanged twice. Now Holborne must dig up the secrets of the past to save two lives…one of them his own.Simon Michael brings the past vividly back to life across a beautifully rendered 60s landscape.

Book description

Those closest to you don’t stab you in the back. Do they?

Jimmy Byrne is one of the biggest faces on the Soho scene. Equally feared and respected, he’s clawed his way to the top. Money is his game, and he’ll make it by any means necessary.

When Jimmy sets his sights on shy young Colleen Walsh, she is quickly seduced by his sweet words and the life of luxury he offers her. But behind the diamonds and fur coats lies the reality of gangland violence – and by the time she realises the truth, she’s already in too deep.

Like her father, Jimmy Byrne, Nancy Byrne is strong, opinionated – and ruthless. But when Jimmy is murdered. Nancy vows to find the killer and make them pay for their actions.

Only the perpetrator is someone close to home. Someone she trusted. Someone who betrayed them all.

Blood is thicker than water – but Nancy is not afraid to spill some to get the truth.

Book description

‘Family curses don’t exist. Sure, some families seem to suffer more pain than others, but a curse? An actual curse? I don’t think so.’

A family tragedy was the catalyst for Ian Perkins to return to the isolated cottage with his wife and young son. But now they are back, it seems yet more grief might befall the family.

There is still time to act, but that means Ian must face the uncomfortable truth about his past. And in doing so, he must uncover the truth behind the supposed family curse.

Book description

One split second can destroy your life forever

Single mother Jen Cornish is just trying to hold things together for the sake of her seven-year-old son Charlie. Until the day when she does an impulsive good deed to help a neighbour, setting off a terrifying chain of events that quickly spirals out of control…

When she is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit, Jen quickly starts to wonder if someone is playing a cruel game with her – or is she losing her mind?

Desperate to clear her name with the police, she must first untangle a chilling web of lies. But someone is watching her every move – and it isn’t just Jen who is in danger.

My ever suffering (well he’s got to be for putting up with me for all these years 😂🙈) hubby surprised me with an Amazon voucher and do you know what? I haven’t bought one book shock! Horror! Only because I happened to check my Netgalley account and realised I may just have a small amount of books to be read on there cough! Cough! I was shocked to see I have 20 (Make than 21 as I’ve just added Tom Bale) books to read 🙈📚📚📚

So despite my hubbys very generous gift I’m going to save my voucher until I’ve read at least half of them (or that’s my objective, watch this space) and in case you were wondering I’m down to 77% on NetGalley shocking!

Last week on the book review café

#TopFiveThursday with #BookBlogger Donna aka Chocolatenwaffles | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/25/topfivethursday-with-bookblogger-donna-aka-chocolatenwaffles/

**Blog tour** Reconciliation For The Dead Paul E. Hardisty @orendabooks @Hardisty_Paul | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/23/blog-tour-reconciliation-for-the-dead-paul-e-hardisty-orendabooks-hardisty_paul/

He Said She Said by Erin Kelly #BookReview | The Book Review Café
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/22/he-said-she-said-by-erin-kelly-bookreview/

Next week on the book review café

Five fabulous blog tours this week,……..

**Blog tour** Brick by Conrad Jones #Review

**Blog tour** Body Breaker by Mike Craven #Review

**Blog Tour** Be My Killer by Richard Parker #Review

**Blog Tour** Vile City by Jennifer Thomson #Author Q & A

My Book Of The Month

**Blog Tour** Secrets Of The Dead by Carol Wyer #Review

Due to it being such a busy week on the book review café  #TopFiveThursday will be postponed for a week