Category Archives: J.D. Barker

**My Book Of The Month** June 2017

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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

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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

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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
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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

**Weekly Wrap Up**

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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

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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.

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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…

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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/

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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

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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/

 

 

 

 

The Fourth Monkey by J.D.Barker @jdbarker #Bookreview #4MK

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Book description

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorised the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realise he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.

As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.

With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.

img_1258Oh 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.  I’m not going to go into plot details as I would hate to spoil the read for others and it’s definitely one of those “the less you know, the more thrilling the read”

The novel is told mainly from Detective Sam Porter POV and from 4MK’s diary. This diary tells the story of a serial killer, beginning with their childhood you learn of the events that shaped them into the evil and depraved monster they became. It was these chapters that I found the most unsettling they are seriously twisted and imaginative, to read how a small child turns into a psychopath serial killer made for a very disturbing and chilling read, but I found myself compelled to learn more about this sick individual. Yes it is pretty graphic in parts, but very much in keeping with the plot and characters.

Deviously plotted with twists galore this J.D. Barker has written a story that challenges and shock, he certainly  isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of what we expect. He writes with grit, enthusiasm and passion and manages to deliver on all fronts. The Fourth Monkey has been compared to 7even and Silence Of The Lambs, and I can see why, thanks to the plot, an unforgettable serial killer and scenes that would unsettle the most hardened crime thriller reader it really does have the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster. Highly recommended and I can definitely see why this novel is being billed as one of the most anticipated releases of 2017. 

Hardcover: 416 pages

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (27 Jun. 2017)

Links to pre-order:    Amazon UK 🇬🇧       Amazon US 🇺🇸

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I will be giving The Fourth Monkey the very prestigious Gold Star Award Rating. It’s given to a book I feel is particularly outstanding, a book that covers every aspect of what I look for in a good read, fantastic plot, great characters and a storyline that draws me in from the first page and keeps me in its grips until I reach the very last page.

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**Weekly Wrap Up**

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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 😂😂

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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 

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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.

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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**

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I’ve managed to read one book this week, shocking I know (holds head in shame) my usual problem ………

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Need I say anymore!!!

I have two more blog tour books to read and then I’m going to spend the next few months catching up on books from my TBR pile that I’m desperate to get to. I really need to read some books to review for my blog, as all the books I’ve read recently are for blog tours so I can’t share them just yet.

Personally I feel I’ve constantly been reading books for blog tours (my own fault for agreeing to so many) over the last couple of months, and it’s slightly spoilt my enjoyment of reading, don’t get me wrong I’ve read some really amazing books, but it would be nice to pick up a book that doesn’t have to be read by a certain date.

What I’m reading next

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I’m really looking forward to reading The Night Visitor by Lucy Atkins. 

ARC I received this week

I have been really good and only requested one book on NetGalley, and it’s one I’m desperate to read so I’m one happy bunny 🐰

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Book description

Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called, “A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind.”

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.

As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.

With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.

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Book description

An electrifying novel about the primal and unyielding bond between a mother and her son, and the lengths she’ll go to protect him.

The zoo is nearly empty as Joan and her four-year-old son soak up the last few moments of playtime. They are happy, and the day has been close to perfect. But what Joan sees as she hustles her son toward the exit gate minutes before closing time sends her sprinting back into the zoo, her child in her arms. And for the next three hours–the entire scope of the novel–she keeps on running.

Suddenly, mother and son are as trapped as the animals. Joan’s intimate knowledge of this place that filled early motherhood with happy diversions–the hidden pathways and under-renovation exhibits, the best spots on the carousel and overstocked snack machines–is all that keeps them a step ahead of danger.

Books I bought this week

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Book description

On a remote Highland mountain, the body of Elaine Buxton is burning. All that will be left to identify the respected lawyer are her teeth and a fragment of clothing.

In the concealed back room of a house in Edinburgh, the real Elaine Buxton screams into the darkness

Detective Inspector Luc Callanach has barely set foot in his new office when Elaine’s missing persons case is escalated to a murder investigation. Having left behind a promising career at Interpol, he’s eager to prove himself to his new team. But Edinburgh, he discovers, is a long way from Lyon, and Elaine’s killer has covered his tracks with meticulous care.

It’s not long before another successful woman is abducted from her doorstep, and Callanach finds himself in a race against the clock. Or so he believes The real fate of the women will prove more twisted than he could have ever imagined.

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Book description

From a bold new voice in international crime fiction, a chilling debut in which two detectives must hunt down a vengeful killer–and uncover the secret that ties each of them to the crime

A six-year-old girl is found in the Norwegian countryside, hanging lifeless from a tree with a jump rope around her neck. She is dressed in strange doll’s clothes. Around her neck is an airline tag that says “I’m traveling alone.”

A special homicide unit in Oslo re-opens with veteran police investigator Holger Munch at the helm. Holger’s first step is to persuade the brilliant but haunted investigator Mia Krüger to come back to the squad–she’s been living on an isolated island, overcome by memories of her past. When Mia views a photograph of the crime scene and spots the number “1” carved into the dead girl’s fingernail, she knows this is only the beginning. She’ll soon discover that six years earlier, an infant girl was abducted from a nearby maternity ward. The baby was never found. Could this new killer have something to do with the missing child, or with the reclusive Christian sect hidden in the nearby woods?

Mia returns to duty to track down a revenge-driven and ruthlessly intelligent killer. But when Munch’s own six-year-old granddaughter goes missing, Mia realizes that the killer’s sinister game is personal, and I’m Traveling Alone races to an explosive–and shocking–conclusion.

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Book description

Zoe Whittaker is living a charmed life. She is the beautiful young wife to handsome, charming Wall Street tycoon Henry Whittaker. She is a member of Manhattan’s social elite. She is on the board of one of the city’s most prestigious philanthropic organizations. She has a perfect Tribeca penthouse in the city and a gorgeous lake house in the country. The finest wine, the most up-to-date fashion, and the most luxurious vacations are all at her fingertips.

What no one knows is that five years ago, Zoe’s life was in danger. Back then, Zoe wasn’t Zoe at all. Now her secrets are coming back to haunt her. As the past and present collide, Zoe must decide who she can trust before she—whoever she is—vanishes completely.

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Book description

Following on from the bestselling The Seven Sisters and The Storm Sister, The Shadow Sister is the third book in Lucinda Riley’s spellbinding series, loosely based on the mythology of the Seven Sisters star cluster.

Star D’Aplièse is at a crossroads in her life after the sudden death of her beloved father – the elusive billionaire, named Pa Salt by his six daughters, all adopted by him from the four corners of the world. He has left each of them a clue to their true heritage, but Star – the most enigmatic of the sisters – is hesitant to step out of the safety of the close relationship she shares with her sister CeCe. In desperation, she decides to follow the first clue she has been left, which leads her to an antiquarian bookshop in London, and the start of a whole new world . . .

A hundred years earlier, headstrong and independent Flora MacNichol vows she will never marry. She is happy and secure in her home in the Lake District, living close to her idol, Beatrix Potter, when machinations outside of her control lead her to London, and the home of one of Edwardian society’s most notorious players, Alice Keppel. Flora is pulled between passionate love and duty to her family, but finds herself a pawn in a game – the rules of which are only known to others, until a meeting with a mysterious gentleman unveils the answers that Flora has been searching for her whole life . . .

As Star learns more of Flora’s incredible journey, she too goes on a voyage of discovery, finally stepping out of the shadow of her sister and opening herself up to the possibility of love.

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 Book description

Who do you believe?

In the hushed aftermath of a total eclipse, Laura witnesses a brutal attack.

She and her boyfriend Kit call the police, and in that moment, it is not only the victim’s life that is changed forever.

Fifteen years on, Laura and Kit live in fear.

And while Laura knows she was right to speak out, the events that follow have taught her that you can never see the whole picture: something – and someone – is always in the dark…

Last week on the book review café

My book of the month

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/01/my-book-of-the-month-april-2017/

The One Man by Andrew Gross #Review

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/02/the-one-man-by-andrew-gross-bookreview/

Cover reveal The Detriment by David Videcette 

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/02/coverreveal-the-detriment-by-david-videcette-davidvidecette-thedetriment/

Their Lost Daughters by Joy Ellis

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/03/their-lost-daughters-by-joy-ellis-bookreview/

#TopFiveThursday with Sam aka cluesandreviews

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/04/topfivethursday-with-bookblogger-sam-cluesandreviews/

Dead To Me by Lesley Pearse #Review 

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/04/dead-to-me-by-lesley-pearce-bookreview-lesleypearce-michaeljbooks-lovelesley/

Block 46 by Johana Gustwasson 

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2017/05/06/blog-tour-block-46-by-johana-gustawasson-bookreview-orendabooks-jogustawasson/

Next week on the book review café

Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens #Review

**Blog tour** child Taken by Darren Young #Review

#TopFiveThursday with another awesome blogger

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And lastly I hope you don’t mind me sharing this but the book review café has hit 8,000 + followers, that’s across my blog, FB and Twitter  I’m not sure how or why I’ve gained so many followers, but I must admit I’m thrilled to bits as when I started up my blog I never really thought anyone would actually follow me.

So I would like to say a big thank you to followers old and new for following me. To fellow bloggers who constantly share and comment on my posts you guys rock. I shall be hosting a giveaway at some point to celebrate the occasion, so keep your eyes peeled.