Kiss Me Kill Me by J. S. Carol #BookReview @JamesCarolBooks @BonnierZaffre

Book description

She thought she could trust him. She was wrong . . . When Zoe meets Dan, he’s everything she is looking for in a man – intelligent, charming, supportive.It’s only after they’re married that she realises that he’s controlling, aggressive, paranoid.And there’s no way out.Or is there?

Zoe knows she has to escape, but Dan’s found her once before, and she knows he can find her again.But Dan has plans of his own. Plans that don’t necessarily include Zoe.Be careful who you trust . . .

WOW, WOW and triple WOW! I loved Kiss Me Kill Me by J. S. Carol what a dark and twisted psychological thriller this one turned out to be. Any crime thriller lover will be familiar with James Carol and his crime books featuring Detective Jefferson Winter, which I’m a huge fan of by the way, the author has taken a step away from this series and written Kiss Me Kill Me a standalone psychological thriller.

From the book description I was expecting a “run of the mill” domestic noir kind of read, but how wrong I was! The author has written a gripping and highly compelling book that made it impossible to put down, cliched I know but in this case it’s very true. It’s one of those reads that unnerved me from the beginning with a constant sense of foreboding you just know this is one marriage that’s not going to end in a “happy ever after”.

Apologises for the vague review but this is definitely one of the less you know the more shocking the ride. What I loved about this book was the author’s ability to mislead the reader at every opportunity and he does it time after time, every time I thought I had it all worked out J. S. Carol hit me with another surprise. There are some uncomfortable scenes that deal with the ugly side of domestic abuse but they are fundamental to the plot and very much set the scene for the events that unfold.

J. S. Carol has taken the well used subject of domestic abuse and deftly turned it in to something much more than your garden variety psychological thriller. Kiss Me Kill Me is highly original, heart thumping and so very cleverly done, in case you haven’t already guessed I really, really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a psychological thriller with more than twists than a roller coaster.

Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Zaffre (22 February 2018)

Buying link:    Amazon UK 🇬🇧

 

A day with author James Carol #GuestPost @JamesCarolBooks

Today I’m thrilled to have author James Carol share a guest post about his day as a writer. I’m a huge fan of this author and I especially love his FBI profiler Jefferson Winter series, it’s one of my favourite crime series. The author has also just published a psychological thriller as J. S. Carol it’s called Kiss Me Kill Me, and another read I would highly recommend. 

So without further ado here’s……………..

A Day In The Life Of James Carol

A typical day starts with getting the kids to school. One of the big advantages of working from home is that I get to do things like that. If there’s a school play or sports day, I can get there. My best memories of the past year are hearing my daughter sing like an angel at the Christmas concert, and watching my son running his heart out to win his race.

Once the kids are in school then it’s time to put on a CD and get to work. Writing in silence is a kind of torture for me. Music helps to block out all the other distractions so I can focus on the words. I listen to everything and anything. For example, right now I’ve got a Police compilation playing. That said, it could just as easily have been The Beatles or Lorde or even Taylor Swift.

If I’m working on a first draft, my aim is to get at least 1,500 words written. Do that for a week and I’m 7,500 words further on; do it for fourteen weeks and I’ve got a novel. Like Stephen King said, a novel gets written one word at a time. Think about it. Writing one word is achievable, however, if you’re sat there at the start of a novel and you’ve somehow got to find at least 100,000 words, that’s just too daunting. Where the hell do you start? So I write one word at a time, and it’s amazing how quickly those words turn into sentences, then paragraphs, and whole chapters.

I tend to clock off around one. By that point my brain is fried. Of course, writing is one of those occupations that you never totally switch off from. I’ll often find myself falling back into the novel at various points during the day, working through things in my head. Then there are those times when I end up doing the dreaded night shift. This usually happens when I’ve got a particularly gnarly plot problem to work out. For some reason, my brain decides that two o’clock in the morning is the best time to do this. And, no, I don’t get out of bed to write things down. If the idea is good enough then I’ll remember it. Lennon and McCartney did a similar thing in their early days, and it seemed to work out okay for them.

About the author

James Carol is the bestselling author of BROKEN DOLLS, the first in a series featuring former FBI profiler Jefferson Winter. The novel was released in the UK in January 2014 to rave reviews and reached number 1 on the Amazon fiction and thriller charts. In addition James is writing a series of eBooks set during Winter’s FBI days. PRESUMED GUILTY is the first of these. Under the pseudonym J.S. Carol, he has also written a number of standalones. KISS ME KILL ME is the latest.

James was born in Scotland and moved to England in the early-eighties. At various times he has worked as a guitarist, sound engineer, guitar tutor, journalist, and a horse riding instructor. When he’s not writing, James can usually be found in a pair of headphones writing and recording music. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and two children.

For more information go to: www.james-carol.com

To learn more about James Carol’s book click here….James Carol Books

My thanks to James Carol for taking time out of his busy schedule to write this post for my blog.

Top Five Friday with The Book Review Café #Thrillers

Today on Top Five Friday I’ve choosen my five top thriller reads, again this was a difficult one but after some thought these are still some of my favourite books in this genre.

The Theseus Paradox by David Videcette

What I found fascinating about The Theseus Pardox is, that although it isn’t my usual type of book,I found it to be a compelling read. David Videcette is a uniquely gifted story-teller, who draw’s the reader in by writing a chillingly and credible tale based on real circumstances, it’s so well written it’s difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

The Killing Game by J. S. Carol

The Killing Game is a highly addictive read, in fact I felt I needed therapy after finishing it, as this book left me with a hell of a book hangover! I couldn’t bear to put it down. In my humble opinion The Killing Games has the hallmarks of a Hollywood blockbuster, with a highly original plot, action a plenty, and bucketfuls of suspense this is the perfect action thriller novel.

All Fall Down by Tom Bale

Tom Bale should write a masterclass on how to bring suspense to a novel, All Fall Down is packed to the brim with it, as the story unfolds you soon realise the family are being watched, and the author very cleverly adds chapters told by an anonymous narrator which literally made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, these chapters were full of malice and intrigue, so much so I found myself holding my breath as I wondered what lay in store for the family.

My Sister’s Bones by Nuala Elwood

When I first saw the title of this book I conjured up so many different scenarios but oh my god I couldn’t have been more wrong! New author on the block Nuala Ellwood has certainly written a disturbing and spine chilling tale that I found impossible to put down once I started reading.

See How They Run by Tom Bale

Tom Bale has written an absolutely fantastic book, I felt like I was on a roller coaster with no let up in pace (cliched I know, but in this case very true), I truly loved every heart stopping page of See How They Run, With a well defined plot that was taut and original in content it’s a compulsive read, and one I could not put down until I reached the nail biting conclusion .

You can read all my reviews for these fabulous books here…

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2015/12/28/author-interview-the-theseus-paradox-by-david-videcette/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/10/17/blog-tour-the-killing-game-by-j-s-carol-jamescarolbooks-review-bookouture/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/09/04/blog-tour-all-fall-down-by-tom-bale-interview-review/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/11/04/blog-tour-my-sisters-bones-by-nuala-elwood-review-nualawrites/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/05/05/see-how-they-run-by-tom-bale/

**End Of The Year Wrap Up **

Well I for one will be glad to see the back of 2016, for many reasons this hasn’t been the best year I’ve ever had. I’m going to embrace 2017 though and make it my year to take on new challenges.

Now I’m not one for New Years resolutions I always fail at the first hurdle (usually the 2nd of January 😂), but I am hoping to do a couple of things regarding my reading and my blog

• Read some books from my TBR pile, which I’m desperate to get through
• cut down on blog tours, as there’s too much pressure to read a book in a limited time
• Only request one book at a time on NetGalley (this ones going to be hard)
• if I’m not enjoying a book, I DON’T have to finish it, after all there are far too many amazing books out there to waste time on a duff one!
• learn to say “no” it’s ok NOT to agree to read and review every book that comes my way (my new mantra😂)
• Read more books by authors that are new to me, I’ve already got a couple lined up…..so watch this space!

Although I haven’t compiled a list of my top reads, here are just some of the books I really enjoyed this year and would highly recommend.

My top five most read posts

You can read the reviews here……

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/02/11/author-interview-behind-closed-doors-by-b-a-paris/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/02/08/behind-closed-doors-by-b-a-paris/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/01/26/tainted-love-by-kimberley-chambers/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/02/26/between-you-and-me-by-lisa-hall/

https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/06/10/the-sister-by-louise-jenson/

My First read of 2017

My first read of 2017 is Snatched From Home by Graham Smith, this is a book that has been sat on my TBR pile for a while, it’s also by an author I haven’t read yet which means I’ve already started on my goals for 2017

Books I’ve read to watch out for in 2017

As the end of the year approaches I would like to say a huge thank you to each and everyone of you who follows my blog and wish you all a fabulous New Year and hope all your dreams come true.

Lorraine x x x

 

 

#BookOfThe Month October 2016 @michaelJmalone1 @orendaBooks

As it’s the last day of October today (Happy Halloween by the way 🎃🕸👻🎃) I thought I would post my book of the month for October 2016. 

I’ve read some fabulous books this month and four books got my special “gold star award“, books that I consider be an outstanding read. I really can’t recommend theses books highly enough and they are certainly worthy of being added to any crime thrillers TBR pile they include……..

Dark Waters by Robert Bryndza

Good Me Bad Me by Ali Land 

The Killing Game by J.S. Carol

Untouchable by Sibel Hodge

But there’s one book that stands out  for me it covered ever aspect of what I look for in a good read, fantastic plot, great characters and a storyline that drew me in from the first page and kept me in its grip until I reached the very last page, it also made me cry as it was heartbreaking, but dark and very sinister, so If you haven’t already guessed my book of the month is……..

A Suitable Lie By Michael J Malone

Book description

Some secrets should never be kept… Andy Boyd thinks he is the luckiest man alive. Widowed with a young child, after his wife dies in childbirth, he is certain that he will never again experience true love. Then he meets Anna. Feisty, fun and beautiful, she’s his perfect match … and she loves his son like he is her own.

When Andy ends up in the hospital on his wedding night, he receives his first clue that Anna is not all that she seems. Desperate for that happy-ever-after, he ignores it. A dangerous mistake that could cost him everything.

A brave, deeply moving, page-turning psychological thriller, A Suitable Lie marks a stunning departure for one of Scotland’s finest crime writers, exploring the lengths people will go to hide their deepest secrets, even if it kills them…

My thanks to Karen over at Orenda books and Michael J Malone for giving me the chance to read this fabulous book. 

You can read my full review here…..
https://thebookreviewcafe.com/2016/10/26/a-suitable-lie-by-michael-j-malone-michaeljmalone1-orendabooks-review/

Or you can buy a copy here…….

 

***Blog Tour*** The Killing Game by J. S Carol @jamescarolbooks #Review @bookouture

Book description

Imagine you are having lunch at an exclusive restaurant, filled with Hollywood’s hottest stars.
And a masked gunman walks in and takes everyone hostage.
You must bargain for your life against a twisted individual who knows everything about you.
He also has a bomb set to detonate if his heart rate changes.
If he dies. You die.
You have four hours to stay alive.
What would you do?

**A word of warning** you may want to clear your schedule before you start reading this book, because once you pick it up there’s no way you will be able to put it down until you reach the explosive ending. The Killing Game is a standalone thriller written under the pseudonym JS Carol, now anyone whose a huge crime thriller fan will know J.S Carol is in fact James Carol the number 1 best selling author of Broken Dolls, the first in a series of thrillers featuring former FBI profiler Jefferson Winter, who I just happen to be a huge fan of. So when I was asked to review an exclusive early copy of The Killing Game I literally jumped at the chance to read this standalone thriller. When I enjoy an authors writing I’m always concerned that a change in direction in their work will be a let down, BUT I’M ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO SAY THIS BOOK IS SIMPLY OUTSTANDING, and completely blew me away.

The Killing Game is a ‘real-time’ adrenaline fuelled thriller, and covers events over a four hour period. When a masked, armed bomber walks into Alfie’s restaurant, the most exclusive spot in Hollywood, the A-listers within find themselves caught up in a terrifying siege, one in which not everyone will live through, as lives are threatened the A-listers soon realise they are up against against an individual who is not afraid to kill to get what he wants. That’s all I’m going to say about the plot as I want readers to enjoy every heart pumping page of this masterfully plotted action thriller as much as I did.

From the off this has to be one of the most tense novels I have read in a long time, the pace is relentless. The chapters are delivered in half hour slots which add a sense of urgency to the plot as the FBI attempt to bring the hostage situation to a safe conclusion. The Killing Game feels like “time bomb” ticking you are constantly waiting for the next explosion, which certainly added to my own anxiety and trepidation as I turned the pages, in fact I found my heart pounding constantly as I read this book. The author describes the scene and atmosphere of the hostages situation so vividly I felt like I was there living their nightmare, the anxiety and fear the victims felt were tangible throughout.

There are numerous characters in The Killing Game some of them less likeable than others, but they all have a part to play, the A listers being held hostage are an interesting bunch and the gravity of their situation seemed very real, their fear and overwhelming urge “to get out alive” added to my own heart racing tenfold. Adding to the suspense is the Unknown identity of the armed bomber and their motives, believe me when I say the bomber is one of most complex, cold and calculated killers I have ever come across. As he plays chilling games with his hostages, I’m sure I was having palpitations as my fear and anxiety for the hostages safety grew the further on I read, as the bomber is so unpredictable you are never quite sure who his next victim is going to be or what he’s going to do next, which added a whole new level of suspense to the story. J.S Carol maintains the pace throughout, and each chapter leaves you wondering “what the hell can happen next?” you hardly get time to catch your breath before the author hits you with his next twist. This is certainly an adrenaline fuelled read, I’m convinced my heart never stopped racing as I read this book.

The Killing Game is a highly addictive read, in fact I felt I needed therapy after finishing it, as this book left me with a hell of a book hangover! I couldn’t bear to put it down. In my humble opinion The Killing Games has the hallmarks of a Hollywood blockbuster, with a highly original plot, action a plenty, and bucketfuls of suspense this is the perfect action thriller novel. If you only read one book this year make sure it’s The Killing Game.

I won’t be giving The Killing Games 5 stars, but I will be giving it the very prestigious GOLD STAR AWARD. I give this award to a book I feel covers every aspect of what I look for in a good read, fantastic plot, great characters and a storyline that drew me in from the first page and kept me in its grip until I reached the very last page.

I must give a mention to publishers Bookouture who I can honestly say are my favourite publishers at the moment they go from strength to strength. Their authors (who just happen to be some of my favourites) are producing such a high standard of crime and thriller books I might have to adjust my top 10 books at the end of the year to at least 15 🙈and as for the covers they are simply amazing don’t you think?

So a HUGE thank you to Kim Nash and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review so many fabulous books x

Amazon U.K.
James Carol is the bestselling author of BROKEN DOLLS, the first in a series featuring former FBI profiler Jefferson Winter. The novel was released in the UK in January 2014 to rave reviews and reached number 1 on the Amazon fiction and thriller charts. In addition James is writing a series of eBooks set during Winter’s FBI days. PRESUMED GUILTY is the first of these. Under the pseudonym J.S. Carol, he has also written THE KILLING GAME.

 

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