Category Archives: Karen Long

**Weekly Wrap Up**

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Well it’s that time of the time of the week again, where does the time go? Answers on a postcard please. So today it’s my weekly wrap up and I’m pleased to say I’ve managed to read more than one book again this week, I finished one, read one and just started on my third book this week  not bad considering I’ve been on lates this week so struggle to find anytime to read.

Outside Looking In by Michael Wood

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I’ve really been looking forward to reading the latest release from Michael Wood, it’s the second in the DCI Matilda Darke series, and I loved it, you will be able to read my review on Monday 4th July as part of the blog tour

The Caller by M. A. Comley and Tara Lyons

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This is the first collaboration from authors M.A. Comley and Tara Lyons, and again I really enjoyed this new crime series, again this ones for a blog tour so you will be able to read my review on Friday 17th June 

When The Killing Starts by R C Bridgestock

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This is the 7th book in the series and it’s a cracker! If you love a gritty police procedure book you will love this, and yes this book is for the blog tour you can catch my review on Friday 24th June

Books I’ve bought

I’ve been really, really good and only bought one book this week, and that’s because I have such a huge pile of books I’m desperate to read sitting on my TBR pile

Beautiful by Anita Waller

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Last week On the book review café

Blog tour and Guest post for The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza, You can read my review and guest post from Robert Bryndza here

Blog tour for The Safe Word by Karen Long, You can read my review here

My book of the month May 2016, You can see my book of the month here
Review for the Hatching by Ezekiel Boone, You can see my review here

Arc’s I’ve received this week

Whyte lies by KC Acton

I See You by Clare Mackintosh

The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter

Baby Doll by Hollie Overton

Cut To The Bone by Alex Cann

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Review for The Sister by Louise Jenson

Review for S Is For Stranger by Louise Stone

A special guest review for The Last Good Girl by Alison Leotta

Blog tour for When He Fell by Kate Hewitt

Blogging news from the book review café

I just had to share this in my weekly round up, I was estatic to see Robert Bryndza used a quote from my review for The Night Stalker as his header on his very own Twitter page, how exciting is that?

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What books have you been reading this week? I would love to know, please feel free to leave a comment 

**Blog Tour** The Safe Word by Karen Long & Giveaway

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Today its its my turn on the blog tour for The Safe Word by Karen Long, hosted by Brookcottagebooks. I really enjoyed this book it’s the first in the series featuring DI Eleanor Raven.Don’t forget to enter the competition further down the page to win………

1ST PRIZE – SIGNED PAPERBACK OF THE SAFE WORD – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY
2ND PRIZE – ECOPY OF THE SAFE WORD – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

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Book Description

Toronto has become the backdrop to a macabre set of artistic installations: women kidnapped, tortured and horrifically displayed by a killer with a vision.
Only someone capable of understanding the killer’s creative desire will be able to stop the murders and D I Eleanor Raven is uniquely qualified. Driven by a complex personality she pursues only the facts, only the things she can see, but never casts a judgement.

But she also has a dark and dangerous secret – one that will threaten her very survival.

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The Safe Word by Karen Long is the first in a series of books featuring DI Eleanor Raven, and also the author Karen Long’s debut novel. Flawed detective, DI Eleanor Raven, has a secret she hides from her colleagues, a secret that could end her career and land her in grave danger. There is a serial killer walking the streets of Toronto, he tortures his victims and then displays his masterpieces for the world to see. Eleanor Raven is bought into investigate the gruesome murders, not realising her secret will put her in the killers sights.

Eleanor Raven isn’t a particularly original character, like many Detectives in crime book she has her flaws, she’s domineering, driven and very much in control, but the secret Eleanor is the complete opposite, her relationship with her newly appointed partner Laurence Whitefoot offers some light relief, (especially the scenes involving his dog Monster), as do some of her work colleagues, the dialogue between them was amusing at times and very credible. The author has created characters who have a lot of potential, and it will be interesting to see how they evolve as the series progresses.

As Eleanor’s private life becomes of interest to the killer and places her in danger, the tension intensifies, and the suspense mounts. The Plot moves along at a steady pace, with just enough twists and turns to keep me reading. Although I had worked out who the killer was early on, this did not distract from my enjoyment of The Safe Word. The serial killer was certainly one sick and twisted individual, and his reasons for killing were chilling to say the least. At times I found The Safe Word to be dark and gritty tale, and I found it to be a promising start to this new series.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Out of 5

Published January 14th 2014

Genre: Mystery / thriller / crime

Eleanor Raven Series: Book 1

Buy Links

Amazon UK     Amazon US     Barnes and Noble

PRAISE FOR THE SAFE WORD

Just read The Safe Word by Karen Long – an unputdownable serial killer tale. James Purefoy

For DS Eleanor Raven It’s not so much who, what or when but ‘why’ that leads this powerful read to its conclusion and Karen Long reminds us that a brutal, vicious and destructive act is not something inherently ‘Evil’ or derived from Satan but is a rational choice made by a human being. The quirky, offbeat and endearing relationship between Eleanor and her partner Laurence Whitefoot shines a light on this dark compelling world of sexual intrigue and mystery. My imagination was certainly held captive! Robson Green

Most fictional detectives these days have to have a ‘thing’ to set them apart from the others, and Raven’s is one of the most original for a long time. The plot moves in some unexpected directions, and builds to a genuinely exciting climax. The Safe Word is an impressive, confident debut. Convincing characters and some nice twists make for a compelling, satisfying thriller, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for Eleanor Raven. Killing Time

ABOUT KAREN LONG

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Karen Long was born and raised in the English Midlands, educated at Bangor University and taught English and Drama for fifteen years. During her teaching years she studied biology and neurology with the Open University and this interest in medicine, forensics and forensic psychology is reflected in her writing. She is an enthusiastic traveller and has spent time in Toronto, which became the backdrop and inspiration for The Safe Word.
She is a keen amateur naturalist with a deep and abiding love for the crow family. She has dedicated time, love and several fingers in an effort to rehabilitate crows, magpies, rooks and ravens.

Karen is happy to correspond with readers and can be contacted through her website Karen Long Writer where she posts regular blogs.
The Safe Word is Karen’s first novel and was an Amazon bestseller, soon to be joined by the second in the Eleanor Raven series, The Vault. Karen is working on the third novel in the series.

Author Links

Facebook     Karen Long Writer    WordPress     Twitter     Goodreads
All author or review enquires please contact Karen Long’s Personal Assistant J.B. Johnston – brookbooks@hotmail.co.uk
Check out Book 2 – The Vault at Amazon

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Did you know that Eleanor Raven is also online?

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Twitter     Facebook

Giveaway

1ST PRIZE – SIGNED PAPERBACK OF THE SAFE WORD – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY
2ND PRIZE – ECOPY OF THE SAFE WORD – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

Enter Giveaway Here @ Rafflecopter

**Weekly Wrap Up**

 

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Well it’s time for my weekly wrap up and I’m pleased to say I’ve managed to read more than ONE book this week, in fact I have read 3 books and just started my fourth

The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

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The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

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S Is For Stranger by Louise Stone

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Outside Looking In by Michael Wood

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Last week On the book review café

My A-Z Books tag You can read my A-Z of books here

Last To Die by Arlene Hunt You can read my review here

Chosen Child by Linda Huber You can read my review here

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Book Post I received this week

Lie With Me by Sabine Durrant

All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

He’s Gone by Alex Clarke

Next week on the book review café

Its going to be a busy week, reviews plus two blog tours

Blog tour for The night Stalker by Robert Bryndza, Thursday 2nd June,  including a fascinating guest post from Robert Bryndza

Blog tour for The Safe Word by Karen Long,  Friday 3rd June 

Review for The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone

My Book of the month

Review For The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

**My A-Z Books Tag**

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I’ve seen numerous book bloggers use My A-Z Books tag, so I figured I’d take part as well!

Author you’ve read the most books from:

It’s got to be Kimberley chambers I’ve read every book she’s written so if my memory serves me correct that’s 12 books, Peter James is a close second I’ve read everyone of the Dead series featuring Roy Grace so that’s 11 books plus I have his new one Love You Dead to read.

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Best Sequel Ever:

Hmmm this is a difficult one but it’s got to be Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl, I loved Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, and I use to read both books to my son when he was growing up.

Currently reading:

The Safe Word by Karen Long, as I’m on the blog tour for it in June

Drink of choice while reading:

More often than not coffee and my husband Andy makes a mean caramel sticky toffee coffee which I’m addicted to, who needs Starbucks?, or if I’m pushing the boat out I might have a Pepsi Max….I’m so rock and roll 😂

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E-reader or physical book:

I love both an E-reader is convenient for carrying around and it’s great to get ARCs delivered to your device straightaway, but you can’t beat the smell and feel of a real book (and no I don’t crack the spines!)

Fictional character you probably would have actually dated in high school:

I dated my husband in high school, and we’re still together 36 years later, so I wouldn’t have wanted to date anyone else 💞💕💞💕

Glad you gave this book a chance:

Hot House Flower by Lucinda Riley, as I usually crime/psychological thrillers this book was right out of my comfort zone but I loved it and when I finished it I bought all her books. I love how her books are written and they go between the past and present day, and she weaves such an intricate plot

Hidden Gem book:

Hmmm this is a hard one I would probably say Go Ask Alice by Anon, I read it at school (OMG30 years + ago), it’s about a young girl who starts taking drugs and it’s very sad and has always stuck with me

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Important moment in your reading life:

It has to be when I started blogging, when I started I expected a few people to look at my reviews, but it has gone from strength to strength, and I’m still amazed when publishers/authors get in touch with me, asking me if I would like to review their book. I’ve also come across lots of fellow book bloggers who are a very friendly bunch and feel like friends.

Just finished:

Chosen Child by Linda Huber, which I really enjoyed.

Kind of book you won’t read

I’m not a fan of erotica although I did read 50 Shades, and then wondered what all the fuss was about.

Longest book you’ve ever read:

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley at 702, but I get so wrapped up in her books it seems much less

Major book hangover:

The Twighlight series by Stephenie Meyer, I read the books back to back and felt bereft when I finished them

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Number of bookcases you own:

NONE… Yes you read that right, at the moment my books are all over the place, in cupboards, the spare bedroom, on my coffee table, but I’m hoping to rectify that soon and get a bookcase, so I can have all my books in one place.

One book you’ve read multiple times:

I don’t reread books as there are so many books I want to read, and there’s not enough time to read them, let alone go back and read a book I’ve read

Preferred place to read:

In my lounge sat in my recliner, I can’t read in bed as I can never get comfy

Quote that inspired you/ Gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”

― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons

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Reading regret:

Like a lot of book bloggers and readers it’s got to be spending time reading books that I didn’t enjoy when I could have been reading a book I loved would be a reading regret, and also not having enough time to read the books I want to read.

Series you started and need to finish:

I really can’t think of a series I need to finish, as if I love a book enough to read a series then I tend to binge read the whole series

Three of your all time favourite books:

This is a hard question! I’ve loved so many books that it’s impossible to choose three so I’m afraid I’ll have to skip this question!

Unapologetic fangirl for:

Ohhhh another hard one but I would have to say Kimberley Chambers I absolutely love her books, she has such a unique way of writing that makes her characters come to life, her books are very entertaining and I always learn a few new swear words from them 😂😂

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Very excited for this release more than all others:

I’m a huge fan of James Carol and the thrillers featuring former FBI profiler Jefferson Winter, he’s written a standalone thriller under the pseudonym JS Carol for one of my favourite publishers Bookouture . The first of these is Tick Tick Boom, which is being published in July 2016, so I’m really looking forward to reading it

Worst bookish habit:

Spending to much time reading, when I should be doing something else

X marks the spot- start on the top left of your bookshelf and pick the 27th book:

Criminal Shadows: Inside the Mind of the Serial Killer Paperback – by David Canter

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Your latest purchase:

Love You Dead by Peter James
Willow Walk by SJI Holliday
Outside Looking In by Michael Wood
Anything For Her by Jack Jordan

Zzzzz Snatcher book (the book that kept you up way too late):

The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza

I hope you have enjoyed reading my A-Z of books tag and please feel free to leave me a book related comment 

**Weekly Wrap Up**

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Well this week I have only read 3 Books, and I’m half way through the fourth, my weeks holiday is over and now I’m back to work full time, so I don’t get to read as much as I would like, but I managed to read the following books

Deadly focus by RC Bridgestock

imageI’m on the blog tour next month for RC Bridgestock’s latest book When The Killing Starts, so I wanted to get a feel for the series and I have to say I really enjoyed Deadly Focus.

When He Fell by Kate Hewitt

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Again this is a blog tour book I found this book to be really emotive and compelling, you can see my review on Sunday 12th June

The Madam by Jamie Raven

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This week in case you haven’t noticed it’s all blog tour books and you can see my review for The Madam on Sunday 22nd May

The Safe Word by Karen Long

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Another blog tour read I’m about half way through The Safe Word and so far so good, but you can catch my review on Thursday 2nd June

Book post I received this week

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I received the following books in the post this week

How To Find Your (First) Husband by Rosie Blake 

Chosen Child by Linda Huber

Solomon Creed by Simon Toyne

Stalker by Lars Kepler

Watching Edie by Camilla Way 

Next week on the book review cafe

Dead Focus by RC Bridgestock review

Interview with Sanjida Kay author of Bone By Bone 

Last To Die by Arlene Hunt review

Something Old Something New by Darcie Boleyn blog tour Friday 20th May

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