#TheakstonsCrime #HIF2020 #SpecialGuests @TheakstonsCrime #Harrogate #CrimeFestival

Today I’m thrilled to be sharing details about one of the biggest book festivals in the country, The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, and wait to you see the guest list. Unfortunately I have never attended Harrogate, but I know a lot of book bloggers who rave all year round about this amazing festival. So without further ado here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming book festival.

Harrogate, 4 March 2020: The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is thrilled to announce its 2020 Special Guests at the world’s largest and most prestigious crime fiction festival.

Crime writing royalty Martina Cole, Mark Billingham, Lisa Gardner, Kathy Reichs, Elly Griffiths, Mick Herron and Michael Connelly will be appearing as part of the killer line-up curated by this year’s Festival Programming Chair and Rebus author, Ian Rankin OBE.

From 23-26 July, Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel – the legendary scene of Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance in 1926 – will welcome over 100 world famous authors for a celebration of the crime genre like no other.

Returning for its 18th instalment, the award-winning Festival is established as a literary phenomenon, attracting an international audience to see the best in the business and the most exciting new talent as part of an unmissable programme of creative workshops, once in a lifetime talks and unique panels.

Joining fiction titan Ian Rankin at this year’s Festival will be No. 1 bestseller Martina Cole will be sharing the stories behind her iconic career as the undisputed Queen of Crime; Kathy Reichs will introduce A Conspiracy of Bones, the riveting new thriller featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan; and Festival favourite Mark Billingham returns to Harrogate to celebrate 20 years of Tom Thorne,  one of British crime fiction’s most iconic detectives.

Michael Connelly, the international phenomenon with over 74 million copies sold worldwide, touches down in the UK to share his latest unputdownable thriller featuring veteran reporter Jack McEvoy, Fair Warning; the master of psychological suspense Lisa Gardner will give the Harrogate audience an insight into the twists and turns of When You See Me; Elly Griffiths is set to reveal the secrets behind her much-loved Dr Ruth Galloway mystery series; and Mick Herron will mark ten years of his award-winning spy sensation Slough House and introduce his new novella set in the same world, The Catch.

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival forms part of the diverse year-round portfolio curated by the charitable organisation Harrogate International Festivals, delivered with the mission to bring immersive and moving cultural experiences to as many people as possible.

 Ian Rankin, best-selling Rebus author, said:

 “It is for good reason that Harrogate is so well loved by authors and audiences alike, and the pressure has been on to make sure that this year lives up to its stellar reputation! But working with the Harrogate team has been a joy and we’re incredibly proud of the celebration of crime writing we have in store. Beginning with the announcement of our incredible Special Guests, the countdown to this year’s legendary long weekend is well and truly on and I can’t wait unveil the rest in April.”

 Sharon Canavar, CE of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“Our mission at Harrogate International Festivals is to present the most unforgettable cultural experiences and year on year Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival continues to surpass all expectations. It has been a delight working with Ian Rankin and we’re thrilled that the 2020 Special Guest line-up reflects the absolute best in the crime-writing business – we look forward to revealing the full programme.”

Simon Theakston, Executive Director of Theakston, said:

“We are incredibly proud to be supporting the biggest and best crime writing festival in the world, right here in Harrogate – it is a truly unique opportunity to discover the secrets behind the genre’s greatest characters, listen to world-renowned authors and celebrate the wonderful world of crime writing. All this and the chance to enjoy a very satisfying glass of Old Peculier at the same time.”

Booking: Rover Tickets – including Weekend, Friday and Saturday – are now on sale, along with Weekend Break Packages. For more information and to book tickets, please call +44(0)1423 562 303 or email crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk.

*** The full programme line-up will be announced on 2nd April 2020***

PRAISE FOR THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL

 “The Best Crime Festival in the World and I should know I’ve done them all” Lee Child

“Harrogate is a must. With beautiful locale, smart fans and superb author interaction, it’s one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended” Michael Connelly

“Incredibly well run and such a friendly group of authors and punters” J. S. Monroe

“Turning a small corner of Yorkshire into paradise” Val McDermid

“Amazing Event, great company” Robert Scragg

“There are so many Festivals in the world, but this is the one I keep coming back to” Andrew Taylor

“The crime Festival is the best in the country, and it shows no sign of ever changing” Barry Forshaw

“Famous amongst crime readers all over the world” Ann Cleeves

“It’s the industry must-have” N J Cooper

 

For further information, interview and accreditation requests, or to RSVP for the full programme celebration at Brown’s in Covent Garden on 20 May, please contact Midas Public Relations:

• Orla Bennett: Orla.Bennett@midaspr.co.uk | 020 7361 7860
• Hannah McMillan: hannah.mcmillan@midaspr.co.uk | 020 7361 7886 | 07971 086649

About Harrogate International Festivals

‘Harrogate International Festivals’ is a charitable organisation with a mission to present a diverse year-long programme of live events that bring immersive and moving cultural experiences to as many people as possible. Delivering artistic work of national importance, the Festival curates and produces over 300 unique and surprising performances each year, celebrating world-renowned artists and championing new and up-coming talent across music, literature, science, philosophy and psychology. The HIF+ ongoing education outreach programme engages schools, young people and the local community with workshops, talks, projects and inspiring activities, ensuring everyone can experience the Festival’s world class programme and the transformative power of the arts.

Established in 1966, Harrogate International Festivals are an artistic force to be reckoned with and a key cultural provider for the North of England.

Find out more at:

• Website: www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com
• Facebook: @HarrogateInternationalFestivals
• Twitter: @HarrogateFest
• Instagram: @harrogatefestivals  

What’s on your book shelf? With #BookBlogger Jessica at Minimacreviews @MinimacReviews

Today What’s on your bookshelf? is going international and  I’m thrilled to welcome Jessica who blogs at http://minimacreviews.wordpress.com/. Jessica has so many bookshelves, that I must admit looking at her photos I had serious bookshelf envy🙈

How many bookcases do you have?

Currently, just two. Though to be fair one of them does take up an entire side of my office, the other is a small press above my reading chair (Ha! Whenever I step into the office it is immediately occupied by Loki) that houses my TBR. Naturally, my attempts to control the TBR through giving it a limited amount of space fail on a regular basis and I end up with stacks of books around the house – in the office, beside my bed, on the coffee and end tables… You know, battles worth fighting and battles worth winning and all that jazz.

Approximately how many books are on your book case? 

Right now I am just shy of 700 physical items with close another 100 on my eReader. Though, before we moved last year I rang in at over 1200 books. It was the joy of packing and moving everything that spurred my present minimalist (double ha!) approach where I try to give away or donate physical copies after I finish reviewing them, but there’s always a few I hang onto because they either blew my mind or found a home in my heart.

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I mostly have Fantasy (predominantly YA with some Adult titles in there), WWII/ Historical Fiction, and Psychological Thrillers. I call it the trifecta of happiness. My rare and antiquarian books on the other hand are way off in left field as I have an odd obsession with old dictionaries and textbooks, these are supplemented by a healthy dose of what we now call classical literature but even those titles lean towards historical fiction and stories with a strong mystery/ suspense element. At least I’m consistent.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Just one? How about three, I can do that without dissolving into extreme anxiety: Twisted by Steve Cavanagh, The Whisper Man by Alex North, and We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

The Bookman’s Tale by Charlie Lovett – I bought it on publication day in 2013 and haven’t touched it since.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Ooooh, so many! But isn’t that always the case? Right now I’m really feeling:

– Good Samaritans and Nothing Important Happened Today by Will Carver

– The Other People by C.J. Tudor

– The Blossom Twins and The Chosen Ones by Carol Wyer

– Dark Skies by Danielle L. Jensen

– We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

– The Hocus Girl by Chris Nickson

– The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why? 

I am assuming this is a ‘your house is on fire and you only time to grab one thing scenario’ so I am going to go with one of my oldies. I have a 1742 edition of the Decisions of the Court of Session by John Edgar from the original print run of 100 (there was a second larger printing in 1749). It’s pretty rare and I was dumbfounded to come across it at a car-boot sale in Stirling.

But, if I had to pick something current it would be Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight, because I can read it over and over again and my love for Mia and Tric never dies. #StabStabStab

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why? 

Danielle L. Jensen, because she is a genuinely amazing human being who gives the best YA Fantasy recommendations. To have something on my shelves that she hasn’t read already would be a rare day indeed. And, if I didn’t have anything to borrow I’d like to think this visit would morph into drinks and board games, which is fine by me!

About Jessica

Reader, blogger, librarian. Fur momma, coffee addict, budding gardener, and fully developed mountain wanderer.

I started blogging on MinimacReviews.Wordpress.com back in 2017 and haven’t looked back since. I hold three honours degrees in English Literature (BA), Material Cultures and History of the Book (MSc), and Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) and currently work as an Acquisitions Librarian for a small academic institution. In the past I have worked in public libraries, primary schools, special collections, and at other academic libraries with a healthy dose of other jobs (bartending, back country guiding, roofing, executive assistant, etc.) that allowed me to pay the bills while pursuing the career that I love. To say that I am obsessed with books and how people interact with them is a bit of an understatement!

I hail from the beautiful Calgary, Alberta but have lived in Edinburgh, London, Berlin and out of a backpack for extended periods of time. After years on the move the fellow and I decided that it was time to set down some roots and we found ourselves a little piece of land with heavenly views, a wood stove to read by, and enough space to take up permaculture in the quest to become self-sustainable. When my nose isn’t in a book I can be found on a mountain trail (preferably on horseback), with my hands in the dirt, or trolling junk shops for antiquarian books.

 

Blog: MinimacReviews.Wordpress.com

Twitter: @MinimacReviews

What’s on your bookshelf? With #BookBlogger Stuart at Always Trust In Books @AlwTrustInBooks

Today I’m thrilled to welcome book blogger Stuart to share his bookshelves with us. Stuart blogs over at http://www.alwaystrustinbooks.wordpress.com/ if you haven’t visited his blog yet, you really should take a look.

How many bookcases do you have?

I currently have three. A huge one in my living room with about 350+ books on it and two large ones with all my hardbacks on. My wife is so considerate when it comes to having my books all over the house. I constantly ask myself if I need this many books but somehow the thought doesn’t really go anywhere 😏.

 

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

I would say I have about between 700 and 800 books in total. This amount has gone up and down over the years quite a bit. It got out of hand when I was looking at this massive bookcase from Ikea that covered an entire wall of the house. I thought about it for ages but then reconsidered. I still want it…

What genre do your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I don’t really limit myself to just a few genres. My bookcases are filled with all sorts from classics and poetry to crime, horror or non-fiction. If I had to narrow down a few main genres then I would say fantasy, mythology and psychological thrillers. I just re-organised my books and found all my Michael J. Malone books so I have put them to one side for re-reading.

 

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

I just started reading it. It’s called Sanctuary by V.V. James and its a small town crime-mystery surrounding witches. It is so cool and I am loving every moment watching this elaborate and mysterious case unravelling. It’s a must read.

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

Oh that has to be Strange Weather by Joe Hill. I have read all of JH’s books repeatedly over the years but I still haven’t gotten round to this one. That and Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman which I have been putting off for some unknown reason. Hopefully I will get to both of these this year. Fingers crossed.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

I haven’t actually given this much thought because I am so busy with the books I have that are staring at me from the shelves. I listened to The Rosie Project on audiobook, it was amazing, and I am incredibly eager to get my hands on the Rosie Effect and the Rosie Result this year. I am excited for The Song Of The Sycamore by Edward Cox as it sounds like an awesome concept for a fantasy novel. Jay Kristoff’s Darkdawn is required as well. I need Little Serbia by Antti Tuomainen as I adored Palm Beach, Finland and The Man Who Died. Oh so many books!

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

I do consider this question quite often and I keep coming back to Kings Of The Wyld by Nicholas Eames. I still don’t fully understand my overwhelming reaction to this book but it blew me away. It’s the first book in as long as I can remember that, as soon as I finished the last page, I wanted to start it all over again right away. It is fantasy at its best. I could easily see myself on a desert island with this book, not a care in the world.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

This is a tough one but I would say Matt Haig. His books are something else. I met him last year and I would really like to chat with him again. I have so many questions for that man. I would like to meet Johana Gustawsson and Simon Morden too as they both seem like really cool people. I need to get out and meet more authors!

About Stuart

My name is Stuart (29) and I attempt to manage the book blog that is Always Trust In Books. I started the blog to talk books with people and found an awesome community that gladly gave me a place within it for which I am grateful. I review Fantasy, Science Fiction, Crime, Non Fiction, Mystery and Psychological Thrillers. I am lucky to have an amazing and patient wife, two impatient yet equally epic sons, a rescue cat called Mrs and a hamster called Eight (that is the only word my two year old can say at the moment).

• Links to your blog and any social media links you would like included

My blog is www.alwaystrustinbooks.wordpress.com

and my Twitter handle is @AlwTrustInBooks

and my Instagram handle is @alwaystrustinbooks.

My thanks to Stuart for answering my question and for the use of his personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s on your bookshelf? With #BookBlogger Noelle at Crimebookjunkie @nholten40

Whoop whoop today not only is it #HumpDay but it’s time for another What’s On Your BookShelf? Post, and I’m so excited to look around the one and only Noelle Holten’s (aka crimebookjunkie) bookshelves.

Noelle was one of the first book bloggers I followed when I started blogging, not only is she one of my favourite bloggers, but she’s also now one of my favourite authors. If you haven’t read her debut novel Dead Inside it’s a Must! Noelle blogs over at https://crimebookjunkie.co.uk/

Now over to Noelle……..

How many bookcases do you have?

I have six bookcases but need another one or two (or four 🙈) to house the books I have in piles around my home. I actually donated twelve bags (those #bagsforlife strong bags) to charity a few months back – I had read those books and thought someone else might enjoy them. 

Approximately how many books are on your book case? 

About 800 … there could be a lot more though 😂😂 and if we include my kindle shelves, well there are about 1000 books there…(some have been read though, I just haven’t organised my kindle to remove them and some are writing reference books) The actual bookshelves I have are filled with books I collect (ie: my Jack The Ripper books), proofs, books I have purchased, signed copies of books purchased and crime theory/practice books. I couldn’t squeeze all the books I have in pictures so sent a few. 

What genre do your bookcase mainly comprise of?

Crime fiction (various sub genres); crime theory; true crime; psychological thrillers; philosophy; and a lot of research material or manuals on writing, types of crimes, offender profiling and the like. Basically crime 😂

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Again, ALL OF THEM! There is just not enough time in the day and I keep buying more books, even though I get sent ARC’s – sometimes I buy the physical version as well as the kindle as I can struggle to hold a physical book but I love them, so buy the kindle version to read. I definitely want to get back to reading the Lennox series by Craig Russell, so I’m going to say that – final answer! 

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading? 

I couldn’t even tell you which has been there the longest. There are quite a few I have had for years – and I couldn’t even guess. So I won’t! 😂

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

There are far too many to mention and as I have deadlines now to write/ edit my own series (shameless plug) I’m being really strict! However, I’m looking forward to Martina Cole’s next book out in October and a new, non-Rebus book from Ian Rankin out in November I think! 

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why? 

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor dostoevski – I read this in highschool and it always stayed with me. Or Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I’ve read both of these numerous times and enjoy them more each time. 

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why? 

You’re killing me here! I’d want to invite them all! I just can’t choose one as I am a fan of so many, I’d welcome each and every one of them into my home! And if they end up locked in my basement..well… 🤷‍♀️

About Noelle

• I blog at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. I am one of the PR & Social Media Managers for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and was a regular reviewer on the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast. I worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of cases including those involving serious domestic abuse but left in 2017. I have three Hons BA’s – Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice – and a Masters in Criminology. My hobbies include reading, author-stalking and sharing the booklove via my blog.
  Dead Inside is my debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson.Connect with Noelle on Social Media here:
• Website: https://www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk
  Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noelleholtenauthor/
  Blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crimebookjunkie/
  Instagram: @crimebookjunkie

My thanks to Noelle for answering my question and for the use of her personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier. I’m hoping to make it a long running feature and looking for more bloggers to take part in 2020. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s on your bookshelf? with #BookBlogger Juliet at Bookliterati @Bookliterat

Woohoo  it’s Wednesday so not only is it #HappyHumpDay  but it’s also time to have a peek around another book bloggers  bookshelves. Today I’m thrilled to welcome one Juliet who blogs over at www.bookliterati.com

If you haven’t checked out Juliet’s  blog yet it’s a MUST,  Now over to Juliet……….

How many bookcases do you have?

I have 9 Bookcases, soon to be 10; 2, soon to be three in the sitting room, 2 in the snug, and 5 in my bedroom. I also have some of my signed paperbacks on the windowsill in my reading room / conservatory.

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

There are over 500 books on my shelves to read, which is frightening.

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I read most genres but the genre I have the most of is historical fiction, my favourite genre.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

The one book I am desperate to read is The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, I just haven’t found the time to fit it in with my review books.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Over the next couple of months I am looking forward to adding Tidelands by Philippa Gregory,  The Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier and Akin by Emma Donoghue.

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

It is hard to keep just one book but I think it would be my limited edition first edition signed copy of Possession by A.S Byatt.  This is one of my favourite books of all time and there are only 70 of these special editions in circulation.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

An author to my house is a difficult one. I wish the Bronte Sisters were alive so I could meet them but now I think I would like Lucinda Riley to come around. I love her books and she always seems great fun, and  could quiz her about the final book in her Seven Sisters series.

About Juliet

I am Juliet, I am married to David with one daughter, Briony, who is 26 and still lives at home, and four wonderful Cocker Spaniel. I. was an only child with a teacher for a mum who encouraged me to read from an early age. I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t have a book on the go, and I still always have a book with me.  After  was diagnosed with Spondylosis and couldn’t work any more reading books became a place to escape the pain and depression and still is today. I started blogging two years ago as something to focus my attention on during the days and I love sharing my thoughts on the books I have read.  My reading companions are my four Cocker Spaniels, Bramble, Bailey, Bronte and Blaise who also ocassionally  help with my blog accidentally.

My blog is www.bookliterati.com

Facebook: Bookliterati Book Reviews

Twitter: @Bookliterat

Instagram:  Bookliterati_Juliet_Butler

My thanks to Juliet for answering my question and for the use of her personal photographs.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com or leave a comment below. Many thanks 

What’s on your bookshelf ? With #BookBlogger Yvonne at Vonnibee

It’s time to have a nose around another book bloggers bookshelves, and I’m thrilled to welcome Yvonne who blogs over at https://vonnibee.com/ to What’s on your bookshelf? If you haven’t checked out Yvonne’s blog, it’s a must. Read on to learn more about Yvonne and her books..

How many bookcases do you have?

I have ermm… 12 bookcases and I am very lucky to have a spare room where they are fully stacked, as is the floor just in front of them, and on top of them and beside them and… yes still need more bookcases 😂😂

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

It ranges from 60 to 100 ish as some of the cases are deeper and so the books are double stacked. I hate this because it means I can’t see them all 😣

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

I am a bit of a genre butterfly so I flit from genre to genre. But I do have more Classic books and Crime/thrillers than other genres.

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Oh! this is a toughie, there are several that I have had for a while but there is one that I have not yet had the heart to read. It is the final book in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett just before he died in 2015, I just cannot still bring myself to read his last book for the very first time and I am also desperate to read it!

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

There are quite a few that have been on my bookcases for a few years The Girl with a Pearl Earring another is Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. But I know there are probably some that have been sat there longer.

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

Pan’s Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro, Cornelia Funke (Hardcover). The Chain by Adrian McKinty. All the Ray Celestin books. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I know these are already published books, but I dare not even look at those that have yet to be released!

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose?

And why? I have a copy of The Wombles by Elizabeth Beresford. It is a book that was a Christmas present from my Nanna and Grandad in 1979.

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

OMG, what a question!!!!!

So the author would be Agatha Christie and I would lend her the book that was my top read of last year, The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton. I would love to know what she thinks of today’s crime books.

About Yvonne

I am Yvonne and I run Me And My Books, I started this in 2017 when I discovered a thing called Book Blogging. I never knew there was such a thing. Since then my reading rate has increased so much, I always thought of myself as being a good reader but now my reading rate has quadrupled. I love to be able to share my thoughts on books and also discover new authors.

You can find me on

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/yvonnembee

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/meandmybooks24

Blog Site –  https://vonnibee.com

I am also on Instagram, but I am so hit and miss on there! https://www.instagram.com/meandmybooks24/

My thanks to Yvonne for taking part and answering my questions it’s much appreciated.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com Thank you 

What’s On Your BookShelf ? With #BookBlogger @jocatrobertson at Mychestnutreadingtree

Today I’m thrilled to reveal my brand new feature What’s On Your Bookshelf ? I do love a nose around other people’s book shelves, and even more so when they belong to book bloggers. So I thought why not combine the two and came up with this feature. I do hope you enjoy reading these posts, as much as I have.

The very first book blogger to share their bookcases and favourite books is the awesome Joanne Robertson who blogs over at https://mychestnutreadingtree.wordpress.com/  just in case you haven’t come across her blog yet it’s definitely one you should check out. And now for first ever What’s On Your Book Shelf? Over to Jo…….

How many bookcases do you have?

Only 4 but will get more once my husband gets his backside into gear and removes his broken treadmill from my study 😂

Approximately how many books are on your book case?

Approx 500

What genre does your bookcase mainly comprise of?

Mainly crime/psychological thrillers

Which book on your bookcase are you desperate to read?

Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay

Violet by SJI Holliday

Who Did You Tell by Lesley Kara

(Couldn’t narrow it down sorry!)

Which book has been sat on your bookcase the longest and you haven’t yet got around to reading?

I tend to clear out books every 6 months or so and anything I’ve not read or am unlikely to read I pass on to friends. So the longest has only been there a year or so and is probably The Lost by Mari Hannah

Which books are you desperate to add to your bookcase over the next few months?

The new Cara Hunter “All The Rage” and the new Peter Swanson “Eight Perfect Murders”

If you could only keep one book from your bookcase, which one would you choose? And why?

My copy of Riders by Jilly Cooper which I have had for so many years I hate to actually count!

Last question if you could have one author come to your house to borrow a book who would it be and why?

I am well known for lending books to friends who come round to look at Joanne’s Lending Library! But I’d love to have Amanda Prowse around! We could swap book tips and hair tips before having tea and cake.

About Jo

I’m a 54 year old grandmother and teaching assistant who just loves reading! I started My Chestnut Reading Tree 3 years ago to keep all my reviews in one place and it’s the best thing I ever did! I read mainly psychological thrillers (if there are twins in there even better!) I live in Cheshire UK with my Grumpy Scotsman and Darcy the Cavapoo.

www.mychestnutreadingtree.wordpress.com

Twitter: @jocatrobertson

My thanks to Jo for taking part it’s much appreciated.

If you are a book blogger and would like to take part in this feature, the more the merrier as I’m hoping to make it a long running feature. Please email me at thebookreviewcafe.mail.com Thank you 

**Coming soon** new feature on the book review café #BookBloggers wanted What’s on your Book Shelf?

 

I know I haven’t done much blogging lately, but I will definitely be making more of an effort in September after I return from my holiday. When I come back I will be running a brand new weekly Wednesday feature What’s on your book shelf? Not particularly original I know 😂

Anyway I have had a tremendous response to my plea for bloggers to take part, and I would love it if more book bloggers signed up so I can make it a long running feature. It doesn’t matter what genre you read as long as you have a book blog and books of course 😂 you’re welcome to take part.

One of my book shelves

Basically I will be asking you questions about your book shelves, favourite books etc there are only eight questions so hopefully this won’t put you off. It would be great if you could include photos of your book shelves, books etc and a bio of yourself and links to your blog.

If your interested contact me @ thebookreviewcafe.mail.com and I will send the questions across to you. Please note this is a weekly feature so it may take me a while to get to you.  Also I will be running this feature in the order bloggers send their answers back, please let me know in your email if there’s a particularl day/month you don’t want your feature to appear.

Some of my own signed books ♥️

#BehindTheBooks an interview with Sarah Hardy from Book On The Bright Side @BOTBSPublicity #BlogTourOrganiser

Today I’m thrilled to welcome the awesome Sarah Hardy to the book review café. Sarah is one of the most successful book bloggers I know, and if you haven’t checked out her blog it’s a MUST Bytheletterbookreviews

Sarah is the first to feature in a series of articles I’m hoping to run called Behind The Books. Sarah has started up her own business Book On The Bright Side  running blog tours for authors and publishers. I wanted to learn more so here’s my interview with Sarah, hope you enjoy it.

Hi Sarah I’m thrilled to have you visit the book review café, first things first, tea or coffee?

I’m into my green teas at the moment so would love one of those thanks 🙂

Congratulations on your new business venture Book On The Bright Side, why did you decide to set up your own blog tour business?

Thanks Lorraine. Blog tours are something I’ve always been enthusiastic about. For one I love blogging and I also love to shout about books and authors and blog tours are a great way to promote both. I love taking part in them as well as organising them. It’s something I’m very passionate about and doing it for myself seemed the next step.

Can you explain what a book tour is?

A book tour is a promotional tool to help authors/publishers promote themselves as well as their books. It is a virtual tour where by bloggers will either read and review the authors book or host an extract/Q&A/guest post and share on a designated date alongside more info about the author and book. It’s a great way of making it visible on social media.

Would you mind sharing with us a typical day in the life of a book blog tour organiser?

I’m lucky that at the moment I am able to work from home. After dropping my son off at school, I get straight onto my laptop. If there is a blog tour running, then the first thing I will do is go look for stops that are on that day so I can share and re tweet. Then the majority of my day is spent sending or replying to emails. Time will also be spent, organising and finalising new blog tours that are coming in as well as creating blog tour banners and getting the media pack together which compromises of the images and all the info that the bloggers will need. It’s certainly not a 9-5 job but there is a lot of flexibility to it.

What’s the best thing about organising blog tours?

The best bit has to be getting to know and working with some great bloggers as well as discovering new authors and books to me. The book community is a great one to be part of.

Which brings me to my next question, what’s the worse thing about organising a blog tour?

The down side is probably that there is no fixed working times. I can find myself working late at night as well as weekends, of which I try to keep to a minimum.

Is there a book/genre/theme that you would refuse to arrange a blog tour for?

I can’t think of any as such that I would refuse. There maybe some I would turn down as I don’t think it would be a popular reading choice with the bloggers I have signed up. Will let you know if I ever come across one lol.

If I was an author or a publisher why should I have a blog tour for my book?

Blog tours are a great way to create a buzz about a book as well as raise awareness across social media. Lots of the bloggers have a wide reach on various platforms and I think for the authors it’s something they can really get involved in and enjoy.

What is the best timing for a blog tour?

Definitely around the time the book is due to come out. I usually recommend starting them on the publishing day itself. Of course a lot of authors have titles which have been out for a while, of which they want to give it an extra push so may want to coincide the blog tour with a price drop. I would always recommend authors who are thinking of doing one for a new novel, to approach an organiser no less than 2 months before the publishing date.

How do you measure the success of a blog tour?

For me, it’s the great reviews from the bloggers and getting great feedback from the author and the publisher. It’s especially lovely when a blogger will email you thanking you for inviting them to be part of the tour as they loved the book so much. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Have you got any blog tours coming up that you are really excited about?

I get excited about them all but am especially excited about Noelle Holten’s debut novel, Dead Inside. This will be my biggest blog tour to date. I met Noelle through blogging and she has become a very close friend. I couldn’t be more prouder of everything she has achieved and was over the moon when she asked me to organise it. I think I was grinning for a fair few days after her asking me.

And finally if you could choose one author who you would want to run a blog tour for who would it be? and why?

Apart from Noelle aka  Crime Book Junkie  of course, I’m lucky that I have actually already organised a blog tour for the author who I would choose. I am a huge fan of Robert Bryndza’s books and he was actually my very first client when I set up my free lance business. Apart from being a huge fan of his books, he always takes the time out to thank or acknowledge his readers comments and posts and is just a genuinely lovely guy. He was an absolute pleasure to work with, as are all the authors I have been lucky enough to work with so far. He is an author I have always championed since discovering his novels though sometimes I do feel a bit of an author stalker but he hasn’t put a restraining order on me yet lol.

My thanks to Sarah for taking timeout of her busy schedule to answer my questions.

About Sarah

I am an avid reader and blogger and have two years experience working with a digital publisher as their publicity and social media person. I made the decision in 2018 to go freelance and now organise blog tours directly with authors as well as publishers for crime and women’s fiction novels.

For more information and prices, please email Sarah at:
sarah.botbspublicity@gmail.com 

Or contact her via Twitter BOTBSPublicity

Book bloggers who organise blog tours….

Anne at Random Things Through My Letterbox

Emma at Damppebbles

Shell at Bakers not so secret blog

Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources

Tracy at Compulsive readers

Kelly at Love books group

 

 

 

The book review café’s book of the month **November 2018**

WOW here we are in December, where did the rest of 2018 go? As it’s the beginning of December it’s time to share my book of the month, now you might just want to sit down for this one *shock,horror* I have finally got ONE book of the month, yes you read that right!

As anyone who follows my blog will know I choose a book  for the previous month, in this case November (and normally fail miserably in narrowing it down to one). It’s given to a book I feel is particularly outstanding, a book that covers every aspect of what I look for in a read, an original  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. So without further ado here’s my book of the month…….

The Liar’s Wife by Samantha Hayes

Oh my freaking god! What a fabulous and compelling  read The Liar’s Wife by Samantha Hayes turned out to be.  I must be honest when I read the book description I wasn’t convinced it would be an original read, as I’ve read numerous psychological thrillers where the protagonist wakes up from a coma with no memory,  but what makes this one so different is in the telling of a very twisted and disturbing tale. Read on for my thoughts The Liar’s Wife by Samantha Hayes hayes

Here are some of the books I read in November I would happily recommend

 

 

Full reviews can be found below…….

**Blog tour** #HushHush by Mel Sherratt @writermels @AvonBooksUk #BookReview

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain #BookReview @D_Chamberlain

#AndSoItBegins by Rachel Abbott #BlogTour @RachelAbbott @annecater

**Blog Tour** #TheHunted by Kerry Barnes #BookReview @KerryBarnes1 @HQDigitalUK

The Coco Pinchard Boxset by Robert Bryndza @RobertBryndza @CocoPinchard – Coco Pinchard’s Must Have Toy Story #BlogTour #bookreview #TeamBryndza #giveaway @BOTBSPublicity

#TheKey by Katherine Hughes#BookReview @headlinepg

Her Last Move by John Marrs #BookReview @johnmarrs1 @AmazonPub

Next month  I will be sharing my top reads of the 20018 which is going to be much easier than I thought. I came up with a plan of sorts which I will reveal next month when I share my post.

Books I’m hoping to read in December

The eagle eyed amongst you may notice some of these books were also on my November pile, which I never got around to reading #EpicFail 😂