Stressful times (it‘s the season after all) and you‘re looking for an easy quick read look no further. Well paced smart twists and likeable characters. It won‘t tax you too much yet still keeps you turning the pages. I flew through it and enjoyed it. My first from this author and I‘ll definitely try a few more.

Very different. This wouldn‘t be for everyone but I enjoyed the dark tension. At times it gave me anxiety. The ending was unexpected and I‘d give that part a so so. But it never failed to make me gasp and surprise me. I also love Luxor and the writing is wonderful.

A delightful little gem. Highly recommend. Especially as an antidote to the mundane Thursday murder club.

Well this was a nice surprise. A fine thriller with a unique angle. The writing is fast paced and the characters well drawn. Someone described it as Gone girl meets Dexter and I agree. An excellent choice for a train journey or a flight. Or a rainy Saturday afternoon. A great debut and added bonus, she has written several more so I‘ll be trying those out too.

Winner of two awards and a very unique concept especially as AI is becoming more and more part of our lives. It‘s the first of a series and sets up nicely for the next story with well drawn characters. A nice amount of humour not too cliche. I was screaming at the “missed” clues and obvious motive here that seemed deliberate so as to create the dramatic climax. Maybe there will be more finesse in the next book but I‘m not rushing to read it.

Peter Swanson is one of my favourite thriller writers and never fails to deliver. His stories flow beautifully and all the characters are well drawn and meaningful to the story. This one is told backwards which could have been gimmicky but it worked for me. In fact I think it was essential to the final scene. I loved this and would highly recommend.

Winner of the 2019 Dead good reads in the category of “Cancel all plans award for the book you can‘t put down”. And it certainly is unputdownable. A crazy rollercoaster of a read with hard to believe characters and scenarios but I didn‘t care. It flew off the pages and I ate it up. Very very satisfying.

I finished this a week ago + I‘m so devastated that‘s it‘s taken me this long to talk about it. Too much going on + too many characters. It‘s like two books (neither of them very interesting)melted into one to create an Eton mess. Riddled with tropes.No subtlety or real investigation by the adorable Holly. She was short changed here. As a Constant reader I‘m in bits. Fairytale was a masterpiece and I‘m looking forward to seeing The life of Chuck.

This is my first Liane Moriarty book although I watched and enjoyed Big little lies. Not at all what I expected. Beautiful and intelligent writing with wonderful well drawn characters. It flows seamlessly in snappy short chapters as the story unfolds. Some great asides from Cherry. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

I absolutely loved the first 2/3s of this book and then it went sideways down the predictable tedious and uninspiring rabbit hole. Still the writing was good even if the ending and the “reveal” left me dissatisfied. Disappointing after The ex which I thoroughly enjoyed.

What an excellent thriller. And not just that but intelligent and intriguing. It just galloped along. The Did he ? Didn‘t he? game was beautifully crafted. I know some of you guessed the twist at the end but I didn‘t until almost the last few chapters. I think I was too fully immersed in the story and enjoying the ride.

Had to bail. The silliest most stupid bunch of idiots in the most ridiculous scenario. And please STOP with the Agatha Christie comparisons. It couldn‘t touch her genius in a million years. #hailthebail

This is really well written and flew off the page however it is no Crawdads so don‘t be like me and lower your expectations. I‘m a sucker for hype 🤦🏻‍♀️. Saying that I did enjoy it. I liked the setting (English country side) and the era (mostly 1960s) which are not often done. The back and forth through time was v well done although the outcome and all the twists were predictable. An excellent choice for a long journey or a rainy weekend.

Can‘t beat a John Marrs novel for keeping you engaged and turning the pages. This was a unique and sometimes mad ride. I absolutely loved the first half with the 3 women bouncing off each other. I felt it lost that zing in the second half as the motives and secrets unfolded. Nevertheless it was a great fun read and a very fine ending.

Very well written and it flowed along. Characters that were interesting and not too annoying as can happen. Although at times the interactions between Katie and Nicole were silly and childish. Hard to believe they were in their late 30s. The ending was a bit obvious and v rushed. And didn‘t make a whole lot of sense as to motive but I guess that‘s why it‘s only book 1/3 and maybe we‘ll get more explanations in the sequels I probably will continue

What a great premise. Unfortunately I couldn‘t get into it at all. It was so messy and disjointed I hadn‘t the energy or will to bother so I bailed.

I listened to this and it was a very well done audio book. The plot is unusual and full of twists to keep you guessing. I really enjoyed this on my commute and dog walks. A few gasps from me might have startled passers by ! I would highly recommend for lovers of not run of the mill thrillers. If you liked Gone girl you might like this. I immediately picked up her other book Death at the dog park. (Not a dog death).

So I‘m not too sure about this. The writing is good and it kept me engaged. Succession like it is NOT. It lacks the intrigue and complexity of the writing on that show. I did like all the characters and the way the book was laid out with the two main women taking alternate chapters. It ends in murder they said and you do have to wait until then for the murder. Overall it was ok. The ending was so rushed I thought I‘d skipped at least 6 chapters.

Book 2 in this gripping trilogy. I thought it might cover the end of the war + post war years but it didn‘t It was set once again in 1944 + I was absolutely there for it. It was like season 2 of my favourite tv series. Such detail + wonderful women characters Many stories to tell about this time and the brave people of the Escape line. The lengths the enemy used to thwart them even more sinister. A masterpiece that could stand alone #rendimento

Bailed at 12%. I couldn‘t stand these silly women much longer.

A bit late for a Christmas read but it‘s not very seasonal. Well written quick read with interesting characters and because of that it‘s not a pan. But the solution fell flat for me. I was unconvinced and disappointed and also not at all surprised. I didn‘t spend too long on it (maybe two sittings) and it wasn‘t a slog to read. I will try more of her books as I liked her style.

Who doesn‘t love Icelandic noir? Beautifully written with well developed interesting characters. I particularly liked Ari and will follow his exploits to the next in this series. Some nice twists as well. But the star of the show was Iceland. I loved visiting there and hope to actually go there.

I read this after Dirty little secrets and had no high expectations. Just wanted a clever thriller to occupy me on a flight however I was disappointed with this one. Unlike Dirty little secrets I didn‘t find any of the characters believable and the plot was very clumsy. Not sure if I‘ll read anymore of her books.

Well written. Fast paced. Not too cliched. Overall not too bad. Just the ticket for a beach or plane read. Liz Nugents Lying in wait is a similar theme and I would highly recommend that.

I found the Seven deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle well written but extremely confusing. However this was highly recommended so I gave it a chance. The writing is excellent so not a pan but I just wasn‘t feeling the story at all and absolutely hated the ending. I found it repetitive and again confusing (maybe I lost interest and so lost the thread?). I can‘t recommend it but if you liked Evelyn you may like this too.

One of the best things about a kindle is getting a sample before you buy. The reviews would have me buying this in a heartbeat but I bailed half way through the sample. The writing is poor and I find that the main protagonist is an annoying snob. Should I continue and maybe buy? Is it worth it?

My first book by this author and what a lovely surprise. So well written with complex well drawn characters. A cosy easy read set in beautiful Iceland. I will be returning to read more.

I loved Look closer but couldn‘t get into this one at all. Bailed.

Very well written but extremely disturbing. I‘m between a pick and a so so here because of that. The ending should have come a couple of chapters earlier for me. Leaving us in limbo would have been a better finale I feel.

Is it a cosy murder mystery? Or a spy thriller? Or a gangster story? To me none of the above. I really like Richard Osman but he needs to stay in one lane. This is all over the place. A few laughs yes but a totally ridiculous plot. I couldn‘t anymore so bailed.

I listened to this one (my first Claire Douglas) on my BorrowBox library app and it‘s well presented. However I couldn‘t empathise with any of the characters and the possible identities of the dead bodies was both confusing and inevitable at the same time. The twist to me was obvious after the first few chapters so when it came I was Duh!! It‘s ok not great. Not sure I‘ll read/listen to any more from this author.

She certainly has Poirot voice to a tee but the plot again was a bit unnecessarily convoluted although less so than book 1. I‘m not feeling her Catchpool character at all. Too much of the book is given over to him and he doesn‘t seem to like Hercule v much. Set in West Cork in 1929 when Ireland was “The free state” and not the Republic didn‘t make a jot of a difference to the story which to me was a lost opportunity.

I‘m between a pick and a so so here. Yes the writing was excellent and for the most part she captured a lot of what I loved about Poirot. Which must have been a tough and daunting task. But the plot was all over the place with a not so satisfying ending. That said I‘m going to try The closed casket ( her second attempt) only because it‘s set in beautiful Clonakilty and I don‘t think Poirot ever made it to Ireland which could be interesting. 🥸

I mean how could you miss with this idea? You have all the wonderful Hitchcock thrillers for inspiration. And yet this is one hell of a miss. Six of the most awful “friends” arrive at a Hitchcock themed hotel for a weekend each with secrets so banal I couldn‘t care less about what happened to any of them. Tried way too hard (clumsily btw) clinging to the coattails of a genius filmmaker and his genius wife and fails miserably.

I really enjoyed The last party but this left me cold. I couldn‘t with Gwen who must be the worst psychiatrist ever. And the handsome lawyer with the dark past and heartbreak. 🤦🏻‍♀️So cliched which would have been ok if the plot was any good. Not for me.

A thoroughly enjoyable saga of a lost history. Two lives merge although separated by 40 years. A scandalous and viscous murder in one. And in the other Shakespeares early days in London as a struggling actor and “horse handler”. The style took me back to my teenage years when I devoured Jean Plaidy books. The research done here is impressive. The Shakespeare chapters were outstanding and my favourite parts of the book.

I enjoyed this fast paced well written thriller. It had plenty of twists and complex characters. It got a little bit crazy in parts but it all came together for a satisfying ending. Although he said he changed the ending! I loved visiting New Zealand and will read more from this author.

I loved this sweet story with fierce adorable characters. It‘s more about family friendship and love than it is about the Yorkshire ripper. The innocence and pure determination of Miv and her friend Sharon. Omar and Ish. Helen. Aunty Jeannie ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Growing up a teenage girl in 70s was like another world. Gen Z take note. I found the ending unnecessarily tragic but overall a wonderful debut from this writer. Unique.

Not a bad little cosy thriller with characters I liked (David and Hitesh) and not too many of them as to be overly complicated. Well written with lovely prose. I was extremely irritated however by the lack of chapters. There was not even a break between scenes. Sometimes it took a few lines to realise it had jumped to another one. If this is a deliberate “tool” I‘d say lose it for the next book. I‘m sure there will be a next one Great debut novel

This is the definition of a smart surprising thriller. I had whiplash from all the twists and turns. I exclaimed out loud several times. “No way”s “Omg”s and “Oooohhh”s. Deliciously devious. Intelligently written. I would highly recommend it. And now I‘m off to find more of his books.

Awh Liz you‘re great altogether. Maith tú. A very unique story set in Dublin about family and murder and trauma. It‘s authentic Irish and not twee Oirish which we cringe at. Wonderfully written flying off the page. All the characters have their own chapters and points of view. A very satisfying read with a singular ending. Highly recommend.

I saw the movie in my impressionable teens and it stayed with me. The trauma of the war the romance against all odds the crucifixion and the steak and two eggs for breakfast. The language is of its time and is now we know better, very offensive. It‘s also about a third too long and could have ended much sooner with an epilogue. Buts it‘s also quaint. Jean is fierce + determined. Joe is a strong masculine hero. I‘m glad I read it with adult eyes.

I‘m saying so so here. It stretches the imagination to believe in these characters living in an exclusive private university (in the turret no less) speaking and learning only about Shakespeare and none of whom are very sympathetic. And the ending which was only mediocre really tests you. The writing is excellent though especially the scenes at the beginning of each act. It was too long to make it worth the effort but judge for yourselves.

Just the right amount of scary without me sleeping with the lights on. Part murder mystery part supernatural thriller. What‘s not to love? I must read more of hers.

I really liked Dark matter and this is another take on time lines and possibilities. I did find it confusing at times and I got lost in all the timelines. This was highly complex with well drawn characters. Intelligent and thoughtful. Excellent ending.

I had this on my kindle for ages and as I‘m on holidays in gorgeous Cornwall I thought I‘d give it a go. And it didn‘t disappoint. Very very different and unique. Takes a while to get used to the language and format but worth the effort. I loved the ending.

Well it‘s been 24 years and we have finally come to the end of Ross story. I‘ll miss his quips which have had me shaking with laughter over the years. Farewell Ross. Thanks for the memories. Great ending. 😉

Fast paced thrilller with some sharp dialogue along the way. Points for an original take and I didn‘t hate the main protagonist. However it got very messy about half way through and confusing as to who was sleeping with who and whose ex was whose and by that point I didn‘t care enough to keep track. I did love Savvy though and that was a very interesting take. Not as many twists as expected from the hype and I guessed it almost from the start. Ok

I did like this. Just something lacking for me. Certainly not scary. Subtly done though and I did love the ending. Just something missing which I can‘t put my finger on. I think I will try another one of his books. Maybe it‘s his style. Or me? 🤷🏻‍♀️