BLOG TOUR: The Orchid Hunter's Daughter (The Scottish Library Series Book 1) - Jane Anderson

Friendship, love and dangerous orchids

Innerpeffray. Scottish Library Series Book One

Beauty and danger entwine like the most exquisite hothouse bloom.

In 1867 Scotland, sixteen-year-old Iris Finlay's world shatters when her grief-stricken father abandons his ministry and departs for Ecuador on a plant-hunting expedition. Sent to live with her aunt at Drummond Castle, Iris finds solace in Innerpeffray Library and an unexpected friendship with talented artist Annie Cooper. She hatches a plan for independence through their joint botany publication. When the charming Spanish botanist Rafael de Rias enters their lives before mysteriously joining her father abroad, both girls are enthralled, then dashed. Iris is inspired and also faces disgrace working as rebellious Princess Louise’s chaperone in Balmoral. But after receiving devastating news, Iris uncovers the secret tale of a rare black orchid. Enlisting help from Annie's brother Struan, can she piece together a botanical mystery?

 

What did I think?

The Orchid Hunter's Daughter is stunning both inside and out.  Just look at the beautiful cover that hints of the intricate, powerful and beautiful story held within the pages of this outstanding book.  It's the first book in an exciting new series and I can't wait to read more.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres but I don't think I have read anything set in the unusual world of horticulture.  Jane Anderson's writing is very vivid and descriptive as she brings the exquisite blooms to life through Iris Finlay's words and Annie Cooper's drawings.  

Iris is only 16 years old when her father travels to South America in search of rare plants for his new employer.  Left in the care of her Aunt Leonora, Iris befriends orphan Annie Cooper through their shared love of books at Innerpeffray Library.  To my shame, I had never heard of Innerpeffray Library (the first lending library in Scotland) so I loved finding out more, both in the book and through additional research afterwards.

Annie's twin Struan is very protective of her and has been all his life so I loved the way he looked out for her.  Struan is left to pick up the pieces when a smarmy Spaniard arrives and sets the girls' hearts a-flutter before leaving them to join Iris' father's expedition.  Oh I really didn't like Rafael at all but it's no surprise that Iris and Annie had their heads turned by him.  He knew exactly what he was doing and his actions only get worse.  

I loved the appearance of the royal family when Queen Victoria visits Scotland and Iris enters the household as chaperone to Princess Louise.  I don't know much about Princess Louise but she certainly seems to be a very colourful character and an early feminist.  I also enjoyed reading about Sophia Jex-Blake as I had never heard of her but she did so much in the fight for women's rights.

What an absolute gem of a book!  I could write so much more about it as I loved it, both the fantastic storyline and the real characters and places that led me to find out more about them.  The Orchid Hunter's Daughter is an unforgettable book and completely unmissable for historical fiction and feminist fiction fans.  An easy five stars and a highly recommended read. 

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: Hamilton's Deepcatch (The Catch Series Book 3) - Douglas Roberts

A raging Atlantic storm batters a deep-sea oil rig – the perfect place to murder enemies, smuggle contraband, and bribe officials without leaving a trace. Beneath the surface lies a network of corruption as vast and dark as the ocean itself.

At the heart of this nefarious conglomerate are two piratical masterminds, operating with near impunity. Their ambitions know no limits: sinking ships, destroying oil rigs, and eliminating anyone who threatens their pursuit of unimaginable wealth. But this time, their greed and violence have triggered a deadly investigation.

As Detective Inspector Patricia Eyethorne OBE and her partner Justin hunt for the truth, their investigation explodes into a life-or-death chase across violent seas. With corrupt politicians like Maurice ‘Bloody’ Hamilton MP entwined in the conspiracy, the question remains – will justice finally catch up with them, or will these masterminds escape into the shadows once more?

 

What did I think?

Hamilton's Deepcatch is book three in The Catch Series and, whilst you could read it as a standalone as the main story is self-contained, it is much better when you've read the earlier two books, simply because you know more of the background of the characters. 

If there's anything dodgy going on, you can bet your bottom dollar that Maurice ‘Bloody’ Hamilton MP will be up to his neck in it.  The plot is very clever and intriguing so the security services have called on DI Patricia Eyethorne OBE to help them uncover the conspiracy.  It's a very dangerous mission as people have already been killed in their search for the truth.

I love the character of Patricia; it's so good to have a strong female protagonist who is more than a match for any man.  Maurice Hamilton knows that only too well and he is as obnoxious as ever in this instalment but his past deeds are about to catch up with him.  It was great to see some familiar faces, to the reader at least, and I couldn't read fast enough to see if Hamilton would finally get his comeuppance.

Hamilton's Deepcatch is a fast-paced, gripping and intriguing novel that is filled with adventure and danger.  The whole series is well worth a read and I think it would be brilliant if it was made into a TV series.

I received a gifted paperback for the Literally PR Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Waterstones

Amazon

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COVER REVEAL: The Entrepreneur's Almanack - Robin Bennett

I'm delighted to be taking part in the Rachel's Random Resources cover reveal for The Entrepreneur's Almanack by Robin Bennett.  Scroll down to have a look at the cover and to find out more about the book.

Here's a little bit about the book:

A new kind of yearbook has arrived for founders, dreamers, and doers. The Entrepreneur’s Almanack is a funny and deeply personal chronicle of what it feels like to start a business from scratch. This third in a series of short yearbooks celebrates the underrated art of entrepreneurship and a key aspect of the same: namely, success in business has more to do with intangibles than we care to admit. 

The guesswork and the gut, divine providence, even dumb luck are all players and should be welcomed round the table, not ignored at the fringes.

The Entrepreneur’s Almanack is the cosmic crutch you never knew you needed in business, but shouldn’t be without.

Purchase links:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

When Robin Bennett grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)... until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.

Social Media Links – 

https://www.facebook.com/robin.bennett.526

https://www.instagram.com/robinbennettauthor/

https://x.com/writer_robin

tiktok.com/@robinbennettauthor

BLOG TOUR: Mimeograph - Eira A. Ekre

What if the future isn’t malfunctioning... it’s unfolding exactly as predicted?

Talia spends her days untangling the strange objects produced by Mimeographs, machines that seem to know more about their owners than they should. But when one of them prints an anomaly that can’t be explained, her entire world begins to collapse. Faced with the incomprehensible, Talia must confront the possibility that the Mimes aren’t malfunctioning at all. They’re evolving.

Mimeograph is a haunting tale of unravelling, desire colliding with dread, and a future that may already be written.

 

What did I think?

I really enjoyed reading Mimeograph and I was surprised to learn that the author is Swedish as her English is word perfect.  It's a short novella at 61 pages long, which makes it perfect for reading in one sitting and also great for reading again to re-experience this unusual story.

Just re-reading the first line gives me goosebumps and sets the scene for the story that is about to unfold.  I'm not going to share the line or the plot in my review as it will spoil it for others but it's certainly a highly original idea that will provoke lively debate.  I think it would be a wonderful book for book clubs to discuss.

Mind-bending and thought-provoking, Mimeograph is an unforgettable book that stays with you long after turning the final page.  The L'il Factory hardback is a stunning edition that is as mesmerising inside as out.  A very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted hardback from Literally PR for the Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon

About the author:

Eira A. Ekre is a Swedish writer and narrative designer who has worked in the game and tech industry since the early 2010s. She runs the studio Might & Delight, whose cozy adventure Twinkleby launches in September 2025. Her award-winning YA audio drama Klara, färdiga..., created with the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, was named “Podcast of the Year” and distributed to teens across Sweden.

Ekre’s work blends the fantastical with the everyday to explore identity, art and technology. She writes in both English and Swedish and teaches narrative design nationwide.

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BLOG TOUR: Sitting Tenant - Rosie Radcliffe

After a breakdown and the loss of her job, Mattie moves into a house inherited from an aunt she never knew existed, hoping to find peace and stability. But the house holds more than she expected — it has a sitting tenant, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

As Mattie unravels the tangled threads of her family’s past, she discovers the shocking truth about her mother, her birth, and the sister no one ever spoke about. Just as she begins to settle in, an unknown enemy launches a sinister campaign to drive her out of the home she’s grown to love.

With her past and present about to collide, can Mattie find the strength to rebuild her life.

 

What did I think?

Wow!  Sitting Tenant is a cracking novel that left me completely gobsmacked with a little tear in my eye.  I absolutely loved it and I was hooked from start to finish.  This is Rosie Radcliffe's second novel and I really must look up her debut, Frankie and Dot, on the strength of this fantastic book.

I loved the mental health medical report at the start when Mattie is discharged from hospital, which adds authenticity and the suspicion that we have a very unreliable narrator.  Mattie didn't know her mother had a sister, so when she inherits her aunt's house it's a chance for a fresh start in a new area.  Things are looking up for Mattie until she hears a new voice in her head...

Poor Mattie, she doesn't just have a new voice to contend with; she is also the victim of harassment; I suspected a number of people and didn't know who she could trust.  The suspense and intrigue ramps up when the voice in her head seems to know things that Mattie couldn't possibly know, throwing into doubt whether she ever had a mental health issue at all.

Oh my goodness, what a book!  I read it in two sittings as I couldn't put it down and would have read it in one sitting if I hadn't needed to go to sleep!  I love a good family mystery and there are lots of secrets to discover in this fantastic novel.  The writing is wonderful and Rosie Radcliffe very cleverly kept enticing me to read just one more chapter.

Gripping, thrilling and intriguing, Sitting Tenant surprised and delighted me throughout.  An easy five stars and a very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Insta Book Tours Instagram Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: The Sound of Violet - Allen Wolf

He longs for love; she fears it.

Shawn dreams of finding a lifelong relationship, but only finds frustration-until he meets Violet, a beautiful, mysterious woman who sees past his autism to the man within. From the moment their eyes first lock, something sparks.

But behind Violet's quiet smile lies a world of pain. Trapped in a life of exploitation, she's learned that closeness brings danger. Yet, something about Shawn feels different. Safe. Real. Worth risking everything.

As their bond deepens, they must defy impossible odds and find the courage to fight for each other, no matter the cost. Because only love has the power to heal their deepest wounds and break them free from their past.

This inspirational contemporary romance-now a motion picture-returns as a newly revised 10th Anniversary Edition, with expanded storytelling and greater emotional depth.

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness, Allen Wolf put my heart through the emotional wringer in this stunning novel.  I am not surprised that The Sound of Violet has been made into a movie as it is an unusual romance with such believable and well-drawn characters.

Shawn works for a dating app but his autism has prevented him from writing his own love story.  That is until he meets Violet; but Violet isn't who Shawn thinks she is.  Both characters' stories are heartbreaking but Shawn at least has his grandmother and brother to support him.  I absolutely loved Shawn's belief that he would find his other half and his unrelenting search for her, despite it being so far out of his comfort zone.

I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up.  It's just as well it has been made into a movie rather than a series as it would be very bingeworthy.  It is beautifully written with humour, heart and soul and it is filled with drama, family and romance.  It's simply wonderful from start to finish, despite the often dark and disturbing elements to the plot.

Heartwarming, uplifting and unforgettable, The Sound of Violet is a sparkling gem of a novel that I almost didn't read and what a tragedy that would have been as it turned out to be one of my favourite books of the year.  An unmissable book that is an incredibly highly recommended read.  I loved it and plan to read it again before I see the movie.

I received a gifted hardback for the Love Books Tours virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: Whatever will be, will be: A Matter of Life and Football - Felix White

 

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of It's Always Summer Somewhere comes a moving and often hilarious journey through the 2024/25 FA Cup - from the first muddy preliminary round in Penrith to a glorious sunny day at Wembley.

On the brink of turning 40, Felix White sets out to watch a match from every round of the Cup, meeting fans, players and dreamers at every level of the English game. As he travels the country, football becomes a way to explore memory, identity, grief and joy. While he reflects on his own lifelong obsessions, his story becomes a unique expression of how the game communicates something vital, both literal and internal, between a child and an adult.

Told with lyrical wit and heartfelt honesty, Whatever Will Be, Will Be is more than just a story about football - it's about growing up, holding on and the strange ways sport connects us all.

What did I think?

It's the song that every football fan has sung and we're going to Wem-ber-ley with Felix White as he takes us on a journey through every round of the 2024/25 FA Cup.  You're singing it now, aren't you?

It's an ambitious quest but one that every football fan would love to do and I loved seeing where each chapter would take us next.  Felix's matches take him from Frenchfield Park in Penrith where he was one of the 210 in attendance to Wembley packed with 84,163 supporters.  

It's not simply a written record of each match, but it's about Felix's journey and the people he meets along the way.  The book isn't just about football either; Felix is a musician and it was interesting reading more about his life, both professional and personal.  I think writing this book will have proven very cathartic for him and I hope he has found what he is searching for.

Every football fan will recognise themselves in this book and I am more like Felix's friend Sharky than I care to admit.  Whoops I just have!  Sharky is an Everton fan who won't buy or wear anything remotely linked to Liverpool FC.  I laughed out loud when he wouldn't even glance in the direction of Anfield; football doesn't half make us bitter!

The writing is very descriptive and my heart was pounding as the penalty shoot out in the Fulham v Manchester United game played out.  I had to remind myself it's a game in the past and it's not even my team, but that's what penalties do to you!

Incredibly entertaining, interesting and witty, Whatever will be, will be is sure to delight any football fan.  It's well-written and engaging; I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Felix White is a British musician, best known as the guitarist of the British indie rock band The Maccabees. He is a founding member, guitarist and vocalist of 86TVs, and the broadcaster and co-founder of independent record label, Yala! He has also, for as long as he can remember, been passionate about sport, and is the co-presenter of the BBC podcast Tailenders with Greg James and Jimmy Anderson. His recent book It's Always Summer Somewhere: A Matter of Life and Cricket was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and a Sunday Times Bestseller.

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BLOGATHON: Before Her Eyes - Jack Jordan

She can't see the killer. But the killer can see her...

Naomi Hannah has been blind since birth, living her life in darkness. Trapped in her claustrophobic hometown, she’s finally reached her breaking point.

But everything changes when she stumbles across the body of a young woman who has been brutally murdered. Not only that, but Naomi senses she isn’t alone at the scene… Someone is there with her. The killer is watching.

Naomi may not be able to see their face, but she is the only person who can identify them.

As the police begin their hunt and more victims are discovered, Naomi is forced to answer the question on which her fate hangs: why did the killer let her live?

And in a town this small, the murderer may still be close. Perhaps even before her very eyes...

What did I think?

Jack is back in the most eagerly anticipated book of the year!  There's nothing unusual about booklovers getting excited about books, but a new Jack Jordan book seems to whip us up into a frenzy as we all clamour to get our names on this exclusive list of early readers.  I've been a huge fan of Jack Jordan since reading his outstanding debut, Anything for Her, and it's wonderful to follow the journey of this super-talented young author as he heads towards his destiny at the top of the bestseller chart.  

I don't know where Jack Jordan gets his ideas from but they're all such good ones and Before Her Eyes is an absolute cracker!  It sounds simple with a blind woman being pursued by a killer she can't see but the descriptions of smell, sounds and touch were so visual that I felt as if my own senses had been heightened to cope with Naomi's blindness.  Jack Jordan is always so attuned to his characters that he can replicate their thoughts and feelings in the reader, without us even realising it.  Whilst reading Before Her Eyes I found myself noticing smells and sounds more than usual as I tried to empathise with the darkness in which Naomi lived.  

Although Naomi is understandably a very flawed character, she is a lot tougher than she thinks.  Naomi will always have strong feelings towards her ex-husband, Dane, as he saw her at her worst and naturally, Naomi feels safe with him.  As a blind woman, there's one thing that her other senses can't compensate for and that is the looks of admiration that Naomi receives from lovely DS Marcus Campbell.  Now this really is love at first sight but unfortunately Naomi can't see it and my heart broke for Marcus as had to be content with admiring Naomi from afar.

The story of the killer terrorising Naomi's town reminded me of spiderweb cracks on a mirror; as you follow one line of enquiry and end up at a dead end, you have to return to the centre to see where the story leads you.  At the centre of this web is a cold case: that of young Hayley Miller whose body has never been found.  Marcus is convinced that this recent spate of killings is linked to the Hayley Miller case but his boss doesn't share the same thoughts.  Marcus does a bit of digging on his own and finds that the latest victims were investigating the Hayley Miller case so he seems to be on the right track but, with a killer determined to stop the truth getting out about Hayley Miller, nobody in this town is safe.

I can guarantee that you will be glued to every single page of Before Her Eyes.  I read it so fast that I feel like I need to read it again at a much slower pace to fully appreciate the glorious, visual scenes painted by Jack Jordan's powerful words.  An absolutely sublime piece of fiction that entertained, amazed and down-right thrilled every inch of me.  A* - you're top of the class again, Mr Jordan!

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon




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BLOG TOUR: Tangled Splinters (The Motivated Antics Series Book 1) - T. L. Hill

 

A cryptic killer. A deadly game. A truth buried so deep, it could destroy everything.

For decades, the Wood Riddle Killer has left a trail of bodies—each one a puzzle, each crime scene a taunt. Rosa Ryker, a newly appointed detective, is thrust into the case that has haunted seasoned FBI Special Agent Simon Pikes for years.

Simon is relentless, haunted by his past failures. Rosa is determined to prove herself. But as the riddles grow darker and the body count rises, the investigation turns into a twisted game—one where every misstep has fatal consequences.

With betrayals lurking in the shadows and secrets buried deep, trusting the wrong person could be deadly.

Tangled Splinters—the first book in The Motivated Antics Series—is a gripping psychological crime thriller packed with shocking twists, dark secrets, and an investigation that will push its detectives to the edge.

What did I think?

Tangled Splinters is the first book in The Motivated Antics series and I am on tenterhooks for the next book after that jaw-dropping ending that made me want MORE!  My mind is still whirring, wondering if I have interpreted it right or wrong so the next book can't come quick enough.

I loved Rosa Ryker from the start whose promotion to detective didn't go down too well with her colleagues.  Rosa is an asset to a case the FBI are involved in as she sees connections and interprets clues that others can't see.  Special Agent Simon Pikes is well-named as S.Pikes as he is very spiky and prickly but for good reason; the Wood Riddle Killer case isn't just his job to solve, it's personal.

Both Rosa and Simon both carry a lot of baggage and heartbreaking back stories so it's natural that they would be drawn to each other and their attraction is only a small part of the plot because this case serial killer case is BIG.  As grisly as some of the scenes are, I loved the lighthearted moments mainly due to Rosa being so clumsy and ending up sprawled on the floor.  T. L. Hill has found the perfect balance between light and dark to produce a memorable psychological thriller book.

With a blisteringly fast pace and an incredibly intriguing plot, Tangled Splinters is impossible to put down and even more impossible to predict.  I was hooked from the start and can't wait for more of the series to be published.  It's definitely worth adding this one to your TBR, thriller fans.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the Love Books Tours Virtual Book Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: Choppiness on High Seas - Arvind Wadhera

Being born into poverty and hardship in 1930s London, Matthew’s life was one of relentless struggle. One inadvertent act in defence of his mother would haunt his conscience forever.

Matthew’s journey takes him from the poverty of a cold stone granary to the opulence of Mayfair and Kensington Gardens, where he starts a family of his own. Despite working his way to the top of the business world, he remains an outsider to London’s elite. He then realises that same elite has an ugly underbelly. High society was a hot bed of depravity.

Will he correct society’s wrongs? Will the man who never succumbed to expectations be able to challenge his own destiny or will he simply accept the futility of it all?

 

What did I think?

Choppiness on High Seas is a very thought-provoking rags to riches story that is both uplifting and heartbreaking.

Gail Stephens has a very hard life, living in poverty as a single mother but she brings up her son well and is determined that he will have a better life than she did.  Matthew knows that he has his mother to thank for his strength and determination and he is forever grateful to her for giving him the foundation to become a successful businessman.

It reads very much like a family saga as the Stephens family progress through the years from 1930s to the new millennium.  As the book title suggests, life isn't plain sailing for the family and there are many heartbreaking moments along the way as Matthew rises through the ranks.

The portrayal of 1930s poverty is very sobering and it did make me wonder whether it is much different today.  It is very true that money can't buy everything and Matthew finds this out the hard way, despite his good deeds and attempts to make the world a better place for the impoverished.  Matthew is haunted by a desperate act from his past and it's almost like karma wants payback with interest.

Choppiness on High Seas is an entertaining family saga that takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions as we follow the Stephens' dynasty over the decades.  I think it would be a great TV drama series if it ever gets picked up by one of the streaming services.

I received a gifted paperback from Literally PR to read and review for the Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: Six Tails at Midnight (The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, book 15) - Mandy Morton

Hettie, Tilly, Bruiser and the Butter sisters set out across the snowy fens to spend Christmas at The Fishgutter’s Arms. Snowed in with no hope of rescue, they find themselves sharing Christmas with some unwanted guests.

Will the ghosts of Christmas Past wreak vengeance on the present? Can our feline detectives dig themselves out of a spooky festive fiasco? And will the sausage rolls and sherry last until midnight?

Jump on board for a cat-a-strophic sleigh ride into a snow drift full of Christmas spirits.

What did I think?

Six Tails at Midnight is the fifteenth book in No. 2 Feline Detective Agency series but it's the first book in the series that I've read so it can definitely be read as a standalone.  It's a short book with 109 pages so it's easy to read in one sitting and perfect for re-reading over the festive period (which I plan to do).

The cat characters are well-developed and although it's the first time I have met them, I took to them straight away.  It is very amusing to see place names, sayings and even author names given a feline twist and I laughed out loud on many occasions.

The storyline is fun and spooky, kind of like A Christmas Carol with cats.  I loved everything about it from the fabulous cover of the pocket-sized hardback to the fabulous characters and the vividly described scenery.

Six Tails at Midnight is a spooky festive tale that is incredibly entertaining and witty.  I will definitely be looking to read the earlier books in the series and can't wait to meet my new feline friends again.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the Random Things Tours blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Mandy Morton began her professional life as a musician. More recently, she has worked as an arts journalist for national and local radio. She lives with her partner in Cambridge and Cornwall, where there is always a place for a long-haired tabby cat. Mandy is available for interviews and events.

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BLOG TOUR: In the Name of the Reich - Ian M. WIlliamson

London, 1969. Great Britain has flourished under National Socialist rule since its integration into the Third Reich after the Second Great War – a war Great Britain lost – and the nation is at peace.

Or so it seems.

A psychedelic drug named Yonder has taken the working class population by storm, and has become a figurehead for a “silent protest” against the Nationalist Socialist regime. It is now the single greatest threat to social order, and must be stopped.

British-born Detective Sergeant John Highsmith – an officer in the Metropolitan Police’s Drug Enforcement Squad – is a member of the Task Force dedicated to achieving just this. But the job is not so straightforward, and when John is confronted with violence, torture, and death, only his stead-fast loyalty to National Socialism will protect him as he puts his life on the line – in the name of the Reich.

A harrowing tale of what might have been, In the Name of the Reich examines how Nazi rule would have warped British society and a young man raised under it. It is uncompromising in its depiction, and aims to revolutionise this genre of fiction.

 

What did I think?

I didn't write a single note in my reading journal when I was reading In the Name of the Reich because I couldn't put it down!  I had to double check that it's a debut novel as the writing is so accomplished and it's absolutely fantastic from start to finish, with a breathtaking conclusion that deserves a chef's kiss.  

The alternative history feels so realistic; it doesn't read like a 'what might have been' it's more of a 'this is what is actually happening in an alternate reality'.  To cope with the National Socialists ruling the country, the British people are turning to a drug called Yonder to escape from their grim reality.  As with all drugs though, Yonder has a darker side and the police need to find the source to prevent the flow of it into Britain.

DS John Highsmith is about to become a father for the first time but his investigation into Yonder puts him in increasing danger.  John is a bit like a cat with nine lives as he has so many near misses that had me on the edge of my seat.  Just how long will his luck last?

Highly original and scarily realistic, In the Name of the Reich is a magnificent debut novel from Ian M. Williamson.  With a razor-sharp, compelling plot and blistering pacing, it is unmissable, unforgettable and unputdownable.  I will be raving about this book for a very long time and I can't recommend it highly enough.  A well-deserved five stars.  Wunderbar!

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Troubador Publishing

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Ian M. Williamson graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2015 after studying History and Hispanic Studies, where his historical interests were based largely in 20th century world politics. These studies fostered a lifelong intrigue in what might have been, and provided an insightful basis for his work on an alternate history narrative.

Website: www.ianmwilliamson.co.uk

Instagram: @ianmwilliamson

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