BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Kiss, Marry, Murder (The Jessica Sinclair Mysteries) - Faye Brann

TV reality show host and former journalist Jessica Sinclair quits her job after receiving a death threat and is scratching a living as a private investigator when she discovers the body of her former best friend, Marianne Hughes. Accused of her murder by a police chief with a grudge and devastated that she never got to put her relationship right with Marianne, Jessica sets out to find her killer.

Smelling D-list celebrity blood, the press set up shop outside her front door after news of her involvement with the case is conveniently leaked. Jessica begins to suspect the answer is close to home - perhaps literally. With the help of her two new recruits – bitter divorcee Darcy, and Della, a frozen fish truck driver – Jessica investigates the most likely suspects and ends up revealing uncomfortable secrets.

When more threatening notes arrive, Jessica realises that she really does have a target on her back. Time is running out... Can she find the murderer before they kill her, too?

Set in the leafy environs of Barnes in southwest London, Kiss, Marry, Murder is a fast-paced, suspenseful murder mystery with a humorous twist; a combination of action, sleuthing, wit and heart.

 

What did I think?

Kiss, Marry, Murder is a fantastic start to a new series and it's such good fun to read.  I can't wait to read the sequel, Little Grey Cells, to catch up with Jessica and her quirky team again.

It's a really intriguing mystery as Jessica received a death threat that made her leave her job in TV.  As if that wasn't bad enough, Jessica then discovers the body of her estranged friend and ends up being accused of her murder.  With a little help from her new friends, Della and Darcy, Jessica starts to her own investigation to both clear her name and find out who is threatening her.

Jessica, Della and Darcy are larger than life characters and it is their banter and escapades that had me giggling surprisingly frequently.  It's so refreshing to have a murder mystery with added humour as it lightens what would otherwise be a dark storyline.

Captivating, witty and entertaining, Kiss, Marry, Murder is an unpredictable and unforgettable murder mystery.  I am already hooked on the series at book one, which gives you some indication just how good this book is.  A very highly recommended read.

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

My rating:

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Waterstones

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: Thank You, Next - Kathryn Freeman

I'm delighted to be taking part in the Rachel's Random Resources blog tour for Thank You, Next by Kathryn Freeman.  Scroll down to find out more about the book, read my review and win a paperback copy in the fabulous giveaway.

In this game of hearts, the stakes have never been higher…

Molly Harris is used to being left. Parents, boyfriends – she’s the queen of rejection. Her latest boyfriend, gym-fanatic Duncan, dumps her to go on reality dating show The One which sets up hot singletons to date for four weeks before meeting at the altar to say, ‘I do’.

But Duncan was the one who picked Molly up and put her back together the last time her heart got broken, so, determined not to let ‘The One’ get away, she follows Duncan onto the show. If she can prove that they’re meant to be, she might just get the happily ever after of her dreams…

But on the first day of filming, another reminder of her painful history walks into Happily Ever After Towers: Ben Knight, her it’s-not-you-it’s-me heartbreaker. The one she loved before Duncan.

In four weeks’ time, who will she meet at the altar? Duncan, the first person who ever made her feel loved, or Ben, the first person who made her feel?

 

What did I think?

If you follow my blog, you will know that I love Kathryn Freeman books and her latest novel, Thank You, Next is fun, flirty and a little bit racy.  It certainly had me blushing at times!

Molly loves watching reality dating show The One with her boyfriend Duncan and the romance on TV has Duncan hinting at marriage and children.  So, Molly is shocked when Duncan decides to join the show 'to gain more followers' or so he says.  Well, two can play at that game and Molly joins the show too.  Molly is sure that she will be matched with Duncan anyway and she starts dreaming of her wedding...until she is matched with her ex Ben.

Oooh I loved Ben even though he tries to keep Molly at arms length the attraction virtually sizzles off the page.  Ben doesn't have any desire to get married though and that's something that Molly really wants, due to being abandoned in her past by her parents and Ben himself.  Is Duncan 'the one' for Molly or should she give Ben another shot?

This is a really fun read and I really enjoyed following the couples on the dating show.  I was worried that Molly would get her heart broken again, either by Ben or Duncan, as Ben has a past he has yet to reveal and Duncan loves himself so much that he has no love left to give anybody else.  Who will be standing at the altar and what will happen next?  I couldn't read fast enough to find out!

Hugely entertaining, pulse-racing and very enjoyable, Thank You, Next is classic Kathryn Freeman and I absolutely loved it.

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

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

A former pharmacist, Kathryn now writes romantic comedies. Feel good books that are sexy and sweet, funny yet heart-warming. Mr Right Across the Street won the RNA Award for Romantic Comedy in 2022. 

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), the romance in her own life is all in her head. Then again, his unstinting support of her career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links – 

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn.freeman_author/ 

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Win a Paperback copy of Thank You, Next (Open Internationally). 

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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The Footage That Shook America (The America Trilogy Book 2) - David B. Lyons

Smile. You're on camera. Everywhere you go.

— A conwoman. A cop. A gentleman. A rebel. —

In a small suburb of Connecticut, and totally unaware of each other, four lives are about to collide.

But will their lives entangle before experienced cop, Nate Bennett, and rookie cop, Maggie Zucha, complete their investigation of tracking down footage that, if released, will shake America to its very core?

Their detective skills are put to the toughest test, but they'll need to be quick because they’re not the only ones searching for this story… and whoever finds it first will hold all the power.

...but just what is on that footage?

Will you see it coming?

The Footage That Shook America is the sequel to the controversial bestselling novel In The Middle of Middle America and is the second book of a trilogy based on the escapades of television news anchor Sarah-Jane Zdanski.

 

What did I think?

I read The Footage That Shook America a while ago but I've only just got round to posting my review as words completely failed me after I turned the final page - mind officially blown!  I was gripped from start to finish and I couldn't read fast enough to find out what the footage was, but that's not even the best part as there's so much more to this outstanding novel.

Love her or hate her, Sarah-Jane Zdanski once again takes centre stage in this second book in The America Trilogy.  We already know how ruthless she is and that's why she's such a successful news anchor.  The story is told from several different viewpoints and it's like gathering all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, but the picture doesn't become clear until you have all the pieces.

It's impossible to predict and I was filled with rage and indignation as the story played out but oh how I enjoyed every single second of it.  The writing is as breathtaking as the plot and David B. Lyons has such an inimitable style that makes him one of my favourite and most recommended authors.

The Footage That Shook America is so exquisitely clever; David B. Lyons goes straight to the top of the class with five gold stars.  Very highly recommended.

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon

Once Upon a Tyne - Anthony McPartlin & Declan Donnelly with Andy Milligan

Ant and Dec hold a special place in the hearts of TV viewers everywhere. This is their epic story, with never-before-seen photography and the very best tales from their 30 years in TV.

Ant: As the old Chinese proverb says, 'Good things come in pairs'.

Dec: And as another Chinese proverb says, 'If you've been in a double act with your best mate for thirty years, why not write a book about all your most memorable moments in three decades of showbusiness?'

Ant: Less catchy that one, isn't it?

Dec: But no less true. And after three decades together, we're writing that book. Covering everything from a pirate radio storyline in Byker Grove through to the biggest shows on telly, this is our story.

Ant: Thirty years, eh? Amazing.

Dec: Absolutely. Especially when you consider we are both still 27 years old.

From their modest beginnings in Byker Grove through to their "unique" time as pop stars and an award-laden TV career, the last three decades have flown by in the blink of an eye. They've also featured an incredible cast of supporting characters, including their first scriptwriter (an unknown comedian called David Walliams), Saturday night fun and games with countless Hollywood A-listers, and celebrities they torture - sorry, work with - every year in the jungle. Told through the lens of every TV show they've made, as well as everything they've learnt along the way, this is the riotously funny journey of two ordinary lads from Newcastle who went on to achieve extraordinary things.

What did I think?

Being of an age where I rushed home from my school in Newcastle to watch Byker Grove, I feel like I've grown up with Ant and Dec on my telly.  It's amazing to think that these two lads from Tyneside have been on our screens for 30 years and we're not even sick of them yet!  They continue to entertain millions and scoop armfuls of awards because, like Morecambe & Wise, they are the perfect pairing.  There's only one Ant & Dec and this is their story (so far). 

Written in their own imitable style the lads' voices come through loud and clear; I'm sure it would be even better on audiobook but I read the hardback with full colour photos included.  You don't get photos on audiobook, so there!  I do think that it's well worth getting the hardback to see the brilliant, and often hilarious, colour photos in all their glory.  I love the book format that takes the reader on a chronological journey of TV shows from Byker Grove to DNA story, with a chapter being dedicated to each venture.  

I haven't watched everything that Ant & Dec have ever done but I'm familiar with the shows so it was really interesting to read some of the funny stories I hadn't heard before and recall those I had forgotten.  From kettle stealing Alan Shearer to Madonna's wardrobe malfunction at The Brits they're all in Once Upon a Tyne.  What you won't find are the gory details of Ant's fall from grace as this is a celebration of the working relationship of Britain's favourite pair of entertainers.

Funny, honest and entertaining, Once upon a Tyne is so easy and fun to read but it should definitely come with a warning: may cause laughter.  You can't help but read it with a smile on your face as Ant & Dec are the best anti-depressant you can get without prescription.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Zippy and Me - Ronnie Le Drew, Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi

Over the course of almost half a century, puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew has worked with the greats - from David Bowie in Labyrinth to Michael Caine in A Muppet Christmas Carol. But the role that defined his career was Rainbow's Zippy, who he operated for more than twenty years. 

Zippy and Me is the first time a Rainbow insider has told the true story of what went on under the counter and inside the suits: the petty squabbles between performers, wrangling with TV executives, and scandals such as the 'love triangle' between musicians Rod, Jane and Freddy. Not to mention the now infamous X-rated episode shot for an ITV Christmas party, which subsequently found its way to the Sun. 

Interweaved with the dirt on what really went on behind the scenes is the story of Rainbow's heyday in the 1970s and 80s, when its stars found themselves catapulted into an exciting showbiz world - scooping a BAFTA award and even performing for the queen - and the story of a young lad from a south London council estate who defied his parents' protests to became one of the most respected puppeteers of all time.

What did I think?

What an amazing memoir!  Seriously, this is the best and most interesting biography I have ever read and I'm not just saying that because I love Zippy from Rainbow.  I read it over the course of 24 hours and I have never read a non-fiction book so quickly, so that tells you how good it is.

It's very much a story of Ronnie Le Drew's professional life and that's what makes the prose flow so effortlessly.  Not that some personal lives aren't interesting but sometimes it is a bit like looking at somebody else's holiday photos and you can't wait to get to the end of the album.  With just enough interesting snippets of Ronnie's personal life, the weighting of personal/professional in this book was absolutely perfect to hold my interest.  After all, and no offence to Ronnie Le Drew, I think most people will be attracted to this book by the big mouthed orange puppet on the cover.

With Ronnie Le Drew's behind the scenes story, a lot of questions are answered in Zippy and Me.  George is clearly a hippo but just what exactly is Zippy supposed to be?  It makes much more sense now that the origin of Zippy's creation has been revealed by Ronnie Le Drew.  I always felt that Zippy was different to the other characters and now I know why, with idea stealing TV executives sniffing about.  Also, what was the story with Rod, Jane and Freddy?  Not only are they amazingly prolific composers and talented musicians but their story is indeed as colourful as the rainbow.

I know he likes to take centre stage, but this story isn't just about Zippy.  With Ronnie Le Drew's experience encompassing theatre, TV and film there are so many interesting stories to read in Zippy and Me.  I had no idea that Phillip Schofield had tread the boards in musical theatre after his stint in the Broom Cupboard but perhaps the most interesting fact for me is Ronnie's famous finger.  What an absolutely priceless story!  I'm not going to spoil it so you'll just have to read Zippy and Me to find out where you will have definitely seen Ronnie's famous finger.

This nostalgia filled memoir tactfully reveals the stories behind the most iconic children's TV show of all time, whilst keeping the magic alive for Rainbow fans.  With something for everyone, whether you're a fan of Rainbow or The Muppets, it's a fascinating insight into the puppetry world.  I absolutely loved it and I devoured every single page with relish.  One not to miss for Rainbow fans and it's very highly recommended.

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

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon



About the author:

Ronnie Le Drew is one of the UK's most respected puppeteers, and recipient of the prestigious Harlequin Award. He has operated many of the most iconic children’s puppets of the twentieth century – Zippy, Sweep, Muffin the Mule, Bill and Ben, Brains from Thunderbirds – as well as working on classic puppet films such as Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors and The Muppet Christmas Carol. He continues to work regularly as a puppeteer in TV, theatre and advertising and also teaches at the London School of Puppetry, which he founded in 1987.

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BLOG TOUR: Scoop of the Year - Tom Claver

Martin, a hapless journalist on a weekly financial magazine, sees his life take a nosedive with the arrival of Tom de Lacy, a well-heeled reporter who grabs the limelight, not to mention the well-paid industrial correspondent’s job that he has his eye on. 

He does his level best to sabotage Tom’s career, only to see his rival land a plum job in television. 

But watching his rival’s success while his life disintegrates makes Martin a desperate fellow. Falling on hard times can be murder, and in certain circumstances could even give rise to it. 

So when Martin gets a scoop on a major corporate scandal, he just has to grab the opportunity with both hands. He sees it as not only his turn to shine, but his duty.

What did I think?

Well this was a surprising hidden gem.  You can tell from the cover that it has a slightly comic feel to it, but it's more satirical than laugh out loud funny; think Drop the Dead Donkey rather than Bottom.  It's a fascinating insight into the newsroom and the cutthroat world of journalism but also a parody on life, and work-life in particular.

I didn't like Martin at all when I first encountered him in the book; he thinks the world owes him a favour, so I was surprised to find myself rooting for him as the book went on.  Martin is so envious of his co-worker, Tom, that he sabotages his work but in typical comedy fashion, it spectacularly backfires and Tom is promoted from print to TV.  Martin's envy knows no bounds and he fixates on Tom rather than trying to work hard and better himself.

When Martin loses his job and faces challenges in his personal life, it felt like he spiralled out of control.  Enter hit-man, Jebb.  Now this would be funny on its own but then Jebb sets his sights on Martin's sister, Caroline.  They are so afraid of Jebb that they don't want to hurt his feelings and Caroline finds herself in hilarious situations from which she cannot escape.

Just when Martin is about to hit rock-bottom, the light at the end of the tunnel comes from a most surprising source.  Martin has been given an absolute gem of a story to investigate but in true Martin-style, this story comes with a price.  Can Martin put aside his selfishness and get the story, whatever it costs?

Scoop of the Year is written in such a way that, although he's annoying as hell, you find that you really root for Martin and hope things turn out ok for him in the end.  All joking aside, there are some serious subjects to mull over in Scoop of the Year as we encounter the multi-million dollar pharmaceutical business.  Although it is fiction, you can easily believe that it could be true and it gives me a shiver just thinking about it.  Absolutely anything can happen, and often does, in the murder and mayhem of Scoop of the Year.

Cynical, witty and gripping, Scoop of the Year is a slick, humorous thriller.  It's written as vividly as a TV script and it would be amazing to see it on our TV screens sometime soon.

I chose to read an ARC and I am thrilled to open the tour by sharing my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon

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