BLOG TOUR: Blood Spots (Steph Grant Murder Mystery Series Book 5) - Lin Le Versha

Lin Le Versha is a writer not to be missed, the brilliant new talent on the British crime writing scene. Each dark murder mystery in her fabulous crime series will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed. If you love Rachel McLean's Dorset Crime series and Ann Cleeves's Shetland series, then you are going to adore Lin Le Versha.

Summer 1989

Their post-show party stretched into the early hours. As the flames of their beach fire danced, the young cast and crew of a brilliant production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream all hope they’ll be propelled to fame and theatrical fortune. But jealousy and betrayal simmer behind their smiles …

Summer 2019

Former police officer Steph Grant is a reluctant volunteer. Stage-managing the new production of Brecht’s Mother Courage within the ruins of Covehithe Church in Suffolk is not her idea of fun, not when the director is the county’s resident drama queen, Beverly Elkin. But there is the excitement of the return of Hollywood and West End star, Jessica Marlowe, to her hometown to consider, thirty years after she made her name at the same venue.

Old jealousies never die

The production does not run smoothly. The show’s star and director can’t agree on anything. Jessica’s return stirs old memories too, sharpened when a body, hidden for thirty years, is exposed by a cliff fall. And Steph’s life is also turned upside down. Her partner, DCI Philip Hale, is acting oddly. He’s distant, irritable, and appears to be hiding something. Can Steph ensure the show goes on – both on stage and at home?

Steph Grant returns in Blood Spots, fifth book in the thrilling Suffolk murders series by Lin Le Versha.

 

What did I think?

Blood Spots is the fifth book in the Steph Grant Murder Mystery series and it's an absolute cracker that I couldn't put down.  I think you could read it as a standalone although it is so much better when read as part of the series.

I loved catching up with Steph Grant, her partner DCI Hale and Derek the dog again.  These fabulous main characters are so strong that I could enjoy reading a book about them simply going about their daily lives but there is of course a murder to solve for Steph and Hale.

The amateur theatre setting is wonderful and it adds extra drama to the plot, especially when emotions run high and tempers are frayed among the cast and crew.  Steph has been roped in to help with the production and it's well outside her comfort zone but it helps to keep her mind off the apparent cracks that are appearing in her relationship.  

Lin Le Versha creates larger than life characters that virtually pop out from the page and the past and present double mystery kept me turning the pages as fast as I possibly could.  I love having no idea whodunnit and Lin always keeps me guessing until the big reveal.

Filled with mystery, suspense and drama, Blood Spots is a superb crime thriller that is impossible to predict and difficult to put down.  This series is already brilliant but it just keeps on getting better and better.  Very highly recommended.

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

My rating:

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The Appeal - Janice Hallett

 

IN A TOWN FULL OF SECRETS

SOMEONE WAS MURDERED.

SOMEONE WENT TO PRISON.

AND EVERYONE'S A SUSPECT.

CAN YOU UNCOVER THE TRUTH?

Dear Reader - enclosed are all the documents you need to solve a case. It starts with the arrival of two mysterious newcomers to the small town of Lockwood, and ends with a tragic death.

Someone has already been convicted of this brutal murder and is currently in prison, but we suspect they are innocent. What's more, we believe far darker secrets have yet to be revealed.

Throughout the Fairway Players' staging of All My Sons and the charity appeal for little Poppy Reswick's life-saving medical treatment, the murderer hid in plain sight. Yet we believe they gave themselves away. In writing. The evidence is all here, between the lines, waiting to be discovered.

Will you accept the challenge? Can you uncover the truth?

What did I think?

Wow, just wow!  The Appeal is written in the most original format I have ever read and it's such an addictive read that I was loathe to put it down even for a moment.  Janice Hallett's exceptional debut novel doesn't just immerse the reader in the story but consumes them.  I didn't feel like I was reading a book; I actually believed I was part of the legal team reading through the evidence - what an amazing experience!

Written in the format of emails from various sources, it may take a little while to get used to, especially as you try to remember who is who.  Thankfully, most of the characters are part of a theatre group and the cast list for their latest production is an invaluable reference, especially with little post it notes attached showing the links between people.  Although there are a lot of characters, I was surprised how quickly I got to know them through the individual characteristics and tone of their emails.

I think there's something so very personal about reading emails, especially when you see things from all sides.  People just can't help bitching about other people and I felt really sorry for Issy who is desperately trying to fit in.  Reading what people thought about her and comparing this to how Issy related the same occasion to her friend was simultaneously sobering and shocking.  The characters in The Appeal aren't just two faced, they are diamond geezers; they are so multi-faceted that it's impossible to work out who you can trust.  

At the heart of The Appeal is the story of Poppy Reswick who has been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer.  As Poppy's grandparents are the alpha family who run the theatre group, the group all pitch in to raise funds so that Poppy can receive treatment that the hospital can't provide.  Issy taking the minutes for the fundraising meeting is absolute genius; it made me laugh out loud and I'm still laughing now just thinking about it.  

The Appeal is absolutely brilliant; it's an inventive and unique format that makes the reader feel like they're part of the story as they sift through the emails searching for clues.  It is SO addictive; once you start reading the emails you simply can't stop, so make sure your chores are done before you start The Appeal as there'll be no housework getting done until the final page is turned.

I really can't thank Viper enough for sending me a gifted proof of what is sure to be one of the hottest debuts of 2021; this is my honest review and all opinions are my own.

My rating:

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