BLOG TOUR: Catford Dogs - Andy Burn

Catford, South-east London, 2003. Miles Askew, charming but feckless, works for a small-time private investigation agency. Born to privilege, at 38 his career and relationships are a car crash.

One August weekend Miles’ easy existence is obliterated when a lover gives him an alarming ultimatum, and a seemingly straightforward investigation into local greyhound racing erupts with the suspicious death of a colleague.

As Miles desperately grapples for atonement and justice, he is forced to confront both ruthless criminal conspirators and his own conflicted loyalties. Bribery, blackmail and violent death play out against a shifting social backdrop of Blair’s England and Catford’s criminal past, and Miles finds the odds of escaping unscathed increasingly stacked against him.

 

What did I think?

I just had to read Catford Dogs as soon as I heard about it as I remember finding its name very amusing when I saw it listed in the racing pages as a youngster.  With corruption both on and off the track, the book delivered so much more than I expected and I absolutely loved it.

There are some great characters in the book and I loved the main character of private investigator Miles Askew.  He's never really had to work hard for anything in his life but he certainly needs to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in when he's put on the case of strange goings on at the dog track.  Dogs that should be winning are losing but the owners and trainers can't work out what's going on so one owner turns to Fox Forensics to solve the case.

As Miles digs deeper into events at the track, he uncovers a fraud that goes deeper than he could ever have imagined and it's a little too close to home for his liking.  As the various threads of the story weave through the prose they all come together beautifully at the end to reveal a stunning tapestry that shocked, surprised and entertained me.

I loved everything about this book: the gritty, descriptive writing, the well-developed, colourful characters, the unusual setting and the riveting, fast-paced plot.  I am delighted to see 'Miles Askew Book One' printed on the cover as I have a very good feeling about this series and I can't wait to read more.  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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About the author:

Andy Burn spent years making stuff up for business presentations before pivoting to the novel as a medium for writing fiction. A glittering portfolio career of board level experience in finance, property and media, or an inebriated stagger from one shaky rock to another while trying to dodge the bullet? Opinions vary but either way Andy’s working life has brought him into close contact with the best and worst of the business world. The bullies, the corrupt, the greedy, the charlatans, and the bullshit pedlars, but some pretty decent people too. He’s also slept in a refugee camp and blown stuff up in North Africa, studied Matisse, and walked hundreds of miles of coastline for good causes. Life experience peppers his writing. In his spare time he takes divots off golf courses or oils his gun collection. He lives in West Somerset with a very tolerant family and some intolerant dogs. 

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BLOG TOUR: Living is a Problem (The Skelfs Book 6) - Doug Johnstone

The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they’ve been through. But when a funeral they’re conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they’re in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta.

At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy’s band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory.

And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son.

Everything is changing for the Skelfs... Dorothy’s boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close, and Hannah’s case leads her to consider the curious concept of panpsychism, which brings new danger, while ghosts from the family’s past return to threaten their very lives...

 

What did I think?

This wonderful series just keeps getting better and better, and I have to say it's been brilliant from the start.  Living is a Problem is book six in The Skelfs series and if you haven't discovered The Skelf women yet, you really need to pick up this book (and the previous ones).  

I have read every book in the series but I am still astonished at the twisted imagination of Doug Johnstone.  Some kind of drama often unfolds at one of the funerals the Skelfs are conducting so I shouldn't have been surprised when such an event occurs at the start of the book.  It's the actual details of the event that had me suppressing a snigger and applauding Doug Johnstone's ingenuity and amazing dark humour.

The Skelfs are both undertakers and private investigators, two businesses that work surprisingly well together.  The Skelf women are so strong and have developed so fully over the series that they are almost as familiar to me as my own family.  

I love the amount of new things I learn whilst reading a Doug Johnstone book, whilst being thoroughly entertained by the outstanding multi-stranded storyline.  There are elements of science, music and alternative funerals to inform and provoke the reader without being bamboozled.  Doug Johnstone reminds me of Mr Benn (a reference you'll get if you are of a certain age) as he is an outstanding author, a talented musician and he has a PhD in experimental nuclear physics.

Compelling, entertaining and incredibly original, Living is a Problem is another unputdownable and unmissable instalment in The Skelfs series.  Very highly recommended and an easy five stars from me.

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

About the author:

Doug Johnstone is the author of seventeen novels, many of which have been bestsellers. 

The Space Between Us was chosen for BBC Two’s Between the Covers, while Black Hearts was shortlisted for and The Big Chill was longlisted for Theakston Crime Novel of the Year. Three of his books – A Dark Matter, Breakers and The Jump – have been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize. Doug has taught creative writing or been writer in residence at universities, schools, writing retreats, festivals, prisons and a funeral home.

He’s also been an arts journalist for 25 years. He is a songwriter and musician with six albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club and lives in Edinburgh with his family.

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A Season for Scandal (The Agency for Scandal Book 2) - Laura Wood

An all-female detective agency righting wrongs at the end of the nineteenth century; infiltrating a scandalous upper class world straight out of Bridgerton and using their wit and bravery to unmask a villain.

When Marigold Bloom finds her family business in trouble a chance encounter with the devastatingly handsome and extremely bad-tempered Oliver Lockhart leads her to the Aviary - a secret agency of women who specialise in blackmailing troublesome men. 

Soon, Mari is the agency's newest recruit, sent to investigate the mysterious return of Oliver's long lost sister. Forced to masquerade as a newly engaged couple, it is up to Mari and Oliver to determine if there is an imposter in their midst. But what happens when the line between truth and fiction starts to blur? And what do you do when a pretend romance starts to feel all too real?

 

What did I think?

A Season for Scandal is the second book in The Agency for Scandal series but it can be read as a standalone as it has its own contained storyline.  I haven't read the first book but I enjoyed A Season for Scandal so much that I now want to read the first book in the series.

This is the story of Marigold Bloom who runs her family florist.  After being unceremoniously dumped by her odious fiancé, the future looks very bleak for both Mari and her florist.  Luckily, fate intervenes and throws her into the path of Oliver Lockhart, who not only provides the swoony Mr. Darcy style love interest but also introduces Mari to a secret detective agency: the Aviary.

The characters are beautifully drawn and so vibrant (thanks mainly to Mari's colourful taste in clothing) that they virtually pop off the page.  I loved the idea of the Aviary and how they go about their mysterious and secretive business - this is what girl power looks like in Victorian England.  

Entertaining, vibrant and an absolute joy to read, A Season for Scandal may be a YA novel but it is perfectly suitable for adults to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I do hope Laura Wood has plans to make this a long running series as I am well and truly hooked.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: New Memories (The Sandlin PI Series Book 3) - S.E. Shepherd

For three decades, Olivia Farnley used alcohol and drugs to try to block out the memory of the horrific murder of her mother which put her father in prison. Now, she’s ready to face her past, and her hypnotherapist is sure he can help her to fill in the gaps.

During therapy, a key detail comes back to her, one that is so momentous that Liv is forced to share this new-found information with the police. When they dismiss her claims, Liv is left frustrated and furious. Then a chance encounter leads Liv to private investigator Hannah Sandlin, who, accompanied by her best friend Lottie, embarks on an investigation in the Spanish resort of Marbella.

Amid the magnificent villas and infinity pools of Porto Banus, and the stunning beaches of Playa de la Fontanilla, dark secrets lurk. Once Hannah deploys her sharp investigative mind and shameless tenacity, she discovers what really happened to Liv’s mother, Susan, all those years ago. In the process, she uncovers some shocking secrets that the rest of the Farnley family have been trying their hardest to keep.

Can Hannah separate the lies from the truth and bring Liv the resolution she so desperately needs?

S.E. Shepherd’s brilliant third novel in her darkly funny crime series is a story of how untrustworthy memory can be and how love can blind you to the darkness of those close to you. Everyone has a dark side, do they not? Even the ones you love. New Memories is a gripping new thriller that you won’t want to put down.

 

What did I think?

New Memories is the third book in the Sandlin PI series but you can definitely read it as a standalone as PI Hannah Sandlin and her team are tasked with a brand new investigation.

This is a very intriguing case and the client, Olivia Farnley, wants to find out who killed her mother.  Olivia's father was convicted of the crime when a neighbour saw him fleeing the scene, however, nobody seemed to consider that he had an identical twin brother.  Olivia's memories of that awful night are accessed through a series of hypnosis sessions but as far as the police are concerned the case is closed, so Olivia turns to Hannah to prove that these new memories are a true recollection of what really happened.

I absolutely loved the exploration of memories and how traumatic events can be locked away inside your brain until you are ready to look for the key to open them up.  I've always been fascinated by hypnosis, although I would never consider having it done to me, and think it's amazing that the brain can be put into such a state that it is receptive to suggestions, outside the brain owner's control. 

The fabulous plot in New Memories is so compelling that it races along at a fast and furious pace.  I couldn't read fast enough to uncover all of the secrets buried deep within the book and the big reveal at the end has a wonderful Agatha Christie feel about it.  I certainly didn't see any of it coming!

Intriguing, gripping and impossible to put down, New Memories is a thrilling mystery that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.  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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Hobeck Books

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: The Opposite of Lonely (The Skelfs Book 5) - Doug Johnstone

EVEN DEATH NEEDS COMPANY...

The Skelf women are recovering from the cataclysmic events that nearly claimed their lives. Their funeral-director and private-investigation businesses are back on track, and their cases are as perplexing as ever.

Matriarch Dorothy looks into a suspicious fire at a travellers’ site, and takes a grieving, homeless man under her wing. Daughter Jenny is searching for her missing sister-in-law, who disappeared in tragic circumstances, while grand-daughter Hannah is asked to investigate increasingly dangerous conspiracy theorists, who are targeting a retired female astronaut ... putting her own life at risk.

With a body lost at sea, funerals for those with no one to mourn them, reports of strange happenings in outer space, a funeral crasher with a painful secret, and a violent attack on one of the family, The Skelfs face their most personal – and perilous – cases yet. Doing things their way may cost them everything...

 

What did I think?

I always get excited when a new Skelfs book comes out and The Opposite of Lonely is the fifth outstanding instalment in this fantastic series.  The three Skelf women are funeral directors and private investigators so there's a lot going on in the book to keep the reader entertained.

Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah have three separate but intermingling storylines in this novel and I was completely enthralled by each of them.  Something unusual always seems to happy at one of Dorothy's funerals and I have to admit to having a little giggle at the funeral at the start of the book.  Jenny is trying to track down her sister-in-law and a female astronaut hires Hannah to investigate increasingly dangerous threats.

As well as the riveting storylines for the three main characters, there are some really interesting things in the book that led to further discussion in my house, particularly the alternative funerals that I had never heard of before.  I have to say that a lot of the astrophysics went right over my head but it really puts into perspective our place in the universe.  

Incredibly entertaining and completely enthralling, The Opposite of Lonely is as thought-provoking as it is gripping and I absolutely loved it.  I love The Skelfs series and simply can't get enough of it so I hope Doug Johnstone has many more books planned.

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

About the author:

Doug Johnstone is the author of sixteen novels, many of which have been bestsellers. The Space Between Us was chosen for BBC Two’s Between the Covers, while Black Hearts and The Big Chill were longlisted for the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year. Three of his books – A Dark Matter, Breakers and The Jump – have been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize. Doug has taught creative writing or been writer in residence at universities, schools, writing retreats, festivals, prisons and a funeral home. He’s also been an arts journalist for 25 years. He is a songwriter and musician with six albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club and lives in Edinburgh with his family.

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BLOG TOUR: Rendered Incapable (The Quirk Files Book 4) - A B Morgan

Peddyr and Connie Quirk head for the Isle of Man, hoping for a well-deserved break from their private investigation business. However, in an underhand move by Peddyr’s cousin Superintendent Eddie Cadogan, their hotel booking is changed, and they are redirected to Hodge Fell Farm with its farm shop, butchery, café, and quaint holiday cottages.

 

When they meet their hosts - including a certain Nick Popadopoulos - a relaxing holiday of bracing walks by the sea is quickly replaced by pigs, adultery, soap-making, drag queens, smoked sausages, scams and skulduggery. In their quest to work out what despicable scheme Nick has underway, Peddyr and Connie soon realise that not everyone is being honest with them. Time is not on their side, and they must rely on their wits to act before someone gets away with murder.

 

What did I think?

I started reading The Quirk Files at book 3 so Rendered Incapable is definitely a book you can read as a standalone and it's a thoroughly enjoyable one at that.  I love husband and wife private investigators Peddyr and Connie Quirk whose individual skills complement each other and they always get to the bottom of the mystery.

Set on the Isle of Man, where Peddyr is from, I really enjoyed my virtual exploration of the island but this wouldn't be a Quirk Files book without a mystery to solve.  The Quirks' holiday soon turns into an investigation when Peddyr's cousin convinces him to look into one of the local residents. Nick Popadopoulos.

The book begins with Nick in a bit of a predicament and if I felt sorry for him at the start, I certainly changed my mind pretty sharpish as the story unfolds.  Just what is he up to?  No good, that's what!  As if his wandering eye isn't bad enough, it's pretty scary to see what lengths he will go to in order to get what he wants.

Very intricately plotted and written with a lot of humour, Rendered Incapable is incredibly entertaining.  Even just Connie's version of Nick's surname is enough to still make me laugh when I think about it.  There's a lot going on in the book but it never gets confusing and I love how it all comes together at the end.  It's a cracking read and one I'm happy to recommend.

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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Hobeck Books

Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: Black Hearts (The Skelfs Book 4) - Doug Johnstone

The Skelf women live in the shadow of death every day, running the family funeral directors and private investigator business in Edinburgh. But now their own grief interwines with that of their clients, as they are left reeling by shocking past events.

A fist-fight by an open grave leads Dorothy to investigate the possibility of a faked death, while a young woman’s obsession with Hannah threatens her relationship with Indy and puts them both in mortal danger. An elderly man claims he’s being abused by the ghost of his late wife, while ghosts of another kind come back to haunt Jenny from the grave … pushing her to breaking point.

As the Skelfs struggle with increasingly unnerving cases and chilling danger lurks close to home, it becomes clear that grief, in all its forms, can be deadly…

 

What did I think?

I love The Skelfs series so I was very excited to read Black Hearts and I was not disappointed.  This series is just getting better and better and I hope Doug Johnstone has a lot more ideas up his sleeve for the Skelf women as I don't ever want this series to end.

You could read Black Hearts as a standalone as it has a brilliant self-contained plot, however, to fully appreciate the characters it is better to read the previous books in the series.  There is just enough of their backstories included in the book to intrigue and inform new readers without being too repetitive for long-standing fans of the series.

I'm purposefully avoiding talking about any of the various threads of the plot as it would spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but oh my word it's a good 'un.  Each character has something different to deal with and I couldn't read fast enough to see how it would all end; I certainly couldn't have predicted any of it.

I love how Doug Johnstone explores grief in all of The Skelf novels but Black Hearts is particularly poignant as it mentions something from Japanese culture that some readers may have never heard of before.  It allowed us to see a bit more behind Dorothy's character and it shows us that grief never leaves us, it merely becomes less painful as time goes on.

Unpredictable, suspenseful and addictive, Black Hearts is another fantastic installment in The Skelfs series.  I've loved every single one of them; keep 'em coming, Doug!

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

My rating:

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Amazon

About the author:

Doug Johnstone is the author of twelve novels, most recently The Great Silence, described as ‘A novel [that] underlines just how accomplished Johnstone has become’ by the Daily Mail. He has been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year three times, and the Capital Crime Best Independent Voice one; The Big Chill was longlisted for Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. He’s taught creative writing and been writer in residence at various institutions, and has been an arts journalist for twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with five albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. He’s also player-manager of the Scotland Writers Football Club. He lives in Edinburgh.

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BLOG TOUR: The Last Girl to Die - Helen Fields

In search of a new life, seventeen-year-old Adriana Clark’s family moves to the ancient, ocean-battered Isle of Mull, far off the coast of Scotland. Then she goes missing. Faced with hostile locals and indifferent police, her desperate parents turn to private investigator Sadie Levesque.

Sadie is the best at what she does. But when she finds Adriana’s body in a cliffside cave, a seaweed crown carefully arranged on her head, she knows she’s dealing with something she’s never encountered before.

The deeper she digs into the island’s secrets, the closer danger creeps – and the more urgent her quest to find the killer grows. Because what if Adriana is not the last girl to die?

 

What did I think?

WOW!  What a book!  The Last Girl to Die is a book I will be recommending for a very long time.  It is filled with mystery and intrigue that hooked me from the start but it is the razor-sharp plotting that makes it a memorable read.  

When an American teenager goes missing on the Isle of Mull, her parents hire a Canadian private investigator, Sadie Lavesque.  This invasion of foreigners on Mull creates a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere for Sadie as she is faced with the suspicion and mistrust of the islanders.  Sadie can't count on the local police to help her and things only get worse for her when she finds a body...and then another...

I cannot even begin to tell you how good this book is and no review I write will go anywhere near to doing it justice.  It's a book that you just have to read and experience for yourself.  Helen Fields intricately weaves mysteries and folklore of ancient Mull into this gripping and atmospheric thriller making it a completely unforgettable novel.  

Shocking, disturbing and jawdropping, The Last Girl to Die is an impressive and completely haunting thriller.  Helen Fields is my newly crowned Queen of Twists and I felt like my brain had gone 12 rounds in the boxing ring as the twists and shocks pummelled me from all angles.  Very highly recommended - don't miss this one!

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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BLOG TOUR: Cousin Ash (The Sandlin PI Series Book 2) - S.E. Shepherd

“Run for it!”

Those words were the highlight of a much-loved childhood game in the woods.

But were they also Ash’s last words?

A chance meeting with a school friend of Lottie’s brings Hannah a new case. She’s confident Sandlin Private Investigations can find out who’s responsible for the recent threats at Eliza’s house. But, as she and Lottie begin to unravel the facts of the present case, they also find themselves involved in a longstanding mystery.

Three cousins, once as close as siblings.

Ash, the black sheep

Grieving Ash loved her dad deeply, but swore no one else understood her. She’s been missing for twelve years, and is now presumed dead.

 

Eliza, the peacemaker

Eliza, rebuilding her life after heartbreak, inherits everything.

 

Scott the ‘baby’

Scott, broken and bitter, inherits nothing.

What made Auntie Miriam so angry that she left nothing in her will to Scott? And why did Scott and Eliza make a pact all those years ago never to admit the truth about the disappearance of their cousin Ash?

Ash may be presumed dead, but somehow, she’s still causing trouble.  Ultimately, the case can’t be solved without answering the question – what really happened the last time the three cousins were all together in Lullaby Woods?

 

What did I think?

Cousin Ash is the second book in the Sandlin PI series but oh my word, you can definitely read it as a standalone as it's absolutely brilliant and I loved every minute of it.  2022 is the year of Hobeck Books as they have published some corkers and Cousin Ash is no exception.

From looking at the cover, I thought this was going to be a fun, cosy mystery but it is a gripping double mystery with a dark and dangerous undertone.  Eliza inherited her Auntie Miriam's house when she passed away as Miriam's daughter Ash disappeared 12 years ago but Eliza is now being threatened, apparently by Ash.  What happened to Ash and who is threatening Eliza?

Eliza knows more about Ash's disappearance than she's letting on, but it's her cousin Scott who Miriam blamed for Ash going missing.  Oooh this was very intriguing and I couldn't read fast enough to find out what really happened that night in the woods.

Hannah Sandlin is a private investigator and, together with her friend Lottie, she intends to solve the mystery of Ash's disappearance and she seizes her chance when Eliza hires her to investigate the threats.  It is clear that the two cases are linked and Hannah is veering off into dangerous territory as someone wants Ash's disappearance to remain a mystery.

I loved Cousin Ash and couldn't put it down.  The writing is stunning, the characters virtually leap out of the page and the plotting is excellent.  It's one of those books that entertains from start to finish and as I turned the final page I actually said out loud: 'I really enjoyed that'.  

Cousin Ash is mysterious, intriguing, entertaining and addictive.  I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more in the series.  Highly recommended.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour; all opinions are my own.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Quarter to Midnight - Karen Rose

Quarter to Midnight is the first thrilling novel in a brand new series by Sunday Times bestselling author Karen Rose, set in New Orleans.

Rocky Hebert walks into his death at quarter to midnight one New Orleans night.

His son Gabe cannot accept the official verdict of suicide and enlists the help of the Burke Broussard Private Investigation Agency to discover the real cause of death.

PI Molly Sutton knows what it's like to lose a father in tragic circumstances and will go to any lengths to crack the investigation, as she tries to fight off her growing feelings for Gabe.

They soon realise Rocky was working on an investigation of his own; one that threatened to expose the deep corruption going all the way to the top of the police department. And that the key to the puzzle lies with a young witness to a murder that happened years earlier: Xavier Morrow.

Just what did Rocky know? And who might have shut him up?

As they get closer and closer to the truth, they realise that the killer is not going to stop at Rocky. And that Xavier is in very real danger. Someone will go to any lengths to protect what he witnessed that night coming out...

 

What did I think?

It's been a while since I've read a Karen Rose book, and I had to do a few arm exercises before picking up this weighty 591 page book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Filled with mystery and suspense, it kept me on the edge of my seat and my eyes firmly glued to the page from start to finish.

I've read a few Karen Rose books and the covers are so dark and thriller-like that I often forget they are romantic suspense novels.  The romance is heartwarming and adds a layer of lightheartedness to an otherwise dark plotline.  I love the dark plot though, especially the mystery surrounding the murder during Hurricane Katrina that Rocky was investigating and ultimately got him killed.  

I loved all of the characters, especially PI Molly and chef Gabe who provide the romance element, but also Xavier and the colourful characters who make up his entourage.  Xavier is in great danger but whoever is targeting him has to get through his family and friends first, and one of them is carrying knitting needles!  With dangerous powerful men hiding in plain sight, you don't know who can be trusted.

Quarter to Midnight is sure to be another instant bestseller from Karen Rose.  It's fast-paced, gripping and so suspenseful that I couldn't read it fast enough.  An easy five stars and a highly recommended read.

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

My rating:

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About the author:

Karen Rose was introduced to suspense and horror at the tender age of eight when she accidentally read Poe's The Pit and The Pendulum and was afraid to go to sleep for years.  She now enjoys writing books that make other people afraid to go to sleep.

Karen lives in Florida with her family, their cat, Bella, and two dogs, Loki and Freya. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, and her new hobby - knitting.

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BLOG TOUR: Verity Vanishes (The Quirk Files Book 3) - A B Morgan

The Quirks are back, and there is another crime to solve for P.Q. Investigations.

When Verity Hudson goes missing, Peddyr Quirk – with assistance from his effervescent wife Connie – investigates a strange new case which unfolds in an unsavoury part of town. It soon becomes apparent that they are not the only ones looking for Verity.

A freelance researcher is searching for her birth mother.

An influential man of power and money is desperate to find his estranged sister.

A local politician is determined to expose a hidden tragedy.

A TV journalist will stop at nothing to expose the true story … if it can be uncovered.

Where is Verity, who is Verity, and who will find her first?

 

What did I think?

Verity Vanishes is the third book in the Quirk Files series but it is the first one I have read, so you can definitely read it as a standalone as I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Quirk by name and quirk by nature: you can't get more quirky than Peddyr and Connie quirk.  I really like the pairing of these unusual characters and it has definitely made me want to read more in the series.  With dogged determination, a handful of cunning and a sprinkling of humour, they investigate the disappearance of Verity Hudson and if anyone can find her, the Quirks can.

There is more than the Quirks looking for Verity which adds several layers onto an already intriguing storyline.  Reading Verity Vanishes is like peeling an onion, uncovering layer after layer of mystery as you turn each page.  As more of Verity's story is uncovered, it's quite heartbreaking to read as the story touches on mental health, but this is tackled sensitively and respectfully.

Verity Vanishes is a multi-layered mystery that is very cleverly plotted, delivering an abundance of shocks and surprises for the reader.  The addition of quirky humour perfectly balances the dark and mysterious storyline, resulting in an intriguing, addictive and entertaining read.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour; all opinions are my own.

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon

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BLOG TOUR: The Great Silence (The Skelfs Book 3) - Doug Johnstone

 

The discovery of a human foot in an Edinburgh park, the inexplicable circumstances of a dying woman, and the missing daughter of Jenny’s violent ex-husband present the Skelf women with their most challenging – and deadly – cases yet…

Keeping on top of the family funeral directors’ and private-investigation businesses is no easy task for the Skelf women, and when matriarch Dorothy discovers a human foot while walking the dog, a perplexing case presents itself … with potentially deadly results.

Daughter Jenny and grand-daughter Hannah have their hands full too: The mysterious circumstances of a dying woman lead them into an unexpected family drama, Hannah's new astrophysicist colleague claims he's receiving messages from outer space, and the Skelfs' teenaged lodger has yet another devastating experience.

Nothing is clear as the women are immersed ever deeper in their most challenging cases yet. But when the daughter of Jenny’s violent and fugitive ex-husband goes missing without trace and a wild animal is spotted roaming Edinburgh's parks, real danger presents itself, and all three Skelfs are in peril.

Taut, dark, warmly funny and unafraid to ask big questions – of us all – The Great Silence is the much-anticipated third instalment in the addictive, unforgettable Skelfs series, and the stakes are higher than ever.

What did I think?

I love The Skelfs series and couldn't wait to get my hands on book 3, The Great Silence.  The Skelfs are a family of funeral directors and private investigators so there's always lots going on and I was entertained from start to finish.  With recaps of the previous books scattered throughout, you can read this as a standalone but reading them in order has the benefit of seeing the characters develop and I felt like I was catching up with my old friends Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah.

With an awesome first line, Doug Johnstone's brilliant dark humour sets the scene for a gripping, intriguing and pretty wild ride.  It's entertainment at its finest with a wild panther on the loose, possible contact from aliens and Jenny's unhinged ex-husband Craig still at large so there's danger from all angles.  I just love how the wonderfully imaginative storylines keep the Skelfs busy and it really gives my eyes a workout as I can't read fast enough.

Even though a lot of it went over my head, I enjoyed reading the parts that touched on astrophysics as it really made me think about the universe and my place in it.  As it is set in a funeral directors' business, death and grief are explored sensitively and I particularly liked the Buddhist quote about waves and water that I shall never forget.

Hugely entertaining and incredibly addictive, if you're looking for something different to read The Great Silence will fit the bill.  I highly recommend the whole series.

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

My rating:

Buy it from:

Orenda Books

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Doug Johnstone is the author of twelve previous novels, most recently The Big Chill (2020). Several of his books have been bestsellers and three, A Dark Matter (2020), Breakers (2019) and The Jump (2015), were shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year. He’s taught creative writing and been writer in residence at various institutions over the last decade – including at a funeral parlour ahead of writing A Dark Matter – and has been an arts journalist for over twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with five albums and three solo EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. He’s also player-manager of the Scotland Writers Football Club. He lives in Edinburgh. Follow Doug on Twitter @doug_johnstone and visit his website: dougjohnstone.com.

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