BLOG TOUR: The Burning Stones - Antti Tuomainen

Saunas, love and a ladleful of murder… 

A cold-blooded killer strikes at the hottest moment: the new head of a sauna-stove company is murdered … in the sauna. Who has turned up the temperature and burned him to death? 

The evidence points in the direction of Anni Korpinen – top salesperson and the victim’s successor at Steam Devil. 

And as if hitting middle-age, being in a marriage that has lost its purpose, and struggling with work weren’t enough, Anni realizes that she must be quicker than both the police and the murderer to uncover who is behind it all – before it’s too late… 

 

What did I think?

Antti Tuomainen has a very unique sense of humour and it completely shines through in his writing.  Mixing crime with humour in a Scandi setting, it's almost like a genre in its own right as there is nothing else quite like it.

The Burning Stones is set in a sauna-stove company where it would appear that one of the employees will kill to get promoted.  As she is the favourite to get promoted, and the evidence is pointing towards her, Anni is the prime suspect and the police have a grudge against her family so they don't want to listen to her side of the story.  Anni needs to catch the killer before she is arrested for the crime herself.

It's a very race against the clock sort of book as Anni attempts to identify the killer before the police gather enough evidence to arrest her.  Speaking of races...I actually snorted out loud at Anni's husband watching old Formula 1 races and discussing the result with his friends as if the race had just happened.  It's that sort of subtle humour that is sprinkled throughout the book and it made me laugh when I least expected it.

The Burning Stones is a fun crime caper that both gripped and amused me.  You definitely need a good sense of humour to read it and I can totally see this following in the footsteps of Antti Tuomainen's previous novels and being adapted for TV.  If you're looking for something a bit different to read then I would recommend The Burning Stones.

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:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. In 2011, his third novel, The Healer, was awarded the Clue Award  for Best Finnish Crime Novel and shortlisted for the Glass Key Award. Tuomainen was one of  the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime-genre formula, and his poignant, dark and  hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards and now a Finnish TV series. Palm Beach, Finland (2018) and Little Siberia (2019) have both been adapted for the screen, airing shortly, and also shortlisted for the  Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Readers Awards, the Last Laugh Award and the CWA International Dagger, and winning the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel. The international bestselling Rabbit Factor trilogy is filming now for Amazon Studios, starring Steve  Carell. Antti lives in Helsinki with his wife. 

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Love Like a Cephalopod - Cassondra Windwalker

To death and to the dragon born.

Being an executioner for the state is exhausting, but after a lifetime of dispatching the criminal and the inconvenient, fifty-eight-year-old Grenda finds it does have its compensations. Her cat-sized dragon Bjartur and the dragon eggs she tends are all the friends and family she needs. Completely cut off from the outside world, she happily accepts the luxuries owed her status – including a pet octopus named Morrigan – without the faintest twinge of conscience or doubt.

All that changes when she encounters the most unexpected nemesis: a young refugee girl whom Grenda is incapable of executing. Against her will, Grenda finds herself shifting from killer to caretaker, risking her life to defy the state she’s never questioned and help young Allora to freedom. Everything Grenda thinks she knows about her world, her life, and even her own identity cascades out of her control—including the dragon-bond she holds dearer than life itself.

 

What did I think?

Fantasy is not my usual genre but I was so impressed by Cassondra Windwalker's unforgettable novel Idle Hands that I leapt at the chance to read an early copy of Love Like a Cephalopod and wow, I was not disappointed.  

The writing is exquisite and the characters and scenery are brought to life so vividly that I could easily conjure their images in my mind.  The beautiful purple shades of octopus Morrigan's tank and the glittering green scales of Bjartur the dragon as well as the gooey melting cheese that Grenda loves so much.

I loved Grenda, the cheese-loving older protagonist whose life (if you can call it that) revolved around her work as an executioner for the state.  She works, she eats, she sleeps, she works and doesn't question it until she is unable to execute a young girl which completely tips the scales of Grenda's work/life balance.

As much as I loved Grenda, I also loved her dragon Bjartur who is really an extension of Grenda, as the pair imprinted when Grenda was a young girl.  The care they take over nurturing the dragon eggs in their care is very moving and it actually brought a lump to my throat at the end.

For me to love a book that belongs to a genre I don't normally read it has to be extraordinary and I absolutely loved Love Like a Cephalopod.  At only 211 pages long, I could have read so much more about this fantasy world but it might have been a bit daunting for new fantasy readers like me if it had been the traditional epic length of a fantasy novel.

Love Like a Cephalopod is a beautiful, moving and entertaining novel that held my interest from start to finish.  I loved it and could easily read it again right now to revisit and re-experience this highly imaginative and stunning fantasy world.  Cassondra Windwalker is a hugely talented hidden gem of an author and I highly recommend this extraordinary novel.

Many thanks to the publisher Bayou Wolf Press for sending me a digital ARC to read and review; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Local Girl Missing - J. A. Baker

Missing without trace...

When local woman Deborah goes missing, her colleagues Adrian, Yvonne and Merriel are all left in shock. Gossip around the office begins to swirl – what could have happened to Deborah? Is she dead or alive? And who could be responsible for her disappearance?

Everyone is terrified that they could be next…except the one person who has all the answers. The last person people expect.

Because Deborah is being held captive by a monster, a psychopath. But not a stranger… it’s someone she knows all too well…

What did I think?

I love J.A. Baker's books and Local Girl Missing is no exception.  It's so tense it's as taut as a bow string and I couldn't read it fast enough to discover who was behind Deborah's disappearance.

Deborah's colleagues are shocked and distressed when she disappears, but as worried as they are about Deborah, what shocks them just as much is that it could quite easily have been one of them instead.  J.A. Baker puts each of the characters under the microscope as the reader delves beneath their skin to see who they really are. 

Workplace rivalries and gossiping colleagues help to build up the tension as we get to know the characters and discover what each of them is hiding.  If you work full-time, you spend more of your awake time with your colleagues than your family but you never really get to know them.  We all have a work persona and it's only when you inadvertently let your guard down that your colleagues might catch a glimpse of the real you.

I can safely say that I did guess who the kidnapper was in Local Girl Missing but only because I suspected every single character at one time or another, so I would've been right at some point.  Without giving anything away, I really enjoyed discovering the motivation behind Deborah's abduction; even though it's pretty creepy to think that someone you know could be hiding a very dark secret behind their friendly face.

J.A. Baker's writing is exceptional as she builds up suspense and creates so much suspicion about every character.  The tension builds as the reader slowly peels away layer after layer of every character to see what's really underneath.

Tense, suspenseful and compelling, Local Girl Missing is another cracking J.A. Baker novel.  I really enjoyed the workplace setting and think J.A. Baker totally nailed it.  Recommended.

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:

J. A. Baker is a successful psychological thriller writer of numerous books, previously published by Bloodhound. Born and brought up in Middlesbrough, she still lives in the North East, which inspires the settings for her books. Her first title for Boldwood will be published in December 2022.

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewriterjude

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jabakerauthor/

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-a-baker

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BLOG TOUR: Acts of Kindness - Heather Barnett

 

Dream Job. Fresh Start. Big Mistake.

When Bella Black arrives in a sleepy Wiltshire village, it seems like the perfect place for a new start: a lovely home, exciting job and an attractive colleague or two to take her mind off her recent divorce.

When people start disappearing, she realises she holds the key to a mystery bigger than she could have ever imagined.

Who is really pulling the strings at the secretive OAK Institute? 

Can anyone be trusted?

Will Bella make the right choices before its too late? 

What did I think?

This is a highly intriguing and mysterious book and the blurb is clearly purposefully brief so as not to give anything away, which makes this such a difficult book to review.  So I think less is more in this instance to avoid inadvertently releasing any spoilers in my review.

Bella is headhunted at just the right time in her life and she is given a job offer that is too good to refuse.  So she packs up her belongings, says goodbye to London and sets up home in a picturesque Wiltshire village.  Heather Barnett's amazing sense of humour comes through loud and clear when Bella is welcomed by an unfortunately named neighbour bearing an unusual welcome gift.  It never got old as I sniggered and guffawed every time this colourful character appeared.

The plot is excellent with multiple layers of mystery and intrigue over an underlying thought-provoking premise.  There is so much secrecy that my mind was whirring at full speed as I tried to work out what was going on but, at risk of going dizzy, I found it was better to just sit back and enjoy the show.

Incredibly thought-provoking and hugely entertaining, Acts of Kindness is a brilliant debut from Heather Barnett.  Whatever your preferred genre, it really does have something for everyone; it's mysterious, funny and feel-good.

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

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon UK

Bookshop.org

Amazon US

About the author:

Heather Barnett gained a degree in English and French from the University of Leeds and has written ever since: from copywriting to stand-up comedy and sketches. She is now focusing on writing novels. Heather's influences span Jane Austen and Douglas Adams at one end of the alphabet through to PG Wodehouse at the other. 

Heather's debut novel, Acts of Kindness, is an uplifting, light-hearted mystery. It was inspired by witnessing commuters helping a woman who'd fallen down the stairs at Paddington station; intermingled with wondering what was behind some grand stone gateposts that she used to drive past in Wiltshire. 

Her second novel, Lord Seeks Wife, is a romantic comedy and will be published summer 2021.

Aside from writing, Heather's interests are classic literature, cats and comedy. 

Heather is head of marketing at an agency near Oxford and lives by the river Kennet in Berkshire.

For more information on Heather and her books, please visit her website: www.heatherbarnettauthor.com or join the discussion on Twitter @WritesHeather.

Social Media Links – 

Website: www.heatherbarnettauthor.com

Twitter: @WritesHeather

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writesheather/ 

Serpentine Books:   www.serpentinebooks.com   Twitter: @SerpentineBooks

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BLOG TOUR: The New Guy - Kathryn Freeman

Phew, that was a close shave, I almost missed out on this blog tour!  I'm a huge fan of Kathryn Freeman and I only happened to spot it on Facebook on one of my rare visits.  So put the kettle on, make a cuppa and read my review of The New Guy but whatever you do, make sure you click the links to buy your very own copy; you won't regret it.

Sam Huxton doesn’t do one-night stands, especially not with men she’s just met! But the hot guy at the bar was hard to resist and their one night together is one she’ll never forget.

But one night is all they share – no names, no numbers, just some much needed fun…

Until the same guy walks into Sam’s life the next day as her new employee.  Sam never mixes business with pleasure and makes it clear an office fling with Ryan is off-limits.  But after-hours…one thing can lead to another. Can Sam trust her heart and her business with the new guy?

What did I think?

Although I don't read a lot of books in the romance genre these days, Kathryn Freeman books are definitely my not so guilty pleasure!  Kathryn's books are always guaranteed to entertain and The New Guy does just that.

We meet Sam Huxton when she is drowning her sorrows in the pub after her Grandad's funeral.  Feeling the need to talk about her beloved 'Grumps' she turns to the man next to her at the bar.  Ryan Black is just trying to have a quiet pint but Sam won't be put off, despite his rudeness and clear annoyance at her chewing his ear off.  As Sam continues to talk and the alcohol begins to flow, she has the crazy idea to have a one-night stand with her nameless bar buddy.  After all, she'll never see him again after tonight...until he walks into her office tomorrow as her newest employee!  Ryan is equally mortified; it's his first day at his new job and he's already slept with the boss!

With so many misunderstandings, insecurities and raging hormones Sam and Ryan attempt to work together but their mutual attraction and memories of an amazing one-night stand keep pushing them together.  Aside from the romance aspect of the story, there is an excellent storyline of Sam trying to keep her business afloat in spite of her ex-boyfriend's efforts to destroy her with his rival business.  Sam's employees are more family and friends than co-workers though, so their strength is very much in their togetherness.  

Ryan also has a very good storyline which shows a different side to him.  He's very anti-social and snappy but he has a lot of emotional baggage to carry in the form of his alcoholic mother and a sister who will barely speak to him.  It just shows how we can make a judgement on someone from first impressions but when you dig beneath the surface there is so much more going on.

So very entertaining, The New Guy is pure escapism in these troubled times.  Kathryn Freeman writes such multi-layered stories that continue to surprise me; The New Guy makes for addictive reading as, with there being so many different strands to the story, I was desperate to find out what was going to happen in every single one of them.  An immensely enjoyable and delightful read, The New Guy gets 5 sparkly stars from me!

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

My rating:

Buy it from:
Amazon UK
Amazon US

About the author:

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my 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

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BLOG TOUR: Stay Mad, Sweetheart - Heleen Kist

THERE’S A FINE LINE BETWEEN INNOCENCE AND GUILT. AN EVEN FINER LINE BETWEEN JUSTICE AND REVENGE.

Data scientist Laura prefers the company of her books to the real world – let alone that cesspit online. But when her best friend Emily becomes the victim of horrific cyberbullying, she makes it her all-engulfing mission to track down the worst culprits.

Petite corporate financier Suki is about to outshine the stupid boys at her firm: she’s leading the acquisition of Edinburgh’s most exciting start-up. If only she could get its brilliant, but distracted, co-founder Laura to engage.

Event planner Claire is left to salvage the start-up's annual conference after her colleague Emily fails to return to work. She’s determined to get a promotion out of it, but her boss isn’t playing ball.

As the women's paths intertwine, the insidious discrimination they each face comes to light. Emboldened by Emily’s tragic experience, they join forces to plot the downfall of all those who've wronged them.

But with emotions running high, will the punishments fit the crimes?

A pacy suspense fiction with its feet firmly in the #MeToo era. 9 to 5 meets Suits with a dash of Black Mirror.

What did I think?

I haven't read many feminist novels (shame on me) but I was drawn to this book not only by its subject matter but by its comparison to the TV show Suits.  Although the comparison is obvious, there is definitely more drama, skullduggery and ambition in Stay Mad, Sweetheart than there is in a whole series of Suits.  Stay Mad, Sweetheart would make an amazing series and I hope it gets snapped up for TV.

Laura is my favourite character as she most resonated with me.  Laura just wants to do a good job and feel valued without having to compare her worth to her co-workers.  Nothing good ever came out of opening that Pandora's box but I know that such inequality still goes on and it saddens me.  I loved how Laura went on a crusade to identify the cyberbullies who made her friend's life a living hell.  I've always said, it's not so much the person who fires the gun as the one who provides the bullets; the people who launch a virtual hand-grenade and then step back while others do the damage.  If only a real-life Laura existed who could identify these cowardly cretins.

Anger is the overriding emotion that I experienced a lot throughout the book, especially at the way Claire and Suki were discriminated against at work.  Suki in particular has to put up with blatant sexism and racism in the corporate finance world and is constantly patronised even though she is a financial whizz.  I'm a little naive sometimes so I was horrified to learn how derogatory Suki's nickname was, as I have heard people being called this in the real world.  

Now it's not all burning bras and misandry as there is a scene where Claire and her friends ogle a hunky plumber in a cafe.  It struck me as very different to how women are treated by men as the women keep their opinions within their group and the man was none the wiser.  If it was the other way round, a group of men would be wolf whistling and making suggestive comments out loud to a beautiful woman, making her feel uncomfortable.  I know this doesn't apply to all men and I'm generalising here but it just shows the difference between the sexes; men really are from Mars.

Mad by name and mad by nature; this exceptional book will incite your fury.  It's a feminist novel for the digital age and I think Margaret Atwood will be kicking herself that she hadn't written it herself; I can see this replacing or maybe accompanying The Handmaid's Tale in the school curriculum in the not too distant future.  A must read thought-provoking book that everyone (no discrimination) should read.  

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

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon
Buy it from Red Dog Press




About the author:

Heleen Kist has been fondled, patronised and ordered to smile by random men. So she wrote ‘Stay Mad, Sweetheart’, a feminist tale of revenge. Whilst her professional knowledge of technology start-ups fed the novel’s setting, its theme of harassment and workplace discrimination required no research: it is familiar to all women.

Heleen was chosen as an up and coming new author at Bloody Scotland 2018. Her first novel, ‘In Servitude’ won the silver medal for Best European Fiction at the Independent Publishers Book Awards in the USA and was shortlisted for The Selfies awarded at London Book Fair.

A Dutch strategy consultant living in Glasgow and married to a Scotsman, she’s raising their son to be a good man and their daughter to kick ass.

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