BLOG TOUR: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six - Lisa Unger

Three couples rent a luxury cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway to die for in this atmospheric and gripping locked-room thriller by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.

What could be more restful, more restorative, than a weekend getaway with family and friends? Especially in an isolated luxury cabin in the woods, complete with spectacular views, a hot tub and a personal chef. The reviews are stellar.

But a deadly storm is brewing. The owner seems just a little too present. The chef reveals that the beautiful house has a spine-tingling history. And the guests have their own complicated pasts, with secrets that run blood deep. The perfect weekend is about to turn into a nightmare.

 

What did I think?

You're always guaranteed a good read with a Lisa Unger book and Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six is no exception.  The ominous title alone is enough to send a little shiver down my spine but it ended up being the storyline that was more chilling than the location.

Hannah, her brother Mako and their friend Cricket, together with their partners, have planned a luxurious weekend getaway in the woods.  It wasn't so much the cabin as the owner that gave me the creeps, but that's not even the tip of the iceberg.  Every character has secrets and they're all about to be spilled, along with some blood.

Told from various perspectives, I wasn't sure who everyone was at first but it all becomes clear as the story progresses.  I really didn't like Mako from the start, just his name was enough to make my skin crawl, and my dislike of him grew with every single page.  There are so many people like him though, people who think they can do what they want and just throw money at every problem.  

I can't really say much about the storyline as it might spoil it for others but it's very intriguing and feels very realistic.  The writing is flawless, as you would expect from an international bestselling author, and although it wasn't perhaps as fast-paced as I expected, I really enjoyed it.

Suspenseful, chilling and atmospheric, Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six is set to be another bestseller for Lisa Unger.  I wouldn't be surprised to see this book made into a film or mini-series as it is filled with so much suspense and intrigue - it would certainly be added to my watchlist.

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

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The Institution - Helen Fields

They’re locked up for your safety.

Now, you’re locked in with them.

Dr Connie Woolwine has five days to catch a killer.

On a locked ward in the world’s highest-security prison hospital, a scream shatters the night. The next morning, a nurse’s body is found and her daughter has been taken. A ransom must be paid, and the clock is ticking.

Forensic profiler Dr Connie Woolwine is renowned for her ability to get inside the mind of a murderer. Now, she must go deep undercover among the most deranged and dangerous men on earth and use her unique skills to find the girl – before it’s too late.

But as the walls close in around her, can Connie get the killer before The Institution gets her?

 

What did I think?

WOW!  Just WOW!  Do not miss this book!  I have to start my review of The Institution by saying how amazingly brilliant it is.  It's a standalone novel but I was absolutely delighted to be reacquainted with profiler Connie Woolwine and former DI Brodie Baarda who we met in The Shadow Man.  

Set on a criminally insane ward in a remote location, it's fraught with danger as Woolwine and Baarda go undercover to find a murderer after a most heinous crime is committed on site.  It's certainly no mean feat as every man held there is a killer.  Imagine Hannibal Lector being the main character in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, The Institution is sort of like that.  Are the 'guests' insane or dangerous?  Can any member of staff be trusted?

The increasing danger level had me on high alert throughout the book.  There were several scenes where I gasped out loud or held my breath and I had absolutely no idea who had committed this awful murder, how they'd done it or why.  When all is revealed, the conclusion is immensely satisfying and it left me fist pumping the air (and with a little bit of sick in my mouth - yuk!).

The storyline is very chilling, but it was the last line that gave me goosebumps and chilled me to the bone.  I'm not going to quote it and it could be quite innocent to a lot of people but it really resonated with me as I have been there and regretted it.  I hope it's not something that Connie Woolwine will come to regret and I hope it's a sign that there are more Woolwine and Baarda books to come.

With characters that gave me nightmares, The Institution is gripping, addictive and chilling.  The writing, plot, characters and chilling location are all outstanding and I was left both breathless and speechless at the end.  It's brilliant from start to finish and an easy five stars.  Very highly recommended.

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

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BLOG TOUR: The Daughter-in-Law - Fanny Blake

When Hope’s only son Paul met and married Edie, Hope was delighted that he had found love and was settling down to make his own family. Hope has loved bringing up her own child, and is happy to step in and help out now and again – but is always worried about overstepping the line between grandmother and mother.

 

Edie was hoping that having children with Paul would fulfil her as much as her busy job as a barrister has. But the reality is far from her dream. And with her mother-in-law Hope constantly poking her nose in where it’s not wanted, she finds herself frustrated and alone.

 

Both women could be each other’s greatest ally, but both have secrets that could ruin their relationship. Secrets neither wants Paul to uncover…

 

What did I think?

I love books about family secrets so The Daughter-in-Law really appealed to me and as an added bonus, it's written by Fanny Blake, who really knows how people tick. 

Going on holiday with your son's family and two small children is always going to be stressful and Hope can't seem to do anything right as far as her daughter-in-law Edie is concerned.  I disliked Edie immediately, she is so self-centred and she doesn't realise how lucky she is to have Hope on hand to help her out with the children.  I felt sorry for Paul being stuck in the middle between his mum and his wife.

Both Edie and Hope are keeping secrets from Paul and we all know that secrets never stay buried.  Their secrets are huge and I kept changing my mind about which one Paul should feel more betrayed by.  

Fanny Blake really gets under the skin of her characters and I loved discovering all their flaws and fears.  Every reader will pick a side at the beginning but as the story develops there'll be more swapping sides than the English Civil War.  

The Daughter-in-Law is hugely enjoyable and very compelling and I was completely absorbed by the family drama that was unfolding before my eyes.  This is classic Fanny Blake and I loved it.

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

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Lockwood & Co. - Jonathan Stroud

'The Screaming Staircase?' Lockwood edged forward in his chair. 'Please, Mr Fairfax, tell us more.'

For more than fifty years, Britain has been terrorised by an epidemic of murderous ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy them - with mixed results . . .

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping to begin a shining new chapter in her career. Instead she finds herself joining Lockwood & Co., the most ramshackle agency in the city, whose ineptitude is matched only by the charisma of its owner.

But Lockwood & Co. have one last chance for redemption. All they have to do is spend the night in one of the most haunted houses in England . . . and come out alive.

The first book in an amazingly addictive, binge-worthy series, this is an electrifying, witty and brilliantly spooky thriller, perfect for fans of Rivers of London and Good Omens.

 

What did I think?

Wow!  I absolutely loved this book.  It is aimed at 11 year olds and above so everyone from children to adults will enjoy this fabulous book.

I noticed Lockwood & Co. among the new shows on Netflix but I wanted to read the book before watching it as the book is almost always better.  If the series is even half as good as the book, it’ll be fantastic.

It’s told from the perspective of Lucy Carlyle, who hails from my native North East of England, although Lucy’s England is filled with ghosts and hauntings that only children can eliminate.  Lucy is looking for a job that will put her psychic talent to good use, but every interview ends in disappointment as soon as the subject of her previous employment comes up.  Anthony Lockwood is more interested in Lucy’s present than her past and Lucy finally secures a position as the third member of the Lockwood & Co. team.

Lockwood reminds me of Sherlock Holmes with his almost indifferent nature and you think he’s not listening but he doesn’t miss anything.  George may be always thinking of his next sweet treat but he’s very shrewd and would lay his life on the line for Lockwood.  Lucy has the most intriguing talent as she can feel what the ghost feels so she is led more by her feelings and intuition than with her head.  Lucy is the newest member of the team so she’s still finding her place in this entertaining trio.

The story is told in five parts that contain their own separate storyline but they all link together and flow beautifully from one to the next.  There are a number of mysteries to solve and I was as riveted with this book as I usually am with adult mystery, crime and thriller novels.  I loved the excerpts from newspapers that appear at the start of some of the chapters, it really makes the reader feel as if they’re gathering clues along with Lockwood & Co.

Brilliantly written, perfectly plotted and highly entertaining, Lockwood & Co. thrilled, frightened and delighted me.  I loved it and I definitely want to read more of this wonderfully creepy series.

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Paper Boat, Paper Bird - David Almond (Author), Kirsti Beautyman (Illustrator)

A stunning new story from the bestselling, prize-winning David Almond, unfolding the magic of the everyday. Mina, from the unforgettable Skellig and My Name is Mina, journeys to Japan and discovers the wonders of the world around her.

Kyoto, Japan. Mina is on a bus. Everything is strange and beautiful.

Mina watches as a woman folds a piece of paper into an origami boat, then floats it over to her.

As Mina discovers the magic of origami, her eyes are opened to the wonders of the real city around her.

Unfold the magic of the everyday, on a journey with one of the world's best-loved authors - with stunning illustrations from Kirsti Beautyman in black and orange throughout.

 

What did I think?

David Almond is a local North East author and although I haven’t read Skellig (yet), I wanted to read Paper Boat, Paper Bird.  Mina is a character in Skellig and she gets her own story in Paper Boat, Paper Bird.

The book is beautifully illustrated by another North Easterner, Kirsti Beautyman and I loved the monochrome drawings with a dash of deep orange colour.  The paper quality is excellent as some of the drawings are quite heavily shaded but the pages don’t curl and colours don’t bleed through to the other side.

I love that the story was inspired by something that actually happened to David Almond in Tokyo where a woman on a bus gave David’s daughter an origami paper boat she had made.  In the story, Mina writes her name on the paper boat that she receives and sends it off on a journey.  This lovely story really does make you think about chance, fate and coincidences.

Recommended for 9-11 year olds (I’m a smidgen older), it’s easy to read and it contains a few Japanese words that David Almond breaks down into syllables so you get the pronunciation right.  I think it’s absolutely lovely that anyone reading this book will learn and be able to correctly pronounce the Japanese words for hello, goodbye and thank you.

Simple but charming, Paper Boat, Paper Bird is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book.

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What a Shame - Abigail Bergstrom

There is something wrong with Mathilda.

She's still reeling from the blow of a gut-punch break up and grieving the death of a loved one.

But that's not it.

She's cried all her tears, mastered her crow pose and thrown out every last reminder of him.

But that's not helping.

Concerned that she isn't moving on, Mathilda's friends push her towards a series of increasingly unorthodox remedies.

Until the seams of herself begin to come undone.

Tender, unflinching and blisteringly funny, What a Shame glitters with rage and heartbreak, perfect for fans of Emma Jane Unsworth, Dolly Alderton and Holly Bourne.

 

What did I think?

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading What a Shame but I was drawn to it by the description of 'darkly comic' and 'hilarious'.  The story revolves around Mathilda's grief, so it doesn't have a laugh on every page; I wouldn't call it hilarious but it's certainly darkly comic and I found several parts amusing.

My heart went out to Mathilda who is grieving both for a parent and the end of a relationship; she wants to move on but the dark cloud continues to hang over her.  Healing baths, tarot readings and shamanic rituals all help to a degree but to fully move on, Mathilda must confront her past.

I loved the support network of girlfriends that Mathilda has and how they are all there for each other.  Mathilda's story is quite dark but Jeremy the puppy provides some light entertainment and a lot of laughs.

The format of the book is a little unusual, written in sections that flow effortlessly into each other rather than chapters.  I usually struggle with books that don't have any rigidly defined chapters that each start on a new page, but there's just something so incredibly compelling about What a Shame that the rhythm would have been interrupted with unnecessary gaps in the page.

Haunting, dark and often amusing, What a Shame is a masterful debut from Abigail Bergstrom.  It's a compelling and enjoyable read, despite the darkness of the storyline.

I received a paperback copy to read as part of the Tandem Collective readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Main Character Energy - Jordan Paramor

"You have to start romanticising your life, you have to start thinking of yourself as the main character" Inspired by the viral TIK TOK trend, MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY is the essential guide to unlocking your greatness and practising self-love.

It's time to harness your main character energy!

Stop overthinking and start living with this step-by-step guide to becoming that girl. You know her. The one who is confident, assertive and always the leading lady in her life. You already are her; you just need to unlock your potential and remind yourself of your self-worth.

This book will take you on a journey of self-development with tips on how to be a #cottagecorequeen - from creating your dream home aesthetic to finding your unique style, #romanticseyourlife - from spending more time in nature to planning the perfect day, and harnessing your #maincharacterenergy by learning how to be more confident and saying yes to adventure.

This book will give you the tools you need to put yourself first.

 

What did I think?

There are some wise words in Main Character Energy and although it’s aimed at 16-18 year olds, I found it quite inspiring (and I’m in my forties).

The book itself looks like something you might find in a bargain shop as it’s quite small (13.5cm by 18.5cm) and it has very thin pages that curl easily.  Presentation aside, it actually has quite a strong message, in fact several messages and I think many young girls will benefit from reading it.  I certainly wish I had named and banished my inner gremlin many years ago.

It’s a fun read and there are perhaps a few eyebrow raising, cheesy moments but if you just take one or two things away from a self-help book then it’s worth reading.  For me, I was surprised to find that having such a harsh inner critic is far from unusual.  I also have a few annoying habits that I have struggled for years to break, but I have (so far) managed using the 5, 10, 15 minutes rule mentioned in Main Character Energy.

I perhaps wouldn’t go so far as to say that every young girl should read this, but if every young girl who does read this takes something away from it then it’s a very worthwhile book.

My rating:

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