The Sitter - Caroline McGhie

Adolescent baker’s boy Jack catches sight of a beautiful woman alighting from a train at dusk. His remote Norfolk village is built around a railway maintenance hub known as The Works which is ruled by ritual, hierarchy and God.

Newcomer Rosie is escaping a secret past involving a well-known London cartoonist who is a proponent of early photographic pornography.

A beguiling tale of love and learning unfolds against the backdrop of the hardships faced by the railwaymen and fishermen of the time.

Poignant and moving, this literary novel weaves the key themes of women’s rights, childhood memories, sexual freedom, religion, art and pornography around it’s compelling cast of characters. Based on extensive research in and around Melton Constable and Cromer, The Sitter exudes the charms of Victorian Norfolk and a nostalgia for the steam railways.

An historical novel of richness and depth, The Sitter is a remarkable, engaging and deeply atmospheric debut

 

What did I think?

The Sitter is quite a short book but it's worth taking your time to read it in order to savour this very accomplished debut from Caroline McGhie.

From the very first line, I was thrust into early 20th century Norfolk and all the sights and sounds were beautifully described.  Rosie is running away from London and she causes quite a stir when she steps from the train in the fictional village of Swanton Stoke.  Young Jack Stamp writes about Rosie's arrival in his diary and I absolutely loved reading his diary entries throughout the book.

Caroline McGhie gradually reveals the secret that Rosie is harbouring and it's interesting to note that we probably wouldn't bat an eyelid today, but Victorian England was very different.  It's not like the same things didn't happen, it's just that we didn't talk about them so they were seen as shameful.  I really felt for Rosie and my heart went out to her as she was put in an impossible position.

Atmospheric and haunting, The Sitter is a beautifully written debut novel and one not to be missed by historical fiction fans.

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

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BLOG TOUR: The Whisky World Tour - Joel Harrison

With a foreword by Charles MacLean MBE, the celebrated 'world authority' on whisky

The Whisky World Tour takes you beyond the glass to discover 52 of the very best whisky distilleries open to the public, around the globe. Discover their unique stories and histories from the comfort of home, along with bottle recommendations, too.

Award-winning whisky writer Joel Harrison kicks off The Whisky World Tour in North America, taking in key bourbon producers, before moving on to the traditional whisky powerhouses of Ireland and Scotland. Along the way 'new world' whisky-makers from South Africa to Scandinavia are explored, before finishing in Japan, home to some of the world's most lauded whiskies.

Each stop along the way is a window into the world of whisky, so settle in, pour a dram and allow yourself to be taken on this grand and spirited journey.

Featuring distilleries across the globe including:

USA

Canada

Scotland

Ireland

Japan

Denmark

Australia

New Zealand

India

China

 

What did I think?

As a lover of whisky I was very excited to read The Whisky World Tour and I was not disappointed.  I thought it would be a book I would dip in and out of but once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.  It's written in such a concise and engaging way that I learned so much about one of my favourite spirits and, with breathtaking photographs accompanying the narrative, I felt as if I was on a virtual whisky world tour from the comfort of my armchair.

This is a compendium of 52 whisky distilleries from around the world so it's not designed to be a comprehensive guide to every whisky and your favourite might not be included.  I was a little disappointed that there was no Welsh whisky included as one of my favourite whiskies is Penderyn, but there are a few others I have tried and a lot more I now want to try.

I love the way the book is set out, not just by country but with a lot of history about each distillery and then one or two of their products.  It's like a whisky distillery visitor's guidebook with address details, when to visit and what you can expect to see (and taste) when you get there.  It almost makes me want to apply for a passport!

Having read it cover to cover, this is a book I will continue to refer to as I continue my whisky tasting journey.  I read the book over two days and would have read it a lot faster if I hadn't kept stopping to add various whiskies to my wishlist.  I could have quite happily continued reading Joel Harrison's thoughts on each distillery beyond the 52 that are included in the book, so if he fancies writing Volume 2 I would definitely be interested in reading it.

Informative, interesting and immersive, The Whisky World Tour is an amazing virtual tour of  some of the world's best-known distilleries, and some new ones to look out for.  If you're a whisky drinker, or if you know a whisky drinker, this is the perfect book for you/them.  Very highly recommended.

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

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Howling: Volume 3 (The Annie Jackson Mysteries) - Michael J Malone

Two men, centuries apart, dream of being a wolf. 

One is burned at the stake.

Another is locked in a psychiatric hospital for most of his life.

And Annie Jackson is about to find out why…

Vowing once again to remove herself from society, Annie is back living alone in her little cottage by the shores of a loch. But when an old enemy – now locked up in a high security hospital – comes calling, begging her to find the son that she was forced to give up at the age of seventeen, Annie is tempted out of seclusion. The missing boy holds the key to ending Annie’s curse, and he may be the only chance that both she and Lewis have of real happiness.

Annie and Lewis begin an investigation that takes them back to the past, a time etched in Scottish folklore, a period of history that may just be repeating itself. And what they uncover could destroy not just some of the most powerful people in the country, who will stop at nothing to protect their wealth and their secrets, but also Annie’s life, and everything she holds dear…

Dark, immersive, and utterly compelling, The Howling is a story of deception, betrayal, and misplaced power, and a reminder that the most public of faces can hide the darkest of hearts…

 

What did I think?

The Howling is the third book in the Annie Jackson Mysteries series and although you could enjoy it as a standalone, it is absolutely brilliant when read as part of the series.  If you thought the first two books were dark, just wait until you read The Howling.

Annie Jackson has a curse that gives her a vision of the impending death of someone with whom she has come into contact.  There is nothing she can do to prevent the death so she has chosen to isolate herself in a remote cottage to keep her murmurs quiet.  Annie is drawn out of isolation when an old adversary dangles a carrot in front of her that is too impossible to resist: find her son and the curse will be broken.

Interspersed with chapters from a dark and dangerous past, I was completely hooked from the start and the historic storyline is both horrifying and heartbreaking.  I could very easily visualise every scene in the book as it played out in my head as I was reading.

I just can't get enough of Michael J Malone's writing; he immediately draws you into the story and I dived in headfirst to submerge myself in the vivid and haunting words.  As much as I wanted Annie and her twin Lewis to succeed in their mission to break the curse, I also don't want the series to end so what a quandary that puts the reader in as we race to the dramatic conclusion.

Deliciously dark and incredibly haunting, The Howling is a fast-paced and completely unmissable novel.  Very highly recommended.

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

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BLOG TOUR: Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure - Caroline James

When seventy-year-old Atticus Arnott trades the rainy hills of Cumbria for the golden coast of Spain in his beloved vintage campervan, his quiet village is left reeling from the shock. With only his faithful collie, Ness, for company, Atticus sets off in search of sunshine, serenity, and perhaps a glass or two of sangria. But his solo adventure quickly turns into something far more unexpected...

Back in Ireland, Atticus’s daughter Mary is facing a crisis of her own. As her picture-perfect life starts to crumble, she must find the courage to put herself first for once and rediscover the dreams she set aside long ago.

As father and daughter navigate new paths, they learn that starting over isn’t about running from the past—but embracing the unknown with open arms…

Full of laughter, love and second chances, Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure is a feel-good escape that proves it’s never too late for a new beginning—no matter where life might take you.

 

What did I think?

I can't believe Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure is the first Caroline James book I have read but it's definitely not my last as I absolutely loved  it.  I adored Atticus and he has made a little permanent place in my heart to ensure that I never forget him and I won't let the old (wo)man in.

Atticus lost his wife Clara five years ago but time has not healed his heart.  Atticus' son Mungo has taken over the running of the farm, leaving Atticus to while away his days with his faithful dog Ness and his friend Arthur.  Until Mungo's twin sister Mary arrives at the farm with a cunning plan to breathe life back into Atticus via his old campervan.

It's so refreshing to have an older protagonist and, despite what his son might think, there's plenty of life left in 70 year old Atticus Arnott.  I loved reading about his adventure to Spain and his unintentional rise as a social media influencer.  Although I can understand Mungo's reservations about his dad making a solo journey, you would never leave the house if you dwelled on all the things that might happen.

Although Atticus is the main character, I really enjoyed his daughter Mary's story.  Mary is having a difficult time at home as she struggles to cope with her four children while her husband is busy working.  As events unfold, Mary has to stay strong and work out what is most important to her.

This is such a lovely book that I couldn't put it down and read it almost in one sitting.  I was completely swept away with Atticus' Spanish adventure and I loved every second of it.  It has a surprising festive feel towards the end and I may have shed a happy tear or two as my emotions got the better of me.  A very highly recommended read and an easy five stars.

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

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Bad Women (The Brampton Village Mysteries Book 2) - Jennie Ensor

It is a new year and the Covid pandemic is a distant memory for the residents of Wilton Close. If only the sudden death of neighbour Tara Sanderson wasn’t still haunting some of them. But Tara is very much alive in memories, and consciences – in particular, those of friends Ashley Khan, Elspeth Chambers and Clare ‘Bird Woman’ Titchfield.

Then a young woman from a nearby caravan park is found dead in a local quarry. Police conclude it was suicide; she was gravely ill when she died. But is there more to the tragic death than meets the eye?

Attempting to lay ghosts to rest, Ashley becomes obsessed with solving the mystery, finding an unlikely ally in the local police. Her friends insist on helping, too. Clare must make amends after she carelessly let the local vicar snatch her drawing of the scene of Tara’s death. Elspeth seeks atonement for her role in Tara’s unfortunate demise – while doing her best to quell suspicions that the three friends are guilty of a heinous crime.

The trio find themselves trailing the young woman’s suspected killers, pitching them against powerful men determined to keep their own secrets hidden. To stand a chance of defeating their adversaries, the women must find a courage beyond their imagination.

 

What did I think?

I am delighted that Jennie Ensor has written a sequel to The Bad Neighbour as I loved it and I couldn't wait to visit Brampton Village again in The Bad Women.

Elspeth, Ashley and Clare are trying to put the death of their neighbour Tara behind them but Tara is as relentlessly annoying in death as she was in life.  The three women know exactly what happened to Tara and they are never going to have any peace until the threat of discovery no longer hangs over them.  That might be sooner rather than later with a new detective in town...

There are more suspicious deaths in Brampton for the police to investigate with a little help from Brampton's very own bad women.  The writing is exquisite and the plot twists and turns beautifully to keep the reader on their toes.  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it was all going to pan out (and to discover why there were chillies on the cover) and I absolutely loved it.

The Bad Women is an intelligent and menacing psychological thriller that is completely unputdownable and unmissable.  A very highly recommended read.

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

My rating:

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Hobeck Books

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BLOG TOUR: Five by Five - Claire Wilson

Just because the most dangerous criminals in society are caught and locked up, doesn’t mean they stop committing crime.

That’s where Kennedy Allardyce comes in – monitoring not just the prisoners, but also the staff.

And she’s just stumbled across her most dangerous foe yet – rumours of a corrupt guard with lethal influence. And what’s worst, it seems they’ve already realised Kennedy is on their tail.

At least one thing is giving her joy – a blossoming relationship with Molly, a beautiful, enigmatic new guard.

Wouldn’t it be awful if the killer she’s hunting turned out to be the woman she’s falling for?

 

What did I think?

I think Five by Five is the first book I have read that is set inside a prison and I really enjoyed it;  it is both claustrophobic and thrilling.

Kennedy has such an interesting job: she is the eyes and ears of the prison as she monitors her various feeds to identify any threats.  The only problem for Kennedy is that the threat seems to be directed towards her and my danger radar skyrocketed.  I couldn't read fast enough as the danger levels increased and I didn't know who Kennedy could trust.

Five by Five is Claire Wilson's debut thriller and it's a cracking one at that.  The writing is very accomplished and it makes me very excited to read what Claire writes next.  I enjoyed the prison setting and it really made me think about the procedures that must be in place to protect other prisoners, staff and the public from dangerous criminals.

Filled with tension and fraught with danger, Five by Five is a book that is difficult to put down once you pick it up.  It's an impressive debut from an exciting new talent and Claire Wilson is definitely one to watch.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Daughter of Genoa - Kit Devereaux

In Nazi-occupied Italy, keeping secrets could be deadly.

Genoa, 1944:

Widowed and alone, Anna Pastorino has been surviving on her wits since the Germans invaded. The daughter of a prominent Jewish antifascist, Anna lives a hidden life in her small flat near the harbour ... until an RAF bomb destroys her only shelter. When a Jesuit priest approaches her offering help, she has no choice but to accept. She follows her new friend, Father Vittorio, to a safe house above a printers' shop in a quiet street near via Assarotti.

But the Tipografia Guichard is more than just a refuge. It's a forgery workshop: a key part of the secret rescue operation headed by Massimo Teglio, the "Scarlet Pimpernel" of Genoa's persecuted Jewish population. Drawn into a world of clandestine resistance, Anna discovers a new sense of purpose, a circle of friends, and a passion that brings her alive.

Soon, the little flat above the shop holds more secrets than anyone could imagine. As Anna grows closer to both Teglio and Vittorio, she must confront a past trauma of her own: a secret that might endanger her and everyone she loves.

 

What did I think?

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and I am reminded why I love it when I read books like Daughter of Genoa.  It's like stepping back through time as Kat Devereaux brings wartime Italy to life with her vivid writing and poignant plot.

Set in 1944, the story is told from two points of view: widow Anna and Jesuit priest Vittorio who are brought together as they shelter from an air raid.  When Anna loses her home, Vittorio finds a safe haven for her and introduces her to the world of forging documents to keep the Jewish population safe.

It is so important to keep this dark period of history in people's minds in the hope that it will never be repeated.  Although Auschwitz is prevalent in my mind when I think of the persecution of the Jews, it's only a small part of the big picture so it was interesting to read about events in a different setting.

Compelling, gripping and haunting, I couldn't put Daughter of Genoa down and read it in one sitting.  I will definitely be looking out for more Kat Devereaux novels on the strength of this one.  Very highly recommended. 

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

My rating:

Purchase link: https://amzn.eu/d/fYISSnd

About the author:

Kat Devereaux was born near Edinburgh, and lived in the United States, Russia, France, Chile, Germany, and the Czech Republic before finally settling in Italy. She is a writer and translator with a special focus on Italian literature.

https://www.katdevereaux.com/ 

Publisher social media handles:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriaFiction 

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headofzeus 

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