Book Review: The Queen of Cups Murders

Good evening Bookaholics. I am delighted to bring you my review of The Queen of Cups Murders by GB Williams as part of the Reading Between The Lines Blog Tour. I really am delighted as blogger and google were convinced I did not exist earlier. Anyway, here I am, not only existing but reviewing. Phew. You'll be glad I did.

Blurb 

He’s determined to draw a better future. But his morning reading didn’t warn him about the muddy ditch of corpses…

South Wales. Detective Sergeant Madoc Palmer struggles to fit in. Committed to his job, the tarot reader hopes his transfer away from a sabotaging superior is a fresh start. Though he downplays his psychic ability as good instincts, the ploy is tested when two murders trigger strange visions.

As his abilities take an inexplicable leap forward, Palmer navigates the tricky task of guiding the sharp-eyed, evidence-following Detective Inspector Ruth Atkins to the identity of the decayed remains. With his suspicious new DI watching every move, the newcomer fears any slip of the tongue could get him laughed off the force.

Can he reveal his truth without destroying his life or letting a killer slip from their grasp?

Review

From the first word to the last, this book is extremely well written with a skilful use of language which brings the story to life. I love the twist that Madoc, the main detective, is psychic and uses Tarot Cards to support the investigation. The interplay between Ruth and Madoc is good and they work well together as a team. The characters are real and I like the fact the reader also gets to see their personal storyline which brings them to life.There are a couple of areas where I felt the storyline was slightly improbable but this is necessary to Ruth's overall character arc which I am sure will be developed further in later books in the series. The story kept me reading and I enjoyed it. I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series. Williams is an excellent writer with a flair for storytelling which shines through in every page. Finally, I love the literary easter egg of the play on the characters' names. Brilliant. 

About the Author 

GB Williams specialises in complex, fast-paced crime novels. Her works include the recently expanded Locked Trilogy, The Elaine Blake Novels and the stand alone, The Chair. GB was shortlisted for the 2014 CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition with the story Last Shakes, now available in Last Cut Casebook. GB is a member of the Crime Writers Association, Crime Cymru, and part of the organising team for Gŵyl CRIME CYMRU Festival, as well as working as a writer and freelance structural editor.

LINK TO BUY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murders-Atkins-Palmer-Psychic-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DHV429QP


WEBSITE

https://gailbwilliams.co.uk

For a free story, see books.gailbwilliams.com.


SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook: @GBWilliamsCrimeWriter

Instagram: @gbwilliamsauthor

Threads: @gbwilliamsauthor

Blog: GB Williams Crime Blog

Book Review: Loyalty and The Learner by Miriam Drori

Good afternoon, Bookaholics. Here I am with another review of a fabulous mystery. I love a mystery and I know many of my readers do too. 


Blurb

Once again, Asaf is suspected of murder, but he’s soon released when the victim’s wife, Lihi, is arrested. Nathalie, now engaged to Asaf, is certain of Lihi’s innocence, and is determined to find the real murderer.
As Nathalie, Asaf and friends stumble along the path to achieving their goal, with a little inspiration from Molière, Hillel and Adenauer, they discover new places in Jerusalem and also venture west and north. Despite experiencing fear, sadness and other painful emotions, they never lose their sense of humour – and find that sharing their worries helps them pull through.

While some questions are answered on the way, new ones take their place. But what about the original question: Who killed Ofir? And how much is Nathalie willing to put at risk in order to solve this mystery? Her relationship? Her life?


Review

This is a gentle, character driven mystery rather than an on the edge of your seat thriller. However, that does not mean there is any less tension or the book is any less enjoyable. I loved every carefully crafted word and felt the main characters, Nathalie and Asaf were realistic and relatable. I warmed to them more and more as the story progressed and wanted to know what happened to them. Asaf's anxiety and fear is particularly well written, ensuring he is a well rounded 3D character. The mystery itself, although gentle, kept me reading and the surprises kept coming. This is a book I would highly recommend if you like well written literary mysteries. 


About the Author

Miriam Drori was born and brought up in London and now lives in Jerusalem.

With a degree in Maths and following careers in computer programming and technical writing, Miriam has been writing creatively since 2004. After some success with short stories, Miriam turned her hand to longer fictional works, publishing NEITHER HERE NOR THERE and THE WOMEN FRIENDS: SELINA, co-written with Emma Rose Millar.

Social anxiety features in Miriam's latest publications. SOCIAL ANXIETY REVEALED is a non-fiction guide that explores this common but little-known disorder from multiple points of view. The book has been highly recommended by ‘sufferers’ as well as professionals in this field. CULTIVATING A FUJI is the story of a fictional character who battles against social anxiety before learning to make friends with it. STYLE AND THE SOLITARY, a crime novel, asks an important question: what happens when a suspect can't stick up for himself?

When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, hiking, dancing and touring.

Links to Buy

https://mybook.to/LoyaltyandtheLearner

Social Media Links

http://miriamdrori.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559937239829

https://x.com/MiriamDrori

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4829682.Miriam_Drori

https://www.pinterest.com/miriamdrori/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miriam-drori

https://www.instagram.com/miriam.drori/

http://www.wattpad.com/user/MiriamDrori

https://www.youtube.com/@miriamdrori

I was given an ARC of this book from Reading Between the Lines Book Tours. At no pint was I asked to provide a positive review and my review is based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. 

That's it for another day my bookaholic friends. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Book Review: Downstream by Maressa Mortimer

 

Hello my Bookaholic friends. This week I bring you my review of Downstream, book three in the Elabi Chronicles by Maressa Mortimer.

 Blurb

Radio signals have been picked up that might reveal the location of Downstream. Macia longs to find her mother there and tries to persuade her friends Gax and Cecilia to join her in the search. But is it a dangerous mistake or a mission from God? Many difficulties await them and they will need to trust God as they encounter darkness and danger, reaching out with the Light.

Review

If you have not read books one and two in this series I would strongly advise you to do so before reading this one. This is Christian Dystopian at its best and you will not be sorry you read the series. We meet the characters from the first two books as they depart on another dangerous quest, this time downstream. The characters are well drawn and believable and one can see there development as they grow in their faith nd grow in courage. The storyline itself rattles along with danger, adventure and intrigue, all of which tests their faith as they follow God's guidance. The setting is also exceptionally well drawn and it was easy for me to imagine myself there. The world may be different to the one we know but Mortimer brings it skilfully to life. 

Did I enjoy this book? I can say a categorical yes from start to finish. The storyline kept my interest and I found my self wanting to read more. I can highly recommend this book.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy as part of the Reading Between The Lines Blog Tour. Thank you to Lynsey Adams for the opportunity. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review and this review is based on my reading of and enjoyment of the book. 

Author Bio 

Maressa grew up in the Netherlands, and moved to England soon after finishing teaching training college. Married to Pastor Richard Mortimer they live in a Cotswold village with their four children. She is a homeschool mum, enjoying the time spent with family, travelling, reading and turning life into stories, she wants to use her stories to show practical Christians living in a fallen world.

Buy Link

Website

Instagram

Linktree

Book Review: Death at a Shetland Festival by Marsali Taylor

 

Another cracking book for you to read my Bookaholic Friends.

Blurb

Crowds are gathered for a concert at Shetland's renowned folk music festival when there's a shocking discovery - international folk legend Fintan Foley has been stabbed backstage.

Sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae are in the audience and must untangle a complicated case where nothing is quite what it seems. Cass soon discovers that Foley's smiling stage persona concealed links with Shetland. He'd worked here in the 80s, the days when oil brought wealth to the islands.

Has a long-buried secret risen to the surface - and will it make Cass a target for a cold-blooded killer?

Review

You always know when you start a Marsali Taylor Book you are in for a fabulous read. This one did not let me down. It starts off gently, describing the festival and really setting the scene; this is important for the plot. When the action starts it is non stop. Setting is extremely important to this book and it is described beautifully. I could imagine myself at the festival and found my toes tapping as the songs were described. I love the way the Shetland folk songs are used as chapter titles. This adds to the overall atmosphere and atmosphere there is in more ways than one. The plot held my interest as did the characters, all of whom are integral to the storyline. They are weaved in perfectly and all come across as real people. I found myself reading this way past the sensible time to put it down and first thing on waking up. The sign of a good book. Despite the fact it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. 

HOW TO BUY

Amazon

SOCIAL MEDIA LINK

Author Facebook Page 

WEBSITE LINKS

Website 

Amazon Author Page 

That's it for another week Bookaholics. See you all again soon. Until then keep reading and keep writing. 

Book Review: Whispers Through Time by Melanie Robertson-Ki ng

 

Hello, my Bookaholic friends. I have yet another cracking book for you. Gather round and let me tell you about it. 

Blurb

A historic Canadian property becomes the canvas for a tale that spans generations. In 1914, a tragedy unfolded, leaving scars that linger far beyond the passage of time.
In 1947, a visionary purchases the haunted remnants, seeking a new beginning for his family, but his young daughter senses a ghost from the far past.
In the present, urban explorers unlock the secrets of the past while running a web design company. Photographs and sketches capture the essence of the property, documenting the whispers of spirits from another era.
As the explorers navigate the abandoned corridors and forgotten chambers, the photographs unveil subtle anomalies until supernatural phenomena manifest that defy explanation.
Amidst the subtle changes in decor and the flickering candle flames frozen in time, the explorers find themselves entangled in a mystery transcending the boundaries of the living and the dead, forcing the urban explorers to confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.
Is a structure just that, or can it house remnants of horror, pain and sin? The urban explorers find they must confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.

Review

I love the premise of this book with the historic house as, not only background, but main character. The setting is perfectly written giving a chilling feel to the book. I felt as if I were there and chills were running through my body. In fact, it was downright spooky. The story is told through four time periods and these are interwoven beautifully, to perform a novel which holds the reader enthralled. Historical fiction is a particular favourite of mine and I think the historical aspects are handled well. It is obvious the author has conducted thorough research but this does not bog the story down. 

Of course, one cannot ignore the human characters in the book. Just as the character of the house is well written, so are the main characters. They each have their own personalities and are brought to life on the page. Taken together with a riveting plot and a mystery which keeps one reading, this is definitely one to read. 

About Melanie Robertson-King

A native of eastern Ontario, Melanie Robertson-King lived in a winterized cottage on the shore of the St Lawrence River during her pre-school years. Before starting school, her family moved to Brockville, where she received her education, including a post-secondary degree in Computer Programming.
As an only child, Melanie was an avid reader and remains so. She knew then that one day, she would be a writer. When she wasn't talking about her dream of becoming an author, she wrote stories and began honing her skills at an early age.
Melanie's father was a Scottish national. He came to Canada as a 'Home Child' through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland. She promised herself that one day, her feet would touch the soil in her father's homeland. That first trip was in 1993, and she's not looked back since, having returned to the Auld country many more times. Her last trip abroad was in 2018. On one of her many trips to Scotland, Melanie had the honour of meeting Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) at the orphanage where her father was raised.
Encouraged to study Highland Dancing, she competed locally. Her final competition took place during the summer of 1969, a few short months after her father's death, at the 1000 Islands Highland Games. She won the Silver Medal in the Sword Dance in that last event.
Melanie began her professional writing career in non-fiction. One of her articles graced the cover of an international publication. At the same time, she continued to develop her writing voice: short stories (both fiction and non-fiction) as well as novel-length work.
Since her debut novel was published in the summer of 2012, Melanie has written eleven more books (including two for children) and released the second edition of her first.

WHISPERS THROUGH TIME is Melanie's twelfth book.

Her short story, Cole's Notes, has been re-edited and is available as a free read through her website and blog.

You'll find her out and about when not sequestered in her cave writing, plotting or editing. Her favourite haunts (pardon the pun) are cemeteries (the older, the better) since they have more character, and perhaps a few more characters. She also loves travel and photography.

Melanie and fellow authors Wendy H. Jones and Chris Longmuir make up the infamous trio – the Princesses of Pandemonium.

Links to Buy

https://www.amazon.co.uk/WHISPERS-THROUGH-TIME-Melanie-Robertson-King-ebook/dp/B0CTHS2C9H

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-through-time-melanie-robertson-king/1144957392

Website and Social Media Links

WEBSITE - https://melanierobertson-king.com

BLOG- https://melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/melanie.robertsonking

GOODREADS - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543072.Melanie_Robertson_King

TWITTER - @RobertsoKing

PINTREST - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/robertsonking/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Melanie-Robertson-King/author/B008SQFS9Q

Book Review: Island of Ruin by Marti M. McNair

 

Good Morning Bookaholics. Today I bring you a slightly different review as I am approaching this book with my editorial hat on. Yes, I edited the book and what a pleasure it was to do so. If I tell you, I am not really a dystopian fiction fan, and yet this book held me enthralled from the get go. I will tell you why in a moment but, first, I am sure you want to know what it is about. 

Blurb

In the wake of an apocalyptic End of Days, a totalitarian regime emerges. New-born belong to the state and are transported to the island of Ruin. Deprived of love and nurturing, children eke out an existence with a grim reality. Amidst the bleakness, Jasmine and Coral stumble upon a mysterious old woman washed ashore. Defying the regime’s grip, they secretly shelter her within the depths of the Black Cave. The girls soon unravel the regime’s web of deception. Jasmine is betrayed, the old woman is found, and a momentous trial begins. Will Jasmine be able to reclaim her stolen life? Be sentenced to death, or spend the remainder of days toiling in the mines?

Review

This was a difficult book to edit, not because it was awful, quite the opposite in fact. It was so enthralling I found myself approaching it as a reader rather than an editor. In the end, I allowed myself to read the whole thing and then approach it once again with an editor's eye. In any book one needs the three pillars of character, plot and setting. The author has got each of these spot on, however I believe character may take the edge. She has the ability to go inside the mind of young adults and has portrayed each of them in ways which are different, this despite the fact no one is supposed to be different. Jasmine, the main character is strong and determined to save the world and find a different way of life. I love her. Other characters are equally strongly drawn. They are written so skilfully that at times it is difficult to tell who are the goodies and who are the baddies - in a good way. The plot had me all over the place and my heart racing. Just when I thought I had a handle on it a twist would arrive that had me gasping. 

McNair uses words to good effect to draw the reader in to a different world but one in which they become immersed. This book is the first in a trilogy and I am genuinely looking forward to reading - and editing - the second book in the series. 

This would make a fantastic Christmas present for any lovers of Dystopian Fiction. I can highly recommend it. 

You can buy the book here

You can follow the author on the following platforms

Facebook 

X(Twitter) 

Instagram

I would urge you to buy this book my Bookaholic friends, you will not regret it. I will see you soon with another blog, until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

Book Review: Hunter's Secret by Val Penny

 

Blurb

Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is called to the scene of a murder. DCs Tim Myerscough and Bear Zewedu found a corpse, but when Hunter arrives it has disappeared, and all is not as it seems.

Hunter recalls the disappearance of a dead body thirty years earlier. The Major Incident Team is called in but sees no connection – it is too long ago. Hunter is determined to investigate the past and the present with the benefit of modern DNA testing.

Tim has other problems in his life. His father, Sir Peter Myerscough, is released from jail. He, too, remembers the earlier murder. There is no love lost between Hunter and Sir Peter. Will Hunter accept help from his nemesis to catch a killer?
Hunter’s own secret is exciting and crucial to his future. Will it change his life? And can he keep Edinburgh safe?

Review

This is the sixth book in Val Penny's series about Hunter Wilson, her Edinburgh based Detective. Often by this stage series can become formulaic but Penny has avoided this with a tense thriller, which brings Hunter's past squarely into the present. The book is well written with a storyline that engrosses and holds the readers attention throughout. From the opening flashback to the final denouement, the story takes us through numerous twists and turns, enough to keep the most hardened crime aficionado happy. As a crime lover myself, I enjoyed it immensely. Edinburgh is brought vividly to life and having been there countless times I say this with authority. I enjoyed getting to know Hunter more deeply, almost seeing inside his psyche. Another excellent thriller from the pen of Val Penny.

Author Bio

Val Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store.

Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories,nonfiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.

Val is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat.

Links

Website - https://www.valpenny.com

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Val-Penny/e/B07C4725TK

Author Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/valerie.penny.739

Author Twitter Page @valeriepenny

Author Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/valerieepenny/