Book Review; Finding The Source by Joan Livingstone

 

Today, my bookaholic friends, I am reviewing a cracking mystery book, this time with a cold case. Read on, my friends and find out why I think this is  a book well worth reading.

Blurb

A homeless man. His murdered mother. A book could be the clue.

Isabel Long’s next case begins during a chance encounter with a homeless man, who says he was 12 when he found his mother murdered in their home.

Abby McKenzie was a well-liked seller of vintage books who owned a store in the hilltown of Dillard. That was 43 years ago and the case was never solved.

One obstacle is that several of the suspects are dead, including an avid book collector, a former town official who stalked her, and the man who last saw her alive. Another is that, once again, Isabel must deal with Dillard’s police chief, who ran interference in her other cases.

But that doesn’t deter Isabel nor her mother Maria, her partner in solving crime. She just needs to find the source who will unlock this case

Review

Joan Livingstone is an author new to me but I can assure you I will be seeking out more of her books. Obviously, not having read the first seven books in the serious, I was wary of not being able to understand the overall series arc. This was not an issue as the author gives enough you get a feel for the characters. 

I loved the premise of a daughter and mother investigative team, an unusual combination in crime fiction. This added something to the plot and their relationship sparkled. I also liked the fact the main character, Isabel Long was a reporter turned private investigator meaning she had background knowledge she could use in her quest to solve the cold case. 

All the characters are well rounded and they have depth. Even knowing little about their backgrounds, I was still able to warm to Isabel and her mother, and got to know them well enough that I would like to read further books in the series. 

The investigation is hindered by the fact that the murder was 45 years ago but this did not deter our sleuths. Though not an on the edge of your seats mystery, the plot line was strong and kept me reading. I would highly recommend this book.

I was given. copy of this book as part of the Reading Behind the Lines Blog Tour. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review and it is based on my reading, and enjoyment, of the book. 

Joan Livingston is the author of novels for adult and young readers, including the Isabel Long Mystery Series, featuring a longtime journalist who becomes an amateur P.I. solving cold cases in rural New England. Finding the Source is the eighth book in the series.

Joan draws upon her own experience as a longtime journalist in Massachusetts and New Mexico to create Isabel Long, a sassy, savvy widow who uses the skills she acquired in the business to solve what appears to be impossible cases. She also relies on her deep knowledge of rural Western Massachusetts, where she lives, to create realistic characters and settings.
Links to Buy

Amazon USA – https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Source-Isabel-Long-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0F8JLJ5CW

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Source-Isabel-Long-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0F8JLJ5CW
Website and Social Media Links

WEBSITE

www.joanlivingston.net.

SUBSTACK

https://joanlivingston.substack.com/

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/JoanLivingstonAuthor/

INSTAGRAM

www.Instagram.com/JoanLivingston_Author

GOODREADS

www.Goodreads.com/Joan_Livingston

THREADS

https://www.threads.com/@joanlivingston_author

X
Tweets by joanclivingston

BLUE SKY

https://bsky.app/profile/joanlivingston.bsky.social

That is it for another week Bookaholics. Meet me back here for another great post soon. Until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

Book Review of An Imposter in Shetland by Marsali Taylor

Hello, Bookaholics. Have I got a cracking book for all crime fans. You know with a Marsali Taylor you're in for a treat and her latest does not disappoint. 

Blurb

When an internet lifestyle influencer arrives on Shetland to document her 'perfect' holiday, the locals are somewhat sceptical.

Joining a boat trip to the remote islands of St Kilda with sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae, the young woman seems more concerned with her phone than the scenery.

But when it's time to leave, there's no sign of her. Despite mounting a desperate search, she's seemingly vanished without trace - from a small island in the middle of the sea.

As a puzzling investigation gathers pace, there are more questions than answers - and uncovering the truth will reveal dark and long-hidden secret. 

Review

Taylor has pulled it out of the hat once again. An Imposter in Shetland, like all her previous books, , is beautifully written invoking a real sense of place. One can imagine oneself in the thick of the action. Whilst this book has a slow burn opening, it certainly picks up pace and the plot is strong. The writing is equally strong with each word earning its place in the narrative. The characters are beautifully drawn and the main character, Cass, grows stronger and more familiar in every book. I love the immersion in the world of sailing. If you are looking for a well plotted and well written book with a real sense of place, you need look no further. This is part of a series but you can read it as a stand alone. 

Before the novel proper starts, Marsali Taylor opens up about her accident and the effect this had on her. This adds to the overall book and gives you an insight into the authors life. 

I was given a copy of this book as part of Reading Between the Lines Blog Tour. At no point was I asked to write a positive review and my review is based on my reading and enjoyment of this book. Thank you to tour organiser Lynsey Adams for including me.

Author Bio

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Imposter-Shetland-Marsali-Taylor-ebook/dp/B0DWXB6NDZ


Social Media Link

Author Facebook Page -https://www.facebook.com/MarsaliTaylorAuthor/

Website Links

Website - https://www.marsalitaylor.co.uk

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marsali-Taylor/e/B0034PACI8/

That's it for another week Bookaholics. I'll be back soon with another great review. Until theism keep reading and writing,

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: 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: 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: Death in. Shetland Lane by Marsali Taylor

 

Hello, Bookaholics, I am absolutely delighted to be part of the book tour for Marsali Taylor's latest book, Death in Shetland Lane. I am a great lover of this series and I was very much looking forward to reading this one? Did it live up to expectations? - read on to find out.


Blurb

Days before the final Shetland fire festival, in broad daylight, a glamorous young singer tumbles down a flight of steps. Though it seems a tragic accident, sailing sleuth Cass Lynch, a witness at the scene, thought it looked like Chloe sleepwalked to her death.

But young women don't slumber while laughing and strolling with friends. Could it be that someone's cast a spell from the Book of the Black Arts, recently stolen from a Yell graveyard?

A web of tensions between the victim and those who knew her confirm that something more deadly than black magic is at work. But proving what, or who, could be lethal - and until the mystery is solved, innocent people will remain in terrible danger...

Review

I can categorically state that this, the latest book, did meet my expectations and then some. Taylor has crafted a story that had me hanging on to every word - I would expect nothing less from this consummate wordsmith. It is well plotted with a storyline that surprises, intrigues and leaves the reader breathless. Yes, I know it's a cliche, but one I use proudly. From the opening historical prologue to the final page the tension is played out well. Cass as a character continues to grow and yet she si the same old Cass; someone who feels like an old friend. The other characters are well drawn and believable bringing their own unique slant to the overall narrative and mystery. Of course, Shetland, sailing and boats are characters in themselves. All of these are portrayed well, allowing a glimpse into life both on the island and on the sea, without overwhelming. One is allowed a glimpse of these in a way which educates those who know little about them but without the rider feeling they are out of their depth. Please excuse the pun. Bring all this together and you are faced with a cracking read which will not disappoint. I can highly recommend it. 

Marsali Taylor

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.

HOW TO BUY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Shetland-Lane-Sailing-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0BNDHKVRF/

SOCIAL MEDIA LINK

Author Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MarsaliTaylorAuthor/

WEBSITE LINKS

Website - https://www.marsalitaylor.co.uk

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marsali-Taylor/e/B0034PACI8/

That's it for another week Bookaholics. I hope you enjoy eh book as much s I did. See you all soon, but until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

The Wanderer Scorned - Christian Fiction by Natasha Woodcraft

Good afternoon, Bookaholics, have I got a treat for you. Today, I bring you a review of The Wanderer Scorned a cracking Christian fiction novel from the pen, or keyboard, of the highly talented Natasha Woodcraft. 

Description

The Wanderer is a man shrouded in legend. Moving from place to place in the land of Nod, he is known primarily for the curse that hangs over his life. When that curse is invoked during the celebration of a murderous rampage, The Wanderer is summoned to tell his story.

Few know the truth of the tale encompassing life, death, love, hate, faith and doubt, for it has been obscured by centuries of rumour. Now, it will be told by the one who lived it—the man who became The Wanderer.

A story you know as you've never heard it before, The Wanderer Series presents the ancient tale of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4, reimagined in gripping new fiction.


 Review

As it says above, The Wanderer is  a reimagining of the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis in the Bible. What a reimagining it is. Beautifully written, Woodcraft brings the story to life using every carefully crafted word to its best possible advantage. I thought I knew the story of Cain and Abel but this brings it vividly to life, highlighting the thoughts and feelings of all involved. There is real emotion in the book and it was as if I could feel every heartbeat, thought and feeling of the characters. The characters are expertly drawn and come alive in your mind. I found myself loving them and hating them at various points of the narrative. Whichever way I fell, I found myself thinking I was in the presence of real people. The setting too is beautifully written and I could imagine a land so different to my own in many ways. I have lived in the Middle East, so my mind may have drawn on that experience to fill the setting in, but I do feel the way it is written the reader feels they are there. 

The portrayal of the Old Testament God and the characters' relationships with him are brilliantly done. While this is a bible based book it does not have a biblical feel to it, so the book could be read by anyone. The main characters' faith is real and this shines through without overwhelming. Although aimed at the Christian reader I believe this could be enjoyed equally by Non-Christians. 

The book is available from bookshops or via the Amazon links below. Please note these are affiliate links and I will receive a few pence from Amazon if you buy via the link. 

  

I was given an advanced copy of the book from the publisher in return for an honest review. The review is my honest review based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review.

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

A Shetland Winter Mystery

 

It's the dark nights in the run up to Christmas, and sailing sleuth Cass Lynch's first night on dry land is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage. Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Soon Cass learns others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night.

It looks like ingenious local teenagers playing tricks - but what happens when festive games turn deadly?

Cass soon finds out as a schoolboy disappears, leaving only a trail of footprints into the middle of a snowy field. She's determined to investigate, but uncovering the truth will also put her in danger . . .

You know a book is going to be good when the first line draws you in and makes your ant to keep reading. Fortunately, every other line lived up to the promise of the first and I really did want to keep reading. At first the book seems to be a Norse/Shetland myth but it soon emerged that something far more sinister was at work in the background. In this book Cass is on dry land rather than at sea, although the nautical allusions are still there and boats are not entirely omitted. Sailing fans should not panic. There is a real Scottish flavour with Shetland dialect sprinkled throughout but these are explained well within the text without pulling the reader out of the story.

Review

One of the real strengths of this book is the setting. Shetland is portrayed in all it's wondrous, wintry beauty. The descriptions allowed me to picture it perfectly. I have always wanted to go to Shetland and this has made my desire to do so even stronger. The author has a real flair for words and uses each word to good effect to place the reader directly on the islands. 

Cass is a great character but at first I was unsure of her foray on to dry land. I should not have worried as this added a whole new exciting dimension to the storyline. All of the characters are well drawn and I found myself relating to them on many levels. As a former teacher, Taylor has a real understanding of teenagers and children and this came across in her portrayal of the younger characters. 

The story itself is excellent. This is a slow burn book rather than an on the edge of your seat tale, but I think the tension is all the better for it. I genuinely loved this book and can highly recommend it. 

Author Biography 

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.