A Fighting Chance by Val Penny

 

Good morning, Bookaholics. Yet another cracking book for you to read and, if I may say so, buy for Christmas Presents.

Blurb

In the second Jane Renwick Thriller by Val Penny, drug cartels collide as crime boss Connor O’Grady returns to Scotland to protect his turf from rival Peggy Cheney, newly released from prison.

DS Jane Renwick and DC Brian Harris are sent to Stirling, where Jane discovers two tragic deaths—a young man and a girl—raising suspicions of a single killer.

O’Grady denies involvement, but can a drug lord be trusted?
Set in Stirling and Gartcosh, this tense police procedural thrusts Jane into the heart of a deadly turf war.

Review

This is the second Jane Renwick Thriller, a character who has her own spin off from the DI Hunter Wilson Series. Jane has proven to be a worthy main character, setting her own style and her own pace. The book, as in all Penny's books, is well written and gives a real sense of Scotland, especially Stirling. The setting is well drawn and the characters' Scottish background gives a real sense of who they are and shapes their characters in a unique manner. The crime element is handled well and the plot draws you in and keeps you reading. I found myself genuinely wanting to know what happens next. The ending is strong, something I find crucial in a crime thriller. Many crime books can be let down by a weak ending, but Penny ties this up well. Although this can be read as a standalone I would recommend the first in the series be read first, and then this one to give a full picture of the character. 

You can find out more about Val and her books at:

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/

That's it for another week my Bookahloic friends. See you back here soon. Until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

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 Ring Compiled by The Reading Agency

 

As my regular Bookaholic Friends know, I'm a sucker for a historical book. When one came along that is chock full of stories from outstanding authors, I just had to read it. The fact this is a charity anthology and the proceeds go to support literacy, was the cherry on the cake.

Blurb 

Forged over 2000 years ago, when Rome was still a republic, a simple gold ring was inscribed with the name and symbol of Fortuna, capricious goddess of fate. From the seven hills of Ancient Rome, to the streets of modern day New York, the ring passes from hand to hand, through the centuries, shaping destinies and unveiling secrets.

A Roman patrician gambles his future on its luck. A crusading knight takes it from the finger of a slain foe. A child is gifted it by a soldier in the Thirty Years War and trusts it to keep her father safe. A jeweller takes it to America in the Gilded Age seeking a new life. Each tale is a moment in time, a new wearer, and a twist of fate—sometimes fortune smiles, but all too often the ring brings ill luck.

In these stories, history seems driven by the will of chance. Those who possess the ring seek to shape their own destinies, but it is always Fortuna herself who has the final say.

With contributions from Alistair Forrest, Fiona Forsyth, Jacquie Rogers, Alistair Tosh, Graham Brack, Eleanor Swift-Hook, Mark Turnbull, Maggie Richell-Davies, Robert Bordas and Val Penny this is a spellbinding anthology of interconnected short stories, where luck is never what it seems.

Review

What can I say other than I truly loved this book. Every story is well written absorbing and drew me in as a reader. The way the stories work together throughout the centuries is brilliantly executed and what a superb idea for a book. All kudos to The Reading Agency for thinking of it. The writing is powerful and it is obvious the stories are well researched as to the time period. The history is woven in beautifully meaning the research does not overwhelm. Whilst each story is tied together by The Ring, each is individual in the way they are portrayed and the way the ring plays into the story. I found myself wanting to read on to find out how every author would approach the story. I was not disappointed by any of them.I can highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the Lynsey of Reading Between the Lines Blog Tours for an advanced reader copy of this book.

LINK TO BUY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-anthology-historical-short-stories-ebook/dp/B0F3DV7BPG


WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://readingagency.org.uk

Alistair Forrest – @alistairforrestauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Forrest/author/B002KQDTVE

Fiona Forsyth - @fionaforsythauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Fiona-Forsyth/author/B001KI2DEC

Jacquie Rogers - @jacquierogers - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jacquie-Rogers/author/B095M72LDL

Alistair Tosh - @alistair_tosh - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Tosh/author/B0C5XW2V98

Graham Brack - @GrahamBrack - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Graham-Brack/author/B075KQ6M8N

Eleanor Swift-Hook - @emswifthook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Eleanor-Swift-Hook/author/B0BKTP1CMG

Mark Turnbull - @1642Author - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Mark-Turnbull/author/B07YM39YLP

Maggie Richell-Davies - @maggiedaviswr1- https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Maggie-Richell-Davies/author/B0884G1MP6

Robert Bordas - @bordasauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Robert-Bordas/author/B0B5VRRKF8

Val Penny - @valeriepenny - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Val-Penny/author/B07C4725TK

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

Book Review: Red Daisy by Gemma Owen Kendall

 

Good afternoon, Bookaholics. I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for Red Daisy by Gemma Owen-Kendall. This is a new author to me but I can assure you I will be reading more. Find out why in my review. 

Blurb

What if the girl who wore the red coat fell in love with the wolf?

Grace Kennedy was once a quiet teenage girl, growing up in a rural area with her parents. When Grace turns sixteen, she moves to a new town to live with her grandparents to study a diploma in Dance at the local college.

It's there that Grace’s life changes when she meets the polite and charming Daniel and also encounters the dark and mysterious Ben.

But are both boys truly who they say they are ...

Dealing with the sudden strange events happening to her and a complicated love triangle, Grace world implodes when she learns that werewolves and spellcasters do truly exist.

Review

I have to say, the cover drew me in in the first instance and I loved the premise of the book. What a twist to a classic fairytale and the fantasy elements develop it further. It is written for a Young Adult audience but I think adults will also enjoy it. I certainly did. The story is beautifully written and the characters are realistic - if you can call a werewolf realistic. They are certainly realistic for the genre. There was tension and romance in equal measure and I loved the way the which boy will she choose played out. I did feel that, due to some of the subject matter it would be more suited to the older readers of the YA genre but the subject matter was written well. I believe Owen-Kendall is an author to watch. I will mention one thing, it does end in a way that sets up the next book in the trilogy. All three of the books will need to be read in order. 

If you would like to know what other reviewers think of the book you can follow the tour as per the image below.

About the Author 

Gemma is a writer from North East Lincolnshire, UK. Graduated at the University of Lincoln in 2009, she studied a degree in Drama. However years later Gemma has discovered writing is her hobby and passion. She hopes to one day to be able to go back to University to study creative writing. As well as her own writing, Gemma is a huge supporter for writers within her local area.

That's it for another week my bookaholic friends. See you again soon. Until then, keep reading and keep writing. 

About Wendy H. Jones

Wendy H Jones is the multi award-winning, Amazon #1 international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. Her Young Adult Mystery, The Dagger’s Curse was a finalist in the Woman Alive Readers' Choice Award. Non-Fiction Matters the fourth book in her Writing Matters Series won the prestigious Dorothy Dunbar Cup from the Scottish Association of Writers. She is also the retired President of the Scottish Association of Writers, an international public speaker, and runs conferences and workshops on writing, motivation and marketing.  She is the Editor in Chief of Writers' Narrative a new magazine for writers.  She is also a partner in Auscot Publishing and Retreats an international publishing and writing retreat organisation. Wendy is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Services. 

Website

Amazon Author Page

Twitter 

Facebook

Instagram

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.