amothersmusings1's reviews
1990 reviews

Scuttle by Barnaby Walter

4.0

“Scuttle” is an outstanding example of a horror story, written by Sunday Times bestselling author, Barnaby Walter also known as B.P. Walter. 

 

Although this book comes with a evident warning about the content of spiders, it didn’t quite prepare me for the extensive and detailed horror of the author’s creative imagination. I did however, find it very addictive, the sort of addictiveness of not wanting to watch something but peering between your fingers all the same. 

 

The story itself was very well narrated, with intermittent chapters from both ‘the boy’ and ‘the father’ telling their side of how they see things as they are developing and their deep emotions, which aren’t seen on the outside. 

 

As with all horror stories, you need to suspend some disbelief but these days anything is possible, so I wouldn’t rule some of it out.  I could see this being both the typical American B movie of old with cliched special effects but also a blockbuster movie with full on horror scenes, the likes of similar movies ‘The Fly’ and ‘Sting’. 

 

I would aim this book mostly at young adults, due to some sensitive themes covered e.g. coming of age and dangerous teenage friendships, however these aren’t fully explored.  The main crux of the story certainly doesn’t hold back though and if I wasn’t already (very) scared of spiders, then I’m even more so now! Just remember…….you have been warned….. 🕷️ 🕷️ 🕷️ 

 

#Scuttle - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Fatal Image by Brian Price

5.0

 “Fatal Image” is the fifth book in Brian Price’s, DC Mel Cotton police procedural series, based in the fictional town of Mexton. Set several months later since the last book, we join Mel and the rest of the team as they tackle several murders, which appear at first to be unconnected. As usual, the whole department work together to share their experience, knowledge and talents, to piece together one of the most perplexing of cases to come their way. 

 

Having read all five books now in the series, I really feel connected to the well developed characters, like they are all old friends. Each of the books can equally be read and enjoyed as standalones but for full engagement I would recommend reading the whole series in order. The author is very particular about the authenticity of his novels and uses his meticulous research to full advantage, together with his scientific knowledge and love of crime fiction. 

 

This was probably my favourite so far in the series, the intriguing plot line with a ruthless ambition at the heart of it and an intricate chase to catch a killer, made this a very addictive thriller. It maybe a Mel Cotton series but invariably it’s a team effort and as always, a pleasure to visit Mexton’s CID! 

 

#FatalImage - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Storm Bodies by Steve Orme

4.0

Steve Orme is the author of ‘Storm Deaths’, and “Storm Bodies” is his second book in the police procedural series, featuring Detective Inspector Miles Davies. 

 

Having not read the first book, I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to connect with this one but I needn’t have worried, as it read perfectly fine as a stand-alone and any back information needed was included where necessary. I’ve never read a crime thriller where basketball was the themed setting but it worked really well and I was interested in the dynamics of the game when it was mentioned. 

 

This British police procedural features Miles Davies, a detective inspector whose team is tasked with solving the brutal murder of a young woman, following a grisly find by a bin man. When his close friend from the local basketball club then goes missing, he finds himself increasingly worried for her safety and pulls out all the stops to find her. 

 

I liked the characters in the story, even the ‘villains’. It was clever how the evidence gathered, tied the killer to the crimes and although at one point I think I knew who it was, I was still intrigued to see how they would be captured. 

 

Steve Orme is a very good writer, with all the basic requirements for a police procedural more than adequately covered, along with a gruesome storyline to keep the darkest of reader entertained! Should he keep on with this style of plot line, he is going to become notable among crime writers, the likes of M.W. Craven and J.D. Kirk and I for one, will be following him for further books written! 

 

I can happily recommend “Storm Bodies” for fans of crime thrillers and hope to see Miles and his team again soon. 

 

#StormBodies - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

What Lies Beneath by Maureen Myant

4.0

“What Lies Beneath” is Maureen Myant’s Christmas thriller set in Northumberland, during a particularly treacherous winter storm.  I know how wild it can get, out in the Northumberland countryside, so I could genuinely picture the setting and feel the cold seeping in through the old windows. As the family gather for the festive period, secrets, lies and family dynamics dominate the scenes. The characters were deliberately unlikeable and some of the decisions they made were questionable but it was interesting to see the relationships between the siblings change quite dramatically, depending on the needs of the situation. On a final note, just when you think the story is done, an unexpected twist/revelation will blow you away and certainly finished the book on a wow! 

 

This family had a LOT of secrets, which does make this story slightly implausible but my goodness, it doesn’t half make good reading, though it does positively prove the adage that ‘honesty is the best policy’! 

 

Another (Christmas) cracker from Maureen, who now four books in, has more than proved herself to be a very capable, talented and imaginative author. I love reading her books and I look forward to more next year! 

 

#WhatLiesBeneath - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

The Echoing Shore by J.H. Mann

3.5

“The Echoing Shore” by J.H.Mann is the second book I have read by this author, who writes exceedingly atmospheric and interesting plots. This book features a fantastic ambience of the rugged Cornish coastline and the trials and tribulations of running a small town newspaper. 

The premise of the fictional story is based on a fatal incident that occurred ten years ago, when the ‘Talin Bray’ lifeboat was lost at sea, along with the lives of all eight crewman. When freelance journalist Danny Flanagan, arrives at Kate Tregillis’ newspaper office, offering his services in return for investigating the Talin Bray disaster, the residents of the small fishing community take umbrage to questions bring re-asked, causing both Danny and Kate’s lives to be put in danger. 

The story is a very slow burn, being more character driven about life in an insular fishing town and although a little too slow in places for me, the tense, breathless denouement pulled the entire story together satisfactorily. 

An engaging read that excels at its atmospheric content, with interesting characters and an intriguing premise. Worth a read.

Yetis Don't Exist!: A Silly, Snowy Rhyming Adventure! by Kate Thompson

5.0

I couldn’t believe how amazing this book was before I even turned the pages! The gorgeous front cover is so eye-catching and beautifully printed with bold colours and silver foil decoration which instantly tells the reader that this is an excellently created book, to genuinely please children of all ages. 

 

Every page is a delight to look at, you can’t help but linger on each one to admire the immense attention to detail, the designs, the colourful drawings, and the fabulous, loveable yeti’s.  And of course, not to mention the most important part, a thrilling ‘yeti’ adventure story to convince humans that they do exist! 

 

I can’t wait to share this book with my ‘grandchild to be’ and I know without a doubt that any child who is given this book will find it pure joy! 

 

Yeti’s Don’t Exist - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lake Child by Isabel Ashdown

5.0

Wow...”Lake Child” is a fantastically well thought out, exquisitely plotted and tremendously written story that I genuinely had trouble putting down! Having now read all of Isabel Ashdown’s books, I can categorically say that this was ultimately my favourite one and possibly one of the best books I’ve read this year. Although complex and having to need your wits about you for the first few chapters, I thought the whole story was literally just amazing. How the author managed to create such an entertaining but clever and engaging story idea, shows an exceedingly talented author at the top of her game. 

 

There were many twists and turns that were totally unexpected but yet made you wonder how you’d missed them happening in the beginning, so good was the manner in which they occurred and were narrated. 

 

The characters were well developed and each one was portrayed to its fullest, even the ‘outside’ characters like Maxine, who was relating her story in a journalistic style interview, was paramount to the central theme.  Set between London and Norway, the two countries come together in a dramatic denouement that was satisfying, emotional and meticulously executed. 

 

A fab read, which deserves high praise…..I for one loved it and I hope if you get to read it, you do too! 

 

#LakeChild - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

Christmas at the Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page

5.0

I love reading festive romance novels in the build up to Christmas and this book was perfect to fill my heart with joy. The concept of a living advent calendar to save the local businesses in the town, was a superb idea and it was thoroughly entertaining, reading how Kate planned and executed the event at short notice and to its fullest. With the help of all the shops and local residents in the Yorkshire town of Essendale, a fabulous display of ‘living’ window displays is created, each being unveiled on a night in December, leading up to an emotional final display on Christmas Eve to genuinely tug on the heartstrings. Considering Kate’s dislike of Christmas and her constant feeling of loneliness, she soon discovers the love and joy of spending the holiday with genuine friends and at the same time, give hope to the survival of the local businesses, including her friend Emily’s, ‘board game cafe’. 

 

The main characters were easily likeable people - Mr B was a hoot and I adored the love triangle between Kate, Peter and Xander.  I was so pleased to see it develop the way I was hoping it to and the whole delightful story culminated in a wonderful festive denouement. 

 

Beautifully written, atmospheric and with a cosy romance at its heart, this gorgeous story is a one I won’t forget in a hurry and I’d happily recommend to fellow readers of this genre. 

 

#ChristmasAtTheBoardGameCafe - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Haunted Tales: Ghostly Stories for the Darkest Nights by Adam Macqueen

4.0

My thoughts - 

 

“Haunted Tales” by Adam MacQueen - ‘ghostly stories for the darkest nights’ - certainly had me entertained during my bedtime reading and not without a light on and a careful check over my shoulder for dark shadows either! 

 

There’s nine short stories to this spooky collection of haunting tales, all with an unexpected twist. My favourites were ‘Panic Room’ which caused a cold shiver down my spine and ‘The Gift that Keeps on Giving’ which definitely gave pause for thought. 

 

It’s not easy to produce short stories, especially ghostly ones, which are fulfilling, satisfying and with an edge of realism to them but I think Adam MacQueen  has pulled this off totally. Over the past two decades he has sent a haunted tale to his family in a place of a Christmas card and this was a fantastic idea, especially now there is enough to produce a publication of them. Here’s to many more years of substituted Christmas cards and with Halloween just around the corner, this is the perfect read for those dark, eerie evenings. 

 

#HauntedTales - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal

3.5

“The Big Day” by Aliya Ali-Afzal - one bride to be, one desi mumzilla, one battle for the Big Day. 

 

I found this book really interesting, reading about Asian culture surrounding weddings and the importance of tradition and family involvement. As the generations pass, customs are changing and there is a growing trend of ‘culture mash’ bringing a British/Asian style to modern day weddings. 

 

Noor wants to downsize her wedding and make it more carbon footprint friendly, mixing desi with British style and changing the traditional five day event to a single day. Her single parent mother, hearing these wishes, goes into overdrive to convince Noor she cannot go against her heritage and the expectations her older relatives will be anticipating. As Noor becomes more and more pressured into keeping to tradition, will she relent or can she persuade her family that it’s her and her fiancé Dan’s ‘big day’ and she will have the wedding she desires? 

 

Along with a side story of Noor wanting to know what happened to her father who died when she was eight, this was a very entertaining story of desi family dynamics, grief, mental health, wedding traditions and self discovery, that I genuinely enjoyed reading and would recommend to readers of this genre. Serious but fun with a touch of gentle romance.