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beckys_book_blog's reviews
645 reviews
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was such a captivating, dark powerful and harrowing story (in places!) I absolutely loved it! A definite 5 🌟 read.
The story is narrated by 40 plus Sally who describes herself as 'socially deficient' and sometimes pretends to be deaf so she doesn't have to talk to anyone. Sally is a social recluse and finds it hard to conform to social conventions. On the day her dad dies she decides to burn him on the incinerator beside her house. This leads her to become the centre of media attention and Sally is forced to interact with the world outside for the first time. Slowly Sally starts to uncover that there were secrets to her past and horrors from her childhood that she can no longer ignore.
This book gripped me from the first page. I loved Sally and felt so sorry with her as she attempts to be 'normal' and conform with the people around her. I loved seeing her try to build a life for herself and make new friends. Some of the parts of the story from Sally's past are horrific but the story turns into a gripping psychological thriller and I couldn't stop reading (despite some disturbing chapters.) The writing is brilliant and each of the characters are fascinating. Prepare yourself for a dark, harrowing read and an emotional rollercoaster!
This is such an original and brilliant story. I loved Sally and she will stay with me for a long time. I have ordered all of Liz Nugent's previous books as I definitely think she's going to become one of my favourite new authors. This will definitely be one of my top books of the year.
The story is narrated by 40 plus Sally who describes herself as 'socially deficient' and sometimes pretends to be deaf so she doesn't have to talk to anyone. Sally is a social recluse and finds it hard to conform to social conventions. On the day her dad dies she decides to burn him on the incinerator beside her house. This leads her to become the centre of media attention and Sally is forced to interact with the world outside for the first time. Slowly Sally starts to uncover that there were secrets to her past and horrors from her childhood that she can no longer ignore.
This book gripped me from the first page. I loved Sally and felt so sorry with her as she attempts to be 'normal' and conform with the people around her. I loved seeing her try to build a life for herself and make new friends. Some of the parts of the story from Sally's past are horrific but the story turns into a gripping psychological thriller and I couldn't stop reading (despite some disturbing chapters.) The writing is brilliant and each of the characters are fascinating. Prepare yourself for a dark, harrowing read and an emotional rollercoaster!
This is such an original and brilliant story. I loved Sally and she will stay with me for a long time. I have ordered all of Liz Nugent's previous books as I definitely think she's going to become one of my favourite new authors. This will definitely be one of my top books of the year.
The Book of Eve by Meg Clothier
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was immediately drawn in to this story which starts with two desperate women seeking to be let into the convent walls to escape attack. One of them has a mysterious, powerful but dangerous book that she is determined to keep safe. It isn't long before the local preacher arrives seeking to find and destroy the same book.
The convent librarian, Beatrice, has been entrusted with the book but can she decipher it before it's too late?
I love historical fiction and this author really transports you to this claustrophobic place. It is such an atmospheric read. I loved the secrets and mystery surrounding the book. This is quite a slow burning mystery but the tension really builds towards the second half and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ordered, religious world inside the convent was fascinating. I don't usually enjoy magical/fantasy elements but the mystical elements really worked well in this story and I loved them.
This story is based around the Voynich manuscript which I now intend to research further! An original and captivating debut novel.
The convent librarian, Beatrice, has been entrusted with the book but can she decipher it before it's too late?
I love historical fiction and this author really transports you to this claustrophobic place. It is such an atmospheric read. I loved the secrets and mystery surrounding the book. This is quite a slow burning mystery but the tension really builds towards the second half and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ordered, religious world inside the convent was fascinating. I don't usually enjoy magical/fantasy elements but the mystical elements really worked well in this story and I loved them.
This story is based around the Voynich manuscript which I now intend to research further! An original and captivating debut novel.
Freeze by Kate Simants
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I love reality TV shows so I thought the premise for this book sounded brilliant!
The story is set around a new TV show where eight contestants go head to head in extreme challenges on board a ship in the Arctic. Each contestant is hoping to win the £100,000 prize. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of production manager Tori and her camerawoman and best friend Dee.
It isn't long however before one of the contestants is found dead. As the boat becomes trapped in a storm and cut off from the outside world it's also apparent that everyone on board the ship has a reason for becoming a contestant in the reality show and they each have dark secrets to hide.
I did find this book a little slow to get into as there were a lot of characters on the ship. The two main characters (Tori and Dee) were very similar so I often had to check which person was narrating the story. The characters were fairly unpleasant making it hard to connect with them as much as I would have liked.
I raced through the second part however trying to work out who could actually be trusted and why they were each there! I like a thriller where it's hard to guess the perpetrator and this book definitely delivered. It was impossible to predict!
The setting was great and the small confines on board the ship really added to the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere.
I liked the way that some of the contestants lives connected in the final part to reach a very satisfying conclusion to the book. Overall this was a tense locked room thriller!
The story is set around a new TV show where eight contestants go head to head in extreme challenges on board a ship in the Arctic. Each contestant is hoping to win the £100,000 prize. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of production manager Tori and her camerawoman and best friend Dee.
It isn't long however before one of the contestants is found dead. As the boat becomes trapped in a storm and cut off from the outside world it's also apparent that everyone on board the ship has a reason for becoming a contestant in the reality show and they each have dark secrets to hide.
I did find this book a little slow to get into as there were a lot of characters on the ship. The two main characters (Tori and Dee) were very similar so I often had to check which person was narrating the story. The characters were fairly unpleasant making it hard to connect with them as much as I would have liked.
I raced through the second part however trying to work out who could actually be trusted and why they were each there! I like a thriller where it's hard to guess the perpetrator and this book definitely delivered. It was impossible to predict!
The setting was great and the small confines on board the ship really added to the creepy, claustrophobic atmosphere.
I liked the way that some of the contestants lives connected in the final part to reach a very satisfying conclusion to the book. Overall this was a tense locked room thriller!
What Happened on Floor 34? by Caroline Corcoran
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
The Institution by Helen Sarah Fields
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
'They’re locked up for your safety.
Now, you’re locked in with them.'
What a brilliant psychological thriller. This is my favourite of the year so far, without a doubt and will definitely be in my 2023 top ten! A definite 5 star read!
Following the horrific murder of a pregnant woman and abduction of her baby, forensic profiler Dr Connie goes undercover in a high security prison hospital. Dr Connie has to profile and interview the disturbed and dangerous criminals inside the institution to try and uncover the truth and find the baby before it's too late.
This book had me hooked from the first page! I loved the premise of the story and it totally delivered! The plot was captivating and terrifying and had some great twists along the way. I tore through the last part and couldn't put it down!
This is a must read for any fans of dark psychological thrillers. I am excited to have discovered such a fantastic new author and I'm looking forward to reading all of her previous books. Highly recommended!
Now, you’re locked in with them.'
What a brilliant psychological thriller. This is my favourite of the year so far, without a doubt and will definitely be in my 2023 top ten! A definite 5 star read!
Following the horrific murder of a pregnant woman and abduction of her baby, forensic profiler Dr Connie goes undercover in a high security prison hospital. Dr Connie has to profile and interview the disturbed and dangerous criminals inside the institution to try and uncover the truth and find the baby before it's too late.
This book had me hooked from the first page! I loved the premise of the story and it totally delivered! The plot was captivating and terrifying and had some great twists along the way. I tore through the last part and couldn't put it down!
This is a must read for any fans of dark psychological thrillers. I am excited to have discovered such a fantastic new author and I'm looking forward to reading all of her previous books. Highly recommended!
Eleven Liars by Robert Gold
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Twelve Secrets was one of my favourite thrillers of 2022 so I was excited to read the next book in the series. This story can be read as a stand alone but I loved returning to Haddley with Ben Harper and some of the characters from the first book. There are more secrets hidden amongst the community and Ben has to uncover the truth behind a new murder.
This book had fast, pacy chapters and a gripping plot. I raced through it and finished it in 24 hours. I hope there will be a third installment to follow!
This book had fast, pacy chapters and a gripping plot. I raced through it and finished it in 24 hours. I hope there will be a third installment to follow!
Expectant by Vanda Symon
dark
tense
slow-paced
3.5
This book immediately grabbed my attention and I was hooked from the start. What a fab (although horrifying) first chapter!
The story starts when a group of boys stumble on the attack of a heavily pregnant woman in Dunedin (New Zealand.)
Detective Sam Shephard starts to investigate but is nearing the start of own maternity leave so this case is very close to home. Sam must find the link between this brutal crime and a string of other cases involving mothers and children in the past. Can she catch the killer before they strike again?
I found the short chapters made this a fast paced, intense read. The characters were very well written and I enjoyed reading a book set in New Zealand. I sped through the last few chapters to find out who the perpetrator was and why. The final part was so tense I could barely keep reading! I would definitely recommend this for thriller fans. This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.
The story starts when a group of boys stumble on the attack of a heavily pregnant woman in Dunedin (New Zealand.)
Detective Sam Shephard starts to investigate but is nearing the start of own maternity leave so this case is very close to home. Sam must find the link between this brutal crime and a string of other cases involving mothers and children in the past. Can she catch the killer before they strike again?
I found the short chapters made this a fast paced, intense read. The characters were very well written and I enjoyed reading a book set in New Zealand. I sped through the last few chapters to find out who the perpetrator was and why. The final part was so tense I could barely keep reading! I would definitely recommend this for thriller fans. This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.
This Could Be Everything by Eva Rice
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I loved The Lost Art Of Keeping Secrets when I read it years ago so I was excited to read a new book by Eva Rice.
Although this book took me a little while to get into I didn't want it to end by the second half.
The central character is nineteen year old February Kingdom who is struggling to cope with daily life after the loss of both of her parents at a young age and then just recently, the death of her twin sister Diana.
Feb won't leave her bedroom where she lives with her aunt and uncle and spends her time reciting the music charts. Feb's life slowly starts to change when a canary flies into her house one day and she is forced to leave to return the bird to his owner Theo. Slowly Feb starts to form a relationship with Theo and we watch Feb slowly learn to start to piece together her life again.
The book is set in the 90s and I absolutely loved all the nostalgia. I remembered so many of the bands and magazines (Smash Hits and Just Seventeen were two of my favourites!) and just like Feb I remember recording the top 40 on a Sunday on my tape recorder!
This is a character driven story but each person is so vividly written with such great depth. There were so many quirky characters that I grew to love through the story. I was so immersed in Feb's tragic life and the way she coped with her grief was so well portrayed. I was absolutely willing her to find some happiness and love again.
This was an emotional and heart wrenching read at times but it also carried an uplifting message that there is always hope, even in the most tragic and desperate of circumstances. A brilliant coming of age story about loss and love.
Although this book took me a little while to get into I didn't want it to end by the second half.
The central character is nineteen year old February Kingdom who is struggling to cope with daily life after the loss of both of her parents at a young age and then just recently, the death of her twin sister Diana.
Feb won't leave her bedroom where she lives with her aunt and uncle and spends her time reciting the music charts. Feb's life slowly starts to change when a canary flies into her house one day and she is forced to leave to return the bird to his owner Theo. Slowly Feb starts to form a relationship with Theo and we watch Feb slowly learn to start to piece together her life again.
The book is set in the 90s and I absolutely loved all the nostalgia. I remembered so many of the bands and magazines (Smash Hits and Just Seventeen were two of my favourites!) and just like Feb I remember recording the top 40 on a Sunday on my tape recorder!
This is a character driven story but each person is so vividly written with such great depth. There were so many quirky characters that I grew to love through the story. I was so immersed in Feb's tragic life and the way she coped with her grief was so well portrayed. I was absolutely willing her to find some happiness and love again.
This was an emotional and heart wrenching read at times but it also carried an uplifting message that there is always hope, even in the most tragic and desperate of circumstances. A brilliant coming of age story about loss and love.
Make Me Clean by Tina Baker
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the first book I've written by Tina Baker but I love her style of writing!
I'm always a fan of dark psychological thrillers and this one is so original.
We follow the life of Maria and join her as she cleans various houses for an assortment of very different people. The characters are brilliantly written and I enjoyed meeting each of them! I loved Elsie, the old lady with dementia that Maria cared for and even Mr Balogen who wasn't the nicest character was fascinating to get to know on each cleaning visit!
Maria hasn't had a happy life and we start to realise, as the book progresses, that some past situations with clients may have actually led her to murder. The book starts with her cleaning up a murder but it only becomes apparent who it is and why later in the book.
Despite this I couldn't help but like Maria and want her to find a way out of her predicaments!
My favourite part was the flashbacks to when she met Joby and the insight into the traveller community she marries into as well as her traumatic past. thought the ending was clever and very satisfying!
I found this a very quick, easy read and I'll definitely be reading Tina's other two books which are on my tbr!
I'm always a fan of dark psychological thrillers and this one is so original.
We follow the life of Maria and join her as she cleans various houses for an assortment of very different people. The characters are brilliantly written and I enjoyed meeting each of them! I loved Elsie, the old lady with dementia that Maria cared for and even Mr Balogen who wasn't the nicest character was fascinating to get to know on each cleaning visit!
Maria hasn't had a happy life and we start to realise, as the book progresses, that some past situations with clients may have actually led her to murder. The book starts with her cleaning up a murder but it only becomes apparent who it is and why later in the book.
Despite this I couldn't help but like Maria and want her to find a way out of her predicaments!
My favourite part was the flashbacks to when she met Joby and the insight into the traveller community she marries into as well as her traumatic past. thought the ending was clever and very satisfying!
I found this a very quick, easy read and I'll definitely be reading Tina's other two books which are on my tbr!