corinne82's reviews
431 reviews

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

0.0

🎧 DNF - I could only give this to 20% in and that was me done (that’s so not like me 🫣). Found it repetitive and just boring with the constant film and actor references. Just couldn’t continue and the storyline really didn’t get off to a good start to grab my attention. 

Needs Must by Kerry Barnes

tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

🎧 This is the first book in the Carrie Verne series an I think I’ve found a new book series to get my underworld fix. I couldn’t stop listening and had it devoured in a day. Who doesn’t love a family that thinks they’re above authority and common decency with a foul mouthed mother as the matriarch… not me anyway but they sure do provide good entertainment 🤪. I loved the majority of the characters and found both them and the storyline well developed. Im hoping The Murphy’s have their own book series 😉 at some point. The storyline gave a good sense of the world they lived in. The narrator was just the perfect fit and moved at just the right pace. I’m looking forward to the next instalment. 

Thanks to Netgalley and W.F Howes Ltd for the opportunity to listen to and review #NeedsMust

The Festival by Louise Mumford

slow-paced

3.0

🎧 A music festival, folklore and witchcraft sounds like my kind of listen. I was really looking forward to this one and went in with great expectations as it had the makings of a great listen. It started strong and moved at a steady pace along with some character backstories which really added to the storyline. The storyline is told in the form of ‘now’ and ‘then’ timelines which is always a favourite of mine but at about halfway into the listen the storyline lost its way and became inconsistent and disjointed. The ending felt a little rushed and somewhat far fetched and was wrapped up quickly. I was underwhelmed unfortunately. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheFestival

Murder in the Gallowgate by Daniel Sellers

dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

🎧 This sounded right up my street. A new series, a female character, set in Glasgow. There was a lot of characters to contend with and it became a little confusing at times. It’s an extremely slow burn and could definitely have been a lot shorter. The storyline was interesting but it lacked oomph and the intrigue to know what was going on. So much so I was more interested in Detective Lola Harris relationship with one of her colleagues than the storyline. I did love her as a character and her no nonsense attitude. The outcome was interesting how it all came together even if it did take awhile to get there. I would be interested to read more in the series but with maybe a faster paced storyline. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bolindo Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review #MurderInTheGallowgate

The Reunion Party by Penny Batchelor

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

🎧 This is a fast paced, easy listen that is  engaging. Told from several perspectives which really helps to get to know the characters and bring them to life. The first half of the listen builds the suspense and the intrigue. The characters are both likeable and unlikable in their own ways. I did have it worked out and how it was going to come together but there was still some surprises along the way. The narration was spot on and keeps the listener engaged. It’s an enjoyable listen and would recommend… 

The Missing Nurse by Roger Silverwood

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

The storyline starts off 20 years ago and then focuses on present day. It’s not an overly captivating storyline but Detective Angel definitely brought something. I can see why some may not like him as a character but I really did even with his old school ways and flaws which at times really wouldn’t fly and could get him into trouble 😳. I enjoyed Detective Angel’s investigative tactics but the storyline overall was meh and not something I’ll remember but I would be interested in other storylines featuring Detective Angel. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bolindo Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheMissingNurse 

The Winner by C.J. Parsons

emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This one was right up my street especially with the social media, influencer world we currently live in. You’re thrown into the storyline and given a real insight into behind the scenes of fame, being an influencer and all that comes with that from both the positive and negative side. Loved Heather as a character and her feisty, no bulls%#$ attitude. If you are into social media and all that comes with it you’ll enjoy this one. It moves at a steady pace that keeps you engaged and turning those pages. It’s definitely a good one on audio. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review #TheWinner

Keep Me Safe: An absolutely unputdownable and totally gripping psychological thriller by Sheryl Browne, Sheryl Browne

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

4.0

This is an intriguing read that keeps you guessing throughout. It’s cleverly written where you think you know what’s going on but you actually haven’t a clue along with making you suspicious of everyone. The storyline moves at a slower pace but really builds the suspense. The characters are both likeable and dislikable and you’re never sure which you feel for specific characters 🤷‍♀️🤩. It’s a good read and I enjoyed it and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to figure out what was going on. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #KeepMeSafe 

It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark, Alafair Burke

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

🎧 This is the 8th book in the Under Suspicion series. I didn’t realise it was a series till I finished but it definitely can be read as a standalone. Really enjoyed this one and flew through it in a day. It moves at a fast pace which throws you straight into the storyline and I was gripped from the beginning. I loved the cold case investigation/tv special aspect of it. It’s a well developed storyline with well developed characters. I really liked Laurie as a character along with Frankie. It’s a well thought out storyline that flowed and came together well. It’s suspenseful but also eventful and keeps you engaged throughout. This might be a new series to get into 🤩. 

The Dream Home by T.M. Logan

challenging dark 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? Yes

2.5

🎧 I’ve enjoyed previous reads by this author but this one isn’t one of them! I found this such a slow burn to the point it felt like there was nothing happening. It just didn’t work and the narrator didn’t add anything to the experience and it became such a slog to get through. It really slowed me down and for a finish I didn’t really care for where the storyline was going. The last 20% has your head in a spin and I don’t mean in a good way. I can’t say I cared for any of the characters and I just found Adam too much and I really disliked him. The outcome and how it all came together was very underwhelming and meh 🫤. Unfortunately this one just didn’t work for me at all and I’m glad to be finished it.