emma_therabbithole's reviews
162 reviews

Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz

5.0

A fascinating read of how one of the actresses from one of my favourite tv shows was drawn into a cult. Brilliantly read by Bethany Joy Lenz, it’s told from a position of strength and healing and really makes you consider how people’s vulnerabilities are preyed on.

The Trap by Catherine Ryan Howard

4.0

A really readable novel focusing on a woman, Lucy, whose sister, Nicki, is missing. 
Nicely paced, my only quibble is that the twist felt a little contrived and close to the edge of being unbelievable…I felt as if another layer could have been added to help explain this a little more believably. Still, it held me in its clutches and the chapters told from the POV of the abductor were brilliantly chilling and more than made up for any doubts. 

Dog by Rob Perry

4.5

This was such a refreshing read, the story of a germaphobe young man who seems to be on the spectrum, and a greyhound called Gary. It’s funny and endearing, and the moments between Gary and Benjamin are so touching. With a backdrop of nefarious dog owners at the racetrack as well as Benjamin coming to terms with his Nan’s failing health, it’s a lovely read which offers something a little different

The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman

4.5

How I have loved my time with the effervescent folk at Coopers Chase!  The series is terrific fun and has brightened up many a dull drive or cleaning session. This one was also sad too with

the death of Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen. It was brilliantly written, in keeping with the characters and felt true to who they were

I will very much be looking forward to the fifth instalment, due out in 2025, I believe!

The Door-To-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

4.0

Enjoyable whimsical read that left me feeling all warm inside by its end! 

The Weight of Goodbye by Eliza Graham

4.0

I’m currently enjoying a phase of obsessively reading wartime historical fiction, and The Weight of Goodbye stands proudly amongst them. 
Following Lucia, a young and privileged woman as she learns a truth about her father she can’t stomach and leaves her family behind. Told across multiple timelines, it follows her through friendship, love and tragedy. I loved the sections of the novel which focused on Lucia’s experiences as an ambulance driver during the Blitz, and I was fascinated by the references to the Blackshirts, which somehow I’ve never come across before, but will now be looking into.
An emotional read, perfect for curling up with and getting lost in.

Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler

4.5

Was this an easy read? No, it’s bound to be one that will be triggering for some because it deals with some tough topics. However, for me this was a masterclass in characterisation. Adelaide is imperfectly perfect, the kind of character you fall in love with and ride the highs and lows with. Her relationship with Rory and her wonderful friendship group provide light and shade bringing this story to life. It goes to dark places, but it also feels relatable and full of hope. I loved every second of Adelaide.

Fire by John Boyne

5.0

Wow, this was dark, with a hugely unlikeable main character, but I was in equal measure horrified and fascinated. The writing is sublime, layered and enticing. Abuse is a central theme, and I’m not going to lie it is thematically a tough read. But from a psychological and human perspective it is brilliant.

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

4.0

I’m really enjoying this series, fun with a great cast of ballsy characters (Elizabeth and Joyce are the ultimate dream team) I wasn’t initially sure if i would like Fiona Shaw as a narrator as I loved Lesley Manville, but I settled in and enjoyed this title just as much

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

4.75

I absolutely loved this book. It was my first read by Kate Quinn, and it absolutely will not be my last. I enjoy historical fiction that fictionalises real life people as well as eras and events in history, and this book loosely bases one of the main characters on Osla Benning, a socialite who was actually Prince Phillip’s wartime girlfriend, and worked at Bletchley Park. The comradeship between the women, the peril of wartime and the secrecy of BP comes through so well. I found myself sailing through the pages, and reading well beyond when I should have been fast asleep!