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hannahmariebrankley's reviews
61 reviews
Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie
3.0
I really like Kenneth Branagh’s Poirot movies. When I saw the trailer for A Haunting In Venice, I knew I had to read the book before hand.
Being loosely based on the novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’, this is one of the later Hercule Poirot books written by Agatha Christie.
At a children’s Halloween party, thirteen year old Joyce Reynolds boasts that she once witnessed a murder. Only, she didn’t know it was a murder at the time. No one believed her, that was until Joyce was found dead. Drowned in the apple-bobbing tub.
Writer Ariadne Oliver, present at the party and a witness to Joyce’s story. As well as the discovery of her body, she calls upon an old friend. Hercule Poirot.
Just as Poirot starts to investigate, Joyce’s brother is found drowned too. Is Poirot now looking for a murderer or a double-murderer?
I love an Agatha Christie novel. The ABC Murders is a favourite of mine. But, this one was a little more difficult to get into. I decided to read it in tandem with the audio book. I find, when reading a “classic”, it is harder to find a pace. The audiobook helped immensely. I did really enjoy this. It was a little predictable in parts and I am interested to see how they have adapted this.
Because I wanted to read it before the film came out, it reinforced how much of a mood reader I am. For now, I give this 3.5 stars. I think if I hadn’t forced myself to get it read this month it may have scored higher.
Being loosely based on the novel ‘Hallowe’en Party’, this is one of the later Hercule Poirot books written by Agatha Christie.
At a children’s Halloween party, thirteen year old Joyce Reynolds boasts that she once witnessed a murder. Only, she didn’t know it was a murder at the time. No one believed her, that was until Joyce was found dead. Drowned in the apple-bobbing tub.
Writer Ariadne Oliver, present at the party and a witness to Joyce’s story. As well as the discovery of her body, she calls upon an old friend. Hercule Poirot.
Just as Poirot starts to investigate, Joyce’s brother is found drowned too. Is Poirot now looking for a murderer or a double-murderer?
I love an Agatha Christie novel. The ABC Murders is a favourite of mine. But, this one was a little more difficult to get into. I decided to read it in tandem with the audio book. I find, when reading a “classic”, it is harder to find a pace. The audiobook helped immensely. I did really enjoy this. It was a little predictable in parts and I am interested to see how they have adapted this.
Because I wanted to read it before the film came out, it reinforced how much of a mood reader I am. For now, I give this 3.5 stars. I think if I hadn’t forced myself to get it read this month it may have scored higher.
The Last Witch of Scotland by Philip Paris
5.0
When I was scrolling through Amazon, I saw this on offer and nabbed it whilst I could.
Set in the Scottish highlands in 1727, we meet Aila and her mother Janet. Tragedy struck their family a few years earlier when Aila's father was killed in a fire. A fire that left Aila with visible injuries.
Whilst Aila and her mother get on with life, trying to keep a roof over their heads and work through the grief, a new minister is appointed to their congregation. But rather than being welcoming, the minister has a unhealthy curiosity about the two women.
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, we meet Jack and his travelling band of misfits. A makeshift family drawn together through hard times who put on plays and shows. Upon meeting Jack, Aila opens herself up to a possibility she never thought of before; having someone in her life who loves her romantically. But, it seems that fate or rather a minister is looking to destroy that. And create the narrative that witches are amongst them...
Philip Paris wrote this historical fiction inspired by the true story of the last woman to be executed for Witchcraft in Britain. At the end of the book, the author notes this and was lovely in explaining how they hoped to have done them justice with their fictional contributions. It was one of those books I couldn't put down. When I think about the witchcraft trials, I always think of Salem. I sometimes forget that they happened in the UK too.
This was my favourite read of September. I felt the author was able to show a different side to the horror of witchcraft trials. Namely, how it feels to watch one happen to someone you deeply care for. The ending was just the perfect way to close that chapter on the fictional writings of Philip Paris. And yet, open up the historical truth. 5 stars.
Set in the Scottish highlands in 1727, we meet Aila and her mother Janet. Tragedy struck their family a few years earlier when Aila's father was killed in a fire. A fire that left Aila with visible injuries.
Whilst Aila and her mother get on with life, trying to keep a roof over their heads and work through the grief, a new minister is appointed to their congregation. But rather than being welcoming, the minister has a unhealthy curiosity about the two women.
Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, we meet Jack and his travelling band of misfits. A makeshift family drawn together through hard times who put on plays and shows. Upon meeting Jack, Aila opens herself up to a possibility she never thought of before; having someone in her life who loves her romantically. But, it seems that fate or rather a minister is looking to destroy that. And create the narrative that witches are amongst them...
Philip Paris wrote this historical fiction inspired by the true story of the last woman to be executed for Witchcraft in Britain. At the end of the book, the author notes this and was lovely in explaining how they hoped to have done them justice with their fictional contributions. It was one of those books I couldn't put down. When I think about the witchcraft trials, I always think of Salem. I sometimes forget that they happened in the UK too.
This was my favourite read of September. I felt the author was able to show a different side to the horror of witchcraft trials. Namely, how it feels to watch one happen to someone you deeply care for. The ending was just the perfect way to close that chapter on the fictional writings of Philip Paris. And yet, open up the historical truth. 5 stars.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
4.0
Holly Jackson has created such a buzz on Book Twitter. With this being her debut novel, I was intrigued. I actually ended up buying all 3 books in this series.
Having sat on my physical TBR for a while, I had seen online it was being made into a series on BBC Three. I am one of those people who would much prefer to read the book before seeing the TV series or film. So I decided to read the first one whilst I could.
5 years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh. At least, that is what the police concluded. Being in a small town, Pippa Fitz-Amobi had watched the events unfold, but was sure that Sal had not murdered Andie.
With many questions, Pippa decides to investigate the case for her final year project.
Along the way, she and others start to uncover secrets that someone wants to stay hidden. Is it the killer? And what ever happened to Andie Bell's body?
This book left me in two minds. I thoroughly enjoyed the scene. There is just something about a mystery in a small town that never fails. The character developments were well fleshed out. The humour was quintessentially British and some of the twists were so well placed.
But, I felt disappointed when I got around 6 or 7 chapters in and I figured out what had happened. I think that's always a gamble with mystery books because there are only so many tropes you can go with. It didn't make it any less enjoyable and I am excited to see how the story develops over books 2 and 3. 4 Stars.
Having sat on my physical TBR for a while, I had seen online it was being made into a series on BBC Three. I am one of those people who would much prefer to read the book before seeing the TV series or film. So I decided to read the first one whilst I could.
5 years ago, Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh. At least, that is what the police concluded. Being in a small town, Pippa Fitz-Amobi had watched the events unfold, but was sure that Sal had not murdered Andie.
With many questions, Pippa decides to investigate the case for her final year project.
Along the way, she and others start to uncover secrets that someone wants to stay hidden. Is it the killer? And what ever happened to Andie Bell's body?
This book left me in two minds. I thoroughly enjoyed the scene. There is just something about a mystery in a small town that never fails. The character developments were well fleshed out. The humour was quintessentially British and some of the twists were so well placed.
But, I felt disappointed when I got around 6 or 7 chapters in and I figured out what had happened. I think that's always a gamble with mystery books because there are only so many tropes you can go with. It didn't make it any less enjoyable and I am excited to see how the story develops over books 2 and 3. 4 Stars.
The Woman Who Lied by Claire Douglas
4.0
After reading The Girls Who Disappeared, I had to pick up another Claire Douglas book.
In this mystery thriller we meet Emilia Ward, a mum of 2 who happens to be a bestselling author. Known for her Miranda Moody Detective series, we begin the story with Emilia getting ready to publish her tenth novel of the series.
But then, strange things started to happen. Beginning with an incident she wrote about in her first book. Just a coincidence, right? But then unsettling things happen, including a murder. Written exactly as she had written in her unpublished book.
Why is someone doing this? Are they targeting Emilia? How did they get their hands on her unpublished novel?
In a similar fashion to The Girls Who Disappeared, Claire Douglas has written a story with two different timelines. I've come to really like this concept as it is almost like reading an ITV drama series. There are a few instances I, again, saw coming. I think with mystery thrillers being a favourite genre of mine, that is something I can expect. What threw me is the twist that was again revealed within the last few lines. I expect this to be a signature story telling style for Claire Douglas, but it does always leave me needing a sequel. 4 stars.
In this mystery thriller we meet Emilia Ward, a mum of 2 who happens to be a bestselling author. Known for her Miranda Moody Detective series, we begin the story with Emilia getting ready to publish her tenth novel of the series.
But then, strange things started to happen. Beginning with an incident she wrote about in her first book. Just a coincidence, right? But then unsettling things happen, including a murder. Written exactly as she had written in her unpublished book.
Why is someone doing this? Are they targeting Emilia? How did they get their hands on her unpublished novel?
In a similar fashion to The Girls Who Disappeared, Claire Douglas has written a story with two different timelines. I've come to really like this concept as it is almost like reading an ITV drama series. There are a few instances I, again, saw coming. I think with mystery thrillers being a favourite genre of mine, that is something I can expect. What threw me is the twist that was again revealed within the last few lines. I expect this to be a signature story telling style for Claire Douglas, but it does always leave me needing a sequel. 4 stars.
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
5.0
A little autumnal romance for the month.
When Jeanie's aunt decides to go on the adventure of a lifetime, she gifts her The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Located in the small town of Dream Harbour. This is a fresh start for Jeanie and she jumps at the chance.
Logan, a local farmer, usually avoids mainstreet at all costs. But this new upbeat, talkative girl has captivated his attention.
But there is more to both their lives than what each of them let on. Could this be a romance story of Fairytales? Or will it crash and burn?
This book is very much the grumpy sunshine trope you need in your life. With so many autumnal small town feels, it was like reading a Hallmark movie.
This has been all over BookTok and I devoured it in a few days. A little bit of spice in some of the later chapters, but not too much. And some great characters which I believe we will be introduced to again soon! I believe the second book will be out in the summer of 2024 and will feature a few characters we have already met.
I am excited to see where Laurie Gilmore takes this series. Years ago, I loved to buy books from The Little Black Dress collection. If you loved those, you'll love this book. 4.5 Stars.
When Jeanie's aunt decides to go on the adventure of a lifetime, she gifts her The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Located in the small town of Dream Harbour. This is a fresh start for Jeanie and she jumps at the chance.
Logan, a local farmer, usually avoids mainstreet at all costs. But this new upbeat, talkative girl has captivated his attention.
But there is more to both their lives than what each of them let on. Could this be a romance story of Fairytales? Or will it crash and burn?
This book is very much the grumpy sunshine trope you need in your life. With so many autumnal small town feels, it was like reading a Hallmark movie.
This has been all over BookTok and I devoured it in a few days. A little bit of spice in some of the later chapters, but not too much. And some great characters which I believe we will be introduced to again soon! I believe the second book will be out in the summer of 2024 and will feature a few characters we have already met.
I am excited to see where Laurie Gilmore takes this series. Years ago, I loved to buy books from The Little Black Dress collection. If you loved those, you'll love this book. 4.5 Stars.
Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater
3.0
This is a debut novel by author Alice Slater, who was a bookseller herself.
Death of a Bookseller follows two very different characters. We have Roach, who is a true crime obsessive loner. Spending most of her day reading true crime or listening to podcasts about serial killers. Then we have Laura, who is the complete opposite in personality and interests, but most importantly, loathes people who love true crime.
But, Roach has become infatuated with Laura, and not in a romantic way…
As the story unfolds, we get to read from both booksellers’ perspectives. I found that aspect really interesting and so well written. You would expect repetition when there are two accounts of the same situation, but the story doesn’t feel like it was just continuously rehashed in a different characterisation.
Trying not to give the storyline away, I found this a great read until I got to the ending. I was really disappointed. The only saving grace was the epilogues. They were definitely needed. If the story had finished without them, I think I would have rated it a lot lower. The epilogues give that kind of ending that answers a lot of questions, but subtly created more. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alice Slater wrote a sequel and, because of that curiosity about what happens next, I would probably read it.
For the book as a standalone, I give it 3.5 stars.
Death of a Bookseller follows two very different characters. We have Roach, who is a true crime obsessive loner. Spending most of her day reading true crime or listening to podcasts about serial killers. Then we have Laura, who is the complete opposite in personality and interests, but most importantly, loathes people who love true crime.
But, Roach has become infatuated with Laura, and not in a romantic way…
As the story unfolds, we get to read from both booksellers’ perspectives. I found that aspect really interesting and so well written. You would expect repetition when there are two accounts of the same situation, but the story doesn’t feel like it was just continuously rehashed in a different characterisation.
Trying not to give the storyline away, I found this a great read until I got to the ending. I was really disappointed. The only saving grace was the epilogues. They were definitely needed. If the story had finished without them, I think I would have rated it a lot lower. The epilogues give that kind of ending that answers a lot of questions, but subtly created more. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alice Slater wrote a sequel and, because of that curiosity about what happens next, I would probably read it.
For the book as a standalone, I give it 3.5 stars.
How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie
4.0
I picked up this book after reading a review by Yours Chloe. It had been sitting on my TBR pile for a while. I knew, not only the plot, but the ending of this from Chloe’s review. But the storyline intrigued me.
I really enjoyed this book but definitely had my gripes with it.
We meet Grace Bernard, who has had a very difficult upbringing. It’s not difficult to see why Grace wants revenge on her remaining family.
The book starts with Grace in prison writing her story, with chapters flashing back to the past and flashing back to the murders. Bella wrote creatively on the murders of Grace’s family members, but these flashback chapters are where I was frustrated.
This book has very short and then very long chapters. It made it difficult to read before bed, as I found my reading pace slowed. Even when the story got to an interesting twist. I think because I hadn’t expected to still be reading past midnight. In the end, I switched to reading this during my lunch break or on my days off.
Overall, I liked the premise of the book, after seeing the authors intentions for the ending on Chloe’s blog, it actually sat more realistically for me. Which is a hard thing to say, but it is reality for a woman in society. With the mismatched chapter lengths, I would recommend this as a travel read, for when you have a longer journey or are relaxing on the beach. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book but definitely had my gripes with it.
We meet Grace Bernard, who has had a very difficult upbringing. It’s not difficult to see why Grace wants revenge on her remaining family.
The book starts with Grace in prison writing her story, with chapters flashing back to the past and flashing back to the murders. Bella wrote creatively on the murders of Grace’s family members, but these flashback chapters are where I was frustrated.
This book has very short and then very long chapters. It made it difficult to read before bed, as I found my reading pace slowed. Even when the story got to an interesting twist. I think because I hadn’t expected to still be reading past midnight. In the end, I switched to reading this during my lunch break or on my days off.
Overall, I liked the premise of the book, after seeing the authors intentions for the ending on Chloe’s blog, it actually sat more realistically for me. Which is a hard thing to say, but it is reality for a woman in society. With the mismatched chapter lengths, I would recommend this as a travel read, for when you have a longer journey or are relaxing on the beach. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
4.0
I had seen many people on TikTok talk about this book and when I saw it on offer on Amazon, I thought why not?
I ended up reading this in two evenings.
The Paris Library is a book of two timelines. We follow the story of Odile Souchet, who was living in Paris when World War Two broke out in 1939.
As a young woman, Odile decides to follow her passion for literature and applies for a job at the American Library in Paris. On her success, Paris is thrust into war, and not long after the Nazis move in to occupy the city.
We also follow the story of Lily, a teenager who lives in a small town in Montana in 1983. Whilst going through a difficult time at home, Lily grows close to her mysterious neighbour, who is none other than Odile Souchet.
They grow close over their shared love of France, with Odile teaching Lily the language. But Lily, ever inquisitive about her neighbour, unravels the truth as to what Odile did during the war and how she came to live in Montana.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I was enthralled from start to finish.
When reading this book, you flit between the past and present, Odile and Lily’s stories. I have, at times, found it difficult to read a story of multiple timelines, but this flowed effortlessly. After studying Nazi Germany in history at GCSE and A Level, this made me realise how many individual personal stories we do not read about. Although this is only based on a true story, it gave that perfect balance between history and fiction. With some later googling, that made me realise even more, the horrors of what wasn’t fiction.
The only con of this story for me is that it left so many unanswered questions. So I give this 4 and a half stars.
I ended up reading this in two evenings.
The Paris Library is a book of two timelines. We follow the story of Odile Souchet, who was living in Paris when World War Two broke out in 1939.
As a young woman, Odile decides to follow her passion for literature and applies for a job at the American Library in Paris. On her success, Paris is thrust into war, and not long after the Nazis move in to occupy the city.
We also follow the story of Lily, a teenager who lives in a small town in Montana in 1983. Whilst going through a difficult time at home, Lily grows close to her mysterious neighbour, who is none other than Odile Souchet.
They grow close over their shared love of France, with Odile teaching Lily the language. But Lily, ever inquisitive about her neighbour, unravels the truth as to what Odile did during the war and how she came to live in Montana.
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I was enthralled from start to finish.
When reading this book, you flit between the past and present, Odile and Lily’s stories. I have, at times, found it difficult to read a story of multiple timelines, but this flowed effortlessly. After studying Nazi Germany in history at GCSE and A Level, this made me realise how many individual personal stories we do not read about. Although this is only based on a true story, it gave that perfect balance between history and fiction. With some later googling, that made me realise even more, the horrors of what wasn’t fiction.
The only con of this story for me is that it left so many unanswered questions. So I give this 4 and a half stars.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
4.0
I have seen Emily Henry books everywhere. I caved when seeing this on the Waterstones website. This is the exclusive edition that came with these super pretty ombre spayed edges. And I didn’t have to pay any more than the normal hardback!
The only downside is that it did come slightly damaged. It was readable, but for those who collect the special editions, I’d suggest buying them in person.
Emily Henry has been one of those authors all over Booktok, all over BookTwitter and after reading the blurb for this I thought why not?
In this story, we follow Harriet and Wyn, two exes who make a pact one summer. Why? Because they hadn’t told their friends that they had split up…6 months ago.
During an annual summer getaway with their friends. They find out that the cottage they stay in every year is for sale. Two friends will be getting married and, with a whole lot more going on, they don’t want to bring up any drama about their breakup. Especially during their last summer at the cottage. But here’s the kicker. How can two exes pretend they are still head over heels in love, surrounded by the people who know them best?
I found this a really cosy, easy summer romance story. It is everything you think it is going to be from the blurb and yet, there were a few twists I didn’t see coming. In a similar fashion to a few books I’ve recently written about, this has chapters from past and present tense. I enjoyed reading the characters and then seeing how much they had either changed or personally developed through the story. The flashbacks to the beginning of their friendship made me want those connections Harriet has. I expected the ending. But, I didn’t expect how in depth Emily Henry which would explain why so many people reviewed this saying they cried. I welled but didn’t cry.
Booktok has come through again and I rate it 4 stars.
The only downside is that it did come slightly damaged. It was readable, but for those who collect the special editions, I’d suggest buying them in person.
Emily Henry has been one of those authors all over Booktok, all over BookTwitter and after reading the blurb for this I thought why not?
In this story, we follow Harriet and Wyn, two exes who make a pact one summer. Why? Because they hadn’t told their friends that they had split up…6 months ago.
During an annual summer getaway with their friends. They find out that the cottage they stay in every year is for sale. Two friends will be getting married and, with a whole lot more going on, they don’t want to bring up any drama about their breakup. Especially during their last summer at the cottage. But here’s the kicker. How can two exes pretend they are still head over heels in love, surrounded by the people who know them best?
I found this a really cosy, easy summer romance story. It is everything you think it is going to be from the blurb and yet, there were a few twists I didn’t see coming. In a similar fashion to a few books I’ve recently written about, this has chapters from past and present tense. I enjoyed reading the characters and then seeing how much they had either changed or personally developed through the story. The flashbacks to the beginning of their friendship made me want those connections Harriet has. I expected the ending. But, I didn’t expect how in depth Emily Henry which would explain why so many people reviewed this saying they cried. I welled but didn’t cry.
Booktok has come through again and I rate it 4 stars.
Gallows Court by Martin Edwards
5.0
I picked this book up in The Works, on a 3 for £6.00 offer, last year! This is the book that had been sitting on the shelf. When sorting through my physical TBR pile, I just fancied a crime, mystery, thriller kind of story.
This was so hard to put down each evening.
Set in 1930’s London, a young journalist called Jacob Flint is on the scoop. With a killer or killers on the loose, we also meet Rachel Savernake. Labelled as “no ordinary woman”, she puts Scotland Yard to shame with her detective skills. There is more to Rachel’s story. But with murder by murder occurring as the story unfolds, we also uncover deception and corruption with the truth.
I am really happy to have found Gallows Court. Having never read anything by Martin Edwards, he’s fast become an author I want to read more from. I currently have another book in the Rachel Savernake series. It has also been sitting on my shelf for the last year!
I rate this a massive 5 star read. The plot twists, the character assassinations and the descriptive scenes, make you feel like you are there. Like you’ve bought a paper off a lad in the street. I highly recommend this.
This was so hard to put down each evening.
Set in 1930’s London, a young journalist called Jacob Flint is on the scoop. With a killer or killers on the loose, we also meet Rachel Savernake. Labelled as “no ordinary woman”, she puts Scotland Yard to shame with her detective skills. There is more to Rachel’s story. But with murder by murder occurring as the story unfolds, we also uncover deception and corruption with the truth.
I am really happy to have found Gallows Court. Having never read anything by Martin Edwards, he’s fast become an author I want to read more from. I currently have another book in the Rachel Savernake series. It has also been sitting on my shelf for the last year!
I rate this a massive 5 star read. The plot twists, the character assassinations and the descriptive scenes, make you feel like you are there. Like you’ve bought a paper off a lad in the street. I highly recommend this.