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mags_louise's reviews
3681 reviews
The Girl's Last Cry by Alison Belsham
4.25
Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett and the murder investigation team are back. With another tricky case to solve.
As thirteen year old Olivia "Olly" James falls to her death. But did she jump or was she pushed?
That's what Lexi is intent on discovering. Especially when she learns that Olly was friends with her nephew Sam. Who insists Olly would never harm herself.
Although all the evidence says otherwise. Lexi is sure something else is happening and then the next day another teen dies supposedly by their own hand.
Yet, Lexi isn't convinced and is more sure than ever something far worse is going on.
And she is soon proven right.
But her rash actions and desperation to save lives cause a viable lead to disappear and another teen to be discovered dead.
And now Lexi really wants answers.
However, with little evidence to go on and no signs of murder. How is Lexi and her team going to find who is responsible and stop more teens from dying?
And with a twisted killer to catch, danger, shocks and surprises. This was an engaging and enjoyable follow up to the brilliant The Girls on Chalk Hill and I'd happily recommend this series and author to others.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl's Last Cry. 😊
As thirteen year old Olivia "Olly" James falls to her death. But did she jump or was she pushed?
That's what Lexi is intent on discovering. Especially when she learns that Olly was friends with her nephew Sam. Who insists Olly would never harm herself.
Although all the evidence says otherwise. Lexi is sure something else is happening and then the next day another teen dies supposedly by their own hand.
Yet, Lexi isn't convinced and is more sure than ever something far worse is going on.
And she is soon proven right.
But her rash actions and desperation to save lives cause a viable lead to disappear and another teen to be discovered dead.
And now Lexi really wants answers.
However, with little evidence to go on and no signs of murder. How is Lexi and her team going to find who is responsible and stop more teens from dying?
And with a twisted killer to catch, danger, shocks and surprises. This was an engaging and enjoyable follow up to the brilliant The Girls on Chalk Hill and I'd happily recommend this series and author to others.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl's Last Cry. 😊
A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert
slow-paced
Meet Jane, a retired librarian who looking for a new challenge and a way to supplement her small pension applies for a job to archive eccentric collector Cam Clewes collection of rare books and artefacts.
And a challenge is exactly what Jane gets. When she finds a body in Cam's library, and Cam immediately comes under suspicion of murder.
However, Cam is determined to prove his innocence, believing his vast intelligence and deductive reasoning can easily solve the case.
Only with limited social skills, anxiety and a touch of agoraphobia. It's not quite as easy as he thought.
So, Jane steps in determined to find the killer. But to do that she has to ask tough questions and face the possibility that her new boss may actually be a killer after all.
And with a nice amount of mystery and likable characters. This was an enjoyable if a little slow paced read. That I'm sure fans of cosy crime will love.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Cryptic Clue. 😊
And a challenge is exactly what Jane gets. When she finds a body in Cam's library, and Cam immediately comes under suspicion of murder.
However, Cam is determined to prove his innocence, believing his vast intelligence and deductive reasoning can easily solve the case.
Only with limited social skills, anxiety and a touch of agoraphobia. It's not quite as easy as he thought.
So, Jane steps in determined to find the killer. But to do that she has to ask tough questions and face the possibility that her new boss may actually be a killer after all.
And with a nice amount of mystery and likable characters. This was an enjoyable if a little slow paced read. That I'm sure fans of cosy crime will love.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Cryptic Clue. 😊
Her Last Tear by Stacy Green
4.5
Her Last Tear is another cracking addition to the Nikki Hunt series.
As Nikki is enjoying a fireworks display with boyfriend Rory, daughter Lacey and Rory's family including Mark. The man wrongly imprisoned for killing Nikki's parents.
When a young mother Brittany Walker alerts a nearby volunteer to the fact her two daughters Thea and Abby have disappeared. And as a frantic search ensues. Nikki is determined to help find them.
But with the noise of the fireworks, a lack of CCTV, marinas and no witnesses. How are they ever going to find them?
And as the investigation unfolds and a body is discovered Nikki learns the Walker family are keeping huge secrets.
However, they're not the only ones. As a witness comes forward with a description that puts somebody close to Nikki at the heart of the investigation.
And as the pressure mounts, Nikki is going to have to pull out all the stops if she is to find the person responsible and bring the remaining Walker sibling home.
And with huge twists and turns and a killer I did not expect. Not to mention a confrontation that had me on the edge of my seat. Her Last Tear was a terrific and gripping read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to others.
As Nikki is enjoying a fireworks display with boyfriend Rory, daughter Lacey and Rory's family including Mark. The man wrongly imprisoned for killing Nikki's parents.
When a young mother Brittany Walker alerts a nearby volunteer to the fact her two daughters Thea and Abby have disappeared. And as a frantic search ensues. Nikki is determined to help find them.
But with the noise of the fireworks, a lack of CCTV, marinas and no witnesses. How are they ever going to find them?
And as the investigation unfolds and a body is discovered Nikki learns the Walker family are keeping huge secrets.
However, they're not the only ones. As a witness comes forward with a description that puts somebody close to Nikki at the heart of the investigation.
And as the pressure mounts, Nikki is going to have to pull out all the stops if she is to find the person responsible and bring the remaining Walker sibling home.
And with huge twists and turns and a killer I did not expect. Not to mention a confrontation that had me on the edge of my seat. Her Last Tear was a terrific and gripping read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to others.
The Making of a Murderer: A DCI Matilda Darke Short Story by
5.0
DCI Matilda Darke is back in another gripping prequel story which I read in just one sitting it was that good!
As Matilda, Sian and new team member DC Rory Fleming are called in when a body of a teenage girl is found in the boot of a car.
And the case soon gets weird. As the victim (Daisy) was reported missing by her mum along with her friend Andrew. Whom she was supposed to be meeting and who Sian swears she recognises. She just doesn't know where from.
But it doesn't take long for the team to learn why Sian knew his face. As Matilda's husband James arrives with shocking news.
News that turns the investigation on its head and has Matilda looking to the past and questioning everything. Especially when Adele reveals that Daisy died of natural causes.
So why make it look like murder?
And where is Andrew now?
That's what Matilda is determined to find out. Even if that inadvertently means putting herself and James in danger.
And with Michaels signature twists, shocks and humour. Not to mention a happy reminder of characters past. This was a cracking unputdownable read and reminder of just what an awesome series this is. 😊
I'd one hundred percent recommend to all.
As Matilda, Sian and new team member DC Rory Fleming are called in when a body of a teenage girl is found in the boot of a car.
And the case soon gets weird. As the victim (Daisy) was reported missing by her mum along with her friend Andrew. Whom she was supposed to be meeting and who Sian swears she recognises. She just doesn't know where from.
But it doesn't take long for the team to learn why Sian knew his face. As Matilda's husband James arrives with shocking news.
News that turns the investigation on its head and has Matilda looking to the past and questioning everything. Especially when Adele reveals that Daisy died of natural causes.
So why make it look like murder?
And where is Andrew now?
That's what Matilda is determined to find out. Even if that inadvertently means putting herself and James in danger.
And with Michaels signature twists, shocks and humour. Not to mention a happy reminder of characters past. This was a cracking unputdownable read and reminder of just what an awesome series this is. 😊
I'd one hundred percent recommend to all.
The Nail Salon by Natalie Tambini
4.0
Welcome to The Nail Salon. A place where you can sit back relax have a manicure and confess your secrets to your friendly manicurist.
Just be careful what secrets you reveal. As this manicurist isn't as friendly as she seems.
But then neither are the customers.
In a glamorous suburb in the outskirts of London. Where appearances are everything. Yet behind closed doors nothing is what it seems.
And when a teenage girl is reported missing. All those secrets bubble to the surface. Even those of the DCI tasked to investigate.
And with a great plot and some twists and turns. This was an interesting thriller. That deals with some tough and disturbing issues along the way.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Nail Salon.😊
Just be careful what secrets you reveal. As this manicurist isn't as friendly as she seems.
But then neither are the customers.
In a glamorous suburb in the outskirts of London. Where appearances are everything. Yet behind closed doors nothing is what it seems.
And when a teenage girl is reported missing. All those secrets bubble to the surface. Even those of the DCI tasked to investigate.
And with a great plot and some twists and turns. This was an interesting thriller. That deals with some tough and disturbing issues along the way.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Nail Salon.😊
Take Me by Stacey Kennedy
4.25
Take Me is book five in Stacey Kennedy's brilliant and spicy Phoenix series. And this time ex-SEAL Ronan, his support dog Dex and Lottie's best friend and ER nurse Nessa take centre stage.
As when Nessa is attacked on the way home from a disastrous first date. Ronan is ready to tear the city apart to find the person responsible. But he's also ready to help Nessa deal with the aftermath of her ordeal and after months of flirting. He gets his chance to do that and then make a move.
As Ronan introduces her to the delights of Phoenix and the freedoms it offers.
But Nessa isn't a girl who does one night stands and as a hopeless romantic she needs more than a couple of nights and a show at Phoenix.
Yet, Ronan isn't sure he's good enough for her especially with his history and he's concerned he'll fail to protect her when it matters.
But Nessa doesn't want his protection just his love and is determined that he shows her how to protect herself.
And she'll have too as her attacker is ready to strike again.
And with a little suspense, plenty of spicy moments and likable characters, especially the adorable Ollie. This was an engaging and enjoyable read. That i'd happily recommend to others.
As when Nessa is attacked on the way home from a disastrous first date. Ronan is ready to tear the city apart to find the person responsible. But he's also ready to help Nessa deal with the aftermath of her ordeal and after months of flirting. He gets his chance to do that and then make a move.
As Ronan introduces her to the delights of Phoenix and the freedoms it offers.
But Nessa isn't a girl who does one night stands and as a hopeless romantic she needs more than a couple of nights and a show at Phoenix.
Yet, Ronan isn't sure he's good enough for her especially with his history and he's concerned he'll fail to protect her when it matters.
But Nessa doesn't want his protection just his love and is determined that he shows her how to protect herself.
And she'll have too as her attacker is ready to strike again.
And with a little suspense, plenty of spicy moments and likable characters, especially the adorable Ollie. This was an engaging and enjoyable read. That i'd happily recommend to others.
Two Little Souls by B.R. Spangler
5.0
Two Little Souls is book nine in the fantastic Detective Casey White series and this one picks up right where book eight left off. With Casey and boyfriend Jericho rescuing two terrified children out at sea in a life raft and who have witnessed their parents murder.
However, with no idea where they came from or their parents names. Casey and Jericho can't do anything, except, get them safely to shore and seek urgent medical help.
But it doesn't take long for Jericho's former Marine Patrol colleagues to call with news that the boat they escaped from has been found. And the scene is worse than anything Casey could've imagined.
Yet, she and her depleted team including Jericho, M.E. Samantha, investigator Tracey and Nichelle who is technically now an FBI Agent are determined to get answers.
And they soon do.
As the female victim is identified as Detective Sara Roth from the NYPD. But when Casey contacts her captain she receives some shocking news.
News that has her certain a serial killer has found their way from New York to the Outer Banks and Casey is soon proven right.
As another body is discovered killed and displayed using the same MO as the NY killer.
And now the race is on, and as danger stalks ever closer Casey is going to have to pull out all the stops if she is to stop a desperate killer and keep two traumatised children safe.
And with heart pounding twists, and a killer I didn't see coming. This was a cracking read, that I've spent every spare moment reading and honestly I couldn't get enough!
I would happily recommend Two Little Souls to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Two Little Souls 😊
However, with no idea where they came from or their parents names. Casey and Jericho can't do anything, except, get them safely to shore and seek urgent medical help.
But it doesn't take long for Jericho's former Marine Patrol colleagues to call with news that the boat they escaped from has been found. And the scene is worse than anything Casey could've imagined.
Yet, she and her depleted team including Jericho, M.E. Samantha, investigator Tracey and Nichelle who is technically now an FBI Agent are determined to get answers.
And they soon do.
As the female victim is identified as Detective Sara Roth from the NYPD. But when Casey contacts her captain she receives some shocking news.
News that has her certain a serial killer has found their way from New York to the Outer Banks and Casey is soon proven right.
As another body is discovered killed and displayed using the same MO as the NY killer.
And now the race is on, and as danger stalks ever closer Casey is going to have to pull out all the stops if she is to stop a desperate killer and keep two traumatised children safe.
And with heart pounding twists, and a killer I didn't see coming. This was a cracking read, that I've spent every spare moment reading and honestly I couldn't get enough!
I would happily recommend Two Little Souls to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Two Little Souls 😊
The Shark by Mary Burton
4.25
Meet State Trooper Riley Tatum. Who as a teenage runaway was kidnapped, drugged and left unconscious on the streets of New Orleans.
But after escaping to Virginia and with the help of one man she survived got through school and community college and became the woman she is today.
Yet, lingering memories of what happened remain, with strange dreams of two men playing cards.
So, when Riley is called to the scene of a murdered young woman and the Sheriff mentions her similarity to Riley. Riley is rightfully shocked. Especially when playing cards with the word 'loser' are found close by.
And as Riley joins the murder investigation. So does her ex. Former FBI Agent Clay Bowman. Who is now working for Shield Security and believes a serial killer nicknamed 'The Shark' is responsible.
And as the bodies begin to mount up. So does the danger. When it becomes, apparent Riley is the Sharks number one target.
And with a little romance, big twists and a nice amount of suspense. This was a really enjoyable read. That at times I found hard to put down and it's a story I would happen to recommend to others.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this reissued copy of The Shark. 😊
But after escaping to Virginia and with the help of one man she survived got through school and community college and became the woman she is today.
Yet, lingering memories of what happened remain, with strange dreams of two men playing cards.
So, when Riley is called to the scene of a murdered young woman and the Sheriff mentions her similarity to Riley. Riley is rightfully shocked. Especially when playing cards with the word 'loser' are found close by.
And as Riley joins the murder investigation. So does her ex. Former FBI Agent Clay Bowman. Who is now working for Shield Security and believes a serial killer nicknamed 'The Shark' is responsible.
And as the bodies begin to mount up. So does the danger. When it becomes, apparent Riley is the Sharks number one target.
And with a little romance, big twists and a nice amount of suspense. This was a really enjoyable read. That at times I found hard to put down and it's a story I would happen to recommend to others.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this reissued copy of The Shark. 😊
Beginning of Forever by Catherine Bybee
4.5
Beginning of Forever returns readers to the delightful D'Angelo family. Who are back together celebrating Gio's thirtieth birthday and whilst mum Mari wants him to settle down and have babies, Gio would just like to meet the one.
Especially after watching his older brother Luca fall in love and best friend Dante marry his sister Chloe, and Gio soon gets his chance. When he's gifted a three-week trip to Tuscany touring the many vineyards, the area has to offer.
And this is where he meets Emma. Who is on the same tour after quitting her job at her family run winery and taking some well earned time to herself to figure out what's next.
And sparks fly from the moment Emma and Gio meet. Although Emma isn't interested in anything long term.
Yet, time spent under the Tuscan sun, drinking wine and with the encouragement and worldly advice of the rest of the touring party, including Emma's best friend Nicole. The pair soon find themselves falling for each other and that continues when they return home to the US.
And with such engaging and charming characters and the perfect amount of sweetness and heat. Not to mention a little angst. Beginning of Forever was a super delightful easy read. That had me hooked. And it's a story I would happily recommend. Along with the other two in the series, although you can easily read this as a standalone.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Beginning of Forever. 😊
Especially after watching his older brother Luca fall in love and best friend Dante marry his sister Chloe, and Gio soon gets his chance. When he's gifted a three-week trip to Tuscany touring the many vineyards, the area has to offer.
And this is where he meets Emma. Who is on the same tour after quitting her job at her family run winery and taking some well earned time to herself to figure out what's next.
And sparks fly from the moment Emma and Gio meet. Although Emma isn't interested in anything long term.
Yet, time spent under the Tuscan sun, drinking wine and with the encouragement and worldly advice of the rest of the touring party, including Emma's best friend Nicole. The pair soon find themselves falling for each other and that continues when they return home to the US.
And with such engaging and charming characters and the perfect amount of sweetness and heat. Not to mention a little angst. Beginning of Forever was a super delightful easy read. That had me hooked. And it's a story I would happily recommend. Along with the other two in the series, although you can easily read this as a standalone.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Beginning of Forever. 😊
The Girls on Chalk Hill by Alison Belsham
4.5
The Girls on Chalk Hill introduces readers to Detective Inspector Lexi Bennett. Who after a stint in the US working with the FBI has returned to the UK to take up a new role as head of a major crime unit. And her job gets off to a flying start.
As Lexi out running comes across the bodies of two teenaged girls. Who she immediately realises are twins and a murder investigation ensues.
However, it soon becomes apparent the girls aren't twins but triplets and one of them is still missing.
But which one?
And Lexi herself a triplet. Has a strange connection to the case. As she was abducted seventeen years ago. But Lexi and one sister escaped, leaving the other and the perpetrator behind never to be found.
But it can't be the same person, can it?
Either way, Lexi is determined to stay on the case and solve it. No matter what her colleagues and supervisors say. And push down any memories of her abduction and subsequent escape.
Yet, as the case unfolds the links between the two crimes become more apparent. And Lexi has to face her demons and her sister if she is to have any chance of finding the missing Carter triplet and bring a patient, manipulative, organised killer to justice.
And with fantastic procedural detail, intriguing characters, humour and a storyline that had me hooked. The Girls on Chalk Hill was a cracking read and introduction to both author and detective. And I look forward to reading book two which happily is out in only a matter of weeks.
I would happily recommend this story to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girls on Chalk Hill. 😊
As Lexi out running comes across the bodies of two teenaged girls. Who she immediately realises are twins and a murder investigation ensues.
However, it soon becomes apparent the girls aren't twins but triplets and one of them is still missing.
But which one?
And Lexi herself a triplet. Has a strange connection to the case. As she was abducted seventeen years ago. But Lexi and one sister escaped, leaving the other and the perpetrator behind never to be found.
But it can't be the same person, can it?
Either way, Lexi is determined to stay on the case and solve it. No matter what her colleagues and supervisors say. And push down any memories of her abduction and subsequent escape.
Yet, as the case unfolds the links between the two crimes become more apparent. And Lexi has to face her demons and her sister if she is to have any chance of finding the missing Carter triplet and bring a patient, manipulative, organised killer to justice.
And with fantastic procedural detail, intriguing characters, humour and a storyline that had me hooked. The Girls on Chalk Hill was a cracking read and introduction to both author and detective. And I look forward to reading book two which happily is out in only a matter of weeks.
I would happily recommend this story to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girls on Chalk Hill. 😊