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she_loves_to_read's Reviews (80)
Robert Hunter is back with his 2nd case of the series, and it's definitely not for the faint-hearted! When he's called out to the blood-soaked body of a priest at a local church. Robert thinks he's looking at a ritualistic killing by someone with a grudge. Especially when it's discovered via autopsy that the number 3 is written on his chest in blood. But when bodies start piling up, also with numbers written on their bodies. Robert has no choice but to reassess and enter a race against time to work out how they are linked. One thing is for sure, is that there is a sadistic serial killer on the loose who quite literally scares his victims to death.
Hunter and Garcia are the dream team. I absolutely love them both for different reasons. They are polar opposites . But they just work together so perfectly. We are introduced to Captain Blake. Whom I didn't really warm to initially. But as the book progressed. So did her character, and I found myself really respecting her. Journalist Claire really epitomises all of the things we love to hate about them. She comes across as callous, unthinking, and careless when it comes to the safety of those tied up in the case. I really felt for Mollie and everything that she had been through qt such a young age, and I found myself rooting for a happier ending for her. I'm hoping it isn't the last we see of her.
Chris is an extremely talented writer. I love his writing style, attention to detail, atmospheric scene setting, originality, expertly timed pace, and short chapters.
The Executioner is an addictive, gripping, compelling, and geart-pounding story. Full of action, thrills, spills, and twists and turns galore. Keeping you invested and guessing to the very last page.
I loved it!!!
Hunter and Garcia are the dream team. I absolutely love them both for different reasons. They are polar opposites . But they just work together so perfectly. We are introduced to Captain Blake. Whom I didn't really warm to initially. But as the book progressed. So did her character, and I found myself really respecting her. Journalist Claire really epitomises all of the things we love to hate about them. She comes across as callous, unthinking, and careless when it comes to the safety of those tied up in the case. I really felt for Mollie and everything that she had been through qt such a young age, and I found myself rooting for a happier ending for her. I'm hoping it isn't the last we see of her.
Chris is an extremely talented writer. I love his writing style, attention to detail, atmospheric scene setting, originality, expertly timed pace, and short chapters.
The Executioner is an addictive, gripping, compelling, and geart-pounding story. Full of action, thrills, spills, and twists and turns galore. Keeping you invested and guessing to the very last page.
I loved it!!!
The Strange Case of Jane O is a really well crafted and speculative story that explores the mind, the way we process information, and how it can be distorted for a variety of reasons and outside stimuli determine how we see ourselves and others. But also how others may see us. Our understanding of reality and how others can influence can influence that understanding, and sometimes, our subsequent actions/behaviours on the back of this. Whilst also tackling past and present memory, identity, and fate.
The story centres on 2 main protagonists. Jane is a young mother who is a very complex character, with a usually infallible memory. Whose world has been turned upside down by a series of ongoing hallucinations, blackouts, and period of going completely awol. With psychiatrist Dr. Byrd, also a complex character tasked with trying to help Jane figure things out in order to move on with her life. What makes the story more intriguing is the fact that both characters are really unreliable narrators. This adds a real sense of added depth and dimension to the story and how it is perceived by each individual reader.
I did struggle with the at time slow pace of the story, and I do feel that the ending and also Jane's diagnosis were a little bit rushed. I think it needed a little bit more time to play out and maybe another chapter or two.
All in all, it is a really emotive, thought-provoking, and compelling read.
The story centres on 2 main protagonists. Jane is a young mother who is a very complex character, with a usually infallible memory. Whose world has been turned upside down by a series of ongoing hallucinations, blackouts, and period of going completely awol. With psychiatrist Dr. Byrd, also a complex character tasked with trying to help Jane figure things out in order to move on with her life. What makes the story more intriguing is the fact that both characters are really unreliable narrators. This adds a real sense of added depth and dimension to the story and how it is perceived by each individual reader.
I did struggle with the at time slow pace of the story, and I do feel that the ending and also Jane's diagnosis were a little bit rushed. I think it needed a little bit more time to play out and maybe another chapter or two.
All in all, it is a really emotive, thought-provoking, and compelling read.
Having read books 1 and 2 in the series, which included the build-up to Chloe and Sig's story. It's safe to say that Dream Girl Drama was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it didn't disappoint!
With tropes including forbidden love, instant love, future siblings, opposites attract, he falls first, and grumoy-sunshine. Mixed with anticipation, steamy scenes full of spice, angst, fun romance, love, off the charts chemistry, banter, friendship, charm, a pinch of comedy and plenty of slow burning will they, won't they moments. Tessa has more than delivered exactly what I have come to expect, kmow, and love about her writing.
I really love Sig and Chloe individually and also as a couple. Although Chloe comes across as ditsy and naive. She did really surprise me with her ability to take everything in, learn from it, and adapt really easily to her new life. She is also really caring and loyal to everyone around her.
Sig is your typical, rough around the edges, masculine, and seemingly grumpy hockey player. But underneath the hard-core exterior. Lies an absolute teddy bear who will fight hard for those he lives. Especially Chloe. The one person society says he shouldn't love and can't be with.
I loved everything about their story and journey together. The pace and anticipation were perfect. The plotline and supporting characters complementing Sig and Chloe were all realistic and relatable, and with the inclusion of little tit bits being dropped within the story, setting up the premise of the next book letting us know what we can expect. I can safely say that I'm really looking forward to it.
Tess is still top of my fave romance author's list, and I don't see that changing any time soon.
With tropes including forbidden love, instant love, future siblings, opposites attract, he falls first, and grumoy-sunshine. Mixed with anticipation, steamy scenes full of spice, angst, fun romance, love, off the charts chemistry, banter, friendship, charm, a pinch of comedy and plenty of slow burning will they, won't they moments. Tessa has more than delivered exactly what I have come to expect, kmow, and love about her writing.
I really love Sig and Chloe individually and also as a couple. Although Chloe comes across as ditsy and naive. She did really surprise me with her ability to take everything in, learn from it, and adapt really easily to her new life. She is also really caring and loyal to everyone around her.
Sig is your typical, rough around the edges, masculine, and seemingly grumpy hockey player. But underneath the hard-core exterior. Lies an absolute teddy bear who will fight hard for those he lives. Especially Chloe. The one person society says he shouldn't love and can't be with.
I loved everything about their story and journey together. The pace and anticipation were perfect. The plotline and supporting characters complementing Sig and Chloe were all realistic and relatable, and with the inclusion of little tit bits being dropped within the story, setting up the premise of the next book letting us know what we can expect. I can safely say that I'm really looking forward to it.
Tess is still top of my fave romance author's list, and I don't see that changing any time soon.
Charting protagonist Natasha's story via her pov and spread over a dual timeline narrative from her early life in Scotland, dreaming of being an actress. Right through to her early 40s as a very successful wife, mother, actress, writer, producer, director, and friend. Where The Light Is Hottest is an eye-opening, insightful, honest, hopeful, and uplifting story laying bare the good, bad, and downright ugly sides of the film industry when it comes to young girls and women from every aspect.
The rampant sexism, misogyny, threat of and actual sexual assaults, competition, comparison, and bitchiness. Unobtainable physical standards, fake friendships, media intrusion, the lack of real opportunity, support, and inclusion from the bottom to the top.
In Natasha and her vast array of supporting characters, Catherine has created a really emotive and thought-provoking story that draws in her readers from the very first page and keeps them invested to the very last.
Her writing style flows easily, and her vivid description of the characters, their stories, and the world around them adds so many different dimensions to the story she is trying to tell and the message she is trying to portray. Something she does successfully, providing a realistic and relevant voice to not just those females within the industry. But to all females everywhere.
I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
The rampant sexism, misogyny, threat of and actual sexual assaults, competition, comparison, and bitchiness. Unobtainable physical standards, fake friendships, media intrusion, the lack of real opportunity, support, and inclusion from the bottom to the top.
In Natasha and her vast array of supporting characters, Catherine has created a really emotive and thought-provoking story that draws in her readers from the very first page and keeps them invested to the very last.
Her writing style flows easily, and her vivid description of the characters, their stories, and the world around them adds so many different dimensions to the story she is trying to tell and the message she is trying to portray. Something she does successfully, providing a realistic and relevant voice to not just those females within the industry. But to all females everywhere.
I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.
With tropes including grumpy-sunshine, he-falls-first. My Darling Jane is a slow burn, simple but cleverly plotted romance story that would be a perfect palate cleanser if you're in a reading slump or if you just fancy something, quick, light hearted and enjoyable read.
Despute the fact that Jane, a strong, independent, single parent business owner, and Jasper, a renowned confident and some may say, cocky quarterback playboy move in the same circles. They are more enemies than potential lovers. But when Jane wants to boost her matchmaking business and tentatively accepts Jasper's offer of his celebrity status on the books in order to draw in customers. She experiences a completely different side to the playboy reputation that precedes him. When Jasper starts falling hard and fast, whilst making his feelings known for her. Jane has to dig deep to decide whether or not she can let him into her and her daughter's life on a more permanent basis.
Despute being a slow burn. The pace for the sotry is perfect. Ilsa's writing is easy to read, emotive, and flows well. Her characters and plot are realistic and really relatable. Making it easy to get completely lost in the story. My only little niggle is the fact, that for me, the steamier scenes did seem a little rushed. I would have liked them to have played out a little more sensuously.
Apart from that. My Darling Jane is one I would definitely recommend as being worth a place on your tbr.
Despute the fact that Jane, a strong, independent, single parent business owner, and Jasper, a renowned confident and some may say, cocky quarterback playboy move in the same circles. They are more enemies than potential lovers. But when Jane wants to boost her matchmaking business and tentatively accepts Jasper's offer of his celebrity status on the books in order to draw in customers. She experiences a completely different side to the playboy reputation that precedes him. When Jasper starts falling hard and fast, whilst making his feelings known for her. Jane has to dig deep to decide whether or not she can let him into her and her daughter's life on a more permanent basis.
Despute being a slow burn. The pace for the sotry is perfect. Ilsa's writing is easy to read, emotive, and flows well. Her characters and plot are realistic and really relatable. Making it easy to get completely lost in the story. My only little niggle is the fact, that for me, the steamier scenes did seem a little rushed. I would have liked them to have played out a little more sensuously.
Apart from that. My Darling Jane is one I would definitely recommend as being worth a place on your tbr.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I've heard so many good things about Chris's work and have wanted to dive in for a while now. So, when the opportunity to take part in an epic 14 book blog tour dropped into my inbox. I jumped at the chance. Having finished book 1. I can safely say, i wasn't disappointed!
Readers are thrown straight into the action when Robert Hunter receives a call from an anonymous voice informing him that he has 1 hour to get to an address and if he doesn't make it. His rookie partner, Carlos Garcia, will die a slow and painful death.
What ensues is a dangerous race against time, cat, and mouse game between Hunter and a sadistic murderer who leaves the mark of a crucifix carved into their victims. Taunting Hunter with the same calling card as the Crucifix Killer. A serial killer who was put behind bars 5 years previously. Did they put the wrong person behind bars, or is this simply someone new posing as a copycat with a personal vendetta against Hunter?
Chris is an excellent storyteller and cleverly draws on his experience as a criminal psychologist. Creating an adrenaline filled storyline packed full of multi-dimensional characters with great back stories and a fluid and perfectly paced narrative. His vivid scene setting and descriptive nature really draw his readers in. So much so that you feel like a character within the story. Compelling you to have no choice but to keep turning the pages with a desperate need to find out what happens.
With twists, turns and red herrings galore and an unexpected but perfectly tied up ending. The Crucifix Killer has most definitely set a brilliant standard for what I'm sure is going to be a fabulous thriller series that I won't want to end!
I loved it!
Readers are thrown straight into the action when Robert Hunter receives a call from an anonymous voice informing him that he has 1 hour to get to an address and if he doesn't make it. His rookie partner, Carlos Garcia, will die a slow and painful death.
What ensues is a dangerous race against time, cat, and mouse game between Hunter and a sadistic murderer who leaves the mark of a crucifix carved into their victims. Taunting Hunter with the same calling card as the Crucifix Killer. A serial killer who was put behind bars 5 years previously. Did they put the wrong person behind bars, or is this simply someone new posing as a copycat with a personal vendetta against Hunter?
Chris is an excellent storyteller and cleverly draws on his experience as a criminal psychologist. Creating an adrenaline filled storyline packed full of multi-dimensional characters with great back stories and a fluid and perfectly paced narrative. His vivid scene setting and descriptive nature really draw his readers in. So much so that you feel like a character within the story. Compelling you to have no choice but to keep turning the pages with a desperate need to find out what happens.
With twists, turns and red herrings galore and an unexpected but perfectly tied up ending. The Crucifix Killer has most definitely set a brilliant standard for what I'm sure is going to be a fabulous thriller series that I won't want to end!
I loved it!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
DCS Kat Frank and AIDE Lock are back in action with arguably their most challenging and grisly case yet. But this time, they aren't looking for a suspect in a cold case. They are trapped in a race against time with a serial killer who is targeting their victims and leaving them tied to across without much, if any, evidence left behind for the team to work with. Couple that with mixed messages about the motive. A ruthless journalist and a slew of social media posts and sleuths making things much harder. Kat and Lock are pushed to their limits.
Jo is a natural storyteller with a really unique voice within the crime/thriller genre. Bringing the potential use of AI into policing and thoroughly exploring the pros, cons, and effects that both AI and the human race have on policing in general. Her research is thorough. Writing clever and character development top notch. With relatable and relevant back stories that really resonate with her readers. I particularly love the growing relationship between Kat and Lock and the way in which Jo sensitively and realistically explores the subject of grief and the impact it has on our daily lives from many angles. Striking a real balance between personal and professional.
Leave No Trace is raw, gritty, perfectly paced, action-packed, engaging, fascinating, and most definitely thought-provoking. With a cliffhanger ending that leaves you desperate to read the next instalment. Something which i have the pleasure of reading in the near future.
Kat is now one of my auto-buy authors and one i will highly recommend going forward. Just brilliant!!
Jo is a natural storyteller with a really unique voice within the crime/thriller genre. Bringing the potential use of AI into policing and thoroughly exploring the pros, cons, and effects that both AI and the human race have on policing in general. Her research is thorough. Writing clever and character development top notch. With relatable and relevant back stories that really resonate with her readers. I particularly love the growing relationship between Kat and Lock and the way in which Jo sensitively and realistically explores the subject of grief and the impact it has on our daily lives from many angles. Striking a real balance between personal and professional.
Leave No Trace is raw, gritty, perfectly paced, action-packed, engaging, fascinating, and most definitely thought-provoking. With a cliffhanger ending that leaves you desperate to read the next instalment. Something which i have the pleasure of reading in the near future.
Kat is now one of my auto-buy authors and one i will highly recommend going forward. Just brilliant!!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
With shorter chapters, perfect pace, relatable characters, relevant topics like covid, post natal depression, alcohol and drug abuse, small town community living, multiple pov's dysfunctional families, and a whole raft of secrets, lies, bribery, murder, kidnap, fractured relationships, mental health issues and twists and turns galore. I Dreamed of Falling really does bring a lot to the table.
Julia's writing is easy to read, and I love the way in which she explores the different thoughts, feelings, and repercussions of behaviours and actions of everyone with the storyline. Especially with regards to the fluid and emotive feelings and dynamics that occur between the different relationships affecting each character. The action really ramps up towards the conclusion of the story, which fits well with the twists, turns, and direction that Julia had been taking the story in from the beginning. She also did a great job of playing cat and mouse with her readers with regards to who Ashely's murderer was and how the story would end.
However, despite the fact that I did enjoy the story
For me, there was something missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I don't know if it was the fact that I wanted a bit more depth, exploration of, and insight from the story. Or if it's something else entirely different? But whatever it was. It kind of left me feeling slightly unsatisfied with what I took from it.
It's definitely more of a lower octane mystery based thriller with good writing, great characters, and a wholly
relatable story running through. Well worth a read.
Julia's writing is easy to read, and I love the way in which she explores the different thoughts, feelings, and repercussions of behaviours and actions of everyone with the storyline. Especially with regards to the fluid and emotive feelings and dynamics that occur between the different relationships affecting each character. The action really ramps up towards the conclusion of the story, which fits well with the twists, turns, and direction that Julia had been taking the story in from the beginning. She also did a great job of playing cat and mouse with her readers with regards to who Ashely's murderer was and how the story would end.
However, despite the fact that I did enjoy the story
For me, there was something missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I don't know if it was the fact that I wanted a bit more depth, exploration of, and insight from the story. Or if it's something else entirely different? But whatever it was. It kind of left me feeling slightly unsatisfied with what I took from it.
It's definitely more of a lower octane mystery based thriller with good writing, great characters, and a wholly
relatable story running through. Well worth a read.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Jen Shaw is back in her third and final adventure, and it's her most complex, gripping, action-packed, thrilling, emotional, heart-racing, and dangerous one yet. Featuring everything I've come to expect from Jane's writing and previous instalments. Jane's is a fairly unique voice with regard to the subjects she writes about and balances the mix of currently relevant societal issues like child trafficking, drug smuggling, civil war, cyber crime, police corruption, the plight of vulnerable refugees risking their lives in order to to reach 'safety' with love, family, community, friendship, justice and humanity. With ease, confidence, experience, and a natural ability to really connect with her readers.
The pace is perfect. Her characters are extremely well scripted, thought out, researched, believable, and relatable. Especially Jen, who is a tenacious, caring, strong, brave, and brilliant protagonist with a strong sense of morality and justice. With the story itself being atmospheric, thrilling, suspense filled, well drawn, vivid, compelling, thought-provoking, and has a really satisfying ending with a great twist you don't see coming.
I'm quite sad that we won't be seeing Jen again. But I know that whatever Jane writes and delivers to us next will be worthy of a place on your tbr.
The pace is perfect. Her characters are extremely well scripted, thought out, researched, believable, and relatable. Especially Jen, who is a tenacious, caring, strong, brave, and brilliant protagonist with a strong sense of morality and justice. With the story itself being atmospheric, thrilling, suspense filled, well drawn, vivid, compelling, thought-provoking, and has a really satisfying ending with a great twist you don't see coming.
I'm quite sad that we won't be seeing Jen again. But I know that whatever Jane writes and delivers to us next will be worthy of a place on your tbr.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Based on. Her experiences working within the violent and ruthless sex trades in the Czech Republic and Ireland. Anna's story is one that is raw, brutally honest, emotional, compelling, vivid, heartbreaking, and inspirational at the same time. Shining a much needed spotlight onto and providing a rare voice and insight into the depravity, violence, cruelty, danger, and inequality faced by the often vulnerable girls who find themselves drawn into and unable to get out of a trade that is dangerously unregulated, overlooked and surrounded by misconception and stigma. Hiding in plain sight. Making it even easier for those who seek to take advantage of those who are vulnerable and who feel like they have no other choice. Going into it with hioes and dreams of making enough money in order to try to better their lives. Only to find that it's a vicious cycle they are often unable to break away from.
Anna pulls no punches in her vivid and harrowing recollections of her life leading up to time within and life after her time as a sex worker. Showing how it can affect anyone at any time. Highlighting the danger and impact that it has on those involved, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Questioning whether it's worth the money. Which is more often than not, greatly and unfairly impacted by the ruthless individuals who seek to take advantage for their own gain.
Her humour, sarcasm, and illustrations provide a deeper and more dimensional connection with her readers. Whilst also highlighting the strength, courage, resilience, hope, and kindness of strangers that still exist within those that fall victim to the greed of others.
Anna's is an important story that should be read and told far and wide. Especially to those who govern and implement law. In the hope of creating conversation, awareness and elicit much needed change in order to protect those who are vulnerable and punish those who take advantage for personal gain. An inspirational story that has made me more determined to always support and elevate the voices and stories that deserve to be heard and supported.
Anna pulls no punches in her vivid and harrowing recollections of her life leading up to time within and life after her time as a sex worker. Showing how it can affect anyone at any time. Highlighting the danger and impact that it has on those involved, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Questioning whether it's worth the money. Which is more often than not, greatly and unfairly impacted by the ruthless individuals who seek to take advantage for their own gain.
Her humour, sarcasm, and illustrations provide a deeper and more dimensional connection with her readers. Whilst also highlighting the strength, courage, resilience, hope, and kindness of strangers that still exist within those that fall victim to the greed of others.
Anna's is an important story that should be read and told far and wide. Especially to those who govern and implement law. In the hope of creating conversation, awareness and elicit much needed change in order to protect those who are vulnerable and punish those who take advantage for personal gain. An inspirational story that has made me more determined to always support and elevate the voices and stories that deserve to be heard and supported.