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she_loves_to_read's Reviews (81)
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
Following on from the explosive cliffhanger ending in Nighthawking (#2 in the series). DS Adam Tyler and Co are back with their most challenging case to dare, and this time, it's more personal than ever before.
Facing a complex web of tangled vines, featuring lies, secrets, conspiracy, violence, revenge, vendetta, murder, grudges, corruption, disloyalty, distorted memories, hit men, and a car and mouse race against time to find one of the most important people in his life. Adam embarks on a really personal journey, searching for the ultimate truth about his father's death. Was it really suicide? Or is there something darker at play?
As was the case with books 1 & 2. I was completely hooked from the first page and became more deeply immersed and invested with every turn of the page thereafter.
Russ is so consistent in every element of his writing and just seems to get better and better with each book he writes. His plots are complex but so cleverly written. With many different and cleverly executed strands to the storyline that just weave together seamlessly. Perfectly pacing and drip feeding the next piece of the puzzle into the action. In order to keep his readers at the very edge of their seats. Desperate to find out what comes next.
It's gritty, raw, tense, thrilling, action-packed, full of suspense and intrigue, relatable and well developed characters, and another fantastic ending!
I think this is my favourite so far! I've already got the next book lined up to go, and I can't wait to dive in!
Russ is one of my 'up there' favourite thriller writers.
If you love thrillers and haven't discovered his work yet. What are you waiting for?!
Facing a complex web of tangled vines, featuring lies, secrets, conspiracy, violence, revenge, vendetta, murder, grudges, corruption, disloyalty, distorted memories, hit men, and a car and mouse race against time to find one of the most important people in his life. Adam embarks on a really personal journey, searching for the ultimate truth about his father's death. Was it really suicide? Or is there something darker at play?
As was the case with books 1 & 2. I was completely hooked from the first page and became more deeply immersed and invested with every turn of the page thereafter.
Russ is so consistent in every element of his writing and just seems to get better and better with each book he writes. His plots are complex but so cleverly written. With many different and cleverly executed strands to the storyline that just weave together seamlessly. Perfectly pacing and drip feeding the next piece of the puzzle into the action. In order to keep his readers at the very edge of their seats. Desperate to find out what comes next.
It's gritty, raw, tense, thrilling, action-packed, full of suspense and intrigue, relatable and well developed characters, and another fantastic ending!
I think this is my favourite so far! I've already got the next book lined up to go, and I can't wait to dive in!
Russ is one of my 'up there' favourite thriller writers.
If you love thrillers and haven't discovered his work yet. What are you waiting for?!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Honeybee is a bittersweet, witty, funny, relatable, heartbreaking, poignant, and heartwarming, coming-pf-age story celebrating women and female friendships/ relationships.
Following best friends, Renée and Flo ad they each return to their childhood home on the island of Guernset. Having left years beforehand with lofty, slightly naive hopes and dreams for a future outside of the claustrophobic, 'gold fish bowl' way of life on the island and the unresolved trauma, loss, grief and broken relationships and memories that still reside there.
With both girls at a pivotal crossroads in their lives. They embark on a rollercoaster journey of discovery. Both individually and together as friends. Confronting their highs, lows, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, truth, lies, and everything in between. Testing their notions of what they think their lives should look like versus the reality of how they are. Finding friendships in unlikely places and prioritising what's really important when tragedy strikes.
Despute struggling a little in the beginning with the thing and front between the pov's of Renée and Flo and the slower pace of the plotline. I quickly settled into Dawn's writing style and really enjoyed the premise of the story. The relatability of the characters. The themes running through the plotlines and the message Dawn was trying to portray.
I've since learned that the book is the 2nd book in The Papet Planes series. But it can definitely still be read as a standalone.
Honeybee is a perfect addition to your tbr if you love lol funny chick lit stories celebrating women and friendship!
Following best friends, Renée and Flo ad they each return to their childhood home on the island of Guernset. Having left years beforehand with lofty, slightly naive hopes and dreams for a future outside of the claustrophobic, 'gold fish bowl' way of life on the island and the unresolved trauma, loss, grief and broken relationships and memories that still reside there.
With both girls at a pivotal crossroads in their lives. They embark on a rollercoaster journey of discovery. Both individually and together as friends. Confronting their highs, lows, flaws, strengths, weaknesses, truth, lies, and everything in between. Testing their notions of what they think their lives should look like versus the reality of how they are. Finding friendships in unlikely places and prioritising what's really important when tragedy strikes.
Despute struggling a little in the beginning with the thing and front between the pov's of Renée and Flo and the slower pace of the plotline. I quickly settled into Dawn's writing style and really enjoyed the premise of the story. The relatability of the characters. The themes running through the plotlines and the message Dawn was trying to portray.
I've since learned that the book is the 2nd book in The Papet Planes series. But it can definitely still be read as a standalone.
Honeybee is a perfect addition to your tbr if you love lol funny chick lit stories celebrating women and friendship!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Ok, so... it's really difficult to review this without giving too much away about the plot. But what I will say is that it is a cleverly written, complex, well structured, and multi-layered story with a believable cast of characters that slot perfectly into their designated roles.
It's a story about family. The good, bad, and downright ugly and how generations are ripped apart by trauma, tragedy, betrayal, lies, hate, love, loss, sibling rivalry, expectations, jealousy, forgiveness, dysfunction, mental health, gaslighted, revelations, manipulation, bonds and abuses of all kind.
The prologue sets the tone for the story perfectly, and that intensity and suspense are carried on right through to the end. Taking its reader on an emotional rollercoaster journey akin to the big dipper.
Although the story begins with the kidnap of a baby. It's this that sets off the chain of events that follow and the exploration of Jess and Emily's history and relationship begins. With Isabel taking her readers on a real journey of twists and turns galore, red herrings, revenge, and vengeance. Something that really tests your thoughts, feelings, empathy, and sympathy for both of them and other characters within the storyline.
With pictures along the way of the island and places in which it's set, adding another layer and dimension to the story and another unexpected but clever ending. Little Sister is my favourite of Isabel's books so far!
It's a story about family. The good, bad, and downright ugly and how generations are ripped apart by trauma, tragedy, betrayal, lies, hate, love, loss, sibling rivalry, expectations, jealousy, forgiveness, dysfunction, mental health, gaslighted, revelations, manipulation, bonds and abuses of all kind.
The prologue sets the tone for the story perfectly, and that intensity and suspense are carried on right through to the end. Taking its reader on an emotional rollercoaster journey akin to the big dipper.
Although the story begins with the kidnap of a baby. It's this that sets off the chain of events that follow and the exploration of Jess and Emily's history and relationship begins. With Isabel taking her readers on a real journey of twists and turns galore, red herrings, revenge, and vengeance. Something that really tests your thoughts, feelings, empathy, and sympathy for both of them and other characters within the storyline.
With pictures along the way of the island and places in which it's set, adding another layer and dimension to the story and another unexpected but clever ending. Little Sister is my favourite of Isabel's books so far!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
The reunion follows DI Jennie Whitmore as she tries to navigate a complex investigation when a body is discovered within the trenches of her old high school. When it turns out to be her childhood best friend, Hannah. Jennie is determined to remain at the head of the investigation in order to seek justice. Jennie must try to downplay her involvement and friendships with her old classmates. But with a growing list of suspects, her loyalty to and perception of events and relationships at the time, and a Pandora's box full of secrets, lies, and betrayals not mirroring the friends she thought she knew. Jennie has to fight to stay objective and focused on the task at hand. Even if it means using unconventional and at times, Maverick moves along the way.
Set over 8 days, starting with a gripping scene setting prologue. The Reunion is a perfectly paced story with a strong, well thought out plot and littered with some equally strong sub-plots.
The writing is vivid, atmospheric, and descriptive with well developed characters and packed full of red herrings, jealousy, betrayal, stalking, infatuation, sexual assault, domestic violence, closure, new beginnings, justice, mental health issues and a really satisfying ending.
Making it a worthy 5 star contender for a place on your tbr.
Set over 8 days, starting with a gripping scene setting prologue. The Reunion is a perfectly paced story with a strong, well thought out plot and littered with some equally strong sub-plots.
The writing is vivid, atmospheric, and descriptive with well developed characters and packed full of red herrings, jealousy, betrayal, stalking, infatuation, sexual assault, domestic violence, closure, new beginnings, justice, mental health issues and a really satisfying ending.
Making it a worthy 5 star contender for a place on your tbr.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Five Fatal Flaws is a complex, pacy, gripping, and tense psychological suspense/whodunit story with a #metoo thread running through it.
The story follows the therapist and first-time mum, Trudy, as she tries to juggle motherhood and all of the mixed emotions, expectations, thoughts, and feelings that come with it. Alongside keeping her hand in at work by leading a PTSD support group with 4 members in the hope of gaining funding for a research paper/project.
In an unexpected twist of fate and what it is, every parents nightmare. Trusy's 4 month old baby is abducted from her own backyard.
What follows is a race against time to try to put all the clues together, find Benny, and return him home safely. The suspect pool is quickly whittled down to 5. Trudy and the 4 support group members.
Told from the pov of each of the suspects and flitting between the time period leading up to and around the abduction.
As each story unfolds and the suspects personalities and back story comes to life. You find yourself trying to tie them in with what's happening. But Louise writes so well that you seamlessly get caught up in the next chapter as she lays another piece of the puzzle. Leaving you second guessing your ever changing theories. Louise really taps into each person's story. Portraying every thought process, behaviour, and life experience with confidence and ease. Effortlessly capturing your attention, imagination, and sympathy. Leading to her readers' total investment in the story she is trying to portray and the message she is trying to deliver.
It's a book with meaning and purpose that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The story follows the therapist and first-time mum, Trudy, as she tries to juggle motherhood and all of the mixed emotions, expectations, thoughts, and feelings that come with it. Alongside keeping her hand in at work by leading a PTSD support group with 4 members in the hope of gaining funding for a research paper/project.
In an unexpected twist of fate and what it is, every parents nightmare. Trusy's 4 month old baby is abducted from her own backyard.
What follows is a race against time to try to put all the clues together, find Benny, and return him home safely. The suspect pool is quickly whittled down to 5. Trudy and the 4 support group members.
Told from the pov of each of the suspects and flitting between the time period leading up to and around the abduction.
As each story unfolds and the suspects personalities and back story comes to life. You find yourself trying to tie them in with what's happening. But Louise writes so well that you seamlessly get caught up in the next chapter as she lays another piece of the puzzle. Leaving you second guessing your ever changing theories. Louise really taps into each person's story. Portraying every thought process, behaviour, and life experience with confidence and ease. Effortlessly capturing your attention, imagination, and sympathy. Leading to her readers' total investment in the story she is trying to portray and the message she is trying to deliver.
It's a book with meaning and purpose that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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:
No
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe was everything I thought it would be and more. Giving me everything I want and need from a romance story and even things I didn't know I wanted or needed from it.
It's got small town, fall vibes, grumpy vs. sunshine, and also opposites attract trope. Uncertainty, mystery, tears, laughter, longing, sizzling chemistry, fun, charm, community spirit, love, new beginnings, family, friendship, and the perfect mix and balance of romance, sweetness and steaminess. This leads me to the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. Because the cutesy vibe on the cover definitely doesn't convey the spiciness that lies within its pages.
Laurie's writing is enjoyable, compelling, and emotional, and she sets the scene of Dream Harbour, its residents, and Jeanie and Logan's storyline perfectly. Her characters and the development of them both individually and with regards to the friendships and relationships between them are real, relatable, and relevant. Allowing her readers to really become ensconced and invested in Dream Harbour and its community. Evoking literally all the feels in the romance spectrum. I'd definitely love to become a Dreamer.
It's the perfect read to snuggle up with on a crisp autumn afternoon.
I loved it so much that I immediately picked up the next book in the series, The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, and loved that even more!
If you haven't already got this series on your tbr, then you get onto that pronto!
Laurie is definitely a member of my autobuy authors list.
It's got small town, fall vibes, grumpy vs. sunshine, and also opposites attract trope. Uncertainty, mystery, tears, laughter, longing, sizzling chemistry, fun, charm, community spirit, love, new beginnings, family, friendship, and the perfect mix and balance of romance, sweetness and steaminess. This leads me to the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. Because the cutesy vibe on the cover definitely doesn't convey the spiciness that lies within its pages.
Laurie's writing is enjoyable, compelling, and emotional, and she sets the scene of Dream Harbour, its residents, and Jeanie and Logan's storyline perfectly. Her characters and the development of them both individually and with regards to the friendships and relationships between them are real, relatable, and relevant. Allowing her readers to really become ensconced and invested in Dream Harbour and its community. Evoking literally all the feels in the romance spectrum. I'd definitely love to become a Dreamer.
It's the perfect read to snuggle up with on a crisp autumn afternoon.
I loved it so much that I immediately picked up the next book in the series, The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, and loved that even more!
If you haven't already got this series on your tbr, then you get onto that pronto!
Laurie is definitely a member of my autobuy authors list.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
The Rapunzel Murders follows DCI Kath Fortune and her newly established cold case team as they are tasked with trying to solve the brutal murders of 3 young girls who were found in the folly of the local Quartermaine Estate which had long been the subject of rumours of witchcraft, myths and legends.
Not only is the method of the murders and the suspects way of life unique. But the fact that Kath enlists the help of friend and psychic. Lane Petreus.
Not only did I find the uniqueness of this entertaining. I also love Julia's writing style. The story seamlessly flows, resulting in a perfect pace to match it.
The cast of characters is diverse brilliantly plotted, placed, and developed. I really loved the dynamics, friendship, and camaraderie that exists within the cold case team and certain friends and associates as well. Especially the budding relationship between Kath and her new neighbour.
The action and tension is consistently bubbling away throughout reaching a perfect pitch. Resulting in a cliffhanger ending, you don't see coming.
This was my first outing with Julia, and it definitely won't be my last! I have the first two books in the series on my tbr. Which I will now be bumping up the list.
If you're looking for a crime/thriller series with a twist. This one should definitely be a tbr contender.
Not only is the method of the murders and the suspects way of life unique. But the fact that Kath enlists the help of friend and psychic. Lane Petreus.
Not only did I find the uniqueness of this entertaining. I also love Julia's writing style. The story seamlessly flows, resulting in a perfect pace to match it.
The cast of characters is diverse brilliantly plotted, placed, and developed. I really loved the dynamics, friendship, and camaraderie that exists within the cold case team and certain friends and associates as well. Especially the budding relationship between Kath and her new neighbour.
The action and tension is consistently bubbling away throughout reaching a perfect pitch. Resulting in a cliffhanger ending, you don't see coming.
This was my first outing with Julia, and it definitely won't be my last! I have the first two books in the series on my tbr. Which I will now be bumping up the list.
If you're looking for a crime/thriller series with a twist. This one should definitely be a tbr contender.
adventurous
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
Nighthawking, book #2 in the DS Adam Tyler series by Russ Thomas, is just as captivating as its predecessor, Firewatching.
We catch up with Adam and co, as they are assigned a new murder case whilst talk is rife and decisions need to be made as to whether or not the cold case review unit will be disbanded due to police politics and budget cuts.
Whilst Adam remains preoccupied with trying to keep his cold case unit together and chasing memories, clues, and leads with regards to his father's death. CID's newest recruit, Mina Rabbani, really comes into her own, with fire, good instincts, breath policing and tenacity. Quickly becoming one of my favourite characters.
With vividity, atmospheric, and intense scene setting, gripping, action-packed, and original storylines that combine police procedure, politics, compelling cases, and his characters own personal lives alongside it. Russ has created an expertly written, gritty, intriguing, intense, engaging, compulsive, and suspense filled thriller. With twists and turns galore and an unexpected OMG, cliffhanger ending.
I absolutely love Russ's writing and am totally invested in what happens next to Adam, Mina, the cold case unit, and everything else in between.
Absolutely brilliant! I just can't recommend his books highly enough.
We catch up with Adam and co, as they are assigned a new murder case whilst talk is rife and decisions need to be made as to whether or not the cold case review unit will be disbanded due to police politics and budget cuts.
Whilst Adam remains preoccupied with trying to keep his cold case unit together and chasing memories, clues, and leads with regards to his father's death. CID's newest recruit, Mina Rabbani, really comes into her own, with fire, good instincts, breath policing and tenacity. Quickly becoming one of my favourite characters.
With vividity, atmospheric, and intense scene setting, gripping, action-packed, and original storylines that combine police procedure, politics, compelling cases, and his characters own personal lives alongside it. Russ has created an expertly written, gritty, intriguing, intense, engaging, compulsive, and suspense filled thriller. With twists and turns galore and an unexpected OMG, cliffhanger ending.
I absolutely love Russ's writing and am totally invested in what happens next to Adam, Mina, the cold case unit, and everything else in between.
Absolutely brilliant! I just can't recommend his books highly enough.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
It's a testament to how skilled and talented Isabel is as a writer that every time I pick up one of her books, the story is original, emotional, tense, thrilling, edgy, gripping, thought-provoking, unpredictable, twisty, compulsive, action-packed, well plotted, intricate, cleverly written, constructed and executed.
33 Women follow sisters Celine and Pip as they return to their childhood home after their mother's death and get caught up in a murder investigation after a body is found in similar circumstances to their sister, whose murder is as yet unsolved.
The body leads them towards a secretive community of women who seem to be connected to both the body found, their sister, and another body found years before.
As they embark on the quest for answers, they are faced with danger, lies, secrets, despair, loss, heartbreak, domestic violence, grief, friendship, love, memories, fear, endings and ultimately new beginnings.
Isabel weaves really relatable and realistic heroines, past, present, twists, turns, red herrings, and a plot you can't fail to get engrossed in into her stories.
With clear research, attention to detail, and an ending, you don't see coming. Isabel is an excellent storyteller who should be gracing the shelves of your tbr.
33 Women follow sisters Celine and Pip as they return to their childhood home after their mother's death and get caught up in a murder investigation after a body is found in similar circumstances to their sister, whose murder is as yet unsolved.
The body leads them towards a secretive community of women who seem to be connected to both the body found, their sister, and another body found years before.
As they embark on the quest for answers, they are faced with danger, lies, secrets, despair, loss, heartbreak, domestic violence, grief, friendship, love, memories, fear, endings and ultimately new beginnings.
Isabel weaves really relatable and realistic heroines, past, present, twists, turns, red herrings, and a plot you can't fail to get engrossed in into her stories.
With clear research, attention to detail, and an ending, you don't see coming. Isabel is an excellent storyteller who should be gracing the shelves of your tbr.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Tell Me What I Am is a complex, emotional, moving, compelling, thought-provoking, powerful, and authentic story exploring the question of how far we will go for the ones we love.
It's a story that vividly highlights the impact of coercive control, domestic violence, and how a family is torn apart by unanswered questions, love, loss, fear, altered family dynamics and relationships, heartbreak and the impact that the resultant consequences have on the lives of the people unlucky enough to get caught up in it.
Told across different time spans and mainly from the pov of Ruby and Nessa. Una has beautifully captured the story she is trying to tell in her evocative writing style and well drawn characters. Which adds extra layers and depth to an important story that isn't told or spoken about nearly enough. It is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
I did struggle with the lack of speech marks within the story, and I also feel like it could have done with another chapter at the end to give us more insight into Nessa and Ruby's journey together.
I also suggest checking out the trigger warnings before diving in.
But it's definitely a worthy addition to your tbr.
It's a story that vividly highlights the impact of coercive control, domestic violence, and how a family is torn apart by unanswered questions, love, loss, fear, altered family dynamics and relationships, heartbreak and the impact that the resultant consequences have on the lives of the people unlucky enough to get caught up in it.
Told across different time spans and mainly from the pov of Ruby and Nessa. Una has beautifully captured the story she is trying to tell in her evocative writing style and well drawn characters. Which adds extra layers and depth to an important story that isn't told or spoken about nearly enough. It is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
I did struggle with the lack of speech marks within the story, and I also feel like it could have done with another chapter at the end to give us more insight into Nessa and Ruby's journey together.
I also suggest checking out the trigger warnings before diving in.
But it's definitely a worthy addition to your tbr.