Saturday, October 29, 2016

The Good Sisters - Helen Phifer



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Carina

Published: 31/10/16

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

1931, Mother Superior Agnes offers sanctuary to a desperate young woman fleeing for her life. Only to wake in the morning to discover a terrible fate has befallen one of the Sisters – in a room locked from the inside. Agnes can’t help but fear that she has allowed a great evil to enter the convent, but she has no idea how far reaching the consequences of that one fateful night will be…

Over 80 years later, Kate Parker, divorced, alcoholic, and broke, moves into the dilapidated old convent she dreams of turning into a bed and breakfast, whilst changing her life. Although the locals refuse to go near the place at night, Kate is determined to stay while the renovations take place. But when she starts to hear strange noises at night, and the crucifixes she had removed reappear on the walls, Kate starts to suspect she is not entirely alone in her new home.


My Thoughts


After losing her best friend to Cancer and ultimately her husband and kids to the alcoholism, Kate Parker has very little left. She stumbles upon a derelict house that would be perfect for her to renovate and turn into a small guesthouse.

The story is told between the 1930s and the present day where we learn of the Evil residing in the house. Its a fast paced story that deals with alcoholism, heartache and romance all wrapped up in a classic horror story.

I enjoyed the book but the style and content of the writing would have been better suited to a younger audience. I also felt that the tension and horror was missing. There was no build up, no tension just straight into the action. You knew what was going on from the first chapter and the ending was obvious.

Not a bad book, but not a great one either.

The Good Sisters - Helen Phifer



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Carina

Published: 31/10/16

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

1931, Mother Superior Agnes offers sanctuary to a desperate young woman fleeing for her life. Only to wake in the morning to discover a terrible fate has befallen one of the Sisters – in a room locked from the inside. Agnes can’t help but fear that she has allowed a great evil to enter the convent, but she has no idea how far reaching the consequences of that one fateful night will be…

Over 80 years later, Kate Parker, divorced, alcoholic, and broke, moves into the dilapidated old convent she dreams of turning into a bed and breakfast, whilst changing her life. Although the locals refuse to go near the place at night, Kate is determined to stay while the renovations take place. But when she starts to hear strange noises at night, and the crucifixes she had removed reappear on the walls, Kate starts to suspect she is not entirely alone in her new home.


My Thoughts


After losing her best friend to Cancer and ultimately her husband and kids to the alcoholism, Kate Parker has very little left. She stumbles upon a derelict house that would be perfect for her to renovate and turn into a small guesthouse.

The story is told between the 1930s and the present day where we learn of the Evil residing in the house. Its a fast paced story that deals with alcoholism, heartache and romance all wrapped up in a classic horror story.

I enjoyed the book but the style and content of the writing would have been better suited to a younger audience. I also felt that the tension and horror was missing. There was no build up, no tension just straight into the action. You knew what was going on from the first chapter and the ending was obvious.

Not a bad book, but not a great one either.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

The Killing Game - JS Carol



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Published: 13/10/16

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

A woman walks into a restaurant. Will she come out alive?

JJ Johnson is Hollywood’s favourite publicist. Her word can launch careers – and break them.

But when lunch at exclusive restaurant Alfie’s turns into a fight for her life against a terrifying stranger, she quickly learns this is one situation she can’t talk her way out of.

The twisted individual knows everything about each of the wealthy diners. And soon, it becomes clear that he wants something more than money.

Can JJ find a way out, or risk becoming a victim to a man with nothing left to lose…?


My Thoughts


Alfies is "the" restaurant to be seen in for the Hollywood Glitterati; Actors, Agents, Directors, If you are A-list you need to be there.

JJ is a PR Guru, think a female Max Clifford but not in Jail. At one of the tables she is joined by Dan Stone. Across the room are, If JJ has anything to do with it, the newest Hollywood golden couple, Actor Alex King and Simone Kristionsen. As Alex goes to the restroom a masked man with guns and explosives strapped to his chest enters the restaurant taking everyone hostage.

The story is told in real time between 13:30 and 16:30. The main narrators are JJ, Alex King, Tv Journalist Rob Taylor and his Boss Seth Allan. Is it a terrorist attack or something more personal?

The main characters with the exception of Alex King and surprisingly the masked hostage taker were all Greedy, Self serving, Narcissistic, deeply unlikable characters. The killings are brutal and unexpected at times.

The story moves at a fast pace which is full of tension, twists and discoveries throughout.

This is a genuine thriller that had me thinking about it for days afterwards and one that I will defiantly re-read. A must read and if you have a Kindle a steal at 99p.

The Killing Game - JS Carol



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Published: 13/10/16

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

A woman walks into a restaurant. Will she come out alive?

JJ Johnson is Hollywood’s favourite publicist. Her word can launch careers – and break them.

But when lunch at exclusive restaurant Alfie’s turns into a fight for her life against a terrifying stranger, she quickly learns this is one situation she can’t talk her way out of.

The twisted individual knows everything about each of the wealthy diners. And soon, it becomes clear that he wants something more than money.

Can JJ find a way out, or risk becoming a victim to a man with nothing left to lose…?


My Thoughts


Alfies is "the" restaurant to be seen in for the Hollywood Glitterati; Actors, Agents, Directors, If you are A-list you need to be there.

JJ is a PR Guru, think a female Max Clifford but not in Jail. At one of the tables she is joined by Dan Stone. Across the room are, If JJ has anything to do with it, the newest Hollywood golden couple, Actor Alex King and Simone Kristionsen. As Alex goes to the restroom a masked man with guns and explosives strapped to his chest enters the restaurant taking everyone hostage.

The story is told in real time between 13:30 and 16:30. The main narrators are JJ, Alex King, Tv Journalist Rob Taylor and his Boss Seth Allan. Is it a terrorist attack or something more personal?

The main characters with the exception of Alex King and surprisingly the masked hostage taker were all Greedy, Self serving, Narcissistic, deeply unlikable characters. The killings are brutal and unexpected at times.

The story moves at a fast pace which is full of tension, twists and discoveries throughout.

This is a genuine thriller that had me thinking about it for days afterwards and one that I will defiantly re-read. A must read and if you have a Kindle a steal at 99p.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Safe With Me - KL Slater



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Published: 03/11/2016

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

Thirteen years ago someone did something very bad to Anna. Now it’s her turn to get even …

Anna lives a solitary existence, taking solace in order and routine. Her only friend is the lonely old lady next door. She doesn’t like to let people to get too close – she knows how much damage they can do.

Then one ordinary day Anna witnesses a devastating road accident and recognises the driver as Carla, the woman who ruined her life all those years ago. Now it’s Anna’s chance to set things straight but her revenge needs to be executed carefully …

First she needs to get to know Liam, the man injured in the accident. She needs to follow the police investigation. She needs to watch Carla from the shadows…

But as Anna’s obsession with Carla escalates, her own secrets start to unravel. Is Carla really dangerous or does Anna need to worry about someone far closer to home?


My Thoughts


Anna works for the Post Office and to say the least has a few issues to deal with.

Anna witnesses a road accident between Motorcyclist Liam Bradley and Amanda Danson. Whilst comforting Liam in the road, she thinks she recognizes the driver of the other car from 13 years previous. This encounter starts a campaign of revenge for Anna. Problem is not everything is what it seems.

The Story is told in alternating voices from 13 years ago and the present day, each chapter builds up the tension until the story reaches its climax. The book is, forgive the cliche, a real page turner that was a genuine bind to put down.

I felt sorry for Anna. She was the architect of her own downfall but she never got the help she needed 13 years ago. To be fair the main characters were all a pretty messed up bunch.

A great plot which was well paced and well written, believable characters and dialogue with a satisfying ending and only 99p. What more could you want?

"A suit and tie and you think you can tell the whole world what to do..."

Safe With Me - KL Slater



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Published: 03/11/2016

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

Thirteen years ago someone did something very bad to Anna. Now it’s her turn to get even …

Anna lives a solitary existence, taking solace in order and routine. Her only friend is the lonely old lady next door. She doesn’t like to let people to get too close – she knows how much damage they can do.

Then one ordinary day Anna witnesses a devastating road accident and recognises the driver as Carla, the woman who ruined her life all those years ago. Now it’s Anna’s chance to set things straight but her revenge needs to be executed carefully …

First she needs to get to know Liam, the man injured in the accident. She needs to follow the police investigation. She needs to watch Carla from the shadows…

But as Anna’s obsession with Carla escalates, her own secrets start to unravel. Is Carla really dangerous or does Anna need to worry about someone far closer to home?


My Thoughts


Anna works for the Post Office and to say the least has a few issues to deal with.

Anna witnesses a road accident between Motorcyclist Liam Bradley and Amanda Danson. Whilst comforting Liam in the road, she thinks she recognizes the driver of the other car from 13 years previous. This encounter starts a campaign of revenge for Anna. Problem is not everything is what it seems.

The Story is told in alternating voices from 13 years ago and the present day, each chapter builds up the tension until the story reaches its climax. The book is, forgive the cliche, a real page turner that was a genuine bind to put down.

I felt sorry for Anna. She was the architect of her own downfall but she never got the help she needed 13 years ago. To be fair the main characters were all a pretty messed up bunch.

A great plot which was well paced and well written, believable characters and dialogue with a satisfying ending and only 99p. What more could you want?

"A suit and tie and you think you can tell the whole world what to do..."

I Can Make You Happy - Paul Mckenna



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Bantam Press

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

Do you want to be happier? Do you want to stop feeling bad right now? Do you want to experience greater joy than ever before? What if it was possible to feel happier than you had ever imagined?

Then this book and hypnosis CD are for you!

It doesn't matter whether you are sad, bored, down, depressed, doing all right or quite happy - the system in this book will help you become a lot happier. Paul McKenna has spent the last 25 years studying and developing ways to make people happier and has created a system that has an immediate, extraordinary and measurable effect upon people's happiness levels.

Recent scientific research shows that happiness levels are not fixed. To increase your happiness levels takes a small amount of regular effort over a few days, following simple instructions and using some powerful psychological techniques.

The human mind is like a computer. It has its own software, which organises your thinking and behaviour. Almost all human problems are caused by negative programmes running in the unconscious mind. The hypnosis CD with this book helps you remove negative thinking and installs positive programmes which seek out and magnify the factors which create your happiness.

You don't need faith in this system. Happiness is not a matter of luck or belief, it is created by particular ways of thinking and acting. Use this book, take control of your life and increase your happiness today!


My Thoughts



I have been a fan of Paul Mckenna for a fair few years and bought a few of his tapes. Yes tapes. I am that old. With the inception of the Internet things changed and moved on since then.

I can make you happy isnt a miracle cure you have to work at it and work hard. You have to help yourself. The book is accompanied by a hypnosis file which can be downloaded from a link within the book. Now I will admit that some of exercises are a bit wacky and its a long process so I haven't tried everything, but the techniques I have tried are simple and surprisingly effective.

A interesting book that will make you look at yourself and if you follow Paul Mckennas instructions, will make you happy.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Ragdoll - Daniel Cole



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Published: 23/02/17

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

A body is discovered with the dismembered parts of six victims stitched together like a puppet, nicknamed by the press as the 'ragdoll'.

Assigned to the shocking case are Detective William 'Wolf' Fawkes, recently reinstated to the London Met, and his former partner Detective Emily Baxter.

The 'Ragdoll Killer' taunts the police by releasing a list of names to the media, and the dates on which he intends to murder them.

With six people to save, can Fawkes and Baxter catch a killer when the world is watching their every move?


My Thoughts



If, like me, you are a big fan of this genre of books then like a fluorescent monkey trapezing through the aisles of lidl, this book has been hard to miss.

I first read about Daniel Cole in this article from the Telegraph in April of this year And like a obsessive stalker have been on the lookout for this book ever since.

Not another crime book hyped up to reel us in only to let us down with plot holes bigger than Watford gap with convoluted characters who we couldn't give a damn about I hear you say. Well no. Nope not here. With this Book we have ourselves a genuine contender for book of the year and with it a truly great story teller in Daniel Cole. My personal favorite Author is Chris Carter and at last the UK has found an author who can stand shoulder to shoulder, toe to toe and any other bodily part with him.

The story itself is a wonderful, full on, catalogue of everything a book of this genre should be Its full of suspense, horror, gore and tension all topped off with a splash of humor.

Like all fictional detectives Wolfe is a man with a history and has to face his own demons as well as solve the case. He is surrounded by a plethora of characters that all play a part in the story and you never quite know what their intentions are. The villain of the story is a fantastic creation but the question I asked myself at the end was who is the real villain of the book?

The last book that had me this enthused was Tom Bales See How They Run and as I did with that book, I will be buying copies of Ragdoll to give to my friends and family.

This has been the only book I have ever read twice back to back. A truly great book.

Ragdoll - Daniel Cole



Kindle Edition

Cost: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Published: 23/02/17

Amazon uk link: Here

Goodreads Link: Here



The Blurb

A body is discovered with the dismembered parts of six victims stitched together like a puppet, nicknamed by the press as the 'ragdoll'.

Assigned to the shocking case are Detective William 'Wolf' Fawkes, recently reinstated to the London Met, and his former partner Detective Emily Baxter.

The 'Ragdoll Killer' taunts the police by releasing a list of names to the media, and the dates on which he intends to murder them.

With six people to save, can Fawkes and Baxter catch a killer when the world is watching their every move?


My Thoughts



If, like me, you are a big fan of this genre of books then like a fluorescent monkey trapezing through the aisles of lidl, this book has been hard to miss.

I first read about Daniel Cole in this article from the Telegraph in April of this year And like a obsessive stalker have been on the lookout for this book ever since.

Not another crime book hyped up to reel us in only to let us down with plot holes bigger than Watford gap with convoluted characters who we couldn't give a damn about I hear you say. Well no. Nope not here. With this Book we have ourselves a genuine contender for book of the year and with it a truly great story teller in Daniel Cole. My personal favorite Author is Chris Carter and at last the UK has found an author who can stand shoulder to shoulder, toe to toe and any other bodily part with him.

The story itself is a wonderful, full on, catalogue of everything a book of this genre should be Its full of suspense, horror, gore and tension all topped off with a splash of humor.

Like all fictional detectives Wolfe is a man with a history and has to face his own demons as well as solve the case. He is surrounded by a plethora of characters that all play a part in the story and you never quite know what their intentions are. The villain of the story is a fantastic creation but the question I asked myself at the end was who is the real villain of the book?

The last book that had me this enthused was Tom Bales See How They Run and as I did with that book, I will be buying copies of Ragdoll to give to my friends and family.

This has been the only book I have ever read twice back to back. A truly great book.