Author Archives: Bairdy1985

The 23-Day Girlfriend by Mark Eklid – Review

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Today I’m reviewing The 23-Day Girlfriend by Mark Eklid!

Here’s the blurb

Lonely heart Barry thought Gina might be too good to be true. He was right. Gina preys on vulnerable older men like Barry through online dating sites. She lures them in, uses them to set up a financial scam and then vanishes without trace. But when an angry victim of her fraudulent scheme comes looking for Gina, Barry is drawn into deadly danger and faces having to kill – or be killed.

Review

Recently divorced Barry doesn’t enjoy the single life.. he finds comfort in loving someone, the friendship and shared adventures..he knows where the last relationship went wrong.. he became complacent..ignored the signs..but that’s the past.. it’s time to move on.. he’s not exactly ready but he feels it’s the right time.

Barry takes the plunge and heads to a dating website.. he doesn’t really know how to start things so decides to wait to see if anyone chooses him..so he knows they really are interested…and that’s where his troubles start.

Gina likes to find lonely, recently divorced men as she knows just how to play them. She manipulates them with her sob stories and while they think they are starting a new and wonderful romance.. healing together.. what’s really happening is she’s setting up a fraud scheme that leads back to one person.. and its not her!

By an absolute fluke Barry gets wind of the scheme. At first he doesn’t believe it, then just simply doesn’t want to believe it.. but he’s not blind and kicks Gina into touch.

All’s well now yeah? No.. a blast from Gina’s past is looking to get his money back and Barry is the one in the firing line. Barry will do anything save his skin but Gina’s gone..

Given a deadline Barry uses every ounce of his intelligence and memory to put the pieces together and manages to track Gina down.. not knowing if Gina will help.

Now not to spoil things too much but this is where Gina really develops, as together they try to figure a way out of this mess.. but lets just say it doesn’t go to plan and what follows is murderously hilariously beautiful in it’s madness.

Barry is forced to do things he never would have thought possible.

Plot wise, while crazy and wild was woven superbly well.. I could quite easily see this adapted for TV as it would be one of those mad thrillers full of insane dark humour. It was just soooo good but you can’t help laugh at some of the things Barry get’s himself into.

The plot was certainly gripping but what made it even better was how easily it was mixed with development of the characters..pace and flow was just spot on so this has to be one of my favourite books of 2024 for sure!

Overall I found The 23-Day Girlfriend exhilarating.. I loved Barry’s misfortune and the lines he has to cross to get out of this mess but also cared about the outcome… I was invested.

I came across The 23-Day Girlfriend quite by chance..I took a punt one day on Instagram and noted an author selling signed copies of their book… I’m glad that post showed up on my screen that night.. it was meant to be..

Easy 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! or why not see if the author has any more signed copies available? Ha

A Last Lonely Breath: A Solomon Gray Crime Thriller by Keith Nixon

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Today I’m reviewing A Last Lonely Breath: A Solomon Gray Crime Thriller by Keith Nixon

Here’s the blurb

Christmas is coming and Chief Inspector Solomon Gray is not enjoying his new position, or the prospect of the impending holidays. Gray just wants his boss back from extended leave. Sick of politics and bureaucracy, Gray joins a raid on a local corner shop, just for the hell of it. However, Gray and Linnet Roach, the Trading Standards Officer on the hunt for illicit tobacco, discover more than they bargained for – deadly illegal vapes that could prove fatal to users.


A night out with Roach is interrupted – the body of Rhodri Jewell is found dumped by the side of a lonely road. The stench of corruption follows Jewell around and somehow has reached the National Crime Agency who are in Margate on a related case – without Gray’s knowledge – investigating the potentially suspicious death of their informant.

History stalks Gray.

A past foe of Gray’s, Frank McGavin, an ex-criminal who Gray never managed to put away yet now leads the local council, comes back into Gray’s sphere, offering help. As Gray becomes closer to Roach he’s having to manage his personal life, too. Because Gray’s daughter, Hope, is back home amidst family turmoil.

Torn between his gut instinct and the potential to collaborate with McGavin, Gray faces a dilemma that challenges the core of his principles. Gray’s journey becomes a perilous balance between justice and the personal sacrifices he must make to uncover the truth.

Can Gray push aside his instincts to work with McGavin, rather than pursue him?

Review

In typical Gray style Solomon is about to get himself caught up in a right mess… but this time there’s an even more personal edge to it.

Solomon is acting up professionally, covering for his boss who has yet to return to work. The thing is.. if you know Solomon you know responsibility is the last thing he wants. Not because he’s not capable.. he is.. it’s the fact he would much rather put in the leg work than be stuck behind a desk.. Solomon isnt a fan of the red tape.. he actually wants to get out there and make a difference.

Sol escapes the office determined to stay out of the bureaucracy and finds himself on a raid, the local corner shop has been selling counterfeit vapes.. dangerous ones. What’s even more dangerous for Sol is the Trading Standards Officer on the raid too.. Linnet Roach. She’s a force to be reckoned with from the off!

Roach forces her way into Sol’s life and when a case drops it looks like Sol’s way out. Only to find Roach doesn’t give up that easily.. the thing is.. he could use the help.

Rhodri Jewell has been found dumped by the side of the road, why was he there? Who killed him? And why? The questions just keep coming when Sol takes a closer look into the life of Jewel, who we find out has connections with a past foe Frank McGavin. If McGavin is involved it’s bound to be dodgy!

I won’t give too much away but fans of the series will know the author has a knack of linking cases together, throws in twists and turns too along the way but more than anything adds a real personal edge. A Last Lonely Breath certainly ticks the personal box and hits close to home for Sol! So much so I think he would have been quite willing to loose everything on this one to find out the truth.

Development wise this offering had an extra kick. The rest of the series was clearly lacking.. lacking one thing that is.. Linnet Roach.. ha, what a breath of fresh air. I mean the author never fails to impress me but he managed to integrate a new character we didn’t know we wanted but instantly loved!

The plot itself was impeccable as ever, clever and well thought out but again there’s the twist.. it’s personal in more than one way which I won’t spoil but also McGavin.. wow.. I loved his part in the story and it teases a new direction maybe.. time will tell.

A special mention has to go to the ending.. if you’ve been with the series from the beginning you’ll know Sol has a complicated life and a blast from the past, along with his present collide and honestly it’s fantastic.. will this be the time for Sol to heal?

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Valhalla’s Fury, (The Charlemagne’s Cross Series, Book 4) by Donovan Cook

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Valhalla’s Fury, (The Charlemagne’s Cross Series, Book 4) by Donovan Cook!

Here’s the blurb

Abandoned by his people and destined for Valhalla, do not stand in the way of his fury.

Ribe is lost, its hall burnt, and Charles is still missing. Sven must once more sail into dangerous waters to rescue his grandson.

King Louis of East Francia, the man who took Sven’s son from him almost twenty years ago, has Charles captive and uses him to force Sven to do his bidding and create chaos raiding his brothers Kingdom of West Frankia.

The long awaited meeting of Charles and his mother, Abbess Hildegard, is not what Charles dreamed it would be and soon it becomes clear that Charles is in even more danger. Torn between the heathen gods and his Christian god, Charles must decide where his future lies.

Sven must fight if he wants to see Charles again and keep the Cross of Charlemagne out of the hands of the Frankish kings. The only thing that Sven knows is that to save Charles, innocent people must die.

Review

I’ve been with this series since the beginning and was so looking forward to more adventures with Sven the Boar!

After events in the last book Sven’s home, Ribe, Is lost and his grandson missing. There’s nothing left for Sven to do than to set out to find Charles and get him to safety. He failed him once before and he has no plans to let him down again.

Sven and those loyal to him set out to meet with King Louis.. there’s not really a game plan here..he will do anything to see his grandchild safe.

King Louis has the upper hand from the start, the location of the meeting is very poignant and sets the tone for the tale.. history and the present are about to clash one final time..

Forced to submit Sven sets out to secure Charles safety by causing chaos around West Frankia.. the fighting is brutal and you can really see it take it’s toll on Sven who while under the bloodlust fights like the boar he is.. but he’s no love for it.. he’s fighting for Charles..

At the same time Charles has to grow himself, to learn how to stand up for himself, he’s still young but he’s forced to battle his demons, the deal with death and destruction that has surrounded him these past few years.

What I really enjoyed was the depth and growth of Charles and Sven, both battle the same issues, separated by faith in different gods each struggle to reconcile the death and destruction.. and who is actually watching over them. It’s a connection the two never really understand they have and the inner turmoil these two suffer is beautifully awful for the reader.

The fight scenes are superbly detailed but more than anything moving.. reading those scenes really evoked something within the reader… it’s harrowing but gives you chills with the excitement too!

I’m not going to spoil anything but the author really had me on the edge throughout this one. You never know what’s to come and you fear for the characters.

Development wise I loved the emotion added subtly.. the details bout the families following the men to war.. even the planning of events such as the sacking of farms etc.. every event had an undercurrent of emotion behind it.

Sven always hoped he would do something worthy enough to have ballads written about him.. Valhalla’s’ Fury is Sven’s ballad and I’m glad I took the time to listen to and enjoy the tale.

For fans of the series this won’t disappoint. I think you could pick this up now and understand the story as the author nicely adds detail when needed to give the reader the background but personally I’d say start at the beginning to really enjoy and understand the mighty SVEN!!

This is Sven’s tale of glory and redemption and it’s a ballad worthy 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so I was already grabbing a copy anyway, so what better way to share my thought then during the blog tour!

Want to grab a copy?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/ValhallasFury

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donovan-cook

BLOG TOUR – Death Notice (Michael Walker Thrillers Book 2) by Simon Maltman

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Today Is my turn on the blog tour for Death Notice by Simon Maltman.

It was a no brainer me signing up for the tour as I’d just finished reading the book when the chance came up.. what better way to share my thoughts than via a blog tour!

Here’s the blurb

2000

Michael Walker – former IRA volunteer, turned MI5 informer – had his quiet existence shattered when an IRA hit squad was dispatched on his trail to America.

One year on, Walker has been recovering from having his identity blown.

Now living in New York, he is visited by Amy Landish. The former FBI agent is looking for help to find her missing cousin, Lisa.

Walker and his other new ally, Brandon Johnson – a former thief who had robbed him – immediately agree to do anything that they can. The trio are reunited, once again set on a deadly course.

Their investigation leads to the small town of Six Mile, but the last thing they expect is to end up on the hunt for a serial killer.

Walker does not ingratiate himself with the locals or the police, while becoming the target of the killer himself. Just as Walker closes in on his quarry he receives news from home, in Belfast.

Walker moves from one danger zone to another as he finds himself back in IRA territory, where his old comrades want him dead.

Returning to Six Mile, the killer strikes again and closer to home. Walker made a promise to track him down and he doesn’t intend to break it.

Review

We are back with Michael Walker, former IRA, turned MI5 informer. When last we seen Walker all hell had broken loose when his old IRA buddies had located him and were out to get payback for him turning informant. It was a wild ride that saw Walker team up with unlikely friends Brandon and Amy.

You don’t necessarily need to have read the first instalment to understand the dynamic as the author does a brilliant job of adding detail when needed to help new readers quickly understand the history between them but it does add more depth in my opinion.

This time it’s Amy who needs help. Her cousin has gone missing and the police aren’t really helping..it’s time for Brandon and Walker to pack their bags.. drive over.. and hopefully figure out what’s happened.

In this small town the welcomes are few and far between and Walker is quick to get himself mixed up in all sorts of fights but just when he thinks he’s getting into the case he gets a call out of the blue… his old MI5 handler.. Walker’s father is in hospital.

It’s with a heavy heart our duo pause their progress and head to Walker’s old home to face his past.. lets just say theirs not many happy to see his face and it’s a risk going as he’s still got a target on his back. Will the reunion with his family go well? Ha.. no chance..and I wasn’t sure they would make it back in one piece.

Back in Six Mile it’s clear that a number of people have gone missing.. but why hadn’t anyone joined the dots?

Either way Walker isn’t going to stand by and let anyone else die… the issue is trouble seems to follow him and he can’t control everything. Can he stop the killer?

After the first instalment I was eager to see where the author would take the series next and I loved how he’s made this little team ready to support each other when needed.

The plot was certainly gripping and I loved the changing perspectives and the misdirection added. Until later in the book it’s really hard to pinpoint who the killer is..there’s too many suspects with their own motivations and it takes time of Walker to put the pieces together but when he does.. boy it’s explosive.

I felt the plot was a smart one, not only was it amazing but it also perfectly allowed for the natural flow of development of the character, building on the previous novel, reinforcing the connections between them.

Looking back at the notes I made when reading their were a couple pivotal scenes. I can’t say too much for one.. but lets just say a bullet hits home and it rocks the reader emotionally. The other was the authors sheer love of music and how he manages to integrate this into the tale, expertly using it to build the connection between Walker and Brandon. These moments really added the extra wow and depth I love, the characters feel real and you start to love the friendship they have.

Death Notice is certainly hard hitting, it’s a thriller for sure but it’s got something else too it..it’s the development of walker.. it doesn’t take anything away from the main plot, if anything it just makes the story even more exciting to read.

5*

My thanks go to Zoé at Zooloo’s Book Toursfor having me on the tour! It was my pleasure.

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Book Links

Goodreads

Purchase Link

What not follow the tour?

Simon’s Bio

Simon Maltman is the author of novels, novellas and short stories, released with various publishers. An Amazon Bestseller from Northern Ireland he writes a range of crime fiction thrillers. A regular guest at festivals and events, he is the tour guide for Belfast Noir, and also a well known book reviewer for the likes of ITV and online journals. An established ‘Ulster Noir’ author, he also writes American-set high concept thrillers.

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Simon’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimonMaltman

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimonMaltman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonmaltman/

Website: http://simonmaltmanblogs.blogspot.com/

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Sharpe Books’ Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharpeBooks

Website: https://sharpebooks.com/

Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes Novel Book 2) by Anthony Horowitz

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Today I’m reviewing Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes Novel Book 2) by Anthony Horowitz.

FYI.. while prepping for this review I’ve noticed I bought a kindle copy of the book and the paperback without noticing… must plan better David.. must plan better ha ha.

Here’s the blurb

Sherlock Holmes is dead.

Days after Holmes and his arch-enemy Moriarty fall to their doom at the Reichenbach Falls, Pinkerton agent Frederick Chase arrives from New York. The death of Moriarty has created a poisonous vacuum which has been swiftly filled by a fiendish new criminal mastermind. Ably assisted by Inspector Athelney Jones, a devoted student of Holmes’s methods of investigation and deduction, Chase must hunt down this shadowy figure, a man much feared but seldom seen, a man determined to engulf London in a tide of murder and menace.

The game is afoot . . 

Review

Sherlock Holmes is dead…he fell to his doom along with his nemesis Moriarty.. but there’s a lasting legacy both will leave.

With Moriarty gone there’s a power vacuum waiting to be filled and the people who plan to take over are even more ruthless..

Pinkerton agent Fredrick Chase and Inspector Athelney Jones meet and quickly decide to join forces when a clue is found that links Moriarty to this new threat.. and a chance to meet this new enemy face to face…but with Moriarty gone how will they pull this off?

It’s a chance they can’t miss though, and this meeting sets them on a course where either they will succeed.. or they may die trying..these new criminals are ruthless.

Chase and Jones become partners that at times reminded me of Sherlock and Watson, Jones has a fascination with Sherlock which means he’s picked up a few skills… but will his judgement be spot on.. or will his prey stay one step ahead?

It’s a complex case, with lots of moving parts.. the question is can Chase and Jones put the pieces together.

The plot certainly had that Sherlock feel but with an extra kick.. the excitement of actually not knowing if the main characters would make it out alive was palpable.

There’s twists and turns along the way that really hook you in but what I really enjoyed was the earth shattering ending…. I mean.. I can’t, and won’t spoil it but I had to read one sentence about 5 times just to ensure my eyes weren’t failing me…

Moriarty had everything I expected and sooooo much more. Very clever plot from Anthony Horowitz.

5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Knock Knock by Chris Merritt – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Knock Knock by Chris Merritt.

Here’s the blurb.

Natasha Mayston wasn’t expecting anyone to knock on her door so late at night. And she has no idea that the face staring back at her is the last one she’ll ever see…

As Detective Dan Lockhart is called to a wealthy London street to investigate Natasha’s death, he’s startled by the similarity to a previous case. Noticing the cable-tie restraints and the tiny scratches on Natasha’s wedding finger, Dan already knows what he will find if he looks in her mouth – the metal ball which choked her to death. He knows Natasha isn’t the killer’s first victim and is certain that he will strike again.

Months earlier, Kim Hardy was found in the same position in a run-down hotel across the city – an identical silver ball in her throat. But Kim’s murderer was caught and sent to prison – did they arrest the wrong man? And what connects the two victims? Fearing that he’s dealing with a psychopathic serial killer, Dan calls in psychologist Dr Lexi Green to help him to get into the perpetrator’s mind. Tough and smart, Lexi will stop at nothing to hunt down the man responsible for the deaths.

Then, another body is discovered, just as Lexi finds a clue online leading to the killer. Dan’s team aren’t convinced, but in pushing Lexi away from the investigation, they force her to dig further into the case on her own. Convinced that she’s on to something, she puts herself in unthinkable danger… but can Dan piece together the clues and identify the killer before it’s too late?

Review

Knock Knock is a twisted and gruesome tale of murder.. the victims of this psychopath tortured.. choked with a metal ball.

Natasha Mayston innocently opens the door one night.. little does she know it’s for the last time.. there’s something familiar about this person.. but it doesn’t matter.. it’s too late..

The killer has only just started.. but what’s the end game?

Detective Dan Lockhart is assigned to the case and quickly sees similarities to a previous murder, but that case is solved.. and a man is being held for the crime.. so are they linked? And if so what does it mean.. is the man behind bars innocent?

It’s not going to be easy for Lockhart either as the killer is smart, methodical slightly.. evidence isn’t going to easy to find.

Lockhart has an ace up his sleeve he hopes in psychologist Dr Lexi Green. Lockhart has being visiting Green for his own personal reason for trauma suffered years ago and believes Green can help.. but is there more to it than that?

As the bodies pile up the pressure mounts.. evidence is either hard to find or doesn’t make sense when mixed with the persons of interest and alibis… it’s a real puzzle and Lockhart doesn’t have all the pieces on the board yet. It’s not really a twist and turn tale.. rather misdirection.. thanks to the killer the reader is left wondering which suspect it could really be..or is it someone else the police haven’t yet identified?

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lockhart and Green who are clearly the main characters from the off.. there’s something deeper between them and their growing connection is what gives them depth.. they second guess themselves and their motivations which really gave it a sense of realness. A lot of time is given to the development of these two which is a great setup for the series.

The work relationships within Lockhart’s team too really gave the story extra depth and feeling, the ensemble cast brought to life. Each one had their own personality that developed as the tale went on and you could really see and understand their motivations, their place in not only the team but the overall story too.

Now the plot… wow.. the pace was super on point but what really gave the plot the wow factor was the method of killing.. and the reasons behind it. It really felt like the author must have put some real time and effort into the plot to create such a pivotal character who has so few words.. for the killer “less is more” really worked well and as the team delve into possible reasons behind the murders it just adds to his character and the overall creepiness of the story.

I picked this up recently due to a amazon kindle deal and I’m super glad I did… I’ve already downloaded the next book in the series as I’m keen to see what happens next as while you get closure there’s still some things left open which I felt was super clever of the author… it allows the easy flow into the next book and for readers like myself.. it’s the worm on the hook…I took the bait.

5* from David’s Book Blurg.

To find out more head to Goodreads, Amazon or any good local bookseller 😊

Blog Tour – The Solitary Sparrow by Lorraine Norwood, Narrated by Tracy Russell.

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Today is by stop on the audio blog tour for The Solitary Sparrow by Lorraine Norwood, Narrated by Tracy Russell.

Here’s the blurb

SHE STRUGGLES AGAINST HER ENEMIES. BUT STILL, THEY STAND IN HER WAY. In 14th century England, Meg of St. Michael’s Mead endures a life of abuse and isolation due to her birth deformity. After witnessing a shocking birth, Meg discovers her true purpose: to become England’s first licensed female physician and provide compassionate care to women.

To achieve her goal, Meg seeks the tutelage of William of Oxford, a gruff surgeon who agrees to mentor her. But there’s a catch. She must keep a secret—William and his son Gerard are performing illegal human dissections—and she must assist them. As Gerard and Meg work together, their feelings for each other deepen.

Amidst a civil war, Meg makes an enemy of the Queen, who accuses her of treason. Forced to flee to Montpellier, France, Meg tries to enter medical school, only to be met with resistance. She is told to marry, stay at home, and please her husband. Meg refuses to conform. When a deadly epidemic breaks out in Montpellier, Meg has one last chance to prove herself, but at the risk of losing Gerard.

A story of one woman’s courage and persistence, this captivating tale follows Meg’s arduous journey of overcoming prejudice and adversity as she battles societal expectations amidst the specter of a lethal epidemic.

Above: Author Lorraine Norwood and Narrator Tracy Russell

Review.

What a harrowingly beautiful tale The Solitary Sparrow is..

Meg suffers again and again in life but her strength.. her courage is unparalleled!  

Born with a defect was hard enough for Meg but given the time period the fact she’s female also goes against her… it’s a mans world but Meg very much knows her worth and she’s not afraid to show it when it matters.

During her young life she suffers both mental and physical abuse which at time was difficult to swallow as a reader.. the pain the poor girl went through.

Luck is on her side though when during a difficult birth Meg is noticed by surgeon, William of Oxford. William wants nothing more than a new assistant but he gets much more than he bargained for.. he wants her for nothing more than her womanly instincts and to put his clients at ease but Meg won’t just stand by and do what she’s told.. she wants to learn everything.. she knows she can do anything the surgeon can if given the time and training.

Meg will get what she wants but it won’t be easy as there’s resistance with every step she takes, and some obstacles are easier to navigate than others.

I didn’t know quite what to expect with this one..it’s impossible to impart how much pain this girl goes through but Meg shines bright while breaking down all barriers in her way.

To say it was an emotional journey is an understatement.. but I’m glad I went on it.  Tracy Russell did a fantastic job bringing the story to life with her tone, which weaved perfectly within the story.. I could have listened to Tracy tell Meg’s tale a thousand times over.

It’s magnificently agonising in it’s plot, you will love it but at the same time it will leave a small part of Meg with you forever..I don’t think I’ve ever said it about a character before but I’m fully in awe of Meg.

To say it’s a 5* smash hit doesn’t really do it justice.. it’s a 5* masterpiece.

My thanks go to the author, Atmosphere Press and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour. I’ll definitely be recommending this to friends and family and can already see if few purchases on the horizon.

Purchase Links

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Solitary-Sparrow-Audiobook/B0D1Z92JNJ

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Solitary-Sparrow-Audiobook/B0D1ZH12H4

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-solitary-sparrow-lorraine-norwood/1144683970?ean=9798891321304

Why not follow the rest of the tour to find out more?

Author Bio –

Lorraine Norwood was a professional journalist for over 20 years, working in print and television journalism.  Her lifelong interest in archaeology led her to change careers at midlife and earn a master’s degree in medieval archaeology from the University of York in York, England.   When she returned to the U.S., she worked in archaeology and historic preservation for a number of years but is now happily writing full-time.  She has participated in excavations in the UK including many in York, her favorite city.  The Solitary Sparrow is her first novel, the first in a series titled The Margaret Chronicles.  She is working on the sequel, A Pelican in the Wilderness. The series is set in 14th century England and France. Lorraine is a member of the Women”s Fiction Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society. She is a certified book coach and a developmental editor and loves mentoring new writers.  She lives with an old Lab who follows her everywhere and a grumpy old cat who doesn’t care what the human does as long as he has food in his bowl. Lorraine lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Social Media Links –

https://www.instagram.com/lorrainenorwoodwrites/

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52925062?ref=nav_mybooks

​​https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.norwood.48

BLOG TOUR – Kings of Conflict by MJ Porter

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Kings of Conflict by MJ Porter.

Here’s the blurb

The final, thrilling instalment in MJ Porter’s The Brunanburh Series.

Can King Edmund of the English banish the Norse invaders from England one final time?

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In the wake of the agreement reached at Lincoln between Edmund and Anlaf Sihtricson of the Norse, Edmund returns to Wessex to reflect and rebuild, impatient to reverse his losses at Lincoln.

But this is the winter of discontent. In Jorvik and the kingdom of the Scots, those who’ve waited too long to become kings in their own right grow restless.

As the enemies of the English turn on themselves, Edmund senses the opportunity to reclaim all his brother, the victor of Brunanburh, managed to gain before his untimely death plunged England back into war with her many foes.

With his sights set firmly on York, can he recreate the England his brother built, or will the enemies of England realise the error of their ways and once more unite to drive Edmund back to Wessex, leaving York in the hands of the Norse.

A thrilling conclusion to MJ Porter’s epic retelling of the consequences of the battle of Brunanburh.

Review

Apprehensive was the word starting this next instalment in The Brunanburh Series… not because I’ve not enjoyed the series immensely so far.. no I’m just gutted this is the last in the series.. I know there’s only a finite number of pages that could be written but MJ Porter has really made these characters come to life and I just wish we could have more..

Edmund returns home after coming to an accord with Anlaf Sihtricson but if we’ve learnt anything about the period and the King’s in play at the time we all know peace won’t last.

For each power In play it’s a chess game, trying to second guess what the other will do, wondering which way they should align themselves… or do they wait it out?

Something I really enjoyed was that the narrative switched between the characters effortlessly. I can’t imagine the time taken by the author to put everything in order but the flow was perfect and the change in focus so suitable you can’t help but be absorbed into the tale.

The story is rich in detail, depicting the time.. the connections..the infighting and plotting..it’s all there.

For me the star is, and always has been Constantin, now former King ot the Scots. Kings of Conflict solidifies his shrewdness and his place in history… I won’t spoil it but wow.. what a man he must have been.

What really shines through is the research and time the author has clearly put into the tale, and it’s so expertly woven that it brings history to life.. credit where credits due.. it’s a talent to make a subject exciting and while I know with historic fiction there’s some leeway with events and characters etc but they are based around known facts.. and to use those facts.. and to be able to weave such a wonderful engrossing series..wow.. it’s a masterclass in historical fiction writing and further cements MJ Porter’s as one of, if not thee best, historical fiction writer out there!

Throughout the final instalment the tension mounts and the pace meant it perfectly mirrored the tension rising within myself as events played out.. the excitement growing with each page turn.

To create such a wonderful series, with such a plethora of characters, and egos.. utterly astounding it’s so perfect.

Earth shaking 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so was my pleasure to jump on the tour. Big fan of the authors work here on David’s Book Blurg.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/KingsofConflict

Why not follow the rest of the tour to find out more?

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author’s writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJPorterauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram: MJ Porter (@m_j_porter) • Instagram photos and videos

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews

Bookbub profile: MJ Porter Books – BookBub

Severed by Simon Kernick – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Severed by Simon Kernick.

Here’s the blurb.

ONE NIGHT STAND. ONE DEAD GIRL.

You wake up in a strange room on a bed covered in blood.

You have no idea how you got there.

Beside you is a dead girl. Your girlfriend.

The phone rings, and a voice tells you to press play on the room’s DVD machine.

The film shows you killing your girlfriend. Then you’re told to go to an address in East London where you’re to deliver a briefcase and await further instructions.

There’s no way out.

If you’re to survive the next 24 hours, you must find out who killed your girlfriend, and why. Before they come for you too…

Review

Tyler awakes to a gruesome sight.. he’s no memory of what happened but things quickly escalate when a DVD shows Tyler committing murder.. he’s murdered his girlfriend no less.

He’s left with no choice but to do as commanded if he wants the video and the body to disappear..


Tyler needs time to figure out what is going on… he couldn’t have done what the video suggested… but he saw it with his own eyes!!

Someone videoed the murder and they hold all the cards..with no recourse coming to mind he sets out to do as commanded.. pick up a briefcase.

Things quick get out of hand as the first piece in the puzzle is brought into play… and it’s a blast from the past..

More bodies son hit the floor and Tyler knows there’s only one man he can trust.. an old friend.. but does he really want to put him in danger…and does he really have a choice?

What plays out is a complex mind game as Tyler battles to say alive whilst also calculating all the different equations going on in his head.. somethings not right here.. does he know who’s behind this? Why him after all?

The plot involves a lot of action and intrigue..the twists and turns… like Tyler the reader is left in a haze trying to figure out just why he’s ended up where he is.. but one things for sure.. Tyler won’t go down without a fight.

A solid 4*, easy to read and get engrossed in.. like Tyler I couldn’t stop until I knew who was behind things.. and why.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon. (Or why not checkout your local bookstores)

SERIES BLOG TOUR – The Renegade (The James Ryker Series Book 6) by Rob Sinclair – Review

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Today I’m taking part in the series blog tour for The James Ryker Series by Rob Sinclair… next up I’m sharing my review of The Renegade. 

Here’s the blurb:

This mission will test him to his limit…

When a simple surveillance mission goes awry and the key target is kidnapped in broad daylight in a busy London square, James Ryker, a veteran intelligence agent now working for the secretive Joint Intelligence agency, knows he has his work cut out.

Ryker is tasked with figuring out what went wrong. But when his good friend Sam Moreno disappears without a trace, the mission becomes more personal than he could have imagined.

Torn between toeing the government line, and finding the answers he needs, Ryker realises there’s only one way to find those responsible and to punish them… His way.

Review

Where to start!  It feels so good to have another Ryker story. Fans of the author will know the roots of James Ryker, an intelligence agent whose had more than his fair share of trauma in his life… but guys like Ryker only give up when their dead.

The story starts on what seems like a simple mission for Ryker but nothing is ever that simple in Ryker’s world… A surveillance mission turns to kidnap..and worse.. but why?

To ramp up the pressure Ryker is also feeling watched…paranoid.. it’s always good in Ryker’s line of work to trust your gut sometimes…or is he just getting too old for the game? and there’s not just bad guys to watch for now…he’s on home soil.. everyone has a camera these days so he needs to make sure he keeps a low profile.

Ryker goes out on the limb to find out who is behind the kidnapping and why, and the JIA who he works for aren’t the only ones looking to track him down after he kind of goes rogue, all the letters are after him..MI5, MI6 you name it..he’s pissed them off somehow.

To top off the pressure a close acquaintance of Ryker’s goes missing. This friend has a strong connection to Ryker and let’s be fair, not many can call Ryker a friend and stay alive for long.

The puzzle pieces explode in this action packed story as Ryker painstakingly puts things together. It’s gruesome and awesome at the same time..

It’s another cracking read in the life of James Ryker by the author who is a wizard with the wordplay, the flow is so bloody good I found myself reading at midnight, hours had gone by without me noticing.

The Renegade can certainly be read as a standalone if you are new to the author, credit where credits due to the author on that. His plot lines are so easy to follow it’s effortless to jump in whilst at the same time it’s clear to see how much time and attention the author has clearly put into the story to make it flow so easily.. it just suck you in.

For me it was great to be back with Ryker but the addition of Moreno blew my mind, I honestly didn’t think we would see her again and what a comeback!

The writing is a pure joy to read and I love how I drifted off reminiscing about other Ryker adventures along the way!

It’s a brilliant addition to the series for an established character, fans will love it.. quite honestly everyone will love it.

5/5 Stars!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/therenegadesocial

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so was my pleasure to jump on the tour. Big fan of the authors work here on David’s Book Blurg.

Why not follow the rest of the tour to find out more?

Author Bio –

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Rob previously studied Biochemistry at Nottingham University. He also worked for a global accounting firm for 13 years, specialising in global fraud investigations.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robsinclairauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSinclairAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RobSinclairNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rob-sinclair