Category Archives: Thriller

BLOG TOUR – The App by Stuart James

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The App by Stuart James!

Here’s the blurb.

The App…

Once you’re in, they’ll never let you leave.

Whatever happens, don’t download The App.

* It will come in the form of a link. Maybe in your DM’s on a social media account, the junk folder of your emails or a WhatsApp message from a friend.

* You’ll be enticed by the chance of winning one hundred thousand pounds on offer every Friday, wired straight into the winner’s bank account.

* It’s not a joke.

* This part is genuine.

* Someone can and will win the money.

* But at what cost?

Marty Benson gets the link sent to him by a friend. So what is the harm in looking?
He clicks it, downloads the app and enters a few basic details.
A message prompts him to wait while he’s loaded onto the system.
An hour later, another message.

• Do not delete the app.

• Do not tell anyone outside of your family about the app.

• Send the link to one person who is close to you.

* Do not throw your phone away.

* Always narrate while streaming.

• If you break any of the rules, we’ll kill a member of your family. Then we’ll kill you.

Marty is sent a picture of his wife, who is shopping with her mother in Oxford Street.

As Marty struggles to breathe, he clicks the links and watches the most recent streams, realising what happens within the
app.

Every Friday morning, a person is randomly picked from social media.

They now have a bounty on their head—a death warrant. But they don’t know it.

Their profile appears on the app’s main page; all their details are displayed.

Every app member must play the game at least once a month or face the consequences.

Kill the person randomly selected from social media.

Win one hundred thousand pounds.

As Marty watches the terror unfold and everyone streaming the hunt within the app, he realises he has to do something.

But how do you stop a murder, when everyone could be the killer?

Review

The vast majority of us will own a phone, a vast majority of us would happily download an app based on a friends recommendation.. but what if that link they have sent is dangerous? Many of us will have downloaded a virus at some point but in comparison.. This App… it’s life or death!

Marty downloads the app, it’s been sent to him by his best friend Davey..but the sinister side of the app shows quickly when a picture of his family is sent to his phone with list of instructions. He can’t delete the app.. they will know.. he can’t ignore the app either as he soon learns what happens to those who don’t play by the rules.

While Marty tries to get to grips with the situation he’s faced with we learn of the learn of the app creator and his own twisted mind.

We also get to know what it feels like to be one of the hunted!

I loved how the author switched perspectives, you see things through the eyes of the creator, the hunter and the hunted! This led to an easy flowing and exciting tale that grips you..it’s like the author keeps teasing you.. you have to know what happens next.. like the app.. you can’t ignore it..can’t look away..

The App is all about the tension..the creepiness of those involved with the app so the characters themselves while good were not my main focus.. It was all about the app and the creator’s lust for torment and death that had me hooked, the character has more depth than the others and I would have loved more time to see him develop further as he’s just so wonderfully twisted. Even though you should despise him.. there’s something that draws you to him and his life is what really makes the book pop!

Overall a fun read that explores how technology can be misused and the depths some people will go to survive… as well as the depths some will sink to in order to fulfil their perverted desires!

A 4* easily from me,

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to the author and ZooloosBookTours for having me on the tour and for providing me a copy of the book to aid my review!

Why not check out the other stops on the tour for more?

Author Bio

I have always loved scary stories, especially ones that shocked me, left me terrified, looking under my bed or in the wardrobe before going to sleep.

There was just a fantastic buzz whenever I watched or read something that took my breathe away.

I remember going to my nan’s house in Ireland as a youngster with my mother and sister, on the West Coast, staying in a cottage, surrounded by miles of fields and my family sitting around the table in the kitchen at night telling ghost stories. Going out and exploring derelict farmhouses in the middle of nowhere. I remember clearly the field at the end of the road was supposed to be haunted by headless nuns. My cousins often remind me of the great times we had, frightening each other and running for our lives whenever we’d see something that didn’t look right.

This is why I love nothing more than to tell a story.

I’m so grateful when people not only read my thrillers but also take the time to get in touch and leave a review. To me, that is the greatest feeling, hearing from people that have enjoyed my work. I know then that I’m doing something right.

I’m 49, married and have two beautiful children. Currently, I’m a full-time plumber but would love nothing more than to make a living from my writing. I hope I write stories and people continue to enjoy them for years to come. That would be completely amazing and a dream come true.


Follow him at:


Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartJames73

Website: https://www.stuartjamesthrillers.com/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stuartjamesauthor

The Rain by B.B Thomas – Audiobook Review

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Today I’m reviewing The Rain by B.B Thomas. An Audible Original Narrated by: Tom Petty, Catrin Walker-Booth, Katy Sobey

Here’s the blurb

A taut psychological thriller that will keep listeners guessing all the way to the end….

Rob and Emma have made a fresh start, moving away from London and back to her hometown. With their baby daughter Sophie, their family is complete.

Until one night, Rob arrives home from a late shift to find baby Sophie crying and on her own. Frantically, he searches the house and surroundings, but Emma has disappeared without a trace.

Rob is distraught. Emma couldn’t abandon their child – could she?

As rumours spread around the village, Rob uncovers secrets about Emma’s past life that shake his foundations about the woman he thought he married.

And when suspicion is cast on him, he must take desperate action to find out what happened to Emma. The question is, does he know his wife well enough to uncover the truth?

Review

Wow!

The Rain follows Rob, Emma and their little girl Sophie.

One night when Rob arrives home to find Sophie crying and Emma missing he fears the worst.. why would she leave Sophie like this… why would she not talk to him.

When the police arrive to help find his missing wife there’s speculation maybe Emma has just runaway, unhappy with her life… but Rob can’t accept that.

I’m trying to keep this spoiler free so let’s just say an event occurs that will shake Rob to the core.

Rob spirals and starts to look deeper into his wife’s past..there’s a secret she was running from but why? And what’s it got to do with her disappearance? Why now?

As Rob tries to come to terms with recent events and taking care of his daughter he builds a great friendship with Emma’s parents and together it seems like Rob might be able to move on a little..and he even starts to make a new friend…

But soon suspicion lands on him for Emma’s disappearance and with the police scrutinising his every move some of the things he’s done don’t look good… but things aren’t right..things have been twisted..but by who? And why? It’s not looking good for Rob.

The last few chapters are a chilling ride for the reader as the author puts the pieces together for Rob and the truth revealed.

When it comes to the plot I frigging loved this, very tense and chilling with twists along the way. Towards the end you are just waiting for that truth to be revealed and it’s very much the WOW moment but if I’m honest the whole story was a WOW moment for me.

I quite enjoy and audible book but truth be told my mind wanders a lot if I’m not reading a physical book so an author actually needs to work hard to grab my attention and this story certainly did, couldn’t put it down and it even led me to enjoy some of the housework like ironing and cleaning as it was the perfect time to put the headphones in and shut off from life for a little ha.

Narration wise I felt it worked so well. There was emotion and depth to the voices which perfectly suited the tail and it certainly added to the tense theme of the tale.

Very much a 5* from me and highly recommended to anyone who enjoys an audible tale.

To find out more head to Audible, Amazon or Goodreads.

BLOG TOUR – Outcast by Chris Ryan!

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Outcast by Chris Ryan!

Chris was born in Newcastle, my neck of the woods! So how could I not jump on the chance to be part of the blog tour!!

Here’s the blurb

After single-handedly intervening in a deadly terrorist attack in Mali, SAS Warrant Officer Jamie ‘Geordie’ Carter is denounced as a lone wolf by jealous superiors.

Now a Regiment outcast, Carter is given a second chance with a deniable mission: locate SAS hero-gone-rogue, David Vann.

Vann had been sent into Afghanistan to train local rebels to fight the Taliban. But he’s since gone silent and expected attacks on key targets have not happened.

Tracking Vann through Afghanistan and Tajikistan, Carter not only discovers the rogue soldier’s involvement in a conspiracy that stretches far beyond the Middle East – but an imminent attack that will have deadly consequences the world over . . .

Review.

Outcast follows the journey of Officer Jamie ‘Geordie’ Carter.  Carter is a likeable fellow, but he’s ruffled some feathers along the way and has found himself out of favour with his superiors.  

On his current assignment it looks like he’s about to make things worse but just when things are about to get interesting an offer comes his way that he can’t resist.  

A fellow Blade, his mentor, David Vann has gone missing while on assignment, information is lacking so Carter is sent in the extract Vann.

As soon as Carter picks up the trail he gets a sense something isn’t quite right but little does he know what kind of shitstorm he’s about to walk into.

There’s action and betrayal behind every chapter and it ends up a race against time for Carter as there’s much more at stake than we first thought.

This is my first time reading a Chris Ryan book and I’ve heard many a good thing said about his work. Flow wise the book didn’t disappoint, it’s all about the build-up but with plenty of action and adrenaline as Carter constantly reassess the situation as the plot takes a twist. Character wise it didn’t disappoint either, the plot leaves little chance to give the characters too much depth but perfectly matches the flow as the author packs details in that quickly help you assess the characters and their motivations.

There’s a real authentic edge to the tale, the setting within Afghanistan after the withdrawal of western troops which gave the perfect backdrop for this story.

Outcast is a fast-paced thriller that fans of the genre will love. There’s a twist at the end which I hope means we will see more of Carter.. I’ll be waiting 😊

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel @ rachelsrandomresources.com for having me on the tour! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review but I’ll be more than happy to grab a copy too 😊

5/5 Stars from me 🙂

To find our more head to Goodreads, Amazon or Browns Books.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Chris Ryan was born in Newcastle.

In 1984 he joined 22 SAS. After completing the year-long Alpine Guides Course, he was the troop guide for B Squadron Mountain Troop. He completed three tours with the anti-terrorist team, serving as an assaulter, sniper and finally Sniper Team Commander.

Chris was part of the SAS eight-man team chosen for the famous Bravo Two Zero mission during the 1991 Gulf War. He was the only member of the unit to escape from Iraq, where three of his colleagues were killed and four captured, for which he was awarded the Military Medal. Chris wrote about his experiences in his book The One That Got Away, which became an immediate bestseller. Since then he has written over fifty books and presented a number of very successful TV programmes.

Social Media Links  

Twitter

https://twitter.com/exsaschrisryan

https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks

BLOG TOUR – The Price by Kerry Kaya

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Today is the last day and may stop on the blog tour for The Price by Kerry Kaya.

Have you been following the tour? Why not? Check out the blogs below to catch up 😊

Here’s the blurb on the book:

Break the rules…

Harry Fletcher – Fletch to his friends – has spent his life surviving the tough streets of the East End. He knows working for notorious gangster Billy King is dangerous, and sleeping with Billy’s beautiful wife, Susan is deadly…but rules are meant to be broken.

Pay the price.

If Billy discovers the affair, Fletch is a dead man. But the closer he gets to Susan the more reckless Fletch becomes. And soon, Fletch realises that every one – even him – must pay the price for his actions.

But just what is Fletch prepared to lose…and will the cost be too high, even for him?

Review.

Fletch, his brother Spencer and their best mate Stevie are local lads up to no good. They soon get noticed by Billy King. King’s not a man to be messed with and little do the lads know they will soon be joining the ranks of Billy’s gang.

Billy takes a shine to Fletch and it shows, money flows and loose lips talk and the trust grows. This trust is put to the test when Fletch catches the eye of Billy’s wife, the attraction is mutual and given Billy really doesn’t deserve his wife Fletch soon finds himself head over heals.

While Fletch is preoccupied, King’s gang is like a pressure cooker waiting to go off, local rivals are pushing their weight around and Billy has to make a statement.. although he’s smart.. he doesn’t actually want to get caught.. he just wants these guys to know you can’t cross Billy King and live!

The pressure ramps up when King has Spencer take out one of the rival crew. Fletch is very protective of his brother and this further adds to the stress Fletch is under, but why is he so protective? His brother is big enough to look after himself after all.

The bombshell twist hits home hard and Fletch has to do everything he can to stop his brother learning the truth.. he’s also got to work hard to keep his relationship a secret still if he doesn’t want his boss to kill him.

Inevitably for a gangster Fletch’s  world comes crashing down and his life is spiralling out of control. Can he keep his family safe?

The Price is a super fast paced and easy flowing gangland tale focusing on family and hidden secrets. The twists came just when you needed them to keep you sucked in. A fun enjoyable read.

4/5 Stars

My thanks go to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the blog tour and for the ARC to allow me time to have my review ready for the blog tour, another I’ll be adding to my kindle purchased listed very soon. 😊

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

Author Bio –  

Kerry Kaya is the hugely popular author of Essex-based gritty gangland thrillers with strong family dynamics. She grew up on one of the largest council estates in the UK, where she sets her novels. She also works full-time in a busy maternity department for the NHS. She has signed a nine-book deal with Boldwood for both new and backlist titles. Her first book The Price will be published in July 2021.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/KerryKayaWriter on Twitter

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kerry_kaya_writer/ on Instagram

BLOG TOUR – Insider by Owen Mullen (The Glass Family Book 2)

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Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for Insider by Owen Mullen, an author who is a firm favourite here on David’s Book Blurg! It just so happens to be release day so without further ado…

Here’s the blurb

Someone’s playing both sides and now they have a score to settle…

When the family business is crime, you can never be sure who to trust. And when three of their businesses are hit in one night, the notorious Glass family close ranks. Either someone is sending them a message or a war is coming…

With trouble coming from all sides, the heads of the Glass family have more than enough to deal with, but all bets are off when a stranger from the past enters the game, causing division and mistrust.

Crooked cops, rival gangs and old enemies are bad enough, but when the trouble comes from the inside, loyalties are tested, with deadly consequences.

Review

We are back with the Glass family for book 2 in this gritty gangland series. Luke is now head of the family after events in the previous installment, he never wanted this life..he was ready to walk away.. but once it’s got hold of you, you’re not getting out.

Jazzer and his friends are hired to hit some of Luke’s investments little do they know the world of trouble this will bring them. George Ritchie the gangster is back and working for Luke and you just know when he gets the scent there’s nowhere safe to hide . No one might have been hurt but George is old school… payback will be swift.

What happens next rocks the Glass family.. firstly the club is hit and this time there’s a body count..then someone from the past shows up.. a stranger.. but someone who wants a piece of the family action.

Soon it becomes very clear the hits were not carried out by the same crew.. and the Glass family are systematically under attack..and with little to no clues to go on Luke turns to Mark Douglas. Douglass is an ex cop who helped stop the hit at the club becoming worse than it was.. this guys good and he brings his own crew in the sort the family mess out.

Nina, Luke’s sister is still in the family business but she’s a loose canon.. can Luke, George and Mark tame her… no chance.. but can they calm her down enough to stop her getting in serious trouble.. or worse..

Things heat up a lot and the bodies start to pile up. Luke’s more shady customers start to become concerned, especially when they end up potential targets themselves.

Now Luke has his own connections,  he’s got a policeman on the payroll but Oliver Standford has his own issues when he becomes a target too. He wants out of the life but he’s stuck..if he goes down so does the Glass family. The main issue is there is no chatter on who is after the family, but why? Surely someone knows?

Things come to a dramatic EXPLOSIVE conclusion in what has to be one of the best new series I’ve read in a long time. I never thought gangland thrillers would be my kind of story.. I’m a historical fiction guy through and through but Mullen knows how to suck the readers in, knows just how to write to get you invested and In customary fashion the author leaves you desperate for more.

The thing I enjoyed the most about this offering was the character development..we already know some of the main players and their motivations and this left the author time to bring in some fresh blood, even though it’s unlikely they will make it through this one alive.. the fresh blood helped keep things lively and exciting..and bloody fun to read.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the blog tour! I received an ARC of the book as part of the tour but I’ve had the book pre-ordered since February so you’ll see that verified tag on Amazon 🙂

Why not follow the tour?

About the author

Owen Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete.  In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. He has now written seven books and his first gangland thriller for Boldwood, Family was published in January 2021.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OwenMullen6

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenmullen6/

Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://bit.ly/OwenMullenNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/owen-mullen

Assassins by Rob Sinclair (A Ryker Returns Thriller Book 2) – Review.

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Today I’m celebrating the kindle release of Rob Sinclair’s latest book, Assassins (A Ryker Returns Thriller Book 2). What better way to celebrate than to give the book the David’s Book Blurg treatment!

Here’s the blurb

He’s never going to stop…

Stalking the streets of Prague, James Ryker is on the hunt for justice when he hears a news report of a murder in rural England. Big problem. He knows the victim. Ten years ago, in Qatar, Ryker led a team of assassins to kill him. He thought they had.

So how has a man Ryker thought dead for over a decade suddenly resurfaced?

Travelling across the globe, Ryker sets off on a quest to discover the truth from that fateful night in Qatar. When he realises that his old team members are now under threat from a ruthless female assassin, he knows his problems have only just started.

In a race against time, Ryker must work out who is behind the killings and evade the assassin before he becomes the next victim…

Review

Firstly I’m going to get this off my chest! How bloody awesome is Ryker? I mean seriously this guy has been beat up more times than I can count but he doesn’t stay down for long. Credit to the author Rob Sinclair who continues to offer up riveting espionage thrillers. The author has found his way of refreshing his main character Ryker, keeping things interesting and turning the energy up to the max.

In this instalment we learn of mission from Ryker’s past.. it didn’t go to plan but the end result was the same.. a dead body… this dead body though turns up a decade later..he’s been alive and well all this time.. but how? And why has someone killed him now?

Ryker only works for himself now and the JIA his former employers are no more..well at least on paper.. this means he’s got his work cut out for himself. He’s not stayed alive this long without learning some skills and more than one trick to hide up his sleeve.

Things spiral fast and it soon becomes clear there’s more going on…. and the body count rises.. there’s a new assassin on the scene but who is she? And what’s the motivation?

The only way Ryker can solve this riddle is to find out what really happened 10 years ago.. but this assassin isn’t going to make it easy for him.

As thrillers go you can’t go wrong with Rob Sinclair, the pace is perfect, there’s action when you need it and it’s balanced superbly with the plot and character development.. the flow is so natural you just end up devouring the story. To say it’s action packed is an understatement.. it’s got the action….the blood and guts..and the twists you just don’t see coming… there’s some pretty decent explosions too 🙂

Ryker finds it hard to trust anyone because everyone that gets close to him either dies.. or can’t be trusted.. what’s your bet on this instalment ha.

I can honestly say I really do get excited when I hear Rob’s got a new book coming out, without fail I know I’m going to enjoy it.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to the author and the publisher Bloodhound Books for the ARC to assist with my review, I’ve had the book pre-ordered as soon as it was announced so you’ll see that verified purchase tag 🙂

Blog Tour – Games People Play by Owen Mullen

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Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for Games People Play by Owen Mullen! Followers of the blog should know the name well 😊

I didn’t need an arc of this one, I had the book per-ordered as soon as it hit Amazon!

Let’s ger started!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Crime Thriller

When a baby is stolen from a Scottish beach, private investigator Charlie Cameron reluctantly agrees to take the case.

While her parents are just yards away, thirteen-month-old Lily Hamilton is abducted from Ayr beach in Scotland. Three days later, her distraught father turns up at private investigator Charlie Cameron’s office. Mark Hamilton believes he knows who has taken his daughter. And why.

Against his better judgment, Charlie takes the case—and when bodies are discovered, he suspects this may not be an isolated crime. Is there a serial killer whose work has gone undetected for decades? Is baby Lily his latest victim? Charlie won’t be able to give up on this case. Memories and guilt from his childhood won’t let him…

Review

When a child goes missing after a day at the beach with her parents, the case ends up with PI Charlie Cameron. The dad is convinced he knows who took her and against his better judgement, knowing this will coincide with a ongoing police investigation Charlie decides to take on the case.

Charlie has is own issues to work through at the same time as we find out more about the PI’s past and his motivations which give him depth and made him very likable, he’s flawed, you want him to succeed but you know it’s not going to come easy for Charlie.. he’s just not that lucky!

The story shifts focus between the investigation and Charlie’s life, this balance was perfect, it kept it fresh and encouraged me to keep reading as I just had to find out what happened next. While the main story line is very serious the chapters around Charlie’s life and his interactions with those he knows allowed for some dark humour which was a joy to read.

I loved Charlie’s style, one clue leading to another, the characters, the setting, everything fit the image that I have in my head of an old school, down on his luck PI out to solve a case.. and you just can’t help but root for the guy.

The story was well written and planed out. I must admit I did not see the ending coming until the author put the pieces together for me.. it really had a wow finish..the hand over mouth moment when you finally see what Charlie has figured out.

Suspense is the word that best describes this book.. it’s all about the build-up and Owen Mullen did this superbly. Some books make suspense plain boring but not this book!

For me this is one of the best Crime Fiction novels I’ve read, the development of the characters natural, the flow of the plot perfect. Owen Mullen is a master at his craft, I could not help but be hooked in.

Owen Mullen has a lot to offer the reader, so grab a copy now. With a cover like that I’m sure some of you already have 😊

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or  Amazon!

Why not follow the rest of the tour?

Author Bio:

Owen Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete.  In his earlier life he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. He has now written seven books and his first gangland thriller for Boldwood, Family  will be published in January 2021.

Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OwenMullen6

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owenmullen6/

Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://mailchi.mp/boldwoodbooks/owenmullennnewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/owen-mullen

BLOG TOUR! – Yearn to Fear by Chas Murrell

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Yearn to Fear by Chas Murrell.

Let’s ger started!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Spy Thriller

The greatest scientific invention of modern times…
Capable of curing humanity…
But more adept at controlling it…

Sydney scientist, Marcus Hall, is developing a radical 5G Wi-Fi receiver for CSIRO. With access to secretive Lamarr computer chips – this technology promises billions to repair Australia’s ravaged economy. On a caffeine boosted whim, he inadvertently discovers a therapeutic breakthrough in neuroscience. Or so he thinks…
His seemingly trustworthy lab partner, Henry, is an unlikely Australian spy. His official duty is keeping tabs on the project and their Lamarr chips. But the whole project is now classified top-secret.
Marcus remains blissfully unaware of the many secrets surrounding him, until he witnesses the graphic murder of a colleague. Could this event reveal Henry as a master deceiver and ruthless double agent? Will the scientific discovery be fatal for Marcus, those he loves, and the one he yearns for? Marcus faces a soul tearing dilemma: is the only means of stopping the carnage to weaponise his prototype?
Foreign intelligence agencies realise the top-secret breakthrough is priceless. One particular spy leads the race to seize the invention. A psychological master of the long game, espionage, and extortion, his only rule according to Kung Fu: Win.
Friend and foe alike confront this psychotic mastermind. All will FEAR him, but is their FEAR real? Only the next six minutes will tell… 

Review

While working on a 5G Wifi receiver Marcus stumbles upon another use for the technology, the frequency produced by the chips allows the listener to fall asleep peacefully, and to have the most amazing dreams.

What he and those closest to him soon discover the possibility the chips could produce other emotions within the listener, which is where the title of the book comes in. The invention at first is all about love, and explores the physical act but also the raw emotional connection you can have with friends and family…things start to unravel when they consider other emotions such as fear.

The fear factor is ramped up as the spy angle on the story kicks in. Not everyone in the company is working for the good guys and this seemingly harmless invention soon leads to the first murder.

One thing I really enjoyed is the book is set in a period after COVID19, but COVID is referenced, it’s impact and the need to look into new technologies.

The book is heavily plot driven and the characters very emotional due to the connection with the invention..it has the ability to increase those emotions already within you.

The writing style flows well but there is some very interesting chats regarding how the invention works within the ear and brain for those who like a bit of background to go with their plot.

Once the spy stuff really kicked in the book dailed up a notch and as there’s more to come I’m eager to see where things go and how the character development will progress.

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or on Amazon!

My thanks go the author, publisher and Emma @ damppebbles blog tours for helping arrange the blog tour.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

About Chas Murrell:

Chas Murrell has been a Police Officer, Senior Fire Commander, Customs Coastwatch surveillance mission co-ordinator, heavy machinery mechanic, emergency medical technician/ instructor, film extra, and General Manager of an event company. He has published academic papers on liquid hydrogen and held a worldwide provisional patent for a nonlinear mathematical calculation. He survived Australia’s largest gas BLEVE in 1987, and has provided operational support to some of Australia’s largest natural disasters in North Queensland.

On a personal level he has suffered from relentless and debilitating migraines all his life, is father to four and pop to two. He and his artistically entrepreneurial wife live in Tasmania, which looks very much like Scotland and they wouldn’t have it any other way. A direct descendant of Robert the Bruce (King of Scots), history runs deep in Chas’s veins, along with a profound knowledge of both World Wars. You may even come across him online playing World of Tanks.

In his Australian spy thriller books you will get to know Chas’s knowledge of technology, intrigue, crime, espionage, weaponry, banter, romance and even whisky… yet above all, there is believability and no loose ends.

Social Media:

Website: https://www.chasmurrell.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chas-Murrell-Author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/murrellchas

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

Betray Them All (Detective Solomon Gray #7) by Keith Nixon – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Betray Them All (Detective Solomon Gray #7) by Keith Nixon

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Police Procedural Thriller

It’s 3am on a wet, dreary morning in the south of England. Detective Inspector Solomon Gray raids an ordinary-looking house, but inside he finds the exception: an illegal cannabis farm run by a sixteen-year-old held against his will.

Within minutes Gray rushes to another nearby incident. A homeowner has stabbed and seriously wounded a burglar. Semi-retired Charles Sowerby, claims self-defence against the intruder – a traveller by the name of Aidan Jupp, a man with a violent history of targeting society’s most vulnerable.

The stabbing heightens local tensions, inflamed by far-right anti-immigrant activists and the Press. Jupp’s family swear revenge on Sowerby. Then Gray discovers Jupp wasn’t acting alone, so who’s his partner?

Somehow the cannabis farm and the stabbing are connected. Can Gray figure everything out before local tensions boil over?

Set in the once-grand town of Margate, the now-broken and depressed seaside resort becomes its own character in this dark detective thriller, perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, and Peter James. Betray Them All is the seventh book in this best-selling series featuring Detective Inspector Solomon Gray.

Review

We are back with our favourite detective Solomon Gray, or Sol to those who know him well.

From the outset things look juicy. There’s a raid on a house, a cannabis farm is located but the boy found there is unwilling to talk.

There’s no time for Gray to do much more as he is called away to a burglary gone wrong. It seems clear cut at first. Intruder gets what’s coming to him as the homeowner defends himself, there are just a couple facts that don’t add up.

Tensions rise quickly. The burglar is part of a group of travellers. The locals do not like them and it’s only a matter of time before things come to a head and someone else gets hurt.

This is an extreme headache for Sol as there is little he can do, although he does manage to form an agreement of sorts with the travellers. They seem to like his style and approach to things, and they trust him though there is only so much they can control too. Sol must work fast.

As the blurb for the book suggests the cases are linked and I won’t spoil how but as always, the author manages to weave a wonderful complex tale. Nixon really is adept at this kind of story, effortlessly putting you there with Sol. Things click into place and there is that magical moment when all becomes clear.

As a fan of series it was great to see a recurring character pop up and for us to learn of his part in recent events. Again I cannot spoil it, but this ongoing situation of Sol’s is brilliant, and I do wonder how long it will be before Sol takes a fall.

Sol has the added stress of a baby on the way, it wasn’t planned and it’s even more complicated since she is a colleague, and no one knows about them. It’s this personal stress that really makes the character likeable. We all go through difficult events we would rather not, but to give him that human side enamours you to him.

As important as character development and plot are, I also have high demands when it comes to writing style, how the tale is paced, how language is used. Nixon just knows exactly what I need as a reader. The flow is perfect, chapter length spot on allowing you to really enjoy the tale. The only downside is I now must wait for the next book to be released!

Nixon is a master of the police procedural thriller and I eagerly await more 😊

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

 

The JJ Stoner Series #7, #8 & #9 by Frank Westworth

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Today I’m going to be doing 3 quick reviews for Frank Westworth author of The Killing Sisters and The Stoner Series.

Frank is adept and writing short sharp self-contained espionage thrillers packed with action..but few words.. that’s just JJ Stoner’s style! These novellas feature characters from the authors full length novels and serve to support the series but at the same time act as an intro for anyone wanting to learn Frank’s style of storytelling.

7

Seven Hells – Here’s the blurb

A terrorist atrocity will occur today on the crowded streets of a British city. The authorities have been forewarned, and tactical squads scramble to likely locations. They’re playing a waiting game with a deadly opponent, a religious extremist with a lethal message in mind. But who will make the first move?

JJ Stoner – the ex-military man with a sideline in silencing people – should play no part in this operation. But an old opponent from the times of the Troubles has other ideas. He knows who to manipulate to lure Stoner into the killing zone – and into conflict with his closest friends and allies…

Review

We are back with book 7 in the JJ Stoner series.

It starts with a meeting between Stoner and The Hard Man.. Stoners boss. Drinks have flowed and the conversation turns to work.. but of a more personal motivation… Stoner doesn’t do personal.

The meeting ends abruptly as a terrorist threat has been reported and there’s still time to stop the attack!

JJ is thrust back into contact with his ex-lover, Bernadette, who has a source.. but they will only meet with Stoner. There is some tension building I can feel it.

As you can imagine things do not really go to plan and Stoner is lucky to not have his ass blown off.

There’s a few twists along the way and I always love how Stoner is a man of few words..the more you read the more you think you know him.. but you don’t..you never quite know which direction he will take but rest assured it will be the way packed with explosions and bullets.

Another cracking instalment from the author.

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

 

8

CzechM8 – Here’s the blurb

The life of a contract killer can be complicated.

JJ Stoner’s boss wants him to kill someone. His best friend’s girlfriend also wants him to kill someone. His best friend could kill him for getting cosy with the wrong woman.

Stoner just wants to ride his Harley – but the forces of law and order have other ideas…

Review

JJ just wants a simple life.. point and shoot.. no hidden agendas..no deceit..but that will never happen in his line of work.

This book heavily involves Shard, a colleague of Stoners. Shard seems to be quite jealous of Stoner talking to a woman.. why? Well this lady has had one or two dances in the bedroom with Shard if you get my drift.

To be fair to Stoner.. she just wants him to kill someone for her.. but this isn’t just an ordinary man either.

In typical Stoner fashion the job is done.. deniability concrete. I loved the Yuri’s..brought in to help Stoner with a particular part of the plan. The mission goes quite smoothly for once!

I always love that the author lets Stoner’s passions shine through each tale.. In this one it’s his love for motorbikes..at other times it’s his music..it just adds a little depth to a man of few words.

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

 

9

Nine Lies – Here’s the blurb

Even an accomplished assassin can have a bad day. JJ Stoner certainly didn’t expect brain tissue and skull fragments to feature quite so prominently in a routine surveillance operation. That’s bad enough, but things get worse as the week goes by.

Machiavellian inter-agency intrigue sees Stoner pretending to be a Russian agent while fulfilling a mission for the CIA. Somehow JJ ends up at the wrong end of a gun barrel, dodging bullets. And not all of them miss their target…

When you’re a deniable – potentially disposable – covert operative, killing people is sometimes the easy option.

Staying alive isn’t always so straightforward.

Review

So…Stoner gets shot!! Yeh that got you listening.

The tale starts with JJ Stoner and Stretch McCann on a routine mission, interagency cooperation. Things go smoothly.. so much so The Hard Man, JJ’s Boss has another job for him and JJ decides to bring Stretch along for backup.

Things go sideways.. and it’s not coincidence either.. but who set them up..and who’s the target, Stoner or Stretch, and why?

Well JJ won’t let a little bullet stop him getting to the bottom of things but it does take some well placed connections to put the pieces together.

I quite enjoyed this one, showing Stoner isn’t invincible and I loved the back and forth between Stoner and Stretch…brothers form different mothers type of feel.

4/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreadsor Amazon.

Overall I really enjoy these books, short sharp and enticing. There’s always that wiggle room for interpterion.. you never quite know how Stoner will react and it is this unpredictability that keeps me reading.