Tag Archives: Books

Colony One: A Space Colonization Adventure (The Elderon Chronicles Book 1) by Tarah Benner – REVIEW

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing Colony One: A Space Colonization Adventure (The Elderon Chronicles Book 1) by Tarah Benner.

I picked this one up for free on Amazon.. sucked in by one of the daily deal emails I receive. At least I can’t get in trouble from spending too much money on books this month eh? Ha

Here’s the blurb

Colony One is prepared for anything — except the saboteur who’s already on board.
For Jonah Wyatt, the Space Force is his last shot at a military career. After years leading an elite task force, he was discharged from the army and stuck working one menial job after another. Now this disgraced combat specialist is headed to space. He’s tasked with training his own unit aboard Elderon: colony one.
Nobody bothered to tell him it would be a squad of white-hat hackers and intel eggheads who are definitely not Space Force material. One recruit is Maggie Barnes — an undercover reporter who was brought on board as a member of the press corps. Her job is to create fluffy corporate propaganda that paints the colony as a futuristic utopia, but Maggie can’t follow the rules once she gets wind of a story.
When Maggie gets a tip from an unknown source, she realizes Elderon is not at all what it seems. As she gets closer to unraveling the conspiracy, Sergeant Wyatt begins to suspect that there’s a spy on board. The saboteur has been with them all along, and he’s been building an army of his own.

Review

So Colony One follows two main characters, Jonah and Maggie.

Jonah is ex-military, he’s clearly got baggage from his time serving and is definitely not happy with his life at the moment so when offered the chance to join Space Force he jumps at it.. what’s he got to loose.

We also meet Maggie, a reporter who is slowly being side-lined by artificial intelligence.. no one needs real reporters or news any longer.. the only thing they want is trash.,, but Maggie is the real deal.. she’s worth more than this so when she is offered the chance to join an expedition to Elderon, a space colony it doesn’t take long for her to decide.

While on Elderon Maggie can’t but help let her reporter instincts kick in. Something isnt right.. there’s a lot of military personnel…Space Force…. why.. where’s the danger?

Soon she has her way in.. a fake identity.. Maggie ends up under the command of Jonah and tensions grow between them in more way than one… but who is helping her.. it’s not exactly easy to get the documentation in place that they have.. what’s their motivation?

While in training things heat up and I really loved how the author showed each recruits development.. or lack of ha. As time passes and it’s clear the recruits aren’t cut out for this we we learn of a new device that may lead to recruits learning the skills needed faster.. but is it too good to be true.. it’s kind of a freaky piece of technology…abruptly we are forced to forget about this bit of kit as a cyberattack hits.. the bots that people depend on have turned on humans.. but it is an isolated incident and how did the hackers get into such sophisticated systems.. something isnt right here.. but what.

What I enjoyed about the book was the nice mixture of plot and character development. I’ve seen some negative reviews simply because this book doesn’t have an ending.. it’s book 1 in a series and I’ll forgive some as the book as been out since 2018 but to me the book set things up perfectly for a series..that cliff hanger ended was the perfect setup and hooked me.. I’ve already bought the next book in the series to see what happens next.

The pace and development of the plot was good and there’s a clear direction but I would have just loved to have seen a few more scenes between Maggie and Jonah to really build on their development. Saying that I think the author did a great job of the inner monologue.. to help you understand where the characters were at emotionally and knowing there’s more for me to read leaves me in little doubt I’ll see the development I love between characters.

Flow wise this book was super-fast and fun, the style of writing makes it very easy to follow, mix in an intriguing plot and for me it’s a strong 4 star book.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton plus 10 Question With…

Leave a reply

Today I’m pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton.

I was also lucky enough to have the chance to ask the author some questions about their work so keep reading on for a 10 Questions With feature. I’ve not had one on the blog in a while so very esxcited!!

Here’s the book blurb.

“You should have trusted me. You should have given me a choice.”

AD 370, Roman frontier province of Noricum. Neither wholly married nor wholly divorced, Julia Bacausa is trapped in the power struggle between the Christian church and her pagan ruler father.

Tribune Lucius Apulius’s career is blighted by his determination to stay faithful to the Roman gods in a Christian empire. Stripped of his command in Britannia, he’s demoted to the backwater of Noricum – and encounters Julia.

Unwittingly, he takes her for a whore. When confronted by who she is, he is overcome with remorse and fear. Despite this disaster, Julia and Lucius are drawn to one another by an irresistible attraction.

But their intensifying bond is broken when Lucius is banished to Rome. Distraught, Julia gambles everything to join him. Following her heart’s desire brings danger she could never have envisaged…

Review.

Julia Prima is book 10 in the wonderful Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. It’s a foundation story so you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy it but it could hurt to get them all if you haven’t already 🙂 .

We meet Julia, trapped in a system that allows a female little independence, and at a time when family honour was held above all.  

Julia is legally divorced but stuck in an environment with battling religious system.

When the eye-catching Lucius arrives Julia finally finds what she’s been after, a natural attraction that builds, emotions, the kind that will make you do anything.

Word soon spreads and as Julia’s ex husband holds some sway Lucius soon has his orders to pack his bags.. he has to follow orders even if he doesn’t want to but does he really know how Julia feels?

Now, Julia’s father is clever.. he knows she can’t be a spinster for the rest of her life and he finds her a match he hopes will work.. it’s not for love.. it would be convenience for both.. but Julia isn’t one for letting a man tell her what she can and can’t do in life and she sets out to find Lucius.. a long and hard journey.

Along the way religious beliefs at the time play a big part.. she’s a young woman.. while she’s not alone she really needs to be careful and story is soon thought of to keep her identify unknown but how long can they last without someone finding her…. Or have they already found her?

Now to the nitty-gritty.. plot.. FANTASTIC. I’ve read a lot of the authors work and I really felt this one just packed an extra punch.. it’s more emotional.. a desperate journey which I found more intense and gritty.. LOVED IT!

Development wise everything is paced well and as always the author manages to mix plot and romance seamlessly. If you are a follower of my reviews you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance when it feels forced into a story but Alison Morton adds these aspects naturally allowing the story to feel real… you feel the connections between the characters.

While I loved the character of Julia and her shear strength & determination I also fell in love with Aegius and Asella who accompany Julia on her journey. I’m not one for spoilers but these 3 together are what makes this book work.

Wonderful writing with an easy flowing exciting plot. What more could I ask for!

A spectacular 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.  Or any good bookseller. Keep it local if you can 😊

Now would you like to see a 10 Questions With feature, here we go….

10 Questions with…

Q1. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Roma Nova Series, so I loved the idea of a prequel. Was it hard to come up with the plot or did you always have this in mind as the next step in the series?

Thank you for your kind words about the series! Every country has a history that has impacted its people and entered their genes. The story of Julia Bacausa and Lucius Apulius has always been lurking in the background since the first book, INCEPTIO, when Karen/Carina fled to the safety of the Roma Novan legation. Gaia Memmia, the legation officer, is helping her adapt:


She gave me a kids’ history book that illustrated how Apulius and his four daughters had founded Roma Nova at the end of the fourth century. I laughed at the heroic little cartoon characters waving their swords around, but Gaia took it all seriously. Descended from the Julii and Flavians, both tough political families, according to Gaia, Apulius had married a Celt from Noricum. Although Romanised for several generations, women in her family made decisions, fought in battles and managed property.

That was over ten years ago. Although I never planned to write a whole novel, the need to write the foundation story has crept up on me year by year…

Q2. No spoilers, but a lot of description was packed in superbly, locations, methods of travel, clothes, attitudes and so on. Did you do a lot of research into anything specific to help you write Julia’s tale? 

The short answer – yes, everything! I have a general knowledge of the period and I know the Alpine areas of Austria and Italy, and the Tuscany and Umbria areas of Italy. I’ve walked round a lot of Rome’s hard pavements.  The most important thing to remember is that Ancient Rome lasted 1,229 years in the West. A great deal had changed by AD 370 even from the classical period of the first two centuries AD. We know our own world has changed out of recognition from, say the 1950s, yet many core elements are still there. Moving history on is something all historical fiction writers should be aware of, and I paid particular attention to those changes. By AD 370, togas had all but been abandoned along with the three dining couch convention and, horror of horrors, Roman soldiers wore trousers!

On the practical side, I had excellent help from Roman writing friends Ruth Downie on travel and Gordon Doherty on reference books for Late Antiquity.

Q3. I love a good prologue and JULIA PRIMA’s packs a punch! I heard recently some readers actually don’t enjoy a good prologue. What are your thoughts? For me, a prologue sets things up nicely, so when done right will hook the reader in from the first page.

Ha! Prologues. 🙂 Any two fiction writers or readers will argue about prologues! I’m neutral on them. If there’s one in a book, I always read it. If the author has put one in, then there must be a reason for it. In JULIA PRIMA, the prologue seemed to naturally fall into place. I needed to set the story up, but the incident wasn’t an integral part of the first part of Julia’s own story, although it becomes extremely important as it goes along. It also lets the reader be in on a secret that Julia doesn’t know…

Q4. One thing I’ve always loved about your characters is the strength and depth given to the female roles, turning society norms on their heads. In JULIA PRIMA this continues but we also see some wonderful development of a male character Aegius who plays a big role and you did a wonderful job painting his history. Did you find it easy writing his story? 

I like portraying a strong male character who isn’t a love interest, but who is a typical tough nut. Their role is to be a friend/supporter who is straight-talking, stands no nonsense from the heroine, but is loyal. Lurio does this for Carina and Tertullius Plico for Aurelia. Whether any of them holds a candle for the heroine is for the reader to decide…

Q5. I know you’ve read some of my reviews previously and so you’ll know I’m not a romance man when it feels forced. Do you find it hard to balance the romance and plot within your stories, as it comes across effortlessly with just the right amount of detail to have things develop naturally.

I feel that a story without an emotional element is lacking; even the toughest thriller needs the characters to connect personally, even if not romantically, but it should be integral, not parachuted in as an afterthought. JULIA PRIMA is the most romantic novel I’ve written. It had to be, as the story is about two people who founded a dynasty. I’m a long-time member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and they gave me my first lessons in novel writing.  Whether you write steamy romance or adventure with a light romantic touch, the most important thing is to keep the characters and their feelings authentic within the plot of the story. Conflict, misunderstandings, separation, danger, heartache, persistence and courage work for me. It’s always about feelings, not mechanics!

Q6. Other than your wonderful Roma Nova series you’ve also stepped into the thriller genre with the Mélisende Thrillers series. How did it feel moving away from the comfort of Roma Nova?

Quite peculiar! It was Conn Igguldden who said I wrote a good riot and a great heroine when he gave me a cover endorsement for INSURRECTIO. He challenged me to write a modern European heroine with the same backbone. Obviously, I gave her failings as well. 😉 As I live in France and am both British and French, Mel/Mélisende developed naturally. I did six years in the British forces, so I could write her military background, except that the French Army has some interesting differences in recruitment, traditions and training! I did find a way to sneak Rome in with a chase round Trajan’s Market in Double Pursuit!

Q7. The Roma Nova series is a great example of alternative history done right. If you could go back, is there anything you aren’t 100% happy with?

I think every novelist looks back, tempted to go through their first book or first few books and change things, but I think it’s better to move forward. I’m equally sure that I write better than I did ten years ago and would probably get through several red pens if I went back. However, INCEPTIO, my first book, remains far and away my best seller.

Q8. So you’ve conquered alternative history, smashed thrillers. Is there any genre you’d love to try next? Or indeed any that you would stay away from?

Crumbs! That’s a difficult question. When I started, I was just writing a story that had been simmering away in my brain. Apart from general experience as a reader, I had no idea about genres. I loved, and still love, historical fiction, adventure, spy, thriller, international crime and conspiracy stories along with being a dedicated fan of Georgette Heyer Regency novels, so I’m really mixed up! I think my writing topics, interests and themes reflect this mix.

Periods of change fascinate me, as do the roles of women in history. I love stumbling upon stories of unsung heroines, or women who could have played a decisive part in history if they had been male. Anything slightly quirky, really, but not erotica!

Q9. What was the most recent book you’ve read yourself that you would recommend?

Currently, I’m re-reading Lindsey Davis’s epic Master and God. She stepped away from the Falco and Flavia Albia series and wrote a 480-page barnstormer about Emperor Domitian with two beautifully constructed fictional characters: pragmatic, effective, yet reserved vigilis turned Praetorian Gaius Vinius and freedwoman Flavia Lucilla, a capable and favoured hairdresser to the imperial family, yet a lonely young woman. All of Davis’s hallmarks are there – the research, the poignancy, the understatement, the compassion. And her drawing of Domitian is masterly. Highly recommended!

Q10. I ask this every time but that’s because I really need to know… What’s next? More books, I hope. 😊

Yes, more books. A second Roma Nova foundation story, this one set in AD 395, as I’ve only told half the story behind the origin of Roma Nova. This always happens to me. I write one book, then find I have too much story and need to write a second, or even a third! Then I’d like to tackle a third Mélisende modern thriller. Plenty to keep me busy!

Why not follow the blog tour?

Author Bio.

Bio

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her nine-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history. 

Alison now lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she’s writing the next Roma Nova story.

Social media links

Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: https://alison-morton.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alison_morton     @alison_morton

Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com

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

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton
Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/

Perfect Little Lies by S.A. Tameez – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing Perfect Little Lies by S.A. Tameez.

Here’s the blurb

After a body is discovered in the Thames, DS Nick Bailey & DC Zoe Hall begin the hunt for an elusive killer. The clues point to a notorious serial killer, but their instincts point them in a different direction.

With numerous suspects, each with a motive, the Major Crime’s Unit has its work cut out.

After joining the dots, they soon realise there is someone among them who will do anything not to get caught – even kill again.

Review

DS Bailey and DC Hall have a murder to solve. Is a notorious killer back.. The Sailor… or is this a copy cat?

I really loved the plot with this one, paced well, detailed scenes with character development thrown in to ensure you feel the motivations and emotions of the characters. In the fashion I like for the genre the characters have flaws.. we like to imagine those upholding the law are perfect but they are human themselves and they need to juggle personal and professional issues and the stakes are high.

Perfect Little Lies is the perfect mix of suspense & thriller.. it’s dark and devastating perfect tale.

Format wise I loved the feel, chapter length was spot on.. just long enough to hook a claw in you so much that you always have to go for one more chapter and before you know it you’ve demolished the entire book!

I loved the twists, very unexpected at times and it really makes the plot standout from just being a good book to being a 5* murderous success. Highly recommended!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads. Or any good local bookseller if you can 🙂

The Rain by B.B Thomas – Audiobook Review

Leave a reply

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.

Valentia by Adam Lofthouse – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing Valentia by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus. Drunken soldier. Absent father. Unlikely hero.


Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367

It’s just another day, until it isn’t. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Little does he know it’s about to change his life forever. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.

For rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, ‘Valentia’, is the word on everyone’s lips. And no one seems to have the first clue what to do about it.

And so Victorinus must act. He has let his life run to ruin, drunk his youth away. Now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.

Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.

To save his family, he must first save an empire.

Review

As a fan of the authors work I was looking forward to this one immensely!

Victorinus and his men are outcasts of a sought.. the dregs of the army, drunks and those who cannot be tamed.. but good men worth keeping around.. even at a distance.

Rebellion reaches the empire and the name Valentia is seen across the land.

Victorinus and his small band set out to see what can be done and head to see his friend Felicius. Felicuis and Victorinus have know each other for years.. kind of opposites but at the same time hold some of the same qualities.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!

The book starts well and the plot moves at the perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and stop them.

Roman forts have been abandoned… but where are the bodies..and theirs multiple enemies reported all over..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia… is everyone being honest about what they know?

We see many battles along the way, death & pain & treachery .. on land as well as at sea and the detail given was brilliant, so much packed in but with that pinch of development needed to grip you and bring the characters to life along the way which Lofthouse manged to do effortlessly!

Having read the authors previous offerings I’m more than impressed. The hard hitting and commanding plots and character development just keep coming and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I felt that the author really had fun with this one and found the winning mix!

5/5 stars

It was a pleasure to purchase and add this to my ever growing collection of kindle books… Don’t tell the wife though… When payday hits I’m buying the paperback for the collection 😊

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or even your local bookstore 😊 )

BLOG TOUR – Five Down by Tom Sibson

1 Reply

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Five Down by Tom Sibson!

Here’s the blurb.

Following a horrific murder in a sleepy suburb of York, a local journalist receives a cryptic clue from someone claiming to be the killer. The clue hints at where the next murder will take place.

Teaming up with the Senior Investigating Officer, Gene Garland, they discover the email is genuine. They face a race against the clock to stop a sadistic killer…

Review

In the aftermath of a murder local reporter Paul Dobson receives an email from someone claiming to be the killer. The police soon start to take things seriously the only issue is the killer is only offering cryptic clues to the next murder location so it’s a race against time.

Paul is a bit of a crossword wiz so plays his part in deciphering the clues but when the next body hits they know they need to work smarter and faster!

The pace heats up and the bodies keep falling, how long until the murderer is caught and revealed!

I really loved the flow of this one, easy to follow and lots detail added. I enjoyed the characters and loved getting to know them more, it was refreshing to swap between plot and character development giving a little more life to the characters, it just added to the intrigue.

I’m not one for spoilers but the authors leaves you uncertain about motivations at times which just added to the mystery… everyone seems to be hiding something. but slowly you learn more as they develop, and everything starts to fit together perfectly.

What I really found interesting was the cryptic clues given by the murderer. Highly frustrating I couldn’t figure them out myself ha ha but in all seriousness these clues just added to the suspense not knowing if the police would crack the code in time.

Overall this is a great offering from the author and I felt the plot worked very well with a very satisfying twist at the end, there’s mystery and suspense by the bucket load.

It’s like this book was written for me if I’m honest. My thing is books and beer and what a joy to see Oranjeboom get a mention, one of my favourites 😊

Would I buy this book myself! 100%

4/5 stars

To find out more or to purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or any local bookstore 😊)

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and ZooloosBookTours for having me on the tour and for providing me a copy of the book to aid my review! I’ll be purchasing a copy too 😊

Why not follow the tour? 

Author Bio

Born in Yorkshire, Tom Sibson spent his earlier career in a variety of scientific research and engineering roles and now in middle age hopes to share his love of the city of York with his readers — albeit via somewhat dark, intriguing, and mind-teasing scenarios.

When not writing crime novels, Tom loves researching true crime, modern history, running, playing the guitar, listening to all genres of rock and solving cryptic crosswords with a particular penchant for the one in Private Eye.


Follow him at:


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

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TomSibsonAuthor

Website:  https://tomsibson.co.uk/

BLOG TOUR – Dead Money by Keith Nixon (Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Book 2)

1 Reply

Today I help kick off the blog tour for Dead Money by Keith Nixon. Any follower of my blog will know Keith is a firm favourite of mine 😊

Here’s the blurb

With a reputation for solving bizarre murders Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance, recently transferred to the National Crime Agency, is brought in to investigate the mysterious death of celebrity fund manager, Grady Carnegie – choked to death, then his body arranged and ready for a wake.

Then a second corpse turns up under identical circumstances – that of washed-up investigative reporter, Stan Thewlis. But how are the two men connected?

Soon, Pennance’s partner, Sergeant Simone Smithson, comes under suspicion for the deaths – the evidence seems overwhelming. To save her Pennance must determine what role the shadowy organisation Blackthorn plays and who is in the background, pulling all the strings…

Review

Dead Money is the 2nd book in the Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers series.. and I’m so glad to be back!

Pennance, who is now with the National Crime Agency Is brought in to help investigate a mysterious death. It’s clear he’s going to have his hands full the moment a 2nd body is discovered.. the only link between them at first is the method of their death..but there must be more.

As the investigation starts to gain pace there’s more than one stumbling block for Pennance to navigate.. Sergeant Simone Smithson for one..,Smithson and Pennance have a history and it’s going to make this investigation that much harder.

I’m never one for spoilers but I loved the method of death, it hooks you in straightaway as an unusual murder which you just have to see through to the end.

The characters are brilliant as ever, Keith Nixon knows how to write that’s for sure and gives a lot of depth to Pennance. He’s a flawed character, swayed by emotions at times but he’s fascinating! I love that he enjoys ruffling feathers along the way ha.

What I really loved was how the author developed characters who didn’t even say a word… the victims, especially Stan Thewlis. You can really see a lot of time was given to writing the plot ensuring a backstory full of intriguing titbits.

Nixon keeps getting better and better, if that’s even possible. All I know is every book he puts out there is a real cracking read that any fan of the genre will love!

Dead Money starts slow, setting the scene… then we are thrust into a world of misdirection as the author masterfully takes us on the investigation with Jonah.. weeding out the truth.

Probably the strongest finishing book from Nixon yet leaving me with a insatiable thirst for more!

5/5 Stars.

To find out more or to purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or any local bookstore 😊 )

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and ZooloosBookTours for having me on the tour and for providing me a copy of the book to aid my review! I’ve already bought my own copy too!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Keith Nixon is the best-selling author of sixteen novels and one million words in print, including the Margate based Solomon Gray series of over 250,000 copies in circulation and reached no.1 on Amazon in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

Keith lived near the gritty seaside town of Margate, where many of his novels are based, for 17 years before relocating to the edge of the Peak District with his family where he lives today. Keith works in a senior sales role within a high-tech industry and has regularly travelled all over the globe.

His novels are published by Gladius Press and Bastei Lubbe (German)


Follow Keith:


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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knntom

Website: keithnixon.co.uk

BLOG TOUR – Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt

Leave a reply

Today we kick off blog tour for Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt.

I’ve been very lucky to be involved with some of the blog tours Heather herself has organised so I couldn’t miss this one!

Here’s the blurb

A Scottish journalist enters a dark online world in this unsettling novel of men, women, resentment, and rage…

Edinburgh reporter Frankie has finally been assigned a high-profile crime story about a series of sexual assaults, and relishes her big break. Her article focuses on the issue of women’s safety, which doesn’t seem to have improved much since the era of the Yorkshire Ripper.

When she faces a torrent of abuse online, it leads her to discover the phenomenon of incels— and puts her in the sights of those trying to stop her covering the story. But she refuses to back down. What she doesn’t realise is that in this murky online world, one man is being goaded into a spectacular and shocking attack with Frankie as his main target…

Review

Open Your Eyes follows Frankie, a reporter who is hot on the heels of a developing story.

There have been a series of assaults on women lately, but are they linked, if so how? And what are the police going to do the protect women’s safety.

Frankie’s had to work hard for this story and she’s keen for it to come across as balanced rather than anti-men, at first the response to her story is positive but then she suffers a series of threats and abuse online.

These threats don’t deter Frankie and she learns of a seedy underground, a network of individuals keen to see those they feel have wronged them humiliated.

Frankie won’t back down to the trolls but little does she know how real things will become.

I really thought the author balanced the tale well, so much so you kind of understood the motivations of the main perpetrator in the story, although his actions are undefendable..

Open Your Eyes gives you cracking plot, as seen from two perspectives, it’s gripping and dark and you feel for each character.. there’s a realness to them, the depth and development of each character just utterly marvellous.

While the plot was vivid and exciting, I also felt a nagging tingle as I read the story, how as kids we don’t see things as bullying, we don’t see the harm we can do, we don’t realise how important education is, feminism, equality, victim shaming, online hate, manipulation… it’s all covered in this story and really makes you think.

For a debut novel I must say this is fantastic, Heather J. Fitt has ticked all the boxes for a dark phycological thriller, and I’d highly recommend you grab a copy.

To find out more or to purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon. Or ask your local bookseller if they can get a copy of the paperback for you 😊.

I received an ARC copy of the book to aid with my review but it’s certainly one I’m going to buy, I reckon the wife will love this one! My thanks to the author 🙂

5/5 Stars.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Heather was born in Scotland and after moving around Europe with her parents and sister, settled in Hampshire where she met her husband, Stuart.

After leaving the rat-race in 2018, Heather re-trained as an editor and proof-reader and entered the world of publishing. These days she works as a part-time freelancer and a part-time Commissioning Advisor for Bloodhound.

Heather was inspired to start writing her novel by the authors who have become her closest friends. Now the ideas are flowing she has plans to write several more over the coming years.

When she isn’t reading, Heather enjoys spending her time watching sport –­ especially her beloved rugby – and exploring the British countryside with Stuart.

Heather’s debut novel will be published by Bloodhound in Summer 2021.

For regular bookish updates, you can follow Heather on Twitter: @LifeBookish

BLOG TOUR – The Stage Mother’s Club by Ron Capshaw

1 Reply

Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Stage Mother’s Club by Ron Capshaw.

Here’s the blurb

Johnny Jenkins is the child star of a controversial exorcism film, The Damned.

A soldier suffering from PTSD, the only way he can keep his demons at bay is by writing.

As the cloistered, highly-successful writer of feel-good novels about mothers and sons, he has created for himself a comfort zone.

But he is soon brought back to the epicentre of his nightmares, his role in the movie and along the way discovers the horrifying backstory of The Damned.

Review

Once it a while a cover passes your eyes that just shouts, “READ ME”.  I’m a big fan of old school horror so the just reminded me instantly of those memories and enticed me in.

The tale follows Johnny a child horror movie star turned soldier. There’s something inside Johnny that’s just not quite right.. a hidden dark past.. torment. brutal suffering…but this makes him a proficient killer! Shoot first…

Ultimately Johnny is discharged, with a new identity, suffering from PTSD.. life is quiet… but only for a little while.

Johnny receives an offer that triggers him..He’s been offered a part in a movie… the sequel to The Damned.. but how did they find him?

What happens next is a roller-coaster ride through Johnny’s life, horrible flashbacks and blackouts as he tries to stop those involved, to stop the exploitation he himself suffered as a child.

Johnny is deeply troubled, he’s never quite in control of himself and he spirals ever deeper.. and there’s plenty of blood and gore!

The Stage Mother’s Club covers some deep topics and emotions which may upset some readers, child abuse for example so it’s not for the faint hearted.

The writing style was very easy on the eye, flowed well and kept me hooked.

For fans of horror and movies such as the original I Spit on Your Grave you’ll love this!

It’s real old school gothic horror at its best, deep and gut-wrenching events.

To sum this book up in one word would be INTENSE.. it’s one man’s life spiralling out of control.. but it was only a matter of time.

Honestly if you enjoy the genre, you’ll demolish this one!

4/5 Stars!

To find out more or purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or your local bookshop 😊 )

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Ron Capshaw is a writer based in Florida. His work has appeared in The Daily Beast, National Review, and The New York Post. The Stage Mother’s Club is the culmination of his childhood obsessions with 70s horror films (The Exorcist and The Omen) and 80s action films.

BLOG TOUR – Wolf of Mercia by M J Porter

2 Replies

Today I kick off the blog tour for Wolf of Mercia. Book 2 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series by M J Porter.

Here’s the blurb!

As a lone wolf inside a Wessex stronghold, Icel must ensure his own and Mercia’s triumph.

Icel is becoming a warrior of Mercia, but King Ecgberht of Wessex still holds the Mercian settlement of Londonia and its valuable mint.

King Wiglaf of Mercia is determined that the last bulwark be reclaimed from his sworn enemy to complete his rehabilitation as Mercia’s rightful ruler.

In the heart of the shield wall, Icel suddenly finds himself on the wrong side of the battle and thrust into the retreating enemy stronghold where he must take on the pretence of a Wessex warrior to survive and exact a cunning plan to bring down the Wessex force cowering behind the ancient walls.

His allegiances are tested and the temptation to make new allies is overwhelming but Icel must succeed if he’s ever to see Tamworth again and bring about King Wiglaf’s victory, or will he be forced to join the enemy?

Review

What a joy it is to be back with Icel! When we last we saw him war had broken out and his uncle had died.. his whole world shattered after striving for so long in the hope his uncle could be saved! Icel now finds himself a warrior of Mercia under King Wiglaf who is determined to take back what King Ecgberht of Wessex has stolen!

In the heat of battle Icel’s world continues to be turned upside down. Deep inside he wants to be a healer but he can’t be both a warrior and healer can he?

Icel is suddenly thrust behind enemy lines as the gates close behind him…and he must use all his wit and skill to blend in… not so easy as you can imagine.

The next task after staying alive is to figure out how to get the gates open again so King Wiglaf and his men can finish the job they started.. a tall order for anyone but Icel doesn’t know his way around.. there’s eyes all over the place and inevitably his skill as a healer comes to the foreground.. no matter man of Mercia or Wessex he has to help.. he can’t watch men suffer, Afterall they are only fighting because their King commands it.

Along the way his allegeiances are tested, we see the men of Wessex in a different light and you feel Icel’s internal struggle building.

Development wise this offering was fantastic. In book 1 we were introduced to King Wiglaf but I didn’t feel we had enough time to really get to really know the character, Afterall the tale is Icel’s journey but I really wanted to get to grips with the King. This offering however gives development by the bucket load and I felt I understood him and his motivations and really found myself liking the character.

Another major factor for the love I have for this book was the injection of new characters and their story arcs. I won’t spoil it for you but some names to look out for are Brihtwold, Tyrhtil, Theodore, Gaya and Ecgred.

Oh how I loved the scenes with Ecgred!

Book 1 in the series was very much Icel’s journey and was a 5* read for me, Book 2 surpasses even that.. if that’s even possible. It’s still Icel’s tale but the plot has developed so fast but in such a natural flow.. at the end of the book when you sit back to reflect its just amazing to see how far the journey has come and it leaves you with that urge for more!

I really enjoyed the action too, really easy to follow but detailed and exciting with every thrust 🙂

Here at David’s Book Blurg I really do try and give no spoiler reviews. It can be difficult to sum up a book perfectly but in all honesty you shouldn’t need my review to tell you that you need this book, the synopsis says it all!!! It’s a corker!!!

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to MJ Porter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook in return for my honest review and Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! I can honestly say I’ve ordered a kindle copy myself and the paperback will be soon to join my collection too!!!!

To find out more or to grab a copy head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or your local bookstore 😊 )

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set. The first novel in their new Anglo-Saxon series for Boldwood Son of Mercia was published in February 2022.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter