Former journalist Holly Watt's hard-hitting thriller To The Lions, is the first in her Casey Benedict series and winner of the 2019 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger. Read on for our full review. To The Lions Synopsis Time, Sunday Times, Telegraph & Guardian Book of the Year Shortlisted for the … [Read more...]
Alison Booth’s The Philosopher’s Daughters: Inquiring historical fiction
The Philosopher's Daughters by Alison Booth is captivating and thought-provoking historical fiction tackling discrimination with artistic impact. Read on for my full review. The Philosopher's Daughters Synopsis A tale of two very different sisters whose 1890s voyage from London into remote outback … [Read more...]
The Origin of Me by Bernard Gallate, Book Review: Quirky charm
Bernard Gallate's The Origin of Me is a memorably quirky and modern coming-of-age novel come historical mystery. The Origin of Me Synopsis A beguilingly original and satirical debut novel of friendships, imagination, and the bodies we live in Lincoln Locke’s fifteen-year-old life is turned … [Read more...]
The Watermill by Arnold Zable, Review: Moving stories of resilience
Arnold Zable's The Watermill is a thought-provoking essay collection highlighting both the brutality and strength of human nature. The Watermill Synopsis Ranging from remote provinces in China and Cambodia to pre- and post-war Yiddish Poland, Kurdish Iraq and Iran, and Indigenous and present-day … [Read more...]
The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May, Review: Charming
Nicola May's The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay is a delightful romantic comedy novel, cosy crime mystery and moving story of personal growth and transformation. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay by Nicola May Synopsis Rosa Larkin is down on her luck in London, so when she inherits a … [Read more...]
The Wife and the Widow by Christian White, Review: Killer twist
Christian White's The Wife and the Widow is a tale of psychological suspense in an atmospheric small-town setting, with a killer twist. The Wife and the Widow Synopsis Set against the backdrop of an eerie island town in the dead of winter, The Wife and the Widow is a mystery/thriller told … [Read more...]
Unconditional by Robert Glancy, Review: Deeply moving sequel
Robert Glancy's Unconditional is a funny yet also deeply moving sequel to his bestselling debut novel Terms & Conditions, about the power of love in all its forms. Unconditional Synopsis In Terms & Conditions, an amnesiac lawyer rebuilds his memory by drafting the Contract of his Life. But … [Read more...]
SILVER by Chris Hammer, Book Review: Literary determination
Silver is Chris Hammer's compelling sequel to his debut novel Scrublands, which won the 2019 CWA Dagger New Blood Award for Best First Crime Novel. Silver Synopsis For half a lifetime, journalist Martin Scarsden has run from his past. But now there is no escaping. He'd vowed never to return to … [Read more...]