Book Review: The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth is a compelling mystery thriller centred around two married couples, Pippa & Gabe and Amanda & Max, and their unconventional love stories.

The Soulmate had me totally hooked right from the start! Sally Hepworth highlights all the messiness of marriage in this domestic suspense novel, and questions what makes the perfect marriage.

This is one of those stories where everyone is behaving badly and all the main characters have something to hide. So be prepared for unlikeable characters.

There is lots of back and forth with the then and now timelines which did cause some disconnection with the story for me.

The omniscient point of view of a character after they had died was a novel idea and I loved it!

The Soulmate is an  entertaining read filled with twists and turns. A story about love, family, betrayal, secrets and forgiveness. Sally Hepworth raises the question; What lengths would you go to for your soulmate?

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Content: suicide, postnatal depression, infidelity, mental illness.

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 25th October 2022

Genre: Mystery / Thriller

Pages: 320

Source: Own copy

Other books I've read by Sally Hepworth

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW

 

Book Review: Shadow City by Natalie Conyer

Shadow City is my first book by Natalie Conyer and as soon as I'd finished I was searching out more of her work.

Shadow City is set in both Sydney, Australia and Cape Town, South Africa. Conyer keenly portrays her characters' love for their hometowns and expertly depicts how hard it is to leave your home even when the situation is dire.

 

DS Jackie Rose is called after the discovery of the body of a young woman. The death is at first thought to be a drug overdose but as the pathologist examines the body it becomes clear this is a case of ongoing abuse and questions of people trafficking and enslavement arise.

Veteran Detective Schalk Lourens, disillusioned with life, and suspended from duty pending an ongoing inquiry, decides to visit his daughter in Australia. A friend asks him if he can look into the disappearance of a young South African woman who went to Australia a few months ago on a scholarship. Schalk is then introduced to Jackie and her team in Homicide.

 

I was swept away with this whole story. The police procedural was compelling and moved along at a fast pace as they pieced together snippets of information and CCTV footage.

 

I loved that the story wasn't all about the crime. We got to know the characters on a personal level and I enjoyed that lovely bit of chemistry between Schalk and Jackie.

Conyer has a sharp instinct for character rendering them real and likeable. I could see how I was cleverly steered to like or dislike the characters.

 

I was impressed by how Conyer adds diversity to her story and characters without it ever feeling contrived.

 

Shadow City always has plenty happening which keeps the pages turning and I have to say, 'I couldn't put this book down!"  The suspense builds slowly and the atmosphere sizzles with menace making Shadow City an utterly addictive read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Content: There are mentions of people trafficking, enslavement and abuse however it isn't overly graphic.

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 3rd September 2024

Genre: Crime / Suspense

Pages: 325

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Book Review: Murder by Milkshake by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

 Murder by Milkshake

by

Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 15th July 2024

Series: Sweet Dreams Mysteries #1

Genre: Cosy Crime / Mystery

Pages: 220

RRP: AU$4.44 (kindle)

Source: Courtesy of the author via WOW! Women on Writing

 

Review: Murder by Milkshake

Murder by Milkshake is the first in a cosy murder mystery series set around an ice-cream parlour.

Genevieve Winterland is our 17 year-old amateur sleuth who decides to investigate the disappearance of her favourite teacher.

I really like the relationship between Genevieve and her best friend Brandon. It shows teens that girls and boys can be friends without any romantic attachment.

Murder by Milkshake is a very sweet read and Genevieve is a likeable protagonist. I didn't know before I read it that it is a young adult read and it is perfectly suited to this age group of 12 - 18 years. Perfect for readers who like a sweet mystery with a spoonful of suspense and an extra scoop of ice-cream.

There are lots of mentions of ice-cream flavours focusing on Genevieve's work at the ice-cream parlour and how she mixes her own flavours. I would have liked some of Genevieve's secret recipes, they sounded delicious.

Light themes of following your dreams and teens as carers. A few red-herrings are included to throw the reader off the trail.

If you are after something not too taxing Murder by Milkshake is the perfect read; light and cosy it can be read in one sitting.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ages 12 - 18 years

 

Book Review: Codename Parsifal by Martin Roy Hill

 Codename Parsifal

by

Martin Roy Hill

A WWII Thriller

Publisher: 32-32 North

Publication date: 4th September 2023

Genre: Military Thriller

Pages: 221

RRP: AU$11.99 (kindle)

Source: eBook courtesy of the author

 

Review: Codename Parsifal

The Spear of Destiny. The Roman Legionnaire's lance that pierced Christ's body as he hung on the cross.

Legend claims whomever possesses it will become a great conqueror.

Martin Roy Hill has taken this legend and developed a compelling read that intricately weaves themes of betrayal, myth and WWII into the high-stakes world of special services as the Americans, Germans and Russians all race to find the legendary spear.

 

Codename Parsifal has a masterful blend of action and character development as we get to know the thoughts and actions of soldiers from each side of the war.

 

Hill skillfully portrays the psychological effect of belief as the spear is sort after for its power.

 

Set against the backdrop of the final days of WWII Hill uses vivid imagery and meticulous attention to detail to give a believable portrayal of the special services mission to find the authentic spear.

Hills expertise in crafting engaging action sequences is complemented by his ability to develop a rich, believable plot line.

 

Codename Parsifal is a thought provoking exploration of the idea of talismans, superstition and mysticism. 

 

my rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

 All the Colours of the Dark

by

Chris Whitaker

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Imprint: Orion

Publication date: 25th June 2024

Genre: Crime/ Mystery/ Thriller

Pages: 580

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Good Reading

 

Review: All the Colours of the Dark

When Teenager Joseph 'Patch' Macauley is kidnapped his best friend Saint Brown makes it her mission to find him. Long after the authorities have given up Saint relentlessly looks for clues.

 

All the Colours of the Dark is a compelling crime read. I loved the short chapters that kept the story moving along at a fast pace and the 500+ pages flew by in no time.

 

The story starts with the abduction of a young teen and soon turns into a fast-paced mystery thriller that had me totally captivated.

 

A small town setting, flawed nuanced characters, lyrical prose and perfect imagery make All the Colours of the Dark an immersive and emotional read that spans almost three decades.

 

All the Colours of the Dark is an epic love story that will change the lives of two people forever, steering them towards an unknown destiny filled with heartache and despair. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: You Me Her by Sue Watson

 You Me Her

by

Sue Watson

ONE MARRIAGE       THREE PEOPLE        ONE MURDER

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 3rd June 2024

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 390

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle eBook)

Source: eCopy courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: You Me Her

Rachel has recently moved to their new family home with her four-year-old son. Her husband Tom has been renovating the house over the last few months whilst Rachel sold their flat in Manchester. It was her husband's dream to live by the sea in Cornwall however past demons have caused Rachel to be terrified of water and overprotective of her son.

Maybe I've simply read too many domestic thriller books (the gas-lighting husband, devoted wife, crazy ex scenario) as I did find the plot of You Me Her to be a little predictable and I guessed the ending quite early.

 

That little quibble aside, I found Sue Watson's writing utterly addictive. I was totally creeped out by the story and even found myself holding my breath at times.

 

The suspense escalates throughout the book and I found myself jumping back and forward with who to believe.

I liked that  there were mentions of COVID and isolation and the effect this had on some people's mental health.

 

You Me Her is filled with chilling suspense which kept me glued to the page.

If you enjoy a gripping psychological thriller You Me Her will not disappoint.

 

My rating 3.5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐½ 

 

 

Book Review: Shock Waves by Fleur McDonald

Shock Waves

by

Fleur McDonald

When a bomb blast rips apart a quiet country town Detective Dave Burrows kicks into action.

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd April 2024

Series: Detective Dave Burrows

Genre: Crime / Thriller / Suspense

Pages: 352

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Shock Waves

Shock Waves opens with gripping suspense right from the first page when a bomb is set off in a quiet country town. I was pulled straight into the mystery and I loved that Fleur McDonald didn't divulge too many clues making it nigh on impossible to guess the final reveal.

Fleur highlights many issues that are faced by farmers today and the bureaucracy they must all deal with via laws that have no leeway for compassion, driving some farmers over the edge.

Dave's greatest struggles in this novel are his own personal demons. The plot not only deals with the issues of farming and the bomb investigation but also Dave's psychological problems over not seeing his young daughters. We also see the heartfelt interactions between Dave and his boss, Bob Holden, as Bob struggles with ongoing medical treatment and letting go of his working career.

Shock Waves is another brilliantly written novel that champions farmers and remote communities whilst also giving readers a great dose of drama and suspense.

If you've read the later Dave Burrows novels we see a strong, resilient Dave sure of himself and happily married to Kim but he wasn't always like that. In Shock Waves we learn more about the young Dave, heartbroken after his marriage breakdown, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews for other Fleur McDonald books I've read:

DECEPTION CREEK

INTO THE NIGHT

RED DUST 

RED DIRT COUNTRY

RISING DUST 

THE SHEARER'S WIFE 

SOMETHING TO HIDE

VOICES IN THE DARK

WITHOUT A DOUBT 

 

 

 

Book Review: Where the Dead Go by Sarah Bailey

 Where the Dead Go

by

Sarah Bailey

A MISSING GIRL. HER MURDERED BOYFRIEND. A COP ON THE EDGE.

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 4th August 2019

Series: Gemma Woodstock #3

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 464

RRP: $22.99AU (B format paperback)

Source: Uncorrected proof from publisher

 

Review: Where the Dead Go

As Into the Night wasn't a big hit with me I was eager to read the next Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock novel. Can Sarah Bailey recreate the atmosphere and suspense from The Dark Lake? Well that was a resounding Yes! I could not put this book down! I read it in two days picking it up every spare minute I had.

 

Where the Dead Go hooked me right from the prologue. A young teen out late at night after a fight with her boyfriend disappears without a trace.

 

In Into the Night Gemma was living in Melbourne and we find out she has since been living in Sydney with a new love interest, Mac. She is visiting her hometown of Smithson when a report of a murder and a missing teen, in a small town just north of Byron Bay, comes through. Gemma is keen to take the case and get away for a while.

 

Gemma is still full of self-doubt and crippling anxiety and has flash-backs of another missing teen case that didn't end well.

I love how Sarah Bailey portrayed the small seaside town of Fairhaven where everyone knew each other but there was still the underlying feeling that people were being evasive and secretive. I was quick to think many of the characters were a bit suspect and that Gemma shouldn't trust anyone.

 

Where the Dead Go was well plotted with plenty of drama that kept me turning the pages. 

The story ends with a bombshell from Gemma which I am sure will be played out in the next book. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

THE DARK LAKE REVIEW

INTO THE NIGHT REVIEW

 

Book Review: Vendetta by Sarah Barrie

 Vendetta

by

Sarah Barrie

COP OR CRIMINAL? UNDERCOVER, THE LINES ARE A LITTLE BLURRY

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 15th November 2023

Series: Lexi Winter #3

Genre: Crime / Thriller

Pages: 400

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Vendetta

The much anticipated Lexi Winter #3 is here! 

In Vendetta by Sarah Barrie Lexi finds herself with no one to turn to for help, once again relying on her hacking skills to keep herself alive. It is not only Lexi's life that is at stake.

Dawny is back in book 3 and she is in fine form. Her quick wit and sarcasm cracks me up.

Lexi is still not sure if the police force is the right job for her when people from her past pop up again in her life.

Lexi didn't disappoint! She was tough and wanted it all her way, she doesn't concede to anyone, police or criminal.

The suspense ramps up as the pages turn and I was worried this could be the case that destroys Lexi.

The book ends on a teaser which makes me feel that the next book is  going to be even more heart-stopping - if that's possible!!

Vendetta is fast-paced and suspenseful, readers following the Lexi Winter series will not be disappointed.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other books in the series:

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2022/01/book-review-giveaway-unforgiven-by.html

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2023/02/book-review-retribution-by-sarah-barrie.html

 

 

Book Review: Voices in the Dark by Fleur McDonald

Voices in the Dark

by

Fleur McDonald

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 31st October 2023 

Genre: Rural / Suspense

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback) 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via DMCPR

 

Review: Voices in the Dark 

I always eagerly await each new release by Fleur McDonald. Her knowledge of and dedication to small communities, farming and the problems they face shines through in her stories.

Voices in the Dark is a stand alone rural suspense novel featuring country cop Dave Burrows however he is not the main character in this story.

Sassi Stapleton is driving to Barker after a late night call asking her to come immediately as her grandmother is seriously ill. When Sassi doesn't arrive at the expected time, her uncle notifies Dave and the police get into action.

Fleur McDonald packs an emotional punch as the police, ambulance and emergency services work together in a harrowing rescue scene.

Voices in the Dark focuses on the Stapleton family and their struggles to reconnect and get over the demons of the past. There are lots of appearances from characters I have grown to love from previous books. Mia the young constable, Dave and Kim all have strong parts in this story. Lots of well placed backstory keeps new readers up to speed.

Fleur writes magnificent stories about country people, farming and the problems remote areas face but also highlights the special bond small communities have. Even though the gossip abounds they will do anything to help each other.

Voices in the Dark is a story about family secrets, elder abuse, letting go of resentments, moving forward and starting over. 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Out of Breath by Anna Snoekstra

 Out of Breath

 by

Anna Snoekstra

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 6th July 2022

Genre: Suspense / Thriller

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Out of Breath

Out of Breath fell a little flat for me. There were a lot of scenes were a sense of foreboding built and then everything was fine. I felt maybe the author was trying to tease the reader with suspense building throughout the novel but it didn't really work for me.

 

The pace was slow however I did find the plot intriguing. Jo is on a working holiday in Australia and to maintain her Visa she must work as a fruit picker in the outback for a specified number of weeks. When the charismatic Gabe suggests she find the commune he is living on she leaves the farm but Jo soon finds she is in way over her head and she doesn't know who she can trust.

Reader empathy for the main character, Jo, is built up early in the novel and I found myself interested in her journey and wanting her to find peace within herself.

 

There are many wonderfully described moments throughout; with time on a mango farm, a trip through the Australian outback and deep diving for oysters. I think it was these moments, and the excellent sense of place that Snoekstra evokes, that saved the novel for me.

 

Out of Breath is an evocative read if you want to experience the remoteness of outback Australia, but I wouldn't really call it a thriller. 

3.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐½

About the author

Anna Snoekstra is the author of Only Daughter, Little Secrets and The Spite Game. Her novels have been published in over twenty countries and sixteen languages. She has written for The Guardian, Meanjin, The Griffith Review, Lindsay, LiHub and The Saturday Paper.

Book Review: Force of Nature by Jane Harper

 Force of Nature

by

Jane Harper

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 26th September 2017

Series: Aaron Falk #2

Genre: Crime / Suspense 

Pages: 384

Source: Own purchase

 

Review: Force of Nature

Force of Nature is book two in the Federal Agent Aaron Falk series. Jane Harper's debut novel The Dry was a huge success so Force of Nature had huge shoes to fill. I found it was every bit as atmospheric and pagerturnerish (that's a real word) as the first book.

Five women enter the Giralang Ranges on a team building event and only four return; late, muddy and distressed. Alice Russell is missing and everyone is assured she will be found cold but safe. Only Aaron knows she is a whistleblower in a major fraud case.

 

The story moves from the present day search for Alice to the four days the women spent in the bush. The chapters are short and the move between the two time frames is quick, which keeps the story moving along at a fast pace.

Through conversations between Aaron and his partner Carmen we get to know more about them and their personal lives.

 

Harper's writing is engaging and the hostile environment of the Australian bush is perfectly rendered to keep the suspense level high. 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author (from front of book)

Jane Harper is the author of the international bestseller The Dry, The Lost Man, The Survivors and Exiles. Her books are published in forty territories worldwide. Jane has won numerous top awards including the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year, the Australian Indie Awards Book of the Year, the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel, and the British Book Awards Crime and Thriller Book of the Year. Jane lives in Melbourne with her husband, two children and two cats.

Book Review: The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal

 The Doll Factory

by

Elizabeth Macneal

Freedom is a precious thing

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Imprint: Picador

Publication date: 30th April 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction / Gothic / Thriller

Pages: 336

RRP: $29.99 (Trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: The Doll Factory

The Doll Factory is a gripping and bone-chilling gothic thriller. A tale of love and obsession set mid 19th Century London.

 

Macneal thrusts her readers into the streets of 1850's London detailing the filth, poverty, pick pockets and prostitution. The story is very confronting however Macneal delivers it all without judgement.

Women were expected to marry and have children but for those without marriage options life was an endless slog of backbreaking work. When Iris is asked to model for an artist her family disowns her however she is now open to a whole new world of art and freedom. A world where one man's obsession and delusion will put her in grave danger.

 

Macneal's characters are beautifully rendered and come to life slowly on the pages as their descriptions are layered throughout the narrative.

 

The Doll Factory would have to be one of the creepiest books I have read. An ominous feeling hangs in the air and even though I knew what was coming, when the scenes unfolded they were disturbingly unsettling. 

About the author

Elizabeth Macneal was born in Scotland and now lives in East London. She is a writer and potter and works from a small studio at the bottom of her garden. She read English Literature at Oxford University, before working in the City for several years. In 2017, she completed the Creative Writing MA at UEA where she was awarded the Malcolm Bradbury scholarship. The Doll Factory, Elizabeth's debut novel, won the Caledonia Novel Award 2018.

Challenges: Mount TBR challenge.

Book Review: Drowning by T. J. Newman

Drowning

by

T. J. Newman

THE RESCUE OF FLIGHT 1421 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 30th may 2023

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (Paperback)

Source: Own copy

 

Review: Drowning

With the release of Drowning T. J. Newman plants herself firmly on the thriller shelf, proving Falling wasn't just a one off.

Drowning is rich in adrenaline pumping action and frantic scenes that had me holding my breath as I turned the pages.

In true Newman form the reader is thrust straight into the action when minutes after take-off the plane has engine trouble and free falls into the ocean. What ensues is a story of the human will to survive, a dangerous rescue operation and trusting your life in someone else's hands.

I enjoyed (which doesn't seem to be the right word) the thoughts of the passengers as they looked back over their life; their regrets and happy times and how a near death experience can make you see everything in a clearer light.

I can already see this on the big screen. It has all the drama, emotion and an ending that is big screen worthy.

I'm eagerly looking forward to TJ's next book.

Rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

T.J. Newman is a former bookseller and flight attendant whose first novel, Falling, became a publishing sensation and debuted at number two on the New York Times bestseller list. The book was named a best book of the year by USA Today, Esquire and Amazon. Falling will soon be a major motion picture from Universal Pictures. T.J. lives in Pheonix, Arizona.

My review of Falling:

https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/2023/05/book-review-falling-by-t-j-newman.html

Book Review: Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

 Black Ice

by

Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 7th October 2014

Genre: Young Adult / Thriller 

Pages: 392

Source: Own 

 

Review: Black Ice

Black Ice has been sitting on my bookshelf since January 2015 and I was so pleased that a prompt from the  Dymocks Reading Challenge had me pulling it from the shelf.

 

Black Ice is a genre mash-up of young adult, suspense and romance. Heavy on the suspense and light on the romance but it's definitely a huge part of the plot with the romance simmering under the surface.

 

I was pulled straight into the story with a gripping prologue. The story then jumps forward one year with teenage friends Britt and Korbie heading to a cabin in Grand Teton National Park for their school break when they encounter a severe snow storm and have to abandon their car. Making their way to a secluded cabin inhabited by two men. The girls think they are finally safe but soon find out the men are on the run from the law.

 

This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with heart-pumping suspense. I found myself picking the book up every spare moment I had. I did guess the twists early in the book however that didn't spoil my pleasure because I was holding my breath waiting for the characters to find out what I had already suspected.

It comes with a little bit of teenage angst, but not overdone. Black Ice is a gripping, survival in the snowy wilderness, story that will have you eagerly turning the pages.

5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author (from Goodreads)

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga.

 

 

Book Review: O2 by Nic D'Alessandro

 O2

by

Nic D'Alessandro

ONE SECOND     ONE BREATH   ONE CHANCE

 

Publisher: Self Published

 

Publication date: 22nd June 2023

 

Series: Dylan Malloy #1

 

Genre: Thriller

 

Pages: 260

 

RRP: $26.00 (paperback on Booktopia)

 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

My review of O2

O2, the first book in the Dylan Malloy series, is a taut medical drama and aviation thriller combination. 

Nic D'Alessandro explores the concept of how we cope when life throws us consistent curve balls.

 

I was pulled straight into the story from the prologue with a life or death situation and Dylan hanging in the balance. The story then goes back to what led to this event.

Dylan has had a troubled upbringing with no real stability. He is often left with his aunt when his mother is working overseas. His aunt's partner is abusive and makes it clear he doesn't want Dylan around. I found him to be an angry young man and I had trouble warming to him. Maybe it was his disease that made him this way, but he was handed plenty of opportunities and it took him well into his 20's to realise this. That aside, Nic's portrayal of Dylan's slow decline in health and his denial that he was seriously ill, and his eventual character growth, was well written.

The in-air flight drama was up there with T.J. Newman's Falling and had me on the edge of my seat. It was a compelling ending to the novel.

O2 is a story of human endurance, overcoming adversity, re-imagining your dreams when life doesn't go as you planned and accepting the things you cannot change.

There are some truly memorable supporting characters in this story who I would love to see again in future novels; pothole the truck driver, Nancy, and Dylan's friend Allie.

I'm hoping Dylan will be less cynical and learn some empathy in future novels.

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Born and bred on an island state, Nic D'Alessandro is passionate about the wilderness, sea, and sky. He's a writer, photographer, and education consultant who is fascinated by human condition, and anything that floats or flies.

Nic is a keen sailor, and when he is not on the water, he takes to the sky in aircraft whenever he can. He obtained his pilots licence at age seventeen, and later celebrated his forties by building a full-size 737 flight simulator in his garage.

Prior to writing fiction, Nic forged a career as an education leader,  manager in the public sector, and specialist in the aviation industry.

Nic lives in Tasmania, Australia with his wife, and extended family.

  https://nicdalessandro.com/o2-novel/

Book Review: Falling by T. J. Newman

 Falling

by

T. J. Newman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

 

Publication date: 2nd June 2021

 

Genre: Thriller / Suspense

 

Pages: 304

 

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback) 

 

Source: Own copy

 

My review of Falling

Come aboard and buckle up for the ride of your life!

Falling is fast-paced and adrenaline fuelled. I was hooked from the very first page.

 

T. J. Newman has presented her main character, Capt. Bill Hoffman, with a moral dilemma; he is told to crash the plane he is piloting or his family will be murdered. While Bill grapples with trying to keep the plane safely in the air his cabin crew work to keep the passengers alive long enough to land.

Falling was a fast read for me, a taut breathtaking thriller and literally unputdownable. Newman ends each chapter on a tiny cliff-hanger that urged me to keep reading. The tension was palpable and the action never stops. I actually found myself holding my breath at times.

Great characters, from the pilot and cabin crew to Bill's calm and feisty wife and FBI agent Theo Baldwin, come together to make Falling a wonderfully engaging read.

I loved that the cabin crew, pilot and ground staff were so professional and rather than instill a fear of flying the story makes you feel like, if something does go terribly wrong, you are in safe hands.

T. J. Newman uses her experience as a flight attendant to deliver scenarios that are believable, if not a little stretched, and characters that are real.

I am more than a little excited to get my hands on Drowning which will be released on 1st June 2023.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

T. J. Newman, a former bookseller turned flight attendant, worked for Virgin America and Alaska Airlines from 2011 to 2021. She wrote much of Falling on  cross-country red-eye flights while her passengers were asleep. she lives in Phoenix, Arizona. This is her first novel.

 

Book Review & Giveaway: Crows Nest by Nikki Mottram

Crows Nest

by

Nikki Mottram

A Dana Gibson Mystery 

 

Publisher: University of Queensland Press

Publication date: 31st January 2023

 

Genre: Crime / Rural

 

Pages: 320

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via DMCPR 

 

My review of Crows Nest

Crows Nest is a compelling rural crime debut from Nikki Mottram placing her firmly on the list of notable Australian crime writers.

  

I was pulled into the story right from the start. Dana Gibson is a relatable, flawed character. She has had a few life altering dramas and instead of facing her demons she decides to flee from Sydney to Toowoomba. 

 

Dana is a community services worker, well respected in Sydney, but she has to prove herself before she is trusted in this small country town.

I really connected with Dana. She acts on impulse, often regretting her actions later. She is quick to snap and slow to open-up which makes people wary of her.

 

Crows Nest is a police procedural with a different twist. Not happy with the way the police are handling the murder investigation Dana starts her own investigation, evidence board and all. I loved Dana’s little side-kick and mini sleuth Angus, her 11 year-old neighbour. He was a clever little thing and had a sad story of his own.

Crows Nest has themes of dysfunctional families, small town secrets and lack of resources for community workers

Nikki Mottram has written a clever mystery deeply rooted in its small town setting.

 

I am looking forward to the second book, Killarney.

 

My rating  5/5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author 

Nikki Mottram writes crime fiction and has a background in child protection. She has a psychology degree from University of Queensland and has worked in London and Australia in positions protecting and promoting the welfare of children at risk of harm. She has been published in the Boroondara Literary Awards anthology and shortlisted for the Fish Short Story Prize and the Hal Porter Short Story Competition. In 2018, she was the recipient of a Katharine Susannah Pritchard Writers' Centre Fellowship. She grew up and resides in Toowoomba, and brings to her work an understanding of rural communities.

Giveaway

Thanks to DMCPR and University of Queensland Press I have one paperback copy to give away. Entry is via the form below. Entries close at 6pm AEDT on 18th February 2023.

 

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Book Review: Red Dust by Fleur McDonald

 Red Dust

by

Fleur McDonald

An outback novel of love, intrigue and redemption

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

 

Publication date: 1st January 2009

 

Genre: Rural Fiction

 

Pages: 330

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: own purchase

 

My review of Red Dust

 

I'm a huge fan of Fleur McDonald however I came into her books over halfway through her writing career. So I thought it was way beyond time I started on Fleur's back list.

 

Red Dust is her debut novel and although not as polished as her later novels it was still a great read. I found some of the conversations a bit stilted and the point of view was all over the place however I was drawn straight into the story from the opening chapter with a dying man's ominous last words. 

McDonald has written a riveting rural crime novel centred around cattle stealing but also featuring the difficulties faced by woman farmers and the isolation of farm life.

After her husband's tragic death Gemma is left with a farm to run and a mountain of rising debts. As she goes through the farm accounts and the town gossip heats up, Gemma starts to wonder if she really knew her husband at all.

I always laugh and comment that Fleur isn't adverse to killing off a much loved character and after reading Red Dust I can say even from her debut novel Fleur liked to kill off characters that I've warmed to. 😂

I loved that this was Dave Burrows first appearance. He is just a side character here so there is nothing of his personal life. He is just there to investigate the cattle stealing and be awesome. 

A small romance thread runs through the story and after all the drama and suspense it's nice to end on a HEA.

 

 My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Photo credit:goodreads

 Fleur McDonald has lived and worked on farms for much of her life. After growing up in the small town of Orroroo in South Australia, she went jillarooing, eventually co-owning an 8000 acre property in regional Western Australia.

Fleur likes to write about strong women overcoming adversity, drawing inspiration from her own experiences in rural Australia. She has two children, an energetic kelpie and a Jack Russell terrier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links to my reviews of Fleur's books (not in order).

 

Deception Creek 

Red Dirt Country 

Rising Dust

The Shearer's Wife

Something to Hide 

Without a Doubt 

 

*I read this book as part of the Mount TBR Challenge (on my shelf 19/4/2017)