Spotlight on books I've read over the last few months

 I've become so far behind in my reviews that I'm going to do a quick post with some short reviews of books I have recently read. I hope you find something here that takes your fancy.

 

Doom Creek (Nick Chester #2)

by Alan Carter

Published by Fremantle Press 

 

My review

 

I have previously enjoyed Alan Carter’s writing in his Cato Kwong series and Doom Creek, the second book in the Nick Chester series, didn’t let me down.

I was pulled into the story from the first few pages. The action never stops in this gritty crime novel and just when you think Carter has thrown everything at his main character he throws in another murder and a couple of personal tragedies for Nick to cope with.

Doom Creek is a must read for crime fans. Real characters, dark humour and the beautiful scenery of Havelock in the Marlborough district of New Zealand make this an entertaining read. 

 

With thanks to Beauty & Lace and the publisher for my copy to read.

This review first appeared on Beauty & lace website

 

The Weekend

by Charlotte Wood

 

Published by Allen & Unwin

 

My review

 

The Weekend has been sitting on my shelf for a long time. I don’t know why it seemed to get pushed to the bottom of the pile, it is an extraordinary read.
 

Four older women with a lifelong friendship. Each of them very different from each other but something drew them together all those years ago. But when one of the group dies the remaining three are left to face their failing bodies and their own mortality. Sylvie was the one to hold the group together. Can they survive without her?
 

The Weekend is a sharply observed look at friendship and ageing. Charlotte Wood’s nuanced characters and lyrical prose combine to deliver a heart-felt story that explores the changing dynamics of a decades long friendship group when one of the group passes away.
 

As the story develops the women’s thoughts were mainly on each other, their likes and dislikes but it soon changes to musings on their own lives, lost opportunities, lost loves and regrets.
 

The Weekend is a thought provoking read, confronting and clever, primarily highlighting the bond of friendship.  

 

Thank you to the publisher for my copy to read

Till Daph Do Us Part (Daphne Jones Mysteries #1)

By Phillipa Nefri Clark

Published by Self Published  

My review

Till Daph Do Us Part is the first book in a series starring Daphne Jones, a travelling celebrant who likes to do a bit of sleuthing on the side.

When someone is found dead at a wedding Daphne is officiating at she can't help but become involved in the investigation.

Daphne reminded me of Miss Marple, she has an eye for things out of place and people tend to open up to her.

This was a fun cosy mystery and I enjoyed Daphne's investigative process. The story had a couple of good twists that I didn't see coming.

If you enjoy light, fun, Miss Marple type reads, Till Daph Do Us Part will appeal.

 

With thanks to the author for my copy to read.

 

The Understudy

by Julie Bennett

 

Published by Simon & Schuster

 

My review

I found I was drawn into this story right from the beginning. Two opera singers; one at the top of her game the other, young and ambitious.

It’s 1973 and Margaret is the lead in Madama Butterfly to open at the newly built Sydney Opera House. Sophie is her understudy. She has her eye on the top and she has a plan and is prepared to do anything to succeed!
 

Told in a dual narrative by Margaret and Sophie, with both women having an air of mystery about them.
 

Living in Sydney myself I enjoyed all the mentions of the city landmarks and the headlines of the time. I can vividly remember the opening of the Opera House, the controversy over the design and going to see a performance with my school.
 

Julie Bennett has brought 1970’s Sydney to life through her meticulous attention to detail. 

The story travels back to 1953 and Margaret’s early years in a bohemian Wooloomooloo which was both poignant and fascinating.

 

There is an intriguing mystery at the centre of the story and it’s final reveal took me completely by surprise.

 

Lies, deception, jealousy and vengeance….. The Understudy is an intriguing read!

 

 

With thanks to Beauty & Lace and the publisher for my copy to read.

This review first appeared on Beauty & Lace website 

 

Book Review & Giveaway: A Stone's Throw Away by Karly Lane

 A Stone's Throw Away

by

Karly Lane

Poignant, heart-warming and suspenseful....

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd May 2022

 

Genre: Rural Crime 

 

Pages: 368

 

RRP: $29.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review

 

Investigative Journalist Pip Davenport moves to her uncle's quiet, country property to overcome a case of writers block. She is writing a book on her last assignment which ended in a prominent politician going to prison.

 

When a cold-case in the area is reopened Pip can't help but be pulled into the mystery. The town is tight-lipped and Pip feels there is more to this case than first appears.

 

The introduction of two potential love interests for Pip adds a touch of romance to this tension filled crime novel. I must admit to having a sneaky look forward to see who Pip would connect with. 

Pip is a strong, determined character. She is suffering a severe case of PTSD but when her journalistic instincts kick in she is fearless and doesn't balk at ruffling a few feathers.

 

Karly Lane has delivered a wonderfully immersive novel with visually pleasing descriptions, a highly engaging plot, gripping suspense and compelling twists.

 

A Stone's Throw Away is a story of courage, resilience and a passion for the truth. 

 

My rating  5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

 

 

Click the cover image to read my reviews of Karly's book. 

   

GIVEAWAY:

 

Thanks to the generosity of Allen & Unwin I have one paperback copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. (Australian addresses only)

Entry is via the form below. Entries close at Midnight on Friday 21st may 2022.

 

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Flash Book Giveaway: The Poinciana Tree by Antony Jeffrey

 Thanks to the generosity of Connor Court Publishing I have one paperback copy of The Poinciana Tree to giveaway.

The Poinciana Tree 

by

Antony Jeffrey 

 

 

About the book

 

The Poinciana Tree follows the life of a brave and sensitive woman who never stopped caring for the people she loved. Aimée’s life stretched far and wide across Australia, though rarely to places of her choice. Wherever she went she found people to love, and delight amongst heartache.

The Poinciana Tree is told in two parts, first through the lens of Antony’s mother Aimée, portraying the sadness and loneliness of a young mother’s life in the vastness of Australia during and after the war. As Aimée’s life spans across Melbourne and Brisbane so does the author’s telling of her history, taking us through her idyllic marriage before the war and back to her lonely and at times isolated childhood in the West Australian Goldfields.

 

Following the tragedy of World War II, the second part of the novel takes us to post-war Brisbane as Aimée, now a penniless widow, brings up her two young sons.

 Giveaway:

I have one paperback copy of The Poinciana Tree to give away.

 Enter via the form below. (Open to Australian addresses only). Entries close at Midnight on 17th May 2022.

 

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was announced HERE

Mailbox Monday - April 25th

 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week (or month). I post my new books on the last Monday of the month. Mailbox Monday now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday Blog

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

My son returned to his apartment after spending 7 weeks at home with a badly broken ankle. All healed now and he is able to drive again.

We have celebrated Dot's 8th birthday and my birthday over the last month. I've been looking after Dot and Jay over the two weeks school break and we have been visiting lots of parks, shopping centres and building with lego.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book fairies had another book drop. This one was for 138 Dates by Rebekah Campbell which I reviewed HERE. 

 

 

 I spent a wonderful day out with my sister and mother visiting the Chinese gardens and having a decadent afternoon tea at Guylian cafe.

                        

 

Books I have purchased and received for review over the last month.

 

 Books purchased:

 

Here After by Julie Holland

That Summer in Nautilus Cove by Julie Holland

Royal Exile by Fiona McIntosh

Lord Somerton's Heir by Alison Stuart

Books received for review:

Police Patrol Lego City

Brave the Storm: Sky Dragon 4 by Ahn Do

Billings Better Book Store and Brasserie by Fin J Ross

The Poinciana Tree by Antony Jeffrey

The Improbable Life of Ricky Bird by Diane Connell

The Last Summer by Karen Swan

The Nurses' War by Victoria Purman

The Vet's Country Holiday by Lily Malone

See you all again next month!

What has arrived in your mailbox lately?

 

Book Review: Rising Dust by Fleur McDonald

Rising Dust

by

Fleur McDonald 

 

Detective Dave Burrows returns in another breathtaking tale of rural suspense

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

 

Publication date: 29th March 2022

 

Series: Detective Dave Burrows 

Genre: Crime

 

Pages: 376

 

RRP: $29.99 AUD 

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review

 

I simply devour Fleur McDonald's Dave Burrows books and eagerly await each new novel.

 

Following on from Something to Hide, Dave's marriage to Mel is in tatters and he is battling lawyers to see his two daughters.

 

Dave is sent with, partner and mentor, Detective Bob Holden to investigate a possible case of stolen sheep north of Carnarvon. However when a body is uncovered on the beach, then a large drug haul is found buried nearby, the sheep investigation is temporarily on hold.

 

Rising Dust is another suspense filled story where the action never lets up. McDonald highlights the unpredictability of the weather and how the outback can quickly change from peaceful, restful and healing to wild and dangerous as a flash storm rips through the area causing flooding.

I loved the vivid descriptions of the landscape and how McDonald captures the flora and fauna of the area with discerning accuracy showcasing her knowledge of the outback.

 

I really enjoy the partnership of Bob and Dave. Bob uses his age and experience to mentor Dave and dampens down some of Dave's impulsiveness, showing Dave to use a steady head and calm his quick temper.

Rising Dust is a wonderful blend of police procedural, crime, suspense and character development. 

Fleur McDonald delivers Australian outback crime at it's breath-holding best.

My rating  5 / 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight by Janet Evanovich

Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight

by

Janet Evanovich

 

A Stephanie Plum novel

 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

 

Publication date: 23rd November 2021

 

Series: Stephanie Plum #28

 

Genre: Crime Fiction

Pages: 304

RRP: 32.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My review

Although book 28 in a series, Game On is the first Stephanie Plum novel I have read. Stephanie Plum is a bail bond enforcement agent and the protagonist of 27 previous novels by Janet Evanovich. Even though this book is well into a series it reads fine as a stand alone.

As Stephanie chases up a few people who have skipped bail she comes across one that is proving to be quite elusive and very dangerous. Computer hacker Oswald Wednesday manages to stay one step ahead and is playing a cat and mouse game with Plum.

Evanovich's writing is fast paced making the book a quick read. The story is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and tension filled drama.

I loved the banter between Stephanie and Diesel, who is also chasing after Oswald Wednesday. Stephanie and Lula also have a great rapport and I enjoyed the way they bounce off each other.

I'm eager to read the previous books to see where Ranger, Stephanie's protector, and Diesel fit into Stephanie's love life. She is currently living with Detective Joe Morelli however is still enamored with Diesel and Ranger.

In between all the action, Stephanie's assistant Lula and Grandma Mazur add plenty of humorous moments and a good dose of spirit.

I am happy to have been introduced to this engaging series and I enjoyed this book so much I raced out and bought five more books in the series.

A vast array of interesting characters and some well placed one liners make Game On an entertaining read.

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Photo credit:Goodreads

Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, the Lizzy and Diesel series, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and Trouble Maker graphic novel, and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, as well as the Fox and O'Hare series with co-author Lee Goldberg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Book Review: Jack Gregson & the Stolen Sons by Peter Wilson

Jack Gregson & the Stolen Sons

by

Peter Wilson 

 

 A darkness grows. A mysterious prophecy from long ago is about to be fulfilled.

 

Publisher: Crystal Publishing

Publications date: 6th December 2021

 

Series: Jack Gregson Trilogy #2

 

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

 

Pages: 204

 

RRP: $19.95

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

My review

 

Often after I've read a fabulous first book in a trilogy I wonder if the author can do it again in book 2. Well, Peter Wilson has delivered again with Jack Gregson & the Stolen Sons.

 

Jack and his cousins, David & Rosie, are taken by a chaos fairy through the portal in the attic of their grandmother's mansion. They are told they must find Anthrow. Here they learn of the prophecy that must be fulfilled to stop the evil horde from devouring my planets. I love prophecies!!

There are the good guys (the ones we are barracking for) and the bad guys (the evil ones that must be destroyed) and then there is Shadow Man who was once human and has now been taken over by the top bad guy, Theorden. I did feel a little sorry for Shadow Man and didn't want him to be destroyed. He isn't bad by choice.

The magic is simple and easy to follow and it doesn't always go as planned which adds some humour. The world building isn't complex, therefore making for an easy plot to follow.

David and Rosie still argued in this book however they worked better together and I liked that David's character was a bit more confident.

The story is rich in action, danger, evil forces and magic. As the story unfolds the pace quickens and the suspense ramps up. Each chapter ends on a little cliff hanger. So good luck getting the kids to put this book down and go to sleep. They will always need to read just one more chapter.

I loved the inclusion of Jarl, the chaos fairy, she added a good dose of humour and gave me a few laughs. I hope she reappears in book 3.

Peter Wilson includes themes of defeating evil forces, invasion, displacement of people from their homes and rebuilding lives.

The Gregson's may have won this battle but the war isn't over yet. I'm looking forward to book 3.

Ages: 9+

Content: 

mild violence - not described, left to the reader's imagination.

infrequent very mild coarse language - bloody, what the hell, we're screwed, holy crap.

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Peter Wilson is an award-winning writer based in Sydney Australia. His first novel, Jack Gregson & the Forgotten Portal has won awards internationally, in both the USA and United Kingdom, and quickly became a favourite with young readers.

In addition to children’s and young adult content, Peter is also interested in writing for the adult market and is currently working on a crime thriller set in his home city, Sydney.