Tuesday 5 September 2017

Hooked From Page One has moved!

I'm excited to announce that I have launched a new website for my blog and that I have finally joined Wordpress. You can find a link to my new website by clicking the link below:

 https://hookedfrompageoneblog.wordpress.com/

I will still keep all of my previous content that I have published on this blog but any future posts will be published on Wordpress. I would love it if you could give my new site a follow, it would be great to see you there.

Wednesday 30 August 2017

Road to Publication - Laura Marshall

On my blog today, I'm excited to be welcoming Laura Marshall, bestselling author of Friend Request onto my blog to share her Road to Publication.

Image result for Laura Marshall friend request

Do you find that inspiration strikes you in specific places or do ideas come to you everywhere?

I often get ideas when I am doing something else rather than trying to write - particularly if I am walking somewhere alone or out running (something I don't do often enough!). Inspiration also tends to strike me when I'm in the bath, and I often find myself having to get out and find a pen and paper before I forget whatever it is I've come up with.

What do you usually do after you get the first spark of a fresh idea, is it straight to the computer to write the first chapter or straight to a notebook to start planning? 

A bit of both. I like to have at least a vague plan - to know where I'm going, even if I don't know how I'm going to get there. But sometimes if there's a certain scene that's nagging at me to be written I'll just sit down and write it and see where it goes. Often something will happen that I hadn't planned and wasn't expecting.

How long does you first draft usually take to write?

I wrote the first draft of Friend Request in about five months (whilst working as well). The first draft of my second book is still a work in progress and I think it's going to take me longer even though I'm now writing full time. It's definitely very different writing something that you know will be read!

Do you celebrate when you finish your first draft and if so how?

I honestly can't remember if I celebrated with Friend Request. This time I think a glass of something will definitely be required!

Is it straight to editing or do you leave your manuscript a while before you pick up the red pen?

With Friend Request, I was lucky enough to get my agent not long after I finished my first draft, so the first edits I did were hers. This time, I'll be sending it to her and to my editor, so I'll probably leave it alone while they are reading it and then set to work on their edits when I get them.

How long do you spend editing before your book is handed over to the printers?

With Friend Request, I did three rounds of edits with my agent before she felt it was ready to submit to publishers. There were then several rounds of further edits with my editor before it was ready to go out into the world.

At what point, prior to publication do you ind the nerves start to kick in or do you not get nervous in the approach to publication?

I definitely started to feel nervous when the proof copies went out and I knew ACTUAL PEOPLE were reading it! It's a very strange feeling as a debut author - no one had ever read what I'd written before, and I hadn't really imagined anyone ever would. Waiting for those early reviews was a nail-biting time! 

How does it feel when the early reviews start to come in?

I was very fortunate in that the reviews were positive, so it was absolutely wonderful. To read that people had enjoyed the book that I had written was the most amazing feeling. I just hadn't realised before what an amazing community of bloggers and reviewers there is out there - that they had taken the time to write about my book and how it connected with them - it was just awesome. I feel incredibly grateful.

How long do you wait after finishing your book before starting on your next project? 

I started Book 2 pretty much straight away, but I had a few false starts before I settled on the idea that I'm now working on. 

And finally how do you celebrate publication day? 

For Friend Request, I had not one but two book launches - one in my local Waterstones and one in London. I figured I was only going to be launching my debut novel once in my lifetime, and I'd certainly waited long enough for it, so it deserved to be done in style! Both launches were wonderful celebrations with family and friends, wine and cupcakes with mini edible versions of my book on them! 

Thank you so much Laura for taking the time to answer my questions, you can purchase Laura's debut novel Friend Request by clicking HERE 

You can follow Laura on Twitter by clicking here:  @laurajm8

Friend Request: The most addictive psychological thriller you'll read this year by [Marshall, Laura]

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Maria wants to be friends. 
But Maria is dead...isn't she? 

When Louise Williams receives a message from someone left long in the past, her heart nearly stops. 

Maria Weston wants to be friends on Facebook.

Maria Weston has been missing for over twenty-five years. She was last seen the night of a school leavers' party, and the world believes her to be dead. Particularly Louise, who has lived her adult life with a terrible secret. 

As Maria's messages start to escalate, Louise forces herself to reconnect with the old friends she once tried so hard to impress. Trying to piece together exactly what happened that night, she soon discovers there's much she didn't know. The only certainty is that Maria Weston disappeared that night, never to be heard from again - until now....

THE ADDICTIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER THAT EVERYONE'S RAVING ABOUT - perfect for fans of He Said/She Said, The Couple Next Door and I See You

Tuesday 29 August 2017

My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry Book Review



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FIRST COMES LOVE. THEN COMES MARRIAGE. THEN COMES MURDER.

What if your life was built on a lie?

When lawyer Lily marries Ed, she's determined to make a fresh start. To leave the secrets of the past behind.

But when she takes on her first criminal case, she starts to find herself strangely drawn to her client. A man who's accused of murder. A man she will soon be willing to risk everything for.

But is he really innocent?

And who is she to judge?

MY HUSBAND'S WIFE is a thriller with so many twists you won't be able to put it down, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Clare Mackintosh and C. L. Taylor.


MY THOUGHTS 


My Husband’s Wife is the debut novel by Jane Corry. I’ve been wanting to get around to this book for a while and I was so pleased when I finally started reading it, I’m now keen to read her second book, Blood Sisters. Set across two timelines and from the viewpoint of two characters, it is a tense, fast paced read that’ll keep you turning the pages. Jane Corry is an author who I’ll definitely be watching out for.
The first half of the book is set in 2001. Lily and her husband, Ed are newlyweds and have just spent their first year together as a married couple. Lily works as a lawyer and has just been handed a case which may well be the breakthrough case of her career. She has to decide if the man, who wants her to represent him, is innocent and if she will take him on. Can she trust him? And why does Lily suddenly begin to grow attached to this man?
Meanwhile, we meet Carla, a young Italian girl who lives with her mother in the next door apartment to Lily and Ed. Carla is looked after by Lily and Ed every weekend and soon a strong friendship begins to grow between them and Ed, a budding artist, begins to paint her every time she is there, which Ed almost becomes obsessive about. Fast forward fifteen years and Carla, now in her early twenties, is travelling to London to study law, she is also keen to meet up with her old friends. Ed has had huge success from one of his paintings, a picture of Carla from when she was a young girl and Carla feels that she should be entitled to some of his success as well. But what follows are a series of dramatic events, one of which will end in bloodshed.
There were so many intriguing characters in this book. Ed and Lily fascinated me from the beginning, Jane adds a lot of tension in their relationship and she kept me on my toes as I tried to guess what was going to happen to them next. I never expected the road which Jane took us down in the second half of the book, it was an excellent twist. In the first half of the book we also meet a character called Larry who is seeing Carla’s mother. I enjoyed trying to work out what his role in the story was; I found him to be one of the more mysterious characters.
When we move fifteen years later, Jane really does take us on a whirl wind of a ride. There were so many surprises in the second half of the book; I couldn’t stop reading until I had put it down.
A gripping debut from Jane Corry, a talented writer who is one to watch. I can’t wait to read her next book.
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: 25th August 2016
Print length: 544 pages

Saturday 26 August 2017

The Collector by Fiona Cummins Book Review



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Mo Hayder meets Thomas Harris in The Collector by Fiona Cummins - the gripping follow up to Rattle.

Jakey escaped with his life and moved to a new town.

His rescue was a miracle but his parents know that the Collector is still out there, watching, waiting . . .
Clara, the girl he left behind, is clinging to the hope that someone will come and save her.

Life has fallen apart for Clara's mother as she starts to lose hope.

The Bone Collector has a new apprentice to take over his family's legacy. But he can't forget the boy who got away and the detective who had destroyed his dreams.

Detective Etta Fitzroy's life collapse when the Collector escaped. With Clara still missing, and a new wave of uncannily similar murders beginning, will she be able to find him again?

The Collector is back and this time he has nothing to lose . . . 


MY THOUGHTS 


For those of you who read and loved Rattle you really are in for a treat with The Collector, and if you haven’t read Rattle yet, well you better get your skates on because you do not want to be missing out. Fiona Cummins writing is utterly gripping, so when you start this book, you best make sure that you don’t have any plans for the rest of the day.
I read Fiona Cummins debut novel Rattle towards the end of last year. It was one of the creepiest books that I’ve recently read, and it made my top ten books of 2016; I was pressing it into the hands of everyone I knew.  So I was so excited when The Collector was posted through my letterbox, and Fiona Cummins has done it again.
In The Collector we follow off from where Rattle left off. If you haven’t read Rattle yet, please stop reading here as I don’t want to spoil the story for you. Jakey Frith has escaped the clutches of The Bone Collector, and he and his family are starting a new life in Leigh on Sea. But The Bone Collector has returned, and he has never forgotten the boy that has escaped. But Clara Foyle has never been rescued, and the police are beginning to lose hope that she’ll ever be found, the most they can hope to discover is a body for her parents to bury. But Detective Sergeant Etta Fitzroy is determined not to let Clara’s parents down. She knows she is running out of time. Can she find Clara before it’s too late, and can she finally bring The Bone Collector to justice?
Fiona is a master of tension. The chapters are short and snappy, and each one leaves you demanding more. Each chapter is headed with the time which was a great way of adding to the tension, reminding the reader that time is running out for the detective and that the detectives are racing against the clock to find Clara and The Collector before he strikes again.
The villain in this book is seriously scary; Fiona had me holding my breath on several occasions, particularly in those final scenes. I really felt for Jakey Frith and Clara Foyle. Jakey is determined to help his friend, even, though he knows, it may cost him his life. He is an incredible character who I think will stay in the minds of many readers.
The Collector once again showcases some excellent writing from Fiona Cummins. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advance reader copy to review. 
Publisher: Macmillan
Publication date: 22nd February 2018
Print length: 400 pages

Wednesday 23 August 2017

Road to Publication - Patricia Gibney

Today I'm thrilled to be welcoming Patricia Gibney, bestselling author of the Lottie Parker series onto my blog today to share her Road to Publication.

Image result for patricia gibney

Do you find that inspiration strikes you in specific places or do ideas come to you everywhere? 

Ideas can hit me at anytime, anywhere. I always carry a notepad and pen, and the notes app on my phone is perfect for jotting down things also. I'm one of those people who feel that once I write something down then I won't forget about it. However, I often get inspiration while I'm driving and that is a little awkward. I have to keep repeating it to myself so that I can remember it once I stop the car. I also keep a pen and notepad by my bed - just in case my nightmares contain some inspiration and quite often they do!

What do you usually do after you get the first spark of a fresh idea, is it straight to the computer to write the first chapter or straight to a notebook to start planning?

I am a terrible planner so when I have the general idea, theme or plot, I get a few thousand words written on the laptop. Then, as a plan forms while I'm writing I do a rough outline on Scrivener. I also have a large whiteboard - which is great for doodling on! When I bought it, my intention was to use it for information graphs, with all my plots and characters to surprise me, so I know the reader will be surprised. 

How long does your first draft usually take to write?

I was five years writing The Missing Ones! I used to write a bit, leave it for a few months, go off painting or doing something else and come back to it. I couldn't begin to add up how long I spent sitting down actually writing. I was a master at procrastination.

Now that I have a contract with Bookouture with very tight deadlines, I can write a first draft in two to three months.

Do you celebrate when you finish your first draft and if so how? 

No celebration for me. It is just the beginning of the process and I know it is just a first draft. The really hard work is just about to start!

Is it straight to editing or do you leave your manuscript a while before you pick up the red pen?

About half way through the first draft I usually stop and edit the work to date. I sometimes get stuck in 'the murky middle' and I find going back over it at least once, helps me. When the full novel is complete I try to start straight away to edit. Once I have the ending, and as I'm not a planner, I need to start an edit immediately.

How long do you spend editing before your book is handed over to the printers?

Bookouture provide me with an editing schedule. Structural, line and copy edits followed by proof reading. 

The manuscript will be read by professional editors, so I have the opportunity to fine tune it and perfect the novel as best I can throughout the edit schedule. 

At what point, prior to publication do you find the nerves start to kick in or do you not get nervous in the approach to publication?

Once the book goes up on NetGalley, I get the heebeejeebies. Because it is the first time anyone (other than my editors) will get to read it, I get really nervous until the first reviews start coming in. I know it is in my control at that stage, but it is like bringing your child to their first day at school . . . anticipation, nerves and terror!

How does it feel when the early reviews start to come in?

Waiting for the early reviews is a terrifying time for me. Once they start coming in, I get a sense of how the novel is going to be received. I know there is nothing else I can do at that stage, so I just start the next book and try to make it even better than the previous one. I also know my books are not for everyone as they are crime books, exploring dark and disturbing themes. Inevitably some people will pick them up and dislike them, resulting in less than positive reviews and I can absolutely understand that. But the good reviews fill me with a sense that maybe I can actually write a damn good story. 

How long do you wait after finishing your book before starting on your next project?

I start almost immediately. I'm writing a crime series featuring Detective Lottie Parker, so at least I have a starting point. It is not a totally blank page. I toy with ideas and themes and then I dive straight in. 

And finally how do you celebrate publication day?

My books are published digitally so publication day is a surreal experience for me. I usually have to do loads of social media work to promote the book and then I have to keep up with the blog tours.

Two weeks after The Missing Ones was published, I held a launch party to celebrate with my family and friends and townspeople. It was fantastic. I didn't have time to organise one for The Stolen Girls but I'm currently planning one for The Lost Child on October 27th. 


Thank you so much, Patricia for taking the time to answer my questions. You can purchase her latest novel: The Stolen Girls by clicking HERE

Follow Patricia on Twitter by clicking here: @trisha460 


The Stolen Girls: A totally gripping thriller with a twist you won't see coming (Detective Lottie Parker Book 2) by [Gibney, Patricia]

ABOUT THE BOOK

The young woman standing on Lottie's step was a stranger. She was clutching the hand of a young boy. 'Help me,' she said to Lottie. 'Please help me.'

One Monday morning, the body of a young pregnant woman is found. The same day, a mother and her son visit the house of Detective Lottie Parker, begging for help to find a lost friend.

Could this be the same girl?

When a second victim is discovered by the same man, with the murder bearing all the same hallmarks as the first, Lottie needs to work fast to discover how else the two were linked. Then two more girls go missing.

Detective Lottie Parker is a woman on the edge, haunted by her tragic past and struggling to keep her family together through difficult times. Can she fight her own demons and catch the killer before he claims another victim?

The Stolen Girls is a gripping and page-turning thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.

Thursday 17 August 2017

The Doll House by Phoebe Morgan Book Review

The Doll House: A gripping debut psychological thriller with a killer twist! by [Morgan, Phoebe]

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You never know who's watching... 

Corinne's life might look perfect on the outside, but after three failed IVF attempts it's her last chance to have a baby. And when she finds a tiny part of a doll house outside her flat, it feels as if it's a sign.

But as more pieces begin to turn up, Corinne realises that they are far too familiar. Someone knows about the miniature rocking horse and the little doll with its red velvet dress. Someone has been inside her house...

How does the stranger know so much about her life? How long have they been watching? And what are they waiting for...?

A gripping debut psychological thriller with a twist you won't see coming. Perfect for fans of I See You and The Widow.


MY THOUGHTS


The Doll House is the debut novel by Phoebe Morgan. It is atmospheric, dark and unsettling in places, perfect for fans of Clare Mackintosh and Tammy Cohen. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers and if you're a fan of stories about sisters, you must read this.

Corinne and her husband Dominic are desperate for a baby. They have been trying for a few years to get pregnant and they are just about to embark on their fourth round of IVF treatment which could be their last hope. Corinne's sister, Ashley is fraught with worry that her partner maybe having an affair; her daughter Lucy is beginning to distance herself and now Ashley is receiving strange phone calls from an anonymous caller. Meanwhile, Corinne is starting to find objects that she believes come from the doll house her father built for her and her sister. Is someone stalking their family and if they are what do they want?

The Doll House was a gripping read. Phoebe's writing draws you into the story and keeps you hooked. I genuinely cared about her character's whilst I was reading. When Corinne was trying for a baby, I actually felt myself go tense when she was taking the pregnancy test which is the sign of great writing, Morgan's prose makes you want to read on and you won't be able to stop until you have turned the final page. I also really felt for Ashley as she battled to keep her daughter from slipping away from them and when it seemed that her world was toppling in on her.

Phoebe also introduces us to a mystery character who's viewpoint the book is also told from. Phoebe creates a great sense of mystery here and she had me wondering who this person was in connection to Corinne and Ashley.

The ending of this book was brilliant, I thought I had it worked out what was going to happen but Phoebe managed to totally surprise me. Her writing had me gripping the end of my seat and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. You won't be forgetting this one in a hurry.

A really enjoyable read. Phoebe Morgan is a talent to watch and I'll be keeping an eye out to see what she does next. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read.

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication date: 14th September 2017

Print length: 355 pages

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Wednesday 16 August 2017

Road to Publication - Gillian McAllister

I'm delighted to be welcoming Gillian McAllister, bestselling author of Everything but the Truth onto my blog today to talk about her road to publication.

Image result for Gillian McAllister



Do you find that inspiration strikes you in specific places or do ideas come to you everywhere? 

I think perhaps I'm not really a typical author in this way. I tend to get one idea a year, like clockwork, in the dog days of the summer/early autumn, and then I write that and only that. Novels are made up of more than one concept, though, and I do see and write things down often. I went to the cinema last Friday, for example, and I saw a boy, maybe nine, at the Pic N Mix. He turned to his Mum and said, 'I'm just amazed at all the choice!' - he - and his backstory, which I invented - went straight into my novel. 

What do you usually do after you get the first spark of a fresh idea, is it straight to the computer to write the first chapter or straight to a notebook to start planning?

Oh, no. That would be a disaster for me. I'm not a very instinctive plotter, and there's no way I would hit all the plot beats if I didn't plan. I need a pretty intense structure and a clear way forwards, otherwise my characters go for endless coffees and long walks where they 'think things through.'

How long does your first draft usually take to write?

3 months. I don't allow any more. I'm a big fan of getting it down and fixing it later. This - I have observed - is the single biggest barrier to aspiring writers, and I don't wish to let myself get caught up in the perfectionism. As Hemingway said, you have to go straight on through to the end of the damn thing.

Do you celebrate when you finish your first draft and if so how?

I have a week off, usually. Or, I used to, but usually, there are a whole load of things to do. Often my edits come on the previous book. Or there is a backlog of articles, emails I said I would send, VAT returns...I try to consume some popular culture, too, to up the well. A film (I watched The Godfather after I finished the first draft of my second novel, Anything You Do Say, and it really influenced a subsequent draft), some TV, books, though I am never not reading a book.

Is it straight to editing or do you leave your manuscript a while before you pick up the red pen?

I do tend to go straight to editing. I was always in such a rush, when I started out: to finish, to send to agents, to get published...I found it quite disheartening to be told to wait a few weeks. I have not ever really found (contrary to most advice, and so I am wary of saying this!) that I can see my manuscript with clearer eyes thanks to a break, either. The method I do swear by for this is producing a 'visual' of the book, either using tables on the computer or index carding each scene; anything that allows you to see the narrative. That is how I fix my first draft. 

How long do you spend editing before your book is handed over to the printers?

Oh, God. How long's a piece of string? I used to do a rough first draft, a structural edit for my second draft, a polish for my third, and then a read-through on my Kindle. These days, the process is a bit more complicated. With book two, I did two structural re-writes of my own, because one part of the narrative wasn't behaving itself. With book three, I have multiple narrators, so I had to slot in an edit where I concentrated on their (hopefully!) distinct voices. As I tackle more ambitious projects, the drafts seem to multiply. After this, I send to those 'in the know', and of course I get more edits then. I do one or two structural rewrites with my editor, then copy edits, then page proofs, then proof-reader queries. After that, I never look at it again. Barely even a quick flick when I receive my author copy, so paranoid I am that it will contain a horrendous error I failed to spot! 

At what point, prior to publication do you find the nerves start to kick in or do you not get nervous in the approach to publication?

Well, to be honest, I am the sort of person who can be nervous about opening a packet of crisps, so I am always in some heightened state of whatever. I used to wonder why some writers were terrified of publication, though (because I was jealous of them and couldn't see past that) and then, when my own approached, I realised: it's because we are worried it won't sell and/or it will be awfully received. So the first few weeks of it being out for review are especially tough (my God, I was obsessed with Goodreads the December just gone; I took up swimming so I had an hour a week in which I wasn't checking it). And the week of publication, and the first sales figure day, of course. Those are very tough. Exciting and scary, together.

How does it feel when the early reviews start to come in?

Ha, well, it's funny. I have high hopes it'll be different for my second because really, most published novels will have some five stars, lots of four and three, and some two and one. The pattern hardly varies and I hope I retain the perspective of that when my second is out. However, the first few bad reviews do sting. Like overhearing bad things said about yourself, only nobody will give you any sympathy. I think Sarah Perry once said, if you could walk down a corridor with the doors open, and in every single room somebody was gossiping about you - would you not stop to listen? And you do. And it hurts a little bit. But it is also often - more than often - very nice, too. And there is the paradox of being a novelist. 

How long do you wait after finishing your book before starting on your next project?

I'm not very good at not writing. Writing a novel is sort of my thing. In the past, when I was a full-time lawyer (I am now part time) I would reach stages where I absolutely had to take a break, and I was craving an evening of television, a wasted day, a trip to the opticians in which I could sit quietly in the darkness and not be typing. Life is on more of an even keel now, timewise, and so I don't think I will need a month of almost catatonic downtime when I deliver. I will be finishing book three in September and I'll probably start planning book four in October.

And finally how do you celebrate publication day?

Well, in March, my novel was very well placed and I spent the entire day visiting all of the shops that stocked it. It was such fun, to see it in the wild, and I didn't stop getting goosebumps for months. Now, when I see it in Waterstones, it's like seeing an old friend, and I merely nod to it. I also had a launch, which I would recommend for marking the occasion, but probably not for general stress levels. This time, my novel's coming out in two stages - November for Kindle and January for paperback - so I think it will be somewhat watered down, which is welcome, really. It is intense when you 'come out' in fiction to the entire world on one day. This year, maybe I'll take a bath, a walk, and stay off my sodding Amazon ranks.


Thank you so much, Gillian for taking the time to answer my questions. You can purchase Gillian's debut book Everything but the Truth by clicking HERE

You can follow Gillian on Twitter here: @GillianMAuthor


ABOUT THE BOOK 

Do you ever check your partner's phone?
Should you?
Are you prepared for the consequences? 


Everything but the Truth is Gillian McAllister's stunning breakthrough thriller about deceit, betrayal and one woman's compulsive need to uncover the truth.

It all started with the email.

Rachel didn't even mean to look. She loves Jack and she's pregnant with their child. She trusts him.

But now she's seen it, she can't undo that moment. Or the chain of events it has set in motion.

Why has Jack been lying about his past? Just what exactly is he hiding? And doesn't Rachel have a right to know the truth at any cost? 

The Special Girls by Isabelle Grey Book Review



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They are called the 'special girls.' How are they special and why are they chosen?

A doctor is found beaten to death in woods close to a summer camp for young women with eating disorders. The camp is run by the charismatic Professor Chesham. DI Grace Fisher is called in, but is quickly pulled from the investigation - to head up a cold case inquiry involving Chesham himself.

Some years earlier, one of Cheshem's patients made allegations that he sexually assaulted her.

As Grace uncovers the lies that led to the doctor's murder, she discovers the full extent of the damage done to the special girls - and the danger they are still in.

MY THOUGHTS


The Special Girls by Isabelle Grey is a very current read. Her book deals with very emotive themes, especially focusing on historic child abuse. The harrowing, sad fact is that there are people out there who do get away with these heinous crimes which has become all too apparent in the world today. And some even take their secrets to their graves.

DI Grace Fisher of the Essex police force is called in when the body of Tim Merrick, a psychiatric registrar is discovered in a wooded area near a camping site used by the hospital he works for. Every year, Tim Merrick’s boss, Ned Chesham, takes a group of young girls to the camping site; the young girls who he is trying to help are suffering from anorexia and eating disorders. A short while after the body of Tim Merrick has been found Grace is called in by the Met to head up a team investigating historical sex abuse which could be linked to her current case. But when the Met appear to brush the results of the investigation under the carpet Grace is determined to get to the bottom of the allegations, no matter what it might cost her.

The Special Girls is the first book by Isabelle Grey which I have read and it certainly won’t be my last. Isabelle’s writing is highly addictive; I found the scenes in which her writing shone was the police interview scenes. The action here is in the dialogue and Isabelle writes this really well, I could feel the tension of the officers who were asking the questions.

I enjoyed reading about the relationship that Grace has with her colleagues. I don’t want to say any more about the plot as I don’t want to spoil the story but I thought her relationship with one other police officer in particular was very well done. 

I’ll definitely be catching up on the first two books in the series and I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one.  If you’re looking for an exciting new crime series with very addictive writing then I highly recommend Isabelle Grey. 

Publisher: Quercus

Publication date: 6th April 2017

Print length: 384 pages

Sunday 13 August 2017

The House by Simon Lelic Book Review

The House: The brilliantly tense and terrifying thriller with a shocking twist - whose story do you believe? by [Lelic, Simon]

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The hear-stopping thriller about a husband and wife who are hiding something from each other, and from you...This book won't let you go until you've found out the truth. Perfect for fans of Erin Kelly, Gillian Flynn and Fiona Barton.

Whose story do YOU believe? 

Londoners Jack and Syd moved into the house a year go. It seemed like their dream home: tons of space, the perfect location, and a friendly owner who wanted a young couple to have it.

So when they made a grisly discover in the attic, Jack and Syd chose to ignore it. That was a mistake.

Because someone has just been murdered outside their back door. And now the police are watching them.

THIS STORY IS THEIR CHANCE...

TO PROVE THEY'RE INNOCENT.

OR TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER.


MY THOUGHTS

Wow, what an incredible psychological thriller. The House by Simon Lelic surpassed all my expectations. This book is definitely one for you to put on your reading list.

This book is told from two perspectives: Sydney and Jack, a couple who have just moved into their dream home, well Sydney's dream home. Sydney hopes that this will be their chance to settle down together and she expresses hope that this will be their 'forever house.'

What I really liked about this book is the unique way in which the story was told. The story is narrated through Sydney and Jack's thoughts and it is written in diary format. There isn't a lot of dialogue used in the book but I thought this worked really well, Simon's writing was utterly gripping and he gave both Sydney and Jack really unique voices.

Not long after signing the paperwork and moving into their new home, Jack makes a grisly discovery in the attic which he tries to shield Sydney from. From this point on, events begin to spiral out of control and when Sydney makes friends with a girl next door called Elsie the novel really does take a darker turn. Simon pulls some excellent twists out of the bag with this one.

This is one of the best psychological thrillers that I have read. I highly recommend that everyone picks it up and reads it. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy to read.


Publisher: Penguin

Publication date: 18th August 2017

Print length: 342 pages

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 

The Betrayals by Fiona Neill Book Review



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After seven years of silence a letter arrives for Rosie Rankin from the woman she once counted as her closest friend. Lisa is writing to reveal she has been diagnosed with cancer and wants to see Rosie one last time to share a secret she doesn't want to carry to her grave.

Told through the yes of four members of the same family, The Betrayals takes an unflinching look at contemporary family life.

When Rosie's best friend has an affair with her husband the repercussions reverberate through the years. The arrival of a letter from the woman who betrayed her threatens to open up all the old wounds. Her daughter, Daisy's, fragile hold on reality begins to unravel and her teenage son, Max, blames himself for everything that happened. Her brittle ex-husband, Nick, has his own version of events.

As long repressed memories bubble to the surface, the past has never seemed more present and the truth more murky.

Sometimes there are four sides to every story.

Who do you believe?

The moving story of a family destroyed by a secret that has travelled down through the years, The Betrayals, explores the nature of memory and desire and asks whether some things can ever be forgiven.


MY THOUGHTS


The Betrayals is the first book by Fiona Neill which I have read. Fiona explores a family’s troubled relationship in this book and it makes for a gripping read. If you’re a fan of family dramas you definitely need to give this book a go.
What I found really interesting about this book was learning about the different perspectives that the character’s had of one another and how their memories of past events differ. Fiona tells the story from the view point of four characters: Daisy, Max, Nick and Rosie. Daisy is shocked in the beginning of the novel when she picks up a letter that is from her parent’s old friend, Lisa, who her Dad left her mother for. Why does Lisa want to get in touch now and why does she want to rake up the past that Daisy would much rather leave behind?
Fiona did a brilliant job with her characters in The Betrayals. Every one of them had their own unique voice and I enjoyed getting to know them all, they are all very different to each other and it was interesting to delve into the family dynamics. What I also found interesting was how their memories of past events differed from each other and this is something we can all relate to and it shows how the mind can choose what to remember and what to block out. This is the case when the story flicks from past to present before the two families, Lisa’s and Nick’s split.
For me, the character’s whose voice was the main pull of the story was Daisy. Daisy is a sufferer from OCD. A few years ago she became very ill and had to see a counsellor, now she fears that she is having a relapse, especially after reading the letter written by Lisa who she believes is the trigger for her illness. I thought that Fiona wrote about the subject of OCD really well. I think we all have those moments where we have to do things a certain way or we can’t sleep at night unless something is checked and checked again. It was really intriguing to see how OCD can develop into a severe illness. I thought it was very believable how Daisy’s OCD affected the rest of her family, particularly her brother Max. This was one of the gripping aspects of the novel which added a lot of tension as Max struggled in places to come to terms with his sister’s illness.
Whilst I was reading I wasn’t sure at all how this novel was going to play out. But I did not see the ending that Fiona had in store for us coming which was really chilling. The only criticism I would have is that I was expecting there to be a more climatic ending between the two families but overall I thought the ending was really well done. 
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I am sure that I will be picking up another book by Fiona Neill in the future . Thank you to Ellie Hughes at Penguin for sending me a copy to read. The Betrayals is out now!
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: 10th August 2017
Print length: 416 pages


Wednesday 9 August 2017

Road to Publication - Fiona Cummins

Today, I'm delighted to be welcoming Fiona Cummins, bestselling author of Rattle to my blog to share her road to publication.

Image result for fiona cummins

Do you find that inspiration strikes you in specific places or do ideas come to you everywhere? 

Ideas come from everywhere and anywhere. I might overhear a conversation, or read something that sparks the kernel of an idea, or witness an argument or an accident. I plunder my own life for things that have happened to me, or an idea might spring from a late-night drinking session with a friend. I once got into a heated exchange at a gig with a stranger, and his put-down was brilliant. It stung at the time, but I later jotted it down to use in a book.

What do you usually do after you get the first spark of a fresh idea, is it straight to the computer to write the first chapter or straight to a notebook to start planning?

I think about it for a while, to see if the central conceit is strong enough, and whether there is enough to sustain a novel-length piece of fiction. I might jot down a few ideas. Mostly, though, I practise writing the first line in my head. I don't start a new book until I'm happy with that.

How long does your first draft usually take to write?

I tend not to think in drafts. I'm not a writer who bashes out a first draft in six weeks. I try to edit as I go along, mainly because I hate editing with a passion (although Trisha Jackson, my editor at Pan Macmillan, is fantastic). I guess it takes me about a year to eighteen months to complete a book that I'm proud of. I aim to turn in as polished a manuscript as possible.

Do you celebrate when you finish your first draft and if so how?

Cold beer. Loud music. 

Is it straight to editing or do you leave your manuscript a while before you pick up the red pen? 

I'll leave it for a bit (depending on how tight my deadlines are) and then I'll reread. My agent will have read it by this point, and my editor too. Then it's back to work.

How long do you spend editing before your book is handed over the printers?

How long is a piece of string? With Rattle it was a few months. The Collector didn't need as much editing.

At what point, prior to publication do you find the nerves start to kick in or do you not get nervous in the approach to publication? 

I am always nervous, and I don't think that will ever change. Writing novels is very exposing because everyone has an opinion. You quickly discover that you cannot appeal to everyone's tastes. But readers who have paid good money for your work are entitled to expect a quality piece of fiction. All you can do is write the best book you can at a given time in your life.

How does it feel when the early reviews start to come in? 

Depends on the reviews. But it is ALWAYS fantastic when a reviewer you respect has something nice to say. And it is particularly encouraging when the first reviews are positive. When the proofs of Rattle went out, I was so churned up inside I could barely eat or drink. But Karen Sullivan from Orenda sent me the loveliest message – it was the first feedback I'd received – and I began to relax a little after that.

How long do you wait after finishing your book before starting on your next project? 

I'm always thinking about my next book. I'm writing Book Three at the moment, but I've got an idea for Book Four that is marinating in the back of mind. I'll probably give myself a month or so to clear my head, but there's always work to be done – copy edits on the most recent book, or on foreign editions; conversations about marketing; interviews and blog pieces to write; heading off to crime festivals to get drunk to appear on panels and meet readers, booksellers, bloggers and other authors...

And finally how do you celebrate publication day? 

Rattle's publication day fell on my daughter's seventh birthday, so I made sure it was all about her. We went out for lunch AND dinner. I didn't feel cheated, though, as I'd had my launch two nights previously at my local independent book store before heading to my favourite bar where I'd hired a band to play until late. It was the best night. I'm hoping to do something similar for the launch of The Collector.

Thank you so much, Fiona for taking the time to answer my questions. You can purchase her debut book Rattle by clicking HERE

You can follow Fiona on Twitter here: @FionaAnnCummins

Rattle: A serial killer thriller that will hook you from the start by [Cummins, Fiona]

ABOUT THE BOOK 

A serial killer to chill your bones

A psychopath more frightening than Hannibal Lecter.

He has planned well. He leads two lives. In one he's just like anyone else. But in the other he is the caretaker of his family's macabre museum.

Now the time has come to add to his collection. He is ready to feed his obsession, and he is on the hunt.

Jakey Frith and Clara Foyle have something in common. They have what he needs.

What begins is a terrifying cat-and-mouse game between the sinister collector, Jakey's father and Ella Fitroy, a troubled detective investigating a spate of abductions.

Set in London's Blackheath, Rattle by Fiona Cummins explores the seam of darkness that runs through us all; the struggle between light and shadow, redemption and revenge.

It is a glimpse into the mind of a sinister psychopath. And it's also a story about not giving up hope when it seems that all hope is already lost.

Tuesday 8 August 2017

Little Girl Lost by Carol Wyer Book Review

Little Girl Lost: A gripping thriller that will have you hooked (Detective Robyn Carter crime thriller series Book 1) by [Wyer, Carol]

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Her breath rose and fell in fearful gasps but it was too late. She could already see what she dreaded most. The back seat was empty.

Her little girl was gone.

Abigail lives the perfect life with her doting husband and adorable baby Izzy. But someone knows a secret about Abigail and they want the truth to be told.

When Izzy is snatched from a carpark, it becomes a case for Detective Robyn Carter. Someone has been sending threatening messages to Abigail from an anonymous number. What is Abigail hiding?

Robyn's instincts tell her that there's a connection between Izzy's abduction and two murder's she is investigating. But the last time she acted on impulse her fiance was killed. To break this case and earn her place back on the force, she must learn to trust herself again - and fast. Robyn is on the hunt for a ruthless serial killer. And unless she gets to the twisted individual in time a little girl will die . . .

Gripping, fast-paced and nail-bitingly tense, this serial killer thriller will chill you to the bone. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and Karin Slaughter. 


MY THOUGHTS 



Little Girl Lost is a captivating opening to a new crime series by Carol Wyer introducing Detective Robyn Carter. I have been meaning to get round to this book for a while and having read rave reviews, and after seeing it a lot on social media, I was so excited when I finally got round to it, and it didn’t disappoint.

Robyn is taking a break from police work by helping out a former colleague with his new private investigator agency. When they receive a call from a concerned woman, who is searching for her husband, Lucas Matthews; Robyn is concerned enough to approach her own colleagues back at the station, to persuade them to open an official police investigation into his disappearance. What starts out as a strange disappearance soon turns into something very disturbing, that Robyn and her friend never thought could be happening.

Carol’s writing was really pacy and addictive. There are some unsettling scenes in this book which may put some readers off, but the majority of this book was really enjoyable. I really enjoyed trying to work out what was going to happen, you can see all the pieces of the jigsaw laid out in front of you, but when Carol slots that final piece into place it is really surprising. The book was expertly plotted.

Robyn is an intriguing character. She has suffered from a recent trauma which she is still reeling from, I found her relationship with her former colleague interesting and I'm looking forward to finding out more about her. With the third book on the way this year, I’ll be reading the second one very soon.

An excellent start to what promises to be an exciting new series, this is a must read for crime fiction lovers. 

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 19th January 2017

Print length: 412 pages

Monday 7 August 2017

The Missing Twin by Alex Day Book Review

The Missing Twin: A gripping debut psychological thriller with a killer twist by [Day, Alex]

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A unique, exciting psychological thriller that will tug at your heartstrings, and keep you guessing until the very last page!

Can she find her sister before it's too late?

A missing girl . . . a secret to be uncovered. 

Edie and her identical twin Laura have always been best friends. So when Laura surprises Edit at the Mediterranean holiday resort where she is working, Edie can't wait for the partying to start! But then, Laura vanishes without trace...

At the same time, in a country on the other side of the sea, Fatima and her twin daughters set out on a harrowing journey that only the strongest - and luckiest - survive.

Edie and Fatima's lives are worlds apart, but now, there paths are set to collide, with devastating consequences. When Fatima hovers on the brink of survival, Edie must risk her own life to save her, and finally discover the truth about her missing sister.

MY THOUGHTS


The Missing Twin is an exciting debut novel by Alex Day. It is a brilliant read, that’ll keep you guessing and turning the pages to find out what will happen next.

Edie and Laura are twins. Edie has been living and working on a Mediterranean island and is thrilled when her sister turns up out of the blue to surprise her. After Laura arrives they both hit the town but the next morning, Edie discovers that Laura is missing. Filled with anxiety for her twin, she is desperate to find her sister, but her boyfriend, Vuk, warns her against approaching the police. Who can she trust to help her?

Meanwhile, Fatmia is fleeing her country which has been torn apart by war. She is desperate to reach mainland Europe and begins the dangerous journey with her two children to find safety.

I was intrigued by both of the stories in this book. Fatima’s story was heartbreaking, it really makes you think about what is going on in the world today with the refugee crisis and Alex writes her story incredibly well. I was always looking for clues to see how the stories could possibly be connected but when I thought I had worked it out but I was completely surprised by the ending which Alex had in store for us, the ending of the book really blew me away.

A great read from Alex, a book that I highly recommend, I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next. This book deserves to be huge! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to read. 

Publisher: Killer Reads

Publication date: 18th August 2017

Print length: 400 pages

Sunday 6 August 2017

The Girls in the Water by Victoria Jenkins Blog Tour



I'm thrilled to be taking part in The Girls in the Water blog tour today, the first book in an exciting new crime series.

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Two gone. One whose past could kill her.

When the body of Lola Evans is found in a local park on a cold winter's morning, Detective Alex King and her new recruit Chloe Lane are called in to lead the hunt for the killer.

Days later, a second girl goes missing. It seems the two shared a troubled history, and were members of the same support group. Who is the monster preying on these vulnerable girls?

As the detectives start to piece together the clues, Chloe realises that she too is in danger - as she uncovers secrets about her own brother's death which someone will kill to keep hidden.

Alex and Chloe are soon fighting for their lives, and in a race against time to reach the next victim before it's too late...

Chilling and totally compelling with an utterly suprising twist, The Girls in the Water is perfect for fans of Robert Bryndza, Sarah Hilary and Patricia Gibney. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Victoria Jenkins

Victoria Jenkins lives with her husband in South Wales, where she writes crime fiction and teaches English. The Girls in the Water is her debut novel, the first featuring Detective Inspector Alex King and Detective Constable Chloe Lane. The second book in the series will be published in late 2017.

twitter @vicwritescrime


MY THOUGHTS

Wow, what a brilliant way to open a new series.

The Girls in the Water is the first book in an exciting new crime series by Victoria Jenkins featuring DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. The novel is fast paced and will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. It won't take you long to finish this one.

When the body of a young woman is pulled out of the water at a local park, DI Alex King fears they may be facing a new serial killer. Her worst thoughts are confirmed when another body is found, the second woman has been killed in similar circumstances, and the team now know that they have a new, twisted killer at large who they must stop before the killer kills again.

The Girls in the Water is a promising start to this new series. I loved Victoria's characters, Alex and Chloe. Chloe comes from a tragic past, and she is trying, with the help of Alex to find out the truth of what happened to her brother several years earlier who died after his girlfriend was suspected of committing suicide. Chloe's backstory for me was the main pull of the story. I wanted to find out more about her, and I really felt that I got to know her character well as I was reading the book, perhaps a little more than Alex, but with the promise of more books to come I'm sure we'll get to know a lot more about her.

There were plenty of surprising twists and turns throughout the book, a couple of the twists I did manage to guess, but that didn't spoil the story for me. The ending was really tense, and Victoria's writing made sure I continued reading until I had turned the final page.

I'm interested to see where Victoria takes us next with Alex and Chloe; this was a really good debut with great characters that will keep you hooked. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book to read and to Kim for asking me to take part in the blog tour.

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 1st August 2017

Print length: 352 pages

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE


FOLLOW THE BLOG TOUR 

Saturday 5 August 2017

Sweet Little Lies by Caz Frear Book Review



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WHAT I THOUGHT I KNEW.

In 1998 Maryanne Doyle disappeared and Dad knew something about it?
Maryanne Doyle was never seen again.

WHAT I ACTUALLY KNOW.

In 1998, Dad lied about knowing Maryanne Doyle.
Alice Lapaine has been found strangled near Dad's pub.
Dad was in the local area for both Maryanne Doyle's disappearance and Alice Lapaine's murder - FACT CONNECTION?

Trust cuts both ways...what do you do when it's gone? 


MY THOUGHTS


Sweet Little Lies is the debut novel by Caz Frear and it was the winner of the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition. I can certainly see why the book won. Frear’s prose is sharp, witty and absorbing, a stunning debut, I’m hoping we’ll hear more from Cat Kinsella soon.

When the body of a young woman is found in Lemington Square, Detective Constable Cat Kinsella has no idea the trouble it’ll rake up for her. In 1998, when Cat was living in Northern Ireland, a young woman disappeared, now she has been found nearly twenty years later, murdered. But what is more concerning for Cat, is what has this young woman’s disappearance and murder got to do with her father? Is her father a suspect? Could he be responsible for her death?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved Cat’s voice and her sense of humour; she had me laughing out loud throughout the book, which is what made this book feel so fresh. I love a crime novel that can make me laugh.

The killer hook for this novel is that you don’t expect your father to become a suspect in a murder investigation nearly twenty years after a woman disappeared. Caz has created a gripping story line; I enjoyed learning about Cat’s relationship with her father, there is a lot of tension in their relationship and they have some rocky moments throughout the book which made for some gripping reading. 

I was surprised by the direction which Caz took us after the body of the young woman was found. The novel is tightly plotted and I really liked how everything slotted into place, I didn't see that ending coming.  

Caz has created a cast of exciting new characters in crime fiction and Caz is an exciting new voice; I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Publisher: Zaffre

Publication date: 29th June 2017


Wednesday 2 August 2017

Road to Publication - Angela Marsons

I'm excited to be launching a new feature on my blog today called Road to Publication and I'm delighted to be welcoming Angela Marsons, bestselling author of the Kim Stone series, published by Bookouture to my blog.

Angela Marsons



Do you find that inspiration strikes you in specific places or do ideas come to you everywhere?

Inspiration normally comes to me from either a subject I feel strongly about or a theme that I want to explore. There has to be a reason for researching the subject and something I want to learn about. My last book Dead Souls focused on Hate Crimes, a subject that has been gradually gnawing away at me for years.

What do you usually do after you get the first spark of a fresh idea, is it straight to the computer to write the first chapter or straight to a notebook to start planning?

I normally get an idea for a book while working on a book so I get a fresh notebook and just jot down any quick notes so that the idea doesn't get away from me. Often I will have to keep the notebook with me as once the ideas start to come entire plot lines and characters will also start to run around in my mind. It means I'm always eager to work on the next.

Angela's writing desk.


How long dos your first draft usually take to write?

My first draft is written in long hand with pencils and A4 notepads. I've tried working straight onto the computer but it just doesn't work for me. My creative brain just switches off. The first draft will normally take around three months although Silent Scream poured out of the pencil and the first draft was written in 1 month while I was also working full time. 

Do you celebrate when you finish your first draft and if so how?

I don't normally celebrate a first draft as my mind is already onto the second draft with ideas of what I'm going to add, remove and measures to improve it. The second draft is the stage where I throw entire plot lines and characters away.

Is it straight to editing or do you leave your manuscript a while before you pick up the red pen?

I may just take a day but very rarely more than that as I'm eager to make it all better and whip it into shape.

How long do you spend editing before your book is handed over to the printers?

I do three full drafts of the book before it goes to my editor. As I write two books a year the whole process from starting the first draft and submission is 6 months so as soon as the book is written I am editing it for the rest of the time available. 

At what point, prior to publication do you find the nerves start to kick in or do you not get nervous in the approach to publication?

I am constantly nervous! I worry that my editor won't like it and that I have gone seriously off course. Once we've worked together to shape it and fine tune it I begin worrying about if the reviewers and bloggers are going to like it and then I start to worry about if the wonderful, faithful Kim Stone readers are going to like it. And then I start to worry about the next ....

How does it feel when the early reviews start to come in?

It is like winning the lottery, to be honest. My editor says 'you never write the same book twice' so there is no guarantee that people who liked the last book will like the next book. Every book is a different journey so the nerves never go away.

How long do you wait after finishing your book before starting on your next project?

I normally try and take a couple of weeks off once I've sent a manuscript off to my publisher but there is always a notebook close by as my mind is already thinking about the next.

And finally how do you celebrate publication day?

Publication Day is like a manic Christmas Day which is always fantastic. I love social media but have to limit myself due to my writing schedule so on Publication Day I allow myself to just chat on Twitter and Facebook and enjoy people's reactions and responses to the newest Kim Stone adventure. 


Thank you so much, Angela for taking the time to answer my questions. You can purchase Angela's latest Kim Stone novel Dead Souls by clicking HERE

You can follow Angela on Twitter here: @WriteAngie


ABOUT THE BOOK 

The truth was dead and buried...until now.

When a collection of human bones in unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field suddenly becomes a complex crime scene for Detective Kim Stone

As the bones are sorted, it becomes clear that the grave contains more than one victim. The bodies hint at unimaginable horror, bearing the markings of bullet holes and animal traps.

Forced to work alongside Detective Travis, with whom she shares a troubled past, Kim begins to uncover a dark secretive relationship between the families who own the land in which the bodies were found. 

But while Kim is immersed in one of the most complicated investigations she's ever led, her team are caught up in a spate of sickening hate crimes. Kim is close to revealing the truth behind the murders, yet soon finds one of her own is in jeopardy - and the clock is ticking. Can she solve the case and save them from grave danger - before it's too late? 

An addictive, sinister crime thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seat.