One of the best things about a kindle is getting a sample before you buy. The reviews would have me buying this in a heartbeat but I bailed half way through the sample. The writing is poor and I find that the main protagonist is an annoying snob. Should I continue and maybe buy? Is it worth it?

My first book by this author and what a lovely surprise. So well written with complex well drawn characters. A cosy easy read set in beautiful Iceland. I will be returning to read more.

I loved Look closer but couldn‘t get into this one at all. Bailed.

Very well written but extremely disturbing. I‘m between a pick and a so so here because of that. The ending should have come a couple of chapters earlier for me. Leaving us in limbo would have been a better finale I feel.

Is it a cosy murder mystery? Or a spy thriller? Or a gangster story? To me none of the above. I really like Richard Osman but he needs to stay in one lane. This is all over the place. A few laughs yes but a totally ridiculous plot. I couldn‘t anymore so bailed.

I listened to this one (my first Claire Douglas) on my BorrowBox library app and it‘s well presented. However I couldn‘t empathise with any of the characters and the possible identities of the dead bodies was both confusing and inevitable at the same time. The twist to me was obvious after the first few chapters so when it came I was Duh!! It‘s ok not great. Not sure I‘ll read/listen to any more from this author.

She certainly has Poirot voice to a tee but the plot again was a bit unnecessarily convoluted although less so than book 1. I‘m not feeling her Catchpool character at all. Too much of the book is given over to him and he doesn‘t seem to like Hercule v much. Set in West Cork in 1929 when Ireland was “The free state” and not the Republic didn‘t make a jot of a difference to the story which to me was a lost opportunity.

I‘m between a pick and a so so here. Yes the writing was excellent and for the most part she captured a lot of what I loved about Poirot. Which must have been a tough and daunting task. But the plot was all over the place with a not so satisfying ending. That said I‘m going to try The closed casket ( her second attempt) only because it‘s set in beautiful Clonakilty and I don‘t think Poirot ever made it to Ireland which could be interesting. 🥸

I mean how could you miss with this idea? You have all the wonderful Hitchcock thrillers for inspiration. And yet this is one hell of a miss. Six of the most awful “friends” arrive at a Hitchcock themed hotel for a weekend each with secrets so banal I couldn‘t care less about what happened to any of them. Tried way too hard (clumsily btw) clinging to the coattails of a genius filmmaker and his genius wife and fails miserably.

I really enjoyed The last party but this left me cold. I couldn‘t with Gwen who must be the worst psychiatrist ever. And the handsome lawyer with the dark past and heartbreak. 🤦🏻‍♀️So cliched which would have been ok if the plot was any good. Not for me.

A thoroughly enjoyable saga of a lost history. Two lives merge although separated by 40 years. A scandalous and viscous murder in one. And in the other Shakespeares early days in London as a struggling actor and “horse handler”. The style took me back to my teenage years when I devoured Jean Plaidy books. The research done here is impressive. The Shakespeare chapters were outstanding and my favourite parts of the book.

I enjoyed this fast paced well written thriller. It had plenty of twists and complex characters. It got a little bit crazy in parts but it all came together for a satisfying ending. Although he said he changed the ending! I loved visiting New Zealand and will read more from this author.

I loved this sweet story with fierce adorable characters. It‘s more about family friendship and love than it is about the Yorkshire ripper. The innocence and pure determination of Miv and her friend Sharon. Omar and Ish. Helen. Aunty Jeannie ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Growing up a teenage girl in 70s was like another world. Gen Z take note. I found the ending unnecessarily tragic but overall a wonderful debut from this writer. Unique.

Not a bad little cosy thriller with characters I liked (David and Hitesh) and not too many of them as to be overly complicated. Well written with lovely prose. I was extremely irritated however by the lack of chapters. There was not even a break between scenes. Sometimes it took a few lines to realise it had jumped to another one. If this is a deliberate “tool” I‘d say lose it for the next book. I‘m sure there will be a next one Great debut novel

This is the definition of a smart surprising thriller. I had whiplash from all the twists and turns. I exclaimed out loud several times. “No way”s “Omg”s and “Oooohhh”s. Deliciously devious. Intelligently written. I would highly recommend it. And now I‘m off to find more of his books.

Awh Liz you‘re great altogether. Maith tú. A very unique story set in Dublin about family and murder and trauma. It‘s authentic Irish and not twee Oirish which we cringe at. Wonderfully written flying off the page. All the characters have their own chapters and points of view. A very satisfying read with a singular ending. Highly recommend.

I saw the movie in my impressionable teens and it stayed with me. The trauma of the war the romance against all odds the crucifixion and the steak and two eggs for breakfast. The language is of its time and is now we know better, very offensive. It‘s also about a third too long and could have ended much sooner with an epilogue. Buts it‘s also quaint. Jean is fierce + determined. Joe is a strong masculine hero. I‘m glad I read it with adult eyes.

I‘m saying so so here. It stretches the imagination to believe in these characters living in an exclusive private university (in the turret no less) speaking and learning only about Shakespeare and none of whom are very sympathetic. And the ending which was only mediocre really tests you. The writing is excellent though especially the scenes at the beginning of each act. It was too long to make it worth the effort but judge for yourselves.

Just the right amount of scary without me sleeping with the lights on. Part murder mystery part supernatural thriller. What‘s not to love? I must read more of hers.

I really liked Dark matter and this is another take on time lines and possibilities. I did find it confusing at times and I got lost in all the timelines. This was highly complex with well drawn characters. Intelligent and thoughtful. Excellent ending.

I had this on my kindle for ages and as I‘m on holidays in gorgeous Cornwall I thought I‘d give it a go. And it didn‘t disappoint. Very very different and unique. Takes a while to get used to the language and format but worth the effort. I loved the ending.

Well it‘s been 24 years and we have finally come to the end of Ross story. I‘ll miss his quips which have had me shaking with laughter over the years. Farewell Ross. Thanks for the memories. Great ending. 😉

Fast paced thrilller with some sharp dialogue along the way. Points for an original take and I didn‘t hate the main protagonist. However it got very messy about half way through and confusing as to who was sleeping with who and whose ex was whose and by that point I didn‘t care enough to keep track. I did love Savvy though and that was a very interesting take. Not as many twists as expected from the hype and I guessed it almost from the start. Ok

I did like this. Just something lacking for me. Certainly not scary. Subtly done though and I did love the ending. Just something missing which I can‘t put my finger on. I think I will try another one of his books. Maybe it‘s his style. Or me? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Tim Weaver is one reliable thriller writer. Can‘t beat his fast paced intelligent writing. This started really well and kept the intrigue going until about half way through. Then it got a bit mundane but ended well. Some nice sneaky twists. Satisfying.

I love this authors fast paced page turning writing. And she spins a great yarn. Look no further than The other passenger or Our house ( great ending ) for unique thrillers. Sadly I was disappointed in this one. An interesting topic but I couldn‘t relate to any of the characters who all seemed a bit cliche. The “murder” came far too late and held no surprises.

I‘m struggling to find some redeeming qualities to this. I listened on audio. It‘s truly awful. I cannot understand the hype. Save yourselves.

My first and not my last Liz Moore. Very enjoyable thriller. Spans over several timelines and with many voices so I got a bit confused at times. However a fine and satisfying ending.

As recommended I listened to this and for me it‘s was one of my favourite audiobooks. Hats off to Ray Porter for an excellent rendition. Lots of science but well explained so not inaccessible. Full of drama and humour and what ifs. Highly recommend.

Chris Whitaker writes so beautifully and poignantly. I started this yesterday and cannot put it down. I‘m only a third through it but Saint Patch Grace ❤️❤️❤️My heart is breaking. This may be one of the most perfect books I‘ve ever read. I can‘t wait to see how it all turns out and yet I don‘t want it to end. Final review when I‘ve finished it but I had to share.

It‘s basically a hybrid of Where the Crawdads sing and Gone girl but not as well written. Was it just me that had the solution half way through? There was only one obvious solution. And expensive for a kindle book. Might make a good tv movie but for better value and way better writing, buy the other two instead.

A rollercoaster. A fun ride. The ending was insane but I‘d recommend as an enjoyable holiday read.

All I can say is NO. Save yourselves.

For me no one does short stories like Stephen King. This collection is so good. Some stories are almost novellas. Danny Coughlins bad dream is superb and the Jalbert/Javert cop so sinister. The answer man, 😢 I‘m driving fast past any stands with red umbrellas on the roadside from now on. I flew through these so fast that I will go back and re read some again. Nice nod to Leonard Cohen in the title. Thank you from a Constant reader ❤️

I thoroughly enjoyed Want to know a secret and this was touted as being like Christie‘s And then there were none. Which I read when I was 12 and still to this day think is one of the best murder mysteries I‘ve ever read. So brave and ambitious to be comparing it to that classic. Well it‘s nothing like ATTWN. It‘s one of the worst things I‘ve ever read. So to anyone comparing it to our Agatha‘s excellent and elegant story I say How very dare you

I‘ll tell you a secret shall I? This may not be high and fancy literature but it‘s a page turner with plenty of twists. Perfect for a plane or train journey or a rainy afternoon. My first from this author and I‘ll be reading more of hers.

I listened to this on audible. It was loud and had a lot of extreme language. I almost gave up as I found it too stressful to listen to because of that. The jumping timelines also made me dizzy. However I‘m glad I persevered as it finally came together and the message and theme was ultimately great. However it did take a very long time to get to the point. Judge for yourselves.

Book 5/5 of the Hawthorn murder series. If you‘re looking for an easy read with humour and clever twists look no further. This series has been so enjoyable. I hope it‘s not the last one.

This book is hard to describe. It‘s had some beautiful vignettes and gorgeous descriptions of nature. Parts are very disturbing and not easy to read. It‘s was our April Bookclub pick. Thank you @Cathythoughts for choosing it. I don‘t think I‘d have read it otherwise and I would have missed the wonderful prose and characters. It will stay with me for a long time.

Another Ira Levin. This time he does science fiction. Is there any genre he hasn‘t done? Hats off it‘s a great story told in the sublime Levin way. And when you think it was first published in 1970, it‘s staggering. He creates a future world with frightening prescience. Points off for one violent and in my opinion unnecessary scene. And possibly The boys from Brazil has more science but I haven‘t read that yet. This is a pick for me.

I‘m on an Ira Levin kick as I‘ve recommended A kiss before dying to my Bookclub. I absolutely loved Rosemary‘s baby and was intrigued to find out what might have happened to the devil child. Im torn between pan + pick here. It‘s well written and moves well until the end. What could have been a spectacular ending ended up a complete joke. Stephen Kings The dead zone is so much more frightening on this topic especially in this US election year.

I was beyond excited to read this book having absolutely loved TWITW. But I struggled a lot particularly with the use of the present tense. I think it‘s supposed to create drama and urgency but I personally find it intense. I had the “twist” from early on and so the “clues” were so obvious and clunky I was screaming. Too many voices hopping from one to the other. None of the subtlety or heart felt trauma of TWITW. Needless to say I‘m devastated.

Some thought provoking moments. This type of subject has been tackled before but not a bad job. More of a love story. I wouldn‘t call it mind bending though as per the quote from Justin Cronin. His own book The ferryman also a subject done before but that one is the best I‘ve read and is indeed mind bending. I would recommend that one highly. This is not bad though. I‘ll also read the sequel of Dark Matter called Recursion.

I love a good thriller and Linwood Barclay is a great thriller writer. This is not good. In fact it‘s downright rubbish. I‘m disappointed in a writer who‘s usually one of the go to reliable writers of this genre.

Beautifully written and I shed a few tears I have to say. Even though the story holds no surprises as we basically know the outcome from the start I enjoyed it immensely. The ending is a bit too soppy for me and there‘s no real mystery. I would have liked to have had more on the lives and traditions of the Mi‘kmaq people but it‘s a beautiful story that will touch your heart.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The translation had its ups and downs but flows after the first few chapters. This is a subject that is becoming more relevant and with the advent of AI ( not part of this book) will become even more frightening. Food for thought. Hug your children. Put down the phone

Words fail me. Truly awful.

A beautifully written family tragedy The brutal landscape where walking to the end of the road can kill you. More than 15 mins in your car with no air con can kill you Also snakes dingoes and spiders The invisible flooding The nearest neighbour was 3 hrs drive away and you better have spare tyres petrol food water and a radio The doctor that came around every 6 months for the skin cancer clinic This family saga is wonderful tragic and beautiful.

I felt this book heading in 5 different directions. But Harper fooled me again. Incredible twists. Wonderfully written characters. I loved this community and all the beauty and peace. What a terrific end to the Falk trilogy. I will miss visiting Australia with him. PS the weather was a lot more pleasant this time after the drought in The dry and the freezing rain in Force of nature. Suited me better 😀

Trying to escape the relentless rain and flooding here from Storm Babet, I thought I‘d visit Australia and see how Aaron Falk was getting on. Only to discover he was stuck in the bush in a freezing rain storm. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Second book of three in this series and it doesn‘t disappoint. Harper writes so beautifully and effortlessly it puts me at ease at once and I‘m immersed in her stories. Onto book three next The Exiles.