Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver- Book review and blog Tour.

London, 1918​

Fiona Figg finds herself back in Old Blighty saddled with shuffling papers for the war office. Then a mysterious card arrives, inviting her to a fancy house party at Mentmore Castle. This year’s Ascot-themed do will play host to a stable of animal defense advocates, and Fiona is tasked with infiltrating the activists and uncovering possible anti-war activity.​

Disguised as the Lady Tabitha Kenworthy, Fiona is more than ready for the “mane” event, but the odds are against her when both her arch nemesis, dark-horse Fredrick Fredricks, and would-be fiancé Lieutenant Archie Somersby arrive unexpectedly and “stirrup” her plans. And when a horse doctor thuds to the floor in the next guest room, Fiona finds herself investigating a mysterious poisoning with some very hairy clues.​

Can Fiona overcome the hurdles and solve both cases, or will she be pipped to the post and put out to pasture by the killer?

Thank you at @Racheal Random Resources, NetGalley and Boldwood books for my eARC

Review

I really enjoyed immersing myself in Fiona Rigg’s latest and just as chaotic adventure, Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver, the next instalment in the cosy historical crime series- Fiona Rigg and Kitty Lane Mysteries-

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

I’ve become a fan of these historical cosy mysteries and look forward to each new instalment, so was excited to be given a chance to review this book ahead of its publication. But you don’t need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this book but I would definitely recommend reading the others.

Read more: Arsenic at Ascot by Kelly Oliver- Book review and blog Tour.

This serious is humorous and while touching upon the horrors of World War One always manages to leave feeling optimistic and content when I finish reading the last page.

Fiona Rigg continues to be a hilarious mix of modern womanhood and old-fashioned values. The book picks up soon after the events of the Mayhem in the Mountains (review here). She finally receives the recognition she deserves for being an effective spy and is on her first undercover mission with two new identities. But of course, the two men in her life Archie and Frederick, crash her mission with hilarious consequences.

There was more romance in this book, I could really feel the attraction Fiona had for Fredericks in this book, an attraction that has been slowly building over the last few books and I loved the softer side of Fredericks. Clifford and Kitty and not forgetting Poppy play their parts in helping Fiona.

The book is set in wartime Ascot and London which is definitely less exotic than the previous setting of Fiona’s adventures, but the author describes this world perfectly. I never knew about the conscription of animals on the frontline and that the animal rights movement had started around this time.

As always, I love reading any author’s note and I was fascinated to find out that one of the main characters is based on a real-life spy!

I can’t wait to read Fiona’s next adventure.

Content Warning

References to animal experimentation

Perfect for fans of

Verity Bright

About Kelly Oliver​

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Furious Heaven ( Book 2 of The Sun Chronicles) by Kate Elliott- Book review

Furious Heaven by Kate Elliott for everything I hoped it would be- here is my review of this epic space opera.

The Republic of Chaonia fleets under the joint command of Princess Sun and her formidable mother, Queen-Marshal Eirene, have defeated and driven out an invading fleet of the Phene Empire, although not without heavy losses. But the Empire remains strong and undeterred. While Chaonia scrambles to rebuild its military, the Empire’s rulers are determined to squash Chaonia once and for all by any means necessary.
On the eve of Eirene’s bold attack on the rich and populous Karnos System, an unexpected tragedy strikes the republic. Sun must take charge or lose the throne. Will Sun be content with the pragmatic path laid out by her mother for Chaonia’s future? Or will she forge her own legend despite all the forces arrayed against her?

Review ( Includes spoilers for Unconquerable Sun ( review here)

Furious Heaven by Kate Elliot was everything I hoped it would. The second book of The Sun Chronicles was an action-packed space drama.

I have seen this described as a gender reversed story of Alexander The Great set in space but I think it is so much more than this.

Deadly Deceit ( DCI Kate Daniels series) by Mari Hannah- Book review

I’m pleased to be part of the DCI Kate Daniels Readalong and here is my review of Deadly Deceit by Mari Hannah

Four a.m. on a wet stretch of the A1 and a driver skids out of control. Quick on the scene, Senior Investigating Officer Kate Daniels and partner DS Hank Gormley are presented with a horrifying image of carnage and mayhem that quickly becomes one of the worst road traffic accidents in Northumberland’s history. But as the casualties mount up, they soon realise that not all deaths were as a result of the accident…
On the other side of town a house goes up in flames, turning its two inhabitants into charred corpses. Seemingly unconnected with the traffic accident, Kate sets about investigating both incidences separately. But it soon becomes apparent that all is not what it seems, and Kate and her colleagues are one always step behind a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Thank you at Compulsive readers and Orion books for my copy

Review

I’m pleased to be part of the Mari Hannah’s  DCI Kate Daniels readalong and here is my review of the third book, Deadly Deceit- this one left me checking my doors a few times!

I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.

The book opens with a shocking scene- not a murder but the carnage following a road traffic accident with multiple deaths but not all of them caused by the accident. I’ve read a few DCI Kate Daniels books, so I know the second plotline would eventually tie in with the first but again was surprised how the two are connected ( and never would have guessed). The plot races along with plenty of mini-reveals and twists that kept me hooked

Deadly Deceit features one of the scariest and cold-blooded killers I’ve read, and Mari Hannah has created a character in this killer that haunted me after I finished the book.

I enjoy location spotting in these books and Wideopen, Whickham and the Metrocentre make an appearance.

This book was set in 2010, which seems like a more distant time now, so some of the issues around staffing may not seem as current ( or maybe it more so!). I liked how the author hasn’t shied away from the emotional and psychological impact that incidents like this can have on frontline emergency workers. She also highlights the daily dangers they face from accusations to being assaulted.

It was nice to see Kate finally give to having a nice time romantically as well as dwelling on her complicated relationship with Jo. Stew and Fiona from the previous book make an experience and the chemistry between Kate and the both of them add an interesting layer to Kate’s complicated love life.

Content warning

References to child abuse,death of a child

The Future by Naomi Alderman- Book review

Here is my review of The Future by Naomi Alderman- science fiction

The Future—as the richest people on the planet have discovered—is where the money is.
The Future is a few billionaires leading the world to destruction while safeguarding their own survival with secret lavish bunkers.
The Future is private weather, technological prophecy and highly deniable weapons.
The Future is a handful of friends—the daughter of a cult leader, a non-binary hacker, an ousted Silicon Valley visionary, the concerned wife of a dangerous CEO, and an internet-famous survivalist—hatching a daring plan. It could be the greatest heist ever. Or the cataclysmic end of civilization.
The Future is what you see if you don’t look behind you.
The Future is the only reason to do anything, the only object of desire.
The Future is here.

Thank you NetGalley and 4^th Estate for my copy of the book.

Review

I enjoyed The Future by Naomi Alderman a science- fiction that really made me pause and think.

I received a copy of my book for a free and unbiased opinion.

This is a difficult book to review without revealing spoilers and the pleasure of watching the events of the story unfold. But this book is eerily evocative of the influence of wealth on society today.

This mix of climate dystopia, a survival tale, vigilante justice, high tech along with unpleasant yet sympathetic characters make an amazing read. I was never sure where the story was leading, and I was taken by surprise with the way it eventually ended.

The story has a few point of view characters and is a mix of traditional and non-traditional narratives- some people may find this a bit jarring. I did struggle through some of the biblical descriptions, but this did make sense in the end.

This is definitely a book for anyone who is looking for something a little bit different but with a riveting story.

Content Warning

References to suicide

Perfect for Fans of

The Power by Naomi Alderman

Upstairs at the Beresford by Will Carver- Book review and blog tour

I’m pleased to be part of the blog tour for Upstairs at the Beresford

THERE ARE WORSE PLACES THAN HELL

 Hotel Beresford is a grand, old building, just outside the city. and any soul is welcome. Danielle Ortega works nights, singing at whatever dive bar will offer her a gig. She gets by, keeping to herself. Sam Walker gambles and drinks, and can’t keep his hands to himself. Now he’s tied up in a shoe closet with a dent in his head that matches Danielle’s broken ashtray. The man in 731 has been dead for two days and his dog has not stopped barking. Two doors down, the couple who always smokes on the window ledge will mysteriously fall. Upstairs, in the penthouse, Mr Balliol sees it all. He can peer into every crevice of every floor of the hotel from his screen-filled suite. He witnesses humanity and inhumanity in all its forms: loneliness, passion and desperation in equal measure. All the ingredients he needs to make a deal. When Danielle returns home one night to find Sam gone, a series of sinister events begins to unfold. But strange things often occur at Hotel Beresford, and many are only a distraction to hide something much darker.

Thank you @ Random Book Tours and Orenda Books for my ecopy

Review

I’m not sure how which genre Upstairs at the Beresford by Will Carver but I loved this deliciously dark and creepy supernatural book.

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

The book is the prequel to The Beresford, but you don’t need to have read this book to enjoy Upstairs at the Beresford.

I admire how the author can create unique and memorable characters in a few lines. Within the first few chapters we meet a range of people from the grieving widow Carol to the wild, comfortable in her own skin Danielle, to the creepy yet powerful Mr Balliol. Each of the characters have their own little backstories, hopes and dreams but it is these dreams that led to their downfall (for some of them.)

The Beresford dominates every scene. A grand, majestic building well past its former glory that could be part of any city in the world. The hotel lurks and seeps through every page- it feels like that hotel where you can check in but never check out.

I wasn’t quite sure what was happening in the first few chapters, but the chapters are short, snappy, and addictive.

This book had some dark themes, but surprisingly there were parts that made me smile (especially when Carol gets back at a slimy salesperson.

This was my first book by Will Carver but I will be adding his backlist to my TBR list.

Content warnings

References to domestic violence.

ABOUT WILL CARVER

Will Carver is the international bestselling author of the January David series and the critically acclaimed, mind-blowingly original Detective Pace series, which includes Good Samaritans (2018),Nothing Important Happened Today (2019) and Hinton Hollow Death Trip (2020), all of which were ebook bestsellers and selected as books of the year in the mainstream international press. Nothing Important Happened Today was longlisted for both the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2020 and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Hinton Hollow Death Trip was longlisted for Guardian’s Not the Booker Prize, and was followed by four standalone literary thrillers, The Beresford, Psychopaths Anonymous, The Daves Next Door and Suicide Thursday. Will spent his early years in Germany, but returned to the UK at age eleven, when his sporting career took off. He currently runs his own fitness and nutrition company, and lives in Reading with his children.v

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett- book review and blog tour.

The Christmas season has arrived in Lower Lockwood, and the Fairway Players are busy rehearsing their festive holiday production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for a new church roof. But despite the season, goodwill is distinctly lacking among the amateur theater enthusiasts with petty rivalries, a possibly asbestos-filled beanstalk, and some perennially absent players behind the scenes.
Of course, there’s also the matter of the dead body onstage. Who could possibly have had the victim on their naughty list? Join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they investigate Christmas letters, examine emails, and pore over police transcripts to identify both the victim and killer before the curtain closes on their holiday production—for good.

Thank you, Random Things Tour and Viper, for my ecopy

Review

The Fairway Players Amateur Dramatic society in The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett are back.

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed this murder mystery where the murder takes second place to the back-stabbing politics of the Fairway Players. The petty dramas, rivalries, subtle sabotage and family dynamics are brilliantly brought to life through emails, texts and what app messages. The tension gradually and slowly cranks up until the body makes its dramatic entry. There are plenty of moments that made me smile. I had no idea who the murderer was right upto the end and there are plenty of suspects and motive that kept me guessing.

I finished this book in one sitting and I loved all the characters warts and all- anyone who has been part of a choir, running or dance group or any club like this will find they recognise the interactions between well-meaning but slightly obsessed people. The author writing style is unique and captures the tensions between all the different kinds of people living in Little Lockwood and the nearby new development.

The fact the author was part of an amateur dramatic society just makes this so much better (do read the acknowledgements too!).

This is a perfect read for Christmas and will be perfect for Janice Hallett fans or any fans of murder mysteries.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Janice Hallett is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Appeal (a Waterstones
Thriller of the Month, the Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year and winner of the
CWA Debut Dagger award) and the Sunday Times bestsellers The Twyford Code and
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. She lives in West London.

Monument to Murder by Mari Hannah -Book Review and DCI Kate Daniels readalong

When skeletal remains are found beneath the fortified walls of an ancient castle on Northumberland’s rugged coastline, DCI Kate Daniels calls on a forensic anthropologist to help identify the corpse.
Meanwhile, newly widowed prison psychologist Emily McCann finds herself drawn into the fantasy of convicted sex offender, Walter Fearon. As his mind games become more and more intense, is it possible that Daniels’ case has something to do with his murderous past? With his release imminent, what exactly does he have in mind for Emily?
As Daniels encounters dead end after dead end and the body count rises, it soon becomes apparent that someone is hiding more than one deadly secret…

Thank you @Compulsive readers blog tours and Orion Books

Review

As part of the Kate Daniels read along ,here is my review of the fourth book of the Series- Monument to Murder by Mari Hannah

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

I really enjoyed this latest instalment in this crime series set in the Northeast of England and not just because I enjoy location spotting!

The book opens with two equally intriguing mysteries- who are the two skeletons buried in the near Bamburgh castle and who has hurt sex offender Walter in prison and how this is related to Emily, the recently widowed forensic psychologist.

I knew the two stories would eventually come together but I was completely surprised by how the author did this and who the murderer was.

The plot moves quickly, like the other books in the series with plenty of suspects and as always, I enjoyed reading a team who respects their female lead detective and gets on with solving the murder.

Kate’s complicated relationship wither father is explored a little further but her relationship with Jo remains as complicated as ever.

Even though this book is your typical crime thriller, the description of grief in all its forms is realistic and anyone who has lost someone close to them will empathise with emotion in the book.

Content Warning

References to sexual assault and bereavement, loss of a child.

When skeletal remains are found beneath the fortified walls of an ancient castle on Northumberland’s rugged coastline, DCI Kate Daniels calls on a forensic anthropologist to help identify the corpse.
Meanwhile, newly widowed prison psychologist Emily McCann finds herself drawn into the fantasy of convicted sex offender, Walter Fearon. As his mind games become more and more intense, is it possible that Daniels’ case has something to do with his murderous past? With his release imminent, what exactly does he have in mind for Emily?
As Daniels encounters dead end after dead end and the body count rises, it soon becomes apparent that someone is hiding more than one deadly secret…

Thank you @Compulsive readers blog tours and Orion Books

Review

As part of the Kate Daniels read along ,here is my review of the fourth book of the Series- Monument to Murder by Mari Hannah

I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.

I really enjoyed this latest instalment in this crime series set in the Northeast of England and not just because I enjoy location spotting ( this time it’s Bamburgh and Alnwick)

Read more: Monument to Murder by Mari Hannah -Book Review and DCI Kate Daniels readalong

The book opens with two equally intriguing mysteries- who are the two skeletons buried in the near Bamburgh castle and who has hurt sex offender Walter in prison and how this is related to Emily, the recently widowed forensic psychologist.

I knew the two stories would eventually come together but I was completely surprised by how the author did this and who the murderer was.

The plot moves quickly, like the other books in the series with plenty of suspects and as always, I enjoyed reading a team who respects their female lead detective and gets on with solving the murder.

Kate’s complicated relationship wither father is explored a little further but her relationship with Jo remains as complicated as ever.

Even though this book is your typical crime thriller, the description of grief in all its forms is realistic and anyone who has lost someone close to them will empathise with emotion in the book.

Content Warning

References to sexual assault and bereavement, loss of a child.