Sunday 30 December 2018

Review: Zombie Complex: The Battle for Chattahoochee Run

Zombie Complex: The Battle for Chattahoochee Run Zombie Complex: The Battle for Chattahoochee Run by Alexander Pain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Now this book shows how a real zombie apocalypse would gone down , forget what Hollywood shows you 'Zombie Complex: The Battle for Chattahoochee Run' by Alexander Pain shows how real people try to stay alive.

The hero is not what you come to expect from heroes he is over 300 pounds lives with his wife and beloved dog in an an apartment complex with undesirable neighbours,he has credit card debt,and health problems but when the apocalypse starts, he takes a stand and rallies his neighbours together to stay alive.

I look forward to reading more of this series.

Highly recommended.

View all my reviews

Saturday 29 December 2018

Review: Move to Murder

Move to Murder Move to Murder by Antony M Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Move to Murder is the third book in the Cold Case Jury Collection .

This time the author invites the reader to be cold case jury member looking into the murder of Julia Wallace in Liverpool in 1931 which has to be one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time.

In brief, a telephone call was received at the Liverpool Central Chess Club asking for a message to be passed on to Mr William Wallace husband of the victim Julie Wallace . The caller, called himself R M Qualtrough, and he was eager to take out an endowment policy on his daughter, and wanted Wallace to visit him at his home, 25 Menlove Gardens East, the following evening to discuss it. After receiving the message and discussing it with his wife he travelled across the city using several trams. Only to discoverer that the address did not exist , disappointed I'm missing out on a commission he returned home to find his wife beaten to death and a small amount of money stolen.

William was treated as the main suspect by the police was soon arrested, tried and convicted of the murder of his wife, and given the death. However an appeal saw the conviction overturned, and nobody else was ever found guilty of the crime.


Move to Murder examines five possible theories as to what could have happened that fatal night including ,Could Wallace have been the perpetrator after all, did he arrange the murder or was he completely innocent? I liked how each of these theory's where backed up by evidence.The book also has an excellent selection of photographs, some of which show the actual crime scene itself. I found myself completely absorbed in this book and would go as far as to say it was even better then the first two in the series.

View all my reviews

Sunday 23 December 2018

Review: Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil

Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil by Steven A. McKay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The storyline is set around Christmas time in the small town of Barndesburton where a series of burglaries are being committed by the Devil and another fiend. Fortunately for the town Friar Tuck his taken refuge within each church and he decides to investigate the so-called Devio burglars. To find out what happens you will have to read or listen to this wonderful short story.

View all my reviews

Wednesday 5 December 2018

Review: Frederick Bailey Deeming: Jack The Ripper Or Something Worse?

Frederick Bailey Deeming: Jack The Ripper Or Something Worse? Frederick Bailey Deeming: Jack The Ripper Or Something Worse? by Mike Covell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book is about the wife murderer Frederick Baily Deeming , who some people believe could also be a candidate for Jack the Ripper.

The author has an interesting way of writing instead of just telling you about the evidence he finds, he presents the whole document for you to examine for yourself. For example instead of using extract's from a newspaper report he will present the whole article. I dont think it will be  everyone's cup of tea but it is does make for some very interesting reading. The evidence the author presents shows that Deeming was a conman and a wife murderer but nothing more. I think the book would be a valuable resource to anybody wanting to or who is already researching the story of Frederick Bailey Deeming.

View all my reviews

Monday 26 November 2018

Review: Mad or Bad: Crime and Insanity in Victorian Britain

Mad or Bad: Crime and Insanity in Victorian Britain Mad or Bad: Crime and Insanity in Victorian Britain by David J. Vaughan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book describes the background of various institutions, how mental health has been veiwed and how patients were treated in the past though a number of different cases a number of cases. These cases are mostly based around acts of violence or cases of murder where the perpetrator has been found incapable of making a plea to the charges against them therefore they have been declared insane and sent to various institutions to be detained at Her Majesty's pleasure.



The book was written in a clear and uncomplicated manner I enjoyed it till the last few chapters when I found it started to become repetitive. This is only my opinion and does not mean to say that somebody else would not find in it interesting and enjoyable read.

View all my reviews

Wednesday 24 October 2018

Review: Twerk

Twerk Twerk by Isobel Blackthorn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First a thank you to Isobel for allowing me opportunity to read Twerk.

All comments made on my own

One story , two Las Vegas stripper's , a client who dies mysteriously while having a private dance and paramedic who isn't what he appears to be

I can honestly say Isobel's book has left its mark on me and won't be leaving me for a very time. If you're looking for a dark, psychological thriller with an added touch of steamy romance then this book is highly recommended.

My four comments below best describe how I feel about 'Twerk'

"Very addictive, page tuner "

"Has the shock and awe factor"

"Not be read late at night"

" Total shocked by one particular chapter can't say which one or why as this would give furture readers a major spolier"

Well done to Isobel Blackthorn for another finally written book and for giving this reader a few sleepless nights can't wait to see what you write next.



View all my reviews

Wednesday 17 October 2018

Review: The Prostitute's Price

The Prostitute's Price The Prostitute's Price by Alan M. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE PROSTITUTE'S PRICE' is the fifth book by Alan M Clark about the five known victims of the faceless killer known as Jack the Ripper.

All five books are works of historical fiction, and Alan makes no attempt to solve the Ripper murders.

Just like the previous books Alan does exemplary job of giving the victim in the this case Mary Jane Kelly a voice.

Of the five victims least is known about of the life of Mary Jane but this has not stopped Alan doing a excellent job of providing the reader a convincing story of Mary Janes life before her fatal meeting with Jack the Ripper.

The author makes the reader very aware that these women where more then fallen women and victims of a nameless killer they were wife's, daughter's , sister's and mother's.

I personally have enjoyed reading / listening to all five books in the victim series and would recommended all five to readers of historical fiction and to readers of true crime

View all my reviews

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Review: The Lady in the Cellar: Murder, Scandal and Insanity in Victorian Bloomsbury

The Lady in the Cellar: Murder, Scandal and Insanity in Victorian Bloomsbury The Lady in the Cellar: Murder, Scandal and Insanity in Victorian Bloomsbury by Sinclair McKay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars




This is the true account of how in 1879 the decomposing body of a woman was found in the coal celler of number 4 Euston Square which at the time was a boarding House.

What follows is the police investigation into trying to find out who the woman was , who murdered her, why was she murdered and how come nobody in the house noticed that there had been a decomposing body in the celler for nearly two years.

The author gives the reader an in depth look at the case and gives some interesting insights as to what may have happened.Was it the maid, was it another boarder, was it the landlord or his wife. The case is bizarre from to start to finish with lots of twists and turns.

This part of my review contains spoilers

The book doesn't resolve what happened to the victim, Matilda Hacker nor does it in my opinion shed new light on to the mystery, but that is my opinion and others may feel differently.

A book I think will fascinate true crime readers and mystery readers alike.



View all my reviews

Sunday 16 September 2018

Review: Cassie's Tale

Cassie's Tale Cassie's Tale by Brian L. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another GREAT rescue dog book from Mr. Porter.

A book that can be easily read in one sitting.

Cassie is the third book written by Mr. Porter about how he and his family share their home and their lives with an assortment of rescue dogs all with their own unique personalities and quirks.

This time we are introduced to Cassie the Yorkshire Terrier , Australian Terrier crossbreed she's tiny and looks so cute but don't be fooled her nickname is the mad ferret. Why you ask well I'm afraid I don't like to give spoilers so you will have to buy the book to out for yourself but what I will say is Cassie will steal your heart and your tennis balls if you don't watch her.

Recommended reading for animal lovers.

View all my reviews

Saturday 25 August 2018

Recommended


Review: The Murderer of Warren Street: The True Story of a Nineteenth-Century Revolutionary

The Murderer of Warren Street: The True Story of a Nineteenth-Century Revolutionary The Murderer of Warren Street: The True Story of a Nineteenth-Century Revolutionary by Marc Mulholland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really looking forward to reading and I was not disappointed,this is a really fascinating book about a murder I had never heard of before.

On the 8th December 1854 in Warren Street George More, fizzy drink merchant was killed by Emmanuel Barthelemy a French exile in London. He went Warren Street armed with two istory, 24 cartridges, a dagger and a ticker to get to Hamburg by boat. He was accompanied by a woman wearing a veil.

The book is about Barthelemy early life and the events leading up to that and and the consequences of the crime.

Recommended reading for the true crime enthusiast and lovers of History



View all my reviews

Wednesday 4 July 2018

Review: South By Southwest Wales

South By Southwest Wales South By Southwest Wales by David Owain Hughes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Recommended

'South By Southwest Wales' by David Owain Hughes

This book is one of those where you know from the very first page you're really going to enjoying reading it.

The main character is Samson a real old school 1940s Chicago style PI, but unfortunately for Samson he doesn't live in Chicago nor does he live in the 1940s, he lives in modern day Cardiff Wales where he struggles with alcoholism , delusions and doesn't quite fit in. And to top it all off he manages to find himself in a whole heap of trouble when he least expects it.

David has done a wonderful job of creating a old school style PI living in the modern world and I for one absolutely loved Samson as a character , his a man with problems but with a Heart of Gold and man who's willing to go the extra mile to protect those that he loves even when he has nothing left to give. Highly recommended and I'm hoping for a sequel.

For those who are easily offended by bad language this may not be the book for you.



View all my reviews

Friday 29 June 2018

Review: The Boss of Bethnal Green, Joseph Merceron the Godfather of Regency London

The Boss of Bethnal Green, Joseph Merceron the Godfather of Regency London The Boss of Bethnal Green, Joseph Merceron the Godfather of Regency London by Julian Woodford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had never heard of Joseph Merceon until I came across this book in a bookshop and it turned out to be a very enjoyable and interesting read 

Joseph Merceon was born above a pawnbrokers in Brick Lane London in the year 1764. In the insuring years he would rise to control the whole of Bethnal Green through intimidation bribery,fraud and without a single feeling of compassion for others including his own family. I can honestly say I find Joseph Merceon to be a truly rotten individual and makes Scrooge like a pussycat. 

The book is clearly written and you can tell that the life Joseph Merceon has been thoroughly researched by the author. The book is very informative and would it be of great interest to anybody interested in the history of London overall I'd say definitely a five star read.

View all my reviews

Review: The Deepest Grave

The Deepest Grave The Deepest Grave by Jeri Westerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading any thing by Jeri Westerson and I was not disappointed.

'The Deepest Grave' is part of series of books but this is the first one I have read . Crispin Guest is the title character and in this book he is hired to solve the mysterious, and eerie goings in a local graveyard. Are the dead really rising at night and stucking the blood of the living and are they real re-burying themselves in the light of day.

But this only part of the story but I'm not going to say anymore,I highly recommend you buy the book to find out more about this intriguing story will

View all my reviews

Review: The Gaslight Stalker

The Gaslight Stalker The Gaslight Stalker by David Field
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The plot is a mixture historical facts about the Whitechapel murders and fiction.

I don't like going into plots as it can spoil the book for others. But what I will say is that the author made an excellent job of the facts of Jack the Ripper case, but I personally think his choice of who the killer was abit far-fetched even for fiction but that is my personal opinion .

People who enjoy reading historical fiction will enjoy the book, well worth reading.

View all my reviews

Thursday 28 June 2018

Review: Portraits in Flesh

Portraits in Flesh Portraits in Flesh by M.W. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow is the best word to describe this book has it all, out of body experiences, murder, kidnap and plenty of suspense.

The first few chapters are two stories from two different characters, this kept me intrigued and wanting to find out how their stories will become connected.

The action starts from the very first page and doesn't end it till last page. The story grabs your attention making you want to read just one more page because it's getting late and you need to be early but before you know it , you've read 5 more chapters and there's sunlight through curtains.

I can not wait to read more work from M W Brown, her debut book is excellent and well worth reading

View all my reviews

Sunday 10 June 2018

Recommended


The Rescue and Other Tales by Steven A. McKaM


                   Audiobook – Unabridged
The Rescue and Other Tales by Steven A.McKay 
                Nick Ellsworth (Narrator) 

Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to listen to these three wonderful short stories all set around characters from Robin Hood and his gang of merry man and woman of course . This is the first time a have read or I should say listened to anything by  Scottish author Steven A McKay and I'm pleased to say it won't be my last.

A note about the narrator he has the perfect reading voice , making these stories even more enjoyable.

Saturday 9 June 2018

Mari Collier

Recommended reading, 'Twisted Tales From A Skewed Mind ' by Mari Collier

This was my first time reading any of Mari books and I loved it was full of interesting characters and a great book for dipping in and of. Two of my favourite stories have to be 'Once A Frog Always A Frog' and ' You Really Should Know Your Neighbours'



Inspector Reid: The Real Ripper Street Paperback – by Amanda Harvey Purse (Author)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1788763009/ref

Inspector Reid :  Real Ripper Street' by Amanda Harvey Purse

The author provides the reader with a perfect balance of family history and criminal history. She has thoroughly researched and investigated the life and times of Edmund Reid and this comes through in her writing. The book delivers exactly what it says on the tin, and introduces the reader to the real Inspector Reid.

One of the things I really love about the book is the way it is the writing style, it's like Amanda is actually in the room talking to you, I have find myself talking to myself only to release I'm the only one in the room 😁😁. I also like the fact she never over complicates the book and it's easy flowing for me this is also important as I'am dyslexic.

Saturday 31 March 2018

The Legend of Old Grand Parks by Isboel Blackthorn

This is the first book by Australian author Isobel Blackthorn I have read, but it definitely won’t be my last.

Where do I start the book features around five female characters each of whom are brilliant, albeit terrifying and definitely a law unto themselves. The story takes place in a small outback town and each chapter is told from the viewpoint of one or other of these women. I don't like to give away spoilers, but I will say this is the second time an author has put me off eating meat pies, and Isobels wonderful book will also make think twice about stay in small outback towns. I highly recommended you read the book to find out why.

A brilliant read and well worth five stars.


Tuesday 27 March 2018

"Conan Doyle for the Defence'' by Margalit Fox


Thank you to the author of ''Conan Doyle for the Defence''  Margalit Fox , publisher Serpent's Tail / Profile Books and finally NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful book

#ConanDoyleForTheDefence #NetGalley


Release Date 28th June 2018

All opinions expressed in this review on my own

You can tell from the first page to the last page that the author has thoroughly researched the backgrounds of both Oscar Slater and Arthur Conan Doyle.

I found the book to be very informative on effects Conan Doyle went into to show aa miscarriag of justice had taking place. I find alot of information that I had not previously come across in other books on the subject.


I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the true crime genre or Conan Doyle .

Friday 9 March 2018

Donna Marie McCarthy



Today's see the re- launch of The Meddler by Donna Marie McCarthy under Hellbound publishing. To mark the occasion she has agreed to an interview.

Thank you Donna

Do you think that the cover plays an important part to the buying process?

The cover is enormously important - people buy with their eyes, and if you are lucky, you have an awesome publisher like mine 'Hellbound Books who have thoroughly read and understood your book.

 How are you publishing this book and why? (Indie, traditional or both)

 I'm publishing through my fabulous publisher Hellbound, and the book is available on kindle and in paperback.

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?

 About 30 minutes a day - I prefer to be writing.

How do you market your books?

 I tried SP in the early days but with full-time work is so tiring, and I wasn't able to dedicate the time and hours to marketing. I now have an awesome publisher who covers this for me at this point in my life is integral. I share Hellbound's posts about them as they are far more professional than mine. Although I do like to indulge and create a few trailers here and there.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

There is no wrong or right way just making sure as many people know about your book as possible.

Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

 In the beginning I did - however, the best reviews come from people who have been unbiased bought your book because they love the sound and look of it.

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

 I try not to take too much notice of reviews, although do love the awesome ones.

What’s your views on social media for marketing?

Reading is so subjective, and you can never please all the people all the time.

Which social network has worked best for you?

I think Facebook it an extremely helpfuly community and very social, it's is a great place and platform for all sorts of people who would never be able to talk you otherwise .

Will you be doing , a press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work?

 I have a launch tonight with my American publisher, so I shall be up late lol people outside the US can catch up the next day, but I haven't had time to arrange press interviews, although I did with my debut.

Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?

I can't say any one thing ever impacted significantly - just dogged determination.

Thank you Donna as always, it's a  pleasure to  have you take part in an interview, and we wish you all the best with the re-launch. Thank you Susie - I love your interviews.

Tuesday 20 February 2018

The Strange Case of Caroline Maxwell "Paperback – 12 Sep 2014 by Amanda Harvey Purse.

Recommended reading "The Strange Case of Caroline Maxwell "Paperback – 12 Sep 2014 by Amanda Harvey Purse. 

This book has all the ingredients that makes a great mystery novel. The question is what is there not to love history mixed with fiction, Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper with a great references to Agatha Christie and a famous little Belgian detective. 

Amanda's book deserves so much more then the twos reviews it has on Amazon .

The book is truly well researched and comes across as a great labour of love , I loved spotting the historical cases that where mixed among the fiction. If you have the opportunity to read this book I recommend you do it's not to be missed.

Amanda I loved this book from start to finish thank you for the opportunity to read it I hope to see more of this wonderful character

Great books to add to your 2018 reading list



Saturday 10 February 2018

The Toymakers Hardcover – 8 Feb 2018 by Robert Dinsdale (Author)


The story covers the life of a girl called Cathy West. At just 15, Cathy finds herself pregnant, her parents plan to sending her away and have her baby adopted. Cathy has ever ideas, on seeing an advert in the paper calling for people to work in Papa Jack’s Toy Emporium, a place of hope and sanctuary Cathy runs away from her family to start a new life for and a her child .The story begins just before the First World War through the Second World War and then ends 1953. 

My thoughts

Absolutely amazing the author brings back memories of the magical feeling of your childhood when you used visit the big toy stores at Christmas.

The author gives the reader a beautiful love story and shows the tragedy that was The Great War. I would recommend this book as must read for 2018 and I for one will definitely be reading it again.



Wednesday 31 January 2018

Madness In Mumbles Kindle Edition by Steve Jessup



I would say read the first book 'Welshman in Whitechapel' as this will give you the start of Rees and Mary’s story and then go on to this one. But that is not say you can't read this one first ,  its just you may not understand what they are referring to but still its very readable without the first.


I started reading this book on holiday and read the first four chapters with out putting it down. However I then had to wait till I  get home from holiday to read the rest of the book which I did in one sitting. I just had to know what was going to happen next its just so captivating you just don’t want to stop reading.It’s one of those books where you you want to tell the characters to do something but you can't instead you have keep reading to see if they do it. I can’t say what it is as it would spoil the book  it’s very much like watching a TV series or a horror film where your shouting at the characters not to go outside or don’t go thought that door , I`am sure you know what I mean . The book just so captivating you just don’t want to stop reading I have to say the ending was fantastic and now I cant not wait for the next book in the series.


Tuesday 30 January 2018

The Expats by A.J Griffiths-Jones

Another excellent book by AJ Griffiths-Jones once again she has produced an excellent host for the readers to follow on her daily endeavours and we mustn't forget her family.A colourful array of characters wait for the reader but sadly this last in series for these books and I will miss waiting to see what characters the author comes up with next . I wish the author all best in 2018 and can't wait to see what she has in store for her next book.

://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/

Sunday 28 January 2018

Biddy Trott By Donna Marie McCarthy

If history, myth and horror are what you love reading then this is the book for you I absolutely loved this book even though it give me nightmares thanks Donna. It's the eighteenth century and Lord Abner has just arrived in the small English town of Royal Rummy where nothing is quite what it seems . The town is full of odd characters and who is Biddy Trott and why does she have sure a hold on Royal Rummy. To find the answers follow  Lord Abner as he unfolds the town's story.Can't wait for the next authors next book.

Side note best read at night because I think gives more atmosphere to the story.