 Release Date - 15th July Book Length - 341 pages Publisher - Storm Books Purchase Links - www.amazon.co.uk www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for giving me the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review. WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? More than a decade ago, the body of eighteen-year-old Sarah Grove was found floating among the water lilies in the pond at Castle Vyne. The case was never solved. Now her sister Natalie is determined to finally uncover the truth. But when Natalie appears publicly to discuss Sarah's murder, she never expects it to unleash a deadly chain of events. Within hours, bodies start turning up in the nearby village of Calahurst… it seems someone will do anything to keep the past buried. As Natalie delves deeper into her family's history – with the help of mysterious castle gardener Bryn Llewellyn – she finds that nothing is truly what it seems. Behind the charming castle walls and chocolate-box cottages, the respectable villagers of Calahurst are hiding some very deadly secrets indeed. When another young woman is found dead in the very same lily pond where Sarah died, Natalie realises the killer has returned to finish what they started. But in a village where everyone has something to hide, who can she trust? And will she become the next victim of Castle Vyne's deadly legacy? Set in the world of Raven’s Edge, this standalone gothic cosy mystery will have you up all night! Perfect for fans of Clare Chase, Fiona Leitch and Agatha Christie. This book was previously published as Nemesis and has since had significant rewrites. MY THOUGHTS If you're a fan of thought-provoking murder mysteries, then MURDER AT CASTLE VYNE by Louise Marley is definitely the book for you. When a young Natalie watched her sister Sarah sneak out, she had no way of knowing then that that would be the last time she would see Sarah alive. Now, ten years later, Natalie is no longer willing to sit on the sidelines while her sister's murderer roams free. Natalie is determined to uncover the killer, but it isn't long before the charming village of Calahurst becomes the scene of more murders. As Natalie delves deeper into her family history, the village, and the legacy of Castle Vyne where Sarah's body was found, she soon realises that dark secrets lie waiting, but will she survive long enough to expose the truth? Compelling characters, a great mystery plot, and a fantastic setting all combine to make MURDER AT CASTLE VYNE a wonderful read from beginning to end. With plenty of twists and turns, there is ample opportunity for you to don your Agatha Christie hat and try to piece together the truth, all while enjoying the quirky characters of Calahurst. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more from Louise Marley. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Most of my stories are set in small villages filled with quirky characters. These are partly inspired by the places I’ve lived in over the years, although the characters are straight out of my imagination! I currently live in Wales, close to a famous library and two ruined castles. My husband thinks we moved here by accident. My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police. When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own… YOU CAN KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH LOUISE ON HER SOCIALS BELOW: Website: https://www.louisemarley.co.uk/ Raven’s Edge: https://ravens-edge.co.uk/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarleyAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarleywrites/ X: https://x.com/LouiseMarley DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER WONDERFUL STOPS ON THIS TOUR!   Release date - 27th February 2025 Book length - 336 pages Publisher - Boldwood Books Purchase Link - mybook.to/howtoslayonholiday I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for giving me the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review. WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? You’d kill for a holiday like this one… Chloe has spent months planning the murder of her husband, Scott. Everything is ready, but first she must create the perfect alibi to avoid any suggestion of her involvement in his death. And what better way to avoid suspicion than playing the loved-up wife on an extravagant holiday with their extended families? A luxury villa on the Greek island of Mykonos should provide the ultimate setting for her week of make-believe married bliss. But as the sun sets on their first evening in paradise, the cracks in Chloe’s plan begin to show. Family rivalries bubble to the surface. Scott’s sister, Tori, begins to ask awkward questions, suggesting she might know more about Chloe’s plans than she should. Then there’s the villa concierge, Grace, who is watching her guests’ every moves. As tensions rise, can Chloe manage to keep her murderous intentions hidden? And can she stop herself from adding a few more people to the body count along the way? MY THOUGHTS Gripping, exciting, and downright enjoyable, HOW TO SLAY ON HOLIDAY by Sarah Bonner kept me entertained from beginning to end. When Chloe decides that she just cannot take being married to Scott anymore she comes up with the perfect plan to kill him and get away with it - a luxurious family holiday with all of their extended family. But it isn't long before all of her plans begin to unravel and with family members like these, who needs enemies! But will Chloe be able to reach her end goal in time and will Scott be the only fatality on the stunning Greek island of Mykonos?! With short, snappy chapters and a colourful array of characters to sink your teeth into, HOW TO SLAY ON HOLIDAY by Sarah Bonner is the perfect read to curl up with. From murderous intent and crazy characters to hilarious antics and unexpected twists, this story has it all, and I couldn't put it down. HOW TO SLAY ON HOLIDAY by Sarah Bonner is witty and clever in all of the right places and I highly recommend you put it on the top of your reading list. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah Bonner is the author of bestselling psychological thrillers, including Her Perfect Twin. She lives in West Sussex with her husband and very spoiled rescue dog. You can keep up-to-date with Sarah on her socials below: Instagram - @SarahBonner101 X - @SarahBonner101 Facebook - www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Bonner-Author/61559588900774/ DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER WONDERFUL STOPS ON THIS TOUR!!   Release date - 7th February 2025 Book length - 329 pages Publisher - Boldwood Books Purchase link: mybook.to/SecretsOfTheRose I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review. WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? 1715: With the country on the brink of rebellion, Dorothy Forster’s life at Bamburgh Hall is ruled by the men in her life – her feckless brothers stirring up trouble at court, her elderly father with his dangerous secrets and the man she loves who the world seems determined to keep her apart from. As tensions grow, Dorothy finds herself caught between the warring factions, danger everywhere. Then Dorothy discovers her family are the keepers of the legendary Rose, the talisman both sides believe will guarantee them victory in this deadly conflict. Now Dorothy will have to risk everything to keep the Rose safe; the fate of the country and the men she loves rests in her hands. Present Day: Hannah Armstrong has returned home to Bamburgh Hall for work but when she discovers that her stepmother Diana has been keeping worrying secrets, her focus shifts to getting to the truth. Their family home once belonged to heroic Dorothy Forster, whose portrait graces the walls and whose spirit lingers in her home, but soon Hannah learns that there was much more to this formidable woman. Because Dorothy left behind a mysterious legacy and it’s not long before Hannah realises it’s one people are willing to kill for. Now Hannah is in a race against time to unravel the secrets of the past before danger arrives at their door. Two women divided by time but bound by a centuries’ old mystery. Bestseller Nicola Cornick is back with a brand-new thrilling adventure, a heartbreaking love story and the unforgettable story of how the courage of one woman can save a family and even save a nation. MY THOUGHTS Once again, Nicola Cornick creates a dual-timeline novel that captures the imagination as well as your heart, making THE SECRETS OF THE ROSE simply unputdownable. With two strong, intelligent female main characters, we are drawn deeply into a story that is emotional and compelling. In the present day, Hannah has returned home to Bamburgh Hall to focus on her work but it soon becomes obvious that there are secrets hidden in the hall's depths and her stepmother knows more than she is letting on. Bamburgh Hall is also the setting for Dorothy Forster but as it is 1715 Dorothy is living a much different life to Hannah. Restricted at every turn, Dorothy is fighting to protect those she loves and the Rose, a legendary talisman, that both sides of a dangerous rebellion will do anything to get their hands on. But can she make it through when the odds are heavily stacked against her? With a stunning setting and characters that genuinely make you care about them, THE SECRETS OF THE ROSE by Nicola Cornick is a wonderful read from beginning to end. History is effortlessly interwoven with elements of danger, love, and the formidable strength of women, making Nicola Cornick one of the best dual-timeline writers ever. A must-read in every way, THE SECRETS OF THE ROSE needs to be next on your reading list for 2025. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nicola Cornick is the international bestselling and award – winning historian and author of over 40 novels featuring women from the footnotes of history. Translated into 25 languages and previously published by HQ, her first book for Boldwood, set in the time of Charles II, will be released in March 2024. You can follow updates on Nicola Cornick's books here: Facebook: @Nicola.Cornick X: @NicolaCornick Instagram: @NicolaCornick Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/NicolaCornickNews Bookbub profile: @NicolaCornick PLEASE CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER WONDERFUL STOPS ALONG THE WAY!!   Release date - 9th December 2023 Book length - 206 pages BUY LINKS: UK - www.amazon.co.uk US - www.amazon.com Happy New Year everyone! I'm delighted to share an extract today as part of the blog tour for A Cocktail to Die For by Helen Golden. Thank you to Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for letting me be a part of this wonderful tour. Enjoy!! ABOUT THIS BOOK Cocktails, chaos, and an unexpected twist. Can Perry and his hens unveil the truth before time runs out? Death at Prestigious Hotel and Spa, Chasingham House We are hearing reports that a young woman has been found dead at ChasinghamHouse, the exclusive venue in the Cotswolds. She has not been named, and the cause of death is unknown at this time. This will no doubt cast a cloud over the bachelor weekend being hosted there by Lady Beatrice (36), the Countess of Rossex, for her business partner Perry Juke (34) ahead of his wedding to bestselling author and celebrity chef Simon Lattimore (40). Also staying at Chasingham House are top models Camile Redmaine (35) and Mel Parks (35), who are celebrating newly-single Cammy’s birthday with agroup of friends. When one of the birthday girls is found dead in her room, it’s clear Bea plans for her, Perry, and their friends to chill around the pool, have a few treatments, and generally relax, seem to have gone down the drain. When the local police are quick to dismiss the death as an accident, Bea is determined to help investigate anyway, along with the rest of Perry’s party. Can Perry and his hens catch the killer before the weekend is over and the trail goes cold? EXTRACT Intro Lady Beatrice and her business partner Perry Juke are at Chasingham House, an exclusive hotel and spa in the peaceful Cotswolds, for his bachelor weekend. Among Perry’s hens is DCI Emma McKeer Adler from PaIRS, and they are all looking forward to a relaxing weekend… “Oh my giddy aunt,” Perry Juke said in a low voice to his friends gathered around the table in the Chasingham House restaurant. “Something’s up.” Lady Beatrice, the Countess of Rossex, followed his eyes towards the tall figure of Henry Greenhill, the manager of the prestigious country house, who was standing by the entrance. His usually impeccable dark suit appeared somewhat creased, and his short, well-styled hair seemed less than pristine. Squinting, his eyes darted around the room, betraying an inner turmoil that was wholly out of character for the composed manager. Perry’s right. Something’s wrong. Shielding her eyes against the morning sun peeking through the large windows of the restaurant, Bea watched as Greenhill’s gaze stopped when it got to their table. Then, with furrowed brows and a tense jaw, he moved towards them, his long strides betraying the urgency of his mission. “Sorry to disturb you, my lady,” Greenhill said in a hushed tone, attempting to keep his voice steady as he gave Bea a small bow. “May I have a word with Chief Inspector McKeer-Adler, please?” He turned away from the king’s niece, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down his neck, and addressed the dark-skinned woman sitting to Bea’s right. “In private if you don’t mind, chief inspector.” Well, that clinched it. If he was referring to Adler in her official capacity, then there was something serious going on. Detective Chief Inspector Emma McKeer-Adler from the Protection and Investigations (Royal) Services (PaIRS for short) dabbed her lips with a napkin, then exchanged a quick glance with Perry, who gave a short shrug. “Yes, of course, Mr Greenhill.” She gave them all a brief smile as she rose to join the manager, who had moved to her side. Holding out his arm, he gestured towards the door, and Adler’s petite frame glided across the room as she followed him out. Bea took a sip of her coffee, trying not to stare too blatantly as they left the room. “What’s that all about?” Ellie Gunn flicked her fringe out of her eyes and cast a curious glance towards the disappearing pair. Claire Beck shook her head, her red glasses slipping down her nose as she leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “I’ve no idea, but he looked very flustered. He’s normally the epitome of calm. Something’s definitely off.” “Indeed.” Bea nodded, her green eyes narrowing. Is it something to do with me? She hoped not. Adler was here this weekend, along with Ellie, Claire and herself, to celebrate Perry’s last weekend as an unmarried man, and she was therefore not on duty. But if there’s a threat to me, will she shift from friend to protector? Bea felt her pulse quicken, then caught herself. Don’t be so melodramatic, Bea. She was at a private club in the middle of nowhere in the Cotswolds, where the security was tight and the clientele pre-vetted. It’s unlikely I’m in any danger. Glancing around the room, her eyes rested on the only other occupied table in the restaurant, where three women sat. Cammy Redmaine and Flick Spencer, their backs to her, had their heads together, deep in conversation. Mel Parks, sitting opposite, ran her hand through her short swept-back hair as she stared at the door, frowning. There was an empty chair next to her with a half-drunk cup of tea on the table in front of it. Wasn’t Vikki Carrington there the last time I looked? Bea nudged Perry, who was sitting beside her digging into his full English breakfast. “Did you see Vikki leave? I’m sure she was here earlier.” Perry put his fork down and looked over at the other table. “She was. No, I didn’t see her leave. I hope she’s okay.” He frowned. “Looks like Mercy’s not there either.” He was right. A fifth place on the other side of Mel was also empty. Where was Mercy Bright? Bea’s heart sank. Was that what Greenhill needed Adler for? Was it something to do with the two women? Her mind raced with possibilities as Bea tapped her fingers on her cup. Should she go over and ask Flick if everything was okay? The ‘birthday girls’, as Perry had named them, had arrived at the same time as them yesterday. Bea had met all the birthday girls except Mercy prior to this weekend as they had all been school friends of Bea’s cousin, Lady Caroline Clifford. Felicity ‘Flick’ Spencer, however, was the one Bea knew best as she was a close friend of Caroline’s. Studying Flick in conversation with Cammy, Bea decided they didn’t look concerned or worried about anything. She’d best leave it for now. “Any guesses what Mr Greenhill and Em are discussing?” Ellie whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. “Perhaps there’s been some sort of issue with the hotel,” Claire suggested, adjusting her glasses on her nose. “Something has been stolen, or there’s a problem with an unruly guest?” “The birthday girls are the only other guests here at the moment,” Bea reminded her, nodding at the other table. “Maybe he’s confessing his undying love for her?” Perry suggested with a playful grin, seemingly trying to lighten the mood. Bea smiled. Whatever was going on, Perry clearly wasn’t going to let it dampen the mood of his bachelor weekend. Bea suppressed a sigh. I have a feeling it might be too late. Sensing movement in her peripheral vision, she flicked her gaze towards the door just as Adler appeared. Even from this distance, she could see Adler’s face was grim and determined. Bea’s heart sank. Whatever it was she was about to tell them, Bea knew it wouldn’t be good news. Adler reached their table and took her seat without a word. She quickly glanced over at the birthday girls’ table, then turned back to them. Leaning in, she sighed heavily. “Mercy Bright has been found in her room. She’s dead.” AUTHOR INFO Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise. I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It's very early in my life as an author, but so far I'm loving it. It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet,I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes. Social Media Links –Insta: www.instragram.com/helengolden_author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helengoldenauthor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helengoldenauthor https://twitter.com/HelenGolden DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE WONDERFUL STOPS ON THIS TOUR!!!   Release date - 8th November 2023 Book length - 298 pages Publisher - Boldwood Books BUY LINKS UK - www.amazon.co.uk US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK Click: buy… a French chateau. Condition: ‘may require improvement’… It seemed like a good idea. Selling everything we own. Just Mark and I, swapping our tiny little terraced London home – and the heartbreak of not being able to start a family – for an entire chateau in the middle of France… This has always been our dream. And now it’s coming true. As I use the rusty key to open the big, creaking wooden door of the tumbledown fairytale chateau that’s officially our new home, I wonder: what could possibly go wrong? Turns out my grasp of the language isn’t brilliant – and I’ve realised too late that I should really have got fluent before emigrating. But it turns out that the answer is ‘le tout’. In other words, ‘everything’ than can go wrong, will… Will our marriage survive this adventure? With all the tumbling masonry, will we? As the French sun blazes overhead, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a year to remember… MY REVIEW An emotional and heartwarming story of love, loss, and taking charge of your life, THE FRENCH CHATEAU ESCAPE by Gillian Harvey is a wonderful story that hooked me from beginning to end with rich characters that found their way into my heart. Life isn't exactly plain sailing for Emma at the moment. She hates her job and her nightmare boss, she cannot get pregnant, and it's breaking her heart watching her grief-stricken father fade away in front of her eyes. When her older partner, Mark, decides that they should sell their home, quit their jobs, and buy a chateau in France, Emma thinks that he has lost his mind. But maybe a change of pace and a relaxing lifestyle could fix it all, and when they find the perfect place for such a bargain, what could go wrong? Well, the answer is everything. It soon becomes apparent that Emma's hospitality background is not going to be enough when it comes to a total renovation, and although their age gap never factored into their relationship before, it is factoring into the workload that Mark is now trying to undertake all by himself. With money running out, no ability to speak the language, and still no sign of the baby that they want, Emma is worried that they have made a huge mistake. And when an unexpected accident occurs, who knows what will happen to their French chateau dream life?! And will Emma and Mark's relationship even survive the challenge? THE FRENCH CHATEAU ESCAPE by Gillian Harvey is a rich and interesting story filled with adventure and beautiful imagery, as well as sensitive topics such as grief and infertility. The characters are fleshed out and engaging, and I teared up a few times while reading it which always shows the author's talent to connect with readers. Emma has gone through a lot of things in her life which left her unsure of herself in the beginning so it was a delight to watch her realise her own strengths and how determined she could actually be all by herself. THE FRENCH CHATEAU ESCAPE by Gillian Harvey was more than I expected and I look forward to more from this author. AUTHOR INFO Gillian Harvey is a freelance writer and bestselling author who lives in Haute Vienne France. Since moving to Boldwood from Orion in 2022, she has released three novels set in France: The bestselling A Year at the French Farmhouse, One French Summer, and A Month in Provence. You can follow the author here for updates: Website - www.gillianharvey.com X - twitter.com/GillPlusFive Instagram - www.instagram.com/gillplusfive/ Don't forget to check out all of the other blog spots along the way!!!   Release date - July 2023
Book length - 160 pages Publisher - Zaffre Books (Bonnier) BUY LINKS Ireland & Worldwide - www.kennys.ie UK - www.uk.bookshop.org US - www.amazon.com I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK When twenty-five-year-old Takako's boyfriend reveals he's marrying someone else, she reluctantly accepts her eccentric uncle Satoru's offer to live rent-free in the tiny room above his shop. Hidden in Jimbocho, Tokyo, the Morisaki Bookshop is a booklover's paradise. On a quiet corner in an old wooden building, the shop is filled with hundreds of second-hand books. It is Satoru's pride and joy, and he has devoted his life to the bookshop since his wife left him five years earlier. Hoping to nurse her broken heart in peace, Takako is surprised to encounter new worlds within the stacks of books lining the shop. And as summer fades to autumn, Satoru and Takako discover they have more in common than they first thought. The Morisaki bookshop has something to teach them both about life, love, and the healing power of books. MY REVIEW A gentle, slow-paced story of family, tradition, and the magnificence of the written word, DAYS AT THE MORISAKI BOOKSHOP by Satoshi Yagasawa is a simply lovely read. When Takako gets brutally dumped by her boyfriend who she also works with, she immediately quits her job and finds herself a little lost and alone. So when her eccentric Uncle Satoru offers her free room and board for helping out in their family bookshop, Takako feels like this is probably her best option, even if it isn't the most appealing. As Takako settles into the routine of the bookshop and its customers, it isn't long before she begins to feel revitalised, and as new friendships are formed, Takako regains her confidence and a newfound interest in life again. And it turns out that she may have more in common with her Uncle than she could ever imagine possible. From family ties and expectations to finding the perfect path for you, DAYS AT THE MORISAKI BOOKSHOP has it all. Blending beautiful traditions with the modern world is wonderfully described and the characters, while a little cold at times, really connect well together and push the story forward at a gentle pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more Japanese translations. ABOUT THIS AUTHOR Satoshi Yagasawa was born in Chiba, Japan in 1977. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is his debut novel, and it won Chiyoda Literature Prize. It was first published in Japan in 2010, the sequel the following year.  Release date - 26th October 2023
Book length - 313 pages Publisher - Moonflower Books BUY LINKS Ireland & UK - www.bookshop.org www.amazon.co.uk US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Amanda from www.moonflowerbooks.co.uk for providing me with a proof copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK After a terrible tragedy, governess Julia Pearlie finds herself with no job, home, or references. When she’s offered a position as companion to Miss Olivia Richmond, her luck appears to be turning. But Mistcoate House is full of secrets. Olivia has a sinister reputation. The locals call her the Mistcoate Witch, thanks to her tarot readings, and her insistence that she can speak to the dead. Her father, Dr Richmond, believes this to be girlish fantasy and is looking to Julia to put a stop to it. Determined to prove herself and shake off her own murky history, Julia sets to work trying to help Olivia become a proper young lady. However, as she becomes a fixture at Mistcoate, it is soon clear that there may be more to Olivia’s stories than Dr Richmond would have Julia believe – not least because somehow, Olivia seems to know something of the darkness that Julia desperately hoped she had left behind. As the danger grows, and the winter chill wraps around the dark woods surrounding Mistcoate, Julia will have to fight to uncover the truth, escape her past – and save herself. MY REVIEW Enthralling from beginning to end, THE FORTUNES OF OLIVIA RICHMOND by Louise Davidson is everything I hoped it would be and more. Julia Pearle is in a predicament. After a harrowing ordeal, she finds herself at the mercy of her brother and sister-in-law who no longer wish to have her underfoot. So when she gets offered the position as a companion to a young lady in the countryside, Julia doesn't have much choice. Ready to make a fresh start for herself, Julia is determined to make her new life a success, but as soon as she arrives at the desolate Mistcoate House she realises that this may be more difficult than she could ever imagine. Not only are money and staff scarce at the manor but her charge, Olivia, has a reputation that precedes her. Nicknamed the Mistcoate Witch, Olivia is both ridiculed and feared by the locals when she reads her cards and speaks of the dead. Julia sees only a young lady who needs kindness and compassion, as well as a proper education befitting her station. Add in a scandalous Aunt, a forgetful old captain, and a bitter housekeeper, and Julia must keep her wits about her at all times. But as Julia begins to settle in and make friends with some of the locals, it soon becomes clear that maybe there is more to Olivia's visions and ramblings than she first thought. When enemies from the present and the past come back to haunt them, will Julia be able to uncover the truth and save those that she has come to care deeply about? This debut is described as a paranormal period drama and that is the perfect description. The detail, the setting, the characters, and the plot are fresh and engaging, while a thread of unease is effortlessly being spun in the background as you read, ready to pounce and make you shiver at the perfect moments throughout. Julia's character is strong, independent, and extremely intelligent which I enjoyed, and I loved how it worked perfectly with Olivia who seemed quite the opposite in so many ways, yet was just as engaging and compelling in her own way. THE FORTUNES OF OLIVIA RICHMOND is an excellent story and I cannot wait to read more from Louise Davidson. AUTHOR BIO Louise Davidson was born in Belfast and has always worked in the creative arts in some capacity - from assistant to theatre directors to teaching scriptwriting classes in prisons to teaching English and drama to A-Level students. Growing up in Northern Ireland backgrounded by the Troubles led to a fascination with history, and this combined with her love of all things gothic inspired her to write her first book, a dark Victorian thriller set in a neglected and isolated mansion. Louise lives in London with her husband and step-son, and in her spare time is working on fulfilling her ambition to visit every museum in the city. The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond is her debut novel. You can keep up-to-date with Louise Davidson's writing here: X  Release date - 11th May
Book length - 364 pages Publisher - Quercus BUY LINKS Ireland & Worldwide - www.kennys.ie UK - www.amazon.co.uk US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Elaine from Hachette Ireland for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK For one week, everything in Luke Miller's life is perfect. Surprised with a belated honeymoon by his wife, Rose, he's had seven days with her in a Caribbean paradise. It's more than he ever thought he'd deserve. But as they pack their bags, Rose breaks down, confessing that on the day they left London, a violent man from her past tracked her down and broke into their home. He wasn't expecting her to fight back. And, in her terror, Rose killed him. Now there's a dead body in Luke's apartment, and only one person he can think to turn to. Mickey Sheils never expected to hear from Luke again, not after he disappeared the first time. Luke knows Mickey can't deny a woman who needs help, so she promises she'll deal with things - she'll make sure Rose doesn't have to keep running. But it turns out, some lies are too big to run from. MY REVIEW It's the last day of his surprise honeymoon when Luke Miller's perfect life falls apart. The love of his life, Rose, has just told him that she cannot go back home to their apartment and their new married life together because there is a dead body on their bedroom floor. Rose wants him to go home and report it all and she will simply disappear and Luke won't get into trouble. For Rose has disappeared before - from the abusive man who tracked her down after all these years and is now dead in their home. But Luke has another plan but he will need help from someone from his past whom he hurt deeply. Mickey Sheils has dedicated her life to helping women escape abusive situations and she even has the scars to prove it. So when Luke phones her asking for her help, she cannot refuse. There's also the fact that he disappeared from her life without explanation all those years ago and she still wonders why if she is honest. But when Mickey arrives at their apartment in London to see what she is dealing with, the situation becomes a lot more complicated, because Rose's dead ex-boyfriend isn't anywhere to be found. With plenty of twists, turns, lies, and tragedy, DON'T LOOK BACK by Jo Spain hooked me from the very first page and I was gripped to the end. The characters of Luke and Rose really drew me in as they were likeable even though it was obvious that they were keeping secrets from their past. Mickey was my favourite character - a no-nonsense, intelligent woman who truly knows and accepts herself - and I enjoyed watching her piece the truth together with the help of her friends. The story moves from the Caribbean to London to Ireland, and from past to present which all worked really well in keeping the tension and pace in the story, as well as fleshing out all of the character's pasts. I don't want to give any spoilers so I can't say too much about the plot itself but there are plenty of surprises and just when I thought I had some of it figured out, I was thrown off with something new, which I love! DON'T LOOK BACK by Jo Spain is an excellent psychological thriller and I cannot wait for more from one of my favourite authors. AUTHOR BIO Jo Spain is a full-time writer and screenwriter. Her first novel, With Our Blessing, was one of seven books shortlisted in the Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller competition and her first psychological thriller, The Confession, was a number one bestseller in Ireland. Jo co-writes the internationally acclaimed Harry Wild TV series and is currently working on several TV productions, including the adaptation of her own Detective Tom Reynolds series. Jo lives in Dublin with her husband and their four children. Facebook - www.facebook.com/JoSpainAuthor Instagram - www.instagram.com/jospainscreenwriter/ TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@jospainauthor |
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