Book Review “Other People’s lives” by J E Rowney

BOOK REVIEW NO:108

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Other People’s Lives

Listen carefully.

Watch closely.

Trust nobody.

“Let me ask you. Are you worried that someone is watching you, or are you worried that you think someone is watching you?”

Sophie Portman has lost her husband, and she thinks she may be losing her mind.

She seeks the help of psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up, the truth begins to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems.

Other People’s Lives is a gripping psychological thriller from bestselling author JE Rowney.

“A heart-stopping twist. I never saw it coming.” – advance reader review. 

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Peoples-Lives-J-Rowney-ebook/dp/B09GK9T7FZ/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Other-Peoples-Lives-J-Rowney-ebook/dp/B09GK9T7FZ/

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

If I could figure out how to do a huge surprised emoji on this review then that’s what I’d start with! This book is AMAZING! Full of tension, just lurking in the background. Making you feel uneasy yet you have no idea why. Expertly written characters that let you in but only a little bit at a time. The narrative is done in a way that you feel the characters are, at times talking directly to you. I found myself agreeing out loud then thought, “oh you can’t hear me can you”?

Sophie feels like she is slowly losing her mind and hopes that her Therapist. Andrew can help her get her life into perspective after her husband disappears, seemingly into thin air. Sophie is a great protagonist and she had me in the palm of her hand. Her letters to her husband are an inspired tool that the author uses to give us little snippets of information, what happened to Sophie’s husband? why she feels so awful? why she feels like she’s unraveling? You certainly feel that you are sitting in on the therapy sessions and at times you feel uncomfortable. One minute I thought Andrew was really caring, then I thought “oh no creepy”

If you ever needed a definition for Psychological then this book is it! A powerful book that really has you wondering what the heck is going on! Intrigue flows throughout and the twist at the end is truly not what I thought. I sat back in my chair thinking WOW what just happened? Epic, awesome, thrilling, gripping, brilliant, absolutely trust NO ONE. I don’t say “a must read” often but this really is a must read. Brilliant.

Author Bio –

J.E. Rowney spent several years in the cold Yorkshire hills, but now lives on the south coast of England. She spent ten years working as a midwife before turning in her gloves to become an author.

She has written ten novels, and also enjoys writing short stories. In 2020 she was the winner of the Pen to Print Short Story award, the Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction, and, in 2021, the Fresher Publishing Student Writing Award.

She spends lots of time writing in coffee shops, so if you see her, say hello.

Ms. Rowney says: “I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write.”

You can find out more about JE Rowney on her website at jerowney.com (where you can download a free book!), or follow @jerowneywriter on social media.

Social Media Links –

http://facebook.com/jerowneywriter

http://instagram.com/jerowneywriter

http://twitter.com/jerowneywriter

With thanks for the Advance Copy to ……

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

J E Rowney http://twitter.com/jerowneywriter

BooksGoSocial https://booksgosocial.com/

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Book Review “Rainbows End in Ferry Lane Market” by Nicola May

BOOK REVIEW NO: 107

SYNOPSIS?BOOK BLURB

Rainbows End in Ferry Lane Market

Book Three in bestselling sensation Nicola May’s gorgeous new series – catch up with Book One, WELCOME TO FERRY LANE MARKET, and Book Two, STARRY SKIES IN FERRY LANE MARKET, now!

39-year-old Glanna Pascoe – also known as ‘the Rainbow Painter’ – runs the Hartmouth Gallery in Ferry Lane Market in Cornwall. She is just getting her head and broken heart around being single, childless, and sober when Cupid flies in, shooting arrows all over the place.

Meeting the mysterious and fascinating Isaac Benson, famous local artist, and recluse, allows Glanna’s disillusioned heart and attitude to soften, and she begins to learn more about herself than she ever thought possible. Confused by her growing feelings for Isaac, Glanna throws herself into organising a life-drawing class at her gallery, using both male and female nudes – and setting local tongues wagging.

A theft from her gallery and the return of ex-love Oliver Trueman cause Glanna to wonder if a pot of gold will be appearing at the end of her rainbow. And will it bring her the happiness, she has sought for so long?

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

A true piece of escapism. A book to indulge yourself with, full of fabulous characters with lives that just make you want to up sticks and move. I adored Glanna, she has flaws and more flaws yet she is trying incredibly hard to put things right and just be a great business woman who is no longer a huge drinker, racing about having sex with practically everyone she sees. I loved her openness and honesty. A beautiful character who is one of those people you’d like to be friends with.

This book, the second I have read by Nicola May does not disappoint, it just captivates you in a lovely warm hug kind of way.There are plenty of laughs along the way. The humour is brilliant and I found myself laughing out loud at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Glanna’s developing relationships, especially Isaac. A very closed off and private man who she manages to help in more ways than he could ever have imagined.

All in all a wonderfully enjoyable read that takes you on a wonderous journey through art galleries, stolen pictures, love, unrequited love, strong friendships and so much more. A definite cosy read that you can just get lost in. I loved it immensely.

Purchase Links

UK – – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rainbows-End-Ferry-Lane-Market-ebook/dp/B09LLLD89V

US – https://www.amazon.com/Rainbows-End-Ferry-Lane-Market-ebook/dp/B09LLLD89V

Social Media Links – @nicolamay1  @hodderbooks – Twitter

Author Bio

– Nicola May writes ‘chick lit with a kick’ and is the internationally bestselling author of eleven romantic comedies. All have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK across all genres in January 2019 and March 2020 respectively. It was also the second best-selling eBook of 2019 in the UK. Nicola’s books have also been sold in many languages.

@author_nicola @hodderbooks  Instagram

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to…….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Nicola May http://@author_nicola

Hodder Books http://@hodderbooks

Book Review “The Secret Voices” by MJ White

BOOK REVIEW NO: 106

The Secret Voices

They said they’d keep me safe.

They said, ‘It’s okay, Hannah. You know you can trust me.’

They lied.

When eight-year-old Hannah Perry goes missing in the small Suffolk village of St Just, the community is rocked. Heading up the investigation is Acting DS Rob Minshull, but he’s out of his depth in a case that seems to mirror the disappearance of a young boy, seven years ago. That search ended in unimaginable tragedy…and Minshull is praying that history won’t be repeated.

But with an investigation full of dead ends, and a kidnapper taunting the police with sinister deliveries of Hannah’s belongings and cryptic notes, the young girl’s life hangs perilously in danger.

Until Dr Cora Lael enters the picture. A psychologist with a unique ability, Cora’s rare gift allows her to sense emotions attached to discarded objects. When she is shown the first of Hannah’s belongings, she hears the child’s piercing scream.

With few leads on the case, could Cora prove Hannah’s only hope? And as time runs out, can they find Hannah before history repeats itself…?

A twisty, original and utterly gripping detective thriller that fans of James Oswald and LJ Ross will love. Don’t miss the crime thriller debut from the bestselling women’s fiction author, Miranda Dickinson.

Purchase Links

AMZ: https://amzn.to/3IdYXpJ

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3fxbUia

Apple: https://apple.co/3IwAZGz

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

Blimey, just blimey! what a totally gripping crime thriller. I just loved every single page. Right from the start you are in this book with gusto. No preamble messing about getting characters sorted, this just throws you right in and by the end of the prologue I just had to keep reading. Gripping, gripping and then just when you think you can sit back for a moment, even more gripping. This book, a debut crime thriller has it all. Suspense, child in danger and written so perfectly you just can’t help but love or hate a character. A total page turner and I am not just saying that, it really is. My heart was hurting for poor little Hannah. I loved the way that we feel right inside Hannah’s mind. Her life seems so sad and she is such a gentle little girl. I just wanted to scoop her up and keep her safe.

The introduction of Dr Cora Lael is brilliant and I enjoyed getting to know her before she becomes part of the investigation. There was nothing unbelievable about her. She also comes across as a gentle soul and hopefully just what Hannah needs to save her.

The Secret Voices is a fabulously written book. Not a wasted word, no faff and long unnecessary flowery filler, its just super gripping, I think I may have said that already. I enjoyed the fact that the story is told from several different perspectives, drawing you in to each character as their story is revealed. The Police, especially Minshull are not your typical police, bored, uninterested and angry. These police offers clearly care and are absolutely willing the investigation to b successful. Can it really have a happy ending? Is Hannah ever going to saved? Can Cora be her saviour? All questions that will be answered when you read this fabulous book. Highly highly recommended.

Author Bio

MJ White is the crime pen name of the internationally bestselling author Miranda Dickinson. To date she has sold over one million books worldwide and has been translated into sixteen languages. Miranda has always been a huge fan of crime fiction and The Secret Voices marks the start of a new and exciting departure for her writing.

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to ……

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

MJ White

Hera https://www.herabooks.com/

Book Review “A Scottish Highland Surprise” by Julie Shackman

BOOK REVIEW NO: 105

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

A Scottish Highland Surprise

Discover the secrets and surprises that the scenic Scottish town of Briar Glen has to offer…

When wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen.

Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique.

And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure.

The perfect feel-good romance for fans of Jo Thomas, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley.

Purchase links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Highland-Surprise-Julie-Shackman-ebook/dp/B09MMZ75KL

US – https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Highland-Surprise-Julie-Shackman-ebook/dp/B09MMZ75KL

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

I do love a good romance and a superbly written Scottish romance hit the right spot for me. The Scottish Highland Surprise was definitely a huge surprise. I loved the setting in the china shop, which makes a fabulous change, I love all things china, especially a good, pretty teapot, I love a cuppa, so I was absorbed into this book completely.

Sophie is a wonderful character, brave about changing her whole life. I am not sure I would have been as brave as her but I wish I was. The romanticism of it all just drew me right in. I’m sure I sighed several times.

I am not sure that “Romance” really does this book justice as there is a smattering of history, a bit of intrigue and mystery all surrounding the Romance. Definitely something for everyone. It is not an overly mushy romance either. It is a romance that we have probably all encountered at some even if it might have briefly. This brings the characters to life, they are unquestionably believable people which brings a sense of realism to the whole story. An absorbing read that I urge you to read.

Author Bio –

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, who she named Cooper. A Scottish Highland Surprise is Julie’s sixth novel.

Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/G13Julie

https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman

https://www.instagram.com/juliegeorginashackman

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Julie Shackman https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman

Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter https://corporate.harpercollins.co.uk/what-we-publish/one-more-chapter/

Book Review “A Final Call” by Eliot Parker

BOOK REVIEW NO: 104

• Purchase link: http://mybook.to/Amazon_FinalCallEP
• Genre:  Detective thriller, murder mystery
• Print length: 260 pages
• Age range: This is an adult novel
• Trigger warnings: Graphic violence; sexual violence; homicide
• Amazon Rating: 5 stars

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

About A Final Call

Homicide Detective Stacy Tavitt has too much on her plate. Her delinquent brother is in deep trouble and now he’s gone missing. Is he in danger? Is he dead? And an old college friend has a missing son, Colton, and is counting on Tracy to track him down. But Stacy’s last investigation has left her physically sick and at risk of being invalided out. She has a lot to prove and time isn’t on her side. Nor, it would appear, are some of her colleagues.

At first, there is little reason to suspect foul play in Colton’s disappearance – until he becomes the primary suspect in the brutal murder of an ex-girlfriend.

There are dirty cops in the force and dirty business at every turn. It’s a race against the clock as Stacy searches for the truth about her brother, the location of her friend’s son, and the mystery of a killer who is targeting her friend’s family.

She needs answers, even if she has to break the rules to find them. This time it’s personal.

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

A final call is my first read by Eliot Parker and it’s definitely right up there with some of my favourite books. The plot line is super fast paced and you need to keep your wits about you, but this is what I like. It makes me feel much more invested in the characters, I felt like I was trying to work out who did what to whom. The characters are full of, well character and it seriously is an enjoyable read so full of twists and turns my head was spinning, but in a good way. When the end arrives, it is a full on shocker and not what I was expecting but it was brilliant. I certainly want to read more by Eliot Parker and I would highly recommend, if you like a good fast paced police procedural book then this is one for you.

Book Review “The Mersey Mothers” by Sheila Riley

BOOK REVIEW NO: 103

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Mersey Mothers

Liverpool 1953

January sees the dawn of the Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation year as the mothers of Reckoners Row unite in preparation for the celebration of the new Queen.

Meanwhile Evie Kilgaren is dreaming of her summer wedding to Danny Harris, but trouble looms for Skinner & Sons with a new rival trying to put them out of business, but no-one knows why….

Ada Harris is summoned to the bedside of her estranged husband, who, in his dying moment confesses to a deadly secret – he knows who really murdered Evie’s mam Rene all those years ago and the consequences are far reaching.

Has an innocent man been jailed and is there still a murderer walking carefree?

Will Evie get the happy-ever-after she so longs for with Danny? And will The Mersey Mothers unite and still be friends?

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3svsdSB

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

This is my second book by Sheila Riley but the first in the Reckoner’s Row Saga. The Mersey Mothers is book 3 of this historical saga, however I don’t feel that I missed to much but having said that I do now want to read to other two. So in all honesty, I think it’s better to read all three.

This is a beautiful story, full of passion, strong morals and unbreakable friendships, no matter what has happened. Everyone living in and around Reckoner’s Row has a huge sense of community and they stick together through thick and thin. Ada is a brilliant character. she won’t let anything get her down even though she has a tough life. I really loved her forthright nature. In fact a lot of the women are forthright and it’s great to read. She actually reminded me of my Grandma. She wore the same wrap around pinny, lived in a very similar community and I couldn’t help but smile.

Evie and Lucy are wonderfully written women. Evie, looking after her younger sister since their Mother’s demise. They have a superb relationship and I utterly adored them both.

The Mersey Mothers is written so well, the plot is great and it evokes strong strong emotions that you find yourself having a chuckle one minute, feeling really angry the next then full on tears. A totally compelling read that absolutely lives up to being a saga.

Author Bio –

Sheila Riley wrote four #1 bestselling novels under the pseudonym Annie Groves and is now writing the Reckoner’s Row series under her own name. She has set it around the River Mersey and its docklands near to where she spent her early years. She still lives in Liverpool.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SheilaRileyAuthor/

Twitter https://twitter.com/1sheilariley

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sheilarileynovelist/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SheilaRileynews

With Thanks for the Advance copy to ……….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Sheila Riley https://www.facebook.com/SheilaRileyAuthor/

Boldwood Books https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

Book Review “The Last King” by M J Porter

SYNOPSIS/BOOKBLURB

The Last King

From author M J Porter comes a thrilling new hero.

They sent three hundred warriors to kill one man. It wasn’t enough.

Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.

Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, hears whispers that Mercia has been betrayed from his home in the west. He fears no man, especially not the Vikings sent to hunt him down.

To discover the truth of the rumours he hears, Coelwulf must travel to the heart of Mercia, and what he finds there will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own.

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/u/31RBva

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

Having Read M J Porter before I was really looking forward to The Last king. It certainly didn’t disappoint. I was prepared for plenty of fighting, blood and gore and this book has that in spades, so be ready for it. It does however help to set the plot excellently and the characters are written with a strength that you kind of get to actually like despite the profuse amount of swearing. I’m still not wholly convinced that the huge amount of the “f” word is needed but I soon just glossed over it as the story is so good you can ignore it to some extent.

This is an exhilarating read that is fast paced and each battle is described accurately for the time the book is set. I have learnt more about the this historical period by reading M J Porter than I have from any other books. I am fast becoming a fan and already have my next book lined up.

If you love a fantastical story based on Vikings, battles, violent escapades between the characters then I would highly recommend that you give M J Porter a try.

Author Bio – I’m an author of historical fiction (Early English, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as two 20th-century mysteries). I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it’s little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I write A LOT. You’ve been warned!

Find me at http://www.mjporterauthor.com and @coloursofunison on Twitter.

Social Media Links – https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …..

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

M J Porter https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor

Book Review “The Witch’s Tree” by Elena Collins

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Present day

As a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat.  The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives.  But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.

1682

Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…

Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

There is an absolute serenity that runs through the whole of The Witch’s Tree and the relationship between Grace from the 1600’s and the present day Selena is moving beyond belief. It seems odd to talk about these two characters having a relationship after all they are 300 years apart. However they really do develop a closeness that brings them together, without Selena really understanding who Grace is and why she feels a constant presence in the holiday home she has camped out in.They have similarities in their lives that gives them a strong connection that shines out. Selena’s beautifully described art draws you right in to the exquisite surroundings that Selena finds herself in. She is trying to fix her broken heart in more ways than one and her paintings bring her closer to finding Grace, although she doesn’t know it.

Grace’s story is one of pure love tinged with sadness. She is a strong young women, growing up in times of deep superstition that weighs heavy on her shoulders. Her final end is so sad that I have to admit I did weep for Grace. The injustice of what she endures is truly heart-breaking.

The Witch’s Tree is written with just the right amount of spooky alongside beautiful descriptions of not only the countryside but also the people that come into Selena’s life. I fell in love with this book wholeheartedly. It took me on a wonderful yet sometimes sad journey. I felt strong emotions throughout., alot tissues were needed, and I want to buy all of Selena’s paintings. The end is fantastically moving and finishes of both women’s lives in a way that you feel justice does get done eventually. Do Grace and Selena both find their happy endings? Well you will just have to buy a copy ( you won’t be disappointed) An utterly moving story that I urge you to read. It’s truly outstanding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author Bio

Elena Collins, AKA Judy Leigh

You may have read some of my novels writing as Judy Leigh, uplifting stories of the lives of older women and the possibility of second chances.

I’m so excited to introduce you to my dual timeline stories under the name of Elena Collins: the name is a tribute to my grandmother who was a teller of stories and fortunes and she had healing hands.

These new novels bring together three things I love: delving into history, exploring stunning locations and evoking the possibility of the supernatural. They are tales of people’s lives then and now, and there will be some spine-tingling moments.

I love writing, travelling, reading, music and theatre. I have an MA in Professional Writing. When I’m away from my desk and my three black cats, you’ll find me researching my next novel in some of this country’s most beautiful locations and beyond.

Book Review “Emma’s Tapestry” by Isobel Blackthorn

• Purchase link: http://mybook.to/emmastapestry
• Genre:  Historical fiction
• Print length: 311 pages
• Age range: This is an adult book but suitable for mature teens
• Trigger warnings: None;
• Amazon Rating: 5

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

At the dawn of World War Two, German-born nurse Emma Taylor sits by the bedside of a Jewish heiress in London as she reminisces over her dear friend, Oscar Wilde.

As the story of Wilde unravels, so does Emma’s past. What really happened to her husband?

She’s taken back to her days in Singapore on the eve of World War One. To her disappointing marriage to a British export agent, her struggle to fit into colonial life and the need to hide her true identity.

Emma is caught up in history, the highs, the lows, the adventures. A deadly mutiny, terrifying rice riots and a confrontation with the Ku Klux Klan bring home, for all migrants, the fragility of belonging.

Emma’s Tapestry is an imaginative retelling of the remarkable life of the author’s great-grandmother.

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 HUGE STARS

WOW! this book absolutely blew me away. I was totally immersed from the very first word. An extraordinary book based on real life events that just sweep you along on Emma’s incredible journey through life. The things she sees and endures had me held in the palm of the authors hand. My favourite part was Emma’s time in Singapore. It just gave me a whole new insight into just what it must have been like to be a woman living in a foreign land that she literally knew nothing about. I loved the descriptive style, it really brought everything to life, from Emma’s surroundings to the sights and smells, her husband, Ernest and his odd foibles that Emma keeps wondering what she ever saw in him, left her family for.
This is truly one of the most compelling stories that I have read, I think knowing that this was based on the authors Great-grandmother gave it much more of an impact. Emma is dragged from pillar to post and she endures it all with grace and just makes the best of what she is. A truly remarkable woman. Please please go and get a copy. Its phenomenal

AUTHOR BIO

Isobel Blackthorn is a prolific novelist of unique and engaging fiction. She writes across a range of genres, including gripping mysteries and dark psychological thrillers.

The Unlikely Occultist: A biographical novel of Alice A. Bailey received an Honorable Mention in the 2021 Reader’s Favorite book awards. A Prison in the Sun was shortlisted in the LGBTQ category of the 2021 International Book Awards and the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Her short story ‘Nothing to Declare’ was shortlisted for the Ada Cambridge Prose Prize 2019. Her dark thriller A Legacy of Old Gran Parks won a Raven Award in 2019. The Cabin Sessions was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award 2018 and the Ditmar Awards 2018.

Isobel holds a PhD in Western Esotericism from the University of Western Sydney for her ground-breaking study of the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Her engagement with Alice Bailey’s life and works has culminated in the biographical novel The Unlikely Occultist and the full biography Alice A. Bailey: Life and Legacy.

Isobel carries a lifelong passion for the Canary Islands, Spain, her former home. Five of her novels are set on the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. These standalone mystery novels are setting rich and fall into the broad genre of travel fiction.

Isobel has led a rich and interesting life and her stories are as diverse as her experiences, the highs and lows, and the dramas. A life-long campaigner for social justice, Isobel has written, protested and leant her weight to a range of issues including asylum seekers and family violence. A Londoner originally, Isobel currently lives in rural Victoria, Australia.

https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Isobel.Blackthorn/

http://www.isobelblackthorn.com

https://www.facebook.com/Lovesick.Isobel.Blackthorn/

http://www.isobelblackthorn.com

With Thanks for the Advance copy to ……

Blackthorn Book Tours https://henryroitours.com/

Book Review “The Lake Templeton Murders” by HS Burney

Fast paced Thriller based in Vancouver

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Lake Templeton Murders

A body washes up on the shores of Lake Templeton, a small town on the coast of Vancouver Island. Sharon Reese, the victim, was a dedicated government employee. Everyone liked her, but no one knew much about her. Was she hiding something? Maybe a questionable past riddled with scandal. And did it lead to her plunge to death, in a drunken stupor, off the dock outside her secluded lakefront lodge?

Was it an accident? A suicide? Or cold-blooded murder? Private Investigator, Fati Rizvi, is determined to find out. 

Fati arrives in Lake Templeton to find secrets that run as deep as the City’s sewers. Everyone is hiding something and nothing is as it seems. A cult escapee. A corrupt politician. A struggling airline. A multi-million dollar public-private project to revitalize the Lake Templeton waterfront. How are they all connected? 

As Fati valiantly unravels the knots, another body is found on the shore. Is it the same killer? And can Fati stop them before they strike again?

Purchase Link

US – https://www.amazon.com/Lake-Templeton-Murders-Private-Investigator-ebook/dp/B09KMDQBQ1

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lake-Templeton-Murders-Private-Investigator-ebook/dp/B09KMDQBQ1

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-lake-templeton-murders

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

I found The Lake Templeton Murders refreshingly different. The setting was beautiful and the main protagonist Fati made a delightful change. I loved her no nonsense style. She tells it how it is and somehow manages to get people to tell her things that they wouldn’t tell anyone else. I thought the fact that she was a Private Investigator was a great alternative to the usual stroppy detective story. Fati is feisty and obviously a strong independent woman. I felt very endeared to her, admiring her greatly.

The book is written with intellect and it goes at a pace that keeps you turning the pages and you’ll definitely find yourself in that “oh just one more chapter” phase. I particularly enjoyed that we, the reader seem totally involved. At times it felt like Fati was actually talking to me, sharing her questions as if my opinion mattered. I loved this style completely. We are not left out of Fati’s thought process at all.

The Lake Templeton Murders is the debut whodunit by HS Burney and its hard to believe it’s her first foray into the murder thriller genre. It’s totally brilliant. There are many red herrings along the way. I thought I’d worked it out, felt so sure then, oh no it’s not that/them at all. All the characters are written exceptionally well. You get to know what makes them tick almost immediately. I much prefer books that get to the point, no faff getting to know each character in a round about way. You know instantly each characters little foibles and it creates a utterly compelling read that I really found hard to put down. If you’re looking for a new author, new series and absolutely not cosy murder mystery then this is the one for you.

Author Bio –

HS Burney writes fast-moving, action-packed mysteries set against the backdrop of majestic mountains and crystalline ocean in West Coast Canada. She loves creating characters that keep you on your toes. A corporate executive by day and a novelist by night, HS Burney received her Bachelors’ in Creative Writing from Lafayette College. A proud Canadian immigrant, she takes her readers into worlds populated by diverse characters with unique cultural backgrounds. When not writing, she is out hiking, waiting for the next story idea to strike, and pull her into a new world. 

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/HS-Burney-Author-113028981189771

https://www.instagram.com/hsburneyauthor/

https://mailchi.mp/d6b48197e368/hsburneyemaillist

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to ….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

HS Burney