REVIEW: The Call by Kerry Wilkinson

The Call by Kerry Wilkinson

Genre: Psychological thriller

Read: 12th April 2024

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Amazon

Published: 17th April 2024

★★★ 3 stars 

DESCRIPTION:

Your fiancé calls. ‘A little girl needs help.’ Then they both disappear…

Melody gazes across the rippling lake to the trees on the shore, waiting for her fiancé Evan to arrive so their family holiday can begin. Here in this cabin in a small Canadian island town, there’s so much space for their son to play. It’s going to be perfect – just like the first time Melody visited as a child. But then a call from Evan shatters her world.

‘There’s someone in the road. I think it’s a little girl. She’s covered in mud. Or… is it blood?’ His voice becomes distant. ‘Are you OK? What’s your name?’ Then there’s a thud.

Evan never arrives to the holiday cabin. Melody, and her son, are terrified and desperate for answers. But with miles of endless, empty forest, and no reports of a missing girl, what hope is there of finding Evan?

The more questions Melody asks of the locals, the more she fears a terrible secret hides just out of sight. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she is in…

A totally gripping thriller that will have you racing through the pages until the final shocking twist. Perfect for fans of T.M. Logan and Rachel Abbott.

MY THOUGHTS:

Your fiancé calls....‘A little girl needs help’...Then they both disappear...

Something different from Kerry Wilkinson in the wilds of Canada rather than the cold climes of Britain. But honestly, it was not my cup of tea.

We meet Melody who has, along with her sister and brother-in-law and father as well as her son and fiance Evan, booked an AirBnb on a lake in Canada for a vacation for them all. Having spent a summer there as a child, Melody has only good memories of her time there. But as many are quick to point out to her, not everyone's memories were as happy as hers.

After arriving and installing themselves in the lake house, Evan was catching a later flight, renting a car and meeting them there. He calls her from the road. He has just exited the highway and is about fifteen minutes from them...when suddenly he stops. He tells Melody there is a little girl in the road and stops to ask if she's okay. There is a little background noise and then suddenly the line goes dead. Having consumed wine that evening, Melody enlists the help of her sober brother-in-law Thomas to drive her along the road that Evan had taken to see if they could find him. Instead what they find is the abandoned rental car and Evan's phone discarded on the road. The car's boot is empty. Evan's suitcase has gone...and so has Evan.

The police arrive some hours later and with it being dark and surrounded by trees and forests, there is little they can do till morning. But as the days pass Melody feels that the police aren't doing enough to find Evan. In the meantime, she tells their son Sam that his dad has been held up and trying to catch another flight. Sam accepts her explanation and goes on to enjoy camp.

While her sister Nina and hubby Thomas go about their vacation as per normal, of course Melody cannot do so. Her whole world has imploded with Evan's disappearance. Naturally she does some googling for information that she has come garnered by way of other parents or locals in the area which thus leads her to randomly following anyone she thinks may know something about Evan's disappearance.

The story is a fairly quick read even if it is somewhat unrealistic. The mystery behind what happened to Evan is what kept me turning the pages and then when it is revealed I'm left scratching my head. What just happened here? The motive behind the disappearance just doesn't make any sense whatsoever. 

I've been a fan of Kerry's thrillers for years. I love his dry wit and humour although this one lacked any of that trademark humour which I missed. And yet while the story as a whole didn't work for me, Kerry's writing is still enough to keep you engaged throughout...even if none of the characters were particularly likeable.

I do have mixed feelings of this one as I know what pageturning thrillers Kerry can deliver. And while I found it easy enough to read, it wasn't the riveting thriller that I have come to know that is of his calibre. I didn't hate it but I didn't enjoy it as much as his others. But having said that, I do look forward to whatever he brings us next!

I would like to thank #KerryWilkinson, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCall in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Kerry Wilkinson has had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.

As well as his million-selling Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.

Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.

When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.

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REVIEW: The Darkest Water by Mark Edwards

The Darkest Water by Mark Edwards

Genre: Psychological thriller

Read: 13th April 2024

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Amazon

Published: 16th April 2024

★★★★ 4.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

In this chilling thriller from the bestselling author of Keep Her Secret, if you don’t take your dark secrets to the grave, maybe they’ll take you there first…

Calvin finally owns the bakery of his dreams, in an idyllic village in the Lake District. After reluctantly following his wife Vicky’s advice to promote it on social media, he’s thrilled when a viral clip makes him a legend overnight. But then the creepy DMs start flooding in—all from a stranger who claims she’s his biggest fan.

Meanwhile, a local recluse is found on a nearby beach, buried to his neck and left to drown, and the community goes into shock. Why would anyone want him dead? And who exactly was he? Detective Imogen Evans, new to the Lake District, is under pressure to find out before the killer strikes again.

As the murder hunt gathers pace, Calvin’s obsessive admirer turns up right on cue after his assistant is injured in an accident, and to Vicky’s horror she’s here to stay. As events begin spiralling into darkness, is there anyone in this quiet backwater Calvin can trust—or have his mistakes already put him, and everyone he loves, in terrible danger?

MY THOUGHTS:

If you don’t take your dark secrets to the grave, maybe they’ll take you there first...

I've been a Mark Edwards fan since reading "Follow You Home" and "The Magpies" many moons ago and, while not all his books are my faves, this one is most definitely one of his more compelling and gripping psychological thrillers. I love how he has combined a bit police procedural with the thriller aspect making it a perfect blend of psychological crime fiction.

The prologue opens with a most gruesome discovery on Drigg beach. And if you have ever read a Mark Edwards thriller, you'll know he loves to shock, and this was no different. A somewhat different death to contend with as Detective Imogen Evans, from a couple of previous thrillers, returns to head up the investigation.

Meanwhile in Elderbridge, Calvin Matheson has dreams of owning a successful bakery/cafe. Preferably one to outdo the chain bakery Peggy's to which everyone flocks, leaving Calvin's empty. It was his wife Vicky's idea to go online with a few videos to help drum up business. Overnight, "Chef Calvin" goes viral and becomes a social media sensation, his cafe/bakery now centrestage to showcase all his delicious delights. Business becomes so busy he needs to take on an assistant after his current one breaks her wrist in a burglary. 

Enter Mel. Or should that be BlondieMel? She has been messaging Calvin for the past few days till Vicky put a stop to his naivete of "internet shoppers" and possible catfishing. But then Mel answers the ad that Calvin posts for an assistant and he is so desperate for help he doesn't stop to check references, asking her start immediately. But Vicky is not best pleased. Why has this Mel suddenly turned up when help was most needed?

But it's not long before the internet interest switches sides and suddenly Calvin finds himself the centre of a murder investigation, the disappearance of his wife and a sordid interest in young women! His business soon drops off and Calvin finds he must fight to clear his name.

All the while, the murder of the mysterious man who lived a hermit lifestyle surrounded by gloomy paintings of death and hell begins to grow colder by the day. The police are having difficulty identifying him and while his paintings are all signed Leo James, the man himself is a mystery. Is Leo James his real name? Is he hiding from something? Or someone? Locals have him down as someone in witness protection with his past having caught up with him. But who is he? And why was he murdered in such a slow and purposeful way?

This is a dark and gripping read that I devoured in a day. I love Mark Edwards' dry wit and dark humour which is peppered throughout. The story unfolds mainly around Calvin, set in two timelines both the present day and 1995. Throw in a stalker and a body on the beach and you have a gripping twisty thriller from one of the most devious minds and talented of writers. While there was a deluge of characters that all seemed to be thrown together, making the story seem a little far fetched, it strangely worked because what is fiction if not far fetched in some form or another? Especially if penned so cleverly as Edwards does.

Another gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I would like to thank #MarkEdwards #Netgalley and #AmazonPub for an ARC of #TheDarkestWater in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers about ordinary people who encounter terrifying events. He has been described as ‘a can’t-miss king of psychological suspense’ by thriller author Brad Parks and ‘a natural born storyteller with the darkest of imaginations’ by crime writer Fiona Cummins.

He has sold more than three million copies of his books and topped the bestseller lists numerous times since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013. 

His other novels are What You Wish For, Because She Loves Me, Follow You Home, The Devil’s Work, The Lucky Ones, The Retreat, In Her Shadow, Here To Stay and The House Guest. He has also published two short sequels to The Magpies, A Murder of Magpies and Last of The Magpies, and six books co-authored with Louise Voss.

Many of his books have been translated into foreign languages including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Estonian, Thai, Lithuanian, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish and Russian.

In 2019 Mark won The Cat and Mouse Award for Most Elusive Villain at the Dead Good Reader Awards for Last of the Magpies.

Mark loves hearing from his readers and encourages them to contact him. He regularly interacts with readers on his Facebook page, where he hosts book release launch parties and lots of giveaways.

You can follow Mark on Twitter, like his Facebook page or take a peek at his pics on Instagram.

Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, three cats and a golden retriever.

 

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REVIEW: The Godchild by Miranda Rijks

The Godchild by Miranda Rijks

Genre: Psychological thriller, domestic thriller

Read: 6th April 2024

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 31st March 2024

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Everything was fine until Alicia arrived.

After her own mother mysteriously disappears, seventeen-year-old Alicia turns up on her godmother’s doorstep and asks if she can stay. Carina can’t say no to the godchild she hasn’t seen in over a decade.

And in a way, Alicia is the daughter she always wanted – she’s so smart and driven, definitely scholarship material. Carina is only too happy to help this brilliant young woman achieve her full potential.

But husband Don and children Tegan and Arthur aren’t so sure. There’s something about Alicia… Is she just too good to be true?

Then, out of the blue, sixteen-year-old Tegan is accused of a horrible crime and life for this ordinary family spirals down into chaos.

Does Alicia have anything to do with the terrible secrets that are only now being exposed? Has she set out to destroy this family? Before she can answer these questions, Carina will have to face her own troubled past, stepping out of the light and into a very, very dark place…

The Godchild -the shocking psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Visitors and Make Her Pay.

MY THOUGHTS:

Be careful who you let into your home...

Wowsers! This is so not what I was expecting. With a title such as this, I'm thinking something to do with a new baby (especially with that cover) and all that follows in such domestic thrillers. But no. The godchild is not a baby at all. Not even a child. But boy, she is something else!

Carina and her husband Don have been together since their university days and have three children - Tegan (16), Arthur (14) and baby Ethan (9 months). Carina is the head teacher at their local selective school at which her two children attend whilst hubby is a stay at home dad to Ethan working on his novel.

Then one day a knock at the door reveals Alicia, Carina's long lost godchild and daughter of her old uni friend Gina. After the scene she created at their wedding nearly two decades before, Carina has not set eyes on Gina since. And the news Alicia brings tells a familiar tale of woe that seems to follow Gina. Drugs, alcohol and who knows what or where Gina is now. 

But Alicia arrives with her bags in tow and nowhere else to go so Carina begrudgingly invites her to stay, if not as a nod to her old friend. Don is not best pleased and neither is Carina's teenage daughter who finds herself having to share her room with Alicia. 

And from there, everything seems to go downhill...especially for Tegan, who finds herself the subject of bullying. But it's not just that...mysterious things begin happening...and while the Ruff family's world begins to implode, Alicia is the only one who seems to be sitting pretty. But their bad luck just continues with the death of a student, bullying, drugs and secrets and lies in abundance.

Unfolding through the THEN and NOW format, this is another stellar read by Miranda that is indeed easily devoured in one sitting. Plenty of twists, plenty of red herrings and oh so many secrets, lies and deception. Despite some of its predictability, this is one compelling read that will still manage to shock you even if you can easily figure out much of what it going on.

I would like to thank #MirandaRijks, #Netgalley and #InkubatorBooks for an ARC of #TheGodchild in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Miranda Rijks lives in West Sussex, England, with her husband, their musician daughter and black Labrador. ‘The Obituary’ was her first psychological thriller. She has also written a psychological thriller series featuring Dr Pippa Durrant, a psychologist and specialist in lie detection, who works alongside Sussex police getting embroiled in some scary stuff!

After a degree in Law, Miranda worked in marketing in London and Eastern Europe before setting up businesses in the horticultural, leisure and retail sectors. Along the way, she got a masters in writing and wrote the self-help book, ‘How Compatible Are You?’ and biography, ‘The Eccentric Entrepreneur’. In 2018, Miranda wrote ‘Don’t Call Me Brave’, a novel very loosely drawing upon her experiences of having a rare bone cancer.

She feels extremely lucky to be living the dream, writing psychological thrillers full time! 

Miranda loves connecting with her readers, so feel free to drop her a line.

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REVIEW: My Husband's Affair by Ruth Heald

My Husband's Affair by Ruth Heald

Genre: Domestic thriller, Domestic suspense

Read: 4th April 2024

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 10th April 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

We promised forever. But only one of us will leave this marriage alive…

I thought I had the perfect marriage. But as our beautiful children sleep soundly in the next room, I stare at the messages between my husband Rob and another woman, their promises to run away together bringing tears to my eyes. My heart stops when I see the latest one: ‘Leave my wife to me. I’ll get rid of her.’

My blood runs cold. I know this woman. I’ve let her into my home, where she’s bounced my rosy-cheeked baby on her knee. She could ruin my life in moments – she knows things about me even Rob doesn’t…

They think they can get rid of me so easily. They think they can just tear apart the perfect life we’ve built. But they've made a mistake underestimating me. He doesn't know I've uncovered his secrets. And now I know just enough to destroy him.

I can play the perfect wife for just a little longer. I’ll do anything to protect my children and my life. And he has no idea just how far I’ll go…

A completely gripping psychological thriller about unthinkable betrayal by those you love the most, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Claire McGowan and The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose.

MY THOUGHTS:

We promised forever...but only one of us will leave this marriage alive...

I've read all of Ruth Heald's books and she is one of my favourite authors...although I have to admit that this is not one of my favourite books of hers, it is still a thrilling read that keeps you guessing throughout. This one is about a wife's reaction to discovering her husband's affair...and the lengths she will go to save herself.

Jen lives a charmed life. Married to Rob, a high end estate agent in West London, with three children - Lottie, Jack and baby Ruby. And together they live in the penthouse suite of an exclusive apartment block for which Rob had the contract to sell from the developer. Although she would love to return to work, her life is filled with the children and making their house a home.

It all starts little by little. Discrepancies with their apartment that should have been safe but turns out are not. And then she smells an unfamiliar perfume on Rob's shirt...but writes it off as having been in contact with a client shrouded in the stuff. That has to be it.

But the late nights. The trips away. It's just client drinks and business, right? And then she discovers a burner phone, a passport, thousands in euros...and the messages. Rob is planning to leave them. But that's not the half of it. Rob has painted himself into a corner and thus delivers Jen an ultimatum completely out of left field. Think canoe man. But Jen has other ideas...

Another intriguing read by Ruth Heald that had me guessing throughout. The ending did let it down in the end as I'd expected something a little more jaw-dropping and unexpected. But it was still a thrilling read with a character you just love to hate!

I would like to thank #RuthHeald, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MyHusbandsAffair in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Ruth Heald is a bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books include The Wedding, I Know Your Secret, The Mother's Mistake and The Woman Upstairs. 

Ruth grew up a suburban Buckinghamshire town. She studied Economics at Oxford and then worked in an eclectic mix of sectors from nuclear decommissioning to management consulting.

Seeking a more creative environment, she found a role at the BBC and worked there for nine years before leaving to write full time. Ruth is fascinated by psychology and finding out what drives people to violence, destruction and revenge. She’s married with one daughter and her novels explore our greatest fears in otherwise ordinary, domestic lives.

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REVIEW: The Intruders by Louise Jensen

The Intruders by Louise Jensen

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 9th April 2024

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Amazon

Published: 11th April 2024

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

They were told to leave. They should have listened.

The perfect opportunity…

A manor house available rent-free to house-sitters is an offer too good to miss for Cass and James, who have been saving for a deposit on their own home for so long.

Although it had been abandoned for almost thirty years, after a home invasion left almost all the inhabitants dead, it is an amazing chance for them to build their future.

But is it worth the price?

Shortly after moving in things take a sinister turn. Objects disappear and turn up in odd places, the clock always stops at the same time, the house is strangely oppressive and sometimes it feels like Cass and James are not alone.

Newington House may have bad energy, and a dark reputation. But surely there’s no reason for history to repeat itself, is there?

MY THOUGHTS:

They were told to leave...they should have listened...

Holy flipping moly!! This was one super creepy thriller...and not at all what I expected. I feel a touch of John Marrs with this one and boy, did Louise Jensen pull the wool ever so neatly over my eyes that I didn't see what really was at play until it began to unravel.

Newington House sits dormant, abandoned and untouched for thirty years. It has a past that is so shocking and so much more than met the eye at the time. Thirty years ago, the Madley family were brutally murdered, their secrets dying along with them.

Thirty years later, James has brought girlfriend Cass to Newington, agreeing to house-sit for a big conglomerate who intend to turn the Grade 1 listed house into a retreat. Though she was oblivious to its history to begin with, Cass soon decided it was the perfect opportunity for her and James to save a deposit for their own place as they are being paid to live as caretakers for the duration. 

But it isn't long before Cass begins to hear whispers, sees shadows and movement, hears the creaking of the swing, the rocking of the chair in the nursery. The breeze from the window that is continually opened. The grandfather clock that stops at 8.30 every night. The scent of lemon. The giggling, the sing-song nursery rhymes and the strains of an old song about rabbits and running. Cass is confused. What does it all mean? Is Newington House haunted? Is the ghost of the murdered family still rattling around the rooms and creaking on the stairs? And why does he name Rose echo around her?

The same opportunity that seemed to good to be true is starting to look like it is just that. Cass starts to fear being in the house on her own and feels as if she is being watched. But nothing will prepare the reader for what is to come...

The creaks and sounds of the house echo through the pages as Louise Jensen skilfully pens this cleverly crafted plot that will fool even the seasoned thriller fan. I have read a good many of her thrillers and this has to be the creepiest...one that she takes to a whole new level! As I said, I felt tinges of John Marrs in this one, it was so creepy, so chilling and so cleverly done.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate that creepy, atmospheric and chilling cover? It gives me vibes of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" and "Psycho" in one!

How very apt that this extraordinary atmospheric thriller that is an addictive read from beginning to end is my 1000th review for Netgalley. I am thrilled that this is to mark that milestone with such a fantastic read!

Easily 5 stars!

I would like to thank #LouiseJensen #Netgalley and #HQDigital for an ARC of #TheIntruders in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Louise Jensen has sold over a million English language copies of her International No. 1 psychological thrillers The Sister, The Gift, The Surrogate, The Date and The Family. Her novels have also been translated into twenty-five languages, as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestseller’s List. Louise's sixth thriller, The Stolen Sisters will be published in Autumn by Harper Collins.

The Sister was nominated for the Goodreads Debut of 2016 Award. The Date was nominated for The Guardian's 'Not The Booker' Prize 2018. The Surrogate was nominated for the best Polish thriller of 2018. The Gift has been optioned for a TV film. The Family was a Fern Britton Book Club pick. Louise was also listed for two CWA Dagger Awards.   

When Louise isn’t writing thrillers, she turns her hand to penning love stories under the name Amelia Henley. Her debut as Amelia Henley, The Life We Almost Had, is out now.

Louise lives with her husband, children, madcap dog and a rather naughty cat in Northamptonshire. She loves to hear from readers and writers.

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REVIEW: Dangerous Times on Dressmaker's Alley by Rosie Clarke

Dangerous Times on Dressmaker's Alley by Rosie Clarke

Genre: Historical fiction, Sagas

Read: 3rd April 2024

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Amazon

Published: 5th April 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to Dressmakers' Alley, a twisted place filled with dark and deadly secrets

London’s East End 1923

In the heart of Dressmakers' Alley, Madame Pauline’s sweatshop is rumoured to be a particularly unpleasant place to work. Filled with seamstresses paid a pittance who turn a blind eye to what darker activities are hidden behind locked doors.

Young Winnie Brown is keen to prove her value to the Women Movement and secures a job as a seamstress to investigate the whispers of some unsavoury goings on. Her concerns are soon justified when she hears a desperate cry for help.

Meanwhile, happily married, Lady Diane Cooper is the darling of London’s high-society. Beautiful and talented, she seemingly has it all. But the strict constraints society assigns her leaves her frustrated, she craves more freedom. With the help of her devoted dresser Susie can she realise her dream?

What is the connection between Lady Diane's world and the poor exploited young women of Dressmakers' Alley?

Can the two worlds come together for the good of all?

Missing Mulberry Lane? Read Dressmakers' Ally and you won’t be far away…

MY THOUGHTS:

I love Rosie Clarke. She is one of my favourite authors and I relish anything she brings out. So when I saw a new series pop up, I was excited to say the least.

As in keeping with Rosie Clarke's other sagas, this one pays tribute to two of her other series - with a nod to Mulberry Lane (although set earlier than that one) and more than a passing reference to Harpers with many a mention of both Ben and Sally as well visiting Harpers. I tried to recall whether Winnie and her story, which began with Harpers, had featured in that series at all but it's been so long since I read a Harpers I can't remember though her story does seem a little familiar. I will need some reminding at any rate.

This tale is somewhat darker than some others with a seedier undertone and a mystery that is not entirely resolved by the book's end. I was a little disappointed with the ending that left more than a few things up in the air. Even though this is a new series with a follow-up to come and resolve some of those left open-ended, I do prefer each installment to have a proper ending with all story arcs to be resolved and then a hint of something to come in the next one. That is not to say I didn't enjoy this tale, because I most certainly did, but the ending let it down otherwise it would have been a 5 star read in my opinion.

I usually give a brief outline of the basic story but I think this time I will leave it to the reader to open up and discover for themselves. If you know Rosie Clarke then you won't be disappointed as the author is synonymous with delightful historical sagas. I've enjoyed all of her series and I'm sure this one will be no different.

Looking forward to book 2...when it comes.

I would like to thank #RosieClarke #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #DangerousTimesOnDressmakersAlley in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rosie Clarke has been writing for several years and has written under various names for a variety of publishers.  She lives in Cambridgeshire, is happily married and enjoys life with her husband.  She likes to walk in the Spanish sunshine and eating out at favourite restaurants in Marbella is a favourite pastime, but writing is her passion.

Rosie loves shoes, especially those impossibly high heels you can buy and has a gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choos but can't wear them so they sit on the mantlepiece.

Rosie also writes under the name of Anne Herries and Linda Sole.

 

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REVIEW: Bride and Groom by Rona Halsall

Bride and Groom by Rona Halsall

Genre: Psychological thriller

Read: 5th April 2024

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Amazon

Published: 5th April 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Walking down the aisle in the packed church, sunlight glints off my ivory silk gown. This should be the happiest day of my life. But as I carefully lift my veil and greet my husband-to-be, my heart is pounding with fear. Does someone out there know what we’ve done?

Ethan gently squeezes my hand as he slides the golden ring onto my finger. But I know we aren’t worthy of happiness.

As I look down at my wedding ring, in a blistering flash, I suddenly remember another piece of that pitch-black, rainy night… but I try to focus on Ethan’s gorgeous blue eyes. I know exactly what he’s thinking. We can never tell.

All our family, friends and loved ones smile as they watch Ethan and I promise to be together until death us do part. But only we know what that really means…

Because we have already killed someone.

My dear, sweet new husband isn’t quite all he seems…

But then again, neither am I.

An incredibly addictive psychological thriller that will keep you up all night, gasping at the truly mind-blowing twists! A completely unputdownable, edge-of-your seat page-turner for fans of The Perfect Marriage, Freida McFadden and Shari Lapena.

MY THOUGHTS:

They made a vow...they'll kill to keep it...

Walking down the aisle, Nicci pondered as to whether she was doing to right thing. Three nights ago something happened that threatened to rock their world as they knew it. Ethan convinced her not to confess because so much was riding on their wedding and the future before them. They would break so many hearts. Her father would never look at her the same way again. So Nicci agreed. But was it the right thing to do?

As she walks down the aisle, she wonders...does anyone else know what they've done? And then come the threats, the blackmail...someone saw something. Nicci is beside herself. Who can she trust with her secret? But Ethan made her promise...it was written in their vows...to keep their secret...until death parts them. And so she's trapped.

It's clear from the outset that Nicci is struggling with what happened just before their wedding but Ethan is there to calm her and settle her nerves. But then she begins to question everything she thought she knew? How on earth can she live with herself? How can she make it right?

As the story unfolds we learn more about Nicci, Ethan and Stacey. And not all of it good. I was blindsided by what happened (not often that happens...lol) so it may well take you by surprise. And I loved how the ending tied everything up neatly so that there was nothing left to chance.

Plenty of twists, plenty of red herrings, plenty of secrets and lies. Definitely a riveting read that I devoured in one sitting.

I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #BrideAndGroom in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rona was born in Nottingham, grew up near Blackpool and went to college in Leeds. She then moved to Snowdonia, North Wales where she brought up her family while working as a business mentor. 

She is an outdoorsy person and loves stomping up a mountain, walking the coastal paths and exploring the wonderful beaches on the Island while she's plotting how to kill off her next victim. She also makes sure she deletes her Google history on a regular basis, because... well, you can't be too careful when you spend your life researching new and ingenious ways for people to die.

She has three children and two step-children who are now grown up and leading varied and interesting lives, which provides plenty of ideas for new stories!

Rona lives on the Isle of Man with her husband, two dogs and three guinea pigs. She has been a bookworm since she was a child and now she's actually creating stories of her own, which still feels like a dream come true.

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