Review: The Holiday - T.M. Logan

Title: The Holiday
Author: T.M.Logan
Published: July 2019
Source: Library Checkout
Star Rating: 4

Seven days. Three families. One killer. 

It was supposed to be the perfect holiday - a group of families enjoying a week together in the sun. Four women who have been best friends for as long as they can remember making the most of a luxurious villa in the south of France. 

But Kate has a secret: her husband is having an affair. And a week away might just be the perfect opportunity to get the proof she needs - to catch him in the act once and for all. Because she suspects the other woman is one of her two best friends. 

One of them is working against her, willing to sacrifice years of friendship to destroy her family. But which one? As Kate closes in on the truth in the stifling Mediterranean heat, she realises too late that the stakes are far higher than she ever imagined . . .

Because someone in the villa may be prepared to kill to keep their secret hidden [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

Well this was a thoroughly entertaining read! The Holiday follows 4 women, best friends since university, who go on holiday to a French villa along with their families. Our main character Kate finds something on the first day that makes her suspect her husband is having an affair with one of her friends and she’s determined to find out who. Yet someone in the villa may be prepared to kill to keep their secrets hidden…

The tag line is ‘Seven Days, Three Families, One Killer’ and I felt for sure I had it all figured out, but I was so wrong! I will say this started out a bit slow for me and it took me a while to get into it, but I can see the author was building up the pressure until everything explodes at the end. For me, once the suspense started to mount up properly, I was completely hooked.

There was a very claustrophobic feel to the book that created such a tense atmosphere – as it neared the end I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to see how everything was going to play out. When all the different pieces of the puzzle came together you could see how hints and red herrings had been used throughout the story which allowed for a clever, twisty ending which I really enjoyed.

I definitely recommend this if you’re in the mood for a slow-burn thriller that will leave you guessing throughout.

Review: The Doctor - Lisa Stone

Title: The Doctor
Author: Lisa Stone
Published: June 2019
Source: Library Checkout
Star Rating: 3

How much do you know about the couple next door? 

When Emily and Ben move in next door to Dr Burman and his wife Anita, they are keen to get to know their new neighbours. Outgoing and sociable, Emily tries to befriend the doctor’s wife, but Anita is strangely subdued, barely leaving the house, and terrified of answering the phone. 

When Emily goes missing a few weeks later, Ben is plunged into a panic. His wife has left him a note, but can she really have abandoned him for another man? Or has Emily’s curiosity about the couple next door led her straight into danger? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This whole story revolves around how much do you know your neighbours – definitely a tried and tested subject for thriller, but one that can be done really well. Emily and Ben move in next door to Dr Burman and his wife Anita, who like to keeps themselves very much to themselves. Emily tries her best to befriend Anita but she is strangely resistant. Then Emily goes missing and Ben finds a note saying she’s left him for another man but something about it seems suspicious…

I was so intrigued by this synopsis, and I will admit this whole book was one crazy ride, going in directions I never would have guessed from that blurb. However, sadly for me, it was all a bit too much. I found I could never get over my disbelief of the whole situation (quite tricky to write about when I’m trying not to spoil you!). It was a shame because overall it was a solid, well-written thriller with a very original take on the next-door-neighbour trope. In fact, I actually think a lot of you will enjoy this one and the storyline will work really well for you. It has a good average rating on Goodreads and a lot of people definitely seem to have really enjoyed it, so I’m in the minority on this one for not fully getting into it.

I will say it did have a very addictive quality to it and I really wanted to keep reading to see how it all unfolded, but for me it was just too unrealistic for me to properly enjoy it and the twists at the end ended up falling flat for me. 

Review: Platform Seven - Louise Doughty

Title: Platform Seven
Author: Louise Doughty
Published: August 2019
Source: NetGalley
Star Rating: 5

Platform Seven at 4am: Peterborough Railway Station is deserted. The man crossing the covered walkway on this freezing November morning is confident he's alone. As he sits on the metal bench at the far end of the platform it is clear his choice is strategic - he's as far away from the night staff as he can get.

What the man doesn't realise is that he has company. Lisa Evans knows what he has decided. She knows what he is about to do as she tries and fails to stop him walking to the platform edge. 

Two deaths on Platform Seven. Two fatalities in eighteen months - surely they're connected? 

No one is more desperate to understand what connects them than Lisa Evans herself. After all, she was the first of the two to die.[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I adored Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty so I was highly anticipating this new release. This was such a fascinating set-up for a story as Doughty perfectly blends a ghost story with a mystery thriller.

Two suicides have taken place at Platform Seven at Peterborough Station in the last 2 years and as the book begins it looks like a third is about to take place. Narrating the story is the ghost of Lisa, the victim of the second death at the station. This was so well done – I’m not normally a fan of the interweaving of paranormal aspects with thriller fiction but this was fantastic.

I loved that this was set in a train station. It grasped the exact underlying feeling of menace and danger that exists around standing near to railway lines as a high speed train goes past. This thoroughly creeped me out and added to the haunting air of the whole book.

As the story unfolds we learn of Lisa’s life when she was still alive and her toxic relationship. These parts of the book were disturbing and so well-written. One of the things I loved most about Apple Tree Yard was Doughty’s ability to write such realistic characters, and it’s exactly the same for this book. As the reader learns more about Lisa’s life the suspense builds up and I was completely hooked on finding out exactly what had happened to her. All this culminates in an emotional and unnerving read that not only looks at vitally important issues within our society but also proves to be a compulsive page-turner.

I highly recommend this one, the whole novel was very atmospheric and unsettling and would make a perfect Autumn read. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Who Killed Ruby? - Camilla Way

Title: Who Killed Ruby?
Author: Camilla Way
Published: June 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 4

You never know what’s going on behind closed doors… 

If you passed it on the street, you’d see an ordinary London townhouse. You might wonder about the people who live there, assume they’re just like you. 

But inside a family is trapped in a nightmare. In the kitchen, a man lies dead on the blood-soaked floor. Soon the police will come, and they’ll want answers. 

Perhaps they'll believe the family’s version of events – that this man is a murderer who deserved to die. 

But would that be the truth? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This was my first book by Camilla Way, and I really enjoyed this story of a family and their secrets. This was such a fast-paced thriller! You’re immediately thrown into the scene described in the blurb and then taken back in time to see the events that unfold up to that moment, and what led the characters there.

It was a very addictive read, full of suspense with a good mystery at the centre of it. The writing and pace kept me wanting to know what happened, although I did find myself thinking some of the twists were a bit much at times. Sometimes it got a bit too far-fetched for my liking, but equally I didn’t guess what was going to happen. It wrapped up well, and I was hooked on the rest of the story so that made up for it.

I definitely want to try Way’s other books which I’ve heard fantastic things about. I think this would really suit you if you’re looking for a tense, entertaining page-turner. 

Review: Lock Every Door - Riley Sager

Title: Lock Every Door
Author: Riley Sager
Published: July 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 4

You've been offered a luxury apartment, rent free. The catch: you may not live long enough to enjoy it… 

No visitors. No nights spent away from the apartment. No disturbing the other residents. These are the only rules for Jules Larson's new job as apartment sitter for an elusive resident of the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most high-profile private buildings and home to the super rich and famous. 

Recently heartbroken and practically homeless, Jules accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind. 

Out of place among the extremely wealthy, Jules finds herself pulled toward other apartment sitter Ingrid. But Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her. Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story - but the next day, her new friend has vanished. And then Jules discovers that Ingrid is not the first temporary resident to go missing… 

Welcome to the Bartholomew…You may never leave.
[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This was my first Riley Sager, and I definitely had high expectations for this one. I know he’s a very well-loved author and this one was obviously getting a lot of buzz, so I was very eager to check it out for myself.

I really enjoyed the feeling and tone of this novel. It was disturbing and claustrophobic with an ever-growing feeling of suspense pushing it along. It quickly had me hooked and I was desperate to know what was happening. 

This was an entertaining thriller and I didn’t guess any of the twists which is always a win with me. I was expecting it to be creepier than it was after some of the reviews I’d read, but it was well-written and the pacing was done really well. The ending was definitely shocking, but it didn’t necessarily work for me. I can see why it is so well-loved, but it didn’t fully satisfy me especially after really enjoying the rest of the book so much. But I know that I’m definitely in the minority with that opinion!

Overall I would definitely like to read his other books – I really liked the writing style, the mystery kept me guessing and it was a fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: I Looked Away - Jane Corry

Title: I Looked Away
Author: Jane Corry
Published: June 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 5

Every Monday, 49-year-old Ellie looks after her grandson Josh. She loves him more than anyone else in the world. The only thing that can mar her happiness is her husband's affair. But he swears it's over now, and Ellie has decided to be thankful for what she's got. 

Then one day, while she's looking after Josh, her husband gets a call from that woman. And just for a moment, Ellie takes her eyes off her grandson. What happens next will change her life forever. 

Because Ellie is hiding something in her past. 

And what looks like an accident could start to look like murder...[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I've seen this book featuring more and more online in the last few weeks, and I knew there was a lot of people loving it. Normally, book hype worries me and often leaves me disappointed. It always makes me want to read a book, but my expectations are often set too high, so I was very intrigued to see what I thought of this one. I was expecting a typical domestic thriller, but this was so much more.

It truly blew me away, everything about it - the writing, the topics covered, the twists, the characters – everything was so well executed. It felt like I was walking alongside the characters, living each moment with them, worrying with them and very eager to learn more. I don’t want to give anything away by delving into the topics this book covers, but everything was so well researched and sensitively written. I think this book is best experienced when you know as little about it as possible – it's such a fantastic read when you get to watch everything unfold, and have little parts of the story reveal themselves as you go along. At one point, I was reading on my lunchbreak at work and literally gasped out loud (I never do this!) and had to sit for a few moments whilst I took everything in.

It's had such an impact on me since finishing, I can't stop thinking about it! I want to keep talking about it to people who've read it and encouraging everyone else to pick it up as well. I honestly think so many people would enjoy this book, even if thrillers aren't your preferred genre. This has a lot more going on beneath the surface and does a fantastic job at tackling current issues in the UK.

5 solid stars from me, and a big shout for you all to go and read it! 

Review: Someone We Know - Shari Lapena

Title: Someone We Know
Author: Shari Lapena
Published: July 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 4

Maybe you don't know your neighbors as well as you thought you did . . .

"This is a very difficult letter to write. I hope you will not hate us too much. . . My son broke into your home recently while you were out."

Someone is lying. 

In a quiet, leafy suburb in upstate New York, a teenager has been sneaking into houses--and into the owners' computers as well--learning their secrets, and maybe sharing some of them, too. 

Who is he, and what might he have uncovered? After two anonymous letters are received, whispers start to circulate, and suspicion mounts. And when a woman down the street is found murdered, the tension reaches the breaking point. Who killed her? Who knows more than they're telling? And how far will all these very nice people go to protect their own secrets? 

In this neighborhood, it's not just the husbands and wives who play games. Here, everyone in the family has something to hide . . .

You never really know what people are capable of.[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I've previously read The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, and loved it, so I had high expectations for this one. The story follows the investigation behind the murder of a local woman and a neighbourhood full of secrets – a perfect set-up for a domestic thriller. I loved the tension running through this book, and the underlying theme that you really don't know what is going on behind closed doors in this seemingly ordinary neighbourhood. The premise was executed really well and the suspense built up perfectly.

It's a very fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing right up until the last minute. I thought I had it figured out, but I was definitely thrown in the last few chapters! I will say that it didn't leave me completely shocked, but thought it was still very well done. I was definitely tearing through the pages to find out how it all ended, and I appreciated the last paragraph and how it came to a close.

It was so entertaining to watch all the secrets and lies unfold and what drastic effect they could have on everyone, something I think this author does really well. If you're looking for a solid, well-written domestic thriller then I definitely recommend this one.

Review: Take It Back - Kia Abdullah

Title: Take It Back
Author: Kia Abdullah
Published: 8th August 2019
Source: Pigeonhole
Star Rating: 5

The Victim: A sixteen-year-old girl with facial deformities, neglected by an alcoholic mother. Who accuses four boys of something unthinkable. 

The Defendants: Four handsome teenage boys from hardworking immigrant families. All with corroborating stories. 

Someone is lying. 

Former barrister Zara Kaleel, one of London's brightest young legal minds, takes up Jodie Wolfe's case; she believes her, even if those closest to Jodie do not. 

Jodie and Zara become the centre of the most explosive criminal trial of the year, in which ugly divisions within British society are exposed. As everything around Zara begins to unravel she becomes even more determined to get Jodie the justice she's looking for. But at what price? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This completely captivated me and drew me in right from page one. I think one of the best ways to experience this book is not knowing too much - you need to navigate your own way through this story and see how you naturally react as each chapter unfolds. 

It's so cleverly written because even though you're given a heart-breaking, harrowing account of rape right at the beginning, the story isn't that simple. As I got to know Jodie and Zara, as well as the four accused boys my mind was changed over and over again as to whose story to believe. Then as the novel moved to the courtroom and the media attention erupted, it was both fascinating and scary to see how splintered society became, and how Zara became swept up in this divide. 

This was far more than your typical courtroom drama. It was such an emotional and uncomfortable read, and so powerfully relevant. I feel like I need everyone around me to read this so we can discuss it! It's definitely one of my top books for the whole year, an outstanding 5 stars. 

Review: No Further Questions - Gillian McAllister

Title: No Further Questions
Author: Gillian McAllister
Published: October 2018
Source: Library Checkout
Star Rating: 5

The police say she's guilty. She insists she's innocent.

She's your sister. You loved her. You trusted her. But they say she killed your child.

Who do you believe?[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I do love a courtroom drama - when done well they truly captivate me. I'm so fascinated by how everything can hang in the balance, one piece of evidence can be twisted and perceived so many different ways and seemingly solid witness statements can be torn to shreds.

One of the big reasons why I loved this one so much was due to Gillian McAllister's brilliant writing. No Further Questions was so cleverly done and was such a fresh take on this kind of thriller. We get to see each witness in turn, going through their perception of events and then their time in the courtroom. I kept thinking I had it all figured out, yet I'd then be shown things in a different light and all my theories would be thrown out the window. 

I also truly felt for all the characters - they were so complex and full of flaws, but I feel like I really understood them all at some point. I felt like I was sitting in the courtroom with them all, needing to know what happened to baby Layla, yet hoping things weren't as they seemed. This novel broke my heart in so many different ways.

I highly, highly recommend this one - in fact, I think it's my favourite Gillian McAllister book overall! 

Thrillerathon Summer 2019

Thrillerathon is a biannual readathon hosted by Harriet Rosie where we read thrillers for an entire week! For this round, the dates are 19th August - 26th August (so if you're in the UK this includes the August Bank Holiday)

Harriet has always provided challenges you can choose your TBR around, although there is no pressure to do so. This year is a bit different as there will be a bingo card instead! I'm so excited for this, it looks fantastic! Please see Harriet's announcement video here for all the information.

So you can be super ambitious and choose 9 different books, or meet several challenges with the same book. This is definitely the approach I'm taking! I'm also having mainly my current library checkouts as my TBR to help me get through those reservations! 

My TBR is as follows: 

1. I Looked Away - Jane Corry

• Thriller with a trope you love
• A new to you author

2. Lock Every Door - Riley Sager

• Your most anticipated thriller 
• Newest thriller on your TBR

3. Who Killed Ruby? - Camilla Way

• Shortest thriller on your TBR

4. Platform Seven - Louise Doughty

• An author you've read before 
• The thriller with the creepiest cover

At the moment I haven't officially picked anything for the oldest thriller on my TBR. It's technically The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, so we'll see if I end up getting to that (spoiler alert - I won't have time!) 

And for a host's favourite thriller (see the video for more information) I would go with Sleep by C.L Taylor, but again, I doubt I'll have time to get to that. But you never know...! 

Are you participating in Thrillerathon? Let me know! Find me on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with my progress.

Stacking the Shelves 10th Aug 2019

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality. It lets bloggers show their latest book hauls!

Library Checkouts

1. The Holiday - T.M. Logan
2. The Doctor - Lisa Stone
3. Someone We Know - Shari Lapena
4. Lock Every Door - Riley Sager

Short and sweet this week - I feel like things have got a bit crazy these last few weeks with all my library checkouts and NetGalley copies! It feels like everything has come in at once, do you guys ever feel like that?!

Please link your posts down below! I love seeing what everyone is adding to their TBR piles! 

Review: Never Have I Ever - Joshilyn Jackson

Title: Never Have I Ever
Author: Joshilyn Jackson
Published: 8th August 2019
Source: Netgalley
Star Rating: 5

It starts as a game at a book group one night. Never Have I Ever...done something I shouldn't.

But Amy Whey has done something she shouldn't. And Roux, the glamorous newcomer to Amy's suburban neighbourhood, knows exactly what that is. Roux promises she will go away. She will take herself and her son, who is already growing dangerously close to Amy's teenage stepdaughter, and she will go. If Amy plays by her rules.

But Amy isn't prepared to lose everything she's built. She's going to fight back, and in this escalating game of cat and mouse, there can be only one winner. [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This was one of those books that just kept surprising me, again and again. I couldn't guess anything that was happening, I felt physically nervous through most scenes and I feel like I've been on one hell of an entertaining ride the whole way through. This was SO GOOD. 

Joshilyn's writing is so clever and witty and her characters are so well-rounded. They truly do make this story. They're flawed and complicated and completely keep you on your toes. It was one of those books that I really didn't want to end, but couldn't read fast enough to see how it all wrapped up. 

This is Joshilyn's first thriller, but she has many other books under her belt. I cannot wait to see what else she comes out with next. Truly, this author has got me hooked! And even though thrillers are normally my favourite, I think I need to know what else this author has in store for me - I feel like I will truly miss her writing now that I've finished. 

A solid 5 stars from me! 

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this copy in exchange for my honest review. 

WWW Wednesday 7th Aug 2019

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions about your reading.

We've had the dreaded sick bug in our house this week - so far it seems to have escaped me and my youngest daughter (fingers crossed) although she's teething so that's a joy all of its own! It's horrible watching your child being ill though, so it's been an emotional and exhausting week so far.

What are you currently reading? 

I've jumped into No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister this week. It's the last one of her currently published books I have left to read and I'm so excited. I've absolutely loved her other three, and I'm already sucked into this courtroom drama. 

I've very nearly finished Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson on Pigeonhole - it's so good! Can't wait to see how it all wraps up. I really can't guess how it's all going to end, so a perfect thriller! 

I've also just started Take It Back by Kia Abdullah over on Pigeonhole. So far, the start of it has completely gripped me. It's such an intense read and I'm very intrigued to see where this one will go.

What did you recently finish reading? 

A Version of the Truth by B.P. Walter - this was absolutely fantastic. A 5 star read for me! You can see my full review here.

What do you think you'll read next? 

I've got two books in mind that I want to pick up next.

First is The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. I've heard amazing things about this book. I've read one of her Ruth Galloway books before and enjoyed it, but I think this one sounds quite different from that series. I've got this one currently checked out from my library so need to get to it soon anyway.

Second is The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney. I'm ashamed to say I've not read his previous two books under this name, despite owning both of them! But I do have an ARC of this book so will be getting to it very soon.

Please let me know your answers below, or share your blog post, I'd love to see what you've all picked! 

Reivew: A Version of the Truth - B.P. Walter

Title: A Version of the Truth
Author: B.P. Walter
Published: Feb 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 5

We all see what we want to see… 

2019: Julianne is preparing a family dinner when her son comes to her and says he’s found something on his iPad. Something so terrible, it will turn Julianne’s world into a nightmare and make her question everything about her marriage and what type of man her husband is or is pretending to be. 

1990: Holly is a fresher student at Oxford University. Out of her depth and nervous about her surroundings, she falls into an uneasy friendship with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to develop feelings for one in particular. He’s confident, quiet, attractive and seems to like her too. But as the year progresses, her friends’ behaviour grows steadily more disconcerting and Holly begins to realise she might just be a disposable pawn in a very sinister game. 

A devastating secret has simmered beneath the surface for over twenty-five years. Now it’s time to discover the truth. But what if you’re afraid of what you might find? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

Fair warning - this is a dark book! Much darker than I was anticipating, but this is always a good thing for me. I feel like this not only pushed a lot of boundaries, but also acted as a modern social commentary that I just was not expecting. 

The book is told in two timelines, through the two different characters Julianne and Holly. Their voices were so distinctive, it was fascinating to have access to their innermost thoughts and worries, and to see the harrowing story unfold through their perspectives. The secret that is hinted at in the blurb is then unfolded so well by setting up the background preceding its reveal, and the devastation it causes in present day. I thought it was so well written, every little twist and turn to the story was executed perfectly, I just had to keep reading. I finished this in under 24 hours, which with two young children speaks volumes as to how addictive it was! 

This is the author's debut novel, which amazes me. I cannot wait to see what else he will come out with in the future! If you like disturbing and uncomfortable thrillers then I would highly recommend this one. 

Stacking the Shelves 3rd Aug 19

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality. It lets bloggers show their latest book hauls!

Bought Ebooks

1. The Escape Room by Megan Goldin 

2. The Secretary by Zoe Lea

Library Checkouts

1. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

2. I Looked Away by Jane Corry

3. Skint Estate by Cash Carraway

4. Keep You Close by Karen Cleveland

5. Who Killed Ruby? by Camilla Way

For Review
1. Gone - Leona Deakin
2. The Family - Louise Jensen

Review: The Marriage Pact - Michelle Richmond

Title: The Marriage Pact
Author: Michelle Richmond
Published: July 2017
Source: Library hardback
Star Rating: 4

Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact. 

The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact, and most of its rules make sense: Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter. . .  

Never mention The Pact to anyone. 

Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples--and then one of them breaks the rules. The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life, and The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule. For Jake and Alice, the marriage of their dreams is about to become their worst nightmare. [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I was hooked for the majority of this book - the pacing, the writing, and twisty plot all kept me quickly turning the pages to see what was going to happen to Jake and Alice. The more the story progressed and the more sinister everything got I was reading every moment I could steal. 

I thought the author did a fantastic job of balancing plot reveals, the snippets of the characters past and the little insights into just how crazy The Pact was. I love how, as the book progressed, everything just got so much more creepier, to the point where if it was a film I would have been covering my eyes. It completely gave me the chills, which is exactly what I want from this kind of book. 

I've not given it the full 5 stars because for me the ending didn't give me exactly what I was hoping for. Without spoiling anything, I wanted more from it, but that's just my personal taste! 

But, overall I thought it was an excellent thriller - I found it to be addictive and terrifying. The fact you could imagine something like The Pact happening in real life made it even more scary. I will definitely look for other books by this author - her writing was fantastic, and I'd definitely recommend this one. 

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions about your reading.

It's been a strange week for me! I've started back at work after maternity leave so quite an emotional few days! But as I'm a librarian, it's been so nice to be back in my library and seeing all my lovely work colleagues. I've also already brought home a new stack of books to add to my never-ending TBR pile.

What are you currently reading? 

I'm absolutely loving The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond! Such a fantastic plot with short, choppy chapters that keep everything moving. I'm so excited to see how this will all wrap up. 

I've also just started Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson - a much anticipated read for me! I've not tried anything by her before, from what I can see this is her first thriller, and it sounds amazing! 

What did you recently finish reading? 

The Temp by Michelle Frances was a really entertaining, lighter suspense novel. I think this would make a great beach read, and I loved that it followed several characters with careers in the TV world - something I don't think I've read about before. 

What do you think you'll read next? 

This cover!!! Really excited for B.P. Walter's A Version of the Truth. This is his debut novel and it sounds like it will be right up my street. The blurb describes a husband who isn't who he seems, a sinister game and two women caught in a twenty-five year old secret - I'm ready!

Please let me know your answers below, or share your blog post, I'd love to see what you've all picked! 

July Reading Wrap-Up

I've managed to have a really good reading month in July - I may have added quite a few books to my shelves through library checkouts and ebook deals but I've read 10 books and really enjoyed most of them.

I feel like July has been the month of discovering Kate Morton - I've read three of her books this month and absolutely loved all of them. They've all received a 5 star rating from me which speaks for itself. I've absolutely adored the blend of mystery, history and Morton's exceptional writing. I have found myself so wrapped up in the worlds of each book, and considering none of them are short, I've flown through them.

Here are all the books I've read this month with the star rating I've given them:

1. The Evidence Against You - Gillian McAllister
5 stars
One of my favourite authors, this one didn't disappoint. She's also one of my favourite authors to follow on social media - her Instagram stories are a joy to watch! See more of my thoughts here on Goodreads.

2. The Lake House - Kate Morton

5 stars

As already mentioned, it was an absolute pleasure to be finally acquainted with one of Kate Morton's books. It was also the first time I realised how much she can break my heart. 

3. Nine Perfect Strangers - Liane Moriarty
3 stars
Liane Moriarty is one of my go to authors - I've read all her books apart from one, and normally I love everything she writes. With this one, however, I was left disappointed, and I think it never stings more than when it happens with one of your most-loved authors. You can read more of my thoughts here on Goodreads.

4. A Gift for Dying - M.J. Arlidge

5 stars

I'm a huge fan of Arlidge's Helen Grace series, so I was definitely intrigued by his first standalone novel. I'll admit, I went into this hesitantly. I really didn't need to worry though - it was fantastic. Full of Arlidge's perfect pacing and dark storytelling that I've come to know him for, but with a bit of a twist. He's proving himself to be an author I will always have my eye out for what he's writing next. 

5. Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessican Knoll
3 stars
This was another I went into hesitantly this month. On Goodreads it seems to have very mixed reviews, but I found myself sat in the middle with it. I found it quite entertaining and it did keep me interested but I wasn't in love with it. I was left wanting a bit more from the ending - it seemed to just end and I was left wondering if I'd missed something, or wasn't picking up on some subtle hints. However, it did have some unexpected turns earlier in the book that made me a lot more invested in the characters.

6. Anything You Do Say - Gillian McAllister

5 stars

Another fantastic book from this author. This one dealt with two timelines that follow two different decisions the main character could make after she pushes a man who was following her down some steps. You see the different outcomes unfold and the impact both decisions could make on her life. Just like Gillian McAllister's other books, this was a thriller with heart. She writes such moving words, all tied up in a pacy plot. I have just one more of Gillian's books to read before I'm all caught-up with her current publications, and I'm positive I will love it just as much as her others. 

7. The Clockmaker's Daughter - Kate Morton
5 stars
My second Kate Morton of the month, and her newest release. This follows many characters whose stories interweave in ways you don't always see coming - in what I'm finding to be classic Kate Morton style. I loved this just as much as The Lake House, and I'm so excited to be finding my way through her other titles.

8. Good Me, Bad Me - Ali Land

5 stars

This blew me away - I picked this up at the library because I'd seen it around the internet, and when I read the blurb I was immediately intrigued. I'm so glad this lived up to everything I thought it would be. More of my thoughts are here on Goodreads. 

9. The Temp - Michelle Francis
4 stars
I haven't read Michelle's first book, The Girlfriend, but I definitely plan to now. This was very entertaining, and I loved seeing the insights into a TV production career. If you're looking for a lighter thriller/suspense novel then this would be a great pick.

10. The House at Riverton - Kate Morton

5 stars

So I ended the month on an absolute high - this was Kate Morton's debut which I can hardly believe! It's so well-written and deftly plotted, I think this might even be my favourite so far. Like the description reads - it's perfect for fans of Downton Abbey (one of my all-time favourite shows). I love how Morton delves so deeply into the character's lives - they are all so complex and detailed. When you're getting to point where the mysteries are coming together and you're working things out, you're so invested in these characters that you feel everything along with them. I truly cannot wait to read the other three books currently in publication. 

I read some truly amazing books this month! Here's hoping August has the same in store. 

What was one of your favourites this month?