“Out of your Head” Review

June 30, 2021 jessbookishlife1 Comment

Hello Friends!

Ready for another review of a crime thriller?

“Out of your Head“, written by Rose McClelland, is a crime/thriller novel, published May 28th 2021 by Arden Publishing.

I want to thank Zoé, at Zooloo’s Book Tours, and Rose McClelland for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

Fatal accidents do happen. Or was there a plan?

A six-year-old dies in a car driven by her father. He barely survives. A simple hit and run? Yet the police think its murder. And who might be next?

The mother is out of her mind. If losing her daughter is not enough, why is she being stalked?

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Add the book to your TBR list on Goodreads: Out of your Head

About the Author

Out of your Head is Rose McClelland’s fifth novel and her second psychological thriller.

Her previous novel Under Your Skin became an Amazon No. 1 Bestseller in the UK and USA/ Canada. It also won Best Books of 2020 in Belfast Telegraph and with several online book bloggers.

Rose has also written two short plays which were performed in the Black Box theatre in Belfast.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

My Review

This was the first book by Rose Clelland that I have read, and being a crime thriller, I was intrigued. Especially because of the short blurb, it got me thinking about who were the characters, how was everything connected…

When I started reading I was caught in drama, mystery, crime and various POVs that made the story grab my attention. Also, time would pass by so quickly while I was focus on figuring out what was happening. It made the journey of this plot very interesting.

The book follows various characters, the victims and families to the detectives investigating the case. It talks about mental health, loss, relationships… It’s about a crime… It’s about the investigation…. It’s about people, their motivations, and the actions followed by the consequences.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I don’t want to give anything away, and spoil the journey of uncovering the truths. I can say that there are twists and turns, as well as drama and lots of different interactions and dynamics in the story and between the characters.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“While Nobody Is Watching” Review

June 27, 2021 jessbookishlifeLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

Today was a crazy day, so I’m quite happy to be able to sit down, and finally post this review.

“While Nobody Is Watching“, written by Michelle Dunne, is a Psychological thriller, published on 27th June 2020.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Michelle Dunne for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

A semi-inflated football and a curious little girl.

They called it peacekeeping. For Corporal Lindsey Ryan it was anything but.

It’s been three years since that bright day in the Golan Heights and the explosion which killed two and changed the survivors forever.

Now Lindsey deals with the many problems of the city’s troubled youth, to distract her from her own. But as damp days turn to night the kids return home, or somewhere like it, and she returns to her own private war. One that exists solely for her.

Certain that she’s being watched and certain that she’s losing her mind, Lindsey battles with the demons of post traumatic stress, while a very real threat edges ever closer until she finds herself face to face with someone who wants nothing more than to finally help her to die.

And it’s the last person she ever could have seen coming.

Blue helmets and blurred lines – While Nobody is Watching delves into the dark world of PTSD and a battle scarred soldier struggling to find a place in her new world.

Purchase Links: Amazon

Potential Trigger Warnings: PTSD/mental health theme

About the Author

Michelle Dunne wore a Blue Helmet in South Lebanon with B Company the Irish army and the UN, probably in that order.

She now lives in Cobh with her husband, daughter and a cast of characters waiting to be written about.

Michelle was one of those sporty types growing up, all bony elbows and knees, and as she lived on an island, it stood to reason she’d spend her first couple of decades taking in the salty, seaweedy air at the local rowing club (not the serene looking, posh rowing, but the other kind, undertaken by hardy fishermen).

This was where she learned just about everything she ever needed to know about anything. They brought home the County’s, All-Ireland’s were won, but the banter on the bus was always the real prize. From there it made sense that she’d leave town and join another club/asylum and found herself wearing a blue helmet somewhere in South Lebanon.

She’d become attached to the UN, but more importantly, to B-Company, the boldest, brightest, bravest the Irish army had to offer. She called them lots of other names too, but only to their faces. As tracer rounds lit up the sky above her and artillery rained down, she learned the words of every patriotic Irish song ever written and how to smile, laugh, and joke about things that would otherwise have you curled in a ball, rocking back and forth in the corner of the room.

Once her eyes had been opened and she returned to Irish soil, Michelle was promoted and following a spell back at college, is now a part of a company providing physiotherapy and staff training in nursing homes and hospitals all over Munster. A slower pace, but still an unruly bunch when they want to be. She’s back living on the island of Cobh with her husband Dominic and their daughter Emily and the hundreds of colourful characters waiting to make their way onto a piece of paper.

While Nobody is Watching is Michelle’s third book, which draws from her military experiences and the types of relationships that form within its ranks.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter

My Review

I have been reading a lot of Psychological Thrillers in the past months and although I’m no expert in the genre, I have found that they are quite interesting and they are fascinating to me.

As we follow Lindsey Ryan we go on a journey to find out the truth behind the mystery and crime that happened. What are the motivations of the characters? What will they do in the end? Who will Lindsey trust? Lot’s of question, some that I thought about while reading, but I won’t talk about them just in case, no need to spoil the story.

There is mystery, there is danger, there is a woman with a kind heart that works with the city’s troubled youth. The mixed of thrilling and uncertainty with the action pace and the excitement of uncovering what was the truth.

The book as exciting thanks to the characters. They gave realism and what we needed in the story to understand the background and get some clues about each character and the plot. Besides, the interactions made it possible for conversations to start.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It wasn’t the same kind of enjoyment as a sweet romance, but it was the kind of enjoyment related to a thought provoking story. I loved that the book, thanks to the characters and the storytelling, focused on certain themes. It got me thinking and even emotional at certain points.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, Q&As and very limited guest posts.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“The Happy Family” Review

June 16, 2021 jessbookishlife1 Comment

Hello Friends!

Today I bring you a review of a Psychological thriller. I have previously read another book by the same author and I enjoyed it, so I was curious about this one.

“The Happy Family“, written by Jackie Kabler, is a Psychological thriller published on 4th June 2021 by One More Chapter.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Jackie Kabler and One More Chapter for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

A mother who disappeared…
When Beth was 10 years old, her beautiful, wild mother Alice walked out and never came back. Beth’s life since hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but now she is happy and settled, with a successful career, a loving family and a beautiful home.

An unexpected visitor…
Then one day there’s a knock at the door. Alice has returned. Overjoyed to have the chance to rebuild their relationship, Beth invites her mother to move in.

A life that comes crashing down…
At first, everything seems wonderful. But then Beth’s friends begin to drift away, strange things start to happen at home, and rumours begin to circle about her past. As the mysterious events around Beth become darker and more dangerous, she is forced to question everything. Is somebody in her life trying to destroy her happiness? And how far will they go?

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

About the Author

Jackie Kabler worked as a newspaper reporter and then in television news for twenty years, including nearly a decade on GMTV. She later appeared on BBC and ITV news, presented a property show for Sky, hosted sports shows on Setanta Sports News and worked as a media trainer for the Armed Forces. She is now a presenter on shopping channel QVC. The Happy Family is her sixth book; previous novels include the international bestseller The Perfect Couple. Jackie lives in Gloucestershire with her husband.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

My Review

This isn’t my first Jackie Kabler’s book, and I enjoyed it as much as I did the other one I have read. The author has a good way of grabbing the readers attention and making us not being sure what is right of wrong and yet wanting to come up with a theory as we went through the story.

In this book we follow Beth and her family. We met characters, we can see them interact and be suspicious about them. And as strange things start happening, I had that ‘at the edge of my seat’ kind of feeling. I couldn’t stop reading, I needed to know more about Beth, Alice and the mysteries.

It is kind of tricky to talk about the book, I’m kind of afraid to give a spoiler. What I can say it that the way the author messed up with my head and yet made me almost like addicted to the story, was fantastic. I really wanted to read the next page and learn if I was right with my ideas. I wanted to see how the author would surprise me next.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I was unsure if I enjoyed it more than the previous book of Jackie Kabler that I have read, but I can now say I do like it more. Maybe because of the strong family element and family mysteries that we go through with the the main character. That really got me spooked and curious.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“Preacher Boy” Review

June 6, 2021 jessbookishlifeLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

When I read this synopsis I was fascinated. Since I have been trying to read more crime/thriller novels, I jumped to the opportunity to be in this tour.

“Preacher Boy“, written by Gwyn GB, is a Crime Thriller, the first novel in the Harrison Lane Mystery Series, published on 5th June 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Qwyn GB for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

IT’S TIME FOR A NEW CRIME MYSTERY HERO

Dr Harrison Lane is everything you wouldn’t expect from a man with a psychology doctorate. For victims, he’s everything they need.

They look, but they don’t see…

As Head of the Metropolitan Police’s Ritualistic Behavioural Crimes Unit, Dr Harrison Lane knows his Voodoo from his Aum Shinrikyo and a Satanist from a Shaman.

Harrison had an unusual childhood, raised by a bohemian mother and one of the native American Shadow Wolves – the elite tracking squad that works with US Drug enforcers. After his mother’s murder, he dedicated his life to tracking down those who hide behind spiritualism and religion to do evil.

Following the discovery of a missing boy’s body in what looks like a Satanic killing, Harrison is called in to help detectives. When a second boy is snatched, it becomes a race against time to save him, and sees Harrison come face-to-face with some dark secrets from his own childhood.

Preacher Boy is the first book in a gripping new crime mystery series from Amazon Top 20 bestselling author, Gwyn GB. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, J.R. Ellis, J M Dalgliesh, Rachel Abbott, Joy Ellis and David Blake.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Author Content Warning: Although a child is found killed, it’s not graphic.

About the Author

Gwyn is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling author. She’s a former UK national TV newscaster and presenter, and journalist for national newspapers and magazines. Gwyn became a journalist because all she wanted to do was write and has finally realised her dream of being a full-time fiction author. Born in the UK, Gwyn now lives in the Channel Islands with her family, including a rescue dog and 17-year-old goldfish.

Gwyn launched her debut novel, Islands as Gwyn Garfield-Bennett in 2016, the romantic suspense book rose quickly into the Amazon top 20. Her first crime mystery series, featuring DI Falle, launched with Lonely Hearts in 2017.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

My Review

This was the first novel I ever read of this author and since it was the opening book of a brand-new series, it was a perfect start and introduction to a “new-to-me” author. Plus, crime thriller is always a good genre to read.

In this book we follow Dr. Harrison Lane, the Head of the Metropolitan Police’s Ritualistic Behavioural Crimes Unit, in a journey full of mystery and I’m not talking just the murder that Dr. Lane is trying to solve. As we get to know more about Harrison, we learn not only is background, and how he became such enigmatic character, but also the mysteries he has in is past.

One of the things I loved about the book was that we have the characters stories and personal problems in the mix. It’s not just a crime that needs to be solve, it’s about the interactions between the characters, it’s about their personalities and their backgrounds. That just made me connect with them and want to learn more. Since it’s a series, its something I found very good to have from the very beginning.

I also loved all the Ritualistic Behavioral element, and the theories behind the murder and the serial killer case. That got me thinking and wondering, just like those tv shows around the minds of criminals.

Overall, although it could be a weird thing to say, I had fun with the book. I think that it was a brilliant start, and there are enough questions in my mind about the characters, specially Harrison, that makes me want to read the next books and continue to follow the series. Plus, I want to see what other cases they will have to deal with in the future.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their Reviews or basic promo /spotlight posts.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“Dr. Glass” Review

May 31, 2021 jessbookishlifeLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

Today I bring you a review of a Thriller, a genre I have been exploring more and more this year.

“Dr. Glass“, written by Louise Worthington, is a Psychological thriller, the first novel in The Glass Minds Series, published on 30th May 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Louise Worthington for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

Clinical psychologist Dr Emma-Jane Glass falls for her captor when the roles of client and therapist are reversed in a psychologically layered story of revenge and grief. Is it a case of Stockholm Syndrome, or something else?

When Dr Emma-Jane Glass’ interview on local radio is deemed to be sympathetic towards a mother’s actions to kill herself and young child, Drew Rogers hatches a plan to teach the psychologist a thing or two about being left behind as a spouse. Abducted and held captive in an empty property, Dr Glass swaps places in the psychologist’s chair.

Drew puts the motivation of his wife’s actions down to his extra-marital affairs, but then the sordid truth behind his family’s disappearance is revealed.

Hard-hitting and emotional, Dr Glass is the first novel in the Glass Minds Series from the author of Rachel’s Garden, The Entrepreneur, Willow Weeps and Rosie Shadow.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Trigger Warning: Maternal filicide (mother kills own child), Self-harm, Suicide, Abuse, Depression.

About the Author

Born in Cheshire, England, Louise studied literature at the University of Essex. As a teenager she read until the small hours, enjoying the darker worlds conjured by Stephen King and Daphne du Maurier.

Louise is the author of the bestseller, Rachel’s Garden, another psychological thriller and Distorted Days which Kirkus Review described as ‘a formidable work.’ Her chilling blend of the lyrical and the dark is themost gripping in her thrillers and horror.

Social Media Links – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

My Review

This book wasn’t the first one I read by this author, but it is the first book in the series, which makes it an opening to a brand new story.

As we follow Dr Emma-Jane Glass and her captor Drew Rogers, we are taken on a rollercoaster of grief, right-and-wrong, confusion, uncertainty, drama, secrets and strong subjects. Those elements allowed me to get focus on the story, because I was very interested in knowing what would happen next.

I enjoyed all the mental element of the story, and the plot was quite fascinating. Plus, I enjoyed not knowing all the information, because that made the storyline exciting to know more about.

Overall, I liked it more than that first on that I read (the standalone). Although I wasn’t really expecting that ending, and I’m quite curious to see what else will happen in the series.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their Reviews, extracts, guest post and author supplied Q&As.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“Your Life or Mine” Review

May 29, 2021 jessbookishlife1 Comment

Hello Friends!

Today is a little different, because although I have been reviewing historicals the past few posts, I now bring a crime novel. This is also a genre that I have been enjoying.

“Your Life or Mine“, written by Vicki Bradley, is a Crime novel, published on 27th May 2021 by Simon & Schuster.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Vicki Bradley and Simon & Schuster for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

Alana Loxton was part of the all-female team to take down Barratt, a notorious serial killer.
He is safely behind bars when one of the detectives goes missing.

Her disappearance, and the connection to the killer, could be a coincidence – but when her body is discovered days later, a link begins to form. Then another detective from the team goes missing and the situation becomes horrifically clear.

Someone is picking them off one by one – and Alana’s name is next on the list . . .

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author

Vicki Bradley is a detective constable in the Metropolitan Police Service. She has had a varied career, as a uniformed response driver in Brent and then as a detective Constable in Southwark CID. She has managed High Risk Sex Offenders and worked on the Serious Organised Crime Command. Before I Say I Do won the Write Here, Right Now competition, came 3^rd in the First Novel Prize and has been shortlisted for the Virago New Crime Writer 2017 and Peters Fraser and DunlopPrize 2016. Vicki lives in London with her husband and baby.

Social Media Links: Twitter

My Review

Ever since I can remember I always found interesting the crime shows, those that showed us the hard work police officers, detectives and everyone involved did to solve the crime. Now, I even listen to podcasts and learn about the victims as well, not just the criminals or the procedure. So, it’s not really strange that I’m enjoying crime/mystery novels.

When I read the synopsis of “Your Life or Mine” I was intrigued. Then I learned that the author has a background in the police force, which gave me some confident in going into the story. I can say I was not disappointed.

As we follow Alana and the mystery around the disappearance of detectives of the team that took down a serial killer, we go on a rollercoaster journey. The grip the story had on my mind, I couldn’t stop reading, I needed to know the truth and what was really going on.

The book had a fast pace that helped with the way my mind was racing to read the next page and the next chapter. I had some thoughts on what may be the reason behind everything, and as I read and was left hanging at some points, I also was wondering what Alana and all the other characters would do next. The curiosity the book left me with from beginning to end, combined with the fast pace was something that made me stay at the edge of my seat.

Overall, it was an exciting adventure, with the right amount of twists and turns. A story that was realistic and exciting, just what I was hoping when I started reading.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with their reviews, extracts, guest post and Q&As.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“The Boy in the Well” Review

April 18, 2021 jessbookishlifeLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

Today I bring you two reviews of books that are completely different genres, and this is the first one.

“The Boy in the Well“, written by Dan Clark, is a Mystery/Thriller/Drama novel, published on 13th April 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Dan Clark for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

A time to mourn. A gruesome find. A race for the truth.

After her husband and son are killed in a tragic car accident, Carolyn goes to stay with her mother in a quiet, rural town. She hopes the break will help her cope with her loss.

Soon, Carolyn discovers that the small town holds unforgivable secrets. One she stumbles upon when she discovers the body of a young boy down a well – only to find he has disappeared when she returns with the police.

The local residents, including Carolyn’s mother, doubt her discovery and blame it on her current state of mind. Rumours begin to spread.

With somebody determined to stop Carolyn uncovering the truth, she knows she needs to prove what she saw. Not just for the boy and his family but also for herself.

Will Carolyn be able to find the proof she needs? Or will her life be in danger if she continues her search?

Purchase Link: Amazon

Content Warning: The protagonist has recently lost her husband and son in a fatal accident.

About the Author

Dan was born in the North West of England. He started reading Stephen King from an early age and is still a committed fan today, believing this is what inspired him to start writing.

After leaving school, he studied Accounting before realising working with numbers wasn’t for him. He has done numerous jobs which include, working in retail, in busy restaurants as a Chef, driving a taxi and moving on to driving lorries.

Dan lives with his fiancé, Rachel, and easily annoyed cat, Burt. In his free time he loves to find a comfortable chair with a large cup of tea and read thriller and horror novels. He enjoys walking and being out in the countryside and devotes most of his time to his passion: writing his own stories.

Social Media Links – Twitter | Instagram |Facebook

My Review

This book is the debut novel of Dan Clark and I really thing this is a great start.

As we follow Carolyn through this journey of uncovering the truth and reveal it to the people around her that don’t believe her story… we go deep into a mystery full of twists and turns, as well as a fast paced narrative that put me at the edge of my seat.

Another thing I loved, besides the pace and the mystery, was the small town setting. I live in a small town, surrounded by other small towns, and there is a wary feeling about quiet, rural town when it’s connected with crime and secrets. And I absolutely love it.

The book got me going, from the realistic characters to the unknown and the adrenaline and curiosity it gave me. Overall, it was interesting and such a great start for this author and I can’t wait to see what else he brings us.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with Reviews and basic promo / spotlight posts.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“The Hashtag Killer” Review

April 17, 2021 jessbookishlifeLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

Review time! And ita brand new series.

“The Hashtag Killer“, written by A.S. French, is a Crime novel, the first book in Detective Jen Flowers Series, published on 25th March 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and A.S. French for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

Catch a killer or save a child. What would you do?

DI Jen Flowers thought she’d seen it all after fifteen years on the force, but when a vigilante serial killer hits the city and uses social media to gather supporters, she must fight the public and her doubts to catch a murderer and save her daughter.

Suffering from blackouts and abandoned as a child by her father, Ruby Vasquez has been chasing that one scoop to make her an internet star. Living with an alcoholic mother who hates her, Ruby discovers a secret about the vigilante’s first victim, which puts her in the killer and DI Flowers’ sights.

Jen and Ruby have to overcome the secrets in their past while battling each other to discover the Hashtag Killer’s identity. Jen will have to choose between keeping her daughter safe or finding a killer, while Ruby will need to decide if becoming famous is more important than doing the right thing.

Purchase Link: Amazon UK | Amazon US

About the Author

Andrew French is a man of no wealth and little taste. He lives amongst faded seaside glamour on the North East coast of England. He likes gin and cats but not together, new music and old movies, curry and ice cream. Slow bike rides and long walks to the pub are his usual exercise, as well as flicking through the pages of good books and the memoirs of bad people.

Social Media Links – Website | Twitter | Instagram |Facebook

My Review

The first thing that caught my attention was the title. The cover had the mystery feeling, but the title totally won it. Being the first novel in a series, of course I was also curious for the introduction to the main character and the world in the series.

We have all read and watch stories about vigilantes. Some show them as good guys, some as bad guys. In this case it’s clear that it’s a bad guy, a serial killer. Connecting it to the internet was something that we could understand.

Following multiple characters in a fast paced and exciting crime novel, we go on a journey to uncover not only the truth about who the killer is, but also that is the background of the characters and how everything makes sense.

I love that the story had me intrigued page after page for various reasons. I love that it got me thinking about social media, fame, right vs wrong, vigilantism, and so many other elements. And I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to know what would happen to Jen and Ruby, and I wanted to know more about the Killer and motivations behind each action.

Overall, it was the kind of book that is enjoyable because catches our attention. From the details, the pace, the interesting and dynamic characters, the plot and the connections with the society and the contemporary world and reality we know. It all made me curious and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with Reviews, extracts, guest posts and Q&As.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“Willow Weeps” Review

April 15, 2021 jessbookishlifeLeave a comment

Hello Friends!

And I have a review of a thriller for you today! Are you ready?

“Willow Weeps“, written by Louise Worthington, is a Psychological thriller, published on 31st March 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Louise Worthington for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

A secret is a lie in the making.

A charming divorcee and his young daughter. The promise of a new life – together as a family, in an apartment in a historic building. A fresh start – or the key to a nightmare?

Who will Willow believe – a young offender, or the love of her life?

Page-turning and emotional, Willow Weeps is the gripping new thriller from the author of Rachel’s Garden and The Entrepreneur.

Purchase Link: Amazon US

About the Author

Social Media Links – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

My Review

This was the first book I read of Lousie Worthington so I didn’t know what to expect in terms of writing and the author’s voice. I did enjoy it although certain things weren’t entirely my cup of tea.

This book follows Willow, she’s our main character, although we also follow other characters at certain points, which adds to the mystery in my opinion. I don’t think I fully connected with Willow, but I could understand her connection with her sister and the superstitious side. That’s something that got me curious immediately.

Then there were kind of two mysteries, and I liked that. I liked that I was not always in the know about what was real, what were the answers and what would happen next. It kept me going, even when I wasn’t liking some of the characters actions (which is fine! We can’t always like every character in a book.)

Something I did enjoy was the added text/stories that a character had written. They were a good thing to add to the novel since it’s a big element in that mystery. Plus, it does allow us to understand more about the character and their past.

Overall, I did enjoy it. It did make me wonder at some point, and it did play with my mind. Although I would have preferred to connect with the characters and with their interaction, but I will be checking more of the author’s works and see what else she has for her.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, with Reviews, extracts, guest post and author supplied Q&As.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Blog Tour · Reviews

“Old Cases, New Colours” Review

March 26, 2021April 13, 2021 jessbookishlife1 Comment

Hello Friends!

Today I bring you a review of a book that is in two genres that I quite like. Hope you are as curious as I was.

“Old Cases, New Colours“, written by Madalyn Morgan, is a Historical Thriller, the a book part of the Dudley Green Investigation series, that was published on 25th March 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Madalyn Morgan for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

Sick of working in a world of spies and bureaucracy, Ena Green, nee Dudley, leaves the Home Office and starts her own investigating agency.

Working for herself she can choose which investigations to take and, more importantly, which to turn down.

While working on two investigations, Ena is called as a prosecution witness in the Old Bailey trial of a cold-blooded killer who she exposed as a spy the year before.

Purchase Link: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Don’t forget to add the book to your TBR on Goodreads.

About the Author

I was bought up in a pub in a small market town called Lutterworth. For as long as I can remember, my dream was to be an actress and a writer. The pub was a great place for an aspiring actress and writer to live with so many characters to study and accents to learn. I was offered Crossroads the first time around. However, my mother wanted me to have a ‘proper’ job that I could fall back on if I needed to, so I did a hairdressing apprenticeship. Eight years later, aged twenty-four, I gave up a successful salon and wig-hire business in the theatre for a place at East 15 Drama College and a career as an actress, working in Repertory theatre, the West End, film and television.
In 1995, with fewer parts for older actresses, I gave up acting. I taught myself to touch-type, completed a two-year correspondence course with The Writer’s Bureau and began writing articles and presenting radio.
In 2010, after living in London for thirty-six years, I moved back to Lutterworth. I swapped two window boxes and a mortgage for a garden and the freedom to write. Since then, I have written nine novels. The first four, The Dudley Sisters’ Saga, tell the stories of four sisters in World War 2. My current novel, Old Cases, New Colours, is a thriller/detective story set in 1960. I am writing Christmas book – Christmas Applause – and a Memoir; a collection of short stories, articles, poems, photographs and character breakdowns from my days as an actress.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

My Review

A genre I love is Historical Fiction, it’s not just the romances (although those are close to my heart). History is vast and the creativity the authors, in that genre have, is amazing. This book is a Historical, yes… but it’s also a thriller. And that just makes it exciting in a different way.

In this book we follow Ena Dudley, and although I have only read one book connected to this one (Chasing Ghosts), it was fine because it can be read as a standalone. And let me tell you I liked this book a lot.

Ena is a fascinating character. She is setting up her business: a private investigation agency; and that’s an element, not just in the character but also in the story, that I loved. It opens up so many questions about the world of the PI and women in that business.

The characters felt real which in a Historical setting I believe is very important. I could connect with Ena and ended up rooting for her and wanted to see what she would do next and how the other characters would act too.

As I read the book, I was very focus. I was looking forward to learning the outcome of the case. The book also had a good flow to it and it wasn’t difficult to understand or follow what was happening. I felt like I was in that context and learning about the society and Ena.

Overall, I can imagine so many other books following other cases, and I’m very curious to know what else is going to happen next in the A Dudley Green Investigation series.

Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, from Reviews, to extracts and limited guest posts, to Q&As.

Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess