Thursday, 31 January 2019
What I've Been Reading: January 2019
Previously entitled 'Monthly Round Up', here's a summary of which books made it off my TBR mountain in January:-
The Rumour by Lesley Kara
Published by Bantam Press
Publication Date: 27 Dec 2018
320 pages
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Gallowstree Lane by Kate London
Published by Corvus
Publication Date: 7 Feb 2019
368 pages
Genre: Crime
Genre: Crime
**BLOG TOUR REVIEW COMING 14 FEB 2019**
Did I Mention I Was Getting Married? by Julie Butterfield
313 pages
**BLOG TOUR REVIEW COMING 2 FEB 2019**
Genre: Women's Fiction/Romance
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Published by Orion
Publication Date: 7 Feb 2019
352 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Crime
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Crime
The Couple by Sarah Mitchell
Published by Bookouture
Publication Date: 5 Feb 2019
303 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Genre: Psychological Thriller
**BLOG TOUR REVIEW COMING 7 FEB 2019**
The Last Lie by Alex Lake
Published by HarperCollins
Publication Date: 27 Dec 2108
368 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Crime
Published by HarperCollins
Publication Date: 27 Dec 2108
368 pages
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Crime
I can honestly say it has been a great month's reading, so look out for the reviews of these fantastic books over the next couple of weeks.
February's reading list is looking equally as good, with some highly anticipated novels featuring on my radar - keep dropping by to find out more.
Sunday, 27 January 2019
The Rumour by Lesley Kara #Book #Review @TransworldBooks @LesleyKara
The Rumour by Lesley Kara
Published by Bantam Press
Published 27 December 2018
Genre: womens fiction, psychological thriller
320 pages
Book Description:
When single mum Joanna hears a rumour at the school gates, she never intends to pass it on. But one casual comment leads to another and now there’s no going back . . .Rumour has it that a notorious child killer is living under a new identity, in their sleepy little town of Flinstead-on-Sea.
Sally McGowan was just ten years old when she stabbed little Robbie Harris to death forty-eight years ago – no photos of her exist since her release as a young woman.
So who is the supposedly reformed killer who now lives among them? How dangerous can one rumour become? And how far will Joanna go to protect her loved ones from harm, when she realizes what it is she’s unleashed?
Sally McGowan was just ten years old when she stabbed little Robbie Harris to death forty-eight years ago – no photos of her exist since her release as a young woman.
So who is the supposedly reformed killer who now lives among them? How dangerous can one rumour become? And how far will Joanna go to protect her loved ones from harm, when she realizes what it is she’s unleashed?
My Review:
Single mum Joanna Critchley has moved back to the sleepy coastal town of Flinstead from the hustle and bustle of London life. Her son Alfie had trouble with bullies at his primary school back in the capital and Jo feels he might fair better in her mum's home town where life moves at a slower pace. Keen to help Alfie fit in and find friends, Jo's mum suggests that she join the other school mums at the book club. Jo does so, but still feels like she's struggling to be noticed and in a split second of desperation she repeats a snippet of juicy gossip she's overheard in order to get noticed amongst the other women. Her ploy works but not in the way she wanted and little does she realise what a huge impact that one sentence will have on the rest of her life.
The gossip spreads among the women like wildfire and soon the local community are up in arms trying to identify the person at the centre of the rumour. Fingers are pointed and Jo begins to wish she'd kept her mouth shut as things start to look as if they could get out of hand.
This is a story I think we can all relate to as I'm sure most of us have passed on something we've been told which maybe we should have been more discreet about - luckily for the majority of us it doesn't have the same consequences as it does for Joanna. It is difficult to say too much without giving away vital parts of the storyline, but I think this book is a great cautionary tale for our time.
As a debut novel I found this to be a great concept and I liked that it made me think about how easily false information can spread, especially in these days of social media. It also made me think about the idea of revenge and grudges being held, and how the younger generation can be influenced by the resentments of their elders if they are brought up in a toxic environment. Just one strong voice of reason is all it needs to defuse all that bitterness and years of anger.
I felt this was a believable book with a whole host strong messages to it. The saying "if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing" very much applies to this book and is one which we can all do well to remember. Lesley Kara is a very promising new voice in the psychological thriller genre which is no mean feat these days as there are some strong contenders on the shelves at moment.
Single mum Joanna Critchley has moved back to the sleepy coastal town of Flinstead from the hustle and bustle of London life. Her son Alfie had trouble with bullies at his primary school back in the capital and Jo feels he might fair better in her mum's home town where life moves at a slower pace. Keen to help Alfie fit in and find friends, Jo's mum suggests that she join the other school mums at the book club. Jo does so, but still feels like she's struggling to be noticed and in a split second of desperation she repeats a snippet of juicy gossip she's overheard in order to get noticed amongst the other women. Her ploy works but not in the way she wanted and little does she realise what a huge impact that one sentence will have on the rest of her life.
The gossip spreads among the women like wildfire and soon the local community are up in arms trying to identify the person at the centre of the rumour. Fingers are pointed and Jo begins to wish she'd kept her mouth shut as things start to look as if they could get out of hand.
This is a story I think we can all relate to as I'm sure most of us have passed on something we've been told which maybe we should have been more discreet about - luckily for the majority of us it doesn't have the same consequences as it does for Joanna. It is difficult to say too much without giving away vital parts of the storyline, but I think this book is a great cautionary tale for our time.
As a debut novel I found this to be a great concept and I liked that it made me think about how easily false information can spread, especially in these days of social media. It also made me think about the idea of revenge and grudges being held, and how the younger generation can be influenced by the resentments of their elders if they are brought up in a toxic environment. Just one strong voice of reason is all it needs to defuse all that bitterness and years of anger.
I felt this was a believable book with a whole host strong messages to it. The saying "if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing" very much applies to this book and is one which we can all do well to remember. Lesley Kara is a very promising new voice in the psychological thriller genre which is no mean feat these days as there are some strong contenders on the shelves at moment.
About the Author:
Lesley Kara is an alumna of the Faber Academy ‘Writing a Novel’ course. She lives on the North Essex coast. The Rumour is her first novel.
Social Media:
Website: www.lesleykara.com
Twitter @LesleyKara
Thursday, 24 January 2019
The Couple on Cedar Close by Anna-Lou Weatherley @bookouture #Book #Review @annaloulondon
The Couple on Cedar Close by Anna-Lou Weatherley
(Detective Dan Riley #2)
(Detective Dan Riley #2)
Published by Bookouture
Publication Date 18 January 2019
Genre: Crime/Psychological Thriller
378 pages
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for providing a review copy of this book. I suspected it would be good, but I was far more impressed than I expected.
Book Description:
One sunny August afternoon, the residents of Cedar Close throw their annual summer barbecue. Children play in the cherry-tree lined street, tables are laden with food, and the wine is flowing. For Laurie Mills, it’s her first time meeting the neighbours. And it’s the first time she discovers her husband Robert is having an affair.
Cedar Close has always been a nice place to live – a quiet suburban street where everyone looks out for one another and bad things don’t happen.
Until late one evening, when Robert Mills is found dead in his bedroom.
Downstairs, in their beautiful kitchen, his wife Laurie sits alone in the dark with her head in her hands.
She can’t remember the last few hours, but she knows she didn’t kill Robert.
The trouble is, no-one believes her…
An utterly gripping page-turner about the dark secrets that lie behind closed doors. Perfect for fans of JP Delaney’s The Girl Before and Gone Girl, The Couple on Cedar Close will keep you reading late into the night.
Cedar Close has always been a nice place to live – a quiet suburban street where everyone looks out for one another and bad things don’t happen.
Until late one evening, when Robert Mills is found dead in his bedroom.
Downstairs, in their beautiful kitchen, his wife Laurie sits alone in the dark with her head in her hands.
She can’t remember the last few hours, but she knows she didn’t kill Robert.
The trouble is, no-one believes her…
An utterly gripping page-turner about the dark secrets that lie behind closed doors. Perfect for fans of JP Delaney’s The Girl Before and Gone Girl, The Couple on Cedar Close will keep you reading late into the night.
My Review:
The Couple on Cedar Close was my final read of 2018, and wow! It saw the year out on a bombshell climax of an amazing read.
We meet Laurie Mills and her husband Robert at a street party for residents of Cedar Close - most of whom have never met Laurie before. We are not given an explanation of why this is until much later on, but we do find out that Robert is not the squeaky clean, loving husband he at first appears to be. Life for Laurie takes a nosedive later that night when she finds herself in the dark at home with her husband dead upstairs. She's covered in his blood, however she has no recollection of what has happened or why.
The book meanders its way through the various facts that the detectives discover by talking to those closest to the Mills - emotionally and physically. These snippets of possible evidence lead your thoughts one way then another as you initially suspect Laurie, then various other characters who appear to have motives for assisting his demise. At some points I felt great sympathy for Laurie and at others I felt she was quite a weak person, however nothing prepared me for the overall reveal of the story - where I had sort of come to a correct conclusion as to "whodunnit" the actual reveal raised an appreciative nod to the author for the impressive plotting and concealment throughout the whole book. What a curveball that was!
I hadn't realised when I picked up this book that there was a prequel and despite the fact that I now want to read the first in the series I did not feel I was missing any vital information ahead of the second book.
Definitely an author to look out for as I feel she has lots more of excellent writing just waiting for us to discover.
The Couple on Cedar Close was my final read of 2018, and wow! It saw the year out on a bombshell climax of an amazing read.
We meet Laurie Mills and her husband Robert at a street party for residents of Cedar Close - most of whom have never met Laurie before. We are not given an explanation of why this is until much later on, but we do find out that Robert is not the squeaky clean, loving husband he at first appears to be. Life for Laurie takes a nosedive later that night when she finds herself in the dark at home with her husband dead upstairs. She's covered in his blood, however she has no recollection of what has happened or why.
The book meanders its way through the various facts that the detectives discover by talking to those closest to the Mills - emotionally and physically. These snippets of possible evidence lead your thoughts one way then another as you initially suspect Laurie, then various other characters who appear to have motives for assisting his demise. At some points I felt great sympathy for Laurie and at others I felt she was quite a weak person, however nothing prepared me for the overall reveal of the story - where I had sort of come to a correct conclusion as to "whodunnit" the actual reveal raised an appreciative nod to the author for the impressive plotting and concealment throughout the whole book. What a curveball that was!
I hadn't realised when I picked up this book that there was a prequel and despite the fact that I now want to read the first in the series I did not feel I was missing any vital information ahead of the second book.
Definitely an author to look out for as I feel she has lots more of excellent writing just waiting for us to discover.
Buy your copy here: Amazon UK
Book One in the series:
There’s a letter on the floor covered with blood next to a heart-shaped box of chocolates. The note says: ‘My beautiful darling, I’m sorry, please forgive me.’When the body of a man is found with his wrists slashed in a London hotel room, it appears at first to be a tragic suicide. But Detective Dan Riley suspects there is more to this case than meets the eye and the pathology report confirms his worst fears – the victim was poisoned and suddenly Dan is dealing with a murder inquiry.
Then he makes a disturbing discovery, uncovering links between the victim and a woman calling herself Goldilocks on an online dating site. Is she seeking revenge or something more?
Still grieving the devastating loss of his girlfriend and unborn child in a car accident two years ago, Dan throws everything he has into the investigation. Yet just as Dan begins to piece together the clues of this complex case, the body of a woman is found in her bed with identical wounds.
Then he makes a disturbing discovery, uncovering links between the victim and a woman calling herself Goldilocks on an online dating site. Is she seeking revenge or something more?
Still grieving the devastating loss of his girlfriend and unborn child in a car accident two years ago, Dan throws everything he has into the investigation. Yet just as Dan begins to piece together the clues of this complex case, the body of a woman is found in her bed with identical wounds.
Dan is on the trail of a twisted individual who is much closer than he realises. Can he overcome his own demons and stop the killer before it’s too late?
Social Media Link: Twitter @annaloulondon
Saturday, 19 January 2019
Her Pretty Bones by Carla Kovach @bookouture #BlogTour @CKovachAuthor
Her Pretty Bones by Carla Kovach
(Detective Gina Harte #3)
Publication Date: 17th January 2019 (ebook)
Published by Bookouture
Genre: Crime/Police Procedurals
Book Description:
THE UNPUTDOWNABLE NEW THRILLER FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE NEXT GIRLShe’s just the girl he’s looking for…
A young woman falls from a van speeding down a quiet road. Battered and bruised, she turns her head to the person who comes to her aid. ‘Help her’, she whispers before her eyes close.
Days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave just a few miles away. The similarities between the two girls are startling – same age, same frail body, same shocking red hair.
As the town fears there’s a serial killer living amongst them, Detective Gina Harte must put aside her own struggles at home, and catch the killer before he finds another perfect girl.
AN ABSOLUTELY HEART-STOPPING CRIME THRILLER FROM CARLA KOVACH – if you like Lisa Gardner, Robert Bryndza or Clare Mackintosh, Her Pretty Bones will have you hooked.
A young woman falls from a van speeding down a quiet road. Battered and bruised, she turns her head to the person who comes to her aid. ‘Help her’, she whispers before her eyes close.
Days later, the body of another young girl is found in a shallow grave just a few miles away. The similarities between the two girls are startling – same age, same frail body, same shocking red hair.
As the town fears there’s a serial killer living amongst them, Detective Gina Harte must put aside her own struggles at home, and catch the killer before he finds another perfect girl.
AN ABSOLUTELY HEART-STOPPING CRIME THRILLER FROM CARLA KOVACH – if you like Lisa Gardner, Robert Bryndza or Clare Mackintosh, Her Pretty Bones will have you hooked.
My Review:
A young woman falls from the back of a speeding van narrowly missing the following vehicle. The only words she manages to utter before losing consciousness are "help her". Who is she referring to and why does she need help? Cue Detective Gina Harte and team to find out what's going on. The discovery of the remains of another young woman in the same area throws up more questions and puts more suspects in the frame.
This 3rd book in the detective Gina Harte series opens strongly and being set in my local area I could picture the scenes easily as I read. With very real issues being tackled such as teen runaways, homelessness and the effects of drugs this book shows just how easily life can take a downward turn from just one bad decision. The young women victims come from very different backgrounds but with the wrong influences it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from you can easily end up in a very dark place indeed.
The author makes references to events in the two previous books in the series which cleverly invites you to want to read them if like me you haven't already done so, however the story in itself works very well as a standalone novel. Some of the scenes make for uncomfortable reading but that's the reality of life on the streets and the author certainly hasn't shied away from telling it how it is. The word 'enjoyable' seems very wrong to use in this case, but I did find this a good book to read and will be going back to the earlier books to complete the series.
Book 2
Buy your copy here:Her Final Hour
Book 1
Buy your copy here: The Next Girl
About the Author:
Carla Kovach is a crime and horror author from the UK. The Next Girl and Her Final Hour are the first two books in the DI Gina Harte series and are published by Bookouture. Her earlier works include, Whispers Beneath the Pines, To Let, Flame and Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.
Carla co-runs a video production company, writes stageplays and screenplays. She currently has a horror feature film in production which is due for release in 2019.
Carla co-runs a video production company, writes stageplays and screenplays. She currently has a horror feature film in production which is due for release in 2019.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @CKovachAuthor
Saturday, 12 January 2019
The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer #DEBUT #Book #BlogBlitz #Giveaway @rararesources @AvonBooksUK @JenniKeer
The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer
Published 10th January 2019 (ebook), 21st March 2019 (paperback)
Published by Avon Books UK
Genre: Womens fiction/up-lit
400 pages
Having read the book description for this novel in the invitation from Rachel's Random Resources to read the book I felt it would be in a similar vein to one of my favourite books of 2018 The Lido by Libby Page due to the age difference between two of the main characters. I love the balance of a younger character befriending a pensioner in a story as you tend to get often contrasting views which complement the friendship to solve the issues life throws our way. That is pretty much where the similarities end though - apart from the fact that they are both very enjoyable reads.
Having read the book description for this novel in the invitation from Rachel's Random Resources to read the book I felt it would be in a similar vein to one of my favourite books of 2018 The Lido by Libby Page due to the age difference between two of the main characters. I love the balance of a younger character befriending a pensioner in a story as you tend to get often contrasting views which complement the friendship to solve the issues life throws our way. That is pretty much where the similarities end though - apart from the fact that they are both very enjoyable reads.
Book Description:
Meet Lucy, aged 25, and Brenda, aged 79. Neighbours, and unlikely friends.
Lucy Baker is not your usual 25-year-old. She is more at home reading and knitting in her cluttered little flat than going out partying and socialising.
79-year-old Brenda is full of wise and wonderful advice, but when she’s diagnosed with dementia her life begins to change. Before her memories slip away for ever, Brenda is desperate to fulfil one last wish – to see Lucy happy.
Gifting Lucy the locket that helped Brenda find her own true love, she hopes to push her reticent neighbour in the right direction. But is Lucy Baker ready for the opportunities and heartbreaks of the real world? It’s about time she put her knitting needles aside and found out…
The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker will be the most charming, heart-warming and feel-good novel you will read this year, perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan and Gail Honeyman.
My Review:
Introvert Lucy Baker is well and truly settled in her comfort zone. By day she works in an admin role at a local toy wholesaler and in the evenings she likes nothing better than to settle on her sofa in front of the TV with her crochet hook recreating the characters of the program she's watching (currently Poldark) in fabulous woolly form.
Her neighbour and close friend Brenda Pethybridge is 79, and while she likes to see the wonderful creations Lucy makes with her yarn related talent, she can't help but think that there should be something more in Lucy's life - like a nice young man for starters. Cue the arrival of dour yet tall, dark and handsome George Aberdour who moves into the beautiful, vacant neighbouring property. Sadly things don't get off to a great start between Lucy and George as he blocks her car in with his removal van for no less than 3 hours. Lucy however is far too nice to cause a fuss despite feeling mightily frustrated that he is stopping her from fetching her vital craft supplies. And while Lucy tells herself that she couldn't possibly be attracted to such a rude man, her interest is piqued and she can't help keeping one eye on George's comings and goings over the next few days.
Jenni Keer has crafted a lovely cosy 'will they,won't they' romance but while this is a strong main thread in the book there is far more going on in Lucy and Brenda's lives. With a shocking diagnosis of dementia for Brenda, Lucy's high-flying career minded sister (who can do no wrong and still have everything)
announces that as well as a fabulous work opportunity she is now expecting baby number 3 and the arrival of a loveable rogue of a stray cat causing chaos in Lancaster Road Lucy wonders just how much she can deal with. She just wants a quiet life. The final straw is the arrival of a new supervisor at work who is overseeing the restructure of the office, and Lucy feels her whole life is going to topple like a delicate house of cards.
Brenda however sees it all differently, and decides to give Lucy a helping hand. Not in a conventional way, oh no. Brenda is a very spiritual person, an apothecary, and starts using more quirky methods to get Lucy to see that confidence comes from within. I must admit I had my doubts about this part of the story but it's so nicely written that I found I could suspend my doubts and go with the flow.
There are some fabulous comedy moments throughout the book especially between Lucy, her best friend Jess (who I wasn't overly keen on) and the mysterious George. These are balanced by events later on which had my heartstrings well and truly pulled on and I have to admit that the pages went a bit blurry a few times as I read some of the scenes. Top tip: keep a tissue handy because you will need it (unless you have a heart of stone).
Jenni Keer has crafted a lovely cosy 'will they,won't they' romance but while this is a strong main thread in the book there is far more going on in Lucy and Brenda's lives. With a shocking diagnosis of dementia for Brenda, Lucy's high-flying career minded sister (who can do no wrong and still have everything)
announces that as well as a fabulous work opportunity she is now expecting baby number 3 and the arrival of a loveable rogue of a stray cat causing chaos in Lancaster Road Lucy wonders just how much she can deal with. She just wants a quiet life. The final straw is the arrival of a new supervisor at work who is overseeing the restructure of the office, and Lucy feels her whole life is going to topple like a delicate house of cards.
Brenda however sees it all differently, and decides to give Lucy a helping hand. Not in a conventional way, oh no. Brenda is a very spiritual person, an apothecary, and starts using more quirky methods to get Lucy to see that confidence comes from within. I must admit I had my doubts about this part of the story but it's so nicely written that I found I could suspend my doubts and go with the flow.
There are some fabulous comedy moments throughout the book especially between Lucy, her best friend Jess (who I wasn't overly keen on) and the mysterious George. These are balanced by events later on which had my heartstrings well and truly pulled on and I have to admit that the pages went a bit blurry a few times as I read some of the scenes. Top tip: keep a tissue handy because you will need it (unless you have a heart of stone).
Overall a nice book to snuggle up with - after all, not everything that happens in life can be easily explained so maybe there are other forces at work to make us happy. Who knows eh?
Buy your copy here:
Enter the Giveaway
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Prize contains - Thornton's fudge, a Nu notebook, a Hopes
and Dreams bookmark and a set of five "Scratbag" blank greetings
cards designed by Jenni Keer
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the
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fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I
am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
About the Author:
Jenni Keer is a history graduate who embarked on a career in contract flooring before settling in the middle of the Suffolk countryside with her antique furniture restorer husband. She has valiantly attempted to master the ancient art of housework but with four teenage boys in the house it remains a mystery. Instead, she spends her time at the keyboard writing women's fiction to combat the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere with her number one fan #Blindcat by her side. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team.
Social Media Links:
Twitter @JenniKeer
Instagram jennikeerWebsite - https://jennikeer.co.uk/
Thursday, 10 January 2019
Tell Me A Secret by Jane Fallon #NetGalley @JaneFallon @penguinUKbooks #TellMeASecret
https://sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.com/2018/01/book-review-faking-friends-by-jane.html
Jane Fallon is the multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do Before You're 30. Her Sunday Times bestselling books are Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge and Faking Friends. They have sold over a million copies in the UK alone.
Tell Me A secret by Jane Fallon
Published by Penguin UK
Publication Date: 10th January 2019
404 pages
Genre: womens fiction/humour
Once again I send huge thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read another of my go-to author's books ahead of publication in exchange for an unbiased review.
Book Description:
Holly and Roz spend most of their days together. They like the same jokes, loathe the same people and tell each other everything.
So when single mum Holly gets a shot at her dream job after putting everything on hold to raise her daughter, she assumes her friend will be dying to pop the champagne with her.
But is she just imagining things, or is Roz not quite as happy for her as she should be?
As Holly starts to take a closer look at Roz's life outside their friendship, she begins to discover a few things that don't add up. Who is the woman who claims to be her ally?
Perhaps it was a mistake to tell Roz all her secrets.
Because it takes two to forge a friendship.
But it only takes one to wage a war . . .
My Review:
Tell Me A Secret is set around the office politics in the script writing office of a thrice weekly TV series set in a school ( a bit like Waterloo Road crossed with Hollyoaks I felt).
We are introduced to our main characters Holly and Roz who have both worked in the department for a few years, meeting up after work occasionally for drinks and to put the world to rights. Their friendship has grown, and single mum Holly enjoys listening to Roz's tales of glamorous meetings with celebrity clients of her PR agent husband and their associated enviable lifestyle. Big house, exotic holidays - you name it, Roz and Hugh have it all. Holly can but dream of such a lifestyle as she struggles with the bills as daughter sets off to a new life at uni.
In an attempt to boost her salary Holly applies for a promotion, and seeks the support of her best friend and colleague, asking her advice with her application form. Roz is all too happy to assist, stating that she's not interested in the position herself. With her husband being a high earner, she is quick to point out with her customary brand of sarcasm that she does not need to go for promotion. Why then, when Holly gets the position do things start going mysteriously pear-shaped?
The observations of individuals among office politics is excellent from this author. I love her books and this one doesn't fail to live up to my expectations. The subtle digs (and some less so) among the colleagues are so well written you feel like you have a desk in the office and are actually part of the action. The gradual unveiling of the real life of the characters is superb, with the seemingly weak, mumsy colleague having a lot more strength in her private life than anyone had given her credit for, and the feisty outgoing one is also not what she presents to the world. This is a brilliant reflection of the diverse characters who get thrown together in the pressure cooker atmosphere of any office which makes it all the more readable as so many of us can relate as we work in a similar environment.
People are rarely all they first appear to be, and I loved the exploits of Holly and her 'out of office' best friend Dee as they sought to find out who was responsible for trying to scupper Holly's progression up the career ladder. I laughed and cried with them, and with the background of Holly's daughter adding to the drama this is a great book to curl up and lose yourself in.
Tell Me A Secret is set around the office politics in the script writing office of a thrice weekly TV series set in a school ( a bit like Waterloo Road crossed with Hollyoaks I felt).
We are introduced to our main characters Holly and Roz who have both worked in the department for a few years, meeting up after work occasionally for drinks and to put the world to rights. Their friendship has grown, and single mum Holly enjoys listening to Roz's tales of glamorous meetings with celebrity clients of her PR agent husband and their associated enviable lifestyle. Big house, exotic holidays - you name it, Roz and Hugh have it all. Holly can but dream of such a lifestyle as she struggles with the bills as daughter sets off to a new life at uni.
In an attempt to boost her salary Holly applies for a promotion, and seeks the support of her best friend and colleague, asking her advice with her application form. Roz is all too happy to assist, stating that she's not interested in the position herself. With her husband being a high earner, she is quick to point out with her customary brand of sarcasm that she does not need to go for promotion. Why then, when Holly gets the position do things start going mysteriously pear-shaped?
The observations of individuals among office politics is excellent from this author. I love her books and this one doesn't fail to live up to my expectations. The subtle digs (and some less so) among the colleagues are so well written you feel like you have a desk in the office and are actually part of the action. The gradual unveiling of the real life of the characters is superb, with the seemingly weak, mumsy colleague having a lot more strength in her private life than anyone had given her credit for, and the feisty outgoing one is also not what she presents to the world. This is a brilliant reflection of the diverse characters who get thrown together in the pressure cooker atmosphere of any office which makes it all the more readable as so many of us can relate as we work in a similar environment.
People are rarely all they first appear to be, and I loved the exploits of Holly and her 'out of office' best friend Dee as they sought to find out who was responsible for trying to scupper Holly's progression up the career ladder. I laughed and cried with them, and with the background of Holly's daughter adding to the drama this is a great book to curl up and lose yourself in.
About the Author:
Also see my Review to Jane's previous novel, Faking Friends here:
Faking Friends review January 2018
Faking Friends review January 2018
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