The Bride by Wendy Clarke #BlogTour @bookouture #Review #TheBride @WendyClarke99

The Bride by Wendy Clarke

Published by Bookouture

Publication Date: 20th May 2020

Psychological Thriller

300 pages

First and foremost, my thanks to Noelle Holten of Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book as part of the promotional blog tour.

Book Description:

The moment Joanna told me she was engaged, I had this awful feeling that something was wrong.

We used to speak on the phone every day. Growing up I spent more time at her house than I did at my own. I’d always imagined what it would be like to see her get married, and now I didn’t even know her fiancé’s name.

She asked me to come and meet Mark and I intended to tell her to slow down. You can’t know someone for a month and be sure that you want to spend the rest of your lives together.

When I got to Joanna’s front door, only Mark was there. He was charming and gorgeous and nothing but nice to me, and I started to understand.

And then he told me that Joanna was missing.

My Thoughts:

My first thought once I had read this book was how well the author represented how we all judge people on appearances. Their homes, the cars they drive, the way they dress - we all make a split second, subconscious analysis of the person depending on how they present themselves. But are we right to go on gut instincts and first impressions or are we better off relying on the impression we get of people over a long period of time? Can we really ever understand someone even after many years of friendship?

Alice and Joanna have known each other since their schooldays. Okay, so they haven't seen each other for...longer than Alice realised, but people have busy lives theses days. We don't live in each other's pockets, and time soon marches on and it's years, not months since they last saw each other.
Alice's relationship has just broken down, her partner admitting an affair which has resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. She's not in a good place, so when she gets an invitation to stay with her oldest friend and meet her fiancé before they get married she jumps at the chance to get away from her misery and get to know her friend again after their time apart.

Things don't go according to plan though.  The beautiful apartment she has seen pictures of isn't quite as she imagined and when she pushes the buzzer it's not Joanna who answers - she's not there. A man's voice tells her that Joanna isn't there and is very cagey about where she is and when she will be back. Introducing himself as Joanna's partner Mark, he says he is happy for Alice to stay overnight and travel back in the morning despite not having been told to expect her company. There's something stand-offish about Mark which Alice can't put her finger on - he seems friendly enough, but is certainly holding something back. They spend a companionable evening together, with a personalised tour around the building which soon demonstrates that they seem to be virtually the only people there. The isolation puts Alice on edge, a feeling which only increases when she meets the 'security guard' who patrols the building. What is it about him that makes her feel anything but safe?

Admissions and revelations from Joanna's partner lead to Alice staying much longer than planned, despite her gut feeling that something really isn't right. Lines of communication between Joanna's parents and her partner are definitely not good, and Alice ends up with so many more questions than answers, yet feels obliged to stay around to support Mark.

The sense of tension that builds up is incredibly well written, with very subtle events happening which would make you feel very insecure yet in a way that you question your analysis of what happened. Should Alice trust Mark? She has so little to go on, yet she finds she is easily drawn into his version of how things are. But Joanna's relationship with him has been such a whirlwind, how well does her friend really know this man? With nobody around other than the creepy security guy and a lack of contact with the outside world Alice is certainly a lot braver than I would have been! I'd have been out of there at the first opportunity.

This book is a great demonstration of the saying "be careful what you wish for". Just because someone's life looks incredibly glamorous and perfect on the face of things, scratch the surface and you won't necessarily like what you find underneath. A chilling read which had me guessing right the way to the final chapters.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0859CD6MZSocial

Apple: https://apple.co/2Tum0Vv

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2VBcCSE

Google: http://bit.ly/2Tif3rX

About the Author:

Wendy Clarke started her career writing short fiction and serials for national women's magazines. After having over three hundred short stories published, she progressed to writing novels. With a degree in psychology, and intrigued with how the human mind can affect behaviour, it was inevitable that she would eventually want to explore her darker side.

What She Saw is her debut psychological thriller, published by Bookouture. Her second thriller, We Were Sisters, was published in August 2019.

In her previous life, Wendy has published three collections of short stories and has been a short story judge for the Chiltern Writers Group, Nottingham Writers Group and The Society of Women Writers and journalists.

Wendy lives with her husband and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!

Author Social Media Links

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyClarke99

A Nearly Normal Family by M T Edvardsson @panmacmillan @Mattiasedvard #book #review

A Nearly Normal Family by M T Edvardsson

Published by PanMacMillan

Publication Date: 2nd April 2020 (Paperback)

Psychological Thriller

Book Description:

Your 18 year old daughter goes out.  You don't know where, but she says she will be back by 11pm.

11pm comes but she isn't. You text her, but no reply.  Then, 2am, the front door opens and you hear her go into her bedroom.  

She's home. You check she's OK. 'Yes', and you turn over.

The next morning, your daughter is arrested for murder.  And all you can think is, where was she last night? Why was she late? And what will you say when the police ask you where she was...

My Thoughts:

I picked up a copy of this book in my local Tesco during the weekly grocery shop. The blurb grabbed me straightaway, but other than that I didn't know anything about the author, his style or any of his previous work.

I have to admit that I struggled with the first part of this book, told from the father's point of view.  Adam is a pastor in the Church of Sweden, and we hear a lot about how close he and his daughter have always been.  Mum is a lawyer and has taken more of a back seat in Stella's upbringing, with Adam being the primary parent while Ulrika was the breadwinner.  His faith and morals are tested beyond their limit when Stella is apprehended by the police on suspicion of the murder of local man Christopher Olsen. 

The second part of the book I found began to flow much better, and is told by daughter Stella. We find out how headstrong she is, what a close yet slightly toxic relationship she has with best friend Amina. The chapters are short and snappy and every one reveals a little bit more either about Stella herself or the events running up to the night Olsen was killed. Despite all the information which is drip fed to us in both of these parts of the book the reader is still unsure whether Stella is guilty of the murder. Olsen's ex girlfriend is presented as a potential witness, but there is also a hint that she may have been more involved than just as an onlooker. 

The final part of the book is told from mum Ulrika's point of view. This is where this book really came into its own. Even with all her legal experience, she struggles when faced with being on the other side of the system. People who she has previously worked alongside are now judging her family and deciding on her daughter's fate. I loved this part of the book as you gradually see how the storyline has been very carefully plotted all the way through. The conclusion certainly shocked me and I was so pleased I was patient with this book early on as it's one of those ones which works so well overall.  I don't know whether the fact that the book was originally written in Swedish and translated into English has any bearing on the flow of the writing - I'm not a big reader of translated books, so it's possible that this is a 'thing'.

My advice with this one is to stick with it and you won't be disappointed. 

About the Author:

M. T. Edvardsson is a writer and teacher from Trelleborg, Sweden. The author of three previous novels and two books for young readers. Edvardsson lives in Löddeköpinge, Sweden.

Social Media:

Twitter: @Mattiasedvard

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mattiasedvardssonforfattare/

What Lies Between Us by John Marrs #NetGalley #WhatLiesBetweenUs @johnmarrs1 @jackbutler #book #review

What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

Published by Amazon Publishing, Thomas & Mercer

Publication Date 15th May 2020

Psychological Thriller

371 pages

Book Description:

Nina can never forgive Maggie for what she did. And she can never let her leave.

They say every house has its secrets, and the house that Maggie and Nina have shared for so long is no different. Except that these secrets are not buried in the past.

Every other night, Maggie and Nina have dinner together. When they are finished, Nina helps Maggie back to her room in the attic, and into the heavy chain that keeps her there. Because Maggie has done things to Nina that can’t ever be forgiven, and now she is paying the price.

But there are many things about the past that Nina doesn’t know, and Maggie is going to keep it that way—even if it kills her.

Because in this house, the truth is more dangerous than lies.

My Thoughts:

I love John Marrs' books! From the very first one I read called The One (which I understand is currently being made into a mini-series for Netflix) I have been avidly reading as much of his work as I can squeeze in between blog commitments. Every one is a scarily new but quite feasible concept of a storyline and this one is no exception.

I began the book thinking how could Nina possibly treat her mother in such a fashion? My sympathy for Maggie soon diminished though when the story moved on and other aspects of their lives together started to be revealed.  From then on in my emotions swung like a pendulum between the two women who each gave their side of their life story together and I couldn't decide which of the two of them had acted in a more shocking manner.  I really couldn't side with either of them. When I wasn't actually reading the book my mind would wander back to consider whether in this day and age it would be possible to keep someone chained and isolated the way Nina has with her mother.  It shocked me to think how calculated and thorough she had been in order to achieve the lifestyle she has manufactured for the two of them.  The neighbours believed Nina's story that sadly Maggie had developed dementia and been moved into a care home in Devon, nearer her sister and with only a small circle of work colleagues and friends it was easy for Nina to convince people of her version of the truth.

I found this to be a very upsetting story of misunderstanding, lack of communication and also a mother's somewhat twisted desire to protect her child. Neither woman is entirely truthful either with themselves or anyone else and neither is particularly likeable. Without spoiling the story for future readers I found the ending particularly tragic and had hoped at one stage that things may have had a nicer conclusion after so many years of heartbreak for the two of them.

Another gripping page turner from Mr Marrs, he has yet to disappoint me with his writing.

About the Author:

John Marrs is the author of #1 Best Sellers The One, The Good Samaritan, When You Disappeared, Welcome to Wherever You Are, Her Last Move, The Passengers and What Lies Between Us. The One has been translated into 30 different languages and is to be turned into an eight-part Netflix series in autumn 2020.

After working as a journalist for 25-years interviewing celebrities from the world of television, film and music for national newspapers and magazines, he is now a full-time writer. 

Social Media Links:

Follow him on Twitter @johnmarrs1

Facebook: @johnmarrsauthor 

Instagram: @johnmarrs.author 

Website: johnmarrsauthor.co.uk

Just My Luck by Adele Parks #Book #Review @AdeleParks #JustMyLuck #NetGalley @HQstories

Just My Luck by Adele Parks

Published by HQ

Publication Date: 14 May 2020 (ebook & hardback), 10 December 2020 (paperback)

Psychological Thriller/Mystery

Book Description:

It’s the stuff dreams are made of – a lottery win so big, it changes everything.

For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. Over dinner parties, fish & chip suppers and summer barbecues, they’ve discussed the important stuff – the kids, marriages, jobs and houses – and they’ve laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything more than a tenner.

But then, one Saturday night, the unthinkable happens. There’s a rift in the group. Someone doesn’t tell the truth. And soon after, six numbers come up which change everything forever.

Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18 million. And their friends are determined to claim a share of it.

Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks returns with a riveting look at the dark side of wealth in this gripping take on friendship, money and betrayal, and good luck gone bad…

My Thoughts:

Adele Parks has done it again!  Real people. real scenarios but with a sting in the tale.
The Greenwoods, Heathcotes and Pearsons have been friends for over 15 years since meeting at parentcraft classes before the birth of their first children. They meet every Saturday night, taking it turns to play host at each of the houses. A few drinks, lots of laughs and equal donations to a line on the lottery. But recently things have turned sour especially in regard to playing the lottery. One of the group has voiced the opinion that playing the lottery is for losers, that it's a waste of money and that they don't wish to participate any more. The manner in which the opinion was given has upset others in the group and a rift has formed between the adults in the group. Then in just a matter of days following the disagreement the unbelievable happens and their chosen numbers come up, collecting a jackpot win of nearly £18million. But unlike all the dreams they've ever had, the win signals the start of more problems than they could ever have imagined. Never a truer word than the old cliché: be careful what you wish for.
The win triggers a legal investigation as to who is part of the syndicate - and whether the syndicate actually exists anymore. The bickering between the adults filters down and has devastating effects on the children's relationships. The money brings out the worst in most of the group, with the predictable shopping sprees for expensive and designer items and bookings of extravagant holidays. 
But there's a charitable thread running through the story too. The desire to do good for the least fortunate members of society. My hopes were built up that this part of the story would come to the fore but that's where some superb plot twists came in and knocked this book out of the ballpark.
None of the characters are particularly likeable despite some glimmers of hope for some of them; the story is totally believable but also devastatingly sad in parts. I spun through this book in record time and enjoyed my reaction to each of the characters' behaviour along their journey to potential riches.
A unique but very grounding look at the dream that is a lottery win.

From the Author:

I’ve always dreamed of being a writer and when my first novel - Playing Away - was published the Evening Standard identified me as one of London’s ‘Twenty Faces to Watch’, which was very nice of them!

I like to keep busy and I’ve published 19 novels, and I'm thrilled to say that they've all hit the bestseller lists. I've sold over 3.5 million books in the UK alone and I've been translated into 26 different languages. I have written 17 contemporary novels and 2 historical ones, Spare Brides and If You Go Away, which are set during and after WW1. My latest novels, Lies Lies Lies, I Invited Her In, The Image of You and The Stranger in My Home are twisty, domestic noirs. I like to scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity.

I passionately believe that reading is a basic right. I'm a proud Ambassador of The National Literacy Trust and a The Reading Agency, charities that are devoted to encouraging emerging adult readers and children who are becoming passionate about books.

During my career I've lived in Italy, Botswana and London. Now I live happily in Surrey with my husband, teenage son and cat.

The House on Rectory Lane by Stuart James #BlogTour #Review @StuartJames73 @BOTBSPublicity

The House on Rectory Lane by Stuart James
Published by Bloodhound Books
Publication Date 27April 2020
Mystery/Thriller

My thanks to Sarah Hardy for the opportunity to read and review this book as part of the blog tour.

Book Description:

Jake and Kate live in London but after an altercation with a stranger who threatens Jake with a knife, they take their son and move to a house in the woods.
It’s their dream home, or so they think until people in the village warn them they shouldn’t have come.
Their neighbours are strange and when Kate sees a face at the window, the family realise they might be in danger.
When they find a tape hidden in the loft of the house, a video recording of the previous family who once lived there, it chills them to the bone.
They soon realise that the family living there before them have disappeared and they too could now be next.

What is the mystery surrounding the house on Rectory Lane? 

Jake and Kate are about to find out…

My Thoughts:

Wow!  This book hits the ground running and doesn't let up until the final page!

The scene is set in the prologue with a couple running for their lives - who they are or what they are running from we don't know, but you can feel their fear emanating off the pages. Then we are taken miles away into the hustle and chaos of North London, where Jake has a heart stopping moment when a man steps out out in front of his car then proceeds to threaten him with a knife.  This is the point Jake decides he's had enough of city living; he doesn't want his child to grow up in an area like this. He wants fresh air, the countryside and a friendly village location where his family can become part of the community. Discussing what happened with wife Kate means that she doesn't take much persuading that a better life can be found away from the capital and within weeks they find themselves moving in to The Rectory in Ramsbury. The house was available straightaway at a bargain basement price leading Jake to feel it was just meant to be and quickly puts his signature to the paperwork before someone else snaps up the property.  However, as the old saying goes "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is" and it's not long before Jake and Kate find this out to their peril.  With mysterious men lurking out of the shadows and faces at the window it's not long before the couple get a very sinister feeling about the house and its surroundings.

I don't think I have ever read another book where my heart has raced all the way through. There are so many suspicious happenings and characters I honestly did not want to leave the story at any point. You just know something is off but it's as if you get a glimpse of the answers in your peripheral vision but when you turn to look properly there's nothing there. The neighbours are either overly friendly or issuing warnings to get out of the house and move as far away as possible - who to listen to? It's very late in the book before things start to become clear but the pages are so action-packed that the story is only drawn out sufficiently to add more layers of intrigue and shocking events.

I didn't think Stuart could shock me any more than he did with his recent book Apartment 6 but for me this one worked even better - I honestly had no idea of the reason things were happening or indeed who was involved. If you like a good head-scratcher of a novel this will suit you down to the ground and I would be interested to know other readers' thoughts. Definitely a book club or buddy read as there are plenty of aspects of the story to discuss.

Once again, my thanks to Sarah Hardy of BOTBS publicity for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the blog tour.

About the Author:

I have always loved scary stories, especially ones that shocked me, left me terrified, looking under my bed or in the wardrobe before going to sleep.
There was just a fantastic buzz whenever I watched or read something that took my breathe away.
I remember going to my nan’s house in Ireland as a youngster with my mother and sister, on the West Coast, staying in a cottage, surrounded by miles of fields and my family sitting around the table in the kitchen at night telling ghost stories. Going out and exploring derelict farmhouses in the middle of nowhere. I remember clearly the field at the end of the road was supposed to be haunted by headless nuns.
My cousins often remind me of the great times we had, frightening each other and running for our lives whenever we’d see something that didn’t look right.
This is why I love nothing more than to tell a story.

I started writing two years ago, penning The House On Rectory Lane.
I got the idea from something that has often seemed scary to me. I know that a terrifying story has to be something that you’re frightened of doing, something that makes the hairs stand on the back of your neck, something that fills you with dread, yet also with excitement.
To me, the thought of going to a house in the middle of nowhere, upping and leaving a busy town and moving to the country is something that scares lots of people and me: the seclusion, the quiet, the darkness.
That’s what inspired me to write my first novel.

My second thriller is called Turn The Other Way.
I have multiple stories running, past and present. A family who want answers from the surgeon responsible for their daughter’s death.
A young woman looking for her parents after they go missing from a party.
A couple driving home and hearing screams for help from the back of the van in front of them.
A serial killer on the loose in North London, dragging victims off the street.

I’m so grateful when people not only read my thrillers but also take the time to get in touch and leave a review. To me, that is the greatest feeling, hearing from people that have enjoyed my work. I know then that I’m doing something right.
My third thriller, Apartment Six, was published in January of this year. 

I’m 45, married and have two beautiful children. Currently, I’m a full-time plumber but would love nothing more than to make a living from my writing.
I hope I write stories and people continue to enjoy them for years to come. That would be completely amazing and a dream come true. 

Social Media Links:

Website: stuartjamesthrillers.com

Twitter: @StuartJames73

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