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mags_louise's reviews
3671 reviews
Imagine Living by Deborah Morgan, Deborah Morgan
4.5
Imagine Living transports you to 1980s Liverpool, where sixteen-year-old Robyn is happily living with her nan May and working her first job at a bakery earning a small but welcome wage. When May after an operation returns home and suddenly passes away and Robyn's young life is altered forever.
However, Robyn proves to be a resilient young woman, even though she finds herself alone, grieving her nan and homeless after refusing to live with her mother in Scotland.
And as the story unfolds author Debroah Morgan takes you on an emotional journey, full of highs and lows. As Robyn tries to make sense of her new reality. Whilst searching for her father and a new place to call home and through it all she meets a wide variety of characters. Some of whom are willing to offer help and support whilst others just want to take advantage and sadly they do. But somehow Robyn manages to remain remarkably strong.
And it's all set against a backdrop of Blondie, Levi jeans and Thatchers Britain.
And it was a really engaging and uplifting story. That easily kept me reading even though it's not my usual genre and I'd happily recommend Imagine Living to others. And am genuinely intrigued to see what happens to Robyn next.
My thanks to author Debroah Morgan, who kindly provided me with a free copy of Imagine Living. 😊
However, Robyn proves to be a resilient young woman, even though she finds herself alone, grieving her nan and homeless after refusing to live with her mother in Scotland.
And as the story unfolds author Debroah Morgan takes you on an emotional journey, full of highs and lows. As Robyn tries to make sense of her new reality. Whilst searching for her father and a new place to call home and through it all she meets a wide variety of characters. Some of whom are willing to offer help and support whilst others just want to take advantage and sadly they do. But somehow Robyn manages to remain remarkably strong.
And it's all set against a backdrop of Blondie, Levi jeans and Thatchers Britain.
And it was a really engaging and uplifting story. That easily kept me reading even though it's not my usual genre and I'd happily recommend Imagine Living to others. And am genuinely intrigued to see what happens to Robyn next.
My thanks to author Debroah Morgan, who kindly provided me with a free copy of Imagine Living. 😊
Hell Hath No Fury by Geoff Major
4.5
Hell Hath No Fury is my first introduction to author Geoff Major and what a cracking introduction it is.
As this is a detailed, complex, fast-paced crime thriller. That keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. With a story packed full of characters and told from multiple points of view.
You are taken into the murky world of organised crime. As a shadowy figure known as 'the broker' pulls the strings and where you are introduced to three women whose fates are seemingly intertwined by chance and a group of friends who have always had each others backs and now along with their families are being murdered. The only thing linking them a crumpled lottery ticket stuffed in their mouths.
Which is how detectives from different forces including North Yorkshire and the Met come together searching for the person or person's responsible. Not knowing however that each time someone is murdered the broker profits.
And with plenty of tension and intrigue. Not to mention secrets, lies and lots of red herrings. This was an engrossing read. With an unexpected ending! That I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to author Geoff Major who very kindly gifted me a copy of Hell Hath No Fury. 😊
As this is a detailed, complex, fast-paced crime thriller. That keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. With a story packed full of characters and told from multiple points of view.
You are taken into the murky world of organised crime. As a shadowy figure known as 'the broker' pulls the strings and where you are introduced to three women whose fates are seemingly intertwined by chance and a group of friends who have always had each others backs and now along with their families are being murdered. The only thing linking them a crumpled lottery ticket stuffed in their mouths.
Which is how detectives from different forces including North Yorkshire and the Met come together searching for the person or person's responsible. Not knowing however that each time someone is murdered the broker profits.
And with plenty of tension and intrigue. Not to mention secrets, lies and lots of red herrings. This was an engrossing read. With an unexpected ending! That I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to author Geoff Major who very kindly gifted me a copy of Hell Hath No Fury. 😊
The Silent Man by David Fennell
4.5
This is my first introduction to author David Fennell and if The Silent Man is anything to go by it won't be my last.
As this was a cracking read.
That grabbed me from the very first page and never let go. With a storyline packed full of murder, darkness, twists and turns.
And it had me guessing until the very end. As protagonist DI Grace Archer is pulled away from a personal threat and a sick grandad to investigate the bizarre murder of Jason Todd.
And it's a murder that puzzles from the start as he is killed at home with his son in the next room. A son who is left unharmed.
But as Archer and her colleague Quinn begin to investigate danger stalks ever closer. As the threats against Archer increase. And there's a big chance neither Archer or Quinn will live long enough to see this case through.
And what a case it is!!
And with plenty of shocks, humour, macabre moments which I loved and a killer I did not expect. This was a truly brilliant read. That I'd thoroughly recommend to others and I'll definitely be reading the books I've missed out on in this series. Just as soon as I can.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Silent Man.
As this was a cracking read.
That grabbed me from the very first page and never let go. With a storyline packed full of murder, darkness, twists and turns.
And it had me guessing until the very end. As protagonist DI Grace Archer is pulled away from a personal threat and a sick grandad to investigate the bizarre murder of Jason Todd.
And it's a murder that puzzles from the start as he is killed at home with his son in the next room. A son who is left unharmed.
But as Archer and her colleague Quinn begin to investigate danger stalks ever closer. As the threats against Archer increase. And there's a big chance neither Archer or Quinn will live long enough to see this case through.
And what a case it is!!
And with plenty of shocks, humour, macabre moments which I loved and a killer I did not expect. This was a truly brilliant read. That I'd thoroughly recommend to others and I'll definitely be reading the books I've missed out on in this series. Just as soon as I can.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Silent Man.
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
4.25
Tee O Fallon returns with another enjoyable addition to the K9 Special Ops Series. This time featuring ATF Agent Brett Tanner and his adorable K9 companion Blaze. Who are on the trail of an arsonist and now murderer who seems to be targeting run down properties throughout a Colorado town.
But if Brett is to have any chance of finding the person,person's responsible he needs to gain the trust of NCIB investigator Grace. Who during her own investigation has started to see a pattern in the fires set and has vital Intel that Brett desperately needs.
And Brett has more reason than most to want to stop them after being injured in a fire that claimed two of his childhood friends. He knows the damage fire and those who set them cause.
But the more Brett pulls Grace into his investigation the higher the stakes become and she soon becomes a target.
However, Bretts friends and their canine companions are on hand to help keep her safe and hunt down the culprit.
And with danger, secrets, sweetness, mystery, and suspense. Not to mention a slow burn romance. This was a truly engaging read. That was only really let down by the ending, which I felt was a little abrupt.
My thanks to Entangled Publishing who kindly provided me with an early copy of Burning Justice to read and review. 😊
But if Brett is to have any chance of finding the person,person's responsible he needs to gain the trust of NCIB investigator Grace. Who during her own investigation has started to see a pattern in the fires set and has vital Intel that Brett desperately needs.
And Brett has more reason than most to want to stop them after being injured in a fire that claimed two of his childhood friends. He knows the damage fire and those who set them cause.
But the more Brett pulls Grace into his investigation the higher the stakes become and she soon becomes a target.
However, Bretts friends and their canine companions are on hand to help keep her safe and hunt down the culprit.
And with danger, secrets, sweetness, mystery, and suspense. Not to mention a slow burn romance. This was a truly engaging read. That was only really let down by the ending, which I felt was a little abrupt.
My thanks to Entangled Publishing who kindly provided me with an early copy of Burning Justice to read and review. 😊
Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant
4.5
Pippa Grant returns for a standalone rom-com full of charm. As single mum Maisey and her sassy eye-rolling sixteen-year-old daughter Junie move to Hells Bells, Wyoming to start over after inheriting a ranch and life in a small town where bears are prevalent is definitely a shock.
But Maisey is determined to make it work and rebuild her relationship with Junie. That's if the pair survive the bears long enough.
And this is where Maisey meets grumpy and gorgeous Flint Jackson. Who is not only her new tenant, but her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach. But both Maisey and Flint have emotional baggage and know they should keep their distance.
Yet, their connection is undeniable and the banter on point and I loved how much respect and understanding the pair had for each other.
And with the small-town community to add another layer. Not to mention Junie who just shined. This was a deliciously delightful story, full of well-rounded real characters and lots of laughter. And I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Not My Kind Of Hero. 😊
But Maisey is determined to make it work and rebuild her relationship with Junie. That's if the pair survive the bears long enough.
And this is where Maisey meets grumpy and gorgeous Flint Jackson. Who is not only her new tenant, but her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach. But both Maisey and Flint have emotional baggage and know they should keep their distance.
Yet, their connection is undeniable and the banter on point and I loved how much respect and understanding the pair had for each other.
And with the small-town community to add another layer. Not to mention Junie who just shined. This was a deliciously delightful story, full of well-rounded real characters and lots of laughter. And I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Not My Kind Of Hero. 😊
Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose
5.0
Karen Rose returns to New Orleans for a story that will keep you reading long into the night.
As assistant District Attorney Kaj (pronounced pie) Cordozo's son is targeted when a man is remanded in custody for beating a doctor to death.
That man is Aaron Gates. Who it turns out is connected to a gang Sixth Day. Whom NOPD believe long disbanded but now believe are targeting Kaj's son.
But are they?
That's what Kaj has employed Burke Brossard Private Investigation Agency to find out and also to keep his son safe.And Val Sorenson is tasked with the job. But Val has a personal connection. As her brother Van was murdered by a member of Sixth Day four years ago.
Yet, as the investigation gets underway it becomes increasingly clear there is more at play than anyone thought and all eyes soon move to Aarons brothers.
And Val starts to question why her brother was murdered. Only the answer isn't the one she expected.
Yet, as the danger mounts Val is more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to keep Elijah and Kaj safe.
However, with threats coming from every direction and trouble knowing who the team can trust. This is not an easy task.
And with a fast-paced, edge of your seat and brilliantly unpredictable storyline. This was a gripping read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Beneath Dark Waters. 😊
As assistant District Attorney Kaj (pronounced pie) Cordozo's son is targeted when a man is remanded in custody for beating a doctor to death.
That man is Aaron Gates. Who it turns out is connected to a gang Sixth Day. Whom NOPD believe long disbanded but now believe are targeting Kaj's son.
But are they?
That's what Kaj has employed Burke Brossard Private Investigation Agency to find out and also to keep his son safe.And Val Sorenson is tasked with the job. But Val has a personal connection. As her brother Van was murdered by a member of Sixth Day four years ago.
Yet, as the investigation gets underway it becomes increasingly clear there is more at play than anyone thought and all eyes soon move to Aarons brothers.
And Val starts to question why her brother was murdered. Only the answer isn't the one she expected.
Yet, as the danger mounts Val is more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to keep Elijah and Kaj safe.
However, with threats coming from every direction and trouble knowing who the team can trust. This is not an easy task.
And with a fast-paced, edge of your seat and brilliantly unpredictable storyline. This was a gripping read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Beneath Dark Waters. 😊
Deception In Miami by Kathryn Louise
4.5
Meet Esmeralda 'Esme' King. A cyber security expert. Who used to work for the government. But now takes on very select cases for the rich and famous and has been hired to work for the notorious Richardson family and to investigate the deaths of Arthur Richardson and his son Michael.
However, before Esme starts her investigation, she wants to know how exactly Arthur's daughter got hold of her private number and to do that she needs to contact David her ex-colleague and one time lover. And the answers she gets aren't exactly reassuring.
And as Esme's investigation unfolds she is chased from London, across Florida and back home again. Where she has to rely on her close knit group of friends and use all her considerable skills to survive.
And with plenty of tense moments and unexpected twists. This was a gripping introduction to protagonist Esme King and I'd happily recommend it to others.
My thanks to author Kathryn Louise, who very kindly gifted me a copy of Deception in Miami. 😊
However, before Esme starts her investigation, she wants to know how exactly Arthur's daughter got hold of her private number and to do that she needs to contact David her ex-colleague and one time lover. And the answers she gets aren't exactly reassuring.
And as Esme's investigation unfolds she is chased from London, across Florida and back home again. Where she has to rely on her close knit group of friends and use all her considerable skills to survive.
And with plenty of tense moments and unexpected twists. This was a gripping introduction to protagonist Esme King and I'd happily recommend it to others.
My thanks to author Kathryn Louise, who very kindly gifted me a copy of Deception in Miami. 😊
Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss
5.0
Never Too Soon returns readers to the small town of Star Falls and the close-knit Bianchi family for Gracie's story; and what a beautiful captivating story it is.
As Gracie meets widower and father of two Ryder. Who has moved to the small town with his adorable children Luke and Cora for a fresh start and makes an immediate connection with Gracie.
Yet, neither are really in the right headspace for love and with two children in the mix they know they'll have to tread carefully.
However, they can't resist each other and with the help of Gracie's mum Lucia and her girl crew the pair are nudged together and soon develop a close friendship/romance.
But with health issues and a visiting friend offering Ryder an opportunity too good to refuse. Will this burgeoning romance ever become more?
And with a well developed slow burn romance, plenty of family feels and sweetness. Not to mention a little angst as both Ryder and Gracie open up about their pasts. This was a fantastic read. That I absolutely devoured and I can't wait to return to Star Falls for more from the Bianchi family in the future. And I would happily recommend Never Too Soon to all.
My thanks to Chelle Bliss and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Never Too Soon. 😊
As Gracie meets widower and father of two Ryder. Who has moved to the small town with his adorable children Luke and Cora for a fresh start and makes an immediate connection with Gracie.
Yet, neither are really in the right headspace for love and with two children in the mix they know they'll have to tread carefully.
However, they can't resist each other and with the help of Gracie's mum Lucia and her girl crew the pair are nudged together and soon develop a close friendship/romance.
But with health issues and a visiting friend offering Ryder an opportunity too good to refuse. Will this burgeoning romance ever become more?
And with a well developed slow burn romance, plenty of family feels and sweetness. Not to mention a little angst as both Ryder and Gracie open up about their pasts. This was a fantastic read. That I absolutely devoured and I can't wait to return to Star Falls for more from the Bianchi family in the future. And I would happily recommend Never Too Soon to all.
My thanks to Chelle Bliss and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Never Too Soon. 😊
The Girl Who Lied by Shannon Hollinger
4.25
Meet Coyote Cove chief of police Maggie Riley. Who has been living and working in the small, isolated Maine Town for the past four years. Hiding from her past both personally and professionally; as a once decorated homicide detective, she's now quite content to deal with a quieter pace of life.
Until one night she comes across the body of a man, oozing blood from multiple stab wounds just as a ferocious storm is about to hit and all evidence is washed away. But Maggies instincts take over and her quick thinking has her saving as much evidence as possible.
And whilst she works the scene, she's shocked to see a teenage girl emerge from the forest a silent scream on her lips.
But what is she doing there? And how is she connected to the victim?
That's what Maggie is determined to find out and she's going to have to use all those long buried detective skills and contacts to do it.
However, she's up against a town full of secrets, and people who will go to any length to keep them buried.
And with plenty of mystery, multiple points of view, great pacing and a storyline that keeps you reading. The Girl Who Lied is a brilliant introduction to new protagonist Maggie Riley, and it's a story I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl Who Lied. 😊
Until one night she comes across the body of a man, oozing blood from multiple stab wounds just as a ferocious storm is about to hit and all evidence is washed away. But Maggies instincts take over and her quick thinking has her saving as much evidence as possible.
And whilst she works the scene, she's shocked to see a teenage girl emerge from the forest a silent scream on her lips.
But what is she doing there? And how is she connected to the victim?
That's what Maggie is determined to find out and she's going to have to use all those long buried detective skills and contacts to do it.
However, she's up against a town full of secrets, and people who will go to any length to keep them buried.
And with plenty of mystery, multiple points of view, great pacing and a storyline that keeps you reading. The Girl Who Lied is a brilliant introduction to new protagonist Maggie Riley, and it's a story I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Girl Who Lied. 😊
Their Angel's Cry by Shannon Hollinger
4.5
Their Angel's Cry is my first introduction to author Shannon Hollinger and main protagonist Coyote Cove Chief of Police Maggie Riley.
Who starts her day confronted by a dummy hung outside her office and then it gets progressively worse. When a call alerts her to a possible murder scene at the top of Rattlesnake Mountain.
So Maggie takes off with the aid of Brad a part time guide and pot user. Who agrees to take her to the location not knowing what awaits them.
And it's a shocking scene in an isolated area, half a days hike from civilisation lie three dead bodies and two members of the public. Who claim they just stumbled upon them.
Then Maggie whilst guarding the scene and awaiting the M.E, forensics and state police finds something even more disturbing. A baby; blue and barely breathing. Along with a dog that seems to have rescued the child.
But how is the baby related to the three victims? And why did they all end up dead on top of a mountain?
That's what Maggie is determined to find out. But her task is not an easy one. Thanks to no lieutenant, a lack of support from state police and a storm that has cut off the isolated town.
And with great pacing, plenty of twists and turns. Not to mention a killer, I did not see coming. This was a story I could not stop reading. And I really liked the multiple points of view. Which is not something I'm usually a fan off.
I would happily recommend Their Angel's Cry to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Their Angel's Cry. 😊
Who starts her day confronted by a dummy hung outside her office and then it gets progressively worse. When a call alerts her to a possible murder scene at the top of Rattlesnake Mountain.
So Maggie takes off with the aid of Brad a part time guide and pot user. Who agrees to take her to the location not knowing what awaits them.
And it's a shocking scene in an isolated area, half a days hike from civilisation lie three dead bodies and two members of the public. Who claim they just stumbled upon them.
Then Maggie whilst guarding the scene and awaiting the M.E, forensics and state police finds something even more disturbing. A baby; blue and barely breathing. Along with a dog that seems to have rescued the child.
But how is the baby related to the three victims? And why did they all end up dead on top of a mountain?
That's what Maggie is determined to find out. But her task is not an easy one. Thanks to no lieutenant, a lack of support from state police and a storm that has cut off the isolated town.
And with great pacing, plenty of twists and turns. Not to mention a killer, I did not see coming. This was a story I could not stop reading. And I really liked the multiple points of view. Which is not something I'm usually a fan off.
I would happily recommend Their Angel's Cry to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Their Angel's Cry. 😊