Well this week was a turn up for the books. What I did not expect at the start of the week was to be able to book my CV vaccination – but I was and I did. And now I’ve had it. And it might not change the world straight off the bat, but it’s one step forwards for sure and I am very happy to be taking it. And I’d urge others to do the same when you have the chance to. I know I was fortunate in that my worst side effect so far has been a bit of a sore arm, and it differs for all, but so does the alternative option and I think my chances are better on the road I’ve taken. And that is the end of the public service announcements for this week.
Aside from the jab, I also picked up my new specs – good news – I can now see how many typos I’ve made again! Did a bit of walking. Ate a cheese scone (very nice) and some Cheesey Pork Pie (also very nice – appetite suppression was not a side effect of the jab for me obviously), watched some Netflix and read a couple of books. Only a couple. I’m still not fully in the zone but hey – I’m ahead of where I expected to be for the year so it’s all good.
Had a little bit of book post this week and I’ve some very nice book post too. First up was a competition win from Caroline Mitchell – a proof copy of Flesh and Blood her upcoming Amy Winter thriller. Next up was a #gifted copy of Because Of You by Dawn French from Penguin Michael Joseph. I also treated myself to a hardback edition of Hyde by Craig Russell from a real life physical bookshop, even though it’s technically not out until 29th! Plus I bought a lovely new bookish tote bag. And when I got home from my grocery shop on Saturday I found that my merchandise order from Orenda Books had arrived – mug, bookmark and tote bag – along with #gifted proof copies of No Honour by Awais Khan and Black Reed Bay by Rod Reynolds. Yes – this has been a very nice week. 😁 I also received an e-copy of The Final Twist by Jeffery Deaver
Pre-ordered three books this week too – When I Was Ten by Fiona Cummins; Her Last Holiday by C.L. Taylor and True Crime Story by Joseph Knox.
Books I have read
When the police are called to the report of a late-night shooting, they expect it to be drugs or gang-related. They don’t expect to find a young student executed on his way home.
Jordan Radley was an aspiring journalist: hard working, well-liked, dedicated. His first major story – looking at the fallout following the closure of a major local factory – had run recently and looked to be the first step in his longed-for career. Even after the story ran, Jordan continued to stay in contact with those he interviewed: he was on his way back from their social club the night he was murdered.
But as the detectives quickly discover, not only was Jordan killed, but those responsible also broke into his house, taking his laptop and notes. What was he researching that might have led to his death? And can this really be linked to another case – long ruled an accident – in the same area?
Or are the police being forced to prioritise those with the best connections rather than the ones that most need their help?
The Happy Family by Jackie Kabler
My family has just been reunited. So who is trying to tear it apart?
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?
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
IT WAS THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME: PROTECT HER
Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his new wife, Hannah: protect her. Hannah knows exactly who Owen needs her to protect – his sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. And who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother.
As her increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered, his boss is arrested for fraud and the police start questioning her, Hannah realises that her husband isn’t who he said he was. And that Bailey might hold the key to discovering Owen’s true identity, and why he disappeared. Together they set out to discover the truth. But as they start putting together the pieces of Owen’s past, they soon realise that their lives will never be the same again…
A beautiful and thrilling mystery, perfect for readers of Lianne Moriarty and Celeste Ng.
That was it. Just the three books again. Started another audiobook but it was quite a busy week at work so not much chance to really listen to it. Full enough week on the blog – here’s the recap:
#Review – Cuthbert’s Way – LJ Ross
#Review – The Source – Sarah Sultoon
#Review – The Whispers – Heidi Perks
#Review – When I Was Ten – Fiona Cummins
#Review – Absolution – Paul E. Hardisty
#Guest Post – Leigh Russell – Rachel’s Story
#Review – Amalie – E.J. Wood
The week ahead is pretty full – three blog tours this week again. The Hard Way by Duncan Brockwell today, Facets Of Death by Michael Stanley tomorrow and Lynmouth Stories by L.V. Hay on Sunday.
So that is my week in a nutshell. Not a bad one all things considered. hope you all have a lovely week of reading and enjoying the sunshine – I intend to start making the most of the good weather and early sunrises again – walkies here I come.
Happy reading – stay safe.
Jen x
Jen Med's Book Reviews 