Woohoo. I actually did something. Well, technically two somethings. Monday, I started a new job (theoretically). I say theoretically about the job as I spent the whole week doing the same job as last week as the handover period is going a little slower than expected. But then on Saturday, Mandie and I took a short (200 mile) drive to Newcastle so that we could attend Newcastle Noir on Sunday. Whoop whoop. We really have missed doing bookish stuff. This year’s festival may have been scaled down, but it was no less fun and I have to say a huge well done and thank you to the Jacky and the Newcastle Noir team for putting together such a fab festival in still trying times.
The really good news is that Newcastle Noir will be back next year, and will once again be in December so get noting that down in your diaries. A festival, and a city, most definitely worth a visit.
The big drawback of attending festivals is being unable to leave without buying more books (I lie – it’s a bonus). This time around I’ve picked up a few new ones, including some new to me authors. I bought – Welcome to Cooper by Tariq Ashkanani; The Chemical Detective by Fiona Erskine; Beloved Poison by E.S. Thompson and The Murder Wall by Mari Hannah.
A couple of bits of fabulous book post this week. Will Dean’s upcoming new thriller, First Born and The Village by Caroline Mitchell. Really looking forward to tucking into both of these.
Three Netgalley approvals this week which I wasn’t expecting. You Never Said Goodbye by Luca Veste; The Hunting Ground Will Shindler and Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough.
Not a bad week I think you will all agree.
Books I have read
When best friends marry a pair of brothers, their fairytale ending leads to a terrifying new chapter in this psychological thriller—“definitely recommended” (Curled Up with a Good Book, UK).
Flora and Sophie are ready to put their traumatic past behind them when they fall in love with a pair of brothers. Now life would be a dream come true—if it wasn’t for their mother-in-law. Disappointed that her sons have married beneath them, Cecilia constantly belittles the two young brides. And when she learns that her son Sam is moving away with Flora, her taunting turns to outright wrath.
Suddenly, strange things start happening to Flora—things that even Sam finds hard to believe. Meanwhile, Sophie’s life is crumbling around her. Her marriage is not what it seems, and she is desperate to escape the clutches of her poisonous new family. Will Sophie and Flora have to give up on love in order to survive?
Detective Inspector Harry Virdee has a lot on his plate. His team is facing government cuts, tensions are building between Bradford’s two rival drugs gangs and his wife Saima is due to give birth any day now.
So when bodies start turning up in the old industrial district, the pressure is on to get the case wrapped up as quickly as possible, or risk a full-scale gang war.
But the man behind the murders is ruthless and pushy. And things are getting personal. Harry must think fast and bend the rules if he wants to keep his city, and his family, safe . . .
Heartcross Castle by Christie Barlow
Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what
A second chance…
When her grandfather Marley passes away Grace Power discovers she’s been left the beautiful but crumbling estate of Heartcross Castle. As a single mum of three, Grace has no idea what she’s going to do with it – but who can say no to a roof over their kids’ heads and a chance to get away from past hurts?
And a forever home
Heartcross Castle is full of secrets – especially a lost security deposit box that holds the truth to everything… But when celebrity chef Andrew Glossop sets his eyes on the castle and, to make matters worse, mistakes Grace as the new housekeeper, Grace tells him there is absolutely NO CHANCE he is getting his hands on her home.
Devastated to have got it so wrong, Andrew will do anything to make it up to her – but is she willing to listen?
The Beachcomber by Rachel Amphlett
Julie has been searching for a long time.
Staying at a tiny guesthouse in Cornwall after the summer, she spends her days combing the beaches, looking for things to collect while hiding from her past.
Then a storm breaks, and suddenly she’s scared.
Because you never know what might wash up after a storm…
The Beachcomber forms part of the Case Files series of short crime stories from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett.
Two full length novels and two novellas. I’ll take that given all I’ve had going on this week. Full enough week on the blog as not only did we have reviews but I also launched my annual #bookvent countdown, highlighting my favourite reads of the year, every ady up to Christmas Day.
#Review – Flesh and Blood – Caroline Mitchell
#Review – #taken – Tony Parsons
#Review – The Strange Case of Mr Pelham – Anthony Armstrong
#Bookvent Day 1 – The Lake House – Christie Barlow
#Review – The Cold Killer – Ross Greenwood
#Bookvent Day 2 – Deity – Matt Wesolowski
#Review – Darkness Falls – Robert Bryndza
#Bookvent Day 3 – Smoke Screen – Thomas Enger & Jørn Lier Horst
#Review – First Monday Crime – Fragile – Sarah Hilary
#Bookvent Day 4 – Watch Them Burn – James Oswald
#Bookvent Day 5 – Time Is Running Out – Michael Wood
Glad we’re taking it easy this month … The week ahead sees me taking part in two blog tours – Fall by West camel and Murder At The Castle by Lisa Cutts – plus bookvent continues. I love. the books I’ve chosen this year. Hope you do too.
As you read this I will be travelling home from Newcastle (boo) but I’m looking forward to getting stuck into my fabulous book buys and the other terrific books I have lined up over the coming weeks, ready for January reviews. Remarkably, we have the first three months of next year practically books out already. And this is all whilst planning to ‘take it slow’. I’m not sure we know how.
Have a lovely bookish week all and happy reading.
Jen x
Jen Med's Book Reviews 
It sounds like a wonderful week. Good luck on your new job and hoping you get into it soon.
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Thank you. I think by the Christmas break I may even have a clue what I am meant to be doing.
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