Alison

~ What’s On Your Bookshelf – October 2023 ~

It’s time for some great book reviews again, from our lovely hosts, Debbie, Donna, Sue and Jo {And Anyways}. As you can see my feature photo is my iPad – my title should be what’s on your iPad this month!

“Do you read reviews before you read the book?”

I am notorious for doing this if I am unsure about a book. I have read so many brilliant reviews from the professional writers and start reading the book, only to find that it really isn’t as good as stated. So I then go to the readers’ reviews to get a better idea, I’ll plod on if the majority say it gets better, but put it on the DNF shelf if not!

This month I’ve got psychological thrillers and a historical saga written by some new authors for me. I missed last month, so there’s a few here!

This is a good one to start with as it takes place the night before Halloween. I enjoyed this thriller of a ride, but you do have to suspend belief as you travel back in time. I’ll definitely be reading more from Gillian McAllister. 4/5

As Jen watches through the window, she sees her funny, seemingly happy teenage son stab a total stranger. Who the victim is she doesn’t know, only that their lives have now irrevocably changed.
The morning after expecting to go back to the police station, Jen sees Ben come out of his bedroom! It is the day before. She realises now she may be able to stop the murder from happening.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The Other Mothers – Katherine Faulkner

Tash, a failed journalist, searches for a playgroup for her son in one of London’s wealthiest suburbs. She hears of a young nanny that has died in mysterious circumstances and thinks this may be the answer to putting her back in print again, if she can find the answers. Another mystery surrounding affluent and wealthy mothers and their kids. As Tash begins to investigate, she realises she’s very close to finding the answer. Mysterious and compelling. 4/5

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The Stranger in the Mirror – Liv Constantine

I’ve read The Last Mrs. Parrish and thought it was riveting, so I saw this one pop up on my kindle and gave it a go.
Set in New Jersey and Boston told from Addison and Julian’s points of view, it is the story of a woman who has lost the last few years of her memory. Quite creepy in parts and I couldn’t wait to finish this book. Who is Addison really? Why does she keep having flashbacks of something terrifying? Who can she trust? Another good read. 4/5

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Stay Buried – Kate Webb

Detective Inspector Matt Lockyer is currently working cold cases in Wiltshire, UK. 14 years ago he put away a woman who is still in jail. Out of the blue she contacts him and asks him to visit. He has always felt guilty about this but at the time was 100% sure he had the right person… but what if he was wrong. I loved this book from start to finish and am waiting for the second in the series. So many red herrings, twists and turns. A wonderful debut. 5/5

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The Torrent – Dinuka McKenzie

An Australian crime thriller, set in Northern New South Wales. Heavily pregnant and a week away from maternity leave, Detective Sergeant Kate Miles is exhausted and counting down the days. But a violent hold-up at a local fast-food restaurant with unsettling connections to her own past, means that her final days will be anything but straightforward. Gripping and on the edge of your seat drama. A brilliant debut from Dinuka McKenzie, hopefully a start to another series. Fantastic descriptive writing that had me hooked. 5/5

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

Blood & Sugar – Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Set in 1781 in Deptford, London. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark. Captain Harry Corsham, a war hero, later finds out that this was his once great friend, Tad. He determines to find out what had happened to Tad. Graphic in places but well worth reading. About the slave trade between Africa, the Caribbean and England. Although slaves were not allowed in England, slave trading was allowed. There were so many characters in this novel that I did have to keep going back. This is probably better read as a book, because of the maps. It was certainly an eye-opener and there were certain elements that were true to fact. A fantastic historical page turner. 5/5

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

So many books now have the same titles, it must be hard for authors to think up new titles that are catchy.

I hope you will enjoy one or a few of the novels I have reviewed for this month.

Happy Reading!

21 comments

  1. Now this is a post I really enjoyed- ‘new to me’ authors plus book/series recommendations. Kate Webb looks interesting so will be checking her out at my local library
    Reviews – I’ve read a few. I really don’t set much store by them. It’s that person’s view isn’t it and like you I often wonder if the writer read the same book as I did.

    Cathy #WOYB

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Hi Alison these will all be on my TBR list. I love a good thriller or crime book so thanks for sharing. I also like series which I tend to binge but you’ve really peaked my interest. I think I’ll start with Stayed Buried and The Other Mothers. Thanks for joining us at #WOYBS? and happy reading. x

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Hi, Alison – Thank you for joining us for #WOYBS. You’ve had a very productive reading month.
    Thank you for kicking off discussion on book reviews. I love reading book reviews from others — especially from nonprofessional reviewers who are sharing their opinion on books loved (or not so loved). 😀 I read reviews before, during and after a book read — it depends on the book — and how many rabbit holes it leads me down! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes, I’m the same. I’m currently reading a book now and if not for the rave reviews I would have put it aside ages ago! It’s getting better. Will be on my WYOB next month

      Like

  6. These are all such fantastic book suggestions, especially The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie as I love crime thrillers. I read a lot of reviews, and while I sometimes do let them guide me toward or away from books, I find that reading reviews is most interesting, useful, and insightful not before I’ve read a book, but afterwards. In fact, I often turn to reviews soon after I finish a book. It’s one of my favourite reading rituals. I like to let my own thoughts and feelings about a book settle, and then I like to see what other folks are saying about it. Inevitably, reading these reviews, whether they’re positive, negative, or critical, deepens my understanding of the book I just read. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Hi Ali, I’ve enjoyed Dinuka Mckenzie’s books and think she’s a great Aussie author. You’ve read quite a collection this month and I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for joining us for WOYBS.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.