The Girl You Lost by Kathryn Croft

A compulsive read and a really thrilling thriller, full of suspense and excitiement. It is well written with engaging, sympathetic characters and an excellent, original plot. Well worth reading.

Mend the Living, by Maylis de Keringal

An extraordinary, exceptional and enthralling story covering 24 hours and the people who are touched by Simon's heart.  The writing is beautifully poetic and the translation superb (by a French Canadian so not an absolutely perfect fit with English English, but nearly so).  It is a story of a tragedy and of a triumph, a series of moments exquisitely observed and described.  I was immensely moved by this work, and will be adding it to my own library when it is published in book form later in the year: it is currently being made available on Kindle.

The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths

I've been missing Elly Griffith's heroine, archeologist Ruth Galloway, for a while, so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this new tale in the series.  Time surely flies, as her little Kate is now old enough to go to school and they are blessed with a very flexible childminder so that Ruth can pursue her academic career as well as getting involved in helping to solve murder cases in close co-operation with Kate's father, Harry Nelson and their druid pal, Cathbad,  There is more suspense than archeology in this adventure, except that Ruth comes up with a pivotal piece of evidence in the course of her investigations.  The book is atmospheric and well written, and the developing background story of the character's relationships develops in counterpoint to a threatening series of crimes that kept me guessing.

Viral by Helen Fitzgerald

Stupendous, topical novel: beautifully if strongly written, heart-rending and thought provoking.  I  believe this book would make an excellent book club choice because it raises so many important, discussion-worthy issues and questions as well as being a jolly good read.   A twenty-first century nightmare that feels so close to home, a conundrum of who is a victim and what is a crime, an exploration of nature versus nurture, a coming of age story - Viral encompasses all of this and more.  Brilliant.

The Promise by Alison Bruce

I have been missing Gary Goodhew, Alison Bruce's unusual, maverick police detective and his Cambridge-based crime solving. The Promise has been a while coming but this story is a cracker: a pacey thriller which makes compulsive and rewarding reading. There is a complex mystery to be solved as a murder is discovered, and meanwhile the characters we have come to know in this excellent series of novels develop in new and interesting directions. I couldn't put it down.

Exposure by Helen Dunmore

Exposure is an engrossing and evocative thriller, brilliantly conjuring London during the post-war Cold War.  Helen Dunmore writes so well and creates a web of conspiracy, self-interest and corruption which entangles and endangers Simon and Lily's family in Muswell Hill, threatening their relationship as the power games are enacted.  It is a jolly good read.

The American, by Nadia Dalbuono: Blog Tour

When I was offered the opportunity to read this book for review and to participate in the official blog tour to celebrate its publication, I was thrilled.  You see, the book cover claims that if you don't love it as much as Donna Leon, you can have your money back.

Now, I adore Venice: it is one of my soul places.  Following our wonderful week on Dorsoduro in October 2007, it calls me back and I long to return.  One of my dear blog-friends, Britt-Arnhild, suggested I might enjoy the books of Donna Leon and I have done so, ever since.  I feel that, in her books, Venice is as much a character as the wonderful Commissario Guido Brunetti, so that it is like visiting the place all over again.

So, I imagined reliving our 2011 week in Rome when reading The American, with my map and maybe guide book to hand, as well as revisiting my holiday snaps to illustrate this blog post.

I remember feeling overwhelmed by the concentration of so much antiquity in Rome.  It is very beautiful and full of interest, so much to see and fat more than one can really see and absorb in a week.

I believe this to be the bridge where the first event in the story is discovered.

We took an open bus tour from beside the Terminale on our first day, to orientate ourselves to the city, so we saw a lot of places and sights.  Most of our sightseeing was by bus and on foot, a struggle for me as I walk with two sticks and have balance problems in crowded places, but I pushed my limits and enjoyed seeing this beautiful city (and the Vatican City, of course: separate yet very much woven into the fabric of Rome itself).

Here are the very busy Spanish Steps, which are mentioned in passing when Detective Leone Scamarcio visits a cafe nearby for refreshment.

 Also mentioned in passing is the Trevi Fountain, where it is hard to get a fountain for all the people around it.

Otherwise, my extensive photograph album is of little relevance to the story, and I think perhaps it is a disservice to compare Nadia Dalbuono's books to those of Donna Leon.  Yes, both are about detectives working to solve crime in their own Italian cities, but otherwise they are quite, quite different in style, atmosphere and scope. Whereas Brunetti has a comfortable and happy family home life to sustain him, Scamarcio is much more of a loner.  Both a pleasure to read, but divergent experiences.

The American reveals a maze of issues, from corruption in high places to caring for one's loved ones.  Lovers of conspiracy theories (maybe fans of Dan Brown, for instance, but don't let that put you off if it threatens to do so) will find plenty to enjoy in this excellent book.  The hard thing in reviewing a novel is not to spoil the surprises in the unfolding of the twists and turns of the plot, so I'll leave the tale for you to discover.  I found this story shocking, haunting and highly credible, beautifully written with good character development and excellent pacing.  There were subtle insights into contemporary Roman living, and of course one does not see one's home as visitors see it.  We take for granted what is around us all the time.  It did, however, make me feel I want to return and spend time in Trastevere, which we missed out on last time.

Do read The American, and watch out for more of Nadia Dalbuono's intelligent, engaging, entertaining and thrilling writing - I am now planning to read its prequel, The Few.  The American is a cracking book.

"The Things We Keep" by Sally Hepworth.

A delightful, very unusual story, more a  romance than a tragedy and an excellent, original addition to the sub-genre of dementia books.  Dementia is a disease of loss, and I have been privileged to work with its sufferers in the past.  For both the patient and their relatives and friends, it represents a whole series of bereavements despite the continuation of life in some form, and it can be hard to comprehend the enormity of this.  Sally Hepworth gives a lucid and engaging account of the process, managing to combine it into an entertaining, rewarding read which is both romantic and a subtle discussion of the ethics of caring for dementia sufferers.  Loss and making the most of what you have are the significant themes in the book, and there is plenty of food for thought.  I think "The Things We Keep" would be an excellent book club selection, with plenty of themes to consider and discuss, as well as a captivating read.

To be published: 19th January 2016 by St. Martin's Press.

Beside Myself by Ann Morgan

I approached this book with a little trepidation, concerned it might be mawkish and formulaic. However, I found it an exceptionally written tale with clever and engaging plot and characters. It deals with abuse and mental health issues with great empathy and originality. It kept me guessing and made for compulsive reading. Ann Morgan seems to be an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more by her. Truly outstanding.

The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood

A brilliantly crafted novel, full of suspense and a tangled web of deceit  spun from self-interest and merciless manipulation..  Secrets can be a most destructive force within the family, and Sean Jackson's family is more complicated than most, with his serial marriages.  This story explores loyalty and contrasts the perfidy of the supposedly responsible adults with the innocence of the children, and has resonance with familiar news stories.  Some of the characters are unsympathetic, whilst others grow on the reader as the tale progresses.  A psychological thriller that is engaging and compulsive reading, an absolute treat.

The Quality of Silence, by Rosamund Lupton

Such a brilliant story, a uniquely chilling thriller in an extraordinary setting. It features two resourceful women who ignore all advice to tackle the harshest environment in search of their beloved husband and father while in denial of official reports of his loss.  It is a book of the best, with suspense and danger aplenty.  Meanwhile, mother and daughter learn to know each other anew, revealing strength, intelligence and creativity as both strive for survival in the bitter bleakness of North Alaska in November.  An extraordinary.piece of writing, with a strong message we should all heed.

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler

Anne Tyler writes so well about family life, and I was totally caught up in the lives of the .Whitshank family.  It covers a long period of time, right back to when Red's parents meet and become involved, but not altogether chronologically.  I know some readers dislike tales that leap about the time continuum, but this is presented in clear and  manageable chunks which are easy enough to negotiate.
Some personality traits are passed on down the generations while individuals in families are affected differently by events and attitudes: the Whitshanks are no exceptions to this.  The story explores the details of everyday life, while not ignoring those influences which shape us in the background.  It would be difficult not to find characters to identify with in this story, and the events will resonate with the lives of many of its readers.  A good and enjoyable tale.

Where They Found Her

My goodness!  Where They Found Her is set in small town in the USA, where everybody knows everybody else, and so interconnected that it seems impossible anything can go unknown.  Newcomers Molly and Justin with their little daughter Ella are ready for a new start in life: Justin has won the post of Professor in English Literature at Ridgedale University and Molly finds work at the local newspaper.  When a body is found in the river, Molly is the only reporter available to cover the story.  Relishing the challenge, she starts investigating and gradually secrets begin unravelling.  This is a cleverly constructed story with many twists to the plot, which rewards the reader with  plenty of  suspense before the conclusion is reached.  It's a thrilling and enjoyable read.  

NetGalley has given me the opportunity to participate in this year's challenge, which sounds like fun.  Please come back to find out more about my adventure as a reading advocate.

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die by Marnie Riches

A brilliantly compulsive read, a thriller with plenty of suspense, twists and turns as the story of George and Ella unfolds.  The diverse settings are well and authentically described, and the characters are engaging and rounded: they have stayed with me beyond the ending of the tale, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  It is a crime thriller with a difference and a real treat to spend time with.

A Curious Mixture of Genres: Don't Look Behind by Caroline Mitchell

An unusual mix of genres  as Caroline Mitchell takes a police murder enquiry and stirs in a large portion of the supernatural, as a series featuring the supernaturally sensitive DS Jennifer Knight begins.  I liked the detective thread, which features some very interesting and well rounded characters, not least the heroine herself.  The evil horror strand gradually asserts itself and, while I found this very interesting, it often seemed, to me, a bit of a misfit, but it was a good story nonetheless.  Who can Jenny trust, and will she manage to overcome the danger to save those she loves?  Fans of the writings of authors such as Stephen King may recognise and appreciate this element more than I did.  I like my brushes of evil more if penned by such authors as Daphne du Maurier and Phil Rickman...  It is hard to see where policing evil spirits can go, so I will await the next instalment with interest.

Publisher Bookouture summarise this story as follows: Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him. As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave. When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murders mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper – from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict. Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play … With her mother’s terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer – but to save herself and those she loves.

Falling in Love

I fell in love with Venice when I visited in 2007 and left part of my heart there.  A dear friend suggested Donna Leon's series of detective novels set in Venice, and on starting to read about Guido Brunetti, the principled Venetian Inspector, I fell in love with him and his wonderful family.  I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read his most recent outing, and "Falling in Love" did not disappoint.  I was transported into Brunetti's Venice and the problems he faced in working out what was going on, and how to protect the vulnerable.  Venice is as strong a character as is Vianello, or Elletra. or indeed, Flavia.  La Fenice, the Opera House, is at the heart of the  story, but the roots spread far afield.  Donna Leon's wonderful writing is in evidence: "Irritation packed its bags, opened the door and, pulling  impatience along by its sleeve, began the long walk downstairs."

It's a thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully written, constructed and characterised book.  It is a rare treat and I am very happy to recommend it.

A Place Called Winter

I found this book especially interesting as I had never given much thought to the colonisation of Canada, which, as in the USA, is a rather shameful period of history as land was seized from the original inhabitants and sold off to white settlers seeking a new way of life.

Harry Cane's attempts to conform lead him to marry and father a child when he meets a woman who seems as much an outsider as himself.  He is wealthy enough to lead a modest life of leisure as an Edwardian gentleman, until a series of most unfortunate events threaten public disgrace, financial ruin and criminal charges.

The only escape he can envision is to cross the Atlantic and, rather suprisingly, become a farmer settler in the New World.  Sadly, although he discovers satisfaction and solace in tending the soil, troubles old and new pursue him across the prairies and challenge his new way of life and new found contentment.

This is an epic story and a bit of a change for Patrick Gale, who says he has developed on the story of one of his ancestors to write this excellent book.  It was a pleasurable and compelling read.  

A Thrilling Adventure in Swansea

Hidden is the second novel by Emma Kavanagh and a brilliant whodunnit (so I can't say too much about it or I will spoil your fun). The story is told through a number of voices but mananges to unfold coherently with suspense and subtlety. as suspicion falls on different heads,     Seemingly unconnected happenings eventually combine to form a chilling, dangerous and dramatic climax.  It's a thrilling book, with believable and engaging and rounded characters in a well described setting.  I really enjoyed it and am now, having finished it, suffering a book hangover.  I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of  it: definitely a book to look out for.



The publishers describe the book thus:-  

HE'S WATCHING

A gunman is stalking the wards of a local hospital. He's unidentified and dangerous, and has to be located. Urgently.

Police Firearms Officer Aden McCarthy is tasked with tracking him down. Still troubled by the shooting of a schoolboy, Aden is determined to make amends by finding the gunman - before it's too late.

SHE'S WAITING

To psychologist Imogen, hospital should be a place of healing and safety - both for her, and her young niece who's been recently admitted. She's heard about the gunman, but he has little to do with her. Or has he?

As time ticks down, no one knows who the gunman's next target will be. But he's there. Hiding in plain sight. Far closer than anyone thinks...

The author, Emma, has this to say about her career (so far):-

I began my career a very long way from writing. I decided I wanted to be an author when I was five (I was that kind of kid!), and spent my entire childhood writing feverishly. But then, as I got older, something strange happened - I started listening to advice. You know one of the worst pieces of advice ever? Write what you know. What did I know? I was a kid. If I didn’t know anything, surely that also meant I had nothing to write about?

You know one of the other worst pieces of advice ever? Few people get to be authors. You need a stable career.

So, I set about choosing a stable career and rapidly fell into psychology. It was, in spite of the crummy advice, a love match. Psychology fascinated me then and fascinates me now. There is nothing more interesting to me than what drives the behaviour of my fellow humans. The problem was that, whilst I was learning about this new world, I had lost confidence in my old one, and so set writing aside in order to concentrate on a serious career.

I did my degree (great fun!) and my Phd (not so much fun) in psychology. Which was awesome. But I had officially run my course as a student and the time had come for me to pick my path again.

You see, in spite of all the advice, I just have never been comfortable walking the well trodden path. Nothing appealed to me. There were no jobs that I wanted to just walk in to. I remember telling a career advisor that I wanted to work with people in traumatic professions and help them to understand how the psychology of what they did affected their roles and their lives. I still remember the look of sympathy tinged with exasperation.

“I’m pretty sure there is no such job.” she replied.

She was right.

So I made one up.

I began my own consultancy business training police and military units on the psychology of critical incidents. I was twenty three, fresh from academia and green as grass. But I immersed myself in the world of policing and took every opportunity I could find to learn the job and learn what the challenges are. I discovered then that if you ask people to teach you about what they do every day, they can be extraordinarily generous. And because I was willing to learn, people were willing to listen. So my business took off.

I got to do pretty strange things. I have travelled across the UK, Europe and the US. I have taught group of three and groups of three hundred. I have designed live fire exercises for police firearms units. I have fired more than my fair share of weapons. I have been involved in crisis negotiations, have run about in muddy fields attempting to evade capture, have worked in some of the weirdest military bases in the world and generally had way more fun than anyone should have in work.

And then one day it occurred to me, I knew things now. Which meant that maybe, just maybe, I had something to write about. 

Emma Kavanagh has worked as a police psychologist and this gives her special insight into the world of criminal minds and crime solving, which she puts to excellent use here.

The book is due for publication by Century on 23rd April 2015 in hardback (£12.99) but if you fancy a free taster, here's a link to dip your toes in the water.  Enjoy!

This post should have appeared on 6th April as part of a blog tour hosted by CrimeThrillerGirl, but sadly a technical glitch caused me to be late to the party, for which many apologies. Thanks for the opportunity to take part - you might like to join me in tagging along the rest of the tour.

The Second Sister by Marie Bostwick

An agreeable visit to Wisconsin, to me an unfamiliar part of the USA.  Marie Bostwick's descriptions of life there in Door County make it tempting to plan a visit in the real world.  Life on the Lakes sounds delightful and real.

If you've had a very unhappy upbringing and have left behind your home town as soon as you can, what will it take to make you go back?  How truly satisfying is a life and career which give you no opportunities to sleep more than a few hours a night, make friends, or develop hobbies?  What will it take to make you visit your sister, in whose shadow you grew up in and who now makes you feel guilty?  These are the issues facing our heroine, Lucy Toomey, who has to make some choices and chooses to learn some patchwork and quilting on the way.

This is an enjoyable book by an author I've not encountered previously. It is a story of family, community, values, creativity and love and well worth choosing for a satisfying read.