My October Reading Marathon: 15 Books, 5097 Pages, and a World of Stories
October was a whirlwind month for me when it came to reading. I set out with a stack of 15 books—5097 pages in total—which, if I’m being honest, was quite the commitment! This was easily double my usual reading load, but I was determined to see it through, and somehow, I managed it. From thrillers that kept me on edge, to a deeply woven family sagas to literary, contemporary and historical fiction that brought different eras alive, each book had its unique allure. Incredibly, the majority of them earned either 4 or 5 stars, which made the entire experience even more rewarding. Did I have a favourite this month, I do try to choose one that stood out amongst all of the others but this month was difficult as the books were so different but if I do like to choose one for my battle of the books and the one I have chosen this month was Your Call by David Palin. Let me know what you think I would love to hear from you. But let me take you through my October reading adventure.
Alis x
Title: Eye for an Eye
Author: M. J. Aldridge
Genre: Crime Thriller Mystery
Publisher: Orion
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 496
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and Highly recommend
About Book: OUR MOST NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS HAVE HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.UNTIL NOW...'Emily' is a devoted single mother.' Jack' starts a new job in a new town. They both share the same secret: neither of them are who they say they are. They are among only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity, for their own safety, because of their terrible crimes. But what if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims, who are desperate for revenge? Probation officer Olivia Campbell is caught in the crossfire of this crisis - and as the search for the mole behind it all intensifies, so too does the hunt for the vigilante killers let loose by the leaks...RIGHT OR WRONG?CRIMINAL OR VICTIM?REDEMPTION OR REVENGE?
My Thoughts: An Eye for an Eye by M.J. Arlidge is a hard-hitting crime thriller that grips you from the first page. Tackling an emotional and challenging subject, Arlidge presents the story through multiple perspectives, including the police force, probation officers, former criminals, and victims' families. This multifaceted approach adds depth, creating a uniquely compelling thriller.
A note to readers: it's worth checking the trigger warnings, as the themes can be intense. However, Arlidge’s bold, thought-provoking writing style makes each difficult moment purposeful in building the story’s complexity. The brisk pacing and short chapters add layers of suspense, pulling you in as tension builds with every page.
In conclusion, An Eye for an Eye is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that’s both daring and engaging, with a narrative that keeps you thinking long after the final page.
Title: My Name is Leon
Author: Kit De Waal
Genre: Literary, Historical
Publisher: Penguin
Date Published: 2017
Book Length: 288
Format: Paperback purchased myself
Star Rating: 3.5 stars I liked it it’s OK
About Book: It's 1981, a year of riots and royal weddings. The Dukes of Hazzard is on TV. Curly Wurlys are in the shops. And trying to find a place in it all is nine-year-old Leon. He and his little brother Jake have gone to live with Maureen. They've lost one home, but have they found another? Maureen feeds and looks after them. She has wild red hair and mutters swearwords under her breath when she thinks they can't hear. She claims everything will be okay. But will they ever see their mother again? Who are the couple who secretly visit Jake? Between the street violence and the street parties, Leon must find a way to reunite his family . . .
My Thoughts: My Name Is Leon by Kit De Waal is an emotive account told from the perspective of 8-year-old Leon whose story is being told and it has a uniqueness to the narrative that is sometimes uplifting but at times sad and terrifying. The book explores and shows us some of the difficulties and dilemmas of children in the foster system, the decisions made, and the consequences of cause and effect.
The book is fairly slow paced, but does ramp up towards the end, with the early 80’s backdrop there is an urgency to the situation Leon finds himself in. The book does have compassion in spades, and you can’t help feeling for Leon.
In Conclusion, an emotive story told with compassion and a book told through different eyes.
Title: Burned
Author: SM Reeve
Genre: Crime Thriller Mystery
Series: Anna Croix Series book 3 of 3
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 326
Format: E book provided by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Do you know what happens when you steal someone's hope? You break them. A tip ... find out what a person's version of broken looks like before you break them. I've been told mine is unpleasant." (Anna Croix, just now) Why is Anna broken? Because Spike has gone missing in Central America. Right when her life was finally starting to get put back together .Naturally, she sets out to find him. How hard could road tripping through three of the most dangerous countries in the world with a truckload of weapons possibly be? Harder than she thought. Which is why she enlists the help of some unlikely allies—some of which might be planning to kill her. Kill being a lose term. More like torture to death or blow to smithereens. Unless she's not able to find him before they find her ...Things she can worry about later. Right now, she has havoc to wreak, kingpins to unseat, and ... hearts to steal? Justice will be served.
My Thoughts: Burned by S. M. Reeve is the third book in the Anna Croix Series, and I have read the first 2. I have been eagerly awaiting this book as I absolutely love SM Reeves writing style and the books are action packed. So, the pressure was on right from the very start.
I love Anna as a character she is sassy, brave, strong but with a hint of ironic humour and wit and the book did make me smile in places. This book is every bit as good as the previous ones in the series and although can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend you read them as well, as they provide added insight and depth to Annas character.
Burned is a seriously fast paced action packed, adrenaline pumping thriller, that I needed to run to keep up with. Reeves way of telling a story is superb and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will come next the whole way through the book, and if you think you know, think again. It has so many surprises keeping you on the edge of your seat all the way through.
In conclusion, an action packed, fast paced thriller that will keep you enthralled and wondering whatever can happen next. If you love thrillers with action and adventure this is one for you and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Title: A Haunting in Venice
Author: Agatha Christie
Genre: Mystery
Series: Hercule Poirot Series
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 266
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: When a Hallowe’en party turns deadly, it falls to Hercule Poirot to unmask a murderer…
During a night of party games, Joyce Reynolds boasts that she once witnessed a murder. No one believes her, but then she is found drowned, face down in an apple-bobbing tub.
Set against a night of trickery and the occult, Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver must race to uncover the real evil responsible for this ghastly murder.
My Thoughts Inspired by the film A Haunting in Venice, this special edition of The Halloween Party comes with an introduction by screenwriter Michael Green. As a lifelong fan of Agatha Christie, I found this the perfect book to read for October.
As always, Christie's signature style shines through in this story, with the beloved Hercule Poirot at the helm, quirks and all. His methodical approach to solving crime feels like revisiting an old friend. The prose is comforting, much like being wrapped in a warm blanket—evoking both the charm of a bygone era and the satisfaction of knowing Poirot so well.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there was one small element that detracted from the experience for me. The mention of computers, which appeared more than once, felt out of place for a story set in the late 1960s. Computers wouldn’t have been part of everyday conversation during that time, which made these references feel anachronistic. Because of this, I decided to rate the book 4 stars instead of 5.
Despite this minor issue, the book remained thoroughly enjoyable. Christie's writing, as always, is methodical and genteel, with the investigation unfolding in her trademark meticulous manner. It’s the kind of story that hugs you like a good book should.
In conclusion: In A Haunting in Venice, Agatha Christie continues to captivate with her timeless storytelling, delivering a comforting and engrossing mystery that feels both familiar and fresh. Hercule Poirot remains as endearing as ever, and while the anachronisms slightly mar the immersion, the overall charm of the narrative more than makes up for it. A perfect read for fans of classic mysteries, especially during the spooky season.
Title: The Michaelmas Daisy
Author: Paul Marriner
Genre: Family Saga Literary
Publisher: Bluescale Publisher
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 217
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5 ***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Beverley may be dead, but that doesn’t make it any easier to let go. She watches over her husband and daughter, sharing their pain, laughter, fears and dreams. As she watches, memories of her own life and love for her husband bring comfort and tears in equal measure. Her daughter, Philippa (58, divorced), looks after her ailing father. She does so willingly, but caring for him 24/7 takes great patience and compassion, and such devotion is isolating. Into their home comes Kaska (39). She provides respite care, brings kindness and energy, and helps Philippa realise it’s ok to still want some life of her own. As her father’s condition worsens, Philippa’s dedication is tested to the full and difficult choices are necessary.
My Thoughts: The Michaelmas Daisy by Paul Marriner is a heartfelt exploration of family, love, loss, and the intricacies of human connection. From the very first page, Marriner drew me in with his eloquent prose, weaving together emotions and situations that felt intensely real. His writing has a unique ability to delve into the core of difficult issues, yet it does so with a tenderness and humour that lightens the weight of the subject matter, making even the most emotional moments feel accessible and deeply relatable.
The characters in The Michaelmas Daisy were brought to life in such a vivid way that I became fully invested in their stories. Phillipa and Kenny's journey was a true emotional rollercoaster—one that will make you laugh in one moment and leave you with a lump in your throat the next. Marriner masterfully balanced the complexity of their experiences, allowing me to share in their joys, struggles, and moments of personal growth. Through their ups and downs, he reminded me of the fragility and strength of family bonds, the pain of loss, and the enduring power of love.
As I read, I found myself laughing, wincing, and crying alongside these characters, completely drawn into their world. Marriner's skilful storytelling is what sets this novel apart—he allows the emotions to flow naturally without ever feeling forced or manipulative. Every moment felt earned, and as I have lived with someone who had dementia every moment felt true
In conclusion, The Michaelmas Daisy is a beautifully written novel that touched my heart and will stay with me for a very long time. Paul Marriner has crafted a story that is as moving as it is insightful, filled with warmth, empathy, and humour. Whether you’re drawn to stories about family dynamics or you enjoy tales that pull at your heartstrings, this is a book that will not disappoint. A truly unforgettable read.
Title: The Christmas Party
Author: Mikayla Davids
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Series: Bailey family psychological thriller book 3
Publisher: Lockie House Publishers
Date Published: 2022
Book Length: 285
Format: E Book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4 ****I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: A family reunion. A shocking secret. A night to die for…On a dark and stormy December night, the Bailey family are gathered at an isolated hotel in the English countryside. They’re reuniting for the first time since the accident that shattered their lives ten years ago. It’s a time for love and forgiveness. But more than one guest has an ulterior motive: The perfect daughter The alcoholic The single mother The liar The handsome husband The adulterer The beautiful sister The jealous sibling The murderer…As the clock strikes midnight, one member of the party is found dead at the foot of the grand marble staircase. Everyone is a suspect. But which one of them is a killer?
My Thoughts: The Christmas Party by Mikayla Davids, a psychological thriller—a genre I love. The story is mainly told from the perspectives of three sisters and their mother, alternating between the present and events from 10 years ago. Although the first third of the book feels a bit slow as it sets the scene, and there are some repetitive moments, the pace soon picks up as the plot takes a sinister turn. The tension steadily increases, and the darker themes start to emerge, keeping me hooked as the twists and turns unfolded.
In conclusion, while the book starts slowly, it builds into a tense and thrilling read. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with family secrets at its core. It’s definitely worth sticking with for the gripping second half!
Title: Nowhere Man
Author: Deborah Stone
Genre: Psychological thriller
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 379
Format: E Book provided by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: When Diana arrives home one evening to find her husband Patrick dead, her world shatters. His mysterious death leaves behind so many unanswered questions. Meanwhile, miles away, Angie’s husband, Ray, vanishes without a trace, abandoning her and their troubled teenage son. As both women dig deeper into their husbands’ pasts, they stumble upon a chilling web of lies, deceit, and long-buried secrets. Their separate searches soon collide and dark, twisted revelations force them to face a terrifying truth that threatens everything they hold dear. Nowhere Man is a heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the final, shocking twist. In a world of lies, can you ever really trust the ones you love?
My Thoughts: The Nowhere Man by Deborah Stone is a psychological thriller that hooked me right from the start. The chapters were told from different characters’ perspectives, and their short length added to the tension, keeping me on edge. As the story unfolded, it explored the complex lives of these characters, and though their connections weren’t immediately clear, I knew they had to intertwine eventually.
Stone’s easy, engaging writing style kept me fully invested—I finished the book in two sittings because I simply couldn’t put it down. The twists and turns had me glued to the very end.
In conclusion, The Nowhere Man was a nail-biting thriller that kept me hooked from the first page to the last. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller!
Title: The Physics of Relationships
Author: Chas Halpern
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Guernica Editions
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 250
Format: E book supplied by the publishers in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Lexi, sixty-three and recently widowed, is facing the inevitable vicissitudes of life. After passing through a phase of numb immobility, Lexi makes a half-hearted attempt to meet some older men, but the experiences are disappointing.
Undaunted, Lexi begins to accept the idea of being alone. Then circumstances disrupt her quiet routine – in the form of two house guests. In the physics of relationships, Lexi observes that nature abhors a vacuum. But she wonders if she herself has manipulated her circumstances to fill that vacuum. Eventually, Lexi encourages both house guests to move on. Ironically, her unselfish kindness leaves her once again alone.
Through some strange physics of attraction and repulsion, however, her ex-husband reappears. Is he a changed man … or just acting like one? In the end, Lexi learns how to come to terms with her solitude, to resist entropy, and to fill the "vacuum" in her own way.
My Thoughts: The Physics of Relationships by Chas Halpern was a contemporary novel that immediately felt familiar as I began reading, which drew me in. I was surprised to find myself laughing in places early on, which I hadn’t expected. The way different personalities interacted throughout the story was fascinating, even though I sometimes found myself irritated by the main character, Lexi. That frustration was likely because I was invested in the story, and Lexi had such a different personality from my own.
The book explored thoughts and actions in a compelling way, and I found myself rooting for everyone to end up happy by the conclusion. The dynamics between the characters were interesting and made me reflect on the nature of relationships, choices, and their consequences.
In conclusion, The Physics of Relationships was both uplifting and thought-provoking. It offered insightful reflections on human relationships and their complexities. A great read!
Title: The Night Counsellor
Author: LK Pang
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Chronos Publishing
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 369
Format: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: In the shadowy corridors of The Beaumont, a mental hospital haunted by its dark history as an asylum, a disturbing mystery unfolds when in 1953, a woman is found mute, naked, and drenched in blood on the outskirts of West Yorkshire. With no memory of her past and no one to claim her, she is dubbed Patient A and placed under the care of the institution's staff.
Counsellor Jane Galloway, is drawn to Patient A's case with a resolve to restore her ability to speak, no matter how unorthodox her methods appear to be. However, her efforts to penetrate the silence meet with stark opposition from the hospital's rigid hierarchy. The situation takes a spine-chilling turn when whispers in the night link Patient A to a recently discovered corpse.
As Jane edges closer to unravelling the eerie connection between her patient and the mysterious death, she must challenge a web of institutional resistance and hidden agendas. With time running against them, Jane's quest to help Patient A reclaim her voice grows desperate. But in the harrowing halls of The Beaumont, speaking up can be deadly.
Will Patient A find her voice before the shadows of her past come to silence her forever?
My Thoughts: The Night Counsellor by LK Pang was an intriguing psychological thriller set in the 1950s. Firstly, I wanted to mention what a beautiful cover. The story unfolded at a medium pace, but it was deeply emotive from the very start. The use of multiple perspectives in each chapter gave me a deeper understanding of the characters and their motives, which I found to be very effective.
The setting and themes of the novel—such as forbidden love, prejudice, and fear—felt authentic to the time period. What really stood out to me was how unorthodox methods were used to treat people, and this added a chilling layer to the story. The main character was incredibly believable, and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book, hoping she’d find a way through the challenges she faced.
One thing that really got under my skin was the silence of so many characters. It was frustrating to watch them stand by, knowing full well what was happening but choosing not to speak up. Despite my frustration, it made the story feel all the more real, as it reflected how fear and societal norms can often keep people quiet, especially in that era.
In conclusion, The Night Counsellor was a captivating, chilling thriller that kept me hooked. The combination of rich character development, historical setting, and tense emotional undercurrents made this book an unforgettable read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with depth and emotional complexity.
Title: Your Day To Die
Author: Keith Wright
Genre: Crime Thriller
Series: Inspector Stark Series book 9
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 292
Format: E book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: A secret kept for nearly a decade comes home to roost when retired pensioner Alan Jones and his wife, Sandra, are horribly murdered in their own home. Even Detective Inspector David Stark of Nottingham CID and his team are shocked by the methods used. This is no ordinary murder case. As the investigation throws up a connection, Stark is convinced that discovering the motive for the killings will ultimately reveal the killer’s identity. If they can find the motive, they can find the killer. When another life is taken in a similarly brutal manner it is apparent that a vendetta is at play. The killer is cold and calculated, designing the deaths to give the utmost pain. All the victims are bound together by one terrifying event, suppressed by all involved, and now as the veil of silence is torn away, all are personally informed by the killer when ‘It is your day to die. ’The race is on to find this sadist before any more lives are lost. Yet a nagging question evolves, can murder ever be justified?
My Thoughts: Your Day To Die by Keith Wright is a gripping crime thriller and the ninth instalment in the Inspector Stark series. This was my first experience with the series, and it works well as a standalone novel. The story is set in the 1980s, capturing the essence of that era with vivid detail that transported me back in time.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how each chapter began with a quote. These quotes added a sense of theatrics and anticipation, setting the tone for what was to come and making the reading experience even more engaging. Wright’s writing style masterfully built tension throughout the chapters, and there were moments when I found myself inwardly shouting, “No!” in disbelief at the characters’ choices. This emotional investment made the story even more thrilling.
Detective Inspector Stark, the main protagonist, was a character I found myself rooting for. He felt incredibly relatable, and I sensed that there was much more to his backstory that I was eager to uncover. His complexities added depth to the narrative, and I’m definitely motivated to go back and read the earlier books in the series to learn more about him and his previous cases.
In conclusion, Your Day To Die was a compelling and atmospheric thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Keith Wright’s ability to weave suspense with rich character development made this a memorable read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers, whether they’re new to the series or long time fans. I look forward to reading more of Inspector Stark’s world in the future!
Title: The Other Tenant
Author: Lesley kara
Genre: Thriller Mystery
Publisher: Penguin
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 340
Format: Paperback I won in a competition
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Marlow has always lived in unusual places. But when she accepts a position as a live-in property guardian, she finds herself moving somewhere she swore she’d never return to. Right from the start, she knows it’s a terrible mistake. The elegant Victorian school is due to be turned into luxury apartments, but its eerie, empty corridors are full of Marlow’s worst memories. And now something sinister is happening on the site. One of the other tenants has disappeared without warning, and Marlow suspects that the nine other guardians know far more than they’re letting on. She’s determined to find out what happened to the missing woman – but which of these strangers can she trust? And can she uncover the truth before her own past catches up with her?
My Thoughts: The Other Tenant by Lesley Kara is an engaging thriller mystery that kept me captivated from start to finish. I appreciated how the story was told from different perspectives, with each chapter focusing on a new character. This narrative style not only provided insight into each individual but also added depth to the overall plot. The chapters were often very short, which heightened the tension and made the pacing feel urgent.
The premise of the book was refreshingly unique, suggesting that anyone and everyone could be involved in the unfolding mystery. This uncertainty kept me on my toes, as I tried to piece together the clues alongside the characters. The numerous twists and turns throughout the story had me eagerly turning the pages, never quite sure what to expect next.
In conclusion, The Other Tenant was a fantastic thriller that offered a fresh take on the genre. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping read that keeps you guessing until the very end. Lesley Kara's skilful storytelling and intriguing character dynamics made this a standout novel that I won't soon forget.
Title: Second Chance in the Hague
Author: David Kintore
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Dalmerino Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 327
Format: E book supplied by love books tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it and recommend
About Book: ‘Three miles away at Scheveningen the grey beach was bleak, unvisited, the daylight fading. It was getting colder. Why linger? There was nothing out there but the cold North Sea stroking the land. In the town there would be bustle, conversation, connections, chances to not be alone. ’Stefan owns a moderately successful art gallery in The Hague, passing his days in a comfortable but spiritless rut. Freelance journalist Anna has quit her corporate job in search of something more fulfilling. Art school student Nikki works part-time at Stefan’s gallery and hopes for a breakthrough exhibition; her student friends Petra and Suzanna have the same hope but things are not going their way. Established local artist Matthijs reaches a turning point in his fifties. Second chances come and go, but will they be taken?
My Thoughts: Second Chance in the Hague by David Kintore is a debut novel set in the art world, and as someone who loves art, I was naturally drawn to it. The mix of characters was enjoyable, although at times, their interactions felt a bit simplistic. That being said, this is a contemporary novel, and part of its charm lies in its simplicity and relatable nature. The informal, conversational dialogue felt authentic, which worked well for the tone of the book.
I especially appreciated the discussions around the art scene, which were one of the highlights for me. As someone who spends a lot of time in galleries and museums, if not reading, I found these moments particularly engaging. However, there were several day-to-day details that felt somewhat unnecessary. They didn’t add much to the story or help develop the characters, and at times, I found myself wishing the plot would move forward a little faster.
Overall, I found Second Chance in the Hague an enjoyable read, especially for those who share a love of art. While there were some minor shortcomings in terms of depth and pacing, it was an easy and entertaining book to get lost in. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, art-inspired novel, and I’m curious to see what David Kintore will write next.
Title: Zero Risk
Author: Simon Hayes
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: The Rubriqs Press Limited
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 592
Format: Hardback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: 23 December 2024… Rob Tanner should have been enjoying a rare day off from his life-consuming work as Chief Operating Officer at one of the country's largest banks. But a panicked phone call from a senior colleague forces him to put his Christmas plans on ice: more than a thousand of the bank's accounts have seen their balances increased by a factor of ten. Exactly ten. Through the inexplicably simple addition of an extra zero. And when the inflated balances prove to be neither early Christmas gifts, nor a botched computer system upgrade, but the most sophisticated cyber attack in history, Tanner finds himself in the eye of a "Black Swan' storm no one predicted, but anyone could have anticipated.
Tanner enlists the help of brilliant American cyber security expert Ashley Markham, but the attacks only worsen: bank balances rise remorselessly and spread to all the nation's banks. The only clues to the hacker's intentions are cryptic daily emails, centred on Hieronymus Bosch's medieval representation of the seven deadly sins―and packed with colourful artistic and cultural references―taunting Tanner and the newly incumbent Prime Minister, James Allen.
With financial markets―and the very world as he knows it―on the brink of collapse, Tanner races against the clock to decode not just the bizarre emails but their deeper meaning, and the implications for who he can really trust. All the while, his former boss “The Toad” is seeking revenge... and answers of his own.
This enthralling, multi-layered debut follows the story of a disillusioned banker facing unthinkable financial Armageddon, where money has no value, stock and bond prices are meaningless, and the economy is destroyed. Can Tanner unravel the mystery of the hacker's obsession with Bosch, sin and retribution before modern society returns to the dark ages?
My Thoughts: Zero Risk by Simon Hayes is a gripping mystery thriller set against the backdrop of the financial world. At 592 pages, this is a substantial read, but Hayes immediately hooks the reader with a hard-hitting opening and a cast of complex, intriguing characters. I couldn’t help but feel invested—pardon the pun!
The tension builds with every page, thanks to Hayes' exciting, fast-paced writing style. The characters are diverse, with some like Tanner displaying likeable traits, while others, such as Kellett, evoke fear and unease with their lack of charm and empathy. Hayes' portrayal of these characters brings them vividly to life, creating emotional stakes that deepen the story.
One of the book's standout features is Hayes' vivid descriptions, which immerse the reader in the action as though they were a bystander. From the frantic pace of COBRA to the sensory details of a Christmas meal that made my mouth water, the author's ability to transport readers into each scene is truly remarkable. While the book delivers sharp, engaging commentary on the financial world, it also weaves in softer, more human moments that make the story not only entertaining but also emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, Zero Risk is a captivating read that masterfully blends suspense, drama, and human complexity. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat while offering deeper reflections on its characters and themes, this is a MUST READ.
Title: Sarita
Author: Natalie Musgrave Dossett
Genre: Historical Thriller
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 366
Format: E book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: In the summer of 1920, nineteen-year-old Sarita's younger brother, JJ, bleeds to death in her arms after being shot by Javier Salsito de Ortega, a ruthless tequila smuggler. The Texas Rangers have their hands full with Prohibition and border issues. Still, Sarita is stunned when they refuse to help.
JJ's death devastates her father. Without a male heir, Sarita fears he will give in to the oil prospector intent on buying their family ranch, La Barroneña. Even in his despair, she knows her father yearns for justice, but he is too ill and weak to seek it.
Sarita isn't.
Determined to prove herself and change her fate, she crosses the Rio Grande into a world of deadly threats--from rattlesnakes to Pancho Villa's rebels to the very killer she's hunting. Quickly, Sarita realizes she's stumbled into a web of danger far bigger and more sinister than she imagined. If she is caught, the consequences could jeopardize innocent lives and put her father's safety at risk.
In a tumultuous landscape of social and political upheaval, what lines will Sarita have to cross to survive? Will her relentless pursuit of justice exact a price too steep to bear? If she succeeds--if she gets home--will she have earned her father's respect? Will she have secured her family's future?
My Thoughts: Sarita by Natalie Musgrave Dossett is a historical thriller that pulled me in from the start. The cover immediately caught my eye, and it was one of the reasons I chose to read the book in the first place.
Set in 1920s Texas, the story was refreshingly centred on a strong female protagonist. Sarita is feisty and fiercely independent, facing prejudice not only from society but also within her own family. The book was fast-paced and action-packed, and I found myself swept into Sarita's world from the very beginning.
Dossett’s writing transported me right into the landscape of Texas as I’d imagined it would be, capturing the tensions and dangers Sarita faced on her journey. With each twist and turn, I wondered how much more someone so young could endure.
In conclusion, if you love historical fiction with a strong female lead, Sarita is a must-read. This book delivered a powerful adventure set against the vivid backdrop of 1920s Texas.
Title: Your Call
Author: David Palin
Genre: Psychological thriller
Publisher: Nine Elms Books
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 304
Format; paperback received from Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
About Book: "...why are we - by which, of course, I mean am I - here?"
A question Paula Godwin could have, perhaps should have, asked more often as her once secure life spirals downwards almost to insanity.
Little is she to know that she will discover demons other than just her own when, prompted by finding a Post-it note in a rain-sodden service station near Winchester, she makes a random telephone call.
In this taut prequel to This Changed Everything and The Armistice Killer, the enigmatic DCI Ben Logan has to unravel the confusing circumstances around a murder and potential sex scandal. Can he balance intricate detective work with his own ambitions and complex emotions?
An intriguing challenge, especially given Logan's prosopagnosia - face blindness. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, he often sees what others miss.
Choices and consequences make strange bedfellows. Sometimes literally. Sometimes fatally...
My Thoughts: Your Call by David Palin is a dark psychological thriller that felt eerie right from the start. Palin’s prose was captivating, and I found it difficult to put down as I tried to piece together who the victim and villain really were. The characters built slowly, layer by layer, pulling me deeper into its chilling atmosphere.
DCI Ben Logan is a complex character with personal vulnerabilities and a fierce professional intensity. Palin's descriptions of crime scenes were vivid and gripping, drawing me in and making me eager to keep reading. The story’s twists and turns came continuously, keeping me on the edge of my seat. It was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish.
In conclusion, this fast-paced psychological thriller kept me enthralled throughout. David Palin has officially joined my list of go-to authors.
Looking back, I may have over-committed a little with my October reading list, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Each of the 15 books brought something different to the table, and together, they made for an unforgettable month of reading. From the heart-stopping thrillers to the rich, multilayered family saga, I explored diverse worlds and connected with complex characters that lingered with me long after the final page. It was a challenge to read so much in just one month, but the journey was incredibly fulfilling, and now I can’t wait to see what my next stack of books holds!
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