My best books from February. It was a month of thrills, intrigue, and unforgettable stories! From gripping psychological thrillers to deeply emotional dramas, my reading list was packed with page-turners that would spark fantastic book club discussions. If you're looking for your next great read, these books will keep you hooked, entertained, and eager to discuss every twist and turn.
The Books I Read in February
📖 Precipice – A high-stakes thriller that throws you straight into the action, exploring how far someone will go when backed into a corner.
Title: Precipice
Author: Robert Harris
Genre: Mystery Thriller Historical
Publisher: Hutchinson Heinemann
Published Date: 2024
Book Length: 464
Format Read: Hardback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe. In London, 26-year-old Venetia Stanley – aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless – is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state. As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer is assigned to investigate a leak of top secret documents – and suddenly what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that will alter the course of political history. Seamlessly, weaving fact and fiction in a way that no writer does better, Precipice is the thrilling new novel from Robert Harris.
My Thoughts: I first heard about Precipice by Robert Harris on the radio, and as someone who loves historical books—especially those with a political element set in Victorian London—I thought this one would be right up my street. And I wasn’t wrong!
From the very first page, Harris’ prose transported me straight back in time. His descriptions are so rich and immersive that you can practically hear the clip-clop of horses on cobbled streets and smell the smoke curling from gas lamps. It’s like stepping into a time machine.
The cast of characters is unforgettable—whether you love them or loathe them, they leave a lasting impression. In fact, I kept thinking that this book would make a brilliant film. The pacing is spot on, too. When the tension ramps up, you really feel it, which is a testament to Harris’ skill as a writer.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, but it’s never confusing. Even though it’s a work of fiction, I found it fascinating to read about real historical figures and events, particularly how everyday life continued even in the midst of political and wartime chaos.
At times, the book is deeply poignant—after all, it touches on young men marching off to war and the uncertainty surrounding political decisions of the time. Perhaps Harris didn’t quite capture the full complexity of the politics, or did he…..but that didn’t take away from the impact of the story.
One of the most intriguing aspects was the letters between Venetia Stanley and Lord Asquith. As these were the true element of the book. By today’s standards, they’re quite shocking, but that only adds to their fascination.
Overall, Precipice is a gripping and atmospheric read, packed with historical detail, political intrigue, and emotional depth. If you love historical thrillers, especially those with a strong political angle, I’d highly recommend giving it a go!
📖 The Politician’s Wife – A compelling drama full of secrets, scandal, and power struggles, perfect for fans of political intrigue.
Title: The Politicians Wife
Author: Andrew Segal
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Series: Tammy Pierre Murder Mystery Thriller series
Publisher: Chagal Publishing Ltd
Published Date: 2025
Book Length: 488
Format Read: 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: The dismembered corpse of a woman is found outside London. Days later and with no apparent connection, private investigator Tammy Pierre is called upon by her former Police Chief Inspector to investigate the politically sensitive disappearance of the wife of billionaire politician, Oscar Mountford, who's in line to become Britain's new Chancellor of the Exchequer. We learn early on that he's a far-right extremist involved in a plot to take over the UK government and coordinate with like-minded extremists in the US and European governments. Although pregnant, Tammy follows leads that take her inside Mountford's family and across the Atlantic as bodies begin to pile up. Can she make the connections to unravel the conspiracy and avoid becoming the next victim?
My Thoughts: The Politician’s Wife by Andrew Segal is a mystery thriller and part of the Tammy Pierre series. It’s a book that keeps you on your toes, but I have to admit, I found parts of it a bit tricky to follow at first.
The story moves back and forth in time, which, at times, left me a little confused. On top of that, there’s quite a large cast of characters, and in the beginning, I struggled to keep track of who was who. That said, once I got into the rhythm of the book, it became much easier to follow.
A quick heads-up: this book does contain some trigger points, so it’s worth checking the details before reading.
What really stood out for me were the main protagonists, Tammy Pierre and Oscar Mountford. Both felt incredibly real—albeit terrifying—which only added to the drama and intensity of the storyline. Once I settled into the book, the pace really picked up, and things became much more gripping. There were plenty of twists and turns, and by the end, it felt like a real showstopper!
Overall, despite a slightly confusing start, The Politician’s Wife turned into a thrilling and dramatic read. If you enjoy a good mystery with strong characters and plenty of unexpected moments, this is definitely worth picking up!
📖 Fragmented Bodies – A dark, unsettling, and thought-provoking psychological mystery that lingers in your mind long after the final page.
Title: Fragmented Bodies
Author: Ronnie Brown
Genre: Crime Thriller Mystery
Series: Restless Souls series book 3
Publisher: Cranthorpe Millner Publishers
Published Date: 2025
Book Length: 360
Format Read: Paperback supplied by the publishers in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: He yawned as the door closed and his face disappeared.
Outside, a watcher shuddered.
Retired university professor R.I. Penny believed assassins existed only in action movies, dramatic works of fiction, and occasionally politics.
Unfortunately for him, he finds this view shaken when two assassins attempt to 'retire' him full stop.
Enlisting his friends Dove and Periwinkle, Penny swiftly becomes both hunter and hunted, as they seek out the assassins, and their reasons for wanting Penny dead.
Luck, Penny believes, is a quality, a personal attribute. But is his about to run out?
My Thoughts: Fragmented Bodies by Ronnie Brown is a gripping crime-mystery thriller that follows Professor Penny as he teams up with two friends to thwart a contract out on his life. In an intriguing twist, the hunted becomes the hunter, determined to uncover who is behind the threat and why.
From the very first pages, the book feels as if it has been written by the assassins themselves. The writing style is cold, calculated, pragmatic, and eerily detached, creating an unsettling atmosphere that sets it apart from other thrillers I’ve read. Initially, I found it challenging to keep track of the characters as the narrative shifts between them. This confusion might have been avoided had I read the synopsis first—a rookie mistake on my part!
At times, the writing felt dense, which slowed the pacing, but as the book progressed, both the characters and the tempo picked up. Despite its initially heavy style, the unique approach to storytelling kept me hooked, compelling me to turn page after page.
Once I settled into the rhythm of the book, I found the writing to be impeccable—intense and demanding of my full attention. While not a light read, Fragmented Bodies is a novel that rewards patience with a thrilling, thought-provoking experience. For those who appreciate a dark, cerebral mystery with a distinctive voice, this book is well worth the effort.
📖 Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread – A charming yet intriguing historical mystery with a strong female lead and plenty of hidden secrets.
Title: Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread
Author: Lynne Knight
Genre: Historical mystery thriller
Publisher: Bantam
Published Date: 2023
Book Length: 368
Format Read: E book supplied by Zooloo's book tours in return for an honest opinion
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: South-east London, 1925.Talented, ambitious designer-dressmaker Rose Burnham knows well both the strains of her profession and the secrets it can yield. Newly established in her own business, she and her sisters are privy to the hushed conversations that unspool behind the fitting room’s closed doors. So when a major client finds herself the victim of a deception, it is Rose she tells. Driven by the shortage of men following the Great War, Miss Holmes had engaged the services of a matrimonial agency, only to be cheated out of her inheritance by a fake suitor. Rose is determined to bring the swindler to justice. To begin with, playing the detective is a grand adventure, but as pressures mount and an old friend receives a troubling string of poison-pen letters, Rose discovers there is more to investigating – and these investigations – than she’d bargained for. Rose had the sense of a thread being pulled. One tug and everything could unravel . . .
My Thoughts: Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread by Lynn Knight is a historical mystery thriller set in 1925, where seamstress Rose Burnham turns detective.
I found the book to have a steady pace with a cosy mystery vibe that made it an enjoyable read. The characters were well-rounded and felt true to their time. I especially loved the relationship and conversations between the three sisters—it made the story more engaging and relatable. Rose, the main protagonist, came across as brave and a real force of nature within her era. I really enjoyed getting to know her.
The 1920s setting ran through the entire book with charm and authenticity. There are a couple of intertwining storylines, which added depth, giving it the feel of a classic 1925 whodunnit, infused with the elegance of period fashion and the shifting tides of post-war society.
With plenty of twists and turns, this book kept me hooked. If you love a cosy mystery with a roaring twenties backdrop, engaging characters, and a touch of fashion, this is one I’d definitely recommend.
📖 A Shape in the Air – A beautifully atmospheric and haunting story, blending past and present with a mesmerizing sense of mystery.
Title: A Shape on the Air
Author: Julia Ibbotson
Genre: Historical
Series: Dr DuLac Series book 1 of 3
Publisher:
Published Date: 2022
Book Length: 366
Format Read: E Book
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Can echoes of the past threaten the present? They are 1500 years apart, but can they reach out to each other across the centuries? One woman faces a traumatic truth in the present day. The other is forced to marry the man she hates as the 'dark ages' unfold. How can Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, unlock the secrets of the past? Traumatised by betrayal, she slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, who is also battling treachery. Viv must uncover the mystery of the key that she unwittingly brings back with her to the present day, as echoes of the past resonate through time. But little does Viv realise just how much both their lives across the centuries will become so intertwined. And in the end, how can they help each other across the ages without changing the course of history?
My Thoughts A Shape on the Air by Julia Ibbotson is a captivating historical time-slip novel. Having previously read and loved the third book in the Dr DuLac series, I was eager to go back and start from the beginning—and I’m so glad I did!
The story follows Dr. Vivienne DuLac in the present day and Lady Vivianne in 499 AD, two women separated by 1,500 years but both facing events beyond their control. The writing is beautifully detailed, bringing both timelines to life with a steady and immersive pace.
I’ve grown to love Vivienne and Vivianne’s characters, and supporting figures like Tilly provide humour, while Sir Rowland and Reverend Rory add a touch of romance. These elements enrich the story, balancing light hearted moments with emotional intensity. The interactions between the characters create a dynamic contrast that keeps the narrative engaging.
The plot unfolds steadily, weaving moments of wonder and excitement as the two worlds collide. While I found the scene involving the computer screen changing on its own a little hard to believe, it was a minor detail that didn’t take away from the brilliance of the story.
A Shape on the Air is a beautifully crafted time-slip novel filled with history, mystery, romance, and a touch of the unexpected. Julia Ibbotson masterfully intertwines two compelling narratives, making this a must-read for fans of historical fiction with a magical twist. I can’t wait to continue the series!
📖 The Return of Frankie Whittle – A fast-paced crime thriller with short, punchy chapters and a gripping plot, following a determined yet broken protagonist on a dangerous path of no return.
Title: The Return of Frankie Whittle
Author: Caroline England
Genre: Crime Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Bullington Press
Published Date: 2025
Book Length: 313
Format Read: Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Frankie Whittle has it all: a career in the City, a gorgeous husband and a baby on the way. It's the perfect life, but it's built on sand. In one terrifying night, everything she has worked so hard for unravels. She needs a fresh start. When she discovers the very place she was born has been converted into a beautiful gated community, it feels like serendipity. After all she's been through, has she found her dream home? They say you should never go back, that the past is a foreign country, filled with devastating secrets. How far will those around her go to keep their secrets safe?
My Thoughts: The Return of Frankie Whittle is a fast-paced, dynamic crime mystery thriller that had me captured from the start. The short chapters added to the rising tempo, making it an absolute page-turner.
Told from the perspectives of Frankie and her mum, Nina, the story unfolds gradually, revealing their personalities layer by layer. Frankie, the main protagonist, is a broken soul in desperate need of change—determined, forceful, and set on a path of no return. The storyline is gripping, evolving with each chapter, and packed with intrigue, sadness, witty quips, and so much more. I was completely engrossed in this rollercoaster ride, right up until the very last page.
The book's biggest strength is its plot, which is both original and compelling. If I had one small wish, it would be to see a bit more of Toby towards the end, but that didn’t take away from the experience. This was a truly unique psychological thriller, unlike anything I’ve read before.
If you’re a fan of the genre, this book is an absolute must-read!
📖 Watercolors and Tears – A deeply emotional and heartfelt journey about love, loss, and the healing power of art.
Title: Watercolors and Tears
Author: Jose Orlando Casteneda
Genre: Romance
Publisher: EBL Books
Published Date: 2023
Book Length: 310
Format Read: E Book supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolours in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.
My Thoughts: Watercolors and Tears is a romance novel that follows a couple, Manuel and Elvira, who are separated by circumstance and determined to reunite. Told from both of their perspectives, the story unfolds at a steady pace, immersing the reader in their emotional journey.
Blending gentle romance with harsh realities, the novel is rich in love, sadness, determination, and resilience. Manuel and Elvira are not just lovers but fighters, facing adversity with unwavering strength. My words almost feel inadequate in capturing the depth of their struggles, yet through it all, they remain full of warmth and love.
More than just a romance, Watercolors and Tears explores life’s trials, relationships, and the bonds we share with others. I felt a full spectrum of emotions while reading, which is a testament to Castañeda’s powerful storytelling. This is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that lingers in the heart long after the last page.
📖 Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil – A fast-paced, adventurous ride filled with action, danger, and a heroine you can’t help but root for!
Title: Jurassic Jemma and the trail of Evil
Author: John J Delaney
Genre: Crime Mystery Thriller
Series: Jurassic Jemma series book 3
Published Date: 2024
Book Length: 344
Format Read: E book supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: When your life seems perfect do you ever think about what might be around the next corner? With a loving husband, two lovely children and a new grandchild, 'Jurassic' Jemma's life is complete but evil is watching from afar with envious eyes. After one excavation solved an old family mystery, her next discovery ended up with a death on a Dorset cliff. Join Jemma on an international quest in pursuit of the evil that threatens her family life. Will her life ever be the same? A gripping tale of intrigue and suspense.
My Thoughts: Jurassic Jemma and The Trail of Evil is the third instalment in John J Delaney’s gripping Jurassic Jemma series. While it’s part of an ongoing saga, it can be read as a standalone, making it accessible to both new readers and long-time fans. As a devoted reader of crime, mystery, and thriller novels, I was eager to read this next instalment, revisiting familiar characters and their evolving dynamics.
One of the strengths of this book is its steady and well-paced storytelling. From the start, it’s clear that the characters—both those I’ve come to love and those I love to loathe—are as compelling as ever. Jemma, the strong and formidable protagonist, remains a force to be reckoned with, driving the narrative forward with her determination and resilience.
That said, one aspect I did miss was the fossil and Jurassic coastline elements, which were more prominent in the previous books. These details added a unique touch to the series, and I would have loved to see more of them here. However, this minor omission didn’t detract from the engaging and well-woven plot. As the story progressed, the tension escalated, and the pacing picked up, turning it into a true page-turner.
Jurassic Jemma and The Trail of Evil delivers a thrilling mystery, well-developed characters, and a plot that keeps you hooked until the very last page. While I missed some of the distinctive elements of the earlier books, this instalment still packed plenty of action and intrigue. If you enjoy crime thrillers with a strong female lead, this series—and this book—are well worth adding to your reading list!
This month’s reads were diverse, captivating, and perfect for sparking book club debates. Whether you love mystery, thrillers, or emotional dramas, there’s something here for every kind of reader. Have you read any of these? Or do you have a must-read recommendation for March? Let’s chat in the comments!
Love Alis x
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