January Wrap Up

The Evil Within by Darren Gaksworthy

Written by father Darren Galsworthy, this tells the story of young Becky Watts, who went missing from her home in Bristol in 2015 and was later discovered murdered by her stepbrother who she had grown up with. This is a look at how he sees the family growing up and the days surrounding Becky’s disappearance and the trial of her stepbrother.

Read my full review coming later in February.

Finding Suzy by David Videcette

This is an excellent and fresh look at the case of missing Suzy Lamplugh. Videcette and his team investigate the disappearance and make some new discoveries.

Read my full review here.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

This is the story of Nuri and Afra, living in Aleppo with their dream life and son, suddenly everything gets turned upside down. We follow their journey from Aleppo to the UK to claim asylum. A heartbreaking look at the lives refugees lead when taking drastic decisions which change their lives forever.

Read my full review later this month.

Tea for Two at the Little Cornish Kitchen by Jane Linfoot

I loved this delightful, light and funny romantic story set in Cornwall. With beautiful scenery, some great characters and an abundance of cake it provides great escapism.

Read my full review here

The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker

I think this may be my most favourite read of the month. This starts with the greatest line “I killed a little boy today”. From there we learn about why little Chrissy killed a toddler and her life as a child as well as her life as an adult, living as Julia with a small child herself named Molly.

Read my full review on the blog shortly.

Take Your Breath Away by Linwood Barclay

I love Linwood Barclay and with his newest book being released on the third of February, I couldn’t resist reading it! It really will ‘take your breath away’! It’s an intriguing read following the life of Andrew who’s wife, Brie has been missing for six years when she suddenly returns, turning his whole world upside down.

Read my Full review on the blog on 3rd February 2022

This is How We Are Human by Louise Beech

This is a wonderful story about 20-year-old Sebastian and his mothers’ quest to help him lose his virginity which coincides with the life of Isabelle. A young woman who is trying her best to complete a degree while providing home care for her unwell father. Life-changing events occur for all concerned. This was a great read.

Read my full review here.

Nameless Season One by Dean Koontz (6 Books)

This was a great series of short stories about ‘Nameless’. I haven’t read anything by Dean Koontz previously so this was a great insight into his work. Nameless can’t remember his real name or anything about his life before 2 years ago, probably for good reason. He is a vigilante and works to punish those who need punishing!

Read my full review here.

The Herd by Emily Edwards

The Herd is Edwards debut novel which looks at both sides of the argument whether to vaccinate your children or not. A well researched and interesting story about two families, one who is pro-vaccine and the one anti-vaccine which ends with devastating consequences and an amazing twist at the end.

Read my full review here on release date – 4th February

Playing for Love by Jeevani Charika

I didn’t expect to like this book at all since it’s partly based around two gamers and I really don’t like gaming. It turned out to be a great story. The plot is where the person falls in love with the online persona while crushing hard on the same person in real life without knowing that they are the same person.

Read my full review when it’s released on 11th February.

Five Days Missing by Caroline Corcoran

I read Caroline Corcoran’s previous book, The Baby Group which I enjoyed and this one is also superb. Romilly goes missing just hours after giving birth to her first daughter and nobody knows where she is. Dark and twisty this will hold your attention and keep you turning the pages well after bedtime.

This is released on 17th February. Read my full review here on the 15th ready for your pre-order.

Blood Games by Liz Mistry

I didn’t realise when I started this one that it was the fourth book in a series, I have done this before and read it as a stand-alone book and it’s been fine. Unfortunately, this one didn’t work out so well for me. It’s really well written though and I did enjoy it but felt I didn’t get the whole picture having missed the first few books. It’s a well-loved series though so I would say start from the beginning and I think it would be worthwhile!

Read my full review here.

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

I really wanted to love this book, I had read so many great reviews and I did like it but it fell short for me in a few places, mainly with the character Ben. I loved the premise of the couple meeting once a year for six years and seeing how their relationship developed but it wouldn’t be one I will be going back to.

Read my full review here.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

This biography focuses on the lives of Raynor and Moth Winn. When everything goes wrong all at once, they decide to walk the South West Coastal Path and this tells you about their journey. With beautiful descriptions of the scenery and the most stunning cover.

Read my full review here later this month.

Just Another Liar by Mandy Byatt

This covers the potential perils of online dating and how you never know who you are speaking to. The three main female characters all discover “The One” on an online dating site, a surgeon named David. Unfortunately for them, all is not what it seems!

Read my full review here.

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham

Chloe was just twelve years old when her father was convicted for murdering six of her peers. Twenty years on there is a copycat, sending an already fragile Chloe into a complete spin. She is trying to move on with her life and things seem great on the outside but will this completely push her over the edge? All is not what it seems…

Read my full review here.