"Cuckoo Cove is a gay town. But there are no gay towns in America." Thirty year old trans Sara knows this and at heart accepts that despite her escapi"Cuckoo Cove is a gay town. But there are no gay towns in America." Thirty year old trans Sara knows this and at heart accepts that despite her escapist performer job in a LGBT bar, she, and people like her are just tolerated, as opposed to being accepted. Whilst in the Cove horror is coming to the fore in the likely murders of trans women, Sara has found the secret Cuckoo Cabaret Club where all her dreams maybe coming true.. or not! Her cop brother Gaten, is the only 0ne looking at the deaths as murders, and between they may be the only thing that stands between the Cove and more bloodshed! [image] I was sent a copy of this interesting read by the writer in exchange for a fair review. This is first and foremost a horror tread, but not only dark horror but also the horror of everyday life for those that do not conform; personally I struggled with the core Cove horror story but was interested with the daily human horrors that the Trans community had to live around, and maybe it's my lack of knowledge of the everyday knicks and bites they receive, but that was the story I really wanted to read more of. A strong Three Star, 7 out of 12 from me. [image] 2025 read...more
Renée Ballard #4; Harry Bosch #23; Harry Bosch Universe #36: Stuck on night shifts working mostly by herself Renée is assigned a temporary partner froRenée Ballard #4; Harry Bosch #23; Harry Bosch Universe #36: Stuck on night shifts working mostly by herself Renée is assigned a temporary partner from the Sex Crimes Division to hunt down the Midnight Men a home invasion rapists' tag-team! Meanwhile back in her main job she finds out a New Years celebration random murder has the same ballistics from a much earlier Bosch case. The two outliers, to the dismay of the police authorities team-up to have a real go at both cases, regardless where they lead. [image] Connelly magnificently depicts the post COVID Lockdown L.A. with people including Renée still very mask observant and police morale at an all-time low post BLM and anti-COVID marches and unrest. In this climate victim-focussed Renée and Bosch find few allies in the police departments. Thirty-six books in to the Bosch universe and Connelly is still obviously taking time to not only make compelling cases and detective work, but also an overall real aging and progressing reality that runs alongside ours. Probably one of the best modern reality world builders alive today. A record for this universe 9 out of 12, strong Four Star read for me. [image] 2025 read...more
Harry Bosch (#10), Harry Bosch Universe (#14): sees two Connelly headliners working together when Bosch's investigation of the alleged accidental deatHarry Bosch (#10), Harry Bosch Universe (#14): sees two Connelly headliners working together when Bosch's investigation of the alleged accidental death of another Connelly headliner(!) leads him to a case that FBI agent Rachel Walling is working on, the apparent return of the The Poet!!! The Poet being easily Connelly's Bosch Universe's most deadly and interesting antagonist returns to take on the FBI and Rachel especially, personally. The Bosch universe and writer Connelly continues to maintain a high-bar for his detective fiction universe work with as I said before one of his truly immense creations in The Poet! A 8 out of 12, Four Stars for this Connelly protagonists' team-up. :) [image] 2025 read...more
Harry Bosch #9, Harry Bosch Universe #13: It's a new day for Bosch, he is finally out the game, after a swift exit that took place 'off-screen' betweeHarry Bosch #9, Harry Bosch Universe #13: It's a new day for Bosch, he is finally out the game, after a swift exit that took place 'off-screen' between City of Bones and this peach of a read! Bosch sort of knew that he might be doing some private investigating once he was out, so when a 'disabled in the line-of-duty' retired cop gives him a line on a four year old cold case murder of a Hollywood film assistant Bosch finds himself back on his own personal sod-everyone-else approach to crime investigating as he gets right under and up the noses of his police comrades, the FBI, Hollywood and anyone else getting in his way of seeking out the truth! [image] This is most certainly crime fiction of the highest quality as the front of book blurb quote on my edition says. The denouement is peerless as it recalls every step and mist-step of the original and Bosch's case. It is such a well put together investigation coloured by Bosch's intense need for justice regardless of who gets trampled on during the pursuit. Possibly my favourite Bosch read so far, a 9 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
It's back to the Fairway Players community theatre group from The Appeal. Once again fuddy duddy sounding but ultra smart lawyer Roderick Tanner, JC sIt's back to the Fairway Players community theatre group from The Appeal. Once again fuddy duddy sounding but ultra smart lawyer Roderick Tanner, JC sends Femi and Charlotte collated correspondence surrounding a mystery with the theatre group from Christmas 2022. This book, like The Appeal is made up entirely of correspondence from the theatre group document events leading up to their pantomime that go as planned. [image] Although nowhere as compelling as The Appeal, this short sequel is a fun Christmas read that kept me guessing throughout but in the end promised a lot more than it delivered. A 7 out of 12 Three Star for me. [image] 2024 read...more
Molecular computing entrepreneur Henry Pierce, on the verge of getting multi-million dollar funding for his soon-to-be proprietary technology, keeps oMolecular computing entrepreneur Henry Pierce, on the verge of getting multi-million dollar funding for his soon-to-be proprietary technology, keeps on getting telephone calls from men asking for a previous number-owner 'Lily'. On trying to contact Lily to get her to update her listing, Pierce gets drawn into her world as it appears she has gone missing. Instead of prepping on ensuring his multi-million dollar funding he gets thrown into Lily's life which is definitely on the other side of the street. A pretty entertaining and cool mystery using the normal-man gets caught up in underworld trope and doing a fine job with it. This story is very much on the periphery of the Bosch universe, and probably works better because of it. Another Connelly books scoring an 8 out of 12, Four Stars with me. [image] 2024 read...more
Is it just me, or is there a growing sub-genre of podcast detective fiction? Lucy Chase is 'tricked' into returning to her home town by her grandma whIs it just me, or is there a growing sub-genre of podcast detective fiction? Lucy Chase is 'tricked' into returning to her home town by her grandma who just wants the truth to be known. Everybody thinks Lucy killed her best friend, but there was no real evidence and Lucy herself has total amnesia of the event. Renowned true crime podcaster of 'Listen for the Lie' Ben Owens is in town. Eventually both Lucy and Ben agree to work together to find the truth of what happened, with both initially feeling that Lucy was the killer! I see the book blurb talks about this being darkly comedic; well it wasn't comedic in any sense for me, this was a very interesting and quite dark detection by podcast thriller with unapologetically non-sympathetic but realistic feeling characters who all believed one thing, that might not necessarily true, that Lucy is a killer! A firm 8 out of 12 Four Star read for me. [image] 2024 read...more
Harry Bosch #8, Harry Bosch Universe #11 sees the bones of what appears to be a long-time ago murdered young boy found in a rural-ish area; the autopsHarry Bosch #8, Harry Bosch Universe #11 sees the bones of what appears to be a long-time ago murdered young boy found in a rural-ish area; the autopsy reveals that the victim was abused his entire life; Harry can't let this go and picks up the cold case. Meanwhile a new romance might be blossoming in his life, but as this is a Harry Bosch story we all know how that's going to end. Another firm Bosch instalment meriting an 8 out of 12 Four Stars. [image] 2024 read...more
Jack McEvoy #1, Bosch Universe #5: Crime reporter Jack McEvoy feels he has to write the story of his cop brother's suicide and this sees him take a clJack McEvoy #1, Bosch Universe #5: Crime reporter Jack McEvoy feels he has to write the story of his cop brother's suicide and this sees him take a closer look at the crime scene, where he realises that it might not be a suicide. Meanwhile a 'professional' paedophile is caught by police but they can't find any evidence of his crimes, and may have to let him go. And pulling strings and taunting the police is The Poet, a deadly and remarkably smart serial killer! Jack teams up with the FBI to investigate. [image] What, when how? How does Connelly churn out so many high quality reads at the rate he does! Such a great creation is The Poet, and if you read this book, you'll understand why this serial killer has that moniker. What makes this book special is the deep-dive into how a professional paedophile would work illegal data and media management wise; and also the ingenious way The Poet killed without anyone noticing! A book full of interesting concepts and ideas and a pilot to die for, literally. The last quarter of this book is un-put-downable! An 8 out of 12, Four Star jam, I toast Mr Connelly. [image] 2024 read...more
Amos Decker No 5. The awkward with photographic memory Amos Decker returns to his home town and gets caught up in investigating a case, a case where tAmos Decker No 5. The awkward with photographic memory Amos Decker returns to his home town and gets caught up in investigating a case, a case where the wrong man may have been convicted. Guess who led on the case back in the day... Amos Decker! Another interesting and well thought out Decker and colleagues investigation, where Amos is seeking redemption. Baldacci is so much better than his other American commercial writing peers, I very much recommend reading anyone of his series. 7 out of 12 Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
She was 18 died on a Tuesday and has had limited movement ever since. She was a national story, the comatose victim of a hit and run driver who was deShe was 18 died on a Tuesday and has had limited movement ever since. She was a national story, the comatose victim of a hit and run driver who was dead before being revived. Many years later when a world famous singer is implicated and arrested the story explodes all over the media Victim support officer Vanessa feels strongly that sins of the past are paid for. Like the book blurb says "there's the story that everyone believes, and then there's the truth. Jane Cory can sure write a story! And a realistic compelling story with so many poignant little touches that add to the reading pleasure. An 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
Karen Pirie #2: Investigating a missing miner who has just been declared missing from 25 years ago; Karen finds herself directed to focus on another cKaren Pirie #2: Investigating a missing miner who has just been declared missing from 25 years ago; Karen finds herself directed to focus on another case from the exact same year, of the richest man in Scotland's daughter and grandson's kidnap where the child was never seen again! Every time I read a McDermid book I am reminded of just what a superb write of characters, plot and mysteries she is. The non-nonsense and un-intimidate-able Pirie is one of my favourite fiction police detectives. This is an artfully most splendidly cold case investigation and mystery. [image] 2024 read...more
That wonderful cast from the Four Star One of Us is Lying and not-as-wonderful cast from the Three Star One of Us is Next have their hands full this sThat wonderful cast from the Four Star One of Us is Lying and not-as-wonderful cast from the Three Star One of Us is Next have their hands full this some as one of them has a big secret from 'One of us is Next' and one of the antagonists of 'One of Us is Lying' is back with vengeance in mind! [image] It's all about the realism of the cast for me, their behaviours, interactions and most of learning from their mistakes. This book is as good as the first and the big bonus we get to see more of Simon K's shenanigans. A fun series with a deliciously dark heart set in near idyllic reality that hides multiple and seemingly endless secret histories :) 8 out of 12, Four Star jam! [image] 2024 read...more
"Twelve secrets, a small town, a shocking crime!" As a child, now an investigative true crime reporter, Ben's life was changed forever, with the globa"Twelve secrets, a small town, a shocking crime!" As a child, now an investigative true crime reporter, Ben's life was changed forever, with the globally reported, double murder of his teenage brother Nick and his friend by two teenage girls. His family trauma was increased later when his mum committed suicide. When a new crime shines a light not only on his mother's suicide, but the double murder! [image] I first began reading the second book in this series and liked it so much that I went and bought and read this, the first in the series. With sympathetic and realistic characters in a well created contemporary London reality this book ticked all the boxes for me. I insist that a solid realistic reality with multi layered characters sets up mysteries, horror, urban fantasy perfectly. It's why so many of Stephen King's books works so well, he spends as much time, if not more setting the base reality before eviscerating it! It might be the Londoner in me, but I get so embedded with this reality. It's the little things, the primary female detective having a partner in a wheelchair (attacked on duty as police); the friendship between two five-year-old kids of the supporting cast; Ben's boss being so pragmatic, that she's hear to generate engagement = money and not really to spare his feelings etc. etc. It's all in the detail. Oh, and the overall mystery and plotting is top drawer, but I feel maybe because of all the peripheral detail. Rambling? Am I making sense, solid well thought out reality, sets everything up to work? A storming 8 out of 12, Four Star jam :) [image] 2024 read...more
"Seeing Dead a sci-fi mystery set in Scotland, and it focuses on the mysterious disappearance of a schoolboy in the 1980’s.".. now there's a problem w"Seeing Dead a sci-fi mystery set in Scotland, and it focuses on the mysterious disappearance of a schoolboy in the 1980’s.".. now there's a problem with this book blurb as I found this book a supernatural mystery, and I rarely find a supernatural story I like! And wouldn't normally pick one up. The writer Edgar D. Jackson very kindly sent me a preview copy of his book in exchange for a fair review. I loved the mystery aspects of this book following a strange girl, an outlier boy and a teacher still struggling with the events around the disappearance of his son, ten years earlier. Scotland, the town of Gealblath is the primary location for this well written, superbly plotted with a great supporting cast of characters, lightly supernatural themed mystery read. For this read I would rate a 7.5 out of 12, but as no one else has Three Starred this, I presume this is a must-read for lovers of supernatural mysteries. :) [image] 2024 read...more
DC Ffion Morgan book 2: This very much Summer read thriller has all the right ingredients; set in North Wales in a small community that unwittingly plDC Ffion Morgan book 2: This very much Summer read thriller has all the right ingredients; set in North Wales in a small community that unwittingly plays host to a national phenomenon of a reality TV show called Exposure, where the winner takes it all, and each loser will have had a huge secret revealed on air in what is essentially a ‘Game of Lies’. With so much at stake, what lengths will the contestants go to, to protect their reputations? [image] Perfectly weighted with its characterisations, tension, humour, mystery and action, this is a perfect Summer read. It came as no surprise to find out the writer Claire Mackintosh, was a former police officer. 7 out of 12 Three Star read, [image] 2024 read...more
The blurb of this book says (and yes, it is in capitals!: "FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW, THIS IS NOT THAT CRIME NOVEL", and after reading this I musThe blurb of this book says (and yes, it is in capitals!: "FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW, THIS IS NOT THAT CRIME NOVEL", and after reading this I must concur! Got to thank Chris Brookmyre. for rightly determining that this one would work for me. Imagine a maverick L.A. police detective working with a Scottish septuagenarian woman crime solver, as they both look to prove a seemingly dead-cert suicide is anything but! [image] The Cracked Mirror is a screenplay that the creative who allegedly committed suicide was working from to produce a film of the same title. This starts of as an interesting and intriguing detective thriller that draws our protagonists to the same wedding in Scotland; but that's just the start of this awesome read. Brookmyre has absolutely written 'not that crime novel'. I can't say much more without spoiler-ing, but anyone looking for truly innovative and well written read this is it! I was hugely surprised and entertained at the turns this book took. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world Mr Brookmyre. This is easily in the top 10 of the ARCs I have been sent. I should say, get out and grab a copy the book was published in July :) [image] 2024 read...more
Harry Bosch #6, Bosch Universe #7: Angels Flight in LA., the 'world's shortest railway' becomes a crime scene when two passengers' murdered corpse areHarry Bosch #6, Bosch Universe #7: Angels Flight in LA., the 'world's shortest railway' becomes a crime scene when two passengers' murdered corpse are found. It turns out that one of the victims is a prominent African-American lawyer who already beaten the LAPD in court many times was about to nail them again for the torture of black criminal when he was thought to have been involved with a paedophilic kidnap! With the police themselves as suspects the powers that be need someone who looks independent, the recently married Bosch. They never learn, Bosh and his two Black detectives turn over stones that the LAPD don't want turning over. As the city is on the brink of city wide rioting Bosch and co. race to show justice will be served! [image] This series really does well at tracing an LAPD's detective (Bosch's) career to the backdrop of real events like Rodney King and the corrupt workings of the LAPD. This one's pretty good, portraying the post-Rodney King LA in a realistic and seemingly starkly honest way. Six books in. the complex and at times difficult to work out Bosch, is really humming now, with the writer comfortable with his take on LA and his great maverick cop; maverick, because he genuinely wants to protect and serve! 8 ou to f12 for this insightful look at 1990s Los Angeles. [image] 2024 read...more
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