Black 13 by Adam Hamdy

Excellent,  Face Paced Thriller.

Black13 starts straight away in a shroud of mystery. It just gets better when you meet main character Scott Pearce. 

This has been listed the first of Pearce novels and I can't wait for the others. Especially if anything like this one.

Scott is an ex-MI6 operative who since leaving under a dark cloud has been working on his own thing. 

He is tracked down by lawyer Melody who is working for a mysterious anonymous client. But she's now in danger and Scott must try and keep them both safe.

I loved Scott and his friends characters. The book had many twists and turns to keep me interested. To be honest after I got into the first few chapters I didn't want to put it down.

I can see amazing things happening with this series. Would highly recommend.

By Claire 

Snapshot by Stephen Edger

Heart Stopping Ending

I struggled with this book a little. Part of it was that I wasn't well I know that but I really felt was bit slow in parts. 

I also had trouble with Hannah, the main character, I found her really whiney and unrelatable. This was possibly made worse than it was because I was ill and grumpy. 

It centres around a women who's husband was murdered. Although she was there she can't remember what happened to him.

She is now trying to start over and moved into a new apartment in a different area. But things here are also strange. The person who lived here before vanished and her new friend wants her to help solve the crime.

There was some very interesting twists and I loved the ending of it. Definitely wasn't where i thought it was going in the beginning. Definitely worth reading to the end. I will try again  to see if Hannah grows on me when I'm not ill and get a chance. 

It's still a book I would recommend to those who like a little mysterious thrillers in their life.

By Claire

Hitler's Secret by Rory Clements

Great as a standalone.

This is actually part of a series of Tom Wilde novels but I wasn't aware of that even after reading and starting my review. It definitely can be read on it's own.

This is set in 1941 where the war is going really badly for Britain and it's allies. 

Tom is living with his partner and their young son but is asked to go on a mission to help the war efforts. It means going undercover into the heart of Germany to recover a package.

I felt a few bits were slower than I wanted but not many and loved how the book progressed. Tom really grew on me as a character and glad to hear their are other tales of his for me to add to my growing list.

Although I know its fiction I don't know how realistic I found the moving around of Germany. I know there was things like that going on but it would have been incredibly difficult. This isn't quite how it appeared in some parts of the book.

The descriptions and behaviours of the characters though made sure that I would recommend this book. It is also one that will stay with me I think. 

Now I just need a chance for more of Rory Clements books. When I do then I will make sure to add a review for it too.

By Claire 

The Final Trail by A.A Abbott

I can't believe it's over!

I'm so happy and so sad all at the same time. 

I'm happy because it wraps up the story nicely and I have thoroughly enjoyed both this book and the whole series. 

The book was very fitting to where the story has been moving towards so felt that it made so much sense as a read along.

But I'm so sad that it's over. I have grown to enjoy reading about all the characters and getting to slowly get to know them. I will miss the short well written chapters aswell. 

Saying that i do feel that The Final Trail really does end the series well. I didn't feel let down or like something was still untold and going to bug me to the end of time. 

I would definitely recommend the whole series. All the book reviews on previous books are on my blog here so check them out if haven't already. 

Can't thank author A.A Abbott enough for writing this and can't wait to read more of her books either.

By Claire 

The Revenge Trail by A.A Abbott

The penultimate book of the series and so far my favourite. It's easy to see the flow of the story through the books but I do think that a new reader could pick it up and enjoy as well.

Kat's new brand of Vodka takes off with a storm as she goes into business with Marty. You also get to see the relationship between her and Marty's son Tom blossom. 

Kat at the beginning of series seemed only interested in money and looks when looking at relationships but as you get to know her you can really see that she doesn't want to get hurt. The unlikely pairing helps you get a better perspective on her softer side. 

There is definitely a great build up with the characters and depth to them all. I love how the author is doing the chapters from different perspectives. They are also nice short chapters which is great if short on time but still so hard to put down.

This story focuses more on Shaun's need for revenge of Kat. He is so determined to see her dead that Shaun is even prepared to break out of prison. 

With his hatred there is some dark moments but it's very thrilling and more importantly I still found some highly amusing sections that lightened the mood.

Can the final book really complete this series? Will it be as good or better than the rest? I for one can't wait to find out. 

In the meantime though this is still a top ranking and fast paced series in my reading of late. Can't believe didn't know about them until recently.

By Claire 

A Shaper's Farewell by Karen Macrae

The finale is here on the Shaper's series. It has been an amazing series and A Shaper's Farewell does not disappoint. 

I enjoyed this one so much more than I could have imagined. As Anna and the gang finally have to come face to face with the Black Shaper this book has a much darker tone than the others.

The writing continues to be amazing and we get to know the characters so much better in this book. Though there is a lot left at the end that could happen I felt it wrapped up the series well.

There was some shocking and heartbreaking moments to the book but that must gave it a more "realistic" feel for you knew that it could happen.

I will definitely be recommending to any one who likes YA or NA supernatural fiction and hope to read more from the author soon.

By Claire

The Grass Trail by A.A Abbott

Yet another installment of the Trail Series. We are now halfway through and I am still loving it. 

Kat's back in Birmingham and is looking to start her own Vodka company rather than keep fighting for The Snow Mountain brand. 

Erik and Marty are working together on getting his cancer research, with darria, started in the UK as well as making a profit with it.

Shaun is back on the scene from his prison cell as well which was a good twist trying to make Kat suffer for the events in book one. 

Theres also more characters old and new that keep the story moving and for me to keep wanting to read more of the series without waiting.

I love that, like the rest that series, it shows story from multiple points of view. Also awesome for nice short chapters which is great if not lots of time. 

Review for next one in series The Revenge Trail will be up soon.

By Claire

Josephine: Singer Dancer Soldier Spy by Eilidh Mcginness

What an incredible woman.

Historically woman can be overlooked a lot and had to live by their husband rules. Black women it would have been so much harder especially in America. 

The book briefly touchs on her childhood, which helps the reader realise how profound her accomplishment were. 

The book jumped through the her life and touched on the big events that showed her as an individual. 

There was couple of times I was bit worried that the jumping would make it so that I would not be able to follow the story but that was no problem. However, there is a couple bits would maybe have enjoyed a bit more information on that period of her life. Not enough that I didn't enjoy the story or cause confusion though.

The fact that the book is based on a true person makes it even more astonishing and enjoyable a read for me. 

How can one woman change from singer and dancer to soldier and spy? Best give it a read and find out.

Highly recommended to those that enjoy historical fiction or strong female characters.

By Claire 

The Vodka Trail

Awesome 2nd Installment

The Vodka Trail is the next part in the Trails series that focuses a bit more on Kat's past and of course as the title suggests Vodka.

Kat is determined to use Ross' money to help her regain control of her fathers old factory back in Bazakistan. It's one of the only things that she can think about and seems truly passionate about. 

When younger Kat's dad was imprisoned and killed by the Bazaki government and his factory seized and passed on to a worker Harry Aliyev. 

Kat was still in school at the time but making Vodka and taking over her father's high end Vodka line had always been her dream since she was a small child.

Marty her father's old partner in the business still does dealings with the new owner of the factory. She has hated him for not protecting her father all those years ago.

When lawyers tell her she must go to Bazakistan to make her claim in person, Kat doesn't even hesitate. Her enemy is also on the same flight to look into properties to grow darria. A plant that his new business partner, and Kats brother, Erik thinks can cure Cancer. 

It is there everything goes badly as they are both kidnapped for ransom. They must try and work together to try and get away. Can they get put aside the past and stop arguing long enough? 

As with the first book this book is done from multiple Points Of Views and I think it really adds to the story. It's something I am fussy with but for the author really does an amazing job with it.

I also started to find bit more depth to the characters in this book and a few gripping twists in it aswell.

Could be read as a standalone but I really feel get more from the characters if have the first book to give you some extra details on what's been happening already. Either way will be another high recommendation from me.

By Claire

The Lost Girl: A Shelby Day Novel by Holly Kammier

Nice quick read for me and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. At points I started to think it wasn't going to work but I ended up not being able to put it down. I also at end felt that I would love to see if their is more Shelby Novels out or to come in the future. 

This story revolves around the investigative reporter, Shelby, who is the first on the scene at a double murder. She knows this could make her career if she can get details that the other reporters can't. 

However, she also feels connection to the victims and really does want the killer to be caught. It gives an extra incentive for her to dig into what happened that she might not have done otherwise. It also makes it easier to like her as she's not just another journalist looking for a story.

Unfortunately because of this Shelby get herself and others into trouble and has to rush solving the mystery to save them and herself. 

I felt that the characters weren't as in depth as could have been. Part of me felt this was a negative point but after some other more upsetting or in depth stories I also felt this was a lighter quicker read that I was in need of. 

I would still definitely be willing to recommend for others to try and would love some feedback on what your thoughts are. 

By Claire 

The Assistant by S.K Traymane

 

A gripping thriller by this author that leaves me wanting to read more of their books. 

This had me intrigued right from the start as soon as Electra uttered those words 'I know what you did'. There were so many plausible suspects in this book that I kept changing my mind throughout. Plenty of little twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Enjoyed the theme of how much we are beginning to rely on technology and how it can easily be turned on us. It was quite chilling at times ss showed how easily exposed we can be. 

The reason behind the terror campaign is quite shocking and really caught me by surprise. I felt quite sad for all the characters in this book as it was so well written. They all had their on battles being fought.

I did feel the ending just fell a tad flat for me though it was still a fantastic read that kept me thinking long after I finished. Definitely a read for those thriller book lovers. 

By Claire 

The Bride's Trail By A.A Abbott

Quick, enjoyable Thriller.

Can't believe it has taken me nearly 5 years to find and read this book. It gripped me straight away with the 2 unlikely roommates in London's smart Fitzrovia.

The book has each chapter written from different characters point of view. This I found was done really well and added to the story. With the title was at the beginning expecting more of a romance however this is definitely a thriller that has you looking for more.

Bad girl Kat ends up on the run after getting herself into trouble with fake marriages and stolen money from gangster Shaun. 

Shaun is on the warpath and wants to hunt Kat down with every intention of killing her. 

Amy also wants to find her as she needs to clear her name as Kat stole her identity. She also though wants to save Kat's life. 

This crime thriller takes you on a journey to secret tunnels below central Birmingham. There is plenty of twist and turns to keep readers interested and the characters are well written and set up for the next book. I will of course be making sure I read this so I can see how the story progresses. 

Recommend to those who enjoy crime thrillers. 

By Claire 

The Devil's Bride by Emma Jackson

The Countdown begins...

I do love a historical fiction and supernatural romance books but this one merged the two and done it beyond my belief. I did think I would enjoy it but didnt realise just how much.

Set back in 1670 England the book surrounds a mysterious manor which locals say have been abandoned for 2 years when Demons attacked a wedding and ran off with the bride.

Jamie is undercover with a gang of highway men so she can get closer to the leader and seek her revenge and kill him. They are looking to use the manor as their new hideaway.

Nothing though is exactly as it seems. I loved that I was kept so much on my toes with so many discoveries.

I was hooked and read the book in one sitting. Would recommend to anyone and everyone who enjoys similar genres even a few who don't as this definitely had a lovely mix.

I also love the fact that the protagonist is a strong independent woman which can be hard in recent years never mind for when the book was set.

Gripping story that kept me on my toes with a heck of an ending. Excellent first book which is set up nicely for a sequel and I can't wait for the next book already and only just finished this one. The countdown begins...

By Claire 

We Germans by Alexander Starritt

A Different Spin.

I have read a lot of historical fiction based around World War Two and most are centred from prisoners of Auschwitz. This gave a refreshing twist as it gave it from another POV as well as being completely different in the writing style. 

This is done mostly part as a letter from a German Soldier, who years later is trying to explain his role and thoughts on the War, to his grandson. 

He explains how things were for him and other soldiers in the war rather than just focusing on the battles it's more to do with everyday life and how there thoughts and feelings were and changed at different points of the war.

It also decribes how little knowledge the majority of the german soldiers had on what was happening with the camps and rest of the war.  As well as how they were not all Nazi's but just soldiers fighting for the country even if sometimes it wasn't what they wanted. 

There was also little hints from granson of how they were feeling in Britain years down the line on the war. Some was great addition to the story but also felt that some wasn't necessary or just out of place in the story.

Overall though I loved the story and style of writing hope to see more from the author and would recommend to other historical fiction readers that I know. Expected publication on 12th May 2020.

By Claire