amothersmusings1's reviews
1939 reviews

“The Time of her Life” by Tracy Bloom was an utter joy to read and as the first book I’ve read by this author, I realise I’ve been missing out on so many of her refreshing and uplifting novels. 

 

It was welcoming to learn that you’re not alone in parenting mishaps and that it’s quite normal to be found wanting or an embarrassment. I do believe all teenage kids to be alike and this was proven by the many similarities to the fictional students and students in real life. As a parent myself, my head was nodding in agreement at the many embarrassing situations Kim found herself in, in front of her teenage son.  Kids really don’t believe that parents actually had a life pre children and it was pure magic to see Kim and Max ‘moshing’ to the music of their youth, all cares abandoned. 

 

Although I’m not too sure hairdressers and chip shop employees would be too chuffed at being called ‘just’ hairdressers and ‘just’ chip shop workers but it was this ‘accusation’ that featured heavily in the book, as it was the crux of the story. Understanding the dynamics between Kim and her university lecturer husband was very important and it was portrayed perfectly, setting the scene for Kim to rebel. Although my kids never attended university, I felt I could still relate to the emotions of the parents leaving their kids in shared accommodation and to the varying attitudes between the mothers and fathers. 

 

This book was genuinely funny in places, covering true emotional feelings of a marriage breakdown and parenting and revealed the satirical side of student life and accommodation. “The Time of her Life” is a must read for women’s fiction fans and for those still young at heart. 

 

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Clear your diary because this is one book you are not going to want to put down until it's finished. Once you start reading you are embroiled in the world of CIA agents, young and old with an addictive plot line, likeable characters and action aplenty. “The Spy Coast” by Tess Gerritsen is the first of two (and hopefully more) in ‘The Martini Club’ and as spy thrillers go, this is one of the best. 

 

I loved how we saw the retired agents living their lives in a completely new environment but still keeping watch over their shoulder for any retribution. The dual timelines take us back to Operation Cyrano and the reasons Maggie left the agency and how it has now come back to haunt her. 

 

The characterisation is exquisite, which matches the impeccably written dialogue and narrative, allowing the reader to form an instant endearment towards the retired agents, which is to be expected from an author as talented and well respected as Tess is.  Tess Gerritsen has her finger firmly on the crime writing pulse and has constantly since her first novel in 1987. Potential crime authors should take note of how engaging her books are, I for one am a dedicated fan and she is a must-read author for me. 

 

If only this book could have lasted forever….but I’m happy with the second best option…..and that’s the fact there will be another in ‘The Martini Club’ series! 

 

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“The Brutal Tide” is the sixth book in Kate Rhodes’ DI Ben Kitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly. This was my favourite story so far but I’ve loved them all, having read them back to back since the introductory book and of course there’s no reason not to read them as standalones too. 

 

The author’s traditional dual storyline blends together perfectly and it’s this style of writing that always sees her intermittent chapters follow the victim or killer and read their personal thoughts and emotions. I instantly fell in love with the dedicated police detective and his adorable adopted dog Shadow from the very first book. Developing a relationship with regular characters always gives a reader a sense of familiarity as if you actually do know them and together with the author’s stunning descriptions of the rugged but beautiful coastline of the Scilly Isles, you literally feel like you’re living and breathing on the islands too. 

 

This particular storyline is the grittiest yet, focusing on the undercover work Ben did on the mainland and a revengeful killer showing no remorse for their actions. I was permanently tense with anticipation as Ben sought to solve Scilly’s own recent potential murder, whilst protecting himself and his heavily pregnant girlfriend from a deadly hitman. 

 

I can’t wait to read Kate’s next and latest thriller in the series “Hangman Island” and can honestly recommend this author and her books to crime readers, who love atmospheric settings. 

 

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“Betrothal and Betrayal” is book one in Janet McGriffin’s “The Empress Irini Series” set within 8th century Byzantium Empire. 

 

Empress Irini of Athens is perhaps one of the most fascinating women from the Byzantine era, if not all of medieval history, having a long and eventful story arc. Hers is indeed an interesting story about a highly controversial figure who would stop at nothing to gain power. Thelka is truly overwhelmed with her beauty and presence and it was interesting to read whether she would help the princess with her ambitious crave for power. We don’t get to see the real Irini until towards the end of the book but it was interesting seeing how her character developed slowly and how she enthralled her followers as her presence amongst them grew. 

 

I liked Thelka, her devotion to her named saint, St Thelka of Ikonion was a credit to her faith and her determination to carry it with her at all times, despite warnings of having her tongue slit as punishment, matched her fiery attitude and strength.  I’m also very intrigued by Elias and to his true identity and I liked the relationship he shares with Thelka. I do hope to see more of him in future books. He’s an enigma and an interesting character. 

 

The depictions of Ancient Greece; the clothing, the markets, the buildings, the people, the religion…and so much more were absolutely stunning. And the food! This book had cookery lessons constantly throughout, seamlessly blending into the storyline and scene perfectly. My mouth was watering at every mealtime. 

 

Illustrated by Harry Pizzey, this is a fabulous addition to any historical fiction fans bookshelf and I look forward to reading the next in the series, “Poison is a Woman’s Weapon’. 

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“One of the Good Guys” is Araminta Hall’s latest novel and is perfect for readers of feminist literature regardless of your stance on the subject. 

 

I really liked the layout of the story, with the first half or so being narrated by the characters themselves, predominately the central character Cole Simmonds and the second half using a lot of social media quotes, news stories and written statements. Such a unique idea for a story and using this style of layout to depict a very strong, modern and tremendously up to date feminist novel, by a writer who really knows her stuff. 

 

The characters were totally unlikeable and unreliable, each having a completely different perspective on how they saw their situations, which of course were contradictory and self biased. 

It was interesting to see how social media can escalate a situation, not always for the better either but sometimes it can reach people further than an actual protest/public statement can make. 

 

It’s difficult to discuss the story without giving anything away but suffice to say that Cole was used to demonstrate of all the ways we need to stop embracing outdated notions of authority and accountability. Violence against women will stop if the issue is addressed and it’s understood that there’s a power dynamic that consistently harms all but the small percentage of men who hold all the power. 

 

A fantastic example for a book club read, it’s thought provoking, far reaching in its message and entertaining to boot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, especially with its exciting layout style and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, if this thriller sounds appealing to you. 

 

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“The Longest Goodbye” by Mari Hannah is the latest thriller in her DCI Kate Daniels series and boy was it thrilling. I’ve been reading this series since the very first book and I think the best was definitely saved till last - but hopefully not the last ever! 

 

In this story we see Kate’s DS - Hank Gormley, promoted to Senior Investigating  Officer and Kate stepping into DCS Bright’s shoes while he’s away. Both are not keen on their new roles, knowing that they are better suited to their normal responsibilities. However, due to the personal connection to the case, Kate is compelled to find justice for her murdered friend and ex colleague Georgina, who was brutally killed three years ago. 

 

Kate is her usual determined self once again, firing on all cylinders to right the wrongs that were obvious during the initial investigation. Originally ran by a narrow minded SIO, mistakes were made and evidence overlooked. When the two suspects in the shooting of Georgina are killed execution style, within hours of arriving back in their home city of Newcastle, Kate puts her emotions to one side to finally solve Georgina’s case together with the recent murders of the two men. 

 

Using stories shared with her from police officers, including the author’s own partner - a former murder detective, Mari Hannah has written a fast paced, compelling and utterly page turning story, written with real heart and nail biting precision. Exploring the contradictions of human behaviour, the quirks of desire and the power of vigilantism, “The Longest Goodbye” is everything a crime reader wants in a police procedural with central characters who are impossible not to adore. 

 

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“Devil’s Table” by Kate Rhodes is the fifth in her #DIBenKitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly.  Once again the story opens with a truly atmospheric setting, this time on St Martin’s and a veil of fog surrounding the whole island. When a young girl goes missing, her twin who relies on her to communicate, struggles to convey what happened. The whole island is involved in her search but is any of those same islanders responsible for her abduction. Nobody can be trusted and it’s down to DI Ben Kitto to discover who and why, would want to target the island’s most prominent family. 

I liked the intermittent chapters where we learn how Ethan, the remaining twin is coping and as is the author’s traditional writing style, we alternate between Ben’s viewpoint of the case and one of the victim’s side of the involvement. 

As someone whose Grandfather made ships in bottles, I liked how this was a main theme to the story and could picture them clearly when mentioned. Once again Ben’s adopted dog, Shadow, plays his therapeutic duties perfectly and always finds himself the hero of the day. 

These books have a real atmospheric bite to them, naturally and beautifully rugged but hiding a sinister foreboding and although the author always includes distressing themes and brutal murders, I always enjoy reading them and feel good  when finished.

Another superbly written instalment in a satisfying series and I look forward to reading the next “The Brutal Tide”. 

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Having seen all kinds of human misery, the loss of over three hundred people, including her beloved soul mate Jo Soulsby in a Trans-Atlantic air disaster, is her most devastating case to date. With no official jurisdiction, Kate doesn’t hesitate to ingratiate herself with officials at Heathrow airport, in order to help with the investigation as to why the plane went down. With her DS, Hank Gormley, by her side and with DCS Bright’s final approval, they become part of an undercover unit to discover just how a plane exploded mid-air. 

 

I’m not sure Kate and Hank or even Northumbria CID, would be allowed in real life to ride rough shod over the hierarchies in airport security but it made for an entertaining thriller to see her throwing her weight around, especially as she won’t accept Jo is dead.  

 

Kate has developed a real thirst for policing, never turning a challenge away that presented itself, whether a mental task or a physical confrontation, always able to handle herself.  Keeping secrets is also something she excels at, be it personal or professional and it’s this unique case that tests all these traits, to be able to successfully go undercover. Her determination and tenacity has made her the successful DCI she is today and a fantastic fictional police officer to follow through a series. However, I did feel like the majority of this book was a huge deviation from the normal style of cases and almost felt like an interlude with it focusing so much on the missing Jo. But the conclusion to the case brings the characters back into full control and was very satisfying for me to read. 

 

All in all, another excellent addition to the series and I am looking forward to book eight, “Her Last Request”. 

“The Dirty Dozen” is the fifth in Lynda La Plante’s ‘Jane Tennison’ series, the introductory series to ‘Prime Suspect’. 

 

It’s now 1980 and as a Detective Sergeant, Jane is starting her new and exciting career in the ‘Flying Squad’ - commonly known as the ‘Sweeney’. She is launched on her first day into a baptism of fire, dealing with an armed bank robbery. However, as to be expected, sexism and bigotry still exists and is even more extreme within this tough, male dominated department. The mutual bond, respect and camaraderie among the officers leaves Jane feeling like an outsider and knows she needs to prove herself a capable detective if she wants to  become a part of the team. 

 

Jane feels immense pride and having followed her through her whole series so far, so did I, at being the first woman detective posted to the flying squad in its sixty year history.  Using her usual style of tenacity and attention to detail, she aims to win her colleagues round with her investigative style but it becomes increasingly frustrating for her coming up against the male bigotry, often at the cost of the investigation. Learning that she is an ‘experiment’ in the squad, she has more to prove than just being a ‘token female’ and it takes a lot of determination and excellent detecting skills to ensure she eventually becomes recognised as the good detective she is. 

 

This was another five star read for me in this series, I just don’t know how authors can come up with constant imaginative and well developed stories but Lynda La Plante does it all the time and I can’t wait to read the next book “Blunt Force”. 

 

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“The Vicious Circle” was impossible for me to forget once read. The depth of writing, the superbly developed characterisation, the intense descriptive surroundings and the transcendent and spiritual ambience made this book such a compelling and addictive read. Being set in the Mexican jungle the stunning scenery and nature were amazingly portrayed and I could almost hear the howling monkeys and the purr of the Jaguars for myself. 

 

I’ve always had an interest in reading novels involving cults and their beliefs and the residents of Xanadu were typical of the brainwashed followers who often believe death is a portal to another world. It’s a constant intrigue into how a leader can control people into following their faith and in this book we see several differing attitudes from the cult, including the leader and their plans for the future. 

 

I liked the main protagonists Sveta and Lucas and I enjoyed how you don’t know throughout whether he’s trustworthy or not. A very exciting denouement and a satisfying ending concluded this first class book by Katherine St. John and if thrillers of this type of theme interest you, then I can highly recommend. 

 

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