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This book has completely converted me to the cosy mystery genre! A genre that deals with crime, mystery, often death, but also has elements of fun, humour, romance… how does that work, I’d thought? How could that work?! I totally get it now, thanks to this fantastic piece of fiction from Syl Waters.

Tarah has made the brave decision to leave her old life behind and move to Fuerteventura. She has landed herself a good job as a resort manager, an apartment and is starting to enjoy the sun, sea and safety of this foreign island. Then suddenly, she is landed with an unwanted guinea pig, and a well liked guest is found dead. Can Tarah and her newfound companion, Mr Bob, unravel the mystery?

Tarah is a completely relatable and likeable character. She starts off as being fun, friendly and approachable and ends up being a nosy, straight talking interrogator, determined to find out who killed Patrick. I loved seeing how her character developed as she found her feet in Fuerteventura.

The plot is fairly simple, and the conversational, economical style keeps you hooked on the plot and following the same aim as Tara throughout – to find out what really happened to Patrick.

The ending of the novel ties it all up nicely and answers all the reader’s questions, going back through the time frame and revealing key details of the puzzle. I did not predict the ending and was very impressed with the writer’s execution of it!

I look forward to reading more by Syl Waters, and adding more cosy mystery books to my TBR list!

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This has been an easy and enjoyable read which I have devoured quickly. This is not to say the plot is light or predictable – it is not! There is death, gore and mysteries galore! The writer had me guessing throughout what the truth was, and who was responsible. I was unable to guess correctly, which I always like in a book!

The main characters of Sydney, Ali and Mirela were relatable and likeable, and I was really rooting for them to solve the mystery of the murders, though their methods of doing so were probably a little unconventional, if not far fetched.

The ending had me sat, stunned with my heart in my mouth and I think the author did a really good job by concluding it like she did.

This is my first read by this author but I definitely recommend this book, and this author, to fans of the murder mystery genre!

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I am absolutely delighted to be involved in the blog tour for this sensational psychological thriller. It is no exaggeration to say this is a contender for the best book I’ve read so far this year (out of over 50 books!).

It is the dramatic story of two identical twins, Sarah and Evie. The story begins with Sarah going out of her mind with worry as she believes her 18 month old son, Oliver, is missing. But the authorities try to convince her this is a psychotic illusion and the child she longs for is actually Sarah’s son, James, who is perfectly safe and well. Who is telling the truth? And who will get hurt in the process of its revelation?

It is so hard to write a review without spoilers but here goes! This has felt like one long rollercoaster that I did not want to get off. The story makes you question everything. Is Sarah seeing things? Is she crazy? Is Evie angelic or evil? What really happened to their mum and dad?

I was so pulled into this story because the characters are interesting, relatable and complex. The story line is one with so many layers and questions. At 90% through I was sat, in shock, thinking how could this get any better? But it did! I cried a number of times, as I really connected with the characters’ emotions and the mental health and motherhood struggles in the story. I felt sorry for Sarah, then Evie…then back to Sarah. I ended the book realising that all the characters had flaws and secrets, and its difficult to make your mind up on them!

It’s difficult to say without spoiling it how good this book really is – you just have to see for yourself! It’s my first read by this author but it absolutely will not be my last.

If I could give it more than five stars, I would.

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I am delighted to be involved for the blog tour for this must read for all paranormal fiction fans! Here’s a little synopsis and opening extract for you below 👇

1648. Alie Gowdie marries Richard Webster during a turbulent time in Scotland’s history. Charles I is about to lose his head, and little does Alie know that she too will meet a grisly end within the year.

2019. Sarah Sutherland is struggling to cope with the demands of her day job, caring for her elderly father and keeping tabs on her backpacking daughter. She wanted to be an archaeologist, but now in her forties, she is divorced, alone, and there seems to be no respite, no glimmer of excitement on the horizon. However, she does have a special affinity with the Kilgour Witch, Alie Gowdie, who lived in Sarah’s cottage until her execution in 1648, and Sarah likes nothing better than to retreat into a world of sorcery, spells and religious fanaticism.

Her stories delight tourists as she leads them along the cobbled streets of her home town, but what really lies behind the tale of Alie Gowdie, the Kilgour Witch? Can Sarah uncover the truth in order to right a centuries-old wrong? And what else might modern-day Kilgour be hiding, just out of sight?

Extract from A Sight Unseen

Sarah

I don’t know about you, but if things aren’t in order I find it impossible to think straight.

My colleagues tease me, mock the neatness of my desk, the way everything has to be lined up symmetrically. But the alternative, as I keep telling them, is chaos, and I don’t do chaos. I take a sip of cold tea from my china mug and check my phone. It’s on silent, but it never leaves my sight. Chaos could be on the other end of a missed call.

Steeling myself, I hitch up the cuffs of my managerial jacket and clasp my hands in front of me on the desk. My palms are sweaty and my mouth is tinder dry; I hate confrontation. My favourite pen, an envelope and the letter, printed on our best quality headed stationery, are all in place. I will sign it in his presence. It will carry more weight that way, be more of a statement. Then, I will simply stuff it into the envelope marked Mr Grant Tranter and wave him goodbye.
Job done.

A sharp rap on the door is followed by the sight of Grant Tranter’s short bouncy dreadlocks. His cocky grin is already in place. I’m about to knock that off, big style, and my heart sinks. I’m not the sort of person who enjoys destroying smiles.
‘Come in, Grant. Take a seat.’

He settles himself in the chair on the opposite side of my desk. His teal-striped uniform shirt is unbuttoned more than is strictly advised, and he’s doing that manspreading thing, taking up a ridiculous amount of space. I avert my gaze from his muscular thighs.
‘Am I in trouble, boss?’

He’s such an actor, Grant. I don’t need to look at him to see the puppy dog expression, the melting eyes. He knows how to turn on the charm.
‘What do you think, Grant?’ I meet his gaze steadily, willing myself not to be intimidated by his youth, his boldness.

‘Is it about me taking a ride on the warehouse door?’ He can see from my face that this little nugget has escaped me, and he’s happy to elaborate. ‘It’s a thing we do on night shift. You press the button and catch hold of the shutter handle and it scoots you upwards. Better than Alton Towers, although there’s quite a drop. Usually we jump down onto a pile of rubbish sacks . . .’

I hold up a hand. ‘Grant. Just stop. You’re in enough trouble as it is. I’m afraid I’m going to have to give you a written and final warning.’ I indicate the paper in front of me. ‘Wisebuy Supermarkets is very clear about the consequences of any breach of its health and safety protocol, and to be honest, Grant, you have flouted the rules consistently since you came to us.’

The smile fades. I think he’s realising he’s not going to wriggle out of this one. ‘That time I went AWOL was for perfectly legitimate reasons.’

I have absolutely adored this little romantic gem of a book. It tells the story of Annie, a social media influencer who, deep down, is terribly unhappy and lonely. But why? And can handsome, mysterious, infuriating George change that?

Annie is a likeable character that you are able to empathise with. At first, I wondered if the relationship would feel a bit forced but I was pleased to see how it developed so naturally, whilst keeping me gripped.

Some of the scenes and descriptions will stay with me, especially the one about the wildflower promises. When I read this description, it became clear why the book originally had this title and confused about the new title. However, having finished the book I can see what the author meant – Annie herself IS the “perfect” hideaway. But George unravels and reveals the real her.

“What a fantastically small thing – to be seen, really seen by someone, and not have that person run screaming in the other direction.”

I was very happy with the conclusion. This was my first read by ths author but I will be going back to Hillsboro and revisiting her other book set there!

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Thank you to Jeremy for this exclusive pre release copy of your book!

Firstly, how intriguing and creative is this cover? I absolutely adore it. Abigail is faceless, mysterious, and so is her predator. Can you work out who it is?

The book tells two stories from two different time frames, which is something I absolutely love, if it is executed clearly and cleverly. Jeremy certainly does this!

In the one storyline, ten year old Abigail’s parents are found dead. In the second, adult Abigail is marooned on a desert island following a plane crash, with a bunch of strangers. Or are they really all strangers?

The characters in this story were complex, intriguing, not always likeable, sometimes their decisions are questionable, but Jeremy definitely creates characters you want to follow and know more about!

There was twist after twist, and the plot went to some very very dark places. I do love a dark book, but I found this book took me right to the edges of my comfort zone! The ending was as it should have been, though you definitely couldn’t have predicted how dramatic and climactic it would be!

A fantastic story for psychological/crime thriller fans, and one I absolutely recommend! Just beware of the gory descriptions 😂

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“I wrote the novel to tell the stories of love, heartbreak and triumph from the women of HollowayPrison” says author @JosieChaner.

Why the prison system is failing women –Josie Channer, author of Diary of a Prison Officer, explains

I hope that my new novel “Diary of a Prison Officer” informed by my time working as a prison officer will shine a light on a failing prison system that is in desperate need of reform.

We have seen violence in prisons skyrocket and prisons like Birmingham are reported to be unfit for human habitation. Successive governments have tried everything: privatisation, bringing in the third sector, a drive to reduce short-term sentences. Yet re-offending is still stubbornly high and prisons are still failing. All these new initiatives cannot off set the cuts that the prison service has had to endure. In theseuncertain times, given Brexit and the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, are things about to get even worse?

I believe that the prison system has always failed women. My years in service exposed me to the manycomplex reasons why women end up in prison. There was an overwhelming theme that the women were victims themselves, struggling to get the support they needed.

I wrote Diary of a Prison Officer, a novel set in a women’s prison, because I felt that the stories from the women of Holloway Prison needed to be told. From the prison governor, officers and prisoners, they all have a story to tell of love, heartbreak and triumph.

The novel explores issues around discrimination, Black British identity and the failure of the prison system to rehabilitate women.

There are three areas that would make a significant difference to the outcome of women on the vergeof getting sent to prison:

1. Mental health – I remember my first day at Holloway prison like it was yesterday. That morning, a prisoner emerged from her cell with a full-to-the-brim bucket of excrement that she had hidden under her bed for twoweeks. The wing descended into chaos. The siren rang throughout the prison. She stood by the wingdoor waiting for the officers that would answer the call. The first officer through the door was met by a full bucket of excrement on her face. The prisoner had covered herself in her own mess and stood goading officers to dare take her down.My first experience as a new prison officer is an example of how the prison service still responds to women with mental health problems. After weeks of displaying unusual behaviour the prisoner finally came to a crisis point and was then taken by force to the segregation unit. The prisoner was transferred to the healthcare unit however, I soon discovered that there was little support for staff and prisoners from the healthcare unit.Mental health provision in our prisons needs to be completely overhauled. Ongoing training for prison officers on mental health is vital. Although prison staff work alongside mental health professionals, prison officers still do not receive any specialist training. Investment in community mental health tos upport women before they reach crisis point and commit an offence cannot be put off any longer.

2. Drug rehabilitation – It was sad to see the many prisoners whose lives had been stolen by drugs. They tended to be in their mid-20s but looked like they were in their mid-70s with missing teeth and the skin hanging off theirbones. The system had given up on them and they only cared for what drug substitution medication they would be given while they waited in line. It was a shock when I met an 18-year old girl in prisonwho had already been given up on because she was so addicted to drugs. She was constantly in andout of Holloway: six months here, three months there. That time it was for shoplifting. A year later I was holding her hand in the labour unit at the Whittington Hospital during the birth of her first child.Two years later I held her hand again. Both children were removed from her care by social services immediately. No government seems to be willing to fix the broken link between prison, drug rehabilitation services and probation. This should be treated as a public health issue first and foremost. It is clear that something bold is needed to cut the link between repeat re-offending and drug abuse. For people withdrug misuse problems prison needs to be cut out altogether and replaced with secure drug rehabilitation centres.

3.Education, employment and skills – I have tried to think of an example that could illustrate how education, employment and skills trainingcan transform the life of a person in prison. Unfortunately, I was not able to think of a single example-not because there are none but because such support is currently the exception not the rule. Employment and skills training are seen as the role of probation. It is as if women are expected to come out of prison and remain dependent, instead of being given the tools they need to find work. Employment and skills training need to be just as important in women’s prisons as it is in male prisons. The focus on finding work is also not just for the probation service but the job hunt needs to start inprison. We need to consider the full cost of re-offending not just the cost of imprisonment but thecost to the community and to the victims. The state has a duty to do all it can to end the cycle of crime that many offenders feel trapped in by providing all the assistance they need to stand on their owntwo feet when they leave prison.

Diary of a Prison Officer is availablefrom all major book retailers and at Amazon paperback £5.65 and on Kindle £2,37from and on Audible!

Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0892J2XLZ

For more information go to http://www.josiechanner.co.uk@JosieChanner#DiaryofaPrisonOfficer

3 of 6

I have finished this book in one sitting, which is a very rare occurrence for me!

It is a quick, light, easy read and I loved that there were elements of real life, work, drama and romance all rolled into this little gem of a book.

I really connected with Violet and identified with her lack of confidence as that’s how I felt when I started university too.

As a mum who really enjoyed my antenatal, delivery and postnatal experiences both times, that aspect of the book really appealed to me too.

I look forward to reading the next in the series and seeing what happens next!

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Wow, this book has blown me away! It is an engaging and unputdownable psychological thriller about an ex-journalist named Leah, who is trying to come to turns with the events that have led to her being pretty unsatisfied with her life. She was made redundant from her job as a newspaper editor after she made a wrong call to put a white missing girl on the front of the paper, who was found a few days later, while a black girl from the rough edge of town is still missing sixteen years later.

I really identified with Leah and found her character very likeable and I had a lot of empathy towards her. I could identify with her protectiveness over her son, as well as her feelings towards her husband and the security she feels with her best friend.

There were some crazy, shocking twists in the book that I was completely unable to guess, and I absolutely love that! There was the over-friendly neighbour that isn’t all that he seems, the murder of a dog and a too good to be true assistant named “Alice”…

I really felt the ending brought it all together well and answered any questions I had as a reader. “Have you ever thought that maybe missing people don’t want to be found?”

Not only is the plot engaging and complex, I also feel the topic of “missing white girl syndrome” is very relevant and important, especially as we are now seeing so much Madeleine McCann and #blacklivesmatter all over the news. It raises questions about racism within the police, and the media, and I think any author who has the insight and courage to hold a mirror up to society like that, is an incredible one.

This is a great read for any psychological thriller fan, but it is so much more than that! There are elements of the themes of motherhood, friendship, mental illness and romance, as well as very important social criticism. It is thoroughly deserving of five stars. I look forward to reading more by Lisa Bradley.

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☀️ A favourite summer read ☀️ This definitely has to be one of my favourite reads of the summer so far!

She’s done it again! I absolutely love this author. I find it difficult to put into words how I feel about this book, which is why this review has taken me 48 hours to write. It is a beautiful emotional rollercoaster!

I absolutely adore the characters Lisa creates, especially the male ones  and Xander is no different. He is shy, awkward, anxious… but can he put his insecurities and troubles aside to find love and success?

I also identified with Nell so much. This book was really about the bravery and difficulties of starting over, but I was really rooting for Nell to find happiness from day one.

I was completely sidelined by the twist as you to come to know (no spoilers) that she didn’t just choose Humblebee Farm because it was an excellent deal. So why is she there? And can she really leave the past behind and have a fresh start?

I absolutely adored this book and I have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars.

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