The Writing Garnet turns 5! Happy birthday TWG! #blogger #blogbirthday #TWGTurns5 #Awardwinningblogger

The Writing Garnet is officially 5 years old TODAY! When I started my blog back in 2016, I never envisioned it turning out the way that it has. It never even crossed my mind that my blog could turn into a multi award winning blog (yes, multi), nor did it cross my mind that my review quotes would make their way into physical copies of books or even on the cover of some. Without blowing my own trumpet, I am unbelievably proud of all of that. At the very beginning, my blog was created as my way of saying thank you to authors for writing their books which has allowed me to escape via their words, when things in my personal life have been difficult. It wasn’t created as a popularity tool (because clearly I wouldn’t have lasted 5 minutes had that have been the case), nor was it created merely to get free things because, in all honesty, I had no idea that that was even a thing when I first started.

Over the last 5 years I have met a wide variety of authors, met fellow bloggers, other like minded bookish folk, and found myself involved in a world that went beyond just loving books. I had never really had that before. I had never been able to sit and discuss books with people who had read the same book as I, nor would I have ever found the confidence to cart myself off to events such as Edinburgh Book Festival, Aye Write in Glasgow, or even more intimate events such as meeting the Orenda gang in Edinburgh (to name a few), if it wasn’t for a select few of people who, after ‘meeting’ through the online book world, have gone on to becoming real life friends (Jen, Mandie, Kelly, Joanne, Lainy, DC to name a few). Not only that, despite not having met them in real life yet, I have come to know even more people who I consider to be friends now, who one day I would love to be able to give them a hug (COVID permitting, obvs – special shout out to Liz B for being as true as they come). If I named each and every one of the people who I called friends and who I would do anything for, I would be here a while and would no doubt miss someone off so, to put it simply, if we talk, I adore you. Simple as, and I thank you for your kindness and support over the last 5 years.

For me, the highlight so far has got to be meeting Sue Perkins and Tom Fletcher as those were the times where I unintentionally embarrassed my little girl with my high pitched squealing and trampoline bounces. I think I was fair excited……. Would I have been able to meet them had it not been for my blog? Honestly? Probably not as I never knew events like that existed until I became a blogger. I have so many other authors, bloggers, publicists etc, that I would love to meet and I have everything crossed that that will become a reality.

I know blogging isn’t all about stats, but for the first time in ages I had a quick nose at the stats of TWG. In the last 5 years TWG has had:

160,424 views.
84,689 visitors.
1837 blog posts have been posted.

Also, I even worked out roughly how many books I have read over that time…..1270!!! Ermmmmmmmm, say what?

As I may have mentioned previously, 2020 for TWG wasn’t the greatest as, putting it quite bluntly, I was treated like dirt via the bookish community (not all of you, just to clarify), and it hurt me so much that I ended up retreating because I didn’t know what else to do because, as I have also said many times, I’m not the most popular of people and I don’t fit into the tight knit groups. I suppose my face doesn’t fit, so I knew that regardless of what I said and what I did, I wouldn’t have been believed which is unfair and incredibly hurtful. Because of that, my posts within the last year have been few and far between, however I still have been ‘here’ from afar and still able to keep my feet in the door so to speak. Again, I want to thank those who have stood by me, supported me, and been true friends during that time and continue to do so. I see you.

I am super shocked that my little, multi award winning blog turns 5 today. Yes there have been some ups and downs and confidence knocks along the way, and yes, at times I bit off more than I can chew and left myself over stretched. However the joys of anything in life is that you can learn from your mistakes and realise where you went wrong or what needs to change. There is only me running this blog and, even though I like to think that I can do everything, I physically can’t….I just wish it hadn’t taken me 5 years to realise that! Well, in all fairness it’s probably taken me over 20 years to realise that as I recently turned 31 but y’know, semantics.

Creating The Writing Garnet was probably one of the best, on the spur decisions I have ever made and I just want to thank every single author, publisher and publicist who have sent me countless books over the years and trusted me to review your books. I want to thank the organisers of book events of their hard work and dedication in bringing likeminded bookish folk together. I also want to thank each and every person I have come to know and admire for being true to themselves and becoming good friends of mine. I have your backs – you are all awesome. Major shout out to my fellow bloggers, and anyone who is thinking about starting a blog – you’ve got this! Just remember it’s okay to say no….

On that note, happy birthday to TWG! Heres to another year full of weird and wonderful books, intriguing debuts, and a truck load of reviews.

TWG x

#PromisesInTheDark by @DKHood_Author @Bookouture #review

Happy publication day to D.K.Hood and ‘Promises In The Dark’! I am delighted to be kicking of the blog tour today – many thanks to Bookouture for having me.

The young girl pushes against the backseat of the family sedan, fighting to free herself from the crude ties restricting her hands and feet. As the car speeds towards the edge of town, she looks back at her family home, and watches in horror as it is suddenly engulfed in a mass of flames. Trembling with fear, she turns towards the driver and hears only laughter. She knows that the worst is yet to come…

Detective Jenna Alton surveys the charred remains of the large suburban home, stopping to pause at the three lifeless bodies of the Woods family. Jenna knows she’s looking for a serial killer, but her priority is finding the missing teenage daughter last seen on the night of the inferno.

Days later, Sophie Wood’s body is discovered floating in a shallow pool of crystal-clear water—known locally as Dead Man’s Drop—but Jenna still doesn’t know who would target the quiet family in such a brutal attack.

Delving into the family’s past, she makes a shocking discovery—a link between the killer and someone connected to her deputy David Kane. If Jenna is right and the killer is back and seeking revenge, then she must act fast to keep her deputy safe.

When another girl is taken, Jenna and David follow the trail into a network of underground caves on the outskirts of town. With little time before the killer claims his next victim, they race into the pitch-black tunnels, unsure whether they have just walked into the killer’s trap. Can they find the girl in time and escape the caves without the killer chasing them down?

What does TWG think?

One of, if not THE most disturbing book of the series so far! Which is saying something considering the things that Kane and Alton have come across in the 9 previous books.

A story that starts off with young children being the bait, indirectly speaking, always puts the fear of christ up me. Not that I’m saying should a child be used as bait later on in the book then I’ll be okay with it, not at all. I just find themes like that enough to make my jaw drop further, and a nervous energy crawl up my body far quicker than if I had read it in the middle. That’s exactly what happened here. The prologue plants the seed and ties the roots of the storyline in knots, making it hard for the reader to leave it alone regardless of how nervy you have begun to feel. Honestly, it was brilliantly written and definitely set the scene for the rest of the book.

Once again Kane and Alton have their work cut out for them. Their murderer hasn’t made things very easy for them, despite leaving a ‘trail’ of dead bodies in his wake. Whoever this person is is clearly dangerous and doesn’t think much of other living things. Just another thing that kept me hooked!

I was very disturbed by the storyline, but without sounding weird, I didnt find that a negative thing because what else would you expect from a thriller? Teddy bears and picnics? No. D.K.Hood may have her characters having picnics, but she would also have a dead body stuffed in the bear! (Just to clarify, that isn’t what happens in this book!)

As I may have said once or twice, I was truly glued to this novel and the way the characters developed over time. It may be the tenth book in the series, yet Kane and Alton never fail to surprise me.

Yet another dark, devious, and utterly transfixing novel from an author who is outstanding at holding her readers hostage with her words.

Buy now.

‘Buried Angels’ #Review @trisha460 @Bookouture #PatriciaGibney #BuriedAngels

Many thanks to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and ARC for ‘Buried Angels’ by Patricia Gibney. I am excited to be sharing my review:

Bubbles of cold sweat trickled down Faye’s spine. The hole wasn’t empty. Before she could turn and run, she caught the two sightless eyes staring up at her. Only then did she scream.

When Faye Baker discovers a fragile child’s skull behind the walls of her new home, Detective Lottie Parker is called to investigate. The house has been owned for years by the family of Faye’s boyfriend Jeff, so when Jeff starts acting suspiciously, Lottie wonders what he might be hiding…

Lottie doesn’t have long to dig deeper before a child’s bones are found by eleven-year-old Gavin on nearby railway tracks. The bones don’t match the small skull behind the walls, but Lottie can’t ignore the coincidence. Someone out there must be missing their loved ones and it’s up to her to put right a terrible wrong.

Unable to shake a feeling of foreboding, Lottie goes to speak to Faye, and discovers that she hasn’t turned up for work. When Faye’s body is found stuffed in the back of her car, Lottie needs to find out who wanted her to keep quiet.

As Lottie hunts for Faye’s killer, the case takes a darker turn when Gavin goes missing. Faye and Gavin are connected only by the grisly body parts they discovered. But who are these little victims and why has their killer come back? Can Lottie find the answers before another precious life is taken?

What does TWG think?

Nerves, nerves, where for art thou?! I seem to have lost my nerves…either that or they’ve been frayed! I honestly dont quite know what to say! I mean, the previous books in the series havent exactly been all calm and collective, yet this installment seems to have made a deal with the devil or something because it’s dark as hell!!!

There are a lot of things I can handle when it comes to the contents of psychological thrillers/crime novels, however bodies of youngsters is not really one of them! To say that the graphic descriptions surrounding that caught me off guard would be an understatement, however despite feeling quite uncomfortable, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The storyline reminded me of forbidden fruit; compelling, majestic, but incredibly dark.

Did I enjoy the storyline? Hell yes I did. Lottie Parker is one of my all time favourite detectives as I love the fiery and fierce elements to her personality alongside the uncertain, flawed human being elements which people forget that detectives are. I could tell that her usual bravado was slipping a little during this book because of recent events, but I felt that that added more warmth to her character and upped the ante in the relatbilty stakes.

In regards to the storyline itself, the suspense was outstanding! If possible, i could have easily cut the tension with a knife – there was so much grit to sink my teeth into, whether it made my stomach wary or not. It all just….worked.

I would be quite happy to keep reading the Lottie Parker series until my dying days, as they just keep on getting better and better. Patricia Gibney is a force of nature and her skills are one to watch and admire!

Buy now.

#HerLastMistake @CKovachAuthor @Bookouture #review #psychologicalthriller #blogtour

Many apologies for posting this a day late – horrendous pain rendered me useless.

Many thanks to Bookouture for inviting me to take part in Carla Kovach’s blog tour for ‘Her Last Mistake’ and for the ARC. Here is my review:

Dressed in a sage green bridesmaid dress, and smiling for pictures, Holly is the happiest she’s ever been. Hours later, Holly is dead.

People love to hate Holly Long. Smart, beautiful and a woman who men find it hard to say no to, she’s the town’s most gossiped about resident.

Now Holly’s body lies in her hotel room, strangled at her best friend’s wedding party. And the gossip has stopped, because nobody wants to look like they did it.

When police search Holly’s immaculate apartment, amongst her stylish furnishings and expensive jewellery, they discover a different side to Holly. Orderly and precise, she wasn’t the chaotic party girl everyone thought her to be. In fact, Holly was a planner, and her next plan was to come out and tell her biggest secret – something she had been hiding for months, something that had the potential to ruin the lives of more than one wedding guest.

There are plenty of people who might have wanted to kill Holly, but only one who has finally made good on their promise.

What does TWG think?

Mind….blown!

What I love most about Carla Kovach’s novels is that, even though I have learned to expect the unexpected in regards to her storylines, the author STILL manages to catch me off guard with the shock element. Even if I wasn’t expecting it or it was deemed unexpected, the situations written about in this book were off the chart. Some may say that I don’t even have a word to describe what they were….and they would be right because I do not!

Holly is a very naive character and, even though that’s not always a bad thing, her naivety didnt really help her this time as she found herself losing the will to live….literally. Because of the way she lived her life (in secret), the truth behind her murder took a long time to make itself known as nobody had the answers to the questions Gina Harte and her team put to them.

Holly wasnt the only unlucky one in this storyline! If you’ve read the other books in the series you’ll know that Gina herself hasn’t had luck on her side at all, but for once I’m not actually meaning her!

The suspense behind this novel was exceptionally well done and didnt falter until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed the sense of unknown that made itself evident throughout the chapters, meaning that I couldnt second guess a thing….even if I wanted to.

Just like many other psychological thrillers, the storyline takes it’s time to warm up, however the conclusion was more than worth the wait and showcased Carla Kovach’s twisted, unsavoury and utterly fascinating mind. A job well done.

Buy now.

#BlogTour! #Review – #BloodSong by Johana Gustawsson (@jogustawsson) @OrendaBooks @AnneCater

Happy paperback publication day to Johana Gustawsson and ‘Blood Song’, I am so pleased to be today’s stop on the blog tour! Many thanks to Anne Cater and Orenda for both the blog tour invite and ARC. Here is my review:

The action swings from London to Sweden, and then back into the past, to Franco’s Spain, as Roy & Castells hunt a monstrous killer … in the lastest instalment of Johana Gustawsson’s award-winning series

Spain, 1938:

The country is wracked by civil war, and as Valencia falls to Franco’s brutal dictatorship, Republican Therese witnesses the murders of her family. Captured and sent to the notorious Las Ventas women’s prison, Therese gives birth to a daughter who is forcibly taken from her.

Falkenberg, Sweden, 2016: A wealthy family is found savagely murdered in their luxurious home. Discovering that her parents have been slaughtered, Aliénor Lindbergh, a new recruit to the UK’s Scotland Yard, rushes back to Sweden and finds her hometown rocked by the massacre.

Profiler Emily Roy joins forces with Aliénor and soon finds herself on the trail of a monstrous and prolific killer. Little does she realise that this killer is about to change the life of her colleague, true-crime writer Alexis Castells. Joining forces once again, Roy and Castells’ investigation takes them from the Swedish fertility clinics of the present day back to the terror of Franco’s rule, and the horrifying events that took place in Spanish orphanages under its rule.

What does TWG think?

As ignorant as this may sound, I wasn’t aware of the atrocities that Spain dealt with in the late 1930’s….I am now though! I have absolutely no words! My heart broke for all of the people involved, for all of the people who lost their lives, and for those who lost their life and were forced to continue as a shell. ‘Blood Song’ isn’t a comfortable read at all, in fact I would go as far to say that it is a deeply uncomfortable and unsettling read, however my reaction was nothing compared to the pain of those living in Spain during Franco’s dictatorship.

‘Blood Song’ is a dual timeline novel as it switches between Spain in the past, and Sweden in the ‘present’ where Emily Roy and Alexis Castells find themselves with the task of finding the cold hearted culprit who murdered three people in their own home. Why were they killed? What secrets, if any, were they hiding?

The murder investigation angle of ‘Blood Song’ was so addictive! I loved being able to follow Emily Roy as she attempted to create a profile of the killer, or killers, based on the evidence left and they way they chose to murder. A profiler is such an underrated part of a police investgation, however I thought it was one of the most fascinating.

Emily Roy is an intriguing character, her personal guard is so far up, anyone would need a ladder should they attempt to get past it!

I really did enjoy the complexity of the storyline – I found the uncertainty incredibly intriguing whilst it also kept me on my toes. I did find the storyline to be a little confusing at times due to the way certain situations flitted from one another, making me concerned that I had missed something along the way. A little bit too staggered for me at times!

That said, I thought that Gustawsson dealt with the topics in the storyline phenomenally. The historical nature of the book, whilst being very dark, was written beautifully and I found myself becoming emotional at the fact that stories were being told and voices were being heard, even if the original victim wasn’t telling the story themselves.

A heartbreaking, suspenseful novel which combines historical fiction and crime in the most unique and eye-opening manner, ‘Blood Song’ is a truly unforgettable read.

Buy now.

#BlogTour! #Review – #TheSleepover by Carol Wyer (@carolewyer) @Bookouture

Oh I do love a Carol Wyer novel, and I am delighted to be reviewing her latest one, ‘The Sleepover’, as part of the blog tour organised by Bookouture. Many thanks to the publisher for inviting me to take part, and for the ARC as well. Here is my review:

She said she’d gone to a sleepover. But she never made it. Someone must know why…

When Detective Natalie Ward is called to the home of fourteen-year-old Roxy Curtis she can’t help but empathise with Roxy’s distraught mother Cathy. Roxy hasn’t come home, last seen heading next door for a sleepover with her best friend Ellie. As the mother of two teenagers herself, Natalie knows that this is every parent’s worst nightmare.

But when Roxy’s body is found in the basement of a beautiful Victorian mansion on the other side of town, Natalie’s darkest fears are confirmed. What was Roxy doing there? The people who knew her best should know – but Cathy seems evasive, and Ellie refuses to talk. Natalie is determined to find out what secrets they are keeping…

Then Roxy’s mother Cathy disappears. 

When her body is found two days later, Natalie is forced to face the fact that Roxy’s loved ones are in real danger. Things take a more sinister turn when Ellie vanishes, her mobile phone switched off. Is Ellie hiding something about the night Roxy died that could put her in terrible danger? And can Natalie work it out before another innocent life is taken?

What does TWG think?

OH MY GOOD GOD! WHAT THE FRIED EGGS DID I JUST READ?!?!?!

Can I just tell you all to go and buy ‘The Sleepover’ like, right this second? Just when I thought that Carol Wyer couldn’t get any better, she goes and knocks the ball WAY out of the park by writing a novel which made me want to go and hide out on a cloud with Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony! Honestly! If you’re after suspense, this book has it. If you’re after a twisted read that is full of red herrings, dead ends, and uncertainty – this book has it. If you’re after a main character who knows how to kick ass whilst still being a well respected Detective, then Natalie Ward is your gal. If you’re after a book which leaves you wanting more and shouting ‘NOOOO’ when the book ends, then ‘The Sleepover’ should definitely be your next read.

Roxy told her mum that she was going for a sleepover; a sleepover which her friend knew nothing about. Why did Roxy lie? Where did she go? When the police are called to a situation over the other side of town, Roxy’s whereabouts are confirmed, however not in a good way. Detective Natalie Ward and her team are on the case, but if they thought that it would just stop with Roxy, they are about to be seriously mistaken.

There are quite a few cactus characters in this book! The type of characters who, if they were on Tinder, would even have rats swiping left instead of right. Why couldn’t they just do as they’re bloody told?!

As I’ve already said, I thought ‘The Sleepover’ was a bloody awesome read. I had an inkling who was ‘it’ so to speak, but seeing as the author likes to stick red herrings in her books and make her readers feel as though they’re losing the plot, I wasn’t entirely convinced by my train of thought.

Yes, I kicked myself when I appeared to be right! That never happens! Seriously though, the entire book was very cleverly thought out, and as much as I jest about losing the plot, the psychological side to the storyline was brilliant! Somewhat unnerving mind!

Natalie Ward has come up trumps once again and I cannot WAIT to see what is in store for her next! Carol Wyer is an absolute genius who has a mind I can only guess as to what the heck goes on in it – holy cheeseballs my nerves are fried!

An outstanding, twisted novel that had me shouting ‘OH MY FUDGING GOODNESS’ more times than I could count.

Buy now from Amazon

#BlogTour! #Review – #DeadGuilty by Michelle Davies (@M_DaviesWrites) @panmacmillan @annecater

Many thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me to take in Michelle Davies’ blog tour for ‘Dead Guilty’, and of course thank you to Panmacmillan for the ARC. Here is my review:

Has the killer in DC Maggie Neville’s cold case returned after a decade of silence?

Katy Pope was seventeen when she was brutally murdered on a family holiday in Majorca. Despite her mother’s high rank in the Met and the joint major investigation between the British and Spanish police, Katy’s killer was never caught.

Ten years later, Katy’s family return to the Spanish island to launch a fresh appeal for information, taking with them the now skeletal team of investigating Met detectives, and newly seconded Maggie as the family liaison officer.

But Maggie’s first international investigation quickly goes from being more than just a press conference when another British girl there on holiday goes missing, and Katy’s killer announces that it’s time for an encore . . .

What does TWG think?

Having not read the previous three books in the series, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the storyline due to not having all the backstories of the characters. However, I needn’t have worried – I was able to slot into the series as though I had been following it all along!

‘Dead Guilty’ was absolutely brilliant. The intensity was through the roof, and the honesty of every single character was brought into question multiple times. I loved the uncertainty of not knowing who to trust, and the fact that the ‘whodunnit’ could have been anyone because of them each harbouring some sort of guilt, was so gripping.

Not only did Michelle Davies’ novel focus on a disappearance that was now ten years on, it also tuned into the characters psyches, highlighting the lengths in which people go when grieving or feeling pressured. The psychological element to the story, for me, was outstanding and gave the book such a complex and addictive vibe.

I may have not read the other books in the series, however my bank is about to take a beating as I aim to get those beauties in my hands sooner rather than later.

If you’re after a novel which delivers in both suspense and psychological brilliance, I honestly cannot recommend ‘Dead Guilty’ enough.

Buy now.

#BlogTour! #Review – The Liar’s House by Carla Kovach (@ckovachauthor) @Bookouture

Huge thanks to Bookouture for inviting me to take part in Carla Kovach’s blog tour for ‘The Liar’s House’, and for the ARC. I’m very pleased to be today’s stop on the tour where I have the pleasure of sharing my review:

Samantha stumbled out of the party and on to a busy street only ten minutes away from her home. But she never made it home…
Seven years after Samantha’s disappearance, on what would have been her thirty-fifth birthday, her best friend Diane is shocked to find a letter addressed to Samantha on her doorstep.
Opening the envelope, Diane pulls out a birthday card and a finger nail painted in dusky pink nail polish. The same shade Samantha always wore. The same shade she was wearing the night she went missing.
When police analyse the nail, they don’t get the result they expected. Instead of linking them to Samantha, the nail belongs to another woman, Jade Ashmore. And Jade was murdered the night before the envelope was delivered….
What does TWG think?

I do love a DI Gina Harte novel, her character gets more feisty with every new book, yet she seems more human with every new installment. ‘The Liar’s House’ is part of a series and, whilst they will be ok to be read as a stadnalone, I highly recommend reading the books in order so that you’ll have more of an understanding regarding Gina’s past and her issues with Briggs. That woman does not catch a break!

Diane still can’t get over the disappearance of her friend, Samantha, who seemed to disappear into thin air seven years ago. Her gut instinct tells her that her friend is dead, but she remains forever hopeful. It is just a shame that Diane gets caught up in another disappearence…

There are a lot of characters to keep tabs on, some of which will no doubt leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. No pun intended! Whilst Samantha’s disappearance plays a part in the structure of certain events in the book, there are a lot of gritty situations and red herrings which really kept me on my toes.

My gut instinct told me that the ‘whodunnit’ was one character, and I was absolutely convinced that I was right! I was wrong! So very wrong, and yes, because of that, I was extremely shocked as they were right under my nose the entire time!!!!

I raced through Carla Kovach’s new book, demolishing 64% in one go, but thanks to my body being an -insert bad word here-, I had to put the book down! I didn’t want to -stomps foot-. Anyway, Carla Kovach is such an incredible author. ‘The Liar’s House’ was FULL of addictive suspense, rollercoaster moments, psychological uncertainty, and a level of intensity that went through the roof. I loved every minute of this book and I am eager to find out what is next in store of DI Gina Harte and the gang – this is a series that just keeps on getting better and better!!!!

Buy now!

#BlogTour! #Review – Never Be Broken by Sarah Hilary (@sarah_hilary) @AnneCater @headlinepg

I am absolutely delighted to be hosting Sarah Hilary and her outstanding new novel, ‘Never Be Broken’, here on TWG today! Many thanks to Anne for the blog tour invite, and thank you to Headline for the ARC. Here is my review:

Children are dying on London’s streets. Frankie Reece, stabbed through the heart, outside a corner shop. Others recruited from care homes, picked up and exploited; passed like gifts between gangs. They are London’s lost.

Then Raphaela Belsham is killed. She’s thirteen years old, her father is a man of influence, from a smart part of town. And she’s white. Suddenly, the establishment is taking notice.
DS Noah Jake is determined to handle Raphaela’s case and Frankie’s too. But he’s facing his own turmoil, and it’s becoming an obsession. DI Marnie Rome is worried, and she needs Noah on side. Because more children are disappearing, more are being killed by the day and the swelling tide of violence needs to be stemmed before it’s too late.

What does TWG think?

Flipping ‘eck!!! What a book!!! I really didn’t want to put this novel down, even at 2.30am when I should have been attempting to sleep! If you’re after an addictive, fast paced, chilling novel to cool you down this summer, then ‘Never Be Broken’ will definitely do the trick.

Gang trouble is rife in London, and unfortunately for Marnie Rome and her team, they end up getting stuck in the middle of it, all because of Noah’s background and the way that he looks. With children dropping like flies, and murders being committed, Marnie Rome needs to get the culprits off the street before yet another child is killed. But is it that simple?

I won’t go into details regarding Noah’s looks, especially if this is a new series for you, however it was a shame that people were focusing too much on the way a police officer looked, instead of trusting him to do his job.

As I said before, gangs are thing, but until reading ‘Never Be Broken’, I had absolutely no idea about the lengths the gang members went to. It opened my eyes big time!

Sarah Hilary blew my mind with this compulsive, atmospheric read which, I have no idea how, just kept on getting better and better everytime I turned the page. I was hooked, completely hooked. Yeah, some of the content is pretty savage due to the theme of the book, but it gave the overall storyline a realistic feel to it.

‘Never Be Broken’ is, without a doubt, one of my top reads of 2019, simply because it is absolutely outstanding. I loved every single thing about the book and, whilst there were a lot of unsavoury characters, they all kept me on my toes with the brilliant psychological element of the book. Honestly, I cannot recommend this enough.

Buy now.

#BlogTour! #Review – Stasi 77 by David Young (@djy_writer) @ZaffreBooks

Final blog tour post of the day, and it’s another book published Zaffre Books, ‘Stasi 77’ by David Young. Many thanks to Zaffree for the blog tour invite and ARC. Here his my review:

A secret State. A dark conspiracy. A terrible crime.

Karin Müller of the German Democratic Republic’s People’s Police is called to a factory in the east of the country. A man has been murdered – bound and trapped as a fire burned nearby, slowly suffocating him. But who is he? Why was he targeted? Could his murderer simply be someone with a grudge against the factory’s nationalisation, as Müller’s Stasi colleagues insist? Why too is her deputy Werner Tilsner behaving so strangely?

As more victims surface, it becomes clear that there is a cold-blooded killer out there taking their revenge. Soon Müller begins to realise that in order to solve these terrible crimes, she will need to delve into the region’s dark past. But are the Stasi really working with her on this case? Or against her?

For those who really run this Republic have secrets they would rather remain uncovered. And they will stop at nothing to keep them that way . . .

What does TWG think?

Don’t make the mistake that I did! ‘Stasi 77’ is best read once you have read the other books in the series, and I’m speaking from experience as I didn’t quite realise until it was too late that it was part of a series. I did learn the hard way and unfortunately it did alter my experience regarding the entire thing.

David Young was a new author for me, one I was looking forward to getting stuck into! Even though an error was made and I wasn’t able to enjoy the book 100 percent, I could not fault the author on his ability to create a suspenseful storyline. I was very impressed by the intensity of the characters actions and their own individual journeys, even though there was a lot more to their personalities that I hadn’t found out yet.

The historical element to ‘Stasi 77’ made for a shocking read, but one which I lapped up like a cat with a saucer of milk. The uniqueness of the history versus crime was a true experience, and I did enjoy the chilling escapades and rollercoaster ride of a read.

I am looking forward to starting from the very beginning with David Young’s novels, as I thought that his writing style is extremely engaging and highly gripping.

Buy now from Amazon.