#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, gifted in exchange for a review. I choose authors titles and genres I enjoy. Life’s too short for boring books.

BURNT OUT SECRETS an absolutely gripping crime mystery with a massive twist (Detective Rutherford Barnes Mysteries Book 3) MEET DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD BARNES IN THIS BRILLIANT CRIME SERIES FROM A SERVING POLICE OFFICER. An absolutely gripping crime thriller with a massive twist.




For five long years, Detective Barnes has been hunting the killer of the person he cared about the most. Now, the one man who could have revealed the truth is dead. His charred and blackened body is all that remains in his burnt-out flat.
A week later, a desperate, emaciated young woman hammers on the door of a late-night convenience store. She speaks no English — but it’s clear that she’s terrified — and running for her life. It’s only Barnes who connects the two events. He and his new boss, Superintendent Samson Kane, team up to uncover the truth. Their investigations stir up dangerous undercurrents within Eastbourne’s criminal community. And the two police detectives are vulnerable. Both Barnes and Kane have secrets in their pasts. Secrets which look set to catch up with them . . . with horrifying consequences.

Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Helen H. Durrant, Peter James, Angela Marsons and Rachel McLean.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ADAM LYNDON:

Packed full of unexpected twists and turns. Sheila M. Pulled me in and held me to the end.’ Dawn T. ‘Very good and gripping.’ Kay C. Some really convoluted twists and turns. I loved it.’ Rob
‘Excellent sense of place, strong characterisation . . . authentic and detailed police procedure, and a thrilling denouement.’ Oliver T. A real page-turner. I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Mike B. Cracking good police story. Complex and twisty.’ Joan

The Detectives DI Rutherford Barnes was an ambitious, idealistic young police constable when he first joined the force. His eleven years with the police have left him disillusioned, world-weary and a touch cynical. He’s a dedicated police officer, although in the course of his career, he’s made mistakes and ruffled too many feathers — and is no longer on the fast track to promotion.

Superintendent Samson Kane, with his piercing, almost silver eyes, spiky punk hairdo and swathe of tattoos, isn’t a natural fit in the modern police service. After a colourful career in business, he’s been parachuted into the senior ranks through a new lateral-entry scheme. But although he lacks experience, his unconventional thinking means he’s given to flashes of insight that elude other cops. People talk to Samson — he has an ability to connect with the public — and an instinct for tapping into the streets and getting them to play his tune.

THE SETTING
Set against the picturesque landscape of the South Downs, the Sussex seaside town of Eastbourne is packed with tourists during the summer — but it can seem pretty dismal during the winter months. Only fifty-odd miles from London, the town is not immune to the violence which occasionally spills over from the city. Pockets of deprivation and criminality exist alongside reminders of Eastbourne’s more genteel past in the grand Victorian hotels that line the seafront, the pier and the bandstand. The town also boasts one of Britain’s best-known — and most infamous — beauty spots, Beachy Head.

THE AUTHOR
Adam Lyndon has been a serving UK police officer for more than twenty years, working across a range of disciplines including uniformed ops, firearms command and as a detective in CID and specialist investigations.

ADAM LYNDON
Adam was born and raised in Sussex. He has been a police officer for twenty years both in the UK and in New Zealand, working across a range of disciplines including uniformed ops, firearms command and as a detective in CID and specialist investigations.
He went around the world a couple of times, living in New Zealand for a year before realising home was where all the stories were. Adam writes gritty, Eastbourne-based police-procedurals with hard-edged authenticity, forming a daisy chain along the south coast alongside the likes of Graham Hurley and Peter James. He has been married for twenty years and has four children. His ambition, as his children keep reminding him, is to own a dog.
BOOKS BY ADAM LYNDON
DETECTIVE RUTHERFORD BARNES MYSTERIES:
· DEVIL’S CHIMNEY
· BEACHY HEAD
· BURNT OUT SECRETS

My Review I’ve read one or two of Adams books before so I know before starting this book, it’s more complex and a more serious read. While you have the main plot, you also have a few side stories floating around, meaning I need to pay attention more than other books. Divided into three parts, stick with it as it all joins up in the end. Believable characters in the most part, except maybe the newest character. However that might be my presumption that they wouldn’t hire someone like that. The policing feels very authentic and gritty, with real world issues. Not a miss Marple murder mystery, a lot more complex and dark.

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Blog Book Tour, Books I've Read, Uncategorized

#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, I choose books and authors on the genre of murder mysteries and crime, this is my favourite genre to read.

MURDER AGAINST THE ODDS by Janice Frost



”Hard-hitting and realistic-feeling story. Frightening. Really enjoyed it.” Aileen

A TOTALLY GRIPPING CRIME MYSTERY FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR JANICE FROST.

The early hours of a freezing January night. Special Constable Jane Bell is at the end of a busy late shift when she’s called out to investigate strange noises in a local park. She finds a wailing new-born baby girl dumped in a plastic storage box.

That same night Detective Steph Warwick attends the murder of coach driver Bernie Gore, whose battered body is found in a narrow alleyway.

The last thing Jane wants is to lock horns with Steph Warwick once again. Then vital evidence emerges linking Bernie Gore’s murder to the abandoned baby. And Jane has no choice but to alert the sharp-tongued detective inspector.

If they are to solve Bernie’s murder and track down Baby Elsa’s mother, the two women must bury the hatchet and learn to work together.

Matters become even more complicated when a prime suspect emerges — with close links to Jane’s family.

This unputdownable mystery full of twists is the perfect read for fans of: Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis, Ruth Rendell, Helen H. Durrant, Rachel McLean and Michael Hambling.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT JANICE FROST:

“This book has opened my eyes . . . I feel like I have lived in a bubble living in the mountains in a small town.” Chelsea A.

“Well-written, twists and turns aplenty and with a credible cast of characters but with a vicious, intense and emotional storyline.” Ruth G.

“A decent follow-up with the return and growth of several characters.” Donna B.

MEET THE DETECTIVES
SPC Jane Bell is forty-five, a widow of three years following the premature death of her husband, Sam. She has two grown-up children, Patrick and Norah, who are pursuing careers in London. After Sam’s death, Jane makes some changes to her life. She downsizes from their large family home in the country to a cottage in Lincoln.

DI Stephanie Warwick is thirty-five. She left school at eighteen and worked in a bank before joining the police force. She is haunted by her ex-boyfriend, Cal. He attempted to kill her twelve years ago, and murdered her best friend.

ALSO BY JANICE FROST
WARWICK & BELL SERIES
Book 1: MURDER AMONG FRIENDS
Book 2: MURDER ACROSS THE LINES
Book 3: MURDER AGAINST THE ODDS

THE COMPLETE MERRY & NEAL MYSTERIES
Book 1: DEAD SECRET
Book 2: DARK SECRET
Book 3: HER HUSBAND’S SECRET
Book 4: THEIR FATAL SECRETS
Book 5: DIRTY SECRETS
Book 6: MURDEROUS SECRETS

STANDALONE NOVELS
THE WOMAN ON THE CLIFF

JANICE FROST – Author Bio
Janice was born and grew up in West Lothian, Scotland. After completing an English degree at St Andrew’s University, she moved to London where she lived for ten years doing an assortment of jobs. Her passions are reading, writing and walking in Scotland and the Lake District. She lives in Lincolnshire with her husband and two sons.
FOLLOW JANICE ON
TWITTER
GOODREADS


My Review a new author for me, and I was surprised from the 2 perspectives of the story, while it clearly gives the reader a wider scope of what is going on, or different opinions of the storyline, I did find it difficult to grasp at first. Some of the character development I’ve missed as this is my first book to read in the series, and I could of learnt more starting from the beginning. However I was pleasantly surprised by the nuance of coercive control and addiction and abuse being on the story, it was handled well and described well. Though maybe some would see it as preachy, and condescending. Overall I enjoyed the book and how it was written, I would recommend it, but it does need time devoting to it, to absorb yourself in.

Blog Book Tour, Books I've Read

#ADGIFTED All opinions and thoughts are my own, I choose which titles and authors to cover and I give my feedback.

THE MARQUESS CLUB KILLINGS by Gaynor Torrance
‘A rattling good tale with twists and turns aplenty. If you enjoy a well plotted police procedural with realistic characters and thrills galore then this is for you.’ — Bestselling author Helen H. Durrant

MEET DETECTIVE INSPECTOR JEMIMA HUXLEY IN THIS BRILLIANT NEW CRIME SERIES FULL OF STUNNING TWISTS. It’s Jemima Huxley’s first day back at work after maternity leave. It was always going to be heart-wrenching leaving baby Finlay, but things are already going wrong. First, high court judge Rory Lawson goes missing on his way to work. It looks like he was run off the road and abducted. Top brass are seriously worried.
Then a bound and gagged body is found on a motorway. And Jemima’s team uncover a shocking link to judge Lawson.
In a case where nothing is as it seems, the one thing Jemima knows is that she must find the missing judge. Before time runs out.A PULSE-RACING CRIME THRILLER THAT WILL KEEP YOU UP ALL NIGHT.



Readers of Simon McCleave, Rachel McLean, Ann Cleeves, Helen H. Durrant, Joy Ellis, Angela Marsons and J.M. Dalgliesh will love Gaynor Torrance’s feisty and flawed protagonist DI Jemima Huxley.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GAYNOR TORRANCE’S FEISTY AND FLAWED DETECTIVE JEMIMA HUXLEY:

‘This fast-paced thriller had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.’ Racquel

‘Gaynor Torrance writes with such passion . . . leaves you wishing for revenge.’ Bob

‘Very well written, with relatable characters and well-constructed dialogue resulting in a very disturbing — but also satisfying — storyline.’ Ollie

‘An excellent thriller, with interesting details of a procedural that kept me riveted from the very beginning.’ Christine

‘Really loved this series of books. They’re just that little bit different to other detective series. Cannot wait for the next one!’ Mrs A. Richards

MEET THE DETECTIVE
DI Jemima Huxley is a driven detective who cares deeply about getting justice for victims and their families. With a degree in psychology, she is intelligent, loyal, fearless — and a competent kickboxer. She enjoys trying to get into the mindset of the killer, often taking down violent suspects while her male partner hesitates.

Jemima’s whole personal life has been in turmoil in recent years. Abandoned by her long-term partner, she is now raising his son James as her own, along with newborn baby Finlay. Things are tough, but at least she has her sister to support her. Jem always knew she had to go back to work — not just to pay the bills, but because being a copper is who she is.

ALSO BY GAYNOR TORRANCE
DETECTIVE INSPECTOR JEMIMA HUXLEY
Book 1: THE CARDIFF KILLINGS
Book 2: THE BRIARMARSH CLOSE KILLINGS
Book 3: THE CAERPHILLY MOUNTAIN KILLINGS
Book 4: THE LEIGHTON MEADOW KILLINGS
Book 5: THE MARQUESS CLUB KILLINGS

Author Bio GAYNOR TORRANCE Gaynor Torrance lives near Cardiff with her husband and their rescue cat, Cleo. The area is the setting for her Detective Inspector Jemima Huxley series of books. Like Gaynor, Jemima has a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Though, apart from them both having a keen interest in human behaviour, that’s where any similarity ends.  

When she’s not writing or glued to her Kindle, Gaynor enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, walking, travelling, and eating far too much chocolate.  

BOOKS BY GAYNOR TORRANCE

JEMIMA HUXLEY CRIME THRILLERS:

  • · THE CARDIFF KILLINGS
  • · THE BRIARMARSH CLOSE KILLINGS
  • · THE CAERPHILLY MOUNTAIN KILLINGS
  • · THE LEIGHTON MEADOW KILLINGS
  • · THE MARQUESS CLUB KILLINGS
  • · DI JEMIMA HUXLEY BOX SET BOOKS 1-3

FOLLOW GAYNOR ON

AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS

My Review This title jumped out at me, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Not come across the author before though, so I didn’t know the style or kind of writing and story telling I’d be in for. It started quite slow for me at first and I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish it. But we preserve and I’m so glad I did, as I was richly rewarded as it started to gain pace, and kick things into high gear. So impressive, it’s definitely gritty and dark compared to some that are lighter. But I thoroughly enjoyed it, even when I found out its book 5 of a series!! I had no idea, at no point was I left behind and not understanding backstory, it was totally inclusive and works so well as a first book, last book or middle book.

So pull up a chair, grab snacks and a brew, it’s cold outside and we are meant to do self care, and this is the perfect way to slow down, and enjoy winter. I can definitely see me reading more by Gaynor as the characters were crafted well. I’d love to see how they develop over time.

Blog Book Tour, Books I've Read

#ADGIFTED all opinions and thoughts are my own. I choose genres I enjoy and I also choose authors I know I love. Though sometimes a title will draw me in and I discover new amazing talent.

GRAVES ON THE FENS by Joy Ellis

FROM TWO-MILLION-SELLING AUTHOR JOY ELLIS COMES ONE OF THE MOST KEENLY ANTICIPATED MYSTERIES THIS YEAR.



It arrives in the morning. An old-fashioned airmail envelope addressed to Detective Nikki Galena. Inside, on a single sheet of blue airmail paper, are three words:

You failed me.

The second airmail envelope arrives at Nikki’s home address. The same message. Only this time, it’s followed by four names: Alexandra Cornfield, Ruth Baker, Bethany Lyons, Leanne Delaney.

Four missing women. Four local women whose bodies were never found.

The contents of the third letter, delivered by motorcycle courier, are even more disturbing.

The letter leads directly to the discovery of a body buried in a shallow grave out on the Fens. And Nikki and her partner Detective Joseph Easter are plunged into a baffling murder investigation.

Someone appears to be pursuing a personal vendetta against Nikki— and she has no idea who, or why. But one thing she does know: whoever it is is playing a very twisted game — and if Nikki and her team don’t stop them, more deaths will follow.

GRIPPING FROM BEGINNING TO STUNNING CONCLUSION.

Joy Ellis was nominated for Crime and Thriller Book of the Year at the British Book Awards 2021 for The Patient Man.

This totally gripping mystery is perfect for fans of L.J. Ross, Peter May, J.D. Kirk, Angela Marsons, J.M. Dalgliesh, Elly Griffiths or Ann Cleeves.

What readers are saying about Joy Ellis:

“Just wonderful to read.” Carole

“Riveting tale from start to finish.” Lynne

“Holds the reader’s attention from the first word to the last.” Nicki R.

“Compulsive reading, I loved it.” Viv

“Absolutely engrossing.” Olga

“Brilliant book which kept me gripped from page 1.” Barbara

THE DETECTIVE
DI Nikki Galena: A police detective with nothing left to lose, she’s seen a girl die in her arms and her own family destroyed. She’s tough on criminals and has a sharp tongue on occasion, but she’s fiercely loyal to her team.

THE SETTING
The Lincolnshire Fens: great open skies brood over marshes, farmland, and nature reserves. It is not easy terrain for the Fenland Constabulary to police, due to the distances between some of the remote fen villages, the dangerous and often misty lanes, and the poor telephone coverage. There are still villages where the oldest residents have never set foot outside their own farmland and a visit to the nearest town is a major event. But it has a strange airy beauty to it, and above it all are the biggest skies you’ve ever seen.

DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY SERIES NOW.

ALSO BY JOY ELLIS
THE NIKKI GALENA SERIES
Book 1: CRIME ON THE FENS
Book 2: SHADOW OVER THE FENS
Book 3: HUNTED ON THE FENS
Book 4: KILLER ON THE FENS
Book 5: STALKER ON THE FENS
Book 6: CAPTIVE ON THE FENS
Book 7: BURIED ON THE FENS
Book 8: THIEVES ON THE FENS
Book 9: FIRE ON THE FENS
Book 10: DARKNESS ON THE FENS
Book 11: HIDDEN ON THE FENS
Book 12: SECRETS ON THE FENS
Book 13: FEAR ON THE FENS
Book 14: GRAVES ON THE FENS

JOY ELLIS
UK #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE JACKMAN & EVANS AND DI NIKKI GALENA SERIES; SHORTLISTED FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR FICTION: CRIME & THRILLER AT THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS 2021
OVER 2 MILLION BOOKS SOLD!
Joy grew up and lived in Kent, trained in floristry in Mayfair and ran her own highly successful floristry business in Weybridge for many years. In the mid-1990s, she followed her lifelong love of books, first as the manager of an independent bookshop in Leatherhead, Surrey, then as a writer. When she retired, Joy and her partner Jacqueline and their two spaniels settled in a village just outside Boston, captivated by the Lincolnshire Fens.
Joy’s happy home life is far removed from her storylines, however, and while she loves living in the misty Fens, the area provides a remote and eerie backdrop to her novels. Joy is also able to add the authenticity vital to any crime thriller by drawing on Jacqueline’s inside knowledge, to confirm procedures and the reality of tackling brutal crime and criminals in a modern police force.
BOOKS BY JOY ELLIS
DI NIKKI GALENA SERIES:
• CRIME ON THE FENS
• SHADOW OVER THE FENS
• HUNTED ON THE FENS
• KILLER ON THE FENS
• STALKER ON THE FENS
• CAPTIVE ON THE FENS
• BURIED ON THE FENS
• THIEVES ON THE FENS
• FIRE ON THE FENS
• DARKNESS ON THE FENS
• HIDDEN ON THE FENS
• SECRETS ON THE FENS
• FEAR ON THE FENS
• DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 1-5 BOX SET
• DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET
• DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 4-6 BOX SET
• DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA BOOKS 7-9 BOX SET
JACKMAN & EVANS SERIES:
• THE MURDERER’S SON
• THEIR LOST DAUGHTERS
• THE FOURTH FRIEND
• THE GUILTY ONES
• THE STOLEN BOYS
• THE PATIENT MAN
• THEY DISAPPEARED
• THE NIGHT THIEF
• SOLACE HOUSE
• DETECTIVES JACKMAN & EVANS BOOKS 1-3 BOX SET
MATT BALLARD SERIES:
• BEWARE THE PAST
• FIVE BLOODY HEARTS
• THE DYING LIGHT
• MARSHLIGHT
• TRICK OF THE NIGHT
STANDALONE NOVELS:
• GUIDE STAR
SHORT STORIES:
• JOFFE BOOKS MURDER MYSTERY & SUSPENSE SHORT STORY COLLECTION
FOLLOW JOY ON
AUTHOR WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
GOODREADS
JOIN HER MAILING LIST AND GET A FREE JOY STORY!

My Review Not my first book by Joy so I knew the style and pace of book I was getting, I knew this was going to be a perfect book to really get my teeth into. Though this time I decided to research the location area, as it helps me connect with story, especially if you can visualize the places more. Joy Ellis weaves a fabulous web of storylines and the pace is perfect, not too slow so you lose track on details, but not too fast so you lose believability. Well developed characters feel like real life friends you are revisiting, it’s warming and familiar. Cleverly crafted series that I won’t tire of that’s for sure.

Blog Book Tour, Blogmas 2022, Books I've Read, Uncategorized

To encourage more thoughtful gifts, I love highlighting independent sellers, small businesses and artists. So today I am highlighting. I am starting with 10 days of #mhhsbd members (My Helpful Hints Small Business Directory) find mhhsbd Here

Sue O’Sullivan

Based in Wiltshire countryside now, however Sue was born and grew up in London

Sue’s art is clearly based on the nature that surrounds her, igniting that creativity, and comes through her dazzling unique abstract pieces. You can see her love for Trees and Oceans and the movement they create. Each piece will envoke different emotions for each person, it’s Sue’s passion to create art that makes people feel the work as well as see it.

Sue works mainly with acrylic, but does experiment with a variety of textures, and effects, with influences of Monet and Turner and impressionism coming through her work. She has been featured in an Art Trail at Chippenham. A fellow (SBS), Small business Sunday winner as chosen by Theo Paphitis, won in 2021

Sue O'Sullivan at Westonbirt

As art can be immensely personal Sue does also offer bespoke pieces for you, you can get in touch to discuss custom work.

 

Original Art Autumn Avon

If paintings are not in your budget no fear, you can still get impressive art to suit your budget, in the form of bookmarks, mugs, prints, so much choice.

Hand painted Feather bookmarks
Rings of Time Mug

Find Sue O’Sullivan on Twitter Here

Blogmas 2022, Christmas Gift Guides 2022, Witch, Pagan, Spiritual