#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, I choose my preferred genre and theme of books, so I know it will be an enjoyable book.

THE NORFOLK BEACH MURDERS (DS Sara Hirst #5)

DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING CRIME MYSTERIES YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR. JUDI DAYKIN WAS LONGLISTED FOR THE CWA JOHN CREASEY NEW BLOOD DAGGER 2021!

Detective Sara Hirst has moved from London to the Serious Crimes Unit in beautiful Norfolk.

SARA FACES HER TOUGHEST AND MOST BIZARRE CASE YET.

It’s a stormy December morning when seal-watchers find the body on the beach. His clothes have been torn to shreds on the rocks. The bright-orange life jacket didn’t save him in the end.

Detective Sara Hirst gets the call and heads to the scene at Winterton-on-Sea. The washed-up body turns out to be a merchant seaman. He was a deckhand who got swept overboard in a storm.

It all seems like a tragic accident. Until another body is found on a pleasure boat drifting out at sea. There are bullet holes in the boat’s hull. This was definitely murder. And it looks like it’s linked to the first body.

There are dark dealings going on in this quiet Norfolk coast, and Detective Sara Hirst must get to the bottom of things before anyone else turns up dead.

This gripping, character-driven crime thriller is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, J.M. Dalgliesh, Matt Brolly, Biba Pearce, Rachel McLean, Rachel Lynch and Angela Marsons.

READERS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF DS SARA HIRST:

‘The very best of this series thus far.’ Ruth

‘A great way of presenting a mystery story. Surprisingly good, extremely entertaining and with a great slant.’ Leyla

‘Another really good book, so enjoyable! Highly recommended!’ Hannelore

‘An excellent example of a police procedural. I read it in one sitting, the narrative flows smoothly and keeps you hooked to the end.’ Carol

‘A mind-blowing fantastic gripping book right till the end. Loved it.’ Booklover Bev

‘Daykin created an incredible intriguing page-turner with this book.’ Allie

‘The tension builds right to the end . . . The final scenes were gripping.’ Janette

THE DETECTIVE
In her mid-thirties, DS Sara Hirst has left a successful career in London’s Metropolitan Police Force and taken a new post in Norfolk Police’s Serious Crimes Unit. Unfortunately, her welcome on the team is far from warm, and Sara will have to work hard to prove herself when the discovery of a body on her first morning leads to all kinds of difficulties.

THE SETTING
A patchwork of tiny rural villages, with quaint coastal seaside resorts and peppered by farms, on a bewildering network of small back lanes. There are no motorways here, and sometimes it feels like your nearest neighbour lives in Holland.

Bounded on one side by the Norfolk Broads and the Wash on the other, its greatest feature is the boundless skies. The weather changes before your eyes. To many, it seems like a fairy tale, a cherished memory of childhood holidays. In reality, these are small hard-working communities, where people tend to mind their own business, and it’s easy to keep a dark secret.

ALSO BY JUDI DAYKIN
DS SARA HIRST SERIES
Book 1: UNDER VIOLENT SKIES
Book 2: INTO DEADLY STORMS
Book 3: A BRUTAL SEASON
Book 4: AN ARTFUL MURDER
Book 5: THE NORFOLK BEACH MURDERS

Author Bio JUDI DAYKIN
Yorkshire born, Judi has lived, worked and made theatre in Norfolk for the last forty years. She completed her MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) at the University of East Anglia (UEA), and her debut novel was shortlisted for the Little, Brown UEA writer’s prize in 2019.
‘I love the beautiful, vast skies and watery landscapes of Norfolk. Our home in a village on the north coast can feel wonderfully remote, even though the nearest town is only a few miles away. I can’t imagine living anywhere better than this.’
Judi is also a working actor, and has been known to twiddle the knobs on the sound desk for the variety shows at Cromer Pier. She runs her own theatre company, Broad Horizons, specialising in commissioning new plays recovering and retelling women’s stories.
BOOKS BY JUDI DAYKIN
DETECTIVE SARA HIRST SERIES:
· UNDER VIOLENT SKIES
· INTO DEADLY STORMS
· A BRUTAL SEASON
· AN ARTFUL MURDER
· THE NORFOLK BEACH MURDERS
· NORTH NORFOLK MURDER MYSTERIES BOOKS 1–3 BOX SET
FOLLOW JUDI ON
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My Review I know I’m starting in at Book 5 and I have no previous experience with this author, but it didn’t feel like that at all. As it felt like a good stand alone book. It’s definitely more based in gritty real life, with human trafficking, a homeless element, gangsters and such like, rather than the quaint village murder and amatuer sleuth murder mystery book that is my preferred style. So if you like the policing procedure and hard hitting real life situations this one is for you! It’s laid out from ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ points of view, so split into 2 parts, and doesn’t leave you guessing so much. Quite a complicated plot and some details were lost on me, perhaps I wasn’t paying attention enough? I don’t know much about Norfolk so I don’t know if places were made up or real, so I think it helped just being a blank slate for Norfolk, rather than rattling my brain to envision places. I’d definitely read more in the series, but I would try to devote more time and brain power to them, than my usual beachy reads.

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#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.

#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions be are my own, I choose books based on the genre and authors I like.

MURDER AMONG THE ROSES by Liz Fielding

DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE COZY MURDER MYSTERY

In the peaceful village of Maybridge, you wouldn’t expect to find a dead body in the rose garden. And certainly not two.

Abby Finch is horrified to discover the bones of a baby long-since buried under a rose bush in the garden of her soon-to-be ex-husband Howard’s family home.

She immediately calls the police but she can’t get hold of Howard. He’s off on a jolly with the very pregnant soon-to-be new Mrs Finch.

Abby will do whatever it takes to keep things cordial for the sake of her three children. But when Howard learns the press have found out, he’s livid. He accuses Abby of sabotaging his fledgling political campaign.

And then, just two days later, Abby finds Howard himself.
Lying dead in the very same rose garden.
Throat slashed with her own garden spade.

Now Abby is the prime suspect.

Somebody in this quiet village is hiding a dark secret. And Abby will have to dig deep to uncover the truth.

Fans of Faith Martin, Jane Adams, Frances Evesham, M.C. Beaton, Clare Chase or Jeanne M. Dams will love this addictive cozy mystery!

LIZ FIELDING
Award winning author Liz Fielding was born with itchy feet. She was working in Zambia before her twenty-first birthday and, gathering her own special hero and a couple of children on the way, has lived in Botswana, Kenya and the Middle East, all of which have provided rich inspiration for her writing.
She has written more than seventy books, several of which have won awards, and sold over 15 million copies. In 2019 she was honoured with the Romantic Novelists’ Association Outstanding Career Award. She lives in West Sussex.
BOOKS BY LIZ FIELDING:
COMING SOON!
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My Review a bit more of a romantic mystery than traditional murder mystery. However I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy crime read, the added touch of a historical murder to solve with a present day one was woven into a perfect plot. The characters were easily relatable and likeable, which helps the read go so fast and easy. The pace in the book was the right speed, some can be break neck speeds and you don’t know if you are coming or going! This gave you time to ponder and digest clues and avenues and possible red herrings,before steering you into a different direction. Incredible writing, would definitely read more by this author.

#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
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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.

#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, I read books I enjoy in a genre that’s my favourite. Life is too short for bad books.

The Viaduct (A DS Jason Smith Thriller Book 21)

From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith series
Two hundred feet below an old bridge, a teenage girl lies battered and bruised. Barely alive, she knows she’s not going to make it.

Two days later, another teenager is found in almost exactly the same spot.
Suicide. That’s what the papers are saying.

But when a third victim of the now legendary viaduct turns up, Detective Sergeant Jason Smith doesn’t buy it. Something else is happening here – something much darker.

As Smith and the team start asking questions, the investigation takes a turn for the worse when things get much closer to home.

Smith’s adopted daughter goes missing, and when he finds out she was last seen close to this sinister viaduct, he fears the worst.

Smith knows he’s running out of time.

Will he get to the truth before the viaduct lures its next victim to their death?

What readers are saying about Stewart Giles’ books:
This author has once again captured another best selling read for his readers, that you won’t be able to put down. – Booklover Bev
I love Stewart’s books- there is always a comfort about them despite the subject matter, of a warmth of characters and a plot that draws the reader in very quickly. – Misfits farm
I haven’t read such a brilliant detective thriller for quite while. This is one of the best ever. – LooseBoots
My first introduction to this author’s work and wasn’t my last by any means. – Patricia Burton
My first read from this author ..5 stars ..Stunning storytelling.. – Livia
Totally gripping, it has the perfect balance of action, mystery and humour and this is written by a very talented and passionate author, I loved every page – thank you. – Sarah

BOOKS BY STEWART GILES

DS JASON SMITH SERIES
Book 0.5 – Phobia
Book 1 – Smith
Book 2 – Boomerang
Book 3 – Ladybird
Book 4 – Occam’s Razor
Book 5 – Harlequin
Book 6 – Selene
Book 7 – Horsemen
Book 8 – Unworthy
Book 9 – Venom
Book 10 – Severed
Book 11 – Demons
Book 12 – Deadeye
Book 13 – Motive
Book 14 – Australia
Book 16 – Wishbone
Book 17 – Ghosts
Book 18 – The Scarecrow
Book 19 – The Bluesman
Book 20 – The Librarian
Book 21 – The Viaduct

DI O’REILLY MYSTERIES
Book 1 – Blood on the Island
Book 2 – Lies on the Island
Book 3 – Fear on the Island
Book 4 – Malice on the Island
Book 5 – Revenge on the Island
Book 6 – Christmas on the Island
Book 7 – Silence on the Island
Book 8 – Secrets on the Island
Book 9 – Chaos on the Island


DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES
Book 1-The Beekeeper
Book 2-The Perfect Murder
Book 3-The Backpacker
Trotterdown a box set of DC Harriet Taylor books 1-3

DS JASON SMITH &DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES
Book 1 – The Enigma
Book 2 – Dropzone
Book 3 – The Raven Girl
Trilogy: The DS Smith & Harriet Taylor box set

THE MIRANDA TRILOGY (psychological thrillers)
Miranda
Mistress
Medusa

STANDALONE NOVELS
Horror – The Divide
Thriller – The Ghostwriter
Thriller – The Guests

Stewart Giles – Author Bio

After reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live.
In 2014 Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head and I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later.
3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series – the DC Harriet Taylor: Cornwall series.
The Beekeeper was published and soon hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well.
I continued to self-publish the Smith series and Unworthy hit the shelves in 2018 with amazing results. I therefore made the decision to self-publish The Backpacker which is book 3 in the Detective Harriet Taylor series which was published in July 2018.
After The Backpacker I had an idea for a totally new start to a series – a collaboration between the Smith and Harriet thrillers and The Enigma was born. It brought together the broody, enigmatic Jason Smith and the more level-headed Harriet Taylor.
The Miranda trilogy is something totally different. A psychological thriller trilogy. It is a real departure from anything else I’ve written before.
The Detective Jason Smith series continues to grow. I also have another series featuring an Irish detective who relocated to Guernsey, the Detective Liam O’Reilly series. There are also 3 stand alone novels.

Website: http://www.stewartgiles.com
Twitter: @stewartgiles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33

My Review it’s no secret from long term readers of this blog that I adore Stewart Giles Books, the pace, the plot, the characters just vibe so well, so gritty, but humourous that it feels like a favourite pair of slippers as soon as I turn a page! By now I feel I know Jason Smith inside out, and forget he’s not a real life person… Bonkers I know. But that’s how well developed the character is, so well rounded, each book you learn a bit more, and the character becomes more and more flesh. The feeling as a parent you can’t find your child and fearing the worst, portrayed brilliantly through the pages, the anguish and dread of not knowing, yet also needing to do a job felt awful through each word. As a witch myself I love books incorporating magic, and seeing it they get things right or not lol 🤣 The new characters are shaping up nicely and fitting well into the team, love how they are forever evolving characters and making them more human and real to the reader. Heart pounding gripping book as ever!!

#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, I am gifted the book to read and give a blog post. I choose genres I enjoy and authors I like.

THE WRONG WOMAN an absolutely gripping crime mystery with a massive twist (Detectives Lennox & Wilde Thrillers Book 3)

MEET DETECTIVES HARRY LENNOX AND JESS WILDE IN THIS BRILLIANT NEW CRIME SERIES SET IN THE PICTURESQUE PENNINE FOOTHILLS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND.

A BRAND-NEW MYSTERY FROM #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR HELEN H. DURRANT THAT WILL HAVE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT FROM PAGE ONE. FAST-PACED AND FULL OF SURPRISES.

Detectives Harry Lennox and Jess Wilde have never seen anything like it. The dead woman is dressed up like a Victorian doll. She’s wearing a long, white dress, a bloodstained blonde wig, and a mask with red, cupid-bow lips.

Beneath the mask, her face is beaten so badly it’s unrecognisable.

DNA identifies the victim as Lori Lansing, who was kidnapped three weeks ago. Her wealthy husband paid half a million pounds to secure her release — but he never saw his wife again.

Then another young woman is reported missing.

Could Harry and Jess be hunting a serial killer? Will Harry’s past finally catch up with him? And will Jess find happiness with her new man?

A MYSTERY FULL OF STUNNING TWISTS WHICH YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT DOWN.

Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Joy Ellis.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT HELEN H. DURRANT:

‘I couldn’t put it down.’ Barbara

‘This new series by Helen H. Durrant certainly has got off to a thrilling start.’ Viv

‘If you want a book to get your teeth into, this is the one. A massive 5*.’ Greta

‘Another fast-paced murder mystery.’ Aileen

‘The writing was top notch and the characters were very real.’ Kat

THE DETECTIVES
DI HARRY LENNOX began his career in Glasgow, but due to a traumatic incident, transferred to West Yorkshire and then Ryebridge. He blames a Scottish villain for what happened and is afraid that he’ll catch up with him. Harry is single, thirtysomething and has a chaotic lifestyle.

DS JESS WILDE is in her early thirties. She is unattached and keen to progress in her career. She gets on well with Harry. He doesn’t have much time for protocol, and this suits her. She is critical of how he lives. She has recently bought her first property locally.

THE SETTING
Welcome to Ryebridge in the North of England. Nestled in the picturesque Pennine foothills, it appears to be an idyllic place to live. But this former cotton town has suffered a steady decline
into hard times. Today with the mills long gone and little to take their place, it’s become the perfect breeding ground for fledgling criminals. Gangs from Manchester soak up money-hungry youths and put them to work. The streets are dangerous, the people scared, all of which belies the beauty of the town’s surroundings of hills, lakes and moorland. The backbone of England has a heavy load to bear.

ALSO BY HELEN H. DURRANT
LENNOX & WILDE
Book 1: THE GUILTY MAN
Book 2: THE FACELESS MAN
Book 3: THE WRONG WOMAN

RACHEL KING
Book 1: NEXT VICTIM
Book 2: TWO VICTIMS
Book 3: WRONG VICTIM
Book 4: FORGOTTEN VICTIM
Book 5: LAST VICTIM

THE CALLADINE & BAYLISS MYSTERY SERIES
Book 1: DEAD WRONG
Book 2: DEAD SILENT
Book 3: DEAD LIST
Book 4: DEAD LOST
Book 5: DEAD & BURIED
Book 6: DEAD NASTY
Book 7: DEAD JEALOUS
Book 8: DEAD BAD
Book 9: DEAD GUILTY
Book 10: DEAD WICKED
Book 11: DEAD SORRY
Book 12: DEAD REAL

THE DCI GRECO BOOKS
Book 1: DARK MURDER
Book 2: DARK HOUSES
Book 3: DARK TRADE
Book 4: DARK ANGEL

DETECTIVE ALICE ROSSI SERIES
Book 1: THE ASH LAKE MURDERS

AUTHOR BIO – HELEN H. DURRANT
OVER 1 MILLION BOOKS SOLD!
Helen is one of the ‘baby boomer’ generation and began writing when she retired from her job at a local college. Born in Edinburgh to an English father and Scottish mother the family settled in a Pennine village between the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is an environment which has shaped her stories. Writing is a second career and, despite having a bus pass, keeps her busy, and tuned in.
Helen’s children are all grown-up and she has five grandchildren.

MY REVIEW this grabbed me with Victorian Doll, now I love creepy things but a woman looking like a Victorian doll is too creepy for me, so I’m all in. Though I’ve dipped my toe in before with this author, I’m not fully familiar with all the characters, however that wasn’t an issue at all, as you are soon well knowledgeable about them, down to their pasts, their quirks and humour. Well rounded mystery with no lack lustre characters at all. I enjoyed the pace and guesswork, nothing too complex though certainly not easy to work out either. Now I’m winding my real life down for a hand surgery, books like these are making life and recovery more bearable. The two main characters are literal dream characters to read about, and easy to envision in real life.

#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

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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.

#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, I choose books and genres I enjoy to read.

THE LIBRARIAN (Detective Jason Smith book 20)
From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith series

The Librarian
Detective Jason Smith has outwitted more murderers than he cares to admit. His insight into the criminal mind is unrivaled and he’s made a career out of outsmarting the depraved and insane killers that have plagued the city of York.
But it appears someone has been doing some research on Smith’s track record. Somebody knows more than they ought to, and when people are murdered in circumstances, far too familiar to be coincidence, Smith runs out of ideas.
The answers to his questions come from an unexpected source. An octogenarian former Librarian who claims to remember everything that has ever happened in her waking life, will prove to be an unusual ally in Smith’s quest to bring down the most disturbing killer he’s ever come across.
What readers are saying about The Librarian:
Every chapter is like navigating a terrifying, haunted circus hall of mirrors maze. Hair-raising suspense explodes leading to a dynamite chilling conclusion.. – Lena
What a twisted minded read. I was all over the place reading every chapter.
Superb once again from Stewart Giles the master of writing at his best, simply the best. 5 stars.. – Booklover Bev
This is an entertaining, engaging read. A murder, mystery in itself with multiple murders and a serial killer. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so that I am now going to reread the previous books in the series.. – Carol

BOOKS BY STEWART GILES

DS JASON SMITH SERIES
Book 0.5 – Phobia
Book 1 – Smith
Book 2 – Boomerang
Book 3 – Ladybird
Book 4 – Occam’s Razor
Book 5 – Harlequin
Book 6 – Selene
Book 7 – Horsemen
Book 8 – Unworthy
Book 9 – Venom
Book 10 – Severed
Book 11 – Demons
Book 12 – Deadeye
Book 13 – Motive
Book 14 – Australia
Book 16 – Wishbone
Book 17 – Ghosts
Book 18 – The Scarecrow
Book 19 – The Bluesman
Book 20 – The Librarian

DI O’REILLY MYSTERIES
Book 1 – Blood on the Island
Book 2 – Lies on the Island
Book 3 – Fear on the Island
Book 4 – Malice on the Island
Book 5 – Revenge on the Island
Book 6 – Christmas on the Island
Book 7 – Silence on the Island
Book 8 – Secrets on the Island


DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES
Book 1-The Beekeeper
Book 2-The Perfect Murder
Book 3-The Backpacker
Trotterdown a box set of DC Harriet Taylor books 1-3

DS JASON SMITH &DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIES
Book 1 – The Enigma
Book 2 – Dropzone
Book 3 – The Raven Girl
Trilogy: The DS Smith & Harriet Taylor box set

THE MIRANDA TRILOGY (psychological thrillers)
Miranda
Mistress
Medusa

STANDALONE NOVELS
Horror – The Divide
Thriller – The Ghostwriter
Thriller – The Guests

Stewart Giles – Author Bio

After reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live. 
In 2014 Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head and I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later. 
3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series – the DC Harriet Taylor: Cornwall series.
The Beekeeper was published and soon hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well. 
I continued to self-publish the Smith series and Unworthy hit the shelves in 2018 with amazing results.  I therefore made the decision to self-publish The Backpacker which is book 3 in the Detective Harriet Taylor series which was published in July 2018.
After The Backpacker I had an idea for a totally new start to a series – a collaboration between the Smith and Harriet thrillers and The Enigma was born. It brought together the broody, enigmatic Jason Smith and the more level-headed Harriet Taylor. 
The Miranda trilogy is something totally different. A psychological thriller trilogy. It is a real departure from anything else I’ve written before. 
The Detective Jason Smith series continues to grow. I also have another series featuring an Irish detective who relocated to Guernsey, the Detective Liam O’Reilly series. There are also 3 stand alone novels.

Website: http://www.stewartgiles.com
Twitter: @stewartgiles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33

My Review we are on book 20 and this pulls all the cases and murders from previous books and ties them all together. So if you haven’t read the previous ones and planned too, note this does spoil the plots and uncovers the murderers. So I advise not to read this if you plan to go back and read them. As ever Jason Smith is as clever as ever, and the case is gripping. I adore the librarian and I so wish I was her!! Have her memory would be amazing!! I love the pace, the prose, the plots, the curve balls and red herrings. My favourite one yet by Stewart Giles.

#ADGIFTED all thoughts and opinions are my own, gifted the book in return for a post, but not required to give a review.

THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS by Pauline Rowson

DETECTIVE INSPECTOR ANDY HORTON IS BACK IN THIS BRAND-NEW CRIME THRILLER. OVER 100,000 BOOKS SOLD!

An abandoned motor cruiser is found stranded on South Binness Island in Langstone harbour.

There’s a large pool of blood on the deck and heavy crimson spatter up the side of the storage lockers. But no sign of a body on board.

Detective Inspector Andy Horton is on the case. He discovers the boat owner’s identity: Neil Spender, a Portsmouth binman. But he’s nowhere to be found.

It’s not long before Horton’s pulled into another investigation involving an unusual robbery at a local art gallery. Three paintings have been switched for forgeries.

The gallery owner is adamant the originals have been stolen. But there’s no evidence of a break-in.

Now Horton and Cantelli have a murder investigation to solve and a cunning art fraudster to find. Time is ticking for our dogged detectives . . .

An absolutely gripping detective mystery perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Joy Ellis, Rachel McLean, Helen H. Durrant, Angela Marsons, Elly Griffiths, Karin Slaughter, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.

PRAISE FOR PAULINE ROWSON:

“A great read for mystery lovers with plenty to keep you guessing until the last moment.” Crime Book Club

“The Harley Davidson-riding, boat-dwelling Horton is a fascinating man to get to know, and his thoughtful approach to detection is a pleasure to read.” Publishers Weekly

“Once you get to know Andy Horton you’ll be sure to name him as one of your favourite police characters in crime fiction.” James C.

“Couldn’t put this book down . . . I thought the story was brilliant and will definitely be reading the next book.” Nikki

“An enjoyable fast-paced crime novel in an unusual and evocative setting.” Bobby H.

“Pauline Rowson’s books are cleverly plotted with lots of twists and turns. Can’t turn the pages fast enough. For anyone who enjoys a gripping crime novel these are a must.” Darren C.

“Brilliant read. Love all of Pauline Rowson’s books. If you like a good twist, read this, you won’t be able to put it down!” Amazon customer

THE DETECTIVE
DI Andy Horton’s mum walked out on him when he was a child and he grew up in children’s home. Now he lives onboard his yacht in Southsea Marina. He rides a Harley-Davidson and never wears a suit or tie — unless it’s to go to court. He’s an instinctive copper and a man of contrasts, which often lands him in trouble with his bosses. He has a desperate need to belong, and yet is always just on the outside. Self-contained, afraid to show his feelings, but he’s a risk-taker that seeks justice.

THE SETTING
Portsmouth boasts a vibrant waterfront, a diverse multicultural population, an international port, a historic dockyard, and is home of the Royal Navy. Portsmouth Harbour is one of the busiest in the world — and one of the best places to hide a body, it seems. Set against the backdrop of the sea, the Solent area of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is every detective’s worst nightmare. The sea is ever-changing and often the best clues get swept away by the tide.

ALSO BY PAULINE ROWSON
THE SOLENT MURDER MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE PORTSMOUTH MURDERS
Book 2: THE LANGSTONE HARBOUR MURDERS
Book 3: THE HORSEA MARINA MURDERS
Book 4: THE ROYAL HOTEL MURDERS
Book 5: THE ISLE OF WIGHT MURDERS
Book 6: THE PORTCHESTER CASTLE MURDERS
Book 7: THE CHALE BAY MURDERS
Book 8: THE FARLINGTON MARSH MURDERS
Book 9: THE OYSTER QUAYS MURDERS
Book 10: THE COWES WEEK MURDERS
Book 11: THE BOATHOUSE MURDERS
Book 12: THE THORNEY ISLAND MURDERS
Book 13: THE GUERNSEY FERRY MURDERS
Book 14: THE RAT ISLAND MURDERS
Book 15: THE LUCCOMBE BAY MURDERS
Book 16: THE SOUTH BINNESS MURDERS

PAULINE ROWSON
Adventure, mystery and heroes have always fascinated and thrilled Pauline, that and her love of the sea has led her to create her exciting and gripping range of crime novels.
Born and raised in the coastal city of Portsmouth in the UK, Pauline Rowson draws her inspiration for her crime novels from the area. When she isn’t writing (which isn’t often) she can be found walking the coastal paths on the Isle of Wight and around Langstone and Chichester Harbours looking for a good place to put a body!
Pauline is the author of twenty-three crime novels — fifteen featuring the rugged and flawed Portsmouth detective, Inspector Andy Horton; four in the mystery thriller series featuring Art Marvik, the troubled former Royal Marine Commando now an undercover investigator for the UK’s National Intelligence Marine Squad (NIMS); two standalone thrillers, the award-winning In Cold Daylight and In For the Kill, and the 1950 set mystery series featuring Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alun Ryga, who makes his debut in Death in the Cove with his second investigation Death in the Harbour.
Her crime novels have been highly acclaimed in the UK, USA and Commonwealth and they have been translated into several languages. Multi-layered, fast-paced, and compelling, they are full of twists and turns and are played out against the dramatic and powerfully evocative British marine landscape of the south coast of England.
Pauline is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Society of Authors. Before becoming a full-time writer, she was a renowned marketing and training guru, with a collection of ‘how to’ business books and a successful marketing, media and training career behind her.
BOOKS BY PAULINE ROWSON
THE SOLENT MURDER MYSTERIES:
• THE PORTSMOUTH MURDERS
• THE LANGSTONE HARBOUR MURDERS
• THE HORSEA MARINA MURDERS
• THE ROYAL HOTEL MURDERS
• THE ISLE OF WIGHT MURDERS
• THE PORTCHESTER CASTLE MURDERS
• THE CHALE BAY MURDERS
• THE FARLINGTON MARSH MURDERS
• THE OYSTER QUAYS MURDERS
• THE COWES WEEK MURDERS
• THE BOATHOUSE MURDERS
• THE THORNEY ISLAND MURDERS
• THE GUERNSEY FERRY MURDERS
• THE RAT ISLAND MURDERS
• THE LUCCOMBE BAY MURDERS
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My Review another new author for me, so I’m starting at a disadvantage, as this book does have a long backstory and I don’t know, understand, and it hindered my reading. But that said, though super complex and a harder slower book to read, I eventually get into it. I believe this is the last book in the series, and I could enjoy going all the way back and starting at the beginning. As a standalone book, I would say it was hard work to figure out what was going on and character motivation, but not impossible. A more considered read, give it time and energy to progress and it all gets better as you get a grip of who is who, and what is what. A good writing style, I just would of liked a bit more info on back story.

#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
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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.