Archive | October 2023

The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane

Oct31

Cleverly & Expertly Constructed

The Rutland Connection by Michael Dane is an absolutely top notch crime thriller. It is the first book in The Frank McBride series and I cannot wait for subsequent books.

The action is set in Lincolnshire in 1997 as we follow customs and excise teams trying to catch, and bring down, the small empire of a local drug supplier.

This is an exciting novel with a cleverly constructed and extremely well executed complex plotline. It is a thinking mans novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. As the action ramps up, so did my heart rate.

We learn about the complexity of following criminals without being spotted. It is harder than you would think. We also witness a very clever World War II veteran who can certainly give the young of the day a run-around. Getting older does not mean a pipe and slippers existence!

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. Many were likable – the ones who weren’t, were the criminals, but you are not supposed to like them! The characters are an eclectic mix from the not terribly bright petty criminals to the masterminds that are functioning both within and outside the law.

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The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

Oct31

Promo Blitz

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

For fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls this charming debut novel and TikTok sensation is packed full of romance, charm and plenty of magic…

Revelare witches are cursed. As long as they use their magic, they are doomed to four heartbreaks.

So far, Sadie Revelare has experienced three – the devastating departure of her mother and the loss of her brother. And the most painful heartbreak of all: Jake McNealy, her first love. Ever since, Sadie has done everything she can to protect herself from more pain.

But now Sadie’s beloved grandmother is sick. And without her, Sadie isn’t sure she will have the strength to keep her family and her magic together.

As Sadie’s carefully structured life begins to unravel, Jake returns to town after a decade away. And in the face of a final heartbreak that could tear Sadie apart, she must decide once and for all: is love more important than magic?

The perfect read for anyone looking for a cosy and warm, witchy novel to curl up with this autumn.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.eu/d/gbqaEhX

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Dead Pretty by Joy Wood

Oct31

Wow! Jaw Dropping!

Dead Pretty by Joy Wood is an absolutely cracking crime suspense that I just could not put down.

The action is set in 1977 in an orthopedic hospital near Nottingham as we follow four young student nurses. They each come from varying backgrounds but are united in their vocation.

For the reader we are transported back to the sights, sounds and fashions of 1977.

There is a killer on the loose. He has killed before and he wants to kill again. We ‘hear’ his voice as the chapters alternate between him and the four new recruits. We learn of his background and can only guess at the motivation for killing but we do not know who he is.

Within the novel there were several male characters who appeared to be the correct age. Joy Wood threw out snippets of information about them all – I suspected them all in turn! The author had constructed a marvellous plotline as I went round in circles, never quite sure who was the murderer.

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A Blend Of Magic by Kate Kenzie

Oct28

An Enchanting Escape

A Blend Of Magic by Kate Kenzie is the most delightful contemporary tale that will warm your heart.

It is an enchanting tale, a fairytale for adults as we meet some charming characters with magical powers – think Sabrina The Teenage Witch but for adults. It also reminded me of the movies in the series of The Good Witch.

The leading lady has a kind heart. She uses her powers for protection after being hurt in the past. We witness the damage the past can do if we live with one foot there. She also looks after others and has a spirit of generosity.

We see that the special powers are passed down the generations. The older members need to teach and guide the younger ones. The leading lady has beautiful memories of her grandmother who taught her the art of making personalised tea in a teapot.

The old buildings are more than just bricks and mortar as we meet the Marleys and a large black cat.

Animals are important. We meet a Maine Coon called Vincent and a friendly ferret.

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