The Collector
Written by Fiona Cummins — In January 2017 I was lucky enough to be given a debut novel to review. It stayed with me through thick and thin and ended up being one of my favourite crime fiction books of the year. That book was…
The Other Mother by JA Baker
Three women who share one secret create myriad possibilities in this thriller from North East-based author JA Baker, published by independent favourite Bloodhound Books. Lissy lives with her teenage daughter Rosie in a small, remote village in Yorkshire. Their home is comfortable and Lissy spends…
Burn the Evidence by Keith Nixon
Seedy, run down seaside towns offer a rich hunting ground for crime writers. Cathi Unsworth’s Weirdo (set in the fictional Norfolk resort of Ernemouth) and Whitley Bay in Ann Cleeves‘ Vera series are just two examples. Keith Nixon has an affinity with the Margate area, as demonstrated…
Shame on You
Written by Amy Heydenrych — Social media. We can’t live without it these days, no matter how much we’d like to. Love it or hate it, our lives are played out on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram feeds. For some, garnering likes is the be…
Force of Nature by Jane Harper
Her debut novel, The Dry, has astounded readers around the world, winning both the CWA Gold Dagger and the Ned Kelly First Novel Award. But what if Jane Harper’s first book is still lurking in your to be read pile, as it is in mine? Is…
DeathBecomesHer: Top five books of 2017
December, a month of dark nights, last-minute panic buys, festivities… and choosing my top five books of the year. In truth, the latter has been on my mind since January and each year I allocate a shelf where I try to set aside the books…
The Silent Children
Written by Carol Wyer — Michael Connelly has published two novels this year, a new Bosch and the launch of a completely new series, but his work rate is nothing compared to that of comedy writer turned crime novelist Carol Wyer, who has produced three…
The Death Messenger
Written by Mari Hannah — The arrival of a mysterious DVD at Northumbria Police HQ sets in train an investigation which is destined to take Detective Sergeant Matthew Ryan and his boss Detective Superintendent Eloise O’Neil around the UK, and beyond. The subject matter of…