*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: When Milla Graham returns to her childhood home of Raven’s Edge after eighteen long years away, she finds the perfect English village looks much the same – all rose-covered cottages, nosy neighbours, and chintzy teashops full of scones and gossip. But her nostalgic visit takes a dark turn when the body of a local woman is discovered in an abandoned m ..read more

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Transworld Books – Random House UK and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own. Plus I did buy my own hardcover AND audio copy anyway, so…!* Blurb: The Stranger Times – winner of the 2023 British Fantasy Award for Best Audio Work! Some comebacks can be murder . . . Stella is enjoying life as an almost student, or at least she is until a man falls from the sky right in front of her, leaving a big old hole in the pavement for Manchester Council to fill. The obvious question of how he ..read more

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: How much do you enjoy your life? Does life feel dull? A bit grey? Do you feel as if your emotions have flatlined? This is anhedonia – a word only a few of us have heard of but one that explains why so many of us feel we are sleepwalking through life. Anhedonia is from the Greek word for ‘without pleasure’ and describes a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It explains why many of us spend our lives in a fog, feeli ..read more

Welcome to the fourth of my ‘Reading the Rainbow’ posts, in which I take the books I received in my 2023 book advent – each cover representing a different colour – and review them for you! April is WHITE and the book is Ghoster by Jason Arnopp. Read on to find out more… Blurb: Kate Collins has been ghosted. She was supposed to be moving in with her new boyfriend Scott, but all she finds after relocating to Brighton is an empty flat. Scott has vanished. His possessions have all disappeared. Except for his mobile phone. Kate knows she shouldn’t hack into Scott’s phone. She shouldn’t look a ..read more

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: Florence Butterfield has lived an extraordinary life full of travel, passion and adventure. But, at eighty-seven, she suspects there are no more surprises to come her way. Then, one midsummer’s night, something terrible happens – so strange and unexpected that Florrie is suspicious. Was this really an accident, or is she living alongside a would-be murderer? The only clue is a magenta envelope, discarded earlier tha ..read more

**TRIGGER WARNING: This poem is about missed/early miscarriage and therefore may be upsetting to some readers.** All the Questions How can I miss you? I never knew you. How can I feel empty? You’d barely begun. How can my life change When nothing is different? Except that you were, then you weren’t Now you’re gone. How can my tears outweigh What you had measured? And also outnumber The days that you were? Why do I lie awake Wishing things different? When I know this is common And life isn’t fair. Why can’t I forget? With nothing to remember Just let go of your thought When that’s all that I ..read more

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, No Exit Press and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: When famous TV chef Matteo McLeish turns up at the Old Forge Café and offers chef Charlie Hunter a place in his kitchen for the duration of Hampden Green’s local opera festival, she thinks it’s because he rates her cooking skills. In fact it’s because he’s heard she’s good in a crisis. The wholesome star of Nonna’s Kitchen is being blackmailed by one of his team. Tempted by an improbabl ..read more

Living death Still, leaden Eyes closed, mouth dry I lie; not dead, but resting. A dog whimpers (my dog) Children giggle and shriek (my children) Muscles tense instinctively Then a low tone shushes and peace resumes. The smell of sausages and a taste of smoke A kettle clicks Newsreaders drone, indistinct and ignored Cars, far outside; seagulls cry I piece together the world without me. The urge swells to rise, laugh, hug Eat sausages and drink tea Walk the dog, play with the kids. Muscles tremble and strain Eyelids flicker hesitantly Gravity drags at my bones Glue runs through my veins Syrup ..read more

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: There is excitement in the air as the travelling theatre arrives in Seal Bay. When The Spriggan Travelling Theatre Company arrives in Seal Bay to perform a Cornish version of King Arthur the locals flock to be entertained. But for Morwenna Mutton, sexagenarian librarian, wild swimming enthusiast and amateur sleuth, the theatre brings intrigue too. Actor and dire ..read more

*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, Duckworth Books and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.* Blurb: A modern country house farce with a diverse cast of characters Fred Twistleton is about to turn forty. Gathering with his friends to celebrate at a rented stately home, he finally hopes to get together with his college crush, the woman of his dreams, Heather. But Fred is also keen to publish his memoirs, and Heather realises the revelations they contain could threaten her career as a high-flyin ..read more