September may have flown by, but I still managed to carve out time for some incredible reads! This month’s book recommendations is a mix of gripping crime thrillers, intriguing mysteries, and rich literary and historical fiction, with a couple of new authors I’m excited to read more from. With only eight books this month (life happens!), each one has made a memorable impact. Keep reading for my reviews and, if any of these catch your eye, click the links to grab a copy for yourself. And while you're here, don't forget to subscribe for the latest blog updates!
Please feel free to let me know what you think about any of the books I have read, I love hearing from you.
Love Alis x
Mystery Thrillers
This month, I jumped straight into some great mystery thrillers that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you're like me and love a good twist or a shocking reveal, these picks are for you. Get ready for sleepless nights and page-turning suspense!
Title: Zero Days
Author: Ruth Ware
Genre: Crime, thriller, mystery
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 352
Format: Hardback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: HER HUSBAND HAS BEEN MURDERED AND SHE'S THE ONLY SUSPECT. WHAT SHOULD SHE DO? Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband Gabe are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. It soon becomes clear that the police have only one suspect in mind – her. Jack must go on the run to try and clear her name and to find her husband’s real killer. But who can she trust when everyone she knows could be a suspect? And with the police and the killer after her, can Jack get to the truth before her time runs out?
My Thoughts "Zero Days" by Ruth Ware is a crime mystery thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This was my first experience with Ware's writing, and I was immediately drawn in by her wonderful storytelling. The book’s countdown structure, with chapters ticking away the days, amplified the tension and urgency, making it difficult to put down.
From the very beginning, I was captivated by Ware's prose. Her writing flows effortlessly, weaving vivid descriptions that bring the story to life while heightening the suspense. Every page is infused with raw emotion—I could feel the hurt, anxiety, frustration, anger, and sadness pulsing through the narrative. It’s a testament to Ware's skill that these emotions are so palpable, making me feel every moment alongside the characters.
"Zero Days" is a fast-paced thriller that delivers on every front. The intensity, the rapid pacing, the emotional depth—all combine to create a story that grips you tightly and doesn't let go. Yet, beneath the thriller’s exterior, there's also a layer of hope, fear, grit, and determination that adds richness to the narrative.
The characters, particularly the protagonist Jacintha, are strikingly real. Jacintha’s depth and complexity, her unwavering stamina, and her blend of determination and vulnerability make her a character you can’t help but root for. She’s the kind of protagonist who lingers in your mind long after the final page is turned.
This book would translate brilliantly to the big screen. In conclusion, "Zero Days" is a must-read—a gripping page-turner that deserves every one of its five stars. Ruth Ware’s writing breathes life into this story, making it an unforgettable experience.
Title: Before She Fell
Author: Natalie Sammons
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery,
Publisher: Bloodhound Books
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 315
Format: E Book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: An ostentatious party descends into violence—and a disgraced cop sets out to redeem herself by solving the case . . .Susan Grey’s fiftieth birthday party promised to be a talked-about event—an over-the-top extravagant gathering of a hundred guests at her sprawling Georgian home. But it would be talked about for all the wrong reasons . . .From an escalated argument to the disappearance of an expensive piece of jewellery, the party was quickly spiralling out of control. But the worst was yet to come when Susan suffered a horrific fall down the grand staircase. Was it an accident or was she pushed?For DI Grace Roth, relegated to desk duty due to an internal investigation, this could be a high-profile case and a chance to redeem herself. But every lead seems to send her in circles. As the badly injured Susan lies in her hospital bed, DI Roth must try to gather the scattered pieces of the puzzle and make them fit—before anyone else gets hurt . . .
My Thoughts: Before She Fell by Natalie Sammons is a gripping crime thriller and mystery, and the first book I’ve read by this author. Right from the start, the story hooked me in and held my attention until the very end. The chapters are cleverly structured, each headed by a different character, and the third-person narrative worked well, making it easy to follow each perspective.
The book alternates between the present and the time before the accident, which gave me an insight into the victim’s point of view. This added depth to the mystery, and although I usually let the plot unfold naturally, I found myself trying to solve this one—and I was pleased to find my assumptions were correct.
Sammons' writing is methodical and meticulous, with seamless transitions between chapters that kept the tension building. The pacing was spot on, making the book hard to put down. I read it in just a couple of sittings, completely absorbed by the story.
If you're a fan of well-crafted mysteries with a compelling plot and memorable characters, I highly recommend Before She Fell. It's a page-turner that delivered on suspense and intrigue.
Title: Eye For An Eye
Author: M J Aldridge
Genre: Crime Thriller Mystery
Publisher: Orion
Published Date: 2023
Book Length: 481
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: 'Emily' is a devoted single mother.' Jack' starts a new job in a new town. They both share the same secret: neither of them are who they say they are. They are among only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity, for their own safety, because of their terrible crimes. But what if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims, who are desperate for revenge? Probation officer Olivia Campbell is caught in the crossfire of this crisis - and as the search for the mole behind it all intensifies, so too does the hunt for the vigilante killers let loose by the leaks...RIGHT OR WRONG?CRIMINAL OR VICTIM?REDEMPTION OR REVENGE?
My Thoughts: An Eye for an Eye by M.J. Arlidge is a gripping crime thriller that pulls you in from the first page. It tackles an emotional subject, offering a unique perspective by telling the story from multiple viewpoints—the police, probation services, criminals, and victims. This layered approach sets it apart from other thrillers I've read, making it an intriguing and fresh take on the genre.
One thing to note is the sensitive content, so I'd recommend checking the trigger warnings before you start reading. However, everything included felt necessary to the story, and Arlidge’s writing is both bold and thought-provoking. The book moves quickly, with short chapters that heighten the anticipation and tension. It’s filled with twists and turns, but Arlidge masterfully weaves it all together, making the intricate plot easy to follow.
Personally, I found An Eye for an Eye to be an unforgettable read, perfect for anyone who loves a fast-paced, complex thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I’d recommend it to any crime fiction fan looking for something a little different.
Title: Idaho Fall
Author: DJ Maughan
Genre: Thriller Mystery
Publisher: Hulyeseg
Published Date: 2024
Book Length: 293
Format: E book provided by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: An entrepreneur with a start up valued at one billion falls from a balcony on the eve of the company going public. Was it an accident? Or was she pushed? Rita Burch is a rising star. The founder of a huge clothing brand, she is on the brink of financial nirvana. Her company is set to go public with a valuation of over one billion dollars when her body is found broken and unconscious, a victim of an apparent accident. Comatose, and fighting for her life, determined to wake, she learns she can leave her body. Following the detectives as they investigate her accident, probing for clues, Rita learns disturbing details about herself and others. Shocked by her life, she faces a dilemma. Even if she could, would she want to live?
My Thoughts: Idaho Fall by D.J. Maughan is a gripping mystery thriller centred on the dramatic fall of Rita Burch, a dynamic entrepreneur whose company is about to go public with a billion-dollar valuation. On the eve of this financial triumph, Rita falls from a balcony, leaving her body broken and unconscious. Was it an accident? Or was she pushed?
Rita, now comatose and fighting for her life, discovers an extraordinary ability—she can leave her body. As she follows the detectives, Joyce Powers and Hank Gardener, investigating her case, she uncovers shocking details about her own life and those around her. The deeper the investigation goes, the more unsettling the revelations. Even if she wakes, Rita must face a painful question: does she even want to live?
Told from multiple points of view, including that of Rita herself while she's in a coma, the novel adds an intriguing layer to the classic mystery format. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two detectives, Joyce and Hank. They're opposites in many ways, but their partnership is full of subtle wit and humour that lightens the heavy tone of the investigation, showcasing Maughan’s skill as a writer.
Emotion runs high throughout the book—I felt like I was on a rollercoaster, experiencing everything from tension to heartbreak. While the mystery surrounding Rita’s fall is intriguing, the process of narrowing down the suspects also makes the attacker less surprising. However, that didn’t take away from the experience, as Maughan delivers a satisfying twist at the end.
In conclusion, Idaho Fall is a solid, steady-paced mystery with emotional depth and a unique perspective. It’s a quick, easy read perfect for fans of suspenseful whodunits.
Adventure book
This month I read 1 book that comes under the genre Adventure and it was full of adrenaline-pumping adventures, with an intricate mystery thrown in! I found myself in far-off lands, facing unimaginable challenges—all from the comfort of my favourite reading spot. If you’re craving an epic journey, this adventure book will take you there.
Title: The Puzzle Box
Author: Danielle Trussoni
Genre: Adventure, Thriller, Mystery
Series: Follow on from the Puzzle Master
Publisher: Random House
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 336
Format: E book supplied by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Two sisters. A lost imperial treasure. The world's greatest puzzle master has twenty-four hours to solve the most dangerous mystery of his life . . . or die trying,
The box was constructed during one of Japan's most tumultuous periods, when the samurai class was disbanded and the shogun lost power. In this moment of crisis, Emperor Meiji locked a priceless Imperial secret in the Dragon Box. Only two people knew how to open the box--Meiji and the box's sadistic constructor--and both died without telling a soul what was inside or how to open it.
Every twelve years since then, in the Year of the Dragon, the Imperial family holds a clandestine contest to open the box. It is devilishly difficult, filled with tricks, booby traps, poisons, and mind-bending twists. Every puzzle master who has attempted to open it has died in the process.
But Brink is not just any puzzle master. He may be the only person alive who can crack it. His determination is matched only by that of two sisters, descendants of an illustrious samurai clan, who will stop at nothing to claim the treasure.
Brink's quest launches him on a breakneck adventure across Japan, from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to the pristine forests of Hakone to an ancient cave in Kyushu. In the process, he discovers the power of Meiji's hidden treasure, and--more crucially--the true nature of his extraordinary talent.
My Thoughts: The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni is the sequel to The Puzzle Maker and falls under the adventure, thriller, and mystery genres. Although this is the first book I've read by Trussoni, I was at once drawn in by the striking cover and, of course, the title—I'm sold on any book that has the word "puzzle" in it.
I loved the main character, Mike Brink, but I also really connected with Rachel Appel. Their relationship is rooted in friendship and trust, which deepens as the mystery unfolds. Despite their differences, they've formed a strong bond built on mutual respect, which Trussoni makes entirely believable through her superb writing. From the very beginning, I found myself rooting for both of them.
As I continued reading, the story became more and more compelling—it gripped me and wouldn’t let go. This was a book I didn’t want to end. Trussoni’s prose flows beautifully, almost like dancers moving gracefully across the page. The tension builds with every chapter, adding to the excitement.
For me, this book had it all: mystery, intrigue, action, and a captivating mix of historical elements with present-day events. It’s a true page-turner. If you're a fan of Dan Brown or Steve Berry, this book is definitely for you. I highly recommend it!
Literary Gems
Sometimes, I crave books that make me think a little deeper, and this month’s literary picks did just that. These stories are beautifully written, rich in themes, and filled with complex characters. If you enjoy thought-provoking reads that linger long after the last page, these are must-haves for your shelf.
Title: The Grand Scheme of Things
Author: Warona Jay
Genre: Literary Humour
Publisher: Footnote Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 273
Format: Paperback provided by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Two unlikely friends hatch an extraordinary scheme to expose the theatre world in this wildly entertaining and sharply observed debut novel exploring perception, redemption, and how success shapes us all. Meet Relebogile Naledi Mpho Moruakgomo. Or, for short, Eddie: an aspiring playwright who dreams of making it big in London's theatre world. But after repeated rejections from white talent agents, Eddie suspects her non-white sounding name might be the problem .Enter Hugo Lawrence Smith: good looking, well-connected, charismatic and . . . very white. Stifled by his law degree and looking for a way out of the corporate world, he finds a kindred spirit in Eddie after a chance encounter at a cafe. Together they devise a plan, one which will see Eddie's play on stage and Hugo's name in lights. They send out her script under his name and vow to keep the play's origins a secret until it reaches critical levels of success. Then they can expose the theatre world for its racism and hollow clout-chasing. But as their plan spins wildly out of control, Eddie and Hugo find themselves wondering if their reputations, and their friendship, can survive.
My Thoughts The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay falls under the Literary Humour genre. From the moment I started reading, I felt as if the weight of the world rested on the shoulders of Eddie, the main protagonist. One of my favourite quotes from the book comes early on: “Being the first child in my mother’s family to be raised outside the country meant that every return was like Neil Armstrong bringing remnants of the moon back with him.” This perfectly encapsulated the sense of pressure and expectation that Eddie carried with her throughout the book.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this book, but the writing was eloquent and flowed effortlessly. The prose is graceful, as if it dances off the page. Warona Jay skilfully explored complex subjects in a way that drew you in and made me want to learn and understand more.
The friendship between Eddie (Naledi) and Hugo stands out as particularly authentic. Their bond felt genuine and rooted in a shared desire to change their lives through the play Eddie wrote. Despite coming from distinct backgrounds and having different personalities, they complement each other perfectly. Their interactions are filled with honest conversations and moments of tension, along with disagreements and arguments which only add to the believability of their relationship.
This book is full of twists, turns, and emotion, making it hard to put down. I thoroughly recommend The Grand Scheme of Things – it’s a captivating read that didn’t disappoint me.
Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Literary
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published Date: 2018
Book Length: 368
Format: Paperback I purchased myself
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Afghanistan, 1975: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.
My Thoughts: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is typically listed as literary fiction, but for me, it belongs equally in the realm of historical fiction, given its setting in 1970s Afghanistan. From the very beginning, I was struck by the beauty of Hosseini's writing. Even though the subject matter is often difficult, his prose is so eloquent that it feels like you're being gently guided through the story, no matter how painful or raw it gets.
What really captivated me was the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Hosseini's descriptions brought their world to life in a way that made me feel as if I was standing right beside them. You can almost feel the tension, the guilt, the jealousy, and above all, the deep friendship that threads through their lives. Every emotion seems to leap off the page, and I found myself becoming completely absorbed in their story.
This isn’t a book to rush through. I found myself savouring it like my favourite dessert, enjoying it piece by piece, page by page. The themes of lost friendship, guilt, and redemption really resonated with me, especially set against the backdrop of such a turbulent time in Afghanistan’s history.
As I kept reading, I noticed a steady build-up of anticipation. Each chapter felt like it was raising the stakes, drawing me in deeper and deeper. I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages faster, eager to see what was coming next. By the end, I was so emotionally invested that I felt as though I’d been on the journey with Amir and Hassan.
The Kite Runner left me deeply moved. Hosseini has a way of crafting stories that stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page. For me, this was a gripping, heart-wrenching read that I won’t soon forget.
Journey through History
I’ve always been fascinated by how books can bring the past to life, and this month’s historical read did just that. From a gripping story set in great periods of history to unforgettable characters, this book offer an immersive trip back in time. Ready to step into the past?
Title: Cocktails Before Midnight
Author: Tanya E Williams
Genre: Historical
Series: Hotel Hamilton Series book 3
Publisher: Rippling Effects
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 282
Format: E Book provided by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5**** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Clara and Louisa Wilson, maids at the illustrious hotel, are swept up in the thrill of The Hamilton’s first holiday season. Louisa, buoyed by the excitement of her theatrical debut, sets her sights on Hollywood and befriending a director staying at the hotel. Meanwhile, Clara, newly promoted to a prestigious eighth-floor position, navigates the complexities of her role while a blossoming romance stirs her heart. But the joy of the season starts to fade as the sisters find themselves ensnared in a sinister ploy that threatens all they hold dear. Caught in the crosshairs of Louisa’s Hollywood ambitions, Clara’s budding romance, and with their very livelihoods at stake, they must confront a formidable challenge that could cost them everything. Will they find the strength to protect what matters most, or will they lose it all?
My Thoughts: Cocktails Before Midnight by Tanya E. Williams is part of the charming Hotel Hamilton series, but rest assured, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. This is the first book I’ve read by Williams, and I was quickly captivated by her storytelling. The novel unfolds through alternating perspectives of two sisters, Clara, and Louisa. While these two women couldn’t be more different in temperament and outlook, their bond is deep and authentic—a testament to Williams' ability to craft believable, relatable characters.
The era in which the story is set comes vividly to life through Williams' descriptive prose. Every detail of the time period feels carefully considered, immersing the reader in a world where traditions and societal expectations influence every interaction. Yet, there’s a warmth throughout the story—a feel-good factor that runs deeper than nostalgia. The camaraderie between the employees at the Hamilton Hotel and the sisterly connection between Clara and Louisa creates a heart warming undercurrent that pulls you in and makes you care about their journey.
Williams’ ability to balance the intimate dynamics of family relationships with the historical richness of the era is impressive. The dialogue flows naturally, and the vivid descriptions transport you to the golden age of grand hotels, making you feel like you’re a guest at the Hamilton yourself.
In Conclusion, if you're in the mood for a novel that offers both emotional depth and the comfort of a cosy, heart warming read, Cocktails Before Midnight is the perfect choice. Williams has woven a story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and family sagas alike, leaving you invested in the lives of her characters long after the final page. Whether you're already familiar with the Hotel Hamilton series or staring out anew for the first time like I did, this book promises a delightful escape into a bygone era. You won't want to put it down—and after finishing, you may find yourself eager to pick up another of Williams’ books.
As I bid farewell to September, these books have left an indelible mark on my reading journey, each offering a unique perspective and a captivating story to immerse myself in. I hope my recommendations spark your interest and lead you on your own literary adventures. Happy reading!
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