Hello to all of my like-minded book lovers. I hope you enjoyed your own festivities as much as I did. December was a busy month for me with family visits and the festivities so that did take priority over my reading, it has therefore been a shorter month for book recommendations, but a very lovely time, non the less, to see family together enjoying each other’s company over the Christmas period. We are spread about now and it is not an easy feat to achieve with remarkably busy diaries. But I invite you to embark on my continued literary journey with me as I share with you the enchanting world of my books read in December! 🎄❄️ This month's selection was a curated blend of heart warming tales, spine-tingling horrors, and thought-provoking narratives that are sure to captivate your imagination. From Cosy Mysteries to gripping thrillers that I think will keep you on the edge of your seat, each book has been carefully chosen to offer a diverse and satisfying reading experience.
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Title: ReIncarnate
Author: Patrick Querney
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Hellbound Books
Date Published: 2021
Book Length: 241
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it and recommend
About Book: Cil Franklen wasn’t good. He wasn’t nice, liked, or thin. Hell, he wasn’t even handsome!
And soon, he wouldn’t even be HIM!
Some people get the chance to do good things: Bill Gates, Al Pacino, Einstein, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King.
Given a little magic, people can be magical, but not Cil. He just wanted to kill. All life’s fog built up in him to the point of leaking out... but it wasn’t the pleasant puffy fog - it was dark and sickening.
Cil found a way to live again. And again, and again and again.
And he killed again. And again, and again, and, again.
REINCARNATION!
He did it!
Starting off slow in New York, Cil worked his way west. Hansel and Gretel left breadcrumbs to find their way, and Cil Franklen left bodies to lead his way.
Cil wound up in a small town with a plan to kill everyone in it. His breadcrumbs led Jacob Miller of the FBI straight to him, but the road there... well, that was the true Hell!
Cil Franklen was many. Jacob Miller was one. Follow them both - if you have the guts!
My Thoughts: Reincarnate" by Patrick Querney is my fist read of the genre 'Horror' and it was a compelling dive into the macabre world of Cil Franklen, a character who defies convention in the most chilling ways. The narrative unfolds like a dark symphony, weaving together themes of reincarnation, brutal murder, and a relentless pursuit of evil.
The author masterfully crafts a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat, skilfully blending elements of horror, suspense, and psychological intrigue. Querney's portrayal of Cil Franklen is both frightening and captivating, making him a character you'll love to hate. The relentless cycle of reincarnation and the dark fog that envelopes Cil's existence create a sense of foreboding that permeates the entire narrative.
The pacing of the story is well-executed, with a gradual build up of tension that keeps the pages turning. The author's descriptive prose brings each scene to life, painting vivid images of both the eerie and mundane aspects of Cil's journey. From the bustling streets of New York to the quiet desperation of a small town, the settings play a crucial role in enhancing the overall atmosphere of the narrative.
The character dynamics, particularly between Cil Franklen and FBI agent Jacob Miller, add depth to the story. Jacob's pursuit of Cil is a rollercoaster ride through the abyss, and the tension between them is palpable. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing, and the unexpected revelations added layers of complexity to the narrative.
While the book is undeniably gripping, the relentless darkness might not be everyone's cup of tea. Some readers may find the graphic nature of the murders and the psychological exploration of the characters unsettling. However, for those who appreciate a deep dive into the darker realms of fiction, "Reincarnate" is a riveting read that will leave you questioning the boundaries between good and evil.
In conclusion, "Reincarnate" is a four-star journey into the depths of the human psyche, skilfully crafted by Patrick Querney. It's a book that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to grapple with the complexities of morality and the haunting allure of the unknown. A must-read for fans of dark fiction and psychological thrillers.
Title: Always Orchid
Author: Carol Van Den Hende
Genre: Romance
Series: Goodbye Orchid Series book 3
Publisher: Azine Press
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 346
Format: E Book supplied free by author in return for an honest opinion
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: Phoenix Walker will never be the same. Nine months after a heroic act leaves him forever changed, he refuses to hurt Orchid Paige ever again. Orchid is ready to forgive. Convincing her guy, she still loves him, no matter his injuries, she works to rebuild their intimacy. But their move to her family’s ancestral country unveils China’s superstitions against people with disabilities. Worse, their friend’s life has been upended by those prejudices.
My Thoughts: Always Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende started as it meant to go on – an emotional roller coaster. The prose was beautifully written and flowed like a good river should with ebbs and waves. The relationship between Phoenix and his twin brother Caleb was enthralling. I really enjoyed the conversation between the two. There were surprises early in the book which kept me intrigued and guessing and the surprises kept on coming.
The characters were well developed and felt real to me which added to the authenticity. As I was invested in the main protagonists the book became more of an emotional rollercoaster with Orchid and Phoenix’s relationship. I liked the fact that each chapter came from a different point of view.
In conclusion a great book that I couldn’t put down, be ready for an emotional journey with the main protagonists that may well leave you laughing and crying a great book for lovers of romance but although it was a book about love, it was also about adversity, hope, fear and triumph.
Title: Imagine Living
Author: Deborah Morgan
Genre: History, mystery, suspense, thriller
Series: Disappearing Home series book 2 of 2
Publisher: Summer Seat Press
Date Published: 2023
Book Length: 218
Format: Paperback provided to me by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: It's 1980, Liverpool, Robyn is happy living with May, her nan. She is safe and well cared for. When her nan dies, sixteen-year-old Robyn finds herself homeless. She dreams of finding her father and finding a home. But she has no idea where to begin her search. Imagine Living opens as Robyn is working in her first job, in Waterford's Bakery. It is here she meets an array of characters who befriend her, but some of the characters are dangerous, searching for the most vulnerable in society to exploit. Robyn must find ways to escape them, as she is forced into navigating her own way in the world, doing her utmost to stay alive. Throughout Imagine Living, readers are jolted with unexpected surprises, through the kindness of strangers and heart warming moments of joy. How can Robyn be both living on the streets, where violence and poverty prevail, and own a Dior dress? And how will she handle being blackmailed and bullied? Robyn is in possession of an unstoppable sense optimism and loyalty to those she loves. Her kindness is seen by some as a weakness. But don't cross her, as she's formidable at protecting herself, described by many who meet her as a survivor.
My Thoughts: Imagine Living by Deborah Morgan is book 2 in the Disappearing Home series but can be read as a stand-alone book. It is based in 1980 and I really enjoyed reading about the people in this period and felt Deborah Morgan captured the vibrant essence of the 1980’s seamlessly weaving a narrative that immersed me in the cultural tapestry of the era. With meticulous attention to detail, bringing the streets, people and period to life evoking a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that transported me back to the atmosphere of the 1980’s. The book had humour and wit, but periods of fear and hope all of which made me love the main protagonist Robyn more and more. The relationship between Robyn and her Nan was heart warming and testament to the enduring power and love of family portrayed with authenticity, in the period enriching the narrative.
I laughed at the wit and humour of the time and cried at the loss and despair as if I were taking every step with Robyn. She was resilient and vulnerable all at the same time.
In conclusion, the book is about love, loss and trying to find your way along with family, friends, and foes. A great read that had lost of emotion and a cultural tapestry of the 1980’s that I recommend if you love books about family, friends, and the past.
Title: Mardi Gras Mystery
Author: Alison Golden
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Series: A Roxy Reinhardt Cosy Mystery
Date Published: 2019
Book Length: 242
Format: E book supplied to me by the author in return for an honest opinion
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: A timid traveller. A New Orleans adventure. A Mardi Gras murder...
Roxy believed that life never gives you more than you can handle. But when she's fired from her wage-slave job, bullied by her co-workers, and her boyfriend abandons her, she decides she’s handled quite enough. Eager for a change of scene, Roxy with her white Persian cat Nefertiti head off to New Orleans.
The exotic sights, smells, and food of Mardi Gras coax the shy young woman out of her shell. Booking a room at a rundown guesthouse, Roxy is surrounded by a colourful cast of local characters. From tattooed servers to mystical tarot card readers, she quickly makes new friends and leaves her old life behind.
But she soon discovers that the Big Easy isn’t all beignets and jambalaya. A wealthy developer is eager to buy the guesthouse where Roxy lives and tear it down… until he turns up dead as a doornail! Before she can say ‘Mon Dieu!’ Roxy is caught up in a diabolical murder mystery… and her new friends are the prime suspects!
Roxy is determined to protect her friends and save her new home. But is this anxious adventurer up to the challenge of solving a murder? Or will she become the killer’s next victim…
My Thoughts: Entering Alison Golden's literary realm through "Mardi Gras Madness," "Death at the Cafe," and "The Case of the Screaming Beauty" was like stepping into a coSy haven for mystery lovers. All books are part of a series but can be read alone. You are enveloped in her narrative embrace, I devoured all three in rapid succession, each page offering a delightful escape into a world where suspense and comfort perform a delightful dance.
Golden's prose is a comforting melody, smoothly flowing through the pages like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Her characters, crafted with endearing charm, feel like old friends, and the quirky storylines add a touch of whimsy to the mystery genre. It's as if each book is a puzzle, and Golden masterfully weaves clues into the fabric of her tales, inviting readers to join in the delightful unravelling.
Alison Golden's signature style creates an atmosphere that's not just engaging but warmly inviting. It's the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up in your favourite reading nook, sipping your favourite warming drink, and losing yourself in the unfolding mysteries. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, Golden's books are a must-read. A delightful blend of charm, suspense, and warmth, her stories will leave you eagerly anticipating the next inviting adventure.
Title: Death at the Cafe
Author: Alison Golden
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Series: A Reverend Annabelle Dixon Mystery
Date Published: 2015
Book Length: 176
Format: E Book supplied to me by the author in return for an honest review
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: A vicar with a taste for sweets. A nun with a knack for trouble. A deliciously diabolical crime…
When Annabelle meets her friend Mary, she expects tea and cake. What she gets is a double helping of murder.
Armed only with a note, a disappearing dart, whispered rumours, and a love of sweets, this quick-thinking, quick-footed holy woman must piece together the clues, pacify a dogged detective, and find a killer… before she and her friend both wind up in jail.
Part Sherlock Holmes, part Miss Marple, Annabelle is a new kind of sleuth, with an appetite for cakes and crime. If you love solving puzzles, then this suspense-filled yet endearing cosy mystery is just for you. Annabelle's jaunt around London will keep you guessing until the very end!
My Thoughts: Entering Alison Golden's literary realm through "Mardi Gras Madness," "Death at the Cafe," and "The Case of the Screaming Beauty" was like stepping into a cosy haven for mystery lovers. All books are part of a series but can be read alone. You are enveloped in her narrative embrace, I devoured all three in rapid succession, each page offering a delightful escape into a world where suspense and comfort perform a delightful dance.
Golden's prose is a comforting melody, smoothly flowing through the pages like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Her characters, crafted with endearing charm, feel like old friends, and the quirky storylines add a touch of whimsy to the mystery genre. It's as if each book is a puzzle, and Golden masterfully weaves clues into the fabric of her tales, inviting readers to join in the delightful unravelling.
Alison Golden's signature style creates an atmosphere that's not just engaging but warmly inviting. It's the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up in your favourite reading nook, sipping your favourite warming drink, and losing yourself in the unfolding mysteries. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, Golden's books are a must-read. A delightful blend of charm, suspense, and warmth, her stories will leave you eagerly anticipating the next inviting adventure.
Title: The Case of the Screaming Beauty
Author: Alison Golden
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Series: Inspector David Graham Mystery Series
Date Published: 2015
Book Length: 164
Format: E Book supplied to me by the author in return for an honest opinion
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
About Book: A charming bed and breakfast. A diabolical murder. A guest with a secret to hide…
The prestigious Lavender bed and breakfast in Chiddlinghurst, England has stylish decor, lovely gardens… and a deadly problem.
Norah Travis, a beautiful young woman, has been found murdered in one of their rooms. Detective Inspector Graham, a crusader for justice with a penchant for tea, and a dark side of his own is assigned to the case. Joining Sergeant Harris at the sprawling estate, the duo set their caps to solving the vicious crime.
But with no witnesses and no motive, their investigation is quickly mired in a web of lies and deceit. The jocular proprietors, Amelia, and Cliff, seem to have nothing to hide, but the same cannot be said for their long-time guest, Tim. Then there’s the bitter ex-husband, the tight-lipped housekeeper, a doddering old man…
There’s no shortage of suspects, but Graham’s instincts lead him to investigate Norah’s mysterious past. And a heinous secret soon comes to light… A secret that just might be worth killing for.
My Thoughts: Entering Alison Golden's literary realm through "Mardi Gras Madness," "Death at the Cafe," and "The Case of the Screaming Beauty" was like stepping into a cosy haven for mystery lovers. All books are part of a series but can be read alone. You are enveloped in her narrative embrace, I devoured all three in rapid succession, each page offering a delightful escape into a world where suspense and comfort perform a delightful dance.
Golden's prose is a comforting melody, smoothly flowing through the pages like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Her characters, crafted with endearing charm, feel like old friends, and the quirky storylines add a touch of whimsy to the mystery genre. It's as if each book is a puzzle, and Golden masterfully weaves clues into the fabric of her tales, inviting readers to join in the delightful unravelling.
Alison Golden's signature style creates an atmosphere that's not just engaging but warmly inviting. It's the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up in your favourite reading nook, sipping your favourite warming drink, and losing yourself in the unfolding mysteries. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, Golden's books are a must-read. A delightful blend of charm, suspense, and warmth, her stories will leave you eagerly anticipating the next inviting adventure.
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