Book Review: Houses of Deception by Cynthia Hamilton
Three missing persons.
Two private investigators.
One chance to get it right.
The MDPI team agrees to join forces with former nemesis Russell Barnett to find Dylan Latham, the son of the man who lost his life while working to save Madeline’s.
The investigation turns into a hunt for two twenty-somethings who’ve disappeared without a trace, starting at the home of land rich Cat Kingman, an eccentric woman in her late-70s. Madeline and Mike soon find themselves wading through a shameful past for clues as they scramble to save two young lives.
A frantic early-morning phone call propels the detectives down a rabbit hole as a missing person case turns into a kidnapping for ransom.
Now juggling two cases, Madeline and Mike can’t afford to waste any time. But as they dive deeper into both investigations, red flags and gut feelings cause them to question whether the people they’re searching for are really innocent victims—or guilty parties responsible for orchestrating sinister plots.
As they navigate ransom drops, stolen art, and extortion schemes, the two cases prove to be more complicated than either investigator can imagine.
The secrets and lies they uncover will have you turning each page until the very end.
Husband and wife team, Madeline and Mike run a PI agency. They find themselves investigating two missing person cases on the same day and it’s a race against time.
On one case, they have to work with former nemesis, Russell, to help find his nephew, Dylan and his girlfriend, Paige. The other case goes from a missing person to a kidnapping for ransom.
Can Madeline, Mike and their team find these three people before it’s too late and find out what’s really going on?
by 
Book Review: The Corfe Castle Murders by Rachel McLean
Meet DCI Lesley Clarke. She’s a straight-talking city copper who doesn’t suffer fools gladly… and she’s been transferred to rural Dorset.
After being injured in a bomb attack, Lesley is presented with a choice – early retirement, or a period of respite in a calmer location.
But things don’t stay calm for long.
Before she’s even started her new job, Lesley is dragged into investigating a murder at one of England’s most iconic landmarks, the imposing Corfe Castle.
Lesley must hit the ground running. Can she get along with her new partner DS Dennis Frampton, a traditionalist who doesn’t appreciate her style? How will she navigate the politics of a smaller force where she’s a bigger, and less welcome, fish? And most importantly, can she solve the murder before the killer strikes again?
The Corfe Castle Murders is a compelling, character-driven mystery perfect for fans of Ruth Rendell, Colin Dexter, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.
Detective Lesley Clarke has just moved from Birmingham to Dorset for six months. She needs time away after two big cases and an injury deeply impacted her life.
As the new DCI, she has a new team. They, for the most part are welcoming. Dennis however, prefers traditional methods and isn’t fully on board at the beginning with how Lesley works.
The day before she is due to begin, there is a murder and Lesley finds herself thrown straight into a case and the mystery of the man who came before her.
The Corfe Castle Murders is the first in the Dorset Crime Book series by author, Rachel McLean.
Lesley is a complex character who has a lot going on in her life. I feel that there is more to her than meets the eye and I hope this is further explored as the book series progresses.
The supporting characters were great although I found Dennis to be a little frustrating. In my opinion, his view of the world didn’t particularly aline with modern thinking. I did find it interesting how his attitudes evolved over the course of the book.
by Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: My Best Friends From TV
It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.
Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.
The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.
Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.
Today’s prompt: my best friends from the TV.
Pick two of the main characters from the last TV show you watched. They are now your best friends.
Your setting is an ice-cream shop. There are ten tables, five of which are occupied (including the one you’re sat at.)
Then, out of nowhere, everything goes dark.
Continue the story.
by Upcoming Book Releases: July 2021
Hello everyone. Happy Friday.
As we get into the nicer weather (please weather fairies,) and the summer months, there is more of an opportunity to disappear with a good book.
There are some corkers due out this month and below are a small sample.
Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Treachery™ by Brian Freeman is due to be released by Head of Zeus on 27th July.
This is book thirteen for Jason Bourne. This might be a bit of an unpopular opinion but I didn’t mind the films at all. I have to admit to having not read any of the novels but, reading the synopsis for the newest outing, that will soon change. Do I need to read the previous novels before reading this one? Let me know in the comments below if you’ve read them. This does sound so good.
Three years ago, Bourne and his partner, Nova embarked on a mission to rescue a Russian double agent. They failed.
Now Nova is dead, Bourne is alone and is working in the shadows for Treadstone. He awaits his next assignment.
Then his handler brings him shocking news. The double agent is alive and Bourne will soon have to face his past.
The Rainbow by Carly Schabowski, published by Bookouture and due out on 28th July, is fiction based on a true story.
I always find this type of fiction so fascinating and this book sounds particularly intriguing. I also know, before even starting, that it is going to make me cry. Do you ever have that feeling, even before you begin a book that it is going to pull you through all the emotions?
Isla is in present day London and is gathering photos of her beloved 95 year-old Grandfather.
She grew up hearing about his stories fighting the Germans in WWII so when she finds a photo of him from that time, wearing a Nazi uniform, she doesn’t know what to think.
Is everything she thought about him a lie?
Also set in WWII, Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman is due to be released by Mira Books on 22nd July. The description of this book is so vivid and it’s focusing on a part of the war that I don’t know too much about. Even from reading the synopsis, I want to find out more.
by Novel Kicks Fiction Friday: Crossroads
It’s Friday which means it’s time to start writing some fiction.
Fiction Friday is our weekly writing flash fiction prompt.
The aim is to write for a minimum of five minutes and then keep going for as long as you can.
Don’t edit, just write. Once you’re done, you’re welcome to share in the comments but there’s no obligation.
Today’s prompt is Crossroads.
Your character is walking along, minding their own business. The sun is bright and the area around them is busy.
When they reach a pedestrian crossing, they press the button and wait to cross. Suddenly, all the noise and people around them disappear. It’s quiet and still.
Ahead of them, the lights disappear and a dirt road appears. At the end is a sign post.
‘Go right to return to your life.’
by Book Club
