totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)

Mysterious, atmospheric and twisty.

This novel is very well written, I particularly enjoyed the way the author presents 'the Hollows', it is almost a character in its own right and adds to the creepy, tense atmosphere.

The main character Jacob is seemingly good ones leading a normal life until his past comes back to haunt him! Frech expertly weaves the past and the present together through a series of authentic flashbacks. The mystery and the tension is built up throughout with plenty of twists and turns to keep you entertained.

The ending is ambiguous but it makes you think and poses a few questions - does the punishment fit the crime?

Overall this is a fun, fast-paced read with vivid imagery and the perfect level of creepiness.

Thanks to HQ Stories and Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

An enjoyable, entertaining story with lots of colourful characters.

This novel follows three women all living on Pine Close, all is not as idyllic as it seems in this neighbourhood, we soon get wrapped up in the lives of Edie, Martha & Robin. The narrative is regularly interspersed with WhatApp message threads which provide amusing insights to the other characters in the neighborhood and the latest gossip.

It missed out on 5⭐ because I didn't find it as engaging as I'd hoped to, it didn't meet my maybe too high expectations of Shortall as I completely devoured and absolutely loved her previous novel Grace After Henry.

Overall this witty look into suburbia contains some fabulous neighbourly put-downs and a twisty mystery which will delight fans of Desperate Housewives.

Thanks to Corvus & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wonderful, positive & uplifting - I absolutely loved this novel!

It draws you in immediately and gives you all the feels. I laughed out loud, I cried (the ugly kind!) and I rooted for the characters and their cause so much I was cheering them on as I turned the pages.

The writing is beautiful, the characters have depth and their own personalities. The Lido so perfectly described it becomes a character in its own right. This is totally exquisite, it captures your heart, leaves you feeling hopeful and stays with you long after you have turned the last page.

I whole-heartedly recommend. If you haven't read it yet do grab yourself a copy and thank me later!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Intriguing, entertaining & hard to put down.

The structure of this novel was cleverly done to maximize suspense and uncertainly. I really liked the unique one-sided interviews with the police, I thought it gave momentum to the narratives and stopped it getting bogged down by the question/answer format.

It missed out on 5⭐ because I felt all the slightly different perspective of wandering around in the woods made drag in the middle for me. I also would have loved to see a more sinister ending (but that is because I'm obviously too dark and twisty!).

Overall an entertaining read with well-built characters and plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley & Nuala Ellwood.

Thanks to Penguin Books UK & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Funny, touching & powerful.

A beautifully written novel about an estranged dysfunctional family that loves each other but don't know how to show it to each other anymore.

I loved the premise of this novel and the cast of complex, conflicted but likable characters. They will make you chuckle and make your heartache.

It just missed out on 5⭐ I felt the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly and whilst it was hopeful it just felt a bit flat for me.

Fast-paced and fabulously penned, let this novel take you on a trip - those European destinations are so gorgeously described you'll wish you were there!

Thanks to Penguin Books UK & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

An absolute gem! - I knew I was in for a treat Morgan's books are always a heart-warming delight but I think this is her best yet.

I found it impossible to put down, the characters draw you into their lives. They are flawed (aren't we all!), realistic and relatable. As the secrets start spilling out you'll be rooting for them to find their happy ending.

The writing is free-flowing and a joy to read, the two vivid perfectly drawn backdrops from the lively colour filled New York to the somewhat less hectic stunning Cumbria.

Don't miss this uplifting story of love, loss, family & new beginnings.

Thanks to HQ Stories for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A brilliantly written thriller gripping from the start!

I loved the dual timelines. The characters themselves are well-drawn and it was obvious they were hiding something and I could not turn the pages quick enough to find out what.

The perfectly picked eerie setting is sure to give anyone the creeps. It is packed with twists and turns with a chilling ending I didn't see coming.

If you are looking for an edge of your seat thriller, look no further you have found it!

This was my first O'Sullivan book, but it definitely won't be my last! I am glad I have the rest of his back catalog to read whilst I wait for book number five.

Thanks to HQ Stories for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐