totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)

Gripping from the start, the characters, the storyline, and location were fabulously executed constantly increasing the tension and sense of foreboding. Especially as I didn't like any of the characters, in fact, they were all quite deplorable but I couldn't stop reading about them which is the hallmark of a great writer for me, creating unlikeable characters in a way you still won't want to stop reading about.

I loved the five intertwined points of view in the beginning but by the middle, it was getting a bit tedious reading the same events five times it felt like we weren't really getting anywhere. Of course, I'm sure that is the point to increase the suspense and draw out the whodunit for as long as possible. The reveal also pushes the boundaries of believability with one too many coincidences.

Overall a compulsive entertaining read, that will keep you guessing till the very end. If you loved the Hunting Party you'll be sure to love this too it is very similar to an isolated setting, old friends, booze and a dead body... get your detective hats on bookworms!

Thank-you Harper Collins & Netgalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

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Absolutely pitch-perfect! If you are looking for a dark, gritty crime novel that totally captures you within its pages then look no further.

This compelling read will transport you to 1970's Glasgow into the world of McCoy, a brilliant protagonist a bit rough around the edges and far from perfect but he has real heart making him the perfect anti-hero.

The plot is unforgettable, the dialogue is sharp and engaging. This was my first Harry McCoy novel but it certainly won't be my last. A gripping nerve-jangling thriller is a must-read for all crime readers out there!

Thank-you Anne Cater & Canongate Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.

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Is it too early to call a book of the year?!

I loved One Day in December so I was intrigued to see what Silver had come up with next. She absolutely blew me away with this novel a poignant read of love and loss.

This novel had everything it touched my heart, made me absolutely ball my eyes out and above all, it gave me hope. I felt like "There is more than one happy ending for everyone."

A beautiful novel with an incredible sense of place & time, I was immediately transported to a post-war Britain from ruins of bombed-out homes to the smokey jazz clubs of Soho you feel like you are there, so vividly described London becomes a character in its own right.

I enjoyed the dual narrative running thought the novel. Lawrie & Evie are well-drawn characters, interesting characters by no means perfect but reasonably flawed, I soon found myself rooting for. Hare really captures the young love against all odds feeling between the pair.

I found it difficult to read in places the racial and social mistreatment suffered by immigrants who answered England's call for help after the war is heartbreaking.

It just missed out on 5⭐ because I found it was a bit slow at times and dragged a little.

Overall this vivid, atmospheric & thought-provoking debut is well-worth reading.

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

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Set in Japan where several young European girls have disappeared, one is found dead with her body is displayed among flowers. Inspector Tanaka gets the case but he needs the help of hungry journalist Holly Blain, can they learn to trust each other and work together in time to find this twisted killer before he strikes again?

This novel is unique, interesting mystery. Ellis' illustrative writing was really engaging, though it was a slow starter it soon picked up the pace and had me racing to the end, a classic chilling who-done-it? with the twist of Japanese culture and procedure. The two protagonists are yin and yang to each other Blain will do anything to get her story on the front page whereas Tanaka wants to do things the right way - making them an unlikely but engaging duo, I can't wait to read more about them in the next book!

Thanks to Agora Books and Peyton for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

Maybe it was just me but I found it a bit messy? Don't get me wrong I loved the gothic elements and the gorgeous descriptions of the Victorian era but I felt there was something missing...

The cast of characters are unique and interesting, the descriptions of the era are beautiful. But I felt the structure was slightly miss-matched there was some fab idea but the implementation fell short for me. I was so gutted because the concept had so much potential.

Thanks to Titan Books for a copy in exchange for an open & honest review.⠀
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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.

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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!

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