After a stressful week, TV reporter Cora Baxter is ready for a quiet weekend. But

what she hadn’t counted on was witnessing the shocking death of a young woman on her way

home. She discovers seventeen-year- old Leanne had been protesting against a new housing

development, angering the powerful establishment. Leanne’s death is ruled a suicide, but

when puzzling information comes to light, Cora decides to investigate further.

She doesn’t know what an unscrupulous businessman, a suspended police officer and hate-

mail sending neighbours have to do with the case – but she knows there is a news story there.

With her eccentric camera crew on hand to help, can Cora tie the strands of Leanne’s case

together – or will other forces interfere?

The Development is the third in the Cora Baxter Mysteries series.

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Goood evening and welcome back to my corner of the internet. The blog schedules been a bit scattered lately hasn't it? Apologise! I'm finishing up this blog post in the comfort of a new flat that we moved into this weekend. So it's fair to say things have been a bit hectic the last few weeks in order to get everything sorted. One thing that's kept me calm and collected has been escaping into a fab book, and for this post I want to speak about Malia Zaidi's book, The Study of Silence. 

Lady Evelyn Carlisle has returned home to England, where she is completing her degree at St.

Hugh's, a women's college in Oxford. Her days are spent poring over ancient texts and rushing to

tutorials. All is well until a fateful morning, when her peaceful student life is turned on its head.

Stumbling upon the gruesome killing of someone she thought she knew, Evelyn is plunged into a

murder investigation once more, much to the chagrin of her friends and family, as well as the

intriguing Detective Lucas Stanton. The dreaming spires of Oxford begin to appear decidedly

less romantic as she gathers clues, and learns far more than she ever wished to know about the

darkness lurking beyond the polished veneer. Can she solve the crime before the killer strikes

once more, this time to Evelyn's own detriment?

Jumping into Malia's books you definitely get some cosy vibes which for this time of year on a cold night has been the perfect pick me up.  With the book being a period crime novel, it definitely ticked all the boxes for me when I received the email about this tour and having read it, it's certainly not disappointed! 

As I mentioned above, The Study of Silence is a period novel set within 1920's Oxford. The novel follows Lady Evelyn Carlisle while she returns to Oxford in order to complete her studies. Along the way you get to meet a variety of characters which keeps you on your toes as to who the killer is. Compared to recent books I've read, the pacing did feel slower to them but with enough clues to sway you between who was the murderer it did leave for a satisfying ending with a character who ended up making a lot of sense. 

One aspect of this book that I very much respected, especially as it being the third in the series, was the character development. I've not read the first two instalments to this series but I was still given enough background and information that led to this being an enjoyable read. Throughout this chapter of the series, you get to meet a variety of new characters as well as some that I imagine you learn more about in the initial two books. Focusing on  Lady Evelyn Carlisle solely, I found it interesting the complexity her character has which is not unlike any women growing up in modern society. Constantly battling between her own ambitions and what she should "traditionally" be doing, it gives a lot of thinking points but also shows how much has changed between almost 100 years ago and now. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing and gave me a break between some harder going crime and thrillers, it's definitely more a pick for cosying up in a blanket with a cuppa in hand. I would also state that even though it is the 3rd in a series, definitely check it out on it's own. As someone who's not heard of this series before the characters and story line made sense and I didn't feel like I was missing any major background to the characters or story. So definitely make sure to check it out if you want a lighter crime novel to read or you fancy jumping into a new series altogether. 

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'Ello and welcome back to the blog! Today I have another book review by someone that I shared another of his books last year- Jon Richter! In similar styling to his last book, Deadly Burial, Disturbing Works is another book best kept for a stormy night when you want a bit of a spook. Or yano, in my instance when you're sitting on the tube twice a day! 

The first volume of my Disturbing Works is a collection of twelve twisted tales perfect for people who like their stories dark, despicable, and deeply unsettling. Containing fantasy, sci-fi, dark humour and a lot of deliciously nasty horror, it should have something for every reader that has a sinister side and nerves of steel…

If you haven't noticed my choice of books has definitely grown to include crime, thriller and creeps the past few years and well Richter's book did not disappoint. The book itself is a collection of a variety of short stories all covering different themes and genres of creepy, mind-F'ing weirdness and some with a unique look at technology. The best way for me to some it up would be by saying it's like the tv series Black Mirror but in book form (with also getting a bit of Hunger Games/Battle Royale vibes with one story as well).

One point I covered in my last review of a Richter book is the formatting. Within this new collection of stories, it is once again where the formatting and pacing makes the reading enjoyable and engrossing. Each of the stories varies slightly in length and amount of dialogue- although the majority include only small on going passages of speech. But it is with this instance I feel helped with the setting of each story, whether it was a story with 20+ humans/robots or a single person, the style of writing cemented you in to what was happening very easily. 

With each story being obviously short it would be very easy to read the entire book within one sitting but I do definitely prefer the way I worked my way through it. The stories were short enough that I could start and finish one or two on my commute on the tube going too/from work, making the packed tube rides all that much more pleasant... well as pleasant as it can be when you're reading about people being murdered, robots taking over and a plethora of other disturbing things. 

So if you fancy getting yer creep on I'd thoroughly recommend checking out Disturbing Works! Trust me if you love your sci-fi, horror or thrillers you will be pulled right into this book! I would love to see a tv show collection of some of these, it would work so well. But for now I'm looking forward to the next collection being released and actually sitting down and reading it with a cuppa rather than a shakey tube, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do! 

What books have you been loving lately? I'm trying to complete my Goodreads challenge this year by reading 30+ books, so leave your recommendations down below and I'll hopefully get round to it! 

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'ello and welcome back to the blog! Today I've got another book review for you to have a mooch over! This one I'm excited to share as it kept me on the edge of my bed like how I was with the Those Who Lie book that I reviewed a few months ago! Anyway on to the book, this time I've got the book Did you whisper back? by Kate Rigby. 

Set in the nineteen-seventies, Did You Whisper Back? begins with Amanda Court's longing to bereunited with her estranged twin sister Jo. Following a false lead, Amanda leaves her Merseyside home and family and goes to Devon to work as a chambermaid where she believes Jo now lives. Amanda's new life begins to encroach on her personal space and time, and her search for Jo is put on hold until Amanda feels Jo calling her back to Liverpool.

Gradually it emerges that Jo is, seemingly, just a figment of Amanda's imagination arising from distorted childhood memories. She experiences a series of strange and sometimes frightening experiences, including lamps talking and the endless ringing of telephones, until the desperation of her family reaches breaking point.

Did You Whisper Back? is a psychological novel about family secrets and a disturbing portrayal of the fragility of the mind.

The main thing that drew me to reading this book was that it was another psychological novel filled with suspense and that it covered the issues of mental health. Within the blurb you are given an insight to this from being told that Amanda has gone on a quest to find her long lost twin but it is really just a figment of her imagination.

I have to tip my hat too Kate as she did a fabulous job of depicting schizophrenia and the downward spiral that someone can face when they begin having a breakdown. From hallucinations to nightmares to an aura of haziness it is all laid out in front of you within the story. Because of this though, I would like to state here that if you do suffer from a mental health issue this book may be a trigger warning for you but it is important to note that Kate shows the seriousness of the issue and takes great care in describing it. 

Throughout the book, it really is the writing style that does the story justice. Kate manages to explore the seriousness of the issues while keeping you question what is going on and learn to care for Amanda. You result in being angry at characters while also longing to be able to help Amanda through everything she is experiencing which is why I felt this book was so wonderfully written. 

The way everything is described within the book as well and how the story progresses is especially brilliant. From start to end it is intense and incredibly detailed but also makes sure to give an overall full picture view while comparing 'real' life to the world inside Amanda’s head. It's this way of levelheaded writing that gives you everything you need to understand the scale of what is going on. You really are able to understand each piece of the story by being taken into it rather than just reading the words on a page. 

I really do applaud Kate for what she has achieved with this book and will definitely be making sure to check out more by her! Obviously the subject matter doesn't make for an enjoyable or easy read but it definitely will provoke you emotionally and give you some really meaningful insight to mental illness. So if you enjoy a suspense then you should get a read of it as I'm sure you will find it just as brilliant as I did.

If you fancy winning a copy of two of Kate's previous books then check out the rafflecopter form below for the chance to win! (UK entries only.)

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Kate Rigby's Website

Kate's blog

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*Disclaimer: I was sent this book free of charge in connection with the Neverland blog tours promotion of this book. This does not in any way affect my opinions. All views and thoughts are my own.

Hello again! Today I have another book review (I promise I'll get to my Cornwall updates soon)! This times book is another pick from Neverland Blog Tour's, here is my review of Hot Shade by Tamara Lush...

In the tropical Florida heat, a man with deadly secrets falls for a lovely, inquisitive reporter...

After Luca Rossi lost everything to the Italian mafia, he used all his skills to write a stunning expose, and managed to put a key don on trial for his life. But now Luca must hide out on the Florida coast until justice is served in Italy. All is well, until he meets a lovely young American reporter who won’t stop asking questions about who he is. Soon he’s fighting the urge to hush her with a kiss ... and much, much more.

Skylar Shaw took a job with a small Florida paper determined to make her mark on the journalistic world. She may spend her days writing up alligator scares and human interest stories, but when she meets a handsome mystery man on the beach, she’s not afraid to dig into his past, and the danger stalking him from across the seas. There’s just one problem ... will her efforts help Luca, or bring danger straight to him?

Luca knows all too well the journalistic drive to keep digging. Can he trust his lovely Skylar to keep his secrets, or must he push her away to save both their lives?

When on the run from the mafia and hiding out in his Uncles Florida holiday home, Luca is hoping not to get into any more trouble. Then after a plane crashes and he is deemed a 'good Samaritan', the attention this brings from a journalist named Skylar starts throwing him off and worries him about how safe it is to continue speaking to her, let alone a relationship.

If I'm honest, this isn't the usual sort of book I would tend to go for. It was quite romantic and about the angle of a relationship being formed. However, what did pull me into this book and made me enjoy it was the mystery aspect to everything going on. The mistrust between Skylar and Luca because they had both had experiences that caused them to be more questionable of a relationship.

Within the book itself though, it was this character development and growing relationship between them that definitely gave the book some intrigue. This development didn't just sit with the two main characters (Skylar and Luca) either it carried through onto supporting ones too which I found made the book a lot more of an enjoyable read.

Overall I enjoyed the book and although at times it seemed rushed each avenue and point given throughout the story was developed enough to understand what was going on. I'd recommend this book to someone who is wanting a sizzling hot read for the Summer or just fancies a unique take on the standard boy meets girl story. 

More information

Tamara Lush's Website
Twitter: @tamaralush
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*Disclaimer: I was sent this book free of charge in connection with the Neverland blog tours promotion of this book. This does not in any way affect my opinions. All views and thoughts are my own.

Welcome back to the blog! Today I have one of my favourite type of posts to write and that is a book review! Mainly these are one of my favourites because I get to read some fantastic books, and today's book is no exception. Again with a debut offering from Neverland Blog Tour's, here is my review of Those Who Lie by Diane Jeffrey...

Emily Klein doesn’t know she has killed her husband until the day of his funeral. 

At first, signs point to a tragic accident. Yet, as Emily pieces together the events before his death – events which led to her own memory loss – she begins to suspect that her husband’s death may have been the result of more than a terrible twist of fate… But the accident is only the beginning. Because while Emily’s physical scars will heal, the trauma of the accident has awakened old ghosts. She hears strange sounds, catches things that can’t possibly be there in the corner of her eye. Before long, everywhere she looks, she seems to see her husband.

And suddenly, Emily finds herself asking the most dangerous question of all.

Can she really trust herself?

As I said before, this is Diane's debut psychological thriller and let me tell you what a job she did with it! The book follows Emily, who is recently widowed after her husband dies in the car accident she believes to have caused, and details how this traumatic even affects her mental health and brings up old wounds she has tried to keep closed. 

I really intrigued to get read this book when I first read about it! I have been loving reading, watching and listening to things about true and non-fiction crime (including everything from binge listening Serial and In The Dark podcasts to watching Criminal Minds non-stop). So when I heard this was about a women who couldn't remember murdering her husband, I was hooked! 

During this book, it is set in a way that shares how Emily is feeling and everything she is experiencing in the presence, whilst it flashes back through periods of her life that have are significant to the things going on now. With the changes within the storyline it really shows how disjointed Emily's current mental state is- especially when she starts questioning the intentions of her own friends. 

It is within this stagnant period of time that you are really exposed to the horrible experiences Emily faces, from being stalked and harassed to her house being broken into- it's pretty terrifying. Going through these sections of the book you are constantly thrown between who is doing all this nasty things to her or if she is really just doing it to herself. It's because of this suspense and needing to know what was going on that caused me to read this book within the space of about 5 hours- and I have to say I was pretty accurate in knowing what was going on. 

Overall, I have to say I really did love this book and the story as I think it touched on some important issues regarding mental illness in a very understanding and open way as it explored how the people around you really do affect it in subtle ways. I also really appreciate the writing style of this book as it did keep you guessing about what was going on and for someone like me who loves a good investigation it kept me on my toes, even if I was right in the end! 

I'd really recommend checking this out if you're into your crime or thriller books as I have no doubts you'll be hooked too! If you do fancy reading it, then why not check out the giveaway below and you could even win it for yourself! Overall there's three prizes to win, the 1st prize including the book, but who doesn't love a teddy or chocolates too? 

1st prize: eBook of Those Who Lie

2nd prize: Teddy and chocolates

3rd prize: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland notebook & chocolates

More information

Diane Jeffrey's Website

Buy the book on Amazon

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*Disclaimer: I was sent this book free of charge in connection with the Neverland blog tours promotion of this book. This does not in any way affect my opinions. All views and thoughts are my own.

Today I have another review for you all, and trust me I think this ones going to be getting a bit hot and steamy! The book today is The Den of Iniquity by Annabelle Bryant and once again it was an incredible pick from the Neverland Blog Tour offerings!

Welcome to the most notorious address in London… 

Beneath the airs and graces of the Ton lies The Underworld – London’s most scandalous gambling hall. The only thing darker and more debauched that the hall itself?

The proprietor, Max Sinclair. As mysterious as the corners of the city he stalks, Max has vowed to take revenge against the men who murdered his mother. And The Underworld attracts London’s darkest characters – the perfect partners in crime.

But when Lady Vivienne Beaumont enters The Underworld, Max’s life becomes more dangerous than he ever thought possible. 

Enter a world of lust, lawlessness and obsession with The Den of Iniquity, the first in Anabelle Bryant’s Bastards of London series.

This is the first book in a new series by Anabelle Bryant, filled with lust, danger and despair the book has everything you would want. Set within the era of the Regency, the story features many more parts to it such as breaking the limitations on class and status.

Within the book you meet a collection of interesting characters, with the most focus (and chemistry) between Max and Vivienne. With the two having a background that was well developed to explore and share how they have become the person throughout the book, it really does go to show that these details are crucial. Specifically since their history has a huge factor in how they come together.

However, as much as the characters relationship makes this an inviting romance tale. It also needs to be noted that Vivienne is an enormous asset to the book herself. Throughout the book, the character sticks with her values and stays true to who they were before a love interest. Bryant has developed her as a character that really makes you want to stand up and be your own women- especially in the current world climate.

Another outstanding aspect of the book was the way the environments and setting was described. In novels like these, set in a very specific and historic time period it can be very easy to get things very wrong, however in this case Bryant got this spot on. The writing style gives a breath of air to the book, while the development and pace of the story make it a very easy and quick book to get into.

Overall I think this book and series is definitely one to check out, I know I'm excited and intrigued to see what the second book will bring! Like I usually do here's who I think should read this, I'd recommend checking this out if you enjoy period romances with a spark of darkness. And let me know what you think of it if you check it out in the comments below!


More information
Anabelle Bryant's Website
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*Disclaimer: I was sent this book free of charge in connection with the Neverland blog tours promotion of this book. This does not in any way affect my opinions. All views and thoughts are my own.

It's been a while again since a little blog post update! But today is a something that I haven't done for even longer as today I am reviewing a book. For a while now I have been part of the Neverland Blog Tours and haven't joined in any but I finally asked to receive a copy of a book when I heard about Rhuna, The Star Child.

This thrilling sequel to Rhuna: Crossroads is set in mystical Ancient Egypt where Black Magic was developed by the followers of the legendary villain, The Dark Master.

As strange and frightening curses plague the population, Rhuna discovers the underground organization that performs this uncanny new magic, but she can only combat it with the help of her long-lost father.

Having learned from her father amazing new skills to empower her on the Astral Plane, Rhuna once again strives to preserve peace and harmony in the idyllic Atlan civilization. Far more challenging than fighting powerful Dark Forces, however, is Rhuna’s personal anguish when her daughter becomes involved with the leader of the Black Magic movement, and the once-perfect Atlan society based on utopian principles begins to crumble all around her.

Shocking events escalate Rhuna’s world to a breathless climax as she and her family undergo a momentous upheaval, and she is forced to make great personal sacrifices for her loved ones.

Now although this is a sequel, it is a book that you can jump straight into without reading the previous one! Which is definitely a good aspect when you fancy reading a new series but be warned(!) you'll be hooked to it. 

Throughout the book you follow Rhuna and her journey of controlling new powers, connecting with loved ones and trying to put an end to the Dark Forces that pose as a threat to not only her way of life, but her family and the population around her. The narrative of the story is kept high pace with constant twists that come to light through the visions that Rhuna and The Observers view. 

With the constant twists that occur throughout the 157 paged book, the entirety of the book is highly gripping and means that even from the first few pages, you are pulled into the story. Within the relatively short book, you would think that character development would be low, if not missing,. However I found that with the focus being largely on Rhuna it allows her character to be developed well and this development even carries into the supporting characters. 

Another aspect of the book I enjoyed throughout was the way many aspects of the story are described and the world that is created throughout, including the magical properties that are mentioned and how the skills such as stone making is represented. If you've read this blog for a while, you know that I love it when a book has mythological or fantasy aspects involved. 

Overall I would highly recommend this book to someone who is looking for a short YA Fantasy to get back into the swing of reading. Plus with it coming up to Halloween and now definitely getting into the more autumnal weather I would find this the perfect book to read to get into a magical mood or to chill out on a frosty evening with a cup of tea. 

Also if you fancy the chance of winning an Amazon voucher, feel free to fill in the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Barbara Underwood's Website
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*Disclaimer: I was sent this book free of charge in connection with the Neverland blog tours promotion of this book. This does not in any way affect my opinions. All views and thoughts are my own.

Last year I shared a review on a book called Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. This was the first book in the Chronicles of Ixia series. Although I was quite spectacle after the first book and had heard some bad things about the next novels I decided to go on and finish the Study series (so far) and ended up started on the Glass series too which this 'review' is about.

I never really do these kind of posts but I always enjoy writing them! I felt this would be a great way to speak about my reading journey so far. I read about this tag through a blog I was reading from Sunday's #lbloggers chat. I felt it would be really interesting to do!

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? 

What is your least favourite book? 

What are you currently reading? 

Where do you usually read? 

I normally just read in my bed as it's the easiest place to. But I have been reading on the train more as of late and I also do love reading on a sun bed on holiday! Nothing more relaxing than that. 

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? 

I've never really tried reading several at once apart from in English back when I was in school. However, I don't think I could do it as I'm bad picking up all the information on a single read so I would be easily mixed up if I read more than once. 

What is your favourite genre? 

The type of genre I generally pick up is mystical/fantasy books but I am always look for something with a bit more 'heartfelt' reactions in it!

Is there a genre you will not read? 

I would never rule of a book because of it's genre. I would be more likely to put it of because I don't like the sound of the story. 

Do you have a favourite book? 

When people normally ask me this I do try and come up with an answer, whether this is John Green's, Looking For Alaska, or something else. But truth be told, I don't really have one! I've read soo many books but I've never really gone back and reread any. Something I really need to do!

What is the longest book you have ever read? 

Ummm.... I can't remember the name of the longest book I've read but I think it would be around the 500 page mark. 

What was the last book you bought? 

Officially the last books I bought were The Snow Child and The Secret Garden. However, to get around my book buying ban, I've told Darren that I don't rule out any that are gift given! So I've received a fair few from him recently. 

Do you prefer library books or buying books? 

I've not been to the library in years! But I used to go a lot. I really should go to the library more though- save myself some pennies! But I do love having my own copy of the book, especially if it's one I end up loving too!

Well, that's all my answers! I hope you enjoyed reading these and let me know if you have answered these or have any similar ones that you think I'd like to answer!

I had originally decided that I wasn't going to write any in-depth review of this book. This was because of a few reasons. 1. I felt like I would be over loading my blog with books. 2. It's based on quite a 'taboo' subject. However, I changed my mind with these because I want to post what I enjoy and because the book left me with a feeling of being totally and utterly destroyed!

"She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But... they are brother and sister.Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending."

My first book I read this year as part of my To-Read book challenge was Fallen In Love by Lauren Kate. 

This book is part of the Series called Fallen by Lauren Kate. Even though this particular book doesn't add to the plot. However, this book isn't one you want to miss out from the series. The book is set out as several short stories all set on Valentine's Day but all join together to create a complete story. 

I really enjoyed this one from Lauren Kate as even though it didn't explain anything it did give you a better insight to the characters. It also let you understand why some of the characters act like the way they do. Kate really out did her self with this edition and it is a key piece to the series that any fan of the series needs to read. The only problem I had with this book was the fact that I felt it ended quite abruptly and after reading it after Rapture I felt like I didn't finish the Series well. 

Please let me know if you have read this and what you think of it too!