The Wrong Man by Chris McDonald #thewrongman @cmacwritescrime @harpernorthuk #bookreview #piethanadler #manchestercrime

 

A new PI. A dead rockstar. A tangled web of secrets.

When Ethan Adler set up his new PI agency in central Manchester, he wasn’t expecting his first case to be so high profile – investigating the mysterious death of rock star Dylan Vy.

Ethan has been avoiding the spotlight ever since his beloved wife Maggie’s untimely passing. His grief has been complicated by rumours that Maggie was pregnant with another man’s child at the time of her fatal accident. And because said accident took place just hours after Ethan won the lottery, a cloud of suspicion has followed Ethan ever since.

With the help of his assistant Amelia, Ethan throws himself into uncovering the truth about Dylan Vy. In a fast-escalating investigation, they uncover a labyrinth of secrets, lies and deadly connections between bandmates, girlfriends and a volatile manager. And when Dylan's unreleased music is leaked on the dark web, speculation swirls that the lyrics contain hidden clues that might lead to the killer. But who leaked these songs, and what is their secret motive? In the midst of a media frenzy and a storm of fan conspiracy theories, who can Ethan trust?

As Ethan digs deeper, he must also confront his own demons ― the lingering questions about Maggie’s death and the growing realisation that those closest to him may have played a role…

The Wrong Man by Chris McDonald was published by Harper North on 4 June 2026. My thanks to the author who sent my copy for review. I've now ordered a shiny new hardback copy from Bert's Books because I know, for sure, this series is going to become a favourite. 

I read this whilst on holiday and was transfixed throughout. What a fabulous way to start a new series. 

I first met Chris McDonald when he was a book blogger way back in 2019, I always admired his reviews and when he went on to get a publishing deal with (the much missed) Red Dog Books, I was there for those. My signed copies sit proudly on my shelf, and I now see that Harper North have repackaged and republished those.  As Chris Frost he has written his Christmas crime series, which I've enjoyed too and now we have PI Ethan Adler and his assistant Amelia - and what a fabulous duo they are. 

Ethan Adler is a fascinating leading man. A newly qualified private investigator, he's still carrying the weight of personal tragedy and the shadow of public suspicion following the death of his wife. His first case certainly isn't a gentle introduction to life as a PI; investigating the death of rock star Dylan Vy throws him straight into a world of celebrity, secrets, lies and endless speculation. As the investigation gathers pace, the tangled relationships between bandmates, former lovers, management and devoted fans really make this a deliciously compelling story that had me totally engrossed throughout. 

I adored this quirky, original and perfectly formed cast of characters.  Ethan is thoughtful and vulnerable and also really determined. Then there's Amelia, his assistant, who is an absolute delight. She brings such warmth and humour to every scene, and together they make a fabulous investigative duo. Their friendship develops so naturally, with plenty of really cracking exchanges, that make me chuckle and they seem really fond of each other.

Chris McDonald balances the darker themes beautifully with moments of warmth and gentle humour. Alongside the murder investigation he weaves in Ethan's own unresolved grief and the unanswered questions surrounding his wife Maggie's death, adding real emotional depth without ever slowing the pace. The Manchester setting feels so real and the backdrop of the music industry gives the story an extra sparkle and a wonderfully fresh feel.

The plotting is clever, confident and beautifully constructed, with twists arriving at exactly the right moment. Every time I thought I had worked things out, another surprise appeared around the corner. Best of all, nothing feels forced, or awkward and everything slots perfectly into place.

The Wrong Man is a fabulous start to what I am convinced is going to be a brilliant new series. Engaging characters, an irresistible mystery and great writing make this an absolute joy to read. I cannot wait to see where Ethan and Amelia take us next. Highly recommended. 

Chris McDonald grew up in Northern Ireland before settling in the appropriately named Marple. 

He is the author of several crime novels including the DI Erika Piper series; under the festive pen name Chris Frost, he has also written the Kindle Top 20 and Audible Top 10 bestseller The Killer’s Christmas List. 

He is a scriptwriter, husband, father to two beautiful girls and a regular voice on The Blood Brothers Podcast. 

He is a fan of 5-a-side football, heavy metal and dogs.

How To Survive in the Woods by Kat Rosenfield #howtosurviveinthewoods @katrosenfield @zaffrebooks @randomthingstours #bookreview

 

Emma Sharp knows the rules of survival. From being raised by a doomsday-fearing father and hardened by the startup world, she has learned how to endure - especially in her marriage to Logan Grant, a charismatic tyrant who keeps her under tight control. To Emma, her marriage is a cage: it keeps you in, but it also keeps you safe. Until it doesn't.

When Emma forms an unexpected bond with Logan's former girlfriend, the two women form a plan to help Emma reclaim her life. Destination: the punishing final stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

After all, bad things happen in the woods all the time.

As the three venture deeper into Maine's backcountry, desire and dread curdle into something unpredictable, dark and deadly. Someone is lying. Someone is watching. And in the remote heart of the forest, someone is about to be lost . . . or found.

How To Survive in the Woods by Kat Rosenfield was published in paperback on 25 June 2026 by Zaffre. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this #RandomThingsTours Virtual Book Tour 

How To Survive in the Woods is set in the woods in Maine and it is a novel where  psychological suspense blends with a survival story.

Emma is a fascinating central character. Brought up by her survivalist father, she has spent her life coping with difficult situations. She is trapped in a controlling marriage to Logan, and has convinced herself that staying is her safest option. Unexpectedly, she makes friends with Logan's ex, Taylor and she then sees a possible escape. This takes them onto the remote Appalachian Trail, but once they venture into the wilderness, it quickly becomes clear that everyone is hiding something and trusting the wrong person could prove fatal.

The setting is definitely one of the book's greatest strengths for me. The isolation of the forest creates an eerie backdrop, and the author captures both the beauty and the menace brilliantly. 

Emma's past is revealed through flashbacks, this gradually builds up a  picture of the experiences that have shaped her character.  Whilst these chapters do add important layers to her story, I occasionally found the move between the past and present were a bit clunky. 

The characters themselves are complicated rather than particularly likeable. Their tangled relationships, different motivations and hidden agendas create tension throughout, and the uncertainty over who can be trusted keeps the suspense brewing. There are plenty of twists along the way, and although some required a little suspension of disbelief, the story never stood still.

This is a dark, unsettling thriller with moments that are surprisingly graphic. I found parts of the storytelling a little confusing but the fabulous setting and increasing tension kept me reading to the end. An entertaining wilderness thriller with plenty of secrets hidden among the trees.

Kat Rosenfield partnered with the late, great Stan Lee to co-author the NYT-bestselling A
Trick of Light, and also wrote two acclaimed YA titles– the Edgar-Nominated AMELIA ANNE IS DEAD AND GONE and INLAND. 

A former reporter for MTV news, her work as a pop culture and political writer has appeared in Wired, Vulture, Entertainment Weekly, Playboy, US Weekly, and TV Guide. 

She lives with her family in Connecticut.

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R Weaver #ArtificialWisdom @tom_weaver @bantambooksuk @randomthingstours #speculativefiction #dystopia #bookreview

 

Who would you trust with the future?

The year is 2050. In the teeth of a climate catastrophe, the world is left with a drastic solution: one global leader to steer it through the coming apocalypse.

The final two candidates are ex-US President Lockwood, and Solomon, the world’s first political artificial intelligence.

As whispers of a global conspiracy emerge, investigative journalist Marcus Tully find himself at the centre of it – when Solomon’s creator turns up murdered.

Overnight, one investigation becomes two, and it’s not just the result of the election that’s at stake but the future of the species. Suddenly humanity must make an impossible choice – between salvation, or freedom.

Artifical Wisdom by Thomas R Weaver was published in paperback on 4 June by Penguin. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this #RandomThingsTours Virtual Book Tour 

I am always attracted to speculative fiction, especially when it feels as though it could become reality far sooner than we'd like to imagine. Artificial Wisdom is a perfect fit for me.  It's intelligent, gripping and filled with issues that stayed with me long after I had turned the final page.

Set in 2050, the world is facing the full force of the climate crisis. Countries are struggling, millions of people have been displaced and humanity is desperate for a solution. In an extraordinary global election, the two final candidates are former US President Lockwood and Solomon, the world's first political artificial intelligence. It is an absolutely fascinating idea and one that frightens the life out of me to be honest ..... but then again, some of our current world leaders absolutely terrify me, so maybe that is a better option??? a

At the centre of the story is investigative journalist Marcus Tully. When the creator of Solomon is murdered, Marcus gets caught up in an investigation that becomes more complex and more dangerous. As he follows the evidence, he also discover secrets and this really turns up the tension. I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, political thriller and speculative fiction. 

I really loved the imagined future. The technology is inventive without ever feeling too ridiculous, compared to what we already have, while the impact of climate change is genuinely unsettling because so much of it feels possible. 

There are quite a few characters introduced early on, so I needed a little time to settle in with them all, but they each had their own distinct voice and purpose. I also liked that very few people were entirely good or entirely bad. Everyone seemed to be making difficult choices in impossible circumstances, which added plenty of depth to the story.

As someone who really enjoys speculative and dystopian fiction, this was exactly the sort of book I hoped it would be. It combines an engaging thriller with thought provoking questions about artificial intelligence, leadership, climate change and the choices we may one day have to face. There's also some emotional depth too, which I enjoyed. 

If you enjoy fiction that entertains while also giving you plenty to think about, then I would highly recommend Artificial Wisdom. It is an ambitious and compelling novel that feels remarkably relevant. Highly recommended 

Thomas R. Weaver writes stories about tomorrow to help make sense of today. A tech entrepreneur turned author, he holds a degree in Computer Science but never expected to actually use it in his career. After spending years exploring how technology could transform experiences in the places outside of the home and the office, he founded a tech startup in the restaurant hospitality space, which was later acquired by Just Eat Takeaway. Exiting in 2018–2019 left him with no more excuses not to pursue a long-held dream: writing fiction.

Despite vowing he had enough grey hair already and he’d never to run another startup, he continues to build a portfolio of interesting new ideas with his former cofounder, backed by a major Silicon Valley tech accelerator.

Outside of spending time with his family, he loves to cook, draw, paint and lose at online bullet chess. He loves a great movie or TV series, and collects more books than time allows to read.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke #yesteryear @caroclaireburke @4thestatebooks #bookreview #tradwife #ranchlife

 

'My name is Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive…'

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them.

Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible.

As darkly funny as it is shocking and gripping, Yesteryear is an electrifying examination of tradition, fame, faith and the grand performance of womanhood, from a thrilling new talent in fiction.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke was published on 7 April 2026 by Fourth Estate. I bought my copy from Waterstones

My usual MO when reviewing books is that I have the books, I know I'm going to read them and I avoid all reviews before I've read and written my review.  With Yesteryear, it was different. I didn't own the book and it was EVERYWHERE. The varying reviews fascinated me and I knew that I had to get a copy. Duly purchased and taken on holiday with me, I began reading on the plane and was totally sucked in. I devoured it, I adored it. There is so much to talk about, so much to discuss. I thought it was incredibly clever. 

I'm a people watcher and a comment reader. Online lifestyle influencers fascinate me. I've always been like this; people intrigue me. However the 'tradwife' movement has passed me by, as has the 'ranch life' stuff - I guess that's more prevalent in the US than here in the UK. 

So, basically, we follow Natalie in her perfect life, we see what her online followers see, but we are also privy to what goes on behind the scenes. It is slightly uncomfortable, it pokes fun at the online community but it is so thought provoking too. And then, it turns and the latter part is where we really see reality .... but do we? Is life through a lens ever real? 

Women are almost always performers, and it has become easier for those women who wish to, to live their lives online. Whilst this can be hugely financial rewarding, it's also really likely that they, and their families can become exploited and abused. Yesteryear does more than explore that space between real life and performing. It also questions us, the viewers, the commenters, the followers. It is as much about us as it is about them. As Natalie's life appears to unravel, we see her desperation, we see her try to hold on to what she's created, and we see those around her exposed too.  Yet, let's not forget the men, and Natalie's husband Caleb, whilst male is also a victim of intense scrutiny, he appears burdened and unhappy at all times. 

This is a book that was made for discussion. There is so much to consider. It is clever, yet frightening and the narrative is blissful; Natalie's internal monologue feels desperate, a little crazed, yet so observant of performative culture.

This is a novel that will be talked about and debated constantly. It will split readers. Those are the best type of books in my view. After all, who wants books that are just 'nice'? 

I'm really eager to find out where this clever, talented author will go next. Highly recommended 

Caro Claire Burke received her Master’s in Fine Arts from the Bennington Writing Seminars. 

She is the co-host of Diabolical Lies, a politics and culture podcast. 

Yesteryear is her first novel.

An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon #AnUnlikelyVisitor @JoannaCannon @BoroughPress #BookReview

 

MARGARET THINKS HER TIME IS UP… BUT MAYBE HER TIME IS NOW?

Things have been hard since her husband Derek died, and they never really got over the disappearance of their daughter, Jeanie, all those years ago.

Despite everything, they built a lovely life together… it’s just starting to feel impossible for Margaret on her own.

Then one day, Margaret returns home to an unlikely visi­tor, and together they set out to discover what really hap­pened to Jeanie.

Perhaps if you knock on enough doors, you might find another end to your story…

An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon was published on 4 June 2026 by The Borough Press. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. I now also own a beautiful hardback copy, signed by Joanna that I bought at the Lowdham Book Festival event on Thursday evening last week. 

I have followed Joanna through her writing career, from The Trouble with Goats and Sheep ten years ago, I have read and reviewed all of her novels, her memoir and also Will You Read This? - the collection of stories that she edited to highlight mental health awareness. It has been a joy throughout. 

This review was originally printed in The Mature Times - June edition 

It is ten years since Joanna Cannon’s astonishing debut; The Trouble With Goats and Sheep stole the hearts of readers and made her a best selling author. 

Margaret’s story begins in absence: 94 days without Derek, 40 years without Jeanie. Yet in the hands of Joanna Cannon, what could feel unbearably heavy is instead told with extraordinary tenderness and grace. Her writing always has that rare ability to hold grief up to the light without ever overwhelming the reader; there’s a softness and a humanity that feels both intimate and so real.

And then, just when you think you understand the reality of Margaret’s world, everything shifts. The arrival of the ‘unlikely visitor’ is handled magically and the story lifts, carrying both Margaret and the reader on a journey that is as hopeful as it is poignant.

The character development is wonderful. Margaret and Derek feel utterly real; their love story, woven through memory and loss, is both heartwarming and quietly devastating. There’s humour too; gentle and perfectly judged, and this brings balance to the novel’s deeper emotional currents.

This is storytelling at its most compassionate: wise, moving, and beautifully observed. It will make you smile, it will almost certainly make you cry, but above all, it will leave you with a sense of warmth and something like hope.

Joanna Cannon graduated from medical school and worked as a hospital doctor before
specialising in psychiatry. 

She is also the author of A Tidy Ending, Three Things About Elsie, and The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, a top ten bestseller in the UK. 

She lives in England’s Peak District with her dog, Lewis.

Love, After All by Ewald Arenz t. Rachel Ward #LoveAfterAll @ewald_arenz @orendabooks @racheltranslates #romance #secondchances #newbeginnings

 

When Clara meets Elias, she isn't looking for love. Widowed and wary of being hurt again, she has built a careful life of work and quiet independence. Elias, an actor in his thirties, is trapped in a relationship that no longer feels real, more at ease slipping into a role than being himself. Yet from the moment they meet, something genuine sparks between them – something neither has felt in years.

They fall into step easily, sharing secrets, laughter and the sense of being seen. But there is the age difference, the miles between their worlds, and the lingering guilt that ties Clara to her past. When a new job takes her to another part of the country, she ends the relationship before he can – certain that love like theirs cannot last. And then Elias falls ill, forcing them both to confront what truly matters.

Told with warmth, gentle humour and quiet insight, Love, After All is a luminous portrait of two people finding the courage to open their hearts again – proof that love, at any age, can still take us by surprise.

Love, After All by Ewald Arenz was published on 18 June 2026 by Orenda Books and is translated by Rachel Ward. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this Virtual Book Tour 

My first experience of reading Ewald Arenz was in 2022 when Orenda published Tasting Sunlight - I was totally smitten by that book and it remains a favourite of mine. This was followed in 2024 by Grand Summer; another compassionate, joyful book. And here we are, two years later with Love, After All, and I haven't been disappointed at all. What a fabulous author, what amazing stories he tells. 

Love, After All is a tender novel about the unexpected ways love can find us when we least expect it. Already a million-copy bestseller in its home country, it is easy to understand why this story has been loved by so many readers. This author doesn't rely on grand romantic gestures; he explores love with warmth, honesty and such emotional depth, he creates characters who feel so very real. 

Clara and Elias are both carrying their own personal troubles, and their relationship unfolds with quietly and slowly. This is not just a romance, it is a story about grief, family, responsibility and the courage it takes to let someone in after life has left its marks. The age difference between them adds another layer without ever being the whole focus of the novel, that focus is totally on the emotional connection they share.

Arenz's writing is beautifully evocative, with nature and the German landscape woven seamlessly into the story, giving many scenes an almost cinematic quality. Congratulations are also due to translator Rachel Ward, whose elegant translation captures both the emotional subtlety and lyrical beauty of the original, making it feel effortless in English.

Gentle and moving, Love, After All is a novel that lingers long after the final page. The emotional richness and beautifully drawn characters make this a deeply rewarding read. Highly recommended. 

Ewald Arenz, born in Nürnberg in 1965, studied English and American literature and
history. He is a teacher at a secondary school in Nürnberg. His novels and plays have received many awards. Ewald lives near Fürth with his family.

Rachel Ward is a freelance translator of literary and creative texts from German and French to English. Having always been an avid reader and enjoyed word games and puzzles, she discovered a flair for languages at school and went on to study modern languages at the University of East Anglia. She spent the third year working as a language assistant at two grammar schools in Saaebrücken, Germany. During her final year, she realised that she wanted to put these skills and passions to use professionally and applied for UEA’s MA in Literary Translation, which she completed in 2002. Her published translations include Traitor by Gudrun Pausewang and Red Rage by Brigitte Blobel, and she is a Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting.

 

Bad Influence by Will Carver #BadInfluence @will_carver @orendabooks #phrogging #bookreview @randomthingstours #influencers

 

Two bored teenagers. 

One stupid game.

The wrong place to play…

Alyssa wants to be seen. Less wants to be someone. She takes two buses to class, posts pictures of her lunch, and pretends it’s all effortless. He hides his privilege beneath thrifted clothes and a sketchbook full of impossible designs. Together, they are inseparable – two outsiders constructing a version of themselves the world might finally applaud.

Then Alyssa stumbles upon the hidden world of phrogging – living unnoticed inside other people’s homes. She and Less slip through Los Angeles’ glossy veneer: influencers, producers, pop stars, all so busy performing their perfect lives they don’t notice the shadows in their attics, the scratching in their walls.

An act of rebellion. A harmless thrill. A social experiment.

Until they choose the wrong house.

Until the influencer they idolise catches them in the act.

Until the cameras, already rolling, capture everything.

What begins as a reckless adventure becomes a nightmare of lies, power … and murder…

Bad Influence by Will Carver was published on 18 June by Orenda Books. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this virtual book tour. 

I have to add my congratulations to Will Carver, who, since I initially wrote this review, won the Capital Crime Fingerprint Award for Genre-Busting Book of the Year for his novel Kill Them With Kindness. This is so well deserved and long awaited. If anyone writes genre-busting stories, it is Carver and he does them so very well. 

I always get really excited about a new book from Will Carver, but I ALWAYS struggle to write a review. He is so clever, so very different, so unexpected, continually surprising, it is really difficult to find the words! Oh, and it's a crime novel with a PINK COVER!! 

So here goes!   Just when I think I've worked out where his imagination might take him next, he delivers something entirely unexpected. Bad Influence is bold, provocative, darkly funny and utterly compelling from the very first page.

The premise immediately grabs attention. Two teenagers discover the world of phrogging and begin secretly living in the homes of social media influencers, slipping unnoticed through the cracks of carefully curated online lives. It is a fascinating concept and one that the author explores so well, with such creativity. 

Alyssa and Less are such brilliantly drawn characters. They are both desperate to be noticed, desperate to mean something, and their friendship really is the heart of this story. It is not really easy to like either of them, but they are both so compelling to learn about. Will Carver has an extraordinary ability to create characters who are so real and flawed and entirely believable, even when their actions push far beyond what most of us would ever consider doing! 

The authors intense examination of  influencer culture, social media obsession and society's endless craving for validation is just spot on. He is incisive, often uncomfortable, and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. There is an awesome sense of satire running throughout the novel, but beneath the humour lies something much darker and far more thought-provoking.

The structure works brilliantly. Multiple voices, social media snippets, hashtags and online commentary combine to create a world this is both exaggerated and frighteningly familiar. It is clever and completely addictive.

Will Carver's distinctive voice shines through every page, drawing the reader deeper into a story that becomes increasingly unsettling as it unfolds. There were numerous moments when I found myself shaking my head in disbelief, yet unable to stop reading.

Bad Influence is daring, original and wonderfully entertaining. It is a novel that captures the absurdity of modern celebrity culture, yet is also a gripping  story. Will Carver continues to push boundaries in ways few writers can, and the result is a book that is impossible to ignore.

Dark, witty, inventive and thought-provoking, Bad Influence is another outstanding novel from an author who never takes the easy route. I loved every page.

Will Carver is the international bestselling author of the January David series and the critically acclaimed, mind-blowingly original Detective Pace series, which includes Good Samaritans (2018), Nothing Important Happened Today (2019) and Hinton Hollow Death Trip (2020), all of which were ebook bestsellers and selected as books of the year in the mainstream international press.

Nothing Important Happened Today was longlisted for both the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2020 and the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Hinton Hollow Death Trip was longlisted for the Guardian’s Not the Booker Prize, and was followed by the literary thrillers, The Beresford, Psychopaths Anonymous, The Daves Next Door, Suicide Thursday and Upstairs at the Beresford, and his highly regarded speculative thriller debut, Kill Them with Kindness. 

Will spent his early years in Germany, but returned to the UK at age eleven, when his sporting career took off. He and his partner run their own fitness and nutrition company, and live in Reading with five children and a tortoise.