Five Fatal Flaws by Louise Mangos BLOG TOUR #FiveFatalFlaws @LouiseMangos @RandomTTours #BookReview

 

A missing baby. A dead politician. Five suspects

When psychotherapist Trudy’s baby disappears one afternoon, the individual motives of four members of her post-trauma therapy group are gradually revealed. But when the police begin investigating baby Benny’s disappearance, the seemingly unrelated death of a local politician brings each member of the group under firm suspicion, along with Trudy herself.

Five Fatal Flaws is a whodunnit psychological suspense with a #MeToo thread, for fans of Liane Moriarty and Lucy Foley.

Shortlisted for the Page Turner awards

Five Fatal Flaws by Louise Mangos was published on 24 July 2024. My thanks to the author who sent my copy for review as part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour 

There is so much packed into this novel, I could write a review that goes on and on and on, but I won't! 

Not only is this a top class psychological thriller, it is also an intelligent look into human nature, about how trauma can affect a life, and how it can be dealt with. The title is extremely clever, we have five main characters, all very flawed and all potentially fatal. 

It is that potential that we see in each character that keeps the reader on their toes. When Trudy's small baby goes missing, we are introduced to the four people that make up her recently formed post-trauma group. Every single one of those four carry scars, some physically, but all mentally, from their experiences. The fifth quite flawed person is Trudy herself. 

The author tells this story from the various points of view of each character, how reliable these narrators are are for the reader to discover. She doesn't hold back with descriptions of awful things that every one of them have experienced, and whilst some of those are harrowing, they go a long way to explain their current behaviour and feelings. 

Throw in a dead councilman, a guy who has great influence in the area and you've a full blown mystery on your hands. 

I have not delved into the whole plot line here, it's complex and for new readers to discover and I certainly wouldn't want to spoil anything for anyone. However, do look out for the tiny bread crumbs along the way. The author is extremely skilled in casting doubt in the mind of the reader. 

It's an explosive conclusion, cleverly done. With characters who range from the abrupt and off hand, to those whose vulnerabilities make them easier to empathise with, this is a story that kept me reading far later than I should have!  Recommended by me. 

Louise Mangos writes psychological suspense, historical mystery and short fiction, which have won prizes, placed on shortlists and been narrated on BBC radio. 

Her novels are set mostly or partly in Switzerland where she lives at the foot of the Alps with her Kiwi husband and two sons, enjoying an active life in the mountains. 

The psychological whodunnit Five Fatal Flaws is her fifth novel.

www.louisemangos.com

X @LouiseMangos

Instagram @louisemangos

The Volunteers by Carol Donaldson BLOG TOUR #TheVolunteers @CarolDonaldsonM @Summersdale @RandomTTours #Prize #Win #Competition #Giveaway

 

A heart-warming true story of the woods and wildlife, conservation and community, perfect for fans of Detectorists and The Outlaws

When Carol's world suddenly unravels, leaving her single and jobless, she stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: leading a ragtag team of countryside conservation volunteers. At first glance, the prospect of nurturing Britain's diverse wildlife in the great outdoors seems like a dream come true. However, reality paints a different picture: her office is a ramshackle porta-cabin overrun with mice and plagued by leaky ceilings, and the volunteers are far from impressed with her lack of practical skills.

Despite this rocky beginning, Carol gradually earns the respect of her eclectic group of volunteers, forging a tight-knit community that will grow to become essential to each member. This diverse group spans generations, from twenty-somethings to septuagenarians, with each of them looking to get something different out of volunteering, whether it's a sense of purpose, a fresh start in life or a tick on their community service form. They also bring their unique quirks and life experiences to the mix.

Volunteer days soon evolve into the highlight of Carol's week, as they bond over their love of nature, mental health battles, and the desire for companionship. As they work together outdoors, the team discover a simple yet powerful recipe for self-confidence, improved well-being and a newfound perspective on life's challenges. This journey not only brings solace and new joys to Carol's weeks, but eventually it helps her move on with her life, too.

The Volunteers is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the redemptive force of the woods and wildlife. It underscores the universal need for belonging and illustrates how, even in the most unexpected places, we can find a community to call our own.

The Volunteers by Carol Donaldson was published on 8 August 2024 by Summersdale. As part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour I am delighted to have one copy to give away today. Entry is simple, just fill out the competition widget in the blog post. UK entries only please. 

GOOD LUCK! 

One copy of The Volunteers by Carol Donaldson

Carol Donaldson is a writer and conservationist. 

Originally from Essex, she has worked for many of Britain's best wildlife charities and currently runs her own environmental consultancy. 

Her first book, On the Marshes, was published by Little Toller in 2017. 

She is a regular contributor to the Guardian travel pages and was BBC Wildlife Magazine's Travel Writer of the Year in 2011. 

Carol lives in Kent and enjoys wild swimming and cycling as well as volunteering.

www.caroldonaldsonwriter.co.uk

X @CaroldDonaldsonM

That's Just Perfect by Nicola Gill BLOG TOUR #ThatsJustPerfect @Nicola_J_Gill @bedsqupublishers @RandomTTours #BookReview

Twenty-nine-year-old teacher Emily needs her father to believe her life is a success. He may have walked out on the family when she was a child and let her down when she needed him most, but her life is perfect despite him.

Or it was until last Friday, when her fiancé dumped her. Now she’s facing a frighteningly empty future, and she’s unravelling at work. And just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, her father turns up on her doorstep.

Ed knows he’s got it wrong, and he wants to make amends, even if his motives aren’t entirely selfless. What better way to do that than to show Emily how much he cares about her wedding? He’ll even shell out for the dress if that’s what it takes.

Emily can’t bear to tell her father that her life has fallen apart. So she doesn’t. Before she knows it, they’re planning – and booking – a wedding that’s totally perfect.

Except for one small fact… 

That's Just Perfect by Nicola Gill is published today; 12 September 2024 by Bedford Square Publishers. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy as part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour 

Back in December 2023, I read Nicola Gill's last novel; Swimming For Beginners and just loved it.  I have been looking forward to That's Just Perfect for a long time. I have no been disappointed. It's a heartwarming, tender and funny novel that really hits that spot. 

Sometimes life throws such a curve ball at you that you are totally floored. Twenty-nine year old Emily thought that her future was secure. Engaged to be married to her long-time love Mark, she has a good job as a primary school teacher and a nice place to live. OK, so her cat Pebbles really doesn't like her, but she can live with that. Emily has had a lot of pain in her life. Her beloved Mum died when Emily was just a teenager, her Dad had already left them years before. However, her grandmother Liz has always been a huge support to her. 

And then, it all crumbles. Mark announces that he no longer wants to be with her, the wedding is off. Her grandmother has broken her shoulder and is currently in a nursing home, and her estranged Dad has just appeared unexpectedly on her doorstep, all the way from Florida. 

Nicola Gill cleverly tells her story through the three voices; Emily; her Dad Ed, and Liz. This is such a great way to learn about each character and what they are really feeling, rather than what they are showing to the rest of the world. 

Ed really wants to make things better with both Emily, and his own mother Liz. However, he also needs money desperately. He's finally found the love of his life and is happily living with ex-hippie Shona. He's in debt though, his multiple business attempts have failed. If he doesn't get the cash soon, he will lose their home, and most certainly lose Shona too. 

Coming to England feels like the only thing he can do. He knows that Liz has money, she's bailed him out many times before, but has refused another loan. Maybe a face-to-face chat will help?

Meanwhile, Emily is hiding the fact that she is no longer a bride-to-be, along with dealing with issues with a particular pupil in her class. Life seems to be one long battle, especially when Ed insists on buying a wedding dress for her, and putting down the deposit on a fancy wedding venue. Ed feels that he has to spend to accumulate, not realising that he's making everything worse. 

Meanwhile Liz is also in something of a muddle. She's totally smitten by Peter. She is imagining a life together, just him and her, travelling the world and being happy. Some of her friends are not so sure, and the niggles of doubt begin to creep in. 

This is a wonderful book, filled to the brim with characters that are relatable, funny, totally rounded and with their own flaws and quirks. The story moves along at a great pace, with unexpected little twists happening every so often. It is funny, it is uplifting and it is a fabulous read. Highly recommended. 

Nicola Gill lives in London with her husband and two sons. At the age of five, when all of the other little girls wanted to be ballet dancers, she decided she wanted to be an author. Her ballet teacher was very relieved.

When she’s not at her desk, you can usually find Nicola reading, cooking up vast vats of food for friends and family or watching box sets. Occasionally she even leaves the house…

X @Nicola_J_Gill

The Wedding People by Alison Espach #TheWeddingPeople @AlisonEspach @Phoenix_Bks #BookReview

 

It's a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people - but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall Inn who isn't here for the big event.

Phoebe has dreamed of coming here for years. She hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband but now she is divorced and depressed, and not sure how to go on. She's not been sure how to do anything, lately, except climb into bed and drink gin and tonics and listen to the sound of the refrigerator making ice.

When the bride discovers her elaborate destination wedding could be ruined by this sad stranger, she is furious. She has spent months accounting for every detail and every possible disaster - except for, well, Phoebe . . . Soon, both women find their best-laid plans derailed and an unlikely confidante in one another.

Uproariously funny and devastatingly tender, The Wedding People is an irresistible novel about love, friendship, dysfunctional families, and the unexpected paths that lead to happiness.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach was published on 1 August 2024 by Phoenix. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. 

There's something really special about this novel. The writing, combined with the incredible character creation, the setting and the, at times, hilariously funny narrative is such a stunning combination. It's the story of a one woman's journey. She's not actually travelling from place to place geographically, but hurtling from one event to another. From happily married, to divorced and suicidal, to the glamour and totally over the top setting of the wedding of a wealthy woman. 

Phoebe has always wanted to stay at The Cornwall Inn, a hotel that betrays its name by being much more than an inn by the sea. This is luxury, it screams wealth and entitlement. Phoebe always thought that she and her husband would visit together, but here she is, dressed in green silk with no luggage. On her own. Her husband is no longer her husband. He's now playing happy families with another woman, and her child. Phoebe and her husband tried so hard to be parents. 

Lila is also staying at the hotel. She is there for a week, to celebrate her upcoming wedding to Gary. Lila is not happy when she discovers that Phoebe has a room booked in 'her' hotel, during her wedding celebrations. Phoebe is not one of the wedding people. Lila is used to getting her own way, but this time it's not happening. 

To be honest, Phoebe is a hot mess. An educated, intelligent woman who wants to write, she's been totally destroyed by the end of her marriage and her inability to carry a child. Her plans for her stay were firm, but meeting Lila, and then the other wedding people, slowly change those plans. Whilst she still hurts, is still angry and still not sure of her future, meeting these extraordinary people really become a medicine to her. 

There's Gary, the groom-to-be, his daughter Juice and his sister Marla. There's his first wife's brother and then there's Lila. Oh Lila, how I loved you. Spoilt, entitled, totally oblivious, but such a dream of a character. Hilarious at times, heart breaking and tender at others, this is a woman who despite her wealth, is poor in terms of friends, and support, and understanding. 

With themes that include the complexities of the parent/child relationship, the loneliness within relationships, long-term grief and the importance of real friendships, this is a novel that teaches whilst making you laugh. 

Told over just a few days, The Wedding People is a book to savour. A book to make you laugh, and to make you think. You will discover characters who will fill your heart. Highly recommended. 

Alison Espach is the author of two previous novels, though The Wedding People is the
first to be published in the UK. 

Her short stories and essays have appeared in a wide range of publications, including McSweeney's and Vogue. 

She is a professor of creative writing at Providence College in Rhode Island.

X @AlisonEspach

www.alisonespach.com

Instagram @alison.espach

The Black Loch by Peter May BLOG TOUR #TheBlackLoch @authorpetermay @riverrunbooks @soph_ransompr #BookExtract

 

A MURDER

The body of eighteen-year-old TV personality Caitlin is found abandoned on a remote beach at the head of An Loch Dubh - the Black Loch - on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. A swimmer and canoeist, it is inconceivable that she could have drowned.

A SECRET

Fin Macleod left the island ten years earlier to escape its memories. When he learns that his married son Fionnlagh had been having a clandestine affair with the dead girl and is suspected of her murder, he and Marsaili return to try and clear his name.

A RECKONING

But nothing is as it seems, and the truth of the murder lies in a past that Fin would rather forget, and a tragedy at the cages of a salmon farm on East Loch Roag, where the tense climax of the story finds its resolution.

The Black Loch takes us on a journey through family ties, hidden relationships and unforgiving landscapes, where suspense, violent revenge and revelation converge in the shadow of the Black Loch.

The Black Loch by Peter May is published on 12 September 2024 by Riverrun. As part of this Blog Tour, I am delighted to share an extract from the book with you today.

Extract from The Black Loch by Peter May 

George Gunn folded his jacket and laid it carefully on the driver’s seat before swinging the door shut. It was not gone nine-thirty, and yet the morning sun was already hot. He clipped his Motorola Airwave to his belt and folded up each sleeve of his blue shirt to just a fraction below the elbow.

‘It’s going to be another hot one, George.’ Detective Constable Louise McNish appeared pleased by the prospect.

Gunn grunted and glowered at her across the roof of the car. He preferred the wind blowing in off the sea, the sting of rain in his face. All a matter, he supposed, of what you were used to. McNish, a good twenty years his junior, was a mainlander. From the soft south. Sometimes known as Glasgow. They ran for cover at the first sign of real rain there. He turned his gaze towards the shore.

From the gravel parking area above the beach he saw the black rock exposed at low tide breaking through a skin of sand, high tide delineated by the seaweed it had left behind in wavy lines. The smell of it carried on the breeze, salty and familiar. Next to a white Nissan X- Trail, the ambulance was parked almost on the sand itself, the flashing of its blue light nearly lost in the brilliance of this late August sunshine. A woman crouched at the tideline, leaning over a figure that lay prone on the gentle shelving of the sand. A uniformed police officer and two ambulance men stood watching. Death seemed particularly inappropriate on such a morning.

Gunn picked his way across the beach, Louise following in his wake, black boots leaving deep treads in soft sand. The uni- form nodded acknowledgement and stepped aside. The doctor looked up from the body. Fair hair dragged back and held out of her face by clasps. A strong face, pale, without make-up. She looked weary. ‘Just a lassie,’ she said.

Gunn let his eyes fall to the body and felt something turn over in his stomach. He knew this girl. Not personally. But her face was very familiar. A striking face, full lips that he had seen often parted in laughter. Her long silken chestnut hair lay tangled among the seaweed, blue eyes gazing up at him, almost in accusation. He knew, of course, that was just in his mind. The guilt he always felt when confronted by a death he had not been there to stop. He closed his eyes. What was her name again?

‘Caitlin Black, Detective Sergeant,’ the doctor said, as though she had overheard his thought.

Peter May is the multi award-winning author of:

- the Lewis Trilogy set in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland;

- the China Thrillers, featuring Beijing detective Li Yan and American forensic pathologist Margaret Campbell;

- the Enzo Files, featuring Scottish forensic scientist Enzo MacLeod, which is set in France. The sixth and final Enzo book is Cast Iron (January 2017, Riverrun).

He has also written several standalone books:

- I'll Keep You Safe (January 2018, Riverrun)

- Entry Island (January 2014, Quercus UK)

- Runaway (January 2015, Quercus UK)

- Coffin Road (January 2016, Riverrun)

May had a successful career as a television writer, creator, and producer.

One of Scotland's most prolific television dramatists, he garnered more than 1000 credits in 15 years as scriptwriter and script editor on prime-time British television drama. He is the creator of three major television drama series and presided over two of the highest-rated serials in his homeland before quitting television to concentrate on his first love, writing novels.

Born and raised in Scotland he lives in France.

His breakthrough as a best-selling author came with The Lewis Trilogy. After being turned down by all the major UK publishers, the first of the The Lewis Trilogy - The Blackhouse - was published in France as L'Ile des Chasseurs d'Oiseaux where it was hailed as "a masterpiece" by the French national newspaper L'Humanité. His novels have a large following in France. The trilogy has won several French literature awards, including one of the world's largest adjudicated readers awards, the Prix Cezam.

The Blackhouse was published in English by the award-winning Quercus (a relatively young publishing house which did not exist when the book was first presented to British publishers). It went on to become an international best seller, and was shortlisted for both Barry Award and Macavity Award when it was published in the USA.

The Blackhouse won the US Barry Award for Best Mystery Novel at Bouchercon in Albany NY, in 2013.

X @authorpetermay

Living Is A Problem by Doug Johnstone BLOG TOUR #LivingIsAProblem @doug_johnstone @OrendaBooks #TheSkelfs #BookReview

 

The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they've been through. But when a funeral they're conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they're in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta.

At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy's band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory.

And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son.

Everything is changing for the Skelfs … Dorothy's boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close, and Hannah's case leads her to consider the curious concept of panpsychism, which brings new danger … while ghosts from the family's past return to threaten their very lives.

Funny, shocking and profound, Living Is A Problem is the highly anticipated sixth instalment of the unforgettable Skelfs series – shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Novel and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Book of the Year – where life and death become intertwined more than ever before…

Living Is A Problem by Doug Johnstone is published on 12 September 2024 by Orenda Books and is book six in the Skelfs series. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this Blog Tour. 

I cannot put into words just how much joy the Skelfs series has brought to me. Five years ago Doug Johnstone introduced us to the women of the Skelf family in the first book; A Dark Matter, and every year since then, we have been treated to more from this incredible and unusual group of women. This has to be one of the best crime fiction series ever written. 

Living Is A Problem opens at a funeral, as most of the books do. This is a huge funeral for a member of a well known Edinburgh family, but it doesn't end well. The events of the day lead to investigations by the Skelf that will ultimately find them in more danger. 

Dorothy, her daughter Jenny, and granddaughter Hannah are the Skelfs. They run a business that is a combination of Undertakers and Private Investigators; may seem strange, but so often the two businesses are linked. Over the series, Jenny has had what can only be described as a pretty shit time, but in this book she's beginning to find herself. Settling down with Archie and contemplating her life so far. Her daughter Hannah is happily married to her wife Indy, and tentatively exploring the world of panpsychism. It is Dorothy who appears to have changed a little. Usually the strong, fearless, head of the family, in this story she appears to be thinking more of her past, and her current age and maybe limited future. 

Once again this is a multi layered and complex story, with threads ranging from gangster in-fighting, the the plight of refugees in the city, to the terrible effects of grief that has been long stored and never talked about. Johnstone deals with each issue with compassion and sensitivity, including relevant social issues into his story, exploring the most terrible things that humans can do to each other, but also shining a light on family, on love, on supportive communities and the need to ensure that justice is done.

The reader is taken through the streets of Edinburgh, visiting those areas that tourists never see. The areas where everyday people live their lives. The places that are not all fresh paint and fancy eating places. It is the reality of the setting that really creates such depth and authenticity to the novel. 

There's a lot going on. The Skelf family and those closest to them are thrown curve balls that would totally fell a lesser family. Dorothy has a lot to contend with especially, seeing the man who brought her happiness after widowhood decline so far is painful, for her, and for the reader.  Seeing Jenny's new found happiness is something of a surprise, but it's so good to see a softer side to her after years of toughness and suffering. 

Once again, I have been totally transfixed when reading about my all time favourite Edinburgh family. Their troubles are vast, but their sense of honour is bigger. Another amazing addition to this wonderful series. Highly recommended. 

Doug Johnstone is the author of seventeen novels, many of which have been bestsellers. 

The Space Between Us was chosen for BBC Two’s Between the Covers, while Black Hearts was shortlisted for and The Big Chill was longlisted for Theakston Crime Novel of the Year. 

Three of his books – A Dark Matter, Breakers and The Jump – have been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize. 

Doug has taught creative writing or been writer in residence at universities, schools, writing retreats, festivals, prisons and a funeral home. 

He’s also been an arts journalist for 25 years. 

He is a songwriter and musician with six albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers, a band of crime writers. 

He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club and lives in Edinburgh with his family.

www.dougjohnstone.com

X @doug_johnstone

Instagram @writerdougj

Until We Meet by E V Radwinter BLOG TOUR #UntilWeMeet @e_v_radwinter @RandomTTours #Giveaway #Win #Competition #Prize

 

One train, a chance encounter, three lives changed forever.

The past, we are told, can help us navigate the present and provide guidance for the future. But what if you don’t know where you came from? Would it affect how you live and love? Love is, after all, a fickle thing. The harder we search for it, the more it eludes us. Then again, when we are not looking for it, then sometimes, just sometimes, it finds us.

A serendipitous encounter on a crowded train brings two strangers together.

Ellie is struggling to escape a semi-toxic relationship, whilst caring for her ailing father.

Rich has a secret he cannot share. Not yet at least.

As they traverse the emotional rollercoasters of loss and searching for her birth family, the friends follow a path of discovery, the end of which neither of them could foresee and which results in three lives being changed forever.

Until We Meet by E V Radwinter was published on 27 July 2024. As part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour, I am delighted to have one copy of the book to give away. Entry is simple, just fill out the competition widget in the blog post. UK Entries only please.

GOOD LUCK! 

One copy of Until We Meet by E V Radwinter

E V Radwinter writes heartfelt books that are inspired by real life events, experiences and emotions. 

Until We Meet is E V Radwinter’s second novel. 

The first, Loves Lost and Found, was self-published in 2021. 

She is currently working on her third novel.

E V Radwinter has worked in Marketing and Communications for most of her career and has a passion for writing. 

Her inspiration to write comes from a love of reading, a visit to the library where Evelyn Anthony wrote her books, and the encouragement of her family.

E V Radwinter was born in London and grew up in Essex. 

Over the years she has lived in some of the liveliest and most beautiful places across the country, including north Surrey and Devon, two of the locations featured in this book. She is now back in north Essex where she lives with her partner.

X: @e_v_radwinter

Instagram: e.v.radwinter

 

A Violent Heart by David Fennell BLOG TOUR #AViolentHeart @DavyFennell @ZaffreBooks @RandomTTours #BookReview

 

KILLERS DON'T FOLLOW THE RULES. SO WHY SHOULD SHE?

The stunning new 2024 crime thriller from one of British crime writing's brightest talents.

______________________

Elena Zoric is murdered, her body concealed beside a stream in North London. Her phone lies nearby, the last number dialled was to the woman who had rescued her from sex trafficking: Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Grace Archer.

Archer desperately wants to lead the murder investigation but her new boss, Chief Inspector Les Fletcher, makes it very clear its out of her jurisdiction.

Then the thirty-year-old remains of a woman are found in the attic of an abandoned house, the victim dying in similar circumstances to Elena Zoric.

But Archer's North London colleagues have bigger priorities than the murder of 'a drugged-up prostitute.'

Archer needs answers. Who killed Elena? Why did she call Archer moments from her death? And what rules must she break to stop a killer in his tracks?

A Violent Heart by David Fennell was published on 29 August 2024 by Zaffre. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour 

In my view, David Fennell is one of the best authors of crime fiction around at the moment. I love his lead character; Grace Archer, and her work colleague DS Quinn. They are a superb partnership, a pairing that you can trust, and who never cut corners. 

Whilst this is the fourth novel to feature these characters, this is a stand alone story. I'd highly recommend reading the previous books, but it is perfectly fine to begin with this one. The author cleverly, and without bogging the reader down in too much detail, outlines Grace's back story. And what a story it is. She's been through a lot in her life, and that has shaped her into the cracking detective that she is today.

A Violent Heart features the murders of sex workers, and whilst the first case mentioned is recent, it soon becomes clear that these murders have been happening for many years. The murderer has their own trademark way of killing his victims. This is a case that produces many puzzles for Archer and Quinn, not least because of the influence of higher ranking police officers who try their best to ensure that this duo are not involved in most of the investigations. 

Whilst the murders are violent and tragic, there is absolutely no gratuitous violence in this story. In fact, what Fennell does so well is to make sure that the victims are all depicted as real humans, with families and lives, with hopes and dreams. For the reader, these are far more than just sex workers, these are people who have found themselves in situations that they couldn't see a way out of. 

The long-term misogyny of the police officers who led the historical investigations is exposed and is horrific. The treatment of the victims and their families and friends was horrendous and Archer is determined that this way of working will never be replicated. 

Tightly plotted, with many strands expertly woven together, I flew through this book in one day. Finding it difficult to put it aside for any length of time. Fennell's writing is enticing and compelling. He's at the top of the game for me. Highly recommended. 

David Fennell was born and raised in Belfast. 

He left for London at the tender age of eighteen and jobbed as a chef, waiter and bartender for several years before starting a career as a writer in the software industry. 

He is the author of six books including the multi-award nominated SLEEPER series. 

His third novel, the bestselling THE ART OF DEATH, marked the beginning of a popular new crime series. 

David is also a screenwriter and has adapted one of his books for television. 

He is also the founder and director of the Beyond the Book Festival. 

David is married and lives in Brighton.

Find out more about him on Instagram (mrdavidfennell),  X (davyfennell), and FaceBook (DavidFennellAuthor).