Review of Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Books are meant to be held and read - but you don't just hold this book, it holds you! 

Rating: 5 out of 5*

I loved this book. 

As much as it's always great catching up with "old friends" like Sara Linton and Will Trent when a writer continues an exciting series, it is also very enjoyable discovering new characters and those of Lydia and Claire were very interesting to get to know.

This is superbly written and told from two different perspectives which not only makes for good reading but adds another dimention to the tale. It kept me thinking as much as enthralled throughout the whole book as any well composed psychological thriller should. With each new discovery and each new character introduced I found myself reassessing the information I already had learned, adding and adjusting, and trying to predict where I was being taken. Yet around each turn I found something new and unexpected.

I was very lucky to receive a proof copy of this book, but would have been very happy with my purchase even if I had to wait like most for it to be available to buy.

3 massacres, 2 detectives, 1 writer, 0 answers!

Deadly Messengers by Susan May is described as a “can’t-put-it-down thriller” and most definitely lives up to its reputation. A real page turner which not only captivates and entertains but makes you think too. The book is very well written looking at not only the what and the whom, but also the why. Could this happen? Who is the killer? Could anyone be a killer? Are killers simply evil or do we need to dig deeper to get to the truth?

I can confidently say those choosing to read this book will thoroughly enjoy each page, unwilling to put it down, desperate to find out what happens next.

This is the first book by Susan I have read and I really look forward to reading more.


(This ebook was kindly given to me free for review purposes but I would happily have paid for a book of this calliber.)

This delightful story made me feel like the cat who got the cream!

Oliver the Cat Who Saved Christmas: The Tale of a Little Cat with a Big Heart 

By Sheila Norton

“A friend who brings light at the darkest of times...

Oliver the cat is a timid little thing, and rarely ventures from his home in the Foresters’ Arms.

Then his life changes dramatically when a fire breaks out in the pub kitchen and he is left homeless and afraid. But, with the kindness of the humans around him, he soon learns to trust again. And, in his own special way, he helps to heal those around him.

However, it isn’t until he meets a little girl in desperate need of a friend that he realises this village needs a Christmas miracle...

A warm and uplifting novel, this is the tale of a little cat with a big heart. Perfect for fans of A Streetcat Named Bob and Alfie the Doorstep Cat.”

***

Reviewed for MCT by Jan G and Samantha G.

I normally read from within the Crime/Mystery/Thriller genres, but chose this book as it was one I felt my daughter and I could both read, enjoy and review.  This is our joint review of Oliver, the Cat Who Saved Christmas – from a 46 year old’s point of view and a 12 year old’s.  Jan G.

***

This delightful story made me feel like the cat who got the cream! 

Reviewed by Jan G.

5 out of 5*

When Oliver’s home is taken by fire, his life changes completely.  But he discovers that the fire at the pub has changed life for the whole village, not just him.  He wants to help and sets about doing so in his own special way.  

This heart-warming tale of a little cat made me laugh out loud numerous times and smile frequently.   The story is told by Oliver himself in a manner that felt believable (considering it was a cat telling a story!)  The human characters, as well as the animals, are well crafted and described.  There is a fine attention to detail and nice cat-descriptions (such as children described as human kittens, hands being paws etc.) that anyone who has ever had a cat will enjoy and appreciate.  But it’s not just a book for cat lovers, all who enjoy the company of animals will enjoy Oliver.  The pace of the book is very good, padding along smoothly and evenly, just like a cat, to its ultimate conclusion.  

Will Oliver save Christmas?  Can a cat really do that?  Well, I suggest you read this charming book and find out.  I can honestly say I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

***

Reviewed by Samantha G.

5 of 5*

This is the story of a cat who was introduced to us humans more and more as the book goes on, and although he didn’t really understand half of what was going on, he solved everyone else’s problems. The book is written in the point of view of a cat, adored by the public, telling a story to you. It certainly seems that way until you realise it’s actually a kitten he’s talking to. As the story goes on we learn more about Oliver, the kitten, the other cats, and all the human inhabitants. This book makes you laugh a lot with things like ‘Us cats don’t get the respect we deserve sometimes’, and Oliver adds little comments all over the book that made me smile.

In the end, you’re left with a feeling of satisfaction when everything comes together, and you no longer wonder in every turn of the page… How does the cat save Christmas?!

ARC received from  http://mysteriesandcrimethrillers.blogspot.co.uk/ for review purposes.

A real page turner from Solange Ritchie

The Burning Man by Solange Ritchie

5 out of 5*

 A wonderful book - a real page turner.

Who is The Burning Man?  Why does he do it?  Can he be stopped?  And at what cost? 

Solange Ritchie has written an excellent psychological thriller that will keep you trying to work out the answers to these and many other questions, with twists and turns all the way through this novel.

Cat is the lead character, a wonderful strong female FBI Agent and Forensic Pathologist who struggles like many successful and powerful women to balance her work and home life.  But even with her amazing understanding of the minds of killers and all her FBI training, can she find this man and stop the trail of havoc he leaves in his wake? 

Very much a recommended read.  I thoroughly enjoyed The Burning Man and look forward to seeing what Solange brings out next.