Book review: Follow Me by Angela Clarke

"LIKE. SHARE. FOLLOW . . . DIE

The ‘Hashtag Murderer’ posts chilling cryptic clues online, pointing to their next target. Taunting the police. Enthralling the press. Capturing the public’s imagination.

But this is no virtual threat.

As the number of his followers rises, so does the body count.

Eight years ago two young girls did something unforgivable. Now ambitious police officer Nasreen and investigative journalist Freddie are thrown together again in a desperate struggle to catch this cunning, fame-crazed killer. But can they stay one step ahead of him? And can they escape their own past?

Time's running out. Everyone is following the #Murderer. But what if he is following you?

ONLINE, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM …"

The minute the book cover reveal took place for Follow Me by Angela Clarke, I knew I just had to get my mitts on a copy. It sounded absolutely brilliant and I'm so pleased that I wasn't disappointed - it's a fast paced crime mystery novel that had me absorbed from the beginning.

The story follows Freddie- a chaotic, fairly lost woman who dreams of being a journalist but instead is serving coffee to rude customers, scraping enough pennies together to live on a sofabed in a tiny flat. She bumps into an old school friend, Nas, who is now a police officer and is rushing off to a crime scene. Sniffing out a story that could fulfill her journalist dreams, Freddie follows Nas and sneaks her way into the crime scene - a gory murder. Before she knows it, she's thrust onto the case, using her social media skills to help try and find the killer - Apollyon, who uses Twitter to broadcast his kills and give clues as to who is next. 

This was a gripping story and I particularly loved the social media focus. Follow Me highlighted the dangers that there can be surrounding online activity and was a different and exciting way to portray crimes. It was well thought through and kept you on your toes constantly... would they find the person behind Apollyon...the 'hashtag murderer?'

Freddie is a brash character who lacks any sense of direction and ability to take things seriously. She is coasting through life, trying to make it as a journalist but not really succeeding. I enjoyed her being thrust into a whole new working environment and her trying to help solve the crime. At time she was, understandably, overwhelmed - particularly with the gory murder scenes. But, she used her skills and experiences to try and create leads and really got into the investigation. She is a complete contrast to Nas, who is a determined perfectionist, working incredibly hard to achieve a promotion within the force. I did feel that at times her character was a bit flat... there wasn't much going on with her apart from wanting to succeed. She's still likable though and you can really understand her frustrations with Freddie. 

It's clear there's a secret that Nas and Freddie are keeping, which is the reason why they stopped being friends when they were younger. It's hinted at from early on in the story, but I never quite guessed what it would be. Once you find out you can see why they kept it to themselves, particular Nas, and it also explains their personalities and outlook on life. 

I'll admit I had no bloomin' idea who the killer would be. When they find a lead and a potential killer, I was on the edge of my seat wondering if that would be it. I won't spoil anything, but just be warned that Follow Me certainly keeps you on edge right up until the very end - the plot twists and turns and throws many surprises your way. 

A thoroughly enjoyable, gripping crime thriller with a dynamic edge. I really, really enjoyed it. 

*A big thank you to the publishers of Follow Me, Avon, for an advance review copy of the book via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Links:

Buy the book

Angela Clark website 

Twitter

Avon books

Book review: Lost Girls by Angela Marsons

"Two girls go missing. Only one will return.

The couple that offers the highest amount will see their daughter again. The losing couple will not. Make no mistake. One child will die. 

When nine-year-old best friends Charlie and Amy disappear, two families are plunged into a living nightmare. A text message confirms the unthinkable; that the girls are the victims of a terrifying kidnapping. 

And when a second text message pits the two families against each other for the life of their children, the clock starts ticking for D.I. Kim Stone and the squad. 

Seemingly outwitted at every turn, as they uncover a trail of bodies, Stone realises that these ruthless killers might be the most deadly she has ever faced. And that their chances of bringing the girls home alive, are getting smaller by the hour… 

Untangling a dark web of secrets from the families’ past might hold the key to solving this case. But can Kim stay alive long enough to do so? Or will someone’s child pay the ultimate price?"

Lost Girls is the third novel in the DC Kim Stone series. I find it pretty mind-blowing that this is the third book Angela Marsons has released this year - what a massive achievement! I absolutely loved the first book in the series, Silent Scream, and thought the sequel, Evil Games was even better, so I had high expectations for Lost Girls. I honestly think that it's the best of the trilogy... Angela's writing is even more descriptive and flowing, the plot tense and gripping and it's a brilliant, tense and fast-paced thriller.

The story follows DC Kim Stone as she investigates the abduction of two young girls, doing all she can to bring them home safe. The case is on a press and police force blackout, meaning no-one except the officers assigned to the case can no about it. This is for the girl's safety, but does create some major barriers for the investigation. The stress and strains of the investigation are heightened as the force look back to a similar abduction case the previous year that didn't end well... one of the girls didn't make it home. This thought is constantly playing on Kim's mind and she is determined for it not to happen again. Things are made even worse when the kidnappers send on a ransom demand to the to families - the highest bidder wins and will get their daughter back. The lowest won't. This horrible situation creates even more twists and turns for the families and plays on their already heightened emotions. It's a terrible situation but, as a reader, an amazing idea from Angela Marsons. It makes what would be a difficult abduction case even more tense and uncomfortable and you can see the close relationship between the families unravel - secrets are revealed and sturdy relationships fractured, which makes for great reading. 

As usual, Kim Stone goes above and beyond to find the girls. She is a fantastic, realistic character. I've loved her since the start of this series, but I enjoy seeing her character develop and learning more about her. She just seems so real - it's hard to remember that you're actually reading a book. She's still just as stand-offish and cold, not wanting to make anything too personal, but I still really, really like her. She throws herself into her work and wants to do all she can to solve the case, and not just for her own personal satisfaction, but to genuinely help the victims and their families. She goes to great lengths to protect people and isn't afraid to bend the rules to succeed, usually to her boss's dismay, but for the right result. Towards the end of the story we see a big development in her personal life that's rather unusual for Kim. I must admit, I did see it coming, but I was still really pleased and I'm eager to see what happens next with that.

As usual with Angela Marson's stories we also get an insight into the mind of the abducter. This didn't make for easy reading, especially as one of the kidnappers is extremely violent. However, these chapters add another gripping layer to the story and really ramp up the tension. It makes you want to scream at Kim Stone 'I know who they are!!' and will her on to find them. Despite it not being the most comfortable topic to cover, Angela Marson's writing talents shine through - she creates a gripping, mind-whirring read that has you hooked from the very start. 

If you've read and enjoyed the rest of this series, then you will love Lost Girls. It really is brilliant.  If, somehow, you've missed out on the wonder that it Angela Marsons then I'd suggest you rectify that immediately! Purchase the others as well as Lost Girls and catch up on these gripping thrillers. If you love crime and mystery novels then these are the books for you. Saying that though, I started Silent Scream when I didn't read many crime books, and I loved it. So if you're looking for something a bit different or want to delve into a new genre, give this series a whirl! I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. 

So what are you waiting for?! Go and download all three books in the series and devour them as eagerly as I did - I have no qualms in recommending this series to anyone that will listen, it really is that brilliant. I can't wait to see what's next from Angela Marsons, but I have no doubts that it will be fantastic. 

*A big thank you to the publishers of Lost Girls, Bookouture, for an advance copy of the story in exchange for an honest review. 

Links: 

Buy Lost Girls

Buy Silent Scream (book 1)

Buy Evil Games (book 2)

Bookouture website

Angela Marsons website

Twitter 

Facebook

Book review: 24 Hours by Claire Seeber

"My best friend, Emily, is dead – killed last night in a hotel fire.

But it was meant to be me.

Now I have 24 hours to find my daughter.
Before he finds out I’m still alive.


24 Hours is a fast-paced, intelligent psychological thriller that will leave you breathless."

24 Hours is hands down one of the best thrillers I've read this year. It's fast paced, gripping and has you eager to find out what happened from the very first page. 

The story follows Laurie, who we meet in the aftermath of a large explosion at the hotel she's staying at, which kills her best friend Emily. However, Laurie fully believes that it wasn't an accident, and that it was meant to be her that was killed. Scared that someone wants to kill her, and possibly her daughter, she races off to find her daughter, Polly, who has been away on holiday with her Mum. 

24 Hours is split into two types of chapters - present day, with each chapter covering one hour within the 24 hour period after the fire, and the past,  which looks into Laurie's complex and rather dangerous relationship with her separated husband, Sid. I felt that the split chapters are what created such a gripping plot - most chapters in the present day were left on a cliffhanger which had you racing to find out more. 

In a weird way I enjoyed the flashbacks delving into her past- I say weird way as it's a difficult past she's experienced, with many dark times. We learn Laurie and Sid's relationship was toxic, she was constantly walking on eggshells as Sid could be violent or difficult, and even though they clearly have deep feelings for each other, they aren't right for each other. During these flashbacks we learn more about Laurie's friendship with Emily, her best friend, who supports her during difficult times and clearly dislikes Sid. We also meet Mal, a man who's son is in Polly's school, and who takes a liking to Laurie. At first, I was eager for them to get together, for Laurie to let her guard down and be with a man who seems kind and caring. However Mal's ex comes to stir up trouble- saying he gets too involved and becomes obsessed with the women he feels for. With any other story, I'd have thought this was a case of a woman scorned and not believe her for a second. However, because of the complexity of 24 hours and the way you never quite know what's happening, doubts niggled in my mind. Should Laurie trust him? Or could he have been behind the fire? I don't want to spoil it so I won't say any more, but it just shows how Claire Seeber has created a real psychological thriller where it's difficult to trust even the nicest of characters. 

Occasionally, I thought I knew what was going on and who was behind the fire and chasing Laurie, so I'd sit rather smugly thinking 'ha, nice try, but I've got this'..... only for something to happen that dispelled my idea and had me further questioning what on earth was going on. Serves me right for being smug I guess! Like Laurie, I was clueless throughout, but I certainly didn't trust any of the characters in the story. 

Claire Seeber is a truly talented author, this is the first book I've read by her, and it's introduced me to her fantastic writing style and ability to create suspense. From the offset you see the sheer terror and frantic worry that is hanging over Laurie, and her desperation to find her daughter safe. The emotions portrayed not only from Laurie, but throughout 24 hours, are complex and expertly crafted by Claire Seeber, and really show off her brilliance. 

All the characters in 24 Hours are complex and guarded, clearly hiding secrets and dealing with their feelings. Polly provides some light relief from heavy situations as well as Emily, who we see from the flashbacks was a caring and kind friend. The most complex character is Sid, who in his own messed up way really does seem to love Laurie, but he can't stop hurting her - emotionally and physically. I wanted to scream to Laurie to cut ties with him and stop going back to him as it was clearly not going to end well, especially when he gets a new girlfriend, young pop singer Jolie. Jolie acts care-free about Laurie and Poppy, but clearly isn't happy about Sid's inability to cut himself off from them. 

The whole of the story is leading up to a big climax, and the build-up towards it is incredible. I just couldn't put this book down, I read it over two days (if I hadn't been working it would have easily been in one sitting!) as it's just impossible to find a good point to put it down. I didn't guess the ending at all, it was a big shock to me and there's also a huge twist which shocked me too. 

Claire Seeber is brilliant, as is 24 hours. A gritty, thrilling read that has you hooked from the first page. I loved the complexity of the characters and their emotions and how difficult it was to work out what happened - there are so many twists and turns with this intricate plot that you never quite know where it's going to lead to next. A fantastic read that I'd highly recommend. 

*A big thank you to the publishers of 24 Hours, Bookouture, for a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 

Links: 

Buy the book 

Website

Twitter

Book Review: A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

The gift of a lifetime?

Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. 

But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

So anyone that's a regular reader of Little Northern Soul knows I'm a HUGE fan of Miranda Dickinson's... she's up there with some of my favourite authors. On the day A Parcel for Anna Browne was released I raced to the shops to get my mitts on a copy. I think I need to mention here that I absolutely adore this cover, It's my favourite of hers so far and looks absolutely beautiful on my bookshelf.

It's always a concern with my favourite authors that their latest book isn't going to live up to expectation or be as good as the previous one. A Parcel For Anna Browne is also Miranda Dickinson's first novel for her new publishing house, Pan MacMillan (her previous novels were published under Avon) I felt those stakes were even higher. However, if anything, the change has been good for Miranda, A Parcel for Anna Browne is a fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and will be recommending to anyone that will listen for the forseeable future. This story firmly reminds you why Miranda is a bestseller and a firm favourite, not just for me, but for many people across the country, if not the world. (wow, that was fairly dramatic wasn't it!?)

The concept for this story is wonderful, really unique and different. It follows Anna, a woman who lives in London and is pretty happy with her life. She has a home she loves, a job she enjoys and a circle of friends. One day, a parcel arrives for her, unannounced. The mysterious package contains a gift of a beautiful silk scarf. Wearing the scarf increases her confidence, and she begins to wonder who is behind the parcels. More and more parcels arrive, each containing beautiful gifts that boost Anna's confidence and make her reflect on her life... was she as content and happy as she thought?

What I loved about this story is the journey you go on with Anna. She is a lovely, down-to-earth character that you immediately warm to. Although her life is fine, the parcels make her want more, to become ambitious and do what makes her happy. I loved that, seeing her grow and develop and strive for more. I thought it was an unusual element that the changes within her were down to the parcels and the beautiful gifts that were nestled between the wrapping. 

Writing strong, relatable characters is definitely one of Miranda Dickinson's strong points, and A Parcel For Anna Browne is brimming with them. I loved her work colleagues and the team behind the reception desk, who were funny and showed off Anna's kind and friendly personality. My favourite character was her best friend Jonah, who's a real sweetheart. He had such a sparkle to him and I could see why him and Anna were such good friends. 

Then there's Ben, the journalist who Anna gets to know through work shadowing. I didn't warm to him as much as I did Jonah, although it was obvious he was handsome and charming, too. I could see why Anna's interest was peaked and I enjoyed watching the two of them interact. 

The story is told mainly through Anna's viewpoint, although some chapters start from a different character's view-point and then come back round to Anna. I liked this change, as it gives a more detailed insight into some of the other characters and always links to the situation unfolding within that chapter. It's done in such a way that it adds another layer of delight to the story and isn't distracting or confusing.

This story is fantastic, really magical and gripping. To me, it wasn't obvious who the sender was, which had me hooked. I kept guessing but then changing my mind as the story progressed and I never really settled on a culprit at all. I was shocked by the reveal but not disappointed, I felt it was a fitting end to such a wonderful story. 

This is Miranda Dickinson's first book with Pan MacMillan and it certainly has been an exciting change. Her writing style is impeccable as usual, creating engaging characters, 'I want to go there now' locations and a unique storyline that is entertaining and fun. If I had to sum up A Parcel For Anna Browne in one word? Magical. 

I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!

Links: 
Buy the book (and I certainly would recommend you do!) 
Website
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube

Book review: Scandalous Lies by Nigel May

'Lovers and liars, divas and sinners, welcome to a world of scandal, where one woman will pay the ultimate price. 

SUSPENSE: Georgia’s best friend, ballroom dancing sensation Mitzi, has vanished with boyfriend Foster while on holiday in California. Can Georgia get to the truth of their disappearance before it’s too late? 

SECRETS: Reality TV star Nova could give the Kardashians a run for their money. But while she allows millions of viewers into her fabulous home, she’s unaware what her husband, celebrity mogul Jacob, is up to behind closed doors … 

SEX: Tanya is filthy rich, married to a man who adores her but she is restless. And her sexual appetite is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble. 

SCANDAL: Victoria, once the trophy-wife, has lost her mojo. Determined to get her life and marriage back on track, she’s desperate to inject some excitement in her life – but at what cost? 

From the glitz of Hollywood to the glamour of Milan and the exotic luxury of India, Scandalous Lies is a deliciously unputdownable read.'

Okay now I'm going to start this post off with a confession: I'm not a big fan of 'bonk-busters', erotica or anything too sexy. I'm not a prude, I just usually don't enjoy that kind of read as much as my usual women's fiction preference. However, Nigel May has managed to change my opinion of this genre with his intriguing, racy and just all-round brilliant writing style.

Scandalous Lies centres around the disappearance of Mitzi and her partner Foster. On a break from their TV dancing careers, the lovers head to America for a glitzy RV trip. However, they don't return from the trip and end up missing. After the first few days the press lose interest in the story and so it falls to those that know them to either find them, or at least an answer as to what happened to them. 

Now this story has loads of character and at first, it's quite a feat to keep track of all the names. Don't let that put you off though, as each character has a vivid, unique personality that adds to the story, and all the characters link together nicely - you can see the connections the characters all have to Mitzi and to each other, which makes it easier to follow. To keep my review at a manageable length I won't go into each character and their scenario, I'll just give you a quick summary of some of my favourites.

Georgia and Charlie were up there as my favourite characters in the story. Georgia is a weather girl for an English breakfast TV show, and Charlie is the showbiz reporter for the same programme. Their relationship is really genuine (which seems to be a rare occurrence amongst the rich and famous of this story) - they are really in love and so happy. Their partnership is full of support, promise and affection which made it a joy to read. Not only are Georgia and Charlie great together, but separately too. Charlie is really supportive to Georgia as she struggles to deal with the unexplained disappearance of her friend. She is a really caring person, who just wants to find out what happened to Mitzi - even if her determination does put her at risk.

One of my other favourite characters was Nova (Charlie's mum). She is a reality super-star (think Kardashian heights), her every move is recorded and meticulously planned so it makes good TV (which provides some funny scenes!). Charlie doesn't join in her programme, nor does her partner Jacob, but they support her and also keep her slightly more level-headed than she would be if they weren't around. She isn't affected as such, just not quite aware of how things work without fame and fortune. Despite this she is still highly likable and an infectious, bubbly character who I thought was a key part of the story. 

Now as I mentioned above, this book is quite racy... so I think we'd better quickly talk about sex. This is one of the few books I've read where I haven't cringed at a sex scene - the language isn't too flowery or awkward and there's just the right level of race and passion. One character in particular is quite kinky and there was one scene that shocked me, but it didn't put me off  the rest of the story, because it actually added some depth to her character and explains some of her reasoning and thought processes. (I won't say what happens as I don't want to ruin it, but believe me, you'll know what I mean when you read it!)

The main reason I'm personally not a huge fan of bonk-busters is because I usually find that sex is the main focus of a story and everything else weakens because of it- characters, plot, location - they are all only there because of the sex, not the other way round, which makes for a pretty weak story (50 Shades, anyone?). However, this certainly doesn't happen with Scandalous Lies - all the characters are well written and have strong personalities,  the plot if gripping and well thought through and the description for the story (as well as the sex scenes) is equally as good. Nigel uses sex scenes as a way to add to the plot, not as the plot which, to me, makes a massive difference.

So there you go. I'm a convert to sexy reading and fully enjoyed this story. If you want some sexy, glamorous, star-studded, exotic reading this summer then grab a copy of Scandalous Lies - it'll more than deliver.