I have been lucky enough to read a huge pile of books that have published this month - check them out below. There really is something for everyone! From picture books, cozy crime, historical fiction based on real events and gripping young adult reads.
I received digital ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) of all of these books in return for honest reviews.
Books for Adults
Would I Lie to You by Aliya Ali-Afzal
A gripping read that had me at the edge of my seat not knowing what twist would come next.
I tend to read cosy crime and murder so this was not my usual go to read. However, it was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone.
When Fazia’s husband is made redundant - money spending will need to be tightened but they will be ok because they have saved a good amount in an emergency fund. Things will be fine with the security of that money - Won’t they? What the family do t know is that the money is gone and Fazia will now have to go to extreme lengths to try and get it back before they find out!
I went through a whole range of emotions with Fazia the main character - I felt sympathy, annoyance, anger it was a roller coaster that I didn’t want to end.
It is a long book compared to my usual reads but it didn’t feel long as I was reading. I found myself engrossed and the chapters flew by.
Just as you think things are working out or coming to a head there is a new twist that catches you off guard and has you desperately reading on to find out what could possibly happen next.
The Maid by Nita Prose
Molly is a Maid at the Grand Regency Hotel - she goes unnoticed by most but sees so much. When Molly finds one of the guests dead things start to get very interesting and she finds herself having to prove her innocence.
Molly is such a likeable character - I could picture her as I read, her mannerisms, her expressions and her innocence in seeing the good in everyone. There were other characters who caused me to change my opinions throughout sometimes multiple times.
I like the way that the book is set out in days but there are a lot of flashbacks that all add to the picture of the story and the characters. That little by little approach was brilliant and I felt that it really added to the story telling.
With each new chapter we discover some new fact that changes the course of the story. There are moments of suspense where you fear for Molly, there are moments where you find yourself laughing along almost like a romantic comedy where the girl gets revenge on the one who has treated her badly. But there were also moments of pure sadness that I had not expected.
This really is a book that has you guessing right until the very last page. Just when you think you have it all worked out there’s something new to discover.
Brilliantly written - a definite must read - order a copy now.
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett
I read this book in the space of a day and a half. I had to be forced to put it down when I needed to do something and when it was finished I was left feeling a little speechless, desperate to talk to someone about it in great detail and slightly lost as to what I could possibly read next that would stand up to it.
I don’t want to give any spoilers because this really is a mystery full of twists and turns. It kept me guessing and has completely taken me by surprise in the most wonderful way.
Like The Appeal this book is set out in a new and interesting way. Told through a series of voice recordings, phone calls and messages - we are able to follow the story of the characters as The Twyford Code is uncovered.
This really is such a clever book - I can’t even begin to imagine how Janice Hallett has come up with such a masterpiece.
Without doubt this is a must read and I recommend you order it from your local book shop now!!
The Detective Wakes by Jim McGhee
I have been looking forward to this book since the cover reveal and was very excited when I managed to get hold of a digital ARC. It was a very welcome read to unwind at the end of a rather long term.
I found myself instantly liking Inspector Barney Mains. Here is a man who says what he thinks and doesn’t really care much for the politics of the day. I could see myself getting on quite well with him.
I also very quickly grew to like Ffiona - she has a slightly sneaky side to her. She appears to be a high flying youngster who does things by the book but then you get a hint of attitude and rebellion that makes her very likeable indeed.
The book is set in the current time and references to pandemic and politics make this clear. I liked that because I felt that it made the characters more relatable and at times I felt part of the story.
The story follows the disappearance of wealthy Scottish business women Shona Gladstone. To start with I found the character to be a little annoying - nothing really to do with the writing - if I’m honest just my prejudged opinion of a rich person living the high life in a Vila full of staff.
How wrong I was - as the story went on I became very fond of Shona and found her to be quite a character. Not afraid to cross a line in order to get justice - she was a women I would like to meet.
As the story unfolded it became more focused on the political issues and for me this made it all the more interesting.
The plot was detailed and the elements entwined across the nations. It was a complex crime but the author made it easy to read and follow.
This is definitely a series I can see myself following and I look forward to reading the next book - hopefully before too long.
The Convict’s Wife by Libby Ashworth
This book is not the kind of book I would normally pick for myself (I spend most of my time reading children’s books or murder mysteries) I was intrigued by the blurb - a women on a mission, betrayal and someone who sounded too stubborn to let men stand in her way. The book did not disappoint.
From the very beginning the story takes shape. There’s no fussing around - the author gets straight to the action and you are pulled in instantly.
I found the characters to be very believable- I could picture them as I read - their mannerisms and actions. I felt strongly for Molly - a women made of strong stuff who will not be defeated. Thomas pulled at my heart strings - a man who made a foolish decision and paid the price for another’s jealousy. Then there was Isaac Crompton - a man so easy to dislike and so slimy. Just the thought of him made me uneasy and the tension between him and Molly was thick.
I enjoyed this book because it was an easy read. The chapters just seemed to fly by - before I’d realised I’d read 1/3 of the book in one sitting. I didn’t want to put it down - each chapter brought a new glimmer of hope or a new dash of sorrow. I found myself willing good news for Molly and Thomas yet at the same time that part of me set in reality was fearing that they would only get disappointment.
Having finished the book I was particularly moved by the authors notes to find out that the story is based somewhat in reality and the letters of a real life Thomas. The knowledge that this really was the reality for families made it even more gripping.
I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book by the author.
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
What a marvellous book that keeps on giving. I couldn’t put this down once I started reading it. A story told in three parts by Nan O’Dea. Mistress to Archie Christie, love of Finbarr, mother to Genevieve and in some strange way friend to Agatha.
The story is so much more than an account of Agatha’s days missing. It is a lesson in the harsh and sad reality of young women forced to give up their babies, treated as nothing more than dirt for believing in love, the harshness of war and its impact on those who came back. It is a love story, a murder mystery - but above all else it is a masterpiece that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go.
You and help but love each of the characters in their own way. You feel their pain and as the story unfolds you feel a sense of justice that they should not be denied.
This was the last book I read in 2021. I started it with a few days to go and wasn’t sure I would finish it before the new year. How foolish of me to have that worry. Once I started it - there was no way of putting it down. Nina de Gramont has excelled in writing a book so easy to read and full of twists and turns - a true talent and a book that you must read.
I was lucky to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It truly is a wonderful book and I will be buying a copy for my mother as a gift.
Books for Young Adults:
The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros
The Blue Book of Nebo - this book has been on my radar for some time. When I was learning Welsh a few years ago I was intrigued by the original Welsh book but never quite felt confident enough to read it.
When I discovered the English adaptation I knew that I had to read it.
I was not disappointed - told as a dual narrative through the voices of Dylan and his mother The Blue Book of Nebo explores their lives and relationship with each other after The End has come.
Full of big questions and emotion this book makes the reader think long and hard as you question what are society really is and how things can change in an instant.
A book that should be read not just by young adults but those of us who are maybe a little bit older as well.
Dead Lucky by Andreina Cordani
A powerful story that is so fitting for our a time where social media has such a massive influence.
Told through the voices of a group of online influencers - friends / enemies or caught somewhere in between. Their lives unfold infront of us.
Flash backs to their school days keep feeding small details that bring the pieces of the mystery together until we are faced with the dramatic and somewhat shocking conclusion.
A story filled with drama that doesn’t stop - I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Children’s Books:
We Feel Happy by Katie Abey
Such a joyful book full of colourful illustrations that children can engage with easily.
Covering a wide range of emotions and a whole host of reasons we may feel them.
Short, simple snippets of text explain emotions to young children in a way that is easy to follow and opens up discussions.
This really will be a valuable resource for families and early years settings. I definitely want one for my class.
This Tree is Just for Me by Lucy Rowland and Laura Hughes
What a joyful book! Little bookworm and I have enjoyed reading this together - we loved all the different animals and she enjoyed joining in with the repetition.
The story flows easily as you read it aloud with a rhythm that exudes happiness.
Little bookworm particularly liked the end because she was happy that he shared his tree.
The importance of reading wrapped up in a wonderful book!
Monster Hungry Phone! by Sean Taylor and Fred Benaglia
This brilliantly simple book is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.
Bold illustrations with a rough edge are eye catching and fun.
The story follows monster who is hungry and has a phone - but can he find the correct number and will he ever get his pizza?
A laugh out loud book that will have little monsters roaring along. A perfect read aloud book to share.
A Hero Called Wolf by Lucy Rowland and Ben Mantle
I really enjoyed this book - A flowing rhyming text that is accompanied by beautiful illustrations. This book defies stereotypes and shows children that they can be a hero just by being themselves. It’s not about how you look or being strong a hero is someone that helps others along.
In primary schools this would be ideal for linking to fairy tale topics or PSHE topics. Of course it is also perfect on its own as simply a brilliant book for story time.
Definitely one that will be a hit at bedtime for little bookworm!
Leonora Bolt Secret Inventor by Lucy Brandt and Gladys Jose
A brilliant book for inspiring inventors. Leonora is trapped on a distant island with her less the caring uncle. Her only escape is her inventions - but when Jack washes up on her beach her world is turned upside down and she is finally embarks in a dangerous mission to find the truth and stop her Uncle once and for all.
Adventure, humour, bold illustrations and manageable text make this an ideal book for reading aloud or reading alone.
Dragon Storm by Alastair Chisholm and Ben Mantle
A brilliant book for newly confident readers and an ideal class read for year 3. Suitable for children age 7-9.
Tomàs has a special skill but he has to learn how to use it without losing his family.
A great balance of action, adventure and love. I know this will be a popular series with children and an ideal addition to book shelves.
Meg and Merlin: Making Friends by Tanya Landman and Sònia Albert
As ever from Barrington Stoke this book is brilliant for readers who are gaining confidence. A great start to what I am sure will be a well received and well loved series.
The story addresses the issues of money worries on families due to job insecurity and the very real impact that has on children who learn to accept that they can not have the things that they would like which others may have.
Told with compassion and setting the scene for more adventures.
Violet Veil - A Case of Misfortune by Sophie Cleverly
I recently read this first book in this series and was pleased to get an advance digital copy for the second so that I could get straight on with the adventure.
Violet’s sense of determination certainly hasn’t faded and with her new business set up she is quickly tasked with a new mystery to solve. Miss Li and her reappearing necklace certainly fit that bill.
Oliver and Bones are in their rightful places at her side and I was delighted to meet two new young characters. The children of the theatre owners (Eleni and Niko). Reading of their first encounter filed me with a sense of joy for Violet who obviously missed the company of friends her own age. I also got the sense that Eleni was going to be just as strong minded and adventurous as Violet.
The story started of as a simple mystery - predictions by Lady Athena coming true under some what questionable circumstances but things soon took an even more dramatic turn when one of the theatres actors was murdered.
Re-energised after a small slump Violet goes back to investigating with her usual vigor but can she really uncover the truth?
There was a lot of tension in this book between Oliver and Violet. Violet is forced to learn some hard lessons about herself in order to put things right. It’s not easy to accept that you were wrong and Violet is no different to the rest of us.
A perfect adventure series for children age 8+
I found this to be a very enjoyable read and hope there will soon be a book three.
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