Archive | February 2026

No Stone Left Unturned by Annette Dashofy

Feb10

Superb Crime Suspense

No Stone Left Unturned by Annette Dashofy is a gripping contemporary crime suspense that I could not put down. It is the fourth book in A Detective Honeywell Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. Once more the police work in tantum with photographer, Emma, in the hope of solving a brutal crime. Newspaper archives hold secrets that are clues.

The crimes are far too close to home as an unknown figure goes on a crime spree that seems to be a personal vendetta.

As the body count rises, the law enforcement is left scratching its’ heads.

Annette Dashofy has created a marvellous plotline, with the suspense ramping up. Locations become seedier and darker, to mirror the action. My heartrate rose as I read towards the conclusion. There were times when I gasped out loud, yelling ‘no’ at my book!

There were tender moments too, particularly concerning an elderly dog who was in need of love and care.

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A Body In The Banjo by Elaine Spires

Feb8

A Walk Down Memory Lane

A Body In The Banjo by Elaine Spires is a most entertaining retro crime saga that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in just one sitting.

The story is set in Dagenham in 1958 and is focused on the small group of houses in the banjo. The houses have inter-connecting alleyways – and not much happens that isn’t viewed by at least one nosey neighbour!

One quiet Sunday morning a body is found. The neighbourhood is then awash with police and their questions.

To complement the police, forty-eight-year-old Cissy starts her amateur sleuthing. She reminded me of Miss Marple but a younger version and one who informs the police of her findings and suspicions. She is relentless in her pursuit of answers.

A Body In The Banjo is written in a very personable style. Elaine Spires ‘shows’ us the scene with her descriptions. She has perfectly captured a bygone era where life was simple and neighbours were in and out of each other’s houses and lives. Neighbourhoods gelled together.

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The Last Leopard by Lauren St John

Feb6

A Strange Type Of Heaven

The Last Leopard by Lauren St John is a powerful contemporary children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for those aged ten years and over. It is the fourth book in The White Giraffe series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for the continuity of story and for character development.

Once more we ‘travel’ to Africa to join eleven-year-old Martine and her friend Ben, and her grandmother on the Sawubona animal sanctuary. The three travel to Zimbabwe, a journey of over two thousand kilometres, to help a friend in distress.

Martine hates to leave her white giraffe, Jemmy but is excited to learn about the last leopard, Khan.

Once more, it is Martine and Ben’s love of animals that makes them put personal safety aside, in order to stop the animal poachers. The pair are brave and wise beyond their years. Both have unique gifts. Ben’s is tracking. Martine has the gift of healing. Before they leave Sawubona, Grace, an African healer says: “We don’t always get to choose the paths of our lives, chile… Trust in your gift. Trust your gift will keep you safe.” Martine will be called on to use her gift. She can trust the recipient, and he can trust her. Whether human or animal, the eyes are the windows to the soul.

Our planet needs to be preserved. We need to look after the animals and their habitats because once they are gone, they are gone forever. “Ben always came alive in nature.” Both Ben and Martine care deeply for the environment. They were both “kids from the suburbs, delivered by fate to Sawubona, where they’d fallen totally in love with nature.” They both recognised the great value of the natural and its’ need for preservation.

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The Cafe On The Coast by Christie Barlow

Feb1

The Sanctuary

The Café On The Coast by Christie Barlow is a most beautiful contemporary novel that I never wanted to end. It is the fourth book in the Puffin Island series and I cannot wait to read more.

There is a wonderful warm atmosphere which envelops all who enter the café on the coast. It has “a kitchen full of love and laughter.” This love and laughter is ‘felt’ by the reader too.

Food is important. Characters bond over baking. “The torte represents that spirit of connection, community, friends and love.” – and that is exactly what the book is all about. The love shines through the pages.

Good friends and family are priceless. The lead character is nominated for a royal baking competition. The whole village comes out in support.

The café on the coast is “more than just a café. It became a refuge. A place to gather, to grieve, to heal.” Whatever your need, it can be found in the café on the coast.

Our inheritance and our heritage are important. Generations of bakers have handed down their family recipes. They are in “the handwritten book… holding secret recipes…sprinkled with love.” These recipes are unique. These recipes hold a secret. As it is unlocked, it becomes clear that it is not for sharing – some things need to stay buried.

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