Tag Archive | Harper Collins

I’ll Never Tell by Philippa East

Jan5

Wow – Engrossing!

I’ll Never Tell by Philippa East is a totally engrossing contemporary psychological thriller that grabbed me from the start.

The tale is cleverly constructed as we hear two different distinct voices and there are two alternating time periods as we move backwards and forwards in time.

We follow a rather rich suburban family with a gifted daughter. On the surface they have it all together but underneath, cracks are appearing. Stiff upper lips begin to wobble. Once the cracks appear, the dam is in danger of bursting.

There is the theme of trust. We should be able to trust our nearest and dearest but everyone seems to be holding onto secrets. Secrets imprison lives in grand isolation.

We see the damage that parental pressure exerts on a young life. Living life under a magnifying glass is sure to take its toll. Perfection comes at a cost that is just too high to pay. Sometimes we need to just sit back and let our children take the driving seat of their lives. If they crash, we need to be there to pick up the pieces.

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Death Comes To Marlow by Robert Thorogood

Jan5

Uniquely Blended Together

Death Comes To Marlow by Robert Thorogood is a marvelous contemporary cosy crime drama which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the Marlow Murder Club series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for maximum enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with the amateur super sleuthing ladies and the female detective. Once more the friends function like Miss Marple times three and Midsomer Murders, as they set about solving what they believe to be a murder.

Each of the ladies have unique talents and all work beautifully together as they complement each other.

The friends have each other’s backs. When one friend starts behaving out of character, the other two notice immediately and are determined to help.

Marlow is reminiscent of Midsomer. It is the quintessential English village with its manor house, quaint cottages and an eclectic mix of eccentric characters. It would make a fabulous early evening cosy crime television drama.

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Number The Stars by Lois Lowry

Jan2

Such Bravery

Number The Stars by Lois Lowry is a powerful historical children’s novel that is suitable for ages ten years and over.

The story is set in Denmark in 1942 during the Nazi occupation. It blends fact and fiction as the reader becomes intimately acquainted with lesser-known facts in Danish history.

The Danes were a brave nation who openly opposed the Nazis. The resistance was strong. Ordinary men and women committed extraordinary acts of bravery as they defied the Nazis.

Under the occupation, the Jewish population needed to be hidden and then smuggled out of Denmark. During the course of the war, 7,000 Jewish people were smuggled to safety in Sweden.

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The Darlings Of The Asylum by Noel O’Reilly

Dec9

Atmospheric

The Darlings Of The Asylum by Noel O’Reilly is a compulsive historical novel that consumed me from the start.

Written in the first person enables the reader to become intimately acquainted with the lead character. We empathise with her feelings of frustration and applaud her bravery and guts.

The novel has two different time periods. As it opens, the reader is very concerned for the fate of whoever is viewing the action.

The tale is set in 1886. It was very much a male dominated society. Women were expected to acquiesce, being subservient to men. If you questioned a male, especially one in authority, life would not always be good for you. A new generation of women were rising up, those who knew what they wanted and were not afraid to say so. They wanted to be seen and heard, with their likes, dislikes and passions. The emerging modern woman risked incarceration in mental asylums, and once in, it was hard to get out.

The lead character was passionate about her art. This could be her undoing… or her saving grace. You must read to see what you think.

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