Month: July 2015

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Friday Freebie

Friday the 31st of July 2015 Giveaway

Cover The Hush Treasure Book

Thanks to the lovely people at Allen & Unwin and the Hush Foundation I have one copy of The Hush Treasure Book, to give away to one lucky Australian resident.

I was very impressed with the  high quality production values of this book which shine a light on the beautiful  prose and the art work within.

For your chance to win copy, in the comments section of this blog post, please tell me what is the “bonus ” you receive with this book.

This will be a random draw, entries close midnight Monday 3rd of August 2015.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday 4th August. Good luck.

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Post Script: Evil Games – Angela Marsons

My apologies Angela Marsons…

Cover Evil Games

Evil Games – a D.I. Kim Stone Novel

Angela Marsons

Bookouture

ISBN: 9781909490956

 

Description:

The greater the evil, the more deadly the game…

When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.

With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim soon finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.

Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time – it’s personal.

 

Fans of Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.

 

My View:

Before I say anything else I must apologise to Angela Marsons – I downloaded this ebook months ago…and then it sat on my e-reader – sad, isolated, lonely and forgotten – until last night. I wish I knew then what I know now – what a great read!!! Unfortunately I had no awareness of this author and did not even realise this was the second book in the series (which didn’t matter at all – it can easily be read as a standalone). And so I let it sit, forgotten.  What a mistake!  Now I want to read the first book, Silent Scream, as soon as possible.

This book – gripping, intense, empathetic characters, heinous crimes with a glimmer of optimism woven into the narrative and enough threads left dangling to ensure you look out for the next in the series. And as a bonus the female protagonist is strong, intelligent and intuitive and a dog lover- what more could you want? The next book perhaps?

 

 

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A Quiet Day

After the fog lifted (it was swirling around, leaving its damp trail until after 10.30am this morning) we were left with an almost spring like feel in the air.  Although a little cloudy it was actually relatively warm outside. I took the two dogs for a walk then, when home again, had a wander around the backyard.

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A prefect day for a swing .

And to admire nature at its blooming best (Protea + bees) . Pun intended. 🙂

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Post Script: The Hush Treasure Book – Hush Foundation

…I am the drifting boat, you are the quiet deep, buoy me….

Cover The Hush Treasure Book

The Hush Treasure Book

Hush Foundation

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781760112790

RRP $29.99

Description:

This absorbing collection of stories, poems and artwork by a stellar cast of children’s book creators has been specially commissioned by the Hush Foundation. Includes bonus CD featuring a special compilation of Hush music compositions.

Welcome to the world of HUSH … a world of magic, wonder and mystery. Created for the Hush Music Foundation, famous for its original music albums used in hospitals all around the world, this book is a treasure trove that will delight and entertain the whole family. A glorious collection of stories, poems and pictures from thirty favourite storytellers: Nick Bland, Karen Briggs, Kevin Burgemeestre, Michael Camilleri, Jackie French, Jane Godwin, Bob Graham, Jacqui Grantford, Mark Greenwood, Ann James, Danny Katz, Frane Lessac, Alison Lester, Chris McKimmie, Doug McLeod, Glenda Millard, Stephen Michael King, Tohby Riddle, Victoria Rohan, Judith Rossell, Paul Seden, Craig Smith, Shaun Tan, Jane Tanner, Karen Tayleur, Mitch Vane, Julie Vivas, Anna Walker, Bruce Whatley, Margaret Wild

 

My View:

What a delightful collection of short stories, poems, rhymes and beautiful illustrations. This is a fantastic book to share with the young children in your life (or for you to take a moment, sit, be and enjoy; relax and let your imagination roam free). This hardback edition is beautifully presented – colourful imaginative illustrations, enchanting prose and this edition includes a bonus CD featuring a special compilation of Hush music compositions – which I am listening to as I write this review – it is very very relaxing.

 

I think a colouring- in book (for adult and children to share) based on this collection should be the next thing on the list 🙂

 

This is an extract from ‘I am the Small Green Pea’ by Stephen Michael King and Glenda Millard from The Hush Treasure Book, published by Allen & Unwin, it is my favourite in this collection.

“I am the small green pea
you are the tender pod
hold me

I am the diving kite
you are the bow-tied tail
steady me

I am the drifting boat
you are the quiet deep
buoy me….”

 

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Post Script: Risk – Fleur Ferris

Sensational! This is a book that all families should share with their teenage children.

Cover - Risk

Risk

Fleur Ferris

Narrated By – Marny Kennedy

Duration – 6hrs 42 mins

Unabridged Audio Book

Audible Australia (available here)

 

Description:

Best friends Taylor and Sierra meet a hot guy in a chat room online. Both fall for Jacob’s charms, but as usual, the more outgoing and vivacious Sierra overshadows Taylor and wins his attention.

Taylor’s devastated – Sierra already kissed Callum, Taylor’s secret crush, over the summer holidays. Life’s not fair, especially when Sierra’s around.

Moving quickly, Sierra sets up a date with Jacob on Friday after school. She asks Taylor and their friends to cover for her. Even though she’s upset, Taylor is still Sierra’s best friend and agrees to help.

But Sierra abuses the favour and calls to say she’s going to spend the night with her date. She doesn’t come home all weekend, doesn’t answer her phone and nobody’s heard from her. Taylor is torn. She doesn’t want to betray Sierra by telling her parents but at the same time she’s concerned for her welfare.

Finally, Callum convinces her to tell. The police are called and their worst fears are confirmed when Sierra’s body is found miles from Melbourne a week later. Devastated, Taylor becomes obsessed with finding Sierra’s killer. As clues emerge, Taylor races against time to try to save the predator’s next victim.

 

My View:

Sensational! This is a book that all families should share with their teenage children.

 

This book is so good if…if I had the money I would buy the films right to this book and make a feature film! Listening to this book I had a film playing on the big screen in my head. J

The settings – wonderfully urban Australian (but this book translates so well to any city or town) , the accents, the dialogue – perfect, accessible and real. The characterisations – so credible you would think the author is writing about her own experience or that of her own family. The narrative – tense and adrenaline raising.

I honestly believe this book has the potential to positively influence the decisions young people may make whilst simultaneously educating the adults around them. Cyber predators are a real threat – listen closely to this story, the message is clear without being condescending. The narrative is powerful, the moral dilemmas are real and contemporary, and the complicated dynamics of relationships are exposed. A great read!

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Post Script: We Are All Completely Besides Oursleves- Karen Joy Fowler

AMAZING!

<Cover We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves

We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves

Karen Joy Fowler

Serpents Tale

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781846689666

 

Description:

What if you grew up to realise that your father had used your childhood as an experiment?

Rosemary doesn’t talk very much, and about certain things she’s silent. She had a sister, Fern, her whirlwind other half, who vanished from her life in circumstances she wishes she could forget. And it’s been ten years since she last saw her beloved older brother Lowell.

Now at college, Rosemary starts to see that she can’t go forward without going back, back to the time when, aged five, she was sent away from home to her grandparents and returned to find Fern gone.

 

My View:

What can I say about this book that hasn’t already been said before? I came late to this party, I had heard lots of good things but nothing in specific. I knew this was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2014 (yes again I am late to this party- my apologies), so I knew this was a title that was worth investigating. My tip – for those who have not read this yet– do not read any reviews – just know this is an amazing book and read and discover that for yourself.

After I read this outstanding narrative – I needed a few days to compose myself and to regain my emotional equilibrium. I wanted to mouth the language of teenagers and simply state “OMG OMG!” loudly and proudly. How does anyone come up with a premise such as this? (I know I read the last pages, her daughter planted the seed) And then how do that make this premise work so well? What an incredible brain Karen Joy Fowler must have to even contemplate such a mind blowing story. What an amazing journey the reader is taken on – the big reveal is around page 77 ( don’t seek this out, just read and follow along and be prepared for the king hit), and  Karen I do understand why you made that reveal at that point, by then we are well and truly involved in this family….and understanding and listening in and being part of this story is an great strategy – our protagonist and narrator, Rosemary, talks to us as if we are part of a conversation or maybe privy to her own personal thoughts or her dairy…almost in a stream of conscious type dialogue in parts of the book. I loved the story of the two sisters – Rosemary and Fern. So innocent and so beguiling. And so sad.

What happens next is…well you will have to read that yourself. There are some things in life, ordinary everyday things that you don’t usually even stop to consider before reading this book that now will haunt you forever. Were you complicit in this events? By saying or doing nothing were you giving tacit approval? I dare you to have a dry eye after you complete this journey…OMG!!!

 

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Post Script: Friday On My Mind – Nicci French

Without doubt this is the best book in the Frieda Klein series thus far.

Cover: Friday On My Mind

Friday On My Mind

Nicci French

Michael Joseph

Penguin Random House

ISBN: 9780718179632

 

Description:

From the brilliant minds of husband and wife writing duo Nicci French, comes Friday on My Mind, the fifth instalment of standalone thrillers in the Frieda Klein character series.

When a bloated corpse is found floating in the River Thames the police can at least sure that identifying the victim will be straightforward. Around the dead man’s wrist is a hospital band. On it are the words Dr F. Klein.

But psychotherapist Frieda Klein is very much alive. And, after evidence linking her to the murder is discovered, she becomes the prime suspect.

Unable to convince the police of her innocence, Frieda is forced to make a bold decision in order to piece together the terrible truth before it’s too late either for her or for those she loves.

With a rich combination of compelling characters, hidden agendas and questionable alibis, Friday on My Mind is a pacey and intriguing entry point for latecomers to the Frieda Klein series and a must read for fans where we learn more about Frieda and her haunting past…

 

 

My View:

Without doubt this is the best book in the Frieda Klein series thus far.

 

Frieda Klein continues to be one of my favourite characters in crime fiction writing – I love her sensible ways, her determination, her resilience, the friends she surrounds herself with and the advice she gives her clients, her friends and associates; she makes such good sense.  Frieda is psychotherapist – on duty and off – her vocation informs all her behaviours.

 

This novel is fast paced, engaging and it manages to weave into the narrative back stories regarding homelessness, the disenfranchised, domestic violence and mental health issues .What a wonderful tale of prejudice, murder, mystery and intrigue. Added to this complex plot is the hint of something special to come in the next book – Frieda is indebted to the mysterious and powerful Walter Levin. I can’t wait to read the next book!

 

 

 

Top Five Crime Fiction Reads for July 2015

I have written a guest post on Kees2Review – Top Five Crime Fiction Reads for July – check it out

Kees2Review

A warm welcome to reviewer, Carol from Reading, Writing and Riesling! Carol will be popping in from time to time to present her top five picks for the month.

This month has seen a plethora of fantastic crime fiction releases find their way to my bookshelves. Here is a selection of 5 star reads I hope you will find as enthralling as I did ~ Carol

In no particular order:

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Post Script: The Kingdom Of The Strong Tony Cavanaugh

How Well Do You Really Know Someone?

Cover Kingdom Of the Strong

Kingdom of the Strong

Tony Cavanaugh

Hachette Australia

ISBN: 9780733632952

 

Description:

Acclaimed crime writer Tony Cavanaugh is back with a gripping new novel featuring Australia’s answer to Michael Connelly’s Hieronymus Bosch – Darian Richards.

Darian Richards is an ex-cop, a good one. He did whatever it took to solve a crime and stop the bad guy. Whatever it took! But after sixteen years as the head of Victoria’s Homicide Squad, he’d had enough of promising victims’ families he’d find the answers they needed. He had to walk away to save his sanity.

Now Police Commissioner Copeland Walsh has tracked Darian down. He needs him to help clear an old case. The death of Isobel Vine. The coroner gave an open finding. An open finding that never cleared the cloud of doubt that hovered over four young cops who were present the night Isobel died.

Twenty-five years later, one of those young cops is next in line to become police commissioner, so Copeland Walsh needs the case closed once and for all. In his mind there is only one man for the job. One man who would be completely independent. One man who has never bowed to political or police pressure. One man who knows how to get the job done – Darian Richards.

Darian is going back to stir a hornet’s nest. But once Darian is on a case he won’t back off tracking down evil, no matter who he has to take down.

 

My View:

This novel explores the dark culture and practice of policing in Australia’s recent past (well at least I hope it is in the past) but police are human and they will always be someone whose code of personal behaviour does not meet the high expectations of this office or feels that they are beyond the reach of the law.  Corruption, sexism, bribery, drugs syndicates, prostitution, personal politics and backhanders – the stuff great crime novels are made of all appear in some shape or form in this intriguing novel. On a universal level this book poses the question, “How well do you know someone/ anyone?”

This novel provided insight into the workings of the policing culture and provided some history of Darian’s time in the force before his move to Queensland. The Queensland and Melbourne landscape provided a great back drop to the dramas that occurred on the page. A few clever twists and turns and a villain that remained cleverly disguised till the very end of the narrative provided real intrigue.

A great read as expected from this author – I cannot wait to see what happens in the next chapter of Darian’s life.