book review

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Review: Red River Road – Anna Downes

Red River Road
Anna Downes
Affirm Press
ISBN:9781922863751

Description:
Anna Downes’s extraordinary next thriller follows a woman desperate to discover what happened to her sister on a solo road trip through the Australian outback.

Katy Sweeney is determined to find her sister. A year earlier, just three weeks into a solo van life trip, free-spirited Phoebe vanished without a trace on Western Australia’s remote and achingly beautiful Coral Coast. With no witnesses, no leads, and no DNA evidence, the case has gone cold. But Katy refuses to give up.

Using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy starts to retrace her steps, searching for the clues that the police have missed. Was Phoebe being followed? Who had she met along the way, and what danger did they pose? Was she as happy as her sun-bleached, lens-flared photos seem to suggest?

Then Katy’s path collides with that of Beth, a young woman on the run from her own dark past—and very recent present. And as Katy realizes that Beth might be her best and only chance of finding the truth, the two women form an uneasy alliance to venture forth into increasingly wild territory to find out what really happened to Phoebe in this breathtaking but maybe deadly place, and how her fate connects them all.

Anna Downes takes us on a twist-filled journey into the dark side of solo female travel, in this gripping novel that explores what drives us to keep searching for those we have lost, the family bonds that can make or break us, and the deception of memory.

My View:
This book “reads” like one of the horror stories you used to watch on tv – with hand over your face, peaking through your fingers as you didnt really want to miss anything.

I nearly gave up….the fear factor escalated with my connection to “van life”, it’s no secret we have a caravan …and we have travelled the route of Katy’s road trip many a time. I put the book down and had a restless night’s sleep.

The next day I resumed reading – and was so glad I did!

What an perfect sense of place, of van life, of travelling up the west coast of Western Australia, of adventure… of fear. And then we have the pitch perfect insight into relationships gone very wrong.

This is a five star read from me.

If you will be in the Margaret River region in June, Anna Downes will be hosting a book event as part of the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival. Lucky us! https://mrrwfestival.com/in-conversation-with-anna-downes/ Hope to see you there.



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Review: A Woman in Sardinia, Valeria Usala

A Woman in Sardinia
Valeria Usala
Translator: Katherine Gregor
Text Publishing
ISBN:9781922790668

Description:
Based on a true story, a tale of generations of Sardinian women searching for independence in the face of prejudice and superstition, for fans of Elena Ferrante

A story of three generations of women, their courage and search for independence in the face of superstition and prejudice, in the spirit of Natalia Ginzburg and Elena Ferrante. In this striking debut, based on a true story, Valeria Usala bears witness to an age-old story of violence against women and takes us into the heart of rural Sardinia, where superstitions and cruelty coexist with the joys and companionship of a tight-knit community.

Teresa runs a shop and a tavern. But not even the family she has created with the man she loves can protect her from the malicious gossip of jealous locals, who are threatened by her independence. Her own mother, Maria, was made an outcast, and now Teresa is in turn forsaken by the villagers. Will she pay for her success with her life? Is she like a character in Greek tragedy, whose destiny is inevitable? Valeria Usala gives voice to the forgotten women of Sardinia-and to the courage of women everywhere

My View:
Everything about this book says – “elegant”, the writing, the translation ( faultless), the cover art….

The following excerpt succinctly speaks to women’s place in society. This feminist narrative is heartbreaking. Such courage and independence juxtaposed against a system that defeats and wears down strong women… I ask, has much changed?

Teresa responding to criticism from a village woman ” p202 “It’s nothing to do with hate. And it’s pointless apologising. You think you are doing the right thing, but you are controlled from a distance, like all the other women. On a leash, like a dangerous animal. It’s not your fault….They have brought us up to be respectable women at a reasonable price. Perhaps that’s the only thing we’ve become expert at. And if men don’t tell us off, then we make sure we do it to each other.”

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Guest Review: The Way It is Now – Garry Disher

The Way It Is Now

Garry Disher

Text Publishing

ISBN:9781922458162

Description:

Set in a beach-shack town an hour from Melbourne, The Way It Is Now tells the story of a burnt-out cop named Charlie Deravin.

Charlie is living in his family’s holiday house, on forced leave since he made a mess of things at work.

Things have never been easy for Charlie. Twenty years earlier his mother went missing in the area, believed murdered. His father has always been the main suspect, though her body was never found.

Until now: the foundations are being dug for a new house on a vacant block. The skeletal remains of a child and an adult are found—and Charlie’s past comes crashing in on him.

The Way It Is Now is the enthralling new novel by Garry Disher, one of Australia’s most loved and celebrated crime writers.

Brenda’s View:

Twenty years prior, Charlie Deravin’s mother, Rose, went missing. She and his father were in the middle of a divorce and Charlie and his brother Liam had just evicted a tenant from their mother’s home. But when Rose disappeared, the police blamed Rhys, Charlie’s father. Rhys was an ex-cop and Charlie was a cop on suspension – Charlie had moved back to the little seaside town and was living in the shack his parents had called home before it all went pear-shaped. Charlie had spent a lot of the last twenty years interviewing people and trying to find his mother, ruining his own marriage in the process…

When the news hit the town of the skeletal remains of a child being found on a vacant block, and then underneath the child, the remains of an adult, Charlie was sure it would be his mother. He was positive he knew the identity of the child as well. The police homicide department was soon on the scene, opening the case once again and interviewing all those who were interviewed twenty years prior. Rhys and his second wife, Fay, were overseas cruising and wouldn’t be home any time soon. But still Rhys was a suspect. What would be the outcome for Charlie and his family as this cold case once again came to life?

The Way it is Now is a standalone novel by Australia’s master crime writer Garry Disher, and it was outstanding. A relaxed but twisty, tension filled story of a family and their ongoing grief, the divisions throughout the family and the grievances which were the result of what happened, made for an excellent crime novel which I highly recommend.

With thanks to Text Publishing for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Wattle Island Book Club

The Wattle Island Book Club
Sandie Docker
Penguin Random House

My View:

Outstanding!!!

Add this author to your must read list. Do it.

Written with finesse, with gentle words, with kindness, gratitude and positivity, this book brought a few tears to my eye – and that was a good thing.

From the outset I knew this was going to be a read that would take me to uncomfortable places, I was expecting some of the scenarios presented here – but not all of them. Although tinged with sadness, a bitter sweet ending, I am so pleased the author wasn’t tempted to make this a (unrealistic) happy ever after.

It was indeed sad. It was indeed thought provoking. I did shed a (few) tears. But it was a stronger read for the realistic, poignant, ending. Bravo!!

Synopsis:

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One Goal Achieved…

I reduced my reading expectations this year knowing that life would be busy once our grandson came along.  And it has been – beautifully, spectacularly and gorgeously busy. Being a grandparent is the best experience – so much love!

 

Anyway enough of my gushing. I did achieve my Goodreads challenge (150 books) and will add a few more reads and reviews before the year is out. Next I must update my Australian reading challenges pages…

 

good-reads 2016

Since I decided to blog my book reviews my ideas, ambitions and reviewing skills have changed as my experience has grown.   This year, as I mentioned life has been busy and so I am considering adding the occasional guest reviewer to keep the blog fresh and to provide me with some breathing space to catch up on some of my reviews. What do you think to that idea?

Finally I share my dream for the future – to be paid to read and review… if you know how I can make this happen, let me know:)  This would be the most perfect job!  Dreaming…yes I know.

 

 

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Post Script: Crucifixion Creek – Barry Maitland

cover Crucifixion Creek Barry Maitland

Crucifixion Creek

Barry Maitland

St. Martin’s Press

Minotaur Books

ISBN: 9781250072146

 

Description:

A meth-addicted biker shoots a woman during a police siege. An elderly couple commit suicide on the terrace of their favorite café. An unidentified white male is stabbed to death in the street.

 

 

For Sydney homicide detective Harry Belltree, not long out of the military and a grueling tour of Afghanistan, these three deaths appear to be just another day at the office. Until, that is, he identifies the stabbing victim as his own brother-in-law Greg, and journalist Kelly Pool suggests there’s a link between the three incidents. It seems Greg and the old couple had ties to the same man, a corrupt money man with a murky past and friends in both high places and low.

 

 

Harry Belltree can’t get officially involved in Greg’s murder, but he’s not going to leave it in the hands of others. That’s when he goes off-grid to investigate the links between these deaths. That’s when things start to get dangerous.

 

 

My View:

 

I am very pleased to make the acquaintance of Barry Maitland. I want to read all of your books!

 

This is the first book written by Barry Maitland that I have read – and again I ask – why haven’t I come across your writing before Barry?

And when is the TV series/big screen movie being released?

 

This book – the first is the Harry Belltree series is written in contemporary Australia but could probably be sited almost anywhere in the modern world – issues relating to war/returned soldiers, human trafficking, drugs, gangs, bikies, methamphetamines, grief, love…crime, so much is encompassed in this read.

 

What I loved –  a very fast-moving, well written and engaging character based narrative. I loved the images of Harry dancing in the dark with his blind wife; so personal, humanity exposed.

 

I loved that the protagonist is written is all shades – grey, black, white and mixtures thereof. Harry’s day job involves working on one side of the law – however Harry is complicated; he works both sides…A great character, a relatable character. A great read!

 

 

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Post Script: Deadly Messengers – Susan May

Deadly Messengers Susan May cover

Deadly Messengers

Susan May

Digital Contact

ISBN: 9781517127060

 

Description:

3 massacres, 2 detectives, 1 writer, 0 answers

 

Freelancer Kendall Jennings writes fluff pieces for women’s magazines. When a horrific massacre occurs at Café Amaretto, she scores an exclusive interview with a survivor. Suddenly, she’s the go-to reporter for the crime.

 

Investigating veteran detective Lance O’Grady and his partner Trip are tasked with finalizing the open and shut case. Seven people are dead at the hands of an unprovoked killer wielding an axe. It seems simple.

 

Then another mass killing occurs. This time, arson, and ten eldercare facility residents die in the blaze. Both killers die at the scene. The crimes have no motive, and Lance O’Grady is left wondering how evil can strike twice.

 

Then it happens again. Even more shocking: a mother with a gun goes on a rampage at a family birthday party.

 

The killers share one odd detail: none have a murderer’s profile. No history of violence, no connection to terrorists, no vendettas. Ordinary citizens suddenly became killers.

Drawn deeper inside the crime investigation, Kendall finds herself not only clashing with O’Grady but also struggling with old demons. O’Grady resents Kendall’s involvement as her presence provokes memories of a personal tragedy.

 

O’Grady and Kendall are caught up in a plan greater reaching than the crimes. They just don’t know it. Someone is sending a message. And unless they can decipher the meaning, very soon, many more will die.

 

Deadly Messengers is a page-turning thriller taking readers into the minds of mass killers in all their disconcerting madness. It poses the question: Is there a killer lurking inside everyone? The answer could prove more frightening than the crimes.

 

My View:

Recipe for Compulsive Reading:

Mix together the following:

One cup horror (those opening scenes are pretty horrific).

One cup crime fiction.

One cup science fiction/science fact.

Add a dollop of incredibly well written, fast paced, action packed narrative.

Stir and imbibe.

Guaranteed to produce a satisfying outcome!

 

 

***Note from the author:

Are you looking for a page turning thriller read? I’m looking for early readers/reviewers!

If you would like a FREE copy of DEADLY MESSENGERS,  email me at  susanmay21@iinet.net.au and I will be happy to send an e-copy in any format to suit your reader or app.

This offer is open until the 30th September.

 

 

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Post Script: First One Missing – Tammy Cohen

Compulsive reading!

First One Missing Tammy Cohen Cover

First One Missing

Tammy Cohen

Random House UK, Transworld Publishers

Doubleday

ISBN: 9780857522771

 

Description:

A page-turning psychological thriller with the gripping plot of GIRL ON A TRAIN and the chilling suspense of BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP …

 

There are three things no-one can prepare you for when your daughter is murdered:

 

– You are haunted by her memory day and night

 

– Even close friends can’t understand what you are going through.

 

– Only in a group with mothers of other victims can you find real comfort.

 

But as the bereaved parents gather to offer support in the wake of another killing, a crack appears in the group that threatens to rock their lives all over again.

 

Welcome to the club no one wants to join.

 

 

My View:

Compulsive reading!

Tammy Cohen writes crisp and pure psychological thrillers –the emphasis is on the story and the lives affected by a shocking event. Ms Cohen is a skilled writer; she writes a great narrative that engages and keeps the pages turning. Ms Cohen shows a great understanding of characterisations – her characters have a depth that makes them credible and allows the reader to empathise with or understand the motives of. Further the twist in plot that is revealed toward the end is a total surprise – you will not see this one coming, you will never guess this one at all – there are no breadcrumbs scattered along the way that lead you to this conclusion – there is just surprise, and sadness and understanding.

 

A great read! I will definitely be adding Ms Cohen to my list of must read authors.

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Post Script: Splinter The Silence – Val McDermid

Splinter the Silence Val McDermid Cover

Splinter the Silence

Val McDermid

Little, Brown

Hachette Australia

ISBN: 9781408706909

 

Description:

‘That day, waiting had been almost unbearable. He wanted something more spectacular, something that couldn’t be ignored. These deaths needed to make a mark . . .’

 

Psychological profiler Tony Hill is trained to see patterns, to decode the mysteries of human behaviour, and when he comes across a series of suicides among women tormented by vicious online predators, he begins to wonder if there is more to these tragedies than meets the eye. Similar circumstances, different deaths. Could it be murder? But what kind of serial killer wants his crimes to stay hidden?

 

Former DCI Carol Jordan has her own demons to confront, but with lives at stake, Tony and Carol begin the hunt for the most dangerous and terrifying kind of killer – someone who has nothing to fear and nothing to lose . . .

 

My View:

To begin perhaps we should have a little look at Hachette Australia’s website https://www.hachette.com.au/books/detail.page?isbn=9781408706909 at the biographical notes for Val McDermid;

 

“Biographical Notes

Val McDermid is a No. 1 bestseller whose novels have been translated into more than thirty languages, and have sold over eleven million copies. She has won many awards internationally, including the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year and the LA Times Book of the Year Award. She was inducted into the ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame in 2009 and was the recipient of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for 2010. In 2011 she received the Lambda Literary Foundation Pioneer Award. She writes full time and divides her time between Cheshire and Edinburgh.”

 

After reading the book (the 9th in the Carol Jordon & Tony Hill series) and then reading the Val McDermid’s bio – what is there left to say that hasn’t already been said? This award winning author writes her characters with ease and realism, the plot is complex yet not complicated, the pages turn over almost of their own volition, so keen are they to share their secrets with you. Brilliant.

 

And did I mention the intro? What a great hook – being privy to the murderous thoughts and plans of the villain of the piece – of course you want to read more, know more! Go ahead- but plan nothing else for the rest of the day – this book will demand your earnest attention. Fan? Me? YEP!

 

 

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Post Script: I Forgot To Remember – Su Meck with Daniel De Vise

The perfect book club read.

I Forgot to Remember Su Meck Cover

I Forgot to Remember

Su Meck and Daniel De Vise

Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 9781451685817

 

Description:

In 1988 Su Meck was twenty-two and married with two children when a ceiling fan in her kitchen fell and struck her on the head, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury that erased all her memories of her life up to that point. Although her body healed rapidly, her memories never returned.

Yet after just three weeks in the hospital, Su was released and once again charged with the care of two toddlers and a busy household. Adrift in a world about which she understood almost nothing, Su became an adept mimic, gradually creating routines and rituals that sheltered her and her family, however narrowly, from the near-daily threat of disaster, or so she thought. Though Su would eventually relearn to tie her shoes, cook a meal, and read and write, nearly twenty years would pass before a series of personally devastating events shattered the normal life she had worked so hard to build, and she realized that she would have to grow up all over again.

In her own indelible voice, Su offers us a view from the inside of a terrible injury, with the hope that her story will help give other brain injury sufferers and their families the resolve and courage to build their lives anew. Piercing, heartbreaking, but finally uplifting, this book is the true story of a woman determined to live life on her own terms.

 

My View:

This is a book that caused much debate, actually let me re phrase that; not so much debate – but rather a consensus and shared sadness that these events relayed in this memoir actually occurred – the systems that let you down Su, the situations that you coped with on your own are heartbreaking; this is an open, frank and at times confronting creative memoir that offers an insider’s view of life after suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) but more or rather should I say in addition, this is a story of a family’s struggle to cope are with a horrendously debilitating injury and this is a story of domestic violence – Su, I know you probably dont want to hear that but the moment I started reading your story the warning bells rung loud and clear to me… such manipulation and control and anger…

 

Apparently Jim (the husband) agreed to have all these reflections of behaviour and attitudes “on record” (p.274), for me that does not excuse the behaviour. Su, you also reflect here on why you stay with Jim…I leave that you the reader to absorb and contemplate.

 

My voice clearly echoes the feelings this book has stirred up. This is an extraordinary book. Su you are living an extraordinary life; good luck and I hope you do find love.

 

This is the perfect book club read – I know it will educate and it will definitely create debate… and evoke many feelings.

**Reading/Book club notes for this book can be found here: http://books.simonandschuster.com.au/I-Forgot-to-Remember/Su-Meck/9781451685824/reading_group_guide