Release Date: June 8 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 368
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: I received an E-ARC via Netgalley
Rating: 3.25/5 stars
Synopsis
What if your mother had been writing to a serial killer?
A convicted murderer with a story to tell
Serial killer Michael Reave – known as The Red Wolf – has been locked in Belmarsh Prison for over 20 years for the brutal and ritualistic murders of countless women.
A grieving daughter with a secret to unearth
Ex-journalist Heather Evans returns to her childhood home after her mother’s inexplicable suicide and discovers something chilling – hundreds of letters between her mother and Reave, dating back decades.
A hunt for a killer ready to strike again
When the body of a woman is found decorated with flowers, just like his victims, Reave is the only person alive who could help. After years of silence, he will speak to Heather, and only Heather.
If she wants to unearth the truth and stop further bloodshed, she’ll have to confront a monster.
Review
Dog Rose Dirt is an intriguing thriller that follows a young woman named Heather Evans who returns to the family home after her mother has died. Trying to discover the reason for her Mum’s suicide, Heather uncovers a series of letters between her mother and Michael Reave, the infamous serial killer known as the Red Wolf. When a body is found that has the same markings as Reave’s previous victims, the police are desperate to find out who is behind the killings. Only Reave can help the police, but he has spent a lifetime behind bars and the only person he will speak to is Heather. Can she uncover the truth behind her mother’s past and stop anymore people being hurt?
I read and really enjoyed Ninth Rain by Jen Williams so was really keen to pick up Dog Rose Dirt, this is a vastly different story but was still compelling and well written. I really liked the writing style and the story was easy to sink into. The story is a pretty fast paced one and Williams does a good job of creating tension and unease as the story draws to a conclusion. The mystery elements of the story worked well and while there were twists I guessed quite early on, there were some that I didn’t see coming.
While I enjoyed the bulk of the story, I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, there was quite a lot going on in the final chapters which meant I wasn’t as gripped as I thought I would be. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the main protagonist Heather, who I found at times a bit irritating. The story is dark and at times disturbing and no doubt fans of psychological thrillers will really adore this one. If you’re looking for a thriller with a dark and sinister feel, this one will be exactly what you’re looking for.
The newest release from Evelyn Hugo author Taylor Jenkins Reid, the story follows retired tennis player Carrie Soto. After retiring six years ago, Carrie holds the world record for most grand slams. When she watches the 1994 US Open and sees Nicki Chan beat her record, she makes the decision to come out of retirement and try to reclaim her record. At thirty-seven everyone is ready to count her out but Carrie will do whatever it takes to succeed, even working with Bowe Huntley.
Creeping Beauty caught my eye as it was described as a subversive and feminist take on Sleeping Beauty. I love reimaginings of Sleeping Beauty so couldn’t wait to dive in. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t work for me. The story follows Bitsy a plain princess and heir to the throne. Her parents want her to marry but are finding it difficult to find a suitable match. When Bitsy accidentally pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, she is transported to a world where beauty is the most important thing and people will do anything they can to make themselves beautiful. Will Bitsy be able to escape and return to her kingdom, and will she be the same person when she gets there?
The Phoenix King is the first in an all new sci-fi/fantasy trilogy from Aparna Verma. In a world where flames are magic, we follow three main characters. Elena is the heir to the throne but the powers she needs to hold the throne won’t come to her. Leo does not wish to give up his crown, he wants to ensure his legacy and will do anything he can to keep the power he needs. Yassen is an assassin who dreams of escaping his life and his reputation as a deadly assassin. To do this he must serve those he previously swore to kill.
Craig Russell’s The Devil’s Playground is a dark and enthralling tale that follows two timelines. In 1967 journalist Paul Conway is attempting to track down the only copy of The Devil’s Playground in existence – a silent film that was thought to be a cursed production with several tragic accidents and deaths linked to the film. Meanwhile, in 1927 Mary Rourke is a fixer for a Hollywood film studio – she does what she can to ensure the studio and its actors are never seen in a bad light. The studio is currently working on a film that is thought to be the most terrifying horror film ever made – The Devil’s Playground. When Mary discovers the body of the lead actress, she begins to wonder if there are any truths to the rumour that this is a cursed production.
I really enjoyed reading A. M. Shine’s The Watchers so I was incredibly intrigued to see what the author would write next. The Creeper follows two researchers – Ben and Chloe – who are invited to take part in a research trip by Dr Sparling. He sends them to a remote village in Ireland – a village that has no contact with the rest of the world. He asks them to gather their stories, find out their history and ask them what they know about the creeper. When the arrive the locals say very little and refuse to talk about the creeper. Then a little girl tells them the story – three times you see him and each night he comes closer. When Ben and Chloe are visited by a sinister figure watching them, they begin to realize the creeper might be more than just a legend. Will they be able to uncover the truth and save themselves from this monster?
The second installment in the Twin Crowns series, this story follows sisters Rose and Wren as they attempt to rule the kingdom of Eana. Despite only being on the throne for a short period of time, trouble is already brewing. There are those who are against witches being on the throne, and desperate to remove them. Their grandmother is also being held captive by King Alarik, and Wren will do anything to get her back. As the two sisters set out on separate quests, will they be able to survive long enough to rule their kingdom?
The Housekeepers is a compulsively readable tale that follows Mrs. King, a housekeeper who has recently been dismissed from the a wealthy home in Mayfair. Mrs King is much more than she seems and decides to recruit a team of women to help her enact the ultimate revenge: robbing the house of every single possession on the night of the house’s huge costume ball. But Mrs King has many secrets and her quest for revenge isn’t just about the money. Will the team be able to successfully pull off the heist?
Melinda Salisbury’s Her Dark Wings is a fresh and modern day look at the Persephone myth. We follow Corey, a young girl recently betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend. When her best friend unexpectedly dies, Corey sees something she shouldn’t and finds herself trapped in the underworld. Can Corey make it back to her family and will she be the same person when she does?
Camp Damascus is a dark and haunting horror story that follows a young woman named Rose, who has had a very Christian upbringing. She believes wholeheartedly in the tenets of the Church, living in a town that is famous for Camp Damascus, the “most effective” gay conversion camp ever. When Rose starts seeing strange things, she begins to realize that something more sinister might be going on at the church.
The Bibliophile Chronicles 