Tag: 4.5 stars

Book Review: What Stalks the Deep – T. Kingfisher

Book Review: What Stalks the Deep – T. Kingfisher

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Sworn Soldier #3
Release date: September 30 2025
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 192
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me an E-ARC via Netgalley
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

Alex Easton does not want to visit America.

They particularly do not want to visit an abandoned coal mine in West Virginia with a reputation for being haunted.

But when their old friend Dr. Denton summons them to help find his lost cousin—who went missing in that very mine—well, sometimes a sworn soldier has to do what a sworn soldier has to do…

Review

What Stalks the Deep is the third instalment in T. Kingfisher’s Sworn Soldier series. In this one, we’re back following Alex Easton and Angus as they travel to Boston. Alex has received a mysterious telegram from his old friend Dr. Denton, asking for his help. When they get to Boston, they learn that Denton’s cousin Oscar has gone missing in a coal mine. Before he went missing, Oscar sent some very strange letters, raving about strange lights and missing belongings in the coal mine. Can they discover what happened to Oscar before it’s too late?

This is my third T. Kingfisher book this year, and it was another brilliant, atmospheric read. This is a pretty short one at less than 200 pages, and I ended up reading it more or less in one sitting. It was fast paced, well-plotted, and full of tense, creepy moments. I loved the claustrophobic, dark mine setting, and Kingfisher did a fantastic job of bringing that eerie setting to life. I loved that the story went in ways I wasn’t expecting, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.

I’ve grown quite attached to Alex and Angus over the course of the three books, and it was lovely to be back with these characters again. Easton is a brilliant protagonist; he’s witty and sarcastic but also brave and loyal to his friends. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of reading books about Alex Easton and his adventures (though he does deserve a bit of a break from the supernatural goings on). Overall, this is a compelling sequel, so if you’re looking for a fun series of horror novellas to sink your teeth into, What Stalks the Deep (and the other books in the series) should absolutely be on your spooky season TBR.
 

Book Review: Secrets of the First School – T L Huchu

Book Review: Secrets of the First School – T L Huchu

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Edinburgh Nights #5
Release date: October 16 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 400
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

I’ve had my arse kicked more times than I can count

Ropa Moyo is dead, banished to the Other Place by the reanimated spirit of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville of Scotland. Turns out being on the losing side sucks worse than being skint.

Now, the Cult of Dundas intends to ascend to godhood, spreading their corrupting reach from Edinburgh to all of Scotland’s schools of magic. Ropa must find some way to escape the Other Place, save her sister and gather allies across the country before Edinburgh falls.

A royal plot, a family secret and a stolen body. As Scotland descends into petty in-fighting, Ropa’s only hope lies in her grandmother’s final the first school of magic.

An ancient power is returning . . . and is hungry for revenge.

Review

T. L. Huchu is back with the final instalment of the Edinburgh Nights series – and it’s a wild ride.

Following on from the events in book four, we follow Ropa as she finds herself dead and banished to the otherlands. The Cult of Dundas is determined to ascend to power, and Ropa must find a way to return from the dead, save the ones she loves, and stop the country from falling. But with so many secrets and so many lives at stake, will Ropa succeed?

I’ve loved every instalment in this series and Secrets of the First School is no exception. Fast paced and incredibly engaging, I couldn’t put this book down.

Ropa has such a strong narrative voice, and I have absolutely loved seeing her grow as a character over the course of the five books. She’s brilliant and sarcastic and isn’t afraid to say what she thinks, but she’s also loyal and brave too. She’s joined by a really compelling cast of characters, and I would love for there to be a spin-off series with some of the other characters.

As this is the final book in the series, I won’t say too much about the plot, but there were lots of twists, secrets finally revealed, and overall, the series comes to a really satisfying conclusion. I love the Edinburgh setting, but I loved that we traveled to new places in this installment, including the Isle of Iona, which is my favourite place to visit.

Huchu has done a magnificent job of bringing the series to a close, and if you’re looking for an engaging fantasy series full of adventure and mystery, I highly recommend the Edinburgh Nights series.

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Summoner’s Circle #2
Release date: July 8 2025
Publisher: Angry Robot Books
Pages: 349
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me an E-ARC to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

From bestselling author of Evocation comes it’s hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A perfect read for lovers of urban fantasy.

Now the High Priest of Boston’s famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.

However, Rhys’s insatiable ambition may be his undoing…

The second book in the bestselling Summoner’s Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.

Review

Ascension is the newest release from A Dowry in Blood author S. T. Gibson and the second book in Gibson’s Summoner’s Circle series. Picking up after the events of Evocation, we follow Rhys as he tries to come to grips with his new role as High Priest. Things don’t go quite to plan, and Rhys finds himself with quite a lot on his shoulders. He is supported by his wife, Moira, and boyfriend David, but Rhus is determined to be an outstanding High Priest at any cost, even if that means biting off more than he can chew.

I absolutely fell in love with Evocation, so Ascension was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. It was an utterly compelling read, and I will absolutely read anything S. T. Gibson writes. Gibson has a beautiful and engaging writing style, and as soon as I started reading Ascension, I didn’t want to put it down. I raced through this book in a few sittings, and I am already counting down the days till the release of book three.

The story is pretty fast-paced, and there’s lots going on that will keep the reader hooked and desperate for more. Gibson has a way of crafting these fascinating, complex characters that you just can’t get enough of, and that’s definitely how I feel about Rhys, Moira, and David. I loved exploring the relationships between these three characters, particularly as the story progresses and Rhys becomes consumed by his ambition, while David encounters someone from his past.

This is a compulsively readable series; it’s full to the brim with magic and has some really fascinating and complicated characters. If you’re someone who loves stories with demons and secret societies, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.

Book Review: The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond – Louise Davidson

Book Review: The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond – Louise Davidson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: October 12 2024
Publisher: Moonflower Books
Pages: 415
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

1891 Norfolk.

After a terrible tragedy, governess Julia Pearlie finds herself with no job, home, or references. When she’s offered a position as companion to Miss Olivia Richmond, her luck appears to be turning. But Mistcoate House is full of secrets.

Olivia has a sinister reputation. The locals call her the Mistcoate Witch, thanks to her tarot readings, and her insistence that she can speak to the dead. Her father, Dr Richmond, believes this to be girlish fantasy and is looking to Julia to put a stop to it.

Determined to prove herself and shake off her own murky history, Julia sets to work trying to help Olivia become a proper young lady. However, as she becomes a fixture at Mistcoate, it is soon clear that there may be more to Olivia’s stories than Dr Richmond would have Julia believe – not least because somehow, Olivia seems to know something of the darkness that Julia desperately hoped she had left behind.

As the danger grows, and the winter chill wraps around the dark woods surrounding Mistcoate, Julia will have to fight to uncover the truth, escape her past – and save herself.

Review

The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond is a gothic historical fiction novel that follows a young woman named Julia Pearlie. Julia is desperate to find a new role after the horrible events during her previous role as a governess. With no references she has very few options but when she is offered the role of companion and etiquette teacher to a young woman named Olivia Richmond, Julia knows she has no choice but to take the role. When Julia arrives at Mistcoate Hall she hears rumours about the Mistcoate witch and Olivia’s strong belief that she can commune with the dead. As Julia gets to work training Olivia for the upcoming London season, she is soon sucked into the darkness and mysteries that surround Mistcoate hall. Will she be able to save herself and those she has grown to care for?

I absolutely adored this book. It was an eerie, unsettling gothic tale that completely captured my imagination. It was such a readable, addictive read. I frequently found myself sitting down to read just one chapter and getting so caught up in the story that I was still there five chapters later. I really enjoyed Davidson’s writing style – the sights and sounds of Norfolk in the 1800s really comes to life in Davidson’s prose. Davidson is also an absolute master at creating atmosphere – some of the more spooky scenes were absolutely terrifying and without a doubt sent a shiver up my spine.

I loved the slightly isolated setting of Mistcoate Hall and I found the tarot element really fascinating. Davidson has created some really compelling characters in this book. Julia and Olivia are both so interesting and I really liked Alice, Ed and Marian too. This gothic book is a dark and creepy page turner so if you’re looking for some historical fiction that you won’t be able to put down, The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond is a book you will not want to miss.

Book Review: The Redemption of Morgan Bright – Chris Panatier

Book Review: The Redemption of Morgan Bright – Chris Panatier

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: April 23, 2024
Publisher: Angry Robot Books
Pages: 416
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

What would guilt make you do?

Hadleigh Keene died on the road leading away from Hollyhock Asylum. The reasons are unknown. Her sister Morgan blames herself. A year later with the case still unsolved, Morgan creates a false identity, that of a troubled housewife named Charlotte Turner, and goes inside.

Morgan quickly discovers that Hollyhock is… not right. She is shaken by the hospital’s peculiar routines and is soon beset by strange episodes. All the while, the persona of Charlotte takes on a life of its own, becoming stronger with each passing day. As her identity begins unraveling, Morgan finds herself tracing Hadleigh’s footsteps and peering into the places they lead.

Review

The Redemption of Morgan Bright is a dark and twisted horror tale that had me on the edge of my seat. It was tense, eerie and unforgettable. The story follows Morgan Bright, a young woman struggling with the mysterious death of her sister Hadleigh. All that she knows is Hadleigh died near to the place she was admitted to for treatment – Hollyhock Asylum. Determined to uncover the truth about her sister’s death, Morgan invents a false identity – housewife Charlotte Turner – and gets herself admitted. What she discovers within Hollyhock’s walls is darker and stranger than she ever thought possible, but will she be able to escape in one piece?

This is one of those books where I went in relatively blind, became completely hooked from the beginning and ended up staying up to the early hours of the morning because I had to know how it ended. This is a brilliant mix of horror and mystery, there were lots of twists and shocking moments and I honestly did not know how it was going to end. I really enjoyed the writing style, I thought the interview style chapters and text message conversations were a great way to add another dimension to the story. This is my first book from Chris Panatier but it absolutely will not be the last. Even though I finished The Redemption of Morgan Bright some time ago, I still find myself thinking about this haunting story.

This story is full to the brim with atmosphere and there are some incredibly eerie and disturbing moments in this tale. There are also a few pretty gruesome scenes that will definitely stick with you. I loved the way the story constantly makes you question what is real and who is telling the truth. Our unreliable narrator Morgan is a fascinating character and Panatier does a terrific job of bringing her to life. The Redemption of Morgan Bright is a multi-layered story, one that will have you turning pages long into the night. If you’re looking for a psychological horror that is completely unlike anything you’ve read before, this is one you absolutely do not what to miss.

Book Review: The Gathering – C. J. Tudor

Book Review: The Gathering – C. J. Tudor

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 1 Comment

Release date: April 9 2024
Publisher: Michael Joseph Books
Pages: 352
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

Deadhart, Alaska. 873. Living.

In a small Alaska town, a boy is found with his throat ripped out and all the blood drained from his body. The inhabitants of Deadhart haven’t seen a killing like this in twenty-five years. But they know who’s responsible: a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampyrs living in an old mine settlement deep in the woods.

Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is called in to officially determine if this is a Colony killing—and authorize a cull. Old suspicions die hard in a town like Deadhart, but Barbara isn’t so sure. Determined to find the truth, she enlists the help of a former Deadhart sheriff, Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous murder almost cost him his life. Since then, Tucker has become a recluse. But he knows the Colony better than almost anyone.

As the pair delve into the town’s history, they uncover secrets darker than they could have imagined. And then another body is found. While the snow thickens and the nights grow longer, a killer stalks Deadhart, and two disparate communities circle each other for blood. Time is running out for Atkins and Tucker to find the truth: Are they hunting a bloodthirsty monster . . . or a twisted psychopath? And which is more dangerous?

Review

C. J. Tudor is back with an icy horror that will have you turning pages long into the night. Set in Deadhart Alaska, the story follows Detective Barbara Atkins who is sent to Deadhart to investigate what is believed to be a vampyr killing. If this turns out to be the work of a vampyr she will have to authorize a cull of the vampyr colony. As Barbara works alongside the local police to uncover the truth behind the murder, she soon finds there are dark secrets in the town of Deadhart and there might be more going on than she ever thought possible.

One thing I absolutely love about C. J. Tudor’s books is that they always have the most unique and intriguing premises and The Gathering is absolutely no exception. I love vampire stories so this hooked me right from the very outset. It was gripping, well paced and had tons of twists I didn’t see coming. I really enjoy Tudor’s writing style – the story is full of atmosphere and there are some scenes that are especially tense and creepy.

Tudor’s characters are also really fascinating and I really liked our main protagonist Barbara. She’s pushed to take the easy way out and just authorise the cull, but she’s determined to do what’s right for both the vampyrs and the humans. I loved the way so many of the townsfolk were suspicious and honestly I was never quite sure who was trustworthy and who wasn’t. I absolutely love when I book keeps you guessing like that and Tudor executed that in a really brilliant way.

The story kept me intrigued and I definitely found myself thinking about this book even when I wasn’t reading it. If you love twisty and compelling horror stories that will without a doubt send a shiver up your spine, you won’t want to miss The Gathering.

Blog Tour: The Phoenix King – Aparna Verma

Blog Tour: The Phoenix King – Aparna Verma

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Ravence Trilogy #1
Release Date: August 29th 2023
Publisher: Orbit Books
Pages: 513
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

In a kingdom where flames hold magic and the desert hides secrets, an ancient prophecy comes for an assassin, a princess, and a king. But none are ready to face destiny—and the choices they make could burn the world.

“If we carry the burdens of our fathers, we’ll never know what it means to be free.”

For Elena Aadya Ravence, fire is yearning. She longs to feel worthy of her Phoenix god, of her ancestors who transformed the barren dunes of Sayon into a thriving kingdom. But though she knows the ways and wiles of the desert better than she knows her own skin, the secrets of the Eternal Flame elude her. And without them, she’ll never be accepted as queen.

For Leo Malhari Ravence, fire is control. He is not ready to give up his crown—there’s still too much work to be done to ensure his legacy remains untarnished, his family protected. But power comes with a price, and he’ll wage war with the heavens themselves to keep from paying it.

For Yassen Knight, fire is redemption. He dreams of shedding his past as one of Sayon’s most deadly assassins, of laying to rest the ghosts of those he has lost. If joining the court of flame and serving the royal Ravence family—the very people he once swore to eliminate—will earn him that, he’ll do it no matter what they ask of him.

But the Phoenix watches over all and the fire has a will of its own. It will come for all three, will come for Sayon itself….and they must either find a way to withstand the blaze or burn to ash.

Review

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.

The Phoenix King is an epic, gripping story. There were so many elements to this story that I loved and this ambitious debut is the kind of book you can’t stop thinking about days after reading. The world is absolutely fascinating. I was really intrigued by the Indian Mythology in the story and the world building felt really detailed and well crafted. I cannot wait to see more of the world and the magic in the subsequent books in the series. Something that I didn’t expect going in is that this is a fantasy story with sci-fi elements and it made the world feel so unique. I’ve since seen the book described as ‘Dune meets The Poppy War’ and that’s an incredibly apt description.

The story really shines with its fascinating, compelling characters. The characters are well developed, morally grey and so so interesting to see as the story progressed. Elena in particular is the character that stood out for me the most and I can’t wait to see how she changes as the story continues. All three main characters are have really engaging POVs and each one I was itching to get back to to see what would happen next.

The Phoenix King has so many aspects that I adored – it has slow burn, enemies to lovers romance and is full to the brim with magic and political scheming. If you’re looking for an excellently crafted and compelling fantasy tale, this one is a must read.

Book Review: Atalanta – Jennifer Saint

Book Review: Atalanta – Jennifer Saint

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release Date: April 11th 2023
Publisher: Headline
Pages: 352
Find it on: Goodreads. Waterstones.
Source: I bought a copy of this book from my local Waterstones
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

Princess, Warrior, Lover, Hero

When Princess Atalanta is born, a daughter rather than the son her parents hoped for, she is left on a mountainside to die. But even then, she is a survivor. Raised by a mother bear under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis, Atalanta grows up wild and free, with just one condition: if she marries, Artemis warns, it will be her undoing.

Although she loves her beautiful forest home, Atalanta yearns for adventure. When Artemis offers her the chance to fight in her name alongside the Argonauts, the fiercest band of warriors the world has ever seen, Atalanta seizes it. The Argonauts’ quest for the Golden Fleece is filled with impossible challenges, but Atalanta proves herself equal to the men she fights alongside. As she is swept into a passionate affair, in defiance of Artemis’s warning, she begins to question the goddess’s true intentions. Can Atalanta carve out her own legendary place in a world of men, while staying true to her heart?

Full of joy, passion, and adventure, Atalanta is the story of a woman who refuses to be contained. Jennifer Saint places Atalanta in the pantheon of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology, where she belongs.

Review

I completely fell in love with Ariadne and Elektra and Jennifer Saint has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. In her newest release, we follow Atalanta  – raised in the forest by a bear, Atalanta is a favourite of the goddess Artemis. When Artemis sends her on a voyage to be part of an epic quest to find the Golden Fleece, Atalanta is excited for the chance to prove herself. Before she leaves Artemis warns her that a man will be her undoing. Will Atalanta succeed in her quest to prove herself and will she stay true to the oath she swore Artemis?

I admit I don’t know an awful lot about Atalanta, she does feature a little in Luna McNamara’s Psyche and Eros which I read recently but otherwise, I don’t know much about her original story. In Jennifer Saint’s tale, Atalanta is a strong, brave, and fiercely compelling character. I loved watching as she fought to prove herself the equal to any man. She is strong minded, determined to succeed in her quest, but she’s also physically strong and incredibly fast. Like in her previous books, Saint gives a voice to a female from Greek mythology that doesn’t often get one. I knew a little about the Argonauts but certainly didn’t know there was a female one, so it was fascinating to read her story.

Saint has a truly gorgeous writing style and the world of Ancient Greece really comes to life in her prose. I found it so easy to get lost in the story and was completely engrossed in the plot. The story felt well researched and incredibly detailed. Much like her previous books, I completely devoured Atalanta and cannot wait to see what Jennifer Saint writes next. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology retellings with beautiful writing and vivid characters, then Atalanta is an absolute must read.

Book Review: The Faithless – C L Clark

Book Review: The Faithless – C L Clark

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 1 Comment

Series: Magic of the Lost #2
Release Date: 7th March 2023
Publisher: Orbit Books
Pages: 558
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: I bought a copy of this book from my local bookshop
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

In the second installment of C.L. Clark’s Magic of the Lost trilogy, soldier Touraine and princess Luca must return to Balladaire to reclaim Luca’s throne and to face the consequences of dismantling an empire.

The rebels have won, and the empire is withdrawing from Qazal. But undoing the tangled web that binds the two nations will not be easy, and Touraine and Luca will face their greatest challenge yet.

Luca needs to oust her uncle from the Balladairan throne once and for all and take her rightful place as Queen. But he won’t let go of power so easily. When he calls for a “Trial of Competence” and Luca’s allies start disappearing from her side, she will need to find a way to prove her might. And she knows someone who can help…

Touraine has found a home in the newly free country of Qazal. But she soon realizes that leading a country and leading a revolution are two very different tasks. And, even more importantly, if Luca’s uncle doesn’t ratify the treaty, the Qazali could end up right back where they started.

Together, the two women will have to come overcome their enemies, their history, and their heartbreak in order to find a way to secure Luca’s power and Touraine’s freedom.

Review

C. L. Clark’s The Unbroken was one of my favourite reads of 2022 so I was dying to get my hands on a copy of The Faithless. Picking up after the events of book one, we follow Touraine as she travels to Balladaire as an Ambassador for Qazal. Touraine knows this will be no easy task and the future of Qazal rests upon her. Meanwhile Luca has returned home to take her rightful place as Queen, however, her Uncle is not willing to let the crown go. Luca must go through a Trial of Competence to prove she is ready for the throne, but with so few allies will she be able to rally the nobles to her cause and stop her Uncle stealing the throne?

I was so curious to see whether I would love The Faithless as much as I loved The Unbroken. I was so surprised to discover I loved this book even more than book one. As soon as the book arrived I couldn’t help picking it up (partly because of that stunning cover) and I was completely glued to the pages. The story is complex, well executed and utterly compelling. I enjoyed seeing more of the world in this installment and seeing all the sights and sounds of Balladaire come to life. The world building is excellent, with the reader getting the opportunity to learn more about the magic both in Qazal and in Balladaire.

Much like book one, The Faithless is full of action packed scenes. Clark has a way of writing really dynamic fighting scenes that really have the reader on the edge of their seat. There is also lots of political intrigue in the story and it was fascinating seeing Luca attempt to bring allies to her cause. The romance in the story is impeccable and I so enjoyed seeing how the dynamics between Luca and Touraine have changed over the course of the two books. The story is not only told from Touraine and Luca’s point of view, but we also get to see the story from Pruett’s perspective – something I hadn’t been expecting but really liked. Touraine and Luca are such fascinating characters – Luca is clever, doing everything she can to fight for her throne and do the right thing for her people. Touraine is struggling to find her place in the world and help Qazal survive after being liberated.

The Faithless is a brilliant, unputdownable read with complex compelling characters (I loved Ghadin too!) and an intriguing, well paced plot. If you’ve read The Unbroken you will not be disappointed in this sequel and I cannot wait to see where Clark takes things in book three.

Book Review: Murder in the Family – Cara Hunter

Book Review: Murder in the Family – Cara Hunter

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release Date: May 25th 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 400
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: I received an E-ARC of this book through Netgalley
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

Mega-bestselling British crime novelist Cara Hunter makes her big American debut with a shocking thriller about a cold case, a fictional Netflix true crime series, and the family caught in the middle.

SIX EPISODES. ONE KILLER.

It was a case that gripped the nation. In December 2003, Luke Ryder, the stepfather of acclaimed filmmaker Guy Howard (then aged 10), was found dead in the garden of their suburban family home.

Luke Ryder’s murder has never been solved. Guy Howard’s mother and two half-sisters were in the house at the time of the murder–but all swear they saw nothing. Despite a high-profile police investigation and endless media attention, no suspect was ever charged.

But some murder cases are simply too big to forget…

Now comes the sensational new Netflix series Infamous, dedicated to investigating–and perhaps cracking–this famous cold case. The production team will re-examine testimony, re-interview witnesses, and once again scour the evidence. The family will speak. The key players will be reunited–on camera. The truth will come out.

Are you ready to see it?

Review

Cara Hunter’s DI Fawley series is one of my all time favourite thriller series so when I heard she was releasing an all new standalone novel, I was dying to read it. This compulsive and unputdownable thriller tells the story of the mysterious murder of Luke Ryder who was killed in his own back garden in 2003. The case was all over the news, but it was never solved. Now his stepson is working alongside the team of the hit Netflix series Infamous, in an attempt to discover what really happened to Luke. Bringing in a crack team of experts, they will interview old suspects, talk to the family and perhaps finally uncover the truth.

I made the mistake of starting this book late at night, thinking I would read a few pages and then go to bed. From the outset, I was completely and utterly hooked and I ended up staying up till the wee hours of the morning because this story was just so captivating. The story is told in a mixed media format so there are interviews, transcripts, newspaper clippings, and documents. I really enjoyed this style of storytelling and I think it had me turning the pages faster and faster. The story is quite quick paced and the tense atmosphere had me completely glued to the page.

I loved the way Hunter executed this story. As we got to know the different experts and members of the family I had absolutely no idea who to trust and it stayed that way right until the very end. One of the things I love about the DI Fawley series is the shocking twists that I never see coming and it was exactly the same in Murder in the Family. I also found the dynamics between the experts really interesting, especially as information about the murder was revealed and it began to look like not everyone was who they seemed to be on the surface. The ending was of course a shock, but very cleverly executed.

Murder in the Family is a compelling, page-turner of a read and if you’re a fan of Cara Hunter you’re going to absolutely love this one.