Blog Tour – ‘The Home’ by Sarah Stovell ~ @annecater @OrendaBooks @sarahlovescrime

‘The Home’ by Sarah Stovell was published in paperback on the 23rd January 2020 by Orenda Books and is also available as an eBook and Audiobook.  It is a real pleasure to be taking part in this blog tour today along with a fellow book blogger.

I would like to thank Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for inviting me to participate in this tour and the publisher for my review copy.

You will find out what I thought about this book after the blurb.

 

Book Blurb

A dark and emotive thriller which shines a light on the troubling issue of children in care, The Home marks the return of Sarah Stovell, author of the 2017 international bestseller Exquisite.

When the body of pregnant, fifteen-year-old Hope Lacey is discovered in a churchyard on Christmas morning, the community is shocked, but unsurprised. For Hope lived in The Home, the residence of three young girls, whose violent and disturbing pasts have seen them cloistered away.

As a police investigation gets underway, the lives of Hope, Lara and Annie are examined, and the staff who work at the home are interviewed, leading to shocking and distressing revelations … and clear evidence that someone is seeking revenge.

A dark and devastating psychological thriller, The Home is also a heartbreaking and insightful portrayal of the underbelly of society, where children learn what they live … if they are allowed to live at all.

 

My Review

I really enjoyed reading ‘The Home’. I was hooked from the very start not wanting to put the book down for too long. I loved the short chapters and the way they drew me in. I was literally left with bated breath needing to know then and there what was going to happen next. Beautifully written, I found this story to be chilling, shocking and heart-breaking. I liked the author’s descriptions of the mountains, the tarn and the woodland. Very atmospheric but at the same time rather bleak sounding.

This story is split into five parts. It goes back and forth between the past and present right from when Hope is found dead to events leading up to her death. In between we learn about all three children’s childhoods and how they eventually ended up in the home. I really liked how the author keeps the reader waiting to find out exactly what happened to Hope.

Those poor young children. Each story was just as heartbreakingly tragic and didn’t make for very easy reading at all. No child should have to endure what Hope, Annie and Lara went through. Sadly, it’s a fact of life that these things happen. Sometimes it’s the parents and other times it’s various addictions like drugs and alcohol which as we all know can ruin lives.

Out of all the characters I really liked Helen, the manager of the children’s home. She came across as very caring. Apart from her and the children I didn’t really warm to any of the other characters.

‘The Home’ deals with a number of issues including relationships, mental health, alcohol, drugs, sex and death. If you like psychological thrillers, then I really recommend that you read this book.

I look forward to more from this author.

 

‘The Home’ is available to purchase from Amazon UK:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Sarah-Stovell/dp/1912374730/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1580152996&sr=8-1

 

About Sarah Stovell

Sarah Stovell was born in 1977 and spent most of her life in the Home Counties before a season working in a remote North Yorkshire youth hostel made her realise she was a northerner at heart. She now lives in Northumberland with her partner and two children and is a lecturer in Creative Writing at Lincoln University. Her debut psychological thriller, Exquisite, was called ‘the book of the summer’ by Sunday Times.

 

Links

Twitter – https://twitter.com/sarahlovescrime

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1030004.Sarah_Stovell

 

Blog Tour – ‘A Deathly Silence’ by Jane Isaac ~ @Legend_Press @JaneIsaacAuthor

I am absolutely delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for ‘A Deathly Silence’ by Jane Isaac.  The third book in the DCI Helen Lavery series, it was published in paperback and as an eBook on the 15th October 2019 by Legend Press.

I would like to thank both the publisher and the author for my review copy of ‘A Deathly Silence’.  You will find out in a minute exactly what I thought about this book.  First though here’s the all important book blurb.

 

 

Book Blurb

When the mutilated body of a police officer is found in a derelict factory, the Hamptonshire police force is shocked to the core.

DCI Helen Lavery returns from injury leave and is immediately plunged into an investigation like no other. Is this a random attack or is someone targeting the force? Organised crime groups or a lone killer?

As the net draws in, Helen finds the truth lies closer than she could have imagined, and trusts no one.

But Helen is facing a twisted killer who will stop at nothing to ensure their secrets remain hidden. And time is running out…

A gripping thriller perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, S.J. Watson, B A Paris and Sophie Hannah

 

My Review

This is the first book I have read in the DCI Helen Lavery series and oh my goodness, was it a cracker or what. I absolutely loved Jane Isaac’s writing style. The words practically leapt off the pages and I was totally engrossed. I really didn’t want to have to put the book down.

I thought ‘A Deathly Silence’ worked extremely well as a standalone. There were mentions of a previous investigation throughout which had me intrigued. I hope one day soon to be able to read the first two books in the series.

I liked DCI Helen Lavery right from the start. She was very professional and appeared to have a good working relationship with her colleagues, which of course is always very important when spending a number of hours with them. The murder of one of their own shocked them to the core. Who could do such a thing? The time bomb was ticking, and they needed to find the killer fast before he or she struck again.

This really was an excellent police procedural. It always fascinates me to see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together when trying to solve a crime. I imagine it’s a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. Just one small clue can lead to something big.

It was obvious from reading this book that the author has done her research. So much time and effort appears to have been put into this work of art. There wasn’t one dull moment.

If you like crime fiction and police procedurals, then I highly recommend that you read ‘A Deathly Silence’. I guarantee that you will be hooked.

Jane Isaac is now officially on my list of favourite authors and I hope there will be many more books to come from her.

 

‘A Deathly Silence’ is available from Amazon UK:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deathly-Silence-DCI-Helen-Lavery/dp/1789550718/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1573673274&sr=8-1

 

About Jane Isaac

Jane Isaac is married to a serving detective and they live in rural Northamptonshire, UK with their daughter, and dog, Bollo. Jane’s debut novel, An Unfamiliar Murder, introduces DCI Helen Lavery and was nominated as best mystery in the ‘eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards 2013.’

The Truth Will Out, the second in the DCI Helen Lavery series, was nominated as ‘Thriller of the Month – April 2014’ by E-thriller.com and winner of ‘Noveltunity book club selection – May 2014’.

Jane’s seventh novel, Presumed Guilty, is the second in the highly acclaimed DC Beth Chamberlain (Family Liaison Officer) series.

The third DC Beth Chamberlain novel is scheduled for release in 2019, along with a new DCI Helen Lavery novel.

 

Links

Website – https://janeisaac.co.uk/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/JaneIsaacAuthor

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JaneIsaacAuthor/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/janeisaac

Blog Tour – ‘Cause and Effect’ by Pete Adams ~ #damppebblesblogtours @damppebbles @nextchapterpb @Peteadams8

I am thrilled to be taking part in this blog tour today.  Pete Adams has been a guest on my blog a number of times now but I have never got around to reading his books, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity.  ‘Cause and Effect’, the first book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, was published as an eBook on the 28th June 2019 by Next Chapter Publishing and is also available in paperback.  I would like to thank Emma Welton of Damppebbles Blog Tours for inviting me to participate in this tour and both the author and Emma for my review copy.

I will tell you my thoughts on ‘Cause and Effect in a minute after you have read the book blurb.

 

 

Book Blurb

A self-labelled enigma, Detective Inspector Jack Austin is at once miserable and amusing, melancholy and motivated. Running the Community Police Unit from his deck chair, D.I. Austin is known for his ability to solve crimes out of the blue.

Trying to work cases while struggling with his mental issues, Austin deals with a variety of major crimes, including bicycle theft. But when the case of an executed police officer lands on his desk, he accidentally uncovers a malevolent scheme.

Can he discover who is behind it all – and keep what’s left of his sanity?

 

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Cause and Effect’. The storyline was just fantastic, and I really did like the style of writing. Humorous from the very start this book had me laughing quite a lot and kept me amused. Before I go on though, I just want to mention the cover which I think is really well designed and fits in well with the story.

The prologue had me extremely intrigued as it suggested there were several different things happening in the story. A great way to tantalise the reader. I spent quite a while trying to work out where exactly they fitted in. I did actually think that this was more of a comedy but then found that really wasn’t the case at all.

It took me quite a while to get used to Detective Inspector Jack Austin and his ways. He was just so funny but at times I found him that little bit too annoying and wondered how his team could put up with him for so long. However, he soon grew on me and as I found out more about him my heart just melted. He hadn’t exactly had it easy. Jack wasn’t embarrassed to show his emotional side even in public and was actually a really lovely man. I loved the nicknames he gave to virtually everyone.

I was shocked at what D.I. Jack Austin and the team uncovered. Some of the crimes were just unspeakable. I thought the police procedurals were great, and it was good that the team got on with each other. They were quick thinking and fast on their toes.

I liked that there was a bit of romance in the story as well which spiced things up.

Now that I have read the first book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, I can’t wait to get stuck into the rest. If you are a fan of crime thrillers and police procedurals, ‘Cause and Effect’ could well be for you.

 

About Pete Adams

Pete Adams is an architect with a practice in Portsmouth, UK, and from there he has, over forty years, designed and built buildings across England and Wales. Pete took up writing after listening to a radio interview of the writer Michael Connolly whilst driving home from Leeds. A passionate reader, the notion of writing his own novel was compelling, but he had always been told you must have a mind map for the book; Jeez, he could never get that.

Et Voila, Connolly responding to a question, said he never can plan a book, and starts with an idea for chapter one and looks forward to seeing where it would lead. Job done, and that evening Pete started writing and the series, Kind Hearts and Martinets, was on the starting blocks. That was some eight years ago, and hardly a day has passed where Pete has not worked on his writing, and currently, is halfway through his tenth book, has a growing number of short stories, one, critically acclaimed and published by Bloodhound, and has written and illustrated a series of historical nonsense stories called, Whopping Tales.

Pete describes himself as an inveterate daydreamer, and escapes into those dreams by writing crime thrillers with a thoughtful dash of social commentary. He has a writing style shaped by his formative years on an estate that re-housed London families after WWII, and his books have been likened to the writing of Tom Sharpe; his most cherished review, “made me laugh, made me cry, and made me think”.

Pete lives in Southsea with his partner, and Charlie the star-struck Border terrier, the children having flown the coop, and has 3 beautiful granddaughters who will play with him so long as he promises not to be silly.

 

Links

Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Peteadams8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.adams.9256

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1074457587/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R7KDZHL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Cause-Effect-Pete-Adams/9781074457587
Google Books: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Cause_And_Effect.html?id=FZSvxgEACAAJ&redir_esc=y

Blog Tour – ‘Gone in the Night’ by Mary-Jane Riley ~ #damppebblesblogtours @damppebbles @mrsmjriley @KillerReads

‘Gone in the Night’ is the fourth book in the Alex Devlin series.  It was published as an eBook on the 3rd May 2019 by Killer Reads and will be out in paperback on the 11th July 2019.  I am absolutely thrilled to be taking part in this blog tour and would like to thank Emma Welton of Damppebbles Blog Tours for inviting me to participate and the publisher and author for my review copy.

I will tell you what I thought about ‘Gone in the Night’ in a minute.  First though, here’s the book blurb.

 

Book Blurb

Some secrets are deadly…

When the victim of a car crash begs journalist Alex Devlin for help before disappearing without trace, Alex finds herself caught up in a mystery that won’t let her go.

Determined to find the missing man, she is soon investigating a conspiracy that threatens some of the most vulnerable members of society.

But will Alex be prepared to put her own life on the line to help those who can’t help themselves?

 

My Review

This is the first book in the Alex Devlin series that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It can definitely be read as a standalone without spoiling your pleasure as you do get some of the background story about Alex and her family. I loved the author’s style of writing. As I got further into the story I found myself totally hooked and I just couldn’t stop turning the pages. I thought the really short chapters in between the longer ones were a good idea too.

Alex Devlin is on her way home after a night out when she discovers a victim of a car crash who is badly injured. He begs her for her help and when he gives her a scrap of paper with a number written on it her curiosity is naturally piqued. The next day she gets in touch with Cora, who turns out to be the victim’s sister. Before Alex knows what is happening she finds herself getting involved in something rather sinister and feels that she has to help, no matter what the risks involved.

I found myself warming to Alex straight away. She was a strong and courageous woman who wasn’t about to give up on what she had discovered. Something bad was going on and she was going to do whatever she could to help Cora and the homeless, even if it meant putting herself in danger.

It was hard to know exactly who to trust although I did have a hunch who was crooked. Even so, I was just as shocked as Alex. It seemed you couldn’t turn to anyone. Some of the characters quite frankly gave me the heebie-jeebies, especially Boney. I really wouldn’t like to bang into him for real. I think I would have nightmares for life.

If you like crime fiction then I recommend reading ‘Gone in the Night’. I really hope to get the chance to read the first three books in the series at some point. Here’s to many more Alex Delvin books.

 

About Mary-Jane Riley

Mary-Jane wrote her first story on her newly acquired blue Petite typewriter. She was eight. It was about a gang of children who had adventures on mysterious islands, but she soon realised Enid Blyton had cornered that particular market. So she wrote about the Wild West instead. When she grew up she had to earn a living, and became a BBC radio talk show presenter and journalist. She has covered many life-affirming stories, but also some of the darkest events of the past two decades. Mary-Jane has three grown-up children and lives in Suffolk with her husband and two golden retrievers.

GONE IN THE NIGHT is the fourth book in the crime thriller series set in East Anglia and featuring investigative journalist, Alex Devlin.

 

Links

Social Media

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maryjanerileyauthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/mrsmjriley @mrsmjriley

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/maryjanerileyauthor/ @maryjanerileyauthor

 

Purchase Links

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Night-exciting-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B07KX8RXN2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=gone+in+the+night&qid=1556096683&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Waterstones:  https://www.waterstones.com/book/gone-in-the-night/mary-jane-riley/9780008340261

Book Depository:  https://www.bookdepository.com/Gone-in-the-Night-Mary-Jane-Riley/9780008340261

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/gone-in-the-night-alex-devlin

Hive:  https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Mary-Jane-Riley/Gone-in-the-Night/23451944

Google Books:  https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Gone_in_the_Night_Alex_Devlin.html?id=VwN8DwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y

 

Blog Tour – The London Murder Mysteries: ‘The Girl in the Gallery’ by Alice Castle ~ @rararesources @DDsDiary @crookedcatbooks

‘The Girl in the Gallery’ was published as an eBook on the 19th December 2017 by Crooked Cat Books and is also available in paperback.  Having really enjoyed the first book in the London Murder Mysteries, ‘Death in Dulwich’, I am thrilled to be taking part in this blog tour and would like to thank Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to participate.

 

Book Blurb

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Dulwich…

It’s a perfect summer’s morning in the plush south London suburb, and thirty-something Beth Haldane has sneaked off to visit one of her favourite places, the world-famous Picture Gallery.

She’s enjoying a few moments’ respite from juggling her job at prestigious private school Wyatt’s and her role as single mum to little boy Ben, when she stumbles across a shocking new exhibit on display. Before she knows it, she’s in the thick of a fresh, and deeply chilling, investigation.

Who is The Girl in the Gallery? Join Beth in adventure #2 of the London Murder Mystery series as she tries to discover the truth about a secret eating away at the very heart of Dulwich.

 

My Review

I was hoping to get around to reading ‘The Girl in the Gallery’ at some stage. Then something magical happened, an email came through from Rachel inviting me to take part in this blog tour.

I really do like Alice Castle’s style of writing. Her descriptions of the paintings in the Picture Gallery were fascinating and I felt as if I was learning something. It was also great reading about areas that aren’t that far away from me. Some of the chapters were much longer, but that didn’t put me off at all. I liked that there were section breaks throughout.

The first chapter left me rather intrigued. Having got back to normal after the murder at Wyatt’s, Beth Haldane was enjoying a visit to one of her favourite places, the Picture Gallery. Little did she know that she would stumble across something that wasn’t part of the actual exhibition. Before she knew it she found herself deeply involved in another investigation and in contact with DI Harry York the investigating officer again.

This was such a fascinating investigation and it also gave a good insight into teenage girls and the pressures they face these days. Unfortunately, the web and social media can be dangerous.

It was great catching up with Beth. I’ve said it before but she really is such a lovely person. It would be so nice for her to have some romance in her life. I think that Beth would make a good detective. She certainly came up with some good theories. I grew to like Harry York even more. I loved reading about his book collection and of course wished I could be there checking them out.

I really liked the idea of Beth’s cat gossiping with one of the local neighbourhood cats. That made me smile. I have always wanted to understand what animals and birds are actually saying to each other and wish there were language courses. Maybe one day, hey. I would be one of the first to sign up to them.

Although ‘The Girl in the Gallery’ can be read as a standalone novel, I would recommend reading ‘Death in Dulwich’ first. This is turning out to be a great series and I can’t wait to read the third book. Long may they continue.

I give this book 5 out of 5.

~~~~~

‘The Girl in the Gallery’ is available to purchase from Amazon UK:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Gallery-London-Murder-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B076ZJHFGG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1532247884&sr=1-1

 

Giveaway

There is a competition running to coincide with both blog tours.  The prize is signed paperback copies of ‘Death in Dulwich’ and ‘The Girl in the Gallery’.  To enter just click on this link – Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

About Alice Castle

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Her first book, Hot Chocolate, set in Brussels and London, was a European hit and sold out in two weeks.

Death in Dulwich was published in September 2017 and has been a number one best-seller in the UK, US, Canada, France, Spain and Germany. A sequel, The Girl in the Gallery was published in December 2017 to critical acclaim. Calamity in Camberwell, the third book in the London Murder Mystery series, will be published this summer, with Homicide in Herne Hill due to follow in early 2019.  Alice is currently working on the fifth London Murder Mystery adventure. Once again, it will feature Beth Haldane and DI Harry York.

Alice is also a mummy blogger and book review via her website: https://www.alicecastleauthor.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/alicecastleauthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DDsDiary?lang=en

 

Blog Tour – ‘Blue Night’ by Simone Buchholz

‘Blue Night’ is the first book in a brand new series. It was published as an eBook last December by Orenda Books and is out on the 28th February in paperback. Today it is my turn on this blog tour along with another blogger. I would like to thank Anne Cater of Random Things Through My Letterbox for inviting me to take part. Thanks also to Anne and Karen Sullivan for my review copy of this book.

After convicting a superior for corruption and shooting off a gangster’s crown jewels, Chastity Riley’s career as a hard-bitten state prosecutor has taken a nose dive. She has been transferred to the tedium of witness protection to prevent her making any more trouble. However, when she is assigned to the case of an anonymous man lying under police guard in hospital, with almost every bone in his body broken and a finger cut off and refusing to speak in anything other than riddles, Chastity’s instinct for the big, exciting case kicks in.

‘Blue Night’ has been translated by Rachel Ward. Set in Hamburg this is a gritty and exciting story. It has been well written with some catchy chapter headings. I really like the author’s way with words and her descriptions. At the end of each chapter the reader gets to meet several different characters and finds what has been going on through them, leading up to current events. It certainly makes for interesting reading.

When Chastity Riley is given the case of a man who has been admitted to hospital having had his bones broken and a finger cut off, she doesn’t know exactly what she is taking on. He is giving virtually nothing away and Chastity finds that she has her work cut out, but then he does start talking a bit and gives her a clue as to what’s going on. Chastity finds herself being led her into the dark world of drugs and what she sees isn’t exactly pretty. With the help of Wieczorkowski, a narcotics officer, and her colleagues they will hopefully be able to stop something big.

I liked Chastity from the very beginning and I think we all could do with someone like her in our lives. She’s not had it easy and it’s obvious that she has suffered a lot in the past, but she’s not given up. She’s got a lot of fight in her and is one gutsy lady.

A promising start to a new series, I am looking forward to reading more by this author and finding out what Chastity gets involved in next.

I give this book 4 out of 5.

~~~~~

‘Blue Night’ can be purchased from Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Chastity-Riley-Simone-Buchholz-ebook/dp/B075YPPHB3/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519193051&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+night+by+simone

 

About Simone Buchholz

Simone Buchholz was born in Hanau in 1972. At university, she studied Philosophy and Literature, worked as a waitress and a columnist, and trained to be a journalist at the prestigious Henri-Nannen-School in Hamburg. In 2016, Simone Buchholz was awarded the Crime Cologne Award as well as runner-up for the German Crime Fiction Prize for Blue Night, which was number one on the KrimiZEIT Best of Crime List for months. She lives in Sankt Pauli, in the heart of Hamburg, with her husband and son.

Website –  http://simonebuchholz.com/

Blog Tour – ‘Ice Lake’ by John A Lenahan

‘Ice Lake’, the first of a series, was published as an eBook on the 7th July 2017 by Killer Reads. I was invited to take part in the blog tour for this book and was very kindly sent an ARC for review.

This story is set in Pennsylvania. A man is found murdered in the woods by a local kid. But what was the motive for killing him? Harry Cull a psychologist with a tragic past is called in to help with the murder investigation. Arriving at the picturesque town of Ice Lake he unravels a web of lies and deceit that leads to the dark heart of a community torn apart by fracking, drugs and murder.

A few days later another body is found and Harry finds himself on the trail of a twisted killer who will do absolutely anything to keep the town’s darkest secrets buried.

I really enjoyed reading ‘Ice Lake’ and I think this book is a promising start to a new series. I liked the writing style although it took a little bit of getting used to. The snippets of information at the beginning of some of the chapters were quite interesting and I actually felt that I learnt something. I wouldn’t have minded living near Ice Lake. The view from the house Harry was staying in sounded spectacular. I’d probably get fat from eating too many donuts though.

I warmed to Harry Cull almost instantly and I liked the banter between him and Trooper Cirba. Cirba was another favourite of mine. There were a few people who could have been responsible for the murders and it did seem as if the investigation wasn’t really going anywhere for a while. But Harry was smart and Cirba knew this. I thought the author did a pretty good job of keeping me guessing who the killer was. He kept me intrigued.

I am delighted to have been given the chance to discover yet another new author and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope Harry Cull gets involved in many more investigations.

I give this book 4 out of 5.

 

 

About John Lenahan

John Lenahan is a popular TV magician who became the first person in 85 years to be expelled from the Magic Circle. He has had a prime time BBC1 TV show called ‘Secrets Of Magic’ and also a BBC2 series ‘Stuff The White Rabbit’. He was the voice of the toaster in ‘Red Dwarf’ and has made guest appearances on numerous variety shows. He has toured with Jack Dee, Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood. Shadowmagic was an award-winning podcast novel prior to being signed to The Friday Project.

 

 

‘Ice Lake’ is available to buy from Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ice-Lake-gripping-guessing-Psychologist-ebook/dp/B06XBKYTB7/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1499750704&sr=1-1&keywords=ice+lake+by+john+a+lenahan

 

Blog Tour – ‘Skin Deep’ by Laura Wilkinson

‘Skin Deep’, Laura Wilkinson’s fourth novel, was published on the 15th June 2017 by Accent Press. Having previously read and enjoyed Laura’s work I was thrilled to be invited to take part in the blog tour for this book. Read on for my review.

You would think that it’s what’s inside that counts wouldn’t you? But unfortunately that’s not always the case. Diana, a former child model is studying art. She has always been admired for her beauty but her good looks are of no use to her. Diana wants her artwork to shine instead. Insecure and desperate for some inspiration, she needs something to help her focus.

Four year old Cal is facially disfigured and lives a life where he is mostly hidden from the world. His parents want to protect him from the cruel things people say. A chance encounter with Diana changes everything as he becomes her muse. As Diana’s reputation develops and Cal grows up, their relationship implodes and both struggle to be accepted for what lies within.

In a society where what’s on the outside counts for more is it possible to find acceptance?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Skin Deep’ and found it extremely hard to put down. This is one of those thought provoking stories that plays on your mind even when you’re not reading it. I have once again been left really surprised by this author’s talent and the way she can turn her hand to a totally different subject. ‘Skin Deep’ is in two parts, the first one set in Manchester and the second in London. Laura Wilkinson paints a really good picture of what Manchester was like in the 1980s with very colourful descriptions.

The story is narrated by Diana and Cal and it’s through them that the reader gets to meet a number of characters, most of them flawed in one way or another. There were a couple that I really didn’t warm to. I liked Diana and admired her for what she was trying to achieve. She wanted to do the best she could for Cal and to be able to give him a better chance at life. Cal was useful for her too and if it hadn’t been for him Diana might never have got where she did. I felt really sorry for Cal. I think Diana went a bit too far in the end and became rather obsessed with things, though that was partly because she wanted to be successful. What could happen next is left to the reader’s imagination. Things could go one of two ways.

‘Skin Deep’ is a beautifully written book. It deals with a number of difficult issues including drugs, depression and living with facial disfigurement. It really is a must read.

I am really looking forward to Laura Wilkinson’s next book.

I give this book 5 out of 5.

 

About Laura Wilkinson

Liverpool born, Laura is a taff at heart. She has published six novels for adults (two under a pseudonym) and numerous short stories, some of which have made the short lists of international competitions. Public Battles, Private Wars, was a Welsh Books Council Book of the month; Redemption Song was a Kindle top twenty. The Family Line is a family drama set in the near future, looking at identity and parenting. Her latest is Skin Deep. Alongside writing, Laura works as an editor & mentor for literary consultancies and runs workshops on aspects of craft. She’s spoken at festivals and events nationwide, including the Frome Festival, Gladfest, University of Kingston, The Women’s Library and Museum in Docklands. She lives in Brighton with her husband and sons.

 

Purchase Links

‘Skin Deep’ is available to buy from:-

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rQL8qg

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/skin-deep/laura-wilkinson/9781783758678

WHSmith: https://www.whsmith.co.uk/search/go?af=cat1%3Abooks&w=Skin+Deep+by+Laura+Wilkinson

Website/Social Media Links

Website – www.laura-wilkinson.co.uk

Twitter – @ScorpioScribble

Facebook – Laura Wilkinson Author

Instagram – laura_wilkinsonwriter

Pinterest – laura1765

Goodreads – Laura_ Wilkinson