Friday 11 August 2017

My review of Triptych by Karin Slaughter

This is my first Karin Slaughter novel and I'm so impressed I will now read everything she has written. The plot was fantastic, but it is her characters that did it for me. So utterly well done, so believable that they get hold of you emotionally and don't let go, particularly Special Agent Will Trent, you just can't help but love him.
The plot is very gritty and covers gruesome violence and prostitution with twists and turns and a brilliant ending.
Now to read the next book in the series, Will Trent is my favourite special agent ever.
Loved it.
My book review of The Art Of Fear by Pamela Crane
My first Pamela Crane and it won't be my last. I very much enjoyed this book even though it covered some very disturbing issues like sex trafficking of children and physical and mental abuse. Although these issues are gut wrenching and the author did not hold back in making it quite plain how harrowing it is for the victims. It is possible to read and enjoy this book because of Ari Wilburn, the main protagonist.
Ari is herself a damaged woman, carrying the burden of her sisters death on her shoulders, she hates herself, has low low self esteem. However she sets up a suicide support group and that's when her new life begins.
I loved Ari because she was flawed and grew into a strong, resilient character. She was funny right from the start. I also loved Tristan, her sexy love interest, friend and crime solving partner.
The book has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and the characters are so well developed you just have to keep reading and willing them all to succeed. Great novel, great read

Monday 10 July 2017

My review of The Nightmare Place by Steve Mosby

The Nightmare Place certainly is. A serial rapist who becomes a serial killer too. Called The Creeper because no one knows how he manages to enter womens homes when they are locked up tight! Oh God was i glad I didn't live alone when i read this book, I was well and truly scared from the first chapter.
All the main characters are exceptionally well done and believable. They all have their own backstory and personal development arc but it never detracts from the main thread of the story, in fact it enhances the story. Very clever indeed.
The plot is just amazing. It keeps you reading, makes you hold your breath until you get to the end.
Brilliant plot and the writing style, the author voice is exceptional.
I've never read anything by Steve Mosby before but I now intend to read everything he's ever written.
5 stars and more from me.

Wednesday 14 June 2017

My review of the Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker


Utterly brilliant, Oh how I loved every chapter, every page, every word. So very clever, I never saw most of the twists and turns coming and I loved the ending so much.
I will not reveal the plot because I think it is best to start this book knowing nothing about it, and be taken on a gripping, twisting ride that leaves you breathless and wanting more at the end.
It is so well written. All the characters are believable and there are several different points of view, all of them unique and distinct. No mean feat for any author. I particularly loved Sam Porter, a wonderful character. And then there is the serial killer himself. Wow. He is allowed to cleverly reveal himself to us from his diary. The diary entires read like a creepy, dark story all on their own. The killer is given such a disturbing voice, he really stands out from everyone else. A serial killer that wants to punish those who commit evil deeds. But the punishment he doles out will not leave you with any sympathy for him, he is chilling.
The writing is excellent, graphic yes but very well written. When one poor victim's, 'heart pounded - a rhythimc thump, thump,' mine did too, right along with her.
The plot is incredible, I don't know how the author did it, but a huge round of applause from me. I loved the clues, laid out for me to follow, but with so many unexpected twists and a fast pace I was left breathless. It sent shivers down my spine that continued to the very last page. And what a last page, what an ending! Terrific



Friday 9 June 2017

Home

Current Readers: 706
Current Author Members: 77
Current Shrimp in Space: 0 😦

Welcome to Joshua Grant’s official author website!

Diabolic Shrimp is an imprint dedicated to making a tangible difference for humankind while also pumping out some fun literature.  Each of my publications dedicates 10% of its profits to a meaningful cause.  Additionally, Diabolic Shrimp seeks to send shrimp to space, but that hasn’t happened…yet.

Check out Publications to see my books, or Our Difference to see what each book’s 10% is going to.

If you’re a Reader looking for an opportunity to win a FREE book each month, check out the Avid4 tab.

And for my fellow Authors out there, head over to Avid4 for a place to show off your work, gain concrete support, and for a free opportunity to advertise your book (see the footer of the website for examples).









https://diabolicshrimp.com/avid4/

Friday 28 April 2017

My review of Sometimes I lie by Alice Feeney

I've read quite a few very good books lately, and this is now one of them. It got to me - I mean really got to me. Everyone likes books for different reasons and one of mine is how the author chooses and uses words. This book is so beautifully written, a unique author voice, her way of phrasing something is amazing. Some examples. 'I can't seem to find the right words, so I settle for the wrong ones.' 'I watch his face argue with a smile.' 'I tread carefully over a carpet of lies, tring not to disturb them.' 'She empties her words in my ears and eventually I hear them.' I could go on and on. Couple that with a clever plot, so full of twists it will tie you up in knots. I didn't see them coming, well maybe some but not all. I had to go back and re-read passages to work how how the author did it, how she sent me off on the wrong track for so long. Because sometimes she lies, so you never quite know what's the truth, ever. I loved the ending, another shock. Even if I don't know what to make of it, it made me think up explanations, ask questions and I'm still doing it now. Another reason I love this book.

Wednesday 26 April 2017

My review of Ice Cold Alice by Mark Wilson

I just couldn't put this book down. From the very beginning it is dramatic, tense and very realistic. I thought that Alice's blogger alias, Tequila Mockingbird was just so clever and demonstrates the attention to detail that this author gives to his characters. Alice is a flawed serial killer, a vigilante that wants justice and even though she is brutal and twisted, she is also fascinating. I wanted her to get away with it, by drawing you in with information about her past, the author makes you actually like her! The detective trying to track her down is also a woman, Kathy McGuire, a complex, well rounded character that in any other circumstances I would want to succeed, but not with Alice. The book is fast paced, full of twists and heart stopping tension. I loved it.

Friday 31 March 2017

Join bestselling author John Nicholl and myself for the book launch of his latest thrilling novella - Bully Boy Blue.

There is a fantastic grand prize on offer from John, you will be able to chat live with him during the event PLUS other books to be won from supporting authors!

Come and support John's latest book, have some fun and pick up some goodies as well! Hosted by Maxine Groves @ Booklover Catlady Publicity.

Please invite all your book loving friends and share the event!


 https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCatlady/photos/gm.1464001540338953/1325876420813419/?type=3

Tuesday 31 January 2017

It's none of their business that you have to learn to write.

Let them think you were born that way.

Ernest Hemingway

Wednesday 18 January 2017

Mary's wedding ring, given to Benjamin by her father because it used to belong to her mother.
The inside of beautiful St. Merryn church.

Sunday 8 January 2017

Best book I've read in a while, and it's by an indie author.

Miro by A.E.Nasr



This book is that rare combination of a riveting, compelling, detailed story that is also exquisitely written. I would give it 6 stars if I could because it should be in that category of outstanding. The best book I have read in a long while. The book centres on the lives of 5 very different men. Incarcerated just for resisting they spend 9 years in harrowing conditions but somehow never give up hope of freedom. When the unexpected happens and they do break free they have a journey as fugatives in the occupied country that was once their home. This book lays bare just how low human nature can sink, just how depraved, callous and cruel it can be. But against that the 5 men have formed a unique bond of friendship and love and they demonstrate that despite everything the human spirit never gives up hope. The writing is magnificent and therefore the scenes of extreme brutality and tension had me in tears but the book is spinkled throughout with humour, love and hope, to counter this. This book should be read by a great many people, not just because it deserves to be but also because it is a thought provoking and distrubingly realistic account of life in a war torn, occupied country and the savage, heartless effect that has on the lives of decent human beings.

Friday 6 January 2017

Point Of View

Point Of View

I've just finished reading some very good indie author books. Something I did notice in each book though is that the POV tended to vary between mostly the author's and sometimes a character's, but it fluctuated randomly. I don't think I would have even noticed this before I started writing and I loved each book anyway so I'm wondering. Would those books have been enhanced if I'd had more of the characters POV instead of the authors? Or would the magic of each book have been somehow lost. What POV do you use and how do you decide what's best?