I only give 5* to books that are the complete package, a gripping story, deep, believable characters and powerful, clever writing. This is the complete package & quite brilliant with it. I finished reading it a while ago but I couldn't find the words to do it justice. It is also a book that you want to think about, long after you have read it. It challenges you to stop and think.
The writing is so clever that it draws you in and you cannot stop reading. The characters, all of them but especially Vincent, are made to come alive on the page, you live Vinnie's life with him, every step of the way. This makes for a difficult and uncomfortable journey, one I found to be very emotional due to the author's honest writing. When an author writes from the soul you feel it on every page.
Throughout the book, Vinnie never loses his sense of humour which often made me laugh out loud. It was his humour that made me love the character and want to protect him. Quite brilliant to combine humour with such an emotional story and to pull it off so well.
I would recommend this book to everyone, one of the best books I've ever read.

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

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.

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

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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.