#BookReview The Trap (Fällan) by Melanie Raabe (SWE/ENG)

The Trap by Melanie Raabe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note (2/4-17): I've updated this review from 2016-07-05 with a Swedish review of the book!

SWEDISH REVIEW

Linda Conrads, 38, är en berömd och notoriskt tillbakadragen kriminalförfattare. För tolv år sedan blev hennes syster, Anna, brutalt mördad. Mördaren åkte aldrig fast, men Linda såg honom. Och nu har hon precis sett honom igen på TV.

Mannen är numera en känd reporter, och Linda vet att ingen kommer att tro henne om hon anklagar honom. Så hon gör det hon kan bäst: Hon skriver en ny thriller, om ett mord på en kvinna. Där gärningsmannen kommer undan. 

När boken publiceras ger Linda en enda intervju. I sitt eget hem. Till den enda person som vet mer om fallet än hon gör. Han vet vad som hände den där natten. Hon har skrivit en bok om det. Men när han ringer på Lindas dörrklocka vet ingen av dem hur det ska sluta...

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Melanie Raabe har verkligen lyckats skriva en bok där jag var inte säker på om huvudkaraktären, Linda Conrad, var helt galen, eller om hon hade rätt om att ha sett hennes systrar mördare på TV: n. Jag drogs in i historien redan från början och boken hålls mitt intresse upp ända fram till slutet. Vi får följa Linda historia, men också kapitel från hennes bok om mordet ingår i berättelsen. Och genom dessa kapitlel, får vi en bild av vad som hände 12 år tidigare.

Det var intressant att läsa om en karaktär som aldrig lämnar sitt hus som gör historien lite mer intim eftersom mycket av det som händer i boken utspelas inne i huset med få personer iblandade. Och som jag skrev ovan, att man inte vet om Linda var rätt eller om hon hade blivit galen och detta gjorde boken riktigt intressant att läsa eftersom man inte kunde vara säker på någonting.

Jag gillade boken jättemycket, den var välskriven, spännande och överraskande. Dock var jag var lite förvirrad varför hon hade så lite kontakt med sina föräldrar. Jag menar bara att hon inte kan lämna huset betyder inte att de inte kan besöka och jag aldrig känt att det förklarades varför de hade så lite kontakt. Men det är det enda som jag kände lite udda, resten av boken var riktigt bra!

Tack till Louise Bäckelin Förlag för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

In this twisted debut thriller, a reclusive author sets the perfect trap for her sister's murderer--but is he really the killer?

For 11 years, the bestselling author Linda Conrads has mystified fans by never setting foot outside her home. Haunted by the unsolved murder of her younger sister--who she discovered in a pool of blood--and the face of the man she saw fleeing the scene, Linda's hermit existence helps her cope with debilitating anxiety. But the sanctity of her oasis is shattered when she sees her sister's murderer on television. Hobbled by years of isolation, Linda resolves to use the plot of her next novel to lay an irresistible trap for the man. As the plan is set in motion and the past comes rushing back, Linda's memories--and her very sanity--are called into question. Is this man a heartless killer or merely a helpless victim?

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I have to hand it to Melanie Raabe, she has really managed to write a book where I was not sure if Linda Conrad was utterly mad or if she was right about having seen her sisters killer on the TV. I was pulled into the story right from the start and the book kept my interest up. We get to follow Linda's story, but also chapters from her book about the murder are included in the story. And through the chapters, we get a picture of what happened 12 years before.

It was interesting to reading about a character that never leaves her house that makes the story a bit more intimate since most of the story takes place inside the house and with very few people. And, as I wrote above, one just couldn't know if Linda was right or if she had gone mad. And, that made the book really interesting to read since one could not be sure about anything.

I liked the book very much, it was well-written, exciting and surprising. I was a bit confused why she had so little contact with her parents. I mean just because she can't leave the house doesn't mean that they can't visit and I never felt that it was explained why they had so little contact. However, that's the only thing that I felt a bit odd, the rest of the book was really good!

I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! 

The Jekyll Revelation by Robert Masello

The Jekyll Revelation by Robert Masello
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While on routine patrol in the tinder-dry Topanga Canyon, environmental scientist Rafael Salazar expects to find animal poachers, not a dilapidated antique steamer trunk. Inside the peculiar case, he discovers a journal, written by the renowned Robert Louis Stevenson, which divulges ominous particulars about his creation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It also promises to reveal a terrible secret—the identity of Jack the Ripper.

Unfortunately, the journal—whose macabre tale unfolds in an alternating narrative with Rafe’s—isn’t the only relic in the trunk, and Rafe isn’t the only one to purloin a souvenir. A mysterious flask containing the last drops of the grisly potion that inspired Jekyll and Hyde and spawned London’s most infamous killer has gone missing. And it has definitely fallen into the wrong hands.

With parallel story lines set in present-day California and 1880's London, THE JEKYLL REVELATION alternates between Rafe and Stevenson in a fast-paced tour through history and contemporary California as both they both race to stop the terror that’s coming for them. 

Bestselling and award-winning author Robert Masello (whose known for the #1 Kindle bestseller The Einstein Prophecy, The Romanov Cross, and The Medusa Amulet among other works) has crafted a thriller that is equal parts adventure story and literary history and throughout the suspense, he reveals fascinating, little known details about Robert Louis Stevenson’s life and times.

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The tantalizing cover and the intriguing blurb made me interested in the book. The identity of Jack the Ripper is a subject I find fascinating and I was curious how Robert Louis Stevenson would fit into this story. This book has two storylines and in the present storyline are we introduced to Rafael Salazar who is an environmental scientist. He discovers in an old truck a journal that turns out to be written by no other than Robert Louis Stevenson and the present storylines alternate with the journal entries.

I found the intro of this book promising with Robert Louis Stevenson trying to find if not a cure something that would make him better since he had been suffering from bad health since he was a child. And, it's now he meets a doctor that will change his entire life. In the present time, Rafael Salazar is studying coyotes in Topanga Canyon when he and his trainee Heidi stumbles on the trunk with the diary. But, the trunk also has a flask containing a portion that would be best to leave alone.

As much as I enjoyed the beginning of the book did it come a time after I read little over half the book when I found myself questioning whether I should continue reading or not. The story started to become a bit dull, and I found myself not enjoying either storyline. However, I did not give up and the story picked up. Well, at least the journal entries got better, I still did not find the present storylines that interesting with Rafe having trouble with his sister Lucy, the meth heads and his puppy love for Miranda. And, as I came to think of now when I'm writing the review, Heidi who was with him when he found the trunk and later on when they almost died in a car crash just disappeared from the story. And, that was just too bad because I liked her. I can't say that Rafe and Miranda interested me that much, but for the story to take the obvious direction was it necessary. And, here we have the big problem for me with this book. It was too often pretty obvious what would happen, no twist to the story that astonished me. Although the ending, the last entry in the journal both solved a question that I had back in my mind and was an interesting turn of event.

Still, I'm glad to have read the book. It may have had some weak moments in the middle of the book, but the story picked up and towards the end of the book even Rafe started to interest me a bit more than when he was having trouble with the meth heads and Miranda's boyfriend Laszlo. 

I want to thank 47North & Little Bird for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley! 

The Lost Ones by Ben Cheetham

The Lost Ones by Ben Cheetham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some secrets are better left undiscovered.

When a nine-year-old girl goes missing in Harwood Forest, the search for her brings back memories of an unsolved double murder some forty years earlier. Could the key to Erin Jackson’s disappearance lie in the bloody fate of Elijah and Joanna Ingham, bludgeoned to death while their young daughters slept? Were the Inghams really the victims of opportunistic burglars—or a more sinister fate?

The woods are combed for signs of the child, but Erin’s brother, Jake, mounts his own investigation, uncovering evidence that puts the Inghams’ daughters—vanished Rachel and ‘crazy’ Mary—in the frame. Meanwhile, Erin’s father suspects that the ragtag army of eco-warriors besieging his quarry development may have something to hide.

As devastating secrets and betrayals are revealed, the Jackson family is brought to a breaking point. But time is running out. Erin is still missing and Jake’s unorthodox enquiries have left him dangerously exposed. They must find Erin and lay the past to rest—before they become its latest victims.

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The Lost Ones instantly caught my eyes with its wonderful cover and I thought the description of the book sounded very exciting. And, luckily, the book proved to be a real gem. I had never read anything by Ben Cheetham before I read this book, but now I must add his name to the list of authors to keep an eye out for.

The story is engrossing, a young girl goes missing, and since her father has a lot of enemies is there plenty of suspects. The town has once before been through an ordeal. Forty years before, Elijah and Joanna Ingham was brutally murdered in their house only their daughters survived. But, surely this murder of Elijah and Joanna Ingham couldn't have anything to do with the missing girl?

The Lost Ones is intense and heartbreaking to read. Little Erin is missing, and her parents are desperate to have her back, but has someone taken her or is she just lost? As the hours pass the situation becomes more and more desperate and secrets are revealed. The book is very good and I must admit that I was a bit surprised by the ending. I liked how Cheetham really demonstrated throughout story how devastating this is for the family and the toll it takes on them. You know from the beginning that Erin's mom has a secret, but what is she hiding? The murder at the Ingham house forty years ago, and the legend that the place is haunted gave the story an extras feeling of darkness.

I want to thank Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!  

#BookReview The Obsidian Chamber by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

The Obsidian Chamber by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A TRAGIC DISAPPEARANCE

After a harrowing, otherworldly confrontation on the shores of Exmouth, Massachussetts, Special Agent A.X.L. Pendergast is missing, presumed dead.

A SHOCKING RETURN

Sick with grief, Pendergast's ward, Constance, retreats to her chambers beneath the family mansion at 891 Riverside Drive--only to be taken captive by a shadowy figure from the past.

AN INTERNATIONAL MANHUNT

Proctor, Pendergast's longtime bodyguard, springs to action, chasing Constance's kidnapper through cities, across oceans, and into wastelands unknown.

BUT IN A WORLD OF BLACK AND WHITE, NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS

And by the time Proctor discovers the truth, a terrifying engine has stirred-and it may already be too late.

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I read the first Pendergast book Relic a couple of years ago and since then I have this been a favorite series of mine. It has been an interesting journey where I have learned more about Aloysius Pendergast and his family as the books progress and now here we are at book 16.

Pendergast is missing after the harrowing ending in the last book, and no one knows if he is alive or dead. For Constance, his ward is this a traumatizing experience and she has decided to retreat to the world she is so familiar with, the chambers below the Pendergast mansion. However, and an old enemy has returned, someone that she knows very well. But, Constance will soon learn that not everything is as it seems.

As with most books in this series was The Obsidian Chamber a pure joy to read. I miss the time when I had several Pendergast books to read, but in a way is it also nice to get a new one every year. This book felt more like a Constance book than an Aloysius Pendergast book. Of course, he is not totally missing from the book, but much of the story is about Constance. It's actually a bit tricky to write this review without spoiling too much of the story, like for instance who is back. So, I will just write some general thoughts about the book.

Constance is an intersecting character, not my personal favorite, but her backstory is truly intriguing and her first introduction to the series was spectacular. I do find myself not overfond with her growing attraction to Aloysius. I just can't seem to enjoy that idea. I must prefer her just being his ward. She has a central role in this book, and I did enjoy her part in this book. I was a bit surprised by her action in this book, how docile she seemed. However, everything got explained nicely towards the end of the book.

I was a bit worried that it would end with a cliffhanger, and yes, there was a kind of cliffhanger, but still, the story felt ended at the moment. It's the kind of ending that felt satisfying and not frustrating. The previous books end was way more frustrating than this.

Finally, I hope that Corrie is in the next book. She has not had a prominent role since White Fire book 13 and I loved that book and I adore her.

I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

The Obsidian Chamber by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (US/Canada)

Blog Tour: Strangers by Paul Finch

Strangers by Paul Finch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark, gritty and always edge-of-your-seat: the #1 bestseller is back with a standout new heroine…

Unknown, alone, and fearing for your life.

As PC Lucy Clayburn is about to find out, going undercover is the most dangerous work there is.

But, on the trail of a prolific female serial killer, there's no other option – and these murders are as brutal as they come.

Lucy must step into the line of fire – a stranger in a criminal underworld that butchers anyone who crosses the line.

And, unknown to Lucy, she's already treading it…

Always gripping. Always gruesome. Paul Finch will leave fans of Rachel Abbott and MJ Arlidge gasping for more.

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One mistake changed everything for PC Lucy Clayburn and her dreams of working for CID is suddenly less likely. However, this new case, working undercover trying to catch a female serial killer could set her record straight and help her career. That is of course that the hunt doesn't kill her...

Lucy Clayburn is not a woman who is afraid to take some risks, especially after the setback a few years before when her career stalled. However, going undercover as a prostitute looking for leads to find a female serial killer is not an everyday job. And, now Lucy will meet some of the nastiest bad people as she searches for clues to find a serial killer. And, one personal discovery will change her life forever.

I seriously hope that this is the first book in a series because Lucy Clayburn is one hell of a woman, and I really want to read more book about her. What I like about Lucy is that she is a normal woman, no big secrets from the past or psychological problem. She was raised by a single mom, never knowing her father and she loves being a cop. However, this book will bring some changes into her life as she goes deep undercover. Seriously, this is one hell of a book, dark and gritty, and I found myself quite caught up with it. I must admit that I saw one of the twist coming, the one concerning her own life, and I waited to see how it would turn out when Lucy learned the truth and let me tell you she really has a hell of a temper. But, I guess we all would have been shocked by what she found out if we were in her position.

Strangers is an excellent book, perfect for crime fans!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

Blood Harvest by Sharon Bolton (SWE/ENG)

Blood Harves by Sharon Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SWEDISH REVIEW

Tolvåriga Tom Fletcher och hans familj har precis flyttat till det lilla samhället Heptonclough i utkanten av en vidsträckt hed. Familjen verkar äntligen ha funnit sitt drömhem. Men snart rämnar fernissan. Tom börjar höra röster och ser en underlig flicka smyga omkring vid kyrkogården. Han är övertygad om att han är förföljd.

De vuxna i Toms närhet försöker hjälpa honom, inklusive psykiatrikern Evi Oliver och samhällets nye kyrkoherde, Harry Laycock.

Men det visar sig snart att något inte står rätt till i Heptonclough. Det som familjen Fletcher till en början trodde var busstreck visar sig vara rena hot. Och när Toms yngre syskon Milly och Joe försvinner blir mardrömmen verklighet.

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Sharon Bolton har snabbt blivit en av mina favorit författare och Ond Skörd är definitivt en av de bästa böcker hon har skrivit. Från början är boken kuslig och mystisk och den behåller den tonen rakt igenom till det chockerade slutet. Men tursamt nog så har boken lite mer lättsamma ögonblick tack vare psykiatrikern Evi Oliver och kyrkoherden Harry Laycock. Det är definitivt attraktion mellan dem från första ögonblicket de träffas och sedan fortsätter det genom hela boken. Vad mer kan jag säga än att jag gillar verkligen mina mord mysterium med lite romantik. Men, allting går inte på räls, Evi har en patient som har ett gott öga på kyrkoherden.

Sedan har vi bokens själva berättelse, den mystiska flickan som Tom ser och den underliga kyrkan. För att inte glömma alla de döda flickorna. Sedan får vi givetvis inte glömma byns skumma ritualer, mellan varven trodde jag hela byn var ond som filmen The Wicker Man från 1973. Jag förväntade mig inte alls slutet, det tog mig verkligen på sängen att få reda på vem som låg bakom allting och varför.

Ond Skörd är definitivt en av de bästa böcker jag har läst detta år och jag rekommenderar den varmt!

Tack till Modernista för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

She's been watching us for a while now...

Now you see her

Gillian is haunted by the disappearance of her little girl two years ago. A devastating fire burned down their home, but she remains convinced her daughter survived.

Now you don't

Ten year old Tom lived by a neglected church. Is he the only one who sees the strange, solitary child playing there? And what is she trying to tell him?

Now you run

There's a new vicar in town - Harry. But menacing events suggest he isn't welcome. What terrible secret is this town hiding?

Sometimes I wish that she'd just leave me in peace.

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Sharon Bolton has quickly become one of my favorite authors and Blood Harvest is definitely one of the best she has written. Right from the start is the book quite chilling and mysterious and it keeps being that for the entirely book all the way to the shocking ending. But, fortunately, there are lighter moments thanks to psychiatrist Evi Oliver and the Vicar Harry Laycock. They hit off from the first moments and after that every time they met the sparks fly. What can I say I love my murder mysteries with a bit of romance. However, not everything is going smoothly between them, she's having a patient that is quite sweet on the good Vicar.

Then we have the heart of the book, the mysterious girl that Tom sees and the strange church. And, what about the dead girls? Not to mention the village old strange rituals. I kid you not, there were times I thought that the whole village was evil, kind of like the movie The Wicker Man from 1973. I did not expect the ending, I was actually a bit blindsided to whom could be behind it all and the reason for everything was shocking!

Blood Harvest is one of the best books I've read this year and I recommend it warmly!

Thanks to Modernista for the review copy! 

Blog Tour: The Silence Between Breaths by Cath Staincliffe

The Silence Between Breaths by Cath Staincliffe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eight people, one deadly secret.

Passengers boarding the 10:35 train from Manchester, Piccadilly to London, Euston are bound for work, assignations, reunions, holidays or new starts, with no idea that their journey is about to be brutally curtailed.

Holly has just landed her dream job, which should make life a lot easier than it has been, and Jeff is heading for his first ever work interview after months of unemployment. They end up sitting next to each other. On board customer service assistant Naz dreams of better things as he collects rubbish from the passengers. And among the others travelling are Nick with his young family who are driving him crazy; pensioner Meg and her partner setting off on a walking holiday and facing an uncertain future; Caroline, run ragged by the competing demands of her stroppy teenage children and her demented mother; and Rhona, unhappy at work and desperate to get home to her small daughter. And in the middle of the carriage sits Saheel, carrying a deadly rucksack . . .

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I think one of the reasons for this book hitting me so hard when I read it is because of the current situation in the world with all the suicide bombers in the recent years. The thought that you are no longer safe that any time or anywhere a suicide bomber may be is a reality nowadays. And, this book really shows both sides to it. First, we have the ordinary citizens on the train with different reasons for being there, be it traveling for a job interview or a wedding, then among them is a man who for some reason has decided to become a martyr for a cause, and by taking as many lives with him as possible. And, at home, a little sister is checking her big brother's computer and finding something she never thought that she would find...

This book is heartbreaking and so chilling to read. The characters on the train are introduced in the beginning of the book one by one. And, by letting the reader getting to know them, making the characters come alive and then turning the world upside down has Cath Staincliffe written a powerful book that from the beginning until the end is so gripping that I could hardly put it down. For me were the chapters with Saheel's little sister a very powerful inclusion in this book. Her side of the story, her point-of-view is just as tragic as the ones on the train. Saheel's action has such a big impact not only on the people on the train but also his own family. They will never be the same again.

It's terrifying how one person's actions can affect so many lives, and this book shows just how in an instant, all your hopes and dreams can be destroyed, but it also shows how people can after facing a terrible situation gathered together and not let evil triumph.

I want to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

The Devil's Work by Mark Edwards

The Devil's Work by Mark Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was the job she had dreamed of since childhood. But on her very first day, when an unnerving encounter drags up memories Sophie Greenwood would rather forget, she wonders if she has made a mistake. A fatal mistake.

What is her ambitious young assistant really up to? And what exactly happened to Sophie’s predecessor? When her husband and daughter are pulled into the nightmare, Sophie is forced to confront the darkest secrets she has carried for years.

As her life begins to fall apart at work and at home, Sophie must race to uncover the truth about her new job…before it kills her.

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The Devil's Work is the first book I have read by Mark Edwards, and how I missed reading books by him before is beyond me. The Devil's Work is a haunting, heart-pounding, and very well-written thriller and I will try to write a spoiler free review since I don't want to give the plot, even for a second, away.

To be honest, there were moments in the book, when I did not think I would be able to continue reading the book. Not that the book was bad, more like I could picture how Sophie would slowly be destroyed at her new work. And it was agonizing to read how a childhood dream of working at her favorite publishing company was slowly turning into a nightmare instead. Either is someone out to get her, or she is just being paranoid. The thing is this is the kind of book where one starts to suspect pretty much everyone to being after Sophie if she is not just being too paranoid of course. But, the flashbacks to Sophie time at University points to something bad having happened back then, something that could be the reason for Sophie's life turning upside down?

I thought the twists in the book were clever and, despite moments in the book when Sophie annoyed me (for doing or failing to do things) was this book both engaging and so very, very tragic. My first thought was giving this book 4.5 stars, but looking back and reflecting on the story, and how tragic it was and engaging not to mention the fantastic twist towards the end of the book is sealing the deal: It's a 5-star book!

I want to thank Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a free copy through Netgalley for an honest review!

Daisy in Chains by Sharon Bolton (SWE/ENG)

Daisy in Chains by Sharon Bolton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SWEDISH REVIEW

Berömda mördare har fanklubbar.
Hamish Wolfe är inte annorlunda. Han kommer att sitta inspärrad resten av livet för att ha kidnappat och mördat tre kvinnor – och får mängder av beundrarbrev varje dag. Han är snygg, karismatisk och har en stor övertalningsförmåga. Hans beundrare är säkra på att han är oskyldig. Och på att han är deras drömmars man.

Vem skulle gå med i en sådan fanklubb?

Maggie Rose är advokat och bästsäljande true crime-författare, lika tillbakadragen som hon är framgångsrik. Hon tar bara de fall hon vet att hon kommer vinna. Hamish vill ha Rose som sin advokat. Han vill att hon ska förändra hans öde. Hon är övertygad om att hon är immun mot den charm som den här sortens man kan besitta.

Men kanske är Hamish Wolfe annorlunda…

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Wow, vilken bok. vad jag älskar med Boltons böcker är inte bara hennes förmåga att skriva spännande böcker med otroliga vändningar, utan även hennes förmåga att skapa intressanta och fascinerande karaktärer som Maggie Rose och Hamish Wolfe. Från början fängslades jag av handlingen och jag älskade känslan av att inte veta hur allting skulle sluta. Är Hamish oskyldig eller inte? Varför håller polisen som fångade Hamish så stor koll på Maggie? Han övervakade henne så mycket så det kändes som att han förföljde honom. Och den största frågan, vem är egentligen Maggie Hope?

Daisy i kedjor gav upphov till många frågor medan jag läste boken och det är svårt att skriva vad som fängslade mig så mycket med boken utan att avslöja saker. Men jag vill säga detta. boken är oerhört spännande, med vändningar som jag absolut inte hade räknat med och ett alldeles fantastiskt slut. Utan tvekan är detta en av de bästa böcker jag har läst detta år!

Tack till Modernista för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

Famous killers have fan clubs.

Hamish Wolfe is no different. Locked up for the rest of his life for the abduction and murder of three young women, he gets countless adoring letters every day. He's handsome, charismatic and very persuasive. His admirers are convinced he's innocent, and that he's the man of their dreams.

Who would join such a club?

Maggie Rose is different. Reclusive and enigmatic; a successful lawyer and bestselling true-crime writer, she only takes on cases that she can win.

Hamish wants her as his lawyer, he wants her to change his fate. She thinks she's immune to the charms of a man like this. But maybe not this time . . .

Would you?

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Oh wow, what a book. What a ride! What I love with Sharon Bolton's books is not only her ability to write thrilling twisted stories, that's her ability to create interesting and extremely fascinating characters like Maggie Rose and Hamish Wolfe. From the beginning was I captivated with the story and I loved the feeling of not knowing how it all would end. I mean questions like; is Hamish innocent or not, why is the cop that caught Hamish keeping a close eye on Maggie, that is starting to feel a bit stalkerish,and who the hell is Maggie Hope, what makes her tick?

Many, many questions went through my head during the time I read the book. And, it's hard to write about what's so interesting about it without giving anything away. But, I will say this, nothing is at it seems, sure some things that happen makes sense, but I never saw that ending coming. This is one of the best books I have read this year!

I want to thank Random House for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!

The Killing Ship by Simon Beaufort

The Killing Ship: An Antarctica Thriller by Simon Beaufort
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"A group of scientists in the Antarctic face a desperate battle for survival as they are hunted down by hostile intruders. "

Having spent the summer conducting fieldwork on stark Livingston Island, marine biologist Andrew Berrister is looking forward to returning to civilization. But his final days in Antarctica take an unexpected turn when it becomes clear that he and his small group of scientists are not alone on the island. Deducing that the intruders are a crew of illegal whalers, the scientists face an increasingly desperate struggle for survival when two members of their shore party disappear and their supplies are deliberately sabotaged. 

As Berrister and his remaining companions flee across the treacherous, icy terrain, they are pursued unrelentingly by ruthless killers whose true reasons for being in the Antarctic are darker and more dangerous than the scientists could ever have imagined.

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I got in my head, for some reason, when I started to read this book that this would be a paranormal thriller. However, I quickly, after reading the blurb, realized that it was just a thriller. However, it was a pretty good thriller, so I'm pleased.

What I like about this book that there were never any dull moments from the start until the end. I mean why on earth would anyone want to hurt a bunch of scientists? And, would any of the scientists survive? Also, what's it in the cargo bay? I was hooked, and I came to like Berrister, Mortimer, and the rest very much and I was worried that any of them would die. Antarctica is a danger place as it is, but having people after you for some strange reason. Well, that's tough!

I love reading books about Antarctica, whether it be thrillers or literary fiction, hell I even take romance. It's such a fascinating setting for a book. The Killing Ship is no exception. And, I like that the ending is open. Hopefully, there will be a sequel!

I want to thank Severn House for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.

The Doll's House by M.J. Arlidge

The Doll's House by M.J. Arlidge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young woman wakes up in a cold, dark cellar, with no idea how she got there or who her kidnapper is. So begins her terrible nightmare.

Nearby, the body of another young woman is discovered buried on a remote beach. But the dead girl was never reported missing - her estranged family having received regular texts from her over the years. Someone has been keeping her alive from beyond the grave.

For Detective Inspector Helen Grace it's chilling evidence that she's searching for a monster who is not just twisted but also clever and resourceful - a predator who's killed before.

And as Helen struggles to understand the killer's motivation, she begins to realize that she's in a desperate race against time . . .

*********

I've discovered a passion for audiobooks this summer thanks to long working hours. The Doll's House was one that made the hours a bit more bearable.

The Doll's House is book 3 in the Helen Grace series and this time, Helen has to find a kidnapped girl and fight a battle with her boss that has taken a dislike to her and will try to get her off the team no matter what. What so special this case is that the kidnapper has done this before, taken a girl and then pretended through tweets and text messages that she is still alive and well and that she just doesn't want to have any contact with her family. And, it works like a charm until a dead body is discovered and an observant police think that there is something rotten with a missing girl, despite the text messengers that her family gets.

I loved listening to this book, and I found myself enthralled with the story. I was worried that Helen would get into trouble because of her, let's say, not that legal way of trying to find her nephew. And, it doesn't help that her boss is hell-bent on bringing her down. I did love the big confrontation between them both. 

As for the case itself. It's scary to think of how easy it is to fake that someone is alive and well by having someone's phone. The kidnapper is a real psycho and the last part was very thrilling to listen to. If you have read the previous books will you love this book, and it works well as a standalone as well, even though some events from the past is mentioned. 

Entombed by Linda Fairstein

Entombed by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From New York Times bestselling author and famed former Manhattan prosecutor Linda Fairstein comes a chilling new Alexandra Cooper novel, Entombed, in which Alex matches wits with the master of detective fiction himself-Edgar Allan Poe...

Workers demolishing a nineteenth-century brownstone where Edgar Allan Poe once lived discover a human skeleton entombed -- standing -- behind a brick wall. When sex crimes prosecutor Alexandra Cooper hears about the case, it strikes her as a classic Poe scene...except that forensic evidence shows that this young woman died within the last twenty-five years. Meanwhile, Alex's old nemesis the Silk Stocking Rapist is once again terrorizing Manhattan's Upper East Side. The attacks soon escalate to murder, and the search leads Alex and detectives Mercer Wallace and Mike Chapman to the city's stunning Bronx Botanical Gardens. There, an enigmatic librarian presides over the Raven Society, a group devoted to the work of Poe. In exploring the fabled writer's tormented life for clues, Alex will cross paths with a cunning killer and face some of the greatest challenges of her career. Entombed is masterful, exhilarating crime fiction from one of crime writing's most dazzling stars.

**********

I have to admit that it was the connection to Edgar Allan Poe that got me to read this book. I have a weakness for books with some connection with famous authors/actors/people. So, when I read the description of the book about a dead body being found entombed standing behind a brick wall in a house that Edgar Allan Poe had lived in, then I just had to read the book!

Since this is the first book I have read in this series, and also the very first book I have read by Linda Fairstein was I curious to see how the book would be. Sometimes it's easy to get into stories despite it being a book in the middle of a series. Luckily, I quickly found myself intrigued with the story and I absolutely loved the characters. I found Alexandra Cooper to be a woman to my liking. Recently single, but not a depressed, but a strong and competent woman that doesn't mind being single. Her tragic past with her dead fiance made me like her even more and I read the book wanting to get to know more about her. Then, we have her friends and colleagues detectives Mercer Wallace and Mike Chapman, both two great guys. I loved this dynamic trio and they made the book truly enjoyable. It didn't hurt that the story got pretty intensive now and then.

The cases in the book, both the rapist case and the-dead-woman-behind-the-wall case was interesting, though I have to admit that the case with the entombed was a bit more interesting to follow than the rapist case. Still, it's a pretty awesome book and I have already ordered two books from amazon since I want to know what happens next!

So, I have found this series to my liking and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Linda Fairstein.

Washingtondekretet (The Washington decree) by Jussi Adler-Olsen (SWE/ENG)

Washingtondekretet by Jussi Adler-Olsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SWEDISH REVIEW

Doggie Rogers är lycklig när hon kliver in på Hotel Splendor för att fira den demokratiske presidentkandidaten Bruce Jansens historiska valseger. Hon är full av hopp inför framtiden och övertygad om att Jansen är den rätte att axla rollen som världens mäktigaste man. Men medan den nyvalde presidenten hyllas av sina trogna medarbetare drar en man i rummet plötsligt vapen. Skottet träffar Bruce Jansens höggravida hustru, och varken hon eller det ofödda barnet går att rädda.

Doggie är i chocktillstånd – inte minst för att hennes egen far anklagas för mordet. När Bruce Jansen senare svär presidenteden är han en djupt förbittrad man. Han lägger fram en ytterst kontroversiell förordning som ska återupprätta ordningen i USA. Men då det går upp för medborgarna vad Washingtondekretet innebär, bryter helvetet loss. Snart är gränserna stängda, utegångsförbud införs och inbördeskriget hotar.

En liten grupp människor, med Doggie Rogers i täten, klamrar sig dock fast vid hoppet och gör allt för att avslöja komplotten som det amerikanska samhället är utsatt för. Doggie har blivit landets mest eftersökta kvinna. Och nationens framtid vilar på hennes axlar.

Washingtondekretet är en tankeväckande politisk thriller från författaren bakom succéböckerna om Avdelning Q.

**********

Låt tänka sig att en världens mäktigaste män, efter att ha minst sin fru, skulle få för sig att genomdriva kontroversiella reformer, som innebär hårdare lagar, genom att t.ex. det skulle vara förbjudet att äga ammunition och att fångar som skulle avrättas inte längre hade en rättighet att förhala eller överklaga beslutet det utan att alla som stod på listan att avrättas skulle göras det, med en avrättning om dagen. Låt säga att denna man är USA's president som såg sin gravida fru bli skjuten till döds, och har nu fått nog och har satt ner sin fot för att med hårda lagar stoppa våldet. Hur ska man stoppa en man som har så stor makt, där alla som sätter sig emot Washingtondekretet plötsligt dör, eller mystiskt ändrar sig? 

Washingtondekretet, är en intressant och välskriven politisk thriller. En kompakt bok på över 600 sidor om hur även ett demokratiskt land som USA kan korrumperas om nu någon med tillräckligt med makt och pengar skulle vilja det. Boken är 10 år gammal men känns väldigt aktuell, speciellt när man tänker sig USA idag som står inför ett nyval där Donald Trump kan bli nästa president eller när man ser på vad som händer i Turkiet. Washingtondekretet må vara fiktion, men jag kan lätt tänka mig att det skulle inte vara svårt för en man, med storhetsvansinne att få ett demokratiskt land att bli mer en diktatoriskt stat.

Men man märker snart i boken att någonting inte stämmer och det tröjer inte längre förren det uppstår spännande vändningar och avslöjanden i boken och några människor, som Doggie Rogers, inser snart att det pågår saker bakom kulisserna som de i sina vildaste fantasier inte hade räknat med.

Spännande läsning, dock kände jag ibland att jag skulle vilja skynda på handlingen en aning då vissa delar av boken var lite mindre intressant att läsa än andra delar. Men i stort sett var boken mycket bra och jag älskade slutet! 

Tack Albert Bonniers förlag för recensionsexememplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

Doggie Rogers is happy when she steps into the Hotel Splendor to celebrate the Democratic presidential candidate Bruce Jansen's historic election victory. She is full of hope for the future and believes that Jansen is the right man to take on the role as the world's most powerful man. But her happiness is cut short when a man shoots Bruce Jansen's wife, and neither she nor the unborn child survives. Doggie is in shock, and it will get worse for her when her own father is accused of being behind the killing.

When Bruce Jansen later swears the oath of office, is he a deeply embittered man. He presents an extremely controversial decree to restore order in the United States. But then it dawns on people what the Washington decree does, and all hell breaks loose. Soon the borders closed, curfews imposed, and civil war threatens the nation.

A small group of people, with Doggie Rogers in the lead, cling to hope and they will do everything to uncover the conspiracy. Doggie has become the country's most wanted woman. And the future of the nation rests on her shoulders.

Washington decree is a thoughtful political thriller from the author of bestsellers about Department Q.

*********

Imagine that one of the world's most powerful men, after losing his wife, would enforce controversial reforms that would mean tougher laws that for instance forbids people to own ammunition. And, prisoners that are locked up for executions would not have any rights to delay or appeal the verdict. Instead, one prisoner on death row would be executed every day. And, the newspapers would be censored. What if this man was the president of the United States and that he saw his pregnant wife get shot to death? And, now he has had enough and has decided to stop all the violence. How, do you stop a man that has so much power that if anyone is against the Washington decree is killed or mysteriously change his mind? 

The Washington decree is a very interesting and well-written political thriller. It's a compact book of over 600 pages about how a democratic country like the US can be corrupted if somebody with enough power and money has the willpower to do it. The book may be 10 years old, but it feels very much up-to-date when you think about the fact that the US will soon choose a new president and one of the candidates is Donald Trump (sorry my American friends, but this is something I just can't fathom) or just look at Turkey. The Washington decree  may be fiction, but it would not be hard for a man, with delusions of grandeur to turn a democratic land into a dictatorial state. 

But not everything is that simple in the The Washington decree. There are some twist and turns and some people, like Doggie Rogers, soon realize that perhaps there is more going on behind the scenes, then they could imagine in their wildest dreams. 

The book was thrilling to read, although I sometimes felt an urge for the story to pick up the pace when some part of the book felt less interesting to read than other parts. But, the book was still very good and I loved the ending!

Thanks to Albert Bonniers förlag for the review copy! 

Skin by Mo Hayder (SWE/ENG)

Skin by Mo Hayder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SWEDISH REVIEW

När en ung kvinnas ruttnande kropp återfinns nära ett järnvägsspår utanför Bristol antyder såren på hennes handleder självmord. Det är också just så polisen vill ha det: snyggt och prydligt och enkelt att lägga till handlingarna.

Men kriminalkommissarie Jack Caffery tvivlar. Fler synbara självmord dyker upp, alla med kopplingar till Älvgrottorna, ett nästan bottenlöst system av översvämmade gruvor. Caffery börjar ana en skugglik, mystisk varelse, någon som håller sig gömd i mörkret och osedd kan ta sig in i folks hus.

Vid sidan av Caffery arbetar polisdykaren Flea Marley. Med sitt förflutnas trauman bakom sig har hon börjat undra om deras förhållande inte skulle kunna bli någonting mer än det yrkesmässiga. Men så upptäcker hon något som inte bara kommer henne obehagligt nära, det är så skrämmande att hennes liv aldrig kommer att bli detsamma.

Och den här gången kan ingen – inte ens Jack – hjälpa henne.

**********

Jag hade turen att läsa Hud direkt efter att ha läst Ritual vilket gjorde att det kändes som om jag läste bara en bok, som vart uppdelad i två böcker då handlingen i Hud tar vid i stor sett direkt efter handlingen i Ritual slutar. Då jag tyckte att Ritual slutad med några lösa trådar så var jag väldigt nöjd över detta.

Jack Caffery är inte helt övertygad om att fallet från föregående bok är helt avklarat. Han har en känsla av ett någon slapp undan, någon som förföljer honom. Frågan är varför? Och först tror han att de besynnerliga självmordet som han undersöker har med morden från föregående fall att göra. Eller rättare sagt från personen som kom undan. Men det är bara han som är misstänksam och tror att det kan rör sig om ett mord och inte ett självmord. Under tiden har Flea Marley egna problem med en överraskning som hennes bror Thom har lämnat bak i hennes bil.

Som med föregående bok så är denna bok svår att sluta läsa. Handlingen är intensiv och fängslande och både Fleas personliga problem och Jacks undersökning är intressanta att följa. Jag var så inne i handlingen att jag nästan såg rött när Thom och hans flickvän Mandy började ställa till problem för Flea. Jag hoppas innerligt att de får vad de förtjänar i någon kommande bok. Maken till vedervärdiga personer är det svårt att finna. 

Hud är en mycket bra bok och slutet var både perfekt och frustrerande. Frustrerande för att jag nu bara måste ha fortsättningen!

Tack till Modernista för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

When the decomposed body of a young woman is found by near railway tracks just outside Bristol one hot May morning, all indications are that she's committed suicide. That's how the police want it too; all neatly squared and tidied away. But DI Jack Caffery is not so sure. He is on the trail of someone predatory, someone who hides in the shadows and can slip into houses unseen. And for the first time in a very long time, he feels scared. 

Police Diver Flea Marley is working alongside Caffery. Having come to terms with the loss of her parents, and with the traumas of her past safely behind her, she's beginning to wonder whether their relationship could go beyond the professional. And then she finds something that changes everything. Not only is it far too close to home for comfort - but it's so horrifying that she knows that nothing will ever be the same again. And that this time, no one - not even Caffery - can help her...

**********

I was lucky to have read Ritual right before I read Skin because that made it feel like I was only reading one book that was split into two books since the story in Skin feels like a continuation from Ritual. And, since I felt that Ritual ended was some questions left to answer was this especially satisfying.

Jack Caffery is not convinced that the case from the previous book is completely over. He has a feeling that someone got away, and that person is stalking him. And, the question is why? He also thinks that the suicide that he is investigating has something to do with the murder cases from the previous case. Or rather the person that got away. But, he is the only one that is suspicious about it. Meanwhile, Flea Marley has to deal with her own personal problem, a surprise that her brother Thom left back in her car.

Like the previous book was this one hard to put down. The story is fascinating and intensive and both Flea's personal problem and Jack's investigation are interesting to follow. I was so caught up with the story that I almost exploded with anger when Thom and his girlfriend Mandy started to make trouble for Flea. I hope they get what they deserve in the future. I loathe them both!

Skin is a very good book, and the ending was both perfect and frustrating to read. Frustrating because I now must have the next book soon!

Thanks to Modernista for the review copy!

#BookReview Ritual by Mo Hayder

Ritual by Mo Hayder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just after lunch on a Tuesday in April, nine feet under water, police diver Flea Marley closes her gloved fingers around a human hand. The fact that there's no body attached is disturbing enough. Yet more disturbing is the discovery, a day later, of the matching hand. Both have been recently amputated, and the indications are that the victim was still alive when they were removed.

DI Jack Caffery has been newly seconded to the Major Crime Investigation Unit in Bristol. He and Flea soon establish that the hands belong to a boy who has recently disappeared.

Their search for him - and for his abductor - lead them into the darkest recesses of Bristol's underworld, where drug addiction is rife, where street-kids sell themselves for a hit, and where an ancient evil lurks; an evil that feeds off the blood - and flesh - of others ...

**********

One of the best things when it comes to reading is discovering new authors. I have wanted to read Mo Hayder's Jack Caffery series for a long time and now I have finally read the book three in the series. And, Ritual is a pretty awesome book, with a compelling story and interesting main characters.

I instantly came to like both Jack and Flea and I enjoyed getting to know them both in this book. Jack, new in Bristol, has come to the city looking for the Walking Man to ask him something. Flea has not recovered from losing her parents in an accident two years earlier and she is also looking after her younger brother who is depressed after the accident that took their parents life. I think the twist and turns in this story were really great, and I liked how the Jack and Flea's life become intertwined with each other. Both are two damaged people and have their own personal demons.

The African witchcraft theme that felt new and interesting and made the book deliciously dark and engrossing. I was curious to see who would be behind it all and I must admit that I was surprised that it did not turn out to be the one I came to suspect towards the end of the book. I felt the book did end with some loose threads (but since I now also have read the next book do I know that the next book will pick up directly after this book ends and address the loose threads).

I liked this book very much and I recommend it warmly!

Play Dead by Angela Marsons

Play Dead by Angela Marsons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The dead don’t tell secrets… unless you listen. 

The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess.

Westerley research facility is not for the faint-hearted. A ‘body farm’ investigating human decomposition, its inhabitants are corpses in various states of decay. But when Detective Kim Stone and her team discover the fresh body of a young woman, it seems a killer has discovered the perfect cover to bury their crime.

Then a second girl is attacked and left for dead, her body drugged and mouth filled with soil. It’s clear to Stone and the team that a serial killer is at work – but just how many bodies will they uncover? And who is next?

As local reporter, Tracy Frost, disappears, the stakes are raised. The past seems to hold the key to the killer’s secrets – but can Kim uncover the truth before a twisted, damaged mind claims another victim…?

***********

When I got the chance last week to listen to an audiobook from Bookouture was this the one I picked. I have read all the previous books and I do have an ARC of it, but I've been trying to listen to audiobooks at work since I will be working all summer long. So, I thought this would be perfect, getting to the latest book in the Kim Stone series and also get a book read/listen to from my NetGalley pile. It's a win-win situation! 

This book actually took me by surprise. I have, to be honest, had a bit of a problem with Kim Stone, her attitude has rubbed me the wrong way many times during the previous three books, but I never had a problem with her listening to this book. I can't figure out of it was the narrator that made me like her more or the story. In this book, well I started to warm up to her. It could be that Jan Cramer, the narrator of the book somehow conveyed Kim in  a way that made me feel less annoyed and more understanding. But, I also think that Kim is starting to, if not breaking down her walls, letting people a bit closer? Or perhaps one could say that Barney, her dog, is the one that has made her more "human". In any way, I came to like her very much and I liked her passion for justice for those that had died in this book. 

Anyway, I will not spoil the story in the book, but I want to say that the book hooked from the first second and then kept my interest all the way through a couple of working days. To be honest, I looked forward to working so that I could listen to more of the book and I was even tempted to skip breakfast with my colleagues to listen more today. The case was tragic and intense to listen to and I can't say that I figure it all out, some things I suspected and I was right, but I was also surprised at the ending of the book.

It was such a thrilling book that I could do nothing but award it with the highest rating. I was never disappointed with the story, oh well one thing and that concern Daniel Bate and Kim. I enjoyed their banter throughout the book so much that I had to try hard to not smile as a fool at work and scare the workers there and I hope that Daniel will be back in future books. I simply adore Daniel and his gorgeous Scottish accent (thank you, Jan Cramer, you did a marvelous job with Daniel) and to have them end it this way, well I would be really disappointed!

Listening to this book was marvelous and I'm right now sad that there are no more Kim Stone books to read/listen to for me and I hope book 5 soon will be released!

I want to thank Bookouture for providing me with a free copy to listen to! 

The Search by Iris Johansen

The Search by Iris Johansen
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

He strikes without warning.

He kills without mercy.
He's only just begun.

As part of an elite K-9 search and rescue team, Sarah Patrick and her golden retriever, Monty, have a gift for finding what no one else can. But their latest assignment is not like the others. This time Sarah is being forced to take part in a deadly mission ... by a man who knows enough about her past to ensure her cooperation.

Billionaire John Logan's top-secret venture has been sabotaged, its facilities destroyed, and its handpicked staff massacred. The sole survivor is being held for ransom. Logan knows that the only way to save the man -- and the secrets he holds -- is to find him as soon as possible.

Sarah is furious when she is strong-armed into joining Logan on his search. And once she takes the perilous assignment, not even Logan's promises that she and Monty will be safe may be enough to protect them. Because a killer is devising a sadistic vengeance ... and he may soon find use for Sarah.

**********

Iris Johansen has managed to write a story that instead of focusing on Eve Duncan (who is the main character in this series) is putting Sarah Patrick and John Logan in focus and I loved it! I adored John Logan in the first book in the Eve Duncan series and I was quite sad that Johnsen decided that Joe Quinn was a better match for Eve. However, now I'm not sad anymore because in this book Logan and Sarah have to work to find a kidnapped man and stop a madman that has a grudge against Logan. And, they work very well together and like with Eve, Logan and Sarah's "relationship" doesn't start off that good. Can have something to do with the fact that Logan forced Sarah to help Eve in the past book...

This series is one of my favorite and, despite that Eve and Quinn have a minor role in this book is the book pretty awesome. But, as I stated above, I adore Logan so getting a book with him in the center again was a bonus. The story is intense and captivating and I loved every minute of it. Logan and Sarah have a lot of chemistry and I enjoyed their banter. And, I loved Monty, Sarah's golden retriever. It almost feels like they have a telepathic communication with each other. Almost? I actually do believe so, to be honest. Another character that I came to like very much is Logan's pal Sean Galen. A fun loving mercenary that loves to cook. 

It's a wonderful book, hell it's a wonderful series! Read it!

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a serial killer strikes bucolic Painters Mill, Ohio, the killer's signature -—Roman numerals ritualistically carved into each victim's abdomen- —matches the MO of four unsolved murders from 16 years earlier. Police chief Kate Burkholder, who's reluctant to dredge up the past, must keep secret that she knows why the old murders stopped. Not satisfied with the case's progress, local politicos set up a multijurisdictional task force to assist, including a law-enforcement agent battling his own demons. The added scrutiny and the rising body count threaten to push the chief over the edge. Adept at creating characters with depth and nuance, Castillo smoothly integrates their backstories into a well-paced plot that illuminates the divide between the Amish and English worlds.

**********

I was lucky enough to get Sworn to Silence, the first book in the series cheap as an Ebook after being rejected on NetGalley for Among the Wicked the latest book in the series. So, all and all it was probably for the best since I did enjoy starting this series from the beginning instead of the latest book. 

Police chief Kate Burkholder, ex-Amish, has to stop a vicious killer in this book that may be a copycat or a killer that murdered several women 16 years ago. However, she has personal reasons for believing that it has to be another killer. It doesn't get easier for her when her role as police chief is getting questioned as more people are killed while she is trying to figure out who the killer is. Some local people just don't think she is trying hard enough... 

I found the book to be very good, and very different from other crime novels. I like that Kate Burkholder has a history with the Amish community and I liked that she is a complex character with a dark past. Also, this case really brought back bad memories for her. The case also brought agent John Tomasetti into her life as he who was hellbent on wrecking his life and career seems to have finally found someone that can get his life back on track. I quite like the chemistry between them. 

The case was interesting, is it the same killer or a copycat? What is really going one and what happened to Kate all those years ago? I did, however, figure out the killer when Tomasetti listed the killer profile, it was actually quite easy to do so I thought and then I just kept on reading to see if I was right, and I was. But, it did not take away the enjoyment of reading the book. I still found the book pretty good, despite not being surprised over the killers identity.

It was a good first book and I'm looking forward to reading more books in the series!

The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood (SWE/ENG)

The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

SWEDISH REVIEW

När den treåriga flickan Coco – tvilling till identiska systern Ruby – försvinner under sin pappas femtioårsfest, väcker fallet en enorm uppståndelse i medierna. Flickans föräldrar är rika och har stort inflytande, liksom de vänner som samlats i det lyxiga sommarhuset vid havet.

Vad hände egentligen den där ödesdigra kvällen?

Handlingen sträcker sig över två helger. Den första är den då Coco försvinner. Den andra den då de mörkaste av hemligheter till sist ska komma att avslöjas…

Den mörkaste hemligheten är en tät och känsloladdad psykologisk thriller – omöjlig att lägga ifrån sig – av författaren till succén Onda flickor.

**********

Den mörkaste hemligheten är den första bok jag har läst av Alex Marwood och kommer inte vara den sista jag tar mig an. Jag älskar mörka psykologiska thrillers och handlingen i denna bok var intressant med en försvunnen liten flicka vars tvillingsyster 12 år senare frågar sin storasyster vad som egentligen hände när de tillsammans åker till deras pappas begravning.

Ja, vad hände egentligen med Coco? Blev hon kidnappad, försvann hon, eller ligger någon av gästerna i huset vid försvinnandet bakom det? Det är några av frågorna jag grubblade över medan jag läste boken. Det är en mörk bok, men inte så mörk som jag hade förväntat mig, mycket pga. av att människorna i boken är så avskyvärda att jag inte förvånades över avslöjanden som kom fram i boken. Boken verkligen kändes som om en studie i människors värsta beteende. Från de som var vidriga i sin hela personlighet till de som med ett falsk leende kunde ljuga och manipulera omgivningen. Kort sagt, jag blev inte så överraskad över vändningarna i storyn pga av att jag redan misstänkte att de flesta människorna i boken var genomruttna och kunde begå vilka som helst brott. De enda som vann sympati var systrarna Ruby och Milly samt Claire när man började känna henne lite mer.

En intressant bok som kändes lite ojämn, speciellt framåt halva boken när jag kände att skiftningarna mellan nutid och dåtid kändes lite segt. Men helt klart en läsvärd bok!

Tack till Modernista för recensionsexemplaret!

ENGLISH REVIEW

When identical twin Coco goes missing during a family celebration, there is a media frenzy. Her parents are rich and influential, as are the friends they were with at their holiday home by the sea.

But what really happened to Coco?

Over two intense weekends - the first when Coco goes missing and the second twelve years later at the funeral of her father - the darkest of secrets will gradually be revealed...

**********

The Darkest Secret is the first book I have read by Alex Marwood and it won't be the last. I love dark psychological thrillers and the book was interesting to read. A little girl goes missing and twelve years later her twin sister is questioning her older sister on the way to their father's funeral.

What really happened to Coco? Was she kidnapped, did she disappear or is someone among the guests in the house at the time behind it all? That's some of the questions I was wondering about as I read the book. It's a dark book, just not as dark as I excepted it to be. Most of the people in this book are so rotten that I just didn't get surprised by the revelations that were revealed as I read the book. It felt like reading a study on human behavior, and the worst kind. All from those that have a disgusting personality to those that with a false smile could lie and manipulate everyone around them. In short, I never really got surprised when the story took a twist because I already suspected that most of the people in the book were bad to the bone and could commit any kind of crimes. The only people I found some sympathy for was the sisters Ruby and Milly and later on Claire when one got to know her better.

It's an interesting book that felt a bit uneven to read, especially around half the book when I felt that shifts between past and present started to drag the story a bit. But it's definitely an interesting book to read!

Thanks to Modernista for the review copy!

The Fire Child by S.K. Tremayne

The Fire Child by S.K. Tremayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The chilling new psychological thriller by S. K. Tremayne, author of the Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller, THE ICE TWINS.

When Rachel marries dark, handsome David, everything seems to fall into place. Swept from single life in London to the beautiful Carnhallow House in Cornwall, she gains wealth, love, and an affectionate stepson, Jamie.

But then Jamie’s behaviour changes, and Rachel’s perfect life begins to unravel. He makes disturbing predictions, claiming to be haunted by the spectre of his late mother – David’s previous wife. Is this Jamie’s way of punishing Rachel, or is he far more traumatized than she thought?

As Rachel starts digging into the past, she begins to grow suspicious of her husband. Why is he so reluctant to discuss Jamie’s outbursts? And what exactly happened to cause his ex-wife’s untimely death, less than two years ago? As summer slips away and December looms, Rachel begins to fear there might be truth in Jamie’s words:

‘You will be dead by Christmas.’

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I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book. The Ice Twins was one of the best books I read last year and to say that I was eager to read this book is an understatement. I was a bit concerned that I had too high expectations since The Ice Twins blew me away, but I was soon relieved when the story hooked me. 

What I love about this book is that you just don't know if Rachel is crazy or just paranoid. She acts odd, but then again, so does her stepson Jamie. And, what about David's wife who died not long ago? Is she really a ghost in the house or is Jamie just a traumatized boy? And, what about David? Could he be behind his wife death? The story is strange and wonderful and I loved reading and wondering what the heck is going on? 

The story made me think of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. Of course, no crazy housekeeper, but the dead wife and the gothic house, and a woman that marries an older man. Yup, that's what made me think of Rebecca.

Of course, it's hard not to compare this book to The Ice Twins and, despite how much I enjoyed this book it just wasn't as captivating as The Ice Twins and the ending was definite not as good. However, it's still a bloody good book and I recommend this book to anyone liking psychological thrillers.