Mike McCleary is offered a fantastic new job. With his beautiful new girlfriend by his side, he can move back to England and be closer to his loving and supportive parents.
Newly-promoted Detective Inspector Steve Denton is basking in the spotlight after stopping a serial killer’s nationwide campaign, and feels he’s finally getting some deserved recognition.
The Broker continues to evade the long arm of the law and is about to invest in a new criminal venture, with the opportunity to earn billions.
But not all dreams come true, and some can turn into nightmares.
Writing is his hobby, which he fits in-between full-time work, family, and completing unusual fundraising challenges. For more information, visit geoffmajor.info. He lives in Yorkshire, with his wife and their dog.
My thoughts: The sequel to Hell Hath No Fury (ideally read that first to get background on what’s happening), this sees the police and Europol trying to bring down The Broker and BOrg (an online crime syndicate) with the assistance of a few determined individuals, some of whom may end up paying with their lives.
A retired man is pushed to his limits, forced to encourage his son to do certain things to benefit those blackmailing him. A lawyer decides to break privilege after her family comes under attack.
There have been more Lottery murders, which infuriate DI Denton, who thought he’d solved that one, he wants to bring The Broker down, and being told to stand down by Europol makes it worse. They want the whole crime syndicate, not just one London-based thug.
But as the case is being built, and more knowledgeable and intelligent people bring their pieces to the table, building up the best way to bring it all down – Denton is brought back in to share what he has, and the end of The Broker’s reign is nigh.
Clever, fast-paced, wrapping up some ends while leaving others waiting for further investigation, inspired by real-life crimes and criminals. Be careful what you put on the Internet!
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
In the spirit of Practical Magic and First Frost, a modern-day magic folk tale weaves a fantasy of love, secrets, spellbooks, and family bonds into evocative prose ….
It’s common knowledge in Duran Hill that some women in the Kinley family have certain gifts … and certain curses … running through their bloodlines. But for three sisters in all but name — Rachel, Juliette, and their cousin Sylvia — the ties that bind them close as ivy throughout their childhood are pulled apart in adolescence when both the gift and curse of that power is revealed between them.
Since that fateful incident, sensible Juliette has tailored a perfect and perfectly ordinary life which unravels after she marries — and loses — the love of her life. Sylvia, drawn to the dark side, sets up a shop that caters to all the mystical powers the latter generations of the Kinley family shunned. And Rachel, the wild child, in whom its magic seems to create a charmed life, is a carefree wanderer who finds herself suddenly drawn home again. Her arrival will stir old rivalries and test forgotten bonds in the brief span of a few weeks.
But when an old friend in desperate trouble seeks her out, she will impulsively unleash the dangerous secret behind their power: one which has lain forgotten in the Kinley house for two generations. From the Siren’s song of a dead man’s violin to a jar full of harmless-looking buttons, nothing under the shadow of the family’s roof is what it seems — nothing in their bloodline is safe from the dangerous past.
For Juliette, it brings a test of whether love that has withered can bloom again. For Sylvia, a question of whether a dangerous mistake can only be endured until it destroys you. And for Rachel, the choice is the price between the future of the souls she loves most in life and a powerful force that both makes her the enigma she is — and makes to destroy her like embers caught in a firewind.
Against the backdrop of Southern charm, Scottish superstitions, and bewitching romance, ABRACADABRA casts a spell which cannot be undone, from the ache of lost love to the familial links between souls which go as deep as blood and bone.
Evanne Hardin Gray has spent most of her adulthood (and part of her childhood) writing novels, short stories, and screenplays. She has family roots in both New England and the South, which is where she currently writes (sometimes as a ‘ghost’), gardens, and collects books and ideas for them.
Twitter: Evanne Hardin Gray (@Abracadabrabook) / X Facebook
My thoughts: As a child I was terrified of Baba Yaga travelling in her pestle and mortar with her house on chicken legs surrounded by a fence of bones. As a teenager I loved Practical Magic (still do) so this book really felt like it was written for me.
Juliette, Rachel, and their cousin Sylvia were close as children but had grown apart as teenagers and adults. When Rachel returns to their hometown, where Juliette now lives in the family’s old house and Sylvia runs a magic shop selling charms and tarot readings, trouble follows.
An old friend, Angela, asks for help, and Rachel and Sylvia oblige, but their help backfires and draws the spirit of an angry, half-forgotten ancestor back into the world. Their great-great-grandmother Ana is not a kindly ghost, she’s a vengeful, rage-filled monster. The three women must find a way to contain and stop her before she wrecks too much havoc and destroys the three of them.
Dark, filled with tragedy but also tinged with the hope of a brighter future, this is a story of sisterhood, the ties of the past, inherited chaos and redemption. I loved it.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Former prosecutor Jordan Monroe thought estate law was safe. Then her mentor dies, leaving her to defend Dr. Mallory James in a double-murder case that could resurrect her career—or destroy what’s left of it.
Dr. Ian Stratton, a respected Harbor Point surgeon, and his pharmaceutical-rep mistress are dead from lethal injections. The evidence points straight to Mallory: a volatile affair, public threats, and a mountain of motive. But as Jordan builds her defense, she uncovers something bigger—a hospital drowning in secrets, cover-ups, and dangerous enemies.
Inside Harbor Medical, three shadowy suspects emerge: Dr. Blake Rowe — Stratton’s betrayed best friend with deadly drug knowledge Evelyn Grant — a disgraced tech stalking Jordan’s niece Sarah Rowe — Blake’s wife, lying about her access to the victim
When Grant’s obsession turns violent and surveillance evidence leaks, Jordan must protect her family while fighting manipulated witnesses, missing evidence, and a system built to bury the truth. The deeper she digs, the more she questions Mallory’s innocence—and her own role in defending her.
In a world where everyone lies, Jordan must decide how far she’ll go to win. Because the most dangerous predator… is the one you never see coming.
Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, and Melinda Leigh, Contagion of Lies delivers a relentless legal thriller where courtroom drama collides with psychological suspense—and every decision carries a cost.
From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick’s life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.
Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.
But Kathleen’s story does not end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published twelve thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.
And when she’s not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.
My thoughts: This was so good, totally gripping. Jordan was a great protagonist and I hope there are more cases for her to tackle.
After a prominent doctor is murdered and one of his many girlfriends is as well, his former partner is arrested and charged with killing them both. The drug used is one that is tightly controlled, but as a trauma surgeon, Dr Mallory James would be able to access it fairly easily. She says she’s innocent, but even her attorney isn’t sure that’s the truth.
There are other potential suspects, and all Jordan has to do is cast enough reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case for the jury to find her client not guilty. The other suspects include the deceased’s former friend, his ex-wife, and a patient with a serious grudge. Any one of them could have theoretically killed him, as could her client, but Jordan really isn’t sure.
When she and her niece become stalking victims, and the stalker is one of the other suspects, things take a dark turn. Can Jordan still do her job and defend a possible killer while fearing for the safety of her ward?
Clever, full of twists and turns, with the feel of a legal drama (this would make a great film), and utterly compelling, the ending was so unexpected and I want more!
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Triumphs of Tenacity: From Struggle to Success is an inspirational memoir of resilience, women’s empowerment, and immigrant success that will uplift anyone facing challenges in life.
Born in Bangladesh and moving to the UK at just seven years old, Yusra Mariyam faced enormous obstacles—adapting to a new culture, overcoming academic failures, and balancing the demands of motherhood. As a homemaker raising six children, her dream of higher education seemed impossible. Yet, through sheer perseverance, determination, and self- belief, she transformed her life, graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in International Business Management from Anglia Ruskin University.
This powerful true story of courage and transformation explores the struggles of immigrant women, the challenges of adult education, and the journey of personal growth against all odds. It is a moving testament to resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of hope—a memoir that shows how tenacity can turn even the hardest struggles into success.
Readers looking for: ● Women’s empowerment books that inspire change ● Memoirs about overcoming adversity and finding strength ● Immigrant success stories filled with courage and hope ● Motivational books about education, resilience, and self-belief …will find this memoir unforgettable and deeply motivating.
If you enjoy inspiring biographies, personal growth journeys, and real-life stories of achievement, this book belongs on your shelf.
Yusra Mariyam is a London-based Business Growth Executive, writer, and mother of six. Born in Bangladesh and raised in the UK from the age of seven, she brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to her writing. Before entering the corporate world, she devoted many years to raising her children full-time, without ever imagining she would have the chance to pursue higher education.
That dream became a reality when she returned to university as a mature student, juggling family life, full-time work, and academic study. In 2024, she graduated with First-Class Honours in International Business Management—an achievement that inspired her debut memoir.
Triumphs of Tenacity is more than a traditional memoir. It’s a deeply personal account of one woman’s journey to reclaim her identity through grit, growth, and determination. Yusra shares how she balanced motherhood, career, and education in pursuit of self-empowerment. Her voice is honest, unflinching, and ultimately hopeful—inviting readers to see obstacles not as dead ends, but as turning points.
She hopes her journey inspires everyone—regardless of gender, age, or background—to believe that it’s never too late to redefine their path and pursue long-held dreams.
My thoughts: This was an interesting read, Yusra came to the UK as a young child, and her father’s gentle advice and inspiring words helped her cope with life’s little rejections and failures. As a mother of six, she didn’t imagine university was for her, until a woman in the careers service encouraged her to apply to study for a business degree.
She chronicles her time as a mature student, with the support of her family, especially her husband and children, and with her father’s continued love and support, she achieves her goal and graduates. She credits not only the people around her, but also her Muslim faith for helping her through the difficulties and hard work.
While her life has not always been easy, and those early knockbacks affected her confidence for a long time, she overcame the many challenges and struggles along the way. It’s an inspiring and encouraging – reminding us all, regardless of our background, that you can do whatever you set your mind to, whatever your age or life.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . .
Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
A body in the forest. An ancient pagan ritual. A baffling mystery.
On Halloween night, the body of a young woman is discovered buried in a shallow grave in the Dragon Forest, a popular local beauty spot. The only clue to her identity is the number 37 tattooed on the sole of her foot.
Detective Norman’s new boss, Acting Superintendent Evans, is convinced the murder is connected to a group of pagans who were performing a secret ritual in the forest that night.
Norman’s not so sure. The one thing he does know is that he’d make much faster progress without the insufferable Evans breathing down his neck.
Something is off about this case. Norman knows he’s missing something important — but he can’t seem to see the wood for the trees.
Then the discovery of a second body in the woods turns everything on its head.
Peter Ford always dreamed of becoming a writer, but a dream is easily stifled without support from those around you. It was only when his old, unhappy life fell apart and he met his new partner (now wife) Mary, who believed dreamers should be encouraged, that he finally got the chance to live that dream. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed. Now, blissfully happy, settled in a quiet corner of Wales with wife Mary and their rescue dogs, P.F. Ford is living proof that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.
My thoughts: A young woman’s body is found badly concealed in a hasty grave in the forest. The temporary Superintendent thinks that the local Pagan group is carrying out human sacrifices, because he’s clearly a total idiot. Thankfully the rest of the team is not so ignorant or willing to guess rather than find actual evidence.
When cadaver dogs find more human remains buried in the same part of the forest, it suggests that there’s something much darker going on.
While Norman and the team follow what little evidence there is and attempt to find out who the first body they found is, teams across the country are checking their missing persons cases to help identify the others.
A gripping and dark crime case in the Welsh woods.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Mystery novelist Radhi Zaveri has a new job, teaching spoiled kids at Mumbai’s prestigious North Star High School. But, little does she suspect, things are about to veer wildly off-syllabus . . .
When fiery teacher Ms Venus is found slumped across her desk, the school insist she died of natural causes. But Radhi’s not convinced. The Ms Venus she knew was in rude health, quite literally, stirring up drama and discord at every turn.
What if someone — a disgruntled parent, a disgraced ‘D’ student — decided to silence her acid tongue for good? And the last person to clash with Ms Venus is mysteriously missing . . .
Can Radhi piece it all together — before the killer’s ruthless red pen strikes again?
Meeti is an award-winning copywriter, content writer and mother (though no awards for this yet). When she isn’t busy writing ads that make toothpaste sound like an aphrodisiac, Meeti can be found with a cup of ginger tea, gazing contentedly at the yellow gulmohars outside her window and plotting the murder of perfectly innocent people.
In 2016, Pan Macmillan India published her memoir, Do You Know Any Good Boys? – a funny guide to the Indian arranged marriage – based on the awkward arranged dates she had with 40 different men, before she met her husband. Meeti lives with her daughter and husband (yes, the same one she took such pains to find) in Mumbai.
My thoughts: This was a clever whodunnit set at an elite school in Mumbai, where the students are under intense pressure to perform and where the teachers all have secrets.
When English teacher Ms Venus is found dead, visiting author/teacher Radhi suspects foul play – there are a few things about the scene that suggest it might be murder. She and the local police detective dig into Ms Venus, the other teachers and the students (and their parents) who might have had reason to kill.
Radhi is also avoiding her own issues, the complicated relationship with her sister, her growing attraction to a married man she went to college with, and her grief at her parents’ deaths. She’s drinking too much and worrying the people closest to her.
As she investigates the school’s goings-on and worries about the party her sister is throwing for her birthday, it all starts to come to a head. Can she fix the problems in her life and catch a killer?
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
A bundle of old, what appear to be recollections and witness statements, are discovered in an attic by a son following the death of his father.
They tell the tale of three teenage school friends who are involved in a prank that almost costs the life of one of them. Whilst they all follow different and diverse career paths, the incident creates a lifelong bond of trust.
Some two decades later, that trust is put to the test when Gordon Shawcross helps another and in doing so, puts himself under suspicion of treason. Gordon’s ordinary life touches, for a brief moment, extraordinary heights.
Set in the dying embers of the Cold War, A Life Quite Ordinary tracks the mundane life of Gordon, who is catapulted into the challenging threats of the late 1980s with the Cold War, AIDS and homosexual rights in the armed forces. The novel covers the East-West interface of the British Commanders-in-Chief’s Mission to the Soviet Forces BRIXMIS, mixed with burlesque cabaret and church architecture.
A Life Quite Ordinary is a fact-based novel that deals with serious matters in a gripping but plausible manner.
Bryan Campbell Johnston was raised and schooled in North Yorkshire and returned with his wife, Wendy, to live in Richmondshire in 2020. Bryan has three children, two step-children and he and Wendy have two grandchildren. Between leaving North Yorkshire and returning, Bryan had both a military and legal career.
His military career started at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and ended as a Major commanding an infantry company during Gulf War I. In-between he served in Germany and Northern Ireland and other outposts around the shrinking globe.
His legal career started at The University of Westminster and the School of Law and ended as a Solicitor and Managing Partner of a law firm.
In-between Bryan was involved in the arts as a Director and Trustee of a regional theatre for six years. He has been, among other appointments, Chair of a charity and Chair of a Chamber of Commerce. Bryan is a trained Mediator.
Bryan wrote articles for a business magazine for several years; he had a play performed at Brentwood Theatre and his adaptation of Northanger Abbey was performed in over 31 locations by a professional touring troupe.
Bryan’s hobbies include writing, theatre, horse racing, sailing, golf, trekking and skiing.
My thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to make of this at first, there are multiple narrative view points that build up the story of three old school friends and a brush with the world of espionage in the age of the Cold War. It was really interesting and clever, and I was hooked. I liked the little facts between each section too.
Gordon Shawcross saves the life of a school friend at a party, and years later that same friend – known as Jaffa, comes to ask a favour. It seems quite innocent but ends with Shawcross being threatened with arrest for treason.
His friends Geordie and Jaffa contribute their narratives, along with a few others, to explain how Gordon ended up in that situation. It’s a story of mistaken identities, people trying to do the right thing, a little paranoia and the bonds of friendship.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
It’s the annual Awards Banquet at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub, and Vivian Steele can’t wait for the star-studded event. She’s attending with her best friend, Carole Lombard, and several acclaimed actresses will be wearing her fashion designs. What she doesn’t expect is for the night to turn deadly.
During the awards ceremony, Carole finds an actress stabbed to death in the restroom. She quickly alerts the staff, but when they return, they can’t find a body. An hour later, another guest screams bloody murder that an actor drowned in the pool outside. Again, the body disappears.
While the guests have a good laugh, Vivian is convinced the murders took place and reluctantly asks Preston Stone, Hollywood’s notorious playboy, for his help in proving her suspicions.
Together, they uncover a sinister killer who has mastered the art of illusion and set his sights on two Oscar-winning stars. Can Vivian and Preston stop the killer in time…and without revealing their well-kept secrets?
A Bloody Banquet is the second book in this exciting new 1930s Stone & Steele mystery series starring a great cast of characters ranging from the rich and famous to Bella and Boris, the canine costars, and a few other endearing folks. (A pretty clean read – series or standalone)
Award-winning author Gail Meath writes historical romance novels that will whisk you away to another time and place in history where you will meet fascinating characters, both fictional and real, who will capture your heart and soul. Meath loves writing about little or unknown people, places and events in history, rather than relying on the typical stories and settings.
My thoughts: Someone is staging murders and no one knows if they’re pranks or something else. Preston Stone and Vivian Steele join forces again to investigate what’s going on. How are a magician and his assistant connected to the strange disappearing bodies?
As three actors meet their tragic deaths, who is killing them or are they really accidents?
Preston and Vivian bicker their way around Hollywood as they investigate, it seems they still can’t be friends like their canine companions are.
The crimes are twisted and the killer is targeting Hollywood’s biggest stars like Clark Gable and Bette Davis next, if Preston and Vivian can’t solve it fast and hand the killer over to the police.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
They changed her life forever. Did they really think they could get away with it?
Evie Perry was a high-class escort whose way of life was abruptly and cruelly shattered by two drunken men.
Stella Kendrick’s husband committed suicide and left her with a legal battle and a debt of £6m, but he leaves her a message with the names of three men on it.
Daniella Maddox is a world-class barrister, assigned to an indefensible case for a corrupt client, but one she must win to save her own life. Unbeknownst to them, fate has woven their lives into a twisted web.
Detective Sergeant Alan Armitage is mystified when he attends the scene of a triple murder, but he is very quickly joined in his hunt for the killer by Detective Sergeant Steve Denton from The Met, and Detective Sergeant Bob Williams from North Yorkshire CID. Along with Detective Constable Rachael Jones, they have to uncover who the murderer is and why they are killing people across the country. Their task is made even more difficult because a criminal known to most simply as The Broker gets closer to banking millions every time his team commits another murder.
Writing is his hobby, which he fits in between full-time work, family, and completing unusual fundraising challenges. For more information, visit geoffmajor.info. He lives in Yorkshire, with his wife and their dog.
My thoughts: Evie wants revenge on the men who ruined her face and ended her career as an escort, she’s running out of money and hopes the threat of a tell-all book will encourage her targets to cough up.
Unbeknownst to her however, someone else is taking out the men who wronged her, and a few of their friends. The police are struggling to join the dots as the murders at first appear random and the victims live all over the country, meaning it takes a while before the various forces link up.
Niall Fitzgerald and his wife Yvonne are devastated at the murders of their friends, and Niall thinks it’s a woman he once knew as SILK, but as the police dig, it seems there’s someone else involved.
The mysterious Broker makes a lot of money ordering his minions to do terrible things, he doesn’t even really care why and stands to make even more money with this latest commission.
As the bodies pile up and the police think they’re onto something, can they identify the person behind it all before it’s too late?
Clever, complex and gripping, this is one of those thrillers where you think you know what’s going on…but then you don’t! Just like the police, you want to solve it before anyone else dies, but you might not be able to guess the reasons behind it all. Fiendish stuff.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Leighanna Pauley barely escaped consumption. Now, she’s claimed by both Life and Death. Fascinated by justice and why she survived when so many others haven’t, she has a new obsession: the murder of a fellow socialite. But the police have no leads.
The investigation emboldens Leighanna to attend the first ball held at the Carmine Estate. When midnight strikes, the unimaginable takes place. Time stops for everyone but Leighanna. Before her stands the ghost of the dead girl, pleading with Leighanna to catch her killer before someone else is murdered.
In a race against time, Leighanna hunts for clues across Stornshire. Will she be able to solve the case before the murderer strikes again, or will she become just another forgotten victim?
My thoughts: Although Leighanna was fairly exasperating at times – listen to your friends! I quite enjoyed her investigation into the death of a young woman at a party. Leigh wasn’t there as she was sort of dying of TB at the time. Life and Death were both with her, and she hovered between them. Anthropomorphic personifications of Life, Death and Time pop up to move things around as they wait to see which way Leigh will go.
But Leigh is very busy living and trying to solve a murder. She finds clues that the police missed – like a very special pocket watch, and comes to suspect her brother’s best friend, and her nemesis, Casper. But has she got the right man?
Her friends try to help her, but she doesn’t always listen and puts herself in danger, being so quick to make decisions, she doesn’t consider any of the risks.
It’s a fun little mystery, and Leigh is a headstrong young woman in the wrong era – the 1800s are not prepared for a woman detective and neither is society.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions remain my own.
ramblingmads 