My must read 2016 list because of YOU, 6/10

During the Top Ten posts in December, I created a must read list for this year.  It was great to see many bloggers with similar interest posting with passion, I was so excited to restart blogging again.  

I am thankful, your recommendations have been amazing.  I have read 6 out of the 10 so far.  This may be the first year of reading all from my Top Ten Must Read List post from January's in the past.

Here is my list.

I haven't read it yet but I love Elizabeth Haynes so looking forward to it.

I need to review this one.  Lisa Genova is a favourite author, this was my least favourite by her though.

My Review - it has the potential to make my favourite list of the year

My Review - another that has the potential to make my favourite list of the year.

I just finished this little gem.  In between my thriller addiction reads this was perfect.  Review to come

This one continues to call my name.

My Review - Another author I enjoy, it was good but not one of her best in my opinion.

This is the only one that is on the fence now but we will see.

This one is also calling my name.  Possibly my next read actually.

My Review - This one was my 1st read of the year and has the potential to be on my favourite list also.

Have a great week.

Sundays in bed with......... The Hidden Legacy by G. J. Minett

This meme is hosted by Kate over at Midnight Book Girl, go over to join.  The meme that dares to ask what book has been in your bed this morning? Come share what book you’ve spent time curled up reading in bed, or which book you wish you had time to read today! 

I read the review of The Hidden Legacy over at Cleopatra Loves Books blog and had to download it. It was one of her top ten books in 2015 and a 5 star read, check out her review.  I started last night and as soon as my eyes opened I went into it again.  I love finding a book that is perfect for the mood I am in.  Thanks Cleo.

Have you read it?

Published - November 2015

ONCE YOU KNOW, YOU CAN'T FORGET

Ellen has received a life-changing inheritance. If only she knew who had left it to her . . . 


1966. A horrifying crime at a secondary school, with devastating consequences for all involved.

2008. A life-changing gift, if only the recipient can work out why . . .

Recently divorced and with two young children, Ellen Sutherland is up to her elbows in professional and personal stress. When she's invited to travel all the way to Cheltenham to hear the content of an old woman's will, she's far from convinced the journey will be worthwhile.

But when she arrives, the news is astounding. Eudora Nash has left Ellen a beautiful cottage worth an amount of money that could turn her life around. There's just one problem - Ellen has never even heard of Eudora Nash. 

Her curiosity piqued, Ellen and her friend Kate travel to the West Country in search of answers. But they are not the only ones interested in the cottage, and Ellen little imagines how much she has to learn about her past . . .

Review - The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza

Published - February 2016

Book summary

Her eyes are wide open. Her lips parted as if to speak. Her dead body frozen in the ice…She is not the only one.

When a young boy discovers the body of a woman beneath a thick sheet of ice in a South London park, Detective Erika Foster is called in to lead the murder investigation.

The victim, a beautiful young socialite, appeared to have the perfect life. Yet when Erika begins to dig deeper, she starts to connect the dots between the murder and the killings of three prostitutes, all found strangled, hands bound and dumped in water around London.

What dark secrets is the girl in the ice hiding?

As Erika inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on Erika.

The last investigation Erika led went badly wrong… resulting in the death of her husband. With her career hanging by a thread, Erika must now battle her own personal demons as well as a killer more deadly than any she’s faced before. But will she get to him before he strikes again?

SPECIAL KINDLE PRICE TODAY 99c

My Review 4 1/2 stars

I was really impressed with this police procedural crime thriller.  I have to say a great police procedural is right up there with the best psychological thrillers for me now.  When they are great, wow.  I really didn't want to put this book down and I am proud to say I had it right, but didn't take away from the enjoyment at all as Robert Bryndza made me question myself throughout the book.  I would love to vent but it would be a spoiler and the vent is not about the writing or execution just 'people'.

When a wealthy woman is found murdered they bring Detective Erika Foster in to handle the case.  Erika is still healing from a loss when out in the field and her boss treats her as if he is doing her a favour.  Unfortunately money and power are leading this case, instead of allowing a transparent investigation to occur.  Erika is finding similarities to the murder and believes she is dealing with a serial killer but why can't she get a break.  Numerous clues but nothing makes sense to come together to break the case.

As Erika gets closer she also puts herself in danger, she escapes once but will she be able to be saved again?  This is edge of your seat worthy and you just cannot wait until the murderer or serial killer is found.  There are so many twists and turns and it keeps your mind wondering, I really like the fear the murderer put in his victim, shocking once you get to the ending.  Again, my venting point I can't discuss.  I really like that I keep finding amazing, strong, smart women as Detectives, she wouldn't be stopped as she had integrity and would do what was right even when told no.

This crime thriller/police procedural will keep you fully engaged, the tension is constant and when it all comes together, BAM, I was pleased. I also really enjoyed all the characters, Robert Bryndza gave the characters a genuine place where you felt you understood decisions, good and bad which helped the dialogue to feel real also.

Sometimes reading thrillers they can start to have the same feel but this one was different and I will look out for more by Robert Bryndza.  I prefer stand alone's but I definitely look forward to reading more in this series.

What are some of your favourite crime thriller series?

My top 2 are Andrea Kane's Forensic Instincts series and JT Ellison's Samantha Owen series.

I also really enjoyed the beginning of MJ Alridge series, Eeny Meeny.

Review - Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris

Published - August 9, 2016

Book Summary

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.

From bestselling author B. A. Paris comes the gripping thriller and international phenomenon Behind Closed Doors.

My Review - 4 1/2 stars

The intensity in this book is non stop, shocking and many moments I realized I was holding my breath.  I am so impressed this is a debut, well done BA Paris.  I felt relieved at the end which isn't a good thing but my oh my, intense.  The summary says we all know a couple like Jack and Grace, I sure as hell hope not.  That thought is scary and very creepy, there are some things I will never overlook with friends now.  I will give a warning, this is probably the worst kind of mental manipulation abuse I have read, it can be very hard to read if you are not into emotional intense reads.  I found this harder to read them physical abuse.

I saw a free 5 chapter download and immediately started to read it.  I was hooked and then realized I had 6 weeks before it was released, I will never do that again.  I totally teased myself and I couldn't wait to find out what was behind closed doors.

I enjoyed the switch of chapters from Past to Present, this totally captured my attention and the best part is that the intensity never let go.  I would say this makes my favourite psychological thriller so far this year.  If you enjoyed Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes you will enjoy this one.

You know something is not right with this couple but you are unable to put your finger on it.  Jack is an affluent lawyer that falls in love with Grace and her sister Millie who has Downs syndrome.  The plan is for Millie to move in with them once they marry and she finishes school.  He is a complete gentleman to the outside world but no one can come between Grace and Millie.  Family 1st.

When everything - the loneliness, the boredom, the fear, the despair - got too much to bear, I closed my eyes and thought of Millie. Kindle 43%

I did think could this happen and you know what, I believe money talks and Jack being an affluent lawyer I am heartbroken to say yes it could.  Jack truly is the biggest cruelest arsehole I have read I think, and I enjoy this genre so I have read a lot.

'Fear' he whispered.  'There is nothing quite like it.  I love how it looks, I love how it feels, I love how it smells.  And I especially love the sound of it.'  Kindle 50%

Millie loved to read mysteries, especially Agatha Christie.  I loved Millie as a character which made me love Grace even more  These stories always work better with loving, alluring characters that you feel for.

I loved the ending of this book with the discussion between Grace and her friend Esther.  Intuition - follow it.

Waiting the 6 weeks was totally worth it, that intensity was unreal.  I was happy to breathe again at the end of the book.

It's Monday but I need to write reviews, eek

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.

I am 3 behind in reviews, I know for others this is not a lot but it is for me.  I definitely want to do 2 out of the 3.

Currently reading - remember my post about reading the 1st five chapters sample and teasing myself..... I didn't realise it wasn't released but I'm loving it so far, worth the wait, so intense.

I need to review - good but took a little long to finally get to the point, unsure of my feedback yet, but I am thinking 3 1/2 stars.

I also need to read - it is my least favourite by her so far, I have read them all, a favourite author.

I need to read this for my book club in September, but so not my kind of book.

I am also reading Strala Yoga.  I am honoured to be a Strala Yoga Guide and so happy for Tara releasing another book.

Have a great week.

It's Monday, August already. What are you reading?

Book Date now hosts It's Monday What Are Your Reading?  The meme that we use to share what we read this past week and what our plans are for the upcoming week.  It's a great way to see what others are reading and add to your own To Be Read List.

Currently reading

I completed and reviewed an ARC - Psychological Thriller

I completed but still need to review.  My least favourite by Lisa Genova

I also reviewed this one, it was so good, I'm impressed and look forward to her new one.

My Review

There are so many books on my mind, unsure what I will read next.  Can you believe it is Aug 1st?

Have a great week.