The Hike - Lucy Clarke

I always enjoy looking at the cover of a book before turning the first page. The angle of the words here suggests a climb and the image used confirms that in Lucy Clarke's newest novel, The Hike.

We're introduced to four women that been friends for years. Life has taken them down different roads, but they try to get together at least once a year. It's Liz's turn to choose where they go. They're off to Norway to hike for four idyllic days. But....uh huh, there are some buts. 

Clarke does a fantastic job creating her four main characters. Their relationships are wonderfully drawn and are so believable. No perfection. And yes, you'll find some of the buts in those relationships, as each of them is harboring a secret. As the climb progresses those secrets come out - and their friendships will inexorably changed for all time. 

Another but you say? What about the others at the lodge? More than one of them triggers an uncomfortable response for the women. But, they're committed to the climb and ignore their Spidey senses.

Clarke has successfully woven an exploration of friendship alongside a page turning, suspense filled plot line. I couldn't put the book down - Clarke's writing is so addictive and 'readable', if you know what I mean. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Hike. 

And on a side note, two of Clarke's books are on the small screen, with a third in the works.

Killing Me - Michelle Gagnon

Okay - if you're looking for a completely unexpected plot, a lead character that will have you laughing - even as she's trying to escape a serial killer. And a lovable cadre of supporting characters that you'll adore. (mostly) Yes?  

Then you need to pick up a copy of Michelle Gagnon's new book - Killing Me. 

There's more to Amber Jamison, our protagonist, than meets the eye. She has her own 'shadowy' background. I loved her snappy inner dialogue. The supporting players' tongues are just as quick. They're a mixed bag of personalities. I had a soft spot for Dot, the motel owner. The support amongst this group was heart warming. 

The plotting is unexpected and fresh. I read a lot of crime fiction and really appreciated being surprised by the direction Gagnon's book takes. 

Now there's lots of humor, but there is a serial killer on the loose (or maybe two), so there is some darker bits. People do die and I wasn't always happy with who did. 

Gagnon's author notes hints at a follow-up book to Killing Me. Yes please - fingers crossed! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Killing Me.  An easy five stars.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe - Jenny Bayliss

I can hear it now....A Christmas book? So early?! Well, technically, Christmas is only 92 days from today! Jenny Bayliss's latest book is Meet Me Under the Mistletoe.

Elinor (Nory) Noel is the lead character in this novel, but she is one of a large cast of players. There's a core of old school friends reuniting for a wedding. The wedding is taking place at the castle in the village. Many of those who live in the village are also part of that supporting cast.

There's a lot of baggage with this group - and I'm not talking suitcases. There's still a line between the haves and the have nots, after so long. Themes of friendship, duty, love, loss, family and more all bubble up to the surface over the week as old wounds, slights and hurts and more see daylight again. 

Nory is very likable as are her family, closest friend and her employee Andrew. Andrew and Nory work in Nory's second hand book store. I appreciated her love of second hand books and her ability to find just the right book for a reader. Definitely a store I would be frequenting!

On the flip side, there are some of the 'old gang' that are not so attractive. The bridezilla grew a bit tiresome. And there's one male characters that is truly horrible. I get that there always needs a negative player, but his behaviour is tolerated more than once, when I would be calling the local constabulary. 

'Nuff said.

I'm sure you'll guess the romantic thread if I mention that the castle has a handsome, single gardener on the payroll... I did enjoy this bit of the plot and thought it played out well.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe weighs in at 432 pages, which is quite long for this genre. I do think things could have pared down a bit. I've enjoyed Bayliss's books in the past. This one didn't grab me like those previous novels. It became somewhat repetitive. And I think that one male character's actions and the response left a sour taste in my mouth. 

While the title promises a Christmas read, it's not as Christmassy as I expected - if that makes sense. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe.

Look Closer - David Ellis

I've read and enjoyed previous books by David Ellis - but I have to say that his latest - Look Closer - is my favorite.

From the publisher's description: "Simon and Vicky couldn’t seem more normal: a wealthy Chicago couple, he a respected law professor, she an advocate for domestic violence victims. A stable, if unexciting marriage. But one thing’s for sure … absolutely nothing is what it seems."

The plotting of Look Closer is so very, very clever. Simon and Vicky each have their own agendas and their bottom lines seem be punctuated by dollar signs. There are many other characters in the mix as well who are also looking for a payout. Look Closer is told by many voices. With each new chapter I could take that information and predict how things would playout. Uh huh...wrong. I was surprised so many times with as each new turn took things in another direction. And yes, there are twists. I love being unable to figure out how things are going to play out.

And that's where I'm gonna leave - you need to discover this tale without spoilers. Four hundred and sixty four pages of absolutely addictive reading. An easy five stars and definitely recommended. Seek for yourself - read an excerpt of Look Closer. 

The Kew Gardens Girls at War - Posy Lovell

The Kew Gardens Girls at War is Posy Lovell's new novel. I can't seem to get enough of  WWII historical reads. 

Settling in, I thought that Lovell might have already written a book set in Kew Gardens. I did a quick check and saw that yes, she has written one set in the WWI years at the Gardens. (I've added it to my teetering TBR pile.) But there's no need to have read that book before reading The Kew Gardens Girls at War.

I liked the premise - which is based on historical fact. ("Kew Gardens is now officially home to the largest living plant collection on earth.") In the war years, a showpiece Victory Garden was grown, showing how even a small patch could feed a family year round. But, I didn't know about the County Herb Committees which were nationwide medicinal plant collecting committees. I really liked the descriptions of the gardens and the veggie plots. A great setting. Lovell's descriptions of war torn London also brought the setting to life.

But, the best bit of all is the characters. Daisy and Beth are our leading characters. They're both from very different backgrounds, with different goals and are at different stages of life. But they hit it off and become fast friends. The supporting cast brings in a number of strong personalities, who change the narrative with their actions as well.

Lovell captures the Keep Calm and Soldier On attitude of the Brits in wartimes. Needs must and you just have to get on with things. But there are wounds don't show as well. Lovell brings some serious issues into her story, including shell shock and racism. 

The Kew Gardens Girls at War is a warm, caring, comfortable read that celebrates family, fortitude, friends and yes, romance.  See for yourself - read an excerpt.

Blood Sugar - Sascha Rothchild

Blood Sugar is Sascha Rothchild's debut novel. 

The first chapter is a real 'gotcha'. Shocking and unexpected. And on the heels of that chapter, we meet Ruby...at the police station being questioned about a murder. Actually it's more than one...

And as she's being questioned she remembers and silently recounts her life. This was a great storytelling method, keeping me hooked with every revelation - and every murder.

What a complicated character Ruby is. She's kind, has friends, relationships and is a truly caring psychologist. I quite liked her. As the book progresses it's hard to reconcile this likeable persona with the crimes she is accused of. The focus of the book is Ruby herself.

Rothchild is also a Emmy-nominated screenwriter - and it shows in her writing. Her prose are smooth and make for addictive reading. Her plotting is very clever with twists that delighted me. I really enjoy twists you can't see coming.  See for yourself - read an excerpt of Blood Sugar.

The Investigator - John Sandford

‎I am a long time fan of John Sandford's writing, having literally read everything he’s written. 

Sandford has moved his characters along in real time - they age and change as their lives move forward. Davenport's adopted daughter Letty is now 24 years old. When she joined the series, I have to admit I really didn’t like her. She has continued to make appearances in the Prey series and slowly but surely she has grown on me. Sandford's latest book, The Investigator, features Letty as the lead character. And after just a few chapters, I was solidly in Letty's court. 

The opening chapter gives you a feel of what the rest of the book(s) are going be like - which is one heck of a good page-turner. Letty is working for a Senator (shades of her dad) and ready to quit (she's bored) when the Senator offers up an investigative position working with a member of Homeland Security. She's intrigued, takes the job and is paired with investigator John Kaiser. The two make a really good team - age and experience combined with youth and intelligence. Both have the drive to go the extra mile. The dialogue between the two is short and snappy, suits the characters and echoes Sandford's style. 

Oh my gosh - the plotting! The case is ripped from newspaper headlines and is more than possible. I'm sure it's happening already somewhere. It's brilliantly written and will have the reader on the edge of their seat, turning just one more page. There’s so much action in this book and the danger level is set to high.

This book is listed as the first in the new series an I for one cannot wait to see the second book featuring Letty - and John as well I hope. See for yourself – read an excerpt of The Investigator

And for those of you who are long-term time fans like myself there is a mention of you know who in the book. Virgil Flowers. And speaking of Virgil and Lucas - keep  your eyes out for Righteous Prey (#32) due out in October 2022.