Reading RoundUp

Where did Spring disappear to? Cannot believe we are almost at the end of June and I’ve not had chance to tell you about the great books I’ve been devouring. I don’t feel like I’ve spent quite so much time poolside recently so am rather chuffed that I’ve read as many books as I have. So without delay, lets get on with the RoundUp: (I’m going to split this post into 2 and do June’s reviews separately so its not the longest post ever).

Lie To Me – Jess Ryder

This book started off slowly and I occasionally wondered if it was worth continuing. It turned into one of those gems though, where everything ties together at the end.

A great thriller – Jess Ryder really built up the sense of expectation and feeling of doom well.

Meredith is on a lifelong search to find out what happened to her mother. A very short, family video piques her interest to step up the search and she retraces her mother’s known steps. The character of Isobel is frankly quite terrifying although all may not be as the reader is led to believe.

The blurb describes this book as perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins’ Girl on the Train which I would thoroughly agree with.
I was sent an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4 out of 5 Stars

 

The Second Sister – Claire Kendal

I’ve been long awaiting Claire Kendal’s second book after completely falling for her debut, The Book of You.

Another thriller I really got stuck into. Oh my goodness, the end of this is pure terror – I do not recommend reading in an empty house! But read it you must!

Ella’s sister, Miranda went missing when her baby was only tiny. Totally out of character, Ella has never been able to believe that she simply decided to leave. It is now the 10th anniversary of her disappearance and a new lead has come up. Ella steps up her search and her journey leaves the reader suspecting everyone. I even started thinking it could maybe be her mother who was responsible – I just couldn’t buy how disinterested she was at following some leads. (Don’t worry, this isn’t too much of a spoiler).

The writing style did seem different to Claire Kendal’s first book though but both still very readable. She definitely writes a good thriller!

I was sent an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4 out of 5 Stars

 

When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi

I’ve seen this recommended on quite a few book channels so impulse loaned it from the library.

Paul Kalanithi sadly passed away before he got to finish this book so it was completed by his wife. Everyone who reviews this talks about how positive his story is. Its not so much about dying but making the most out of life. I was slightly sceptical but quite honestly they are right.

Its a fast read – mainly because I just wanted to read it everywhere. I had a tricky moment reading this poolside and had to have a couple of breaks as it felt just too overwhelming.

If you read one book this year, please make it this one.

5 out of 5 Stars

We All Begin As Strangers – Harriet Cummings

This book could have been so much better than it was. I loved the idea of a secret person ‘The Fox’ letting themselves into people’s houses and messing with their belongings and their minds. This book is loosely based on a true story, so I was expecting a really feeling of suspense. I just didn’t get it though. It was difficult to bond with any of the characters – particularly the first character, whose name I simply cannot remember for the life of me. Far too much time was spent trying to work out who was who. It did improve slightly when a young girl went missing which everyone linked to The Fox.

There didn’t seem enough focus on the actual Fox for me – Surely if someone was breaking into houses when people were in, it would be the only thing they thought about?

Once again, the end of this book was much stronger than the start resulting in a 3 out of 5 Stars. I suspect the the author had a great idea for a story with the ending in mind but somewhere along the line, the middle got a bit lost. Still worth a read though.

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Now You See Me – Sharon Bolton

This is possibly my author of the year already! Another thriller (sorry if thrillers don’t appeal to you at all – Not every month contains so many). I love police procedural and the character of DS Lacey Flint is brilliant. This is a proper gruesome read but oh so addictive. I wanted to slow down reading this and the next book in the series, Dead Scared as I just didn’t want them to finish.

5 Out of 5 Stars

Dead Scared – Sharon Bolton

Number 2 in the Lacey Flint series. You know its a really strong set if I’m compelled to launch straight into the next book as soon as I finish the first.

This time the story is set in a university which really appeals to me. DS Lacey Flint is planted as a pretend student to observe comings and goings as the rate of suicide in the college is higher than usual. It doesn’t take long before she starts to investigate her own findings, leading her down a very dangerous path.

Not quite as strong as the first in the series but still a definite 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

A Mother’s Story – Amanda Prowse

My first ever Amanda Prowse and a book I read really to just experience a new (to me) author and expand my horizons. Does anyone else do that? Try out different authors just because?

I will admit to have preconceived ideas that this would be a chick lit type novel and rather light. I was pleasantly surprised that this book gripped me more than I expected however.

This book deals with post natal depression and contains some elements that certain people may find triggers. It deals sensitively with these issues, but is by no means an easy read.

3 Out of 5 Stars – I’m interested to discover what Amanda Prowse’s other books are like.

So I’ll be back in a few days with my June RoundUp. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my recent reads. As usual, I’d love to know what you have been reading or whether any of these take your fancy?