I absolutely adored MRC Kasasian's Gower Street series (start with the Mangle Street Murders, so I was delighted to get the chance to read the first Betty Church story.
 
Betty Church is one of the first female police detectives, and let's be fair if it wasn't near-war time she might not have got a look in. As if those weren't difficult enough odds, Betty only has one arm. It's Girl Power 1930s!
 
Betty is a brilliant protagonist and as per Mr Kasasian's previous series, (set in Victorian London) the research of the time and location is exemplary. It's Team Betty the whole time when she comes up against common-place (of its time) discrimination and prejudice. It's heartbreaking at times how people are treated and disregarded.
 
The book is a riot from start to finish. I hope to see and read more of Betty Church's escapades.
 
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review. 
 

This is the fourth in the DI Kelly Porter series, but the first one I have read (NB - I will definitely be checking out the others in the series).
 
The story is intertwined with many characters but you're never at a loss at who anybody is. There is a nice realism to the professionals and it felt like I was in the middle of a police investigation, with scraps of information and other cases and real life interruptions. There was a good amount of red herrings that kept you guessing what actually  happened on the night in question.
 
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review. 
 

A riveting read from start to finish.
 
The book is told from three the perspective female characters:
- Evie - 16 years earlier she accidentally killed her father and she has rebuilt her life and comes home to find her husband dead from a gunshot wound.
- DD - A senior policewoman who first questioned Evie all those years ago.
- Flora - The survivor of a violent kidnapping, and now works as DD's confidential informant.
 
From the very first chapter I was hooked. Why did Evie act so unexpectedly when she found her husband's body?
The book looks at the old case of Evie's father in more detail. DD is adamant Evie isn't going to get away again. Yet, when her informant Flora recognises Evie's husband, there is more than meets the eye in both deaths. Everyone is harbouring secrets. Flora's story is heartbreaking, her courage seeps through with her every action  - I hope to see more of her in the future!
 
I read this in as close to one sitting as possible, with meals and sleep getting in the way.
 
A brilliant book. And if you like Karin Slaughter and Gillian Flynn do not hesitate to read Never Tell.
 
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review. 
 

I thought this was pitched as a story about an unhappy marriage and it is but it is so much more.  I went back to the book blurb and it says it all:
 
But beneath the veneer of 'having it all', [Adèle] is bored - and consumed by an insatiable need for sex, whatever the cost.
 
Adele is unhappily married and feels trapped by her husband and child, both of whom she loves. She's addicted to strangers and risky one night stands. She alienates her best friend who she uses as a regular alibi.
 
Adèle is a brilliant book, and the eponymous protagonist gives it all with little remorse. There are moments of sex, but rarely sensual. It concentrates of the perfunctory of coitus and Adèle's sex addiction is the chase and the conquest rather than the deed. As Adele herself confesses her only ambition is to be wanted. The betrayal of her family is deep-rooted. The story is fascinating as it flowed. It is intimate and revealing, as if I was being told the all the gory and exposing details from a friend.
 
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.

I was a little apprehensive to read The Mystery of Three Quarters. I had such high expectations. I'm delighted to say Ms Hannah delivered a genuine article. From the first chapter I was at home with Poirot and excited to read the rest of the book.
 
Poirot is brought into the aftermath of Barnabas Pandy's death which had been deemed natural causes. All the red herrings littered amongst the story brought joy. And then the gorgeous (and extensive) summing up. At a time where the punishment for murder was hanging, the tension of the gallows added to the plot.
 
Thank you Ms Hannah for bringing Hercule back to life. I look forward to reading more of Poirot's adventures.
 
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.