7/2/2019 0 Comments Review: Gallowstree Lane
My Review: I first discovered Kate London through The Pigeonhole https://thepigeonhole.com/ - a great app which serialises new books. Gallowstree Lane is the third for DS Collins and DC Griffiths of The Metropolitan Series. The interesting thing is that Sarah Collins and Lizzie Griffiths aren't partners, so you get to see more scope of the case and cases.
Whilst concentrating on gangs and the destruction of knife crime, it's a wonderfully telling of police procedure powerplay. It was very thought-provoking: How valuable are informants and undercover police to the system, is anyone expendable? Is one murder worth an entire investigation? Crime isn't always black and white, and as you find yourself siding with the lawless and then the law, it's hard not to be caught in the grey murky middle. I read the second half in one sitting and couldn't go to bed until I had finished. Ms London's writing shines as does her authenticity (she used to be a police detective). 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.
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7/2/2019 0 Comments Review: The Deceivers
My Review: I’ve pledged to read more YA this year and I’m so glad I started with The Deceivers.
The intro had me well and truly hooked: Welcome to Vale Hall, the school for aspiring con artists. By the end of chapter one I was firmly Team Brynn. And willing her to run away and escape. With the exception of Fagin’s Gang in Oliver and Layer Cake, crime has never looked so appealing in literature. Brynn deserves more than her lot, and when everything she has conned so hard for is in turn stolen she feels her life is over. Vale Hall offers Brynn a great start and a hopeful route to college. But at what cost? Everyone has their secrets and no one can afford to be kicked out of Vale Hall. Brynn eventually trusts some of her new friends to help. A great story with twists and turns galore. 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.
My Review: There is nothing more satisfying than finishing a good book. The Six Loves of Billy Binns is a beautiful tale that pivots around the small decisions that prove to have momentous consequences.
It did take me a few chapters to get into the story, which starts in 1900 and journeys the life and loves of the 117-year life of Billy Binns. The story flits between Billy Binn's history and current day in a retirement home where he tries to remember his lost loves. An exceptional debut. Mr Lumsden beautifully weaves Billy Binn's journey with historical and poignant moments of the twentieth century. He brings Shepherd's Bush to life. So much so you can almost smell the fish market. It is heartbreaking, uplifting, and altogether inspiring. 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. 19/12/2018 0 Comments Review: Don't You Forget About Me
The first chapter is Georgina, aged 15, trying to comprehend Wuthering Heights and navigate her feelings for the quiet and unpopular Lucas McCarthy. Fast-forward to modern day and Georgina (and her life) could be described as a 'hot mess' - bad job, worse boyfriend, and then neither! It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once I was hooked, I was truly reeled in, and finished the rest of the book in a day. The story was heart-breaking, funny, sentimental and left me in tears.
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. 12/12/2018 0 Comments Review: Dear Evan Hansen
My Review: Even though Dear Evan Hansen is aimed at the young adult market, it deals with serious and heavy themes. Evan has an anxiety disorder. The first page talks about celebrity suicides, it gives a clear idea the direction of the story. It's an important time for such a novel, and to complement the popular musical. All people, young and old, could benefit from the storyline. And when a letter is misconstrued as a suicide letter, to Evan. Evan finds himself transported from a school nobody to a somebody, with not the expected consequences. It really encapsulated the trouble when trying to tell people what you think they want to hear as Evan balances the lies that help and the truth that hurts.
A very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to seeing the musical when it comes to London. 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. |
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