Don’t miss the new novel from Eleni Kyriacou, author of BBC Between the Covers pick The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou.
PLAY THEIR GAME Hollywood, 1953. Young actress Ginny Watkins is turning heads. Even the legendary – and married – actor Max Whitman can’t resist the allure of the hottest new starlet. He promises Ginny the world, in return for the right favour.
DO WHAT THEY SAY London, 1954. Stella Hope, once the most famous actress in Hollywood, has been ousted to Ealing Studios after her divorce from the powerful Max. Just as she accepts her fate, she receives a letter, blackmailing her for a mistake she made many years ago.
OR THEY’LL BURY YOU Two women on either side of stardom find themselves in the orbit of the same beguiling man. And one night, in the shadows of a glamorous Oscars afterparty, their lives are changed forever…
A Beautiful Way to Die delves into the decadence and depravity of the early film industry from Hollywood to London. Perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Babylon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleni Kyriacou is an award-winning editor and journalist. Her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Grazia, and Red, among others. She’s the daughter of Greek Cypriot immigrant parents, and her debut novel, She Came ToStay, was published in 2020, and her most recent novel, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, was selected as a BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick.
A masterclass in espionage thriller fiction from the heir to John le Carre for fans of Mick Herron, Charles Cumming and David McCloskey. Meet disgraced MI5 agent Slim Parsons, a character who – like Lisbeth Salander – will sear your soul
Slim Parsons is all but burned.
Her last deep cover job for MI5 ended with a life-and-death struggle on a private jet that caused her to go on the run from both the deadly target and her angry bosses in the Security Service. They say that violence comes too easily to her; that she’s bordering on delinquent and unsuitable for the roll of an MI5 operative.
Yet she is recalled and asked to infiltrate a news website that’s causing alarm in the highest circles. It is staffed by a group descended from wartime codebreakers operating from an unassuming office block near Bletchley Park. Operation Linesman looks like a come down, the curtain on a brilliant career in the shadows. However, she accepts the assignment on condition that the Security Service searches for her missing brother.
Linesman turns out to be anything but simple. Her personal loss, her previous deep cover role, and a threat to MI5 itself from her original target come together in a three-way collision.
And all the while she is watched by someone even deeper in the shadows than she is.
MY REVIEW
At just under 500 pages, this is quite a read.
However, the pages flew past as I immersed myself into the world of Slim Parsons.
As an MI5 operative, she has recently spent two years undercover investigating a particularly creepy and dangerous man. Following an incident on a plane, she goes into hiding before MI5 give her another, much easier and seemingly straightforward, assignment. She must get a job at an online news site, ‘Middle Kingdom’, as a journalist. Tasked with finding out how they got hold of classified government information concerning water companies and also the wastage of taxpayers funds. Of course the government wants to shut them up. In order to try to gain their trust, Slim brings a story of her recent find on an archaeological dig.
The problem is she begins to find it difficult to see these people as ‘the enemy’.
Initially given menial tasks to investigate stolen flowers and to count bumblebees, she does not anticipate being immersed into the dangerous world of people smuggling and modern slavery. All whilst dealing with her own difficult private life in which her brother disappeared years ago and her mother is dying.
This was one of those books I was reluctant to put down even though I needed to sleep! I was engrossed from the first chapter and followed Slim with my heart in my mouth. This woman has no fear!
Expertly written by an undoubtedly talented writer (please see below for his credentials!) who has brought some very important issues of the moment to the page in a relatable way. Difficult to believe people smuggling, modern slavery, AI, archaeology, family loss and more could work together in one novel but it does and it does exceedingly well.
BLOG TOUR HOSTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Frequently described as the heir to John le Carré, Henry Porter lives in London. Alongside being the former London editor of Vanity Fair and newspaper columnist for the Observer, Henry Porter has written several acclaimed and bestselling thrillers. His book Brandenburg won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and his other thrillers A Spy’s Life and Empire State were both nominated for the same award. Henry is also the author of the award winning Paul Samson spy thrillers: Firefly, which won the 2019 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize; White Hot Silence and The Old Enemy.
Henry’s research for The Enigma Girl:
Milton Keynes and Bletchley Park: Henry Porter stumbled upon Milton Keynes while researching for a TV series, drawn by its surprising photogenic appeal and eerie ambience reminiscent of Kubrick and King. His visit to Bletchley Park, reopened post-lockdown, sparked a narrative about descendants of WWII codebreakers forging bonds at anniversary celebrations. In his research he felt it necessary to look at the often overlooked role of Polish mathematicians in Enigma decryption who lay crucial groundwork for British intelligence during the war.
Media and Middle Kingdom: In “The Enigma Girl,” Porter explores how descendants of Bletchley’s heroes use an AI-driven media outlet to expose government corruption. His look at the role of AI in modern times highlights an ongoing conversation about the future of technology in relation to humanity
Real-life Inspirations and Research:
For ‘The Enigma Girl’, Henry drew on many real-life influences. Characters such as ‘Ivan Guest’ are all real figures (Guest being modelled on Mohammed Al Fayed). His exploration of modern slavery reflects extensive research into actual cases, illuminating societal vulnerabilities and human trafficking networks.
In this all-new collection of work from some of the West Midlands’ leading writers, you’ll find stories of forlorn 3am hopes and of nocturnal revelations. Of celebrations and hauntings. Of the lost and the found. Of the urban and the urbane. Of the all too real. And the all too unreal.
In 27 new pieces of writing – some truthful, some twisted, some heartfelt, some heart-breaking – we experience first-hand this unique urban quarter of Birmingham and the countless lives it has touched.
‘Another collection of first-rate tales from the second city.’ Mark Billingham
‘This anthology is the best of the West Midlands… I loved it.’ Kit de Waal
‘What sharp insights these authors have… and with talent to burn. A delight.’ Paul McVeigh
MY REVIEW
An eclectic anthology of unique and very different short stories set in and around Birmingham. There is something for everyone in this collection and it will definitely be of interest to people with a knowledge of the Birmingham area. I always enjoy reading books set around areas I know. I have visited Birmingham a few times so could visualise some of the locations.
I particularly enjoyed the creepy ‘Last Service of the Night’ and the compulsive collecting in ‘Mid Century Modern’.
‘18 Hours Later’ was an emotional one, reading like the author’s personal experience of the NHS and I’m sure this one will resonate with many readers along with her praise for the doctors and nurses.
So many more short stories; each incredibly insightful in their own individual way.
Thank you to Peter at Floodgate Press for an e copy the book.
ABOUT FLOODGATE PRESS
Birmingham based writers, Garrie Fletcher, Peter Haynes and Nigel Proctor, fed up moaning about the lack of a Birmingham based, West Midlands focused prose publishers decided to do it themselves and created Floodgate. It was a slow process but quality takes time
“Emperor penguins defy the odds, and I shall too.”
Still fiery and feisty at eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy, the very first Penguin Ambassador, is determined to prove that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it.
Eileen, Veronica’s ever-patient assistant, is content taking care of other people. But when a new adventure calls, it makes her question everything…
Ten-year-old, penguin-obsessed Daisy can’t wait to be reunited with Mrs McCreedy in her huge house by the sea for the school holidays.
When they discover that the local Sea Life Centre is under threat, the unlikely trio are determined to save it and the penguins that live there.
Inspired by the penguins and fuelled by Darjeeling tea and finger sandwiches, they embark on an epic fundraising walk. But soon, their mission becomes so much more and it might just lead each of them to a new beginning…
MY REVIEW
I recently read and absolutely loved Life and Otter Miracles so I jumped at the chance to read and review Hazel’s new novel.
Although this is the third and final book in the Penguins series, it is the first I have read of Mrs Veronica McCreedy but I plan to read the first two. 87 years old, recently appointed as the first ever Penguin Ambassador, and willing to do whatever it takes to save her local Sea Life Centre from closing due to lack of funds. With the help of her fifty something housekeeper and right hand woman Eileen, and Daisy the 10 year old girl who’s family she helped through her illness, this unlikely trio plan a sponsored 100 mile walk inspired by the walk of the Emperor penguins. Daisy plans to write a blog as they walk, to raise awareness of their plight and raise the funds needed to save the centre, but more importantly save the lives of the penguins and other animals who live there.
Mrs McCreedy is such a larger than life personality. An eccentric, determined, no nonsense lady. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her. She has a huge heart; trying to save Eileen’s marriage as well as the Sea Life Centre. Despite being a bit hard of hearing and a bit forgetful, she pushes through life on a mission to do good.
We follow the three unlikely women as they come together with an inner strength they didn’t know they were capable of. They each find themselves unexpectedly on their own personal journey of discovery. And what an unforgettable finale in Antarctica.
Gorgeous characters, wonderful descriptions putting the reader right in the middle of the action, and I feel I have walked along with them. I could visualise their surroundings, the penguins, the weather even the stolen hat! Very emotional towards the end and I read the last few chapters with tears streaming down my face. But in a good way! That’s a talented writer to be able to draw the reader in so emotionally.
There are plenty of educational facts woven into the story, along with the very important message of climate change and the small steps each of us can take to help.
I can’t recommend highly enough.
Many thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours and Penguin books for my copy of the book and spot n the blog tour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HAZEL PRIOR lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat. As well as writing, she works as a freelance harpist.
Hazel is the author of Ellie and the Harp-Maker, the #1 ebook and audiobook bestseller Away with the Penguins and its follow-up, Call of the Penguins. Gone with the Penguins is her fifth novel.
Lottie should be on top of the world – her boutique has just opened in the quaint little village of Lily Vale and her designs are already delighting the locals. But just nine months ago, she was fired from her dream job and forced to move in with her dad, all because of one big mistake and a betrayal from someone she thought was her friend.
During a fitting appointment, Lottie meets groom-to-be Kit Brooks. Her first impression? Arrogant, rude, and a downright snob. However, as they work together to create the perfect bridesmaid’s dress for his little sister, Lottie begins to view Kit in a whole new light.
Suddenly, she’s battling to keep her heart under control – after all, Kit is getting married. But nothing could prepare her for the identity of his bride…
Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes in Lily Vale Village is the eighth story in the Lily Vale Village book series, a charming set of novellas revolving around the lives of the ordinary people who reside in the beautiful countryside community. It can be read as a standalone story, or as part of the series.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is part of a series but it is easily read as a stand alone. And now I can go back and read the others!
This is one of my favourite series – set in a small village with a welcoming, friendly community who look out for each other. Somewhere with a simple lifestyle I would love to live.
I thoroughly enjoyed Lottie’s story. She had a difficult upbringing as her parents separated – into different countries – and Lottie had to live with her mother in Paris; who made it quite clear nothing Charlotte did was ever good enough. Leaving a high flying career behind, thanks to a so called friend who stabbed her in the back, Lottie arrives at Lily Vale village and opens her own small boutique and lives in the basic flat above. She is an experienced designer and dressmaker, having honed her talents on the catwalks of Paris.
I loved Lottie and her morals, which unfortunately nearly cost her dearly.
I can’t go into more of the story without spoiling it but of course good overcomes evil and I am left with a happy feeling after finishing it.
Fans of Rosie Green are going to adore this series.
Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the tour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Imogen Payne lives in the British countryside with three stuck-up cats, one mad dog and a very well-trained husband. There she writes the romantic, dramatic and always uplifting Lily Vale Village and Sunny Shore Bay series.
When she’s not writing, she’s cooking up a storm in the kitchen, taking long walks through the nearby woods or snuggling up on the couch with a good book.
Social Media Links – Twitter: Imogen Payne (@ImogenJPayne)
I’m so excited for this new book from the author of one of my favourite ever books, Tall Bones.
SYNOPSIS
An atmospheric novel about a young woman who searches for answers after her estranged friend is found dead in the bayou of their rural Louisiana hometown.
The Labasques aren’t like other families.
Living in a shack out in the swamps, they made do by hunting down alligators and other animals. To the good people of Jacknife, Louisiana, they are troublemakers and outcasts, the kind of people you wouldn’t want in your community.
So, when Cutter Labasque is found face down in the muddy swamp, no one seems to care, not even her two brothers. The only person who questions the official verdict of suicide is Cutter’s childhood friend, Loyal May, who has just returned home to care for her mother. When she left town at eighteen years old, she betrayed Cutter. Now with a ragtag group from the local paper where she works, Loyal goes in search of answers, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption that implicates those in town. It may be too late to apologize to Cutter, but Loyal has restitution in mind.
Weaving through the swamps and bayous of rural Louisiana, Our Last Wild Days is an atmospheric, smoldering suspense about our darker impulses–and how to set things right.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anna is the author of Tall Bones, published in the US as Where The Truth Lies.
Tall Bones is a literary crime thriller and her debut novel, inspired by the years she spent living in small-town America, particularly in the Colorado Rocky Mountains where this book is set. She also drew a lot of influence from TV shows such as Twin Peaks and True Detective, a childhood’s worth of creepy films, and the brooding Americana music of Johnny Cash and Colter Wall. She is extremely fortunate that the good folks at Goldsboro Books also enjoyed these things and selected Tall Bones as one of their Books of the Month.
Raised in Gloucestershire, she’s a West Country girl at heart, but now lives in France.
Arthur C. Clarke winner and Sunday Times bestseller Adrian Tchaikovsky returns to the darkly exuberant world of the Tyrant Philosophers series (City of Last Chances; House of Open Wounds) with the third interconnected standalone.
Welcome to Alkhalend, Jewel of the Waters, capital of Usmai, greatest of the Successor States, inheritor to the necromantic dominion that was the Moeribandi Empire and tomorrow’s frontline in the Palleseen’s relentless march to bring Perfection and Correctness to an imperfect world.
Loret is fresh off the boat, and just in time.
As Cohort-Invigilator of Correct Appreciation, Outreach department, she’s here as aide to the Palleseen Resident, Sage-Invigilator Angilly. And Sage-Invigilator Angilly – Gil to her friends – needs a second in the spectacularly illegal, culturally offensive and diplomatically inadvisable duel she must fight at midnight.
Outreach, that part of the Pal machine that has to work within the imperfection of the rest of the world, has a lot of room for the illegal, the unconventional, the unorthodox. But just how much unorthodoxy can Gil and Loret get away with?
As a succession crisis looms, as a long-forgotten feat of necromantic engineering nears fruition, as pirate kings, lizard armies and demons gather, as old gods wane and new gods wax, sooner or later Gil and Loret will have to settle their ledger.
Just as well they are both very, very good with a blade…
REVIEW COMING SOON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire before heading off to Reading to study psychology and zoology. For reasons unclear even to himself he subsequently ended up in law and has worked as a legal executive in both Reading and Leeds, where he now lives. Married, he is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor, has trained in stage-fighting, and keeps no exotic or dangerous pets of any kind, possibly excepting his son. Catch up with Adrian at http://www.shadowsoftheapt.com for further information about both himself and the insect-kinden, together with bonus material including short stories and artwork. Author Website: http://shadowsoftheapt.com/
As the nights draw in, gingerbread lattes and festive hot chocolates are on the menu, and the Little Duck Pond Café girls are gearing up for the cosiest time of the year. But new recruit Laurel just wishes she could sleep through the whole jolly affair! It might be October, but she’s still haunted by the events of last Christmas. Could a new start in Sunnybrook help to heal her heart?
Another gorgeously captivating book in this series by Rosie Green, one of my auto read authors. I just can’t get enough of this series!
I love Rosie’s novellas about the residents of Sunnybrook and the Little Duck Pond Cafe which brings them together.
This time we hear Laurel’s story, as she leaves her cheating boyfriend behind and moves to Sunnybrook to work in the Little Duck Pond Cafe. She is not looking for a new relationship but then she – literally – bumps into Josh.
I loved getting to know Laurel and seeing how her new friend Maddy helped the budding relationship along whilst planning her own wedding and dealing with some shocking family news.
These books never fail to leave me with a big smile on my face and I’m looking forward to reading Maddy’s Christmas Wedding as soon as it is available.
I highly recommend this series if you love stories of friendship, community and cakes. Oh and of course romance!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rosie Green’s Little Duck Pond Cafe series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe and most can be read as stand-alone stories. (‘The Sunshine Sisters’ is a trilogy within the Little Duck Pond Café series and it would benefit from being read in order: Aurora, Skye and Blossom.)
Look out for ‘Maddy’s Christmas Wedding’, out later this year in time for the festive season!
The BRAND NEW instalment in Holly Hepburn’s page-turning Baker Street Mystery series
‘When did you become aware something was wrong?’
‘When the screaming began…’
Harriet White is no stranger to odd correspondence. Ensconced in the basement of the Baker Street building society, her job is to reply to the mail they receive on behalf of Sherlock Holmes.
But while letters to the fictional sleuth may be plentiful, telegrams are rare, and so when she receives one describing the grave situation of celebrated author Philip St John, her interest is piqued. The writer describes St John as being consumed by terror, seeing ghostly apparitions on the fens, and only at ease in the company of his loyal wolfhound.
Before long, Harry finds herself in Cambridgeshire under the guise of being Holmes’ assistant. The residents of Thurmwell Manor believe their master is cursed. Harry is sure there must be a logical explanation, but inside the echoey halls of the grand gothic house, her confidence in science and reason begin to crumble…
Can Harry solve the mystery before the fens claim their next victim?
Join Harriet White in 1930’s London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.
The story is set in the 1930’s. Hollie works in the basement of the Abbey Road Building Society, whose offices just happen to span the fictional address of Sherlock Holmes. Hollie’s job is to reply to all the letters received addressed to Sherlock Holmes, under the guise of his secretary, advising Mr Holmes has now retired.
However, an urgent telegram piques her interest and her inner detective cannot be held back. With the help of her friend Oliver, she sets out to investigate.
The investigation takes her to a mansion on the fens, complete with wolfhound and a big nod to the most famous Holmes story, The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Harry is a very capable young lady with an excellent mystery solving skillset. She is wasted working in a building society!
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the setting and the story which played out just like an actual Sherlock Holmes mystery! The addition of the myth of the ferryman added a creepy hint of supernatural to the story.
Brilliantly written it had me absolutely enthralled and I read it over two sittings.
I am definitely going to be reading the next in this series as well as reading the first book in the series too.
Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.
It is the year 1650. England is in a state of unrest following wars and the murder of the king. Witch hunting is in full swing.
After 6 years away, Ensign James Archer is ordered to return to his home town of Newcastle to investigate the executions of so called witches, and to find out how this could affect the coal trade. His personal task is to find his sister Meg, whom he fears may have been one of them.
Archer is having difficulties finding out whether his sister was one of the so called witches which were hung or whether she escaped with 12 or so others. It appears there are people who do not want him to find out the truth about the women who escaped death.
All he wants is to find Meg and take her to safety, perhaps making up somewhat for abandoning his family for London 6 years ago.
As the dead bodies begin to mount, along with the tension, Archer finds himself in grave danger but will not give up his cause.
I was so excited to read this after seeing the author post about it on Twitter/X. I live in the north east and used to work in Newcastle so I could visualise a lot of the places in the book and imagine how they may have looked at the time thanks to the author’s vivid descriptions. Dark alleys with shadowy figures. Steep steps leading up from the Quayside. The stench of the streets.
The author has clearly done a great deal of research, as the story is loosely based on facts and many of the characters in the book were real people. The story he has created around the facts is completely believable. I enjoyed travelling along the streets, looking up some I didn’t know on the internet as I read. I also enjoyed reading the small amounts of Geordie language the author has added for authenticity. Hopefully non-Geordie readers will understand it! There was mention of some of the people the streets of Newcastle are named after.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Wicked of the Earth and hope there is more to come from AD Bergin.
Many thanks to Northodox Press for the advance copy.
Two Heads Are Better Than One 