TRIGGER WARNING: rape, child abuse
Janette Gregson is mourning the death of her mother, quite agoraphobic and suffers panic attacks. She is brutally raped at home and gives birth nine months later…
The Family at No 12 is a dark psychological novel.
I initially felt great sadness for Janette. She has been severely affected by her abusive mother and leads a reclusive life. Her safety is compromised by the invasion of a rapist and her subsequent pregnancy. However, her neglect and cruelty towards her child, including not even naming her, is truly upsetting.
The second part of the book focuses on Janette’s daughter. I really found myself with a mix of emotions at the damage she has endured but her actions towards others are cruel. In my opinion, the final section of the book was the least credible and I felt that there were some loose ends. I was expecting a particular twist and it never happened but the ending had other twists which I didn’t feel were particularly believable.
The dark tone and upsetting content make this book impossible to ‘enjoy’. However, it is very engaging due to the strength of the writing. I really felt strong emotions towards the characters and was gripped by the plot developments. Janette and Marta both suffer due to their mothers’ actions but then inflict unhappiness upon others.
The Family at No 12 is hard to enjoy due to the dark content but it is fascinating as the characters evolve.
I have previously reviewed One Hot Summer by Anita Waller.
The Family at No. 12
When Janette answers the door to a potential customer looking to board his dog, she never imagines he has nefarious plans.
But minutes later he’s dead and in her cellar.
Weeks later she realises she’s pregnant.
And so she becomes Mother and the baby Child, and a hidden life begins.
But all secrets come out eventually . . .
Author Bio –
Anita Waller is the author of many bestselling psychological thrillers and the Kat and Mouse crime series. She lives in Sheffield, which continues to be the setting of many of her thrillers, and was first published by Bloodhound at the age of sixty-nine. Her first book for Boldwood will be published in August 2022.
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Toni McVay and Valerie Brown are cousins on the infamous Gallowburn estate. Gang leader Frankie is Toni’s brother and wants both women to support his criminal dealings. But can Valerie find happiness and leave the estate forever…?
Wicked Girls is a prequel to Heather Atkinson’s Gallowburn gang crime series which has often featured Toni (I have previously reviewed Bad Blood and Blood Pact from the series).
Toni is a character that I have met in previous books. Her dauntless behaviour and strength have always been clear but this book allows us the opportunity to see how these characteristics developed. However, it is her cousin Valerie that leads the developments of this book.
Valerie is a gentler soul than Toni and yearns to escape the life of crime and violence that she seems destined for. Toni introduces her to Seb and they have a meeting of minds over literaure. But will scary Frankie ever let her go and will Seb’s family ever accept her?
Of course, I say gentler but she certainly packs a punch when needed! As you would expect from this genre, there is a lot of swearing, violence and death. But the gritty feel to the content and writing lends a wonderful realism that had me completely enthralled with the plot developments.
I enjoyed the plot twists and the dilemma that Valerie faces as she considers her future. The characters are easy to understand and empathise with despite their shocking choices and behaviour.
Wicked Girls is full of engaging characters and fascinating scenarios.
Wicked Girls book blurb
Cousins Valerie and Toni McVay have been best friends forever, and when you’re a McVay you need all the friends you can get.
When Toni’s twelfth birthday is marred by a terrible crime, the wicked path of the girls looks set. A decade later, the McVay family aren’t the unstoppable force they once were in the Glaswegian criminal underworld but Frankie McVay, the up-and-coming prince, is determined to restore the family to its former glory by whatever means necessary. And the whole family are expected to help.
His sister Toni shares her brother’s blood lust but Valerie dreams of a quieter life, and when she meets and falls in love with Seb, as straight as Frankie is bent, as kind as Frankie is wicked, Val sees her way out.
Can she escape a family that is determined to own the city, and to keep Valerie firmly in their violent grasp? And will Toni ever let her best friend Val turn her back on the bloody secret they have shared for all these years…
Author Bio –
Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre. Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Her gangland series for Boldwood, set on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow begins with the title Blood Brothers.
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Detective Kay Sharp has to confront her past when her ex turns up accused of murdering her former best friend. Meanwhile her partner Elliot is investigating the seemingly random shooting of a teenager…
Missing Girl at Frozen Falls is the 5th book to feature Kay and her colleagues. There are personal threads of plot which continue from earlier books but no spoilers about the previous crimes.
Kay’s ex husband Brian is accused of murdering his fiance. He insists on spending time with Kay and reveals that he was cheating on her before and during their marriage with her best friend Rachel who then had his baby. Now Rachel has witnessed a crime and been shot dead at home but Brian is targeted by the police. Then Kay discovers that Rachel’s daughter Holly has disappeared…
Kay struggles with her emotions as she grieves for her former friend. Brian is so awful that I wonder why she fell for him in the first place let alone wants to help him now! She even puts her relationship with Elliot at risk as well as her career by pursuing an investigation out of her jurisdiction. Rachel’s missing daughter provides a tension and fear to the plot as we see her mistreated by those who abducted her.
Elliot’s case is also emotional. The victim has been through a lot in the last year with the death of her mother and the illness of her father. Her dad’s desperation really tugged at my heartstrings and I felt Elliot’s urgency to find justice and peace for the family.
Missing Girl at Frozen Falls is an engaging novel and I enjoyed the two cases being juggled by the lead detectives.
Media Pack
Author: Leslie Wolfe
Book: Missing Girl at Frozen Falls
Publication Day: November 29th 2022
Buy link(s)
Description:
She lay in the frosted grass behind Frozen Falls. Her eyes were wide open, and the wind blew her hair, ash-blond locks reflecting the blue sky. Her face, beautiful even in death, was pale, as if the bitter cold from the mountain had drained the color from her cheeks.
On a crisp autumn day in the small town of Mount Chester, Detective Kay Sharp comes face-to-face with the past she has spent the last decade running from. Her ex-husband, Brian, has been accused of murder.
Seeing Brian brings a flood of painful memories—he betrayed her in the worst possible way. Yet despite her heartbreak, Kay is willing to put her career on the line to prove his innocence.
Brian is accused of killing Kay’s former best friend, Rachel—the woman he cheated on Kay with, getting her pregnant. The blood drains from Kay’s face; she received a voicemail from Rachel two days ago. “I hope you’ll forgive me,” she’d said, her voice fraught with tears. “I know I have no right, but I need you.” Kay’s stomach plummets. By the time she called back, Rachel was already dead. Could Brian really be the murderer?
Kay faces pressure from her crime team, who don’t want her working on an investigation so close to home. But she’s willing to risk everything—she vows to get justice for Rachel.
When Kay visit’s Rachel’s mother, she uncovers a heart-stopping discovery that makes the case even more critical: Rachel’s eight-year-old daughter, Holly, is missing. Could the little girl still be alive?
Up against the most complex—and most personal—case of her career, can she save precious Holly before it’s too late? And will Kay’s determination to find out the truth lead to justice—or be her undoing?
Thrillers don’t get more gripping than this! You’ll speed through this addictive, twist-filled page-turner with a racing heart. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni, Karin Slaughter and Rachel Caine.
Author Bio:
Leslie Wolfe is a bestselling author whose novels break the mold of traditional thrillers. She creates unforgettable, brilliant, strong women heroes who deliver fast-paced, satisfying suspense backed up by extensive background research in technology and psychology.
Her novels have a consistent presence in genre bestselling lists and a solid sales track record, with more than a million copies sold. Her bestselling series include the Detective Kay Sharp series, the Tess Winnett series, the Baxter & Holt series, and the Alex Hoffmann series.
Author Social Media Links
*I was given a selection of goodies at a blogging conference but there was no expectation for me to post on my blog
Kindness and creativity. Wellness and wishes. Christmas is on its way!
At Blog On last month I was fortunate to meet the Elfland team and receive some goodies to ramp up the Christmas excitement!
The Lost Wish is a children’s chapter book written by Clare Anderson and Emily Jacobs, and illustrated by Emma Kurran. The main character is based on the first author’s daughter as she travels to Elfland for a Christmas adventure surrounding the search for a lost elf and wishes. Find out more at www.elfland.com
The Lost Wish book is aimed at children aged 7-10 and is 250 pages long with illustrations, positive affirmations and characteristics. I enjoyed the adventure tht the children experience as well as the character arcs for the ‘baddie’ dragon Gizmo. The illustrations bring the events and characters to life.
The authors were inspired to create Elfland after the sensory overload of covid. They have created a series of wellbeing items including eye masks to help children reconnect with their bodies and mind. The eye masks heat up when opened and this soothes and relaxes.
The collection also has charity links as the authors are making a donation to Make A Wish for every purchase of the eye masks boxes.
I really like the ethos behind Elfland products and The Lost Wish book. As someone with three children of my own as well as working as a teaching assistant, being able to reconnect with yourself and your senses is very important for wellbeing. Plus the Christmas theme is a fab idea!
TRIGGER WARNING: anti Semitism
Anthea Halliwell has reached crisis point. Her father is almost bankrupt and about to move in with his lover, she herself has no prospects after a false accusation of theft. Lucky to escape the hangman’s noose, Anthea asks her father’s business associate for help setting up a shop. Instead Gideon offers her marriage…
The Whispering Tongues is an historical romance and mystery novel set during the regency period. This is the third book in the series and I am not sure if there are spoilers from previous books.
Anthea has been a social pariah since she was accused of stealng a friend’s necklace. Now her father’s gambling means the family are going to lose their home. She is offered the chance to change her prospects when Gideon proposes. He has admired her from afar and now she allows her own feelings to lead her choices. The match is a physical and emotional one. I did tire a little of the frequent inappropriate comments about their sex life but their relationship is refreshing.
Personally, I enjoyed the mystery side of the plot. Gideon calls upon investigators John and Lydia Savidge to help clear his wife’s name. I think that the culprit was easy to anticipate but I enjoyed watching how their story unravelled. There is a lot of drama and danger, especially for Anthea, as the net closes in on the real thief.
The Whispering Tongues is an entertaining novel and I shall look out for more books by this author.
THE WHISPERING TONGUES BY BETH ANDREWS
DISCOVER A SUMPTUOUS REGENCY MURDER MYSTERY FROM YOUR NEW FAVOURITE AUTHOR, BETH ANDREWS.
Anthea Halliwell’s life was ruined by scandal. Her once-bright future was cruelly taken from her the moment she was accused of theft. For seven long years she has been shunned by society, her reputation in tatters.
To make matters worse, her father loses their fortune to gambling, and Anthea is forced to ask the handsome Gideon Rodrigo for help.
But instead of giving her money, he asks for her hand. What may be a marriage of convenience for Anthea is a life-long dream for Gideon. He’s admired and loved her for years.
Now he will do anything to clear his beloved wife’s name. Gideon enlists the help of John and Lydia Savage, a couple known for their sleuthing skills, to clear Anthea’s name.
While tongues wag and suspicions mount, John and Lydia suspect more than theft and slander are at play. Someone is killing to keep their secrets hidden.
If Anthea is to have any chance at happiness, she must catch a killer, clear her name and restore her reputation.
Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton, Janice Hadlow, Mary Balogh, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas or Jane Austen will love this charming Regency murder mystery.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT BETH ANDREWS:
“I enjoyed reading this book. It is a nice blend of mystery and Regency romance.” Kindle customer
“Delightful! A very fun read.” Amanda R. P.
“A charming little romance with the added intrigue of a murder mystery.” Connor
“Excellent and very different! I really enjoyed this book.” Emily A.
“Very well written and delightfully entertaining. Enjoyed this book, the story and the time period. Absolutely charming!” Phyllis
“The writing is light and whimsical and the plot and characters clever and well-thought out.” Paula
ALSO BY BETH ANDREWS
SUSSEX REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES
1: HIDDEN IN THE HEART
2: THE UNFORGIVING EYE
3: THE WHISPERING TONGUES
STANDALONES
LOVE AND FREINDSHIP (SIC) AND OTHER DELUSIONS
BETH ANDREWS
Beth Andrews (a.k.a. Paul Bethel) was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. At the age of about seven, ‘Beth’ was reading lurid and completely inappropriate tales of murder in True Detective magazine — which may explain her somewhat twisted sense of humour. Writing soon followed. Graduating to Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, Regency romance and mystery was a natural progression — though Paul still indulges in scribbling occasional contemporary stories and song lyrics just for fun, as well as non-fiction articles and essays for Jane Austen’s Regency World. Paul also enjoys music, gardening, travel (pre-pandemic, of course) and the beach.
BOOKS BY BETH ANDREWS
STANDALONE NOVELS:
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LOVE AND FREINDSHIP (SIC) AND OTHER DELUSIONS
SUSSEX REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES:
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HIDDEN IN THE HEART
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THE UNFORGIVING EYE
FOLLOW BETH ON
