TRIGGER WARNING: Nazi brutality and anti-semitic ideology
1942, Emilie arrives at Dachau to help her husband Otto with his medical experiments. She believes the inmates are all criminals so is shocked to find their former childhood friend Danner, a Jew, among the prisoners. His only crime is being Jewish and she is determined to save him…
The Nurse Behind The Gates is an historical novel set in the 1930s and 40s.
Emilie and her husband are forced to help the Nazis to help save German soldiers in the freezing seas. They join the medical team at Dachau where experiments use the inmates as live subjects. Death is a necessary evil for the cause but Emilie is distraught at the thought of her first love being in danger.
The book is written in 1942 to show Emilie’s experiences in the concentration camp but also has chapters from the past to show the friendship with Danner and how they both reached their current situation. The experiment scenes were quite horrific and I had to put the book down to go and get distracted by happy thoughts. I felt desperately sad for Otto. He is in an impossible situtation with his uncle and the Nazis and also knows that he is second best for his wife.
There was one part of the book that didn’t ring true for me. I didn’t really believe that Danner would put himself in danger when he could have written to his old neighbours for information about his missing father instead of travelling back to Germany himself and abandoning his family. Other than this, the book was completely captivating and I felt immersed in the lives of the characters.
The Nurse Behind The Gates is a devastatingly emotional imagining of the Nazi experiments at Dachau.
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Book: The Nurse Behind the Gates
Author: Shari J. Ryan
Pub Day: May 20th 2024
About the Book:
Dachau, 1942. Emilie has been told she’s here to nurse evil men. But the first patient she sees in the cold, dark room is hauntingly familiar. Her first love is not wicked. He couldn’t be. What is he doing here?
Emilie’s heart stops as she takes in her childhood sweetheart hunched in a tattered prisoner’s uniform, the light lost from his face. Her new husband, Otto, said this was a camp for criminals. He should know, he’s the doctor. But Danner would never have broken the law.
As she looks into Danner’s beautiful brown eyes, she’s transported back to their happy childhood in Munich. The friendship they shared. The way her heart once felt like it beat only for him. Before the Jewish laws were enforced and Danner pushed Emilie away to protect her, breaking her heart.
Now, Emilie rushes to find Otto, desperate for answers. But when she discovers him waiting with confidentiality papers for her to sign, she realizes her husband has been lying. This isn’t a place to treat sick criminals, but to murder the innocent. And Otto tells her if she doesn’t help, they’ll both die.
Her hands shake as she receives her instructions. But as she rushes back to the sickbay, searching for a way to escape, her gaze lands on Danner once more. In his eyes, she can see something that almost looks like hope…
The thought of losing her first love again tears Emilie’s heart in two. She’s determined to keep him alive, and perhaps she can alter the fate of more than just one prisoner. But can she save Danner? Or will she die trying to rescue the man she’s never stopped loving?
Author Bio
USA Today and International Bestselling Author, Shari J. Ryan, is known for her captivating World War Two Historical Fiction, Women’s Romance Fiction, and gripping Psychological Thriller novels. Each series and standalone contains a wide range of dark suspense and heartbreaking emotions.
Shari has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University and started her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012 when she discovered her passion for writing books. Since then, she has been captivating readers with her compelling storytelling and has written over thirty-five novels with translated publications in twelve languages.
Shari’s talent and dedication have earned her a place on the USA Today Bestseller List, as well as rankings in Amazon’s Top 100, Barnes & Noble’s Top Ten, and iBooks at number one. She has also received two Rone awards for her outstanding work.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include: “The Stolen Twins,” The Bookseller of Dachau,” “The Doctor’s Daughter,” “The Girl with the Diary,” “Prison Child,” “The Soldier’s Letters,” and “The Lieutenant’s Girl.” These gripping novels are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Shari, a lifelong Boston girl lives in a small town in the suburbs and has a loving marriage with her adored husband. Together, they have two incredible young sons who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
To learn more about Shari J. Ryan and her captivating books, visit her official website at www.sharijryan.com
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Heather’s former friend has been convicted and imprisoned for attempted muder and is serving a life sentence. The victim was also Heather’s ex and she is persuaded that her friend is innocent so needs to get close to Jack to prove he framed an innocent woman…
The Life Sentence is a psychological and crime thriller about a possible miscarriage of justice.
Heather is contacted by a random stranger who believes that Amber was framed for stabbing her lover. The details of the crime are a little foggy and I found I had to suspend my disbelief. The evidence against Amber’s conviction is minimal and I saw no reason for Heather to act as she does, especially at the behest of strangers.
The book is written mainly from Heather’s first person perspective as we see her try to prove Amber’s innocence. She bravely rekindles her relationship with the despicable Jack in order to search his house and find evidence of his lies. There are other chapters that show Amber in jail and some that show Jack’s perspective. I found Jack’s chapters sinister and increased the tension as he reveals his suspicions about Heather and forces her to prove herself.
The plot was entertaining and I enjoyed the drama and danger that Heather faces. It was perhaps a little repetitive as she searches every room, covering cameras etc. This slowed down the pace a bit. The tension was maintained until the final chapter and the ending had a surprise twist.
The Life Sentence is an entertaining and dramatic book.
The Life Sentence
My name is Amber Ryan.
I’m in prison, but I’m innocent.
And I’ve been jailed not just for a crime I didn’t commit, but for a crime that never even happened.
Now, my friend is going to try to prove it.
But to do that, she has to go back.
Back to the dark.
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Author Bio – Jackie Kabler is a television presenter and award-winning crime writer. Her bestselling psychological thrillers have been translated into eight languages. They include Am I Guilty?, The Perfect Couple, The Happy Family, The Murder List and The Vanishing of Class 3B. A former TV news reporter, when not writing Jackie now works as a presenter for UK TV shopping channel QVC; she is also an ultramarathon runner and keen gardener, and lives in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with her husband.
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TRIGGER WARNING: sexual misconduct, rape, miscarriage and stillbirth
Nic and Matt appear to have the perfect marriage. But he admits that he has a complaint against him at work and their finances are in tatters. He jokes about faking his death and later disappears. Did Matt run away from his problems or did they catch up with him…?
Her Husband’s Lie is a psychological thriller set in the UK.
Nic is shocked when her husband vanishes on their daughter’s 18th birthday. He was supposed to collect the cake but never appears, instead his crashed car is discovered. The police begin to investigate and are particularly interested in his troubles at work which have left the family in financial straits. Then it is revealed that the woman he is accused of sexual misconduct with (due to doctor/patient relationship) has also vanished.
Poor Nic also has to deal with Matt’s sister Grace who is almost obsessed with her beloved brother who can do no wrong in her eyes. This isn’t helping her already strained relationship with her daughter nor her mental health which has been significantly affected by miscarriages and stillbirths in the past. Nic is under unbearable pressure from her family and the police but is struggling to make sense of her husband’s actions.
The majority of the book is written to show Nic’s attempts to find the truth with occasional chapters showing Grace’s divided loyalty between her adoration for her missing brother and support for those he has left behind. All of the characters hint at hidden information whilst Grace and Nic debate with themselves about being totally honest with each other and the police. It is clear that there are secrets everywhere and the twists kept coming!
Her Husband’s Lie is an engaging and fascinating psychological thriller. There is a fab tension throughout and I was kept guessing.
Her Husband’s Lie
She thought she trusted her husband with her life; but a lot can happen in a week…
Handsome doctor Matthew Delaney and his wife Nicole have a perfect life. So when Matthew suddenly vanishes, Nicole is in shock.
As Nicole searches for answers, she uncovers a trail of deceit leading straight to the mysterious Glasshouse – a staggering palatial home constructed out of cut glass and icy granite, clinging to the hillside in a gravity defying show of power and wealth.
But the more Nicole learns about the Glasshouse and all its secrets, the more she begins to doubt her husband. Matthew’s words before he disappeared were so reassuring, but now they are simply chilling…
‘Trust me, Nic, I’ll fix this.’
Author Bio –
Amanda Reynolds is a best selling author of psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, Close To Me, published in 2017 by Headline, was adapted by NENT Studios UK as a major six-part TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston. The series aired in 2021, on Channel 4 in the UK and on Sundance AMC in the US, as well as many other countries worldwide.
She is the author of four further psychological suspense novels, Lying To You and The Hidden Wife with Headline, and The Assistant and The Screenwriter with Boldwood Books. Her sixth book, Her Husband’s Lie is publishing in May 2024.
Amanda Reynolds lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and their dog.
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Detective Gabriel Lancaster is investigating the murder of a woman and calls upon art expert Rowan Southeil. But Rowan’s skills extend to the supernatural and occult as well…
Whispers Through The Canvas is a mix of supernatural fantasy, murder mystery and historical drama.
Cassie Bradshaw is found murdered with a stunning painting in her possession. Gabriel is stumped but feels that there must be a link between the murder and the painting so asks Rowan for her help. Rowan comes from a long line of witches and has her own supernatural powers. She can see the dead and converses with Cassie to try to find her killer. Rowan is also pulled into the painting and explores its dangerous history.
I have very mixed feelings about the book. First of all, I wish there had been more of the history aspect of the plot, especially more information about Rowan’s family history. We are offered glimpses of the past but they were disjointed. I didn’t feel that the ending tied up the loose ends or concluded the plot so I assume there will be a sequel or series to follow.
The writing is very descriptive and I felt immersed in the investigation and Rowan’s discoveries about the painting. I liked the balance of the criminal case with the supernatural elements as well as the developing friendship between Rowan and Gabriel. Grandma Be is a great character and was the highlight of every scene she featured in.
Whispers Through The Canvas is an enjoyable mixed genre book, effectively creating the atmosphere of each element.
Whispers Through The Canvas
Murder… Across The Fractured Corridors of Time.
Plunged into a centuries-old conspiracy, unconventional art historian Rowan Southeil must race against time to stop an ancient evil from rewriting history. When a young artist is murdered in a chilling echo of medieval violence, Rowan finds herself drawn to a seemingly unrelated clue – a 16th-century painting drenched in arcane symbols. Aided by the victim’s haunting presence, Rowan delves into the painting’s mysterious past, uncovering a dark conspiracy that stretches back generations.
Teaming up with the pragmatic Detective Lancaster, the intuitive Rowan follows a daring journey through time, from the storied halls of 16th-century Tudor London to the secretive 17th-century Vatican. As she awakens powerful elemental forces within herself, Rowan must decipher the painting’s secrets – and the connection to the medieval-style murder – before Lev Rubilov, a dark centuries-old occultist, can harness its magic to rewrite history and restore a twisted vision of the past.
For fans of genre-blending thrillers like A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, this captivating novel weaves together mystery, the supernatural, and high-stakes time travel in a race against the clock to stop an ancient evil. Whispers Through The Canvas is a crime story, filled with action and adventure, within a historical fantasy milieu. If you love kick-ass heroines who have a bit of life experience and walk on the wild side of magic, this book is for you.
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Author Bio –
From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick’s life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.
Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.
But Kathleen’s story doesn’t end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published eleven legal thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.
And when she’s not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.
To delve deeper into Kathleen’s world and explore her captivating legal thrillers, visit her website at kjmcgillick.com.
Social Media Links – kjmcgillick.com
Ava is struggling after the birth of her daughter. She hires Marley to work as a night nanny but soon she is full time. Ava feels pushed out and begins to fear for herself and her child…
The Night Nanny is a psychological thriller set in America.
Poor Ava suffers from PGP in the last weeks of pregnancy and then has an emergency caesarean. She is unable to move easily and is reliant on her selfish husband Ned who refuses to offer more than minimum help. He insists they hire someone to support the family and luckily Ava met Marley before she gave birth and they had a connection.
Ned is despicable. He won’t adjust to fatherhood or let anything disrupt his routines and expectations. My sympathy was with Ava straight away as I had PGP during my second pregnancy and know how debilitiating it can be. Being a new mum is tough and I felt that Ava’s character was authentic in her self-doubt.
The book is written from the first person perspectives of Ava, Ned and Marley. This is a clever device for laying hints about what secrets may unfurl later. It also served to bring all three main characters to life and ramp up the tension as we learn about the hidden dangers.
There is a major twist two thirds of the way through and although I was waiting for a big reveal, I didn’t expect this! I had to suspend my credulity but did enjoy the dark turns that the plot and characters take. The epilogue was pitch perfect but then the author added a postscript which I felt was unnecessary (in her note at the end, the author does mention her dilemma about including it).
The Night Nanny is a tense and dramatic psychological thriller.
The Night Nanny: An addictive and unputdownable psychological suspense thriller with a killer twist by Nelle Lamarr
“Please don’t worry, Ava. Your baby is safe with me. I’m going to take care of her like she’s my own…”
Ever since my daughter Isa was born, I’ve been struggling. I can’t remember anything, and my brain is in a fog. So when my husband Ned suggests we hire a night nanny, I leap at the chance.
When she walks into our home, I smile at her, relieved she’s finally arrived. But then I notice her eyes: the color of amethysts. A memory flashes across my brain, but before I can grasp it, it’s gone…
Then I see Ned whispering with her as she touches his arm. A chill runs down my spine. But I try to brush it off, sure that my mind is playing tricks on me. I know I desperately need this woman’s help.
But then I find my baby girl face down on her stomach and struggling to breathe. I scream as I hug her close and Isa cries in shock. For one moment relief floods my body: she’s okay. The next moment I’m frozen to my core as I turn to find Ned behind me…
I look into my husband’s deep brown eyes, and realize one thing: he thinks it was me.
I have to figure out what’s happening to keep my baby safe. Is this all in my head, or is someone trying to destroy me?
The totally gripping page-turning psychological thriller with twists that will leave you guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid, The Girl on theTrain and Colleen Hoover’s Verity.
About the author
Nelle Lamarr is the pen name for Nelle L’Amour, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, who has sold over 350,000 books worldwide. Her books feature flawed, complex characters and nail-biting twists you won’t see coming. A former executive in the entertainment industry, she lives in Los Angeles with her Prince Charming-ish husband, beautiful twin princesses, and a bevy of royal pain-in-the-butt pets. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading gripping thrillers by her favorite authors with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
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