The police station has been getting calls for help from a young woman but she rings off without revealing any further details.
Three girls break into a house that isn’t as empty as they hoped. A man in a mask is there…
One of the girls, Melanie Wilson, is taken to a deserted island by her father to escape society’s menace but will she be safe there?
Carrie Flynn investigates both cases and discovers they are linked! Meanwhile, she is dealing with her own past and the disappearance of her little sister which led to her mother’s mental collapse and her own trauma-induced amnesia.
I was initially quite confused by the focus on Melanie’s family and their decision to cut themselves off. Their characters are well developed through the plot and the reason behind the author’s focus on the Wilson family becomes clear. I really enjoyed the intricacies of the relationship between Melanie’s parents: they are both so human and vulnerable.
We only became aware of Carrie’s own past right at the end of the previous book so the flashbacks to her childhood are new and devastating. In the present day, she is beginning to allow herself to bond with her colleagues, in particular Paul. The police procedure elements to the book were realistic and interesting without being overdramatic.
J.M. Hewitt sustained my interest even when I couldn’t see where the plot was going. The characters create an emotional pull that makes compelling reading. I look forward to seeing what the author has planned for Carrie next as she moves forward from her tragic past.
Take a look at my review of the first book in the Carrie Flynn series: The Night Caller.
Media Pack Info Sheet:
Title: The Quiet Girls
Author: J.M. Hewitt
Publication Day: 13/11/19
Buy Links :
Description:
‘Hattie!’ Carrie called, an edge to her voice. ‘Hattie, this isn’t funny, come out now.’ Carrie moved through the woods on shaking legs. She tried calling, shouting, screaming, but everything was quiet. Her little sister was gone.
Detective Carrie Flynn’s sister Hattie was kidnapped when they were both little girls. After the police failed to find the culprit, Carrie swore she would become a detective and solve the case herself. But the face of the man who snatched Hattie is a blank in her memory…
Twenty years later, eleven-year-old Melanie Wilson is reported missing, a quiet child who longs to fit in, just like Hattie… Carrie has to fight off memories of her lost sister to concentrate on the case, but she soon finds grainy black-and-white footage of Melanie boarding a boat and vanishing. She discovers Melanie has been taken to Pomona, a deserted island, almost inaccessible from the city. But who took little Melanie, and why?
Then the police receive a desperate cry for help from another young girl: I gave you his name, told you where to find him, but you did nothing. My blood is on your hands. Carrie traces the call to the same docks where Melanie was last seen. Now she has a second missing child to save.
But the sound of the broken voice has unlocked something in Carrie. The blurred face of her sister’s kidnapper is starting to become clearer…
Carrie is sure the lost girls are in terrible danger – and that there’s a link between her sister’s disappearance and this case. To find Melanie, Carrie must unleash the memories she’s buried for years. And if she uses her own demons to bring Melanie home, can she finally find out what happened to her sister?
This absolutely unputdownable thriller will keep you up all night until you reach the final heart-stopping page! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Val McDermid and Lisa Regan.
Author Bio:
J.M. Hewitt writes crime fiction and is the author of three previous crime fiction novels and has been published in two short story publications. Her work usually incorporates twentieth and twenty-first century events and far flung locations, and her novels explore the darker side of human behaviour.
In contrast to the sometimes dark content of her books, she lives in a seaside town in Suffolk with her dog, Marley.
When she was ten years old she’d read all the books she owned, all those on her mother’s bookcase and everything the library had to offer. She decided the only course of action to take was to write her own stories. Thirty years later, she is still writing them.
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Cordelia is living a lie and waiting to be caught out.
After the death of her Irish mother Frances, she is all alone in the world. Then she watches her favourite author Philomena on TV say she wants to find her long lost cousin Frances. Cordelia contacts her and says Frances was her mother despite knowing that the surnames are not a match. She and author Phil become close but sadly Phil dies. Cordelia travels to Ireland for Phil’s funeral and is nervous about being caught out by her supposed family.
The McKenna family welcome Cordelia, grateful that she looked after Phil in her last few months but concerned that there is no evidence they were actually related. When they discovers she has inherited part of Phil’s family home and estate, Cordelia decides to investigate her mother’s history and find out if she could be the long lost family she has been dreaming of.
Dreams of Willow House is a warm feel-good novel about love and family. Cordelia is a kind person and is driven by her loneliness to lie about her family history. She genuinely loved Phil and is devastated by her death. Now she must begin to get to know her cousins and gain their trust, whilst fearing that she is not actually related and that they will reject her.
Cordelia also develops a romantic relationship with Declan during the course of the book. This adds an extra dimension to the plot as well as showing us another side to her character.
This book is actually the third in the Willow House series but the first that I have read. The books works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel, although now I want to read about the back stories to Maeve and Roisin.
I personally enjoyed finding out more about the history, language and geography of Ireland which provides a rich background to the narrative. Susanne O’Leary has evoked and captured the magic of Irish and it is no surprise that Cordelia feels at home at last.
Publication Day Media Kit
Title: Dreams of Willow House
Author: Susanne O’Leary
Publication Day: 15/11/19
Buy Links:
Description:
A gorgeous, compelling page-turner about one woman’s journey to the heart of Ireland and the family secret she’s destined to discover…
Cordelia Mirafiore has never truly felt at home in South Florida, so when she’s unexpectedly called to the reading of a long-lost relative’s will in Ireland, she’s hopeful that escaping to Willow House to meet her family might help her to figure out who she really is…
As soon as Cordelia reaches Sandy Cove, the views of the blue ocean and stunning coastline around her provide a sense of calm she has never felt before. She meets her cousins Maeve and Roisin, who welcome her with open arms, finds herself drawn to a handsome man who is also an outsider in town, and feels an instant spark.
But the rest of the McKenna family aren’t so willing to accept Cordelia, or even believe that she’s family. When they learn that Cordelia is to inherit a third of Willow House, she is forced to prove who she is. All she has are old parish records and a battered box of family photographs, but they lead her to secrets she may not want to uncover.
Can Cordelia find the courage to face her family’s past? Can she trust the mysterious man who has swept her off her feet? Or will the lies told for generations force her to leave Sandy Cove forever?
Second chances begin on Ireland’s shores. An unforgettable story about mothers and daughters, Dreams of Willow House is perfect for fans of Sheila O’Flanagan, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe
Author Bio:
Susanne O’Leary is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, mainly in the romantic fiction genre. She has also written three crime novels and two in the historical fiction genre. She has been the wife of a diplomat (still is), a fitness teacher and a translator. She now writes full-time from either of two locations, a ramshackle house in County Tipperary, Ireland or a little cottage overlooking the Atlantic in Dingle, County Kerry. When she is not scaling the mountains of said counties (including MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, featured in Full Irish), or keeping fit in the local gym, she keeps writing, producing a book every six months.
A big clerical conference held in a local manor house finds Monica Noble and her husband embroiled in another murder mystery! During dinner Reverend Celia Gordon collapses, suffering a suspected anaphylactic reaction to nuts.
She had not been a popular delegate at the conference and had upset many people with her forceful personality. There was added tension in this book as Graham knew the victim and was seen eating peanuts: could he have killed her or did Monica’s jealousy get the better of her?
DCI Jason Dury is once again called in to investigate and has a wide selection of suspects harbouring secrets but which relate to the murder…?
Faith Martin’s narrative is so familiar and gentle despite the murderous plot. I have said before that it has the classical English village feel of Agatha Christie novels which is one of the biggest compliments I can give!
This is the third book to feature the Nobles but could easily work as a stand alone novel (although I would definitely recommend reading The Vicarage Murder and The Flower Show Murder!) Her main characters are so likeable and to see them suspected in this case increases the drama.
There is no graphic violence or forensic detail and the style is warm and humorous throughout. The conclusion tied up all loose ends and uncovered all secrets so that we could understand the motivation of all the characters. Just how I like my books to end!
The Manor House Murder
Meet Monica Noble: the vicar’s wife with a taste for solving crimes.
Please note this book was first published as “AN UNHOLY SHAME” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
THE WEEKEND TURN MURDEROUS
Monica Noble and her husband Graham, the local vicar, are invited to participate in a high-flying church conference being held at a swanky manor house hotel in their village.
At the Saturday night dinner, the ambitious female cleric Celia Gordon tragically dies, seemingly of a peanut allergy.
But when Chief Superintendent Jason Dury arrives on the scene he quickly discovers that it’s a case of murder.
And Monica’s husband is the prime suspect.
Other suspects include an eminent bishop, an archdeacon viciously opposed to female clergy, and his wife, the curator of a local museum, who is definitely up to something.
But if Monica is to find out who killed Celia, and free her husband from suspicion, she must grapple with a very ruthless — and increasingly desperate — killer, putting herself and those around her in mortal danger.
This is the third of a series of enjoyable murder mysteries with great characters and baffling crimes which will keep you gripped till the final page.
Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis.
MONICA NOBLE was widowed young, leaving her to raise her feisty daughter on her own. That is, until she met and fell in love with Graham Noble, a country vicar (pastor), who enticed her to leave her high-flying job in advertising in the city and move to the Cotswold countryside. There she found bucolic life very pleasant indeed — until murder started to rear its ugly head. And she discovered, to everyone’s surprise, that she had a flair for solving the most unholy of crimes.
FAITH MARTIN is the million-selling author of the DETECTIVE HILLARY GREENE and JENNY STARLING mysteries, which have topped the global best-seller charts.
More FAITH MARTIN mysteries coming soon. Join the Joffe Books mailing list to be the first to hear about the next in the series.
MONICA NOBLE MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE VICARAGE MURDER
Book 2: THE FLOWER SHOW MURDER
Book 3: THE MANOR HOUSE MURDER
JENNY STARLING MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE BIRTHDAY MYSTERY
Book 2: THE WINTER MYSTERY
Book 3: THE RIVERBOAT MYSTERY
Book 4: THE CASTLE MYSTERY
Book 5: THE OXFORD MYSTERY
Book 6: THE TEATIME MYSTERY
Book 7: THE COUNTRY INN MYSTERY
FAITH MARTIN
Faith Martin was born in Oxford, and has spent all her life within twenty miles of the university city, even working at Somerville College for five years before turning to writing full-time.
The author of the popular DI Hillary Greene novels, she also writes more classic-style ‘whodunits’ under the pen name Joyce Cato, but began her writing career as Maxine Barry, winning an award for penning romance novels! A popular writer for over 25 years, she has had nearly 50 novels published so far. Her hobbies include walking her now ageing dog, wildlife-watching,”reading and (reluctantly) gardening.”
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100019047572005
Twitter: @faithmartin_nov
Skye left her Scottish home to follow her dream or being a singer-songwriter. A dream she shared with her twin sister Ginny who is believed to have been swept out to sea weeks before they were due to head off together to audition. Skye has only flashback memories of that night as she suffered a head trauma in a car crash and woke to the terrible news of her sister’s disappearance. In the following weeks, Skye overheard her mother blaming her for Ginny’s death and the guilt drove her away from home for 15 years.
In the present day, Skye’s brother Bill implores her to return home as their mother has finally asked for her to come home. Skye is devastated to see the change and mental deterioration, especially as her mum confuses Bill’s daughter and Skye for Ginny. There are hints that there has been a cover up over what really happened the night Ginny supposedly died…
My Mother’s Silence had me hooked from the very beginning. Skye’s sadness at the loss of her sister, combined with her guilt and the pressure of blame from her mother make her a really emotionally charged and vulnerable character.
Skye has carried an idealised version of Ginny around with her for so many years that now she is forced to face the idea that her sister was less than perfect and kept secrets from her.
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Skye and Nick. This added a hopeful tone to the plot and gave an extra side to her character.
Lauren Westwood sustained the mystery of what really happened to Ginny fifteen years ago and the plot kept me guessing until right at the end (all of my predictions were wrong!)
Blog Tour Media Kit:
Title: My Mother’s Silence
Author: Lauren Westwood
Pub day: 11/11/2019
Buy Links:
Description:
Some things you can never escape. I should know. I’ve been running away for fifteen years, and now I’m right back where I started…
Skye Turner’s family fell apart the day her twin sister Ginny died. Everyone in their tiny community in the Scottish Highlands accepted it was an accident, but more than one person in town is haunted by a secret from that night…
Skye left after the funeral, believing her mother blamed her for Ginny’s death. Skye should have taken care of Ginny, should have been there to stop her falling from the cliffs that night. Over the years, she’s barely spoken to her mother, until the day she receives a phone call asking her to return home.
As soon as Skye arrives in her childhood home, she knows something isn’t right. Her mother has kept the bedroom she shared with her sister like a shrine, Ginny’s clothes and diaries gathering dust, as though her mother thinks Ginny might come back. And there are whispers in town that Ginny wasn’t alone when she died…
Skye is desperate to find out the truth, but her mother just wants her family back together. As Skye begins to unravel everyone’s lies, she realises the truth might tear her family apart for good…
My Mother’s Silence is a twisty and emotional novel about the bonds between mothers and daughters, and what happens when we hide things from those we love the most. Fans of Diane Chamberlain, Liane Moriarty and Kerry Fisher will be gripped.
Author Bio:
Lauren Westwood writes dark and romantic women’s fiction and is also an award-winning children’s writer. Originally from California, she now lives in England in a pernickety old house built in 1602, with her partner and three daughters.
Lauren hopes you enjoy her latest book, My Mother’s Silence, which is a dark, emotional journey about homecoming and family secrets. Your opinions are important to her, so please do leave a review.
Author Social Media Links:
Maria’s life runs like clockwork, her week structured to get chores done. Her favourite day is Thursday when she meets Albie in a cafe. But one week he doesn’t appear and she discovers the sad truth that he has died.
Maria is utterly bereft and loses her sense of purpose. She is astonished to discover that she is Albie’s sole beneficiary and inherits two million pounds. On her first visit to his house she finds a wish list next to his bed and is determined to complete the list in his memory.
At the end of each chapter we have memories of a single mum bringing up her little girl: how does this relate to Maria and Albie in the present day? By the way, I loved the 80s detail of the childhood years: they felt familiar (Tammy Girl, anyone?)
The devastation that Maria experiences on losing Albie, her one constant, is raw and desperate. I am not ashamed to admit that I was a blubbing wreck by the end of the book! Albie’s list brings Maria back in touch with people and helps her to find happiness. I was so sad to read of the wasted years that both Maria and Albie went though and this book reminds us that it is never too late, to be the best person we can be and open our hearts and our lives to others.
The Wish List of Albie Young has an important message about giving up time to help people in your community, how a smile can make someone’s day. It is also a reminder that the elderly often have few people to talk to and need us to be kind. Equally, we are reminded that small acts of kindness to everyone are important and not to judge people by appearance, whether they are homeless, disabled or monosyllabic teenagers.
Author Ruby Hummingbird gradually changes our perception of Albie and Maria as we find out more about them over the course of the book. I was initially frustrated by Maria’s grief and reticence which stopped her enjoying life and it was fascinating to read about Albie not being the idealised person she imagined.
Beautifully written and hugely emotional. Heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Book Description:
Sometimes you have to hit the bottom before you can float to the top.
Maria Birch is seventy years old and, for her, every week is the same.
On Monday, she does her weekly shop. On Tuesday, she goes for a blow-dry. On Wednesday, she visits the laundrette. But Thursday is her favourite day of all – everything hurts less on a Thursday.
Every Thursday Maria walks to her local café. Waiting for her at one of the red gingham-topped tables is Albie Young, a charming man with a twinkle in his eye and an impressive collection of tweed flat caps. Every week, the pair share a slice of marble cake and a pot of tea.
Except, one week, Albie doesn’t turn up.
When Maria finds out what has happened, her perfectly ordered life is ripped apart at the seams. Suddenly, she is very lonely. Without her Thursday friend – her only friend – she no longer has the energy to circle the weekly TV listings, she has no reason to leave her apartment, no reason to laugh.
Then she discovers that Albie isn’t who she thought he was, and she’s left wondering if she knew her friend at all. But Albie has left behind a legacy – a handwritten list of wishes he never got the chance to complete.
Maria is resigned to facing the rest of her days heartbroken and alone. But fulfilling Albie’s wishes could hold the key to her happiness – if only she’s able to look past his secret…
This life-affirming and heartfelt tale is for anyone who has ever looked at their life and wanted more. Fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Keeper of Lost Things will love this poignant story, which shows us that for the truest loves, the end is never really the end…
Author Bio:
Ruby Hummingbird is a novelist based in the English countryside. She loves nothing more than writing uplifting and heartwarming fiction that gets her readers reaching for the tissues. When she isn’t storytelling, she can be found tending to her beloved sunflowers or sipping on hazelnut lattes. The Wish List of Albie Young is her debut novel, and it promises to be a real heartbreaker.
You can find Ruby on Twitter at @HummingbirdRuby, on Facebook at /ruby.hummingbird.58 and on Instagram at rubyhummingbirdauthor.
