Simone, Vicky and Hannah all receive an invite from their former friend Jodie. They are invited to go to a luxury getaway abroad and despite their misgiving they all decide to attend. But when Jodie meets them on the island, she expresses her shock at seeing her old friends. She didn’t invite them…
The Birthday Reunion is a psychological thriller, set mainly on an island near Ibiza.
The three friends haven’t seen Jodie in years but are all tempted to celebrate her birthday especially as the trip is free. But immediately the friends feel uneasy and this tension ramps up when they discover that it wasn’t Jodie who invited them.
The book is written from the first person perspectives of all four of the friends in the present day and the past. We see how they became friends and some of the incidents that have defined their relationships. I think I would have preferred either a linear narrative or a single narrator as I felt that the plot jumped around a bit.
There are lots of little incidents that create tension and a sinister atmosphere. The chapters are short and this helps the pace move the plot along swiftly. Each of the characters have their flaws and vulnerabilities which make them more human.
The Birthday Reunion is a tense and intriguing thriller.
MEDIA PACK
The Birthday Reunion: A completely addictive psychological thriller packed with twists by Claire Seeber
Four friends. One dream getaway. But who will make it out alive?
When the gold-rimmed invitations arrive through the doors of best friends Simone, Hannah and Vicky they’re instantly taken aback. Their ex-friend Jodie is inviting them to a lavish Mediterranean villa to celebrate her birthday. They haven’t spoken in years since she betrayed them in the worst way. So how did they make the guest list?
They all have their reasons for saying yes. Stay-at-home mum Simone had her dream job snatched away. Hannah lost the love of her life. Café-owner Vicky wants the chance to help a wronged friend. Is the reunion a chance to confront Jodie and the past once and for all?
Arriving at a villa that looks straight out of a movie set, the friends relax by the sumptuous pool as they wait for the other guests to arrive. But as the chilled wine is poured and the three friends reminisce, they see Jodie walking towards them with a look of shock on her face.
Because Jodie didn’t invite them here.
But by the end of the weekend it will become clear who did. Someone else has a reason for revenge. Who will make it out alive?
An absolutely addictive and twist-filled psychological thriller that will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Big Little Lies, Lisa Jewell and T.M. Logan.
Author bio
Claire Seeber is the author of bestselling psychological thrillers that shine a light onto the simmering resentments and past secrets that exist amongst seemingly ordinary lives. She has been published in more than twelve different languages and is CWA Dagger-nominated.
She started her professional life as a (bad) actress and went on to become a documentary maker, before becoming a newspaper feature writer. When she had her first baby in 2004, Claire started writing psychological thrillers and now also works as a psychotherapist.
Author social media
Penny and Izzy have a new project: an outfit based on Schiaperelli and Dali’s 1937 lobster dress. The commission comes from Fliss Starling who is hosting a house party in advance of a classic car show. But as the crafting duo get creative, they also have a murder to solve…
The Painted Lobster Murders is the second book in the Cosy Crafts series which began with The Wonderland Murders.
I loved the escapades of Penny and Izzy as they race to complete their latest project. The sewing detail was really interesting to me alongside the historical information about the original dress. They are hampered by the arrival of a corgi and allegations about a crime spree in masks from their shop.
The pair also have to contend with a rival business with a connection to the murdered man. In personal matters, Penny has two potential dates and I enjoyed seeing how she interacts with these two male characters.
There is plenty of fun and once again the murder element is secondary to the other aspects of the plot. The number of suspects is limited by the house party but there are suspicions about the past which offer a clue or a red herring…?
The Painted Lobster Murders is another enjoyable instalment in this series and I’ll be reviewing the next book soon!
The Painted Lobster Murders
A quirky and funny series for fans of a good mystery and compelling characters. Can you solve the crime before our dressmaking duo?
Penny Slipper runs a sewing shop in the beautiful market town of Framlingham and she’s got her wild and creative cousin, Izzy, to help with the latest dressmaking project.
A classic car weekend is coming to town and stylish Fliss Starling wants an outfit that will match her husband’s elegant vintage car.
When one of Fliss’s house guests is murdered by a masked intruder, Penny and Izzy have a deadly mystery to solve (as well as a dress to make!). With the aid of a cheeky little corgi dog and handyman Aubrey, they begin to search out the clues to this motor-related murder.
But fingers are soon pointing at Penny and Izzy when the intruder’s mask appears to have come from their own shop! And rival shop owner, Carmella, would be delighted to see them take the blame.
Can Penny and Izzy stitch the pieces of this puzzle together and find the guilty culprit?
If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries, charming country towns and characters who you want to spend hours with then you’re going to love the Cozy Craft Mystery series.
Start your next murder mystery adventure today!
Purchase Links
Author Bio – Millie Ravensworth writes the Cozy Craft Mystery series of books. Her love of murder mysteries and passion for dressmaking made her want to write books full of quirky characters and unbelievable murders. Millie lives in central England where children and pets are something of a distraction from the serious business of writing, although dog walking is always a good time to plot the next book.
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Alice is on trial for murdering her ex husband’s new fiancee but is she guilty?
The Ex Wife is a tense psychological thriller and murder mystery set in Liverpool.
We begin at Alice’s trial and are then transported back in time to show the relationships and tensions that existed between Alice, her ex Mark, their teenaged daughter Cassie and his new fiancee Norah.
Alice is heartbroken at the disintegration of her marriage but she is determined to keep things amicable with Mark for the sake of their daughter Cassie. Cassie is a typical teenager with an unsuitable boyfriend and lots of angst. Mark and Norah have their issues as the wedding approaches and they look into IVF.
The murder happens about halfway throught the book and then the police investigation begins. I liked the character of DI Belinda Day as she struggles to sort out the complicated strands of motive, means and opportunity.
There were so many twists and some left me slack-jawed in shock! I liked the mystery surrounding Norah’s death and the police investigation but couldn’t imagine who was responsible. The characters felt authentic, especially Alice so I wasn’t sure if I could trust her innocence or not.
The Ex Wife is a tense and entertaining thriller and murder mystery with strong characters and an intriguing crime to solve.
The Ex Wife
My life was perfect until she came along. Norah.
Younger, prettier and about to marry my own ex-husband, they are a walking cliché.
I hate her. I hate them both.
She’s taken everything from me – my husband, my life, my home – but I refuse to allow her to take Cassie, my beautiful daughter. That’s a step too far.
Now I’ve discovered that Norah plans to have a baby of her own and that causes me no end of problems. She could destroy everything and reveal my deepest, darkest secrets.
That can never be allowed to happen.
No matter what it costs…
A brand new psychological thriller that will keep you guessing till the end! Perfect for fans of Sue Watson, Nina Manning, Shalini Boland
Author Bio –
Amanda Ashby and Sally Rigby are a crime writing partnership. Both authors live in New Zealand, have been friends for eighteen years and agree about everything (except musicals). They decided to collaborate on a psychological thriller which they then entered into a competition, run by Boldwood, and which they won!
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After the disaster that was January’s meal out, I was a little concerned about eating out again. I needn’t have worried!
(Sorry for the delay in posting about my February meal!)
The Hungry Horse in Hawley (on the way from Blackwater to Farnborough) was totally allergy aware allowing me to heave a huge sigh of relief!
As usual I had researched the menu before visiting. I opted for the vegan Thai curry. I also included a side order of chips which are vegan and gluten free but cooked in a fryer with non vegan and non gluten free items so this choice was down to personal preference and risk.
The chips were delivered first aslongside Chris’ meal so I started tucking in. Within minutes, the server came over in concern to reinterate that they were not certified gluten free or vegan due to the fryer’s mixed use.
The curry then arrived and it was full of flavour and I liked the added texture of the poppadom and chutney.
I was so impressed by the knowledge and attentiveness of staff as well as the quality of the food. Thank you Hungry Horse!
Penny’s nan asks her to help out in the family craft store as she recovers in hospital. Her cousin Izzy is impulsive with brilliant creative skills but litle business sense. Together the cousins try to breathe some new life into the shop. But their efforts are hampered by a murder investigation…
The Wonderland Murders is the first book is a cosy murder mystery series and I will be reviewing the later books shortly.
Penny has lost her job and is looking for a new challenge. Her nan asks her to help out in her craft shop alongside her slightly eccentric cousin Izzy. Together they need to save their nan’s business and I loved watching the two women working together. There is a gentle humour and warmth to the writing which gives a lovely feel to the book.
The murder is somewhat secondary to the wonderful blossoming relationship between Penny and Izzy as they work together, bouncing ideas off the other to try to make a success of their crafting business. As befits the genre, there is no graphic detail (except for the demise of a poor watermelon!) There are not a great deal of suspects but there were still red herrings to keep me guessing until the final reveal!
The Wonderland Murders is an enjoyable cosy mystery and I am looking forward to the future books in the series.
The Wonderland Murders
A quirky and funny series for fans of a good mystery and compelling characters. Can you solve the crime before our dressmaking duo?
After losing her job at an exclusive London hotel, Penny Slipper is only too happy to help when her grandma asks her to take charge at the Cozy Craft sewing shop in charming rural Suffolk.
With cousin Izzy on hand as the expert dressmaker and Penny’s head for business, what can possibly go wrong?
But Penny’s in town for less than a day when the local librarian is poisoned and Penny fears she might even be accidentally responsible. Penny and Izzy are forced to turn detectives to uncover the true cause of death, while finishing a costume commission for their first customer.
Matters take a further deadly turn when a second body is discovered.
Can Penny and Izzy unpick the mysteries of the past and sew the pieces of this puzzle together before it’s too late?
If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries, charming country towns and characters who you want to spend hours with then you’re going to love the Cozy Craft Mystery series.
Start your next murder mystery adventure today!
Purchase Links
Author Bio – Millie Ravensworth writes the Cozy Craft Mystery series of books. Her love of murder mysteries and passion for dressmaking made her want to write books full of quirky characters and unbelievable murders. Millie lives in central England where children and pets are something of a distraction from the serious business of writing, although dog walking is always a good time to plot the next book.
Social Media Links –
Giveaway Prize – The Wonderland Murders, a cross stitch book, a floral notepad, a note writing set and a grass bunny.
