Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye by Marius Gabriel

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: This was the first novel I have read by Marius Gabriel, and I was instantly hooked by his writing style. This is a confident author, and his talent is evident in the effortless way he weaves the storyline around the characters and draws the reader along on their journey.

The novel embarks on the closely-woven stories of three sisters, connected by blood but very little else in terms of character and personality, initially set against the background of the Spanish Civil War before moving onto WWII in London.

Isobel is the eldest sister, and at the start of the novel she is fascinated by the Fascism movement, and finds herself, along with youngest sister Felicity, the youngest (set to enter a convent, at the age of nineteen) trapped in the middle of the civil war. They are rescued by an American serving with the International Brigades. The story-line then switches to London, where we discover the life of middle sister Chiara. As WWII progresses, the sisters are reunited, and the consequences have a massive effect on all of their lives.

The lives and loves of the three sisters intertwine against the backdrop of the historical drama being played out. The author’s attention to detail and quiet authority about the period are very clever, so much so that they blend into the background, so you are totally immersed in the time.

The book ends on a real cliff-hanger and came far too soon! I look forward eagerly to reading more about the life stories of the sisters … and discovering more books from this author.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Amanda Hodgkinson, Sarah Waters, Freda Lightfoot.

Avoid if you don’t like: War time stories and family conflict.

Ideal accompaniments: Bully beef rations and G&Ts.

Genre: Historical Fiction.

Available on Amazon

A Funeral for an Owl by Jane Davis

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: I’m not sure why it took me so long to read one of this author’s books, but I am extremely glad I finally did.

Everything about this novel surprised me - from the title to the final page it was a joy. A story that weaves three unlikely characters together in a gripping web. After the stabbing of teacher, Jim Stevens, in the schoolyard we see incidents unravel through the eyes of 14-year old Shamayal Thomas whose character is a total revelation. Despite breaking down innumerable barriers, rules and taboos he somehow manages to bring together Jim and another teacher, Ayisha Emmanuelle, who all find strength in each following the stabbing event and subsequent repercussions.

The flashbacks to Jim’s early life, while he struggles with life and death in hospital, are poignant and moving, and add yet another level of intensity to the novel.

There are so many layers in this novel to enjoy, so many subtleties that make you laugh aloud and wallow in the enjoyment of super writing. Characterisation sparkles like a diamond, each individual comes to life and breathes emotion in the storyline. Excellent pacing, excellent use of language and excellent social awareness made this a joy to read.

If you want to laugh and cry and stamp and cheer – all in the space of a few hours of reading – then this book is one for you. Highly recommended.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Polly Courtney, Ali Smith, Claire Fuller.

Avoid if you don’t like: Savvy teenagers and broken hearts.

Ideal accompaniments: Burger and fries with a Diet Coke.

Genre: Literary Fiction.

Available from Amazon

Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: It's not often I get so immersed in a novel that I finish it in just a few days, and think about it when I don't have my nose buried in its page. When it happens I feel like standing up at the end and giving the book a well deserved round of applause - and if you could see me now, having come to the end of Our Endless Numbered Days, I'm on my feet and clapping vigorously.

Having read the blurb about the book and the author, I'm amazed to discover this is a debut novel. It has the charm, intelligence and talent of a writer comfortable with her own skill and passionate about the art of storytelling. It has the deftness and depth of Harper Lee, with all the darkness of William Golding. It is a truly memorable read.

Our narrator, Peggy Hillcoat, is eight when the story begins. Living in North London with her musician mother and eccentric father, Peggy's childhood is full of wonderful memories and summer camping trips - until the moment her life changes forever. What starts as a holiday adventure, becomes a journey of confusion and terror - where a wooden hut in the forest, a toy piano that makes music but no sound, and a mysterious stranger called Reuben, are the only things to ground her, As days stretch into weeks, and months into years, Peggy's story of survival will stretch your emotions to their limits.

At the end of the book, I found it hard to walk away from Peggy. I wanted to know where her life took her, how she copes with her past, and how the events of the book shape her future. Above all, I wish her well.

There's something magical about a child narrator when it's done right. And have no doubt this is one magical novel. Highly recommended.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: V.C Andrews, William Golding, Craig Silvey.

Avoid if you don’t like: Mistrust, betrayal and heart-rending children's stories.

Ideal accompaniments: Rabbit stew with oatmeal dumplings, washed down with nettle tea.

Genre: Literary Fiction.

The Skeleton Road (Audio) by Val McDermid

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: A cold case enquiry lead by DCI Karen Pirie, who is faced with the unenviable task of identifying a skeleton found with a bullet hole in its skull in a hidden part of the roof of one of Edinburgh’s disused tallest buildings.

With no DNA, fingerprints or witnesses to call on, only the latest and most in-depth technical procedures can be used to try to piece together tiny fragments of physical evidence found at the scene. Forensics put the time of death around 8-10 years ago, and rate the chances of identifying the corpse – let alone the killer – as one in a million.

But Karen Pirie is not a woman to admit defeat, and bit-by-painstaking-bit she recreates the life of the long-dead victim, using dental work as her initial guide. The journey takes her out of the comfort of her own country, firstly into the grandeur of the University city of Oxford, and then even further afield to Eastern Europe.

As the victim’s past catches up with the present, and age-old conflicts raise their heads, it appears Karen is not the only person seeking the same killer. But will she solve the case and get to person in time? With her own world consumed with personal problems, Karen is in a battle against time to save further deaths - all born from revenge and a long-forgotten conflict.

I'm a huge fan of Val McDermid's writing, both in terms of writing excellence and story content. This was another gripping page turner from start to finish which I'd highly recommend.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Ian Rankin, Peter James, Peter May.

Avoid if you don’t like: Cold cases, the Balkans, retribution and lies.

Ideal accompaniments: Stewed meat (locally caught) with rice and flatbread, washed down with vodka and apple juice.

Genre: Crime Fiction

Available from Amazon

Offshore by Ann Cleeves

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: I like to think I have a lot in common with crime writer, Ann Cleeves. Not only are we both crime writers, we both base our novels in rugged, remote wild coastlines. Ann preferring remote Scottish Isles or the North Sea coast, whilst I choose the beauty of North Wales and the island of Anglesey.

So when I heard Ann Cleeves had produced a short story collection titled ‘Offshore’ where every story was based on an island around the UK – obviously I had to have it!

I’m a huge fan of Ann’s writing and I’m addicted the television series of ‘Vera’ so I couldn’t wait to read her collection of shorts. Short story writing is an art all of its own, and there are some wonderful stories in this collection that show just how deep the author’s talents run.

In 'Stranded', set on Hilbre near Liverpool, a young man's first love vanishes. In 'Hector's Other Woman', on Holy Island, we meet a young Vera before she becomes DI Vera Stanhope, and discover how she decides to enter the police force. One of the stories, 'Postcard from Skokholm', is written by Lynne Chitty, winner of Pan Macmillan's Bello imprint's short story competition, who introduces Ann Cleeves' beloved characters George and Molly Palmer-Jones to new readers.

In every story, the author adeptly captures the sense of the location and brings it to life as part of an exciting crime story. I loved every single story and as it’s on promotion on Amazon for little more that a quid, it’s most definitely a quid well spent!

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Peter May.

Avoid if you don’t like: Remote islands and dark secrets.

Ideal accompaniments: Cheeseboard, fruit, and strong black coffee.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available from Amazon

Silent Scream by Angela Marsons

Reviewer : Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)


What we thought: There’s always a thrill when you read a new author for the first time, especially, for me, a new crime writer. I’d seen a lot of buzz online about Angela Marsons and so I had high hopes for Silent Scream – and I wasn’t disappointed.

A gripping opening to a fast-paced story, believable characters, clever plotline – and the prerequisite twists and turns that leave the reader unbalanced – added to a really enjoyable read.

This is the first book in a new detective series, which introduces us to the main character Detective Kim Stone. Kim has issues, as most good fictional detectives have, plus a troubled history which makes the hardness of her character seem very real. Although we touched on her past, we learn little about her present, so I look forward to seeing the character develop in subsequent books.

An abandoned children’s home set the scene for some grisly finds, and as I come from the edges of the ‘Black Country’ I was secretly delighted to find a book based in the area. The narrative was well told, and kept me gripped and guessing right to the end. The author fed in enough ‘red herrings’ that it could have been any of a number of suspects – that said I was satisfied with the ending and thought all of the loose ends were handled superbly.

The writing was of excellent quality, and I would highly recommend this to crime fans and really look forward to reading Evil Games (Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller series book 2) which will be published later this year.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Ann Cleeves, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid.

Avoid if you don’t like: Black Country accents and cold case thrillers.

Ideal accompaniments: Fish, chips and mushy peas washed down with a pint of Mild.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available from Amazon

The Magpies by Mark Edwards

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: This is a spooky house novel with a sinister theme. When young couple, Jamie and Kirsty, move into the flat of their dreams, it’s a perfect start to their life together. Even the neighbours seem nice and welcoming. But then there’s a gradual change in atmosphere. Dead rats on the doormat. Downstairs neighbours who dislike noise. And within months things take a sinister twist, and Jamie and Kirsty find themselves in real danger.

This is the first book I’ve read by Mark Edwards and I was impressed on many levels. He has a talent of twisting the dial, so that tension and fear levels are ratcheted up just a little at a time without you even noticing. As the drama increased, Edwards handled the breakdown of the main characters very well. It was almost painful to see the destruction of their relationship, and you read every page with mounting dread, almost unwilling to find out what happened next ... but unable to stop reading.

I also thought the characters worked really well. Jamie and Kirsty were solid, real, if a little unremarkable, as lead roles. And I liked how the supporting cast were given just enough peculiarities to always stay in the reader’s mind as potential suspects.

Often in psychological dramas, I find the ending something of a disappointment, almost as if the author has run out of ideas and steam once the climax is over. Here, all the loose ends and potential questions were answered, and I ended the book satisfied with the conclusion.

I really enjoyed this book. An interesting twist on a well documented storyline. Definitely one I’d recommend if you like tense thrillers.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Mark Billingham, Ian McEwan, Stephen King.

Avoid if you don’t like: Creepy neighbours, night time scares, intense drama.

Ideal accompaniments: Comfort food (chips or chocolate) and lots of vodka to settle your nerves

Genre: Thriller.

Available from Amazon

The Secret World of Christoval Alvarez by Ann Swinfen

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit and Crimson Shore. (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: This is the second novel I’ve read by this author, and I have to say yet again I have been impressed with both the writing and the storytelling.

Without giving away the ‘secret’ within the title, this was a wonderful tale of espionage and double-dealing in sixteenth century London. Having mostly read about royalty and Tudor exploits, it was very enjoyable to immerse myself in the lower classes of London life, and see how the real people coped with life in the city at that time. It is 1586 and the country is alive with plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I and put the Scots Queen, Mary, on the throne. No one is safe, and no one can be trusted.

Christoval is a superb lead character, excelling in languages and code-breaking, soon drawn in to the world of counter espionage. By taking us by the hand and opening our eyes to the new experiences faced around every corner, the reader feels part of the story as it unwinds. A new country, new language, new career might be enough for most of us to handle – but that is only the start for Christoval upon settling in the UK. And once under the wing of the Queen’s advisors, instead of feeling safe, Christoval found they were faced with even great dangers.

I loved the language also, and enjoyed learning a lot about the period in history – the diseases and living conditions were real eye openers. Ann Swinfen is a talented writer, who rarely disappoints. Her use of language, attention to detail and obvious prolific research bring whatever period she describes to life. This book is no exception and is a real credit to her skills.

I came to the final page of this book disappointed that it had ended, and ended on a huge twist too! There are another four books so far in the series, and I very much look forward to spending more time soon in Christoval’s world.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Philippa Gregory, Hilary Mantel.

Avoid if you don’t like: Historical fiction. London. Espionage.

Ideal accompaniments: Roasted mutton with cabbage, and a tankard of real ale.

Genre: Historical Fiction.

Available from Amazon

Runaway by Peter May (audiobook narrated by Peter Forbes)

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit and Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: I should start this review by saying that I’ve never read a Peter May novel that I didn’t fall in love with. The Lewis Trilogy was wonderful, and Entry Island totally captivating. So, it’s no surprise if I tell you that Runaway was another top class novel.

Split between two storylines / two contrasting runaway journeys. 1965 and a group of Glasgow lads, who call themselves ‘The Shuffle’, run away to London with their band to find fame and fortune. Inspired by new group The Beatles, they feel sure London will present them with every opportunity that their home city failed to deliver.

Switch now to 2015 and the same group of now elderly men find themselves repeating the trip – but this time for very different reasons – with a very different end goal.

Each journey is eventful and entertaining in its own right. May handles the split time frame to perfection. He brings London’s Sixties’ music scene to life in vivid technicolour, and also manages to raise a multitude of social issues in his writing, not least societies view, and treatment of, the elderly.

Told mainly through the eyes of band guitarist, Jack, Runaway is a crime novel covering fifty years of friendships and shattered dreams, set against the backdrop of two unique and contrasting cities at two unique and contrasting periods of recent history.

And it has an edge of the seat twist that reminds you what a talented author Peter May is. If you don’t end this novel with a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, go read 50 Shades of Something.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Ann Cleeves, Peter Robinson, Ian Rankin.

Avoid if you don’t like: Glasgow, London, Swinging Sixties, Crime fiction.

Ideal accompaniments: Greasy-spoon full English breakfast and cheap lager.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available from Amazon

Death on the Aegean Queen by Maria Hudgins

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: Dotsy Lamb is a lovable crime fighter in the style of Miss Marple or Agatha Raisin – but with a sharp eye and a Tennessee drawl that leaves her compatriots in the shade. This was the first novel I’d read by this author, and have to say I found it a pleasant experience.

There are no high emotions in this genre, but there are a satisfying amount of twists and turns by a bunch of interesting, in-depth characters that kept me gripped until the final chapters. The death of car salesman, George Gaskill, who disappears leaving only a pool of blood and a cryptic note, is the start of Dotsy Lamb's adventures. As a personal bonus for me, the descriptions of the stunning locations added another layer of interest to the writing, and I particularly loved the scenes set on the island of Santorini.

Cruise liner, the Aegean Queen is the setting for a double murder, or so it seems. A cast of slightly dodgy characters with more skeletons in their closets than a medieval churchyard, the story weaves around missing antiquities and revenge for past sins.

I found the ending really worked, and every box was ticked to give a satisfactory conclusion. This book is probably not for you if you like high-action and gore, or dark and complex, and although I shudder at the over-used term of ‘cosy crime’ there is a comfortable feel here that carried me though the novel in the author’s capable hands.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Agatha Christie, MC Beaton and Greek isles.

Avoid if you don’t like: Whodunnit-style mysteries and razor-sharp female amateur detectives.

Ideal accompaniments: Feta cheese salad, with olives and balsamic vinegar, followed by a couple of glasses of ouzo.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available from Amazon.

The King's Curse (Audiobook) by Philippa Gregory

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit & Crimson Shore (www.gillianhamer.com)

Audiobook narrated by Bianca Amato.

What we thought: I’m a big fan of Philippa Gregory’s books, and think I’ve probably learnt more about Henry VIII and the history of the Tudors from her than I did from many years of schooling! However, it’s been more than a year since I last read any of her work, and since then I’ve fallen in love with Hilary Mantel, so I did wonder if her writing would still grip me. I needn’t have worried.

The King’s Curse is written from an original POV – that of Margaret Pole, daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, one of the few surviving members of the Plantagenet dynasty after the Wars of the Roses. In previous Tudor novels, including Mantel’s, Margaret has been a bit-part, hidden in the shadows of Queen Katherine or Princess Mary. Here, she takes front stage, and her story is as thrilling and brave as any of the female leads to come before her.

She was Lady of Ludlow during the period Arthur, Prince of Wales, took his new, young bride to live there. Having accepted a marriage, any marriage, following her family's defeat in the Civil War, Margaret Pole was at her lowest ebb. However, she made one very important decision in life when, after Arthur’s early death, she chose to stand by, and support, Katherine of Aragon. That decision dictated her life path, and bought her riches, power – and sorrow.

I loved the audiobook version of this novel, and think the narrator did a wonderful job in bringing the strength of Margaret Pole to life through the trials and tribulations of her life. Gregory’s writing may not have such flowing, charismatic prose as Mantel’s – but her gift for storytelling is her one true strength. I was immersed in the story, location and period in history – and you can ask for nothing more from historical fiction.

It won’t be another year before I read the next Philippa Gregory.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Religion, Royalty, warring families ... or anything Tudor.

Avoid if you don’t like: Henry VIII, infidelity, power-mad men and women, executions ... or anything Tudor.

Ideal accompaniments: A tankard of mulled ale and silver plate of sliced roast oxen.

Genre: Historical Fiction.

Available from Amazon/Audible here.

The Woods by Harlan Coben

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit, Crimson Shore. (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: This was my first Harlan Coben read and it’s always a joy to meet a writer you know you are going to re-visit time and again.

The book was one of those rare gems for me. An ‘unputdownable’ novel that had a superb balance of strong characterisation, excellent crime storyline, and an added level of humour that brought the novel to life. Some of the one-liners from lead protagonist, Paul ‘Cope’ Copeland made me laugh out loud.

All of his characters are very strong, likeable, three-dimensional and believable. There are also lots of them! Even the bit-part players were great, I particularly enjoyed his relationship with coroner, Tara O’Neill, who I think should have played a much bigger role!

As well as a complex crime story, there’s a nice echo of romance here too. Primarily about re-discovering a lost love. How many of us have wondered what became of our very first love and how would we feel if we met up again? Would we fall in love again or would the spark have died? These are questions dealt with extensively in The Woods, and it's rich material that’s handled well.

But it's also a love story in terms of family. Virtually every character in this book does something inconceivable in order to protect a family member. Good and bad. This is something that seems to be are the core of Coben's thoughts and he projects the intensity of emotion very well. Relationships are at the very heart of The Woods and it makes for some heart-thumping moments.

The Woods is an excellent piece of writing, and I am now biting at the bit to read everything he's ever written. Yet more to add to the TBR pile!

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Jeffrey Deaver, Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter.

Avoid if you don’t like: Dark crimes and gritty storylines

Ideal accompaniments: A steak burger and a cold lager.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available from Amazon