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< Back J Paul Rieger Jr Clonk! A refreshing and entertaining take on the detective genre. Clonk! by author J Paul Rieger Jr is a dark detective comedy novel about a group of high school friends and social misfits, who meet at Ignatius High School. The story takes place in Baltimore from the mid-1990s to 2020, and follows the friends journey from graduation through to middle age, as they continue to support one another through good and bad times. The main character, Kev Dixit, joined the Baltimore City Police Force and after several failed attempts, was promoted to Detective. A dedicated family man, and a shrewd but unorthodox cop, Kev is the glue that keeps the friends together. Kev and his detective partner, Dinetta Laurence, are investigating the murder of a local artist in Roland Park. With few clues, the pressure to close the case is intense. Can one of her own paintings solve the mystery of her murder? Meanwhile, classmates and real estate businessmen Lou Ricciti and Pete Palanzo find themselves embroiled in a fraudulent scheme with some unsavoury characters. Kev is reluctant to get involved, but forced to step in when things get out of hand. Chris Waxley, an actor, who everyone thinks is gay, but isn’t, is helping another classmate, undertaker Brian (the Troll), to stop his meddling parents interfering in his love life, by pretending to be in a relationship with him. Clonk! is an exceptional crime detective novel, with a fusion of mystery and dark comedy. The clever juxtapositioning of dark and comedic elements will keep readers thoroughly engaged. Kev Dixit is an endearing crime detective, and the supporting, eccentric cast, adds to the comedic charm. Clonk! captures the essence of lifelong friendships, and the camaraderie and banter amongst the friends brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to the characters. Spanning multiple timelines, the plot unfolds slowly, keeping readers guessing to the very end. Clonk! offers a refreshing and entertaining take on the detective genre. If you’re a fan of detective stories and enjoy dark humor, you will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Clonk! captures the essence of lifelong friendships, while delivering a satisfying and unforgettable mystery. Purchase here

< Back S. Graham Vacant A chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, by author S. Graham. Becca and Mitch, and their two young boys Connor and Logan, are searching for a new home in Dallas, Texas. Mitch moves frequently with his job and the family have relocated several times over the years. Becca is hoping this next move will be the last, and the family can finally settle down in the Texas country. They think they have found the perfect vacant house, on a community with an outdoor pool, parks, and a golf course. The house is ideal for their growing family, but on the first viewing, Becca senses something isn’t quite right. Nevertheless, the couple sign the papers for 1220 Greenway Close and the family move in shortly after. Becca and Mitch soon discover that the house is not so perfect after all, and requires a lot of work to make the house safe and bring it up to scratch. But Becca has even greater worries, she feels a presence in the house and witnesses paranormal activity. Mitch is sceptical and offers a rational explanation, but as the paranormal activity escalates, the couple fear for their own safety and the safety of their boys. When Becca and Mitch finally learn the truth about the peculiar house, they discover the house was never vacant, and they have inadvertently disturbed a furious and troubled occupant. Vacant by S. Graham is a chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, inspired by true life events. The novel is simple, concise, easy to follow, and easy to read. It is a shorter read, at just over 200 pages, and perfect for young adult readers or readers new to this genre. The book is a real page turner and jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. I was gripped throughout, and the twist at the end was a real shocker! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A horror novel, inspired by true life events, jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Andrew Houlston The Pagalan Chronicles: Book 2 Finding Denesthear Book blurb... In this second volume of The Pagalan Chronicles, readers follow Morganuke as he faces the challenging task of finding his birthplace. Exhausted from his experiences and the knowledge of his association with the strange and secretive Patronese, he is forced to come to terms with his origins. His continuing journey will uncover the terrifying secrets of Denesthear; a place where no-one dare go. As Morganuke and his friends continue their quest, Denesthear's dark history unfolds, explaining how the current world of Pagalan has been shaped and how the ancient civilization within holds sway on its outcome. Purchase here

< Back J. F. Cronin It Could Happen Here - A Roadmap to Disaster The President of the United States, and his wealthy cronies, will stop at nothing to retain power. It Could Happen Here – A Roadmap to Disaster is a political fiction novel by author J.F. Cronin, about corruption in the highest state of office in the United States. The President, Wilbur Barron, calls Eric King, the wealthy CEO of International Surveillance, Security and Construction (ISSAC), requesting his expertise in planning an election strategy. Eric is a trusted associate of the President, and he often takes on jobs that are unadvertised, sometimes shady, and often secretive. The President is insecure, and he praises dictators who have inherited their positions. He knows he is going to have a hard time winning the next election and will stop at nothing to succeed and retain power. Eric meets with the President, and two other wealthy advisers, and they discuss how to discredit the opposition in the upcoming election campaign, the potential impact on the presidency of a new contagious virus that is spreading across the world, and the introduction of mail-in ballots. They consider a legal strategy to overturn the election in the event of a loss, and the use of military, if required. King is incredulous, but he weighs up his concerns about the democratic process and decides that money and power are more important to him. Will the wealthy, elite keep Barron in office? And how will they respond if he loses the election? It Could Happen Here – A Roadmap to Disaster, is a gripping political drama about a president, who will stop at nothing to retain power. The president and his wealthy cronies, hungry for money and power, develop a sinister plan to keep him in office. Cronin writes ‘ They were all that stood between democracy and anarchy’ . Their plan, if successful would damage the electoral process and destroy democracy in the United States. This is a well written, believable and convincing political drama, with many similarities to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Cronin questions whether it could happen in the United States. It is terrifying to think it could. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A believable and gripping political drama about a president who will stop at nothing to retain power. Not to be missed. Purchase here

< Back C James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet Sadie Sasquatch finds a sporting match. Sadie Sasquatch loves going to school and learning new things. She loves story time, and arts and crafts, and she especially enjoys nap time. But her favourite time is recess! She loves to climb and jump, swing and slide, spin and play. But, as a sasquatch (bigfoot) sometimes Sadie’s big feet get in the way. They get tangled in the skipping rope, smudge the chalk on the hopscotch board, and get in the way when she plays basketball. Sadie’s friends are not happy, and Sadie is sad they do not want to play with her anymore. Over in the field, Sadie notices a group of friends playing kickball and joins in. But when she is picked last for the team, Sadie thinks it is because of her big feet. When it is her time to kick, Sadie grits her teeth and kicks the ball as far as she can. She lands a home run and helps her team win the game. As Sadie teaches her dad her new skills, she soon realises kickball is the perfect sport for a little (and big) sasquatch. Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet by C. James Sweeney is part of a book series about a little sasquatch and her adventures at school. Sadie is different from the other children, and sometimes feels like an outsider. In this book, Sadie realises that her big feet are not great for many activities. However, they do not stop her from joining in and having fun. As she tries lots of different activities, she joins a group of friends playing Kickball. Sadie learns that she has unique skills, and finally finds an activity that she likes and is good at. The book teaches children important life lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of harnessing one’s own strengths. It reminds children that it is okay to be different, and it will encourage children to find an activity that is a good match for their own unique qualities and talents. It will help to develop inner-strength and confidence amongst young readers. Sadie is a cute, funny, and relatable character, and her story and school experiences will resonate with many young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book about a little sasquatch who finds her confidence and skills-match on the kickball field. Purchase here

< Back Terry Ray King Deathly Vision Book blurb... Dean Malcolm begins to experience troubling premonitions from his brief death following a shooting at his workplace in New York City. These premonitions alert him to impending tragedies that will occur to others around him, which he struggles to understand. His journey of self-discovery leads him to confront his abilities and the impact they have on his life and the lives of others. Each vision leaves him feeling more isolated and desperate to find a way to change the fate of those he sees in danger. He moved to the Outer Banks where he meets a beautiful Hispanic woman named Amelia Lopez who has her own minor premonitions. She begins to provide emotional support for Dean and begins walking through each premonition at his side. A psychiatrist named Doctor Ascott pressures Dean to visit his Psychiatric facility to allow him to expose Dean to some unconventional and possible dangerous testing to understand what is causing Deans premonitions. Dean receives an offer from Alberto Black, who wants to recruit him and Amelia to work together in a team of individuals with special abilities to help solve crimes. This opportunity presents a chance for Dean to use his premonitions for good, but it also raises concerns about their safety and the nature of their work. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall Lucy and Her Unicorn Get a Sparkle Puppy Can Lucy and her best friend, Twinkle the Unicorn, show they are responsible dog owners? Lucy and her best friend, Twinkle the Unicorn, are going to get a new puppy from the dog shelter. The pair have been working hard to show Lucy’s parents they can be responsible dog owners, making sure they make their beds and clean up after themselves. When they arrive at the dog shelter, they meet a sparkly, Sparkle Spaniel puppy. Lucy is convinced Sparkle Spaniel is the one and convinces her mom to adopt the puppy. They take the puppy home and name her Zoey. Lucy and Twinkle soon realise that looking after a puppy is hard work and requires lots of patience, training and love. They play with her, and take her for a walk, but when they start to clean up their room, they discover the gate is open and Zoey is missing. They search everywhere, but Zoey is nowhere to be found. Eventually they find Zoey and Lucy has an idea to open up a Sparkle Spaniel Training School, to give Zoey the training and love she deserves. Lucy and Her Unicorn Get a Sparkle Puppy is a fun and sparkly picture book by author Ashley Wall about Lucy and Twinkle the Unicorn’s adventures with a new puppy, Zoey. While puppies look cute and are lots of fun, they are demanding and require lots of patience. Lucy and Twinkle must learn quickly to become responsible dog owners, and give Zoey the love, training and attention she needs to be a happy and healthy puppy. With lots of practical guidance for junior dog owners, and more than a handful of glitter and sparkle, this is a fun and entertaining picture book for readers who love imaginative stories, animals and adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and sparkly picture book for girls and boys who love unicorns, puppies and anything that glitters. Simply, sparkle-tastic! Purchase here

< Back Lynne Golodner Cave of Secrets Eve, a Jewish American research student working at the National Archives of Scotland, is hiking through the forests around Loch Lomond. When she shelters from the rain in a cave, she finds a leather-bound satchel half buried in the dirt. Inside the satchel are letters written by a woman named Shira to her lover, Benjamin. Eve suspects the letters are from the mid-nineteenth century and takes them home for safe keeping. Returning back from the walk, she stops by at a local pub and meets the owner, Mac, the son of a wealthy landowner, the Earl of Monteith. Eve and Mac develop a romantic relationship and fall deeply in love. Meanwhile, Eve and her boss at the National Archives find more letters hidden in a trunk deep inside the cave. They uncover shocking evidence about Shira Levenson-Macalaster, the wealthiest woman in Great Britain in the 1870s, who was married to the Prime Minister of Great Britain. As Eve continues her research, she finds a connection between the Macalaster family and Mac’s family, the Montieth’s. The revelations could damage the reputation of the Monteith family and the whole of the British aristocracy. When Mac’s mother discovers that Eve is planning to write a book about her research, she will stop at nothing to keep the family secrets hidden. Cave of Secrets by Lynne Golodner is a captivating novel about an ambitious American woman who discovers the dark family secrets of a British aristocratic family. While in the midst of her research, she meets a charming Scotsman who quickly sweeps her off her feet. As their relationship develops, a family mystery slowly unravels. With an atmospheric backdrop of sweeping landscapes, rugged terrain, and cosy pubs, the book transports readers to the idyllic Scottish countryside and the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The novel seamlessly blends the past and present, as Eve’s research threatens to shatter the pristine image of the British aristocracy. Golodner accomplishes her goal of addressing serious topics, such as homophobia, antisemitism, social class and power in a heart-warming and engaging romance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful and touching tale of love, loss, and family, set in the atmospheric Scottish highlands. Purchase here

< Back Heather Mateus Sappenfield The River Between Hearts A young girls’ American Dream is thwarted when her family is deported, by author Heather Mateus Sappenfield Ten-year-old Rill Kruse reluctantly follows her cat to Fort Kruse, the tree house built by her father. Fort Kruse is a special place for Rill and the Kruse family, but she hasn’t visited since her father went missing over a year ago, following a kayaking accident on the Colorado river. Krill refuses to accept her father is gone, and believes he is lost somewhere down the river and will return home safely one day. As she enters the tree house, Krill is surprised to see a young girl, about the same age as her, hiding out in the tree house. She recognises the girl, but when she tries to approach her, the girl runs away. Rill eventually catches up with the girl, and learns her name is Perla. Perla is a Mexican immigrant, whose family have been caught by immigration services, taken into custody, and sent back to Mexico. Rill befriends Perla and allows Perla to hide out in the tree house. She brings her clothing, a sleeping bag, and food to eat, and helps her to write a letter to her family in Mexico. The two girls become good friends and Rill learns more about Perla’s family, their difficult life in Mexico, and their treacherous journey to the United States. As Rill comforts Perla, she starts to think about the loss of her own father, and slowly begins to accept that he will never return home. The River Between Hearts is a heartfelt, emotional novel for middle grade readers about two young girls, from different countries and different cultures, who share similar experiences of loss and grief. Despite their cultural differences, and some language barriers, the girls realise they share many things in common, and develop a close friendship. The book deals with difficult socio-political issues, such as death, illegal immigration, deportation and discrimination, in a way that young people will understand and relate to. Whilst the book deals with difficult issues, it is a wonderful story of love, friendship, compassion, hope and courage. A great novel for middle grade readers, but would also appeal to teens and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt, emotional novel for middle grade readers about two young girls who find a connection through unimaginable loss. Purchase here

The Christmas Trials < Back William Carroll The Christmas Trials Book blurb... When seventeen-year-old Morgan is unexpectedly summoned to the North Pole, she discovers she's been chosen to compete in the ancient trials to become the next Santa Claus. As she faces magical challenges and rival candidates from around the world, Morgan learns that the true test isn't about power or perfection, but about about kindness, courage, and the quiet strength that has always lived inside her. Purchase here

< Back Pearl Allen Andree Maud and Pearl: The Matriarch and the Odyssey Maud and Pearl: The Matriarch and the Odyssey is a deeply personal and comprehensive family memoir that spans multiple generations, offering a vivid portrayal of the lives of Stella Maud Allen, her youngest daughter Pearl, and their extended family. The narrative begins with Maud’s early life in late 19th-century Oklahoma, her marriage to Ezekiel Allen, and their struggles as pioneers and farmers during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. It highlights Maud’s resilience, faith, and dedication to raising her nine children amidst poverty and loss, showcasing her ability to create beauty and unity through her passion for quilting. The memoir is divided into two parts: the first focuses on the Allen family’s history, including their migration westward and their experiences in Oklahoma, Arizona, and California. It provides a rich historical context, touching on significant events like World War II and the Great Depression, and delves into the family’s efforts to overcome adversity and build a better life. The second part shifts to Pearl’s life, detailing her upbringing, education, and marriages to Jimmy Goggin and later Bill Andree. Pearl’s reflections on her blended family’s life in the 1960s and beyond are filled with humor, tragedy, and triumph, capturing the essence of family bonds, personal struggles, and the challenges of blending families. The narrative also explores the Andree family’s time in Australia, where they lived for several years. The memoir is enriched with anecdotes, photographs, sketches, and family trees, providing depth and visual context to the stories. It also includes reflections from various family members, offering multiple perspectives and adding layers to the narrative. Pearl’s writing is introspective and heartfelt, blending humor with candid accounts of sensitive topics such as divorce, loss, and mental health. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and heartfelt memoir of family and faith, love and loss. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven A wonderful adaptation of a medieval French fairy-tale, by Jennifer Ivy Walker Fourteen-year-old Issylte, the Emerald Princess of Ireland, is forced to flee her home, when her father, King Donnchadh of Ireland, marries Princess Morag of Scotland. Queen Morag, unable to conceive a child of her own and fearful of the heirs’ future claim to the throne, orders her death. Issylte is lured into the forest, but she is spared from death by two loyal guards. She is taken to the enchanted Hazelwood Forest, where she is sheltered by Maiwenn, a wizened witch, and the forest fairies. Issylte’s identity is hidden and she lives an idyllic life, where she learns how to wield the herbal essences of the forest and develops her powers of healing. After several years living in Hazelwood, Issylte’s true identity is discovered. Queen Morag is furious to learn the princess is alive and sends an army to find and kill her. Issylte is forced to flee again, leaving behind her dear Maiwenn, who is brutally murdered by the Queens army. Issylte finds sanctuary on the mystical island of Avalon, with Maiwenn’s friend and mother of Lancelot, Viviane. Her identity is changed once again and Issylte becomes an acolyte and gifted healer. She meets and falls in love with Ronan, an Avalonian Elf. When Queen Morag’s army savagely attacks the Kingdom of Cornwall, the Blue Knight of Cornwall and heir to the Cornish Crown, Tristan, is severely injured and sent to Avalon for treatment and recovery. Issylte heals Tristan and discovers a deep and powerful connection with the warrior. Queen Morag, now betrothed to the King of Cornwall following her murder of King Donnchadh, learns of Issylte’s and Tristen’s location on the protected Isle. She sends her army to kill both Issylte and Tristen, as the heirs to the Irish and Cornish crowns. Issylte must decide whether to leave the safety of Avalon and her beloved Ronan, or flee with Tristan to France, avenge her father’s death and become the rightful Queen of Ireland. The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a sensational, well-crafted, medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. The novel is an adaptation of a medieval French classic, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense. This novel will captivate and enthral readers from the outset. I was fully immersed in this wonderful story and invested in the two main characters, whose lives and journeys are seamlessly interwoven in this beautiful magical, fantasy world. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational, well-crafted, fantasy fiction novel, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense. Purchase here