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< Back Gail Grant Park We Are Shadows An Irish Ghost Story Three sisters use unconventional methods to solve mysteries of the past. We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story, follows three siblings, twins Moira and Deirdre Gallagher , and their younger sister Nuala. Moira has had a special connection with the Otherworld ever since her best friend died in a tragic car accident when she was just five years old. A month after her friend’s death, Moira was visited by her spirit. Soon, she was visited by the spirits of other dearly departed loved ones, including her own grandmother, Brigid. Brigid watches over her grandchildren closely and guides them through life. To capitalise on this extraordinary gift, Moira and Deidre set up Gallagher Investigations, a detective agency to investigate paranormal activity and solve mysteries of the past. Soon, the twins are joined by their younger sister Nuala, and together the sisters investigate cold cases utilising unconventional methods. Each sister has a unique gift. As well as Moira’s ability to talk with the dead, Deirdre has many connections in the world of law and herbal medicine, and Nuala has a passion and knack for dreamwork. When they are contacted by a man named Séan Kennedy to help him solve the mystery of his family’s past, the sisters agree to take on the case. The case opens up a whole new world of dark spirits and haunted homes, and exposes the sisters to evil forces from the Otherworld. We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story by author Gail Grant Park is a thrilling and captivating mystery novel, with a paranormal twist and a cast of strong female characters. The book is divided into four connecting parts with each part written as a short story, making this an accessible and easy to read collection for adults and younger audiences too. The main characters are beautifully developed. Each sibling has her own unique gift, and distinct personality and character. I particularly liked the strong bond between the sisters. I also enjoyed the Irish dialogue and the addition of the Irish proverbs, which capture the beautiful Irish language, lilt, and lore. Overall, a wonderful read, full of suspense with many unexpected twists and turns. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery, drama, suspense, and paranormal stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: The past and present collide, in this absorbing paranormal cosy mystery. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2022: Best Children's Book Age 3 to 7 Ron Keres The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard Marta Almansa Esteva Nurse Bear Does First Aid Angela Delf Trixie Bixby and Her 66 Pairs of Socks Linda Harkey Chatty the Hen Pheasant: Travels with the Pack Charlene McIver Medieval Mashup Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Ron Keres It's Not That 'Big a Deal' JB Van Cleave PTSDragon Alan Claycomb Maisley's Moon Brett Gunning & Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Two Julia Coldicott Just Being Fred Amy Lee Westervelt The Colors Inside of Me Joe Burud AJ and the Bouncing Ball Jessica Wendi Abel The Little Blue Rocket Ship Charlene McIver Squishy Sand Deborah Wade Always In Your Heart Leah Ingledew Meowl! Billy Baldwin Orbit's Monster Nebula Anna Kutishcheva Jake and Nick's Spooky Fall Leah Ingledew Where's My Shell? Deanna Chesley What If We Had A Pet Shark? Janet Lau The Little Grey Pig: A Story About Self-Confidence Michelle Medlock Adams Dachshund Through the Snow Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd Mighty Mara Mariam Latifi A to Z of Mini Muslims Tracey Lear Eli’s Story What Makes Me, ME! Mr Z The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree Joanne Russo Insull Sarah and the Crows Clean Up

< Back Lachlan Pirie The Resolution A dark, psychological thriller by debut author Lachlan Pirie Daniel Rodrigues is serving time in the Wolston Correctional Centre in Wacol for causing grievous bodily harm to his wife, Janet. It is his third prison sentence, and he has been incarcerated for thirty years in total, for numerous assaults on his wife. Janet visits Daniel in prison and he attacks her again, and threatens to kill her. His desire to kill his wife, has morphed into a chronic, cyclic obsession. Another prison inmate, Jonathon (Jon) Little, is an ex-lawyer, who was convicted of defrauding his wife of five million dollars. When his wife, Kay, serves Jon his divorce papers in prison, he is enraged. Daniel first meets Jon when he is transferred to his prison cell in Wolston, and the pair concoct an elaborate plan to kill their wives. Jon’s experience as a criminal lawyer, leads him to believe he has the perfect ‘murder exchange’ strategy. The plan involves each prisoner killing the others wife, while the husband is out of the country and has a solid alibi. There is no money involved, just a pact between two fellow inmates and disgruntled husbands. Their only ‘reward is purely their own satisfaction’ . When both inmates are released on parole, they set out to complete the task. But can each prisoner really trust their fellow inmate? And will each man fulfil their murderous pact? The Resolution by Lachlan Pirie is a dark, psychological thriller about a couple of disturbed prison inmates who plan to murder each other’s wives when they are released from prison. Written in the third-person point of view, alongside a collection of excerpts taken from the personal journal written by Daniel Rodriguez’s alternate personality Tinkler Rodriguez. The journal provides a narrative on the events the happen following Daniel’s/Tinkler’s release from prison. This is such a unique concept, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The characters are very well developed – vile, but at the same time, intriguing. The plot is clever, intricate and fast moving. The writing is excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the alternating perspectives of the main characters . There is a big unexpected twist at the end, which will make you question every little detail in book. Totally unexpected. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever and complex psychological thriller. I couldn't put this compelling debut down. ​ Purchase here

< Back Julia Brewer Daily ;The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret A modern Texas ranch has an ancient secret. Twenty-two-year-old Emma Rosales has trained all of her life to take over ‘The Thorn’, a million-acre ranch in Texas. As sole heir to the property, Emma is ready to take over the property after recently graduating from college with a degree in veterinary medicine. Emma is fierce and headstrong, and follows in a long line of strong, female matriarchs. However, she is disheartened to learn that her boyfriend is more in love with the ranch than he is with her. While her parents, Josie and John, are out of the country on a trip to Europe, Emma decides to explore the vast ranch on her horse, Honey-Boy. But, when Honey-Boy falls and breaks a leg, she is forced to put him down. She takes shelter in a cave and discovers a group of people living there. The ‘People’ have been completely isolated from the modern world, and they live a primitive but peaceful life. Afraid that Emma might reveal their secret, they hold her captive in the secret cave. While her distraught parents search frantically for their missing daughter, Emma has an important decision to make. Will she try to escape and return to her beloved parents? Or will she live with the ‘People’ and remain hidden in the cave forever? The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch: A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret, by author Julia Brewer Daily, is a gripping adventure and romance novel set in the Texas wilderness. This is a unique and imaginative novel, with many twists and turns. Beautifully written, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters, the book will appeal to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, adventure stories and romance. I particularly enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the two primary characters, Emma, and her mother Josie. With vivid descriptions of Texas, the book captures the breath-taking beauty and the vastness of the Lone Star State. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping adventure, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters. ​ Purchase here

< Back Carol Amorosi Death on the Line A classic murder mystery, by debut author Carol Amorosi In 1763, a young Scot named Angus MacKay was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to work as an apprentice on a ground-breaking surveying project, to define the border between the American colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania, using new technologies. The border had been fiercely contested for many years, and the King had ordered British surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to resolve the issue once and for all. Angus sells everything he owns and sets sail from London to America, in search of a better life in the colonies. But during the ten-week journey, he notices some suspicious activity between a sailor and a crewman, as they secretly exchange a package. Arriving in Philadelphia, Angus notices the same sailor exchanging packages with another man, and senses something is not quite right. The surveying team leave Philadelphia and travel towards the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland, where Angus befriends Susquehannock Natives, Running Bear and Gray Wolf. But during their journey, the team hears news of brutal attacks on the Conestoga, a Native American tribe, and Angus notices the team are being followed by a one-armed man. But when Angus stumbles over a dead body, he becomes the prime murder suspect. Desperate to clear his name, Angus must do everything he can, to learn the truth and find the killer. Death on the Line is a thrilling murder mystery, and the first book in The MacKay Mysteries historical fiction series. Extensively researched, and based on real events cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book provides a fascinating insight into colonial America and the experiences of the Native Americans and the early settlers. With wonderful descriptions of the landscape, rich characterisation with authentic dialogue, and a unique and gripping plot, this is an excellent book and will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling murder mystery, extensively researched, and cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. ​ Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Whole Truth Dahlia Frost returns in this gripping second instalment, by author DF Kennedy. The Whole Truth is the second book in a series from author DF Kennedy, which follows on where the first book, The Truth, ended. Following her kidnapping in Scotland, pregnant Dahlia returns home to rebuild her life with her fiancé, Roland. Dahlia suspects her stepfather Bob was involved in her kidnapping, and confronts him at his home, threatening to kill him. With Roland away at a movie premier, Dahlia calls her ex-husband, Daniel, for support. There is an altercation at the river, when they find Bob in a boat with her mother, Sylvia. Bob is reported missing when his boat washes up on the bank, empty. Sylvia is rushed to hospital with a suspected brain bleed, brought on by ongoing health issues, the stress of Bob’s disappearance and recent revelations in Dahlia’s autobiographical novel. Meanwhile, as Dahlia tries to settle into her new home with Roland, she finds a letter in her mother’s possessions with the real identity of her birth father. When Bob’s dead body is found in the river with a bullet wound, the scene bears an uncanny resemblance to the death of Dahlia’s father, many years ago. While Roland is away, Daniel visits Dahlia in the hope of a reconciliation. When Dahlia turns down his advances, Daniel threatens to tell the police that she killed Bob, unless she leaves Roland and tells him the baby is not his. Dahlia plays along and attempts to leave Roland, but when Roland’s life is put in danger, she finally reveals the truth. Daniel informs the police and Dahlia is arrested and taken in for questioning. The murder weapon is found with Dahlias fingerprints. The police interrogate Dahlia and review her autobiography, finding a compelling motive for his murder. The Whole Truth by DF Kennedy is a gripping psychological thriller, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The second book in the series, this novel explores further the relationships between the main characters, and their backstories. This is a captivating novel, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. The book had me gripped from start to finish. There are a number of clues and key pieces of evidence featured throughout the book, but I still have no idea where this book will end! I cannot wait for the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping psychological thriller, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. ​ Purchase here

< Back Leslie Kain Secrets In The Mirror A moving novel about a dysfunctional family, by author Leslie Kain Secrets in the Mirror is a psychological drama about the DiMasi family, parents Tony and Colleen, and mirror twin brothers, Devon Umberto and Gavin O’Malley. While the twins look alike, they are very different. ‘Devious Devon’, the older twin by ten minutes, is arrogant and has a rebellious streak. Whereas ‘Goodie Gavin’ is quiet, sensible and sensitive. He dreams of becoming a chef and making a better life for himself. Gavin is ridiculed and tormented by Devon, and bullied by his father, who favours the first-born twin. Tony considers Gavin weak, but still expects him to look out for his older brother. Tony has connections to the mob, and is resentful of his wife, who has a PhD. At the twins sixteenth birthday party, Devon gets drunk and steals a friend’s car. He is seriously injured in a car crash and diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Following the accident, Devon spirals out of control and is drawn into a life of drugs and crime, causing his mother and Gavin significant distress. He takes over the family business and puts everyone’s life in danger when he gets involved with the mob. Gavin leaves the family and vows never to return, but he can't hide from his brother forever. Secrets in the Mirror is a thrilling, drama about a dysfunctional family and the habits they develop over many years. Author Leslie Kain pulls no punches, and dives into the ugly, complicated layers of domestic violence, abuse, addiction and co-dependency. The book follows the twins from their teenage years, through to adulthood, and explores the vicious cycle of abuse and the enduring impact on family relationships. This is a tense, dark, psychological drama that is as hard to take in, as it is difficult to put down. If you enjoy gritty family dramas, you will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling family psychological drama that explores the vicious cycle of abuse and the enduring impact on family relationships. ​ Purchase here

< Back Lukman Clark The Alexandria Scrolls Brandon Blakes’s exploration into past life regression hypnosis takes him on a journey to ancient Egypt, by author Lukman Clark Brandon Blake’s parents died unexpectedly when he was a young boy. He grew up with his loving Aunt Grace, who treated him like her own son, but Brandon always felt there was something missing from his life. He had strange visions and memories he couldn’t understand or explain, and attempted hypnotherapy to help shed light on these inexplicable experiences. During a session of past life regression hypnosis in Bel Aire, Los Angeles, with Dr Clara d’Uccelli, Brandon discovers the lost scrolls of Hypatia of Alexandria, hidden in a cave in Libya. On waking from the hypnosis, Brandon decides to travel to Haua Fteah Cave in the Green Mountain region of Libya to retrieve the scrolls and find proof of his past life. Clara feels a deep connection to Brandon’s vision, and supports him on his journey to retrieve the scrolls. Brandon arrives in Libya, and apart from a brief encounter with a group of fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq, he retrieves the scrolls with relative ease. He flies to Malta, and spends the following months translating the scrolls under the close supervision of the doctor. As Brandon and Clara’s relationship grows intimate, the scrolls are stolen by Brandon’s girlfriend, Julia, who tries to sell them to the highest bidder. Clara reveals that she knew his mother from the time she worked as a trainee therapist, and his mother had experienced past life memories shortly after Brandon’s conception. Returning home, Brandon seeks answers from his Aunt Grace and his mothers’ therapist, Dr. Charlotte Bourne. Dr. Bourne shows Brandon a letter written to him by his mother, and left in her care. The letter explains that his parents were part of a secret and special community of extraordinary individuals and encloses a key to a safe deposit box to help him start his journey to joining the community. As Brandon goes on an epic journey in search of the stolen scrolls, he commits to learning more about regression therapy in the hope that he will learn more about his parents’ life and find closure on their untimely deaths. The Alexandria Scrolls (Book Two - The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake) by Lukman Clark is an intriguing and imaginative fiction novel. This is a fast-paced, action-packed novel set across time periods and continents, with well-developed characters, and an enthralling plot. With elements of fantasy, this book will appeal to readers of both historic fiction and fantasy fiction. The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake is the second book in a series, and can be read independently without reading the first book, In her Own Words, although readers might want to read the first book in the series to understand more about the story of Hypatia of Alexandria. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, action-packed novel, with well-developed characters, and an enthralling plot. ​ Purchase here

< Back Tobin Marks Ark of the Apocalypse A new post-apocalyptic/science fiction series, by author Tobin Marks Planet Earth is dying. The global temperature has risen, the polar ice caps have melted, and forest fires are raging out of control across the world. Eleven billion people are dying of thirst, and are on the brink of extinction, as governments rage war over scarce natural resources. The only hope for the survival of the human race is to leave Earth and colonize another planet. The nation states come together and build the Magellan II, the first star ship capable of interstellar travel. The ship transports ten thousand people of childbearing age to the far distant Draco constellation. Reminiscent of the Noah’s Ark, the ship carries the genetic strains of all Earths species, to recreate life on the new planet. It is hoped that the lush, watery planet, as seen in the visions of a prominent geneticist, will have the ability to sustain life and continue humanity. But survival for the colonists isn’t guaranteed, as the star ship crash lands, and the colonists must learn to live alongside the giant, dinosaur-sized reptiles that inhabit the planet. Will the colonists survive in this new alien world? And can this world survive with new human inhabitants? Ark of the Apocalypse by author Tobin Mark is a thrilling and captivating science fiction and fantasy fiction novel, and the first in the series of the Magellan ll Chronicles. This is a well-researched, insightful, and thought-provoking book that details some of the significant scientific and engineering discoveries made by humans, as well as the destruction of planet Earth, caused by power, control and greed. It is a timely reminder of the environmental emergency we are currently facing, and what we could potentially face in the future if we fail to act now. With superb world-building, plentiful and colourful characters, and a fast-paced, engaging plot, this book will appeal to fans of science fiction, fantasy fiction, and those interested in the environment and climate change. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling and captivating science fiction novel, with superb world-building, colourful characters, and a fast-paced, engaging plot. ​ Purchase here

< Back Regan Walker Bound by Honor Two young men become comrades in life and in battle, by author Regan Walker In 1286, following the death of the King of Scots, Scottish lords meet in secret at Turnberry Castle, to discuss the successor to Scotland’s throne. The lords pledge their allegiance to Robert the Noble, a direct descendant of King David. Fourteen-year-old Angus Og Macdonald, who has travelled to Turnberry Castle with his father, the Lord of the Isles, meets a young Robert Bruce, the grandson of Robert the Noble. The two young men become good friends and Angus promises to stand by the Bruce’s and his loyal friend, the future heir to the Scottish crown. A few years later, Angus meets and falls in love with Aine, a young widow and daughter of an Irish Lord, Cumee O’Cahan. Following the death of his father, and the brutal murder of his elder brother, Alexander, Angus takes over the lordship of the Isles. Angus is thrust into matters of state and war, as tensions rise between the warring Scottish clans and the English overlord, King Edward 1. After several years of courtship, Angus and Aine finally marry and start a family, but their lives together are often disrupted as Angus joins his loyal friend and comrade Robert Bruce, as they battle for Scottish independence and Bruce’s rightful position as the King of Scots. Bound by Honor by Regan Walker is a medieval fiction novel about the battle for Scottish independence during the early thirteenth century. Historically accurate, with imaginative storytelling from Walker to fill the gaps in historical records, this is an authentic, meticulously researched, and cleverly crafted historical novel. Walker describes the Scottish and Irish landscapes and bird life beautifully. The battle scenes are brutal and intense, but depicted honestly and sensitively. The characters are authentic and memorable, and the love scenes are intimate and tender. Walkers’ beautiful storytelling, and skilful juxtaposition of love and war, make this novel a compelling and captivating read, for fans of medieval fiction and other genres. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An authentic, meticulously researched, and cleverly crafted historical fiction novel of love and war. ​ Purchase here

< Back Anne Angelo Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass A young woman leaves the Scottish Highlands, in search of a new life in France. Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass is a memoir by Anne Angelo about her life growing up in rural Scotland. This is the first volume of a two-part series and follows her journey from early childhood through to her mid-twenties. Angelo was born in 1913 in Invergordon, in the Scottish Highlands. Her father was an Italian mechanical engineer working in Scotland, and her mother was from a wealthy French family. They met at a motor car rally in Bordeaux, and were married a few weeks later after a short, whirlwind, romance. But when her mother’s family learn of her father’s intentions to live off his wife’s wealth, they cut her off from the family’s assets. The couple returned to Scotland and Angelo’s father became increasingly angry and bitter about their predicament. He was verbally and physically abusive towards his wife and children, and even tried to arrange a marriage for Angelo. Angelo takes a job as a governess for a wealthy widower in France to escape her father and to “become a new person”. She moves to Lille and experiences what life is like in the upper echelons of French society. But as another war looms in Europe, Angelo is forced to return back to Scotland. Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass is a captivating memoir by Anne Angelo, about her life growing up in the Scottish Highlands. Written from her own manuscripts, this is an intriguing and heartfelt novel about one young woman’s fight to make a better life for herself. The book provides a fascinating insight into life as a young woman growing up in the early part of the 20th century, and the differences between life in rural Scotland and France. Angelo was physically and emotionally abused throughout her childhood, and experienced significant financial hardships, but she was never bitter about her father or her life. Ultimately, this is a story of empowerment and strength, as Angelo finds the courage to leave her family home and attempts to rebuild a new life for herself. Readers can follow the rest of Anne Angelo’s journey in the second volume. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt glimpse into the life of the author, and the experiences that shaped her formative years. ​ Purchase here

< Back Geoff Sease When We Push Through Sound Can Tristan find happiness again following a painful divorce? Tristan James thought he had it all. A loving wife, a happy daughter and a successful career in a top tier investment firm. But all that changed three years ago, when his marriage to his college sweetheart, Sharon, ended, and he experienced a number of setbacks in his career. Sharon and Tristan share joint custody of their seventeen-year-old daughter, Sara, and Tristan still hopes for a reconciliation with his ex-wife. Over-worked and highly stressed, Tristan makes a series of investment errors and experiences a crisis in confidence in his career. Tristan battles with depression and self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. As he contemplates his future, he considers taking his own life. In an attempt to shop his way out of depression, Triston buys a BMW 745i. He goes on a number of innocent dates with women he knows from around town, but they never lead to anything more serious. Until one day, Tristan meets Julie, a young aspiring musician in a bagel shop, and goes on a date. He meets another woman at a work event, an advertising executive named Beth, and he feels an immediate connection. But just as Tristan starts to find happiness in his personal life, his work life becomes unmanageable, as a multi-million-dollar investment is at risk of collapse. Tristan is close to the edge, but he is supported by five women, his ex-wife, daughter, lover, friend, and assistant, who refuse to give up on him. When We Push Through Sound by debut author Geoff Sease, is about a middle-aged man on the verge of a mid-life crisis, following a painful divorce and a number of setbacks in his career. The book follows Tristan’s journey as he struggles with depression and attempts to pull his life back together. But the road to recovery is not easy, and Tristan experiences a number of challenges that push him close to the edge. Tristan is a believable and likeable character, and many readers will relate to his story. This is a remarkable and heartfelt debut novel from a talented writer with a gift for storytelling. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy romance, realistic fiction and character driven stories. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable and heartfelt debut novel about a middle-aged man on the verge of a mid-life crisis. ​ Purchase here