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Showing posts with the label Book Reviews

Peter Hodgson's detective mystery novel - 'Critical Murder'

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A dirty bomb explodes amidst an anti-war protest in North London. Severe injuries, caused by toxic fumes from a uranic compound used in the bomb; put Britain's security services on high alert. Tara Drake is an attractive highly trained agent. She is promoted into a special unit of MI5's anti-terrorist branch. When suspicion falls on an extremist group called The Amama, Drake is assigned the job of helping her colleagues track down the mastermind behind the attack. Over 200 miles away in Cumbria, DI Dave Perry finally escapes his lethargy when a call takes him to a grisly crime scene in Glenmar Forest. The bizarre, brutal murder of a nuclear plant worker has no obvious motive. The only clue - writing on the soles of the victim's feet - steers Perry's investigation in two directions. Criticised by his superior, Perry follows his intuition in a desperate search for answers. As more tragic events unfold, Perry is forced into a confrontation against a formidable foe an

A tale of forbidden passions - To Know the Road

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Annie Coyle Martin's story of forbidden passions set in the war years and played against a background of sectarianism and religious conservatism in Ireland. An inspiring tale of love, hate and the indomitable human spirit. It is 1937, Victoria is the youngest daughter of well to do Irish Protestant parents. A chance meeting with a handsome stranger sets Victoria on a heartbreaking path of conflict involving family, tradition and religion. Caught between the Catholic and Protestant hostilities in Ireland, will Victoria and Donny ever find happiness? This is a story of forbidden passions set primarily in the Thirties and the war years, and plays against a background of sectarianism and extreme social and religious conservatism in an Ireland neutral in the war, isolated at the edge of Europe and yet impacted in every filament of daily life by the conflict. Find out more… To Know the Road “A sweeping heart-tugging wartime love story brought to life by deftly crafted character

A captivating thriller - 'Sins of the Father'

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Ruthlessly manipulated for most of his adult life by a cunning enemy posing as his friend, half drowned and enslaved in the Congo and hoodwinked in New York, Doctor James Parker slides into a deep pit of depression. Utterly consumed by misery and grief with his best friend and his fiancé missing, his family decimated by the death of his father and his beloved sister, he is past listening to reason and believes he has every reason to kill his generous benefactor, the man he blames for all his misfortunes. But the gallows await! After a cruel start in life, abandoned outside an orphanage as a baby, Billy Turpin grows up to become big, strong and handsome, a natural and highly successful entrepreneur running several companies. Greedy councillors, gullible men and women are willingly hypnotized by his wealth, his easy confidence and charismatic charm. But one person suspects he is also a psychopathic killer with a very personal and mysterious grudge against him, his family and friends.

An engaging and wonderfully entertaining mystery novel

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Another classic British detective fiction by Julius Falconer Fancy a twenty-first-century murder linked to an eighteenth-century parish register? - with a stroll through the byways of ancient Middle Eastern languages, a piece of eighteenth-century silver, a spot of genealogy and trips to France, Italy and Austria thrown in? Then this is the book for you! The discovery of the body of a petty criminal one winter’s night in 2011, in a quiet Yorkshire hamlet, sets in train a series of events which stretches Inspector Walter Moat’s capabilities to the utmost. His wily opponent, as he eventually discovers, is an elusive master-criminal called Lomax, who weaves a devious and ruthless path to achieve his goals. Moat and his sergeant find themselves attempting to nail a crook intent on thwarting the resolve of a friendless waif… Find out more “A triumph of literary wit” …publishedbestsellers.com

Earning a Crust - Logic doesn’t come into it

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Fascinating and engaging autobiography of career after Royal Air Force service. By Derek Rosser The author’s literary efforts covering his experiences as a National Serviceman in the RAF in the 1950s (A Reluctant Recruit) generated such a favourable reception, so much so that he embarked on a second, more or less true, account of his life as a typical boy growing up in the thirties and forties (Call Me Valentine). This is his third book, completing the trilogy. It is the account of what happened to him after leaving the Royal Air Force; it is the story of a long, and mainly happy, interesting working career. The author Derek Rosser says: “For the best part of forty years I was engaged in trying to earn enough money to keep body and soul together. Some of it was enjoyable, some of it was frustrating and some of it was downright misery….” …Find out more… ‘Earning a Crust’, an entertaining read! “A fascinating autobiography” …publishedbestsellers.com

Read and Soar - "Very readable, it makes an ideal handbook for parents"

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‘Read & Soar’ is about the many benefits and joys of reading for adults and kids and how to get children to enjoy reading from an early age so they can achieve more at school. Research shows that a love of reading is more important for a child’s educational success than their family’s wealth or class. Between the covers of a book exists a sort of paradise, reading is able catapult you from your daily existence to a different world in the twinkling of an eye… Where will your reading adventure take you? A Review by Delyth Humphreys, National Year of Reading 2008 Wales Coordinator ‘A truly inspirational book, full of very quotable quotes about books and reading. Very readable, it makes an ideal handbook for parents, with hints and tips on how to motivate children to read. It also considers ways in which reading empowers the individual and the benefits of reading to health and wellbeing. A treasure chest of ideas for those working with children and young people, it will ring many be

Erections in the Far East

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Highly enjoyable, self-deprecating humorous travel stories from the Far East Author: David Rowley Join Rowley in his light hearted and self-deprecating antics as he works his way around SE Asia, building communication towers on and off the beaten track. This book is about the exciting adventure, the places, people and cultures in Borneo, Thailand, Bangkok, Vietnam and Cambodia. It’s not all humour and frolics. Rowley also gives a brief but interesting insight into the history of each location and the influence of the western world. Author David Rowley says: “…I have written from the self-deprecating humour angle and would hope that the reader had a chuckle, or at least a smile, every other page or so. Keeping the material clean throughout was perhaps the hardest part, I wanted to avoid lots of swearing which seems to be commonplace in books covering the working man’s environment. Though discussing subjects such as STIs without bordering on the cruder style wasn’t always easy.” …Find

Exhilarating autobiography of 70 year old desert runner

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Me and My Shadow By Ray Matthews Exhilarating autobiography of 70 year old desert runner and his extraordinary 100 miles run round Rotherham. What kind of man runs 100 miles at the age of 70? What makes anyone want to run 100 miles? Who decides what the right age is to achieve your dreams? Throughout a lifetime, everyone has the opportunity to meet truly exceptional people. Ray Matthews is one of them. From being a cocky ginger haired, Yorkshire lad who just wanted to “have a go at boxing,” to his recent 100km Sahara Desert race, Ray’s life is truly inspiring and anyone seeking to take on the impossible should read this book. Ray writes with a passion that reflects his fervour for life. Feel the emotion as a young Ray takes steps that help him discover the most important mentors; who lead him to make the hardest choices; which made the biggest differences in his life. Find out more “Extraordinary and exhilarating” …publishedbestsellers.com

An intriguing detective mystery novel. The Bones of Murder

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While renovating the derelict twelfth-century chapel attached to their new house in rural Worcestershire in 1972, Grace and Benjamin Hothersall uncover three skeletons, which have clearly been the victims of murder. When news of this reaches the newspapers, a series of anonymous letters and telephone-calls begins at the Hothersall residence. Clearly the murders are of not just historical interest, since someone very much alive seems determined to prevent further disclosures. Inspector Wickfield finds himself involved in a complex and baffling investigation, which embraces local witchcraft, a student of the cabala, abduction, a boy’s curse, a hidden will, a stranger in Cornwall, death in a railway carriage – and a Latin textbook of 1563! It nearly proves too much for him, but light dawns eventually and leads to a tense trial which brings the case to a close. As always, the reader is given as much information as the detectives and is challenged to spot the crucial clue in the labyrint

An excellent review of 'From Coconuts to Condors'

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An unforgettable trip to Brazil, Peru and Bolivia Book Reviews by John Davies*. "Valerie Astill's book is a marvellous account of a challenging three week holiday in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. Her very readable writing style makes the culture, climate and landscapes of these countries come to life. Her descriptions are incredibly detailed and picturesque making it so easy to visualise the scenes that she describes. Indeed, I almost felt as though I was in the shower with her and the little green frogs! Valerie also gives a warts and all insight into the many difficulties of travel in these South American countries. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful travelogue - well worth reading, even if you're not going on holiday to South America." ---------- *John Davies is an author, song writer and poet. He is also an athlete and has been the Welsh Masters javelin champion in his age group nearly every year since 1989. He is the Treasurer of Port Talbot Harriers and

From Pneuma Springs with love! - Unveiling our Valentine's selection

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Spice up your love life with some romantic novels Forbidden Set in the life and times of Regency England, a stirring tale of love, dark secrets, manipulation and the determined human spirit. A summer evening’s chance encounter throws together two people of opposite social class who, despite a natural mutual attraction, should never have met. More... To Know the Road ...An inspiring tale of love, hate and the indomitable human spirit. A story of forbidden passions set in the war years and played against a background of sectarianism and religious conservatism in Ireland. More... The Guitar Man A heart-tugging bitter-sweet love story, in which love, devotion and determination brings good out of the most tragic life circumstances. Set in Ventnor, a quaint seaside town on the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England, this is a heart-tugging bitter-sweet story, in which love, devotion and determination brings good out of the most tragic life circumstances. A sweeping

Quick upbeat original short stories ideal for coffee break and commute

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Out On Top - A Collection of Upbeat Short Stories By Steve Morris "Take your pick: - Wrongs put right. Second chances in life. Lost loves reunited." We are long overdue a break. Out on Top is a bag of stories where wrongs are often put right. Instead of dwelling on what might have been, characters get their chances to rectify their regrets and tidy up their troubled pasts. Once-reluctant Romeos, clever creatures and innovative new technology sees the cast of Out on Top get second chances to see the truth finally come out whether it wants to or not. From the author of In All Probability, Out on Top sees Steve Morris return to set a few things straight. .. .. Find out more

A Reluctant Recruit - True life, post war-time adventures

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"M y adventures as a ‘Reluctant Recruit‘are the subject of this volume. I decided, at the time that I would, one day, tell the story. One day was fifty years later but here it is at last..." Says Derek Rosser . Derek shares true life, post war-time adventures as a ‘Reluctant Recruit’ during his National Service with the Royal Air Force. "Whilst over half a century has elapsed since I was released from National Service with the Royal Air Force, my memory of the events described in this volume is crystal clear. To a young married man it was a waste of valuable time but...in many ways it was an enjoyable waste of time. If you are entertained by my adventures, I shall consider that the time spent in recording these events has NOT been wasted" Find out more... "...full of adventure and intrigue."  ... publishedbestsellers.com

Making It - Seriously enjoyable; action packed; commercial fiction

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Mark Edmondson releases a seriously enjoyable; action packed; commercial fiction about breaking out of a rut; starting a recruitment business; achieving success and having a bit of a laugh along the way  The Plot Would you do anything to make it? When everything is at stake: marriage, money, your house and your reputation, there is no second chance if you lose. Laurie is determined to prove to the sceptical Sally that he is no loser. But making that transition from naïve impoverished late adolescence to dynamic, confident, solvent manhood is a difficult and dangerous journey for him. Knowing that taking up a mediocre, predictable career would stifle him, he becomes a high–risk entrepreneur. But the more success he achieves, the bigger and tougher his enemies and challenges become. Then he meets the most ruthless of them all, the charismatic corporate crook, Chas Wray. Will he do the deal of his life with Wray or will he just become yet another one of Wray’s miserable victims

The Flame Lily Weeps

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This unique autobiography describes the life of a white Zimbabwean growing up in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. It reveals and elucidate the perspectives and truth of poignant issues in the country’s transition from a British colony to an independent, one-party state, giving an insight into the build up to the political and economic anarchy that has thrown Zimbabwe into a financial abyss and that transformed a one time flourishing country into a land ravaged by hunger, disease and poverty. The Flame Lily Weeps Have you read this book? Found it interesting / informative / entertaining / useful / inspirational etc.? Please share you views. Thank you.

Gift Horse

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Fiction novel set in competition and livery yard in Derbyshire, written by horse lover Polly Morten. A highly enjoyable novel tinted with romance and crime The Plot Sarah Hallam’s last term at University was wrecked by her conviction that she had a stalker, although nobody would take her seriously. After her finals, she takes refuge with her novelist cousin Paddy, who believes in both the stalker and Sarah’s fears.  Sarah takes a temporary job as a groom at Swallowfield Grange, a competition and livery yard in Derbyshire, owned by glamorous event rider Gussie Stanton and her husband Oliver. Sarah’s job proves to be much more than a groom in many ways. The advent of Gussie’s handsome nephew, Tim Walters, and his string of event horses, upsets Sarah’s new found equilibrium, while Tim appears to barely notice her existence, until her safety is threatened, when he acts with uncharacteristic and surprising gallantry. Find out more: Gift Horse Have you read this book? Found it

Chris Pownall releases a hilarious autobiography - 'Funny How Things Work Out'

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Chris Pownall releases a hilarious autobiography including a fifty year fulfilling career and various travels around the world. "This hilarious autobiography is sure to put a smile on your face." This is the story of Chris Pownall’s life beginning from early childhood to retirement. Chris’ autobiography is unique because he tells his story with a slant towards the more hilarious side of his life. Chris has always had a reputation for being there when things were going wrong–but it’s nothing to do with him really! His former work colleagues will bear witness to situations involving freak weather conditions and disrupted travelling arrangements. His sense of humour has seen him through many difficult situations–which he managed to salvage with wit and discretion (Even if he says so himself)! …Find out more… Funny How Things Work Out   ...An authentic biography……. publishedbestsellers.com . .

Straight talking and positive book review. Drifting Beneath the "Red Duster".

Well mate I have just finished the Book and this is my honest opinion of it! On starting to read I found that your introduction was just great, it gives the insight of what you wanted in life and made for a good start! Your experiences both on board and ashore in the various ports were excellent, you gave the honest an open way that you lived the years, there are some really spicy parts but this makes it all the more realistic, as we all as Seaman know just what that was all about! All of your stories may well ring Bells in many an Ear,what with the happy times and the crazy times too! Fights, Police, you name it I am sure most of us went through a bit of that! I know I did anyway, possibly not the same but some very close to what you talk of! Amazing just how we can recall all the times we had, and its great to read things like this, as it sure does revive the old Brain, and brings back very good memories, be they hostile, Funny or just sheer joy! I am sure that you will ge

A heart warming fictional story of courage and determination, love and loss in rural England

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Brook Breasting Superbly written with deliciously entertaining plotlines – get the kettle on! The new Treasurer of the Brook Breasting Fete Committee the Reverend Rolf James has discovered an anomaly in the accounts. He calls for an Extraordinary General Meeting. Is there a villain to unmask? Chapter by chapter, we see the lives of the main characters in this book held up to close scrutiny. Author John White brings this story to life with a cast of unforgettable characters in an inspiring tale of courage and resolve, love and loss. On the outside, Brook Breasting is a picturesque English village. On the inside, it has the characters that make it uniquely, Brook Breasting. Find out more… Brook Breasting a truly unique and inspiring plot… publishedbestsellers.com

A top-rate whodunnit in the finest British traditions: urbane, cultured and witty.

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The Wichenford Court Murder A sophisticated and stylish fictional detective page-turner guaranteed to entertain and stimulate jaded brain-cells, with a deftly crafted plot that will keep you guessing till the end. Looking for sophisticated and stylish entertainment to stimulate jaded brain-cells? LOOK NO FURTHER! Falconer has shown yet again that he can produce a top-rate whodunnit in the finest British traditions: urbane, cultured and witty.  A suicide before the First World War, a university career cut short by drink and debt, a missed business opportunity, family antagonisms, a threat to jobs on the estate, all give the inspector and his sergeant food for thought – not to mention a headache – until the inspector rumbles the one tiny mistake that leads to the unmasking of the killer. A triumph of literary sophistication! Find out more… The Wichenford Court Murder Compelling detective thriller loaded with twists and turns… publishedbestsellers.com