Book Review: The Cutting Place by Jane Casey

"The Chiron Club... strictly members only."

A big thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of The Cutting Place, the latest installment in Jane Casey's DS Maeve Kerrigan crime series. It's more than a police procedural. It's a gripping rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns that'll leave your blood pumping, your skin sweating and your heart screaming out for more. Interested?

When human remains wash up on the shore of the Thames, Maeve and the team soon trace it back to a promising young journalist, Paige Hargreaves. It transpires she'd been digging around for information on The Chiron Club, an gentlemen's club for the elite, that is drenched in dark secrets and monumental cover ups. Maeve is soon knee-deep in the world of rich, male privilege, delving into the case with tenacity and care that has made her so successful (and so loveable). As one crime exposes another, and another, the case builds and builds to its climactic and unpredictable end.

Maeve is a brilliant character, with an excellent sense of humour and a good heart. Brace yourself for the slow burn of Maeve's relationship with her boss and friend Josh Derwent. Since The Reckoning (book 2) when Josh swaggered onto the scene, I've been screaming into the pages of my paperbacks for them to just get together. I realised today I've been following Maeve's story for ten years. Ten years. A third of my life. No wonder I care so much about her love life... she's a fully-formed, real person in my head, and let's face it, I've been quarantined for almost seven weeks now, and I need all the friends I can get.

This intense thriller has an unbelievably believable plot, splashes of unexpected emotion and characters that'll stay with you long after you begrudgingly turn over that last page with a wistful sigh. You'll encounter issues you wish weren't real but unfortunately they are. You'll meet people you wish you hadn't. And you'll struggle to put it down.

If you are yet to lose yourself in this fantastic series from Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Casey, the good news is you can start with this one. Any backstory is subtly explained in a way that keeps you in the loop without bogging you down with the history of the characters. But come on, let's be honest... once you've read this, you'll be ordering the first book faster than I can say 'no comment.'

It's only April, but I already know this will be my book of 2020.

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey

Book Review: Our Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Our Little Cruelties, Liz Nugent's latest psychological thriller. And all I can say is... woah! Cancel all plans (oh, wait...) and devour this twisty little number.

The story opens with three brothers at a funeral. Only thing is, one brother lies within the coffin. One brother has been murdered, and you don't get to find out who it is and how he was killed until the final page. Our Little Cruelties really kept me guessing, tossing heaps of unexpected twists and turns my way.

Think your family is crazy? Think again! Liz Nugent writes delightfully delicious characters that leap off the page and remain etched into your memory for good. You just love to hate them.

Some pretty deep, dark stuff crops up in Our Little Cruelties, including addiction, rape, the #MeToo movement, mental health issues, and, of course... murder.

It's not my first Nugent and it certainly won't be my last!

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey

Cover Reveal: How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

Hi, book lovers!

I'm very excited to be sharing the cover reveal for Gillian McAllister's latest thriller, How to Disappear.

After reading No Further Questions (check out my review here) and Anything You Do Say, I'm a huge fan and can't wait to get my hands on this book!

How amazing does this sound?!

Lands July 2020... we will probably still be in lockdown, so make sure you get your pre-order in now.

Roxie

@RoxieAdelleKey