My Top 10 of 2020

This year has been... well. Do I even need to say? From discovering Schitt's Creek to signing with David Higham Associates, from doing a reading at Virtual Noir at the Bar to growing vegetables (badly), 2020 was definitely a mixed bag. I'll skip over the heartbreak and focus on the positive. BOOKS.

I read so many amazing books! I'm sure I missed some absolute gems, but these are the 10 that I just can't forget.

The Cutting Place by Jane Casey

When human remains wash up on the shore of the Thames, DS Maeve Kerrigan traces it to a journalist who has been digging around for information on a gentlemen's club that's drenched in dark secrets and cover-ups. Maeve becomes knee-deep in the world of rich, male privilege, and as one crime exposes another, the case builds and builds to its climactic, unpredictable end. 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. 

How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister (audiobook)

This gripping psychological-suspense thriller is told from the viewpoints of four characters, a family torn apart by the ripple effect of an awful crime, separated by the witness protection programme. The plot is unpredictable, twisting and turning all over the place. I found myself listening to this at every opportunity. I was completely and utterly addicted. This is not only the best book Gillian has ever written, but it's one of the best psychological thrillers I've ever read. It's tense, chilling and beautifully-written - all the ingredients required for a compelling, keep-you-up-at-night thriller.

Far from the Tree by Rob Parker (audiobook)

Nine hours of pure edge-of-your-seat, keep-you-up-at-night drama. A pacey, twisty police procedural with an immense hook from the very first chapter: 27 bodies discovered in a mass grave. When the case gets a little to close to home, Brendan Foley throws himself full-pelt at it, doing everything he can to get to the bottom of it at all costs. Full of different threads that are woven together with masterful plotting. Prepare to be taken to some very dark places indeed, and brace yourself for shocking reveals you could never imagine. 

Firewatching by Russ Thomas

A dark and twisty police procedural introducing DS Adam Tyler, a cold case reviewer with a troubled past. When the skeleton of a corrupt businessman is discovered bricked-up in the cellar of the Old Vicarage, Adam lands himself this high-profile murder investigation, only to find himself in hot water. As fires spring up all over Castledene, it's clear that a pyromaniac is on the loose, dead set on watching the world burn. Scorches with a tangle of threads that I challenge even the most seasoned of thriller readers to tie together before the incredible, unpredictable ending. 

Without a Trace by Mari Hannah

DCI Kate Daniels hurtles towards London after the news that a transatlantic flight has dropped out of the sky... and the love of her life, Jo Soulsby, was on that flight. Kate blags her way onto the investigation and embarks upon a mission to disprove that Jo was on that flight... because she couldn't have been... could she? An unimaginable rollercoaster of twists and turns that I couldn't have predicted transformed me into a page-turning maniac. It's tense. It's dramatic. It's emotional. A perfectly-executed and riveting piece of crime fiction.

Whispers in the Dark by Chris McDonald

Drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end of that night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory. DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide? A powerful and thrilling novel that packs a punch from page one, from the sinister prologue to the shocking ending. A tense, twisted and superbly-plotted thriller that is as terrifying as it is heartbreaking. 

All That is Buried by Robert Scragg

When 7-year-old Libby Hallforth goes missing at a funfair without even a sniff of evidence or a single witness, DI Jake Porter and DS Nick Styles are left with more questions than they have answers. The case goes cold, and all hope of finding Libby is lost, until human remains are discovered several months later. And like with all good crime novels, it's just the start of a race against time to stop a killer in their tracks. This is a fast-paced, thrilling read that is packed not only with action, but the emotion that is often left out of this kind of book. I absolutely loved it.

The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen

A psychological thriller that tells the heartbreaking tale of four sisters who were kidnapped twenty years ago. The mystery is not about how they manage to escape, because what happens after is so much worse. As the twentieth anniversary of the kidnapping looms closer, a catastrophic chain of events sends the reader rocketing towards a series of twists and turns that are as unpredictable as they are clever. Louise is the master of foreshadowing, leaving you hanging on by a fingertip as she ends each chapter. She sends you hurtling down one road, only to whip the carpet from beneath your feet.

Too Close to Breathe by Olivia Kiernan

When Eleanor Costello is found hanging in her Dublin home, all signs point to suicide. Enter DCS Frankie Sheehan, a detective with a sharp eye, a potty mouth and an innate ability to climb inside the heads of the victims. Suffering from PTSD driven by a vicious attack during a previous investigation, Frankie soon learns that the lines between killer and victim are becoming increasingly blurred. An atmospheric, immersive and skillfully-plotted police procedural that will blow you away. So compelling and incredibly absorbing.

The Storm by Amanda Jennings

A twisty psychological thriller set in a Cornish fishing port, following the story of Hannah and Nathan Cardew, and their picture-perfect marriage... or so it seems. As the past threatens to catch up with her, the dark secrets of Hannah's past soon begin to unravel. There's more than one storm brewing in this compelling story... just you wait until the thunder cracks. Amanda's gripping style of writing draws you in like a fishing reel, only to fling you back into the storm with a big reveal that'll leave your mind whirling.

What were your top 10 2020 reads? Share in the comments!

Roxie

@RoxieAdelleKey

Audiobook Review: How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister

You can run, you can hide, but can you disappear for good?

Lauren's daughter Zara witnessed a terrible crime. But speaking up comes with a price, and when Zara's identity is revealed online, it puts a target on her back.

The only choice is to disappear.

To keep Zara safe, Lauren will give up everything and everyone she loves, even her husband.

There will be no goodbyes. Their pasts will be rewritten. New names, new home, new lives.

The rules are strict for a reason. They are being hunted. One mistake - a text, an Instagram like - could bring their old lives crashing into the new.

They can never assume someone isn't watching, waiting.

As Lauren will learn, disappearing is easy. Staying hidden is harder.

As a big fan of Gillian McAllister, I've been looking forward to reading How to Disappear for a while, but with a TBR as tall as me, and NetGalley reviews due, I'd been saving it. When I found out the one and only Nicola Walker was the narrator on the audiobook version, I had to buy that version too! If her voice acting is as good as her screen acting, then I knew I was going to be in for a treat. Spoiler alert: it's amazing. 

This gripping psychological-suspense thriller is told from the viewpoints of four characters - Lauren, her daughter Zara, her husband Aiden and her stepdaughter Poppy... a family torn apart by the ripple effect of an awful crime. Each and every character feels as real as you and me, with quirks and flaws that make them leap off the page. In fact, it's one of the best books I've read in terms of character (and if you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know how important characters are to me). These very real characters made this book so emotional because I felt like I really got to know them and genuinely cared what happened to them. 

The plot itself is unpredictable, twisting and turning all over the place. I found myself listening at every opportunity... in the bath, in the car, before bed (not recommended if you actually want to sleep!). I was completely and utterly addicted to this. The settings of London, the Lake District and York are so wonderfully brought to life in each scene. 

What really brought this book to life was the audiobook narration. I know, I know, I'm biased because I love Nicola Walker so much. But she really did this book justice. I'm quite new to audiobooks, this being the second one I've listened to, and now my expectations for all future audiobooks are sky-high! Nicola is the perfect choice of narrator for this type of book, bringing crystal-clear narration with perfect pacing and effective nuances for each character, so you know who's speaking even without her telling you. 

This is not only the best book Gillian has ever written, but it's one of the best psychological thrillers I've ever read. It's tense, chilling and beautifully-written - all the ingredients required for a compelling, keep-you-up-at-night thriller. I already know this will make my top ten books of 2020!

You can get your hands on How to Disappear in paperback, ebook and audiobook now. 

Roxie

@RoxieAdelleKey

About the author

Gillian McAllister is the Sunday Times Top 10 bestselling author of Everything But The Truth, Anything You Do Say, No Further Questions and The Evidence Against You. How To Disappear is her latest release, a witness protection thriller. She is published in ten countries around the world. 

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www.gillianmcallister.com

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

Book Review: No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister

"You'd trust your sister with your life. But should you?"

If you saw my Twitter feed after Christmas, you'll know I got a LOT of books this year. I've also finished yet another draft of my book. And I've done something to a ligament in my left leg. So all this means one thing... I have more time to read. And my first read of the new decade is No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister.

I am a huge fan of Anything You Do Say, which featured in my Top 10 of 2019 post last week, so I hoped this would be as good. I wasn't disappointed!

No Further Questions is a dark, compelling courtroom drama, following the story of Martha, who has left her eight week old baby Layla with her sister Becky for two nights. It's not something most parents would do, but Martha is opening up a centre for refugee children in Kos. She needed to be there. But before boarding the flight home, she receives the heartbreaking news that Layla is dead.

The narrative is interesting, and I wouldn't expect anything else after reading Anything You Do Say. We follow Martha in the present day, as she watches the events of the trial unfold. We alternate between her and the witnesses. And we also follow Becky's perspective in the weeks leading up to Layla's death.

The story builds and builds, pulling you in one direction, then pushing you in another. Sending you hurtling towards one answer, then spinning you around into a completely different one. Just when you think you know the answer, something else unfolds. It's addictive. It's twisty.

Gillian writes such real characters, who leap off the page and into your life, never to be forgotten. That's what stood out to me most of all. It's clear how much painstaking research has gone into this novel, yet it flows so naturally to someone who has limited knowledge of the courts. An excellent story and one I would highly recommend. 

This is definitely one for your TBR pile!

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey

My top 10 of 2019

2019 has been a great year. I got married to my best friend, I wrote and edited my first novel, Burn Again, and I read some truly outstanding books. I hope one day my book will grace a 'best of' blog post, but for now, here are the best books I read during 2019.

1. Cruel Acts - Jane Casey

Cruel Acts is the 8th book in Jane Casey's DS Maeve Kerrigan series, which keeps getting better, proven by its Sunday Times bestseller status. The story follows Maeve as she rips apart an investigation when it comes to light certain rules weren't followed during the initial trial. Delightfully sharp, deliciously entertaining, and utterly devourable, this will see just 'one more chapter' turning into twenty. My book of 2019!

2. I Let You Go - Clare Mackintosh

This book is absolutely stunning, with one hell of a plot twist. I Let You Go follows the story of Jenna, who has walked away from her former life, which has descended into a nightmare after a devastating event. It's difficult to put into words how compelling this novel is, but it's one I'll be keeping on my shelf and sharing with friends forever.

3. The Family by Louise Jensen

The Family is a thrilling page-turner, drenched in a dark sense of unease that builds and builds until it's all you can think about. The story follows two women who find themselves hopelessly trapped within a cult, ending with a twist I doubt you'll see coming. A stunningly-written piece of thriller fiction, dark and disturbing yet with shimmering beauty in every sentence.

4. Anything You Do Say - Gillian McAllister

This is the book that kept me out of the swimming pool on holiday because it was so bloody good I couldn't put it down. I was initially drawn to it for its narrative style, with each chapter alternating between what would happen if the protagonist revealed what happened, or concealed it. So cleverly written, and so unputdownable.

5. Cross Her Heart - Sarah Pinborough

I picked this up after the whirlwind that is Behind Her Eyes, and was not disappointed. Sarah really knows how to pull the rug out from beneath your feet! This story follows Lisa and her teenage daughter Ava, a seemingly normal family, until Lisa unwillingly reveals a huge secret that changes their lives forever. Another brilliant read from this fantastic author.

6. The Turn Of The Key - Ruth Ware

The Turn of the Key was so far up the scary scale it made my heart race long after putting it down. The Turn of the Key tells the tale of Rowan, who secures the 'dream' job, nannying in a gorgeous house... in the middle of nowhere. Rowan is an excellently flawed character, an unreliable narrator who delivers the story, its clues and an oh-my-fucking-god plot twist like a pro.

7. Sleep - C L Taylor

Sleep tells the chilling tale of Anna, who makes a new life for herself after a terrible accident, but is haunted by messages telling her to sleep. This made me feel delightfully uncomfortable. It's one of those books that make you triple check your locks each night. No wonder it's a Sunday Times bestseller!

8. A Window Breaks - C M Ewan

A thriller that made my heart race so fast I was worried for my health. After a 2am break in, Tom, Rachel and their daughter Holly begin a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a group of murderous men, and no one knows why. You'll want to stop reading because you're terrified but at the same time you just... can't... put... it... down.

9. The House On The Lake - Nuala Ellwood

Lisa's on the run, and ends up staying in a creepy old house by a lake. Grace grew up in that very same house several years before. When the link was between these two women was finally revealed, I did not see it coming. At all. This will give you a creeping sense of unease and if you love a thriller, you will not be disappointed.

10. Behind Closed Doors - B A Paris

A pacey thriller, telling the story of Jack and Grace. Their 'perfect' relationship is presented to the rest of the world, but the reality is more terrifying than you could ever imagine. Dark and disturbing in many ways. The perfect psychological thriller.

What were your top ten 2019 reads? Share in the comments!

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey