BLOG TOUR - The Good Neighbour

DESCRIPTION:

Will her new home turn into a nightmare?

As I stare out the window of my beautiful apartment, I hope that I’ve made the right decision to move back to the city that holds so many memories. I’ve chosen my home on the top-floor and in a quiet area because feeling safe and secure is important to me.

But on my first day, I’m involved in a heart-stopping accident on the leafy-green street. A stranger comes to my rescue – if it wasn’t for his actions, I wouldn’t be alive. I’m shaken but grateful, so I invite him in.

And that’s the moment that everything changes. I shouldn’t have trusted him. I should have kept myself to myself, like I planned to do.

Because the truth is, I might look like the perfect new neighbour but if anyone finds out my secret it could destroy me…

A completely gripping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked until the final page. Perfect for fans of Behind Closed Doors, My Lovely Wife and The Perfect Couple.

BUY LINK:

https://geni.us/B0FHWQDFJXsocial
 

Title:   The Good Neighbour

Author:  Alison James

Publisher:  Bookoture

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   321

Date of Publication:  September 12, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Bryony’s move to a beautiful new apartment marks a fresh start for her. However, her life takes a terrifying turn when her new neighbor, Kyle, begins stalking her. Initially indebted to him for saving her from a near-fatal car accident, Bryony soon discovers that Kyle’s actions are far from altruistic. He is tormenting her, and she has no idea why.

Kyle’s relentless pursuit of Bryony is accompanied by a haunting past that seems to have come to life. The tension escalates as Bryony’s life hangs in the balance more than once. This book is a masterful blend of multiple layers, each intricately connected to the others. 

There is the additional craftiness of dual timelines and perspectives that keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat, unable to put it down. Unlike some books that you can read while engrossed in others, or some that you can step away from, this book is a gripping and immersive experience that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished it. 

Many thankst to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the Cotswolds, Alison spent most of her formative years abroad. She studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after her two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, Alison worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.

Author Social Media Links:
Website: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.james.90226628
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonJbooks

Review - Gone in the Night

Title:  Gone in the Night

Author:  Joanna Schaffhausen

Series:   Detective Annalisa Vega #5

Publisher:  Minotaur Books

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  313

Date of Publication: August 12, 2025
Rating: 5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Detective Annalisa Vega hasn’t forgiven her brother for his role in a murder, and he hasn’t forgiven her for turning him in, so she’s surprised when he asks her to visit him in prison. Turns out, he has a possible case for her: one of his fellow inmates, Joe Green, may be innocent of the murder that landed him behind bars.

Joe is doing hard time for killing his ex-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter sent to the prison warns that the eyewitness in Joe’s trial made up her story. With her private investigation business foundering, Annalisa is desperate enough to start poking around into Joe’s meager case. She immediately finds two problems: One, the eyewitness definitely lied about what she saw the night of the murder, and two, Annalisa’s husband Nick was the cop who arrested Joe in the first place.

Faced with correcting Nick’s mistakes, Annalisa digs deeper into Joe’s past and discovers he has two ex-wives with nothing good to say about him. The women may have orchestrated an elaborate frame to put Joe in prison, but one wife has completely disappeared since then. Did Joe somehow kill her? Or is he the real victim? Annalisa’s search for the truth tests the bounds of her marriage, her family, and her own sense of justice. Meanwhile, a devious killer keeps sending men to a watery death in the vastness of Lake Michigan. If Annalisa doesn’t figure out the truth about Joe soon, her husband might be next.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

We’re currently at the fifth book in the Detective Annalisa Vega series. Previously, Annalisa, a formidable and no-nonsense police detective, transitioned into a private investigator. However, working on her own cases has been a bit slow lately. When her imprisoned brother requests her assistance, Annalisa makes a pivot. Given their complicated family history, her reluctance to visit him is evident. But when she discovers that her brother genuinely wants to help a fellow inmate named Joe Green, who might be unjustly imprisoned, she agrees to assist.

This isn’t the high-stakes case Annalisa had anticipated, and with business being slow, she begins investigating Joe’s case. It doesn’t take her long to uncover that the murder case that sent Joe to prison has some holes in it. In fact, it seems as if he was framed. Could one of his ex-wives have orchestrated evidence that helped put Joe behind bars? Worse yet, are the police, possibly her husband Nick, involved in nefarious activities?

Annalisa and Nick are now married for the second time. His current case poses such danger that it could cost him his life. Naturally, Annalisa is torn, as she’s determined to protect Nick. However,  the more she investigates Joe’s case, the more intrigued she becomes. 

While readers might expect to see growing tension between Annalisa and her brother Alex, especially given their complicated family history, the story takes an unexpected turn. Alternatively, readers might anticipate friction between Annalisa and Nick. Only time will reveal the truth. As it turns out, Annalisa stumbles upon a situation involving a battered women’s shelter called Ruby’s Place. Perhaps a red herring, but in true Joanna Schaffhausen style, the intricately layered story becomes even more compelling. This case isn’t as insignificant as it seems for Annalisa.

If you’ve read my reviews, you know that I’m a diehard series fanatic who always makes an effort to read books in order. However, all the books in this series were originally intended as standalone novels. But, given Annalisa and Nick’s past, their family dynamics, and their history, it would be beneficial for the reader to read this series in order. With the word “Gone” in all of the titles, I can’t wait to see what book six will be called.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books as well as NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field of drug development. Prior to that, she was an editorial producer for ABC News, writing for programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and 20/20. She lives in the Boston area with her husband and daughter.

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BLOG TOUR - Murder in the Choir

DESCRIPTION:

The Christmas lights twinkle in the town square as merry carollers bring good tidings. But when a festive feud turns fatal, Sarah Vane is on the case!

While snowflakes fall outside, Sarah Vane cosies up in her cottage with a book when a leaflet for the Christmas choir flutters through her letterbox. Keen to sign up, she pays a visit to choir master Daffyd Jones. But her festive cheer crumbles like a mince pie when she finds him dead in his office. With just a week to go until Christmas, Sarah has a festive case to solve.

As Sarah talks to the devastated choir members, she soon discovers many had a reason to dislike Daffyd. Was it the soprano who was humiliated by him in front of the choir for missing her high note? His long-suffering wife suspected an affair – are her floods of tears fake? And why was his picture-perfect forever home put on the market just days before his death?

But with her tinsel in a tangle, another body is found, this time on the beach. The police think the poor lad had one too many at a Christmas party and fell off the pier, but when Sarah looks closely, she sees a clear link to Daffyd. Can Sarah catch the culprit among the carollers, or will she be dashing through the snow to her demise this Christmas?

A delightfully cozy, utterly compulsive and gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Clare Chase who are looking for their next addictive read.

BUY LINK:

 https://geni.us/B0CWV9DWM3social

Title:   Murder in the Choir

Author:  Alice Castle

Series:  Sarah Vane Mysteries Book 4

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Cozy Mystery 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   280

Date of Publication:  September 12, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars 

MY THOUGHTS:

The delightful Sarah Vane cozy mystery series continues with another brilliant installment. Sarah, a retired GP, has settled into the charming village of Merstairs. Initially, she envisioned a peaceful life after retirement. However, her fresh start has transformed her into an amateur sleuth, as numerous murders have plagued the village.

Simply put, she takes it upon herself to solve these murders, even when the police would rather her just mind her own business. Currently, it is the Christmas season and Sarah is disconcerted when she finds the choirmaster, Daffyd Jones, dead in his office. Accompanied by her close friend Daphne and her loyal dog Hamish, Sarah embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind Daffyd’s death and identify the culprit.

Sarah’s stubbornness and determination drive her to investigate, despite the police’s ruling that Daffyd’s death was an accident. Her initial discovery that Daffyd was not well-liked further fuels her belief that his death was far from accidental.

This entertaining read showcases Sarah’s no-nonsense attitude. As winter approaches, it’s the perfect read to curl up with a warm drink. The series boasts lovable characters and intricate murder mysteries, making it a delightful fourth installment in the Sarah Vane series.

As a diehard series fan, I recommend reading the series in order. This approach allows readers to reconnect with familiar characters and story arcs. While Sarah’s dear friend Daphne’s quirks, particularly her constant clinginess to Sarah, slightly diminish the book for me, Hamish’s beautiful and loyal nature quickly restores the balance. With the slow-paced development of Sarah’s growing relationship with Charles, I eagerly anticipate the fifth book in the series. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion. 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Her latest cozy mystery series, set in fictional seaside town Merstairs, stars retired GP Sarah Vane. It is published by Bookouture, who also publish Alice's nine-book Beth Haldane Mysteries series set in south east London. Alice also writes psychological thrillers for HQDigital as A.M. Castle.

Author Social Media Links
Website:https://alicecastleauthor.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/alice.castle.355
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AliceMCastle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alice_castle__/

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/alice-castle

BLOG TOUR - A Killer Motive

Title:  A Killer Motive

Author:  Hannah Mary McKinnon

Publisher:  MIRA

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  400

Date of Publication:  September 9, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In this thriller for fans of Ashley Elston and Jeneva Rose, a manipulative kidnapper gives a true crime podcaster one week to locate her brother’s best friend. If she succeeds, she’ll learn the truth about her brother’s disappearance six years ago, but if she fails, his friend will die.

 

You never know who’s listening.

To Stella Dixon, sneaking her teenage brother out of their parents’ house for a beach party was harmless fun—until Max disappeared without a trace.

Six years later, Stella’s family is still broken, and she can’t let go of her guilt. The only thing that keeps her going is helping other families find closure through A Killer Motive, her true crime podcast.

In a bid to find new sponsors and keep making episodes, Stella goes on a local radio show. But when she says on air that if she had just one clue, she’d find Max and bring whoever hurt him to justice, someone takes it as a challenge.

A mysterious invitation to play a game arrives, with the promise that if Stella wins, she’ll get information about what happened to Max. Stella thinks it’s a sick joke…until Max’s best friend vanishes. And she’s given new instructions: tell nobody or people will die.

Desperate and unable to trust anyone, Stella agrees. But beating a twisted, invisible enemy seems impossible when they make all the rules…

BUY LINKS:

Bookshop.org | B&N | Amazon

MY THOUGHTS:

“Better than average understanding about crime, criminals and the inner workings of the justice system.” 

Stella Dixon has been grappling with the unresolved mystery of her brother Max’s disappearance for six long years. The guilt gnaws at her as she recalls the night he vanished, the night she helped him sneak out of the house for a beach party.

Stella and her business partner, a formidable duo, host a popular podcast called A Killer Motive. Their podcast has been instrumental in solving crimes, and Stella’s appearance on a radio show that could bring her bigger opportunities presents a chance to finally find closure. However, her hopes are shattered when she receives a call from an aggressive caller. Could this caller be the key to bringing Max home?

The call Stella received at the radio show is just the beginning of a series of unsettling encounters. The caller remains anonymous, determined to torment Stella and keep her on edge. Their game escalates, creating a rift between Stella and her husband, Jeff, and others around her. Stella is torn between her obsession with the case and her growing sense of dread. Each call is more stressful than the last, leaving her trapped in a web of fear and uncertainty.

A Killer Motive is a gripping and suspenseful novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its relentless pace and Stella’s vulnerability, the story unfolds at a breakneck speed. Hannah Mary McKinnon’s exceptional writing skills shine through in this thrilling tale, showcasing her ability to craft compelling and suspenseful narratives.

Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy the following excerpt:  

Chapter 1 Stella My pulse thudded in my neck like Morse code. A steady tap-tap loosely translating as come on. Shoving my hands under my thighs, I slid farther down the passenger seat and peered over the dashboard toward the darkened house at the end of the street. For ten minutes I’d willed the motion-activated porch lights to stay off. Hoped the heavy living room drapes with the silver ring print I’d been mesmerized by as a kid would remain closed, allowing us to stay undetected. Tap-tap. Already 9:47 p.m. Where was he? The cloudless Maine sky had long transitioned from bright blue to bubble gum pink before enveloping our corner of the East Coast in a blanket of rich black velvet. A cool breeze drifted through the open car window, providing a welcome break from the searing early August temperatures. Rain was on its way for Portland and beyond tomorrow, which would be a welcome relief. For now, the sound of buzzing cicadas filled the Friday night air while this summer’s hottest anthem played on a radio somewhere in the distance. The classic smell of freshly cut grass invaded my nostrils, conjuring memories of picnics in the park, running through sprinklers, and hands sticky from melting strawberry popsicles. Like those lazy days years ago, tonight would be perfect. All I needed was for my brother to show up. “Do you think he changed his mind, Stella?” Jeff said, his voice a gentle rumble. Glancing at my boyfriend, I took in his dark blond hair, straight nose, and the sculpted stubble accentuating a set of epic cheekbones. I let my gaze sweep across his toned biceps and chest. Underneath the faded-but-somehow-still-fitted Alanis Morissette T-shirt was a set of rock-hard abs I couldn’t wait to run my hands over again. Part of me almost wanted Max not to show up so we could go straight home. I reached for Jeff’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “No, he’s too excited for the party. I bet he’s waiting for Mom and Dad to fall asleep in front of the TV.” Jeff laughed. “Way to make them sound ancient.” My parents were fifty-one. I was about to reply that compared to Jeff’s twenty-four years and my twenty-two, that was ancient, but the sight of Max emerging between a pair of fir trees stopped me. With a mischievous grin on his face, he speed-walked toward us, his hands tucked into the pockets of a Simpsons hoodie. I smiled at my baby brother. Baby was slightly unfair considering his eighteenth birthday was under two weeks away, but I’d forever tease him about being four years younger. Max didn’t mind. He knew that from the moment I first saw him in the hospital, swaddled in a bunny-print blanket, his plump cheeks rosy red, I vowed I’d be the best big sister in the world. Tonight, my solemn promise meant busting his grounded ass out of his minimum-security prison, aka our parents’ house, so he could join Jeff and me at what would be the coolest party of the weekend. Lighthouse Beach was a twenty-five-minute drive from Deering, the Portland neighborhood where Max and I had grown up, and now I couldn’t wait to get going. Max slid into the back seat of Jeff’s old red pickup truck. I turned around, laughing at my brother’s beaming face and the perpetual impish twinkle in his green eyes, which looked so much like mine. “We were about to leave,” I deadpanned. “Thought you’d chickened out.” Max snorted. “As if.” “Are we picking up Kenji?” “He’s at his girlfriend’s so he’ll meet us at the beach,” Max said, before jokingly adding, “He’d better, considering he’s taking off next week. Some best friend he is, leaving me behind.” “Hey,” I shot back with mock indignation. “I thought I was your best friend.” “Are you two sure about this aiding and abetting?” Jeff cut in before Max could throw a good-natured sibling zinger my way. “Your mom will go ballistic if she finds out.” Max shrugged. “I don’t care. She’s way overprotective.” “You know her reasons,” Jeff said. We all did. Mom’s older brother died when she was nine and he was seventeen. It was terrible how some asshole truck driver had run over our uncle, killing him instantly. Still, Max’s rebellion tonight was fueled by the fact Mom had banned him from going to California with Kenji, saying it was too far away, and Max was too young. They’d had a massive argument about it, which led to my brother being grounded for the weekend, hence tonight’s great escape. “I told them I was heading to bed,” Max said. “They never check, but I stacked my pillows under the duvet just in case. Nobody will notice.” “If they do, I’ll take the full blame.” I patted Jeff’s hand. “Max, we’ll drive you home. No after-parties with Kenji, got it? What Mom and Dad don’t know can’t hurt them.” “Sir, yes, sir.” Max gave me a salute. “Anyway, I’ll need some sleep. I’m volunteering at the clinic tomorrow. Woolly had a mass removed and I want to be there for him.” “Woolly?” Jeff said. “Dog or sheep?” My brother grinned. “Giant Angora rabbit. He’s awesome.” “You’re such a softie,” I said before letting out a whoop. “All right, let’s go. Lighthouse Beach, here we come.” A KILLER MOTIVE by Hannah Mary McKinnon Available September 2025 from MIRA. Copyright © 2025 by Hannah McKinnon

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her seven suspense novels include NEVER COMING HOME, THE REVENGE LIST, and ONLY ONE SURVIVES, and her work has been optioned for the screen. She also writes holiday romantic comedies as Holly Cassidy. Hannah Mary lives in Oakville, Ontario, Canada with her husband and three sons. You’ll find her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads as @hannahmarymckinnon, and please visit www.hannahmarymckinnon.com for more.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Author website: https://hannahmarymckinnon.com/

X/ Twitter: @HannahMMcKinnon

Instagram: @hannahmarymckinnon

BLOG TOUR - My Husband’s Wife

DESCRIPTION:

Five years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife.

‘Thank you for agreeing to be our wedding planner. Theo is on his way,’ Madison says as we meet to plan her dream wedding. The moment her fiancé enters the room, a newborn baby in his arms, my whole world shifts and I grab hold of my desk to stop myself from falling.

Theo shakes my hand as he introduces himself, but I already know who he is. He’s my husband. The man I thought had died five years ago.

‘Lovely to meet you, Eva,’ he says, carefully avoiding my frozen stare. I’d recognise his smooth voice anywhere.

I want to scream, ask him why he’s doing this to me. But I know just how good a liar my husband is. And he knows my darkest secret. I can’t risk him destroying everything I’ve worked so hard for.

At the end of the meeting, I watch the happy little family walk away, and I don’t miss Theo’s eyes staring at me just a second too long. He knows I’m onto him. But only I know what I’m going to do next…

Readers who loved The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and Gone Girl will love the jaw-dropping twist in this absolutely gripping psychological thriller.

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0FFMKBVL3social 

Apple: https://ow.ly/Uv0n50WgRNz 

Kobo: https://ow.ly/tfcb50WgRPO 

Google: https://ow.ly/58hF50WhhGg 

Audible:

UK: https://ow.ly/qEs050WP1NC 

US: https://ow.ly/qQfz50WP1NA 

Listen here: https://ow.ly/hnUj50WP1NB

Title:   My Husband’s Wife

Author:  Carla Kovach 

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC 

No. of Pages:   350

Date of Publication:   September 8. 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Eva loved her husband Hugo to distraction. When he died by his own hand, she grieved his death terribly. It is five years later, and she and her ten-year-old son Caiden are beginning a new life with her marriage to Zach, a new move and a new job as a wedding planner. 

However, Eva’s struggles are far from over. She hides her worries with smiles, coping with multiple psychological issues, including trichotillomania, a condition that causes her to pull her hair out by the roots. She has also experienced breakdowns in the past. Now, seeking to put her past behind her, Eva hopes to find peace in her new life.

Madison eagerly anticipates her upcoming wedding to Theo. However, things take an unexpected turn when she and her fiancé meet with their new wedding planner, Eva. Eva is astounded and confused. Madison’s fiancé appears eerily similar to Eva’s deceased husband, Hugo. Eva’s panic is evident, leaving Madison bewildered her reaction. As they leave, Eva gets quite the strange look from Theo.

This psychological thriller goes beyond Eva and Madison. There is also Nicole, Eva’s new friend, and a fellow mother. With sons the same age, the women bond immediately. As the story unfolds, each woman’s unique perspective adds to the tense atmosphere, creating a gripping narrative.

Eva, Madison and Nicole’s live have definitely intertwined, and things are about to take a dark turn. Eva’s mental health is definitely a concern, but she is absolutely certain that Theo is her “dead” husband Hugo. Madison and Nicole must somehow connect to the unfolding events, but readers are left to ponder the puzzle, trying to figure out the truth. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle where you’re certain you have all the pieces, but the task seems impossible. This thriller evokes the same sense of unease and intrigue.

Having read over a dozen of Carla Kovach’s books, I was confident that this would be another excellent read. Of course, I wasn’t disappointed, especially considering the story’s excellent pacing. It’s always intriguing to read a story with an unreliable narrator, and this book features three of them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The ending was excellent, just as this fabulous book was.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach is a USA Today bestselling author from the UK and is published by Bookouture, Sphere and Boekerij. Her DI Gina Harte series has been translated into Dutch.

As well as novels, she has also written stage and screenplays.

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaKovachAuthor/
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