BLOG TOUR - Murder at the Cornish Book Club

DESCRIPTION:

Join Maddie Penrose, scone baker, book lover and amateur sleuth, in her new home by the Cornish seaside. A member of her local book club has been murdered, and she’s on the case!

Maddie Penrose is settling into Cornish life with her fun and feisty grandmother, Nor. She throws herself into getting to know the locals, helping out at the village book club and enjoying the occasional G&T in the pub with handsome police officer DI Tom Trevelyan. But one sunny morning, her newfound peace is shattered when she spots Quentin, a member of the book club… dead, with a knife in his back.

To Maddie’s surprise, it transpires that almost all the other members of the book club have a motive to murder Quentin. Quentin’s own wife, a fellow reader, seems to be hiding something. The local romance author isn’t all sweetness and light, and another writer is keeping secrets. But is one of the book lovers in the sleepy seaside village really responsible for Quentin’s untimely death?

No sooner has the ink dried on the page of the first killing, another takes place – and the seconds victim is also a member of the book club! As Maddie frantically scrambles to get her clues down in black and white, she unearths a discovery connected to Nor. Is her gran the next victim on the list?

Can Maddie rescue Nor before her story ends in murder too? Or will the killer have the last word?

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• Amazon: https://geni.us/B0GN5243TRsocial

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Title:   Murder at the Cornish Book Club

Author:  Fliss Chester

Series:  Maddie Penrose Book 2
Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  268

Date of Publication:  June 29, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars  

MY THOUGHTS:

Maddie Penrose has settled nicely into her new life in a charming Cornish seaside village, where she helps her grandmother, Nor, run her cozy teashop. She also seems to have a talent for solving murders, and that skill is put to the test once again in the second installment of Fliss Chester’s delightful cozy mystery series.

While waiting to serve tea to a group of annual midsummer swimmers, Maddie and her friends witness a shocking discovery when a body washes ashore with an ornate knife in its back. The victim, Quentin Roskelly, was a member of the book club that meets at Nor’s teashop, and it quickly becomes clear that he wasn’t well liked. With so many possible suspects, Maddie can’t resist investigating alongside her almost-beau, DI Tom Trevelyan.

When another book club member is murdered, Maddie realizes the killer may not be finished. With the danger growing ever closer to home, she races to uncover the truth before someone else, perhaps even Maddie or Nor, becomes the next victim.

Filled with a charming Cornish setting, lovable characters, humor, and bookish references, Murder at the Cornish Book Club is an engaging cozy mystery. Although Maddie is the central sleuth, Nor often steals the spotlight with her warmth and wit, adding an extra layer of charm to an already delightful story. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://www.instagram.com/flisschester/
https://twitter.com/SocialWhirlGirl

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 charm to an already delightful story. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://www.instagram.com/flisschester/
https://twitter.com/SocialWhirlGirl

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Fliss Chester here: https://www.bookouture.com/fliss-chester

BLOG TOUR - The Toxic Friend

DESCRIPTION:

Keep your enemies close… and your best friends closer.

I watch Victoria and Reese leaving their favourite coffee shop arm-in-arm. They like to go there to catch up, brag about their perfect husbands and their perfect children.

But I know the truth. Behind those big smiles, Reese and Victoria have kept each other close so they can watch each other. Their friendship is toxic. And their lives are built on one big lie. 

I carefully snap another photograph to add to my collection. Neither of them knows I see everything they do. They’ll find out soon enough, when I bring their lies out into the open. Then it will be just the three of us, together again after all these years.

Because the past is coming back to bite these two women…

It’s me. I’m the past. Here I come.

A totally addictive psychological thriller by million-copy bestseller Nicole Trope that will have you racing through the pages late into the night! Fans of Andrea Mara, Shari Lapena and Freida McFadden won’t be able to put this down.

BUY LINK:

Amazon:  https://geni.us/B0H1RJKNJMsocial

Title:   The Toxic Friend

Author:  Nicole Trope

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  286

Date of Publication:  June 26, 2026

My Rating:  5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Reese and Victoria are stunned when they begin receiving threatening letters that appear to have been sent by their former friend, Camilla. They have no idea why she has suddenly resurfaced after years of silence, but both women know they have secrets from their shared past that they desperately want to keep hidden. If Camilla is reaching out now, she must want something, and whatever it is could unravel everything they have hoped to leave behind.

If you enjoy stories featuring unreliable narrators, you’ll quickly recognize that no one in this novel is entirely trustworthy. Nicole Trope does an excellent job developing her characters, gradually peeling back the layers of their personalities and revealing that no one is as innocent as they first appear.

Like every Nicole Trope novel I’ve read, The Toxic Friend immediately captured my attention. It’s a fast-paced psychological thriller filled with taut suspense, well-placed twists, and clever red herrings that kept me guessing until the very end. The shocking conclusion left me breathless. I can’t wait to see what Trope writes next because I’m sure it will be just as compelling. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nicole Trope went to university to study Law but realised the error of her ways when she did very badly on her first law essay because, as her professor pointed out, ‘It’s not meant to be a story.’

She studied teaching instead and used her holidays to work on her writing career and complete a Masters’ degree. In between raising three children, working for her husband and renovating houses, she has published multiple bestselling novels. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

Author social media:

Facebook: @NicoleTrope

Twitter: @nicoletrope

Author email sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/nicole-trope

 

BLOG TOUR - Murder at the Country Fair

DESCRIPTION:

When a body is discovered at their local country fair, amateur detectives Flora and Jack Carrington agree this death smells suspicious – and it’s not just the killer cheese. It’s the scent of murder…

Sussex, 1960: It’s the perfect day for Abbeymead’s autumn fair. The village green has been transformed into a riot of stalls and tents, and Flora and Jack are keen to sample all the local produce. But when local cheesemaker Gilbert Barrow crashes into the fair, he brings the festivities to a dead halt.

Flora rushes to the van and finds Gilbert slumped over the wheel, killed by his prize-winning round of cheese, which has broken free of its bonds. Flora is immediately alert – surely Gilbert would have been more careful with his treasured prize… and with his life?

Certain there’s more to this than just a tragic accident, Flora and Jack begin investigating Gilbert’s close circle – his jealous cousin, Bea, his corporate dairy rival, Reginald, and his estranged wife, Vivienne. When Gilbert’s new girlfriend is attacked, the race to find out who had the biggest motive heats up faster than fondue. But can Flora and Jack sniff out the killer – or will their investigation crumble before the murderer strikes again…?

A completely gripping and page-turning, charming cozy mystery novel packed to the brim with brilliant twists. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis will love Murder at the Country Fair.

BUY LINK:

• Amazon: https://geni.us/B0GPD8RS6Fsocial
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Title:  Murder at the Country Fair 

Author:  Merryn Allingham 

Series:   Flora Steele Mystery #14

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Cozy Mystery 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:  287

Date of Publication:  June 25, 2026

Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Cheesemaker Gilbert Bartow is killed just as the local country fair is about to begin. His death immediately raises suspicions, and, of course, Flora Steele and her husband, Jack Carrington, step in to investigate. At the request of the local police inspector, and not for first time, they  once again put their amateur sleuthing skills to work.

The manner of Gilbert’s death is certainly unusual. He appears to have been crushed by a wheel of prize-winning cheese in his truck. Was it simply a tragic accident, or was it carefully planned sabotage? Flora and Jack are determined to uncover the truth. Although they are amateur detectives, their intelligence, persistence, and keen instincts have helped them solve countless mysteries before.

I love this series. Having read it from the very beginning, I’ve enjoyed watching the continuity of the characters and the warm, loving relationship between Flora and Jack. Flora’s bookshop, The All’s Well, remains one of my favorite settings, serving as a welcoming hub where many of the series’ memorable characters gather. Each mystery is engaging, and spending time in this charming village is always a pleasure. Murder at the Country Fair is another delightful addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband and one last cat, Bluebell. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

https://merrynallingham.com/
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https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

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Review - Calm Amidst Chaos

Title:  Calm Amidst Chaos

Author:  Erik Scott

Publisher:  The Three Tomatoes Publishing

Genre:   Memoir

Format:  ebook

No. of Pages:   236

Date of Publication:   December 30, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Behind the Flames Lies the Human Story of Courage and Resilience

Foreword by Sean Penn

When a wind-driven inferno swept across Southern California, it pushed first responders and entire communities to their limits. Amid hurricane-force winds, mass evacuations, and nonstop breaking news, millions searched for clarity in the chaos.

In Calm Amidst Chaos, Los Angeles Fire Captain and lead Public Information Officer Erik Scott delivers a gripping, behind-the-scenes account of the January 2025 Palisades Fire—one of the most complex emergencies the region has ever faced. Blending frontline interviews, on-scene observations, Hollywood’s red carpets, and leadership forged under impossible conditions, Scott reveals the human side of the emotional wreckage left behind, the toll on firefighters, and the quiet courage that carries a city through its darkest hours.

This is a non-political, deeply human memoir about 

• Leading when the stakes are life and death
• Navigating the hidden challenges behind major incidents
• Witnessing communities rise from the ashes
• Finding calm when the world ignites

Equal parts cinematic and grounded, Calm Amidst Chaos is a tribute to courage, a study in leadership under fire, and a testament to what happens when ordinary people face extraordinary conditions—and how courage can spread faster than flames.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Calm Amidst Chaos delivers a powerful punch. It is a thorough, compelling and well-written memoir by Erik Scott, the lead Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Los Angeles Fire Department. Centered on the devastating January 2025 Palisades Fire in Southern California, the book offers a unique perspective from someone who was not only responsible for communicating critical information but was also on the front lines of the crisis as a firefighter. 

Throughout the book, Scott reinforces a simple yet powerful message; “Tell people what is happening, what we’re doing about it, and what it means to them.”

However, Scott clearly states that this is not a book about a fire. It about much more. He writes, “It’s about finding clarity when the world feels overwhelming.” The memoir highlights the human side of disaster, illustrating the challenges created by mass evacuations, hurricane-force winds, and the relentless flow of media coverage. Scott demonstrates how easily fear and uncertainty can take hold and shows what it takes to respond effectively - careful logistics, teamwork, quick problem-solving, and, perhaps most importantly, information that is timely, accurate, and consistent.

The book also offers practical lessons that extend far beyond wildfire preparedness. One of these is “The Six P’s of Evacuationa;  People & Pets, Papers, Prescriptions, Photos, Personal Devices, Plastic.” These are valuable reminders for anyone preparing for an emergency of any kind.

This memoir carries the steady theme of finding steadiness and purpose during a crisis - Calm Amidst Chaos. This book does not rely on politics, but the emphasis is on courage, service, leadership and human resilience. This first-hand account illustrates the bravery of firefighters and residents in the face of a life-altering disaster while also highlighting the compassion, dedication and clear communication that all work together to help communities to endure and recover all while remaining equally calm and compassionate. 

Calm Amidst Chaos is both an inspiring memoir and a practical guide for navigating difficult circumstances, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in leadership, emergency preparedness, or the strength of the human spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erik Scott is a Captain II / Paramedic and the senior, longest-serving lead Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department. With more than two decades of fire service experience, he has become a trusted voice in times of crisis—most notably during the Palisades Fire, when his calm, clear updates guided millions through one of Southern California's most challenging wildfire emergencies.

A qualified Type 1 PIO—the highest level of certification—Scott has responded to nearly every type of emergency imaginable, working alongside the dedicated men and women of the LAFD. He began his career as the Top Overall Recruit and went on to earn degrees in Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Services Management, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His professional development includes serving as a UCLA paramedic instructor, training as a Terrorism Liaison Officer, and completing the West Point LAFD Leadership Academy.

Scott has conducted tens of thousands of media interviews with local, national, and international outlets, and is frequently deployed to support major wildfires and large-scale disasters as part of Incident Management Teams. A sought-after speaker on crisis communication, he continues to highlight the teamwork and dedication of firefighters and partner agencies, embodying leadership, clarity under pressure, and genuine concern for the communities he serves.

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BLOG TOUR - The Armchair Detectives on Holiday

DESCRIPTION:

Martin and Albie are jetting off for some sun and sangria. But they didn’t bank on finding a body on the beach…

Fresh from their last case at Twilight Lodge, Martin and Albie reward themselves with a relaxing trip to the sun-soaked island of Menorca.

But when they head down to breakfast one morning, they happen upon a panicked husband reporting his wife, bestselling author Karen Squires, missing. Soon afterwards they’re shocked to discover Karen’s body on the beach.

Local police call it a tragic one look at the broken safety fence on the cliffs above suggests Karen fell. But the victim’s perfectly-manicured nails tells Martin that this was no accident. She was pushed.

Back at the hotel, the duo discover that Karen was running a retreat for writers, all of whom seem shocked by her untimely passing. But which one of them may have had a motive for murder? Was a fellow writer jealous of her success? Did her devoted husband feel sidelined?

As they hunt for clues, they realise that the answer may be found in one of Karen’s bestsellers and luckily for them, Albie’s girlfriend, Barbara, is her number one fan. A killer is hiding in plain sight. But to get to them, can they separate the fact from the fiction before it’s too late?

BUY LINK:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0FT5HS5DPsocial

Title:  The Armchair Detectives on Holiday

Author:  Matt Dunn

Series:   The Armchair Detective Mysteries #2

Publisher:  Bookouture

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   369

Date of Publication:   June 22, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

In the first book Matt Dunn’s British cozy mystery series, Martin and Albie form an uneasy alliance. Martin is thrilled, while Albie is reluctant to admit their past collaboration. The story begins with unexplained deaths in the nursing home where both octogenarians reside, and Martin senses something amiss. With the occasional assistance of Martin’s daughter, Dionne, a police constable, they unravel the mystery.

In the second book, Martin, Albie, and Dionne embark on a holiday. One morning, while at the hotel clerk’s desk, Martin overhears a man’s desperate plea about his missing wife, Karen. With Martin’s hidden past in the “company” and his success in solving the nursing home murders, he decides to help the distraught husband. They set off to find Karen, an author on a “plot walk” - a brainstorming technique. However, she has been missing for far too long.

Tragically, they discover Karen’s body over a cliff edge, revealing that her death was not an accident but a murder. Karen and several authors were attending a writing retreat, and Martin suspects one of the other authors is responsible.

This cozy mystery series is a delightful read so far! Martin is a charming character, while Albie embodies the grumpy old man stereotype. Dionne, on the other hand, is determined to keep them both in check. I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie between Martin and Albie, as well as their bond with Dionne. The mystery in this novel is well-crafted, with a few plot twists that keep the reader guessing. This second book is a fantastic addition to Dunn’s series, seamlessly blending mystery and humor. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matt Dunn is the author of numerous novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), A Day at the Office, 13 Dates (shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy of the Year), and At The Wedding (an Amazon Kindle #1 bestseller). He’s also written for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun. Previously, he’s worked as a professional lifeguard, fitness-equipment salesman, and most recently, an I.T. head-hunter (where his success in re-writing other people’s CVs made him think he might have a talent for fiction), but he prefers writing novels for a living.

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