The Kill List by Nadine Matheson

May9

Well Thought Out & Executed

The Kill List by Nadine Matheson is an absolutely gripping crime suspense and one that I just could not put down. It is part of the Inspector Anjelica Henley series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.

Once more Nadine Matheson has constructed a marvellous plotline. The whole novel is extremely well thought out and executed. The story is complex, and Nadine Matheson has an eye for detail as she draws the reader into a world of crime.

All of the characters were well drawn. The police officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice – whether it’s a bent copper, a serial killer or a miscarriage of justice – no stone is left unturned.

Cold case crimes from 1995 and 1996 are resurrected in present day as a kill list appears. Is it a copycat killer? Or has the killer remained dormant for nearly thirty years? The police and the reader must seek out the truth as the killer walks amongst them.

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The Restaurant In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen

May9

Charming New Series

The Restaurant In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen is a most delightful contemporary novel. It is the first book in the brand new Pelican Crossing series which promises to be charming.

For fans of Maggie Christensen’s Bellbird Bay, Pelican Crossing is just up the coast. There are mentions of the shops and characters from Bellbird Bay, giving the reader a feeling of familiarity and comfort. Having read the Bellbird Bay series, it is a pure delight to be introduced to new characters in a new setting.

When you settle into a Maggie Christensen book, you just know you will feel comfortable and at home. It is rather like sinking into your slippers after a day on your feet. Pelican Crossing offers a place of refuge, a place we all want to come home to.

We meet a character who is still trying to come to terms with the loss of her childhood sweetheart five years earlier. Family and friends offer love and support. Could now be the time for a new beginning?

Pets are so important in our lives. We meet a small dog who loves his owner, loves walking on the beach and snoozing in his basket. He has been a literal lifesaver as his owner talks to him and he helps her heal from a tragedy.

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The French Cookery School by Caroline James

May2

New Horizons

The French Cookery School by Caroline James is a positively delightful contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. They were an eclectic mix who traveled from England to the French cookery school. There are larger than life characters, salt of the earth characters, a brow beaten woman, a newly widowed woman and more, plus a Michelin starred chef and the owner. Everyone has a back story.

We witness that branching out alone after losing a partner to cancer, takes much bravery, as the late partner’s dream is realised. As he lets a little light in, he finds the strength to live again.

The reader cannot help but like a bubbly northern lass who always has a smile and a kind word. She is hoping for a long-held dream to become a reality.

Our hearts break for a character who has been forever squashed by her husband who is a philanderer and a gambler. She fears the future. She is also caught in the grip of anorexia. A near miss helps her to open her eyes to the possibility that the second half of her life can be better than the first.

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I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak

May1

Enchanting

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak is a most delightful, contemporary children’s novel that is just perfect for ages eight years and over.

The story is about family. We see the bonds between parents, twelve year old Max, five year old Emmaline, Uncle Reggie and of course, Cosmo the dog. Family pull together, sharing events – but then Mum and Dad start arguing. We see the effect this has on the family. What Max fears most about a possible divorce, is being separated from Cosmo. He has heard of others where one parent has the kids and the other has the dog. Max clings to Cosmo and shares his fears. There is a beautiful bond between them as Cosmo is just one year older than Max. We learn how Cosmo loves “doggedly… it’s the way we love, with our whole hearts.”

The book is written in the first person from the point of view of Cosmo. As such, we know how deep his love for Max runs. Carlie Sorosiak has perfectly captured Cosmo. The reader really believes that it is him speaking.

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