Tag: Thriller

Kill for Me Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was lucky enough to hear Steve Cavanagh and Gillian McAllister talk about their latest books at my local Waterstones recently. So, of course, that means I have to start reading them (and pause for a moment on shopping my shelves).

‘Kill for Me Kill for You’ is a standalone novel from the pen of Steve Cavanagh (do not worry, Eddie Flynn is returning), inspired by the novel ‘Strangers on a Train’ (yes, I have ordered a copy of that book too). It is a page-turning thriller full of twists and turns, and quite some suspense. It is a study of what may lead someone to agree to kill another person – and if an agreement means that someone can actually go through the act.

It is always hard to review thrillers, as there are no spoilers here – however, this book is simply brilliant. I could not put it down; I read past my bedtime and chores were definitely left undone as I needed to know what was going to happen next. Especially each time something new was revealed that you may not have been expecting.

It is a very well-constructed narrative, with the clever use of timelines and characters’ narratives building all the thrilling tension.

Steve Cavanagh is a particularly talented thriller writer, and I cannot wait to read more of the Eddie Flynn books.

The Honeymoon by Kate Gray

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

This is definitely a case of ‘Bookstagram made me do it’ – I had seen ‘The Honeymoon’ by Kate Gray all over bookstagram and I was getting a severe case of FOMO. Especially after a fantastic post by a lovely friend actually reading ‘The Honeymoon’ on honeymoon. Also, as we have established that I am in a real thriller mood, I could not really let this book pass me by.

When I spotted it at a bargain price, I knew I had to pick up a copy and break my self-imposed shopping my shelves challenge. And I was disappointed by my decision.

‘The Honeymoon’ was an absolutely fantastic thriller which I could not put down from the moment that I started it. There was so much suspense and intrigue amongst the pages that I kept needing to know what was going to happen next. Told between the perspectives of two newly weds, Erin (who has recently married Jamie) and Sophia (who has recently married Mark), we meet them on their honeymoon in Bali as they meet each other. However, after a tragic death on the final night of the honeymoon, the couples remain in each other’s lives on their return to England, where nothing is quite as it seems.

This is such a clever novel full of twists and turns that will lead you to struggle to put this book down. One brilliant part of this book is that you are never sure if the narrators are reliable or not (I am still wondering about one of them now, even after finishing the book) – and you are literally left surprised until the very last chapter of the book. Even the twist I thought I saw coming was not exactly as I imagined, which is definitely a sign of a great thriller – when the reader is constantly surprised or left guessing.

I think that Kate Gray could be a name we will see in the thriller genre for some time to come, and I hope we see more from her very soon because I, for one, would be keen to read whatever might come next.

The Stephen King Thing

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Stephen King is a name known by all bookworms – it does not mean you have to have read his books, but you have probably seen a film based on one of his stories, even if you have not realised it. This man is a legend in the book world, probably most famed for his horror novels, but he has books in all sorts of different genres (Mr BookwormandTheatreMouse is a huge fan of the Dark Tower novels) and you cannot escape seeing his books in bookshops, pretty much wherever you are.

However, you may be like me and had never really picked up a Stephen King novel (well, I made a small attempt at reading ‘The Stand’, but it was a little on the large side for me), but after a friend mentioned that someone they knew had suddenly become a huge Stephen King fan, I thought I should probably give his books a go again.

‘Misery’ had been sitting on my shelves for quite some time. It is a book that is on my ‘100 Books to Read Before You Die’ poster, so I knew I needed to read it at some point. It is also one that I have seen the film adaptation of (quite some time ago), so I knew the plot and thought I could probably handle this one.

As I read this book, I had one question on my mind: why on earth had I left it so long to pick this book up? Why had I avoided Stephen King for so long (other than the fact I was convinced his books would terrify me)?

‘Misery’ is an absolutely stunning book – a fantastic masterclass in how a book can create suspense and tension without a whole lot of bells and whistles, but through very skillful writing and chracterisation. A story of pretty much only two characters for the majority of the book is one of the most atmospheric tales I have ever read – and gives us one of the most terrifying villains. I cannot spoil this book for anyone who has not read it (if there is anyone out there who has not read it) – but I urge anyone who likes the idea of a noir thriller with an edge to pick this book up.

I think it is safe to say that I have now been bitten by the bug to read more Stephen King novels – I am still not sure I am ready for ‘The Stand’ or some of the real horror, but I am definitely ready to read some more of his backlist and I have a few ideas about what I might pick up (thanks to excellent recommendations from friends).

Do you have a favourite Stephen King book that I should be adding to the tbr pile?

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Roughly a year ago, I read ‘The Silent Patient‘ by Alex Michaelides and enjoyed it. So, ‘The Maidens’ has been on my radar since. When a beautiful copy of the hardback was to be found in my charity bookshop a month or so ago, I knew I could not leave it sitting in there, and it had to come home with me.

I am so glad that this book did come home with me as I absolutely loved it. This was the sort of thriller that really did have you on the edge of your seat and makes you read past your bedtime. I loved the fact that it was set around the academic world of Cambridge and that it drew on the ideas of Ancient Greece, its literature and philosophers. Alongside the fact that there always seems to be an air of mystery to that academic life, ‘The Maidens’ is a complex and thrilling read.

Alex Michaelides is very successful at planting red herrings or suggestions within his stories, which can lead the reader down a certain path. Suspecting certain characters and maybe even thinking that they have solved the mystery, however, I think the reader is rarely successful until the final pages of the book, when Michaelides actually reveals his culprit. I did not see the plot twist coming in this book and I think that is an additional reason why I enjoyed this story so much.

I absolutely can’t wait to read more from the pen of Alex Michaelides, I believe that there is a new novel heading our way soon, as I think his books will go from strength to strength. I thought ‘The Silent Patient’ was outstanding, but ‘The Maidens’ topped that, which is quite an achievement. These are atmospheric, chilling and thrilling reads – so, if you have not given either title a go, why not – because you are missing out.

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I have only recently discovered the books of Clare Mackintosh and I am so glad that I have as she writes a great thriller. And my thriller and crime phase does not seem to have left me yet – it must be the escapism of it all.

‘Hostage’ was a little bit of a slow burn of a book but once the pace picked up I could not put it down and needed to know what was going to happen next. I do not want to give any of this story away, it definitely needs to be read to be appreciated without any spoilers. However, I was impressed that the real twist came at the very, very end of the book. And it was a twist that I genuinely did not see coming; it was a very clever move by Clare Mackintosh.

I am not sure the characters were particularly likeable in this book but they were fascinating. You needed to find out more about them and try to understand the decisions that they make. I was often left contemplating what I would have done in some of their situations. It was definitely a strong study of human nature and emotion.

Despite this book having been published in 2021, it is one that still felt very bang up to date, with some of the references made to some of the social and political issues within the plot are ones that we seem to still be and possibly always will be facing in the twenty-first century.

Just with the last book I read by Clare Mackintosh (The Last Party), I am keen to read more. Maybe they will pop up in my summer reading over the next few weeks, although I must remember that I should be shopping my shelves – haha!

Those People by Louise Candlish

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Like so many of you book lovers, I read ‘Our House‘ by Louise Candlish. But, since then, I had rather let her novels pass me by. When she was announced as one of the authors who would be attending ‘The Tasting Notes Live’ in June, I knew I had to make sure I read another of her books.

The clever aspect of this thriller is that there is a feeling that such a thing could come true – and you are considering how far someone would go to deal with that noisy neighbour…

This is a bit of a format that we have seen before: that perfect neighbourhood, with the too-good-to-be-true inhabitants, who have their peace shattered by the arrival of an outsider or two. You are introduced to these characters and, of course, all the ‘perfect’ neighbours have a reason to deal with that ‘intruder’ of their idyll.

However, this was not a favourite read of mine; it was a bit too slow paced. Plus, none of the characters were particularly likeable. So, it was hard to feel any empathy or sympathy for many of those characters who felt their lives were falling apart because of the new terrible neighbour. I did totally appreciate that much of what was happening could push people to the edge – but a couple of them just came across as though they were not helping themselves in the situation.

Yet, I really appreciate that this is the sort of book that I can borrow from the library, as I know I will read more by Lousie Candlish. ‘The Only Suspect’ is definitely one I hope to pick up soon – because I have definitely been influenced by some good reviews out there.

On a total sidenote, if you are a regular reader of my blog, I have to admit it made me giggle that my last read was ‘These Days’, followed by ‘Those People’ – such different reads but such easily confused titles.

The Exiles by Jane Harper

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I was so excited when I went to the library and discovered that they had ‘The Exiles’ by Jane Harper on the shelf. I absolutely love the books of Jane Harper and I could not wait to have the chance to be reacquainted with one of my favourite characters, Aaron Falk. And, as we know, I am on a bit of a thriller/crime streak with my book choices at the moment, so that meant I could definitely take the book out, despite all those books on my shelf at home (where I am suposed to be making my choices from).

Now, I am not going to spoil this book for anyone, as I know there are so many Jane Harper and Aaron Falk fans out there, but I am going to try and share some thoughts about the novel with you all. It will be no surprise that I absolutely loved this book.

I think the thing I always like most about these books is that the scenery and the landscape become as much of a character as the actual characters do. And that was the case in this book, just as it had been in the others. I felt like I was there in the small Australian town, experiencing all the things that the characters were experiencing. So, it will come as no surprise that this was a real page-turner that I could not put down.

This book also felt like a natural progression for Aaron Falk: he again manages to solve a crime (well, more than one) and helps the town and its residents move on. But, also, Aaron Falk seems to have naturally developed as a character in this book, as he has found a solid group of friends who have made him feel as though he belongs. He certainly seemed a more vulnerable character than we have seen before. I thought this was fantastic because, as a reader, I felt as though I have been on Aaron Falk’s journey of discovery with him.

I think it is safe to say that Jane Harper has secured herself a place as one of my favourite authors, and Aaron Falk as one of my favourite characters. He may be a flawed man (as they all are – I mean, that is what seems to make a fantastic detective), but he is a definitely a believable character.

If you have enjoyed Jane Harper’s other books, then I can guarantee that you will enjoy this one, too.

Do No Harm by Jack Jordan

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

My desire to read thrillers continues and I had seen ‘Do No Harm’ everywhere in the book world. So, when this book hit the shelves in paperback, I knew I had to read it.

This is such a fascinating concept: a surgeon asked to do something that goes against everything she stands for…but if she does not, then her son’s life is in the balance. (This is not a spoiler, as this is all in the blurb…) As you can imagine, this leads to all sorts of twists and turns before we reach the end of the book.

Now, I did enjoy this book – even though I am never sure that ‘enjoy’ is the correct word for a thriller – and I did want to find out what was going to happen. However, I am not sure it was quite up to all the hype. It has a well-constructed plot, but there was something that held it back from being quite the hyped thriller that it has been in the book world. I think the ‘sparkle’ was missing for me, because I found the characters very dislikable and not people I felt much sympathy for, despite the very difficult situations they found themselves in. And I was not sure if some of the plot was a little far-fetched – which meant, at moments, you had to suspend your belief for some of the plot points.

I can understand why so many people have enjoyed this book, but, for me, it just slightly missed the hype. However, I would still suggest that people who want to read this and pick it up give it a go because there is so much love for this novel, and I did keep reading it until the end – so, something in there had me turning the pages and wanting to find out what happened.

If this is one you have read, I would love to know what you think.

Wahala by Nikki May

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

In preparation for the up and coming ‘Tasting Notes Live‘ I am starting to make sure that I have read the books by the incredible authors who will be appearing at the event. And one of those incredible authors is Nikki May. I am also still shopping my shelves, as this was a little treat to myself earlier this year after a visit to one of my favourite independent bookshops – Warwick Books.

‘Wahala’ is Nikki May’s debut novel and – wow – what a read it is. I was attracted to stunning cover of the paperback and thought I was letting myself in for a bit of a cosy read about female friendships. But this book is about so much more.

I mean, do not get me wrong, female friendships are a strong central theme – and a fascinating study of them it is too. But (and this is why I love not reading the blurb) this was a bit of a thriller too, which, if you judge the book by its cover, you would not expect. Why exactly is so much ‘wahala’ occurring and causing strain for three best friends who have always been rock solid?

I think this book has one of the best villains that I have met amongst the pages of a book. A true character that you love to hate. And that really added to the enjoyment of reading this book, especially as it is not exactly who you expect it to be.

There is so much in this book and I do not want to spoil it for anyone else if they hope to pick it up, but I will add that if you decide to read this then you will not be disappointed. This is a sophisticated story about friendships, relationships, family dynamics and self-discovery, with the edge of a thriller. It will keep you turning the pages and just wanting to find out more about these three women and their lives.

I am even more excited about the next live event now I have read this book, and about having the chance to hear Nikki May talk about her fantastic debut novel.

The Favour by Nicci French

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

Thank you to ‘Tandem Collective’ for the gifted copy of Nicci French’s latest novel. I had not read any books by Nicci French before, so I was very excited to start, especially as I am a fan of a thrilling read.

This thriller is definitely more of a character-driven story than plot-driven. The plot is engaging – after all, what exactly is ‘the favour’? But it is the characters that keep the story going and keep the reader reading.

Jude has her life together – and always has. She is young, she is successful and she does not appear to let the events of the past haunt her or hold her back. However, Liam, her first love, reappears one random morning and asks her for a favour, which she appears to agree to, with hesitation. Little does Jude know that this may well change her life beyond recognition and drag her into a world that she would be better off leaving alone.

I did find this book a page-turner, as I just had to know what was going to happen and who was involved with what throughout the narrative. And, the phrase ‘the favour’ takes on so many different meanings as you work your way through the story – some having much more significance than the other. Occasionally, Jude’s actions seem a bit bizzare for an educated woman, but as the story unfolds you begin to understand why some things are like they are (although it still makes some of her actions a little questionable – I mean, she really does not seem to spot a warning sign…).

The revelation at the end was not quite what I was expecting. I had seen some of the secrets worked out before they were revealed, but not the final revelation. There are plenty of red herrings as we meet different characters – and some of them do seem a little wasted, as they do not bring much to the plot other than a little bit of distraction.

If you enjoy a pacy thriller with a complex plot, then this may not be the book for you – but if you enjoy a well-crafted character-led story full of secrets, then this definitely is the book for you.