My favourite reads of May @taralyonsauthor @zoeleawriter @LouiseWriter @SSCav @callytaylor @lucyfole

It’s time for another round-up of favourite books I’ve read in the last month or so. My word, there have been some incredible stories – it’s been hard to choose the best, but here you go…

Ooh, what can I say about The Paramedic’s Daughter, by Tara Lyons? Not too much, because I don’t want to give anything away!

There are some dark subjects at the heart of this psychological thriller, so be prepared.

I absolutely flew through this book! It grabbed me from the very beginning, hitting me first with a thoughtful and intriguing prologue, then pulling me in with an action-packed first chapter. From then on the pages turned so fast they were almost a blur, I was so desperate to discover what was going to happen to likeable paramedic Abi and her eponymous daughter. I’m saying nothing else for fear of spoilers!

I was lucky enough to be sent an advance copy of a book due to be published on June 4, called The Secretary, by Zoe Lea. I think it’s going to be one everyone will be talking about. 

For starters, the main character, Ruth, is a school secretary, and a lot of the action takes place in and around a primary school – just thinking about that sends a shiver down my spine.

It’s a well-plotted, twisty-turny tale where you’re never quite sure who the bad guy is, or even if there is a bad guy because it could all be down to Ruth (who can come across as a little unstable at times). Prepare to be frustrated, hoodwinked, and heartbroken by this page-turner of a psych thriller.

Wow! I think I’ve finally managed to wipe away my tears after finishing Call Me Star Girl, by Louise Beech. I couldn’t put this book down – was obsessed with the wonderful, complex, realistic characters, intrigued by the twisting storyline, and in love with beautiful writing. This psychological thriller is definitely character-led, so it goes at a slower pace but I was pulled along by wanting to know what happens to the people rather than a speeding plot. It will stay with me for some time.

At the other end of the thriller spectrum, but no less absorbing, is Twisted, by Steve Cavanagh. It is plot-driven, breathlessly non-stop, and so twisted that it will leave your head spinning. It’s an absolute masterclass in misdirection.

Sleep by Cally Taylor is another firm recommendation. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. Clues & red herrings interweave masterfully… It’s another one where I’m biting my lip, wanting to say more, but I can’t! No spoilers, just know that I loved it!

Finally, comes the inspired THE HUNTING PARTY, by Lucy Foley, which kept me intrigued all the way through. It’s hard to guess #whodunnit when you don’t know which character died. Clever! Set aside a day and lose yourself in this page-turner.

#bookreview