The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards Happy Publication Day

Happy publication day, out to buy NOW, here is my review, I was lucky enought to get an arc but kept my review til today.


The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over a few days

Pages - 336

Publisher - Michael Joseph books

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

A dinner party in a beautiful Notting Hill townhouse turns into a sinister game, as six old friends are forced to spill their darkest secrets…or else.

Six friends reunite in London to celebrate the life of their recently deceased ex-employer, a professor that brought them together in 1999 to help build a dating website based on psychological testing.

But what is meant to be a night of bittersweet nostalgia soon becomes a twisted and deadly game when the old friends find themselves held at gunpoint. They are given an ultimatum: reveal their darkest secrets to the group or pick each other off one-by-one.

It soon becomes clear that their current predicament is related to their shared past. The love questionnaire they helped develop in 1999 for the dating site was also turned into a tool for weeding out The Wasp Trap. This and the other tragic events of that summer long ago may help reveal the truth behind a killer hiding in plain sight.

Alternating between the past and present with a colorful ensemble of characters, The Wasp Trap is a fast-paced and twisty thrill ride that is perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Alice Feeney.#


My Review

It has been over 20 years since everyone was together, getting together to celebrate the man who had once brought them all together, all those years ago. Six friends who live very different lives coming to their affluent pals, the duo of the group who have done the best and now having a posh meal at their fancy gaff. No expense spared, all the stops are pulled out however the night takes a turn and the six are forced to face the past and come clean about secrets they would rather stayed buried.

The first part of the book they are all kind of feeling each other out, catching up with the missed past twenty odd years. Then a turn of events, violence and shocking admissions as they try to get to the bottom of what is wanted. We then go back to when they were all pulled together on a project as we try to figure out, along with the character, what exactly the secret is.

Tense, shocking, violent, a forced game of cat and mouse almost with people being put on the spot to choose and try and figure "the secret". Psychological thriller, the guests/friends are clueless just like the reader so we are all figuring out, or trying to figure out what is going on. The threat of violence is constant and looming and as moments tick by (we are very much clock watching) tempers fray and fear climbs making everyone volatile in an already tense and dangerous situation, 4/5.

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This One Life by Amanda Prowse

This One Life by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 364

Publisher - Lake Union Publishing

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

She wants it all. But life has other plans…

After years of hard work, Madeleine’s life is very nearly perfect. She’s about to move to LA to pursue her dream job—and there’s a new man on the scene too. But when her mother falls ill, pulling her back to the world she’s tried so hard to leave behind, the repercussions of a life-changing decision Madeleine made seven years ago resurface, threatening to jeopardise everything she’s worked for.

Faced with the promise of her new life, and the pull of her old, she has to ask herself some tough was what she did then right for her family? How do you know when it’s okay to put yourself first? And what’s the cost of happiness?

Heartfelt, provocative and emotional, this is a gripping look at the choices women have to make, and whether we really can have it all…


My Review

Then and now, we meet Madeline, successful, driven, very particular about how she likes things, her home is pristine/perfect and her job is pretty much everything. When her mum takes unwell Madeline needs to go home and that means back to the place she spent her whole life wanting to escape from. We flip between present day and the past, getting to know Madeline, what makes her the way she is and seeing her struggle going back to her hometown, her past and things she would much rather forget.

Oh I think this may well be a marmite book for some because Madeline is the antithesis of what society expects she should be. Prowse has carved a character who if she was male, not too many eyebrows would be raised but because she is a female backs will absolutely be raised. She isn't the most likeable either, is it because she is selfish (because I think it is safe to say she is), driven, career focused, quite cold too. There is a moment, back in the then, between her and her friend and wow, I gasped out loud. Friends is family for me and ooft some of Madeline's choices and actions are shocking, again because we don't do certain things/cross certain lines/say certain things.

Madeline's family are so lovely, they don't have a lot financially and struggled a bit when she was growing up which is largely why she is the way she is. The contrast between to two timelines and Madeline's life to her life then and her parent's still living that way. Family, relationships and ambition are integral to the story, there are a lot of emotional moments and likely triggers because of some of the themes within the book. I know that is vague but to mention them would be spoilers and we don't do spoilers here.

I think if you grew up with financial difficulties the book might hit a wee bit differently to someone who has never had money worries or grew up in that type of environment. I also think how you respond to Madeline will again depend on how your financials were/are.

I really liked it, a lot of food for thought and although I did not like Madeline nor a lot of her choices, I get it. The book is a lot of actions/consequences and the ripples they can have not just on the person but everyone around them. I think the reason we like Prowse's stories so much is it lets you escape your life for a wee bit and delve into others. Whether you like the characters or not you become invested and encapsulated quickly even if the story starts as a slow burner, 4/5. Out to buy Jan 7th 2025.

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Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice

Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - In and out over 6 days

Pages - 451

Publisher - Knopf

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

At the novel's center: the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, hero, leader, inspirer, irresistible force, irrepressible spirit, battling (and ultimately reconciling with) a strange otherworldly form that has somehow taken possession of Lestat's undead body and soul. This ancient and mysterious power and unearthly spirit of vampire lore has all the force, history, and insidious reach of the unknowable Universe.

It is through this spirit, previously considered benign for thousands of vampire years and throughout the Vampire Chronicles, that we come to be told the hypnotic tale of a great sea power of ancient times; a mysterious heaven on earth situated on a boundless continent--and of how and why, and in what manner and with what far-reaching purpose, this force came to build and rule the great legendary empire of centuries ago that thrived in the Atlantic Ocean.

And as we learn of the mighty, far-reaching powers and perfections of this lost kingdom of Atalantaya, the lost realms of Atlantis, we come to understand its secrets, and how and why the vampire Lestat, indeed all the vampires, must reckon so many millennia later with the terrifying force of this ageless, all-powerful Atalantaya spirit.


My Review

I have read the previous books in the series over X amount of years, some I remember more clearly than others and Lestat has certainly been on a journey. This time we see him being the Prince of their people, leader/ruler and he has as an inner spirit hitchhiking in him Amel. When the counsel hear of a vampire being murdered and his brain eaten it brings to attention a new person(s) of interest and a threat to the vampires but they have no idea of just how unique these people are or their purpose!

I really struggled in parts with this one. Some of it was really interesting especially those who can harm vampires, I am purposely being vague here to avoid spoilers. Torture, spirits, higher beings there is a lot in this and a bit of past and present with stories of old being told and beings trying to work out their place amongst each other, both them and the vamps.

Lestat is very different from how I remember him, he is much more chill and wise but he has been through a hundred life times. Louis pops up again not really playing a huge part but then nor are really any of them excluding Amel, Lestat and the others. I almost felt this was a foundation laying book for what is to come, the next book but it was so very long, disjointed a bit and I kept getting pulled out of it. I just don't think it flowed as well as the previous books nor where the characters overly engaging. David popping up did make me think of The Mayfair Witches trilogy and I think I will re read them at some point as I loved them and the Talamasca group - I actually would have loved a book purely on them to be honest. Whilst it is nice to get a few tidbits/updates on previous book characters nothing was overly in depth if you exclude the others and folks from their story. 3/5 from me, of course I will read the next one which I believe is the last in the series but this wasn't my fave by any stretch.

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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - over 5 days (in and out)

Pages - 386

Publisher - Atria books

Source - Mine was gifted by a friend & I bought a copy for BDWBs for workies

Blurb from Goodreads

Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most.

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up — she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan — her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.



My Review

Split across two timelines, past and present we follow Lily and relationships, as a child and witnessing her parents abusive relationship. Her first encounter with a boy and the friendship they share to present day where a chance meeting brings her to Ryle. Sexy, smart, a doctor who is very upfront he doesn't do relationships but is very attracted to her. We flip back and forth between the two and domestic violence reaches across the ages for Lily to being an observer of what her mother endured to finding herself in the very path she judged her mother walking.

This book has received mixed reactions, some could identify and loved it, others feel it almost glorifies domestic violence (especially after the announcement of a colouring book to come) and I think you need to read it and make your own mind up.

The book is in part drawn from the authors own past and things she witnessed (discussed at the end of the book, well the one I had) and the characters she created to highlight and show how someone can become entrapped. Absolutely covers some very emotive/shocking and horrific scenes, domestic violence, loss, gaslighting, manipulation to name a few. I think for many it is difficult to fathom how you can grow up in/surrounded with violent relationships and then be in that yourself. The author pulls in lots of factors surrounding domestic violence, as a child and then as an adult so different view points. There is also sex scenes which has featured in the books I have read by this author, there is a scene, stethoscope I was totally mortified but whatever floats your boat, 3.5/5 for me this time. Whilst some aspects were done/highlight some important issues and absolutely will get audiences discussing domestic violence/abuse there were also parts, for me, just no! This is book one of two, I will be reading the second to see what is next for our characters.

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Waiting To Begin by Amanda Prowse

Waiting to Begin by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 317

Publisher - Lake Union Publishing

Source - Wishlist Wednesday gift

Blurb from Goodreads

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: what would you risk for a shot at happiness?

1984. Bessie is a confident sixteen-year-old girl with the world at her feet, dreaming of what life will bring and what she’ll bring to this life. Then everything comes crashing down. Her bright and trusting smile is lost, banished by shame—and a secret she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life.

2021. The last thirty-seven years have not been easy for Bess. At fifty-three she is visibly weary, and her marriage to Mario is in tatters. Watching her son in newlywed bliss—the hope, the trust, the joy—Bess knows it is time to face her own demons, and try to save her relationship. But she’ll have to throw off the burden of shame if she is to honour that sixteen-year-old girl whose dreams lie frozen in time.

Can Bess face her past, finally come clean to Mario, and claim the love she has longed to fully experience all these years?


My Review

Set over two timelines 1984 we meet Bessie, 16 years old, best friends with Michelle and a sweet family. The second is 2021, Bessie is all grown, married and hasn't spoken to Michelle in decades, her best friend in the whole world. We flip between the two periods, meeting happy go lucky Bessie, loved and the world as her Oyster. 2021 Bessie is bitter, cold, self absorbed and despite a loving husband she is quite unhappy and I would say even lonely.

The two timelines go back and forth, each revealing a bit more information and bringing the reader into the circle. It covers some hard hitting topics as Prowse does tend to do, I don't want to give anything away as we don't do spoiler reviews but it centres around families, deceit, distrust, betrayal, loss, love, friendship and family to name a few.

We also see how things from our past, especially when we don't deal with them can have long reach and ripples long into our future. I have a few Prowse books on the tbrm, the pace isn't break neck by any standards but it reveals its layers as you go, 4/5 for me.

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When I was Ten by Fiona Cummins

When I Was Ten by Fiona Cummins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 367

Publisher - Macmillan

Source - Netgalley

Blurb from Goodreads

She had lived a lie for thirteen years, and the perfect life as she had known it was about to change forever.

Everyone remembered Sara and Shannon Carter, the little blonde haired sisters. Their Dad was the local GP and they lived in the beautiful house on the hill. Their best friend, Brinley Booth, lived next door. They would do anything for each other but everything shifted on that fateful day when Dr Richard Carter and his wife Pamela were stabbed fourteen times with a pair of scissors in what has become the most talked about double murder of the modern age.

The girls were aged ten and twelve at the time. One, nicknamed the Angel of Death, spent eight years in a children’s secure unit accused of the brutal killings. The other lived in foster care out of the limelight and prying questions. Now, on the anniversary of the trial, a documentary team has tracked down one of the sisters, persuading her to speak about the events of that night for the first time.

Her explosive interview sparks national headlines and Brinley Booth, now a journalist, is tasked with covering the news story which brings to light fresh evidence and triggers a chain of events which will have devastating consequences.



My Review

A child running from a horrific murder then present day - we flip from Catherine, mother to Honor and wife to Edward. She is everything you want to be, attentive, caring, worried about the change in her daughter who is becoming withdrawn, moody and night terrors, Edward is also behaving differently. Brinley is a reporter, never really sinking her teeth into anything worthwhile, dreaming of being with her colleague but noone looks at her like that nor takes her seriously. When a story comes about taking us back to a horrific family murder, Brinley has her chance to be involved in a real story but can she keep her past and present apart and how much will she risk to get what she wants?

Ooft this book has loads going on, as well as jumping from characters we also head back into the past, to the family of the murders. Two sisters living in what seems a perfect home, respected parents of the community - what would drive one of them to murder?

The book teases out the story as we go along, what does Catherine have to do with it and what is the deal with her husband, he is behaving cagey. The storyline that goes back to the siblings is hard reading in parts due to the subject matter. When we are in the present I want don't want to flip to the past and when I am in the past I don't want to flip to the present. It makes for compelling reading and keeps you guessing, where is this going, what does X have to do with Y?

This is my third book for this author and found there is another I have missed, now ordered and on route. For the people who work everything out I think you will enjoy this because it will keep you on your toes. For those who enjoy suspense/thriller/shocking then this is a book for you, 4.5/5 for me, looking forward to the one I missed and whatever she is working on next!

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Friendship Never Ends by Ella Dyson Blog Tour

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Friendship Never Ends by Ella Dyson, please check out the previous stops and the closing stop tomorrow, we all offer different content and it is a great wee book!







Friendship Never Ends by Ella Dyson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time Taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 252

Publisher - Trapeze

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

A big-hearted comedy about friendship, the 90s and the greatest girl band in the world

Three independent women - and one man who lives for drama - haven't spoken to their best friend in 20 years, after an epic talent show disaster tore them apart during the height of Spice-mania.

Self-appointed gang leader Carmen then decided to go it alone - Geri style. But now, in 2018, the school reunion is fast approaching. Friendship Never Ends tells the story of Carmen's plan to win back her former besties - Jemma, Ellie, Laura and Benny - ahead of the big night. But has Carmen really changed? And can their friendship ever really go back to how it was?


My Review

Split between past and present, we open in present day and meet Carmen who bumps into an old flame who happens to be a high profile football player now. Carmen knows she has to win him back and the school reunion is the place to do it, she just needs to get the old gang back together. Her high school friends she hasn't seen since the talent contest at school twenty two years ago, when their friendship was ripped apart. Ellie, Laura, Jemma, Benny and Carmen made up their wee group, all spice girls fanatics and the inspiration for their talent show performance.

A story about the struggles of adult hood before we go back to their high school days, their friendship dynamics, coming of age and eventually what happened that day to break up their friendship. We come full circle and back to present day and Carmen trying to get everyone back together and her plan to woo Darryl Kenny.

Carmen is not a nice character, she is shallow as an adult and a spoilt self centred brat as a kid. Each of the group have their own issues and demons to face, a lot of the story centres on their teenage time leading to the big "event". For some this might be a bit too teen angst but for me, I loved it, it was a trip down memory lane. The friendship dynamics, the learning dances/songs, picking who was who in the spice girls line up, the music, the things they chatted about. I loved that and the memories it evoked fantastic. We are actually planning a mini holiday/reunion with some of my oldest friends so this book was just bang on perfect timing.

Some cringe moments, funny, horrifying, sexuality, self discovery, stereotypes among other issues and I would be shocked at anyone reading this and not being transported back to some part of their teenage years or school days. Light hearted, funny, sad, mortifying a wee bit of a journey for the kids and adults. A book that doesn't take itself too seriously and one you can chuckled away at. Leave your adult responsibilities behind for a few hours, grab some popcorn and settle down to stroll down memory lane espesh if you were a teen when they Spice Girls crashed into the world of pop! This is my first time reading this author I cannot wait to see what else she brings out, 4/5 for me this time.

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The Secret by Kathy Hughes

The Secret by Kathryn Hughes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 day

Pages - 416

Publisher - Headline Review

Blurb from Goodreads

Mary has been nursing a secret. Forty years ago, she made a choice that would change her world for ever, and alter the path of someone she holds dear.

Beth is searching for answers. She has never known the truth about her parentage, but finding out could be the lifeline her sick child so desperately needs. When Beth finds a faded newspaper cutting amongst her mother's things, she realises the key to her son's future lies in her own past. She must go back to where it all began to unlock...The Secret.


My Review

We open in June 1975 Mary Roberts whole world ended as she knew it. Flip ahead to 2016, Mary has passed leaving behind her daughter, grandson and a secret that could literally mean life or death for her daughter Beth's son. Beth's fathers identity is a secret, only Mary could have told her who he was, now Mary has died and Beth's son Jake is ill, could Beth's father's identity hold the key to saving his life? As Beth starts to go through her mothers belongings she finds clues that could help save her son, a secret from the past that may touch the lives of many.

Whilst the story timeline flips a wee bit, it is done so in a way the reader can follow easily. 1975 initially, 2013 to give some build to the main characters before heading back to the past where we pick up in 1976. We meet characters who seem to have no relationship or relevance to our present day story. We delve into the past, meet new characters, love and hate them in equal measures, Hughes takes us into a story of love, loss, sacrifice, family and how some secrets can have long reaching consequences and the fall out from it. This is a lovely story that has elements of sadness, courage and the impact secrets can have, how in protecting those we love we can actually cause more harm.

Beautifully written with characters that jump off the page and into your heart, or the ones that irritate you and get right under your skin. A skillful writer who creates a world you fall into and want to keep reading about long after you finish the last page. 4/5 for me this time, this is my first time reading this author, it won't be my last, thanks to Bookbridgr for sending me a copy of this to review and introducing me to a new author.

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The Devils Work by Mark Edwards

The Devil's Work by Mark Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time take to read - < 1 day

Publisher - Thomas & Mercer

Pages - 376

Blurb from Goodreads

A gripping psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Follow You Home and The Magpies.

When Sophie Greenwood returns to work after four years raising her daughter, she is ready for an exciting new challenge.

But after an unnerving encounter drags up memories she’d rather forget, things take a turn for the sinister. What is her ambitious young assistant really up to? And what exactly happened to Sophie’s predecessor? When her husband and daughter are pulled into the nightmare, Sophie is forced to confront the darkest secrets she has carried for years.

As her life begins to fall apart at work and at home, Sophie must race to uncover the truth about her new job…before it kills her.


My Review

Sophie Greenwood is taking a huge step in her life, going back to work after having her little girl AND it is her dream job. Head hunted for a prestigious publisher, Jackdaw Books, the world's most successful publishing company, Sophie is up for the challenge. However, Sophie has a connection to the head of the company, something from her past she would rather not revisit. Challenges arise in the form of her ambitious young assistant, work politics and soon it is evident someone is out to get Sophie. A spiral of events soon has Sophie on edge, questioning everything and putting her family and herself at risk!

So this is either my first Edwards book or it has been a very long time since I danced with this author. The opening chapter sets the hairs on the back of your neck up, we then go to Sophie's first day at work and drop in over a 50 odd day timeline from when her job began. With periods of throwback to Sophie's past we begin to get an insight into the connection with her employer and hints at what may have happened, building intrigue and mystery.

It begins as a slow burner well after the prologue, eerie and drawing an atmosphere where the reader holds their breath and the heart starts pounding. Particularly, for me, one office scene and I think those who know how bitchy an office environment can be and how quickly the tables can turn. Events transpire that set Sophie on edge, questioning who she can trust, impacting her relationships, behaviour and sanity. I think psychological thrillers are taking off right now, if you enjoy that genre you will love this book! Certainly won't be the last time I will be reading this author, 4/5 for me this time. Thanks so much to Thomas & Mercer for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. You can pick up your own copy on the 13/09/2017 from all good retailers.

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Watching Edie by Camilla Way

Watching Edie by Camilla Way
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 304

Publisher - Harper Collins

Blurb From Goodreads

Beautiful, creative, a little wild… Edie was the kind of girl who immediately caused a stir when she walked into your life. And she had dreams back then—but it didn’t take long for her to learn that things don’t always turn out the way you want them to.

Now, at thirty-three, Edie is working as a waitress, pregnant and alone. And when she becomes overwhelmed by the needs of her new baby and sinks into a bleak despair, she thinks that there’s no one to turn to…

But someone’s been watching Edie, waiting for the chance to prove once again what a perfect friend she can be. It’s no coincidence that Heather shows up on Edie’s doorstep, just when Edie needs her the most. So much has passed between them—so much envy, longing, and betrayal. And Edie’s about to learn a new lesson: those who have hurt us deeply—or who we have hurt—never let us go, not entirely…


My Review

The opening chapter is set in the present day titled"After", Edie is an adult and the past is put behind her although Heather and Connor often come to her mind. Edie is most in her time of need when the door goes and who should appear but Heather, what does she want after all this time. Edie becomes increasing reliant and spooked by Edie and things that happen since Heather has come back into her life.

Ooooh, this was just fabulous! Set in present day as Edie and Heather are reunited we flip from present to the past when the two first met and their realtionship up until they broke off contact all those years ago. The reader is taken on an intense journey, a crescendo of nail biting tension as Heather takes over the present and the past threatens to catch up with Edie.

I read this in one day, I was loathe to put it down, as much as duo timelines often frustrate me I was tuned into both trying to determine what drove Heather & how it would all pan out. This is the authors third offering although my first time reading her, I would certainly read her again and will look out for her previous books. If you fancy a modern day thriller with echos of Single White Female then you really need to grab a copy of this book! Unsettling, creepy, and dealing with tough themes such as stalking, violence, abuse, drugs and sex it isn't a book for the faint hearted. 5/5 for me this time, thanks so much to Harper Collins for a wee ARC of this in exchange for an honest review and introducing me to a new author.

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