Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley

Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 9 days (busy December)

Pages - 432

Publisher - Orion

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

In a picturesque town in Derbyshire, Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles worries about her business, last-minute wedding planning and the two new children in her life, Merry is stretched to breaking point.

Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin. Her father Ray's dementia is worsening, and she's struggling to care for him alone while holding down a job. When Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything .

As shocking secrets from Ray's past finally come to light, will this Christmas make or break Emily and Merry?


My Review

So this is marked as a standalone but Merry I am sure was in the other book I read by this author and her partner. We alternate between Merry and Emily. Merry's candle business is successful, in fact branching out so well she really needs to look to more staff but it is her baby and she is reluctant to let go. Everything is coming together great however planning a wedding, stretching herself thin with the business and concerns with her soon to be step children is causing Merry stress. Emily has a selfish boyfriend, I mean the guy is an absolute horror bag and her dad is getting more forgetful, confused and wandering more. Emily has the absolute guilt on what is best to do for her dad but with his condition worsening and the impact it is having on her job/personal life and health - stuck between a rock and a hard place.

We follow the two ladies as they navigate between their own personal issues, I really felt for Emily although with the boyfriend interactions I was near screaming at the book. Honestly a repugnant and vile individual. Emily's dad, the dementia/scenes are very emotive and heart breaking at some points.

The book is a cozy read with some emotive themes, friendship, blended families, wedding planning, stress, dementia, secrets, love & loss. It is a mixed bag, if you want to just escape from your own world for a wee bit this is a good shout. I need to look at her other books to see if these characters are in other despite being standalones, 4/5. I got this on a bargain buy special offer (I got a few copies for my blind dates with a book for my workies too).

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The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 5 days

Pages - 422

Publisher - Viking

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.

An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.

As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.

With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?



My Review

This is book four in the series and I would say you will get more out of it by reading the previous books and getting the backstory(s) of the characters. The books are centred around older characters who have a Thursday Murder Club and they set out investigating crimes/murder(s) and they are actually pretty good at it.

One of the things I love about these books is how quirky the characters are and whilst that is present in some of this one there is a sadder/dark streak in this book I wasn't expecting. I get that the characters growth/arcs need to go a in certain directions but sometimes when you are caught off guard it can impact in your enjoyment of a story. That being said I also know that it might be more of a me thing than the story/author thing.

On the lighter side there is more of a couples theme in this one and Ron puts his foot in stuff as he does, set in his ways stubborn but still. Skulduggery, drugs, murder and investigating, the opening chapter kicks us into the thick of it straight off.

Friendship is quite often at the heart of these stories and it is strong in this one. We obviously have the police investigation, the gang doing their thing, criminals old and new and everyone is looking for the same thing just for different reasons. It is a good story, engaging just not my fave of the series and has some dark/sad themes involved so for me 3/5 this time. Will I read more of the series? Absolutely, I love the characters and their antics just found this one had a bit more sadness than I was expecting.

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Home For Christmas by Jan Ruth

Home for Christmas by Jan Ruth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 112

Publisher -

Source - Bought (I think)

Blurb from Goodreads

An emotive trio of stories with festive themes.
Rudolph the Brown-Nosed Reindeer Rick isn't looking forward to his lonely corporate Christmas, but it's the season of goodwill and magic is in the air. An off-beat love story. It's time Rick wore his heart on his sleeve, or is it too late? Lessons in love from an unlikely source.
Jim's Christmas Carol Santa and Satan pay a visit. One brings presents, the other an unwelcome presence. Paranormal reality. Jim's played with fire it's time he got his comeuppance, but from who?
Home for Christmas Deck the halls with boughs of holly. Fa la-la la-la, la-la la-la. Tis the Season to be jolly... Romantic-comedy. Pip might accidentally find her true vocation, but the folly of her fibs are about to catch up with her.


My Review

The blurb says three emotive stories with festive themes, I didn't find emotive really in any of them, maybe it is just me. The characters aren't exactly the nicest people (not all of them to be fair). The first one a guy goes through the motions and copes with what his relationship was/is whilst away on a work trip over the festive. Alcohol, self explorations/what is important to them plus maybe a wee bit of personal growth.

Story two has infidelity (extra martial affair) the guy is not a very nice chap and mayhap a bit of Karma is on the cards, see what I did there lol. A spiritualist, family, festivities and maybe a bit of comeuppance once can but hope.

The third and final is Pip, returning home from the big city and not wanting to come clean to just about anything and trying to keep the face/imagine she projects. Of them all I think this may well be my "fave" of the trio.

I liked they have Christmas vibes/theme weaved, I liked the visuals the author creates, wasn't a huge fan of many of the characters (not very nice people), I am the first to admit though short stories aren't my first pic. This was my first dance with this author and I am sure I have actual novels of hers so looking forward to trying them but for me, this one was 3/5. So many folk loved them, I liked them so absolutely check them out for yourself.

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Interview with Author Robyn Kerr & competition

Welcome Robyn and thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and gabbing with us about your debut novel "Failing Adult".

1. Tell us a bit about Robyn, who is Robyn?

Where do I start with the story of me? I suppose I’m definitely a wanderer, I love to travel and live in different countries and places. Usually either by working in hospitality or as a live in nanny. I’ve always had a great love and appreciation for Tv and film, mainly romantic or comedy focused pieces. I consider myself to be adventurous, I’ll try anything once and love doing new things. Things people would say about me, would be, I’m loud, with an even louder laugh, I’m funny, silly and hopefully, a good, kind person. Becoming a writer has certainly been a surprise, not only to me but everyone that knows me. I never did well in school and it came as no surprise when I was diagnosed as dyslexic.

2. How did the idea hit you wanted to write a book?

Well actually, I wanted and still want to be script writer. I started writing scripts when I lived in the states for two years, then when I came home I decided to gain more knowledge and skills by going to university. I started my creative writing degree four years ago, as a mature student. During my second year, I found my love of prose and gained the confidence within myself, to believe that I could write a book. So I did.

3. What research did you do?

My lectures taught me a lot about structure, storytelling and things to avoid. In regards to research for the book, that mainly came to personal experience and Google helped.

4. Are any of you characters based on real people or events?

Yes, and no. The supporting characters definitely have traits of some of my friends and family, but no one is directly based off anyone. Some of the smaller events are true events that happened me or my friends or both of us.

5. Is there going to be more in the series?

This is the first in a four part series, the first following Dotty, in her pursuit of personal growth and finding love. The second will follow her best friend and roommate, as she attempts to do the same.

6. Tell us about your publishing journey?

Publishing in any form is not for the faint hearted, it can be daunting, terrifying and all consuming. I decided very early on to not send my book to agents or publishers, but instead to self publish, well not completely self publish, I paid a three party to edit, proofread, design my front cover and format for me. Once that was all finished, I was on my own and the marketing began.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

It sounds so clique but you need to just start writing. Even if the first few thousand words are utter rubbish, it’s the only way to learn and grow. Always remember that your work won’t be for everyone, take the praise and criticism. Your writing will find its audience and whatever you produce, be proud of it, writing isn’t easy and takes a lot of your heart and soul.

8. What are the pros and cons of writing a novel?

The pros are:
1. The unbelievable sense of pride and happiness finishing it and holding it in your hands.
2. Having even one person love your work.
3. Seeing your characters and story on black and white, instead of just in your head.

The cons are:
1. The time it takes.
2. The imposter feeling you get.
3. The fear everyone will hate it.

9. Do you have any quirks or rituals or lucky items/must haves?

I love a post it note and they are so handy in keeping track of things. For some reason, when I write, I need the Tv on. Often playing reruns of my favourite shows like Frasier or Schitt’s creek.

10. What is next for Robyn?

Currently writing the second book, which will hopefully be finished by March and released by summer. I also hope to in the next few years, be working in the Tv and film industry, you have to dream big after all. I also want to add a huge thank you to everyone that has supported and championed me so far, it means the absolute world to me.

We are huge supporters of authors where able and Robyn is a mate. Whilst I haven't yet read her book *gasp* I know I know, I have an ebook copy and a treebook copy, I recommend it all the time. To those who have read it, friends, sil, sister they all recommend it and looking forward to the next so I need to get a move on and read it myself. Anyways, we are doing a giveaway for x1 ebook copy of the book. Open UK ONLY as the ebook will come directly from Amazon to your kindle and Amazon won't allow me to gift outside my own country. In order to enter please use the Rafflecopter below, good luck and as always thanks for entering/sharing/supporting.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cat Society by Ray Sadri

Cat Society by Ray Sadri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 304

Publisher - The Book Guild

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Cat Society is a witty and bonkers story of life and politics in Westminster – reimagining the debates, events and headlines of recent years had the world been run by cats. A lot changes. A lot doesn’t.

The country is on the brink of bankruptcy, and backbencher Douglas Schnitty is disappointed with the thousands of homeless cats sleeping by the bins. He gets frustrated with higher powers who only seem to care about their own interests and preserving the country’s finances.

He schmoozes and sabotages his way through the political elite, from assisting the bombastic Hector Perp Pahpousson to disrupting the plans of the Prime Minister. Can his conscience save him, and the slum cats, as events spiral out of control?


My Review

I love cats and I hate politics so I will be honest and say I was 50/50 on this because I didn't know how I would find it. Dudes! So "hoomans" are extinct and cats are running the world, they are living as we did, they have a government, housing issues, shady politicians, scandals, everything we did but they are cuter.


The book has cutesy catness, political satire, a few of the cats I was like that reminds me of X politician and some of the shady behaviours. There are undertones of realistic issues and topics but all done with some humour, cats galore, their attitudes, their behaviours all hammed up to echo the human world.

There are a handful of main characters and whilst I haven't read it I have seen animal farm and this gave me a bit of echoes of that. I loved the unique friend Snuffles, I loved the softer characters which made you despise the shader ones *cough Hector cough*, the Prime Minister - Marjorie Wilson who was a bit of a mixed bag and Douglas, good but flawed.

Some of the book is silly/ludicrous but I feel it actually mirrors a lot of the state our world of politics has been/is. And anything with cats added is better, a whole world of cats - it is pretty genius. Relevant without being preachy and a few flashes of emotive with a well blended/flowing funny. If you are wanting something a bit different, light with a few serious/tones/issues but hilarity at play too - absolutely check this one out, 4/5.

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Cannibal: The True Story Behind the Maneater of Rotenburg by Lois Jones

Cannibal: The True Story Behind the Maneater of Rotenburg by Lois Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days as able

pages - 215

Publisher - Berkley pub group

Source - I think I bought this or was given it

Blurb from Goodreads

German native Armin Meiwes placed this ad in an internet chatroom catering to cannibals. He received 430 responses. Among them was Bernd Juergen Brandes, who arrived at Meiwes’s isolated country home literally to be eaten alive. Escorted to the “slaughtering room”—equipped with meat hooks, a cage, and a butcher’s table—Meiwes assisted Bernd in a gourmet candlelight dinner of his own cooked flesh. Meiwes then stabbed his victim in the throat—bringing the ghastly videotaped ordeal to an end.

From a childhood perverted by unhealthy obsessions to his notorious trial that ended in a stunning verdict, Cannibal discloses for the first time the true story of a real-life Hannibal Lecter and his victim. And with details never before divulged to the public, it takes readers step-by-step through the unspeakable crime that fascinated and revolted the world.



My Review

So this happened in the 1990's and was apparently covered quite wide on the news, I have no idea why but I don't think I ever seen nor heard of it. German native Armin Meiwes was obsessed with the thought of eating another person, his obsession/fetish whatever you want to call it started way back them. Armin was quiet, polite and relatively normal seeming in real life, in his private life he spent many hours online, in cannibal chat rooms and websites looking for someone who wanted to be eaten. Honestly this is a true story and what is more disturbing is he found many people. Most backed out when they realised it was a genuine request and not just a fantasy, until he found Bernd Juergen Brandes. Bernd had his own obsessions again rooted from childhood but he wanted to be consumed and for him and Armin they felt they met their perfect match(s).

So I have read many a horror (fiction) and many true crime but this one is really and truly disturbing. I think because the book is so so graphic like you are walked through exactly what happened to poor Bernd. Even with the strongest stomach I think you will struggle to get through it, I did I had to put the book down several times and switch to lighter books.

It is unimaginable someone would want to eat another human being or that a human would want someone to eat them and be party to their own mutilation. Hannibal Lector is a scary character but he is fiction, Armin is a very normal, non violent, regular person who yearns to do these diabolical things, feel they are very normal and actually commits the unthinkable. 3/5 for me for this one, absolutely one of the most disturbing stories I think I have ever read, I also feel for Bernd's family/partner having to have lost a loved one and learn the horrors involved, it is just heartbreaking.

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Born In A Burial Gown by M W Craven

Born in a Burial Gown by M.W. Craven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 304

Publisher - Constable

Source - Bought


Detective Inspector Avison Fluke is a man on the edge. He has committed a crime to get back to work, concealed a debilitating illness and is about to be made homeless. Just as he thinks things can’t get any worse, the body of a young woman is found buried on a wet, Cumbrian building site.

Shot once in the back of the head, execution style, it is a cold, calculated murder. When the post-mortem reveals she has gone to significant expense in disguising her appearance, and the only clue to her identity is a strange series of numbers, Fluke knows this is no ordinary murder.

With the help of a psychotic ex-Para, a gangland leader and a woman more interested in maggots than people, Fluke must find out who she was and why she was murdered before he can even think about finding her killer. As the body count rises and his investigation takes him from poverty stricken estates to picture perfect Lake District villages, he realises his troubles are only just beginning.

Because someone, somewhere has a plan and if Fluke can’t figure out what’s happening, he may just be next.



My Review

So I came to Craven's books with the Tilly and Poe series and I LOVE them so I was a bit cautious approaching this because I can be a pie like that. You know what I mean like you enjoy something so much so when you try something different by the same author you can be biased against it. Anyways, Fluke is a cop (detective inspector) and manages a team of misfits, we don't see too much of them in this book but his partner Towler is ex army or marine, I like him. He is nuts, an absolute machine of a man, fantastic at what he does and has some mouth on him, if swearing upsets you this isn't the book for you. There was one line "Listen, you little tit," I was howling, the character isn't Scottish but I heard it in a Scottish accent and haven't heard someone insult someone calling them a wee tit in years! The character is brilliantly brutal and he isn't even the main dude. Anyway, back to Fluke, we know quickly there is something wrong with him but he is back at work, pushing on and folk don't know, nor do we what is wrong with him. As the book progresses I was so impressed by the realism of a lot of the medical stuff and actually the author has been through the mill, medically, himself and the authenticity of that really shows in those parts of the book.

The opening chapter is brutal/graphic and quite dark, the male prostitute who witnesses a body dump and there begins our story. The body is passed to Fluke's team because the higher ups don't think it is going to be anything more than maybe a domestic however it turns out to be an execution (no spoilers its on the back cover) and things really kick off. I also liked the in depth chat on how they work out information with bugs/flies/maggots etc information from a dead body and how that helps with the investigation.

The book bounces between the investigation and Fluke trying to do his job whilst battling a condition he is keeping from his colleagues. It is a pretty dark, twisted thriller and book one of two (I checked Fantastic Fiction) and will be getting the second one. I hope we get to know more of the team but Fluke and Towler make for good reading, 4/5.

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