Review: Murder on the Pilgrims Way

Murder on the Pilgrims Way by Julie Wassmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Dolly is taking Pearl on holiday - but it's a surprise. They are staying at a recently renovated manor house owned by an Italian woman called Simona. She previously owned a similar establishment in Italy but had to sell it to pay off her ne'er-do-well husband Jake. Dolly and Pearl are two of the first guests of the Villa Pellegrini as it has been renamed, alongside several of Simona's close friends and her godfather Marshall, who happens to be an old friend of Dolly's. There's the rather brash Australian Lydia and her English fiancé Steve, former model Georgina, Dolly and Pearl, Simona's friend the slightly fey Anemone, close friend and wine buff Frank, and the staff Robert and his wife Maria.

Although initially charmed by the fabulous manor house on the banks of the river, Pearl is annoyed to discover that the weekend is billed as a weekend with celebrity chef Nico Caruso, as an instinctive chef herself, Pearl has no desire to be 'taught' recipes, especially by someone whose restaurant chain disintegrated in bankruptcy.

First impressions do not change Pearl's mind, Nico sweeps in and dismisses the dinner which Maria has spent all afternoon preparing, insisting that the guests eat something he has brought from Italy. Then later that evening after sparks fly (and not in a good way) across the dinner table the guests are interrupted by a very drunk Jake threatening to haunt Simona and never let her get away from him. After breaking a bottle of liqueur and hitting one of the guests Jake is laid out by Marshall's walking stick and left to sleep it off in the study over night. Unfortunately, the next morning Jake's body is found in the walk-in cold room, beaten around the head with a meat mallet he froze to death.

I enjoyed this until Pearl started her Columbo moment and decided that reading tea leaves would be a good method of identifying the murderer! Also I feel there was an unexplained conversation (or two) about not involving/telling the police that was never addressed or explained.

Anyway, I don't recall seeing this one as part of the tv series, maybe because of the spectacular leap of imagination that is required to identify the murderer based on the 'clues'.

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Review: The Shadow Step: A Detective Miller Novel

The Shadow Step: A Detective Miller Novel by Mark Billingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

DS Declan Miller is a widower, his wife (also a copper) having been murdered. His step-daughter is a drug addict, not unusual in Blackpool, living rough and only occasionally deigning to call or meet Declan.

When a chance meeting in the park between a small-time drug dealer and a mild-mannered former squaddie just walking his dachshund ends up with the drug dealer tripping over his dog and falling into the pond he thinks nothing of it ... until the drug dealer turns out to be dead. Then a series of unfortunate events unfolds. Everyone thinks he killed the drug dealer, including the woman who controls all the drugs in Blackpool, and when his ex-wife's boyfriend is murdered in the front garden of their marital home it seems like he can't surely be innocent again?

This is the third DS Miller book, I haven't read the other two but I did read the final book in the Tom Thorne series (and my review upset my work BFF enormously) and I knew I enjoyed his writing so I jumped at the chance to read this ARC. Totally different, although also a detective who fights for justice - even if it means going against the establishment.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Review: May Day Murder

May Day Murder by Julie Wassmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Faye Marlow used to be a famous Hollywood actress, but not many people know she came from Whitstable and her real name is Frankie Marshall. Although her fame has waned that doesn't stop Pearl's friend Nathan from inviting her to open the town's May Day festivities, complete with a showing of one of her most famous films. But Faye's appearance has ruffled a lot of feathers, she was a bit of a heartbreaker when she lived in Whitstable and some of her former paramours appear to be falling under her spell again.

First Pearl gets asked to close the restaurant for Faye and her entourage to eat lunch, then to change the venue to the house she has rented for the festivities, then to make special canapes for the evening drinks event. Later Nathan calls Pearl, Faye's diamond ring went missing from the safe, then was found behind a cushion, then Faye herself goes missing ... only to wind up dead, murdered and tied to the Maypole.

These early books are difficult to review because I have seen them on tv so there aren't many surprises. However, I still feel the murderer had a very poor motive and I think others had a much better reason.

Also, I am getting a little irritated by how much Julie Wassmer loves Pearl. I thought the choice of actors for the tv series was strange having read the first book because both Kerry Godliman and Nigel Lindsay are almost exactly the opposite looks wise of the characters in the books but I think it was probably to make them feel more relatable and 'normal'.

Anyway, even knowing the vague story I struggled to see the clues that would lead me to the murderer.



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Review: Just a Highland Fling

Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Neelu and her mother moved to LA when Neelu was just a child and she has had limited contact with her father, a doctor in Aberdeen ever since a disastrous trip to Scotland when she was ten years old. But for some reason she's travelled to Scotland to attend his wedding, something she knew nothing about only a few weeks ago.

Stopping off at a pub after failing to find her hotel in the pouring rain Neelu encounters a charming desi man, the attraction is instantaneous and mutual, but they agree it can only be one night, no names, no pack drill right? Until they meet the next day at the rehearsal dinner and it turns out that Jacob knows her father and his bride-to-be very well indeed.

When things go wrong at the wedding Jacob blames Neelu, and the two of them end up chauffeuring Neelu's father around the Highlands looking for his runaway bride. Can a one-night stand change your life? Can family forgive the mistakes of the past? Is it too late to start again?

Loved this, loved Jacob and I loved Neelu too, wonderful romantic read.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Review: The Call-Up

The Call-Up by K.C. Carmichael
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Brandon Bouchard is living in the shadow of his gregarious older brother Ander who is the goalie for the Buffalo Blizzards, the team that have already won the Stanley Cup once, while Brandon is still playing college hockey. Then his big chance comes, six weeks before the end of the NHL season he's called up to play for the St Louis Mules. Only problem is ... its the team where Ryan Christianson plays, Brandon's crush when he was fourteen years old and Ryan was billeted with Brandon's parents.

Already apprehensive and scared that he will be sent back to the college team before he's even played a game, or worse that he screws up so badly that he's sent down in disgrace, things don't go well when the first thing out of Ryan's mouth is 'Baby Bouchard' - now he's got an embarrassing nickname straight from day one.

For his part, Ryan has worked hard to hide the fact that he is gay from his teammates and the attraction he feels to Baby Bouchard should be avoided at all costs ... shouldn't it? But with Anders telling Brandon to call Ryan, and telling Ryan to look after his baby brother it seems like family and the fates are bringing them together.

I enjoyed this, but not as much as The Kennedy Effect, maybe I subconsciously felt that calling him 'Baby' Brandon gave too much of a older guy/younger guy vibe when they are only a few years apart in age?

Anyway, lots of hockey stuff that went right over my head, a chance to see Connor and Gavin again, and the Mules are a great team. Can't wait to see what the hints at the end of the book could mean for the next book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Review: Caller Unknown

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

DNF at 52%.

Simone is a successful London chef, her daughter Lucy is about to take a position at RADA and they have planned a road-trip/camping trip in Texas before she goes (Lucy was at a singing camp prior to this in Texas for a few weeks). However, in the middle of the first night Lucy is kidnapped. The next morning Lucy's kidnapper has some very explicit instructions for Simone to follow if she ever wants to see her daughter again. The bond between Simone and Lucy is strong, perhaps too strong on Simone's side, there is NOTHING she wouldn't do for her daughter, and that love is about to be tested. Despite her husband Damian's urging to call the police Simone decides to obey the kidnapper ...

I won't spoil what happens next but Simone ends up on the run.

I have absolutely adored Gillian McAllister's previous books and this was an auto request for me when I saw the ARC on NetGalley but despite several attempts I just can't get into it. Maybe because her previous books have had so many twists and turns I was anticipating either Lucy or Damian being behind the kidnapping (not a spoiler as I have no idea who the kidnapper was) and yet halfway in nothing much has grabbed my attention, other than thinking that Simone is actively making a bad situation worse.

So, with reluctance, and recognising that the book has already been published, I am giving up.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Review: Just Watch Me: A Rugby Romance

Just Watch Me: A Rugby Romance by Rosalind James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kane Mahuta, New Zealand Rugby Captain of the Blues and All Black is a widower with three children, his grandmother Maureen lives with him to help with the children.

Skylar Fairburn is a teacher (five year olds), she is a widow with three children and a cat, her grandfather Geoffrey lives with her to help with the children. Skylar (Miss Fairburn) is Kane's youngest daughter Georgia's teacher. When a distressing situation happens with a school rat at Kane's house he calls Miss Fairburn to explain the situation. Little does he know, shortly afterwards he meets Miss Fairburn at a speed-dating night he was dragged to by his sister, a journalist who wants to use him as a 'What Not To Do' humorous article.

When the two of them meet again, this time with Georgia in tow, the attraction is obvious, but relationships between teachers and the parents of children in their class are frowned upon. However, the two families are once more thrust together when it turns out Geoffrey and Maureen have been dating on the sly (having met while dropping off/collecting Kane and Skylar's children), and are now determined to both make it official and offload some of their responsibilities to have some fun.

If you ever watched the Brady Bunch, or the various films titled Yours, Mine, Ours, you can imagine the chaos and bickering that takes place when six children, two grandparents, two parents plus several of Kane's siblings are thrown into the mix.

This was just lovely, I loved Kane, I loved Skylar, the kids were appropriately sulky and delightful in equal measures, it was funny, there were some wonderful romantic scenes, there was drama and danger, a lot of toilet scrubbing (LOL), and some gorgeous holiday homes.

Another winner from the lovely Rosalind James.

I was fortunate enough to be sent an ARC by the author.

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Review: Be My Endgame

Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alex Beaufort plays for Liverpool Rovers as a midfielder, son of a Lord he is handsome and charming with a posh accent. He and his parents are at odds, his father thinks Alex should forget playing soccer, which isn't a suitable game for an aristocrat, and get involved in politics. Oh and his father thinks Alex's bisexuality is just a phase (probably to be interesting) and wants him to settle down with a suitable woman from their circles. Alex hasn't told anyone he is bisexual, not even his BFF Jeff, another Liverpool Rovers player, despite Jeff having a gay brother.

Lee Taylor, is Manchester Athletic's top striker, two years older than Alex, the son of a woman with mental health issues, he has had to step up and act as father to his two younger sisters from a very early age after their father walked out on them and his mother couldn't cope. While he was playing football in Italy he was in a relationship with a man, but since returning to the UK he hasn't felt comfortable divulging his sexuality to anyone other than his BFF Oliver, Manchester Athletic's goalkeeper.

The two men met at training camp just before Lee got called up to Manchester Athletic (BTW I guess for legal reasons they can't use the real club names but it really jars) and a chance remark was misinterpreted. Since then they have been adversaries.

When Lee, Oliver, Jeff, and Alex get called up to England's World Cup team for training, the coach's ethos is clear, the players must become a team and resolve all differences, so he forces Lee and Alex to room together and pair up for all one-on-one training sessions.

I have to say I really enjoyed this enemies to love sports romance. Great characters, good pace, lovely love story. I just loved Lee and Alex. Can't wait to read more by Zara Detand.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

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Review: International Relations

International Relations by Zac Hammett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Max is in the running for a promotion to an overseas role as an ambassador (at least ambassador adjacent), but he has been advised that candidates with a stable relationship will fare better. Since Max hasn't had time to date, devoting all his time to his job, his dog, and his dad, this could be a deal-breaker, especially since his closest rival is posh and has the perfect girlfriend.

Hunter is an American actor. His last relationship exploded so spectacularly, due to his boyfriend's jealousy of Hunter's success, that he had to move to the UK to find work. But now his visa is expiring and unless he can find someone to marry him pronto, he'll be deported.

Max approaches Hunter's agent to find him a fake boyfriend to get him through the interviews and she suggests Hunter. The next thing you know, there's a wedding, a weekend at Chevening where candidates are put through their paces, and interviews whilst simultaneously trying to convince the authorities that this is a genuine marriage.

This was pleasant enough but it didn't really grab me, it felt like it wanted to be funnier than it was. Also there were so many characters (eg Hunter's agent Doily and even Max's dad) that in comparison Max and Hunter felt a bit two-dimensional.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Review: A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Suzie never really fit in at home she takes after her mother who wandered Europe in a camper van before finding her true love in Starshine Cove, all she wanted to do was leave while her big brother and little sister loved it there and made a home. The last time Suzie came home was to nurse her mother through her terminal cancer, but after that she couldn't go back, not even for the funerals of her siblings.

But now, at forty-three she's coming home, or at least she thinks she is, presently she's stuck up a tree thinking this used to be easier and procrastinating, because what will her father George say? What about her brother-in-law Aiden? Her sister-in-law Connie? Her nieces and nephews? Will they blame her for staying away so long, for not being there at the time of unimaginable tragedy? In the midst of her procrastination a voice calls up asking if she needs help.

Guy is also procrastinating, he's come to meet someone at Starshine Cove he hasn't seen for many years and he has no idea what reception he will receive. He is very similar to Suzie, first the army then volunteering for NGOs all over the world, he gets itchy feet and doesn't like to stay in one place for long. These two wanderers really want to stay in Starshine Cove this time, but fate might have other ideas and a few surprises up her sleeve.

This is standard Debbie Johnson/Starshine Cove, a small village where everyone pulls together and is in everyone's business, some tragedy and some laughter, lots of cake, a fair amount of booze, and love. If you liked the others, you'll like this one. If you haven't read any before you can start here and if you enjoy small-town romances with quirky characters this is right up your street.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Review: The Paris Match

The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Since her divorce, Layla has immersed herself in her job as an itinerant medicalist (nope, not a scooby) covering sick and parental leave for months on end in different parts of the USA, the other thing she's done is avoid her former in-laws, and sister-in-law as much as possible, but when her former sister-in-law begs her to come to Paris for her destination wedding, citing 'you promised', she knows she can't avoid them any longer. She meticulously plans which activities she will attend (max 50%) and which outfits she will wear, erring on the bland and beige part of the colour spectrum.

But after the first night out with the bride to be and her chaotic BFF she learns from the cold and snooty Best Man that 'apparently' something Layla said has caused the bride to have cold feet ... and Layla needs to fix this STAT.

Griffin is the groom's best man, it has taken a lot to get him to leave the house and board a plane to France, but he would do anything for his childhood BFF, including paying for most of this wedding, and he is determined that the wedding will go ahead, he's not going to let some bitter ex-wife mess things up. But that might be easier said than done, especially when Layla's ex-husband turns up with his much younger new girlfriend, the groom's parents clearly dislike the Best Man, the bride's mother is passive-aggressive commenting on everyone's clothes, hair, make-up, and need for plastic surgery, the Maid of Honour is getting off with the limo driver, and all the guests are looking pityingly at Layla, wondering how she's coping.

Together Griff and Layla run interference, smoothing over issues, removing awkward moments, and generally getting things on track. But there are plenty of secrets bubbling under and everyone knows a wedding is a time for copious alcohol and regrets.

OMG the angst, it just rolled on and on and on. Why does Griffin feel he needs to do everything for the groom? Why does Layla feel she has to appease her ex-husband's family? Why are they both so pathetic? Other reviews have commented that this is an homage to Paris but I beg to differ, it's just pain and guilt and angst and DRA-MA, it put me off ever wanting to visit Paris.

If you like your romance angst-ridden, dripping with pain and guilt where everyone else is remarkably self-centred and obtuse then this is definitely one for you.


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