**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 2 August 2023**
On the run from a controlling husband and his underworld associates, Charlotte has adopted a new identity as an off-season caretaker in a tiny, deserted alpine resort. She knows dangerous people are after her and she's trying to convince herself she's okay. She's happy to be alone but she jumps every time the floor creaks or the wind whistles. But then strange things start happening and she starts to realise that every escape route is being sealed off one by one...
Having read previous novels from this author, I was expecting an action-packed heart-racer. I was half right: it's more of a slow-burner full of tension and anxiety, but certainly still sets the heart racing with the anticipation of something bad to happen. Charlotte has isolated herself in an empty ski resort to escape the clutches of others - she's frightened to the point of paranoia. Although, is it paranoia if there actually is a bunch of bad guys after you? The storyline is a cat and mouse game that cleverly alternates Charlotte's history and her current situation. Nothing is quite as it seems in this atmospheric read... Overall: if you are into tension-filled slow-moving thrillers, you'll find this one a treat....more
I loved this book, it's definitely one of my top reads of the year. Readers who have an interest in true crime will find elements of the **4.5 stars**
I loved this book, it's definitely one of my top reads of the year. Readers who have an interest in true crime will find elements of the story familiar as there are some similarities to the Gabby Petito case. Where I think this book shines is the spotlight cast on how media and online forums shape real life investigations; how rumours and outright lies can turn an average person against or for someone they actually know. This story is set out in multiple point-of-views, being Nina's parents and Simon's parents as well as some chapters from Nina's teenage sister. The narrative raises the eyebrows as we see how far parents will go on both sides - one pair to protect their child, and the other to discover what exactly has happened to their child and get justice. The writing is excellent and the story engaging; it's a fantastic read....more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 20 August 2024**
This is a lovely story about three friends who meet and live together in Paris before life circumstances pull them apart, and then they end up all back together in Paris again. The character perspectives alternate between Margot (Australian), Claire (French) and Gina (American). The titular gown references a Dior dress that the three end up sharing, with each wearing it once in an important moment of their lives. The storyline follows the women as they each work out what they really want from life and how to achieve this - particularly in relation to careers and then also relationships. At the core ofthis story is friendship, career ambition and some elements of romance. I found this to be a pleasant and satisfying story. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
This is an A**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
This is an Australian crime novel that I very much enjoyed. It will surprise readers to learn it is a debut novel for the author given just how well-written and engaging it is. After the murder of a local woman in a small town, the consensus is 11-year-old Matty's dad did it. Matty is a budding journalist and links up with the local journalist Stuart to try and uncover what exactly happened to Wendy; the book alternates between Matty and Stuart's point-of-views. The character development of Stuart, the lazy journalist with a drinking problem, was great. Matty was one of the best child perspectives I've read for awhile, and I have no doubt that every reader will be cheering him along. Overall: an impressive and absorbing Australian crime fiction debut. ...more
I've had this one on my to be read list for awhile and finally got around to it. I thought it started off quite intriguing, however by th**3.5 stars**
I've had this one on my to be read list for awhile and finally got around to it. I thought it started off quite intriguing, however by the end I have to admit that I'd rate it as an average read for me. On the other hand I do think it was a great debut novel for the author and fans of Australian crime thrillers may appreciate it as it has primarily positive reviews on Goodreads. Set in wine country in Mudgee, New South Wales, there were a lot of references to the wine making industry and the art industry - neither are my forte so it was probably a bit lost on this reader. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect of the storyline with the gradual reveal of who the perpetrator was mixed in with some clever red herrings. ...more
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024***4.5 stars**
**Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I loved this high tension quick read. It started its life as an audiobook but has thankfully made it to print. This intense cat-and-mouse type thriller will keep you on the edge of your seats, biting your nails at the same time. It's well-written, has clever twists and is completely engrossing. Readers who have read previous novels from the author will spot a familiar face; I personally didn't know that was coming and was thrilled. Overall: I devoured this one, absolutely loved it - definitively one of my favourite thriller reads of 2024. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I found aspects**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 31 July 2024**
I found aspects of this book quite interesting with the focus on the divisions in society and the different responsibilities, relationships and general living which occurs in both sides. Of course I knew that there were different classes in society, but I hadn't appreciated that in that time period people from a higher class were not supposed to interact at all with those from a lower class. I was quite surprised and honestly shocked to read that if a man did a wrong thing, his entire family were shunned for it and paid the price for it, even if he had left them. In terms of the friendship between Maggie and Lil, it was quite sweet and Maggie certainly had quite a big personal journey throughout the storyline. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get a character point-of-view from Lil as I think the storyline would have benefited from her perspective. Overall: an enjoyable Australian historical fiction....more
This one is an Australian rural romance/domestic drama novel, with the author having done other books set in the same town so if you've read any of thThis one is an Australian rural romance/domestic drama novel, with the author having done other books set in the same town so if you've read any of them you'll spot some familiar names. It's an easy light hearted read with some realistic issues going on for the characters. The lead characters Charity and Lachlan are both likeable and readers will spend the book hoping they manage to get together by the end after meeting on the way to a B&S ball event. By the way, having never been to a B&S event, that certainly sounds like a crazy time! The more serious elements of the book look at family relationships, grief and also the realities of trying to find a partner in small rural towns. Happily recommend for those that enjoy Australian rural romance. ...more
A compelling new Australian crime series, I predict DS Walker will gain a huge following. The tension is high in the storyline with a couple of missinA compelling new Australian crime series, I predict DS Walker will gain a huge following. The tension is high in the storyline with a couple of missing German backpackers in rural Australia. Walker happens to be nearby visiting family and is asked to assist in the investigation 'subtly'. Also eventually assisting is one of the missing backpacker's sister, Barbara, who is a police officer back in Germany. The narrative is interesting and well-written with some clever red herrings to keep readers on their toes. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. ...more
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 May 2024**
I re**4.5 stars**
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 1 May 2024**
I really enjoyed this Australian historical fiction novel. Set in the world of radio just prior to television being released in Australia, it was an interesting look into how radio serials were produced. It also highlighted some issues at the time such as the law which dictated that women had to quit work when married. I particularly appreciated the relationship main character Martha, who is an intelligent, kind and hard-working 50-year-old woman, had with a few younger women at her workplace; she was both a friend and an older woman for them to look up to and be guided by. The storyline was engaging and there were a few moments that made me chuckle alongside some poignant reminders of the way women were treated at the time in the workplace. Overall: highly recommend this book, it'll remain one of my top reads of the year. ...more
Not my first book from this author nor will it be my last. I greatly enjoy these Australian novels that are a combination of contemporary domestic draNot my first book from this author nor will it be my last. I greatly enjoy these Australian novels that are a combination of contemporary domestic drama and light romance. Even better, I appreciate that all of them are in the same area so readers are treated to some familiar faces from the other books. In this one we meet Lucie with her young daughter, and Jack. Lucie returns to town after her father passes away and I really felt for her as she has quite a strained relationship with her mother. Jack has his own traumatic history and is stressed about losing his sustainable property. Lucie and Jack have an immediate connection with their shared interests and all readers will be hoping it works out for them. The various relationship depictions between different characters are all realistic and delve into real-world issues including misunderstandings, estrangement, single parenthood, elderly relatives needing care and so on. Overall: a very enjoyable read. ...more
This is a good example for the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" because to look at, the cover indicates a dark and gritty thriller. But in facThis is a good example for the saying "don't judge a book by its cover" because to look at, the cover indicates a dark and gritty thriller. But in fact I would describe it as more of a cosy crime. Lead character Rose is an intelligent and likeable middle-aged woman who has just moved to the Southern Highlands in New South Wales, Australia. The descriptions of the location kind of made me want to move there as well. I had a definite feel that this could be the beginning of a series - time will tell. While I normally get a bit irritated with the notion of an average person somehow solving crimes by finding evidence etc, in this context it made sense as Rose's career background lent to skills that meant she would notice things that others may not and be a detailed researcher into this. Overall: an enjoyable Australian crime mystery novel. ...more
I have mixed feelings on this novel - I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but there were things that didn't quite gel for me. At times the main characteI have mixed feelings on this novel - I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but there were things that didn't quite gel for me. At times the main character Giles would make these random assumptions and connections out of nowhere which would lead to awkward conversations and events with other characters who (along with me) didn't understand how she jumped to that conclusion; it was a bit odd as she is written as an intelligent, hard-working police officer. The narrative is written from a number of character's perspectives so readers can understand just how much little events can then lead to other big events; I thought this was a clever writing style. While the motivation for a murder victim is explained near the end, I'm not sure if I missed it but I felt like particular details around her death weren't properly explained so that wasn't an entirely satisfying event for me. Overall: a solid debut novel in the genre of Australian crime, it'll be interesting to see what the author does next. ...more
I started this one really looking forward to it as it sounded very interesting and has very high reviews. I ended up finding it not as good as I'd hopI started this one really looking forward to it as it sounded very interesting and has very high reviews. I ended up finding it not as good as I'd hoped but I think the reason for that was I didn't real gel with the style of writing - it felt a bit choppy to me as it swapped between character perspectives and happenings. Putting that aside, I think it's a really great thing to have this bit of history exposed and more people knowing about it despite that this knowledge may be confronting for some readers. I would highly recommend that readers ensure to read the author's note at the end of the book after finishing the story to gain clarification and understand more around the history. Overall: a well researched Australian historical war fiction inspired by true events....more
Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews
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