Shot in the Dark (Detectives Martin & Stern book 1) by Anna Britton

BACK OF THE BOOK

Run.

Moonlight slants through the trees on the ancestral Dunlow estate, where a young woman runs for her life. Gunshots break the silence.

The next morning, the body of seventeen-year-old student Melanie Pirt is found.

DS Gabe Martin is more than ready to take the lead on her first murder case. Determined to prove herself to the cold and mysterious DI Juliet Stern, Gabe can’t afford any distractions – especially not ones that wake her in the night, reminding her of a past she’d rather forget.

Because while Gabe and Juliet have few leads, there are plenty of suspects. And every one of them is lying…

The first in a new detective series featuring an unforgettable female detective partnership, Shot in the Dark is perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Gytha Lodge.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed Shot In The Dark and what an opening book for a series. I’ve never read a crime novel laid out in this format before but it really worked well. Between the main story chapters we are given text messages and report information, basically all the clues the detectives get laid out in front of us.

The story is from the point of of DS Gabe Martin who is working with DI Juliet Stern to solve the case of a girl who is shot in woods on a private estate. Gabe is taking the lead on her first case and throughout the case her strengths work in partnership with Juliet’s making them a great team.

The characters being investigated are all really interesting with their own stories that draw you in and made you want to just keep reading.

Both the lead characters have their own stories but we only see snippets of each but enough to make you want to learn about them both which I’m sure will slowly happen in future books. A great way to have the reader wanting more.

The most gripping moment for me was the end. What a way to finish the book. I was screaming demanding book two now.

BUY LINK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shot-Dark-unforgettable-detective-Detectives-ebook/dp/B0C4SWBBMS

House of Dreams by Mark Stibbe

BACK OF THE BOOK

This was a house with only two storeys, but it told many tales.

Tony Lawson is a world-famous dream therapist, but he hasn’t dreamed in years, and he needs more therapy than he can give. On the day his divorce is finalised, he is driving past a village when he sees a large old house for sale. Walking through the gates, he is captivated by its history and mystery. That night, he starts dreaming again. 

Drawn by its magic, Tony buys the property and discovers it once belonged to Queen Catherine Parr. As the house tells more and more of its story in Tony’s dreams, Tony is led by both the living and the dead to a startling and seismic discovery – one that will transform both the house of his soul and the soul of his house.

House of Dreams is a magical tale about a 500-year-old Tudor house – its ghosts, its traumas, its treasures, and its secrets. 

After reading it, you will never see houses in the same way again.

MY REVIEW

House Of Dreams is a book I absolutely loved reading and one I would read again and again.

The overall story gave me vibes of The House On The Strand by Daphne Du Maurier which is another book I enjoyed but this one just drew me in so much more.

At its heart it’s a bit of a magical mystery but with so many areas touched on it packs a punch. The story has history, relationships, a lead trying to work to understand and accept trauma from a young age, dealing with past relationships and current enemies. But beyond all this it is a love story of levels. About falling in love with someone new, loving yourself, loving friends and old relationships, and loving a new house.

I look forward to reading more from Mark Stibbe who has not only shown he can bring great imagination to a story but with ease take the reader on a magical journey.

Humplepumple and The Sorcerer’s Feast by Rolf Blickling

BACK OF THE BOOK

In the enchanting land of the Felicitens, Humplepumple wakes up to a baffling realisation—he is far from home, caught in a realm of blissful wonder. But beneath the idyllic facade, a dark cloud looms. The Terribly Stinking Terrifying Sorcerer threatens to cast his shadow over the Felicitens’ joyous realm.

Determined to outwit this sorcerer of deceit, Humplepumple and his four newfound companions embark on a daring plan—a plan that involves luring the sorcerer to a sumptuous feast unlike any other. With delectable dishes and an abundance of surprises, their cunning strategy takes shape.

Humplepumple and the Sorcerer’s Feast is a delightful tale of friendship, bravery, and the enchantment of extraordinary plans. Join Humplepumple and his remarkable companions as they embark on an adventure, where wit and the power of unity are the keys to triumph. Full of twists and surprises, this whimsical journey will leave readers spellbound and hungry for more.

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This book was written with 14-year-olds in mind, but it will be equally enjoyed by adults, as the story can be interpreted on many different levels and offers warmth and humour that transcends any age group.

Like many children’s books, Humplepumple deals with the eternal struggle between good and evil, friendship and egotism, and love and hate. But unlike most other stories, the events in Humplepumple unfold for the most part in an intriguingly realistic earthly environment seen through the refreshingly naïve eyes of the Felicitens to see an honest look at our society and its decision-makers.

While this aspect of the book might elude the grasp of its younger readers, its overall educational effects certainly won’t. In this sense, Humplepumple truly combines the adage of ‘teach and delight’. Although somewhat moralizing at times, Humplepumple is genuinely innovative in its overall concept, makes a delightful read and should easily find its own niche in a book market craving new heroes.

MY REVIEW

Humplepumple and The Sorcerer’s Feast is a story aimed at a younger audience of around 14 years old. It touches on subjects such as good and evil, friendships and relationships even when the individuals are from different backgrounds.

Although there are definite huge differences between them, this story gave me memories of my days watching The Smurfs. The reason being it is a story about friends who are almost like family who fight against an evil wizard who wants to control them. I think this link to my childhood made me enjoy the story even more.

The story itself is about Humplepumple who wakes in a new land where the people have abilities that are new to him. He develops friendships and a potential romantic link while helping his new friends to outsmart the evil sorcerer and win back their lost friends.

A great read for kids but also for adults with childhood memories of books or shows in this style.

BUY LINK

https://amzn.to/3PYEkoj

DON’T BE GRUMPY MONKEY BY SNEZANA DANILOVIC AND SANDY THORNTON

BACK OF THE BOOK

Monkey is having a bad day. He couldn’t find his teddy, the swings were busy, and now Dog is in his place in yoga class. Monkey does not want to do yoga, and he does not want to work with Dog. Monkey is grumpy!… But then, something magical happens. Happy Panda suggests a special song, Sa Ta Na Ma. The gentle singing and chanting shifts Monkey’s grumpy mood making him feel calmer and more centred. Yoga is the best but making up with friends is even better!

An entertaining and humorous story about yoga, friendship and mindfulness. 

‘Don’t Be Grumpy, Monkey!’ is the second book in the series and features Sa Ta Na Ma meditation and chanting.    

Children can join in singing and chanting the Sa Ta Na Ma meditation at home (just scan the QR code in the book).

MY REVIEW

Don’t Be Grumpy Monkey is a brilliant book for kids but also for adults as well.

The story is about Monkey who arrives late for his yoga class and is in a grumpy mood. The Yoga teacher, Happy Panda takes the class through techniques to help people become calm, happy, and peaceful.

These techniques include breathing exercises, yoga positions, a calming song, and imagination / visualisation.

Not only would these techniques be useful for children who are feeling angry or stressed but they are techniques showing to adults to help with stress and anxieties.

Great life skills for everyone and done in an amazing way to teach children skills that could help them throughout their life.

BUY LINK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Be-Grumpy-Monkey-Childrens/dp/1838289453/ref=sr_1_3