The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong

Plot 1922. Since the Great War, Ruby Vaughn has made a life for herself running a rare bookshop alongside octogenarian Mr Owen. She thought that she had consigned painful memories of Penryth Hall, deep in the Cornish countryside, to the distant past. Returning to the hall, home to a once dear friend, Tamsyn, leads Ruby…

The Deadly Echoes by M.J. White

I first encountered the Cora Lael Crime Series on my favourite hour of the week; a Wednesday night at 8:00pm when a bunch of like-minded book peeps come together for a single hour to forget about the world for a bit. Started in lockdown by the ever-lovely Miranda Dickenson, and it's carried on to this…

Unraveling Mysteries in Ancient Sands: A Review of “Egypt” by Lewis Spence

Embarking on a literary journey through the pages of Lewis Spence's "Egypt" felt like traversing the timeless sands of the ancient world. In this captivating exploration, Spence skillfully weaves together historical insights and narrative finesse, creating a rich tapestry of wonders that left me spellbound. The allure of ancient Egypt is undeniable, and Spence takes…

Unveiling History’s Icons: A Review of “Dead Famous” by Greg Jenner

Are you ready to embark on a journey through time and uncover the intriguing lives of history's most iconic figures? If so, then Greg Jenner's "Dead Famous" is the perfect companion for your adventure. In this captivating book, Jenner takes readers on a whirlwind tour of famous historical figures, offering a fresh perspective that combines…

Nothing Without Me by Helen Monks-Takhar

Plot April Eden is about to have the night of her life. The Vanished Woman, the film she wrote and directed is up for a raft of major awards. Her leading lady, Essie Lay, is on the cusp of a stunning comeback after the disturbing scandal that ended her small-screen career a year before. When Essie…

Poles Apart by Anna and Jacqui Burns

Plot The Pembrokeshire village of Morlan is a beautiful place to live, but breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline aside, four of the female residents find themselves stuck in a painful rut. The arrival of pole dancing exercise classes in the village hall offers each of them a chance to bond and discover previously hidden…

Welsh Myth and Murder: The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Meirionydd, 1783. Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post at a prestigious London hospital. The only job he can find is as a physician in the backwaters of Wales where he can't speak the language, belief in myth and magic is rife, and the villagers treat him with bewildering suspicion. When Henry discovers his…

Exploring Modern Relationships in Sally Rooney’s ‘Conversations with Friends’

In the realm of contemporary literature, Sally Rooney's 'Conversations with Friends' stands out as a compelling exploration of the intricate dynamics that govern human relationships. Award-winning author Rooney, known for her distinct narrative style, weaves a tapestry of emotions that captivates readers from the very beginning. The novel centers around Frances and her best friend…

Unraveling the Past: A 3.5 Star Journey with Colin Dexter’s ‘The Wench is Dead’

In the literary realm of mysteries and detectives, Colin Dexter's The Wench is Dead is a formidable entry, a journey through time that captivates and challenges the reader. With a 3.5 star rating, this review delves into the strengths and weaknesses that shape this historical whodunit. Dexter masterfully transports us to Oxford's past, intertwining a gripping…

The Secret Book Club by Shauna Robinson

When I first heard of this book, my excitement knew no bounds. As a confirmed bookworm with a love of all things mysterious, I grabbed the chance to be part of the read-along with both hands. Unfortunately, I was left a little underwhelmed.  The premise is a good one; Maggie is invited by her friend Rochelle to…