Book #51 The Art of Hiding

The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With thanks to Net Galley for this uncorrected proof copy.

I undertook the reading of this knowing that it was classified as Women's Literary Fiction, a tag that will probably put off many men from doing the same. A pity. The Art of Hiding is a well written domestic drama, a story of riches to rags. Nina McCarrick has it all, or so she believes. A successful husband running a construction business, a beautiful home, two sons - Connor and Declan - attending a superior school. It appears that money is no object until her husband Finn is killed in a car accident and her world comes crashing down. Finn has left behind a bankrupt company, an enormous debt, school fees unpaid. As the bailiffs descend Nina has to face the horror of losing everything.

Nina and her sons are forced to return to her roots in Southampton to face an impoverished future. The despair of the first half of this book is depressing but change comes as they all have to face the reality of poverty. Money does not buy happiness and Nina and her boys are courageous in the face of adversity. Nina's sister Tiggy plays a key role in helping Nina, Connor and Declan find their true selves.

I enjoyed it.


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Book #24 Little Boy Blue

Little Boy Blue by M.J. Arlidge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the DI Helen Grace series; I have read them all and enjoyed every one. Grace is different - she continues to lead a double life that must remain secret. She is no stranger to sadomasochism, a characteristic that I have found unpleasant at times for a serving detective inspector. The plot unfolds against the sleazy background of BDSM practiced in Southampton - Grace's patch. And when a body is found in a Southampton nightclub Grace finds herself perilously close to her private life unwinding. When the killer strikes again Helen finds herself at odds with her team of officers. Tempers flare and friendships fray. Developments are too close to Grace's private world and there are those who would love to see her disgraced, not least her protagonist, Emilia Garanita, crime journalist at the Evening News.

Arlidge uses short chapters to maintain a relentless pace throughout and the ending will leave you hanging and gasping. Oh no! Thank goodness that DI Helen Grace is due to return in September 2016 in 'Hide and Seek'. I can't wait...

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Liar Liar

Liar Liar by M.J. Arlidge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'Liar, liar, pants on fire. Hangin' on a telephone wire!' Liar Liar - great title and yes - it's a scorcher from M J Arlidge. Starts at 100mph and maintains a relentless pace. His typical short chapters maintain a breathless page turner as DI Helen Grace faces another fearsome adversary. Southampton is alight, a firestarter has the city in fear in this gripping thriller, the fourth in the Grace series. It's scary, it's dark and twisted and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. DI Helen Grace is one tough heroine although she hides a damaged past that has resulted in a penchant for S&M. The one part of her character that I am not too fond of but it does add to the tension. If you haven't yet read "Eeny Meeny", "Pop Goes The Weasel" and "The Doll's House" - the first three in this series - then you should. Then enjoy this chilling read. I did....

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Lazy Days of Autumn

Ros and I have just spent a lovely, lazy, restful, long weekend in Portishead, Somerset and arrived home late this afternoon in Brighton after a long drive via Cheddar, Frome, Warminster, Salisbury, Southampton, Portsmouth, Chichester.....

I will do some blog catching up tomorrow. Signing off with a large cognac...