***** NB This post first appeared as part of the blog tour for ‘Family’ via Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. When gangster Luke Glass gets out of prison after a seven-year stretch, he has no intention of going back. The only way to avoid trouble is to get out of the family business, but with…
Category: Writing
‘Networking for Writers’ by Lizzie Chantree
***** NB This post first apeared on the Blog Tour for ‘Networking for Writers’ via Rachel’s Random Resources. From new authors to those more experienced, this book tackles one of those subjects many writers shy away from – talking to other people. Putting yourself out there can be a scary prospect and knowing how to…
‘When the Children Come’ by Barry Kirwan
***** NB This post first appeared as part of the Blog Tour for ‘When the Children Come’ by Barry Kirwan, via Rachel’s Random Resources. Traumatised from tours of duty in Afghanistan, Nathan’s existence is a lonely one. Then one New Year’s Eve he meets Lara and for one night his life begins to look promising.…
‘Are You Actually Going to be Prolific or Just Make Excuses?’ by Brandon Q Scott
*** This is another tome in Brandon Scott’s series about writing, publishing and getting things done. With his usual bulldog approach, the author lays down his ideas for writing quickly and efficiently. While he’s quite right about (especially) indie authors needing to put out new books regularly, he does make it sound a little like…
‘Potholes and Magic Carpets’ by Joy Mutter
***** (Audiobook) Following the lives of four couples in Kent and London, Potholes and Magic Carpets appears to be a collection of short stories, but in fact interweaves and links each one as the author explores the actions and consequences of a group of very different people. From the detestable to the naïve, we see…
‘Crime and Justice’ by Martin Bodenham
***** NB This post first appeared as part of a Damppebbles Blog Tour. When the son of a hard-hearted Seattle mayor is accused of rape, it throws his mother’s candidacy for state governor into jeopardy. Meanwhile, crime-lab worker Clark is in trouble—with mounting debts and a threat to his wife’s career, the possibility of smoothing…
‘The Skeptics Guide to the Universe’ by Steven Novella
**** Based on the popular podcast, Steven Novella’s book aims to explain the principles of sceptical ideas around myths, conspiracy theories, flying saucers, Intelligent Design and ghosts, as well as tons of other so-called truths. Exploring thinking skills, memory and perception, it tries to give readers a grounding in presenting arguments and ideas that challenge…
‘How the Wired Weep’ by Ian Patrick
**** Covert ops detective Ed needs a network of informants. Recruiting Ben, a young man recently released from prison, he must find a way for them to work together. However, vicious gang leader Troy soon drops them into a difficult situation, putting them both at risk. Battling their individual loyalties, can the two men fight…
‘Back Side of a Blue Moon’ by Caleb Pirtle
***** In the East Texas town of Ashland, the Great Depression means times are hard. With money and jobs scarce, anyone with any sense is leaving town. For red-head Eudora Durant, something needs to change and when her violent and whoring husband disappears, townsfolk soon begin making assumptions. But then a stranger comes to town…
Mr Picky Reader (Critical, Fussy or Just Plain Choosy?)
Alright, alright, I admit it – I’m a picky reader. To be clear, I’m not talking about the term ‘picky reader’ as applied to kids who can be hard to please bookwise or those who really don’t want to open a book in the first place. No. What I mean is the change I’ve noticed…
