I can’t believe that it’s time for another round-up already, it’s been two months and a great many wonderful books since last I took a look at what our readers have been reviewing for the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge 2018. Since the last round-up there’s been a lot happening in my world and not nearly enough reading. I have just had a quick skim down the list of books reviewed and there are a number of them clamouring for attention on my TBR pile (or should I say bookcase), so I best check out the reviews and decide what needs to jump right up to the top of the pile.

Since the 17th of August our challenge members have logged 66 reviews of 31 books by 32 Authors, which now that I look again seems like it might need a little investigation.

After investigation my overstimulated mind can still not work out books and authors because it doesn’t seem right so let’s just say that there were a large number of Crime novels reviewed and take a look at some of the books that featured this round up.

Wintering is a 2018 release by Krissy Kneen, an author I was not previously aware of, that has been reviewed twice this round up. It is a genre bender so it may have been featured in a different round up but this was my first contact with the book. It was reviewed on Goodreads by Cloggie downunder and Cass Moriarty.

Cass Moriarty says: “If there’s one thing that the many writings of Krissy Kneen have in common, it is that her words provoke robust discussion about the depth of human emotions, the parameters around human behaviour, and the roles of judgement versus tolerance in society. Kneen is a courageously inquisitive investigator of the human condition and has a keen appreciation of the perplexing and the profound.”

The most reviewed book this round up is the highly anticipated brand new release by Liane Moriarty Nine Perfect Strangers with 7 reviews. This is one that is sitting on my desk clamouring for attention so let’s see what our reviewers said and decide whether it jumps to the top of my pile.

Nine Perfect Strangers received 7 positive reviews this round up and I definitely think I am going to have to bump it up the pile. If you want to check the reviews out you can find them at: Theresa Smith Writes, Brenda reviewed on Goodreads, The Burgeoning Bookshelf, Sally Nimon reviewed at The Newtown Review of Books, Mrs B’s Book Reviews, Heidi @ But Books are Better and Denise Newtown Writes.

There are some great quotes I could take from those reviews but I’m going to stick with this one from Theresa Smith Writes (because there are still so many great books to explore):

“Filled to the brim with snark and sarcasm, dark humour and witticisms, Nine Perfect Strangers touches on some serious issues, a few that really hit me hard. The burden of guilt, the roles we assume and then never let go of, the human tendency to keep doing what we’re already doing, even if it’s killing us. There’s plenty of food for thought in these pages. To a certain degree, you need to check your reality at the door with this novel, particularly throughout the second half and the ending, but I honestly liked that about it. It was entertaining, thoroughly funny; a marvellous way to spend a weekend. Nine Perfect Strangers comes with my highest recommendation, and if you’re in a book club, this is definitely one you’ll want to add to your reading list.”

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton was reviewed 5 times. The reviews are positive but there is a recurring theme of an extremely large cast of leads that sometimes make it difficult to keep on top of what’s going on. It appears to be a novel difficult to review without spoilers covering a large time span and told in multiple voices. One that begs for your undivided attention. You can check out the reviews for this gothic historical fiction at Theresa Smith Writes, Goodreads by Brenda and Cloggie Downunder, The Book Muse and Carpe LIbrum.

The Ones You Trust by Caroline Overington is a new release that I read and reviewed this round-up and I loved it. The book was reviewed 4 times and Heidi @ but books are better summarises by saying: “In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of The Ones You Trust and sat up way too late into the night reading because I could not tear myself away. The characters were so well drawn that I felt instantly transported into their world, even though their realities are worlds apart from mine. A great read – I look forward to reading more from this author in future!”

Reviews also appeared on Goodreads by Carolyn and we featured it at Beauty and Lace as a book club title where 15 of our members are also leaving feedback.

My review says: “Overington has written a gripping fictional tale that rings true. It’s a disturbing reflection of the state of the world that this does ring so true. It is topical, contemporary life in a digital world and it really is sad to think that this could happen.
Well developed characterisation, unfortunately realistic scenarios and an insightful look at the media from the inside. I actually found it quite interesting to read the perspective of a paparazzi photographer and the massive changes to the industry now that we live in such a digital world with smartphones boasting high quality cameras.”


Amanda @ Mrs B’s Book Reviews says: “The Ones You Trust, the latest psychological thriller by Caroline Overington reminds me of why I turned to her writing some years ago now. Overington’s work is obsessive, compulsive and it always delivers a current moral conundrum to consider. The entertainment value with this one is high and I am happy to recommend The Ones You Trust to readers.”

The Spotted Dog by Kerry Greenwood gained 3 reviews on Goodreads, by Brenda, Cloggie Downunder and Anna. The Spotted Dog is the 7th in a series and it’s been quite a while between books. The reviews are positive and call this a fun and light-hearted read.

We are still seeing new reviews logged for Jane Harper’s The Dry and Force of Nature, I wonder if that’s due to the fast approaching release of The Lost Man. We also saw reviews for Bloodtree River, The Ruin, Beneath the Mother Tree and Little Gods.

There are still more great crime novels reviewed that I haven’t explored; 2 of which are on my towering pile, The Sunday Girl and The Wolf Hour, but I could be here all night. I do look forward to checking them out, and seeing what we have in the next round up.

If you want to check out all of the crime novels that have been reviewed you can head to the AWW Books Reviewed page and search by Genre. It will put all of the reviews at your fingertips.

We would love to hear about the great crime reads you have enjoyed recently.

 

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About Me:

I am a SAHM of 4 who loves words; written, spoken, sung… if it has words I’m there.
I have been reviewing at Beauty and Lace for coming up to 8 years. I started as a lover of horror, fantasy and crime but my time reviewing has broadened my horizons enough that I read pretty much anything, when my gorgeous rugrats allow me the opportunity.
You can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.