Thanks to everyone who submitted 61 General Fiction reviews in July which covered 34 books and 30 authors.  Reading through the reviews, suspense novels featured quite well this month with titles Fatal mistake, Already dead, A voice in the night and Fury which will be included in this roundup.

We will kick the post off with Karen Davis and her third Detective Lexie Roger’s novel Fatal Mistake which was reviewed by Sharon Hill who felt although there was certainly a lot going on in this novel she still felt it was a fabulous read and said in her review “With twists and turns this book really had me turning the pages very quickly.  For anyone looking for a gritty and fast paced thriller series, I recommend you read this series”

Kathryn Heyman’s Fury is the next one to be included which was reviewed by The Resident Judge who provided this review in which she can’t recommend it highly enough. “This is such a well-written book, so carefully structured and so controlled. All memoirs are constructions, and the more skilled ones go beyond chronology, as this one does. Here is a writer who knows her craft. It is a reflection on class, femaleness, sexuality, the power of story and the narratives we tell ourselves. It has emotional rawness and fidelity, but it is also lyrical and evocative in its descriptions. There is a slow-burning fury, but because she has moved beyond it and can look back, there is also forgiveness and tenderness for herself. This book was so much more than I expected it to be.”


Popular author Jaye Ford has released another page turner titled Already Dead.  Marianne’s Reviews really enjoyed Jaye’s fourth novel. Marianne states in her five star review “Ford jumps straight into the action with this tale and doesn’t let up, building the tension while racing through to a heart-stopping climax. The setting is well-conveyed and will be familiar to locals and those travelling the area. Her characters are realistic and appealing (or suitably nasty), and their dialogue is credible.  Already Dead is easy to envisage as a movie or mini-series, and there is be plenty of scope for Ford to write a sequel which would be well-received. A gripping page-turner.

The final suspense novel to feature in this round up is Sarah Hawthorn’s A Voice in the night.  Definitely worth heading to Jo’s book lover reviews to read an interview she did with Sarah Hawthorn, as well as her glowing review which states “A Voice in the Night is an addictive thriller of twists and turns, a gripping and emotionally resonant debut from a striking new voice.”

Change of pace now and the next review is from Veronica@ Burgeoning Bookshelf who reviewed The Hope Flower by Joy Dettman felt  “The story is poignant and unsettling however their are moments of humour.”  She did admit “The Hope Flower is a difficult read although the power of courage and the driving force of hope that emanated from the pages had me completely engrossed.

We are going to feature two titles from author Jane Riley which include Geraldine Verne’s Red Suitcase and The Likely resolutions of Oliver Clock.  The titles totally intrigued me, as do the covers and they both really appealed to Cloggie Downunder (Marianne’s Reviews)

Riley gives the reader a story that’s sad and funny, sweet and romantic, heart-warming and uplifting, and will certainly bring to mind A Man Called Ove for some. The community that surrounds Geri is one that many would wish for in advancing years. Riley has a lovely turn-of-phrase, making this a very enjoyable feel-good read.

 

Riley’s beautiful story features many timeless topics: inheriting the family business, traditional vs modern, grief, loneliness, fear and guilt, but also empathy and kindness. A wonderful, heart-warming debut novel that will have readers eagerly anticipating whatever this talented author does next.

 

 

Just released last week our next title is from Michelle Montebello called The forever place which was reviewed by Brenda’s Reviews who absolutely loved this one! The Forever Place by Aussie author Michelle Montebello was poignant, heartbreaking and emotional – an outstanding, heartfelt read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Marley is a tortured character, written beautifully by the author; I loved Noelle – such a caring, kind and gentle woman. I have loved all this author’s work and this one was no exception. Highly recommended.”

Our last review comes from Theresa Smith Writes who thought  Karyn Sepulvelda’s The Women’s Circle was “a heart-warming and inspirational portrayal of inner strength and vulnerability, The Women’s Circle shows us the true power of female friendship in all its forms.”  What a great note to finish on!

Hope you found something of interest in this round up, I know I will seeking out a few of these titles from the library and adding to my ever growing TBR pile.  Until next month, happy reading.