YA "Swan Boy" Nikki Sheehan

This is a quirky, original and uplifting story about Johnny and how he learns to overcome bullying at school.

13 year old Johnny has to look after his little brother, Mojo, while his mum is at work and they adapt to life as a single parent family following the death of their father. They live in London and when he starts his new school, Johnny is troubled by Liam and the "Populars". In an attempt to get out of the punishment of litter duty following another altercation between himself and Liam, Johnny opts to attend a dance lesson instead and is introduced to the world of ballet. In his complicated, difficult life, dance suddenly offers Johnny some space, clarity and empowerment in a way he could never have imagined.

This is an unusual story. At first it reads like many other contemporary Young Adult novels and creates an authentic situation, with a likeable character who is trying to cope with all the usual teenage issues as well as dealing with the added pressure of his grieving family. Johnny does his best, but there are times when the responsibility of looking after Mojo, helping out around the house and trying to help Mojo negotiate his way through his grief, take their toll. Then on top of this, he is bullied at school by the unpleasant Liam and his crew.  

On a school outing to Regents Park there is a rather strange incident with a swan, leading everyone to call Johnny "Swan Boy". Reflecting on what happened, Johnny picks up a lone swan feather and takes it home. Mojo then loses it out of the window as they talk about flying. Johnny races out on to the street to recover it but it has disappeared. Mojo then draws it for him (something he's talented at even if it is often on the table top) so "he doesn't need to go out and look for it again." Both suddenly seem aware of the importance of this feather. 

This incident with the swan and his need to keep the feather, plants a seed in Johnny's mind - he is convinced that he has some kind of understanding with the swan, that somehow it was protecting him, that they are somehow connected. This is felt more deeply when he realises the dance class are practising "Swan Lake".

The story continues with an element of magic. As his dancing skills develop, Johnny embraces the desire to fly. He immerses himself in the idea of becoming a swan. He imagines his neck lengthening, wings from his back, the sensation of pushing off into the sky. He practises leaping and leaping and leaping. He discovers tiny tufts of downy feathers appearing on his chest........

Although not really comparable, I was reminded a little of Natalie Portman's portrayal of the obsessive dancer in "Black Swan" (rated 15) but this is obviously much more heartwarming and gentle - much more similar to "Billy Elliot". Indeed Mrs Cray could be played by Julie Walters. This novel reminded me of David Almond's "Skellig", maybe a slight nod to Roald Dahl (maybe also slight similarities with Matilda's ability to make things happen with her mind), with elements of Melvin Burgess - but without the need for any rating or warning - it's not controversial in the way some of Burgess' books are sometimes perceived to be. It is also similar to stories by writers like Sarah Crossan and Sally Nichols or authors that scatter their images with ethereal references and the blurring between reality and dream.

This book is about self empowerment, self esteem, learning to overcome situations and learning to fly. It is well written and fluent. The main character is very likeable and his relationship with his brother is very affecting. The family dynamics are very touching and very credible. Young adults will relate to the frustration Johnny sometimes feel as he yearns for some freedom and flexibility instead of watching Mojo every evening. It deals with grief and death with sympathy and sensitivity; it's hard not to shed a slight tear when Johnny takes Mojo to "visit" their father - truly a kind of "coming of age" moment for both boys. 

Sheehan clearly understands her audience and clearly understands how to write for Young Adults. Her dialogue is authentic and at times very poignant. It is a very good read. The reader does need to suspend belief a little at times but it still feels a very natural narrative and although not entirely believable, it does not feel overly far fetched. The symbolism and imagery is pertinent and reinforces the ideas Sheehan is exploring. The ending is so effective -very moving and resonant.

A great book about bullying, families, friendship and dance!

My thanks to Nikki Sheehan and One World Publications for the free copy in return for a fair review. I was delighted to get a chance to read this book and am intrigued by what other tales Sheehan might choose to tell!

For more reviews and recommendations follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniac) and for reviews of children & YA fiction look me up on minibibliomaniac.wordpress.com 

"The Wrong Hand" Jane Jago

This is a book that tackles a story line that some will find difficult, some will find controversial and for some, it will provoke comparisons with Jamie Bulger who was abducted and murdered in 1993. I think it would make a good read for a book group as actually poses several thought provoking questions about evil, nature/nurture and rehabilitation. It also explore themes like honesty and the consequences of living with secrets.

In summary, the story is about Danny Simpson and Graham Harris who abducted 3 year old Benjamin and murdered him. We meet them at various stages in their lives, but mainly the novel looks at what happens following their release -7 years after they committed such a horrendous crime, and their subsequent adult years as they attempt to move on with "ordinary" lives. It also follows the lives of Rachel and Matthew Allen, Benjamin's devastated and broken parents.

The novel took me a while to get into as I felt like I'd missed a few chapters somewhere - Jago assumes we're already aware of the premise and therefore begins by starting in the middle with Danny being prepared for his release back into society at the end of his prison sentence. At this point we're a little unsure who we are reading about, what exactly has happened and how the various characters are connected. We learn that Danny was given a cover story in order to survive life in prison and now he is being given a cover story to survive life on the outside. He's not a pleasant character, there is no sympathy generated despite the revelation that Dan is as terrified of living as he is of dying and the terrifying threat of being found out all over again is having a detrimental affect on his emotional and metal stability, his ability to actually forgive himself, pick up a "normal" life or ever recover from the shock of what he actually did. I think this is deliberate in order to create some distance between us - either to make it clear that our relationship with this character is going to be conflicted or to protect us a little from becoming too upset by the details and reality of the crime. Perhaps in a way, it might help us to read about Danny as we are kept a little removed.

There are several characters to meet very early on, each with a different chapter and a different involvement with Benjamin. There are narratives from Rachel, Matthew, Danny and Liam (aka Graham). The novel plays around with the chronologically as we follow the different threads - sometimes back to before the crime, sometimes just after, after the boys' release and then also bringing us up to date with the boys now as young men. This encourages pace and a more complex exploration of the topic. It gives Jago a chance to create a range of characters and write about a range of interesting positions and relationships. It gives her a chance to explore different reactions to crime, grief, death, violence and rehabilitation. It did mean it took a while to get into and a moment or two to acknowledge where in the chronological order of things that particular chapter fell and which character we were reading about, but as the book continues I think it makes it more tense and more interesting. It prevents it from becoming trite or cliched and means it retains elements of a psychological drama.

Rachel's sections are quite harrowing. Her mental anguish and the lasting impact of losing a son are obviously crippling. She has two children - one of which was "born under the shadow of the event" and subsequently is more serious, more reserved and more wary of life. Rachel drives her 13 and 9 year old to school and back everyday. They are always in her sight. They have never been on a sleepover, "her all consuming anxiety ruled their lives." She is terrified that any "happiness will lead to complacency." I absolutely relate to and completely understand this behaviour following her devastating loss but I did find her passages quite heavy going and oppressive.

Matthew's grief is equally all consuming - he has just put all his energy into tracking down the two culprits knowing that they are now released and living somewhere in the UK. The language used to describe his plight is very powerful: despair, drowning, bewilderment, blackness, unreachable grief. It was really insightful to read about how people "turn away - no platitude forthcoming"; their response very different to when other parents are trying to cope with death and loss. Benjamin's death represents every parent's worst nightmare and therefore Rachel and Matthew are almost isolated in their grief. The writing is taut but emotional and intense.

Liam's character is not black and white. Unlike Danny, he seems more redeeming and is now in a seemingly healthy relationship. However, the news that his girlfriend is pregnant provokes extreme reactions from him. He is immediately thrown into huge distress- should he confess the truth of his past to Catherine? How can he ever possibly consider being a father? What sort of child would he produce? What sort of father would he be? He doesn't want a child, but could this be the only way he can learn to forgive himself and move forward - change the course of his future? Fascinating questions and emotions for Liam to muddle through which are sure to provoke a heated discussion from any reader.

The revelation of the back stories of Graham / Liam and Danny is good. Reading about their police interviews straight after their arrest includes little details like the detective bringing in boxed juices and having to explain what is unique about a fingerprint. It jars with the reader, reminding them that these boys were merely children themselves - are they knowingly capable of such cruelty? How instinctive or primeval is the reaction or impulse to commit violence or suppress extreme curiosity? How and when do we develop a conscience and how exactly is this taught or learned? What impact does our upbringing, parental influence, environment and genetics have on our social conditioning? Reiser, the journalist writing about the case, asks all these questions. It cleverly gives Jago a platform from which to include a more "academic" voice and angle on this controversial topic.

I liked the jigsaw like puzzle of the chronology and interwoven narratives. I think it was really clever to finish with Rachel's version of the actual day Benjamin went missing. It is simple - so normal, so usual, so everyday. So blameless and so completely in no way incriminating or as a result of anything she did or didn't do. Far too chilling for any parent to read.

It is a haunting novel. It is one of extreme emotions - from the overwhelming grief of Rachel and Matthew, the psychopathic behaviour of the young boys, to the horror of "adult" Danny, to the contentious position of Liam as he considers fatherhood. It is a novel about how far ripples from a mistake spread, how deep they can go and for how long they can continue to upset the water.

It is hard not to read this novel without remembering other cases in the news that are similar, particularly that from 1993 and perhaps this affects the way we respond to certain characters. Jago has tried to create characters that challenge this judgement and considers the complexities of people's personalities and behaviours. I'm not sure it is a novel to "enjoy" but I was captivated and it did keep me turning the page. It is a book I would want to discuss in more detail with other readers and would be really interested to see how other people found it.

My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in return for a fair review.

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"Outside Looking In" by Michael Wood

I am absolutely delighted to kick off Michael Wood's Blog Tour for "Outside Looking In" published by Killer Reads and currently available on Kindle for the bargain price of £1.99. The paperback will be released on July 28th. My thanks to Michael and his publishers for giving me such an honour!

This is the second book in Michael Wood’s compelling new crime series featuring DCI Matilda Darke. Perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid, and James Oswald.

There is no time to settle in gently to this story - Wood throws you straight in to a graphic scene of an injured woman with horrific injuries in a car outside an elderly couple's house. Before you can pause for breath, the reader is pushed on to the next chapter which is all about the disappearance of 7 year old Carl Meagan and the murder of his grandmother. Carl's parents, Philip and Sally, blame South Yorkshire Police and DCI Matilda Darke for failing to solve this case. For Darke, Carl was the starting point of "a year long nightmare that snowballed into a cataclysm of self destruction". Here Wood begins to pick up on the back story of Darke which is hinted at in the first book "Unknown." We are reminded that her husband died 12 months ago from a brain tumour and that this personal loss had a devastating effect on her professional judgement in a way that would stay with her for the rest of her life. This recap also means that this novel works as a stand alone as well as a much anticipated sequel. However, I would recommend that you did read book one first so that the dramatic denouement retains its powerful effect!

Wood then continues to add layer upon layer to his accomplished detective thriller by introducing several other serious crimes and shocking incidents. Lois Craven and Kevin Hardaker are found bludgeoned and shot to death. There are reports of aggravated burglary, a body thrown from a roof, more shootings and evidence of extortion. Matilda Darke struggles to stay on top of the increasingly complicated events, making colossal effort to work out a link between all the victims and prove not only to the newspapers but also to her superiors and colleagues, that she is still an effective, credible, capable detective, deserving of their respect. This is a gripping story full of seemingly unconnected motives and crimes that are in fact connected - if only Darke can solve the puzzle in time.

Darke is as believable as she was in book one. Her character is developed really well and responds to the reader's eagerness to learn more about her. As permitted with a sequel, Wood spends more time letting the reader find out more about her backstory and personal life. I like the conflict she represents- she is a good detective but everyone is against her, wishing her to fail. She is plagued and haunted by the death of her husband and the huge psychological effect this has had on her. We know she is dedicated, hard working, thorough and clever but simultaneously are privy to her failings and weaknesses. She is fallible and there is part of the reader that wonders whether she should be at work and whether she truly is up to the demands of the job. We worry that she might lose her grip, that she might make mistakes, that the journalists may be rewarded for their smug criticisms but all along want her to succeed and know that she can. The incorporation of her therapy sessions is interesting and perhaps as well as breaking up the intensity of the brutal crimes, it also acts as a clever device allowing Wood to reveal what she is going through. Unbeknown to the rest of the department, Darke is also secretly dealing with personal threats and stalking. Her mental health issues raise questions within the reader's mind which results in a compelling sub plot and cleverly supports the ever growing tension within the main murder investigation. It is unusual to see our heroines so vulnerable and exposed. It is unusual to see such fragility. I particularly liked the description that "she tried to get things in perspective but nothing was fitting. It was like she had all the pieces of the jigsaw but they were from different boxes."Her private struggle and persistence to solve the crime are admirable and show her to be a character of grit who is being unfairly criticised by the police force. I think it is interesting to meet a protagonist who feels such intense guilt and responsibility about solving the crime and who puts themselves under such pressure. Ultimately, Darke is brave, honest, committed and full of integrity.

The short chapters encourage the reader to fly through the pages as there is a relentless progression and escalation of twists and turns. The dialogue is well paced and accurately captures all of the many characters who become involved in this complex narrative. As the thriller continues, the links to the first book become more important as Wood begins to pick up lose threads and pull them together and there are some fantastic revelations towards the end of the story. There is a huge cast of victims, police officers, witnesses, criminals and suspects in this book and all are fully developed, three dimensional, purposeful characters.

The ending is excellent. I thought the story was resolved and finished.....but no, there were more shocking twists and turns to follow in a nail biting climax! Even in the final page of the Epilogue, Wood can't resist a further revelation that lay the path for another book and another thrilling outing for Matilda Darke. I can not wait.

Wood is a cruel tease. He knows how to captivate, control and manipulate his readers. He has left me hungry for more and I'm sure you will be too! This is a series that is definitely worth investing in - financially and mentally!

Please search for my post "For Reasons Unknown" for a review of the first book in this series and have a look at the banner below to follow the tour for more reviews, Q&As and interviews! http://bibliomaniacuk.blogspot.com/2016/05/for-reasons-unknown-michael-wood.html

For more recommendations and reviews please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up to receive future posts via email.

"Nomad" James Swallow

Synopsis:
Nomad Marc Dane is a MI6 field agent at home behind a computer screen, one step away from the action. But when a brutal attack on his team leaves Marc as the only survivor - and with the shocking knowledge that there are traitors inside MI6 - he's forced into the front line. However the evidence seems to point towards Marc as the perpetrator of the attack. Accused of betraying his country, he must race against time to clear his name. With nowhere to turn to for help and no one left to trust, Marc is forced to rely on the elusive Rubicon group and their operative Lucy Keyes. Ex US Army, Lucy also knows what it's like to be an outsider, and she's got the skills that Marc is sorely lacking. A terrorist attack is coming, one bigger and more deadly than has ever been seen before. With the eyes of the security establishment elsewhere, only Lucy and Marc can stop the attack before it's too late.

I was really pleased to receive this book from the publishers, Bonnier Zaffre. The quotes that accompanied the press release included "an intelligent, likeable, believable hero faced with a credible threat.......accelerating towards a terrifying conclusion," and "a white-knuckle, lip-chewing thriller". I couldn't wait to make a start.

This book redefines the phrase "fast paced". It is absolutely loaded with action, characters and continuous unfolding drama and excitement. I had been expecting something a little bit more gentle - the words "espionage" suggesting James Bond or a more traditional Spy thriller but this is so much more. It is highly sophisticated and presented with incredible detail that it is highly credible and indeed realistic. For me, it compares more with "Bourne Identity" and "Homeland" - with a plot line and cast of characters that demands your full attention and draws you in to a complex web of terrorism, MI6, national intelligence agencies and military contractors. The narrative is very fluent and moves at speed, the reader immediately dragged into the action and despite the number of scenarios, locations, characters and events introduced rapidly in the opening chapters, Swallow's confident and clear style ensures it's accessible and easy to follow rather than overwhelming.

It is a long book. The hardback seemed particularly daunting as it can't hide the reality of how long 487 pages is in the way a kindle can -and I must admit, it did make me a little apprehensive - particularly as I couldn't just slip it in my bag and read discreetly. But I need not have worried. Within moments, I was right there and before long I felt like I was settled in the cinema watching a compelling action thriller. The chapters are relatively concise and with several changes in location and story threads, the reader easily makes progress through the pages.

Terrorism is a contentious and controversial subject - perfect for writers and film makers alike. As Swallow writes in the beginning of the story, "terrorism in Europe was a cancer spreading without concern for borders or nation states." It is probably the thing most feared by the public. Swallow's novel shows us how complex radical terrorist organisations are, how difficult they are to fight and how deeply threatening they can be due to the pure drive and conviction of those behind them. It shows us how large these organisations are - as well as the organisations trying to fight them - and it was quite an insight. As with all current espionage thrillers, particularly one dealing with extremists, there is a colossal amount of violence in the book; killings, guns, weaponry, constant threats of death or injury hanging over each word spoken and every action taken. It is a brutal world, full of risk. For me, this was a little overwhelming but I know plenty of friends who would devour this sort of storyline and will be recommending it to them!

There is a lot to keep a handle on, but it is all cleverly interwoven and pulled together with skill. I liked the main protagonist Mark Dane who, as Ben Aaronovitch said, is likeable and believable. This is not usually something I would choose to read and therefore I might have struggled to keep track of things a little more than someone who enjoys this genre, but I certainly recognise the quality of this book and hope it receives the accolade it deserves.

My thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and their generosity in sending me a copy in return for a fair review. You can also read more from James Swallow on my recent post where he took part in a Q&A session with me.

Swallow has 15 years of experience in fiction, television, radio and journalism and this is very obvious. You can follow him on Twitter @jmswallow or jamesswallow.blogspot.co.uk

For more reviews and recommendations please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up to receive future posts via email.

"Lying in Wait" Liz Nugent

I first saw this book listed on cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com "Stacking the Shelves" post and knew that I had to read it!

My husband did not mean to kill Anne Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it.

This has got to be a top contender for novel with the best opening line! And it doesn't just stop after the first line - I had raced through the first chapter without even noticing.

"Lying in Wait" is about respected judge Andrew and his reclusive wife Lydia, who become irrevocably mixed up with drug addict and prostitute Annie. One of the most compelling things about this story was the way it fused the lives of two very different families, from very different backgrounds - different accents, values, wealth and education. Their paths should never have crossed; only they did, at first quite deliberately and then by chance. Both encounters changing the lives of every character in the book forever.

So as with all well written, fast paced thrillers, the book opens with a dramatic scene - in this case we are presented with Andrew, Lydia and a dead body. Immediately we are filled with curiosity. They are a respectable couple living in a large property with high profile jobs and positions in society - how could they possibly be involved with a dead body of a young girl? Is it an accident? Is it murder? And what of their son Laurence, seemingly disengaged from his family and over protected by his mother, is he really as naive as Lydia believes?

The narrative alternates between the voices of Lydia, Laurence and Karen (Annie's sister). Each is distinctive and realistic. The rotation of perspectives help not only to create tension and compulsive reading but also accentuate the menace of Lydia, vulnerability of Karen and awakening of Laurence. The story also returns to the 1980s to trace the story from its roots, gradually moving forward to the present day of 2016. The pace and structure are well crafted to intensify the spine chilling atmosphere evoked by the characters and events.

Lydia is an absolute monster. She is one of the most captivatingly frightening characters I have met in a little while. I found it very refreshing to read a book where the wife is actually the one with the power and strength; the husband the pitiable victim. She is the original Lady MacBeth. She is unrelentingly calculating, manipulative and controlling. Her feelings for her son are worryingly all consuming. She has the drive, ambition and maternal love to rival any Shakespearean or legendary matriarch. Her forward planning is as cunning and incredible as Amy's in "Gone Girl". Even in her descent into madness, revelation of her past family life and her more recent pain of trying to have children, limited sympathy is created as she remains so ruthless, cruel, selfish and heartless. She is disturbing and I know I will not forget her anytime soon!

Laurence is an interesting character. Not always likeable, at first he appears to be a bit of a victim; weak and naive. But as the novel progresses, the reader sees him learn to understand himself more and begin to exert more control and direction over his own life. Some moments of this transition are cringe-worthy and some reveal an unpleasant side, but there is also some redemption and some cause to feel an inkling of sympathy.

Karen is a very likeable character - and much needed in this dark tale. She is a survivor, a fighter and a very straight character in comparison to Lydia and Laurence who seem to thrive on disguise and deceit.

The collision of the two families and the impact of their past actions on each other makes for a fascinating plot twist. Although extremely dramatic, the "penny dropping" moments are exquisitely handled, slowly presenting themselves. I found myself holding my breath as I watched the action unveil itself in front of my eyes. This is the work of an accomplished storyteller.

Issues of how we present ourselves publicly, privately, to our family, to our loved ones are all explored in this book. Nugent also raises questions about reputation, prejudice, judgement and entitlement. But most of all deception, secrets and the extremities of a mother's love for a child. As another reviewer on Goodreads commented, this book shows how madness and matriarch can be mixed together with chilling effect.

As well as Lady Macbeth - the ultimate controller and domineering wife whose desire for power leads to a descent into madness- Lydia also reminded me of great female villains like the nanny in "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle". I was also reminded of Diana Rigg in the 1989 BBC TV series "Mother Love" - if anyone remembers that!!

I have literally just finished reading this a couple of hours ago and have read it in about 2 sittings. I think this book is truly a psychological thriller - the protagonist is seriously psychologically frightening and the ending made me shudder, sending real shivers down my spine. This novel is a little different from some of the other thrillers currently on the shelves as it is as much about the relationship between a mother and a son rather than a murder. It feels more controlled and sedate in some ways, probably because of the grand setting of the family house Avalon, the agoraphobic behaviour of Lydia, the sheltered life of Laurence and the family's preference for a rather solitary existence. But this does not in any way mean it is not an edge of your seat, gripping read. I found it a refreshing take on the genre and was even more delighted to find out it was Nugent's second novel which means I can read more of her - something I am very keen to do!

My thanks to @cleo_bannister for bringing this book to my attention and NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

"How to Calm a Challenging Child" Miriam Chachamu

Half term was lovely, but there were definitely some moments that could have been handled better (by both myself and the children!!). Although we have left the toddler years behind us, the tantrums still continue, along with the emotional roller coaster of those pre-teen hormones and testosterone surges. Everyone's needs are changing and that means I need to change the way I react to things and deal with situations. Time for a bit of "contemplative reflection" - after that crucial, much needed strong coffee with a group of fellow mothers once the school gates were shut 9am Monday morning!

This book offers a "concise, quick and easy read with straightforward explanations of everyday family dynamics". It claims to give "practical advice that works" in a way that is "accessible under the most difficult of circumstances".

This is really a book for parents who feel frazzled and have got a bit lost with what is the most effective way to manage their children (we've all been there!). I also think it's quite good as a general "refresher" as the suggestions are obvious, achievable and doable- and mostly things we all do "on a good day"! There's no jargon, no complicated psycho babble or confusing rhetoric. I found that I was able to flick through it, skimming certain parts, reading the bits that were more applicable. The illustrations, diagrams and tables are really helpful for condensing information and gleaming the key points efficiently.

There was a really helpful section on giving praise. Again, things I have read / heard / done before but it was a good reminder and there are loads of examples so it's really easy to imagine how you could do this with your own child. It helped me clarify that I need to make sure the children's needs are being met; things go wrong when they feel their needs are being ignored - the tricky bit is understanding what they consider their "needs" to be and what you consider their "needs" to be! Under pressure, it's easy to overlook or misinterpret these. I'm not talking about the big stuff here, more that when they say they won't do something it could be because they are not sure what you mean and are too embarrassed to ask, or they don't want to be seen to be failing at it. There's a great table translating "Childish" speak into possible meanings in English. I think I might have to rip that out and pin it on the fridge! There's also an English into "childish" table - equally helpful and highlighting that often phrases like "stop it" and "how dare you speak to me like that" result in a child feeling unloved, frustrated or misunderstood. Chachamu advocates taking a moment to put aside your own feelings, frustrations and external pressures and trying to imagine what the child is feeling. Tell them what you think they are feeling and why and try to get to the root of the problem.

Another piece of advice that resonated with me was that during an argument, you should try to keep your voice lower than theirs and make sure you have eye contact. I so often find myself shouting instructions with my head hidden behind a cupboard door or to the backs of children at the other end of the hallway. Who knows who has actually heard me or realised they are actually being addressed! I also took away the very obvious reminder that sometimes we overwhelm them with a barrage of instructions or information, and, something I am guilty of, expect too much to be achieved in too short a time. But it is tricky when it's always a bit of lottery trying to work out exactly how long it might take someone to put toothpaste on their brush or find their other sock - a constant variable in our household!

I wish I could reproduce Chachamu's "Pizza" diagram to combat anger - or "hot thoughts" as she calls them. You can introduce it to them in a neutral situation, like a story so that they may then be able to use it independently next time they find themselves feeling angry or upset. For example: say a boy wants to join in with a game that another child is playing but their request is ignored. Divide a circle into 8 slices and ask them to write down 8 different explanations as to why the boy was ignored. Was it because no one likes him? No one ever wants to play with him? Or is the other boy rude? Or could it be something more "reasonable" like the boy was so absorbed in his game, he didn't hear - or wasn't wearing his glasses so didn't see who it was..... As they work their way around the 8 slices, the thoughts should "cool down" and then they can see the most probable reason rather than the most irrational and damaging one. A great technique - one that anyone could use for those moment of self doubt! There is a positive parenting checklist table which would be a great page to have bookmarked and ready to refer to every once in a while.

I liked the concept of an "emotional bank account" where you make "deposits" of positive comments, fun time together and avoid criticism so that when a "withdrawal" has to be made (shouting, criticising, ignoring needs) the child should have enough "deposits" to ensure they stay in "credit". I've also heard about this as a technique for couples. Chachamu underlines the importance of making sure siblings still get some individual time with a parent but points out this can be done very simply, it just needs to be pointed out to the child. For example, very unusually, my son and I ended up having some time together today - just 30 minutes to walk home before collecting the others -which we filled with a few jobs and mundane shopping so I didn't feel like I was getting behind, but we were able to chat. I involved him in my decisions in the supermarket and then said how much I was enjoying his company. He didn't respond to this with any kind of show of emotional intelligence but kept up a rather complicated explanation of the latest computer game he is obsessed all the way home which probably is his way of showing me that he was appreciative and did recognise our "special time" together. Interestingly it did have a positive impact on our relationship for the rest of the day.

Chachamu is realistic in her approach. She understands the ups and downs of parenting, the reality and the pressure, the frustration and the weariness. I didn't find it patronising, but honest, accessible and very easy to get the gist of a few techniques that could help. I admit, I did not read every single word in this book but did browse it a few times and certainly read some sections fully - I think that is often the best way to approach a parenting manual. It's given me a bit of a chance to step back and look at things in a fresher light. I'm sure a lot of the ideas in this book would help any parent, not just those of us with "challenging" children - particularly as that is a rather subjective and relative label.

My children are not overly challenging (although if I had £1 every time they were described as "spirited"....)  but parenting takes a lot of energy and resource so in a sense we all need a bit of extra support when feeling drained. I think this book would be a quick, affirming read for any parent.

Thank you to my two friends who recommended this book to me and who have been exceptionally good listeners when most needed!

For more recommendations and reviews please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK)

"Without Trace" Simon Booker

This is billed as a taut, psychological thriller for fans of "Gone Girl" - for me, it definitely delivered! As with the most successful titles currently dominating the "grip lit" genre, Booker introduces us to compelling characters, frightening situations and unexpected twists. The most appealing part of this novel was that you never knew who to trust, who was acting out of revenge and who was acting out of genuine goodness. I was constantly changing my opinion of who I felt empathetic towards - who was a victim and who was dangerous - and every time I thought I had it sorted, Booker would come along and trip me up with another twist or revelation!

The novel is about Morgan, single mum and journalist, who has been campaigning for the release of Danny from his prison sentence for murdering his daughter and possibly his wife. They were childhood sweethearts and share a past from which Morgan is still recovering. For Morgan, Danny is the "one that got away" and she is convinced of his innocence. He is released after four years and with nowhere else to go, he turns to Morgan, befriending her teenage daughter who is at first unhappy about having a murderer in their house. Slowly Morgan fights to change the public's opinion of Danny, which reminds steadfast in believing him to be guilty. Then Lissa goes missing. And suddenly Morgan is no longer sure if she can trust Danny and begins to questions everything she knows about him. Has the past blinded her to the present? Is Danny capable of murder? Is he a dangerous man that has been wrongly released or does he want to find Lissa and support Morgan in her traumatic search for her daughter?

This is a real cliffhanger of a book. Each chapter leaves you dangling and forces you to read on. The chapters are short but fast- that fatal trick of being short enough to squeeze in "just one more" and then finding you are still there thirty minutes later! The writing is efficient and despite the short sentences, it is easy to visualise setting and atmosphere. They also build tension and suspense incredibly effectively. The dialogue is often also brief, but deftly used to create believable three dimensional characters.

The main characters, Danny, Morgan and Lissa, are very well crafted and I really bonded with Morgan. On one hand she is a slight victim, a little fragile and damaged from her past which is cleverly intertwined through flashbacks at various points in the novel; she is vulnerable and fallible. She could generate pity but actually she is strong and resourceful and dedicated - the way that she fights to find her daughter reveals drive and a deeper inner strength.

Danny is gloriously menacing. Yet, the backstory reveals a much more caring, sensitive, loving character and helps to explain why Morgan is so quick to defend him and let him manipulate her. There are some fantastically threatening passages where he hovers like a ghostly shadow; a creepy predatory presence. I loved the way Morgan finds "the toilet seat raised" but then realises she is alone.... Booker keeps us guessing about Danny and as I said before, just as you believe he is involved, he does something which makes you question this, reminding you of how he is struggling to adapt to life on the outside, the constant prejudice everywhere he goes as he also tries to overcome the bullying he endured in prison.

Booker uses telephone conversations between Morgan and Danny to heighten the tension. As with the dialogue, they are used to make the characters feel more exposed and confused. The conflict explored in the relationship between Danny and Morgan is interesting. How do you deal with someone who has been the biggest part of your childhood, a knight in shining armour, a wronged victim......but then someone who has changed and whose behaviour implies that actually they could be more dangerous than you think.

No one is this book is what they seem. The police officers working on the case and the other journalist are equally deceptive and manipulative in their behaviour. All have motives and hidden agendas. Morgan's true strength of character is tested as she battles to identify who she can depend on and who can help her to save Lissa. It is utterly impossible to guess the ending of this captivating, white knuckle ride of a story!

The setting is Dungeness beach and the marshes - already stirring up images of Dicken's "Great Expectations" and a place perfect for murderers and a bleak, unfriendly landscape. Some of the events, observations and dialogue reminded me of the film "Sleeping with the Enemy" which still has the power to send shivers down my spine!

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a thrilling, exciting read with a genuine, cliche-busting protagonist. If you like to be kept guessing and continuously challenged, you will love this. If you like a fast paced, well written novel full of believable and realistic characters, you will love this!

My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for a review and my thanks to Simon Booker for another sleepless night!

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