Bibliomaniac's Book Event: Back to the Books Sept 20th

Bibliomaniac's "Back to the Books" 

Author Panel Event

20th September 2017

8-10pm

Upstairs at The Harpenden Arms

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/back-to-the-books-tickets-35451725064

I am absolutely thrilled to announce the line up for my September event! Four fantastic authors, all with books in the bestseller charts! It's going to be an awesome evening! Here's a round up about the authors and their latest books!

TAMMY COHEN / RACHEL RHYS



1939, Europe on the brink of war. Lily Shepherd leaves England on an ocean liner for Australia, escaping her life of drudgery for new horizons. She is instantly seduced by the world onboard: cocktails, black-tie balls and beautiful sunsets. Suddenly, Lily finds herself mingling with people who would otherwise never give her the time of day.

But soon she realizes her glamorous new friends are not what they seem. The rich and hedonistic Max and Eliza Campbell, mysterious and flirtatious Edward, and fascist George are all running away from tragedy and scandal even greater than her own. 

By the time the ship docks, two passengers are dead, war has been declared, and life will never be the same again.

You can read my full review here



She knows there’s a killer on the loose.
But no-one believes her.
Will she be next?

Hannah had a normal life – a loving husband, a good job. Until she did something shocking. Now she’s in a psychiatric clinic. It should be a safe place. But patients keep dying.

The doctors say it’s suicide. Hannah knows they’re lying. Can she make anyone believe her before the killer strikes again?

You can read my full review here

Tammy Cohen (who was previously published under her formal name Tamar Cohen) is a freelance journalist. A late starter to fiction - and to other things besides - she has now written four novels. The Mistress's Revenge, The War of the Wives, and Someone Else's Wedding. The Broken was her first pyschological thriller, followed by Dying for Christmas. Her brand new hardback novel, First One Missing is out now. 

She lives in North London with her partner and three (nearly) grown children, plus one very badly behaved dog.

tammycohen.co.uk

Other books by Tammy:



ROWAN COLEMAN



If you could change the past, would you?

Thirty years ago, something terrible happened to Luna’s mother. Something she’s only prepared to reveal after her death. 

Now Luna and her sister have a chance to go back to their mother’s birthplace and settle her affairs. But in Brooklyn they find more questions than answers, until something impossible – magical – happens to Luna, and she meets her mother as a young woman back in the summer of 1977. 

At first Luna’s thinks she’s going crazy, but if she can truly travel back in time, she can change things. But in doing anything – everything – to save her mother’s life, will she have to sacrifice her own?

You can read my full review here.

Rowan Coleman lives with her husband, and five children in a very full house in Hertfordshire. She juggles writing novels with raising her family which includes a very lively set of toddler twins whose main hobby is going in the opposite directions. When she gets the chance, Rowan enjoys sleeping, sitting and loves watching films; she is also attempting to learn how to bake.

Rowan would like to live every day as if she were starring in a musical, although her daughter no longer allows her to sing in public. Despite being dyslexic, Rowan loves writing, and The Memory Book is her eleventh novel. Others include The Accidental Mother, Lessons in Laughing Out Loud and the award-winning Dearest Rose, a novel which lead Rowan to become an active supporter of domestic abuse charity Refuge, donating 100% of royalties from the ebook publication of her novella, Woman Walks Into a Bar, to the charity. Rowan does not have time for ironing.

rowancoleman.co.uk/

Other books by Rowan:




ANGELA CLARKE




What do you do if you witness a murder…but no-one believes you?
When Kate sees a horrific murder streamed live on her laptop, she calls the police in a state of shock. But when they arrive, the video has disappeared – and she can’t prove anything. Desperate to be believed, Kate tries to find out who the girl in the video could be – and who her killer is.
Freddie and Nas are working on a missing persons case, but tensions in the police force are running high and time is ticking. When Kate contacts them, they are the only ones to listen and they start to wonder – are the two cases connected?
Dark, gripping, and flawlessly paced, Trust Me is the brilliant third novel in the hugely popular social media murderer series.

You can read my full review here

Angela Clarke is an author, playwright, columnist, screenwriter and broadcaster. Her debut crime thriller Follow Me was named Amazon’s Rising Star Debut of the Month January 2016, longlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Dagger in the Library 2016, and shortlisted for the Dead Good Reader Page Turner Award 2016. Watch Me is the second instalment in the Social Media Murder Series. Angela’s memoir Confessions of a Fashionista is an Amazon Fashion Chart bestseller. Her play, The Legacy, enjoyed its first run and rave reviews at The Hope Theatre in June 2015. She hosted the current affairs show Outspoken on Radio Verulam for six months in 2014, and has appeared on the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, BBC Three Counties and more. Her journalist contributions include: The Guardian, Independent Magazine, The Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, and Writing magazine. In 2015 Angela was awarded the Young Stationers' Prize for achievement and promise in writing and publishing. She volunteers with Womentoring, and the RSA Meet a Mentor scheme, and others, to help encourage and support marginalised artists into the industry. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Angela lives with her husband and far too many books.

AngelaClarke.co.uk

Other books by Angela:




ANNA MAZZOLA



Set in London in 1837, Anna Mazzola's THE UNSEEING is the story of Sarah Gale, a seamstress and mother, sentenced to hang for her role in the murder of Hannah Brown on the eve of her wedding. Perfect for any reader of Sarah Waters or Antonia Hodgson.

'With this intricately woven tale of trust, self-trust and deceit, Anna Mazzola brings a gritty realism to Victorian London. Beautifully written and cleverly plotted, this is a stunning debut, ranked amongst the best' MANDA SCOTT 

After Sarah petitions for mercy, Edmund Fleetwood is appointed to investigate and consider whether justice has been done. Idealistic, but struggling with his own demons, Edmund is determined to seek out the truth. Yet Sarah refuses to help him, neither lying nor adding anything to the evidence gathered in court. Edmund knows she's hiding something, but needs to discover just why she's maintaining her silence. For how can it be that someone would willingly go to their own death?

You can read my full review here

Anna Mazzola is a writer of historical crime fiction. Her debut novel, The Unseeing, is published in the UK and US. The Times calls it 'sizzling'. The Mirror describes it as, 'a brilliant debut.’ In 2016, Amazon named Anna as one of their Rising Stars.

Her second novel, about a collector of folklore on the Isle of Skye, will be published by Headline in Spring 2018.

Anna studied English at Pembroke College, Oxford, before becoming a criminal justice solicitor. She lives in Camberwell, London, with two small children, two cats and one husband. 

annamazzola.com

You do not want to miss this event! Tickets are £10 and this includes 1 free drink, a goody bag and entry to the raffle for signed copies of the books and more bookish treats! Click below for your tickets now!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/back-to-the-books-tickets-35451725064

#ChrisWhitaker #Q&A #AuthorInterview

ALL THE WICKED GIRLS 

"Raine sometimes complains that nothing exciting is ever gonna happen in Grace again. Daddy told her careful what you wish for."

Everyone loves Summer Ryan. A model student and musical prodigy, she's a ray of light in the struggling small town of Grace, Alabama - especially compared to her troubled sister, Raine.

Then Summer goes missing. Grace is already simmering, and with this new tragedy the police have their hands full keeping the peace. Only Raine throws herself into the search, supported by a most unlikely ally.

But perhaps there was always more to Summer than met the eye . . .

Chris Whitaker's second novel All The Wicked Girls was published on 24th August 2017 by Bonnier Zaffre. It's an exceptional book and a powerful read. You can see my full review here.

Today I am thrilled to welcome Chris back for an interview all about his new novel! 

Thank you so much Chris for dropping by! 

All the Wicked Girls is set in America and the location feels incredibly authentic. Your attention to detail in order to create such authenticity is impressive. The names of the people and places contributes to this overall conviction of time and place. How do you choose the names of the places and the people? Are the places real or completely fictionalised? Did you research the names of people at all? 

Thank you. The story covers a real period in American history, so it was hugely important to me that it felt of its time and place. There was a lot research done before and during writing.

I had such a strong visual of the town itself. The story touches on religion and faith, but in the wake of economic hardship the people of the town are very much struggling. The book tackles some difficult issues, but on the whole I wanted my characters to have real heart. For the most part they are good people having a shit time of it. Grace was a perfect fit. It hints at what the town once was, pretty and neighbourly, and all the good things I imagine of the South. 

There’s one road in and out of the town, and I chose to call it Hallow Road because it’s where the divide of light and dark is in the story. Hallow means to make holy, and at the end of this road you have Grace, which has been cast into darkness. I just loved the imagery of it.  

Summer and Raine were named after their perceived characteristics, almost as if Summer was thrust into the light from birth. They’re both much more alike than their names suggest.

As for other character names, I use genealogy websites to help, and then whittle a list down and see what fits.

One thing that makes this novel quite unique and original is the use of dialect and accent. What challenges did this present to you as a British author? How did you research this and how did this decision affect things like editing and proof-reading?

It was an absolute nightmare. A complete and utter nightmare. The worst of nightmares.

I wanted to totally immerse the reader in the story. I wanted someone to sit down and journey to 90s Grace, and though I was very aware that it could make for a challenging read, the best way I saw to do that was to ensure the dialogue, and narrative, was Southern.  

I spent days listening to Alabamans speak. I wanted to capture the rhythm and the tone. And obviously there’s variations, like all Londoners don’t sound the same, so there’s subtle differences in the way my characters speak. It would have been easy to simply drop all the g’s, fishin’, sleepin’ etc. But not all words are pronounced that way at all times, if that makes any sense. And dialect changes with mood, anger/passion brings out a deeper drawl in certain characters.

And then we had the issue of Summer. She’s narrating her chapters, so we’re effectively in her head, meaning her narrative is technically dialogue. And I, and the long suffering Bec Farrell (editor) agonised over what to do here. We knew at first glance it might be hard to follow, but we went with it, we committed, no punches are pulled. Summer is authentically Summer, and I know it was the right decision.   

All The Wicked Girls is complex and multilayered with several key characters. Can you tell me a bit about how you plan your novels and keep track of the various threads and narratives?

My writing process is a total shitshow. I got so hopelessly lost writing this book. It soured my mood for months. I remember sitting down with my wife and saying I just didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t finish, I couldn’t get close to the finish. I had this perfect, vivid story in my mind, where I could see the town and the square and I could hear the people. But it was just noise. That feeling where you can’t think straight, I wrote the whole book in that frame of mind. So the planning came late, once I had the voices right I began to map out how they might fit together. And I had total faith in my editors and my early reader (thank you, Liz) to keep the story tight and on the right track.

Personally, as a reader, plot comes a very distant second to the quality of writing and the characterisation. If I sat down and mapped out an intricate plot on a spreadsheet, I think I’d find it very hard to deviate from that plan, even once I got to know my characters better. I wouldn’t want to be a slave to it. I’ve read books where a character will suddenly do something implausible to fit with the twist etc, and it totally pulls me out of the story.

Give me a story full of heart. That’s what I want to read so that’s what I try and write. 

There is quite a cast of characters in your book. Which character was your favourite / easiest / most challenging to write? 

Noah and Purv were the most fun, though their story tugged at the heart strings.  

Summer, she was so so difficult. Not just because I, a man in his thirties living in the UK, was writing in the first person as a 15 year old southern girl, but just because she’s so incredibly lost. She has this vision of the way she wants the world to see her. She bakes cookies and goes to church, plays the cello and reads endless books. She takes her ideas from the masters of philosophy but she doesn’t really know what they mean. And then her relationship with Pastor Bobby. That was tough to write. I worried I’d taken it too far, that we didn’t need to know the details. And I didn’t want it to be ugly, this girl and this man, having this relationship in view of God. But we’re in Summer’s head, and she wouldn’t censor her own thoughts and feelings.

Favourite? Raine. All heart and no head. I can relate.  

You have now written two books set in America. Are you influenced at all by American Literature or American Noir?

I think so. A lot of my favourite authors are American. The Road is one of my all-time faves, and I’m a huge fan of Dennis Lehane and John Hart. Stephen King is the master, his characterisation is something I greatly admire. I didn’t set out to emulate anyone, but then I suppose we draw influence without even realising.

There are several references to literature in the novel and a few specific titles. These are obviously very intentionally and specifically chosen for the story but are they books which are important to you as well?

A mix. Whilst they’re very much of Summer’s choosing, many of her favourites are mine too. The books she mentions throughout, they are just stories she tries to relate to her own life. Maybe she draws parallels with Dolores in Lolita, or maybe she sees Samson in The Power and the Glory. She reads these epic novels and wants to feel connected to them. Her life is just one long search for meaning.   

What's next for you? Will you be writing another book set in America? Are you working on anything at the moment? 

I’ve had a couple of months break from crime writing but have tentatively began to think about book 3. It’s not set in America, but beyond that I’m long way from being able to give any details.

There won’t be a new book from me until at least 2019. Please don’t forget me!  

As if!! I don't think there is ever any danger of that happening! Thank you so much for such a great interview and fantastic answers. All The Wicked Girls really is a story full of heart, as is Tall Oaks. Thank you for coming along today and I wish you luck with both your published books and your third story idea! 

Everyone has a secret in Tall Oaks . . .

When three-year-old Harry goes missing, the whole of America turns its attention to one small town. Everyone is eager to help. Everyone is a suspect.

Desperate mother Jess, whose grief is driving her to extreme measures.

Newcomer Jared, with an easy charm and a string of broken hearts in his wake.

Photographer Jerry, who's determined to break away from his controlling mother once and for all.

And, investigating them all, a police chief with a hidden obsession of his own . . .

You can read my review of Chris' debut novel Tall Oaks here.

For more recommendations and reviews follow me on Twitter @KatherineSunde3 or via my blog bibliomaniacuk.blogspot.co.uk or website bibliomaniacuk.co.uk

#UntaintedBlood #LizMistry #BlogTour

I am delighted to be on the first day for the Blog Tour for Untainted Blood by Liz Mistry! Thank you so much to Liz and Sarah Hardy at Bloodhoundbooks for inviting me to join the tour and for the advance copy of the book in return for my honest review! 

And thank you to Bloodhound books too for introducing me to a whole new series of books that had somehow escaped by attention!! 

Untainted Blood is the latest unmissable Crime Thriller from author Liz Mistry. I have not read the first two books in this series (Unquiet Souls & Uncoiled Lies) which not only am I embarrassed about - I'm also a little annoyed with myself that I've missed out on a series with so much promise!

In a city that is already volatile, tensions mount  after a Tory MP in Bradford Central is discredited leaving the door open for the extreme right-wing candidate, Graeme Weston, to stand in the resultant by-election. 

However, Graeme Weston is not what he appears to be and with secrets jeopardising his political career, he must tread very carefully.

Meanwhile, a serial killer targets Asian men who lead alternatives lifestyles and delivers his own form of torture. 

As DI Gus McGuire’s team close in, the deranged killer begins to unravel and in an unexpected twist the stakes are raised for Gus.

Are the murders linked to the political scandals or is there another motive behind them? 

DI Gus McGuire and his team are back and this might be their toughest case yet.

Yes, it does sound good doesn't it? Well it is good and yes, I do recommend it! Don't be like me and let this series pass you by!

I thought this thriller was a complete breath of fresh air. Why? Because it felt really alive, really contemporary and really relevant. It references the political and social concerns of today and it tackles the issues that face communities today. 

This crime novel also felt full of energy. It is fast paced, action packed, full of dialogue and vividly drawn characters. It is firmly rooted in Bradford with every last attention to detail included so that it is very easy to picture the setting. The location and setting is important to the novel and the author has depicted the city and area very effectively. I have a little knowledge of the area and felt that it was really accurate in its portrayal. Mistry is obviously passionate about the area and the city's community. 

There are several key characters to get to know in the book and they are all well crafted and all very three dimensional. There is a very effective anonymous narrative that is suitably threatening and menacing and actually, all the narratives have strong voices and distinctive characters. Although the chapters are often short and they switch from character to character quite rapidly, it is easy to follow and easy to build up a picture of who everyone is and what is going on. It is the first book I have read in the series and I did find it fine to read as a stand alone, but as with all series, obviously there is an overriding story arc to enjoy so I'm sure I would benefit from reading Unquiet Souls and Uncoiled Lies - something I will rectify immediately - even if it's just because the titles are so clever!

Mistry ensures that there is a real sense of urgency and pace to the novel by using each day of the week as a heading. Immediately this creates high level tension and a sense of building towards something or that sense of a ticking clock which inspires all sorts of excitement and trepidation for a crime novel! The location and time of day is also sighted at the beginning of each section which also keeps the reader on their toes and enables Mistry to weave in several different threads effectively. As I said before, this is a fact paced novel and there is no time to pause for breath as Mistry launches the reader headlong into the action.

I don't want to give away any spoilers or reveal anything that might give something away but I would recommend Untainted Blood. It has every single ingredient you want in a fast paced, exciting, modern day crime thriller. Mistry knows how to write a great detective story and she has also written a story that is full of diversity and social issues as well as crime, with a confident and assured voice. I would love to see this televised as it reads so well and would transfer so easily to screen. The book will appeal to anyone who enjoys a solid detective thriller. 

LIZ MISTRY

As well as writing crime fiction, Liz is co-founder of and main contributor to The Crime Warp blog, which reviews all areas of crime fiction, interviews crime authors and participates in blog tours.  She is the main publicist for the blog, using social media to promote their presence. 

Liz is an ex teacher who has taught in inner city Bradford schools for over twenty years.  Her husband of nearly 30 years is Indian and they have three children.  They live in inner city Bradford and Liz likes to use the rich tapestry of her life in Bradford, combined with her Scottish heritage, in her writing.

In Sept 2017 she is starting a PHD In Creative Writing, researching crime fiction and social media.

Liz also teaches creative writing, specifically within the crime fiction genre.

Twitter : @LizCrimeWarp   FB @LizMistrybooks 

email: lizmistryauthor@yahoo.co.uk

Blog: The Crime Warp   Website : liz mistry crime writer

Don't forget to follow the rest of the Blog Tour for Untainted Blood and see what all the other bloggers have to say about this book! 

For more recommendations and reviews follow me on Twitter @KatherineSunde3 or via my blog bibliomaniacuk.blogspot.co.uk or website bibliomaniacuk.co.uk

#BibliomaniacsBookShelves #SummerRoundUp Bank Holiday August

Bibliomaniac's Bookshelves: Summer Reading Round Up

Bank Holiday August 2017

Yes, I'm still 'on a break' so I'm still writing my mini reviews! Here's what has been going on in the book world of Bibliomaniac over the last little while!

THERE IS ALWAYS MORE TO SAY by LYNDA YOUNG SPIRO 

*My thanks to the author from whom I received this book in return for an unbiased and honest review*

This book opens with the intriguing words 

"I feel compelled to write this story. I don't know the ending yet and I can't remember the beginning. Full of the unexpected. Like life itself." 

And so begins a story that perhaps isn't really a story but more a meditation on life, on love, on friendship. To me, this is more like a long love letter; a letter rather than a journal as the narrator refers to "you" the whole way through and is very much aware that this story is for someone specific. Although it is for "you" (a best friend, a lost love, a soul mate) and there is some very personal reflections within the pages, there is so much that is universal and the themes alluded to and explored with resonate with all readers. There is also something very intimate about reading a story addressed to "you" throughout the entire book and something that draws the reader into the relationship with the narrator on a deeper level. The story is also so honest that it is impossible not to become involved in the characters emotion's and feelings. 

Each of the short chapters, which flit backwards and forwards through key moments in the narrators life as she remembers, explains and considers, start and end with a quote. I was quite fascinated by the quotes used - they range from literary figures, philosophers to much more mainstream well known quotes but each is carefully chosen as it is used to encapsulated the theme or thought of that particular chapter. Each quote helps the reader to reflect on what they have read and I thought there inclusion was very effective.

This is a short read and unlike anything I have read for a while. The narrator is fifty five and although at a different point in her life from where I am, there was plenty for me to relate to and to empathise with. I'm not sure which genre I would use to classify it as it transcends the labels I would normally fall back on. I would recommend it to people who enjoy a kind of stream of consciousness, a book which is thought provoking and reflective and for people who enjoy fictional memoirs. Although the structure of the story is shaped around some action - or key moments in the character's life - it's not really about happenings and events; it is about hopes, dreams, fate, destiny, choices, regrets, expectations and apprehension. It is about what could have been and what has been. It is about life. 

There is Always More to Say was published in April 2016. 

THE SEVEN RULES OF ELVIRA CARR by FRANCES MAYNARD 

*My thanks to the publisher from whom I received this book via NetGalley in return for an unbiased and honest review*

One afternoon, Elvira's mother suddenly has a stroke and ends up in hospital, leaving Elvira alone and having to look after herself. Socially challenged, and only having known being ruled by an overpowering mother, Elvira finds herself learning to navigate her way through the days both physically and emotionally. 

The novel is narrated in first person by Elvira which allows the reader to really see the world from her point of view. I thought this was really effective as the reader is fully aware of Elvira's responses and interpretations of situations which helps us not only understand her thought process and issues, but also ensures we form a strong bond with her. It is a challenge for any author to successful create a convincing character who suffers from the kind of issues Elvira has but Maynard definitely does this. There is a lot of gentle wit and humour on every page of this story and Elvira's stark, honest and obvious responses will make you smile. The author writes with heartwarming sensitivity and respect rather than mockery. 

Elvira is not a character for us to pity either. The reader will feel sympathetic towards her but only in a supportive manner - and only with a realisation that actually our use of "figure of speech" or turn of phrase is sometimes ironic, illogical or confusing! No, Elvira does not need us to feel sorry for her or to closet her - her mother has been fiercely controlling of her and some of the things she has said to her in the past have been incredibly hurtful and destructive. Now her mother is in hospital, Elvira has the chance to see what she is indeed capable of and although she makes mistakes and misjudgements along the way, the reader is rooting for her and thrilled to see all that she does achieve. 

To help navigate her way through her new independent life, Elvira develops a spreadsheet with rules. Her notes on why these rules are important and phrases she can use to help implement the rules are endearing, clever and insightful. They are a great framework on which to hang the story line and perhaps everyone can take something away from some of the rules Elvira tries to adhere to! 

I also really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. They were as pertinent, poignant and heartfelt as any quote from literature of philosophy and I thought they underlined the essence of the book and what the author was trying to achieve. 

It's always nice to be appreciated. And apologised to - Janice Drapkin, Checkout Operative, Asda. 

I enjoyed this book. It is well written with a lovely turn of phrase which captures the personality of Elvira effectively.  The use of dialogue is clever and I was impressed how well the author not only managed to create such a readable, likeable and well judged voice but also sustain it over the entire course of the novel. We have seen characters like Elvira in several other contemporary fiction novels but The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr definitely stands out and deserves to gain recognition. It is simple, understated, humorous and engaging. It has a bit of everything; sadness, loss, struggles, pain, friendship and happiness. There's also a bit of a mystery to solve as well. I recommend. 

Oh and there are some fabulous book group questions at the end so make sure you tell your book club all about this novel too! Definitely lots to discuss here! 

The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr is published by Pan MacMillan on 24th August 2017. 

THE BURNING GIRL by CLAIRE MESSUD 

*My thanks to the publisher from whom I received this book via NetGalley in return for an unbiased and honest review*

This is a story of two girls, Julie and Cassie, who have been friends since nursery. It charts their friendship over the years, the ups and downs, the ebbs and flows, the highs and lows that exist in any friendship and in any relationship that spans many years. 

The novel is narrated by Julie and there is relatively little dialogue. It is very descriptive, very mesmeric and very atmospheric as we really become part of this relationship and realise the significance it has had on Julie as she grows from toddler, to young girl, to older girl. Told through Julie's point of view we only really know Cassie from the details Julie gives us but this is not a book that is short on detail. I trusted Julie and believed her account of events and the way the relationship between the two girls developed. I also enjoyed the fact that we were able to infer more about what was happening with Cassie from what Julie revealed and able to piece together any missing parts of the jigsaw for ourselves. 

Friendships, particularly those formed at school, are a fascinating base for any novel, perhaps because we are nosy or because of our vicarious nature and I enjoyed the fact that the author had decided to explore this friendship in such immense detail. Readers will enjoy watching this friendship as it tries to survive the friends growing emotionally and physically at different rates, deal with differences in their respective family lives, differences in their popularity at school and so on. The novel is very engaging despite the fact it is so dependent on one character's narration with perhaps less dialogue or action than other novels about teenage girls around at the moment and it should not be overlooked. This isn't just about friendship, it is about how we define ourselves, how we consider ourselves and the stories and myths we build around ourselves. It's also about confronting issues, pain and truths. 

I was struck by the idea that whatever happened to these girls, they had a bond that would never leave them. Even when Cassie is with new friends and has left Julie a little behind, there is a certain flick of the hair or a particular phrase and Julie knows immediately exactly what is going on in Cassie's mind. That's what defines a friendship  - that's the feeling you have about that special person who you've grown up with. A person you were so close to you even pretended to be sisters. 

"....it would all still be there between us: you couldn't take away our whole lives. But our friendship was, at the same time, like a city you hadn't visited in a long time, where you knew the streets by heart but the shops and restaurants have changed....." 

There's some really beautiful writing in this novel and some fantastic observations. I enjoyed the girls envy of each other's mothers, family homes and how Messud had captured so many universal themes about human nature in a very personal story particular to two girls. I liked the atmosphere of the novel which is actually quite foreboding and dark and I was caught up in the fluency of the polished and eloquent writing. 

This is not a typical thriller or a typical "Girl" titled novel but it deserves a spot on the shelf amongst the best sellers. There is fire in this subtle, well written novel and it's flames will flicker inside your mind once you've finished reading. 

The Burning Girl by Claire Messud is published by Little, Brown on 7th September 2017. 

TRY NOT TO BREATHE by HOLLY SEDDON 

I recently read Holly Seddon's new novel Don't Close Your Eyes and loved it so much I was determined to buy and read her first novel this summer while on holiday. I was delighted to find that Try Not To Breathe is equally compelling, chilling, exciting and as gripping! Seddon's writing is very polished and her ability to orchestrate several narrative threads that gradually converge is impressive and very well executed. 

Try Not To Breathe is the story of Amy who has been in a coma since she was 15 and her broken body was recovered in the park. She disappeared one night after school and was eventually found, left for dead. Her step father, boyfriend and neighbours were all interrogated, but the perpetrator and the true events of the attack are still unknown. 

Alex, a former journalist but now a woman struggling to hold herself together as her life crumbles around her - her marriage over, her alcoholism consuming her days -  decides to investigate Amy's story and starts to visit her in hospital. And so begins an unique friendship where Alex seeks to find the truth even when it means placing herself at risk. 

This novel alternates from Alex's point of view in the present day, Amy's narrative which includes flashbacks from 1995,  and also the voice of Jacob who was Amy's boyfriend at the time she was attacked. It is not hard to follow or to keep track of where in the story we are - in fact Seddon uses the variety of voices and switch in view point to maximise tension and drama. For me it made the novel even more unputdownable because I was so desperate to keep going back to each character and find out more. Although there is plenty of action, twists and turns I thought this was also a very character driven novel and once again I was impressed with Seddon's ability to balance both a griping, multilayered plot with highly developed, intriguing, interesting and complex characters.

The voices are all a good contrast to each other and all very distinctive. Each character is really well created and comes with their own heap of baggage and problems which is also beautifully handled with conviction and authenticity by Seddon. I really admired the way the author developed the characters, their frustrations, weaknesses, fallibility and fears. I loved the way their paths began to overlap and inform on each thread of the story. I was left in awe of Seddon's storytelling skills and ability to achieve such a complex, suspenseful psychological thriller. Seddon's observations are candid, acute and poignant. Her understanding of human emotions, relationships and the complexities of parenting, love and marriage are insightful and powerful. 

I could talk about this book for a whole lot longer but all I'm really going to say is that you really should read it. It's such a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and at the risk of a series of cliches, I was gripped from the start, totally immersed in Seddon's writing, I was hooked and consumed by the characters and just didn't want to put it down. I am in love with the way Seddon's writing is compelling and page turning but also sharp, intelligent and original. Her novels are excellent and I know it's a bit cheap to borrow other reviewers words but it is "top notch" and a "must read". 

I can't believe this is a debut novel. I can't believe I have to wait for a third book. I am in love with Seddon's writing. 

Try Not To Breathe by Holly Seddon was published by Corvus in 2016. 

A GUEST POST FROM FIONA SPARKS 

In case you missed it, I also hosted a guest post from Fiona Ford this week where she answered lots of questions about her favourite books and the inspiration behind her new series of books set in WW2. You can read the interview by clicking on the link below! 

Fiona Ford Q&A

For more recommendations and reviews follow me on Twitter @KatherineSunde3 or via my blog bibliomaniacuk.blogspot.co.uk or website bibliomaniacuk.co.uk