4 Star Reads - Independent Book Reviews

Unleashed: An Intimate Dive into Boris Johnson’s Political Journey

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A Personal Exploration of Triumph, Turmoil, and Transformation The Story Behind the Pages When I first cracked open Boris Johnson’s memoir “Unleashed,” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Would this be a straightforward political narrative, or a deeply personal exploration of one of Britain’s most controversial prime ministers? As it turns out, the book […]

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Resurrection Walk – and others! (by Michael Connelly)

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I have had a reading blitz on Connelly’s stories featuring 3 main characters. It is interesting to contrast how Connelly uses these characters. Introduction: Michael Connelly, a titan in the realm of crime fiction, continues to captivate readers with his intricate plots, compelling characters, and unflinching portrayal of contemporary issues. His works, “The Dark Hours,”

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The Cracked Mirror (by Chris Brookmyre)

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Chris Brookmyre’s *The Cracked Mirror* is an enthralling crime novel that intertwines intricate plotting, layered characters, and sharp social commentary. Known for his distinctive blend of dark humor and suspense, Brookmyre once again delivers a compelling narrative. There are comparisons with Richard Osman’s *Thursday Murder Club*, and Michael Connelly’s *Bosch* series. The novel opens with

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Dead Ground (by Graham Hurley)

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Preview copy from Netgalley. Published on 8th Oct 2024 I look forward to reviewing books by Graham Hurley. The latest is Dead Ground set primarily in Franco’s Spain. “Dead Ground” is a thrilling addition to the Spoils of War Collection. Dead Ground” is a historical thriller set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War

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The Trading Game: A Confession (by Gary Stevenson)

The Skeleton Key (by Erin Kelly)

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“The Skeleton Key” by Erin Kelly is a complex and intriguing novel that blends elements of a thriller, historical fiction, family drama, and murder mystery. The book follows two families, the Churchers and the Lockes, who are tied together by history, success, and marriage. The story is set in London and Cornwall and is told

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The Blood of Others (by Graham Hurley)

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Graham Hurley’s latest thriller, “The Blood of Others,” is a gripping and suspenseful novel set in Northern France during World War II. The novel is part of the “Spoils of War” collection and is a thrilling blend of fact and fiction (see review of previous book in series). The story follows ordinary people who are

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The Forgetting (by Hannah Beckerman)

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Amazon First Reads: Publish Date: April 2023 An intriguing, gripping tale of coercive control, and the social impact of such behaviour on families. OK, does not sound that original but believe me, this is not a standard relationship story. It is a refreshingly different read! The Forgetting” is a domestic drama dealing with controlling and

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The Fall (by Gilly Macmillan)

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Preview copy from Netgalley – Release date: 25 May 2023 Would you ever consider murder? Are there circumstances that could trigger thoughts of murder? But could you actually do the deed? This suspense thriller embraces this conundrum and the outcomes do not surprise! This is the proverbial page-turner with so many twists on the way.

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