All posts by Melanie

Books, Conflict, Crime/Thriller, espionage thriller, Novels, Reading Between the Lines, Richard Robinson

The Mainstay by Richard Robinson #THEMAINSTAY

April 13, 2025 Melanie Leave a comment

I’m welcoming Richard Robinson back to Celtic Connexions with his third novel in his Topaz series – The Mainstay.

mainstay

Blurb

Witness to Murder. A City on Edge. A Mastermind Hiding in Plain Sight.

When university student Sam Jacobs witnesses the murder of a Unionist MP in Ballycastle, he becomes more than a bystander — he becomes a target. Drawn into a web of politics, crime, and sectarian violence, Sam’s world unravels as powerful forces close in to silence him.

Chief Inspector Orla Massey calls on the covert Topaz team to investigate, but corruption in the RUC, political interference, and the ghosts of her own past push her to the brink. Meanwhile, MI5’s Jones, Jenny Richmond, and Declan McNally face a growing threat from an elusive mastermind known only as The Big Man. Power, politics, and betrayal collide as they race to unmask him before he strikes again.

From the terror of a Belfast safe house to a hanging aboard a luxury yacht, from a brutal execution to the underworld of global crime syndicates, The Mainstay is a gripping, heart-breaking and razor-sharp whodunnit where no one can be trusted.
And as the body count rises, one question remains:

Who is The Big Man? And how do you catch a man who doesn’t exist?

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mainstay-Topaz-Files-Book-3-ebook/dp/B0DXPV47YC

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/thetopazfiles

Extract

As they turned to face him, guns aloft, Jones unleashed one of the grenades from the haversack in the Rascal. It landed a few metres in front of the pair and rolled into the water. As the grenade detonated, the pressure from the explosion created a blast so high that the two gunmen were immediately blown off their feet and deep into the bushes next to the trees. They were accompanied by a few of the ducks and a torrent of dirty green water and sludge from the top of the navigation. It was total carnage.

What happened next almost took place in slow-motion. Jones hadn’t appreciated that such an underwater explosion would transmit pressure with greater intensity over a longer distance. So, as he rounded the path leading to the open lock gate and sped the MZ as fast as possible over the gap in the gates, he grit his teeth.

This was shit or bust, he knew that. He’d either fail and fall headfirst into the navigation or triumphantly make the leap and land on the other side. Greeting Wendy and Sam like some heroic modern-day Evel Knievel.

Instead, a last minute third option arrived, he was hit by the undercurrent of the grenade explosion and was blown off his bike headfirst into the large hedge at the front of the building. He’d made the leap over the navigation, but only thanks to a little help from a watery detonation.

About the Author

Mainstay

Richard lives in East Anglia with his wife and two daughters. He is a trained journalist and spent his early years freelancing or in agency positions across the UK, including a stint in Northern Ireland in the mid-1990s. He then transferred to the third sector, working in charities focusing on issues as diverse as international development (in India and Bangladesh), air ambulance operations, music and the creative industries, mental health and homelessness. He also acted as Chief Executive of the Olympic Park charity during London 2012.

He is currently the CEO of Hourglass, the UK’s only charity focused on ending the abuse and neglect of older people, a job he applied for after a family experience of neglect.

Richard wrote his first novel in the early 2000s but this has yet to see the light of day. Instead, he started with a new idea in 2020 and Topaz was born. He has written two more in the Topaz Files series, Wild Flowers and The Mainstay, which are expected to be published in 2024.

He is also happily in the dugout for Boxford Rovers F.C. on a Saturday, a committed cratedigger (vinyl collector) and can occasionally be seen in the stands at Loftus Road and Windsor Park.

WEBSITE: https://www.thetopazfiles.com/

Twitter/X: @TheTopazFiles

Instagram: at @r_we_r

Email: Richard at thewash_house@live.co.uk

Crime/Thriller, Domestic noir, Joffe Books, Kate Braithwaite, Novels, Psychological Thriller

The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite

April 8, 2025 Melanie 1 Comment

I participated in the cover reveal for The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite. Now I’m back with my review.

Kate Braithwaite

Blurb

Twenty years ago, Jen’s sister disappeared. Now, she’s looking for answers.

Jen Silver has moved to a new neighborhood in affluent, suburban Pennsylvania with her partner, Dan, and her daughter. It’s a picture-perfect neighborhood where the residents hang out on each other’s patios drinking margaritas on warm summer nights. They eagerly welcome Jen and her family.

But Jen isn’t who they think she is.

Dan doesn’t know the truth either.

Jen has spent her life trying to find out what happened to her sister. She’s chosen this community for a reason — because Dan has his own connection to the neighborhood and a past he thought was long-buried.

As Jen pieces together the events of twenty years ago, someone is determined to keep the facts from coming to light. But secrets always come out and sometimes, the worst truths lie close to home . . .

Kate Braithwaite

My Review

A lot is going on in The People Next Door. Lies, deceptions, and deep-buried secrets.

Jen Silver moves into an affluent neighbourhood in Pennsylvania with her daughter and current partner, Dan. The neighbours all seem to be friendly and gather at one another’s houses for weekend drinks and snacks.

But Jen had a motive for moving here, one that her partner doesn’t know about.

The author tells the book from multiple points of view, with each person’s chapter written in the first person. I like that in a book.

I didn’t see the ending coming, although I suspected something would be revealed.

Overall, it was well-written and I’ll be looking for more books by this author.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228125367-the-people-next-door

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/peoplenextdoor-zbt

About Kate

Kate Braithwaite

Kate Braithwaite is the author of four historical novels based on true but overlooked events. “Charlatan” tells the story of Madame de Montespan and the Affair of the Poisons in 17th Century Paris. “The Plot” features Titus Oates’ Popish Plot, a scandal that earns him a place as one of Britain’s top 10 villains. “The Puzzle of Nellie Bly” explores the exploits of a ground-breaking female journalist going undercover in a 19th Century New York lunatic asylum. “The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph” reveals a shocking rupture between two very different sisters in late 18th century Virginia.

Originally from Scotland, Kate studied English at Leeds University and has subsequently lived in Canada and the US. She is the author of Sis-Stories, a Substack publication all about sisters in history and fiction, and an editor for the Historical Novel Society. Kate and her family live in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Kate’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBraithwaiteAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebraithwaiteauthor/

Website: https://kate-braithwaite.com/

Kate Braithwaite

Crime/Thriller, Inkubator Books, Novels, Psychological Thriller, Theo Baxter

I Remember You by Theo Baxter

April 5, 2025 Melanie 2 Comments

Today, I’m welcoming back author Theo Baxter whose latest book, I Remember You, I’ve just finished reading. Scroll on down and find out what I thought.

Blurb

The perfect life…Or the perfect lie?

Two years ago, Aria West woke up in hospital with a severe head injury and no recollection of her previous life.

Now, she’s a successful sculptor, living in a remote cabin in upstate New York with her husband, Austin. Despite everything that’s happened, she’s living a good life. A peaceful life.

Except for the recurring nightmares – terrifying fragments of the trauma that led to her memory loss. Fragments that do not match Austin’s account of that fateful day.

As his behavior grows increasingly erratic, Aria becomes convinced her husband is hiding something sinister. To feel safe in the future, she knows she has to uncover the truth about the past—

But getting her memory back won’t be easy. Especially when someone will do anything to stop that from happening…

I Remember

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228160496-i-remember-you

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/irememberyou-zbt

My Review

Having read other books by this author, I jumped at the chance to read this one. Wow! There are so many twists. Aria suffers from retrograde amnesia, so any memories before the accident are wiped from her mind. Still, a disturbing nightmare keeps her awake at night.

Is her devoted husband all he claims to be? She finds solace in her studio where she works with clay and other mediums.

When she decides to seek help away from home … well, that’s where even more twists come into the mix.

I’ll watch for more books by Theo Baxter.

About the Author

I Remember

Theo Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

He grew up in New York, where there was crime all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theobaxterauthor/

I Remember

#review, Crime/Mystery, Crime/Thriller, Daniel Sellers, Joffe Books, Novels

Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers ~ review

March 26, 2025 Melanie 4 Comments

I’m back again with Daniel Sellers’ book Murder at Ardaig Castle. This time it’s my review of the book.

Ardaig Castle

Blurb

MEET DETECTIVE LOLA HARRIS. A TOUGH COP WITH ATTITUDE, BUT A GOOD HEART.

A secluded retreat. A storm closing in. A killer among them.

Detective Lola Harris is persuaded to take a much-needed break in the remote Scottish Highlands. She’s expecting peace and quiet. But Ardaig Castle, an exclusive wellness retreat for the rich and famous, has its own dark secrets.

Lola soon discovers that someone is sending poison pen letters to the staff. They’re growing more malicious each week. The latest reads: Why have you employed a killer among your staff?

As a storm rages outside, paranoia spreads within. The castle’s wealthy guests are rattled, old wounds are reopened and then — a body is discovered sprawled on the stone-flagged floor of the castle hallway, limbs twisted at an impossible angle.

Trapped by the weather, Lola must untangle a web of lies, grudges and hidden pasts before the killer strikes again.

Because at Ardaig Castle, not everyone is who they claim to be — and someone will kill to keep their secrets buried.

My Review

I loved this book! First of all, it’s set in Scotland. Second, I’ve been to the area where the weekend at the castle is located.

Now, on to the book. It started on a bit of a slow burn for me, but when it took off, I couldn’t stop turning the virtual pages! Lured to the castle by her sister under false pretenses, Lola finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Cut off from the outside world due to a severe storm, it’s up to her to solve the case.

I enjoyed it so much that I will get the first four Lola Harris Mysteries.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227642183-murder-in-the-trossachs-a-brand-new-gripping-and-unputdownable-scottish
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/ardaigcastle-zbt

Daniel Sellers is the author of the Kindle-bestselling Lola Harris Mysteries and is an obsessive fan of Agatha Christie. His crime thrillers are pacy and dark, with as much interest in whydunnit as who. He grew up in Yorkshire, and has lived and worked in Liverpool, Glasgow, Ireland and Finland. Sellers now lives in Argyll in Scotland.

Daniel’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielsellersauthor
Twitter: https://x.com/DJSellersAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielsellersauthor/

Ardaig Castle

General

Murder in the Lakes by Rachel Amphlett ~ cover reveal

March 13, 2025 Melanie 2 Comments

Let’s check out the cover and blurb for Rachel Amphlett’s latest novel, Murder in the Lakes.

Blurb

A wedding, a missing fiancée, and a murder – Melody Harper is about to discover just how dangerous “I do” can be…

Fledgling private detective Melody Harper is down on her luck and nursing a black eye when she’s approached by a new client who believes her daughter is in danger.

There’s a wedding next weekend, and the client’s daughter is the bride. Except Melody’s client hasn’t told her the whole truth – the groom’s last fiancée seems to have disappeared, and nobody has any answers.

Now tasked with going undercover to protect the bride-to-be, Melody finds herself out of her comfort zone and on an outdoor adventure weekend in the Lake District with the hen party.

After narrowly escaping death in a climbing accident, Melody’s detective skills are tested to the limit when one of the bridesmaids is murdered – and time is running out.

This is her biggest investigation to date, but will Melody even survive long enough to unmask the killer and protect the bride?

Murder in the Lakes is a page-turning murder mystery from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett and perfect for readers who love amateur sleuths and deadly crimes.

Lakes

Book links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228706809-murder-in-the-lakes

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/murderlakes-zbt

Excerpt

Murder in the Lakes

(Melody Harper detective mysteries)

by Rachel Amphlett

Chapter One

It’s never a good start to the day when the daughter of one of your clients leans across your desk and slaps you in the face.

She had a mean left hook on her too, helped somewhat by the platinum engagement ring that she’d only thought to remove after she’d hit me, before throwing it onto the carpet on her way out.

It helped – a little – that my client managed to hold back her smug look of satisfaction until after her daughter had stormed out of the office, slamming the door in her wake.

‘I knew he was trouble, Melody,’ she said. ‘I told you.’

I stumbled around my desk, bent down to pick up the ring and handed it to Heather McAdams. ‘Perhaps hang on to this,’ I suggested. ‘I’m presuming he’ll want it back. Or you can sell it.’

I moved to the mini refrigerator under the window, cracked open the door and pulled out an ice pack.

I guess it shows how often this happens to me that I have one prepared.

I held the door to stop it swinging open. I didn’t need my client to see the case of beer that Charlie had left in there on his last visit.

I held the ice pack to my cheek as I made my way back to my chair and somehow managed to sit down and look my client in the eye without losing my composure. My eyes stung, and I was going to have a bruise, that much was for sure.

Mrs McAdams only realised now how hard her daughter had slugged me, and that maybe I wasn’t happy about it.

‘Are you all right?’ she said.

I glared at her. I had a sneaking suspicion her question was brought on by a sudden thought that her daughter might get sued for assault, rather than any concern for my welfare, and whether she should make a speedy phone call to the family solicitor.

‘I’m fine,’ I replied. ‘I’ll print out my invoice for you. I accept payment by card only.’

She looked taken aback for a moment, seemed to debate whether to ask if she could pay on account, and then thought better of it.

I ignored her and turned my attention to the computer screen instead. The system allowed me to automatically check off each service provided. I spitefully added an extra thirty pounds miscellaneous line item for the ice pack, hit the “print” button and then slid the still-warm invoice across the desk to Mrs McAdams.

‘Oh, my,’ she said, as she ran her manicured fingernail down the page. ‘This is rather more than I expected.’

‘A copy of my expenses is on the second page,’ I said, jutting out my chin. ‘I’m sure you’ll find everything is in order. You’ll appreciate that I do provide a rather exclusive service.’

She looked flustered. ‘I wasn’t implying—’

I raised an eyebrow.

She lowered her gaze in response and flicked over the page instead.

I drummed my fingers on the desk while she read through the numbers. Such a sign of impatience always annoyed the hell out of me when people did that anywhere within a mile radius of me, so I was banking on it getting on her nerves and that she’d hurry up and pay, then leave me in peace.

Sure enough, she flicked the page over with an exasperated sigh, then handed over her credit card.

It was from one of the larger banks, the word “platinum” embossed across the front of it with a sparkly finish that glinted in the sunlight streaming through the window.

A car horn honked somewhere beyond the double-glazed panes, followed in quick succession by a higher pitched beep and a stream of colourful swearing.

I swiped Heather McAdams’s credit card across the handheld reader and handed it back to her, then used a large rubber stamp to punch the word “Paid” across the top of the invoice.

And yes, I pretended I was stamping her daughter’s face with it before I released the spring mechanism.

‘Thank you,’ I said, and stood to show her the way out, dumping the ice pack on the desk. ‘If you know of anyone else that would be in need of my services, please give them this.’

I handed over a business card.

Heather McAdams took it between her forefinger and thumb as if it was infected with weaponised smallpox and wrinkled her nose. ‘I’d best go and find out where Charlotte is,’ she sniffed.

To buy the book

https://www.rachelamphlett.com/books/single-title-thrillers/murder-in-the-lakes/

For an exclusive extract

https://www.rachelamphlett.com/books/single-title-thrillers/murder-in-the-lakes/extract/

A note from Rachel – if readers buy direct from my website shop they’ll receive their eBook 2 days earlier than the retail publication date. That means they’ll get it on 7 June – the retail / real publication date will be 9 June.

About the Author

Lakes

Rachel’s Bio

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.

You can follow Rachel at these links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelamphlett.author

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelamphlett/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelamphlett.bsky.social

Website: https://www.rachelamphlett.com/

Books, Canada, characters, clean and wholesome romance, contemporary romance, It Happened in Lunenburg, Novels, Seaumus, sweet romance

Meet the cast of It Happened in Lunenburg, It Happened Book 6

March 13, 2025 Melanie 2 Comments

Let me introduce you to the cast of characters who are the stars of It Happened in Lunenburg, Book 6 of the It Happened series.

the cast First up is Amy Scott, twin sister of Michael (from It Happened at Niagara Falls).

the cast Emma Williams, Amy’s friend and co-worker. Both Amy and Emma are nurses at the new hospital in Sudbury, Ontario.

the cast David Carter, Amy’s other half. He’s a finance officer for the City of Greater Sudbury. He’s also not very nice to Amy, but I won’t tell you more because it will ruin the book for you when it comes out.

Kyle Ferris, a Lunenburg local who works in Quality Control at High Liner Foods, and on weekends and holidays leads guided tours through the town. He’s also a descendant of Privateer John Ordronaux.

the cast Here he is dressed for his tour.

And finally, Isabelle “Izzy” Morrison, an author who is suffering from a severe case of writer’s block and is writing to deadline not very effectively. She initiates a house swap between herself and Amy, which is how Amy and Seaumus (spelled this was intentionally) end up on the east coast of Canada in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

So, there you have it. The cast of It Happened in Lunenburg. There will be other minor characters along the way, namely George and Maggie MacLeod who live across the road from Izzy.

And you can read my post with the four possible covers for the book here.

crime writer, crime writing, Crime/Mystery, Frances Lloyd, General, Joffe Books, Novels

The Coat of Arms Killer by Frances Lloyd

March 12, 2025 Melanie 4 Comments

I’m back with another review! This one is for The Coat of Arms Killer by Frances Lloyd.

Blurb

A killer is stalking the illustrious Fitzwarren family. And any of the clan could be next . . .

Lord Hugo may be heir to the Fitzwarren millions. But everyone knows who rules the roost in his noble old family. His formidable mother, Lady Beatrice. It’s been that way since her husband met his watery end. In a boating accident, poor thing.

Now, on the eve of her seventieth birthday, Lord Hugo plans to give his mama a gift she’ll never forget: a portrait of her dear, departed husband.

Guests gather at the Fitzwarrens’ decadent ancestral pile, waiting with bated breath for a glimpse of the painting. Detective Jack Dawes is among them, his wife Corrie on his arm. A cord is pulled. The curtain falls . . . and Lady B lets out a blood-curdling scream.

It’s not the likeness that has her spooked. It’s the dagger, plunged deep in her husband’s chest. Scrawled beneath, in blood-red paint, there’s a single word. Killer.

Is it a spiteful prank . . . or something more?

Detective Jack’s determined to find out. But he’s got his work cut out — with the frosty Fitzwarrens seeking to shut him down at every turn and Lord Hugo himself mysteriously missing.

Lord Hugo’s family are certain he’ll turn up in his own time. But Jack knows the clock is ticking to solve this baffling case.

Before something worse than paint is spilled . . .

This entertaining and absorbing mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, J.R. Ellis, Faith Martin, Catherine Moloney and P.F. Ford.

Frances Lloyd

My Review

Lord Hugo is obsessed with keeping the Fitzwarren line intact for generations to come. The lengths this has gone to bring out the worst in some people.

There are secrets, lies, and murder. When the police come to investigate, they circle the wagons and refuse to talk. Or speak but with their spin on events.

Corrie, DI Jack Dawes’s wife, hears bits of gossip and passes the information on to her husband, although not always in a timely manner.

I didn’t particularly like the majority of the Fitzwarren family, but I did like the characters of the police and Jack’s wife.

The book wrapped up the loose ends nicely, and what a twist at the end.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/224032818-the-coat-of-arms-killer-a-brand-new-enthralling-murder-mystery-with-a-tw

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/coatofarms-zbt

About the Author

Frances Lloyd

Frances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she became something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from a strong work ethic.

Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications. She also worked as a freelance journalist and photographer but her ambition was always to write crime novels.

She now lives in Northumberland – “Vera” territory – and writes full time. She has published ten DI Dawes murder mysteries.

Married three times but now a widow, Frances’ hobbies are reading, wine tasting and cooking.

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franlloydmysteries/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flloyd.writes

Ande Pliego, Book Tour, crime writer, Crime/Thriller, Novels

You are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

February 26, 2025 Melanie 2 Comments

Just the title of the book – You are Fatally Invited – sparked me to take part in this tour.

fatally invited

Blurb

Six thriller authors. One writing retreat.
You’d die to be on the guest list . . .

The Host
Legendary mystery author J. R. Alastor’s books are sold all over the world, but no one knows his real name. After years hiding in the shadows, he has sent out six invitations to an exclusive murder mystery retreat on his private island.

The Assistant
Mila del Angél has been hired to ensure the week runs smoothly. She has yearned for revenge on a ghost from her past for years – and this could be her chance to get it.

The Players
The six bestselling thriller writers accept their invitations without question – it’s an opportunity any author would kill for.

The Game
What should have been a week of trope-filled games takes a sinister turn when one guest is found dead, and the others find themselves in the midst of a nightmare drawn from Alastor’s dark imagination. They may have written thrillers – but now they and Mila must survive one…

fatally invited

My Review

The premise is simple. A themed murder mystery week at reclusive author J. R. Alastor’s island home in Maine.

Six crime writers have been invited to participate, and J.R.’s assistant, Mila, is in charge of organizing the event.

This book had so many twists. When I thought I had discovered J.R.’s identity, another twist sent me back to square one.

I love books that make it challenging to figure out whodunnit, and this is one such novel.

I should also say that this is the first book by Ande Pliego I’ve read, but she’s found a new fan in me!

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213330589-you-are-fatally-invited
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/fatallyinvited-zbt

About the Author

fatally invited

ANDE PLIEGO began writing stories when she discovered she could actually wield her overactive imagination for good.

A lover of stories with teeth, she writes books involving mind games, dark humour, general murder and mayhem, characters pushed to the edge of themselves, and most importantly, finding the hope in the dark.

When not reading or writing, she can usually be found dabbling in art, scheming up her next trip, or making constant expeditions to the library.

Born in Florida, raised in France, and having left footprints all over the globe, Ande is settled in the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her craftsman husband and little son.

You can follow Ande at these links:

Twitter: https://x.com/andepliegowrite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andepliegowrites/

#cover, Book covers, cover reveal, crime writer, Crime/Thriller, Joffe Books, Novels, thriller

The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite ~ Cover Reveal

February 24, 2025 Melanie 4 Comments

This book, The People Next Door, by Kate Braithwaite sounds like a cracking good read. Today I’m pleased to be part of the cover reveal tour.

Blurb

Twenty years ago, Jen’s sister disappeared. Now, she’s looking for answers.

But Jen isn’t who they think she is.

Dan doesn’t know the truth either.

people

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228125367-the-people-next-door

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/peoplenextdoor-zbt

About Kate

people

Kate’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBraithwaiteAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebraithwaiteauthor/

Website: https://kate-braithwaite.com/

book review, Chris Fox, Novels, Psychological Thriller, PTSD

White Nile by Chris Fox

February 21, 2025 Melanie 3 Comments

I’m hosting another ‘new-to-me’ author on my blog today. Chris Fox and his novel, White Nile, are in the limelight.

White Nile

Blurb

Captain James Hillsdon, an Iraq War veteran, is scarred by his tours of duty. Desperate for solace, he travels up the course of the River Nile in an act of soul-searching. When he reaches the city of Khartoum, Sudan, he makes a discovery that places him at the heart of a global crisis, and into the hands of two American officials.

But Hillsdon is hiding a secret, and the Americans know about it. If his secret is ever revealed, the consequences for Hillsdon’s family will be unthinkable. He needs to make a choice, but if he chooses poorly, there will be no escaping the repercussions.

White Nile

My Review

Once in a while, you need to read a book that pushes you out of your comfort zone. For me, this was that book.

James Hillsdon suffers from PTSD, and to get his mental health back on track, he travels to Khartoum, Sudan, for a much-deserved break. However, things don’t turn out that way for him, as he becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and unspoken truths.

The flashbacks to his time in Iraq are vivid, but war is a gruesome affair. Chris did an excellent job writing the book. It kept me engaged since I wanted to know how it turned out for him.

I look forward to reading more of Chris’s books in the future.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221234410-white-nile

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/whitenile-zbt

About the Author

White Nile

Chris Fox was born in Bromley, southeast London, but he grew up in a Rutland village near the market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire. He attended Stamford School and the University of Sheffield, before embarking on a career in Education. He has earned two master’s degrees, from the universities of Warwick and Oxford, respectively. When he gets a break from teaching, Chris enjoys playing cricket during the summer holidays. Other hobbies include reading, gardening and walking in the countryside. He lives in Oxford with his delightful greyhound, Lilly. White Nile is Chris’s second book. He has already started writing the sequel.