Category Archives: Crime/Thriller

The Mainstay by Richard Robinson #THEMAINSTAY

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

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

The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite

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

I Remember You by Theo Baxter

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

Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers ~ review

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

Ardaig Castle

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

You are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

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/

 

 

The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite ~ Cover Reveal

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.

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 . . .

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 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/

Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers ~ Cover Reveal

I’m thrilled to be part of this cover reveal tour for Daniel Sellers novel Murder at 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.

 

Daniel Sellers

 

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

 

About Daniel

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.

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

Twitter: https://x.com/DJSellersAuthor

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

Come back on March 26th for my review of this novel.

 

Hunter’s Rules by Val Penny #HUNTERSRULES

It’s my pleasure to feature Hunter’s Rules, book six in Val Penny’s Hunter Wilson series, set in Edinburgh.

Hunter's Rules

Let’s have a look at the fantastic cover!

Hunter's Rules

Blurb

A bloody scene brings Hunter and Meera’s romantic plans to an abrupt end. 

A young woman attacked in a hotel lift has life changing injuries. Her wounds match those inflicted on two women who were murdered.

When Hunter is identified as a suspect in the case, he must establish his innocence to lead his team and solve this bloodcurdling crime.

Is the same person responsible for all three crimes?
Will the girl in the lift finally identify who is targeting these young women ?

Hunter will stop at nothing until he catches the unhinged killer.

My Review

Each book in this series has improved upon the previous one. This one, in my mind, is the best of them. The fact that it’s set in Edinburgh certainly helps. I love that city.

I’ve loved the characters from the beginning, and each time I pick up a book featuring them, it feels like I’m sitting down with old friends and having a catch-up.

Val creates an excellent page-turning read. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!

Buy Link for Hunter’s Rules

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D7ZPBJDX

About the Author

Hunter's RulesVal Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store.

Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories, nonfiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.

Val is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat.

You can follow Val at these links

Website – https://www.valpenny.com

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Val-Penny/e/B07C4725TK

Author Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/valerie.penny.739

Author Twitter Page – @valeriepenny

Author Instagram Pagehttps://www.instagram.com/valerieepenny/

Val Penny brings us Hunter’s Christmas and other stories

#HUNTERSCHRISTMASANDOTHERSTORIES

I’m thrilled to be part of this blog tour of short stories penned by Val Penny. New and old characters are found between the pages. The first story, Hunter’s Christmas, is a tie-in to her DI Hunter Crime Series.
Val Penny

 

Val Penny

Blurb

DI Hunter Wilson is looking forward to spending a holiday in India with his girlfriend Dr Meera Sharma, away from the cold, wet winter of Edinburgh. He looks to share his happiness with others when he is attacked by Santa Claus, he says.

His team swing into action to catch his attackers but then receive information about an elf found dead in a car park and a car stolen by Mrs Claus.

Are the crimes by these Christmas characters connected?

Can Hunter’s team restore peace and good will to Christmas?

Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories includes tales about DI Hunter Wilson and DS Jane Renwick along with those about new and different characters in this gripping collection of short stories especially for crime fiction readers.

My Review


I found this collection of short stories most entertaining. I admit I was partial to the stories with characters from Val’s DI Hunter Wilson series, and its spin-off series featuring Jane Renwick and Rachael.

I loved the tie-in with Hunter’s Christmas to the sixth book in the series, Hunter’s Rules. Not sure if that classifies as a spoiler or not, but you can read the short story without having read the book or vice versa with no compromise.

Entertaining shorts. Just what a body needs after the Christmas holidays.

Book Links

amazon.co.uk

About Val Penny

Val Penny

Val Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and two cats.

She has a Llb from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer.

However she has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories and novels. Her crime novels, The DI Hunter Wilson and Jane Renwick Thrillers, are published by SpellBound Books.

Author Links

Website – www.valpenny.com

Amazon Author Page – www.amazon.co.uk/Val-Penny/e/B07C4725TK

Author Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/valerie.penny.739

Author Twitter Page –  @valeriepenny

Author Instagram Page – www.instagram.com/valerieepenny/

Her Mother’s Daughter by Brian O’Rourke

I’m pleased to be part of the book tour for Her Mother’s Daughter by Brian O’Rourke.
mother's daughter

 

 

 

mother's daughter
Blurb

Amanda writes dark fiction. Now one fan is bringing her work to life.

Amanda is enjoying her life – she’s a successful author who has finally managed to give up her day job.

But then an ex-colleague is murdered in an exact reenactment of a killing from one of Amanda’s books. Even worse, Amanda had publicly quarreled with the dead woman and now finds herself a person of interest to the police.

Then it happens a second time. Another person with whom Amanda had publicly fought is murdered. And again, the method used to kill is lifted straight from the pages of one of her books.

It’s clear that someone is out to get Amanda. But who? And why?

With the police seeing her as the prime suspect, Amanda is desperate to discover the person behind these grisly killings.

As she digs for the truth, Amanda is forced to look into her own family’s troubled past, where she uncovers a web of secrets and lies far more shocking than anything she has ever written…

Her Mother’s Daughter – the chilling psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The New Husband and The Only Son.

My Review

This book hooked me on page one and didn’t let go. Amanda, a crime novelist, has a painful past. Her mother has been running for years to avoid being captured and tried for murder. Now, people known to Amanda are being murdered and posed to match scenes in her crime novels. The murderer could be almost anyone. Her neighbour/best friend? Her fugitive mother? Her ex-boyfriend? The list of suspects is long, and the author kept me guessing right until he was ready to reveal who was behind these bizarre murders.

This is the first book I’ve read by Brian O’Rourke, and it certainly won’t be my last.

Book Links

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202499063-her-mother-s-daughter

Buy Links – https://mybook.to/mothersdaughter-zbt

About the Author

mother's daughter
Brian R. O’Rourke has been writing stories since he was eight years old. A lifelong, avid reader, Brian believes that fiction has the power to change the world. He enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, playing the violin, and golfing.

This is his third psychological thriller with Inkubator Books.

You can follow Brian on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/brianr.orourke/