crime · Detective · mystery

*Publication Day* The Queen of Poisons – Robert Thorogood ★★★★

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Blurb; Geoffrey Lushington, Mayor of Marlow, dies suddenly during a Town Council meeting. When traces of aconite – also known as the queen of poisons – are found in his coffee cup, the police realise he was murdered. But who did it? And why?

The police bring Judith, Suzie and Becks in to investigate as Civilian Advisors right from the start, so they have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence to their heart’s content, which is perfect because Judith has no time for rules and standard procedure. But this case has the Marlow Murder Club stumped. Who would want to kill the affable Mayor of Marlow? How did they even get the poison into his coffee? And is anyone else in danger? The Marlow Murder Club are about to face their most difficult case yet . . .

My Review; Happy Publication Day. This is book three in the Marlow Murder Club series. It is best read in order, but they also work well as standalones. I have enjoyed the previous two from this series and was delighted I got the chance to read this one. It was so good to be back in the town of Marlow and with the three ladies Judith, Suzie, and Becks. Straight away in chapter one, there’s a murder/death, so if that doesn’t get you hooked, I don’t know what will. From there on is the investigation with plenty of secrets, stealings, and crimes of others that come to light along the way. Anyone could be the killer with the secrets they bare. Who did it? Why? It’s a very cleverly written story that had me invested until the last page. Playing detective myself. Highly recommend. I hope there’s a book four coming in the future. A well-deserved four stars from me.

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crime · Killers · Non-Fiction

Talking with Serial Killers: Sleeping with Psychopaths – Christopher Berry-Dee ★★★★

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Blurb; Bestselling writer and criminologist Christopher Berry-Dee turns his attention to a new kind of the wives or partners of serial murderers who remained unaware of exactly who they had fallen for until after their other half’s arrest or, in some cases, conviction, for multiple murders.Sonia Sutcliffe first discovered that her husband, Peter, was leading a secret existence as ‘the Yorkshire Ripper’ only when he was arrested.The wife of the ‘Hillside Strangler’ only learned of her husband’s crimes when state police smashed down her door in search of him.On finding out the truth, these innocents often experience a strange kind of guilt for not having recognised the killer in their home, as well as having to face the grim reality of betrayal and deceit.Christopher Berry-Dee speaks directly to killers and their oblivious loved ones to get inside the minds of the men and women who fall for murderers.

My Review; I love a bit of true crime now and again. This book contains some dark, twisted, sadistic killers. It also looks into how their partners and family did not know what they were up to or how they stayed with their partners after. It’s a well researched, in-depth look into many cases both in the UK and USA. All true stories. Convicted. Absolute madness reading about it all when it’s real, it happened. Gripping. Informative. Disgusting in parts with what some of them actually managed to do. A well-deserved four stars from me. A perfect read for true crime lovers.

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Prison story · suspense

Scrabble Babble Rabble – Bruno Beaches ★★★★

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Blurb; Four prison inmates are thrown randomly together during recreation time, to play scrabble, with the added zing of occasionally telling stories about a word on the board. The stories reveal their characters and histories, but the scrabble itself is a mere transient remission from the vagaries and harshness of prison life, which continues unabated around them and through them.

We are party to a voyage through calm settled waters of support, camaraderie and story-telling, to storms of violence, abuse and abject despair in a rigid, alien and unforgiving environment. We feel the emotions of the highs and lows of prison life through the victimisation, determination and hope of our players, who ultimately all show resilience in one way or another.

It is a fable about humanity, garnered with wit, insight and encouragement, with a little whodunnit? thrown in for good measure.

My review; I was kindly given a copy by the author. If you’ve followed me for a while you will know I have an interest in anything prisons (no, doesn’t mean I want to be in one), I just find them really interesting including the people inside. This story is set in a prison with the focus on four guys who end up being scrabble buddies. These are… Kevin. Liam. Terry. Denis. Every evening, they come together to play Scrabble and tell stories from the words on the board. I found myself totally immersed in the stories that were told throughout the games and forgetting they were even in prison. I found myself learning more about who these four guys were and slowly saw them all bonding, ignoring the surroundings (prison). Just over half way through the story turns violent when a riot breaks out, and an inmate ends up dead, leading to an investigation and lockdown. It’s a very clever story. So much more than just games of scrabble. It’s a hopeful story. Rehabilitation included. I really enjoyed reading this one. Never judge a book by the cover. I would recommend. A well-deserved four stars from me.

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