Category: book review

I’m reviewing the new Myron Bolitar book by Harlan Coben, Think Twice. It’s a goodie:) #bookreview

Here’s the blurb

How can a man who’s already dead be wanted for murder?

This is the question sports agent Myron Bolitar asks himself when two FBI agents visit him in New York.

The man they are looking for is Myron’s former client and rival, Greg Downing. Greg’s DNA has been found at the scene of a high profile double-murder, and he is now the FBI’s main suspect.

But Greg died three years previously, Myron says. He went to his funeral and gave the eulogy.

The FBI are disbelieving, and Myron knows he has to find some answers – and quickly.

Could Greg Downing still be alive?

The more Myron and his close friend Win dig into what really happened, the more dangerous their world becomes . . .

Secrets, lies and a murderous conspiracy that stretches back into the past lie at the heart of Harlan Coben’s blistering new thriller.

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1529906105

My Review

It’s been a while since I last read a Myron Bolitar book. In fact, it’s been far too long. Discounting Home and Win, the last Myron book was released in 2011. I probably read it that year, which means it’s been 13 years – 13 years since the last book featuring Myron and Win. I’ve growled every time a new release was announced from the author, wishing he’d not been ‘wasting’ his time (I know what he’s been doing), writing standalone novels, and generally having every one of his titles made into a TV series. But, I fear I may have to take all that back. 13 years is too long, but in the interim, Harlan Coben has upped his game with this book. If I have to wait another 13 years for the next book (please let there be one), I will grumble and complain, but I will devour it when I get it (please).

To return to Think Twice. This begins as very much a ‘typical’ (from my memory), Myron book. Myron’s past rears its head. The mystery is intriguing. We go to Vegas on Win’s private jet. Win is there to protect our favourite Sports/Entertainment rep. There is sass. There is violence. There is Myron thinking he’s doing the right thing. Win is not so sure. (We also see Big Cindi and Esperanza). Oh, and Myron’s mum and dad have discovered edibles in their 80s:)

But just as the reader is relaxing into this very familiar, very comforting scenario (revisiting much-loved literary characters is a real treat), last read 13 years ago, something happens. We hit 40% through the novel, and the storyline veers to something else. (I don’t want to give any spoilers here.) At 60%, we get another huge veer. At 80%, you can’t put the book down until you reach the end, which is breathless and filled with peril until the last moments. 

Our two main characters have been given somewhat updated viewpoints—particularly in regard to the female characters. This is done really well and doesn’t rewrite what we’ve read before—it’s a nod to the sea changes since Me-Too. It is a refreshing approach, and indeed, there are many little nods to events that have happened in the ‘real world’ as opposed to in the fictional world of Myron and Win.

This is a fabulous and much-delayed return to the world of Myron. By the time you turn the last page—or rather, turn your Kindle off—it is easily a 5-star read.

We need more Myron. Please. 

Think Twice is available now.

Check out my reviews for other thrillers using the side menu, and if you’re in the mood for something almost as sassy, then do check out my historical fiction series, The Last King, the story of Mercia‘s last king in Saxon England (violence and foul-language included, although you can also get the books without the foul-language).

The Ninth Century Mercian series covers for all 9 books

I’m delighted to be sharing my review for Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley #blogtour #newrelease #comedy

Here’s the blurb

A delightfully heartwarming and funny story that proves it’s never too late to change the habits of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.

Something old, something new, something stolen…?

Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to ‘find himself’ – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.

Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-three, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.

But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.

Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/oldgirlssocial

My Review

Old Girls Behaving Badly is a fun read with elements of mystery, which I wasn’t expecting and was very pleased to discover. 

Our two main characters (and we get both of their POVs), Gina and Dorothy, are coming to terms (or not) with recent changes in their lives. While neither of them thinks they necessarily need one another, they soon discover that, in fact, they do, and they also like one another.

As the events of Dorothy’s big family wedding swirl around them, Gina and Dorothy are somewhat distanced from it. Both are trying to uncover the truth surrounding Dorothy’s husband’s death about a year ago. With the addition of a more fleet-footed granddaughter, our duo pursues the matter to the bitter end, and yes, it does feature a quad bike ride.

This story is really enjoyable. I read it in two days:)

Meet the author

Kate Galley writes UpLit and Bookclub fiction full of heart and humour. The older generation are at the centre of her stories and are usually wrapped up in a mystery.

She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser in the surrounding Chiltern villages.

In her spare time she crochets blankets, knits jumpers and also disappears into her workshop to play with kiln formed glass.

Kate is the author of The Second Chance Holiday Club – which has been optioned for TV – and The Golden Girls’ Road Trip.

Connect with the author

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083291782773

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateGalley1

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateGalleyNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-galley

Today, I’m reviewing #CrucialBlack by Colin Garrow, a highly- entertaining Scottish thriller set in Inverness

Here’s the blurb

A brace of corpses. A bone-crunching machine. A new recruit.

Now employed by an Inverness organised crime gang, former petty thief Relic Black is teamed up with hitman Ali McKay, the man he almost killed a few weeks earlier. As the team tidy up the loose ends after the shooting, gang member and bent cop DI McKenzie must investigate the disappearance of two people, knowing Relic and Ali have already disposed of the bodies.

Meanwhile, Rebecca’s unpopular colleague DI Swinney, suspects her of involvement in the shooting. Knowing one of the bodies currently taking up space in the mortuary remains anonymous, he discovers the man’s identity. Can Swinney uncover the truth, dig the dirt on McKenzie and regain his former status with the DCI, or will the gang step in to stop him?

Warning – strong language and adult situations throughout.

Crucial Black is book #2 in the Relic Black Thriller series set in Inverness, Scotland. 

NB book #2 is not a standalone – the series must be read in order.

Purchase Links

AMAZON https://geni.us/gXeQFS

SMASHWORDS https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1345380

My Review

Crucial Black is book 2 in Colin Garrow’s hard-hitting adult-themed thriller (that just means it’s violent and sweary), reuniting us with Relic Black from book 1 (check out my review below).

As ever, Colin takes us on a thrilling journey, using Inverness and its surrounding area as a canvas upon which to paint the violence and double-dealing of the tale.

It’s a quick, fast-paced read, pitting our bent coppers against our slightly less bent coppers, almost making our gang of violent thugs seem more civilised. Relic is our eyes on all this, fairly innocent of everything that’s happening, he is slowly becoming embroiled within the group and has a few ideas of his own that involve some piggies.

There are any number of bodies to dispose of in weird and wonderful ways, as well as a great deal of misdirection.

A really well-devised plot ensures the story passes by quickly, and the reader is left wondering just who is going to surprise them next.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Colin excels in the many genres he writes in, and this is no exception. An entertaining, if violent and slightly-twisted tale complete with authentic Scottish accents, you ken.

Check out my reviews for Colin’s other stories.

Terminal Black (Book 1 in the series)

Sherlock Holmes

Geordie Crime -Blood on the Tyne

Shadow of the Witch – historical horror

Meet the author

Colin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate. 

His short stories have appeared in several literary mags, including SN Review, Flash Fiction Magazine, Word Bohemia, Every Day Fiction, The Grind, A3 Review, 1,000 Words, Inkapture and Scribble Magazine. He currently lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.

He also makes rather nice vegan cakes.

Connect with the author

Twitter https://twitter.com/colingarrow

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

Website https://colingarrow.co.uk/ 

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/colin-garrow

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

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@colingarrowauthor

Today, I’m reviewing Maggie In The Middle by Debbie Viggiano #blogtour #newrelease #bookreview

Here’s the blurb

WHEN LIFE FEELS LIKE…
A TEST YOU DIDN’T STUDY FOR

When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.

Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.

Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.

Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.

Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.

She wants her life – and husband – back.

Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.

Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4

https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4

My Review

Wow. What a simply charming and delightful tale, not without some harrowing scenes. I’ve read a few of these sorts of novels recently, and this one is by far my favourite to date. Told with genuine warmth, just the right touch of ‘reality’ and real laugh-out-loud moments, I loved Maggie in the Middle.

Our main character, Maggie, is at an unexpected crossroads. No matter what she does, she can’t seem to win the help of her sister or even the respect of her ageing parents. Her adult children are much more understanding. What Maggie needs is a companion of the four-legged variety, and what comes with it is very unexpected.

I don’t want to spoil this delightful story. Instead, I will say that this takes quite a brutal look at the problems of caring for ageing parents, one with dementia and one who is also starting to struggle, leaving Maggie feeling helpless and worried. It very much addresses the guilt of caring for parents and not being able to do more for them, mostly because they won’t accept that assistance. As the author says, she’s embroiled in such a situation and the scenes feel vivid and real – there is, alas, no magic solution. However, interspersed with these difficult scenes are much warmer ones, offering readers hope that not all is as hopeless as we might think.

This is such a genuinely uplifting story. It doesn’t shy away from the realities it describes, but it will still fill you with hope and joy, and the humour will make you giggle out loud. Go and read it.

Meet the author

Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy… apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!

Connect with Debbie

TWITTER:   @DebbieViggiano

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/debbie.viggiano.5/

INSTAGRAM: debbieviggiano

Posts

Today, it’s time for something a little different, I’m reviewing The French Cookery School by Caroline James #fiction #newrelease #blogtour

Here’s the blurb

Mix together a group of mature students:

A culinary Sloane, a take-away cook and a food journalist.

Add in:

A handsome host

Season with:

A celebrity chef

Bring to the boil:

At a luxurious cookery school in France!

Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors of La Maison du Paradis, his beautiful French home. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the ideal business plan. 

Running away from an impending divorce, super-snob Caroline Carrington hopes a luxurious cookery holiday will put her back on her feet. Blackpool fish and chip café owner Fran Cartwright thinks she’s won the lottery when her husband Sid books her on a week working alongside a celebrity chef. Meanwhile, feeling she is fading at fifty, journalist Sally Parker-Brown hopes her press week covering the cookery course will enable her to boost her career.

But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle? 

Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis, then sit back and enjoy The French Cookery School!

Purchase Link   

https://mybook.to/TFCS

My Review

The French Cookery School is a life-affirming story of second chances for our cast of 50+ characters set in the heat of Franch in the mid-summer, as well as the heat of the kitchen. Our main characters, and there are really four of them (Fran, Sally, Caroline and Waltho), all have their own struggles to overcome or ambitions to achieve, which sets the scene for a story of facing grief and loss and moving beyond the comfort of how lives have been led for so many years.

It is an engaging, quick read that is sure to appeal to fans of cookery, France, and second-chance stories who are looking for a more ‘serious’ take on the genre.

Meet the author

Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she has gained many bestseller badges for her books.

The French Cookery School is Caroline’s tenth novel. Previously, The Cruise, described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ was an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller. Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’.

She likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SOA, ARRA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists. She is also a speaker with many amusing talks heard by a variety of audiences, including cruise ship guests.

Books by Caroline James:

The French Cookery School

The Cruise

The Spa Break

Hattie Goes to Hollywood

Boomerville at Ballymegille

The Best Boomerville Hotel

Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

Jungle Rock

Connect with the author

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Insta: Caroline James Author

Today, I’m sharing my review for The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa #blogtour #histfic #newrelease And there’s a competition too

Here’s the blurb

‘My defloration was talked about in all the courts of Europe. The Prince boasted of his prowess, even as preparations were being made for his wedding, as boldly as if he had ridden across that causeway with bloodstained sheet tied to his lance.’
1584, Italy: Twenty-year-old Giulia expects she will live and die incarcerated as a silk weaver within the walls of her Florentine orphanage, where she has never so much as glimpsed her own face. This all changes with the visit of the Medici family’s most trusted advisor, promising her a generous dowry and a husband if she agrees to a small sacrifice that will bring honour and glory to her native city. 
Vincenzo Gonzaga, libertine heir to the dukedom of Mantua, wants to marry the Grand-Duke of Tuscany’s eldest daughter, but the rumours around his unconsummated first marriage must be silenced first. Eager for a dynastic alliance that will be a bulwark against the threat of Protestant heresy beyond the Alps, the Pope and his cardinals turn a blind eye to a mortal sin. 
A powerful #MeToo story of the Renaissance, based on true events.

Purchase Links 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maiden-Florence-Katherine-Mezzacappa/dp/1914148509

https://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Florence-Katherine-Mezzacappa/dp/1914148509

My Review

Told with the benefit of hindsight by our maiden of Florence, Giulia, The Maiden of Florence is the story of this astounding event and the consequences of it for our fair maiden. The first third of the book is a retelling of what might have befallen Giulia, and events then move on to tell the story of what occurred afterwards, including her eventual marriage. However, the reach of the man behind her involvement is never very far away, despite her resentment of it.

The narrative allows Giulia to have her happily ever after ‘for now’, but events quickly move on, and she finds herself caught up in the battle to protect her oldest son, seeking aid where she would never have thought to do so until desperate.

The story is told with compassion and some insight from her husband. The recreation of Florence and Venice in the late 1500s/early 1600s is intriguing while also reflecting her restricted world view—we see only a small area of Florence and Venice. Giulia is rarely, if ever, not subject to some external force, whether it is the benign influence of her husband or other malevolent forces.

An engaging read, somewhat slower in pace, and sure to delight readers of this era and also narratives featuring strong women who are constrained by the society they live in.

Meet the author

Katherine Mezzacappa is an Irish writer of mainly historical fiction, currently living in Italy. She has published several novels under pen names with publishers Bonnier Zaffre and eXtasy. She works as a manuscript assessor for The Literary Consultancy. Katherine reviews for Historical Novel Society’s quarterly journal and is one of the organisers of the Society’s 2022 UK conference. In her spare time she volunteers with a used book charity of which she is a founder member.

Connect with the author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katmezzacappa

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

https://katherinemezzacappa.ie

Giveaway to Win a vintage postcard, early 1900s, of the babies from the façade of the Innocenti orphanage. (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494586/?

Happy Release Day to Sleight of Hand, the new book in The Alewives of Colmar historical mystery series by Elizabeth R Andersen #bookreview #newrelease

Here’s the blurb:

In the spring of 1354, all was well in the town of Colmar – until Efi Kleven discovered a hand in her pot of new ale…a hand that was not attached to a body. Now, Gritta, Appel, and Efi, the three alewives of Colmar, must solve the mystery of the severed hand before suspicion falls on them. While they attempt to keep their fledgling brewery afloat, more bodies turn up outside of town – along with more suspects.

With few allies and several powerful men working against them, the alewives find themselves flummoxed: How did the hand of a man from Vogelgrun end up in a cooking pot in Colmar? Why were none of the victims local? And would this most inconvenient ingredient get in the way of Efi’s plans to find herself a new husband?

Book 2 in The Alewives of Colmar mystery series, Sleight of Hand follows the three alewives as they confront life after the Black Death with bravery and wicked humor, showing resourcefulness and determination in the face of poverty, misogyny, and murder.

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3xKB49r

My Review

Sleight of Hand is a fabulous follow-up to book 1 in The Alewives of Colmar Series, The Alewives (you can find my review for that here).

In Sleight of Hand we return to our three fabulous characters of Efi, Gritta and Appel and find them once more in a bit of a pickle. The characters of our women, their sort of ‘guardian angel’ and the only one who takes them seriously, Friar Wikerus, and the ‘men’ in Colmar remain as firm as in book 1 – the men are still stupid (aside from Friar Wikerus, although he also causes himself some difficulties) while Appel, Gritta and Efi are fabulous as they circumnavigate the restrictions placed on them by men who think they know better. There is a great deal of gentle humour, and this combined with the strong characterisation ensues the reader is very firmly in favour of the women, and not the men.

The mystery itself is very well-constructed. Everything slowly reveals itself and there are any number of red herrings to keep the reader guessing.

It was so delightful to return to the world of our Alewives of Colmar. I really hope there will be a book 3, and indeed, many more stories for our main characters. If you’ve not yet had the joy of reading The Alewives, then yes, begin there, but only because if not, you’ll be missing out on your first encounter with Efi, Gritta and Appel.

Meet the author

Check out Elizabeth’s website, or click on the link for The Alewives review above, which has all her info.

https://www.elizabethrandersen.com

Today, I’m taking part in the #blogtour for Shadow of the Witch, a 1670s era #horror

Here’s the blurb

London, 1677. A house with a dark secret. A lawyer in pursuit of magick. A witch, dead for fifty years.

Israel Cutler, dealer in second-hand goods, discovers the journals of Doctor Winter. Detailing the doctor’s relationship with a hanged witch, he recognises an opportunity. Seeking out a lawyer he knows with an interest in the occult, Cutler tries to sell the journals, but soon finds himself involved in a terrifying ritual—one that could bring black witch Lizzie Pickin back from the dead. Again.

Forced into a dangerous partnership, the witch leads Cutler on a trail of murder and revenge.

In this horror series set in London, Shadow of the Witch is book #2 in the Black Witch Saga.

Purchase Links

AMAZON https://geni.us/r4kqMtb

SMASHWORDS https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1480253

My Review

Shadow of the Witch takes us to 1677 London – a London rebuilding in the aftermath of the Great Fire, and to a suitably spooky story.

Our main character is out to make some money when he takes some books he’s found at an auction to a local lawyer known for being involved in some otherworldly doings. Little does he know what he’s letting himself in for.

Shadow of the Witch packs a lot of punch in very few pages – as we encounter the witch, Lizzie Pinkin, and her nefarious deeds. She has one thing on her mind, revenge, and our poor main character finds himself helping, whether he wants to or not.

The author takes the reader on a journey through 1670s London, with an eye for what’s happening after the Great Fire. As a historical fiction reader and author, I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.

I’ve read quite a few of Colin Garrow’s books now – they’re never fail to disappoint and he seems able to conquer all the genres he writes – from thrilling thrillers, to Geordie crime to Sherlock Holmes-esque tales.

A really enjoyable and atmospheric tale sure to delight readers.

Check out my reviews for Colin’s other stories.

Sherlock Holmes

Geordie Crime -Blood on the Tyne

Terminal Black

Meet the author

Colin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate. 

His short stories have appeared in several literary mags, including SN Review, Flash Fiction Magazine, Word Bohemia, Every Day Fiction, The Grind, A3 Review, 1,000 Words, Inkapture and Scribble Magazine. He currently lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.

He also makes rather nice vegan cakes.

Connect with the author

Twitter https://twitter.com/colingarrow

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

Website https://colingarrow.co.uk/ 

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/colin-garrow

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

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@colingarrowauthor

Time for something a little different, I’m reviewing How To Start A Riot In A Brothel In Thailand By Ordering A Beer And Other Lesser Known Travel Tips #blogtour #bookreview #travelmemoir #competition

Here’s the blurb

Book 1 of a hilarious series of travel misadventures and dubious personal introspection by Australian author Simon Yeats, who from an early age learned that the best way to approach the misfortunes of this world is to laugh about it.

Simon shares his comedic insights into the unusual and uproarious elements of living life as an Aussie ex-pat and having a sense of Wanderlust as pervasive as the Spanish Flu in 1918.

From how to keep yourself entertained when unwittingly forced to watch 11 hours of live sumo wrestling in Japan, to surviving heartbreak in India at the hands of a French flight attendant, to 48 hours spent in Nepal that qualify as the funniest most gut wrenching travel experience since Captain Bligh was set adrift in the Pacific, to his unsuccessful attempts at avoiding going to a brothel in Thailand.

Simon Yeats has gone into the world and experienced all the out of the ordinary moments for you to sit back and enjoy the experience without the need to break a leg or rupture a pancreas.

Purchase Links 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLDBSXGX

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CLDBSXGX

My Review

How to Start a Riot in a Brothel in Thailand by Ordering a Beer and other lesser known travel tips is a mostly light-hearted and fun travel memoir.

Taking us through a range of memoirs from a visit as a 12-year-old to New Zealand to a 39-year-old retracing those steps with his wife, we are regaled with tales mostly taking place in Oceania throughout the author’s adult life. Some of them are amusing, some of them a little horrifying, and all told with some introspection to place the stories into context. That said, the funniest story (the bath one) is about Yeats travelling home to visit family and the joys of nieces and nephews.

As someone who doesn’t like to travel (at all), this might seem like a strange memoir to read, and indeed, it assures me that I’m probably quite happy staying at home if these stories are based on real experiences, but I’m always keen to read something sprinkled with light humour. How to Start a Riot fits the bill nicely.

I would caution that there are some elements of these memoirs that are not totally PC, and that we are treated to a bit of a tirade to begin with, but once beyond that point, the tales are engaging and connect together well.

This travel memoir will appeal to those who share the same Wanderlust, offering a snapshot from the 1980s onwards. And perhaps those looking for some reassurance that they are, indeed, quite right to stay at home where they need not concern themselves with learning the art of haggling.

Meet the author

Simon Yeats has lived nine lives, and by all estimations, is fast running out of the number he has left. His life of globetrotting the globe was not the one he expected to lead. He grew up a quiet, shy boy teased by other kids on the playgrounds for his red hair. But he developed a keen wit and sense of humor to always see the funnier side of life.

With an overwhelming love of travel, a propensity to find trouble where there was none, and being a passionate advocate of mental health, Simon’s stories will leave a reader either rolling on the floor in tears of laughter, or breathing deeply that the adventures he has led were survived.

No author has laughed longer or cried with less restraint at the travails of life.

Connect with the author

TIK TOK – https://www.tiktok.com/@authoryeats

INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/authoryeats/?hl=en

Giveaway to Win 1 set of all Three Books in Simon Yeats Lesser Known travel tips series in paperback and 1 set in epub (Open to UK / US / Canada).


Prize includes copies of:

How to Start a Riot in a Brothel in Thailand by Ordering a Beer and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips

How to Avoid Getting Mugged in Rio de Janeiro by Singing Songs by The Police and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips

How to Survive Making Yourself Look Silly While Dancing with the German Mafia at a Bavarian Nightclub and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips

2 winners – first winner will win the paperbacks, second winner will win the epubs .

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494585/?

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I’m sharing my review for Brethren by Robb Pritchard, a thrilling tale of 1st century Britain #histfic #review

Here’s the blurb

His sons were ripped from his arms and he was sold into slavery… Now he has a terrible choice. 

Cadwal, a widowed Celtic warrior is a dedicated father raising his children in his mountain stronghold. In these uncertain times, the tribe must be vigilant, as caught between the expanding Roman empire and power-hungry neighbours, treachery is rife.

When enemies infiltrate his hillfort his family are snatched away and he is dragged to the mines as a slave. Trapped in the dark depths, he has to decide whether to save his tribe from the onslaught of the Romans, or his sons. His only hope is to seek out the dreaded druids… but first he must escape the chains and tunnels.

Brethren is the gripping first novel in the Foundation of the Dragon series based in what is North Wales during the Roman invasion. If you’re a fan of page-turning historical fiction with twists and turns galore then you will love this book.

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3IXcvZ4

My Review

Brethren by Robb Pritchard is a thrilling tale of Britain during the first century of Roman occupation, twenty years after the devastation of the Druid stronghold on the Island of Mona. (Readers of my reviews will know I’ve just read Simon Turney’s new story about Agricola – the two stories dovetail in a most pleasing way)

Our two main characters, Cadwal and Brei, fight for what they believe in, even as treachery abounds from those determined to make alliances with the Romans to the detriment of other people.

Cadwal, a warrior, struggles to rescue his children from enslavement while himself facing enslavement, injury and death at the hands of the Romans. Brei, the king’s counsellor, must do all she can to protect her tribe from a weak king and power-hungry heirs. Combined, the two characters present a thrilling story of the era, which is very much non-stop.

It’s taken me a while to get to this story, for which I’d like to apologise to the author, but it is very well-written and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and my 5-star review is fully justified. I’m looking forward to reading more of Robb’s books.

Check out a post by Robb Pritchard about Usurpers.