Ever feel like you’re on a literary hamster wheel, constantly searching for that next book fix? Well, you’ve landed at the right spot. Not only will I share with you a roundup of the books I’ve devoured in the last few months, but you’ll also get the chance to win a £20 Amazon Voucher. That’s right, a little treat to add to your bookshelf or buy something in your wish list or spend on whatever tickles your fancy!

9 Books I have read lately

I love reading and have spent a lot of time to myself reading lately so I thought it would be a perfect time to share with you the books I have read. I am also considering buying a Kindle but need to get through my rather large to be read pile first. I mean who am I kidding it is more than a pile, it is a to be read bookcase!

1. Gillian McAllister – Wrong Place Wrong Time

This book had me questioning, “What if I could intervene in the past?” It’s a compelling thriller that combines time travel with a heart-pounding narrative. McAllister nails the intensity, and you’ll not want to put the book down. The only downside I found to the book was the way it goes back in time can be confusing at times however each chapter is started with Day minus 1762, for example, and a little about how the narrator finds herself that day, such as saying this is when her son was about 5 years old which helps to keep you clear about what is happening.

2. Oyinkan Braithwaite – My Sister, the Serial Killer

If the title alone doesn’t make you curious, the story certainly will. It’s dark, it’s described as humorous, and it explores complex family dynamics amidst a spree of… tidying up after your sister’s lethal messes. It wasn’t a book I particularly enjoyed as I found it not a crime book, not a funny book and generally not well written enough to make me want to keep picking it up. Other than the fact I just wanted to get through it and finish it to move onto another book! That said it has good reviews so others have clearly enjoyed it.

3. Roz Watkins – The Red House

Set in the eerie Peak District in the UK, this is a mystery that’s as gripping as a winter chill. With twists that’ll make a rollercoaster seem straight, this read is not to be missed by those who love a puzzle. Imagine growing up believing your older brother had killed your family when you were 4 years old and has since been in a vegetative state yet you start to wonder if it is true and before you know it you find that everything wasn’t as you are led to believe.

4. Nicola Monaghan – The Killing Jar

Ever wondered how it feels to receive a gift that’s perhaps too heavy to bear? Monaghan’s exploration of friendship and survival in a rough neighbourhood will hook you from the get-go. It’s raw, real, and resonant. Based in Nottingham it is written in local dialect so if you are not from this area you may find it hard to read at times but as I am it was much easier. I really enjoyed this book with a glimpse into the life of a girl brought up in a world of drugs and violence and who becomes embroiled in that lifestyle herself. Definitely worth reading in my opinion.

5. Sarah Millican – How to be Champion

A little curveball in the mix, Millican’s memoir is like having a cuppa with a friend who has the best anecdotes. I listening to the audiobook of this and as it is read by Sarah herself it is funny and I didn’t want it to end. If you are a Sarah Millican fan I would highly recommend this book. If you don’t already have audible you can currently get a 3 month membership trial for just 99p!

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6. Sinead O’Connor – Rememberings

Heartbreakingly beautiful, O’Connor’s memoir offers a window into the soul of a music legend. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to listen to her music all over again. I learnt so much about the singer I never would have known otherwise, read by her on the audiobook I found it amazing to listen to and so heartfelt I would definitely recommend the book or audiobook whichever is your preference.

7. Lisa Jewell – None of this is True

Jewell does it again, another great book from an author I love and I know many of you do too. Upon an unexpected encounter during their shared 45th birthday celebrations, Josie and Alix form a profound bond. Intrigued by their connection, Josie eagerly seeks opportunities to cross paths with Alix. Proposing that Alix feature her in a podcast episode centered on life transformations, Josie unveils her mysterious past, starting with the story of her relationship with her present spouse. The podcast, titled ‘Birthday Twins,’ remains confidential during its recording, offering a glimpse into Josie’s compelling narrative. Both Josie and Alix emerge as captivating individuals, allowing readers to delve deeply into their intertwined lives. This captivating story makes the book hard to put down.

8. Kerry Drewery – Cell 7

A dystopian thriller that feels uncomfortably close to possible futures. Drewery’s world, where justice is a reality show, will have you questioning the very essence of truth and fairness. Whilst this isn’t the sort of book I would normally pick up I thoroughly enjoyed it and also read the following two books in the series and enjoyed those too!

9. Ian Sainsbury – The Picture on the Fridge

With a mystery that hooks you from the very start, Sainsbury’s novel is a masterclass in tension and intrigue. What could possibly go wrong with finding a mysterious picture your child drew on the fridge? Quite a lot, apparently. A young girl from London draws detailed pictures of somewhere she has never been that days later serious crimes take place across in the USA, follow the story of how this could possibly have happened. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end but I did find the end a little drawn out in places I am sure you would love it too.

Goodreads

Are you on Goodreads? I love to see what others are reading so if you are please do feel free to follow me there! If the link doesn’t work for any reason feel free to contact me for my link or send me yours so I can nosey about what you are reading!

The Chance to Win

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About Author

Hi, I’m Jen Mellor; I live in Nottingham, UK. and use my knowledge and experience in weight loss and confidence to help you become your own cheerleader and best friend. I am usually seen wearing colourful leggings and love to wear bright colours. Wear what you love, and be proud of your style and choices!

34 Comments

  1. Jessica C says:

    I’d recommend The Gentleman Bastards Sequence (first book is The Lies of Locke Lamora)

  2. Kim Murray says:

    Always enjoy a Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child x

  3. I’m reading about Grace by Anthony doerr.

  4. tracy alcock says:

    tattooist of auschwitz

    1. I’ve just finished this, was a great read. Got quite emotional reading it though!

  5. I recently read The Drift by CJ Tudor and I’ve never been so hooked on a book! A fantastic survival thriller.

  6. I am currently reading Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney.

  7. Eilidh Kennedy says:

    Currently reading Girl, Women, Other

  8. Carole Nott says:

    I like reading Milly Johnson novels and have just finished Together Again, which was lovely

  9. Patricia Avery says:

    I have just finished Daughters of Warsaw by Mariah Frances. A work of historical fiction but based on the true story of Irene Sendler who with others rescued hundreds of children from the Warsaw ghetto.

  10. Patricia Avery says:

    I have just finished Daughters of Warsaw by Mariah Frances. A work of historical fiction but based on the true story of Irene Sendler who with others rescued hundreds of children from the Warsaw ghetto.

  11. Emily James says:

    I love reading any thriller books or true crime

  12. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote is a great true crime read.

  13. I love the seven realms series by Cinda Williams Chima!

  14. I’d recommend reading the original Coraline book that the film of the same name is based on.

  15. Donna Loxton says:

    My favourite book is Stig Of The Dump. It was the first book that got my into reading.

  16. jen english says:

    I’m definitely adding some of those to my wish-list. I love a good crime/mystery story.

  17. Amy doyle says:

    My favourite book is agatha Christie evil under the sun

  18. MICHELLE AUSTIN says:

    I haven’t read any of these books but they look like fun.

  19. Laura Jeffs says:

    I love time travel adventures, so the book I’m reading at the moment is time-travel based and it’s fabulous! “Infinity Engines : Anachronist”

  20. I like the Matt Brolly police series including ’embers’ great list of recommendations. I want to read the killing jar, as from Derbyshire I should understand it!

  21. Margaret Ms. Gallagher says:

    I’m reading Rachel Kong real Americans – a new author definitely worth a read

  22. michelle o'neill says:

    I am a big thriller fan. At the moment i am reading The Treatment by Mo Hayder

  23. Just finish War and Peace

  24. Donna Skelton says:

    twilight series

  25. Andrew Scott says:

    Just finished “Hoew to reach quantum mechanics to your dog” and now reading “A Broad in Japan”.

  26. Valerie Seal says:

    Marylebone Happenstance by M J T Seal

  27. I loved My Sister, the Serial Killer – I literally raced through the short chapters! I haven’t read Wrong Place Wrong Time, The Red House, None of This is True, or The Picture On The Fridge but I’d love to give them a go.

  28. Dawn Samples says:

    I love Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I find it very inspiring and uplifting x

  29. I am reading the Matthew Perry autobiography

  30. Sinead ORourke says:

    I am reading Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

  31. Jed Harper says:

    My favourite book is Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers by Jane Jensen. A gripping storyline that is always heart-felt!

  32. Marycarol says:

    Love a mystery or a nice romcom depending on my mood. My favourite author at the minute is Emma Heatherington – love her books.

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