Tag: Book Review

Blog Tour Review: One More Hour of Daylight – C.M. Gray

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It’s rare I feature two blog tours in one week! Needless to say, I’ve been busy wrapping up some recent reads in order to share my thoughts. 

Today I bring you a WW2 historian fiction novel called One More Hour of Daylight by C.M. Gray. I was invited onto the tour hosted by TheWriteReads based on my love of books in this genre and period. And, obviously the book has more than lived up to my expectations. Shall we get onto those? Full disclosure – I’ve been provided with a digital copy of the book for the purpose of reviewing it. However, my thoughts expressed on the book are entirely my own.

Let’s recap the book info and then share my review of One More Hour of Daylight. 

One More Hour of Daylight – C.M. Gray

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Pages: 451

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Independently Published 

Original Publication Date: 16 May 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – One More Hour of Daylight 

Purchase Links – Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA

On the first day of World War II, a young man makes a promise—one that will shape every choice he makes for the next four years.

Essex. September 1939.

A wounded German pilot drops from a clear autumn sky into a quiet English field. Seventeen-year-old Derrick finds him—broken and feverish. Not an enemy. Just a young man asking for one small mercy before everything ends.

One more hour of daylight.

That is all I ask. A chance to breathe free air before whatever comes next. Derrick gives him until morning. When the stretcher comes, the pilot’s last words strike Derrick like a blow he will never stop feeling.

Scotland. France. Germany. 1941–1943.

In the mountains of Scotland, they teach him how to kill, how to lie, and how to endure things that break most men. Then they give him a new name, put him on a plane, and drop him into the dark.

As an SOE operative deep inside occupied Europe, Derrick Sedgley lives on false papers, borrowed names, and nerves worn to nothing by years in the shadows. He moves agents to safety, builds escape routes, and stays one breath ahead of the Gestapo.

Then a mission collapses—and everything changes. Forced to run, Derrick finds himself moving through the most dangerous corners of occupied Europe alongside someone whose connection to his past he cannot yet see. As safe houses fall, loyalties fracture, and the frozen passes of the Pyrenees rise ahead like the edge of the world, Derrick begins to understand something.

The choice he made in an Essex field on the first day of the war has been leading him here all along.

Some debts cannot be paid.

Some can only be carried.

And some—if you are brave enough, and fortunate enough—can finally be laid to rest.

From the quiet fields of Essex to the mountains of Scotland, from the dangerous streets of Lyon to the shadows of wartime Hamburg and the high passes of the Pyrenees, One More Hour of Daylight is an unforgettable story of courage, guilt and redemption—of ordinary people forced to make impossible choices in extraordinary times.

Some promises can survive a war.

Some people can too.

For readers who believe that even in war, what matters most is who we choose to be.

My Thoughts… 

Plot

One More Hour of Daylight balances a plot line that isn’t hurried, yet also has plenty of action to drive each chapter forward. I loved how the storyline unfolded from the simple yet familiar setting of England we know and love, and from that the plot spirals to a multi continental, multicultural narrative where saying the wrong thing could get you killed. 

Derrick Sedgley finds his background of growing up speaking both French and German to be his greatest assets in making him one of the greatest assets the British army can use in the war against Hitler. Undercover, his role is to blend in and where possible, disrupt the enemy without getting caught. Although not uncommon for the genre, I can’t say I’ve read too many World War II novels where the protagonist is a spy operative. Rather, I tend to read from perspectives of the victims of Hitler’s views and war against any who don’t fit his ideals. Nevertheless, the action was as high-stakes as I expected and I enjoyed the change of pace. We never quite feel safe and you never know what is around the corner – adding to the tension and need to find out what comes next! 

Characters

Derrick Sedgley it’s technically still a boy when World War II breaks out. He lies about his age in order to enlist, as many did back then in order to ‘get a piece of the action’. If he knew what he was getting into, would he have enlisted in the first place? Who can say. Instead, what unfolds for Derrick spans far wider than the average basic training most British soldiers were given before being sent out into danger. 

I read this book with a form of motherly love for Derrick. Being older than him, I just wanted to mother and protect him and to stop anything unpleasant happening to him. Naturally, the perils of the job he has taken don’t align with my interests, and therefore this at a layer of conflict between us as a reader for our wishes for the character, as well as well actually plays out. 

I suppose it would be fair to say his age and similar background to me made Derrick a very relatable character, and what I was rooting for throughout the storyline. However, I also felt some fondness for Ernst, who is so very different and yet finds himself in a similar situation to Derrick in reverse. It must have been terrifying, and it shows in the micro expressions and behaviours of the boys trying to hold themselves together when nobody is there to support them. 

Setting

One More Hour of Daylight has a lot of travel in it, so there are a good deal of explanations for places and situations needed to inform but avoid overwhelm. I found descriptions are well structured to set the scene, make places uniquely identify and plausible, but without info dumping excessively. As someone who has never been to the places within the book, I personally enjoyed the description and vibe of each setting, what makes them unique from each other and generally explains the context in which the wider book is set. 

What I also like about this particular story is that we start with the familiarity of English soil, but fairly quickly branch out from there. Whilst a lot takes place in this narrative on the whole, we are introduced slowly and taken along the journey with Derrick. One city, train journey, o e mission at a time. It’s captivating and immersive, which combined with the busy high-stakes plot line, makes One More Hour of Daylight a standout new release in the genre and period! 

Narrative Style

One More Hour of Daylight has a very approachable narrative style. The writing style flows so that turning the pages is effortless, and at times I could forget I was reading at all. Truly, it was the type of book I needed right now. I have not been reading very much lately as I’ve got a lot on my plate. However, One More Hour of Daylight has been the type of book that has reminded me just why I love reading so much and how it can be effortless, even when there are plenty of other things on to divert my attention. 

One More Hour of Daylight has slightly longer chapters than a few books I have read of late. However, I would also say they are not so long that the book isn’t easy to put down at the next end of chapter. As I mentioned before, this book balances action, as well as relaying history, complex ideas and background into a plot line that has a lot of action in it. In order to balance the two, the chapter lengths are a little bit longer, sure. Yet, they are no less approachable to read. The language has chosen well to make the narrative easily understood by the average reader. 

Summary 

If you are looking for your next World War II historical fiction novel, try One More Hour of Daylight. This high-stakes espionage wartime novel is perfect for fans of action-packed storylines, yet also gives us a flavour of the individual characters that make up the storyline and the people and places that define the resistance against Hitler’s vision. 

Author Bio

C.M. Gray’s first book, *The Flight of the Griffin,* was longlisted in the 2015 Times Chicken House Writing Competition. *Shadowland*, the first book in the Pendragon Saga, has so far received over 900 five-star reviews on Amazon. These things still genuinely astonish him, and he is deeply grateful for every one of them.

Most of his previous work has been fantasy: either pure fantasy or historical fantasy, the kind of writing where druids turn up uninvited and one of your main characters develops an unsettling affinity with wolves before you have quite decided what sort of book you are writing. *Shadowland* began with every intention of staying grounded in historical reality. It did not. It has turned out to be a popular book, so he does not complain.

His years travelling through Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East have a habit of finding their way onto the page. He has seen and done some fairly strange things along the way and met some extraordinary people, and writing fantasy has always felt, to him, only a short step from writing fact.

**New for 2026**

*One More Hour of Daylight*, published June 2026, marks a departure: pure historical fiction, no druids, no wolves. It follows Derrick Sedgley, a seventeen-year-old from Essex who makes a single moral choice in a field one September morning in 1939 and spends the next five years living with the consequences. From the Essex countryside to occupied France, from the mountains of Burgundy to the Pyrenees, it is a story about promises, betrayal, courage and the cost of doing the right thing too late.

And for those who have been waiting patiently for the Pendragon Saga to continue: the third book, *Shadow’s Heir*, follows in September 2026. More on that very soon.

C.M. Gray was born in England and grew up in the Essex countryside near the Suffolk border, which is where Derrick Sedgley grows up, too. The flat fields, the big skies and the particular quality of Essex light found their way into the book whether he intended them to or not.

He was born, however, with a serious case of travel lust. As soon as he could get a passport, he packed a rucksack and went to see what the world looked like. He has been looking ever since, and has now lived more years outside England than he ever spent living there.

C.M. Gray is now very happily settled just outside Barcelona with his wonderful wife and partner in life, Adriana.

Audiobook Blog Tour Review: Debt Reckoning – Jack Meyer

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It’s not very often I take part in an audiobook blog tour. However, it’s made a fun change. Today’s review is for a different genre book as well, keeping things fresh. It’s helped, to be honest. My reading pace has been slow of late. But, it’s made a refreshing change to try something new. The biggest plus I have taken away from this book is that it was both fun and entertaining, but also somewhat educational! 

Before I share my thoughts on Debt Reckoning, I always like to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources and the author Jack Meyer for the opportunity to read and review the book. Full disclosure – I’ve been provided with a copy of the audiobook for the purpose of reviewing it. However, my thoughts expressed on the book are entirely my own.

Let’s recap the essential info and then I’ll let you know what I really thought of Debt Reckoning. 

Debt Reckoning: Teetering on the Brink – Jack Meyer

Genre: Political thriller

Pages: 352

Audiobook Length: 10hr 18mins

Audience: Adult

Publisher: 3PPress

Original Publication Date: 15 Jun 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – Debt Reckoning: Teetering on the Brink

Debt Reckoning: Teetering on the Brink

What if the greatest threat to America wasn’t war, terrorism, or China…but the trillions of dollars of debt we’ve pretended doesn’t exist?

U.S. Senator Rick Taylor has been warning anyone who’ll listen: the national debt is no longer a spreadsheet problem-it’s a ticking bomb. But in Washington, truth is toxic. Colleagues dismiss him, constituents scream about “cuts to my benefits,” and the media paints him as the villain who wants to gut Social Security.

Then the blackmail begins.

A shadowy network led by a ruthless operator making huge profits from unchecked government spending will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens the status quo. After Taylor’s wife is targeted in a terrifying swatting attack and a sniper’s bullet nearly ends Taylor’s life, the message is clear. Shut up… or die.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Debt-Reckoning-Teetering-Wayward-Patriot/dp/B0H6N9R7ZD/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Debt-Reckoning-Teetering-Wayward-Patriot/dp/B0H6N9R7ZD/

My Thoughts… 

Plot

Debt Reckoning balances a high-action, drama rich narrative with a setting that is all-too-familiar. I had a hunch that aspects of the narrative were based on real facts and concepts. I was right! Dear Reckoning is both educational and entertaining to read. You can absolutely read the story at face value and enjoy the tension and conflict within. On another level though, you can look at the parallels with our reality and appreciate the truth in the tale too. 

This book deals with the darker and grittier aspects of humanity. Threats, blackmail and murder abound. This book also makes reference to suicide, so if you aren’t a fan of that, skip the first chapter. 

Debt Reckoning technically follows on from the previously published A Higher Betrayal. However, picking up that book is not mandatory to understanding Debt Reckoning. Truthfully, Debt Reckoning is my first political thriller from Jack Meyer. It won’t be my last either… and I wouldn’t say it’s a genre I love or have much affinity for otherwise. Debt Reckoning has encouraged me to broaden my horizons and try new things. 

Characters

Now admittedly, I’m not a fan of politicians. I understand a lot of the negative feelings expressed in the book. The frustrations of trying to get things done. A lack of progress. All that jazz. However, Jack does a fantastic job of also converting the human side through the character of Taylor. There are some individuals who want to do good, not just get the most out of their position. The humanity of Taylor comes through in the glimpses into his private life. His battle against the impenetrable machine that is the US Government. 

I’m always a fan of books with multiple perspectives. For thrillers like Debt Reckoning, it helps a long way to making the action interesting and keeping some characters in the dark whilst allowing us to see the wider picture.  

Setting

I’m not well versed in the structure and runnings of the US Government. However, that didn’t matter! There’s plenty of explanation in the book to convert the relevant information without going overboard. 

The same would be true for readers if they were unfamiliar with some of the concepts in the book. Thankfully, with a background in fund administration and investment admin, I do have some background knowledge. I understand the concepts of investment market behaviour and sentiments, and what some of those consequences could be. Personally, I appreciated the steer these concepts have on the attitudes and actions that drive the plot. It is cleverly juggled to make the premise believable and plausible. 

Broadly speaking, the book is set in a world that starts very much like our own. If you like to stick to a realistic setting with your reads, then Debt Reckoning certainly fits that bill. It explores the potential consequences of a real world issue in a way that doesn’t quite feel doom and gloom. The light and resilient spirit of many characters in the book bring hope, even if the situation is dire. 

Narrative Style

Debt Reckoning does a fabulous job of conveying the action and thriller aspects of the plot with the realistic setting. Short snappy chapters and swapping perspectives keep events and revelations fresh and punchy. Jack does a fantastic job of incorporating the meat of the story, the issues and ideas for fixing it, with engrossing drama. 

I listened to the audiobook version of Debt Reckoning. Naturally, that does make my experience of the book different from reading a physical copy. That said, I’m going to do my best to make my comments here that should apply to the physical book as well as the audio version. The pacing of the book works very well, regardless of the format you choose to read in. It’s fast paced, but not at the expense of explaining the wider context of the book. The language is also pretty approachable. Sure, a book that focuses on a particulate topic has its niche terminology. However, this is explained very well, if it’s needed, so the book is approachable to most readers. 

I’m going to wrap-up here with just the audiobook commentary here. The audiobook is narrated by Dannul Daily. He does great job of voicing the different characters to make it easy to follow who our perspective sits with. The ’non-character specific’ aspects of the book are also well narrated and clear to understand. I personally enjoy listening to audio at faster than x1 speed. I was able to do that and the narrative flowed well and was easy to understand. However, I can also confidently say that I would say the converse would be true to. 

Summary 

Debt Reckoning is an engaging, fun read that we can also learn something from. You can take as much as you wish from Debt Reckoning. Fortunately, I went into this book with an understanding of some of the concepts behind the storyline. However, that’s not necessarily something you need prior knowledge of or to be personally invested in. The wider storyline adds credibility to the book, even if you just enjoy the action this background facilitates at face value. 

Have you ever read a political thriller? Do you fancy giving Debt Reckoning, or any of Jack Meyer’s other political themed thrillers, a try? 

Author Bio

Jack was introduced to thrillers when Tom Clancy’s The Hunt for Red October was published.  However, for most of his life, he was a reader rather than an author. During the 2000 Presidential election as he watched TV coverage of the Florida recount with ‘dimpled chads’ and ‘hanging chads,’ he thought an election conspiracy would be a great basis for a thriller. It wasn’t until 2020 when he retired from his career, which included management positions in corporate America and small business ownership as well as a brief stint in ministry, that he sat down to write Wayward Patriot: Preserving the Vote.

His unique approach to political thrillers rips headlines from the news and weaves them through a thrilling tale of patriotism, political corruption and crisis. He says, “when I see some major new issue or technology in the news I want to learn more about it. I enjoy sharing what I learn with others by wrapping a story around it that will engage and entertain readers.”

He and his wife, Barbara, have three grown children and seven grandchildren and divide their time between Colorado Springs and Tucson.

Social Media Links: 

https://www.jackmeyerauthor.com

https://twitter.com/jackmeyerauthor

https://www.facebook.com/JackMeyerAuthor

Blog Tour Review and GIVEAWAY: Invisible – Heleyne Hammersley

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Today’s publication day blog tour review is an exciting one! Fans of crime – rejoice! I have a sixth instalment to a crime series that also reads perfectly well as a standalone. So, if you haven’t read the rest of the series (like me, admittedly) do not fear. You can check out Invisible without the commitment of a backlist. At least, not if you don’t want to 😉

Before I share my thoughts on Invisible, I always like to thank Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources and the author Heleyne Hammersley for the opportunity to read and review the book. Full disclosure – I’ve been provided a digital copy to review the book. However, my thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Now, let’s get int the details of the book and share purchase links before I delve into this gritty crime! 

Invisible – Heleyne Hammersley

Genre: Crime

Pages: 305

Audience: Adult

Original Publication Date: 23  Sept 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – Invisible

Invisible

An icy morning, a muddy riverbank. The body of a promising swimmer is found in the River Don 

close to Thorpe. Returning from a six-month absence, DI Kate Fletcher leads her first murder case since she nearly lost her own life to a desperate killer. 

Grappling with her own doubts and insecurities, she has to negotiate a team transformed by 

differences in staffing and in attitude. Everything has changed and nobody is comfortable.

A second body leads to a strong suspect, but the evidence is circumstantial and far from clear cut. 

Kate’s ex-Detective Sergeant finds the breakthrough they need to help track down a cunning and meticulous murderer who has no conscience and no fear of consequences.

But can Kate act in time to prevent more deaths?

Purchase Links – Amazon UK Amazon US

My Thoughts… 

Plot

In Invisible, there is plenty going on at any given moment. From the very opening pages, we are brought into a story of murder and questioning motives. 

As I mentioned in the opening introduction to this blog to review, Invisible is the sixth book in the DI Kate Fletcher series. Naturally, we already have backstory and characters that have been established previously that add into this narrative. However, don’t be put off by that! Rather, these aspects add character and realism to the ongoing storyline. They aren’t overwhelming or confusing if you haven’t read the prior books. I’m more than happy to disclose here that I have read Invisible as a standalone to write this review. That didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book in the slightest! 

The overall pacing of the storyline means that we have little tidbits and revelations over the course of the plot. At no point does the plot turn stale or do we feel like we aren’t exploring an active aspect of the murder case. As a reader, that kept me engaged with the storyline. I was able to read large sections of this book in one go. Safe to say, I did not want to put Invisible down!

And the ending, obviously it’s tricky to talk about a book and acknowledge the ending without giving anything away. So, for the sake of safety, I am not going to give anything away here. All I will say is that the events, clues and information that lead us to the final conclusion are engaging. What’s real? What’s a red herring? These were the questions I asked myself up until the very end. It was very cleverly written, to have us questioning up until the final moment.

Characters

An aspect I really enjoyed about Invisible is that we get to see a lot more of the personal lives of the characters within the storyline then just the superficial necessary for the murder case. 

Again, because we have established history for these characters in the prior series, this comes through two make characters more relatable and realistic. Whilst I read Invisible not knowing the backstory behind the characters and events that took place imminently before the start of Invisible, I was able to glean enough from the narrative that I could make sense of characters. Their underlying storylines and not have that distracted from the overall experience. Instead, each of the characters involved in the case felt like a well-rounded individual, well thought out and plausible to get behind and want to root for.

Setting

This book is sat in the somewhat familiar British landscape. Also, I can’t say I’m immediately familiar with Doncaster itself, I am familiar with Britain and the overall institution in which this crime novel operates. I am aware of the pressure the police are put under. I am aware of public sentiment when it comes to the police in certain places and overall, the storyline setting is a familiar one to me. 

In more recent blog tour reviews, I have enjoyed branching away from the familiar and exploring new settings. However, I have enjoyed reversing this and instead of going to something very easy and familiar. If you have read any content from my blog more widely, you’ll know at the moment reading progress is on the slow side. Picking up something that has been an easy and compulsive read, as well as something I’m familiar with, has helped me pick up reading more than I have in the last week. I’m hoping it’s the kickstart I need to get back into reading a little bit more regularly… 

Narrative Style

In combination with the plot, having a book with relatively short chapters and a constantly moving plotline has really helped with the pacing of Invisible. Rather than getting stuck in long chapters, we are instead treated to relatively short snippets of action moving around consistently to drive the plot forward and bring new revelations to the table. 

The overall style of this book has to the ease of accessibility of the writing style. Again, I’ve struggled a little bit with reading lately and it has been a particular book’s narrative style that is really tripped me up. Invisible was everything I look for and the opposite of the book I’m struggling with. Short chapters are a great place to start. The easy to read language, reflective of modern, natural speech also helps greatly. The word choice is as simple as possible; if jargon does have to be used, it’s explained in a way that doesn’t make the reader feel simple. All in all, Invisible ticks all the boxes for me in terms of readability and making itself suitable to a range of audiences. 

Summary 

Invisible has been to pick me up I need! I’m sad to say that it is the first book I have managed to complete in September, which says a lot about how my reading has been going lately. However, since picking up Invisible, I have gotten back into listening to my audiobooks a bit more, and I’m going to revisit it my problem book later this week with a little bit more enthusiasm to get the job done. If that’s. It advocacy for a book, what is? 

Invisible isn’t a difficult book to get into or follow, but its revelations and engaging storyline had me turning the pages faster until the very end, when the truth finally comes to the fore. The murders, the motive, the murderer – all very clever and I enjoyed how Invisible panned out. But, if you want to find out how it goes for yourself, then you’re going to have to follow one of those purchase links and get a copy of the book for yourself no spoilers here! 

Author Bio

Heleyne Hammersley is a British writer based in Cumbria. She writes psychological suspense thrillers and crime novels.

Heleyne has been writing since junior school – her first work was a collection of poems called ‘Give Them the Works’ when she was ten years old. The poems were carefully handwritten on plain paper and tied together with knitting wool. 

When she’s not writing, Heleyne can often be found wandering on the fells or cycling the back roads of Cumbria in search of coffee and cake.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/heleynehammersley66

https://www.instagram.com/heleynehammersleyauthor

https://www.threads.com/@heleynehammersleyauthor

Giveaway to Win 5 x Kindle Copies of Invisible (distributed via Amazon) (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam 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.

https://gleam.io/V9AxO/win-5-x-kindle-copies-of-invisible-distributed-via-amazon-open-int

Blog Tour Review: Dungeons & Dimwits – James Mascia

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Today’s blog tour review is for a graphic novel – not a media format I read or feature much! However, as a bit of a nerdy girl, I enjoy the idea of a book based around the game of Dungeons & Dragons. If I’d had friends who liked the game, I think it is something I could have got onto. 

Before I share my review on Dungeons & Dimwits, thanks to Rachel and the author James for the opportunity to read and review the book.  I have been provided a digital copy for the purpose of giving my review, but the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Here are the usual details of the book, synopsis, and purchase links. Then, it’s review time!

Dungeons & Dimwits – James Mascia  

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 110

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Dren Productions

Original Publication Date: 31 Jan 2025

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – Dungeons & Dimwits

Dungeons & Dimwits

Dungeons & Dragons meets Jumanji in a hilarious fantasy adventure where the players are trapped inside the chaotic world they created. Now every bad roll, terrible plan, and overpowered enemy is dangerously real.

When a group of tabletop role-playing gamers suddenly find themselves pulled into their own fantasy campaign, the adventure stops being imaginary and starts being a matter of survival. Thrown into a world filled with monsters, magic, absurd dangers, and enemies far beyond their level, these unlikely adventurers must figure out how to stay alive long enough to find a way home.

But this is not the polished fantasy epic they imagined. This is their game world―complete with ridiculous choices, bizarre characters, unpredictable rules, and all the chaos that comes from years of questionable decisions around the gaming table. As the party stumbles from one disaster to the next, they must rely on teamwork, quick thinking, and a little bit of luck to survive the fantasy world they helped create.
Funny, fast-paced, and packed with tabletop gaming humor, Dungeons & Dimwits is a wild fantasy comedy for longtime RPG players, fantasy fans, comic readers, and anyone who has ever wondered what would happen if the game suddenly became real.

About the Series
Dungeons & Dimwits is a fantasy comedy series about a group of gamers trapped inside their own tabletop role-playing campaign. This first volume begins their journey as they discover that their imaginary world is now very real―and very dangerous. The series follows the party as they face monsters, magic, rival adventurers, impossible quests, and the consequences of their own chaotic storytelling. Readers should begin with Volume 1, which introduces the characters, the world, and the hilarious disaster that launches the adventure.

Purchase Links

Amazon USAmazon UK

My Thoughts… 

Plot

Based on the game format of dungeons and dragons, this fantasy graphic novel spins off from a group of boys setting off on a quest and things going awry. If you are unfamiliar with the game format, players create a character and can lean into skills that they level up over the course of a game in order to interact with the world around them. Involving elements of luck by rolling dice, outcomes from battles and interactions can very quickly go one way or another. 

All-Star game of dungeons and dragons can be changeable given the story is written by players, this book levels that up further by having something unexpected happen to the characters within. In the scope of the game and fantasy genre, it both surprise me and yet didn’t feel inauthentic. Taking into account the size of the graphic novel, there is plenty of action to peoples engage. The storyline was not being too overwhelming in terms of required understanding of game mechanics. Even the most rudimentary understanding of how the game works is more than sufficient. I don’t have lots of experience but could easily follow the idea!

Characters

Although the demographic of the book is predominantly younger/teenage boys, I still find characters somewhat relatable. They also added humour to this relatively short story, elevating it from a fun fantasy novella to a storyline we were invested in exploring.

There are a broad range of characters introduced in this short story both led by the boys playing the game, but also characters we are introduced to throughout world they are within. There are enough to make the storyline feel complete and comprehensive, but also without being overwhelmed. Bearing in mind The format of this book and the intended audience, I thought this was the ideal balance.

Setting

As a huge fantasy lover, I loved the scope of this book in terms of setting and the imagination that could be used to change the storyline at a drop of a hat. How are some classic fantasy settings to this book, but just because it has seen before, doesn’t mean it’s unoriginal. Especially given this is told from a young character leading this storyline, it’s perhaps less predictable, but it keeps us on our toes. 

Changes in location are easy to follow. It doesn’t happen too much throughout the narrative, but the way in which the transitions are conveyed feels natural and the reader can make sense of the changes. 

Narrative Style

As a relatively short graphic novel, this book flew by! It’s very easy to read, yet doesn’t feel too short or underdeveloped. I read this book in the space of one evening, with ease. I would imagine most readers to be capable of this as well. However, if you wanted to break this up and read this in smaller chunks, the book is written into five chapters, so there are easy to find interludes if that suits you better.

The nature of the book, being very image based, makes this ideal for days when you need a light read. The artistry isn’t an aspect of storytelling I’m used to reviewing, but allow me to try my best. The style is clean, energetic and dynamic. For a book full of action, this works hand in hand to make the storytelling engaging. The variation in frame layout also keeps the narrative fresh. 

Summary 

It can be hard to write a review for such a short book. However, with a graphic novel like Dungeons and Dimwits, I think it fitting not to take it too seriously! It’s a lighthearted, yet well-thought out read. Suitable for all readers, it’s a fun fantasy not to take too seriously, yet it’s a series I’m serious about following. I loved it that much! 

Author Bio

James Mascia is the founder and publisher of Dren Productions, where he creates sci-fi, horror, and fantasy comics and novels packed with imagination, humor, and thrills. He is the author of titles including Flesh-Eating Cheerleaders, Dungeons & Dimwits, The Poe Murders, and High School Heroes. When he’s not writing strange and exciting stories, James works as a high school English teacher in Maryland. A lifelong fan of Comic Cons, cheesy sci-fi and horror movies, and Dungeons & Dragons, he brings his love of genre storytelling into everything he writes.

Social Media Links – Facebook/Instagram – @DrenProductions

Blog Tour Review: The Knife Maker of Venice – David Gilman

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I’m pleased to be able to share another blog tour review. Today, I bring to you a historical adventure with a bran-new setting I have ever yet to read about. I love history. It has been a refreshing change to read The Knife Maker of Venice. The setting is one I haven’t explored before, so I was keen to dive in!

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author David Gilman for the opportunity to read and review The Knife Maker of Venice.  I have been provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, but the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Here are the details of the book, synopsis, and purchase links. Then, it’s review time!

The Knife Maker of Venice – David Gilman  

Genre: Historical Adventure

Pages: 512

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Original Publication Date: 13 August 2026

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Goodreads – The Knife Maker of Venice

A young Englishman captured by slavers must survive the snakepit that is seventeenth-century Venice.

1604. As pirates seeking slaves to sell in the markets of North Africa terrorise the coasts of Europe, headstrong Richard Sheriff and his sister Elizabeth are torn from their Devonshire home and thrust into a waking nightmare.

Richard’s skills as a blacksmith see him fetch a high price, but the pirate captain has other plans for Elizabeth and once they are separated, Richard has no idea of his sister’s fate. They must both learn to survive on a deadly voyage into the unknown.

Sold into servitude in Venice: glittering, vicious city of secrets, he is apprenticed to a knife maker. Richard’s talents soon win him renown… but haunted by his sister’s absence, he vows never to stop looking for her, knowing she would do the same for him.

First he must survive that city of ghosts. Will the siblings live to see each other again, or will they join the myriads lost to Venice, where life is cheap, profit is all, and escape nigh-on impossible?

A powerful historical adventure perfect for fans of Kate Mosse, Ken Follett and Robert Harris.

Purchase Links: –

Amazon UK

Amazon US

My Thoughts… 

Plot

There is a lot going on in The Knife Maker of Venice, but it’s an easy book and storyline to follow. It’s funny – for a person not fond of political machinations in real life, I love it in stories. The complex web we have in The Knife Maker of Venice leans into that love of mine. The tension, drama and scheming is entertaining to watch unfurl. 

In a time period and multi-cultural place like Venice, there’s inevitably going to be friction and conflict. Naturally, that makes for a great setting for us to read about and explore. We all know how differing cultures, beliefs and all that create conflict. Bringing so many people together, especially with some of the complex histories they have with each other, really doesn’t disappoint! The drama had me reading on compulsively to find out what happened next! 

Characters

The dynamics of the characters throughout The Knife Maker of Venice are interesting. It would be easy to assume that Richard, Elizabeth, and many others like them, are purely at the whim of others. However, they are intelligent. They may be thrust into the lands of peoples and culture they do not know. However, they are intelligent and resourceful. There is far more than meets the eye with these characters. Take Richard’s and Domenico’s rivalry. Richard, although a slave, is a threat to Domenico. His skill as a blacksmith shows up Domenico, and the tension between them as a result is not the straight-forward dynamic you would expect. No spoilers here though friends. 

The narrative swings between the perspectives of the two siblings, Richard and Elizabeth. Whilst their bondage begins together, they are split apart from one another in the narrative. Their bond and responsibilities towards each other explain their drive to reunite. It’s a strong driving force in the narrative, and keeps us engaged to find out their fates. 

There are many periphery characters throughout the book. From fellow villagers taken captive with them to those they live their new lives with, the increased cast helps tie together a far grander picture. Some parts are smaller than others, but no less important. Even characters like Challenor make for an interesting addition. He’s far from an admirable individual and I wouldn’t describe him as likeable. Yet, when we learn his backstory we can understand how he ends up in the role he is and how he becomes the catalyst of Richard’s and Elizabeth’s fate. 

Setting

As I mention in the introduction for today’s review of The Knife Maker of Venice, the setting of this book is one I haven’t read from before. The combination of the time period and settings of the UK, Tunisia and Venice is unique to me. Personally, I enjoyed the detail and time spent in these locations. Although some of these places are only a small feature of the wider narrative, it adds to the overall scope of the book. The tensions seen in history – the piracy, trade etc are aspects of history I was unaware of. However, even in somewhat passing, the book touches on those real events that piqued my curiosity and prompted me to look into it further. 

The Knife Maker of Venice is a multicultural book. In terms of the characters and places, there’s a lot going on. Personally, I got on with this. Given there is a lot of travel that takes place early doors, it wouldn’t feel right for Richard and Elizabeth to end up miles away from home and be isolated in their plight. Despite the many languages, faiths and backgrounds that come together, all are treated equally and fairly in terms of representation. 

The descriptions make imagining the places, smells and events come to life. It is easy to imagine ourselves amongst the unwashed bodies of fellow captives, enjoying exotic foods and perfumes and luxuries. The immersiveness of the descriptions make The Knife Maker of Venice one of the easiest books I’ve read so far this year. 

Narrative Style

The Knife Maker of Venice weaves detail and action together to maintain a steady paced narrative. Not too long-winded, but neither compromising on enriching detail, I enjoyed the balance we can enjoy in The Knife Maker of Venice. The book definitely reads like the author is experienced writer, juggling the wants and needs of characters and readers to eke out the most from the book. 

The chapters are also nice and short. Readers, if you like the flexibility to pick up and put down a book at the end of a chapter, that’s very easy to do here. It also keeps us cutting across various cross-sections of characters so we can see the bigger picture at any one time. It helps with the overall narrative flow, and makes The Knife Maker of Venice easy on the eyes (and brain to take in!) 

Summary 

The Knife Maker of Venice is a fun historical read. If you are looking for a detailed and complex plot line, together with immersive and relatable characters, then The Knife Maker of Venice is one I would suggest you pick up. Personally, I really enjoyed a foray into a storyline and setting with a history I am not too familiar with. I’m all about reading to broaden my horizons and try different perspectives from a personal and educational perspective. The Knife Maker of Venice achieved that for me! 

Author Bio

David Gilman has enjoyed many careers, including paratrooper, firefighter, and photographer. An award-winning author and screenwriter, he is the author of the critically acclaimed Master of War series of historical novels, and was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for The Last Horseman. He was longlisted for the same prize for The Englishman, the first book featuring ex-French Foreign Legionnaire Dan Raglan. David lives in Devon. 

Follow David on @davidgilmanuk, http://www.davidgilman.com, and facebook.com/davidgilman.author

Social Media Links – 

Blog Tour Review: Duel of Beasts by Boyd & Beth Morrison

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I’m back with yet another blog tour review! Today, I have the pleasure to review Duel of Beasts by Boyd and Beth Morrison. 

Duel of Beasts was a conscious stretch out of my comfort zone. It’s set in a completely new location and historical period to many books I’ve picked up over the years. I chose it for this reason, and I dare say I’ve even learned a few things about historical events that I didn’t know took place before. But, more on that later. 

As always, thanks to Rachel and the authors for the opportunity to read and review Duel of Beasts. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Let’s recap the details, synopsis, and purchase links. After that, I’ll get stuck into sharing why you should pick up this book!

Duel of Beasts – Boyd & Beth Morrison

Genre:  Historical Adventure

Pages: 464

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Original Publication Date: 30 July 2026

Rating: ????

Goodreads – Duel of Beasts

avage beasts, fabulous treasures, perilous duels, and deadly treachery abound in this thrilling adventure novel set in medieval Spain.

Málaga, Spain, 1352. Knight-errant Gerard Fox and his daring wife Willa seek young noblewoman Madelena to deliver news of her brother’s death: an innocuous mission, yet one that plunges the couple into a fight for their lives against their most dangerous adversaries yet.

Madelena’s sister-in-law Helvira desires two things that Madalena now possesses: a considerable inheritance, and a letter that provides grounds for Helvira’s execution in both the Christian and Muslim worlds. With everything at stake, Helvira will stop at nothing to seize both.

Fox and Willa soon find themselves in a desperate battle to survive on a journey that will take them from the royal court at Seville to the mighty complex of the Alhambra Palace. To save Madelena and reveal the truth, the duo must outwit Helvira and her allies at every turn – and escape the ferocious creatures of Helvira’s deadly menagerie.

The unmissable new novel in the Tales of the Lawless Land series, combining thrilling historical action and clever puzzles, from New York Times bestselling author Boyd and expert medievalist Beth Morrison.

Purchase Links 

Amazon UK Amazon US

My Thoughts…

Plot

Fans of action will not be disappointed by the plot line of Duel of Beasts. Full of conflict, twists and turns, there is action in every chapter to keep us entertained. There is very little room in Duel of Beasts for the characters to catch their breath before being thrown into the next conflict or deceit. It makes for a fun, fast paced reader that is easy to devour! 

From duels and impromptu sword fights to even bullfighting competitions, Duel of Beasts has it all. The book very much lives up to its name in the vast array of animals we encounter in the story. I enjoyed the many ways characters are thrown into conflict and mortal peril. 

Characters

Duel of Beasts has a number of interesting characters. What I also particularly enjoyed about this book is that the characters within come from a variety of backgrounds and faiths. Naturally, their is conflict between the Christians and Muslims in this storyline. I confess, my knowledge of history of mediaeval Spain was pretty much an non-existent before going into this book. That’s the reason I wanted to pick it up, but more on that below. Rather, what I am trying to say here is that the inclusion of this multi-faith setting and their tremulous coexistence makes for an interesting dynamic. 

The main characters, Gerard and Willa, are an interesting pair. We get flashbacks into their history as the book progresses, fleshing them out to share their journey and history. They stand out because of their English heritage anyway, but as to how they find themselves roaming Europe is a journey we unveil throughout the narrative. They’re a fantastic pair. 

Then, introduce Madelena, Helvira and Nayar. Intrigues within intrigues have us wondering on the motives of these characters and why they are gunning for the protagonists. Plots and deceit and lies pepper the narrative… I had great fun trying to work out motives! 

Setting

As I mentioned above, I went into Duel of Beasts knowing very little about the setting, but actively wanting to explore it. I regret that such history never featured on my school curriculum. Not only that, but it’s not really featured in my reading since then either. I’m glad however that I was able to pick up Duel of Beasts and fill that gap. 

I had very little appreciation for the fact that Spain at one point was ruled by sultans of the Muslim faith. Spain is known as more of a Christian country. Whilst that has remained prominent over the course of history, for an interesting period in the 8th to 15th century, the country saw somewhat coexistence of both Muslims and Christians.

I love reading books that broaden my overall knowledge of the world. History is also one of my favourite subjects. So, you can see why this book appeal to me in that it broaden my horizons in terms of European history, but also is able to provide the backdrop and conflict that helps the overall plot line in Duel of Beasts make sense and exciting to read!

Narrative Style

Set between a mostly present day narrative in the mid 14th century, with periodic flashbacks, the structure of the book is cohesive. The periodic flashbacks are dispersed when helpful to explain character situations and dynamics. Otherwise, most of our action derives from what is happening in The here and now.

What I also like about jewel of beast is that the chapters are a nice length. They are long enough for significant events to take place and make sense in the relative, but also aren’t so long that you have to put the book down mid chapter. The authors managed to strike up a healthy balance here. Overall, it adds to the reading experience.

Summary

Duel of Beasts started as a book out of my comfort zone, but quickly became the type of book I want to read more of. It broadened by knowledge of history, combines political machinations with a high-octane plot and kept me entertained for hours! 

Do you want to read Duel of Beasts?

Author Bios

Boyd Morrison is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twelve thrillers, including six with Clive Cussler. His first novel, The Ark, was an Indie Next Notable pick and was translated into over a dozen languages. He has a PhD in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech. Follow Boyd on: @BoydMorrison IG: @BoydMorrisonWriter www.facebook.com/BoydMorrisonWriter

Beth Morrison is Senior Curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. She has curated major exhibitions including ‘Imagining the Past in France, 1250-1500’, and ‘Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World’. She has a PhD in the History of Art from Cornell University. Follow Beth on: @BethMorrisonPhd IG: @BethMorrisonWriter http://www.facebook.com/BethMorrisonWriter

Book Birthday Blitz! – A Painkiller to Die For – Martyn Pritchard

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If you like the sound of a mystery thriller based on the moral dilemmas of ethical science, you’re probably very open-minded. Or, you have niche tastes. Personally, as a pretty open-minded reader I was curious to give A Painkiller to Die for a try! It’s a unique premise, and one that was very different from anything I’ve read lately. 

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, Dr Martyn Pritchard, for the opportunity to read and review A Painkiller to Die For this July in celebration of its book birthday. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Here are the details, the synopsis, and purchase links. Then, my (hopefully) highly anticipated review for the book birthday of A Painkiller to Die For can get underway! 

A Painkiller to Die For – Martyn Pritchard

Genre: Mystery Thriller 
Pages: 282
Audience: Adult
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Limited
Original Publication Date: 28 July 2025
Rating: ???

Goodreads – A Painkiller to Die For

It was difficult for Will Jeavons to imagine just how his life could possibly get any better. Having overcome a traumatic childhood, he had gone on to study molecular pharmacology and win tenure as a lecturer at his beloved Cambridge University. But his life was soon to become better still, the CEO of a biotech company. Will’s unique research led to the discovery of a non-addictive drug for chronic pain. A remarkable solution for the opioid epidemic which had claimed the life of his mother. 

Will’s flourishing company was subsequently acquired, and this was when he first met Celeste Simmonds. The beguiling Celeste would steer Will away from his earlier hedonistic, womanising lifestyle. However, the only way he could ensure the success of his drug was to bury key safety data which could have led to the clinical trials being terminated. 

Clinical trials which resulted in the husband of Lydia Goldberg falling into a deep coma. It was Lydia’s scientific training which led her to discover Will’s fraudulent cover-up. She was determined to seek vengeance and concocted an elaborate honeytrap and a decision for Will to make. A career ending confession or being submitted to a life-threatening game of Russian roulette.

Purchase Links – Amazon UK Amazon US

My Thoughts…

Plot

In A Painkiller to Die For, the plot as it unravels is all about to a moral dilemma. When a drug flags up some concerning test results, do you be honest and face the consequence of losing everything you have built to date? Or, are you supposed to suppress it  hope that the cost paid down the line isn’t a human one. 

I personally enjoyed the conflict that takes place throughout this book. Combining the plot line with a set of less than altruistic characters, we end up with the engaging mystery and ultimate thriller narrative we see in A Painkiller to Die For! 

I’m not going to spoil anything for you here. Otherwise, how would I be encouraging you to pick up the book for yourself? Instead, what I will say is that I was engaged for this book and read most of it in one sitting. 

Characters

I personally have mixed feelings over characters, Will especially. However, I’d argue that’s intentional given storyline. Will is hardly upstanding and honest in the face of moral dilemma that could shut down his small company for good. 

The one redeeming aspect of Will’s character is his backstory. It lends context to why Will ends up in the job/position he is and his motivations for keeping Granta Pain Therapeutics alive. 

Otherwise, we are treated to a wide cast of characters that help bring an overall storyline. Some are stronger than others, such as Celeste and Lydia. Others provide more of a background, but no less contribute to the wider narrative.

Setting

The overall setting of A Painkiller to Die For is pretty modern. The Narrative re refers to post-Covid events. So, really we’re looking at a book set in today’s world. 

And really, this is done very well. It checks out. Characters are in line with expectations in terms of modern technology, attitudes etc. It feels like it could be happening here and now in the real world. We can only hope not! 

Narrative Style

I enjoy a multi perspective narrative, which we readers are treated to here. Written from the perspectives of multiple characters, we get to see the events of A Painkiller to Die For unfold and watch the moral dilemma play out. This kind of book wouldn’t be the same in a single perspective. This is definitely a designed choice that works for the book, and it suits my overall preference! 

What’s also a bit different is that the story starts at end and we discover ‘how we got there’ throughout the page count. Whilst I think this style can be a bit of a risk, it’s worth the payoff. The mystery in this case is to uncover the truth that gets to an epic and drastic conclusion. In A Painkiller to Die For, we get the payoff we’re looking for. 

A Painkiller to Die For is also written in a reasonably easy to follow style. I had no trouble devouring the narrative at all… 

Summary

A Painkiller to Die For is an interesting book – the author’s experience in the field is without question. It’s a unique take on a topic we don’t read much about, yet I enjoyed something different. 

I hope you can pick a copy of A Painkiller to Die For and let me know your thoughts in due course! 

Author Bio



Dr Martyn Pritchard is currently moving towards retirement following on from a 35-year long career in drug discovery research focusing on neuroscience as well as novel medicines to treat pain. He is the author of over 50 scientific papers and book chapters along with one novel written under a nom de plume: A Practical Arrangement.

Social Media Links – 
Instagram: martyn.pritchard1 (Instagram)
Facebook: (20+) Facebook

Book Review: Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup

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Twelve Years a Slave is a hard-hitting read. Learning how Solomon Northup ended up in bondage for over a decade, it’s scary how easily he fell into the wrong hands. If you want to read about very personal, heart-breaking story of those kept against their will and forced into hard labour, abuse and worse, then read on to find out more about Twelve Years a Slave. 

Twelve Years a Slave – Solomon Northup

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 363

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Eakin Films and Publishing

Publication Date: 1853

Rating: ????

Goodreads – Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave, sub-title: Narrative of Solomon Northup, citizen of New-York, kidnapped in Washington city in 1841, and rescued in 1853, from a cotton plantation near the Red River in Louisiana, is a memoir by Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson. It is a slave narrative of a black man who was born free in New York state but kidnapped in Washington, D.C., sold into slavery, and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana. He provided details of slave markets in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, as well as describing at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana.

My Thoughts… 

It shouldn’t be a surprise that a book of this subject matter isn’t the easiest to read. It’s a personal account of being kept as a slave, beaten, starved, tortured and forced into hard labour. Whilst it focuses primarily on Solomon’s experience, we naturally see other slaves and the institutional level of abuse these people faced for years. However, I’m an advocate for reading about difficult things, the worst sides of humanity. Brushing these things under the carpet invalidates the experiences of victims. Not only that, but we don’t learn from these things. 

I wanted to read this book as it’s obviously a well-known title, and I was invested in the subject. However, when I picked it up in September 2023, it wasn’t plain sailing. The books was first published not long after Solomon’s release in 1853. In the grand scheme of history, it’s only in our recent past. However, language changes quite a bit in that timeframe. The style of the language was a bit of a barrier for me. I found it hard to get into initially. But, I persevered and I’m glad I did. Usually, readability is the key reason I would DNF a book. If I can’t get on with the narrative style, it’s make-or-break. On this occasion though, I stuck with it and got used to it enough that I could get on with the book. 

I enjoyed reading about a period of history, and from a perspective that was little-covered in my school curriculum. Whilst I have no doubt it’s more prominent in modern history classes, it wasn’t really a topic touched on in any detail during my time there. The scary fact is that it’s fairly recent history. This isn’t our distant past!

Summary

Twelve Years a Slave is a poignant narrative I recommend everyone try. Even if it isn’t typically your cup of tea, it’s a very personal story about a huge societal problem that hasn’t gone away. 

Modern slavery is very much a thing. Twelve Years a Slave is a far more ‘traditional’ tale of slavery as we recognise it from history. The underlying prejudice and discrimination that goes with it is still sadly around today. However, I can only hope that hearing more from minority voices we can empathise and correct our behaviour as a society. 

Have you read Twelve Years a Slave? What’s your take? 

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Blog Tour Review: Witch Hunt – B.D. Spargo

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Witch Hunt captivated my attention for its thriller genre combined with the infamous background of Pendle Hill. I love witchcraft and leaning into the unpleasant history that goes along with the site was the perfect set up for this book. 

And, the audiobook doesn’t disappoint on the atmosphere I anticipated. Whilst the plot is a little lighter touch on the history than perhaps I hoped or expected, it was an interesting touch all the same. Plus, the books surprised me in other ways. All in all, this was a fun listen and I’m glad I took the chance on a new book and author to me. 

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, B.D. Spargo for the opportunity to read and review Witch Hunt. Whilst I was provided a copy of the book for the purpose of giving my review, the thoughts expressed within this review are entirely my own.

Let’s go over the book details, synopsis, (and purchase links if you want to get a copy yourself), then I can get to the fun part of the review!

 

Witch Hunt – B.D. Spargo

Genre: Thriller 

Pages: 396 or Audio Length: 10hrs

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Howfen Press 

Original Publication Date: 31 May 2025

Rating: ????

 

Goodreads – Witch Hunt

 

Murder, witchcraft, and a race against time – welcome to Pendle Hill.

A young woman is found brutally murdered and mutilated at the foot of Pendle Hill and the local police are in no doubt who the killer is. Newly released from a psychiatric unit, Will Perkins has delusions that the victim is a witch. When DCI Liam Doyle and his team are brought in to investigate, the suspect is already in custody and the case apparently wrapped up. Except for one key detail – evidence.

Is it really possible the origins to this murder lie in Pendle’s infamous past?

Recently returned to work, DS Anna Morgan is battling her own demons. The physical wounds from her last case have healed, but the psychological trauma still haunts her. When another body turns up the investigation is blown wide open and Doyle has to face up to the horrifying possibility that he could have prevented this killing.
Can Doyle overcome his own doubts and track down the killer before they strike again? Will Morgan be able to conquer her fear before it destroys her?

Set in and around Lancashire’s legendary Pendle Hill, Witch Hunt is a gripping British crime thriller with dark humour and a nail-biting climax. This fast-paced novel, the second in the series featuring DCI Doyle and DS Morgan, will have listeners on the edge of their seats.

If you have enjoyed books by authors such as Val McDermid, MW Craven, JD Kirk and Alex Smith, you won’t want to miss Witch Hunt.

 

Purchase Links

UK Links:

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0GV51STB8 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GV4XCNLT  

USA Links:

https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GV5659QN 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GV59H5TQ 

 

My Thoughts… 

Plot

Whilst this is a second book of a wider series starring the protagonist, DCI Liam Doyle, I went into this book with no prior knowledge. However, that doesn’t matter in the slightest! Whether you choose to pick up Witch Hunt as a standalone or as part of the series, I feel sure you will enjoy the plot unravel as much as I did! 

The storyline doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to the crimes that take place. Even from the opening pages, we are thrown into a dark narrative of accusation of witchcraft and a brutal murder. The story takes place in the backdrop of Pendle Hill, where horrendous witch trials and persecution took place. This is fitting for the story, and yet the book isn’t so dependent on knowledge of what took place there beyond the basics that the target audience of the book becomes so niche. If you enjoy police procedurals or thrillers, Witch Hunt is both an approachable and entertaining read. 

The complexity of the mystery has us asking what we think we know throughout the book. I was guessing up until the very end. 

As much as this book is full of high-stakes moments, there are also quiet moments where we are reminded of the humanity of the characters. Small, slice of life events like a parent/teacher meeting for Harry remind us that Liam Doyle, 

 

Characters

If there is one aspect of this book I didn’t expect, it was that I love the representation of mental health throughout the narrative. From individuals exhibiting schizophrenic behaviour, to PTSD and children diagnosed with autism learning how to navigate their world, there’s a lot of positive rep in the book. The sensitivity with which these characters and their traits are incorporated into an engaging story is refreshing. Their diagnoses and behaviours aren’t their defining characteristics, even though at times they play a distinctly part in the wider narrative. 

When I read the book, I wasn’t aware of the author’s personal history of working in mental health services. However, in hindsight, that makes complete sense. It shows in the way these characters are portrayed, and I love it! Had I read the previous book in the series, I believe some of the background of the characters would be fleshed out in more detail. However, readers of Witch Hunt don’t strictly need to read the first book for events to make sense. I certainly didn’t feel like I lost out any not having the backstory established in book 1.  

Even without the backstory, we get to enjoy progression arcs for many of the characters featured. After Anna experiences a brutal attack, she has to confront her fears in a make or break moment for the case. Liam Doyle navigates a difficult dynamic with an ex-partner with whom he has a young son, Harry whilst also juggling the caseload of identifying and apprehending a serial killer. 

 

Setting

Set in the shadow of the infamous Pendle Hill and its history, this is the perfect backdrop for the storyline that follows. Whilst the story and setting lean in to a grim portion of history, the storyline that takes place is far than outdated. 

I must admit, I had hoped the witchcraft element of the storyline was going to prove a little stronger. That is entirely a personal preference, however. I love books featuring witches! Nevertheless, it is a clever book to tie together the topic of witchcraft and a brutal history with a more modern timeline. 

 

Narrative Style

I listened to the audiobook version of this novel as part of the tour. I can confidently say that the narrative style would read as well as it comes across in audio format! The pacing at which the plot unravels it perfect for maintaining suspense up until the very moment of a twist or unveiling. 

I can also attest that the audiobook is a greta way to experience the tale. The narration by Aubrey Parsons is very well done. It was refreshing to pick up a book go this genre in audio format for a change. It’s not one I pick up as often as others anyway. Even then, I tend to read thrillers. However, this particular book proves why books like Witch Hunt need to be less of an exception and more of a rule. 

 

Summary 

Witch Hunt is a fun, entertaining and engaging police procedural thriller that has us guessing until the end. I really enjoyed the historical backdrop of the book. My favourite part of all is the positive representation of mental health in the book. 

Have you read Witch Hunt, or is it now on your TBR after today’s review? 

 

Author Bio

Fast approaching fifty; without enough money for a sports car, BD Spargo decided to express his mid-life crises by turning to crime …

Thankfully for pretty much everyone this meant writing crime fiction rather than anything more nefarious. Originally from London, he spent his early career working in television and theatre including on the Ruth Rendall Mysteries broadcast on ITV. 

A life changing accident necessitated retraining and a change of direction going on to work in mental health services. This culminated in ten years managing a groundbreaking forensic psychiatric service. He now lives in Lancashire with his family and is getting acclimatised to the rain.

Social Media Links – 

Website: https://bdspargo.com 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557017745842

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDSpargo

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

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

Book Review: Wizard and Glass – Stephen King

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***Today’s review of Wizard and Glass contains an affiliate link to Amazon if you wish to purchase the book. If you follow this link, I will earn a small commission from that purchase at no cost to you. 

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Wizard and Glass wasn’t quite the book I expected it to be. So far in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series, the narrative has been light on the context of the wider series. Hoping this would unravel later in all due time, I was okay with this. Well, unravel it did. If you’re interested in my thoughts on the earlier books of the series, you can find these here: – 

The Gunslinger

The Drawing of the Three

The Waste Lands

I confess, Wizard and Glass wasn’t quite the books I anticipated, and I almost marked it down for it. Ultimately, it was an interesting book. However, if I’m honest I was a little disappointed Wizard and Glass came across as a bit of an info-dump book. 

However, the book and narrative isn’t without its merits, and overall I rated the book four stars. Before we get into my thoughts in full detail, let’s cover the stats and synopsis… 

 

Wizard and Glass – Stephen King

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 845

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 04 Nov 1997

Rating: ????

 

Purchase Link – Amazon UK

Goodreads – Wizard and Glass

Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Jake’s pet bumbler survive Blaine the Mono’s final crash, only to find themselves stranded in an alternate version of Topeka, Kansas, one that has been ravaged by the superflu virus. While following the deserted I-70 toward a distant glass palace, they hear the atonal squalling of a thinny, a place where the fabric of existence has almost entirely worn away. While camping near the edge of the thinny, Roland tells his ka-tet a story about another thinny, one that he encountered when he was little more than a boy. Over the course of one long magical night, Roland transports us to the Mid-World of long-ago and a seaside town called Hambry, where Roland fell in love with a girl named Susan Delgado, and where he and his old tet-mates Alain and Cuthbert battled the forces of John Farson, the harrier who—with a little help from a seeing sphere called Maerlyn’s Grapefruit—ignited Mid-World’s final war.

 

My Thoughts

Plot 

Whilst the overall setting and backstory of this book came across as a bit of an info-dump, I can’t actually fault the narrative in itself. This book wasn’t what I expected or hoped for. Instead of a continuation of the present day narrative we’ve enjoyed in books 1-3, very little actually happens in the present timeline in Wizard and Glass. 

Instead, we are taken back to Roland’s youth for the entirety of this book. If not for the level of cohesive detail, and my inability to come up with a way this story could have been told in the detail it is any other way, I would have marked it down. There is so much to this book that I think it was necessary to do in this format. In the grand scheme of the series, the context this backstory provides is relevant to the wider plot and needed to be told. My dislike of the change of pace and plot-line is ultimately preferential and so I couldn’t in good faith by unfair on this point my marking down my review. 

Wizard and Glass is an epic storyline. Hardly surprising for a Stephen King book, but especially in this wider world. Rather than following the established journey towards the Tower, we instead explore the backstory that set Roland on its path. That said, the plot is no less full of action and conflict that we’ve seen in earlier books. Rather, the setting of the book takes us back to what I would describe as a more authentic Western setting. Conflicts, when not handled with words, start with fists and end with bullets or flame. It’s dramatic, tense, and everything I’ve enjoyed in the series so far. 

 

Characters 

As well as the usual cast and crew we’ve come to know and love throughout The Dark Tower so far, we come to know many more in Wizard and Glass. 

Despite almost starting again, and having a whole new cast to introduce and explore, this wasn’t overwhelming to read. Key character are brought into the narrative in good time, not all at once. Even though I went into this book with investment into a set of characters that barely feature in the story (Roland aside, of course), I was still able to relate and motivate myself to explore the new characters and their conclusions. 

The small town community setting of this book is one I know all too well. I live on an island myself, and news, and people, get around. In this even smaller, somewhat isolated group, it’s not difficult to appreciate how difficult it is to keep secrets in a place like this. The conflict and tension of such a setting is engaging. Groups like this often develop their own senses of right and wrong, morality, things like that. For outsiders, it’s entirely skewed. That’s very much the case here, and I liked that. To what extermes will these people go to? Where are the boundaries, if they exist?

 

Setting 

The benefit of a book which essentially addresses flashbacks is that we get to see a whole new setting within the wider world already established. It’s an opportunity to address history and take a look at the places, events and ultimately the backstory that shaped the more modern timeline. 

In Wizard and Glass, we get to experience what I would describe as a book with closer fidelity to a Western style narrative. In earlier books, we’ve had elements of modern societies bleed into the narrative. Blane the mono, abandoned cities and the like morph the setting slightly to something more hybrid. However, in Wizard and Glass, the small town setting and close community brings us back to the book’s Western roots. The self-sustaining community, suspicious of outsiders, set in their ways and opinions and witchcraft especially feels authentic. 

Whilst I’ve enjoyed the other books and their crossovers in setting (it’s a fantasy after all, not a pure Western), I got on well with Wizard and Glass leaning into this more authentic setting. 

 

Narrative Style 

For the most part, we spend the majority of our time in Wizard and Glass flashing back to the past. Whilst we get brief glimpses of present day and the group listening to Roland’s recount of his youth, not much happens here. Even still, these brief interludes help break up that dense, contextually relevant narrative and give Susannah and Eddie the opportunity to ‘ask questions’ to help reaffirm relevance to readers. 

Despite being a chunky read, I read Wizard and Glass pretty quickly. In all, I think I was actively progressing with this book over a span of a couple of weeks. I did have to put it down temporarily to pick up some reading obligations. However, once those were out of the way I dived into the final 30% of the book with gusto. 

For an epic fantasy, I’d say Kings books, Wizard and Glass included, aren’t difficult to read. There’s complexity in the depth of what is going on, sure, but not really in the language, tone or writing style of the book. Even references to phases and elements of ‘own language’ in the book are pretty self-explanatory. 

 

Summary 

Thanks for reading today’s Wizard and Glass review! 

Have you read Wizard of Glass, or any other books in Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series? If not yet, pick up a copy of Wizard and Glass here, or start the adventure with The Dark Tower and let me know what you think of this Western-style fantasy. 

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