Tag: J.H. Mann

Monthly Wrap-Up – July 2026

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In early July, I took a bit of a step back from reading. I had a bit of a reading slump at the end of June. Honestly, I was too ambitious in my hopes for completing the Goodreads Spring challenge. I pushed too hard and failed. Nevertheless, we love onwards and upwards. 

So, I enjoyed a break, some craft projects and then dived in to fulfil some blog tour obligations and get back in the swing of audiobooks. If you’re interested, you can check out the list of books I intended to read in July by looking at my July TBR post. Now, let’s recap what I read in July. 

Books Read

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads Link

My audiobook listen right at the end of June was Behind Closed Doors. I listened to this relatively short thriller over the end of June and into the beginning of July. If I recall correctly, I was around a third of the way through the audiobook as at the end of June. 

Given the break I ended up taking, I finished this audio a little later than I expected. However, when it came down to it, I did enjoy going back to and wrapping up this one. 

Did Behind Closed Doors blow me away in the way I hoped? No. Secretly, I was hoping this book would be a little different from other books in the same genre. Maybe the unlikely Millie would turn events on their head. Or, maybe our expectations of a controlling husband are unfounded and it’s Grace that’s the problem. No. sadly not. 

Nevertheless, Behind Closed Doors was a decent read. Just not genre-defining. 

Katabasis

Goodreads Link 

Early in the month, I read just a handful of pages of Katabasis. I made a decision to break from the book slump at end of June. So, I consciously chose to pick up different reads to those I was slogging over at the end of June.

I’ll go back to Katabasis in the near future. More on this to follow on the blog shortly. However, my first priority is to get back into reading more regularly and find some stunning reads to put me back in the right headspace. 

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads Link 

It helps that I had some reading deadlines to meet. Else, I may not have read much at all in July. 

My first reading deadline was a review of House of Twisted Shadows on the 25th July. I love the combination of WW2 history and Nazi associations/ties to Tyler House and the mystery underpinning the whole story. House of Twisted Shadows is moody, aesthetic and honestly, it was the refreshing read I needed. 

If you’re curious, check out my review here. 

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads Link 

Hot on the heels of my review of House of Twisted Shadows, my obligation to review A Painkiller to Die For fell just a few days later on the 28th July. 

This book was very different in its style and angle. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters, the morality question of what was going on and exploring the underlying motives and goals of the characters in the storyline. 

A Painkiller to Die For is another interesting read I think you’ll enjoy if you like the sound of it based on the description above. Want to find out more? Take a look at that review here. 

The Tw*t Files

Goodreads Link 

Like Katabasis, I picked up The Tw*t Files at the end of June to hopefully break the reading slump. 

At the beginning of July, I read around 100 pages. It’s pretty quick to read, and very funny. However, I did stop reading this one in favour of making a friend a birthday gift. Then, my blog tour obligations took priority. This is another book you’ll see more of in the near future – watch this space!

Empire of Storms

Goodreads Link 

Finally, the read that’s been dominating my attention for most of the month, on and off, it Empire of Storms. 

Whilst this book is definitely easier to listen to than read, I didn’t quite finish it before the end of July. In fact, as of writing, I have just under 3 hours left. I made a valiant effort last Sunday and listened to around 6 hours whilst my partner was at work. One last push to go and I will be able to tick Empire of Storms off the list! ✅

Summary

July was a bit of a slow month, but that’s okay! I’m hoping things will settle down shortly and I’ll be able to reading at my regular pace before I know it! 

How is your summer reading going? 

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Sunday Summary – 26th July 2026

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Good afternoon everyone! I’m drafting this a little earlier than usual for today’s Sunday Summary as I’m having friends around this evening. Needless to say, I won’t be getting any additional reading done. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a good catch up, and I can’t wait to see how my friends have been doing.

But what have I been doing? That’s what you’re here to learn. I’ve managed to get some reading done this week, which is a bonus given I’ve had some reading obligations to take care of. On top of that, I have enjoyed learning and swearing at my new knitting machine ? it’s an experience I have to say… 

On the blog, I’ve shared a Top Ten Tuesday about books that live in my head rent free (basically, I think about them a lot). Then, my most recent blog post went live yesterday. That post was my blog tour review of House of Twisted Shadows by J.H. Mann. 

Books Read

House of Twisted Shadows

Naturally, with a blog tour obligation this week, reading House of Twisted Shadows was my main priority. This book over the course of the week, between getting excited to test out my knitting machine amongst other obligations. You’ll be pleased to know I finish this book well in time to put together my blog to review post. If you haven’t checked that out already, you can do so here. 

A Painkiller to Die For

Another blog tour obligation is rapidly approaching! My review for A Painkiller to Die For is due on the 28th of July. The good news for you is that you don’t have long to wait to hear my thoughts on this book. The ‘bad’ news for me is that I’m only just starting to read it.

Jesting aside, i’m looking forward to getting into this one properly. And, it’s a relatively short book meaning it shouldn’t take me too long to get through to the interesting aspect of the narrative. I have some suspicions already from the synopsis of how this may pan out. In a way, I hope I can be surprised though.

More to follow on this one in just a couple of days, so hang tight. 

Empire of Storms

I had hoped to hit Empire of Storms a little harder this week. However, as of drafting this Sunday’s Summary post, I have listened to just three hours this week.

We’re now fast approaching the end of July, so I need to step up with progress in order to finish the audiobook before the end of the month. Was my being on track with this book and series short-lived? Quite possibly! However, I am nothing if not capable of pulling things out of the bag last minute. I’m going out of my way more to do my own thing at the gym, so that is opportunity every day for some listening time. Not only that, but some nights I listened before bed as well. 

Is it doable? Yes! Will I manage it? … We’ll see! 

Books Discovered 

Sorry to disappoint, but my wallet remains happy and my TBR is still going in the right direction (down!)

Coming Up… 

What I’m Reading… 

Here are the books I will be reading in the next seen days. At minimum…

  • ??Read A Painkiller to Die For – review due 28th July
  • ??Read Duel of Beasts – review due 2nd August
  • Finish Empire of Storms – take your bets on whether I complete before the end of July now! 

Blog

Next week on the block is going to be a busy one! As you will have already gathered from earlier content in this Sunday Summary post, I have a blog tour review due on Tuesday, the 28th of July for A Painkiller to Die For. 

Next, I’ll return with a Friday feature post, this time a  First Lines Friday. To be honest, priority is going towards focusing on my review reads. Therefore, I’m not going to set any form of challenge or task that’s going to make selection more difficult. Instead, I’ll do what takes my fancy on the day… 

Next Sunday, my review is due for Duel of Beasts. Obviously this conflicts with my usual Sunday Summary post. In order to give that blog to book full priority, that will go live first thing on Sunday morning. I will still draft my Sunday Summary, but this will go live at a minute past midnight on Monday morning.

Summary

Thanks for reading today’s Sunday Summary instalment! I hope you’ve enjoyed catching up with me and my current reads.

What audiobook are you listening to right now? Do you have any reading deadlines coming up? 

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Blog Tour Review: House of Twisted Shadows – J.H. Mann

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If you are interested in a mystery novel with ties to World War II history, look no further! House of Twisted Shadows is different from other books I’ve read in its genre. With a bleak, sinister setting and a dark past to revisit, it’s an atmospheric read to cosy in with.

As always, thanks to Rachel and the author, J.H. Mann for the opportunity to read and review House of Twisted Shadows. 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 check out the details, synopsis, (and purchase links if you want to get a copy yourself), then I can get to the fun part of the review!

House of Twisted Shadows – J.H. Mann

Genre: Mystery Thriller 

Pages: 344

Audience: Adult

Publisher: Dark Spider Books 

Original Publication Date: 24 July 2026

Rating: ????

Goodreads – House of Twisted Shadows

House of Twisted Shadows

A HOUSE ON THE EDGE
A DAUGHTER DRIVEN TO OBSESSION
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Winter 1962. Amelia Tremayne has spent the past ten years in London trying to forget the lonely clifftop house where her father was killed. Tyler House was built shortly before the Second World War on Cornwall’s stormy coast by a wealthy German outsider. Its most unsettling feature is a vast glass dome that bends the light, casting twisted, elongated shadows across the walls.

Amelia’s father, Douglas Tremayne, a noted historian, was researching a controversial book about Tyler House’s Nazi origins – and its links to powerful figures in the local community.

As Amelia begins to uncover the truth about her father’s death, she is pulled into a web of buried secrets – and into a forbidden love that could destroy everything she holds dear.

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY

Praise for J.H.Mann:

‘Powerful, evocative and steeped in atmosphere – J.H. Mann vividly brings Cornwall’s wild, haunting landscape and its legends to life’ – Margaret James, bestselling author of the Denham Family Sagas

‘Vivid details of the landscape, eroding cliffs and crumbling house…the tension grips you and the atmospheric setting of Tyler House draws you in’ – Cheshire Novel Prize

Purchase Links - Amazon UK   Amazon US

My Thoughts…

Plot

What I really enjoyed about House of Twisted Shadows is that a thriller and mystery plot line is combined with World War II history. It’s a subject I love reading about, and it was the main reason I chose to pick up house of twisted shadows in the first place. As ideas go, it’s pretty unique. This is the first book I’ve read of its type, and I’d happily devour more! 

I enjoyed uncovering the truth behind Tyler House and its previous occupants. what makes this even more enjoyable is that it is somewhat based true fact. How many such places were built on Britain’s Shores? Is their past as nefarious as that in House of Twisted Shadows?

Characters

Amelia’s an interesting character. Coming back to the place her world fell apart, she’s determined to revisit her past to uncover the truth. Truly, I enjoyed such a bright spark in this eerie, atmospheric setting. 

Not all characters in House of Twisted Shadows are as easy to get behind though. Sinister plots and machinations abound, both in history, and present day, to thwart Amelia’s aims. Not that we necessarily know who they are. As a community, the locals are a little guarded. Only Aidan, an ex, and Edith, a dear friend, care at all for Amelia’s welfare. 

Setting

Tyler House, sat on a bleak clifftop in Cornwall lives up to it history. Desolate, bleak and shut off from the rest of the world in the height of winter, Amelia has only the shadows from her past for company. 

As somebody who lives in a relatively small town community herself, I appreciated the vibe and overall setting we get in House of Twisted Shadows. In a community where tongues wag over every piece of invented gossip to keep things entertaining (it’s the only thing to do for miles after all!), it’s very familiar and immersive. 

Thrown into this relatively close knit and small community, Amelia is a bit of an outsider. Daughter of the famous historian who ruffled some feathers in his day, she was unlikely to get locals on side. She is trying to dig up the past, and if she finds out what her father was working on in the days leading up to his death, it will spell trouble. 

Narrative Style

As with any mystery, timing and execution of the big reveal plot twist is essential. House of Twisted Shadows pulls this off perfectly. Rather than one definitive twist at the end, we are treated to multiple reveals throughout the plot line that help give us a bigger picture of what happened all those years ago. Amelia is in for a rollercoaster ride. She came back to this small town to find out the truth of what happened to her father. Is she equipped to deal with the truths she uncovers?

This book reads really easily. Suitable for all levels of reader, this approachable writing style makes the storyline accessible to all to enjoy! In terms of pace, it’d also a pretty quick read. With something new happening in every chapter, it’s fast-paced and pretty compulsively readable too. 

Summary

House of Twisted Shadows is a unique book for its subject. Even if you aren’t such a World War II fiction fan as I am, the intrigue behind the storyline and events that happened all those years ago are captivating enough to hold your attention. 

Bold, unique, and somewhat poetic in execution, the mysteries of Tyler House slowly yield to Amelia’s tenacity. Is all as it first appears? Only you can find out yourself by picking up House of Twisted Shadows and unraveling the mystery yourselves! 

Author Bio

J.H.Mann is an award-winning journalist and writer living in the South West of England. His second novel, The Echoing Shore, was a Yeovil Literary Prize award winner and the Adult Fiction Winner of the 2025 Selfies Book Awards at the London Book Fair. His third novel, The Silver Tide, has just been shortlisted for the 2026 Selfies Book Awards. He has strong family links with Cornwall. His novels are inspired by the many stories told by his mother and father and his own experiences as a shore-based volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). He lives with his wife, Nicola, and their lively whippet Patch.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook – www.facebook.com/jason.mann.9047

Instagram – www.instagram.com/jhmannauthor/

Tik Tok – J.h.mann.writer (@j.h.mann.writer) | TikTok

Website: www.jhmannauthor.com

Monthly TBR – July 2026

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I’ve really had to reign myself in with my July TBR. A theme of every reading list I have set myself so far this year is that the list is a long one, and I don’t get to do every book on it.

My June TBR and the aim to complete the Goodreads spring reading challenge overwhelmed to me. That’s myself get stuck on lack of progress with a chunky book and fell off the wagon, so to speak. 

So, I’ve had a word with myself to shorten this list as much as I can get away with. There were also practical reasons for that decision – I have some blog tour obligations later this month that I can’t skip out on. I cannot have a repeat of last month and let that get in the way of my promise to review these books. 

July is a busy month at work, and typically I work overtime in the early days of the month. Leaning into audio allows me to read when still doing other things, from going to the gym or driving, or enjoying my crafty hobbies! I’m back into crochet lately, as well as cross-stitch! 

So, what’s the theme for July’s TBR? Completing June carried forward June reads, revisiting my highly anticipated 2026 releases and three blog tour obligations at the end of this month into early August. 

Let’s dive in!

Carryovers from June

The Pillars of the Earth

Goodreads

My first carryover from June to include in this July TVR is the read I made the most progress with of all my carryovers. Yes, I am talking about The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. As of drafting this July TBR, I am X pages into this book. That sounds significant, but when you consider this book is 1070 pages long in total, you’ll easily see that I still have some way to go! 

It’s this book that tripped me up in June. When I started it, I set out with the intention to read just over 40 pages a day. That would have seen me to the end of this book. However, I can’t always read every day. That means very quickly you can get behind, and I let this mindset get in my way of making the progress I could and ultimately I stopped reading this book towards the end of June. 

However, now I have no deadline. I am enjoying this book, so it’s one I’m going to continue with my own time rather than pressurising myself. Whilst I would like to complete this for the end of July, anything goes!

Katabasis

Goodreads

This is the book I started at the end of June to get myself out of the rut caused by The Pillars of the Earth. I have enjoyed books by R.F. Kuang several times now. Babel, The Poppy War and Yellowface all grace my ‘read’ shelves. No doubt Katabasis will be among their number shortly.

I only made a token start to this book before the end of June. However, I enjoyed the set up of the storyline so far. I’ve also enjoyed other dark academia themed books earlier this year. Another notable mention in this genre is An Arcane Inheritance if you are looking for something of this ilk. 

Fingers crossed it lives up to the hype I’ve heard and expect from R.F. Kuang and it can get me back into the reading groove! 

Behind Closed Doors

Goodreads

My audiobook carryover into this July TBR is Behind Closed Doors. This is a relatively short book. I have only listened to this for around an hour for a couple of evenings so far, and that puts me about a third of the way into the book. 

Again, I have enjoyed the set up for this one. There is definitely more to the story than meets the eye. It’s currently being portrayed as a fairly typical story of a man controlling a woman in a new marriage. But is that really the case? It seems an obvious set up. I’m either hoping for a complete role reversal or some kind of twist that flipped this on its head. Either that, or a revenge arc for Grace. 

Reading Obligations

House of Twisted Shadows

Goodreads

A blog tour review opportunity came up for a book with a mystery and thriller leaning, but also ties to World War II. You know me, I love my historical fiction based on this time period! I’m excited to try a book from a different genre with this same leaning and ties to Nazi Germany.

I’ve got most of the months to pick up this book, as my review is due to take place on the 25th of July. Given that it’s an obligation though, I’m going to prioritise this book and hopefully read it sooner. I’m looking forward to picking this up and sharing my thoughts with you very soon! 

A Painkiller to Die For

Goodreads

My next tour follows just three days after House of Twisted Shadows. So, I need to get my skates on. I’ve often said that having a reading deadline helps motivate me. Whilst that didn’t especially help me last month, this time it’s a bit different in that I would be letting somebody else down rather than just myself.

What drew me to A Painkiller to Die For is the book’s pharmaceutical leaning. It’s not a common topic I read about, so it had novelty factor. Not only that, but there is clearly some mystery aspect to the storyline. Are the characters all who they say they are? 

Duel of Beasts

Goodreads

My final blog tour obligation on my July TBR is a medieval adventure set in Spain, of all places. Rachel was looking for people to take part in the tour, and I was intrigued. 

It seems there’s some kind of religious aspect to this book. It’s not my typical setting of novel, but that’s precisely why I want to read it! I’m always trying to diversify the books and settings I pick up. Duel of Beasts definitely fits that bill! 

2026 Releases

The Midnight Train

Goodreads

A couple of new releases on my 2026 highly anticipated releases list came out in April. However, with reading priorities and challenges to date, I’ve not yet got to them. It’s now time! This July’s TBR has lots of exciting new releases on it when you take into account my three blog tours. 

I’ve come to love Matt Haig’s writing. However, I’m a little apprehensive of this book given I’ve read less favourable reviews of this latest book. Still, I won’t know for definite until I pick it up for myself. Nevertheless, I want to give it a go and see if I agree or have my own opinions… 

The Language of Liars

Goodreads

This book is all about words, their power. It leans into my own personal love of language, and that’s why I’m not so quietly optimistic that this will go down well with me. 

The sci-fi spy narrative is also a little unusual. I’ve read something similar before (Starsight) and really enjoyed it. It’s a bit of an unusual one, but all the same, I’m keen to get stuck into this one and see if it’s just as good. 

Summary

I’ve got considerably fewer books on my July TBR, and I’m planning to pick up as many as I can in audio format to make the most of reading opportunities I have. I’m ready for a fresh start, and I’ve got plenty of new releases to dive into and get excited about! 

What new release have you read recently?

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