Category: Blog Tour

#30DaysOfBookBlogs #BookReview Mrs P’s Book of Secrets by Lorna Gray

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It’s a pleasure to be bringing you my review of Mrs P’s Book of Secrets by Lorna Gray (published under the title The Book Ghost in the US). Thanks to Lorna for inviting me to mark publication of her book by taking part in her month long celebration of book bloggers, #30DaysOfBookBlogs.

UK (2)About the Book

The Cotswolds, Christmastime 1946: A young widow leaves behind the tragedy of her wartime life, and returns home to her ageing aunt and uncle. For Lucy – known as Mrs P – and the people who raised her, the books that line the walls of the family publishing business bring comfort and the promise of new beginnings.

But the kind and reserved new editor at the Kershaw and Kathay Book Press is a former prisoner of war, and he has his own shadows to bear. And when the old secrets of a little girl’s abandonment are uncovered within the pages of Robert Underhill’s latest project, Lucy must work quickly if she is to understand the truth behind his frequent trips away.

For a ghost dwells in the record of an orphan girl’s last days. And even as Lucy dares to risk her heart, the grief of her own past seems to be whispering a warning of fresh loss.

There are no white shrouded spectres here, no wailing ghouls. Just the echoes of those who have passed, whispering that history is set to repeat itself.

Format: ebook (400 pages)                        Publisher: One More Chapter
Publication date: 14th December 2019 Genre: Historical fiction

Find Mrs P’s Book of Secrets on Goodreads

Purchase links*
Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com | Hive (supporting UK bookshops)
*links provided for convenience, not as part of any affiliate programme

My Review

I really enjoyed how the author conjured up the slightly antiquated atmosphere of the bookshop, publishing office, print room and attic which are the main settings for the story.

The story progresses at a gentle pace with the occasional moment of melodrama but a lot of the reader’s time is spent inside the head of Mrs P as she continually seeks to interpret other’s words, actions, gestures and emotions, particularly those of the new editor, Robert Underhill. Whilst much personal interaction is, as the author so aptly describes it, ‘an endless dance around the edge of misunderstanding’, at times this introspection and constant second-guessing risked distracting from the story. However, I can also see it reflected Mrs P’s own uncertainty about her position, how others regard her and her abilities, and the general reluctance of many to talk of things related to the war. So many questions that can’t be asked for fear of touching on some hidden trauma.

The mystery surrounding the young girl mentioned in the book Robert Underhill is editing reflects one of the underlying themes of the book, that the dead still ‘exist’ as long as someone remembers them or their presence is recorded in some way, whether through stories, artefacts or even the places they lived. ‘The ghosts of this world are all around in the words and actions of those who have gone before.’ Eventually Mrs P reaches a point where she can reconcile herself to the loss of her husband and the life they might have had, and to begin to see another fulfilling future for herself.

Mrs P’ s Book of Secrets is a thoughtful, tender exploration of the legacy of war and how people face the challenges of making new lives for themselves.

I received a review copy courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley.

In three words: Gentle, reflective, insightful

Try something similar: A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier (read my review here)

Author Lorna GrayAbout the Author

Lorna Gray was born in 1980 in Bedfordshire. Her relationship with the glorious countryside of the Cotswolds began many years ago when she first moved to Cirencester. She has been exploring the area through her love of history, adventure and romance ever since.

This is Lorna’s fourth post-WWII mystery. Her three previous novels are In the Shadow of Winter (2015), The War Widow (2018) and The Antique Dealer’s Daughter (2018). She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband.

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#BlogTour #BookReview Payback by R. C. Bridgestock @DomePress

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Payback Blog Tour PosterWelcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Payback by R. C. Bridgestock, the first in a new series featuring Yorkshire cop, DI Charley Mann. Payback was published as an ebook on 5th December 2019 and in paperback on 9th January 2020. Thanks to Emily at The Dome Press for inviting me to take part in the tour and for my proof copy.

Payback bcAbout the Book

Charley Mann left Yorkshire for the Met and a fast-track career – but now she’s back, she’s in charge and the area’s first young, female DI.

Her hometown, the Yorkshire countryside, and her old friends all seem unchanged, but appearances can be deceptive.

When a brutal murder is discovered, Charley is forced to question everything, and the interest of her ex – reporter Danny Ray – doesn’t make it easier.

Format: Paperback, ebook (320 pages) Publisher: The Dome Press
Publication date: 9th January 2020      Genre: Crime

Purchase links*
Publisher | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com
*links provided for convenience, not as part of any affiliate programme

Find Payback (DI Charley Mann #1) on Goodreads

My Review

No sooner has Charley Mann, newly promoted to Inspector, arrived back on her home turf in Yorkshire than she finds herself taking on the lead role in the investigation of a murder. The investigation becomes more complicated as her personal and professional life collide and the murder attracts unwelcome press attention. An unsupportive boss doesn’t help either.

Charley is no angel. She didn’t get the nickname ‘Champagne Charley’ for nothing, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, is intolerant of intolerance and can definitely look after herself when it comes to a spot of fisticuffs. (You certainly wouldn’t want to be in the culprit’s shoes when Charley catches up with them.) However, all of this makes her a very believable, well-rounded character with flaws as well as more admirable qualities, such as her passion for justice. As she says at one point, “I’m not here to be liked; I’m here to do a job. And no matter what it takes, I’m going to do it.” The authors have given Charley an interesting backstory, more details of which I’m sure will be revealed in future books.

As you’d expect from two authors with so many combined years of experience in the Police force, the detail of police procedure is meticulously described. From the handling of evidence, to the securing of a crime scene, working with forensics and search teams and preparing for interviews and operations, it all seems completely realistic. Being squeamish, the post-mortem scene was a bit too realistic for me. (By the way, you can read Bob’s guest postabout examining crime scenes here.)

To prevent the book becoming too much like a police training manual, the authors cleverly introduce rookie detective, Annie, as a way for Charley to impart information about police processes. The book is also good at reflecting the realities currently facing the Police force such as funding constraints, the burden of paperwork, the need to juggle resources and achieve targets whilst at the same time adhering to health and safety rules and upholding the rights and welfare of those charged with offences.

Tension builds as Charley and her team get closer to finding the culprit and work together to diligently build a case that will be sufficient for prosecution and conviction. Although the investigation is neatly wrapped up by the end of the book there are strands of subplot left tantalizingly unresolved to be explored in a future book. At least, I hope so.

Payback will appeal to readers who like their crime fiction packed with realistic detail of police procedure, to fans of the authors’ DI Dylan books or simply those looking for a new crime series to follow that features a strong female protagonist.

In three words: Authentic, suspenseful, assured

Try something similar: Poetic Justice by R. C. Bridgestock (read my review here)

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RC Bridgestock Author PhotoAbout the Author

R. C. Bridgestock is the pen name of writing duo Carol and Bob Bridgestock. Between them they have nearly 50 years of high level experience in West Yorkshire Police. The couple are storyline consultants on Happy Valley and Scott & Bailey and appear regularly on TV, radio and in the press.

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