Boy Soldier by Andy McNab and Robert Rigby
I recently set one of my tutor groups to read Boy Soldier by Andy McNab and Robert Rigby. To make sense of the challenge and allow me to set questions, I read the book too.
The Blurb
Danny Watts’s grandfather, Fergus, was a traitor. One of the worst sort. An SAS explosives expert who betrayed his country and his Regiment for money. Drug money. He was arrested and left to rot and die in a Colombian jail.
At least, that’s what seventeen-year-old Danny is told when his hopes of becoming a soldier are destroyed for ever.
But he knows something the army doesn’t seem to know. Fergus Watts is alive and in the UK, living in secret under an assumed name – but where? Fergus is Danny’s only living relative.
Burning with fury and desire for revenge, Danny sets out to track down his grandfather and expose him. In doing so he sets in train an explosive sequence of events which throw Danny and Fergus together on the run from the people who want Fergus, and now Danny, dead.
The Review
I usually try to avoid books with more that one attributed author. However, as I had set Boy Soldier for a tutor group, I could not avoid this one, and I’m glad I didn’t. The book is a gripping, action-packed SAS thriller. It is ideal for adventure-seeking readers.
Boy Soldier commences in Colombia in 1997 where a former SAS soldier, Fergus Watts, is shown to be training members of the illegal guerrilla force FARC but quickly moves to England in 2006 where a promising recruit, Danny Watts, fails to be accepted for the army that he dearly wants to join.
The reader learns more about the youngster, Danny, and his friend Elena when he returns home to the hostel where he lives since being orphaned in a tragic accident. The connection between the two men and Danny’s search for Fergus develops into an exciting adventure that requires Danny to learn fast and stay safe.
Boy Soldier is packed with breathtaking action, SAS procedures and surveillance and survival techniques, this is a fast-moving, action-packed thriller for teenagers. I highly recommend this book.
The Authors
Andy McNab
Andy McNab joined the infantry in 1976 as a boy soldier. In 1984 he was badged as a member of 22 SAS Regiment. He served in B Squadron 22 SAS for ten years and worked on both covert and overt special operations worldwide, including anti-terrorist and anti-drug operations in the Middle and Far East, South and Central America and Northern Ireland.
Trained as a specialist in counter terrorism, prime target elimination, demolitions, weapons and tactics, covert surveillance and information gathering in hostile environments, and VIP protection, McNab worked on cooperative operations with police forces, prison services, anti-drug forces and western backed guerrilla movements as well as on conventional special operations. In Northern Ireland he spent two years working as an undercover operator with 14th Intelligence Group, going on to become an instructor.
McNab also worked as an instructor on the SAS selection and training team and instructed foreign special forces in counter terrorism, hostage rescue and survival training.
Robert Rigby
Robert Rigby began his career as a journalist, then spent several years in the music business as a songwriter and session musician. He turned to writing for radio, television, and the theatre, and has also directed and performed in children’s theatre throughout the country. He has become an established young people’s playwright, and his award-winning work with youth theatre companies has been seen in Britain, Europe, the USA, and Africa. He wrote the novelizations of the movies Goal! and Goal II, and his scripts for television include the long-running BBC children’s drama series, Byker Grove.
Val Penny
Memories and Stages of Love (vol. 1) by Racquel Singleton-Quiney
I recently received a copy of of Memories and Stages of Love (vol.1) written by Racquel Singleton-Quiney. It is a beautifully produced book full of poems, quotes and reflections of love, life and relationships.
Truly, I had no idea what to expect from this book, but I was entranced by the wisdom and truth of the words, stories and quotes. let me give you an example: From Stages of Love: Your Eyes
I look into your eyes and watch as the hazel oceans sweeps me through the many storms in my mind,
We dream together a future of unity and understanding, our passion flow as… I look into your eyes.
The second Chapter of the book deals with Quotes on Love, Life and Relationships and the depth of feeling reflected in the words on the page is truly inspiring. I found the poem, Life a beautiful prayer that I have enjoyed sharing with friends. It reminds me ‘Life is a blessing.’ Indeed, it is.
In the third part of Memories and Stages of Love (vol.1) the author, gives her reader the benefit of her thoughts on topics that she has spent time considering around the human condition and emotions.
This is a generous book full of wisdom and love. I highly recommend it.
The Author
Racquel Singleton-Quiney has been writing poetry since high school and has had much of her work published in anthologies. This is the first collection of her work. Racquel is a Certified Professional Life Coach and received her certification from Fowler Wainwright International. She hopes to help her readers and clients change and improve their lives with her poetry and words.
She lives in Michigan with her husband.
Val Penny
Paparazzi by Jo Fenton
I think this is the fourth novel by Jo Fenton that I have read and I have enjoyed each one, but in Paparazzi, this author really comes into her own. It is an exceptional novel that tells a complex story dealing with murder, fame, stalking and PTSD.
The Blurb
It’s thirty years since Becky White joined the police. Now, six months after leaving the force, she is suffering from PTSD, when an old friend turns up with a tempting offer.
Following the creation of The White Knight Detective Agency, their first client is a press photographer – a member of the Paparazzi – a young woman with a mysterious and troublesome stalker.
But as the case develops, Becky and Joanna find themselves embroiled in murder. When they are unable to prevent further deaths, their investigation takes them down an unexpected path.
But can they trust their instinct? And will they identify the killer in time to save a child’s life?
Paparazzi, the second instalment in the bestselling Becky White Thriller series. takes you on a journey into the deceptive world of superstars – and those who follow them!
The Review
I had read the first in the author’s Becky White series but, although this was the second book, and I enjoyed the first, Paparazzi works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel. The story is set in and around Manchester, England.
It follows the protagonist Becky White, who has recently left the police force, as she sets up a detective agency with an old university friend, Joanna, they name the business The White Knight Agency. Their first client is a female photographer who is terrified of an unknown stalker. Not only does she have demons to overcome, but so do Becky and Joanna.
The story follows the establishment of the agency and the enthusiasm of its founders to solve their client’s problem. However, before they can do that, they are caught up in the murder of family members of a local rock star and it is clear that Joanna’s past is linked to that of Becky’s husband. Unresolved issues must be dealt with to secure the future of Becky’s own family and Becky must find a way to come to terms with her fears.
This is a beautifully crafted novel that held my interest throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am sure that the issues raised in the book would make for most interesting discussions in a book group. I heartily recommend Paparazzi and look forward to the next book in the series.
The Author
Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.
Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.
When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.
Hunter’s Chase in Audiobook
I am extremely excited because the first novel in my series, The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries is now available as an audiobook. It is read by an Edinburgh man, Sean Pia. He went to Leith Academy, a state school in Edinburgh, which boasts around 900 pupils and is the school that my main character, Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson attended.
Sean is a teacher from Edinburgh who now lives and works in the Southside of Glasgow. In his spare time he likes to read fantasy novels. Hunter’s Chase is his first completed audiobook but he is now working on Hunter’s Revenge, the second book in the series which will be added to his repertoire in the near future.
Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson knows there is a new supply of cocaine flooding his city, and he needs to find the source, but his attention is transferred to murder when a corpse is discovered in the grounds of a golf course.
Shortly after the post-mortem, Hunter witnesses a second murder, but that is not the end of the slaughter. With a young woman’s life also hanging in the balance, the last thing Hunter needs is a new man on his team: Detective Constable Tim Myerscough, the son of his nemesis, the former Chief Constable Sir Peter Myerscough.
Hunter’s perseverance and patience are put to the test time after time in this first novel in The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries series.
Hunter by name – Hunter by nature: DI Hunter Wilson will not rest until Edinburgh is safe.
The books in The Edinburgh Crime Mystery series are also free to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Val Penny
Style and the Solitary by Miriam Drori
This is the first murder mystery by Miriam Drori that I have read. It is an interesting departure from he previous books and, as this is my preferred genre, I was excited to read it.
The Blurb
An unexpected murder. A suspect with a reason. The power of unwavering belief.
A murder has been committed in an office in Jerusalem. That’s for sure. The rest is not as clear-cut as it might seem.
Asaf languishes in his cell, unable to tell his story even to himself. How can he tell it to someone who elicits such fear within him?
His colleague, Nathalie, has studied Beauty and the Beast. She understands its moral. Maybe that’s why she’s the only one who believes in Asaf, the suspect. But she’s new in the company – and in the country. Would anyone take her opinion seriously?
The Review
Style and the Solitary is a gripping tale of murder, belief and self-belief, or rather a lack of self belief. The story is set in the magical city of Jerusalem and tells of Asaf, one member of an office work-force, who has decided to live his life differently. He certainly does that, when he arrives to work early, as usual and finds a corpse with a knife sticking into it. Needless to say, his already fragile mental state is horribly affected by this. All his social anxiety comes to the fore and the only person who believes in him is Nathalie, a new colleague who is also new to Israel.
The way Asaf’s mental health issues are drawn and discussed by this author make the novel unique and absolutely fascinating. I was enthralled by the murder mystery, but even more so by the development of the main character.
The heroine, Nathalie, and her housemates form and amusing and vibrant trio determined to prove Asaf’s innocence and discover the true perpetrator. While they search for the murderer the reader is treated to a tour of Jerusalem.
All in all, with a gripping plot, interesting characters and a beautiful setting, Style and the Solitary is an excellent new novel by Miriam Drori which would make for great discussions in a book group and I highly recommend it.
The Author
Miriam Drori was born and brought up in London and now lives with her husband and one of three grown up children in Jerusalem.
With a degree in Maths and following careers in computer programming and technical writing, Miriam has been writing novels and short stories since 2004. After some success with short stories, Miriam turned her hand to longer fictional works, publishing NEITHER HERE NOR THERE and THE WOMEN FRIENDS: SELINA, co-written with Emma Rose Millar.
Social anxiety features in Miriam’s latest publications. SOCIAL ANXIETY REVEALED is a non-fiction guide that explores this common but little-known disorder from multiple points of view. The book has been highly recommended by ‘sufferers’ as well as professionals in this field. CULTIVATING A FUJI is the story of a fictional character who battles against social anxiety before learning to make friends with it. STYLE AND THE SOLITARY, a crime novel, asks an important question: what happens when a suspect can’t stick up for himself?
When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, hiking, dancing and travelling.
Find Miriam Drori here:
Website/blog: miriamdrori.com
Facebook: miriamdroriauthor
Twitter: @MiriamDrori
Goodreads: miriam_drori
Instagram: @miriam.drori
Wattpad: miriamdrori
Dead Man’s Prayer by Jackie Baldwin
I was recently on a panel during a crime festival with Jackie Baldwin. She is a bestselling Scottish crime writer and I was thrilled to have an opportunity to discuss Dead Man’s Prayer with her. I have always found her main character, Frank Farrell a most interesting one and it was interesting to learn more about him from the author herself.
The Blurb
A dark and gripping crime debut, the first in an exciting new series. Eighteen years ago, DI Frank Farrell turned his back on the church. But when an ex-priest is murdered in his hometown, he has no choice but to delve into his past. Perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, James Oswald and Val McDermid.
The Review
The author creates a most interesting main character in Frank Farrell: he was formerly a priest but, having left the priesthood has become a police detective. This in itself marks Baldwin’s series out from other police procedurals in the field.
Dead Man’s Prayer takes the reader through the investigation of a priest’s murder and combines this with the kidnapping of twin boys. Considering the chequered past of the main character the author sets herself a challenge and a gripping story for her readers.
Personally, I especially like Farrell as a main character. He stands out as unique amongst the many detectives that are written about in crime fiction. Farrell’s priesthood background and faith adds another dimension to this novel. I also enjoyed Mhaire and thought she made the perfect foil for Farrell.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend Dead Man’s Prayer.
The Author
Jackie Baldwin was born in Dumfries. She studied law at Edinburgh University returning to Dumfries to practice criminal and family law for the next twenty years. During that time she married and had two children and a variety of pets. She later retrained as a hypnotherapist. Her DI Frank Farrell series is set in Dumfries and Galloway in SW Scotland. She has recently moved closer to Edinburgh.
Val Penny
The Chair by G.B. Williams
I recently appeared on a literary panel at a crime festival with Gail Williams and, although I had not previously read any of her books, I thought it important to know about her book that we would be discussing and I am really pleased I did. The Chair is a gripping stand alone novel.
The Blurb
On a snowbound Cader Idris, death comes stalking.
Cobb retreated to Cader Idris for a solitary life of peace and quiet, and to escape his dangerous past. Though that illusion starts to crumble after he and Branwen Jones, the local vet, find a mysterious RTA victim and shelter him in Cobb’s home.
When elements of London’s criminal underbelly reach Wales, and their presence throws the close-knit community into stark relief, the chance to settle old scores could prove too tempting.
With no choice but to try and hide the RTA victim from people who want to kill him, Cobb’s not sure he’s ready to rejoin the world he’s running from, when that means putting another woman in the firing line. Meanwhile, Branwen’s not sure she can face the revelation of her darkest secret.
But as they face the final showdown, a race over the snowed-in mountain, will anyone survive unscathed?
The Review
This tense and gripping thriller is set in North Wales. I had just finished reading Torn by Karen Moore set in Wales and Sicily and prior to this, I do not think I had ever read a book set in Wales. I am delighted that I have rectified this. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and it grabbed my interest right from the beginning. Both the plot and characters are credible and the story is exciting.
I became invested in the main characters early in the story because they were so well drawn and had interesting back stories. The backdrop of the Welsh mountain, Cader Idris, and the harshness of the way of life in the little village where the story was set added interest for me. There was an increasing feeling of jeopardy that developed as the story progressed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more novels by G.B. Williams.
The Author
I like to walk on the darker side, thankfully there are people and publishers willing to walk there with me.
Once upon a time I was going to walk around Europe. Then I met a guy. I kept the guy, kissed the travel goodbye.
Now I live and work and write in old South Wales, and frequently get mistaken for Clair from New Zealand – no idea why the Clair, but I grew up in Kent, and New Zealand is sort of halfway between Kent and South Wales – if you go the long way around.
Val Penny
Torn by Karen Moore
I had never read any works by Karen Moore, but I had heard a lot about her novel, Torn, and was keen to read it.
The Blurb
Like any mother, Hanna would do anything to protect her small daughter, Eva.
When she discovers that her husband, Luciano, is not all he seems and their blissful life on the island of Sicily is threatened, she wastes no time in seeking refuge abroad. But just as they are settling into their new life in North Wales, Eva disappears.
In a race against time, Hanna is forced to return to Sicily and face the dark world of organised crime in a bid to secure her daughter’s safe return. She must also confront the truth about Luciano’s business dealings and their horrific consequences.
But will Hanna succeed in getting Eva back and bring Luciano to justice?
Or are the stakes just too high?
The Review
Torn is Karen Moore’s debut novel, but it does not read like a debut novel. It is an assured, gripping tale of a young woman who progresses from a carefree job as a tour guide in Sicily to protecting her young child in a Welsh village.
The story builds gradually as the reader is introduced to Hanna, her daughter Eva, best friend Ceri and Ceri’s brother Rhys. The action jumps between Wales and Sicily as the author weaves the tale of Hanna and how she finds herself hiding in the Welsh village seeking safety for herself and Eva.
Hanna’s husband, Eva’s father, is an exciting, handsome man that Hanna falls completely in love with. It is only after Eva’s birth that she begins to discover more about her husband and his family than she knew when they married.
I usually do not enjoy books that jump either in time or place, and this story does both. However, the changes in place and time were so clearly marked in this book that they posed no problem for me.
The story is carefully constructed and layered so cleverly that the tension mounts and the reader is drawn into the problems Hanna encounters. As a result of the character building in this book the reader lives every emotion and struggle that Hanna encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think it would be an excellent read for a book group as discussions would be wide ranging and varied.
The Author
Karen Moore is passionate about all things noir – crime, mystery, thrillers – and writes in that genre.
She has been writing all her life, mostly for work purposes, and is now delighted to be able to spend more time developing her own creative work.
Her debut novel, Torn, is a dark tale of intrigue and betrayal set in Sicily and North Wales. She is currently working on the sequel.
Karen worked as a tour guide across Europe, North America and Canada, followed by a career in PR and marketing. She has lived in France and Italy and is now based in Cheshire, England.
https://www.facebook.com/karenmooreauthor/
Val Penny
Gentlemen of Fortune by A. J. Roberts
I have known A. J. Roberts for several years, but I had never read any of his writing, so, when his first book, Gentlemen of Fortune – A Swashbuckler Tale, was published, I was keen to secure a copy and read. it. The book is slim, only 59 pages in all, that is not a criticism, I was able to read it quickly.
The Blurb
Jamaica 1690
Rosanna Barclay has arrived in Port Royal from England, in search of her missing father. Upon arrival, she meets wandering scoundrels Kestrel and Scar, whom she hires as bodyguards.
She soon learns that her father was a pirate who disappeared after attacking a French payroll carrier. Worse, he double-crossed a powerful information broker who had originally bankrolled the theft.
Rosanna and her companions bluff their way aboard a pirate vessel in order to reach the island where the treasure might be. But their new captain isn’t in favour of a treasure hunt, and the broker’s agents are close behind.
The Review
Gentlemen of Fortune is a short book set in the West Indies in the late seventeenth century. It tells the tale of Rosanna Barclay and her search for her father with the help of two rogues, Kestrel and Scar.
The story is fast-paced and laced with humour that made me laugh out loud. The characters are well described as are the settings. The author avoids a predictable ending and leaves the possibility open for a sequel involving the interesting characters he has created.
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more works by this author.
The Author
Born in Lancashire, A. J. Roberts has been writing as a hobby since the age of seventeen. This initially stemmed from writing campaigns for pen-and-paper roleplaying games and later developed into short stories reminiscent of the pulp magazines. Always a fan of swashbuckler fiction (especially Zorro), he wrote a story featuring a pair of wandering scoundrels partly inspired by Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. It was while writing this he found that he wanted to see the protagonists he created get into all kinds of trouble in different stories.
After discovering an annual writers’ retreat in Derbyshire (Swanwick Writers’ Summer School), he decided he wanted to take things further. In 2018 he left his job as an accountant to begin studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing. While he’s experimenting with new mediums on his course, he hasn’t forgotten the old pulp style he was originally inspired by.
Val Penny
Dreamer by Lorette Kendall
It is a great pleasure to be included in the tour for Dreamer by Loretta Kendall @LorettaKAuthor arranged by Love Books Group @LoveBooksGroup. The book is published by @CayellePub. You can read all about the tour.
The Blurb
Luna suffers from an undiagnosed illness causing hallucinations and blackouts that have plagued her for years. The root of her bazaar illness comes to light when she meets her pro-wrestling hero, Gunner Cain, and his wrestling faction friends, The Tribe. Luna discovers her romantic connection to Gunner isn’t just a fangirl crush, he is her eternal soulmate.
After eight years of seeing visions of his mate, Gunner has fallen in love with Luna through their dream connection. He wants the human woman to become his Alpha dreamer mate in this steamy shifter tale of prophecy and romance.
As part of a prophecy written in the Lycan Oracle. Luna must choose to bond to the Alpha of the Tribe wolfpack, or all will be stuck in wolf form, forgetting their humanity forever. Luna learns that the steps they must take to complete the bonding ritual could also end a centuries-old curse, saving lone wolves abandoned by their packs and plagued with the dreaded Lycan fever. Gunner’s connection to Luna is more than prophecy fulfilled; it is hope for Lycan kind.
The Extract
New York, Madison Square Garden—Ten years ago.
Extreme Wrestling International (EWI)…
“That was one hell of a return, buddy! You were on fire out there, and the crowd ate it up. That’s the biggest pop I’ve ever heard. I’m so proud of you, Gunner. To think, when we first met, you were just some lanky kid straight out of the training center. I’m happy to say you are the top guy right now, and I was here to see it.”
Holding the phone to his ear, Gunner Cain beamed with pride at his best friend’s words.
“Thanks, Zane. It was a rush. Can you believe that crowd?”
Gunner removed his wrestling boots and pulled on his street shoes. He stretched his back to relieve the nervous tension he had from the first night back in front of a live audience. It felt good to be back in his element. Of course, he hadn’t had a match on his first day back, just a video promo with his long-time on-screen rival, Drake Black. After eight months of surgery and therapy to repair his torn ACL, he was back in the game.
“It was exhilarating. I never thought I would be able to come back. Not many do. I don’t think it ever felt this good out there.” Gunner pulled his leather jacket over his black shirt, worn tight to accentuate his muscular biceps and hard chest, and took a gulp from his water bottle. “Zane, when are you coming back?”
“As soon as I am cleared by the staff doctors, and our Tribe signs their contracts, it’ll be time to rock. I’ll be back in a few weeks to rock the house.”
Witnessing Zane’s fall from the top of the cage onto the steel barricade during a match with Steve Steel, Gunner had feared his friend had snapped his neck.
“That fall was the worst thing I have ever seen. I don’t know why you do those dangerous high-flying moves. You’re going to kill yourself one day.”
“It’s what I do best. I can’t wait until we actually get to have all five of us together for the first time on stage. But it’ll be a secret for a while, until it’s all planned out. Mister Hargrove wants the element of surprise. He always thinks he has to make an overly elaborate show of power with his top guys in the company. It’s all about money for Albert Hargrove. Part of being the biggest wrestling promoter in the world, I guess. Money, ratings, more money.”
Thirty-year-old Gunner rolled his eyes. “Eh. I guess. For me it’s about the business and the fans. Giving them what they want is what gets them in the seats. It’s going to be cool having our old crew back at EWI. Just like the old days. Too bad this storyline didn’t happen back when we were in our early twenties.”
Zane flopped back in his recliner in his Texas mansion, adjusting the phone to his ear. Checking out his sexy wife’s backside as she walked into the room, he gave a sly smile.
The Author
Loretta started her life with a dream and a story in mind. For as long as she can remember, she was a storyteller, sharing tales with her friends from an overactive imagination. Spending hours spinning stories for their entertainment, derived from her love of books.
After twenty-two years as an image consultant and professional photographer in the entertainment industry, she revisited her love for books and writing. She continues her love for creating photographic images and graphic design telling a story through the visual arts.
Loretta began writing fan fiction in 2017 that put her on an amazing writing journey leading to the completion of several novellas and novels on popular book apps. Her most popular series reaching 70k readers across the globe. She is a traditionally published and self-published author with a passion for creating happily ever after romance with the perfect mix of steamy and slow burn moments.
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