Book review - The Villa by Ruth Kelly

 

I could write the shortest review ever for this.

Just a single word:

Brilliant.

But that wouldn’t tell you why it’s brilliant! So, here goes, and I hope I do it justice…

Never having watched Love Island (but a fan of other reality gameshows and warm sunny countries in general) when this appeared in my recommended reading list, I took a look. If you’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll realise that the cover and promise of murder was enough to draw me in.

My initial instincts weren’t wrong as, when I started reading this, I was hooked. To say I BINGED this book is probably the best way to describe my reading process! Thankfully, having a couple of quiet days helped as I read, and read, and read because:

1. I wanted to.

2. I needed to know what would happen next.

3. I just couldn’t stop myself!

Considering, as I said before, I am not an Love Island fan – nor have I watched The Cabin or anything similar, this had me addicted...and wondering if I should try those shows!

As the front cover says:

Ten contestants. Seven days. One prize to die for.

Here’s my take on those words:

Ten very interesting contestants – I suspected everyone of something at some point…

Seven days that were not in the paradise promised – more like hell…

One prize where the money aspect (as it often does) makes things get ugly…and that’s what I was there for as I love tension and (of course) murder in a story!

I have to say that one of my favourite parts of doing these reviews is the conversations that I've had with the author as a consequence. I won’t go into detail (it will create a spoiler) but there was 'something' that I mentioned to the Ruth in my reflection to her, and her response was that the 'thing' that I'd mentioned had worked as she’d hoped.

I find it really interesting to see what inspires an author too; the background that Ruth has – having worked on Big Brother previously really is evident because no amount of research beats first hand experience. And, wow, her experience shines through! This helps to make the setting of the show – as in the broadcast and aspects of it being a reality TV show – so realistic.

Further to this, the characters are just the sort of people (no offence to anyone out there that I might be about to offend) that apply and get accepted onto this sort of show... AKA, people that want the money and will do (pretty much) anything to do well. Of course, there are layers to the characters in this book, and that’s part of the appeal – who are these people really/what is their story? Are they there for love, money…or something else?

In terms of what you get presented with, it’s another novel with a multiple perspective style – these always get a big tick from me. In this, the perspectives are: The Producer, The Contestant, The Viewers. I thought these titles made it really unique. The different perspectives are set in different times – with the main two perspectives working from either end of the mystery to meet in the middle and tell the tale until you’re done…or so I thought. There’s a bonus extension for after the ‘show’ has ended, and I thought this was pure genius and totally unexpected. Hopefully mentioning the extension isn't a spoiler for you, but I had to mention it as I already thought it was a brilliant novel up to that point, and it then got even MORE brilliant!

What else do you get? Well, mystery…red herrings…description of the settings used for the ‘villa’ that help the story to come alive in your mind…realistic portrayals of human emotions/relationships and so much more.

Personally, I’ve always struggled with books where the protagonist is unlikeable. And, in this, I liked Laura and felt sorry for her (generally throughout) and I think this also helped my interest in the story as I wanted to know ‘what next?’ for her and was invested in her tale.

Having read a LOT of books in this genre, there were a few things I had suspicions about, or guessed correctly. Then, to my delight, there were things I was entirely wrong about, and I love it when a book fools me. And, wow – fool me this did!

What to know what I mean? Or think you could work it all out (I bet you don’t)… Well, you’ll just have to read it for yourself! 

It’s available on Amazon: Amazon.co.uk : the villa ruth kelly

Now I am looking forward to the next offering from Ruth Kelly, The Escape due for release on Thursday 23rd Novemeber! The Escape: An Addictive and Heart-Racing Thriller Set in a Luxurious French Country House: Amazon.co.uk: Kelly, Ruth: 9781035025367: Books

Fun at the wedding and a recommendation...

 "Have you wet yourself?"

Last year, a friend and I travelled to a wedding of a Uni friend. It wasn't near to the county that we live in and we didn't know any other guests - although everyone was super friendly and we had a great time.

As it was a beautiful sunny day we decided to sit down on the grass (it was a really rural setting) and shortly after had to move as the Pizza Truck that was going to serve the dinner had arrived and needed to set up. 

As we  stood up to move, my friend suddenly realised that she was itchy on the back of her thigh and then she noticed some red ants on the ground. 

Ever the teacher (other day job) I had some Anthisan in my bag so gave the tube to her and she disappeared off into the posh porta-loos!

When she emerged, she said that she was using the mirror (a gorgeous floor length one) to help her see exactly where she had been bitten/to put the cream on. However, a lady had emerged from a cubicle, seen her looking at the back of herself and asked: "Have you wet yourself?"

Slightly taken aback, my friend explained and when she told me what had happened, I had to laugh and said that at least it's not just me that gets myself into a pickle!

The friend whose wedding we went to is now a qualified cake designer and bakes from scratch. 

Here is a preview of her work, and you can find more information at: https://pmcakedesign.co.uk/

Sunday Snippet - The Villa by Ruth Kelly

A snippet from author Ruth Kelly - book review coming on Thursday 31st August...

                                                   

Wow! I am so excited to share this snippet. I could NOT put this book down! Thankfully, I was lucky enough to find myself with a couple of quieter days and I resumed read at every spare moment until complete and you will see why in my book review (31-8). 

From Amazon: The Villa is Ruth’s debut thriller. She’s drawn inspiration from her years working as a reporter for national newspapers as well as her experience writing for TV shows, most notably with Endemol, the creators of the original reality show – Big Brother.

You can buy this for yourself at: The Villa: An Addictive Summer Thriller That You Won't Be Able to Put Down eBook : Kelly, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Please return here on Thursday to read the full book review.

Where to find today's book review...

 ...over on YouTube!

You might have already read my review of Jemma Hatt's Secrets at No.6...

Or, you might have read the snippet here...

If you haven't, check out my video as there you will hear the review, AND I read the snippet... 

Here's the link: https://youtu.be/XK59qMCal4A

What a week!

 An example of why I am never short of a Tuesday blog post!

Well…I am not quite sure of the appropriate adjective to sum up last week. I’ll try a few: busy, interesting, crazy, tiring…or I could go with typical, as in ‘typical me’ as it was one of those weeks that just has to happen to me!

I won't go into detail for everything that happened...yet!

Two things I need to wait to see if I can as they are, technically, police matters. Don't worry, I didn't get into trouble myself - I just found it and reported it - think dog in woods blog post from July 11th, but worse...

Anyway, the first one that I can and will tell you about is Tuesday. It started with a power cut, not long after I had got up. This set off the house alarm and it couldn't be stopped as the panel wouldn't light up and was completely blank and not responding to my touch. 

I assumed meant the backup battery failed. Thankfully, the alarm was only ringing outside (not internally) so I didn't suffer as much as the neighbours did (whoops) and it went off when the power was restored shortly after.

I phoned the alarm man and said that I needed to pop out mid-morning and could be back by 2ish as I had an appointment. He said he could be with me once I was back.

Fast forward to me making my way to my appointment and I had decided to walk. I got a call when I was five minutes away from the location destination (a massage by the way to help with pain from a fall years back - I'll tell you about that another time) and it was one of the neighbours saying that my alarm had gone off twice in the space of five minutes. We hadn't had another power cut but the broadband was off - I was aware of this when I left and I hadn't heard the alarm on my initial part of my walk. 

I called my parents thinking that they could dash there but discovered my Dad had pulled a muscle in his leg that morning and was limping (and unable to drive) and Mum no longer drives and I knew I could get back faster than she would walk over, I said I would sort it.

As I was so so near the location, I decided to sprint to my therapist, explain that I needed to dash home and asked if she had any other slots later in the day as I really needed the massage/manipulation! She did, phew!

Whilst legging it back I called the alarm man and told him what had happened. He said he would get to me asap and to see if the outside lights on the box were flashing and if a zone had lit up on the panel inside (again, there is more to the alarm that has happened recently that I will also explain another time...) and I said I would.

I got home in next to no time and (due to the strong midday sun) was dripping. I put my hand up to block the sun but couldn't see any lights flashing on the outside box and - on going in - the alarm made it's usual sound - not the sound it makes when it goes off usually. And none of the zones were lit up. Puzzled, and hot, I went to get changed!

About half an hour later my alarm man arrived and it turned out that is wasn't the battery (which, to be fair he had said only a few weeks back was fine but I just know my luck and it made sense) and a fuse had blown internally - caused by the power cut and surge as it went off!

Alarm fixed, I later returned to my much needed massage wearing clean (and dry) clothes again as the others were still damp with sweat! I was chucking to myself thinking that if anyone had seen me on their Ring doorbells, they would wonder why I had gone for a walk in a different outfit!

If only I knew then what the rest of the week had in store for me...

Book review - The Final Party by A.A Chaudhuri

 A novel that provides the perfect juxtaposition...

Having finally reached the summer holidays, I was ready to read a book that I had been saving to enjoy during my downtime. I initially noticed The Final Party when I saw it advertised on Amazon in June.

The front cover had everything to draw me in… Yes, I know they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this one just appealed – I seem to like a blue based cover (sending my brain off on a tangent of ‘holiday location’ set novel) and on this there’s a swimming pool, a dead body, and the lines: Six Friends. One Body. Countless Lies. Besides, if you have read my ‘Locked room style’ book review posts from July, you’ll see some more blue covers and holiday locations! I guess I have a type!

I think the isolation of being away from home (like my favourite Agatha Christie And Then There Were None) and limiting the amount of characters/places the stories goes to makes the ‘locked’ feeling that I enjoy so much. Anyway, I digress and the point that I really want to make is that whilst I have read a good few in this style, I can HONESTLY say that this wins hands down, and here is why…

I loved The Final Party because Chaudhuri’s writing style is so immersive that I genuinely felt that I was there in Italy with the characters. The multiple perspectives work really well, and it was easy to remember and follow who was who, whereas I have read some stories where I have struggled. Chaudhuri’s excellent attention to detail ensures that you remember each character, and which couple they are part of. Every character is individual - their voice distinctive, along with their personality and backstory.

With the prologue setting the 'who is dead?' element, I began reading looking for clues to help me (in my armchair detective style) work out who, what, why and when? Needless to say, I didn’t solve it – although I did work out a few things. Instead, I was pleased how it kept me guessing until the end. Throughout, the chapters go from either the year 2019 or 2001 and this works well to help the plot to progress/keeps the tale running to a fast pace.

The clues/hints are drip fed throughout with some conclusions/reveals delivered early (and rightly so to help the story develop) then other revelations coming later so that they can be unravelled and explained as other secrets emerge too. There are some shocks being held back right until the end, and it's an ending that really delivers!

Reading this has made me want to add Italy to the list of places that I would like to visit. The setting – which from the ‘A letter from Alex’ readers will see that Chaudhuri has based upon her visits there – is stunning, and the weather is used effectively to accompany the action, providing contrast or backdrop so appropriately. Sometimes if a book is too detailed, I find myself skim reading to get to the action, but I found with this that I was savouring every word of the setting information as there was just the right amount. It painted the images in my mind as I was reading, and was well balanced between setting, action, dialogue and necessary information to help my understanding.

Also in her letter, Chaudhuri sets out the intentions that she wrote the book with, and she has certainly covered and met all of them! I won’t provide them here as they will create spoilers. I do, however, recommend reading this letter and seeing from yourself the themes that she mentions and explains after you have completed the book.

If you are off on holiday, wondering where summer has gone (here in England?!) or just want some escapism in general, you couldn’t pick a better book: stunning setting, well written throughout and twists and turns that will keep you gripped until the very end. This is the perfect juxtaposition of the beauty of a location and the beast that can live inside us.

 

You can buy the book at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Party-fast-paced-suspenseful-thriller/dp/1804363642

 

Thank you to Alex for providing me with this bio, and thanks for such an incredible read. x

‘A.A. Chaudhuri is a former City lawyer. Born and raised on the south coast, she now lives in Surrey with her family.

The Scribe and The Abduction were published by Lume Books in July and December 2019. Both books have hit the bestsellers lists in the UK, Australia and Canada, with bestseller tags in Australia and Canada. They were also published as audio books by Isis Audio in January and March 2021. 

In February 2021, Alex signed a two-book contract for two standalone psychological thrillers with HERA BOOKS, the first entitled SHE’S MINE was published on 18thAugust 2021 in ebook and 26th August in paperback. THE LOYAL FRIEND was published by Hera Books on 23rdJune 2022 in paperback and ebook and on 26th June in audio with Saga Egmont. In June 2022 Alex signed with Hera Books for three more psychological thrillers.

The first of these – THE FINAL PARTY – was published in ebook and paperback on 25th May 2023, and has already achieved bestseller tags in the UK, Australia and Canada, as well as being featured in Woman’s Own and Bella magazines.

She’s Mine was made the LJ Ross Book Club April book of the month in 2022 and was listed in various bloggers’ top reads of 2021, as well as achieving numerous bestseller tags in the UK, Australia and Canada in June 2023. It has reached No. 2 on Top Paid Crime and Thrillers behind CL Taylor and two spots ahead of Richard Osman on the Apple Books charts. It has also reached No. 4 on Top Books (paid) on Apple Books, ahead of Colleen Hoover.

The Loyal Friend was also listed in various bloggers’ top reads for 2022, achieved bestseller tags in the UK, Australia and Canada and will soon be available to buy in US stores, publishing with Canelo US on 20th June 2023.

Alex has been on panels at Capital Crime 2022 and Newcastle Noir 2022, and The Dark Side of Brighton in February 2023.

She was a participating author at Crimefest 2023 and Harrogate 2023, and will be appearing at Capital Crime 2023.

Besides being an avid reader, she enjoys fitness, films, anything Italian and a good margarita!’

 

A.A. Chaudhuri

Amazon Bestselling Thriller Author

Find Alex at:

Website: A.A. CHAUDHURI – Amazon Bestselling Thriller Writer (aachaudhuri.com)

Twitter: A.A. Chaudhuri (@AAChaudhuri) / Twitter

Facebook: A.A. Chaudhuri | Facebook

Instagram: A.A. Chaudhuri (Author) (@a.a.chaudhuri) • Instagram photos and videos

Instagram: A.A. Chaudhuri (@aachaudhuri) • Instagram photos and videos

TikTok: A.A. Chaudhuri (@alexchaudhuri0923) | TikTok

LinkedIn: A.A. Chaudhuri | LinkedIn

Where did you find that?

 An Escape Room tale...

A month or so back I went with my parents to complete an Escape Room. We escaped in what was - for us - record timing (to be fair, in some we have run out of time completely) and it was a really enjoyable theme and concept.

Typical us, it came with a few funny moments so I thought I would share...

We went into the room, and each took a seat. There were a pair of handcuffs for each of us and Dad asked if the man had the key/knew where the key was? To which the man replied that there was one in the room that we would easily find – and quite quickly – and that he had a spare… Good job considering I’d already put mine on before he answered, haha!

    My parents put theirs on, and Mum put her her right one on too tight so the man had to go and get the spare key. Whilst he was gone she showed us the left one was loose and that she could probably wiggle out!

    Her right one unlocked and back on but looser, the game started... I looked under my chair and under the table where I was sitting, but didn’t find anything. Mum, meanwhile, had already wiggled out of both of hers! We did laugh. 

I went over to a cupboard and put locked boxes from the top of it onto the table that had been hidden behind the cupboard, I found some things that we needed. We remarked how well I could cope with handcuffs on!

Dad had – just at that point – found the key stuck to a different part under the table so I then was free, and we then freed him. Mum is just cheeky!

It was a great mix of padlocks with numbers, keys to unlock things, a briefcase and other types of puzzles to solve. 

The funniest part (apart from Mum and her cuffs) was when we had the word TACT but couldn’t work out what this answer opened until Mum went “Here you go!” and lifted up a box of things from a cupboard she had unlocked! 

    To which Dad and I said: "Where did you find that?" It was a lettered padlock, right at the base of the cupboard that neither Dad or I noticed but she’s always the one most likely to get on the floor!

Just like she was the one who went in the bin (much to my OCD disgust and told her to put it back) which was good as it contained something we needed as the rubbish WAS part of the game!

All good fun and another great adventure!

Sunday Snippet - The Final Party by A.A Chaudhuri

 A snippet from author A.A. Chaudhuri - book review coming on Thursday 17th August...

   

         

You can buy the book at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Final-Party-fast-paced-suspenseful-thriller/dp/1804363642

Book review - Secrets at No.6 By Jemma Hatt and author interview

 A very enjoyable mystery for all ages...

Having previously read and enjoyed the first two of 'The Adventurers' books both alone and with my class, I had high expectations for the first book in the Mysterious Mansions Series - Secrets at No.6 - and Jemma Hatt has not disappointed…

The book starts with a useful character overview showing the Upstairs and Downstairs characters and this helped to set the scene. Overall, there is a good balance of description, dialogue and storytelling, and this balance will help to keep younger readers/audiences engaged. 

Alice and Theo make for a great combination of main characters and – as an animal lover – the inclusion of Nero (the dog) works really well. There are many characters in the story, but it works well as they are varied and each bring something to the plot.

From a reading perspective it is well-paced, mysterious and the humorous moments are a good contrast to the working world of the tasks of the 'Downstairs' characters (indicating class differences) and the puzzling elements of the many mysteries that unravel as the tale goes on. It certainly kept me guessing!

Factually, it is educational for children in references to a historical movement, the aforementioned class systems, or London road names and places that (as adults) we are aware of/have experienced will inform curious children gently. Whilst, the feeling of the book is not dissimilar to an Enid Blyton mystery, the writing style is modern and accessible for children of various ages. I know, as a child, I would have really enjoyed this, and I am glad that I now get to enjoy sharing this with my new class in September. 

The next ‘Mysterious Mansions’ mystery, with the return of Alice and Theo, is released on August 15^th and is suitably titled Secrets at No 7. I am looking forward to reading that too.

You can buy the book at: Secrets at No.6: 1 (Mysterious Mansions Series): Amazon.co.uk: Hatt, Jemma: 9781916528000: Books  

Secrets at No.7 available at:  

Secrets at No.7: 2 (Mysterious Mansions Series) : Hatt, Jemma: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Adventurers available at: Amazon.co.uk: 

I asked Jemma some 'short' answer questions and then some 'longer' answer questions. 

  

Here are her answers:

Short answers -

Favourite book: I Capture the Castle (Dodie Smith)

Why? Quirky with a relatable main character

Favourite author: Jane Austen

Why? I enjoy the funny observations about people and life

Favourite place to read: The beach

Why? It’s a great way to relax in the sun

Favourite time of the day to read: Any time

Why? …because there’s rarely a bad time… unless you’re driving a car or flying an aeroplane. Those would be terrible choices.

Longer answers –

What inspired you to start writing children’s books? 

Because I think that the books you enjoy as a child stay with you for the rest of your life, and the characters feel like old friends. That’s how I feel about the books I enjoyed while growing up.

How do you get the ideas for your books?

I write the adventures I would’ve liked to have had as a child (and would still like to have today)! My first book, The Adventurers and the Cursed Castle, was inspired by childhood holidays with my family in Cornwall as well as my lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt.

Will you ever write a book for young adults/adults?

I have a half-finished manuscript for young adults that has been on the backburner for a few years … so, possibly one day. It’s very different to the rest of my books.

How long do you spend writing in a day/week when you are working on a new book?

Around a couple of hours a day, five days a week. I can’t write solidly for eight hours though, or my writing stops making any sense! I spend quite a bit of time on research and other more boring administrative things.

Do you ever base characters on real life events/people you know?

Sometimes I might borrow little characteristics or quirks I see in real life, but I don’t base characters on real people.

There are lots of real places featured in the books though, and the Mysterious Mansions Series features real historical events.

What ‘top tips’ would you give to aspiring writers? (Children or adults!)

1. Read and write as much as you can.

2. Writing a diary counts as writing practice.

3. Take a break if you get stuck. I find walking helps.

4. Enjoy what you’re writing. If you’re having fun, your reader will too. And the reverse is true is you’re writing while bored!

5. Go for it!

Where to find Jemma…

www.jemmahatt.com

www.facebook.com/jemmahattauthor

www.instagram.com/jemmahatt

www.twitter.com/jemmahatt

https://www.youtube.com/@jemmahatt/

                                        

Magnetic forces!

Another day, another visitor...

So, if I hadn’t yet convinced you that my house is a magnet for people that don’t belong here, here’s another tale. By the way, this happened only a week or so after the tale from last week!

This time I was on the phone to my mum when the door went. I initially ignored it as there had been some cold callers where my parents live which is about ten minutes away.

    There was another knock and I decided to look out of the landing window as you’re less likely to be spotted from behind that blind as opposed to the study one downstairs.

    Looking out, I saw an elderly lady with a dog.

I unlocked and opened the window and asked, “Are you Ok?” Here’s how the conversation went:

    “Hi, I’m here to see George.”

    “George doesn’t live here!”

    “Oh, but I was just here a little while ago visiting, and popped out to take my dog for a walk!”

    “What road name do you need as X and X are really close together?”

    “No, it was this house. I was just here. Yes, number X...”

She was pointing at the door number at this point!

    I explained no and that she was mistaken, then I stated a few facts (that I won’t put here) as I thought time and other factors that were true might help her.

    “But I am sure it was this house...” she persisted.

     I replied, “Some do look similar although, I think you have the road names confused and need the other number X…”

    She replied, “I’m not sure now. I had a stroke recently and I am only just up and about again. My daughter is with George, but I thought I would take the dog for a walk. I’m sure I was just here.”

    I answered this with, “There’s nobody else here at the moment. I think you should try walking (point to the right) in that direction and seeing if you recognise anything.”

I did feel a bit mean – she was deathly pale, old and I was debating if I should do more…but, I was home alone and she did have her dog which might find a smell and trace their way… PLUS, if her daughter was in and around the area, I thought perhaps she would go and look for her! And, I know that people can also get violent when confused.

Only me, hey?

Sunday Snippet - Secrets At No.6 by Jemma Hatt

 A snippet from children's author Jemma Hatt - book review on Thursday 10th August...

Watch a trailer at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0V9KdKfEFU

 

Buy the book at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secrets-at-No-6-Jemma-Hatt-ebook/dp/B0BYPJ98TJ

A book review...over on YouTube!

 

Launching my channel!

Today's book review can be found at: https://youtu.be/VcpbCTaeZ-c

Harry's mum?

 

What is it with my house and visitors?

It was about 11:30pm in the summer of 2021 when, home alone, I heard a bang on the front door. I was in bed, but I got out and put the landing light on feeling half asleep, and half concerned. 

    There was another bang and I decided to open the window to see who it was/what they wanted. It's probably important to say that I keep my mobile on silent downstairs where the signal is better, and although the landline hadn’t rung, I thought I should check...

I opened the window and there was a man standing there that I didn't recognise. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and had something, quite small, in his hand. 

    I said, ‘Hello?’ 

    To which he replied, “You’re not Harry’s mum, are you?”

    I replied, “No”.

He apologised for disturbing me and said that he was looking for his son who was at a sleepover; he thought this was where the friend he was staying with lived, but he didn't know the number for sure! 

    I then replied, 'Sorry, I can’t help!' Then I closed the window. 

Instantly I thought (with logic creeping in, and my heart pounding a little less, as it had made me a bit jumpy) why hadn’t I asked how old etc? There are some children living nearby - I don't know all names, but I could work out rough ages from seeing them around.

So, I opened the window again - he was still standing there looking around (and confused - I can't see in the dark, there are lights around and one by the door).

    I asked him, 'How old Harry?' 

   He said he was nine, like his son, and then he explained that his son had a toothache, so needed some medicine as he didn't want to come home. The medicine was what was in his hand! 

I went through - in my head - any possible children near and said that I couldn't think of any nearby around that age.

    He then said that he really thought it was here as he'd dropped his son off on the road behind as that's where Harry's mum (and Harry) had been waiting. Therefore, he'd assumed that they lived in one of the houses behind! I then realised I was the first house he'd knocked at due to being on the end!

    I explained that over the other side of the road, there are paths that lead to more houses and as they don’t have road access it was likely that they had waited here to then walk through. 

Next, I asked if he had her number and he said he’d left his phone at home as he lived only a few minutes drive away. He said that he now had no choice and would have to drive home to call her to get the house number, and that his wife would think he was so silly!

    I wished him well on his way and hope that his son felt better when he eventually got his medicine!

To this day, I have never - knowingly - come across a Harry nearby, nor have I seen the man/his wife dropping off his son to visit! Just the sort of thing that happens to me!