Belly Woman by Benjamin Black

For my first review (I know, it's been a slow start!) I'm going for a non-fiction book for a change, so welcome to my stop on the tour for Belly Woman: Birth, Blood and Ebola, The Untold Story by Dr Benjamin Black. Huge thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Tours for my invitation and to the publisher for my review copy.

The Blurb

‘This book will stay with me for years.’ –ADAM KAY, author of This Is Going to Hurt

What happens to pregnant women when a humanitarian catastrophe strikes?

Belly Woman shines a light on a story often left untold.

May, 2014. Sierra Leone is ranked the country with the highest death rate of pregnant women in the world. The same month, Ebola crosses in from neighbouring Guinea. Arriving a few weeks later, Dr Benjamin Black finds himself at the centre of an exponential Ebola outbreak. From impossible decisions on the maternity ward to moral dilemmas at the Ebola Treatment Centres. One mistake, one error of judgment, could spell disaster.

An eye-opening work of reportage and advocacy, Belly Woman chronicles the inside journey through an unfolding global health crisis and the struggle to save the lives of young mothers. As Black reckons with the demons of the past, he must try to learn the lessons for a different, more resilient, future.

‘A must-read for our times – riveting, illuminating and humbling.’ — Aminatta Forna, author of The Memory of Love and The Devil That Danced on the Water

‘An inspirational story of compassion and dedication in the face of a brutal epidemic.’ Leah Hazard, author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story

‘Brave, moving, and vital. . . Read it.’ — Damien Brown, author of Band-Aid for A Broken Leg


Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1911107577
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62565364-belly-woman

My Review

Belly Woman, pronounced 'be'leh 'uman', is Krio (one of the main languages in Sierra Leone) for a pregnant woman. 

Early summer 2014 the Ebola virus passed into Sierra Leone from Guinea. Obstetrician Dr Black was on his way from London to Sierra Leone, travelling with NGO Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF). But he wasn't going to fight Ebola, nobody expected it to reach Gondama, where he was to be based. Rather he was going to help with the care of pregnant women as Sierra Leone which already had one of the highest mortality rate for this societal group. He could not have imagined how these two issues would come together. This is his personal account of two very tough years. 

Through this book we get to witness the horror of the Ebola virus, the sad personal stories, the inadequacies of the medical facilities, the difficulties encountered by pregnant women, the risk of disease, complications and death. But also the unwavering commitment of medical professionals, their unwillingness to give up, their determination to do their best and, where possible, improve things through sexual education and birth control. 

This is the account of someone on the ground, right in the middle of the storm. It's told in a very matter of fact way but you can feel the author's frustrations, and his anguish, sometimes guilt, at some of the difficult decisions he had to make, the pride in, and admiration for, those working along side him. The local staff who worked ceaselessly and provided continuity when the international staff took breaks and moved around deserve so much credit. Dr Black too, for helping establish a way forward for treating pregnant women and educating communities. 

This was a really worthwhile read, but a tough, hard hitting one too. It's raw, it's real and it's bloody.  I needed to harden my heart to read it, otherwise I would've been in floods of tears at so many of the stories told here. And there are many we didn't hear, out in the wider communities. The author says at one point 'Every admission was a tragedy not being told.'  But it's also a story of dedication, humanity, hope and determination, and that's the takeaway  for me. 

The Author

Dr Benjamin Oren Black is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in London and a specialist advisor to international aid organisations. His focus on sexual, reproductive and maternal healthcare for populations in times of crisis has taken him to many countries. Benjamin has supported the response to various infectious disease outbreaks since the West African Ebola epidemic. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic he provided frontline healthcare to pregnant women and helped develop international guidelines. Benjamin also teaches medical teams around the world on improving sexual and reproductive healthcare to the most vulnerable people in the most challenging of environments.

Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023

So, in typical Suze fashion, I'm late (although earlier than last year - just) in saying goodbye to the old year and hello to the new one. Happy New Year, lovely people! I hope you all had an enjoyable, stress free festive break.

I wanted to recap my year a bit and talk about some of my favourite moments and some of my favourite books, and talk about a couple of the things I'm looking forward to next year.

2022 wasn't a great year for me. In February, I left a job which, for the main part, I loved, because of my poor mental health and I haven't worked since then. Anxiety has impacted every area of my life but I've been supported by fantastic people and that's enabled me to continue to do some of the things I love. I am so thankful for these wonderful family members and friends, many from our brilliant bookish community - you know who you are - thank you. ❤

But there were highlights and they were good ones! I managed three book festivals. In May, I went to the Cromarty Crime & Thriller Weekend for the first time, postponed from 2020, and finally met author Matt Johnson, a meeting five years in the making. I was an early reader for his fab new book Crow 27 which I haven't reviewed yet but is well worth checking out. In August I went to Bute Noir with my gorgeous friend Pauline - her first visit to Bute & her first book festival - and we had a brilliant time. And in September, of course, I went to Bloody Scotland - some difficult moments, but great people around me. And I took my brother to his first ever book event - the launch of The Good Husband by Abigail Osborne.

I had the privilege of editing M R (Michael) Mackenzie's most recent standalone Bury Your Secrets. I haven't included it in my list below for fear of bias but do check it out because it's ace. I was again lucky enough to be a reader for the Bloody Scotland McIllvanney Prize and also took part in a couple of editions of the Bloody Scotland Book Club on Facebook. You can catch these and all the other previous sessions on the Bloody Scotland YouTube channel. Well worth taking a look - loads of recommendations of fabulous crime fiction from home and abroad. The sessions are nerve-wracking but fun and I hope I might be asked back to do some more.

Away from the book world I took the holiday of a lifetime, with my ex-husband of all people (I know, right?!) and spent three weeks in Cambodia and Vietnam during October and November. The holiday was a huge deal for me and at points I doubted I'd manage it. But I did, it was absolutely amazing, and I'm proud of how I did. Coming back was hard though when the tiredness hit me and, for various reasons, I wasn't particularly upbeat at the end of the year.

My reading suffered this year. I only read 60 books (was aiming for 100), reviewed less than that and read nothing at all in December, which is incredibly unusual for me. 

But I have read some GREAT books and have compiled a top ten for the year from the ones I have reviewed.

In the order I read them, the first seven are:

Demon by Matt Wesolowski

There is an element of horror, otherworldliness, stuff that simply can't be explained, happening to all sorts of people. Real shiver down the spine stuff. And the crime being discussed is, at least on the surface, truly horrific. But Matt has also delivered thoughtful, passionate and sometimes blistering comment on justice, rehabilitation, vilification by the press, education, social services, politics & the power of social media. Demon is an absolutely cracking, totally absorbing, dark & atmospheric read which shows us that we don't have to look to the spiritual or ghostly to find the horror in the world. Full review here.


Six Wounds by Morgan Cry

Six Wounds is a sun-soaked, action-packed thriller which grabs you at the get go & pulls you along for the ride. The storyline is spot on, the pacing is perfect, the rising tension occasionally lightened by sunshine & humour. Throw in a smart, sassy protagonist & a colourful supporting cast and you have a fabulous romp of a book. Far more fun than it has any right to be! Highly recommended. Full review here.

Quicksand of Memory by Michael Malone

Quicksand of Memory is a study of memory, how it affects us, how we all view & remember things differently. Realising that not everything we believed was true. It's a story of love, friendships - healthy and toxic, heartache, revenge, pain and hope. There are some real shocks in this book, and some uncomfortable moments for the reader, but it is so beautifully written & full of flawed, human characters that you will care about, root for and cry over, written with care & compassion. Just a gorgeous book. Full review here.

Nothing Else by Louise Beech

Nothing Else is a beautiful look at love, loss, pain and longing. About home, belonging, family and bonds that can't be broken. About two little girls sitting together on a piano stool trying to shut out the bad, the music that shaped them and the bond that ties them. It's heartbreaking in places but in others your heart will soar with the music. It's moving and emotional. It hasn't replaced This Is How We Are Human as my favourite Louise Beech novel read so far but I loved it and would happily recommend it. Full review here.

Dark Objects by Simon Toyne

Dark Objects is a tale of obsession, murder, trauma, confronting the past and maybe a little bit of healing. It's intelligent, twisted, tense and fast moving with some really interesting, diverse characters. I loved it. Full review here.


Where Demons Hide by Douglas Skelton

For all its good humour and light touches, Where Demons Hide is a beautifully written tale of the worst of humanity, of grief, anger, hate, greed and desperation and will send a shiver down your spine more than once. Full review here.


The Moose Paradox by Antti Tuomainen

The Moose Paradox is madcappery and mayhem, with some genuine peril thrown in. Add to that an awkward love story and one of my favourite protagonists ever and it is everything I could ask for. Loved it! Full review here.


My top three for the year:

Tasting Sunlight by Ewald Arenz

Tasting Sunlight was a delight to read. A gorgeous story of friendship, understanding and belonging. And of the importance of slowing down, appreciating nature and finding joy in the small things. Loved it. Full review here.

The Shot by Sarah Sultoon

We see the devastation of war up close, the damage, the pain, the grief. And we see the heartbreaking impact of it all on two souls in the middle of the maelstrom. An action packed, heartstopping, heartbreaking thriller, The Shot is not an easy book. Often uncomfortable reading, it's hard to call it enjoyable. But my goodness, it is incredibly powerful & impactful, & absolutely worth reading. A book that will stay with me for a very long time. Full review here.


And in my top spot for 2022 is An Honourable Thief by Douglas Skelton

It's beautifully written, Skelton has a way with words. The storyline itself has everything you could ask for - part crime story, part spy thriller and part epic adventure. There's politics and plenty of fighting, secrets, lies and betrayal. A public hanging and a visit to the battlefield at Sheriffmuir. And a man coming home, facing family and friends for the first time in years. It's not an easy homecoming and there were moments my heart ached for Jonas and one that brought tears to my eyes. Full review here.

And so to 2023. Since time began, my new year resolution every year has been 'Get my shit together!'. Well, that's worked out well, hasn't it! 😂 As I mentioned earlier, I'm not bouncing into the new year with as much vim and vigour as I'd hoped. So instead of a resolution, I've set some more (hopefully) achievable goals for various aspects of my life. I won't bore you with them but they've been chosen with positivity and progress in mind. And I have a fab wee break to Reykjavik to look forward to at the end of March with my ex and the kids. 

Reading wise, I will be taking part in fewer blog tours (something I need to do for a while) this year and trying to read some of my own collection. Early reads I'm looking forward to are Me and The Monkey: Chronicles of The Monkey God part 2 by Andy Darby, The Bleeding by Johana Gustawsson and Dark Hearts by Doug Johnstone, all of which were planned December reads. The good news is that after that barren month I'm already on my second book of January. There will be re-reads of some fabulous books that I read too quickly last year, and didn't review, starting with Emily Noble's Disgrace by Mary Paulson-Ellis, The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill by CS Roberton (two very different books on the same subject) and The Cursed Girls by Caro Ramsey.

Later on in the year, I'm looking forward to a new book from Tony Kent, catching up with the Connor Fraser series by Neil Broadfoot and another TWO new books from the aforementioned Mr Skelton, who is officially a writing machine! Children of the Mist is the next book in the Rebecca Connolly series and A Thief's Justice will be the new Jonas Flynt book. I missed the blog tour for Sarah Sultoon's new book, Dirt, so will definitely be catching up with that, and I'm eager to read The Space Between Us by Doug Johnstone. And, finally, I hope we'll see something new from Mason Cross/Alex Knight because it's been a while. Oh, and my one bookie resolution is to remember to copy my reviews over to Amazon and Goodreads because not doing that helps no-one.

So that's it. An up and down year behind me but trying to be positive as we move into this new one. Big thanks to all of you for sticking with me, I so appreciate it, and hope you'll stay around a while longer. Much love. xx

The Lightning Rod by Tony Forder

Today I'm helping to close off the blog tour for The Lightning Rod, the tenth DI Bliss novel from Tony J Forder. My thanks to Donna Morfett at DLM Book Tours for inviting me and to Tony for my review copy of the book.

The Blurb

DI Bliss attends the aftermath of an apparent murder-suicide – but the scene tells him and his colleagues something very different occurred. Now the Peterborough Major Crimes Unit face an adversary like no other.

They have no idea why his victims had to die. They have no idea who he is. They have no idea where he might strike next – only that he will.

But while the killer is cunning, leaving no evidence for them to find, his biggest mistake might be in underestimating the team now hunting him. Because when Jimmy Bliss is on the case, all bets are off.


Purchase Links

UK link : https://is.gd/XquRr4
USA link : https://amzn.com/dp/B0B529XN3P

My Review

This is the tenth Jimmy Bliss novel from Tony but only the third one I've read after The Autumn Tree and Darker Days To Come. I've also read the first Chase and Laney novel, The Huntsmen, and loved standalone Fifteen Coffins. I have all his other books but haven't had the chance to catch up yet. But back to Bliss. Whilst I do prefer to start a series at the beginning, I've had no problem jumping into this one with books eight, nine and ten. The Lightning Rod works absolutely fine as a standalone, everything you need is here but you can tell this is a cast of characters, a team, who have grown together through the books.

Bliss is called to the scene of an apparent murder-suicide. But the crime scene manager won't let Bliss's team into the site because something just isn't sitting right with him. When they are eventually allowed on site there is no evidence that could help trace the killer which gives them very little to work with. But they're a crack team and as the case expands they liaise with other forces and bodies. And away from work Jimmy bumps into a face from his past. 

This is very much a police procedural, concentrating on a complex investigation. The focus is on the team as they struggle to make headway, and it describes much of donkey work involved in such an inquiry. But it never gets bogged down or feels slow, and it's not without excitement and peril. But for me, this book is about the team, the people in it and their relationships, particularly Bliss and his partner Penny Chandler. 

Jimmy Bliss is a very likeable chap - a stand up, decent man who is fiercely loyal to his team, and as a result, they are very loyal to him. He's a beautifully drawn character, as are the rest of the team. And I particularly love his relationship with Penny. They are two people who are comfortable in their own skin and comfortable with each other. Their banter is testament to this. But there is nothing each wouldn't do for each other. And I find it refreshing to see such a relationship between a man and a woman which is purely platonic, just a wonderful friendship. I don't see many of those in books. And the rest of the team is really well described and I feel that after three books, I'm really started to get to know them.

I can't not mention Jimmy's turn of phrase, which is often funny, even in the  serious moments and often vaguely rude. Let me give you a couple of examples: 

'...sweating like a glassblower's arse' 

'A monkey and my left nut says there's be...'

There are plenty more examples but you can discover those for yourselves! 

The storyline follows the complex investigation, high points and low, and the frustrations that go along with that. Procedure is well explained and feels authentic.  There is a sub plot revolving Jimmy outside of work and The two come together quite catastrophically, with some quite graphic scenes towards the end. A well explained, interesting story built around a strong cast of characters. And as Bliss approaches retirement age there is a wee hint of what he might do next so that's exciting. A solid entry into the DI Bliss collection from this talented author. 

The Author

Tony J Forder is the author of the bestselling DI Bliss crime thriller series. The first seven novels, Bad to the Bone, The Scent of Guilt, If Fear Wins, The Reach of Shadows, The Death of Justice, Endless Silent Scream, and Slow Slicing, were joined in December 2020 by a prequel novella, Bliss Uncovered. The series continued with The Autumn Tree and Darker Days to Come, and now The Lightning Rod.

Tony’s other early series – two action-adventure novels featuring Mike Lynch – comprises both Scream Blue Murder and Cold Winter Sun. These books will hopefully be joined in 2023 by The Dark Division.

In addition, Tony has written two standalone novels: a dark, psychological crime thriller, Degrees of Darkness, and a suspense thriller set in California, Fifteen Coffins.

The Huntsmen, released in October 2021, was the first book in a new crime series, set in Wiltshire. It featured DS Royston Chase, DC Claire Laney, and PCSO Alison May.

Tony's first 8 novels were originally released by a publisher specialising in crime fiction. In 2020, Tony decided to strike out on his own, and subsequently negotiated the return of all publishing rights to himself. Each of those 8 books has subsequently been re-released under his own imprint, Spare Nib Books.

Tony lives with his wife in West Sussex, UK, and is a full-time author. He is currently working on the second DS Chase novel, The Predators.


Links

All of Tony’s links can be found on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TonyJForder

Suicide Thursday by Will Carver

Today I 'm helping to close off the tour for Suicide Thursday, another grea unique, challenging read from Will Carver. Huge thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for the invitation & to the publisher for my review copy.

 

The Blurb

If words could kill…

Eli Hagin can’t finish anything.

He hates his job, but can’t seem to quit. He doesn’t want to be with his girlfriend, but doesn’t know how end things with her, either. Eli wants to write a novel, but he’s never taken a story beyond the first chapter.

Eli also has trouble separating reality from fiction.

When his best friend kills himself, Eli is motivated, for the first time in his life, to finally end something himself, just as Mike did…

Except sessions with his therapist suggest that Eli’s most recent ‘first chapters’ are not as fictitious as he had intended … and a series of text messages that Mike received before his death point to something much, much darker…

 

My Review

This is the sixth of Will's books I've read after Nothing Important Happened Today, Hinton Hollow Death Trip,  The Beresford, Psychopaths Anonymous & The Daves Next Door (sorry, when I started this list I hadn't realised I'd read so many! 😂) all of which have been published since the back end of 2019. And I think I opened every one of those reviews with something along the lines of 'I have absolutely no idea how I'm going to review this book!' Because Will Carver writes books like nobody else and his books are really, really hard to review! 

Suicide Thursday is no different - I don't know how I'm going to review it! Set over a couple of weeks around Suicide Thursday, it focuses on Eli, his girlfriend Jackie and best friend Mike. Several other characters feature but these three form our main cast. It's not a plot spoiler to say Mike kills himself. On a Thursday. But the story focuses on the behaviour of the three main players before and after (for the survivors) Suicide Thursday. There's also the matter of some really alarming texts sent to Mike prior to death. And afterwards, actually. 

The first thing I should say is that will not be for everyone, as you will have gathered from the title. And the scene is graphic. But Suicide Thursday has got lots to say about friendship, desperation and determination, and the power of words.

Eli is such an interesting character. He hates his job, which is one he could be reasonably successful at if he put his mind to it. He wants to finish with Jackie, most of the time anyway, but can't seem to do it. And he really, really wants to write a novel but can't seem to manage that either. Ideas aren't the problem, they come thick and fast, but rather getting past the first chapter. He's got a library of first chapters, some of which we get to read - would love to read more, but no second chapters. He discusses all these things with his therapist and their sessions are something else. Mike's death hits him hard but he's maybe a little jealous because Mike actually got to finish something. It's a really interesting idea. 

Text exchanges on Mike's phone are interspersed throughout the book and I found them quite distressing, and really wanted to know who was sending them.  They are very dark. Mike seems like a lovely man who has just lost all hope. Men's mental health is not discussed enough and whilst this is fiction, and it's shocking, it's a reminder to us all to check in on our friends. But it's also a reminder to be careful what we say.

The story jumps backwards and forwards around Suicide Thursday but the chapters all indicate where we are. You have to keep your wits about you though! From the peripheral characters I loved the two Teds, I could just picture them, and my heart went out to Mike's dad. 

Sorry, this review is very bitty! Told you it was hard! Suicide Thursday is less aggressive than some of Will's other books with no direct addresses to the reader. He does have a lot to say, however, about religion, in this case Catholicism.  But he tells a tale incorporating love and loss, friendship and heartbreak, mental health, darkness and desperation, release and grief. And the power of words. Is there a happy ending? You'll need to read it to find out. This is a dark, challenging and shocking novel, but not without its lighter moments, and well worth a read.

The Author

Will Carver is the international bestselling author of the January David series and the critically acclaimed, mind-blowingly original Detective Pace series that includes Good Samaritans (2018), Nothing Important Happened Today (2019) and Hinton Hollow Death Trip (2020), all of which were ebook bestsellers and selected as books of the year in the mainstream international press. Nothing Important Happened Today was longlisted for the Goldsboro Glass Bell Award 2020 and Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Hinton Hollow Death Trip was longlisted for Guardian Not the Booker Prize, and was followed by three standalone literary thrillers, The Beresford, Psychopaths Anonymous (both optioned for TV) and The Daves Next Door. He lives in Reading with his family.

The Pain Tourist by Paul Cleave

Hello! Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? Did you miss me? Back from my biggest holiday in 23 years, although if you're following my socials, it looks like I'm still away! However, I am home & jumping back in today for my stop on the blog tour for The Pain Tourist by Paul Cleave. Huge thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for invite & to the publisher for my review copy.

 

The Blurb

How can you catch a killer
When the only evidence is a dream…?

James Garrett was critically injured when he was shot following his parents’ execution, and no one expected him to waken from a deep, traumatic coma. When he does, nine years later, Detective Inspector Rebecca Kent is tasked with closing the case that her now retired colleague, Theodore Tate, failed to solve all those years ago.

But, between that, and hunting for Copy Joe – a murderer on a spree, who’s imitating Christchurch’s most notorious serial killer – she’s going to need Tate’s help.

Especially when they learn that James has lived out another life in his nine-year coma, and there are things he couldn’t possibly know, including the fact that Copy Joe isn’t the only serial killer in town…

The Pain Tourist is published by Orenda Books and came out on 10th November 2022.

 

My Review

Although The Pain Tourist is Paul Cleave's thirteenth novel, it's only the second one I've read following last year's The Quiet People. But that one blew me away so leapt at the chance to read this one. Just need to find the others now...

This has a hell of an opening, heartstopping, heartbreaking. 11 year old James Garrett falls into a coma, where he stays for nine years. When he finally wakes he can't understand that his parents are dead because, for him, they've lived a full life in the intervening years. Nobody can explain what he's experienced in Coma World or the detail of his memory of it. As well as trying to solve the Garrett case, Detective Kent also has another major case on her plate & then the possibility of a third one. But can the latter even be plausible, considering where the information came from?

There is A LOT going on in this book! It's not always action of the kicking down doors, guns blazing variety but that doesn't mean it's not packed with excitement. Three different storylines, Coma World, a tight cast of characters, and an 11 year old in a 20 year old body trying to navigate a world he doesn't understand. James is the standout character for me - brave, vulnerable, determined. I liked Kent too for much the same reasons and developed a fondness for Tate, a man with his own share of demons. And Dr McCoy was inspired! But everyone is well drawn, including the antagonists. Reading my notes back reminds me how frustrated I was trying to work out the identity of Copy Joe! I failed. And the discussion around the pain tourists of the title, gosh, some people. 

I like that whilst Cleave explains how Coma World might have come about, he doesn't go into detail of explain the science behind it, if that's even possible. It remains a mystery, a world within a world, and I love that. 

The Pain Tourist is action packed, fast moving with short, sharp chapters. It's compulsive reading, a crime story with a difference. And one with a whole lot of heart. 

The Author

Paul Cleave is an award-winning author who often divides his time between his home city of Christchurch, New Zealand, where his novels are set, and Europe, where none of his novels are set. His books have been translated into over twenty languages. He’s won the won the Ngaio Marsh Award three times, the Saint-Maur Crime Novel of the Year Award, and Foreword Reviews Thriller of the Year, and has been shortlisted for the Ned Kelly, Edgar and Barry Awards. He’s thrown his Frisbee in over forty countries, plays tennis badly, golf even worse, and has two cats – which is often two too many. The Pain Tourist is his (lucky) thirteenth novel.

Red as Blood by Lilja Sigurðardóttir (translated by Quentin Bates)

Wishing a very happy publication day to Lilja Sigurðardóttir for the brilliant Red as Blood translated into English by Quentin Bates and out today from Orenda Books. So it's the perfect day to be sharing my review as part of the blog tour. Huge thanks to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for The invite and to the publisher for my review copy. I've since bought my own paperback copy.

The Blurb

When entrepreneur Flosi arrives home for dinner one night, he discovers that his house has been ransacked, and his wife Guðrún missing. A letter on the kitchen table confirms that she has been kidnapped. If Flosi doesn’t agree to pay an enormous ransom, Guðrún will be killed. Forbidden from contacting the police, he gets in touch with Áróra, who specialises in finding hidden assets, and she, alongside her detective friend Daníel, try to get to the bottom of the case without anyone catching on. Meanwhile, Áróra and Daníel continue the puzzling, devastating search for Áróra’s sister Ísafold, who disappeared without trace. As fog descends, in a cold and rainy Icelandic autumn, the investigation becomes increasingly dangerous, and confusing. Chilling, twisty and unbearably tense, Red as Blood is the second instalment in the riveting, addictive An Áróra Investigation series, and everything is at stake.

My Review

This is the follow up to Cold as Hell which saw Áróra, happily settled in the UK, reluctantly returning to an Iceland she'd barely visited for years to search for her missing, estranged sister Ísafold. In Red as Blood several months have passed, Ísafold is still missing but Áróra is feeling much more settled in Iceland, even beginning to put down roots. Her job as a kind of forensic accountant, searching for hidden money, means she can work from anywhere. A Scottish colleague calls her with an unusual favour. The wife of an Icelandic client of his has been kidnapped, a hefty ransom note left and strict instructions not to involve the police. Can Áróra help? And so the story begins. The police do get involved,  but do so very cleverly, which brings Áróra back into contact with old family friend Daníel who she has not spoken to in some months. As police investigation moves forward, and Áróra carries out one of her own, things become more confusing for all concerned and potentially more dangerous too. 

I love Áróra. She's strong, fierce and determined. She might have begun the search for her sister reluctantly but now she's fervent about it, spending days driving down miles of tracks painstakingly searching Iceland's vast lava fields by bit, looking for the smallest sign of Ísafold. This part of the story is heartbreaking, actually, but her determination is inspiring. And the main storyline of Guðrún's abduction and the random note, gives her something meaty to get her teeth into and she soon discovers the odd thing that doesn't look quite right, making her a little suspicious that someone isn't telling the truth... Financial fraud is something that the author has clearly researched (it's a subject that has been touched upon in earlier books) and it shows. 

I must talk about Daníel. Handsome, caring, fair, he seems like the ideal man! His interactions with his drag queen nextdoor neighbour are very sweet, his interactions with his colleagues are very fair and balanced, with interviewees and suspects he's calm, almost friendly. And then there's Áróra. Honestly, I could just bang their heads together, I really could! But they work well together, even though Áróra isn't part of the police team. Finally in this bit, I have to mention Helena, who is a breath of fresh air. No desire for a romantic relationship but she likes her needs met, has been fortunate to meet other similar women and has a system that works for her. 

The main storyline becomes more and more twisted and tangled as time goes on as more people, more facts and more secrets come out of the woodwork. It's cleverly done and had me racing to turn the pages to see what came next. The financial element to the crime is explored also, and you'll need to keep your wits about you to keep up with it all. This isn't a guns blazing kind of novel but there is plenty of tension and intrigue making it a quick and very enjoyable read. 

Red as Blood is a story of marriage, family, love, lies and betrayal. It explores happiness and sadness and undercovers secrets. But running through all of it is the tale of a woman desperately searching for her sister or, at least, some trace of her. It's incredibly poignant and sad. A thoroughly interesting story full of well written colourful characters, I loved it. 

The Author

Icelandic crime-writer Lilja Sigurdardóttir was born in the town of Akranes in 1972 and raised in Mexico, Sweden, Spain and Iceland. An award-winning playwright, Lilja has written six crime novels, with Snare, the first in a new series and Lilja’s English debut shortlisting for the CWA International Dagger and hitting bestseller lists worldwide.Trap soon followed suit, with the third in the trilogy Cage winning the Best Icelandic Crime Novel of the Year, and it was a Guardian Book of the Year. Lilja’s standalone Betrayal, was shortlisted for the Glass Key Award for Best Nordic Crime Novel. In 2021, Cold as Hell, the first in the An Áróra Investigation series was published, with Red as Blood the follow up. The film rights to Cold as Hell have been bought by Palomar Pictures in California. Lilja is also an award-winning screenwriter in her native Iceland. She lives in Reykjavík with her partner.

The Moose Paradox by Antti Tuomainen (translated by David Hackston)

I'm thrilled to be sharing my review today of The Moose Paradox by Antti Tuomainen, translated by David Hackston. And it's Orentober too, so perfect timing! This is the follow up to The Rabbit Factor which some of you might remember was one of my favourite books last year, so I have been eagerly, and rather impatiently, awaiting this one. I wasn't disappointed. More mayhem and madness in the adventure park business! Huge thanks to Anne Cater for the invitation and to the publisher, Orenda Books, for my review copy.

The Blurb

Insurance mathematician Henri Koskinen has finally restored order both to his life and to YouMeFun, the adventure park he now owns, when a man from the past appears – and turns everything upside down again. More problems arise when the park’s equipment supplier is taken over by a shady trio, with confusing demands. Why won’t Toy of Finland Ltd sell the new Moose Chute to Henri when he needs it as the park’s main attraction? Meanwhile, Henri’s relationship with artist Laura has reached breaking point, and, in order to survive this new chaotic world, he must push every calculation to its limits, before it’s too late. 

My Review

Actuary Henry's life is ruled by mathematics. Every decision is made after careful calculations, every problem dealt with in the most efficient way possible. He thrives on logic and order. All of that was thrown into chaos when he inherited an adventure (not amusement) park from his late brother, together with its quirky employees. His early adventures here are described in The Rabbit Factor. Six months on he has settled into his time and the park is running well. But to beat their competitors and increase visitor numbers, the park needs new equipment. Specifically, the Moose Chute. But Henri finds his previously good relationship with supplier Toy of Finland has soured since it was taken over by three new owners. And that's not how only problem. There are threats to him and threats to the park, a face from the past and rebellious staff. And a relationship to navigate. It's a lot.

I love, love, love Henri. He's never admit it but he is just as quirky as his park employees. I love his ability to apply maths and logic to everything he faces, even the ridiculous. And how that calm, organised approach can get him out of the stickiest of situations. And, without realising it, he's very funny! So brilliant from Tuomainen. His description of being caught short when out an about, and also his parents' joint funeral are very chucklesome, especially when the latter really shouldn't be. But what I really love is his burgeoning relationship with artist Laura Helanto. Every mention of her includes both her first name and surname. Henri is new to the vagaries of love and we see him struggle with telephone conversations and text messages, which I agree are a total minefield! And his description of love making is... well, read it for yourself! 😂 But the effect Laura, and her art, have on him is beautiful to read. Time spent with her is 'fuller and denser than usual.' He's such a carefully created character and it feels like this was done with a real affection for him. Laura, of course, is another character I love, and amongst the park employees I have affection for Kristian, an eager young puppy, keen to learn, taking courses to improve himself, although not, it should be noted, Henri's course on 'The Fundamental Principles Of Adventure-Park Mathematics, and Head of Security Esa, who I suspect might be as mad as a box of frogs! 

But it's not all love and fun. Threats to YouMeFun come from every direction and Henri finds himself in some absurd, and dangerous, situations. He has to make some difficult, but always calculated, decisions and must decide how honest to be with DI Osmala, a big man with tiny feet! The descriptions of all these encounters are so entertaining, brilliantly written. 

This book is brilliamtly written and skilfully translated by David Hackston. Amongst the giggles are some beautiful descriptions:

'...it's light was like an endless cascade of white gold and silk.'

'Outside it is dark, save for the illuminated windows of the building opposite, which seem to be floating in mid-air. Golden, multicoloured, dim, bright floating squares in a sea of black or in an endless universe, all set in soothing, regular formation.'

The Moose Paradox is madcappery and mayhem, with some genuine peril thrown in. Add to that an awkward love story and one of my favourite protagonists ever and it is everything I could ask for. Loved it! 

The Author

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. In 2013, the Finnish press crowned Tuomainen the ‘King of Helsinki Noir’ when Dark as My Heart was published. With a piercing and evocative style, Tuomainen was one of the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime genre formula, and his poignant, dark and hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards. Palm Beach Finland was an immense success, with Marcel Berlins (The Times) calling Tuomainen ‘the funniest writer in Europe’. Little Siberia (2020), was shortlisted for the CWA International Dagger, the Amazon Publishing/Capital Crime Awards and the CrimeFest Last Laugh Award, and won the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel of the Year. The Rabbit Factor (2021), the first book in Antti’s first ever series, is in production by Amazon Studios with Steve Carell starring. The Moose Paradox is the second book in the series.