emlawley's reviews
56 reviews

This Little Piggy by JD Kirk

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am an unashamed JD Kirk megafan! He can do no wrong. I was very happy when he announced the second DI Filson spin-off book as he had piqued my interest in her during the DI Logan novels that I couldn't wait to read more about her. Kirk always balances his trademark humour and amazing character development with an interesting and detailed case exploration and gripping plot, and this book was no different. It is also amazing to see three unique and strong female characters in a crime fiction series (something Kirk has always done well in the Logan novels), with each being talented and endearing in equal measure. I also love how all of the books tie in so well together between Kirks' three series.

The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman

funny mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

After struggling with the third intallment of The Thursday Murder Club series, it was nice to enjoy this one more. Although I much preferred the original narrator and feel I have to very much tolerate the current narrator while listening to the books now (the attempt at accents is particularly shocking!). The Thursday Murder Club gang were back being their funny, mischievious selves and this for me was the best part of the book as the plot felt particularly far-fetched, sadly. 

The Rise by Ian Rankin

funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Rankin can do no wrong, in my opinion! A great and fast-paced 'whodunnit' short story with his usual mixture of humourous asides. I liked the behind-the-scenes looks we got into the luxury apartments and I was kept guessing about the culprit until the very end. Rankin showed his unrivalled writing skills know no bounds in this Rebus and Edinburgh-less book.

Heartbreak Houseshare by Emily Merrill

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A lovely and relatable exploration of female friendship and of navigating your early 20s. An interesting plot was a good addition alongside the usual love story elements of a nice meet-cute and a good old happy ending. A quick, easy and enjoyable read.

Dark Harvest by David J. Gatward

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I am a big fan of the Grimm series and love the main cast of officers in Grimm's team, plus the amazing setting of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. This book is up there with some of the best in the series after a few last year that were less well-rounded. 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

challenging informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0