momobookdiary's reviews
56 reviews

The Party House by Lin Anderson

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5.0


I devoured The Party House by Lin Anderson—what an absolute ride! From the first page, I was completely hooked, and it became one of those books I just couldn’t stop thinking about. I started reading it early in the morning, fully intending to pace myself, but despite a busy day, I kept sneaking back for ‘just one more chapter’ — I finished it by bedtime!

The way Anderson unravels the story is what made it so irresistible. She masterfully drip-feeds the details, slowly revealing the village’s dark secrets, and it’s done so well that I couldn’t tear myself away. Every twist and turn kept me guessing, and the eerie, claustrophobic vibe added this chilling edge that had me on the edge of my seat.

The characters felt so real. They’re flawed, complex, and utterly believable, which made it easy to get emotionally invested in their fates. I was constantly trying to figure out who was hiding what, and every time I thought I had things figured out, another layer of suspense would hit. It’s such a fantastic whodunnit, with the kind of tension that builds beautifully.

And can we talk about the setting? The Scottish Highlands were brought to life so vividly that I could practically feel the mist on my face. I’ve spent time in the Highlands myself, and Anderson nailed the haunting, isolated atmosphere. It added this extra weight to the mystery—like the landscape itself was keeping secrets.

If you love a good, tense thriller filled with twists, The Party House is a must-read. Lin Anderson has crafted a gripping story of old ghosts, past sins, and dangerous secrets that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I’m already adding more of her books to my reading list. This was my first, but it definitely won’t be my last!
One More Lie by Sheryl Browne

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4.0

A small group of students partying on the beach one night sets the stage for a gripping mystery. When outsider Pippa is teased and storms off alone, her body is found the next morning - but none of the partygoers reveal what they know. Was someone with Pippa that night? Who knows more than they’re letting on? And, most importantly, what really happened to Pippa? How did she die?

From there, the story jumps forward twenty years, unraveling through alternating perspectives, with a strong focus on Becky, one of the friends at the center of the drama. The shifts between past and present keep the tension high as we dig deeper into the web of secrets, betrayals, and lies that everyone’s been hiding for years.

I love how Sheryl Browne writes unlikeable characters — it gives the story an edge, like watching a group slowly self-destruct while you can’t look away. There’s plenty of backstabbing, cheating, and cold-blooded revenge, making it a satisfyingly juicy read. The suspense is solid, and the twists kept me hooked, though I have to admit, I guessed who was taking revenge for Pippa fairly early on, which took away some of the shock at the end.

That said, it’s still a dark, intense, and thoroughly entertaining read. If you enjoy twisty thrillers packed with secrets, lies, and messy relationships, it’s definitely worth checking out. A solid three stars from me!

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sheryl Browne for the opportunity to read and review this book! (momobookdiary)
The Twelve by Liz Hyder

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Did not finish book.
Could not get involved with the style of writing. I was so keen to read this book but it just was not for me.  I will ensure it finds a good home with special magic added by The Book Fairies 
The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood

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tense fast-paced

5.0

The Village Killer is an absolutely fantastic, edge-of-your-seat read that had me hooked from page one. Although it’s the seventh DI Barton novel by Ross Greenwood, you can easily jump in without reading the previous books and still fully enjoy the experience.

The story opens with DI Barton returning to Major Crimes after a few years behind a desk, where he was able to keep regular hours and focus on family life. Determined to prove he’s sharp and re-energized, he’s immediately plunged into two intense cases: the disappearance of a teenager and an attempted murder. Barton has no time to catch his breath, and neither does the reader! The stakes are high, and you can feel his urgency and pressure to solve both cases before things spiral further out of control.

What sets Greenwood apart is his crisp, engaging prose that masterfully builds suspense while maintaining a fast-paced narrative. Every chapter leaves you wanting more, and his vivid attention to detail creates an immersive atmosphere - you can almost feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The psychological depth Greenwood brings to the plot is impressive, highlighting how fear and suspicion can shatter even the closest-knit communities.

If you love crime fiction with well-developed characters, plenty of twists, and a deeply atmospheric setting, The Village Killer is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Ross Greenwood for the opportunity to read and review this book! (momobookdiary)
The Secret Christmas Bookshop: A romantic cosy and festive novel about love and friendship at Christmas by Cressida McLaughlin

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

5.0

I absolutely loved “The Secret Christmas Bookshop” by Cressida McLaughlin! 
 
From the very first page, it wrapped me in a cozy, heartwarming embrace that I never wanted to leave. 
 
I’m always drawn to books with “book” in the title—there’s something irresistible about stories centred around bookshops. Add a sprinkle of Christmas romance, and it’s a combination I simply can’t resist. Having devoured plenty of holiday novels and Hallmark movies, I thought I knew what to expect, but this novel offered so much more than the usual slow-burn romance. It felt fresh, with plenty of surprises that kept me hooked. 
 
Cressida McLaughlin truly knows how to bring characters to life. Each one felt like someone I’d love to be friends with—warm, real, and full of personality. While I thought I had the mystery behind the bookshop figured out, that turned out to be just a small part of the story's charm. The real magic lay in the emotions. I was swept away by the mix of innocent new love, deep friendships, and unexpected tear-jerking moments. I found myself reaching for tissues more than once—something I never expected from a Christmas romance! 
 
Set in a charming seaside village, the atmosphere is perfect for cozy winter reading. Picture yourself lighting a candle, grabbing a cup of tea, and snuggling under a blanket as you immerse yourself in this enchanting world. I could almost feel the sea breeze and smell the festive fish and chips! The chemistry between Sophie and Harry was so natural and sweet, but Felix truly stole my heart! 
 
This was my first Cressida McLaughlin novel, and I’m kicking myself for not discovering her sooner! I’ve already added all of her other books to my wish list and can’t wait to dive in. The pacing was spot on—fast enough to keep me turning the pages, yet with plenty of time to savour the cozy, heartwarming moments. If you're searching for the perfect, feel-good, happy-ever-after Christmas romance, “The Secret Christmas Bookshop” is the one. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Cressida McLaughlin for the opportunity to read and review this book! (momobookdiary)
Phantoms by Ros Gough

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challenging emotional informative reflective

4.0

From the very first page, it’s clear that Ros Gough has poured her heart into Phantoms. While this is a work of fiction, it resonates deeply with the real-life experiences of those navigating the heartbreaking journey of baby loss. The author writes with a blend of empathy, tenderness, and hard facts, crafting a narrative that is both poignant and informative.

At times, I found myself a bit confused by certain aspects of the story. This may stem from the author’s deep involvement in the narrative, which can make certain elements less clear for the reader. However, this minor hiccup does not detract from the overall impact of the novel.

The central message of Phantoms is powerful: regardless of whether you’ve experienced miscarriage, missed miscarriage, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancy, your story is uniquely yours. Each individual grappling with baby loss will process their emotions differently - experiencing heartache, grief, anger, and everything in between. It’s crucial to move forward with those memories in your heart, rather than moving on without them.

I extend my gratitude to Ros Gough for creating this essential piece of fiction that speaks to those seeking stories of this nature. There are few works that address these themes, and many who experience such loss might shy away from self-help or medical guides.

Phantoms is not just a book; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the stories of so many.

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The Good Daughter by Sarah Edghill

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2.0

I had the opportunity to read Sarah Edghill's The Good Daughter through NetGalley, and I was excited after enjoying her previous release, The Pool. The synopsis of this novel sounded perfect for me, touching on themes of family struggles, assisted living, and a young boy facing challenges at school.

The story follows Eve as she navigates settling her mother, Flora, into an assisted-living facility, while also dealing with her son Daniel's difficulties at school and the complexities of co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ben. The plot offered potential for an emotional and engaging read.

While this book wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I can appreciate the depth of the storyline and the difficult situations the characters were facing. However, I found the pace slower than I anticipated, and the characters, particularly Eve, were challenging for me to connect with. Despite this, I’m sure readers who enjoy a more introspective and slow-burn narrative will find the book engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books, and Sarah Edghill for allowing me to review this book.
The Book of Kindness by Stephanie Butland

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

The Book of Kindness is an absolute pleasure to read. It’s a gorgeous, compelling, and deeply moving novel that had me both smiling and shedding a tear or two. The emotional depth of the story really struck a chord with me.

This novel is filled with lovely surprises and little moments of possibility that kept me hooked until the very end. The Book of Kindness is simply beautiful, full of heart, and a reminder of the transformative power of compassion, family, and connection. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Full Review is available on my blog at momobookdiary
SMALL TALK: 10 ADHD lies and how to stop believing them by Roxanne Pink, Richard Pink

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

SMALL TALK: 10 ADHD lies and how to stop believing them by Roxanne Pink, Richard Pink

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0