Category Archives: Novellas

“The Fallen” by Michael Wood (series prequel novella)

Posted on January 14, 2019 by

BLURB: It’s Christmas in Sheffield. But not everyone is enjoying the festive season…A man has been found brutally murdered in his own home.The victim is Iain Kilbride, a once-famous TV star who has faded into obscurity. All signs point to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, Novellas | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

“Brainstorm” by Matthew Drzmala – Book Review

Posted on November 20, 2018 by

BLURB: Clinical psychologist Michael Eriksson makes a living from helping others, but after a series of events he is left fighting to pick up the pieces of his own shattered psyche. When he is called to an attempted suicide on … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Novellas | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Left for dead” by Jane Casey

Posted on February 7, 2018 by

For some time now, this police procedural mystery series by Jane Casey has been on my radar.  I thought I’d finally give in to my desire to read it by beginning with the series prequel novella that introduces the protagonist, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, Novellas, Series order | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

“Three weeks dead” by Rebecca Bradley

Posted on February 3, 2018 by

We join the protagonist DC Sally Poynter as she has just been recruited to the Major Crime Unit of the Nottingham Police. Still insecure and feeling her way, she is attempting to settle in with the team.  Most are welcoming, … Continue reading →

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“The suicide plan” by Emma Clapperton

Posted on January 2, 2018 by

Do you believe in being able to contact the dead? If so, this short novel might just be for you.  I’ll admit, I’m one of those skeptics that believe the work of mediums and spiritualists is just hogwash. But hey! … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, Novellas | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

“Christmas at the Beach Café” by Lucy Diamond

Posted on December 19, 2017 by

There is a lovely little Café in Carrawn Bay, Cornwall. Evie Flynn has inherited the Beach Café from her Aunt Jo. Her boyfriend of five months, Ed, is the Café’s chef. After a busy summer of tourist trade, Evie wants … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, Novellas, Women's fiction | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“My sweet friend” by H.A. Leuschel

Posted on December 18, 2017 by

With skillful prose, Leuschel has written a novella that makes the reader both hate, and… feel a bit sorry for her protagonist. “Behind the façade we were all human, fragile, and sensitive to judgement”. Alexa is an attractive woman working … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Literary fiction, Novellas, Psychological thrillers | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

“Devil’s Kitchen” by Stephen Puleston

Posted on December 14, 2017 by

A double murder in the Snowdonia Mountains. A police procedural, prequel novella that introduces a freshly promoted Detective Inspector. A stunning cover.  All of these things attracted me to this book. Ian Drake has only been a DI for a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1st in series, Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, Novellas | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

“The deal of a lifetime” by Fredrik Backman

Posted on December 5, 2017 by

Fredrik Backman never disappoints, but he may pull at your heartstrings more than a little… He begins the story in this way: “Does it make a difference if I killed a good person? A loved person? A valuable life? If … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Christmas, Literary fiction, Novellas, novels in translation, Scandinavian | Tagged , | 14 Comments

“The nesting dolls” by Clare Blanchard

Posted on December 4, 2017 by

In this series prequel novella, the reader becomes acquainted with Czech police detectives Jana Dvorska and Ivan Dambersky. The story begins when both detectives are on holiday, Jana in England, and Ivan in Spain. While visiting a gift shop in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, Novellas | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“Blackwater Lake” by Maggie James

Posted on October 27, 2017 by

I’m a bit behind in my Goodreads challenge this year so I thought I’d cheat a little and read a novella that has been on my Kindle for a while. The title and cover seemed in keeping with this time … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mystery fiction, Novellas | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

“The haunting of Haelstrom Cottage” by Tabatha Cross

Posted on October 22, 2017 by

Do you remember, as an adolescent,  hearing ghost stories around the campfire? The kind where those around the fire took turns with a flashlight beneath their chin? Well… this is such a story! “When places are deprived of sunlight, evil … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, ghost stories, Horror, Novellas | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

“Controlled explosions” by Claire McGowan (a novella)

Posted on March 13, 2017 by

A prequel novella, “Controlled explosions” introduces readers to Claire McGowan’s Paula Maguire series. When I read that Ken Bruen proclaimed her to be ‘Ireland’s answer to Ruth Rendell, I knew I had to check this series out. Paula Maguire, the series … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystery fiction, Novellas, Series order | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

“The language of dying” by Sarah Pinborough

Posted on December 23, 2016 by

There is always one.  You know, the one who has to ‘deal’ with it.  Whatever it is.  Usually something of critical importance.  Like being the one to sit with an aging or ill relative, or the one who has to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Fiction, NetGalley, Novellas | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

“Christmas in the park” by Laura Lockington

Posted on December 16, 2016 by

Television morning show producer Sarah Nash has just taken the station up on their offer of voluntary redundancy.  The early morning breakfast show’s quality has deteriorated and the show has been failing as a result.  With her new freedom she … Continue reading →

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