The Books Machine

Have you checked out The Books Machine yet? The Book Machine emails its subscribers a daily selection of free and discounted ebook titles. What makes the site a bit different, though, is you as a reader can also request free copies of any books you're interested in, with your only commitment being a brief review when you've finished reading. For more information, visit www.thebooksmachine.com.

On My Bookshelf: THE HUNTER'S PREY by Marie E Gorman

The Hunter's Prey by Marie E Gorman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Hunting is not a sport. In a sport, both sides should know they are in the game." -Paul Rodriguez

Chilling, easy reading (if easy is a term that can ever be applied to true crime) accounts of murder from around the world. It’s almost inconceivable what happened to these women. But I think what resonated with me most about all these cases is the ordinariness of the victims, women who did nothing wrong, women who happened in many cases to simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Women who could be anyone of us.

Jill Meagher’s case in particular hit home. Jill, a 29-year-old Melbourne woman, was raped and murdered while walking home from a night out with workmates. It was a walk she’d done many times before. When Adrian Bayley decided to go hunting, however, she didn’t stand a chance.

I, like many women, have walked that same street Jill Meagher did, oblivious to the evil lurking in the shadows. A timely reminder that we need to remain vigilant at all times.

BOOK DESCRIPTION
The Hunter's Prey is a True Crime book featuring true stories of women who met violent deaths at the hands of a male. These men managed to blend into society making it impossible for the victims to predict how violent and dangerous they could be. Some of the women in this book encountered everyday violence while others experienced crimes that were so extraordinary and random that they are almost inconceivable. By reading their stories, it forces us to become more aware of our surroundings and we may have second thoughts about doing things that we once believed posed no risk at all. Stories include: 

• Jill Meagher 
• Jennifer Levin 
• Imette St Guillen and Jennifer Moore 
• Rachel O’Reilly and Celine Cawley 
• Patricia O’Toole, Raechel Betts and Jasmine Fiore 
• Lisa Harnum 
• Denise Amber Lee and Brianna Denison 
• Cynthia Osokoga and Nona Belomesoff 
• John Edward Robinson and Paul Denyer 
• Lucie Blackman and Lindsay Hawker 
• Laura Garza and Nicola Furlong 
• Sonja McCaskie and Sharon Siermans 

Available on Kindle from Amazon

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On My Bookshelf: UNFORGIVABLE by Sharon Robards

Unforgivable by Sharon Robards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Nuns walked across the wooden floor, not speaking, accustomed to the screams as much as to the smell of ammonia. Business as usual. Except for the girl crying out and the swish-swish of black or white habits, the scene resembled a silent movie—quiet and without colour.” –Unforgivable

Powerful and poignant, Unforgivable has an authenticity about it that goes way beyond mere historical fact. The people are real, the emotions complex and deep. The standout character for me was Sister Gregory, a nun with both empathy and conviction. A nun who didn’t always agree with the Catholic doctrine.

The story summons up conflicting emotions. Sadness, because even though it’s fiction, it’s what actually happened in 1960s Australia. Admiration for those same teenage girls, who despite being forced to give away their babies sight unseen, never forgot. Or forgave.

Highly recommended. If you enjoyed Love Child, the Australian TV series, you’ll love Unforgivable.

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Unforgivable is the story of a teenage girl and a young nun caught up in the great religious and social upheaval brought on by Vatican II, and a thriving adoption industry driven by society’s fierce disapproval of unmarried mothers. 

Seventeen-year-old Sylvia, like many unmarried teenage mothers across Australia in 1966, is forced to wait for the birth of her child in one of the homes and hospitals run by the Catholic Church. St Joseph’s Hospital, managed by the Sisters of St Anthony, has never had a girl walk out the front gate without first leaving behind her baby. But the sisters had never met Sylvia, defiant and headstrong and determined to keep her child.

Available on Kindle from Amazon

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Holiday reading...

I’m an avid reader but haven’t had a lot of time of late to indulge. That is until I unplugged and escaped to The Grampians for a whole glorious month. Curled up in front of the wood fire, I read more books than I’ve read all year. I’ve selected a true crime and a thriller – both Australian – to share, both of which I highly recommend. Dark Horse goes to the top of my favourite reads for the year.

*****

Dark Horse by Honey Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“After witnessing last year’s fifty-metre-high rolling fireballs, she’d wondered if the treetops were truly Satan’s home. And God resided in the water. Everything about that fire had smacked of hell.” – Dark Horse

This is my second Honey Brown book. And while I enjoyed After the Darkness, this has to be my favourite read of the year so far. I literally couldn’t put it down.

Dark Horse delivers on all fronts. There is not a moment when something isn't happening. Brown somehow manages to imbue every setting and every exchange with suspense, which is all the more surprising given the small cast of characters – one woman, one man, a horse and the weather. Simply masterful.

I also love it when a twist catches you by surprise – especially when all the clues are there.

Days after I finished reading Dark Horse, I found myself still thinking about the story. It is a rare book that stays with me like that.

A must-read.

*****

Murder in Suburbia: Disturbing Stories from Australia's Dark Heart by Emily Webb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The suburbs are where we live.” – Murder in Suburbia: Disturbing Stories from Australia's Dark Heart

Murder in Suburbia makes a refreshing change to most crime collections I’ve read that simply rehash the same high-profile cases. The focus of this collection is on those murders much closer to home, those in our own backyard.

Having lived in Melbourne, many of these shocking and senseless murders were too close for comfort. They certainly drove home how wrong the it-can’t-happen-to-me mindset can be.

Emily Webb also manages to keep the tension high without sensationalising the crimes.

Highly recommended.

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Mysteries in Paradise: Review of Thin Blood

"If you are looking for a light but satisfying read, then this might hit the spot."

Many thanks to Kerrie of Mysteries in Paradise (paradise being Australia) for her review of Thin Blood. Read full review here. 

Kerrie is also a contributor to Fair Dinkum Crime, another Aussie crime readers blog I follow.

On My Bookshelf: DEAD BY FRIDAY by Derek Pedley

Dead by Friday by Derek Pedley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Adelaide is no virgin when it comes to bizarre murders.”

Dead by Friday is a well-crafted and in-depth account of the cruel and brutal slaying of South Australian mother-of-three Carolyn Matthews, a woman whose only crime was to be married to the wrong man.

There is nothing simple about this case. Dead by Friday reads like a far-fetched crime novel, but then truth is often stranger than fiction. The more the story unfolded, the sicker I felt and the more I wished it were fiction.

My admiration has to go to the detectives who somehow pieced together this complex and warped tale of lust and manipulation.

Highly recommended for lovers of true crime.

SYNOPSIS
He was once a bronzed lifesaver but is now a balding, overweight tyre-shop manager nearing 40, an ambitious man with desires his marriage cannot satisfy. She is 29, the wife of one of his employees; a serial cheater and manipulator, she can curl her lips into a knowing smile and bat bedroom eyes at any man who cares to take a second look. Kevin Matthews and Michelle Burgess are made for each other.

The affair begins with furtive sex in parks and offices, moving on to whiskey-fuelled trysts in motels. Their marriages crumble, his career and finances suffer and the obsession deepens. The pillow talk turns sinister. She issues ultimatums. Drastic action is needed if they are to start a new life together.

At the front gate of a suburban primary school, in between mothers' small talk, two murder plots are hatched. Contracts - complete with photographs of Matthews' wife and Burgess' husband - are issued. Enter amateur hitman David Key, who says he'll do both for $50,000. It is the perfect plan: Kevin and Michelle will escape their marriages, claim the $100,000 life insurance policy on Matthews' wife, Carolyn, and live happily ever after.

But their lust and greed is infectious; Key is instantly infatuated with Michelle, the "high-class sheila" who has hired him, and a second, parallel affair begins. When she tips over the edge into a manic and delusional state, the situation spins out of control, leading to a shocking and brutal crime.

It is recounted through the eyes of detectives, witnesses, families, friends, lovers and one of the intended victims, Michelle's husband Darren Burgess.

On the surface, it is a random and horrific crime without a motive. Who would kill a much-loved wife, mother and respected lifesaver? DEAD BY FRIDAY draws on the meticulous investigation and puts readers at the detectives' sides as they hunt the killers. It seeks the disturbing truth about Michelle Burgess - how did a schoolgirl who told extravagant lies to get attention grow up to be a serial sex-predator-turned-killer? The truth is revealed in a forensic profile that reaches conclusions that shock even the eminent forensic psychologist who compiled it.

Discover how the conspiracy and crime unfolded, leading to an inexplicable third affair, and the seduction of prison officers behind bars. Should authorities fear Michelle Burgess may try to strike again?

Available on Kindle from Amazon

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On My Bookshelf: Thirst by L A Larkin

Thirst by L.A. Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Snow algae. Look at the colours: the pink algae, the white ice, the blue sky – it’s breathtaking. It’s untouched. Antarctica is like the Garden of Eden before man cocked it up.” – Thirst

The blurb doesn’t do this impressive environmental thriller justice. Based on that alone, I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book. So thank you to everyone who recommended it.

This action-packed thriller has it all: a unique setting, fast pace, engaging characters (especially Maddie and Luke), a high body count, understated sexual tension and penguins. I’d even go as far as to say it’s heart-pounding – mine certainly was at times.

Thirst is both entertaining and informative. What makes it even more compelling is that the scenario is terrifyingly plausible. “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” springs to mind. We can only hope the real life Maddies and Lukes continue to prevail.

A must-read.

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On My Bookshelf: Mad Men, Bad Girls by Maggie Groff

Mad Men, Bad Girls by Maggie Groff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I can’t describe what it is that makes Byron special; there’s an intangible quality that’s difficult to define. Apart from the outstanding natural beauty, there’s a soul that seeps into your bones. Byron is an eclectic mix—cultured and feral, chamomile and gin, tattoo and Gucci. With attitude.” -- Mad Men, Bad Girls

Scout Davis, a diabetic, tea-drinking journalist, lives in Byron Bay, her only company while her partner is away working in Afghanistan a rescued cat she calls Chairman Meow. She’s investigating a rumour that an American cult has established itself somewhere in the Gold Coast hinterland. When she discovers a childhood friend of her daughter’s has been caught up with the group, it becomes personal.

For me, it rambled a little at the start, which I realise was all to do with story and character set-up, but it did make me itch to get to the guts of the story. However, once into it, I didn’t want to put the book down.

Mad Men, Bad Girls is a light-hearted, entertaining mystery laced with that quintessential irreverent Aussie humour. The characters, none of whom are perfect with maybe the exception of Chairman Meow, are real and relatable. A most enjoyable read.

I look forward to reading Good News, Bad News.

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On My Bookshelf: Inheritance by Kate Loveday

Inheritance by Kate Loveday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Cassie kicked at the parched earth with the toe of her boot. Spurts of dust flew up. ‘It seems hard to believe that this is usually covered with green feed. With everything so dry I guess we’re lucky to have as many calves as we’ve had this year.’” –Inheritance

Set in Far Northern Australia, Inheritance is an engaging romantic mystery. It is wonderfully sensory with a rich sense of place – it couldn’t be set anywhere but Australia – with a cast of interesting and well-drawn characters. Cassandra Taylor, Inheritance’s heroine is no meek country girl able to be pushed around. More than anything, this story is about her journey from girl to woman.

Highly recommended. I look forward to reading more from Kate Loveday.

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On My Bookshelf: Big Horn Storm by Kim McMahill

Big Horn Storm by Kim McMahill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“At the moment, she had much more to fear than the weather or a wild animal. With the soldiers on the move, her grandfather’s health deteriorating and winter approaching, Niki couldn’t help but feel they were on the brink of losing the battle to survive.” – Big Horn Storm

Fast-paced, action-packed adventure with just the right balance of romance and suspense that kept me turning the pages late into the night. I also loved the strong sense of place – a character in its own right – and vivid descriptions.

The only negative for me was the frequent point-of-view switches mid scene. As skilfully done as it was, it still jarred. However, I believe that this is a convention common to the romance genre.

I look forward to reading more of Kim McMahill’s work.

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On My Bookshelf: Rough Justice by Robin Bowles

Rough Justice by Robin Bowles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While not a prerequisite, Rough Justice will be more meaningful for those familiar with Australia’s high profile murder cases e.g. Jennifer Tanner, Jaidyn Leskie, Peter Falconio, to name a few.

The information presented about Bradley Murdoch (convicted for the murder of Peter Falconio) certainly had me questioning my stance on the case and the safety of his conviction.

There was some repetition from chapter to chapter, though the book’s structure almost made this necessary – I read it from beginning to end, but a reader could pick and choose what to read and still have all the requisite background.

Highly recommended for true crime buffs interested in the Australian legal system and its shortcomings. Robin Bowles is one of my favourite true crime writers.

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On My Bookshelf: Seven Bones by Peter Seymour and Jason K Foster

Seven Bones by Peter Seymour and Jason K Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave when both my wives end up deceased.” – Seven Bones

Australian Thomas Andrew Keir was acquitted of murdering his second wife, and his conviction for killing his first wife was twice overturned.

This is a case I’ve followed over the years, even to the extent of reading court transcripts, so I was more than a little interested in reading this book, especially as it’s told from the viewpoint of one of the detectives involved in the case, Peter Seymour.

The prologue wasn’t quite as strong as it could have been. For example, I find it hard to imagine a psychopath like Keir thinking “dammit” when the phone goes in the middle of burying his wife. However, the rest of the book made for compelling reading and gave invaluable insight into an intriguing case. If it weren't for the perseverance of a dedicated police officer, Keir would have got away with not just one but two murders.

The book also has a wonderful Aussie flavour. Blokes and mates abound.

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On My Bookshelf: The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The merry-go-round was traveling in reverse. The horses, tigers, bears, zebras were all circling tail-end first as if competing in some bizarre, backward race.” – The Merry-Go-Round

Thirty-eight-year-old lawyer Lauren Flynn harbours a lot of resentment toward her soon to be ex-husband, Greg. All she wants from him is his signature on the divorce papers. Or at least that’s what she tells herself.

While I didn’t feel that this was a comedy, it was one of the best romances I’ve read in a long time. Engaging story with strong, real people. Lots of sexual tension but no gratuitous sex scenes. Balanced pacing with no flat spots.

I didn’t warm to Lauren straight away, but the more I got to know her, the more she grew on me. In the beginning, she came across as quite hard and bitter, but I soon discovered that was only a veneer and brittle at that.

Highly recommended.

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On My Bookshelf: With Full Malice by Brenda Hill

With Full Malice by Brenda Hill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“She aimed for his heart and pulled the trigger. Blood sprayed from a blackened hole in his shirt and he staggered backward. The pistol recoiled, but she stepped forward and fired a second time, knocking him off his feet. Bending over his sprawled form, she fired again, putting a round through his temple.” – With Full Malice

This is the second Brenda Hill novel I’ve read. I enjoyed this one even more – it’s not quite as intense as Ten Times Guilty and the reading is effortless, the writing more assured.

Hill’s strength is her character development. The author explains it best when she says she writes about women in crisis, celebrating the inner strength women sometimes forget they possess. And it’s this growth that we see with Maddy Young, haunted by the murder of her parents when she was only six years old and the promise the killer made to return for her. I cared as much for Maddy as her grandmother and Detective Dexter Quinn did.

If you’re looking for a fast, easy read that packs a punch, then I highly recommend With Full Malice.

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On My Bookshelf: The Naked Room by Diana Hockley

The Naked Room by Diana Hockley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“I crouched over the steering wheel, urging the Suzuki car on. Drivers coming the other way leaned on their horns as they fronted my headlights. The car behind me caught up and settled right on the back bumper, forcing me to take more chances. It swerved and began to draw alongside, until I could see the dark shape of the driver in the side mirror. I did a lightning inventory of what was in the car. Nothing available for a weapon. Can’t out-run him.” – The Naked Room

The Naked Room was recommended to me as a cracking good read, and it’s that and more. Hockley’s writing is strong, sensory and compelling, the plot complex and fed on secrets and lies. The many strands are woven seamlessly into the story.

The book’s structure is a bit different from the norm in that there are multiple points of views with most narrated in first, one point of view per chapter. It’s a technique, I imagine, that takes skill, but it works well here. Chapter headings help keep the reader in the right head and on track, although I had to occasionally flip back to check whose head I was in. I think that’s probably more about the way I read than the narrative, though.

Highly recommended. I look forward to reading Hockley’s next, The Celibate Mouse.

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On My Bookshelf: The Lottery Ticket by Tony Eldridge

The Lottery Ticket: A Novel by Tony Eldridge

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A thunderous bang shattered the surreal moment as the car hit the slope of the mountainside. Jason watched trees and bushes fly by as he stomped with full force on the brakes. The seatbelt cut into him like a violent fist refusing to let go. He lost all orientation when the car started tumbling down the slope.” – The Lottery Ticket

The Lottery Ticket is a fast-paced, easy-reading thriller populated with complex characters, each with his/her own agenda. Greed is a powerful motive.

Eldridge’s writing flows with an ease and naturalness that makes reading a pleasure. It’s a “clean” story – no offensive language or the like – which also makes it suitable for a younger audience.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Chapter Chicks Review

Chapter Chicks' review of SLEIGHT MALICE just in.

YouTube Review

Blog Review