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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Two Birds Now Available Free at Smashwords

My short mystery TWO BIRDS is now free in multiple formats at Smashwords:

Kristine Abbey lies unconscious and bleeding on her kitchen floor. Crouched next to her with his hands clamped over the knife wound in her abdomen, her husband, Daniel, screams at the couple’s sister-in-law – and his ex-mistress – rooted in the doorway. Time slips away…

3,300 words

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Digital Book Today: Weekly Featured Great Reads

Digital Book Today's Weekly Featured Great Reads:

• WHISPER CAPE by Regan Walsh
• MADNESS AND MURDER by Jenny Hilborne
• TALION by Mary Maddox
• SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE by Libby Fischer Hellmann
• NIGHT GAME by Carol Davis Luce
• TROLL OR DERBY, A FAIRY WICKED TALE by Red Tash
• SLEIGHT MALICE by Vicki Tyley
• SANDMAN by Morgan Hannah MacDonald

FREE AT KOBO: Two Birds - A Short Mystery

Looking for a quick read? My short mystery TWO BIRDS is now free at Kobo:

Kristine Abbey lies unconscious and bleeding on her kitchen floor. Crouched next to her with his hands clamped over the knife wound in her abdomen, her husband, Daniel, screams at the couple’s sister-in-law – and his ex-mistress – rooted in the doorway. Time slips away…

3,300 words

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OUT NOW: Bitter Nothings by Vicki Tyley

I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest mystery, BITTER NOTHINGS:

Melbourne-based graphic designer Dervla Johns' life is turned upside down when her brothers, Emmet and Gabe, turn up on her doorstep with the horrific news that their stepmother, Lucinda, and their half-sister and half-brother have been murdered – shot dead in their beds. Her father, Warren, has vanished, and the police have him in their sights as prime suspect. Dervla refuses to believe it. That's until he turns up dead in his car on an isolated bush track, the weapon by his side. Mix in a dysfunctional family and a friend with an abusive husband and the lines start to blur…

AVAILABLE FROM:

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | SMASHWORDS

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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