The Only Way Out is Death by Varun Gwalani - #blogtour #bookreview

 

I'm falling and my arms are waving wildly, an impotent struggle against forces far beyond my control. The wind tears at my skin and I'm hurtling towards the ground faster than I can imagine, and yet it seems impossibly far. I want the pain to end, I want to stop falling, I want to just crash and finish this...

***

Twelve powerful people are kidnapped and imprisoned in an empty hotel.

Each one of them has three choices:

Live out the rest of their days peacefully in the hotel,

Die by suicide so the rest of their companions can go free,

Or murder one of their companions so they alone can go free.

The Only Way Out is Death follows the story of these twelve people from the perspective of a young lawyer, Kiriaki, told as the events unfold. She has to forge messy alliances, navigate complex relationships and feuds, and, above all, try to stay alive. Meanwhile, the mastermind of this death game is lurking just out of view, watching them closely, making sure they are primed for murder.

Will Kiriaki find the mastermind before it's too late for her?

Will she outmaneouvre the cutthroats before they cut her throat?

There are twelve selfish lives in the hotel.

Will it end in twelve selfish deaths?

***

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner. I was one of the panellists last year and I was delighted to read this book. It isn't my usual reading fare but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

It is a real page-turner of a book, with a fast pace and lots of twists and turns. It kept me gripped from the beginning, and I was very keen to get to the bottom of what was going on.

Told from the perspective of Kiriaki, she gradually reveals the personalities behind her fellow captives. Throughout the book the characters held captive alongside her, reveal their reasons for being there, including Kiriaki herself. Based during the time immediately following the pandemic, each were in someway responsible for it's taking hold and killing millions of people. The malevalent mind behind the capture of the twelve captives has put them all in a position that if they leave the hotel in which they are held, they will initiate another, more devastating pandemic on the world.

The author demonstrates a collection of moral dilemmas which each character faces; to kill or be killed, to take their own life or to live forever within the walls of the hotel. It was such an interesting and different plot to the books which I normally read that I was gripped by it. As a reader it was impossible not to ask myself the question - what would I do in such circumstances? The book is a fascinating and thought provoking read, which I enjoyed very much.

This was an exciting novel from this author which I recommend to readers.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

***

ISBN: 978 9392279676

Publisher:  Saga Publications

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  295 (paperback)

***

About the Author:

Varun Gwalani is the author of six novels: Believe, The First Storyteller, The Story Circle, The Novel Year, Who Saves the Hero? and The Only Way Out is Death. Each book is a different genre, with his latest book "The Only Way Out is Death" being a murder mystery thriller.

In addition to being an author, Varun has been a teacher of creative writing and English for several years now. He's an advocate for mental health awareness, having given a TEDx talk and written several articles on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Varun also loves reading, board games and video games, and he can often be find blending these interests by playing a visual novel. He would also like to tell you about the thing he hates the most: writing in third-person.

(book and all media courtesy of The Write Reads)

(all opinions are my own)

Harvest Cruise by Rebecca Benison - #bookreview

 

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Lisa demanded, not even bothering to exchange pleasantries as Geri entered the office. Geri was startled by the outburst, before realizing that Lisa was probably referring to yesterday's date. Word travels fast, she thought to herself.

"Nothings wrong, we just didn't connect," she replied as she put down her bag, took off her jacket, and hung it over the back of her chair. As she got settled she assumed that Lisa would get frustrated and leave. Instead, Lisa got frustated and stayed.

***

What's the true cost of a free vacation?

Geri is an introverted writer who is most comfortable at home. When her boss-turned-best-friend wins two passes for a single’s cruise, she thinks she’s taking steps towards expanding her circle. What begins as an uncomfortable but enticing foray into a world of awkward flirting and adventure, quickly becomes a fight for survival.

With kidnappings, murder, and conspiracy, Geri finds herself in the middle of a story she never could have imagined writing.

***

What a thrilling and exciting story this book turned out to have!

Lisa considers herself lucky to have won tickets for two on a singles cruise, and she invites her friend and colleague, Geri to accompany her. Geri is an introvert and agrees to join her, albeit reluctantly. On board, Geri meets Billy, and they seem equally attracted to one another.

Had I not read the blurb of this book, I may have thought that this was going to turn into a romance novel as everything was in place to indicate that. However, the book then takes an exciting turn and the two friends, along with others are kidnapped whilst on a cruise excursion. From there they are all held captive until they are auctioned off to the highest bidder.

This made for a pageturner of a book as the story takes a series of twists and turns. I do not want to say too much more regarding the plot as I would not want to take the enjoyment of seeing the story unfold for you. Suffice to say, there is plenty to hold a readers interest in this thrilling story.

Geri made for an excellent main character, and watching her develop and face up to her fears made for enjoyable reading. 

Additionally, the reader is also aware of how their absence is being played out at home. Geri's parents and Lisa's sister seek help in locating their missing relatives. This part of the book is every bit as gripping as the main story and it added another dimension to the book.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books with an adventure packed storyline that will keep you turning the pages long after bedtime.

Published by Chicken House Press, the print and e-book version is availabe from their website at: https://www.chickenhousepress.ca/bookstore/p/harvest-cruise

E-book also available from Amazon

About the Author:

A professional storyteller, Rebecca Benison’s weekdays are spent connecting with audiences on behalf of brands, while her nights and weekends are devoted to fiction. Her work has been published in the Workers Write! literary journal, Empyrean Literary Magazine, Newsday, the Long Island Herald, and a host of other publications. Harvest Cruise is her debut novel.

(ARC and media courtesy of the author)

(all opinions are my own)

10 Year Blogversary - My Favourite Book from 2014 - Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement

 

Now we make you ugly, my mother said. She whistled. Her mouth was so close she sprayed my neck with her whistle-spit. I could smell beer. In the mirror I watched her move the piece of charcoal across my face. It's a nasty life, she whispered.

It's my first memory. She held an old cracked mirror to my face. I must have been about five years old. The crack make my face look as if it had been broken into two pieces. The best thing you can be in Mexico is an ugly girl...

***

On the mountainside in rural Mexico where Ladydi lives, being a girl is dangerous. Especially a pretty one. If the Narcos hear there is a pretty girl on the mountain, they steal her. So when the black SUVs roll into town, Ladydi and her friends hide in the warren of holes scattered across the mountain, safely out of sight. Because the stolen girls don’t come back.

Ladydi is determined to get out, to find a life that offers more than just the struggle to survive. But she soon finds that the drug cartels have eyes everywhere, and the cities are no safer than the mountains.

***

Continuing with my ten year blog anniversary celebrations, here is another of my favourites of the decade. Today I am publishing my favourite read from 2014 and was originally posted on 17th February, 2014. I read it on Kindle at the time and I noted the price as costing £6.02 that day. Today the same edition would cost £4.99 from the same retailer so is in fact less expensive today than it was nine years ago. 

This book has stayed with me since then. I have updated the review a little so there is more information about the book and the author but essentially the review is as it appeared that day.

This novel deals with some difficult issues.  Every year in Mexico women go missing, stolen by drug cartels to be used as prostitutes or slave labour. Jennifer Clements has based her novel on the lives of these women and she unflinchingly faces this issue head on.

However, whilst this novel makes the reader look at the harsh realities facing these women Ms. Clements writes intelligently and sensitively ensuring that this was a book that had me completely hooked.  She skilfully humanises real life victims through her portrayal of her characters whom she has created with a detailed realism. Whilst we experience the hardships facing the women and girls of this community they are never self pitying and are always brutally honest.

The prose is impeccable and not a word is wasted.  The subject matter ensures that this is not a comfortable book to read. The author packs a hard punch in this novel but does so whilst gently guiding her readers through it so that the subject matter never becomes overwhelming.  She is a very skilled writer and I am convinced that this is a book that will be being discussed amongst readers and critics long after the publication date.

I shall certainly be re-reading it at some point as it has so much to offer.  A book rich in humanity and insight, powerful and thought provoking and that is also beautifully written deserves a place on everybody’s bookshelf and I would strongly encourage you to read this.

ISBN: 978 0099587590

Publisher: Vintage

Formats:  e-book, hardcover and paperback

No. of Pages:  240 (paperback)

About the Author:

Jennifer Clement is President Emerita of the human rights and freedom of expression organization PEN International and the only woman to hold the office of President (2015-2021) since the organization was founded in 1921.   

Clement is author of the novels A True Story Based on Lies, The Poison That Fascinates, Prayers for the Stolen, Gun Love and Stormy People as well as several poetry books including Poems and Errors, published by Kaunitz-Olsson in Sweden.  Clement also wrote the acclaimed memoir Widow Basquiat on New York City in the early 1980’s and the painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, which NPR named best book of 2015 in seven different categories.  Her memoir The Promised Party will be published in early 2024. Clement’s books have been translated into 38 languages and have covered topics such as the stealing of little girls in Mexico, the effects of gun violence and trafficking of guns into Mexico and Central America as well as writing about her life in  the art worlds of Mexico and New York.

Jennifer Clement was raised in Mexico where she lives.  She and her sister Barbara Sibley founded and direct the San Miguel Poetry Week.  Clement has a double major in anthropology and English Literature from New York University (Gallatin)  and an MFA from University of Southern Maine (Stonecoast). She was named a Distinguished Alumna by the Kingswood Cranbrook School.

(author photo and bio courtesy of the author's website https://www.jenniferclement.org/)

(all opinions are my own)

Finding Ruby Draker by Marianne Scott - #BlogTour #Extract

 

I am delighted to be able to bring you an extract from Finding Ruby Draker by Marianne Scott, as part of the blog tour.

The Blurb

Kathleen Jones has lived a protected and typical suburban life, nothing unexpected in her carefully controlled and planned existence. She’s about to complete her college degree and is ready to start a successful career but after completing her last exam she comes home to find her world has been turned upside down. Her home has been torched and her parents and little brother killed. If that’s not bad enough, she is kidnapped and drugged unconscious by strangers posing as police officers. When she awakes she discovers that everything has changed – her face, her name, and everything she believed to be true. But things get worse. Hardly recovered from surgery, she is whisked away under the cover of darkness as more men storm the clinic with guns. It seems that the men who abducted her are not her greatest threat. Now on a private charter on its way to Nice, France, her abductors are calling her Ruby – Ruby Draker! 

Extract

It all ended with a fire that took away my parents, my little brother, and everything I was or ever knew. That part of me is gone, but now and then I’m haunted by brief incomplete memories that fade away as quickly as they appeared.

The day was otherwise unexceptional except for the fact that I was very happy knowing that I was going to have my last final exam ever that morning. My internship would start in the fall and I was looking forward to this next phase of my life.

Earlier that morning, I did some times tables with my brother before he went off to school, then cleaned my room, promised my mom I’d pick up her stuff at Rite Aid, and started out toward the city. I had Pink blasting on the car radio and I was amped and ready to conquer Soc. Neuroscience at 11 a.m. Wouldn’t you know it, when I got to the room and saw that they’d switched the time to 2 p.m. due to ‘last minute problems with the lighting’ according to the sign posted on the door, I just kept cool. I went and got my mom’s things and made it back with lots of time to double-check my notes.

Finally, when my exam was done, I burst from the building onto Broadway into the warm spring air. It had gone well; I was sure I’d aced it. I could have cared less if there was traffic, or if Brittany still hadn’t called about shopping tomorrow, or if the stoned wierdo weaving through the lanes of cars, dancing with his eyes closed to the honking horns, was holding things up. I was going to celebrate with my family. 

Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins - #BookReview

"They are waiting for an answer. What do they want me to say? Perhaps they think I am a stalker, targeting the president of an Oxford College on his early morning jog. I have an urge to laugh which is inappropriate. There is nothing funny about this, nothing whatsoever. Felicity is missing. The whole country is looking for her."

When the eight year old daughter of an Oxford College Master vanishes in the middle of the night, police turn to the Scottish nanny, Dee, for answers.

As Dee looks back over her time in the Master's Lodging - an eerie and ancient house - a picture of a high achieving but dysfunctional family emerges: Nick, the fiercely intelligent and powerful father; his beautiful Danish wife Mariah, pregnant with their child; and the lost little girl, Felicity, almost mute, seeing ghosts, grieving her dead mother.

But is Dee telling the whole story? Is her growing friendship with the eccentric house historian, Linklater, any cause for concern? And most of all, why was Felicity silent?

Roaming through Oxford's secret passages and hidden graveyards, Magpie Lane, explores the true meaning of family - and what it is to be denied one.

This fabulous book ended up being a quick read for me as I could not put it down and sprinted through it to get to the books conclusion. Mostly told retrospectively during a police interview, the narrative goes back and forth with the recollections of the main character, Dee, coupled with the immediacy of the interview.

The characters were excellently portrayed.  Nick and Mariah were difficult to like and this opinion did not change throughout the book. Equally, both Felicity and Dee were engaging characters and I suspect most readers will love Felicity for her innocence and vulnerability. The main character, Dee, had a combination of strength and weakness and as the book progressed I did come to wonder how reliable she was as a narrator.

The house itself felt as though it was a character as the Masters Lodging is a focal point of the novel and much of the story is linked to the house. The author did a brilliant job of making the house come alive as she did with Oxford itself. Highly atmospheric I felt completely immersed in the setting of this novel.

It is a sensitive, eerie and excellently written novel and I can hardly wait to read another book by Ms. Atkins. Have you read any of her other books? I would love to hear about them. 

Keep safe and well through these difficult days my friends. Thank goodness we have our books to keep us company while we are isolated and socially distanced. 

ISBN: 978 1786485571

Publisher: Quercus

About the Author:

Lucy Atkins is an award winning author, feature journalist and Sunday Times book critic. She has written for newspapers including The #Guardian, The Times, The Sunday Times and The Telegraph as well as many UK magazines. She teaches on the Masters in Creative Writing at Oxford University and lives in Oxford.

Some of her other books are, The Missing Ones, The Night Visitor and The Other Child.