All About Books

All About Books Book Review – Downstream by Maressa Mortimer

It’s a pleasure to bring you my review for Maressa Mortimer’s new release ‘Downstream’ as part of Reading Between the Lines book tour.

#DOWNSTREAM #YA #DYSTOPIAN FICTION

Downstream, published in May 2024 – by Good Hope Publishing – is the third book by Maressa Mortimer in the Elabi Chronicles series. ‘Downstream’ follows on from book 1 ‘Walled City’ and book 2 ‘Beyond The Hills’.

YA dystopian fiction Christian literature

BLURB

Radio signals have been picked up that might reveal the location of Downstream. Macia longs to find her mother there and tries to persuade her friends Gax and Cecilia to join her in the search. But is it a dangerous mistake or a mission from God? Many difficulties await them and they will need to trust God as they encounter darkness and danger, reaching out with the Light.

REVIEW

Downstream is set in a dystopian world where rules are set by fact and logic, not emotions. There is a strong Christian element to the themes contained within the story. Although this can be read as a stand -alone book, I would recommend reading the first two novels in the Elabi Chronicles – for more information about the main characters, Macia, Caecilia and Gax, and the dystopian world they live in.

The three main characters set out on a quest to find Macia’s mother who moved Downstream with her ill son. Like everyone else who goes there, she never returns. It is only possible to cross the mud flats towards Downstream once per year, and the ensuing journey through untamed jungle is filled with danger. This creates plenty of tension and on-your-seat moments as the trio battle through harsh terrain, facing many challenges, including a River with Evil powers. Along the way, they encounter a cult of Elders who are determined to stop them from reaching Downstream. The setting is vividly depicted, and the dangers felt all too real, keeping me turning the pages.

The story is well plotted and there is a strong Christian message contained within this – trials to be overcome and faith tested. Maressa Mortimer draws a vivid portrait of a dystopian world where not everyone is as they seem and is filled with mystery and danger.

I enjoyed the relationships that developed between the characters and how they supported each other through difficult times as they struggled on towards Downstream. Although aimed at young adults, Downstream would be suitable for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy with a strong Christian element. I found this a gripping read with a satisfactory ending. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY 

Maressa grew up in the Netherlands, and moved to England soon after finishing teaching training college. Married to Pastor Richard Mortimer they live in a Cotswold village with their four children. She is a homeschool mum, enjoying the time spent with family, travelling, reading and turning life into stories. She wants to use her stories to show practical Christian’s living in a fallen world.

LINKS TO BUY 

Website

http://www.vicarioushome.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/vicarioush.ome

Linktr.ee

https://linktr.ee/Vicarioushome

It is a pleasure to present the review from All About Books for the Reading Between The lines Book Tour for Death At A Shetland Festival by Marsali Taylor. This is the twelve novel in The Shetland Mysteries Series featuring sailing sleuth Cass Lynch. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone book.

#DEATHATASHETLANDFESTIVAL

Published May 2024

Blurb

Crowds are gathered for a concert at Shetland’s renowned folk music festival when there’s a shocking discovery – international folk legend Fintan Foley has been stabbed backstage. 

Sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae are in the audience and must untangle a complicated case where nothing is quite what it seems. Cass soon discovers that Foley’s smiling stage persona concealed links with Shetland. He’d worked here in the 80s, the days when oil brought wealth to the islands.

Has a long-buried secret risen to the surface – and will it make Cass a target for a cold-blooded killer?

Review

Despite a slow start, I found this to be a beautifully written, atmospheric and compelling read. Marsali Taylor breathes life into the setting. I felt as if I was there in the Shetlands enjoying a weekend of music during the annual festival.

The main character, amateur sleuth Cass Lynch, is attending the annual music festival when a murder occurs. The early part of the story brings the reader into the setting and introduces the main characters who are memorable. This is not a fast-paced crime read, rather it is a complex mystery to be solved. The clues are revealed within two time lines – 1981 and present day. The weaving of past and present is achieved through the diary of a woman who died in 1981 and it’s links to present-day characters. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, in particular the references to workers who were brought in for the construction of the oil terminal and the impact this had on the lives of local residents.

Death at a Shetland Festival is an excellent addition to the Shetland Mysteries Series and I look forward to reading the next one. This book is perfect for readers who like a good murder mystery plot.

About The Author

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women’s suffrage in Shetland. She’s also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group

HOW TO BUY

#DEATHATASHETLANDFESTIVAL

Links

SOCIAL MEDIA LINK

Author Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/MarsaliTaylorAuthor/

WEBSITE LINKS

Website – https://www.marsalitaylor.co.uk

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marsali-Taylor/e/B0034PACI8/

Whispers Through Time by Melanie Robertson-King #AWHISPERTHROUGHTIME

Blurb

A historic Canadian property becomes the canvas for a tale that spans generations. In 1914, a tragedy unfolded, leaving scars that linger far beyond the passage of time.

In 1947, a visionary purchases the haunted remnants, seeking a new beginning for his family, but his young daughter senses a ghost from the far past.

In the present, urban explorers unlock the secrets of the past while running a web design company. Photographs and sketches capture the essence of the property, documenting the whispers of spirits from another era.

As the explorers navigate the abandoned corridors and forgotten chambers, the photographs unveil subtle anomalies until supernatural phenomena manifest that defy explanation.

Amidst the subtle changes in decor and the flickering candle flames frozen in time, the explorers find themselves entangled in a mystery transcending the boundaries of the living and the dead, forcing the urban explorers to confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.

Is a structure just that, or can it house remnants of horror, pain and sin? The urban explorers find they must confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.

Review

Whispers Through Time by Melanie Robertson-King published in 2024 by King Park Press

ISBN: 978-1-990371-08-0

In this paranormal mystery, past and present meet when urban explorer and co-owner of CNC IT Solutions, Nicole Holbrook and her brothers uncover tragic family secrets while exploring an abandoned hotel. The hotel was previously an old stately manor house owned by a lumber mill baron and is thought to be haunted.

Set in Canada, this story moves between four different timelines – 1890’s, 1914, 1947 and the present day. While this goes beyond a dual timeline, the time jumps are handled well with no interruption to the pace or flow of the story, providing a smooth read.

There is a strong cast of characters from each of the individual timelines. Their stories span the generations and reveal tragic family secrets.

The historical aspects of the book are well-researched, including the timelines for the sailing ships, place descriptions and everyday items in use. I loved the historical aspects of the story.

I would recommend Whispers Through Time to anyone who enjoys a haunting story with a twist.

Melanie Robertson-King

A native of eastern Ontario, Melanie Robertson-King lived in a winterized cottage on the shore of the St Lawrence River during her pre-school years. Before starting school, her family moved to Brockville, where she received her education, including a post-secondary degree in Computer Programming.

As an only child, Melanie was an avid reader and remains so. She knew then that one day, she would be a writer. When she wasn’t talking about her dream of becoming an author, she wrote stories and began honing her skills at an early age.

Melanie’s father was a Scottish national. He came to Canada as a ‘Home Child’ through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland. She promised herself that one day, her feet would touch the soil in her father’s homeland. That first trip was in 1993, and she’s not looked back since, having returned to the Auld country many more times. Her last trip abroad was in 2018. On one of her many trips to Scotland, Melanie had the honour of meeting Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) at the orphanage where her father was raised.

Encouraged to study Highland Dancing, she competed locally. Her final competition took place during the summer of 1969, a few short months after her father’s death, at the 1000 Islands Highland Games. She won the Silver Medal in the Sword Dance in that last event.

Melanie began her professional writing career in non-fiction. One of her articles graced the cover of an international publication. At the same time, she continued to develop her writing voice: short stories (both fiction and non-fiction) as well as novel-length work.

Since her debut novel was published in the summer of 2012, Melanie has written eleven more books (including two for children) and released the second edition of her first.

WHISPERS THROUGH TIME is Melanie’s twelfth book.

Her short story, Cole’s Notes, has been re-edited and is available as a free read through her website and blog.

You’ll find her out and about when not sequestered in her cave writing, plotting or editing. Her favourite haunts (pardon the pun) are cemeteries (the older, the better) since they have more character, and perhaps a few more characters. She also loves travel and photography.

Melanie and fellow authors Wendy H. Jones and Chris Longmuir make up the infamous trio – the Princesses of Pandemonium.

Links To Buy

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-through-time-melanie-robertson-king/1144957392

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

WEBSITE – https://melanierobertson-king.com

BLOG- https://melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/

FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/melanie.robertsonking

GOODREADS – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543072.Melanie_Robertson_King

TWITTER – @RobertsoKing

PINTREST – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/robertsonking/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Melanie-Robertson-King/author/B008SQFS9Q

Island of Ruin by Marti M. McNair – Ruin or Redemption Book 1

#ISLANDOFRUIN

Blurb

In the wake of an apocalyptic End of Days, a totalitarian regime emerges. New-born belong to the state and are transported to the island of Ruin. Deprived of love and nurturing, children eke out an existence with a grim reality. Amidst the bleakness, Jasmine and Coral stumble upon a mysterious old woman washed ashore. Defying the regime’s grip, they secretly shelter her within the depths of the Black Cave. The girls soon unravel the regime’s web of deception. Jasmine is betrayed, the old woman is found, and a momentous trial begins. Will Jasmine be able to reclaim her stolen life? Be sentenced to death, or spend the remainder of days toiling in the mines?

Review

Island of Ruin is the debut novel of Marti M. McNair. I loved, loved reading this book. I found it highly engaging and pace perfect. The author drew me in within the opening pages and kept me engrossed right through to the very last lines. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

The world of Ruin, set in a dystopian future, is well thought out and highly plausible. One of the main strengths of the author’s writing style, and there are many, is in the use of the five senses. I felt as if I could, see, smell, feel, taste, and hear along with the characters as they interacted in their everyday life on the island of Ruin. Although the work is dystopian, the world of the story soon felt all too real and familiar to me; it made perfect, if chillingly frightening, sense.

I met a large cast of characters along the way, each of them memorable in their own way and standing out to me as a reader. Although they all dressed the same, their individual characters shone through, making them easy for me to recall. I warmed to some of these characters and utterly despised others.

The content would be suitable for pre -teens through to adults. I ’m not going to give any plot spoilers, you can read this book for yourself. I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series and meeting the main characters again. I would recommend Island of Ruin to all lovers of dystopian fiction and to anyone who enjoys a good read.

Marti M. McNair

Marti M. MacNair is an award winning Scottish author, specializing in dystopian novels tailored for young adults and teenagers.

Marti is passionate about encouraging reading, and has immersed herself in the world of writing through various conferences, events and writing groups. She, herself, is an avid reader, and never seen without a book in her hand.

She resides in the heart of Ayrshire, Scotland, alongside her husband, and her two grown children who have flown the nest but frequently come to visit.

LINKS TO BUY

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS 

Facebook –

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093196818963

Instagram – 

https://www.instagram.com/martimmcnair/

Website Coming Soon –

http://martimmcnair.com/

Hunter’s Secret by Val Penny

Hunter’s Secret – A DI Hunter Wilson Crime Thriller #5

I am thrilled to participate in Reading Between The Lines’ blog tour for Hunter’s Secret, book 5 in the DI Hunter Wilson Crime Thriller Series by Val Penny and published by SpellBound Books.

#hunterssecret #crimethriller #crime fiction #tartannoir

Blurb

Detective Inspector Hunter Wilson is called to the scene of a murder. DCs Tim Myerscough and Bear Zewedu found a corpse, but when Hunter arrives it has disappeared, and all is not as it seems.

Hunter recalls the disappearance of a dead body thirty years earlier. The Major Incident Team is called in but sees no connection – it is too long ago. Hunter is determined to investigate the past and the present with the benefit of modern DNA testing.

Tim has other problems in his life. His father, Sir Peter Myerscough, is released from jail. He, too, remembers the earlier murder. There is no love lost between Hunter and Sir Peter. Will Hunter accept help from his nemesis to catch a killer?

Hunter’s own secret is exciting and crucial to his future. Will it change his life? And can he keep Edinburgh safe?

Review

I am delighted to bring you my review of Hunter’s Secret by Val Penny. This is the second book I have reviewed in the DI Hunter Wilson Crime Thriller Series. It was a pleasure to return to the great cast of characters, both within the police team and outwith it. The characterisation is a particular strength of this series, with each character coping with their own life issues as well as dealing with the murders and other crimes that are occurring.

Set thirty years apart, two murders have occurred under disturbingly similar circumstances, and DI Hunter is involved in them both. The first one was when he was a child, and the second as a policeman in charge of the current investigation.

Val Penny deftly weaves the past and present together. Delving deep into Hunter’s past, the secret that haunts him is revealed. The plot is intriguing and kept me turning the pages. I squirmed at the bigoted behaviour displayed by the culprits and railed against their views.

Events take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Val Penny brings the setting to life. It is an area I know well and it felt familiar.

Hunter’s Secret provided another enjoyable read from Val Penny, and I look forward to reading more in the DI Hunter Wilson Series. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Tartan Noir, a good crime thriller, or those who enjoy reading a good story.

Val Penny

Val Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. 

Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories,nonfiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.

Val is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat.

Website and Social Media Links

Website – https://www.valpenny.com

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Val-Penny/e/B07C4725TK

Author Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/valerie.penny.739

Author Twitter Page @valeriepenny

Author Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/valerieepenny/

Link To Buy

Blog Tour

I am delighted to bring you my review of Hunter’s Blood by Val Penny – a thrilling tartan noir. #crimethriller #huntersblood #crimefiction

A D. I. Hunter Wilson Crime Thriller Series

‘A gruesome Crime linked by a bloody personal history …’

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C957FXF1

Publisher : SpellBound Books (3 July 2023)

BLURB

Mutilation and murder outrage… It’s about to get very personal for DI Hunter Wilson.

When D. I. Hunter Wilson learns that three elderly women have died in mysterious circumstances he is horrified to realise that he is the only person who has met each of them. As he scrutinises the evidence he concedes that he must accept help from the Major Investigation Team to solve the triple murder. When a breakthrough comes from an unlikely source, Hunter finds himself in a race against the clock.

What exactly did the witness hear?

Do the victims really deserve justice? or were they targeted for their own past crimes.

You can run from your past but you cannot hide…

REVIEW

I am a huge fan of crime fiction, and when I find one I like, I usually read the whole series, if there is one. So, it was a great pleasure to be given a copy of Hunter’s Blood to review.

Edinburgh makes a great setting for this gritty crime thriller. Having worked there, I was familiar with many places mentioned – although not with the underbelly of life depicted here.

The book is written from multiple points of view. And there are many characters to get to know – D. I. Hunter and his team of officers, their families, a host of criminals, and of course, the victims and their families. As this book forms part of a series, the relationships between the diverse cast have mostly been covered in previous books and mentioned again here, as and when needed, to enable it to be read as a standalone novel. If you haven’t already done so, it might be worth reading the first book in the series – if you want to know more about who is who or struggle with a large cast.

In Hunter’s Blood, the crime becomes personal when a member of D. I. Hunter Wilson’s family is one of the victims. The content is well-researched – dealing with the movement and use of illegal drugs within Scotland. Despite the gritty content, the occasional use of humour lightens the dark elements. The opening chapters bring a range of key characters into play, all with their own issues. The various strands of the plot are then expertly woven together to a final and satisfying conclusion.  

Overall, a gripping tartan noir with plenty of twists and intrigue to keep the reader turning the pages. This Edinburgh-based detective novel would be perfect for fans of crime thrillers and police procedurals. Hunter’s Blood is part of a series, and I look forward to meeting D. I. Hunter Wilson and his team again in the next book. My TBR list has grown again and I’m happy with that.

Val Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories, nonfiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.

The Little House in Heaven by Kathleen Watson

What is in the secret place up the attic staircase? When eight-year-old Melissa goes exploring, she finds herself stepping into the pages of a book of Bible stories. At the House on the Rock she meets Jesus, who takes Melissa to her very own little house. This ‘little house in Heaven’ grows bigger and becomes furnished with ‘treasures in Heaven’ as Melissa walks in the Christian life here on Earth. Then she meets Rufus, the boy next door, who leads her into mischief and danger…

But Jesus is with her all the way, and she learns valuable lessons of trust and obedience in her trials. These profound truths are gently woven into the story as Melissa enjoys times of fellowship with Jesus in her little house in Heaven.

Eventually, Melissa has to grow up and learn to walk by faith and the ‘treasure’ she lays up in Heaven becomes a glorious reward in the end.

Review

The Little House in Heaven is aimed at the Christian market. This book would be suitable for children between 8-12 years old who want to find out more about the teachings of Jesus. Eight-year-old Melissa becomes drawn to a picture of a lighthouse on a rock hanging on the door of the white-haired woman who lives up the stairs from her, and she wants to find out more. Not only about the picture but the person who lives there – Miss Amy Light. I loved that name and liked the character of Amy Light, who takes Melissa on a journey of discovery, helping her to find out about the house built on the rocks. This is achieved through Melissa obtaining a Bible and reading some of the stories within it. There are a number of interesting characters introduced throughout, who help Melissa on her journey. At 100 pages, this book is just the right length for children to read.

Reader reviews of Little House in Heaven

This book, aimed at young readers of 8 years or more, has a simple Christian message embedded within an imaginative story that is written with just the right balance between scene setting, dealing with thoughts and feelings, and furthering the plot.  It is a long time since I was 8 years old, but I have enjoyed reading it – Evelyn Wendon. Children’s Author

One of the best books I have read, feel good and thought-provoking, creates pictures of heaven – Alyson Smith

My granddaughter really enjoyed this easy to read book. It kept her interest throughout. I like the way it teaches Christian values. Well worth the buy. Ros Taisia. Sunday School Teacher

AUTHOR – Kathleen Watson 

Kathleen Watson lives in Littlehampton, West Sussex, and has a son and daughter and granddaughter. Her other published books for children are “Treasure in the Alcove”, “The Secret Blue Door” and “The Little Grey Gate”.

How to Buy

Little House in Heaven can be bought from eBay at this link https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273810480044

£5 for the Book plus £1 for Postage

Or from Kathleen on this number 01903 725820

The Little House in Heaven Facebook page

https://m.facebook.com/people/The-Little-House-in-Heaven-by-Kathleen-Watson/100063765501052/

The Little House in Heaven Book Blog Tour – Reading Between The Lines