Book Synopsis:

I made my plan. I would be the north stars: the decider of fate, of what was to come.

Eunha grows up in a quiet village in Hong Kong with little knowledge of the reputation of her father, a Dragon Head and the leader of a criminal organisation infamous in the city. While her grandmother does her best to shield her from the violence that underpins their lives, Eunha only has her brother Solomon and their one permitted companion, a boy named Kai, for company.

But when Eunha marries into a supposedly respectable Hong Kong family, the veneer of her sheltered life begins to crack. After her young son is kidnapped, she is cast back into the city’s criminal underground and into the orbit of Kai, now a Dragon Head himself. In this world, love and loyalty are stalked by fear and betrayal. Will Eunha finally give in to the life she has strived so hard to rise above or was her future always fated?

The Devoted is a beautifully written, unforgettable debut novel of love, family and betrayal from an electric new voice in fiction.

My Review :

The Devoted is an absorbing, fascinating though haunting read about a woman drawn into Hong Kong’s criminal underworld.

In The Devoted we follow Eunha from her isolated childhood as the daughter of a Dragon Head, one of the leaders of a criminal organisation in Hong Kong, until the present day when after the breakdown of her marriage and her son’s kidnapping, she once again find herself unwittingly drawn back into the city’s criminal underground.

I loved this book from the beginning and soon found myself drawn into Eunha’s fascinating life. The descriptions of Eunha’s childhood with just her brother and childhood companion Kai was very intriguing and soon makes the reader realise that there is more happening than the innocent Eunha is aware of. I really enjoyed following Eunha and finding out more about life in Hong Kong and the criminal organisation that her father, brother and Kai have all been a part of. It was quite chilling at times to discover some of the more violent parts of it alongside Eunha and see how much she had been unaware of.

It was great to see Eunha grow stronger and stand up for herself as she slowly unravels all the secrets that have been kept from her. There were some fabulous revelations which took me by surprise as well as some brutal ones which had me sobbing on Eunha’s behalf. The ending was brilliant and it was lovely seeing how far Eunha had come and how much she had changed.

Huge thanks to Indie Thinking and 4th Estate for my copy of my book. Definitely a contender for one of my books of the year!

About The Author:

Catherine is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, Inferno, which was shortlisted for the Sunday Times’ Young Writer of the Year Award, the Jhalak Prize and a New York Times’ Editor’s Choice. Her debut novel, The Devoted is set in Hong Kong. Originally from Kentucky, she’s lived in New York and Hong Kong. Catherine is a literary agent and the founder of Paper Literary, an agency that represents internationally bestselling authors. She lives in London with her family.

Good morning everyone and happy Sunday. I was very excited when I received a copy of The Glass Key by Amanda Geard this week.

I’m a huge fan of dual timeline mysteries, especially ones involving a part of World War 2 I haven’t heard of before. I’ve absolutely loved her previous books so I’m looking forward to reading her new one soon.

Huge thanks to Carmella Lowkis and Headline books for sending me a copy of this book it’s really appreciated.

The Glass Key is out on the 18th June 2026 and you can swipe to read the synopsis.

Is this book on your radar?

Book Synopsis:

In Ireland, Maggie has grown up hearing her mother tell her the bedtime story of The Glass Key. It’s a Nordic fairytale passed down by Maggie’s grandmother Anna Swan, who mysteriously left her home one stormy night years ago, never to return. Now Maggie’s grandfather has died and going through his things, Maggie is shocked to discover a faded wartime letter, asking him to take in a baby. In that moment she realises that Anna Swan was a woman of many secrets.

Only by travelling to Norway and discovering the story of four brave young women whose lives were forever changed by the occupation of their tiny islands, can Maggie uncover the shocking truth about her family – and finally unlock the mystery of the glass key…

About The Author:

My novels open a door between past and present, silence and secrets, between Ireland (often) and the wider world.

I’m the author of The Moon Gate, and the bestselling The Midnight House, which was a Richard & Judy pick and has sold nearly 200,000 copies. My latest novel, The Glass Key, is set in beautiful Arctic Norway and publishes in June 2026. I’m amazed that my books have been translated into ten languages and translators are my heroes.

I was born in Tasmania, and I’m a geologist who explores the world’s remote places. These days, I divide my time between County Kerry, Ireland, where every walk over heath-clad fells seems to lead to a new story, and a rickety cabin in the Norwegian fjords.

(bio from author’s website)

MARGARET THINKS HER TIME IS UP… BUT MAYBE HER TIME IS NOW?

Things have been hard since her husband Derek died, and they never really got over the disappearance of their daughter, Jeanie, all those years ago.

Despite everything, they built a lovely life together… it’s just starting to feel impossible for Margaret on her own.

Then one day, Margaret returns home to an unlikely visi­tor, and together they set out to discover what really hap­pened to Jeanie.

Perhaps if you knock on enough doors, you might find another end to your story…

My Review:

An Unlikely Visitor is a beautiful, gripping read that manages to be funny but poignant at the same time. It’s definitely a book that will stay with me and is one of the best books I’ve read this year so far.

In this book we follow Margaret as she is grieving for the loss of her beloved husband Derek as well as trying to come to terms with the disappearance of her daughter years ago.  She’s struggling to cope until the arrival of an unlikely visitor who helps her discover what really happened to her daughter.

This book gripped me from the start and I basically inhaled the book over a couple of days as I was so invested in the story. The book is told in 2 timelines, one following Margaret at the time of her daughter’s disappearance and one in the present day when she decides to reinvestigate what happened.

I absolutely loved Margaret and enjoyed following her on her investigation as she is helped along by a great supporting cast of characters.  She had a fantastic way of describing things that made me laugh out loud as well as a quirkiness that was lovely to see.  It was very poignant watching as she investigated the disappearance and slowly discovered all the truths and mistakes that were hidden from her. 

There were lots of surprising twists that kept me guessing and I loved seeing how everything joined together at the end.  The last page just floored me, and I finished the book sobbing but happy at having read such a fabulous book.  I have since bought myself the finished hardback as I knew it was a book I wanted to keep forever- a sure sign of a great read.

If you liked The Lovely Bones or Elizabeth Is Missing then you’ll love this book. 

Huge thanks to @indie_thinking and @boroughpress for sending me my proof copy I really appreciate it.

About The Author:

Joanna Cannon graduated from Leicester Medical School and worked as a hospital doctor, before specialising in psychiatry. Her novels, The Trouble With Goats and Sheep and Three Things About Elsie, were both Sunday Times bestsellers and Richard and Judy picks. Her new novel, A Tidy Ending, was published in April 2022. She lives in the Peak District with her dog, Lewis.

Book Synopsis:

Sophie Drear never expected to fall in love. But over a summer in Maine, she does: with the dazzling flowers and the towering hedge maze of Lilymoor House.

But then, a door appears. Never in the same place twice. Leading only to a dishevelled garden, and a beguiling thundercloud of a man, confined inside.

Battling with the vines – just as much as she is with Lilymoor’s owner’s two inconveniently handsome nephews – Sophie knows that she is the only person who can help Lilymoor bloom again. But when you’re stuck between the men on the outside, and the one trapped within, can the seeds of romance bloom into something more…?

My Review:

The Someday Garden is a beautiful, magical and heartwarming read that I absolutely loved.

In The Someday Garden we follow Sophie as she works as the head gardener of a fabulous garden that she’s loved since childhood. One day she discovers an old blue door that keeps moving location and leads to a secret garden with a handsome man who appears to be trapped in it.

I absolutely love this book and flew through it in a couple of days. Filled with vivid descriptions of a beautiful garden and an amazing group of people who work there, including a mad goose called Damit this is truly an absorbing book worth savouring. The mystery of the blue door was great to follow and I enjoyed watching Sophie try to solve what was going on.

The ending was brilliant and I loved seeing how everything works out for all the characters, especially how changed Sophie is from when we first meet her.

Huge thanks to Avon for my copy of this book via Netgalley. It’s really appreciated.

About The Author:

Ashley Poston writes stories about love and friendship and ever afters. A native to South Carolina, she now lives in a small grey house with her sassy cat and too many books. You can find her on the internet, somewhere, watching cat videos and reading fan-fiction.

Tweet her at @ashposton and find out more about her at http://www.ashposton.com.

Good morning everyone and happy Friday. Here is some of the non fiction that is on my tbr pile!

❤️Year Of The Rat by Harry Shukman
🧡 Nation Of Strangers by Ece Temelkuran
💛The Hiroshima Boy by Akiko Mikamo
💚 Hotel Exile by Jane Rogoyska
🩵 Mother Mary Come To Me by Arundhati Roy
💙 London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
💜The Finest Hotel In Kabul by Lyse Doucet
🩷 Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen

I’m still fairly new to non fiction reading but I love reading it as I learn lots of fascinating things. I actually chose a non fiction book for the book club this month and, despite some initial trepidation, everyone ended up loving it. I’m really looking forward to reading these soon, especially London Falling as I’ve heard lots of good things.

I’m off today which is needed as I appear to have hurt my foot. I’m meeting a friend for coffee first thing and my mum for lunch but then I’m hoping to just read before the chaos of clubs tonight.

Do you read non fiction? Any recommendations?

Book Synopsis:

Stutley Tillinghast lives a solitary life, ostensibly as the minister of a remote rural parish in Rhode Island. For many decades now, what little human contact he allows himself has been brief, frenzied and bloody, and always ends in a shallow grave in his cellar.

You and I would have a name for what he is, but he prefers not to use it – he has needs, and when they become unbearable, he fulfils them.

Then the girl arrives – 19 years old, she has travelled from the UK to find him. She seems to have his surname, and her resemblance to him is uncanny. She is sick – very sick – and Tillinghast recognises her symptoms all too well. Which means he also knows what she needs…

My Review:

Tillinghust is a dark, unsettling and quietly gripping read.

 In Tillinghust we meet the mysterious Stutley Tillinghust.  While it is not explicitly mentioned what he is, it’s easy to guess.  He’s disgusted with himself and what has done so he has detailed plans on how to make amends.  These are derailed by the arrival of Sarah, a lady who had his surname and a mysterious illness that seems familiar to him…

 Despite everything he’s done I actually really liked Tillinghast and felt a lot of sympathy for him.  He’s obviously not all bad as his care towards Sarah when she’s ill was actually very sweet to witness.  Throughout the story we get glimpses into his past which tells the reader how he got to be in the situation he’s in now .  This is a book that slowly creeps up on you and before you know it you’re hooked into the story.  There are times when not a lot happens but there was enough intrigue to ensure I kept reading.  I found myself cheering for Tillinghust and I grew very fond of him throughout the book.  I had to keep reading to find out what will happen to him and to discover the truth about Sarah.

The story is mixed with actual historical events that I hadn’t heard of before so I always enjoy learning more about, and some local folk lore which I found really fascinating.  Tillinghast is definitely an intriguing, eerie story and one that I won’t forget anytime soon. 

Huge thanks to @boroughpress for sending me a copy of this book it’s really appreciated.

About The Author:

Clare Cavenagh spent her childhood in Erica, Australia, and her adolescence in Fribourg, Switzerland. She read English and then renaissance literature at the University of Cambridge, and now lives in London where she works as a copywriter. Her short fiction and criticism have been published in Editions L’Hèbe, Cambridge Quarterly and Eucalyptus Lit. Her first novel, TILLINGHAST, will be published in June 2026. She is currently working on her second novel.

Good morning everyone and happy Sunday. I can’t believe it’s the last day of May. This month has gone too fast!

I actually had a great reading month in May so I thought I’d do a wrap up for once to celebrate.

🌺Books Read

• Dissection Of A Murder by Jo Murray
  -The Burial Witch by Cari Thomas
  -138 Main Street by Gavin Bell
  -Before I Knew I Loved You by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
  -Hunger And Thirst by Claire Fuller
  -Last One Out by Jane Harper

🌼 Books I’m Still Reading
-Tillinghast by Clare Cavenagh
-The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson
-Famesick by Lena Dunham (audiobook)

My reading fell off last week as it was half term so I was hoping to finish Tillinghast before the end of the week but wasn’t able to. I’ve actually read four books from my May potential stack which is unheard of for me.

Out of these my favourite books were Dissection Of A Murder or 138 Main Street. I’m very firmly in my thriller era it would seem.

What was your favourite book this month?

Good morning everyone and happy Saturday. I saw someone else share a sunrise & sunset stack and I knew I had to join in!

💜My Sister’s Secret by Jane Corry
🧡 Innocent Guilt by Remi Kone *
🩵 When You Looked Away by SM Govett
🩷The Tiny Magic Bookshop by August Bloom
💙Liar Liar by Luca Veste
🧡The Night Lagoon by Jo Morey
💜Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune *

All of these are tbr but I’m hoping to read some of them soon. Especially My Sister’s Secret and The Night Lagoon as I seem to be enjoying thrillers ATM.

It’s the last day of my week off today and I’m hoping for a quiet one as the kids drive me a bit mad yesterday. My husband is taking them to clubs this morning so I’ve got a few hours free which I’m hoping to use to read. I’m currently reading Tillinghast by Clare Cavenagh and I’m really enjoying it so far. Not a fast paced book but very intriguing. I’ve then got to drive my daughter to a sleepover and then we’re off to my mum’s for some drinks on her garden which should be nice.

What are your Saturday plans?

Good morning everyone and happy Thursday.  I was lucky enough to receive a copy of The Body In The Bath by Ragnar Jonasson earlier this week.

I’ve been a huge fan of this author since his first few books so you can imagine my excitement when I opened the package.  His books are always really gripping and dark thrillers so I’m really excited to read this soon.

The Body In The Bath is out 12th November 2026 and you can find out more about the book below ⬇️

Huge thanks to Jack from Michael Joseph for sending this to me it’s really appreciated.

Is this one on your radar?

Book Synopsis:

As snow blankets Reykjavík and Christmas approaches, young detective Helgi is looking forward to a quiet holiday – until those plans are torn away in a flash. One month after his girlfriend Aníta is killed in a car accident, he returns to work in Reykjavík, haunted by loss and rage. The driver – Helgi’s ex-girlfriend Bergþóra, a violent alcoholic whose abuse he kept secret – insists Aníta’s death was an accident and walks free.

To escape his mounting despair, Helgi throws himself into the unsolved disappearance of his predecessor, Hulda, a retired officer long presumed dead. But as he follows the traces she left behind, the lines between her past and his present begin to blur . . .

When Bergþóra is later found lifeless in her bath, suspicion falls squarely on Helgi. With his own colleagues turning against him, can he uncover the truth in time to clear his name, make it home for Christmas, and finally turn the page to begin again?

About The Author:

Ragnar Jónasson is the award-winning Icelandic author of the international bestselling Hulda series, the Dark Iceland series, and standalone crime fiction, with five million copies sold across 36 territories. Ragnar was also an executive producer of the CBS Studios TV series The Darkness, based on the first novel in his Hulda series, starring Lena Olin and directed by Lasse Hallström. His novel Outside is being developed for the screen by Ridley Scott.

Good morning everyone and happy Wednesday. I’m sharing my May Stack before the end of the month for once!

M- MRS Dickens by Emily Howes

A- AVIARY by Maria Dong

Y- YEAR Of The Rat by Harry Shukman

All of these are tbr but I’m hoping to read some of them soon as I’ve heard great things about all of them.

I’m off this half-term and we’re going to our local National Trust today. I’ve booked for my youngest two to make tie dye bags there and the plan was to go for a walk but it depends on how hot it is. We’re then coming back and chilling for a bit before going to my mum’s to use her paddling pool again which is much needed in this heat. I may even be tempted to go in!

Have you got anything nice planned today?