The Catch - T M Logan

Its is amazing how T M Logan picks the most routine of events in a person's life and turns them into fascinating stories. Curfew, Trust me and The Catch are all based on situations that starts with a simple what if which spirals into a such an engrossing tale.

The Blurb:

Ed meets his daughter's boyfriend, Ryan for the first time. Smart, successful, handsome, he seems perfect.

The only problem is Ed feels Ryan is lying to them.

He gets the feeling his daughter is in danger but no one else can see it. The wedding date is approaching fast and Ed sets out to uncover Ryan's secrets before it is too late...

My review:

• This book was on my TBR for a long time and I picked it up after seeing that the TV adaptation was out soon. I loved how the story moves and how it makes the reader change sides.

• In classic Logan style, the conflict is introduced on the first page and slowly as Ed's doubt takes centrestage, the multiple POVs help in keeping the suspense going, as the reader gets that nail biting edge of the seat feeling.   

• The characters are sharply drawn which makes it easier to connect to their actions. Logan doesn't give a lot of details but enough to explain their past and their present. Fast paced and racy, this is the sort of comfort read that I resort to when I just want to be entertained with a good plot.

The TV series is out and although it clearly states that it has been adapted meaning the setting has been changed to allow those who have read the book to experience the story in a different light. However, I felt the series took it for granted that the viewers knew the characters already. Which is why it was easier for me who had read the book but not my husband who felt some of the scenes did not justify the plot. 

My thoughts? The TV series is really good, but the book is better.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo- Taylor Jenkins Reid

 A story about the world of Hollywood of a bygone era but with a story so universal about fame, ambition and happiness.

When an ageing Hollywood diva Evelyn Hugo asks for a newbie reporter Monique to interview here, the reporter cannot believe her luck. It is only when Monique gets there that she realises that Evelyn wants her to write her biography. Monique is thrilled at the prospect but once she gets down to it, she finds parallels in her own life and realises that there is more to this assignment than what it seems like. 

Apart from a well structured narrative Reid's ability lies in the fact that she is able to conjure up a world and inject emotions that are so universal. The work culture of hollywood, the way female ambition has to make tough choices in order to survive and thrive. 

Reid writes with great maturity when she describes life experiences and how it changes a person. The level of insight that she brings to her characters is amazing and I was hooked to the story from the start to finish.

The writing is very compulsive and the way glides over decades is mesmerising. It is amazing how she uses stylistic devices to further the plot. The back and forth storytelling, the news paper cuttings and the narrative voice are so beautifully used to deliver a top story. 

I came across rave reviews about it and can confirm that it truly lives up to the hype. 

Highly recommended. 

The Couple at No.9 - Claire Douglas

A twisty thriller told from different perspectives, it had been hovering on my radar for a long time and when finally I got down to it, finished in a couple of sittings.

Gist:

Tom and Saffy have just moved into their grandmother's cottage. They are in the process of building an extension when bodies are discovered in their garden. Questions arise and soon fingers start pointing towards their grandmother, who has Alzehimer's. It set events in motion that makes Saffy worry for her family and for her unborn child...

My review:

• The story kicks off with a solid hook and within pages the reader is flung into the lives of the characters. The story is told from different perspectives - one of my favourite ways of telling a story and Douglas uses it well as disparate threads slowly come together in a well constructive narrative.

• The characters of Lorna and Saffy were well presented, their motivations and feelings for Rose had the depth, imperative to tell such a complex story. Overall, the story seems simple with its premise of family secrets and domestic relationships, but as the story traverses to the conclusion, the intricate working of the character mindset is well revealed as it sheds light on the relationship between Saffy and her grandmother Rose and her mother Lorna and Rose. 

• I had an idea of how the story would progress but for me the highlight was how Douglas portrays the relationship dynamics between the characters. 

• The setting of the story, a small sleepy town hidden away from the world is beautifully portrayed. I could imagine this place with its tight-knit community, the country lanes and the proximity to nature. The setting is a foil to the story that unfolds, which adds to the reading experience. 

Overall, a great read, well plotted and carefully drawn characters.    

    

The Blue Bar - Damyanti Biswas

I enjoyed reading this book and yet I struggled to come up with this review. Found it to be such an great read and was acutely conscious of articulating my reading experience well. It took me a while to get into the story but once I was firmly ensconced in that world of gritty, understaffed world of the justice system, I was caught in by how the story moved and turned as events unfolded and lead to an action packed climax.

Gist:

Tara, a bar dancer in Bombay is waiting at the Borivalli station in exchange for a hefty payout. Little does she realise that this outing will change her life forever.

Thirteen years on, her boyfriend, InspectorArnav Singh Rajput is still struggling with her disappearance. But then there is something else that demands his attention. Bodies of women are surfacing in different parts of the city and soon Arnav gets caught up in it. A serial killer seems to be on prowl and Arnav must act fast if he wants to save loved ones from falling victim to his antics.

My review:

I enjoyed this book and here's why:

• The initial chapters took me straight to Bombay and I found myself hearing and breathing the city as I turned the pages.

• Tara and Arnav are relatable characters , Biswas makes them very accessible and the reader feels a kind of kinship for these people caught in complicated situations.

• The story is a bit of a slow burn. It  takes time to get into the world, to immerse oneself into the lives of the characters. But then, it is a complicated world where passion coexists with bureaucracy, evil and distorted mindsets. The story is well layered, narrating a tale of crime, passion in contemporary Indian society, within a framework that is entertaining and offers insight at the same time.

• I see it as a novel that engages and educates the reader about a certain section of the society, not often seen in fiction. Corruption of power is a conventional theme, but in Biswas' hands it is delivered it in a manner that tugs at heart strings. 

• And this element of realism continues till the very end, which I think is commendable. Biswas could have easily turned it around into a palatable, neat conclusion but the fact that she doesn't, makes it all the more compelling.

• It is a slowburn read but once the story takes off, the reader is on a rollercoaster ride following Tara and Arnav, trying to work out the mystery in the story. The twist was unexpected, and I got that feeling of being hoodwinked, which bears testimony to Biswas' control over the craft. 

Overall, recommended for crime thriller lovers who dare to pick up something different. 

The Marlow Murder Club

 

What happens when a set of women, unlikely combinations come together and decide to solve a murder mystery in their town. Marlow Murder Club is a cosy crime mystery where some interesting civilians decide to solve a murder in their town of Marlow. 

Gist:

One evening 77 year old Judith Potts in swimming out on Thames river when she sees a brutal murder. When the local police don't believe it Judith decides to to figure it out for herself after some help from her friend. But then another body turns up and they realise that things were not as straightforward as they thought...

My review:

• I haven't read Thursday Murder Club so not sure if it is in anyway similar but I loved this one. It has a nice cosy feel to it. Midsommer Murders comes to mind.

• Seventy seven year old Judith is the leader of the pack. I loved how Thorogood uses the accessories of an senior citizen; crosswords, jigsaw and focus on keeping fit and uses it to create a formidable persona who is bold, sharp and quickwitted like Judith. 

• The story moves so well, meandering at first, introducing the knots and suspects in the story and then racing towards a conclusion, reminiscent of a Death in Paradise episode. Since this is the writer who has written the famous series as well, there is a particular delight in knowing what to expect. However, I like the book more than the series, purely because of the space to delve into the minds of the characters and their backstories which is not possible in an hour long episode. 

• This is not only a cosy crime mystery. The personas of the women characters are well developed, each distinct with their own set of traits and characteristics. There is some sharp observation and insight into these women's minds and their circumstances . The way these women come together to pool in their talents to solve mysteries is quite ingenious and enjoyable. I also liked the character of the inspector, a woman grappling with her own work-life balance as she joins forces with the murder club.

A well plotted mystery although the reveal reminded of me of a crime story with a similar murder. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable treat! Just heard that the Marlow Murder club is ready with their next case and I cannot wait to read it!

Highly recommended for fans of Midsommer Murders or Marple stories.

In the Blink of An Eye - Jo Callaghan

There have been so many series and books have about how technology is raiding our lives either through surveillance (BBC series - Capture), medical advancements  or even our social interactions on digital platforms.  

Jo Callagan's In the blink of An Eye takes on the challenge of exploring the concept of technology - in the form of an AI Hologram - taking on the role of an assistant police detective to solve a cold case.

Blurb:

When DCS Kate is asked to head a pilot exploring the use of AI in policing, she responds with extreme resistance. How can technology compare with years of experience and gut instinct? However, unable to resist a challenge she takes it on. But things take an sinister turn when the cold cases they have been working on suddenly become active and danger seems to be much closer than ever.

Between human instinct versus calculation, logic versus experience, who will get there first?

My review:

• In this debut, Callaghan introduces DCS Kate, an officer with years of experience who finds herself saddled with a hologram to solve a cold case. The persona of DCS Kat is well etched,  her battles - on professional and personal fronts - hits a chord with the reader.

• I enjoyed the office humour, the work tensions and how the adhoc team finds a way to settle into their roles. Callaghan captures the difficulties of handling a team, the tensions between colleagues with humour and sharp observation.        

• I enjoyed the tussle between Lock and Kat and how they played to their strengths. Callaghan does a great job of balancing out both viewpoints while keep the plot moving - brilliantly juggled.

• Once I took to DCS Kate and her team and settled into the narrative, I was really enjoying the ride, so much that I was beginning to feel smug thinking that I could see what the story was moving towards. But then the finale, oh gosh the blink of an eye, that really got me. That was my wow moment!

An intelligent thriller that handles a very topical theme within the trappings of a good old thriller - the kind that keep us turning pages. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster for an advance copy.

In the blink of an eye is published by Simon and Schuster and is out now.

 

   

The Curfew - T M Logan

 

T.M.Logan's latest is a great read. Especially since I was looking for a racy, engaging thriller and knew I was in good hands when I picked it up. What I love about his books is the compelling narrative with a set of characters to care about. And I was totally taken in by Andy, the father of a boy who broke his curfew which is where the story begins. Gosh what a hook of a premise to delve into!

Gist:

Andy and Laura love their kids. Their son Connor has just completed his exams and is out with friends. The parents have been assured that he will be back by midnight. 

Except when he doesn't, it sets off a series of events that shake the families up completely.

Because five teenagers went into the woods and only four came back.

Telling the truth may not be a good thing at this point after all.

My review:

• I picked it up at a time when I wanted a comfort read. This read which paints a parent's worst nightmare brought me out of a reading slump.

• I love the characters and the relatable situations. I loved how Andy the calm and composed GP functions as a rattled father. His quest to get his son out of trouble, the Boyd family with their quirks and traits, the way old insecurities surface in the face of this difficult situation has been beautifully portrayed.

• The storytelling is amazing, very plot driven and even as the reader is trying to guess what or who had done what, the twists keep coming and surprising the reader.

• I had an inkling of what could have happened and yet was taken aback by the twists in the story. Wow, loved the way the story turns.

I finished this in two sittings, such is the compelling nature of the narrative.

Highly recommended if you are looking for a good contemporary thriller story that keeps you racing through the pages.