Review: Broken: A traumatised girl. Her troubled brother. Their shocking secret.

Broken: A traumatised girl. Her troubled brother. Their shocking secret. by Rosie Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read quite a few of these books over the years, I have to admit as much as I enjoy reading them, they can be heartbreaking. I kind of feel I shouldn't actually like them because of the subject matters, yet i'm drawn to them on regular occasions as I occasionally like to read something other than the crime thrillers I normally read.
​In this outing the story of ​Nine-year-old Archie and his five-year-old sister, Bobbi, are taken into emergency police protective custody after an incident of domestic violence at their family home. They are then taken into the home of Rosie, a foster carer. Both children have their own issues, this story is told brilliantly its a riveting read, I found once I started it, I wanted and needed to carry on to see what sort, if any, changes are made to these two little ones.
Secrets are revealed and its found these two little ones certainly haven't had a great start to life.
If you enjoy reading these type of books then this one is a must. Rosie is certainly one of kind, and an amazing foster carer, any child placed into Rosie's custody will certainly get the best she can offer. Interesting, educating and heart-breaking.

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Review: The Babysitter

The Babysitter by Sheryl Browne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great read. As this book started and I was slowly getting into the story, I just knew something was going to happen. The anticipation of it, was a similar feeling to not wanting to look under the bed, in case the bed monster was lurking to grab you and eat you up. Great build up and suspense the story.
What a great read this was.
When Jade's cottage burns down, she is taken in by Mark and Melissa, she then becomes Mark and Melissa's babysitter.
It seems Melissa is slowly losing the plot, Mark starts to doubt her and her ability to look after the children and is so grateful that Jade is there to lend a hand. Odd things have started to happen that looks like Melissa isn't coping at all.
But it seems Jade is not at all the helpful babysitter she portrays.

This book was good, it was damn good. Guessing and thinking the whole way through it. It has you wondering if you are on the right track, have you figured it out? then you change your mind. Then you change it again. This story shows how one person can change the lives of others.

This book felt totally different from the previous books I have read by this author, A great read and her other books are well worth checking out if you haven't already read them. I look forward to reading more books by Sheryl Browne in the future.

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Review: The Broken

The Broken by Casey Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

@Caseykelleher has smashed it again.
Another great read

've been a huge fan of Casey Kelleher's book for a good few years now and was looking forward to this one as it was a follow on from The Betrayed a book I loved. I think this one would be fine read as a standalone, but personally I would say read The Betrayed before The Broken. That's just my opinion though, and I much prefer reading books in order.

*Don't read on if you intend reading the books in order and have not yet read book one, as it could contain spoilers.*

Nancy Byrne is the new head of the Byrne Gang. Following her father's death, it's down to Nancy to take over, as it seems no one else is capable. Her father was one of London's most feared gangsters. Gunned down in cold blood. The book opens following Jimmy Byrne's funeral.
Nancy has the weight of the world on her shoulders now, shoulders that are going to need to take on so much for such a young woman. Her Grandfather Michael Byrne isn't really bothered that his son has died, yet Nancy's Grandmother, Joanie is in pieces and struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved one and only son.

Is Nancy going to be in way above her head, it's sink or swim in the world she's involved with. More than one person will stab you in the back at the first opportunity, you have to learn to be one step ahead. You also need a quick lesson in who can and can't be trusted.
Nancy's brother Daniel is on a mission of self destruct, who is he going to take with him to get what he wants, and is there anyone who can stop him destroying 'The family business'.
This book was friken awesome. From start to finish I could not wait to see what was going to happen.
I believe this is going to be a trilogy, I so so can't wait for the next one..

Casey Kelleher somehow seems to be able to top each book written, these books just get better and better. I don't know where the idea's come from, but please Casey, keep them coming. Casey is well up there with the best authors in this genre. This book has it all, crime, violence, death, drugs, gangs, you name it, it's in there.
Well worth more than the given 5 stars.

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Review: Past Echoes

Past Echoes by Graham Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

can't believe we are at book 3 all ready, it doesn't seem long ago I was introduced to Jake Boulder in book 1, Watching the Bodies. I was so looking forward to getting back in the company of Jake, and couldn't wait to start this book.

Well, what does book 3 have to offer, well that's easy. It offers everything you would want from a brilliant, unputdownable read. If you have been following Jake Boulder on his journey, then I can safely say you will absolutely love this book. It's a lock the doors, clear your diary and take the phone off the hook, kind of book. Once you get stuck into this you'll find it difficult to put down.
Boulder along with Alfonse his trusted partner have their hands full in this book. Tasked with searching for a man who they know nothing about. After a local lady died she has left instruction for this man to be found to inherit her fortune.
Boulder also needs to search for his father, personal reasons mean he needs to be found.
Boulder comes up against more than one obstacle along the way. Luckily Boulder knows how to look after himself. He doesn't always go looking for trouble, it seems trouble has a knack of finding him.
Jake Boulder I can only describe as an awesome character. The author has certainly created a memorable character, He's gutsy, ballsy but we also see his loving side. Jake has a lot to take on this time around, and his emotions take a beating as well as his body.
Boulder has a huge challenge on his hands, and it's going to take some guts to get through it. There were parts in this book that felt like I was watching a hollywood thriller. Plenty of nail biting, breath holding moments in this book.

First class read.
​
I have loved each and every one of these books, I love Graham's style of writing, the knack he has to get the reader involved in the story is first class. I have added this book to my 2018 Must reads list.

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