A Deathly Silence by Jane Isaac
(Review copy]
While I have read several of Jane Isaac's books, but this was my first introduction to the DCI Helen Lavery series. A Deathly Silence is a gripping police procedural, with a chilling mystery at its heart. I was drawn into the story (and characters) straight away, proving that this book can easily be read as a standalone. I love Jane Isaac's writing - it is so vivid that her descriptions leap out from the page - and her characters always seem very real, with their emotions becoming as important to the plot as the investigations themselves.
A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner by Chris Atkins
[Review copy]
This was a fascinating yet shocking first-hand account of an insider's guide to the prison system. Chris Atkins, a documentary maker, was sentenced to five years after becoming involved in an illegal tax scheme - he spent the first nine months imprisoned at HMP Wandsworth. The book was a real eye-opener into some of the horrors of prison life, from the dilapidated buildings and endless bureaucracy to the mental health issues and addictions affecting prisoners today. I found it heartbreaking yet also entertaining at times, sad yet also enlightening. The book highlights the urgent need for prison reform.
Holdout by Graham Moore
[Review copy]
The Holdout had me hooked from the start. A clever premise underlies this legal thriller and whodunnit - definitely one for the big screen. The book features a diverse cast of characters, including a strong female protagonist, all centred around a jury on a murder trial. The main narrative follows present-day events, as a 10-year-old murder case is revisited, with new questions about whether the original suspect was guilty or not guilty. Then there are flashbacks that flesh out the jury characters and explore the decisions they made ten years ago, and why. Lots of twists, turns, shocks and surprises expose the complexities (and pitfalls) of the American legal system.
The Warehouse by Rob Hart
[Bought]
I bought this from Goldsboro Books on the recommendation of a friend who said it was definitely worth reading. At times, this near-future thriller felt a bit too real in the current no-high-street or limited-high-street situation and the reliance on online sales. It focuses on 'Cloud' - an online store that is determined to make the world a better place in a harsh political and economic environment ravaged by climate change. It's a satirical, but also worrying, exploration of the rise of consumerism. I was left with a few unanswered questions, but the world building was thorough and believable. Pure escapism - though maybe a little too close for comfort right now!
That's all for now!
Back soon with some more recommended reads.
Keep safe and well everyone!
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