In Bloom by CJ Skuse

In Bloom
By CJ Skuse
Published by HQ (9 August 2018)
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher

Publisher's description

If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!

Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.

Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.

But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?

My verdict
Sweetpea was one of my favourite books of 2017 - a perfect serial killer read filled with dark humour. In Bloom follows on from the moment Sweetpea ends, with Rhiannon pregnant and in a serious spot of bother.

I really didn't think CJ Skuse could top Sweetpea, but she certainly has. In Bloom is evil and dark, with plenty of shocks and surprises, and is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It's also emotional and even heartbreaking in places, as Rhiannon tries to come to terms with her impending motherhood and make some decisions about her future.

Yet again, I found myself rooting for Rhiannon when I really shouldn't, getting a better understanding of her background and why she's the way she is. While she appears fairly 'normal' on the outside with her love of her dog Tink and her Sylvanians collection, she's certainly not a 'people person' - although she has now made a friend, of sorts, called Marnie. The question that arises throughout the book is whether Rhiannon is 'mother material'.

The book reads like a totally twisted pregnancy guide. Rhiannon describes all of her aches and pains, angst and worries, as you would expect in any pregnancy, but then there are also her murderous tendencies and psychotic urges. Fortunately (or not so fortunately for her), she now has a conscience - her unborn baby. The book is cleverly (and hilariously) written as 'baby' makes Rhiannon choose between being a mother and being a murderer every time she 'gets the serial killer urge'.

In Bloom is another fantastic read from CJ Skuse, as long as you don't mind bad language, graphic descriptions and some uncomfortable reading! This book sets the scene perfectly for another book (although it does tie up loose ends too) and I'm now desperate to know what happens next!

Epiphany Jones by Michael Grothaus - Blog Tour Review

I am delighted to be today's stop on the Blog Tour for Epiphany Jones by Michael Grothaus, which was published in paperback by Orenda Books on 16 May 2016. 

Here's my review of this unique and fantastic book.

Epiphany Jones
By Michael Grothaus
Published by Orenda Books (16 May 2016)
ISBN: 978-1910633335

Publisher's description
Jerry has a traumatic past that leaves him subject to psychotic hallucinations and depressive episodes. When he stands accused of stealing a priceless Van Gogh painting, he goes underground, where he develops an unwilling relationship with a woman who believes that the voices she hears are from God. Involuntarily entangled in the illicit world of sex-trafficking amongst the Hollywood elite, and on a mission to find redemption for a haunting series of events from the past, Jerry is thrust into a genuinely shocking and outrageously funny quest to uncover the truth and atone for historical sins.

My verdict
Epiphany Jones is a book that's as unique in content as it is in name. I don't think I have ever read a book quite like it. And I possibly won't find one again - although obviously I look forward to seeing what Michael Grothaus has in store next.

The book is about the sex trafficking industry, child abuse and how celebrity lifestyles aren't always the fairytale that we're led to believe. When Jerry is wrongly accused of stealing a priceless painting and murdering his colleague, he goes on the run with the help of a mysterious woman called Epiphany Jones. It soon becomes clear that Epiphany has her own agenda - and will do anything to make him comply with her demands.

I found it very difficult to put this novel down. Humour cushions the darkness and the madness, and I found myself laughing when I really shouldn't be laughing. Never before have I read a book in which a porn addict sees people who aren't there and a young troubled woman hears voices in her head that predict her future. Yet bizarrely, it all seemed so believable and real.

Just to warn you, Epiphany Jones isn't for the faint hearted - it's certainly a book that will take most readers out of their comfort zone. It's graphic from the outset, with hard-hitting language and vivid descriptions, and it covers some very shocking and traumatic issues. The book contains scenes that you may wish you hadn't pictured in your head as you read - yet it's so highly gripping and well written that you just can't help it. Not much fazes me, but some scenes still had me gasping out loud.

Despite its violence and dark humour, the book has a highly emotional journey at its core and left me reeling and in tears. Epiphany Jones may be the author's debut, but it certainly doesn't read like one with its high level of sophistication, depth and talent. Yet again, Orenda Books has found a novel that will grab your attention straight away - from the very first line (yes, it's that good) - and stir up all of your emotions (from fear, disgust and anger to sadness, surprise and joy).

If you're looking for...

• something very different to read
• that will keep you engrossed into the early hours of the morning
• that tackles some very real and disturbing issues
• that's totally insane, quirky, dark, emotional and compelling
• and that will stay with you for a long time afterwards

... then you must buy this book.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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