Mystery, Luke’s Blog

18Mar 2023 by Luke Harkness No Comments

The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson book review

The Jigsaw Man was another book that when I asked people which book I should read from my physical TBR list received a lot of recommendations. The reviews on the blurb and the front of the book likened it to Val McDermid too which is high praise. However, I must say... I was incredibly underwhelmed. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. The Jigsaw Man tells the story of DI Henley and her return to the frontline of the police force after a couple of years out and her experience with…

04Mar 2023 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Freeze by Kate Simants book review

Book reviews, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Freeze by Kate Simants was kindly sent to me by Viper books after they put out a tweet with the premise and I keenly jumped on their tweet saying I'd love to receive a proof copy prior to launch. The premise I hear you ask? A group of "celebrities" go to Greenland to film a reality survival show but there's clearly someone on that boat who is determined to ensure someone else on that boat doesn't make the journey home. Intriguing huh? Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. Tori and Dee…

28Feb 2023 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson book review

Book reviews, Mystery, Thriller

When I recently asked on my social media channels what I should read next from my TBR list, the majority of the answers came back for me to read Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson. I’d heard of the book before and had a general premise of what the book was about so I was keen to jump in and see if it could surprise me in any way. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose you purchase any products via the links before, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product. Before I Go To Sleep tells the story of Christine who wakes…

25Feb 2023 by Luke Harkness 4 Comments

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith book review

Book reviews, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

I'd heard quite a few people suggest picking up and reading Child 44 including a lot of people who voted when I asked people which book on my physical TBR they should I should pick up next. I went into it blind with no idea what it was about, didn't even read the blurb. Was that a mistake? Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links provided below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. Child 44 focuses on Leo, an MGB officer who is quite literally the poster boy for the army - he's young, good-looking and loyal. He…

08Feb 2023 by Luke Harkness No Comments

The Pact by Sharon Bolton book review

Book reviews, Mystery, Thriller

I picked up The Pact by Sharon Bolton after sourcing my physical TBR for a companion audiobook that wouldn't cost me half a lung. At £2.99 (about $3.60) for The Pact, I thought I'd pick it up. I'd had a couple of recommendations to read it by some friends too so that added to my reasoning for it. The premise sounded like it had potential too but did it live up the hype? Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below The Pact by Sharon Bolton tells the story of a group of young adults who are just about to pass their exams when one night they decide to take part in a dare that sees…

30Jan 2023 by Luke Harkness 2 Comments

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman book review

Book reviews, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery

When I read A Man Called Ove a couple of years ago, I absolutely fell in love with the character of Ove and the simple yet powerful story that Backamn told. One of my friends recommended I pick up Anxious People quite some time ago so when I received it as a present for Christmas I quickly put it to the top of my TBR and I'm so glad I did! Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is such an interesting book. It tells the…

28Dec 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson book review

Book reviews, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

A Good Girls' Guide to Murder is another of those books I'd seen a lot of on social media. And, as with a lot of my next book choices, it became available to listen to via the library-lending app, Libby and so I decided to pick it up and give it a listen. It's a book possibly aimed at a younger audience but one that I found myself very much enjoying as a man in his late 20s also! Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links provided below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. A Good Girl's Guide…

15Nov 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

A Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle book review

Book reviews, Crime, Mystery

I love a good murder mystery - especially one where the killer and the victims are all stuck in the same place, so when I needed to pick up a new read, A Fatal Crossing leapt out at me from my bookshelf. When a man dies on a voyage from Britain to America, there are suspicions it may have been murdered and the murderer could still be on the ship! Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the products. A Fatal Crossing is a book I was partly drawn to by the cover…

01Oct 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Verity by Colleen Hoover book review

Book reviews, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Verity was a flash in a pan of a book. I picked it up as a part of a deal after someone DMed me saying that it was amazing! The book was described to me as "mind-blowing" and "you'll love it" and for the first 95% of the book I was thinking it was good and tense but a bit predictable and then literally the last 5% had me shooketh. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you which supports the blog. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion of the product. Verity focuses on the life of Lowen Ashleigh, a young…

15Sep 2022 by Luke Harkness No Comments

Rivers of London By Ben Aaronovitch book review

Book reviews, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch is a book I have actually read before. I picked it up three years ago as it sounded quite cool and the front cover pulled me in. However, when I initially picked it up, it kind of flew by as I listened to the Audiobook, not really appreciating anything I was listening to. However, this time I had a lot more appreciation for the writing, and the comedy but I believe I still hold some of the same opinions as before. Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase any products via the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not affect my final opinion…