Dark is the Grave

Duncan Bone is on sick leave recovering from his last case when a suspect detonated a bomb killing himself and injuring the detective. Although becoming physically fit again, Duncan Bone is still suffering from the effects of PTSD. His wife has left him and he is trying to gain permission to spend extra time with his son.

One morning he receives a recording showing the death of a young policewoman. The film brings back the trauma of his previous case locating the perpetrator of a series of police murders. He immediately takes the film to the police and is put back in charge of the case to find this copy cat murderer before more police are killed. There are a number of obvious suspects. It is obvious that the new killer knew the 'peek-a-boo' killer well but who is responsible? Duncan Bone and his team must quickly find who is responsible for the new murders and why the killings have recommenced.

Dark is the Grave by Scottish author T G Reid is the first book in the DCI Duncan Bone series. It is a fast paced murder mystery and I look forward to reading further books in the series.

Nesting

Ciara Fay, a young mother with two daughters, decides that she must leave her family home to escape from her abusive husband. Since her marriage she has been under her husband's control, has had no access to money except to purchase specific items, is not allowed contact with friends or family and has been prevented from returning to work. Her  husband does not help with the children's care or housework. Ryan has never hit Ciara or the children but he is verbally abusive, controlling and intimidates her psychologically and sexually. She also later discovers that he has placed an app on her phone so he always knows where she is.

Ciara has left home with the children before but was forced by Ryan to return. She is determined not to allow this to happen again. Finding suitable accommodation that she can afford is not easy and she spends nine months in housing accommodation where she needs to sign in each night to keep her room. However she does begin to make friends who help her and she finds temporary employment. However Ryan will not leave her alone and is determined to regain control.

In Nesting Irish author, Roisin O'Donnell has written a moving account of the difficulties faced by women if their marriage breaks down. She also writes about the difficulties of the homeless in finding accommodation and employment in Ireland.

Here one moment

It is an ordinary plane trip from Hobart to Sydney. The flight was delayed but once in the air all appears normal until a woman stands up and begins to walk slowly down the aisle giving each passenger a pronouncement as to how and when they will die. Most of the passengers are too surprised to take her predictions seriously and when the airline staff convince her to return to her seat she falls asleep. However, for many of the passengers the predictions cause anguish and fear, especially when three of the predictions appear to be true.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty provides chapters on how some of the passengers react to the predictions of their future. For some life continues as usual while for others it is an opportunity to change their lifestyle. The novel also provides background regarding the life of lady on the plane and how she came to be on that flight.

The novel examines the notion of free will and destiny as well as love and grief. Allusion is made to the concept that a small change such as a butterfly flapping its wings can cause catastrophe elsewhere - part of chaos theory. In this novel Liane Moriarty explores how some characters react to hearing of an unexpected event that may, or may not, affect their future.

No More Secrets

Carter Pierce runs the family property at Blue Moon. He reluctantly agrees to the visit of a journalist who wants to write a story about the property for a magazine as his mother feels that this is a great opportunity to promote the property. However he is not prepared for the changes that will occur in his life when Summer Lentz arrives to write her story. 

There is an instant attraction between Carter and Summer, however both Carter and Summer have secrets they are reluctant to reveal. As their relationship develops they realise they must be honest with each other if the relationship is to become permanent. They also discover that their attempts to keep their relationship secret are futile, especially when they are living in a community that thrives on gossip.

No More Secrets by Lucy Score is a cozy, romantic comedy with emphasis on romance. The reader is introduced to a range of sometimes eccentric characters (animals as well as people) living at Blue Moon who will feature in future books in the Blue Moon Series.