Do you ever get that super excited feeling when a book that you LOVED (and ended on a cliffhanger) finally has it's sequel coming out soon?

Well this is what's happened to me - and the fact that it's a #LoveOzYA title makes it even better.

Australian author Rose Foster's first novel The Industry definitely hit all the right notes for me when I first read it back in 2013 - punchy, gritty and with huge twists that keep you hooked from beginning to end, it really did impress. Though it has been a long wait for the sequel due to the author's completely understandable personal circumstances, I have no doubt that The Estate will be sure to impress if it's anything like its fantastic predecessor. So, without further ado, here's the cover!

Releasing as an ebook on 22nd July 2016

In case you haven't read The Industry yet, here's a little more about it...think computer-hacking-teen-techno-thriller-with-all-the-amazingness. (or, to put it more eloquently, here's the blurb):

Kirra Hayward is an ordinary sixteen year old - smarter than most, but otherwise completely anonymous. When she stumbles across an unusual puzzle on the internet and manages to solve it, she has no idea of what she's letting herself in for. 

Kidnapped by a shadowy organisation known only as The Industry, Kirra soon discovers how valuable her code-breaking skills are. And when she stubbornly refuses to help them, they decide to break her ... by any means at their disposal.

 Kirra knows that to protect herself, she must trust no one, not even her fellow prisoner, Milo. But as time goes by she realises he might be the only person she can rely on ... 

What are some of your favourite #LoveOzYA thrillers?

{Blog Tour} Review & Author Interview: The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander

The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander
Released: 1st April 2016
Published by: Usborne Publishing
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Pages: 382
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Goodreads | QBD | Book Depository

One minute Eddie was there. And the next he was gone.

Five years on, and it’s Elsie who’s lost. All she knows is the pain she feels. Pain that her twin Eddie’s body has never been found after that day on the beach. Then she meets Tay; confident, cool and addicted to free-diving.

He says it’s too dangerous for her to join; it’s too dark, too scary, too deep. But what does he know? He doesn’t know that being underwater is the only time Elsie doesn’t ache for her brother. That diving gives her flashbacks. And that uncovering the secrets of that day is the only way for Elsie to start breathing again.

Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Sometimes I feel invisible, like a wisp of air that tickles the back of someone's neck before they close the window to block the draught.

The pain of losing a twin and the repercussions of a tragedy on the family is central to this broody and emotive story of one girl's quest to seek some sort of closure and retribution for what happened on the water those five years ago. With a series of twists that unfurl gradually in the murky depths of this family's past, The Art of Not Breathing is a novel which is both moving and memorable.

I tell myself that one day I'll have a new boat and I'll be off exploring. I don't yet know where I want to explore but maybe there are some undiscovered islands in the North Sea. maybe I'll find another place like the black isle, with beaches, otters and a boathouse. the difference will be that no one will know who I am.

The intricacies of the family dynamics in this story are what create the majority of the drama in the story, and definitely piqued my curiosity. After all, there must be some dark secrets at play when the details of Eddie's drowning still lie somewhere at the bottom of the ocean. There can be a trend in YA where the parents are mostly absent in the plotline, so it was good to see in this novel that they were actually present - although of course, not the image of 'perfect'. The loss of a child had clearly affected them in different ways, and the same for Elsie's older brother Dillon as well who is struggling with his own wellbeing. So many of the characters are intertwined in complex ways, from the immediate family, to others like Tay and the people he's associated with. They all have their own links to this tragic event - and unraveling just what those are is what kept me turning the pages.

These last few weeks I've imagined that Eddie might have been at peace in his last moments; the bright colours, the sense of freedom, the lightness. But the water here is cold, dark and creepy. He would have been terrified...For the first time, Eddie's death is starting to feel real to me. 

Two other aspects which made this book stand out to me are definitely the setting and unique focus on freediving. I haven't read many books set in Scotland (outside of Outlander that is), and so to have The Art of Not Breathing do this made for an extra intriguing angle. Looking more into freediving and how it helped Elsie come to remember more about that fateful day certainly worked as a narrative device, plus you could tell that the author had definitely done her research into the area. The cold water, and the stillness of being submerged in a totally different world set the tone perfectly for the mystery to play out. The best thing was seeing how Elsie developed as a character to hopefully reach the catharsis she was looking for.

I am turning into water, fluid and ever-changing. I am not a visitor to the ocean, I am part of it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Through the cold, murky depths of its setting to the clarity of its end, I can certainly say that The Art of Not Breathing is a page-turner you won't want to miss.

Author Interview with Sarah Alexander

1. The idea of that special bond between twins is explored really interestingly in this novel. How did you come to the idea of looking into these family dynamics for Elsie especially dealing with a loss?

I’ve always been interested in twin and sibling relationships, but I find the differences between twins, and siblings in general, even more fascinating than the similarities. Originally, Elsie and Dillon were twins but as the story developed this changed naturally. I wanted to explore the long term effects of a tragedy on all the family relationships, and look at the different ways in which they cope.

2. The Scottish setting seemed to bring the whole story together really well and add an extra level of atmosphere. What were some of the reasons for setting it there?

I have family in Scotland so I’ve spent a lot of time there and I love the ruggedness and beauty of the landscape. I visited the Black Isle one summer and fell in love with everything about it – the long, atmospheric twilights, the dolphins, the beautiful harbour and the lighthouse.

3. Did you have a favourite character who originally inspired the story?

Elsie and her mum came to me first. They arrived together and I knew as soon as I met them that they's suffered a devastating loss – one that brought them together but also tore them apart. When I think about the book, it’s these two characters I picture first. I was desperate for them to be OK.

4. The focus on freediving was a fascinating one, and I love how the water and forces of nature played a role in the book. When did you decide that it would be featured in the novel?

It happened quite organically. Water was always going to be a major part of the book but I had imagined it as the setting rather than where the action took place, and then as I started writing I couldn’t keep my characters away from it. Every time I started a new scene, my characters wandered off the page down to the beach. The breath- holding and the depth worked perfectly with all the main themes in the novel, so I just went with it.

5. What are the most important things you want readers to take away from 'The Art of Not Breathing'?

1. Not all the answers are at the bottom of the sea (some of them are).

2. Your past shapes you but doesn’t have to define you.

3. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting.

4. It’s OK to be different. You will still be loved and liked.

6. Do you have any advice for other aspiring authors out there?

It’s a good idea to make a timeline so you don’t get lost. Although, sometimes you discover the best things when you're lost.

7. After an impressive first novel, could you give us a hint at what to expect from you next?

Ah thanks! I’m working on another standalone YA novel that deals with fear and anxiety. I'm working on a few ideas, actually, so watch this space!

Review: The Good Girls by Sara Shepard

The Good Girls by Sara Shepard

Series: The Perfectionists #2

Released: 2nd July 2015

Published by: Hot Key Books

Genre: YA Mystery

Source: Publisher

Pages: 282

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads | Dymocks | Bookworld

From Sara Shepard, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, comes the shocking sequel to The Perfectionists—with an ending you'll have to read to believe!

Mackenzie, Ava, Caitlin, Julie, and Parker have done some not-so-perfect things. Even though they all talked about killing rich bully Nolan Hotchkiss, they didn't actually go through with it. It's just a coincidence that Nolan died in exactly the way they planned . . . right? Except Nolan wasn't the only one they fantasized about killing. When someone else they named dies, the girls wonder if they're being framed. Or are they about to become the killer's next targets?

Thank you to Five Mile Press  for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

At first glance, the world of 'The Perfectionists' doesn't seem to stray too far from it's ever-popular predecessor in the Pretty Little Liars trilogy that has left people reeling over the mystery and intrigue which goes down. In The Good Girls, a group of flawed friends are certainly no angels, though whether they are able to pull off a murder is the question.

It's a book that revels in the 'whodunnit' traditional mystery style, and since I hadn't read anything by Sara Shepard before - I was interested to see how the plot unfolded. Each of the five narrators have their own flaws and challenges to overcome in a world where everyone else around them seems pristine. However, those little secrets everyone has but doesn't want anybody else to know about are always lurking in the shadows, causing drama, scandal and a plot to develop which is always thrilling. Though yes, at times there was some predictability and elements which felt a tad unrealistic, getting to know the girls and their friendship dynamics, as well as trying to guess what the twist was made for an enjoyable read. AND WHAT A TWIST IT WAS. I just love it when I can't see what's coming.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is a mystery novel that starts out a bit slow, but finishes with a bang! For PLL fans out there, you're bound to love the style of this novel and become invested in just how much trouble five teenage girls can get caught up in. It's definitely a thrilling ride!

Review: The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes
Released: 22nd June 2015
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
Genre: YA Contemporary/Mystery
Source: Publisher
Pages: 288
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository

The Kevinian cult has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, and her ability to trust. And when Minnow rebelled, they took away her hands, too.

Now the Kevinian Prophet has been murdered and the camp set aflame and it's clear Minnow knows something. But she's not talking. As she adjusts to a life behind bars in juvenile detention, Minnow struggles to make sense of all she has been taught to believe, particularly as she dwells on the events that led up to her incarceration. But when an FBI detective approaches her about making a deal, Minnow sees she can have the freedom she always dreamed of; if she is willing to part with the terrible secrets of her past.

Powerful and compelling. this remarkable and brave debut novel reveals the terrible dangers of blind faith. And the importance of having faith in yourself.

Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly has the hallmarks of The Maiden Without Hands written by the Grimm Brothers, but stands firm on its own as a harrowing original novel which will stay on your mind long after the last page. All the hype for this book did leave me with some high expectations, but I can definitely say that they were exceeded above and beyond. This is a story of one girl grappling with the painful aftermath of disillusionment with the only twisted world she had ever known - and now trying to move on in the real one. This is a novel that is memorable in a way that no other book has been for me this year because it is so unique, left me agape, and was fearless in its raw storytelling. 

I want to ask, Can you get the death penalty for killing because you're told to? How does the legal system prosecute someone under the influence of faith, someone who kills because God wants a little death sometimes?

This cult mentality and concept of blind faith is definitely a fascinating one to explore in fiction. The last book I read covering those ideas was The Passion Flower Massacre by Nicola Morgan which I found enthralling, but this book had that extra emotional depth which drew me in from the hard-hitting first pages. The story doesn't shy away from brutalities and paints a disturbing picture of what life is like when a society is run by a person who is irrational and corrupt. However, the novel holds more complexities than what may first appear. The use of flashbacks to highlight the stark difference between Minnow's time in the cult and her present situation in a girls' prison was a wise choice so that information was revealed in time, leaving you wanting to keep reading for chapters on end.You know a book is good when you say 'I'll just read one more chapter' and instead keep going until it's almost finished and you can't keep your eyes open any more.

There was always the unspoken certainty that we'd have forever. There would be time for all the things we wanted to do in our lives. That time could run out, that limbs could disappear from bodies, was as unfathomable as death. 

The prose in itself is a masterpiece - striking the perfect balance between necessary pragmatism and a subtle creative flair to produce a story that I couldn't put down. The twists which came in bursts along the way just kept the wow factor throughout. The character relationships are similarly well crafted, from the dynamics of Minnow's family to the ins and outs of prison life. Exploring the avenue of 'a disturbed protagonist without hands in a jail setting' is definitely something I haven't ever come across before, so this book was intriguing on both counts. Amidst trust issues and inner turmoil over her own drastic actions, Minnow herself was a character who had so many layers, and underwent her own catharsis to come to terms with the past, and look forward to a different future.

We stepped headlong into a new place where we knew there was something other than good daughters and sons inside us. Because for the first time, somebody bothered to tell me why they were in pain. Everybody around me was in pain, I realize now, but none of them ever poured it out of themselves into another person.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It's official: I love this chilling, shocking and undeniably mesmerising book. When it comes to 2015 releases that you HAVE TO READ - this is definitely one of them. Stephanie Oakes is an author whose other works I'll definitely be looking out for in the future, because this is a book which I can't praise highly enough.

ARC Review: Risk by Fleur Ferris

Risk by Fleur Ferris
Released: 1st July 2015
Published by: Random House Australia Children's
Genre: YA Mystery/Contemporary
Source: Netgalley
Pages: 288
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Booktopia | QBD

Taylor and Sierra have been best friends for their whole lives. But Taylor’s fed up. Why does Sierra always get what – and who – she wants?

From kissing Taylor’s crush to stealing the guy they both met online for herself, Sierra doesn’t seem to notice when she hurts her friends. So when Sierra says Jacob Jones is the one and asks her friends to cover for her while she goes to meet him for the first time, Taylor rolls her eyes. But Sierra doesn’t come back when she said she would. One day. Two days. Three . . . What if Taylor’s worrying for nothing? What if Sierra’s just being Sierra, forgetting about everyone else to spend time with her new guy?

When Taylor finally tells Sierra’s mum that her daughter is missing, Taylor and her friends are thrown into a dark world they never even knew existed.

Can Taylor find Sierra’s abductor in time? Or should she be looking for a killer?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley

How safe are you online? How much do you share? Who is seeing it? It is these questions which Fleur Ferris's thought-provoking debut novel Risk raises, and with shocking results. The presence of online predators is unfortunately a chilling reality, and there are grim consequences when swept up in a dangerous web of lies.

The feeling inside me is numbness. A massive, strange void that makes me feel like my body's not mine. My mind has detached itself from my body and I feel nothing. 

This book has quite a smart construction, as from the start it seems that there's some typical teenage drama happening - two best friends, one bright and popular while the other can't take her seriously. Crushes, boyfriends and school are covered...until Sierra and Taylor start talking to guys on MysteryChat online. Though many of us readers will sit there and say 'how could they be so stupid?', the truth is that some girls will fall into these traps, and at just fourteen years old - they're more vulnerable than ever. However, this almost cloying beginning soon gives way to the more sinister underlying danger which lurks behind the screen. There was an unexpected turn quite early on which caught me off guard, and the story took on a different path than I had anticipated. Not only is there that 'shock' factor, but one which makes you take a step back and evaluate how you act online. The didactic nature of this novel just adds a whole other dimension and makes it a memorable one.

There is a crescendo when the adults become involved, which was an essential aspect. In some books the adults are barely even mentioned, let alone play a major role in any of the developments. What got a big tick from me in this case is that they were present, and though Sierra missing did have an impact on her friends, especially Taylor, the adults also had an important stance in the storyline. There is definitely a holistic exploration of characters in Risk which made everything well-rounded and compulsively readable. 

Something black is inside me, lurking just out of reach. I can't grasp it, but it's there, heavy, filling every crevice as I move.

To realise that a pedophile had effectively 'groomed' your best friend before she disappears is chilling to say the least, and obviously has an enormous emotional impact. The flow-on effects from one major event really demonstrates the extent to which one girl's fate can change the people around her. The author captured the emotional ramifications in such a realistic way and it drew me into the lives of these fictional characters as if they were real. Taylor's initiative and her own relationship made her a likable character, and just the anguish of it all was executed perfectly. Though there was that little something which perhaps could have added an extra kick near the end, there was definitely a fair share of drama throughout and suspense in abundance. 

Anger pulses through my veins, but it is not anger at Jacob Jones. It is anger at me. My stupidity and carelessness. I should have swallowed my pride and gone with Sierra. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

In all, Risk is a compelling and didactic novel which depicts a situation that could be all too real. Though the bar was set high for this one, I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone who reads YA as it has an important message at its core. As a piece of Australian YA, it is a shining example of just how talented local authors are! I can't wait to read whatever Fleur Ferris writes next, because after this fantastic debut, she sure is one to watch.

Review: Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Night Film by Marisha Pessl
Released: 20th August 2013
Published by: Random House
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Source: Library
Pages: 602
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository

Everybody has a Cordova story. Cult horror director Stanislas Cordova hasn't been seen in public since 1977. To his fans he is an engima. To journalist Scott McGrath he is the enemy. To Ashley he was a father. On a damp October night the body of young, beautiful Ashley Cordova is found in an abandoned warehouse in lower Manhattan. Her suicide appears to be the latest tragedy to hit a severely cursed dynasty. For McGrath, another death connected to the legendary director seems more than a coincidence. Driven by revenge, curiosity and a need for the truth, he finds himself pulled into a hypnotic, disorientating world, where almost everyone seems afraid. The last time McGrath got close to exposing Cordova, he lost his marriage and his career. This time he could lose his grip on reality.

ONCE WE FACE OUR DEEPEST FEARS, WHAT LIES ON THE OTHER SIDE?

The space around Cordova distorts...the speed of light slackens, information gets scrambled, rational minds grow illogical, hysterical. 

Night Film is a novel which inexplicably draws you in to a thrilling mystery riddled with the unknown, following a path that is as uncertain as the activities of the enigmatic Cordova himself. The story follows Scott McGrath, a reporter once again enthralled by this urban legend in his quest to find out what really happened to Ashley, and his two new younger comrades Nora and Hopper who each have their own secrets to hide. What makes this book a memorable one, is not just its hefty size - it's the unputdownable quality that draws you further and further towards the dark epicentre of Cordova's mysterious paradox. I ended up questioning what was real and what wasn't just as much as the characters did, and that is one sign of some masterful storytelling indeed.

The suspected but unseen threat, fueled by the imagination, was punishing and all-powerful. It'd devastate before you even left your room, your bed, before you even opened your eyes and took a breath. 

This book is so wonderfully crafted - especially with all the different textual forms interwoven throughout. It makes the whole situation seem so much more eerie when it appears to be so plausible. News articles, creepy websites and even reports from a mental institution all bring an aura of logic to this otherwise irrational epoch. Although yes, there are some parts which flow a little slower than others when it comes to Scott's personal life and the backgrounds of Hopper and Nora, there is an undeniable sense of urgency and palpable tension as the darker side of Ashley's life was revealed. Amidst the puzzle of her death is a glimpse at the supernatural. The whole book is like a storm brewing, where at first the clouds roll in before a fog falls over the whole investigation, until the climax where the wind, rain and lightning bring some epiphany, though only to leave more destruction in its wake.

The mysterious threshold between reality and make-believe...Because every one of us has out box, a dark chamber stowing the thing that lanced out heart. It contains what you do everything for, strive for, wound everything around you. And if it were opened, would anything be set free? No. For the impenetrable prison with the impossible lock is your own head. 

This is a book where you really don't know what is going to happen next, or what you'll read yourself into. Even the most mundane of events end up holding some significance, and comes a point where the line between reality and the surreal is blurred. Each page brings its own set of questions, perhaps even a red herring here and there. Each person that Scott interviews who was involved with Cordova and Ashley's death gives information, but what can one really believe? Where is the truth? My one tiny flaw with this book was the ending. Yes, it is only fitting that its nature would coincide with the very style of the book, but you can't help but feel frustrated that after coming so far and the end is so near, it appears just out of reach. However, make of it what you will - I think there may be a few theories brewing there if you ask other people who have read this book.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Night Film is definitely one of the best and most unique thrillers I've read this year. I am so glad that I picked it up and got to experience a novel that is so engrossing, so murky and yet with some striking moments of clarity. 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where the participants tell their readers about an upcoming release they are waiting to read. This week I've picked The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes.

With a harrowing poetic voice, this contemporary page-turner is perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, Julie Berry's All The Truth That's in Me, and the works of Ellen Hopkins. 

The Kevinian cult has taken everything from seventeen-year-old Minnow: twelve years of her life, her family, her ability to trust. And when she rebelled, they took away her hands, too. Now their Prophet has been murdered and their camp set aflame, and it's clear that Minnow knows something—but she's not talking. As she languishes in juvenile detention, she struggles to un-learn everything she has been taught to believe, adjusting to a life behind bars and recounting the events that led up to her incarceration.

But when an FBI detective approaches her about making a deal, Minnow sees she can have the freedom she always dreamed of—if she’s willing to part with the terrible secrets of her past.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow By is a hard-hitting and hopeful story about the dangers of blind faith—and the power of having faith in oneself.

I love novels with lyrical prose, and just the sound of this book is enough to captivate me - it's definitely unique!

Releasing 9th June 2015

Review: Every Breath by Ellie Marney

Every Breath by Ellie Marney
Released: 1st September 2014
Series: Every #1
Published by: Allen and Unwin
Genre: YA Mystery
Source: Bought
Pages: 335
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Dymocks

Rachel Watts is an unwilling new arrival to Melbourne from the country. James Mycroft is her neighbour, an intriguingly troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. Despite her misgivings, Rachel finds herself unable to resist Mycroft when he wants her help investigating a murder. And when Watts and Mycroft follow a trail to the cold-blooded killer, they find themselves in the lion's den - literally.

A night at the zoo will never have quite the same meaning again...

Every Breath takes a fresh new spin on crime solving, with two teens who sure are good at being a Sherlock and Watson team. I'm so glad that I've finally gotten around to starting the 'Every' series, and I can say with confidence that I really did enjoy this book. With just the right amount of intelligent detective work, suspense and a relationship building - I can definitely see why people are praising this series, and it sure does deserve it.

He might think he's on some dark quest to find a murderer, but in reality he's just looking for the same answers that everyone who loses somebody looks for.

What's makes up half the fun in this book is the banter between Mycroft and Watts - the two of them have such an interesting friendship, and all the sleuthing going on just strengthens that. On their hunt to find out who killed James's friend 'Homeless Dave', the pair get up to some mischief, but more importantly some smart deducing to figure out who the murderer was. From interrogation techniques to investigating the crime scene, these two teens definitely know how to be bona fide dedectives.

There's also the matter of their personal lives though, which added another dimension to the story. Mycroft doesn't have the best stability with his aunt taking care of him, and Rachel is having a hard time adjusting to a city lifestyle after living on a farm. The fact that these tensions are underlying just add to the depth of the characters, and Ellie Marney did a wonderful job at that. 

Live or die - Every breath is a choice.

As with any good crime novel, you're going to want a twist that you don't see coming, and I liked the way the author orchestrated this one. I'm not going to give too much away, but aside from the mystery being solved itself, it was interesting how much of the action took place in the zoo as opposed to some other cliched setting like with underground mafia and the like. Having it set in Australia also makes that much more relatable, and bravo to Aussie authors like Elli Marney writing books like this which are so successful!

And finally - the romance. I SHIP IT. (and I so thought they'd be good together). Let's face it - we'd all see it coming from the very beginning, but it just works. It's realistic, there's no insta-love, and the way that these two look out for each other all the time and have that slow-burning sort of relationship brewing is nice to see.

FINAL THOUGHTS


I'm so happy to be reading some great YA mystery novels this year, and I can't wait to continue with this series. Every Word, here I come!

PS. Don't forget to check out my giveaway for the whole series on now! (ends 26th March 2015, AU only)

Review: Mr. Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars #2)

Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Series: Veronica Mars #2
Released: 28th January 2014
Genre: Mystery/Crime 
Source: Publisher
Pages: 336
My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Book Depository

In the second book in the New York Times bestselling mystery series, Veronica Mars is back with a case that will expose the hidden workings of one of Neptune’s most murderous locations.

The Neptune Grand has always been the seaside town’s ritziest hotel, despite the shady dealings and high-profile scandals that seem to follow its elite guests. When a woman claims that she was brutally assaulted in one of its rooms and left for dead by a staff member, the owners know that they have a potential powder keg on their hands. They turn to Veronica to disprove—or prove—the woman's story. The case is a complicated mix of hard facts, mysterious occurrences, and uncooperative witnesses.

The hotel refuses to turn over its reservation list and the victim won’t divulge who she was meeting that night. Add in the facts that the attack happened months ago, the victim’s memory is fuzzy, and there are holes in the hotel’s surveillance system, and Veronica has a convoluted mess on her hands. As she works to fill in the missing pieces, it becomes clear that someone is lying—but who? And why?

Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Mr Kiss and Tell follows on from its predecessor in the series, and while many of the characters are familiar, this time around the mystery has really picked up in full force. Private investigator Veronica Mars has a new case dealing with an alleged rape at the Neptune Grand, but with political corruption, unreliable witnesses and other personal issues coming to light, getting justice would not be easy.

The plotline and concept itself in this book was successful in providing a continuation from The Thousand Dollar Tan Line and a glimpse into the lives of those characters now. Of course, this new challenge for Veronica was one that she faced with her same determined attitude, even in the face of an elusive but nonetheless dangerous attacker. With crime novels its inevitable that the build up to the reveal and final 'closing the book' on the cases will be slow, and there were some parts where I felt that. However, by about the three-quarter mark I could tell that things were getting quite complex with the cases of mistaken identity and tracking of the assaulter causing some tension to mount.

What I did really appreciate in this story was seeing more of Logan and Veronica's relationship. The two definitely have a special bond, but under the strain of his job in the military it's not always easy to maintain that. I'd definitely be looking forward to seeing more from the pair in the third book since they do make a good couple!

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is another well thought-out mystery novel that works really well with the previous book -blending old characters with a fresh storyline. Bring on book three!

Review: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line (Veronica Mars #1)

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Series: Veronica Mars #1
Released: 1st November 2014
Genre: YA Mystery
Source: Publisher
Pages: 324
My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
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Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption.

She's traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.  Now it's spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave.

When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person's case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica's past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Thousand Tollar Tan Line is a novel which contains quite a fascinating mystery which pulled me in from the start, though in places left me wanting a little more. As a person who hasn't yet watched what I've heard is the fantastic Veronica Mars on screen, I have no way to compare how this novel stacks up. However, though this wasn't my favourite read of late, I can still say that it did have its good points and I'll definitely be watching the show and movie in the near future.

What I did really enjoy about this was Veronica's character and getting to know her well. I love her quirks and mannerisms, her sarcasm at times and overall charisma. She's a private investigator who wants to know the truth and will do what she can to seek justice. I don't usually read a lot of books with the crime-solving/'whodunnit' mystery, and so The Thousand Dollar Tan Line was a welcome change. The nature of the story itself dealing with the two missing girls and organised crime combined with the seedy cartel themes at times made for an interesting read overall, though at some points there were some definitely lags in the plot which did make my attention wane.

However, what the authors have done here is among the red herrings and tangents, provided some twists and turns which I didn't see coming - and I love it when that happens. To be honest, I'm not one who usually sees the big reveal coming anyway, but the way the plot panned out definitely went in a way that wasn't expected and exciting in a sense. Aside from solving the crime, it was also good to see a balance with some family dynamics coming into play with Veronica's father Keith and her mother who also had a secondary role. It's nice to have some sub-plots to break up the story and give a different focus to make a well-rounded book.

FINAL THOUGHTS


In essence, though it's probably not my favourite mystery in the world, I can still say with confidence that I enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts on Mr Kiss and Tell soon!

Review: The Door That Led to Where by Sally Gardner

The Door That Led to Where by Sally Gardner
Released: 1st January 2015
Published by: Hot Key Books
Genre: YA Mystery/Time Travel
Source: Publisher
Pages: 280
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
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AJ Flynn has just failed all but one of his GCSEs, and his future is looking far from rosy. So when he is offered a junior position at a London law firm he hopes his life is about to change - but he could never have imagined by how much. Tidying up the archive one day, AJ finds an old key, mysteriously labelled with his name and date of birth - and he becomes determined to find the door that fits the key.

And so begins an amazing journey to a very real and tangible past - 1830, to be precise - where the streets of modern Clerkenwell are replaced with cobbles and carts, and the law can be twisted to suit a villain's means. Although life in 1830 is cheap, AJ and his friends quickly find that their own lives have much more value. They've gone from sad youth statistics to young men with purpose - and at the heart of everything lies a crime that only they can solve. But with enemies all around, can they unravel the mysteries of the past, before it unravels them?

A fast-paced mystery novel by one of the country's finest writers, THE DOOR THAT LED TO WHERE will delight, surprise and mesmerise all those who read it.

Thank you to The Five Mile Press Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 

It's been a few years since I've read something by Sally Gardner, and this book certainly doesn't disappoint. In a story where the past and the present converge with a mystery and some time travel to match, Gardner's novel is one that has so many elements which work well together. Although there was more of a contemporary edge than expected, I was pleasantly surprised at how the historical elements shone through and wove together. 

The past is all there, he thought, at the touch of a search button whereas the future takes some explaining.

AJ definitely didn't have the best lifestyle before discovering his key to the past. Faced with a household where he was treated as nothing, a neighbourhood far from pleasant and a future that was bleak at best, it was refreshing to find that he had a second chance - not because of the life that was to come, but the life he could experience back in 1830's London. It's refreshing to find a novel with time travel themes executed well, and the explanation given for AJ's situation was quite believable. The author invested enough into the details of 19th century England while still providing an insight into AJ's life back in the present day. 

He was doing something more extraordinary than anyone with a first class ticket had ever achieved: he had travelled in time, walked painlessly through two centuries and back again.

The mystery aspect was also done quite well, as a murder to solve fitted in well with the already slightly seedy setting in the past version of London. Although it was a tad predictable, towards the end the intensity of the storyline really picked up where it was in the beginning a little slow. Overall, the secondary characters were well developed, as AJ's friends Slim and Leon had their own issues to solve and parts to play, both in the past and present.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, I would recommend this book to people looking for a quick historical mystery that also has a healthy dose of contemporary themes. Sally Gardner has showcased her diversity to write some very different stories so far, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Debut Novels For 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. This week I'm sharing the top ten debuts I'm looking forward to this year. (click the book covers to go to the goodreads page for each book). 

1. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon




Being allergic to the world is an interesting concept - I'm curious to see how this one goes.

2. The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne






First of all, I love this cover. Plus, this sounds like a promising contemporary with the political, romantic, and family-drama themes that would be interesting to read about.

3. Tiny Pretty Things by Sonia Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton




I know there are other books about ballet out there (eg. Bunheads), but I am yet to read one - and this could be a good start.

4. The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes

This book looks like it has more depth than a simple YA survival story - I'm intrigued...

5. Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat

It's always fascinating to read books with a musical element woven into it, and this looks like a novel with heart too. 

6. Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

This is the story of a girl with schizophrenia who cannot tell the difference between delusion and reality - I've never read anything like this before but from the looks of reviews so far it's a really moving novel.

7. The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi

Having a book set in such a short period of time could make a really good read. 

8. First, There Was Forever by Juliana Romano

I love contemporaries with a strong friendship theme (eg. Walking on Trampolines, Summer Sisters) - so this one looks like it could be the next hit for me. 

9. The Cost of All Things by Maggie Lehrman

This, like a few other books on my list, has been compared to We Were Liars - and since I loved that I can't wait to see what this brings to the table. 

10. Sweet by Emmy Laybourne

This is technically not a debut  (so I'm bending the rules a little bit) BUT I love that striking cover, and this sounds like a dream cruise which goes horrifyingly bad. 

Over to you - what books are you anticipating this year?

Best Books of 2014: Mystery/Thriller

As the year comes to a close, it becomes clear that there have been so many amazing reads I've picked up in 2014. To celebrate some of my favourite books, in this feature I'll be sharing my best picks from various genres.To fit in with this year's theme, each book will have a description of 14 words. Today I'll be sharing some mysteries and thrillers that I loved:

Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas

Not the usual 'whodunnit' mystery, but a twisted and tenacious story that wowed me.

Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas

This has an eeriness which manifests itself as a puzzle that is completely captivating.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This is darkly compelling novel is one with many changing directions and screwed-up characters.

Pandora Jones: Admission by Barry Jonsberg

This book has you chasing answers the whole way through – and I loved it.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book stayed with me long after turning the last page – what a shocker!

The Fever by Megan Abbott

The threat of contagion and hysteria along with dynamic characters makes this book enthralling.

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

This portrays the complex relationships in even the most idyllic of families and households.

Dare Me by Megan Abbott

The cheerleaders in this book aren’t just simply ‘mean girls’, they’re something darker altogether. 

Find Me by Romily Bernard

An intelligent techno-thriller with a romance that doesn’t take centre stage and fascinating mystery.

Cooper Bartholomew is Dead by Rebecca James

A book where you know the ending, then find out how it all unfolded. 

As you can see, Megan Abbott and Abigail Haas were big stand-outs for me, with multiple novels that made the list. What have been some of your favourites?