Once again, it's been a while since I posted but I've been busy after going back to work as lockdown begins to lift.

Two standalone crime novels to report on this time, both by very talented writers who really get under the skin of their characters and who deliver clever plots with some unexpected twists and turns.

Eva Dolan: This Is How It Ends
Cleverly structured thriller about police trainee turned political activist, Ella Riordan which works backwards through time in one plot strand whilst keeping itself very much in the present in the other after she kills a man 'accidentally' and her pal, Molly helps to cover it up.  An absolute scorcher about loyalty and corruption with some complex characters who are fleshed out as secrets are exposed. Great ending which really packed a punch - I loved it and will be on the lookout for more by Dolan.

Jo Spain: Dirty Little Secrets
When Olive Collins is found dead after three months in her own home, Detectives Frank Brazil and Emma Child have to work out whether her somewhat bizarre death is misadventure, suicide or murder and whilst the neighbours in the exclusive gated community are outwardly respectable, they all have their secrets which are revealed by exploring the different perspectives of the characters,including Olive herself who links the narrative together between short chapters focusing on the key players. Another good'un from Jo with a great twist at the end.

Some good summer reads coming up in the next post.