Breadcrumbs and Blindsides

The novel revolves around a murder at a local history museum in Norfolk and a curse relating to its collection of Aboriginal bones.  An exceptional novel which balances series character development and a cracking whodunnit.  4/5

A team of archaeologists found six skeletons with .455 bullet wounds buried at the foot of a cliff on the Norfolk coast line.  Soon after the discovery a number of strange deaths occur and it becomes clear that someone is trying to keep what happened to the six a secret.  Though the novel is somewhat similar to the previous novel, as it follows a clear writing formula, the basic premise of the novel is very interesting and the storytelling solid.  The breadcrumbs leading to the killer are pretty well-hidden, which makes for a fun read. 3.5/5

A demolition project unearths the incomplete skeleton of a child concealed beneath a doorway, which in turn leads to further gruesome finds. A macabre novel with a number of twists and turns and chilling reveal.  Masterfully writen with just enough breadcrumbs. 4/5

In this first novel in the series, Dr. Ruth Galloway is called in to investigate the bones of a child found on a beach near her home. The bones are believed to be the remains of a girl who went missing ten years earlier. As Ruth investigates, she uncovers a dark secret and becomes entangled in a dangerous situation. Decent character development but again just a bit too many breadcrumbs. 3/5

An archiologist is murdered at a Northern England university in the midst of a dig where the bones of King Arthur might have been found. A classic Ruth Galloway murder mystery, complete with twists and turns and loads of well-placed bread crumbs. 4/5

The sixth novel in the Christchurch murder noir series deals with a vigilante killer, who murders a number of people who played a role in ensuring the release of a man who murdered his child. The novel is another example of Cleave's ability to perfectly balance black comedy and the elements of a macabre murder thriller. 5/5

Four robbers end up being killed one after the other, some 20 years after the robbery. By far the best constructed novel in the series. The breadcrumbs are very well-placed and lead logically to the reveal. A true page turner. 4/5

By far my favourite novel in the series so far. Great character development. Excellent locked room mystery. Such a joy of a novel. 4/5

A pretty decent murder mystery in the Death in Paradise series. In this installment, a supermodel is murdered outside her house. As always, the breadcrumbs are few and far apart and the unfold truly over the top. Despite this, the novel is fast moving and entertaining. 3/5

A locked room mystery, set on an island where two members of the wedding party (the only visitors of the island) are murdered. The novel is fast-paced, well-written and with a good number of breadcrumbs and a very decent unfold. 4/5

A fun locked room murder mystery set on a tropical island. Decently written, with more than the odd twist and turn. 3/5

A medium paced thriller about spouses working at the same school and who appears to have lost the spark in their relationship.  Matters takes a dark twist when it becomes apparent that the husband is giving too much attention to one of his female students.  A decent medium paced thriller with the odd twist and turn.  3/5

A slow moving gothic gender study focussed around artistic endeavour  and set in a Villa in Italy.  The novel is mostly narrated through two alternating diaries (one historic and one set in present day).  Despite Hawkins' excellent flowing prose, the theme is just not engaging enough and despite a rather interesting finale, the content is somewhat lacking.  3/5

A fast paced action thriller set around the murder of seven (mostly) prominent men on a luxury yacht. Koryta's writing style is ideal for suspense writing and the many twists and turns coupled with great characters makes this a true page turner. 4/5

Set in the late 50's in a small town in Minnesota, where a death by 8 bore, of "the worst man in town" is investigated against the personal turmoil of a number of the residents of the town. The novel is an emotional overload, with so many gut wrenching twists and turns.  It's the life of that time captured on paper.  An era masterpiece akin to the works of Cormac McCarthy 5/5

An accidental death of a child and a murder of a rich businessman and presidential candidate in a prominent hotel, appears to have more in common than meets the eye. An extremely well crafted whodunnit with more than one one hundred and eighty degree turn. 4/5

A true page-turner, psychological thriller, which is set in an affluent household and the apparently ever-increasing demented action of the wife toward the recently paroled maid. The husband to the contrary appears to be the perfect man, smart, rich, good-looking and filled with human understanding and empathy. The author developed the story in three parts, each part demonstrating a number of reveals. It's the type of novel which will keep the reader at the edge of his or her seat.4/5

An excellent piece of historical fiction, set during the US Civil War.  The relatively concise  novel is unique in that it is able to demonstrate both the good and bad in most of the cast of principle characters in such a manner that the reader can't  hate or disregard any character (and becomes emotionally invested in the complex lives of the cast). Similarly, the historical backstory is told with the same balance; something which has become more rare  in modern times.  Truly a tour de force. 5/5