A Deeper Darkness by J T Ellison

Like other fans of J T Ellison, I was nervous about reading a book with a new main character. Sam has been around of course, but not alone as the main character. Well I needn't have worried I really enjoyed the book, in fact almost read it in one go, only extreme fatigue prevented it.

I liked Sam, I liked the story, I liked the pace of it, I liked the characters. 

Sam goes off to help out the mother of an old boyfriend who has been murdered, by carrying out a second autopsy. She is drawn into the investigation as she too is unhappy with what has gone on so far. She works with the detectives in DC, as they begin to peel back the layers of her ex's life and military career to reach an understanding of what was really going on as more and more of his ex-military colleagues are murdered.

If you are already a fan, you will enjoy this book, if not - give it a go, you won't regret it!(less)

Depth Perception by Linda Castillo

I have enjoyed Linda Castillo's books, but this was not one of the Kate Burkholder series, so was to be a new subject matter.

Nat woke after being in a coma for 3 years after her husband and child were horribly murdered. She decided to go home, once she was recovered, to investigate as no one had been charged with their murder, but many people believed it was her. Although she was viciously hurt, it was had been initially believed she did it to herself, all in order to received a large insurance payout. Although the case against her had been thrown out, people still felt she had been responsible

When she returns home, she found the memories in the small Southern town, were as strong as ever and she faced a lot of open dislike and hostility. She looks up Nick Bastille, who has just been released from jail, and had returned home to the same town, as he too had a child who had died. She did not believe it had been an accident but that he had been another victim of the same man who had destroyed her family. Eventually they combine forces to hunt for the murderer who may be responsible for several other child murders over the years. 

The core of the story is that Nat has been 'different' since she woke from the coma, she believes is in receipt of messages from her dead son. This, not being the easiest thing to make others believe in, makes her job to try and help other children who may in danger, very difficult. However with Nick at her side, and their growing attraction, they form a strong bond.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a little bit obvious in parts, but that did not spoil it for me, I have read it in one sitting, and would recommend it.

Sleight of Hand by Mark Henwick

I started reading this book thinking it would be distracting, as I was unwell, plus building work at home was stressful. It did that very well.

I found the book so easy to read, the characters real, and I quickly felt at ease with it. In fact I carried my kindle round constantly so I could read it anytime. 

It is, as the description indicates, a vampire story, but a different story from the usual. There are also werewolves, though they don't really have too big a part in this story. The book moves quickly as you learn about Amber and her story - her background - and how she has ended up in the position she is in. Why she is a private investigator, and we get to know the various people involved in her life.

I grew to love so many of the characters, I was so disappointed that book 2 is not yet out so I will have to wait, impatiently, for it. However, as I can see so many areas where this series can grow and develop......I am very excited about book 2!

If you are a fan of this genre, and are maybe looking for other than 17 year old heroines, I would urge you to give it a go.