Stunt Bunny, Tour Troubles by Tamsyn Murray

Harriet Houdini: Stunt Bunny is back in action, this time as the star of Superpets Live! With visions of posh hotels, meeting adoring fans and performing her famous bunny-backflips in front of live audiences, Harriet can't wait for the tour of Superpets. But evil Miranda wants her opera-singing poodle, Doodle, to be the headline act...whatever it takes. So Harriet's going to need all her Stunt Bunny tricks to make sure she remains the star of the show!

Another adventure with Harriet Houdini aka Stunt Bunny, and this summer holiday she is off on tour with Superpets Live. Accompanied by Susie and Evil Edward (EE), they board the Superpets coach to begin the tour they are faced with their arch enemy, Miranda and Doodles. The tour is filled with paparazzi, perseverance to excel and be the star of the show,fun and backhanded attempts at removing Harriet from the tour. Harriet is a rabbit full of attitude and self confidence.

I thought this book was an excellent read for children aged 5+ to listen to with an adult reading or for the slightly older ones to read to others. It is full of humour and is a great story for youngsters. I think it will make a great present for any youngster this Easter!!

Thank you to Tamsyn and Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy to review.

Students Parents (the essential guide) by Camilla Chafer

This guide provides practical and informative advice about the realities of being a student parent including the two most important considerations: finances and childcare. It dispels myths about typical students, assesses why parents make good students and looks at how teenage pregnancy does not preclude higher education. Advice for dealing with student life while managing parenting responsibilities is included, along with tips for academic success. Written by a former student parent, this book contains information on becoming pregnant while in education, funding and benefits available, childcare, student life, dealing with deadlines and exams and helping your children to understand your studies.

This is a great handbook for student parents of all ages. The book includes advice for parents aged 18 and under or university students, parents returning to education, long distance learners or university students. It includes hints for how teachers and education suppliers can support student parents. Most importantly, the book identifying that both the mother and father need and should be offered support.

There is a whole chapter on parents aged 18 and under and the options available to them and another on pregnancy and parenting at university. There is also a great chapter on money - the benefits and funding available to them while studying. Managing money and debts/overdraft are also covered. The different kinds of childcare, both informal and formal are discussed, with the pros and cons highlighted to allow full choice to be made.

The second half of the book covers other areas which need to be considered - student life , how to combine parenting with education, coping skills (including tackling study stress, staying healthy). All are areas which need to be considered and are covered in a sensitive but factual way.

It details the choices within education and also post graduate study and also gives tips for academic success.

The book finishes with a help list - this contains a huge list of websites and telephone numbers which may be helpful for parents as there are helplines for many situations.

Each chapter finishes with a concise summary and some chapters also includes case studies which both highlight important points made in the chapters.

The book covers issues which when someone is first considering education may not initially be thought of but are important. Continuing education as a parent is a big decision and one which needs to be planned and thought about - working through this handbook will cover most situations and enable an informed decision.

I recommend this book to parents or parents to be who are in or would like to be in education - either full or part time. I, myself, am an Open University Student and find it difficult juggling family life with my study and have picked up useful hints from this book and am sure others will find it just as useful.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run forum for sending me this book to review.

To the moon and back by Jill Mansell

The gorgeously indulgent, funny and touching new novel from the bestselling author When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she's ready for a new start - at work, that is. She doesn't need a new man when she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...Zack McLaren seems to have it all, but the girl he can't stop thinking about won't give him a second glance. If only she'd pay him the same attention she lavishes on his dog. Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo who has a secret of her own. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

First off, confession time - this is the first Jill Mansell book I have ever read, However it will not be the last! As soon as I opened the book and started reading it I was hooked. It was an easy read, with short, easily digested chapters which shouted at me to read, just one more, before bed!

The book centres around Ellie Kendall, a young woman who is having to rebuild her life following the death of her adored husband Jamie. The book is a love story but it, sympathetically, tells the story of how Jamie is still a large part of Ellie's life, she still has conversations with him and values his opinions and thoughts. There are also other people involved in the story, Jamies father, the film star Tony Weston, who looks out for his daughter in law and sets her up in a new home since the house in which the flat she lived in with Jamie has been filled with undesirables. Her house move brings with it a new friend, Roo, a has been pop star called Daisy Deeva, who lives opposite Ellie and is having an affair with a married man. And then there is Ellie's new boss, Zack, a charming man who spots Ellie before she even interviews for the job, having a meal at the Ivy with Tony.

The story, as i previously stated, is a love story, and throughout the book I was shouting ' Just tell him/her' but in fact, the story was perfect and I loved the whole story. I do, however, have one complaint - the story ended too quickly, unless of course, Jill Mansell has ideas for a second book to complete this one!

This is a great book, one perfect for a holiday read and I will definitely be reading more of Jill's books in the future.

Thank you to Headline Publishing for sending me the book to review.

Extreme Sports by Adrian Bradbury

Extreme sportsmen and women go faster, climb higher and compete for longer. No sporting challenge is too great. Find out the great dangers people face when pushing themselves to the limit in extreme sports. Written by Adrian Bradbury and filled with action photos from around the world, this book will appeal to adventurous young readers everywhere. * Ruby/Band 14 books give increasing opportunities for children to develop their skills of inference and deduction. * Text type: An information book

The last Collins Big Cat book I have been sent to review. This one would be great for those who are a daredevil and like the idea of Extreme Sports. It covers a number of sports, including sky diving; rock climbing; mountaineering, snowboarding to name but a few.

The book has lots of great photographs, action shots showing the sports at their best. Each sport has its own section, with a brief description and also training and safety advice.

This book is part of a reading scheme but I am sure it is a book that many children would pick up and read/ look at.

Thank you to Michael at The School Run Forum for sending me the book to review.

Cave Wars (Collins Big Cat)

Ruby and Tom love playing in the caves; that's before the Gang arrive. But they're not about to give them up without a fight. When a simple plan goes wrong, it looks like they might need the gang after all. Find out what happens in this exciting adventure story by Carnegie winner, Gillian Cross, and illustrated by Marilee Harrald-Pilz. * Topaz/Band 13 books offer longer and more demanding reads for children to investigate and evaluate. * Text type: An adventure story

Another Collins Big Cat read (topaz, band 13). An adventure story, for a confident reader.

This book covers, in childlike language and examples, of a 'turf war'. Two groups of children arguing over one cave on a summer holiday. Following an accident, when one group were painting their ownership of the cave, they have to ask the other group for help in rescuing the injured member.

Although I say the story is about 'turf war' it is not an aggressive story, but a gentle story about working and playing together, sharing ownership.

A good story to share with children - probably suit 8-10 year old. The illustrations throughout the book are beautifully drawn and make the story come to life as you see the landscape.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run forum for sending me the book to review.

Walter Tull: Footballer, Soldier, Hero (Collins Big Cat)

Walter Tull was a successful footballer and officer in the British Army in World War One. These achievements are even more exceptional because Walter was Afro-Caribbean, succeeding in a world that still considered black people inferior. Follow him from the orphanage to the football field and final days in the trenches, in this inspiring biography. * Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. * A biography * A timeline on pages 54 and 55 presents the key events in Walter Tull's life chronologically, allowing plenty of recapping and further discussion. * Curriculum Links: History: What was it like to live here in the past?

Before I was sent this book to review, I had never heard of Walter Tull. He was the first black soldier to become an Infantry Officer in the British Army and one of the first black footballers in Britain.

The book is one of the Collins Big Cat reading scheme books (Diamond band 17), however it is really interesting and informative non fiction book, a biography, which covers a number of topics, including slavery, the abolition of slavery, the journey travelled to become a professional footballer and the life of a soldier in world war one.

There are a number of original photographs in the book, but also a number of illustrations which accompany the narrative beautifully. The narrative tells the history and the story of Walter Tull's life in great detail and in words that a child would understand.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy history or learning about the life of a footballer or world war one soldier.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run Forum for sending me this book to review. I learnt lots from it.

Oh Dylan! by Tracey Corderoy nad Tina Macnaughton

Dylan duckling and his three sisters are off to the pond for their very first swim. "Hold on to the daisy chain then you won't get lost," says Mummy duck. but Dylan has other ideas.

As soon as I saw this book, I was in love with the cover. Dylan is such a cute and cuddly duck and there are lots of beautiful, glittery daisies. Tiger Press have created another gorgeous cover!

The story tells the story of Dylan, along with his sisters, going for their first swim in the pond. Their walk to the pond has lots of highlights, with Dylan going missing many times. The hedgehogs they meet are so cute!! Throughout the book, the glittery daisy chain is on many pages, as Mummy duck has told her ducklings to keep hold of it, however Dylan has other ideas. There is a song throughout the story which the children who are listening to the story will love to sing along to.

A beautiful book which children will love to share with their peers at story time. A great idea for an Easter gift to be kept.

Thank you to Tracey and Tiger Press for sending me this book to review.

If I Never See You Again by Niamh O' Connor

The Detective - Meet Jo Birmingham. Single mum, streetwise detective, and spiky as hell. Recently promoted, she is one of the few female detective superintendents on the Dublin police force. But with a failed marriage behind her and two young sons at home, trying to strike the right work-life balance has run her ragged. The Serial Killer - When Jo identifies the missing link in a chain of brutal killings, she comes under fierce scrutiny from her male colleagues in the force, especially her boss and ex-husband Dan Mason. But as the body count rises, so do the body parts. As fear stalks the city, it soon becomes obvious both to the police and to the media that a serial killer is at large. A Terrifying Game of Cat and Mouse - And so Jo embarks on a terrifying psychological journey to find out who the killer is, and how he is choosing his victims. Soon she is involved in a deadly game in which there are no rules. Because the killer is waiting for her...

This is the second book is my Transworld Crime Caper Challenge and i was looking forward to starting it as soon as it arrived in the post.



This is the first book in a series about Jo Birmingham, mother of two boys and the (ex) wife of her superior officer. There are a number of brutal murders which Jo links, they have a connection and Jo predicts when the next murder will happen, but the rest of the team are unsure. The team appear to not be behind Jo, and there appears to be information that the powers that be within the force do not want to know about.



Jo is a strong woman, and I do like books who have strong female leads and the story was well written, however, I am not sure that I am a fan of Niamh O' Connor books. I absolutely loved Tess Gerritsen and this is a completely different style of book. It is not so fast paced and I did not find myself having to read just one more chapter at night. I was also disappointed by the ending, I felt more was needed.



Having said that, I will be trying another of Niamh O' Connor's books to see if the series gets better (which is often the case with a book series who have a main character, as their writing style grows).



Thank you to Transworld for sending me the book to review.

Sophie and the Shadow Woods, The Goblin King by Linda Chapman and Lee Weatherley

Exciting new 6 book character-led series for 7+ girls who love adventure! Very few people ever enter the Shadow Woods, for these woods are like no others. Hidden deep within them is the Gateway to the Shadow Realm -- a dark and chaotic world where all kinds of gruesome creatures live! On her tenth birthday, tomboy Sophie learns she is the Guardian of the magical gateway, and that her destiny is to protect the human world from the goblins, trolls and evil sprites that inhabit the Shadow Woods. Each book sees Sophie having to outwit weird and terrifying creatures from the Shadow Woods, starting with the gruesome Goblins.

I really enjoyed this book. It is filling a gap in the market, a series for girls who like Goblins and Trolls!
This is the first book in a new series which is being released at the end of April 2011.

The book tells the story of Sophie, who on her 10th birthday takes over as the Guardian from her Grandad. She has a twin brother who knows nothing of her role and is suspicious of her secrecy with her Grandad. Sophie is unsure of the new role and is concerned, however when she accidentally lets the Goblins have the key she has to protect the gems from finding their way into Goblin hands.

I would recommend this to girls who want something different to the many fairy and princess books on the market at this present time.

Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me the book to review.

Mega Mash Up Romans v Dinosaurs on Mars - Nikalas Catlow, Tim Wesson and .....

The Romans and Dinosaurs live together in a huge glass dome called Romasauria. They race their rocket chariot and feast on Moon-Cow until their very existence is threatened by a giant asteriod. Will the Romans and Dinosaurs be able to come up with a cunning plan to save Romasauria in time? Add your own drawings to the crazy world of Romasauria.

A book where you can 'draw your own adventure'. This book will appeal to both boys and girls and is full of hints, tips and ideas of what to add to the part completed pics throughout the book.

The book is a really good idea and although the story is already written, the drawings partly completed, there is plenty of room for a child's own imagination to be included within the book.

The story is one which will appeal to anyone who likes dinosaurs, space travel or history and I loved the story.

I really like the idea of this book and I will be recommending it to friends as a great idea for their children.

Thank you to Nosy Crow for sending me the book to review.

The Secret Diary of a New Mum by Cari Rosen

Whatever your age, becoming a mum for the first time brings with it excitement, anxiety and numerous challenges. But how do you cope when, to top it all, you discover you are old enough to be the mother of everyone else in your NCT group? The story of one woman, one new baby, a slipped disc and rather too many wrinkles, "The Secret Diary of a New Mum (Aged 43 1/4)" follows the tale of a midlife mum as she tries to make the transition from experienced TV producer to utterly inexperienced parent. One in five babies is born to a mum over 35, and the number of over 40s giving birth has doubled. The first humorous narrative account of what it's really like to be a midlife mum - whether it's deftly side-stepping any questions about age and baby number two or weeping as younger counterparts ping back into their size ten jeans within thirty seconds of giving birth - this is the thoroughly entertaining, insightful and often hilarious account of what happens as you face up to menopause and new motherhood at the same time.

This is the honest account of pregnancy for the 'older lady'. Full of funny moments, honest feelings and the happiness and worries which every mum goes through in those first few years of a child's life.
The book follows Cari Rosen through her pregnancy and the first two years of her daughter's life.

The book is full of humour and truth and well worth a read.

I would recommend it to mums to be of all age, although it is written by a 'mature' mum, it is all relevant, an honest account of life before and after baby.

Thank you to Michael from The School Run for sending me the book to review.

Dirty Tricks by Jo Carnegie

SEX IN THE CITY OR SEX IN THE COUNTRY?
Saffron loves the London party and fashion scenes. So she's extra nervous about abandoning it all for six months in the country to Write Her Novel. Of course, she'll miss gorgeous boyfriend Tom but at least his supermodel twin brother will be there to keep her company.
So when does keeping her company cross the line?
Harriet has swapped her country life for a London career and a part time job at a community centre desperately in need of saving. Here she meets Zack . . . but what secrets lurk behind those sexy blue eyes of his?
New lives, new temptations. Have both girls bitten off more than they can chew?

Although this is book 4 of the Churchminster series, each book focuses on different characters. However, there is continuity and the 'pillars' of the community; the village shop owner, landlord of the local pub and those in the 'big house' feature in each book. I believe that the books are getting better and better as the series progresses.

This book is set around Saffron, a London resident who decides she will up sticks and move in with her mother and write a book. She will live there for six months and see what happens, leaving her boyfriend behind in London.

However, after moving to Churchminster, her boyfriend's twin brother returns from America and, following a visit with his brother, decides to rent a vacant house, where he will host a fashion show for charity.


Another principal character in the book is Harriet, the daughter of one of Churchminster's richest residents, who lives and works in London at a magazine but, wanting to give someone back, decides to volunteer at a community centre in an rundown and undesirable area. The centre manager is a nice bloke, rather quiet about his background but following a meal with Aunty Win, another worker in the community centre, Harriet and Zack begin to go out together.


The story continues, with Saffron writing her novel, seeing Tom some weekends, and then being asked to help organise the fashion show as she too also worked for a fashion magazine in London. Working closely with Tom's twin brother leads to complicated feelings and when Tom proposes Saffron notices issues with their relationship. The planning of the fashion show runs into difficulties and it is all hands on to pull it together.

I do not want to spoil the story for readers of the book and so will reveal no more of the story, but there are romps galore and laughter, tears and tantrums to enjoy throughout the book. I found myself shouting out to certain male characters to get their act together and speak out about their feelings etc.
I really enjoyed this book and is as good as, if not better than, the earlier three books in the series and I can not wait to see what Jo Carnegie has in store for the villagers of Churchminster next time.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me this book to review.

Horrid Henry Reads A Book by Francesca Simon (Early Reader)

A reading competition? No way is Henry taking part in a reading contest. That is, until he hears the prize is a family trip to a theme park. Henry is determined to win ... but how on earth is he going to read all those books?

My family loves Horrid Henry and I have found that these Early Readers are perfect for my 6 year old son who is beginning to read more now. The story is about a competition that Henry's teacher sets for the school - whoever reads the most books over a two week period will win a family ticket to a theme park. Henry immediately decides he will win this competition - there was only one problem, he hated reading books!

In typical Horrid Henry fashion, he finds a solution to his hatred of reading but if you want to know if he won............ you will have to read the book.

I am sure this book will appeal to Horrid Henry fans everywhere and as I said before, perfect for children who are beginning to read books on their own.

Thank you to Orion Books for sending me this book to review.

Dognapped by Karen King (A podcast linked crime thriller)

When prize-winning pooch Fluffy vanishes from the garden of Beachview B&B it s down to super-sleuth Amy Carter to get her Gran s dog back. As the drama unfolds, the reader is able to join the hunt by downloading podcasts which reveal key clues

This is a great idea - a book where you can listen to podcasts to solve the crime. The podcasts can be accessed via itunes (free of charge). The podcasts are to be listened to at specific places throughout the book and mean you are able to help solve the crime along with Amy Carter.

The story is well written and with the added bonus of the podcasts is a definite selling point of this book series.

I recommend it as a great gift for young detectives everywhere.

Thank you to Top That Publishing for sending me the book to review. (www.topthatpublishing.com)

When Baby Lost Bunny

This book is perfect for sharing with a baby and older brother or sister - helping to reinforce the bond between siblings. An adorable text with lots of animal noises to copy and bright art to enjoy from this award-winning author and illustrator team.

A brightly coloured, beautifully illustrated book that can be shared with children of any age that would be great for older siblings to have when a new baby arrives. The book follows the family on a walk through the country and the baby trying to say the animal sounds. When baby becomes distressed, Big Brother realises that Bunny has been dropped along the way.

This is a book that would be a lovely gift to babies and toddlers, especially if a baby arrives and they become big brothers or sisters. The brightly coloured pages will attract the attention of small children and the different animals encourage children to join in with the sounds.

Thank you to Hodder Children's Books for sending me the book to review.

Rollo and Ruff and the fluffy little bird by Mick Inkpen

There are footprints all over the corner shop yard. And something has been nibbling Rollo's little red ball. Could the stinky little creature fast asleep in the little fluffy bird's nest have something to do with it? A story of friendship between very different animals, made even stronger with a trail of sweeties from the Cornershop...

Two, no three, new characters created by Mick Inkpen, the creator of Kipper. Rollo is a cat, Ruff is a rat and there is also LFB, Little Fluffy Bird. The story is classic Inkpen, full of great characters, great story and one which every young child will love. The story is about friendship and helping others, however smelly they may be!

The pages are filled with adorable characters and the words in a clear typeface and which sometimes become part of the picture on the page. In true Inkpen style this is a book which you will read again and again with children and I am sure that this will become another firm favorite with children everywhere.

Thank you to Hodder Children's Books for sending me the book to review.

Simon and the Easter Miracle by Mary Joslin and Anna Luraschi

The gospels tell of Simon of Cyrene - ""a man coming in from the country"" - who was ordered to carry Jesus' cross. Over the centuries, his story has been woven into Polish folklore: When Simon the farmer brings his wares to market, little does he expect how he will be involved in the events of that very special day, nor how his produce - of bread, eggs and wine - will become important symbols of Jesus' passion and resurrection, remembered throughout the ages. Together with sophisticated artwork, this picture book retelling of a traditional European tale is both thought-provoking and engaging, with the events and meaning of the first Easter at its heart.

This is a traditional tale for Easter time, based around the market held in the town. The story is one of a good Samaritan, assisting someone who is being sent to the cross and when he returns he finds his produce has been ruined and he returns home. The following day, he wakes to find a miracle has occurred with better crops and doves.
The book is a beautiful book to share with a child, the pictures telling the story well and the words enabling the story to be told simply.

A lovely book to give to a child at Easter, which although from the bible not focusing on the 'main' event of the Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Thank you to Michael at The School Run Forum for sending me this book to review.

My Little Easter Story by Christina Goodings

This simple and sincere retelling of the Easter story is perfect for the under 5s, introducing them to the great story at the heart of the festival and its message of love. Bright illustrations help the story along, telling little children about all the events of the first Easter: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and Palm Sunday; Jesus' clearing of the Temple; the Last Supper and Judas' betrayal; Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection; the appearance of the risen Jesus to the women at the tomb; and the spreading of the good news throughout the world.

This is a lovely little book to share with little ones about the meaning of Easter, however for me it did not tell the complete story. The story is accompanied by some gorgeous pictures, the illustrator Claudine Gevry has captured the story beautifully in pictures however as I previously stated I do not feel that the Easter Story was fully told. Judas, Pontious Pilot and Jesus along with his disciples all feature in the story but Judas telling Pontious Pilot, Jesus being nailed to the cross and his resurrection all seemed very rushed and to me these are the important part of Easter. However as an introduction to Easter, to be followed up by more discussion about the true meaning of Easter, this is a good book for young children.

Thank you to Michael at The School Run Forum for sending me the book to review.

The Loss Adjustor by Aifric Campbell

Haunting and humane, "The Loss Adjustor" speaks of grief, forgiveness and redemption. Caro is a Loss Adjustor, tallying grief for an insurance firm, she finds relief in the fact that the human cost is never itemised in her inventories. The present is two dimensional for her, but history is loaded with colour and scent. Sometimes she tries to force a little perspective with a spare summary of event: Estelle died two weeks after her fifteenth birthday. It was sudden, violent, explicit. Afterwards, Cormac left and never returned. Now she waits for resolution, which comes in the form of an unlikely alliance. Aifric Campbell's second novel is a quiet hymn to childhood, grief and the redeeming power of friendship.

Initially I was unsure about this book but once i 'got into it' I became drawn in. Caro is a loss adjustor for a large insurance company - she is professional and assertive in her professional career but underneath the calm exterior hides a very shy and secretive woman who is unable to open up to anyone. There is a past which she tries to forget but the sudden death of her friend Estelle has scarred her forever. Caro's other childhood friend, Cormac, a rockstar, reappears in her life, Caro is forced to face her past. I really enjoyed reading about Caro's life and also her past, reminiscing about her teenage years. I liked the introduction of Tom, an old man who Caro meets at her annual visit to Estelle's grave - he too has history, is estranged from his son.

I found Campbell's writing style very easy to read and one that I could escape into. This is Campbell's second book and I will be looking up her previous book soon.

Thank you to Serpent's Tail Books for sending me the book to review.

Entangled by Cat Clarke

The same questions whirl round and round in my head: What does he want from me? How could I have let this happen? AM I GOING TO DIE? 17-year-old Grace wakes up in a white room, with table, pens and paper - and no clue how she got there. As Grace pours her tangled life onto the page, she is forced to remember everything she's tried to forget. There's falling hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Nat, and the unravelling of her relationship with her best friend Sal. But there's something missing. As hard as she's trying to remember, is there something she just can't see? Grace must face the most important question of all. Why is she here? A story of dangerous secrets, intense friendships and electrifying attraction.

This book had my attention right from the start - why was Grace in a white room? Grace appears to be a teenager who has had many problems in her past. Grace begins to think about these issues and writes them down on the paper and pens her 'kidnapper' has left in the room for her. It appears that Grace is trying very hard to forget however these are all written down in the end.

I won't go into detail on the plot line as I wouldn't want to spoil it for other readers but I would urge you all to read it. It is a brilliant debut novel by Cat Clarke and I look forward to reading further novels by her. The ending is brilliant and is definitely one I had not imagined. Cat's writing made me feel for Grace, as though I knew her and each setback and event made her seem even more real - I felt real emotion for Grace and the twist at the end was a shock that stayed with me for sometime after I finished reading it.

Thank you to Niamh at Quercus kids for sending me the book to review.

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

In Boston, there's a killer on the loose. A killer who targets lone women, who breaks into their apartments and performs terrifying ritualistic acts of torture on them before finishing them off. His surgical skills lead police to suspect he is a physician - a physician who, instead of saving lives, takes them. But as homicide detective Thomas Moore and his partner Jane Rizzoli begin their investigation, they make a startling discovery. Closely linked to these killings is Catherine Cordell, a beautiful medic with a mysterious past. Two years ago she was subjected to a horrifying rape and attempted murder but she shot her attacker dead. Now she is being targeted by the new killer who seems to know all about her past, her work, and where she lives. The man she believes she killed seems to be stalking her once again, and this time he knows exactly where to find her.

This is my first book in the The Great Transworld Crime Caper blog challenge and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't put the book down and read it in two days.

The main characters in this book is Jane Rizzoli and Thomas Moore and they are sent to investigate the case of a woman who has been killed. The case has many similarities to a case two years previous - however, in that case the murderer was shot by the victim and killed, so who is carrying out these copycat crimes. The victim who shot the 'murderer' has survived and it becomes apparent throughout the book that this victim, Catherine Cordell, is linked to this new set of murders with 'The Surgeon' teasing her with pictures of his victims and hints as to his next move.

I found the book to be fast paced and gripping. It is very detailled in places, especially with the descriptions of the crimes and the fate of the victims told in gruesome detail - however I do not think that this should be off putting to readers as it adds to the story. The story is intertwines with flashbacks to the past and also to 'The Surgeon's' thoughts which help to narrate some of the story.

I really did enjoy this book, and as I previously said, I couldn't put the book down. Tess Gerritsen is an author I will definitely reading more, although not when I am on my own!

Thank you to Lynsey Dalladay for setting up this challenge and introducing me to new authors.

Transworld Crime Caper

The team at Transworld Publishing have set up a great challenge and the details are below (taken from their website):

We launch The Great Transworld Crime Caper, an opportunity to go back to the beginning and revisit the scene of the original crimes that launched our most experienced villains.

We want you to be the judge, jury and executioner of the titles .

We will have a two week registration period ending the 14th February, Valentine’s Day which will make us repent our sins and feel the love! Pick three books from the list below to read and review on a venue of your choice (Amazon, blog, etc) The challenge will finish on the 31st March whereby we will dust for fingerprints, weigh up our case and post up some of the best (or worst) reviews that we’ve had in.

I have chosen the following three books from the list on the website:

1.The Surgeon - Tess Gerritsen

2. If I never see you again - Niamh O' Conner

3. Birdman - Mo Hayder

Full details of the challenge can be seen here.