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We welcome three new reviewers to our team of columnists this month – Juniper Elder of Snells Beach, Abby Soffe of Ahuroa, and Barbara Leslie of Kaiwaka. Happy reading!
One Of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
The last book of a thrilling trilogy, One Of Us Is Back is the ultimate conclusion surrounding the mysteries and secrets of the town of Bayview. The Bayview Crew, a group of ex-students from Bayview
High, after enduring years of accusations, media scrutiny and mind games, is finally settling into normal life. But everything they’ve worked for is soon threatened with the impending return of an old enemy and when forgotten rumours and a new game emerges, is it really just a coincidence?
One Of Us Is Back is a book I could not put down. Karen M. McManus effectively builds tension and keeps the reader hooked and on the edge of their seat with every page. Perfect for all murder mystery and crime lovers, there are themes of both betrayal and redemption, and a lovable, lively cast that will keep you engaged and guessing as the story progresses. This book has a gripping plot and an ending that will leave you shocked and in awe; a worthy finale for the best-selling, One Of Us Is Lying trilogy.
Reviewed by Juniper Elder.
Everything Is Beautiful And Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro
I don’t know about you, but I find something comforting in reading a book by a New Zealand author.
Everything Is Beautiful And Everything Hurts is quintessentially a Kiwi book. It evoked childhood memories, with references to places and scenes that are familiar to us all. Especially now that I can’t stop thinking about homemade custard!
This debut novel is a gritty read, while still being inspiring. It follows Mickey, navigating life feeling like an outsider, and facing the challenging relationships and bonds that change within family and others we meet. The tough reality of being a competitive runner and how detours happen in life, and how sometimes a person or event can come along and change your path when you least expect it.
The descriptions of competitive running were so vivid that I put the book down feeling like I had run a marathon alongside Mickey. Alas, my fitness tracker doesn’t agree with me. I would have truly believed this was an autobiography. Instead it is an impressive work by a talented new author. Trigger warnings, there are mild references to sexual assault, self-harm and eating disorders.
Reviewed by Abby Soffe
A Winter Grave by Peter May
May is a bestselling Scottish author specialising in crime series, as well as stand-alone novels. In A Winter Grave, washed-out Glaswegian detective Cameron Brodie finds himself the only available officer with winter mountain climbing experience, who was able to investigate a body found high up in a steep, snow and ice covered Munro.
It’s 2051 and the Gulf Stream has gone, leaving the independent country Scotland a very cold place and much of Britain under water. Brodie is old school and wants to redeem himself after a seemingly cut and dried case collapsed because he had not factored in the latest AI photoshopping. Kinlochleven is the last place he wants to go, but it is also where his long- estranged daughter lives. He wants to tell her the truth about her mother, but doesn’t know how to. So, struggling with his demons and regrets, he sets off.
What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed murder mystery where no one is as they seem, and everyone has secrets. Brodie has a nose for sniffing out the truth, but not before more tragic events occur. May crafts together a story where the main characters are developed and personalised so expertly that the reader feels connected in a way many authors could only aspire to.
Reviewed by Barbara Leslie
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