Black Summer by M W Craven
Mike Craven is a local author who sets his books in Cumbria. I find it particularly exciting to read about places I know well, although Mike’s books are exciting enough in their own right. This is the second book in the series featuring Washington Poe, who lives in Shepherd’s Hut on Shap Fell.
In this book a man Poe arrested in connection with the murder of his daughter. The man is sent to prison only to be released after his daughter unexpectedly shows up. The man is out for revenge against Poe so its a race against time – Poe has to find out what’s going on before he is arrested himself.
I really couldn’t put this book down. Mike’s plots are complex and challenging, but he manages not to loose the reader. The technical parts of the plot are explained well, without talking down to the reader or lecturing them. Its quite dark and brutal in places but there’s some humor every now and then to lighten things up.
Definitely one to recommend.
The Evidence Against You by Gillian McAllister
Izzy’s father, Gabe, was convicted of killing her mother and was sent to prison for life. After 17 years he is released and at first she wants nothing to do with hi, but eventually she agrees to hear his side of the story. She begins to doubt he’s guilty and begins to investigate. She uncovers a terrible secret about her mother and what really happened in the past.
There are lots of twists and turns in this book. I found myself really caring about the characters and understanding the terrible mistakes they made. The ending wasn’t what I wanted but it felt real.
Pixie Chronicles 