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#CoverReveal: The Girl in the Missing Poster by Barbara Copperthwaite (@BCopperthwait) @bookouture #TheGirlInTheMissingPoster #damppebbles
Nov 28, 2020 / damppebbles	/ Leave a comment
Hello my bookish lovelies. I hope you're having a splendid weekend. Allow me to make it a little bit better!
If you were online on Friday around 4pm you may have seen a rather stunning cover be revealed. Sadly, I wasn't so I couldn't take part. However, the author – Barbara Copperthwaite – is one of my favourite authors and quite possibly, the loveliest and most encouraging person in the book world. So I wanted to help share the love for her brand new book – which I hope explains why I'm a little late to the cover reveal party.
So, without further ado, let's find out a little more about the brilliant new novel from the utterly fabulous Barbara Copperthwaite – The Girl in the Missing Poster! Here's the blurb…
MISSING – Have you seen this girl? Nineteen-year-old Leila Hawkins was last seen on 24 June, 1994, when she left her parents' anniversary party early and ran into the stormy night wearing her twin sister Stella's long red coat. She was never seen again.
I wrap my arms around the tree trunk, pressing my cheek against it until the bark digs in and the missing poster is finally secured. I try not to look at the photograph on it. At the features so similar to mine. Perhaps this will be the year someone comes forward.
Were crucial mistakes made by detectives from the very beginning?
Could the pressure of living two lives have led my sister to run away – or even end it?
Or did someone in her tight circle of friends and family have reason to want her gone?
Someone out there must know something.
But the last thing I ever expect is a direct response from the person who took Leila. Wracked with guilt and completely alone in the world without the other half of me, I have no choice but to agree to his strange request: private, intimate details of my life in return for answers.
As the final moments of my sister's life play out before me, I feel closer to her than I ever dreamed I'd be again. So close, it could almost be happening to me. But when I finally realise who is behind this terrifying tragedy, will I make it out alive?
From the bestselling author of The Perfect Friend, this absolutely gripping psychological thriller will keep you up all night and leave you sleeping with the light on. If you lovedGone Girl, The Girl on the TrainandThe Wife Between Usthis book is for you!
Now doesn't that sound AMAZING?! I can absolutely guarantee you will be hearing more about this book on damppebbles when it's released in February. Without a shadow of a doubt.
And now, here's that gorgeous cover…
I love it! What an eye-catching cover. I cannot wait to read this book!
The Girl in the Missing Poster by Barbara Copperthwaite will be published in the UK by Bookouture on 23rd February 2021 and is available to pre-order now (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | apple books | kobo |
Barbara is the Amazon, Kobo and USA Today bestselling author of psychological thrillers INVISIBLE, FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD, THE DARKEST LIES, HER LAST SECRET and THE PERFECT FRIEND. She has a new book coming soon!
Her writing career started in journalism, writing for national newspapers and magazines. During a career spanning over twenty years Barbara interviewed the real victims of crime – and also those who have carried those crimes out. She is fascinated by creating realistic, complex characters, and taking them apart before the readers' eyes in order to discover just how much it takes to push a person over a line.
Her first book, Invisible, was 'totally gripping, and scarily believable' according to Bella magazine. Its success was followed by Flowers For The Dead, which was the Sunday Mirror's Choice Read, beating Lee Child's latest offering. 'Will have you looking over your shoulder and under your bed… Original, gripping, with a deep psychological impact,' their review read.
The Darkest Lies came next, published by Bookouture, and became a USA Today bestseller. The follow-up, Her Last Secret, hit the Number 1 spot on Kobo. The Perfect Friend is a No 1 Kobo and Amazon best seller.
When not writing feverishly at her home in Birmingham, Barbara is often found walking her two dogs, Scamp and Buddy, or hiding behind a camera to take wildlife photographs.
To find out more about Barbara's novels, go to:
Website: http://www.barbaracopperthwaite.com
Blog: http://www.barbaracopperthwaite.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbaraCopperthwaite
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BCopperthwait
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/barbaracopperthwa
#BookReview: Innocent or Guilty? by A.M. Taylor @0neMoreChapter_ #InnocentOrGuilty #damppebbles
Oct 5, 2020 Sep 1, 2020 / damppebbles	/ 1 Comment
"Is the right person behind bars?
One morning ten years ago, the town of Twin Rivers changed forever when the body of Tyler Washington was found in the woods. Son of the mayor, star of the high school basketball team – his death struck right at the heart of this tight-knit community.
For Olivia Hall, Tyler's death heralded the start of her own personal nightmare – her twin brother, Ethan, was arrested for Tyler's murder. Ten years later, Ethan is still in jail. Olivia is convinced he is innocent, and now, a true crime podcast has taken up his case.
As the podcast digs deeper, secrets, lies and shocking revelations are all uncovered. For the first time, Olivia dares to hope that Ethan may be set free. But if he didn't kill Tyler, who did? And how far will they go to keep their secrets safe?
Perfect for fans of podcasts Serial, Happy Face and The Teacher's Pet, and TV shows Making a Murderer, Staircase and Dirty John"
Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to be sharing my review of Innocent or Guilty? by A.M. Taylor. Innocent or Guilty? was published by One More Chapter on 12th December 2019 and is available in paperback and digital formats. I received a free eARC of Innocent or Guilty? but that has in no way influenced my review.
I do not listen to podcasts (I also don't listen to audiobooks – I've never really managed to get to grips with them). But I love books which feature a true crime podcast at their heart. Sitting here, thinking about the concept, a few favourites immediately spring to mind. Well budge over, favourites, and make some room for Innocent or Guilty? by A.M. Taylor. There's something very memorable about this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Olivia and Ethan Hall are twins on the brink of starting their college careers when tragedy strikes, rocking the small town of Twin Rivers. A local teenager, Tyler Washington, is murdered. The sudden death of the town's golden boy hits everyone hard. But when Ethan Hall, Olivia's unpopular brother, is arrested for the murder, it turns Olivia's world completely on its head. Ten years later Olivia is a lawyer and Ethan is still in jail. But she's determined to prove her brother's innocence, one way or another. So when the producers of a true-crime podcast come knocking, despite her reservations, Olivia decides to take part and revisit the past. But if Ethan is innocent, the question remains, who REALLY killed Tyler Washington…?
Innocent or Guilty? is told in the past, the present and with brilliant snippets of the podcast, which felt so real to me. With the chapters set 10 years ago, the author beautifully builds the characters' stories, layer by layer, adding more depth as the story progresses. Giving the reader a clear view of the politics and pressures of life in Twin Rivers in the run-up to Tyler's murder. I really enjoyed the flashback chapters and getting a glimpse into Olivia and Ethan's past. The present-day chapters are told mainly from Olivia's perspective and focus on digging for clues to help free her brother. Working with Kat and Ray, the podcast producers, they come up against many brick walls as the residents of Twin Rivers fight to keep the past buried in the past.
Packed to the brim with secrets and deceit, this is one edge of your seat read which I found hard to put down. The author has created a number of well-written peaks and troughs throughout the book, which kept me turning the pages at a steady pace. After finishing Innocent or Guilty?, I immediately purchased Taylor's debut, Forget Me Not, which I'm really looking forward to reading.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Innocent or Guilty? is a compelling mystery set in small-town America with a modern twist, and I devoured it. Being Mrs Suspicious, I was able to guess what the big twist was going to be from fairly early on in the book, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment one jot! There were plenty of other surprises along the way to keep me on my toes. I am looking forward to reading more from A.M. Taylor. Recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Innocent or Guilty? The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Innocent or Guilty? was published in the UK by One More Chapter on 12th December 2019 and is available in paperback and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | Book Depository | Goodreads |
Annie May Taylor lives and writes in London. When not making up stories, she writes copy for a living and can most often be found drinking coffee, watching Netflix, and trying to keep up with a never ending TBR pile. She's been obsessed with mysteries ever since Nancy Drew first walked into her life and would probably have attempted to become a private detective at some point, if only it didn't involve actually having to talk to people. She has a cat called Domino, ambitions of owning a dog one day, and is as obsessed with My Favorite Murder as you probably are. Writing as A.M. Taylor, her debut psychological thriller Forget Me Not was released by Killer Reads/Harper Collins in October 2018.
#BlogTour | #BookReview: The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen @HQstories #TheStolenSisters #damppebbles
Sep 27, 2020 Sep 25, 2020 / damppebbles	/ 3 Comments
"Sisterhood binds them. Trauma defines them. Will secrets tear them apart?
Leah's perfect marriage isn't what it seems but the biggest lie of all is that she's learned to live with what happened all those years ago. Marie drinks a bit too much to help her forget. And Carly has never forgiven herself for not keeping them safe.
Twenty years ago The Sinclair Sisters were taken. But what came after their return was far worse. Can a family ever recover, especially when not everyone is telling the truth…?"
Hello and a very warm welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to share my review of the brilliant The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen with you, and help kick off the amazing blog tour alongside the fabulous Emma Mitchell. My thanks to HQ for the blog tour invitation and eARC of the book. The Stolen Sisters will be published on 1st October 2020 and will be available in paperback, audio and digital formats. I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Stolen Sisters but that has in no way influenced my review.
I am a HUGE Louise Jensen fan. I have read every single psychological thriller she has written, and will continue to do so because she is a master storyteller. I was really, REALLY looking forward to reading The Stolen Sisters and I was not disappointed. I loved this book. It gave me everything I was hoping for and so much more.
Carly, Marie and Leah Sinclair. Three sisters who went through hell twenty years ago when they were snatched from outside their home by two men and locked up in a dank and dilapidated room for days on end. Miraculously, the girls managed to escape, but that was only the beginning. Hell left their prison with them and followed them all the way home. Now, twenty years older, each of the sisters is bearing the brunt of those traumatic days as captives. Leah's compulsions threaten to destroy her marriage and take her young son from her. Marie's drinking problem has spiralled out of control, and Carly has never forgiven herself for not protecting her younger twin sisters enough and won't let anyone get close to her. And let's not forget the secrets. How much longer can the truth be kept hidden…?
The Stolen Sisters is an astonishingly good book and I savoured every moment I had with it. When I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about it. Pondering on the girls' situation, trying to work out where the author was going to take the story (I failed at that, by the way) and generally relishing the author's ability to tell a blimmin' good story. It's an absolutely cracking novel and if you love a family-driven psychological thriller, make sure you grab a copy. You won't be disappointed.
The story is told from the past – we watch as the girls are taken from near their house at the tender ages of 13 and 8 – and the present day – where the reader witnesses the devastating long-term effects of the trauma suffered by the girls all those years ago. Leah's compulsions, and how they impinge on her life, are eye-opening. The reader gets to see the gradual increase and deterioration of her condition as the anniversary looms. I found her anxiety and fear palpable. So cleverly written by the author. Out of all the characters in the book, we most closely follow Leah so I found myself warming to her more than the other two sisters. The majority of the chapters from the past are told from Carly's point of view and my heart absolutely ached for her. Her disappointment in herself for not protecting her sisters enough and the mother role she took on whilst the girls were trapped, it almost broke me.
If you've read books by this author before you will be aware that she is a master at deceiving her reader (in the very best way possible). This is another wonderful example of why Jensen's books are so incredibly popular. I had no idea where the story was going but when we got there, WOW! Dark and twisted – just how I like my books. I certainly didn't see that one coming! I was gripped from start to finish. Even though it's clear from the outset that the girls escape, the chapters set in the past still had me on the edge of my seat.
Would I recommend this book? I most definitely would, yes. I loved The Stolen Sisters. It's the most enjoyable, absorbing and exciting psychological thriller I have read in a long time. I was 100% in the pages of this book living the story alongside the characters. A highly emotive read that is incredibly tense and the ultimate page-turner. Did I mention that I loved The Stolen Sisters? Oh well, worth mentioning again. I loved The Stolen Sisters! Louise Jensen is a superb writer. It was an absolute joy to read this book and I will savour the memory of it for a long time to come. Highly recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of The Stolen Sisters. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen was published in the UK by HQ on 1st October 2020 and is available in paperback, audio and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | Book Depository | Goodreads |
Louise Jensen has sold over a million English language copies of her International No. 1 psychological thrillers The Sister, The Gift, The Surrogate and The Date. Her novels have also been translated into twenty-five languages, as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestseller's List. Louise's sixth thriller, Stolen Sisters, will be published in Autumn 2020 by Harper Collins.
The Sister was nominated for the Goodreads Debut Author of 2016 Award. The Date was nominated for The Guardian's 'Not The Booker' Prize 2018. The Surrogate has been nominated for the best Polish thriller of 2018. The Gift has been optioned for a TV film.
Louise lives with her husband, children, madcap dog and a rather naughty cat in Northamptonshire. She loves to hear from readers and writers.
Author Links: | Twitter | Facebook | Website |
#BookReview: Her Husband's Lover by Julia Crouch @headlinepg #HerHusbandsLover #20booksofsummer20 #damppebbles
Jul 28, 2020 Jul 24, 2020 / damppebbles	/ 2 Comments
"She stole her husband. Now she wants to take her life.
After the horrors of the past, Louisa Williams is desperate to make a clean start.
Her husband Sam is dead. Her children, too, are gone, victims of the car accident in which he died.
Sam said that she would never get away from him. That he would hound her until she died if she tried to leave. Louisa never thought that he would want to harm their children though.
But then she never thought that he would betray her with a woman like Sophie.
And now Sophie is determined to take all that Louisa has left. She wants to destroy her reputation and to take what she thinks is owed her – the life she would have had if Sam had lived.
Her husband's lover wants to take her life. The only question is will Louisa let her?"
Hello, a very warm welcome to damppebbles! Today I am delighted to be sharing my thirteenth 20 Books of Summer review with you, which is for Her Husband's Lover by Julia Crouch. Her Husband's Lover was published by Headline Books in June 2017 and is available in all formats. I chose to read and review an eARC of Her Husband's Lover but that has in no way influenced my review.
Holy moly, batten down the hatches and take cover! This is one seriously intense book and I was swept up into its pages almost instantly. I've never felt so many emotions in the first 6% of a book before. Six per cent in and I was straight on Twitter to share how utterly compelling this story was and how it already had its hooks in me. Wow!
Louisa is rebuilding her life after the death of her controlling and manipulative husband, Sam. He always told her she would never escape him but she did, as the sole survivor of the car crash which killed Sam and their two children. Bearing the scars and the trauma of the accident, she moves to London to start a new life. But a face from the past won't let Louisa be. Sophie, Sam's lover, is out to wreak havoc and get what she's owed. Sophie won't give up until she's taken what she wants from Louisa, no matter what the cost…
Thank you for reading my review. I'm afraid that's it! There is no more because if I start talking about this book in any detail I'm bound to give something away and no one wants that. I am, of course, joking about the very short review but I am also very aware that I have to tread carefully with this one. It may be a little more vague and succinct then normal!
This is a twisty, twisted story and I savoured every moment I had with it. It took me longer to read Her Husband's Lover than anything else I've read recently because I was eking it out, making sure I was there in every scene with the characters, living and breathing their world. I was fully immersed from the get-go and my emotions were running high. There's an impending sense of doom throughout the novel, you're just waiting for something catastrophic to happen and it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. What's the next move going to be?
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Her Husband's Lover is like nothing else I've read before and I would gladly pick up another book by this author (this is the first book I've read by Julia Crouch). I was a smidge disappointed with the ending but that was because I wanted MORE. I wanted to see it through to the bitter end and didn't want to leave the characters at that particular point. But as Barnum apparently said, "always leave them wanting more". All in all, an engrossing read which I savoured over the course of several days and will remember for some time to come. Recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Her Husband's Lover. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Her Husband's Lover by Julia Crouch was published in the UK by Headline Books on 15th June 2017 and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | Book Depository | Goodreads |
Julia Crouch grew up in Cambridge and studied Drama at Bristol University. She spent ten years working as a theatre director and playwright, then, after a spell of teaching, she somehow became a successful graphic and website designer, a career she followed for another decade while raising her three children. An MA in sequential illustration re-awoke her love of narrative and a couple of Open University creative writing courses brought it to the fore.
Cuckoo, her first novel, emerged as a very rough draft during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2008. A year's editing got it ready for submission to an agent and within a couple of months she had a book deal with Headline and had given up the day job.
Every Vow You Break, her second novel, was published in March 2012, Tarnished, her third, came out in 2013, followed by Every Vow You Break in 2014 and Her Husband's Lover in 2017. She is also published in Italy, France, Germany, Holland, Brazil and China.
Unable to find a sub-genre of crime writing that neatly described her work, she came up with the term Domestic Noir, which is now widely accepted as the label for one of the most popular crime genres today. She has even written a foreword to a book of academic essays on the subject.
She works in a shed at the bottom of the Brighton house she shares with her husband, the actor and playwright Tim Crouch, their three children, two cats called Keith and Sandra, and about twelve guitars (you can find #Keith, who has his own hashtag, on twitter). She is a self-confessed geek and fights a daily battle to resist tinkering with the code on her website, which can be found at http://www.juliacrouch.co.uk.
#BookReview: Halfway by B.E. Jones @TheCrimeVault @LittleBrownUK #Halfway #20booksofsummer20 #damppebbles
Jul 2, 2020 Jul 2, 2020 / damppebbles	/ 2 Comments
"Three women. One killer. No turning back.
The Halfway Inn is closed to customers, side-lined by a bypass and hidden deep in inhospitable countryside. One winter's night, two women end up knocking on the door, seeking refuge as a blizzard takes hold.
But why is the landlord less than pleased to see them? And what is his elderly father trying so hard to tell them?
At the local police station PC Lissa Lloyd is holding the fort while the rest of her team share in the rare excitement of a brutal murder at an isolated farmhouse. A dangerous fugitive is on the run – but how can Lissa make a name for herself if she's stuck at her desk? When a call comes in saying the local district nurse is missing, she jumps at the chance to investigate her disappearance.
The strangers at Halfway wait out the storm, but soon realise they might have been safer on the road. It seems not all the travellers will make it home for Christmas . . ."
Hello and a very warm welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to be sharing my sixth 20 Books of Summer review with you, which is for Halfway by B.E. Jones. Halfway was published by Constable in November 2018 and is available in paperback and digital formats. I chose to read and review a free eARC of Halfway but that has in no way influenced my review.
If you're a regular visitor to the blog you may be aware that one of my favourite books from last year was the absolutely outstanding Wilderness by B.E. Jones (it's amazing, you need to get hold of a copy!). Jones has written a number of other books though, all of which look very intriguing, but there was something about Halfway which sang to me. The blurb, the cover, and the idea really appealed. And now, of course, I'm kicking myself that I haven't read Halfway sooner because once again, it's another absolutely outstanding novel. I LOVED it!
On a snowy December day near the isolated Welsh town of Pont, hitchhiker Lee is trying to find her way out. She's cold, the weather is getting worse and she just wants to get as far away from Pont as possible. Desperate times call for desperate measures so she steps out in front of a car, the driver slams on the brakes and Lee invites herself into the warmth of local nurse, Becca's, vehicle. But the car won't start and both women know they need to find shelter from the snowstorm. So they head back the way Becca had come from, to a dilapidated pub further down the road. The landlord greets them less than enthusiastically, there's a strange air about him. And why is his hand bleeding? As the day progresses, it becomes clear to Lee and Becca that not everything is as it seems at The Halfway…
In a similar vein to Wilderness, Halfway is as much about the setting as it is about the characters. The atmospheric descriptions of the vast Welsh countryside, with the added smothering effect of the snowstorm, the knowledge that one wrong turn could have you lost forever, made me feel quite claustrophobic, and I loved it. It's really beautifully done and Jones is a master of making you feel as though you're living the story along with the characters.
The characters are well-drawn and I made my mind up about them pretty quickly. But this is a crime thriller and nothing is ever as straight forward as it initially seems. The book has a wonderful darkness to it and I absolutely lapped it up. From start to finish, you know there's something very wrong here and I found myself on the edge of my seat, loving the ominous feeling Jones' writing gave me. I did have a few suspicions about where the story was going and despite being able to spot one big twist (because I'm Mrs Super Suspicious!) it didn't detract from the story at all.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, yes! Without a moment's hesitation. I loved Halfway and I'm so glad I read it. I loved the entire book but I really enjoyed the ending, which was blood-soaked and so very satisfying. I think one of the most impressive things for me though was how the author managed to completely change my opinion of two of the main characters as the end of the book approached. Beautifully written, utterly compelling and really quite addictive. Highly recommended, one for my top books of the year list and an author to watch.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Halfway. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Halfway by B.E. Jones was published in the UK by Constable on 1st November 2018 and is available in paperback and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | hive.co.uk | Goodreads |
Beverley Jones was born in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales, and started her 'life of crime' as a reporter on The Western Mail before moving into TV news with BBC Wales Today.
She covered all aspects of crime reporting before switching sides as a press officer for South Wales police, dealing with the media in criminal investigations, security operations and emergency planning.
Now a freelance writer she channels these experiences of 'true crime,' and the murkier side of human nature, into her dark, psychological thrillers set in and around South Wales.
Wilderness, her sixth crime novel follows the release of Halfway by Little Brown in 2018.
Bev's previous releases, Where She Went, The Lies You Tell, Make Him Pay and Fear The Dark are also available from Little Brown as e books.
Author Links: | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website |
#BookReview: The House Guest by Mark Edwards @AmazonPub #TheHouseGuest #damppebbles
Jun 3, 2020 May 25, 2020 / damppebbles	/ 14 Comments
"A perfect summer. A perfect stranger. A perfect nightmare.
When British twenty-somethings Ruth and Adam are offered the chance to spend the summer housesitting in New York, they can't say no. Young, in love and on the cusp of professional success, they feel as if luck is finally on their side.
So the moment that Eden turns up on the doorstep, drenched from a summer storm, it seems only right to share a bit of that good fortune. Beautiful and charismatic, Eden claims to be a friend of the homeowners, who told her she could stay whenever she was in New York.
They know you're not supposed to talk to strangers—let alone invite them into your home—but after all, Eden's only a stranger until they get to know her.
As suspicions creep in that Eden may not be who she claims to be, they begin to wonder if they've made a terrible mistake…"
Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to be sharing my review of The House Guest by Mark Edwards. The House Guest is published today (Wednesday 3rd June) and is available in paperback, audio and digital formats. I received a free eARC of The House Guest via NetGalley but that has in no way influenced my review.
Mark Edwards is probably the author whose books I have read the most (I think this is number eight). He's a talented writer who likes to put his very normal characters into very unusual and challenging (often terrifying!) situations and I flipping love what he does! When I know there's a new Mark Edwards book on the brink of publication, everything else gets pushed to one side so I can read it. I was really excited to read The House Guest and I'm delighted to say, I was not disappointed.
Brits Adam and Ruth have had a stroke of luck and are house-sitting for an American couple they met on a cruise. Ruth is an aspiring actress and has been given the lead role in a Broadway play. Adam is a struggling writer who hasn't quite made his mark yet, but he'll keep trying. One stormy Summers day there's a knock at the door. Standing before the couple, drenched from head to toe, is Eden, a friend of the Cunningham's who own the luxurious house in Williamsburg. Adam and Ruth don't feel they can turn the Cunningham's friend away when the weather is so atrocious. She's travelled so far and has nowhere else to go. So they invite her in to dry off and to share a glass of wine. But Eden is a stranger. They don't know what secrets she's hiding…
It's very easy to get pulled into a Mark Edwards book from the get-go. He sets up the scene for his reader with such skill that you just have to keep reading to find out where events are going to take you. There's such a wonderful sense of unease from start to finish in The House Guest which I really enjoyed. However, I think this is the first one of Edwards' books where I can't really talk about the plot. There's a pretty hefty twist in there which, unless you've read reviews with spoilers, I don't think you will see coming. It turns the whole book on its head – but it didn't really blow me away. For me, there is another twist further on, which I found so exciting. So much so, I think I used four exclamation marks to emphasise my surprise in my notes!!!!
The House Guest is very entertaining but I have to be honest and say it was a little far fetched for me, which left me shaking my head at certain points. But hey, it's fiction and if you can't be a little creative when writing a novel then when can you be? I had to choose between going with the flow and enjoying the ride, or…not. And knowing Edwards has never let me down before, I chose to go with the flow.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved the unease, the sense of impending doom the author makes you feel. I loved the setting (it's New York, I adore New York!) and could picture with ease the characters making their way through the city. I loved that the twists never really stopped coming which adds to the excitement. It's a book about needing to belong and I think we all feel that need at times. Another great book from Mark Edwards and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I chose to read and review an eARC of The House Guest. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
The House Guest by Mark Edwards was published in the UK by Thomas & Mercer on 3rd June 2020 and is available in paperback, audio and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | Book Depository | Goodreads |
Mark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people and is inspired by writers such as Stephen King, Ira Levin, Ruth Rendell and Linwood Barclay.
His first solo novel, The Magpies (2013), reached the No.1 spot on Amazon UK and has sold 300,000 copies to date. This was followed by What You Wish For (2014), Because She Loves Me (2014; also a No.1 bestseller in the UK) and Follow You Home(2015).
He also co-writes with Louise Voss. Their novels are: Killing Cupid (2011); Catch Your Death(2011); All Fall Down (2012); Forward Slash and a series featuring Detective Inspector Patrick Lennon, starting with From the Cradle (2014) and The Blissfully Dead (2015). Read more about Voss & Edwards.
Mark grew up on the south coast of England and starting writing in his twenties while working in a number of dead-end jobs. He lived in Tokyo for a year before returning to the UK and starting a career in marketing. He now writes full-time and lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children and a ginger cat, Billie, who was named after an actress from Doctor Who.
When he's not writing or looking after children, Mark reads a lot, devours TV box sets and spends far too much time on Twitter and Facebook, where he loves chatting with readers. He also wishes he had more time to do the activity he loves most: karaoke.
Author Links: | Website | Twitter | Facebook |
#BookReview: Witness by Caroline Mitchell @AmazonPub #Witness #damppebbles
May 26, 2020 May 15, 2020 / damppebbles	/ 4 Comments
"To Rebecca it was a brave decision that led to her freedom from domestic abuse. To Solomon it was the ultimate betrayal.
It's been ten years since Rebecca's testimony saw Solomon locked away. Enough time for the nightmares to recede, the nerves to relax; enough time to rebuild her life and put the past behind her.
Then one day a phone rings in her bedroom—but it's not her phone. Solomon has been in her home, and has a very simple message for her: for each of the ten years he has spent in jail, Rebecca must witness a crime. And, to make matters worse, she has to choose the victims.
Fail to respond and you get hurt. Talk to the police and you die. Ready to play? You have sixty seconds to decide…
As the crimes grow more severe, the victims closer to home, Rebecca is forced to confront a past she had hoped was gone forever."
Hello and a very warm welcome to damppebbles. I am delighted to be sharing my review of Witness by Caroline Mitchell with you today. Witness was published by Thomas & Mercer on 20th December 2016 and is available in paperback, audio and digital formats. I received a free eARC copy of Witness from NetGalley but that has in no way influenced my review.
I loved this book and I'm kicking myself that it's taken me so long to read it! If you're a writer or an aspiring writer then give this book a read as it's a wonderful example of how to write a truly despicable villain. Solomon Kemp made my blood boil and wormed his horrible, manipulative way under my skin. Absolutely brilliant stuff! I'm a fan of Mitchell's writing and I've read a number of her novels (The Silent Twin | Death Note | Sleep Tight | Murder Game | Silent Victim) so I know a Caroline Mitchell novel will always be hugely entertaining with well-written characters and twists and turns galore. Witness was no exception.
Finally escaping her abusive relationship and leaving her ex-fiance to rot in prison, Rebecca is starting to put her life back together. She's moved to a sleepy town in Wales, changed her appearance and has apprehensively started a new relationship. But her ex, Solomon, is not the kind of man to forget and spends his time locked up plotting and planning his revenge following Rebecca's testimony. On his release ten years later, Solomon starts to play a game with Rebecca, who is now happily married with a four-year-old daughter. Rebecca is a silent witness to ten terrible crimes – one for each year Solomon spent in prison. She must nominate the victim and then stand and watch as the crime happens before her very eyes. Call the police and she will die. Solomon is in control, just as he likes it! As the crimes increase in seriousness and get closer to home, Rebecca has to confront her past and the secrets she holds, before it's too late…
I absolutely loved the concept of this book; ten crimes of different severity, the victim decided by our likeable protagonist, a dastardly manipulator pulling all the strings. Wonderful stuff! Mitchell's writing hooked me in from the get-go and I savoured every minute of this book. When I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be back in the story.
The story is told from three perspectives; Rebecca in the present, Solomon in the present, and Rebecca's diary entries before Solomon's arrest ten years ago. The diary entries are tense reading and certain scenes made me shudder with repulsion. The lengths Solomon goes to to get what he wants is a real eye-opener and Rebecca's slow demise is heart-breaking. She loses everything, including her freedom and the reader can't help but feel for this poor woman who is completely trapped within a real-life nightmare.
I really liked Rebecca but I did struggle a little with how easily she accepted the situation and Solomon's game. She also felt a little naive to me at times but perhaps she had to be for the story to flow as well as it did. I did work out which direction the story was heading from the end of the prologue but I wasn't 100% sure and the book was so darn entertaining, that I didn't really care if I was right! Solomon is the stuff nightmares are made of. Controlling, manipulative, deluded and a total bully. I thought he was a perfect creation and so incredibly well-written. I could feel Rebecca's fear of him, along with Solomon's hatred and his palpable anger. Marvellous stuff!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. Mitchell has done it again with another chilling page-turner of a book and I can't wait to read more from this wonderful author. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers then make sure this one goes on the TBR. Thoroughly entertaining, edge of your seat stuff and I loved it! Highly recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Witness. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Witness by Caroline Mitchell was published in the UK by Thomas & Mercer on 20th December 2016 and is available in paperback, audio and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which mean I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | BookDepository | Goodreads |
USA Today and Global #1 Bestselling Thriller Author.
Caroline originates from Ireland and now lives with her family in a pretty village on the coast of Essex. A former police detective, Caroline has worked in CID and specialised in roles dealing with vulnerable victims, high-risk victims of domestic abuse, and serious sexual offences. She now writes full time.
Set in Shoreditch, London, her DS Ruby Preston trilogy is described as terrifying, addictive serial killer thrillers.
Caroline also writes psychological thrillers. The most recent, Silent Victim, has been described as 'brilliantly gripping and deliciously creepy'. Her new DI Amy Winter series is published by Thomas & Mercer.
#BookReview: Duplicity by Sibel Hodge @AmazonPub #Duplicity #damppebbles
Mar 19, 2020 Mar 18, 2020 / damppebbles	/ Leave a comment
"There are three sides to every story: Yours. Mine. And the truth…
Max and Alissa have a fairy tale life—newlywed, madly in love and enviously rich. Then Max is brutally stabbed to death at their home and Alissa, miraculously, escapes with her life. But why was she spared?
The hunt for the killer begins, uncovering a number of leads—was Max's incredible wealth the motive? Had his shady business practices finally caught up with him? Or was it a stalker with a dangerous obsession?
Devoted friends rally around gentle, sweet Alissa as she is left to mourn the loss of her husband and pick up her life. But not everyone is who they seem…Deep-rooted jealousies, secrets and twisted love lie just beneath the surface, and not all fairy tales have a happy ending.
Duplicity is a suspenseful thriller from the bestselling author of Look Behind You and Where the Memories Lie."
Welcome to the blog today and to my review of Duplicity by Sibel Hodge. I've decided, seeing as we're all going to be housebound before long, that I'm going to make a concerted effort to reduce the number of books on my NetGalley shelf. Now, I will be the first to admit that I'm a terrible blogger. I have a NetGalley shelf which is at breaking point because I request too many books and then don't read them fast enough. Duplicity is one of many books which have been sitting waiting patiently for me. Having read it, I'm now asking why it took me so darn long! I received a free eARC of Duplicity but that has in no way influenced my review.
At its core, Duplicity has a very interesting plot twist which is quite different to everything else I have read over the years. Hodge has put a fresh and different spin on what could be classed, by some people (not saying I'm one of them), as a genre that's starting to tire a little, maybe become a little samey…? (Not me though, I wouldn't say that.) I was merrily making my way through this book then BAM! I was knocked sideways and had to pick myself up off the floor. WTF!? There's not a lot more that I can say on that really. I would hate to ruin this story for other readers as it's so shocking, so…'WOAH!'… that if you have any kind of inkling as to what's coming then it could lessen the impact of what I promise will be one of the most memorable twists you've read.
So we've ascertained that I can't talk about the plot. So let's move onto the charact…..oh. Wait. I can't really say anything about them either. The story is told from two points of view; The Detective, who in this case is DS Carter and The Other One. There's not a lot I can say about The Other One. This is going to turn into the shortest review I've ever written for the blog as there's so much you need to discover for yourself and I hate spoilers. So here's what I can tell you….
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. Duplicity is a must-read for all psychological thriller fans, particularly if you are looking for something a little bit different. With bucketloads of suspense, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Despite being an unreviewable book! This is the first book I've read by Hodge but I can guarantee it won't be the last! It's easy to see why she has so many dedicated fans who will happily bite your hand off for a copy of one of her books. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Duplicity. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Duplicity by Sibel Hodge was published in the UK by Thomas & Mercer on 27th December 2016 and is available in paperback, audio and digital formats (please note, the following links are affiliate links which mean I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | Book Depository | Goodreads |
Sibel Hodge is the author of the #1 Bestsellers Look Behind You, Untouchable, Duplicity, Into the Darkness, and Their Last Breath. Her books have sold over one million copies and are international bestsellers in the UK, USA, Australia, France, Canada and Germany. She writes in an eclectic mix of genres, and is a passionate human and animal rights advocate.
Her work has been nominated and shortlisted for numerous prizes, including the Harry Bowling Prize, the Yeovil Literary Prize, the Chapter One Promotions Novel Competition, The Romance Reviews' prize for Best Novel with Romantic Elements and Indie Book Bargains' Best Indie Book of 2012 in two categories. She was the winner of Best Children's Book in the 2013 eFestival of Words; nominated for the 2015 BigAl's Books and Pals Young Adult Readers' Choice Award; winner of the Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Book from a Series Award in the SpaSpa Book Awards 2013; winner of the Readers' Favorite Young Adult (Coming of Age) Honorable award in 2015; a New Adult finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America's International Digital Awards 2015, 2017 International Thriller Writers Award finalist for Best E-book Original Novel, Honorable Mention Award Winner in the USA 2018 Reader's Choice Awards, winner of the No 1 Best Thriller in the Top Shelf Magazine Indie Book Awards 2018, and Silver Medal Award Winner in the 2019 Readers' Favorite Thriller – Conspiracy genre! Her novella Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave has been listed as one of the top forty books about human rights by Accredited Online Colleges.
For Sibel's latest book releases, giveaways and gossip, sign up to her newsletter at http://www.sibelhodge.com/contact-followme.php.
#BlogTour | #BookReview: Here To Stay by Mark Edwards @AmazonPub @midaspr #HereToStay #damppebbles
Aug 26, 2019 Aug 26, 2019 / damppebbles	/ 1 Comment
"A beautiful home. A loving wife. And in-laws to die for.
Gemma Robinson comes into Elliot's life like a whirlwind, and they marry and settle into his home. When she asks him if her parents can come to stay for a couple of weeks, he is keen to oblige – he just doesn't quite know what he's signing up for.
The Robinsons arrive with Gemma's sister, Chloe, a mysterious young woman who refuses to speak or leave her room. Elliot starts to suspect that the Robinsons are hiding a dark secret. And then there are the scars on his wife's body that she won't talk about . . .
As Elliot's in-laws become more comfortable in his home, encroaching on all aspects of his life, it becomes clear that they have no intention of moving out. To protect Gemma, and their marriage, Elliot delves into the Robinsons' past. But is he prepared for the truth?
From the two million copy bestselling author comes a tale about the chilling consequences of welcoming strangers into your home."
Welcome to damppebbles and to my stop on the Here To Stay blog tour. I am delighted to be one of two blogs kicking off the tour for this brilliant psychological thriller. Here To Stay is the latest standalone release from one of my 'must read' authors, Mark Edwards, and will be published in all formats by Thomas & Mercer on 1st September. I received a free ARC of the book but that has in no way influenced my review.
I am a huge fan of Mark Edwards' books. He's a favourite author of mine and someone I always mention when asked for reading recommendations. You can't really go wrong with his novels – they're all rather brilliant (In Her Shadow, The Retreat, The Lucky Ones, The Devil's Work, Follow You Home). And this latest release is another stonking addition to this author's body of work. I would even go as far as saying it's bordering on my favourite!
I loved the main character, Elliot. He's a really decent bloke who enjoys his quiet, ordered life. He has a beautiful home which, after years of gruelling refurbishment, is exactly how he wants it. But there's no escaping the fact that he's lonely. A chance encounter one day leads him to meet Gemma. There's no denying the chemistry that's bubbling away between them. And when Gemma saves his life Elliot decides it's time to be spontaneous and ask Gemma out. The couple become inseparable and in a second attempt to keep the spontaneity flowing, Elliot proposes to Gemma after a couple of months. Before long they're married and life couldn't be better. That is until one day when Gemma receives word from her parents that they're leaving France and returning to the UK with nowhere to stay. Gemma asks her new husband if her parents can move in briefly whilst they look for somewhere new to live. Elliot instantly agrees, wanting to keep his new wife and in-laws happy. But he has no idea who he is welcoming into his home and the devastating secrets they're hiding…
What a page-turner! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Edwards' brilliant characters really leap off the page at the reader and oh my gosh, some of them made my blood boil. The frustration I felt at their behaviour and the empathy I felt for Elliot was palpable at times. I was completely in the story with Elliot and the Robinsons, living each and every moment with them. Watching Elliot attempt to regain control of the situation only for his plans to be dashed by the dastardly in-laws. If you're looking for a book to get under your skin then you must grab a copy of Here To Stay and meet the Robinsons.
I spent a fair amount of time wondering where Edwards would take the story. The in-laws from hell made great reading but I couldn't foresee how the story would end and every option I came up with was completely unsatisfying to me. But that's why Mark Edwards is a bestselling author and I'm not! Oh, the ending of this book is GLORIOUS! It takes the kind of turn which I love in my fiction. It's a great book but as you approach the end it becomes something SUPERB. I loved it.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I would recommend all of Mark Edwards' books but this one is something quite special. I did manage to guess one of the whodunnits along the way but it didn't spoil my enjoyment at all because the author made me doubt myself often. Another great read from Mark Edwards which I recommend. I lived the rage, the frustration and the fear with Elliot and I loved it!
I chose to read and review an ARC of Here To Stay. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Here To Stay by Mark Edwards was published in the UK by Thomas & Mercer on 1st September 2019 and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio and ebook formats (please note, some of the following links are affiliate links which mean I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | Waterstones | Book Depository | Goodreads |
#BookReview: Bird Box by Josh Malerman @HarperCollinsUK @fictionpubteam #BirdBox #damppebbles #15BooksofSummer (2/15)
Jun 25, 2019 Jun 26, 2019 / damppebbles	/ 5 Comments
"IF YOU'VE SEEN WHAT'S OUT THERE…IT'S ALREADY TOO LATE
Malorie raises the children the only way she can: indoors, with the doors locked, the curtains closed, and mattresses nailed over the windows.
The children sleep in the bedroom across the hall, but soon she will have to wake them and blindfold them.
Today they will risk everything. Today they will leave the house.
Josh Malerman's New York Times bestselling Bird Box is a terrifying psychological thriller that will haunt you long after reading."
We've all heard of Bird Box, right? The book was made into a Netflix film and it was massive, everyone was talking about it. Now I haven't watched the film (too much blood, guts and gore for me – I get all of that from my books and not film or television!) so I can't comment on that but this book, this incredible book with such a stunning concept is exceptional.
I devoured this book in a few short hours. I very occasionally say it doesn't take me long to read a book (more often than not it takes me AGES as I'm a slow reader for a book blogger) but this is by far my quickest read in a long time. I could not put this book down and I flew through the pages like my life depended on it. I was mesmerised by Malorie's incredible story and wanted to see what was going to happen but also savour my time with this courageous woman struggling through an unimaginable scenario. The publishers say this book will haunt you long after reading and they are so right. I'm traumatised by Bird Box and I love it! If you haven't watched the film but you have a vague idea of the concept then you must read this book. I don't think you truly 'get it' until you're living it with Malorie and the children. Oh my gosh, it's buried deep down in my soul. Absolutely superb!
Malorie discovers she's pregnant. It's not what she planned, the father of the baby isn't one for a committed relationship but she knows she's going to have the baby and do the best she can for her child. But then life takes a completely unexpected swerve. The news starts to report normal, everyday people committing unprovoked acts of extreme violence and then killing themselves. The killings start in Russia but before long there have been a number of attacks closer to home in America. No one knows for sure what provokes these normal people to carry out such horrific acts but it is believed they all 'saw' something. Something beyond what the human brain can comprehend. Something so unimaginable that it drives people violently mad. The solution? Don't look. Windows are covered. Doors are locked tight. Blindfolds become the norm. Whatever you do, no matter how tempting, don't look…
Don't look. It sounds so simple. How many times has someone said 'don't look behind you, but….' which of course makes you want to look even more. Malerman's terrifying world full of unknown 'creatures' puts you on edge from the start. The book is told in the past and the present. The past shows us Malorie's journey to the safe house where we meet a cast of fascinating characters, all thrown together with the same threat hanging over them and having to cope as best they can. In the present we are with Malorie and the children as she courageously takes them blindly up the river. To where we don't actually find out until much later in the book but this just adds to the books tension and ratches the drama up tenfold.
This is a truly wonderful piece of fiction. It's the kind of book you want your friend to read just so you can talk to someone about it. Malorie is a stand-out character and you see her change and adapt to her situation as you move through the story. She becomes hardened and it was fascinating to watch. Cope or die. Malorie isn't the only fascinating character in this novel though. The residents of the safe house all add something and the children broke my heart.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely. I loved this book and it will stay with me for some time to come. The only downside is the rather sudden and abrupt ending. I thought I had just under 100 pages left with Malorie which I planned to savour, only to find those pages were a short story. That, however, will not deter me from giving this atmospheric, creepy, mesmerising book five fabulous stars and a place on my top books of the year list, no siree! Bird Box is magnificent. Unsettling, terrifying, thought-provoking and impossible to put down. Highly recommended.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman was published in the UK by Harper Collins on 29th January 2015 and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio and eBook formats (please note, some of the following links are affiliate links which mean I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | Waterstones | BookDepository | Goodreads |
Josh Malerman is the acclaimed author of Bird Box, as well as the lead singer and songwriter for the rock band The High Strung. He lives in Michigan.
Author Links: | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |
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Book reviews from a guy up north (UK)


text:
Save the Wales, or is that the Wallabies?
Roscoe Tims
This is what the Welsh think – a poll from the South Wales Echo:
Do you think Wales can defeat the Wallabies on Saturday?
Yes, they've got the ability 85.0%
No, it's too big an ask 7.4%
It's too close to call 7.7%
The Welsh can sniff it again. The vulnerability of this seemingly disparate Wallaby touring side, inconsistent and incontinent (well, pissing in the wind anyway) with a lack of game day direction.
I'm not sure how its going to turn out on Saturday and am a bit loathe to predict it but Wales are in the box seat having defeated the Wallabies last year (as the only Southern Hemisphere scalp) and, unlike their opponents, running into some good form.
& Jones
The boyos gave a very good account of themselves against the No 1 ranked side in the world a few weeks back. If you remember, Wales ran the ball will nilly at the All Blacks after winning the lions share of possession.
They didn't get over the tryline but stretched the All Black defence in the process. The All Blacks countered and won by Dan Carter and mates putting boot to ball, competently.
Wales defeated Argentina last week with a dominant lineout and more than parity in the scrums (a known Puma strength) with the added benefit of loads of technical penalties. It was as if Le Fuse was now a fixture in the Argie pack – El Fuse!
Although a relatively dour game (where have you heard that before) the Welsh were effective at the breakdown and possessed a prevalent maul.
In fact, I reckon there's going to be loads of mauling by the boyos on Saturday as one of their main attacking weapons and Peel is a box kick exponent. That'll no doubt put a bit of pressure on our vulnerable young Wobbly friends.
They do have a propensity to run the ball in the right conditions and last year won the Six Nations on the back of some expansive play. The weather used to be a factor in that; however, one would assume the roof will be closed as it's going to be raining all week.
Fortunately, new turf has been laid at the Millenium Stadium since the appalling condition it was in for the Wales v New Zealand match. In the ten years its been in operation the Stadium has been re-turfed 25 times; so they have some issues with it.
Looking at their team, its loaded with experience. A dozen of their frontline players are British & Irish Lions tourists. Jamie Roberts is a devastating runner in the centres and with Tom Shanklin is close to being on a par with the Irish pairing. Unfortunately Shanklin is still out with a broken nose so young Jonathan Davies gets another chance.
Stephen Jones is an excellent tactical and goal kicker who really knows how to run a game. He also is prepared to take on the defence.
What can you say about Shane Williams, the best finisher in the business. His form dropped away with the Lions but its back, he scored two tries in last week's Argentina fixture. Another of a strong back three, fullback Hook is mercurial but I wouldn't be kicking the pill to him as he'll territorially make you pay.
Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and Ryan Jones make up a formidable attacking lineout combination who will exploit any weaknesses, and we've seen plenty of that with the Wallabies.
They have a strong scrummaging forward unit, especially British Lions Gethin Jenkins and Matthew Rees, with Martin Williams, Andy Powell and Ryan Jones a well balanced backrow combo and arguably the best loose forward team in the Six Nations.
Unlike the box of chocolates, with Wales I think you know what you're going to get.
WALES: James Hook; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Paul James, Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Dan Lydiate, Martin Roberts, Andrew Bishop, Tom James
Related Itemsadam freierbritish and irish lionsDwayne Peelsix nationsWallabies
Yep they fancy their chances for sure and will come out all fifteen cylinders firing. They also beat us last year and with the recent poor form of the 1st XV they have good reason to think they not only can, but will, pull it off again; and convincingly too.
I myself don't think they will.
This is the last match of the year. The WBs will want to get on the plane and come home to their partners and families and a nice SH summer knowing they have closed off the season on a high note, despite all the doldrums they have been through.
The Welsh Dragons fire is favourite, but the Wallabies have the biggest reason to be the most strongly motivated. And they will be.
Interesting a kiwi expat coach up against a kiwi expat coach.
Lance Free
You bet we can do it Robbo, but I'm not going to put any hard-earned on it. Looks to me that the Taffs have experience and form right across the park. You've got to say, we're gonna be up against it…..
Ozrugbynut
Wallabies have had it all to play for several times this season:
Christchurch – To keep the momentum going after a solid start to the international season and put the ABs under pressure going into Sydney.
Wellington – to hand NZ one of their worst seasons on record and break the losing streak
Scotland – to set up a shot to finish the tour undefeated against Wales AND NOW
Wales – to score a good away win against quality opposition and exact revenge for last year. To prove that these young Wallabies feel the pain of last weeks defeat and are determined to preserve our honour as a top 3 rugby nation, to finish the season and give fans some hope that Deans' investment will pay off, and let our frustration out on a Welsh team who rate themselves.
Even with all these good reasons to fire up throughout the international season, the WBs have inexplicably lacked intensity on all occasions. Our lack of committment at the breakdown in Wellington was perhaps the most infuriating example.
Let's hope they put in a committed performance like the dirties did this morning.
Every game should be a big game of course if you have the honour of pulling on the Gold jersey, but this test against Wales is a REAL test of character.
Hope they do it for the suffering, red-eyed fans who stay up to watch it.
happy hooker
This WB's team's a funny one, they can't seem to win two in a row, they play well one week (and I think we did against Ireland but were unlucky – if you can call it that). They seem to lack the motivation to maintain their intesity week to week, and its hurting big time!
The only thing I can put this down to is age, as its a young team with a lot to learn, and hopefully all these lessons are being put in vault for later times. The other thing is that we have a Kiwi coach. Living as an expat in HK now and dealing with them on the Rugby pitch regularly, I can't tell you how different their approach to the game is – and add Noriega to the mix and we have 2/4 expats.
I just dont think we can build the passion and fire like say Macqueen did in 1999 through his use of Aussie/Anzac history and bringing in the right people to present jersies etc?? They seem to be lacking passion and pride…we shouldn't try playing like AB 2xv!
McQueen was a brilliant coach, but I believe that coaching is a matter of communication and McQueen was a superb communicator. If Deans isn't able to put his ideas across to the WBs it's not because he's a kiwi, it's because he can't communicate with them.
The most successful coaches of Pacific Islanders for instance have not been Pacific Islanders.
Personally I think that Deans is a good communicator about rugby issues. It's just too easy to say that the problem is that he doesn't understand the culture. He understands rugby, but do the WBs really want to go where he is no doubt pushing them to go. He won't be pushing them to be an AB team, 1st, 2nd or 3rd. He will be pushing them to be a champion Wallaby outfit.
But after years of substandard WB coaching and less than adequate S14 coaching are they really up to wanting to be the best that they can be?
I don't know the answer, but if Deans is confusing them it's because they they are finding it hard to know what is really required to bring out the best in themselves.
All Blacks and Springboks on the other hand have this deep rugby culture behind them which is second to none in the country of their birth. Rugby comes a very poor third and maybe not even that in Oz.
If the WBs get beaten by Scotland the whole of the rugby fraternity in Oz is up in arms. AFL, Leaguies and Soccerites just laugh. When the ABs started off with a poor performance earlier this year, the WHOLE country wanted to lynch the coach.
In recent years the WBs have got used to a culture of mediocrity whilst the ABs are part of a culture of repeated winning. The All Blacks have an embedded culture of expecting to win every game they play.
It's a culture which is very, very hard to implant in a team with such a mediocre background.
Robson, some good points there, but I can't go past those mediocre coachese having better international records – I beleive Deans now has the worst WBs record in history at 51% (yes you could argue that the competition is better, and we're in the bottom of a cycle). Aussie Rugby has ALWAYS been different to the others, 4th ranked in Aus, small boutique playing population – it has prided itself on innovation and strategy more so that outright skill and depth, hopefully the latter will come in time (I doubt it), but the roots shouldn't be lost.
I'll put it down to age in the end – and hopefully Deans can pull it together in time b/c he is a class coach and deserves a bit better – in 2 yrs I suppose he'll be the messiah… or a very naughty boy.
Rocky Elboa
I will be at the game again this week and strangly I am hopeful. Last week was a real low for me as a Wallaby fan, but I just have this feeling… can't explain it, maybe it was watching JOC and QC (and Beale) take on Cardiff last night or maybe I am loosing it.
To make my dream come true I think the team needs a few changes;
Pocock, he will ensure we win plenty of penalties with the way refs are interpreting the breakdown.
Mumm, his line out perfromance has been fantastic and his leadership and work rate at the breakdown and around the park is something we need more of
JOC Fullback
AAC Outside centre, Diggers Wing (or vis versa)
Keep Gits at 10 and QC 12, but get them talking and remind Gits that Rugby is a game of patience and phase play not a game of one of mircle winning plays
Bench Backs; Kingi, Beale, Mitchell
(Sorry Cross your soild but… well you know your not up to it)
All Pray that Fat Cat and Cliffy are fit
If the Wallabies forwards can win good possesaion
(this is one thing we have proven we are capable of doing) and the backs start to out think the opposition like the Wallabies of old and remember;
Come on boys! I am ready to believe again!
Hywel Roberts
Interesting to see what the Aussies think about Saturday. As a Welshman I think we have the team to do it, but historically we struggle when we're favourites. I think the Aussies, as with us, are dangerous when they've got their backs to the wall.
One samll point Lance, Tom Shanklin is fit but they've gone for Davies instead of him. Supposedly because his partnership with Roberts in midfield was effective, but to be hones I didn't really see any evidence of that myself!
Anyway, sorry I know this is for Australian fans, just thought I'd put a Welsh perspective across, hope you don't mind! I'll be there in Saturday too, here's to a great game of rugby!
More than appreciated from my perspective, can't wait to be at Millennium again, awesome stadium and great people.
You always know that win loose or draw it will be a great night and all the Welsh want is a good game
Let hope we get it; good luck Hywel and here to a great game
Well said Rocky, as you say, whatever the score is we'll definitely have a great night in Cardiff. I do honestly think though that here we have two sides who like to run the ball, and i am really looking forward to the game. I think it will be the best of the November series.
Enjoy the game, and the nightlife!
Like to run the ball? Wallabies?
Looking forward to it. Let's just all go to our happy place and pretend nothing happened last weekend…
Great to hear from you Hywel, boyo. Really appreciate your input and views from the other side – more than welcome.
I watched the Wales v Argentina game and didn't think Jonathan Davies was anything special – much prefer Shanklin's experience if he is available.
Pob lwc Cymru
Rugby Nick
Couple of points
1) we didnt win the 6 Nations last year, Ireland had th grand slam, in fact we came as low as 4th! (though joint 2nd on points)
2) our scrum has been lucky, decent refs should have penalized us, you should be comfortable there (our TH has only played TH twice before this set of AI's)
3) we are lacking creativity in midfield. Scoring tries is an issue, even against the argies the tries came from mistakes by them
4) we have peel back now so that is a step up vs our game against the AB's.
5) we are improving and have done traditionally well against you guys and in the last game of the AI's.
6) that poll seems to ask if we think we are good enough (we surely know we are), rather than will we win
I reckon us by about 5 though. Question will be how we do at the breakdown (powell is awful at 6, is no help there and makes no sense he is ahead of Jon Thomas) and how well peel can get quick ball out.
It should be a competitive game, provided our key players don't get knocked out in the first 30 seconds!
Good luck for the game.
Wales did win the Grand Slam last year (2008) Nicko???
I reckon Jamie Roberts is a world class player and ably supported by Tom Shanklin. I guess Jonathan Davies is just in the process of making a name for himself – a bit like our blokes.
You guys sure are good enough to win the match, as you were last year. You don't have any psychological barrier against the Wallabies like you do against the All Blacks.
Lance, fair point, I read it as last season (which we didnt) rather than last year, my mistake.
Yeah, like you we have a bunch of youngsters looking to make a name. Whilst there are old heads (stephen jones, martyn williams) there are also a bunch of youngsters… jon davies is, iirc, 20 (maybe 21), halfpenny is only 20, Jamie Roberts is 22 (or might be 23 now) hell even the likes of James Hook and Alun-Wyn Jones are in their early 20's!
Not as young a team as you but enough that we are confident we have players coming through.
Problem will still be our midfield, which again lacks guile when Hook isn't coming into the line. But having seen teh Scotland game I am not convinced by your own creativity either.
What do we think, 1 forward try apiece and the game decided on penalties?
Nicko mate, these Wallabies have been so inconsistent it's really hard to predict what'll happen next. I think they'll chance their arm and run it a bit more, especially if Ioane is there. That might make for a few more tries.
The Cymru boyos will run it as well, they usually give the ball a bit of width. I notice though that they're a bit east/west (lateral) in their attack sometimes instead of north/south.
There'll be plenty of penalties – the Wallabies always seem to cop a few. I'd like to think that Australia will put on a decent show for their last game of the tour and prove that last week was a 'one off'. They just might do that this week…..they'll have the motivation.
Wallabies by about 7.
hillston hog
this will be my 4th trip to what is in my opinion the best stadium on the planet. But its the only time I have been going in thinking – jesus this could go either way…..
If we fire – we have too much for the leek lovers, but its a big IF.
Clifford,Rockstar TPN, Bam and Gits will need to show us the are worthy of the raps and the young guns need to stop reading and start playing.
Either way – garaunteed a brilliant night out – for what its worth they put on a hell of a show for their first ever ashes match as well……if they could get their haircuts sorted out ai reckon i would move there !!
CMON TRHE WOBBLIES!!
Roscoe Tims @@LanceFree
Roscoe Tims (aka @LanceFree): A nasty, opinionated little man whose views are indeed narrow with a capital 'N'. Favourite Sport: mungo bashing. Does he ever have anything positive to say?
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Michele Siebenlist, 46, passed away on Sunday, April 07, 2019 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital at Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey.
Ms. Siebenlist was born February 15, 1973 in Dover, New Jersey the daughter of Norman and Eileen (Martell) Siebenlist. She was raised in Glen Gardner before settling in Somerset.
Michele attended Muhlenberg College and earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She managed a talent/development program for Catelent Pharma Solutions in Somerset, where she worked for six years.
Ms. Siebenlist was predeceased by her father, Norman Siebenlist.
She is survived by her mother, Eileen Siebenlist; her brother Brian Siebenlist and his wife Karla Harr; her sister, Ann Marie Buschiazzo and her husband John; her nieces and nephew, Maya, Grace, Emma, Gabe and her dog, Riley, who she adored.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Matthias Church in Somerset. Inurement will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.


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Last month, the Quiznos subway sandwich chain announced its new animal-welfare policy created in conjunction with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The cage-free, crate-free, and more humane slaughtering guidelines are one thing, but the real agenda shone through when Quiznos announced it was removing eggs altogether from three of its four cookies.
Certainly the industry has a whole host of issues confronting it, many of which will have a far bigger impact on the industry in the short term. I'm probably as guilty as any cattleman out there of being ready and willing to get out and work to build demand, open markets, manage grass better, improve genetics or meet consumer needs more effectively. But try to inspire me on how the industry is losing the public relations war against groups committed to the demise of animal agriculture, and I tend to nod and agree but do little in terms of taking action to ensure our message is heard.
One can literally fill an entire book with the inaccuracies, distortions and misstatements of facts made by the likes of Wayne Pacelle, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Al Gore or Ingrid Newkirk, but they've found a way to generate income streams that total in the hundreds of millions of dollars. And they are also finding audiences, not only on Capitol Hill but in the homes of the American public via the media.
We can't be fooled by the fact that these people are willing to distort the facts; they are formidable opponents. In concept, we espouse the same principles — preservation of the environment, good animal welfare, sound science-based nutrition and food safety. But in partnering with these groups, we must remember that our end games are different. The bottom line is these groups simply want us all out of business and are leveraging these talking points to their advantage.
To protect ourselves, our industry must adopt a zero-tolerance policy, and be forceful in selling the public on that reality. These groups understand the marketing mantra that perception is reality. Having the facts on our side is a good thing, but it won't be the truth alone that wins this battle.
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