I know, I know, it's raining, it's grey, it's cold and we're still not even out of February. So to cheer things up a little those kind and gentle folks at @waterstones have knocked a hefty 25% off my latest book. It only runs for today and tomorrow though, so you'll have to work fast. Just head over to the Waterstone's page and enter the discount code FEB26 at checkout. GO!!!
Bargain alert! Those kind people at @waterstones are giving you, dear reader, the chance to pre-order the paperback of my new book at the generously discounted rate of 3/4 what it should be, leaving you with more money in your pocket and a warm glow inside. Just enter the code at the check out on the Waterstones website. Go!!!!
Blood Traces by Simon Toyne published by Harper Collins UK on 27th March 2025 (previously published as The Clearing)
Book 2 of 3: Rees and Khan Thrillers
Book 81 of 2025
🖋5🌟review🖋
Although the second book in a series, this book works very well as a standalone. My first book by Simon Toyne, offering everything I look for in a psychological thriller: a credible story, mystery, tension, unexpected developments, danger and an investigation.
The characters are rich, authentic, clearly developed and draw empathy easily. There are a lot of characters, however each stands clearly by their individuality, some shady and unlikeable, whilst others you root for from the start.
The rich and varied language allowed me to be in the settings alongside Maddie & Laughton, feeling the tension build. The forest being particularly well brought to life. This is an exciting read too with considerable danger and pulse elevating action.
This book is plotted cleverly, with hints for the readers to try to connect the dots, some I got to grips with and could work out, some still caught me off-guard.
There are some tough topics covered within the plot, so realistically that it made me draw breath.
A dark and thoroughly enjoyable read!
📚 blurb 📚
Maddie Friar is missing
And she isn’t the first.
Women have been going missing around the forest of Dean for decades. Residents usually dismiss the disappearances as runaways.
Maddie Friar’s sister, Adele, is frantically searching but local police are no help.
Only forensic criminologist Laughton Rees might know the truth.
There is something dark lurking in this town. Something deadly.
This corner of the house has somehow become my office. It’s out of the way and cool in the summer, and I can light the wood burner in the winter.
Share pics of where you work.
Staying in the most amazing place in Jersey. Stuck out on a promantory between two beautiful bays, the Napoleonic La Crete Fort has been used for centuries as a look out and gun tower, most recently by the Nazis during their occupation of the Channel Islands during WW2. It’s so unbelievably quirky inside and the views are outstanding. @jerseyheritage #jerseyheritage #jerseyheritagetrust #bonnenuitbay #lacretejersey #quirkyholidays #quirkyholidayhomes
