A Mother’s Confession by Kelly Rimmer

 

A Mother’s Confession by Kelly Rimmer is an intense examination into the horrors of domestic violence, narrated alternately by Olivia, the victim, and Ivy, the mother of the perpetrator. It makes for utterly compulsive reading and throws a spotlight on what a huge responsibility parents have in raising children. From my own experience I could understand up to a point Ivy’s near adoration of her baby boy but whereas on some level Ivy knew she should be teaching him to be responsible for his actions, she always chose to interpret them in his favour.

The setting for the story is a small town in country New South Wales and, of course, life in such a close knit community can be either a blessing or a curse. The scenes between Olivia and her psychologist are riveting and central to clearing the pathway to her recovery.

There are many brilliant Australian writers and Kelly Rimmer rates highly among them. A Mother’s Confession moves at a slow, even pace, all the time gathering momentum until it reaches a shocking, totally unexpected conclusion.

I read this book in one day, and for anyone who hasn’t read it yet I would say find yourself a quiet space and prepare to be captured by some very good, all engrossing writing.

Published by Bookouture

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One Last Secret by Adele Parks

 

One Last Secret by Adele Parks is fiction noir at its finest. At the beginning of the book,  Dora, the narrator, is a high priced escort living in London. Dora’s many secrets are revealed as she tells her story.

Dora meets her various rich and powerful clients in the usually opulent destinations of their choosing, and she accepts gifts from some of them; but she is also aware that her profession comes with risks. Away from work she winds down with Evan, her wealthy, and straight, friend who obviously cares deeply for her and is always there if she needs him.

The story is packed with surprises and it becomes deeper and darker as Dora reveals more. I could not see what was coming as Dora unlocked her secrets, one by one.  It is an absolutely gripping read as Dora finds out just how risky her lifestyle has become and this book should come with a warning: lots of nail biting ahead.

Those secrets keep coming right up to the final pages. The thing I like most about Adele Parks’s books is just as I’m thinking: please don’t end yet, because it’s all been explained but I wish I could keep reading,  up pops another page with another tiny piece of the puzzle which I hadn’t even realised was missing, to make a brilliant completion!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m on a reading roll!

Published by Harper Collins

O2 by Nic D’ALessandro

 

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while. As the book opens Dylan is a troubled young man trying to make his way overland from Melbourne to Perth. He is reluctant to talk about himself to anyone he meets along the way, even a kind and instinctively sympathetic truck driver who eventually gets him to the outskirts of Perth. 

The reader is kept guessing about what has happened to Dylan and how he intends to keep going because he is obviously suffering, physically and mentally, but interest never wanes because Nic D’Allesandro so skilfully weaves his story. Dylan is a completely sympathetic character and my mothering instincts were well and truly brought to the fore. 

There are many layers to this story and one of them highlights a particular medical condition which mercilessly strikes some families and although much has been done to combat it over the years, much research is still needed to, hopefully, beat it one day and put an end to its often heartbreaking consequences.

Then there is the wild, crazy ride on which you are going to be taken as the book reaches its conclusion and from which I am still recovering! It is, honestly, so good and I hope lots of people will get to read it before the film companies start fighting each other over the movie rights.

Did I tell you I loved this book? Well, I did and I do. Congratulations, Nic D’Allesandro. 5 out of 5 stars from me.

Rings on Water

 

Rings on Water is another terrific crime novel by Madeleine Eskedahl set in the picturesque Matakana area of New Zealand.

After an accident in his home police officer Bill is pleased to hear that Niko, the young South Auckland constable, is once again being sent to help out while Bill recovers from a couple of broken ribs. 

Bill’s wife, Annika, is preparing an exhibition of her latest paintings. At her early morning yoga class Annika meets Crystal who has recently arrived in the area with her partner, the mysterious Andrei. 

Thus the stage is set for a story filled with superbly realised descriptions of life in a popular tourist destination in the off-season. I could almost feel the cold, wet atmosphere seeping into my bones as I read and I was always grateful when one of the characters put on a jumper and thick socks or stopped for a cup of hot coffee. Crime, of course, doesn’t have an off season and Bill doesn’t get much time to relax while his ribs heal.

The story held my rapt attention all the way through to the dramatic, action-packed ending. This is a book for anyone who loves a good, well plotted murder mystery with interesting and believable characters and where the location and the weather are equal contributors.

News that there is another instalment in the Matakana series on the way is very exciting! My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Published by Matheson Bay Press