Girl in a Red Silk Sari by Sharon Maas

                                                       

Ebook:  373 pages in Kindle Edition     

Genre: Fiction                                           

Publisher: Storm Publishing  April 28th 2025

Source: NetGalley

First Sentences: Madras, 1997, Asha  'Come,girl'  Mrs Pandain's voice was a command, her grasp on Asha's wrist that of an eagle's talon securing its prey. Tight fingers dug into her skin. Claws that pinched.

Review Quote: ‘Poignant, evocative, beautiful yet shocking and intelligently and sensitively written. It is all-absorbing, gripping and emotionally charged—an absolute must-read.” Reader Review,

Setting: India

My Opinion: 

It was only after finishing this novel that I discovered it was not the debut I had thought! In fact this author has a sizeable back catalogue and 'Girl in a Red Silk Sari' was originally published in 2001 as 'The Lost Daughter of India' and has been republished a number of times since then as well.

A disturbing story  about the ugly side of India. Asha's story is one that needs to be told as sadly even in today's world children are still being sold into prostitution. However in the nearly 25 years since the author first researched child prostitution in Mumbai, though still existing, it has been reduced to a tiny fraction of its previous levels. The author visited the streets of Kamathipura back in 2000 when researching her writing and it is the disturbing horrors of child prostitution in India that she brings alive in this novel.

Highly recommended, well worth reading even if it is rather harrowing to do so.

With thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Sharon Maas the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Madras, India. Caroline steps off the plane into the searing heat, senseless with worry. So much has changed since her first visit. This time, a piece of her heart is missing. This time, she is here to find her daughter…

Caroline Mitchell has never truly made peace with her past—and the circumstances that led to her separation from her beloved child. And when thirteen-year-old Asha vanishes without a trace, she faces every parent’s worst nightmare.

Desperate to find her, Caroline returns to India determined to do whatever it takes. The search will mean reconnecting with her estranged husband Kamal, and burying the memories of everything that happened between them. It will lead to the darkest corners of Mumbai’s infamous red-light district—a world of shadows, secrets, and unspeakable horrors. There, she discovers her precious daughter has been caught in a trafficking ring that preys on vulnerable children.

As Caroline navigates the labyrinthine streets and corrupt systems of Mumbai, she must find the strength to become the mother she has always wanted to be. Her mission will test her in ways she could never have imagined—but can she reach Asha in time, and save her from a terrifying fate? And if so, will she finally be able to heal the wounds of the past.

Perfect for readers of Jhumpa Lahiri, Julia Gregson and Lucinda Riley, this unforgettable novel will open your eyes and break your heart.

Author Profile:                

                                                                                                                             

                                                             Courtesy of Goodreads Profile

Sharon Maas was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1951, and a sense of adventure has followed her around the world. In 1971 she spent a year backpacking around South America, followed by a few months with pioneering friends in the Guyana rainforest, followed by an overland trip to India, followed by a year in a Hindu Ashram.

She settled in Germany where she married, studied, worked, and raised children. 

Officially retired, she continues to write from her new home in Ireland.

Her first novel was published by HarperCollins in 1999, followed by two more in 2001 and 2002. At present, she has 10 published works with the digital publisher Bookouture.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Author - Official Website.   Goodreads Profile.   Amazon Author Page   Instagram Profile

The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies

                                        

Ebook:   427 pages in Kindle Edition     

Genre: Historical Fiction                                           

Publisher:  Harper Collins April 24th 2025

Source: NetGalley

First Sentences: Dulcie narrowed her eyes at the bright light streaming in through half-open curtains, then glanced at her bedside clock. Still early, but the familiar tightness in her chest and the sense of foreboding were already there.

Review Quote: ‘I was totally absorbed by this page-turning tale of love, loss and heartbreak in a troubled period of Corfu’s history. The island is beautifully evoked, the characters gloriously alive and passionate'Rachel Hore

Setting: Corfu

My Opinion: 

Dinah Jefferies has been a favourite author of mine, since 2014 when her debut novel 'The Separation'. was published. Over the years she has transported me with her vivid descriptive prose to some wonderful locations, some which I have been lucky enough to visit and other places I now wish to see for myself. 

The Greek House is set on the beautiful island of Corfu, somewhere I have been fortunate enough to visit. With this story full of mystery and drama Dinah Jefferies in her inevitable style brings the history of the island alive. It is set in a turbulent time in Corfu's history, 1923. The Caruthers family, Piers, Dulcie, Thirza and Billy suffer a devastating event when Mussolini invades the island. The impact of this event and its effect on the various family members makes for a compelling read.

Once again Dinah Jefferies has written a very satisfying read. Highly recommended for fans of the author, historical fiction readers and armchair travellers.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Links to Previous Reviews:

 The Separation.  The Missing Sister. The Sapphire Widow. Daughters of War #1  The Tuscan Contessa Daughters of War#2 The Hidden Palace  Night Train to Marrakech: Daughters of War #3

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Can one house hold a lifetime of secrets?

Corfu, 1930

The moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home — and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance years before.

Returning to the Greek house, high above clear blue waters, Thirza tries to escape by immersing herself in painting — and a passionate affair.

But as webs of love, envy, and betrayal tighten around the family, buried secrets surface.

Is it finally time to uncover the truth about Billy’s vanishing?

Author Profile:                

                                          

                                               Courtesy of Twitter Profile

Dinah was born in Malaysia and moved to England at the age of nine.

As a teenager she missed the heat of Malaysia, which left her with a kind of restlessness that led to quite an unusual life. She studied Fashion Design and went to live in Tuscany where she worked as an au-pair for an Italian countess. There was even a time when Dinah lived with a rock band in a ‘hippie’ commune in Suffolk.

Although Dinah and her husband spent five wonderful years living in a small 16th Century village in Northern Andalusia, she's happy to say they now live close to her family in Gloucestershire along with two crazy Maine Coon cats.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Goodreads Author Profile  Twitter Profile  Dinah Jefferies - Official Website

Amazon Author Page

None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

 

                                           

Audible: 10hrs 30m  390 pages  

Genre: Mystery,Thriller, Audiobook, Contemporary Psychological Thriller,                                              

Publisher: August 8, 2023 by Simon & Schuster Audio

Source: Audible Membership

Literary awards

British Book Award for Crime and Thriller and for Audiobook: Fiction (2024), Audie Award Nominee for Audio Drama and Thriller/Suspense (2024), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Mystery/Thriller (2023), Book of the Month Book of the Year Award Nominee (2023), Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Nominee for (shortlist) (2024)

First Sentences: Stumbling from the cool of the air-conditioned hotel foyer into the steamy white heat of the night does nothing to sober him up.

Review Quote: 'Shocking and creepy and glorious' Nicola Walker-Actress

My Opinion: I have been a fan of Lisa Jewell's writing for a number of years now, having previously read at least seven of her novels. 'None Of This Is True' was a new departure for me as I 'listened' on Audible. I did enjoy the experience, especially as this disturbing story with so many dysfunctional characters was partly read by an actress I love, Nicola Walker.

The protagonists Alix Summer and Josie Fair first meet on their Birthday which happens to not only be on the same day but the same year 'Birthday Twins.' Alix has her own podcast and intrigued by Josie she agrees to feature her in one when Josie presents the idea to her. Little did she realise at the time just how much this decision would impact her life in such a disturbing way.

A contemporary psychological thriller that will have you hooked, listen or read if you enjoy this genre.

Links to Previous Reviews:  Then She Was Gone  Watching You  The House We Grew Up In. The Family Upstairs  The Night She Disappeared  The Family Remains

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins.

A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix’s children’s school. Josie has been listening to Alix’s podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.

Josie’s life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can’t quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.

But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family’s lives under mortal threat.

Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?

Author Profile:

Lisa Jewell is an internationally bestselling author of successful  novels, including, Then She Was Gone, I Found You, The Girls in the Garden, and The House We Grew Up In. Her debut novel in 1998 Ralph’s Party, was an instant bestseller. In total, her novels have sold over 2 million copies across the English speaking world. Her work has also been translated into sixteen languages. Lisa lives in London with her husband and their two daughters.

For more biographical information check out her Goodreads Profile


Photograph, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.

Amazon Author Page    Lisa Jewell - Official Facebook Page     Wikipedia - Lisa Jewell

Twitter Profile    Goodreads Author Profile

Don't Believe A Word by Susan Lewis

                                              

Ebook:   480 pages 

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction,  Adult Fiction, Mystery 

Publisher:  HarperCollins (10 April 2025)

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentences: "And you found this, where' Christy asked, looking up from the pages she'd just spent the past few minutes reading, pages that had taken her briefly to another world where clearly something wasn't right. She already wanted to know more.

Review Quote: ‘Drips with tension and suspicion.  Mind games, mystery and mayhem.’ Reader Review 

My Opinion: 

It is over twenty-five years ago that I first read a novel by Susan Lewis and I have continued to read her writing from time to time over the years. She is a prolific author, who writes across a broad range of genre, crime, thrillers, suspense and family drama. 

'Don't Believe A Word' sees the return of podcasters from Nothing to See Here, Christy and Connor and their team with another mystery for 'Hindsight' their podcast. This time the company has been approached by Sadie, a young woman who believes they may have the ingenuity to investigate who she really is!

Once again great character portrayal from Susan Lewis and a substantial read that will certainly keep you guessing. I am delighted that the author decided to feature these characters in a second novel and was also pleased to learn that a third story in the series Never Look Back is due to be published towards the end of this year.  The two novels published so far definitely stand alone however reading the series enhances the understanding of the relationships of the many characters.  Highly recommended to anyone that enjoys a good mystery.

Thanks to Net Galley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Previous Review:  A Sicilian Affair.  Nothing to See Here

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

They raised me. Nurtured me. And lied about everything.

Sadie’s childhood has always been shrouded in mystery.

But there are three things she knows.

She was raised by two aunts.

She never knew her parents.

She is convinced she was stolen.

Cristy Ward, podcast host, is gripped by Sadie’s story. It’s perfect for her next true-crime investigation. Yet Sadie's aunt claims it’s all a fantasy.

As the evidence begins to stack up, and the lies fall apart, they all could be in a lot more danger than they thought…

Author Profile:         

                                                                         

                                      

                                                     Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors  Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

 Official Author Website  Twitter Profile   Instagram Profile   Facebook Profile 

Amazon Profile    Goodreads Profile