Twisted - Steve Cavanagh, 2019

Sometimes we choose a book for its cover, that happened to me when I saw ‘Twisted’.  If I’m completely honest I never had heard about any of Steve Cavanagh books before, so this was my first ever book from the author.

The idea of the book is intriguing, a mysterious and very successful writer, with a shady past living in a quiet, wealthy area where nobody knows about him, actually he is so mysterious that nobody knows his real name, his face and never gave an interview. All mystery. His wife is having an affair with a waiter and they discovered a bank statement with $20 million hidden from her and here is where hell unleashed.

The name of the book ‘Twisted’ honours the number of twist this novel has, one after another.  Steve Cavanagh’s novel made us be hooked with the storyline but I have to admit that took me around 140 pages to get me in. Before that point I was a little bit disappointed with the slow page and the unrealistic storyline, but after that point the first part made sense, and after all it was an enjoyable read.

In general lines it’s a good read but it is not one that i would particularly recommend, There are many other novels that you can spend the evening reading instead of this one, but that’s just my opinion.

The main character, Paul Cooper is not believable in his role of writer/killer/blackmailing/hero.  Actually I wouldn’t be sure if he fits in any of those categories, he looks like a scared guy trying to hide with little personality who is afraid of his shadow, and that, again in my opinion, is a let down.

If I have to rate this book, I would struggle to give it more than 3.5/5 stars.

If you have read it and have a different opinion, do not hesitate to leave us a comment. Nothing is more welcome than a literary debate!


Twisted by Steve Cavanagh
Orion Books
ISBN - 9781409170709

Saints and Sinners - John Broughton, 2018

Surely, a great number of those who love historic novels were as well faithful students of the history subjects at school. I wonder, however, how many got the chance to enjoy lectures by those teachers who not only loved history but also teaching?

I consider myself very fortunate in that matter. I had the honour to learn about World History from a marvellous, tough and passionate teacher: Mrs. Izaguirre, who not only did walk me through the centuries across the continents and presented me with excitement the faces, the empires, the wars and the treaties but also seeded the hunger for the knowledge of our past.

Today, I’m posting a brief review of a historic fiction thriller: ‘Saints and Sinners’ that left me with the same taste after those fifteen minutes sessions of history at high-school. John Broughton grabbed my hand and put me in the end of the seventh century with my feet on the grass of Mercian land, the English Midlands.

With the turn of every page, I managed to know King Aethelbald, later Bretwaldas on his early years when he was prosecuted due to a false accusation for murder. I stood next to him on the fights, arguments and negotiations to appreciate his personality as an impulsive and sometimes aggressive man and how his friends and foes built the character of whom will become a Ruler of Britain and bring a period of prosperity for the Mercian domination. 

For those who are not savvy on geography – that’s my case – keep an eye on the map presented after the index.

I became his follower after reading “The Purple Thread” (Endevour Media, 2017) and I am certain that “Saints and Sinners” will attract more readers to him. I truly enjoyed this novel which is a master lecture of history, politics, war and – I am sure Mr. Broughton did it purposely – linguistics.

You have not read proper Historical Fiction if you have not read John Broughton’s work.

Very recommendable.

ISBN: 9781791708924

Endeavourmedia.co.uk

No Rest for the Dead - Andrew Gulli, 2011

Have you ever had a situation or memory that left a deep mark in your life? Do you carry any experience with you that has turned into a burden?

If you would ask me, likely I would answer affirmatively. Probably the point is, how each of us manage such episodes of our past: to learn and overcome, to grieve, to grow…

Former detective Jon Nunn will live a life full of remorse after the Rosemary Thomas’ case. A woman condemned to the death penalty for the murder of her husband Christopher. With all the evidence pointing at her, little doubt left that the humiliated wife of the successful curator and cheeky womanizer has taken revenge for the years of mistreat and embarrassment and was guilty. But, was she?

With nothing to lose after a career in freefall that left him with empty pockets and living by the day, Nunn will look to uncover the truth in this cold case. He will find that not everybody manages the guilt in the same way and, whilst some may hide, some others will simply move on and enjoy themselves and their wealth.

When I saw this book whilst browsing on the net, I felt compelled to get it provided the list of amazing authors those that participated in this project. Many of them already in my bookcase, such as: Katy Reichs, Jeffery Deaver, Tess Gerritsen (one of my star authors), Diana Gabaldon, Jeff Abbott, Mathew Pearl and David Baldacci.

It is hard to give a short description of the plot – at least for me – without giving away too many details of the story. But what I can definitely say is that there is no possible way to find out the truth behind the finding of the rotten human remains in the iron maiden at the German Historial Museum.

All the rest is for the reader to discover in this remarkable literary work coordinated by Andrew Gulli.

In a different note, I would like to mention that all profits from this book are sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Very recommendable.

ISBN: 9781471103957

www.simonandschuster.co.uk