I received an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review.

Although this is the fourth book in the Inspector Sheehan Mystery series, this is the third book I’ve read because I caught up on it in the second book, the 11:05 Murders and I have kept reading the new ones (you can check my review of The Coven Murders here, where you will also find a link to my review of the previous book). And I can confirm that I have enjoyed them all. By the way, any readers of this book who enjoy it but haven’t read the first one in the series either, I recommend you keep reading the book until the end, including the extra materials, because the author kindly offers copies of the first book to any readers who request them directly. So there’s no excuse. (And that makes me think… what am I waiting for?)

This fourth instalment in the series has all the elements fans have come to love, and any readers of police procedurals would expect to find. There are weird murders, a clever and truly twisted murderer, bizarre clues and possible motives, plenty of red herrings, twists and turns galore and a fascinating background to the story (the dark web, a pretty unique club, corruption, debauchery, blackmail... even Brexit makes an appearance!). If you love puzzles and crosswords you'll have a slight advantage when trying to solve the case, but you need to keep your wits about you and pay close attention to even the smallest details (although I must confess that I did not guess the murderer this time, and I was derailed by a red herring. In my defence, though, I did uncover one of the major clues faster than the members of the team and even the expert, but then, although I hardly do crosswords these days, I used to be a fan). 

It also has the Northern Irish setting that is always an important aspect to the stories in the series, and in this case there are no paranormal aspects, like in the last book, but we have interesting philosophical and moral debates about the nature of justice, retribution, and the risks inherent in taking the law in one’s hands.

One of my favourite aspects of the books in this series is the interaction between the members of the team, who are all unique but work together well, despite moments of tension and misunderstandings. We get to learn more about the characters, we see how even some that seemed very set in their ways have developed and play a bigger role in this novel, and I was pleased to catch up with them. That does not mean this book cannot be read as a stand-alone. In fact, the author has followed readers’ suggestions and has added a list of characters at the beginning of the book, including the members of the team and also those pertaining to the story, and he has also included terminology used by UK police, to make sure that readers not familiar with it have no difficulties following the action, making it even easier to follow. Although there are passing references to events from previous novels, these are not fundamental to the story or the development of the plot, and there is no cliff-hanger at the end either, so don’t hesitate to read the novel if you like the sound of it. My only word of caution would be that you are likely to get hooked onto the series, so, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The book is written in the third person, mostly from Sheehan’s point of view, although also from some of the other members of his team, and we also get a prologue (pay attention) and extremely intriguing blog posts interspersed in the book, which are clearly related to the action, that is narrated in chronological order. There is sufficient background provided to all the topics that come up in the story to ensure readers can enjoy it, but this does not unduly delay the action, and the writing flows well and gathers momentum as it goes along. As I’ve said, it’s impossible to read the book without getting caught up in the intrigue and debating the clues as if you were another member of the team.

This is a strong and solid police procedural, with a fascinating and pretty dark case that will suppose a first-rate challenge for those who love a bit of detecting, and look for an interesting background and characters they can root for. Another gripping book by Brian O’Hare. I am eagerly awaiting the next one.

Franklin's Secret Club would be a wonderful story to teach students the importance of not leaving people out of activities and including each other. This would be good to use in a kindergarten through 3rd grade class.  This book could be used to teach about friendship.  It could also be used if anyone in the class is being left out of things.  It would be a good way not to single anyone out but to still get the message across.  This could also be used as a writing prompt where the class could write about a time they were left out of something and how it made them feel.

So, this was my first time attending a book club of any sort. We were supposed to discuss Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. However, we talked about everything under the sun, even Mangoes, but the book. Though come to think of it, it isn't too surprising that a book club meeting in Karachi was going gaga over mangoes. It is after all, almost mango season and most of us are fruity over the fruits. Yeah, I know, I am overgeneralizing. Secondly, Pakistani mangoes are famous for being awesomely delectable. You won't know how much until you try one! I will try to share pictures before we have devoured and plundered the bounty but no promises. 

The book mostly sucked. Review to come.

#BookClub #SecretBookClub #TheBookThiefSucks #MangoIsKIng

Series: Mommy Club (Book 3)

"It takes two to make a baby... "

When an injury forces bull rider Ty Conroy home to his family ranch, he comes face-to-face with a big secret. A tiny version of himself. His son. Ty never anticipated being a daddy, but there's no denying the adorable boy. Nor the one amazing night he had with the baby's mom, Marissa Lopez. A night Ty can't forget...

."..but three to make a family. "

Moving to Ty's ranch was supposed to be just a temporary move for Marissa and the baby. Instead it's proving to be a temptation for her, and if appearances are to be believed, for Ty as well. But Marissa has to resist, for their son's sake. Because nothing--and no one--can keep a rodeo cowboy in one place. And when he leaves this time, she'll be damned if he takes her heart with him...again.

Ty has returned to Fawn Grove after an injury ends his bull riding career. He and his uncle are in the middle of turning their ranch into a guest ranch when he encounters Marissa. He hasn't forgotten the incredible night they'd had together two years earlier. When he finds out that she is the mother of a little boy, a son she hadn't told him he had, he is angry and hurt. He had never expected to be a father, but now that he is, he's determined to be the best that he can. He just has to convince Marissa.

Marissa hadn't told Ty because with his life on the road she didn't want a part time father for her son. Now that he's settling down, she can't deny him the chance to get to know his son. When he asks her to move to the ranch so that he can spend more time with Jordan, she agrees, but she's wary. The attraction between them is still strong, but she won't risk her heart on someone who could walk away.

I really liked Ty. When he finds out about Jordan he's determined to be a good father. His own father had been a rodeo cowboy, never around when Ty was growing up. After his mother left them, they went to live on his uncle's ranch, where his dad left him to go back on the road. So Ty knows what it is like and vows to be the kind of father Jordan needs. I loved seeing the way he got Marissa and Jordan to move in at the ranch and how he jumped into fatherhood. It was really sweet to see how quickly he and Jordan bonded. Spending so much time with Marissa has the attraction growing stronger, and Ty starting to think of ways to keep them on the ranch. But if she kept Jordan away from him for so long,  can he trust her not to push him away? And are his plans for the  ranch enough to give her the life she deserves?

Marissa had done what she thought was best at the time, but seeing Ty with Jordan now, she feels guilty about keeping them apart. She agrees to move to the ranch, but her attraction to him is playing havoc with her intentions. Having seen what her mother went through when her father walked out on them, Marissa was determined that she would never depend on a man for anything. But her feelings for Ty are growing stronger every day. She wants to believe that he'll be there for them, but when opportunity comes knocking on his door can she trust his choice? Or can she believe that love can make anything work?

I loved seeing the way that their relationship developed. They begin to understand each other's fears. I liked the way that Marissa worried about Ty on the trail ride, but didn't try to stop him, understanding his need to do it. I loved seeing Ty cope with Jordan's illness and how it opened his eyes to what was really important. Marissa also finally saw that Ty is different than her father, and that she can trust him with her heart.