Category: Bookish Delights

Book Review: Graeme Cumming – @GraemeCumming63 Borderline #bookreview #thriller

Synopsis:

Winner of the Bronze Noose Award 2026

Gritty, sharp-witted, and packing a serious emotional punch!
Lauren North

‘Thirty years ago the dominant voice in PI fiction was Robert B. Parker. His ‘Spenser’ novels are probably the best thing since sliced Chandler. Ever since I first read a Spenser novel I’ve wondered about an English Spenser to no particular conclusion, but in Graeme Cumming’s ‘Rand’ Scott (yes, that really is his name) I think we have a contender. Rand is the Spenser mix of borderline criminal and white knight, the hard-case with a heart of gold. That said, Cumming doesn’t pretend to copy Parker’s style, his voice is his own, his dialogue crisp, his sense of place superb … and he doesn’t give a flying F about food (sorry, Robert B.)
John Lawton

What an incredible novel. Cumming’s strong and authentic writing explores the murkiest worlds of covert policing in the most gripping and compelling way. Exquisitely plotted and expertly told.
Graham Bartlett

As good a crime thriller as I’ve read in years.
Rudders Writing

I love how he writes about vulnerable people with such care and compassion, and this adds an extra layer of complexity to the characters in this novel as well as giving the reader some interesting things to think about
Portable Magic

A cracker of a thriller that has the perfect ingredients for a great read!! Gritty, dark and twists that are perfectly placed.
Sharon Beyond the Books

Funny, smart, and with plenty of twists and turns.
Rambling Mads

Borderline is a cracking crime thriller, it’s dark, there is violence, there is intrigue and I was hooked!!
A Knight’s Reads

When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.

A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.

Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.

The police also want him – for murder.

And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.

A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.

My Review:

I don’t often read thrillers but when I do I often enjoy them so thought I’d give Graeme Cumming’s book, Borderline, a go.

And I’m glad I did, I enjoyed.

My thoughts: A well crafted, and plotted book which is gritty and exciting, (especially the last third of the book, which really sizzles). Expect musical references and realistic social commentary and dialogue including some laugh out loud moments.

Liked: Characterisation, particularly the main character Rand, (Cowboy,) not a policeman, not a pushover either. Rand follows his own moral code. He investigates and tries to find a missing man, Johnny Moore, a former fairly well known rock star who’s fallen upon hard times, (expect references to crime, drug culture, social issues, and homelessness,) and his sister Kirsty’s wish to help her brother, Johnny, at all costs.

Setting: Seedy sex club culture, homeless refuge, unscrupulous criminal elements, vulnerable women. Storyline and setting/s worked well. 

A recommended read for thriller and other readers.

Well done to Graeme on his Bronze Noose award!

M.J. Mallon’s review of Borderline | Goodreads

Buy link:

Borderline eBook : Cumming, Graeme: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Signature

Book Review Haiku Dan Costinas #poetry #haiku #climatechange AND Preorder – Almost Posthumous: One Hundred Pages of Solitude #literary #darksatire #preorder #psychologicalthriller #fiction

My Review – It Is Not Too Late To Restore Planet Earth

Dan Costinas’s Haiku It Is Not Too Late To Restore Planet Earth is as its title suggests – a poetry collection about climate change and our human responses to it, our lack of care and action taken.

It’s a short book of haiku poetry about climate change with a big heart.

It has three sections D, beginning with the devastating effects. This part is hard hitting, it doesn’t hide behind a flimsy wall.

One such example from the collection:

seas mourn their new pain
plastic chokes the waves to death
countless megatons

H, offers glimmers of hope,
An example:

whispers wash red skies
smooth pearls twirl upon dry leaves
Earth drinks, reborn new

The author Dan Costinas illustrates the D & H series with Kanji (Japanese characters.)

And in the final section E, he challenges the typical 5, 7, 5 syllabic structure by using a single word on each line to convey a deeper overall meaning.

As in:

undeniable
totalitarianism
intolerable

I’d recommend to poetry enthusiasts who appreciate how a few words really can drive the message home.

Poetry truly is powerful!

A worthy collection with dire warnings but optimistic overtones to make life on this much loved Earth better through change.

My review on Goodreads:

M.J. Mallon’s review of Haiku: It Is Not Too Late To Restore Planet Earth | Goodreads

To buy:

Haiku: It Is Not Too Late To Restore Planet Earth eBook : Costinas, Dan: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Also, keep a look out as Dan has a new book coming out on 1st July, you can preorder with this link: Almost Posthumous: One Hundred Pages of Solitude eBook : Costinas, Dan: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Synopsis – Almost Posthumous: One hundred Pages of Solitude

Fame. Fraud. Second Chances. Welcome to the ultimate literary deception.

Jordan J. Justice spent his entire career playing by the rules. He poured his soul into brilliant, fiercely honest prose, only for his books to gather dust in forgotten discount bins. In a world of short memories and toxic literary gatekeeping, the public met his talent with deafening silence until he decided to rewrite the rules entirely.
He realised the world only devours the work of an author whose voice has been forever stilled. So, he gave them exactly what they desired: a ghost.

By staging his own disappearance, Jordan orchestrates a grand illusion. Overnight, his name roars onto global bestseller lists, and his ignored manuscripts are suddenly fought over like holy relics. He is forced to watch his lifelong ambition succeed from the shadows of a monumental irony, living a double life where his talent is finally honoured, but only at the cost of his identity.

Yet, when a cynical literary world threatens to pull down the curtain on his masterpiece, Jordan refuses to remain buried. If the traditional publishing establishment demands a corpse to find value, the entertainment industry demands a survivor. Escaping to the glitz and grit of the silver screen, Jordan takes his genius for deception into Hollywood, transforming the ultimate literary fraud into a highly lucrative commodity.

Almost Posthumous is a genre-bending, multi-layered narrative that offers a unique, multi-part perspective:

The Wilderness Files:
The brilliant, surreal short stories written by Jordan during his dark years of obscurity: tales of quiet desperation, existential dread, and sharp irony.

The Hollywood Aftermath:
The voyeuristic thrill of the scripts, treatments, and character bibles that document Jordan’s chaotic evolution from a failed novelist into a ruthless television showrunner.

Part psychological thriller, part dark satire, and part metafictional anthology, Almost Posthumous is an artefact of our collective obsession with celebrity culture. It is a sharp, biting commentary on how society values its prophets only when they are gone—and how a clever man can use that cynicism to mould himself a brand-new life.
Read it now, before he changes his name, and his story, once again.

Almost Posthumous: One Hundred Pages of Solitude eBook : Costinas, Dan: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

I’ve featured Dan on my blog before (he is a generous chap and a great supporter of fellow writers, a fantastic poet and an author who is well worth discovering):

Interview with Dan Costinas, alias Dan Quijote #Shakespeare #reading #reviewing The Last Folio – M J Mallon YA Author and Poet

Signature

Paperback Offer #poetry #compilations #nature #family #memoir #offer #poetrycommunity #bookreviewers

As many of you will know Amazon is putting up the printing costs of paperbacks from 20th June therefore the cost to the author will be going up too. So for a few days, I am offering some of my poetry and anthology collections published under my Kyrosmagica imprint at reduced price at Amazon UK, and in most cases in Amazon US.

As an alternative, all of these books are also available in kindle and for free in kindle unlimited. If you are a book reviewer and would like a complimentary copy of any of the books mentioned do get in touch by leaving a comment.

Do What You Love – (offer applies only to kindle unlimited now)

Do What You Love is a personal poetry collection celebrating how the fates may have a part in all that we do.
With special poems and short reflective moments inspired by family, flowers and nature, love, scrumptious morsels, places I’ve visited, lived and intend to live in, the friendships and hopes I have for the future.

The overarching theme is to live a life well lived… And to do what you love.

float along with me
create clouds of sweetest joy
to do what you love
hold fate’s hand as we venture

“A small and perfectly formed collection about finding your way in life. ” Linda’s Book Blog

“M.J. Mallon lives and loves creativity in all forms, this collection brings it all together and it was really enlightening and a nice little slice of escapism.” Sim S

“Whatever she writes there is always a touch of magic ,” Adele Park

 “In this book, we find a compilation of words and images which draw us in: poignant, sensitive, delicate, playful, as she opens up for us her past and present relationships, the places she has loved and spent time in, and her thoughts and feelings about it all.” Sheila

“Do What You Love” is a beautiful collection of words and photos that invite the reader into Ms. Mallon’s life. D L Finn

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet is a collection of poetry and short pieces of flash fiction celebrating the beautiful vulnerability of the forest kingdom. It begins with the poetic tale of the kind-hearted Hedge Witch, Fern, who discovers an injured stranger in desperate need of her woodland spells and magic.

The sweet pairing learn from each other and through Fern’s guidance, Devin embraces the power of magic to leave behind his trouble past to become The Musical Poet.

Poetry/flash fiction titles in section one of the collection include:
The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet, Rain Forest Love, A Forest Baby Boy, A Forest Baby Girl, A Modern Witch, Rock of Mine, Chester Don & I, The Network of Trees, More Trees Not Less, Two Boys Watching War, Mum Climbing Trees, Let’s Play, The Scorched Tree, Owl’s Holiday Home, A Man’s Holiday Home, A Child’s Excitement, The Teddy In The Woods, Run! The Organutans, All Hallow’s Eve Candy Girl The Forest Bash, Dreaming At Halloween, A Face on Bark, Golden Willow Tree, Rainbow – Parasol of Light, Lollipop Sunshine Tree,

In Section two I pay tribute to the following poets:Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, Ruby Archer, King Forest, Bliss Carman, Woodland Rain, Emily Dickinson, Who Robbed the Woods, Rupert Blake, Stopping by The Woods on A Winter Evening,Oscar Wilde, In the Forest.

With my poetry:
The Forest Weeps, The Forest King, Raindrops and Childhood Dreams, The Woodland Treasures, Winter Woodland Moon, Child Me.

Review Quotes:

“This is a poetry and flash fiction collection seeped in nature and illustrates the love the author has for the environment, particular the forests.” Sally Cronin

“A beautiful book inspired by, and a nod to, the mystical and the natural world around us.” Ritu Bhathal.

“A magical collection of poems and prose. My daughter recommended this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. The author’s appreciation of nature, particularly trees shone through, which together with the beautiful writing made this a wonderful read. I was sorry to reach the last page.” Bookworm

“This is a lovely book, I was sad when I turned over and realised I’d reached the end.
This is a haunting serenade to trees, wistful and serene.
A little book to capture the beauty of nature and the essence of forests.” Happy Reader

Mr. Sagittarius Poetry & Prose

Twin brothers Harold and William love the magic of the natural world.

When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request.

Will his brother William and his sister Annette honour it?

Or, will the garden work its magic to ensure that they do.

A magical story expressed via an original compilation of poetry and prose with photographic images.

#Poetry #Prose #Photography #NaturalWorld #Trees #Magic #Spirit #Animals #CircleofLife #Humour #Halloween #Cats #Buddha

“This is an exquisite collection of poetry, prose and photos reflecting upon the joy, comfort and peace that is to be found in the natural world and in a beautiful garden. ” Sheila

“Mr. Sagittarius” is a wonderful collection of poetry, prose, and pictures weaved into a magical story. D L Finn

Mr Sagittarius is a gorgeous book full of delightfully depictive poems and short stories and decorated with striking photographs. This is a book that lovers of poetry, mystery, and wonder will love. Robbie Cheadle

Lockdown Innit

A poetry collection of eighteen poems about life’s absurdities and frustrations during lockdown. Wherever you live in this world, this is for you. Expect humour, a dollop of banter and ridiculous rants here and there. Amongst other delights, witness the strange antics of a swan posing by a bin and two statuesque horses appearing like arc deco pieces in a field. Check out the violin player on a tightrope, or the cheeky unmentionables wafting in the lockdown breeze! This is the second book I’ve written during COVID-19. The first, This Is Lockdown, is an anthology and compilation of poetry, and contributions from international authors set during the first lockdown and is available in two formats – kindle (my diaries, poetry and short stories, and contributions from international authors,) and a shorter paperback version in black and white (with poetry, short stories and contributions.)


Lockdown innit is a wonderful collection of predominantly free verse poetry on all kinds of themes experienced during the author’s third lockdown. I am sure many of the pieces will resonate with readers who have also experienced humanities frustrating behaviours during this pandemic.
 Reader for life

An intricate mix of observations from the author about how the pandemic has brought change. Some welcome, some not so much. A thought provoking read. A short book and quick read. The content is about the author’s thoughts on lockdown and how it affected her and others around her. Well written poetry and a book I’d recommend to others. Lizzie Chantree

In this collection of poems, MJ Mallon has given us a wry series of vignettes of our society during a very strange year in history; it reminded me in part of theatre of the absurd, and she carries it out with an admirable lightness of touch. She conveys the folly, the irritability, the absurdity of people’s behaviour, along with a feeling of being lost and adrift. Sheila

I loved the poems, they captured the spirit of the times, the vagaries of human behaviour, the poignant signs of a society in change. There are some beautiful observations of what has become the new normal. R Dockett

I hope you will enjoy some of these poetry collections.

All my published works can be found at my Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L/

My Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

And if you are an audiobook enthusiast both my YA fantasy books Bloodstone and Golden Healer are now available to listen to on audible. Follow the linktree above for all my buying links.

Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Thank you so much to fabulous fellow YA author Chantelle Atkins for inviting me to contribute to these wonderful character interviews on her blog. Follow the link below to Chantelle’s blog to read the full interview at source.

Welcome to a new feature on The Glorious Outsiders where I’ll be interviewing unique characters from other people’s books! You’ll find a character interview at the start of each month and today, I’m chatting to Amelina Scott from the YA series, The Curse of Time. I’ve read and enjoyed Bloodstone and will be starting Golden Healer very soon. So, let’s find out what Amelina has to say!

1. How old are you?

I am sixteen now. My story includes flashbacks to my thirteenth birthday when my dad disappeared. Since then, nothing has been the same.

2. where do you come from?

Believe it or not, I originate from this long line of Krystallos (crystal) magicians. It came as a shock to me when I discovered that.

3. where do you live? Describe it to us

I live in Cambridge in the UK, in a normal suburb. Don’t let that fool you! Our house has a hexagonal hallway, with a magical attic study, overseen by a key that talks and there is a much needed lookout point on the upper floor. If you visit, check out the clocks and the mirrors, too. You will find some mysterious surprises! Our house and the surrounding land is creepy and oppressive. I swear the house is a living entity; it makes a lot of grumbling, whispering noises! As our circumstances changed – with Bloodstone magic – the house reflected this by becoming altogether quieter.

 

Nearby, a short walk takes you to the river and the train tracks, where there is a pathway representing light and darkness. At the beginning, my mother warned me off going there, but how could I resist when there is a magical crystal cottage hidden there?

Source: Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Books That Changed Me—Fall Edition 2022! @RituBhathal @Marjorie_Mallon @Dwallacepeach @MaeClair1 @stacitroilo #writingcommunity #topreads #readersoftwitter #whattoread #mustreads #booksthatchangedme #fallreading – Author D.L. Finn

Thank you so much to author Denise Finn for including my latest release The Hedge Witch and The Musical Poet amongst this blog post about great Fall Reads, including talented authors Ritu Bhathal, D Wallace Peach and Mae Clair and Staci Troilo. Delighted.

Source: Books That Changed Me—Fall Edition 2022! @RituBhathal @Marjorie_Mallon @Dwallacepeach @MaeClair1 @stacitroilo #writingcommunity #topreads #readersoftwitter #whattoread #mustreads #booksthatchangedme #fallreading – Author D.L. Finn

Book Launch: My Perfect Ex @lizzie_chantree #launch #romance #read

So excited to announce the launch of Lizzie Chantree’s latest book! I have preordered and look forward to reading!

Book blurb:

Join bestseller Lizzie Chantree for a wonderfully romantic, feel-good summer read.

Poppy Marlowe, a mental health advocate, moves into Cherry Blossom Lane to escape her past and build a future with her gorgeous, but troublesome, boyfriend, Dylan.

Dylan lives in the house across the street. But his reputation as a heartbreaker is legendary and Poppy reluctantly decides that she must walk away to protect her heart.

Poppy’s friends think she is perfect for go-getter Jared, who’s ready to step into Dylan’s shoes and whisk her into his glamorous world.

Taking a chance on happiness is harder than Poppy imagined. Can she let go of her past and allow herself to fall in love with the same man again, or should she step into the limelight and walk towards a life with someone new?

 

Will love find a way to bring them back together, or are they destined to go their separate ways?

Universal book buy link: My Perfect Ex: viewbook.at/MyPerfectEx

Author bio:

International bestselling author Lizzie Chantree, discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now works as a creative mentor. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, about women who are stronger than they realise. 

Lizzie Chantree

International Bestselling Author and Business Mentor. 
Member of the Society of Authors and The Romantic Novelists’ Association.
Website

https://www.facebook.com/lizziechantree/

https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_chantree/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lizzie-chantree

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391757.Lizzie_Chantree

#NewBook: A Voice in the Silence by D L Finn @dlfinnauthor – Welcome to Harmony Kent Online

Congratulations to D. L. Finn she has a new book out!

Source: #NewBook: A Voice in the Silence by D L Finn @dlfinnauthor – Welcome to Harmony Kent Online

Drea Burr has experienced more than her share of loss when a stray dog, cat, and rat enter her life. Although the animals start to mend her broken heart, there is something very unusual about them. During a snowstorm, Drea discovers a chilling set of footprints leading to her front window. Both the police and a ghostly messenger warn her about a killer stalking widows. Help comes from her late husband’s best friend, Adam Hale. As the two try to discover answers, more questions arise— about a killer, ghosts, and animals experimented on in a lab.

Can Drea and Adam survive the threats coming from so many directions and save themselves and the animals they’ve grown to love? Or will more tragedy destroy her second chance at happiness? Find out in this thrilling, cozy paranormal adventure.

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? (March 8, 2021) – Carla Loves To Read @CarlaLoveToRead

A lovely blog post from Carla Loves To Read. Source: IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? (March 8, 2021) – Carla Loves To Read

It’s the start of another week. It’s Monday! What are you Reading is hosted by Kathryn from Book Date, this is a weekly event to share what we’ve read in the past week and what we hope to read, plus whatever else comes to mind.  I have several books on the go, and some others I hope to get to, so here goes.

To read more… What Are you Reading… click on the It’s Monday source link above.

Many thanks to Carla for including This Is Lockdown amongst this great celebration of reading!

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Christmas Book Fair – #Romance Linda Bradley, #Paranormal Mae Clair, #Western Sandra Cox, #Stories/Poetry M.J. Mallon, #Poetry Miriam Hurdle | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally for this wonderful feature with brilliant fellow authors, and friends –  Mr. Sagittarius is smiling!

Welcome to the Christmas Book Fair where I will be featuring all the authors currently on the shelves of the Cafe and Bookstore. The first author today is Linda Bradley with the romantic first book…

Source: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Christmas Book Fair – #Romance Linda Bradley, #Paranormal Mae Clair, #Western Sandra Cox, #Stories/Poetry M.J. Mallon, #Poetry Miriam Hurdle | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

New Book Release – #Shortstories – Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet by Sally Cronin

Sally has a new book out and it’s a tempting one!

Pop over to her blog to find out more and to order a copy: https://wp.me/p3ZnNr-xeP