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How Much For A Happy Ending – S E Winters

It was only a few photos. We needed the money. No one would have to know…

Growing up on a council estate in Thatcher’s Britain is no simple task. Bullied at school, with a rocky home life and a desire to escape the trappings of working-class life, Sinead discovers boys, recreational drugs and the nineties club scene.

After a string of abusive partners, she struggles as a skint single mum. A chance meeting offers her a new life of glitz and glamour, but it’s not all it seems. Plunged into a world of adult entertainment, Sinead finds herself in the heart of the UK glamour modelling industry, later becoming a dominatrix to make ends meet.

After paying the price of her own self-exploitation, she has the determination to forge a new career as a therapist, with bad decisions galore along the way.

In this autobiographical novel, a now forty-something Winters pulls no punches as she recounts the tales in graphic detail, with down-to-earth wit, refreshing honesty and an unapologetic potty mouth! Hilarious and sometimes heartrendingly uncomfortable, Sinead will make the reader squirm in their seat as she dishes the dirt on the tease and the sleaze of the adult industry.

Love or hate her, she says the things we’ve all probably thought at one time or another.

I received a review copy from the publishers through Netgalley.

Last year I discovered biographies are not just a stream of dry facts or a film by film summary of a starlet’s life. A life is colourful and fascinaing and if that story is well told then an engaging read can follow. I hopped onto Netgalley and for the first time I headed to the biography section. There were several books which just looked to be as dry as the desert sun. Some “celeb” stories for people I had never heard of and in the mix was a title which stood out: How Much For A Happy Ending? It caught the eye and I liked the use of an ironic pun for a title so I had a scan of the blurb and it didn’t sound like it would be boring. I was right, it’s many things but boring isn’t one of them!

From a young age our narrator, Sinead, takes the reader through her early awakening sexuality. Her upbringing in a council estate and her relationship with her seemingly unconventional parents and then her story moves into her relationships with troubling partners. Through the story Sinead’s developing sexual confidence grows and she finds herself turning to various ways to use her body and knowledge to earn a wage. It should be made clear that Sinead isn’t setting out to paint a rosy story of positive life experiences but the humour is often self-deprecating and she keeps a confidence in herself (in the main) to push through challenging situations.

After a few youthful encounters Sinead realises she has the confidence in her body to turn her hand to modeling. She speaks openly about the pressure young women can find themselves put under to offer more than just pictures and also the variety of pictures which could be taken may also shock some readers. Time and time again Sinead finds herself in new and unfamiliar situations and must decide how best to contend with the dilemmas she faces. The night she tried to become a model for tv chat numbers is told with humour but the pressure of the situation for a young woman to face alone is also somewhat concerning.

From photoshoots, to TV appearances (walking naked down the high street) and then to more personal one to one liaisons – while always keeping on the right side of appropriate behaviour – there are shocks, tears and upsetting events. It can be a hard read but the tone is kept light and matter of fact so despite the seriousness of a situation you feel the author is just looking to tell a story rather than use examples of behaviours to seek to change the world. There will be things which will feel inappropriate and some of these are between Sinead and her partner rather than any clients or firms she is working with. We are all different and all have different desires did feel like an approach which is used more than once.

Very much not my normal type of read but it was interesting and even educational (though I am not sure when I may ever need to use some of the knowledge I gained). Possibly not for the more prudish reader, the scenes of a sexual nature are not presented in vivid technicolour but discussed in mature and sensible manner – the book is better for this non-glorification of our desires.

I will be looking to read more biographies over time, perhaps not one quite so eye-opening as this!

How Much For A Happy Ending? is published in paperback and digital format and can be ordered here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09GPSTH6S/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

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January 11

The Midnight Man – Caroline Mitchell

‘I remember the day I died quite clearly.’

Blackhall Manor has witnessed many dark crimes, long before five teenage girls break in to play the Midnight Game. It was supposed to be a game, but only four girls come home.

Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force, and no one knows more about Blackhall Manor than her. Except perhaps Elliott Carter, who is only seven but has seen things in his dreams most adults could never imagine.

It’s a case that will bring them together and shake Sarah to her core. Will she be ready to meet the Midnight Man?

I received a review copy from the publishers via Netgalley.

A police thriller with a delightfully dark edge.

Sarah Noble is returning to work after a period of extended absence. She doesn’t expect an easy ride, given the circumstances which led to her absence, but Sarah does seem surprised at the animosity her colleagues are showing as she returns to duties with the police. Restricted duties and only core hours each day which is going to be a problem as her team are about to be involved in a troubling case which will stretch them and drain their resources.

The root of their problems lies within Blackhall Manor. The infamous old building (now falling to ruin) where one night, years earier, a father gunned down his wife and two children before turning the gun on himself. The building’s reputation now means it holds a fascination for the local school children. There is a “challenge” game they play where a group of kids will try to stay inside Blackhall Manor from midnight to 3.33am and avoid being found by The Midnight Man. If he should catch you then the understanding is that things won’t end well for the unfortunate player.

As we join the story there is a group of five schoolfriends planning their trip to Blackhall Manor. They have received an invitation to play the game and their nervous excitement is infectious as they consider the implications of playing and how they will ensure their parents don’t find out what their plans are.

The Midnight Man game is a great introduction to the story, particularly as readers have already been inside Blackhall Manor. The first pages of the story takes us back to that fateful night when the murders occurred – it’s a harrowing read as we hear events unfolding through the eyes of one of the children. The noise, the panic, the disbelief and incomprehension thrusts the story right into the face of the reader and it’s a powerful way to grab our attention.

In present day the game goes wrong for one of the players. She becomes seperated from her friends and discovers the game is much more real than they expected. Her friends believe she has chickened out and gone home so it is a shock the following day when news of a missing girl begins to circulate.

For Sarah and her colleagues in the police the missing girl is just the start of their problems. The girl comes from a powerful family within the small community and answers are urgently being demanded. As is the assurance the police will return her home safely. But for Sarah, work problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Someone is watching her, threatening her, taunting her and they seem to know all about Sarah – things nobody really should know. But in a small town can you really keep secrets?

The Midnight Man has a plan and he is playing his game but he also knows of Sarah and his plans may involve her too. Lives will be lost, others destroyed and any fragile trust which exists in the community will soon be shattered.

This is a tension packed read and Caroline Mitchell keeps you hooked. There are lots of great characters who feed into the story and each seem to have their own involvement in Sarah’s case but it’s never quite clear who is just quirky and who may have a hidden agenda. Dark, creepy and nicely paced to keep my attention throughout.

The Midnight Man is published by Embla Books and is available in digital format, audiobook and paperback. You can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09BVGYMD3/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

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November 24

Sins of the Father – Sharon Bairden

Lucas Findlay thinks he has struck gold when he marries Rebecca, but she married him for one reason only – to destroy him.

TRAUMA RUNS DEEP

When her past comes back to haunt her, Rebecca begins to disconnect from herself and the world around her. As secrets are unearthed, she begins to fear for her sanity… and her life.

TRUTH WILL OUT

With her world unravelling around her, Rebecca clings to her determination to make Lucas pay, whatever the cost.

FORGIVE HIS SINS

But someone must pay for the sins of the father…

My thanks to Meggy at Red Dog Press for my review copy and for the opportunity to join the blog tour for Sins of the Father.

Stand down cozy crime fans this one isn’t for you I am afraid. Sins of the Father is very much a dark and gritty story which tackles (amongst other things) domestic abuse, mental illness, murder and child abuse.

Still with me? Good you should be as Sharon Bairden has delivered a powerful debut which takes an unflinching look at some of societies darker secrets and wrapped a story of betrayal and revenge around them.

The focus of the story is Rebecca. The first quarter of the book introduces the reader to her world and shows how Rebecca had always been a bit different – from a young age she could hear voices in her head who would try to take over from Rebecca and guide her to say or do things which she may not normally have considered. The strongest of these voices was Samantha and Rebecca would often speak directly to her – essentially arguing with herself and allowing the reader to understand Rebecca’s conflicts.

Life isn’t easy for Rebecca, initially living alone with her mum the pair are close and determined to take on the world. Unfortunately for Rebecca her mother makes a new friend and starts to lose interest in her daughter, drink and drugs take over and soon a string of strangers will be at Rebecca’s home looking for time with her mother…and subsequently with Rebecca. The young vulnerable girl becomes too easy prey.

All too late the authorities catch up with what has been happening and Rebecca concludes her childhood in care and foster homes. She is a shell of her former self and seemingly irrevocably damaged.

Yet we spin forward a few years and Rebecca has her demons mainly under control. She is a successful player in Glasgow’s charity sector and has married Lucas, a fellow charity worker. The pair appear happy but behind closed doors this is a badly damaged coupling and there is much more to this marriage than anybody would have thought possible.

But Lucas and Rebecca have bigger problems, even if they don’t know it yet. Someone is watching. Someone who has been waiting for an opportunity to right a wrong and someone who wants revenge. It may be too late for Lucas and Rebecca – is their world about to collapse around them?

Powerful, emotive and dark – this is one hell of a debut.

Sins of the Father will be published by Red Dog Press on 27 November 2020 and will be available in paperback and digital format. You can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B088HGYLFF/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

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April 30

King of the Crows – Russell Day

“Ocean’s Eleven meets 28 Days Later.”

2028, eight years after a pandemic swept across Europe, the virus has been defeated and normal life has resumed.

Memories of The Lockdown have already become clouded by myths, rumour and conspiracy.

Books have been written, movies have been released and the names Robertson, Miller & Maccallan have slipped into legend.

Together they hauled The Crows, a ragged group of virus survivors, across the ruins of London. Kept them alive, kept them safe, kept them moving.

But not all myths are true and not all heroes are heroes.

Questions are starting to be asked about what really happened during those days when society crumbled and the capital city became a killing ground.

Finally the truth will be revealed.

I received a review copy from the publisher.

By the time you read this King of the Crows should be available to buy. Go get it. Right now. Is shall wait for you to come back before I continue. There is a handy purchase link at the foot of this review – got you covered.

Okay – have you bought your copy? Brilliant decision. The King of the Crows is likely to be the most memorable book I shall ever review here on Grab This Book. Well it’s a book about a global pandemic which I read during a global pandemic. If that’s not memorable then I am scared to know what could top it.

So you may be thinking that a book about a pandemic isn’t the story for you at the moment. That’s your choice obviously but if you are happy to accept that this is a work of fiction and isn’t meant to ever happen then sit down, strap in and get ready for an unforgettable ride.

A virus has spread across much of Europe. It started with cats (totally vindicating my abhorrence for the feline species) and it spread to humans. The author spends time showing how the early stages of infection were noticed by some of the key players in the story and it is soon very obvious that this virus is unforgiving and deadly. Those infected will keep functioning while their minds are destroyed – the virus keeps the body moving even when when it is badly deteriorated. The image I had throughout was of the zombies from the Resident Evil videogames.

In London there is a major tipping point in the attempts to combat the spread of infection. Troops open fire on a busy city bridge with the intent of stopping the infected crossing the Thames. Innocent and uninfected civilians die and those cutoff from ‘safety’ are forced to do whatever it takes to survive. With safety in numbers being key the story will track one group at a critical period in their travels around London.

The group in question have gained fame. After the viral outbreak society does return to a form of normal and a blockbuster movie was made (based upon the book written by one of the survivors). His name was Robertson and he became known as King of the Crows. I am not telling you why as that revelation is one of the many great elements of the book.

Robertson is one of the key characters the book will follow. Through London’s streets at the height of the crisis and in the future element of the story when the film has made him a celebrity but he is sitting in a police station being interviewed by two cops. They feel Robertson is a criminal but exactly what he has done is not immediately made clear. The interview scenes help link the action elements when the pandemic was at peak.

In addition to London we spend time in France. They had a worse infection than the UK and this element of the book tracks an American banker who gets stuck in a Parisian guest house as the city enters lockdown. Her flight to safety is very much a solo affair and has a different feel to the team efforts in London.

Also keeping the story flowing are urban dictionary explanations of new pandemic terminology. Chat room extracts where online debates rage about actual events which shaped the movie. These punctuate action sequences and allow us to keep abreast of events as scenes change and time passes.

The book is described as Oceans 11 meets 28 days later. It is not immediately obvious why those two films are singled out – all becomes clear. It’s wonderful to finally understand what has motivated some characters. The endgame blew my mind – did not expect what Russell Day meticulously plotted. So very good.

I remember last year when publishers Fahrenheit Press started to crow (sorry) about a manuscript they had received – Zombies and gangs and banks. They made it sound exciting, daring, like nothing you would get anywhere else but from Fahrenheit. It is all those things. You did buy your copy didn’t you? Good.

King of the Crows is published by Fahrenheit Press. It is available in limited edition hardback, paperback and digital format. As with all of Fahrenheit’s books, buying a physical copy will net you a free digital copy too. Order link here: https://fahrenheit-press.myshopify.com/collections/fahrenheit-press/products/king-of-the-crows-russell-day

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