Book review of Double Stakes by Alison Morton

Double Stakes by Alison Morton

Double Stakes by Alison Morton

A kidnapped daughter. A rigged election. A family under siege.

Former French special forces intelligence analyst Mélisende is desperate for recovery time after a gruelling mission. But when enforcers attack her family home in rural France, she uncovers a shocking truth – her sister-in-law’s gambling debt has put them all in danger.

Before Mel can untangle the crisis, she is ordered to Germany, where the daughter of Achim Nessler – the front-runner for chancellor – has been abducted. The kidnappers’ goal? To force Nessler to throw the upcoming election, paving the way for a hard-right victory that could upend not just Germany, but all of Europe.

Racing against time, Mel and fellow investigator Jeff McCracken dive into the murky world of extremist politics where old wounds and new betrayals collide. But as their hunt leads them deep into eastern Germany’s shadows, Mel discovers a chilling link between the case and her own family’s troubles.

Now, with both a nation’s future and her loved ones at stake, Mel must risk everything to stop a conspiracy that hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

Double Stakes is the third in the Mélisende Doubles thriller series

Double Stakes by Alison Morton

My review

I wouldn’t say I was a thriller junky, in fact I’m a wimp and usually prefer my reads to be warm, fuzzy and uplifting, however, this series of books has changed my mind. 

Maybe it is Alison Morton’s attention to detail or meticulous research, that combined with her own military background, means this series is so believable I felt like I was in the heat of the action with the characters. Maybe it’s because the characters are not just strong, focussed and well trained, able to outwit any enemy, but they also retain their personal, emotional sides. Maybe I am more of an adrenalin junky than I realised. 

Whatever it is, I was hooked. This book kept me on the edge of my chair and I’m sure it raised my heart-rate at times too. It’s fast-paced, full of action and political turmoil, both serious national issues and internal ones within various police forces and government agencies. This gave my brain lots to focus on and it was a difficult book to put down.

Double Stakes by Alison Morton

Having enjoyed the previous two books, I was eagerly awaiting this third book, and although they all grabbed my attention and imagination, Double Stakes was the best by far. I’m so glad I stepped out of my normal comfort zone and I'm sure you’ll enjoy these adventures too. I’m really hoping there will be more from Mélisende in the future.

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Alison Morton

Author Bio  

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. She lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her latest three contemporary thrillers, Double Identity, Double Pursuit and Double Stakes. 

Her eleven-book Roma Nova thriller series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.

Six years’ military service, a fascination with Ancient Rome and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction have inspired her writing. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.  

For the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter here and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’ as a thank you gift.

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Mélisende Doubles thriller series by Alison Morton

If you haven’t yet read the first two books in the Mélisende Doubles thriller series, what are you waiting for – you can read my reviews here:

Double Identity

Double Pursuit 

Book review of The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman

The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman

The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman

Paris, 1943: Keeping her eyes fixed on the Nazi officer, Antoinette slowly reaches under the pillow for the knife hidden there. Her hands are shaking, but she knows what she must do to save her husband and child…

When the Nazis invade Paris, Antoinette Valette’s world shatters overnight. In an instant, she goes from being a celebrated violinist, to fearing for the life of her Jewish husband and son. With nowhere to flee, hiding in plain sight is her family’s only choice.

But when their secret is discovered and her beloved husband is torn from her arms, Antoinette’s heart breaks. She knows she must act quickly if she is to save her son from the same fate. Desperate, she asks the Resistance to secure him a place on the last train leaving Paris. Holding him tightly against her chest, she promises she will find him again. But is it a promise she can’t possibly keep?

Alone and with nothing left to lose, when the Resistance ask her to use her musical talent to spy on high-ranking Nazis, Antoinette doesn’t hesitate. Playing her violin at elaborate dinner parties each night gives her the opportunity to listen to their conversations. And although she risks her life every day, it is the only way to get her family back.

But when a Nazi commander makes advances towards her, Antoinette realizes that she will have to make a dangerous and impossible choice. Can she find the strength to do the unthinkable, in the hopes that it will save her family, and countless other innocent lives?

The third gripping novel in the Paris Sisters series, this novel tells the story of the power of a mother’s love, in the face of unimaginable darkness. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy. 

The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman

My review

Having enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was eagerly awaiting book three and looking forward to discovering the Occupation story of another of the Valette sisters.

Antoinette’s war differed from that of her sisters from the outset. As the wife of a Jewish musician, whose family was torn apart when the Nazi’s invaded Paris, her personal loss was heartbreaking to read. This traumatic time gave her the strength and determination to agree to work for the Resistance, using her music to infiltrate the occupying forces. The beauty of her violin playing contrasted with the risks, sacrifices and danger she put herself in and often had me holding my breath as I was dragged deeper into the book. I can’t imagine the emotions she felt as she made difficult decisions that would have repercussions lasting many years.

As with the previous books in this series, it is not just Antoinette’s war story that we follow. Suzanne Kelman is a master at cleverly crafting dual timeline novels that add another dimension and even more emotions to the story. We join Deanna, Antoinette’s granddaughter, as she sets out to uncover the mystery of a precious violin uncovered in her father’s attic. Unravelling her family’s mystery proves to be a journey that takes her to some dark places emotionally as well as some exotic locations.

This book, (and the previous two) are ones to add to your reading list this summer if you enjoy family mysteries, history and the Occupation.

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French Village Diaries is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk at no extra cost to you.

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Suzanne Kelman

Author Bio  

Suzanne Kelman is a 2015 Academy of Motion Pictures Nicholl Finalist, Multi-Award-Winning Screenwriter and a Film Producer. As well as working in film she is also an International Amazon Bestselling Fiction Author of the Southlea Bay Series – The Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Rejected Writers Take the Stage and The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding. Born in the United Kingdom, she now resides in Washington State.

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If you haven’t yet read the first two books in the Paris Sisters series, I recommend that you do – you can read my reviews here:

The Last Day in Paris

The Bookseller of Paris 

The Paris Promise by Suzanne Kelman

Book review of A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

Feathers, diamonds, showgirls, oh la la… Paris is everything Opal Laplume could dream of. But she wasn’t expecting to be cast as the lead detective in a murder case…

Paris, 1930. The Honourable Opal Laplume has just started working as a seamstress in the most glamorous cabaret in Paris. The stage is set for a spectacular opening night, but tragedy strikes when the star of the show, Valentine Beaumanoir falls from her hotel balcony.

The police believe it’s an accident, but Opal isn’t convinced. Witnesses heard Valentine shout for help before she fell. But if she was pushed, how could the culprit have escaped when her room was locked from the inside? And who left a perfect white rose on her bedside table?

When a deadly note to another dancer is found, Opal ditches her threads and thimbles to take charge of the case. Stepping backstage, she finds everyone had a reason to want Valentine dead. The chorus girls were jealous of Valentine’s spot in the limelight. But did one of them want the lead role that badly? Before she fell, Valentine called out the name of her beau, costumier Christophe. Could the show-stopping murder have been a crime of passion?

But just as Opal thinks she’s on track to solve the mystery, the theatre is rocked by a murder on stage, where once again the killer vanishes into thin air. Opal soon realises a bigger plot is unfolding. Can she keep her composure and catch the cabaret killer? Or will it be her final curtain call?

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

My review

As Opal Laplume settles into her new life in Paris, sporting her unique style of headwear, and with her adorable companion Napolean at her side, it doesn’t take her long to realise that if she wants the truth about the mysterious disappearances happening to the cabaret cast, it is up to her to piece the clues together.

Opal was a fabulous character to get to know, and being with her in 1930’s Paris was a riot for my senses that put a huge smile on my face. Her observation skills were a gift, ensuring she picked up even the tiniest detail in every situation, and never failed to notice when something was amiss. The cabaret dancers were vibrant, as were the colours and textures of their costumes and feathery headdresses, and the arty society soirees she attended, with familiar names, swirling cigarette smoke and absinthe pipes all came alive from the pages.

I never doubted that Opal would succeed where the police had failed, but I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns this book gave me. It was one of those books that was easy to slip into, but not so easy to put down and I’m looking forward to reading more fabulous adventures from the Honourable Opal Laplume.

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Millicent Binks

Author Bio  

Millicent is a writer, former costume designer and burlesque performer from Suffolk. She now resides in North London with her husband and two cats, Queenie and Tarquin.

She has a BA (Hons) at Wimbledon College of Art in Costume Interpretation. Her writing credits include a column in the The London Evening Standard about her life as a burlesque starlet. She wrote the cover story “Alter Shego's” for The Sunday Times Magazine, in which she disguised herself as different women, took self-portraits, went out, introduced herself to random gentlemen and documented their reactions. This was optioned for TV by NBCUniversal.

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A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

Book review of Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack – one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle ...

Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen…

And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle - the Battle of Crécy – one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

My review

For years, my only knowledge of the Battle of Crécy was from the brown tourist sign you see from the motorway when driving north from Rouen to Calais, a journey we do regularly. Its significance to England’s shared history with the French was unforgivably lost on me until recently, but honestly, my history lessons in good old 1980’s Blighty left a lot to be desired. Working at an historical tourist site in France has fired a passion in me for French history, and especially those periods where French and English history entwine. 

You can only imagine the delight I found in immersing myself in this book. Using the wonderful medium of well-written historical fiction enabled me to follow in their footsteps and added flesh to the bare bones of my knowledge. 

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

This book is gritty, gory and not for the faint-hearted, but I was in my element, and it certainly helped me visualise life for the invading army and the terror of medieval warfare. I now have a better understanding of some of the complexities around who thought they had rights to the French throne and why. 

I’ve also discovered this is the first in a trilogy, so I can’t wait to continue my journey back through time with books two and three. 

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French Village Diaries is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk at no extra cost to you.

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Author Bio  

Studied actuarial science, then became a computer salesman for 13 years- after the 13th company folded, he turned to writing.

He’s the author of 50 novels, 6 novellas, 4 collaborative books and short stories. His tales are inspired by history and legends, but are all grounded in real life and real people, what motivates them, and why they turn to violence. 

Founder of Medieval Murderers, he has served on the committees of: Historical Writers’ Association, CWA and Detection Club. He has judged the Debut Dagger, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and other prizes, as well as serving as Dagger liaison officer and CWA Chair. He has taught writing at Swanwick and Evesham, and tutored for the Royal Literary Fund. He now runs South West Writers in Devon. 

His work has been celebrated by Visconti and Conway Stewart pens; 2014 he was International Guest of Honour at the Bloody Words festival in Toronto, and Grand Master of the first parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

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Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

Book review of Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

When all seems lost, can she find herself again?

For years, Wendy has put others first. A loving wife, mother and nurse, she has never taken time for herself. But now with her children flying the nest, she decides, alone, to rent a little house in a forgotten corner of the French Alps where she can try and answer the question: what next?

But when she arrives, Wendy starts to regret her decision. This retreat suddenly looks so very different from the dream. As she walks the hill paths alone, thoughts of her family leave her with a pang in her chest.

With no one else to care for, Wendy is suddenly forced to confront something she’s tried her best to hide: the real reason her family is falling apart. Is she strong enough to face it alone?

Then, just when she thinks she’s hit rock bottom, she discovers that help can come from the most unlikely places: a newfound friendship giving her the strength to start again. Wendy always thought she knew how her story would end but she’s learning that this is only the beginning.

An absolutely heartbreaking and uplifting story about love, loss, unlikely friendships and finding strength you never knew you had. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, Amanda Prowse and Matt Haig. 

My review

Wow, I have to admit that it has been a while since I read a Nick Alexander book and although they have never disappointed, this one turned out to be a much more powerful  read than I was expecting.

To begin with I felt sorry for Wendy, acclimatising to time alone in her mountain cabin, in the wilds of the Alps, just above Nice, although I enjoyed the memories the views of her vistas gave me of our holidays in the area. As her story was revealed, I felt hurt and angry for her, at the traumas she witnessed as a nurse in England during the pandemic and her family’s seemingly lack of understanding at what she experienced. Then things took a darker, more difficult twist. I don’t think this is a spoiler, but I do feel there should be a trigger warning for alcohol issues in the description of this book, meaning that at times it wasn’t an easy read.

Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

Wendy wasn’t always an easy character to like, but there was an ever-present optimism in my head that she would find the signs she was hoping for, and in doing so “find herself”. The people she met in France, or those from her past who she tried to reconnect with, all had interesting stories to throw into the mix of emotions that this book stirred within me. It was a page-turner, but not how I imagined it would be. 

If you are looking for something a bit grittier and more grown-up than cosy, and that is guaranteed to make you think, then add this book to your kindle today.

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French Village Diaries is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk at no extra cost to you.

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Author Bio  

Nick Alexander is a bestselling British Author of nineteen novels. He has sold more than two million copies of his books to date. His works have been translated into nine different languages and he has had bestsellers in France, Germany and Norway.

Nick lives in a sleepy village in the southern French Alps with his partner, three cats and a mischief of screechy magpies that the cats just love to hate.

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Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander