Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra

 

Zach and his father, Bram, are taking part in a father-son weekend in the snowy Colorado mountains. Bram is keen to impress the business associates he's invited along and has little regard for the dangers that are constantly lurking in such hostile territory. Zach, however, is well aware of how unpredictable everything can be.

I loved Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra, so didn't hesitate at the chance to read her latest novel, Warning Signs. Dare I say that this is even better than Nightwatching? From the ominous opening, through to the nail-biting conclusion, you are on the edge of your seat as the pace never lets up.

The story opens with Zach, his younger sister, Bonnie, and his mother, Grace, skiing to a mountain retreat. Grace has lots of experience in the mountains, she used to be a member of the Mountain Rescue team and is keen to pass her knowledge on to her children. Grace refuses to take shortcuts; she's respectful of the power and danger the landscape possesses and is determined that her children will be the same.

We then move quickly to a year later, this time around Zach is with his father. The contrast between mother and father is extreme. Bram is only interested in money and power; not only is he an expert at manipulating people, but he's also a bully and wouldn't hesitate to take shortcuts if he felt it would benefit him. This immediately leads you to wonder why Zach is alongside him on the trip, and where Grace is.

As the pair traverse the countryside, you get a sense of the danger hidden within the breath-takingly beautiful scenery. There's also an eerie feeling, like the scene setting of a horror movie, with lots of little hints about what could follow. The landscape itself is a character within its own right; stunning and enticing, with a fickle nature, ready to turn on you at any moment. 

Zach is a brilliant character, one of those you want to protect. He's empathetic, intelligent and intuitive, unfortunately, he's also terrified of Bram. We slowly learn his backstory and want to leap to his defense whenever he has to interact with his father. It takes a while for him to find his voice, and when he does, you feel like cheering.

This really is an adrenaline-fuelled read, as we witness the true nature of many of the characters and the story metamorphoses into something entirely different from what I was expecting. My heart was racing as Zach frantically raced towards safety and was thwarted at every turn. The conclusion is one of those where you hold your breath, hoping for the best but fully anticipating the worst.

Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra will be published on 12th February 2026 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Viking for a review copy.

Author Details

Sierra was born and raised in the Colorado mountains. She lives in New England and is the author of two novels, Nightwatching and Warning Signs. When not writing, she spends time with her husband and two children.

Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce

 

Alison's professional life as a barrister is going well; unfortunately, her personal life is the complete opposite. Her marriage is on the rocks, and she's having an affair with a solicitor she regularly works with. Alison is determined to end the affair and get her marriage back on track, but things begin to spiral out of control when she's handed her first murder case.

Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce was my book group's read for December. It was a book that I already had on my TBR pile, so I was looking forward to reading it. The novel isn't an easy read because of the content. None of the characters are likeable, and Alison's behaviour is extremely questionable. For me, this behaviour was the biggest stumbling block that kept me from loving the book. Alison is a highly intelligent woman, yet she's willing to risk her marriage and degrade herself for sex with a man who isn't interested in a relationship. Alcohol plays a big part in many of Alison's poor choices. It is clear that she's in a profession where networking over drinks at the end of the day is important. In a male-dominated profession, she needs to make every effort to keep up with those around her.

The murder case is a fascinating thread. Wealthy Madeleine Smith is accused of the brutal murder of her husband. Alison is keen for her first murder case to go well, however, Madeleine simply wants to plead guilty and get things over and done with. I immediately began to wonder why so was so quick to admit her guilt. Despite Madeline's admission, Alison needs to carry out her due diligence. She's convinced that something is "off". As she digs into Madeleine's home life, we begin to see parallels between the two women.

Shocks and twists galore kept me turning the pages, making me wonder if my assumptions were correct. I certainly didn't foresee the surprising conclusion of the story. 

Author Details

Harriet Tyce was born and grew up in Edinburgh. She graduated from Oxford in 1994 with a degree in English Literature before gaining legal qualifications. She worked as a criminal barrister for ten years, leaving after having children. She completed an MA in Creative Writing – Crime Fiction at UEA where she wrote Blood Orange, the Sunday Times bestselling novel, winner of a gold Nielsen Bestseller Award in 2021. It was followed by The Lies You Told and It Ends At Midnight, both also Sunday Times bestsellers. A Lesson in Cruelty was published in 2022 and met with great critical acclaim and her fifth novel Witch Trial will be published on 26 February 2026. She is a contestant on series 4 of The Traitors.

So, I Met This Guy... by Alexandra Potter

 

Journalist Flick Lomax is on the hunt for a story about romance scams and hopes to persuade Maggie Fletcher, a victim of one such scam, to tell her story. The pair bond as they chase the perpetrator of the fraud around Europe.

I'm always on the lookout for light-hearted reads to give me a break from all the murder and mystery I usually read. When I started So, I Met This Guy... by  Alexandra Potter, I was expecting something quite frivolous. This book is anything but frivolous. Yes, the tone is light, and there's a little bit of romance and plenty of hair-brained moments, but the underlying story is quite a serious one. 

Having seen plenty of news articles about romance fraud, you wonder how people fall for such trickery, and then dismiss the story. The author has used the book to show the scheming way in which con men worm their way into people's lives and affections, making it easy to understand how an individual can easily fall under their spell. What the novel also does is show the aftereffects. Maggie is left destitute, having lost her business, home and life savings. In an effort to avoid the knowing looks and judgement of friends and neighbours, she uproots herself and moves miles away from everyone she knows.

The tone is lightened by a madcap chase around Europe and some beautiful descriptions of locations Flick and Maggie visit. Added to this is a wealthy American woman, Birdy, whom they meet on their journey. Birdy is a fantastic character, I'm pretty sure the author could write a whole novel featuring her alone.

Things aren't easy, as they always seem to be just a little bit too late to catch the con-man, which all adds to the rising tension. By the conclusion, lots of different storylines converge, leading to an extremely satisfying ending for everyone involved.

So, I Met this Guy... by Alexandra Potter will be published on 29th January 2026 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for a review copy.

Author Details

Alexandra Potter is the bestselling author of numerous romantic comedy fiction novels in the UK, including One Good Thing and Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up, one of the bestselling books of 2022 and 2023 and the basis of a major TV series. These titles have sold in twenty-eight territories and achieved worldwide sales of more than one million copies, making the bestseller charts across the world.

Yorkshire born and raised, Alexandra lived for several years in LA before settling in London with her Californian husband and their Bosnian rescue dog. When she’s not writing or travelling, she’s getting out into nature, trying not to look at her phone and navigating this thing called mid-life. 

The Mysterious Affair Of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood

 

The quaint village of Marlow is anxious when one of the residents, a famous footballer, is murdered. The trio of amateur sleuths would normally be at the centre of the investigation; however, Judith has other things on her mind when her past returns to haunt her.

The Mysterious Affair Of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood is the fifth book in the Marlow Murder Club series. You don't need to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this, as it works well as a standalone. The only real downside of not having read the previous books in the series is that you won't experience Judith at her best. For fans of the series, this book will be a bit disconcerting as we know Judith to be a powerhouse who bows to no one.

Judith is a widow, having lost her husband Philippos years ago in a sailing accident in Greece. The arrival of a woman claiming to be the illegitimate daughter of Philippos, and having evidence that he was murdered, throws Judith into a tailspin.

Combining a current-day murder mystery with one from the past gives the story a brisk pace. Judith isn't at her best because of the distraction; however, Suzie and Becks more than make up for the lack of insight Judith normally offers. The team is further hampered by DI Tanika Malik, an ally in the police force, being suspended. Her replacement is someone who vehemently objects to the trio getting involved in investigations.

It was interesting learning more about Judith's past, giving us a greater understanding of her character. Judith is one of those women with a spine made of steel, but she wasn't always that way. We see how her experience has forged her. Despite not being at her best, Judith does have a part to play in the modern-day investigation. As you would expect, there are plenty of red herrings, dead ends, and incorrect accusations along the way, all leading to a thrilling conclusion that is impossible to guess at.

The Myterious Affair Of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood will be published on 15th January 2026 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and Rachel Quin for a review copy.

Author Details

Robert Thorogood is the author of THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB books, set in his hometown of Marlow in Buckinghamshire.

The first two books in the series have been made into a TV show and can be watched in the UK on the Freeview channel U&Drama and in the USA on PBS/Masterpiece. A third TV series is coming out in 2026 and is based on The Queen Of Poisons.

Before all of this, Robert Thorogood created DEATH IN PARADISE for the BBC and has also written four standalone Richard Poole murder mystery novels.

#BlogTour Put Out The Light by Guy Hale

 

Oliver Lawrence has dispatched some of the people he considers responsible for his father's suicide and his own failure as an actor, but his list isn't complete. Revenge still festers inside as he targets more people he feels are culpable.

Put Out The Light by Guy Hale is the third book in the Shakespeare Murders series. I heartily recommend reading the first book in the series, The Croaking Raven, in order to fully understand the story leading up to the events in this book. 

Set in 1962, it is six weeks since Oliver Lawrence's murder spree ended. Having gone to ground, the police are no nearer catching their suspect. DC Marlowe and DS Williams are convinced they know who the murderer is, but are struggling to convince those above them, as Oliver has left no physical evidence.

I loved the way the relationship between Marlowe and Williams has developed. Initially, they were both skeptical about their new partner, but they've developed a level of respect and understanding over the course of the investigation. The humour continues in the same vein, with DS Williams showing little respect for authority. We do discover that Williams can show compassion and sympathy when needed, but this is a rarity.

Lawrence's descent into madness continues, and the fact that he's managed to go undetected in the heart of Stratford-Upon-Avon makes him reckless, leading to an unexpected death which has far-reaching consequences. What little sympathy the reader may have had for Oliver in book 1 disappears following the events in this book. Felix Richards, Oliver's only remaining friend and the catalyst for events, becomes even more of a sycophant. However, he's well aware that Oliver could turn on him at any moment.

After the deaths in the first book, the narrative is a little slower this time around, taking a while before the murder spree continues. The literary references continue, building up to a shocking and surprising conclusion. I'm excited to read the conclusion of the series in Sleep No More.

Put Out The Light by Guy Hale is available in paperback and ebook format. My thanks to The Bullington Press and Love Books Tours for a review copy.

You can purchase copies of the book direct from the author here, from Amazon UK here, or from Amazon US here.

Author Details

Guy Hale was born in Worcestershire, England. His first job was as a Professional Golfer. He also played Rugby and raced motorcycles until his mid-twenties. When this failed to kill him he started writing plays, mostly two handers which he performed in pubs and assorted venues with his mate, Andy.

How To Kill Your Biggest Fan by Helen Blair (Audiobook)

 

Hazel Witt used to be a successful romance writer; unfortunately, her star is on the wane. She also dislikes having to engage with her fans. When a letter from her biggest fan, Margo, hints that she has taken her own life, Hazel digs into the past and discovers hundreds of letters from Margo, letters that display disturbing behaviour and give her an idea for a new novel.

I do enjoy the new breed of modern stalker novels, the dark humour, contemporary setting and unreliable narrator all appeal to me. Recent books in this sub-genre that I've loved at Cuckoo by Callie Kazumi and Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich. It's no wonder that How To Kill Your Biggest Fan by Helen Blair leapt out at me.

The main character, Hazel, has been writing romance novels for twenty years, which has allowed her to live comfortably, avoiding interactions with people in general. She's well aware that she has to keep her fans happy by doing book signings and guest appearances, but she avoids these as much as possible and certainly doesn't do anything beyond the basics.

I loved the way that the author poked fun at everything involved in modern-day publishing, from book signings through to podcasts. The story is filled with satire, and it certainly will make you ponder the next time you're at any kind of author event.

When Hazel's assistant uncovers a disturbing letter from Margo Martin, a young woman who's been a fan of hers since her early years as a magazine writer, they become concerned about her well-being. Discovering hundreds of unread letters from Margo in which she pours out her heart, and some of the terrible things she's done, gives Hazel an idea for a brand new book, something completely different. However, as Hazel digs into Margo's past, it becomes obvious that someone is watching her. I was completely engrossed; the storyline flowed perfectly. Not only was I interested in Margo's backstory, I also found myself worrying about Hazel's safety and the identity of the mystery watcher. The narrator, Susie Riddell, did a brilliant job at building the tension as all three stories eventually converged, with a conclusion that leaves you satisfied, but chuckling.

This is only available in audiobook format currently, hopefully the publishers will release it in paperback or ebook soon.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for a review copy of How To Kill Your Biggest Fan by Helen Blair.

Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney

 

Esther becomes obsessed with an up-and-coming Canadian actor, Ted Levy. Convinced they are destined to be together, she leaves everything behind, including her husband, and jets off to Toronto to make her dream come true.

I'm going to start this blog post by discussing the cover; the colours, the illustration, even the title, all shout "fun". When I read the synopsis for Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney, I was expecting satire, along the lines of Callie Kazumi's Cuckoo or Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich, both books I adored. However, Esther is something completely different.

When we meet Esther, she's thirty-six and has been married to Johnny for four years. They're in a bit of a rut relationship-wise, but it's clear from their interactions that they're ideally suited. The biggest problem in the relationship is the lack of a baby, despite the desire for one. There's euphoria when Esther discovers she's pregnant, only for their world to come crashing down when she miscarries. It is this miscarriage that triggers Esther's drastic actions.

I found my feelings towards Esther swinging between horror and sympathy. This was a woman deeply in need of counselling and support because of her grief and depression, support she shied away from. Instead, we saw her growing obsession take control of her life as she manipulated her way into the lives of those close to Ted. Much of the obsession was fueled by other infatuated fans who stalked Ted and his girlfriends online. The way in which these fixated individuals hounded anyone they deemed unsuitable was quite an eye-opener. It was also quite shocking how the tiniest detail shared on social media could be mined for clues to someone's whereabouts.

We know not to expect a romantic happy ending; fairy tales rarely happen in real life. The big question is, what does Esther achieve in her pursuit? You'll just have to follow Esther's journey yourself to find out.

Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney will be published on 29th January 2026. My thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Publishing for a review copy.

Author Details

For the last fifteen years, Tanya has been a columnist in a number of Irish newspapers and magazines, among them the Dubliner, STELLAR, U, Irish Tatler, and the Irish Times Magazine.

She is currently a journalist and Weekend magazine columnist at the Irish Independent and is a regular contributor on Irish radio & TV. Her work in the music, film & TV industries helped inspire her debut novel, Esther is Now Following You, a funny, fresh and deeply affecting story about celebrity fandom and what happens when it all becomes a bit too real.

December 2025 Reads

 

I always think that I’m going to get tons of reading done in December, after all, there’s a whole week of nothing between Christmas and New Year. As usual, the month started well, and then socialising hit. The good news is I wasn’t on a deadline to hit my Goodreads Reading Challenge, as I smashed my goal of 80 books by reading and listening to 141 books. Think I’ll have to increase my goal for 2026, but I still want to keep it realistic.

The month began with the wonderful What Happened That Summer by Laura Pearson. A romance with a mystery element. A podcaster is interviewing people involved in the mysterious death of a teen pop star twenty years ago. The fledgling romance, with the added mystery, draws you in, and you just have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens.

Alice Feeney writes twisty thrillers, so I knew what to expect when I picked up My Husband’s Wife. However, this blew me away. Eden returns from her run to find another woman in her home claiming to be her, and her husband is backing her up. How can Eden, a newcomer to a tiny Cornish fishing village, prove her identity? I was completely intrigued by this psychological thriller and couldn’t put it down.

Having read the first two books in the Shakespeare Murders series, I was keen to see how the story continues with Put Out The Light by Guy Hale. Oliver Lawrence is still on a murder spree in Stratford-Upon-Avon. His goal is to kill those he holds responsible for his father’s suicide and his own failure as an actor. While I enjoyed seeing how the storyline continued, I found the pace a little slower this time around. The conclusion, however, was completely unexpected and leaves the reader set for the final book in the series.

I wanted to squeeze a festive read into December, and Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton was an ideal choice. The morning after hosting a Christmas party for family and friends, Anna discovers Father Christmas dead in her larder. With the police showing little interest in the murder, she decides to investigate herself. This is fun, chaotic and irreverent. I’m hoping to read the sequel, Not Another Bloody Christmas, this month.

I loved the concept of Vivian Dies Again by C. E. Hulse. Vivian is stuck in a time loop; someone keeps murdering her. Imagine Groundhog Day, but you have no memory of events. Aided by a waiter, who is the only person living in real time, Vivian has to find out who the murderer is in order to stop the endless cycle or to stay dead. Great concept, but I found the pace a little slow.

When I started Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney, I was expecting a stalker story filled with satire and dark humour. This turned out to be very different. Fuelled by grief and depression, Esther uproots her life in pursuit of an actor she becomes obsessed with. I found myself swinging between horror and sympathy as she manipulated her way into the lives of those close to the actor.

Having enjoyed Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton, I decided I’d go straight on to the sequel, Not Another Bloody Christmas. This is just as funny as the first book, continuing to poke fun at the middle-class while paying homage to some well-known mystery genres such as Agatha Christie, Cluedo and Scooby Doo.

The Mysterious Affair Of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood, is the fifth book in the Marlow Murder Club series and puts Judith firmly in the spotlight when her distant past catches up with her. The illegitimate daughter of her dead husband turns up and accuses Judith of his murder. The big question is what evidence does the girl have?

When I picked up So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter, I expected a funny book about dating disasters; however, this book has a far more serious theme, that of romance fraud. Likeable main characters Maggie and Flick chase a cruise ship around Europe as they try to corner the love rat who has swindled Maggie out of her life savings.

I wanted an audiobook that was easy listening as I carried out Christmas preparations, and On A Night Like This by Lindsey Kelk fitted the bill perfectly. This is very much a Cinderella story. Fran takes a temporary job as an assistant to a world-famous pop star and ends up as a mysterious stranger at an exclusive ball. Filled with glitz and glamour, and entirely predictable, this was just what I needed.

The second audiobook I listened to was How To Kill Your Biggest Fan by Helen Blair. I do enjoy the dark humour of modern stalker stories, so I was really looking forward to this. Hazel is a romance writer who is reluctant to interact with her audience, until she discovers a fan who has been writing to her for years has disappeared. I loved the way that the author poked fun at writers, bloggers, fans and the publishing industry.

Publication dates to watch out for:-

What Happened That Summer by Laura Pearson will be published on 3/1/26 in paperback, ebook and audio format.

The Mysterious Affair Of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood will be published on 15/1/26 in hardback, ebook and audio format.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney will be published 27/1/26 in hardback, ebook and audio format.

Vivian Dies Again by C. E. Hulse will be published on 29/1/26 in hardback and ebook format.

Esther Is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney will be published 29/1/26 in hardback, ebook and audio format.

So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter will be published on 29/1/26 in hardback, ebook and audio format.