#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #BookBlogger Jacob Collins (@collinsjacob115) #HookedFromPageOne #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

It Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiidaaaaaaaaay! Phew. The weekend is almost here. Time for you to put your feet up and lose yourself in a good book. Or, if you’re anything like me, time to get those last few panic buys in before the big day, only to totally regret them immediately afterwards and wonder what the hell you were thinking…!

Today I am delighted to welcome another of my favourite book bloggers to damppebbles to share their three #R3COMM3ND3D2019 picks. I am delighted to be joined by the brilliant Jacob Collins of Hooked From Page One. If you don’t already follow Jacob’s blog then that has to change RIGHT NOW. Go on. Off you go. We can wait for you…

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are Jacob’s three recommendations…

blood and sugar

Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
I’ve recently started reading some more historical fiction and I thought Laura-Shepherd-Robinson’s Blood & Sugar was such a strong debut. There is an absorbing mystery in this book set against the backdrop of a dark time in Britain and the world’s history, slave trade.
Jacob’s Review of Blood & Sugar

breakers.jpg

Breakers by Doug Johnstone
This is a book that has really stayed with me this year. Doug Johnstone is a master storyteller. There were high levels of tension right throughout this book and I can remember holding my breath as I waited to find out what would happen next.
Jacob’s Review of Breakers

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Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear
Caz Frear’s Detective Cat Kinsella series is fast becoming one of my favourites. Once I got to the end of this book I wanted to read the next straight away and the moment it’s out I will be bumping it right to the top of my TBR pile.
Jacob’s Review of Stone Cold Heart

Great choices, thanks Jacob. I’ve read Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear and I couldn’t agree more with you! Good to see Blood & Sugar make it’s third #R3COMM3ND3D2019 appearance too, putting it in joint first place with one other book…

If Jacob has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books he recommends, please see the following links:

Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Breakers by Doug Johnstone
Stone Cold Heart by Caz Frear

About Jacob:
I’m Jacob and I am in my early twenties. I have a real passion for crime fiction and I started my blog to recommend the very best crime novels that I want to shout about. I’ve been blogging now for three and a half years now and it’s something I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of.

Jacob’s Blog and Social Media Links:
Hooked From Page OneTwitter @collinsjacob115 |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6). But hurry, there’s only ONE place left!

 

 

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #Reviewer Sonja van der Westhuizen (@sonjavanderwest) #WestsWords #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Hello and welcome to Thursday on damppebbles. Less than a week to go now until the big day. Are you perfectly in control? A picture of calm and Christmas poise? No, me neither 😂. I’m sure it will all turn out good in the end, right…..??

Today I am delighted to welcome the brilliant Sonja van der Westhuizen to the blog to share her three #R3COMM3ND3D2019 picks with us. Sonja has her own fantastic website over at West’s Words as well as contributing to one of my favourite crime fiction sites, the awesome Crime Fiction Lover. If you’re a crime fiction fan then you need to subscribe to both as otherwise, you’re missing out.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are Sonja’s three recommended reads…

the boy in the headlights.jpg

The Boy in the Headlights (Munch & Krüger #3) by Samuel Bjork
If you’re a Nordic Noir addict like I am, this will satisfy your craving for some dark, cold, twisted crime fiction. Bjork grips from the starts and delivers a satisfying story-line with a range of interesting characters.
Sonja’s Review of The Boy in the Headlights

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Blood Song (Roy & Castells #3) by Johana Gustawsson
Not only does Johana Gustawsson write a solid crime story, she weaves a horrid piece of Spain’s almost forgotten history into her novel without alienating her readers – on the contrary – this makes Blood Song so much more powerful.
Sonja’s Review of Blood Song

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The Dance of Death (Black Forest Investigations Series #3) by Oliver Bottini
As with many of 2019’s crime writers Bottini also addresses one of the major crisis the world is experiencing at the moment – that of immigrants and their lack of place in the world, as well as their struggles. He does this against the backdrop of an intriguing crime story.
Sonja’s Review of The Dance of Death

Thanks so much, Sonja. I’m adding two of your recommendations to my wish list and the other I have read and absolutely adore. People, if you haven’t read Johana Gustawsson’s Blood Song yet then make it your next read. One of my top books of the year!

If Sonja has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she recommends, please see the following links:

The Boy in the Headlights by Samuel Bjork
Blood Song by Johana Gustawsson
The Dance of Death by Oliver Bottini

About Sonja:
Compulsive reader and reviewer for both print and online publications in South Africa and internationally. Running out of shelf space, yet keeps on buying Nordic Noir. Fuelled by coffee and travel.

Sonja’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| West’s Words | Twitter @sonjavanderwest | Instagram @westswords |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6). But hurry, there’s only ONE space left!

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #BookBlogger Tracy Fenton (@Tr4cyF3nt0n) #CompulsiveReaders #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019 #TBConFB

Happy hump day, bookish lovelies, and welcome to another fantastic #R3COMM3ND3D2019 post! To cheer your mid-week blues I have such a treat in store for you today. I am delighted to welcome the fabulous Tracy Fenton to damppebbles to share three of her favourite reads from 2019. Tracy’s blog, Compulsive Readers, is full of lovely bookish delights so if you don’t already follow her then that needs to change! Tracy is also the founder of a super secret Facebook book club with nearly 9,500 members (maybe it isn’t so secret after all….).

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the three books Tracy recommends…

miracle creek.jpg

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
A stunning debut novel which blew me away emotionally. With authentic characters and superb writing Miracle Creek went straight into my TOP TEN books of 2019 and I can’t stop recommending it.
Tracy’s Review of Miracle Creek

my lovely wife

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
I love a twisted, psychological thriller and if it features a bat-sh*t crazy female character then I’m in literary heaven – My Lovely Wife ticks all my boxes for a superb story.
Tracy’s Review of My Lovely Wife

the testaments.jpg

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
As a huge obsessive and addicted fan of The Handmaid’s Tale TV series I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Gilead 15 years later.
Tracy’s Review of The Testaments

Thanks so much, Tracy. I already have Miracle Creek on my TBR and that’s all thanks to your recommendation earlier this year! Good to see My Lovely Wife make it’s third #R3COMM3ND3D2019 appearance. I think we have a leader…

If Tracy has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she recommends, please see the following links:

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

About Tracy:
A self confessed book addict who loves recommending books almost as much as I love reading them.

Tracy’s Blog and Social Media Links:
Compulsive ReadersTwitter @Tr4cyF3nt0nFacebook |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)

 

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #BookBlogger Catherine Friess (@cjfriess) #StorySnug #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Hello and welcome to damppebbles on this wintery Tuesday. I’m delighted to see you once again! Sadly, we’re approaching the end of #R3COMM3ND3D2019 and have a mere 10 posts left after today. But fear not, if you are a book blogger or an author and would like to take part there is still one space up for grabs. But you better be quick!

Today I am delighted to welcome Catherine Friess to the blog to share her three #R3COMM3ND3D2019 picks with us. Catherine blogs over the at the brilliant Story Snug where she specialises in reviewing only picture books and chapter books, so her blog is a thing of beauty. It’s a must read for all parents, carers of young children and teachers.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the three books Catherine chose…

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No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton
No Ballet Shoes in Syria is a real page turner, we couldn’t put it down. Eleven year old Aya has fled war torn Syria with her mother and baby brother. She is welcomed into a ballet class and through dancing she makes friends who support her as she adapts to her new situation.

Alongside Aya’s story of life in the UK we learn about her life in Syria before and during the war. As well as being an entertaining and moving story it gives a fascinating insight into the experiences, challenges and difficulties faced by families who have been forced to flee from their home countries and resettle in new and unfamiliar lands.
Catherine’s Review of No Ballet Shoes in Syria

the spacesuit.jpg

The Spacesuit by Alison Donald & Ariel Landy
The Spacesuit takes an original look at an important world event in a way that children can easily understand. It’s the story of Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Foraker and her team of seamstresses who designed and created the spacesuits that astronauts wore for the moon walk in 1969.

There have been many books written about the moon landing but we had never thought about how spacesuits are made or who designed them until we read this fascinating non fiction picture book which adds a new dimension to a child’s knowledge of the event.
Catherine’s Review of The Spacesuit

the see saw.jpg

The SEA SAW by Tom Percival
The SEA SAW is a beautifully illustrated, incredibly emotive story about the loss of a well loved teddy bear on a day out to the beach. Sofia’s bear is particularly special as it belonged to her mother, when we first read the book we couldn’t stop turning the pages in the hope that it would find its way back to Sofia.

This is a fabulous book to initiate discussions about favourite toys and possessions. It also takes a sensitive look at loss and grief and can help children talk about how they feel when they are sad. The story has a wonderfully happy ending with a really heartwarming twist, we didn’t expect it to end as it did.
Catherine’s Review of The SEA SAW

Thank you so much, Catherine. Three beautiful books which I’m sure my own children would love.

If Catherine has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she recommends, please see the following links:

No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton
The Spacesuit by Alison Donald & Ariel Landy
The SEA SAW by Tom Percival

About Story Snug:
Story Snug is devoted to recommending children’s picture books and chapter books. It was originally set up to help friends and family, near and far, become aware of books that may appeal to them. We only blog about books that we like so if a book is on Story Snug you know that we have enjoyed reading it.

Catherine’s Blog and Social Media Links:
Story SnugTwitter @cjfriessFacebook |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)

#BlogTour | #R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #Author James Swallow (@jmswallow) #Shadow #MarcDane @ZaffreBooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Hello and welcome to a brand new week of #R3COMM3ND3D2019 on damppebbles. I’m a little bit excited today as it’s the first time #R3COMM3ND3D has officially featured as part of a blog tour! I am delighted to be joining the Shadow blog tour today and I’m incredibly grateful to the author, James Swallow for taking part and to Tracy Fenton for asking me to be involved. I will tell you everything you need to know about Shadow, which is the fourth book in the Marc Dane series, after we’ve found out which three books published in 2019 James recommends.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the three books James recommends…

the spy in moscow station

The Spy in Moscow Station by Eric Haseltine
A slow-burning tale of Cold War espionage that pits the CIA against the KGB, I came to this one expecting something dry and factual but I was soon riveted by the true-life tension and twisty narrative of Haseltine’s writing. A perfect example of reality beating fiction, this was a real page-turner and ideal for fans of LeCarre et al.

the nursery.jpg

The Nursery by Asia Mackay
Full disclosure here, Asia is one of my fellow authors at Bonnier Books, and I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of her 2nd Lex Tyler novel early in this year; the Tyler books feature a central character who is half new mum, half government assassin, mixing the challenges of being an action heroine with the strains of parenting! Fast and funny, its the perfect antidote to serious thrillers, and an engaging read to boot!

this is gomorrah.jpg

This is Gomorrah by Tom Chatfield
I’m fascinated by the notion of “the dark net” and its connections to the worlds of organized crime and modern espionage, and Tom’s novel goes deep into those shady realms. He’s created spiky, interesting characters and put them into a complex conspiracy that draws in the reader and keeps you turning the pages. I loved it!

Thanks so much, James. All three of your recommendations are going on the wishlist. They sound so good!

If James has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books he recommends, please see the following links:

The Spy in Moscow Station by Eric Haseltine
The Nursery by Asia Mackay
This is Gomorrah by Tom Chatfield

About Shadow by James Swallow:shadow-final-cover-smaller

Marc Dane in his most dangerous adventure yet . . .

A ruthless far-right terrorist is broken out of captivity

A mysterious bio-scientist with a terrible secret is abducted

A lethal contagion threatens millions of lives across Europe and the Middle East

Ex-MI6 officer Marc Dane faces a deadly challenge against all odds, to stop a devastating attack before a new kind of weapon is unleashed . . .

| amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | Waterstones | Book Depository | WHSmith |

About James Swallow:
James Swallow is a New York Times, Sunday Times and Amazon #1 bestselling author of over fifty books, and a BAFTA-nominated scriptwriter. He is the creator of the Marc Dane action thriller series, and has written for franchises such as 24, Star Trek and several high-profile video games. He lives and works in London.

James’ Social Media Links:
| Website | Twitter @jmswallow |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6). But please hurry, there’s only ONE SPACE LEFT!

Shadow_BPB-Recovered.png

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #BookBlogger Avonna Kershey (@avonnalovesgen1) #AvonnaLovesGenres #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Hello book fans and welcome to Sunday on damppebbles. It’s so good to see you! Today I am delighted to welcome another brilliant book blogger who is going to share three of their top 2019 releases with us. Joining me today is the lovely Avonna of Avonna Loves Genres. I’ve been following Avonna’s blog for some time now and I heartily recommend you do the same!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the three books Avonna recommends…

dirty letters.jpg

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Favorite romance, hero and heroine of 2019. Emotional, heartfelt and romantic book that gave me everything I am looking for in a romance.
Avonna’s Review of Dirty Letters

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Covering Ollie (On Call #2) by Freya Barker
Strong romantic suspense with mature hero and heroine that I couldn’t put down.
Avonna’s Review of Covering Ollie

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Lethal Agent (The Mitch Rapp Series #18) by Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills
International thriller book #18 featuring Mitch Rapp and friends saving the US from all threats once again. High intensity and action.
Avonna’s Review of Lethal Agent

Thanks so much, Avonna, for sharing three of your top books of the year with us today.

If Avonna has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she recommends, please see the following links:

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Covering Ollie by Freya Barker
Lethal Agent by Vince Flynn/Kyle Mills

About Avonna:
Avid reader, book reviewer and blogger.

Avonna’s Blog and Social Media Links:
| Avonna Loves Genres | Twitter @avonnalovesgen1 | Facebook |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)

#R3COMM3DN3D2019 with #BookBlogger Sarah Jones (@lostinthelando1) #LostintheLandofBooks #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Happy weekend, book friends. I hope you have some bookish plans in store. Is there a better way to spend the weekend? Today I am delighted to welcome a fabulous book blogger to share the #R3COMM3DN3D2019 book love – the very lovely Sarah at Lost in the Land of Books. Sarah has recently celebrated her first blogiversary so if you don’t already, then head on over and give her a follow. You won’t regret it!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the books Sarah recommends…

tainted love.jpg

Tainted Love (Soho Noir #1) by T.S. Hunter
This kicks off one hell of an amazing Soho Noir series and I am so in love with all the books. It’s a novella, short snappy and straight to the point. It sucks you in and leaves you wanting more.
Sarah’s Review of Tainted Love

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From Inside the House (DI Graves #2) by WD Jackson-Smart
This is one creepy read that gives you chills that run down your spine.
Sarah’s Review of From Inside the House

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Stay Mad, Sweetheart by Heleen Kist
This is one book I believe everyone should read regardless of their sex. It’s relevant and very much in tune with the #MeToo movement. It a delicious, addictive read
Sarah’s Review of Stay Mad, Sweetheart

Thanks so much, Sarah. Wonderful recommendations and all three are on the wishlist! I love that you’ve chosen books from two small indie presses as well.

If Sarah has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she recommends, please see the following links:

Tainted Love (Soho Noir #1) by T.S. Hunter
From Inside the House by WD Jackson-Smart
Stay Mad, Sweetheart by Heleen Kist

About Sarah:
Sarah Jones blogger at lost in the land of books. 33, mother of two, partner and fur baby mum. ASD and Epilepsy warrior mum.

Sarah’s Blog and Social Media Links:
Lost in the Land of BooksTwitter @lostinthelando1Instagram @lostinthelandof |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #Author Adam Hamdy (@adamhamdy) @panmacmillan @Tr4cyF3nt0n #Black13 #ScottPearce #PendulumTrilogy #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Hello bookish friends and welcome to day forty-three of #R3COMM3ND3D2019. I am absolutely thrilled to welcome an incredibly popular author and the co-founder of Capital Crime, London’s premier crime writing festival, to share his three #R3COMM3ND3D2019 picks with us today – the brilliant Adam Hamdy. Adam is on the brink of publishing a fantastic new book which is the start of a new series featuring ex-MI6 officer, Scott Pearce. Black 13 will be published in ebook and hardback on 23rd January 2020 with the paperback to follow later in the year. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Black 13 after we’ve discovered which three books Adam recommends.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are Adam’s three recommendations…

my sister, the serial killer.jpg

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
This brilliantly addictive thriller was such a fresh and startling new voice, and deservedly the winner of Capital Crime’s Amazon Publishing Readers’ Award for best debut.

the night fire.jpg

The Night Fire (Harry Bosch #22) by Michael Connelly
If, like me, you’re a fan of Harry Bosch, you won’t be disappointed in this latest outing for the veteran LA detective. Left a missing case file by his former mentor, Bosch is back on the hunt for justice in the city that never sleeps.

to the lions.jpg

To The Lions by Holly Watt
An investigate journalist is tested to the limit on her latest shocking story, in this tense and gripping debut that gives an authentic insiders’ view of Fleet Street.

Wonderful recommendations, thank you Adam. I have My Sister, the Serial Killer on my terrifying TBR and I’ll be adding your other two recommendations as well.

If Adam has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books he recommends, please see the following links:

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
The Night Fire by Michael Connelly
To The Lions by Holly Watt

About Black 13:Black 13 hi-res (1)

Black 13 is the brilliant first novel in the Scott Pearce series from Adam Hamdy. In this addictive and fast-paced thriller, ex-MI6 officer Pearce is about to show us that in a world where there is no loyalty to the nation state, it’s time to burn the espionage rule book.

An exiled agent. A growing threat. A clandestine war.

The world is changing beyond recognition.
Radical extremists are rising and seek to enforce their ideology globally.
Governments, the military and intelligence agencies are being outmanoeuvred at every step. Borders are breaking down. Those in power are puppets.
The old rules are obsolete. To fight this war a new doctrine is needed.
In a world where nothing is at it seems, where trust is gone, one man will make the difference.
Meet Ex-MI6 agent and man in exile, Scott Pearce.
It’s time to burn the espionage rule book.
Watch Pearce light the fire.

Pre-order your copy of Black 13: | amazon.co.uk | amazon.com | Pan Macmillan |

About Adam Hamdy:
British author and screenwriter Adam Hamdy works with studios and production companies on both sides of the Atlantic.

He is the author of the Pendulum trilogy, an epic series of conspiracy thriller novels. James Patterson described Pendulum as ‘one of the best thrillers of the year’, and the novel was nominated for the Glass Bell Award for contemporary fiction, and chosen as book of the month by Goldsboro Books. Pendulum was also selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club.

Prior to embarking on his writing career, Adam was a strategy consultant and advised global businesses in the medical systems, robotics, technology and financial services sectors, experience that has given him a useful insight into many industries.

Adam has a law degree from Oxford University and a philosophy degree from the University of London. He is a seasoned rock climber, skier and CPSA marksman.

Adam is a co-founder of Capital Crime. He is also the membership coordinator for the ITW Debut Authors Program.

Adam’s Social Media Links:
| Website | Twitter @adamhamdy | Facebook |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #BookBlogger David Harris (@Bluebookballoon) #BlueBookBalloon #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Hello and welcome, bookish folk, to Thursday’s edition of #R3COMM3ND3D2019. After today there are only 15 #R3COMM3ND3D2019 posts left to share! Hasn’t time flown? Seems like only yesterday I was putting together the first post of the year! I am delighted to welcome a fantastic book blogger to share their three picks from 2019 with us today – the brilliant David of Blue Book Balloon. If you don’t already follow David’s reviews then you are seriously missing out. I love his blog and I’m certain you will too.

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the three books David recommends…

the dollmaker.jpg

The Dollmaker by Nina Allan
The Dollmaker is a masterful blend of the naturalistic and the fantastical. With shades of Remains of the Day, a man called Andrew Garvie travels to the West Country to meet a woman called Bramber. We read their letters, we read the book of fantastical stories that he has with him, and begin to see the borders of reality and fiction blending with echoes of an alternate England. There’s fantasy here, there’s a hint of romance, there are mysteries about both protagonists. A beautiful and gripping story.
David’s Review of The Dollmaker

Joe Country

Joe Country (Jackson Lamb #6) by Mick Herron
Herron’s novels of the rejected second and third rate spies of Slough House, a fleapit of an office shunned by the rest of the Service, are excellent whether considered as thrillers or character studies. In Joe Country, the ‘slow horses’ of the Service get an outing to the wintery Welsh countryside The story here is very up to the moment (“…the Cold War didn’t really end. It just hid behind closed doors, like Trump in a tantrum”) taking in as it does the shady security backwash of Brexit and also the shifty (I said SHIFTY) behaviour of apparently respectable public figures who Herron comes within a whisker of identifying. As always, Herron’s writing is superb. That world-weary tone still conveys, I think, that these are colleagues who have strong feelings for each other. They may be strong feelings of resentment, yes, but who, in the end, have they got left – stripped of career, respect and, in many cases, of friends and family?
David’s Review of Joe Country

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A Modern Family by Helga Flatland
This story itself is deceptively simple. It concerns two generations of a family: parents Sverre and Torrill and children (eldest to youngest) Liv, Ellen and Håkon. There are two years between Liv and Ellen, eight years between her and Håkon. Liv’s kids Agnar and Hedda also feature, as does her husband Olaf, and Ellen’s partner Simen. As the book opens all are gathering in Italy for a family holiday at which Sverre’s seventieth birthday will be marked. However, he stuns the three children by announcing that he and Torrill have decided to divorce. We see the repercussions of this when they travel back home. Flatland’s dissection of these lives is merciless and thorough – while short, it’s not a book you can race through. I found I had to keep stopping both to think about what was going on, and also, at times, for a break from the merciless, and clever, exposure of a certain sort of family.

Merciless, because while one may at the end understand these characters, they are hard to like (except perhaps Agnar).

Clever, because Flatland gives us not just one unreliable narrator, but three…
David’s Review of A Modern Family

Thanks for your great choices, David. There are a couple of additions to the wishlist there, for sure!

If David has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books he recommends, please see the following links:

The Dollmaker by Nina Allan
Joe Country by Mick Herron
A Modern Family by Helga Flatland

About David:
Reading obsessed vicar’s husband resident in Midsomer Murders country. Dad, dogwalker and doer of office things by day, under my secret identity as BBB I spend my nights shamelessly #BookTempting and raising my TBR.

David’s Blog and Social Media Links:
Blue Book BalloonTwitter @Bluebookballoon |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)

#R3COMM3ND3D2019 with #BookBlogger Kim Rogers (@about_thethrill) #ItsAllAboutTheThrill #damppebbles #BookRecommendations #Publishedin2019

Happy Wednesday! Only two weeks to go until the big day…. How’s your shopping going? If in doubt, buy them books. Everyone loves books, right?! And if you’re looking for recommendations then I know just the place to go…..

Today I am delighted to welcome another fabulous book blogger to share their three #R3COMM3ND3D2019 reads with us – the brilliant Kim of It’s All About the Books. I love Kim’s blog so if you don’t already, head on over there and give her a follow!

So, what is #R3COMM3ND3D2019? It’s about sharing the book love. It’s a chance for authors and book bloggers to shout about three (yes, *only* three) books they love. They can be written by any author, in any genre and published in any way (traditionally, indie press or self-published). But there is a catch. All three books must have been published in 2019. To make things interesting I have added a couple of teeny, tiny rules this year which are; 1) the book must have first been published in 2019 and 2) special editions and reissues do not count. I like to keep you lovely people on your toes. 😉

Here are the three books Kim recommends…

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The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Gothic, creepy, a house with a hideous history…OMG yes please!! This was hands down my favorite book by Ruth Ware! All the stars for this one!
Kim’s Review of The Turn of the Key

my lovely wife

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
My most anticipated book of 2019! It not only lived up to my expectations, it exceeded them!
Kim’s Review of My Lovely Wife

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Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson
Ummm…it Peter Swanson! Always a mind blowing read!
Kim’s Review of Before She Knew Him

Brilliant recommendations, thanks so much Kim. And 100% YES – it’s a Peter Swanson book, what other reason do you need, right?! This is the second time we’ve seen My Lovely Wife too.

If Kim has managed to tempt you, or if you would like to find out more about the books she recommends, please see the following links:

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

About Kim:
ER nurse, Book Blogger, Dog mom! I love thrillers! My perfect day is reading a good book with a cup of coffee and my 2 dogs!

Kim’s Blog and Social Media Links:
It’s All About the BooksTwitter @about_thethrillInstagram @itsallaboutthethrillGoodreads |

If you’re a book blogger or an author and you have three books published this year which you want to shout about then please complete the following form (or click this link: https://forms.gle/PE483qCyrKEgV5Uq6)
https://damppebbles.com/page/2/
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