BOOK REVIEW THE MIND OF A MURDERER BY DR RICHARD TAYLOR

‘Whodunnit’ doesn’t matter so much, not to a forensic psychiatrist. We’re more interested in the ‘why’.

In his twenty-six years in the field, Richard Taylor has worked on well over a hundred murder cases, with victims and perpetrators from all walks of life. In this fascinating memoir, Taylor draws on some of the most tragic, horrific and illuminating of these cases – as well as dark secrets from his own family’s past – to explore some of the questions he grapples with every day:

Why do people kill?
Does committing a monstrous act make someone a monster?
Could any of us, in the wrong circumstances, become a killer?

As Taylor helps us understand what lies inside the minds of those charged with murder – both prisoners he has assessed and patients he has treated – he presents us with the most important challenge of all: how can we even begin to comprehend the darkest of human deeds, and why it is so vital that we try?

I preordered the paperback of this and was thrilled it arrived early.

This is a fascinating insightful book exploring the psyche of the killer. His writing is both informative but easy to follow.

I’m a psychology student and have been interested on the nature /nurture debate. This book explores this along with other concepts surrounding the mind.

This is a must for any crime fan . It was also great to read about local areas to me including the maudsley where I’ve been a outpatient for 3 years !

Highly recommend published 22nd July

BLOG TOUR THAT NIGHT BY GILLIAN McALLISTER

What would you do to protect your family?

ANYTHING.

During a family holiday in Italy, you get an urgent call from your sister.

There’s been an accident: she hit a man with her car and he’s dead. She asks for your help.

She’d cover for you, so will you do the same for her?

But when the police come calling, the lies start . . .

And you each begin to doubt one another.

What really happened that night?

Who is lying to who?

AND WHO WILL BE THE FIRST TO CRACK?

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review and having me on the tour.

I’m a huge fan of her books so was thrilled to review.

Gripping and incredibly thought provoking . What would you do in this situation? Moral questioning..

Cleverly written and plotted. Compelling and unpredictable. I felt tense reading this as with each chapter things take a turn for the worse in terms of what they have done and their attempts to cover it up.

Written in alternate narratives and timeliness so we get a real insight into the characters thought processes and feelings.

Scarily realistic in that this could happen to anyone … one choice could change the direction of your life

Fantastic book and a great psychological thriller .

I wish her every success with this release , especially as its part of the Richard and Judy book club this summer! Published 8th July and do check out the other blogs taking part .

BLOG TOUR HOME BY PENNY PARKES

A gripping and heartfelt story about overcoming the past and finding where you belong.
 
Anna Wilson travels the world as a professional housesitter – stepping into other people’s lives – caring for their homes, pets and sometimes even neighbours. Living vicariously.
 
But all Anna has ever really wanted is a home of her own – a proper one, filled with family and love and happy memories. If only she knew where to start.
 
Growing up in foster care, she always envied her friends their secure and carefree lives, their certainty and confidence. And, while those same friends may have become her family of choice, Anna is still stuck in that nomadic cycle, looking for answers, trying to find the courage to put down roots and find a place to call home.

Firstly a big thank you to the team at Books and the city with Simon and Schuster for my beautiful copy and having me on the tour.

I have loved Penny’s previous books in rhe Larkford series so was really excited to read this standalone. Her writing is evocative and compelling . The book draws you in straight away and stays with you long after you finish.

I related to the character so much with my own personal childhood experience. Completely thought provoking for me in that sense .

Heart warming and life affirming.

Anna is on a journey of self discovery and finding her own place both emotionally and physically .

Through challenges with people through work and her family she grows in strength and resilience.

Written in alternate timelines we get to understand how and why she is the way she is.

A great read which I highly recommend. Published 8th July and do check out the other blogs taking part in the tour.