A Ladder to the Sky – John Boyne

Maurice Swift has only two desires; he wants to be a writer and a Father. The problem is, to be a writer you have to have good ideas for stories, it’s not enough just to be able to write. When Maurice comes across celebrated Author, Erich Ackermann, whilst working in a hotel in West Berlin he sees an opportunity to get ahead and eventually joins Ackermann as a companion for his book tour. Whilst on tour Ackermann tells him a tragic story from his past and Maurice sees this as his big chance. From that point on, having made a name for himself, Maurice sets off in pursuit of other people’s stories to make into his own but just how far is he willing to go?

Fair Rosaline – Natasha Solomons

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, or do we? Rosaline Capulet is grieving her Mother’s death and about to be sent off to a convent by her Father when she meets Romeo Montague and falls for his charms, seeing the promises of this handsome man as an alternative to convent life but before too long she learns things about Romeo that change her mind about him. When she calls off their relationship Romeo quickly turns his attentions to Juliet, Rosaline’s 13 year old cousin. Rosaline is determined to do whatever it takes to save Juliet from her fate but we already know how this story ends, or do we?

“Fair Rosaline” by Natasha Solomons is due to be published by Bonnier Books on 4 August and I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

Murder in the Neighbourhood – Ellen J Green

On 6 September 1949, 28-year-old Howard Unruh shot and killed 13 people in just over 10 minutes in the small town of East Camden, New Jersey. Told from the point of view of local boy, Raymond Havens, who was friendly with Unruh and witnessed several of the shootings, as well as Unruh’s Mother, Freda, who is trying to piece together why her son did what he did, Green tells the story of America’s first recorded mass shooting.

The Trap – Catherine Ryan Howard

Stranded on a lonely road in the middle of the night, Lucy does the unthinkable and accepts a lift from a passing stranger. As they drive she tries to discern if he’s genuinely a good person helping her out or if he’s a monster, preying on a vulnerable woman, lost in the night. Just as she starts to think he may be a monster, he delivers her safely to a nearby service station as promised but Lucy isn’t as relieved as you think she would be because a monster is exactly who she is looking for. A particular monster in fact. The monster who took her sister and 2 other women who have never been found.

“The Trap” by Catherine Ryan Howard is due to be published by Random House UK on 3 August and I received an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

June Round Up

I know I’m biased cos it’s my birthday month but I really do love June! 😂😂 I have been a little sad that I’m not in New York this year but I do still have a holiday to look forward to in September so I’m staying positive!