#BlogBlitz Fabergé by Jo Fenton

It’s a pleasure to take part in the BlogBlitz for Fabergé by Jo Fenton.

About the Author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.

Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.

When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, youngest son, a Golden Retriever/Husky cross and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group. Follow Fenton on @jl_fenton on Twitter, Visit jofenton137.com

About the book

Heist. Abduction. Blackmail. – Manchester detective Becky White and her friends at the White Knight Detective Agency take on a case involving the theft of a multi-million-pound Fabergé egg. 

Events quickly escalate, and they find themselves dealing with unscrupulous villains who will stop at nothing – not even at kidnapping or murder – to achieve their goals. Can Becky solve the mystery before her hidden enemies catch up with her?

Review

This is the third book in the Becky White series, and with this particular set of characters I think there will be plenty more. It can be read as a standalone, although I would suggest reading the previous books to get the gist of the characters and how they have reached this point.

It’s a fast-paced crime read. The author has used multiple storylines to engage and deliver. The egg becomes the distraction, as the rest is of the story is woven around it. Multiple threads with an eye on a variety of people.

The book starts with the theft of an object that is kept under lock and key – a myth of an object, which makes it all the more valuable. The kind of object that is irreplaceable, kept hidden from the world to be revealed by the actions of a clever thief. There is so much action surrounding the egg that one could start to wonder whether it is all a rather well organised ploy to distract from other events and people.

On a side-note: I would probably consider becoming a tealeaf if a genuine Fabergé egg was involved, they are a thing of beauty indeed.

It’s a crime read with a hint of global criminal combined with the cosy vibe of the close-knit characters and their relationships. The amusing, the pleasant and the ruthlessness of greed, vengeance and crime mixed in for good measure. It will be interesting to see where the series goes next.

Buy Fabergé at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Darkstroke books pub date 6 Mar. 2023. Buy at Amazon com.

Enter the Giveaway to Win a Faberge mouse mat and notebook (Open to UK Only)

Click here to Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

 *Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.*

BlogTour Paparazzi by Jo Fenton

 It’s my turn on the Blogtour Paparazzi by Jo Fenton.

About the Author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.

Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.

When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.

Follow @jl_fenton on Twitter, Visit jofenton137.com

About the book

A stalker. A popstar’s family murdered. A terrified photographer.  It’s thirty years since Becky White joined the police. Now, six months after leaving the force, she is suffering from PTSD, when an old friend turns up with a tempting offer. 

 Following the creation of The White Knight Detective Agency, their first client is a press photographer – a member of the Paparazzi – a young woman with a mysterious and troublesome stalker.

But as the case develops, Becky and Joanna find themselves embroiled in murder. When they are unable to prevent further deaths, their investigation takes them down an unexpected path. But can they trust their instinct? And will they identify the killer in time to save a child’s life?

Paparazzi, the second instalment in the bestselling Becky White Thriller series. takes you on a journey into the deceptive world of superstars – and those who follow them! 

Review

When Joanna rocks up and suggests a collaboration of minds and forces with Becky, poor Becky isn’t convinced it is such a great idea. A private investigation agency, great minds solve crimes. An interesting idea, but Becky isn’t sure whether she can trust Joanna, especially after the strange reaction her partner has to the woman brimming with ideas and confidence.

When they finally do get the car on the road they encounter a case that seems simple at first and yet slowly evolves into something treacherous, murderous even. The world of fame and the voyeuristic nature of the paparazzi throws up a mystery the two of them eventually are eager to solve.

I definitely think this is the best I have read by Fenton so far. There is a lot of drive and creativity involved when it comes to her plots. There is still a tendency to have a lot of threads and storylines at the same time, but the majority is brought back together in the end. 

If the two main characters become more solidified and less distracted by personal secrets no person can ever speak about, then this will be an interesting sleuthing duo to follow. 

Buy Paparazzi at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any retailer. Publisher : darkstroke books pub date 10 May 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

Enter the Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Revelation by Jo Fenton (Open INT)

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway 

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

#BlogTour The Refuge by Jo Fenton

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour The Refuge by Jo Fenton. This is the second book in The Abbey series and also the second book of this two book blog tour. It’s a dark psychological thriller set in the aftermath of the disassembly of a religious sect. A fast-paced sometimes disturbing read.

Enter the Giveaway below to Win 3 x E-copies of The Brotherhood and The Refuge (Open Internationally)About the Author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.

Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.

When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.

Follow @jl_fenton on Twitter, on Facebook, Visit jofenton137.com

Buy The Refuge

About the book

Following the death of The Brotherhood’s charismatic but sinister leader, Dominic, Melissa and her husband Mark resolve to turn the Abbey into a refuge for victims of domestic abuse. But when Melissa’s long-lost sister, Jess, turns up at the Abbey, new complications arise.

The Abbey residents welcome the new arrival but find it hard to cope with the after-effects of her past. As Jess struggles to come to terms with what she’s been through, her sudden freedom brings unforeseen difficulties. The appearance of a stalker – who bears a striking resemblance to the man who kept her prisoner for nine years – leads to serious problems for Jess.

Meanwhile, Mark also finds that his past is coming back to haunt him. When a mother and daughter venture from the Abbey into the local town for a shopping trip, there are dreadful consequences.

A build-up of tension, a poorly baby and a well-planned trap lead Mel, Jess and their family into a terrifying situation.

Can Jess overcome the traumas of her past to rescue her sister?

Review

I’m sure this can be read as a standalone novel, however I do think reading the first book in the series puts everything into more perspective, especially because previous characters and events feature heavily in this one. This book starts where The Brotherhood left off, with Melissa reunited with her baby and with Mark.

Her sister, who has been missing since she was child, has escaped her captors. She is reunited with her sister at the abbey, which is in the process of being turned into a refuge for victims of  domestic violence. Very apt considering the terrible crimes the members and leader of the sect committed.

Jess has a lot of trauma to overcome. Being held captive and both experiencing and seeing the depravity some people are capable of, well it’s no wonder she needs time to adapt. It certainly doesn’t help when someone turns up at her supposedly safe haven, someone who looks a lot like her captor. What are the chances of that happening?

It’s a dark psychological thriller set in the aftermath of the disassembly of a religious sect. A fast-paced sometimes disturbing read.

This sequel follows on from the basic storyline and characters of the first book, which means there are bound to be certain similarities. I do think Fenton needs to move beyond the basic structure of this premise. The sexual harassment, crimes against women and rape tropes become repetitive or overdone the second time round. There needs to be a slight element of freshness.

Buy The Refuge at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Crooked Cat Books; pub date 28 May 2019. Buy at Amazon com.

Enter the Giveaway to Win 3 x E-copies of The Brotherhood and The Refuge (Open Internationally)

Click here to Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.*

#BlogTour The Brotherhood by Jo Fenton

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour The Brotherhood by Jo Fenton. It’s the first book of this two book blog tour. It’s a psychological thriller, a crime story in a dark manipulative setting.

Enter the Giveaway below to Win 3 x E-copies of The Brotherhood and The Refuge (Open Internationally).About the Author

Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.

Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.

When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.

Follow @jl_fenton on Twitter, on Facebook, Visit jofenton137.com

Buy The Brotherhood

About the book

When a young woman becomes pregnant in a religious sect, how far will she go to escape the abusive leader and save the people she loves?

The Brotherhood – safe haven or prison?

After her parents’ sudden death, a grieving Melissa falls back on her faith and into the welcoming arms of a religious sect. Captivated by their leader, Dominic, she leaves her old life behind and moves to the countryside to join them.

But life in The Brotherhood is not as safe as it first appeared. When engineer Mark joins The Brotherhood, Melissa finds herself conflicted between her growing feelings for him and her crush on Dominic. With their leader’s initial encouragement, Melissa and Mark grow close.

But as her haven becomes a prison, Melissa’s newfound happiness is destroyed by Dominic’s jealousy. How can she escape and save the ones she loves?

Review

I have an intense dislike for people who purport to be the voice through which God speaks, and even more so for cults who target and manipulate the lost and the vulnerable. Regardless of whether they are out to take their money, control them or convince them that have a special connection to God.

Fenton uses that particular scenario to play with in this story.

The main character, Melissa, is grieving and completely vulnerable to the attention Dominic is showering upon her. It’s not really a surprise when she lets him convince her to heal in a safe place. Except that safe space turns out to be everything but safe.

It’s a hard read at times, perhaps more so because the people within the cult are controlled so easily. Basic human rights and needs are thrown out the window in an attempt to please the Messiah. Seriously, someone calling themselves the Messiah – that should be a huge alarm bell for anyone.

Abuse and torture go hand in hand with what is considered the norm in regards to punishment behind the doors of the sanctum of the brotherhood. The sexual abuse, the rapes and plenty of other heinous crimes aren’t perceived as such, because hey the Messiah said so and he makes the rules.

It’s a psychological thriller, a crime story in a dark manipulative setting. It should be a warning, despite the fictional setting and story. These types of cults and manipulative leaders do exist and they do pull masses of people in by playing on their weaknesses and their need to belong and be safe.

Buy The Brotherhood at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Crooked Cat Books; pub date 25 July 2018. Buy at Amazon com.

Enter the Giveaway to Win 3 x E-copies of The Brotherhood and The Refuge (Open Internationally)

Click here to Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.*