This feature essentially looks at titles that are being released in eBook format without an accompanying hardback or paperback. Sometimes it’s a release ahead of those formats, sometimes it’s a release after and sometimes it’s only being released in eBook format. At the minute I have one reliable (free) source (not Amazon, which doesn’t work for this). So lets give it a go and see whether this idea has legs!
Just a reminder as I don’t see any advance copies, my choices are based on the cover, blurb, gut instinct and what takes my fancy at the time. Essentially that’s how I decide on my own purchases.
(NB This post features Affiliate links from which I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases)
Index
Crime, Thriller and Mystery (includes Historical Crime/Mysteries)
Historical (I tend to take this as pre 1960’s ie not in my lifetime!)
Crime, Thriller & Mystery
False Witness by Simon McCleave
When retired detective Frank Marshal believes that a local man’s suicide is suspicious, he and his friend Annie investigate, only to unearth a dark web of conspiracy, government cover-ups and betrayal.
Frank Marshal lives in a remote part of Snowdonia / Eryi with his wife Rachel who is suffering from dementia. When Frank finds a local man who has taken his own life, he is convinced that his death is more than suspicious, despite the misgivings of local police who believe there is nothing more to the man’s death.
With the help of his best friend Annie, a retired Crown Court Judge, they discover the man, a local teacher, had been suspended from work over allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Is this the key to his death? However, when Frank and Annie unearth a class legal action of ex-British soldiers who are still suffering from Gulf War syndrome, it seems that the man’s death might be a result of this instead.
Can Frank and Annie uncover the sinister truth behind the murder? Or will a brutal killer strike again to hide their tracks?
Fear For Her Life by DK Hood
She stumbles over knotted roots as she races through the dark, unforgiving forest. Her legs ache and her teeth chatter from the biting cold. She hears a branch snap behind her. Her worst nightmare is about to begin. They have found her…
As Sheriff Jenna Alton and her deputy David Kane rush into the remote pine forest surrounding Black Rock Falls, Jenna’s pulse races when she sees the glint of metal behind a line of trees: a prison bus, the lifeless body of its driver slumped over the steering wheel, and its four prisoners escaped into the wilderness…
Jenna’s heart pounds at the thought of the violent murders each of the fugitives committed, among them the The Ice Pick Killer who drove women to remote locations before taking their innocent young lives. And worse, female warden, Amy Clark, is missing from the bus. Amy is new to the job, and her family have been calling for news on the lost van for hours. Jenna scans the acres of dangerous woodland around her, vowing to search every inch to bring Amy back to her family.
Nearby gunshots put Jenna on the killers’ trail, but as she descends on a small cabin, it’s clear from the deadly silence that the men have already moved on, leaving behind the body of an innocent old man. Jenna screams his granddaughter’s name into the woodland. But Serena has vanished, just like Amy.
As night draws in, Jenna fears the murderers are on a direct path toward Black Rock Falls, and she dreads to think what could happen if they made it to the quiet small town. Pushed to her limit chasing four twisted killers, will she catch them in time to save the lives of the two missing girls?
The Last One to See Him by Kathryn Croft
I look at the wedding photo on the wall and my heart freezes as I recognise the groom. I spent the night with him, just a few days ago. I had no idea he was married. And now he is dead…
I feel my new friend Harper’s eyes on me as I try and make myself comfortable in her living room while our little boys play together. But when she leaves the room to get cupcakes out of the oven, I let out the breath I’ve been holding. Does Harper know who I am? That I’m the woman who spent the night with her husband? The last person to see him alive?
She was so excited to invite me and my son Dex over. I thought it was because of our boys. But now I wonder…
How much does she know about me and my past? How long have I been in her sights? And did she plan for me to meet her husband, the night he was murdered?
The Unlucky Ones by Hannah Morrissey
A police transcriber-turned-novelist returns to Black Harbor to help solve the case of her ex-husband’s murder in the next riveting Black Harbor, featuring the return of characters from Hannah Morrissey’s breakout debut, Hello, Transcriber.
Black Harbor is a tinderbox. Temperatures and violent crime have both risen to all-time highs, a new drug razes the city, and the scene to which Sergeant Nikolai Kole responds is anything but a rote homicide. In the back of a clubhouse lies a body wrapped in garbage bags and doused in bleach.
It isn’t just any body. Tommy Greenlee, the ex-husband of Kole’s former lover, Hazel, has been shot several times and left for dead. What’s more…the killer left what appears to be a calling card.
Elsewhere, Hazel is haunted by her memories of Black Harbor. Lured there after eight years, she returns to find out who killed Tommy and why. Now back in Kole’s orbit, their love affair can hardly pick up where it left off. They both used each other to their own ends before, which begs the question: would they do it again?
With the atmosphere growing more volatile by the second, Hazel and Kole call a truce, and as they work together to solve this murder, they will not only unearth Black Harbor’s deepest, darkest secrets—they’ll each have to face their own.
The Devil’s Code by Michael Wood
A BRUTAL MURDER
When Isaac McFadden is found with the dismembered body of a young man in the boot of his car, it’s an easy conviction for the jury. But, then a notebook is discovered in Isaac’s house, and the police believe they have a serial killer on their hands.
A CRYPTIC CODE
Within the pages of the notebook is a chart written in a code, which DI Linus Sutton believes holds the location of more bodies. Made up of seemingly random words, numbers and symbols, and with a suspect who is refusing to talk, Sutton enlists the help of Forensic Psychologist Dr Olivia Winter.
THE FINAL GIRL
Having previously survived attacks from two killers, Olivia is the real life ‘final girl’. But can she unlock the code before her luck runs out?
Death Slides and Cheese Pies by Tyler Rhodes
Who Knew Cheese Pies Could be so Deadly?
What could be more fun for an ex-chef and vanlifer than a festival combining pies and vans? Not much, apart from being joined by your ex-wife and best friend besides Anxious, the smartest Jack Russell known to man.
Max Effort was in his element. The sun was shining, the food was delicious, and the campervan show was a real success. The death slide was, as its name suggested, terrifying.
Max would do anything for Min, though, so took the plunge, literally, and shot down the slide into the lake, surprised and quite pleased to survive. But this was only the beginning of his brush with death.
No sooner had they dried off than a corpse was discovered under Vee, his beloved VW Campervan. Hurrying to get help, events spiralled as a pie vendor was found dead, face-planted into his own pie. That was just the beginning of a truly surreal day having to deal with utterly inept detectives, giant pie competitions, and more cheese pies than even Anxious could consume.
As more bodies dropped, and the list of suspects grew, the gang uncovered clues that nobody seemed to take seriously but them.
How did the pie makers meet such an untimely and undignified demise? Why on earth would somebody try to sneak into the festival under their campervan? Most concerning of all was who would be next?
For the first time in his life, even Anxious lost his appetite.
Contains a stunning one-pot recipe at the end. Perfect for those on the road, or anyone who wants a great meal without all the washing up!
A journey of freedom, friendship, and murder mystery on the open road.
General/Contemporary Fiction
The Wife at the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles
A single tear falls as the elderly lady folds the delicate silk wedding dress and packs it away for the very last time. Memories haunt her of the day she became a wife. She shakes them off – it’s no use holding on to old secrets. But when a newcomer to the village starts asking questions, will she have to finally tell the truth?
Emma breathes a sigh of nervous excitement as she hangs up the beautiful ivory dress. Heartbroken and with her divorce freshly signed, the anonymous donation of a stunning wedding gown is just what Emma needs for her new adventure: selling unique clothing from her own vintage shop, tucked away amidst the winding streets of Heaven’s Cove.
Not everyone in the village is welcoming. Handsome Leo runs the bespoke suit shop next door – and his uptight father Robert doesn’t approve of the vintage store’s quirky style. But Emma’s fears that she was wrong to uproot her old life fade the more time she spends with Leo. Because a warm heart lies behind his brooding exterior…
Their new connection is called into question when Robert sees the silk wedding dress. The usually emotionless older man is shocked at the sight of the gown: but refuses to say what’s wrong. Together, Emma and Leo promise to solve the mystery of who the dress belonged to – and why Robert is so shaken. Their questions around Heaven’s Cove lead them to an empty manor house, a wedding that happened years ago, and a family who haven’t been seen around the village since…
But the closer they get to answers, the more pain they could cause Robert. And when a shocking revelation about Leo’s family comes to light, Emma must question everything. Is it time to run from Heaven’s Cove as quickly as she arrived? Or if she finally finds the truth about the wife who wore the wedding dress, could it heal her – and Leo’s – heart for good?
The Honeysuckle Cafe by Lilly Mirren
What if a DNA test reveals everything you thought you knew about your family to be a lie?
Matilda Berry has her life on track. She’s got a long-term boyfriend. A career she loves. And a family who is always there for her. But when her father dies, she discovers a secret about her parents that shakes her to her core.
Looking for answers, she travels to the other side of the world, to a place of chicken biscuits, peaches and sweet tea, where the humidity zaps her energy and the traffic destroys her will to live. And it’s there she discovers the truth about her past and finds a family she never knew she had in a quaint cafe that’s been passed down through the family line for generations.
A chance encounter with an irritatingly handsome construction manager takes her by surprise… especially since he turns out to be her neighbour. When he offers to marry her for a work visa to stay in the USA, she’s worried his feelings will turn real. Or maybe hers will…
The Second Chance Book Club by Stephanie Butland
Dear Ms Blythe
We are dealing with an estate of which you may be a beneficiary.
Please send any documents in your possession that relate to your birth and adoption.
September is at her wits’ end. There’s never enough money to support her boyfriend and herself. September has nothing to look forward to.
Then the letter comes. September has inherited a house from a great-aunt she never knew she had. It would make sense to sell it. But when sees the place – the orange gate, the garden, the tree, the bumblebee door knocker – she doesn’t want to let it go. Not yet. Then the members of the book club arrive, and she begins to discover the story of the family she didn’t know. And to make new friends.
September feels safe here. But money alone can’t bring contentment. September is just at the start of a journey full of surprises, shocks – and opportunities, if she’s brave enough . . .
Historical
The English Wife by Anna Stuart
Her husband is trying to save the country, but can she save him?
1940, England: Clementine Churchill stands alone on a rooftop in London as bombs rain down on the city. A nearby explosion almost knocks her off her feet, but she gets back up again and shouts into the night: ‘Hitler will not take Britain; not on my watch.’
Rushing back to 10 Downing Street, Clementine is relieved to see the famous building is still standing despite the heavy bombing. It means the Prime Minister – her husband – is alive. Stepping through the door and into Winston’s arms, she is reassured by his steady heartbeat. Every day has been a fight for survival, with people losing loved ones all around her. She prays that this war will not cost her Winston.
Her husband has always dreamed of being Prime Minister; she knew from the moment they married thirty years ago that he wanted to lead the country. Since then, they’ve been a partnership in love and in politics. But, with the war against Hitler, it’s a much bigger responsibility than either of them ever expected. The world needs Winston, and Winston needs her.
While Winston co-ordinates battles across Europe, Clementine finds herself in the spotlight for the first time. Her husband’s name may be on the lips of every soldier and politician but she knows as she visits hospitals and air raid shelters, that the ordinary people speak her name just as much. She realises she has the potential to make a difference – not as Winston’s shadow in the background but as Clementine Churchill.
One evening, as she looks into Winston’s dear face, Clementine can tell his bravery comes at a cost. Can she help the man she loves finish the fight for freedom – or will this war cost them everything?
This is a fictional novel inspired by the remarkable life of Clementine Churchill. It is a story of the power of love and courage. It is the story of how a husband and wife saved the world. It is a story like no other…
Romance
Break the Barrier by JS Wood
She thought her past was buried. He’s about to unearth the truth along with her heart.
Thea Weaver came to Acton, Colorado, for a fresh start. She poured her soul into her bar, Bottle Grounds, and into protecting her sisters. But when her ex-husband—a dangerous man from a dangerous past—threatens to resurface, Thea knows she can’t face him alone.
Logan Cash has spent his life fixing what’s broken: his family, his ranch, and his daughter’s future. So when Thea, his stubborn and fiercely independent friend, asks for his help, he doesn’t hesitate. Even if it means pretending to be her husband.
But what starts as a charade to protect Thea’s business soon stirs something deeper between them. Late-night rides and shared secrets force them closer, but Thea’s past isn’t finished with her yet. As Logan fights to shield her from the storm heading her way, Thea must decide if she can truly trust him—not just with her bar, but with her heart.
Cover Story by Celia Laskey
A hilarious, emotional love story about an extremely anxious publicist who’s tasked with keeping an extremely gay starlet in the closet – but who ends up falling for her instead.
It’s 2005, and Ali is a publicist for Hollywood’s biggest stars. Part of her job entails keeping gay celebrities in the closet-which is pretty ironic, since she’s a lesbian herself.
When Ali is assigned a new client, Cara Bisset, upcoming star of a (hetero) romantic blockbuster, keeping Cara’s sexuality under wraps becomes Ali’s biggest challenge yet.
Bold, unpredictable Cara hates that she has to hide such an integral aspect of her identity, and after a series of increasingly close calls, Ali is sent on her worldwide promotional tour to help with her image. Instead, she finds herself drawn to Cara’s confidence and bravery.
For the past year, Ali has been consumed by grief after unexpectedly losing her partner. But with Cara, Ali’s fears about the world subside, and she begins to question the Hollywood closeting system that she contributes to.
As Cara’s fame rises, both Ali and Cara have to decide which is more important: success or a chance at true love?
The Strike Zone by Lulu Moore
A sexy he falls first, boy obsessed, sports romance from bestselling author, Lulu Moore
My name is Parker King, and I am in love.
Yet Scout Davison barely knows I exist.
Therefore, I do what any sensible guy does when he’s trying to get a girl’s attention, I ask her out.
Except I’m too late.
Thanks to the job offer on the New York Lions Social media team, Scout’s focus is on work, so while pining for her I focus on making her my friend instead. Friends first, date later.
Or at least I thought.
The more time we spend together though, the harder it becomes for both of us to deny our feelings.
And when a new company policy makes it almost impossible for us to give in, we find ourselves falling for one another.
Now all we need to do is keep our relationship a secret until after the playoffs, and avoid Coach breathing down our necks.
The Strike Zone is a dangerous place to stay, but we’re going out swinging.
Mountain Boss by SJ Tilly
Courtney
I’m just so exhausted—always living on the edge of desperation, one paycheck away from ruin.
But this new job…
It could be the fresh start I need.
It could change everything.
The contract is only for three months, but if I keep my head down, work hard, and prove myself, maybe I could stay longer.
Maybe I could make Black Mountain Lodge my home.
As I pull down the gravel drive, surrounded by the forest and mountains and bright blue skies, I feel something I haven’t felt in a while.
I feel hope.
Sterling
My new employee is late.
I’m already in a bad mood about having to train him, still salty about my old guy retiring on me.
But while I’m waiting, a woman pulls up my drive.
A woman straight from my damn dreams.
Curvy and pretty, looking at me with wide eyes framed with sooty lashes.
And suddenly, I’m no longer thinking about my late employee.
But then she opens her mouth and asks for me, introducing herself as Courtney, my new hire.
Courtney. Not Court, like the application said.
And I realize there’s been a mistake.
I can’t have this woman working here. Living on my property. Distracting me. I mean, my staff.
No. She can’t work for me. End of story.
Except she won’t leave. She even threatens to sue me.
Fine. If she won’t let me fire her before she even starts, then I’ll just have to make her leave on her own.
From Asher, With Love by Brittany Taylor
He set my heart on fire… then destroyed it.
Ten years ago, I left the ashes of my past behind, determined to fulfill my dream of owning a flower shop in the largest city in the world.
With business now booming, I need to expand my storefront, and I’m desperate for help. So, when my best friend sets me up on a blind date disguised as a business meeting, with the billionaire CEO of the city’s most elite real estate firm, I cave.
What I don’t expect is the billionaire blind date turning out to be my ex-boyfriend.
Though one look is all it takes to know Asher Egan is no longer the boy I once knew from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s an ambitious, insanely wealthy businessman who knows exactly what and who he wants…
Me.
And the longer we work together, the faster the embers of our youthful love begin to reignite.
It’s a shame the pain isn’t as easily forgotten.
Fearing he’ll lose me again, he’s suddenly asking for a future we both walked away from all those years ago.
But will I be able to sift through the ashes of our past and find it in my heart to love him again… or will our second chance at a happy ending threaten to destroy us once and for all?
Dark Horse by Maggie Rawdon
Grant Stockton is the devil incarnate. The cowboy turned casino-owning crime boss has been the bane of my existence for as long as I can remember—first as my older brother’s best friend, then as my guardian when my brother died at his side, and now as the rival bar owner and landlord running me into the red.
He might be the head of The Quiet Horsemen, the man everyone else in this town fears, but I’m not about to cede a single inch of ground to him.
If I have to lie, cheat, and steal to keep him from finding out my bar’s underwater—well, that’s exactly what I’ll do.
At least until he breaks into my apartment and discovers my secret. One that gives him all the leverage he needs to control my fate.
My only reprieve is that The Horsemen are in the middle of a war, one that’s been spilling blood for the better part of a decade, and his enemies are closing in on our small mountain town.
Which is why I’m taken off guard by the demand he makes in exchange for keeping my secret.
Apparently there are benefits to being at the mercy of the devil…
So that’s all for this week.
Happy Reading!
