Maddy's Book Blog

  The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown   After being thoroughly captivated by The Book of Doors , I had high expectations for Gareth Brown’s second novel—and it didn’t disappoint. He returns with the same intoxicating blend of magic, danger, and high-stakes adventure that made his debut so memorable. This time, we’re introduced to the Society of Unknowable Objects—a secretive group tasked with protecting powerful artifacts that, if unleashed, could wreak havoc on the world. The story follows Magda, one of four descendants sworn to safeguard these objects. When a new artifact surfaces in Hong Kong, Magda races to retrieve it, barely escaping with her life. But danger follows her home, and what unfolds is a gripping escalation that threatens not just Magda, but the entire Society. Brown’s world-building is rich and imaginative, with magical elements that feel both wondrous and perilous. The pacing is taut, the stakes are real, and the sense of mystery linger...

  Ever After by Amanda Prowse   Amanda Prowse has long held a spot on my favourites list — and with good reason. Often hailed as the Queen of Family Drama, she has a knack for turning everyday domestic life into gripping, emotionally charged narratives. Just when you think you know where the story’s headed, she lobs in a perfectly plausible twist that upends everything, keeping you hooked until the final page. Enya’s world has shrunk in the wake of her husband’s death. Now in her early fifties, she finds comfort in the familiar: caring for her son Aiden, his childhood sweetheart Holly, her lifelong friend Jenny — Holly’s mother — and her loyal cat, Pickle. But when a chance encounter in an airport car park sparks an unexpected connection with a stranger, Enya is caught off guard. The moment lingers, and she finds herself unable to shake the feeling that something is shifting. What do you do when the life you built crumbles overnight — and the one person you’d usually lea...

  The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards Mark Edwards Strikes Again! Once more, Mark Edwards proves he's the undisputed king of psychological thrillers. This latest novel had me gripped from the first chapter to the very last page. Just when I thought I’d pieced it all together, he hit me with twist after delicious twist—none of which I saw coming. The pacing was relentless, the atmosphere tense, and the characters unsettlingly real. Edwards has a gift for turning the ordinary into the deeply ominous, and he does it with surgical precision. Absolutely loved it. In 1999 Sebastian gathered an amazing team of people at his mansion to create a computer program that would revolutionise computer dating. Each had their part to play in making it a success – that is aside from Sebastian’s obnoxious nephew Dominic. There is also some matchmaking taking place between the members of the team – Theo and Georgina bond over a wasp’s nest, and Will loves Sophie but is too scared of rejection to make a...

  Wishing Since Forever by Kiltie Jackson   Having just finished my second Kiltie Jackson novel, I find myself utterly devastated that this marks the end of the series. Jackson's storytelling weaves such vivid emotional connections that I’m completely invested in the characters and their journeys—saying goodbye feels like losing close friends. Remarkably, this book can stand confidently on its own; I hadn’t realised it was tied to the second in the series until I looked it up later, which speaks volumes about the seamless narrative and depth.   When Flora’s father moves in with his girlfriend, leaving Flora the family home, she seizes the chance to make it truly her own. But as she clears out her father’s room, she uncovers a hidden trove of letters and gifts from her late grandmother—tokens of love kept out of reach. The painful discovery leaves Flora feeling robbed of a vital bond, compelling her to escape to the Scottish haven her grandmother left her. Meanwhil...

  Dear Miss Lake by A J Pearce   This is the fourth and final instalment in a captivating series set during the Second World War, following the journey of a magazine called Women’s Friend . Beginning in July 1944, as the war nears its end, the story is steeped in historical detail and written with vivid authenticity. The author's meticulous research shines through every page, bringing the era to life and making the narrative utterly engrossing.   Emmy Lake, editor of Women’s Friend , is finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a war correspondent. With her husband, Major Charles, serving overseas, Emmy deeply relates to readers coping with loved ones far from home. When the magazine receives an invitation to relocate to the countryside, the team embraces the opportunity and finds joy amidst the turmoil. Emmy's closest friend, Bunty, is preparing for her wedding, adding excitement and celebration to the mix. Yet, as with so many moments during wartime, not everythi...

  Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop by Sharon Booth   If you’ve ever wished your summer read could mix ghostly goings-on, unexpectedly enchanting romance, twisty murder mysteries, and postcard-perfect countryside charm—this book is calling your name. Think: Agatha Christie took a stroll through a rom-com and got haunted along the way.   Rowan Vale is a village with a difference. It is run as a 1940s museum, and there are some extra special inhabitants – some ghosts. Not everyone can see them – mainly family members, but the new owner, Callie is in that position because she can see and hear all of the ghosts. When Max comes into town to find his daughter, he realises that she is working on the Farm where his Grandfather was a prisoner of war. Shona, the café owner finds herself drawn to Max, but her late Aunt Polly is distraught as his arrival stirs up memories she’d rather keep buried—including the one that ended with her untimely death.   It’s got al...

  Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge by Alison Sherlock This one was very much up my street. Whilst it might not be an award-winner, or be packed with twists, this is the perfect summer read. Just a gorgeous book to read sitting around a pool with a glass of something cold. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Lily has always had something to prove—especially to her parents. Constantly uprooted as a child and never made a priority, she's grown up determined to carve out her own success as an interior designer. But that ambition has come at a cost: she’s pushed away the only people who’ve ever stood by her—her three closest friends. When she unexpectedly loses her job, Lily keeps the truth to herself. So, when her friend Hannah invites her to renovate the family’s countryside lodge, Lily sees more than a generous offer—it’s a chance to prove her worth and finally launch her own interior design business. She just has to pretend she’s still on top of her game. But as Lily arrives at the charming...