Day: May 22, 2019

Book reviews, Classic Fiction

The Art of Sherlock Holmes by Phil Growick – Book Review

lel2403

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PUBLISHERS BLURB

The Art of Sherlock Holmes 

The Art of Sherlock Holmes is a totally unique experience. Imagine a dozen or more of the finest artists in the U.S. creating art for some the best new short stories written by some of the finest Holmes authors in the world.

Each artist has envisioned their version of one story specifically selected for them. All stories and art in one large, hardcover, coffee table presentation volume. This first edition features artists from West Palm Beach, Florida.

Future editions will be global, with participating artists contributing from all over the world. The Art of Sherlock Holmes was conceived and curated by Phil Growick, himself a renowned Holmes author.

 

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MY REVIEW

What a stunning book…..

I’ve always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I love these new stories of Sherlock and Dr Watson.

Each of the stories are written in the style of Conan Doyle with a fresh feel but still have the soul of Sherlock and are accompanied by wonderful artwork.

At the beginning of each story is an introduction to the author and to the artist, whose art illustrates the tale….such a unique style.

This Is a real coffee table book, one to have on display to enjoy the art and the stories together……a must for any fan of Sherlock Holmes and his adventures.

My thanks to Caroline Vincent at Bits About Books for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my free ebook which I received in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

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Book Info

‘The Art of Sherlock Holmes’ is available at Amazon: viewbook.at/TheArtofSherlockHolmes
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About the Author 

The project was conceived by and is curated by Phil Growick. Phil ran one of the world’s leading executive search firms in the advertising industry. Phil’s network in the creative world is unparalleled which is perfect for artist acquisition. Now living in West Palm, Phil is heavily involved in the local art community and as a two-time Sherlock Holmes novelist came up with the concept of combining two of his passions – art and Holmes.

“You’re presented with murder, theft, treason, betrayal, love, loss and greed. All the ingredients to make a delicious Holmes meal of mystery: inimitable interpretations of truly unique Holmes stories.”

 

You can find Phil Growick here:

Blog: https://holmesandwatsonandi.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilGrowick  

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/thesecretjournalofdrwatson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/philgrowick/

 

MX Publishing

MX is the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes publisher. The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories is the world’s largest new Sherlock stories collection with twelve bestselling volumes in the last four years – with three more volumes due in May 2019. Over 100 authors have taken part in the anthology including NY Times best sellers Lee Child, Jonathan Kellerman, Lyndsay Faye and Bonnie MacBird.

The collection raises money for the Stepping Stones School ( a school for children with learning disabilities) at Undershaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s former home which carries the Estate’s Conan Doyle Seal. The collection has overwhelming support from leading Sherlockians worldwide. MX are in a perfect position to bring the best in Holmes fiction and the Sherlock fan base to the project.

MX’ other project is the Happy Life Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya. Twinned with Stepping Stones, Happy Life has saved the lives of over 600 abandoned babies in the last two decades. The project has expanded to include a school and paediatric hospital.

 

MX Publishing on Social Media:

Website:  http://mxpublishing.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxpublishing

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MXPublishing/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mxpublishing/

Instagram – The Art of Sherlock Holmes: www.instagram.com/artofsherlock/

 

 

What a stunning book…..

 

I’ve always been a fan of Sherlock Holmes and I love these new stories of Sherlock and Dr Watson.

 

Each of the stories are written in the style of Conan Doyle with a fresh feel but still have the soul of Sherlock and are accompanied by wonderful artwork.

 

At the beginning of each story is an introduction to the author and to the artist, whose art illustrates the tale….such a unique style.

 

This Is a real coffee table book, one to have on display to enjoy the art and the stories together……a must for any fan of Sherlock Holmes and his adventures.

 

My thanks to Caroline Vincent at Bits About Book for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my free ebook which I received in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

 

Book Info

‘The Art of Sherlock Holmes’ is available at Amazon: viewbook.at/TheArtofSherlockHolmes

 

About the Author

 

The project was conceived by and is curated by Phil Growick. Phil ran one of the world’s leading executive search firms in the advertising industry. Phil’s network in the creative world is unparalleled which is perfect for artist acquisition. Now living in West Palm, Phil is heavily involved in the local art community and as a two-time Sherlock Holmes novelist came up with the concept of combining two of his passions – art and Holmes.

 

“You’re presented with murder, theft, treason, betrayal, love, loss and greed. All the ingredients to make a delicious Holmes meal of mystery: inimitable interpretations of truly unique Holmes stories.”

 

You can find Phil Growick here:

Blog: https://holmesandwatsonandi.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilGrowick  

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/thesecretjournalofdrwatson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/philgrowick/

 

MX Publishing

MX is the world’s largest Sherlock Holmes publisher. The MX Book of New Sherlock Holmes Stories is the world’s largest new Sherlock stories collection with twelve bestselling volumes in the last four years – with three more volumes due in May 2019. Over 100 authors have taken part in the anthology including NY Times best sellers Lee Child, Jonathan Kellerman, Lyndsay Faye and Bonnie MacBird.

 

The collection raises money for the Stepping Stones School ( a school for children with learning disabilities) at Undershaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s former home which carries the Estate’s Conan Doyle Seal. The collection has overwhelming support from leading Sherlockians worldwide. MX are in a perfect position to bring the best in Holmes fiction and the Sherlock fan base to the project.

MX’ other project is the Happy Life Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya. Twinned with Stepping Stones, Happy Life has saved the lives of over 600 abandoned babies in the last two decades. The project has expanded to include a school and paediatric hospital.

 

MX Publishing on Social Media:

Website:  http://mxpublishing.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxpublishing

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MXPublishing/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mxpublishing/

Instagram – The Art of Sherlock Holmes: www.instagram.com/artofsherlock/

 

Book reviews, Thriller

Familiar Strangers by Jackie Walsh – Book Review

lel2403

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PUBLISHERS BLURB

‘I took you, Becca. You’re not my daughter.’

Since Becca Wall’s mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, every day Becca loses a little more of the loving, caring mother who would do anything for her only daughter. But when one day Nancy Wall confesses that Becca is not her child, Becca’s world falls apart.

Becca tells herself that the words are just a cruel symptom of Nancy’s illness; after all, she has her birth certificate, and pictures of herself as a newborn along with her Mom, Dad and older brother, Danny. Becca tries to forget, to get on with her life – until the day the police question her about the whereabouts of a missing woman, Katie Collins.

Katie has disappeared without a trace, telling her husband that she is leaving to find Rebecca Wall. But Becca doesn’t know Katie, so it’s a case of mistaken identity – isn’t it? But as Becca discovers why Katie was desperate to find her, the lies that Becca has always believed come crashing down. Soon, it’s clear that someone knows the truth – and that they’ll stop at nothing to keep their secrets…

An addictive, fast-paced psychological thriller with a shocking twist that will leave you gasping. Fans of The Girl on the Train, The Wife Between Us and T.M Logan will be gripped until the very last page.  

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MY REVIEW 

Rebecca Hall’s mum is in a care home, she has Alzheimer’s and her good days are now being overtaken by the bad ones. Some days she doesn’t recognise Becca at all and it’s heartbreaking….

On one of her lucid moments she tells Becca, ‘You’re not my daughter, I took s was just the dementia talking…..wasn’t it?…..

Shaken and upset, Becca returns home but feels someone has been in her apartment….but nothing is missing and even her neighbour, Jeff thinks she may be imagining it….

Watching TV she sees news of a missing woman, Katie Collins….why does she look familiar?

When Katie’s body is found, the police have questions for Becca, but she knows nothing and is left with many many questions…..her life begins to unravel, she doesn’t know who she is any more…

This is a mix of family drama and thriller and Jackie Walsh has written an empathetic description of the horrendous disease, that is Alzheimer’s (my own mother has this and I know how heartbreaking it is to see the person you know slowly disappear)..

The clever writing also makes you wonder just how far we would go to protect our children, it also shows how Becca’s life starts to fall apart, losing her job, her home and almost her sanity. A totally engrossing thriller, with many suspects that   will keep you guessing right to the very end….I loved every minute and can recommend this unreservedly…

Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

you can buy a copy here (click on the image)

Author Bio:

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Jackie Walsh lives in Dublin with her husband Paul and dog Layla. After years spent building her own business, she decided to take time out and pursue her interest in writing. With a lot to learn, she spent years attending classes and writing groups, going to festivals and launches, writing and rewriting, until eventually sending her words out into the world.  Now she is thrilled to have landed a publisher. Especially Hera Books, a new company headed by two women who have years of experience and love a good story.

Jackie is a member of the Irish Writers Centre, The Irish Crime writers group and proof that perseverance can work.   

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @JackieWalsh_ie