I have become a teeny bit obsessed with Between the Covers, the BBC2 TV show all about books. Guests have discussed their reading foibles, and have brought along a BYOB or Bring Your Own Book. This week I was delighted that Jo Brand brought along Big Sky by Kate Atkinson, which I reviewed way back in 2020, and also loved. That is not meant as a brag by the way, I just love it when someone picks a book I have also read and makes me think I have a famous friend. Hahaha.

Read my review of Big Sky by Kate Atkinson

I've been giving a lot of thought to what my own BYOB would be and have settled on the wonderful The Big Picture by Douglas Kennedy which is one of my Top 10 books of all time. I still say Kennedy is a writer who deserves much more success. The writing is tight, the plot thrilling, and is a wonderful snapshot, an almost elegy if you will, of the saying money cannot buy you everything.

Read my Review of The Big Picture by Douglas Kennedy

Before I get started on today's review, I can confirm that #12booksofchristmas is back for 2024. I've had to do a count up using my fingers and this will be my 5th year of #12books which I actually can't believe. Starting on Monday 2 December, I will be bringing you 12 books throughout December in the lead up to Christmas, one on each weekday, with the last choice being on December 17th.

#12books is me sharing some wonderful festive reads and came about when my husband and I decided to do Jolabokaflod, the wonderful Icelandic tradition of giving a book to someone on Christmas Eve and then reading the books together. It literally means Christmas book flood. Hopefully some of my choices will give you some ideas for loved ones, or even yourself!

Below is a link to my Christmas page which includes all of the previous #12booksofChristmas

Read about Christmas Books

In the meantime, let's get started on today's review, it's continuing the Christmas theme with it's title Angel, but is most definitely not a book for Christmas.

This is the 4th book in the DCI Ryan series and I would definitely recommend reading these books in order, as a lot is mentioned from the previous books.

On Good Friday, DCI Ryan is called out to a crime schene at a cemetery in Newcastle where the body of a red-headed woman has been discovered in a shallow grave, the killer has given her wings like an angel. When 2 further bodies are discovered, it would seem Newcastle has a serial killer. Ryan and his team must work quickly before the killer strikes again.

This feels like a gentler read than some of the earlier books which were at times eye-wateringly brutal and there is a reason for this as we have a killer who is trying to 'save' a woman with red hair resembling someone from their past. For each victim, we are given a snapshot of their life. Essentially 2 investigations become one, as we track a killer who also has a hatchet to bury, preferably in the heads of those who have wronged them in the past. But why the red-haired angels? What part did they play?

DCI Ryan and his team - McKenzie, Phillips and Lowerson undertake the painstaking work to piece together the victims' last movements and possible motives. It's fascinating, and provides a glimpse into police work.

Brace yourself dear reader for an ending that will make you want to pick up the next in the series, which is exactly what happened to me!!

This is an enjoyable police procedural novel with a group of characters I feel invested in.....but that ending wow!

I have a busy weekend of panto - the performance is finally here. This week has felt like life is on hold as we have completed 3 rehearsals. I'm shattered but know I'm going to miss it when the performances are run. Whatever you are up to, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. See You on Monday 3rd!