Count My Lies opening lines: "I'm a nurse." The words fall out of my mouth before I can stop myself from saying them, loud and clanging like a pair of tin cans tied to a back bumper. My blurb: Sloane has been lying for so long that it comes as second nature to her. She … Continue reading Count My Lies, Sophie Stava
Category: Reviews
2 Sisters Murder Investigations, James Patterson
2 Sisters Murder Investigations opening lines: There'd been no doubt in my mind that Baby wasn't going to last the whole stakeout. My blurb: Rhonda does not know if she can trust her ex-boyfriend, and police officer, Dave. Her attorney brain feels that she can however trust her client, Troy Hansen, who is the main … Continue reading 2 Sisters Murder Investigations, James Patterson
Wilde Vy Bistro
Google Maps took us on quite the journey to get to Wilde Vy Bistro in Durbanville. But it was well worth the windy roads to enjoy the food Chef Jürgen Snyman created. The restaurant is set around a wild fig tree on the Hooggelegen Farm, and thankfully, the road back was more direct. Our meal at … Continue reading Wilde Vy Bistro
From London With Love, Katie FForde
From London With Love opening lines: 'Are you sure you don't want me to come in with you?' said David. Félicité smiled and put her hand over David's. My blurb: Félicité has moved to London to spend time with Lucinda. Her mother might finally be showing her nurturing side. But it is difficult for Félicité, … Continue reading From London With Love, Katie FForde
25 Alive, James Patterson
25 Alive opening lines: Just after six that morning, Warren Jacobi, a sixty-year-old retired homicide lieutenant and former chief of police, parked his Ford F-150 within walking distance of one of the eastern entrances to Golden Gate Park. My blurb: Lindsay will do everything in her power to solve the murder of her friend, and … Continue reading 25 Alive, James Patterson
Open Season, Jonathan Kellerman
Open Season opening lines: The images were grainy and blurred. But they told a story. The storyteller was a camera perched above the entrance to Westside Acu-Care Hospital on National Boulevard, a short stroll west of Robertson. My blurb: The question on everyone's mind is how are these seemingly random killings connected? What is the … Continue reading Open Season, Jonathan Kellerman
Vilamoura Portuguese Grillhouse
In January, Dave and I went out for a quick meal at Vilamoura Portuguese Grillhouse. Based in Strand, this small eatery offers up authentic Portuguese food. Vilamoura Portuguese Grillhouse We tend to eat the same meal when we go there, but this visit, I tried to order something new. Dave suggested we start with the Portuguese … Continue reading Vilamoura Portuguese Grillhouse
We All Live Here, Jojo Moyes
We All Live Here opening lines: There is a framed photograph on Lila's bedside table that she hasn't yet had the energy, or perhaps the inclination, to get rid of. My blurb: Lila's life is complicated. Her ex-husband lives down the road, with his new partner and her child. Her step-father moved in to 'fill … Continue reading We All Live Here, Jojo Moyes
Paranoia, James Patterson
Paranoia opening lines: Ralph Stein tried to swallow. His throat was too dry. He's been in tight spots before, but nothing like this. My blurb: Mary Catherine is trying to keep it together, but life doesn't work the way she wants it to. Confined to bed, she has to let the children get on with … Continue reading Paranoia, James Patterson
The Table, Elmarie Berry
In The Table, Elmarie shares with us her memories of her childhood garden. They remind me so much of growing up in a Lebanese neighbourhood. It was so easy for me to chose recipes from this book, as this is how we eat. Embark on a culinary journey with Elmarie Berry that blends the vibrant flavours … Continue reading The Table, Elmarie Berry
The Crash, Frieda McFadden
The Crash opening lines: I've never killed anyone before. I'm not a murderer. I'm a good person. I don't lie. My blurb: The only thing Polly wants is a child, and she will do anything to have one. She goes out of her way to help Sadie, the girl next door. But it has consequences she … Continue reading The Crash, Frieda McFadden
Nemesis, Gregg Hurwitz
Nemesis opening lines: Tommy Stojack. The guy's name is everywhere, a hushed referral at an ammo trade stall, a proper noun rising above the buzz at the Green Beret Foundation booth, a fleck of sea-foam shot from the swirls and eddies of the churning crowd on the convention floor. My blurb: Evan is in a … Continue reading Nemesis, Gregg Hurwitz
Beyond Restaurant, Buitenverwachting
Situated on the iconic wine estate of Buitenverwachting in Constantia South Africa, is Peter Tempelhoff's restaurant, Beyond. This fine dining establishment focuses on diverse produce which allows them to support small scale farmers, producers and growers. Summer Dinner Menu at Beyond The summer menu (February 2025) offered us a choice of a 2 course meal … Continue reading Beyond Restaurant, Buitenverwachting
The Texas Murders, James Patterson
The Texas Murders opening lines: Isabella hears the unmistakable vibration of a rattlesnake tail, freezing her in a cold chill. My blurb: Rory seems to want to complicate his life. As soon as he meets another woman, his ex Willow appears to want to come back into his life. But, he needs to look after … Continue reading The Texas Murders, James Patterson
Holmes Is Missing, James Patterson
Holmes Is Missing opening lines: It was 2 a.m. The posted speed limit on the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhattan was 35 miles per hour. My blurb: Margaret Marple is trying to hold everything together. Her priority is their business but she has to acknowledge that Brendan Holmes does not want to maintain their partnership. But … Continue reading Holmes Is Missing, James Patterson
Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty
Here One Moment opening lines: Later, not a single person will recall seeing the lady board the flight at Hobart Airport. My blurb: Cherry Lockwood is not who she seems to be. She is definitely not a clairvoyant, even though her mother made a living by telling people's fortunes. And for sure not psychic, even … Continue reading Here One Moment, Liane Moriarty
Blood Ties, Jo Nesbo
Blood Ties opening lines: Everybody has their weak spot. Dad drummed that into me when he taught me to box. My blurb: Roy has been cleaning up Carl's messes for as long as he can remember. It started off out of guilt, and carried on out of necessity. But Carl has crossed a line, and … Continue reading Blood Ties, Jo Nesbo
The House of Cross, James Patterson
The House of Cross opening lines: Margaret Blevins loved her morning runs. They allowed her time alone, which kept her even-keeled in a beyond-hectic life. My blurb: M is dead, or so Alex, John, Ned and Bree believe. His body has been found and the death ruled an accident. But Alex cannot shake that something … Continue reading The House of Cross, James Patterson
Murder Island, James Patterson
Murder Island opening lines: In the thick of a midnight squall, a piercing scream burst from the cabin of the tiny schooner. My blurb: Doc Savage has finally realized he is in love with Kira, and wants to spend the rest of his life with her. But, that plan is being disrupted as someone is … Continue reading Murder Island, James Patterson
Ghost Soldier, Mike Maden
Ghost Soldier opening lines: The Moonshiner was the eighty-seventh aircraft in a line of 145 B-29B Superfortress bombers rolling down the tarmac. My blurb: To The Vendor, chaos is key. But for this Japanese man, the ultimate aim is the destruction of his arch enemy, by any means possible. For Cabrillo and his team, their aim … Continue reading Ghost Soldier, Mike Maden