Snowblind by Michael McBride

 This is the story of four friends who go on an elk hunting trip in the woods. What should be a bonding trip starts off badly when one of the four falls and breaks his leg. The seek shelter in an abandoned cabin and that's when their problems really start. It begins to snow, and the storm quickly turns into a blizzard and it soon becomes clear that there is someone or something out their that has them in their sights. Will anyone survive to tell the authorities?

I loved this, it was a nailbiting, white knuckle ride of a story. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt I was stuck in the snow with them. The little hints along the way of who was stalking the friends were far more frightening than coming straight out and telling us in black and white. The first 3/4 of the book focussed on the build up and picking off of the friends and was tension filled enough, but the last 1/4 was almost painful as I couldn't read it quick enough. The story took off at a blistering pace and dumped me panting in a puddle at the end!

The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead

This is a story about a 'sleepy' town in Savannah called Gordonston.The story centres around the park and the women who walk their dogs there. Something is not right in Gordonston though, and behind the curtains of the picture perfect houses, rivalries are brewing, scheming and plotting is afoot, some are leading double lives and some would rather their secrets stayed hidden. It all comes to a head one fateful morning and nothing will be the same again....

This was a wonderful story. I loved the quirky characters and the writing style made it so easy to read. It seemed like all the characters had something to hide, and several red herrings were dotted around so as to lead me off the 'scent' I thought I was following! Towards the end, the different strands of the story started to come together and the ending, when revealed, was a total shock! I thoroughly enjoyed this and for a debut novel was excellent, and I sincerely hope the author has more up his sleeve.

Human Filth by Ian Woodhead

This is the continuation of the Zombie Armageddon series and the sixth instalment. This time around the focus has shifted to the Hunters and the Tainted as the human race has all but been wiped out. Unbeknownst to them though, there is a far greater threat around the corner, waiting to wipe out everybody...

This was another great addition to the series. It was nice to see the drama from the other side of the fence. The gore factor was ramped up this time, as was the tension. The new threat was unlike anything we have seen before, and could only have come from Ian's twisted mind! The story was solid, and had me turning page after page in a rush to see what happened next. I understand Ian is hard at work on the next one, hurry up Ian, we can't wait!!

Parasite:Blood Oath by Ian Woodhead

This is the story of Dan and Alison. One night they decide to to sneak into the caves where they work. Once there they stumble on some old bones. Bones with unusual teeth formations. Their boss, seeing pound signs flash in front of his eyes, calls some archaeologists. Unbeknownst to all of them a terrible horror has been unleashed on their village - and it is out for vengeance.

This was simply fantastic. It was a step backwards in a sense for Ian as it harks back to his writing before Zombie Armageddon, but much more polished and better written. It was a truly scary read and no punches were pulled. It belted along and the conclusion left me gasping for more. I understand there IS to be a sequel, and I certainly cannot wait!

Falling of the Bones by Ian Woodhead

This is a compilation of Zombie:Armageddon books 1 to 3 plus a bonus novella, ZombieDead.

This works well as one volume. It means that readers can get right into the world of Zombie Armageddon in one hit, and at one great price. The addition of ZombieDead is a nice touch. While not of the same series, it is of the same genre and fits well. I have already reviewed all four of these books before so I won't rehash them here. Just be aware that the violence and gore is brutal and unrelenting. I recommend these as an introduction into Ian's work. He just keeps getting better!

The Body in the Bed by Jerold Last

This is another Roger and Suzanne mystery novella. In this story they are invited to a gala dinner for the promotion of a policeman friend of theirs. They jet off to Uruguay, this time without Bruce the nanny and Robert their son. They are thrown straight in at the deep end, when they find a dead body in their hotel room. It will take all of their deducting skills to solve the mystery and clear their own names.

I have read many of these mysteries now, and they keep getting better. This was no exception. The formula was a familiar one and it felt like hooking up with old friends. Although this is part of a series, it is not necessary to read the others to know what is going on. With corruption in the police force and unrest in Iran adding to the main bulk of the story, I really enjoyed this. I am eagerly awaiting the next Roger and Suzanne full length novel!

Consumed by Matt Shaw

This is the story of 6 friends, all eager to go on a camping weekend in a clapped out VW camper. Owing to one of them giving bad directions to the camp site, they soon end up in the middle of nowhere with no petrol. Then help comes in the form of a tow truck that suddenly appears on the deserted road. Help they would soon come to wish they had never accepted.....

This is an absolute treat for fans of truly old style slasher horrors. I loved every minute of each gore soaked page. This is definitely not for the faint hearted but if you are a fan of blood and guts, and lots of it, then this is the book for you. The tension was built up slowly, and then about halfway through the book it was ramped up to fever pitch. This is another belter from the pen of Matt Shaw!