Random Acts of Unkindness, and What I Read In June

Aiden Pearce has gone missing, and his mother is certain she knows who is responsible. The only problem is that nobody wants to listen to her.

So far, so expected, but what makes this tale different is that Aiden's mother is a police officer. DS Jan Pearce is sick of being told her boy has just run away, and when her enquiries uncover a case that seems to mirror her own situation, she finds plenty more than she was bargaining for.

This is a really fast paced read, with enough twists and turns to keep you page turning. It's dark in places too, really dark, but there is nothing gratuitous. The violence is low key, and even the bad language is kept to a minimum. It simply isn't needed; the sense of grim despair, the horror of what one human being can do to another comes through clearly enough without it.

The character development is very well done, and while I wasn't sure about the first person narrative initially, my concerns were soon put to rest. I raced through the book, unable to put it down, and am already looking forward to the next installment in the series!

I highly recommend to fans of thriller and / or crime fiction. You can get it on Amazon for £2.92 (Kindle) or £8.99 (paperback). Or, you can also check out the first chapter for free!

About the Author

Jacqueline Ward writes short stories, novels and screenplays. She has been writing seriously since 2007 and has had short stories published in anthologies and magazines. Her novel SmartYellowTM was published by Elsewhen Press in 2015 and was nominated for the Arthur C Clarke Award in 2016, the same year Jacqueline won Kindle Scout.

Jacqueline is a Chartered psychologist who specializes in narrative psychology, gaining a PhD in narrative and storytelling in 2007. She lives in Oldham, near Manchester, with her partner and their dog.

You can connect with Jacqueline on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and her website, www.jacquelineward.co.uk.

The other books I've read this month:


FAMOUS COMPOSERS STICKER BOOK by Anthony Marks.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2016. A fab introduction to famous composers, with plenty of trivia to spark the imagination. The sticker element is a great idea for enthusing children who might not otherwise be inclined to read about the topic.

Henry the Hula Hooping Hippo by Kelly Robinson-Key.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fiction, 2016. Super cute little rhyming story about a hippo who loves to dance! You can find out more about the series and download this one for free at the author's blog.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fiction, 1892. This classic short story is played on my mind for a long time after reading - knowing how many women really lived through similar treatment only makes it creepier.

Famous Crimes the World Forgot: Ten Vintage True Crime Stories Rescued from Obscurity by Jason Lucky Morrow.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2014. I loved this little collection of obscure crime, especially as there was only one case I had read about before. Well researched, and well worth reading.

Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?: A Victorian True Crime Murder Mystery by Kathryn McMaster.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2016. I had read a short account of this case in the past, and it had made a big impact on me. Reading this opened up so many new questions about the case, and some of the mysteries surrounding it - as well as magnifying just how tragic this little boy's muder was. Compelling, but heart wrenching.

The Murder of Bessie Sheppard by David Marshall.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2015. Really interesting read, not just for the case itself, but also for the story of how the author first discovered and then started to research it. I'm not sure I'm convinced by the conclusions, but it was an enjoyable read all the same!

Beautiful For Ever by Helen Rappaport.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2010. Fascinating account of the nineteenth century cosmetics trade, and those who came into contact with it. One of the most enjoyable history books I've read in years!

Twitter for Journalists, Authors and Bloggers by Joanne Mallon.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2016. If you're new to Twitter, this is the guide you need! It's engaging, clear, and comprehensive, with step by step explanations on everything from how to tweet to what kind of reaction you can expect from different types of content. Even as a seasoned Twitter user, I found a lot to take away from this book - reassurance that my Twitter strategy isn't completely made up off the cuff, and a few new tips and tricks to try out on my own account.

The Magic Basket by Debbie K.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fiction, 2013. Lovely introduction to the series. The magical elements make this story great fun, and perfect as a bedtime story. I've written about this and 'Brave Beats the Bullies' in more detail in THIS blog post.

Brave Beats the Bullies by Debbie K.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fiction, 2013. I was really impressed with how well the concept of the feelings basket worked to unpack the emotions surrounding being bullied. At the end of the book there are discussion prompts and blank pages for children to write down their answers or draw pictures. I really like this aspect; not only does it provide a fab way to start potentially difficult conversations, it could also serve as the beginning of a wider series of activities around the problem.

Hitting The Black Wall by Paul Scott-Bates.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Non-Fiction, 2016. Some really evocative writing here; a few of the angrier pieces in particular felt like it could be an outpouring of my own experiences with depression. These poems, interspersed with lighter moments (e.g. Drink) and poetry which conjures up an entire story in a few carefully chosen words, make this collection well worth checking out.

2016 release from Wallace Publishing, you can pick up a copy of your own on Amazon for £5.99 in paperback or £3.99 on Kindle. You can find out more about the author on Facebook, Twitter, and their blog, hiapoetry.

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