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Rings On Water
A narcotics pick-up at sea goes horribly wrong. A man is lost overboard. A dangerous series of events sends shockwaves through the local community.
On a wintery day a young woman is found dead at a local beach. Sergeant Bill Granger, the local policeman, is called in to investigate. He had hoped for a quiet off-season. Instead, what seems to be a straightforward case of an unfortunate death turns into a complex web of small town secrets and desire for revenge that will soon place Bill's family in danger.
With Niko Sopoaga, a young South Auckland constable working alongside him, Bill falls into the dark and dangerous world of drug distribution and a hardened motorcycle gang wreaking havoc, while they chase a clever killer.
As Bill and Niko search for clues to uncover the killers identity, Annika Granger prepares for an art exhibition. She is befriended by Crystal, a young woman new to the close-knit community. Crystal overhears a conversation and ultimately discovers her partner, Andrei, is not the person she believed him to be.
Everyone discovers that secrets run deep, even in the best of communities.
On a wintery day a young woman is found dead at a local beach. Sergeant Bill Granger, the local policeman, is called in to investigate. He had hoped for a quiet off-season. Instead, what seems to be a straightforward case of an unfortunate death turns into a complex web of small town secrets and desire for revenge that will soon place Bill's family in danger.
With Niko Sopoaga, a young South Auckland constable working alongside him, Bill falls into the dark and dangerous world of drug distribution and a hardened motorcycle gang wreaking havoc, while they chase a clever killer.
As Bill and Niko search for clues to uncover the killers identity, Annika Granger prepares for an art exhibition. She is befriended by Crystal, a young woman new to the close-knit community. Crystal overhears a conversation and ultimately discovers her partner, Andrei, is not the person she believed him to be.
Everyone discovers that secrets run deep, even in the best of communities.
380 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2023
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 3, 2023
First of all a big big thank you to Madeline for sending a copy of her new book across to the ditch to me in Australia. I very much enjoyed the second book in the Marakana series and eagerly await book 3 now. I don’t often get to read a crime fiction book set in New Zealand, and it was a lovely change.
Old faces and new are her in book 2, Rings on Water. Local cop, Bill Granger has his hands full this winter. It is meant to be a quiet sleepy town where nothing much happens, but he soon realises he needs helps and send for Niko from Auckland to assist. So far he has a man overboard and the body of a young woman on the beach. That that is just the start. Motorcycle gangs are running riot and there seems to be drugs on every corner. It is all happening, how do they stop it.
It is a cold, windy and wet winter, and it sets the scene for this dark crime book so well. There is something about this weather that makes things all the more intriguing. We are given a wonderful opportunity to armchair travel to MZ through the authors writing and it was wonderful.
Rings in Water is the second book after Blood on Vines. Both are out now and are available on kindle unlimited.
Old faces and new are her in book 2, Rings on Water. Local cop, Bill Granger has his hands full this winter. It is meant to be a quiet sleepy town where nothing much happens, but he soon realises he needs helps and send for Niko from Auckland to assist. So far he has a man overboard and the body of a young woman on the beach. That that is just the start. Motorcycle gangs are running riot and there seems to be drugs on every corner. It is all happening, how do they stop it.
It is a cold, windy and wet winter, and it sets the scene for this dark crime book so well. There is something about this weather that makes things all the more intriguing. We are given a wonderful opportunity to armchair travel to MZ through the authors writing and it was wonderful.
Rings in Water is the second book after Blood on Vines. Both are out now and are available on kindle unlimited.
October 30, 2023
A super fun, well-paced NZ crime novel. This had everything I wanted from small-town NZ crime, including a super familiar setting which absolutely tickled me. There’s loads going on, lots of twists and turns, and a healthy dose of action. A great read for a busy week or a relaxing weekend. I think I liked this one even more than the first in the series.
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February 19, 2024RINGS ON WATER is the second novel in NZ author Madeleine Eskedahl's Matakana Series, set in and around the idyllic rural winemaking and tourist destination near Auckland. The series features local cop, Sergeant Bill Granger, and his Swedish wife Annika, their family, and their lifestyle in what should be a quiet, relaxed sort of a place. Except in Eskedahl's series where the location and life is cozy and laid back and the crimes are violent and confronting.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 12, 2023
I enjoyed the first in this series, set just north of Auckland in a particularly gorgeous beachside town, I was very pleased when the author sent me a copy of the second one in the series.
This one has a different feel to the first one, partly this could have been the wintery setting, everything is rain splashed and muddy, even though both books feature some of the same characters. Regular readers of the series are going to enjoy following Bill and Annika's characters I think. This book starts with a body and there are plenty of those scattered through it, it's a pretty dangerous place to live I think. I wonder if the residents of Matakana are looking sideways at each other these days. Despite the high body count it is a book with a lot of domestic detail, the minutiae of daily life is slightly too well-documented for my taste. while it helps you know the characters intimately, it spends good police time on breakfast and lunch. The main characters are memorable and their proximity to danger made me concerned for all of them. Don't go out alone in Matakana!
The second half of the book is nicely tense and I was very worried about the fate of one of Bill and Annika's kids, the drama escalates really well and the story is very well-paced. I swallowed up the second half in the course of an afternoon of reading.
An enjoyable crime novel that would have benefited from some tighter editing in the first half but which is redeemed by the action-packed second half. It's great to have authors like Madeline writing and publishing thrillers that are relatable, local and with such great production values, the cover is fantastic! Thanks for the opportunity to read this Madeline. 😀
This one has a different feel to the first one, partly this could have been the wintery setting, everything is rain splashed and muddy, even though both books feature some of the same characters. Regular readers of the series are going to enjoy following Bill and Annika's characters I think. This book starts with a body and there are plenty of those scattered through it, it's a pretty dangerous place to live I think. I wonder if the residents of Matakana are looking sideways at each other these days. Despite the high body count it is a book with a lot of domestic detail, the minutiae of daily life is slightly too well-documented for my taste. while it helps you know the characters intimately, it spends good police time on breakfast and lunch. The main characters are memorable and their proximity to danger made me concerned for all of them. Don't go out alone in Matakana!
The second half of the book is nicely tense and I was very worried about the fate of one of Bill and Annika's kids, the drama escalates really well and the story is very well-paced. I swallowed up the second half in the course of an afternoon of reading.
An enjoyable crime novel that would have benefited from some tighter editing in the first half but which is redeemed by the action-packed second half. It's great to have authors like Madeline writing and publishing thrillers that are relatable, local and with such great production values, the cover is fantastic! Thanks for the opportunity to read this Madeline. 😀
August 6, 2023
A twist I didn’t see coming.
A young woman’s body is found on the sand dunes tucked beneath an upturned boat.
Senior sergeant Bill Granger and his junior officer, Niko, are tasked with investigating a string of harrowing deaths. The tranquility of their sleepy wine village of Matakana is once again shattered and together, they will need to pool their instincts and tenacity to bring down a ruthless drug ring.
Bill’s wife Annika is balancing motherhood, a burgeoning art career and friendships. Unexpectedly thrust into a world of wealth and entitlement, her need to protect may find her existence and those she loves threatened by a precarious and dangerous undercurrent.
Told from several character’s POV provides insight into the workings of the innocent and the guilty. It allows the parties to burrow their way into your mind and create a sense of familiarity and understanding towards the vulnerable, while a dislike and disgust forms towards those with evil intentions.
The second book in the Matakana Series, I believe, is even better than Madeleine’s incredible debut. She weaves a story that draws you in from the beginning and makes it hard to put down. The suspense was heaped on near the end, rather than accumulating throughout which meant I was blindsided with a twist I couldn’t predict.
This book was gifted to me by the author. However, my opinions are solely my own and are not influenced by any external factors.
A young woman’s body is found on the sand dunes tucked beneath an upturned boat.
Senior sergeant Bill Granger and his junior officer, Niko, are tasked with investigating a string of harrowing deaths. The tranquility of their sleepy wine village of Matakana is once again shattered and together, they will need to pool their instincts and tenacity to bring down a ruthless drug ring.
Bill’s wife Annika is balancing motherhood, a burgeoning art career and friendships. Unexpectedly thrust into a world of wealth and entitlement, her need to protect may find her existence and those she loves threatened by a precarious and dangerous undercurrent.
Told from several character’s POV provides insight into the workings of the innocent and the guilty. It allows the parties to burrow their way into your mind and create a sense of familiarity and understanding towards the vulnerable, while a dislike and disgust forms towards those with evil intentions.
The second book in the Matakana Series, I believe, is even better than Madeleine’s incredible debut. She weaves a story that draws you in from the beginning and makes it hard to put down. The suspense was heaped on near the end, rather than accumulating throughout which meant I was blindsided with a twist I couldn’t predict.
This book was gifted to me by the author. However, my opinions are solely my own and are not influenced by any external factors.
October 5, 2023
✍️ When a woman's body is found dead on a beach Sergeant Bill Granger and Constable Niko Sopoago is called to investigate and finds that what seems to be a straightforward case turns into a revenge attempt that will soon put Bill's family in danger whilst they go in search of the killer. When Bill's wife Annika gets ready for an art exhibition she befriends Crystal who is new to the community and after overhearing a conversation, discovers that her partner is not who he says he is.
After reading @madeleineeskedahlauthor Debut "Blood On Vines" and ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT, it stayed with me for a while and I was so excited to receive the next book in The Matakana Series. Once again it did not disappoint.
I was transported once more to the beautiful and atmospheric New Zealand town of Matakana with the return of Sergeant Bill Granger and Constable Niko Sopoaga who I came to adore in "Blood On Vines".
The storyline was fast paced and gripping with short chapters that were very well written and well paced in depth and characterisations. I was kept in a constant state of suspense, surprise and apprehension at the multiple action packed incidents that were presented along with secrets and lies within the small community.
@madeleineeskedahlauthor is a wonderful storyteller with an incredible ability to make the reader feel like they are immersed in a different place.
Can't wait for the next book!
After reading @madeleineeskedahlauthor Debut "Blood On Vines" and ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT, it stayed with me for a while and I was so excited to receive the next book in The Matakana Series. Once again it did not disappoint.
I was transported once more to the beautiful and atmospheric New Zealand town of Matakana with the return of Sergeant Bill Granger and Constable Niko Sopoaga who I came to adore in "Blood On Vines".
The storyline was fast paced and gripping with short chapters that were very well written and well paced in depth and characterisations. I was kept in a constant state of suspense, surprise and apprehension at the multiple action packed incidents that were presented along with secrets and lies within the small community.
@madeleineeskedahlauthor is a wonderful storyteller with an incredible ability to make the reader feel like they are immersed in a different place.
Can't wait for the next book!
July 8, 2023
I was delighted to read the sequel to Blood on Vines and meet again the delightfully sensible, down-to-earth country cop, Bill Granger and his wife Annika. While Bill is keeping in touch with his Matakana community of Matakana and liaising, with occasional difficulties, the bigger police centre of Orewa, he is first port of call to deal with events in his area, such as any unexplained deaths. His wife befriends Crystal, partner of property developer, Andrei and soon she realises things are not all rosy in that relationship. A second suspicious death worries Bill, aware that drug activity is in the community and that may be a connection between the deaths.
There are some lovely characters, not all human that help build the mental picture of a real place inhabited with real people and happenings that police deal with every day.
Eskedahl's Matakana series focuses on the work of a local cop (and his trusty side-kick, Nico -hope we see more of him) and the problems of being under-resourced, the need to cover a wide physical area and the balancing act between work stresses and family life.
A delightful read of small-town life with the grit of what lies beneath in any community. Looking forward to Book 3.
There are some lovely characters, not all human that help build the mental picture of a real place inhabited with real people and happenings that police deal with every day.
Eskedahl's Matakana series focuses on the work of a local cop (and his trusty side-kick, Nico -hope we see more of him) and the problems of being under-resourced, the need to cover a wide physical area and the balancing act between work stresses and family life.
A delightful read of small-town life with the grit of what lies beneath in any community. Looking forward to Book 3.
July 29, 2023
It was easy to award a 5-star rating to Rings On Water after the exciting conclusion. I then took a moment to define a point of difference from the numerous accolades Madeleine Eskedahl’s novels are receiving. The key ingredients for a thriller were there: plot, characters, setting. It’s these latter two that are making her novels so distinctive and readable.
We experience the author’s passion for Matakana, a majestic region of wineries, farms and coastal settlements. It’s the place where people expect to find a tranquil life. Yet, even the havens can have a hidden underbelly where drugs and criminals flourish. Battling these demons are a wonderful cast of everyday Kiwis. We have Bill Granger, the local cop, and his artist wife Annika. Madeleine has crafted them so skilfully, I almost expect to see them whenever I drive through the main street of Matakana.
That is the key to the Matakana series; the locations are real, and the people are life-like. You find yourself being immersed in the community in times of adversity. It makes the reader crave the next instalment to share that experience.
We experience the author’s passion for Matakana, a majestic region of wineries, farms and coastal settlements. It’s the place where people expect to find a tranquil life. Yet, even the havens can have a hidden underbelly where drugs and criminals flourish. Battling these demons are a wonderful cast of everyday Kiwis. We have Bill Granger, the local cop, and his artist wife Annika. Madeleine has crafted them so skilfully, I almost expect to see them whenever I drive through the main street of Matakana.
That is the key to the Matakana series; the locations are real, and the people are life-like. You find yourself being immersed in the community in times of adversity. It makes the reader crave the next instalment to share that experience.
July 30, 2023
Local police officer Sergeant Bill Granger and Constable Nico Sopoaga are called to investigate a series of suspicious deaths that shatter the peace of the rural, seaside Matakana community north of Auckland.
As Bill’s wife, Anika prepares for an art exhibition, she befriends a young woman whose property developer partner is not who he seems. As the deaths mount, Bill and Nico hunt a killer, or killers, who will stop at nothing, putting Bill and his family in grave danger.
Rings on Water is the second book in the Matakana series of crime novels. The contrast between daily life in an idyllic close-knit community and the violent crimes taking place in its midst is both shocking and believable, revealing a dangerous underbelly. This is a page-turner, full of suspense and secrets keeping the reader guessing.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
As Bill’s wife, Anika prepares for an art exhibition, she befriends a young woman whose property developer partner is not who he seems. As the deaths mount, Bill and Nico hunt a killer, or killers, who will stop at nothing, putting Bill and his family in grave danger.
Rings on Water is the second book in the Matakana series of crime novels. The contrast between daily life in an idyllic close-knit community and the violent crimes taking place in its midst is both shocking and believable, revealing a dangerous underbelly. This is a page-turner, full of suspense and secrets keeping the reader guessing.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
July 31, 2023
Eskedahl does not disappoint the reader with Rings on Vines, the second book in the Matakana Series. The reader is reunited with reoccurring characters and the scenic area of Matakana on the North Island of New Zealand. Excellent plotting, timing, and realistic personalities enhance the hunt for drug dealers and a killer, placing many in jeopardy, leaving no one untouched. All of this culminates in an ending you won’t see coming. Madeleine Eskedahl does not disappoint!The writer is a solid plotter and pacer, and the wintery setting is wonderful, allowing us to travel to New Zealand through the pages. Pick up the first book as well, Blood on Vines, it's got a corker of an opening!
Jack Spoon (Canada)
Jack Spoon (Canada)
June 30, 2024
Spoiler free review for Rings on Water by @madeleineeskedahlauthor
Rings on Water is the second book in the Matakana Series - a NZ based Crime/ Thriller series based in Matakana, NZ.
I absolutely devoured book 1 so I was very excited for this one! If I hadn’t been moving house and settling in to my new place I would’ve devoured this in one in a weekend.
The thing I love about Madeleine‘s books is that the small town setting. As someone who has visited Matakana a few times, she does an amazing job at illustrating the region.
Similar to book 1, this book was fast paced and had plot twists that kept me guessing. At no point did I know what was going to happen or who the main suspect was!
It was also great to see some familiar characters and experience the story from the multiple perspectives.
Overall I loved this one, 4.5 ⭐️. I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you again Madeleine for sending me copies of your books ❤️
Rings on Water is the second book in the Matakana Series - a NZ based Crime/ Thriller series based in Matakana, NZ.
I absolutely devoured book 1 so I was very excited for this one! If I hadn’t been moving house and settling in to my new place I would’ve devoured this in one in a weekend.
The thing I love about Madeleine‘s books is that the small town setting. As someone who has visited Matakana a few times, she does an amazing job at illustrating the region.
Similar to book 1, this book was fast paced and had plot twists that kept me guessing. At no point did I know what was going to happen or who the main suspect was!
It was also great to see some familiar characters and experience the story from the multiple perspectives.
Overall I loved this one, 4.5 ⭐️. I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you again Madeleine for sending me copies of your books ❤️
August 7, 2023
Madeleine Eskedahl's crime writing style differs from the typical suspense thriller genre. Her voice has an endearing and unique inflection that I can't pinpoint. Blood On Vines introduces the Matakana Series with interesting characters and circumstance. Rings on Water reveals the less idyllic aspects of a rural North New Zealand community. Neither novel is better than the other. Different, but the same. Despite my discomfort with gore and unease, the author's vivid descriptions of scenery and culinary delights offset it. I read both books one after the other. A rare occurrence for me. Do yourself a favour and do the same. Set aside a week to binge-read the series.
September 29, 2023
I'm all over these crime dramas at the moment. Even better when they're set locally. This one is set in Oamaha, North of Auckland, and is just fantastic.
There's a whole host of characters including a local cop and his family, a rock star, rich property developers, gangs, and a whole bunch if locals. Someone is suoplying drugs to the local market and as bad stuff keeps happening, Bill, the head policeman, starts to piece it all together. It's written in a way that I could easily see it as a TV drama.
Even though this is a series, I've missed the first but they stand alone and are devourable. Will be frantically searching for the other two after reading this one.
There's a whole host of characters including a local cop and his family, a rock star, rich property developers, gangs, and a whole bunch if locals. Someone is suoplying drugs to the local market and as bad stuff keeps happening, Bill, the head policeman, starts to piece it all together. It's written in a way that I could easily see it as a TV drama.
Even though this is a series, I've missed the first but they stand alone and are devourable. Will be frantically searching for the other two after reading this one.
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December 22, 2023💧 RINGS ON WATER💧
by:@madeleineeskedahlauthor
pub:@matheson_bay_press
With bodies stacking up, foul play on the rise, and the son of the local police sergeant heading into trouble, this book is a fast read.
Getting to know Bill & Annika Granger throughout the read adds a personal touch to this book.
Annika's friendship with Crystal leads them all into dangerous territory, as Crystal is the partner of a very dangerous, smart, and rich man.
Not only is she his partner, but Crystal is a possession that must be watched at all times.
Drugs, bikies, secrets, revenge, gangs, and more all make this a really good small-town thriller for everyone to enjoy reading.
🥰 I
by:@madeleineeskedahlauthor
pub:@matheson_bay_press
With bodies stacking up, foul play on the rise, and the son of the local police sergeant heading into trouble, this book is a fast read.
Getting to know Bill & Annika Granger throughout the read adds a personal touch to this book.
Annika's friendship with Crystal leads them all into dangerous territory, as Crystal is the partner of a very dangerous, smart, and rich man.
Not only is she his partner, but Crystal is a possession that must be watched at all times.
Drugs, bikies, secrets, revenge, gangs, and more all make this a really good small-town thriller for everyone to enjoy reading.
🥰 I
January 2, 2024
Sadly, second book syndrome strikes hard in this standalone sequel to Blood on the Vines, which I had enjoyed.
The bones of the story itself are fine, drug dealing in Omaha/Matakana, although some stronger editing would have been welcome early in the book.
Unfortunately, there is little development of the returning characters, and the criminals in this story are shallow characitures. Crystal especially was simply not credible.
One bonus star for the setting in the Omaha, Leigh, Matakana triangle, but even that was overdone, seemingly force-fitting local businesses into the narrative, at times feeling like advertorial.
The bones of the story itself are fine, drug dealing in Omaha/Matakana, although some stronger editing would have been welcome early in the book.
Unfortunately, there is little development of the returning characters, and the criminals in this story are shallow characitures. Crystal especially was simply not credible.
One bonus star for the setting in the Omaha, Leigh, Matakana triangle, but even that was overdone, seemingly force-fitting local businesses into the narrative, at times feeling like advertorial.
November 6, 2023
A well plotted book with interesting characters and stunning setting, but it was let down a little by the lack of careful proofreading. I'm unsure if it was just the particular print run I read, but there was some unusual paragraphing with sometimes more than one character speaking in the same paragraph. It pulled me out of the story and was a bit hard to keep track of who was who at times. Some sections and dialogue could also have been tightened a little to let the story flow a little more smoothly. But on the whole, it was an entertaining read and I'll read more in the series.
July 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Matakana Series, Blood on Vines, and the second book, Rings on Water was just as good. I found I was invested in the recurring characters, loved the setting, and was so engrossed in the plot, that I almost burned my dinner!
I will definitely be on the lookout for the third in the Matakana Series, and am hoping for more of the same to come. Madeleine Eskedahl is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
I will definitely be on the lookout for the third in the Matakana Series, and am hoping for more of the same to come. Madeleine Eskedahl is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
August 3, 2023
The small coastal community of Matakana gets shaken up by the activities of a drug-smuggling gang.
We follow some of the familiar characters of the Matakana series, such as Bill the detective and his wife Annika. But the star of the show is once again the rural settlement of Matakana and Eskedahl’s beautiful descriptions of its surrounds.
The dreariness of the wet winter reflects the dark activities that are going on.
Another wonderful read from Madeleine Eskedahl.
We follow some of the familiar characters of the Matakana series, such as Bill the detective and his wife Annika. But the star of the show is once again the rural settlement of Matakana and Eskedahl’s beautiful descriptions of its surrounds.
The dreariness of the wet winter reflects the dark activities that are going on.
Another wonderful read from Madeleine Eskedahl.
October 9, 2023
A masterpiece. You feel every scene - from the grim beach discoveries to even grimer building site murder. Loved 'being' in the mansion, oh-la-la vibes but got the creeps from the characters that lived there.
This book is real, raw and relationships. So many clever themes and challenges interwoven, especially in the parent/son dynamic in the crime.
Genius and genuine, Madeleine is a New Zealand writing goddess.
This book is real, raw and relationships. So many clever themes and challenges interwoven, especially in the parent/son dynamic in the crime.
Genius and genuine, Madeleine is a New Zealand writing goddess.
March 19, 2024
the second book in the series, rings on water, continues telling the story of bill and niko as they investigate a rivalry between drug and gang warlords, with a bit of good ol' fashion murder thrown in, along with some shocking secrets!
my mum preferred this story over the first, and we both agree that the writing was stronger in the second book. it was nice to see a personal touch thrown in for bill as he grappled with his own son's problems. the story from the beginning hooked you in, and i swear my mum breezed through this book at such a fast pace it was impressive!
not my usual read, but still really enjoyable. 4/5 stars.
thanks again for sending these books, madeleine!
my mum preferred this story over the first, and we both agree that the writing was stronger in the second book. it was nice to see a personal touch thrown in for bill as he grappled with his own son's problems. the story from the beginning hooked you in, and i swear my mum breezed through this book at such a fast pace it was impressive!
not my usual read, but still really enjoyable. 4/5 stars.
thanks again for sending these books, madeleine!
July 30, 2023
Excellent follow up here, the author is hitting her stride in the second book and it makes for an entertaining read. Small town crime, big consequences...it's a familiar theme (what isn't?) but with a uniquely Kiwi flavour from a Scandinavian-Kiwi. There's plenty to like here and I won't spoil it - just get the book and read it. You won't regret it.
October 2, 2023
3.5 🌟
I've seen a lot of reviews of this book and Eskdale certainly has a lot of people championing her, but it just didn't meet the mark with me. Although entertaining, there was weird formatting going on at times, and the sloppy proofreading distracted from what could have otherwise been a much more polished read.
I've seen a lot of reviews of this book and Eskdale certainly has a lot of people championing her, but it just didn't meet the mark with me. Although entertaining, there was weird formatting going on at times, and the sloppy proofreading distracted from what could have otherwise been a much more polished read.
June 27, 2024
2.5 stars - I enjoyed the setting and overall plot, but a little tighter edit and closer proof read could have made this novel so much stronger. Madeleine has a lot of promise in the writing world, so I will definitely be keeping an eye on future works by her - it's just a shame the editing/proof reading let her down in this one.
March 10, 2025
I enjoyed the plot but I ended up skimming quite a lot as there were a lot of sentences and/or paragraphs that added nothing to the story and could have been edited out. Some of the dialogue and narrative also didn't read smoothly or naturally. This book would have scored much higher with a more indepth edit.
September 27, 2023
Not a bad read, but also not great. Some of the writing could have been tightened and there were a considerable amount of proofing/editing mistakes. Some good characters though, and I really loved the setting.
November 10, 2023
Light murder mystery set in and around Matakana which made it an easy read given the landscape was well known. Easy to comprehend the small village environment where everyone is known and not a lot escapes the locals.
August 21, 2024
2.5 stars
It's such a shame when a story has the potential to be so, so much better. The bones of this book are good, but the dialogue is rather formal and unnatural sounding, and the editing and proof reading in places is very poor.
It's such a shame when a story has the potential to be so, so much better. The bones of this book are good, but the dialogue is rather formal and unnatural sounding, and the editing and proof reading in places is very poor.
September 8, 2025
Although this book had a well paced storyline and a story that I was looking forward to reading it just fell short of what I was expecting I may give this author another chance as this was the first book I’d read of hers
December 19, 2023
Another great read set in NZ
January 6, 2024
3.5 stars
Could have also done with some tighter editing and proofreading.
Could have also done with some tighter editing and proofreading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews