BOOK REVIEW: Severed by Simon Kernick

You wake up in a strange room on a bed covered in blood.
You have no idea how you got there.
Beside you is a dead girl. Your girlfriend.
The phone rings, and a voice tells you to press play on the room's DVD machine.
The film shows you killing your girlfriend. Then you're told to go to an address in East London where you're to deliver a briefcase and await further instructions.
There's no way out.
If you're to survive the next 24 hours, you must find out who killed your girlfriend, and why. Before they come for you. 

Publisher: Corgi

Pages: 475 

I have only recently discovered Simon Kernick, I very much enjoyed his latest book, The Bone Field and I wanted to read more. The lovely Victoria Loves Books recommended Severed and this lady is always spot on with her recommendations so I promptly ordered and and read it in two days!
I don't think that I have ever read a book that has made me hold my breath so much. It's just non-stop from the very first chapter.
Tyler wakes up in a strange room, covered in blood, lying next to his girlfriend who has her head missing. He has no recollection of how he got there and what has happened. There is a TV and DVD player in the corner with his name and the instructions to press play on it. The film shows a man who looks like Tyler but is wearing a mask, viciously murdering his girlfriend. However, Tyler knows it's not him but who's going to believe him? He's then given an address to go to and warned that if he doesn't then the video plus murder weapon with his prints on will be handed over to the police. And so begins the worst day of Tyler's life.
Simon Kernick is so good at writing fast-paced, edge of your seat fiction. He sets the story up and then flies with it; each chapter offering twists and turns that you don't see coming.
I was impressed with how he tied it all together, he delves into Tyler's past in order to show the consequences on his present day situation.
Severed was exciting, action packed and entirely believable, I highly recommend this author.

BOOK REVIEW: The Bone Field by Simon Kernick

I have to apologise for missing my stop on the blog tour on Monday, I have no idea how I forgot so the publisher's have kindly said that I can post it today! I really enjoyed this book, here's my review:

When the bones of a 21-year-old Kitty Sinn are discovered after her disappearance in Thailand in 1990, an enduring mystery takes on a whole new twist. Her boyfriend at the time, and the man who reported her missing, comes forward with his lawyer to confess to DI Ray Mason, of the Met's Homicide Command, that he knows what happened to Kitty, and who killed her.
So begins a hunt for the truth that will focus on a ruthless crime gang, a rich dysfunctional family with a terrible past, and a highly ambitious man so cruel and ruthless that he must be brought down at any cost. 

Publisher: Century

The Bone Field by Simon Kernick is fantastic. I have never read anything by this author but I am now working my way through his back catalogue and eagerly awaiting the next book in this new series. 

DI Ray Mason is investigating the case of Kitty Sinn, she disappeared, aged 21 in Thailand in 1996, but her remains have just been dug up in the grounds of a private English boarding school. DI Mason starts investigating the only lead her has but this soon ends in terror and bloodshed. Mason quickly realises that Kitty Sinn's murder is part of a much bigger and completely terrifying picture. Mason and his colleagues link Kitty's murder to a notorious and seemingly untouchable crime gang. As soon as Mason makes the link, he knows he is in danger but how do you stop a gang of people who have links in high places and no intention of stopping their evil campaign?

Simon Kernick's writing style is brilliant and so enjoyable. I instantly liked Ray Mason and it will be good to learn more about him as the series progresses. He is driven entirely by his principles and the desire to help people who are in trouble. Once he has made a promise, he keeps it, despite they problems that may cause him. 

The pace of the book is thrilling, I loved trying to piece it all together but the author was one step ahead the whole way. 

The Bone Field by Simon Kernick is dark, thrilling and totally addictive, do not miss it. 

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book!