Book Review: Die Again by Tess Gerritsen

In Boston, Detective Jane Rizzoli and Forensic Pathologist Maura Isles are investigating a bizarre murder. A man has been found gutted and hanging in his home. When the remains of another victim are found, it is clear that this murderer has been a work for years, and not just in Boston.
Six years ago, a group of travellers set off on an African safari. None of them are seen again- apart from one woman who stumbled out of the bush weeks later, barely alive. The only woman to have seen the killer's face.
Has the 'safari killer' resurfaced in Boston? Jane is sent to Africa to find the one link between the two cases- the only survivor- and convince her to face death once again...

Publisher: Bantam Press

Pages: 352

This is the 11th book in the Rizzoli and Isles series, it had a slightly different feel to some of the others but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. As with most in this series, some of the action takes place in Boston but a large part of this book took place in
Africa and this was really refreshing.
Jane Rizzoli is called to a murder scene where a hunter and taxidermist has been gutted and left hanging upside down. Maura helps with the investigation and when another body is discovered they soon realise that the victims are linked and that there may be many more. Jane is led to the disappearance of a group of travellers in the African bush more than six years ago. Only one woman survived and now Jane think she may hold the clue to identify the killer.
I felt that Die Again focused much more on Jane than Maura and in this particular book the author was looking at the pressures Rizzoli has out of work. She has a very stressful and demanding job and on top of that she is a wife, mother and daughter, all three positions pulling her in different directions.
I found Tess Gerritsen's writing style as gripping as usual; the plot was fast paced and very clever. I thought I had it all worked out at one point and I loved the plot twists along the way. This series of books never disappoints and I urge you to read this one.

Book Review: Wrapped up in You by Carole Matthews

Thirty-something hairdresser Janie Johnson's single status is a constant source of gossip for her friends and  clients. So after too many nights in with her cat, a blind date disaster and news that her ex is getting married, Janie realises it's time to do something dramatic with her life.
Leaving winter behind, Janie takes the plunge and books an exotic trip to Africa. Her friends think she's mad and Janie thinks they may very well be right... but then she falls head over heels for her tour guide and fully fledged Maasai Warrior Dominic. But can Janie now face spending a snowy Christmas back home without him?

I have enjoyed all of the Carole Matthews books that I have read so far, so when her latest arrived, wrapped in a beautiful red ribbon, I was very excited.
The new cover is lovely and very festive. I personally love reading books with a Christmas feel at this time of year but I will say that this book is in no way based around Christmas as I know that puts some people off.
Janie Johnson is an extremely likable character, her love life is a little slow and the ex-boyfriend is getting married so Janie's life is in need of a little sparkle. One of her clients inspires her to use her holiday and go on an African adventure to the Maasai Mara.
I thought she was very brave and I do admit to being a little jealous as it is up there on my 'things to do' list! Anyway, Janie is just looking to get away from it all, she is certainly not looking for love. However, love is exactly what she finds in the form of Dominic. He is a true Maasai Warrior and Janie's tour guide, I warn you now that he is one of those male characters who you will quickly have a crush on!
It becomes clear that they have feelings for each other and Janie is devastated when she has to leave Dominic behind and return to the UK. She tries to get on with normal life but she can't stop thinking about Dominic, what if he really is the one? How will it work? She can't possibly live in Africa but what would Dominic make of the UK and would they be happy?
Wrapped up in You is a really enjoyable, feel-good book. I enjoyed reading about Janie's time in Africa and what happens when Dominic visits the UK. Carole Matthews shows how love can cross so many barriers and that all the matters is the two people involved.
Carole's writing is always witty and inviting and this book had me laughing out loud in several places. It's clear to see that Carole's trip to Africa has paid off as I really enjoyed her descriptions of the people and places that Janie visits. I would highly recommend this book and I think it would make a great Christmas present too.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Many thanks to Sphere for sending me a copy of the book to review, Wrapped up in You is out now!