Tag: Tara Lyons

Short Story Sunday: A Christmas Crime by Tara Lyons 

A Christmas Crime 
Author: Tara Lyons
Published: December 9, 2019

Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: December 12-13, 2019
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars

Book Description:

With snow falling in a quaint Surrey Village, it’s the perfect setting for Holly and Christopher’s dream Christmas wedding. But instead of enjoying mince pies and mistletoe, their happiness is threatened by old secrets and someone harbouring a grudge. When the truth is finally revealed, can the couple enjoy the festivities with their family, or is their marriage doomed from the start?

Jessica’s Review:

This short story starts with quite the first line:

The blood splatter on the altar wasn’t the only sign that everything wasn’t right.

This is the first I have read by Tara Lyons and this short story gives us a taste of what she can write.  I hope to read some of her full-length novels sometime!

The only negative for me was that I wanted to get to the ‘meat’ of the story, which did not happen until the wedding day.  Despite being a short story, it did drag a little for me.  I think I wanted to know what the crime was.  And I did not see that ending coming, it was quite unexpected!

Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Blog Tour: No Safe Home

Today is my part in the Blog Tour with Bloodhound Books for No Safe Home by Tara Lyons! Today Tara will be telling us about her writing view:

The start of the New Year inspired some authors to share images on Faceboook of the views from their writing area. There were some truly beautiful pictures – which made me yearn more for a holiday than writing time… but that’s probably just me. These views were also a huge contrast to the one I have, and it got me thinking – does our surroundings unintentionally influence the genre we choose to write?

I always think writing by the sea is very special. UK or abroad, to me, it just looks beautiful and calming and inspirational. The office window looks out onto a veranda, or pier, and the sun glistens off the water before streaming through to the author’s workspace. It’s easy to see why so many of those authors who shared images like these write about romance, or humorous situations, or family life and children’s books. You can almost taste the salty sea-breeze from their novels.

My writing space is one half of my bedroom. I set it up last year after I self-published my debut solo novel, In the Shadows. It has everything I need – the equipment and books and personal pictures, etc. But, I am facing a wall.

So, when I was asked to share my writing view, I took a snap of what I saw one cold evening from my bedroom window/balcony… which technically, I don’t think is cheating… too much!

I live in London. The photograph was taken in December. It was cold and foggy and the perfect setting for what I write about – crime. Even now, that one moment I caught on camera has stayed in my mind while editing No Safe Home and planning book three. It’s exactly what I want my readers to envisage when they read certain scenes in my books. Even during the summer, when the trees are full of life, I find myself staring at that lone lamp post, and its limiting light, and the secluded path that leads far back into the unknown (it’s not really unknown to me, I know there’s a space park beyond those trees, but the picture doesn’t share that with you). On occasion, I’ve heard screams, or laughter, or chatter, but when I look out I hardly ever spot passers-by. As I delve further into the DI Hamilton series, I can’t help but think my writing area has spurred me on. That one view has propelled my ideas for crimes and settings and the fears they can entice. And, while I do have an idea for a light-hearted contemporary novel, I have a strong feeling it won’t be winning in the attention stakes, for a while least.

However, while it’s a bonus to have an influential writing view, that’s all it is – a bonus. So, if you don’t have one, and you’re staring at a wall, don’t be disheartened. If you have that idea for a book, keep writing. After all, I wrote my first bestselling novel sitting on my sofa with my laptop on my knees.


Book Summary from Amazon:

Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is haunted when the suspicious death of a teenage girl triggers suppressed memories. With a stalker targeting vulnerable women in Central London, and his team rapidly diminishing, Hamilton must conquer his emotions before another family is destroyed.

In a sleepy town in Hertfordshire, Katy has worked hard to rebuild her life after leaving behind everything she knew. But when her past catches up with her, and her young son’s life is threatened, Katy must admit her true identity if she has any hope of surviving.

A home should be a safe place, shouldn’t it?

But sometimes it is hard to know who you can trust…

London’s murder investigations team returns in the second novel from the bestselling author of In the Shadows.

No Safe Home is available for purchase now:
Amazon US
Amazon UK

Courtesy of Bloodhound Books:

Tara is a crime/psychological thriller author from London, UK. Turning 30 in 2015 propelled her to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. She studied English Literature at Brunel University and was Assistant Editor at an in-house magazine for 8 years.

In the Shadows is the author’s solo debut novel published in March 2016. She has also co-written with New York Times bestselling author, M.A Comley – The Caller and Web of Deceit.

When she’s not writing, Tara can be found at a local Wacky Warehouse stuck in the ball-pit with her young, energetic son.

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