Review of The Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread

 

In the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, a forgotten map leads to an unsolved mystery buried for decades. When Ivanna discovers the sketch among her late grandfather’s belongings, she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family’s harrowing past to the Nazi regime's stolen treasures.

What begins as a curious family discovery quickly escalates into a perilous adventure, drawing the attention of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and dangerous criminals.

The Alpine Fortress is a thrilling tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. From the chilling depths of Nazi conspiracies to the breathtaking heights of the Alps, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide in an unforgettable race against time.

Will Ivanna uncover the truth—or will the secrets of the fortress remain buried forever?

A Five Star Read

The Alpine Fortress is a fast-paced thriller where a forgotten map pulls Ivanna into a dangerous chase through the Bavarian Alps. With strong characters—especially Matteo—and a gripping blend of terror and suspense, Kinread delivers an engaging, adventurous read that’s both tense and emotionally grounded.

* A gripping blend of historical mystery and modern suspense

* Strong, realistic characters

*Vivid setting

*Vile antagonists

This book is available in the following formats

Kindle
Paperback

Rowena Kinread

Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.

She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.

Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.

The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Rowena's social media links:

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Publication Date: 12th September 2025

Publisher: Goldcrest Books

Page Length: 311

Genre: Thriller

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Review of Murder At Miller's Hotel by Kelly Mason

I was recently invited to an online audiobook book club by the amazing book blogger Oh Look, Another Book! If you have not heard of her, then I really recommend you check out her reviews as they are awesome. Anyway, November's book is Murder At Miller's Hotel. Scroll down to read my thoughts.

It’s 1924. Lady Ellen of Ashcombe Hall is on a relaxing hotel break to recuperate. Her nemesis is found dead in the restaurant, face down in his pea and ham soup. Can she confront her past to solve the mystery?

Lady Ellen seeks respite in the charming seaside town of Branden Bay, whilst her home, which was used as a convalescent home for war veterans, is being refurbished to its former glory. Her peaceful break takes a dark turn when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her arch-nemesis, the enigmatic Major Albert Coltrane. Major Coltrane is found lifeless, his face submerged in his own soup after a heated and public confrontation with Ellen who finds herself accused of murder.

Determined to clear her name, she forms an unlikely alliance with Lottie Penny a hotel chamber maid and Captain Ernest Hamilton, a former patient at her convalescent home.

With her faithful Irish setter, Prince, by her side, Lady Ellen embarks on a riveting journey through hidden alley bars and the opulent music hall of Branden Bay. They strive to unravel the threads of the mystery, in race against time to expose the real killer before Lady Ellen becomes the next victim.

If you love the glitz and glamour of the era and a twisty plot, then step back in time to the roaring 1920s, where jazz-filled evenings and clandestine secrets collide. Murder at Millar’s Hotel is the first book in the Lady Ellen Investigates series.

A Five Star Read

“Murder at Millar's Hotel: Lady Ellen Investigates” is an absolute delight from start to finish—a cozy historical mystery with charm, wit, and just enough intrigue to keep you glued to your headphones. The narrator brings Lady Ellen to life with elegance and personality, and the vivid descriptions of the grand yet shadowy Millar’s Hotel make the entire story feel like a luxurious getaway laced with danger. Kelly Mason crafts a mystery that feels both classic and refreshingly modern, with red herrings perfectly placed to keep listeners guessing.

What truly makes this audiobook shine is Lady Ellen herself—clever, composed, and unafraid to challenge expectations. Her quiet determination and sharp observations guide the listener through twists that are smart, surprising, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're a longtime fan of cozy mysteries or simply in the mood for an engaging escape, this audiobook is polished, immersive, and immensely entertaining.

* A charming, clever heroine who elevates every scene

* A classic whodunit feel with modern storytelling flair

* Rich atmosphere and superb narration that make the mystery irresistible

Review of The Boy From Block 66 by Limor Regev

 

A Five Star Read

The Boy From Block 66 is a deeply moving and accessible account of Moshe Kessler’s survival as a child in Auschwitz. Limor Regev weaves historical detail with emotional storytelling, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The book’s straightforward style makes the horrors of the Holocaust understandable without ever diminishing their weight. Moshe’s resilience, the small acts of kindness that kept him going, and the friendships formed in unthinkable circumstances give the story a powerful human core. This is an important, compassionate, and unforgettable read for anyone interested in personal histories of the Holocaust.

* Powerful true story 

*Emotionally compelling

This book also available on Amazon

Review of All the Broken Places by John Boyne

A Five Star Read

"All the Broken Places" by John Boyne is an emotional rollercoaster and a poignant sequel to "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas." If the first book left you feeling shattered, prepare for an even more profound experience with this one. The gripping narrative will draw you in, making it nearly impossible to put down. Get ready for a night spent completely immersed in a story that resonates deeply and lingers long after the last page is turned.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heart-wrenching historical fiction. 

✵ You do not need to know about the era to read this book

✵ Unforgettable characters

✵ Guaranteed tear-jerker

✵ Best-selling author

✵ Gripping plot

This book also available in the following formats:

Kindle

Paperback

Hardback

Audio

✵✵✵✵✵

 

Review of Fates Divided: Halven Rising by J. Barnard

 

A Five Star Read

"Fates Divided: Halven Rising" by J. Barnard is a captivating paranormal romance that immerses readers in a turbulent supernatural world. The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own depth and allure, drawing you into their journeys. The pacing of the story is spot-on, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I found the backdrop of the narrative incredibly appealing, as it complements the compelling main characters perfectly. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series—I'm already eagerly anticipating what twists and turns await!

✵ A compelling supernatural world
✵ A believable romance
✵ A gripping plot
✵ A great start to the series

✵ A book I would read again

This book also available in the following formats:

Kindle

Paperback

Audio

Review "Enchant: A Fairytale Reimagined (Girl Among Wolves Book 1)" by Lena Mae Hill

 A Four Star Read

"Enchant: A Fairytale Reimagined (Girl Among Wolves Book 1)" by Lena Mae Hill is a deeply emotional journey that pulls at your heartstrings. However, be aware that it comes with some trigger warnings, as it can be quite intense at times. The characters are vividly relatable, and the setting beautifully immerses you in the story. While I enjoyed the book overall, I didn’t find myself as captivated as I had hoped to be. Still, if you have a passion for fantasy and love unique retellings of classic fairy tales, this book is definitely worth a read!

✵ Fairytale Reimagined 
✵ Emotional storytelling
✵ Great word building
✵ Worth reading

This book also available in the following formats:

Kindle

Review of "The Last of the Firedrakes" (The Avalonia Chronicles Book 1) by Farah Oomerbhoy,

 

A Five Star Read

"The Last of the Firedrakes" (The Avalonia Chronicles Book 1) by Farah Oomerbhoy, swept me away! This captivating novel practically turns pages by itself, drawing you into a vividly crafted world filled with rich details, compelling characters, and an intriguing plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself so engrossed that I lost track of time, reading well into the early hours. If you're a fan of beautifully written fantasy, this book is an absolute must-read!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction.

✵ Great story
✵ Wonderful character development
✵ Compelling setting
✵ A great start to the series

This book also available in the following formats:

Kindle

Paperback

Hardback

Audio