Capturing life through words, sounds, and the lens. Fuelled by coffee and ink
Capturing life through words, sounds, and the lens. Fuelled by coffee and ink
A sophisticated book review banner for the Caius Beauchamp series by Charlotte Vassell, featuring "The Other Half," "The In Crowd," and "A Deadly Inheritance" on a dark wooden desk with an antique silver spoon, an auction paddle, and a martini glass. Continue reading...

Aristocrats, Art, and Addiction: The Caius Beauchamp Detective Series

Book Reviews📚 | Detective & Mystery Enormous fun: Brilliantly plotted, witty, and engaging — a masterclass in socially conscious crime writing A quirky, humorous, and cleverly written detective series that doesn’t shy away from contemporary and social issues; all the more praise for Charlotte Vassell in these hectic and polarising times. I was enticed and just couldn’t stop reading, and finished all three books one after another – rooting for the characters, despising others, and wishing…

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A close-up photograph of the British paperback edition of Erin Kelly’s *The Skeleton Key* (showing the intricate human bone and red rose tree cover) resting on a dark mahogany desk next to a vintage pocket watch with a cracked face, under moody dusk lighting. Continue reading...

Bones, Roses, and Riddles: The Obsessive World of The Skeleton Key

Book Reviews📚 | Thriller – Psychological Some books you read; others you inhabit. The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly is a modern Gothic labyrinth — a story that blurs the line between a fictional treasure hunt and a real-life obsession. As a true bibliophile, any story that involves books captures my attention. No wonder the premise of The Skeleton Key, with a creative idea for a book that, upon having been published, changes the lives of…

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A sophisticated historical fiction banner for Denise Deegan's 'Through the Barricades,' featuring the novel alongside period-accurate elements like a vintage bicycle and an embossed leather journal, evoking the atmosphere of early 20th-century Dublin. Continue reading...

Promises, Protest, and the Streets of Dublin: A Review of Through the Barricades

Book Reviews📚 | Historical Fiction A remarkable tale of perseverance and commitment—set against the turbulent heart of early 20th-century Ireland. I relished this immersive tale of love and the struggle for a better future. Set against the Irish turmoil and the social inequality of Dublin’s inhabitants — from the well-to-do to those dependent on food banks — it is impossible not to root for Maggie. She is a strong, stubborn protagonist, though her journey serves…

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A nostalgic photograph of Caz and her siblings during childhood. The image serves as the header for the article 'Images of the Past' and features a dark purple top banner with the title underneath. Continue reading...

Images of the Past

The Long Reads 📜 | Life & Legacy Do Images of the Past Influence our Perception of the present? How reliable are our memories? My father used to film and photograph the three of us growing up: my brother, sister, and me. An 8mm film camera and slides. I remember sitting in the living room after a family holiday, the curtains closed, the whirring sound of the projector aimed at the wall. Those were the…

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A sophisticated Studio-style photograph of Malcolm Hollingdrake’s Harrogate Crime Series. Signed copies of Hell’s Gate, Only the Dead, and Dying Art are arranged on a dark mahogany desk with a vintage silver magnifying glass, a fountain pen, and a botanical anatomy postcard under soft dusk lighting. Continue reading...

Art, Atmosphere, and Anatomy: The Harrogate Crime Series

Book Reviews📚 | Detective & Mystery North Yorkshire Noir: The Gritty Sophistication of DCI Cyril Bennett The books in the Harrogate Crime Series masterfully blend police procedural, investigation, and personal narratives. The beautiful town of Harrogate provides a backdrop for the threat posed by cold-blooded (serial) killers. All written in Malcolm Hollingdrake’s unique, sometimes poetic but always eloquent, writing style we’ve come to love. The Heart of Harrogate: Cyril Bennett and His Team Each of…

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A silhouette perspective of legs in vibrant orange and black striped tights and Mary Jane shoes, standing on a crosswalk against a detailed, crowded city street. Header for 'The Long Reads' by Jon & Caz Cole. Continue reading...

Dare to Stand Out

The Long Reads📜 | Life & Legacy Or are you obsessed with being part of the herd? Discover the courage required to embrace your unique path and step away from the collective normal. The Psychology of the Collective Normal Growth and personal freedom begin when we stop hiding and start showing up as ourselves. Choosing to be different isn’t a rebellion — it’s an evolution. Own your uniqueness, own your power.

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