This tale haunted me long after I turned the last page. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but to me that’s what good stories do. Not necessarily haunt, but stay with you. For days, I kept wanting to finish reading, go back to the world, and would remember – oh, I finished that one.
About the Book
In this taut new thriller from the author of Chapel Field, one weekend of passion puts a woman at the center of a scandal that threatens to bury her . . .
When a spark ignites, Nina and Gabriel Da Silva, the mercurial busker at Halfmoon Lane, spend one weekend together at Nina’s isolated beachside home. Soon after, Nina receives some terrible news: Gabriel’s body has been found, and she’s been named a prime suspect.
Can Nina ever begin to piece her life back together or atone for her mistakes?
It turns out both conscience and love are heavy burdens, and Nina must learn to lean on the friends she has held at arm’s length . . .
My Thoughts
It only took two of Paula Hillman’s books to make her an auto-read/buy author for me. I think I was sold after the first one, but the second confirmed what I already knew – Hillman is a genius.
The twists and turns in all her books, including this one, are mind-blowing. The tension is literally palpable. Her ability to make me feel like I’m present in the story makes it that much harder to put the story down and shake it when you’re done. Her atmospheric, scene building has the seaside and Halfmoon Lane stamped on my brain and maybe my soul, just a little.
The characters are as real as you and me, the emotions real and heartbreaking. You’ll feel nearly every emotion known to humans as you traverse through this heart-racing story wondering how it will all turn out. Will our heroines figure things out? Will they still be friends in the end? Who would kill a kind-hearted musician bringing beautiful music to the town?
From deep romantic connections to the thrill of wild swimming and adrenaline-soaked tae kwon doe practices, Hillman can bring to life such a variety of experiences. I’m so grateful to the author, publisher, and Love Book Tours for including me on this tour, and I absolutely can’t wait to read whatever she writes next!
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy reading fast-paced, immersive domestic thrillers with twists and turns, you don’t want to miss this. It features romance, passion, mystery, intrigue, murder, and so much more!
Content Warning: Murder, Infidelity, Betrayal, Parent Loss, Violence, References to Homelessness and Food Insecurity, Homophobia
About the Author
Paula Hillman lives in Cumbria, in a large industrial town called Barrow-in-Furness. Shipbuilding is at its heart, and because of its location on the coast, as well as on the foothills of The Lakes, she is heavily invested in the natural history of the place. She studied science at college and specialised in it for her bachelor’s degree in teaching, but her heart has always been tied up with books and reading.
She is married to a photographer and have two adult children. She is a passionate advocate for local communities. Barrow people are community-driven and welcoming, and their character is unique in so many ways. She wants to capture all of this in the books she writes.
Question of the Day
Have you ever met a busker?
Answer of the Day
I don’t know that I’ve ever “met” one, but I’ve seen one and given them some money. And I know in both London and New Orleans I’ve seen quite unique ones doing things other than just playing music.
Sometimes, I like to buy the book too – and for this one, I bought the audiobook. It was a great listen!
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/g22wjv1
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9781917214063
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/0c8t7100
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213356217-halfmoon-lane
Author Website: https://paulahillmanauthor.co.uk/
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.