I am really excited to share a little literary amuse bouche - a quick in-between the bigger books… a collection of 22 psychological thriller short stories, called GASPS. These are short stories that I’ve written over a number of years and pretty much all of them have a twist.
“With Rijks’ signature clever twists and dark humor, I found myself laughing out loud as well as being stumped by each story.” - @books_by_the_bottle
For the first time, I’m dipping a toe into self-publishing, which means I have to do all the marketing myself. Yikes! If you’re a member of a bookish Facebook Group or you’re on social media, I’d be HUGELY grateful if you could review GASPS. Also, posting reviews on Goodreads and Amazon is super helpful. A big thank you in advance. 🙏
GASPS will be published on 26 May and it’s available to pre-order now on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. Just 99p / 99c or free in Kindle Unlimited.
In case you’re wondering when my next full-length psychological thriller will be published, hopefully it’ll be the end of June. The book is finished and edited and currently with the proofreader. We have a title and are awaiting the front cover. As always, members of my Facebook Group are the first to know all the details. If you haven’t already joined, please do!
I have a meeting with my publisher and editor on Thursday to discuss ideas for the next book. If you’d like the chance to name a character in my next thriller, please also join my Facebook Group as that’s the only place online where I offer that opportunity.
I’ve been lucky enough to read some great books this month. Here they are:
The Photo by AJ McDine
Amanda writes in such an engaging way, pulling the reader right into the story, creating realism and an immediate empathy with the protagonist. The Photo is a thrilling, binge-worthy read. It drew me straight in and I finished the book in one sitting. The double twists are jaw-dropping. What a fabulous thriller!
You, Me, Her by Sue Watson
This is a fun, fast-paced domestic thriller that I raced through over a couple of nights. Rachel is naïve in her unquestioning acceptance of her new best friend Chloe and her husband, but at the same time, I was rooting for her and really enjoyed her character arc. The author skilfully brought the Cornish setting to life and at the end there was a gasp-inducing plot twist. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Did I Kill My Husband? by AJ Campbell
An excellent, fast-paced book full of lies, chills and confusion. The premise of driving home in foul weather and hitting what you think is an animal, but turns out to be your husband, is brilliant. It sets the scene for a gripping, twisty thriller full of well-developed characters, some sympathetic, others hateful. AJ Campbell is a fabulous writer, and this book is up there with her very best. Thoroughly recommend!
My Husband’s Ex by Rosie Walker
This has all the ingredients of a great domestic thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The setting in the Scottish Highlands in a storm is described beautifully and dramatically heightens the tension. Yes, there are some conversations and plot twists that stretch credibility, but for me, these didn’t detract from a great story that had me flipping pages well into the night. It’s fast-paced, easy to read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
The Boy in the Woods by AJ Wills
How far would you go to protect your child? For sure, Sabine made some mistakes, but anyone would when under so much pressure, and what mother wouldn’t fight for their son? I literally couldn't put this book down and am severely sleep deprived as a result! I had so much empathy for Sabine. This is the type of thriller that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The chapters are short, the multiple POVs fascinating and the storyline realistic and compelling. Another addictive, must-read from AJ Wills.
The Trials of Lila Dalton by LJ Shepherd
This was a unique plot and a highly original premise. However I’m not a fan of dystopian novels and wouldn’t have chosen to read this book if the Kafkaesque qualities of the book had been included in the blurb. I struggled somewhat with the level of explanation around legal processes, anarchy and conspiracy theories, and found myself confused at times. This is despite having a good understanding of the British legal system but maybe it was because I read at night when I’m tired!
This is an unusual novel which I will remember for a long time, predominantly for the sensations of unease and heightened suspense sustained throughout the book.
That’s it for now! I hope you enjoy GASPS.
Best wishes,
Miranda x