Book Review: Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

The Nowhere Man is a legendary figure spoken about only in whispers. It's said that when he's reached by the truly desperate and deserving, the Nowhere Man can and will do anything to protect and save them.

But he's no legend.

Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He's also a man with a dangerous past. Chosen as a child, he was raised and trained as part of the off-the-books black box Orphan program, designed to create the perfect deniable intelligence assets - i.e. assassins. He was Orphan X. Evan broke with the program, using everything he learned to disappear.

Now, however, someone is on his tail. Someone with similar skills and training. Someone who knows Orphan X. Someone who is getting closer and closer. And will exploit Evan's weakness - his work as The Nowhere Man - to find him and eliminate him. 

Interview: Patrick Rogers

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

This morning, I'm pleased to be welcoming intrepid traveller turned writer, Patrick Rogers, to The Writing Greyhound! I managed to squeeze in some time with him in between his travels - read on for the full interview.

How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

In case you missed it, the other day I wrote a post containing a comprehensive wedding planning checklist. Writing that post got me thinking, and while I might not be planning a wedding of my own just yet, a girl can still dream, right?

One of the most important parts of planning a wedding is deciding on the perfect venue. Many girls have a dream wedding venue in mind from a young age. The sheer choice of wedding venues nowadays is remarkable, from fairytale-inspired castles to awe-inspiring country houses.

However, with so many choices out there, how do you go about finding the perfect venue? I've put together a few top tips to help you get started.

Online Shopping and the Rise of Impersonal Customer Service

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

It's time to admit it - customer service has become a bit of a joke.

On average, smaller companies are much better at dealing with customer queries, issues and complaints than larger businesses and corporations - after all, there is far less at stake when you're a multinational organisation. However, this shouldn't be the case.

The Essential Wedding Planning Checklist

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

Everyone knows that planning a wedding is a difficult job, but until you've gone through it yourself, many people don't realise just how hard it can be. Of course, I'm not married, but having heard people talk about everything they've done and still have left to do, I know that I'm going to be in for a shock should it ever be my turn!

Interview: Ethan Howard

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

This morning, I'm super thrilled to be inviting sci-fi and fantasy author Ethan Howard onto The Writing Greyhound to chat about his life, work, inspiration, and his novel Starry Messenger.

Book Review: Truth or Dare by Non Pratt

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

AD* | How far is too far when it comes to the people you love?

Claire Casey hates being the centre of attention. But if it means getting Sef Malik to notice her, it’s a risk she’s happy to take. Sef is prepared to do anything to help his recently disabled brother. But this means putting Claire’s love – and life – on the line. Because when you're willing to risk everything, what is there left to lose?

Interview: Anthony Hewitt

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

This morning, it's my stop on the blog tour for Joshua N'Gon: Last Prince of Alkebulahn and to celebrate, I'm sitting down for a quick chat with the author, Anthony Hewitt.

3 Ways to Decorate Your Bedroom for Winter

Last Updated: 20 September 2024

AD* | When the weather is cold and dull, looking outside and seeing the miserable winter landscape beyond your window can be nothing short of uninspiring. However, just because the great British winter weather is grey doesn't mean that winter weather the world over has to follow suit.

Instead of complaining about the weather this winter, why not try something different and bring the spirit of the season into your home?

Should You Treat Blogging as a Business?

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

AD* | Nowadays, blogging is more popular than ever before. From small-time occasional hobbyists to full-on entrepreneurs, there's no denying that the blogosphere is becoming more saturated by the day. However, while some may see this as daunting, there is also a range of benefits to be gained.

Book Review: Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

AD* | How do you move on from an irreplaceable loss? In a poignant debut, a sixteen-year-old boy must learn to swim against an undercurrent of grief - or be swept away by it.

Otis and Meg were inseparable until her family abruptly moved away after the terrible accident that left Otis’s little brother dead and both of their families changed forever. Since then, it’s been three years of radio silence, during which time Otis has become the unlikely protégé of eighteen-year-old Dara - part drill sergeant, part friend - who’s hell-bent on transforming Otis into the Olympic swimmer she can no longer be.

But when Otis learns that Meg is coming back to town, he must face some difficult truths about the girl he’s never forgotten and the brother he’s never stopped grieving. As it becomes achingly clear that he and Meg are not the same people they were, Otis must decide what to hold on to and what to leave behind. Quietly affecting, this compulsively readable debut novel captures all the confusion, heartbreak, and fragile hope of three teens struggling to accept profound absences in their lives.

Interview: Kate Birdsall

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

This morning I'm absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the charming Kate Birdsall to The Writing Greyhound! Kate is here to chat about her life, her writing and, of course, her latest novel The Flats, the first book in her gripping new police procedural series.

What to Consider When Buying Your First Home

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

There's no easy way to sugarcoat it - buying a home is a tense, stressful thing to do. Although the rewards may be great, the journey is a long and arduous one, particularly for first-time buyers who are unused to the process. 

Now, I am by no means an expert, but what I lack in professionalism or technical details, I can more than make up for in first-hand experience. My boyfriend and I are currently in the process of buying our first home together (exciting times!) so what better time than the present to share my thoughts, tips, tricks and hints about the journey towards becoming first-time buyers?

Interview: Linda Ferreri

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

It's my stop on the blog tour for The Matter of the Crown by Linda Ferreri and I'm pleased to be sharing an interview with the author herself!

Film Review: Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

Before I get stuck into my review, cards on the table - I've never seen the original Jumanji film.

Of course, I knew about it; it's a classic, after all. However, as the majority of my regular readers will doubtless already know by now, my education is significantly lacking when it comes to classic movies. I have my favourites and, with very little free time (or money) available to watch films or go to the cinema, I have to pick what I want to watch very carefully.

Interview: John Biscello

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

This week, I'm sitting down for a chat with author John Biscello to learn all about his life, his writing and, of course, his latest novel Raking the Dust.

Understanding Authors Attitudes to Reviews

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

As a keen reader, aspiring writer and book blogger, the literary world is one I know well. Those of us who do frequent bookish circles are likely already well aware of the importance of a review when it comes to establishing the success of a book, but for clarity's sake, let's recap.

Will You Remember Me When I'm Gone?

AD* | It may not be the cheeriest topic, but I've always seen January as the perfect time for reflection and a spot of meditation. After all, what better time than the New Year to alter your goals, set new targets and work to build on the successes and failures of the past?

Poetry Block: Love and Other Inconveniences by Rhea Arielle

Last Updated: 19 September 2024

What better way to kick off the first week of the New Year than with a spot of poetry?

Since my exclusive Poetry Block feature is so popular, regular readers of The Writing Greyhound should be pleased to hear that I've decided to extend the series into 2018. If you're a poetry fan and are searching for exciting, up-and-coming poets, don't forget to keep checking back to discover fresh talent throughout the coming year!

Book Review: Outsourced by Eric J. Gates

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

AD* | What's the most dangerous gift a fan could send to an author? And if that fan was a professional assassin?

New York-based writer Nic Stiles receives a strange package in the mail. It's not long before he realises what it represents will change his life... with deadly consequences. Others want the package's contents too, including a high-tech Intelligence agency who will stop at nothing to obtain it. ...and the sender wants it back! 

Interview: Gita Reddy

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

It's my first author interview of the New Year, and what better place to get started than with the lovely Gita Reddy!

5 Books I Want to Read in 2018

Last Updated: 04 September 2024

Okay, it's official - I'm terrible at sticking to reading the books I say I will read in a particular year. In 2016, I read one of the books I wanted to; last year, I didn't even manage that. So, this year, I'm determined to make it through as many of the following books as possible and do my best to make a sizeable dent in my towering tbr stacks.