Life is too short to keep reading a book that doesn't capture your attention quickly.

As a crime writer, I have had the pleasure of indulging in some amazing books this year. From classic mysteries to contemporary works, I have been captivated by the power of storytelling. And as much as I enjoy diving into a good book, there is one place that truly embodies tranquility and relaxation for me - my bed.

I have always been drawn to books, it almost feels like I was born with a love for reading. My earliest memory is of inheriting a large picture book of Johanna Spyri's Heidi. I cherished that book as a child, but it wasn't long before I discovered the adventures of The Famous Five, Secret Seven, Nancy Drew, and The Hardy Boys. And then, I stumbled upon the queen of crime fiction herself - Agatha Christie. Her stories filled me with joy and left me in awe of her brilliant storytelling.

One book that I highly recommend to everyone is Liz Nugent's Strange Sally Diamond. This novel has it all - dark humor, compelling characters, and a crime storyline that will leave you breathless. From the very first page, where the main character Sally follows her father's bizarre instructions of disposing of him with the rubbish, I was hooked. It's a masterful observation of human nature with a twisty plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Out of all the books I have read in the past year, there are three that have stood out to me the most. The first is The Trials of Marjorie Crowe by C.S. Robertson, a unique blend of police procedural and amateur detective work that explores the themes of witchcraft and folklore in a murder case. The second is Killing Jericho by William Hussey, a refreshing read that introduces a new voice to the crime fiction genre through the character of Scott Jericho, a disgraced detective from the travelling community. And finally, Baby Does a Runner by Anita Rani, a coming-of-age novel that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of the main character, Baby, as she delves into her family's past and the mystery of love letters sent to her grandfather.

Of course, not every book can capture our attention and there have been a couple that I couldn't bring myself to finish. However, I have learned to not force myself to read something that doesn't engage me. Life is too short to waste on books that don't grip me from the start. But what I may not enjoy, someone else might love, which is why I won't bore you with the titles I couldn't finish.

When it comes to authors who have inspired me, two names come to mind - Stuart MacBride and Vaseem Khan. MacBride's dark and humorous writing style has influenced my own work, and I believe that humor is an essential tool in writing noir fiction. As for Vaseem Khan, he is not only a fantastic writer but also a great supporter of new authors. His self-deprecating humor and determination are both admirable and inspiring.

And while I can read anywhere, my favorite spot will always be snuggled up in bed, with my kindle and hoodie, blocking out any distractions. There's something incredibly soothing about being in bed, it's my happy place for reading and the epitome of relaxation.

Lastly, I am excited to announce that my new book, The Blood Promise, will be released on 23rd May. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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