Dead of Night by Stephen Puleston #BlogBookTour

#ADGIFTED As always I choose genre and authors of books I know I will enjoy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

British crime thriller (Detective Inspector Marco Book 5)

A victim with no voice….A killer with no fear…. A race against time.

When the body of a homelessman is found at the foot of a church steeple in the middle of the harshest winters Cardiff has seen for years Inspector Marco’s superior wants the inquiry
finished quickly. Even if it means the killer evades justice. But Marco isn’t happy and he knows from bitter personal experience how tough life can be.

man is found at the foot of a church steeple in the middle of the harshest winters Cardiff has seen for years Inspector Marco’s superior wants the inquiry
finished quickly. Even if it means the killer evades justice. But Marco isn’t happy and he knows from bitter personal experience how tough life can be.

A second killing of a roughsleeper only galvanises Marco and his team to hunt down the killer. But the lives of the homeless community makes uncovering the clues and tracking the
killer challenging.

sleeper only galvanises Marco and his team to hunt down the killer. But the lives of the homeless community makes uncovering the clues and tracking the
killer challenging.

When a vital witnessdisappears, Marco fears the worse. And despite knowing that a vital clue exists it remains tantalisingly out of his grasp. Things only get worse when a woman linked to the inquiry cannot be found.

disappears, Marco fears the worse. And despite knowing that a vital clue exists it remains tantalisingly out of his grasp. Things only get worse when a woman linked to the inquiry cannot be found.

Only when he uncovers themissing piece of the jigsaw does he realise where to catch the culprit and how finally he must prevent more deaths.

missing piece of the jigsaw does he realise where to catch the culprit and how finally he must prevent more deaths.

Dead of Night is the fifthbook in the fast-paced Inspector Marco series based in Cardiff. If you like clever mysteries and gripping page-turners then you’ll love Stephen Puleston’s Detective Marco series.

Stephen Puleston author profile

Stephen Puleston was born in Holyhead/Caergybi, Ynys Môn, inWales. After leaving university he trained and practised as a lawyer.

Wales. After leaving university he trained and practised as a lawyer.

He is now a full time author presently writing two crime series.
Both are based in Wales, a country rich in history and spectacular scenery.

The Inspector Ian Drake books
involve a detective inspector based in North Wales, the area where he was born and raised, who faces his own demons while solving gruesome murders.
The Inspector John Marco seriesfollows the adventures of John Marco an inspector based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. He’s from a Welsh-Italian family catching the killers at large in the
bustling city of Cardiff.

follows the adventures of John Marco an inspector based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. He’s from a Welsh-Italian family catching the killers at large in the
bustling city of Cardiff.

All the novels in the Inspector Drake and Marco series areavailable as audiobooks. All are narrated by experienced professional actors.

available as audiobooks. All are narrated by experienced professional actors.

Stephen lives with his family in Ynys Môn/Anglesey

My Review

I can’t remember if I’ve read this author before or not, but the writing style feels like something I’ve known before.

I think I would gain a better understanding of the character had I read the previous books, to watch and feel this character grow, and understand their reasoning more.

The references to Wales has me dreaming of places to visit in the future.

Certainly a touch of present day relevancy involved but not enough to depress you. Great stand alone book, but I think I’m going to dive in and start at the beginning to see how they are the way they are.

Crime in the Kitchen By Catherine Moloney #BlogBookTour

#ADGIFTED

Well I’m murderous in the Kitchen as I can’t cook, So I commit crimes against food everytime, so I had to pick this one up.

All opinions on this book are my own. I review because I want too, and to share. I it choose genre’s I enjoy.

CRIME IN THEKITCHEN a fiercely addictive mystery (Detective Markham Mystery and Suspense
Book 12)
TIDY SERIAL KILLER?

Jayne Padgett is a beloved

teacher who’d do anything for her kids.

So how does she end up dead,

neatly posed at her kitchen counter?

She was strangled and forced to

drink bleach. And, stranger still, the killer tried to clear up the mess
afterwards.

Despite being a favourite with

her students, there’s no shortage of suspects:

Teachers with grudges.
Parents who thought she was

meddling.

Half-sisters.

An ex-husband.

The on-again-off-again boyfriend.

AND THEN ANOTHER MURDER WITH THE

SAME M.O. — IS SOMEONE CLEANING UP THE TOWN?

Detectives Markham and Noakes

might just have a serial killer on their hands.

What readers are saying

about CATHERINE MOLONEY:

“Gripped from the start!” Curly

“A beautifully crafted book coming to a resolute finish.” Rob

“Utterly believable characters, beautifully described.” Jacqueline

Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves,

Clare Chase, Betty Rowlands, P.D. James, Ruth Rendell or Richard Osman.

DISCOVER A BRILLIANT NEW BRITISH

CRIME MYSTERY SERIES

THE DETECTIVES

DI GILBERT (“GIL”) MARKHAM

DI Markham is a startlingly

talented detective rising through the ranks of Bromgrove CID. He is distant and
austere — the product of a profoundly difficult childhood — but has a natural magnetism which inspires loyalty. He clashes with his slippery boss, DCI Sidney, who prioritizes the force’s public image.

DS GEORGE (“NOAKESY”) NOAKES

DS Noakes is a slobbish, uncouth

and outspoken Yorkshireman, an object of despair to his superiors. He is, however, also a man of hidden depths, with a sensitive streak and a secret flair for ballroom dancing. Markham sees through his philistinism and they form an unstoppable partnership.

DETECTIVE INSPECTOR GILBERT

MARKHAM SERIES

Book 1: CRIME IN THE CHOIR
Book 2: CRIME IN THE SCHOOL

Book 3: CRIME IN THE CONVENT

Book 4: CRIME IN THE HOSPITAL

Book 5: CRIME IN THE BALLET

Book 6: CRIME IN THE GALLERY

Book 7: CRIME IN THE HEAT

Book 8: CRIME AT HOME

Book 9: CRIME IN THE BALLROOM

Book 10: CRIME IN THE BOOK CLUB

Book 11: CRIME IN THE COLLEGE

Book 12: CRIME IN THE KITCHEN

My Review

New author to me, cute and easy to read. Great plot overall, and certainly filled my time nicely. A great summer beach read, especially now we can head to the coast and hope for some sunshine.

It reminds me of when I lived in a village where everyone knows your business, but not everything as some have dark secrets, well they do here!! This village is interesting.

Some of the lingo was slightly annoying and I only knew what they meant as I have a daughter going into the teaching profession. But I can imagine it’s frustrating if you didn’t have a clue.

2 Months Post #CMCjoint steroid injections

As I’ve quietly suspected over the last couple of weeks, certainly for the right hand, the steroid has been wearing off.

I’ve honestly enjoyed them NOT being the main focus of each day. I’m opted for increase in tramadol, and wearing compression gloves more frequently too.

Not quite where I was prior to the steroid injections, so it’s still an improvement. And if I can get a bit further on in time, I’ll try and ‘re book them to be done again asap.

Nine Ladies Stone Circle

*Wrote and scheduled before my Hip Incident, see previous post. *

Between the magic of Beltane and upcoming Summer Solstice, it’s been fabulous to find some extra special magickal places.

And none more Magickal than our Nine Ladies walk. Though unlike most people I felt zero energies at that circle, however we did at a more hidden stone circle.

It looks amazing, was definitely place to visit, but it was easy to get too, and frequently busy. But we touched each stone and blessed all the witches turned to stone for dancing.

Beautiful flowers and offerings inside the circle, rituals and celebrations are still done here often.

Before this though, we stumbled upon the Cork stone, which you can climb if mental enough. Rest assured Mr Moon is mental enough to shinny up it.

Mostly flat moorland with quarry aspects and millstone around. It was a very different walk for us.

We found stairs and rocks ok can climb and dramatic views, and even a hidden tower.

Sadly bricked up and we couldn’t explore, would of been good. Had arrow windows so it was clearly for protection at some point.

Headed back to rocks and found orb weavers. Cave spiders which are rather rare.

Mr Moon gets to play while I stay firmly on the ground.

He likes to scare me with drops and scary climbs.

Weather was so changeable all day, hot then freezing, but the rain held off after 2 spots of it.

We then found the Best stone circle, Doll Tor.

The views here were insane, you can see why they brought their loved ones here for their final journey.

Here the offerings are more natural and in keeping with the surroundings, Pinecones and Bones, though a gemstone sneaked in a red bag was left.

I could of stayed here all day, such was the difference in energies felt. This is what we came for.

To end it all for the day, after hip is in immense pain (The most I’ve felt in a long time, and taking far more tramadol than I have in years) we ended up at the Arbor Stone, and cue climby Moon up he goes again.

I’m at rest at this point, my walk is over. But what an epic day. We didn’t find the cottage we wanted to find, but the hunt was fun. And the treasure of Doll Tor will remain forever in my memories.

Phone Consultation

Following my scare this weekend, I have tested and increased my painkillers, and hot water bottle usage.

Now the instability and giving way has gone, I’ve been left with residual pelvic bone pain, deep in the leg crease.

So Monday I rang the hospital for advice, letting them know exactly what has happened, how it’s felt and to hope to gain advice.

So Tuesday 18th May I had a phone consultation with the Surgeon. And after discussing what I did proceeding the incident (side leg raises, hip hates being laid on) and how it feels now, we’ve decided it is a soft tissue injury, and rest will help. With a view to re ring and arrange an x-ray if the hip doesn’t improve.

We think it’s a Hip Flexor injury

The hip flexors can be found connecting the top of the femur, which is the largest bone in the body, to the lower back, hips, and groin.

There are various hip flexor muscles that all work to enable a person to be mobile.

They include:

• the iliacus and psoas major muscles that are also referred to as iliopsoas
• the rectus femoris, which is part of a person’s quadriceps

Overuse or overstretching of these muscles and tendons can result in injury and accompanying pain and reduced mobility.

Symptoms of hip flexor strain

Many people who experience hip flexor strain will have these symptoms as well:

• sudden, sharp pain in the hip or pelvis after trauma to the area
• a cramping or clenching sensation in the muscles of the upper leg area
• the upper leg feeling tender and sore
• loss of strength in the front of the groin along with a tugging sensation
• muscle spasms in the hip or thighs
• inability to continue kicking, jumping, or sprinting
• reduced mobility and discomfort when moving, including limping
• discomfort and pain in the upper leg area, which feels constant
• swelling or bruising around the hip or thigh area
• tightness or stiffness after being stationary, such as after sleeping

So mind at rest now, and at least it should repair and improve. Resting will be the hardest part as my mind wants to go on adventures!!

Scared Myself

I’ve had to stop some physio, in fear that the replaced hip isn’t liking it.

Had an awful Friday 14th May, where my hands and elbows and shoulders were in a world of pain, and I was sat contemplating actually how many body parts I need!!

But the following morning I got my 1st Replaced hip incident. I hinged at the hips and bent to put rubbish in the bin, felt a shift (But no noise or pain) and then suddenly it felt like giving way.

Now I have visions that it’s loosening or has moved.

I can’t walk, it feels like lightening like sciatica so gives way. I’m nursing it for now with rest rest rest and hot water bottles, with a view to ringing the Hospital if it doesn’t improve.

Embracing the child inside

Since starting our walks, and outings into nature, it’s done wonders for my mental health.

To step away from the vastly toxic unsocial media, has had me embracing child like wonder over what is out there, waiting to be discovered.

This particular walk really captured that essence. We started with eating a Dandelion, we even tried a Gorse flower too, thanks to Kate Humble the night before!! Taste like tomato yet in summer they are meant to taste like coconut, so I will be testing that out.

Anyways back to the walk, it honestly had it all. A beautiful hermits cave with Christ carved inside.

A random stone circle we never knew was on the walk, was a perfect Beltane surprise.

Watching climbers and boulderers out and enjoying outside,really lent though memories long passed where you could climb anything and everything. Alas I am no longer flexible nor strong enough. But Mr Moon is.

Caves to explore and hide in, the energies felt amazing up here, all alone we had the place to ourselves.

Felt like I was part of Enid Blyton story, with pirates or smugglers involved it was hard to pull ourselves away, from such a magickal place.

Views for days, that I could never get bored of. The friendliest of people too, so many smiles, waves and chats!! Don’t get that in the town’s anymore.

Came away from this completely revitalised mentality and ready to come back again!! If this is all I can do while I suffer indoors the rest of the week, then I accept. Better to have 1 Magickal day with masses of painkillers, and pay for it for the other 6 days of not being able to move.

Three Shires in the Sun

The day ahead is meant to be warm, so we’ve headed back off to Three Shire Head last time we visited it was snowy and very very cold.

This time it was absolutely Glorious!! and we found a quieter waterfall and pool before the main very popular one. Which meant it was perfect for Mr Moon to do a spot of wild swimming.

While obviously still cold, the warm air outside meant he dried quickly, and fulfilled a dream of wild swimming. I however couldn’t get in, and was happily sunbathing on the rocks.

We chose easier route than last time, so it wasn’t a complete copy walk, and would give us a different experience. And boy did that deliver, as at the beginning of the walk, we saw 3 Hares, and Baby Ducklings simply by doing a a turn earlier. That was Magick to see.

We spent bit longer at the Quarry part to explore, and marvel at the enormity at it all.

Definitely caught the sun, though I didn’t expect too, as the breeze was chilly at times.

We came across a lot of bones this time, not entirely sure why, and found a killing site probably from a bird of prey.

Taken this one’s above home to strip and bleach.

Enjoying Physio? Surely Not!!

I’ve stop started physio routines so many times in this past 18mths, I’m sorely missing the hospital and having actual face to face guidance. I see how much it’s a vital service, for support, advice and equipment.

But I’ve been trying to find some exercises that challenge me, but not too much and lay me up in bed for days. And something I can see myself doing regular.

And to be honest it’s been a tall order, as my biggest highlight is my once a week walk, I get out of the house, grab fresh air, and see something other than my house.

But as you know, from those walks follows days and days to recover from which are needed. Which meant realistically I had 4 days a week, I could hopefully slot something small in, and maybe build upon it, and do longer once it had become a habit.

So signing up for a lose weight plan (used to use the man’s one, downloaded the women’s one this time) each workout is from 4mins to 8mins.

Find it on the play store looking like this

But as hip is quite snappy and cracking, I often have to adapt. I’m doing a basic 28 day workout programme to get me used to setting aside time, and moving in such a way again. Walking does NOT do any of these so targeted, and after the first day I really felt it, but in a good way.

If there is any you can’t do, I don’t do jumping impact exercises, so I doubled up the side step Jack’s instead. Just adapt it to your ability.

Small amount but isolates certain areas, and it’s been over a couple of weeks now, and the exercises are so varied I don’t get bored, it’s over quick, that it’s impossible not to fit it in. It’s perfect really. Feels nice to have a routine set up again.

Tragically Hip Brace

#ADCOMMISSION

I sell T shirts, hoodies and baseball tops with my Pelvis and Tragically Hip design. You can find them Here Lots of new colours for Spring/Summer and styles have been added.

From sales of these I get a % commission and from this latest batch I’ve bought a Hip Brace. So thank you so much if you bought one.

The use of Hip Braces are a hotly debated topic. But as I use braces and splints for other joints, such as knees, ankles, elbows and hands, I thought I’d give it a try.

Now it’s worth remembering that brace use is best used limited, so that tendons, ligaments and muscles don’t become lazy and lose their abilities.

So I use mine while resting, so I do the physio first, or activity then place the brace on and have a good support with hot water bottles or ibuprofen gel too. I’m hoping this will help, as some days the hip is so wholly unreliable and so painful, I’m willing to try anything, as a year is a long long way a way.

So far I’m enjoying the protectiveness of it, it’s light weight, and soft. I’m a size 16 and it fits well. Will stop me from going passed 90degrees if wearing while attempting housework, as that’s what makes my hip the most unstable.

It’s even making me want to do physio, now I know the hip will be secure afterwards and not just loose.

I opted to buy cheap or my first one to see if it would be tolerated before I invest in something more expensive.

Here is the Link