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Blacklands
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO, Billy Peters disappeared. Everyone in town believes Billy was murderedafter all, serial killer Arnold Avery later admitted killing six other children and burying them on the same desolate moor that surrounds their small English village. Only Billys mother is convinced he is alive. She still stands lonely guard at the front window of her home, waiting for her son to return, while her remaining family fragments around her. But her twelve-year-old grandson Steven is determined to heal the cracks that gape between his nan, his mother, his brother, and himself. Steven desperately wants to bring his family closure, and if that means personally finding his uncles corpse, hell do it. Spending his spare time digging holes all over the moor in the hope of turning up a body is a long shot, but at least it gives his life purpose. Then at school, when the lesson turns to letter writing, Steven has a flash of inspiration . . . Careful to hide his identity, he secretly pens a letter to Avery in jail asking for help in finding the body of "W.P."William "Billy" Peters. So begins a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. Just as Steven tries to use Avery to pinpoint the gravesite, so Avery misdirects and teases his mysterious correspondent in order to relive his heinous crimes. And when Avery finally realizes that the letters hes receiving are from a twelve-year-old boy, suddenly his life has purpose too. Although his is far more dangerous . . . Blacklands is a taut and chillingly brilliant debut that signals the arrival of a bright new voice in psychological suspense.
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review
Minervasbutler
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

12-year-old Steven's life is pretty shit- bullies and school and poverty see to that, but mainly his unhappiness is down to the fact that 19 years previously his Uncle Billy was murdered by a child molester who is now banged up but who has never revealed the site of Billy's body. Steven decides to make contact with the killer.
This is a stunning debut, creepy and thrilling in equal measure with a dollop of sly humour when you least expect it.

Cathythoughts Loved this one too. Love this writer ♥️ 5y
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Tove_Reads
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Bought the first book in this trilogy. Sounds good! Never heard of the author before.

TrishB I love this book and the author. A lot of people find these book too bleak- just letting you know! 5y
JamieArc I believe she wrote Snap, which was a Man Booker nominee. I really liked it. 5y
Cathythoughts I‘ve read 4 of her books... love this writer , can‘t wait to read another one of hers .... ♥️👍🏻 5y
Bookladylinda I like her as well, stumbled across her a few years ago. 5y
46 likes4 comments
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Cathythoughts
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

I took a notion to suddenly read this yesterday! I‘m giving this a pick. I find B Bauer so readable. Some of the same themes as in Snap ... I thought the beginning of this book strong , but it kind of tapered out for me. Still, a pick 👍🏻. Clever , full of heart , &
Murder. Thankyou @TrishB for sending this my way 🙏🏻

TrishB Glad you enjoyed it 😘 5y
Tanisha_A Full of murder! Haha 😱 5y
Cathythoughts @TrishB I did , thanks! She is a good writer 5y
Cathythoughts @Tanisha_A scary & awful 🖤 5y
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Cathythoughts
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Thankyou so much @TrishB ... you are so generous.. I look forward to this book very much. I‘ve loved the other 2 I have read by B. Bauer! You‘re very good XXX

batsy Mmm... Chocolate and a good book 🖤 6y
erzascarletbookgasm 🖤I like them dark, too..chocolate and book. 😄🖤 6y
TrishB Glad it arrived safely 😘 that was quick - only posted Friday. Hope you enjoy it. 6y
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Cathythoughts @batsy yes ! Mmmmmm = Heaven ❤️ 6y
Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm exactly... a good combo 👍🏻🖤🍫 6y
Cathythoughts @TrishB Thankyou ❤️. I‘m interested to read this one. And yes the post was quick... must be getting used to us Littens 😊 6y
LeahBergen What a lovely Shakespeare and Co. card! 6y
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen the Shakespeare card ... 💫💫💫 6y
53 likes8 comments
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quirkyreader
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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I went to the farm store for some shopping and went to the gw next to it and found these lovelies.

MStew 😍 👌 6y
quirkyreader @meghan2714 These covers were from the early 90‘s so they don‘t fit in the #paperbacksfromhell category. (edited) 6y
43 likes2 comments
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Lindy
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

Thank you to @TrishB for recommending this crime novel (as a follow-up to Snap). It‘s Bauer‘s first book, and also the first in her Exmoor trilogy. It‘s bleak (in the best way!) and it‘s got a lot going for it: atmospheric with suspense and a strong sense of place; a cast of memorable characters; and a plot with momentum that builds to a crescendo. #Audiobook narrated by John Curless. Warning: contains psychopathic pedophile.

Libby1 I‘m glad you liked it, @Lindy ! I agree with @TrishB . I really liked this one, too. 6y
Lindy @Libby1 😁👍 6y
TrishB So glad you liked it 😁 I was a little hesitant after our #whodunnituk read it last year and it was a total love/hate split. But I believe people should make their own mind up. @Libby1 was on the love side 👍🏻 6y
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Lindy
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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I‘m a third of the way through this crime novel #audiobook and ready to take a break from bleakness and pedophilia. I think I need some sweetness and light for a change of pace.

TrishB Sorry you‘re not enjoying it 😔 it is bleak! 6y
Lindy @TrishB Sorry to have given the impression that I‘m not enjoying it. It‘s just that I‘ve read Snap and The Fact of a Body and Titus Andronicus all within the past week or so. I‘m only taking a break, then I look forward to resuming Blacklands. 6y
TrishB I understand ! I have to alternate when the heavy ones have taken over! 6y
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jhod
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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1. "Sexy" Jess after a boozey lunch with friends ?
2. No
3. A Christmas Carol!
4. Both
5. Just got the new Belinda Bauer as a Netgalley Arc ?. Called Spin, not on here yet

@MinDea
#humpdaypost

Cathythoughts I love the pic 👍🏻❤️ 6y
97 likes1 comment
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TrishB
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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My #whodunnituk arrived back from its travels today 😁 thanks to everyone who took part - loved reading your comments. Thanks to Ellie for a new lists book 💕 and Rachael for organising.
Look forward to doing it all again with some/all of you!

ScorpioBookDreams Phew! Glad it arrived. 💜 6y
Caroline2 I‘m looking forward to the next round too but I stillll can‘t decide what book to select?! 😳 6y
TrishB @Caroline2 as soon as I‘d done mine I thought of others! 6y
111 likes3 comments
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arubabookwoman
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Mehso-so

12 year old Steven wants to locate the body of his uncle who was killed years before by a child molester. He thinks this will “fix” his dysfunctional family. After months of unsuccessful digging on the moor, he decides to go to the source. His letter to the murderer in jail sets off a game of cat and mouse. My problem with the book is that too much of it was taken up by the tedious, mundane details of a Steven‘s life before it became suspenseful.

BarbaraBB Hi Deborah! I ‘know‘ you from LT, isn‘t it? I am Simone2 over there! 6y
arubabookwoman #BarbaraBB Hi Barbara. Yes it‘s me.😀 6y
RidgewayGirl Welcome to Litsy! 6y
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jenniferw88
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Panpan

Sorry @TrishB but this book was not for me... I almost bailed at the mention of Avery killing the 2 cats, but forced myself to continue as it was part of #whodunituk. I'll write a more thorough review in the notebook. 2 ⭐

MinDea Awww cute orange tabby! 6y
TrishB No problem 👍🏻 we‘ve certainly read a variety with these! 6y
TrishB Also - I read when originally published so had forgotten about the cat scene til people mentioned it- otherwise would have warned people! 6y
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jenniferw88 @TrishB that's ok, it's not the first book I've read where cats are killed, and it probably won't be the last! 🤣 But I don't go out of my way to find books with it in! 🤣 6y
TrishB Me neither! 😁 6y
Susanita Yikes! I‘m liking the picture not the book! 6y
MimiLovesToRead Uh oh. I picked this up at a library sale. I guess I won't be reading it either. 6y
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jenniferw88
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Not only did I receive my #whodunituk I also sent the one for January on to @thegirlwiththebookishcandle today.

Christine11 This book really freaked me out !! 😬 6y
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DeborahSmall
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Mehso-so

Finished this months #whodunnitUK last night. I wasn‘t impressed at all. I found the bulk of it boring, a great premise with so much potential; I was sure I‘d love it. It just didn‘t flow well and the characters had no depth at all. The last 2 chapters were so fast paced, if the other 98% of the book had been like the last 2 then it would have been great!

Libby1 I loved this one! Ha! I hope you‘ll find the next one to be more enjoyable. ☺️ 6y
LeahBergen I felt the very same about this book! I thought I‘d love it but ... meh. 6y
DeborahSmall @LeahBergen very meh!!was glad to get it over with xx 6y
TrishB I think it‘s a marmite book - you do either love or hate. Obviously I love it ❤️ 6y
70 likes4 comments
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DeborahSmall
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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@emily_m_tubb my #whodunnituk arrived yesterday! Thank you so much!!sophie enjoyed the chocolates 😘

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emily_m_tubb
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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#Whodunnituk is packed and ready to be sent Monday! @DeborahSmall I'm so sorry it's late 😣 Its been a very hectic December/New year 🤦‍♀️

DeborahSmall No rush at all!! Xx 6y
jhod Have you had the latest one from me? Thanks 6y
emily_m_tubb @jhod yes, I have, sorry, I was meant to post it a couple of days ago 🙈 and thanks for the Kendall mint cake! I haven't tried it before, so looking forward to eating later 😁 6y
jhod No worries! I am now paranoid about things not arriving so just checking - thanks! 6y
53 likes4 comments
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BookladyOnTheMove
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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A dark tale of suspense set in Exmoor. Twelve year old Steven is determined to find out what happened to his uncle Billy, who disappeared on the more when he was Steven's age.

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emily_m_tubb
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Starting this one tonight for #Whodunnituk... sounds very intriguing 👍

And yes, those are Pikachu slippers you can see on my feet 😂

Laura317 That book sounds terrifying! I can‘t wait to see what you think of it @emily_m_tubb 6y
38 likes1 comment
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jhod
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

Finished my latest #whodunituk from @trishb this morning under my vitamin d lamp! Thanks Trish - really enjoyed this unique story told from a 12 year old boy's viewpoint. Especially loved the description of family and the love that is hidden amongst poverty and grief. Off it goes to @emily_m_tubb

Libby1 I really liked this one, @jhod . 6y
TrishB @Libby1 really glad you both liked it 😀 her books set in this countryside are fab. 6y
jhod Yes @TrishB loved the descriptions, wouldn't like to get lost up there... 6y
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jhod Your notes were amazing @Libby1 ! As were @ScorpioBookDreams They really moved me! 6y
Cinfhen Sounds like a good one!!! 6y
emily_m_tubb Can't wait! I need to finish the last book you sent! I'm a little behind 😂 6y
jhod @emily_m_tubb don't worry, it shouldn't have arrived til December 1st so you have a while yet - it's the first time ever I've been ahead! 6y
85 likes7 comments
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Libby1
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

Yes.

I am posting 2 reviews in a row about books that delve into the very disturbed minds of serial killers. 😬

This book is one I would not have selected on my own. It was sent to me as part of #whodunituk and selected by @TrishB .

Thank you thank you, @TrishB . I loved it. The writing was beautiful, the characters created strong feelings of love and disgust, and the isolated moorlands of England took on a personality all their own.

Libby1 Thanks again, @ScorpioBookDreams for setting up this group. 6y
Libby1 I‘ll be sending this to you in a few days, @jhod . I was wondering if all the books listed in your Litsy TBR are ones you don‘t own? I want to send something you‘ll like. ☺️ 6y
ScorpioBookDreams It was a great book, wasn‘t it? 6y
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Libby1 I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Goodreads, @ScorpioBookDreams 😁 6y
TrishB @Libby1 @ScorpioBookDreams what a great review 👍 the landscape is a character in itself isn't it. It's one of my favourite debut books 💓 6y
Cathythoughts Haunting pic 6y
Libby1 @Cathythoughts - this photo is inside the back cover. I suppose if this were a hard cover it might be on the endpapers. 6y
jhod Wow! Great review, I've never heard of it before so excited to read it! I need to get on with ! Do send me a couple of bullets if you want to via email and I'll stick them in the new notebook. 6y
jhod On my TBR it's a bit of a mix to be honest but probably more i don't own than do :-) 6y
jhod In case helpful I revamped my TBR list today so they're all books I don't own :-) 6y
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Libby1
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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“By the time they got [to the sandcastle competition] a summer downpour had reduced the magnificent creations to vague, melting mounds, so the fairytale castle looked like the Titanic... Lewis‘s Dad [was] photographing them from several angles... “You can see how it WOULD have looked!‘ Lewis and his mother shivered under a flapping umbrella, rolling their eyes & whining loudly about getting inside for a cream tea.”

British culture in a nutshell!

TrishB 😂😂 oh yes, sitting in the rain on the beach.... 6y
Balibee146 @TrishB holding an ice cream 😅😅🍦 6y
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ScorpioBookDreams 😂😂😂 6y
LeahBergen 😂😂 6y
Balibee146 @TrishB ☝️👍👍🖖 6y
Libby1 @TrishB , @Balibee146 , @ScorpioBookDreams , @LeahBergen - the “whining for a cream tea” took the cake for me. Or maybe I should say, took the scone! 😂 6y
ScorpioBookDreams @Libby1 it‘s just spot on 😂😂 6y
Libby1 @ScorpioBookDreams - my friend - it looks like we both have insomnia again. Take care. 🌼 6y
ScorpioBookDreams @Libby1 urgh, I know. It‘s so annoying. 6y
Balibee146 @Libby1 whining for a cake - if it was an Olympic sport Britain would always take the gold 😂😂 6y
Libby1 @Balibee146 - whining for cake whilst simultaneously whining about the weather! 6y
Balibee146 @Libby1 multi tasking 😂 6y
65 likes14 comments
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Libby1
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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TrishB He's a brave lad 😮 6y
Libby1 He is. I am so very proud of him and have so much love for him so far, @TrishB . 6y
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Libby1
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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A children‘s soft play is an incongruous place to begin a book about a 12 year-old boy who contacts a serial killer accused of murdering his uncle.

#whodunituk
@ScorpioBookDreams
@TrishB - I think this was your selection?

TrishB It was. I hope you like it 👍 I really enjoy the authors books. Yes, weird setting to start! 6y
Andrew65 This cover is pulling me in! 6y
Libby1 @TrishB - I love it so far. 6y
Libby1 @Andrew65 - this isn‘t normally one I would have chosen in pre-Litsy days. I ❤️ Litsy! 6y
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Libby1
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Here are MOST of the contents of my #whodunituk parcel from @ScorpioBookDreams .

There WAS a gigantic chocolate bar. Don't ask me where that went.

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Libby1
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Guys - I got this lovely #BookMail last Thursday from @ScorpioBookDreams for #whodunituk .

I was distracted that day so I'm only posting now.

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ScorpioBookDreams
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

Thanks to @TrishB for this great choice for #whodunituk. I really enjoyed this tense, atmospheric cat and mouse game between a serial killer and a 12 year old boy. Will be posting onto @Libby1 next week.

Libby1 Thanks, @ScorpioBookDreams . 😃 7y
TrishB The geography certainly plays a part in this one. Glad you liked it 👍 7y
TotoroReads Sounds like an amazing read! 7y
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Libby1 Yippee! I'm planning to send The Dry on to @jhod tomorrow! 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @Libby1 great! 👍 7y
jhod @Libby1 fab! Am home tonight and I will pick up mine to read as soon as I'm back - couldn't take such a lovely book to a sandy beach! 7y
Libby1 @jhod - I went to the post office to send your parcel today and they'd closed 10 minutes early! Grrr! I'll have to send it on Monday. 7y
jhod @libby1 grrrrrr indeed! 🦁 7y
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ScorpioBookDreams
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Starting my #whodunituk and it looks great. @TrishB @Caroline2

amywithbooks Oooooh this sounds intriguing! 7y
TrishB Hope you like it 😀 7y
Caroline2 Oh I hope you enjoy it! 💀 😉 7y
TheLudicReader This is great. 7y
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ScorpioBookDreams
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Just revived my #whodunituk from @Caroline2 and I love the card, writing set, and summer bookmarks. Thank you! 💕

Caroline2 You're welcome! 😁 I hope you enjoy the book! 👍🏻 7y
ScorpioBookDreams @Caroline2 it sounds great 7y
maich Lovely💜 7y
73 likes3 comments
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Caroline2
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

An enjoyable, quick-read thriller! My first book from #whodunituk I'll be posting it on asap! @TrishB (I'll be replying to you too Trish, sorry for the delay my little boy has broken his collar bone, poor little chap!)

TrishB Don't worry - when you're ready and got time. Hope the little one is ok? Glad you liked the book 😀 7y
Caroline2 @TrishB he's doing ok thanks but he's got his arm in a sling and needs to keep his shoulder and arm still...trying to explain that to an active 6yr old is another matter!! Plus it had to be during the summer holidays didn't it, no parks or soft play etc...it's going to be a long few wks!!! 😒 7y
TrishB Awww worst time possible - it's a long time keeping them entertained anyway! 7y
49 likes3 comments
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Caroline2
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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What a lovely dedication! 😍 ❤️ @TrishB

TrishB Wouldn't that be lovely to get from your kids!? ❤ 7y
61 likes1 comment
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Caroline2
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Time to get cracking on my #whodunituk book! @TrishB @ScorpioBookDreams 💀 📚

TrishB Hope you like it 👍 7y
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Caroline2
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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My #whodunituk arrived! Thank you @TrishB for my lovely bag!! 😍 I can't wait to use it on holiday! And the book sounds brill! 😮 thanks @ScorpioBookDreams for organising! So exciting!

TrishB Yay 😀😀 glad it arrived. Hope you like the book and have a fab holiday 💜 7y
Yellowpigeon That pillow is amazing 😻 7y
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TrishB
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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#whodunituk @ScorpioBookDreams
@Caroline2 it's on the way with #litsypenpal stuff!
I forget to take a photo! 😀

MimiLovesToRead Ooooh! I have that one! 7y
TrishB @MimiLovesToRead she's a great author! 7y
MimiLovesToRead @TrishB i'll move it up on my list. I got it at a library sale. 7y
Caroline2 Ohhh exciting!! (No worries, I always forget to take the 'it's in the post' photo too!) 😆 7y
61 likes1 stack add5 comments
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LinaLovesLit
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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I finished Blacklands on Tuesday morning... fun and fast paced suspense! #books #reading #BelindaBauer #read #bookstagram #booksandcoffee #starbucks

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LinaLovesLit
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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This child is playing such a dangerous game of cat and mouse!

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LinaLovesLit
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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LeahBergen
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Up next for #AllHallowsRead.

Eyglo I have both heard and read great things about this one! 7y
Hobbinol I look forward to hearing if Blacklands Matters. And lovin' the redrum bookmark! 💚 7y
TheLudicReader This is a very disrurbing book. 7y
TheLudicReader And that word would be disturbing. 😜 7y
74 likes6 stack adds4 comments
review
MyBookLife
Blacklands: A Novel | Belinda Bauer
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Pickpick

Stephen, 12, thinks that if he can find out what happened to his uncle, who disappeared when he was 11, maybe his family would be a happier. So he starts writing letters with a serial killer who is in jail for similar crimes.. I really liked this book. Will definitely read more Bauer books!

LinaLovesLit That sound like the perfect book to me! 8y
MyBookLife @Attila It is soooo good!!!! I wanted to say so much more about this book, but I was out of space :) 8y
LinaLovesLit @MyBookLife I'm so glad you posted this! I think my mom is going to want to read it too. 8y
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MyBookLife @Attila That's great! You made my day 😊 Bauer writes really good, and this is a great story that you can't stop read. Please let me know what you and your mom thinks when you've read it!! 8y
LinaLovesLit @MyBookLife Okay, I'll be sure and let you know. 😃👍 8y
ReadingOver50 Sounds really interesting. 8y
Simona @MyBookLife Very appealing photo.👏 8y
MyBookLife @ReadingOver50 The suspense in this book! Wow! And in some of the chapters you follow the serial killer. I highly recommend it!! 8y
MyBookLife @Simona Thank you 😄 8y
lucy_literati Love Bauer. 8y
MyBookLife @bookworm_1978 Right!? Me too ❤️❤️ 8y
lucy_literati Check out The Shut Eye too ❤️ 8y
MyBookLife @bookworm_1978 I have the two following books at home. A book publisher sent them to me, so I will get to them, it just takes a little while sometimes. (I didn't request them, when I do I try to read those soon after I get them.) 8y
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