Recommended for you…
We’ve all seen these words, whether online shopping, deciding what to watch next or choosing your next read.
According to research by Power Reviews 9 out of 10 people say they consider reviews when making a purchase. Additionally retailers use reviews to determine what content to suggest to you. Amazon uses various algorithms to decide which books to promote to you, a big one of which is that a book needs to get at least 50 reviews before they’ll start recommending it to readers who have bought other books in the same genre - and that’s written reviews, not just star ratings.
There are over 10 million books in the English language, and even once you take out physics text books and train spotting manuals, that leaves a lot of authors grappling for your attention.
And with many readers opting for new releases from their favourite authors, favourite celebrities, or looking for authors with a long series to their name, it's getting harder and harder for new authors to break into the wider market.
How can you help?
Make sure if you have read a book you enjoyed, especially if it’s by a less well known author, that you take a moment to leave them a review.
It doesn’t need to be on Amazon (although that really helps!), it could be through other book store websites, book-reading sites such as Goodreads or in social media groups like the UK Crime Book Club or Lost in a Good Book on Facebook.
Or if you’d prefer not to leave a review online there are other things you can do. Pass the book on to a friend, donate it to a charity shop (hopefully someone else will buy it!), buy another copy for someone else as a present, or just tell your friends and family.
All that said, here are a selection of reviews for The Salisbury Murders.
Praise for book 1:
"A cosy armchair murder mystery with such likeable characters. I felt I actually was there in the care home, working out who the murderer was, keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I couldn't put the book down, fabulous read. Cannot wait for Wendy's next book." Ali Bambra
"This is a brilliant book from start to finish, I'm so sorry it did, the characters pulled you into the story, you felt like you were there watching from the side lines, the story was clever and it twisted so you don't know who the murderer and thief was cannot wait for the next book." Jules
"I love a good whodunnit ... this is certainly that. It has a gentle, old fashioned feel with genuine warmth and believable characters. Enough murders and twists to keep my interest and it kept me guessing until nearly the end when the pace and suspense really picks up. It is a true cosy murder mystery, you can read, enjoy and still get a good night’s sleep.!” DL Miles
"What a really good book this is, the characters are well-drawn and the story has plenty of interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed this book from start to exciting finish, and will definitely buy book 2 as soon as it is available." Shona Victory
"A marvellous debut from Wendy Boynton. I look forward to the next one!" Suze
"A thoroughly entertaining and easy read….. I shall definitely be reading the next book in the Salisbury Murders. An impressive first novel." Louise
"An interesting murder mystery set in and around Salisbury. The cast of characters develops and comes to life as the story unfolds. Good descriptive content that draws you into the plot and you're keen to find out the conclusion. Already looking forward to the next one!" R M Clifford
““A gripping, first-rate cosy crime read. This novel’s characters - care-home residents and staff - were well characterised and the plot unfolded in a steadily evolving journey that drew the reader in and culminated in a gripping finale.””
Praise for book 2:
“Great plot, brilliant characters, so well written that you feel your there, roll on book 3” - Jules0902
"Fabulous storyline. Keeps you wanting more. Fall in love with the amazing characters, join them on a dangerous journey of who did it! Leaves you wanting more. Can’t wait for book 3. Hoping Meg & Albert’s friendship blossoms into a romance.” - Ali Bambra
“Fantastic! I really enjoyed the second instalment in the Salisbury Murders series. It was great to catch up with Lauren and Meg again. The Mystery of the Missing Wallet is a little more sinister than the previous book, I especially enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me on my toes. Wendy really brings the characters to life as their relationships develop. I can’t wait to read their next adventure!”
“Great follow up to Wendy's first book. Finished in two days. The storyline held my attention from start to finish. Super sleuthing by Meg and Lauren. Well done, Wendy...looking forward to the next mystery!” - R M Clifford
"An amazing second story by Wendy. The characters are developing in each page and are bright and cleverly interconnected. I love the very natural but clever way that Wendy draws you to want to read on and find the culprits of this ingenious story. - Dawn Bentley
Praise for book 3:
The Missing Child is the third in the series of books by author Wendy Boynton. Having read the previous two books, I wasn’t sure how the author could continue with the series as the first two books were very good. How wrong I was, this book continues the theme of Meg and Lauren with input from Albert, investigating a missing child. In previous books the local detectives have turned a blind eye to these amateur sleuths but not so much in this book and this causes a rift between Lauren and her boyfriend. I liked the fact that from page one you thought you knew who had taken the child and why. However, the same as with the previous books this one is no different. There are twists and turns and new characters being brought into the story on every page. It’s not until the last few pages the storyline dropped into place and I could see who had taken the child and why. I am pleased I read the introduction from the author otherwise I would have been surprised with some of the words used in the story, however they were justifiable in relation to the background of the missing child and the author explains this very well. It’s definitely another page turner and once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. The author’s writing is going from strength to strength and I for one can’t wait to read the next book in the series. - Pauline Totten
The Mystery of the Missing Child, Book 3 in the Salisbury Murders series, is quite different in that the murder does not take place in Meg’s care home. The storyline still contains many unexpected twists and turns as we’ve come to expect from this author. As before, the dialogue is spot on and it is very easy to visualise the characters in action. Got engrossed and read the book in two days when I should have been doing other things really! Looking forward to the next book in the series …. - Louise (on Amazon)
“Another great read, finished over two days! So much research must have gone into the storyline. Wendy’s writing and characterisation of each person involved is going from strength to strength. Unexpected themes and plot detail meant I didn’t want to put the book down. Well done, Wendy. Already looking forward to the next adventure for Meg and Lauren.”
“This second book in the series is even better than the first. The main characters are developed well, and are becoming quite a team. There are some really tense moments in the narrative that will have you frantically turning the pages. Highly recommended. - A Totten
Such a heart-warming, wonderful read that'll appeal to anyone who understands what good mystery is all about. Again Wendy has penned a brilliant story in the next book of the Salisbury Murders.
Interesting characters who we now know well are still developing in each story so we get another layer of intrigue. Will look forward to the next book. A lovely Autumnal read. - Dawn Bentey