Reviews matter…

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

Praise for book 2: