On Bee's Bookshelf

As much as there’s a lot of discourse and ethical implications to it, it’s impossible to deny there is a strange curiosity in most of us about killers - what drives them, how does someone reach that point, and are they evil, or just a person pushed too far? This book explores Britain’s history of women accused of murder, whether they’re guilty or not, and tries to find that tipping point from a woman scorned to a cold-blooded killer. Not only does this book take us back in time to learn about different crimes, punishments and women from our past, but also offers a chance to reflect on how the attitudes and treatments of women may have shaped brutal crimes. Starting back in the 1300’s and exploring the broken legal systems, uninformed medical practices, religious zealotry, inhumane punishments and lack of human rights all the way until recent history, the removal of the death penalty, women being allowed bank accounts - a very different kind of world depending where you look. This was f...

When she’s having sex with her boss, Iris likes to have the lights on so he can see how much younger she is than his wife. She likes watching her colleagues eat unhealthy lunches at their desk while her stomach aches with emptiness. She likes coasting at work knowing she’s going to land a big promotion anyway. So why when it arrives does she find herself sprawled on her hallway floor, crying uncontrollably? Why, instead of a sense of triumph, does a crippling depression threaten to overwhelm her? Why does the support and stability of her family and friends feel so suffocating? And why, torn between her flatmate George – good, kind, reliable George – and cold, indifferent Patrick, does she only seem capable of making choices that cause her pain? A brave, beautiful and authentic portrayal of a young woman struggling with mental illness and searching for meaning; Everyone I Know is Dying is not exactly an enjoyable or easy read, but it’s an impactful and important one. Our main character,...

  Ten years ago my life was destroyed. And now I want revenge… I gasp out loud as I step through the door of the beautiful country hotel. My heart swells and my hands fly to my mouth in shock as I see the room is filled with my friends and family, all gathered to celebrate my special birthday. Everyone raises their glasses into the air to toast me. I should be enjoying the moment but I’m on edge and I can’t relax. Because they don’t know why I’m really here… Ten years ago, my life was ripped apart at this hotel. And tonight, after years of heartache, I planned to get my revenge. But who organised this surprise party? How did they know I was going to be at the hotel? As I look around the crowd of smiling faces, I see so many people I love but a creeping sense of unease washes over me.  I was going to finish off what happened all those years ago… but did someone else have the same idea? A glittering masquerade, a beautiful powerful family and a body count that keeps on rising. T...