Learn More

Review Sinister Intent – Simon & Schuster book review

Sinister Intent – Simon & Schuster book review
Average Ratings (from 33 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Did you enjoy this book?
Did you like the main character Lexie Rogers?
Would you recommend to a friend?
Would you read more books from this author?
Sinister Intent - Simon & Schuster book review :
4.03 out of 5 based on 33 reviews.
Post your review

Sinister Intent is a new fast-paced thriller from Sydney based author Karen M Davis.

From former police detective Karen M Davis comes a fast-paced thriller, with characters you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley and a plotline that will keep you guessing until the last page. For eight years Lexie Rogers has been a uniform cop in Sydney’s red light district, King’s Cross. Having survived a violent knife attack she’s now back at work as the newest member of the Bondi Junction detectives’ office, and one of her first jobs is to execute a search warrant at a bikie clubhouse. What she uncovers there begins a chilling investigation into a vicious world where loyalty is deadly and unwavering and can’t be bought…or can it?

Sinister Intent, written by Karen M Davis, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99.  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Sinister Intent here.

Published 29th July 2013

Share this

  • Great

    It was a very interesting story, I don’t usually read books like these. I am however very interested in anything to do with Australian history and it is both scary and fascinating learning about the more sinister side to Australia. Now my mum has borrowed the book and is reading it. She loves these types of stories.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Sinister Intent Fantastic Read

    Roped me in from the start. Loved the twists and turns. You become part of the team trying to establish who you can and can’t trust and trying to stay one step ahead and see if you can solve it before they do. A thrilling and engrossing debut novel from start to finish. Can’t wait for more titles from this author. Well written Karen.M. Davis bring on your next book

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • great read

    Not bad at all im Not a reader but it kept me turning the pages. Now My sister is reading it :-)

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Interesting

    It was a very interesting story and good to read. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I also let my mum read it and she really loved it, she loves most books in this genre but it was good reading it knowing it was real and in Australia.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • entertaining

    I love reading and this book was great, thriller and was to do with Sydney red light district, reminded me of underbelly a bit. Was entertaining and has made me want to try and of his other books. I was given this as a gift for Christmas, hadn’t thought of reading his books before but def will get some more now, great storyline and keeps you entranced, couldn’t put it down it was so good. Very me. Thanks for writers ng this story, I loved it and appreciate it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • loved this book

    I loved this book disliked it very much when I had to put it down
    to put dinner on .I wanted to get to what happened next
    I also loved that the story line

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Very good read, worth spending your downtime on reading

    Really enjoyed the book, and read it in a few days – usually an indication that the book is a good read. Some interesting twists …. and the twist you thought was obvious is actually not the twist that occurs and thus it disguised the twist that did occur. Was interesting reading a thriller/detective story that was about Sydney, rather than about North American or British locations … and that was comparable with those books as well. Would recommend it to a friend and have already done so. Would love to read more books by this author, would put her up there with Patricia Cornwell, the Sydney detective version. Well done Karen.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • sinister intent

    I loved this book, they story was action packed and left you wanting to read more. I also loved the fact that the chapters where short as with two little ones it was easy to say let mummy finish this chapter then we can play. if your looking for a good read this is the book. If they are anymore books by Karen m. davis I will defiantly be buying them. enjoy reading people!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Fantastic page turner

    I found the book to be very well written. The characters draw you in and the book is a real page turner. What’s great about this book is the mystery that keeps you reading long past the time you should have gone to bed. I’d definitely recommend this book to crime lovers.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • good

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,
    very good story , would be happy to read it again!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Great read

    Was a real paper tuner and one that I could not put down, it showed a parts of what a great author Karen will be. I knew what was going to happen in the end but still a great read and would recommend people getting behind a new author. Would have love it if it had not been turned into a love stories at parts

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • entertaining

    I love reading and this book was great, thriller and was to do with Sydney red light district, reminded me of underbelly a bit. Was entertaining and has made me want to try and of his other books. I was given this as a gift for Christmas, hadn’t thought of reading his books before but def will get some more now, great storyline and keeps you entranced, couldn’t put it down it was so good. Very me. Thanks for writers ng this story, I loved it and appreciate it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • great read

    Not bad at all im Not a reader but it kept me turning the pages. Now My sister is reading it :-)

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Interesting

    It was a very interesting story and good to read. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. I also let my mum read it and she really loved it, she loves most books in this genre but it was good reading it knowing it was real and in Australia.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • loved this book

    I loved this book disliked it very much when I had to put it down
    to put dinner on .I wanted to get to what happened next
    I also loved that the story line

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • A great read once more

    I loved reading this book and couldn’t put it down. I love how it is set in Bondi, the cop and crime side always keeps me entertained and it is a book I will read again in the future and not just put at the back of the book shelf

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Good read but not sure I'm sold on the writing style

    I did enjoy reading this book, it was a good page turner, though the plot was pretty obvious. I like a good book that has lots of twists and turns, this book did have that, but as I said it was obvious what the outcome would be. Being a new author I think she needs a lot more practice with writing fiction, parts of the book read like a police report. I probably wouldn’t read another book by this author.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • good

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,
    very good story , would be happy to read it again!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Terrific read

    this book is well written and a great story line. I love cop and crime stories and was particularly fond of it being set in Sydney Nsw. It had a good amount of suspense with in to keep you turning the pages to see what would happen next. Great read

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • A good read

    I enjoyed reading this book, I tend to be attracted to these sorts of things involving the law and crime. Worth the read

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Fantastic page turner

    I found the book to be very well written. The characters draw you in and the book is a real page turner. What’s great about this book is the mystery that keeps you reading long past the time you should have gone to bed. I’d definitely recommend this book to crime lovers.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Hubby had this on his shelf I read it

    Okay not really my kind of book. Due to some nights I am here on. My own…it’s a police thriller. A young police woman get tied up with bikes at bondi. It was full on there,s a bike war and the young police get caught up in it… I. Thought okay. But I really at the end of the day really enjoyed it. .. Australian author yes I would read more of these books. ..

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • a great read

    I am very much into all things like this, all the NCIS, Law and Order etc. I love the suspense and love trying to work out who did it and why. This book, I absolutely loved, I loved the story, I loved the way it was written, however I do feel like it was a little too predictable and held back on a bit of the ‘sitting on the edge of your seat’ suspense that I love so much. Overall though, I really enjoyed it and I would definitely read more from this author, it has even made me want to get back into reading more often. Well written Karen M Davis, I will be on the hunt for your next book.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • A good first novel with interesting characters.

    I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
    The storyline was modern and had a few twists. I did find this book a little bit too predictable and I am unsure if this was intended or not. There also seemed to be too many coincidences which made the story a bit far fetched.
    Overall a good first novel with some interesting characters that I would like to see in future novels.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Disappointing

    I just can’t get into this book. It is lacking something and I can tell it is written by a novice. There are chunks of description instead of being woven through the story, which was my first clue it was written by an amateur. It’s disappointing because it sounded like an interesting plot, I just feel too far removed from it and do not have that sense of eagerness to read on. Maybe I was just expecting more, like from the books I already love. Unfortunately for me, it just didn’t cut it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Good but predictable

    Enjoyed the book. Was about half way through when I thought I had figured out the murderer. Read it to the end to see if I was right – I was. A bit disappointing that that occurred so early – the little twist of another character was good though

    Would enjoy reading more of her books but there are a couple of things that I think need working on to make her a great read!

    1 – Make the start more exciting – save the character descriptions for later in the chapter.
    2 – more suspense
    3 – ensure the “murderer” isn’t revealed too early

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • A bit predictable

    While I couldn’t put the book down and managed to finish it in a couple of days, it lacked in the suspense department. I had worked out from about half way through the book who had done it and so was more reading the book to find out if my suspicions were correct. The added killer however caught me by surprise, especially as it was a character that hadn’t had a great deal of interaction with the main characters throughout the book.
    Lexie’s character started out strong, take no prisoners attitude and was impressed that finally there was a female but kicker in a crime novel. However I was sorely disappointed when it took a turn for her being vulnerable and more of a love story than a suspenseful crime novel.
    Karen Davies writing is good, but I would have liked to see her keep the suspense in the book for a bit longer. I think she showed her hand too soon, which made the characters show their position early in on the story.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • sinister intent

    I loved this book, they story was action packed and left you wanting to read more. I also loved the fact that the chapters where short as with two little ones it was easy to say let mummy finish this chapter then we can play. if your looking for a good read this is the book. If they are anymore books by Karen m. davis I will defiantly be buying them. enjoy reading people!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • A real attention grabber

    I am loving this book so far! I find that I get really bored with some books if it fails to get my interest in the beginning, but I am struggling to put this one down at the moment, I am hooked. I love the realness of it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Great

    It was a very interesting story, I don’t usually read books like these. I am however very interested in anything to do with Australian history and it is both scary and fascinating learning about the more sinister side to Australia. Now my mum has borrowed the book and is reading it. She loves these types of stories.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Did you like the
    main character Lexie
    Rogers?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?
Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Article Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Sandhurst to bring you this article.

Share this

  • I’ve really needed some inspiration this year for Christmas and this is great! I Love a good charcuterie board and I think I may do one this year for the family as well as all the regular Christmas trimmings. I have 6 kids and all the extended family coming to entertain and feed!

    Reply

  • I’m loving all the ideas here in the comments and pictures above! I love to be able to just look at what others have done and straight up copy it. Takes all the thinking energy out of entertaining!
    Such a good and trusted brand to purchase over the silly season! You know you are faring great quality and value!

    Reply

  • We often have homemade pizza nights aka fakeaway night! And my pizza is always on a low carb Pizza base with roasted and sundried tomato and capsicum. My fav combo with grilled chicken and a swirl of peri peri mayonnaise! Making our own is always better than takeaway versions and healthier!

    Reply

  • Sandhurst products are my go to for great healthy and tasty snacks, especially after school.

    Reply

  • Great information! Loved it. You can see https://reminiiapp.com/

    Reply

  • Looked so good I couldn’t wait – Dove in off the end of my bread baton and swirled around in a couple of cheesy dips only to finish up at the Sandhurst stackers and sun-dried olives, who needs a Holiday when there is one in the kitchen, I can take any day.

    Reply

  • I have been buying Sandhurst Kalamata Olives, Sandhurst Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Sandhurst Baby Capers, Sandhurst Sicilian Green Olives for years as our kitchen staple adding that extra flavours to our dishes. I buy Sandhurst products for Gift Baskets as presents for family and friends and they love this idea as I add a chopping board and a knife and crackers and cheese for a celebration of flavours.

    Reply

  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

    Reply

  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

    Reply

  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.

    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen :)

      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join