Reader Spot – Meet #BookReviewer Emma Welton (@damppebbles)

Here on the Reader Spot, I share the bookish love of our avid book reviewers. From young adult to historical romance, chick-lit to a murder mystery, they know what they like, and they’re happy to share.  Whether you are a reader looking for a new book, or a writer wondering what your reader wants, I hope you find this series enjoyable.

Next up to the Reader Spot is reviewer, Emma Welton from Damp Pebbles. Find her book review blog HERE.

What genre do you enjoy reading?

I’m afraid I’m one of those boring people who rarely venture outside their normal genre.  For me it’s crime fiction, thrillers and psychological thrillers.  I also love horror but don’t tend to read as much as I would like.

Do you have a favourite author in this genre?

Hard to pin it down to one! I’m loving the new DCI Erika Foster series by Robert Bryndza.  As soon as Chris Carter publishes a new Robert Hunter book I HAVE to have it.  Mark Billingham’s Thorne series and Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike are also firm favourites.

How do you prefer to read your books?

If you had asked me this last week I would have said that I mainly read using the Kindle app on my phone.  I find it so easy to dip into and out of, whilst the kids are occupied! However, my phone died a very traumatic death this morning so that’s put an end to that!  I really want to say my preference is for a paperback but it would be a fib.  I did prefer paperbacks but now, as I’m reading a lot more, I have to say I prefer eBooks and reading on my Kindle (just don’t tell anyone!!) Your secret is safe with me, Emma 🙂

Where do you purchase your books?

One of the joys (my husband thinks) of being a book blogger is that the number of books I buy has significantly reduced, as I get sent review copies now.  Saying that, when I do sneak the odd purchase in, I tend to head to Amazon.  I do find it physically impossible to walk past a Waterstones and if I see an independent bookshop or a charity bookshop I always pop in for a mooch.

Where do you find out about the books you read?

Most of my recommendations come from fellow book bloggers and the fabulous facebook book groups which I am a part of.  I also keep an eye on NetGalley.

Do you have a budget when buying books?  Do you stick to it if you do?

My birthday is in August so every August I ask for amazon vouchers.  My family do moan as they don’t think vouchers are an acceptable birthday present but I love receiving them!  I’m just coming to the end of my birthday vouchers from last year so it’s nearly time to restock!

Do you write a review when you’ve finished reading?  If so, where do you post this?

I’m one of those strange reviewers who write their review immediately after finishing the book.  I have to do it that way.  I know a lot of fellow bloggers like to sleep on a book, giving them time to cogitate but I can’t write that way.  My reviews tend to focus on how a book makes me feel so it’s better that I do it there and then!  My reviews are posted to my blog, along with amazon.co.uk and amazon.com, Goodreads, NetGalley and Waterstones.  I also share my reviews on Twitter and in several Facebook groups

What do you look for in a book?

Twists and turns.  The unexpected.  Something a bit different.  A good number of people being murdered in imaginative ways (gosh, I’m a bit strange!).  A plot that is always moving and holds my interest.  Characters I can relate to who I can picture myself going down the pub for a white wine with.  That’s not a lot to ask for, is it…? Ha ha, not at all!

Where do you like to read?

I’m a stay at home mum so I read whenever I get the chance and it changes from day to day.  I love reading in bed though.  Surely everyone loves reading in bed?

What social media platforms are you active on?

My blog has its own Facebook page and I’m on Twitter.  I’ve recently started an Instagram account; my username is damppebbles (but I have no idea what I’m doing on Instagram at the moment!).  I also have my personal Facebook account.

If you are an avid reader and would like to be included in this feature, then please use the ‘say hello’ page to send me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.