I'd read some really good reviews of this book and was really pleased when it turned up on the shelves of my local library a couple of weeks ago. As you'll no doubt have guessed from my recent reviews, I've been reading a lot of chick lit lately and fancied a swap to something a bit less fluffy. THE PLOT As teenagers, Poppy and Serena both had underage relationships with teacher, Marcus. When he was later found dead, they were accused of and tried for his murder. Dubbed 'The Ice Cream Girls' thanks to a photo of them eating ice cream which became notorious during the trial, Serena is found not guilty while Poppy is sent down. Fast forward twenty ...  Read the complete review

The first thing to say about this book is that it is absolutely brilliant; one of those books that grips you completely and totally immerses you into the lives of the characters. I certainly didn't want to have to put it down and do anything as sensible as going to sleep or cooking tea! I had no initial expectations about the book at all. I had no experience of the author, the title gave nothing away and the cover appeared calm and relaxing, just two girls arms with hands touching and part of their dresses showing against a pale sky and beach background. The colours of various flavours of ice cream are cleverly used in these illustrations with a gentle ...  Read the complete review

Having read some great reviews online for 'The Ice-Cream Girls', I added this to my reading list and checked it out on my last visit to the library. Don't be fooled by its sweet looking cover or its innocent sounding title - this book is one great psychological thriller that also deals with some quite complex and adult themes. The story starts with Serena, who on the face of it has a perfect life - big house, doting husband, great kids, a good job. However things are not always what they seem. Flicking through the newspaper one morning, Serena is horrified by one of the articles she comes across. A young lady called Poppy is about to be released from prison ...  Read the complete review

Serena has a good life, she is married to a Doctor and has two children, the only problem is her past. She is haunted by events from her teenage years and struggles to live her life without her husband knowing what happened. Poppy has a very different lie, she has served the last 20 years in prison for murder and believes she was wrongly sent down as she did not kill a man. She is determined to get justice when she is released and sets about making plans. Poppy and Serena are connected by their past, they both fell for Marcus, a teacher who loved to get young girls and treat them badly. He would be all nice and warm to them and sleep with them but ...  Read the complete review

Hunting around for some holiday reading in my work Swap Box led me to The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson. The pastel coloured cover and the title both seemed to tie in with idea of holidays so I happily packed it in my case. I suppose I was expecting a chick-lit book but I hadn't read the blurb and what I got was a much more sophisticated read with an excellent storyline. Poppy Carlisle and Serena Gorringe were teenagers who became entangled in the murder case of a well respected local teacher. A photograph of them merrily eating ice-cream and looking glamorous earned them their nick-name of The Ice-Cream Girls and everyone had an opinion on what had ...  Read the complete review