High ratings for “Familiar” in the Book Tour

Familiar book tour ratings

What a collection of 5 stars to receive for “Familiar“.

It’s these ratings and reviews that us authors aim for whenever we release a book – I’m delighted! Thank you to each and every one of you who read Familiar and took the time to review it.

The reviews that came in for my book “Familiar” were so amazing and encouraging I could have cried 😢

It’s exhausting writing a book and whenever I release one I’m always nervous about what readers will think – these reviews have squashed any nerves!

I took a lot of risks with this story, one of which was the personality needed to carry the plot. Arabella (the lead character) was so important to get right in the story otherwise it wouldn’t have worked, so it’s great to see a couple of reviews commenting on her being a strong female lead 🙌

Please check out the reviews and please read my book, it’s available on Amazon on Kindle (FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited) and paperback.

Familiar paperback

The “Familiar” book tour by Love Books Tour – Great reviews!

My latest paranormal thriller book Familiar is currently doing the rounds in Love Books Tour’s book tour. Readers are kindly posting their honest review of Familiar through the week (October 12th – October 18th).

Some of the reviews have already come in – really great reviews so far.

Check them out below.

To kick off the book tour – Karenandherbooks

“I am so pleased to be kicking off this tour. This book was amazing. It had me gripped and was just brilliant. Its unlike anything I’ve ever read before and the twists – wow.

Arabella is a psychic medium. She doesn’t get a minutes peace.

She is the host of the spiritual tour ‘Familiar’ where she connects with loved ones who have passed.

The house she lives in has a horrific history which comes to light when the previous owner shows himself.

On her fifteen year anniversary show she is alerted to something awful but can she work out the clues in time to save the victims and how can she get people to believe when they are not open to paranormal activity.

I felt every emotion felt in this book. When Arabella is occupied and has the visions you can see everything she sees.

The descriptions of the bodily changes when a passed loved one is near sounds only too familiar and I now hope that my loved ones are near when i feel these changes.

The story takes a dramatic twist towards the end which I didn’t see coming or even think if when I was reading. I was completed invested in these characters and cant wait to read more by this author.

Well deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”


2nd book review – @Snipnstuff

“This is the first book I’ve read in a while where I looked over my shoulder when I went to bed. My heart was pounding most of this book and I HAD to know what was going to happen next. One of my quickest reads and a solid 4/5 stars. After reading Familiar I’m sold on the idea of reading his debut novel ‘Deception’.

T.J Blake is an author to be adored, but not trusted. Familiar had me unsure of what was going to happen next and I was constantly on edge. I could not pry this book out of my hands.

This psychological thriller used the unique narrative of a psychic medium! Arabella is such a beautifully written character, I connected with her on so many levels.

READ THIS BOOK!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐


3rd book review – Jrw1904

“📚 This was a perfect book to read in October. Spooky, creepy and believable.

Arabella’s world sucked me in from the very start. I enjoyed the way the tension between her gift, her celebrity and the scepticism of the police was built up, and the jumping back in the time line added to this. 📚

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a creepy thriller with a strong female lead 📚”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


4th book review – Rajiv’s Reviews

“I always love reading a good ghost story filled with suspense, crime and horror, and this book did not disappoint.

The author made the story so atmospheric and creepy. You know that feeling you get after reading a really good spooky story? Where you feel there is some presence in the room just in the corner of your eye? The after-effects of the tale messing with your mind? Familiar did that for me!

Moreover, I loved Arabella as the main character. If there was such a person in reality, I would have regularly watched her “Arabella Investigates” series. I also liked the relationship between Arabella and Barnes and was SO happy that the author did not build an unnecessary romance between them. Similarly, there are some very creepy characters like Cassy and Dean that raise the suspense of the story.  Also, there are many twists and turns that keeps the reader on their toes. Up till the end, I had no idea who the person spying on Arabella was, and I enjoyed how it all connected.

However, probably the only downside I see to the story is the side plots. While I loved the main theme of the story, where Arabella is trying to solve the investigation, there are quite a few side stories which digressed from the plot. For instance, I liked Yvonne’s ‘exorcism’ story, and Mikey and Aaron’s storyline when she bumps into some stranger. But I thought they had no connection to the plot and could have been avoided.

Apart from that, this was a fabulous creepy, suspense, crime, supernatural thriller which was a lot of fun to read.”


There’s still more reviews to come, but thank you to all of you reading and having read Familiar.

Chat and Spin Radio Interview 📻 – talking about Familiar!

UPDATED: 23rd August 2020

Familiar is out now!

To find out what Familiar is about, check out my interview on Chat and Spin Radio where I discussed Familiar as well as the DECEPTION audiobook.

Listen below 🎧

You can read Familiar on Amazon Kindle now. It’s free to read on Kindle Unlimited!

Familiar release date reveal

Familiarpre-order today and get it Friday August 21

That’s right, my new paranormal mystery and psychological thriller “Familiar” will be available to read on Amazon August 21st.

I’m excited!!

I literally cannot wait for my next novel to come out.

I started working on developing this story back in 2016 after I released DECEPTION. The idea originally came to me after going to see the illusionist Derren Brown – he spoke to ‘spirits’, although he kept telling us that it wasn’t possible, even after he revealed intimate details. His set-up for this part of the show was brilliant, we as the audience were completely gripped by it. There were highs, lows and real emotion being played with. That’s when my protagonist, Arabella soon formed in my mind.

I had a character, and as cheesy as it sounds, the rest fell into place. I really liked the idea of Arabella exposing untold stories from those who have passed. Then I thought, I wonder what dirt would be dug up if this was possible? Then that’s when the plot of Familiar presented itself. Having a psychic medium called Arabella was great, but it was the story itself that took it to the next level.

A mysterious communication, a cryptic message, no one knew what it meant. That is until the message is figured out and Arabella finds herself in the middle of an investigation.

I only started writing Familiar once I had the plot and characters all figured out. And of course when the twists all made sense and flowed nicely.

It was a great story with quite a lot of careful planning and considerations – you’ll see why when you read this one.

Is Familiar like DECEPTION: A Love of Lies?

They’re very different when you compare the plots – Familiar is a paranormal story based on a psychic medium. DECEPTION is based on a dog walker. The world of DECEPTION is on a smaller scale, whereas Familiar is broader. More characters, multiple stories going on.

But what DECEPTION and Familiar have in common is they play with your mind, which makes them both unpredictable. Your focus is needed to work this one out. I’d be very, very, VERY surprised if you manage to work it out before it ends.

If you loved DECEPTION, then you will love Familiar!

Paranormal Thriller Familiar - T. J. Blake

2019 and ‘DECEPTION’ is still receiving 5 star reviews!

Although I decided to self-publish DECEPTION back in 2016, I’m happy to see that even after three years my readers are still loving it!

A ‘verified purchase’ 5 star review on Amazon.co.uk

5 Star Amazon Review from Georgie

A short and sweet review from Georgie. Chuffed to see that she enjoyed the ride!

DECEPTION’s blurb:

Through the stark and leafless trees, I see her.

I remember the first day I saw her; an instant attraction. I think she’s beautiful. She has such pensive blue eyes; they remind me of a blue sky right before the sun descends. Every time I see her I want to talk to her, I want to get to know her, and I want to be her friend.

She usually completes the lower woodland walk in six minutes and forty-two seconds; she misses the deeper woodlands and goes home, I believe.

I walk down the road at the same speed as her. She reaches the crossroads at the bottom of the road, looks both ways, and then jogs across into the garden of a house. I stop walking and concentrate on which house is hers.

I can’t stare too long but I am intrigued already, I will come back.

A psychological thriller that will not let you look at passing dog walkers the same.

If you would like to read this novel, you can download it here from Amazon. Click the link and it will take you to the right Amazon (UK, US etc.) for you.

Deception: A Love of Lies by T. J. Blake

If you do decide to read DECEPTION then please let me know what you think!

Review: “Lost Child: A Gripping Psychological Thriller” by D. S. Butler

You’re safe at a local summer fete. Right?

Having a child snatched from you is unthinkable, especially when that child was under your supervision. It not only affects you, but the entire family. Trauma, guilt, sadness and emptiness rock the Farrows, until there’s a glimmer of hope dangled in front of Beth.

This was a good, easy read. It kept me guessing and I enjoyed the mind games Butler played!

3 stars

Lost Child by D. S. Butler

Get ‘Deception: A Love of Lies’ from Waterstones or WHSmith

This may be old news to some of you because I posted this on my social media, but my latest psychological thriller,  Deception: A Love of Lies, is available to purchase from Waterstones and WHSmith. 

It’s a great achievement, mostly because my previous books did not make it onto WHSmith, but Deception has! 

It’s currently out of stock on WHSmith, but it’s available elsewhere in paperback and eBook. 

Deception T. J. Blake WHSmith
It’s great that it’s listed on WHSmith, and I am trying to speak to the distributor to see if we can get a description added into the book’s product page, as well as get it stocked in stores.

I’ll also admit, it’s quite pricey in WHSmith. However, on Waterstones, it’s available for a cool ÂŁ7.50. 

Deception T. J. Blake Waterstones
Deception: A Love of Lies – worth the read? 

If you’re wondering whether Deception is worth reading, then you should see the incredible ratings it’s received on Goodreads from readers across the world. 

I love this book – it’s easily my favourite out of my books, and it’s all because of the main character, Billy. I know I’m slightly biased, but I’m confident that if you enjoy a psychological thriller with intricate characters and detailed characterisation, then you’ll enjoy Deception!

Deception A Love of Lies Goodreads
Grab a copy of Deception today by heading over to Waterstones, Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and see what others are saying about Deception on Goodreads

Be careful when looking at reviews, there’s potential for spoilers! 

‘As a rating I would give this book a 5 out of 5 star rating and I will certainly recommend this book to other readers.’

The 5 star reviews keep on coming.

Proud to say that Deception: A Love of Lies has not disappointed – another reader, another 5 star review.

deception-amazon-com-ratings

You may see that Deception has all these great reviews but wonder if you would like the book. I can tell you, if you’re someone who enjoys a detailed, realistic, intricate and personal read, then you will enjoy my new psychological thriller. 

Many book reviews can give certain stories away, but the latest reviews do not; and I’m very thankful. 

The latest review is a good one, the reader has understood the story, they’ve accepted it and they’ve most importantly lived with the main character, Billy, throughout the read. If you allow yourself to join Billy, you will enjoy Deception and you’ll most importantly enjoy the ride into Billy’s life in his little bungalow on Lavingsham Close. 

Here are some of the key quotes from the latest review which will help you understand what the book is about and what you can expect from the story itself –

“The book starts with a beautiful setting which unfolds into a gradual storyline full of shocking twists and suspense. The story is about a lonely dog walker who strolls through the local woods on a daily basis. On these walks a beautiful woman catches his eye and he watches her for some time from a distance and seems to become a sort of stalker watching her in the comforts of her own home.”

“Throughout the story I found myself feeling a mixture of emotions- there were parts where I felt shocked and horrified, I could feel little flips in my stomach when the writer dropped a shocking bombshell. Then at later parts I found myself shedding a few saddened tears”

“I was able to learn about each character and their backgrounds, the description used throughout the story was intense and very detailed; I was able to really imagine the surroundings and the characters. I had to chuckle at parts also like that description about the dog poo as these are real life occurrences; it was these things that really brought the story to life.”

“As a rating I would give this book a 5 out of 5 star rating and I will certainly recommend this book to other readers. It was a beautiful read that continually hooked me, it was certainly difficult to put down.”

You can read the full book review on Pen To Paper Review Service‘s Tumblr page – http://pentopaper94.tumblr.com/post/152730859391/deception-a-love-of-lies 

YOU can start reading Deception: A Love of Lies right now – download it from Amazon.com or .co.uk today onto your Kindle or eReader.

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Two more 5 star reviews for Deception! 

It’s been a while since I last posted, life has been getting in the way of my writing recently, but I have made sure that I have been online and browsing through the online writing community. 

Which leads me onto the reason for this post – my latest psychological thriller, Deception: A Love of Lieshas received not one, but two amazing 5 star reviews! 


As one of the two reviews warn, you should be careful reading the reviews for Deception as they may contain spoilers – so I’ll be careful what I post from now on!  

First review, which is titled “WOW“, reads “What an amazing thriller from start to finish. The character and the plot kept you guessing the whole time. Extremely riveting I couldn’t put the book down…

And the second review, which is titled “Read the Book Then Read the Reviews” (which is spot on!) reads:

I love this book! I am a fan of thrillers and mysteries, (horror too). My favorites are the ones that lead you down the psychological pathway. This author knows how to mess with you. I had a hard time figuring out who was doing what and why. That kept me turning pages until 3 in the morning. The book has two main characters, Billy and Eve, with a few minor characters. They were very well written. I really want to talk more about them but am so afraid of giving away more information than you need. In all honesty, if my review is the first one you are reading than, I would advise you to not read others. Not because I think mine is all you need but because this book is one that you want to go into with the least amount of information. I would suggest you go by synopsis and star rating. Then enjoy all the reviews after you read the book. After you read it, if you want to discuss it send me a message on Goodreads. I would love to talk about it. You have no idea how much I want to say here but won’t ruin it for anyone reading this.

If you like your book filled with gore and violence this is not your book. If you object to premarital sex, be warned it is in here, (not truly what I would call explicit but the author doesn’t shy away from details either). If, however, you like a steady pace, a story that builds as you go along and keeps you guessing as you turn pages, go for it. I made guesses all through the book that kept changing! If you read the book and are on GR, please send me a message. I’m dying to discuss it!”

Why don’t you read it for yourself? 

Start reading Deception within minutes by downloading it on Kindle/eBook! 

Deception: A Love of Lies – What are readers saying about it?

For many of us finding a new book to read is tough, but most importantly, finding a book that we can honestly enjoy and become a part of is the biggest challenge. I’m not saying that my latest novel Deception: A Love of Lies is the perfect book for you – I don’t know you and I don’t know your preferred genre of book. But I do know that if you’re someone who appreciates a psychological thriller which has a great deal of mystery, intricate character & setting, and a suspenseful approach to story telling, then Deception is for you. Don’t just take my word for it, my readers have each read and enjoyed my book, but most importantly, they’ve understood it.

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Check out these quotes below from authentic reviews from readers who have read Deception – these reviews can be found on Amazon and Goodreads.

“The New Gone Girl.”

“I don’t often read an entire novel in one sitting, but this one kept me turning pages until 2 a.m. The story begins with an excruciatingly detailed description of walking in the words. Extremely, minutely, detailed and I thought, ok, get on with the story already!
Then I realized: this was a most central facet of the main character, Bill. It’s the first time I have encountered using setting observations as characterization. And it’s done brilliantly because Bill’s attention to detailed observation is who he is, how he has let it take over how he views his life”

“One thing that makes Deception such an interesting read is that the reader’s perception of who the “bad guy” is keeps shifting throughout the story. T.J. Blake does an amazing job depicting the full range of emotions that these characters feel, especially obsession, rage, passion, contempt and confusion. The book is aptly named Deception because it is full of manipulation, unclear motives and people not being what they appear. Read and be enveloped into a world that is wonderful but warped, and be taken along a journey full of exciting twists and turns!”

“T. J. Blake’s “Deception” makes you ask yourself how well you know the person you love. It is a memorable read, with dynamic characters, a unique plot, and numerous twists and turns that will keep you guessing. It is truly a book like no other, and will compel you to keep reading.”

“Raw. Emotional. Edgy. Suspenseful. Powerful. Addictive.”

“You have not experienced betrayal, suspense, or a truly compelling mystery until you’ve read ‘Deception’. ‘Deception’ will have you looking over your shoulders and wondering if there is anything your loved one is hiding from you…”

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Start reading Deception: A Love of Lies now on eBook and Kindle!