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632 reviews
The Marriage Rules by Samantha Hayes
4.0
From the moment I read the prologue in The Marriage Rules, I knew I was in for something seriously gripping. Samantha Hayes sets the stage with a list of eerie, rigid rules that instantly gave me a creeping sense of unease—and that tension only built from there.
Told through a dual timeline, the narrative moves seamlessly between past and present, making it easy to follow yet impossible to predict. I went in expecting a domestic thriller, but what I got was something far darker and more psychologically disturbing. The author has a real gift for creating atmosphere, and the unsettling dynamic at the heart of this story had me second-guessing everything.
The suspense builds gradually, pulling you deeper into the mystery with each chapter, and then—bam!—the twist in the middle completely blew the story apart. I didn’t see it coming at all, and I love when a thriller can still surprise me like that. Just as I was starting to process that twist, the ending delivered even more shocks that left me reeling.
Fast-paced and packed with twists, this was a wild, spiralling read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that keeps you on edge and plays with your expectations, this one’s well worth picking up.
Told through a dual timeline, the narrative moves seamlessly between past and present, making it easy to follow yet impossible to predict. I went in expecting a domestic thriller, but what I got was something far darker and more psychologically disturbing. The author has a real gift for creating atmosphere, and the unsettling dynamic at the heart of this story had me second-guessing everything.
The suspense builds gradually, pulling you deeper into the mystery with each chapter, and then—bam!—the twist in the middle completely blew the story apart. I didn’t see it coming at all, and I love when a thriller can still surprise me like that. Just as I was starting to process that twist, the ending delivered even more shocks that left me reeling.
Fast-paced and packed with twists, this was a wild, spiralling read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that keeps you on edge and plays with your expectations, this one’s well worth picking up.
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
5.0
⭐️ Fifteen Stars, Three Editions, One Unforgettable Book
My Book Review: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
My Book Review: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
What It’s About
Set in Yorkshire in 1979, The List of Suspicious Things follows 12-year-old Miv as she navigates a world shadowed by fear. With her mum no longer speaking and her dad quietly planning a move down south, Miv clings to her best friend Sharon — and the streets of the only home she’s ever known. While the Yorkshire Ripper dominates the news, the story isn’t about him. It’s about the ordinary people trying to live normal lives under extraordinary pressure. When women start disappearing, Miv and Sharon create a list of suspicious people and things in their neighbourhood, hoping that solving the mystery might be enough to keep them from having to leave everything behind.
Why I Bought It Three Times
Sometimes a book is more than just words on a page. This one clung to me. I bought it first on Kindle, then as an audiobook, and finally — the paperback. I didn’t even realise I owned three copies until I posted my current read to Instagram. That’s when I knew it was time. I listened to the audiobook while reading along with the paperback, and from the moment I pressed play… I didn’t stop. I’m lucky to have Alexa set up across my flat — four devices in four rooms — so I could keep listening while doing housework or making meals. In truth, I mostly just sat there, completely absorbed. I finished it at 1am, emotionally wired and unable to sleep. The next day, I couldn’t even pick up another book. I had to sit with this one — to feel it, to process it. That’s how much it stayed with me.
Audiobook Magic
The audiobook deserves a very special mention. Performed by a full cast — Joanne Froggatt, Mark Noble, Asif Khan, Gemma Whelan, and Simon Harvey — each voice brought a different perspective, layered with personality and emotion. This was more than narration — it was an immersive performance. I genuinely felt like I was there with the characters, hearing their inner worlds unfold. It made the story feel real, and the emotions hit even harder.
Quiet Power and Real Lives
Jennie Godfrey’s writing is exceptional. She didn’t just write characters — she breathed life into them. Especially Miv, who felt so real to me that I could see her, hear her, even feel her fear and determination. The story explores heavy topics through a child’s eyes with grace, empathy, and honesty. It’s set during a frightening time, yet the focus is on the people, not the fear.
What I loved most is how it shows the impact of kindness. Miv and Sharon's small, brave acts of care ripple throughout their community. Without them, many lives might have taken a very different path. That subtle touch — the way the girls' empathy changes others — added so much beauty to the story. It’s not loud heroism; it’s quiet, human goodness. And it hit me hard.
Final Thoughts
This is a book I’ll carry with me. I feel changed by it — truly. The atmosphere, the compassion, the raw honesty of what it means to grow up in a world filled with fear but choose connection anyway... it’s stunning. Jennie Godfrey has written something very, very special. If you’re after a book that resonates beyond the final page — something emotionally rich, beautifully performed, and masterfully written — this is it.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Fifteen Stars
(One set of stars for each edition I own — Kindle, audiobook, paperback. And it deserves every one of them.)
Why I Bought It Three Times
Sometimes a book is more than just words on a page. This one clung to me. I bought it first on Kindle, then as an audiobook, and finally — the paperback. I didn’t even realise I owned three copies until I posted my current read to Instagram. That’s when I knew it was time. I listened to the audiobook while reading along with the paperback, and from the moment I pressed play… I didn’t stop. I’m lucky to have Alexa set up across my flat — four devices in four rooms — so I could keep listening while doing housework or making meals. In truth, I mostly just sat there, completely absorbed. I finished it at 1am, emotionally wired and unable to sleep. The next day, I couldn’t even pick up another book. I had to sit with this one — to feel it, to process it. That’s how much it stayed with me.
Audiobook Magic
The audiobook deserves a very special mention. Performed by a full cast — Joanne Froggatt, Mark Noble, Asif Khan, Gemma Whelan, and Simon Harvey — each voice brought a different perspective, layered with personality and emotion. This was more than narration — it was an immersive performance. I genuinely felt like I was there with the characters, hearing their inner worlds unfold. It made the story feel real, and the emotions hit even harder.
Quiet Power and Real Lives
Jennie Godfrey’s writing is exceptional. She didn’t just write characters — she breathed life into them. Especially Miv, who felt so real to me that I could see her, hear her, even feel her fear and determination. The story explores heavy topics through a child’s eyes with grace, empathy, and honesty. It’s set during a frightening time, yet the focus is on the people, not the fear.
What I loved most is how it shows the impact of kindness. Miv and Sharon's small, brave acts of care ripple throughout their community. Without them, many lives might have taken a very different path. That subtle touch — the way the girls' empathy changes others — added so much beauty to the story. It’s not loud heroism; it’s quiet, human goodness. And it hit me hard.
Final Thoughts
This is a book I’ll carry with me. I feel changed by it — truly. The atmosphere, the compassion, the raw honesty of what it means to grow up in a world filled with fear but choose connection anyway... it’s stunning. Jennie Godfrey has written something very, very special. If you’re after a book that resonates beyond the final page — something emotionally rich, beautifully performed, and masterfully written — this is it.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Fifteen Stars
(One set of stars for each edition I own — Kindle, audiobook, paperback. And it deserves every one of them.)
The Girls In The Basement by Steena Holmes
5.0
A Solid, Slow-Burn Thriller with Emotional Depth
The Girls in the Basement by Steena Holmes is a psychological thriller that weaves a dark and twisty narrative through multiple perspectives, exploring the secrets people bury and the emotional costs of betrayal. While it didn’t fully immerse me or hit the emotional highs I hoped for, it’s still a compelling, well-crafted story that fans of slow-burn suspense will likely appreciate.
The Girls in the Basement by Steena Holmes is a psychological thriller that weaves a dark and twisty narrative through multiple perspectives, exploring the secrets people bury and the emotional costs of betrayal. While it didn’t fully immerse me or hit the emotional highs I hoped for, it’s still a compelling, well-crafted story that fans of slow-burn suspense will likely appreciate.
Holmes does a great job building an atmosphere of unease, threading a steady sense of dread throughout the story. The pacing is deliberate, but the tension never drops, and the way the secrets unravel keeps you intrigued. Jillian’s emotional journey—especially her reckoning with betrayal and trust—is layered and complex, even if I didn’t always feel deeply connected to her or the other characters. There’s a certain distance in the storytelling that made it hard for me to fully invest emotionally, but I was still pulled along by the unfolding mystery.
Though the plot leaned a bit predictable at times, there were still moments that shocked me—twists that felt chilling and deeply unsettling. The story dives into dark subject matter and isn’t afraid to explore how far people will go to protect their secrets. Despite not being a fully immersive read for me, I appreciated Holmes’s ability to create tension and deliver emotional stakes.
In the end, The Girls in the Basement is a solid, well-executed thriller with a disturbing undercurrent that lingers. While it didn’t captivate me completely, it’s still a strong choice for readers who enjoy emotional, psychologically driven suspense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting
The Secret Collector by Abigail Johnson
5.0
A touching and beautifully human debut about healing, found-family, and the treasures we carry—both in our homes and our hearts.
The Secret Collector is a truly lovely and enjoyable read. From the very start, I felt for both Alfred and Kian - two people who did not choose to be thrown together, yet needed each other more than they realised. What begins with a brick through a window slowly unfolds into a tender, often funny, always heartfelt story of two lives being rebuilt, piece by piece.
I loved that neither character wanted to be in this situation - Alfred mourning his wife through his collected treasures, and Kian trying to stay afloat in a system that’s let him down. Their reluctant bond, full of ups and downs, is beautifully written and deeply believable. You understand their perspectives so clearly, and you grow to care about them both in very different but equally strong ways.
Reading this brought back my own memories of losing my mum and how difficult it was to let go of her things. Like Alfred, I didn’t want to part with anything at first - every object held a memory. Over time, with the help of friends, I began to let go, and while I still have a few regrets, most items have found new life with others. A few years on, I’m finally in a headspace to continue clearing space, and it feels therapeutic. This book gently reminded me that letting go doesn’t mean losing, it can mean making room for something new.
Abigail Johnson has done something really special in her debut. She hasn’t just written characters, she’s created two deeply human souls and shared them with us. Both Kian and Alfred are better for having found each other, and their story is a reminder that family isn’t always the one you’re born into - sometimes, it’s the one you stumble into when life doesn’t go to plan.
A wonderful, warm debut I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories of second chances and unlikely friendships.
The Secret Collector is a truly lovely and enjoyable read. From the very start, I felt for both Alfred and Kian - two people who did not choose to be thrown together, yet needed each other more than they realised. What begins with a brick through a window slowly unfolds into a tender, often funny, always heartfelt story of two lives being rebuilt, piece by piece.
I loved that neither character wanted to be in this situation - Alfred mourning his wife through his collected treasures, and Kian trying to stay afloat in a system that’s let him down. Their reluctant bond, full of ups and downs, is beautifully written and deeply believable. You understand their perspectives so clearly, and you grow to care about them both in very different but equally strong ways.
Reading this brought back my own memories of losing my mum and how difficult it was to let go of her things. Like Alfred, I didn’t want to part with anything at first - every object held a memory. Over time, with the help of friends, I began to let go, and while I still have a few regrets, most items have found new life with others. A few years on, I’m finally in a headspace to continue clearing space, and it feels therapeutic. This book gently reminded me that letting go doesn’t mean losing, it can mean making room for something new.
Abigail Johnson has done something really special in her debut. She hasn’t just written characters, she’s created two deeply human souls and shared them with us. Both Kian and Alfred are better for having found each other, and their story is a reminder that family isn’t always the one you’re born into - sometimes, it’s the one you stumble into when life doesn’t go to plan.
A wonderful, warm debut I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories of second chances and unlikely friendships.
Maxwell's Reality by M.J. Trow
4.0
Maxwell's Reality is my introduction to M.J. Trow’s long-running Schoolmaster Murder Mysteries, and what a delightful way to discover a new series! Despite being the 22nd instalment, it stands firmly on its own, offering an entertaining and humorous mystery that doesn't require prior knowledge of the previous books.
Peter Maxwell, the eccentric and endearing teacher-turned-amateur sleuth, is a joy to follow. His sharp wit and unique perspective make him a standout character, and I warmed to him immediately. The school setting, infused with authenticity likely drawn from Trow’s own academic background, adds depth and realism to the story.
The mystery itself is well-crafted, with just the right balance of intrigue and humour. A reality TV crew descending on Leighford High sets the stage for plenty of amusing moments, but when murder strikes, the stakes quickly rise. With multiple twists and a cleverly woven plot, the story keeps you engaged and guessing throughout.
While I imagine reading the series in order would add extra layers of enjoyment, this book works perfectly well as a standalone. If you're looking for a mystery that blends clever storytelling, an authentic setting, and a dose of humour, Maxwell’s Reality is well worth a read.
Peter Maxwell, the eccentric and endearing teacher-turned-amateur sleuth, is a joy to follow. His sharp wit and unique perspective make him a standout character, and I warmed to him immediately. The school setting, infused with authenticity likely drawn from Trow’s own academic background, adds depth and realism to the story.
The mystery itself is well-crafted, with just the right balance of intrigue and humour. A reality TV crew descending on Leighford High sets the stage for plenty of amusing moments, but when murder strikes, the stakes quickly rise. With multiple twists and a cleverly woven plot, the story keeps you engaged and guessing throughout.
While I imagine reading the series in order would add extra layers of enjoyment, this book works perfectly well as a standalone. If you're looking for a mystery that blends clever storytelling, an authentic setting, and a dose of humour, Maxwell’s Reality is well worth a read.
Death of a Wild Swimmer by Peter Boland
4.0
My first read of Peter Boland’s work, Death of a Wild Swimmer, proves to be an engaging and clever cosy mystery. While it is the fifth book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series, it stands perfectly well on its own, making it accessible for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
When Colin Barclay, a retired PE teacher and wild-swimming enthusiast, is found dead in a secluded cove, Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue—the formidable trio behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop—find themselves entangled in another puzzling case. They are approached by Beth, a mysterious customer convinced that Colin's death wasn’t just a tragic accident but murder. Their investigation leads one of them to join the local wild swimming club, diving deep into a world filled with secrets, suspicions, and unexpected dangers.
Boland delivers a fun and well-paced mystery filled with clever misdirections and red herrings. The balance between light-hearted charm and more serious moments is handled expertly, ensuring the novel never loses its cosy appeal while still providing depth to the mystery. His engaging storytelling and witty characterisation make this an enjoyable read from start to finish.
As someone who has friends who enjoy wild swimming but personally prefers to avoid even warm water, the idea of plunging into the freezing sea sends shivers down my spine! Yet, the atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions made it easy to immerse myself in the story, even if I’d never dream of taking the plunge myself.
With its well-crafted plot, entertaining sleuths, and satisfying twists, Death of a Wild Swimmer is a delightful addition to the cosy mystery genre. If you love a good amateur detective story with a touch of humour and heart, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
The Norfolk Theatre Murders by Judi Daykin
3.0
The Norfolk Theatre Murders is a delightful, gripping crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of a local theater in Norwich, the novel brings to life a complex mystery that combines the world of amateur dramatics with a chilling murder.
This is the first book I’ve read in the Detective Sara Hirst series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is well-written, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the setting and make you feel as if you’re right there in the action. From the chaotic scene inside Mr. and Mrs. Morgan’s townhouse to the eerie, suspense-filled moments in the Rosegarden Theatre, Daykin does an excellent job of setting the atmosphere and building tension.
The plot itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The character of James Morgan, an elderly man suffering from dementia, is particularly poignant. His sense of fear and urgency, along with the mystery surrounding his wife’s disappearance, adds depth to the story. Meanwhile, Detective Sara Hirst is a strong, intelligent protagonist, and I appreciated how her skepticism slowly gave way to determination as she unraveled the mystery.
Although this is Book 7 in the series, I was able to jump right into the story without any confusion. There was no overwhelming sense of continuity that required knowledge of previous books, making it easy to read as a standalone novel. However, I now find myself intrigued by the earlier books in the series, and I’m eager to catch up on Sara’s previous cases.
Overall, The Norfolk Theatre Murders offers a fantastic blend of suspense, intriguing characters, and a compelling mystery. Fans of crime thrillers will certainly enjoy it, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun yet gripping read. I’m excited to explore more of Detective Sara Hirst’s adventures!
The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite
4.0
The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite is one of those psychological thrillers that gets under your skin and doesn’t let go. From the very first page, I was drawn into the web of secrets and lies surrounding Jen, a woman searching for answers about her sister’s mysterious disappearance two decades ago. As Jen settles into a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood, Braithwaite masterfully builds an atmosphere of tension and unease, making you question every character and every interaction.
What really stood out to me about this novel was how it kept me constantly second-guessing what was real and what wasn’t. As the story unfolded, I found myself wondering whether I could trust any of the characters, and just when I thought I had a handle on things, the truth turned out to be darker and more twisted than I could have imagined. The way Braithwaite layered the story with clues and misdirection was brilliant, and I loved how every discovery only seemed to raise more questions. There’s a sense of dread that builds as you realize just how deep the deception runs—and how little anyone can be trusted.
The pacing of the novel was perfectly balanced, too. It’s not a fast-paced thriller with constant twists, but rather a slow burn that gradually ramps up the suspense. The steady unfolding of Jen’s investigation, combined with the eerie atmosphere of the small-town setting, created a feeling of claustrophobia that had me turning pages late into the night. I really appreciated how Braithwaite took her time with the character development and the backstory, which made the eventual revelations all the more impactful.
The characters themselves are richly drawn and incredibly complex. Jen, in particular, is a character I won’t forget anytime soon. Her emotional journey felt so real and raw, and I could feel her frustration and determination as she dug deeper into her sister’s disappearance, all while trying to navigate her new life with Dan and their daughter. The relationships between the characters—especially the tension between Jen and Dan—were nuanced and emotionally charged. I found myself rooting for Jen, even as I started to question her actions and motivations.
The book’s exploration of family trauma, especially within the context of a small-town community, was haunting. The sense of everyone knowing everyone else’s business—or pretending they don’t—added a layer of intrigue that kept me hooked. And then there’s the chilling atmosphere. Braithwaite does a fantastic job of creating a psychological thriller that feels ice-cold, even when the sun is shining in this “perfect” neighborhood. The underlying darkness in the community’s seemingly idyllic façade is palpable throughout the story, and I loved how Braithwaite used that to her advantage.
The People Next Door is a twisty, immersive thriller that will keep you on edge from start to finish. It’s a slow-burn mystery that gradually builds suspense, with richly complex characters and a setting that’s as suffocating as it is compelling. If you’re a fan of atmospheric thrillers, emotional complexity, and shocking revelations, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s a book that lingers long after you’ve finished reading, and I’ll be thinking about it for a while.
A Body on the Flats by Max Manning, Max Manning
5.0
A Body on the Flats by Max Manning is the first book in the Kane and Granger Thriller series, and from the very first page, I was hooked. Although I read this right after Murder Under the Pier, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by reading out of order—each book stands strong on its own, yet there’s a shared intensity between them that makes reading both a thrilling experience.
One of the most striking aspects of Manning’s writing, especially after reading the second book first, is how he handles the revelation of the killer. In A Body on the Flats, the identity of the killer is revealed earlier than you might expect, which initially threw me off when I first encountered it in the second book. At that time, I thought I had just guessed the killer too early. However, reading A Body on the Flats first made me realize that this is a deliberate choice by Manning—he shows his hand earlier to shift the focus from who did it to why and how it happened. It gives the story a different feel and adds layers of suspense that aren’t just tied to the mystery of the culprit, but to the psychological and emotional complexity of the investigation. It’s a brilliant storytelling technique that allows the reader to dive deeper into the narrative and feel the weight of the case in a more profound way.
As always, Manning’s scene-setting is impeccable. The Southend coastline, bleak and windswept, becomes a living, breathing backdrop to the investigation. His vivid descriptions draw you into this desolate landscape in such a way that you feel the cold, the isolation, and the tension hanging in the air. The environment doesn’t just set the scene; it enhances the mood and adds a haunting dimension to the entire narrative.
Equally compelling is the relationship between Detective Edison Kane and his new partner, Granger. From the moment they meet, their partnership feels authentic. There’s a natural understanding between them, a mutual respect that forms the backbone of their dynamic. The way Manning weaves their personal struggles into the investigation makes them feel like real people, not just characters in a story. I found myself invested not just in solving the case, but in how their partnership would evolve.
The pacing of the book is expertly done. The reveals are timed perfectly, and even though we know who the killer is earlier than expected, the narrative never loses momentum. I couldn’t put the book down, turning page after page, eager to understand the complexities of the case and to see how the detectives would ultimately bring things to a close.
In the end, A Body on the Flats is a dark, gripping, and immersive thriller that stands out for its unique narrative structure and compelling characters. Max Manning’s ability to build tension and draw readers in is unmatched. This is a fantastic start to the series, and I’m already looking forward to the next chapter in Kane and Granger’s journey.
Highly recommended for fans of thrillers with depth and unexpected twists!
Murder under the Pier by Max Manning
5.0
From the moment Murder Under the Pier opened, I was completely drawn in. Max Manning’s writing is brilliant—sharp, atmospheric, and utterly immersive. His descriptive scene-setting transports you straight to the bleak, windswept Southend coastline, where the discovery of a millionaire’s body beneath the pier sets off a dark and intricate investigation. The chilling, almost cinematic quality of his descriptions makes every location feel vivid, from the rusted beams of the pier to the eerie shores of Two Tree Island.
One of the strongest elements of this book is the partnership between Kane and Granger. Their bond is the heart of the story—built on trust, mutual respect, and an unspoken understanding that they have each other’s backs no matter what. Manning writes their dynamic with such authenticity that they feel like real detectives, not just characters on a page. Their personal struggles are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding depth to their partnership and making their working relationship even more compelling.
Kane and Granger balance each other perfectly—each bringing strengths that complement the other, making them an even stronger team. When Granger takes time away to deal with a family matter, it becomes clear just how much Kane values her—not just as a detective, but as a person. He feels her absence in the investigation, yet his concern for her well-being shows the true bond growing between them. Their partnership is more than just professional—it’s built on trust, understanding, and a connection that makes them a force to be reckoned with.
The narrative is gripping from start to finish, with expertly timed reveals and a pace that never falters. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the investigation, making it impossible to stop reading because I needed answers. Manning’s ability to craft a story that is both thrilling and deeply immersive is truly impressive.
This was my first time reading Max Manning, and it will certainly not be the last. I’ve already lined up A Body On The Flats, the first book in the Kane and Granger series to see how this brilliant detective duo first came together. I’ve also purchased the rest of his books. If Murder Under the Pier is anything to go by, I know I’m in for some fantastic reads.
An outstanding book—dark, gripping, and impossible to put down.