The Quiet Kill by Robert Bryndza

I can always count on Robert Bryndza to dish up a tasty murder mystery. Between his Detective Erika Foster and his P.I. Kate Marshall series, Bryndza delivers intricate plots and interesting characters. This new series, featuring Detective Jamie Day, promises to be another great crime series.

It's 1987, and Detective Constable Jamie Day has just transferred to London's Metropolitan Police from a sleepy seaside town. Before he gets a chance to unpack, he is first on the scene at the site of a dismembered young man. Soon, another young victim is found similarly dismembered, and the hunt begins for a serial killer. Still adjusting to his new surroundings and colleagues, Jamie is caught up in what turns out to be a high-profile case. A misstep causes problems and draws the attention of his commanding officer — something he didn't need. 

Told through the eyes of both the killer and Jamie, The Quiet Kill is a dark, spellbinding novel that is suspenseful and addictive. Jamie is an appealing character, the writing is excellent, and the pace spot-on. I look forward to following Jamie's career as he grows and develops as a detective. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is July 7, 2026.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Country People by Daniel Mason

 

Daniel Mason has once again created wonderful characters who come to life as we watch them grow and adapt to a new environment. Mason's last book, North Woods, was one of my favorites in 2025, and this one will rank up there among my favorites in 2026.

Miles, his wife Kate, and their two children relocate from an urban California city to a small college town in rural Vermont when Kate gets a one-year visiting professorship. Miles, a bit of a dreamer, is a stay-at-home dad, ostensibly working on his PhD dissertation. At age forty-five, after eleven different dissertation topic attempts, he is now drawn to Russian folktales as a sure-fire topic. Alas, he is soon diverted from his task by a group of local characters who convince him that the earth is hollow and that there is a cave leading to an underground world — if only they could find it. Miles soon comes to believe there may be some truth to the local legend and enthusiastically joins the hunt for it.

As the months pass and the seasons change, the family gradually settles into their new life, trying to shed their urban ways and become Country People. 

This is a study in family dynamics and the lengths people will go to "fit in." I loved the Hollow Earth characters, who are so dedicated to their mission that they don't see its absurdity. Miles is a big-hearted character who tilts at windmills. Although North Woods is still my favorite Daniel Mason book, this, in its own quirky way, is also very good. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is July 7, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves

 What a wonderful book! Ben Reeves does a good job of imagining how the specter of Death would operate in today's world. 

Travis is a tall, scruffy-looking individual with holes in his socks. He is also Death. His job is to comfort the dying without interfering with how or when they will die. We first meet Travis when he ushers out a young man killed in a car crash. Many years and many deaths later, Travis is living next door to that man's sister, Dalia, her precocious eight-year-old daughter, Layla, and Dalia's infant daughter. A cat has also adopted him. Although he doesn't intend to get close to the family, Layla draws him in, and he becomes an integral part of Dalia's life. This relationship changes Travis in unexpected ways — he is no longer just an usher into death but a participant in the feelings of those around him. 

Told with insight into the final moments of dying, this book, while sad at times, is more about appreciating life and how one person dealt with grief. The relationship between Travis and Dalia is interesting: both help each other grow, and Dalia helps Travis become more invested in the lives of the people he takes. It is beautifully written, the characters are sympathetic, and Travis's relationship to the dying is affecting. I highly recommend this book, not just for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, but for those looking for an unforgettable, uplifting novel. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avid Reader Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is July 7, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A Deadly Episode by Anthony Horowitz

I enjoy both this series and Anthony Horowitz's other series, which features Susan Ryland. I can count on both series to provide an entertaining read with interesting characters. While this book does provide interesting characters, it wasn't as entertaining as the previous books in the series.

The character Anthony Horowitz, who chronicles former DI Hawthorne's investigations, is pleased when his first book, The Word is Murder, is going to be made into a motion picture. He's a little miffed when he wasn't asked to write the screenplay, and has his doubts when the current screenwriter, an eco-warrior, inserts her agenda into the script. 

All of that aside, Horowitz and Hawthorne are on set when the star of the picture, David Caine, is murdered. When Hawthorne begins his own investigation, he uncovers secrets involving several cast and crew members and numerous suspects; it turns out that Caine was not a nice guy. Given so many motives, the problem now is to sift through them to find the murderer.

Anthony Horowitz has written many screenplays, and he draws on his experience for this book. Unfortunately, the world of filmmaking didn't grab my interest. I was more involved when the story switched to long-ago crimes set in the village where Hawthorne grew up. These occurrences were not only more interesting, but they also revealed some of Hawthorne's backstory. Overall, I did enjoy this book and recommend it to those who love a good murder mystery. 

3.5/5 stars. 

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Murder at the Spirit Lounge by Jess Kidd

 

In this second book in the Nora Breen Investigates series (the first being Murder at the Gulls Nest,) Kidd brings back former nun Nora Breen, who draws on her experience from reading murder mysteries to help solve crimes.

When medium Dolores Chimes is murdered during a seance, the attendees, including DI Rideout, fear for their lives--with good reason. As the six sitters begin to die off under suspicious circumstances, Nora begins to help Rideout in his investigations. Fearing that Rideout will fall victim to the killer, Nora is especially motivated to find the murderer. As the small English seaside village of Gore-on-Sea is once again in the serial killer spotlight, Nora and Rideout combine forces to discover the killer's identity. 

Set in the 1950s, when life seemed simpler, this series captures the post-war era before technology took off. The characters are quirky, the setting is idyllic, and the plot is intriguing. I enjoy the relationship between Rideout and Nora as they wrestle with their attraction to each other while the urgent business of finding a murderer presses. I've enjoyed all of Jess Kidd's novels, but this series is especially good. Following Nora as she transitions from her years as a nun to a functioning member of society is interesting; the murder mysteries are the icing on the cake. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 16, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

The Probability of Murder by J. D. Barker

 J. D. Barker's book, The Probability of Murder, is an excellent murder mystery with a few challenging math puzzles thrown in for good measure. It reminds me of Dan Brown's book, The Da Vinci Code, on steroids.

When Princeton police detectives Vaughn Ryan and Darnell Sacker are called to investigate a death in an old barn, they find ten bodies and a puzzling math-based clue. Stumped, they contacted noted Princeton mathematician Dr. Ivy Reeves to help make sense of the crime scene. When the killer strikes again, and it becomes apparent that Ivy may become a target, the detectives must unravel Ivy's past to find the links to the current murders.

I admit to being a self-proclaimed math nerd and enjoying the explanations of the math games the killer was using. Barker does a good job of explaining the concepts in easy-to-understand language so readers with a limited math background can enjoy this thriller even if they dislike math. The match is not the central theme, either. This book is a good, fast-paced murder mystery with twists and red herrings that will keep the reader guessing. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 2, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Last One Out by Jane Harper

 

I can always count on Jane Harper for an atmospheric, beautifully written story. This book is no exception. I will be friends with Ro, Griff, and the inhabitants of Carralon Ridge for the foreseeable future. This was a sad book, however, with the main theme being death: the death of a town, a marriage, and a son who disappeared five years ago and is presumed dead. There are very few uplifting moments in the book, but it's worth reading if only for the elegant writing.

Ro has returned to Carralon Ridge, New South Wales, a once-bustling town slowly being consumed by a coal-mining company. It is the fifth anniversary of her son Sam's disappearance, and she, her family, and the remaining inhabitants are gathering for a memorial. The grief over their son's disappearance drove a spike through their marriage, but she, her husband, Griff, and their daughter, Della, still come together each year to try to piece together what happened to Sam; this year is no different. 

Sam was working on an oral history of the town when he disappeared on his twenty-first birthday. All that remained in his abandoned rental car were the notes of his interviews. Ro has pored over the notes searching for a clue, but like the police, she has found nothing. Whatever secret Sam may have uncovered has disappeared with him.

This novel explores what keeps some residents of Carralon Ridge there, even though they know they will eventually have to leave. The overarching theme of death drags the story down at times, but there is also hope. Hope for a marriage, hope for finding Sam, and hope for new lives for the remaining residents. It is a slowly developing story that, at times, I wish would move along more quickly, but it's well worth the wait. The characters' desperation and the town's impending doom create palpable tension, making this a memorable read. 

4/5 stars.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

 I am usually wary of highly praised books. I have found that I'm more selective in my praise than many readers, so I was pleased to see that I agree with the majority of readers who thought this was an especially good book. 

When a mysterious elderly gentleman appears in the city of Golden, going only by the name of Theo, people are curious about him. Then he begins acquiring portraits of the locals for sale in a coffee shop and giving them to the people depicted. His goal is to buy the nearly 100 portraits on display and reunite them with their subjects in exchange for getting to know them. Along the way, Theo becomes acquainted with the artist and several interesting and sometimes quirky individuals. Theo remains an enigma to the residents of Golden, but he is seen as harmless, if a bit eccentric. With only one exception, the subjects welcome Theo's generosity and accept him into their community.

The writing and the stories of the people of Golden captured me from page one. The reader is just as uninformed as the residents about Theo's motives, but the journey of discovery is well worth the effort. This is Allen Levi's debut novel, and I foresee a long and successful career. I look forward to his next book. 

4.5/5 stars.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Hardest, Longest Race by Eric Moskowitz

 

I'm a fan of Erik Larson and his historical nonfiction books. When I read about this book, The Hardest, Longest Race, it sounded like a project Larson might tackle--a 1909 ocean-to-ocean automobile race. Although Eric Moskowitz was unknown to me, I was interested in the premise and decided to give this book a try; I'm glad I did. Moskowitz does an excellent job of recounting the race and writes it in such an engaging manner that I was hooked.

In 1909, with interest in automobiles burgeoning, millionaire Robert Guggenheim rallied support for a New York-to-Seattle automobile race to showcase the current crop of automobiles. Guggenheim envisioned an international race with numerous entries, and even though there were over 250 automobile manufacturers in the US alone, only five cars entered the race, and two of those were Fords. 

In the era before our highway system, when there were no road signs, no maps, and very poor roads, completing this race would have been a challenge. While trying to cross prairies, rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges, the competitors were bound by rules governing vehicle maintenance but not by rules governing gamesmanship. Henry Ford was determined that his two Model Ts would finish first and second. Utilizing his network of dealerships, he attempted to give his cars every advantage and put roadblocks in competitors' way when necessary. 

Moskowitz brings to life the people and the almost impossible conditions the competitors faced. It also showcases Henry Ford's ambitions and the extent to which he would go to achieve his goals. It is a compelling, if cautionary, story, full of suspense. I liked the conversational writing style and the extensive background material that highlights both the history of the cars and the people associated with them. It is an engrossing read from ocean to ocean. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 2, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn

In this second book in the Killers of a Certain Age  series, the four semi-retired assassins are back together and out to kill some bad guys. 

Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie are called into service when an Eastern European gangster starts targeting Museum agents. Knowing they are on his list because of having killed his father years earlier, they decide to get him before he starts picking them off. In the process, they discover a mole in the Museum leaking information; they are now battling opponents on two fronts in their fight to stay alive.

I enjoyed this book with its shadowy killers matching wits with the four sixty-something assassins. The plot is unpredictable with twists I didn't see coming. Raybourn does an excellent job of exploring the personalities of the four women with humor and snappy dialogue. I highly recommend this series. 

4/5 stars.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Final Target by Nora Roberts

 

I have read some J. D. Robb books by this same author, and enjoyed them. This book sounded intriguing, and although her books under the pen name Nora Roberts are usually in the romance genre, I thought I'd give it a try. In the future, I think I'll stick to her J .D. Robb books.

Arden Bowie is promoting her debut novel when Dustin, another aspiring writer, arrives at her book signing. Although he seems a bit aggressive in wanting her time to discuss writing, Arden doesn't pay much attention. Then Dustin shows up at her next signing, and the next. Still not suspecting him as being anything other than an obsessive fan, Arden lets her guard down, and Dustin attacks and nearly kills her. He is given a five-year sentence in a psychiatric facility, and Arden begins rebuilding her life in a small Oregon town, always aware of Dustin's impending release. 

The book starts fast, but quickly bogs down after Dustin is incarcerated. Arden's remodel of her home is recounted in excruciating detail, right down to her obsession with doorknobs. The romance between her and an ex-Los Angeles police detective is predictable, and her stereotypical gay neighbors border on the trite. I ended up skimming a good portion of the book, but I was engaged enough with the story to finish it. I think fans of Nora Roberts will enjoy this book; it just wasn't my cup of tea. 

2.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 26, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Final Score by Don Winslow

 

I first discovered Don Winslow when I read his Danny Ryan trilogy (City on Fire, City of Dreams, City in Ruins). They made me want to read more. I had read he had retired from writing, so I was delighted to see this story collection come out. Focusing mostly on crime, every story is a gem with great characters and plots.

I liked all of the stories, but my favorite was "True Story," a conversation in a diner between two gangsters. The back-and-forth dialogue is both funny and fast-paced. I didn't see the twist at the end coming. 

The other stories are good character studies involving illegal activity, thus the crime genre. 

If you haven't read Winslow, this is a good sampling of what he can do. The writing is excellent, the characters realistic, and the setting believable. I highly recommend this book and the above-mentioned trilogy. 

4/5 stars.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

 Alex Finlay has outdone himself in creating a twisty psychological thriller with two intriguing protagonists. I have read a number of his books over the years, and The Anniversary ranks right up there with his best.

On May 1, 1992, the lives of teens Jules and Quinn are forever changed. Although they only know each other in passing, the events in their small Nebraska town will draw them together. 

Jules is attacked but spared by a serial killer known as the May Day killer, who has been killing young women each May 1--May Day--for several years, leaving no clues to his identity. Traumatized by the attack but suffering survivor's guilt, Jules doesn't report the crime. 

Meanwhile, mild-mannered Quinn tries to break up a fight but only succeeds in nearly killing a person. While Quinn is in juvenile detention, his mother is brutally murdered. Her killer is caught, but Quinn is not convinced they have the right man, and he begins his own investigation into her murder. 

The story is told each May Day, year after year, as we follow the lives of Jules and Quinn and the paths they take. Both make some bad life choices, but they eventually come together to help each other in their quests for closure. I did figure out who the serial killer was before the big reveal, but there were enough plot twists and red herrings to keep me guessing about what would happen next. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 12. 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

How to Cheat Your own Death by Kristen Perrin

 

I recently finished the third book in the Castle Knoll Files series (following How to Solve Your Own Murder  and How to Seal Your Own Fate). In this installment, Annie Adams returns to solve a new mystery using her Great Aunt Frances’s diaries.

The story follows dual timelines. In 1968, Frances begins university in London and joins a new social circle, including socialite Vera Huntington, until a murder disrupts her life. In the present day, Annie is in London helping her mother, Laura, prepare for an art exhibition. When Laura’s assistant is murdered in the same manner as the 1968 victim, Annie must find the killer to protect her mother.

I enjoyed the first book but missed the second; however, I would recommend reading them in order, as this third book contains spoilers for the previous titles. The dual timelines effectively connect the two murders, leading the reader through a twisty path with a compelling cast of characters. Overall, it is a cleverly plotted, fast-paced mystery. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Dutton, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 28, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Marco Effect by Jussi Adler-Olsen

 This fifth book in the Department Q series finds Carl Morck and his team at odds with management. The longtime department head has retired, and Morck's nemesis has been put in charge, complicating all their lives.

Sifting through the cold case files the Department Q team is in charge of solving, they settle on a missing banker who, after briefly visiting Africa on business, was never seen again. Switch to Marco, a fifteen-year-old who is trying to get away from his Uncle Zola, the leader of their gypsy clan, who uses the children to rob and beg. When Marco discovers a body while trying to escape the clan, Zola is out to silence him. Marco comes to the attention of the Department Q team, as well as the dead body, and a possible connection to an embezzlement case. With Marco, the missing piece to the case they are trying to solve, it's a race to see who can find Marco first. 

Marco is a wonderful character. Facing a moral dilemma with his life of crime, he chooses to try to escape and fulfill his dreams of a meaningful life. The odds are stacked against him, but his determination and street smarts are in his favor. Filled with dark humor and impossible situations, this book is hard to put down. I enjoyed the twists and the challenge of anticipating how Morck, Rose, and Assad would outsmart Zola. 

4/5 stars.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher

 I usually like T. Kingfisher's books, especially the ones that are take-offs on fairy tales (A Sorceress Comes to Call, Thornhedge), but this book, not so much. It is a dark horror story that is downright creepy — as in creepy, crawly bugs.

Sonia Wilson is a scientific illustrator who worked with her father until his death. It's 1899, and there aren't many prospects for women, especially with Sonia's talent. Unhappy as a teacher, she is in luck when a scientist offers her a position illustrating his forthcoming book on insects. When she arrives at his manor house, she finds that the scientist, Dr. Matthias Halder, is not very personable, and the locals and Halder's staff are keeping secrets about her predecessor and a mysterious building in the woods. What is more upsetting is Sonia's suspicions about how Halder is conducting his research. Are his scientific principles warped and methods unlawful? A determined Sonia is willing to put herself in danger to find the answers to her questions.

I admit that I skimmed some of the more graphic descriptions of the effects of the parasitic insects on both animals and humans. While the writing and pacing are good, the subject matter is off-putting. If you are squeamish,  this is probably not a good read for you. 

3.5/5 stars.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

This latest book from Sally Hepworth is similar to her book Darling Girls: it is poignant, with a character one roots for as she faces many obstacles in life. It is a psychological thriller with a murder thrown in for good measure.

Mabel Waller grew up an outsider, tagged with the nickname "Mad Mabel" from an early age. Death seemed to follow Mabel. Indeed, she was Australia's youngest convicted murderer. Now, eighty-one years old, Mabel has lived quietly, using the name Elsie Fitzpatrick, to try to outrun her past. All is well until Mabel discovers a dead neighbor, whose death isn't clear-cut. As the police begin investigating, Mabel's past comes to light, reviving interest in her. If that isn't enough, Mabel must also contend with the precocious seven-year-old Persephone, who is determined to befriend the cranky older woman. Fiercely independent, Mabel thinks her only friend is Daphne, a friend since kindergarten. Little does she know that her neighbors have her back when the press and police come calling.

Told between Mabel's past and Elsie's present, the story reveals secrets in both. The reader is left wondering until the end who Mabel murdered, with various candidates proposed and discarded. Mabel is a sympathetic character who was treated cruelly as a child and has difficulty accepting kindness as an adult. An unrelenting Persephone cracks her grumpy veneer, finally allowing Mabel to accept others' help. It was fun watching this closed-off woman begin to blossom, even at the age of eighty-one. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 21, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Revenge Prey by John Sandford

It's hard to believe this is the thirty-sixth book in Sandford's "Prey" series. I have been on board since the first book and have watched Lucas Davenport's character develop as he has changed law enforcement agencies and faced numerous villains over the years. Every book has been a welcome addition to the series, and Revenge Prey showcases renegade Davenport at his best.

A high-level Russian intelligence officer and his family have defected to the U.S. and are entering the U.S. Marshal Service's Witness Protection Program. Davenport and his partner, along with the FBI and a CIA operative, are tasked with helping the family settle in Minnesota. When an attempt is made on the man's life by an elite Russian hit team, Davenport and company must step up their protection and try to find out who is supplying the hit team with their information. With the story switching between the hit team and Davenport, the action is non-stop as both factions race against time to either save or kill the defector.

John Sandford can be relied upon for a good, heart-pounding thriller. Revenge Prey is no different. Although I wasn't as enamored with the plot as in his previous books, it was still a satisfying read. It was interesting to get the hit team's point of view, and I found it hard not to root for them. They were under pressure, and failure was not an option — not if they wanted to return to Russia. Once again, Lucas was defying authority, and by teaming with the shady CIA agent, they were an unstoppable pair. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 7, 2026.

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Night Ends with Fire by K. X. Song

I initially picked up this book because it sounded interesting, and I admit the cover attracted my attention. It is tagged as Science Fiction and Fantasy, both genres I enjoy, but it failed to mention it is also a romance, a genre I avoid at all costs. When I first started reading the book, I thought the writing style and characters were more in line with a Young Adult audience than with the Adult Fiction book it was billed as. It took me two tries before I was engaged enough in the plot to finish the book, but finish it I did! What finally drew me in was the exploration of myths and Meilin's use of her spirit powers. I found both good examples of the Fantasy genre.

Eighteen-year-old Meilin's life is rapidly going downhill. Living with an opium-addicted, abusive father, she is destined to marry an equally abusive husband. When war breaks out in the Three Kingdoms, Meilin sees her chance to escape by posing as a male and joining the army. She pulls it off and quickly makes friends through hard work and bravery in battle. She has also caught the eye of Sky, one of the warlords' sons. Although Sky doesn't suspect Meilin's duplicity, Meilin has feelings for him that are unbecoming of a soldier. What Meilin also discovers is that the necklace she just inherited from her mother has special powers that grant her access to the spirit realm, and a sea dragon spirit who guides her. Unfortunately, her powers are seen as black magic and punishable by death. With her secrets mounting, Meilin is torn between her deepening feelings for Sky and using her powers to help win the war. 

This is a fast-paced book that follows Meilin as she overcomes one obstacle after another — either through sheer determination or by using her magical powers. This is an action-driven story that spends little time developing the characters. I did get used to the writing style and skimmed the parts dealing with Meilin's feelings for Sky. For me, an annoying part was the use of names. Both Chinese and English names were used haphazardly. For every "Zilong", there was a "Sparrow." The author should have decided which to use and stuck with that. I know my reading taste is selective, and this review will be an outlier, but I can't give this book more than three stars. 

3/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Ace, for a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book was published on July 2, 2024. 

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Evil in the Family by Michael Wood

Forensic Psychologist Dr. Olivia Winter is back in this third book in the series (The Mind of a Murderer; The Devil's Code) with more emotional baggage than would fit in a steamer trunk. The daughter, who was almost a victim of her serial killer father, Olivia, has, understandably, unresolved issues. She is obsessed with serial killers, making the study of them her life's work. This latest killer's crimes are so heinous that Olivia is forced to come to terms with her demons.

A family is slain, and their bodies are posed in a macabre tableau that tests DI Foley's resolve. For the first time, Dr. Olivia Winter is called in to help with an active crime and must work the case and see the bodies at the scene. Unnerved, Olivia struggles to help the police capture a killer who leaves no DNA or reason for the killings. When another family is killed, the police, with no leads, must rely on Olivia's psychological analysis to point them in the right direction. Nothing ties the killings together, and a frustrated Foley is under pressure to find the killer.

Michael Wood is the master of the dark, psychological thriller. Between this and his DI Matilda Darke series, Wood's flawed, yet strong female protagonists, ring true. In this book, Olivia is pushed to the limits, and while I felt she was a bit whiny at times, she pulled through and finally admitted she may need psychological help herself. I enjoyed this book. Olivia is growing as a character, interestingly, and the plot was riveting. Although I didn't buy into the red herring that was floated, I did question who the killer might be — it kept me guessing. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is March 31, 2026. 

For more information: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble