The Heights by Ian Rankin

🔥🔥🔥 Publication date:  8 October 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from Goodreads:

"Facing Hyde Park, The Heights is London’s most coveted luxury high-rise apartment—designed to satisfy every need, with a gym, infinity pool, cinema, and more, where self-made owner-developer Allan Franklyn himself has claimed the penthouse duplex. His neighbors include some of “Money London’s” biggest personalities: a wealthy art dealer, a young heartthrob pop star, a foreign heiress, a gangster’s wife. The residents are used to service, deference, and privacy, all on their terms.

But when nighttime concierge Dwayne Hogarth is found dead in the lobby, none of that is in their control anymore, and everyone’s under the unwelcome scrutiny of Detective Sergeant Gillian Gish. Her questions begin with the party on the 4th floor the night Dwayne died, which ended with a fight; the missing key to one of the apartments; and a mysterious gap in the security camera footage. Before long, Gish uncovers the unsavory truths and dark secrets that lurk beneath the glittering facades of the building and its inhabitants."

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Solid but didn't quite grab me

Having never read any of Ian Rankin's work before, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when picking up The Heights, but given how hugely popular he is in the crime world, I was definitely curious. Unfortunately, while I can see why so many people rate him, this particular book just didn't grab me.

The plot itself is clever but there were too many characters and I found the story a bit of a slog to get through in parts. The pacing felt quite slow to build up and I struggled to get properly invested in the characters or what was happening. I kept waiting for that spark to kick things into high gear for me, but it stayed at a fairly steady, slow burn all the way through.

That being said, the writing is solid and he creates a really believable atmosphere with a strong sense of place. It certainly wasn't a terrible read by any means, but it just lacked the grip and excitement that I usually look for in a thriller.

Overall, while it didn't quite hit the mark for me, fans of slower crime stories might enjoy it a lot more than I did.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read an advanced copy and share my honest thoughts.

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The Shadow People (Patel and Pardoe #3) by Graham Masterton

Description from Goodreads:

"Det. Sgt. Jamila Patel and Det. Con. Jerry Pardoe have reluctantly acquired a reputation in the Metropolitan Police for their ability to tackle bizarre and apparently supernatural crimes. Now they have been called back together after three bodies are found in a London basement... bodies which have been taken apart, roasted and eaten.

The markings on the wall suggest this might have been done by some kind of religious cult – and as more people are kidnapped and cannibalised, Patel and Pardoe realise they are dealing with a group of devil-worshippers invoking an ancient god who has not been worshipped since the Neolithic age..."

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A creepy horror

This one has been sitting patiently on my to-be-read pile since 2022 and I have finally got round to reading it. I have been a huge fan of Mr Masterton since my teenage years and have read loads of his books over the years so I was really looking forward to this. Sadly, it just did not really do it for me this time around. 

The story follows DS Jamila Patel and DC Jerry Pardoe as they investigate a bizarre and brutal cult operating in London that sacrifices people to mysterious shadow entities hiding in the dark.

The initial concept is brilliant and genuinely unsettling. There is no denying that the author still knows how to create a deeply creepy atmosphere and there are some incredibly graphic, stomach-churning horror scenes that will satisfy hardcore gore fans. The idea of the shadow people themselves is fascinating and there are moments of real tension early on.

However, as the book progressed, the plot started to feel a bit disjointed and repetitive. It felt like the story moved from one gruesome set-piece to the next without giving the characters or the mythology enough room to develop properly. The pacing dragged in the middle and the ending wrapped up far too quickly and easily given how powerful the threat was supposed to be. 

It is a decent, fast horror read if you love classic Masterton violence, but it did not quite live up to many of his other books although it won't put me off reading more of his work in the future. 

A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.

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Every Silent Thing by M.R. Madonna [Audiobook]

🔥🔥🔥 Publication date: 13 October 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from Goodreads:

"A mother and son each harbor a plot to save the other—unaware their colliding plans threaten to unearth a secret that will destroy them both.

At thirteen, Levi Tallon is already running out of options. Trapped between a father's escalating violence and a mother who keeps waiting for God to save them, he lives in constant fear of the next drunken rage. Then he meets Doley—a juvie-scarred loner and prime suspect in a woman's disappearance. What starts as an unlikely friendship hardens into a dangerous alliance sealed in blood: together they'll kill Levi's father and free his mother for good.

But Levi has misjudged the woman who raised him. Maggie struck her own pact long ago, and the secret she's been hiding within her marriage will twist his plan inside out. As her truth unravels, so does Levi's faith—sending him on a search for answers that will tear apart everything he thought he knew about his family, his new friend, and himself."

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An atmospheric and gripping thriller

I was intrigued by the premise of Every Silent Thing and it proved to be a dark, tense and captivating listen that held my attention from start to finish.

Please note that the story touches on some heavier, darker themes—including trauma and abuse—which might be triggering for some readers, so it's definitely worth keeping in mind before diving in.

M.R. Madonna crafts a  chilling atmosphere that builds gradually as the story unfolds. The narrative is full of subtle suspense, secrets and quiet dread, making it very easy to get completely absorbed in the mystery. The plot moves along at a steady pace with plenty of twists to keep you guessing as the truth comes to light.

The narration was good and really enhanced the overall listening experience. The narrator delivered a well-balanced performance, capturing the moody tone of the story and giving distinct voices to the characters without ever feeling overdone. Listening to the story play out added an extra layer of tension that worked brilliantly for a thriller like this.

While there were a few minor moments where the pacing slowed down a touch in the middle, the overall mystery made it an enjoyable listen.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to an advanced audio copy and share my honest thoughts.

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Blood on the Snow (DI James Walker #7) by Alex Pine

🔥🔥🔥 Publication Date:  22 October 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from Goodreads:

"Nicola and Emily, friends taking a holiday break, have become victims of a frenzied attack. With no signs of forced entry and their phones missing, DCI James Walker is stumped.

As he delves deeper into the case, James uncovers a tangled web of betrayal involving a jilted lover, a vengeful carer, and a business partner with a deadly agenda.

Each suspect has a motive fit for murder, but can James unravel the mystery before there are more victims this holiday season?"

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Another fantastic festive murder mystery with DI Walker

As someone who looks forward to getting my DI Walker fix every year, I was thrilled to dive into Blood on the Snow. Having read and reviewed every book from book two right up to book six, I had high expectations for this seventh instalment and it certainly did not disappoint.

The story drops you right back into the familiar, atmospheric surroundings, bringing all the festive tension and clever plotting that Alex Pine does so well. The mystery keeps you hooked right from the start with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing as the team works to untangle the case. I love the characters and the dynamics within the team, which make returning to this series feel like catching up with old friends every winter.

And just to reassure people, the murder rate in Cumbria is exceptionally low especially around the area covered by DI Walker and his team so you don't need to worry if you're thinking of coming to my neck of the woods for Christmas!! 

It's a brilliant, fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining festive crime read that I couldn't put down. If you enjoy a great Christmas police procedural, this series is an absolute must.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts.

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You Are Mine by Alex Lake

🔥🔥🔥 Publication Date:  22 October 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from Goodreads:

"Mary Jordan is walking along the street when she spots a sign.

If you are reading this, I am watching you.

You are now part of my collection.

You will be mine, and your life will never be the same again.

Mary is horrified. Her skin crawls at the idea of being watched.

She searches the buildings, looking for a face at a window.

But only for a moment. There’s nothing to fear. It’s obviously just a harmless prank.

She could not be more wrong…"

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A decent psychological thriller 

Having read several of Alex Lake's previous books over the years, I was really looking forward to picking up You Are Mine. While it wasn't quite up there with her best work for me, it was still a solid read with a few good moments.

The premise had plenty of potential, but I found the execution a little slow and not quite as gripping than I thought it was going to be especially given the start. Parts of the narrative felt quite repetitive, which slowed down the overall momentum and made it feel less tense than I was hoping for. I usually love a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but this one felt a bit more stretched out.

That being said, the story picked up towards the end. The final chapters delivered a good conclusion and I liked how it all played out. It brought everything together and made the slower sections worth sticking with.

Overall, while it wasn't my favourite by this author, it was still an okay read that will appeal to fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read an advanced copy and share my honest thoughts.

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