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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Final Dawn (Mackenzie Reynolds #3) by D.V. Berkom

🔥🔥🔥 Expected Publication: 1 October 2026 🔥🔥🔥

Description from the author's website:

"A kill list. A missing father. A nation on the brink.

When a messianic terrorist puts a target on the federal justice system, elite close protection operative Mackenzie “Mac” Reynolds is all that stands between order and total chaos.

Mac Reynolds knows how to read a room, spot a threat, and keep a client alive. But when a ruthless domestic terror network begins executing judges, senators, and intelligence officers, even her elite training is pushed to the absolute limit.

Victor Hale has activated sleeper cells, breached government networks, and turned the Pacific Northwest into a blood-soaked battlefield. But for Mac, the nightmare becomes deeply personal when her mentor and her father suddenly vanish—straight into Hale’s trap.

To save the men she loves, Mac must hunt down Hale’s shadow financier and dismantle his network before sleeper cells ignite across the country. But the deeper she digs, the darker the conspiracy becomes… and the closer she gets to a terrifying truth:

The real enemy isn’t at the gates. It’s already inside."

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An outstanding and action-packed series finale

Having read the first two books in the Mackenzie Reynolds series and plenty of D. V. Berkom's other books over the years, I had high expectations for this one and it did not disappoint in the slightest. Final Dawn is a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy, delivering high stakes, non-stop action and brilliant character moments from start to finish.

The story hits the ground running and keeps the momentum going all the way through. Mackenzie is such a tough, relatable heroine, and watching her face her biggest challenge yet kept me completely hooked. I particularly loved the  appearance from Leine Basso although I would have liked her to meet Etta!! Having followed Leine's own adventures for so long, seeing her step into Mac's world was such a fantastic treat and added an extra kick to an already thrilling plot.

It feels like a fitting finale for the series, but I am certainly keeping my fingers crossed that this isn't the last we see of Mackenzie. Even if it is just a brief cameo in a future Leine Basso novel, I would love to see her make a comeback at some point down the line.

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with fierce female leads, you definitely need to pick this one up and, to be honest, any of D.V.'s work.

Once again, thank you to D.V. for accepting me as a member of her ARTeam and for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Final Dawn and my hungry eyes can't wait to read her next outing whoever that may star!

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