The Collector (Eden Cross #1) by Bill Duncan and Catherine Lee [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Louise Giavas 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Ten years ago, her best friend vanished. Now, she’s back to uncover the truth—and a killer is watching.

For FBI Special Agent Eden Cross, returning to Adamstown isn’t a homecoming—it’s a reckoning. Still haunted by the night Morgan disappeared without a trace, Eden has spent too many days chasing ghosts.

But now, human remains have surfaced in the abandoned Raven’s Lake Mine, and Eden is done waiting for answers.

Lurking in the shadows is a predator known as The Collector—meticulous, patient, and always watching. For years, he has hunted in silence, choosing his victims carefully. And now, Eden’s search has put her in his sights.

As she follows the trail of a killer who has remained hidden for too long, the past begins to unravel in ways she never expected. But in a town where everyone has secrets, the truth is more terrifying than she ever imagined—and someone will do anything to keep it buried."

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A gripping and atmospheric start to a new crime series

I am always on the hunt for a good new serial killer thriller to sink my teeth into and this first book in the Eden Cross series completely delivered on the tension. It is dark, fast-paced and kept me listening way longer than I should have done!

The story follows FBI Special Agent Eden Cross as she returns to her hometown of Adamstown – not for a happy reunion, but because human remains have been discovered in an abandoned mine. The discovery ties directly into the disappearance of her best friend a decade ago. At the same time, an incredibly meticulous and patient predator known as The Collector is lurking in the shadows, and Eden quickly finds herself right in his sights as the past begins to unravel.  

I listened to the audiobook version of this one and I am so glad I did because Louise Giavas was fantastic. She did the voices really well, bringing a distinct sense of personality to the characters and ramping up the atmospheric, creepy vibes of the town perfectly.

The plot itself is a brilliant slow-burn procedural that builds up a massive amount of suspense as Eden tries to piece everything together while dealing with a town full of secrets.

The only reason it didn't quite hit top marks for me is that some of the thriller tropes felt a bit familiar if you read a lot of crime fiction, and I would have liked just a touch more development on the secondary team members. It is a minor niggle though, because the central cat-and-mouse game between Eden and the killer is brilliantly executed and left me eager to see where the series goes next. 

If you enjoy tense, gritty investigative thrillers with an excellent narrator, this is definitely one to pick up.

Many thanks to the authors, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts on this, the start of a new series.

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I Owe You One by Lauren North [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Heather Long 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"You saved my life. I faked your death...

I only came back to Skelwick Bay to lie low and reconnect with my sister. But now she wants me to fake her death...

Bryony says her husband Alex is abusive and it's the only way. And even though I think it's crazy, I can't say no, because I owe her for saving me 15 years ago...

So we hatch a plan – we fake a sailing accident. And my darling sister 'dies'.

Only, when she's gone, I start to think. There are holes in the story she gave me. She doesn't reach out like she says she will, leaving me to deal with the mess alone. And Alex only seems completely devastated...

So when I learn Bryony never actually saved my life all those years ago, I start to question everything she's ever told me. And I'm left with the terrifying Have I just saved my sister's life? Or helped her get away with a terrible crime...?"

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A tense and gripping listen

I've listened to Lauren North before, so I had high expectations for this one, and it certainly didn't disappoint. It's one of those stories that starts with a simple premise – a small favour – that quickly spirals into something much more unsettling. The psychological tension builds beautifully throughout, making it very hard to press pause.

The characters are well-drawn and I found myself constantly questioning who was actually telling the truth. It's a clever look at how easily life can be disrupted when you let the wrong person in. The pacing was spot on for a thriller; it felt like there was always a new layer being peeled back just as I thought I'd figured things out.

The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the tension to life. Their voice really suited the tone of the book and helped to distinguish the different perspectives without it feeling forced. It made the whole experience much more immersive, especially during the more claustrophobic moments of the plot.

The ending felt a little bit rushed compared to the steady build-up of the rest of the book. However, I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a twisty domestic thriller. 

Many thanks to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this audiobook.

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Perfect Wives by Lauren North [Audiobook]

Description from Goodreads:

"Three identical confessions to murder. Three perfect liars...

On a sunny Saturday morning, three women from the exclusive gated community of Magnolia Close walk into their local police station.

One by one, they all confess to the murder of their neighbour.

The officer takes statements from all three. From Tasha, the overwhelmed mother struggling under the weight of caring for her parents too. From Beth, the quiet one, desperate for another baby but unable to fall pregnant. From Georgie, the one whose life seems so dazzlingly glamorous ... on the surface.

Each woman has a life – a family – that they don't want to lose.

Each woman has a reason for wanting Johnny dead.

Each woman claims she killed him.

All of them are lying."

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I haven't read or listened to anything by Lauren North before but I was intrigued by the premise of this audiobook and I was looking for something to listen to whilst in the car and I wasn't disappointed.

The premise of this book is intriguing. We meet three women - Tasha, Beth and Georgie - who live in the exclusive, seemingly perfect gated community of Magnolia Close. Then, one sunny day, they all walk into the police station and separately confess to the murder of their terrible neighbour, Johnny. The catch? They are all lying.

Where do you even start?

Lauren North does a great job of peeling back the layers of these women's lives. The whole book is full of secrets, deception and the massive facade of their "perfect wives" status. It’s got that close-knit community vibe where you know everyone is hiding something big, which keeps the tension simmering. I found myself totally invested in figuring out what was going to be uncovered next and who the real killer actually was.

I really enjoyed the story but it does start of a bit slowly. However, it soon starts to move and the twists arrived with speed and a lot of satisfaction.

The narrator did a great job.  If I'm honest, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much had I been reading the physical book; Genevieve Swallow handled it so well that I was definitely more immersed in the lives of Tasha, Beth and Georgie.

Overall, this is a great book to listen to and if you like domestic thrillers about secrets coming out in the suburbs, I think you will enjoy this one but I highly recommend the audiobook version.

Many thanks to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this compelling book.

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Kill Them With Kindness by Will Carver [Audiobook]

Description from Goodreads:

"The threat of nuclear war is no longer scary. This is much worse. It's invisible. It works quickly. And it's coming.

The scourge has already infected and killed half the population in China and it is heading towards the UK. There is no time to escape. The British government sees no way out other than to distribute 'Dignity Pills' to its citizens – one last night with family or loved ones before going to sleep forever … together.

Dr Haruto Ikeda, a Japanese scientist working at a Chinese research facility, wants to save the world. He has discovered a way to mutate a virus. Instead of making people sick, instead of causing death, it's going to make them ... nice. Instead of attacking the lungs, it will work into the brain and increase the host's ability to feel and show compassion. It will make people kind.

But governments don't want a population in agreement. They want conflict and outrage and fear. Reasonable people are harder to control.

Ikeda's quest is thoughtful and noble, and it just might work. Maybe humanity can be saved. Maybe it doesn't have to be the end."

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I have listened to one of Mr Carver's previous audiobooks, Good Samaritans, and absolutely loved it, in fact it was one of the best audiobooks I had listened to in 2023 so when the chance came up to listen to another of his books, I jumped at the chance.  Alas, this just didn't do it for me this time.

The narration was ok but I just found the story very dry which came across in the narration unfortunately.  There seemed to be too many facts that made it feel more like a non-fiction book that was about a pandemic; conspiracy theories and all.  The chapters were short but the characters just didn't resonate with me in any way, shape or form.  

It's a shame because I like Mr Carver's work however, this one just didn't grab me at all and whilst I think I will be in the minority with this one, it will appeal to some.

I am disappointed I didn't enjoy this but it certainly won't put off looking out for more of Mr Carver's work and I must thank him, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this book.

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Missing (Detective Bonnie Hunter #1) by Catherine Lee

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Eva Seymour 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Sydney, Australia.

Bonnie Hunter is done with creeps who treat their families like possessions. Sidelined and angry after a domestic violence call-out went horribly wrong, the detective finds herself seconded to a team tasked with finding a missing young woman.

According to her husband, Juliet Keller went to the grocery store and never returned. The husband demands action, but his violent outbursts and controlling behaviour have Bonnie’s family violence radar on high alert. Convinced he’s responsible for Juliet’s disappearance, Bonnie is single-minded in her mission to disprove his story.

Outsmarted at every turn, and questioning her worth to her new team, Bonnie finds herself in a cat-and-mouse chase to uncover the truth. Because whatever happened to Juliet Keller, it’s soon clear her life is not the only one on the line."

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I haven't read anything by Catherine Lee before but I certainly won't be making that mistake again if this book is anything to go by.  I listened to the audiobook and from the very beginning, I was absolutely hooked.  

Everything about this book is exceptional ... the story, the writing style, the dual timeline, the pace, the characters, the tension, the emotion, etc., etc., is second to none, especially given the difficult subject matter of domestic violence which I think the author captured accurately but without sensationalising it.  And lets not forget the narration which was one of the best I have listened to so far; Ms Seymour's voice drew me into the story with ease and kept me listening long after I should have stopped.

Like I said, this does cover the heinous crime of domestic violence so if that is a trigger for you, I would definitely pass this book by but otherwise, I would highly recommend it to others who enjoy gripping thrillers.

This is the first book in a new series and I very much look forward to reading or listening to more in the future and my thanks must go to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this excellent book.

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Faces of Evil: Unmasking the World’s Most Horrific Serial Killers by Dominic Utton [Audiobook]

 🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Tom Alexander 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Uncover the chilling true stories behind some of history's most monstrous murderers.

Ian Brady and Myra Hindley Ted Bundy, Harold Shipman – these notorious names represent the worst of humanity, men and women who are driven by an urge to kill, and kill again. They are monsters lurking among us, often living outwardly respectable lives while indulging their horrific desires under cover of darkness, or anonymity.

Serial killers continue to hold a gruesome fascination, their crimes and compulsions seemingly incomprehensible to civilized society. Some have become household names, the subject of hit Netflix documentaries and BBC dramas ... others remain a hidden horror in the shadows.

Organised thematically according to each killer's twisted passion, Faces of Evil chronicles the crimes of twenty of the most infamous – and less well-known – serial killers of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, unpicking their means, motives and methods ... and attempting to understand what drove their horrific lust for murder."

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I am a true crime fan and have been fascinated by serial killers since I was a teenager ... strange I know but there you go 😊 

This audiobook gives a captivating look at some of history's most notorious serial killers. The author weaves together the stories of these individuals, delving into their backgrounds, motives, and crimes.

It's fast paced and engrossing and although it doesn't provide a detailed examination of each murder and trial, it does provide an overview of various cases which makes it an easy (although not in terms of the content) listen as it delves into the darker aspects of human nature and therefore due to the graphic nature of the subject matter, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Even for those familiar with many of the serial killers included, this book did introduce me to some I had never heard of and also provided details I had not been aware of.

The narrator was excellent and, I think, perfect for this book.  It's a hard listen at times so it must have been a difficult one to narrate so kudos to Tom Alexander ... you did a great job.

Overall, I would recommend this to those of you who are interested in serial killers and true crime enthusiasts and many thanks to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this thought-provoking book.

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The Brother by N.V. Peacock [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Charlotte Worthing and Jack Bennett🎙🎙🎙

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"Is murder in her DNA?

My mother lied to me. My family is not my own. If it wasn’t for the genealogy test, I would never have known I was the child of another woman.

Now I’m learning that I have four brothers I have never met. And one of them is a serial killer.

My brother is taunting me to play his vicious game – solving his clues before he spills more blood.

Who can I trust? How can I find and stop him before it is too late? And what if it is me he really wants?"

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I haven't read or listened to anything by N.V. Peacock before but the synopsis sounded like something right up my street and whilst I wasn't blown away, I did enjoy listening to The Brother and will look out for more from this author in the future.

The book is written from the points of view of Fallon, a psychologist who has survived a traumatic event, and The Brother, a serial killer who uses a unique way of finding his victims.  

It's a twisty and compelling story that is told at a steady pace and I loved the intrigue surrounding who the brother was.

I really enjoyed listening to this book and whilst, at first, I found the male narrator talked a bit slow for my liking, I quickly realised, as the story progressed, that he was absolutely perfect and by the end I loved him as he added a lot of intensity and creepiness which added to the overall feel of this book.

Overall, a really enjoyable listen and my thanks go to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Brother.

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Murder by Natural Causes by Helen Erichsen [Audiobook]

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Natalie Pela🎙🎙🎙

 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"A double life with a single purpose, getting away with murder.

Cilla is a 22-year-old contract killer, specialising in the dry a murder interpreted as death by natural causes. Her main client, Vladimir Haugr, is the owner of TGR's bridge club in London. In return for a flat, a retainer and expenses, Cilla does five jobs a year. She occasionally works freelance.

Neither strong, nor beautiful, Cilla isn't your typical female protagonist. In fact, she is so unremarkable as to render her almost invisible, an advantage in her line of work. She has survived because she is clever, stubborn and lucky. But Cilla knows that, statistically, her luck is about to run out. She must find a way to reinvent herself. Soon."

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Overall, a pretty successful audiobook which was, for me anyway, mostly down to the narrator who was excellent and really brought the characters to life.

The book is told entirely from Cilla's point of view and tells the story of how she got to be who she is and the now.  I wouldn't say it is full of action or thrills and spills which, from the synopsis anyway, I did assume would be the case but rather a detailed look into how a child with certain traits  can be shaped and moulded to become a successful killer and the cunning and skills she used when plying her trade and which she is now using to try and change her life.

As I said, it's not full of action and whilst there is some suspense, this mainly comes towards the end and this was, for me, a little disappointing - it's a little too slow and lacking in oomph!  I did however like getting to know Cilla and whilst at first I found her hard to 'like', she did grow on me in the end.

Overall, a little underwhelming and although I did finish it, I was left with a sense of "was that it?".  My thanks go to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Murder by Natural Causes.

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Good Samaritans by Will Carver [Audiobook]

 

🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Ciaran Saward 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"One crossed wire, three dead bodies and six bottles of bleach.

Seth Beauman can’t sleep. He stays up late, calling strangers from his phonebook, hoping to make a connection, while his wife, Maeve, sleeps upstairs. A crossed wire finds a suicidal Hadley Serf on the phone to Seth, thinking she is talking to The Samaritans.

But a seemingly harmless, late-night hobby turns into something more for Seth and for Hadley, and soon their late-night talks are turning into day-time meet-ups. And then this dysfunctional love story turns into something altogether darker, when Seth brings Hadley home…

And someone is watching…"

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Oh my word ... what a book ... absolutely brilliant and the best audiobook I have listened to this year so far and, I think, it will take something remarkable to beat it!

This is a very dark, disturbing and extremely gripping story that will draw you in, shake you around and spit you out the other side and all the while you're thinking, what the heck and why am I enjoying this so much?!?

It's all kinds of wrong but so right and deliciously wicked and addictive.

I'm not even going to go into the story - you'll just have to buy it - but what I will say is that the characters are scarily normal which makes them ultra creepy, the story is riveting and there's some great twists that I didn't see coming and the build up of tension is palpable. 

There are graphic descriptions of murder, a lot about suicide, mental health and a number of sex scenes (maybe too many if I'm honest and this is my only negative) so if any of these are triggers for you, I would steer clear.

Would I have enjoyed it as much had I read the physical book?  I'm not sure if I'm honest because the narrator made all the difference and was absolutely perfect and brilliant.  I fell in love with his voice from the beginning ... it was so contradictory to the content of what he was reading that it made the story all the more creepy and disturbing.

I haven't read or listened to any of Will Carver's work before and after listening to Good Samaritans, I won't make that mistake again and I must thank Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Good Samaritans and introducing me to another excellent author.

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