With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for advance review copies of these novels in exchange for an honest review.
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter *****
Published 19 June 2025.
Well, this was one of those crime thrillers I could not put down. I sat for hours to finish it, while other things went on around me, because it was so compelling.
In small town America on the night of the fourth of July, policewoman Emmy is so wrapped up in her own domestic issues that she brushes off an approach by her best friend’s moody teenage daughter, Madison. This split second decision comes to haunt her when Madison is abducted. Thus begins a race against time to find the missing teenager and her friend.
Throw into the mix Emmy’s beloved father as the sheriff, some shady men hiding in plain sight and a visit to the town by a woman who had long since abandoned the community, only to become a top profiler for the FBI, then you have a recipe for success.
I won’t go into the plot for fear of spoilers but, believe me, if you like a fast-paced crime thriller, with plenty of layers, then this is it.
A brilliant read but not for the faint hearted.
Death and Other Occupational Hazards by Veronika Dapunt ***
Published 10 April 2025.
When Death decides to take a break, she becomes a human on earth, and becomes involved in trying to solve the mystery around a number of Unplanned Deaths and, ultimately, locked in a battle to save her sister, Life.
A very clever premise and concept and written with warmth and humour. An unusual novel – adventure, fantasy, comedy and a splash of romance – in the vein of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens. It is most enjoyable and would make an incredible serial. It reminded me of Time Bandits, the film by Terry Gilliam, and I kept visualising the Boss as Ralph Richardson playing the Supreme Being.
It was well written, and pacy, but I became rather confused and/or ‘so what?’ around halfway in. Still, a poignant finish and the novel raised some fundamental, existential questions.
The Rest of our Lives by Ben Markovits ***
Published 27 March 2025.
This was beautifully written, a road trip of sorts by a middle-aged man at a crossroads in his life after his daughter goes to university. Does he go back home, to the wife who betrayed him years ago and with whom he’s stayed married, or does he just keep driving? It’s no spoiler alert to say he keeps on driving – but does he make the best of things with his wife?
The writing style was like someone speaking to a friend, telling them a story, and was very readable and relateable.
Things happen on the trip, as he meets family and friends along the way.
The ending was inconclusive for me, and I felt a bit frustrated and cheated by it, so am giving it three stars.
Maddie Grigg 