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Friend of the Family #1
A Friend Of The Family
Families are dying. No matter how hard DCI Platt tries, he's not seeing a pattern; not even after his own wife and daughter are targeted. Young Melanie has forgotten what life outside Larksford House was like. She's been in for so long. But when Toby joins the team, she starts to remember. She really shouldn't be there. Professor Hicks is delighted that Toby has made the breakthrough for him. It might actually allow Hicks to improve his own fortunes. Bill Brown sells security; his business improves with every strike of the family killer. As fear in the community grows, Bill's ability to gain a stranger's trust comes to the fore. But what is he hiding? As the clock ticks, can Platt get closer to the killer, and will Melanie remember the truth?
334 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2022
156 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 13, 2024
Stuart Field, you might just be my new favorite author.
November 10, 2025
This was totally spoilt for me by the ending!! The continual errors in typing etc was one thing but, there I was, reading what I thought a pretty good read when I came to the end….to be continued. I really do not like books like this when my hopes were up for some sort of conclusion that never came. I won’t purchase the next in the series as I don’t wish to be let down again. Sorry.
February 16, 2024
Errors in verb tense and other grammar. Not sure if was done while becoming an ebook or not.
I'm not reading the next book to find out what happens; I thought it would've ended in this book.
I'm not reading the next book to find out what happens; I thought it would've ended in this book.
May 26, 2024
This is a half-book. 300+ pages of meandering, ungrammatical, unedited, unproof-read sketches of a story. Ending with nothing in the story resolved.
May 25, 2025
Not a pleasant read
Very poor proof reading and constantly using bad grammar. Repetitive use of "gotten" which is not acceptable English.
Would not recommend.
Very poor proof reading and constantly using bad grammar. Repetitive use of "gotten" which is not acceptable English.
Would not recommend.
May 14, 2023
“They are going to die, and I’m going to take satisfaction in it” were someone else’s words that got Melanie incarcerated in Larksford House ten years ago at the age of eight, first under Prof Hicks Senior who wanted to help her, and later under his son Prof Albert Hicks who is determined to gain fame and money from his research. A new nurse, Toby, has made a real connection with her, something Hicks hopes to exploit, but does Toby have an ulterior motive? Plagued by nightmares ever since she was locked away and abandoned by her family, Melanie plays dumb but is gradually starting to remember what and who caused them, and plans to escape the hospital, find the person responsible for her trauma and take her revenge. DI Richard Platt and DS David Elford are heading up the task force to find a particularly brutal serial killer who has cleverly targeted families and evaded detectives for the last six years. Bill Brown is an ex-policeman who runs a company installing security alarms and hidden cameras. The story revolves around these different characters and gradually as it unfolds, the link between them all is revealed.
This intriguing and complex story is at first very confusing with loads of red herrings and misdirection, but becomes clearer as each character’s individual motives emerge. I had every sympathy with Melanie and Platt’s histories and Platt is a good detective but both characters were hard to get to know or like, especially Melanie as she was quite duplicitous at times and it was difficult to know which was the real her. I found it a little unbelievable that a DC whose own family is believed to have been murdered by the killer was allowed to work on the case and the same goes for Platt who is unstable after what happened to his family. With a number of very interesting and suspicious characters, it’s quite a slow burn book and I was a little bit disappointed that there is no real conclusion as the ending is left hanging to be continued in book two, Not A Friend Of The Family, which I am glad I can move straight on to and where I’m hoping the truth will finally come out.
This intriguing and complex story is at first very confusing with loads of red herrings and misdirection, but becomes clearer as each character’s individual motives emerge. I had every sympathy with Melanie and Platt’s histories and Platt is a good detective but both characters were hard to get to know or like, especially Melanie as she was quite duplicitous at times and it was difficult to know which was the real her. I found it a little unbelievable that a DC whose own family is believed to have been murdered by the killer was allowed to work on the case and the same goes for Platt who is unstable after what happened to his family. With a number of very interesting and suspicious characters, it’s quite a slow burn book and I was a little bit disappointed that there is no real conclusion as the ending is left hanging to be continued in book two, Not A Friend Of The Family, which I am glad I can move straight on to and where I’m hoping the truth will finally come out.
November 25, 2022
This was a really good read. The story revolves around 3 main characters Melanie, DCI Platt and Professor Hicks. This is a fast paced and suspenseful read, with a bit of gore, and one I raced through eager to know what was going to happen. Melanie is a really good character and I found her easy to like although she may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Briefly, Melanie has been locked away in Larksford House for 10 years since her parents put her there at the age of 12 when she appeared to threaten them and her twin sister with death. Professor Hicks is in charge of Larksford House and is treating Melanie as a participant in a trial for him to make a load of money. However Melanie is of much sounder mind than they think and is planning to escape. DCI Platt is trying to resolve a serious of murders in North Yorkshire where the killer is butchering families. There seems to be no pattern apart from the mother and daughter being blonde. His own wife and daughter appear to have been victims of the same killer.
These three characters form the basis for this murder mystery which becomes more convoluted as more bodies are found. Adding to this is the arrival to Larksford of Toby who unbeknown to Hicks is looking to purchase the building. All these characters are brought together in a most brilliant read and whilst there are a number of suspects there are loads of red herrings so it is difficult to work out what the next page will bring! Here’s the crux. Massive, huge cliffhangers and unfortunately I have to say there is no ending in sight as there is book 2 to come. Hope we don’t have too long to wait as I’m desperate to see what happens next. 4.5⭐️
Briefly, Melanie has been locked away in Larksford House for 10 years since her parents put her there at the age of 12 when she appeared to threaten them and her twin sister with death. Professor Hicks is in charge of Larksford House and is treating Melanie as a participant in a trial for him to make a load of money. However Melanie is of much sounder mind than they think and is planning to escape. DCI Platt is trying to resolve a serious of murders in North Yorkshire where the killer is butchering families. There seems to be no pattern apart from the mother and daughter being blonde. His own wife and daughter appear to have been victims of the same killer.
These three characters form the basis for this murder mystery which becomes more convoluted as more bodies are found. Adding to this is the arrival to Larksford of Toby who unbeknown to Hicks is looking to purchase the building. All these characters are brought together in a most brilliant read and whilst there are a number of suspects there are loads of red herrings so it is difficult to work out what the next page will bring! Here’s the crux. Massive, huge cliffhangers and unfortunately I have to say there is no ending in sight as there is book 2 to come. Hope we don’t have too long to wait as I’m desperate to see what happens next. 4.5⭐️
June 1, 2023
A cleverly constructed mystery thriller
I’ve read all of Field’s books and this is likely the best so far. Not gung-ho, Bond type, hero stuff, but a cleverly constructed mystery thriller.
There are so many threads that it sometimes feels as though you are drowning, but this must be what it is like to actually be a detective and I think this is the poi Field is driving at; realism in a fictional tale:
A young girl committed to an asylum, she knows not why and the family forget her. As she grows it becomes clear that she has a powerful intellect.
A detective, appointed to solve a murder of a family some time ago and while he is away, his family is attacked; the modus similar. There are more and a serial killer becomes known as the Family murderer.
Field is a master at crafting stories and if I had a criticism of this book it would be that I would have preferred to know that it was a 2 parter. That is okay, in fact I like that, except there are so many ‘cliff-hangers’. I would have preferred to see some of the threads tied up, but maybe setting off one big lure for book 2. I will read book 2 because I want to know what happens. That aside, it is a cleverly written book and immensely enjoyable.
5 stars.
I’ve read all of Field’s books and this is likely the best so far. Not gung-ho, Bond type, hero stuff, but a cleverly constructed mystery thriller.
There are so many threads that it sometimes feels as though you are drowning, but this must be what it is like to actually be a detective and I think this is the poi Field is driving at; realism in a fictional tale:
A young girl committed to an asylum, she knows not why and the family forget her. As she grows it becomes clear that she has a powerful intellect.
A detective, appointed to solve a murder of a family some time ago and while he is away, his family is attacked; the modus similar. There are more and a serial killer becomes known as the Family murderer.
Field is a master at crafting stories and if I had a criticism of this book it would be that I would have preferred to know that it was a 2 parter. That is okay, in fact I like that, except there are so many ‘cliff-hangers’. I would have preferred to see some of the threads tied up, but maybe setting off one big lure for book 2. I will read book 2 because I want to know what happens. That aside, it is a cleverly written book and immensely enjoyable.
5 stars.
November 25, 2022
Friend of the Family is the latest book by the brilliant writer Stuart Field, and wow what a great book it was.
What begins as a look into a normal family soon spirals into a complex mystery with plenty of twists and many questions raised.
With a brilliant cast of Toby, the psychiatric nurse trying to solve the case of why Melanie is in the hospital to Melanie herself. I found her to be fascinating with her innocence and intelligence, but also quite terrifying at times. And then there’s DCI Platt, determined to solve the spate of brutal killings whilst struggling with his own issues. But he is helped by DS Elford and WPC Summers. There are enough questions thrown up that I had my suspicions of many of the characters which is exactly what I want in a story. Although I didn’t read this book at a breakneck pace, the intertwining storylines kept me reading compulsively, in so far as when I finished work I only took a small reluctant break to have my tea so I could finish it in one sitting.
Friend of the Family is a fantastic read and my only regret when I read the last page was that I may have to wait some time for the sequel.
What begins as a look into a normal family soon spirals into a complex mystery with plenty of twists and many questions raised.
With a brilliant cast of Toby, the psychiatric nurse trying to solve the case of why Melanie is in the hospital to Melanie herself. I found her to be fascinating with her innocence and intelligence, but also quite terrifying at times. And then there’s DCI Platt, determined to solve the spate of brutal killings whilst struggling with his own issues. But he is helped by DS Elford and WPC Summers. There are enough questions thrown up that I had my suspicions of many of the characters which is exactly what I want in a story. Although I didn’t read this book at a breakneck pace, the intertwining storylines kept me reading compulsively, in so far as when I finished work I only took a small reluctant break to have my tea so I could finish it in one sitting.
Friend of the Family is a fantastic read and my only regret when I read the last page was that I may have to wait some time for the sequel.
November 25, 2022
A young girl is locked up in a psych ward at just 8 years old when she mutters she is going to kill her family.
The story picks up as a new nurse joins the psych ward and seems to make a connection with the crazy lady in the mask, who is the 8 year old grown up.
The police are investigating a spate of family killings, where a mother and daughter are both the main targets. They are getting frustrated as they have nothing to go on. The more they find out, the less they seem to know.
The young lady, Melanie, is beginning to question her incarceration and the motives of Hicks for keeping her there. Can she trust Luke?
Unfortunately none of these questions are answered and I assume will be in book 2, but I am hooked enough to need to know.
Melanie is a great character, complex and you just don't know what she's capable of, lots of little clues and red herrings that make you think it could be one of a few people.
Bring on book 2.
The story picks up as a new nurse joins the psych ward and seems to make a connection with the crazy lady in the mask, who is the 8 year old grown up.
The police are investigating a spate of family killings, where a mother and daughter are both the main targets. They are getting frustrated as they have nothing to go on. The more they find out, the less they seem to know.
The young lady, Melanie, is beginning to question her incarceration and the motives of Hicks for keeping her there. Can she trust Luke?
Unfortunately none of these questions are answered and I assume will be in book 2, but I am hooked enough to need to know.
Melanie is a great character, complex and you just don't know what she's capable of, lots of little clues and red herrings that make you think it could be one of a few people.
Bring on book 2.
March 27, 2024
I debated whether to give this book three or four stars. I decided on four because I did enjoy the book! It's a suspenseful thriller that kept me guessing right until the end. Unfortunately, if you aren't planning on getting the second book, then don't even start reading this one. This book ends before anything at all is resolved. You are no further ahead than when you started. Also, I didn't find that it had a strong enough cliff hanger to make me run out and buy the next book to see what happens. So, I'm just left wondering what it was all about. If you're looking for an interesting series, you might like this one!
May 16, 2024
This is book One of Two and if you can ignore the bad spelling, grammar and the descrepancies with timelines it is a good story. it was confusing because the girl was placed in Larksford Hall aged 10 which after 10 years would make her 20. But in subsequent chapters she is 8 when she was placed there.
After completing the book I was disappointed that the identity of the 'family killer' was not revealed
and was advised to buy the next book.....
After completing the book I was disappointed that the identity of the 'family killer' was not revealed
and was advised to buy the next book.....
February 9, 2024
Hope someone proofreads the next book! The improper grammar/spelling is annoying,
Was she 12 or 8? 18 or 22? Was it 10 years or 9?
How many more books will readers be left hanging?
Sorry I’m not about to find out, I’ll write my own ending ~ the butler did it!
Unfortunate because with a little work it could have been a good book!
Was she 12 or 8? 18 or 22? Was it 10 years or 9?
How many more books will readers be left hanging?
Sorry I’m not about to find out, I’ll write my own ending ~ the butler did it!
Unfortunate because with a little work it could have been a good book!
September 21, 2024
Despite the grammatical errors and the fact that you don't get any answers with this book because you will have to buy and read the sequel for the conclusion, I did enjoy reading it. It did grip me and I did find myself wanting to know what happened.....so I will have to buy "Not a friend of the family" to find out!
February 8, 2024
If you want a mystery is this it. However, the ending left much to be desired. I like my books wrapped up at the end and I’m left with more questions than answers. Don’t tell me to read book 2 for more cuz I won’t do it. Sorry.
August 24, 2025
Who wants to read a story with no ending?
I thought I was reading a mystery. Nope, The author decided to end the book with a 'to be continued...' ending. I suspect he thinks that will entice us to purchase the next volume. Nope!
I thought I was reading a mystery. Nope, The author decided to end the book with a 'to be continued...' ending. I suspect he thinks that will entice us to purchase the next volume. Nope!
February 5, 2024
This book is only part 1, which I did not realize. I didn’t like it that much that I want to continue reading.
February 10, 2024
Not necessarily my cup of tea in how it jumps around but intriguing enough that I will be reading Book 2 to see how it wraps up.
March 2, 2024
No ending. Part I of ?
November 2, 2024
This promises to be a captivating series. It needs a bit more editing but the plot is fast and intriguing. I'm very curious to know how it all turns out!
December 8, 2025
A serial killer is running amok in Yorkshire, and while the murderer is following a pattern, the police cannot identify the culprit. Meanwhile, a young girl is locked away in a sanatorium, unable to remember her past.
This book was so uneven. A strong edit would have removed typos, misspellings, and misused words. Guy Fawkes, in one glaring example, was referred to as "Guy Folks"; Adolf Hitler's name was similarly mangled. Sections of the story could have been improved via "Show, don't tell". Moreover, the action came in spurts while other parts meandered. The timelines felt inconsistent. Was the girl incarcerated at age 8, 9, or 12? Any of these suggestions could be accurate given the hints in the story. Perhaps, the worst of it came at the end, which petered out with a cliffhanger. Considering the numerous chapters, something needed to have been resolved by that time.
I would have enjoyed this story if I could have become engrossed in it, but the pacing issue threw me off, as did the errors. It was a struggle to get to the end, and though I would love for a resolution, I'm not prepared to go on another journey.
Trigger warnings: this is a thriller with the usual violence. Rape and attempted rape are discussed.
This book was so uneven. A strong edit would have removed typos, misspellings, and misused words. Guy Fawkes, in one glaring example, was referred to as "Guy Folks"; Adolf Hitler's name was similarly mangled. Sections of the story could have been improved via "Show, don't tell". Moreover, the action came in spurts while other parts meandered. The timelines felt inconsistent. Was the girl incarcerated at age 8, 9, or 12? Any of these suggestions could be accurate given the hints in the story. Perhaps, the worst of it came at the end, which petered out with a cliffhanger. Considering the numerous chapters, something needed to have been resolved by that time.
I would have enjoyed this story if I could have become engrossed in it, but the pacing issue threw me off, as did the errors. It was a struggle to get to the end, and though I would love for a resolution, I'm not prepared to go on another journey.
Trigger warnings: this is a thriller with the usual violence. Rape and attempted rape are discussed.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews