The Opposite of Murder

by Sophie Hannah

What if the only way you could prevent a murder was by confessing to it?

Jemma Stelling has confessed to a murder.
She is the police's lead suspect.
She couldn't have committed the crime.
She has an unshakeable at the time of Marianne Cass's brutal murder, Jemma was at the police station, confessing to a murderous obsession with Marianne.
Is Jemma Stelling innocent? Or is she an ingenious, cold-blooded killer?
Can you be guilty of the opposite of murder?

Genres: Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

Sophie Hannah is an internationally bestselling writer of psychological crime fiction, published in 27 countries. In 2013, her latest novel, The Carrier, won the Crime Thriller of the Year Award at the Specsavers National Book Awards. Two of Sophie’s crime novels, The Point of Rescue and The Other Half Lives, have been adapted for television and appeared on ITV1 under the series title Case Sensitive in 2011 and 2012. In 2004, Sophie won first prize in the Daphne Du Maurier Festival Short Story Competition for her suspense story The Octopus Nest, which is now published in her first collection of short stories, The Fantastic Book of Everybody’s Secrets.

Sophie has also published five collections of poetry. Her fifth, Pessimism for Beginners, was shortlisted for the 2007 T S Eliot Award. Her poetry is studied at GCSE, A-level and degree level across the UK. From 1997 to 1999 she was Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, Cambridge, and between 1999 and 2001 she was a fellow of Wolfson College, Oxford. She is forty-one and lives with her husband and children in Cambridge, where she is a Fellow Commoner at Lucy Cavendish College. She is currently working on a new challenge for the little grey cells of Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s famous detective.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Sophie Hannah's novels and The Opposite of Murder was another winner for me. I sometimes feel that Sophie is criminally underrated and for some reason however I do understand why some people may not love her the way I do.

In TOOM, we meet Jemma Stelling in a police station confessing to a murderous desire to kill Marianne Upton. Jemma is hoping that confessing to the desire to kill Marianne will mean she will never carry out the act - knowing that should she ever do it, the Police would know right away it was her.

However, at the very time Jemma is confessing to this desire, Marianne is actually murdered. Whilst we know it could not have been Jemma who carried out the fateful act, Marianne's murder leads to a number of questions and unravels a lifetime of secrets, desires, jealousy and much more.

Like I say, I am a massive fan of Sophie and especially the Spilling CID series of which I think this is book 12. Simon, Charlie and the team work tirelessly and frustratingly to try and unravel this mystery and, as usual, it is the brilliant Simon Waterhouse who finally figures it out....and you'll be glad he did....cause there is no way you will!

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller That Challenges Reality

In the realm of psychological thrillers, few authors can match Sophie Hannah's ability to craft intricate puzzles of the human psyche. Her latest offering, The Opposite of Murder, is a masterclass in misdirection and unreliable narration that will leave readers questioning everything they think they know until the very last page. With her trademark blend of razor-sharp wit and psychological insight, Hannah has crafted a novel that is both a gripping page-turner and a profound exploration of the nature of truth, guilt, and the sometimes blurry line between victim and perpetrator.

A Confession Without a Crime

At the heart of this labyrinthine tale is Jemma Stelling, a woman who walks into a police station to confess to a murder she hasn't committed yet. It's a premise that immediately hooks the reader, raising a host of intriguing questions. Is Jemma genuinely planning to kill someone? Is she mentally unstable? Or is there something far more complex at play?

Hannah expertly peels back the layers of this onion-like plot, revealing new twists and turns with each chapter. As we delve deeper into Jemma's psyche and her complicated relationships with her family, particularly her domineering stepmother Marianne, the lines between reality and perception become increasingly blurred.

The Art of Misdirection

One of Hannah's greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to lead readers down one path, only to pull the rug out from under them just when they think they've figured things out. In The Opposite of Murder, she employs this skill to great effect, crafting a narrative that is as much about the unreliability of memory and perception as it is about the central mystery.

The novel's structure, which alternates between present-day events and diary entries from the past, adds another layer of complexity to the story. These glimpses into the past not only provide crucial backstory but also serve to muddy the waters further, as the reader is forced to question the reliability of these accounts.

A Cast of Complex Characters

While Jemma is undoubtedly the central figure of the novel, Hannah populates her story with a rich cast of supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. Particularly noteworthy is the character of Marianne, Jemma's stepmother, whose manipulative and controlling nature is gradually revealed through both present-day interactions and past diary entries.

The relationship between Jemma and Marianne is the beating heart of the novel, a toxic dance of love, hate, and mutual dependence that drives much of the story's conflict. Hannah's nuanced portrayal of this complex dynamic is one of the book's greatest strengths, offering a painfully realistic depiction of a dysfunctional family relationship.

Themes of Truth, Guilt, and Perception

Beyond its gripping plot, The Opposite of Murder grapples with weighty themes that elevate it above the typical thriller. Hannah explores the nature of truth and how it can be twisted and manipulated, both by others and by our own minds. The novel also delves into the psychology of guilt and the ways in which past traumas can shape our present actions.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Hannah plays with the concept of perception and how our understanding of reality can be influenced by those around us. The novel's title itself is a puzzle, inviting readers to consider what the opposite of murder might be and how such a concept relates to the story at hand.

A Master of the Psychological Thriller

Fans of Sophie Hannah's previous works, such as Little Face and The Monogram Murders, will find much to love in The Opposite of Murder. The author's signature style - a blend of psychological depth, clever plotting, and dark humor - is on full display here, refined to near perfection.

For those new to Hannah's work, this novel serves as an excellent introduction to her unique brand of psychological thriller. While it shares some DNA with other giants of the genre like Gillian Flynn or Paula Hawkins, Hannah's voice is distinctly her own, characterized by its sharp wit and psychological acuity.

Strengths and Potential Weaknesses

The Opposite of Murder is a novel that rewards close attention and rereading. Hannah's intricate plotting ensures that even seemingly throwaway details can take on new significance in light of later revelations. This complexity is both a strength and a potential weakness; while many readers will relish the challenge of unraveling the mystery, some may find the twists and turns overwhelming.

Similarly, Hannah's use of unreliable narration and shifting perspectives, while brilliantly executed, may frustrate readers who prefer more straightforward storytelling. However, for those willing to embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty, the payoff is immensely satisfying.

A Thrilling Psychological Puzzle

In The Opposite of Murder, Sophie Hannah has crafted a psychological thriller that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to linger in readers' minds long after they've turned the final page.

Hannah's skill in manipulating reader expectations and challenging our perceptions of reality is on full display here, resulting in a reading experience that is both exhilarating and unsettling. Like the best psychological thrillers, The Opposite of Murder forces us to question not only the reliability of the characters but also our own ability to discern truth from fiction.

In Conclusion: A Must-Read for Thriller Fans

For fans of psychological thrillers that challenge the mind as much as they quicken the pulse, The Possibility of of Murder is an absolute must-read. Sophie Hannah has once again proven herself to be a master of the genre, delivering a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

With its clever premise, intricate plotting, and deep psychological insights, this book is sure to satisfy both longtime Hannah fans and newcomers to her work. It's a novel that demands to be discussed, debated, and revisited, making it an ideal choice for book clubs and thriller enthusiasts alike.

In a genre that can sometimes feel oversaturated, The Opposite of Murder stands out as a shining example of what a psychological thriller can be when crafted by a true master of the form. It's a testament to Hannah's skill as a writer and her unique ability to get inside the heads of her characters - and her readers.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a twisted thriller, and I adored it. What happens when someone admits to plotting a murder in detail and then confesses to it at a police station before the actual murder takes place?

This is exactly what Jemma Sterling does. There is, however, a problem: a murder has taken place! It was committed at the same time as Jemma was at the police station and in the way she had planned to do it. But, obviously, it cannot be Jemma as she was talking to a detective a the time.

Details of the plan, Jemma's life with her husband, Paddy and their daughter, Lottie, her relationship with her stepmother, Marianne, who was the murder victim, a past romance, and how a mysterious locked room has suddenly been cleared of all the items contained within it.

The author spends time allowing the reader to understand the people in this story, but there is always something that is being held back. There is a police investigation, but the main focus is on Detective Simon Waterhouse and his "off the books" investigation. There are reasons behind this line of enquiry, and while there may be some readers who disagree with this happening, it does actually add to the thriller and suspenseful nature of the plot. It is, after all, a story and a work of fiction.

The plots are numerous, and you are expertly led through them. I did go through a few guesses, and while I can say I was correct at one point or another, I was nowhere near the real reasons. In truth, the perpetrator could be any one of the characters, so in essence, I didn't correctly choose.

This is a character-led story that has depth and drew me in from the beginning. It is complex, and at times far-fetched, but again, this is something that I didn't mind, and it added to the feel of the story. A crime thriller, based firmly within a family, with secrets and a whole lot more. I would definitely recommend this one.

[Hannah Middleton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving up on Sophie Hannah, I think. I lived the early Culver Valley books but this was just completely ridiculous.

[Anne Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really couldn’t get into this book. It was confusing in its style, jumping about every few pages. I didn’t like the characters. I have tried to get into this author’s books before but I find her very difficult to understand.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Opposite of Murder feels, for me, like Sophie Hannah at her twisty, absorbing, brilliant best. I love the Simon Waterhouse (Spilling CID) series so was thrilled to see a new release, as the last one was released back in 2022. The situation as it stands in the police station and Simon’s team has changed quite significantly and Simon isn’t dealing with it so well - but he’s still his brilliant best.

We start the book finding out all about the puzzling, strange situation that Jemma Stelling has got herself into - she hates her stepmother so much that she is tempted to kill her, so to avoid this happening and being sent to prison (and with the obvious negative impact this would have on her daughter weighing heavily on her mind), Jemma decides to go and admit her dark intentions to the police, so she can’t then feasibly follow through on it.

However, at the exact same time Jemma is telling all to a disbelieving Simon, her stepmother really IS murdered. Is this coincidence - or is Jemma still involved and trying to set up a rock solid alibi? A fairly chaotic Simon is determined to find out.

In The Opposite of Murder, Simon really seems to have lost any desire to play by the rules, but he’s as brilliant as ever. We don’t get to see as much as usual about Simon’s team other than Charlie / they appear but not a huge amount as we spend a lot of the novel in Jemma’s head. However, I loved unpicking the mystery with Simon and exasperated Charlie, as well as learning from Jemma what she herself discovered.

There’s plenty of craziness from the Stelling family all round, so you perhaps need to suspend your disbelief a little, but both the conclusion and reveals and clues along the way were great fun to follow along with and satisfying. I really enjoyed finding out more about Jemma, Paddy, Ollie, Marianne and their family - Sophie Hannah always tells a brilliant tale about the characters as well as the mystery itself. A great and welcome return to the Spilling series! More to come too, I hope!

(With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC on which I’ve written an honest and unbiased review)

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Hannah’s latest Culver Valley mystery begins with a premise so disarmingly odd that only she could pull it off: a woman walks into the police station and announces that she had planned to commit a murder, had fully intended to do it, but ultimately didn’t go through with it. There is no victim, no crime scene, and no evidence that anything at all has happened. Yet she insists on making a statement.

It’s a brilliant inversion of the usual crime‑fiction setup, and Hannah uses it as a springboard for one of her most psychologically playful plots. Instead of chasing a killer, the detectives are forced to unravel a confession without a crime, a motive without an act, and a suspect who may be dangerously honest or dangerously deluded.

This structure gives the novel its clever, off‑kilter energy. The investigation becomes a puzzle about intention, guilt, and the stories people tell themselves and, as is often the case with this author, she delights in pushing the reader to question every assumption. The more the Culver Valley team digs, the stranger the situation becomes, and the more it feels like reality itself is bending around the woman’s account.

For returning readers, one of the real pleasures is slipping back into the familiar dynamics of the Culver Valley characters. Their quirks, tensions, and long‑standing relationships add warmth and humour to the increasingly bizarre case. It’s like catching up with old colleagues who are brilliant, exasperating, and endlessly entertaining.

And yes, the book is gloriously bonkers in that signature Sophie Hannah way. The twists are audacious, the logic is intricate, and the emotional undercurrents are as sharp as ever. She manages to make the absurd feel plausible and the plausible feel unsettling, all while keeping the narrative tightly controlled.

The Opposite of Murder is a clever, twist‑rich return to the series: a psychological puzzle wrapped in procedural precision, with just the right amount of chaos. Fans will relish the reunion with familiar characters, and newcomers will find themselves quickly drawn into Hannah’s uniquely skewed world.

[Ridgerunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the basic premise of this book- tell the police that you have had thoughts of committing a murder so that such evidence in the public domain will prevent you ever carrying out the murder as you would immediately be suspected and caught.
However I found the first 20% of the book very slow with Jemma going round in mental circles and the police not being very accommodating when she owns up to murderous thoughts regarding her nasty stepmother. However when a murder finally takes place , the pace picks up a lot and the reading became much more enjoyable. Although it again slowed up near the end with a bit of an impasse with everyone having good alibis.
This is the first book I have read by Sophie Hannah and although she seems to have a reputation for writing character driven novels , I felt some of the characters very superficial. What on earth made Jemma marry Paddy who is basically just a good looking slob, as opposed to Ollie who is portrayed a bit unrealistically as Mr perfect. Maybe not too much detail is given about the detectives in the case as the reader is expected to have picked this up in the earlier books in the series. They are a quirky bunch and I enjoyed all the sections with DI Simon Waterhouse. It might be a bit cliched , the step mother from hell, but the interactions between Jemma and Marianne are the best bits of the book.
I was not surprised when the identity of the murderer is revealed but I liked the mystery of who had made an earlier attempt at murder and the final explanations.
Everything gets wrapped up nicely in the end and in keeping with the rest of the book, normal procedures are not followed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

We start with a woman rocking up at a Police Station to confess to wanting to murder someone. She hopes that in doing so, it will prevent her from actually carrying out the crime. Meanwhile, at the very same time, that someone is murdered. Jemma, who would have been the prime suspect in the murder of Marianne Upton is actually the one person the police can be sure did not do it...
Or did she...? And if so, how...? And if not, then who...?
And that's basically all you need to know going into the book. Try and go in as cold as this. Maybe stop reading reviews. Honestly, you'll have a much better time if you do this...
Oh and you'll also need your wits about you if you want to try and guess ahead. This author is master of adding little innocuous titbits into the narrative that will probably pass most readers by but when the whole is revealed, the hindsight kicks in...
She's also very good at reader manipulation. She'll take you down paths and insert perceptions into your head and then smash them to bits when it suits! And even me, a seasoned reader of the genre, is powerless to resist... Adding layer upon layer of intrigue before reaching the point where she starts to let you see the big picture.
And her characters are always very well created and all act as they should. Not necessarily as you would always expect though!
And it will be another of that rare category of book which I will definitely revisit on Audiobook. I'm excited to re-read with the hindsight of the wonderful, thoroughly satisfying ending.
All in all, another winner from another favourite author. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if the only way to stop a murder… is to confess to it? Sophie Hannah takes this chilling premise and spins it into a psychological puzzle that is as unsettling as it is addictive.

Jemma Stelling’s confession is impossible to ignore: she admits to a murderous obsession with Marianne Upton, detailing a plan to kill her in the exact way Marianne is later found dead. The twist? At the time of the murder, Jemma was already at the police station, calmly laying out her confession. The paradox is irresistible—could she be innocent, or has she orchestrated the perfect crime with unnerving precision?

Hannah’s storytelling thrives on this tension. The novel is less about gore and more about the slippery boundaries between obsession, guilt, and truth. Every chapter feels like a trapdoor, pulling the reader deeper into a maze of psychological suspense. Her prose is sharp yet fluid, and the pacing ensures you’re always one step behind, questioning everything you thought you knew.

What lingers most is the atmosphere: claustrophobic, intimate, and tinged with unease. Jemma is a character you can’t quite trust, but can’t look away from either. Hannah’s gift lies in making the reader complicit—drawn into the confession, unsettled by the ambiguity, and desperate to know whether Jemma is victim or villain.

The Opposite of Murder is an ingenious thriller that asks whether truth can ever be untangled from obsession. Elegant, eerie, and impossible to put down, it’s a masterclass in psychological suspense.

With thanks to Sophie Hannah, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Roman Clodia · Rating 4 out of 5]

'As I said to DC Brodigan, it was the opposite of murder.'

It's so much fun to be back in Hannah's Spilling/Culver Valley series - the last book was in 2022 and much has happened since then. With a new and awful superintendent, the whole team is under pressure with the potential for them to be divided up, something that neither Simon nor Charlie are prepared to put up with. There are scenes that take place in their boss' office which are literally unbelievable, but they do fulfill those fantasies we all have of ditching diplomacy and work personalities and saying what we really think of those in charge!

The mystery isn't quite as 'impossible' as Hannah's usually are and I always find it a bit difficult when the murder victim around whose personality the book revolves is dead from the start so we never get to meet them in direct action. Nevertheless, there is some Christie-level tangled family stuff going on (Hannah's Poirot series seems to be definitely having an impact here), and some nice unravelling of clues from Simon.

The regular personalities might be dialled down a bit now: Sellers and Gibbs have (sadly!) matured and there is just one mention of Liv. Even Simon seems less left-field than usual. All the same, this is a fun and tangled case and it's always good to be back in the company of these characters.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC via NetGalley

[Mary Carbajosa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read many books by Sophie Hannah, such as The Other Half Lives, A Room Swept White, Lasting Damage and Hurting Distance, to name a few, and thoroughly enjoyed them, I was delighted to get my hands on a copy of her latest book, The Opposite Of Murder. This book is the latest in the Spilling/Culver Valley CID series, and it centres around Jemma who has confessed to a murder - one she can’t possibly have committed. She has an unshakable alibi when her stepmother, Marianne was stabbed to death outside her home, Jemma was at a police station confessing to her plan - to kill her in the exact same way she was killed ! So is Jemma innocent ? Or is she an ingenious, cold-blooded murderer ?

Unfortunately, although the story sounded good, it just didn’t deliver for me. I really wanted to love this novel as much as her previous work, which was beautifully written, however this book was so confusing I had little clue what was going on. It all felt a bit manic but with no sense of menace or threat and no real build up of tension. In addition, none of the characters were likeable, I felt that they were annoying, shallow and flat and I didn’t feel connected to any of them. I also found the ending to be implausible, as was the motive for the murder.

I’m sure there are loads of Culver Valley fans out there who will love this book but sadly, it just wasn’t for me.
2.5 stars ☀️☀️💫

Thank you to Net Galley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advanced copy.

[Joanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

The Opposite Of Murder is another fantastically gripping, fast paced and original read from Sophie Hannah that kept me guessing until the end.


The story opens with Jemma at a police station determined to tell a detective her ingenious, fool proof fan to murder her hated stepmother, Marianne.  She is hoping that by telling someone her plan, it will stop her from committing the murder as it will be obvious that it’s her.  While she is at the police station however, Marianne is murdered in the exact same way as she has planned.  So, is Jemma’s presence at the police station merely because she wants a solid alibi for the murder she has orchestrated or has something else happened?



I really loved this book and enjoyed following the investigation as it unravelled.  The story is told from various points of view which enables the reader to slowly learn about an interesting family with lots of intriguing history, a creepy house, a room that was always kept locked and a controlling stepmother which helped make the book very difficult to put down.  There were lots of twists that kept me guessing and some very clever red herrings which ensured I couldn’t guess what was going on. The ending was brilliant and very original which as a frequent crime reader I always enjoy. 


Huge thanks to @alainna_reads for inviting me onto the blog tour and @hodderbooks for my copy of this book. If you love unique and gripping crime fiction then you need to read this book. 

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Opposite of Murder is a fiendishly clever mystery that will have your head spinning!

Jemma Stelling walks into a police station and asks to make a statement confessing her desire to kill her stepmother Marianne who she loathes. She hopes that by so doing, it will stop her ever committing the act as she will immediately be the prime suspect. But whilst she is at the police station, Marianne is actually murdered. Is it a coincidence - or is Jemma somehow involved but creating herself an alibi?

What follows is an investigation that uncovers a dysfunctional family and a whole host of secrets. The truth proves to be very muddy indeed, and perception and reality are often very different. It is one of those books that keeps you off balance the whole time, never knowing quite who or what to believe and, moving between past and present, it certainly kept me on my toes as I attempted to piece it all together, though without much success!

With an intriguing, if largely unlikeable, cast of characters whose reliability is constantly under question, it falls to Simon Waterhouse, previously featured in the Spilling CID series, to sort out truth from lies and get to the bottom of the case, which he does in his own inimitable fashion.

If you like your thrillers to challenge, thanks to a premise that turns things on its head and intricate plotting with some head-spinning twists and endlessly shifting reality, then this will tick all your boxes.

[Ness · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Opposite of Murder by Sophie Hannah. This was such a mess I don't know where to start. The story has multiple points of view over several time periods. Some of the points of view are first person accounts, others are third person plus we also have diary entries. With every new chapter you need to be aware of the time and date, and who we are following.

There are too many police officers to deal with. Towards the end of the book it makes a point that six are gathered together. How did we get to six?! Three of them were completely unnecessary and added nothing to the story. There's also stuff going on in the background with the police officers. Two are being sent off to Lincolnshire for some reason by the superintendent (who they all hate) and another isn't happy about it. This one is also a maverick, says inappropriate things, and goes off by themselves miles away to do some investigations.

After the murder victim is found the best friend of the step daughter goes around to the house they have been murdered outside of. She goes to the kitchen and proceeds to cook lasagna everyone, including the police officers. Why would you this? How would this be allowed?

The whole Ollie/Olly thing is a big part of the plot but gets so confusing about which is the right one/wrong one, who writes which one.

The plot and who did it, how and why? It was obvious on all accounts. There was also a previous incident and I was awaiting why this person was so taken with one of the other characters. The reason? I was left baffled.

In the acknowledgements section the author says they rewrote the book five times and spent a year wondering if they had 'accidentally produced something that made no sense'. I'll say no more.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jemma Stelling arrives at a police station confessing to the murder of Marianne, however she couldn’t have committed the crime. She has a solid alibi, she was at the station when the murder happened. Can you be guilty of the opposite of murder?

I saw this book’s description a while ago and have been eager to read, as I found the concept really original and compelling. Although I enjoyed the premise, the execution unfortunately fell flat for me. I found the writing disjointed and confusing, with the plot feeling convoluted, which made the book feel dragged out and slow paced. I struggled to connect to the story because of this, however carried on to see if there were any surprises, but it turned out it didn’t really go anywhere.

I feel like the overall story lacked the suspense needed to keep me interested, however I did get some Agatha Christie vibes from this book and already I seem to be in the minority, so even though it didn’t make sense to me, I can see others getting a lot from this. I have to also say that this hasn’t put off reading more books by this author, as there have been others by her that I have loved and given 5 stars to - this one just wasn’t for me. 2.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Teresa Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Opposite of Murder by Sophie Hannah
It was interesting to read about Charlie Zailer and Simon Waterhouse as it was a few years since I had last read a book featuring these characters. Here she has crafted a novel which keeps you guessing as to the perpetrator right until the very end of the novel. Sophie Hannah has constructed a novel with an unusual plot – a woman walks into a police station and confesses to wanting to kill her stepmother in order to avoid carrying out this desire.
Then everything is thrown into confusion by the death of the woman in question at exactly the time that she was in the police station confessing to the plot. Jemma and her manipulative stepmother lie at the heart of the novel but the diary extracts from the past enable us to deepen our understanding of their relationship.
There is a blend here of psychological depth and clever plotting - it keeps you turning the pages to find out who is responsible for this murder. I have just read The Last Death of the Year (by the same author) and I far preferred this novel. I will be recommending it at my various book groups. Many thanks to Net Galley the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Tom - Reader of Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

You imagine the worst-case scenario: confessing murderous intent towards someone, only for that person to die before anything can come of it. That’s the unsettling premise at the heart of this novel. Jemma has made her feelings clear, but when the object of her fury is found dead, the question becomes unavoidable. Did she act, or is something else at play?

This is a very typical Hannah outing. The core idea is intriguing and offers a fresh angle on a well-trodden genre, but the execution never quite lives up to its promise. The characters often feel bland and two-dimensional, and while the writing occasionally sparkles with wit and sharp observation, it just as often slips into sloppiness. Chapters fluctuate wildly in quality, some gripping and clever, others feeling like filler rather than momentum builders.

As a result, the book is a curious mix of enjoyment and frustration. When it works, it works well. When it falters, it’s noticeable. Ultimately, it balances out to a solid, serviceable read rather than anything remarkable.

It’s good rather than great. Not poor, not brilliant, but competent. I still prefer the author’s Poirot series, but there’s enough here to satisfy readers looking for a familiar, lightly twisted take on the genre.

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting take on a thriller, which starts with our protagonist arriving at the police station to confess to a murder which she has not yet committed, but has every intention of doing so. The showing up and making her confession, she says, will be enough to make sure she does not take her thoughts and make them actions. At the exact time of the confession, the intended victim is actually being murdered by someone else.

The plot is twisted and weaves back and forwards in time with lots of interesting characters including the family and the police detectives investigating the crime. There is a twisted logic involved in the plan and looping back at the end the reader can see the whole picture as they finally find out what led to the day of the crime.

I really enjoyed the story and although I wasn’t sure about the role of the policeman investigating the crime in a very unconventional and unusual fashion it was an enjoyable read and good conclusion.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few Sophies Hannah previous novels, so I was looking forward to reading the Opposite of murder which I found quite unique and intriguing.
Jemma Stelling goes to the Police station and confesses that she has the urge to kill Marianne Upton. She is the lead suspect until while she is at the Police Station, someone kills her. So, it cannot have been her. As the Police questions her, secrets are revealed and reason why someone would kill Marianne.
I thank you for the published for a copy of Sophie Hannah latest work. I had high hopes for this one and the premise of the story I thought was promising. But then I thought the storyline was a bit all over the place and went way off track in the main objective of the storyline. Which left me keep getting confused in what was going on. Because of this I stared losing interest. This wasn’t really for me. 2.5 stars from me.

[Pauline Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jemma walks into her local police station and demands to speak to a detective. She confesses to a plan to murder her stepmother at the exact time she is relaying her story. Thereby stopping herself from doing the very thing she intended. The police are extremely sceptical and think she is just one of the time wasters they often encounter. However, as she is safely ensconced in the police station, her stepmother Marianne is indeed murdered. With a perfect alibi and the remainder of her small family also having alibis, the mystery and coincidences have the police totally confused. A clever story that gradually unwinds, alternating between the past and present revealing many secrets, lies and deceptions. Human emotions are to the fore and ensure the reader understands the strong feelings that abound throughout the book. Well written and complex, this was a great read.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good mystery thriller, but having just finished this book, I have a few questions about the story which I guess will remain unanswered. 
I’ll be careful with this review as there’s lots of characters in this book and most of them are hiding one thing or another, and they are slowly revealed as the story progresses. 
At the beginning of the book Jemma goes to a Police station confessing her plan to murder her step-mother, Marianne. 
She is hoping that confessing to the desire to kill her will mean she will never carry out the act. However, whilst Jemma is at the Police station, Marianne is actually murdered. 
The investigation into her death leads to a number of questions and reveals lots secrets that have been hidden for years. 
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Opposite of Murder Sophie Hannah has given us another fantastically twisted, cleverly plotted book which kept me guessing right up until the very last chapter. I was a little bit apprehensive initially as it has been quite a while since the last Waterhouse and Zailler story. However this didn't matter much. Awareness of their strange relationship and Simon's peculiarities added to the storyline. But not having come across them before would not detract from enjoyment of the book in my opinion. A brilliant if convoluted story recommended for lovers of intelligent crime fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of The Opposite of Murder really drew me in. The idea of someone confessing to a murder they couldn’t possibly have committed is intriguing and full of potential.
Sadly, the story itself didn’t live up to that strong beginning. The plot quickly became a confusing mishmash, and I can’t remember being this baffled by a book before. It was long-winded throughout, with the story twisting rather than building tension. Instead of clarity, each chapter added more confusion, making it a frustrating read. Sophie Hannah has even questioned in the acknowledgments whether after a year she’d written a story that made no sense, and unfortunately, I’d have to agree. This is particularly disappointing given how much stronger and more enjoyable her earlier books have been.

[Sue Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Sophie Hannah’s books and it was good to read a new one from her Culver Valley series which I have really enjoyed. As usual Sophie comes up with a great cast of characters and a new and intriguing plot. It starts with someone confessing to a murder that has yet to take place and when it does she has a cast iron alibi. This book is a real psychological puzzle that makes you think about things in ways you really didn’t expect. It kept me guessing until the end and I loved being back with old, familiar characters who gel together so well. It did become a bit confusing at times as the story dotted about a bit and I needed to concentrate in order to keep up. A worthy read though.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the description of this book ‘ What if the only way you could prevent a murder was by confessing to it?’ however I am sorry to say that it didn’t live up to my expectations, I’m just really confused by the whole thing, it was jumping all over the place, nothing made sense however I kept going just because I wanted to know what the mystery was around Mariannes room and how Ollie tied into it…. Which transpired to be nothing exciting or thrilling! In all honesty it was a fairly dragged out short story.

I appreciate the opportunity to have received a digital ARC however this wasn’t for me I’m afraid.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma Stelling arrives at Spilling Police station ready to confess that she had a plan to murder her stepmother, but has chickened out.
Charlie is the first police officer she meets, but insists she wants a detective. When Simon eventually shows up he dismisses Jemma's claims and tells her to just go and murder her stepmother if she wants.
When reports come in later that her stepmother has been murdered at the time she was at the police station, Simon's weird and wonderful brain starts to make connections.
However due to internal politics at the station, Simon isn't working with his team but more against them as a kind of protest.
A nice classy whodunnit.

[Sarah Truckell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. 3.5 stars. The book begins with Jemma Stelling walking into her local police station and confessing to the murder of her step-mother Marianne – but at this point Marianne is still alive. Jemma hates her and is trying to stop herself from committing murder. But at that very moment Marianne is actually killed. Interesting storyline. The Police unit tasked with solving the crime are about to be disbanded and are not working well together as a team, can they re-establish themselves and work this out? Why has Jemma never got along with Marianne? Can you be guilty of the opposite of murder?

[Bex E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book quite hard to get through. The first two-thirds of this book were very waffly, with not a huge amount to actually keep you gripped. This book is so dialogue-driven that it's almost written like a script. I don't think this helped with the flow of the story or the ease of reading it. The final third got a lot better, as the story starts to unravel and you find out what's going on, but again this is basically all done through dialogue and no real story telling. It also seemed a bit far fetched and strange, not the real jaw dropping or shocking twist that I was expecting. Not sure how to feel about this one really!  

[jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ive read a few of Sophie Hannah's books, and all the Poirot ones, and really enjoyed them, so was looking forward to this one with it's interesting premise. Sadly I couldn't get into at all the whole setup with Jemma in the police station seemed unnecessarily long and convoluted, and although I carried on in the hope that something would happen, I'm afraid I gave up reading and didn't finish the book. Judging by other reviews I'm in the minority and it's maybe an entertaining read but sadly not for me.
I look forward to further books from this author though
Thank you to netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of this book.