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The Brother
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?
A read-in-one-sitting, utterly nail-biting thriller that you will not be able to put down...Fans of Chris Carter and M.W. Craven will love this.
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?
A read-in-one-sitting, utterly nail-biting thriller that you will not be able to put down...Fans of Chris Carter and M.W. Craven will love this.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2023
2 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
N.V. Peacock
3 books44 followersNicky lives in lovely Northamptonshire. She works full time in sales and spends her spare time writing, reading, and running a group for local writers. She started her writing career with short stories in anthologies for publishers all over the world, before turning her hand to novels. After writing 2 YA supernatural series, she decided to indulge her dark side and write an adult thriller, and hasn’t looked back since. As an avid writer, she spends every minute she can creating characters, drafting stories and plotting. Nicky writes for her readers and appreciates every review she receives; without them, she couldn’t do what she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 5, 2023
This book was right up my alley… a serial killer in the family, a family she didn’t know she was a part of! I was hooked. This is a very intense and fast paced thriller that had me turning pages to find out what happened next.
Fallon is a psychologist, dealing with PTSD after being involved in a brutal crime some months ago. She has moved away and lives in a remote cabin and works from home. For Christmas she is gifted the results of a DNA test that he brother sneakily had done. Reading the results, she is not related to her brother!! After getting the truth from her mother, she finds that she has a whole other family of 4 brothers. And one of those brothers is a serial killer according to a police officer who tracks her down. Fallon works with this policewoman to try and figure out which one.
This was a fun read. Although some things were a little too much of a stretch, I was entertained.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on July 13th
Fallon is a psychologist, dealing with PTSD after being involved in a brutal crime some months ago. She has moved away and lives in a remote cabin and works from home. For Christmas she is gifted the results of a DNA test that he brother sneakily had done. Reading the results, she is not related to her brother!! After getting the truth from her mother, she finds that she has a whole other family of 4 brothers. And one of those brothers is a serial killer according to a police officer who tracks her down. Fallon works with this policewoman to try and figure out which one.
This was a fun read. Although some things were a little too much of a stretch, I was entertained.
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published on July 13th
May 7, 2023
My Rating: 1⭐️ utterly disappointing and completely BORING!!!
Synopsis: 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?
Ok first up… talk about the lie of all lies telling us if we are fans of Chris Carter and M.W Craven to read this book… absolutely incorrect!! Chris Carters books are edge of your seat bite your nails off gruesome and M.W Craven’s books are engaging and funny and also thrilling… this was anything but… ANYTHING BUT!!!
Secondly, that synopsis sounds like something I would read in one sitting. Well let me say this I was lucky to get through a couple of chapters before I LITERALLY FELL ASLEEP…. Every single time I picked it up I fell asleep… this is a terrible sign of something that is supposed to be thrilling. I was bored… I didn’t care about the MC she was stupid and she behaved in a way that was too stupid for words. The author decided that to make those stupid actions ok she would inner monologue how stupid she was behaving so she could go ahead and be a big dumb dumb!! Sorry but that is lazy.
The writing was really basic and I could have overlooked it if stuff that I cared about happened. Every other page you are held in suspense that someone kills or hurts her dog… I will put you out of your misery… they don’t. The dog is fine… BUT it is supposed to be a guard dog and every single person that comes to the house is able to win this “guard dog” over in seconds. Sorry but I want my money back if this giant dog is not eating people’s faces off that are breaking into my home multiple times.
While we are on the writing it was a hand holding festival… almost every scene was play by play. And just in case the reader wasn’t able to work out stuff… well we will make sure you do by playing every play that can be played over and over again… repetitive and boring… here is a little section…
After a lovely dinner, I relax in my favourite armchair and think back over my latest victory against my sister….
Grant was a wriggly fucker. It took several attempts to wrap the scarf around his neck.
“Stop! Who are you?” He spluttered as I dragged him across the carpet towards his back door. Too many questions then spilled from his lips; all I could have answered, yet chose not to.
Once we were in the garage, I sat him on a chair. Pushing a piece of paper and pen in front of him, I said, “Write what I tell you’. He nodded.
With my silky noose tight around his trembling throat, he wrote his own suicide note. The proverbial Monopoly Get Out of Jail Free card for me, and the cunning clue, slash punishment for Fallon. I’d win this round. Steal her hope of a future with this idiot.
UGHHHH for real… that just all comes across pretentious and boring… honestly I probably fell asleep in the middle of that monologue. BUT don’t get me started on Fallon. She is a woman who has suffered from a traumatic event… one that is drip fed to us from the start now… granted this sometimes works but honestly it would have been better to just know about what happened from the start. AND when we do find out what happened, yes its bad, but this is fictional thriller AND coupled with comparing it to Chris Carter… I was expecting it to be horrific… I was expecting descriptions of horror, and blood and abuse and all the things that we get from Carters books… well you will not get that here… and thats FINE if you don’t compare it to Chris Carter. I am sorry but if you like his books then you are looking for an absolute horror show… so this fell flat in so many ways.
Our MC though is a psychologist but she is just about the dumbest person around… it was really hard to empathise with her… and by the end I was actually hoping she was killed… did she get killed… well if you can make it to the end then find out for yourself… honestly this took me a week to read I fell asleep that many times and to add insult to injury I was almost finished… like one page from the end AND I FELL ASLEEP AGAIN!!! I absolutely shit you not!!! My brain had some aversion to this book big time. Anyway… sorry was I repeating myself… well I am just setting you up for some repetition that you will find in this book… over and over and over Fallon’s inner, whiny monologue goes on and on about everything. ALSO there are crimes being committed but there are no police in sight… an actual member of the forensic police squad was killed… the murder made to look like a suicide okey dokey… that will be fine… signed sealed and delivered!!! Omg this was so lame.
Another lookie at the writing for you… this is our baddie he sounds scary…
While she starred down at her phone screen, I lunged forward. Her neck fit perfectly between my hands. Dropping her mobile, she struggled, but I was too strong. I always am, even against tigers and bears.
WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F*CK!!!! TIGERS AND BEARS… .WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU WRITE THAT!!!
Look I could go on and on and I feel like I already have but quite simply… we have a dumb boring MC, we have a killer that is a jackass but apparently stronger than bears and tigers sooo cool, we have a complete lack of police, the MC’s house keeps getting broken into… definitely no security cameras…. Awesome choice. We have tooooo many twists on twists that aren’t doing anything for anyone except confusing the issue.
AND the kicker… apparently Fallon painted the front of her house and everyone felt the need to mention it looked like a giant dick wrapped around her deck… honestly … was it necessary… I guess you could say the author was going for humour but nahhhh it didn’t land sorry.
Overall… come on… you know what I am going to say… I am not going to recommend this to anyone. I don’t really care who you are… if you like this then awesome I am so happy for you and I really am glad that people will like this… but no one in my reading circle needs to be subjected to it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Publishing and the author for an advanced copy for my brutally honest review. I wish I liked it more and I really really tried.
Synopsis: 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?
Ok first up… talk about the lie of all lies telling us if we are fans of Chris Carter and M.W Craven to read this book… absolutely incorrect!! Chris Carters books are edge of your seat bite your nails off gruesome and M.W Craven’s books are engaging and funny and also thrilling… this was anything but… ANYTHING BUT!!!
Secondly, that synopsis sounds like something I would read in one sitting. Well let me say this I was lucky to get through a couple of chapters before I LITERALLY FELL ASLEEP…. Every single time I picked it up I fell asleep… this is a terrible sign of something that is supposed to be thrilling. I was bored… I didn’t care about the MC she was stupid and she behaved in a way that was too stupid for words. The author decided that to make those stupid actions ok she would inner monologue how stupid she was behaving so she could go ahead and be a big dumb dumb!! Sorry but that is lazy.
The writing was really basic and I could have overlooked it if stuff that I cared about happened. Every other page you are held in suspense that someone kills or hurts her dog… I will put you out of your misery… they don’t. The dog is fine… BUT it is supposed to be a guard dog and every single person that comes to the house is able to win this “guard dog” over in seconds. Sorry but I want my money back if this giant dog is not eating people’s faces off that are breaking into my home multiple times.
While we are on the writing it was a hand holding festival… almost every scene was play by play. And just in case the reader wasn’t able to work out stuff… well we will make sure you do by playing every play that can be played over and over again… repetitive and boring… here is a little section…
After a lovely dinner, I relax in my favourite armchair and think back over my latest victory against my sister….
Grant was a wriggly fucker. It took several attempts to wrap the scarf around his neck.
“Stop! Who are you?” He spluttered as I dragged him across the carpet towards his back door. Too many questions then spilled from his lips; all I could have answered, yet chose not to.
Once we were in the garage, I sat him on a chair. Pushing a piece of paper and pen in front of him, I said, “Write what I tell you’. He nodded.
With my silky noose tight around his trembling throat, he wrote his own suicide note. The proverbial Monopoly Get Out of Jail Free card for me, and the cunning clue, slash punishment for Fallon. I’d win this round. Steal her hope of a future with this idiot.
UGHHHH for real… that just all comes across pretentious and boring… honestly I probably fell asleep in the middle of that monologue. BUT don’t get me started on Fallon. She is a woman who has suffered from a traumatic event… one that is drip fed to us from the start now… granted this sometimes works but honestly it would have been better to just know about what happened from the start. AND when we do find out what happened, yes its bad, but this is fictional thriller AND coupled with comparing it to Chris Carter… I was expecting it to be horrific… I was expecting descriptions of horror, and blood and abuse and all the things that we get from Carters books… well you will not get that here… and thats FINE if you don’t compare it to Chris Carter. I am sorry but if you like his books then you are looking for an absolute horror show… so this fell flat in so many ways.
Our MC though is a psychologist but she is just about the dumbest person around… it was really hard to empathise with her… and by the end I was actually hoping she was killed… did she get killed… well if you can make it to the end then find out for yourself… honestly this took me a week to read I fell asleep that many times and to add insult to injury I was almost finished… like one page from the end AND I FELL ASLEEP AGAIN!!! I absolutely shit you not!!! My brain had some aversion to this book big time. Anyway… sorry was I repeating myself… well I am just setting you up for some repetition that you will find in this book… over and over and over Fallon’s inner, whiny monologue goes on and on about everything. ALSO there are crimes being committed but there are no police in sight… an actual member of the forensic police squad was killed… the murder made to look like a suicide okey dokey… that will be fine… signed sealed and delivered!!! Omg this was so lame.
Another lookie at the writing for you… this is our baddie he sounds scary…
While she starred down at her phone screen, I lunged forward. Her neck fit perfectly between my hands. Dropping her mobile, she struggled, but I was too strong. I always am, even against tigers and bears.
WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F*CK!!!! TIGERS AND BEARS… .WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU WRITE THAT!!!
Look I could go on and on and I feel like I already have but quite simply… we have a dumb boring MC, we have a killer that is a jackass but apparently stronger than bears and tigers sooo cool, we have a complete lack of police, the MC’s house keeps getting broken into… definitely no security cameras…. Awesome choice. We have tooooo many twists on twists that aren’t doing anything for anyone except confusing the issue.
AND the kicker… apparently Fallon painted the front of her house and everyone felt the need to mention it looked like a giant dick wrapped around her deck… honestly … was it necessary… I guess you could say the author was going for humour but nahhhh it didn’t land sorry.
Overall… come on… you know what I am going to say… I am not going to recommend this to anyone. I don’t really care who you are… if you like this then awesome I am so happy for you and I really am glad that people will like this… but no one in my reading circle needs to be subjected to it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Publishing and the author for an advanced copy for my brutally honest review. I wish I liked it more and I really really tried.
September 25, 2023
This story begins with a bang. A young child pushes another child to their death . . . intentionally and delightfully. Next we meet Fallon, a psychologist, daughter, sister, and survivor of a crime she's about to testify about. Her brother buys her a DNA test that shows her ancestral heritage. She quickly realizes she isn't related to her brother biologically and forces their mother to spill the beans. We also meet a character only referred to ad "The Brother." He's a dastardly character, presumably, the same character who murdered his classmate as a child.
This was a strong, interesting thriller, at first. it's quite long, and a lot if that is stuff that doesn't forward the plot, stuff that never gets resolved. This story had a lit going for it back t but t just missed the mark.
This was a strong, interesting thriller, at first. it's quite long, and a lot if that is stuff that doesn't forward the plot, stuff that never gets resolved. This story had a lit going for it back t but t just missed the mark.
January 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This was a very fast paced and intriguing thriller that I really enjoyed. We’re following Fallon who’s a psychologist still dealing with the aftermath of being involved in a crime months prior with the upcoming trial looming too. For Christmas her adorable brother Ollie (or Oli I dunno I listened to the audiobook) gifts her a DNA test but after competing it… finds out they’re not related. After coming to terms with this fact, her mum tells all and Fallon finds out she has another family and four new brothers. Sounds great right? No. Because a police officer tracks her down via her DNA results and tells her one of their new brothers is a serial killer as she’s pieced together connections between multiple cases (some already ‘solved’) and wants help tracking him down. It’s dual-POV with chapters from Fallon and ‘the brother’ as he’s choosing and killing more people.
The writing isn’t particularly amazing and whilst I did like the characters I feel you’re defo here more for the plot. It’s intriguing, entertaining and constantly pulls you forward. The investigation, how things happen and are pieced together was super ‘fun’ to read and I just loved it basically. Maybe a couple things were a little farfetched but no the convoluted, long-way-around plot was very enjoyable. What I really liked was how ‘the bother’ taunts Fallon, forcing her to play his twisted game before more blood is spilt. I was trying to figure out what has happening and which of these brothers was the killer, thinking ‘no please don’t let it be x or y’ if you get me. Also Ollie was just so cute (and he’s gay so yay for that).
Defo recommend and I’d like to read Peacock’s debut.
This was a very fast paced and intriguing thriller that I really enjoyed. We’re following Fallon who’s a psychologist still dealing with the aftermath of being involved in a crime months prior with the upcoming trial looming too. For Christmas her adorable brother Ollie (or Oli I dunno I listened to the audiobook) gifts her a DNA test but after competing it… finds out they’re not related. After coming to terms with this fact, her mum tells all and Fallon finds out she has another family and four new brothers. Sounds great right? No. Because a police officer tracks her down via her DNA results and tells her one of their new brothers is a serial killer as she’s pieced together connections between multiple cases (some already ‘solved’) and wants help tracking him down. It’s dual-POV with chapters from Fallon and ‘the brother’ as he’s choosing and killing more people.
The writing isn’t particularly amazing and whilst I did like the characters I feel you’re defo here more for the plot. It’s intriguing, entertaining and constantly pulls you forward. The investigation, how things happen and are pieced together was super ‘fun’ to read and I just loved it basically. Maybe a couple things were a little farfetched but no the convoluted, long-way-around plot was very enjoyable. What I really liked was how ‘the bother’ taunts Fallon, forcing her to play his twisted game before more blood is spilt. I was trying to figure out what has happening and which of these brothers was the killer, thinking ‘no please don’t let it be x or y’ if you get me. Also Ollie was just so cute (and he’s gay so yay for that).
Defo recommend and I’d like to read Peacock’s debut.
July 14, 2023
An entertaining read, that sometimes feels over the top, and completely unbelievable.... but great fun.
Some good parts, I particularly enjoyed the way the killer found their victims.
I enjoyed the to-ing and fro-ing of who the killer is, even though its a small pool of suspects.
Some of the interaction between characters didn't seem believable, but I didn't let it get in the way of a fast paced story.
An enjoyable listen, that the male narrator struck just the right side of creepy and crazy.
Some good parts, I particularly enjoyed the way the killer found their victims.
I enjoyed the to-ing and fro-ing of who the killer is, even though its a small pool of suspects.
Some of the interaction between characters didn't seem believable, but I didn't let it get in the way of a fast paced story.
An enjoyable listen, that the male narrator struck just the right side of creepy and crazy.
May 6, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really good from start to finish. I never knew what was going on until it was actually happening. I had several times where I thought I knew what was happening only to find out what I thought was happening was completely wrong. Every time I thought I had the ending figured out, I found out I was wrong. I definitely recommend this book to thriller lovers. It was very exciting all the way through.
This book was really good from start to finish. I never knew what was going on until it was actually happening. I had several times where I thought I knew what was happening only to find out what I thought was happening was completely wrong. Every time I thought I had the ending figured out, I found out I was wrong. I definitely recommend this book to thriller lovers. It was very exciting all the way through.
July 26, 2023
This was so much fun and wonderfully fast paced. You'll be able to read it quickly, which is a good thing because you'll want to know what happens and which brother is the murderer. Red herrings abound until his identity is finally revealed and it's a shocker!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC without obligation.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC without obligation.
October 15, 2023
WOW what a rollercoaster of a read !! Lots of twists and turns throughout that kept you guessing as to who ‘the brother’ was , as soon as you think you’ve worked it out , another twist comes along sand changes your mind ! And an ending that you don’t see coming !! Great read !
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
February 20, 2025
Possibly the most badly written/edited book I've seen in a long time. Waste of paper.
August 16, 2023
A twisty thriller. Fallon is a psychologist and as the book starts, she is spending christmas with her mother and brother. Her brother has given her an ancestry DNA test as a present. That sets the cat among the pigeons as she is unrelated to her own family.
Via the dna site, she finds out that she is related to a serial killer. As she makes contact with her blood family, she is trying to work out who the killer is. She has also been involved in an attack on a building site where others were murdered and where the trial takes place during the period of some of the killings and getting to know her other family.
Plenty of action, but also psychological reasoning and investigation in this book, it grabbed and kept my interest throughout.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Via the dna site, she finds out that she is related to a serial killer. As she makes contact with her blood family, she is trying to work out who the killer is. She has also been involved in an attack on a building site where others were murdered and where the trial takes place during the period of some of the killings and getting to know her other family.
Plenty of action, but also psychological reasoning and investigation in this book, it grabbed and kept my interest throughout.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 12, 2023
🚨🚨🚨SPOILER ALERT 🚨 🚨🚨 You are in for a treat!!! “The Brother” by N V Peacock. There’s 731 pages in book.
Fast paced book I couldn’t put it down. Adrenaline pumping thriller. I’ve never read her work before. Look forward to reading more of this authors work. I didn’t want the book to end. I discovered the author is from Corby which is within Northants, UK. Well written, thoroughly enjoyed. Will there be a sequel? Please tell me there will be a sequel?
First chapter a child pushes another child down the stairs..
Fallon Hurley and Ollie Hurley are sister and brother. They do a DNA test for fun and discover that Fallon’s dna is different and she discovers she’s adopted. She has another brother.
Fallon is in her early thirties and lives alone. She is an online therapist. Something dreadful happened to her, we still don’t know what.
So far we know her ex grant was unfaithful to her.
Page 50
He puts on his leather gloves, buys them in bulk then after ever kill he gives them to charity.
“It tickles me to think how many people are currently smothering their innocents digits with evidence of my murders.”
(Aww the story is based in northants!! However the story is set in Northamptonshire, UK, it feels like it’s set in USA. There isn’t a northants in USA, but a Northampton..)
Handwritten note “charm hides the monster”…
What a twist!! Fallon is helping a police officer on a case to profile a killer who is in fact her biological brother who’s been doing the deadly deeds and tactless, leaving his dna about… The serial killer is using an auction site called Starsellers to select his victims.
Fal is the last prosecution witness for the New Cat Hall case… she’s a survivor..
Ollie buys her a dog called Harvey to protect her. He’s her hairy shark. Best gift yet.
Fal has four biological brothers , Simon (Si), Stefan who doesn’t want to meet her (married to Susie), Sam uni student & a great chef, Garry the prick (pretends to be drunk but isn’t really).. my bet is Sam or Garry?
I don’t know who the killer is. Which brother? Si offered to be at the court for support. Fal declined. Though she called him when her car broke down at the crown court car park. (And we know the killer brother is there), he said “don’t worry I’m in the area. I’ll be there in a mo..” Then Si and Garry turn up..
She meets Stefan at the gravestone of baby Hurley..
The killer was in her house. Had her coffee and warms up the house.. His mother told him never meet a woman without a gift..
So it’s not Sam - she stun guns him. He’s her half brother. 3 to go..Garry is the serial killer
Why does Stefan want to meet Fal at Cat Hall.. that’s definitely red flags 🚩 here! He has a GIFT for her!!! …. Poor guy he thought he killed her - the baby her - tucking her in at the hospital- he thought she suffocated in the blankets - the guilt he had growing up.. what a twist … she ruined her brother’s sobriety .. he had an alibi staying at some detox rehabs.
It’s not Garry.. he’s always been the youngest now has to complete with Fal the youngest, the sister… which means it is Si.. short for the psycho..
The killer is the eldest brother, Simon - Si.. Yikes!!!
“Feeling like the world around me is teeming with danger is not a new sensation, & it’s odd familiarity brings some comfort. You don’t need to get scared if you stay scared.”
Tyler Baker the man that abducted and nearly killed Fallon. He is the murderer of Rosie, Gayle and Vic, gets away with murder. Court say not guilty verdict. I was so mad at this. Shouting at the book. WTF!!! Poor Fallon, shuddering in shock with the court case result.
The killer brother murders Taylor Baker as he escaped justice for his part at Cat Hall.
Wait for it, the next big twist……
It’s not Si! It’s not Garry. it’s Miles Loughlin. Miles works with the brothers at the family garage. Siobhan knows but doesn’t want to reveal him to the rest of the boys as they will find out about the daughter. So gets him a job with the boys..
Miles is their eldest brother who was given up at birth. Miles was Siobhan’s first baby. She gave him up when she was doing her O levels and just started dating Daddy Kaplan.
“We’re the book-end-babies mummy didn’t want.”
Yay to Cat Hall Victim catches Starsellers Slasher!!
“His face is mischievous, like a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream’s Puck in a prison jumpsuit.”
Thank you N V Peacock (Nicky P) for your letter at the end, telling us the reasons why you decided to write the book.
“Tracing people through their family DNA via commercial genealogy databases meant that killers who thought they had escaped just should now sleep with one eye open.”
Fast paced book I couldn’t put it down. Adrenaline pumping thriller. I’ve never read her work before. Look forward to reading more of this authors work. I didn’t want the book to end. I discovered the author is from Corby which is within Northants, UK. Well written, thoroughly enjoyed. Will there be a sequel? Please tell me there will be a sequel?
First chapter a child pushes another child down the stairs..
Fallon Hurley and Ollie Hurley are sister and brother. They do a DNA test for fun and discover that Fallon’s dna is different and she discovers she’s adopted. She has another brother.
Fallon is in her early thirties and lives alone. She is an online therapist. Something dreadful happened to her, we still don’t know what.
So far we know her ex grant was unfaithful to her.
Page 50
He puts on his leather gloves, buys them in bulk then after ever kill he gives them to charity.
“It tickles me to think how many people are currently smothering their innocents digits with evidence of my murders.”
(Aww the story is based in northants!! However the story is set in Northamptonshire, UK, it feels like it’s set in USA. There isn’t a northants in USA, but a Northampton..)
Handwritten note “charm hides the monster”…
What a twist!! Fallon is helping a police officer on a case to profile a killer who is in fact her biological brother who’s been doing the deadly deeds and tactless, leaving his dna about… The serial killer is using an auction site called Starsellers to select his victims.
Fal is the last prosecution witness for the New Cat Hall case… she’s a survivor..
Ollie buys her a dog called Harvey to protect her. He’s her hairy shark. Best gift yet.
Fal has four biological brothers , Simon (Si), Stefan who doesn’t want to meet her (married to Susie), Sam uni student & a great chef, Garry the prick (pretends to be drunk but isn’t really).. my bet is Sam or Garry?
I don’t know who the killer is. Which brother? Si offered to be at the court for support. Fal declined. Though she called him when her car broke down at the crown court car park. (And we know the killer brother is there), he said “don’t worry I’m in the area. I’ll be there in a mo..” Then Si and Garry turn up..
She meets Stefan at the gravestone of baby Hurley..
The killer was in her house. Had her coffee and warms up the house.. His mother told him never meet a woman without a gift..
So it’s not Sam - she stun guns him. He’s her half brother. 3 to go..Garry is the serial killer
Why does Stefan want to meet Fal at Cat Hall.. that’s definitely red flags 🚩 here! He has a GIFT for her!!! …. Poor guy he thought he killed her - the baby her - tucking her in at the hospital- he thought she suffocated in the blankets - the guilt he had growing up.. what a twist … she ruined her brother’s sobriety .. he had an alibi staying at some detox rehabs.
It’s not Garry.. he’s always been the youngest now has to complete with Fal the youngest, the sister… which means it is Si.. short for the psycho..
The killer is the eldest brother, Simon - Si.. Yikes!!!
“Feeling like the world around me is teeming with danger is not a new sensation, & it’s odd familiarity brings some comfort. You don’t need to get scared if you stay scared.”
Tyler Baker the man that abducted and nearly killed Fallon. He is the murderer of Rosie, Gayle and Vic, gets away with murder. Court say not guilty verdict. I was so mad at this. Shouting at the book. WTF!!! Poor Fallon, shuddering in shock with the court case result.
The killer brother murders Taylor Baker as he escaped justice for his part at Cat Hall.
Wait for it, the next big twist……
It’s not Si! It’s not Garry. it’s Miles Loughlin. Miles works with the brothers at the family garage. Siobhan knows but doesn’t want to reveal him to the rest of the boys as they will find out about the daughter. So gets him a job with the boys..
Miles is their eldest brother who was given up at birth. Miles was Siobhan’s first baby. She gave him up when she was doing her O levels and just started dating Daddy Kaplan.
“We’re the book-end-babies mummy didn’t want.”
Yay to Cat Hall Victim catches Starsellers Slasher!!
“His face is mischievous, like a Midsummer’s Night’s Dream’s Puck in a prison jumpsuit.”
Thank you N V Peacock (Nicky P) for your letter at the end, telling us the reasons why you decided to write the book.
“Tracing people through their family DNA via commercial genealogy databases meant that killers who thought they had escaped just should now sleep with one eye open.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author but given that it was my absolutely favourite genre, I couldn't resist grabbing it and omg! am I so glad that I did!
This coupled with the absolutely striking front cover and I was hooked before I even started!
I don't even know where to begin with this. The plot was so genius and the twists just kept coming and I absolutely could not put this down until I'd got to the end and had all the answers.
The introduction of characters was great and we are thrown into the action straight away when Oliver gives Fallon the results of their genealogy testing for Christmas. Thinking it would be an interesting hobby for her, Oliver could not have forseen the trouble he just started.
Now I honestly don't want to give you any more plot information as I don't want to slip up and give any spoilers but the whole thing was just so good!
From Fallon's current struggle with a past traumatic event, her clients issues, her new discoveries to even the smaller things going on for her, I was literally on the edge of my seat.
I loved that Fallon was a total contradiction. Being a therapist and offering advice to her clients to open up and release their trauma by day, but then attending her own therapy to release her own trauma - and coming up with reasons/excuses and lies to avoid opening up fully!
Other events caused me to see this contradiction also - but this, you'll have to read and see for yourself....
Such an intriguing and fascinating character to explore.
This was told from both Fallon's and The Brother's pov's and this worked perfectly because as the story developed, we gathered little insights into the brother's personality which meant that we just couldn't trust anyone, even after Fallon discounted people.
The ending was just amazing! Everything I love in a psychological thriller. The twists just kept coming and even in the final lines of the book you are left wondering!
I actually cannot recommend this book enough - it may well just have to be added to my 2023 favourites....
Having spotted this isn't a debut novel, I'm off to add previous books to my wishlist asap....
**I also listened to the audio of this book and absolutely loved our 2 narrators.
Using the male voice for the chapters that were from the brothers' pov made these feel so much more creepy.
I found that it read a little too slow for me and had to turn up the speed slightly, but actually I think this also added to the atmosphere.
I loved the inclusion of the letter from the author at the end - it is always great to have some insight into what motivates the author to write the books that they do - especially with this genre!
This coupled with the absolutely striking front cover and I was hooked before I even started!
I don't even know where to begin with this. The plot was so genius and the twists just kept coming and I absolutely could not put this down until I'd got to the end and had all the answers.
The introduction of characters was great and we are thrown into the action straight away when Oliver gives Fallon the results of their genealogy testing for Christmas. Thinking it would be an interesting hobby for her, Oliver could not have forseen the trouble he just started.
Now I honestly don't want to give you any more plot information as I don't want to slip up and give any spoilers but the whole thing was just so good!
From Fallon's current struggle with a past traumatic event, her clients issues, her new discoveries to even the smaller things going on for her, I was literally on the edge of my seat.
I loved that Fallon was a total contradiction. Being a therapist and offering advice to her clients to open up and release their trauma by day, but then attending her own therapy to release her own trauma - and coming up with reasons/excuses and lies to avoid opening up fully!
Other events caused me to see this contradiction also - but this, you'll have to read and see for yourself....
Such an intriguing and fascinating character to explore.
This was told from both Fallon's and The Brother's pov's and this worked perfectly because as the story developed, we gathered little insights into the brother's personality which meant that we just couldn't trust anyone, even after Fallon discounted people.
The ending was just amazing! Everything I love in a psychological thriller. The twists just kept coming and even in the final lines of the book you are left wondering!
I actually cannot recommend this book enough - it may well just have to be added to my 2023 favourites....
Having spotted this isn't a debut novel, I'm off to add previous books to my wishlist asap....
**I also listened to the audio of this book and absolutely loved our 2 narrators.
Using the male voice for the chapters that were from the brothers' pov made these feel so much more creepy.
I found that it read a little too slow for me and had to turn up the speed slightly, but actually I think this also added to the atmosphere.
I loved the inclusion of the letter from the author at the end - it is always great to have some insight into what motivates the author to write the books that they do - especially with this genre!
July 15, 2023
Fallon Hurley is a psychologist who has recently undergone a traumatic incident of her own; as she learns to cope with her survival guilt she also learns that she was not biologically related to her family, instead she is the sister of a serial killer. Fallon tells the story of her traumatic survival all while trying to uncover which of her four brothers has prolifically murdered over twenty people.
The Good:
There is something so absolutely fascinating about forensic DNA; I was obsessed with the case of the Green River Killer, and was very intrigued by this element of The Brother. I especially enjoyed how the author wove in the complications legally of this type of evidence, and the realistic reactions of the police. As a new science, it is complicated and Fallon is right to morally question how her connection was uncovered. She did not put heer DNA on the website, and it was obtained without her consent. I think these elements really humanized the story and made it interesting.
The Bad:
There was just a lot happening to Fallon!! She was a relatively reliable narrator, and it was very interesting how she would weave her understanding as a psychologist with her experiences but at times it felt like a lot to have her as a witness in a murder trial all while trying to solve the mystery of her brother, the serial killer. As her boss tells her throughout the story, she was trying to do just a little too much!
The Verdict:
A unique and intriguing thriller! I couldn’t put it down and was anxiously awaiting the reveal of which brother was the serial killer. I loved his POV alternating with Fallon’s as it gave a bit of edge and momentum to the story. Definitely one to read!
December 18, 2023
The Brother by N.V. Peacock
DNA genealogy just took a on new spin!
The Brother by N.V. Peacock is a thriller where the main character finds out her brother is a serial killer and must either learn to place his game or be the loser.
Fallon is a successful psychologist who works with clients online offering therapy of all kinds. In between clients she is faced with her own trauma of having been taken and nearly killed only months ago. For this she is working with her boss and mentor to sift through the details before she is put on the stand as the prosecutor’s last witness. She really wants to get things right so this killer won’t be let go to hurt anyone else but there are so many details!
While working on her job and a very traumatic case she is contacted by an officer of the law stating that her DNA has been matched with that of a serial killer, meaning one of her brothers is a serial killer. The problem is she doesn’t have “brothers”, only the one she is close to, Olly. It is because of Olly’s “gift” of sending in her DNA to get a genealogy report that secrets are splayed and new truths are revealed. Fallon doesn’t want the killer to know she is trying to figure out who he is but serial killers are smarter than that and she might be one of his victims.
I gave this story five out of five stars for its compelling characters, modern ideas, and intriguing plot. The characters are all believable and the situations that they are all in are very realistic, adding to the unease that anyone could be a serial killer. This is a must read if you are stuck on serial killers!
DNA genealogy just took a on new spin!
The Brother by N.V. Peacock is a thriller where the main character finds out her brother is a serial killer and must either learn to place his game or be the loser.
Fallon is a successful psychologist who works with clients online offering therapy of all kinds. In between clients she is faced with her own trauma of having been taken and nearly killed only months ago. For this she is working with her boss and mentor to sift through the details before she is put on the stand as the prosecutor’s last witness. She really wants to get things right so this killer won’t be let go to hurt anyone else but there are so many details!
While working on her job and a very traumatic case she is contacted by an officer of the law stating that her DNA has been matched with that of a serial killer, meaning one of her brothers is a serial killer. The problem is she doesn’t have “brothers”, only the one she is close to, Olly. It is because of Olly’s “gift” of sending in her DNA to get a genealogy report that secrets are splayed and new truths are revealed. Fallon doesn’t want the killer to know she is trying to figure out who he is but serial killers are smarter than that and she might be one of his victims.
I gave this story five out of five stars for its compelling characters, modern ideas, and intriguing plot. The characters are all believable and the situations that they are all in are very realistic, adding to the unease that anyone could be a serial killer. This is a must read if you are stuck on serial killers!
July 14, 2023
‘The Brother’ is a dark and chilling tale that was right up my street! It was highly original and truly went to places I have never read about before. It might change your mind about taking a DNA ancestry test though… This was the first book that I have read by Nicky but I see she also shares my fascination with serial killers so I will be keeping an eye out for further books and going on to read her last book.
Is murder in Fallon’s DNA? Her mother lied to her. If it wasn't for a genealogy test she would never of known she didn't belong. She isn't her mother’s daughter. Now Fallon has four extra brother’s but one of them is a serial killer. He is leaving her clues and taunting her but will Fallon find him before it is too late?
Fallon was a great protagonist! The fact that she was a psychologist allows the reader to understand the mental aspects of what constitutes a serial killer! I thought that the author did a great job of explaining Fallon’s PTSD with empathy too. Like Fallon, you are trying to work out which brother is the killer and the author keeps you guessing right until the end! Was the end one twist too far though? Some people will have loved it but I was frustrated as I didn't guess that!
I devoured this book in one sitting and it was packed full of action and tension from the get-go right to the very end! I can there that there is the possibility of another book after this one and I definitely would read more about Fallon!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Is murder in Fallon’s DNA? Her mother lied to her. If it wasn't for a genealogy test she would never of known she didn't belong. She isn't her mother’s daughter. Now Fallon has four extra brother’s but one of them is a serial killer. He is leaving her clues and taunting her but will Fallon find him before it is too late?
Fallon was a great protagonist! The fact that she was a psychologist allows the reader to understand the mental aspects of what constitutes a serial killer! I thought that the author did a great job of explaining Fallon’s PTSD with empathy too. Like Fallon, you are trying to work out which brother is the killer and the author keeps you guessing right until the end! Was the end one twist too far though? Some people will have loved it but I was frustrated as I didn't guess that!
I devoured this book in one sitting and it was packed full of action and tension from the get-go right to the very end! I can there that there is the possibility of another book after this one and I definitely would read more about Fallon!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
July 20, 2023
There’s an awful lot to unpack in this story. Dr. Fallon Hurley, a psychologist working remotely very remotely in fact from her cottage in the forest. A cottage that she moved to after a split from her now turning stalker ex boyfriend. And after a really traumatic event that’s about to be trawled out in court.
Fallon receives a dna test as a surprise Christmas present from her little brother, only to find out that they’re not related, and that she actually has four other brothers, oddly this doesn’t seem to cause huge ripples. She meets all of the brothers in turn, but one of them is a serial killer, and Fallon is tasked with playing a sick game to find out which one.
I loved the idea behind this story, I remembered every time her name was mentioned that Fallon was my favourite name as a child 😂 the majority of the story gripped me, but the name drop of every serial killer you can think of put me off a little, the over explaining of things that didn’t really matter a great deal put me off a little. The massive protection dog that rolled over to everyone that gained entry to Fallons home put me off a little, the fact that there were so many murders and the police didn’t seem to be involved at all other than Fallons contact who was getting a friend to look into it (really?) and by the end when the killer was unmasked I’d forgotten who he was. It’s was all maybe a bit too much in all honesty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Fallon receives a dna test as a surprise Christmas present from her little brother, only to find out that they’re not related, and that she actually has four other brothers, oddly this doesn’t seem to cause huge ripples. She meets all of the brothers in turn, but one of them is a serial killer, and Fallon is tasked with playing a sick game to find out which one.
I loved the idea behind this story, I remembered every time her name was mentioned that Fallon was my favourite name as a child 😂 the majority of the story gripped me, but the name drop of every serial killer you can think of put me off a little, the over explaining of things that didn’t really matter a great deal put me off a little. The massive protection dog that rolled over to everyone that gained entry to Fallons home put me off a little, the fact that there were so many murders and the police didn’t seem to be involved at all other than Fallons contact who was getting a friend to look into it (really?) and by the end when the killer was unmasked I’d forgotten who he was. It’s was all maybe a bit too much in all honesty.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
I’ll admit, I was drawn to this partly for the blurb, but mainly because of the ‘fans of Chris Carter and M.W.Craven will love this’ comment. As a mahoosive Carter fan I jumped at the chance to discover another auto-buy author. Sadly this wasn’t the case. To clarify - this is not a bad book, at all. But I think my expectation was massively too high going in, and it just wasn’t in the same league for me as Craven and Carter.
The storyline is an intriguing one; not only does Fallon find out her mother is not biologically her mother, but one of her new bio family is a serial killer…and he knows who she is.
I’m not going to give away any more plot points (give it a read if you’re as intrigued as I was!), so I’ll just say that it was a pleasant enough read (as much as murder tales can be pleasant 😆). The writing was a tad repetitive for me, which is perhaps why I didn’t engage with it as much as I’d hoped. There’s also a sub-story running through this, with Fallon recounting an horrific experience to a colleague, which we read in snippets throughout the main story. This for me actually held my attention more than the main story, it felt more real and gritty to me.
Overall this was a decent read. I think if it hadn’t been compared to an author I already adore I might have rated this a little higher.
Thank you @lovebookstours and @hera_books for my copy of The Brother for reviewing 🙏🏻
The storyline is an intriguing one; not only does Fallon find out her mother is not biologically her mother, but one of her new bio family is a serial killer…and he knows who she is.
I’m not going to give away any more plot points (give it a read if you’re as intrigued as I was!), so I’ll just say that it was a pleasant enough read (as much as murder tales can be pleasant 😆). The writing was a tad repetitive for me, which is perhaps why I didn’t engage with it as much as I’d hoped. There’s also a sub-story running through this, with Fallon recounting an horrific experience to a colleague, which we read in snippets throughout the main story. This for me actually held my attention more than the main story, it felt more real and gritty to me.
Overall this was a decent read. I think if it hadn’t been compared to an author I already adore I might have rated this a little higher.
Thank you @lovebookstours and @hera_books for my copy of The Brother for reviewing 🙏🏻
July 24, 2023
This book appealed so much, right from the front cover. The Brother follows psychologist, Fallon, who is seeing a therapist herself after her involvement in a brutal attack months before. Her brother gifts her the results of her DNA test, where she learns that she isn't related to her family. Speaking with her mother, she discovers that she has a whole other family, with 4 brothers! Fallon is approached by a police officer who has been using forensic genealogy to track down a serial killer and she believes that it is Fallon's brother. They then end up trying to narrow down which one is guilty, whilst the killings continue.
The book is told from the point of view of Fallon, mainly in the present but there are flashbacks where she is telling her therapist about her traumatic experience. These are interspersed with short chapters narrated by 'the brother'. I found the brother's voice to be intense and creepy and felt that this really added to the suspense.
It wasn't a perfectly written book, and I certainly had to suspend reality a lot whilst reading it, but I really did love it! I loved the whole premise of trying to work out which brother was guilty, and the excitement and anxiety of the games that the brother was playing.
I found the whole subject of forensic genealogy really interesting and loved that the author did acknowledgements and a letter to the reader, this is not something I usually hear in an audiobook.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
The book is told from the point of view of Fallon, mainly in the present but there are flashbacks where she is telling her therapist about her traumatic experience. These are interspersed with short chapters narrated by 'the brother'. I found the brother's voice to be intense and creepy and felt that this really added to the suspense.
It wasn't a perfectly written book, and I certainly had to suspend reality a lot whilst reading it, but I really did love it! I loved the whole premise of trying to work out which brother was guilty, and the excitement and anxiety of the games that the brother was playing.
I found the whole subject of forensic genealogy really interesting and loved that the author did acknowledgements and a letter to the reader, this is not something I usually hear in an audiobook.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
May 3, 2023
Oh. Whoa. This book. The story begins with a cat mouse interaction between two little boys. The tension is immediate and slowly ratchets up with each chapter. The chapters almost all end with a cliffhanger making it impossible to put down. Fallon was a sympathetic and fascinating character. A psychologist with a recent trauma in her past. She is gifted a genealogy test from her younger brother. She has a lot going on. A court case coming up, PTSD issues. And an ex boyfriend who is turning stalkerish. What would you do if you found out you were supposed to have died in infancy? That you have four brothers you never knew about? It's a lot. Oh, and one of them is a serial killer......... Soon Fallon is hunting a killer who shares her blood. He draws her deeper and deeper into his twisted game. The ending left me literally reeling. The world will go away as you read this. You will feel like you just stepped off an out of control merry go round. And that last line? GAH. Clever, diabolical and completely delicious. Big thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for my Arc. Biggest thanks to N.V. Peacock for brilliant storytelling. You had me with your previous book Little Bones. Color me a lifetime fan with The Brother.
May 6, 2023
The main downside I found was that after finishing this and going on amazon intending to download every single other book that author had ever written, it turns out this was just her 2nd book! Which absolutely amazed me since it was near perfection in every way
This is one of those top teir murder mysteries that keeps you guessing. There are so many twists and turns and just when you think you've cracked it, everything changes again
The characters are well written and realistic. Fallen was such a great main character and she was an intelligent, independat woman who made really sensible decisions and wasn't just a bunch of clichés and stereotypes.
I'm in bed with a migraine but still couldn't do the sensible thing and stop myself from reading this through til the end! I was so captivated and couldnt wait to find out exactly what was going on.
I loved the cat and mouse and that ominous cliff hanger at the end. Its just an amazing murder mystery, serial killer, thriller, police procedural type that will appeal to all
This is one of those top teir murder mysteries that keeps you guessing. There are so many twists and turns and just when you think you've cracked it, everything changes again
The characters are well written and realistic. Fallen was such a great main character and she was an intelligent, independat woman who made really sensible decisions and wasn't just a bunch of clichés and stereotypes.
I'm in bed with a migraine but still couldn't do the sensible thing and stop myself from reading this through til the end! I was so captivated and couldnt wait to find out exactly what was going on.
I loved the cat and mouse and that ominous cliff hanger at the end. Its just an amazing murder mystery, serial killer, thriller, police procedural type that will appeal to all
July 9, 2023
It's been three years since I read N.V. Peacock's debut novel (and really enjoyed it) and I was really looking forward to this one. The premise was intriguing and the subplot was right up my alley. A woman with a traumatic past finds out through a DNA test she actually has a whole new family, with four older brothers and one of them might be a serial killer. About 50% in I thought I had the twist pegged but I was wrong. Secretly I thought my twist would have been better but I was still happy with the ending.
Whilst this was a fine thriller, the execution just wasn't there for me. There were too many characters and too many storylines that made the story muddled, and at times, hard to follow.
However, I really like Peacock's writing style. She writes strong female characters and has a way of twisting the story around to the point where you're unsure if she's really who she says she is. That's my kind of writing.
Content warning: sexual assault (off page) not graphic.
**Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for my free ARC.
Whilst this was a fine thriller, the execution just wasn't there for me. There were too many characters and too many storylines that made the story muddled, and at times, hard to follow.
However, I really like Peacock's writing style. She writes strong female characters and has a way of twisting the story around to the point where you're unsure if she's really who she says she is. That's my kind of writing.
Content warning: sexual assault (off page) not graphic.
**Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for my free ARC.
July 18, 2023
This sounded right up my street and the synopsis gave me major SERIAL KILLER’S SISTER vibes. Dark, chilling and suspenseful, this family reunion turned game of cat and mouse thriller was fast paced and interesting, BUT I wasn’t crazy about it.
While the plot line was intriguing and well thought out, unfortunately I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style itself. A lot of the dialogue came across as quite simple, some major events and twists felt rushed, and although I’m normally a fan of multiple storylines, this aspect didn’t work as well as it could have in this book.
Having said that, I switched to the audio version about a third of the way in and enjoyed it a lot more. There were plenty of positive features: there was no shortage of twists and turns, and the introspective look at nature vs nurture when it comes to serial killers was compelling. I also found, being a psychologist, the perspective of our main character was a super interesting one, as she intertwines her experiences with her understanding. The prologue was also PERFECTION 🙌🏽
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @ 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🥀
While the plot line was intriguing and well thought out, unfortunately I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style itself. A lot of the dialogue came across as quite simple, some major events and twists felt rushed, and although I’m normally a fan of multiple storylines, this aspect didn’t work as well as it could have in this book.
Having said that, I switched to the audio version about a third of the way in and enjoyed it a lot more. There were plenty of positive features: there was no shortage of twists and turns, and the introspective look at nature vs nurture when it comes to serial killers was compelling. I also found, being a psychologist, the perspective of our main character was a super interesting one, as she intertwines her experiences with her understanding. The prologue was also PERFECTION 🙌🏽
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @ 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🥀
August 13, 2023
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.
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.
July 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and was gripped from the very start.
Fallon has discovered that she has four brothers that she never knew about, following the results of a DNA test and just after that, she is told that one of them is a serial killer, having been matches by DNA from the crime scenes, but with a whole new family to get to know, how is she going to work out which brother is the killer, while not accusing them all when she has only just met them?
I really enjoyed the alternating POVs of Fallon and the killer brother and the twists that kept coming as she gradually manages to gain evidence to either suspect or clear each brother.
The killer’s method of choosing his victims was very clever and the characters were all well developed.
Charlotte Worthing and Jack Bennett are excellent narrators.
5⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, N. V. Peacock and Bolinda Audio for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Fallon has discovered that she has four brothers that she never knew about, following the results of a DNA test and just after that, she is told that one of them is a serial killer, having been matches by DNA from the crime scenes, but with a whole new family to get to know, how is she going to work out which brother is the killer, while not accusing them all when she has only just met them?
I really enjoyed the alternating POVs of Fallon and the killer brother and the twists that kept coming as she gradually manages to gain evidence to either suspect or clear each brother.
The killer’s method of choosing his victims was very clever and the characters were all well developed.
Charlotte Worthing and Jack Bennett are excellent narrators.
5⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, N. V. Peacock and Bolinda Audio for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book it is so good. It has such an original and interesting, yet terrifying premise that instantly piqued my interest and held it all the way through.
It is well written with a darkly compelling storyline and well developed characters that I loved especially Fallon.
The it is so dark and disturbing, and so unique, like everyone I'm sure, I have seen those DNA testing kits everywhere from programmes to adverts, literature to movies but I have never really thought about how it could be used sinisterly before, but this book takes that and hits you in the face with it so you have to think about it.
It is dark and disturbing with bucket loads of suspense and mystery. It is twisty and unpredictable and kept me guessing from start to finish.
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. I loved it and didn't want it to end, I devoured it in one sitting.
It is well written with a darkly compelling storyline and well developed characters that I loved especially Fallon.
The it is so dark and disturbing, and so unique, like everyone I'm sure, I have seen those DNA testing kits everywhere from programmes to adverts, literature to movies but I have never really thought about how it could be used sinisterly before, but this book takes that and hits you in the face with it so you have to think about it.
It is dark and disturbing with bucket loads of suspense and mystery. It is twisty and unpredictable and kept me guessing from start to finish.
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. I loved it and didn't want it to end, I devoured it in one sitting.
July 21, 2023
Many thanks to Love Book Tours for letting me be a stop on the Book Tour for The Brother!
Fallon is bracing herself for a court case relating to a traumatic incident in her recent past. The last thing she needs is to find out her mum has been lying to her all her life and that she is actually another woman's child. But, worse still, it turns out that one of her "new" brothers is a killer and he wants Fallon to see if she is smart enough to catch him.
Alternating between the viewpoints of Fallon and the "killer brother," the action ticks along at a nice pace, after a leisurely start to set the scene.
There is quite a lot of crime for the readers to get their heads around between Fallon's past and present, but all of the characters are easy to distinguish.
The author effectively creates a dark, threatening atmosphere and the tension builds to the very end. I never did guess the correct brother!
Thanks to the author, and Love Book Tours for the eARC of this book.
Fallon is bracing herself for a court case relating to a traumatic incident in her recent past. The last thing she needs is to find out her mum has been lying to her all her life and that she is actually another woman's child. But, worse still, it turns out that one of her "new" brothers is a killer and he wants Fallon to see if she is smart enough to catch him.
Alternating between the viewpoints of Fallon and the "killer brother," the action ticks along at a nice pace, after a leisurely start to set the scene.
There is quite a lot of crime for the readers to get their heads around between Fallon's past and present, but all of the characters are easy to distinguish.
The author effectively creates a dark, threatening atmosphere and the tension builds to the very end. I never did guess the correct brother!
Thanks to the author, and Love Book Tours for the eARC of this book.
August 8, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley, below is the blurb
"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?"
I have to say I found this book just ok. It kept me interested enough to finish it but didn't really get me hooked. Not sure why that was as I can see from the other reviews that lots of people enjoyed it. As a side, my favourite character was the dog! Please don't let me review (or lack of one) put you off, it was ok and lots of people are enjoying it, it just wasn't for me.
"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?"
I have to say I found this book just ok. It kept me interested enough to finish it but didn't really get me hooked. Not sure why that was as I can see from the other reviews that lots of people enjoyed it. As a side, my favourite character was the dog! Please don't let me review (or lack of one) put you off, it was ok and lots of people are enjoying it, it just wasn't for me.
August 9, 2023
I watched Silence of the Lambs last night and that reminded me to write this review. Why? Because NV Peacock manages the same trick Thomas Harris did there, and Jeff Lindsay with Dexter for that matter - creating a monster of a serial killer who you love to hate, but kind of like as the villain. It's both disturbing and amusing to realise how you feel about him as you read.
The Brother has many layers and twists as we slowly unravel the horror that befell Fallon at Cat Hall and realise she's back in yet another life and death situation. The forensic genealogy angle is interesting too. Well paced and plotted. It kept me turning the pages and I appreciated the dark comedy that flowed throughout.
Overall, an engaging and fun read. Dark in parts, but the comedy moments balanced it. Recommended. :)
The Brother has many layers and twists as we slowly unravel the horror that befell Fallon at Cat Hall and realise she's back in yet another life and death situation. The forensic genealogy angle is interesting too. Well paced and plotted. It kept me turning the pages and I appreciated the dark comedy that flowed throughout.
Overall, an engaging and fun read. Dark in parts, but the comedy moments balanced it. Recommended. :)
August 16, 2023
Fallon is a psychologist, facing a trial for the near death attack she survived and struggling with PTSD. Meanwhile, her brother, Ollie buys her a DNA genealogy kit for her Christmas present and discovers they are not blood related. Her mother finally admits her own baby died and her financially struggling friend who had a large family already swapped babies. Fallon discovers she has four more brothers. However, one is playing a deathly psychological game with her and she needs to discover his identity before he kills another victim, or for Fallon, worse yer, her.
A gritty psychological thriller, rather fast paced that will keep you guessing which brother is the evil one. You can easily divulge this book in one sitting as so compelling. A new author to me and one I will be keeping an eye out for, for more great thrillers.
A gritty psychological thriller, rather fast paced that will keep you guessing which brother is the evil one. You can easily divulge this book in one sitting as so compelling. A new author to me and one I will be keeping an eye out for, for more great thrillers.
October 3, 2023
The Brother by N. V. Peacock
Narrated by Charlotte Worthing, Jack Bennett was a roller coaster of a audiobook. from start to finish. With a serial killer in the family, a family she didn’t know she was a part of! No one of safe..........
But,
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?
This audiobook was So good I listened to it all day. "Brilliant and 5 star audiobook!"
Narrated by Charlotte Worthing, Jack Bennett was a roller coaster of a audiobook. from start to finish. With a serial killer in the family, a family she didn’t know she was a part of! No one of safe..........
But,
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?
This audiobook was So good I listened to it all day. "Brilliant and 5 star audiobook!"
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