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Major Crimes #3
The Puppet Master
An incredible new unputdownable thriller which will keep you gripped from the first page to the last!
He watches your every move...
We’ve all experienced it. That creeping sensation of eyes on your back, the faint echo of footsteps following yours.
He controls you...
Across the country, a madman is carefully choosing his victims. Once he has you in his sights, he won’t let go.
He will make you pay...
You think you’re in control of your own life? Think again. Because The Puppet Master is coming for you, and he won’t stop until you’re dead…
He watches your every move...
We’ve all experienced it. That creeping sensation of eyes on your back, the faint echo of footsteps following yours.
He controls you...
Across the country, a madman is carefully choosing his victims. Once he has you in his sights, he won’t let go.
He will make you pay...
You think you’re in control of your own life? Think again. Because The Puppet Master is coming for you, and he won’t stop until you’re dead…
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
245 people are currently reading
3646 people want to read
About the author
Sam Holland
5 books744 followersSam Holland is the award-winning author of the Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. Her debut, The Echo Man, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Countdown Killer is the latest in the series and is out now.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Countdown Killer is the latest in the series and is out now.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
April 5, 2024
writing: classic british crime writing | plot: dark af | ending: *shrugs*
BIG TW for suicide (ideation and act), rape, pedophilia
my opinion
This is undoubtedly dark, but after that one scene from The Echo Man, it seemed somehow more... tame? Feels wrong to say that considering what transpires in those pages but I digress. If you "liked" the premise of Dead Scared by Sharon Bolton, you may really "enjoy" this. Using scare quotes because it feels icky saying that one can enjoy such a plot.
THIS BOOK CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR BOOKS #1 & #2 SO EITHER READ THEM IN ORDER OR ACCEPT YOUR FATE I recommend reading them in order – a rarity for me – so you understand Cara Elliot's full character arc. Also if you hated a certain someone from The Echo Man, I have great news for you: they've been kicked to the curb.
Honestly I don't have anything constructive to say about this one (calling my other reviews constructive is a bit of a stretch, I'm aware). It's a Honda Civic Reliable thriller. Was it groundbreaking? No. But did it make me want to punch myself in the face? Also no. So take that as you will. If you enjoyed the first two books, I'd be shocked if this one didn't tickle your pickle as well.
pros & cons
pros: didn't annoy me or disgust me as books 1 & 2, least fave character from book #1 was voted off the island, well-written, dark subject matter (tired of these basic: mr and mrs smith had it all but is mr smith actually a rapist? domestic thrillers).
cons: despite being dark, it didn't wow me
Tysm Harper Collins UK for the ARC
__
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BIG TW for suicide (ideation and act), rape, pedophilia
my opinion
This is undoubtedly dark, but after that one scene from The Echo Man, it seemed somehow more... tame? Feels wrong to say that considering what transpires in those pages but I digress. If you "liked" the premise of Dead Scared by Sharon Bolton, you may really "enjoy" this. Using scare quotes because it feels icky saying that one can enjoy such a plot.
THIS BOOK CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR BOOKS #1 & #2 SO EITHER READ THEM IN ORDER OR ACCEPT YOUR FATE I recommend reading them in order – a rarity for me – so you understand Cara Elliot's full character arc. Also if you hated a certain someone from The Echo Man, I have great news for you: they've been kicked to the curb.
Honestly I don't have anything constructive to say about this one (calling my other reviews constructive is a bit of a stretch, I'm aware). It's a Honda Civic Reliable thriller. Was it groundbreaking? No. But did it make me want to punch myself in the face? Also no. So take that as you will. If you enjoyed the first two books, I'd be shocked if this one didn't tickle your pickle as well.
pros & cons
pros: didn't annoy me or disgust me as books 1 & 2, least fave character from book #1 was voted off the island, well-written, dark subject matter (tired of these basic: mr and mrs smith had it all but is mr smith actually a rapist? domestic thrillers).
cons: despite being dark, it didn't wow me
Tysm Harper Collins UK for the ARC
__
Check out my YouTube
March 23, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Major Crimes #3
This is the highly anticipated follow-up to The Echo Man and The Twenty and although it doesn’t blow my mind in quite the same way as Echo Man which still lives in my head, it still an excellent read and a great addition to this gritty and dark series.
A man jumps in front of the train in what appears to be an act of suicide, but every instinct in DCI Cara Elliott‘s body tells her that it’s not. This is just the start of an incredibly difficult and emotional enquiry, but thankfully Cara’s brother DS Nate Griffin joins the understaffed team to help them try to make sense of what’s in front of them. However, the Puppet Master is watching and seems to be one step ahead.
It’s hard to know where to start with this except maybe with another wow at the quality of the storytelling from Sam Holland. I’m not going to lie, this is a tough one in the chilling nature of the plot and at times it’s so horrifying that it freezes the blood. The perpetrator is sadistic and evil, tapping into vulnerabilities, and you need a strong stomach on occasions, so it’s not for the feint of heart. There are numerous moments of tension and on occasions it is off the scale. It’s fast paced, it rarely lets up so you can catch your breath as the team of ‘misfits’ are pushed to their limits, struggling to make sense of it all. It builds to an adrenaline fuelled ending, although one dramatic incident might require disbelief suspenders, but it’s so good, that I find I don’t care!
I love the characters and the characterisation is top-notch. There are all struggling with the toll left by previous enquiries and this is conveyed so strongly. There’s one good subplot, featuring Cara and Griffin which helps you to understand them better and I thoroughly enjoy this.
Overall, this is another outstanding read, which is moving and emotional in places. It hook you in from the start and keeps you glued to the pages from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction, Hemlock Press for the much appreciated in return for an honest review.
Major Crimes #3
This is the highly anticipated follow-up to The Echo Man and The Twenty and although it doesn’t blow my mind in quite the same way as Echo Man which still lives in my head, it still an excellent read and a great addition to this gritty and dark series.
A man jumps in front of the train in what appears to be an act of suicide, but every instinct in DCI Cara Elliott‘s body tells her that it’s not. This is just the start of an incredibly difficult and emotional enquiry, but thankfully Cara’s brother DS Nate Griffin joins the understaffed team to help them try to make sense of what’s in front of them. However, the Puppet Master is watching and seems to be one step ahead.
It’s hard to know where to start with this except maybe with another wow at the quality of the storytelling from Sam Holland. I’m not going to lie, this is a tough one in the chilling nature of the plot and at times it’s so horrifying that it freezes the blood. The perpetrator is sadistic and evil, tapping into vulnerabilities, and you need a strong stomach on occasions, so it’s not for the feint of heart. There are numerous moments of tension and on occasions it is off the scale. It’s fast paced, it rarely lets up so you can catch your breath as the team of ‘misfits’ are pushed to their limits, struggling to make sense of it all. It builds to an adrenaline fuelled ending, although one dramatic incident might require disbelief suspenders, but it’s so good, that I find I don’t care!
I love the characters and the characterisation is top-notch. There are all struggling with the toll left by previous enquiries and this is conveyed so strongly. There’s one good subplot, featuring Cara and Griffin which helps you to understand them better and I thoroughly enjoy this.
Overall, this is another outstanding read, which is moving and emotional in places. It hook you in from the start and keeps you glued to the pages from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction, Hemlock Press for the much appreciated in return for an honest review.
August 13, 2025
I liked the two previous books in the series but this one was too drawn out and underwhelming.
It takes the whole book and almost 9 victims to solve the murders, because instead of focusing on finding the culprit the investigators are all busy with their alcohol problems, sex lives and personal issues.
And there are too many eliminable details.
Halfway though I lost interest and didn't care who the murderer or what his/her motive was.
It takes the whole book and almost 9 victims to solve the murders, because instead of focusing on finding the culprit the investigators are all busy with their alcohol problems, sex lives and personal issues.
And there are too many eliminable details.
Halfway though I lost interest and didn't care who the murderer or what his/her motive was.
January 13, 2025
4.25 stars
I love how these books read like a crime thriller episode. All the characters feel SO REAL with real problems and love lives.. like I'm starting to get attached to them😅
The plot in this was interesting and as always had many disturbing scenes (one of which I will probably never ever forget for as long as I live💀). Some twists I absolutely did not see coming. I love how all the subplots actually ended up tying together in the end👏
However, this didn't need to be as long as it was, and some aspects of the police procedure felt kinda.. stupid? I'm no detective, but some avenues when dealing with an investigation, like finding connections between victims, were handled way too late in the investigation if that makes sense? I may be wrong but who cares I still had fun😅
This was also a tiny bit spicy, which I rarely experience in crime thrillers😅
______________________________________
pre-read
I tried to wait, but I couldn't 🤷
I love how these books read like a crime thriller episode. All the characters feel SO REAL with real problems and love lives.. like I'm starting to get attached to them😅
The plot in this was interesting and as always had many disturbing scenes (one of which I will probably never ever forget for as long as I live💀). Some twists I absolutely did not see coming. I love how all the subplots actually ended up tying together in the end👏
However, this didn't need to be as long as it was, and some aspects of the police procedure felt kinda.. stupid? I'm no detective, but some avenues when dealing with an investigation, like finding connections between victims, were handled way too late in the investigation if that makes sense? I may be wrong but who cares I still had fun😅
This was also a tiny bit spicy, which I rarely experience in crime thrillers😅
______________________________________
pre-read
I tried to wait, but I couldn't 🤷
November 22, 2024
4 Stars
DCI Cara Elliott and her team have been summoned to an incident at the train station during rush hour. Initially presumed to be a clear-cut suicide, further investigation into the victim's background reveals inconsistencies. Subsequent deaths lead the team to believe there is more at play, prompting questions about the mastermind behind these incidents and their motives.
For those who have not yet read the initial book, "The Echo Man," I strongly advise commencing the series chronologically to avoid significant spoilers. "The Puppet Master" is the most recent installment in Sam Holland's "The Major Crime series." Although the narrative is well-paced and features numerous characters, it remains easy to follow. The storyline is intricate and sombre, delving into sensitive topics such as mental health and suicide, which the author addresses with empathy and sincerity. Despite grappling with the aftermath of the previous case, "The Echo Man," and the resulting emotional turmoil, Cara and her team are compelled to address the enigmatic suicide cases. Nate Griffin, Cara's brother, becomes entwined in the complex web following a suicide near his residence. He appeals to Cara for the opportunity to investigate, believing that the deceased would not have taken their own life. The team collaborates in their efforts to uncover and apprehend the evil mastermind responsible for the recent murders.
Sam's writing style captivates from the outset and maintains its grip throughout. This latest installment underscores the vulnerabilities of the entire team as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of the previous tragic serial murder case, "The Echo Man," yet their professionalism remains unwavering throughout the investigation. The author adeptly commands the attention of her audience; her books are not for the faint-hearted. For those who have not delved into the first two books in the series, I recommend commencing with "The Echo Man," as "The Puppet Master" contains revealing spoilers from the initial book. I enthusiastically endorse this book and the series as a whole. If you appreciate dark police procedurals with compelling themes, this series will not disappoint.
DCI Cara Elliott and her team have been summoned to an incident at the train station during rush hour. Initially presumed to be a clear-cut suicide, further investigation into the victim's background reveals inconsistencies. Subsequent deaths lead the team to believe there is more at play, prompting questions about the mastermind behind these incidents and their motives.
For those who have not yet read the initial book, "The Echo Man," I strongly advise commencing the series chronologically to avoid significant spoilers. "The Puppet Master" is the most recent installment in Sam Holland's "The Major Crime series." Although the narrative is well-paced and features numerous characters, it remains easy to follow. The storyline is intricate and sombre, delving into sensitive topics such as mental health and suicide, which the author addresses with empathy and sincerity. Despite grappling with the aftermath of the previous case, "The Echo Man," and the resulting emotional turmoil, Cara and her team are compelled to address the enigmatic suicide cases. Nate Griffin, Cara's brother, becomes entwined in the complex web following a suicide near his residence. He appeals to Cara for the opportunity to investigate, believing that the deceased would not have taken their own life. The team collaborates in their efforts to uncover and apprehend the evil mastermind responsible for the recent murders.
Sam's writing style captivates from the outset and maintains its grip throughout. This latest installment underscores the vulnerabilities of the entire team as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of the previous tragic serial murder case, "The Echo Man," yet their professionalism remains unwavering throughout the investigation. The author adeptly commands the attention of her audience; her books are not for the faint-hearted. For those who have not delved into the first two books in the series, I recommend commencing with "The Echo Man," as "The Puppet Master" contains revealing spoilers from the initial book. I enthusiastically endorse this book and the series as a whole. If you appreciate dark police procedurals with compelling themes, this series will not disappoint.
April 6, 2024
I love a dark and messed up serial killer book and The Puppet Master is exactly that! If you have read The Echo Man The Twenty you will know how good Sam Holland is. Always unique and very clever, with a team of detectives you can help but get attached to. This is book 3 with these characters and already I am desperate for book 4.
DCI Cara Hunter and the Major Crimes Unit are called to the scene of a man who has been hit by a speeding train. Immediate thoughts are suicide but there are too many things that don’t add up. The team start to investigate and they soon find more apparent suicides that leave many questions.
This is a tough book to read due to its subject matter and themes. I have to admit that I caught my breath a few times, with some scenes bringing back painful memories from my own past. It is incredibly emotional but the author has taken care to write the story respectfully.
This is so much more than a police procedural, serial killer book. The members of the team are all going through personal struggles all the while trying to stop a madman and protect the community.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. I highly recommend it and the rest of this authors amazing books. Publishes on May 9th
DCI Cara Hunter and the Major Crimes Unit are called to the scene of a man who has been hit by a speeding train. Immediate thoughts are suicide but there are too many things that don’t add up. The team start to investigate and they soon find more apparent suicides that leave many questions.
This is a tough book to read due to its subject matter and themes. I have to admit that I caught my breath a few times, with some scenes bringing back painful memories from my own past. It is incredibly emotional but the author has taken care to write the story respectfully.
This is so much more than a police procedural, serial killer book. The members of the team are all going through personal struggles all the while trying to stop a madman and protect the community.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. I highly recommend it and the rest of this authors amazing books. Publishes on May 9th
July 19, 2024
3.75⭐ This felt like a disconnected one even though it had my fav characters back. I still loved them, but their interactions with new characters felt off.
November 2, 2024
Great to see DCI Cara Elliott back in another truly thrilling novel.Continuing on from the Echo Man, we see the story open with another gruesome murder and Cara is sent to investigate. What appears to be a suicide leads to a string of investigations and Cara is getting a bad feeling another serial killer is on the loose.
While this was a police procedural, it was also very much in the thriller category and as I noted, parts are graphic and gruesome. The author had a very clever spin on the way in which the story unfolded and crimes were committed and really kept me guessing throughout. Another fabulous novel I highly recommend. 4.5*
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this gifted review copy.
While this was a police procedural, it was also very much in the thriller category and as I noted, parts are graphic and gruesome. The author had a very clever spin on the way in which the story unfolded and crimes were committed and really kept me guessing throughout. Another fabulous novel I highly recommend. 4.5*
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this gifted review copy.
October 1, 2024
"Up to now he's watched from afar, a puppet master, guiding his victims to their death." (p.256)Following a cameo appearance in The Twenty (Major Crimes#2), DCI Cara Elliot is back as the central character in the series' third instalment, together with her brother DS Nate Griffin, both of whom series readers will recall from series opener The Echo Man.
Elliott's team are called to a suspicious death on their Southampton patch following the apparent suicide of a mentally ill man. But several aspects of the case don't add up and Cara's instincts tell her to dig further. She's still suffering a crisis of professional confidence in the aftermath of the events described in The Echo Man, her marriage having broken up as a consequence of her inability to maintain a work-life balance. She's not the only member of the team struggling to cope - DS Jamie Hoxton's life will never be the same following the events depicted in The Twenty and Cara's brother DS Nate Griffin makes a shaky return to the team after a long period of leave in which he's struggled to overcome his addiction issues, while also coming to terms with the personal impacts of the "Echo Man" case.
A second, third and fourth suspicious death, each appearing on its surface to bear the hallmarks of suicide, turn up unexpected links to the first case, leading Cara and Nate to suspect that there's a malign influence out there, manipulating vulnerable members of the community to end their lives. Meanwhile, Nate begins to question the circumstances of their father's death a couple of decades earlier, nurturing a suspicion that it may not have been the tragic but inevitable accident that they've accepted all these years.
There is a very distinct narrative arc through Sam Holland's Major Crimes series, including some major character revelations in books #1 and #2 that remain in the background in subsequent books. For this reason, I would strongly recommend that readers embark on the books in series order, rather than starting with The Puppet Master. It's well worth the commitment. Holland intimates in the Acknowledgments that she's starting work on book #4, which presages the tying of all the loose ends together in what promises to be a tantalising finale.
This is a gritty and often dark crime series, with many shocking twists that leave several of the protagonists deeply traumatised over the course of the books. The plotting is enthralling and the character development superb, but this probably isn't a series for those who prefer cosy mysteries or need to find the main characters likeable to identify with their struggles.
October 15, 2025
In de poppenmeester maakt de lezer opnieuw kennis met Cara Elliot en Nate Griffin. Een man die onder een trein terecht komt, trekt de aandacht en Cara moet de zaak onderzoeken. Als er meer soortgelijke zaken opduiken, roept ze de hulp in van haar broer Nate. Het blijkt dat iemand de touwtjes in handen neemt om mensen ertoe te dwingen zelfmoord te plegen. Het zijn als het ware marionetten in een poppenspel die gemanipuleerd worden en waarbij de poppenmeester aan de koordjes trekt.
Elk personage draagt zijn eigen rugzak mee en bekijkt de zaken ook vanuit die eerdere ervaringen. De boeken van Sam Holland zijn boeiend en meeslepend en blijven mij bekoren. Ook de poppenmeester is weer een parel. Het kan als standalone gelezen worden, maar ik zou toch aanraden om de andere twee delen (De echoman en De 20) eerst te lezen. Ik geef de poppenmeester graag 4.5 sterren.
Elk personage draagt zijn eigen rugzak mee en bekijkt de zaken ook vanuit die eerdere ervaringen. De boeken van Sam Holland zijn boeiend en meeslepend en blijven mij bekoren. Ook de poppenmeester is weer een parel. Het kan als standalone gelezen worden, maar ik zou toch aanraden om de andere twee delen (De echoman en De 20) eerst te lezen. Ik geef de poppenmeester graag 4.5 sterren.
July 4, 2024
زمانی که echoman رو میخوندم یادمه که تهش نوشته بودم کاش ادامه داشته باشه. سر جلد دوم وقتی ماجرا کلا به یه سمت دیگه رفت خیلی خوشحال نشدم، ولی حالا با پایان این جلد حس میکنم باید به یه جلد چهار فوقالعاده امید داشته باشم.
جلدا بهم مرتبط نیستن و فقط شخصیت کاراگاهشون یکیه، اما اگه از اول ماجرا رو بدونید بیشتر ازشون لذت میبرید.
جلدا بهم مرتبط نیستن و فقط شخصیت کاراگاهشون یکیه، اما اگه از اول ماجرا رو بدونید بیشتر ازشون لذت میبرید.
March 18, 2024
Ever since I’ve read The Echo Man and The Twenty by Sam Holland I’ve been anticipating The Puppet Master which is the third book in the Major Crimes series. If like me you like your crime fiction to have a deliciously dark plot, one that’s laden with tension, featuring the most twisted and disturbing protagonists, then this may just be the book for you.
Cara and her team are called in to investigate what appears to be a gruesome suicide. It soon becomes clear to Cara that these random suicides are anything but. It was great to catch up with Cara and her ‘misfit’ team. Many of the characters are dealing with the aftershocks from the previous books. Which impacts on both their professional and working lives. The plot is a chilling one driven by manipulation, a constant sense of unease bubbles from the pages.
The Puppet Master is definitely not one for the faint-hearted, because of its graphic crime scenes and shocking killings throughout. There were definitely quite a few scenes which made me want to sleep with the light on after reading them. I appreciate it when an author immediately catches the reader’s attention. I much prefer to be thrown into the action than a slow burn build up. Sam Holland does exactly this with a shocking opening chapter that propels the reader onwards into a dark, troubling tale that’s shrouded in suspense. Without a shadow of a doubt, Sam Holland is a natural born storyteller with a very vivid and disturbing imagination! The Puppet Master made for an addictive read and one I raced through. Fans of the series are going to love it. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommended.
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Cara and her team are called in to investigate what appears to be a gruesome suicide. It soon becomes clear to Cara that these random suicides are anything but. It was great to catch up with Cara and her ‘misfit’ team. Many of the characters are dealing with the aftershocks from the previous books. Which impacts on both their professional and working lives. The plot is a chilling one driven by manipulation, a constant sense of unease bubbles from the pages.
The Puppet Master is definitely not one for the faint-hearted, because of its graphic crime scenes and shocking killings throughout. There were definitely quite a few scenes which made me want to sleep with the light on after reading them. I appreciate it when an author immediately catches the reader’s attention. I much prefer to be thrown into the action than a slow burn build up. Sam Holland does exactly this with a shocking opening chapter that propels the reader onwards into a dark, troubling tale that’s shrouded in suspense. Without a shadow of a doubt, Sam Holland is a natural born storyteller with a very vivid and disturbing imagination! The Puppet Master made for an addictive read and one I raced through. Fans of the series are going to love it. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommended.
You can follow me at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
April 17, 2024
This is probably the best mystery thriller I’ve read this year. Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read! It was wonderfully messy. Full of shock and suspense that will make you pause. The realistic, screwed up characters made me care and I felt comfortable with them despite themselves. This was darkly suspenseful and I couldn’t put it down. Well written and cleverly paced each chapter just got better and better. I loved everything about it and highly recommend. Super excited about the next in this series.
Thanks HarperCollins via NetGalley!
Thanks HarperCollins via NetGalley!
March 29, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ action packed, full on and dark!!
He watches your every move…
We’ve all experienced it, that creeping sensation of eyes on your back.
The faint echo of footsteps following you.
He controls you … across the country, a madman is carefully choosing his victims.
Once he has you in his sights, you won’t let you go.
He will make you pay… You think you’re in control of your own life? Think again!!!
Because the Puppet Master is coming for you, and he won’t stop until you’re dead…
I went back and forth on what I would rate this one… my rating is probably closer to a 3.5 but I did enjoy it so I have rounded up. I enjoyed this one HEAPS more than the Echo Man which I have also read. I didn’t read the second book in this series but you don’t need to to understand what is going on. You don’t even need to have read Echo Man but there are references to what in that book which the author explains so its all good.
I did mostly enjoy the writing in this one… I was pretty intrigued by the premise and I thought I would give Sam Holland a second chance. The issue I had with the first book was that it was so far over the top and then some that I just couldn’t buy into it… I had some other issues with the story as well. This one was also over the top but I think thats the style and I don’t mind it when its goes wild but its when it gets ridiculous beyond words that I can’t handle it.
This one is definitely full on… its dark and its got some really seriously sick subject matter. I personally was all good with it… not that I was OK about what was happening but it didn’t make me want to stop reading. To be fair I have read every single Chris Carter book and they are sick and twisted… so this is pretty up there but not at that level so I was doing ok. If you aren’t up for sick and twisted I recommend maybe skipping this one.
The story was engaging and I do like Cara and Nate as characters they are pretty flawed but believably so and for reasons that make sense. There is never a dull moment in this book… if you need action packed you will always get it here. I felt like there were a few plot holes but nothing that really bothered me too much… I followed along the story pretty well.
I did kind of guess the baddie in this one… but I wasn’t 100% certain… the reasons for the crimes were a bit… hmmm really… but I also see where the links were I mean the baddie is a criminal soooo… i guess it doesn’t really matter the reason.
Overall, I don’t really have any complaints, this one was definitely heaps better than the first one for me so I do recommend it but watch your TWs. I would actually go and try the next one after reading this. I would like to see more Cara and Nate storyline… they are a good crime fighting Bro/Sis team.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, Sam Holland and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
He watches your every move…
We’ve all experienced it, that creeping sensation of eyes on your back.
The faint echo of footsteps following you.
He controls you … across the country, a madman is carefully choosing his victims.
Once he has you in his sights, you won’t let you go.
He will make you pay… You think you’re in control of your own life? Think again!!!
Because the Puppet Master is coming for you, and he won’t stop until you’re dead…
I went back and forth on what I would rate this one… my rating is probably closer to a 3.5 but I did enjoy it so I have rounded up. I enjoyed this one HEAPS more than the Echo Man which I have also read. I didn’t read the second book in this series but you don’t need to to understand what is going on. You don’t even need to have read Echo Man but there are references to what in that book which the author explains so its all good.
I did mostly enjoy the writing in this one… I was pretty intrigued by the premise and I thought I would give Sam Holland a second chance. The issue I had with the first book was that it was so far over the top and then some that I just couldn’t buy into it… I had some other issues with the story as well. This one was also over the top but I think thats the style and I don’t mind it when its goes wild but its when it gets ridiculous beyond words that I can’t handle it.
This one is definitely full on… its dark and its got some really seriously sick subject matter. I personally was all good with it… not that I was OK about what was happening but it didn’t make me want to stop reading. To be fair I have read every single Chris Carter book and they are sick and twisted… so this is pretty up there but not at that level so I was doing ok. If you aren’t up for sick and twisted I recommend maybe skipping this one.
The story was engaging and I do like Cara and Nate as characters they are pretty flawed but believably so and for reasons that make sense. There is never a dull moment in this book… if you need action packed you will always get it here. I felt like there were a few plot holes but nothing that really bothered me too much… I followed along the story pretty well.
I did kind of guess the baddie in this one… but I wasn’t 100% certain… the reasons for the crimes were a bit… hmmm really… but I also see where the links were I mean the baddie is a criminal soooo… i guess it doesn’t really matter the reason.
Overall, I don’t really have any complaints, this one was definitely heaps better than the first one for me so I do recommend it but watch your TWs. I would actually go and try the next one after reading this. I would like to see more Cara and Nate storyline… they are a good crime fighting Bro/Sis team.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, Sam Holland and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2024
Not a bad 3rd book in this series. Each book has been about a serial killer.
In this book, the killer is making it look like suicide.
All the detectives are the same as previous books.
They each have a background story. Kara Elliot was in The Echo man and this book. Kara's brother Griffin comes back to search for the serial killer after being away from the force.
Jamie, who was in The twenty, also comes back but can't get over the grief of losing his wife.
TW for suicide which is discussed at the end.
Not my favourite in series, but still a good detective thriller.
In this book, the killer is making it look like suicide.
All the detectives are the same as previous books.
They each have a background story. Kara Elliot was in The Echo man and this book. Kara's brother Griffin comes back to search for the serial killer after being away from the force.
Jamie, who was in The twenty, also comes back but can't get over the grief of losing his wife.
TW for suicide which is discussed at the end.
Not my favourite in series, but still a good detective thriller.
September 10, 2024
4/5 ⭐ (because I had no idea who did it)
4/5 🎧 (as previous instalments, single female narrator doing a banging job)
3/5 😱 (because there were some "fuuuuuuuuck" moments)
2/5 🤢 (because there again were some gross murder scenes)
This was good!
As a series, this has not been very consistent, nor all that memorable - i have read the first 2 some time ago, and had to go back to the reviews to remember who the hell was who and where they were and what were the backstories of some detectives. You kind of need to know that, so i would say as a stand alone this works but not completely.
Cara, her brother Nate, and Jamie we know from last 2 books, and they are now investigating a chain of what seem to be suicides, but turn out to be murders (the Puppet Master, get it?).
Basically, someone gets to vulnerable people and convinces them (indirectly) to end it all. And they do. In many different ways. There is a 'jump in front of train', 'shotgun to face', 'overdose on many many drugs', 'jump off the roof' and the usual, 'hang in a tree in a dog walker park'.
I had no idea who did it. But i had opinions while they were investigating. Like, wouldn't the first line of investigation be - go straight for the doctors / apothecary root? I felt like the team only got there half way through the book. Also, That was getting real old.
Actually, this story would work great as a mini series. Coming to you on Netflix soon maybe.
All my reviews of Major Crimes by Sam Holland
The Echo Man - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Twenty - ⭐⭐⭐
The Puppet Master - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4/5 🎧 (as previous instalments, single female narrator doing a banging job)
3/5 😱 (because there were some "fuuuuuuuuck" moments)
2/5 🤢 (because there again were some gross murder scenes)
This was good!
As a series, this has not been very consistent, nor all that memorable - i have read the first 2 some time ago, and had to go back to the reviews to remember who the hell was who and where they were and what were the backstories of some detectives. You kind of need to know that, so i would say as a stand alone this works but not completely.
Cara, her brother Nate, and Jamie we know from last 2 books, and they are now investigating a chain of what seem to be suicides, but turn out to be murders (the Puppet Master, get it?).
Basically, someone gets to vulnerable people and convinces them (indirectly) to end it all. And they do. In many different ways. There is a 'jump in front of train', 'shotgun to face', 'overdose on many many drugs', 'jump off the roof' and the usual, 'hang in a tree in a dog walker park'.
I had no idea who did it. But i had opinions while they were investigating. Like, wouldn't the first line of investigation be - go straight for the doctors / apothecary root? I felt like the team only got there half way through the book. Also, That was getting real old.
Actually, this story would work great as a mini series. Coming to you on Netflix soon maybe.
All my reviews of Major Crimes by Sam Holland
The Echo Man - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Twenty - ⭐⭐⭐
The Puppet Master - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 22, 2024
Another great one from this series. It’s good having a mix of main characters from books one and two in this one. Definitely read them in order or there will be big spoilers.
May 7, 2025
This author always delivers a great paced thriller full of red herrings.
The characters (almost all of them) are damaged people working a stressful job…what can go wrong? One of my pet peeves with this installment is the way they constantly think and talk about what they couldn’t get right instead of solving what’s in front of them. None of them are empathetic characters so there was not a single one that I rooted for.
Very exciting and thrilling especially the ending which I guess it’s the beginning of the next and final book of the series.
The characters (almost all of them) are damaged people working a stressful job…what can go wrong? One of my pet peeves with this installment is the way they constantly think and talk about what they couldn’t get right instead of solving what’s in front of them. None of them are empathetic characters so there was not a single one that I rooted for.
Very exciting and thrilling especially the ending which I guess it’s the beginning of the next and final book of the series.
September 24, 2025
Het verschijnen van De echoman (2022), het thrillerdebuut van Sam Holland, legde haar geen windeieren, want zowel dit boek als de opvolgers waren stuk voor stuk succesvol. Haar werk wordt in vijftien landen uitgebracht en in Nederland heeft ze zowel de Bronzen als Zilveren Vleermuis gewonnen. In augustus 2024 publiceerde ze haar derde thriller De poppenmeester, waarin een aantal oude bekenden opnieuw hun opwachting maakt, maar goed afzonderlijk van de voorgaande gelezen kan worden.
In de vroege ochtendspits komt een man op het spoor terecht en belandt onder de wielen van een goederentrein. Alles wijst erop dat hij zelfmoord heeft gepleegd, maar inspecteur Cara Elliott, die erbij wordt geroepen, heeft haar bedenkingen. Ze besluit de ware toedracht van deze dood te onderzoeken en roept daarvoor de hulp in van haar broer Nate Griffin, die het werk bij de recherche eigenlijk achter zich heeft gelaten. De zaak neemt een andere wending aan als Cara en haar team geconfronteerd worden met diverse andere opvallende sterfgevallen. De vraag is of ze de ware toedracht daarvan kunnen achterhalen.
Het eerste hoofdstuk liegt er niet om, want meteen is het raak en weet de auteur de lezer aan het verhaal te binden. Een verschrikkelijk voorval beschrijft ze alsof je er zelf bij aanwezig bent, enkele gruwelijkheden worden gedetailleerd beschreven en het gevoel van de personages komt realistisch en conform de werkelijkheid over. Waar het dan natuurlijk ook om gaat, is dat je nieuwsgierigheid gewekt wordt, want je wilt te weten komen hoe een en ander zal aflopen. Vanzelfsprekend blijft het hier niet bij, want in het vervolg van de plot komen meer vergelijkbare omstandigheden en gemoedstoestanden voor. Toch is het niet alleen maar huiveringwekkend of afschuwelijk en ligt de nadruk evenmin op alleen het politiewerk. Holland besteedt namelijk behoorlijk wat aandacht aan de privéperikelen van een aantal individuen. Niet per se noodzakelijk voor de gebeurtenissen, maar wel interessant om hen goed of beter te leren kennen.
In dit derde deel van de Major Crimeserie keert een aantal bekende personages terug en wordt zo nu en dan verwezen naar De echoman, Hollands debuut, maar hoewel het op zich geen probleem is dit boek afzonderlijk van de andere te lezen, is dit wel aan te raden. Want alleen daardoor kom je te weten waarom enkele rechercheurs hun eigen moeilijkheden hebben. Deze besognes zijn er echter wel de oorzaak van dat het er deze keer een stuk minder spannend aan toegaat dan in de twee voorgaande boeken. Dit is niet bezwaarlijk, want er gebeurt desondanks meer dan voldoende en er zijn hoe dan ook talloze plotwendingen die ervoor zorgen dat je je geen moment hoeft te vervelen. Spanning is er zo nu en dan, met name in de slotfase, maar het is allemaal net iets bedaarder.
Hoewel het verhaal vanuit verschillende perspectieven belicht wordt, gaat de meeste aandacht uit naar Cara Elliott en Nate Griffin en derhalve kom je tamelijk veel over hen te weten. Zonder enige twijfel boeiend, want beiden zijn intrigerende personen die – het kan eigenlijk niet anders – een verleden hebben waar ze nu nog mee te kampen hebben. De thriller heeft verder een goede en tevens gedegen opbouw en de auteur werkt naar een climax toe die de lezer aan het boek gekluisterd laat en eveneens tamelijk onverwacht is. In een soepele en beeldende schrijfstijl loods Holland je naar een ontknoping toe waarin alle losse eindjes aan elkaar geknoopt worden, maar die tevens de deur op een kier zet voor een vervolg. De poppenmeester is over het geheel genomen minder intens dan de voorgaande twee delen, maar zonder meer de moeite van het lezen waard.
In de vroege ochtendspits komt een man op het spoor terecht en belandt onder de wielen van een goederentrein. Alles wijst erop dat hij zelfmoord heeft gepleegd, maar inspecteur Cara Elliott, die erbij wordt geroepen, heeft haar bedenkingen. Ze besluit de ware toedracht van deze dood te onderzoeken en roept daarvoor de hulp in van haar broer Nate Griffin, die het werk bij de recherche eigenlijk achter zich heeft gelaten. De zaak neemt een andere wending aan als Cara en haar team geconfronteerd worden met diverse andere opvallende sterfgevallen. De vraag is of ze de ware toedracht daarvan kunnen achterhalen.
Het eerste hoofdstuk liegt er niet om, want meteen is het raak en weet de auteur de lezer aan het verhaal te binden. Een verschrikkelijk voorval beschrijft ze alsof je er zelf bij aanwezig bent, enkele gruwelijkheden worden gedetailleerd beschreven en het gevoel van de personages komt realistisch en conform de werkelijkheid over. Waar het dan natuurlijk ook om gaat, is dat je nieuwsgierigheid gewekt wordt, want je wilt te weten komen hoe een en ander zal aflopen. Vanzelfsprekend blijft het hier niet bij, want in het vervolg van de plot komen meer vergelijkbare omstandigheden en gemoedstoestanden voor. Toch is het niet alleen maar huiveringwekkend of afschuwelijk en ligt de nadruk evenmin op alleen het politiewerk. Holland besteedt namelijk behoorlijk wat aandacht aan de privéperikelen van een aantal individuen. Niet per se noodzakelijk voor de gebeurtenissen, maar wel interessant om hen goed of beter te leren kennen.
In dit derde deel van de Major Crimeserie keert een aantal bekende personages terug en wordt zo nu en dan verwezen naar De echoman, Hollands debuut, maar hoewel het op zich geen probleem is dit boek afzonderlijk van de andere te lezen, is dit wel aan te raden. Want alleen daardoor kom je te weten waarom enkele rechercheurs hun eigen moeilijkheden hebben. Deze besognes zijn er echter wel de oorzaak van dat het er deze keer een stuk minder spannend aan toegaat dan in de twee voorgaande boeken. Dit is niet bezwaarlijk, want er gebeurt desondanks meer dan voldoende en er zijn hoe dan ook talloze plotwendingen die ervoor zorgen dat je je geen moment hoeft te vervelen. Spanning is er zo nu en dan, met name in de slotfase, maar het is allemaal net iets bedaarder.
Hoewel het verhaal vanuit verschillende perspectieven belicht wordt, gaat de meeste aandacht uit naar Cara Elliott en Nate Griffin en derhalve kom je tamelijk veel over hen te weten. Zonder enige twijfel boeiend, want beiden zijn intrigerende personen die – het kan eigenlijk niet anders – een verleden hebben waar ze nu nog mee te kampen hebben. De thriller heeft verder een goede en tevens gedegen opbouw en de auteur werkt naar een climax toe die de lezer aan het boek gekluisterd laat en eveneens tamelijk onverwacht is. In een soepele en beeldende schrijfstijl loods Holland je naar een ontknoping toe waarin alle losse eindjes aan elkaar geknoopt worden, maar die tevens de deur op een kier zet voor een vervolg. De poppenmeester is over het geheel genomen minder intens dan de voorgaande twee delen, maar zonder meer de moeite van het lezen waard.
August 5, 2024
*4.5 stars rounded up.
I absolutely loved The Echo Man and The Twenty, so of course jumped at the chance to read The Puppet Master. Was wonderful to be reunited with DCI Cara Hunter and her team again.
What starts off as a violent suicide, soon becomes apparent that there are more questions than answers. As Cara and her team investigate they seem to see a serial pattern emerging.
Sam Holland has a way of writing serial killer books with twist and turns you won’t see coming. While this isn’t as gruesome (imo) as the previous two, it’s just as compulsive with Holland’s signature ability to make a messed up situation emotional and affecting with brilliant character development.
This one is a little tough to read at times with the dark subject matter, but with its fast pace and clever plotting it’s a book you won’t be able to put down. Highly recommended and can not wait for book 4!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advanced e-arc 🙏
I absolutely loved The Echo Man and The Twenty, so of course jumped at the chance to read The Puppet Master. Was wonderful to be reunited with DCI Cara Hunter and her team again.
What starts off as a violent suicide, soon becomes apparent that there are more questions than answers. As Cara and her team investigate they seem to see a serial pattern emerging.
Sam Holland has a way of writing serial killer books with twist and turns you won’t see coming. While this isn’t as gruesome (imo) as the previous two, it’s just as compulsive with Holland’s signature ability to make a messed up situation emotional and affecting with brilliant character development.
This one is a little tough to read at times with the dark subject matter, but with its fast pace and clever plotting it’s a book you won’t be able to put down. Highly recommended and can not wait for book 4!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advanced e-arc 🙏
August 15, 2024
Op een schijnbaar doodgewone maandagochtend komt een man onder de wielen van een locomotief terecht. Het lijkt een duidelijk geval van zelfmoord. Inspecteur Cara Elliot wordt naar de plaats delict geroepen en zet haar vraagtekens bij het sterfgeval. Ze haalt haar broer, ex-rechercheur Nate Griffin, over om te helpen, maar hij heeft zijn eigen problemen.
Dan volgen er meer opmerkelijke sterfgevallen: een schizofrene man, een vrouw die haar dementerende moeder verzorgt en een slachtoffer van verkrachting. Heeft iemand ze de dood ingejaagd? En wat hebben ze met elkaar gemeen? Kunnen ze de waarheid achterhalen voordat er meer slachtoffers vallen?
'De poppenmeester' is de nieuwste thriller van Sam Holland en het was weer een gruwelijk verhaal!
Eigenlijk is er vanaf het eerste moment al spanning en valt de eerste dode. Ik moet wel zeggen dat dit boek misschien heftig kan zijn voor een aantal lezers, want het onderwerp 'zelfdoding' komt regelmatig aan bod.
Cara wordt op de zaak gezet en samen met haar team zoekt ze uit of het ongeval op het spoor daadwerkelijk een ongeluk was, of dat er toch meer achter schuilt. En dan valt er een tweede dode en diegene is zeker niet de laatste in dit verhaal.
Het aantal slachtoffers in dit boek is enorm en hoe ze aan hun eind komen is ook steeds gruwelijk. De omschrijving van hun dood wordt goed op papier gezet en er is eigenlijk continu een aanwezige spanning.
Ook wordt er regelmatig naar 'De Echoman' verwezen, dus misschien is het wel beter om met dit eerste boek te beginnen.
Ik vond Cara een interessant personage, net als haar broer en ik hoop echt dat er dan ook een vierde deel gaat verschijnen! Het eindigt namelijk zo dat je met een heleboel vragen zit en enthousiast raakt over een vervolg.
'De poppenmeester' is dan ook zeker weer een zeer geslaagde thriller en ik wil @harpercollins_holland heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Dan volgen er meer opmerkelijke sterfgevallen: een schizofrene man, een vrouw die haar dementerende moeder verzorgt en een slachtoffer van verkrachting. Heeft iemand ze de dood ingejaagd? En wat hebben ze met elkaar gemeen? Kunnen ze de waarheid achterhalen voordat er meer slachtoffers vallen?
'De poppenmeester' is de nieuwste thriller van Sam Holland en het was weer een gruwelijk verhaal!
Eigenlijk is er vanaf het eerste moment al spanning en valt de eerste dode. Ik moet wel zeggen dat dit boek misschien heftig kan zijn voor een aantal lezers, want het onderwerp 'zelfdoding' komt regelmatig aan bod.
Cara wordt op de zaak gezet en samen met haar team zoekt ze uit of het ongeval op het spoor daadwerkelijk een ongeluk was, of dat er toch meer achter schuilt. En dan valt er een tweede dode en diegene is zeker niet de laatste in dit verhaal.
Het aantal slachtoffers in dit boek is enorm en hoe ze aan hun eind komen is ook steeds gruwelijk. De omschrijving van hun dood wordt goed op papier gezet en er is eigenlijk continu een aanwezige spanning.
Ook wordt er regelmatig naar 'De Echoman' verwezen, dus misschien is het wel beter om met dit eerste boek te beginnen.
Ik vond Cara een interessant personage, net als haar broer en ik hoop echt dat er dan ook een vierde deel gaat verschijnen! Het eindigt namelijk zo dat je met een heleboel vragen zit en enthousiast raakt over een vervolg.
'De poppenmeester' is dan ook zeker weer een zeer geslaagde thriller en ik wil @harpercollins_holland heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
February 28, 2025
I was pleased to see Nate return, and I appreciated how the dynamics shifted with the two teams now mixed together.
However, the overall story fell short of the electrifying excitement I had come to expect from the previous instalments. The portrayal of the assault was particularly disturbing; it left a lasting impact, yet I questioned its necessity within the narrative. It seemed more like a device for shock value than an integral part of the plot.
Sadly, this turned out to be my least favourite book in the series. The pacing felt sluggish, leaving me disinterested and unengaged; I found it difficult to stay eager to turn the pages. I lost interest in the plot and I didn't really care about the outcome
While Sam Holland is undeniably a talented writer with a knack for weaving intricate tales, this particular instalment just didn’t resonate with me as strongly as I had hoped.
However, the overall story fell short of the electrifying excitement I had come to expect from the previous instalments. The portrayal of the assault was particularly disturbing; it left a lasting impact, yet I questioned its necessity within the narrative. It seemed more like a device for shock value than an integral part of the plot.
Sadly, this turned out to be my least favourite book in the series. The pacing felt sluggish, leaving me disinterested and unengaged; I found it difficult to stay eager to turn the pages. I lost interest in the plot and I didn't really care about the outcome
While Sam Holland is undeniably a talented writer with a knack for weaving intricate tales, this particular instalment just didn’t resonate with me as strongly as I had hoped.
August 30, 2024
‘De poppenmeester’ is het derde boek in de Major Crimes serie van Sam Holland.
En om meteen met de deur in huis te vallen, nee de boeken zijn niet los van elkaar te lezen.
In dit derde deel krijgt Cara Elliot weer een vreemde en gruwelijke zaak in haar schoot geworpen. Wat lijkt op een mogelijke zelfmoord, veranderd al vlug in iets duisterders.
Ook haar broer Nate zien we weer terug in dit deel en laten we het er op houden dat het team in zijn totaliteit absoluut niet zichzelf is na alle gebeurtenissen in de twee voorgaande boeken.
Alles heeft er nogal, logisch, behoorlijk ingehakt.
Wat mij meteen brengt bij een puntje van aandacht. Een duidelijkere korte recap van de voorgaande gebeurtenissen tussen de regels door had fijn geweest. Ik had de twee voorgaande boeken niet meer zo helder in mijn hoofd.
Qua verhaallijn moet ik bekennen dat de zaak qua uitwerking het een en ander miste. Ik miste het goede recherche werk van de eerste twee boeken en de scherpzinnigheid van de rechercheurs.
Het leek alsof het onderzoek er minder toe deed en dat het verhaal vooral gericht was op het team van Cara Elliot en hun herstel na de vorige intense zaken.
Dit is natuurlijk helemaal prima. Echter kwamen daardoor de huidige gebeurtenissen en het onderzoek op mij wat chaotisch over. Ook viel de spanning daardoor, wat mij betreft, soms weg.
Gezien het behoorlijk pittige thema in dit verhaal, zelfmoord, had ik hier dus zeker meer van verwacht. Ik “voelde” het niet in deze derde thriller van Sam Holland.
Qua personages, en dan heb ik het over Cara en Nate Elliot en het team van Cara, was gelukkig voldoende uitwerking en verdieping aanwezig.
We weten nu zeker meer over hun achtergronden en hoe zij omgaan met dat wat ze dagelijks meemaken, maar ook waarmee hun eigen persoonlijke rugzak gevuld is.
Het maakte de personages realistisch en deze verdieping was zeker prettig.
Sam’s schrijfstijl is evenals de voorgaande boeken vlot en beeldend. En doordat de hoofdstukken niet lang zijn, is het gemakkelijk om lekker door te lezen.
Het einde laat een mooi lijntje open voor een vervolg. Al hoop ik dat Sam zich dan weer iets meer richt op een goede moordzaak.
Conclusie
‘De poppenmeester‘ is helaas niet mijn favoriet uit deze serie.
Het voelde alsof Sam een beetje zoekende was naar een balans tussen een nieuwe gruwelijke zaak en daarnaast de herstelperiode van haar personages.
Hierdoor voelde het verhaal soms wat warrig aan, kwam het thema zelfmoord niet lekker uit de verf naar mijn mening en viel de spanning wat weg omdat er meer aandacht uitging naar het team van Cara Elliot.
De keerzijde is wel dat zowel Cara als Nate en de rest van het team verdieping krijgen en dat we ze beter leren kennen op persoonlijk vlak.
De personages werden daardoor realistisch neergezet en dat gaf het verhaal persoonlijkheid.
Het verhaal is nog steeds fijn geschreven, maar in mijn ogen haalde deze thriller het niveau van de andere twee net even niet deze keer.
Wel kijk ik uiteraard weer uit naar een volgend boek van Sam Holland!
En om meteen met de deur in huis te vallen, nee de boeken zijn niet los van elkaar te lezen.
In dit derde deel krijgt Cara Elliot weer een vreemde en gruwelijke zaak in haar schoot geworpen. Wat lijkt op een mogelijke zelfmoord, veranderd al vlug in iets duisterders.
Ook haar broer Nate zien we weer terug in dit deel en laten we het er op houden dat het team in zijn totaliteit absoluut niet zichzelf is na alle gebeurtenissen in de twee voorgaande boeken.
Alles heeft er nogal, logisch, behoorlijk ingehakt.
Wat mij meteen brengt bij een puntje van aandacht. Een duidelijkere korte recap van de voorgaande gebeurtenissen tussen de regels door had fijn geweest. Ik had de twee voorgaande boeken niet meer zo helder in mijn hoofd.
Qua verhaallijn moet ik bekennen dat de zaak qua uitwerking het een en ander miste. Ik miste het goede recherche werk van de eerste twee boeken en de scherpzinnigheid van de rechercheurs.
Het leek alsof het onderzoek er minder toe deed en dat het verhaal vooral gericht was op het team van Cara Elliot en hun herstel na de vorige intense zaken.
Dit is natuurlijk helemaal prima. Echter kwamen daardoor de huidige gebeurtenissen en het onderzoek op mij wat chaotisch over. Ook viel de spanning daardoor, wat mij betreft, soms weg.
Gezien het behoorlijk pittige thema in dit verhaal, zelfmoord, had ik hier dus zeker meer van verwacht. Ik “voelde” het niet in deze derde thriller van Sam Holland.
Qua personages, en dan heb ik het over Cara en Nate Elliot en het team van Cara, was gelukkig voldoende uitwerking en verdieping aanwezig.
We weten nu zeker meer over hun achtergronden en hoe zij omgaan met dat wat ze dagelijks meemaken, maar ook waarmee hun eigen persoonlijke rugzak gevuld is.
Het maakte de personages realistisch en deze verdieping was zeker prettig.
Sam’s schrijfstijl is evenals de voorgaande boeken vlot en beeldend. En doordat de hoofdstukken niet lang zijn, is het gemakkelijk om lekker door te lezen.
Het einde laat een mooi lijntje open voor een vervolg. Al hoop ik dat Sam zich dan weer iets meer richt op een goede moordzaak.
Conclusie
‘De poppenmeester‘ is helaas niet mijn favoriet uit deze serie.
Het voelde alsof Sam een beetje zoekende was naar een balans tussen een nieuwe gruwelijke zaak en daarnaast de herstelperiode van haar personages.
Hierdoor voelde het verhaal soms wat warrig aan, kwam het thema zelfmoord niet lekker uit de verf naar mijn mening en viel de spanning wat weg omdat er meer aandacht uitging naar het team van Cara Elliot.
De keerzijde is wel dat zowel Cara als Nate en de rest van het team verdieping krijgen en dat we ze beter leren kennen op persoonlijk vlak.
De personages werden daardoor realistisch neergezet en dat gaf het verhaal persoonlijkheid.
Het verhaal is nog steeds fijn geschreven, maar in mijn ogen haalde deze thriller het niveau van de andere twee net even niet deze keer.
Wel kijk ik uiteraard weer uit naar een volgend boek van Sam Holland!
March 24, 2024
DCI Cara Elliott and her brother Nate Griffin are investigating a case they suspect to be a suicide but after further investigation there seems to be a lot more going on.
Another exciting story by Sam Holland that kept me on the edge of my seat, with unforgettable characters and a plot that kept me guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another exciting story by Sam Holland that kept me on the edge of my seat, with unforgettable characters and a plot that kept me guessing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2024
The Puppet Master by Sam Holland is book three in the Major crimes series and after reading the previous books in the series ‘The Echo Man’ and ‘The twenty’ I was excited to read this.
DCI Cara Elliot is back again investigating what first appears to be a string of suicides. But Cara is not sure. Her team thinks that these are all a cut and dry case. But tells them that they need to delve further and find that all these deaths are a result of a serial killer. The team are on a race to find them before more bodies turn up. With the help of her brother Griffin back on the team.
This is another fabulous episode in the series. I found it a bit tamer. Not as gritty and dark, more of a Police procedural than the previous two but I enjoyed it all the same. 5 stars.
DCI Cara Elliot is back again investigating what first appears to be a string of suicides. But Cara is not sure. Her team thinks that these are all a cut and dry case. But tells them that they need to delve further and find that all these deaths are a result of a serial killer. The team are on a race to find them before more bodies turn up. With the help of her brother Griffin back on the team.
This is another fabulous episode in the series. I found it a bit tamer. Not as gritty and dark, more of a Police procedural than the previous two but I enjoyed it all the same. 5 stars.
September 15, 2024
3.5-4⭐️
November 2, 2024
4-1/2 stars, rounded up
July 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this trilogy, I grew to love all the characters and wanted to speed through each book to find out what happens next!
May 21, 2024
The Puppet Master by Sam Holland is the #3 book in the series; Major Crimes. This one is an excellent follow up book in this incredible series. Sam Holland is an exceptional crime thriller author and writes so well that you feel immersed in her stories. I’ve read all three and highly recommend starting from the beginning but you could jump in here and still understand enough to enjoy this one. The story here has such an interesting and unique premise and that was what held my interest the most. While perhaps not as strong as the first book, this dark police thriller has all you would expect from this genre, including complex well-fleshed out characters, twists and red herrings, and a heart-stopping finale. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes next. Sam Holland is an auto-buy author for me.
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