Dwadzieścia

Major Crimes #2

by Sam Holland, Radosław Madejski (Translator)

Doświadczony superglina Adam Bishop nigdy nie widział czegoś podobnego. Na dzikim wysypisku śmieci zostają odnalezione ciała pięciu ofiar. Nad każdym z nich widnieje rzymska liczba wymalowana sprejem. Ale morderca nie powiedział jeszcze ostatniego słowa. Rozpoczyna się odliczanie.

Kiedy doktor Romilly Cole dowiaduje się o tajemniczych morderstwach, odżywają w niej wspomnienia traumatycznych wydarzeń z przeszłości. Próbuje pomóc w śledztwie, ale czy powinna? Z Bishopem łączy ją wspólna przeszłość, a ich współpraca nigdy nie kończyła się dobrze.

Trwa wyścig z czasem...

Kluczowe znaczenie dla śledztwa ma sprawa sprzed ćwierć wieku, z którą Romilly jest bezpośrednio związana. Z każdym dniem przybywa ofiar, a morderca jest coraz bliżej swego celu.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

448 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2023

About the author

Sam 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.

Reviews

[Lit with Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing: solid but not as good as when she's Louisa Scarr | Plot: fine | Ending: ight lmao chill

Phat ass trigger warning: stalking, gore, harm to an animal (not death)

SYNOPSIS

Three bodies are found with the roman numerals 14-12 above them, symbolizing a macabre countdown with ties to a case from nearly 30 years ago.

MY OPINION

I recently came to the realization that Sam Holland also writes as Louisa Scarr. And as an official member of the Louisa Scarr fan club, I had to check out her books as Sam Holland to see how they compare. In my irrelevant opinny, Sam Holland writes thrillers for the masses, and Louisa Scarr writes how she really wants to write. Me thinks the Butler & West series is her passion project, while the Major Crime series is to pay the mortgage. All speculation of course because who am I but an ignorant but loud voice on the interwebs? Anyways.

Despite the circumstances around the murder being quite dark and gruesome, it wasn't really doing anything for me. I wasn't creeped out and my butt cheeks stayed unclenched and floppy. Finally around 40% we get a lil reveal that injected some juice into the story, but then it just carried on it's merry but formulaic way. I found some of the dialogue cheesy (too many exclamation marks). The romance was juvenile, but not in a fun way like Butler & West who were serving sexual tension like no other. I didn't really care if they kissed or not, whereas the slow-burn that is Butler & West had me screaming NOW KISSSSSSSS at my Kindle.

It was all fine but honestly she could've kept the epilogue in the drafts. That was giving me Freida McFadden, and I don't mean that as a compliment. Speaking of Freida... there was a lot of similarities between this and one of McFadden's older books...................... plot twist LOL. And due to the similarities, I had a hint at where this murder-palooza was heading.

Anyways, I think if you liked Strange Sally DIamond, this will be RIGHT up your alley. I'm looking forward to reading The Echo Man because one of my trusted sources said it was whackadoodle and another one said it was a banger. WE SHALL SEEEEEEE!!!!

PROS AND CONS

Pros: I liked the pov of the baddie as a child, lots of action, despite being on the longer side it didn't feel like a chore to read, prose was good

Cons: didn't hit emotionally... I expected to feel scared or queasy but I was unbothered, didn't care for the romance between Bishop and Romilly, low-key found Bishop annoying, the epilogue should've been left in the drafts, lots of similarities with a Freida book that was published before this one

____________________________

For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a DARK police procedural mystery. No one is safe, don't get attached to any characters--they may either die or be responsible in some way. The Twenty follows The Echo Man, the main character in this one is DCI Adam Bishop. Cara Elliott from The Echo Man makes some appearances, but she's not a main character so this book can definitely be read as a standalone.

DCI Adam Bishop is called to a massive crime scene, many murdered people are discovered, and there are Roman Numerals next to the bodies that make it seem like the perpetrator is counting down. Then Adam is contacted by his ex, Dr. Romilly Cole, who tells him that these numbers are very similar to murders she is very familiar with from the past. But that person is in prison--can they be responsible for these new deaths?

I had buy in and was very invested for most of the book. The ultimate resolution to the case was intriguing and surprising. I liked how it unfolded and the tension was intense as there was so much danger to everyone involved. But...then for me, the epilogue really spoiled things. It fell into my OTTM (One Twist Too Many) category and was a bit eye-rolling. I also didn't love how much time was spent on the relationship melodrama between Romilly and Adam, and in general all of the sex scenes were completely unnecessary filler. Either give me a police procedural or give me romance, I really don't need both.

If you like a graphic, twisty, violent crime novel, then you've come to the right place. This is definitely a book worth reading and if you haven't read The Echo Man you are missing out.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[megs_bookrack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Twenty is the second book in Sam Holland's intense Crime Fiction series, Major Crimes.

I very recently read the first book in the series, The Echo Man, and was blown away by it. Gritty, gruesome and gripping, the taut mystery really did it for me.



I wasn't quite sure going in how exactly this one would be related to the first and it did take me a wee bit to figure out the connection.

These novels are set in the UK and I'm not super familiar with their criminal justice system, so please forgive me if I get the terminology wrong.



I think essentially, this involves the same large police department, but it just follows investigators at what in the U.S. would be called, a different precinct, than the first.

We aren't following any of the same main characters as the first book, but The Echo Man crimes are alluded to and one of the investigators from the first book is mentioned a few times, as well as getting her own cameo.



Our two mains here are DCI Adam Bishop and Dr. Romilly Cole. The crimes involved are numerous, brutal and perplexing. They also connect, in a way, to Romilly's past.

The case at the heart of the book involves bodies being found, in varying states of decomp, that have roman numerals marked above them. It quickly becomes evident that the killer is counting down and there's a way to go.

If they can't find this sadist and stop them in time, a lot more bodies are bound to fall.



This is another solidly-brutal and compelling story from Holland. It did take me a bit longer to get into this one; to connect, but it did pick up speed and intrigue in the second half. The end left my jaw on the floor.

There were a lot of complex relationship dynamics in this one and at times, I felt like those issues sort of overshadowed the overriding mystery. Or maybe, it would be more accurate for me to say that those relationship subplots distracted me from the overall mystery.

Because of this, the balance was a little off for my taste.



With this being said, I still found this to be a super enjoyable read. In my opinion, it would be hard to follow up The Echo Man, as it was such a fantastic debut.

I feel like Holland has succeeded with her sophomore effort. This delivered intrigue and action. It left me wanting more. Happily, it seems like with this ending, there will definitely be more books in this series.



Thank you so much to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait for the next book!

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Crooked Lane books, Sam Holland and Netgalley.
I'll admit that maybe I was expecting too much from this story. After reading "The Echo Man" which freaking blew me away!!
Thing is that it's not an unlikable book. It's just not even comparable to Sam's other book.
I clearly remember people and scenes from The Echo Man, but can only vaguely recall events from this book!?
Eh! What's a gal to do?
In this case, I'll just give it a mediocre rating and keep my eyes 👀👀 on the prize. That would be the next book from this author!
I'm ready!

[Youssra (semi ia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Not as great as The Echoman, but still really good!

What a roller coaster! What is that ending! Don't do this to my fragile heart Sam😭

This had a little bit of a rough start, but then it just kept getting weirder and crazier. The plot twists were not jaw-dropping, but they were still enjoyable and very well-executed imo. The killer in this book was absolutely deranged and there were some scenes in there that were hard to stomach😓

If you are a fan of crime thrillers and serial killers, then this series is for you and me bestie😅

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

To say I’ve been eagerly anticipating Sam Holland’s second novel is an understatement as the first The Echo Man was a huge hit with me. Indeed, The Echo Man is referred to as DCI Cara Elliott appears in this one too but The Twenty can very easily be read as a stand-alone.

‘Hell is empty and all the devils are here’ (Shakespeare) is certainly true here as ‘here be wickedness’ that beggars belief.

An anonymous watcher stands at the back of a crowded bar but worry not, it’s DCI Adam Bishop having a drink or two and trying to have a night off until DS Jamie Hoxton interrupts his reverie. They make their way gingerly to an empty construction site, more wasteland than anything, a fly tippers dream. There a horrifying sight awaits and shortly after all the appropriate agencies arrive at the scene. Adam notices an XII, then two further Roman numerals and multiple bodies are subsequently discovered. The killer is counting down and this is merely the start as the perpetrator is sending a message. What is to come? Adam and Jamie have no choice but to step into the nightmare.

This is a buckle up, strap yourself in rollercoaster read from the get go. Sam Holland sure knows how to create an atmosphere, it positively exudes fear and evil. To describe it as chilling is an understatement, it’s gritty, dark, violent, horrifying, perplexing and yes, of course, I can’t put it down. It’s a fast, fast paced shocker, gut puncher, eye popper, jaw dropper, brain freezer intense novel with a terrifying manipulator at its epicentre controlling the narrative. All the plot strands connect well with some revelations being body jolts. The tension at times is so taut and there are some scenes that are Hollywood worthy. I think some are permanently burned on my retina!

The characterisation is excellent, they’re all well fleshed out. Jamie and Adam are such a good contrast to each other, the latter being complex and complicated. Adam's ex-wife Romilly adds an extra dimension with her multitude of feelings coming across strongly.

Overall, the fortnight this is told over are all days to remember. OTT? Probably but I enjoy every word of it!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Helga چـو ایـران نباشد تن من مـباد · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chilling, macabre and twisty

The killer is counting down.

A deranged killer is in town,
a detective is bent on finding him,
while bodies keep piling up.
Buckle up and dive into the nightmare.

I recommend this and The Echo Man (the first book) to readers with a love for detective novels.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody knows that I love a dark and messed up serial killer thriller... I mean who doesn't? Sam Holland's first book, The Echo Man was absolutely brilliant and ticked every box for me. Her second book, The Twenty, amazing!  Yes, it is long, and detailed and lots of characters.  I could not get enough.  I did start to regret my decision to read it on a late-night train home on my own though!  This book will get into your head.⁣
⁣
DCI Detective Adam Bishop has landed the case of his career.  What first appeared to be a simple murder scene, turns into the location of multiple bodies, all marked with a number.  The race is on to find this killer. Adam's ex-wife, Romilly, is convinced that it is connected to a years old case where the same numbering happened, but that killer was caught and is behind bars. Is it a copycat or is he controlling it from prison? This book brings back some characters from The Echo Man and talks about the case quite a bit.  It can be read as a stand-alone, but why would you want to when The Echo Man is so good.  Sam Holland really gets into the head of the killer and of DCI Bishop.  This case is tearing him apart, the more the killer escalates.  It is an emotional book, one that won't let go of you until the very end, and then will have you thinking about it long after.

If you are a fan of Chris Carter and MJ Arlidge, then this is a must read for you. Get yourself a copy today. ⁣
⁣
Thanks so much to Crooked Lane Books for my advanced copy to read.  Easy 5 stars.⁣
⁣

⁣
⁣

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book and what an ending!!!!!!! I need the third book right this second please

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI Adam Bishop gets called to a crime scene, he meets his colleague DS Jamie Hoxton and the rest of the team at the scene in the dead of night where they find five bodies in total scattered around the crime scene then something catches Adam’s eye in green spray paint on a discarded fridge three symbols Xll. It’s seems out of place until he realizes it’s directly above the victim’s head. Jamie finds three more numerals in the same green spray paint XlV and XVI. The killer seems to be counting down, to what end. A case that twists and turns When Dr. Romilly Cole learns of the murders, they trigger memories of a traumatic childhood event she witnessed. She has tried hard to forget and move on. Getting involved with the case would be a disaster, she and Bishop have a history, and working together can’t end well as they both have unresolved issues towards each other. Adam and Romilly soon realize that the truth lies within a decades old case. Romilly holds the key but to what. They must act quickly as the body count rises with every passing day, as the numbers edges towards zero the murders hit closer to home….

The book is full of plot twists and psychological warfare that kept me awake late into the night turning the pages because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It is spread out over two weeks and briefly go back in time which flows seamlessly together. This is a dark story that is not for everyone it covers sexual abuse, child abuse, torture and sexual violence. I think it’s best to go in reading this dark as I did. If your a fan of the dark and macabre you will enjoy reading this book I was shocked at the twist at the end. It was OMG moment!!

Favourite Quote “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass: it’s about learning to dance in the rain. We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in”

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twenty just wrecked my soul.

This is unapologetically DARK. It is graphic. It is intense. Ruthless. Emotional. Gritty. It will rip your heart out and stomp it with vigor. And I LOVED it.

It's been a long time since I've had to put a book down after reading some macabre ass chapter, needing to do something that tethers me back to the safety of our fluffy reality.

I was really impressed with Sam Holland's debut last year, The Echo Man. So I was thrilled there was a sequel. And this one blew me away. BUT although it's a sequel, they could be read out of order as the stories don't rely on or build off of each other. Echo Man's MC, Cara Elliott, makes several cameos here, but that's about it. But do yourself a favor, just read them in order. The juice is worth the squeeze.

If you like serial killer storylines that are partially police procedural with short, taut chapters and good twists, then this is for you. I love it when a book leaves me absolutely clueless on the WHO and the WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON.

I will say, aspects of the ending storm into OTT territory. But I don't care, it fit right into the craziness of it all.

Sam Holland, respectfully, you're pretty f**ked up. I can't wait to see what you do next.

Take all the stars. Cheers!

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown Murders

If you haven't read The Echo man yet you should do that first. As with the previous book The Twenty was also dark and twisty. Fair warning that there are loads of triggers. The Twenty did have a bit of a slow start but it picked up quickly. The back story from book 1 really pulls it through.

I am anxiously awaiting to see what Sam produces next!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

The Twenty is the second in author Sam Holland's Major Crimes series, and while it takes place in the same region of Great Britain as its brilliant series predecessor, The Echo Man, the only direct connections between the two are a brief cameo appearance by DCI Cara Elliott and an assurance to readers in the author's acknowledgements that Nate Griffin will return soon.

The Twenty opens with the macabre discovery of first one, then four additional corpses on a local "fly tipping" (illegal dumping) site, each accompanied by a nearby tag featuring Roman numerals. DCI Adam Bishop is the senior investigating officer, aided by his associate DS Jamie Hoxton and newcomer to the team DC Ellie Quinn. Gradually, the bodies are identified and Bishop's team struggle to find links between them that might lead to a perpetrator.

Bishop's ex-wife, hospital physician Romilly Cole, raises her suspicions that the current crimes are linked to a grisly past investigation, one in which she had a shadowy personal involvement. Bishop and the police hierarchy are quick to dismiss her concerns, but as another victim is discovered and evidence supports her fears they must face the possibility that either a deadly copycat is at work, or that an imprisoned psychopath is pulling strings from behind prison walls...

The investigative narrative is punctuated with brief interludes from the perspective of a stalker-turned-killer, creating a sense of foreboding as they close in on their next victims. Meanwhile, we're also privy to reports of a 1995 criminal investigation with eerie parallels to the current series of killings. Events unfold to lead us towards a thrilling conclusion, with a final twist that will leave readers wondering.

Like The Echo Man, The Twenty is a tautly-plotted, intense read, with a cast of well developed flawed characters, and several shocking twists. There are many confronting themes and gory crime scenes, and while these aren't gratuitous they don't make easy reading at times. But for lovers of gritty and realistic crime fiction, The Twenty will prove an engrossing read.

My thanks to the author, Sam Holland, publisher HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and Netgalley (UK) for the opportunity to read and review this gripping title.

[STEPH · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam Holland. I love you and I totally loved "The Echo Man." but this is just something I'd rather forget. I'll pretend that this book doesn't exist.

I was expecting so much after reading "The Echo Man." It didn't have to be better than the first one but it could've been at least enjoyable but nah, it didn't have the magic the first book had. I know that's a bit unfair but I expected a bit more from this.

What went wrong? The writing perhaps? I feel like I was reading a book written by a different author. Like, in the middle of a chapter, I'd be like; "Is this Sam Holland? Who is this?" Also, the kills were a bit mellowed down and all over the place, maybe because the culprit's state of mind is also a mess? I don't know. I couldn't be bothered with it. And the twist? The killer reveal? Nah. That worked on the first one. Doing it a second time around is unimaginative.

One thing I liked about this though? Cara Elliot.

[Devi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. It took me a while to warm up to the characters. I loved the writing and the goriness of it all, but it didn't hit like The Echo Man. Me thinks I miss Griffin and Cara🥲 and Sam Holland promises they'll be back so that's great for me.

Reread: 5⭐ Still missed Griffin and Cara, but I had to give the deserving 5⭐ this time around.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on such a roll with all these good books! The Twenty did not let me down. Sam Holland has deserved her right to be an official auto-buy author for me. If you love a dark and twisty ride where there is no happy ending for anyone, then this book is for you. Make sure you can handle the trigger warnings though, this is not for the feint of heart. I honestly hate a happy ending! I find them so unrealistic… so in my eyes, Holland created perfection. The Twenty may even have been better than The Echo Man. That’s tough to accomplish as a sequel!

This author uses varied point of views to really make this novel creepy as hell. She alternates between third person point of view of the main characters, Romilly and Adam, and first person of the serial killer themself. There are also chapters from a mysterious “before” of a character unknown.

Detective Adam Stone stumbles upon the most heinous crime scene of 5 people murdered, destroyed, and dumped on a wasteland. All with Roman numerals painted like gravestones above their heads. A countdown. But to what? He had no idea that this would connect to the people closest to him and his troubled past.

Themes of manipulation, loss, abusive pasts, the struggle with truth, and the desire to be loved are all themes underlying these pages. Plot twists are revealed seamlessly. This novel had me in thrall the entire time. Holland is at her best and I look forward to what she has in store for the future. This book will be an easy recommendation for me, to those that can handle it. This book had everything I always hope for in a read, a well deserved 5 stars.

Trigger warnings- Rape, abuse, suicide, domestic violence, torture.

[Eline Van Der Meulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eindelijk een nieuw boek van Sam Holland! De 20 is het tweede deel van de Major Crimes reeks, maar is niet echt een vervolg op De echoman. Eén hoofdpersonage uit dat boek, zien we wel een korte opwachting maken in De 20, maar verder zijn de 2 boeken perfect van elkaar los te lezen. De 20 stond al een tijdlang hoog op mijn verlanglijst omdat De echoman echt een boek was om duimen en vingers bij af te likken. Een beetje vergelijkbaar met één van mijn favoriete schrijvers, Chris Carter. Met De 20 moet Holland zeker niet onderdoen voor dit andere schrijffenomeen. Het boek begint met de ontdekking van een zeer sterk toegetakeld lijk en daarbij een cijfer. Een cijfer dat onze rechercheur Adam Bischop maar al te goed kent.- De dader telt immers af van 20 naar…. Hij lijkt maar niet te stoppen te zijn en het is zoeken naar wie deze gruweldaden op zijn geweten heeft. Als de moorden dan ook nog eens verband houden met moorden van 25 jaar terug, is het al helemaal een chaos binnen het korps. Het boek leest als een trein, zit echt goed in elkaar en was alweer in een mum van tijd uit. De ontknoping was een schok en als je denkt dat je alles weet, val je uiteindelijk toch nog eens extra van de zetel. De 20 is net zoals De echoman een echte mustread voor de thrillerliefhebber en het is alweer reikhalzend uitkijken naar een nieuw verhaal van Sam Holland. Want wat kan ze schrijven! Voor De 20 geef ik een dikke 5 sterren!
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...

[Auđur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Holland just broke me 😳😳😳 if you love DARK thrillers then this is the book for you. I highly recommend giving this one a try.

[BearMi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating ⭐⭐⭐
Suspense rating 😱😱😱
Grossness rating 🤢🤢🤢

all the graphic descriptions of bodily functions..
listening about vomit for at least 5 minutes already.
there really isn't enough grossness in books nowadays.

Weellll well well.
This is going to be a ranty spoilery review, so if you don't want the SPOILERS, then don't read past the marker.

This is a disgusting story of how monsters are made even when you think they are born. And let me just say, what in the Hannibal Lecter's pants is going on with the British police force system? If you have read the Echo Man, you get it. I spent the time reading this story with a grossed-out scowl on my face.

We are invited to follow the murders of various people, each marked with a Roman numeral ranging from I to XX. Somehow, the murders seem to be related to the infamous serial rapist / murderer, who is serving his life sentence for his deeds. Also, somehow this dude, Elijah, is connected to Dr. Rommily, and her ex-husband Adam (the main investigator on the case of the Roman numerals murder victims). There are a couple of other side characters, some of whom do and also do not make the finish line.

Where the Echo Man is detailed in the gruesome descriptions of the crime scenes and the staged murders mimicking the 'great and terrible' serial killers of the past, The Twenty just shows us a lot of body fluids. A LOT. The whole book oozes slime, grime, blood and decay. Great, right? Sure, if this is what you are looking for. I was, kind of, but what I also wanted was an intricately built series of murders - and I was particularly missing the intricate bit. Also, where in The Echo Man we were treated to an extensive background story of the maniac, here we kind of get their backstory but not so much. Instead of loads of twists, we get some bland veering at the end. I certainly wasn't feeling the same anxiety at the end of this. Now, on to the SPOILERS!

⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔










SPOILERS (also for the Echo Man)












⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️



Ready?
Anyways,

Why, ffs, do we get the crooked cop responsible for serial killings, again???
Like, can we get some other murderer than a monster created by atrocious parenting by shitty parents, who, after a shoddy system takes over, is taking revenge on humanity by somehow murdering through some innocents as well as some police people.

That's all I'm asking. Some deeper meaning behind all this violence and destruction, other than revenge. I was just really bored after the first reveal, and then I still had 15% so it was like do I skim, or do I keep going? Elijah, the mastermind, is definitely written after a combination of deprived monsters, Hannibal Lecter among others. The author has thrown everything at the reader to make us feel like he was an absolute villain, evil incarnate, the devil. The book is entertaining enough, until it peters out into a mediocre resolve.

Then we get the epilogue. I saw it coming. Katherine, Elijah's daughter's shrink, the 'lost' victim... Stockholm syndrome, PTSS, I don't even know what else - his other right hand. Look, it seems like 'easy writing' - it feels like there are gaps in the storytelling. She was mentioned a couple of times and it didn't feel like she was all that important which made me think she probably was very very important. Will this keep me from reading the next book in the series? Definitely not. I will be there, screaming "staaaaaawp" at my reader.


All my reviews of Major Crimes by Sam Holland
The Echo Man - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Twenty - ⭐⭐⭐
The Puppet Master - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[The Book Review Café · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read many, and I mean MANY, crime thrillers, I’m looking for a book that’s going to keep my attention. It has to be complex, gritty, dark, and horrifying. The killer is one one that sends an icy chill down my spine and keeps me awake at night! The Twenty is all these things and so much more. Sam Holland had my full attention from the start, with a gory, stomach-lurching crime scene. Definitely not one for the fainthearted!

A murder victim left at a macabre crime scene leads to the discovery of more victims and spray painted above each victim is a number that suggests the killer is counting down. Adam Bishop and DS Jamie Hoxtonare are tasked with the investigation. From the beginning there’s a sense of urgency to the plot, because the clock is ticking and with every passing day, the body count begins to climb.

The characterisations are thoroughly developed, despite Adam and Jamie having very contrasting personalities they collaborate extremely well. Sam Holland takes serial killer thrillers to a whole new level, as the reader you get a fascinating insight into the dark, disturbed and dangerous mind set of the killer. Peppered with chapters narrated by the killer’s voice, the fury that emanates from these chapters is palpable.

The author discards characters with great effect, it makes the plot that much more unpredictable. It also leaves the reader on tenterhooks, as you are never sure who the next victim will be. There’s tension, shocks, and the all important twists and turns that ensure the pace never waivers. The Twenty is a chilling addictive serial killer thriller that made for a ‘heart in mouth’ blood curdling read.

my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...

[Karen Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5

If you’ve read books written by Chris carter, this is your jam! It has everything you can imagine but I couldn’t help but compare the experiences of reading Chris’s latest book Genesis to this book. I have to say, I can stand the gore details and what not, but this book was too much for me. Before I even start this review and discuss how I feel I’m just gonna put a warning out: this book is graphic, but I find it too sexually graphic. It’s very heavy on the SA stuff, and a lot of detail of sexual acts that even I had to take a pause from. I found it slightly too unnecessary to put that level of detail in a book.

The book follows Adam Bishop, DCI who’s investigating a dead body dumped in an abandoned building site, when he stumbles across Roman numerals on plaques which lead to the discover of four more additional bodies. What was intended to be a murder case, ends up being a murdering spree and it’s up to Adam and his right hand man Jamie to led the team. It’s up there with action, suspense thriller build up everything a Chris carter books has. The gore and details or the murders and who bodies that are discovered is very graphic, but the biggest put off is the descriptions of SA. I think this book should come with a warning on the level of detail and graphic nature which is not kind.

With Chris carters genesis, you don’t need to have so much gory activity and you can create such a heavy psychological atmosphere whereas for Sam Holland I feel as though she was relying too much of the heavy SA details to create and fed the emotions. If I had to compare the books, I would stick with Chris carter as I don’t think he’s ever gone so explicit with the SA stuff. I think Chris is levels different. The other thing I didn’t like was the ending didn’t make much sense in a way. It seemed pointless but anyways. It’s not an ending you’ll expect I’ll tell you that.

Overall I would have given this a 5 stars at the first 200 pages. I was glued to my seat reading, pages were turning and time flew by I really did enjoy the read. The plot was twisty and hard to predict. The physical hardback is great, writings were huge. No issues with the physical reading experience But when you’re 250 pages deep and the explicit details role in, it drops for me. Found it too much, and made me start to question why go to such graphic levels, was it compensating for the plateau on the plot. Felt like the plot was building up for too long, and it had too many twists for me. Why bring in characters to stop mentioning them in the end (I.e Adams ex wife Romilly’s boyfriend- yes Sam also throws in a complex relationship with this!). It felt like some characters didn’t serve a purpose, and some where killed off to force a reaction/ movement in plot. I don’t know, the book felt super excessive in detail, makes me really question why go so much it’s all unnecessary. This is one dark dark book.

Not too sure if I would go for another one if there is another one. This book makes me question where you draw the line in graphic details, and when is pushing the boundaries. Personally, as someone who has read graphic gory deaths/ murders (other than Chris Carter genesis - which did shock me on the level of detail) this book is up there on graphic gory details (it definitely push the boundaries for me - which I am starting to become more aware of) definitely not the best book if gory murders/ heavy reference to SA is not your cup of tea!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark disturbing story of a serial killer who is leaving numbers next to each victim.
A fast paced thriller with lots of twist and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[David (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read "The Echo Man" by Sam Holland then you are missing out. It's a dark, gritty, police procedural. This book is technically a sequel but the main characters are changed up so you can read it as a standalone.

This book stars DCI Adam Bishop who when arrives at what he thinks is a standard murder scene finds roman numerals by the bodies. We have a serial killer! And he (or she) is counting down. But why??

It's hard to review this book without comparing it to "The Echo Man" and they have many similarities. Both not only take you to a dark place but they keep you submerged in it for a long time. This one is gruesome and everyone is in constant danger. This one could have been shortened a tad, in my opinion. Sometimes I feel like crying out, "Uncle!" Or any other safe word you have to make the pain go away. lol.

Anyway this one is highly recommended. I think I like "The Echo Man' more but it's still a excellent book. Maybe not a beach read? Maybe a read by yourself in a dark room kinda read?

I really appreciate Crooked Lane books for giving me a advance reader copy to read for free for my honest review. It is out now.

[Alisonbookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was the second book after The Echo Man.
A serial killer is on the loose. He's already killed 12 women in the neighbourhood.
Adam and Jamie, who are detectives, are on the case they can't solve.
As soon as they get close another woman dies.
The back story is a boy named Eli who was tortured by his drunk father.
These two stories come together but not as you would expect.
It ends on a cliffhanger, I thought. I'll have to read the third book and see.
Not for the faint of heart. Just an FYI.
This is the closest to horror I like to get, but consider this a detective thriller.

[Silvie Klokgieter · Rating 4 out of 5]

In het holst van de nacht arriveert rechercheur Adam Bishop op de plek waar een flink toegetakeld lichaam is ontdekt. Het is een gruwelijk tafereel, maar het met spuitbus aangebrachte cijfer boven het lijk bezorgt Adam pas écht koude rillingen. Er zijn namelijk al meer slachtoffers, en bij elk lichaam is een nummer gevonden: 20, 19, 18… De moordenaar telt af, maar waarom?

Adam heeft geen idee wat het motief is, totdat dr. Romilly Cole bij hem aanklopt en hem erop wijst dat de zaak overeenkomsten vertoont met een reeks moorden die vijfentwintig jaar geleden plaatsvond. Het is een zaak uit Romilly’s verleden die haar blijft achtervolgen. Nu maakt de moordenaar het echter persoonlijk. 4, 3, 2…

Ik zal maar meteen duidelijk zijn: WOW, wat was dit een heftig en gruwelijk verhaal! Je leest al vrij snel over het eerste slachtoffer en de cijfers. Niet veel later worden er nog meer lichamen gevonden en deze slachtoffers zijn allemaal vreselijk aan hun eind gekomen. De manier waarop wordt in detail beschreven en hier houd ik dus van! Lekker gruwelijk en bloederig.

Je leest over Adam en zijn ex-partner Romilly. Zij speelt ook een grote rol in dit verhaal en ze denkt dat deze moorden te maken hebben met het verleden. Maar welk verleden? Dit wordt naarmate je het verhaal leest steeds duidelijker en ondertussen blijven er maar slachtoffers vallen.

Sommige hoofdstukken zijn cursief geschreven en deze lees je vanuit de dader. Dit was ook interessant, want ik had echt geen idee wie dat kon zijn.

Het privéleven van Adam komt ook regelmatig aan bod en hij raakt steeds meer betrokken bij deze gruwelijke seriemoordenaar.

'De 20' blijft tot het einde spannend en toen ik het boek dichtsloeg zat ik echt zo van: 'Wow, dat was een heftig einde. Ik wil eigenlijk niet dat het verhaal afgelopen is!'

Dit boek is prima als losstaand deel te lezen. Er wordt wel af en toe verwezen naar het voorgaande deel, 'De Echoman', maar dit is absoluut niet storend!

Ik wil @harpercollins_holland / @worldofthrillers heel erg bedanken voor dit recensie-exemplaar en ik kijk uit naar het nieuwe werk van @samhollandbooks!

Beoordeling: 4,5 ⭐

[Gem ~ZeroShelfControl~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 4*
Plot: 5*
Pace: 4*
Characters: 5*
Twist: 2*

This was a brilliant follow up to The Echo Man, which I adored last year. I wasnt sure it was a sequel but by the end i realised it was (I again didnt read the blurb). The graphicness of this one was great, LOADS of blood.
I loved the new characters, and the name drops and cameos from the first. The only let down for me was the twist, there were too many hints as to who it was an I felt let down I guessed it. However the epilogue was FANTASTIC, and if I remember rightly, the prologue in the first book is one of my all time faves!! If you liked The Echo Man, I'm sure youll love this one.

[Krissy (books_and_biceps9155) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Echo Man was in my Top of 2022, so when I heard @samhollandbooks had another coming out-I HAD to have it!

For my folks who are squeamish or do not like the “very dark” thrillers, you may want to look away. This one is tense, full of suspense, gore and all of the police procedural. Its graphic and I loved every minute of it.

I think what makes this one so intense is that it is truly believable. As sick as it is-it could happen. It’s cinematic in its telling and the characters are so well fleshed out. Since there are repeat themes/characters here you really get to delve deeper. The authors attention to detail, research and her past in psychology really shines through and it makes it that much more sinister and damn creepy.

If you read this one, pay attention to all the little bread crumbs and red herrings you get. You still won’t get the twist-but it does make it much more interesting.

[Linda (Lily) Raiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twenty - Sam Holland

“ By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.” William Shakespeare, Macbeth, 1606.

This quote is the opening quote to Part 1.

📕 When DCI Adam Bishop arrives at the crime scene in the dead of night, the sight of the body is bad enough—but what Adam notices next chills him to his core. More bodies surface. And the spray-painted numbers daubed above the corpses reveal the horrific truth: the killer is counting down. But to what end?

Adam has no idea—until Dr. Romilly Cole knocks on his door with damning evidence pointing to a series of murders twenty five years earlier—a case she knows intimately from her past. Now, it’s personal—and the next knock on his door could be fatal.

🤩 The Echo Man was one of my top ten reads last year, and The Twenty will be on my top ten this year. If possible, I think Sam holland has outdone herself with this new instalment. Sorry to fangirl you @samholland I was so gobsmacked by the end!

Straight up, this is dark, gruesome and macabre. If I still have your attention, read on. It’s full of red herrings, and twists and turns that will have you scratching your head. So clever are all the plot twists, I had no idea where this was going.

Though not necessary to read The Echo Man (although I highly recommend you do) this can easily be read as a stand alone. If serial killers, facing your (worst) fears and a cleverly crafted police procedural are your jam, then read this! You wont be disappointed.

Outstanding, brilliant 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to @crookedlanebook @netgalley for a complimentary review copy ❤️

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see a pattern emerging in the works of Sam Holland, she really likes the anti-hero. The main characters are broken individuals who mentally and physically are exhausted and drained but without their paranoia and questionable behavior we wouldn’t have a plot. The character that controls the plot and the action of others (the puppeteer) is in both of her books and by the title of the next installment “The Puppet Master” I guess it will be included as well.

This is a standalone novel with cameo appearances by Cara Elliott. There are so many similarities between both books that the series is acquiring a certain character. Vague endings, jaded characters and a really fine line between goodness and just plain evil. In this installment, almost all the characters had a sense of desperation and cynicism, they needed redemption or just simply a lucky break.

Just waiting for the next installment to come out. This is a fantastic series.

[Elke Eelbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

In dit boek gebeurt erg veel, de moorden volgen elkaar op en het onderzoek naar de moordenaar drait op volle toeren. Enkele onverwachte twists maken dat het de hele tijd spannend blijft en niet verveelt.
Het boek omvat 3 delen die vlot op elkaar aansluiten.