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Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies
A brand new darkly humourous serial killer thriller for fans of How to Kill Your Family and The Thursday Murder Club. What happens when a serial killer forgets that he’s a serial killer?
When Gilbert Williams, a resident at Sunset House Care Home, claims to have once killed someone, care assistant Will Cavanagh initially dismisses his claims – he’s frail and vulnerable, he can’t imagine him ever killing someone – but he can’t seem to let his comments go. What if it’s true? What if he really did kill someone and he’s forgotten that he isn’t supposed to tell anybody…
When Gilbert Williams, a resident at Sunset House Care Home, claims to have once killed someone, care assistant Will Cavanagh initially dismisses his claims – he’s frail and vulnerable, he can’t imagine him ever killing someone – but he can’t seem to let his comments go. What if it’s true? What if he really did kill someone and he’s forgotten that he isn’t supposed to tell anybody…
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
111 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 11, 2025
Packed with dark humor, eccentric characters, and plenty of twists, Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies took me on a thoroughly cozy—but twisted—ride. That being said, there was also some serious depth to the onion-like plot. Taking a serious look at loss in all of its forms, it took me into the heart of human relationships that made me think long and hard. But it was the unwinding mystery that had me mostly hooked on the story. A combo of a missing persons and serial killer premise, the curveballs thrown knocked me back over and over. Witty, sharp, and with a satirical edge, there were definitely some vague Thursday Murder Club vibes. All told, my eyes were most certainly glued to the pages until I reached the very last word of this unputdownable crime fiction/mystery novel.
Unfortunately, though, there were some flaws. From the massive character list to the somewhat haphazard plotting in the beginning, it was initially difficult to fall into the story. My biggest pet peeve, though, was the conclusion. With an open ending that was mildly confusing, I’m still not quite sure who the true culprit was. Considering how addicted I was to this story, that was a letdown I wasn’t expecting. Despite that, however, I still had a blast flying through this quick, easy read. With a retirement home setting, a fun amateur sleuth, and extensive backstories that made me truly get to know all of the narrators—including the villain—Julie Lancaster gave me a rollicking good time. So come one, come all to Sunset House…you’ll be so glad you stopped by! Rating of 3.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
At Sunset House the tea is barely introduced to a teabag, the carpets are permanently flecked with glitter and care assistant Jolene would rather be watching daytime television than caring for the elderly – but someone might just have confessed to murder.
Most think Gilbert’s sudden claim – ‘When I killed her’ – is likely to be the dementia talking. Or a spoiler for Midsomer Murders. Probably. Now, between bingo, staff drama and a suspicious game of pass the parcel, someone’s about to dig up more than buried memories…
Thank you to Julie Lancaster and One More Chapter for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 19, 2025
Content warning: dementia, missing persons, terminal cancer, child abuse, child death, violence, murder
Unfortunately, though, there were some flaws. From the massive character list to the somewhat haphazard plotting in the beginning, it was initially difficult to fall into the story. My biggest pet peeve, though, was the conclusion. With an open ending that was mildly confusing, I’m still not quite sure who the true culprit was. Considering how addicted I was to this story, that was a letdown I wasn’t expecting. Despite that, however, I still had a blast flying through this quick, easy read. With a retirement home setting, a fun amateur sleuth, and extensive backstories that made me truly get to know all of the narrators—including the villain—Julie Lancaster gave me a rollicking good time. So come one, come all to Sunset House…you’ll be so glad you stopped by! Rating of 3.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
At Sunset House the tea is barely introduced to a teabag, the carpets are permanently flecked with glitter and care assistant Jolene would rather be watching daytime television than caring for the elderly – but someone might just have confessed to murder.
Most think Gilbert’s sudden claim – ‘When I killed her’ – is likely to be the dementia talking. Or a spoiler for Midsomer Murders. Probably. Now, between bingo, staff drama and a suspicious game of pass the parcel, someone’s about to dig up more than buried memories…
Thank you to Julie Lancaster and One More Chapter for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 19, 2025
Content warning: dementia, missing persons, terminal cancer, child abuse, child death, violence, murder
September 25, 2025
EXCERPT: Sunset House was located on the crest of a steep hill above a car park, like a cherry on top of a coconut madeleine, although less visually appealing, and had once been a children's home.
Occasionally, Jolene would notice a stick man in biro on one of the walls or a tiny HELP ME behind a cupboard door, which she assumed one of the children had written, but it could have been one of the care home residents, she supposed. It was a draughty building, especially at night and during a thunderstorm, a Trespass fleece an essential requirement. Windows would rattle in their frames and hinges would creak and sometimes Jolene would feel a warm breath on her neck or sense a shadowy blur to the right of her and suddenly she was in her very own horror film.
She'd have to remind herself that it was just a building and buildings couldn't hurt you, no matter how eerie they might be. Only people did that.
ABOUT 'REMEMBER WHERE YOU'VE BURIED THE BODIES': What happens when a serial killer forgets that he’s a serial killer?
When Gilbert Williams, a resident at Sunset House Care Home, claims to have once killed someone, care assistant Will Cavanagh initially dismisses his claims – he’s frail and vulnerable, he can’t imagine him ever killing someone – but he can’t seem to let his comments go. What if it’s true? What if he really did kill someone and he’s forgotten that he isn’t supposed to tell anybody…
MY THOUGHTS: I'm not exactly sure what Julie Lancaster was trying to achieve here. The premise is certainly intriguing, but after having finished reading in a state of utter confusion, and a reread of the final chapters early this morning not clarifying anything, I wonder if perhaps the author was trying to be a bit too clever? I'm still unclear as to who actually abducted/killed whom.
I found the first couple of chapters confusing, but then I settled in and was really enjoying the read. Will is fixated on Gilbert Williams having killed - possibly multiple young women. Jolene is bearing the burden of her older sister having disappeared years ago, no trace ever having been found of her.
No, they don't work together on this, just the opposite. And young women continue to disappear . . . Police become involved, new characters and theories appear . . . and disappear.
The chapters are short and interspersed with entries from a person or persons unknown. Are they all from the same person? I still don't know . . .
Remember where You've Buried the Bodies is a complex - maybe too complex - read with multiple twists and turns. I can envisage the plot having been hatched amongst a group of friends one night over a bottle of whisky, the ideas getting wilder as the level in the bottle drops. But buried deep in here, is an intriguing story. I found parts of it; I'd love to find the rest.
I love the cover!
⭐⭐⭐
#RememberWhereYouveBuriedtheBodies #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: JULIE LANCASTER graduated with a law degree and currently works as a library assistant. She lives in Staffordshire.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Remember Where the Bodies Are Buried by Julie Lancaster for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Occasionally, Jolene would notice a stick man in biro on one of the walls or a tiny HELP ME behind a cupboard door, which she assumed one of the children had written, but it could have been one of the care home residents, she supposed. It was a draughty building, especially at night and during a thunderstorm, a Trespass fleece an essential requirement. Windows would rattle in their frames and hinges would creak and sometimes Jolene would feel a warm breath on her neck or sense a shadowy blur to the right of her and suddenly she was in her very own horror film.
She'd have to remind herself that it was just a building and buildings couldn't hurt you, no matter how eerie they might be. Only people did that.
ABOUT 'REMEMBER WHERE YOU'VE BURIED THE BODIES': What happens when a serial killer forgets that he’s a serial killer?
When Gilbert Williams, a resident at Sunset House Care Home, claims to have once killed someone, care assistant Will Cavanagh initially dismisses his claims – he’s frail and vulnerable, he can’t imagine him ever killing someone – but he can’t seem to let his comments go. What if it’s true? What if he really did kill someone and he’s forgotten that he isn’t supposed to tell anybody…
MY THOUGHTS: I'm not exactly sure what Julie Lancaster was trying to achieve here. The premise is certainly intriguing, but after having finished reading in a state of utter confusion, and a reread of the final chapters early this morning not clarifying anything, I wonder if perhaps the author was trying to be a bit too clever? I'm still unclear as to who actually abducted/killed whom.
I found the first couple of chapters confusing, but then I settled in and was really enjoying the read. Will is fixated on Gilbert Williams having killed - possibly multiple young women. Jolene is bearing the burden of her older sister having disappeared years ago, no trace ever having been found of her.
No, they don't work together on this, just the opposite. And young women continue to disappear . . . Police become involved, new characters and theories appear . . . and disappear.
The chapters are short and interspersed with entries from a person or persons unknown. Are they all from the same person? I still don't know . . .
Remember where You've Buried the Bodies is a complex - maybe too complex - read with multiple twists and turns. I can envisage the plot having been hatched amongst a group of friends one night over a bottle of whisky, the ideas getting wilder as the level in the bottle drops. But buried deep in here, is an intriguing story. I found parts of it; I'd love to find the rest.
I love the cover!
⭐⭐⭐
#RememberWhereYouveBuriedtheBodies #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: JULIE LANCASTER graduated with a law degree and currently works as a library assistant. She lives in Staffordshire.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Remember Where the Bodies Are Buried by Julie Lancaster for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 2, 2025
I received a free copy of, Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies, by Julie Lancaster, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. A resident at a care home, said he killed someone back in the day, is he telling the truth? I read a book similar to this book recently. This book had really twisted people in it.
August 16, 2025
Gilbert lives in Sunset house care home, and he is also suffering from dementia. He is attending a residents birthday party when one of the carers Will Cavanagh overhears him confess killing someone. He first dismisses it, thinking it is just the Dementia talking but then thinks it might be true. So, at first, he starts his own investigation into it just to make sure that it’s not true.
I was interested in this story from the blurb and even the title intrigued me. I thought it was just up my street. It is a mix of mystery and cosy crime and had a slight tinge of humour to it. Although I did enjoy this story found that there was a lot of layers to this story and lots of characters that I couldn’t keep up with who is who and he spoilt it for me a bit. That I could.t engage to the story as properly as I should. 3 stars from me.
I was interested in this story from the blurb and even the title intrigued me. I thought it was just up my street. It is a mix of mystery and cosy crime and had a slight tinge of humour to it. Although I did enjoy this story found that there was a lot of layers to this story and lots of characters that I couldn’t keep up with who is who and he spoilt it for me a bit. That I could.t engage to the story as properly as I should. 3 stars from me.
July 4, 2025
I was highly intrigued by the premise which is what led me to want to read the book.
Although I have to admit I felt very confused, I couldn't really figure out who was meant to have done what. Some parts did catch my attention, like the care home scenes. I did find the added humour a nice touch but I just felt it was lacking something. Maybe there was too many characters to keep up with.
Not sure it was for me however im sure there are lots of other people who will have been able to follow it better and will enjoy it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy.
Although I have to admit I felt very confused, I couldn't really figure out who was meant to have done what. Some parts did catch my attention, like the care home scenes. I did find the added humour a nice touch but I just felt it was lacking something. Maybe there was too many characters to keep up with.
Not sure it was for me however im sure there are lots of other people who will have been able to follow it better and will enjoy it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy.
January 5, 2026
An interesting concept with elements of cosy mystery, dark humour, and deteriorating memory.
Set at the Sunset House Care Home, care assistant Will hears a resident overhear a resident claim he once killed someone. Is it true? What if he had killed someone and forgotten he is supposed to keep the secret?
This book is told through varying perspectives and quick chapters. There are a number of twisted individuals in this story.
This book could work well for a bookclub, as there is plenty to discuss.
Set at the Sunset House Care Home, care assistant Will hears a resident overhear a resident claim he once killed someone. Is it true? What if he had killed someone and forgotten he is supposed to keep the secret?
This book is told through varying perspectives and quick chapters. There are a number of twisted individuals in this story.
This book could work well for a bookclub, as there is plenty to discuss.
September 13, 2025
An interesting twist on a cozy mystery
Will is working as a care assistant in a residential home, Sunset House. Whilst on his shift, one of the residents appears to confess to murder. Will is uncertain whether this is dementia, or if the gentleman is talking about a historical crime.
Jolene also works at the care home; she keeps hidden the fact that her own sister went missing many years ago and is an unsolved case. She has had a difficult life and upbringing since then and there is much depth to her character and story. Julie Lancaster has written this well to show how much the family is affected by the crime, as well as the victim. You cannot help but feel sorry for Jolene and how she has since been treated.
The story is a quick short chapter read that has you wanting more. It is written from several points of view and includes flashbacks to the murderer; the crimes and life being led at that time. I found this an extremely clever way of building the story, anticipation and mystery, whilst as a reader trying to pull all the component parts together to answer my questions.
There are a few twists and turns along the way together with some misdirection which keeps the reader guessing. My only criticism was the ending, for me it was a little unclear. I even went back to reread certain sections.
All in all, worth a read and recommended. Would be good for a book club as much discussion could be had throughout as well as at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Uk, One More Chapter and Julie Lancaster for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 19 September 2025.
Will is working as a care assistant in a residential home, Sunset House. Whilst on his shift, one of the residents appears to confess to murder. Will is uncertain whether this is dementia, or if the gentleman is talking about a historical crime.
Jolene also works at the care home; she keeps hidden the fact that her own sister went missing many years ago and is an unsolved case. She has had a difficult life and upbringing since then and there is much depth to her character and story. Julie Lancaster has written this well to show how much the family is affected by the crime, as well as the victim. You cannot help but feel sorry for Jolene and how she has since been treated.
The story is a quick short chapter read that has you wanting more. It is written from several points of view and includes flashbacks to the murderer; the crimes and life being led at that time. I found this an extremely clever way of building the story, anticipation and mystery, whilst as a reader trying to pull all the component parts together to answer my questions.
There are a few twists and turns along the way together with some misdirection which keeps the reader guessing. My only criticism was the ending, for me it was a little unclear. I even went back to reread certain sections.
All in all, worth a read and recommended. Would be good for a book club as much discussion could be had throughout as well as at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Uk, One More Chapter and Julie Lancaster for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 19 September 2025.
August 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Part crime-thriller, part contemporary fiction, this book told in multiple POVs twists and meanders along, bouncing from victim to victim, case to case. Threads of different missing girls all pull together towards the end, everything seemingly unrelated then completely entwined. What can be done when an apparent serial killer slowly loses his memories to dementia in an old peoples home? Will the truth ever come out? At times the broad cast of characters felt detrimental to the story flow, but each was compelling and interesting so would hook me back in again. Unlike many standard thrillers, this didn’t feel like it had a satisfying conclusion, but it also didn't necessarily need one. Some questions were answered while others remain open-ended - and that's the way of life!
Part crime-thriller, part contemporary fiction, this book told in multiple POVs twists and meanders along, bouncing from victim to victim, case to case. Threads of different missing girls all pull together towards the end, everything seemingly unrelated then completely entwined. What can be done when an apparent serial killer slowly loses his memories to dementia in an old peoples home? Will the truth ever come out? At times the broad cast of characters felt detrimental to the story flow, but each was compelling and interesting so would hook me back in again. Unlike many standard thrillers, this didn’t feel like it had a satisfying conclusion, but it also didn't necessarily need one. Some questions were answered while others remain open-ended - and that's the way of life!
September 4, 2025
I had such high hopes but it fell soo flat.
Thrillers are supposed to be punchy, fast paced, with characters to root for. This was a slog to get through, bogged down with weird disjointed prose and the most boring cast of characters.
Not to mention that I liked Will until we learnt he was a CREEP, there are too many people with J names and even the cute British references wasn't a vibe.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
Thrillers are supposed to be punchy, fast paced, with characters to root for. This was a slog to get through, bogged down with weird disjointed prose and the most boring cast of characters.
Not to mention that I liked Will until we learnt he was a CREEP, there are too many people with J names and even the cute British references wasn't a vibe.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
November 21, 2025
There was so much depth to this book that I felt like I needed to be taking notes to keep up with everything that was happening. It was a book I felt like I couldn't put down because I was so absorbed and confused at the same time that I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
But there were some flaws that I just couldn't get past, like the massive list of characters; I couldn't keep up with who was who. Plus, the plot in the beginning was all over the place, so I was rather confused. And then, the ending was open-ended and super confusing.
But there were some flaws that I just couldn't get past, like the massive list of characters; I couldn't keep up with who was who. Plus, the plot in the beginning was all over the place, so I was rather confused. And then, the ending was open-ended and super confusing.
September 19, 2025
Had me from the beginning, through to the end. Thoroughly engaging
September 5, 2025
3.5⭐️
This book has the title and the premise that just sucks you in.
It started strong - i was hooked and very intrigued what will come next, but then it was just too much of everything. Don't get me wrong, book was interesting and there were few twists that surprised me but it left me with a lot of questions too.
The story has multiple POVs which was ok but all these characters were too weird, i guess - i didn't felt like i got to know them.
I think that the serial killer with dementia was the only sane one in this bunch. And the ending was too abrupt, it was building, building, building and then whoosh done.
I loved the writing - it was really well written, words were flowing, sentences were abstract but on point.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book has the title and the premise that just sucks you in.
It started strong - i was hooked and very intrigued what will come next, but then it was just too much of everything. Don't get me wrong, book was interesting and there were few twists that surprised me but it left me with a lot of questions too.
The story has multiple POVs which was ok but all these characters were too weird, i guess - i didn't felt like i got to know them.
I think that the serial killer with dementia was the only sane one in this bunch. And the ending was too abrupt, it was building, building, building and then whoosh done.
I loved the writing - it was really well written, words were flowing, sentences were abstract but on point.
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
3.5⭐️
I loved the premise of this novel, a resident in a care home with dementia starts talking about having “killed” several different women and the dilemma of his carers as to how to deal with this information. And I liked the extra dimension added by one of his carers being someone whose own sister had gone missing many years previously and how this affected the way she dealt with everything happening.
I also enjoyed the flashes back to the past and getting the serial pov and motivations, following him through glances into his life and slowly gathering the threads together of what had happened.
However, I did struggle somewhat with the general unlikeability of almost all the characters, even those we should have been able to feel some sympathy for. And there were just too many crisscrossing paths and unrelated back stories that seemed unnecessary, with almost every character having some past crime/dark secret. And what could have been one or two satisfying red herrings turned into a more frustrating fully stocked pond of them!
I did feel there was a resolution to most of the storylines, but others it felt like were just left hanging which is possibly more realistic but didn’t leave me feeling as satisfied as I would’ve hoped for.
My thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
I loved the premise of this novel, a resident in a care home with dementia starts talking about having “killed” several different women and the dilemma of his carers as to how to deal with this information. And I liked the extra dimension added by one of his carers being someone whose own sister had gone missing many years previously and how this affected the way she dealt with everything happening.
I also enjoyed the flashes back to the past and getting the serial pov and motivations, following him through glances into his life and slowly gathering the threads together of what had happened.
However, I did struggle somewhat with the general unlikeability of almost all the characters, even those we should have been able to feel some sympathy for. And there were just too many crisscrossing paths and unrelated back stories that seemed unnecessary, with almost every character having some past crime/dark secret. And what could have been one or two satisfying red herrings turned into a more frustrating fully stocked pond of them!
I did feel there was a resolution to most of the storylines, but others it felt like were just left hanging which is possibly more realistic but didn’t leave me feeling as satisfied as I would’ve hoped for.
My thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
June 12, 2025
Picture this: Sunset House where the residents are celebrating Doris's 90th birthday when suddenly Gilbert blurts out, "She wasn't smiling when I killed her." Does he have dementia or is it something else? Will and Jolene work there but they're not talking. Vacillating in time between the present and the past, we see missing girls, skeletons, identity theft...and the list goes on! What's not to love?
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 5, 2025
There were too many characters, povs and timelines. All were somehow entwined and practically every character a creep, from stalker, kleptomaniac, cultist to murderer.
The end was confusing, too many (new) revelations happened too quickly.
The premises of the book, a serial killer with dementia, was actually interesting but he got sidelined but all the others....
seems I'm not alone with this opinion.
The end was confusing, too many (new) revelations happened too quickly.
The premises of the book, a serial killer with dementia, was actually interesting but he got sidelined but all the others....
seems I'm not alone with this opinion.
September 25, 2025
absolutely fantastic, a brilliant book
Read it, read it, read it, read it, read it, read it, read it!
It’s a phenomenal book and I did not want it to end.
I sincerely hope that Julie Lancaster writes lots and lots more.
Read it, read it, read it, read it, read it, read it, read it!
It’s a phenomenal book and I did not want it to end.
I sincerely hope that Julie Lancaster writes lots and lots more.
October 8, 2025
Audio.. might have to go back and actually read this one
October 2, 2025
This book has an interesting enough premise to make you want to read it, but it was as if it was trying to accomplish too many things at once, ending up leading nowhere. It was entertaining seeing how all the characters ended up being connected to one another, but it got to a point where it started being confusing and I didn't really care about the story, just getting to the end. Which I found very disappointing.
August 19, 2025
A review is something personal, and it’s the most natural thing in the world that tastes differ. A certain book can be highly praised by many, while for others it’s just not their thing at all. For me, a review is about how I experienced the story, and it has nothing to do with its quality.
I was immediately drawn to the title of the book. That could only mean funny situations, I thought to myself. The blurb also convinced me and sparked my curiosity, so with great interest I opened it.
Some stories throw you right into the action. Others first provide some background information and therefore have a slower start, like this book. I don’t mind that at all, as long as it can still capture and hold my attention. And that’s where the problem lay...
There are a large number of characters, and at times I no longer knew exactly who was who. I was completely confused and in the end couldn’t figure out who was supposed to have done what, or who was supposed to be doing what.
I am not a quitter. I know how much work goes into creating a book, and that’s why I find it respectful to read it all the way through, so I have a complete picture. Unfortunately, this did not bring me any relief.
There were certainly interesting parts, and from time to time a smile appeared on my face. However, I couldn’t find the glue to hold all the pieces together.
With much regret, I can only give 2 stars. Sorry.
Thank you
I was immediately drawn to the title of the book. That could only mean funny situations, I thought to myself. The blurb also convinced me and sparked my curiosity, so with great interest I opened it.
Some stories throw you right into the action. Others first provide some background information and therefore have a slower start, like this book. I don’t mind that at all, as long as it can still capture and hold my attention. And that’s where the problem lay...
There are a large number of characters, and at times I no longer knew exactly who was who. I was completely confused and in the end couldn’t figure out who was supposed to have done what, or who was supposed to be doing what.
I am not a quitter. I know how much work goes into creating a book, and that’s why I find it respectful to read it all the way through, so I have a complete picture. Unfortunately, this did not bring me any relief.
There were certainly interesting parts, and from time to time a smile appeared on my face. However, I couldn’t find the glue to hold all the pieces together.
With much regret, I can only give 2 stars. Sorry.
Thank you
July 4, 2025
Thank you harpercollinsuk and NetGalley for the ARC of Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster 💌📚
This book had me HOOKED from page one! 😱 Meet Gilbert Williams — your not-so-typical sweet old man… he’s actually a SERIAL KILLER pensioner 😳💀
One little secret slips out at the care home, and suddenly Will (his carer) is thrown into a dark, twisty investigation 🔍🧠
I LOVED the characters — quirky, flawed, fascinating 🙌 especially Will, who was written with so much depth and heart ❤️ The dark setting? Chef’s kiss 🌒✨ Julie Lancaster knows how to set the mood — creepy, suspenseful, but also hilarious in the darkest ways 😂🕷️
There were SO many twists and turns, I never knew what was coming next! 🎢 I laughed, I gasped, and I couldn’t put it down until the very end 📖🔥
If you’re into dark comedy, murder mysteries, and unpredictable thrillers, this one’s for YOU 💣💀🖤
This book had me HOOKED from page one! 😱 Meet Gilbert Williams — your not-so-typical sweet old man… he’s actually a SERIAL KILLER pensioner 😳💀
One little secret slips out at the care home, and suddenly Will (his carer) is thrown into a dark, twisty investigation 🔍🧠
I LOVED the characters — quirky, flawed, fascinating 🙌 especially Will, who was written with so much depth and heart ❤️ The dark setting? Chef’s kiss 🌒✨ Julie Lancaster knows how to set the mood — creepy, suspenseful, but also hilarious in the darkest ways 😂🕷️
There were SO many twists and turns, I never knew what was coming next! 🎢 I laughed, I gasped, and I couldn’t put it down until the very end 📖🔥
If you’re into dark comedy, murder mysteries, and unpredictable thrillers, this one’s for YOU 💣💀🖤
September 19, 2025
Kept me guessing from start to finish, “Remember where you’ve buried the bodies ” is filled with twists and turns and an interesting array of characters. I Couldn’t decide if I could trust some of the characters or not, unreliable characters and narrators are one of favorites to read. The setting and the premise was very unique and it was overall a fun and fascinating read.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 29, 2025
I’m not someone who likes to call books a summer or winter read. My reading mood isn’t linked to the weather but I know a lot of people like those labels or find them helpful. Well, this book could be perfect for spooky season since it’s a mystery. But I can also say it was perfect for a summer week in which we were all trying to survive a horrible heatwave. This really was a perfect book for that moment because I sometimes feel like I don’t want to read when it’s hot. I feel tired and my brain doesn’t want to cooperate. Well, not while reading this book. It kept me so intrigued I was looking forward to heading to a nice spot in the park where I could read and not melt. So it can be a spooky season read, a summer/beach read, a winter read (because mysteries and winter are a perfect combination), …a great book to pick up whenever.
I didn’t need too read much of the premise to know I was interested. A serial killer forgets they are a serial killer? Tell me more because I’m listening.
As a premise, I find it very original. The idea of serial killers and missing people is pretty simple so adding that little twist made the book stand out from the beginning. The title is obviously going to get people’s attention too. And the mix of serious topics and a bit of humour worked so well. Very British too, which I love since that’s more my type of humour.
Even though I’ve been reading this genre for a few years, I’m still trying to find which subgenres I enjoy the most. This book will be included as a subgenre of mystery/thriller I enjoy. It had all the perfect elements for me: interesting characters I liked reading about, a mystery that kept me guessing, social commentary, the humour I mentioned, …plus being a page-turner, which is something we expect from this genre but it’s not always the case.
I’m always obsessed with structure and pace and find that to be such a key element in mystery books. That’s another positive for this book. The little bits of information we got about the missing girls helped put the pieces of the mystery puzzle together very well but didn’t give away too much. What I’m guessing was an intentional choice of hiding the names of some characters until later in the book was also well done. It made me doubt whether what I thought I knew was right or not. Maybe it was a trick from the author. I like that.
We had a few red herrings too and perhaps that’s the small negative I want to point out. A few minor characters worked as red herrings and they were effective at that. That’s not the issue for me. But then it’s like they disappeared and I would have liked to get an explanation, even if it was very brief, about why they did all those things that made them suspicious in the first place. I kept waiting for that and it didn’t happen. Though it’s not something that made me like the book less but since I’m trying to do a proper review, it’s worth mentioning.
The social commentary is always important to me. Here we have families destroyed by the disappearance of a family member and how everyone copes with that. From the little siblings to the parents, each one reacted differently but you can also see a pattern. And I find that’s a pattern that reflects the reality of these situations quite well. But also, we see it from the outside while some characters see it as something that’s affected their lives. So it’s especially heartbreaking to see how the siblings feel and also how unfair they can be with their parents, just because the pain of that loss causes more pain. And the victim is the missing person but those who will never know where their loved one is also feel like victims. And in their own way, they are victims too. It’s portrayed really well in this book, in my opinion. Being a nuanced topic, it’s not always easy and it was done very well.
To sum up my feelings about this book, it was exactly what I needed it to be. Entertaining, well written, funny but also emotional, suspenseful and a little creepy at times. The resolution of the mystery is one I’m really into. Because it makes sense and adds to the story and the commentary. I didn’t find it the most shocking but I felt satisfied by it as a reader.
So I definitely recommend this book. As far as all the similar books I’ve read recently, it’s probably the one I feel most people can enjoy. So I’ll recommend it to them.
Thank you to One More Chapter, HaperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.
I didn’t need too read much of the premise to know I was interested. A serial killer forgets they are a serial killer? Tell me more because I’m listening.
As a premise, I find it very original. The idea of serial killers and missing people is pretty simple so adding that little twist made the book stand out from the beginning. The title is obviously going to get people’s attention too. And the mix of serious topics and a bit of humour worked so well. Very British too, which I love since that’s more my type of humour.
Even though I’ve been reading this genre for a few years, I’m still trying to find which subgenres I enjoy the most. This book will be included as a subgenre of mystery/thriller I enjoy. It had all the perfect elements for me: interesting characters I liked reading about, a mystery that kept me guessing, social commentary, the humour I mentioned, …plus being a page-turner, which is something we expect from this genre but it’s not always the case.
I’m always obsessed with structure and pace and find that to be such a key element in mystery books. That’s another positive for this book. The little bits of information we got about the missing girls helped put the pieces of the mystery puzzle together very well but didn’t give away too much. What I’m guessing was an intentional choice of hiding the names of some characters until later in the book was also well done. It made me doubt whether what I thought I knew was right or not. Maybe it was a trick from the author. I like that.
We had a few red herrings too and perhaps that’s the small negative I want to point out. A few minor characters worked as red herrings and they were effective at that. That’s not the issue for me. But then it’s like they disappeared and I would have liked to get an explanation, even if it was very brief, about why they did all those things that made them suspicious in the first place. I kept waiting for that and it didn’t happen. Though it’s not something that made me like the book less but since I’m trying to do a proper review, it’s worth mentioning.
The social commentary is always important to me. Here we have families destroyed by the disappearance of a family member and how everyone copes with that. From the little siblings to the parents, each one reacted differently but you can also see a pattern. And I find that’s a pattern that reflects the reality of these situations quite well. But also, we see it from the outside while some characters see it as something that’s affected their lives. So it’s especially heartbreaking to see how the siblings feel and also how unfair they can be with their parents, just because the pain of that loss causes more pain. And the victim is the missing person but those who will never know where their loved one is also feel like victims. And in their own way, they are victims too. It’s portrayed really well in this book, in my opinion. Being a nuanced topic, it’s not always easy and it was done very well.
To sum up my feelings about this book, it was exactly what I needed it to be. Entertaining, well written, funny but also emotional, suspenseful and a little creepy at times. The resolution of the mystery is one I’m really into. Because it makes sense and adds to the story and the commentary. I didn’t find it the most shocking but I felt satisfied by it as a reader.
So I definitely recommend this book. As far as all the similar books I’ve read recently, it’s probably the one I feel most people can enjoy. So I’ll recommend it to them.
Thank you to One More Chapter, HaperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book.
August 1, 2025
When carer Will hears what sounds like a murder confession from one of the residents in his care home, he is unsure what to do. Is this a misunderstanding of a dementia addled mind or is something more sinister about to be uncovered?
The blurb and premise for Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies is great, and I was really looking forward to reading it. I think part of the reason I struggled with this book is it’s marketing, the way the blurb is written makes it sound like a dark comedy (in-fact the phrase ‘darkly funny’ is used). However, the book is a complex crime thriller, with no real comedy involved. In fact, strangely, the murder confession and the elderly man at the centre of them seems to take a backseat to the drama going on with other characters in the plot.
The chapters alternate perspectives – there’s Will, the carer who initially hears the confession, but who also has a dark habit of his own and Jolene, another carer whose sister disappeared when she was younger. There’s also Rex, the police officer with a sick wife and his partner Cathy who loves musicals and fancies herself a forensic investigator. There’s then flashback chapters from the perspective of the victims of an unknown perpetrator. It’s a lot to keep track of and some of the characters seem to blur together at points as well. There’s also no-one to really root for – all of the main characters have some kind of secret which shows them as deeply flawed, but this comes at a detriment to being able to empathise with them.
When I finished the book, I wondered if I had been pushing myself too hard to finish it and missed something, as I found the entire plot to be very confusing. However, reading other reviews I am not the only one to feel this way. I was following it up until a point and then suddenly, lots of threads seemed to come out of nowhere and I still can’t really tell you what actually happened to most of the plot points. This isn’t helped by a narrative that seems intent on introducing lots of new characters and ideas, even right up to the end, when really an author should be wrapping up what we already know, and not presenting new things to the reader. Also, the writing style includes a lot of tangents throughout which made it hard to follow what was happening.
Overall, I sadly found Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies really hard to follow and confusing - and looking at other reviews I am not the only one to have this opinion. It’s a great premise but it needs a lot of editing and re-working to help in its execution. Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK – One More Chapter for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
The blurb and premise for Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies is great, and I was really looking forward to reading it. I think part of the reason I struggled with this book is it’s marketing, the way the blurb is written makes it sound like a dark comedy (in-fact the phrase ‘darkly funny’ is used). However, the book is a complex crime thriller, with no real comedy involved. In fact, strangely, the murder confession and the elderly man at the centre of them seems to take a backseat to the drama going on with other characters in the plot.
The chapters alternate perspectives – there’s Will, the carer who initially hears the confession, but who also has a dark habit of his own and Jolene, another carer whose sister disappeared when she was younger. There’s also Rex, the police officer with a sick wife and his partner Cathy who loves musicals and fancies herself a forensic investigator. There’s then flashback chapters from the perspective of the victims of an unknown perpetrator. It’s a lot to keep track of and some of the characters seem to blur together at points as well. There’s also no-one to really root for – all of the main characters have some kind of secret which shows them as deeply flawed, but this comes at a detriment to being able to empathise with them.
When I finished the book, I wondered if I had been pushing myself too hard to finish it and missed something, as I found the entire plot to be very confusing. However, reading other reviews I am not the only one to feel this way. I was following it up until a point and then suddenly, lots of threads seemed to come out of nowhere and I still can’t really tell you what actually happened to most of the plot points. This isn’t helped by a narrative that seems intent on introducing lots of new characters and ideas, even right up to the end, when really an author should be wrapping up what we already know, and not presenting new things to the reader. Also, the writing style includes a lot of tangents throughout which made it hard to follow what was happening.
Overall, I sadly found Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies really hard to follow and confusing - and looking at other reviews I am not the only one to have this opinion. It’s a great premise but it needs a lot of editing and re-working to help in its execution. Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK – One More Chapter for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog
July 1, 2025
Reading Journal Details
Book: Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster
Format Read: Kindle eBook (~384 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
My Quick Take Review
A darkly humorous and emotionally compelling satirical thriller with a killer premise; literally! Some pacing dips and timeline confusion aside, Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies delivers a memorable and distinctly original ride.
Some Key Features
🧠 Dementia
👴 Retirement home
💎 Bracelet
🥡 Foodie
💀 Serial Unaliver
My Full Review
I just finished Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster, and I have to say, it was a very delightful and refreshing surprise! A serial killer who's forgotten they're a serial killer? Say no more... I was hooked.
Something that stood out strongly was how perfectly it blended humor and suspense. Writing a funny thriller isn't easy, but Lancaster pulled it off beautifully. The satire hit just right, never undermining the darker undertones or the mystery at the heart of the story.
I have to give a special shoutout to the setting, as it's such a clever choice. Using a retirement home for elderly as the main backdrop for a thriller with satirical elements? That's absolutely brilliant. It brought a fresh, unique vibe to the story and added unexpected depth and charm in the most delightful ways.
Character development was top-tier across the board. Both the leads and supporting cast were layered, flawed, and emotionally rich. There were some really standout quotes and internal musings throughout, moments that made me pause and think, even admit all the humor and chaos.
That said, the pacing wasn't perfect. I noticed a few slow parts where the story kind of lost steam, especially when shifting back and forth between timelines. I did struggle early on with the lack of clear timeline indicators, but once I caught on to the structure, it actually made following along more interesting and added to the story's layered feel.
Overall, Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies was an entertaining, darkly funny, and surprisingly emotional thriller that proves satire and suspense can absolutely coexist when done right. If you want something original that'll make you laugh and squirm while admiring good writing, definitely give this one a shot!
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Julie Lancaster, and NetGalley for providing me an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this clever satire thriller in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
Book: Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster
Format Read: Kindle eBook (~384 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
My Quick Take Review
A darkly humorous and emotionally compelling satirical thriller with a killer premise; literally! Some pacing dips and timeline confusion aside, Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies delivers a memorable and distinctly original ride.
Some Key Features
🧠 Dementia
👴 Retirement home
💎 Bracelet
🥡 Foodie
💀 Serial Unaliver
My Full Review
I just finished Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster, and I have to say, it was a very delightful and refreshing surprise! A serial killer who's forgotten they're a serial killer? Say no more... I was hooked.
Something that stood out strongly was how perfectly it blended humor and suspense. Writing a funny thriller isn't easy, but Lancaster pulled it off beautifully. The satire hit just right, never undermining the darker undertones or the mystery at the heart of the story.
I have to give a special shoutout to the setting, as it's such a clever choice. Using a retirement home for elderly as the main backdrop for a thriller with satirical elements? That's absolutely brilliant. It brought a fresh, unique vibe to the story and added unexpected depth and charm in the most delightful ways.
Character development was top-tier across the board. Both the leads and supporting cast were layered, flawed, and emotionally rich. There were some really standout quotes and internal musings throughout, moments that made me pause and think, even admit all the humor and chaos.
That said, the pacing wasn't perfect. I noticed a few slow parts where the story kind of lost steam, especially when shifting back and forth between timelines. I did struggle early on with the lack of clear timeline indicators, but once I caught on to the structure, it actually made following along more interesting and added to the story's layered feel.
Overall, Remember Where You've Buried the Bodies was an entertaining, darkly funny, and surprisingly emotional thriller that proves satire and suspense can absolutely coexist when done right. If you want something original that'll make you laugh and squirm while admiring good writing, definitely give this one a shot!
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Julie Lancaster, and NetGalley for providing me an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this clever satire thriller in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5 stars for me.
(rounded up to 4)
this was an interesting and entertaining read. personally, it was a little hard to dive into at first as to get an idea of the writing style. i've never read anything by this author, so their style was new to me. there are moments of past mixed with present, which did make it confusing at times. the structure of the dialogues were different, but not at all difficult to understand. despite of all that, the premise and storyline was good, and why i had to finish it to the end.
the author did well in giving us a little something to keep reading. there are bits and pieces to keep you intrigued, and characters who pique your interest outside of the main cast. it keeps a reader wanting to solve the mystery and figure out where it's all headed. all in all, it's a decent read.
i got drawn in from the start because i've volunteered at a nursing care home, including spending a lot of free time there in the past to visit my grandparents. i have close family members and friends who are actively working in nursing homes, so i get to hear stories--funny, sad, and/or creepy. nonetheless, it posed some of the questions i always thought about the patients there. "who were they before their memories faded? what are some things they've done?"
it gets dark and twisty the deeper you dive in, but it's also humorous. i love books that has dark humor, and i think that was the cherry on top for me. despite my rating, i think others will find it more suitable to them. if you give it a chance, i'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised the thrilling ride this takes you on.
would i recommend it? oh, absolutely! yes, it'll take some time to get an idea of what you're going into. but it's still worth the read. i'm definitely going to recommend this to someone who works in a nursing home. i think they'd get a kick out of it. haha!
thank you to One More Chapter of HarperCollinsUK for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC via NetGalley. i leave this review voluntarily. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
(rounded up to 4)
this was an interesting and entertaining read. personally, it was a little hard to dive into at first as to get an idea of the writing style. i've never read anything by this author, so their style was new to me. there are moments of past mixed with present, which did make it confusing at times. the structure of the dialogues were different, but not at all difficult to understand. despite of all that, the premise and storyline was good, and why i had to finish it to the end.
the author did well in giving us a little something to keep reading. there are bits and pieces to keep you intrigued, and characters who pique your interest outside of the main cast. it keeps a reader wanting to solve the mystery and figure out where it's all headed. all in all, it's a decent read.
i got drawn in from the start because i've volunteered at a nursing care home, including spending a lot of free time there in the past to visit my grandparents. i have close family members and friends who are actively working in nursing homes, so i get to hear stories--funny, sad, and/or creepy. nonetheless, it posed some of the questions i always thought about the patients there. "who were they before their memories faded? what are some things they've done?"
it gets dark and twisty the deeper you dive in, but it's also humorous. i love books that has dark humor, and i think that was the cherry on top for me. despite my rating, i think others will find it more suitable to them. if you give it a chance, i'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised the thrilling ride this takes you on.
would i recommend it? oh, absolutely! yes, it'll take some time to get an idea of what you're going into. but it's still worth the read. i'm definitely going to recommend this to someone who works in a nursing home. i think they'd get a kick out of it. haha!
thank you to One More Chapter of HarperCollinsUK for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC via NetGalley. i leave this review voluntarily. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2025
This novel is a sharp, witty, and unexpectedly dark story that takes readers on a ride they won’t soon forget. From the very first chapter, Julie Lancaster immerses you in a narrative that is equal parts clever, unsettling, and wildly entertaining.
What makes this book so compelling is how believable it feels, particularly in the way it portrays aging, memory, and the hidden depths of people who are often overlooked. Having worked with the elderly, I found myself nodding along at the authenticity in Lancaster’s characters and situations—details that ground the story and make its twists all the more impactful.
At its heart, the book balances suspense with sly humor, offering a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The plot is filled with moments that make you question what’s real, who can be trusted, and just how far people might go to protect their secrets. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Lancaster pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that feels both surprising and perfectly earned.
What lingers after finishing is not only the cleverness of the mystery but also the poignancy of its themes—how memory shapes identity, how stories can be rewritten, and how much life and vitality still reside in those society too often underestimates.
Suspenseful, unique, and full of personality, Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies is an absolute treat for fans of mysteries with a darkly comic edge. Julie Lancaster has crafted a story that entertains at every turn while also offering moments of insight and reflection, making it a standout read.
What makes this book so compelling is how believable it feels, particularly in the way it portrays aging, memory, and the hidden depths of people who are often overlooked. Having worked with the elderly, I found myself nodding along at the authenticity in Lancaster’s characters and situations—details that ground the story and make its twists all the more impactful.
At its heart, the book balances suspense with sly humor, offering a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The plot is filled with moments that make you question what’s real, who can be trusted, and just how far people might go to protect their secrets. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Lancaster pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that feels both surprising and perfectly earned.
What lingers after finishing is not only the cleverness of the mystery but also the poignancy of its themes—how memory shapes identity, how stories can be rewritten, and how much life and vitality still reside in those society too often underestimates.
Suspenseful, unique, and full of personality, Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies is an absolute treat for fans of mysteries with a darkly comic edge. Julie Lancaster has crafted a story that entertains at every turn while also offering moments of insight and reflection, making it a standout read.
July 10, 2025
Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster is a very fun and dark murder mystery.
I was drawn to the book by the title, and the artwork on the cover. I thought the goldfish and shovel was a rather fun image in the fishbowl. And the fun streamline: What happens when a serial killer forgets they’re serial killer - really sold the book to me.
The book centres on the Sunset House residential home and on two care assistants Jolene and Will. Neither of the care assistants really likes one another and both think they are the better carer. Will overhears one of the residents, Gilbert, mention that he’s murdered someone. At first he’s not sure whether It really happened or whether it’s Gilbert’s dementia and perhaps a case of confusing something he saw on TV. When he hears something similar again, he launches his own investigation after alerting the police. Jolene herself is the sister of a young woman who long ago disappeared and takes an interest in Will’s and the police investigation.
The story unfolds from the perspective of these two perhaps unreliable narrators. There were so many twists and turns and complete curveballs that left me saying “What!”. It’s a book that completely hooked me and as I was inching closer to the end of the book, I just didn’t know how it was going to end. I stayed up into the wee hours to finish the book, because I know if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to sleep wondering.
I absolutely loved reading this book and will definitely look out for future books by Julie Lancaster.
I was drawn to the book by the title, and the artwork on the cover. I thought the goldfish and shovel was a rather fun image in the fishbowl. And the fun streamline: What happens when a serial killer forgets they’re serial killer - really sold the book to me.
The book centres on the Sunset House residential home and on two care assistants Jolene and Will. Neither of the care assistants really likes one another and both think they are the better carer. Will overhears one of the residents, Gilbert, mention that he’s murdered someone. At first he’s not sure whether It really happened or whether it’s Gilbert’s dementia and perhaps a case of confusing something he saw on TV. When he hears something similar again, he launches his own investigation after alerting the police. Jolene herself is the sister of a young woman who long ago disappeared and takes an interest in Will’s and the police investigation.
The story unfolds from the perspective of these two perhaps unreliable narrators. There were so many twists and turns and complete curveballs that left me saying “What!”. It’s a book that completely hooked me and as I was inching closer to the end of the book, I just didn’t know how it was going to end. I stayed up into the wee hours to finish the book, because I know if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to sleep wondering.
I absolutely loved reading this book and will definitely look out for future books by Julie Lancaster.
July 30, 2025
I'm not sure what genre you'd put this in. It's a bit of everything. It does involve a serial killer, but to be honest by the time I got to the end, there had been so many missing people and murders I was left wondering who had actually done what. But never mind, I like ambiguous endings.
There's a dry, dark humour all the way through and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The story can feel quite disturbing at times so the humour gives it a bit of a lift. It was very different to how I anticipated the book might be. I thought it would mainly be set in the care home and the residents would play a much bigger part but it turns out to have a varied range of characters all with interesting back stories.
As well as a murder mystery, the story is also about loss, in all its forms. Children who've gone missing, never to be seen again. How their parents can never stop looking for them when there is no closure. Jolene's sister went missing when Jolene was still a child. It tells of the effects on Jolene. Her parents divorced, her mum can never stop looking for her missing daughter, as a result her mum is paranoid about losing Jolene and always wants to know where she is, when she'll be home from work. Jolene at times finds this stifling and resents her sister for the way her disappearance has affected Jolene's life and her relationship with her mum.
There's a lot to this book. Mystery, lots of twists and you're never quite sure who the abductor might be. But it also has an emotional depth to it too. I thought the setting within the care home was very reflective of the general atmosphere in these homes having experienced two myself last year where my father stayed.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, it kept me intrigued and gripped all the way through, even if I was left a little confused at the end.
There's a dry, dark humour all the way through and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The story can feel quite disturbing at times so the humour gives it a bit of a lift. It was very different to how I anticipated the book might be. I thought it would mainly be set in the care home and the residents would play a much bigger part but it turns out to have a varied range of characters all with interesting back stories.
As well as a murder mystery, the story is also about loss, in all its forms. Children who've gone missing, never to be seen again. How their parents can never stop looking for them when there is no closure. Jolene's sister went missing when Jolene was still a child. It tells of the effects on Jolene. Her parents divorced, her mum can never stop looking for her missing daughter, as a result her mum is paranoid about losing Jolene and always wants to know where she is, when she'll be home from work. Jolene at times finds this stifling and resents her sister for the way her disappearance has affected Jolene's life and her relationship with her mum.
There's a lot to this book. Mystery, lots of twists and you're never quite sure who the abductor might be. But it also has an emotional depth to it too. I thought the setting within the care home was very reflective of the general atmosphere in these homes having experienced two myself last year where my father stayed.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, it kept me intrigued and gripped all the way through, even if I was left a little confused at the end.
September 24, 2025
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 Stars)
Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster has one of those premises that immediately makes you want to pick it up: a care home resident with dementia casually confesses to murder—real crime or just confusion? That hook had me right away, and I thought it was such an original setup for a mystery.
The writing has a mix of cozy mystery vibes with just enough creepiness to keep you on edge. I especially liked how the care home itself added to the atmosphere—it’s eerie, a little unsettling, and full of secrets. Jolene’s backstory, with her missing sister, was another strong thread, and I found her chapters to be some of the most compelling.
That said, the book definitely felt overstuffed. There were so many characters and shifting perspectives that I found myself having to pause and figure out who was who more than once. The short chapters kept the pace brisk, but sometimes at the expense of clarity. By the time I reached the ending, I wasn’t completely sure I understood how everything fit together. It felt like the author was trying to be a bit too clever with all the twists.
Still, I can’t deny that the idea is intriguing, and there are moments of genuine tension and sharp writing. If you like layered mysteries that lean into atmosphere and don’t mind a slightly muddled resolution, this could be a worthwhile read. For me, it landed solidly in the “interesting but flawed” category.
A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Remember Where You’ve Buried the Bodies by Julie Lancaster has one of those premises that immediately makes you want to pick it up: a care home resident with dementia casually confesses to murder—real crime or just confusion? That hook had me right away, and I thought it was such an original setup for a mystery.
The writing has a mix of cozy mystery vibes with just enough creepiness to keep you on edge. I especially liked how the care home itself added to the atmosphere—it’s eerie, a little unsettling, and full of secrets. Jolene’s backstory, with her missing sister, was another strong thread, and I found her chapters to be some of the most compelling.
That said, the book definitely felt overstuffed. There were so many characters and shifting perspectives that I found myself having to pause and figure out who was who more than once. The short chapters kept the pace brisk, but sometimes at the expense of clarity. By the time I reached the ending, I wasn’t completely sure I understood how everything fit together. It felt like the author was trying to be a bit too clever with all the twists.
Still, I can’t deny that the idea is intriguing, and there are moments of genuine tension and sharp writing. If you like layered mysteries that lean into atmosphere and don’t mind a slightly muddled resolution, this could be a worthwhile read. For me, it landed solidly in the “interesting but flawed” category.
A big thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
Vibes: twisty and unpredictable, growing sense of dread, everybody has secrets/grey morality, dark humour, surprisingly poignant at times, care home setting, split timelines
Verdict: a clever thriller with a morally grey ensemble cast and an ending I didn't see coming. Pick this up if you're looking for a thriller that is a step above a page-turner, with hints of humour and some interesting commentary on loss and morality
The premise is fantastic, the writing is on point and the plot is clever but for me it goes a step beyond an ordinary thriller. With an ensemble cast of morally grey characters across different timelines, the author has interwoven an interesting thriller plot with thoughtful examination of loss and how the lives of the people left behind are changed forever - in a way that doesn't slow the pacing down and really adds to the atmosphere.
The sole reason this isn't a 5* for me is that the plot and writing was so excellent that I wanted to zip straight through it but I found myself having to turn back a few times because of the large cast and the timeline/perspective shifts aren't always immediately clear. Very minor though and overall I really enjoyed this book.
Definitely a book you need to focus to read, but the payoff at the end is absolutely worth it!
With thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter | Harper Collins UK for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Verdict: a clever thriller with a morally grey ensemble cast and an ending I didn't see coming. Pick this up if you're looking for a thriller that is a step above a page-turner, with hints of humour and some interesting commentary on loss and morality
The premise is fantastic, the writing is on point and the plot is clever but for me it goes a step beyond an ordinary thriller. With an ensemble cast of morally grey characters across different timelines, the author has interwoven an interesting thriller plot with thoughtful examination of loss and how the lives of the people left behind are changed forever - in a way that doesn't slow the pacing down and really adds to the atmosphere.
The sole reason this isn't a 5* for me is that the plot and writing was so excellent that I wanted to zip straight through it but I found myself having to turn back a few times because of the large cast and the timeline/perspective shifts aren't always immediately clear. Very minor though and overall I really enjoyed this book.
Definitely a book you need to focus to read, but the payoff at the end is absolutely worth it!
With thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter | Harper Collins UK for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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