What do you think?
Rate this book
Cal Lovett Files #2
Unburied
‘The police. They’re digging in the scrapyard.’
Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his true crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance – now he might finally get to tell Margot’s story.
A motherless boy begs for his help
Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: the unsolved murder of a woman who was shot on her own doorstep, fourteen years ago.
An isolated community wary of outsiders
Eyes follow Cal everywhere. And someone makes it very clear that they don’t want him snooping around…
How far will he go to find justice? And how far is far enough?
The second thrilling instalment in the Cal Lovett Files, perfect for fans of Helen Fields, Jane Casey and Claire Douglas.
Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his true crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance – now he might finally get to tell Margot’s story.
A motherless boy begs for his help
Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: the unsolved murder of a woman who was shot on her own doorstep, fourteen years ago.
An isolated community wary of outsiders
Eyes follow Cal everywhere. And someone makes it very clear that they don’t want him snooping around…
How far will he go to find justice? And how far is far enough?
The second thrilling instalment in the Cal Lovett Files, perfect for fans of Helen Fields, Jane Casey and Claire Douglas.
Audio CD
First published January 18, 2024
32 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 17, 2023
Cal Lovett Files #2
Podcast “Finding Justice”
In the West Midlands, Cal still pursues the hope that one day his sister Margot, missing since he is nine years old 36 years ago, will be found and that her killer can be brought to justice. He’s never ever given up and he’s certain he knows who kills her, but proving it is quite another matter. However, the police are excavating at a local scrapyard, might this mean there will be some resolution in the near future?
In his personal life, his marriage to Allie is over and he’s back at home living with his mum, which is not an easy situation. He has a new relationship with Shona in Scotland and on a holiday visit with her in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands he meets 19 year old Robbie Campbell. Robbie begs Cal for help to find out who kills his mother Bryony fifteen years ago. It becomes increasingly apparent that someone doesn’t want Cal to dredge up the past. The story alternates between 2007 and the present day which works really well.
I really enjoy the first instalment of the Cal Lovett Files and I feel exactly the same about this one! The author seems to be able to get under the skin of the characters that are the subject of Cal’s podcasts, in this case, Bryony, whose story takes you through a whole range of emotions. At times, your heart positively aches for her. Robbie’s circumstances really resonates with Cal, as you can’t help drawing comparisons between his situation at the age of nine with that of Robbie at the age of five. They both carry large burdens. Cal is an excellent central protagonist too, he is very likeable as is Chrissie, his teenage daughter who has the kindest heart and Shona is simply wonderful. I want to read more about them as you’re made to feel a personal involvement.
There are many layers to the storytelling in this latest novel. There is the strained and difficult situation between Cal and his mother, his relationship with his daughter, as well as that with Shona and the huge ongoing impact of Margot‘s disappearance which haunts him and his mother. This lack of resolution goes very deep. Then we have the new investigation which is gripping with some interviews that are emotionally heartrending and some that are very tense. The animosity that Cal receives adds another layer, and this becomes a dangerous and perilous rollercoaster of an enquiry with some incidents that make you gasp in shock. I almost forget to breathe at one point. The ending is a surprise, it’s really unpredictable, but not one that is left field either. I really like the cliff hanger style ending, and I so hope number three is well underway!
Finally, I love the atmosphere that the author creates in her Scottish locations. This one is particularly atmospheric and I assume somewhere like Plockton which makes me want to visit asap!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Podcast “Finding Justice”
In the West Midlands, Cal still pursues the hope that one day his sister Margot, missing since he is nine years old 36 years ago, will be found and that her killer can be brought to justice. He’s never ever given up and he’s certain he knows who kills her, but proving it is quite another matter. However, the police are excavating at a local scrapyard, might this mean there will be some resolution in the near future?
In his personal life, his marriage to Allie is over and he’s back at home living with his mum, which is not an easy situation. He has a new relationship with Shona in Scotland and on a holiday visit with her in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands he meets 19 year old Robbie Campbell. Robbie begs Cal for help to find out who kills his mother Bryony fifteen years ago. It becomes increasingly apparent that someone doesn’t want Cal to dredge up the past. The story alternates between 2007 and the present day which works really well.
I really enjoy the first instalment of the Cal Lovett Files and I feel exactly the same about this one! The author seems to be able to get under the skin of the characters that are the subject of Cal’s podcasts, in this case, Bryony, whose story takes you through a whole range of emotions. At times, your heart positively aches for her. Robbie’s circumstances really resonates with Cal, as you can’t help drawing comparisons between his situation at the age of nine with that of Robbie at the age of five. They both carry large burdens. Cal is an excellent central protagonist too, he is very likeable as is Chrissie, his teenage daughter who has the kindest heart and Shona is simply wonderful. I want to read more about them as you’re made to feel a personal involvement.
There are many layers to the storytelling in this latest novel. There is the strained and difficult situation between Cal and his mother, his relationship with his daughter, as well as that with Shona and the huge ongoing impact of Margot‘s disappearance which haunts him and his mother. This lack of resolution goes very deep. Then we have the new investigation which is gripping with some interviews that are emotionally heartrending and some that are very tense. The animosity that Cal receives adds another layer, and this becomes a dangerous and perilous rollercoaster of an enquiry with some incidents that make you gasp in shock. I almost forget to breathe at one point. The ending is a surprise, it’s really unpredictable, but not one that is left field either. I really like the cliff hanger style ending, and I so hope number three is well underway!
Finally, I love the atmosphere that the author creates in her Scottish locations. This one is particularly atmospheric and I assume somewhere like Plockton which makes me want to visit asap!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 28, 2023
Cal Lovett #2
Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people's stories on his true-crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister's disappearance - now he might get to tell Margot's story.
A motherless boy begs for his help.
Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands but is dragged into a new cold case: the unsolved murder of a woman who was shot on her own doorstop fourteen years ago.
This story is written in the third person. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Cal is a true-crime podcaster, but he also has his own family tragedy. While seeking respite in the Scottish Highlands, he is dragged into a cold case that had happened fourteen years ago. But he doesn't realise what a huge can of worms he will be opening. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The pace is on the slow side, but the plot has been well-developed. This is a well-written and suspenseful mystery, Although I have not read the first book in this series, it does read well as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #HeatherCritchlow for my ARC of #Unburied in exchange for an honest review.
Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people's stories on his true-crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister's disappearance - now he might get to tell Margot's story.
A motherless boy begs for his help.
Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands but is dragged into a new cold case: the unsolved murder of a woman who was shot on her own doorstop fourteen years ago.
This story is written in the third person. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Cal is a true-crime podcaster, but he also has his own family tragedy. While seeking respite in the Scottish Highlands, he is dragged into a cold case that had happened fourteen years ago. But he doesn't realise what a huge can of worms he will be opening. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The pace is on the slow side, but the plot has been well-developed. This is a well-written and suspenseful mystery, Although I have not read the first book in this series, it does read well as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #HeatherCritchlow for my ARC of #Unburied in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2023
What a book.
This is the first book I have read from this author. I also didn’t know it was book 2 so had not read book 1. However, you can definitely read this as a stand-alone. There was nothing in this book I was confused over and didn’t have full understanding haven’t not read the first book. Although I am going to go back and read it because I enjoyed this so much.
I am a big mystery/unsolved/crime drama fan. TV/books/film. I am also normally pretty quick to figure out the ‘whodunnit’ I must have been 3/4 in before I even had a suspicion who I thought it was.
That’s how good this book is. The story was gripping. From chapter 1 I was hooked. I’m normally a dual POV reader and this is 3rd person and usually I struggle with that concept when it’s not well written but this is so well written that wasn’t an issue at all.
The MMC, Cal, is a true crime/unsolved murder podcaster, with his own family tragedy unraveling he meets a young man who is struggling with his mothers unsolved murder case.
Desperate for some answers he asks Cal for help but while trying to uncover secrets from 15 years ago he unknowingly is walking into his own drama.
I loved the way this book was written in present tense with Cal investigating and flashbacks to Bryony’s untimely death that took her away from her 2 young boys and all that she was dealing with beforehand.
Although this was a ‘slow burn’ at no point did I think it was too slow, it was perfectly paced and detailed enough I was totally in captured in this world.
If you like mystery, suspense and whodunnits this book is definitely for you!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review from NetGalley @canelo_co
This is the first book I have read from this author. I also didn’t know it was book 2 so had not read book 1. However, you can definitely read this as a stand-alone. There was nothing in this book I was confused over and didn’t have full understanding haven’t not read the first book. Although I am going to go back and read it because I enjoyed this so much.
I am a big mystery/unsolved/crime drama fan. TV/books/film. I am also normally pretty quick to figure out the ‘whodunnit’ I must have been 3/4 in before I even had a suspicion who I thought it was.
That’s how good this book is. The story was gripping. From chapter 1 I was hooked. I’m normally a dual POV reader and this is 3rd person and usually I struggle with that concept when it’s not well written but this is so well written that wasn’t an issue at all.
The MMC, Cal, is a true crime/unsolved murder podcaster, with his own family tragedy unraveling he meets a young man who is struggling with his mothers unsolved murder case.
Desperate for some answers he asks Cal for help but while trying to uncover secrets from 15 years ago he unknowingly is walking into his own drama.
I loved the way this book was written in present tense with Cal investigating and flashbacks to Bryony’s untimely death that took her away from her 2 young boys and all that she was dealing with beforehand.
Although this was a ‘slow burn’ at no point did I think it was too slow, it was perfectly paced and detailed enough I was totally in captured in this world.
If you like mystery, suspense and whodunnits this book is definitely for you!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review from NetGalley @canelo_co
September 16, 2024
Cal Lovett is a journalist with his own podcast, Finding Justice. When he is on holiday in the Scottish Highlands with his new partner, Shona, a young man approaches him and asks to investigate a case for him.
The young man, Robbie, lost his mother, Bryony. In 2007, she was shot on her own doorstep, and her killer was never apprehended.
When Cal begins his investigation, he is met with reluctance from Robbie’s family, including his father, Angus, and brother, Sean. Are they hiding something?
Meanwhile, Cal’s personal life is in a bit of a mess. His older sister, Margot, disappeared 36 years ago. Cal’s family has never been the same; his relationship with his mother very fraught as a result.
Then, after all these years, Margot’s remains are uncovered.
Cal was always adamant that the killer was a man called Jason Barr, but he can’t prove it. Now, Jason is a reformed character, with a new fiancee. What’s worse is the fact that there seems to be a lot of online support for Barr, and the online trolls are shaming Margot, calling her all sorts of names, which further upsets Cal.
Will Barr get away with it?
I loved this story. I also loved the first book in the series and was so excited to read this one. It didn’t disappoint!
This is the second book in the Cal Lovett series, and I thoroughly recommend you read the first book, Unsound, as it provides more information about Margot and Cal’s lives.
I loved the location of this story: a small village in the Scottish Highlands. I felt for Bryony, as she used to have a career; she was a successful lawyer, just like her husband, Angus. However, after the boys were born, they decided to relocate away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow. This was a bad move, as Bryony clearly struggled with depression.
Be prepared for an unexpected twist! I loved the ending to the mystery of Bryony’s death.
Overall, it’s a great crime thriller. I definitely recommend it.
The young man, Robbie, lost his mother, Bryony. In 2007, she was shot on her own doorstep, and her killer was never apprehended.
When Cal begins his investigation, he is met with reluctance from Robbie’s family, including his father, Angus, and brother, Sean. Are they hiding something?
Meanwhile, Cal’s personal life is in a bit of a mess. His older sister, Margot, disappeared 36 years ago. Cal’s family has never been the same; his relationship with his mother very fraught as a result.
Then, after all these years, Margot’s remains are uncovered.
Cal was always adamant that the killer was a man called Jason Barr, but he can’t prove it. Now, Jason is a reformed character, with a new fiancee. What’s worse is the fact that there seems to be a lot of online support for Barr, and the online trolls are shaming Margot, calling her all sorts of names, which further upsets Cal.
Will Barr get away with it?
I loved this story. I also loved the first book in the series and was so excited to read this one. It didn’t disappoint!
This is the second book in the Cal Lovett series, and I thoroughly recommend you read the first book, Unsound, as it provides more information about Margot and Cal’s lives.
I loved the location of this story: a small village in the Scottish Highlands. I felt for Bryony, as she used to have a career; she was a successful lawyer, just like her husband, Angus. However, after the boys were born, they decided to relocate away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow. This was a bad move, as Bryony clearly struggled with depression.
Be prepared for an unexpected twist! I loved the ending to the mystery of Bryony’s death.
Overall, it’s a great crime thriller. I definitely recommend it.
January 19, 2024
Another fantastic outing for Cal Lovett - author Heather Critchlow is One To Watch. Her writing brings her characters to life, and I was eager to get to the end of the book whilst not wanting it to end which is how all thrillers should make you feel. Cannot recommend this series enough. More please
December 17, 2023
Wow!! What a ride!! That book kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the pace and the speed of the book, as well as the fact that Cal is doing podcasts on crimes that happened a long time ago. The character of Bryony was very relatable, I mean we all experience moments in our lives as mothers where we feel overwhelmed, and I liked to understand her side of the story. All in all, that was a very good book, extremely gripping, and I can't wait to read more by this extremely talented author! Thank you so much!
December 29, 2025
Cal is back with another investigative podcast about the murder of a young mum in a remote Scottish village. I love the style of writing, it’s so immersive and the podcast chapters work so well. Another great story that is paced so well. There’s more regarding the disappearance of Cal’s sister too. Can’t wait for book 3.
January 21, 2024
Another fantastic instalment of the Cal Lovett files…I loved it even more than the first!
In Unburied, we are back with Cal as he continues his quest to find justice - not just for his missing sister, Margot, but also for the son of a murdered mother who is seeking answers. Desperate for the truth to finally be revealed, Robbie approaches Cal and asks him to look at his late mother Bryony’s case. She was shot dead on her doorstep when Robbie and his brother Sean were children, and the trauma of the incident has weaved its way into Robbie and Sean’s DNA.
Cal finds the case tricky, as it becomes apparent that someone in the village doesn’t want them there, and will go to dangerous, drastic measures to get him out of the picture. As well as this, there is a huge development in Margot’s case, and Cal is finding the fallout from this hard to deal with. With partner Shona, and daughter Chrissie in his corner, can Cal find justice for Bryony? And will Margot’s case be unraveled?
I just love Cal, he’s a fantastic character. I really felt for him in this book even more so with what he had to go through. Despite the wobbly moments with Bryony’s case where he is unsure if he can continue, Cal works his magic like no other and the big reveal was shocking. I didn’t work it out at all. I had my suspicions about another character but was completely wrong! I love not being able to work out who it is that has done it, it makes the revelation so much more shocking! I also enjoyed reading Bryony’s chapters, and it is heartbreaking that she met such a tragic end, just when things were finally starting to look up for her.
This series honestly just keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait to continue with Cal on his journey. There’s so much more to come with Margot, and I am more than eager to find out!!
In Unburied, we are back with Cal as he continues his quest to find justice - not just for his missing sister, Margot, but also for the son of a murdered mother who is seeking answers. Desperate for the truth to finally be revealed, Robbie approaches Cal and asks him to look at his late mother Bryony’s case. She was shot dead on her doorstep when Robbie and his brother Sean were children, and the trauma of the incident has weaved its way into Robbie and Sean’s DNA.
Cal finds the case tricky, as it becomes apparent that someone in the village doesn’t want them there, and will go to dangerous, drastic measures to get him out of the picture. As well as this, there is a huge development in Margot’s case, and Cal is finding the fallout from this hard to deal with. With partner Shona, and daughter Chrissie in his corner, can Cal find justice for Bryony? And will Margot’s case be unraveled?
I just love Cal, he’s a fantastic character. I really felt for him in this book even more so with what he had to go through. Despite the wobbly moments with Bryony’s case where he is unsure if he can continue, Cal works his magic like no other and the big reveal was shocking. I didn’t work it out at all. I had my suspicions about another character but was completely wrong! I love not being able to work out who it is that has done it, it makes the revelation so much more shocking! I also enjoyed reading Bryony’s chapters, and it is heartbreaking that she met such a tragic end, just when things were finally starting to look up for her.
This series honestly just keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait to continue with Cal on his journey. There’s so much more to come with Margot, and I am more than eager to find out!!
January 23, 2024
Last year I read Unsolved, the first book to feature true crime podcaster, Cal Lovett. I've been looking forward to book two, Unburied, ever since.
Cal's life has been defined by the disappearance of his older sister, Margot, when he was nine. Decades have passed and as the book begins, it seems like there might finally be some progress in finding out what happened to her. Taking himself away from all that's going on in the investigation, he goes to the Scottish Highlands and a new cold case for his podcast practically jumps in his lap, that of a mother murdered on her doorstep.
It was great to catch up with Cal again. I always wish for a short recap of previous events when I start a new book in a series, but it pretty much all came back to me as Heather Critchlow managed to remind me of what happened in the first book without giving too much detail, making it a good standalone read for anyone who hasn't read the first book (although I do highly recommend starting with Unsolved).
The small village feel is present in spades. Whilst a few people are welcoming to Cal, many look at him with suspicion and there's always a sense of not knowing who might be on his side and who might not. It's fair to say Cal's stay in the village is a bit of a rollercoaster ride and I was surprised by the conclusion.
Unburied is a really engaging and fast-paced crime story. There's not as much podcasting in this one I don't think, with more focus on Margot and on Cal's enquiries, but it was a really excellent read with great characters and skilled plotting. I'm hoping for more of Cal and justice for Margot…please!
Cal's life has been defined by the disappearance of his older sister, Margot, when he was nine. Decades have passed and as the book begins, it seems like there might finally be some progress in finding out what happened to her. Taking himself away from all that's going on in the investigation, he goes to the Scottish Highlands and a new cold case for his podcast practically jumps in his lap, that of a mother murdered on her doorstep.
It was great to catch up with Cal again. I always wish for a short recap of previous events when I start a new book in a series, but it pretty much all came back to me as Heather Critchlow managed to remind me of what happened in the first book without giving too much detail, making it a good standalone read for anyone who hasn't read the first book (although I do highly recommend starting with Unsolved).
The small village feel is present in spades. Whilst a few people are welcoming to Cal, many look at him with suspicion and there's always a sense of not knowing who might be on his side and who might not. It's fair to say Cal's stay in the village is a bit of a rollercoaster ride and I was surprised by the conclusion.
Unburied is a really engaging and fast-paced crime story. There's not as much podcasting in this one I don't think, with more focus on Margot and on Cal's enquiries, but it was a really excellent read with great characters and skilled plotting. I'm hoping for more of Cal and justice for Margot…please!
February 23, 2024
4.5 stars…
I will start by saying that I am loving this series! I read Unsolved via Netgalley and have been patiently waiting for book 2 ever since! A huge thank you to @heather.critchlow, @tandemcollectiveuk and @canelo_co for my copies of these books and for my place on the readalong.
This series follows Cal Lovett who has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his True Crime podcast, spurred by his own tragic past.
In Unburied, the police are closer to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance and as Cal seeks respite on holiday in the Scottish Highlands he is dragged into a cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.
As with the first book, I really enjoyed the format of going between Cal’s present, the victim’s past and the True Crime podcast episodes. Bryony’s POV was heartbreaking, I found some of it hard to read due to what she was going through and really felt for her throughout. I shed a few tears for her and her family by the end.
I felt that the story was well paced with a couple of surprising faster paced action scenes that had me on edge! The story kept me guessing throughout and I only worked it out just before the reveal came.
Cal, his daughter and Shona feel like old friends now. I’m really enjoying following their stories and can’t wait to join them again in the next instalment.
Another very satisfying thriller read from this author!
*AD PR PRODUCT*
I will start by saying that I am loving this series! I read Unsolved via Netgalley and have been patiently waiting for book 2 ever since! A huge thank you to @heather.critchlow, @tandemcollectiveuk and @canelo_co for my copies of these books and for my place on the readalong.
This series follows Cal Lovett who has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his True Crime podcast, spurred by his own tragic past.
In Unburied, the police are closer to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance and as Cal seeks respite on holiday in the Scottish Highlands he is dragged into a cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.
As with the first book, I really enjoyed the format of going between Cal’s present, the victim’s past and the True Crime podcast episodes. Bryony’s POV was heartbreaking, I found some of it hard to read due to what she was going through and really felt for her throughout. I shed a few tears for her and her family by the end.
I felt that the story was well paced with a couple of surprising faster paced action scenes that had me on edge! The story kept me guessing throughout and I only worked it out just before the reveal came.
Cal, his daughter and Shona feel like old friends now. I’m really enjoying following their stories and can’t wait to join them again in the next instalment.
Another very satisfying thriller read from this author!
*AD PR PRODUCT*
January 25, 2024
I read the first of this series last year, and devoured it in no time. This was no different, we meet Cal again trying hard to rebuild his life after the events of book 1. He takes time away with Shona to a small Scottish coastal village and meets Robbie late one night, pleading with him to find his mother’s killer 14 years previously.
Cal has so much going on that he doesn’t want to get involved, but agrees to help Robbie and give him some pointers on how to start his own investigation. But we all know Cal, and he finds himself drawn in and agrees to look into it. This is where the book gets even more gripping.
I read over 300 pages of this in just over 24 hours, hard to put down once the story gets going. So much happens in a short amount of time that you can’t leave it, who knows what will happen! I can’t wait for the next instalment, the story of Margot is ongoing through this one and so much more needs unravelling.
Cal has so much going on that he doesn’t want to get involved, but agrees to help Robbie and give him some pointers on how to start his own investigation. But we all know Cal, and he finds himself drawn in and agrees to look into it. This is where the book gets even more gripping.
I read over 300 pages of this in just over 24 hours, hard to put down once the story gets going. So much happens in a short amount of time that you can’t leave it, who knows what will happen! I can’t wait for the next instalment, the story of Margot is ongoing through this one and so much more needs unravelling.
January 10, 2024
Cal Lovett is back! This is book two in the series and I do think you should read book one first. Having read the first book, it was nice not to have to rehash all of the details and jump right into the new story. This book starts out with new information on Cal's sister, Margot, which is absolutely heartbreaking. To help Cal from obsessing over his sister's police case, he takes a vacation with Shona and there he stumbles upon a new case for his podcast. Like the first book, this new case is told in alternating POVs - Cal in the present, and Bryony in the past. We get to see where Cal is making progress on who killed Bryony, while at the same time hearing the truth in Bryony's own words. I love this format! The ending had multiple scary moments and twists! I binge read this book and am hopeful for a third installment in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2024
True Crime podcaster Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.
I was thrilled to be asked to join the @tandemcollectiveuk readalong for this book. I loved the first in the series when I read it last year and this did not disappoint!
I loved getting back to Cal’s world. The characters are so well written that his family feel so real that it was like a catch up.
The case this time round was really engaging and twisty. I didn’t guess who done it until right before the reveal which is ideal for me. I loved all the twists and turns along the way.
I loved this as much as the first book and I’m so glad that Heather has signed up for 3 more in the series! I can’t wait to read them 📚
I was thrilled to be asked to join the @tandemcollectiveuk readalong for this book. I loved the first in the series when I read it last year and this did not disappoint!
I loved getting back to Cal’s world. The characters are so well written that his family feel so real that it was like a catch up.
The case this time round was really engaging and twisty. I didn’t guess who done it until right before the reveal which is ideal for me. I loved all the twists and turns along the way.
I loved this as much as the first book and I’m so glad that Heather has signed up for 3 more in the series! I can’t wait to read them 📚
February 24, 2024
Book 2 in the series with main protagonist Cal Lovett is called Unburied. I've also read book 1 and when I saw this book on NetGalley I really wanted to read it as well. Luckily for me I received a copy from Canelo via Netgalley. It'll be out on the 18th of January.
The police are investigating the disappearance of Cal's sister Margot who vanished some 36 years ago. Cal and his girlfriend decide to go away for a bit to clear their heads from this investigation. While on this little getaway Cal is asked by a young man to investigate the death of his mother who was found dead on the doorsteps 14 years earlier. Cal is not eager to start this investigation but he feels so sorry for this young man that he decides to investigate. However it becomes clear that the community doesn't want him there as he is constantly being harassed with some life threatening situations. Will he be able to solve this case before anyone gets hurt or even worse?
It is easier to have read book 1 to understand this story. There are some references to his past that are easier understood because of the fact that it has been described in book one. The characters in this book are described quite well and you get to know the feelings and emotions of these characters and their place in the entire story. The description of the scenery and landscape adds to the completeness of this story. There are some lovely twists and turns in this book that you don't really see coming which makes it an interesting and tense read. Hopefully there will be a third installment in this series!
4,5/5 ⭐
The police are investigating the disappearance of Cal's sister Margot who vanished some 36 years ago. Cal and his girlfriend decide to go away for a bit to clear their heads from this investigation. While on this little getaway Cal is asked by a young man to investigate the death of his mother who was found dead on the doorsteps 14 years earlier. Cal is not eager to start this investigation but he feels so sorry for this young man that he decides to investigate. However it becomes clear that the community doesn't want him there as he is constantly being harassed with some life threatening situations. Will he be able to solve this case before anyone gets hurt or even worse?
It is easier to have read book 1 to understand this story. There are some references to his past that are easier understood because of the fact that it has been described in book one. The characters in this book are described quite well and you get to know the feelings and emotions of these characters and their place in the entire story. The description of the scenery and landscape adds to the completeness of this story. There are some lovely twists and turns in this book that you don't really see coming which makes it an interesting and tense read. Hopefully there will be a third installment in this series!
4,5/5 ⭐
January 24, 2024
Thank you Tandem for a copy of this book and for having me on the readalong!
This is the second book in the series where not only is podcaster Cal dealing with new information about his sisters case, but also investigating the mysterious death of Bryony. Her death shattered her family.
I enjoyed this more than the first book. It’s fast paced, lots going on yet it’s easy to follow. The two cases are fascinating and again, I love that they are from a podcaster’s perspective.
I have been left with some unanswered questions and look forward to book 3!
This is the second book in the series where not only is podcaster Cal dealing with new information about his sisters case, but also investigating the mysterious death of Bryony. Her death shattered her family.
I enjoyed this more than the first book. It’s fast paced, lots going on yet it’s easy to follow. The two cases are fascinating and again, I love that they are from a podcaster’s perspective.
I have been left with some unanswered questions and look forward to book 3!
May 21, 2024
Follows a fairly simplistic narrative and leans into crime fiction/mystery cliches but was still very enjoyable. Characters felt real and were enticing and they was enough different developments to the plot and the parallel cases were cool. Didn’t realise when I bought it that it was a sequel but it works fine as a stand alone book, the story begins in a place and is somewhat concluded in a way that this didn’t really matter.
February 14, 2024
I enjoyed this. When I saw there was a second book out in the series I had to go out and buy it. It’s just such an easy read and I love the podcast format. I’m hoping for a third book so we can find out the ending to his sisters story.
September 27, 2024
5
Such a good book with lots of guessing and theorising involved that keeps it interesting!! Can’t wait to read the others in the series
Such a good book with lots of guessing and theorising involved that keeps it interesting!! Can’t wait to read the others in the series
March 5, 2025
Liked it more than the last one. Probably a 3.5 🌟. We still have not got answers for Margot so best believe I am moving straight on to Unsound #3 in the series.
March 25, 2025
Quite boring to be honest.
January 14, 2025
Another enjoyable book in the Cal Lovett series. He, his daughter and special friend Shona are likeable characters. This story, like the first in the series is a mystery being solved by Cal for his podcast Finding Justice.
February 17, 2024
Fantastic read. Couldn't put it down as it had me wondering what happens next. Highly recommend
February 15, 2024
Heather Critchlow gets better and better. Loved this second book in the Cal Lovett series.
More please!!
More please!!
August 6, 2024
Well… what another FANTASTIC instalment to the Cal Lovett series! Heather is so great at writing twists and turns and sending the reader in the completely wrong direction, over and over again whilst still leaving subtle hints towards the truth. I honestly had no clue who to suspect in this one and I absolutely loved how it all came together in the end. Cal is such a fascinating main character and so very likeable. The story of Bryony was heartbreaking and at times I found it very hard to read her POV (maybe a little trigger warning there).
My favourite quote from the book has to be when Sal’s gangster man says “Gie us a minute, hen”. LOL! I love reading characters in books talk exactly how the people around me would talk. Heather captures the Scottish language and slang perfectly in her writing.
Heather, I was so impressed by your writing skills and I am in awe of how good your two books are. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some more books in this series and following Cal along on some more of his podcast adventures!
My favourite quote from the book has to be when Sal’s gangster man says “Gie us a minute, hen”. LOL! I love reading characters in books talk exactly how the people around me would talk. Heather captures the Scottish language and slang perfectly in her writing.
Heather, I was so impressed by your writing skills and I am in awe of how good your two books are. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some more books in this series and following Cal along on some more of his podcast adventures!
November 17, 2023
I first came across Heather Critchlow's writing when I read her book Unsolved. Having just finished Unburied - a follow-up to that first story featuring Cal Lovett - I can honestly say that it does not disappoint.
Struggling to come to terms with the reality of his divorce, Lovett is having difficulty with the next case he must select to cover in his podcast, since all his attention is taken up by developments related to the cold case of his sister Margot's death. Solving her murder has been the motive driving almost every key decision in Cal's life, and was also a major factor in the disintegration of his marriage to Allie, his ex-wife.
While Cal is now exploring the novelty of his relationship with Shona, a forensics expert he met during his first podcast covering a cold case in the Scottish Highlands, he is also working on spending more time with his daughter Chrissie, who he is close to. These relationships are particularly important, given that things are not going well re Margot's case, even though her remains have finally been located.
In an effort to distract himself from the possibility that Margot's murderer may escape punishment (especially given the very effective media strategy that his lawyers have adopted), Cal throws himself into his next podcast about the murder of a young wife and mother several years ago.
But he has no idea what a hornet's nest he's about to stir up this time...
This is a sensitively-written, meticulously developed story, full of relatable and/or tragic characters who are doing the best they can with the hand they've been dealt. I did not like some elements of the ending, but overall, this was a compelling and intelligent read. I give
It 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Struggling to come to terms with the reality of his divorce, Lovett is having difficulty with the next case he must select to cover in his podcast, since all his attention is taken up by developments related to the cold case of his sister Margot's death. Solving her murder has been the motive driving almost every key decision in Cal's life, and was also a major factor in the disintegration of his marriage to Allie, his ex-wife.
While Cal is now exploring the novelty of his relationship with Shona, a forensics expert he met during his first podcast covering a cold case in the Scottish Highlands, he is also working on spending more time with his daughter Chrissie, who he is close to. These relationships are particularly important, given that things are not going well re Margot's case, even though her remains have finally been located.
In an effort to distract himself from the possibility that Margot's murderer may escape punishment (especially given the very effective media strategy that his lawyers have adopted), Cal throws himself into his next podcast about the murder of a young wife and mother several years ago.
But he has no idea what a hornet's nest he's about to stir up this time...
This is a sensitively-written, meticulously developed story, full of relatable and/or tragic characters who are doing the best they can with the hand they've been dealt. I did not like some elements of the ending, but overall, this was a compelling and intelligent read. I give
It 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 30, 2025
really liked this book!! better than unsolved and had me gripped the whole time.
i think this book definitely benefits from not having to set up the main characters (apart from bryony of course). i liked getting to jump right back in to cal and his relationship with shona (my girl fr) and his relationship with amy and chrissie. i liked the mentions of layla’s parents, i thought it was a really humanising touch to cal and added more depth to his character.
loved shona’s character development as well. i genuinely gasped out loud when they got in the car crash. i thought my girl was going to die and my heart was breaking. im not necessarily loving how she is just used as a motivator for cal at times, but then i suppose she isn’t the main character. i hope in the next book we get to see her flourish again.
god though, bryony. my heart breaks for her. my worst fear is getting trapped in a marriage where i barely get to exist as my own person and just have to be a mother.
i think the reason this book is better than unsolved is because because we got to learn more about the victim. bryony had goals, dreams, hobbies, etc. we saw what made her spark and what she wanted for her life which made her so much more dimensional, compared to layla, who i felt wasn’t as fleshed out.
i didn’t see the twist of the killer until much later in this book compared to unsolved. i’m not the biggest fan of who it turned out to be, but, more importantly i found it believable and i loved how complex it was. i would’ve hated for it to be one of the mafia-ish men or duncan or god forbid the husband, i would not have been pleased if it was a husband did it ending.
i once again had a few issues with the margot subplot, but that’s fine, i just hope it gets wrapped up nicely when the series ends.
i think this book definitely benefits from not having to set up the main characters (apart from bryony of course). i liked getting to jump right back in to cal and his relationship with shona (my girl fr) and his relationship with amy and chrissie. i liked the mentions of layla’s parents, i thought it was a really humanising touch to cal and added more depth to his character.
loved shona’s character development as well. i genuinely gasped out loud when they got in the car crash. i thought my girl was going to die and my heart was breaking. im not necessarily loving how she is just used as a motivator for cal at times, but then i suppose she isn’t the main character. i hope in the next book we get to see her flourish again.
god though, bryony. my heart breaks for her. my worst fear is getting trapped in a marriage where i barely get to exist as my own person and just have to be a mother.
i think the reason this book is better than unsolved is because because we got to learn more about the victim. bryony had goals, dreams, hobbies, etc. we saw what made her spark and what she wanted for her life which made her so much more dimensional, compared to layla, who i felt wasn’t as fleshed out.
i didn’t see the twist of the killer until much later in this book compared to unsolved. i’m not the biggest fan of who it turned out to be, but, more importantly i found it believable and i loved how complex it was. i would’ve hated for it to be one of the mafia-ish men or duncan or god forbid the husband, i would not have been pleased if it was a husband did it ending.
i once again had a few issues with the margot subplot, but that’s fine, i just hope it gets wrapped up nicely when the series ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
Cal Lovett is a podcaster with a tragic backstory who investigates cold cases. As with his first outing in Unsolved, this new assignment takes him to the Scottish Highlands. This time, Robbie, the troubled son of a murder victim, asks him to investigate the shooting of his mother, Bryony, sixteen years earlier on the doorstep of their farmhouse. Cal is drawn to the case because he sees parallels between Robbie and himself. For thirty-six years, Cal has been mourning the loss of his big sister, Margot, who disappeared when she was nineteen. In this second novel, his backstory comes to the fore when her remains are found.
As with the first novel, the story is told from two perspectives. In this case, we are with Cal as he pursues his investigation into Bryony’s murder at the same time as dealing with the aftermath of his sister’s body being found, and we also see Bryony’s viewpoint in the months before her death. She is an achingly relatable character, trapped in a selfish marriage and deprived of her former (albeit unethical) career as a lawyer in Glasgow. She struggles with being a full-time mother as her husband doesn’t take his share of parenting duties. Opportunities for childcare in the village are limited, and she doesn’t gel with the other school-gate mothers.
The first book in this series (Unsolved) was one of my favourite reads of 2023 and this second title (Unburied) is even better. I didn’t spot the culprit this time and the story caught me by surprise when Cal’s story, quite literally, turned upside down. It’s my first read of the new year and I already expect it to appear on my Best Books list in December.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
As with the first novel, the story is told from two perspectives. In this case, we are with Cal as he pursues his investigation into Bryony’s murder at the same time as dealing with the aftermath of his sister’s body being found, and we also see Bryony’s viewpoint in the months before her death. She is an achingly relatable character, trapped in a selfish marriage and deprived of her former (albeit unethical) career as a lawyer in Glasgow. She struggles with being a full-time mother as her husband doesn’t take his share of parenting duties. Opportunities for childcare in the village are limited, and she doesn’t gel with the other school-gate mothers.
The first book in this series (Unsolved) was one of my favourite reads of 2023 and this second title (Unburied) is even better. I didn’t spot the culprit this time and the story caught me by surprise when Cal’s story, quite literally, turned upside down. It’s my first read of the new year and I already expect it to appear on my Best Books list in December.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
January 25, 2024
It was so good to return to Cal and see how his life is doing now after all the upheaval he went through in the first book. It was great to have so many returning characters, hopefully they will all keep coming back in the future books as they all work so well together in telling these stories and have grown to become people I want to read about now after going on two journeys with them.
In this one there was the usual old unsolved mystery which Cal needs to investigate for his podcast. This was a very interesting story and one where I missed the clues to who did it and so found it a surprise on the reveal but it made complete sense of all that had been happening on that side of the story.
Cal also is dealing with his own demons regarding the discovery of Margot and her last resting place but mystery still revolves around who did it! The man Cal is most suspicious of pulls many publicity stunts to evade proper scrutiny of him and his actions then, even trying to shift the blame to the victim herself!
I really hope we get some resolution for Cal over Margot in the next book but, with 3 more to come, but hopefully many more than that, it may be a while until we, and Cal, find out what happened to his sister all those years ago!
This was a really well written and plotted mystery thriller and one which I really recommend but maybe read the first one before this to give you a bit more background into our main set of characters although, this wouldn't be necessary really, this could quite easily be read as a stand alone.
In this one there was the usual old unsolved mystery which Cal needs to investigate for his podcast. This was a very interesting story and one where I missed the clues to who did it and so found it a surprise on the reveal but it made complete sense of all that had been happening on that side of the story.
Cal also is dealing with his own demons regarding the discovery of Margot and her last resting place but mystery still revolves around who did it! The man Cal is most suspicious of pulls many publicity stunts to evade proper scrutiny of him and his actions then, even trying to shift the blame to the victim herself!
I really hope we get some resolution for Cal over Margot in the next book but, with 3 more to come, but hopefully many more than that, it may be a while until we, and Cal, find out what happened to his sister all those years ago!
This was a really well written and plotted mystery thriller and one which I really recommend but maybe read the first one before this to give you a bit more background into our main set of characters although, this wouldn't be necessary really, this could quite easily be read as a stand alone.
November 28, 2023
Unburied is book 2 in the Cal Lovett files. Although it is book two, you could easily read it as a standalone.
We are back with Cal, True crime podcaster, who tries to solve other people's problems. But he is still got some of his own. He is still searching for his sister Margot who disappeared all of them years ago. When he hears some news from the Police, not good but is nearing in finding her that there maybe some evidence in a nearby scrapyard.
He is now also split up with his wife Allie and now living back with his mum. They don’t have the friendliest of relationships. So he decides to have a break and go on Holiday to the Scottish highlands with his new relationship Shona. But, when he was expecting peace and quiet. He get recognised by the local including a young lad called Robbie who is asking for help to find out what happened to his mother, as the killer was not found. His mother Bryony was shot dead on the doorstep when Robbie was 5 years old.
Bryony relationship with her husband Angus was a tremulous one. She also struggled with her mental health. But Bryony had her own screts that even her husband didn’t know about. As Cal investgates they found out the real kind of person she was. But Cal follows a dangerous path and even gets in some bother trying to find out.
This is another intriguing, multi layered and solid storyline with some interesting characters. I was hooked right through to the end. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.
We are back with Cal, True crime podcaster, who tries to solve other people's problems. But he is still got some of his own. He is still searching for his sister Margot who disappeared all of them years ago. When he hears some news from the Police, not good but is nearing in finding her that there maybe some evidence in a nearby scrapyard.
He is now also split up with his wife Allie and now living back with his mum. They don’t have the friendliest of relationships. So he decides to have a break and go on Holiday to the Scottish highlands with his new relationship Shona. But, when he was expecting peace and quiet. He get recognised by the local including a young lad called Robbie who is asking for help to find out what happened to his mother, as the killer was not found. His mother Bryony was shot dead on the doorstep when Robbie was 5 years old.
Bryony relationship with her husband Angus was a tremulous one. She also struggled with her mental health. But Bryony had her own screts that even her husband didn’t know about. As Cal investgates they found out the real kind of person she was. But Cal follows a dangerous path and even gets in some bother trying to find out.
This is another intriguing, multi layered and solid storyline with some interesting characters. I was hooked right through to the end. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.
January 26, 2024
Heather Critchlow has done it again with this gripping and at times gut wrenching crime thriller. The scenery, the characters, the plot and the dual timeline, offer a very gripping reading experience!
This is the second instalment in the Cal Lovett Files series, where the true crime podcaster stumbles on a cold case of the murder of Bryony, in a coastal Scottish village during a holiday with his new partner Shona. Amidst the chaos of his life and the never ending search for his vanished sister Margot when he was only 9 years old, this cold case will emotionally challenge him.
I really like the author's writing, very descriptive but also very light, so that it's like seeing a painting materialising at the turn of every page. I have grown really fond of Cal and his family dynamics, so much so that I didn't mind the light romance in the book (which I normally abhor). I found both the search for the cold case and his sister's disappearance compelling and I although I had a feeling about the murderer of Bryony at first, the clever writing made me completely forget about it until a lightbulb moment towards the end!
In summary, I really liked it and will be reading the next as I'm now hooked. I recommend this series for fans of crime thrillers where the focus is not solely on the crime to solve, but also on the emotional side of the characters and their personal story.
Thank you to the author, Canelo and Tandem Collective for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
This is the second instalment in the Cal Lovett Files series, where the true crime podcaster stumbles on a cold case of the murder of Bryony, in a coastal Scottish village during a holiday with his new partner Shona. Amidst the chaos of his life and the never ending search for his vanished sister Margot when he was only 9 years old, this cold case will emotionally challenge him.
I really like the author's writing, very descriptive but also very light, so that it's like seeing a painting materialising at the turn of every page. I have grown really fond of Cal and his family dynamics, so much so that I didn't mind the light romance in the book (which I normally abhor). I found both the search for the cold case and his sister's disappearance compelling and I although I had a feeling about the murderer of Bryony at first, the clever writing made me completely forget about it until a lightbulb moment towards the end!
In summary, I really liked it and will be reading the next as I'm now hooked. I recommend this series for fans of crime thrillers where the focus is not solely on the crime to solve, but also on the emotional side of the characters and their personal story.
Thank you to the author, Canelo and Tandem Collective for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews