DCI Silas Nash thought his life was over. That is until he’s called back to the Task Force with a case that has the seasoned team baffled. It’s the only serial killer Barrow-in-Furness has seen this side of the 21st Century.
They are four murders deep, and the bodies won’t stop coming.
As the evidence stacks up against businessman Maxwell Jones, DCI Nash thinks he’s got his man.
But somebody’s leaking evidence to the press, and if they don’t get a handle on it soon, there’ll be hell to pay.
And Amanda Keys has a message for him . . . one that DCI Nash isn’t ready to hear.
Author Katherine Black takes her unique storytelling ability and delivers the most visceral and twisting novel of her career to date.
I can’t express how much I loved this book. Not my usual kind of read—I usually gravitate towards a bit of fantasy escapism—but I was captivated from the first page. I loved the characters, especially Max, though Nash took a while to grow on me, appearing very blinkered in the beginning. Seeing the story through to its bitter end really brought out Nash’s humanity. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. Crime fiction is one of my favourite genres and this one did not disappoint. Disillusioned with retirement, DCI Silas Nash is overjoyed to be invited back to join the Task Force and is determined to solve the murder case. As the bodies begin to pile up, there appears to be a strong case against Maxwell Jones, a rich businessman. DCI Nash is convinced Jones is his man but then has to accept he may have got it wrong. The detective and the suspect do not get along well. Jones has problems of his own, and with little to lose, he enjoys winding up the elderly policeman. One of the things that I most enjoyed about this book was the way the relationship between these two men slowly changed during the story. As with all crime stories, I tried to guess who the culprit was, but was unsuccessful and enjoyed the twist at the end. The book is well-written and I recommend it. I will be keen to read more DCI Silas Nash books.
I am an avid reader and also a great fan of films and TV dramas. The best books that stay with me are those that, when I think back, I can’t actually remember if I read them or saw them on screen. That is because the author has written her characters so well that I can clearly see them in my mind’s eye. Well, ‘Hush Hush Honeysuckle’ is one of those special books. I could clearly see both main protagonists and could relate to both. Silas Nash, the retired detective, called back to help with an impossible case, and Maxwell Jones, the main suspect, who has only a short time to live and is merrily ticking off his bucket list. He even starts to suspect himself, after realising that he can’t remember everything he did on every occasion. Without giving any spoilers, I’ll just say that the end was completely unexpected and this ticked all the boxes for a brilliant whodunit. I hope to carry on with the series of Silas Nash and congratulations to Katherine Black.
I found this book when the author posted the summary on a FB Group. It was very detailed and the characters are well developed. You have Silas Nash who is a retired detective called back into service after a string of murders pointing to a serial killer. Then, there is Max and what a character he is! A few months from dying, he keeps being implicated in the murders though the detective does believe he is innocent. Max is funny, rude, quirky and delightful all in one. In fact, there is a lot of humor in this serious book. It can be graphic and disturbing at times, but that is to be expected in a book with this topic.
Nash came out of retirement to tackle a case. Several victims but how many murderers? Max was on borrowed time, a tumour gave him 6 months, his 'to do' list before passing was monsterous and he wanted to enjoy every minute. But was murder at the top of his list? A gripping, all consuming story that takes you on a roller coaster ride where a battery of heinous crimes are committed but the road that leads you to the identitying the perpetrator is like spaghetti junction. Never ending twists and turns that make it impossible to call it! A definite page turner, that keeps you enthralled with an ending that's both sad and totally unexpected. Great work, loved it and highly recommended!
Basic Details: Book Title: Hush Hush Honeysuckle Subtitle: Author: Katherine Black Genre: Thriller Part of a series? Yes Order in series: 1 Best read after earlier books in series? Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... Overall score: I scored this book 5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Short Summary of the book: A different genre for this author, but no less suspenseful. Meet Max, a young man who knows he won’t be around in 6 months. Has the brain tumour turned him into a mass murderer? Meet DCI Nash, retired and bored. That is, until he gets called in to solve the murders. Will he find the murderer? Will Max spend the rest of his life in jail? What I liked about the book: This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns. What I didn’t like about the book: There was nothing I disliked about the book. My favourite bits in the book: I loved the entire book. I loved the human side of the detective. My least favourite bits in the book: I enjoyed the entire book. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? I’ve read a few other books by this author and each is filled with suspense. This is the first book in a detective series, a different direction for this author but no less suspenseful. What books could this be compared to and why? The book finds itself in the category of detectives with a hint of psychological thriller. It is written to a very high standard. Recommendation: In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No Young Adult Maybe Adult Yes
If you like detectives, suspense and psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author. Book Description by Author: DCI Silas Nash thought his life was over. That is until he’s called back to the Task Force with a case that has the seasoned team baffled. It’s the only serial killer Barrow-in-Furness has seen this side of the 21st Century.
They are four murders deep, and the bodies won’t stop coming.
As the evidence stacks up against businessman Maxwell Jones, DCI Nash thinks he’s got his man.
But somebody’s leaking evidence to the press, and if they don’t get a handle on it soon, there’ll be hell to pay.
And Amanda Keys has a message for him . . . one that DCI Nash isn’t ready to hear.
Author Katherine Black takes her unique storytelling ability and delivers the most visceral and twisting novel of her career to date.
Hush Hush Honeysuckle had me hooked from the first page. The first chapter is devoted to the main character, Silas Nash, a retired detective who spends some of his time in repetitive physical and mental activities to fill his time and keep his abilities nimble, and in attempts to keep boredom at bay.
Then the action switches to the second main character (for this book in the series), Max Jones, a wealthy young businessman with a recent diagnosis of a terminal brain tumour and a strong desire to live a life worth living, and to hell with convention.
The book brings these two people together against a backdrop of the activities of a serial killer on a murder spree. Is Max the killer? Nash has to find out, when he is recalled to the police department to take on the case.
The pace never lets up and the tale kept me gripped to the end, impatient for more to be revealed. There is tension throughout. The writing is excellent, the murder scenes highly inventive, and although I don’t usually like smart-mouth characters like Max, he is endearing most of the time. The author weaves the occult into the mix, as well!
There are occasions when the quotation marks are missing at the start or end of dialogue, which threw me a few times, but the book is so brilliant that the occasional copy-edit slip-up doesn’t detract from the reading experience. I could see this story being turned into a film or television drama, it’s that good. Highly recommended to anyone keen on the thriller/mystery/detective/occult/noir genres, because this book has the lot.
DCI Silas Nash is not enjoying retirement. So when he is asked to come back and help on a case he jumps at the chance. But the case proves to be the hardest and most dangerous one of his career. A serial killer is on the loose. Their main suspect Max Jones is a wise cracking millionaire playboy with a terminal illness and only months to live. But despite all the evidence pointing to him and despite how much Nash and Jones butt heads he's not the killer. Or is he? Not wanting to give any spoilers away there may be more than one killer there could be a whole football team of them at the rate the twist ending unravels at the end. In all seriousness this is a brilliantly crafted crime thriller whodunit. It is different from other books I have read by Katherine Black but still has that psychological undertone that she is best known for. The twist as previously mentioned will leave you breathless and you will never guess even if you have a white board and try to write all the suspects and clues down to guess just like Nash does when he's watching one of his favourite detective shows during his retirement. A must read for murder mystery and crime thriller fans.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters pulled me in right away, and the plot had me not able to put my kindle down once the story got going (which was very quickly!). I enjoyed that I thought I had it figured out and was still surprised without some crazy and unbelievable plot twist. In the beginning of the story, some of the dialogue felt juvenile or contrived, but I am also very aware of the dialect difference, and I didn’t notice it once I got in the flow.
Hush Hush Honeysuckle by Katherine Black: A Gripping Psychological Thriller That Will Keep You Hooked!
Katherine Black’s Hush Hush Honeysuckle is an absolutely riveting psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. DCI Silas Nash is a wonderfully complex character, a seasoned detective thrust into a chilling investigation that no one in the peaceful town of Ashford could have anticipated: a serial killer known only as The Florist. The premise is thrilling—four bizarre and chilling murders, each staged with haunting precision and a sprig of honeysuckle left at the scene. But what truly sets this book apart is how Black weaves a web of suspense around not only the killer but also the brilliant but flawed DCI Nash.
The tension between Nash and Maxwell Jones, the prime suspect, is palpable. Is Jones the dying businessman on a mission to make his name unforgettable, or is there something more sinister going on? Black expertly keeps the reader guessing with every twist and turn, making it impossible to put the book down. The psychological games played between Nash and the suspect are both compelling and disturbing, and I found myself questioning everyone and everything.
But it’s not just the investigation that keeps the pages turning—it’s the depth of the characters and the unexpected plot developments. The mole leaking information to the media adds a layer of intrigue, and the ongoing tension between Nash and those around him builds to an explosive finale. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Black throws in a curveball that leaves you reeling.
Hush Hush Honeysuckle is a masterclass in suspense. Katherine Black’s writing is sharp and immersive, and her ability to build tension and develop multifaceted characters is second to none. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a dark, twisting mystery with a richly layered plot and a protagonist who is as complex as the case he’s trying to solve. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this one is not to be missed!
Wow! What a read! Katherine Black’s Hush Hush Honeysuckle is a masterclass in suspense, delivering a gripping narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. This is a book that hooks you from the start and refuses to let go, blending twists, tension, and humour throughout.
The plot revolves around the intricate relationship between DCI Nash and Max. Max is the prime suspect for a terrifying spate of murders, the details of which emerge beautifully as part of the narrative, increasing the stakes each time. Both of the characters are flawed, yet undeniably likable, and the character development throughout the novel is seamless. By the end I was fully invested in both of them.
I love that I was unable to guess what would happen next. Just when I thought I might've figured things out, along came another twist that changed everything. The final reveal is an unforgettable crescendo that perfectly caps off the rising tension and the narrative arc.
The narrative tone blends lighthearted humour and nail-biting suspense, and I honestly struggled to put it down. This is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, as thrilling as it is unpredictable. Katherine Black has set the bar high, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the Silas Nash series.
Hush Hush Honeysuckle is a fantastic crime thriller/mystery, the first in the DCI Nash series.
The story follows retired detective Silas Nash as he’s pulled back into service to solve a string of murders in the UK town of Barrow-In-Furness, suspected to be the work of a serial killer. With the bodies mounting up, the evidence is all pointing one way. Enter our second main character, the wisecracking Maxwell Jones, a businessman living on borrowed time.
Both main characters were well written, flawed yet endearing and the love/hate relationship between them was a gem. They played off each other so well with plenty of humour thrown in (mainly from Max, I absolutely loved his character).
The plot moved along well and kept me turning the pages right to the end, and what an ending it was! Definitely recommend checking out this book, I’m now off to pick up book 2 because I can’t wait for more from DCI Nash!
This is an excellent introduction to the Silas Nash detective series, establishing the tough, methodical, yet vulnerable persona that distinguishes him from the cliched ‘maverick’ detectives that dominate the genre. Black’s trademark skill at writing edgy characters is showcased in the form of Max Jones, the quixotic main suspect in the case of the serial killer known as The Florist. Unlike some detective procedurals where solving the murderer’s identity depends on some random information introduced near the end, the clues are all there in the story, making this a satisfying read for those who enjoy trying to decipher the evidence and discovering if their conclusion is correct. With a page-turning plot, brilliantly written supporting characters such as Sandy and Jessica, and a chilling afterword, this is a book in which to easily lose oneself.
If I’d met Max, I don’t know if I’d have been immensely annoyed by him or if I’d laugh my socks off with him. What a fantastic character. Having been diagnosed with terminal cancer, Max has nothing left to lose and acts a bit of a… well… you can put your own word in here. But when he is suspected of murdering a string of random people, he is shocked. It’s ridiculous. Isn’t it? When Nash, a retired (and grumpy) detective, is brought onto the case, things begin to get tricky. The links to Max build up. Will Max pass the rest of his short life in prison? Read it and find out. It’s quite gruesome but not gratuitous, and is very dark. There are side stories and bluffs enough to keep you on your toes. I loved how the relationship between Nash and Max morphed slowly over time. This dark and twisted tale is highly recommended.
My 2nd book by this author after the outstanding Leverage. DCI Nash forced out of retirement or rather a thankful return to the badge to distract away from his dysfunctional life and odd relationship with Sandy? The Florist is the reason as Barrow is being terrorised by the aptly named serial killer. Enter Max our terminally ill self made annoyingly endearing businessman intent on living his remaining months ticking off his rather weird bucket list. Sadly he is dragged into these imaginatively staged killings and we are left with the most bizarre unlikely partnership left to track down our antagonist and expose the inevitable mole, there's always a mole. Katherine delivers once again with her style of dark humour mixed with the right amount of violence and a twist that will surprise even the most seasoned thriller readers. I have already downloaded the other 4 books.
A Page Turner with Great Character Chemistry I love a thriller with characters that ignite my emotions and this author delivers. I was drawn into both D. C. Nash and Max’s characters in a way that was multi-dimensional, seeing both their flaws and virtues. The chemistry between these two is dynamic and cleverly entertaining, a particular trait of Katherine Black’s books is her gift of wit. The plot is so full of twists and turns, I could not see the end coming. The depraved killings kept piling up and raised the stakes of stopping them to desperate levels. The character development of D. C. Nash is a masterful setup for a series that will keep me coming back for more. Brilliant!
I don’t usually get emotional when reading a book, but I did with this story, for multiple reasons. This is one of those rare “perfect” books, where I don’t think a single scene should be changed. The characters were well-developed and I especially enjoyed the complex (and sometimes hilarious) relationship between DCI Nash and Max. I could easily see this becoming a Netflix special. There are some things at the end that leave you wanting to read more, and I’m very excited to see what happens next! Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT book, Katherine Black!
After a rather slow start, where I was wondering where things were going, the story suddenly takes off — and we’re onto a page-turner, suspecting every single person along the way.
Good plot with a lot to keep the reader interested, and characters were so well described that at times I was shouting out at them.
I’ve read quite a few books from this author, and Hush Hush Honeysuckle is another good read added to my collection.
"Hush Hush Honeysuckle" by Katherine Black is a dark, suspenseful crime thriller with just the right amount of humor. Twisty, intense, and impossible to put down—I was hooked from page one. This is book 1 of 5, and I can’t wait to read more from the series!
If you love gritty mysteries with sharp wit, this one’s for you.
Wow!! What an incredible thriller Hush Hush Honeysuckle by Katherine Black is. DCI Nash is persuaded to come out of retirement to rejoin his old team to solve a series of mysterious murders and all clues seem to lead back to the wealthy Max who claims his innocence and has not long left in this world due to a brain tumour. A psychic tries to help solve the case but Nash is a non-believer and dismisses her as a fake. This thriller is full of twists and suspense, and seriously, this has one hell of a totally unexpected tense and emotional ending. This is a real page turner that grabs your attention from the beginning. An exceptionally written book with fantastic characters and settings. My favourite line, which made me laugh is ‘Can I have DI Brown for the shower scenes?’ Yes this book had some humour in it, you will get the suspense, you will get some laughs and you probably will get a bit tearful. This is some story and I am looking forward to reading book 2. If I could give more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I would. Loved it.
Hush Hush Honeysuckle—An Outstanding Detective Fiction Book! WOW, what an amazing journey reading this, what a book! I was hooked right from the very start; I simply could not take a break from reading it. The story was so clever and brilliant and kept me engaged and entertained from those very first pages until the very last ones. The murders and sophistication of the killer as well as the detective work made the book so easy to pick up and get right into and get hooked all the way till the end. I was fascinated by the sophistication and subtlety of the murderer, and how he/she managed to evade capture and confuse the detectives all the way in the investigation process, as well as the cleverness and attention to detail of the detective Nash...I took a keen interest in psychologically analysing the murderer’s persona and enjoyed the way in which the psychic—who was being constantly laughed at, gave vital information that the detectives connected the dots to too little too late. Although I felt sorry for the player—Max, in a way, it was hilarious to see the vengeance plan that was tailored to him. You will not believe the ending; it made my heart pump. Such an amazing and gripping read of the author Katherine Black. In fact, it is a must read for everyone. Very, very highly recommended!
DCI Silas Nash is not enjoying retirement. So when he is asked to come back and help on a case he jumps at the chance. But the case proves to be the hardest and most dangerous one of his career. A serial killer is on the loose. Their main suspect Max Jones is a wise cracking millionaire playboy with a terminal illness and only months to live. But despite all the evidence pointing to him and despite how much Nash and Jones butt heads he's not the killer. Or is he? Not wanting to give any spoilers away there may be more than one killer there could be a whole football team of them at the rate the twist ending unravels at the end. In all seriousness this is a brilliantly crafted crime thriller whodunit. It is different from other books I have read by Katherine Black but still has that psychological undertone that she is best known for. The twist as previously mentioned will leave you breathless and you will never guess even if you have a white board and try to write all the suspects and clues down to guess just like Nash does when he's watching one of his favourite detective shows during his retirement. A must read for murder mystery and crime thriller fans.
A great detective story! Silas Nash a retired detective isn’t loving life. Sitting at home, watching TV, and doing the housework is driving him insane. So, when he is asked to come out of retirement in the hopes, he can help solve a murder case, he jumps at the chance. Maxwell Jones a businessman with his own world of problems is number one suspect but as the body count increases, questions are asked. Is it him or not? Could he have an accomplish? It’s a race against time to find the answer and to stop the killer/killers. The dynamics between Nash and Jones are absolutely brilliant. A love hate relationship that brings about a close bond that really is believable. I’ve read a few books from this author and thoroughly enjoyed them all. This one although not Katherine’s usual genre, did not disappoint. I was immersed throughout with this new detective fiction story. I found it to be very well written, with great characters and a fantastic storyline. Looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended!
From the very first paragraphs, the reader knows that the characters are so well drawn that they will become people that we will know well, by the end of the novel.
New for me was the incredible writing style, which is difficult to describe without giving spoilers. Let's try. One character is serious, maybe on the verge of depression, and the writing style of his chapter reflects the seriousness of that situation. Another character has nothing to lose, and has a devil-may-care attitude, and the writing of this character's chapter travels almost into the realms of humour. I need to read more by this author.
With deep insight, we get under the skin of all involved and not only think we know them, but feel that we know them better than they know themselves. With twists and turns in the investigation, and in the story as a whole, we either get confirmation of what we thought, or we are show to be wrong and we travel down a different road.
A gripping page turner that easily deserves five stars.
This is the first of Ms Black’s books I have read. I admit I almost didn’t read it because I didn’t like either Nash the detective, or Max, the man who Nash was certain was the serial murderer. However, I carried on reading and found, to my surprise, that it had grabbed me and kept me turning those pages. I don’t give spoilers, but I also must say that I have some reservations about some of the murders and the conclusion. I didn’t find some things wholly believable. For one thing, it was obvious who trashed Nash’s house, which, as a detective, he should have known right away and shouldn’t have acted the way he did. These are some of the reasons why I can’t give this five stars. But I did engage with it, found it gripping, if somewhat gory, and I ended up liking both Nash and Max. I found the end chapter somewhat worrying, but wondered if it was giving grounds to include that character in a subsequent book.
DCI Silas Nash thought his career was over until a string of gruesome murders in Barrow-in-Furness called him back to the force to investigate. Could businessman Maxwell Jones, dying of a brain tumor, be the town’s first serial killer of the 21st century? The evidence sure implicates him. With each body that turns up, Nash’s seasoned team struggles to piece together the puzzle before it’s too late. As the pressure mounts, leaks to the press threaten to derail the investigation. Time is running out. (Tick Tock.) Full of twists and turns, Hush Hush Honeysuckle kept me so riveted I’d have wrestled to the death anyone who tried to snatch it from me! Regarding plot and characterization, Katherine Black is right up there with Val McDermid, Patricia Cornwall, and Nicci French. A visceral and gripping read that would make a brilliant TV series. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
The book starts with the main character, Silas Nash, as a retired police detective. He’s got a routine and pretends he doesn’t miss policing. That changes when he’s called back to duty in order to solve a horrific set of murders. The plot builds as more bodies show up, and all the clues seem to be pointing in one direction….. There’s also a brilliant, and unexpected twist at the end! This story is superb. Full of twists and turns that kept me intrigued. Every character is described so well you can picture them, and the background descriptions are extremely visual. This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time. I would highly recommend Katherine Black, and will be looking forward to following Nash on more cases.
A detective Silas Nash is called out of retirement to work on a case that might be a serial killer. There is a double handful of murders in a quiet English town, but there's no similarity in method other than the victims are murdered elsewhere and then staged in sexual poses. It's a noir gumshoe tale at it's finest but the prime suspect is a man dying of a malignant brain tumor, named Max. Silas gets to know Max and even though he knows he's innocent he knows each victim is connected to the suspect (lover, friend, relative, co-worker, passerby. The rush is on for Silas and Max to discover the solution of who is killing people Max knew, before he dies. It's haunting and dark as can be with a scary ending that one wonders if it will years later develop a second evil head.
not to say that the heroes of Christie, Fleming and Conan Doyle aren’t legendary, but modern times call for modern heroes with both modern attitudes and modern personal lives. Enter Silas Nash. actually, Nash doesn’t enter for a while as it’s this dude named Max who’s story takes up the majority of the earlier part of the book. Is Max responsible for a series of murders? if not, who is? all clues point to him. the twists and turns in this thing are like intertwining number 8’s and by the time you arrive at the identity of the “real” culprit, you’ll be so shocked and exhausted from disbelief that all you’ll be able to do is write a review and go to bed. good night!