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What Lies Inside
At last, Malcolm has found the perfect woman. Now he just has to keep her.
Malcolm Todd seems like an average older man – he lives a quiet life in an ordinary bungalow on a suburban street.
But Malcolm is hungry – he’s looking for love.
There was that young woman at work with the lovely hair. That didn't work out.
And the one who worked at a delicatessen. That ended quite badly.
But now someone very special has come to stay, right here in his own home. Josie is young, beautiful, spirited. And it’s clear to Malcolm that he and she have a very strong connection. A connection that could lead to a truly delicious future.
Josie might not immediately understand how happy they could be together. But Malcolm is sure he can find ways to persuade her…
What Lies Inside – the chilling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, John Marrs, Kiersten Modglin.
Previously published as Mr. Todd’s Reckoning.
Malcolm Todd seems like an average older man – he lives a quiet life in an ordinary bungalow on a suburban street.
But Malcolm is hungry – he’s looking for love.
There was that young woman at work with the lovely hair. That didn't work out.
And the one who worked at a delicatessen. That ended quite badly.
But now someone very special has come to stay, right here in his own home. Josie is young, beautiful, spirited. And it’s clear to Malcolm that he and she have a very strong connection. A connection that could lead to a truly delicious future.
Josie might not immediately understand how happy they could be together. But Malcolm is sure he can find ways to persuade her…
What Lies Inside – the chilling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, John Marrs, Kiersten Modglin.
Previously published as Mr. Todd’s Reckoning.
- GenresThriller
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2024
304 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Iain Maitland
86 books42 followersIain Maitland has been a professional writer since 1987. He has written over 50 books, mainly on business, and been published as far away as Russia, India, Japan, USA and Australia. He has also written for the Sunday Times, Which? and the Financial Times amongst many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 13, 2024
Dark and (very) disturbing!
A quiet and diligent tax inspector has a dark secret. To his colleagues he is a bit of a joke and they either ignore or bully him. His wife is bored with their marriage and is having an affair. His son suffers from learning difficulties and appears to have an unhealthy interest in young children. However, this middle class, pillar of the community is not as innocent as he would have the outside world believe. Inside his head are some very dark and disturbing thoughts and fantasies. Surely that's all they are, the fantasies of a frustrated middle aged man. He would never act on them, would he? I found this psychological thriller a compulsive read although certain aspects of the story will haunt me for a long time.
A quiet and diligent tax inspector has a dark secret. To his colleagues he is a bit of a joke and they either ignore or bully him. His wife is bored with their marriage and is having an affair. His son suffers from learning difficulties and appears to have an unhealthy interest in young children. However, this middle class, pillar of the community is not as innocent as he would have the outside world believe. Inside his head are some very dark and disturbing thoughts and fantasies. Surely that's all they are, the fantasies of a frustrated middle aged man. He would never act on them, would he? I found this psychological thriller a compulsive read although certain aspects of the story will haunt me for a long time.
June 9, 2024
This is a disturbing trip into the mind of what appears to be an average person one may encounter on a daily basis. Malcolm gives the impression of normalcy with a hint of sadness. The plot gradually spirals from various unsettling events that lead to startling revelations that are haunting and terrifying. The book is definitely a slow burn that picks up significantly about a third of the way. There were several times I winced while reading about the unimaginable choices and intentions characters made as the plot unfolded. The conclusion was my favorite part which was both shocking and satisfying. Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my copy.
June 28, 2024
If you want a dark, macabre, psychological thriller this is your next read. Every once in a while I get a book that is hard to review because you don’t want to give anything away - this is it. A quick read with a linear time line. Short chapters and being inside of Malcolm’s head is … ummm …. Scary. I was scared that I may be enjoying it? Or that I was somehow ok with what he was doing ? If you read this it will make sense.
“I am not a proper nasty murderer. I do not know how I would describe myself actually. It is something of a conundrum.”
Enjoy my creepy thriller fans. This one will get under your skin.
June 5, 2024
Then, I will take the notebook and tear it into a million
pieces. I will scatter them to the wind.
I have secrets, so many secrets.
No one must know.
It would be the end of me.
The start of the book was a bit slow for me, it almost felt like to dnf it. The book picks up after a quarter of pages, and it starts to pick up and get interesting to read this book further. The writing is simple and easy to read. This book is heavily focused on the narrator and the other characters feel sidelined throughout the book. But the character of the narrator is beautifully written, like we are reading his journal and never felt any fault in the writing and description of the same.
It is so long ago that it has slipped away
into the mists of our life.
There were a few times when I felt my mouth stuck open after reading the next twist and going deeper and deeper into the mind of a very twisted man. Malcom seriously needs mental advice and a proper therapist. The way he justifies his acts is wow, just horrible and to see things from his perspective is creepy as hell.
The GP said that by
writing things out time and again, it would be easier to
come to terms with it all. I don’t know that I ever will.
*Major Spoilers*
(There are times when I do not know if Adrian is the
victim or the perpetrator of his damaged life. He has the
manner and the voice of the victim; as though things
happen to him, that it is not his fault he has ended up like
this. That he has suffered.)
pieces. I will scatter them to the wind.
I have secrets, so many secrets.
No one must know.
It would be the end of me.
The start of the book was a bit slow for me, it almost felt like to dnf it. The book picks up after a quarter of pages, and it starts to pick up and get interesting to read this book further. The writing is simple and easy to read. This book is heavily focused on the narrator and the other characters feel sidelined throughout the book. But the character of the narrator is beautifully written, like we are reading his journal and never felt any fault in the writing and description of the same.
It is so long ago that it has slipped away
into the mists of our life.
There were a few times when I felt my mouth stuck open after reading the next twist and going deeper and deeper into the mind of a very twisted man. Malcom seriously needs mental advice and a proper therapist. The way he justifies his acts is wow, just horrible and to see things from his perspective is creepy as hell.
The GP said that by
writing things out time and again, it would be easier to
come to terms with it all. I don’t know that I ever will.
*Major Spoilers*
(There are times when I do not know if Adrian is the
victim or the perpetrator of his damaged life. He has the
manner and the voice of the victim; as though things
happen to him, that it is not his fault he has ended up like
this. That he has suffered.)
May 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for an ARC of What Lies Inside.
The beginning of this was pretty slow for me, it took a while before I thought the story ramped up and got interesting. As the story progresses it gets more intense, and it got harder to put down. I enjoyed the impending doom of Malcolm's actions as we reached the end of the book. To get a glimpse of what lies inside Malcolm's mind is quite disturbing. Overall, it was not a bad story, and I would recommend to other readers.
The beginning of this was pretty slow for me, it took a while before I thought the story ramped up and got interesting. As the story progresses it gets more intense, and it got harder to put down. I enjoyed the impending doom of Malcolm's actions as we reached the end of the book. To get a glimpse of what lies inside Malcolm's mind is quite disturbing. Overall, it was not a bad story, and I would recommend to other readers.
May 20, 2024
What a great book, the ending was especially great to finish the whole madness going on. Thus author always seems to know how to get you turning pages.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
May 22, 2024
Malcom lives a seemingly quiet life with his adult son, Adrian, in their almost too small bungalow on a quiet street that sees no real action. That is until, we learn Malcom has not one but multiple secrets.
This is what I call a Murder thriller book. Multiple bodies, unhinged protagonist who seems normal up until his slow unraveling. You are made to believe that Adrian is the crazy one, which in part is true, but definitely not to the extent of his Father.
I loved that we had two narratives going on, the first being Malcom’s diary entries leading to his demise and the second being his obsession with finding out what his son is up to, convinced he’s back to his peeping tom ways.
You feel like you are part of the unraveling of a mentally insane man’s mind. His constant battle with himself on whether what he did was the right thing and how he convinces himself it was.
One bungalow, one air raid bunker and a Pervert with a psychologically altered mind. What more could you ask for?
This is what I call a Murder thriller book. Multiple bodies, unhinged protagonist who seems normal up until his slow unraveling. You are made to believe that Adrian is the crazy one, which in part is true, but definitely not to the extent of his Father.
I loved that we had two narratives going on, the first being Malcom’s diary entries leading to his demise and the second being his obsession with finding out what his son is up to, convinced he’s back to his peeping tom ways.
You feel like you are part of the unraveling of a mentally insane man’s mind. His constant battle with himself on whether what he did was the right thing and how he convinces himself it was.
One bungalow, one air raid bunker and a Pervert with a psychologically altered mind. What more could you ask for?
June 23, 2024
This is a really intense read.
The story is purely told by Malcolm. He is recounting his past, as he's been told by a doctor that writing what he's done in a diary or journal will help him come to terms with it.
However when he says he must burn it when he's finished writing gives you an idea of what he's possibly done.
The beginning is slow and focuses a lot on Adrian. There are hints to some Darkness within him, and I was getting We Need to Talk About Kevin vibes. If I have a big criticism of this book, it's that we never really found out what caused Adrian to change from a normal boy to an extremely challenging neuro diverse young man.
As the story picks up, well sheesh. You have three threads, Josie and her little girl Lily, hiding from Leon, the missing teaching assistant from the local school, who happened to be having an affair with Malcolms wife, who is also missing.
As you get deeper into the book you can really see the unravelling of his mind, and the justifications for his actions are shocking.
Then you have the end. I do love it when the ending is satisfying which is very much the case here. Well played Iain, well played
The story is purely told by Malcolm. He is recounting his past, as he's been told by a doctor that writing what he's done in a diary or journal will help him come to terms with it.
However when he says he must burn it when he's finished writing gives you an idea of what he's possibly done.
The beginning is slow and focuses a lot on Adrian. There are hints to some Darkness within him, and I was getting We Need to Talk About Kevin vibes. If I have a big criticism of this book, it's that we never really found out what caused Adrian to change from a normal boy to an extremely challenging neuro diverse young man.
As the story picks up, well sheesh. You have three threads, Josie and her little girl Lily, hiding from Leon, the missing teaching assistant from the local school, who happened to be having an affair with Malcolms wife, who is also missing.
As you get deeper into the book you can really see the unravelling of his mind, and the justifications for his actions are shocking.
Then you have the end. I do love it when the ending is satisfying which is very much the case here. Well played Iain, well played
Read
January 27, 2025DNF @ 40%
Book/Story:
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐
TRIGGER(S): PEDOPHILIA (hinted at), MURDER, MENTAL HEALTH
POV: Singular, First Person
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Part of a series: No
Safe or Dark: Dark (see trigger warnings above)
It was just too slow for me to get into. Eventually started to pick up around 35% but sadly by that point my interest was lost.
This will most likely be my first and last Iain Maitland book.
I would like to thank Inkubator Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
Book/Story:
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐
TRIGGER(S): PEDOPHILIA (hinted at), MURDER, MENTAL HEALTH
POV: Singular, First Person
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Part of a series: No
Safe or Dark: Dark (see trigger warnings above)
It was just too slow for me to get into. Eventually started to pick up around 35% but sadly by that point my interest was lost.
This will most likely be my first and last Iain Maitland book.
I would like to thank Inkubator Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
July 29, 2024
What originally attracted me to this book? The combination of dramatic cover artwork and blurb of course!
We follow Malcom as he tries to find love... of course, this is a psychological thriller, so everything isn't as it seems!
What an intriguing format choice - a main storyline spoken by the protagonist and a diary written that he is writing wrapped around this.
This unique choice allows you to see the story from his POV and then also read about his inner desires in his diary.
This is a slow burn, but the main character, Malcom, is an incredibly creepy guy and his son. Well, he is just gross!
Iain is extremely clever in how he approaches this book, and he keeps you gripped as you navigate this strange world the characters have created for themselves...
Will Malcom get to keep his perfect woman? You'll have to read to see!
If you love thrillers, then you really need to give this book a whirl!
We follow Malcom as he tries to find love... of course, this is a psychological thriller, so everything isn't as it seems!
What an intriguing format choice - a main storyline spoken by the protagonist and a diary written that he is writing wrapped around this.
This unique choice allows you to see the story from his POV and then also read about his inner desires in his diary.
This is a slow burn, but the main character, Malcom, is an incredibly creepy guy and his son. Well, he is just gross!
Iain is extremely clever in how he approaches this book, and he keeps you gripped as you navigate this strange world the characters have created for themselves...
Will Malcom get to keep his perfect woman? You'll have to read to see!
If you love thrillers, then you really need to give this book a whirl!
June 13, 2024
Creepy and compulsive. A slow burn that gave me a feeling of dread, that it was building to something truly horrible. It was like when you know you should look away, but you can’t!
Malcolm and his son Adrian are strange and disturbing characters. Malcolm lost his job with HMRC and Adrian has previously had police involvement due to an inappropriate interest in children, which Malcolm worries he is regressing into again.
The story is narrated by Malcolm in the present and through his journal. All he wants is to live out his days in peace, but then he discovers his wife is having an affair and matters get complicated!
3.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Iain Maitland and Inkubator for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Malcolm and his son Adrian are strange and disturbing characters. Malcolm lost his job with HMRC and Adrian has previously had police involvement due to an inappropriate interest in children, which Malcolm worries he is regressing into again.
The story is narrated by Malcolm in the present and through his journal. All he wants is to live out his days in peace, but then he discovers his wife is having an affair and matters get complicated!
3.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Iain Maitland and Inkubator for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2024
This is a well written psychological thriller with strong well developed characters and an intriguing storyline. The author does a fantastic job developing the story and painting his scenes perfectly, bringing the story to life in realistic fashion. It's a true page turner and is a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
August 24, 2024
Another one that has pretty decent reviews but I disagree with wholeheartedly 🫠
I don't really have much to say about this book other than I had the ick the whole way through it and it just gave bad vibes. The main character Malcolm was just unhinged and psychotic, not in a "I want to find out how this ends" kind of way, more in a "wtf is wrong with this guy" kind of way..
And after all that, it got left unfinished. Big thumbs down from me.
I don't really have much to say about this book other than I had the ick the whole way through it and it just gave bad vibes. The main character Malcolm was just unhinged and psychotic, not in a "I want to find out how this ends" kind of way, more in a "wtf is wrong with this guy" kind of way..
And after all that, it got left unfinished. Big thumbs down from me.
July 7, 2024
Thank you @zooloosBT for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. What Lies Inside is a psychological genre which is about Malcolm who likes a quiet life but wants to find love and then finds Josie who has come to stay with him. Malcolm thinks it could work between them, but Josie is not so sure. I find this to be a chilling read that I could not put down. This was a brilliant read that you will get into straight the way and is a hell of rollercoaster ride that will put you on tender hooks while reading it, This book has the wow factor. The story is creepy and dark with a fantastic plot that you just want to keep reading. I do love books like this that capture you from the beginning. I read the blurb, and it was totally different from what I thought would happen, which is great that a book can keep you guessing, thinking and on your toes. Furthermore, I will be reading more from Iain Maitland in the future 5 stars.
May 24, 2024
The novel is presented inside the head of the protagonist, seeing life from his unique and quirky point of view. As the story unfolds, more is revealed about his dark desires, his selfish assumptions, and his low view of humanity. What horrors he has done? What will he do next. How far will he go? He’s always calculating to his best advantage. It reads very easily, with deceptively simple language, making this a thrilling read from page one. It’s humorous and horrific in equal measure. I enjoyed it and felt compelled to keep reading to find out what happens. Definitely a page turner.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of the book for review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of the book for review.
July 3, 2024
This is my third read by this author and I've loved my last two reads, so was excited to dive into this new release.
I was initially drawn to this book by the intriguing front cover - where does the door lead and whose blood is on the key!?
I knew that I'd love this.
Malcolm Todd is an average man, living an average life.
He's just looking for love, but so far, things don't seem to have worked out so well for him.
We follow this through Malcolm's pov and it was great to really dig around inside his head for a while.
He's certainly a great character to explore, completely creepy and deceptive and some of the things he'd done....makes for pretty gruesome reading - but I loved it!
Once again, Maitland manages to create a great atmosphere in very little time and I found that I was gripped by this story right from the start.
It's not quite slow burn, but we take time to really explore the characters and this adds to the tension of the read and had me in edge throughout.
This was a great read with twists and turns, tense and exciting scenes and I loved that there was even some hunour sprinkled in there too.
Can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
I was initially drawn to this book by the intriguing front cover - where does the door lead and whose blood is on the key!?
I knew that I'd love this.
Malcolm Todd is an average man, living an average life.
He's just looking for love, but so far, things don't seem to have worked out so well for him.
We follow this through Malcolm's pov and it was great to really dig around inside his head for a while.
He's certainly a great character to explore, completely creepy and deceptive and some of the things he'd done....makes for pretty gruesome reading - but I loved it!
Once again, Maitland manages to create a great atmosphere in very little time and I found that I was gripped by this story right from the start.
It's not quite slow burn, but we take time to really explore the characters and this adds to the tension of the read and had me in edge throughout.
This was a great read with twists and turns, tense and exciting scenes and I loved that there was even some hunour sprinkled in there too.
Can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
June 30, 2024
Now this is my sort of book! I was instantly gripped by the authors writing style and the characters, Malcom’s thoughts immediately filled me with dread, which increased with each page.
Malcom and Adrian are such addictive, messed up characters, completely thought provoking for all the wrong reasons!
This is a must for those who like their thrillers on the darker side! Amazing book!
Malcom and Adrian are such addictive, messed up characters, completely thought provoking for all the wrong reasons!
This is a must for those who like their thrillers on the darker side! Amazing book!
June 29, 2024
What lies inside by Iain Maitland.
This was a good read. I did love the cover. This is my fifth book by this author. Even though it was a slow starter, I soon got into it. I didn't know who was worse, Malcolm or Adrian. I didn't like them. I think they were as bad as each other. The diary entries from Malcolm blended in well with the story. 4*.
This was a good read. I did love the cover. This is my fifth book by this author. Even though it was a slow starter, I soon got into it. I didn't know who was worse, Malcolm or Adrian. I didn't like them. I think they were as bad as each other. The diary entries from Malcolm blended in well with the story. 4*.
June 27, 2024
Having read a few books by this author before I couldn’t wait to read this one and I was not disappointed! This book kept me hooked from the first page and I needed to know what would happen next. It made my brain flit to a thousand possibilities about what was going on but none of them were right! I will be recommending this to all thriller lovers and those who love a fast paced plot!
May 29, 2024
Iain Maitland’s What Lies Inside is a chilling psychological thriller that delves deep into the twisted mind of its protagonist, Malcolm Todd. This novel masterfully explores themes of obsession, control, and the dark recesses of human desire, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre.
The plot of What Lies Inside centers around Malcolm, an ostensibly ordinary man living a mundane life in a suburban bungalow. However, beneath his unremarkable exterior lies a deeply disturbed individual with a perilous fixation on finding love. Malcolm’s previous attempts to connect with women have ended disastrously, but his latest fixation, Josie, marks a new and terrifying chapter in his quest for companionship. The story unfolds with Malcolm’s obsessive determination to keep Josie with him, regardless of her own feelings or safety, setting the stage for a psychological cat-and-mouse game that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Maitland’s ability to craft suspense is evident in the novel’s tightly wound plot and the pervasive sense of dread that underpins every page. The narrative is a slow burn, meticulously building tension as Malcolm’s plans for Josie become increasingly sinister. The psychological complexity of Malcolm’s character is both horrifying and fascinating, as Maitland delves into the mind of a man whose perception of love is warped by his deep-seated insecurities and need for control.
Character development is a standout feature in What Lies Inside. Malcolm is portrayed with unsettling realism, his inner thoughts and motivations laid bare for the reader. His interactions with Josie are fraught with tension, as she gradually realizes the true extent of his obsession. Josie’s character, though seen largely through Malcolm’s eyes, is portrayed as spirited and resilient, a stark contrast to Malcolm’s delusions. Their dynamic drives the narrative forward, creating a compelling and horrifying exploration of captivity and manipulation.
Fans of psychological thrillers will find much to appreciate in Maitland’s deft storytelling and his ability to evoke a sense of claustrophobic tension. The suburban setting, typically associated with safety and normalcy, becomes a backdrop for Malcolm’s dark desires, amplifying the novel’s unsettling atmosphere. Maitland’s writing is precise and evocative, capturing the mundane details of Malcolm’s life while hinting at the underlying menace.
Moreover, What Lies Inside excels in its exploration of darker themes such as obsession, power dynamics, and the fine line between love and possession. The psychological depth of the story invites readers to ponder the complexities of human behavior and the potential for darkness within ordinary individuals. Maitland’s nuanced portrayal of Malcolm’s psyche provides a chilling reminder of how easily normalcy can mask depravity.
What Lies Inside is a compelling and deeply unsettling psychological thriller that showcases Iain Maitland’s talent for creating intricate and haunting narratives. With its well-developed characters, meticulously crafted plot, and pervasive sense of dread, this novel is sure to captivate fans of the genre. Maitland has delivered a thriller that is both intellectually engaging and viscerally frightening, making it a standout addition to psychological thriller literature. Readers will be left pondering the depths of human obsession long after turning the final page.
The plot of What Lies Inside centers around Malcolm, an ostensibly ordinary man living a mundane life in a suburban bungalow. However, beneath his unremarkable exterior lies a deeply disturbed individual with a perilous fixation on finding love. Malcolm’s previous attempts to connect with women have ended disastrously, but his latest fixation, Josie, marks a new and terrifying chapter in his quest for companionship. The story unfolds with Malcolm’s obsessive determination to keep Josie with him, regardless of her own feelings or safety, setting the stage for a psychological cat-and-mouse game that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Maitland’s ability to craft suspense is evident in the novel’s tightly wound plot and the pervasive sense of dread that underpins every page. The narrative is a slow burn, meticulously building tension as Malcolm’s plans for Josie become increasingly sinister. The psychological complexity of Malcolm’s character is both horrifying and fascinating, as Maitland delves into the mind of a man whose perception of love is warped by his deep-seated insecurities and need for control.
Character development is a standout feature in What Lies Inside. Malcolm is portrayed with unsettling realism, his inner thoughts and motivations laid bare for the reader. His interactions with Josie are fraught with tension, as she gradually realizes the true extent of his obsession. Josie’s character, though seen largely through Malcolm’s eyes, is portrayed as spirited and resilient, a stark contrast to Malcolm’s delusions. Their dynamic drives the narrative forward, creating a compelling and horrifying exploration of captivity and manipulation.
Fans of psychological thrillers will find much to appreciate in Maitland’s deft storytelling and his ability to evoke a sense of claustrophobic tension. The suburban setting, typically associated with safety and normalcy, becomes a backdrop for Malcolm’s dark desires, amplifying the novel’s unsettling atmosphere. Maitland’s writing is precise and evocative, capturing the mundane details of Malcolm’s life while hinting at the underlying menace.
Moreover, What Lies Inside excels in its exploration of darker themes such as obsession, power dynamics, and the fine line between love and possession. The psychological depth of the story invites readers to ponder the complexities of human behavior and the potential for darkness within ordinary individuals. Maitland’s nuanced portrayal of Malcolm’s psyche provides a chilling reminder of how easily normalcy can mask depravity.
What Lies Inside is a compelling and deeply unsettling psychological thriller that showcases Iain Maitland’s talent for creating intricate and haunting narratives. With its well-developed characters, meticulously crafted plot, and pervasive sense of dread, this novel is sure to captivate fans of the genre. Maitland has delivered a thriller that is both intellectually engaging and viscerally frightening, making it a standout addition to psychological thriller literature. Readers will be left pondering the depths of human obsession long after turning the final page.
June 18, 2024
“I have secrets, so many secrets. No one must know. It would be the end of me.”
What Lies Inside is a psychological thriller (previously published as Mr. Todd’s Reckoning), that has this wonderful buildup where you know something horrible is going to occur, so you just need to settle in for the ride. And what a ride…
The protagonist tells his story through journal entries that his doctor has recommended as a way to come to terms with what has happened to him and to use it as a reflective tool so he can see how far he’s come. We also find out in that first chapter that our protagonist, who we later learn is named Malcom, has many secrets. So many dark secrets that if they were found out, would be the end of him.
Although Malcom is journaling, the book is not epistolary; readers have a front row seat to the chaotic and disturbing landscape of his mind. This technique was much more effective than most epistolary writing because the reader isn’t solely presented with facts, but with emotions (or lack thereof) and with just how tumultuous and scattered Malcom’s thoughts truly are.
Malcom refuses to be held accountable for anything bad in his life, preferring instead to blame others for what he deems misunderstandings. He is also wound rather tightly which we see in an early section where he is unable to concentrate on writing because his obsessive compulsive son, Aiden, is cutting vegetables. The constant interspersing of the word “snip” during this chapter is just an example of Maitland’s ability to draw the reader into the mindset of the characters. You start to become slightly irritated reading the snip, snip, snips made by Adrian’s vegetable cutting, which pulls you even more into the story.
I can’t say much more as I don’t want to give anything away, because this book truly spirals and twists in some rather unexpected ways. In fact, I was pretty certain very early on that I had at least one twist sussed out, but I was pleasantly surprised to find I was wrong.
Maitland does an incredible job with this story, and despite the unpleasant nature of the characters, they are all extremely well developed. You may not like them, in fact you may be completely repulsed by some of their actions, but you can’t say that they weren’t painstakingly written to maximize their unpleasantness. Character development and the building of tension are both stand out features of Maitland’s writing here. If you like dark, twisted psychological thrillers you will enjoy What Lies Inside.
The only suggestion I have would be to include a trigger warning as there are some elements, whether outright or hinted at, that some people might take issue with. Regardless, 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and Inkubator Books, however my review is completely unbiased and entirely my own personal opinion.
What Lies Inside is a psychological thriller (previously published as Mr. Todd’s Reckoning), that has this wonderful buildup where you know something horrible is going to occur, so you just need to settle in for the ride. And what a ride…
The protagonist tells his story through journal entries that his doctor has recommended as a way to come to terms with what has happened to him and to use it as a reflective tool so he can see how far he’s come. We also find out in that first chapter that our protagonist, who we later learn is named Malcom, has many secrets. So many dark secrets that if they were found out, would be the end of him.
Although Malcom is journaling, the book is not epistolary; readers have a front row seat to the chaotic and disturbing landscape of his mind. This technique was much more effective than most epistolary writing because the reader isn’t solely presented with facts, but with emotions (or lack thereof) and with just how tumultuous and scattered Malcom’s thoughts truly are.
Malcom refuses to be held accountable for anything bad in his life, preferring instead to blame others for what he deems misunderstandings. He is also wound rather tightly which we see in an early section where he is unable to concentrate on writing because his obsessive compulsive son, Aiden, is cutting vegetables. The constant interspersing of the word “snip” during this chapter is just an example of Maitland’s ability to draw the reader into the mindset of the characters. You start to become slightly irritated reading the snip, snip, snips made by Adrian’s vegetable cutting, which pulls you even more into the story.
I can’t say much more as I don’t want to give anything away, because this book truly spirals and twists in some rather unexpected ways. In fact, I was pretty certain very early on that I had at least one twist sussed out, but I was pleasantly surprised to find I was wrong.
Maitland does an incredible job with this story, and despite the unpleasant nature of the characters, they are all extremely well developed. You may not like them, in fact you may be completely repulsed by some of their actions, but you can’t say that they weren’t painstakingly written to maximize their unpleasantness. Character development and the building of tension are both stand out features of Maitland’s writing here. If you like dark, twisted psychological thrillers you will enjoy What Lies Inside.
The only suggestion I have would be to include a trigger warning as there are some elements, whether outright or hinted at, that some people might take issue with. Regardless, 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and Inkubator Books, however my review is completely unbiased and entirely my own personal opinion.
July 21, 2024
Here is my review for What Lies Inside by Iain Maitland
This is a really intriguing story that sees Malcolm searching for love with a younger woman but he misreads the signals and it ends up with his dismissal from work. His doctor tells him to write a diary explaining everything that happened to get his feelings across but it doesn’t help Malcolm to feel any better. Then there is the awkward relationship with his son, Adrian, where he keeps getting into trouble with the police. Now he seems to have a girlfriend and wants to bring her to tea with her little girl. Malcolm agrees. This story is a great psychological read with Malcolm trying to find love after his wife left him after years of marriage for someone else but he fixates on younger girls whose feelings are not for Malcolm. The plotting is terrific and the descriptive writing is superb with everything explained wonderfully. Malcolm is portrayed as a sad fifty- something who has problems that he has not acknowledged and his persona is written very well. Some research has been done for this story as it is very true to life. I like the way the book has been written, the author is a great writer and he isn’t afraid to tackle issues. There is a diary element in the book whilst Malcolm is writing his diary.
Blurb :
At last, Malcolm has found the perfect woman. Now he just has to keep her.
Malcolm Todd seems like an average older man – he lives a quiet life in an ordinary bungalow on a suburban street.
But Malcolm is hungry – he’s looking for love.
There was that young woman at work with the lovely hair. That didn't work out.
And the one who worked at a delicatessen. That ended quite badly.
But now someone very special has come to stay, right here in his own home. Josie is young, beautiful, spirited. And it’s clear to Malcolm that he and she have a very strong connection. A connection that could lead to a truly delicious future.
Josie might not immediately understand how happy they could be together. But Malcolm is sure he can find ways to persuade her…
This is a really intriguing story that sees Malcolm searching for love with a younger woman but he misreads the signals and it ends up with his dismissal from work. His doctor tells him to write a diary explaining everything that happened to get his feelings across but it doesn’t help Malcolm to feel any better. Then there is the awkward relationship with his son, Adrian, where he keeps getting into trouble with the police. Now he seems to have a girlfriend and wants to bring her to tea with her little girl. Malcolm agrees. This story is a great psychological read with Malcolm trying to find love after his wife left him after years of marriage for someone else but he fixates on younger girls whose feelings are not for Malcolm. The plotting is terrific and the descriptive writing is superb with everything explained wonderfully. Malcolm is portrayed as a sad fifty- something who has problems that he has not acknowledged and his persona is written very well. Some research has been done for this story as it is very true to life. I like the way the book has been written, the author is a great writer and he isn’t afraid to tackle issues. There is a diary element in the book whilst Malcolm is writing his diary.
Blurb :
At last, Malcolm has found the perfect woman. Now he just has to keep her.
Malcolm Todd seems like an average older man – he lives a quiet life in an ordinary bungalow on a suburban street.
But Malcolm is hungry – he’s looking for love.
There was that young woman at work with the lovely hair. That didn't work out.
And the one who worked at a delicatessen. That ended quite badly.
But now someone very special has come to stay, right here in his own home. Josie is young, beautiful, spirited. And it’s clear to Malcolm that he and she have a very strong connection. A connection that could lead to a truly delicious future.
Josie might not immediately understand how happy they could be together. But Malcolm is sure he can find ways to persuade her…
June 10, 2024
Good Golly Miss Molly! Creepy x10 - This was written in such a way, I have never felt so utterly creeped out, and as though I was invading someone’s privacy. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but the style sucked me in, and I’m glad I decided to give it a chance.
The POV is written as though you were inside Malcom Todd’s mind, listening to his thoughts and ramblings. Thoughts so dark, so uncomfortable, so disturbing you will need to take a breather every few chapters and remind yourself “it’s only a book; it’s not real“. His musings were both funny and frightening, had me laughing and gagging, depending on the current thoughts being read.
Our MC is Malcom, a seemingly harmless, “retired” Tax Inspector living with his cheating - oh I mean “missing” wife, and 25 year old son Adrian (unemployed, socially awkward, OCD), who has a history of “unusual behavior” which has brought the police to the door on more than 1 occasion. Enter a new love interest for Adrian, the beautiful Josie and her daughter Lily (not Lilly!). Malcom’s GP has recommended that he keep a diary of his life, to help him cope with the loss of his job and wife … Slowly, you as the reader, will learn the horrifying truth behind Malcom and his son Adrian, you won’t be able to stop turning pages in anticipation of what will happen. A slow burn, so worth the time. Although I would have liked 1 additional chapter with some final perspective of the other characters (you’ll understand once you’ve read it).
The POV is written as though you were inside Malcom Todd’s mind, listening to his thoughts and ramblings. Thoughts so dark, so uncomfortable, so disturbing you will need to take a breather every few chapters and remind yourself “it’s only a book; it’s not real“. His musings were both funny and frightening, had me laughing and gagging, depending on the current thoughts being read.
Our MC is Malcom, a seemingly harmless, “retired” Tax Inspector living with his cheating - oh I mean “missing” wife, and 25 year old son Adrian (unemployed, socially awkward, OCD), who has a history of “unusual behavior” which has brought the police to the door on more than 1 occasion. Enter a new love interest for Adrian, the beautiful Josie and her daughter Lily (not Lilly!). Malcom’s GP has recommended that he keep a diary of his life, to help him cope with the loss of his job and wife … Slowly, you as the reader, will learn the horrifying truth behind Malcom and his son Adrian, you won’t be able to stop turning pages in anticipation of what will happen. A slow burn, so worth the time. Although I would have liked 1 additional chapter with some final perspective of the other characters (you’ll understand once you’ve read it).
June 12, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I found it hard to engage much with this book and thus took much longer to finish it than I normally would. It was a slow start and didn't pick up traction until around the halfway point.
The main character Malcolm, who's POV the book is in, has zero self awareness or accountability. He blames literally everyone else for the mistakes he's made that led him to his current situation. He's also a major creep, rapist, and murderer. With that being said, the ending/his demise was very satisfying and I'd even go as far as saying it was my favorite part. I don't condone cheating, but I also understand why his wife wanted to GTFO.
Josie is a total leech. Considering how Adrian was described, I believe she was looking for someone to fool and hide away with after stealing from Leon. I'm fully convinced at this point that Josie knew Adrian was not coming back and simply was biding her time until the opportunity came to get rid of Malcolm. Malcolm had already gotten rid of Leon, so ultimately she got a free house and 10k out of the whole ordeal.
I wouldn't say I enjoyed the book, but I also didn't hate it. I definitely didn't like any of the characters and found some quite repulsive.
3.5 stars.
I found it hard to engage much with this book and thus took much longer to finish it than I normally would. It was a slow start and didn't pick up traction until around the halfway point.
The main character Malcolm, who's POV the book is in, has zero self awareness or accountability. He blames literally everyone else for the mistakes he's made that led him to his current situation. He's also a major creep, rapist, and murderer. With that being said, the ending/his demise was very satisfying and I'd even go as far as saying it was my favorite part. I don't condone cheating, but I also understand why his wife wanted to GTFO.
Josie is a total leech. Considering how Adrian was described, I believe she was looking for someone to fool and hide away with after stealing from Leon. I'm fully convinced at this point that Josie knew Adrian was not coming back and simply was biding her time until the opportunity came to get rid of Malcolm. Malcolm had already gotten rid of Leon, so ultimately she got a free house and 10k out of the whole ordeal.
I wouldn't say I enjoyed the book, but I also didn't hate it. I definitely didn't like any of the characters and found some quite repulsive.
3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
I enjoyed reading Iain Maitland’s novels “The Soulmate” & “The New Son” as they were really good psychological thrillers and couldn’t wait to read his new novel. Unfortunately, “What Lies Inside” is not Iain Maitland at his best. From reading the blurb, I was intrigued & interested in reading about how & why Malcom’s love affairs didn’t work out, why he thinks Josie is different & what he does to persuade her that they’re meant to be together. Malcolm, the 50-year-old narrator of the story spends most of his time writing in his journal. These diary entries read more like the musings & ramblings of an old man since they seem to jump from one topic to the next with nothing tying them together. First, he writes about losing his job, then about something suspicious that Adrian, his 25-year-old son did & then he goes back to losing his job. Interspersed between these extremely detailed entries the reader gets glimpses of what his home & neighborhood are like as well as how worried he is that his son will do something sinister. For the first part of the book there seems to be no plot & if there is one, it jumps all over the place. As a result, Part 1 of the novel was neither engaging nor gripping but very confusing instead & reluctantly I had to put the book down without completing it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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June 18, 2024In the book What Lies Inside, we meet Malcolm Todd a 53-year-old pensioner an ex tax inspector. He is trying to survive the excess heat of the summer and all the extra noise he hears around his little cottage and that includes his son who is every movement distracts him. There is so much I want to say about Mr. Todd and the goings-on that happened in his little neck of the woods but I really don’t want to give anything away. What I will say is if you read this book and think the first two or three chapters are boring just hold on this book it’s not only original it is so good and although I wish it would’ve ended differently I still think I’m satisfied with the ending. In the beginning you may even think this is no domestic thriller but OMG it definitely is. I did also feel bad for him at first but then when he started getting perverty I was over it but trust me when I say this book will not only have you anticipating his next move and or revelation it will also have you laughing out loud at his inner thoughts. It’s not a whodunit but up this is why I donut in it all, oh so good! I want to thank incubater books for my free arc copy via Booksprout please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2024
Malcolm Todd is a very lonely man. His wife left him and now he lives with only his son Adrian to keep him company. All he wants is to meet someone to love. I found Malcolm very creepy and the way he speaks just emphasised that, it’s easy to understand why his wife left. He’s one of those men who always knows best and is so arrogant and condescending, he is a loathsome man. At times the story is claustrophobic with the emphasis on the relentless heat. And when his son introduces his new girlfriend and her daughter who are on the run from a violent ex, the tension ramps up even more. So many people in a small house, it’s just asking for trouble. The tension is only increased when Malcolm decides he wants Jodie for himself. The more I learnt about Malcolm the more I despised him, especially when the question is raised as to what is in the air raid shelter. There were a few shocking moments which really opened my eyes I couldn’t believe what had happened. And although I found it a slow burner at first but before I knew it I was racing through the pages, wanting to know how everything would end. Malcolm is such a believable character that I couldn’t help but be impressed at how well he is portrayed.
This is the first book I’ve read by Iain but something tells me it definitely won’t be the last.
This is the first book I’ve read by Iain but something tells me it definitely won’t be the last.
June 18, 2024
This was a good psychological thriller.
On first impressions, I felt there was something about the narrative that was simple and to the point. It seemed that the narrator wanted to tell me about themselves and their life or experiences.
As I read on, I found there were points when I found the narrator unlikeable, or at least found their attitude questionable. In some cases, unlikeable characters will impact my enjoyment of a book in a negative way. In this case, it did not because I felt that I was not interested in the narrator exactly, but what they had to tell me.
There were some points in the narrative when I paused and wondered, "Why is the narrator telling me this?", and times when i questioned whether they were trying to deceive me.
This definitely kept me guessing, and the whole time I was reading, I had the feeling there was something I'd missed or perhaps hadn't fully understood, and maybe i wouldn't, until I got to the end. It played with my head, it was a page turner, and difficult to lay aside once I started reading.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On first impressions, I felt there was something about the narrative that was simple and to the point. It seemed that the narrator wanted to tell me about themselves and their life or experiences.
As I read on, I found there were points when I found the narrator unlikeable, or at least found their attitude questionable. In some cases, unlikeable characters will impact my enjoyment of a book in a negative way. In this case, it did not because I felt that I was not interested in the narrator exactly, but what they had to tell me.
There were some points in the narrative when I paused and wondered, "Why is the narrator telling me this?", and times when i questioned whether they were trying to deceive me.
This definitely kept me guessing, and the whole time I was reading, I had the feeling there was something I'd missed or perhaps hadn't fully understood, and maybe i wouldn't, until I got to the end. It played with my head, it was a page turner, and difficult to lay aside once I started reading.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2025
What Lies Inside is a well-crafted psychological thriller that I didn’t fully connect with until the later part of the book, not because of the writing, but because of the narrative choice to tell the entire story from the villain’s point of view. Spending so much time inside the antagonist’s head is simply not my personal preference, and for much of the novel, that distance made it harder for me to fully engage.
That said, the author executes this perspective exceptionally well. The villain’s voice is chilling, believable, and meticulously developed, and the way the story unfolds feels intentional and controlled. There are several genuinely tense moments that pulled me in despite my discomfort, and the pacing tightens effectively as the novel progresses.
By the end, I could clearly see the skill behind the storytelling. The psychological depth, the slow build, and the plausibility of the antagonist’s mindset all work together to create a compelling and unsettling reading experience. While I personally don’t enjoy spending an entire book immersed in a villain’s perspective, I can still acknowledge that What Lies Inside is a strong, well-executed thriller that will likely resonate with readers who appreciate dark, character-driven psychological suspense.
That said, the author executes this perspective exceptionally well. The villain’s voice is chilling, believable, and meticulously developed, and the way the story unfolds feels intentional and controlled. There are several genuinely tense moments that pulled me in despite my discomfort, and the pacing tightens effectively as the novel progresses.
By the end, I could clearly see the skill behind the storytelling. The psychological depth, the slow build, and the plausibility of the antagonist’s mindset all work together to create a compelling and unsettling reading experience. While I personally don’t enjoy spending an entire book immersed in a villain’s perspective, I can still acknowledge that What Lies Inside is a strong, well-executed thriller that will likely resonate with readers who appreciate dark, character-driven psychological suspense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
At last, Malcolm has found the perfect woman. Now he just has to keep her.
Malcolm Todd seems like an average older man – he lives a quiet life in an ordinary bungalow on a suburban street.
But Malcolm is hungry – he’s looking for love.
There was that young woman at work with the lovely hair. That didn't work out.
And the one who worked at a delicatessen. That ended quite badly.
But now someone very special has come to stay, right here in his own home. Josie is young, beautiful, spirited. And it’s clear to Malcolm that he and she have a very strong connection. A connection that could lead to a truly delicious future.
Josie might not immediately understand how happy they could be together. But Malcolm is sure he can find ways to persuade her…
What an absolutely amazing thriller.
I loved reading every sentence of this.
Thrilling plot and storyline that keeps you immersed in the story.
Wonderful well fleshed out characters that you want to know more about
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading highly.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of the book and this is my honest voluntary review.
Malcolm Todd seems like an average older man – he lives a quiet life in an ordinary bungalow on a suburban street.
But Malcolm is hungry – he’s looking for love.
There was that young woman at work with the lovely hair. That didn't work out.
And the one who worked at a delicatessen. That ended quite badly.
But now someone very special has come to stay, right here in his own home. Josie is young, beautiful, spirited. And it’s clear to Malcolm that he and she have a very strong connection. A connection that could lead to a truly delicious future.
Josie might not immediately understand how happy they could be together. But Malcolm is sure he can find ways to persuade her…
What an absolutely amazing thriller.
I loved reading every sentence of this.
Thrilling plot and storyline that keeps you immersed in the story.
Wonderful well fleshed out characters that you want to know more about
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading highly.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of the book and this is my honest voluntary review.
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