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DS Alice Washington Thriller #1
All Eyes on You: A completely gripping crime thriller and mystery novel
She wrote a killer story. Now it's coming true...
In the small village of Fortbridge, it's hard to keep a secret. But bestselling crime writer Camilla Harton-Gray is faced with a twist she couldn't see her very own stalker, whose behaviour seems to take a leaf out of Camilla's own novels.
Grappling with a bizarre set of clues, stubborn coworkers and a crisis of confidence, DS Alice Washington knows this is her chance to get it together and prove herself.
But as the pressure builds and Alice's grip on her instincts hangs by a thread, it becomes clear that Camilla's stalker will do anything to keep their identity hidden...
Readers can't get enough of All Eyes On
'A dark, suspenseful thriller that explores the unsettling boundaries between fiction and reality'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Twisty...an accomplished debut'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A very gripping read'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A cracking, fast-paced read with twists that kept me guessing'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I loved this razor sharp thriller'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
In the small village of Fortbridge, it's hard to keep a secret. But bestselling crime writer Camilla Harton-Gray is faced with a twist she couldn't see her very own stalker, whose behaviour seems to take a leaf out of Camilla's own novels.
Grappling with a bizarre set of clues, stubborn coworkers and a crisis of confidence, DS Alice Washington knows this is her chance to get it together and prove herself.
But as the pressure builds and Alice's grip on her instincts hangs by a thread, it becomes clear that Camilla's stalker will do anything to keep their identity hidden...
Readers can't get enough of All Eyes On
'A dark, suspenseful thriller that explores the unsettling boundaries between fiction and reality'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Twisty...an accomplished debut'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A very gripping read'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'A cracking, fast-paced read with twists that kept me guessing'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I loved this razor sharp thriller'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
- GenresMystery
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2025
15 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Sam Frances
6 booksSam Frances is a British crime thriller author from Tyne and Wear. She writes stories that combines her love of sardonic characters with her background in policing and lives in London with her partner and their wolf pack of pets.
When not writing (or daydreaming about writing or listening to writing podcasts), she can usually be found no more than 9-10 metres from a block of cheese, either in deep conversation with one of her cats, or playing a musical instrument poorly.
You can find her on Instagram and X @SamFranWriter. All Eyes on You, the first book in the DS Alice Washington series, is her first novel.
When not writing (or daydreaming about writing or listening to writing podcasts), she can usually be found no more than 9-10 metres from a block of cheese, either in deep conversation with one of her cats, or playing a musical instrument poorly.
You can find her on Instagram and X @SamFranWriter. All Eyes on You, the first book in the DS Alice Washington series, is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 26, 2025
In the small village of Fortbridge, it's hard to keep a secret. But bestselling crime writer Camilla Harton-Gray is faced with a twist she couldn't see coming: her very own stalker, whose behaviour seems to take a leaf out of Camilla's own novels. Grappling with a bizarre set of clues, stubborn coworkers and a crisis of confidence, DS Alice Washington knows this is her chance to get it together and prove herself. But as the pressure builds and Alice's grip on her instincts hangs by a thread, it becomes clear that Camilla's stalker will do anything to keep their identity hidden...
After meeting Sam at The Book Party & Harrogate earlier this year, I was keen to read after chatting about it, so was over the moon to win a giveaway copy.
Alice is such an intriguing character, and from the off it is clear that she evidently going through a lot following recent events, and further back in her life. As a strong-willed woman her determination shines through and I really loved her characterisation, her thought process and emotions clearly resonating with the reader as to which direction she would head.
The plot is cleverly entwined with differing character POV’s - please tell me that I’m not the only one who ended up rooting for Ray by the end - and the twists are also placed expertly, building the tension, especially in the final section, resulting in a very climatic conclusion.
A fantastic debut and I am looking forward to continuing this series with Alice, delving into the characters lives more alongside another thrilling case I am sure. Sam, I have to admit I may have given Alice’s character your accent as I read this, so apologies if this wasn’t your intention for her but it really brought her to life even more for me!🙂
After meeting Sam at The Book Party & Harrogate earlier this year, I was keen to read after chatting about it, so was over the moon to win a giveaway copy.
Alice is such an intriguing character, and from the off it is clear that she evidently going through a lot following recent events, and further back in her life. As a strong-willed woman her determination shines through and I really loved her characterisation, her thought process and emotions clearly resonating with the reader as to which direction she would head.
The plot is cleverly entwined with differing character POV’s - please tell me that I’m not the only one who ended up rooting for Ray by the end - and the twists are also placed expertly, building the tension, especially in the final section, resulting in a very climatic conclusion.
A fantastic debut and I am looking forward to continuing this series with Alice, delving into the characters lives more alongside another thrilling case I am sure. Sam, I have to admit I may have given Alice’s character your accent as I read this, so apologies if this wasn’t your intention for her but it really brought her to life even more for me!🙂
March 31, 2025
I loved the premise of this story and was keen to start this book.
DS Alice Washington is investigating who might be stalking the bestselling crime writer Camilla Harton-Gray, who has recently moved back to live in the small village of Fortbridge. The episodes seem to be replicating details from Camilla's novels. Could the story be coming true? Can Alice with her colleague Roy solve the mystery and find the stalker before it gets more serious and people get hurt?
I found it a little slow to get into and immerse myself in the story.
It is narrated by both Alice and Roy, who are well developed characters. I loved the chapters written by a mysterious third narrator, detailing his unhappy childhood. I enjoyed trying to work out who the narrator was and how this would fit into the main story. I preferred the second half of the story the most as the tension builds and the strands come together.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting crime procedural that I quite enjoyed and a good debut.
AD-PR PRODUCT Thank you to the tagged publisher for sending this copy to review.
DS Alice Washington is investigating who might be stalking the bestselling crime writer Camilla Harton-Gray, who has recently moved back to live in the small village of Fortbridge. The episodes seem to be replicating details from Camilla's novels. Could the story be coming true? Can Alice with her colleague Roy solve the mystery and find the stalker before it gets more serious and people get hurt?
I found it a little slow to get into and immerse myself in the story.
It is narrated by both Alice and Roy, who are well developed characters. I loved the chapters written by a mysterious third narrator, detailing his unhappy childhood. I enjoyed trying to work out who the narrator was and how this would fit into the main story. I preferred the second half of the story the most as the tension builds and the strands come together.
Overall, I thought this was an interesting crime procedural that I quite enjoyed and a good debut.
AD-PR PRODUCT Thank you to the tagged publisher for sending this copy to review.
March 27, 2025
Bestselling crime writer Camilla is faced with a stalker who has taken inspiration through her own novels. DS Alice Washington investigates and knows she needs to prove herself, however the stalker will do what ever it takes to stay hidden.
I enjoy reading thrillers with stalking elements and a police procedural so this sounded like it would be a great read. This ended up having an intriguing, unsettling premise with some strong, well developed characters. Even though this was a good book, I struggled for some reason to get into it and stay invested in the story. This hasn’t put me off reading more books by this author though and I’d be interested to see what the outline is for the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I enjoy reading thrillers with stalking elements and a police procedural so this sounded like it would be a great read. This ended up having an intriguing, unsettling premise with some strong, well developed characters. Even though this was a good book, I struggled for some reason to get into it and stay invested in the story. This hasn’t put me off reading more books by this author though and I’d be interested to see what the outline is for the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
February 6, 2025
I'm a big fan of mysteries and thrillers so couldn't say no to reading what I assume will be the start of a new detective series. Overall I enjoyed the plot in this book, however I did feel it could've been fleshed out a bit more (more happening with the stalking side of things) and I would've liked more action/depth when the stalker was revealed. The author did a good a job of giving the characters distinct personalities/backstories and describing/building their relationships to one another. I would happily read further books to see how the relationships change and grow.
January 11, 2025
This is an exceptional and accomplished debut that bristles with sharp wit. Loved the protagonist and her sardonic worldview (which I related to strongly). It's not often that a book makes me laugh out loud but this one did. It's a fresh and bold new addition to the genre.
The author's police background made the book feel authentic and just the right level of detailed.
Really enjoyable book.
The author's police background made the book feel authentic and just the right level of detailed.
Really enjoyable book.
April 10, 2025
Pretty good thriller. Had some decent twist and turns. I particularly enjoyed the sarcastic quips between the characters. 8/10
October 20, 2025
3.5 stars
November 21, 2025
my girl alice suffers from a real case of millennial cringe free her!!!!!!
April 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this! I listened on audio and the narrator did a great job at portraying the snarky hides-her-pain-behind-jokes vibe that is DS Alice Washington.
This book is authentically British and unashamedly Northern and fun. Ive seen shows exactly like this with the archetype characters that make a crime book everything it’s meant to be. I liked the backstory for Alice but also those of the supporting cast who all felt real and fleshed out enough for me to care about them. I liked the humour, the nostalgic references and the look into how UK policing works as we usually only see the US version. I also loved the subtle but poignant social commentary relating to Violence Against Women and Girls and how so many people are failing to protect us because of their own biases.
My only two issues with this were perhaps there were a little too many sarcastic quips/similes and that there wasnt actually that much of the stalking. The POV of the stalker was great and the reveal surprises at the end were largely unexpected but i think i needed it to be a tad bit scarier/focus more on the crimes.
Other than that, this was a smooth and easy read that had me interested from front to back. A really impressive debut and i hope to see more Alice adventures with the main man Roy!
This book is authentically British and unashamedly Northern and fun. Ive seen shows exactly like this with the archetype characters that make a crime book everything it’s meant to be. I liked the backstory for Alice but also those of the supporting cast who all felt real and fleshed out enough for me to care about them. I liked the humour, the nostalgic references and the look into how UK policing works as we usually only see the US version. I also loved the subtle but poignant social commentary relating to Violence Against Women and Girls and how so many people are failing to protect us because of their own biases.
My only two issues with this were perhaps there were a little too many sarcastic quips/similes and that there wasnt actually that much of the stalking. The POV of the stalker was great and the reveal surprises at the end were largely unexpected but i think i needed it to be a tad bit scarier/focus more on the crimes.
Other than that, this was a smooth and easy read that had me interested from front to back. A really impressive debut and i hope to see more Alice adventures with the main man Roy!
October 22, 2025
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I read All Eyes on You for book club, and honestly, it just didn’t hold my attention. It’s long, and the pacing drags under the weight of too many subplots and too much British slang that doesn’t translate well for American readers without more context. I had to look up words more than I wanted to.
The core idea—a detective investigating a stalker who turns out to be her best friend—had potential. But this story piles on trauma, secrets, and cases so heavily that it loses its emotional impact. Alice, the main character, is dealing with imposter syndrome, alcoholism, depression, career stagnation, and unprocessed trauma from a failed negotiation with a suicidal teen. That could have been a powerful storyline if it had room to breathe. Instead, we also get a stalker storyline, a serial killer subplot, a financial fraud twist, a manipulative boss, and a murdered journalist—all wrapped in a single book.
The twist that Alice’s best friend is the stalker? Great. The reveal that her love interest is a serial killer out for revenge on her father? Interesting. But having both felt like overkill. And don’t get me started on the random, forced personal reveal from Jane at the end—totally out of place and didn’t land for me.
Roy, Alice’s partner, was one of the more compelling and grounded characters, and I actually did root for Alice’s personal growth (she finally starts therapy!). But overall, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief long enough to enjoy the ride. This book tried to be too many things at once and ended up not succeeding at any one of them. I hear there’s a part two in the works, but I won’t be picking it up.
✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ✏ TikTok
I read All Eyes on You for book club, and honestly, it just didn’t hold my attention. It’s long, and the pacing drags under the weight of too many subplots and too much British slang that doesn’t translate well for American readers without more context. I had to look up words more than I wanted to.
The core idea—a detective investigating a stalker who turns out to be her best friend—had potential. But this story piles on trauma, secrets, and cases so heavily that it loses its emotional impact. Alice, the main character, is dealing with imposter syndrome, alcoholism, depression, career stagnation, and unprocessed trauma from a failed negotiation with a suicidal teen. That could have been a powerful storyline if it had room to breathe. Instead, we also get a stalker storyline, a serial killer subplot, a financial fraud twist, a manipulative boss, and a murdered journalist—all wrapped in a single book.
The twist that Alice’s best friend is the stalker? Great. The reveal that her love interest is a serial killer out for revenge on her father? Interesting. But having both felt like overkill. And don’t get me started on the random, forced personal reveal from Jane at the end—totally out of place and didn’t land for me.
Roy, Alice’s partner, was one of the more compelling and grounded characters, and I actually did root for Alice’s personal growth (she finally starts therapy!). But overall, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief long enough to enjoy the ride. This book tried to be too many things at once and ended up not succeeding at any one of them. I hear there’s a part two in the works, but I won’t be picking it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews