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Tom Thorne #19
What the Night Brings: The most shocking, gripping Tom Thorne thriller yet
TOM THORNE IS BACK WITH HIS MOST SHOCKING CASE YET...
____________
'Billingham only gets better' MICHAEL CONNELLY
'Sensational, masterful, sharp and shocking' CHRIS WHITAKER
'The best Tom Thorne novel yet' MICK HERRON
'One of crime fiction's finest' KARIN SLAUGHTER
'Billingham is on top form' THE TIMES
____________
"Three dead coppers, Tom, maybe four by lunchtime."
The targeted murder of four officers is only the first in a series of attacks that leaves police scared, angry and, most disturbingly of all, vengeful.
As Tom Thorne and Nicola Tanner dig into the reasons for the violence, a deeper darkness begins to the possibility that these murders are payback. The price paid for an unspeakable betrayal.
To uncover the truth, Thorne will be forced to question everything he stands for. He can trust nobody, and the shocking secrets revealed by one terrible night will fracture his entire world.
____________
WHAT REAL READERS SAY ABOUT WHAT THE NIGHT BRINGS
'An absolute masterclass in how to keep the reader gripped'
'I feel the need for a lie down after reading this. Nothing, but nothing, could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster that is What the Night Brings'
'An absolutely fantastic book, and shows why Mark Billingham is one of the best at what he does'
'The DI Tom Thorne series is definitely one of the best in the crime fiction genre. The author reduced me to tears with this latest episode'
'Billingham is a master of crime fiction'
____________
'Billingham only gets better' MICHAEL CONNELLY
'Sensational, masterful, sharp and shocking' CHRIS WHITAKER
'The best Tom Thorne novel yet' MICK HERRON
'One of crime fiction's finest' KARIN SLAUGHTER
'Billingham is on top form' THE TIMES
____________
"Three dead coppers, Tom, maybe four by lunchtime."
The targeted murder of four officers is only the first in a series of attacks that leaves police scared, angry and, most disturbingly of all, vengeful.
As Tom Thorne and Nicola Tanner dig into the reasons for the violence, a deeper darkness begins to the possibility that these murders are payback. The price paid for an unspeakable betrayal.
To uncover the truth, Thorne will be forced to question everything he stands for. He can trust nobody, and the shocking secrets revealed by one terrible night will fracture his entire world.
____________
WHAT REAL READERS SAY ABOUT WHAT THE NIGHT BRINGS
'An absolute masterclass in how to keep the reader gripped'
'I feel the need for a lie down after reading this. Nothing, but nothing, could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster that is What the Night Brings'
'An absolutely fantastic book, and shows why Mark Billingham is one of the best at what he does'
'The DI Tom Thorne series is definitely one of the best in the crime fiction genre. The author reduced me to tears with this latest episode'
'Billingham is a master of crime fiction'
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
185 people are currently reading
5309 people want to read
About the author
Mark Billingham
104 books2,167 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
July 19, 2025
EXCERPT: Something in the way DCI Russell Brigstock had said his name made Thorne sit up a little straighter, wide awake now. 'What?'
'The Cresswell arrest the other night.'
Thorne immediately began to wonder what he'd done wrong. 'It was by the book, Russell, I-'
There were four uniformed officers from Wood Green station working the wider scene, managing the neighbours, whatever.'
'Yeah, I spoke to them, Thorne said. 'Afterwards.'
'So, each of them was rushed into hospital at various points over the last couple of days.'
Thorne threw back the duvet and felt Helen shift next to him. 'What?'
'Convulsions, vomiting . . . all sorts. Poisoning looks like the best bet, but who knows -'
'Doughnuts,' Thorne said. 'They were all stood around eating doughnuts when we brought Cresswell out.'
Brigstock took a few seconds. 'O.K. . . . but how on earth -?'
'They were a present. Someone left them as a thank you.'
ABOUT 'WHAT THE NIGHT BRINGS': What the Night Brings by Mark Billingham is the latest mystery in the bestselling Tom Thorne series, and this time, a killer is targeting the police. Is it payback? And is it justified?
“Three dead coppers, Tom, maybe four by lunchtime…”
The targeted murder of four officers is only the first in a series of attacks that leaves police scared, angry and, most disturbingly of all, vengeful.
As Tom Thorne and Nicola Tanner dig into the reasons for the violence, a deeper darkness begins to emerge: the possibility that these murders are payback. The price paid for an unspeakable betrayal.
To uncover the truth, Thorne will be forced to question everything he stands for. He can trust nobody, and the shocking secrets revealed by one terrible night will fracture his entire world.
MY THOUGHTS: I am always excited to feast my eyes on another Tom Thorne book, a series I have followed since long before I joined Goodreads. Thank you to my longtime friend Gladdi for introducing me to Mark Billingham's books.
This latest, What the Night Brings and #19 in the series, is just as fresh, absorbing and, dare I say it, shocking as Scaredy Cat, #2 in the series and the first Billingham book I ever read.
Tom Thorne, whom the author describes as a grumpy old bugger, is as complex a character as ever. He can be a bit of a 'stick in the mud', but he also has an open mind and thinks outside the square. I love his friendship with Phil Hendricks, pathologist, gay, with a penchant for shocking people and multiple body piercings. Tom hated him on sight, but now they are best mates and one another's confidants and sounding boards. They bicker and constantly sling insults at one another to hide their mutual respect. I love the way Billingham weaves his dark humour into the very fabric of the plot.
Billingham skillfully weaves together the public's disdain for and mistrust of the police, anti-police chat rooms on the dark web, corruption, manipulation and misplaced loyalty to form an absolutely brilliant and gripping crime thriller, one where, even having navigated all the twists and turns, had my jaw dropping and bouncing on the floor at the major reveal.
Bring on #20 Mr Billingham. I've missed Tom.
If you need a bit of a laugh after finishing What the Night Brings, make sure you read the author's acknowledgements.
If you're groaning at the thought of having 18 books prior to this one to plough through, relax. What the Night Brings is easily read as a stand-alone. But then you're going to want to go back and read all the earlier books anyway. Just warning you . . .
#WhattheNightBrings #NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐.7
MEET THE AUTHOR - MARK BILLINGHAM was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of What the Night Brings by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'The Cresswell arrest the other night.'
Thorne immediately began to wonder what he'd done wrong. 'It was by the book, Russell, I-'
There were four uniformed officers from Wood Green station working the wider scene, managing the neighbours, whatever.'
'Yeah, I spoke to them, Thorne said. 'Afterwards.'
'So, each of them was rushed into hospital at various points over the last couple of days.'
Thorne threw back the duvet and felt Helen shift next to him. 'What?'
'Convulsions, vomiting . . . all sorts. Poisoning looks like the best bet, but who knows -'
'Doughnuts,' Thorne said. 'They were all stood around eating doughnuts when we brought Cresswell out.'
Brigstock took a few seconds. 'O.K. . . . but how on earth -?'
'They were a present. Someone left them as a thank you.'
ABOUT 'WHAT THE NIGHT BRINGS': What the Night Brings by Mark Billingham is the latest mystery in the bestselling Tom Thorne series, and this time, a killer is targeting the police. Is it payback? And is it justified?
“Three dead coppers, Tom, maybe four by lunchtime…”
The targeted murder of four officers is only the first in a series of attacks that leaves police scared, angry and, most disturbingly of all, vengeful.
As Tom Thorne and Nicola Tanner dig into the reasons for the violence, a deeper darkness begins to emerge: the possibility that these murders are payback. The price paid for an unspeakable betrayal.
To uncover the truth, Thorne will be forced to question everything he stands for. He can trust nobody, and the shocking secrets revealed by one terrible night will fracture his entire world.
MY THOUGHTS: I am always excited to feast my eyes on another Tom Thorne book, a series I have followed since long before I joined Goodreads. Thank you to my longtime friend Gladdi for introducing me to Mark Billingham's books.
This latest, What the Night Brings and #19 in the series, is just as fresh, absorbing and, dare I say it, shocking as Scaredy Cat, #2 in the series and the first Billingham book I ever read.
Tom Thorne, whom the author describes as a grumpy old bugger, is as complex a character as ever. He can be a bit of a 'stick in the mud', but he also has an open mind and thinks outside the square. I love his friendship with Phil Hendricks, pathologist, gay, with a penchant for shocking people and multiple body piercings. Tom hated him on sight, but now they are best mates and one another's confidants and sounding boards. They bicker and constantly sling insults at one another to hide their mutual respect. I love the way Billingham weaves his dark humour into the very fabric of the plot.
Billingham skillfully weaves together the public's disdain for and mistrust of the police, anti-police chat rooms on the dark web, corruption, manipulation and misplaced loyalty to form an absolutely brilliant and gripping crime thriller, one where, even having navigated all the twists and turns, had my jaw dropping and bouncing on the floor at the major reveal.
Bring on #20 Mr Billingham. I've missed Tom.
If you need a bit of a laugh after finishing What the Night Brings, make sure you read the author's acknowledgements.
If you're groaning at the thought of having 18 books prior to this one to plough through, relax. What the Night Brings is easily read as a stand-alone. But then you're going to want to go back and read all the earlier books anyway. Just warning you . . .
#WhattheNightBrings #NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐.7
MEET THE AUTHOR - MARK BILLINGHAM was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of What the Night Brings by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 21, 2025
As always, with Mark Billingham, you're getting a tightly plotted, well written, immensely readable book. Now a confession- I've not read a Tom Thorne novel since Sleepyhead, which gave me the creeps because I couldn't get my head round locked-in syndrome.
What the Night Brings is not at all creepy. It is, however, just as shocking.
We begin the book with the deaths of three officers and another in a coma. It's a shocking start for Tom who narrowly escapes the same end. This incident begins a shocking series of events that involves Tom's colleagues leaving him floundering as to who to trust.
What the Night Brings is a timely novel that details horrific Police corruption that shocks all the good officers to the core. Just as The Met tries desperately, in real life, to restore public faith, so Thorne's force scramble to discover the law breakers in their ranks before more damage can be done to both officers and the public.
It sounds strange to say that I enjoyed this book but the Police have taken a (well deserved) battering in the past few years but there are always those willing to put their careers and lives on the line to root out the evil.
Mark Billingham has done an excellent job treading a very fine line between sickness and remedy whilst covering some very emotive issues - rape, murder and corruption.
Highly recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the advance review copy.
What the Night Brings is not at all creepy. It is, however, just as shocking.
We begin the book with the deaths of three officers and another in a coma. It's a shocking start for Tom who narrowly escapes the same end. This incident begins a shocking series of events that involves Tom's colleagues leaving him floundering as to who to trust.
What the Night Brings is a timely novel that details horrific Police corruption that shocks all the good officers to the core. Just as The Met tries desperately, in real life, to restore public faith, so Thorne's force scramble to discover the law breakers in their ranks before more damage can be done to both officers and the public.
It sounds strange to say that I enjoyed this book but the Police have taken a (well deserved) battering in the past few years but there are always those willing to put their careers and lives on the line to root out the evil.
Mark Billingham has done an excellent job treading a very fine line between sickness and remedy whilst covering some very emotive issues - rape, murder and corruption.
Highly recommended.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the advance review copy.
April 2, 2025
"What the Night Brings" by Mark Billingham is a gripping, action-packed police procedural. Detective Inspector Tom Thorne and his team are on the hunt for a cop killer after four police officers are poisoned and subsequently die. As more deaths occur, the question arises: are these incidents connected? I found the story thoroughly engaging. However, I did encounter some difficulty at the beginning due to the numerous characters introduced; the author alternated between using first and last names, which made it challenging to keep track of everyone until I became more familiar with them. Nevertheless, this complexity contributed to a compelling narrative.
I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC for review. This reflects my genuine opinion.
I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC for review. This reflects my genuine opinion.
June 2, 2025
Well all I can say is holy shit that ending! To be fair it took me a while to get into this story, it wasn’t grabbing me but being one of my favourite authors I kept going (not that I would ever give up on a Billingham book!)
The story starts with 4 police officers being poisoned while on duty. A kind stranger had left them a box of donuts as a thank you for all the police do. 3 of the police officers die and one is left fighting for their lives. DI Tom Thorne was there when the donuts were being eaten and almost asked for half. Now he is in charge of finding the murderer. Then another policeman is murdered and the link seems to be they were all guilty of using their position to rape someone. Well not the first 4 who were poisoned, only one was a rapist but the others bore the consequence's. Thorne soon finds that the man they are after has a brother in jail on rape charges. He has always maintained his innocence and now Alex, his brother, is murdering the cops he knows have raped girls. As it becomes apparent that Alex is getting inside information, Thorne closes the circle of people he can trust as they hunt Alex and the person giving him info.
I cannot tell you any more as the twists at the end are huge! So much so that I hope by the next book Mark has changed his mind about a few things and restored order into my life!
#WhatTheNightBrings. #NetGalley
The story starts with 4 police officers being poisoned while on duty. A kind stranger had left them a box of donuts as a thank you for all the police do. 3 of the police officers die and one is left fighting for their lives. DI Tom Thorne was there when the donuts were being eaten and almost asked for half. Now he is in charge of finding the murderer. Then another policeman is murdered and the link seems to be they were all guilty of using their position to rape someone. Well not the first 4 who were poisoned, only one was a rapist but the others bore the consequence's. Thorne soon finds that the man they are after has a brother in jail on rape charges. He has always maintained his innocence and now Alex, his brother, is murdering the cops he knows have raped girls. As it becomes apparent that Alex is getting inside information, Thorne closes the circle of people he can trust as they hunt Alex and the person giving him info.
I cannot tell you any more as the twists at the end are huge! So much so that I hope by the next book Mark has changed his mind about a few things and restored order into my life!
#WhatTheNightBrings. #NetGalley
May 22, 2025
A routine arrest for DI Thorne. As he leaves the building four officers are tucking into doughnuts. He's starving, it's 3am after all but there's none left for him. Apparently there were only 4 doughnuts in the box. A gift left on the police car with a note saying "thanks for all that you do."
The next day, three of those officers are dead and the fourth is fighting for her Life.
I don't say this very often, but this book is brilliant! Thorne, Tanner and Holland are a fantastic team. DI's working to find a serial cop killer, looking into possible corruption within the force. The content is so difficult and painful but Billingham's writing is somehow whimsical, yet serious. He manages to convey the horrible atrocities whilst keeping the banter.
I loved all of this. It is a police procedural and so much more. The extremes of these murders and then humour lift this novel to greatness.
Mark Billingham is up there with the greats. There's not that many authors that can get me to shed tears but he had me blubbering.
If you plan to read one book this year, you won't get many better thank this one. Yes, it's the 19th in the Tom Thorne series, but you don't need to have read the others. To date, I've only read the first Tom Thorne book, "Sleepyhead". Bear in mind there will be a couple of spoiler's in this for his previous novels.
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing the opportunity to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
What The Night Brings is due to be released on 19th June 2025.
The next day, three of those officers are dead and the fourth is fighting for her Life.
I don't say this very often, but this book is brilliant! Thorne, Tanner and Holland are a fantastic team. DI's working to find a serial cop killer, looking into possible corruption within the force. The content is so difficult and painful but Billingham's writing is somehow whimsical, yet serious. He manages to convey the horrible atrocities whilst keeping the banter.
I loved all of this. It is a police procedural and so much more. The extremes of these murders and then humour lift this novel to greatness.
Mark Billingham is up there with the greats. There's not that many authors that can get me to shed tears but he had me blubbering.
If you plan to read one book this year, you won't get many better thank this one. Yes, it's the 19th in the Tom Thorne series, but you don't need to have read the others. To date, I've only read the first Tom Thorne book, "Sleepyhead". Bear in mind there will be a couple of spoiler's in this for his previous novels.
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing the opportunity to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
What The Night Brings is due to be released on 19th June 2025.
November 12, 2025
For his latest novel, Mark Billingham has decided to give dancing detective Declan Miller a rest and returns to his original protagonist, DI Tom Thorne.
Over the past decade, the Metropolitan Police have created a large number of scandals, including cases of corruption and rape. Needless to say, Londoners view of the police in general is at an all time low. When, during the arrest of gangster Nicholas Cresswell, four uniformed officers are killed by arsenic poisoning, it becomes obvious someone is trying to settle an old score.
As Thorne and DI Nicola Tanner begin to delve into the reasons for the killings, they soon start to uncover dark secrets which would further aggregate the public's perception of the police. There also seems to be a mysterious figure who, above all, is determined that the full facts don't come to light. Thorne is forced to confront everything he believes he stands for and whom he can really trust. His whole professional world seems to be splitting apart. The final revelation is totally unexpected and, for those of us who've followed the series, truly shocking.
Once again, Mark Billingham has produced an intricately crafted and suspenseful novel which marries police procedural with psychological thriller effortlessly.
Over the past decade, the Metropolitan Police have created a large number of scandals, including cases of corruption and rape. Needless to say, Londoners view of the police in general is at an all time low. When, during the arrest of gangster Nicholas Cresswell, four uniformed officers are killed by arsenic poisoning, it becomes obvious someone is trying to settle an old score.
As Thorne and DI Nicola Tanner begin to delve into the reasons for the killings, they soon start to uncover dark secrets which would further aggregate the public's perception of the police. There also seems to be a mysterious figure who, above all, is determined that the full facts don't come to light. Thorne is forced to confront everything he believes he stands for and whom he can really trust. His whole professional world seems to be splitting apart. The final revelation is totally unexpected and, for those of us who've followed the series, truly shocking.
Once again, Mark Billingham has produced an intricately crafted and suspenseful novel which marries police procedural with psychological thriller effortlessly.
June 18, 2025
I used to be an avid reader of the Tom Thorne novels, but I admit that it’s been a while since I last picked one up.
However, I was super excited when I saw this new release on NetGalley to review, especially since the synopsis sounded so intriguing. And I can assure you, it does not disappoint!
As the story begins with four uniformed officers participating in a raid when they discover a thoughtful gesture: someone has left them doughnuts and a card thanking them for all they do. Yet, just a few hours later, three of the four officers are dead, and the fourth is left fighting for their life.
And it’s up to Thorne, Holland, and Hendricks to track down those responsible.
Yet, recent events have revealed a police force plagued by corrupt officers, including rapists and domestic abusers. And as a result, the public is hesitant to cooperate, and Thorne can't really blame them.
But as the body count rises, Thorne, Holland, and Hendricks find themselves embroiled in even more corruption. With each horrifying revelation, they are left questioning if there is anyone within the force they can truly trust.
And with intricate subplots, realistic and relatable characters, gallows humor, great pacing, and a jaw-dropping ending. This is the Tom Thorne I remember, and it’s the reason I love police procedurals so much.
I would happily recommend this book, even to first-time readers!
My thanks to NetGalley for my copy of What The Night Brings. 😊 All thoughts expressed are my own.
However, I was super excited when I saw this new release on NetGalley to review, especially since the synopsis sounded so intriguing. And I can assure you, it does not disappoint!
As the story begins with four uniformed officers participating in a raid when they discover a thoughtful gesture: someone has left them doughnuts and a card thanking them for all they do. Yet, just a few hours later, three of the four officers are dead, and the fourth is left fighting for their life.
And it’s up to Thorne, Holland, and Hendricks to track down those responsible.
Yet, recent events have revealed a police force plagued by corrupt officers, including rapists and domestic abusers. And as a result, the public is hesitant to cooperate, and Thorne can't really blame them.
But as the body count rises, Thorne, Holland, and Hendricks find themselves embroiled in even more corruption. With each horrifying revelation, they are left questioning if there is anyone within the force they can truly trust.
And with intricate subplots, realistic and relatable characters, gallows humor, great pacing, and a jaw-dropping ending. This is the Tom Thorne I remember, and it’s the reason I love police procedurals so much.
I would happily recommend this book, even to first-time readers!
My thanks to NetGalley for my copy of What The Night Brings. 😊 All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 24, 2025
I feel the need for a lie down after reading this. Nothing, but nothing, could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster that is What the Night Brings, and that ending that nearly blew my mind. 😮
I always know I'm going to be in for a treat when I pick up the latest offering from Mark Billingham, and I'm never disappointed. What the Night Brings, however, exceeded my expectations. 🚓
Tom Thorne is back, and almost immediately finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation that hits close to home; the murder of four uniformed colleagues. 🚓
As is always the case with Billingham's books, nothing about the investigation is straightforward; twist follows twist, there are complex sub-plots within the main plot, and the story itself is darker than night. 🚓
The story is well paced, and there's some light humour. Billingham's characters are believable, and the issues dealt with in this book are dealt with sensitively. 🚓
It's hard to believe it's 25 years since I first met Thorne and Phil Hendricks. They're like old friends now. Thorne is still a grumpy so and so, and Hendricks still goes for shock value, but their empathy shines through. 🚓
Thanks to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
I always know I'm going to be in for a treat when I pick up the latest offering from Mark Billingham, and I'm never disappointed. What the Night Brings, however, exceeded my expectations. 🚓
Tom Thorne is back, and almost immediately finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation that hits close to home; the murder of four uniformed colleagues. 🚓
As is always the case with Billingham's books, nothing about the investigation is straightforward; twist follows twist, there are complex sub-plots within the main plot, and the story itself is darker than night. 🚓
The story is well paced, and there's some light humour. Billingham's characters are believable, and the issues dealt with in this book are dealt with sensitively. 🚓
It's hard to believe it's 25 years since I first met Thorne and Phil Hendricks. They're like old friends now. Thorne is still a grumpy so and so, and Hendricks still goes for shock value, but their empathy shines through. 🚓
Thanks to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
June 2, 2025
This is the 19th book in the Tom Thorne series, but the first one I read. Thanks to the ARC from Netgalley. Now I think I should go back and read all other books. A good murder mystery with some twists. The writing is humorous.
November 17, 2025
one of the basic cornerstones of this crime thriller is the number of police who are suspended in the London Metropolitan Police force.
this ties in to a storyline...where someone is apparently killing police officers.
it's a strong book...especially with a couple of left turns at the end of the book...which I didn't see coming.
this ties in to a storyline...where someone is apparently killing police officers.
it's a strong book...especially with a couple of left turns at the end of the book...which I didn't see coming.
September 19, 2025
4.35 It took me about 100 pages to get used to the British dialogue. I love British writers but this was a different "accent" than anything I have read before. That is not a criticism. I had to Google a lot of the slang ( Grassed up, Nonce, put the wind up her, barmy, stuck in, hench) to understand what was being said sometimes. This was my first Mark Billingham book and enjoyed it very much. Multiple murders of "coppers", lots of police corruption and a vigilante killer taking revenge for his brother's rape conviction are the focal points in this story. The ending was very ambiguous and am not sure what to make of it. It was a good ending but it leaves you hanging. Just have to wait and see if there is a #20 in this series.
February 16, 2025
Another brilliant addition to the Tom Thorne series and this the 19th book is for me, head and shoulders above its predecessors.
As always, the writing and characters are so realistic that it's like meeting up with old friends we've not seen in a while they are so down to earth.
Gripped me from page 1, and I struggled to put it down,with its subject matter that is very much in the news all too often.
A web of lies is unravelled with a shocking outcome that I guessed at BUT did I get it right? There is only one way to find out to read this book as soon as you can.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the Arc.
As always, the writing and characters are so realistic that it's like meeting up with old friends we've not seen in a while they are so down to earth.
Gripped me from page 1, and I struggled to put it down,with its subject matter that is very much in the news all too often.
A web of lies is unravelled with a shocking outcome that I guessed at BUT did I get it right? There is only one way to find out to read this book as soon as you can.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the Arc.
March 28, 2025
Mark Billingham and Tom Thorne seem to me a marriage made in heaven. Each novel reminds me of this team of characters and how well we have got to know their pasts and how they bond. Somehow those connections seemed even more pronounced (or well captured) in this episode.
We are presented with a gnarly plot of cop killers, bad apples in the Met, rapists and unsafe convictions. A veritable Pandoras Box of plots, subplots and the close and personal.
I have enjoyed all the Tom Thorne books to date but somehow this achieved an almost mercurial intrigue matched by its brilliant pacing. Loved it.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #littlebrowngroup_uk for the opportunity to read and review
We are presented with a gnarly plot of cop killers, bad apples in the Met, rapists and unsafe convictions. A veritable Pandoras Box of plots, subplots and the close and personal.
I have enjoyed all the Tom Thorne books to date but somehow this achieved an almost mercurial intrigue matched by its brilliant pacing. Loved it.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #littlebrowngroup_uk for the opportunity to read and review
March 24, 2025
It’s interesting to see how the crime genre, especially the police procedural, is responding to confronting revelations of police criminal activity and violence against women. In ‘What the Night Brings’ a vigilante is killing alleged police rapists. The crime seems wrapped up - but is it? The world of this book is so developed and the police procedural elements were so well wrought even as the novel blows up the notion of the police as ‘good guys’.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
August 4, 2025
Another excellent Mark Billingham novel.
While the story isn’t anything massively new for a crime story, Billingham’s skill at creating characters that are likeable, funny and interesting is outstanding. As for the twists, they are brilliant and VERY unexpected.
I’m disappointed that I’m now completely up to date with the Tom Throne books. Means I have to wait for the next one.
While the story isn’t anything massively new for a crime story, Billingham’s skill at creating characters that are likeable, funny and interesting is outstanding. As for the twists, they are brilliant and VERY unexpected.
I’m disappointed that I’m now completely up to date with the Tom Throne books. Means I have to wait for the next one.
October 15, 2025
Difficult not to like Mark Billingham’s books. The characters hang together well, the pacing is good and the dialogue is always realistic. Perfect for a police procedural.
Having said that I feel he’s gone on too long with Tom Thorne, this being the 19th in the series. It just feels that he is pushing at the boundaries too hard and that’s certainly the case here, with what can only be described as a rather ridiculous conclusion, that simply doesn’t fit with an otherwise decent storyline. I hope this is the end of Tom Thorne, his race is run as far as I’m concerned. Prolonging it further risks devaluing an excellent series.
Recently I’ve read some of Billingham’s stand alone novels and his Detective Miller series where he seems to have given himself licence to move away from the style of the Thorne novels, with some fresh scenarios and some tongue in cheek humour. I’ve enjoyed them much more than this latest offering.
Having said that I feel he’s gone on too long with Tom Thorne, this being the 19th in the series. It just feels that he is pushing at the boundaries too hard and that’s certainly the case here, with what can only be described as a rather ridiculous conclusion, that simply doesn’t fit with an otherwise decent storyline. I hope this is the end of Tom Thorne, his race is run as far as I’m concerned. Prolonging it further risks devaluing an excellent series.
Recently I’ve read some of Billingham’s stand alone novels and his Detective Miller series where he seems to have given himself licence to move away from the style of the Thorne novels, with some fresh scenarios and some tongue in cheek humour. I’ve enjoyed them much more than this latest offering.
June 15, 2025
Five huge stars for this brilliant crime thriller.
I’ve read all the books in the Tom Thorne series and this is definitely one of the best.
When the Police start to become a target, and some killed, Thorne and Tanner work hard to find the person behind this.
Some information about their past comes to light, and they also learn soneone has been tampering with evidence, but did these people deserve to die?
I can’t say too much more as I really don’t want to spoil this brilliant story.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Many thanks to Little Brown Book group for the opportunity to read this book.
I’ve read all the books in the Tom Thorne series and this is definitely one of the best.
When the Police start to become a target, and some killed, Thorne and Tanner work hard to find the person behind this.
Some information about their past comes to light, and they also learn soneone has been tampering with evidence, but did these people deserve to die?
I can’t say too much more as I really don’t want to spoil this brilliant story.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.
Many thanks to Little Brown Book group for the opportunity to read this book.
July 3, 2025
I’ve read all the Thorne books and always enjoy them. That said, I found the twist at the end of this book a bit hard to swallow. It felt too improbable, and a bit gimmicky, but perhaps that’s just me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
The beginning was slow and it took some time for me to get into it. After around 40% the pace picked up and was interesting even though one could guess to some extent where it was all leading.
July 8, 2025
Oh boy shocked stunned!!!! I have read all the Tom Thorne books, love the storylines, the characters everything. This book went up a notch. It was also very emotional. Would highly recommend
July 25, 2025
An arrest was made; that's supposed to be a good day.
Then something really bad happened. That led to Tom and Tanner investigating the killing. At first, there was little clue. Then someone is exposed to being involved in the case.
After the initial investigation, they began to understand how much trouble the case was in. The clue was first pointed out on the dark web.
There is a mole in the investigation. Who is the mole? And why?
The writing is good, and the main character, Tom Thorne, is cynical and straightforward. That's why he is good for the case.
There isn't much to talk about except that it is a difficult case. And there is a killer who targets cops. It reveals something far worse.
For the most part, it is finding out clues, but the killer is almost always one step ahead. Good story flow and keeps me up at night reading.
5 stars read.
Then something really bad happened. That led to Tom and Tanner investigating the killing. At first, there was little clue. Then someone is exposed to being involved in the case.
After the initial investigation, they began to understand how much trouble the case was in. The clue was first pointed out on the dark web.
There is a mole in the investigation. Who is the mole? And why?
The writing is good, and the main character, Tom Thorne, is cynical and straightforward. That's why he is good for the case.
There isn't much to talk about except that it is a difficult case. And there is a killer who targets cops. It reveals something far worse.
For the most part, it is finding out clues, but the killer is almost always one step ahead. Good story flow and keeps me up at night reading.
5 stars read.
July 15, 2025
This is like a jigsaw puzzle with no picture and number of missing pieces. It is about who watches the Watcher.Rape,bent coppers, a mad man murdering coppers and unlike his other books has no comical fun Because how can rape be funny?
The cover is boring and most unimpressive to the casual readers a park bench is not showing anything interesting.
I gessed early on who the rotter was too.But not the ending.
The cover is boring and most unimpressive to the casual readers a park bench is not showing anything interesting.
I gessed early on who the rotter was too.But not the ending.
September 28, 2025
I love the Tom Thorne series, some books more than others. This one threw my emotions about from laughter to tears to horror…I thought it was perfect and tried to put it down but … no. I had to keep reading. Long into the night. I hope there are more to come. Tom has evolved from quite a bit of an ass to an empathetic being. That being said, at the end some of it seemed unnecessary and out of the blue.
September 28, 2025
Outstanding.
This is another outstanding read in Mark Billinghams Tom Thorn series and I think this is the best one yet, no spoilers but this really is a page Turner and with the short snappy chapters its to easy to just read way past bedtime. Very highly recommended.
This is another outstanding read in Mark Billinghams Tom Thorn series and I think this is the best one yet, no spoilers but this really is a page Turner and with the short snappy chapters its to easy to just read way past bedtime. Very highly recommended.
October 28, 2025
Mark Bellingham is a new author for me so I had some catching up to do on the characters. I liked the book and it was well-developed and written, and a good British isles story. It was somewhat of a cliffhanger though, and I hate that! But it worked; I’ll read the next one.
July 17, 2025
Gripping as ever
July 29, 2025
A good read always enjoy Di Thorne novels.
This comes recommend
.
This comes recommend
.
August 4, 2025
Very high 4.
August 28, 2025
loved it. It was so good to be back with Thorne.
October 19, 2025
Found the subject matter hard going at times but alot of OMG moments.
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