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The Crime Writer
Award-winning author Diane Jeffrey returns with this blistering, dark thriller.
2019. Leona Walsh, a 34-year-old wife and mother vanishes on a bitterly cold afternoon while out jogging on the edge of Exmoor. It’s a mystery which captures public interest and ignites wild speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona’s husband, Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?
Despite extensive searches, the police find no trace of Leona and her disappearance remains shrouded in mystery. As public interest dwindles, Matthew returns to raising their two daughters, aware the cloud of suspicion is never far away.
2024. Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona’s remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to find out what really happened five years ago?
Journalist Gabriela Conti covered the news story back in 2019. The police may have stopped watching Matthew, but Gabriella hasn’t forgotten him. And she is determined this case will define her career… even if that means getting close to a murderer.
‘Engrossing, enthralling, intriguing… clever structure, and brilliant plotting’ Liz Nugent
'The Crime Writer is an addictive thriller that hooks you from the first page and reveals its secrets with pitch-perfect timing' Sarah Clarke
‘Kept me reading into the early hours – totally captivating’ Orlando Murrin
2019. Leona Walsh, a 34-year-old wife and mother vanishes on a bitterly cold afternoon while out jogging on the edge of Exmoor. It’s a mystery which captures public interest and ignites wild speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona’s husband, Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?
Despite extensive searches, the police find no trace of Leona and her disappearance remains shrouded in mystery. As public interest dwindles, Matthew returns to raising their two daughters, aware the cloud of suspicion is never far away.
2024. Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona’s remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to find out what really happened five years ago?
Journalist Gabriela Conti covered the news story back in 2019. The police may have stopped watching Matthew, but Gabriella hasn’t forgotten him. And she is determined this case will define her career… even if that means getting close to a murderer.
‘Engrossing, enthralling, intriguing… clever structure, and brilliant plotting’ Liz Nugent
'The Crime Writer is an addictive thriller that hooks you from the first page and reveals its secrets with pitch-perfect timing' Sarah Clarke
‘Kept me reading into the early hours – totally captivating’ Orlando Murrin
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2025
66 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Diane Jeffrey
7 books287 followersDiane Jeffrey is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author.
She grew up in North Devon and Belfast in the United Kingdom. She now lives in Lyon, France, with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat.
She has written seven psychological thrillers, all published by HQ/HarperCollins.
THE GUILTY MOTHER, Diane's third novel, was a USA Today bestseller.
Her fourth novel, THE SILENT FRIEND, was a Karin Slaughter Killer Reads pick for ASDA.
THE COUPLE AT CAUSEWAY COTTAGE, Diane's fifth psychological thriller, won the 2023 International Thriller Writers award for the best ebook original novel.
THE CRIME WRITER is Diane's latest psychological thriller, published in March 2025 in ebook, paperback and audiobook.
Diane is an English teacher. When she's not teaching or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays.
Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Author website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
Readers can also follow Diane on Twitter @dianefjeffrey
or on Instagram @dianefjeffrey
or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor
or via her website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
She grew up in North Devon and Belfast in the United Kingdom. She now lives in Lyon, France, with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat.
She has written seven psychological thrillers, all published by HQ/HarperCollins.
THE GUILTY MOTHER, Diane's third novel, was a USA Today bestseller.
Her fourth novel, THE SILENT FRIEND, was a Karin Slaughter Killer Reads pick for ASDA.
THE COUPLE AT CAUSEWAY COTTAGE, Diane's fifth psychological thriller, won the 2023 International Thriller Writers award for the best ebook original novel.
THE CRIME WRITER is Diane's latest psychological thriller, published in March 2025 in ebook, paperback and audiobook.
Diane is an English teacher. When she's not teaching or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays.
Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Author website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
Readers can also follow Diane on Twitter @dianefjeffrey
or on Instagram @dianefjeffrey
or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor
or via her website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 28, 2025
Leona Walsh goes out for her evening run but never returns. Her husband, Matthew, a crime writer of mediocre success, is frantic and distraught. The police start an investigation but after 5 years the case has gone cold.
Now bones have been exhumed from Rose Cottage. The home of Matthews mother and the house he grew up in.
Journalist Gabi Conti had interviewed Matthew long ago hoping that covering the case would be her big break but after it went cold so did her career. Now with her podcast, Missing Presumed Murdered, she dives back into the investigation hoping to get answers once and for all.
Did he do it? You'll need to read this to find out.
A missing woman and a true crime podcast have become a common theme of psychological thrillers these days and, admittedly, I've grown a bit weary of the material. That said this was pretty darn good and I'm thrilled to tell you that Jeffrey's captured and kept my attention through out. Matthew was perfectly unreliable and Gabi proved to be both intelligent and relentless in her pursuit for answers. It took me until about 75% to start slotting the puzzle pieces together and I was correct in my conclusion. This is a thoughtful and well-crafted mystery that I think many mystery readers will enjoy. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for my complimentary copy.
Now bones have been exhumed from Rose Cottage. The home of Matthews mother and the house he grew up in.
Journalist Gabi Conti had interviewed Matthew long ago hoping that covering the case would be her big break but after it went cold so did her career. Now with her podcast, Missing Presumed Murdered, she dives back into the investigation hoping to get answers once and for all.
Did he do it? You'll need to read this to find out.
A missing woman and a true crime podcast have become a common theme of psychological thrillers these days and, admittedly, I've grown a bit weary of the material. That said this was pretty darn good and I'm thrilled to tell you that Jeffrey's captured and kept my attention through out. Matthew was perfectly unreliable and Gabi proved to be both intelligent and relentless in her pursuit for answers. It took me until about 75% to start slotting the puzzle pieces together and I was correct in my conclusion. This is a thoughtful and well-crafted mystery that I think many mystery readers will enjoy. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for my complimentary copy.
March 20, 2025
I was not the "right" listener for this "Writer" book.
WHY?
This "blistering dark thriller" lacked the signature Diane Jeffrey thrills I was seeking.
The book's premise was intriguing:
A renowned crime writer's 34-year-old wife vanishes on an afternoon jog.
The husband (who also happens to be a former police officer), is highly skilled in plotting perfect crimes.
But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?
Unfortunately, the book's pacing was slow and the final twist was "been there, done that" predictable.
Diane Jeffrey is one of my 10-star "go-to" authors so perhaps my expectations were elevated.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Olivia Mace and Matt Addis.
This 11-hour audiobook easily could have been an 8-hour audiobook.
Although Olivia Mace's narration was superb, Matt Addis' narration was lackluster.
When Matt was narrating, I had to pinch myself to stay awake.
Nobody bats 1000%, and I eagerly await Diane Jeffrey's future releases.
2.5 stars, rounded up.
March 16, 2025
Diane Jeffrey is back,hurrah and back with a corker of a book
Leona has disappeared,Matthew,her crime writing hubby says he has no idea what has happened to her but 5 years later journalist and confidant Gabriela is starting to wonder if she has been hoodwinked and as things start to come to light is more convinced she befriended a murderer…
Exceptionally well written I was swopping allegiances all the way through,as quickly back and forth as the plot thickened and the likelihoods changed,very cleverley the story demanded the reader be involved and draw your own conclusions as the story evolved
I liked Gabriela’s interviews with all the main players which gave you chance to get to know them a bit better and to decide what you thought of their ‘evidence’
The ending is 2,3 fold and had me thinking then thinking more,you will see what I mean
An effortless read for me as it gave me reading excitement and pleasure and really was flawless in presentation,a fab read
Leona has disappeared,Matthew,her crime writing hubby says he has no idea what has happened to her but 5 years later journalist and confidant Gabriela is starting to wonder if she has been hoodwinked and as things start to come to light is more convinced she befriended a murderer…
Exceptionally well written I was swopping allegiances all the way through,as quickly back and forth as the plot thickened and the likelihoods changed,very cleverley the story demanded the reader be involved and draw your own conclusions as the story evolved
I liked Gabriela’s interviews with all the main players which gave you chance to get to know them a bit better and to decide what you thought of their ‘evidence’
The ending is 2,3 fold and had me thinking then thinking more,you will see what I mean
An effortless read for me as it gave me reading excitement and pleasure and really was flawless in presentation,a fab read
March 5, 2025
The Crime Writer by Diane Jeffery is a story about just that a crime writer whose wife goes missing and he’s the prime suspect. His wife’s name was Leona and she was in politics and recently accused of embezzlement and Miss handling of funds. When she goes missing a fellow classmate of hers is the only one who be friends or even comes close to believing in the innocence of her husband Matt. Gaby, is the prior classmate and a journalist and she will use Leona‘s case to become a podcaster. She is there from the beginning and although her opinion of his innocence waffles, she will be surprised when more of Leona‘s secrets come out and it seems she had more to hide than her husband. I love Diana Jeffery’s crafty mysteries but I must admit this wasn’t one of them but I still found myself not wanting to put the book down. Even as the reader you will go back-and-forth as to whether he did it and there is a surprise at the end I don’t think it was big enough to carry the book but it’s still a very very enjoyable read.#NetGalley, #HGDigital, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #DianeJeffrey, #TheMysteryWriter,
June 16, 2025
Domestic Thrillers, Mystery, Suspense
Narrated by Matt Addis, Olivia Mace
Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 03-13-25
I was intrigued by the mystery and although some of the twists were predictable, I still enjoyed uncovering the secrets of Leona's disappearance and wondering if Matthew, the husband, was guilty or not.
Narrated by Matt Addis, Olivia Mace
Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 03-13-25
I was intrigued by the mystery and although some of the twists were predictable, I still enjoyed uncovering the secrets of Leona's disappearance and wondering if Matthew, the husband, was guilty or not.
March 26, 2025
First off, always fun to read about mystery writers stuck in their own mystery, and I loved the idea that the main character was stuck in a crime that mimicked one of his own novels. It certainly raises the question of just how likely is it that a crime writer (who in this case had also been a police officer) could plan and get away with the “perfect” murder?
I just found that I kept waiting for this book to really pick up the pace and grab my attention, and that never really happened. I was also hoping at least one of the characters would really surprise me, but they were all pretty tame and a bit dull. There were a few really great chapters, but then the book would just slow down again. I guessed the twist early on, mostly because I’ve seen similar characters / twists in a number of recent books. The book is fine, just felt a little underwhelming to me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I just found that I kept waiting for this book to really pick up the pace and grab my attention, and that never really happened. I was also hoping at least one of the characters would really surprise me, but they were all pretty tame and a bit dull. There were a few really great chapters, but then the book would just slow down again. I guessed the twist early on, mostly because I’ve seen similar characters / twists in a number of recent books. The book is fine, just felt a little underwhelming to me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2025
This is a great novel that kept me guessing until the bitter end! It's 2024 when Gabi airs her True Crime podcast and Leona Walsh is missing--prime fodder for her! Obviously husband Matt is a suspect although he has two young daughters at home so detectives must proceed carefully. Lots of clues, many red herrings, and twists and turns in each chapter! Never would have guessed the ending!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 15, 2025
Leona Walsh, a public figure, as well as a wife and mother, disappears one night while out running. The story is quickly picked up by the news with her husband Matthew, a crime writer, the number one suspect. However the case then goes cold. Journalist Gabriela has been investigating the story for years and starts a podcast about it. Will she finally unearth the truth?
Having read this author’s previous book last year and really enjoying it, I knew I had to read this one as soon as possible. I was also drawn to the bold cover. This was certainly another top, twisted crime drama. Straight away I found myself invested in the storyline and trying to decipher the red herrings and clues to solve the mystery. The story was slightly repetitive at times, however the author did a great job in slowly upping the tension and suspense until the final scenes.
The characters were vivid, I especially like Gabriela and would be happy to read about her in further novels. The author successfully manages to create unreliable narratives, while pulling the rug from underneath you. I was convinced I knew what the outcome was and thought I was proved correct, until the clever ending was revealed. This has definitely put this author in one of my must read categories and I will be recommending. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Having read this author’s previous book last year and really enjoying it, I knew I had to read this one as soon as possible. I was also drawn to the bold cover. This was certainly another top, twisted crime drama. Straight away I found myself invested in the storyline and trying to decipher the red herrings and clues to solve the mystery. The story was slightly repetitive at times, however the author did a great job in slowly upping the tension and suspense until the final scenes.
The characters were vivid, I especially like Gabriela and would be happy to read about her in further novels. The author successfully manages to create unreliable narratives, while pulling the rug from underneath you. I was convinced I knew what the outcome was and thought I was proved correct, until the clever ending was revealed. This has definitely put this author in one of my must read categories and I will be recommending. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2025
Having long been a fan of Diane’s books, I was really looking forward to discovering her new characters in The Crime Writer-which is a brilliant title by the way and really excited me before I’d even started it! And I’m thrilled to report that I absolutely loved this book and think it’s her best book so far!
The Crime Writer is Matt whose wife Leona goes missing one evening whilst on her run with the family dog. Now Matt doesn’t have the best response to his wife’s disappearance when he doesn’t immediately report her it to the police. And certain circumstances seem to fit in with his own crime novels which makes him a prime suspect. Five years later, the trail has become cold and no trace of Leona has been found so Matt has continued with his life, raising their two children. Enter Gabi who quickly became my very favourite character! Gabi has been involved in the case since she covered it in her role as a reporter from the beginning and five years on, she is invested enough to continue her work by investigating the case in a podcast. So when a body is discovered during a local dig, Gabi is determined to find out the truth about what happened to Leona…
I loved the way in which the author unraveled the plot of The Crime Writer. Told in two timelines covering the present day and the aftermath of Leona’s disappearance plus the addition of the podcast, the narrative flowed from start to finish with a story full of twists and turns. And I was gripped throughout. I can highly recommend The Crime Writer as an excellent, entertaining read.
The Crime Writer is Matt whose wife Leona goes missing one evening whilst on her run with the family dog. Now Matt doesn’t have the best response to his wife’s disappearance when he doesn’t immediately report her it to the police. And certain circumstances seem to fit in with his own crime novels which makes him a prime suspect. Five years later, the trail has become cold and no trace of Leona has been found so Matt has continued with his life, raising their two children. Enter Gabi who quickly became my very favourite character! Gabi has been involved in the case since she covered it in her role as a reporter from the beginning and five years on, she is invested enough to continue her work by investigating the case in a podcast. So when a body is discovered during a local dig, Gabi is determined to find out the truth about what happened to Leona…
I loved the way in which the author unraveled the plot of The Crime Writer. Told in two timelines covering the present day and the aftermath of Leona’s disappearance plus the addition of the podcast, the narrative flowed from start to finish with a story full of twists and turns. And I was gripped throughout. I can highly recommend The Crime Writer as an excellent, entertaining read.
March 18, 2025
Matt Walsh is a former police officer who's used his former career to make a new life for himself in crime writing. He's married to Leonora, a political figure who is facing trouble due to some bad decisions. One night she goes out for a run with the family dog and the dog returns but she doesn't. Of course, as the husband, suspicion immediately falls on him.
Her former classmate. Gabi, is the only one who even remotely believes Matt's story that he is innocent. Gabi is a journalist and is going to investigate Leonora's case as a means to launch her podcast career and finally figure out what really happened even if the evidence shows that Matt is guilty. As she digs further into the case, secrets come to light and you find yourself going back and forth as to whether or not he really did it is he really as innocent as he claims or did he put his crime writers mind to good use?
This is not your typical who dun it as right from the start we know all the key players and therefore one of them will be found to be the killer and there's no unreliable or anonymous narrator to throw you off the course and Matthews story keeps changing the more that's he's questioned.
I kept waiting for the story to jump up and grab me and me but that never really happened. There wasn't really any major surprises but if you are looking for a quick read with a fairly unique story, this may be the book for you.
Thanks to HO and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Her former classmate. Gabi, is the only one who even remotely believes Matt's story that he is innocent. Gabi is a journalist and is going to investigate Leonora's case as a means to launch her podcast career and finally figure out what really happened even if the evidence shows that Matt is guilty. As she digs further into the case, secrets come to light and you find yourself going back and forth as to whether or not he really did it is he really as innocent as he claims or did he put his crime writers mind to good use?
This is not your typical who dun it as right from the start we know all the key players and therefore one of them will be found to be the killer and there's no unreliable or anonymous narrator to throw you off the course and Matthews story keeps changing the more that's he's questioned.
I kept waiting for the story to jump up and grab me and me but that never really happened. There wasn't really any major surprises but if you are looking for a quick read with a fairly unique story, this may be the book for you.
Thanks to HO and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
March 19, 2025
My second novel from Diane Jeffrey, 'The Crime Writer' chronicles the tale of the disappearance of Leona Walsh, and how it affects her family. Husband Matthew is an author, who ironically enough writes murder mysteries; so of course, when his wife is eventually found murdered, suspicions immediately fall on him. We see him navigate these troubles in a first-person narration, as he worries foremost about his children. Our other view of the story comes from journalist Gabi, who is looking at this as an opportunity to get her big break. However, she soon finds herself more immersed than she should be, skewering her sense of objectivity.
This is not the typical 'whodunit mystery - from the onset of the book we know all the major players and know the killer will be found in that immediate circle. However, I actually found this to be refreshing, as there was no "anonymous" bad guy point of view.
Something I didn't particularly enjoy was the back and forth between the past and present. This got me confused a few times and I had to find myself going back to see which timeline the characters were in. This is more of a personal preference though, so if you're fine with this technique, this won't bother you much.
All in all, I give 'The Crime Writer' a rating of 3.5 stars. The plot was definitely unique in the way it was written and I liked that.
*A great many thanks to HQ, Diane Jeffrey, and NetGalley for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
This is not the typical 'whodunit mystery - from the onset of the book we know all the major players and know the killer will be found in that immediate circle. However, I actually found this to be refreshing, as there was no "anonymous" bad guy point of view.
Something I didn't particularly enjoy was the back and forth between the past and present. This got me confused a few times and I had to find myself going back to see which timeline the characters were in. This is more of a personal preference though, so if you're fine with this technique, this won't bother you much.
All in all, I give 'The Crime Writer' a rating of 3.5 stars. The plot was definitely unique in the way it was written and I liked that.
*A great many thanks to HQ, Diane Jeffrey, and NetGalley for this ARC. It is important to note that I was not committed to providing a positive review; all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
June 13, 2025
This was a very enjoyable thriller/mystery that constantly has you changing your mind about did he or didn't he do it. Sure, it's generally always the husband who is suspected when their spouse goes missing, and there is a good deal pointing to him having done it. But, as the story unfolds, there is a lot to unpack. This would have been a 5 star read except that I don't like nebulous endings to my thrillers. I just always want to know and not have to infer or wonder or supply my own ideas as to what I'm supposed to take away in the end. All in all, though, if you are a thriller/mystery fan, I think you too would like it.
May 28, 2025
This book was quite slow, I had a hard time getting into it. I didn’t care for any of the characters. It seems a lot of information was given that never was wrapped up. I didn’t like how confusing everything was and I didn’t like that the book didn’t have a definitive ending.
March 18, 2025
He plots the perfect murder...but did he commit one...?
I do enjoy a good Diane Jeffrey thriller, absolutely loving he last one "The Other Couple" (though that was a tough one to top). This one had great potential and it built gradually to the inevitable conclusion though I felt it fell a little flat. That said, it was a good read but I didn't like the ending. It was too open ended and I like them clear cut not ambiguous.
The story surrounds the disappearance of Leona Walsh, 34 year old wife and mother of two. Events begin in the immediate aftermath the following morning when she didn't arrive home after her evening run, as the police try to unravel the mystery of her disappearance and honing in on their prime suspect: husband, Matt, a renowned crime fiction writer and former police officer. He can plot the perfect murder but is he capable of committing one?
Five years later, no trace of Leona has ever been found and Matt's life has been turned upside down and those of his two daughters Scarlett, now 19 and, Trixie, now 12. And the case has gone cold.
Until bones are discovered in the garden of Rose Cottage, the home in which Matt grew up and where his mother continued to live until moving to a care home due to her advancing Parkinsons.
Journalist Gabi Conti had a tenuous link with Leona in that she went to school with her but the two moved in vastly different circles. She knew Leona could be a bully but did that extend into adulthood? Having interviewed Matt at the time, Gabi now continues to investigate the case with her own podcast on the disappearance. But are the bones that of Leona? And did he do it?
I did feel the story dip in parts as it moved through both past and present timelines before settling in the present. But like I said, the ending was rather ambiguous, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions and I would like to think the first outcome is the one that really happened and not the twist in the end that left the reader second guessing everything that went before. There were also some aspects I feel weren't explained properly (though I can't say what here as they are spoilers), however, when the remains were actually buried there are not explained properly. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
Overall, it was a good thriller. Well thought out and plotted, even if a little underwhelming for me. But I will still not pass up another by the author and look forward to what she delivers next.
I would like to thank #DianeJeffrey, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheCrimeWriter in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I do enjoy a good Diane Jeffrey thriller, absolutely loving he last one "The Other Couple" (though that was a tough one to top). This one had great potential and it built gradually to the inevitable conclusion though I felt it fell a little flat. That said, it was a good read but I didn't like the ending. It was too open ended and I like them clear cut not ambiguous.
The story surrounds the disappearance of Leona Walsh, 34 year old wife and mother of two. Events begin in the immediate aftermath the following morning when she didn't arrive home after her evening run, as the police try to unravel the mystery of her disappearance and honing in on their prime suspect: husband, Matt, a renowned crime fiction writer and former police officer. He can plot the perfect murder but is he capable of committing one?
Five years later, no trace of Leona has ever been found and Matt's life has been turned upside down and those of his two daughters Scarlett, now 19 and, Trixie, now 12. And the case has gone cold.
Until bones are discovered in the garden of Rose Cottage, the home in which Matt grew up and where his mother continued to live until moving to a care home due to her advancing Parkinsons.
Journalist Gabi Conti had a tenuous link with Leona in that she went to school with her but the two moved in vastly different circles. She knew Leona could be a bully but did that extend into adulthood? Having interviewed Matt at the time, Gabi now continues to investigate the case with her own podcast on the disappearance. But are the bones that of Leona? And did he do it?
I did feel the story dip in parts as it moved through both past and present timelines before settling in the present. But like I said, the ending was rather ambiguous, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions and I would like to think the first outcome is the one that really happened and not the twist in the end that left the reader second guessing everything that went before. There were also some aspects I feel weren't explained properly (though I can't say what here as they are spoilers), however, when the remains were actually buried there are not explained properly. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
Overall, it was a good thriller. Well thought out and plotted, even if a little underwhelming for me. But I will still not pass up another by the author and look forward to what she delivers next.
I would like to thank #DianeJeffrey, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheCrimeWriter in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 7, 2025
The Crime Writer by Diane Jeffrey is a totally gripping contemporary psychological crime suspense that gripped me from the start.
The action is set in 2019 and present day. It alternates between the two time periods as the reader, and the community, try to piece together just exactly what happened to missing mum of two on that snowy night in 2019.
As we follow the events, clinging on for dear life, we wonder where the truth lies. Is a father protecting himself from the media? Or is there something else going on?
A grisly accidental discovery in present day, opens up a whole new can of worms. Once more, the case of the missing mum is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
The novel touches on the topic of domestic abuse. Normally we have the female perspective – but not this time as we learn of a woman with a vicious streak.
How far would you go to protect your family? A father tries to shield his daughters from the publicity. He wants to give them stability which is especially important for his daughter with additional needs.
Diane Jeffrey has created an eclectic mix of characters. She has perfectly captured the daughter, Trixie, with additional needs who is easy to empathise with. Trixie brings out the motherly instincts in me. I, too, want to protect her from the world.
The plotline is extremely well thought out and executed. Diane Jeffrey ramps up the tension and I read with baited breath and rising pulse! She certainly keeps the reader on their toes.
The Crime Writer is a marvellous read that I read in just one sitting. Once you start it, it’s impossible to put down – cancel all your plans for the day!
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in 2019 and present day. It alternates between the two time periods as the reader, and the community, try to piece together just exactly what happened to missing mum of two on that snowy night in 2019.
As we follow the events, clinging on for dear life, we wonder where the truth lies. Is a father protecting himself from the media? Or is there something else going on?
A grisly accidental discovery in present day, opens up a whole new can of worms. Once more, the case of the missing mum is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
The novel touches on the topic of domestic abuse. Normally we have the female perspective – but not this time as we learn of a woman with a vicious streak.
How far would you go to protect your family? A father tries to shield his daughters from the publicity. He wants to give them stability which is especially important for his daughter with additional needs.
Diane Jeffrey has created an eclectic mix of characters. She has perfectly captured the daughter, Trixie, with additional needs who is easy to empathise with. Trixie brings out the motherly instincts in me. I, too, want to protect her from the world.
The plotline is extremely well thought out and executed. Diane Jeffrey ramps up the tension and I read with baited breath and rising pulse! She certainly keeps the reader on their toes.
The Crime Writer is a marvellous read that I read in just one sitting. Once you start it, it’s impossible to put down – cancel all your plans for the day!
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2025
Matthew Walsh is THE CRIME WRITER in Diane Jeffrey’s latest domestic thriller and he has some stories to tell!
Thirty four year old Leona Walsh disappears in 2019 while out on a run leaving behind seven year old Beatrix and 14 year old Scarlett to be raised by their father, Matthew, with help from Leona‘s sister, Roxanne and best friend, Scarlett. When remains are found five years later in a garden, Matthew is again placed under a long-standing suspicion that he had something to do with Leona‘s disappearance.
Journalist turned podcaster, Gabriella Conti has covered this story from the beginning. She never forgot the story or Matthew’s ability to craft the perfect murder. She has been watching him for years. As suspicions continue to mount against Matthew, Gabriella decides that the best way to get inside info is to get closer to Matthew.
Things just don’t add up regarding Matthew’s story and why did Toby Wigmore put up $30,000 towards a reward for information in the case? Was Leona having an affair with Wigmore? And what about Matthew’s alibi around the time that Leona went missing?
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. And the end was a total shock! But also left lingering questions and doubts which had me thinking about the book long after I finished it. That’s the kind of novel I can really appreciate. The writing was clear and concise and led to an enjoyable read that I could not seem to put down. Take this one to the beach buy don’t forget your sunblock.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
Thirty four year old Leona Walsh disappears in 2019 while out on a run leaving behind seven year old Beatrix and 14 year old Scarlett to be raised by their father, Matthew, with help from Leona‘s sister, Roxanne and best friend, Scarlett. When remains are found five years later in a garden, Matthew is again placed under a long-standing suspicion that he had something to do with Leona‘s disappearance.
Journalist turned podcaster, Gabriella Conti has covered this story from the beginning. She never forgot the story or Matthew’s ability to craft the perfect murder. She has been watching him for years. As suspicions continue to mount against Matthew, Gabriella decides that the best way to get inside info is to get closer to Matthew.
Things just don’t add up regarding Matthew’s story and why did Toby Wigmore put up $30,000 towards a reward for information in the case? Was Leona having an affair with Wigmore? And what about Matthew’s alibi around the time that Leona went missing?
I really enjoyed the characters in this one. And the end was a total shock! But also left lingering questions and doubts which had me thinking about the book long after I finished it. That’s the kind of novel I can really appreciate. The writing was clear and concise and led to an enjoyable read that I could not seem to put down. Take this one to the beach buy don’t forget your sunblock.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
June 25, 2025
I’ve enjoyed a couple of Diane’s books already so I’ve been looking forward to reading this - her latest - since it was published in March.
It’s told from a dial POV and has a dual timeline too which works really well with this story.
In 2019, Leona Walsh, a wife and mother of two daughters, goes missing. Her husband, Matthew, becomes the main suspect.
In 2024, there are further developments which lead to the investigation opening up again.
Part of the story is told from Matthew’s point of view as he relates what happened on that fateful night and afterwards. He’s a crime writer and finds it easy to spin a story but can we believe what he is saying?
The other POV is that of Gabi, a journalist, who first covered the story in 2019 and is determined to get to the bottom of what happened when the case re-opens in 2024.
What I really liked about this book is the way these dual timelines were interwoven with extracts from the ‘Missing, Presumed Murder’ podcast which Gabi hosts. In the podcasts, she interviews key people in the investigation and their conversation is recorded, offering more information along the way.
Did the husband, Matthew, do it or didn’t he? That is the question I continually asked myself as I was reading. My mind changed constantly throughout the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Diane very skilfully kept the story going, revealing more clues and information along the way, without letting you know who the culprit was.
This was a really good read! I do love a courtroom drama and was treated to just that towards the end when a trial takes place. But who is in the dock? You’ll have to read this one yourself to find out! 😉
March 13, 2025
The Crime Writer by Diane Jeffrey
He plots perfect murders. Did he commit one?
2019. 34-year-old Leona Walsh vanishes on a bitter afternoon while jogging on Exmoor. It's a mystery which captures public interest and ignites wild speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona's husband, Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?
Despite extensive searches, the police find no trace of Leona. As public interest dwindles, Matthew returns to raising their daughters, aware the cloud of suspicion is never far away.
2024. Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona's remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to discover what happened five years ago?
Journalist Gabriela Conti covered the news story back in 2019. The police may have stopped watching Matthew, but Gabriela hasn't forgotten him. And she is determined this case will define her career… even if that means getting close to a murderer.
From the author of The Other Couple and Those Who Lie comes the
The Crime Writer, an unforgettable story of suspense and intrigue, filled with thrilling twists and turns. It immerses you into a world that feels authentic and atmospheric, and places you in the center of a high-profile missing person case. The book is engrossing, engaging, unputdownable, well worth a read.
i want to thank publishers HQ Digital author Diane Jeffrey and Rachel's Random Resources for providing a copy to read and review.
He plots perfect murders. Did he commit one?
2019. 34-year-old Leona Walsh vanishes on a bitter afternoon while jogging on Exmoor. It's a mystery which captures public interest and ignites wild speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona's husband, Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?
Despite extensive searches, the police find no trace of Leona. As public interest dwindles, Matthew returns to raising their daughters, aware the cloud of suspicion is never far away.
2024. Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona's remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to discover what happened five years ago?
Journalist Gabriela Conti covered the news story back in 2019. The police may have stopped watching Matthew, but Gabriela hasn't forgotten him. And she is determined this case will define her career… even if that means getting close to a murderer.
From the author of The Other Couple and Those Who Lie comes the
The Crime Writer, an unforgettable story of suspense and intrigue, filled with thrilling twists and turns. It immerses you into a world that feels authentic and atmospheric, and places you in the center of a high-profile missing person case. The book is engrossing, engaging, unputdownable, well worth a read.
i want to thank publishers HQ Digital author Diane Jeffrey and Rachel's Random Resources for providing a copy to read and review.
February 25, 2025
Rating: 3.4/5
"The Crime Writer" is an entertaining, if not entirely unique, psychological thriller. Matthew Walsh writes murder mysteries, but when his wife, Leanne, goes missing there is considerable speculation that events bear an uncanny similarity to the events described in one of Matthew's murder mysteries. Is he as innocent as he claims, or has he put his crime writer's mind to nefarious use?
Diane Jeffrey isn't the first author to play with the idea of a crime writer potentially executing the perfect crime, but she creates an engaging story around that premise. Whilst reading I also sensed echoes of the real life Nicola Bulley case from a couple of years ago, as well as the movie, "Jagged Edge" and the most recent series of the television drama, "Unforgotten". The plot works well enough and there ample twists and turns in the narrative. The author follows the current trend for incorporating other media into the storyline by featuring excerpts from a true crime podcast hosted by an investigative journalist with a keen personal interest in the case. On the whole, this mechanism works well, but some of the featured guests fail to come across as entirely credible. This is a pity as the characterisation in "The Crime Witer" is generally good.
On the whole, this is well worth a read and I dare say I will return for more from Diane Jeffrey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
"The Crime Writer" is an entertaining, if not entirely unique, psychological thriller. Matthew Walsh writes murder mysteries, but when his wife, Leanne, goes missing there is considerable speculation that events bear an uncanny similarity to the events described in one of Matthew's murder mysteries. Is he as innocent as he claims, or has he put his crime writer's mind to nefarious use?
Diane Jeffrey isn't the first author to play with the idea of a crime writer potentially executing the perfect crime, but she creates an engaging story around that premise. Whilst reading I also sensed echoes of the real life Nicola Bulley case from a couple of years ago, as well as the movie, "Jagged Edge" and the most recent series of the television drama, "Unforgotten". The plot works well enough and there ample twists and turns in the narrative. The author follows the current trend for incorporating other media into the storyline by featuring excerpts from a true crime podcast hosted by an investigative journalist with a keen personal interest in the case. On the whole, this mechanism works well, but some of the featured guests fail to come across as entirely credible. This is a pity as the characterisation in "The Crime Witer" is generally good.
On the whole, this is well worth a read and I dare say I will return for more from Diane Jeffrey.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
Diane Jeffrey is a new author to me and before I had finished reading this novel I had already bought more of her books. The Crime Writer is a very good thriller full of mystery, obsession, and deception. An intriguing plot, interesting characters set at a fast pace.
The novel has two timelines 2019 and 2024. In 2019, Leona Walsh while out jogging disappears without trace. A police investigation takes place and Leona’s husband Matthew is under the microscope. Matthew is a bestselling crime writer who is known for plotting the perfect crime, but could he be involved with Leona’s disappearance. Sustained searches are made but Leona is never found, and Matthew has to father his two daughters alone under a shadow of suspicion.
Moving forward to 2024, human bones are uncovered in a garden and it revives the case under the scrutiny of journalist Gabriela Conti. She covered Leona’s disappearance five years ago and is determined to uncover the truth. Gabriela ;looks into the case and risks getting closer to a killer putting her life in danger.
This is a fast paced novel, well written, great characters and kept me guessing. Lots of twists and turns add to the excitement.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ Digital for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The novel has two timelines 2019 and 2024. In 2019, Leona Walsh while out jogging disappears without trace. A police investigation takes place and Leona’s husband Matthew is under the microscope. Matthew is a bestselling crime writer who is known for plotting the perfect crime, but could he be involved with Leona’s disappearance. Sustained searches are made but Leona is never found, and Matthew has to father his two daughters alone under a shadow of suspicion.
Moving forward to 2024, human bones are uncovered in a garden and it revives the case under the scrutiny of journalist Gabriela Conti. She covered Leona’s disappearance five years ago and is determined to uncover the truth. Gabriela ;looks into the case and risks getting closer to a killer putting her life in danger.
This is a fast paced novel, well written, great characters and kept me guessing. Lots of twists and turns add to the excitement.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ Digital for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advanced copy of The Crime Writer in exchange for a review.
This is my first read by Diane Jeffrey, and I was drawn in by the high reviews so far, but something just wasn’t clicking for me!
The plot itself was a good one – 5 years ago, wife and mum-of-two, Leona, goes missing whilst out for a run. Naturally, the husband, Matthew, is the prime suspect. But the police can’t find any trace of what has happened to her.
Now, 5 years on, the story of Leona’s disappearance is back in the news as human bones are discovered in a garden. Journalist Gabi is back on the case, and manages to get close enough to Matthew for him to confide in her.
But Matthew’s story keeps changing and is so inconsistent that even Gabi is unsure of his innocence. As a crime writer himself, he is good at telling stories and it’s hard to know what is real and what is a performance.
For me, this was let down by a lack of suspense and pace. I found myself getting bored during the first half before it picked up a little. The hook of Matthew being a crime writer seemed to get a little lost – I kept waiting for some clear link but it almost felt irrelevant that that was his job. It could’ve been The Loss Adjustor or The Business Development Manager.
I hoped it would all come good with a great ending but I was just left a bit confused!
This is my first read by Diane Jeffrey, and I was drawn in by the high reviews so far, but something just wasn’t clicking for me!
The plot itself was a good one – 5 years ago, wife and mum-of-two, Leona, goes missing whilst out for a run. Naturally, the husband, Matthew, is the prime suspect. But the police can’t find any trace of what has happened to her.
Now, 5 years on, the story of Leona’s disappearance is back in the news as human bones are discovered in a garden. Journalist Gabi is back on the case, and manages to get close enough to Matthew for him to confide in her.
But Matthew’s story keeps changing and is so inconsistent that even Gabi is unsure of his innocence. As a crime writer himself, he is good at telling stories and it’s hard to know what is real and what is a performance.
For me, this was let down by a lack of suspense and pace. I found myself getting bored during the first half before it picked up a little. The hook of Matthew being a crime writer seemed to get a little lost – I kept waiting for some clear link but it almost felt irrelevant that that was his job. It could’ve been The Loss Adjustor or The Business Development Manager.
I hoped it would all come good with a great ending but I was just left a bit confused!
March 15, 2025
Diane Jeffrey’s The Crime Writer is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers second-guessing until the very last page. Blending mystery, suspense, and dark intrigue, the novel explores the disappearance of Leona Walsh, the wife of renowned crime novelist Matthew Walsh, and the devastating ripple effects of suspicion and media scrutiny.
The story unfolds in two timelines: in 2019, when Leona vanishes while jogging on Exmoor, and in 2024, when human remains are discovered, reigniting public interest in the case. The police had their suspicions—after all, Matthew knows how to plot the perfect crime. But was he truly capable of murdering his wife? Journalist Gabriela Conti, who covered the case from the start, refuses to let it go, determined to uncover the truth—even if it means getting dangerously close to the man many believe is a killer.
Jeffrey masterfully crafts an intricate web of secrets, unreliable perspectives, and shifting allegiances, making every character feel layered and suspect in their own way. The psychological depth of the novel is particularly compelling—Matthew’s struggle to raise his daughters under the shadow of suspicion, Gabriela’s obsession with the case, and the unanswered question of what really happened to Leona all drive the tension forward.
Fast-paced and cleverly plotted, The Crime Writer is a thrilling read for fans of dark, atmospheric mysteries. With plenty of twists and a deeply unsettling premise, this novel will keep you hooked until its chilling conclusion.
The story unfolds in two timelines: in 2019, when Leona vanishes while jogging on Exmoor, and in 2024, when human remains are discovered, reigniting public interest in the case. The police had their suspicions—after all, Matthew knows how to plot the perfect crime. But was he truly capable of murdering his wife? Journalist Gabriela Conti, who covered the case from the start, refuses to let it go, determined to uncover the truth—even if it means getting dangerously close to the man many believe is a killer.
Jeffrey masterfully crafts an intricate web of secrets, unreliable perspectives, and shifting allegiances, making every character feel layered and suspect in their own way. The psychological depth of the novel is particularly compelling—Matthew’s struggle to raise his daughters under the shadow of suspicion, Gabriela’s obsession with the case, and the unanswered question of what really happened to Leona all drive the tension forward.
Fast-paced and cleverly plotted, The Crime Writer is a thrilling read for fans of dark, atmospheric mysteries. With plenty of twists and a deeply unsettling premise, this novel will keep you hooked until its chilling conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
2019. Leona Walsh, a thirty-four-year-old wife and mother vanishes on a bitterly cold afternoon while jogging on the edge of the moor. It's a mystery which captures human interest and ignites speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona's husband Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?
2024: Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona's remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to find out what really happened to her five years ago.
Ex-journalist now podcaster Gabi Conti had interviewed Matthew years ago. She had hoped his story would be her big break. Now she's back investigating the case, hoping that this time she will find the answers.
What a well-written and twisted read. The characters were well-fleshed out. The story had a dual timeline that's written in the past and present day format. The story touches on domestic abuse. I was a bit undecided about everyone, could they be guilty? I was pulled in by the end of the first chapter.
Published 13th March 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #DianeJeffery for my ARC of #TheCrimeWriter in exchange for an honest review.
2024: Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona's remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to find out what really happened to her five years ago.
Ex-journalist now podcaster Gabi Conti had interviewed Matthew years ago. She had hoped his story would be her big break. Now she's back investigating the case, hoping that this time she will find the answers.
What a well-written and twisted read. The characters were well-fleshed out. The story had a dual timeline that's written in the past and present day format. The story touches on domestic abuse. I was a bit undecided about everyone, could they be guilty? I was pulled in by the end of the first chapter.
Published 13th March 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #DianeJeffery for my ARC of #TheCrimeWriter in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2025
The story opens with the mysterious disappearance of thirty-four year old Leona Walsh and the start of an investigation which will see her family placed under intense scrutiny not just by the police but also by people on social media. The finger of blame points at Leona’s husband, Matthew, whose success as a writer of crime fiction places him in the spotlight, however, with time passing and no real evidence linking him with Leona’s disappearance the case pretty much comes to a dead end. Five years after Leona’s went missing, new evidence comes to light and once again Matthew Walsh finds that the past never really goes away.
I’ve really enjoyed this intricately plotted crime novel, especially the added inclusion of local journalist Gabriela Conti, who befriends Matthew, and whose True Crime podcast helps to put snippets of the plot together with some interesting character vignettes. There are lots of clues and hidden twists which I enjoyed working out, and the flip between time frames is done with precision and fine attention to detail. The conclusion to this complex story is done really well, with a twist I didn’t see coming, making The Crime Writer such an intriguing read that I’m still pondering about the ending.
I’ve really enjoyed this intricately plotted crime novel, especially the added inclusion of local journalist Gabriela Conti, who befriends Matthew, and whose True Crime podcast helps to put snippets of the plot together with some interesting character vignettes. There are lots of clues and hidden twists which I enjoyed working out, and the flip between time frames is done with precision and fine attention to detail. The conclusion to this complex story is done really well, with a twist I didn’t see coming, making The Crime Writer such an intriguing read that I’m still pondering about the ending.
March 15, 2025
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
The narrative alternates between 2019 and 2024. Leona vanished in 2019, leaving behind her husband Matthew, and her two daughters. Matthew is a crime writer, and some people believe that he is responsible for her death. Journalist Gabi Conti wants to know the truth.
From the beginning, I took an interest in the characters, as they felt real and believable to me. Initially, while I felt some sorrow towards her family, I found that I was most interested in Leona herself. I wanted to know about her and the kind of person that she was. Gabi was an interesting character too.
I thought the inclusion of the podcast episodes, in which Gabi interviews some other characters, were an interesting idea, and that made the book feel very current. As the story unfolded, there were some twists that I didn't see coming, and when the truth was revealed, it came as a surprise.
This was a clever page turner, and I also liked the cover design; it was definitely something that I'd feel drawn to in a bookshop or library.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
The narrative alternates between 2019 and 2024. Leona vanished in 2019, leaving behind her husband Matthew, and her two daughters. Matthew is a crime writer, and some people believe that he is responsible for her death. Journalist Gabi Conti wants to know the truth.
From the beginning, I took an interest in the characters, as they felt real and believable to me. Initially, while I felt some sorrow towards her family, I found that I was most interested in Leona herself. I wanted to know about her and the kind of person that she was. Gabi was an interesting character too.
I thought the inclusion of the podcast episodes, in which Gabi interviews some other characters, were an interesting idea, and that made the book feel very current. As the story unfolded, there were some twists that I didn't see coming, and when the truth was revealed, it came as a surprise.
This was a clever page turner, and I also liked the cover design; it was definitely something that I'd feel drawn to in a bookshop or library.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
April 10, 2025
The story opens with Gabi Conti and her podcast about a crime 5 years previous. It then goes back to ex police now crime writer Matt and his missing wife, Leona. Leona takes the dog out for a run but only the dog returns. Matt waits until the next morning and calls police.
Both Matt and Leona have different faces- both have secrets. They're also the parents of 2 daughters. Leona is in politics and is the subject of a scandal over fraudulent expenses. The daughters are different as night and day, 7 & 14 yrs old. Leona's sister Roxanne drives over to help Matt with the daughters even though she's not overly fond of Matt. She doesn't have a whole lot of good to say about her sister, but she is her sister, so...
Gabi, the journalist, went to school with Leona and isn't her biggest fan either. But Gabi is a woman after the truth and she senses that she's not getting it.
The story continues in a back and forth between time periods. I think that was well done, but there wasn't any excitement. Better than watching paint dry, but no suspense. I liked the plot though and the characters were developed well. I could feel Gabi's frustration. The end might irritate some and that's all I'll say.
Both Matt and Leona have different faces- both have secrets. They're also the parents of 2 daughters. Leona is in politics and is the subject of a scandal over fraudulent expenses. The daughters are different as night and day, 7 & 14 yrs old. Leona's sister Roxanne drives over to help Matt with the daughters even though she's not overly fond of Matt. She doesn't have a whole lot of good to say about her sister, but she is her sister, so...
Gabi, the journalist, went to school with Leona and isn't her biggest fan either. But Gabi is a woman after the truth and she senses that she's not getting it.
The story continues in a back and forth between time periods. I think that was well done, but there wasn't any excitement. Better than watching paint dry, but no suspense. I liked the plot though and the characters were developed well. I could feel Gabi's frustration. The end might irritate some and that's all I'll say.
February 7, 2025
5 Stars from me
Literally blitzed through this book, and had a million theories buzzing around my brain as I read.
Gabi was a wonderful character, I loved her determination, tenacity and humanity, it was nice to read about a journo in a book like this who isn't simply portrayed as a gore thirsty monster. Her interactions with the family, the children in particular, were startlingly compassionate and touching.
The story of Leona going missing had uncomfortable similarities with a recent headline news case (I won't spell that out any further, I'm sure readers will rapidly work it out) and that added a deeply unsettling layer to the story and the impact on the family and local community.
Focus soon turns to her husband, Matthew, as a crime writer he his search history makes for uncomfortable reading, and detectives soon find out that his wife's disappearance bears an uncanny resemblance to one of his 'best sellers'...
I found this book hard to put down and raced through it - this is definitely one I recommend to psychological thriller fans. My thanks to the author, NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Literally blitzed through this book, and had a million theories buzzing around my brain as I read.
Gabi was a wonderful character, I loved her determination, tenacity and humanity, it was nice to read about a journo in a book like this who isn't simply portrayed as a gore thirsty monster. Her interactions with the family, the children in particular, were startlingly compassionate and touching.
The story of Leona going missing had uncomfortable similarities with a recent headline news case (I won't spell that out any further, I'm sure readers will rapidly work it out) and that added a deeply unsettling layer to the story and the impact on the family and local community.
Focus soon turns to her husband, Matthew, as a crime writer he his search history makes for uncomfortable reading, and detectives soon find out that his wife's disappearance bears an uncanny resemblance to one of his 'best sellers'...
I found this book hard to put down and raced through it - this is definitely one I recommend to psychological thriller fans. My thanks to the author, NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2025
When a famous crime writer (Matt) reports his wife (leona) missing after they’ve had an argument the finger of suspicion is pointed firmly at him . Has he got anything to do with her disappearance? Or is he just an innocent husband eager to find his wife ?
This is the main question explored in this twisty thriller. Told in two timelines, the present day and the aftermath of leona’s disappearance, it weaves a multi layered storyline which had me guessing and changing my mind constantly.
The introduction of Gabi, an old school fiend of leona’s who is now a journalist adds to the story. She is invested in finding out the truth of what happened to leona, even setting up a podcast to explore every possibility.
Full of twists and turns this book explored how devastating someone’s disappearance can be to all those around them. The unanswered questions and outside pressures change the whole family’s lives permanently.
An easy read, and although I found it predictable at times I still was left wondering if the whole truth had been uncovered at the end. Expertly plotted this book will be enjoyed by any murder mystery fan .
This is the main question explored in this twisty thriller. Told in two timelines, the present day and the aftermath of leona’s disappearance, it weaves a multi layered storyline which had me guessing and changing my mind constantly.
The introduction of Gabi, an old school fiend of leona’s who is now a journalist adds to the story. She is invested in finding out the truth of what happened to leona, even setting up a podcast to explore every possibility.
Full of twists and turns this book explored how devastating someone’s disappearance can be to all those around them. The unanswered questions and outside pressures change the whole family’s lives permanently.
An easy read, and although I found it predictable at times I still was left wondering if the whole truth had been uncovered at the end. Expertly plotted this book will be enjoyed by any murder mystery fan .
March 13, 2025
Leona – wife, mother and probably dishonest local councillor – disappears one evening in late November. Despite an extensive police search and intense media scrutiny (chillingly reminiscent of a tragic real-life case) that attracts the attention of amateur sleuths, psychics and true-crime addicts, Leona is still missing after five years.
The story is told across two time lines:
In 2019, during the days immediately after Leona’s disappearance, from the viewpoint of Leona’s husband, Matt. He writes crime fiction for a living and soon becomes the chief suspect.
In 2024, from the viewpoint of Gabi, a journalist. Back 2019, she secured a series of exclusive interviews with Matt. Now, when new evidence emerges, she revisits the case via her podcast.
Diane Jeffrey is an accomplished writer who knows how to plot, build suspense, establish setting and create rounded and intriguing main characters. This story gripped me to the extent that I downed tools to read it in two days. It’s likely to feature on my favourite books of 2025 list.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
The story is told across two time lines:
In 2019, during the days immediately after Leona’s disappearance, from the viewpoint of Leona’s husband, Matt. He writes crime fiction for a living and soon becomes the chief suspect.
In 2024, from the viewpoint of Gabi, a journalist. Back 2019, she secured a series of exclusive interviews with Matt. Now, when new evidence emerges, she revisits the case via her podcast.
Diane Jeffrey is an accomplished writer who knows how to plot, build suspense, establish setting and create rounded and intriguing main characters. This story gripped me to the extent that I downed tools to read it in two days. It’s likely to feature on my favourite books of 2025 list.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
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