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Detective Sheridan Holler #4
Count the Dead
Not yet published
Expected 1 Nov 25Win a free kindle copy of this book!
0 days and 18:22:38
100 copies available
U.S. only
Crack the code. Stop the sequence. Catch the killer.
When homeless man Bobby Stover insists his friend’s suicide was really murder, DI Sheridan Holler is sceptical—until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them in Liverpool, all ruled as suicides, that suddenly look like anything but. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair. This murderer is following a mysterious pattern—and there seems to be no end in sight.
Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killer’s code, but when a crucial piece of the puzzle falls into place, they realise the next five victims have already been marked.
They don’t know who. They don’t know where. But they know it won’t stop here. Can they get one step ahead of a calculating killer?
When homeless man Bobby Stover insists his friend’s suicide was really murder, DI Sheridan Holler is sceptical—until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them in Liverpool, all ruled as suicides, that suddenly look like anything but. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair. This murderer is following a mysterious pattern—and there seems to be no end in sight.
Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killer’s code, but when a crucial piece of the puzzle falls into place, they realise the next five victims have already been marked.
They don’t know who. They don’t know where. But they know it won’t stop here. Can they get one step ahead of a calculating killer?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
2372 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Payne
5 books139 followersT.M. Payne’s Detective Sheridan Holler series will be published by Amazon Publishing in 2024 and 2025.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 25, 2025
DI Sheridan Holler and her loyal team are back doing what they do best, solving crimes with DCI Hill (or whatever her real name is) at the helm.
While part of a series this is easily read as a standalone.
When seemingly random murders start to form a pattern in Sheridan's head, she'll stop at nothing to find the link and solve the riddle.
The trail takes them on false starts and red herrings, and all the way through Sheridan's empathy shines through as brightly as ever.
She is still trying to solve the murder of her brother 30 years ago. Could now be the time she finally gets the answer she's searching for?
The joy of these books is the dynamics of the team, their loyalty and banter, even if Sheridan feels she doesn't know them as well as she should!
With false starts and red herrings, Sheridan relentlessly pursues the truth.
The unexpected ending throws everything on its head and is tied up as neatly as a pie wrapped in a bow. I can't wait for the next one!
While part of a series this is easily read as a standalone.
When seemingly random murders start to form a pattern in Sheridan's head, she'll stop at nothing to find the link and solve the riddle.
The trail takes them on false starts and red herrings, and all the way through Sheridan's empathy shines through as brightly as ever.
She is still trying to solve the murder of her brother 30 years ago. Could now be the time she finally gets the answer she's searching for?
The joy of these books is the dynamics of the team, their loyalty and banter, even if Sheridan feels she doesn't know them as well as she should!
With false starts and red herrings, Sheridan relentlessly pursues the truth.
The unexpected ending throws everything on its head and is tied up as neatly as a pie wrapped in a bow. I can't wait for the next one!
October 11, 2025
Wow, what an incredible read!!
Crack the code. Stop the sequence. Catch the killer.
When homeless man Bobby Stover insists his friend's suicide was really murder, DI Sheridan Holler is sceptical
—until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them in Liverpool, all ruled as suicides, that suddenly look like anything but. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair.
This murderer is following a mysterious pattern-and there seems to be no end in sight.
Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killer's code, but when a crucial piece of the puzzle falls into place, they realise the next five victims have already been marked.
They don't know who. They don't know where. But they know it won't stop here. Can they get one step ahead of a calculating killer?
My heart was in my mouth for most of this book, Tina has a way of dropping breadcrumbs throughout the book, reading as Sheridan pieces it all together is genius.
Although this is book 4 out of 4 in the series I definitely feel you can read them as standalone, however I have read them all in order so for me this made this book a really emotional read.
I could not put this book down and parts of this had me in tears, but I think it's my favourite one out of the whole series.
I really hope there is going to be a book 5 as I have become attached to Sheridan now and could read about her and the gang all day!
This is out on 1 November and you need to read it!
Crack the code. Stop the sequence. Catch the killer.
When homeless man Bobby Stover insists his friend's suicide was really murder, DI Sheridan Holler is sceptical
—until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them in Liverpool, all ruled as suicides, that suddenly look like anything but. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair.
This murderer is following a mysterious pattern-and there seems to be no end in sight.
Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killer's code, but when a crucial piece of the puzzle falls into place, they realise the next five victims have already been marked.
They don't know who. They don't know where. But they know it won't stop here. Can they get one step ahead of a calculating killer?
My heart was in my mouth for most of this book, Tina has a way of dropping breadcrumbs throughout the book, reading as Sheridan pieces it all together is genius.
Although this is book 4 out of 4 in the series I definitely feel you can read them as standalone, however I have read them all in order so for me this made this book a really emotional read.
I could not put this book down and parts of this had me in tears, but I think it's my favourite one out of the whole series.
I really hope there is going to be a book 5 as I have become attached to Sheridan now and could read about her and the gang all day!
This is out on 1 November and you need to read it!
September 26, 2025
Count the Dead is book 4 in the fabulous Sheridan Holler series. In this book Sheridan and her team begin to investigate what on the face of it are unconnected events. The book starts when a lady is contemplating killing herself by jumping in front of a moving train. Then a homeless man enters the Public Enquiry Office of the police station where Sheridan works saying he doesn't believe his friend's death could have been suicide. Sheridan quickly realises these events and others are connected. What follows is an investigation that shows Sheridan at her brilliant best. As with the earlier books Sheridan is still involved in finding the killer of her brother Matthew who was murdered 30 years earlier. I love Tina's writing, the storyline in this book is just so clever, I loved it and I think it's her best book yet. I hope one day 'the tongs' make an appearance.
September 18, 2025
Its great to be back in the company of Sheridan Holler and her great team. In this latest novel, Sheridan has suspicions around a series of deaths that have been deemed as suicides. Going back into cold cases while looking at present cases has the team fighting against the clock to prevent further deaths.
Added to this, Sheridan discovers her brothers friend Andrew is dying and vows to find her brothers killer to give him closure before he dies.
I love this series, all the characters play their part, no-one is more important than another. I love the friendships and relationships. In this particular novel there are some sad, heartbreaking moments that are dealt with empathetically. I'm looking forward to the next in the series
Added to this, Sheridan discovers her brothers friend Andrew is dying and vows to find her brothers killer to give him closure before he dies.
I love this series, all the characters play their part, no-one is more important than another. I love the friendships and relationships. In this particular novel there are some sad, heartbreaking moments that are dealt with empathetically. I'm looking forward to the next in the series
October 1, 2025
Book Four in the highly acclaimed DI Sheridan Holler series, I can’t put my finger on why but this felt different, for me the best yet. I read for entertainment as a read this does that and more
This is a book written with pure heart. As a read it has everything character, plot, but overall a real depth and quality to the storytelling, I was totally in the zone reading.
As usual the book is meticoulsly plotted, the way that every strand is tied together, you have plenty of differing angles that leave room for doubt to creep into the readers mind as to which direction the story will go and as to who the perpetrator is.
Without giving anything away, the story is packed with raw heartfelt emotion, Tina Payne has a writing style that gets to the heart of the investigation and the characters lives whilst telling a story that the reader will be drawn into.
As a character you can see that Sheridan cares about the victims families and seeing justice served for them, it seems that that in part drives her determination to go that extra mile
One thing that interests me when reading the books is there seems to be desire to understand the why dunnit as much as the who dunnit. I like the way these themes are explored once the investigation has closed.
Within the books there is one unsung hero and that is Sam it’s refreshing to read a police procedural where the lead detective has not only a normal life but the love and support of someone who understand the demands and stresses placed on Sheridan.
There is plenty of humour within the book often used as a release to the daily demands of the job and then you have the interaction between Holler and Hill, you can see the mutual respect for each other, due to their pasts they understand what each other is going through. The way that Hill allows Holler a little latitude borne of the fact that Holler gets results
As with the rest of the series, you get a real sense of teamwork within the investigation, giving that feeling of authenticity. There are plenty of twist and turns even when you think all is done as this is a killer with a difference they have laid the clues if only the team can un ravel them, combined with a sense of who is outwitting who, this attention to detail make a compelling read
The writing allows for plenty of suspense and tension in what becomes a race against time. From first to last this is a read which had me gripped
I cannot recommend the book and indeed the whole series enough, TM Payne is an author whose star in is the ascendency, as a crime writer someone at the top of their game,
This is a book written with pure heart. As a read it has everything character, plot, but overall a real depth and quality to the storytelling, I was totally in the zone reading.
As usual the book is meticoulsly plotted, the way that every strand is tied together, you have plenty of differing angles that leave room for doubt to creep into the readers mind as to which direction the story will go and as to who the perpetrator is.
Without giving anything away, the story is packed with raw heartfelt emotion, Tina Payne has a writing style that gets to the heart of the investigation and the characters lives whilst telling a story that the reader will be drawn into.
As a character you can see that Sheridan cares about the victims families and seeing justice served for them, it seems that that in part drives her determination to go that extra mile
One thing that interests me when reading the books is there seems to be desire to understand the why dunnit as much as the who dunnit. I like the way these themes are explored once the investigation has closed.
Within the books there is one unsung hero and that is Sam it’s refreshing to read a police procedural where the lead detective has not only a normal life but the love and support of someone who understand the demands and stresses placed on Sheridan.
There is plenty of humour within the book often used as a release to the daily demands of the job and then you have the interaction between Holler and Hill, you can see the mutual respect for each other, due to their pasts they understand what each other is going through. The way that Hill allows Holler a little latitude borne of the fact that Holler gets results
As with the rest of the series, you get a real sense of teamwork within the investigation, giving that feeling of authenticity. There are plenty of twist and turns even when you think all is done as this is a killer with a difference they have laid the clues if only the team can un ravel them, combined with a sense of who is outwitting who, this attention to detail make a compelling read
The writing allows for plenty of suspense and tension in what becomes a race against time. From first to last this is a read which had me gripped
I cannot recommend the book and indeed the whole series enough, TM Payne is an author whose star in is the ascendency, as a crime writer someone at the top of their game,
September 18, 2025
4.5* Good, but with so much detail you do have to roll your eyes a little. Is this the last of DI Sheridan Holler?
This feels like it's the longest DI SH tale, and with events that unfold, something devastating is put to bed, RIP, and I did wonder if this could be the end of the series. But, it seems as if Anna is finding her backbone and pursuing an agenda that could come right in the next book, or could be disastrous. I absolutely hate Steve, and I hope he gets what he deserves, so something disastrous might not actually be disastrous.
The killer in this is cold, cool under pressure, a real piece of work and always a step ahead of the cops, it seems. Their planning is slick amd believable. The cops figuring out his schedule is believable and that they make leaps and jumps from there works well, because computer-brain SH makes the connection. There's some nice humour with the team, and the bets are still on to find Hill's real name - there probably will be another book, if just for that to continue.
There's a lot of detail, and a lot of brain leaps by SH. At times, it felt like we were being spoon fed stuff and it was hard trying to remember details. It felt like there was a bit too much at times, and that's where the book loses 0.5* for me. I didn't believe the property ownership in the end parts - we're talking millions, and that didn't really tie in. A touch of editing/considering if every minutiae that was left in was needed, could have made this a bit slicker and a 5* tale. Still, it was an excellent tale and I'd love to read more of this series.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure..
This feels like it's the longest DI SH tale, and with events that unfold, something devastating is put to bed, RIP, and I did wonder if this could be the end of the series. But, it seems as if Anna is finding her backbone and pursuing an agenda that could come right in the next book, or could be disastrous. I absolutely hate Steve, and I hope he gets what he deserves, so something disastrous might not actually be disastrous.
The killer in this is cold, cool under pressure, a real piece of work and always a step ahead of the cops, it seems. Their planning is slick amd believable. The cops figuring out his schedule is believable and that they make leaps and jumps from there works well, because computer-brain SH makes the connection. There's some nice humour with the team, and the bets are still on to find Hill's real name - there probably will be another book, if just for that to continue.
There's a lot of detail, and a lot of brain leaps by SH. At times, it felt like we were being spoon fed stuff and it was hard trying to remember details. It felt like there was a bit too much at times, and that's where the book loses 0.5* for me. I didn't believe the property ownership in the end parts - we're talking millions, and that didn't really tie in. A touch of editing/considering if every minutiae that was left in was needed, could have made this a bit slicker and a 5* tale. Still, it was an excellent tale and I'd love to read more of this series.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure..
October 28, 2025
Book 4 of the Sheridan Holler Series
When homeless man Bobby Stover insists his friends suicide was really murder, DI Sheridan Holler is sceptical - until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them in Liverpool, all ruled as suicides, that suddenly look anything but. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair. The murderer is following a mysterious pattern - and there seems to be no end in sight.Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killers code, but when a crucial part of the puzzle falls into place, they realise the next five victims have already been murdered. They don't know who. They don't know where. But they know it won't stop here. Can they get one step ahead of a calculating killer?
I've come to expect twists and red herrings in this well-written police procedural series. But that's all you can expect as each book is completely different in the way it pulls you in.
A homeless man enters the Public Enquiry Office at the police station where DI Sheridan Holler is based. He doesn't think his friends death was suicide. Sheridan quickly makes a connection to this case and many other similar cases. Sheridan is still looking for her brother's killer.
I think this is the best book in the series so far. Every character has their own part to play. All the loose ends are tied up and we get some humour thrown in.
Published 1st November 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPubishingUK #ThomasMercer and the author #TMPayne for my ARC of #CountingTheDead in exchange for an honest review.
When homeless man Bobby Stover insists his friends suicide was really murder, DI Sheridan Holler is sceptical - until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them in Liverpool, all ruled as suicides, that suddenly look anything but. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair. The murderer is following a mysterious pattern - and there seems to be no end in sight.Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killers code, but when a crucial part of the puzzle falls into place, they realise the next five victims have already been murdered. They don't know who. They don't know where. But they know it won't stop here. Can they get one step ahead of a calculating killer?
I've come to expect twists and red herrings in this well-written police procedural series. But that's all you can expect as each book is completely different in the way it pulls you in.
A homeless man enters the Public Enquiry Office at the police station where DI Sheridan Holler is based. He doesn't think his friends death was suicide. Sheridan quickly makes a connection to this case and many other similar cases. Sheridan is still looking for her brother's killer.
I think this is the best book in the series so far. Every character has their own part to play. All the loose ends are tied up and we get some humour thrown in.
Published 1st November 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPubishingUK #ThomasMercer and the author #TMPayne for my ARC of #CountingTheDead in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2025
I was genuinely thrilled to find that TM Payne (Tina) had published the fourth DI Sheridan Holler book, Count The Dead; I have become quite a fan of this police procedural series. Even before I started the book, Tina’s dedication made me pause, it is such a lovely sentiment; and to read so much praise for the author’s writing, from other authors, is fabulous.
A homeless man walks in to Hale Street Police Station, hoping to be taken seriously, while worrying that he would be dismissed. This new information about a death that had been previously categorised as non suspicious, piques the interest of DI Sheridan Holler. Once Sheridan has the bit between her teeth, she doesn’t let go until she has unearthed the truth.
One of the things I love about a long running series is the familiarity with the characters, it feels like catching up with old friends. Sheridan, Anna, Hill and the team are fabulous, I love the dynamic between them. With each book you get more and more character development, as well as the main story, which is always a gripping read. It’s lovely to meet Maud again, our entertaining rescue girl Bay has a penchant for eating flies too.
The round up in the epilogue is wonderful. I love all those little extra nuggets of detail, that wrap things up beautifully; with one mystery still outstanding. In a very crowded genre, Sheridan, Anna, Hill and the team really stand out very favourably for me. I find the characters, and the author’s writing to be really engaging. If, like me, you love the police procedural genre, then I highly recommend starting book 1, Long Time Dead, as to read out of order would provide too many spoilers.
A homeless man walks in to Hale Street Police Station, hoping to be taken seriously, while worrying that he would be dismissed. This new information about a death that had been previously categorised as non suspicious, piques the interest of DI Sheridan Holler. Once Sheridan has the bit between her teeth, she doesn’t let go until she has unearthed the truth.
One of the things I love about a long running series is the familiarity with the characters, it feels like catching up with old friends. Sheridan, Anna, Hill and the team are fabulous, I love the dynamic between them. With each book you get more and more character development, as well as the main story, which is always a gripping read. It’s lovely to meet Maud again, our entertaining rescue girl Bay has a penchant for eating flies too.
The round up in the epilogue is wonderful. I love all those little extra nuggets of detail, that wrap things up beautifully; with one mystery still outstanding. In a very crowded genre, Sheridan, Anna, Hill and the team really stand out very favourably for me. I find the characters, and the author’s writing to be really engaging. If, like me, you love the police procedural genre, then I highly recommend starting book 1, Long Time Dead, as to read out of order would provide too many spoilers.
September 28, 2025
Count the Dead is a page-turning addition to the Detective Sheridan Holler series. The author weaves a complex narrative that combines elements of suspense and mystery.
The story begins with the powerful premise of Bobby Stover, a homeless man convinced that the suicide of his friend is a far more sinister crime. As Detective Sheridan Holler delves deeper, the plot unfolds with a chilling series of seemingly unrelated deaths that are skillfully revealed to be part of a nefarious pattern. The novel's pacing is pretty good, making it difficult to put down. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing.
The portrayal of Bobby Stover adds a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the plight of people experiencing homelessness and what they endure. I really liked his character a lot.
The race against time to crack the killer’s code kept me on the edge of my seat. The stakes in the story are high, and with the looming threat against the next potential victims, you can’t help but root for Sheridan and her team as they scramble to prevent further tragedy.
Overall, Count the Dead is a good crime fiction novel that delivers a captivating story. I am looking forward to more. I would recommend this book and this series.
#CounttheDead #NetGalley @AmazonPub
The story begins with the powerful premise of Bobby Stover, a homeless man convinced that the suicide of his friend is a far more sinister crime. As Detective Sheridan Holler delves deeper, the plot unfolds with a chilling series of seemingly unrelated deaths that are skillfully revealed to be part of a nefarious pattern. The novel's pacing is pretty good, making it difficult to put down. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing.
The portrayal of Bobby Stover adds a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the plight of people experiencing homelessness and what they endure. I really liked his character a lot.
The race against time to crack the killer’s code kept me on the edge of my seat. The stakes in the story are high, and with the looming threat against the next potential victims, you can’t help but root for Sheridan and her team as they scramble to prevent further tragedy.
Overall, Count the Dead is a good crime fiction novel that delivers a captivating story. I am looking forward to more. I would recommend this book and this series.
#CounttheDead #NetGalley @AmazonPub
October 20, 2025
Crack the code. Stop the sequence. Cath the killer. When homeless man Bobby Sover insists his friends suicide was really a murder. DI Sheridan Holler is skeptical until she uncovers a series of deaths, all of them Liverpool, all ruled a suicides, that suddenly look like anything but a suicide. The killings span years, each one chillingly staged, the truth buried beneath an illusion of despair. This murder is following a mysterious pattern and there seems to be no end in sight.
Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killer's code, but when a crucial piece of the puzzle falls into place, they realize the next five victims have already been marked. They don't know who. They don't know where. Bu they know it won't stop here.
I could not put this book down parts of the book had me in tears. This is book 4 of a series but can be read as a standalone. I will be checking out T.M. Paynes's books.
Thanks to NetGalley, T.M Payne (Author) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#CounttheDead
#TMPayne
Sheridan and her team find themselves in a race to crack the killer's code, but when a crucial piece of the puzzle falls into place, they realize the next five victims have already been marked. They don't know who. They don't know where. Bu they know it won't stop here.
I could not put this book down parts of the book had me in tears. This is book 4 of a series but can be read as a standalone. I will be checking out T.M. Paynes's books.
Thanks to NetGalley, T.M Payne (Author) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#CounttheDead
#TMPayne
October 5, 2025
"Count the Dead" is the fantastic fourth installment in the Sheridan Holler series. Sheridan and her team delve into what appear to be unconnected events: a woman contemplating suicide by jumping in front of a train, and a homeless man entering the police station claiming his friend's death wasn't suicide. Sheridan quickly realizes these events are connected, leading to a brilliant investigation.
As in previous books, Sheridan is still working to find her brother Matthew's killer from 30 years ago. The writing is superb, and the storyline is incredibly clever. I think this is her best book yet, and I hope 'the tongs' make another appearance!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
As in previous books, Sheridan is still working to find her brother Matthew's killer from 30 years ago. The writing is superb, and the storyline is incredibly clever. I think this is her best book yet, and I hope 'the tongs' make another appearance!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
September 21, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this captivating eARC.
If you are a fan of police procedurals, T. M. Payne's DI Sheridan Holler's series is one you don't want to miss. This is the first I have read of the series and I was immediately hooked. Payne is a pro at breathing life into her characters, who are engaging, humourous, hard working, and people you would truly enjoy knowing.
In Count the Dead Sheridan and her team are up against a deviously clever serial killer.
My new favorite police procedural series; it is refreshingly addictive, and I definitely cannot read just one! ;)
If you are a fan of police procedurals, T. M. Payne's DI Sheridan Holler's series is one you don't want to miss. This is the first I have read of the series and I was immediately hooked. Payne is a pro at breathing life into her characters, who are engaging, humourous, hard working, and people you would truly enjoy knowing.
In Count the Dead Sheridan and her team are up against a deviously clever serial killer.
My new favorite police procedural series; it is refreshingly addictive, and I definitely cannot read just one! ;)
September 22, 2025
Count The Dead is another good addition to the DI Sheridan Holler series. The Liverpool based detective investigates a number of apparent suicides that have discrepancies. Eventually she thinks there is a pattern, but others are skeptical. But the team find themselves on the trail of a very clever serial killer.
The novel is well written, dark and engaging, but written with humour. The cast of characters is always interesting and there are a number of sub plots that bubble under the surface of the main narrative. Most significantly, Sheridan is still on the trail of her brother's killer from thirty year ago. Overall this is a series that continues to develop and entertain.
The novel is well written, dark and engaging, but written with humour. The cast of characters is always interesting and there are a number of sub plots that bubble under the surface of the main narrative. Most significantly, Sheridan is still on the trail of her brother's killer from thirty year ago. Overall this is a series that continues to develop and entertain.
October 14, 2025
DI Sheridan Holler meets a homeless man at the police station, he has a puzzling story to tell about his friend, who has been killed. This sets off a chain of investigation into suspicious deaths, that had been ruled suicides over a few years. Who is the culprit? Why are they happening? Sheridan, DS Anna Markinson, DC Depish Mois, DC Bridie Sexton and their boss, DCI Hill Knowles face a villain in a chilling cat and mouse game to unearth the clues behind the deaths and how they will find the suspect. It was engrossing, full of twists and turns, gripping, gritty, mysterious, and unputdownable! It was told over several time periods and it led to a satisfying conclusion.
September 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the eARC.
This is the 4th book in the DI Sheridan Holler series and it was a good read. Not as good as the 3 previous ones though.
I really like Sheridan and her co-worker/best friend. Sheridsn, her partner and Anna are great together and I love Maud the cat. But in this story I wasn't that engaged with the mystery of the killings, it seemed too drawn out.
The fact that the pain of losing her brother years ago was alleviated was a plus in the book and overall I found it a decent read.
This is the 4th book in the DI Sheridan Holler series and it was a good read. Not as good as the 3 previous ones though.
I really like Sheridan and her co-worker/best friend. Sheridsn, her partner and Anna are great together and I love Maud the cat. But in this story I wasn't that engaged with the mystery of the killings, it seemed too drawn out.
The fact that the pain of losing her brother years ago was alleviated was a plus in the book and overall I found it a decent read.
September 26, 2025
What a brilliant book!!! A series of murders disguised as suicides and a homeless man shows up in a public enquiry office to flag his concerns. DI Sheridan Holler and her team investigate discovering a series of sinister deaths over the course of years that are too coincidental. I loved this book. The perfect blend of character development & police procedural. My first book from this series and I’ll definitely be going back to the start to catch up. Highly recommended. Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2025
Detective Sheridan Holler starts her day by battling the vending machine, only to be called to the front desk where the visitor is already gone. The next day, he returns—Bobby insists his friend didn’t commit suicide. Believing him, Sheridan begins investigating a case that turns into a cat-and-mouse game, with the killer always one step ahead. Along the way, she grapples with her own personal struggles, including seeking justice for her deceased brother. This series has it all—humor, gripping twists, and plenty of suspense!
September 29, 2025
As someone who hasn’t read the other books in this series, I feel like it isn’t absolutely necessary, but would shed some backlight into the characters. Overall, I still felt the character development in this was nice and sometimes so much detail that I was having to go back and re-read parts to make sure I was remembering everything.
If you love a crime thriller, you’d definitely enjoy this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
If you love a crime thriller, you’d definitely enjoy this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
October 25, 2025
This is the fourth book in the DI Sheridan Holler series but the first one I have read and it worked very well as a standalone.
This is a very clever read with Sheridan having to get into the mind of a killer who no one knew existed.
All his crimes were ruled suicides until he killed a homeless man.
Great storyline and plot with good characterisation.
#NetGalley #Thomas & Mercer #CountTheDead #TMPayne #DISheridanHoller
This is a very clever read with Sheridan having to get into the mind of a killer who no one knew existed.
All his crimes were ruled suicides until he killed a homeless man.
Great storyline and plot with good characterisation.
#NetGalley #Thomas & Mercer #CountTheDead #TMPayne #DISheridanHoller
October 26, 2025
You can't go wrong with a book by T. M. Payne, and Count the Dead is no exception. Main character DI Holler is once again exceptional, this time in a race to crack a code and save future victims of the killer.
Payne writes a brilliant, edge of your seat thriller that keeps you anxiously turning the pages to the very end. Numerous red herrings keep you guessing, and the ending is sure to stick with you.
Thank you for the ARC of #CounttheDead to #NetGalley.
Payne writes a brilliant, edge of your seat thriller that keeps you anxiously turning the pages to the very end. Numerous red herrings keep you guessing, and the ending is sure to stick with you.
Thank you for the ARC of #CounttheDead to #NetGalley.
September 26, 2025
Count the Dead was my first read of this author's. I have no knowledge of if there are any tie ins to the other books. As an American, I liked figuring out the UK police slang. It was, however, not a quick, easy read. It doesn't flow like most in the mystery/thriller genre. It could have been about a hundred pages shorter, but it was engaging enough-I had to see how it turned out.
October 1, 2025
Count the Dead was such an addictive read- I couldn’t put it down! I spent the whole time trying to figure out how the story would unfold, but it kept me guessing right up to the very end. I had the tiniest inkling at one point, but the writing gave nothing away, which made the twists and turns even more surprising and satisfying. If you love a story that grips you, keeps you on edge, and leaves you stumped until the final reveal, this one is for you.
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