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The Other Boy: A Psychological Thriller
When the worst comes calling…
Scott and Blair Bagby are a happy, successful English couple living in the suburbs with their teenage son and Great Dane. Life seems good, until one beautiful spring morning when a detective inspector knocks on their door asking if their son is home, unleashing an unspeakable horror that blows apart the life they thought they had.
Police have discovered bodies buried deep in the Peasedale forest and the inspector suspects one is Jamie, the final victim of a brutal and prolific serial killer. But Jamie’s death is unlike all the others, starting with his emergency phone call that leads to a macabre burial ground near a dilapidated hunting shack and creates shocking suspicions.
With bone deep grief threatening to destroy their marriage and their sanity, Scott and Blair set out to investigate Jamie’s death, a journey that not only upends their perceptions of who they are, but torturously reveals they may not have known Jamie at all…
Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian McAllister, and The Couple Next Door, The Other Boy is a dark psychological thriller about grief, guilt, and the devastating fear of discovering you never truly knew your child.
Scott and Blair Bagby are a happy, successful English couple living in the suburbs with their teenage son and Great Dane. Life seems good, until one beautiful spring morning when a detective inspector knocks on their door asking if their son is home, unleashing an unspeakable horror that blows apart the life they thought they had.
Police have discovered bodies buried deep in the Peasedale forest and the inspector suspects one is Jamie, the final victim of a brutal and prolific serial killer. But Jamie’s death is unlike all the others, starting with his emergency phone call that leads to a macabre burial ground near a dilapidated hunting shack and creates shocking suspicions.
With bone deep grief threatening to destroy their marriage and their sanity, Scott and Blair set out to investigate Jamie’s death, a journey that not only upends their perceptions of who they are, but torturously reveals they may not have known Jamie at all…
Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian McAllister, and The Couple Next Door, The Other Boy is a dark psychological thriller about grief, guilt, and the devastating fear of discovering you never truly knew your child.
- GenresThriller
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2025
49 people are currently reading
3021 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Field
3 books26 followersHeidi Field was raised in the beautiful countryside of the South of England with her parents and her two sisters. In her twenties she was a freelance Sports Massage Therapist.
She achieved a Degree in Zoology at the age of thirty and then went on to raise two boys and became the stepmother of three more young children.
Heidi completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Winchester University. She entered the course hoping she would become a children’s fantasy writer and left with a burning desire to write contemporary mysteries and thrillers.
Heidi wanted to put relatable people in extraordinary situations, challenge them, push them to their limits and watch them fight for their sanity.
She still lives near her family home with her partner, their Great Dane and the children that have yet to fly the nest. In her early forties.
'The Other Boy' is her first novel.
She achieved a Degree in Zoology at the age of thirty and then went on to raise two boys and became the stepmother of three more young children.
Heidi completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Winchester University. She entered the course hoping she would become a children’s fantasy writer and left with a burning desire to write contemporary mysteries and thrillers.
Heidi wanted to put relatable people in extraordinary situations, challenge them, push them to their limits and watch them fight for their sanity.
She still lives near her family home with her partner, their Great Dane and the children that have yet to fly the nest. In her early forties.
'The Other Boy' is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 26, 2025
This heartbreaking slow-burn thriller was highly enjoyable and touched on some sensitive topics. A powerful and emotional read that makes you wonder what would you do if you were in the same position as Scott and Blair.
When their teenage son Jamie was murd3red by a serial kill3r, this couple spirals as they seek answers. 12 more boys of different ages were found in the same area in various stages of decomposition, so they are now aware that this person has been at it for a long time. This couple couldn’t grieve properly as they, dove head first into the investigation all while keep their own secrets from each other.
Overall a solid read that was raw, intense & emotional. Any story where teens were taken so brutally will tug at your heartstrings & there was a valuable lesson about the power of forgiveness. The story did have a slight paranormal touch to it, but it was not an overall paranormal story. Recommend for those that can handle this sensitive topic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When their teenage son Jamie was murd3red by a serial kill3r, this couple spirals as they seek answers. 12 more boys of different ages were found in the same area in various stages of decomposition, so they are now aware that this person has been at it for a long time. This couple couldn’t grieve properly as they, dove head first into the investigation all while keep their own secrets from each other.
Overall a solid read that was raw, intense & emotional. Any story where teens were taken so brutally will tug at your heartstrings & there was a valuable lesson about the power of forgiveness. The story did have a slight paranormal touch to it, but it was not an overall paranormal story. Recommend for those that can handle this sensitive topic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2025
I liked this book. It was chilling and shocking! The premise of the story was good.
The cover was haunting. The silhouette of the boy, the trees and the cabin, it chilled me to my soul. It was a really good design job.
The book is written well and flows easily. The descriptions and language help up the sense of tension and suspense.
The issues in the book are clearly well researched. Everything is written about with great care and sensitivity. Thank you for highlighting Raynaud's briefly, Heidi. It's a horrible condition!!
The characters are excellent and fit into the story well. I love Blair and Scott. I felt so sad for them. I enjoyed their story unfolding. It was full of shocking twists and turns as they deal with every parent's worst nightmare - the murder is their only child.
The cover was haunting. The silhouette of the boy, the trees and the cabin, it chilled me to my soul. It was a really good design job.
The book is written well and flows easily. The descriptions and language help up the sense of tension and suspense.
The issues in the book are clearly well researched. Everything is written about with great care and sensitivity. Thank you for highlighting Raynaud's briefly, Heidi. It's a horrible condition!!
The characters are excellent and fit into the story well. I love Blair and Scott. I felt so sad for them. I enjoyed their story unfolding. It was full of shocking twists and turns as they deal with every parent's worst nightmare - the murder is their only child.
June 24, 2025
Well, this is a heartbreaking one. When Blair and Scott receive a visit from the police, the one no parent should receive, to tell them that they have located a body and they have every reason to believe it is their son, Jamie, their world falls apart. Their nightmare is worsened when the police find the bodies of 12 other boys at the same site.
Not only do they have their crippling grief to deal with, they face public and media backlash when the implication is made that Jamie is not a victim of the serial killer like the others, but an accomplice. Blair and Scott know their son isn't an accomplice, but there are strange things they can't ignore. Especially the boy in the black hoodie.
This is a really exceptional book. Not only are all the elements of a fantastic psychological thriller there, but the way that this also focuses on the grief and trauma befalling Blair and Scott is outstanding. This is one of the best books I've read this year, the balance between the thriller elements and the emotional turmoil really makes this stand out from the crowd. While Scott and Blair want answers, they also know that to do this, they have to try and heal and do so as a couple. The way this is presented and their healing process is so well written. The heartbreak is tangible throughout and I was so emotionally invested in their journey. Superb.
Not only do they have their crippling grief to deal with, they face public and media backlash when the implication is made that Jamie is not a victim of the serial killer like the others, but an accomplice. Blair and Scott know their son isn't an accomplice, but there are strange things they can't ignore. Especially the boy in the black hoodie.
This is a really exceptional book. Not only are all the elements of a fantastic psychological thriller there, but the way that this also focuses on the grief and trauma befalling Blair and Scott is outstanding. This is one of the best books I've read this year, the balance between the thriller elements and the emotional turmoil really makes this stand out from the crowd. While Scott and Blair want answers, they also know that to do this, they have to try and heal and do so as a couple. The way this is presented and their healing process is so well written. The heartbreak is tangible throughout and I was so emotionally invested in their journey. Superb.
August 23, 2025
The Other Boy is Heidi Field’s debut novel, a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into parenthood and grief.
It’s every parents worst nightmare, a detective knocking at your door with the news their teenage son’s has been been discovered in the woods with several other bodies and is the victim of a serial killer.
Scott and Blair Bagby are a successful and happily married couple. Devoted to their teenage son, Jamie, who has been distancing himself from his parents over the past few months. They have put this down to typical teenage behaviour, but when the police start to link Jamie to the serial killer, Scott and Blair are determined to find out what really happened and prove their son’s innocence.
This story looks closely at the parent/child relationship and asks the question “do we really know our children?”. The reader is taken on a harrowing and emotional journey as the parents navigate the unimaginable loss of their only child as well as trying to understand what happened and how Jamie was involved.
Both parents deal with their loss and grief in different ways and the author portrays their behaviour with sensitivity and authenticity.
The Other Boy is a powerful psychological thriller full of emotion, tension and suspense.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s every parents worst nightmare, a detective knocking at your door with the news their teenage son’s has been been discovered in the woods with several other bodies and is the victim of a serial killer.
Scott and Blair Bagby are a successful and happily married couple. Devoted to their teenage son, Jamie, who has been distancing himself from his parents over the past few months. They have put this down to typical teenage behaviour, but when the police start to link Jamie to the serial killer, Scott and Blair are determined to find out what really happened and prove their son’s innocence.
This story looks closely at the parent/child relationship and asks the question “do we really know our children?”. The reader is taken on a harrowing and emotional journey as the parents navigate the unimaginable loss of their only child as well as trying to understand what happened and how Jamie was involved.
Both parents deal with their loss and grief in different ways and the author portrays their behaviour with sensitivity and authenticity.
The Other Boy is a powerful psychological thriller full of emotion, tension and suspense.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 10, 2025
Sheesh, I wasn't quite ready for the emotional levels this one took me to!
That knock at the door is one every parent dreads...but find there are at least another dozen bodies there alongside your son's?...and then to be told your son's a suspect NOT a victim...WTAF?
Its a slow burn thriller that came with so much intrigue and suspense I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. While I'm not a parent myself it does make you question how far are you willing to go for your child. It's quite the powerful, though provoking read.
The shocker moment for me was finding out this is the debut from Field. I'm so excited for whatever she writes next!
That knock at the door is one every parent dreads...but find there are at least another dozen bodies there alongside your son's?...and then to be told your son's a suspect NOT a victim...WTAF?
Its a slow burn thriller that came with so much intrigue and suspense I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. While I'm not a parent myself it does make you question how far are you willing to go for your child. It's quite the powerful, though provoking read.
The shocker moment for me was finding out this is the debut from Field. I'm so excited for whatever she writes next!
August 31, 2025
I won this in a goodreads giveaway and I really enjoyed it! it didn't fall into a lot of the pitfalls that plague the mystery/thriller genre which i really appreciated.
July 21, 2025
Great premise and started off strong. Then it was just fell off. The writing wasn’t great and I found a lot of typos which bugged me. I really wanted to like this one too because I won it from a Goodreads giveaway.
August 30, 2025
This is so very sad with Blair and Scott not only having to come to terms with the loss of their son but to also know he was murdered by a serial killer.
The story switches between the characters as we get to know what they are thinking and feeling. There's obviously a huge sense of loss, anger and denial through the murder and aftermath and you can see how challenging it is for everyone involved. I did wonder if the denial and Blair's grief was going to be the main theme however there's a lot more to it and we find that her working through grief actually helps her and Scott start to work towards moving forward. I like how this opens up the story further and we start to learn more about their son and what led to his death.
I don't want to give too much away so would recommend reading if you like crime/thrillers. It does cover sensitive themes including various types of harm to children so be mindful if you feel this might trigger you in anyway.
The story switches between the characters as we get to know what they are thinking and feeling. There's obviously a huge sense of loss, anger and denial through the murder and aftermath and you can see how challenging it is for everyone involved. I did wonder if the denial and Blair's grief was going to be the main theme however there's a lot more to it and we find that her working through grief actually helps her and Scott start to work towards moving forward. I like how this opens up the story further and we start to learn more about their son and what led to his death.
I don't want to give too much away so would recommend reading if you like crime/thrillers. It does cover sensitive themes including various types of harm to children so be mindful if you feel this might trigger you in anyway.
September 25, 2025
My Initial Thoughts
When I first started this I was weary to begin with. The crime is not one I thought I could carry on reading however, this pulled me in pretty much straight away and although I was not fan of the crime as it would normally be something that triggered me, I found the writing easy to read and very compelling.
Plot
The plot is quite intense with the crimes that have happened and then the mental health rep for Blair. Following both Blair and Scott as they try to prove Jamie is not involved and the truth behind his unaliving. The plot is very thought provoking and really holds your attention. There is a lot of depth in this one novel.
Characters
I’m not a fan of the characters but I do like how they are written to really show their faults and their strengths. Blair goes through a breakdown after losing Jamie, and as time progresses you pick up more about the family dynamic. Scott is someone who just buries his head in the sand and pretends nothing is the matter, which ultimately had an impact on his family to.
Recommend
If your fan of the TV show Prodigal Son then you may enjoy this book.
Favourite Quote
“Peasedale was for the solitary walker, the hermit seeking sanctuary away from other humans – people who had something to hide.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 24 and 29.
Summed up in one sentence
A discovery of finding yourself and answers during grief.
Overall Wrap up
I did enjoy this. There was a lot more under the surface for this book than I originally thought and that made the pull more intense and captivating. The crimes are gruesome and completely barbaric but luckily that is not explained into much depth in the on-page parts. Blair and her breakdown are the main part of the story along with trying to clear Jamie’s name. I enjoyed the discovery and unearthing of the crime, suspects and the truth behind the mystery.
Stars – 3 stars.
Book Information – The Other Boy by Heidi Field.
Genre – Psychological crime thriller.
Pages – 368 pages.
Tropes – Mental health rep.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – The Other Boy is not available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and on paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 25th June 2025 by Tule Publishing.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Rachels Random Resources.
POVs – This is written in dual POV – Blair and Scott.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a single timeline.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This end wrapped up.
Series or Standalone – This is book one in the Peasedale Woods series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
When I first started this I was weary to begin with. The crime is not one I thought I could carry on reading however, this pulled me in pretty much straight away and although I was not fan of the crime as it would normally be something that triggered me, I found the writing easy to read and very compelling.
Plot
The plot is quite intense with the crimes that have happened and then the mental health rep for Blair. Following both Blair and Scott as they try to prove Jamie is not involved and the truth behind his unaliving. The plot is very thought provoking and really holds your attention. There is a lot of depth in this one novel.
Characters
I’m not a fan of the characters but I do like how they are written to really show their faults and their strengths. Blair goes through a breakdown after losing Jamie, and as time progresses you pick up more about the family dynamic. Scott is someone who just buries his head in the sand and pretends nothing is the matter, which ultimately had an impact on his family to.
Recommend
If your fan of the TV show Prodigal Son then you may enjoy this book.
Favourite Quote
“Peasedale was for the solitary walker, the hermit seeking sanctuary away from other humans – people who had something to hide.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 24 and 29.
Summed up in one sentence
A discovery of finding yourself and answers during grief.
Overall Wrap up
I did enjoy this. There was a lot more under the surface for this book than I originally thought and that made the pull more intense and captivating. The crimes are gruesome and completely barbaric but luckily that is not explained into much depth in the on-page parts. Blair and her breakdown are the main part of the story along with trying to clear Jamie’s name. I enjoyed the discovery and unearthing of the crime, suspects and the truth behind the mystery.
Stars – 3 stars.
Book Information – The Other Boy by Heidi Field.
Genre – Psychological crime thriller.
Pages – 368 pages.
Tropes – Mental health rep.
Available on Kindle Unlimited – The Other Boy is not available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and on paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 25th June 2025 by Tule Publishing.
Format in Which I Read – I read this on kindle.
Where my copy come From – My copy came from Rachels Random Resources.
POVs – This is written in dual POV – Blair and Scott.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – This is written on a single timeline.
1st, 2nd or 3rd person – This is written in first person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – This end wrapped up.
Series or Standalone – This is book one in the Peasedale Woods series.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
June 28, 2025
Wow! Every parent’s worse nightmare, you’re told your child is dead, murdered by a serial killer.
What comes next is raw pain and emotion, not only dealing with Jamie’s death but as he didn’t die as the others, his parents Blair and Scott are being targeted as some belief he was an accomplice.
An incredible book both for the emotion and the thrilling read.
Even though it’s a tough subject material the writing is incredible, a book that has twists as you’d expect but also a book that shows a determination to heal in order to find out the truth.
One of my favourite psychological thrillers I’ve read, definitely this year if not of all time.
@zooloosbooktours @heidi.field.75 #theotherboy @tulepublishing #psychlogicalthriller #bookstagram
What comes next is raw pain and emotion, not only dealing with Jamie’s death but as he didn’t die as the others, his parents Blair and Scott are being targeted as some belief he was an accomplice.
An incredible book both for the emotion and the thrilling read.
Even though it’s a tough subject material the writing is incredible, a book that has twists as you’d expect but also a book that shows a determination to heal in order to find out the truth.
One of my favourite psychological thrillers I’ve read, definitely this year if not of all time.
@zooloosbooktours @heidi.field.75 #theotherboy @tulepublishing #psychlogicalthriller #bookstagram
July 1, 2025
It’s every parents worst nightmare: police turn up and say they’ve found a body and they think it’s your child. This book was absolutely addictive reading. The mixture of emotion and suspense was absolutely perfect. The multiple points of view gave an interesting insight into the different opinions. I did not see how it ended - my guesses were well off this time. This is one I will certainly be recommending to my fellow thriller lovers.
June 29, 2025
Blair and Scott get the visit from the police no parent wants to get. They have found a body and believe it to be their son Jamie. Jamie was the victim of a serial killer but people question if he was a victim or an accomplice.
A raw and honest story about a parents grief and their mission to understand what their son was doing. I read this book in two sittings because I didn’t want to put it down. The twists are unexpected and fits perfectly with the story.
A raw and honest story about a parents grief and their mission to understand what their son was doing. I read this book in two sittings because I didn’t want to put it down. The twists are unexpected and fits perfectly with the story.
July 22, 2025
***I received a free Kindle copy via Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review. ***
This took me several nights to read, with a couple of non-reading nights in the middle. I had just finished the Paris Memoir and needed to read anything lighter. Since this was my most recent GR won book, I went with it. It started stronger than I expected and I was content to read until bed. That being said, I am usually one of THOSE readers, the ones that stay up later than necessary, a "one more chapter" girl that turns into me marking it as "read" on Goodreads as I am climbing into bed. But, this? I read until it was time for me to start my pre-bed routine and then put it aside, no problem. Same thing the next night, I had some time to read, so I did and then when it was bedtime, I sat it down. I wasn't in a rush to pick it back up over the weekend, so in a way that tells me all that I need to know. It was fine. Nothing that hooked me, nothing that was frustrating me to the need of just being done with it, it was just there.
Field writes better than I had hoped, as I have been scarred by several of the last books that I won, several being so bad that they were DNFs, something that I hate to do. So, I was prepared for this to be terrible and then was pleasantly surprised when I didn't immediately hate it. The storytelling seemed fairly strong and the overall arc wasn't terrible. I was interested, but not sucked in.
Scott and BB suffer a parents worst nightmare with an extra added burden of not KNOWING who their son was before they lost him. I am not a parent, so I can only imagine the grief of burying a child, much less one that you feel like got himself involved in something bad before his death, one that lead to a media circus. That being said, I'm not sure what direction I expected the story to take but I don't think that it was this, and after awhile, the story was just plugging along, with no spikes of excitement. I wasn't exactly bored, but more of autopilot. Getting close to the end, I didn't really care about Jamie's involvement, or lack of so, in the serial killing. I just wanted an ending, so that I could move on.
We all know that I am not a big fan of "slow-burn" anything and while this didn't exactly fit that label for me, it did take longer than needed, to get to the meat of the story.
Not bad for debut novel, I wouldn't run from the author's next offering.
This took me several nights to read, with a couple of non-reading nights in the middle. I had just finished the Paris Memoir and needed to read anything lighter. Since this was my most recent GR won book, I went with it. It started stronger than I expected and I was content to read until bed. That being said, I am usually one of THOSE readers, the ones that stay up later than necessary, a "one more chapter" girl that turns into me marking it as "read" on Goodreads as I am climbing into bed. But, this? I read until it was time for me to start my pre-bed routine and then put it aside, no problem. Same thing the next night, I had some time to read, so I did and then when it was bedtime, I sat it down. I wasn't in a rush to pick it back up over the weekend, so in a way that tells me all that I need to know. It was fine. Nothing that hooked me, nothing that was frustrating me to the need of just being done with it, it was just there.
Field writes better than I had hoped, as I have been scarred by several of the last books that I won, several being so bad that they were DNFs, something that I hate to do. So, I was prepared for this to be terrible and then was pleasantly surprised when I didn't immediately hate it. The storytelling seemed fairly strong and the overall arc wasn't terrible. I was interested, but not sucked in.
Scott and BB suffer a parents worst nightmare with an extra added burden of not KNOWING who their son was before they lost him. I am not a parent, so I can only imagine the grief of burying a child, much less one that you feel like got himself involved in something bad before his death, one that lead to a media circus. That being said, I'm not sure what direction I expected the story to take but I don't think that it was this, and after awhile, the story was just plugging along, with no spikes of excitement. I wasn't exactly bored, but more of autopilot. Getting close to the end, I didn't really care about Jamie's involvement, or lack of so, in the serial killing. I just wanted an ending, so that I could move on.
We all know that I am not a big fan of "slow-burn" anything and while this didn't exactly fit that label for me, it did take longer than needed, to get to the meat of the story.
Not bad for debut novel, I wouldn't run from the author's next offering.
July 8, 2025
This was such a heartbreaking story, the first few chapters go through days, weeks and months after the death of a child. It is a bit of a slow burner but it is totally understandable that Blair and Scott need to work through their grief. We really feel for them. Blair suffers the most and as a reader we have so much empathy for her.
Scott decides to start investigating why his son’s murder was different from the rest of the murdered kids. As a reader we’re invested and we’re all in and desperate to find out what happened. When Blair and Scott start getting some answers, you’re willing them to put all the pieces together and when they start trying to work out who the other boy is, you know it’s only a matter of time before Blair and Scott discover the truth.
This was a bit of a slow burner to start with but once it gets going I was hooked.
Scott decides to start investigating why his son’s murder was different from the rest of the murdered kids. As a reader we’re invested and we’re all in and desperate to find out what happened. When Blair and Scott start getting some answers, you’re willing them to put all the pieces together and when they start trying to work out who the other boy is, you know it’s only a matter of time before Blair and Scott discover the truth.
This was a bit of a slow burner to start with but once it gets going I was hooked.
July 2, 2025
I was instantly drawn to this book by this brilliantly creepy looking front cover.
The foggy, wooded landscape gave me a chill and I loved the image within the silhouette too.
This certainly looked like my kind of read and I couldn't wait to dive in!
This did start off a little slower than I usually like for a psychological thriller read - but as I made my way further into the story, I realised that there was so much more going on here.
We keep a pretty steady pace throughout, but this is intentional and allows us to focus not only of the elements of the crimes, but also take an interest depth look at the effects and consequences within the family unit and the grief process that Scott and Blair must push their way through despite the revelations that keep coming.
Being a parent, this really pushed my buttons and I think because of the way I felt I could connect with our main characters, it was hard to not compare and put myself in that position and wonder what on earth I'd feel and do.
This made this book quite and emotional one from start to finish.
I loved that the crime, whilst feeling quite "normal" for this genre - actually took on a unique angle that made it feel like nothing I'd read before.
I loved the atmosphere created right from the start which had me on edge and I'm sure for quite a stretch, I didn't even blink for a while!
A great first read by this author and one ill definitely be watching out for in the future!
The foggy, wooded landscape gave me a chill and I loved the image within the silhouette too.
This certainly looked like my kind of read and I couldn't wait to dive in!
This did start off a little slower than I usually like for a psychological thriller read - but as I made my way further into the story, I realised that there was so much more going on here.
We keep a pretty steady pace throughout, but this is intentional and allows us to focus not only of the elements of the crimes, but also take an interest depth look at the effects and consequences within the family unit and the grief process that Scott and Blair must push their way through despite the revelations that keep coming.
Being a parent, this really pushed my buttons and I think because of the way I felt I could connect with our main characters, it was hard to not compare and put myself in that position and wonder what on earth I'd feel and do.
This made this book quite and emotional one from start to finish.
I loved that the crime, whilst feeling quite "normal" for this genre - actually took on a unique angle that made it feel like nothing I'd read before.
I loved the atmosphere created right from the start which had me on edge and I'm sure for quite a stretch, I didn't even blink for a while!
A great first read by this author and one ill definitely be watching out for in the future!
November 21, 2025
From the very first line, the description for The Other Boy had me utterly captivated. The comp titles alone, Lisa Jewell, Gillian McAllister, are like a siren's call for any psychological thriller enthusiast, and this novel promises to not only stand alongside these giants but to potentially eclipse them with its own unique, devastating brand of suspense. The setup is every parent's most visceral nightmare, rendered not with melodrama, but with a chilling, procedural simplicity that makes it all the more terrifying. The image of a "happy, successful English couple" having their world shattered by a single knock on the door is a masterstroke, immediately establishing a relatable paradise before plunging it into unimaginable hell.
What truly elevates this premise from a simple mystery to a profound psychological exploration is the layered complexity of the crime itself. The discovery of bodies in the Peasedale forest is horrifying enough, but the detail that Jamie is the "final victim of a brutal and prolific serial killer" whose death is "unlike all the others" is the hook that sinks in deep. This isn't just a story about grieving parents; it's a labyrinthine puzzle where the rules of the game have been violently rewritten. The emergency phone call, the macabre burial ground near a dilapidated shack, these are not just plot points, they are breadcrumbs leading into a darker, more personal forest of secrets. The description masterfully builds a sense of deep, institutional wrongness, suggesting that Jamie's death is a thread that, when pulled, will unravel something far more sinister than a random act of violence.
The most compelling promise, however, lies in the emotional and psychological journey of Scott and Blair. The description doesn't just relegate them to victims; it empowers them as agents of their own devastating quest for truth. The line, "a journey that not only upends their perceptions of who they are, but torturously reveals they may not have known Jamie at all," is the brilliant, beating heart of this novel's potential. This is the core of every great psychological thriller: the terrifying realization that the enemy, the monster, or the secret was not lurking in the shadows outside, but was sleeping in the room next door. The exploration of grief is one thing, but the systematic dismantling of parental memory and identity is another level of psychological torment altogether.
This book promises to be more than a page-turner; it promises to be a character study of the highest order, dissecting a family with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. It’s the promise of having your heart broken for these parents while simultaneously having your mind racing, questioning every interaction, every memory, every assumption. The description for The Other Boy doesn’t just suggest a thrilling read; it guarantees a profound, unsettling, and unforgettable experience that will linger long after the final, shocking twist is revealed. This is an absolute must read, and I am already counting down the days until I can dive into its pages.
What truly elevates this premise from a simple mystery to a profound psychological exploration is the layered complexity of the crime itself. The discovery of bodies in the Peasedale forest is horrifying enough, but the detail that Jamie is the "final victim of a brutal and prolific serial killer" whose death is "unlike all the others" is the hook that sinks in deep. This isn't just a story about grieving parents; it's a labyrinthine puzzle where the rules of the game have been violently rewritten. The emergency phone call, the macabre burial ground near a dilapidated shack, these are not just plot points, they are breadcrumbs leading into a darker, more personal forest of secrets. The description masterfully builds a sense of deep, institutional wrongness, suggesting that Jamie's death is a thread that, when pulled, will unravel something far more sinister than a random act of violence.
The most compelling promise, however, lies in the emotional and psychological journey of Scott and Blair. The description doesn't just relegate them to victims; it empowers them as agents of their own devastating quest for truth. The line, "a journey that not only upends their perceptions of who they are, but torturously reveals they may not have known Jamie at all," is the brilliant, beating heart of this novel's potential. This is the core of every great psychological thriller: the terrifying realization that the enemy, the monster, or the secret was not lurking in the shadows outside, but was sleeping in the room next door. The exploration of grief is one thing, but the systematic dismantling of parental memory and identity is another level of psychological torment altogether.
This book promises to be more than a page-turner; it promises to be a character study of the highest order, dissecting a family with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. It’s the promise of having your heart broken for these parents while simultaneously having your mind racing, questioning every interaction, every memory, every assumption. The description for The Other Boy doesn’t just suggest a thrilling read; it guarantees a profound, unsettling, and unforgettable experience that will linger long after the final, shocking twist is revealed. This is an absolute must read, and I am already counting down the days until I can dive into its pages.
December 7, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Alright now, let me shoot straight with yall. The Other Boy comes barreling in like a thunderstorm ready to bust wide open, and buddy, it doesn't waste any time knocking the wind outta you. This one’s made for folks who like their thrillers twisted, tense, and meaner than a snake under a porch. You can tell right away it is playing in the same league as them high powered page turners that folks stay up all night with.
We got Scott and Blair, this proper English couple who look like they got life padded up nice and tidy. Big Ole teenage boy, with his Great Dane wandering around like it owns the house, on a spring morning that should have been peaceful. Then here comes that detective knocking on their door, and the whole world just flat out splits open. Suddenly there are bodies found hiding deep in the forest, and the cops think one of them might be Jamie, the last victim of some brutal serial killer who has been stacking folks up like firewood.
And let me tell you, Jamie’s death isn't sitting right from the jump. That emergency phone call he made? Sends everyone straight to some creepy, rotten hunting shack out in the woods, and what they find there raises more questions than a politician at tax time. The deeper Scott and Blair dig, the darker it gets, and you can feel their grief gnawing at them like a hog trying to chew through a fence post. Every answer they get just makes them realize they might not known their boy near as well as they thought. It is raw, it is heavy, and it keeps yanking the rug out from under you chapter after chapter.
This story stays on the throttle. It doesn't sugarcoat anything and doesn't waste anytime, and doesn't give your nerves any peace. The twists hit hard, the pacing stays tight, and the whole time you’re sitting there thinking, Hold up now what else is hiding in them woods? It’s the kinda book that makes you question folks, even the ones you love, and it leaves you thinking long after you read it.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
Alright now, let me shoot straight with yall. The Other Boy comes barreling in like a thunderstorm ready to bust wide open, and buddy, it doesn't waste any time knocking the wind outta you. This one’s made for folks who like their thrillers twisted, tense, and meaner than a snake under a porch. You can tell right away it is playing in the same league as them high powered page turners that folks stay up all night with.
We got Scott and Blair, this proper English couple who look like they got life padded up nice and tidy. Big Ole teenage boy, with his Great Dane wandering around like it owns the house, on a spring morning that should have been peaceful. Then here comes that detective knocking on their door, and the whole world just flat out splits open. Suddenly there are bodies found hiding deep in the forest, and the cops think one of them might be Jamie, the last victim of some brutal serial killer who has been stacking folks up like firewood.
And let me tell you, Jamie’s death isn't sitting right from the jump. That emergency phone call he made? Sends everyone straight to some creepy, rotten hunting shack out in the woods, and what they find there raises more questions than a politician at tax time. The deeper Scott and Blair dig, the darker it gets, and you can feel their grief gnawing at them like a hog trying to chew through a fence post. Every answer they get just makes them realize they might not known their boy near as well as they thought. It is raw, it is heavy, and it keeps yanking the rug out from under you chapter after chapter.
This story stays on the throttle. It doesn't sugarcoat anything and doesn't waste anytime, and doesn't give your nerves any peace. The twists hit hard, the pacing stays tight, and the whole time you’re sitting there thinking, Hold up now what else is hiding in them woods? It’s the kinda book that makes you question folks, even the ones you love, and it leaves you thinking long after you read it.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
June 21, 2025
You ever start a book expecting a moody British crime drama and end up spiraling into a psychological sinkhole with a side of ghost sightings and morally grey marriages? That’s The Other Boy by Heidi Field. It’s domestic suspense meets serial killer thriller meets “my husband punched the brother of a serial killer in a factory parking lot after drinking licorice whiskey.” Yes, it goes there.
The book follows Blair and Scott—two grief-stricken parents grappling with the unthinkable: the murder of their son, Jamie, by a man dubbed “The Pied Piper of Peasedale.” But things get murky. Jamie’s death doesn’t quite fit the pattern. There’s talk of accomplices. There’s vandalism. And then Blair starts seeing her son’s ghost. Regular Thursday stuff.
This is not your average whodunnit—it’s more like a slow-burning unraveling of parental guilt, suburban judgment, and media chaos wrapped in “maybe my son was the other boy” energy. Blair is spiraling. Scott is one misplaced whiskey bottle away from a breakdown. And Jamie? He might be dead…or he might be haunting them. Either way, he’s still the most emotionally grounded of the trio.
Mood:
Grim, unhinged, haunting, and layered with a persistent fog of denial and dread. Think Broadchurch but if everyone needed therapy even before the murder.
Pacing:
Moderately slow with flashes of explosive tension. Perfect for readers who love a psychological unraveling more than a clue chase.
Trigger Warnings:
• Child murder
• Graphic references to abuse and trauma
• Mental health struggles (hallucinations, grief-induced delusion)
• Media harassment
• Substance use
• Domestic breakdown
Rating: 4.2/5
One part crime thriller, one part grief opera, and one part “what in the gaslighting ghost story is going on here?” It doesn’t hold your hand—but it might hold a knife to your emotional stability.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book follows Blair and Scott—two grief-stricken parents grappling with the unthinkable: the murder of their son, Jamie, by a man dubbed “The Pied Piper of Peasedale.” But things get murky. Jamie’s death doesn’t quite fit the pattern. There’s talk of accomplices. There’s vandalism. And then Blair starts seeing her son’s ghost. Regular Thursday stuff.
This is not your average whodunnit—it’s more like a slow-burning unraveling of parental guilt, suburban judgment, and media chaos wrapped in “maybe my son was the other boy” energy. Blair is spiraling. Scott is one misplaced whiskey bottle away from a breakdown. And Jamie? He might be dead…or he might be haunting them. Either way, he’s still the most emotionally grounded of the trio.
Mood:
Grim, unhinged, haunting, and layered with a persistent fog of denial and dread. Think Broadchurch but if everyone needed therapy even before the murder.
Pacing:
Moderately slow with flashes of explosive tension. Perfect for readers who love a psychological unraveling more than a clue chase.
Trigger Warnings:
• Child murder
• Graphic references to abuse and trauma
• Mental health struggles (hallucinations, grief-induced delusion)
• Media harassment
• Substance use
• Domestic breakdown
Rating: 4.2/5
One part crime thriller, one part grief opera, and one part “what in the gaslighting ghost story is going on here?” It doesn’t hold your hand—but it might hold a knife to your emotional stability.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2025
This book is every parent’s nightmare! I was hooked on this story from the very intense beginning when a mother and father are told their son was found murdered by a serial killer.
Blair, a fashion photographer, and Scott, a reporter, start piecing together the clues surrounding their son Jamie’s death, and things take a dark twist. It turns out that Jamie was involved in some pretty shady stuff, and honestly, that was a tough pill to swallow. The parents are plunged into a nightmare, not just over the loss of their son but also over the disturbing revelations that come to light.
What really stands out in this story is the heartbreaking portrayal of Blair and Scott’s emotional journey. Finding out that a serial killer murdered your child is gut-wrenching enough, but the added layer of suspicion around whether he was an accomplice? That’s a lot to unpack. The whispers and rumors swirling around are like salt in fresh wounds. You feel every ounce of their pain as they navigate through grief, confusion, and anger.
Ms. Field delves deeply into the turmoil that follows such a traumatic event. It raises questions about how well we really know our loved ones and the hidden lives they might lead. The guilt, the denial, the anger—it’s all so relatable, even if the circumstances are unfathomably tragic.
The emotional depth of this story, paired with the thriller elements, makes for a superb read. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you to Ms. Field for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
Blair, a fashion photographer, and Scott, a reporter, start piecing together the clues surrounding their son Jamie’s death, and things take a dark twist. It turns out that Jamie was involved in some pretty shady stuff, and honestly, that was a tough pill to swallow. The parents are plunged into a nightmare, not just over the loss of their son but also over the disturbing revelations that come to light.
What really stands out in this story is the heartbreaking portrayal of Blair and Scott’s emotional journey. Finding out that a serial killer murdered your child is gut-wrenching enough, but the added layer of suspicion around whether he was an accomplice? That’s a lot to unpack. The whispers and rumors swirling around are like salt in fresh wounds. You feel every ounce of their pain as they navigate through grief, confusion, and anger.
Ms. Field delves deeply into the turmoil that follows such a traumatic event. It raises questions about how well we really know our loved ones and the hidden lives they might lead. The guilt, the denial, the anger—it’s all so relatable, even if the circumstances are unfathomably tragic.
The emotional depth of this story, paired with the thriller elements, makes for a superb read. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you to Ms. Field for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
June 27, 2025
The Other Boy by Heidi Field
The Other Boy is the gripping debut novel by new author Heidi Field—and what a brilliant start to her writing career. This mystery is filled with suspense, emotional intensity, and just the right amount of twists to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
The story begins with a chilling knock on the door. Detective Inspector arrives at Scott and Blair’s home with devastating news: their teenage son Jamie is believed to be one of several young boys found murdered in Peasedale Forest by a serial killer. What follows is a powerful and emotional journey as Scott and Blair set out to uncover the truth about their son's death.
Heidi Field masterfully balances the emotional depth of grief and parental love with the pulse-pounding tension of a mystery thriller. The characters are believable, the writing is sharp, and the plot is tightly woven, making this a standout debut.
I highly recommend The Other Boy to fans of suspense and psychological thrillers. It’s an unforgettable read, and I’m eagerly anticipating Heidi Field’s next release.
The Other Boy is the gripping debut novel by new author Heidi Field—and what a brilliant start to her writing career. This mystery is filled with suspense, emotional intensity, and just the right amount of twists to keep readers turning pages late into the night.
The story begins with a chilling knock on the door. Detective Inspector arrives at Scott and Blair’s home with devastating news: their teenage son Jamie is believed to be one of several young boys found murdered in Peasedale Forest by a serial killer. What follows is a powerful and emotional journey as Scott and Blair set out to uncover the truth about their son's death.
Heidi Field masterfully balances the emotional depth of grief and parental love with the pulse-pounding tension of a mystery thriller. The characters are believable, the writing is sharp, and the plot is tightly woven, making this a standout debut.
I highly recommend The Other Boy to fans of suspense and psychological thrillers. It’s an unforgettable read, and I’m eagerly anticipating Heidi Field’s next release.
July 1, 2025
Very well written, full of hurt, grief, guilt, drama, emotions, heartbreak, loss, trauma, ghost and a healing process. Scott and Blair wake up to a beautiful day only to see a detective at their door. He asks to see if their son, Jamie, is home knowing that they would not find him there. It'd then they learn that their son has been murdered. But not like the others found at the same site. Some think he was an accomplice to the real murder. Scott and Blair decide to start their own investigation to find out the truth. Each having their own way of dealing with his death. The murderer is being called the Pipe Piper and everyone is wondering who it is, but then he turns himself in. What a horrible way to find out the whys, hows, when of losing your child. An exceptional book to keep you turning the pages. May not be for everyone as there are triggers, be read the warnings. Would recommend to those who are comfortable reading a sad thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2025
MY THOUGHTS -
This one started out strong. It caught my attention right away. There are a lot of emotions in this book, fear, sadness, hurt, hope, wonder, grief, and mostly anger.
This was a pretty quick read, it was enjoyable, suspenseful at times, but also it was kind of slow at times. I did really want to find out the outcome so that kept me reading. I also liked that it was told from different view points. I do tend to like books like that.
The last 25% of the book really amped up. It was a much faster pace and kept my interest. I think I read the last quarter in one sitting.
I didn't really care for the two main characters, the mother and father, but I did appreciate that they never gave up trying to find out what happened to their son.
Great ending! Was it worth the read? YES, even if I thought it was a bit slow at times, it was enough to keep me reading. This was a first book for this author. I would probably give her another try.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
This one started out strong. It caught my attention right away. There are a lot of emotions in this book, fear, sadness, hurt, hope, wonder, grief, and mostly anger.
This was a pretty quick read, it was enjoyable, suspenseful at times, but also it was kind of slow at times. I did really want to find out the outcome so that kept me reading. I also liked that it was told from different view points. I do tend to like books like that.
The last 25% of the book really amped up. It was a much faster pace and kept my interest. I think I read the last quarter in one sitting.
I didn't really care for the two main characters, the mother and father, but I did appreciate that they never gave up trying to find out what happened to their son.
Great ending! Was it worth the read? YES, even if I thought it was a bit slow at times, it was enough to keep me reading. This was a first book for this author. I would probably give her another try.
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!
June 28, 2025
If you’re looking for an emotional heartbreaking read, and this is definitely one for you!
I don’t know what I would do if I was in Scott and Blair’s situation. Their son Jamie is murdered and it looks like he may be an accomplice in 12 other murders.
this is a roller coaster read. Very well written with very strong character. This is my first read by this author, and it definitely will not be my last.
Well done Heidi Fields.
Thank you to Tule publishing for this ARC in return for my honest review.
I don’t know what I would do if I was in Scott and Blair’s situation. Their son Jamie is murdered and it looks like he may be an accomplice in 12 other murders.
this is a roller coaster read. Very well written with very strong character. This is my first read by this author, and it definitely will not be my last.
Well done Heidi Fields.
Thank you to Tule publishing for this ARC in return for my honest review.
September 9, 2025
this book is more of a study in grief and resilience than it is a crime drama. Though that drama is there in the background more of the story is focused on how the couple is coping with loss, grief and unanswered questions. This isn’t light reading and I do think there are parts that could be triggering for some readers but it is a very well down exploration into how some thing like a murder can impact a family.
The other questions will get answered by the end of the book. But I actually felt it was a bit convoluted and far fetched. There is a supernatural aspect that I did not necessarily enjoy.
This is not a fast paced story though it still kept me wanting to read to find out how it unfolded. But I found the first half to be quite slow.
Overall, the premise of the story is engaging and it is an interesting story.
The other questions will get answered by the end of the book. But I actually felt it was a bit convoluted and far fetched. There is a supernatural aspect that I did not necessarily enjoy.
This is not a fast paced story though it still kept me wanting to read to find out how it unfolded. But I found the first half to be quite slow.
Overall, the premise of the story is engaging and it is an interesting story.
June 30, 2025
It's heartbreaking to see what happens to a couple after the loss of a child. The mystery of what their son was up to and their obsession for finding the truth. I couldn't help but get sucked up into the mystery and trying to figure out what really happened. This book was full of twists and turns and kept you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2025
I won an e-copy in a Goodreads giveaway.
I absolutely loved this thriller. While the pacing was slow, every plot twist had me on the edge of my seat. Scott and Blair were such compelling charaters as they navigated the brutal murder of their son by a serial killer, tried to save their marriage and stay connected, and investigate the truth about what happened to their son. It was heartbreaking reading about how they were trying to cope with their loss as their son is being accused of being an accomplice.
I absolutely loved this thriller. While the pacing was slow, every plot twist had me on the edge of my seat. Scott and Blair were such compelling charaters as they navigated the brutal murder of their son by a serial killer, tried to save their marriage and stay connected, and investigate the truth about what happened to their son. It was heartbreaking reading about how they were trying to cope with their loss as their son is being accused of being an accomplice.
July 6, 2025
A compelling story that gripped me from beginning to end.
September 5, 2025
I received The Other Boy as a Goodreads Giveaway book.
This was an interesting thriller. Blair and Scott's teenage son has been found murdered. It's tragic and awful, but 12 other victims have also been discovered. It looks like the work of a serial killer. But Jamie doesn't look like the other victims. They begin to question if they knew their son at all. Was he an accomplice or a victim?
I liked the book a lot. It was a nice change to read about the victim maybe not being a victim after all. However some of the events that happened seemed too far fetched. The plot was a little too chaotic in the beginning but it was still a good story.
This was an interesting thriller. Blair and Scott's teenage son has been found murdered. It's tragic and awful, but 12 other victims have also been discovered. It looks like the work of a serial killer. But Jamie doesn't look like the other victims. They begin to question if they knew their son at all. Was he an accomplice or a victim?
I liked the book a lot. It was a nice change to read about the victim maybe not being a victim after all. However some of the events that happened seemed too far fetched. The plot was a little too chaotic in the beginning but it was still a good story.
September 20, 2025
This was a very interesting book. It starts with the discovery of the victims of a serial killer and walks us through the crimes. The actual murderer himself isn't much of a character - it is about the parents dealing with grief.
I received a free copy of this book to review!
I received a free copy of this book to review!
December 4, 2025
This was well written and moving between the parent's point of view was interesting. I like this book had an ending and not a cliffhanger like so many books in a series. The resolution was twisty but reasonable as to what happened but some of what happened after the main mystery was revealed seemed a little to easy to walk away from. Aside from that the book was hard to put down and made a long airplane flight seem very short. It is a sad story of regret and insight gained too late, of secrets that can change someone and destroy lives.
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