Connie

by Charlotte Duckworth

They know she killed them. They've just never known why.

Connie Cross was a trusted pharmacy assistant when she was arrested for the gruesome murders of at least seven strangers.

Now, she's serving a whole-life order for the shocking crimes she refuses to explain.

Olivia Lang never forgot Connie, the awkward teenager from a south London estate she first met while working for the police.

Twenty years later, Olivia is desperate to understand what made Connie turn into a murderer.

But as she begins to uncover the truth about the UK's most notorious female serial killer, Olivia risks revealing secrets she's kept hidden for years . . .

EVERYONE LOVES CHARLOTTE DUCKWORTH'S NOVELS

'Get ready for a rollercoaster ride' HEAT

'Pulse-pounding' LOUISE MUMFORD

'Had me hooked from beginning to end' 5* READER REVIEW

'The perfect thriller' EMILY FREUD

'Not to be missed' 5* READER REVIEW

'Utterly addictive' WOMAN'S OWN

'A thrilling page-turner' 5* READER REVIEW

'Full of pace, suspense and intrigue' L V MATTHEWS

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 15, 2026

About the author

Charlotte Duckworth is the USA Today bestselling author of The Rival, Unfollow Me, The Perfect Father, The Sanctuary and The Wrong Mother.

Connie, her sixth psychological suspense, will be published by Quercus in January 2026.

She started her career working as an interiors and lifestyle journalist, writing for a wide range of consumer magazines and websites.

She also writes contemporary bookclub fiction under the pen name Charlotte Rixon. The One That Got Away was published in the UK & the US in 2023. Translation rights sold to Brazil, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Israel, Serbia and Russia. The film rights have been optioned by a major US producer.

Charlotte lives in Surrey, UK, with her partner and their daughter.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie Cross, trusted pharmacy assistant, was just your normal average girl wasn’t she? Quiet, awkward, and not very sociable, but that isn’t a crime. What was a crime though was the seven strangers who died a brutal death by her hands!

She was sentenced to four whole life orders, and here’s the thing that nobody can understand - she refused to explain why she carried out these horrific murders on complete strangers, indeed she showed no remorse either.

Olivia Lang was a police officer when she first met Connie Cross. Connie was a teenager from a home where her mother suffered mental health issues, and her father hated his daughter.

The circumstances in which Olivia and Connie met, came about by the murder of Connie’s mother, by her father, and subsequently the suicide of her father. Olivia never forgot the rather strange and awkward girl, and now some twenty years later, after Connie had been imprisoned for her crimes, Olivia wants to interview Connie with the intention of writing a book about her. What turned this South London girl into the vicious killer she became. Was it the trauma and neglect she suffered during her childhood, or something else entirely?

Connie is a character who gets right into the readers psyche, due to the absolute need to discover why she did what she did. Here were seven complete strangers, so what was the motive, and why did she show no remorse? This is a taut and intelligent psychological thriller that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. Recommended.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes pharmacy assistant Connie Cross kill seven people over a period of fifteen years? Female killers are much less usual than male, and female serial killers are even rarer. Connie is found guilty and given a whole life sentence. She never explains her motives but it’s something that has long lived inside ex police officer Olivia Lang, who remains desperate to work out what propels Connie to murder. In her quest to understand Connie and produce a book in the process, what will it reveal about Olivia herself and her personal truths? The story is told in alternating points of view.

Wow, just wow. I’ve always rated Charlotte Duckworth’s books highly but I think this might be her best to date. It’s multi layered as buried secrets are peeled back to reveal what lies beneath, the pacing is spot-on, it’s suspenseful, tense and unpredictable. It deals with a number of issues some of which are certainly harsh, dark and chilling so there are shocks along the way with revelations I don’t see coming. Cliffhanger chapter endings keep me ploughing on, often perched on the edge of my seat. There are some scenes where threats and danger seem to be palpable.

One of the things that gives the novel a real edge is the brilliant and compelling characterisation. I don’t want to give anything away about either of these complex women but their incisive portrayal is what gives the book its power. Both are at times elusive and evasive but that’s the fascination and the author certainly has surprises in store for her readers.

This is a very thought-provoking novel, it makes me realise that the truth is rarely ever simple. In my opinion this is an outstanding character driven psychological thriller, which I recommend to fans of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in 2025…and it is not even out until January 2026! Wow. Charlotte Duckworth is an author that deserves much more recognition and love. I have read all of her books and am always blown away by them. Connie may be her best yet. I couldn’t stop reading, and when I had to stop to do life, I was thinking about it. Just fabulous Charlotte 👏

Connie Cross is a serial killer. She has shocked the world with her murders and is in prison for the rest of her life. Everyone know what she did but nobody knows why. Former police officer Olivia Lang knew her when she was a teenager, and still can’t stop thinking that maybe she could have done something and stopped Connie becoming the monster that she turned out to be. Determined to find out, she starts to visit her in prison.

This is such a heartbreaking, emotional and thought provoking story. As awful as the things that Connie has done, you can’t help but feel for her and what she went through in her life. Nothing in this story is predictable, and. Much of of it is shocking. When crime book pulls at my heartstrings and s makes me cry, you know it has been a winner. Easy 5 starts from me.

Thank you so much to Quercus Bools for my early copy of this amazing book. Publishes on January 15th and I urge everyone to read it.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie Cross once worked as a trusted pharmacy assistant, until her arrest for the brutal killings of at least seven strangers. She is now serving a whole life sentence for crimes so shocking that she has never offered an explanation. Olivia Lang remembers Connie well, the awkward teenager from a south London estate she encountered during her time with the police. Two decades later, Olivia is determined to uncover what drove Connie to become a killer.

This novel digs deep into the human psyche, exposing how pain, insecurity, and the longing for recognition can shape a person’s choices. It is unsettling yet captivating, a story that grips from the first page and refuses to let go. Rather than relying on shock value alone, the narrative builds tension through its exploration of fractured identities and blurred truths, reminding us that reality is rarely straightforward. It stands out as a psychological thriller that thrives on character depth, making it a powerful recommendation for readers who enjoy stories driven by emotion and complexity.

Connie’s journey is both horrifying and strangely sympathetic. Despite the terrible acts she commits, the writing allows us to glimpse the suffering that shaped her, creating moments of unexpected empathy. The book is unpredictable, layered with revelations that are as heartbreaking as they are disturbing. By weaving together Connie’s past with Olivia’s perspective, the author crafts a tale that feels both intimate and unsettling, a reflection on society as much as on individual choices. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, and one I would readily suggest to anyone drawn to dark, character focused crime fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie Cross was a trusted pharmacy assistant when she was convicted of murdering at least seven strangers. Now serving a whole life sentence, she has always refused to explain the reasons for her crimes. Olivia, an ex police officer, never forgot about Connie and years later she decides she needs to find out the truth behind the crimes. But uncovering the truth about the notorious serial killer, she may risk revealing her own secrets.

I have read a few books by Charlotte Duckworth and they have been good reads, Connie however is in a different league and by far the best I have read by her. The story was emotionally charged, poignant and felt so authentic that it read like an actual true crime account. The author does not shy away from dark issues and while at times feeling harrowing and bleak, it also had a lot of profoundness, intrigue and was truly thought provoking.

What the author has really achieved is such fantastic character development, so much so that at times I found empathy where it would not usually be placed and became a deep-rooted look at society as a whole. The story was a fascinating exploration into what made Connie into the serial killer she was renowned as and carried a lot of depth, while having a sense of uneasiness running throughout. This is certainly a story that will stay with me and I hope the author will write more thrillers like this one. This is definitely one I will recommend, especially for those who enjoy multi layered, character driven psychological thrillers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Emotionally engaging and very well written it was hard to put down. Connie is in her mid 30s. She is in prison with a tariff of 4 life sentences. She will never be released and will die incarcerated. She accepts this as only fitting as she is a mass murderer. She has not denied killing 7 men. It was her vocation she says. They deserved to die and the reader knows what her motives are from the start. She was caught because she made a fatally tragic mistake and a four year old boy dies.

The narrative shifts seamlessly from “Then” and “Now” with Connie’s backstory, starting when she is a neglected 9 year old, trying to look after her ill mother, Laura, who had just had a baby, Penny, and trying to avoid her father who is emotionally abusive and violent. Into the frame comes Olivia Lang, former police detective who was involved with Connie’s case. Exhausted from her job and looking after new born twins, Olivia, after the trauma of Connie’s case, resigns to become a full-time mum. She never forgets Connie. But why is she feeling so guilty about the case. What secrets is she hiding? She decides she will write a book about Connie to try and understand Connie and her terrible actions; to rid herself of the feeling of a job still to be done and so arranges meetings with her.

The characters in the story are skillfully drawn and as a reader, I was initially feeling very sorry for Connie. How her childhood ignites a burning anger in her. How, as an adult, she feels isolated and misunderstood. However, having been drawn out by Olivia’s questions, Connie writes down, what turns out to be her last confession. The confession is shocking and tragic and so sad. Her attitude displayed in her confession tells you finally, just how disturbed Connie is.

This is a skilfully written, complicated story with the slow reveal of people’s secrets coming to a head at the end. Highly recommend this to readers who like twisty psychological stories.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending an ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full reading of the book.

[The Cookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.2/5

I have read Charlotte Duckworth's books previously and have always found them to be fluently written and entertaining, even if they have erred towards stretching credulity with some of the plot developments. However, her latest offering, "Connie", is something quite different. The author says in her notes that she found this her most difficult novel to write so far. Well, it has to be said that the additional effort has been well worth the while. "Connie" is comfortably the most mature and well-rounded book by Charlotte Duckworth that I have read.

The story is told across two timelines and from the perspective of the two central female protagonists, Connie and Olivia. Their interrelationship across the time frames is intriguing, at times shocking and at others quite poignant. The pace of the novel is more measured than in this writer's previous work, but that is in no way a euphemism for being dull - it is simply handled with greater maturity and allows the storyline to develop in a captivating fashion. This fine piece of domestic drama does focus heavily on how women are treated within society as a whole and, as such, may particularly resonate with its female audience. However, readers of both genders should be able to appreciate the themes and the sensitivity with which they are handled.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Wynnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie is serving a life-sentence behind bars for a string of murders—each victim male, each killing seemingly random. With no apparent links between the men or to Connie herself, one question hangs over the case: why did she do it?

Olivia, a former police officer who feels an unexpected pull toward Connie, becomes determined to uncover the truth.In this gripping and emotionally charged thriller, Charlotte Duckworth masterfully unravels the layers of Connie’s troubled past. As the story delves into her traumatic childhood, we begin to understand how her upbringing shaped the woman she ultimately became. It’s a dark, compelling journey—one that is as heartbreaking as it is unforgettable.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was a dark, layered thriller that surprised me in a lot of ways. Right from the start, both main characters, including Connie, our serial killer, are written with a surprising amount of humanity, which immediately made the story feel more complex than I expected. The book tackles some heavy subjects like domestic violence, child neglect, postpartum mental health, and childhood trauma, so definitely be aware of content warnings going in.

I liked the multi-timeline structure and how the story slowly revealed pieces of Connie’s past. Some aspects of her character worked for me, but at times her voice didn’t match her age in the flashbacks, or she drifted into speaking in riddles that became more frustrating than intriguing. Rosemary, however, was a standout. The twist involving her connection to Connie added depth I wasn’t expecting.

The mystery itself kept me guessing, and even when my theories were wrong, I didn’t mind because it meant the book wasn’t predictable. Some reveals, though, felt a little sudden or underwhelming, especially the secret Olivia had been holding onto for years. The final twist about Connie’s family was genuinely interesting, even if some of the buildup felt uneven.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how strongly political the book felt at times. Themes of feminist anger, justice, and systemic failure run through the story, and while some readers will connect with that, it sometimes felt a bit forced or heavier than what the synopsis led me to expect. The ending ties things up clearly, Connie’s fate, Olivia’s choices, but left me unsure how I felt about what the book ultimately wanted to say.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking thriller with bold themes, some gripping twists, and moments that really landed. Other parts didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but I appreciated the ambition and complexity of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie, by Charlotte Duckworth is a gripping and psychologically intense thriller that delves into the fractured mind of a murderer, and the dangerous obsession of the woman determined to uncover her truth.

Connie Cross was once just a quiet, overlooked pharmacy assistant. Now she is one of the UK’s most infamous serial killers, serving a whole-life sentence after the shocking murders of at least seven strangers. She offers no motive, no remorse, and no explanation, only silence.

Olivia Lang met Connie decades earlier while working with the police and something about the withdrawn teenager lodged itself in Olivia’s memory. Now, twenty years later, she can’t shake the questions that justice never answered. What turned Connie into a killer? Was she always capable of such horror? Or is there something more sinister buried beneath the surface of the official story?

As Olivia begins digging into Connie’s past, she finds herself entangled in secrets, not just Connie’s, but her own. The hunt for truth becomes a dangerous mirror, forcing Olivia to confront the shadows she has long buried. The closer she gets to understanding Connie, the more she risks the life she’s carefully built, and the more she wonders whether the line between investigator and perpetrator is thinner than she ever imagined.

This is an excellent read that burrows into the character psychology, creating a chilling narrative driven by trauma, vulnerability, and the desperate need to be seen. A dark, disturbing, and compelling read that I found impossible to put down

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Quercus for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Simon Langley-Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie Cross is in prison, notorious as one of Britain's worst female serial killers. She killed seven men (at least that's the number she was convicted for) over fifteen years, but throughout the investigation and trial there were no clues to her motives.

Olivia Lang is a former detective who was involved with Connie during key events in her childhood. Now at a crunch point in her own life, the twins that she gave up work to raise having gone to university, Olivia decides to contact Connie and try to determine whether her own decisions, made when Connie was a little girl, might have played a role in what subsequently became of her.

I must admit that I had low expectations for this book (the 'unputdownable thriller with a twist that will keep you guessing' tagline is the sort of thing that puts me off) and it took me by surprise. It's really good. The characters are extremely well developed and the story is skilfully told, moving the perspective between Connie and Olivia and between the now and the past. The plot was good, but almost secondary to the empathic way in which the lives of the two women, both victims in their own ways, were explored. There isn't really a twist in the story--everything flowed along naturally and the final reveal was entirely expected, but that didn't matter to me at all.

I am glad that I read this.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Duckworth’s Connie is a haunting descent into the psyche of one of Britain’s most enigmatic killers—a novel that grips not with gore, but with the quiet terror of unanswered questions. Told through the lens of Olivia Lang, a former police worker turned truth-seeker, the story unfolds like a cold case file laced with personal ghosts.

Connie Cross, once a trusted pharmacy assistant, now serves a whole-life sentence for the brutal murders of seven strangers. She offers no motive, no remorse—only silence. Duckworth masterfully balances the clinical chill of crime with the aching warmth of memory, as Olivia’s investigation becomes as much about her own buried secrets as it is about Connie’s.

The prose is taut and evocative, the pacing deliberate yet compulsive. Duckworth doesn’t just tell a story—she builds a labyrinth, inviting readers to wander its corridors of guilt, obsession, and the fragile line between justice and vengeance.

A must-read for those who crave psychological thrillers with emotional depth and a lingering sense of unease. Connie doesn’t scream—it whispers, and its echoes stay with you.

With thanks to Charlotte Duckworth, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought i had an idea what i was getting into once i started to read Connie but i wasn't, i was overwhelmed in a good read right from the very start. It is a read that pulls its readers in with emotions and will have you thinking of it afterwards, sometimes i felt an overwhelming sadness for the characters and truly feel that if someone would of stepped in would everything of happened the way it did.

Connie is one of the few female serial killers doing life in prison after killing seven people over a vast period of her life. She has never said why she did what she did but ex police officer Olivia is someone that in a way knew Connie and she feels that maybe she can fill in the blanks by writing a book and delving into connie's childhood and how some of the murders came to be. Soon we learn Olivia has her own secrets that she feels if she would of revealed them maybe everything would be different.

Right from the start i was engrossed in connie's character as well as her childhood upbringing which was gut wrenching. This book will be on my mind and i feel is going to be a favourite amongst readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books | Quercus for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.

[Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evocative. Eloquent. Extraordinary.

“Connie” is a story that gets under your skin and stays there. It’s quietly devastating — the kind of book that makes you stop, think, and sit with what you’ve just read. Charlotte Duckworth writes with restraint and precision, letting the smallest moments carry the heaviest truths.

Connie’s childhood is harrowing, and the damage it leaves behind is hard to read about at times. She isn’t always easy to connect with — her emotional range is narrow, her reactions often muted — but that’s exactly what makes her so compelling. Duckworth gives us a character who doesn’t feel things in the way we expect, yet somehow makes us feel everything.

It’s a sharp reminder of how power works, how control hides in plain sight, and how hope can survive in the most unlikely places.

“Women are only ever as safe as their male partner allows them to be.”

“You can survive any situation with just that flicker of hope to sustain you.”

A haunting, beautifully written novel that will stay with me for a long time.

My thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the ARC of “Connie” by Charlotte Duckworth.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie

Connie Cross

Psychopath extraordinaire, emotionless, incarcerated and known as ‘The UK’s worst female serial killer’

Nothing to see here, except the obvious evil

Or is there?….

Olivia, ex Police, (now retired from the force but wishes she wasn’t) thinks maybe there IS more to these seemingly random murders and intends to write a book about it, but to do so she needs Connie’s help and blessing

And Olivia and Connie have a past

A dark, really dark tale of murder, mayhem, abuse and indifferent parenting make this book not a breezy read but a disturbing one that is full of things that come to light and have the reader questioning various actions

Brilliantly executed by the author who writes about some upsetting topics in a emotive yet concise way letting the reader decide who is at fault and not leading your thoughts but providing the facts of the story

There is no clearer way to say it is disturbing in parts than to say it is disturbing in parts but subjects covered and not detailed in a shock horror way but factual and as needed way

Seriously good writing and a very strong story

Is Connie Cross as she appears, you decide!

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie had me mesmerised from the very first page.
Initially, it was curiosity about Connie herself. What did she actually do? What made her kill?
Then as the story delved into her childhood, I was given a glimpse into how her circumstances contributed to her actions. and it was engrossing. A victim in so many ways, reading about Connie's experience made me stop and reflect on what we, as a society, are doing to our children.
Added to this, Olivia's own story, and the twists and turns the author reveals of Olivia's past were well written. into an intricate tapestry of intrigue.
A truly engaging story. that not only entertains but makes you think about how we can change society for the better

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie by Charlotte Duckworth is a brutal and thought-provoking psychological thriller that draws the reader in from the very first pages. Told through alternating then and now parts, we are slowly introduced to Connie’s life over the years, allowing the story to unfold piece by piece in a way that builds tension and unease.
What makes this book so compelling is watching how Connie transforms from an overlooked, almost invisible presence into a brutal serial killer.
The writing is gripping, and I found myself wanting to read on and on to uncover what truly happened. The twists are excellent,particularly the one at the end.An emotional, unsettling psychological thriller at its best, Connie is a solid and impressive read that leaves a lasting impact

[Farah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would drive a quiet, respectable pharmacist to earn the reputation of being the most prolific British female serial killer?

Olivia Lang, who first met Connie as a traumatized teenager who had lost both her parents under tragic circumstances, is determined to finally find out. But will Connie speak to her?

Charlotte Duckworth delivers a stunning story, with a troubled protagonist who has complex (yet all too understandable, within the given context) motives. I absolutely loved this book, my only one element of the ending. Do not miss this one!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Nicola Mostyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Charlotte Duckworth's thrillers- I always find myself able to understand why the characters behave as they do, even if what they do is murderous. And that is especially the case in this latest novel, in which Connie is in prison for the murder of multiple men. Not so much a whodunnit as a why-dunnit, as we hear part of the story from the policewoman who dealt with Connie years earlier, as she meets with the incarcerated Connie in the present day to find out what compelled her to commit the crimes. This exploration of a young girl's life and the path that leads her to taking the lives of others is done with nuance, makes you really feel for Connie and results in a compelling story. An addictive read that will stick in your mind long after you've turned the last page.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant psychological thriller. I loved it. Nothing is what it first seems. The suspense and intrigue build as the reader wonders what is the true connection between Connie (serial killer) and Olivia (Connie's true crime author). By the time I reached the conclusion, I found it quite a profound, thought provoking psychological thriller. There's lots of drama and surprises. Highly recommended.

[Jemma Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read from this author and what a corker to kick me off with, A female serial killer!!! This book is full of Suspense and tension, twists and turns. This was a brilliant thought provoking thriller, I demolished this book in one sitting and was left saddened that I'd read ot so fast and had nothing left to read lol. Don't leave this one on your tbr pile. Find out Connie's story you won't be disappointed

[Sarah Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

Connie is a dark yet emotional and thought provoking psychological thriller which I really enjoyed. I loved the two main characters within this book and and I particularly enjoyed Connie's back story, it really intrigued me as I love finding out what makes peoples minds tick!

I'd recommend this book if you are a fan of this genre.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A one sit read from this author, with two incredibly interesting main characters.
The way everything that happened to Connie left her to where she was today.
I enjoyed the way lives wove in and out and everything was tied together.
We don't come across too many female serial killers, so Connie had extra appeal for that
Really good read.

Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, it was absolutely brilliant. It drew me in from the first page and kept me gripped until the last. The characters were so well drawn and believable and the story was too. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

[Kristina Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given a proof of ‘Connie’. I loved it and read it in 2 days!! Suitably unsettling, I couldn’t put the novel down. Plenty of twists and turns and heartbreaking. I was just as into both Connie and Olivia’s stories. A gripping and multilayered book.

[Melanie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie Cross is behind bars for murdering at least seven people. Olivia Lang, a retired Police officer who met Connie when she was a teenager wants to know why.

Olivia starts to visit Connie in prison to find out what made her become a killer.
The book moves between Olivia and Connie’s chats in the present and the events leading up to Connie becoming a murderer.

This book is so clever the way it is written actually makes you start feeling sorry and empathising with Connie for what she has done.

A fascinating and thrilling read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for the advanced copy.