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He Calls by Night
Forty years ago, a teenager vanished without a trace. To Jacob Kincaid it looks like a paper trail job but an ailing mother still holding out hope for an answer means he’s all in. Partnering once more with mystery podcaster Natalie Amato, the pair discover a string of unsolved disappearances stretching back decades, all connected by a name; Ned by Night.
The old urban legend of a bandaged man who snatched wayward children begins to bleed into reality as Jacob and Natalie dig deeper and realise that Ned is not an old ghost story. He is alive, and the danger he brings is all too real.
In an investigation where nothing is as it seems, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur, Jacob and Natalie must uncover Ned’s dark secrets before he tightens his grip on the present, and the truth slips away forever.
The old urban legend of a bandaged man who snatched wayward children begins to bleed into reality as Jacob and Natalie dig deeper and realise that Ned is not an old ghost story. He is alive, and the danger he brings is all too real.
In an investigation where nothing is as it seems, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur, Jacob and Natalie must uncover Ned’s dark secrets before he tightens his grip on the present, and the truth slips away forever.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2025
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
S.D.W. Hamilton
2 books12 followersS.D.W. Hamilton is a Northern Irish writer.
His debut novel, Blood on The Broadcast, a crime and mystery thriller set in Belfast, released in February 2024. Its sequel, He Calls By Night is due to come out in September 2025
When he is not writing, he geeks out over video games and most things Star Wars related.
He lives with his wife, daughter, son, and two doggos in Belfast
His debut novel, Blood on The Broadcast, a crime and mystery thriller set in Belfast, released in February 2024. Its sequel, He Calls By Night is due to come out in September 2025
When he is not writing, he geeks out over video games and most things Star Wars related.
He lives with his wife, daughter, son, and two doggos in Belfast
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 13, 2025
This is the second book in the Kincaid Investigations series. I haven't read book one and those does work as a standalone. However, there are references to book one and I am sure reading them in order would add to the characters development. I plan to read book one as I really enjoyed this story. The relationship between Jacob and Natalie works well and I'd like to see more investigations from them.
The story starts with an elderly woman seeking help from Jacob. Her son Finbar went missing 44 years ago and she wants closure before she dies. Jacob does not hold out much hope at solving such an historical case. However, he soon comes to realise that more than one person is missing and old ghostly tale appears to link them all...
This is well written, I did spot some minor typos but I can forgive that as the story was so captivating and I was instantly hooked. I don't want to give anything away as this one is full of twists, turns and suspicious characters! I also enjoyed it being set in Belfast and the historical references to the Troubles. I'm a child of the 80's and remember this period well.
This was a really enjoyable read and I'll definitely continue with the series.
Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
The story starts with an elderly woman seeking help from Jacob. Her son Finbar went missing 44 years ago and she wants closure before she dies. Jacob does not hold out much hope at solving such an historical case. However, he soon comes to realise that more than one person is missing and old ghostly tale appears to link them all...
This is well written, I did spot some minor typos but I can forgive that as the story was so captivating and I was instantly hooked. I don't want to give anything away as this one is full of twists, turns and suspicious characters! I also enjoyed it being set in Belfast and the historical references to the Troubles. I'm a child of the 80's and remember this period well.
This was a really enjoyable read and I'll definitely continue with the series.
Huge thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
June 22, 2025
Another brilliantly written book by S.D.W Hamilton who has refined his skill in creating suspense while introducing a large cast of new characters that the author has been able to skilfully weave together to keep the reader guessing at each turn.
As seen in the first book of the series (Blood on the Broadcast) S.D.W Hamilton has captured the humour of Belfast in his latest offering while navigating through difficult topics and not shying away from issues that others would like to forget.
5/5 rating for an new author that can write stories, create fresh characters and hold the readers attention with ease from chapter to chapter.
Review given as a beta reader
As seen in the first book of the series (Blood on the Broadcast) S.D.W Hamilton has captured the humour of Belfast in his latest offering while navigating through difficult topics and not shying away from issues that others would like to forget.
5/5 rating for an new author that can write stories, create fresh characters and hold the readers attention with ease from chapter to chapter.
Review given as a beta reader
July 24, 2025
This was such a gripping read!
Jacob Kincaid, a former PSNI officer turned private investigator, takes on a cold case when an elderly woman, Deirdre Skelly, asks him to find out what happened to her son, Finbar, who vanished 44 years ago after escaping from a borstal. What starts as a simple missing person case quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex.
Jacob teams up once again with podcaster Natalie Amato, and the friendship/chemistry between them really drives the story. As they dig deeper, they uncover connections to other missing boys, a strange figure known only as “Ned By Night,” and a string of chilling events that took place during the Troubles in Ireland.
They’re soon joined by an ex-detective and a determined DCI running a cold case unit, and together, the team begins to unravel a mystery that’s haunted people for decades. The pacing is relentless, the twists are clever, and the tension never lets up.
I absolutely loved Jacob and Natalie’s dynamic. Jacob’s dry humour adds just the right touch of levity to balance the darker moments. This is a twisty, layered, emotional thriller that kept me guessing right to the final pages.
Highly recommended for fans of cold case mysteries, investigative thrillers, or character-driven crime fiction. I really hope we get more from Jacob and Natalie—I’m hooked!
Jacob Kincaid, a former PSNI officer turned private investigator, takes on a cold case when an elderly woman, Deirdre Skelly, asks him to find out what happened to her son, Finbar, who vanished 44 years ago after escaping from a borstal. What starts as a simple missing person case quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex.
Jacob teams up once again with podcaster Natalie Amato, and the friendship/chemistry between them really drives the story. As they dig deeper, they uncover connections to other missing boys, a strange figure known only as “Ned By Night,” and a string of chilling events that took place during the Troubles in Ireland.
They’re soon joined by an ex-detective and a determined DCI running a cold case unit, and together, the team begins to unravel a mystery that’s haunted people for decades. The pacing is relentless, the twists are clever, and the tension never lets up.
I absolutely loved Jacob and Natalie’s dynamic. Jacob’s dry humour adds just the right touch of levity to balance the darker moments. This is a twisty, layered, emotional thriller that kept me guessing right to the final pages.
Highly recommended for fans of cold case mysteries, investigative thrillers, or character-driven crime fiction. I really hope we get more from Jacob and Natalie—I’m hooked!
September 8, 2025
‘He Calls By Night’ is a sequel to ‘Blood on the Broadcast’ but it can also be read as a standalone novel. I really like the main characters of Jacob, the PI, and Natalie, the podcaster. Their relationship is believable, real and they make a great investigative team.
This novel is full of suspense and some genuinely creepy moments, the idea of Ned stalking wayward children is very atmospheric and chilling . This is a real page turner and the tension builds throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading more novels by S.D.W Hamilton.
This novel is full of suspense and some genuinely creepy moments, the idea of Ned stalking wayward children is very atmospheric and chilling . This is a real page turner and the tension builds throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading more novels by S.D.W Hamilton.
June 14, 2025
A quick engaging read, stepping up from the first book and building out the world in Belfast Jacob calls home.
Heavier themes with darker characters made it all feel more consequential and periless while lighter moments and some local humour helped balance the book nicely.
A Beta Reader.
Heavier themes with darker characters made it all feel more consequential and periless while lighter moments and some local humour helped balance the book nicely.
A Beta Reader.
August 29, 2025
He Calls By Night by S.D.W. Hamilton is the second book featuring private detective Jacob Kincaid. This time he is contacted by the mother of a young teen who disappeared forty years ago in Belfast who asks him to look into what happened as she feels the police did not give it the proper attention at the time because of his criminal past. Of course Jacob recruits his friend Natalie, a true crime podcaster to the cause and before long the two have uncovered potential links between several disappearances over the decades, each linked to the mysterious Ned by Night, a character from an old urban legend, a man whose face is swathed in bandages and who steals wayward children off the Belfast streets. As they dig deeper they uncover shocking secrets and come to the attention of some very unsavoury characters, plus there is a push from a power hungry detective from the PSNI Cold Case Squad to have any information turned over so that the case can be pursued through the proper channels. something that might hamper Jacob's ability to do whatever he needs to get results.
This is a dark story that is not afraid to delve into the most depraved of crimes and while there is plenty of action the author does not shy away from brutality on the page, so it is worth bearing that in mind if it might be upsetting as a reader. This is an author that really knows how to write a tense thriller with a plot that is taut enough to keep the reader turning pages but with enough red herrings to keep them guessing. The darkness that permeates the story is leavened somewhat by the humour of Jacob's character, the dry wit really comes across on the page, something that is not always easy to accomplish.
4.5 stars rounded up
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.
This is a dark story that is not afraid to delve into the most depraved of crimes and while there is plenty of action the author does not shy away from brutality on the page, so it is worth bearing that in mind if it might be upsetting as a reader. This is an author that really knows how to write a tense thriller with a plot that is taut enough to keep the reader turning pages but with enough red herrings to keep them guessing. The darkness that permeates the story is leavened somewhat by the humour of Jacob's character, the dry wit really comes across on the page, something that is not always easy to accomplish.
4.5 stars rounded up
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
He Calls by Night was a fantastic read. Based around a seemingly simple missing persons investigation, the forty-year lapse in interest is only the beginning of a web of corruption, scandal, and personal danger as details unravel. Centered around Irish politics and daily life, I wasn’t familiar with many of the topics that shaped the livelihoods of the cast of characters, but never once did I feel lost or unable to follow the story because of this. The story unfolded naturally, and any foreign concepts were woven seamlessly so as to set the stage for the mystery. The brief cheat sheet of local terminology at the start was a huge help as well.
Jacob, as the lead protagonist, carries the story well, bouncing off the other characters with a wry sense of humor amidst a rather bleak and dark premise. I appreciate the moments of levity and even gallows humor, despite covering some rather serious topics. S.D.W. handles the two well, giving the somber tone the respect it deserves while never losing sight of the humanity of those who have to engage in the investigation.
The slight element, or apparent allusion, of the paranormal only enhances the interest I had in the development. With each new lead creating several more questions in its wake, it became difficult to find a natural breaking point—the novel enticing me to read just a few more pages… another chapter… or just finish the book. It’s a quick read that keeps you captivated throughout, never having a scene feel like deadweight amidst the spectacle.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and plan to pick up the first installment in a short time. This copy was provided as an advanced review; however, I proactively initiated the opportunity due to my interest in the premise.
Jacob, as the lead protagonist, carries the story well, bouncing off the other characters with a wry sense of humor amidst a rather bleak and dark premise. I appreciate the moments of levity and even gallows humor, despite covering some rather serious topics. S.D.W. handles the two well, giving the somber tone the respect it deserves while never losing sight of the humanity of those who have to engage in the investigation.
The slight element, or apparent allusion, of the paranormal only enhances the interest I had in the development. With each new lead creating several more questions in its wake, it became difficult to find a natural breaking point—the novel enticing me to read just a few more pages… another chapter… or just finish the book. It’s a quick read that keeps you captivated throughout, never having a scene feel like deadweight amidst the spectacle.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and plan to pick up the first installment in a short time. This copy was provided as an advanced review; however, I proactively initiated the opportunity due to my interest in the premise.
August 20, 2025
This is a powerful, superbly constructed, deeply intelligent read, Irish Noir at its finest, a read where you need to take your time and savour every word
What starts out as a simple investigation into a 40 year old missing person case becomes anything but simple, the complexity that the author weaves into the plot and the way that then starts to unfold show a certain maturity in building a detailed narrative, one which had me gripped throughout.
As a plot it is superbly multilayered and faceted, it draws a lot on Ireland recent past, there is depth and real quality to the storytelling
Location within the story play a vital role, I loved the way the author brought everything vividly to life.
The protagonists had a real feel to them and sense of belonging, terrific characters which drive the plot forward. Jacob and Natalie make for an interesting pairing, I like how they spark of each other
The author manages to create a wonderfully atmospheric read, one which pulls no punches, at times hard hitting, but then you have that element of human emotion. The story ebbs and flows though at no point do you feel lost, each scene cleverly moving the story along
The subject matter is hardhitting and gives the book that dark sense of foreboding, to undercut that there are moments of dry humour within
A story set in the present firmly rooted in the past, there are dark secrets in play all drawn out with a rich intensity. It is interesting that the author doesn’t shy away from aspects of Belfast life which for me enhance the reads and adds a level of authenticity to the storyline. One thing that the author does manage to create is the sense of danger that the characters find themselves in, creates a high level of atmosphere to the storyline
As a read it is one the cleverly builds up the tension and suspense as the plot starts to unfold, a gripping read and one that had me held throughout
The ending well talk about twists and turns, hadn’t seen that coming
I loved everything about this book, a chilling and compelling read, one to recommend and an author to watch out for
What starts out as a simple investigation into a 40 year old missing person case becomes anything but simple, the complexity that the author weaves into the plot and the way that then starts to unfold show a certain maturity in building a detailed narrative, one which had me gripped throughout.
As a plot it is superbly multilayered and faceted, it draws a lot on Ireland recent past, there is depth and real quality to the storytelling
Location within the story play a vital role, I loved the way the author brought everything vividly to life.
The protagonists had a real feel to them and sense of belonging, terrific characters which drive the plot forward. Jacob and Natalie make for an interesting pairing, I like how they spark of each other
The author manages to create a wonderfully atmospheric read, one which pulls no punches, at times hard hitting, but then you have that element of human emotion. The story ebbs and flows though at no point do you feel lost, each scene cleverly moving the story along
The subject matter is hardhitting and gives the book that dark sense of foreboding, to undercut that there are moments of dry humour within
A story set in the present firmly rooted in the past, there are dark secrets in play all drawn out with a rich intensity. It is interesting that the author doesn’t shy away from aspects of Belfast life which for me enhance the reads and adds a level of authenticity to the storyline. One thing that the author does manage to create is the sense of danger that the characters find themselves in, creates a high level of atmosphere to the storyline
As a read it is one the cleverly builds up the tension and suspense as the plot starts to unfold, a gripping read and one that had me held throughout
The ending well talk about twists and turns, hadn’t seen that coming
I loved everything about this book, a chilling and compelling read, one to recommend and an author to watch out for
August 26, 2025
Rating 4.5 rounded up
I really love this series! The first book in the series was brilliant and I hoped that this one would live up to expectations and it certainly did. I loved being back in Jacob's world as he aims to solve another case, this one a 40 year old case of a missing boy which leads down very dark paths and reveals.
Hamilton adds a lot more characters into this novel as the investigation continues and he also strengthens his investigative team with the addition of Zara, who is part of a cold case unit, and Hector, an old friend of Jacob's uncle. Both of these additions add to the story well and I really liked the shift in dynamic due to Jacob allowing more people to help him. There was a lot of new characters added in as the case of the missing boy starts to pull many threads but it doesn't feel like too many as they all have an important role to play and are fully fleshed out.
The story of the missing boy from 40 years ago brings up a lot of secrets that people would kill to keep covered and there is plenty of action and fighting once more in this novel. There is never a dull moment and it seems like every chapter uncovers something new as Jacob and his team work incredibly fast to find out the answers. I am still a little bit confused over one of the reveals towards the end but other than that, this book and series is a great addition to the crime genre and I really hope that there is more to come!
I really love this series! The first book in the series was brilliant and I hoped that this one would live up to expectations and it certainly did. I loved being back in Jacob's world as he aims to solve another case, this one a 40 year old case of a missing boy which leads down very dark paths and reveals.
Hamilton adds a lot more characters into this novel as the investigation continues and he also strengthens his investigative team with the addition of Zara, who is part of a cold case unit, and Hector, an old friend of Jacob's uncle. Both of these additions add to the story well and I really liked the shift in dynamic due to Jacob allowing more people to help him. There was a lot of new characters added in as the case of the missing boy starts to pull many threads but it doesn't feel like too many as they all have an important role to play and are fully fleshed out.
The story of the missing boy from 40 years ago brings up a lot of secrets that people would kill to keep covered and there is plenty of action and fighting once more in this novel. There is never a dull moment and it seems like every chapter uncovers something new as Jacob and his team work incredibly fast to find out the answers. I am still a little bit confused over one of the reveals towards the end but other than that, this book and series is a great addition to the crime genre and I really hope that there is more to come!
September 10, 2025
This sequel to SDW Hamilton's "Blood on the Broadcast" was worth the wait! I was excited to dive back in with Jacob, Natalie, and Helen - despite none of those sounding very much like detective names. I really enjoy all of them as characters and was excited to see that we were getting another chance to follow them.
Natalie and Jacob started the story with some growing pains, and I was a little sad to see it. But, as an absolute LOVER of love triangles - a rare breed from my understanding - I was excited to see that it paid off! The inclusion of more of Natalie's son, Dylan, was a really nice touch! And I can't wait to see all of them grow together in the next book!
The characters are still real humans who make mistakes and aren't afraid to show it. I really love that in books, because it makes them interesting, adding grit, texture, and flavor. This story was even more complex, twistier, and surprising than the first one! I did NOT guess whodunnit before the end. It was a surprise, which is always fantastic for me. I read a ton of mysteries and thrillers, so it's hard to surprise me. I was blown away by the ending of this one. Just absolutely floored!
The dark humor, camaraderie, and just plain ol' good mystery writing that made the first book so good were back again in spades for this second book. I was
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to come out! And I'll be (not) patiently counting down the days until the next one!
Natalie and Jacob started the story with some growing pains, and I was a little sad to see it. But, as an absolute LOVER of love triangles - a rare breed from my understanding - I was excited to see that it paid off! The inclusion of more of Natalie's son, Dylan, was a really nice touch! And I can't wait to see all of them grow together in the next book!
The characters are still real humans who make mistakes and aren't afraid to show it. I really love that in books, because it makes them interesting, adding grit, texture, and flavor. This story was even more complex, twistier, and surprising than the first one! I did NOT guess whodunnit before the end. It was a surprise, which is always fantastic for me. I read a ton of mysteries and thrillers, so it's hard to surprise me. I was blown away by the ending of this one. Just absolutely floored!
The dark humor, camaraderie, and just plain ol' good mystery writing that made the first book so good were back again in spades for this second book. I was
I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to come out! And I'll be (not) patiently counting down the days until the next one!
August 17, 2025
Thanks to author SDW Hamilton, Netgalley, and Wedge publishing for this ARC copy of He Calls by Night. He Calls by Night The story centers around a 40 year old mystery, an urban legend, and a serial killer stalking in the shadows. This is book 2 in the Kincaid Investigations series. Although I felt I may have missed a couple of things by not reading book 1 first, it didn't hindered my enjoyment of this book. The plot drew me in from the beginning and kept my attention all the way through. Some of the chapters were truly creepy and chilling. The character development was good and worked well for the story. The dark, cold weather, and deary city setting made a great backdrop. The storyline was rife with corruption and disregard for the poor and the defenseless. It was interwoven with echos of the "Troubles" and the split in the culture that lives on. The conclusion bordered on horror with threads of tenderness. This book was so good, I plan to read Blood on the Broadcast, book 1 in the Kincaid Investigations.
September 13, 2025
I loved the investigative team they put as main characters, PI was a favorite! There was mystery, suspense, as well as thriller/creepy moments. Yet, there isnt just mystery, there is also a love triangle. It depicts real, vulnerable humans. As well as some stalking depicted in the book, which made for a good read. The pace was nice/steady, and i was engaged the whole time! The only reason this book took me 3 days to read was work, it it had been a weekend, It would have taken one day! If you love mystery and thrillers, the twist will have you hooked!
🔍Forty years ago, a teenager vanished without a trace. The pair discover a string of unsolved disappearances stretching back decades, all connected by a name; Ned by Night. The old urban legend of a bandaged man who snatched wayward children begins to bleed into reality as Jacob and Natalie dig deeper and realise that Ned is not an old ghost story. He is alive, and the danger he brings is all too real. In an investigation where nothing is as it seems, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur.
🔍Forty years ago, a teenager vanished without a trace. The pair discover a string of unsolved disappearances stretching back decades, all connected by a name; Ned by Night. The old urban legend of a bandaged man who snatched wayward children begins to bleed into reality as Jacob and Natalie dig deeper and realise that Ned is not an old ghost story. He is alive, and the danger he brings is all too real. In an investigation where nothing is as it seems, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur.
July 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book featuring Jacob Kincaid and this follow-up is absolutely terrific. What starts as an investigation into the disappearance of a young man many years ago brings Jacob and Natalie into the world of an institution for boys, unsolved disappearances of young girls, paedophile rings and paramilitary characters. This heady mix had me riveted from the start.
The sense of danger is palpable throughout as the team, and a police inspector colleague as well as an old colleague of Jacob's try to find out what really happened years ago. As they peel back layer after layer of secrets, it is clear that there are many people who don't want this dirt to be dug up. The character of Ned By Night had me a bit spooked, I must admit. This was such a page-turner and had me gripped all the way through. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The sense of danger is palpable throughout as the team, and a police inspector colleague as well as an old colleague of Jacob's try to find out what really happened years ago. As they peel back layer after layer of secrets, it is clear that there are many people who don't want this dirt to be dug up. The character of Ned By Night had me a bit spooked, I must admit. This was such a page-turner and had me gripped all the way through. I can't wait for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
A forty-year-old cold case is the basis of S.D.W. Hamilton’s He Calls By Night (2025) crime mystery novel. Jacob Kincaid is a former Belfast policeman and now Private Investigator who is approached by an elderly woman to discover exactly what happened when her son Finnbar Skelly disappeared. Agreeing to investigate, Jacob seeks the help of his podcaster and journalist friend, Natalie Amato. As they dig back into the past, they are assisted by the former detective on the case and the current DCI of the Missing Persons Unit. A gradual revelation of numerous crimes, a possible conspiracy and rising body count make for a stellar crime mystery novel. Its engaging characters, brisk paced and complex case makes this a four and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to BookSirens and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.
September 10, 2025
What starts as a missing persons investigation soon turns into something much darker! 😈 This is the second book in the 'Kincaid Investigations' series, which is set in Belfast, and as someone who hasn't read the first one I think it still works fine as a standalone as you get little snippets throughout that gives you enough information about what happened in the first book. We meet a LOT of characters in this story but once I got my head round who was who I could keep up just fine. I think my favorite character was probably the boogeyman himself, Ned by Night! I thought he was a great creepy character! I felt the pacing throughout was good and there was always something happening that would make me want to keep reading on, but the ending was definitely a good one for me! The twists were great, one of them was spot on and I literally said "no way!" out loud 😅 I would definitely read more form this author and if you like cold case mysteries this book could be for you!
September 17, 2025
The story starts with a cold case: a mother asks Jacob Kincaid, a private investigator, to find out what happened to her son, who vanished over four decades ago. What seems like a simple missing person case quickly turns into something much darker.
Jacob teams up with Natalie, a true crime podcaster, and their partnership is one of my favorite parts of the book. They balance each other out so well his dry humor and her sharp instincts make for a great team. As they dig deeper, they uncover links to other disappearances and a creepy urban legend about a figure called “Ned by Night.”
The mystery is layered and full of twists. I also liked how the book touched on real historical events in Belfast.
There’s a bit of darkness in the story, and some parts are intense, but the writing handles it with care.
I hadn’t read the first in the Kincaid Investigations series, but this worked just fine on its own and now I’m definitely going back to read book one.
Jacob teams up with Natalie, a true crime podcaster, and their partnership is one of my favorite parts of the book. They balance each other out so well his dry humor and her sharp instincts make for a great team. As they dig deeper, they uncover links to other disappearances and a creepy urban legend about a figure called “Ned by Night.”
The mystery is layered and full of twists. I also liked how the book touched on real historical events in Belfast.
There’s a bit of darkness in the story, and some parts are intense, but the writing handles it with care.
I hadn’t read the first in the Kincaid Investigations series, but this worked just fine on its own and now I’m definitely going back to read book one.
September 16, 2025
He Calls By Night is book two in the Kincaid investigations series and although I haven't read book one ( Blood on the Broadcast ), this can definitely be read as a standalone, despite the reference within the story to the first.
Having enjoyed this read, I now plan on reading book one and have put it on my ever growing to buy list.
Overall, I found this read to be interesting and well written. There's twist after twist and turn after turn, with a whole host of wonderfully suspicious characters to boot.
It's a story of suspense, and somewhat difficult topics, but the author has also captured the humour of Belfast brilliantly here.
If you're into suspense thrillers, be sure to pick your copy up.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's.
Having enjoyed this read, I now plan on reading book one and have put it on my ever growing to buy list.
Overall, I found this read to be interesting and well written. There's twist after twist and turn after turn, with a whole host of wonderfully suspicious characters to boot.
It's a story of suspense, and somewhat difficult topics, but the author has also captured the humour of Belfast brilliantly here.
If you're into suspense thrillers, be sure to pick your copy up.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's.
September 19, 2025
I recently read He Calls by Night by S.D.W. Hamilton, and I really enjoyed it. The story follows Jacob Kincaid, a man who gets drawn into the mystery of a teenager who disappeared 40 years ago. He teams up with podcaster Natalie Amato, and together they uncover a series of unsolved disappearances linked to a chilling urban legend about a man named Ned.
As they investigate, the line between reality and legend starts to blur. It becomes clear that Ned is more than just a scary story; he is a real threat. Jacob and Natalie face increasing danger as they try to uncover Ned's dark secrets before it's too late.
Overall, it's a gripping read full of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat!
As they investigate, the line between reality and legend starts to blur. It becomes clear that Ned is more than just a scary story; he is a real threat. Jacob and Natalie face increasing danger as they try to uncover Ned's dark secrets before it's too late.
Overall, it's a gripping read full of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat!
September 21, 2025
What I loved about this book is the author said they wanted to give ‘Belfast and beyond an authentic and honest feel’, and that’s exactly what this book felt like, the writing came alive as I read the descriptions of places and people.
The storyline was full of suspense, Jacob and Natalie made a great pair, the banter and the way the team work together in this crime thriller had me hooked from the start.
I hadn’t read book 1 but I really want to, I want to find out what I’ve missed out on.
I really hope there’s more to come with the series, this was a cleverly written crime thriller involving cold cases and full of twists and turns that make for a real page turner.
Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on this tour
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
The storyline was full of suspense, Jacob and Natalie made a great pair, the banter and the way the team work together in this crime thriller had me hooked from the start.
I hadn’t read book 1 but I really want to, I want to find out what I’ve missed out on.
I really hope there’s more to come with the series, this was a cleverly written crime thriller involving cold cases and full of twists and turns that make for a real page turner.
Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on this tour
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June 30, 2025
Serial killer/spectral spook Ned by Night is a true might terror with victims hoing back decades. Set in Ireland this mystery/thriller touches the chords of The Troubles, corruption, and the sad state of poor children who become easy targets.
I enjoyed this intricately woven PI story about a mother’s search for answers before she dies and a detective to stubborn to give up. The characters are each authentic in their own way, and easily relatable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, and highly recommend this book as a quick and easy whodunit.
I enjoyed this intricately woven PI story about a mother’s search for answers before she dies and a detective to stubborn to give up. The characters are each authentic in their own way, and easily relatable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, and highly recommend this book as a quick and easy whodunit.
September 14, 2025
Filled with creepy vibes from the beginning ,
I was hooked from the very second Ned by night was introduced. I think the use of an old creepy tale of a bandaged man who stalked his victims at night as the basis of the story really added to the atmosphere. When Jacob Kincaid, private investigator, is asked to investigate the disappearance of a teenage boy over 40 years previously, he asked podcaster Natalie Amato for help. Together they discover links between several missing young people and Ned by night. There were so many twist and secrets that were revealed throughout that the book had me riveted. This is the second book in the series and it’s even better than the first!
I was hooked from the very second Ned by night was introduced. I think the use of an old creepy tale of a bandaged man who stalked his victims at night as the basis of the story really added to the atmosphere. When Jacob Kincaid, private investigator, is asked to investigate the disappearance of a teenage boy over 40 years previously, he asked podcaster Natalie Amato for help. Together they discover links between several missing young people and Ned by night. There were so many twist and secrets that were revealed throughout that the book had me riveted. This is the second book in the series and it’s even better than the first!
August 28, 2025
Struggled to put this down, extremely engaging from the very first page and although I had not read the previous book in the series it didn't matter and I certainly will now.
I'll also very much look forward to the next.
The characters are hugely engaging, a must for a good read and the mystery they investigate here, with all it's ties to the past, is utterly compelling from the get go and full of enough twists and turns to satisfy the most avid psychological thriller reader and any crime fiction fan generally.
Overall a truly excellent read that I highly recommend.
I'll also very much look forward to the next.
The characters are hugely engaging, a must for a good read and the mystery they investigate here, with all it's ties to the past, is utterly compelling from the get go and full of enough twists and turns to satisfy the most avid psychological thriller reader and any crime fiction fan generally.
Overall a truly excellent read that I highly recommend.
September 11, 2025
3.5 stars. This was an entertaining book, though sometimes far-fetched. As an ESL speaker, I struggled with the Irish writing style and vocabulary. The book had good twists, a solid overall length, and short, well-paced chapters that made it easy to read. However, there were too many characters, some unanswered questions, and I found the heavy focus on the ghost story of Ned by Night difficult to follow and not very impactful to the overall plot. Still, the pacing and surprises kept me engaged throughout.
June 25, 2025
A crime novel of intrigue and suspense. Who really are the good guys and who is planting and destroying evidence. Looking into a 44 year old disappearance of a boy from a youth prison opens up a group who paid for privileges with young male inmates. As the story unfolds you'll be twisted in all directions. Will you figure out the key players and their role?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2025
Wow! I did not see that twist at the end! The story started off a bit slow, yet the character build up was nicely done. I liked the relationship aspect of the characters. As the story progressed it became more face paced. I was trying to keep up with all that was happening and it definitely kept me engaged. This murder mystery thriller was worth the read.
I received an Advanced Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an Advanced Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2025
He Calls By Night by SDW Hamilton.
I really did enjoy this book. I love the cover and blurb of this book. Jacob and Natalie are back working together. The chemistry between these two. I liked the writing style and the story. I really couldn't put it down. I really am enjoying this series. I loved the pacing of the story. Very twisty and gripping. I really didn't expect that. I didn't see it coming. I do hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book.
I really did enjoy this book. I love the cover and blurb of this book. Jacob and Natalie are back working together. The chemistry between these two. I liked the writing style and the story. I really couldn't put it down. I really am enjoying this series. I loved the pacing of the story. Very twisty and gripping. I really didn't expect that. I didn't see it coming. I do hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book.
September 28, 2025
I am writing this review on behalf of my husband. I went back and read the first book on Kindle Unlimited, it is called Blood on the broadcast and I would highly recommend doing that before jumping into book 2. I loved the suspense and the intense atmosphere with layers of dry humour that runs through both books, the way the plot unfurled decades of disappearances and secrets was so well worked. I found the pacing great and not rushed which often happens in this style of books.
September 9, 2025
An excellent mystery, well-written with good characters. What starts out as finding a missing person from 40 years ago, turns into so much more. Jacob and his team find themselves involved in folklore, missing persons, danger, deceit and cover-ups. Action from start to finish and highly recommended. Read as an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary
July 1, 2025
To the point and engaging. Hard to put down - I finished it in about 4 days. Ultimately not giving it 5 stars because I reserve that rating for life changing books, but I really enjoyed it. I feel Hamilton has a career ahead of them.
Note: This is a review from an ARC copy I received.
Note: This is a review from an ARC copy I received.
July 5, 2025
I read the book in about 3 days and it grabbed my attention from the very first page. The characters are interesting with a couple of surprising twists toward the end. I highly recommend this book and the work of S.D.W. Hamilton - 5/5.
Note: This is a review from an ARC copy I received.
Note: This is a review from an ARC copy I received.
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