It Ends Here: The new psychological thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Someone is Lying

by Heidi Perks

'I couldn't stop turning the pages' Andrea Mara
'A pulse-pounding thriller' Lucy Clarke
'Keeps you guessing right until the end' TM Logan

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You are one of five strangers whose day will start with the worst phone call imaginable.

Your loved one is in danger.

They are part of a group trapped in a café in a sleepy marina town.




The young barista on the early shiftThe bestselling novelist looking for a writing spotThe husband on his way back from a work tripThe influencer mum whose picture-perfect life isn’t the whole truthThe woman starting her birthday with a quiet coffee
As the hours tick by it will soon become clear that one of them has a secret they would kill to keep.

How well do you know the person closest to you?

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MORE PRAISE FOR IT ENDS HERE:

'Original, nail-biting and compulsive, It Ends Here is a stunning psychological thriller... the plot is terrific but it's Perks' vividly drawn characters and emotional acuity that make this a truly thrilling read.' Gilly Macmillan

'Such a refreshing take on the ‘whodunnit’. Emotional, tense and twisty, as we’ve come to expect from the brilliant Heidi Perks. This is definitely her best yet. An absolute must-read!' Caz Frear

‘Makes you question how well we ever really know those closest to us. Tense, twisty and unputdownable’ Asia Mackay

‘I’m blown away by Heidi’s plotting. It Ends Here is so compulsive and gripping, brilliantly constructed. She’s at the top of her game, an absolute superhero of the genre – so impressive’ Sabine Durrant

‘A gripping exploration of how well we know the people we love. You'll immediately want to discuss this book with all of your friends’ Kelly Mullen

'‘A story chock full of secrets, lies and doubt. It kept me up way past my bedtime!’ Emylia Hall
‘Heidi Perks combines taut suspense with an extraordinary understanding of human nature and high-stakes relationships. Every page tightens the grip on an utterly propulsive plot. It Ends Here is immersive, insightful, and impossible to put down. I was hooked from the very first page!’ Amanda Cassidy

'I loved this book.' Jane Corry
‘A tense, compulsive, deeply emotive thriller whose intriguing cast of characters had me invested from the first page... An utter triumph and totally unmissable!’ A.A. Chaudhuri

'A multi-layered, hugely intriguing story with jump off the page characters – I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out what was going on, loved it!' Andrea Mara

‘Packed with secrets, twists, and smart reveals, this pulse-pounding thriller kept me guessing until the final page’ Lucy Clarke

‘An intense, immersive thriller filled with enough secrets and lies to keep you guessing right to the very end’ TM Logan
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Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2026

About the author

Heidi Perks lives on the south coast, spending her time writing by the sea. She gets all her inspiration for her books from the beautiful towns on the coast, imagining dark things happening in the most prettiest of places. Apart from one all her books are set along the south of England.

Heidi's seventh books, SOMEONE IS LYING is out March 2025. Her other six books include three Sunday Times bestsellers, Now You See Her, Come Back For Me and The Whispers, and two Richard and Judy picks including The Last Resort.

She is currently writing book eight which will be out in 2026.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this was not the book I was expecting to read. When I read the synopsis of this one, what was not to love? A hostage situation in a sleepy marina town. Five people in the small café but who is the hostage taker and, more importantly, why? All set up for a thrilling novel.

However, despite the fact there are thrills and action within this book, it is very much character-driven and we actually spend very little time in the cafe with the hostages (and hostage taker) until the final chapters of the book. Instead, the book is told from the perspective of the husband, wife, partner, grandparents of those inside and the affect that the situation has on them too. Why were there loved ones in there? Do they really know the ones they love the most? And the largely unspoken truth, four of their loved ones are victims but one is perpetrator.

Like I say, not the novel I was expecting but in a way the drama was almost secondary to the investigation and the examination of relationships which was a completely different take on this type of book. I really enjoyed the ending too which is always satisfying

Thanks to Netgalley and Random Housing UK Cornerstone/Penguin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this to be equal parts intriguing and kinda long tbh, a good start but lots of characters involved in the story, 2 of which I kept mixing up throughout

The hostage situation in the cafe at the IOW was tense but for me too much time was given to family/partner’s of those being held hostage and their 100% unmoving determination to argue the toss with the Police who were just trying to solve the situation but had to spend a lot of time with offended at being questioned family/partners…..saying that there was interesting back story to some of them

I was pleased when the book came to the crux of the matter and the situation was resolved and sighed a sigh of relief on a few fronts

Not a bad read by any means but lacked the thrill and punch packing had expected maybe, great setting on the IOW that used to visit for holidays as a child

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a hostage situation in a cafe.
The book concentrates on the family of the people involved in the situation and on their family circumstances. At first you don’t know which one is holding the others hostage.
I found the book slow but it had twist and turns to keep me interested.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cynth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great thriller! We follow a hostage situation from the outside and I thought it was so original. The not really knowing what was going on inside the hostage situation made it even more edge of your seat! Loved the twist, loved the ending! Overall a brilliant thriller that I would highly recommend you add to your TBRs!

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taut tense and totally unmissable! ​
In "It Ends Here", Heidi Perks delivers a masterclass in psychological suspense.
When a suspected hostage situation paralyzes a quiet Isle of Wight cafe, Inspector Aaron follows a gut instinct that sets a frantic, high-stakes pace. ​The narrative brilliance lies in its structure, the first half meticulously builds a sense of dread, focusing on the victims while leaving the "why" shrouded in mystery.
Perks captures the raw anxiety of the families outside with agonizing precision. As the pieces of the puzzle align, the tension becomes almost unbearable.
I found myself constantly shifting my suspicions until the final, heart-wrenching reveal tied everything together in a perfectly executed, emotional conclusion.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. My review is voluntary and my own opinion.

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good closed room thriller and this definitely rates up there with the best. I loved the way the characters were slowly built up first and the situation was alluded to rather than explored until much later. This gave us a deeper understanding of the main characters without the earlier incident muddying the waters.
The premise of a group of teenagers with a shared secret coming together much later in life with retribution the theme certainly isn’t a new one but this felt new and original in its own right.
The tension and uncertainties grew beautifully and the narrative was nail biting and engaging. I liked how I was torn between my respective loyalties and the answers weren’t as black and white as they could’ve been. Recommend.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of a hostage situation told through the hostage’s family’s stories. Well written with a fast paced finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Published today 26th March.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense and twisty read I couldn’t put down! It Ends Here kept me on edge the whole way through, never quite sure how things were going to play out. The story unravels slowly and clearly, and while the ending wasn’t a big surprise, I really enjoyed how everything came together. Loved it

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi Perks is one of my goes to authors and her books never disappoint. Her new book It ends here is no exception.
When a gunshot is heard at 7.30am coming from The Boatside café at the marina on the isle of Wight. They know that it is a hostage situation. With five people in there due to Jennie that works there, and some cars parked in the carpark. But what they don’t know who they are and who is holding them hostage and why?
Detective Aaron field oversees the situation and must gather information from the relatives of the victims and decide who is the hostage taker and why the other four people are being held hostage? The relations claim that each person doesn’t know each other. But there must be some link. As it can’t be a coincidence that they are there.
Thank you for the publisher for a copy of It Ends here. At first, I be honest with you I found this to be quite slow I felt a bit overwhelmed with the backstory of each character and wondered the relevance. But then the tension ramped up a notch, that kept me guessing who the hostage taker and the story had finally come together. This turned out to be a great read with its original storyline. 4 stars from me.

[Charlie Morris (Read, Watch & Drink Coffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually like my thrillers darker, but occasionally I'm in the mood for a gripping domestic thriller, and Perks can always deliver on that!

It Ends Here has a great premise. A gunshot has been heard in a small town cafe. 5 people have gone in, but no one has come out.

The police assume it's a hostage situation as they begin to find out whose inside and to talk to their loved ones.

It's a little frustrating at the start as you don't see any communication with the police and the cafe so you feel like they should be doing more, but it is later implied that this was going on in the background.

Instead, we focus on the families outside as they begin to question if their wife/husband/relative could be the one holding the gun.

Because of those view points, it's a very engaging thriller that will keep you guessing whose to blame.

And with short chapters, a fast pace, and lots of suspense, it's a very enjoyable read. I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for an easy but exciting read.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gunshot rings out at a cafe in a marina in the Isle of Wight. Five people were witnessed to have gone inside. DI Aaron Field has the task of finding out who's in the cafe and which one is the hostage taker. The story is told through the voices of the relatives of the five. We are given snippets from the hostage takers point of view towards the end.
The novel is a tense, fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing right to the end. The story is full of secrets, twists, and uneasy relationships, with suspense building chapter by chapter. Heidi Perks does a great job of creating drama and emotional tension.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is a good read, but it took me a while to get into the story.
A gunshot is heard in a cafe near the marina and the Police aren’t really sure what they’re dealing with at first.
With only one eyewitness, they are reliant on his view and they soon establish there are five people in the cafe. What they don’t know is, which one of them has the gun.
We then discover who they are from chapters from their family’s perspective but we don’t find out why these people are together until the last part of the book.
This was a bit frustrating as whilst it was interesting to hear about their current relationships, the reason of why they were all together was what I really wanted to know.
This is a good read but not as gripping as other books by this author.
Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the opportunity to read this book.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read, the opening chapter had me invested. A group of people are trapped in a café on the marina and gunshot is heard.

Told from multiple POV of those closest to each person trapped inside the café, rather than the hostages. I personally really liked it written from these perspectives, it made a change to be reading from the outside of the situation.

The clock is ticking and no one knows what is happening inside or who is the person behind it. Each relative is certain it couldn’t be their partner or sibling. How well do you know your partner or sibling?

Lots of twists, I recommend this one.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy.

[Abbeigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! A fast paced ‘who dunnit’ with plenty to keep you guessing throughout. I loved the different character POVs and the way the story unraveled just a little more with each chapter.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a while this one but only because I was reading other books round it, as usual Heidi didn't disappoint a decent thriller as always

[Helen Leecy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked up It Ends Here by Heidi Perks, I was in the mood for a quietly simmering domestic thriller, the kind where tension hums beneath the surface, and you know something is waiting to shift. The setting of The Boatyard immediately drew me in. There’s something about waterside locations that feels both open and isolating at the same time, and I was curious to see how that atmosphere would shape the story. I settled into it expecting unease to build gradually rather than explode straight away, and that slower, character-led approach really appealed to me from the start.
What I appreciated most was the atmosphere. On paper, not a huge amount is actually happening at The Boatyard for large stretches of the book, and yet I never felt bored. Instead, I found myself drawn into the small interactions and the shifting perspectives. Heidi Perks takes her time letting us into the characters’ lives, peeling back their histories and relationships layer by layer. It felt less like a fast-paced thriller and more like a slow tightening of threads, and I did find myself turning the pages wanting to see how it would all come together.
Emotionally, I was invested. There is something unsettling about watching ordinary lives unravel, especially in a setting that should feel safe and familiar. I enjoyed trying to piece things together, questioning motives and second-guessing everyone. That steady build towards the reveal worked well for me. I like a story that doesn’t rush its hand, and for most of the book, I felt confident that the payoff would match the careful construction.
However, this is where my feelings became slightly conflicted. When the reveal finally came, I have to admit I was a little disappointed. The reasoning behind it all felt somewhat tame compared to the tension that had been building. I had braced myself for something more shocking or emotionally powerful, and instead, it felt as though the explanation didn’t quite carry the weight it needed. Without straying into spoilers, the motivation didn’t seem strong enough to justify everything that had happened, and that left me slightly deflated.
I was also surprised by who was ultimately responsible. Not because it was wildly implausible, but because it didn’t quite satisfy me. The timing of their decision, in particular, didn’t sit comfortably. I kept thinking that a slightly different moment, a shift in circumstances, would have made it feel more convincing. As it stood, it felt just a touch forced, and that made the ending less impactful than I had hoped.
That said, I don’t want to take away from the fact that I genuinely enjoyed reading it. The pacing, while measured, kept me engaged, and I did connect with the characters enough to care about what happened to them. I have read other domestic suspense novels where the twist overshadows everything else, but here it was the journey rather than the destination that held my attention.
Overall, It Ends Here was an absorbing and thoughtful read for me. I was fully immersed while I was in its world, even if the conclusion didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It’s one of those books where I closed the final page feeling a little let down, but still glad I had taken the time to read it. Sometimes the build is the best part, and despite my reservations about the ending, I did enjoy the experience.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It Ends Here” by Heidi Perks delivers a tense, compelling ride that grips you from page one and those “who could be the shooter?” questions don’t let up until the final, shocking twist.

From the outset, the multiple points of view are a huge win. Perks alternates between perspectives in a way that doesn’t just shuffle characters; each shift pulls you deeper into the fabric of the tension, letting you see hidden motives, unspoken fears, and private thoughts. You get closer to every hostage, every suspect, and that makes the guessing game all the more fiendish: just when you think you’ve pinned who the shooter might be, a new perspective springs up to undercut that theory.

One of the book’s strengths is how it keeps you guessing throughout. The clues are dropped carefully, not so subtle that you miss them but not so obvious you can solve it in a single chapter. Twists unfold in layers, the pace keeps climbing, and you’re constantly reevaluating: maybe it’s person A, or B, or could C have an angle nobody saw coming?

The family dynamics among the hostages are fascinating to explore. Each family is different, and Perks uses that not just as backstory but as fuel. You see how people behave under duress; how long-held grudges burst open; how alliances shift. These relationships aren’t just window dressing, they become central to the suspense, because you care about these families, understand their flaws, their hopes, their secrets. That emotional stake heightens every moment of crisis.

The pacing is tight. The narrative doesn’t drag. Moments of raw, high-stakes confrontation are balanced with quieter scenes, just enough breathing room to let you absorb, to reflect, to wonder. Then suddenly you’re back in the chaos. Perks handles this with skill so that there’s never a lull that feels unnecessary; every scene pushes forward, either by revealing character, deepening mystery, or ratcheting up tension.

Overall, the structure of “It Ends Here” is a triumph. The shifting perspectives, the interwoven backstories, the layering of clues all build toward a conclusion that feels earned, not just a twist for twist’s sake. Everything fits: misdirection, revelations, emotional arcs. And yet there’s still room to breathe, to feel, to mourn, to hope.
If there’s any drawback, it might be that at times the sheer number of perspectives can blur before key moments, keeping track can demand sharp attention. But that’s also part of the pleasure: the challenge of untangling it all.

In short, “It Ends Here” is clever, urgent, and emotionally resonant. It delivers on suspense and character in equal measure and keeps you guessing until the very end. For anyone who loves thrillers that engage not just the mind but the heart, this one is well worth your time.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a hostage situation who suffers most; the hostages, their families, or the hostage taker? In a café on the River Medina in Newport, IOW, five people constitute the first and last of these, but at first there is no one in the middle category. The first police know of the situation comes from a slightly vague report of a gunshot in The Boatyard café at the marina from a witness who is very specific that the only people who entered were the waitress who opened up that morning, and four others who arrive individually but within a few minutes of each other. The relevant police force is based at Southampton, twenty miles away on the mainland, almost all of that distance being by ferry. DI Aaron Field is hesitant because of the tenuous evidence (and possibly the trip), but as time goes by and no one has come out of the café he decides that one of them must be holding the others at gunpoint and travels to the scene. He knows the identity of the waitress, of course, and tracing car registrations gives him three of the individuals. Relatives of all the names are brought to the scene, and questioned in an attempt to connect the people who arrived, did they know each other, did their relatives know that they’d planned to be there. An important gap is the identity of the fifth person. An even more important concern is the lack of any communication from the hostage taker, since routine police procedure is to negotiate, which requires someone to negotiate with. The longer the wait the more likely it is that something will go wrong and people will die.
Hostage books almost always concentrate on the dynamics within the group who are held, and the background and motive of their captor. Backstories come out of these interactions, tensions are built. The other usual interaction is that between the hostage taker and the police. This book does neither. We don’t know what is going on inside the café, we hear the thoughts of the hostage taker, but we don’t know who they are, we don’t know the motive, we don’t know the relationships, if any, between the people held captive or their connection, if any, to their captor. Like DI Field we have to gather all this from the families and thus identify who is the one with gun and formulate a motive. The writing is strong, the plot is clever, the solution is deducible without being obvious. An entertaining puzzle. And when its done you can try to answer my question at the start.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow! This book is a slow burner but in a good way, it has everything you want.. suspense, mystery and twists and turns that make you think you know where it's heading but every single time i thought i knew where it was leading i was wrong and shocked.

It ends here starts with a bang literally, a gunshot has gone off in a café in a sleepy marina town with 5 people inside, one of them is the one with a gun and the others hostages. Slowly it delves into who they all are and what led them to be taken hostage or if it was just arriving at the wrong place at the wrong time. The loved ones of those inside the cafe feel like their loved ones have nothing to hide and have no reason why this is happening to them but after getting short pov's of the one with the gun you slowly realise as the book goes on they were brought there for a reason and they want the truth one way or another.

Throughout the read i was wondering myself why there were being held hostage and didn't see the twist and then of course as the different POV's of the loved one's family members went on i thought i finally knew who the one with the gun was but no when it was finally revealed i was gobsmacked literally! The twist of why this event was unfolding was really heartbreaking and i really felt for what the character had and was going through. Some characters i definitely didn't like maybe 1 or 2 in particular but overall the many POV's kept you engaged and learning about their backstories and has you thinking How well do you know the person closest to you?

I really enjoyed this book, there was so much twists and turns and tension throughout the whole read. I managed to read it in a matter of hours and couldn't wait to find out the reason this event had came to be. A definite must read for those who enjoy a thriller with unlimited amount of suspense and thrills. I really look forward to what the author will bring out again in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisty, emotionally charged thriller, It Ends Here, is a tightly woven, high-stakes story that grips from the opening scene and never lets go.

The novel begins with a chilling setup, a witness sees five people enter The Boathouse café at a marina on the Isle of Wight and moments later, a gunshot rings out. When police arrive, they find the café locked down, with no clear idea of who is the aggressor and who might be in danger. What follows is a tense, fast-paced hostage situation that unravels layer by layer through multiple perspectives.

Officer Aaron Field leads the delicate operation, working frantically to identify the hostage taker and understand their motive before more lives are lost. Outside the café, family members gather in mounting fear, their stories and secrets gradually revealing the tangled connections that bind everyone involved.

Perks expertly alternates between the perspectives of those on the outside and the haunting inner thoughts of the hostage taker, maintaining a relentless tension while constantly shifting the reader’s suspicions. Each chapter peels back another layer of deceit, trauma, and betrayal, and just when you think you’ve figured out who’s behind the gun, Perks pulls the rug out from under you.

What makes It Ends Here so compelling isn’t just the mystery, it’s the emotional depth beneath it. This is a story about the lingering scars of the past, about how secrets can destroy lives, and how one moment of violence can echo across years. The final revelation is both shocking and deeply human, with the kind of devastating clarity that Perks handles so well.

Gripping, clever, and full of emotional punch, It Ends Here is an expertly plotted thriller that keeps you guessing right until its final, heart-stopping twist. A multi-layered psychological thriller that’s as moving as it is suspenseful.

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

[Elli (Kindig Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have previously read and enjoyed other books by Heidi Perks, such as Come Back for Me and For the Last Time, so I was excited to request her latest novel – It Ends Here.

At 7am a gunshot is heard from a café on the marina on the Isle of Wight. 5 people are inside - 4 victims and a perpetrator, but who is innocent and who is holding the gun?

From the first chapter of It Ends Here I was hooked, the introduction to this book is perfectly paced with a shock reveal to have you off balance in the best possible way. The book does not let up in this throughout, the twists come fast and all the little assumptions you may have made as you read are quickly turned on their head.

This isn’t an action-packed book about the hostage situation, it’s more of a character driven plot about the people inside the café – their friends and family, and the race to find out which of them is holding the gun and why. The book alternates chapters from each person’s perspective – they all seem to have secrets, and my mind was constantly trying to work out what was happening and changing course as more and more things were revealed. There was just the right number of characters and family members to keep track of as well, so that nothing became confusing.

I did find it slightly odd that no contact is made with the café in the 6 hours they are there, and I think perhaps the conversation had in the room could have taken a lot shorter time, but I guess these were needed for the overall arc. The ending which wrapped up the storylines for each character and showed us the aftermath and consequences of the event was satisfying.

Overall, It Ends Here is a twisty thriller which had me hooked. Thank you to NetGalley & Random House UK – Cornerstone for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For more of my reviews check out Kindig Blog

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are one of five strangers whose day will start with the worst phone call imaginable. Your loved one is in danger. They are part of a group trapped in a café in a sleepy marina town.

* The young barista on the early shift
* The bestselling novelist looking for a writing spot
* The husband on his way back from a work trip
* The influencer mum whose picture-perfect life isn’t the whole truth
* The woman starting her birthday with a quiet coffee

As the hours tick by it will soon become clear that one of them has a secret they would kill to keep.How well do you know the person closest to you?

With Heidi’s books you always know you’re in for an intriguing read, the scene being set, the characters introduced, the plot advancing at a steady pace.

I really enjoyed this one, it was a fast-paced engrossing read, building the tension throughout. Told from the POV from several characters, with no single one identified as a main character, I think this really engaged the reader by slowly drip-feeding clues into the storyline, making you think and devour each piece of information as you went along. I also really liked the approach that we were on the outside looking in, hearing the stories of the loved ones on the outside of the hostage situation, the reader also completely unaware of what was happening with the hostages until the concluding section.

There are a lot of characters in this title and it did take me a while to get my head round who was who and how they all related, the differing character POV chapters also helped to as the story progressed.

I read a lot of thrillers so I must admit I did figure out quite early on who was responsible but, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the title in any way, as I was intrigued to know if I was indeed correct but also the explanation of why and how the hostages were all there, and the reasoning behind everything nicely being tied together. An intriguing and captivating read, another great title from this author.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Utterly engrossing, and without the faux-gloss of Big City tales. Well narrated; with plausible characters, main and peripheral; a sad underlying reveal; and justice done for one, leaving me a little sad for the person in prison at the end.

I got an email from the publisher offering me this book, and having read one by this author before, I simply said yes and dove in blurb unread. Which was the best possible way to have read it.

It's done in the unidentified voice of the person who's lured all the others to the café to get to a trith in their shared past and deliver their long-held-back justice. It's impossible to tell if they're male or female, as all the persons that've been identified as present could be the one holding the gun. Which ends up going off, fatally, at the start of the tale. And going off once more at the end.

Their nearest and dearest are brought in to try and shed light on a possible connection between them. The cops are a bit slow to respond, but start to pick up clues. The nearest and dearest end up with reveals about their loved ones that make them wonder how well they knew them, if at all. Some of the hostages end up being slightly more remorseful than others. A couple try to spin things. The co-biggest baddie, a truly horrible person, got the ultimate just desserts. The other co-biggest baddie got off too lightly for me who wanted to see justice done, but I felt they'd be in a hell of their own making. The tale was a masterpiece of dovetailing, bloody good writing, preparation, plotting and execution. Couldn't fault this at all, and felt really sorry for the perpetrator of the meet-up.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Random House for my reading pleasure.

[Stephanie Bull · Rating 4 out of 5]

'It Ends Here' centres around a hostage situation unfolding inside a local cafe on the Isle of Wight, drawing together a cast of interconnected characters. As the crisis escalates we follow multiple perspectives, from the loved ones waiting anxiously outside to the detective leading the investigation, each offering their own fragmented insight into what might be happening inside. The worried family members gradually reveal their histories, relationships and hidden tensions. Meanwhile, brief, carefully controlled glimpses from inside the cafe are shared, maintaining an air of mystery around the hostage taker's identity. As the narrative unfolds, questions of trust, perception and thoughts of how well do we truly know those we have loved for only part of their lives come sharply into focus.

This is a cleverly structured multi point of view thriller that keeps the reader constantly second guessing. The limited insight into the cafe is particularly effective, with each snippet adding to the tension without ever revealing too much. Heidi Perks masterfully weaves misdirection throughout, encouraging you to form, and reform, your suspicions as new details emerge. While there is certainly drama and action, the novel leans more into psychological suspense, exploring the complexities of relationships and the secrets people keep.

An original and compelling read, this is the kind of book that's hard to put down, one I picked up at every opportunity. The final reveal is both unexpected and deeply emotional, delivering a satisfying conclusion. A solid 4 stars from me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just after dawn, in a quiet marina café, five people step inside. Minutes later, one of them pulls out a gun and a shot is fired

But who — and why?
• The young barista working the early shift
• The bestselling novelist searching for inspiration
• The husband on a work trip
• The influencer mum whose perfect life isn’t quite what it seems
• The woman beginning her birthday with a peaceful morning coffee

Any one of them could be the hostage-taker. Every one of them has something to hide.

What makes this story truly compelling is its perspective. The unfolding crisis is seen through the eyes of the loved ones waiting outside…could it be the husband, wife, sister or granddaughter…each of them gripped by the same horrifying thought: Could it be mine? As the hours tick by, they are forced to re-examine their relationships, replay conversations, and confront uncomfortable truths about the people they thought they knew best.

I absolutely devoured this book. The tension builds masterfully, and the author keeps the identity of the gunman hidden until the very last moment. With every twist, suspicion shifts, and you begin to realise it genuinely could be any of them. The secrets, the lies, the cracks beneath carefully constructed lives, it all makes for an unputdownable read.

The multiple points of view add depth and emotional weight, turning this from a simple thriller into a powerful exploration of trust and how well we ever truly know the people we love.

Pre-order this now — you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you @netgalley and @penguin @randomhouseuk as this was an advanced readers copy for an honest review

[Lynsey (To read or not to read… definitely read!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual twist on a hostage thriller

At 07:30, a lone gunshot is heart from The Boatyard Café at a quiet marina, on the sleepy Isle of Wight. A report is made to the police of which it is ascertained that there are 5 people inside, but no idea why, by whom and no contact can be made with those within.

DI Aaron Field travels to the Isle of Wight to investigate and the story then slowly unravels from the stories revealed by the hostage’s family.

For me, I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I liked the slow reveal and enjoyed trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together from the family member’s perspectives. If you are looking for a highly charged and explosive thriller then this will not be for you, but for those that like a steady, slow burn thriller with an investigative element, then this will entirely tick your boxes.

I found Rosa a little frustrating as it took her too long to reveal what she had discovered and I didn’t understand her lies to cover her suspicions. However, many characters were the same covering up what they thought they may know, or their suspicions of their partners or family members, or reasons why. I found Gareth’s story quite interesting and informative, despite what would appear to be his weak character.

I would recommend this ‘who dunnit’ and ‘why dunnit’ very much. This is much more than a usual thriller, but an opportunity to see into the character’s lives and determine, if they really know their loved ones like they think they do. A very good read.

Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone and Heidi Perks for access to the ARC. Published on 26 March 2026.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Perks, and Penguin Random House for providing me with this ARC!

This story was intriguing and suspenseful in how we watch the different perspectives and stories unfold and come together. Something about this story started feeling menacing and scary—like we didn’t know anything about anybody, and nothing connected. We were manipulated to explore theory after theory by the author, and I still could not figure it out until right before the plot twist. The way this whole incident became more than what we initially thought. I loved how, before the instant, we slowly started to strike out who our hostage taker could be.

Once all the pieces of the puzzle came together, it told a really tragic and sad story. In the end, can we really blame the perpetrator?

I loved all the different perspectives of the hostages family Rather than the actual hostages themselves because it shows us how much you don’t know about a person Rather than the actual hostages themselves. After all, it shows us how much you don’t know about a person. It was fascinating to watch all the different moving components finally come together and weave the tale we were told. Additionally, I really enjoyed Hannah’s ending chapter! However, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there was just a small bit missing for me, which is why it didn’t hit the five-star mark.

This also reminded me that I like mystery thrillers that follow police investigations, even though it can be pretty frustrating when you don’t feel like you’re actually getting anywhere.

[Karen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
It Ends Here Heidi Perks

5 stars
Another great plot

I have read most of Heidi Perks' books and have never been disappointed. Every story is totally different than the others but in every case I get totally wrapped up in the story and always speed through the book to find out the ending.

In this book there are 4 people and the waitress having an early morning coffee in a small cafe on the Isle of Wight when suddenly a shot rings out. Who is the perpetrator and who are the potential victims.? The police are quickly called but they have no idea what is happening and even though this seems like a hostage situation no ransom demands are forthcoming.

This book slowly builds up the characters both inside the cafe and the family and friends who are outside. We learn about all their lives, their problems and hopes and fears and little by little we discover what is happening now which had been set in motion many years ago. I really enjoyed the way that the author lets us into all the innermost secrets of the characters until eventually we learn the whole story.. I managed to suspect all 5 of the people inside the cafe at some point in the book until the author finally revealed the truth.

This book had just enough characters for me to follow as I often get confused when there are too many and it also gave great insights into how people can be so different from their outside persona.

Long may Ms Perks keep writing her books, I enjoy every one of them and this was no exception.


Karen Deborah
NetGalley

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a mixed bag

I've previously read and enjoyed Now You See Her by Heidi Perks, so I was really looking forward to diving into this one. The premise is definitely a hooker – a gunshot rings out from a café on the Isle of Wight at 7am and there are five people inside. One is the perpetrator and four are the victims but we don't know who is who. It's a great setup for a thriller and it really makes you think about how well you actually know the people closest to you.

The story is told through alternating chapters from different perspectives and I admit to getting a little confused between two of the wives and who their husband was in the café. It starts off really well with a shock reveal that certainly kept me on my toes. I liked that it wasn't just a standard action-packed hostage situation – it's much more character-driven and focuses on the secrets everyone is hiding.

However, I did struggle a bit with the middle section. It felt like it dragged longer than it to and it became quite repetitive. It also seemed a bit far-fetched that no one made any contact with the café for the entire six hours the group was trapped there.

It's a decent read if you're a fan of psychological thrillers and want something with a unique "whodunnit" angle, but it didn't quite hit the high notes I was hoping for. It's a solid 3-star read – it does what it says on the tin but didn't completely blow me away like I'd hoped.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of thriller that doesn’t just grip—it unsettles. It Ends Here opens with a nightmare scenario: five strangers trapped in a café, each with someone they love in danger. The setup is taut, but it’s the slow reveal of secrets that makes this story truly compelling.

Heidi Perks has a gift for peeling back the layers of ordinary lives to expose the fractures beneath. The cast—a barista, a novelist, a husband, a picture-perfect influencer, and a woman quietly celebrating her birthday—feels real and flawed, each carrying something they’d rather keep buried. As the hours tick by, the tension builds not just from the situation, but from the question: how well do we really know the people closest to us?

The pacing is sharp, the atmosphere claustrophobic, and the emotional stakes high. Perks doesn’t rely on shock alone—she crafts suspense from character, from choice, from the quiet dread of watching things unravel. It’s twisty, yes, but also thoughtful. You’ll finish it wanting to talk about it, to pick apart the decisions, the betrayals, the truths that surface when everything else falls away.

Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas, this is a thriller with heart, teeth, and just the right amount of chill.

With thanks to Heidi Parks, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.