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The Night I Killed Him
‘A fresh, assured voice in Irish crime writing’ Andrea Mara
‘Absolutely riveting and eminently readable.’ Liz Nugent
‘A writer at the top of her game … I could not look away until the shocking end.’ Edel Coffey
'An absolute page-turner' Jo Spain
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The world of beloved influencer, Gemma Fitzgerald, seems ready to implode when the body of her brother, Max – who disappeared 18 years earlier – is washed up on a beach. Everyone thought Max had taken his own life the night of his twenty-first birthday party, but Gemma knows the truth – she is responsible for Max’s disappearance.
With the police bearing down from one side, and her glamorous lifestyle hanging by a thread, it seems the devastating truth is about to destroy Gemma’s life and take her away from her precious little boy.
Gemma has created a dazzling world in trying to forget that fateful night. What if it’s all been a lie?
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‘Great writing, gorgeous characterisation and such a plot! I was so deliciously engrossed.’ Marian Keyes
‘I devoured it. So tightly plotted with great characters … it had me on tenterhooks throughout and my nerves were shot.’ Patricia Gibney
‘A compulsive heart-stopping read, that makes you forget to breathe! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough … a gripping, tense, bone chiller of a book that you won't forget.’ Sam Blake
‘A superbly crafted story - a gripping thriller, but also a sensitive and insightful portrayal of guilt and grief. It's both beautifully written and nerve-shreddingly tense. Completely compelling - you won't want to put it down.' Jane Casey
‘Absolutely riveting and eminently readable.’ Liz Nugent
‘A writer at the top of her game … I could not look away until the shocking end.’ Edel Coffey
'An absolute page-turner' Jo Spain
---
The world of beloved influencer, Gemma Fitzgerald, seems ready to implode when the body of her brother, Max – who disappeared 18 years earlier – is washed up on a beach. Everyone thought Max had taken his own life the night of his twenty-first birthday party, but Gemma knows the truth – she is responsible for Max’s disappearance.
With the police bearing down from one side, and her glamorous lifestyle hanging by a thread, it seems the devastating truth is about to destroy Gemma’s life and take her away from her precious little boy.
Gemma has created a dazzling world in trying to forget that fateful night. What if it’s all been a lie?
---
‘Great writing, gorgeous characterisation and such a plot! I was so deliciously engrossed.’ Marian Keyes
‘I devoured it. So tightly plotted with great characters … it had me on tenterhooks throughout and my nerves were shot.’ Patricia Gibney
‘A compulsive heart-stopping read, that makes you forget to breathe! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough … a gripping, tense, bone chiller of a book that you won't forget.’ Sam Blake
‘A superbly crafted story - a gripping thriller, but also a sensitive and insightful portrayal of guilt and grief. It's both beautifully written and nerve-shreddingly tense. Completely compelling - you won't want to put it down.' Jane Casey
- GenresMystery
416 pages, Paperback
Published July 10, 2025
43 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Gill Perdue
10 books31 followersGill Perdue is the author of If I Tell (previously published as The Interview), the first in the Laura Shaw series of Crime novels published by Penguin, set in the fictional Dublin suburb of Clonchapel. She also writes for children. Her first children’s novel, Adam’s Starling, won a Bisto Award (the Eilís Dillon Memorial) for that year.
A primary school teacher by training, Gill worked for many years in Tallaght and other schools in south Dublin, and this experience informed and inspired her earliest writings, as did her work on a children’s helpline. A lifelong love of dance and music saw her train separately as a dance teacher, and for many years Gill has been teaching Ballet and Modern in a busy school in Rathfarnham.
She is drawn to the exploration of the domestic, behind the façade presented by adults and even very young children, reflecting the real experiences of living in a world where the best and worst of what it means to be human exist side by side.
Gill lives in Rathfarnham with Kevin and Angus (one of these is a dog). They have two adult daughters, one living in London and one recently returned to live here. Inky and Dusty - a pair of disapproving rescue cats - complete the picture.
A primary school teacher by training, Gill worked for many years in Tallaght and other schools in south Dublin, and this experience informed and inspired her earliest writings, as did her work on a children’s helpline. A lifelong love of dance and music saw her train separately as a dance teacher, and for many years Gill has been teaching Ballet and Modern in a busy school in Rathfarnham.
She is drawn to the exploration of the domestic, behind the façade presented by adults and even very young children, reflecting the real experiences of living in a world where the best and worst of what it means to be human exist side by side.
Gill lives in Rathfarnham with Kevin and Angus (one of these is a dog). They have two adult daughters, one living in London and one recently returned to live here. Inky and Dusty - a pair of disapproving rescue cats - complete the picture.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 8, 2025
4+
Golden boy Max Fitzgerald has been missing since his 21st birthday party on the 1st June 2007. Set for a bright future as an Olympic sailor, his sister Gemma, his parents and best friend Conleth O’Hara, mourn and question where he could be. In the present day, a body floats to the surface of the sea, released from binds of a blue nylon rope and washes up at Drumleck Point, Howth. Post-mortem results reveals Max has been murdered and placed into a watery grave after death. This is the biggest MisPer case of the decade and a massive challenge for the An Garda Síorchana and Detective Garda’s Laura Shaw and Niamh Dormody. Gemma, now married to Conleth, is a successful Instagram influencer known as Gemstone and has a seemingly perfect world which is about to implode in more ways than one. Does Gemma know the truth about what happens to Max all those years ago?
I really like this series and this is another immersive addition. This has a complex multilayered plot as we have Laura and her life with plenty to mull on there, Niamh‘s life takes an interesting direction, there’s the mystery of Max and the subsequent investigation, as well as Gemma‘s current situation. In places it’s heartbreaking and emotional for several different reasons. It’s a suspenseful, twisty and intensely gripping read which is told at a good pace which definitely picks up towards the end, which is very tense and keeps me guessing.
The characters of Laura and Niamh are terrific, they’re very likeable and I love the bond between them. All the characters in this instalment are well crafted and one is the very personification of evil.
Overall, this is another cracking rollercoaster read from Gill Perdue.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for a much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Golden boy Max Fitzgerald has been missing since his 21st birthday party on the 1st June 2007. Set for a bright future as an Olympic sailor, his sister Gemma, his parents and best friend Conleth O’Hara, mourn and question where he could be. In the present day, a body floats to the surface of the sea, released from binds of a blue nylon rope and washes up at Drumleck Point, Howth. Post-mortem results reveals Max has been murdered and placed into a watery grave after death. This is the biggest MisPer case of the decade and a massive challenge for the An Garda Síorchana and Detective Garda’s Laura Shaw and Niamh Dormody. Gemma, now married to Conleth, is a successful Instagram influencer known as Gemstone and has a seemingly perfect world which is about to implode in more ways than one. Does Gemma know the truth about what happens to Max all those years ago?
I really like this series and this is another immersive addition. This has a complex multilayered plot as we have Laura and her life with plenty to mull on there, Niamh‘s life takes an interesting direction, there’s the mystery of Max and the subsequent investigation, as well as Gemma‘s current situation. In places it’s heartbreaking and emotional for several different reasons. It’s a suspenseful, twisty and intensely gripping read which is told at a good pace which definitely picks up towards the end, which is very tense and keeps me guessing.
The characters of Laura and Niamh are terrific, they’re very likeable and I love the bond between them. All the characters in this instalment are well crafted and one is the very personification of evil.
Overall, this is another cracking rollercoaster read from Gill Perdue.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for a much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
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July 10, 2025#Gifted
Happy publication day to The Night I Killed Him, the latest crime thriller from bestselling author Gill Perdue.
This is actually the third in a series following detective partners Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody. I loved every second of this book, and felt at a bit of a loss when it was over. I’m already looking forward to the next book…so no pressure or anything Gill 😅
When a body washes up in Howth and is revealed to be that of Max Fitzgerald, a young man with a promising future who disappeared 18 years ago, his community in Dun Laoghaire is thrown completely off balance.
No one more so than his little sister Gemma, now a mum, wife, and popular influencer. The discovery of Max’s body also brings with it evidence that points to foul play and as Shaw and Darmody investigate further, Gemma’s life starts to fall apart around her in a spectacular fashion.
Alongside this main storyline, we learn more about Shaw and Darmody’s personal lives, which I loved reading about. They feel relatable and authentic; both have distinct personalities and are fully rounded as both detectives and women. It’s a joy to read female characters like this.
The investigation into Max’s death takes us to some dark places, including intimate partner violence, so it’s important to be aware of that before you pick this one up. I definitely found myself anxious at times reading parts of this, and I have to say, this book has one of the most evil villains I’ve read in a long time!
Perdue also delves into the world of influencers and parasocial relationships, which I found interesting, as you can imagine!
As we’re kept guessing until the end, I was on the edge of my seat, desperately hoping for a good outcome. I spent the last 30% of the book feverishly reading, and basically ignoring my family on holidays 😅 (I’ve included a series of photos of the book with me around Lanza 😅 I’ve a proof copy but you can see the actual cover on the last slide).
This is a real banger of a summer thriller; get it for holidays, get it for a long weekend, get it for your back garden! Recommend!
With many thanks @penguinbooksireland for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
Happy publication day to The Night I Killed Him, the latest crime thriller from bestselling author Gill Perdue.
This is actually the third in a series following detective partners Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody. I loved every second of this book, and felt at a bit of a loss when it was over. I’m already looking forward to the next book…so no pressure or anything Gill 😅
When a body washes up in Howth and is revealed to be that of Max Fitzgerald, a young man with a promising future who disappeared 18 years ago, his community in Dun Laoghaire is thrown completely off balance.
No one more so than his little sister Gemma, now a mum, wife, and popular influencer. The discovery of Max’s body also brings with it evidence that points to foul play and as Shaw and Darmody investigate further, Gemma’s life starts to fall apart around her in a spectacular fashion.
Alongside this main storyline, we learn more about Shaw and Darmody’s personal lives, which I loved reading about. They feel relatable and authentic; both have distinct personalities and are fully rounded as both detectives and women. It’s a joy to read female characters like this.
The investigation into Max’s death takes us to some dark places, including intimate partner violence, so it’s important to be aware of that before you pick this one up. I definitely found myself anxious at times reading parts of this, and I have to say, this book has one of the most evil villains I’ve read in a long time!
Perdue also delves into the world of influencers and parasocial relationships, which I found interesting, as you can imagine!
As we’re kept guessing until the end, I was on the edge of my seat, desperately hoping for a good outcome. I spent the last 30% of the book feverishly reading, and basically ignoring my family on holidays 😅 (I’ve included a series of photos of the book with me around Lanza 😅 I’ve a proof copy but you can see the actual cover on the last slide).
This is a real banger of a summer thriller; get it for holidays, get it for a long weekend, get it for your back garden! Recommend!
With many thanks @penguinbooksireland for my early copy. All opinions are my own, as always.
July 11, 2025
Throw every over-used cliche into a book and you’ve got this. Nothing new, nothing exciting but it wasn’t the worst either. A solid 2 ⭐️
August 22, 2025
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
The Night I Killed Him is the third book in the Shaw and Darmody crime series. I wasn’t aware it was part of a series when I first started to read, and honestly, it didn’t even dawn on me until I was a fair way into the book. Which I think goes to prove you can read this book as a standalone. There are occasional mentions of past events, which, as a newbie to this series, I felt a little clueless about. But it didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment at all. I just had a few questions that I wasn’t able to get answers to. I’m sure if I started at the beginning of the series with If I Tell and read in sequence, those questions would be answered.
Influencer Gemma Fitzgerald has it all, according to her Instagram account. The perfect life, a gorgeous house, the perfect husband, and the most precious, perfect little boy in Ferdia. But scratch the surface and you’ll soon see the truth. Eighteen years ago, Gemma’s brother, Max, disappeared on the night of his 21st birthday. So when his body suddenly makes an appearance in the harbour, the entire local community is shocked. It was thought Max had committed suicide, having failed to get into the Olympic sailing team. But the evidence left on his decaying body tells a very different story. Max was clearly murdered and sent to a watery grave. With everything to lose, Gemma’s life as she knows it starts to spiral. Because Gemma knows a lot more about what happened to Max that fateful night, and revealing that truth could lead to the death of everything, and everyone, she holds dear…
The Night I Killed Him is an atmospheric crime thriller with great characters, a dark and unsettling undertone, and a wonderful sense of place. This book surprised me, in the best way possible. I don’t know what I was expecting (clearly not the third book in a series!), but it delivered in spades. I thoroughly warmed to the two lead characters – Detective Garda Laura Shaw and Detective Garda Niamh Darmody. I liked their working relationship, and I liked their friendship. They are very different people. Laura seems to be the more sedate, the more considered of the two. Whereas Niamh seems to have a bit more fire to her, a bit of sass. I loved how wonderfully Irish the book is. I’ve read a fair amount of Irish crime fiction over the years, but this book felt the most authentic to me, and I adored that.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I very much enjoyed The Night I Killed Him. I found myself becoming more and more gripped as I progressed through the book. It’s clear from the start (and from the blurb) that Gemma had something to do with Max’s disappearance, but to what degree? It was intriguing to see how everything played out. How all the pieces gradually fell into place. The book was a lot darker than I initially expected. Life for Gemma really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. My heart often broke for the woman, and for the child she once was. I found the subject matter hard going at times, having to take mini breaks here and there to take a tiny breather. I was straight back to the story though, keen to find out whether Shaw and Darmody would solve the case. Along with a high-pressure investigation, both detectives have their own personal issues to deal with, really giving the reader something to get their teeth into. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Night I Killed Him and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the first two books in the series. It’s an authentic, gritty, dark crime thriller that held my attention from start to finish. I loved the dialogue, the characters and the gorgeously dramatic denouement, which was perfectly penned. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author in the near future. Recommended.
The Night I Killed Him is the third book in the Shaw and Darmody crime series. I wasn’t aware it was part of a series when I first started to read, and honestly, it didn’t even dawn on me until I was a fair way into the book. Which I think goes to prove you can read this book as a standalone. There are occasional mentions of past events, which, as a newbie to this series, I felt a little clueless about. But it didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment at all. I just had a few questions that I wasn’t able to get answers to. I’m sure if I started at the beginning of the series with If I Tell and read in sequence, those questions would be answered.
Influencer Gemma Fitzgerald has it all, according to her Instagram account. The perfect life, a gorgeous house, the perfect husband, and the most precious, perfect little boy in Ferdia. But scratch the surface and you’ll soon see the truth. Eighteen years ago, Gemma’s brother, Max, disappeared on the night of his 21st birthday. So when his body suddenly makes an appearance in the harbour, the entire local community is shocked. It was thought Max had committed suicide, having failed to get into the Olympic sailing team. But the evidence left on his decaying body tells a very different story. Max was clearly murdered and sent to a watery grave. With everything to lose, Gemma’s life as she knows it starts to spiral. Because Gemma knows a lot more about what happened to Max that fateful night, and revealing that truth could lead to the death of everything, and everyone, she holds dear…
The Night I Killed Him is an atmospheric crime thriller with great characters, a dark and unsettling undertone, and a wonderful sense of place. This book surprised me, in the best way possible. I don’t know what I was expecting (clearly not the third book in a series!), but it delivered in spades. I thoroughly warmed to the two lead characters – Detective Garda Laura Shaw and Detective Garda Niamh Darmody. I liked their working relationship, and I liked their friendship. They are very different people. Laura seems to be the more sedate, the more considered of the two. Whereas Niamh seems to have a bit more fire to her, a bit of sass. I loved how wonderfully Irish the book is. I’ve read a fair amount of Irish crime fiction over the years, but this book felt the most authentic to me, and I adored that.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I very much enjoyed The Night I Killed Him. I found myself becoming more and more gripped as I progressed through the book. It’s clear from the start (and from the blurb) that Gemma had something to do with Max’s disappearance, but to what degree? It was intriguing to see how everything played out. How all the pieces gradually fell into place. The book was a lot darker than I initially expected. Life for Gemma really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. My heart often broke for the woman, and for the child she once was. I found the subject matter hard going at times, having to take mini breaks here and there to take a tiny breather. I was straight back to the story though, keen to find out whether Shaw and Darmody would solve the case. Along with a high-pressure investigation, both detectives have their own personal issues to deal with, really giving the reader something to get their teeth into. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Night I Killed Him and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the first two books in the series. It’s an authentic, gritty, dark crime thriller that held my attention from start to finish. I loved the dialogue, the characters and the gorgeously dramatic denouement, which was perfectly penned. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author in the near future. Recommended.
July 10, 2025
The Night I Killed Him by Gill Perdue.
Happy publication day to the third book in the Shaw and Darmody series.
Set in Dun Laoghaire, South County Dublin, Detective Laura Shaw and Detective Niamh Darmody are temporarily transferred to a nearby station for their expertise on a case.
Max Fitzgerald was believed to have died by suicide, on the night of his 21st birthday in June 2007, however his body was never found. It has now resurfaced in the harbour, leading to the case being reopened, and based on new evidence it would appear that Max did not take his own life after all.
Max‘s younger sister Gemma a.k.a. @gemstone is a social media influencer who found solace in Max’s best friend and sailing partner, Conleth O’Hara, after he disappeared, whom she later married and with whom she had her four-year-old son, Ferdia.
Conleth is now a successful businessman running a charity in Max‘s name and controlling Gemma‘s every move*.
Of course, Laura and Niamh are back and have their own personal challenges to face, while their rapport is only getting stronger, as well as some familiar faces in McArsey and Parminter, and some new ones in Laura’s sister Alva and Detective Garda Stephen Bourke.
Interspersed with some kinda creepy comments from @gemstone’s followers, the story is told from the perspectives of the three women, Laura, Niamh and Gemma, each of whom have their own distinctive voice.
While it is the third in a series this book can absolutely be read as a standalone. Nothing is lost from not having read the first two, but I would advise going back to them after you’ve read this one.
I loved the author’s first book, If I Tell, and knew that this would be a series that I would read in its entirety. This latest addition was unputdownable; don’t sleep on Gill Perdue, her books are up there with the best Irish crime writers.
Thanks to @penguinbooksireland for the advance reading copy. It is available in all the usual places and I hope to see it on the bestsellers list this weekend.
*Content warning for a bit of everything - suicide, self harm, disordered eating, coercive control, domestic abuse.
#TheNightIKilledHim #GillPerdue
Happy publication day to the third book in the Shaw and Darmody series.
Set in Dun Laoghaire, South County Dublin, Detective Laura Shaw and Detective Niamh Darmody are temporarily transferred to a nearby station for their expertise on a case.
Max Fitzgerald was believed to have died by suicide, on the night of his 21st birthday in June 2007, however his body was never found. It has now resurfaced in the harbour, leading to the case being reopened, and based on new evidence it would appear that Max did not take his own life after all.
Max‘s younger sister Gemma a.k.a. @gemstone is a social media influencer who found solace in Max’s best friend and sailing partner, Conleth O’Hara, after he disappeared, whom she later married and with whom she had her four-year-old son, Ferdia.
Conleth is now a successful businessman running a charity in Max‘s name and controlling Gemma‘s every move*.
Of course, Laura and Niamh are back and have their own personal challenges to face, while their rapport is only getting stronger, as well as some familiar faces in McArsey and Parminter, and some new ones in Laura’s sister Alva and Detective Garda Stephen Bourke.
Interspersed with some kinda creepy comments from @gemstone’s followers, the story is told from the perspectives of the three women, Laura, Niamh and Gemma, each of whom have their own distinctive voice.
While it is the third in a series this book can absolutely be read as a standalone. Nothing is lost from not having read the first two, but I would advise going back to them after you’ve read this one.
I loved the author’s first book, If I Tell, and knew that this would be a series that I would read in its entirety. This latest addition was unputdownable; don’t sleep on Gill Perdue, her books are up there with the best Irish crime writers.
Thanks to @penguinbooksireland for the advance reading copy. It is available in all the usual places and I hope to see it on the bestsellers list this weekend.
*Content warning for a bit of everything - suicide, self harm, disordered eating, coercive control, domestic abuse.
#TheNightIKilledHim #GillPerdue
July 5, 2025
Life is good for influencer Gemma Fitzgerald, at least on the internet. She has thousands of loving fans, her own branded line of accessories, a doting young son, and a supportive husband.
It’s all going great from an outsider’s point of view — that is until the police knock on her door.
Read my full review for the Irish Examiner here: https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifesty...
It’s all going great from an outsider’s point of view — that is until the police knock on her door.
Read my full review for the Irish Examiner here: https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifesty...
July 17, 2025
INCREDIBLE! Atmospheric, taut, twisty and smart. Outstanding characters brimming with life. Loveddd this! Read it!
September 2, 2025
This was an overall good book. Following the discovery of Max's body almost 2 decades after his disappearance, you tend to expect quite a straightforward mystery, and based off the title alone you think you know what's coming, but you really don't. And this book follows more than just the title mystery. There's what goes on behind closed doors in Gemma's marriage. Laura's fragile family relationships and dealing with the impending death of her estranged father. There's something going on with Niamh too, and a lot of others. And im amongst all of these every day things, over the space of a week or so, is the investigation into the murder of Max. It's gripping in its own way, it's not that has you on tenterhooks thriller/mystery, but you definitely keep reading because you want to know the outcome of all the different stories going on within the pages. I don't want to spoil anything, but this book is definitely not what I expected it to be. Definitely worth a read. A solid 3 1/2 stars.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 29, 2025
Wow! This is my first book by this author but I immediately will be going out to get the rest. A superb Irish crime detective thriller.
This story is told from 3 different POV-the two female detectives and Gemma, an influencer whose brother went missing years before and his body has just washed up on the shore.
The plot was pacy but still had a lot of depth to the characters and the central and connected mysteries were well plotted and kept me turning the pages. Was surprised by the resolution and the tension was delicately layered so I had to keep reading.
Really loved both detectives and their deep friendship and although I found Gemma’s chapter’s difficult to read (DV trigger warning), they were superbly written. Emotional and heart breaking.
Loved. Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin for the ARC to review.
This story is told from 3 different POV-the two female detectives and Gemma, an influencer whose brother went missing years before and his body has just washed up on the shore.
The plot was pacy but still had a lot of depth to the characters and the central and connected mysteries were well plotted and kept me turning the pages. Was surprised by the resolution and the tension was delicately layered so I had to keep reading.
Really loved both detectives and their deep friendship and although I found Gemma’s chapter’s difficult to read (DV trigger warning), they were superbly written. Emotional and heart breaking.
Loved. Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin for the ARC to review.
September 20, 2025
3.5 stars.
Such good characters and a good storyline. I wasn't itching to pick up the book and finish the book, potentially because I knew the ending from the start or an absolute exact idea from the start. Still, this book was very good.
Gemma, I was routing for her the whole book. I knew from the beginning, he had made her believe she killed him. Portrayed domestic abuse victims very well, showing how they believe it is impossible to leave and that the perpetrator makes them believe they can't leave or they will ruin their lives in some way.
Conleth, if you have no haters, I'm dead. Knew he was guilty of all murders from the get go.
Loved the guards, loved their side of the story, loved their bond, loved how real it all felt. I was happy to read in another review their is other books with Niamh and Laura in it. Will be put on my wishlist.
Such good characters and a good storyline. I wasn't itching to pick up the book and finish the book, potentially because I knew the ending from the start or an absolute exact idea from the start. Still, this book was very good.
Gemma, I was routing for her the whole book. I knew from the beginning, he had made her believe she killed him. Portrayed domestic abuse victims very well, showing how they believe it is impossible to leave and that the perpetrator makes them believe they can't leave or they will ruin their lives in some way.
Conleth, if you have no haters, I'm dead. Knew he was guilty of all murders from the get go.
Loved the guards, loved their side of the story, loved their bond, loved how real it all felt. I was happy to read in another review their is other books with Niamh and Laura in it. Will be put on my wishlist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 9, 2025My first time reading this author and unfortunately didn’t do it for me. Found it really predictable, not enough context for the backstory I think the author was trying to tell. All in all felt a bit tropey and contrived.
September 17, 2025
I hadn't realised until I had actually finished the book that this is the third in the Shaw & Darmordy series. The author is so skilled at filling in any back story that I had no idea there were previous novels, although I now need to read those too!
Gemma Fitzgerald is an influencer whose online life looks perfect: with a beautiful house, glamorous photos, a doting husband, and a young son, Ferdia. But eighteen years ago, her brother Max disappeared on the night of his 21st birthday. It was believed that he took his own life. Then his body is discoverd washed up on the shore locally and questions begin: was it suicide after all, or has something far more sinister been hidden, for all this time?
Detectives Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody are called in to unravel what really happened. As the truth is clawed out from the past, Gemma’s own secrets threaten to undo the image she has built so carefully.
One of the greatest strengths in this novel is how the setting feels so perfectly real. Dún Laoghaire; the harbour, the yacht clubs, the darkness of hidden secrets, almost becomes almost a character in its own right. It feels as though it's all gloss and glamour on the surface, with darkness hidden deeper - much like Gemma's life really.
I've always been a fan of multiple narratives and the reader follows Gemma, and also the two detectives; Laura and Niamh. This enables the reader to see various aspects of the case from different sides which always adds some depth. Shaw & Darmody are compelling with clear personalities and believable flaws. Gemma’s guilt is tangible and her relationship with young Ferdia makes the reader back her all of the way. And Gemma’s husband is really well created, if diabolical; his behaviour and his manipulations are emotionally distressing but realistic.
The Night I Killed Him is a multi layered, intelligent thriller that asks more than just 'who did it? We think about the lies that we build around ourselves, what happens when those lies start to unravel, and whether redemption is possible when guilt has held you in its grip for nearly two decades.
I couldn’t put it down by the end; I cared about Gemma, I wanted to know what Laura & Niamh discovered, and I ended the book with a mix of emotions. Recommended
Gemma Fitzgerald is an influencer whose online life looks perfect: with a beautiful house, glamorous photos, a doting husband, and a young son, Ferdia. But eighteen years ago, her brother Max disappeared on the night of his 21st birthday. It was believed that he took his own life. Then his body is discoverd washed up on the shore locally and questions begin: was it suicide after all, or has something far more sinister been hidden, for all this time?
Detectives Laura Shaw and Niamh Darmody are called in to unravel what really happened. As the truth is clawed out from the past, Gemma’s own secrets threaten to undo the image she has built so carefully.
One of the greatest strengths in this novel is how the setting feels so perfectly real. Dún Laoghaire; the harbour, the yacht clubs, the darkness of hidden secrets, almost becomes almost a character in its own right. It feels as though it's all gloss and glamour on the surface, with darkness hidden deeper - much like Gemma's life really.
I've always been a fan of multiple narratives and the reader follows Gemma, and also the two detectives; Laura and Niamh. This enables the reader to see various aspects of the case from different sides which always adds some depth. Shaw & Darmody are compelling with clear personalities and believable flaws. Gemma’s guilt is tangible and her relationship with young Ferdia makes the reader back her all of the way. And Gemma’s husband is really well created, if diabolical; his behaviour and his manipulations are emotionally distressing but realistic.
The Night I Killed Him is a multi layered, intelligent thriller that asks more than just 'who did it? We think about the lies that we build around ourselves, what happens when those lies start to unravel, and whether redemption is possible when guilt has held you in its grip for nearly two decades.
I couldn’t put it down by the end; I cared about Gemma, I wanted to know what Laura & Niamh discovered, and I ended the book with a mix of emotions. Recommended
June 20, 2025
The Night I Killed Him by Gill Perdue is an absolutely phenomenal read. As the third book in the series, it somehow manages to surpass the previous two, no small feat! The character development of Laura and Niamh throughout the series has been one of the most compelling arcs I’ve followed, and this installment brought even more depth to their stories.
What really stood out to me in this book was Gemma’s point of view. It was utterly heartbreaking and eye-opening. Her storyline, particularly the insights into her social media presence, was both chilling and thought-provoking. It really made me reflect on the dangers of parasocial relationships and the contrast between online perfection and real-life struggles. Just because someone seems to have it all doesn't mean they aren’t going through something heavy behind the scenes.
Even though the reader knows who the killer is, the tension doesn’t let up for a second. Watching the investigation unfold and the police piece things together had me on edge the entire time. Gill Perdue masterfully maintains suspense and emotion in every chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves character-driven thrillers with emotional depth and gripping tension. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!
What really stood out to me in this book was Gemma’s point of view. It was utterly heartbreaking and eye-opening. Her storyline, particularly the insights into her social media presence, was both chilling and thought-provoking. It really made me reflect on the dangers of parasocial relationships and the contrast between online perfection and real-life struggles. Just because someone seems to have it all doesn't mean they aren’t going through something heavy behind the scenes.
Even though the reader knows who the killer is, the tension doesn’t let up for a second. Watching the investigation unfold and the police piece things together had me on edge the entire time. Gill Perdue masterfully maintains suspense and emotion in every chapter.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves character-driven thrillers with emotional depth and gripping tension. Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!
April 18, 2025
This was a fast paced, multi layered, action packed triller, with a truly terrifying villain.
What starts out as a missing persons case quickly turns into a murder case when body of ‘golden boy’ Max Fitzgerald floats to the surface of the sea tangled in rope.
Our story focuses on Laura and Niamh, two detectives with the Garda Síorchana, brought in to find Max’s killer. Through the investigation they meet Max’s younger sister Gemma, a successful influencer. Although her perfect online life might not actually reflect reality, and does she actually know more about what happened to her brother than she is letting on.
Laura and Niamh’s characters are well developed and likeable. They drive the plot forward towards an ultimate showdown. Can good overcome evil?
With twists and turns I didn’t see coming, this book had me turning the pages so fast to find out what happens next. A definite must read for triller lovers.
With thanks to Penguin General UK for a much appreciated early copy.
What starts out as a missing persons case quickly turns into a murder case when body of ‘golden boy’ Max Fitzgerald floats to the surface of the sea tangled in rope.
Our story focuses on Laura and Niamh, two detectives with the Garda Síorchana, brought in to find Max’s killer. Through the investigation they meet Max’s younger sister Gemma, a successful influencer. Although her perfect online life might not actually reflect reality, and does she actually know more about what happened to her brother than she is letting on.
Laura and Niamh’s characters are well developed and likeable. They drive the plot forward towards an ultimate showdown. Can good overcome evil?
With twists and turns I didn’t see coming, this book had me turning the pages so fast to find out what happens next. A definite must read for triller lovers.
With thanks to Penguin General UK for a much appreciated early copy.
July 10, 2025
Gemma’s world is ready to implode when her brother’s body washes up on a beach. He disappeared years earlier and everyone assumed what had happened. Only Gemma knows the truth and with the police beating down she finds everything hanging by a thread.
This was my first book by this author so o didn’t know what to expect but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. The writing is very well done, feeling atmospheric and compelling. The plot is interesting and multilayered and slowly twists and turns to the conclusion. However I did find that was also my only issue with the story, it started slow and took a long while to get going. Even so this is a solid story and I can see a lot of people appreciating it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This was my first book by this author so o didn’t know what to expect but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. The writing is very well done, feeling atmospheric and compelling. The plot is interesting and multilayered and slowly twists and turns to the conclusion. However I did find that was also my only issue with the story, it started slow and took a long while to get going. Even so this is a solid story and I can see a lot of people appreciating it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
March 20, 2025
I really enjoyed the relationship between Niamh and Laura.
It seemed a really solid base for the whole book. Along with the rest of their lives. There was drama there, but they weren't dragging SO much baggage around that it becomes the focus of the whole book.
There were some real cringe inducing moments here for me, both in a horrified way at the way some people were treated, also in the way an influencer was promoted as celebrity friend .
Pace picks up nicely towards the end, I was turning pages so fast.
Great story, hope we see more of these two.
It seemed a really solid base for the whole book. Along with the rest of their lives. There was drama there, but they weren't dragging SO much baggage around that it becomes the focus of the whole book.
There were some real cringe inducing moments here for me, both in a horrified way at the way some people were treated, also in the way an influencer was promoted as celebrity friend .
Pace picks up nicely towards the end, I was turning pages so fast.
Great story, hope we see more of these two.
March 22, 2025
I’ve loved Gill Perdue’s writing ever since The Interview (aka If I Tell).
Laura and Niamh are one of my favourite cop double acts. Gill Perdue crafts her novels with a sensitivity and humanity rare in crime fiction. This time it’s the a body washed up on the beach, the body of a man last seen eighteen years ago. The man’s sister Gemma is a successful influencer and may be the key to the mystery.
Great character writing and original plotting, as always from Gill Perdue who really deserved to be much better known.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General
Laura and Niamh are one of my favourite cop double acts. Gill Perdue crafts her novels with a sensitivity and humanity rare in crime fiction. This time it’s the a body washed up on the beach, the body of a man last seen eighteen years ago. The man’s sister Gemma is a successful influencer and may be the key to the mystery.
Great character writing and original plotting, as always from Gill Perdue who really deserved to be much better known.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General
April 20, 2025
A twisty thriller that explores the dark side of marriage. Gemma’s brother Max went missing years ago one night when she was a young teenager. Since then she has married his best friend and has a beloved son and a great career as an influencer. But under the surface lies the truth of what the glitz & glamour hides. Now the body of Max has surfaced and with it the memories and fears of what happened that night. Two brilliant detectives are brought in to uncover the truth. A gripping read. Thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2025
Despite the tragic loss of her brother 18 years ago, influencer Gemma Fitzgerald has created an enviable life for herself, which includes a young child. But it is all put at risk after the unexpected discovery of her brother Max's body, all these years later.
Because the truth is, Gemma knows a lot more about Max's death than she should - and a lot more than she has ever admitted to, as well...
A gripping and well written story, this Irish thriller is your time. It gets 3. 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Because the truth is, Gemma knows a lot more about Max's death than she should - and a lot more than she has ever admitted to, as well...
A gripping and well written story, this Irish thriller is your time. It gets 3. 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 11, 2025
The world of beloved influencer, Gemma Fitzgerald, seems ready to implode when the body of her brother, Max – who disappeared 18 years earlier – is washed up on a beach. Everyone thought Max had taken his own life the night of his twenty-first birthday party, but Gemma knows the truth – she is responsible for Max’s disappearance.
This is a great read. Well paced and the story and characters draw you in, making it difficult to put down. Although I'm not a fan, the multiple points of view work well and are easy to follow.
This is a great read. Well paced and the story and characters draw you in, making it difficult to put down. Although I'm not a fan, the multiple points of view work well and are easy to follow.
July 21, 2025
'The Night I Killed Him' by Gill Perdue is my first acquaintance with the investigating duo of Laura Shaw and Niamh Dermody and it is definitely not my last as I really enjoyed the team dynamic between them. This missing person mystery is set in Dún Laoghaire and told in multiple POV's, namely of Laura, Niamh and Gemma. Gemma is a well known influencer. Her missing brother Max's body appears in the harbour after 16 years and soon the investigation changes into a murder hunt which culminates in a nailbiting finish.
The book is very well written and the characters are likeable. Some tough issues are woven into the storyline so check the trigger warnings.
If you are looking for an unputdownable thriller for your summer reading list - this is it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
The book is very well written and the characters are likeable. Some tough issues are woven into the storyline so check the trigger warnings.
If you are looking for an unputdownable thriller for your summer reading list - this is it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
July 22, 2025
Absolutely fantastic.....I stayed up a lot of the night and woke again at 6 a.m.to finish this wonderful story. Something that I have not done since I was 15 for Gone with the Wind. ( A mouse had eaten a huge hole through the centre of that hard copied book of Gone with the Wind and I read around the hole, luckily the hole decreased in size as the story went on!).... Anyway, I loved this smart and discerning crime thriller that is so compelling. The characters are so well drawn , the plot twists, and it is beautifully balanced with lots to think about besides the crime. I love it.
March 23, 2025
A fast paced thriller, both crime procedural and domestic due to its multi POV approach. There was an uneasiness throughout this book, every time Gemma’s POV came around it felt claustrophobic and restless. From the beginning you might think you know what happened that fateful night 18 years previously, but it's so much more complex than you could imagine.
Thank you so much to Penguin Books for the proof in exchange for my review!
Thank you so much to Penguin Books for the proof in exchange for my review!
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December 1, 2025Can't really explain why I disliked this book so much.
Endless amount of quite boring people / characters.
Most of the book was full of tiresome dialogue, endless half sentences.
I won't go on about how much I had to use my Kindle dictionary.
Not sure I'll attempt another book by Gill Perdue, enough already. I've read one of her books before when was a bit better than this, not much better, only a little. That book was "If I Tell"
I'm quite disappointed.
Endless amount of quite boring people / characters.
Most of the book was full of tiresome dialogue, endless half sentences.
I won't go on about how much I had to use my Kindle dictionary.
Not sure I'll attempt another book by Gill Perdue, enough already. I've read one of her books before when was a bit better than this, not much better, only a little. That book was "If I Tell"
I'm quite disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
I’d give it 10 if I could. It was truly a great read. Chapters just the right length. Pace quickening all the way through to fever pitch as the last 100 or so pages turned nearly faster than I could read them.
Gill you really aced it! Thank you so much. And Laura and Niamh… what great characters. All the more likeable with imperfections.
Can’t wait to meet them again
Gill you really aced it! Thank you so much. And Laura and Niamh… what great characters. All the more likeable with imperfections.
Can’t wait to meet them again
November 7, 2025
I read this because it was set in Ireland, and thought it was a standalone (which was annoying, because I always read books in order). It was very painful to read about Gemma's awful situation. I won't be reading any more because of the REALLY tiresome dialogue where nobody finishes a sentence and they all sound like they stammer.
July 21, 2025
Rated up from 3.5. Some parts are obvious but some incredible writing in terms of some of the Marriage and their situation.
Ending was very good and kept you reading to find out what happened
Ending was very good and kept you reading to find out what happened
August 3, 2025
literally read this on the plane back from ireland to chicago and finished it. sooooo irish i loved the ireland slang. i was flying through the last couple chapters. so good
August 23, 2025
Had me hooked from the beginning, I would definitely recommend this book
August 23, 2025
Took a while to get into.
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