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Hudson and Connolly #1
Deadly Sleep
Nicola Connolly is a nurse. She is also a serial killer. She kills neatly, three victims every six months, moving around the UK, hiding in plain sight. Everything goes according to plan until she moves to Bath. Because in Bath the police are hunting a serial killer who kills and tortures his victims. A psychic connection develops between the two killers, Nicola sees him and what he does to his victims in her nightmares.She is starting to lose control and she really can't afford to do that. In an attempt to break the link, to have the other killer caught, Nicola goes to the police with what she knows. But can she help them without exposing herself? A serial killer and a burnt out policeman - can they really work together to stop him? And at what cost?
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Valerie Keogh
85 books1,002 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 15, 2026
I've read many of Keogh's (standalone) psychological thrillers over time, but never a series. Deadly Sleep changed that in an instant...
It's the first book in the Hudson & Connolly series and I couldn't get enough of it. A few chapters in and that was me, plans cancelled and phone on silent. I was hooked!
I went in blind without giving myself a blurb recap, and I'm so glad I did because I had no idea what was imminent or where we were heading.
The gritty narrative hit the ground running, and from then on in just got faster. Suspense was through the roof, and the tension ticked. It had me on tenterhooks, and then some!
Easily investible characters made the plot what it was, and I'm already excited to see where we go with them in future books.
Love, love, loved it!
It's the first book in the Hudson & Connolly series and I couldn't get enough of it. A few chapters in and that was me, plans cancelled and phone on silent. I was hooked!
I went in blind without giving myself a blurb recap, and I'm so glad I did because I had no idea what was imminent or where we were heading.
The gritty narrative hit the ground running, and from then on in just got faster. Suspense was through the roof, and the tension ticked. It had me on tenterhooks, and then some!
Easily investible characters made the plot what it was, and I'm already excited to see where we go with them in future books.
Love, love, loved it!
October 9, 2017
This story keeps you gripped from the first pages. As soon as you read how 5-year-old Nicola treats the doll her mum gives her, you realise that this is no ordinary child. Nicola grows up and becomes a nurse, working in old people's homes, to feed a certain need inside her. But the story has a twist - girls are being murdered, and Nicola must help the police to find out who the culprit is.
This is a gritty narrative which shows both sides of the story - the psychopath, her dark thoughts, what makes her commit her crimes, and the policeman, his weariness as the months pass and he is no closer to solving the case, having to put up with bickering among his team, the worry that his boss will remove him from the case. There is great interaction between all the characters, and the ending doesn't disappoint. If you like psychological thrillers, you'll love this book!
This is a gritty narrative which shows both sides of the story - the psychopath, her dark thoughts, what makes her commit her crimes, and the policeman, his weariness as the months pass and he is no closer to solving the case, having to put up with bickering among his team, the worry that his boss will remove him from the case. There is great interaction between all the characters, and the ending doesn't disappoint. If you like psychological thrillers, you'll love this book!
October 25, 2026
I have read bits and pieces by this author before, but I was so excited to see that this book was the start of an exciting new series featuring Hudson and Connolly.
Now, as you know, I always go into my reads blind so that I can go in with no prior judgement or expectations.
However, when I see a crime writer and series header like this, I thought it was safe to assume that this would be a new crime fighting police duo?
Imagine my joy to discover the connection is much more sinister.
I loved that we were gripped by the first chapter throwing us right in at the deep end.
There was no easing us in gently here and I loved that.
As heinous as it is, I actually loved the fact that we're following someone as morally grey as Nicola is and I think I felt a little justified being happy that she was plagued by the dreams she was having.
But there's certainly much more to this than it first seemed.
Credit to her for going to the police and I just think this is such a refreshing combination for fighting crime.
I loved meeting our new characters and exploring how their minds worked - I guess it's like anything, the best people to solve murders are those who can really put themselves inside the mind of the suspects.
I was completely hooked from the start and really enjoyed the storyline that kept me guessing pretty much the whole way through.
The characters were really relatable and interesting and I'm sure that we'll be learning much more about them over the course of the series.
I already have the second book to dive straight on into and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Now, as you know, I always go into my reads blind so that I can go in with no prior judgement or expectations.
However, when I see a crime writer and series header like this, I thought it was safe to assume that this would be a new crime fighting police duo?
Imagine my joy to discover the connection is much more sinister.
I loved that we were gripped by the first chapter throwing us right in at the deep end.
There was no easing us in gently here and I loved that.
As heinous as it is, I actually loved the fact that we're following someone as morally grey as Nicola is and I think I felt a little justified being happy that she was plagued by the dreams she was having.
But there's certainly much more to this than it first seemed.
Credit to her for going to the police and I just think this is such a refreshing combination for fighting crime.
I loved meeting our new characters and exploring how their minds worked - I guess it's like anything, the best people to solve murders are those who can really put themselves inside the mind of the suspects.
I was completely hooked from the start and really enjoyed the storyline that kept me guessing pretty much the whole way through.
The characters were really relatable and interesting and I'm sure that we'll be learning much more about them over the course of the series.
I already have the second book to dive straight on into and I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
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October 25, 2026I’m Hooked on Hudson & Connolly!
Nurse by day, serial killer for 14 years, Nicola’s perfect control shatters when a psychic link forces her to live another killer’s brutal crimes in her sleep. Valerie Keogh and Rose Robinson are, as always and in all ways, flawless – twisty, dark and worth an Audible credit or every penny of the $14+ I paid. I’m excited to say I’ve accumulated quite a collection of their books. Grab these two and start a new series now. You can thank me later. Epic, indeed!
💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥
Nurse by day, serial killer for 14 years, Nicola’s perfect control shatters when a psychic link forces her to live another killer’s brutal crimes in her sleep. Valerie Keogh and Rose Robinson are, as always and in all ways, flawless – twisty, dark and worth an Audible credit or every penny of the $14+ I paid. I’m excited to say I’ve accumulated quite a collection of their books. Grab these two and start a new series now. You can thank me later. Epic, indeed!
💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥
March 17, 2018
Riveting
I've rarely read a book which has held me so riveted and without a clue as to the 'bad' guy until the end. The descriptions of the characters really allowed a sense of immersion in the unfolding story. Got this book free from Amazon; will definitely be purchasing the next book in the series.
I've rarely read a book which has held me so riveted and without a clue as to the 'bad' guy until the end. The descriptions of the characters really allowed a sense of immersion in the unfolding story. Got this book free from Amazon; will definitely be purchasing the next book in the series.
October 27, 2026
I was offered the chance to read this as part of a blog tour, and I’m so glad I decided to take part! Having read several of Valerie Keogh’s other novels, I went into Deadly Sleep with big expectations, and it did not disappoint. The main character, Nicola is a psychopath. She becomes intertwined with a local serial killer investigation, whilst hiding some very dark secrets of her own.
Really enjoyed it, loved the pacing, easy to read, and as always, looking forward to reading more from this author.
Really enjoyed it, loved the pacing, easy to read, and as always, looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 20, 2023
A brilliantly written book! Frustrating, exciting and creepy! A perfect combination. Looking forward to the second book.
July 15, 2015
As I read almost everything that comes under my fingers... Deadly Sleep was a book that hooked me from the start. What bothered me a little was, that the first part of the book is written in first person, but as Nicola grows older, the story is presented in third person, but I got used to that as the story is really good.
Valerie Keohg wrote the main characther - the psychopath Nicola very well and altought you speculate much during the story... basically what you find out is that your speculations were all wrong... or at least most of them...
Defenitely next Nicola Connolly Novel is on my list...
Valerie Keohg wrote the main characther - the psychopath Nicola very well and altought you speculate much during the story... basically what you find out is that your speculations were all wrong... or at least most of them...
Defenitely next Nicola Connolly Novel is on my list...
October 17, 2016
too weird for my taste
October 25, 2026
First in the Hudson and Connolly series and it is a dark, twisted crime thriller with a seriously intriguing premise that immediately caught my attention!
Nicola Connolly is a nurse who has spent fourteen years hiding a very dark secret. Behind her caring, professional exterior lies a serial killer who has been getting away with murder. But when she begins experiencing terrifying nightmares about a sadistic killer known as Picasso, her carefully controlled world starts to unravel. As the nightmares begin to reveal details of real-life murders, Nicola finds herself drawn into a dangerous game with the police, desperately trying to stop another killer without exposing her own secrets!
What I loved about this story is how different the premise is. Having a serial killer at the centre of the story, rather than simply following the police investigation, adds a fascinating psychological element. Nicola is such a morally complex character, and the strange connection between her and Picasso brings an unsettling, almost supernatural edge to the plot. The way Picasso is found out is completely different to anything I’ve read before - with you either going to love it or hate it! The ending has made me excited to jump into book two of this series and find out what’s next for Nicola!
Nicola Connolly is a nurse who has spent fourteen years hiding a very dark secret. Behind her caring, professional exterior lies a serial killer who has been getting away with murder. But when she begins experiencing terrifying nightmares about a sadistic killer known as Picasso, her carefully controlled world starts to unravel. As the nightmares begin to reveal details of real-life murders, Nicola finds herself drawn into a dangerous game with the police, desperately trying to stop another killer without exposing her own secrets!
What I loved about this story is how different the premise is. Having a serial killer at the centre of the story, rather than simply following the police investigation, adds a fascinating psychological element. Nicola is such a morally complex character, and the strange connection between her and Picasso brings an unsettling, almost supernatural edge to the plot. The way Picasso is found out is completely different to anything I’ve read before - with you either going to love it or hate it! The ending has made me excited to jump into book two of this series and find out what’s next for Nicola!
December 27, 2021
A burned out detective sergeant in Bath, England, crosses paths with a female serial killer plying her trade as a nurse in homes for the aged. He’s working a completely different case when she turns up as a possible witness with a psychic connection to a serial killer who excels at torturing his victims. Her connection to the serial killer causes her to nearly lose control of her neat, tightly constructed life and she can’t have that because it will interfere with her own mission. Can a serial killer really work with the police? If so, what are the costs?
At first, I was intrigued by this plot. It reminded me a bit of Dexter, except the female serial killer isn’t near as likeable or noble in her calling. She just likes to kill. The cop was interesting. Jaded, but still trying to keep it together and do the right thing. I did enjoy watching the team work the case, but the plot was too dark and depressing to me. The ending was a surprise. I don’t think I’ll read more in this series (although I did like the author’s writing style and understand that she has a series featuring Dublin cops and I might give that a go).
January 30, 2022
Oh Wow this book left my heart pounding.
So so so creepy.
Book one set in Bathwick, Bath City, Somerset, DI matt Foley and DS Tom Hudson have a serial killer on their patch, four women's bodies and this monster means business.
Nicola Connolly is an ordinary nursing student but never stays in the same nursing home for more than six months moving from town to town its so easy they are always looking for staff, but what is her back ground she does not cause any bother and is a good nurse, she is living two lives an evil psychopath born to kill, and suffers nightmares that makes her walk into the police station and confess to them before they even happen, is this woman normal? the crew soon find out.
this book is so creepy, very dark and so mind-blowing that give me chills about Nicola who is very clever in both work and play, I just had to keep reading till the more incredible ending that I just did not expect at all and made me want to just jump inside the book. once again wow loved it.
So so so creepy.
Book one set in Bathwick, Bath City, Somerset, DI matt Foley and DS Tom Hudson have a serial killer on their patch, four women's bodies and this monster means business.
Nicola Connolly is an ordinary nursing student but never stays in the same nursing home for more than six months moving from town to town its so easy they are always looking for staff, but what is her back ground she does not cause any bother and is a good nurse, she is living two lives an evil psychopath born to kill, and suffers nightmares that makes her walk into the police station and confess to them before they even happen, is this woman normal? the crew soon find out.
this book is so creepy, very dark and so mind-blowing that give me chills about Nicola who is very clever in both work and play, I just had to keep reading till the more incredible ending that I just did not expect at all and made me want to just jump inside the book. once again wow loved it.
August 9, 2023
A gripping suspense thriller
Oops! A fair number of errors that brought the rating down a peg but other than that it should be a 5* rating. A great storyline that picked up pace once I had read the numerous chapters finding out about Nicola. It's certainly creepy with the paranormal element in the book and it kept DI Foley and his team flummoxed! It had the right amount of twists that intrigued me keeping me fully engaged and thoroughly entertained throughout. Couldn't wait to found out how it would conclude....but at the same time not wanting it to end! I look forward to reading book two in the series.
Oops! A fair number of errors that brought the rating down a peg but other than that it should be a 5* rating. A great storyline that picked up pace once I had read the numerous chapters finding out about Nicola. It's certainly creepy with the paranormal element in the book and it kept DI Foley and his team flummoxed! It had the right amount of twists that intrigued me keeping me fully engaged and thoroughly entertained throughout. Couldn't wait to found out how it would conclude....but at the same time not wanting it to end! I look forward to reading book two in the series.
May 22, 2024
Took an age for me to read but enjoyed it
I would like to give this 3.5 but unfortunately I'm unable to give half stars. The mystery of this whole premise was very intriguing Nicola is a serial killer nursing home nurse and now somehow physic and of course it's set in the UK so I needed to read it. It's another that's been sitting in my kindle tbr for too long. I have had trouble getting through this though every time I pick it up to read I'm fine and need to learn more about where it was leading unfortunately when I put it down for whatever reason I wasn't drawn to pick it back up hence the 3.5 stars and the entire month to read
I would like to give this 3.5 but unfortunately I'm unable to give half stars. The mystery of this whole premise was very intriguing Nicola is a serial killer nursing home nurse and now somehow physic and of course it's set in the UK so I needed to read it. It's another that's been sitting in my kindle tbr for too long. I have had trouble getting through this though every time I pick it up to read I'm fine and need to learn more about where it was leading unfortunately when I put it down for whatever reason I wasn't drawn to pick it back up hence the 3.5 stars and the entire month to read
March 27, 2022
I'm going to start by saying it took me so long to finish this book and I have no idea why. I love this genre, the storyline was okay, the characters were fine, there was just something that kept me from absorbing the story and capturing my attention. The ending was a surprise, Matt Foley was one of the characters that kept me reading. The serial killer was meh, she was quite dull and annoying. I got behind why the police disliked her. All in all, it had a decent storyline. If you like a crime/murder story then it could be a book for you.
Review of advance copy
This book gripped me from the first pages. We are introduced to Nicola age five who got a doll as a gift from her mother and what Nicola does too the doll is disturbing. You can tell something is not quite right. Nicola grows up to become a nurse who does so too feed her needs. But there is a serial killer twist. I found the book to be a uniquely thought provoking read from the psychopaths POV. It's gritty and dirty. The narrative is well done. We have a weary police officer and a seriously disturbed killers.
October 23, 2026
Very interesting concept and reminded me of a film called Fear. Nicola's 'gift' is a quirky but disturbing one.
She's an unpleasant person but her role in this is important. I thought for a moment that maybe her gift were karmas way of balancing things. However, it's not that easy and certainly not something that causes any kind of empathy or guilt really.
The police are stumped but things shift courtesy of the gift! It makes for an interesting read and very suspenseful.
You can't help but love to hate Nicola, and you just can't help but want to follow her travels.
She's an unpleasant person but her role in this is important. I thought for a moment that maybe her gift were karmas way of balancing things. However, it's not that easy and certainly not something that causes any kind of empathy or guilt really.
The police are stumped but things shift courtesy of the gift! It makes for an interesting read and very suspenseful.
You can't help but love to hate Nicola, and you just can't help but want to follow her travels.
October 25, 2026
A new author to me but I’m all in book 2 being reviewed soon and books 3 and 4 are on preorder.
Nicola is such a chilling character, I’ve always been fascinated with the ‘Evil’ personality killers and this was done really well. A great plot with interesting characters, I was gripped from start to finish and read it within 12 hours (only sleep stopped me for a few hours😂)
I didn’t realise it was a series when I first started but I’m so glad it is, I loved Tom and want to know more about him.
Nicola is such a chilling character, I’ve always been fascinated with the ‘Evil’ personality killers and this was done really well. A great plot with interesting characters, I was gripped from start to finish and read it within 12 hours (only sleep stopped me for a few hours😂)
I didn’t realise it was a series when I first started but I’m so glad it is, I loved Tom and want to know more about him.
January 15, 2018
Very choppy
This story had an interesting plot but you don't really get to the plot for quite a while. The editing was not fabulous. The proofreading also a problem. I ended up really enjoying parts of the book but it was a strange one. I almost feel like she started with one book and switched to another. It was not smooth.
This story had an interesting plot but you don't really get to the plot for quite a while. The editing was not fabulous. The proofreading also a problem. I ended up really enjoying parts of the book but it was a strange one. I almost feel like she started with one book and switched to another. It was not smooth.
November 9, 2022
Brilliant book -again!,,
I was beginning to wonder how the attachment would work out between the serial killer and Nicola! Wow how brilliant was the twist! One of the best books I’ve read lately! The depressed Matt did get a little tedious but this story is so superb it didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all. Can’t wait to read book two. This author is one of the very best!
I was beginning to wonder how the attachment would work out between the serial killer and Nicola! Wow how brilliant was the twist! One of the best books I’ve read lately! The depressed Matt did get a little tedious but this story is so superb it didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all. Can’t wait to read book two. This author is one of the very best!
February 3, 2025
Disappointing
The Dublin Murder were great books but I'm not a fan of this new series - a bit too macabre for me and not as well written. They lack the domestic edge that made the Dublin series so engaging. I was disappointed with this book , the central character is just a bit too malignant for me.
The Dublin Murder were great books but I'm not a fan of this new series - a bit too macabre for me and not as well written. They lack the domestic edge that made the Dublin series so engaging. I was disappointed with this book , the central character is just a bit too malignant for me.
March 9, 2018
My 4.5 * Review of "Deadly Sleep" by Valerie Dickenson AKA Keogh.
I have been finding crime fiction becoming a bit samey, this is a refreshing change, Plenty of drama and ongoing plots to keep everyone involved. I will be trying the next in this |Hudson and Connolly series.
I have been finding crime fiction becoming a bit samey, this is a refreshing change, Plenty of drama and ongoing plots to keep everyone involved. I will be trying the next in this |Hudson and Connolly series.
April 15, 2020
I read this, the first book, after the rest of the books in Valerie's series because I was intrigued to know the characters back story. I was not disappointed. A book of evil intent, nightmarish nights and a satisfying conclusion. I recommend.
June 18, 2021
Wow, what a ride
An unusual storyline wrapped up in a well written crime thriller. Was already intrigued by the blurb, and the book didn't disappoint. Looking forward to reading the next in the series
An unusual storyline wrapped up in a well written crime thriller. Was already intrigued by the blurb, and the book didn't disappoint. Looking forward to reading the next in the series
September 1, 2023
Excellent read
Although I was slightly out off from reading this book by reviews mentioning the bad grammar and errors I was unsure what to expect. I needn't have worried, thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more.
Although I was slightly out off from reading this book by reviews mentioning the bad grammar and errors I was unsure what to expect. I needn't have worried, thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more.
April 21, 2024
Good read
Really enjoy reading Valerie Keogh books and enjoyed this one, but it is my least favourite out of the books I’ve read. Story was quite predictable and there were quite a lot of spelling and punctuation errors, but still interesting story
Really enjoy reading Valerie Keogh books and enjoyed this one, but it is my least favourite out of the books I’ve read. Story was quite predictable and there were quite a lot of spelling and punctuation errors, but still interesting story
October 29, 2026
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it!
A nurse that’s a serial killer?! Yes!!
And the way this one started out? So creepy! I just knew I would enjoy it.
I enjoyed the characters and storyline for this one. I think it’s a solid read overall and a great foundation for a series!
Thank you zooloo book tours for the advanced reader copy!
A nurse that’s a serial killer?! Yes!!
And the way this one started out? So creepy! I just knew I would enjoy it.
I enjoyed the characters and storyline for this one. I think it’s a solid read overall and a great foundation for a series!
Thank you zooloo book tours for the advanced reader copy!
March 7, 2018
Different
It was an interesting idea, writing from a serial killer point of view. The main character was well written and a real creepy sociopath.
It was an interesting idea, writing from a serial killer point of view. The main character was well written and a real creepy sociopath.
August 17, 2018
Well I’m not sure what to make of this, definitely creepy, a true odd combination of characters leading the story but definitely an intriguing read.
October 10, 2023
Great ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews