Lethal Leith Hill

by Helen Taylor

When one of DI Goodwin's team has to stop and help a fellow cyclist, at the top of Leith Hill in the heart of the Surrey Hills, she sees her aim for completing the 100 mile bike ride in a personal best time, destroyed. Forced to bring the rest of the team in, when a man emerges from the undergrowth covered in blood and collapses, DS Angela Phillips has to secure the crime scene angering thousands of cyclists intent on climbing Leith Hill.
After the team arrive and start to piece together the movements of those involved, DI Goodwin and DS Phillips head towards the tower, retracing the steps of the man. That leads them to discover a shocking scene, but no one can imagine the horror and shame hidden in the wild and beautiful Surrey Hills as the investigation unfolds.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2025

About the author

Helen Taylor is an Amazon Top 100 author whose debut, Thai Die, ranked #1 in International Mystery & Crime, #2 in Crime Thrillers and #2 in Traditional Detective Mysteries in the US Kindle Free Store, and reached the Top 5 in Crime Thrillers in the UK Kindle Free Store.

She writes the DI Matthew Goodwin series, blending psychological suspense with authentic UK crime fiction and international intrigue. Inspired by her travels and real‑world settings, Helen’s stories combine immersive atmosphere with emotionally resonant characters. Known for her meticulous craft and psychological depth, she creates crime fiction that grips readers from the first page to the last.

Reviews

[P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layered plot

There were some elements of the book I was less keen on: the telegraphing of some things that would develop later and also being told things by the narrator voice rather than finding out through the characters. These however did not stop me thoroughly enjoying the book - a nice layered plot that circled a few people before it closed in. A book I was able to relax with.

[Visionary Impart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Leith Hill is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller that pulls you in from its shocking opening and never lets go. Helen Taylor masterfully contrasts Surrey’s peaceful countryside with a dark, twisting investigation full of buried secrets and psychological tension. The partnership between DI Matthew Goodwin and DC Angela Phillips feels authentic and compelling, driving a layered mystery that keeps you guessing. With strong pacing, vivid setting, and a satisfyingly complex plot, this is a standout read for fans of character-driven British crime fiction.

[Tom Leverett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detective is one of the first on the scene, and we share her fascination with the blood-soaked guy stumbling out of the woods; more surprises follow in succession. We stick with the detectives as one after another different revelations keep rocking the picture. I liked everything about it: very contemporary, very British, very well-done characters, and interesting setting.

[Linda Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one pulled me in pretty quickly. The opening scene alone grabs your attention, and from there it settles into a steady investigation that keeps you interested.

What I liked most was the atmosphere. The setting really adds to the story, and there’s this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right under the surface. It’s more of a slow build than nonstop action, but that actually worked for me.

I also liked the dynamic between Goodwin and Phillips. It felt natural and added to the story without overcomplicating things.

It’s not a fast-paced thriller, so if you’re looking for something intense right away, this might feel a bit slower. But if you enjoy a mystery that takes its time and builds tension, this is a solid read.

[Francine Gerrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a gripping read! From the very first scene on Leith Hill, I was hooked. The tension, the mystery, and the way the story unfolded kept me glued to the pages. I loved how real the characters felt, especially DI Goodwin and DS Phillips their determination and humanity made the story even more powerful. Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a crime novel that doesn’t let you go until the last page!

[Bluesheedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a man covered in blood stumbles from the underbrush a body of a woman stabbed to death is discovered guarded by the blood covered man's dog. The police have three suspects: the blood covered man, the dead woman's husband and their neighbours wife.
Which one committed the murder? The dog knows.
Although I guessed the killer before I got half way through the book I found the plot and investigation interesting enough to read and enjoy through to the last page.

[Jagdish Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book mixes a calm rural setting with a tense and intriguing mystery. The opening scene is gripping, and from there the investigation slowly uncovers hidden secrets. The contrast between the beautiful landscape and the dark crime makes the story even more compelling. The detectives feel believable, and their teamwork keeps the case moving forward. The pacing is steady, building suspense without feeling rush.

[Benjamin Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Taylor has done it again, with a very immersive tale, that twists and turns keeping you second guessing yourself right the way through to the finish .The fourth in the series sees Matthew Goodwin back on home turf, with his team of detectives fighting their way through a plethora of deceit and deception, whodunnit? Who knows, I do now.

[Valencia Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lethal Leith Hill is a gripping and expertly paced addition to the DI Matthew Goodwin series. Helen Taylor delivers a tense, twist-filled mystery with compelling characters and a richly drawn setting that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Her sharp storytelling and attention to detail make this a standout crime thriller. An outstanding read for fans of the genre.

[Helen Taylor]

This is the fourth and the feedback from readers so far has been great. Its a bit more twisted and continues to be driven by the characters and their twisted lives. Don't forget my podcast to understand the story behind this one.