What do you think?
Rate this book
138 Main Street
AN ADDRESS TO DIE FOR…
There’s a killer on the loose. And he’s targeting one specific address—138 Main Street. The problem? There are over 7,000 Main Streets in the USA. And the police and FBI have no clue which one will be next.
For FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and his rookie colleague, Officer Zoe Hill, the pressure to solve the case is unimaginable. There aren’t enough police officers to cover every house, and vigilante residents are attacking anyone who rings their doorbell. Main Street might be one of America’s most popular addresses, but for those living at number 138, it comes down to fight or flight.
Then a manuscript is sent to the New York Times, purporting to be the manifesto of the “Main Street Killer” and demanding radical social change. As the effect of the terror campaign takes hold across the nation, Walker and Hill find themselves in a race against time to stop the killer. But with their target always several steps ahead, and almost 3,800,000 square miles of ground to cover, they’ll have to find him first…
There’s a killer on the loose. And he’s targeting one specific address—138 Main Street. The problem? There are over 7,000 Main Streets in the USA. And the police and FBI have no clue which one will be next.
For FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and his rookie colleague, Officer Zoe Hill, the pressure to solve the case is unimaginable. There aren’t enough police officers to cover every house, and vigilante residents are attacking anyone who rings their doorbell. Main Street might be one of America’s most popular addresses, but for those living at number 138, it comes down to fight or flight.
Then a manuscript is sent to the New York Times, purporting to be the manifesto of the “Main Street Killer” and demanding radical social change. As the effect of the terror campaign takes hold across the nation, Walker and Hill find themselves in a race against time to stop the killer. But with their target always several steps ahead, and almost 3,800,000 square miles of ground to cover, they’ll have to find him first…
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Gavin Bell
1 book55 followersGavin Bell is the author of 138 Main, published in 2026 by Simon & Schuster.
Under the pseudonym of Mason Cross, Gavin wrote the Carter Blake series of thrillers published by Orion. The first, The Killing Season, was published in 2014 and was longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. It was followed by four further novels in the series, including the Richard and Judy Book Club selection, The Samaritan. He has also written standalone thrillers as Alex Knight, including Hunted and Darkness Falls.
He lives in Glasgow with his wife and three children.
Sign up for the Gavin Bell Readers Club for news and updates, and a free short story https://gavinbell.net/readers-club
Under the pseudonym of Mason Cross, Gavin wrote the Carter Blake series of thrillers published by Orion. The first, The Killing Season, was published in 2014 and was longlisted for the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. It was followed by four further novels in the series, including the Richard and Judy Book Club selection, The Samaritan. He has also written standalone thrillers as Alex Knight, including Hunted and Darkness Falls.
He lives in Glasgow with his wife and three children.
Sign up for the Gavin Bell Readers Club for news and updates, and a free short story https://gavinbell.net/readers-club
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
June 28, 2026
4.5 stars.
Gavin Bell's 138 Main breathes fresh life into the serial killer sub-genre by weaponizing a uniquely American geographical quirk.
Rather than hunting in a specific city, the antagonist(s) strikes victims across the United States who share one terrifying commonality: they live at number 138 Main Street.
By scaling a domestic thriller across thousands of identical addresses, Bell creates a massive nationwide investigation that feels both claustrophobic and infinite.
The novel avoids generic chase clichés by shifting focus to the psychological toll on everyday citizens waiting to see if their town is next.
At the center of the search is a stellar partnership between FBI Agent Ben Walker and intuitive police rookie Zoe Hill.
Gavin Bell demonstrates total mastery over pacing. It is a slick, cinematic, and deeply unsettling police procedural that turns a vast continent into a tight, inescapable locked-room mystery.
Highly recommend.
Gavin Bell's 138 Main breathes fresh life into the serial killer sub-genre by weaponizing a uniquely American geographical quirk.
Rather than hunting in a specific city, the antagonist(s) strikes victims across the United States who share one terrifying commonality: they live at number 138 Main Street.
By scaling a domestic thriller across thousands of identical addresses, Bell creates a massive nationwide investigation that feels both claustrophobic and infinite.
The novel avoids generic chase clichés by shifting focus to the psychological toll on everyday citizens waiting to see if their town is next.
At the center of the search is a stellar partnership between FBI Agent Ben Walker and intuitive police rookie Zoe Hill.
Gavin Bell demonstrates total mastery over pacing. It is a slick, cinematic, and deeply unsettling police procedural that turns a vast continent into a tight, inescapable locked-room mystery.
Highly recommend.
July 5, 2026
Really good book. Reads a bit like a documentary, but that isn't a bad thing ,given the subject matter. It would make a fantastic movie. Gavin Bell did very well on his own with this one..haha! Highly recommend this. 👍
May 28, 2026
When I read the synopsis for this book I knew I needed to read it., a killer who targets the residents of 138 Main Street. The biggest FBI investigation in America to try to stop this ruthless serial killer. How can you not want to read this?
There are over 7000 138 Main Streets in the USA, how on earth are they going to do this? A rookie cop and a seasoned special agent have their work cut out for them, no pressure right. I loved how Ben and Zoe teamed up, trusting each other’s instincts to work the case.
This is a fast paced, action packed book that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I would love to see more books with these characters. I loved the over enthusiastic analyst, Broadie, who was keen on the statistics and facts.
Thanks so much to Gallery Books for my early copy of this book to read on NetGalley and Likely Suspects in the UK who sent me a hardcover copy.
There are over 7000 138 Main Streets in the USA, how on earth are they going to do this? A rookie cop and a seasoned special agent have their work cut out for them, no pressure right. I loved how Ben and Zoe teamed up, trusting each other’s instincts to work the case.
This is a fast paced, action packed book that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I would love to see more books with these characters. I loved the over enthusiastic analyst, Broadie, who was keen on the statistics and facts.
Thanks so much to Gallery Books for my early copy of this book to read on NetGalley and Likely Suspects in the UK who sent me a hardcover copy.
July 13, 2026
‘An address to die for…‘ After a series of murders with a common thread, Special Agent Ben Walker teams up with a rookie police officer, Zoe Hill and Matt Brodie, an IT analyst. They begin to investigate a serial killer who is targeting people throughout the US who happen to live at 138 Main St. It becomes a number one priority to figure out where they will strike next.
If I were any of these people at living at these addresses, I would leave ASAP! No-brainer. And yet, it is more complicated than it would seem. And how will they protect the remaining occupants?
[Rating • 4/5 ⭐️]
I thought this was a clever and interesting story with characters I could root for. I especially enjoyed the pacing and short chapters, which kept me turning the pages.
And talk about an intense conclusion! Wow. I’d love to see Zoe and Agent Walker and Brodie continue on in a series.
CA | Contains some strong language, here and there primarily through the last half of the book. Violence and murder, to be aware of, but it’s not overly graphic.
If I were any of these people at living at these addresses, I would leave ASAP! No-brainer. And yet, it is more complicated than it would seem. And how will they protect the remaining occupants?
[Rating • 4/5 ⭐️]
I thought this was a clever and interesting story with characters I could root for. I especially enjoyed the pacing and short chapters, which kept me turning the pages.
And talk about an intense conclusion! Wow. I’d love to see Zoe and Agent Walker and Brodie continue on in a series.
CA | Contains some strong language, here and there primarily through the last half of the book. Violence and murder, to be aware of, but it’s not overly graphic.
May 10, 2026
138 Main Street follows FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and rookie Officer Zoe Hill on a case unlike any they’ve seen before. There is a killer on the loose. He has committed four murders in four weeks, with only one thing in common: the victims’ address. But there are over 7,000 Main Streets in the USA. And they have no clue which one will be next. With their target always several steps ahead, and every town in the country at imminent risk, the pressure is on Ben and Zoe to find him…
138 Main Street delivers chilling, unpredictable suspense from start to finish, and I was completely gripped throughout. Every chapter intensified the tension, leaving me constantly on edge and desperate to know what would happen next.
The concept itself is unique, but what elevated this book was how well-written and thrilling it was to read. The short chapters and multiple perspectives created an addictive momentum that made it almost impossible to put down, and I flew through it. Gavin Bell balances a relentless pace with intricate plotting perfectly, delivering twists that constantly exceeded my expectations. I genuinely never saw the biggest twist coming, which made the ending even more satisfying.
Although this is a very plot-driven story, the character work was exceptional. I was particularly invested in Zoe from the very beginning, but the entire team was compelling enough that I would happily follow them again if this were to become a series.
Cleverly plotted, frightening, tense, and genuinely exhilarating to read, 138 Main Street is the kind of thriller that reminds you why the genre is so addictive in the first place.
Thank you so much to Likely Suspects and Gavin Bell for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
138 Main Street delivers chilling, unpredictable suspense from start to finish, and I was completely gripped throughout. Every chapter intensified the tension, leaving me constantly on edge and desperate to know what would happen next.
The concept itself is unique, but what elevated this book was how well-written and thrilling it was to read. The short chapters and multiple perspectives created an addictive momentum that made it almost impossible to put down, and I flew through it. Gavin Bell balances a relentless pace with intricate plotting perfectly, delivering twists that constantly exceeded my expectations. I genuinely never saw the biggest twist coming, which made the ending even more satisfying.
Although this is a very plot-driven story, the character work was exceptional. I was particularly invested in Zoe from the very beginning, but the entire team was compelling enough that I would happily follow them again if this were to become a series.
Cleverly plotted, frightening, tense, and genuinely exhilarating to read, 138 Main Street is the kind of thriller that reminds you why the genre is so addictive in the first place.
Thank you so much to Likely Suspects and Gavin Bell for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
May 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this one and was immediately hooked with the premise. A new author for me and I loved the writing style and short chapters, I am excited to see what more this author has in store. If you like a fast paced thriller give this one a read.
June 17, 2026
138 MAIN by Gavin Bell
Published: June 2026 by Scout Press
Graded: B+
Be prepared to be immersed for several sittings for this propulsive high stakes crime thriller. This is the first time this marvelous Scottish writer is being published under his own name. He has written since 2014 under several pseudonyms. With this catchy premise, a serial killer is targeting residents at 138 Main Street, all without apparent connections or motives. The FBI faces an almost impossible task to frantically investigate this national crisis with over 7,000 Main Streets across America. Who will be the next victim? The killer is always at his next kill site before any clue suggests his victim. This clever premise will breed escalating suspense and terror nationwide as the body count rises. FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and his protege, rookie officer Zoe Hill are tasked with leading the investigation to uncover clues and the potential next victim. Their team races across America as the puzzle pieces inexorably fall into place. National terror crescendoes after the killer’s manifesto is published demanding radical social change. The media relentlessly stokes fear and distrust daily.
Bell proves to be a masterful storyteller with his meticulous fast pacing, told through short chapters and multiple points of view and frequent cliff hangers. He successfully explores themes of fear, and mass hysteria, compounded by media influences. This twisty thriller will appeal to fans of Michael Connelly, and aficionados of FBI procedurals and television crime thrillers. I think I’ve found another excellent writer to add to my list of must reads.
Published at Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine ....
Published: June 2026 by Scout Press
Graded: B+
Be prepared to be immersed for several sittings for this propulsive high stakes crime thriller. This is the first time this marvelous Scottish writer is being published under his own name. He has written since 2014 under several pseudonyms. With this catchy premise, a serial killer is targeting residents at 138 Main Street, all without apparent connections or motives. The FBI faces an almost impossible task to frantically investigate this national crisis with over 7,000 Main Streets across America. Who will be the next victim? The killer is always at his next kill site before any clue suggests his victim. This clever premise will breed escalating suspense and terror nationwide as the body count rises. FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and his protege, rookie officer Zoe Hill are tasked with leading the investigation to uncover clues and the potential next victim. Their team races across America as the puzzle pieces inexorably fall into place. National terror crescendoes after the killer’s manifesto is published demanding radical social change. The media relentlessly stokes fear and distrust daily.
Bell proves to be a masterful storyteller with his meticulous fast pacing, told through short chapters and multiple points of view and frequent cliff hangers. He successfully explores themes of fear, and mass hysteria, compounded by media influences. This twisty thriller will appeal to fans of Michael Connelly, and aficionados of FBI procedurals and television crime thrillers. I think I’ve found another excellent writer to add to my list of must reads.
Published at Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine ....
August 8, 2026
Okay I had to sit on this one for a minute but it was 4.5⭐️ rounded up!
This book was intense & twisty! Toward the end I was very anxious & it was definitely one that kept me guessing & on my toes wondering what was going to happen next!! Highly recommended & severely underrated on BookTok!
This book was intense & twisty! Toward the end I was very anxious & it was definitely one that kept me guessing & on my toes wondering what was going to happen next!! Highly recommended & severely underrated on BookTok!
July 26, 2026
This was fun
June 23, 2026
138 MAIN is a plot-driven, fast-paced police procedural. I enjoyed it, though I would have liked a stronger connection to the characters. But that’s a me thing.
The premise is wild and unnerving. I could see something like this happening, with various police districts and the FBI floundering as they attempted to make sense of it while also navigating interagency politics.
All the murders are off page. We see the crime scenes from the perspectives of law enforcement afterward. There isn’t much graphic content.
I figured out the whodunit part early on, but getting there was entertaining.
I alternated between reading with my eyes and listening to the audiobook. Timothy Andrés Pabon did a great job with the narration. But I want to add a cautionary note for readers considering the audiobook. This story cycles through a lot of characters, with a variety of constantly-shifting POVs. If maintaining focus and/or keeping a large cast of characters straight in your mind is an issue for you, I definitely recommend reading this one with your eyes.
*Thanks to Gallery Books for the free hardcover copy, and to Simon Audio for the free audiobook download!*
The premise is wild and unnerving. I could see something like this happening, with various police districts and the FBI floundering as they attempted to make sense of it while also navigating interagency politics.
All the murders are off page. We see the crime scenes from the perspectives of law enforcement afterward. There isn’t much graphic content.
I figured out the whodunit part early on, but getting there was entertaining.
I alternated between reading with my eyes and listening to the audiobook. Timothy Andrés Pabon did a great job with the narration. But I want to add a cautionary note for readers considering the audiobook. This story cycles through a lot of characters, with a variety of constantly-shifting POVs. If maintaining focus and/or keeping a large cast of characters straight in your mind is an issue for you, I definitely recommend reading this one with your eyes.
*Thanks to Gallery Books for the free hardcover copy, and to Simon Audio for the free audiobook download!*
June 22, 2026
This wasn’t nearly as good as it sounded. It was just kind of boring and uninteresting. I don’t inderstand how Zoe made the connection to who the bad guy was, there was a big jump there I didn’t get. Despite the 4 star Goodreads rating, I do not recommend.
July 29, 2026
Stel je voor dat niet een persoon, maar een adres je doodvonnis is. In heel Amerika verandert één ogenschijnlijk onschuldige straatnaam in een bron van angst, terwijl een nietsontziende seriemoordenaar steeds opnieuw toeslaat. Voor FBI-agent Ben Walker en de ambitieuze, beginnende agente Zoe Hill begint een zenuwslopende zoektocht waarbij ze weten wáár de moordenaar zal toeslaan, maar niet wélke van de duizenden identieke locaties zijn volgende doelwit is.
Terwijl de paniek zich als een olievlek over het land verspreidt en de dader met een dreigend manifest de samenleving onder druk zet, verandert het onderzoek in een gevaarlijk kat-en-muisspel. De klok tikt onverbiddelijk door en de moordenaar lijkt de onderzoekers telkens een stap voor te zijn. Zal het Walker en Hill lukken hem te stoppen voordat er opnieuw slachtoffers vallen, of is heel Amerika zijn volgende jachtterrein?
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een originele, spannende en meeslepende thriller! Alleen al met het ijzersterke uitgangspunt "hoe vang je een seriemoordenaar als je weet op welk adres hij toeslaat, maar niet in welke stad?" weet Gavin Bell direct mijn aandacht te grijpen. Een adres dat in de Verenigde Staten duizenden keren voorkomt, verandert in een symbool van angst. Vanaf de eerste pagina hangt er een constante dreiging boven het verhaal die je nauwelijks meer loslaat.
Gavin Bell schrijft filmisch, beeldend en vlot. De korte hoofdstukken, scherpe dialogen en snelle perspectiefwisselingen houden het verhaal voortdurend in beweging. Het is zo'n boek waar je moeiteloos doorheen vliegt en helemaal in opgaat. Zijn directe schrijfstijl sluit perfect aan bij het hoge tempo.
De personages zijn overtuigend uitgewerkt. Vooral de samenwerking tussen de ervaren FBI-agent Ben Walker en de jonge agente Zoe Hill sprak mij aan. Zoe groeit zichtbaar in haar rol en worstelt met de druk van een zaak die haar ervaring ver overstijgt. Walker vormt met zijn nuchterheid en ervaring een mooi tegenwicht. Hoewel de nadruk op de jacht naar de moordenaar ligt, krijgen beide hoofdpersonages genoeg diepgang om geloofwaardig over te komen. Dat de seriemoordenaar lang een mysterie blijft, versterkt de spanning alleen maar.
Ook de opbouw zit sterk in elkaar. Vanuit het originele uitgangspunt bouwt Bell de spanning stap voor stap op. De race tegen de klok is voortdurend voelbaar en dankzij de korte hoofdstukken dacht ik steeds: nog één hoofdstuk. Richting het einde volgen de verrassingen elkaar in hoog tempo op, zonder ongeloofwaardig te worden. Dat maakt dit tot een echte pageturner.
Naast de spanning verwerkt Bell thema's als angst, maatschappelijke onrust, de invloed van de media en terrorisme. Hij laat zien hoe één ongrijpbare dreiging een heel land in zijn greep kan houden. Juist daardoor voelt het verhaal niet alleen spannend, maar ook actueel. Het originele concept, het hoge tempo en de constante dreiging zorgden ervoor dat ik het boek met moeite kon wegleggen.
138 Main Street is een originele, razend spannende thriller die uitblinkt door zijn unieke uitgangspunt en voortdurende gevoel van dreiging. Gavin Bell schrijft toegankelijk en filmisch, houdt het tempo hoog en weet de spanning tot de laatste pagina vast te houden. Ben je op zoek naar een thriller die je vanaf de eerste bladzijde meesleept? Dan is 138 Main Street absoluut een aanrader.
Terwijl de paniek zich als een olievlek over het land verspreidt en de dader met een dreigend manifest de samenleving onder druk zet, verandert het onderzoek in een gevaarlijk kat-en-muisspel. De klok tikt onverbiddelijk door en de moordenaar lijkt de onderzoekers telkens een stap voor te zijn. Zal het Walker en Hill lukken hem te stoppen voordat er opnieuw slachtoffers vallen, of is heel Amerika zijn volgende jachtterrein?
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een originele, spannende en meeslepende thriller! Alleen al met het ijzersterke uitgangspunt "hoe vang je een seriemoordenaar als je weet op welk adres hij toeslaat, maar niet in welke stad?" weet Gavin Bell direct mijn aandacht te grijpen. Een adres dat in de Verenigde Staten duizenden keren voorkomt, verandert in een symbool van angst. Vanaf de eerste pagina hangt er een constante dreiging boven het verhaal die je nauwelijks meer loslaat.
Gavin Bell schrijft filmisch, beeldend en vlot. De korte hoofdstukken, scherpe dialogen en snelle perspectiefwisselingen houden het verhaal voortdurend in beweging. Het is zo'n boek waar je moeiteloos doorheen vliegt en helemaal in opgaat. Zijn directe schrijfstijl sluit perfect aan bij het hoge tempo.
De personages zijn overtuigend uitgewerkt. Vooral de samenwerking tussen de ervaren FBI-agent Ben Walker en de jonge agente Zoe Hill sprak mij aan. Zoe groeit zichtbaar in haar rol en worstelt met de druk van een zaak die haar ervaring ver overstijgt. Walker vormt met zijn nuchterheid en ervaring een mooi tegenwicht. Hoewel de nadruk op de jacht naar de moordenaar ligt, krijgen beide hoofdpersonages genoeg diepgang om geloofwaardig over te komen. Dat de seriemoordenaar lang een mysterie blijft, versterkt de spanning alleen maar.
Ook de opbouw zit sterk in elkaar. Vanuit het originele uitgangspunt bouwt Bell de spanning stap voor stap op. De race tegen de klok is voortdurend voelbaar en dankzij de korte hoofdstukken dacht ik steeds: nog één hoofdstuk. Richting het einde volgen de verrassingen elkaar in hoog tempo op, zonder ongeloofwaardig te worden. Dat maakt dit tot een echte pageturner.
Naast de spanning verwerkt Bell thema's als angst, maatschappelijke onrust, de invloed van de media en terrorisme. Hij laat zien hoe één ongrijpbare dreiging een heel land in zijn greep kan houden. Juist daardoor voelt het verhaal niet alleen spannend, maar ook actueel. Het originele concept, het hoge tempo en de constante dreiging zorgden ervoor dat ik het boek met moeite kon wegleggen.
138 Main Street is een originele, razend spannende thriller die uitblinkt door zijn unieke uitgangspunt en voortdurende gevoel van dreiging. Gavin Bell schrijft toegankelijk en filmisch, houdt het tempo hoog en weet de spanning tot de laatste pagina vast te houden. Ben je op zoek naar een thriller die je vanaf de eerste bladzijde meesleept? Dan is 138 Main Street absoluut een aanrader.
June 15, 2026
tt: @theaarontodd | ig: @aarontoddreads
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
138 Main x Gavin Bell
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
Do I Recommend?: Yes! Especially for fans of fast-paced, high-concept serial killer thrillers. Also would be great for fans of Charlie Donlea lovers!
Format: Physical book
📄 Page #: 416
⭐ Star Rating: 4.5
🔪 AT Intensity Rating: 2.5
Quick Plot Points:
• A killer targeting people who live at 138 Main Street
• An FBI agent and rookie officer duo
• Nationwide panic and vigilante chaos
• A manifesto demanding radical social change
• Religious cult elements and a twisty final act
One-Sentence Take:
A fast-paced, unique thriller with great action, memorable characters, and a twist that ultimately got me.
Review:
I loved this! The concept was so unique, and the pacing made it almost impossible to put down. The action scenes were so good, but the characters are what made the story especially memorable. Zoe, Brodie, and Walker all felt distinct, and I would absolutely read more books featuring them.
The twist got me, although the motivation behind it felt a little…meh…once everything was revealed. I liked the religious cult elements. The story didn’t go too deep into them, and I would have been okay with learning more about it considering the twist, but it gave me just enough to stay intrigued.
Fast, fun, and genuinely unputdownable!
📖 Aaron Reads | Book Review
138 Main x Gavin Bell
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press
Do I Recommend?: Yes! Especially for fans of fast-paced, high-concept serial killer thrillers. Also would be great for fans of Charlie Donlea lovers!
Format: Physical book
📄 Page #: 416
⭐ Star Rating: 4.5
🔪 AT Intensity Rating: 2.5
Quick Plot Points:
• A killer targeting people who live at 138 Main Street
• An FBI agent and rookie officer duo
• Nationwide panic and vigilante chaos
• A manifesto demanding radical social change
• Religious cult elements and a twisty final act
One-Sentence Take:
A fast-paced, unique thriller with great action, memorable characters, and a twist that ultimately got me.
Review:
I loved this! The concept was so unique, and the pacing made it almost impossible to put down. The action scenes were so good, but the characters are what made the story especially memorable. Zoe, Brodie, and Walker all felt distinct, and I would absolutely read more books featuring them.
The twist got me, although the motivation behind it felt a little…meh…once everything was revealed. I liked the religious cult elements. The story didn’t go too deep into them, and I would have been okay with learning more about it considering the twist, but it gave me just enough to stay intrigued.
Fast, fun, and genuinely unputdownable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
The premise of this book is really fun, and it's what made me so excited to read it. What could possibly lead someone to kill people purely because of their address? Surely there can't be a link between them other than the street they live on.
I found it really interesting that the author is actually British, so I wondered why he decided to set the book in America. But as one of the characters questions: What would our alternative to Main Street be? High Street? I doubt we have many of those. Maybe we could have a pub version! I'm sure there are hundreds of The King's Head.
The characters are really likeable, and I like how they brought them together to create a task force. I would definitely be interested in seeing them work together again in the future.
Overall, a fun concept, well developed characters, and a mystery that takes you on a nationwide cat and mouse chase.
I found it really interesting that the author is actually British, so I wondered why he decided to set the book in America. But as one of the characters questions: What would our alternative to Main Street be? High Street? I doubt we have many of those. Maybe we could have a pub version! I'm sure there are hundreds of The King's Head.
The characters are really likeable, and I like how they brought them together to create a task force. I would definitely be interested in seeing them work together again in the future.
Overall, a fun concept, well developed characters, and a mystery that takes you on a nationwide cat and mouse chase.
June 18, 2026
(I won this ARC here on Goodreads) This was an action packed thrill ride and I loved it! It has such a unique premise with all the killings being at 138 Main Streets throughout the United States. The main character Zoe, is a small town cop who gets caught up in the craziness, when the killer strikes in her town and she's chosen for the FBI task force. She heads to New York and the race is on to find the killer before he strikes again. Agent Wallace and security analyst Brodie, help in the search by following leads and analyzing the data. As things heat up and the team starts to figure things out, the killer ramps things up and sets an ultimatum. After Wallace gets hurt and Zoe gets canned from the team, she decides to follow a lead to where she thinks the next target will be. When she gets there, nothing is as it seems and things get wild! I was happy with the ending and with how things wrapped up and I was glad for Zoe.
July 30, 2026
What a ride!
A serial killer is targeting homes located at 138 Main across America. There are thousands of possible targets. The FBI selects one local law enforcement to join their task force. Zoe Hill leaves her small town in Illinois to work with the FBI based out of New York City. A page turner!
Some foul language, particularly in the final 50 pages.
A serial killer is targeting homes located at 138 Main across America. There are thousands of possible targets. The FBI selects one local law enforcement to join their task force. Zoe Hill leaves her small town in Illinois to work with the FBI based out of New York City. A page turner!
Some foul language, particularly in the final 50 pages.
July 27, 2026
4.25 stars. What an interesting + clever premise—a killer targeting people who all have one very specific thing in common: their address is 138 Main Street, Anytown, USA. 🔪🏠 What are the odds.. and more importantly, WHY? Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how it all connected (and VERY relieved that wasn’t my address 😂). Time really flew listening to this fun, fast-paced thriller by the pool. 🎧☀️
August 5, 2026
Rating 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
May 21, 2026
4.5 rounded up
June 4, 2026
very slow and i was bored
May 18, 2026
3.75⭐️💫 Four murders. Four weeks. One impossible connection: every victim lived at 138 Main Street. FBI Special Agent Ben Walker and rookie officer Zoe Hill know the killer’s next address. But with more than seven thousand Main Streets across America, they have no idea where he’ll strike. Then the Main Street Killer releases his manifesto - and the murders become a warning. His threat is nationwide. His deadline is closing in. And unless Ben and Zoe can find him, the heart of every town in America will become a killing ground.
This is a fast paced read, right from the offset the action starts, the hunt for a serial killer taking them across the whole of America.
The balance of the chapters being split between the two main detectives, some of the potential victims inhabiting the address of 138 Main Street, and our mystery killer, perfectly built up the tension throughout. Despite quite a large cast of characters it was still easy to follow, the clues leading the reader to reach their conclusions as the story progressed.
I must admit I did figure out the culprit about halfway through but I wasn’t sure of the motive so the intrigue definitely kept me turning the pages to find out. I also really enjoyed the emphasis on Zoe’s character, her shrewdness helping to ensure that the underdog inviestigator can solve the crime - I did want to scream at her naivety though for certain decisions made though!!
It probably wasn’t the best idea to have read this book almost one sitting at night and alone, I must admit I had to triple check all the doors and windows before I went to bed that night after reading this - despite not living on Main Street! A clever, intelligent and enthralling crime thriller that can easily be devoured in one sitting.
This is a fast paced read, right from the offset the action starts, the hunt for a serial killer taking them across the whole of America.
The balance of the chapters being split between the two main detectives, some of the potential victims inhabiting the address of 138 Main Street, and our mystery killer, perfectly built up the tension throughout. Despite quite a large cast of characters it was still easy to follow, the clues leading the reader to reach their conclusions as the story progressed.
I must admit I did figure out the culprit about halfway through but I wasn’t sure of the motive so the intrigue definitely kept me turning the pages to find out. I also really enjoyed the emphasis on Zoe’s character, her shrewdness helping to ensure that the underdog inviestigator can solve the crime - I did want to scream at her naivety though for certain decisions made though!!
It probably wasn’t the best idea to have read this book almost one sitting at night and alone, I must admit I had to triple check all the doors and windows before I went to bed that night after reading this - despite not living on Main Street! A clever, intelligent and enthralling crime thriller that can easily be devoured in one sitting.
June 24, 2026
This was such a refreshingly unique concept and I was drawn to it for this very reason. A serial killer targeting people who all live at 138 Main Street immediately grabbed my attention because it felt genuinely different to anything else I’ve picked up recently. In a genre as crowded as thrillers, that’s not always easy to do!
I absolutely flew through this book! Every time Ben Walker and Zoe Hill thought they might finally be getting somewhere, another piece of the puzzle would emerge and completely change the direction of the investigation. The cat-and-mouse element was so well done and I found myself constantly trying to work out where the killer would strike next.
What I loved most was that the story actually lived up to the concept. It’s one thing to come up with a brilliant idea, but another thing entirely to sustain it across an entire novel. With thousands of potential 138 Main Street addresses spread across America, there was always this lingering sense that the next attack could happen almost anywhere, and it kept me completely hooked from beginning to end.
I also became much more invested in Ben and Zoe than I expected to. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. If Gavin Bell decides to turn this into an FBI series, sign me up! I’d happily pick up another Ben and Zoe book tomorrow because I feel like there’s still plenty more story left to tell with these characters.
This was clever, addictive and ridiculously difficult to put down. The concept got my attention, but the story itself is what earned the 5 stars. I loved it!
I absolutely flew through this book! Every time Ben Walker and Zoe Hill thought they might finally be getting somewhere, another piece of the puzzle would emerge and completely change the direction of the investigation. The cat-and-mouse element was so well done and I found myself constantly trying to work out where the killer would strike next.
What I loved most was that the story actually lived up to the concept. It’s one thing to come up with a brilliant idea, but another thing entirely to sustain it across an entire novel. With thousands of potential 138 Main Street addresses spread across America, there was always this lingering sense that the next attack could happen almost anywhere, and it kept me completely hooked from beginning to end.
I also became much more invested in Ben and Zoe than I expected to. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind. If Gavin Bell decides to turn this into an FBI series, sign me up! I’d happily pick up another Ben and Zoe book tomorrow because I feel like there’s still plenty more story left to tell with these characters.
This was clever, addictive and ridiculously difficult to put down. The concept got my attention, but the story itself is what earned the 5 stars. I loved it!
August 3, 2026
Wat een toffe verhaallijn! Op verschillende plaatsen in Amerika worden mensen vermoord die op het adres 138 Main Street wonen. Zowat 7000 steden in Amerika hebben wel een Main Street. Waar moet de politie dan ook beginnen met zoeken en wie moeten ze beschermen? De dader toont aan dat hij in enkele dagen tijd van de ene uiterste plaats naar de andere geraakt.
Zoë Hill vindt als politieagent in één van de zaken als eerste een bepaald teken dat de moordenaar achtergelaten heeft op een crime scene. Deze vondst maakt haar voor FBI-agent Walker iemand die hij in zijn team wil om de moorden te onderzoeken. Aangezien de reikwijdte van de zaak is het FBI verantwoordelijk voor het onderzoek maar wordt er ook beroep gedaan op de plaatselijke politie van elk van de stadjes met een Main Street 138.
De dader laat ook van zich horen via de media. Op basis van kleine hints proberen Zoë en de rest van het team de dader voor te zijn op een volgende doelwit. Waar dan ook in Amerika.
Het boek is vlot geschreven met korte hoofdstukken. Misschien niet steeds enorm spannend maar naarmate het verhaal vordert wordt het wel steeds spannender en wordt het tempo ook steeds hoger. Op het eind een echte pageturner.
Het plot zet je ook aan het denken. Als jij te weten komt dat er een misdadiger te werk gaat op “jouw adres”, maar deze behelsen meer dan 7000 opties, zou jij tijdelijk verhuizen? Zou je er toch blijven wonen omdat er toch “weinig” kans is dat je een slachtoffer wordt?
Deze interessante en originele thriller raad ik in elk geval aan!
Zoë Hill vindt als politieagent in één van de zaken als eerste een bepaald teken dat de moordenaar achtergelaten heeft op een crime scene. Deze vondst maakt haar voor FBI-agent Walker iemand die hij in zijn team wil om de moorden te onderzoeken. Aangezien de reikwijdte van de zaak is het FBI verantwoordelijk voor het onderzoek maar wordt er ook beroep gedaan op de plaatselijke politie van elk van de stadjes met een Main Street 138.
De dader laat ook van zich horen via de media. Op basis van kleine hints proberen Zoë en de rest van het team de dader voor te zijn op een volgende doelwit. Waar dan ook in Amerika.
Het boek is vlot geschreven met korte hoofdstukken. Misschien niet steeds enorm spannend maar naarmate het verhaal vordert wordt het wel steeds spannender en wordt het tempo ook steeds hoger. Op het eind een echte pageturner.
Het plot zet je ook aan het denken. Als jij te weten komt dat er een misdadiger te werk gaat op “jouw adres”, maar deze behelsen meer dan 7000 opties, zou jij tijdelijk verhuizen? Zou je er toch blijven wonen omdat er toch “weinig” kans is dat je een slachtoffer wordt?
Deze interessante en originele thriller raad ik in elk geval aan!
July 17, 2026
3.5☆
Harlan Coben meets Criminal Minds in this fast paced thriller about a killer with a very specific (but not so specific) target.
When the FBI realizes there's a pattern developing in recent homicides, they dispatch special agent Walker to form a task team to find the killer before they strike again. But the pattern isn't victim based; it's location based, though not in a close geographical sense. The serial killer is targeting one specific address – 138 Main Street – of which there are over 7,000 of in the US. Finding who is next feels like a needle in a haystack, but with local rookie officer Hill at his side, Walker sifts through the clues to find a hidden connection.
One aspect I really enjoyed was the multiple POVS from both sides of the investigation. The chapters with the Main Street killer were chilling and kept me even more engaged and invested in the plot. Though the ultimate motivation and climax didn't fully stick the landing for me, I still found this one highly entertaining and enjoyable. I would definitely read and go on another case with these characters if Gavin Bell decides to create more.
✨ Thank you to Gallery Books for this ARC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 6•2•2026]
Harlan Coben meets Criminal Minds in this fast paced thriller about a killer with a very specific (but not so specific) target.
When the FBI realizes there's a pattern developing in recent homicides, they dispatch special agent Walker to form a task team to find the killer before they strike again. But the pattern isn't victim based; it's location based, though not in a close geographical sense. The serial killer is targeting one specific address – 138 Main Street – of which there are over 7,000 of in the US. Finding who is next feels like a needle in a haystack, but with local rookie officer Hill at his side, Walker sifts through the clues to find a hidden connection.
One aspect I really enjoyed was the multiple POVS from both sides of the investigation. The chapters with the Main Street killer were chilling and kept me even more engaged and invested in the plot. Though the ultimate motivation and climax didn't fully stick the landing for me, I still found this one highly entertaining and enjoyable. I would definitely read and go on another case with these characters if Gavin Bell decides to create more.
✨ Thank you to Gallery Books for this ARC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 6•2•2026]
June 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️s rounded to 5 ⭐️s
What an action-packed, fast-paced thriller this was! 🙌
I definitely could see this as an FBI thriller series! Loved the Walker, Zoe, and Brodie characters! I thought I knew who was behind it all and then the twist hit. Did not see that coming! Definitely recommend checking this one out, book peeps!! 👏
Thank you partner Atria Books for the gifted advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
What an action-packed, fast-paced thriller this was! 🙌
I definitely could see this as an FBI thriller series! Loved the Walker, Zoe, and Brodie characters! I thought I knew who was behind it all and then the twist hit. Did not see that coming! Definitely recommend checking this one out, book peeps!! 👏
Thank you partner Atria Books for the gifted advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
May 5, 2026
Wow! What a thriller! This book was so good. It had twists and turns and was well written. Kept me guessing until the end. Really made me think throughout. One of the best books I’ve read this year!
Thanks to the publisher for the early access ARC. Put this one on your list folks! Comes out June 2, 2026!
Thanks to the publisher for the early access ARC. Put this one on your list folks! Comes out June 2, 2026!
May 8, 2026
Great fast-paced crime thriller! Drew me in from page 1.
July 1, 2026
3.5
Pretty good thriller that didn’t need a bunch of twists. One good one was enough.
Pretty good thriller that didn’t need a bunch of twists. One good one was enough.
July 4, 2026
4.5 stars. Very entertaining.
July 19, 2026
Boek 5 van de vakantie🫣 nu weer naar huis....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews