The Perfect Girl

Detective Kat Ballantyne #6

by Andy Maslen

How do you stop a killer no one believes exists?

DS Kat Ballantyne wants to know why a perfect girl like Rosie Duggan would jump to her death from a multistorey car park.

Everyone is saying she took her own life. But Kat is unconvinced. Girls like Rosie—bright, popular, well adjusted, and with her whole life ahead of her—don’t fall from tall buildings.

Unless someone pushes them.

When a second student dies the same way, Kat is the only one asking the hard questions.

As she digs deeper, a disturbing pattern begins to emerge. With loyalties fracturing and powerful enemies circling, shocking DNA evidence leads to a surprising suspect.

But has Kat really found the killer? Or has she just been played?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER

Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.

Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.

He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.

Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.

Reviews

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

A police procedural book hates to see me coming! This is my second book I’ve read in the series. I found the audio version to be addicting and kept me listened and interested the entire time. I really enjoyed the profile of the culprit behind the crimes. I thought it was a very unique and interesting angle that the author used that really threw me for a loop. I had suspicions across the board but didn’t feel I had a solid theory.

One evening a young woman is thrown from the top of a building. Police question if this was murder or suicide. Looking into the young woman’s life she seemed to be the perfect girl someone who would never take her own life or someone who would have enemies enough to get pushed from a building. Detective Kat Ballantyne is back for another case she is adamant to crack.

This was a cat and mouse game the entire book of who did it and why. The back and forth between all the suspects including looking inward to the victim to see if she would do this to herself was intriguing.

I recommend this one!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story immediately hooked me. “A perfect girl” jumps to her death, or did she? Detective Kat Ballantyne is seeking the truth behind this mysterious, inexplicable death. I was immersed in this twisty investigation as suspects began to accumulate along with unanswered questions and suspicious behavior. The conclusion was shocking and the perfect ending to a cleverly captivating plot. The narration brought the characters to life while adding intensity and intrigue. I was gripped from start to finish. Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my audiobook.

[RoosBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 3rd Kate Ballentine book and every time I ask myself why I haven't read more of them because they are always so good. Despite not reading book 6 (or 1 and 2 for that matter) Ballentine is such a fun character that I always connect with and enjoy following in her journey. These can absolutely be read as a standalone -as evidenced by my reading journey. Another fantastic book by Andy Maslen- if you are ever torn on reading one of these books, the answer is YES.

thank you to NetGalley, the author Andy Maslen, and Brilliance Publishing for my copy of this book.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Perfect Girl by Andy Maslen

This was a gripping and sharply written police procedural that kept me fully engaged from the opening chapters. DS Kat Ballantyne is drawn into what appears to be a tragic but straightforward suicide of a teenage girl, but her instincts tell her something is not right. When another young woman dies in similar circumstances, the case takes on a far darker edge.

The plot is tightly constructed and full of subtle twists that unfold at just the right pace. I really enjoyed how the investigation builds, with small details gradually linking the deaths in a way that feels both clever and believable. Kat is a strong and thoughtful lead, determined without being reckless, and her interactions with colleagues add depth without distracting from the central mystery. I also enjoyed the cast of characters around her, all adding to the plot line.

This is the second book I have read in the series and it confirmed how much I enjoy Maslen’s approach to police procedurals. Well paced, tense and satisfying, with a strong sense of atmosphere and character. An easy five stars and I will definitely be back for more.

[Becky Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the series. It was easily understandable, but may have been a tad better if read in series order.
I really enjoyed the story, everything fit together well, and was completely wrapped up by the end.
There were a couple things that I didn't like. The murderer was pretty obvious. I had that figured out by the halfway point.
The narrator did a really good job.
Overall I'd rate this book as 4 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Cin (cinsnextchapter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a typical British police procedural involving solving the murder of a girl named Rosie Duggan. The case ends up far bigger than anyone originally imagined and had a satisfying ending that I wasn’t expecting. This was both my introduction to the Detective Kat Ballantyne series AND to author Andy Maslen. I really look forward to reading more!

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Girl was my first Andy Maslen read, and it definitely won’t be my last. I really enjoyed his writing style. It’s sharp, easy to sink into, and made even more bingeable by the short chapters. The story wastes no time getting started; the tension builds quickly and maintains a steady pace throughout, making it hard to put down. The pacing stayed consistent, the tension remained constant, and the plot kept me engaged without revealing too much too soon.

I enjoyed getting to know the detectives, particularly Kat, and how that added context to the investigation without distracting from the mystery. The investigators’ interactions felt purposeful and helped move the story forward rather than slowing it down.

I figured out who the killer was before the book officially revealed it, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this was a solid, bingeable mystery.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 6 in the DS Kat Ballentyne series. A good addition to the series, a little slow to start but then even though I guessed the culprit it was an enjoyable read. My only criticism of this book and others in the series is that DS Ballentyne is continually using her ‘Bagman’s’ nickname name ‘Tomski’ every time she addresses him in every sentence!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishing uk for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 this kept me interested and I very much liked the MC and her partner. It was the first I read ok the series but now I want to go back and read the precious books. I didn’t guess the ending at all.

SUMMARY: coed falls from a roof and dies. Doesn’t appear to be suicide but also not clearly homicide. As the detective works the case, an annoying podcaster she grew up with suggests it’s a serial. She rolls her eyes, he will do anything for attention won’t he? But then finds a near identical case from the year before that was ruled suicide. Is it?

Thanks netgalley

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Girl by Andy Maslen is a must-read! This story follows DS Kat and her partner Tom as they investigate the murder of Rosie, a seemingly perfect university student with no enemies. As they dig deeper, more questions surface… but will they get the answers they’re looking for? And do they even want the truth?

Reading this felt like watching a true-crime series on the ID Channel or an intense episode of 48 Hours Mystery. If you love following investigations step by step, analyzing suspects, and getting inside the minds of both the killer and the detectives, this one belongs on your TBR.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced readers copy to review this book.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I walked into The Perfect Girl like someone who showed up to season six of a show without watching the previous five seasons, holding snacks and vibes, and let me tell you… somehow I still had a great time?? Confused at moments, yes. Emotionally invested anyway, also yes. Kat Ballantyne, I don’t know your backstory, your enemies, or why everyone in your workplace seems mildly exhausting, but I do trust your gut with my life at this point.

We open with Rosie Duggan, who is basically described as the human equivalent of a LinkedIn profile that makes you feel bad about yourself. Smart, popular, thriving, moisturized, probably owns matching Tupperware. And she just… falls off a parking garage. Everyone else is like “tragic, anyway” and Kat is standing there like, “Absolutely not, this smells like murder and bad decisions.” Immediately, I’m on her side because if there’s one thing I believe in, it’s women having instincts and being ignored for 200 pages.

And THEN, because this book said “what if we spiral,” another girl dies the same way. Suddenly it’s giving pattern, it’s giving serial killer vibes, it’s giving “why is no one else panicking except Kat???” The frustration here is so real. Watching her try to convince everyone this is not a coincidence felt like watching someone explain a conspiracy board while everyone else is like “have you considered… not caring?” Infuriating. Delicious.

Now let’s talk about the investigation itself, because this is where the book really locks in. It’s very methodical, very breadcrumb trail, very “we are going to interview EVERYONE and their weird little secrets are coming out whether they like it or not.” And honestly, I loved that. It felt like one of those true crime shows where you’re sitting there like, “that man is suspicious,” and then three episodes later you’re like, “oh no, it’s someone worse.” The suspects, the motives, the slow unraveling… it’s messy in a satisfying way.

Kat herself is such a steady anchor in all this chaos. She’s not reckless, she’s not doing dramatic rogue cop nonsense every five seconds, she’s just… persistent. Which somehow makes it more compelling. Also her dynamic with Tom, her partner, has that lowkey emotional backbone where you can tell there’s history, growth, and probably several past breakdowns I was not invited to witness because I skipped books one through five. Love that for me. Still worked.

But can we talk about the audiobook for a second, because Ell Potter?? Ma’am?? You did not have to go that hard, and yet you did. The narration is doing a LOT of heavy lifting in the best way. The tone, the pacing, the tension, it all just flows so smoothly that even when the plot slows a little in the middle, you’re still locked in. It’s giving “I will do chores just to keep listening.” It’s giving “one more chapter” until suddenly it’s midnight and you’ve emotionally adopted a fictional detective.

Now, real talk, I did clock a couple things early. Not everything, but enough to feel a little smug. You know that feeling where you’re like, “I think I know what’s happening,” and the book is like, “okay but do you know why?” That’s the energy here. It’s not about shocking you into silence, it’s about slowly tightening the screws until you’re like, “oh… oh this is actually worse than I thought.”

Also, there’s some background personal life tension happening with Kat that I could FEEL looming like a storm cloud I did not consent to. I don’t fully know the details, but I know enough to be like… girl, blink twice if your marriage is about to become a subplot I will scream about later. Because the vibes are not peaceful. The vibes are “we will unpack this in book seven and I will need wine.”

The ending? Slightly chaotic. A little abrupt. Very much “we’re setting things up for the next book and you will deal with it.” Which normally would annoy me, but here I was just sitting there like, “fine… I guess I care now… great.” That’s how they get you. Emotional manipulation via unresolved tension.

Overall, this was a solid, twisty, occasionally predictable but still engaging procedural that absolutely benefits from the audiobook experience. I came in as a stranger to this series and left like I’d been quietly adopted into its ongoing drama. That’s a win.

3.5 stars, and honestly, half a star of that is just me emotionally attached to Ell Potter’s voice.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Every Parking Garage Forever

And truly, a chaotic thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC, because you handed me this emotional spiral and said “have fun,” and I absolutely did.

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer for the advance copy of The Perfect Girl.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication. It’s always a privilege to experience a story early and share my honest thoughts. Thank you for trusting readers with an ARC and for continuing to publish such compelling, high-quality crime fiction.

Andy Maslen continues to prove why this series is a staple for fans of gritty, intelligent police procedurals. In The Perfect Girl, the stakes aren't just professional; they are deeply, uncomfortably personal. While the investigation into a series of "perfect" students falling to their deaths provides the narrative engine, it’s the crumbling infrastructure of DS Kat Ballantyne’s private life and the shifting power dynamics at the station that make this installment feel like a ticking time bomb.

This series continues to deliver strong, believable police procedural work, and The Perfect Girl is no exception. The investigation itself is tight, cleverly structured, and genuinely unsettling. What begins as a tragic fall from a multistorey car park quickly unravels into something far darker, and watching DS Kat Ballantyne refuse to accept the convenient explanation is as satisfying as ever.

The detective work in this instalment feels particularly impressive, given the circumstances with limited support and shifting team dynamics, Kat and Tomski really have to rely on instinct, persistence, and solid evidence. The case is chilling without being melodramatic. The killer is cold, controlled, and disturbingly lacking in remorse, which resolves feel all the more unsettling. I have a strong suspicion we haven’t seen the full fallout yet, and that book 7 may explore consequences that are far from straightforward.

Tomski, though, this felt like a turning point for him. It’s genuinely satisfying to see him regaining his confidence and stepping into his own again. His confrontation with Carve-Up was long overdue, and watching the bully finally get silenced was a standout moment. There’s a real sense that Tomski’s star is rising again, not just professionally but personally, and that he’s finding his voice. I’m very interested to see how that shift in power dynamic plays out in the next book.

Where I felt slightly uneasy, and this is more series-arc than case-specific, is with Kat and Van. There are subtle but unmistakable signals that something is brewing, and not necessarily in a healthy way. The distance, the unanswered questions, the moments that don’t quite sit right… It’s hard not to feel that tension building. I sincerely hope the series doesn’t drift into unnecessary affair territory, because that would shift the tone in a way that might undermine what makes these books work so well. That said, the emotional undercurrents are realistic and add depth, even if they leave me slightly apprehensive for what’s coming next.

Overall, this is a strong, compelling procedural with believable investigative work, smart twists, and character development that keeps the series evolving. It’s gripping, it’s well-paced, and it leaves just enough unresolved tension, both professionally and personally, to make book 7 feel like it could be explosive.

My Verdict: A fantastic, gritty procedural with a "sting in the tail." Maslen has set the stage for a potentially explosive Book 7. I’m crossing my fingers for Kat’s happiness, but I’m not holding my breath.

[Suzi (Lil Bit Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series, and if you are a fan of female-driven police procedurals (think Isabella Maldonade or Tami Hoag), I highly recommend this book and all five of its predecessors! You could easily read The Perfect Girl as a standalone, but since the characters and their backstories weave throughout the series, you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the previous books.

This time around, Kat is investigating the death of a female university student who fell from the top of the Five Cups Lane parking structure. Kat doesn’t believe Rosie would have jumped – she was bright and lovely and had everything going for her. The more Kat digs, the more sinister the circumstances seem, and Kat is convinced she’s got a murderer on her hands.

The plot is tightly woven with plenty of twists that kept me guessing, and as always, I love the way Kat is so determined to find justice for victims and how she follows her gut as well as the evidence to get there. She’s such a compelling character – she’s a dedicated and tenacious detective, but also emotionally vulnerable and slightly morally grey, bending the rules when they don’t suit her drive to investigate murders. No spoilers, but the way she eventually catches the killer in this case is so daring! The supporting cast is excellent too, and although I missed Leah and Fez this go-around (they’ve been temporarily detailed to DI “Carve-up” Carter), the relationship between Kat and her protégé Tom gets a lot of page time, and I was pleased and relieved to see Tomski returning to the land of the living and embracing what made him such a promising young detective.

I’ve always loved the way Kat’s family life is included in these novels, painting a realistic picture of a dedicated detective trying to strike a balance between her professional and personal lives. You can feel how much Kat loves her husband Van, son Riley, and their dog Smokey. Kat and Van have previously had such a solid, healthy relationship that I’m a little apprehensive of the groundwork Maslen seems to be laying for future marital strife, but I’m also looking forward to seeing where it goes. I know Maslen must have more Kat Ballantyne books up his sleeve, because there are plenty of story arcs still up in the air. Honestly, I love Kat and I hope Maslen never stops writing about her!

I’ve read every book in this series, but this was my first time listening to one on audio. Narrator Ell Potter does a great job bringing this story to life, and now I’ll always hear her as Kat’s voice in my head even if I read future installments in print!

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me an advance copy of this audiobook.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Something's building for Kat and Van, and I suspect it's not going to be happy families in book 7.

This tale is up to the author's usual standard, and thankfully Tomski's getting back to his normal self, with the potential for a new girlfriend. And the guy has balls, telling Carve-Up where to go when it needed saying, causing the bully to back down, silenced. I can't wait to see Carve-Up's attitude towards him in book 7, because it's clear that Tomski's star is rising again, and that he's also Kat's defender against her dodgy boss, and he's found his voice as well as his balls.

This tale is pretty much all work, no interfering by Kat's dodgy family. But, talking of families, there were too many frissons where the handsome pathologist was concerned and too few - we get told about the unsatisfactory perfunctory sex with Van, who went to fix things at Marnie's (the sexpot purveyor of sexual services for cheats), but who came home claiming he'd stayed out at a mate's until 2am playing COD - where Van is concerned. I'm not sure why Kat didn't pick up on that, whether she was too physically tired or too emotionally tired and didn't want to start an argument. Unfortunately it feels like things are brewing for an affair or two, which would ruin this series for me. I hope the author doesn't go there but the signs are on the wall.

The detective work on this tale, considering it was just AI, Kat and Tomski - Carve-Up has appropriated Fez and Leah (?) - was pretty believable and impressive. The killer was stone-cold and without any remorse, but also without bragging. I suspect in book 7 that we'll find out that they got off on an insanity plea. Sadly. And that a nemesis of Kat's has...not quite an upper hand but a hold of sorts in future tales. I'm pretty certain that they won't be getting an easy payday thanks to Tomski and Kat following the evidence, though. I'm also hopeful that a small reveal about a SIO on one of the cases that comes to light turns into an investigation by a body that can maybe deliver the just desserts that others can't. Sorry to be cryptic but this has to potential to be sooooo satisfying, it can't be spoilered.

Overall, it's a good police procedural but a book that's giving me slightly sad vibes for book 7 where Kat and Van are concerned.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a crazy book!

Kat Ballantyne is back and is off to solving murders…again.

She is called in for the death of a young, beautiful college girl. It’s being ruled as a suicide, but Kat doesn’t think so. She thinks she was murdered…
And so she starts investigating, with her loyal sidekick… and the more she digs, the more she believes it was NOT an accident…

She goes through all the usual suspects and comes up with some good leads, and you start to think you have it all figured out. And then…. A monkey wrench gets thrown and you realize you were all wrong!
Or were you??

It goes on and on like this, and each time I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. And then I had a thought. But it didn’t seem like it was right…. But as they went on, my gut feeling got a little stronger…

But then, seemed to be wrong again!

They finally put a suspect in jail… but the incidents do NOT stop!

This was a real head trip! 🤯 And the crazy part was that an old suspect from a previous novel was reintroduced… and stayed front and center throughout! And did not seem to be a good person… at all! And in the end… it all just kind of blew up! Poof!!💨 But at the same time, I kinda feel like it just left you hanging!

All in all, a really good read! 4 bold, crazy, psychotic, ‘perfect’ stars for me! 🌟⭐️🌟⭐️

#ThePerfectGirl (Detective Kat Ballantyne #6) by @AndyMaslen and narrated beautifully by @EllPotter.

This one will be RELEASED TOMORROW!! 3/31/26!! Look 👀 for it then!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @BrilliancePublishing and @BrillianceAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Girl is a gripping, cleverly paced thriller that pulls you in from the very first chapter and refuses to let go. What begins as a tragic fall from a multistorey car park quickly spirals into something far darker, and DS Kat Ballantyne proves to be exactly the kind of detective you want at the centre of a case like this — determined, intuitive, and unwilling to accept the easy answers everyone else is clinging to.

Rosie Duggan is the kind of girl people describe as “perfect”: bright, popular, with her whole future ahead of her. Which is precisely why Kat can’t believe she jumped. When a second student dies in the same chilling way, the tension tightens beautifully. Kat is the only one asking the uncomfortable questions, and watching her push against institutional resistance and whispered doubts gives the story a compelling emotional edge.

As the investigation deepens, the book becomes wonderfully twisty. Loyalties crack, secrets surface, and the DNA evidence that should have offered clarity instead opens the door to an even more unsettling possibility. The author handles these turns with a deft touch — nothing feels forced, and every reveal lands with satisfying impact.

What I loved most is how the novel balances pace with character. Kat’s persistence, her vulnerability, and her refusal to be manipulated make her a standout lead. And the central question — has she found the killer, or has she been expertly played? — lingers right up to the final pages.

Tense, atmospheric, and full of smart misdirection, The Perfect Girl is a thriller that keeps you second‑guessing yourself in the best possible way. A fantastic read for anyone who loves police procedurals with heart, grit, and a sting in the tail.

With thanks to Andy Maslen, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: Really enjoyed the narration!

📝 Story Review: This was an excellent mystery!! I was invested right from the start! The characters and storyline pulled me in and I enjoyed how the investigation went. The ending was pretty good too! I had partially guessed at the ‘who dunnit’ aspect, but I didn’t have all the info to figure it all out, so I enjoyed being surprised but also partially right!

A girl falls to her death. Is it suicide or homicide? Detective Kat Ballantyne is certain it’s homicide. What ensues is an investigation into her life and suspects with grievances towards the dead girl. But the deeper the detective digs, the more she thinks there’s the potential for this to not be an isolated murder. Could there perhaps be a serial killer under their noses, or is she reading more into this than she should?

A mix of investigating a homicide, while helping a work partner through some issues and navigating her own life as a wife and mother. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it! This is the 6th book in the series and it makes me want to check out the first 5 books to see if they are this good!

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5

Vibes: Intrigue that pulls you in and makes you want to solve the case yourself!

Tropes 👇

- Small suspect pool
- Detective investigation
- England setting
- Uncovering secrets

CW’s 👇

- Being drugged
- Alcohol use
- Death of teenagers
- Mention of prior stalking
- Mention of suicide

Audio Release Date: March 31, 2026
Audio Run Time: 10 hrs, 12 mins
Narrated By: Ell Potter
Series: Detective Kat Ballantyne, Book 6.
Genre: Mystery
POV: Single; Third Person

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Kat Ballantyne is a police career woman trying to balance the scales of justice and roles of motherhood and marriage when she is drawn into the death of a university student in the local town. Now, let's just take a moment of appreciation for the arrival of the corpse - what a way to deliver the opening scene and start the action (no spoilers here!)

We are soon introduced to Kat's small team - Tomski her ambitious, fast track career path bag man and Carve Up Carver her boss, both delightfully drawn characters who you will either love or hate. Kat is doing her best to mentor him as it's made clear in previous books her team was larger but mistakes were made and the price was losing some of her team to other duties.

Kat is working hard to get answers for the student's grief stricken parents about what happened, but the leads are many and some have murky ties to Kat's past. Was it the student's ex boyfriend? A friend? A scorned love interest? An older tutor who wanted to take advantage of a young girl? I loved the avenues I was led down as a reader, great pace and tension, each moment building on the last so you have some heart in your mouth moments (a particularly unsettling scene in a basement studio...) and references to topical situations such as toxic masculinity.

As well as the main investigation, there is an interesting sub story regarding Kat and her family dynamic, with her husband retreating into his work in website tech support and her young son getting older. Kat is worried her husband is keeping secrets (and I have my own thoughts on what those are) and it adds an element of emotional suspense to the story and gives Kat multiple threads to her character to consider.

The theories I had about the murder and the way it is revealed to you as a reader had me reading well into the night. The threads of the story are pulled together in a satisfying way to help draw conclusions, but leave tantalising breadcrumbs for what I think may be storylines in future books in the series.

The Perfect Girl was my first Andy Maslen read and what a treat I have ahead as I am going to start the series from the beginning to get caught up ahead of the next release later this year.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would think that when a promising young adult with everything to live for falls from a building, that it wouldn’t automatically be ruled a suicide. Yet DS Kat Ballantyne has a hard time convincing her fellow officers otherwise. She knows almost right off that something isn’t right, and that further investigation is needed, and of course, she’s proven correct by the evidence.

She’s already working without two of her team, thanks to DI Carve-Up ( I can’t even remember his real name!), and he makes it as hard as possible for her to properly investigate, but that doesn’t stop her. And soon enough, another young victim is found pushed off a building. Great that she’s validated, but not so great because their main suspect was locked up at the time. And it’s someone readers are quite familiar with now. She battles with herself internally regarding his possible guilt throughout the book, and I can’t say more without spoilers, which is frustrating. I can only say that I hope Kat comes to her senses by the next story.

I’m glad the tension between Kat and Tom has been resolved and that he’s facing his problems head-on. There’s still that unease between Kat and her husband, Van, and I really hope he’s not lying to her about all his extra time spent ‘working.’ Poor Kat deals with enough at work; she really doesn’t need tensions at home, too. I like how the storylines flow smoothly between books in this series, so that anything left unanswered will be picked up in the next one. Which I can’t wait for!

My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the free advanced reading copy of this book.

[Sohini · Rating 3 out of 5]

(ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

First thing first..

Did I like the book? Yes,
Will I recommend others? No,
Is it worth reading for seasoned readers? Yes,
Is the book a slow-burn? Yes
Is the plot well written? Yes
Is it a fast paced read? No, I lost interest sometimes but sometimes it gets interesting.

Review-

How do you stop a killer no one believes exists?

Rosie Duggan is found dead after falling from the Five Cups Lane car park. Everyone is quick to label it a suicide—but DS Kat Ballantyne isn’t convinced. Rosie was bright, popular, well-liked, and seemingly had no enemies. Perfect girls don’t jump… unless someone pushes them.

As Kat begins digging, layers start peeling off. Rosie’s past relationship with Lloyd Kenney, jealousy, revenge porn, and multiple stalkers at university paint a far darker picture beneath her “perfect” image. The discovery of Rosie’s journal becomes a turning point—revealing secrets that slowly begin to connect the dots.

What truly escalates the tension is when another student dies the same way. Then another. Different victims, same university, same pattern. Suicide—or something far more sinister?

Kat, along with her junior Tom (who is quietly impressive- recovering from a coma and proving his sharp investigative instincts), works relentlessly through misdirection, false leads, and pressure from all sides. I especially loved Tom’s growth under Kat’s mentorship; his contribution genuinely matters to solving the case.

Yeah, that's the plot. I liked it somehow but I hope it was 100 pages lesser!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

The Perfect Girl by Andy Maslen is a suspenseful police procedural.

Detective Sergeant Kat Ballantyne and Detective Constable Tom Gray are assigned to investigate the death of Rosie Duggan. Rosie is at uni where she is excelling in her classes and has a great circle of friends. Kat believes that the young woman who has everything going for her was murdered and she and Gray on their own throughout the case.

Kat finally decides to tackle the subject of Tom’s troubling behavior since he was almost killed by a suspect. She is gentle but firm as she tells him how concerned she is for him. Once they clear the air, Tom’s confidence begins to return and Kat can again rely on him as they work the case.

On the home front, Kat and her husband Ivan’s son Riley has settled down now he has a girlfriend. But trouble seems to be brewing between her and Ivan as they both work long hours. Kat is concerned about the stare of her marriage, but is this just a rough patch for the long-married couple?

The Perfect Girl is a fast-paced addition to the Detective Kat Ballantyne series. Kat is a smart woman with keen investigative instincts. She is dedicated to her career and assisting Tom with advancing his career. Tom is on the career fast track and it is wonderful to see him mostly back to normal after Kat’s discussion with him. Their investigation into Rosie’s murder goes down a twisted path once the pieces begin falling into place. With an unexpected plot twist, Andy Maslen brings this captivating mystery to a breathtaking conclusion.

[A Pixie Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

(AD-PR) - I was sent a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Perfect Girl is the sixth book in the Kat Ballantyne series, and after finishing it, I can confidently say I’ll be recommending this series to everyone who loves a fast-paced, character-driven crime thriller. Each book can be read as a standalone - which is why I've started with book 6 (I'm not a crazy person, just picking it up expecting to understand it haha). I will be going back to read to earlier books though. And then maybe reread this one because it's so good.

From the very first chapter, the story wastes no time pulling you in. You’re immediately thrown into a gripping investigation, complete with a shocking death that sets the tone for everything that follows. The pacing is spot on throughout — tense, engaging, and impossible to put down.

One of the standout elements for me is the relationship between the two main detectives, Kat and Tom. Their dynamic feels authentic and well-developed, adding an emotional layer to the story that balances the intensity of the case. I have many questions about Kat and her boss, as well as Kat and her husband. It’s actually made me want to go back and read the earlier books in the series just to explore those relationships a little bit more.

The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep you guessing. I had my suspicions at different points, but I still found myself questioning everything as the story unfolded. What I especially enjoyed was how the case turned out to be far more complex than it initially seemed, adding depth and intrigue to the plot, and also, a good life lesson to always look at the bigger picture.

The ending is particularly impactful. While it delivers a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline, it also leaves just enough unanswered to keep you thinking — and hoping — that certain threads will be picked up in future books. I’m very interested to see where Andy Maslen takes Kat’s story next, especially as it feels like the series could be heading in a darker direction - part of me is kinda hoping that eventually the stress of the job gets the Kat and maybe eventually she will become the killer? But then, I also acknowledge that's a wild theory.

Overall, this is an addictive, well-paced thriller with strong characters and a compelling mystery at its core. Whether you’re already following the series or new to it, this is definitely one worth picking up.

Thank you to Tandem Collective and Andy Maslen for the opportunity to be part of this readalong — I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[kav · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I have never read any books in this series before, let alone anything by Maslen, but I really enjoyed it! Detective Kat Ballantyne and her bagman, Tom, are investigating the death of the golden child Rosie. What is originally played off as a suicide turns into a series of murders after further investigation. I can't really say much more without maybe accidentally spoiling, but the book was very engaging and had me hooked from the first page to the last.

I feel like I had an idea of who the killer might be from the beginning, but not why they did it, so that kept me going through the book. I don't think it is super obvious who it is, and had I not been so skeptical of everything, I probably wouldn't have figured it out, haha. I also really loved seeing Kat's thought process through the whole book and seeing how they investigated the crime.

Since I have not read the other books in the series, and I am also not British, I had some trouble trying to keep up with the language and the characters, but everything was explained sufficiently that I was not too confused. The ending was the only reason I did not give this book a higher rating. It was unsatifsying and I am honestly confused why it was left like that. Maybe this is just how Maslen writes his books, and they are finished off in the next book, but it just felt empty. I was waiting for maybe an epilogue of some sort to briefly wrap things up, but there was nothing. However, I will probably still end up reading the other books in this series because of how much I liked this one!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series by Andy Maslen. If you enjoy gritty police procedural series then this is worth trying. Well thought out plots, excellent characters with interesting back stories.

Andy Maslen's latest thriller in the series is The Perfect Girl, which features the lead character DS Kat Ballantyne, a detective who refuses to accept the "obvious" when her gut tells her otherwise. Rosie Duggan, a girl who seemingly had it all, intelligence, popularity, and a bright future, plummets to her death from a multi-story car park.

While the authorities and the public are quick to label it a suicide, Kat can’t shake the feeling that something is fundamentally wrong. As she observes, girls like Rosie don't just jump.

The tension escalates when a second student dies under identical circumstances. Despite the mounting evidence of a pattern, Kat finds herself isolated in her suspicions, but determined to uncover the truth.

The novel explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the dark side of "perfect" lives. It is a fast-paced procedural that asks a chilling question: How do you stop a killer that no one else believes exists?

Ideal for fans of gritty British police procedurals, The Perfect Girl delivers a satisfying blend of investigative detail and heart-pounding suspense.

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

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping and twisty thriller in one of my favourite series. I couldn't wait to get stuck in and find out what would happen in this next instalment.

DS Kat Ballantyne is called to a suspected suicide, but her instinct tells her there is more to it. The evidence, however, does not and Kat knows she has a battle on her hands if she wants to convince her superiors, who always tell her to follow the evidence and not to rely on instinct.

I always enjoy the multi faceted aspects of the books in this series; from the dynamic between Kat and Tomski, whose personal journey in this instalment made me very happy, to Kat's home life as she balances her busy job with being a wife and mother.

The plot itself, is superb. After vital DNA evidence is discovered on the young woman's body, Kat knows she was right and that she has a murder case on her hands, but the results of the DNA testing throw a curveball at her that she can't get her head around. And then, another young person falls to their death. With the mounting evidence pointing to a clear perpetrator for the first death, and that person in custody, Kat is very much alone in her feeling that the two deaths are linked. I love Kat's gritty determination and loyalty. A big cliffhanger at the end has me hoping we don't have to wait too long for book seven!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Andy Maslen and Amazon Publishing for an ARC of this book.

[Alison Taylor-Muhl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the DS Kat Ballantyne series, and it goes without saying that the previous books should be read first, in order to fully understand the background of the main characters and their relationships. As always, Kat is a strong and determined lead character, who this time, is successful in helping deal Tom with his past trauma – it was nice to have them back working well together. The plot is good with many subtle but important twists – small details which gradually connect other deaths in a believable manner. I also enjoyed the way passages from Rosie’s journal were interspersed to give us an insight into her mind, and I think the balance between investigative procedures, the team and the offences is spot on.

Whilst the premise for this instalment is truly fascinating, it did feel to drag a bit in the middle, and the constant use ‘bagman’ and the various nicknames started to grate on me – I found myself rolling my eyes whenever they were used. I’m also struggling with the way Kat and Van’s relationship seems to be heading. We have Kat flirting with pathologist and Van bowing and scraping to his ‘sexy client’. Sadly, it feels to me that at least one affair could be on the cards. I really hope I’m wrong, as I find the current amount of personal life included in the books to be right. Sadly, this book is not my favourite in the series, but that said, I am still eagerly awaiting book seven.

[Marly Mcastocker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the audiobook for The Perfect Girl by Andy Maslen, and found it to be a solid, engaging entry in the DS Kat Ballantyne series (this is book 5, though it works perfectly well as a standalone).

This story follows DS Kat Ballantyne as she investigates the murder of an 18-year-old girl, unfolding as a classic police procedural with a steady, methodical pace. Early on, the narrative introduces several potential suspects, each with believable motives, and I appreciated how the story took its time revisiting and ruling them out. There’s something satisfying about that kind of breadcrumb trail; like being invited to walk alongside the investigation rather than being dragged behind it.

While there are glimpses into Kat’s personal life, they sit gently in the background. You don’t need prior knowledge of the series to feel grounded in the story, which makes this a good entry point for new readers.

I will say, I had a strong sense early on of who the killer might be, and I was right. That said, the full motive took longer to unravel, and the deeper “why” behind the crime added some layers I didn’t immediately anticipate. It’s less about shock and more about understanding, like watching a knot slowly loosen rather than snap.

Overall, this was a well-written, easy, and engaging listen. It held my attention, even when I suspected where it was going. I’d rate it 3 stars: an enjoyable procedural that I’d happily continue the series with.

[Zara Dal · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5

This was my first DS Kat Ballantyne book and safe to say it won’t be my last. I already know I’ll be going back to read the earlier books in the series because I loved this one so much!!

I also had such a great time reading this as part of the Tandem Collective readalong. There’s nothing better than sharing theories and trying to piece everything together as you go.

I warmed to Kat Ballantyne immediately. She actually gave me strong vibes of Karen Pirie—that same feisty, determined energy and refusal to back down when she believes she’s right. Kat isn’t afraid to trust her instincts or challenge authority, especially when those higher up ('Carve-up'), seem more concerned with red tape (or hiding something), than delivering justice.

The character work across the board was brilliant. From Kat herself, to Tomski—returning after serious trauma in the line of duty—and even her husband Van, who had me raising an eyebrow more than once and that’s before diving into the suspects! Everyone felt layered and intriguing, which made the mystery even more compelling.

The short, sharp chapters kept the pacing tight and addictive, making it incredibly easy to fly through. Every chapter pushed the investigation forward and kept me hooked.

This was such a punchy, high-energy read packed with intrigue, mystery, police procedure, and a standout cast of characters.

A brilliant introduction to the series for me and an easy recommendation for crime thriller fans.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The body of university student Rosie Duggan, described as “a perfect girl” is found fallen from the roof of a car park. Although many are willing to ascribe it to a suicide, DS Kat Ballantyne is not convinced that it wasn’t homicide. As she and her partner investigate they find no shortage of possible suspects. They discover that Rosie is not the only “perfect girl” who has met a tragic end, and when another body turns up, they are certain they are dealing with murders.

This is the sixth book is the Kat Ballantyne series. While I am familiar with Andy Maslen’s Inspector Ford books, this is the first I have read in the Ballantyne series. It works well as a stand alone.

This is a fast- paced, page turner and a solid police procedural. I like Kat; she is a strong, capable female protagonist and her partner, Tomski, a serious assistant and support to Kat. Although I don’t try to, I did figure out the culprit early in the story, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story. The ending did leave things a bit up in the air.

I enjoyed this read and will definitely look for the next installment.


Thanks to @NetGalley, @AmazonPublishing, #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

[Jayla Metzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was definitely pulled in by the premise—because seriously, how do you stop a killer no one believes exists?! 👀 And I’ll be honest, it hooked me right from the start.
DS Kat Ballantyne is determined, stubborn in the best way, and the kind of character you want to root for when everyone else is brushing things off. The mystery itself had a really eerie vibe with the whole “is it suicide…or something darker?” angle, and I loved trying to piece it all together.
That said… it didn’t completely blow me away.
Some parts felt a little predictable, and I found myself figuring out certain twists before they were revealed. I also wanted a bit more depth in places—especially when things started getting intense. It just didn’t hit as hard emotionally as I was hoping.
BUT—let’s talk about the audiobook narrator 👏
They did a fantastic job bringing the story to life! The pacing, the tone, the tension—it definitely kept me engaged even when the plot slowed down.
✨ Overall: A creepy, intriguing mystery with a strong lead and great narration, but a few predictable moments kept it from being a total standout for me.
Would I recommend it? Yes—especially if you love a quick, twisty thriller that keeps you guessing (even if you guess right a few times 😉).