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Detective Kat Ballantyne #6
The Perfect Girl
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26How 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?
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?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
4 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
76 books524 followersMULTI-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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 18, 2026
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.
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.
January 19, 2026
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.
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.
January 15, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DS Kat Ballantyne and her side kick Tom are investigating the death of a girl, Rosie, who had everything going for her, and are convinced she was pushed off the roof of the car park.
Then there is a second student who dies in the same way.
Kat tasks Tom to do a search for similar deaths.
I love the way this twisty police procedural just grabbed my attention from the first page to the last.
Clever and solid police work solves the cases, and the culprit was not someone I expected.
I like Kat. She is a hard working investigator, and has a great relationship with 'Tomski'.
She unfortunately has not yet managed to expose "Carve-up" and get him unseated from his position, but I am convinced that will happen in due course.
The nicknames "Ma-Linda" and the others irritate me in a way.
Well worth reading for the excellent investigative work, and the twist that you wouldn't have expected.
Then there is a second student who dies in the same way.
Kat tasks Tom to do a search for similar deaths.
I love the way this twisty police procedural just grabbed my attention from the first page to the last.
Clever and solid police work solves the cases, and the culprit was not someone I expected.
I like Kat. She is a hard working investigator, and has a great relationship with 'Tomski'.
She unfortunately has not yet managed to expose "Carve-up" and get him unseated from his position, but I am convinced that will happen in due course.
The nicknames "Ma-Linda" and the others irritate me in a way.
Well worth reading for the excellent investigative work, and the twist that you wouldn't have expected.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this as an ARC from netgalley and upon realising this was part of a series I read the first 5 books before this one.
I can now confirm I am a fan of this series and Andy Maslen.
This book was one of the better ones in this Series and I enjoyed the main focus being on the murder at hand and not other other various things Kat Ballentyne had going on I.e her dead half sister and her father being corrupt.
I enjoyed the dynamic between her and Tomski- even though I hate that name.
I waant keen on Ethan being arrested as a murderer, but also im glad hes no longer going to present in the books as his appearances were annoying and mostly unnecessary- if his podcast shed light on cases and actually managed to help then id be more open to it.
Dislike that Van is being distant and hope that there is not divorce on the horizon.
Ada being killer - didnt mind it.
Would recommend this book and this series.
I can now confirm I am a fan of this series and Andy Maslen.
This book was one of the better ones in this Series and I enjoyed the main focus being on the murder at hand and not other other various things Kat Ballentyne had going on I.e her dead half sister and her father being corrupt.
I enjoyed the dynamic between her and Tomski- even though I hate that name.
I waant keen on Ethan being arrested as a murderer, but also im glad hes no longer going to present in the books as his appearances were annoying and mostly unnecessary- if his podcast shed light on cases and actually managed to help then id be more open to it.
Dislike that Van is being distant and hope that there is not divorce on the horizon.
Ada being killer - didnt mind it.
Would recommend this book and this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
The Perfect Girl by Andy Maslen is book 4 in the Detective Kat Ballantyne police series and the series just gets better each book.
Rosie Duggan has supposedly taken her own life when she jumped off a multi-storey car park roof. Kat Ballantyne doesn’t believe that the young woman, whose mother talks of as ‘the perfect girl’, would have taken her own life. She believes that she was murdered and will prove that she was killed.
There may be more unexplained deaths than first thought and Kat and Tom will have to prove that there is a serial killer loose in the city.
An interesting storyline, with good characters and another excellent read by the author.
Highly recommended
Rosie Duggan has supposedly taken her own life when she jumped off a multi-storey car park roof. Kat Ballantyne doesn’t believe that the young woman, whose mother talks of as ‘the perfect girl’, would have taken her own life. She believes that she was murdered and will prove that she was killed.
There may be more unexplained deaths than first thought and Kat and Tom will have to prove that there is a serial killer loose in the city.
An interesting storyline, with good characters and another excellent read by the author.
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In "The Perfect Girl" By Author Andy Maslen, Things are not always as they appear, and they almost never are. Why would a girl who had everything under control take such drastic and irreversible action? And why does no one else seem to question this version of reality? Thickening plots and curious twists will leave you guessing and pressing to find the truth.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
This is book 6 in the Kat Ballantyne series.
Kat and Tom are trying to solve the death of a young woman killed in a fall. At first it was assumed it was a suicide, but it soon proved to be murder.
I like Kat and felt a bit sad for her suspicions about her husband's relationship with his sexy client and wonder about the future of her marriage.
The final result of her and Tom's hard work to catch the murderer is excellent, with a twist that will probably be dealt within no. 7 of the series.
This is book 6 in the Kat Ballantyne series.
Kat and Tom are trying to solve the death of a young woman killed in a fall. At first it was assumed it was a suicide, but it soon proved to be murder.
I like Kat and felt a bit sad for her suspicions about her husband's relationship with his sexy client and wonder about the future of her marriage.
The final result of her and Tom's hard work to catch the murderer is excellent, with a twist that will probably be dealt within no. 7 of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
DS Kat Ballantyne and her partner are called in when the body of a young woman is discovered beneath a multilevel parking garage. At first glance, it appears to be suicide. But the victim had everything to live for—and as the investigation unfolds, the evidence refuses to line up.
With few clues and more questions than answers, Kat digs deeper, determined to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
A gripping mystery that keeps you turning pages from start to finish, this is a definite must-read for fans of suspense and psychological crime fiction.
With few clues and more questions than answers, Kat digs deeper, determined to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
A gripping mystery that keeps you turning pages from start to finish, this is a definite must-read for fans of suspense and psychological crime fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this eARC.
The DS Kat Ballantyne series, written by Andy Maslen is one of my favorite police procedural series, and this is his BEST yet!
If you are looking for an absorbing mystery, with interesting (and likeable / relatable characters, at least regarding DS Ballantyne and her sidekick) you can't go wrong with The Perfect Girl.
Follow along as DS Ballantyne and her team attempt to unravel a mind boggling set of murders and arrest a serial killer who is killing promising young women on the cusp of adulthood.
The DS Kat Ballantyne series, written by Andy Maslen is one of my favorite police procedural series, and this is his BEST yet!
If you are looking for an absorbing mystery, with interesting (and likeable / relatable characters, at least regarding DS Ballantyne and her sidekick) you can't go wrong with The Perfect Girl.
Follow along as DS Ballantyne and her team attempt to unravel a mind boggling set of murders and arrest a serial killer who is killing promising young women on the cusp of adulthood.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An excellent police procedural with a very well written storyline and an outstanding cast of characters. Kat and Tom are trying to investigate a suicide/murder with multiple possible suspects. Kat has to also deal with the suspicion of her husband's relationship with another women. A very enjoyable page turning read with several twists and lots of suspense. Another highly recommended read by Andy Maslen in the Detective Kat Bdallantyne series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another well written, tightly woven plot in the DS Kat Ballantyne series which gripped me right to the last page. I really liked the characterisation, especially Tom, and I like the way the character is developing. It is fast paced, filled with suspense and tension and I liked the insight into Kat's personal life. Although part of a series, it can easily be read on it's own but I can highly recommend the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having found Andy Maslen as an author many years ago and followed his writing career, I really get excited when another book drops.
Kat is one of my favourite characters and Mr Maslen documents her career and personal activities in such a way as to make her feel real to the reader. She is no perfect angel and she suffers her demons and the readers get to follow them along with her.
A really well written and enjoyable story that will sit proudly on my bookshelf with his other releases
Kat is one of my favourite characters and Mr Maslen documents her career and personal activities in such a way as to make her feel real to the reader. She is no perfect angel and she suffers her demons and the readers get to follow them along with her.
A really well written and enjoyable story that will sit proudly on my bookshelf with his other releases
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning without relying on pages and pages of backstory. The story has a great flow, with very little fluff or filler just to pad the page count. It feels very modern, using current terminology and technology in a way that feels natural and relevant.
The plot kept me guessing about who did it, revealing new information with each chapter and delivering twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. Unfortunately, the ending was a huge disappointment. It felt unfinished, as if the story was cut short before it could fully deliver on its buildup.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning without relying on pages and pages of backstory. The story has a great flow, with very little fluff or filler just to pad the page count. It feels very modern, using current terminology and technology in a way that feels natural and relevant.
The plot kept me guessing about who did it, revealing new information with each chapter and delivering twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. Unfortunately, the ending was a huge disappointment. It felt unfinished, as if the story was cut short before it could fully deliver on its buildup.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the sixth book in the series and I definitely think you need to have read at the least the first one to get the full background on some of the characters and their relationships.
This is an enjoyable series and an easy read. This did drag a little bit in the middle but it really revved up at the end. I did however guess the killer very early on.
This was a 3.5 rounded up.
This is an enjoyable series and an easy read. This did drag a little bit in the middle but it really revved up at the end. I did however guess the killer very early on.
This was a 3.5 rounded up.
Read
January 19, 2026Another Excellent chapter in the the Kate Ballantyre series of books, good strong story line good characters. Read and thoroughly enjoyed kept interest from start to finish I recommend it highly . Buy and enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An extremely well written book, which I couldn't put down. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next Kat Ballantyne story.
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