Nothing Left Behind

Detective Liz Field #2

by Hannah Brennan

‘Emergency. Which service do you require?’

‘He’s trying to burn down my house. He’s going to kill me.’

They thought it was another false alarm. They were wrong.

This page-turning crime thriller is perfect for fans of Nadine Matheson, Sam Holland, and Helen Fields.

‘Emergency. Which service do you require?’

‘He’s trying to burn down my house. He’s going to kill me.’

Anne Evans was a 'nuisance caller'. She would repetitively dial 999 in desperate panic, screaming down the phone that 'he' was going to burn her alive…

But after years of false alarms, people stopped listening.

Now, as the smoke clears, DCI Liz Field can only watch helplessly as Anne’s charred home collapses, her body still trapped inside.

The blaze leaves scant evidence behind, but the more Field's team uncover in the rubble, the more disturbing the case becomes. This wasn't merely arson, it was murder, tailored to the victim’s worst nightmare.

Everyone thought Anne was just a paranoid recluse. But is it really paranoia, if all that you feared comes true?

Readers love NOTHING LEFT BEHIND!

'I don’t think I’ve ever physically winced so much reading a book' *****'I’ll be after the first few chapters of Nothing Left Behind, I found myself double-checking my own front door locks' *****'One of my all time favourite book detectives' *****'Such a page turner. The pacing is sharp and relentless' *****'There's a real sense of how human these characters are' *****'Fast-paced, tense, and full of shocks' *****'The story just keeps tightening, layering dread with urgency, and it honestly reads like a one-sitting kind of thriller' *****'This series is just getting better and better' *****'Can absolutely be read as a standalone novel but also builds on book 1 which I appreciated' *****

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller

Audible Audio

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[one.too.many.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved it, just as I knew I would. Like with the first book I was completely captivated, couldn’t listen and read fast enough. The audiobook was brilliant again!This book really was on fire (no pun intended).

Second in a series we follow DI Liz Field to a house fire this time where an older woman fell victim to the flames. Neighbours had to be evacuated and a community is in schock, though the victim was not well liked, known for nuisance calls to the police thinking someone was setting her house on fire…

I know that I will read everything that this author writes. It feels like reading work from a seasoned writer, it was so well researched too. As I said I was completely captivated by the story and really just wanted to go back to reading this book any time I wasn’t. The atmosphere is brilliant, the characters believable and interesting.

Another absolutely fantastic crime novel and I cannot believe there was even a teaser for book 3. I am incredibly excited yet again!

I highly recommend!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing Left Behind is the second book in the Detective Liz Field series. I haven’t read the first book but felt this could be read as a standalone. It’s a police procedural that you can really get your teeth into. I loved the depth of characters and how the plot unfolded. Some of the descriptions are so lifelike you almost imagine you’re in the middle of the action. Gripping and addictive, I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

[Helen Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early Access Read
📆 Publication Date: 23rd April 26

I’ve really enjoyed this one. An engaging police procedural with strong characters and a satisfying investigation.

This is book two in the series, but I haven’t read the first book and didn’t feel lost at all. It works perfectly well as a standalone, which I really appreciated.

From early on, I was hooked by the slow burn of the investigation. At 34% in, I already had ideas and suspicions, but nothing solid. No obvious suspect, just my mind working overtime trying to piece together clues that maybe weren’t even there yet. I managed to connect some of the dots by the end, but not all of them, which is exactly how I like my crime thrillers.

Detective Field is such a likeable lead. Fair, confident and goal-driven, but also intelligent and emotionally invested in her cases. She genuinely feels what she’s working on, and I loved that about her. A strong moral compass, a good boss, and a believable DCI.

And chapter 54… I don’t think I’ve ever physically winced so much reading a book. The description is fantastically uncomfortable, and so convincing it made me squirm in my seat, and it wasn’t even a murder scene 🙈🫠

Even better, book one in the series, No Safe Place, is currently available on Kindle for 99p, so there’s plenty of time to read the first instalment before Nothing Left Behind is released on 23rd April. I’ve already snapped up the first book and can’t wait to read more of Detective Field and her team.

Thank you to Hannah Brennan, Avon UK and NetGalley for the early copy.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan

This was a tense and engaging police procedural that held my attention throughout. DI Liz Field is once again at the centre of a complex case; Brennan layers buried secrets, hidden tensions and credible suspects into an investigation that feels grounded and real. When a serial emergency services calls again to say she is going to be the victim of arson, it’s hard for the police not to sigh and roll their eyes. Only this time it’s for real, with a terrible outcome. And why has the victim done her best to leave them clues to the crime.

Liz herself is a strong and relatable character, determined, thoughtful and emotionally grounded. The story has momentum and depth. The pacing is measured but effective, letting the atmospheric tension build as clues and red herrings unfold without ever feeling overly complicated.

The audiobook narration adds an extra layer to the experience. The performer enhances the emotional undercurrent of the story and making it easy to stay immersed, even during quieter, more reflective moments.

The combination of strong character work, an absorbing mystery and thoughtful themes makes this a very solid four star read. I’d happily recommend it to fans of character-driven crime and quality audio production.

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

You know that moment when someone says, “She’s just dramatic,” and then five minutes later the house is literally on fire? That is the energy of Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan. Anne Evans has been calling 999 for years, screaming that “he” is going to burn her alive, and everyone collectively rolled their eyes so hard they sprained something. And then… he does. I’m sorry, that opening is so brutally effective it felt like the book grabbed me by the collar and said, "Pay attention, we are not playing."

And listen, did I read No Safe Place, the first book in the Detective Liz Field series? Absolutely not. I dove straight into book two like a chaotic gremlin with zero respect for chronological order. And honestly? It kind of works. Brennan gives you enough of DCI Liz Field’s whole deal that you’re not out here fully floundering. She’s sharp, capable, and carries that quiet, worn-down empathy that only comes from seeing humanity at its absolute worst on a loop.

She’s not flashy. She’s not doing the tortured genius thing. She’s just…solid. The kind of detective who can stand in the ashes of something devastating and actually feel the weight of it, especially when it’s clear no one listened before it was too late. But also…maybe read the first book. Just saying.

Anne is such a quietly devastating character. Labeled a nuisance caller. The woman who cried wolf. Except the wolf showed up with gasoline. The whole premise plays on that deeply uncomfortable question, is it paranoia if it’s true? And Brennan leans into that psychological horror so well. Anne wasn’t just killed. The fire was tailored to her specific fear. That detail is so cruel and intimate it made me physically tense. This is not random violence. This is personal.

The procedural side is heavy. We are sifting through rubble, analyzing fire patterns, piecing together timelines. At times it slows the momentum a little, but it also makes the case feel grounded. Like you can almost smell the smoke and damp ash. There are transcripts of emergency calls sprinkled in, and while some are blink-and-you-miss-it short, they add this eerie chorus of voices that keeps reminding you how many times Anne tried to be heard.

What I really appreciated is how the investigation starts to unravel connections beyond just the fire. There are threads linking to other deaths, secrets tucked into seemingly unrelated corners, and you can feel the net tightening. I had theories. So many theories. I was side-eyeing everyone like I was in my own personal episode of Line of Duty. Every time I thought I had it pinned down, Brennan nudged the narrative just enough to make me doubt myself.

Liz herself is such a strong anchor. She’s compassionate without being naive, driven without being reckless. There’s a quiet frustration in her that the system failed Anne, and that emotional undercurrent gives the whole book more depth than your average arson-murder procedural. This isn’t just about catching a killer. It’s about what happens when someone gets written off as inconvenient.

Is it the most shocking twist of the century? No. But it is tense, emotionally loaded, and smart. The pacing kept me locked in, even when we dipped into detailed investigative territory. It’s gritty in that very British crime drama way where everyone looks slightly exhausted and morally conflicted, and I eat that up every time.

Four stars. Confidently. This series has officially convinced me I need to circle back to No Safe Place like the responsible reader I pretend to be.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Permanently Suspicious of Anyone Who Uses the Phrase “Nuisance Caller”

Huge thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC. You handed me a book about fire and paranoia and said, have fun, and I absolutely did. My nerves did not, but that feels on brand.

[Amie Derricott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne has long been known to the police. Classed as a nuisance caller, she calls 999 multiple times a week saying there is a man and he is trying to burn her alive. This time though, the house is on fire with Anne inside. As the smoke clears, DCI Field can only watch as the ruined house collapses, with Annes body still in there. With one police officer in hospital after running into the burning building in an attempt to save Anne and collapsing himself, the next door neighbour burned from saving him, many of the streets residents displaced in the aftermath of the blaze and the fire brigade telling her this was a case of arson, Field has very little evidence to go on to attempt to solve what looks to be a murder. Meanwhile, her colleagues on the force are investigating the shooting of a young woman who worked for the local food bank and worked closely with many of the areas deprived residents. As more of the rubble is pulled away, Field starts to realise this is more than just a case of arson, its a murder, tailored to the victims worst fears. It begin to look like the two teams cases are connected and so begins a race against time to figure out who the perpetrator is and their reasons for such brutal crimes.
Once again I’ve jumped in at book two of a series without reading the first book, but other than one or two very small references to something that one of the other detectives did in the previous book, I absolutely did not lose any context. The cases that Field investigate in this book are entirely separate to those in book one so it made total sense as a standalone. I did have my guess as to who had commited the crimes pretty early on in the book, but I definitely struggled to figure out the motive behind it and I was wary of being too convinced of my suspicions as there are some pretty serious “WHAT” moments that suggested it possibly could have been someone else. I’ve never really read police procedurals before, so I found it really interesting to read in quite some detail how crimes like this are investigated. It also gives a really in depth look at how the fire brigade work in the aftermath of such huge fires, and how so many teams have to coordinate to collect evidence. Field is a really fascinating character to read too. She is in charge of a team of major incident detectives and is incredibly fierce, intelligent and determined, yet you also see the softer side to her where her vulnerabilities and flaws really show through.
I found it really interesting the way the author interspersed transcriptions of interviews done with Anne throughout the book which gave little tidbits of information that helps you as the reader to piece things together. The story is told from quite a few different perspectives and sometimes this can make it hard to follow whats going on where and keep track of whos who, but the chapters are so short and punchy that you keep right on top of the action throughout. I definitely need to go back and read the first book as I really enjoyed this, a lot more than I expected to in fact, and will 100% be keeping an eye out for more from DCI Liz Fields.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan is a gripping, emotionally charged book that delivers far more than a standard police procedural. Dark, tense, and relentlessly atmospheric, this is the kind of crime thriller that hooks you from the first emergency call and never really loosens its grip.

As the second book in DI Liz Field series it opens with a chilling scene — a desperate woman pleading for help as her house burns around her — Brennan immediately establishes a suffocating sense of dread. The novel wastes no time throwing us readers into the chaos, and the pacing barely slows from there. Every chapter reveals another unsettling layer to Anne Evans’s life, and what initially appears to be a tragic accidental death evolves into something far more sinister and heartbreaking.

DI Liz Field is an excellent lead: sharp, exhausted, compassionate, and realistically flawed. Unlike many crime thriller protagonists who feel almost superhuman, Liz comes across as genuinely human, juggling impossible workloads, departmental pressure, and her own instincts about a case everyone else seems ready to dismiss. Her determination to uncover the truth about Anne becomes the emotional core of the novel, and Brennan handles that progression brilliantly.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of how vulnerable people can be ignored when they are repeatedly labelled as unreliable, unstable, or attention-seeking. Anne’s history of frantic 999 calls could easily have turned into a cliché, but Brennan instead uses it to examine institutional fatigue and the dangerous consequences of not being believed. The story constantly asks whether paranoia stops being paranoia when the threat is real — and that question lingers long after the final page.

The atmosphere throughout is superb. Brennan creates a bleak, smoke-filled world where tension simmers in every interaction. Even quieter investigative scenes carry an undercurrent of menace, and the author does an impressive job maintaining suspense without relying solely on graphic violence or shock tactics. When twists do arrive, they feel earned rather than manufactured, which makes the revelations hit harder.

The supporting cast is also well handled, particularly the emergency responders and police officers whose exhaustion and frustration feel authentic. The procedural details add realism without bogging the story down, and the balance between investigation and psychological tension is extremely effective.

If there’s one reason this lands at 4.5 stars instead of a full five, it’s that a few middle sections briefly slow the momentum while setting up later revelations. Some readers may also wish for slightly deeper exploration of a few secondary characters. However, neither issue significantly detracts from the overall experience.

[UKDana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Evans has a long history of nuisance calls to the emergency services, so her most recent one isn't given the priority it should have. When it is realised that her call is genuine, it is too late to save Anne from the fire engulfing her home. In the aftermath, it doesn't take the fire service long to determine an accelerant was used.

The story opens with the police receiving one of their regular nuisance calls from "frequent flyer" Anne Evans. Anne exhibits classic signs of paranoia, convinced someone is trying to burn her house down. Unfortunately, this time around, her call is genuine, and Anne dies in the fire that engulfs her property. DCI Liz Field is called to the scene and suspects that this wasn't an accident.

Using traditional storytelling, alongside transcripts of interviews and 999 calls, you are immediately gripped by the story and the pace never relents. This is exactly what an audiobook should be like. You immediately sympathise with the neighbours who've spent years living near Anne and have now lost their home and all their possessions. As the transcripts continue, you are gradually drawn into Anne's life and realise how shocking her background is. I felt myself gasp when I discovered that Anne wasn't paranoid; there was some truth to her claims. This changed my whole perspective of her. She went from being a nuisance to becoming a terrified victim.

Alongside the arson and murder investigation, another police team are dealing with a murder case in which a local charity worker was shot dead. The contrast between the police and public opinions of the two victims is startling, showing how easily we judge people and jump to conclusions based on the scant information we have. Field begins to wonder if the two murders are connected.

I quickly found myself listening to "just one more chapter", desperate to know more and shocked with each revelation. There were some extremely tense moments, as Field narrowed in on the suspect, and I found myself grimacing over one particular scene. Hannah Brennan doesn't present a sanitised story; this comes across as realistic, showing the day-to-day danger faced by the emergency services. While the conclusion is satisfying, I found it tinged with sadness because of the lives that were impacted. I can't wait to see what the forthcoming third book in the series is like.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog

[Debbie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
I’ll be honest: after the first few chapters of Nothing Left Behind, I found myself double-checking my own front door locks. Hannah Brennan has delivered a dark, unsettling, and incredibly tense crime thriller that plays on that universal fear—what if the person everyone thinks is "crazy" is actually the only one seeing the truth?
Why it hooked me:
The premise is chillingly effective. We meet Anne Evans, a woman labeled a "nuisance caller" by emergency services. She’s spent years crying wolf, but when the wolf finally arrives with a box of matches, no one is coming to save her.
• The Atmosphere: Brennan does a fantastic job building a sense of suffocating dread. Seeing DCI Liz Field sift through the literal and metaphorical ashes of Anne’s life was heartbreaking.
• The Lead: DCI Liz Field is a solid protagonist. She’s sharp but carries a heavy weight of guilt—watching a house collapse with a woman inside because the system gave up on her is a hell of an opening for a character arc.
• The "Nightmare" Factor: Without giving too much away, the realization that this wasn't just a random fire, but a murder specifically "tailored" to Anne’s phobias, sent actual shivers down my spine. It’s a cruel, clever hook.
The Vibe:
If you’re a fan of Nadine Matheson or Helen Fields, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s gritty, it’s procedural, but it has a deep psychological edge that keeps it from feeling like "just another" detective novel.
A Few Thoughts:
I’m giving this a strong 4 stars. The pacing is relentless, and the mystery kept me guessing until the final act. My only slight "but" was that a couple of the secondary characters felt a little thin compared to Liz and the haunting presence of Anne, but the plot is so propulsive it didn’t slow me down.
Bottom Line: A haunting reminder that paranoia is sometimes just a very accurate assessment of reality. If you like your thrillers dark, fast-paced, and slightly devastating, pick this up.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan is a highly recommended procedural and the second novel in the series featuring Detective Liz Field.

After years of calling the emergency services number, Anne Evans was labeled a nuisance caller. She repeatedly called claiming that 'he' was going to burn her alive, so when yet another call was made it was assumed to be more of the same. This time, however, it was true. Detective Hunt was first on the scene and ran in to the burning house to save Anne and would have died if next door neighbor Ed hadn't pulled him out of the house. Ed and his wife Rosie were close with Anne and the fire left them homeless. After the fire was under control, Anne's body was found inside but then the home collapsed, making the investigation more complicated for DCI Liz Field and her team. Once the investigation confirms it was arson, it continues to become even more unsettling.

This is a well-written, intriguing procedural that unfolds at an even pace as the investigation into the fire begins. The tension rises and becomes disturbing as the investigation begins uncovering information and Anne was targeted due to her vulnerable position. It follows a logical line of reasoning and all clues and information are followed up on by the team. There are also some twists along the way

The narrative is told through several points-of-view, including Field, Ed, and Hunt. All of the characters resemble real individuals, including Anne, as the plot unfolds. Liz is a great, fully realized, intelligent character. She comes to life in this novel. Even though this is the second novel in the series, it can be read as a stand alone novel.

Nothing Left Behind is a great choice for those who enjoy detailed, methodical procedurals and everyone who has read the first book in the series, No Safe Place. Thanks to Avon Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne, a woman who calls emergency services repeatedly to report that someone is trying to kill her in fire, makes one last call for help. This time her call is REAL. Unfortunately, she and her home, and the homes of her neighbors, are gone. Detective Liz Field is called in to investigate in Nothing Left Behind, the second book in the Detective Liz Field series.

I enjoyed the first book in the series, No Safe Place and thought that I would love Nothing Left Behind as well. While this was an enjoyable book with a solid mystery, there was just something missing in this book for me that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I enjoy Detective Liz Field and how she approaches cases and hunts down leads. In this book she finds that her current case takes her back to a previous case. How are they connected?

My biggest issue with this book is that I found it to be slow. I struggle with slow books. I know investigations are not solved overnight, but I wanted this book to hurry up on several occasions. Then there is that little bit of something which was missing that would have pushed my rating higher. While I did enjoy the first book in this series more, I did enjoy this one but struggled with the pacing. This will not stop me from reading the next book in the series as I did not find the first book to have any pacing issues. What I did like was the mystery, the twists, and the reveal.

Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

They thought it was another false alarm. They were wrong. Anne Evans was a 'nuisance caller'. She would repetitively dial 999 in desperate panic, screaming down the phone that 'he' was going to burn her alive… After years of false alarms, people stopped listening and now, as the smoke clears, DCI Liz Field can only watch helplessly as Anne’s charred home collapses, her body still trapped inside. The blaze leaves scant evidence behind, but the more Field's team uncover in the rubble, the more disturbing the case becomes. This wasn't merely arson, it was murder, tailored to the victim’s worst nightmare. Everyone thought Anne was just a paranoid recluse. But is it really paranoia, if all that you feared comes true?

I really enjoyed No Safe Place last year so I was really keen to continue the police procedural series and I’m very pleased to say I wasn’t left disappointed.

There are some serious ‘oh my god’ moments in this book - quite literally, at one of the twist reveals halfway through I shouted it out, which got me some very strange looks on the dog walk!🤣

We begin to learn a little bit more about Liz’s character in this title, perfectly balanced alongside the development of the main case storyline unfolding. I did have an inkling about whodunnit almost as soon as the character first appeared, but I’m always wary of red herrings so my attention was held captivated right until the big reveal.

The audio was superb for this, I especially enjoyed how the emotions were conveyed through some of the darker, and more sensitive elements of the story, the respect for the procedures evident. I also really enjoyed the interesting audio transcriptions from interviews between two main characters, these are precisely placed to subtly filter through some more clues, leading to an absolutely mind-blowing conclusion overall.

Safe to say I am looking forward to the series continuing and am adding that to the wish list right now!

[Jenny K (on partial break) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Liz Field series. I enjoyed the first one, the author's debut novel, and this is another winner.

Plot summary: Anne has always been afraid that someone was going to set her house on fire. When it actually happens, and Anne is found dead, Field makes it her mission to find the killer. Next-door neighbor Ed seems to have a close relationship with her, and detective Hunt ran in to save her. Is there more going on? And is there a connection with a murder that happened a week before?

The narrative comes from several perspectives, including Field, Ed, and Hunt. It's also interspersed with pieces from an interview, and we find out about halfway through who is interviewing Anne and how it fits into the story.

It's a strong police procedural, keeping me hooked and turning the pages. There are lots of twists and turns, and I love how the story comes across as authentic in terms of police strategy. There's a lot of humanity, and the subplots are folded well into the broader plot.

I had two small complaints. One is that there were a few too many detectives to keep straight. I couldn't remember who each one was most of the time, and just went with it. I'm not familiar with the UK police terms outside of novels, and there seemed to be so many different levels of detectives and agencies.

The other is not really so small, which is that the perpetrator was fairly obvious. I mean, there weren't really any other suspects, and the story could have done with some red herrings. But the tension was strong in any case, so although that's a biggie, the deeper story of what was going on was still gripping.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Hannah Brennan for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Rustic_Reads_ Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start, I felt so frustrated on Anne’s behalf. Knowing she’d been dismissed for so long made everything that followed hit harder, and it genuinely made me think about how easily people can be written off when they’re seen as “difficult” or unreliable. That emotional angle is what really stuck with me.

I loved how the story slowly peeled everything back. It’s not one of those fast, twisty thrillers—it’s more of a creeping, uneasy feeling that builds as Liz Field and her team dig deeper. And the more they uncover, the worse it seems to get. I actually found myself second-guessing what was real versus what seemed like paranoia.

Liz Field is the kind of detective I enjoy reading about—determined, grounded, and not overly dramatic. She feels believable, which makes the investigation feel more real too.

Some parts are quite dark, especially around the idea of fear being used against someone so deliberately, but that’s also what makes it memorable. It’s the kind of book that lingers a bit after you’ve finished it.

I found this really gripping and quite thought-provoking. It’s not just about solving a crime, it’s about being ignored, not being believed, and what can happen because of that. Definitely one that sticks with you.

As soon as I knew I was reading this as an ARC I went back and read the first book in the Detective Liz Field series ‘No Safe Place’- which unbelievably was Hannah’s debut novel! 🥰 While I appreciated the continuation of Liz’s story and the familiarity of key characters, both books can totally be read as standalone’s.

[Becky Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @avonbooksuk for sending me this book and Anne at @randomthingstours for having me on tour.
 
Today is my review stop 👇🏼

•••••
 
After devouring Hannah’s first book, No Safe Place, I was over the moon to be part of this book tour. Hannah is now very much an auto-buy author for me now.
 
I was so happy to be back with DCI Liz Field and her team. I absolutely love the character of Liz (I want to be like her when I grow up 😂). She is intelligent, fierce, stubborn, tenacious and just a total boss woman and I’m here for it. But, at the same time, she has her vulnerabilities and flaws. I just love her.
 
This story just kept on giving. Such a fantastic premise and one that continually simmered. All the pieces coming together seductively leading to an explosive ending.
 
I was fully engaged throughout … With the short chapters, the compelling clues building up, the chapters with 999 transcripts, taped conversations and interviews peppered throughout, the nods to the first book and the whole premise of another case running along side the main case in the story, just added layer upon layer to this novel.

The author’s extensive research of the police procedures and investigative techniques really shone through. What they can do now with DNA and suchlike is amazing and this story clearly showcased that.
 
If you enjoyed Hannah’s first book, I highly recommend this one. Clever, sharp, twisty and extremely readable.
 
Another fabulous crime thriller to get your teeth into 🥰🔥.
 

[Britney Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars

Nothing Left Behind is a solid entry into the mystery whodunit thriller genre that kept me thoroughly engaged from the first page to the last. For fans of intricate plots and police procedurals, this is a highly recommended read.

The story centers on the brutal murders of Anne and Faye, two seemingly unconnected victims whose deaths leave the investigating detectives grappling for a motive. The narrative does an excellent job of setting up a compelling, albeit misdirecting, line of investigation. The pace is well-maintained, and the plot threads are woven together skillfully, allowing me to follow the twists and turns without getting lost. The author manages to keep the suspense taut as the detectives pursue various suspects, slowly peeling back the layers of the victims' lives.

What elevates this book is its masterful conclusion. The narrative expertly guides the reader down a specific path, building a confident sense of who, or what, is responsible. This makes the final, dramatic twist all the more satisfying and truly unexpected. It’s the kind of ending that compels you to immediately flip back to the beginning to see what you missed.

In sum, Nothing Left Behind delivers on its promise of a gripping, suspenseful thriller with a genuinely surprising payoff.-----Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anne Evans was a nuisance caller, dialling the police multiple times in a desperate panic. But after all the false alarms, people begin to stop listening. DCI Liz Fielding can only watch helplessly as Anne’s house collapses with her inside and little evidence remains. Was Anne really as paranoid as everyone thought, when everything she was paranoid about came true?

I was looking forward to this after really enjoying this author’s fantastic debut, No Safe Place. This one didn’t quite hit the mark as much as the first one did for me personally, however was still another very well written, compelling thriller and came together well, with some solid twists. My main issue with the story was that the pacing was very slow, so even though the writing was executed well, I didn’t feel the suspense needed to keep me gripped. I also found that I struggled with remembering all the characters, which didn’t help with this either. Saying that, the suspense did start to build as it developed, but maybe a bit too late into the story.

Even though I preferred the first book, I still appreciate what the author has delivered and I will continue to read more in the series due to this and because I enjoyed the first book so much. I can see those looking for a dark, at times gruesome, multi-layered police procedural with a slow buildup getting a lot from this one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Jacquelyn Dohoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Brennan really is a fantastic author. I remember as I read the first book last month that I was blown away that it was her debut novel. To not only have written such a phenomenal book, but also one with multiple perspectives was amazing to me. (I say this as I am currently plotting my fifth novel, first dual POV). To take on such an endeavor with your first couple of novels is impressive, but also ma’am, how?! I’m only sort of joking. I really loved the storylines in both of them, and I love Fields’ character. I also really loved that this one introduced not one but two cases, and how both teams had to fight over resources. Not only that, but the very real depiction of how each case was treated based on the victims’ public perception. I thought she handled that really well while still managing not to beat you over the head with it. The introduction of Logan was an interesting direction that I didn’t expect, or know that I would have been interested in in the first place. But considering everything else going on in the book, I felt like it fit very organically. I did know who the bad guy was pretty quickly, but I was interested in the why of it. A truly great book, and if you’re into procedurals, I highly recommend this one!

Huge thanks to Avon Books UK | Avon and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

[Jas Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARc of Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan.

This is the second in the DCI Fields series where we follow our firecracker and fiercely intelligent detective as she tries to solve an arson turned murder case involving an older woman with a psychiatric past. Meanwhile others in their division are trying to solve the murder of a young passionate advocate working in a charity supporting those in need. These two investigations take us on a journey which touches on poverty, the failures in social services for individuals in need and how our past can come to a head in sad and complex ways. This is a multi pov with extracts from 999 and recordings of conversations as well as some of the characters.

I am in love with this series, this protagonist and this author. Hannah writes women and mental health in a way that is both beautifully tragic and so well informed. She writes from the heart and focuses on important issues by perfectly blending them into a well thought out narrative. The plot was well paced and the world building like her previous novel is intertwined in the narrative. We meet new characters and meet again some of the existing ones from book one and there is never character bloat or an inability to follow storylines. The twists were great with me only working out quite late on the true villain of the tale.

I saw on Amazon there is a third book and I cannot wait to read it! Thank you Hannah for writing such amazing work

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing Left Behind is the second outing for DCI Liz Field - and having very much enjoyed getting to know her in Hannah's debut No Safe Place this follow up didn't disappoint!

Anne Evans is considered a nuisance caller by the emergency services which means her calls are not necessarily prioritised - but her final call proves to be a genuine one as her house is set alight and her body is found inside. But even in death she is somewhat dismissed - the death of an older woman with perceived mental health issues is deemed less newsworthy than the local doorstep shooting of a young charity worker which is also under investigation. Liz Field is determined to seek justice for Anne - and things take an interesting turn when she discovers a connection between the two cases.

With short chapters told from multiple points of view, as well as transcripts from recorded conversations and 999 calls, this was definitely one of those "just one more chapter" books as I was keen to see how things unfolded as we got deeper into the investigation. Liz Fields is a great protagonist, enormously human and utterly committed to her job - but never over the top.

If you haven't discovered this series and you enjoy a police procedural that combines compelling detail and intriguing twists with some very human characters then this is one I would recommend adding to the TBR. Roll on book 3!

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

DCI Liz Field is called to the scene of a fire with a victim trapped inside a house that’s falling down. The homeowner is known to the police for making hundreds of false alarm calls. She thought the danger was real, but no one ever saw a sign of anyone watching or threatening her. Was she right all this time, or is it just a coincidence? As Liz and her team investigate, they uncover ties to another case and a backstory of the homeowner that leaves them with more questions. Will they get to the truth before the next person is silenced?

The story sounded good in theory, but for some reason, I had to keep pushing myself to continue reading. It just didn’t have that easy flow to draw me in and keep me invested. The book is also a follow-up to another story that I haven’t read, but I don’t think you need to read that one to enjoy this one. There are some good reveals throughout the book, but nothing shocking or unexpected. The perpetrator is suspected from the start, so I was hoping it would turn out to be someone unexpected and not obvious, but it was a letdown because that wasn’t the case. I don’t know, I just couldn’t connect with this one.

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

[Hope Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing Left Behind kicks off with a jolt and basically refuses to let you relax. The premise alone is tense. Anne Evans, long dismissed as a “nuisance caller,” begs for help because someone is trying to burn her alive… and then it happens anyway. From there, the investigation feels like it is always one step behind the truth, digging through a case with barely any evidence and a steadily more disturbing pattern.

A lot of readers describe the book as twisty and impossible to put down, and I get why. I kept changing my mind about what was really going on. Every time I thought I had a handle on it, something shifted. That constant uncertainty is what really drives the tension. The story just keeps tightening, layering dread with urgency, and it honestly reads like a one-sitting kind of thriller.

I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because the detailed procedural work can slow things down a little in places. There are moments where you can feel the groundwork being laid. Still, if you want a crime novel that leans hard into suspense, paranoia, and rising stakes, this one absolutely delivers.

[Eva Edge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing Left Behind by Hannah Brennan is an intricate police procedural that, while skillfully woven, may struggle to captivate readers who prefer character-driven suspense to dry investigative detail.
The story follows the brutal, seemingly unconnected murders of two women, maintaining a steady pace as detectives peel back the layers of their lives. While the plot is well-maintained and the multiple-case aspect ties together effectively, the narrative can feel a bit predictable and includes gruesome elements that require a strong stomach. If a story is going to be that dark, it usually needs a very strong emotional hook or a high-speed pace to make the discomfort worth it.
This book is objectively well-constructed—with all the threads tying together and a solid narrator—but just lacks that "spark" to keep you truly gripped.

Ultimately, this audiobook is saved by the fantastic narration of Rachel Atkins, whose versatile performance helps bridge the gap where the story’s flow falters. It is a solid 3-star choice for dedicated fans of procedural mysteries, even if the emotional connection isn't quite there.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realize this was the second book in a series, but kept thinking throughout the entire audiobook, “Man, this would make a great series.” The book gods have shone their favor down on me. Well, partially. We need this series to be released in the U.S.

This procedural will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It starts out with a bang and never really lets up till the end of the novel.

Added to the great procedural mystery, there is a sadness to the novel. The victim, Anne Evans, is lonely, paranoid woman. And through the audiobook, family relationships become a focus of the story (not necessarily the book).

Rachel Atkins is the narrator and does a fabulous job. She adds so much to this novel. Read the book and then enjoy the audiobook.

If you are in the UK, enjoy. Just know that your brothers and sisters across the pond are desperately awaiting this novel, and book 1 in the series.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing left behind is book two in the Detective Liz field series. I really enjoyed the first book in the series, and this also didn’t disappoint.
Anne Evans has always been classed as a nuisance caller when she keeps ringing Emergency services, she also has a history of mental health issues. Her calls are always false alarms, so when her final call she claims someone, has found her a is going to burn her alive. Nobody takes much notice to her claims but this time it actually happened.
On another case, a colleague is investigating a death of a woman who run a foodbank. Further investigations that maybe the two deaths could be linked.
This is another gripping Police procedural from Hannah Bannerman and surprised is not more popular that it is. This had me hooked from the very beginning for the big final at the end. Field is a great character and is passionate about her job and wants to right by everyone. This is a great read and if you are looking for a new Police Procedural to get into, I recommend this one. 5 stars from me,

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Liz Field is on duty when a call comes in about a home that has been burnt down, the occupant was well known to the police as a nuisance caller. Her body is still trapped inside. After so many police attended her property it was found that nothing was untoward. She kept telling the police he was going to burn her alive and unfortunately this time around, she was correct. But who is he? when the police are allowed to investigate the scene they find a lot more than they bargained for. This poor woman did not deserve what she got and DCI Liz Fields is going to do her upmost to get her killer to confess if she can find him first. I liked the premise of the story, it is something you hear about but I have never read a book relating to this situation of being a nuisance caller, and what the protocol for the police was. I felt the story was captivating and gritty and a good detective novel that I am sure going to enjoy more of Hannah's books. This is book two but I think it can be read as a standalone. I liked getting to know DCI Liz Field too.

[Pgchuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

Field investigates the death of a woman in a house fire. This woman, Anna, has been a nuisance caller for years, repeatedly dialling 999 claiming 'he' has found her and is going to burn her alive. Her colleague is investigating the murder of a woman who campaigned for and ran food banks. Gradually it becomes clear that the cases are linked.

I like Field and this was well-plotted and a bit different - Anne for example was an interesting character, and there were some well placed twists. On the other hand, at times there was a little too much detail about police and fire service procedures. The chapters were also very short and some (for example some of the recording transcripts) were so short as to be entirely pointless in terms of filling out characterization and moving the plot along. I think this book could have been shorter, but overall it was a good read.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever police crime thriller which starts off as a supposed run of the mill fire but there are twists and turns and connections along the way. Detective Liz Field is reminiscent of Sarah Lancashire in Happy Valley. No nonsense but always looking beyond the surface. Anne is a serial nuisance caller on 999 saying someone is going to kill her in a fire. Then she dies. Could her case be linked with Faye who was gunned down in broad daylight? A paragon of the community. Then there’s Ed the neighbour who saves a cop from death in the same fire. I liked this but it could’ve been shorter. 464 pages is a lot. And sometimes I wasn’t sure about the characters coming in and out of Field and Ed’s lives. Slightly confusing with so many names but I guess that’s the Police for you! Many cops on a big case. Thank you to the author, Avon books and NetGalley for the eARC in return for an honest review. Denise x

[Lynn OConnor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is #2 in the DI Liz Field series but can quite easily be read as a standalone. Field is a tenacious leader with a strong moral compass. This book is a slow burn which builds steadily, not unlike a real life investigation. It was interesting to see not only the police procedural side of things but also how the fire investigation unfolded - the author has clearly put in a lot of research. I was struck by Field's empathy towards the arson victim, a so called 'nuisance caller', and her determination to seek the truth on her behalf. A warning - some parts of the book are quite graphic and descriptive, particularly around the postmortem scene. This is a gripping read with the sub plot woven in well. The only bit I initially struggled with was the influx of a number of characters in a very short space of time. It took me a while to figure out who was who and what their role was. All in all a good crime novel.

[GemsLiteraryGems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Evans has long been known to the police for being a nuisance caller. She calls them repeatedly over several years convinced that a man is coming for her and he'll burn down the house. The problem is that this time it really did happen and Anne is now dead. Detective Field is back on the case trying to piece together what actually happened and why Anne was so convinced over the years that it would. It's a slow burn (pardon the phrasing) of a plot as the police don't even have a photo of the victim, never mind a suspect!

I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, No Safe Place, and was pleased to see that Hannah Brennan has written another great police procedural. This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a standalone. Liz Field is a slightly grumpy detective, sick of not being taken seriously by men in the community, having to fight for even basic access to her own team because of a lack of staff, and still worrying about her son and his OCD (we met him in book 1). On top of that, she's in her fifties and is dealing with her own aging body which she's having to fight! She's basically any professional woman in midlife, so I find her really relatable. She's firm but fair and because of that people want to help her, and this time she has a bit of love interest too. As for the plot, it's another deceptively simple but yet not immediately obvious mystery in which you will second guess who really did it and why. It's got a strong cast of characters and I hope to see Liz Field and co. back for a third instalment in the future.