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The Shadow Step: A Detective Miller Novel
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26“Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham—the very best in the business.”—Richard Osman, #1 bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club
Detective Miller is back and investigating his most perplexing case yet
The Shadow One taken simultaneously by a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them behind and slightly shifted leftwards ("in the shadow")
A perfectly executed shadow step demonstrates synchronized elegance. It showcases a couple in near telepathic harmony with one another. It does not normally end with someone stone-dead in a lake.
DS Declan Miller is a magnet for strange cases, but an innocent man confessing to the crime? That’s a first. Things rapidly escalate when the murder that isn’t really a murder attracts the unwanted attention of a drug Queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. And when a real murder follows – and a student is kidnapped – all evidence points back to the same innocent man.
Throw in a wobbly dog, a pair of ceramic leopards, and the distracting smell from a biscuit factory, and Miller’s only option to save a young man’s life is to waltz all the way into the shadows.
Detective Miller is back and investigating his most perplexing case yet
The Shadow One taken simultaneously by a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them behind and slightly shifted leftwards ("in the shadow")
A perfectly executed shadow step demonstrates synchronized elegance. It showcases a couple in near telepathic harmony with one another. It does not normally end with someone stone-dead in a lake.
DS Declan Miller is a magnet for strange cases, but an innocent man confessing to the crime? That’s a first. Things rapidly escalate when the murder that isn’t really a murder attracts the unwanted attention of a drug Queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. And when a real murder follows – and a student is kidnapped – all evidence points back to the same innocent man.
Throw in a wobbly dog, a pair of ceramic leopards, and the distracting smell from a biscuit factory, and Miller’s only option to save a young man’s life is to waltz all the way into the shadows.
- GenresCrime
416 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Mark Billingham
106 books2,223 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having read all the other books in this series and enjoyed them, I can say Shadow Step is another winner. I hadn't liked Miller much in the first book, but he is definitely growing on me. I agree completely with Xiu when she says: "Atrocious table manners, an annoyingly juvenile sense of humour and a complete inability to read a room … but good instincts." The character development is excellent, and the plot takes several interesting turns that kept me hooked throughout.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Detective Miller is a strong, engaging lead, and the investigation feels grounded and believable without getting bogged down in too much procedural detail.
It starts off a little slow, taking its time to set things up, but once the story picks up it really hooks you. From that point on, the tension builds nicely and the mystery keeps you invested all the way through. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a solid, well-paced crime novel that delivers plenty of suspense and makes for a very satisfying read once it gets going.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
It starts off a little slow, taking its time to set things up, but once the story picks up it really hooks you. From that point on, the tension builds nicely and the mystery keeps you invested all the way through. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a solid, well-paced crime novel that delivers plenty of suspense and makes for a very satisfying read once it gets going.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
February 21, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Oh Captain, my Captain. My Number One author is back with another sublime addition to the Detective Miller series. This quirky series with its a wonderful array of characters is full of fabulous dialogue and humour. Paired with organised crime, drug barons, kidnapping, the ghost of a dead wife and a wobbly sausage dog this is Mark Billingham once again delivering another top class story. Not a word or chapter is wasted as it flows effortlessly from one page to another. A razor sharp plot, perfect pacing, precision one-liners and a detective, beyond the jokes, at the top of his game. I bow down to the legend that is Mr B and give this outstanding and flawless read five massive stars
March 27, 2026
If only there was a way to be friends with Detective Miller!
I loved the first two Detective Miller books so when there was a chance to get an e-ARC of this one via NetGallery I was very excited and it’s fair to say, it did not disappoint.
The plot was original and had me questioning all of the characters I thought I’d worked out previously, all over again. There are twists that kept me hooked and wanting to know more about what was going on. Each time I thought I had it worked out, I didn’t! I was questioning even the most truth worthy characters, a good sign of a well written crime novel!
The sarcastic nature of Detective Miller is something I love and find myself laughing along with, it somehow keeps even the most serious chapters a little light hearted and easy to read. The development of the relationships that Detective Miller has with Xiu and Finn, was so well done and true to their characters. I honestly loved it!
Overall, another great Detective Miller novel and I already can’t wait for another!! Definitely one to pick up when it comes out!
Side note: I need to find a dance club like this one!!
I loved the first two Detective Miller books so when there was a chance to get an e-ARC of this one via NetGallery I was very excited and it’s fair to say, it did not disappoint.
The plot was original and had me questioning all of the characters I thought I’d worked out previously, all over again. There are twists that kept me hooked and wanting to know more about what was going on. Each time I thought I had it worked out, I didn’t! I was questioning even the most truth worthy characters, a good sign of a well written crime novel!
The sarcastic nature of Detective Miller is something I love and find myself laughing along with, it somehow keeps even the most serious chapters a little light hearted and easy to read. The development of the relationships that Detective Miller has with Xiu and Finn, was so well done and true to their characters. I honestly loved it!
Overall, another great Detective Miller novel and I already can’t wait for another!! Definitely one to pick up when it comes out!
Side note: I need to find a dance club like this one!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Step - Mark Billingham ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Detective Miller is one of my top 5 series, so I was ecstatic to have been approved to read this book as an ARC, and once again did not disappoint.
The Shadow Step brings a case where DS Miller has an innocent man confessing to a crime that then rapidly escalates and gains the attention of a drug queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. When a real murder follows, everything points back to the same innocent man.
This was a mystery woven with upbeat humour and fell right into place as the next in the DS Miller series. Continuing plot lines from the previous two books made this fall naturally into rhythm and the plot line gave it the thrilling aspect.
DS Miller’s personality makes him a standout from all the other crime thrillers I’ve read. Witty and predictably unpredictable makes for a delightful light-hearted read without skipping the serious aspects of crime and brutality.
The recurring cast of characters as well as some new ones were well written and I loved the progression some characters made. The father / daughter relationship that Miller and Finn have will never not make me cry. I’m glad for the start of her happy ending.
Overall I enjoyed this next step of DS Miller’s story a lot and look forward to adding it onto my bookshelf along with its counterparts.
Thank you to Mark Billingham and Grove Atlantic for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#theshadowstep #markbillingham #groveatlantic #netgalley #bookreview
Detective Miller is one of my top 5 series, so I was ecstatic to have been approved to read this book as an ARC, and once again did not disappoint.
The Shadow Step brings a case where DS Miller has an innocent man confessing to a crime that then rapidly escalates and gains the attention of a drug queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. When a real murder follows, everything points back to the same innocent man.
This was a mystery woven with upbeat humour and fell right into place as the next in the DS Miller series. Continuing plot lines from the previous two books made this fall naturally into rhythm and the plot line gave it the thrilling aspect.
DS Miller’s personality makes him a standout from all the other crime thrillers I’ve read. Witty and predictably unpredictable makes for a delightful light-hearted read without skipping the serious aspects of crime and brutality.
The recurring cast of characters as well as some new ones were well written and I loved the progression some characters made. The father / daughter relationship that Miller and Finn have will never not make me cry. I’m glad for the start of her happy ending.
Overall I enjoyed this next step of DS Miller’s story a lot and look forward to adding it onto my bookshelf along with its counterparts.
Thank you to Mark Billingham and Grove Atlantic for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#theshadowstep #markbillingham #groveatlantic #netgalley #bookreview
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Step is the third book in the DS Declan Miller series by Mark Billingham. A police procedural that is a little different than many of the others available, crime novels with a twist of humour.
A man walks into the station and confesses to a murder, the strange thing is, he’s clearly innocent. Miller is faced with a “murder that isn’t really a murder,” a paradox that quickly spirals out of control. Declan Miller must look deeper into this case, by investigating and into the messy, overlapping lives of Blackpool’s criminal underbelly. When a student is kidnapped, the stakes shift from a peculiar puzzle to a race against time. Miller, burdened by his own grief and sharp-tongued wit, has no choice but to “waltz into the shadows” to save a young life.
This novel took me a little while to get back into the swing but it wasn’t too long before it had me hooked. Funny in parts, strong characters and well thought out plot make this series a winner for me. Declan Miller is a little different from other fictional detectives, funny, intelligent and yet vulnerable. The novel is well paced and managed to keep me engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the subtle humour which was not overplayed.
I was already an avid reader of Mark Billingham’s Thorne series but I can now add Declan Miller to the series I follow.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and little Brown Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A man walks into the station and confesses to a murder, the strange thing is, he’s clearly innocent. Miller is faced with a “murder that isn’t really a murder,” a paradox that quickly spirals out of control. Declan Miller must look deeper into this case, by investigating and into the messy, overlapping lives of Blackpool’s criminal underbelly. When a student is kidnapped, the stakes shift from a peculiar puzzle to a race against time. Miller, burdened by his own grief and sharp-tongued wit, has no choice but to “waltz into the shadows” to save a young life.
This novel took me a little while to get back into the swing but it wasn’t too long before it had me hooked. Funny in parts, strong characters and well thought out plot make this series a winner for me. Declan Miller is a little different from other fictional detectives, funny, intelligent and yet vulnerable. The novel is well paced and managed to keep me engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the subtle humour which was not overplayed.
I was already an avid reader of Mark Billingham’s Thorne series but I can now add Declan Miller to the series I follow.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and little Brown Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely love the Mark Bellingham’s Detective Miller series of books. Detective Miller is such an interesting complex character, he’s a murder detective with a penchant for ballroom dancing, he rides a moped around the streets of Blackpool and he tends to shoot from the hip saying what he thinks and is always up for some banter. He’s also recently widowed and getting over the loss of his wife, a fellow police officer who was murdered.
The Shadow Step is the third instalment in the series and does not disappoint. All the regulars make an appearance, Imran his childhood friend who now works for the parks service, Xiu his police colleague, his step-daughter Finn, Blackpool’s criminal underbelly, and his ballroom dancing family.
The book moves along at pace with a couple of murders, a kidnapping all blended together with Miller’s humour. There are some truly laugh out loud moments in the book, when I couldn’t quite believe what Miller had said. Despite Miller’s bravado, he cares deeply for his step-daughter, Xiu and the people who find themselves in the crosshairs of crime in Blackpool, which makes you only love him more.
I really can’t wait to read the next instalment of the Detective Miller series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Grove Atlantic, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Shadow Step is the third instalment in the series and does not disappoint. All the regulars make an appearance, Imran his childhood friend who now works for the parks service, Xiu his police colleague, his step-daughter Finn, Blackpool’s criminal underbelly, and his ballroom dancing family.
The book moves along at pace with a couple of murders, a kidnapping all blended together with Miller’s humour. There are some truly laugh out loud moments in the book, when I couldn’t quite believe what Miller had said. Despite Miller’s bravado, he cares deeply for his step-daughter, Xiu and the people who find themselves in the crosshairs of crime in Blackpool, which makes you only love him more.
I really can’t wait to read the next instalment of the Detective Miller series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Grove Atlantic, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in the Declan Miller series, and it is as good as the first two. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: Present day, Blackpool, England
Characters: Unorthodox DS Declan Miller, his equally unconventional police colleagues, his dance group, and an interesting array of victims and suspects
Overview of plot: Because of an innocent walk with his dog, a man becomes involved in the death of a drug dealer, and the plot escalates out of control. DS Miller actually has two deaths (murders?) to solve, and relies, as always, on his quirky partner, Xiu, to keep him in line. As always, despite his disrespect for others, his juvenile interactions, and the distractions of his pet rats, his dance group, and his frequent discussions with his dead wife, who appears at just the right times, Miller is able to resurrect enough professionalism to solve his cases.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: This is story that should be classified as “thriller light.” While the suspense might be less than what is traditionally considered hard core thrillers, the characters, mixed story lines and irreverence of the protagonist make the book enjoyable and engaging to the end. Hopefully, we will see more of DS Declan Miller.
Thanx to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Setting: Present day, Blackpool, England
Characters: Unorthodox DS Declan Miller, his equally unconventional police colleagues, his dance group, and an interesting array of victims and suspects
Overview of plot: Because of an innocent walk with his dog, a man becomes involved in the death of a drug dealer, and the plot escalates out of control. DS Miller actually has two deaths (murders?) to solve, and relies, as always, on his quirky partner, Xiu, to keep him in line. As always, despite his disrespect for others, his juvenile interactions, and the distractions of his pet rats, his dance group, and his frequent discussions with his dead wife, who appears at just the right times, Miller is able to resurrect enough professionalism to solve his cases.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: This is story that should be classified as “thriller light.” While the suspense might be less than what is traditionally considered hard core thrillers, the characters, mixed story lines and irreverence of the protagonist make the book enjoyable and engaging to the end. Hopefully, we will see more of DS Declan Miller.
Thanx to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a long-time fan of the Tom Thorne novels, so I was excited to dive into another Mark Billingham police procedural.
Declan Miller immediately won me over - he has that same dry sarcasm and world-weary edge as Thorne, paired with a cheeky sense of humour that masks someone far more vulnerable underneath. He's what we call in my house a worky-ticket.
One of the highlights for me was the banter, especially between Declan and Imran. I know this is a serious book, but the humour and turns of phrase genuinely had me chuckling out loud, which helped balance the darker moments of the story. Particularly, 'Florence Shitengale'.
The plot kicks off deceptively simply: an accident in a park involving one nervous dog and two aggressive ones. From there, everything spirals into a cacophony of crime: murders, a kidnapping, and a major drug seizure.
Poor bad luck Barry really stuck with me. I couldn’t help but feel for him as his life unravels. The poor sod accidentally pulls a loose thread and ends up caught in a storm of crime and chaos.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shadow Step. It has sharp character work, gripping twists, and just enough humour to keep things human. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Declan Miller immediately won me over - he has that same dry sarcasm and world-weary edge as Thorne, paired with a cheeky sense of humour that masks someone far more vulnerable underneath. He's what we call in my house a worky-ticket.
One of the highlights for me was the banter, especially between Declan and Imran. I know this is a serious book, but the humour and turns of phrase genuinely had me chuckling out loud, which helped balance the darker moments of the story. Particularly, 'Florence Shitengale'.
The plot kicks off deceptively simply: an accident in a park involving one nervous dog and two aggressive ones. From there, everything spirals into a cacophony of crime: murders, a kidnapping, and a major drug seizure.
Poor bad luck Barry really stuck with me. I couldn’t help but feel for him as his life unravels. The poor sod accidentally pulls a loose thread and ends up caught in a storm of crime and chaos.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shadow Step. It has sharp character work, gripping twists, and just enough humour to keep things human. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The third instalment in the Detective Declan Miller series is an absolute joy to read. Miller is quirky, dry, and deliciously sarcastic, with a wit that genuinely made me laugh out loud. His inner monologue and sharp observations give the book a wonderfully light tone, yet the crimes themselves are handled with depth and care. What continues to set this series apart is its heart. Miller’s tender conversations with his late wife Alex reveal a vulnerability beneath the humour. His partnership with Xiu who he affectionately nicknamed “Posh” has grown into a steady, believable friendship, full of warmth and perfectly timed banter.
The return of characters from the first two books gives the story a sense of reunion, almost like catching up with old friends, even the villains are drawn with a certain charm. Meanwhile, Miller’s complicated but clearly loving relationship with his stepdaughter Finn is felt in every interaction.
Lighter in tone than the Thorne series but every bit as compelling, this book balances humour, heart, and an intriguing case with impressive skill. Detective Declan Miller is truly a detective like no other ,and this series would make a perfect TV show. It has everything.
The return of characters from the first two books gives the story a sense of reunion, almost like catching up with old friends, even the villains are drawn with a certain charm. Meanwhile, Miller’s complicated but clearly loving relationship with his stepdaughter Finn is felt in every interaction.
Lighter in tone than the Thorne series but every bit as compelling, this book balances humour, heart, and an intriguing case with impressive skill. Detective Declan Miller is truly a detective like no other ,and this series would make a perfect TV show. It has everything.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Shadow Step by Mark Billingham
This was a smart and engaging addition to the Detective Miller series, with a premise that quickly pulls you in. A body discovered in a lake, paired with a confession that does not quite fit, sets the investigation in motion and opens up a case that becomes increasingly layered and complex.
DS Declan Miller remains a real highlight. His dry humour and slightly unconventional approach bring a welcome balance to the darker elements of the story, making him both likeable and distinctive. The supporting characters work well alongside him, adding depth without distracting from the central plot.
There are multiple strands running through the narrative, from organised crime to more personal motives, and they are woven together with confidence. The pacing keeps things moving, and while there is a lot to take in at times, it never feels overwhelming.
What stood out most for me was the tone. The humour running alongside the darker subject matter makes this an accessible and enjoyable read, without losing any of the tension.
A well constructed, character driven crime novel that kept me engaged throughout. A strong four star read.
This was a smart and engaging addition to the Detective Miller series, with a premise that quickly pulls you in. A body discovered in a lake, paired with a confession that does not quite fit, sets the investigation in motion and opens up a case that becomes increasingly layered and complex.
DS Declan Miller remains a real highlight. His dry humour and slightly unconventional approach bring a welcome balance to the darker elements of the story, making him both likeable and distinctive. The supporting characters work well alongside him, adding depth without distracting from the central plot.
There are multiple strands running through the narrative, from organised crime to more personal motives, and they are woven together with confidence. The pacing keeps things moving, and while there is a lot to take in at times, it never feels overwhelming.
What stood out most for me was the tone. The humour running alongside the darker subject matter makes this an accessible and enjoyable read, without losing any of the tension.
A well constructed, character driven crime novel that kept me engaged throughout. A strong four star read.
March 19, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Brilliant British Banter, Intelligent Crime
full review ⬇️
Hi. My name is Ash and I’m addicted to crime books. Cosy crime, thriller crime, British crime.. I’ll take them all!
The Shadow Step falls into the latter category and with similar vibes to Richard Osman / Slow Horses, I had the BEST time reading this one!
It was a joy to be back into the mind of Mark Billingham in the second episode of this series (which I recommend reading in order) and get to enjoy some of the best dry humour writing going round. It was equally enjoyable to reunite with Detective Miller who remains one of my favourite crime protagonists. He’s flawed, persistent, refreshingly human and hilarious.
The Shadow Step delivers a funny yet smartly layered crime investigation in that deeply satisfying way where every detail matters. The pacing is sharp without being rushed and the tension builds steadily as seemingly separate cases begin to collide.
If you enjoy intelligent crime fiction with a strong cast of characters and brilliantly witty British humour, this is the series for you!
Vibe check: Brilliant British Banter, Intelligent Crime
full review ⬇️
Hi. My name is Ash and I’m addicted to crime books. Cosy crime, thriller crime, British crime.. I’ll take them all!
The Shadow Step falls into the latter category and with similar vibes to Richard Osman / Slow Horses, I had the BEST time reading this one!
It was a joy to be back into the mind of Mark Billingham in the second episode of this series (which I recommend reading in order) and get to enjoy some of the best dry humour writing going round. It was equally enjoyable to reunite with Detective Miller who remains one of my favourite crime protagonists. He’s flawed, persistent, refreshingly human and hilarious.
The Shadow Step delivers a funny yet smartly layered crime investigation in that deeply satisfying way where every detail matters. The pacing is sharp without being rushed and the tension builds steadily as seemingly separate cases begin to collide.
If you enjoy intelligent crime fiction with a strong cast of characters and brilliantly witty British humour, this is the series for you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Billingham is back with a brilliant new addition to his Detective Miller series. The Shadow Step unravels a series of interlocking crimes, all sparked by an unfortunate incident involving a sausage dog.
One of the real joys of this series is watching Miller develop. He has the air of a kindly uncle—endearing and exasperating in equal measure—and his character continues to deepen with each instalment.
Although the novel features a cast of familiar faces and builds on ongoing relationships, it works perfectly well as a standalone. Set against the seedier side of Blackpool’s criminal underworld, it strikes a satisfying balance between humour, tenderness, and suspense, making it an enjoyably lighthearted thriller.
It also reaches beyond the genre at times, with an emotive thread that explores Miller’s personal life with genuine warmth.
And those ceramic leopards… well…!
I can’t wait for the next instalment.
One of the real joys of this series is watching Miller develop. He has the air of a kindly uncle—endearing and exasperating in equal measure—and his character continues to deepen with each instalment.
Although the novel features a cast of familiar faces and builds on ongoing relationships, it works perfectly well as a standalone. Set against the seedier side of Blackpool’s criminal underworld, it strikes a satisfying balance between humour, tenderness, and suspense, making it an enjoyably lighthearted thriller.
It also reaches beyond the genre at times, with an emotive thread that explores Miller’s personal life with genuine warmth.
And those ceramic leopards… well…!
I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Here Miller continues to mourn his wife, while investigating the (possibly accidental) death of one of local drug kingpin Jacqui's minions. Then there is a definite murder, which might be an attempt at payback, and finally Jacqui's son is kidnapped.
I have enjoyed this series, mainly for the zany and irreverent humour - no one would describe these stories as gritty or true to life. Maybe I wasn't in the mood this time, but the disconnect between the absurdity and some of the more serious plot strands (PTSD or Finn, for example) grated on me. We didn't really care about any of the people who died, but I suppose the story demonstrated the senseless violence of the drug dealing culture. And there again was the disconnect...
Here Miller continues to mourn his wife, while investigating the (possibly accidental) death of one of local drug kingpin Jacqui's minions. Then there is a definite murder, which might be an attempt at payback, and finally Jacqui's son is kidnapped.
I have enjoyed this series, mainly for the zany and irreverent humour - no one would describe these stories as gritty or true to life. Maybe I wasn't in the mood this time, but the disconnect between the absurdity and some of the more serious plot strands (PTSD or Finn, for example) grated on me. We didn't really care about any of the people who died, but I suppose the story demonstrated the senseless violence of the drug dealing culture. And there again was the disconnect...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Step is my first foray into Billingham's crime fiction. The plot is light and quirky, despite some darker themes. I sense that this book might be aimed at a Richard Osman readership - the detective DS Declan Miller has a very British humour - and I'm not sure how well that would work with an overseas reader. I wasn't enamoured by Miller and his odd sense of humour but the plot was enjoyable and worked quite well as a stand-alone despite being the third in a series. I'd be happy to try another Billingham in a different series.
My thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for an advance review copy.
My thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for an advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the eARC.
I've been a fan of Mark Billingham for years and have read most of his books. I liked the first Detective Miller book, but for some reason struggled a bit with this one.
There were many times I sniggered at Miller's comebacks, but felt there were not enough solid detection parts to get my teeth into. I like his pet rats and would like to find out a bit more about them and a little less about the dancing and talks to his deceased wife. Also, loved the
little sausage dog and her hapless owner and hope they're returning in the next book.
I've been a fan of Mark Billingham for years and have read most of his books. I liked the first Detective Miller book, but for some reason struggled a bit with this one.
There were many times I sniggered at Miller's comebacks, but felt there were not enough solid detection parts to get my teeth into. I like his pet rats and would like to find out a bit more about them and a little less about the dancing and talks to his deceased wife. Also, loved the
little sausage dog and her hapless owner and hope they're returning in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
n ballroom dancing, a shadow step involves a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them standing behind and slightly to the left. In Blackpool detective (and ballroom aficionado) Declan Miller’s third outing (after The Last Dance and The Wrong Hands), Afghan-war veteran Barry Cheshire and his wobbly dachshund, Ruby, find themselves in this position when they are menaced in a local park by a teenage drug dealer and his two very large XL Bully dogs. Cheshire accidentally pushes the knife-wielding lad into the lake, unwittingly setting off a chain of escalating disastrous events that include murder and kidnapping. While Miller works to connect the dots between the crimes, he continues to mourn his late wife (he frequently chats with her ghost), parent as best he can his drug-addicted stepdaughter, attend his weekly dance classes, and torment his police colleagues with his cheeky and sometimes tactless humor. This series is lighter in tone (though there’s still some grim violence) than Billingham’s DI Tom Thorne mysteries, and it provides enough backstory to inform newcomers. Quirky humor, strongly developed characters, and plenty of exciting twists make this a refreshing read for fans of British crime fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
That was so much fun! I adored this novel full of good humour, laughs and a gripping plot! Nothing, noone is as it usually is in a crime book: it is entertaining and witty, a bit of a big joke. I loved Miller, a DS with his grim humour but also with a soft heart. This is the first book in a new series by Mark Billingham, and I hope many more books will follow!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
April 6, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I love Mark Billingham’s books and am so glad he continued with the D S Miller series.
It has a great pace, great storyline and humour. It made me laugh out loud at times 😂
We have the ghost of the D S Miller’s wife Alex, the Cutler’s, and a kidnapping which makes for an interesting read.
Another hit for Mark Billingham!!
Thank you for the advanced copy - Netgalley and publisher,
It has a great pace, great storyline and humour. It made me laugh out loud at times 😂
We have the ghost of the D S Miller’s wife Alex, the Cutler’s, and a kidnapping which makes for an interesting read.
Another hit for Mark Billingham!!
Thank you for the advanced copy - Netgalley and publisher,
March 8, 2026
A very enjoyable read. This is the third book in this series. DS Declan Miller is a quirky character and I really like his sense of humour. A good story that keeps the reader hooked and goes a long at a good pace. Totally different from Mark Billingham's Tom Thorne series, which is equally enjoyable. I would highly recommend this book
March 8, 2026
As a huge Thorne fan, I wasn’t sure how much i’d like Miller but was sold after just the first book. Really grateful to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for letting me read this ARC-genuinely love Miller, especially his wit and during tense times has even been making me wonder what it would be like to live near a biscuit factory. Can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
These DS Miller books are rivaling Tom Thorne, although with more humour and a recurring set of villains, who rank amongst Mark Billingham's best to date.
What's not to like about a ballroom dancing detective based in Blackpool and the owner of two rats, Fred and Ginger?
A rare beast - a perfect read.
What's not to like about a ballroom dancing detective based in Blackpool and the owner of two rats, Fred and Ginger?
A rare beast - a perfect read.
January 24, 2026
Another gloriously light hearted but also serious read from Mark Billingham! I love this character and find his humour and quirkiness such a refreshing difference to other books. I can’t wait for the next chapter in this series. #TheShadowStep #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hugely entertaining laugh out loud English cop novel. Detective Miller is a gentle, gruff, bad jokes, sort of hero.Really enjoyed it and will be tracking the author’s previous works. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third in this series that I have read and love the wise cracking Detective Miller and will have to now go back and read Mark Billingham's other series..
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
One of my favourite authors. I'm really enjoying the new Declan Miller series. Having read the first two I'm getting to know the characters more and I think this is my favourite out of the series.
One of my favourite authors. I'm really enjoying the new Declan Miller series. Having read the first two I'm getting to know the characters more and I think this is my favourite out of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Detective Miller is back and investigating his most perplexing case yet
The Shadow One taken simultaneously by a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them behind and slightly shifted leftwards ("in the shadow")
A perfectly executed shadow step demonstrates synchronized elegance. It showcases a couple in near telepathic harmony with one another. It does not normally end with someone stone-dead in a lake.
DS Declan Miller is a magnet for strange cases, but an innocent man confessing to the crime? That’s a first. Things rapidly escalate when the murder that isn’t really a murder attracts the unwanted attention of a drug Queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. And when a real murder follows – and a student is kidnapped – all evidence points back to the same innocent man.
Throw in a wobbly dog, a pair of ceramic leopards, and the distracting smell from a biscuit factory, and Miller’s only option to save a young man’s life is to waltz all the way into the shadows.
This was my first foray into the world of DS Miller, not my first into the realm of Mark Billingham and his writing.
It took me a while to understand DS Miller and his personality and humour, what can i say....I'm hooked. I now need to read the first 2 books in this series.
I absolutely loved it. There was humour, inane questions, and endearing relationships.
The writing style flowed, the relationships between the characters were relatable. This felt like a modern day fusion between Columbo and A Touch of Frost.
I did not want the book to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Shadow One taken simultaneously by a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them behind and slightly shifted leftwards ("in the shadow")
A perfectly executed shadow step demonstrates synchronized elegance. It showcases a couple in near telepathic harmony with one another. It does not normally end with someone stone-dead in a lake.
DS Declan Miller is a magnet for strange cases, but an innocent man confessing to the crime? That’s a first. Things rapidly escalate when the murder that isn’t really a murder attracts the unwanted attention of a drug Queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. And when a real murder follows – and a student is kidnapped – all evidence points back to the same innocent man.
Throw in a wobbly dog, a pair of ceramic leopards, and the distracting smell from a biscuit factory, and Miller’s only option to save a young man’s life is to waltz all the way into the shadows.
This was my first foray into the world of DS Miller, not my first into the realm of Mark Billingham and his writing.
It took me a while to understand DS Miller and his personality and humour, what can i say....I'm hooked. I now need to read the first 2 books in this series.
I absolutely loved it. There was humour, inane questions, and endearing relationships.
The writing style flowed, the relationships between the characters were relatable. This felt like a modern day fusion between Columbo and A Touch of Frost.
I did not want the book to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
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