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The Good Listener
An anonymous call. A mother desperate for justice.
The Good Listeners are there for anyone who needs to talk.
When the phone rings, a Good Listener has no idea who could be at the other end. The woman cheating on her husband, the man who has lost yet another job, the teenager struggling at school...
And Clara is prepared for every kind of caller. Except this one.
Because the woman on the other end of the line has just told her 'my husband killed a little girl.'
And two years ago, Clara's own daughter was murdered and her killer never caught.
The police have no leads. This is Clara's only chance of justice. But when the caller is anonymous, what chance does she have of finding them?
The Good Listeners are there for anyone who needs to talk.
When the phone rings, a Good Listener has no idea who could be at the other end. The woman cheating on her husband, the man who has lost yet another job, the teenager struggling at school...
And Clara is prepared for every kind of caller. Except this one.
Because the woman on the other end of the line has just told her 'my husband killed a little girl.'
And two years ago, Clara's own daughter was murdered and her killer never caught.
The police have no leads. This is Clara's only chance of justice. But when the caller is anonymous, what chance does she have of finding them?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Holly Watt
10 books79 followersHello!
My name is Holly Watt. The Good Listener is out in May 2026.
My first novel - To The Lions - won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for the best thriller of the year. My second book, The Dead Line, was named one of the Thrillers of the Year by The Times and the FT. The Casey Benedict series continues with The Hunt and The Kill and The End of the Game.
Before writing novels, I was an investigative journalist. I started at the Sunday Times (long, complicated story), before moving to the Daily Telegraph.
During six years at the Telegraph, I was the Whitehall Editor and jointly ran the investigations team. I then moved to work on the Guardian's investigations team (yes, a bit of a leap politically...).
I worked on stories including MPs’ Expenses at the Telegraph and the Panama Papers at the Guardian and I also did lots of undercover work.
I've reported from countries all around the world, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Jordan and Lebanon (some of which appear in my books).
I now live in Dartmoor with my family and my badly behaved dog.
My name is Holly Watt. The Good Listener is out in May 2026.
My first novel - To The Lions - won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for the best thriller of the year. My second book, The Dead Line, was named one of the Thrillers of the Year by The Times and the FT. The Casey Benedict series continues with The Hunt and The Kill and The End of the Game.
Before writing novels, I was an investigative journalist. I started at the Sunday Times (long, complicated story), before moving to the Daily Telegraph.
During six years at the Telegraph, I was the Whitehall Editor and jointly ran the investigations team. I then moved to work on the Guardian's investigations team (yes, a bit of a leap politically...).
I worked on stories including MPs’ Expenses at the Telegraph and the Panama Papers at the Guardian and I also did lots of undercover work.
I've reported from countries all around the world, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Jordan and Lebanon (some of which appear in my books).
I now live in Dartmoor with my family and my badly behaved dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 14, 2026
➡️ "THE GOOD LISTENER" was GOOD ..........
but not great.
🔷 The "Mother Seeking Justice" hook was spot-on.
In the first half, Watt masterfully captured the frantic energy and high-stakes intensity of a call-center environment, as well as the daily challenges faced by call-center staff and a bereaved mom obsessed with seeking justice. The prose was vivid and engaging—despite some repetitive passages.
🔷 The momentum faltered in the second half.
The plot became increasingly dense, introducing several late-stage suspects without enough prior signposting. This made the resolution feel overstuffed.
🔷 10-Star Audiobook Production
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Nicola Burgess. The production values and sound design elevated the story significantly, turning the opening scenes into a near-cinematic experience.
🔷 Overall, this was a strong, four‑star thriller.
Despite a crowded finish, Watt’s investigative background shone through in the sharp procedural details. Throughout the book, a mother’s desperate search for answers remained grounded and powerful.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2026
| ALC REVIEW |
★ 4 stars ★
The Good Listener is the first thriller I've read in a while, and it has reminded me just how much I enjoy this genre. The premise was unique, with a captivating plot that reeled me in from the very first chapter.
There are a lot of very heavy topics mentioned throughout this book — discussions of murder, kidnapping, domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide, to name a few. However, they were all handled in a sensitive manner, while also maintaining the rawness and tragedy attached to the themes.
The author, Holly Watt, perfectly executed the terror and franticity of a mother — Clara — who has lost her child and is desperate for answers. As a result of this authenticity, my emotions while listening to this book mirrored Clara's. — I felt on edge for the entire story (which is a definite sign of an excellently written thriller). I was desperate to keep listening and to find out more despite this book causing my anxiety to reach astronomical levels, much like Clara's desperation to track down her daughter's murderer.
Regarding the believability aspect, I couldn't help but think that realistically Clara would've reported the call to the police as a matter of urgency instead of taking the investigation on herself — breaking confidentiality is surely warranted when somebody confesses to having knowledge about a murder?? I also felt that there were a lot of characters mentioned by name, but not all of these characters had very many appearances, which I found made it hard to keep track of who was who. But regardless of this, I found it a very enjoyable book. The twists blew my mind and the plot was incredibly gripping. I found myself becoming somewhat of an armchair detective as I tried to work out who the murderer was, yet still found myself shocked when the culprit was finally revealed.
This audiobook was perfectly performed. The vocal expressions and emphasis of the narrator, Nicola Burgess, contributed to ensuring that I remained thoroughly engaged throughout. The telephone line voice effects were also a very nice added detail, making it very easy to distinguish who was talking and adding to the story's immersion.
If you're looking for a thriller with a unique and anxiety-inducing plot, then this might be the perfect book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Watt, and Bloomsbury Publishing for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
★ 4 stars ★
The Good Listener is the first thriller I've read in a while, and it has reminded me just how much I enjoy this genre. The premise was unique, with a captivating plot that reeled me in from the very first chapter.
There are a lot of very heavy topics mentioned throughout this book — discussions of murder, kidnapping, domestic violence, sexual assault, and suicide, to name a few. However, they were all handled in a sensitive manner, while also maintaining the rawness and tragedy attached to the themes.
The author, Holly Watt, perfectly executed the terror and franticity of a mother — Clara — who has lost her child and is desperate for answers. As a result of this authenticity, my emotions while listening to this book mirrored Clara's. — I felt on edge for the entire story (which is a definite sign of an excellently written thriller). I was desperate to keep listening and to find out more despite this book causing my anxiety to reach astronomical levels, much like Clara's desperation to track down her daughter's murderer.
Regarding the believability aspect, I couldn't help but think that realistically Clara would've reported the call to the police as a matter of urgency instead of taking the investigation on herself — breaking confidentiality is surely warranted when somebody confesses to having knowledge about a murder?? I also felt that there were a lot of characters mentioned by name, but not all of these characters had very many appearances, which I found made it hard to keep track of who was who. But regardless of this, I found it a very enjoyable book. The twists blew my mind and the plot was incredibly gripping. I found myself becoming somewhat of an armchair detective as I tried to work out who the murderer was, yet still found myself shocked when the culprit was finally revealed.
This audiobook was perfectly performed. The vocal expressions and emphasis of the narrator, Nicola Burgess, contributed to ensuring that I remained thoroughly engaged throughout. The telephone line voice effects were also a very nice added detail, making it very easy to distinguish who was talking and adding to the story's immersion.
If you're looking for a thriller with a unique and anxiety-inducing plot, then this might be the perfect book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Watt, and Bloomsbury Publishing for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2026
It’s getting harder and harder to impress me in this category, so I was completely awestruck at how captivated I was by The Good Listener.
Well researched, cleverly plotted and exceptionally well executed I was enthralled for every single word.
Clara volunteers as a good listener, a crisis helpline, it’s a way for her to get out of the house and out of her own head, because the last years have been hell for her, since her daughters murder. During her calls she hears from all kinds of people in all kinds of turmoil (trigger warnings apply) but one caller in particular makes her abandon all the rules set when she tells her her husband killed a little girl, is this an understandably difficult coincidence or is Clara right to want to hear from the caller more?
Read it and see………
Great narration by Nicola Burgess 🎧
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Well researched, cleverly plotted and exceptionally well executed I was enthralled for every single word.
Clara volunteers as a good listener, a crisis helpline, it’s a way for her to get out of the house and out of her own head, because the last years have been hell for her, since her daughters murder. During her calls she hears from all kinds of people in all kinds of turmoil (trigger warnings apply) but one caller in particular makes her abandon all the rules set when she tells her her husband killed a little girl, is this an understandably difficult coincidence or is Clara right to want to hear from the caller more?
Read it and see………
Great narration by Nicola Burgess 🎧
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
July 25, 2026
Almost gave up on this is the first few chapters but something kept me there and am glad it did as was a real roar of a read
Clara’s daughter was murdered 2 years ago and Clara had started voluntary work with ‘The Good Listeners’ ( based on The Samaritans pretty much ) it helps her up to a point but then one day gets a call, anonymously, that could lead to her solving her daughters death
The book then shows a cat and mouse chase via clues from further calls as Clara piece by piece makes little discoveries that are helping her solve the crime
It is fast moving and loved Clara’s narrative, like she was talking to the reader and felt every emotion from jubilation to despair as she got nearer to the answer
Good interspersed looks into many other calls and occasional dark humour
If ever am glad carried on with a book was uncertain of its this one
Clara’s daughter was murdered 2 years ago and Clara had started voluntary work with ‘The Good Listeners’ ( based on The Samaritans pretty much ) it helps her up to a point but then one day gets a call, anonymously, that could lead to her solving her daughters death
The book then shows a cat and mouse chase via clues from further calls as Clara piece by piece makes little discoveries that are helping her solve the crime
It is fast moving and loved Clara’s narrative, like she was talking to the reader and felt every emotion from jubilation to despair as she got nearer to the answer
Good interspersed looks into many other calls and occasional dark humour
If ever am glad carried on with a book was uncertain of its this one
May 14, 2026
Audio version of this book 📕- I really struggled with this one 🤨. It started with the disappearance and murder of Clara’s daughter Lyra and that the killer had not been found. When Clara decided to stay in the area where Lyra disappeared she joins ‘The Good Listeners’ a phone line set up to talk through your problems she takes a call from a woman that says her husband killed a little girl. From then on the storyline becomes ridiculous as she tries to track down the woman from just her first name and titbits she’s said , had me rolling my eyes many times ! I seem to be in the minority as a lot of readers have it 5 stars ⭐️.
The narrator was ok, however when someone was on the phone line it was quite off putting .
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The narrator was ok, however when someone was on the phone line it was quite off putting .
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 11, 2026
review to follow
May 14, 2026
4.5*
I loved the setting of this book—a Samaritans-type call centre—which felt well-researched and intriguing. Clara’s young daughter was murdered two years ago, and now she volunteers at the call centre. One day, a woman calls in claiming her husband killed a child, and Clara becomes determined to uncover the caller’s identity. Clara was such a compelling character—heartbroken and constantly doubting herself, yet unwavering in her mission to find her daughter’s killer. I flew through the first part of the book but found the pace slowed a little in the second half. This is a clever story with plenty of twists which kept me guessing. It touches sensitively on some difficult subjects.
I loved the narration by Nicola Burgess, which added to my enjoyment.
I loved the setting of this book—a Samaritans-type call centre—which felt well-researched and intriguing. Clara’s young daughter was murdered two years ago, and now she volunteers at the call centre. One day, a woman calls in claiming her husband killed a child, and Clara becomes determined to uncover the caller’s identity. Clara was such a compelling character—heartbroken and constantly doubting herself, yet unwavering in her mission to find her daughter’s killer. I flew through the first part of the book but found the pace slowed a little in the second half. This is a clever story with plenty of twists which kept me guessing. It touches sensitively on some difficult subjects.
I loved the narration by Nicola Burgess, which added to my enjoyment.
June 26, 2026
What a fab read this was. I found this one really good on Audio for the extra vibes which gave an atmospheric feel of this one. I’m excited to see what more books this author has in store.
May 24, 2026
3.75⭐️💫 The Good Listeners are there for anyone who needs to talk. When the phone rings, a Good Listener has no idea who could be at the other end. The woman cheating on her husband, the man who has lost yet another job, the teenager struggling at school... And Clara is prepared for every kind of caller. Except this one. Because the woman on the other end of the line has just told her ‘my husband killed a little girl.’ And two years ago, Clara’s own daughter was murdered and her killer never caught. The police have no leads. This is Clara's only chance of justice. But when the caller is anonymous, what chance does she have of finding them?
I loved the sound of the synopsis of this title from the first time I read it, and the intrigue was definitely there from the off.
It’s hard to review this title without giving too much away so I’ll be purposely vague on including anything around the plot itself. In terms of a thriller, I didn’t see the twist with the killer coming, red herrings definitely keeping the reader on their toes in solving the mystery. The concluding section is fast paced and action filled but I do feel it unfortunately loses a little of the tension built up as it progresses which is a shame.
The repetition element of the story is evidently necessary due to the nature of the calls, the story progressing as it potentially would in real life, but at times this did become a little wearing. Combined with a lot of supporting characters - villagers, caller stories, Clara’s own investigations leading her to meet new people - it was difficult at times to remember who was who.
I read the physical copy of this book balanced with the audio book and found the suspense maintained throughout both methods, the narration giving the reader an element of being involved in the calls, embracing Clara’s emotions and thinking.
I loved the sound of the synopsis of this title from the first time I read it, and the intrigue was definitely there from the off.
It’s hard to review this title without giving too much away so I’ll be purposely vague on including anything around the plot itself. In terms of a thriller, I didn’t see the twist with the killer coming, red herrings definitely keeping the reader on their toes in solving the mystery. The concluding section is fast paced and action filled but I do feel it unfortunately loses a little of the tension built up as it progresses which is a shame.
The repetition element of the story is evidently necessary due to the nature of the calls, the story progressing as it potentially would in real life, but at times this did become a little wearing. Combined with a lot of supporting characters - villagers, caller stories, Clara’s own investigations leading her to meet new people - it was difficult at times to remember who was who.
I read the physical copy of this book balanced with the audio book and found the suspense maintained throughout both methods, the narration giving the reader an element of being involved in the calls, embracing Clara’s emotions and thinking.
June 3, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing CREATOR CIRCLE for this one.
The Good Listener opens up with a chilling prologue … a parents absolute nightmare. Clara’s daughter goes missing and as the minutes stretch into hours, her deepest fears become a reality. Watt’s writing felt so immersive the mothers dread was seeping off the pages. It certainly set the tone for the story.
Two years later, the story shifts to Clara working at The Good Listener Helpline, when she receives a call from a woman claiming her husband killed a little girl. This hits Clara hard … could this man be connected to her daughter’s death? The only problem is, she has no idea who she is talking to!
I feel like Clara’s thought process going straight to thinking this could be her daughters killer felt a little extreme, but at the same time I could understand her sheer desperation and wanting to cling to any form of an answer. Her determination to uncover the truth became all consuming and her sharp observations and logical reasoning were quite impressive tbh. Never underestimate a mother scorned.
Set within a small Devon community, the atmosphere felt tense and claustrophobic and there was more than a few characters that I was eyeing suspiciously, which I loved … of course.
I felt the pacing of this story did rise and fall, but it worked well for this novel, the momentum gradually building as Clara uncovers information (in extremely clever and niche ways) leading us to a satisfying ending.
I think this story fits within a psychological thriller genre. Tension built steadily leading to a well executed conclusion.
Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing CREATOR CIRCLE for this one.
The Good Listener opens up with a chilling prologue … a parents absolute nightmare. Clara’s daughter goes missing and as the minutes stretch into hours, her deepest fears become a reality. Watt’s writing felt so immersive the mothers dread was seeping off the pages. It certainly set the tone for the story.
Two years later, the story shifts to Clara working at The Good Listener Helpline, when she receives a call from a woman claiming her husband killed a little girl. This hits Clara hard … could this man be connected to her daughter’s death? The only problem is, she has no idea who she is talking to!
I feel like Clara’s thought process going straight to thinking this could be her daughters killer felt a little extreme, but at the same time I could understand her sheer desperation and wanting to cling to any form of an answer. Her determination to uncover the truth became all consuming and her sharp observations and logical reasoning were quite impressive tbh. Never underestimate a mother scorned.
Set within a small Devon community, the atmosphere felt tense and claustrophobic and there was more than a few characters that I was eyeing suspiciously, which I loved … of course.
I felt the pacing of this story did rise and fall, but it worked well for this novel, the momentum gradually building as Clara uncovers information (in extremely clever and niche ways) leading us to a satisfying ending.
I think this story fits within a psychological thriller genre. Tension built steadily leading to a well executed conclusion.
April 19, 2026
The Good Listener by Holly Watt
“Losing a child….it goes against nature…doesn’t it?”
Brilliant!…one of my top reads of 2026
Clara lost her 6 year old daughter Lyra, killer unknown…she is desperate to discover the truth….who killed Lyra and why?
Clara volunteers for Good Listeners a phone service….she listens to their worries, their concerns, their guilty confessions without judgement. She takes a call from ‘Emma’ she tells Clara ‘my husband killed a little girl’
And so it begins….who is Emma? The little girl could it be Lyra?
Clara enters into an emotional yet dangerous journey of discovery. Desperate to discover who killed her daughter and why. At times putting herself at great risk but you would do too, to find the truth….wouldn’t you?
The writing blew my mind! The depth into Clara’s mind, her thoughts and feelings were written so well you felt it. Volunteering for Good Listeners was so she could help others. She constantly questioned herself, which in turn made the reader want more answers more explanations. Clara’s loss is heartbreaking….when getting deeper, closer to the truth she starts to self doubt….but she doesn’t give up….she will not give up until she knows the truth no matter what…. Will her determination save her?
Thank you to NetGalley #Netgalley Bloomsbury Publishing @bloomsburypublishing and Holly Watt @holly.watt.author for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of the novel #TheGoodListener due for release 7th May 2026
“Losing a child….it goes against nature…doesn’t it?”
Brilliant!…one of my top reads of 2026
Clara lost her 6 year old daughter Lyra, killer unknown…she is desperate to discover the truth….who killed Lyra and why?
Clara volunteers for Good Listeners a phone service….she listens to their worries, their concerns, their guilty confessions without judgement. She takes a call from ‘Emma’ she tells Clara ‘my husband killed a little girl’
And so it begins….who is Emma? The little girl could it be Lyra?
Clara enters into an emotional yet dangerous journey of discovery. Desperate to discover who killed her daughter and why. At times putting herself at great risk but you would do too, to find the truth….wouldn’t you?
The writing blew my mind! The depth into Clara’s mind, her thoughts and feelings were written so well you felt it. Volunteering for Good Listeners was so she could help others. She constantly questioned herself, which in turn made the reader want more answers more explanations. Clara’s loss is heartbreaking….when getting deeper, closer to the truth she starts to self doubt….but she doesn’t give up….she will not give up until she knows the truth no matter what…. Will her determination save her?
Thank you to NetGalley #Netgalley Bloomsbury Publishing @bloomsburypublishing and Holly Watt @holly.watt.author for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of the novel #TheGoodListener due for release 7th May 2026
May 18, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was a good old fashioned smalltown murder mystery and I loved it. A slower paced thriller mystery with an exceptional lead character in Clara.
This is clever, addictive and written with tension, emotion and compassion.
Clara, a mother desparate for justice for the murder of her daughter Lyra, feels lost and is struggling with life. She volunteers for The Good Listeners, a crisis help-line. Whilst on shift she answers a call that will change her life.....
A brilliant and clever concept, plenty of twists and distractions, great storyline and creative characters.
The book also mentions some dark, disturbing and sensitive subjects such as emotional and sexual abuse, addiction and bereavement.
This was a good old fashioned smalltown murder mystery and I loved it. A slower paced thriller mystery with an exceptional lead character in Clara.
This is clever, addictive and written with tension, emotion and compassion.
Clara, a mother desparate for justice for the murder of her daughter Lyra, feels lost and is struggling with life. She volunteers for The Good Listeners, a crisis help-line. Whilst on shift she answers a call that will change her life.....
A brilliant and clever concept, plenty of twists and distractions, great storyline and creative characters.
The book also mentions some dark, disturbing and sensitive subjects such as emotional and sexual abuse, addiction and bereavement.
May 12, 2026
This book was super gripping, and I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but felt a bit confused and lost in the second half. It felt like two different books merged together.
I wish the second part still held the same pacing and momentum as the opening.
I did enjoy this, but I didn't find myself wanting to keep reading as I progressed through the pages - literally the opposite of how a thriller should be.
I am intrigued as to what Holly Watt does next though...
I wish the second part still held the same pacing and momentum as the opening.
I did enjoy this, but I didn't find myself wanting to keep reading as I progressed through the pages - literally the opposite of how a thriller should be.
I am intrigued as to what Holly Watt does next though...
May 30, 2026
The blurb for this arc sounded great to me and I enjoyed it, but at times I wondered how reliable the main character would turn out to be. A fairly tense read as the current timeline and the backstory run alongside as the tension, confusion, lies and hope all spill out of the pages.
Thanks to NetGalley for my arc copy of this book
Thanks to NetGalley for my arc copy of this book
May 14, 2026
This was a sad tale with an original twist or two. A few too many names to put characters to which with an audiobook can be a little harder than reading them I find. The pace wasn’t bad but did feel a bit repetitive despite a good narrator. The biggest negative for me was the dramatic last section. So as this may be a spoiler please stop reading NOW if you don’t want to be aware of anything. The likelyhood of someone in what was potentially their dying moments giving so much detailed information is nil. I would rather one or two threads left to our imaginations than this contrived bring it all together ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2026
Thank you for my ARC copy NetGalley.
This book is a slow burner - as much as I love a story to follow, the slowness of this book is something I personally struggled with.
The author perfected the MC, Clara, with her rawness, emotions and obsession with finding out what happened to her daughter.
Whilst I didn’t figure out the ending, the tension did build up towards the end and becomes quite intense, which is why I rounded up my stars.
I would absolutely recommend this to my fellow readers who love a dark, emotional, slow burner.
This book is a slow burner - as much as I love a story to follow, the slowness of this book is something I personally struggled with.
The author perfected the MC, Clara, with her rawness, emotions and obsession with finding out what happened to her daughter.
Whilst I didn’t figure out the ending, the tension did build up towards the end and becomes quite intense, which is why I rounded up my stars.
I would absolutely recommend this to my fellow readers who love a dark, emotional, slow burner.
April 9, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Bloomsbury Publishing for letting me read the ARC of this book (in exchange for an honest review), it was one of the best thrillers I've read in quite a while and I absolutely loved it!
This book appealed to me because I volunteered for many years as a listener with a very similar emotional support phoneline to the one depicted here, so I was intrigued to see how that would be handled in the context of a thriller. And I must say, although the depiction in this book deviated from my own experience in a few ways, that is only natural (not all services work the same way, plus some artistic license is to be expected) and regardless, this still seems to be an extremely well-researched & thoughtful portrayal of a crisis listening service. I applaud the author for treating such difficult subject matter so sensitively and for portraying the service so conscientiously, though they could perhaps have gone into a little less detail about some of the many different types of calls & procedures that weren't directly relevant to the story. She also handles the portrayal of trauma & grief throughout with great thought & care, making it even more impactful - truly, this was an impressively moving and honest account of so many different traumas that the different characters are living through.
Obviously, even just based on the premise of the book, we shouldn't expect the MC, Clara, to be an exemplary (or even good!) listening volunteer... for instance, she already tries to circumvent some of the Good Listeners' rules about handling calls (e.g. about not giving advice) even just within the first 15 pages of the book, and has clearly lied about her own grief (which she has absolutely not processed anywhere near well enough to be a suitable listener in that kind of service) in order to be approved to become a volunteer, not to mention somehow circumventing the necessary background checks. Seeing her genuine attempts to be an effective listener, though, serves as a dramatic contrast to her subsequent rapid descent into obsession & further emotional instability, once she feels there are very high personal stakes involved and she therefore starts misusing her position & manipulating the caller in question. And it is *fascinating* watching her use some pretty astute deduction to unpack even the smallest of clues, even while her stalking behaviour becomes more & more disturbing...
The writing style was so immersive and the characters were all very compelling. Despite a few extremely minor plot-points that stretch credulity, this was such a clever story too, with so many more twists than just the whodunnit (clues to which are extremely well-seeded) - parts of it still kept me guessing even in the final 50 pages, I think I even gasped out loud at one particular reveal (in chapter 80). I wish I could say more without spoiling anything, but I don't want to ruin any of the fun of this very impressive mystery-thriller, which I highly recommend you give a go!
Speaking of spoilers, this book (perhaps unsurprisingly) touches on a lot of sensitive subjects - some only briefly mentioned as calls taken, others depicted in detail. I am therefore including a list of Content Warnings for anyone who finds these helpful, so fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS.
----------------
Content Warnings:
This book appealed to me because I volunteered for many years as a listener with a very similar emotional support phoneline to the one depicted here, so I was intrigued to see how that would be handled in the context of a thriller. And I must say, although the depiction in this book deviated from my own experience in a few ways, that is only natural (not all services work the same way, plus some artistic license is to be expected) and regardless, this still seems to be an extremely well-researched & thoughtful portrayal of a crisis listening service. I applaud the author for treating such difficult subject matter so sensitively and for portraying the service so conscientiously, though they could perhaps have gone into a little less detail about some of the many different types of calls & procedures that weren't directly relevant to the story. She also handles the portrayal of trauma & grief throughout with great thought & care, making it even more impactful - truly, this was an impressively moving and honest account of so many different traumas that the different characters are living through.
Obviously, even just based on the premise of the book, we shouldn't expect the MC, Clara, to be an exemplary (or even good!) listening volunteer... for instance, she already tries to circumvent some of the Good Listeners' rules about handling calls (e.g. about not giving advice) even just within the first 15 pages of the book, and has clearly lied about her own grief (which she has absolutely not processed anywhere near well enough to be a suitable listener in that kind of service) in order to be approved to become a volunteer, not to mention somehow circumventing the necessary background checks. Seeing her genuine attempts to be an effective listener, though, serves as a dramatic contrast to her subsequent rapid descent into obsession & further emotional instability, once she feels there are very high personal stakes involved and she therefore starts misusing her position & manipulating the caller in question. And it is *fascinating* watching her use some pretty astute deduction to unpack even the smallest of clues, even while her stalking behaviour becomes more & more disturbing...
The writing style was so immersive and the characters were all very compelling. Despite a few extremely minor plot-points that stretch credulity, this was such a clever story too, with so many more twists than just the whodunnit (clues to which are extremely well-seeded) - parts of it still kept me guessing even in the final 50 pages, I think I even gasped out loud at one particular reveal (in chapter 80). I wish I could say more without spoiling anything, but I don't want to ruin any of the fun of this very impressive mystery-thriller, which I highly recommend you give a go!
Speaking of spoilers, this book (perhaps unsurprisingly) touches on a lot of sensitive subjects - some only briefly mentioned as calls taken, others depicted in detail. I am therefore including a list of Content Warnings for anyone who finds these helpful, so fair warning to STOP READING HERE TO AVOID MINOR SPOILERS.
----------------
Content Warnings:
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Good Listeners are there for anyone who needs to talk. And Clara is prepared for every call - except this one. Because this caller has just told her 'my husband killed a little girl.' And two years ago, Clara's own daughter was murdered and her killer never caught. This is Clara's only chance of justice. But when the caller is anonymous, what chance does she have of finding them?
The Good Listener is dark, devastating, and full of twists - and I absolutely loved it.
Clara is a compassionate yet formidable protagonist, and I was wholeheartedly rooting for her. She’s written with remarkable depth and attention, and her character development is nothing short of masterful. Every moment of fear, resilience, and vulnerability is conveyed so vividly that you genuinely feel it alongside her. The other characters are just as compelling, each one so carefully layered that I kept second-guessing everyone right alongside Clara.
The sense of horror is immediate, unfolding within the very first pages as every parent’s worst nightmare unfolds. From there, the pace is unrelenting, driving the narrative forward with an intensity that makes it difficult to put down. I loved the inclusion of Clara’s good listener calls too - they add distinctive, emotional moments that enrich the story without ever exploiting the difficult subject matters.
The narrative itself is intricately constructed, with a complexity that keeps you slightly off balance at all times. The clues are woven in with such subtlety that the twists feel both shocking and, in hindsight, definitely earned. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to go back and reread, just to fully appreciate both how seamlessly everything falls into place - and how effortlessly it manages to blindside you.
A unique concept, executed with confidence and skill, The Good Listener is definitely a standout read for me in 2026.
Thank you so much to Bloomsbury publishing for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
The Good Listener is dark, devastating, and full of twists - and I absolutely loved it.
Clara is a compassionate yet formidable protagonist, and I was wholeheartedly rooting for her. She’s written with remarkable depth and attention, and her character development is nothing short of masterful. Every moment of fear, resilience, and vulnerability is conveyed so vividly that you genuinely feel it alongside her. The other characters are just as compelling, each one so carefully layered that I kept second-guessing everyone right alongside Clara.
The sense of horror is immediate, unfolding within the very first pages as every parent’s worst nightmare unfolds. From there, the pace is unrelenting, driving the narrative forward with an intensity that makes it difficult to put down. I loved the inclusion of Clara’s good listener calls too - they add distinctive, emotional moments that enrich the story without ever exploiting the difficult subject matters.
The narrative itself is intricately constructed, with a complexity that keeps you slightly off balance at all times. The clues are woven in with such subtlety that the twists feel both shocking and, in hindsight, definitely earned. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to go back and reread, just to fully appreciate both how seamlessly everything falls into place - and how effortlessly it manages to blindside you.
A unique concept, executed with confidence and skill, The Good Listener is definitely a standout read for me in 2026.
Thank you so much to Bloomsbury publishing for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Good Listener is a tense, atmospheric thriller that immediately pulls you into the fragile headspace of a woman grieving the unimaginable. It’s both a page‑turner and an emotional punch, driven by the raw desperation of a mother who has never stopped searching for answers.
Clara is such a vividly drawn protagonist. As a volunteer listener on an anonymous helpline, she’s calm, empathetic, and prepared for almost anything — until a chilling caller quietly confesses, “my husband killed a little girl.” What makes the moment so powerful is Clara’s instant, visceral reaction: two years ago, her own daughter was murdered, and the case went cold. The author captures her shock and disbelief beautifully without ever tipping into melodrama.
From that moment on, the tension sharpens. Clara’s grief, hope, and need for justice tangle together in a way that feels deeply human. You can feel the stakes — not just for finding her daughter’s killer, but for holding onto her sanity as she becomes consumed by the anonymous voice on the line.
The helpline setting adds a wonderfully unsettling tone to the whole novel. Anyone could be on the other end, anyone could be lying, and Clara is trapped trying to sift truth from manipulation without a single clue to hold onto. The sense of isolation builds with each chapter, and the mystery tightens as Clara edges closer to answers she’s not sure she’s ready for.
What I especially loved is how grounded the story feels. It’s emotional without being sentimental, suspenseful without relying on shock tactics, and deeply character‑driven. The twists land with impact because you’re fully invested in Clara’s journey — her determination, her fear, and the tiny spark of hope she can’t let go of.
A haunting, tightly woven thriller perfect for readers who enjoy stories about grief, obsession, and the lengths a parent will go to for the truth.
With thanks to Holly Watt the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Clara is such a vividly drawn protagonist. As a volunteer listener on an anonymous helpline, she’s calm, empathetic, and prepared for almost anything — until a chilling caller quietly confesses, “my husband killed a little girl.” What makes the moment so powerful is Clara’s instant, visceral reaction: two years ago, her own daughter was murdered, and the case went cold. The author captures her shock and disbelief beautifully without ever tipping into melodrama.
From that moment on, the tension sharpens. Clara’s grief, hope, and need for justice tangle together in a way that feels deeply human. You can feel the stakes — not just for finding her daughter’s killer, but for holding onto her sanity as she becomes consumed by the anonymous voice on the line.
The helpline setting adds a wonderfully unsettling tone to the whole novel. Anyone could be on the other end, anyone could be lying, and Clara is trapped trying to sift truth from manipulation without a single clue to hold onto. The sense of isolation builds with each chapter, and the mystery tightens as Clara edges closer to answers she’s not sure she’s ready for.
What I especially loved is how grounded the story feels. It’s emotional without being sentimental, suspenseful without relying on shock tactics, and deeply character‑driven. The twists land with impact because you’re fully invested in Clara’s journey — her determination, her fear, and the tiny spark of hope she can’t let go of.
A haunting, tightly woven thriller perfect for readers who enjoy stories about grief, obsession, and the lengths a parent will go to for the truth.
With thanks to Holly Watt the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 7, 2026
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Clara, a grieving mother working at an anonymous helpline, takes a call from someone claiming her husband killed a child. Desperate for answers, she wonders if the anonymous caller is connected to her own daughter’s case.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I really appreciate a well produced, thoughtful audiobook. During the call centre scenes, the phone calls actually sound like phone calls - such fun!
The book also doesn’t always rely on “he said / she said” after dialogue, as sometimes it’s just obvious who’s speaking. This gives a better flow, especially in audio format.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a story about a mother’s grief and the complete inability to let go. It’s emotional and touches on dark, sad themes but it’s accessible and doesn’t feel gritty or too intense.
Clara’s daughter went missing in a small village, and she frequently refers to the main inhabitants. Heads-up: take notes. They’re all important.
The mystery slowly unfolds in layers, and the pacing was a bit of a challenge. It starts slowly with backstory, gets a little repetitive, introduces more characters and information, and then wham - full steam ahead into a whiplash of an ending! Not gonna lie, I was gripped and ended up pushing through because I just couldn’t put it down.
The twists and reveals really got me, and I actually found the mystery truly heartbreaking. There are a lot of revelations as everything comes to light, and although this could never be a HEA, it had an ending that felt gratifying.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This accessible, layered, character-forward thriller is full of heart. I do recommend listening, but honestly, if domestic whodunits are your jam, you’re gonna wanna read this any way you can.
Thank you Bloomsbury UK Audio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Nicola Burgess
📖 Release 05•07•26 | 330 pages | 10h 55m
Clara, a grieving mother working at an anonymous helpline, takes a call from someone claiming her husband killed a child. Desperate for answers, she wonders if the anonymous caller is connected to her own daughter’s case.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I really appreciate a well produced, thoughtful audiobook. During the call centre scenes, the phone calls actually sound like phone calls - such fun!
The book also doesn’t always rely on “he said / she said” after dialogue, as sometimes it’s just obvious who’s speaking. This gives a better flow, especially in audio format.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a story about a mother’s grief and the complete inability to let go. It’s emotional and touches on dark, sad themes but it’s accessible and doesn’t feel gritty or too intense.
Clara’s daughter went missing in a small village, and she frequently refers to the main inhabitants. Heads-up: take notes. They’re all important.
The mystery slowly unfolds in layers, and the pacing was a bit of a challenge. It starts slowly with backstory, gets a little repetitive, introduces more characters and information, and then wham - full steam ahead into a whiplash of an ending! Not gonna lie, I was gripped and ended up pushing through because I just couldn’t put it down.
The twists and reveals really got me, and I actually found the mystery truly heartbreaking. There are a lot of revelations as everything comes to light, and although this could never be a HEA, it had an ending that felt gratifying.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This accessible, layered, character-forward thriller is full of heart. I do recommend listening, but honestly, if domestic whodunits are your jam, you’re gonna wanna read this any way you can.
Thank you Bloomsbury UK Audio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Nicola Burgess
📖 Release 05•07•26 | 330 pages | 10h 55m
July 12, 2026
The Good Listener
Thriller
Holly Watt
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book begins with an intriguing premise that immediately grabbed my attention.
Clara, still devastated by the unsolved murder of her young daughter, volunteers on an anonymous crisis helpline when she receives a call from a woman who claims her husband killed a little girl. Convinced the confession could be linked to her own tragedy, Clara embarks on a dangerous search for the truth, blurring the line between grief, obsession, and justice.
The author did a good job of portraying the lasting effects of trauma and how desperation can cloud judgment. The helpline setting also created an unsettling atmosphere where every conversation could contain a vital clue or be a complete dead end.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't always live up to the compelling premise. The pacing was uneven and inconsistent, with long stretches where the investigation felt repetitive and didn't move the story forward in a meaningful way.
Clara's determination sometimes crossed into irrational behaviour, making it difficult to stay fully invested in her decisions. While this may be intentional, it was occasionally more frustrating than suspenseful.
Several supporting characters also felt underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realised people.
The mystery itself lacked any shocking twists, some plot developments were fairly predictable, and the ending didn't deliver the emotional or dramatic climax that the build-up promised.
Overall, this book was an ok psychological thriller, but its slow pacing, repetitive middle section, and somewhat predictable resolution prevented it from reaching its full potential.
Thriller
Holly Watt
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book begins with an intriguing premise that immediately grabbed my attention.
Clara, still devastated by the unsolved murder of her young daughter, volunteers on an anonymous crisis helpline when she receives a call from a woman who claims her husband killed a little girl. Convinced the confession could be linked to her own tragedy, Clara embarks on a dangerous search for the truth, blurring the line between grief, obsession, and justice.
The author did a good job of portraying the lasting effects of trauma and how desperation can cloud judgment. The helpline setting also created an unsettling atmosphere where every conversation could contain a vital clue or be a complete dead end.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't always live up to the compelling premise. The pacing was uneven and inconsistent, with long stretches where the investigation felt repetitive and didn't move the story forward in a meaningful way.
Clara's determination sometimes crossed into irrational behaviour, making it difficult to stay fully invested in her decisions. While this may be intentional, it was occasionally more frustrating than suspenseful.
Several supporting characters also felt underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realised people.
The mystery itself lacked any shocking twists, some plot developments were fairly predictable, and the ending didn't deliver the emotional or dramatic climax that the build-up promised.
Overall, this book was an ok psychological thriller, but its slow pacing, repetitive middle section, and somewhat predictable resolution prevented it from reaching its full potential.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clara's daughter Lyra went missing at a folk festival whilst on holiday in a Devonshire village and was eventually found in the local woods murdered. They have never found out who killed Lyra, although there were suspects, and Clara cannot move on until she knows who did it.
Through Clara's volunteering role at The Good Listeners, she receives a call from a woman named Emma. Emma confesses that her husband killed a little girl and Clara can't help but feel like she's talking about Lyra so begins investigating.
I really enjoyed this book! Set in a small village where everyone knows everyone else and Clara feels like an outsider, Clara's investigation into who Emma is and whether it was Lyra her husband killed takes many twists and turns. There are lots of little clues given and I enjoyed trying to crack the case myself, in fact I did guess fairly early on who might have killed Lyra, although I doubted myself constantly and still very much enjoyed the journey to the reveal.
As Clara chases leads she makes some allies and I really enjoyed the ending of the book and how it all tied together.
Although some suspension of belief is required I think this book is an excellent thriller and a real page turner. It's awful to even imagine what Clara has gone through losing her daughter so young and I think Holly Watt did an excellent job of creating Clara so well and handling such a topic so sensitively! It's a well written and absorbing book.
I definitely recommend this book when it comes out in May!
Through Clara's volunteering role at The Good Listeners, she receives a call from a woman named Emma. Emma confesses that her husband killed a little girl and Clara can't help but feel like she's talking about Lyra so begins investigating.
I really enjoyed this book! Set in a small village where everyone knows everyone else and Clara feels like an outsider, Clara's investigation into who Emma is and whether it was Lyra her husband killed takes many twists and turns. There are lots of little clues given and I enjoyed trying to crack the case myself, in fact I did guess fairly early on who might have killed Lyra, although I doubted myself constantly and still very much enjoyed the journey to the reveal.
As Clara chases leads she makes some allies and I really enjoyed the ending of the book and how it all tied together.
Although some suspension of belief is required I think this book is an excellent thriller and a real page turner. It's awful to even imagine what Clara has gone through losing her daughter so young and I think Holly Watt did an excellent job of creating Clara so well and handling such a topic so sensitively! It's a well written and absorbing book.
I definitely recommend this book when it comes out in May!
June 11, 2026
The Good Listener has an undeniably gripping hook: a helpline volunteer receives a call from a woman who claims her husband killed a little girl, revelation that collides painfully with Clara’s own unsolved tragedy. It’s a setup with huge emotional potential, and you can feel how much research Holly Watt has poured into the world of “Good Listeners,” the psychology of callers, and most prominently the linguistics that underpin the investigation.
But for me, that’s where the book began to wobble.
The linguistic angle is clearly something the author has immersed herself in, and while it’s interesting in theory, the plot leans on it so heavily that it starts to feel more like a technical exercise than an organic thriller. Instead of deepening the tension, the constant analytical framing made the story feel oddly contrived almost as though the characters were being manoeuvred to fit the research rather than the other way around.
What kept me going was the narration. Nicola Burgess delivers a strong, steady performance that brings clarity and warmth to Clara’s grief and determination. She’s the reason the story remains listenable even when the plot mechanics become over‑worked.
In the end, despite the promising premise and very good narration, the novel never quite settled into something believable for me. The emotional stakes are there, but the execution felt too engineered to truly land.
A fascinating idea, beautifully narrated but ultimately too contrived to fully convince.
But for me, that’s where the book began to wobble.
The linguistic angle is clearly something the author has immersed herself in, and while it’s interesting in theory, the plot leans on it so heavily that it starts to feel more like a technical exercise than an organic thriller. Instead of deepening the tension, the constant analytical framing made the story feel oddly contrived almost as though the characters were being manoeuvred to fit the research rather than the other way around.
What kept me going was the narration. Nicola Burgess delivers a strong, steady performance that brings clarity and warmth to Clara’s grief and determination. She’s the reason the story remains listenable even when the plot mechanics become over‑worked.
In the end, despite the promising premise and very good narration, the novel never quite settled into something believable for me. The emotional stakes are there, but the execution felt too engineered to truly land.
A fascinating idea, beautifully narrated but ultimately too contrived to fully convince.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Clara volunteers as a ‘Good Listener’, a helpline there for anyone who needs to talk confidentially. With a mix of callers, Clara is prepared for them all - until a woman calls reporting her husband has killed a girl. Two years ago Clara’s daughter was murdered and the killer never caught. Could this related and if so what chance does she have of finding out the truth when all calls are anonymous?
This was my first book by this author but the concept sounded really compelling and original so I was interested to read. This ended up a solid slow burn thriller and although at times it did move a bit too slowly, it still remained engaging and had the depth needed to build up a backstory and keep it flowing. The story was told in a unique style and worked well forming an unsettling atmosphere.
The characters were written well and even though I didn’t fully connect with Clara, I appreciated that she felt authentic and I could see her emotional struggles. I enjoyed her journey to discovering the truth, however I found the outcome quite predictable, guessing early on what it would be. Saying that, there were still a sense of mystery within the buildup and overall this was a decent read. I would be interested to see what else this author writes. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This was my first book by this author but the concept sounded really compelling and original so I was interested to read. This ended up a solid slow burn thriller and although at times it did move a bit too slowly, it still remained engaging and had the depth needed to build up a backstory and keep it flowing. The story was told in a unique style and worked well forming an unsettling atmosphere.
The characters were written well and even though I didn’t fully connect with Clara, I appreciated that she felt authentic and I could see her emotional struggles. I enjoyed her journey to discovering the truth, however I found the outcome quite predictable, guessing early on what it would be. Saying that, there were still a sense of mystery within the buildup and overall this was a decent read. I would be interested to see what else this author writes. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Good Listener by Holly Watt
This was an intense and emotionally charged thriller that I raced through in no time. The opening sets a bleak and oppressive tone as we meet a grieving mother, Clara, determined to uncover the truth about her daughter Lyra’s death. From the start, the sense of loss, suspicion and rising dread permeates every page, making the tension almost unbearable in the best possible way.
The author handles the psychological aspects of grief with real skill. Clara’s obsession with finding answers and the way her world begins to unravel as she digs deeper is unsettling and all too believable. The sense that something is lurking just out of sight keeps you constantly on edge, and the short, urgent chapters make it hard to put the book down.
The build-up of suspicion and creeping dread is the novel’s strongest feature: every interaction feels weighted with meaning, and every unanswered question drives the story forward with relentless momentum. While the resolution may not surprise seasoned thriller readers, the emotional and atmospheric journey to get there is gripping.
A tense, atmospheric and compelling read that blends psychological depth with page-turning suspense. A very solid four-star thriller.
This was an intense and emotionally charged thriller that I raced through in no time. The opening sets a bleak and oppressive tone as we meet a grieving mother, Clara, determined to uncover the truth about her daughter Lyra’s death. From the start, the sense of loss, suspicion and rising dread permeates every page, making the tension almost unbearable in the best possible way.
The author handles the psychological aspects of grief with real skill. Clara’s obsession with finding answers and the way her world begins to unravel as she digs deeper is unsettling and all too believable. The sense that something is lurking just out of sight keeps you constantly on edge, and the short, urgent chapters make it hard to put the book down.
The build-up of suspicion and creeping dread is the novel’s strongest feature: every interaction feels weighted with meaning, and every unanswered question drives the story forward with relentless momentum. While the resolution may not surprise seasoned thriller readers, the emotional and atmospheric journey to get there is gripping.
A tense, atmospheric and compelling read that blends psychological depth with page-turning suspense. A very solid four-star thriller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holly Watt takes a terrible tragedy – a mother, Clara, losing her very young daughter Lyra at a fair – and develops a sinuous story of how the mum desperately seeks to find Lyra’s unknown murderer. The police investigation had no outcome and two years later, still grieving, Clara is faced with moving away and becomes frantic to find the murderer before she has to go. At times she thinks – as do other locals – that she is going mad. The book is unsettling at times, and I found it hard to read in places, although the story whips along and Watt develops a complex story. Clara joins a charity helpline and an anonymous caller tells her that her husband killed a little girl two years ago (when Lyra disappeared). There’s no way to follow up – or is there? The plot twists and tuns, with many red herrings but I’m giving no spoilers! Some parts did not grip me – hence only four stars – but as Abraham Lincoln is alleged to have said “People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like”! Do read it and make up your own mind.
Thanks to Raven Books (Bloomsbury Publishing) and NetGalley for giving me the review opportunity – the views expressed herein are solely my own.
Thanks to Raven Books (Bloomsbury Publishing) and NetGalley for giving me the review opportunity – the views expressed herein are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Good Listener was a heart stooping thriller that I couldn’t put down.
Clara is experiencing every mother’s worst nightmare, she can’t find her child at the fair, she was playing with the other children one moment and gone the next. The book follows Clara’s journey on the grief of losing a child and trying to find the truth about what happened and not being able to move on with her life. Who can she trust in this village that she can’t leave? To give her a sense of purpose Clara volunteers for a helpline called “ The good listeners”. Whilst manning the phones a woman comes on and says her husband has killed a child, is it her child? Who is this person? Does she know them? She needs to extract as much information as possible whilst only seeming to listen.
This was a stressful read at the beginning, Clara was a great lead character and I loved her. There are a lot of characters in this book but I didn’t get mixed up with them as they were all completely different and described well. The storyline was good and kept me wanting to keep turning the page. Lots of twists and set in an idyllic place by the sounds of it.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Clara is experiencing every mother’s worst nightmare, she can’t find her child at the fair, she was playing with the other children one moment and gone the next. The book follows Clara’s journey on the grief of losing a child and trying to find the truth about what happened and not being able to move on with her life. Who can she trust in this village that she can’t leave? To give her a sense of purpose Clara volunteers for a helpline called “ The good listeners”. Whilst manning the phones a woman comes on and says her husband has killed a child, is it her child? Who is this person? Does she know them? She needs to extract as much information as possible whilst only seeming to listen.
This was a stressful read at the beginning, Clara was a great lead character and I loved her. There are a lot of characters in this book but I didn’t get mixed up with them as they were all completely different and described well. The storyline was good and kept me wanting to keep turning the page. Lots of twists and set in an idyllic place by the sounds of it.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. This was one of the most compelling thrillers I have read in some time: immersive, emotionally charged, and exceptionally well-crafted.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its protagonist, Clara, a grieving mother whose unresolved trauma fuels both her determination and her unravelling. Her growing obsession with uncovering the truth about her daughter’s disappearance is fascinating to watch, especially as her behaviour becomes increasingly morally questionable. Holly Watt captures Clara’s emotional instability with nuance, balancing sympathy with tension in a way that keeps the reader fully invested.
The writing is atmospheric and highly addictive, with short, suspenseful chapters that steadily build a powerful sense of dread. Although the story unfolds at a measured pace initially, the tension escalates brilliantly as new clues emerge and suspicion shifts between characters. The twists are cleverly seeded throughout, and several late reveals genuinely surprised me.
Combining psychological depth with a gripping mystery, this is a tense, emotionally resonant thriller that explores grief, obsession, and justice with real care. A highly recommended read for thriller fans.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its protagonist, Clara, a grieving mother whose unresolved trauma fuels both her determination and her unravelling. Her growing obsession with uncovering the truth about her daughter’s disappearance is fascinating to watch, especially as her behaviour becomes increasingly morally questionable. Holly Watt captures Clara’s emotional instability with nuance, balancing sympathy with tension in a way that keeps the reader fully invested.
The writing is atmospheric and highly addictive, with short, suspenseful chapters that steadily build a powerful sense of dread. Although the story unfolds at a measured pace initially, the tension escalates brilliantly as new clues emerge and suspicion shifts between characters. The twists are cleverly seeded throughout, and several late reveals genuinely surprised me.
Combining psychological depth with a gripping mystery, this is a tense, emotionally resonant thriller that explores grief, obsession, and justice with real care. A highly recommended read for thriller fans.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a solid 4 star, "the reveal" parts would probably be a 5 star on it's own.
This was a good slowburn, I really felt the intensity of Clara's feelings of dispare, grief and anxiety as she tried to find out who her young daughter's killer was. Clara's loss and the dark void of her life being destroyed by the trauma was clearly portrayed.
For some reason that I couldn't put my finger on, just a feeling I had, I had guessed who Lyra's killer was so although I didn't know how they'd done it, I was pleased that I'd guessed correctly as " the reveal" happened in a dramatic way. The tension of this was well portrayed in the book.
Clara's character felt well drawn, the other characters were a mix of being well drawn and not so much, the men who she initially suspected could have been drawn a little more three-dimensionally.
The main reason I only gave 4 stars was that it felt a little dragged out, especially the scenes at the "Good Listeners" office but that might be just me.
Definitely recommend if you like slow burns.
With thanks to Netgalley & the author for the opportunity to read ahead of publication.
This was a good slowburn, I really felt the intensity of Clara's feelings of dispare, grief and anxiety as she tried to find out who her young daughter's killer was. Clara's loss and the dark void of her life being destroyed by the trauma was clearly portrayed.
For some reason that I couldn't put my finger on, just a feeling I had, I had guessed who Lyra's killer was so although I didn't know how they'd done it, I was pleased that I'd guessed correctly as " the reveal" happened in a dramatic way. The tension of this was well portrayed in the book.
Clara's character felt well drawn, the other characters were a mix of being well drawn and not so much, the men who she initially suspected could have been drawn a little more three-dimensionally.
The main reason I only gave 4 stars was that it felt a little dragged out, especially the scenes at the "Good Listeners" office but that might be just me.
Definitely recommend if you like slow burns.
With thanks to Netgalley & the author for the opportunity to read ahead of publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Holly and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Good Listener before the publication date.
6 year old Lyra disappears from a local folk festival. Weeks later, her body is found in woodland.
Lyra’s father, Lucas, soon returns to London, only to file for divorce from Clara, who has remained in the village, determined to find out who killed her daughter.
6 months later, in a fragile state, and despite advice from her lawyer, Clara agrees to the divorce with little financial provision.
Now she works part time as a gardener for the Blackslades at Harepath House. She volunteers for The Good Listeners, a charity which provides an anonymous phone service for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Callers share their, often disturbing, concerns.
When a woman caller tells Clara that her husband killed a little girl, Clara is desperate to find out more about who the woman is, although she knows that this will breech the terms of her contract with the organisation.
This is a well woven tale is a slow burn in which the author uses misdirection as she introduces snippets of conversations which support Clara’s own suspicions.
6 year old Lyra disappears from a local folk festival. Weeks later, her body is found in woodland.
Lyra’s father, Lucas, soon returns to London, only to file for divorce from Clara, who has remained in the village, determined to find out who killed her daughter.
6 months later, in a fragile state, and despite advice from her lawyer, Clara agrees to the divorce with little financial provision.
Now she works part time as a gardener for the Blackslades at Harepath House. She volunteers for The Good Listeners, a charity which provides an anonymous phone service for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Callers share their, often disturbing, concerns.
When a woman caller tells Clara that her husband killed a little girl, Clara is desperate to find out more about who the woman is, although she knows that this will breech the terms of her contract with the organisation.
This is a well woven tale is a slow burn in which the author uses misdirection as she introduces snippets of conversations which support Clara’s own suspicions.
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