Broken Circle

DS Liam Kilshaw #3

by Matt Brolly

An ancient legend reborn. A killer recreating dark rituals. And a detective racing to break the circle before it’s complete.

When the body of a teenage girl is found posed in the Merry Maidens stone circle, her face coated in clay and ochre, DS Liam Kilshaw is drawn into a case where near-forgotten fictions bleed into brutal fact.

With echoes of an old folktale of dancers turned to stone, the scene is more about staging than superstition. And when two skeletons are unearthed beneath a nearby stone, Kilshaw realises the past is far from dead and buried.

As he hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims surface, each placed with ritual precision in remote ancient sites. With the noose tightening, Kilshaw must decipher centuries-old secrets to break the circle. Because in this deadly game of ancient rites and cold-blooded murder, the killer is saving the most important sacrifice for last.

A haunting crime thriller where medieval legends collide with modern murder.

Genres: Mystery, Procedural, Crime, Thriller, Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Matt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.

Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.

Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK


Matt Brolly books in order:

DI Blackwell:

The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)

DCI Lambert Series

Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time

Other books

Zero
The Controller

For children (as M.J. Brolly)

The Sleeping Bug

Reviews

[Lady MacDeath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Brolly has done it again, and written an absolute banger, with the third book in the DS Liam Kilshaw series. This is the fourth book which I’ve read from the author, and I must admit, he’s definitely up there, with my favourite authors. I’m obsessed with folklore, and the rituals, and myths of the old ways, and Matt fulfills that need, and never lets me down.

The body of a teenage girl has been found in the Merry Maidens stone circle, posed in prayer, her face coated in clay and ochre. Folklore details the Merry Maidens as a group of 8 dancers, who were turned to stone, for dancing on the Sabbath. More victims surface, in the same ritual positions, over several other ancient sites, and with a young farmhand linked to the first victim, Liam, and his boss DI Maya Trent, and the team, race against time, to uncover the person responsible, and break the circle before the last sacrifice.

Whenever I picked this up to read, I just couldn’t put it down. I was obsessed with every single page. I had my suspicions about absolutely everyone being the suspect, and it wasn’t until the end that “ONE” of those was correct 🫢 I’m already looking forward to reading the next book, and hopefully won’t have long to wait. Highly recommended for lovers of this genre.

5 ⭐️

Thanks to Matt Brolly, Thomas & Mercer,and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

Available: 28 April 2026

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle by Matt Brolly features Detective Sergeant Liam Kilshaw. Set in Bodmin and the surrounding villages and sites in Cornwall, England, this police procedural and crime novel is a great addition to the series.

The body of a teenage girl is found posed in a stone circle, her face, hands, and feet coated in clay and ochre. Folktales and legends of dancers turned to stone play into this story that seems more about the staging than the superstition. When two skeletons are found beneath a nearby stone, the police wonder if they’re related and a separate case entirely. As Kilshaw hunts for a missing farmhand linked to the girl, more victims surface. Who is behind the murders and why are they intent on killing so many?

Liam is a former marine and Special Boat Service member who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after his breathing apparatus failed and he nearly drowned on a mission. However, he is doing better than he was. He also has combat medical training. He had always loved the water and is volunteering with the local lifeboat team as a type of immersion therapy to help himself (along with his breathing techniques). He tends to keep people at arm’s length, but is working on that. He cares about others and enjoys a decent relationship with his ex-wife and son. He’s also relentless in his pursuit of those who prey on those who are vulnerable and immerses himself in the cases. However, this causes him a work-personal life balance issue. I wanted a little more personal growth in his character in this book than I saw.

Once again, the author starts the story with a chilling prologue that immediately grabs a reader’s attention. Told from the alternating perspectives of Kilshaw and the antagonist, it will keep readers fully engaged. The antagonist’s thoughts and actions are hauntingly memorable. There are several twists and turns giving readers the opportunity to test their investigative skills as the police search for answers, including motives, relationships, and who is behind the crimes.

Throughout most of the story, there is a sense of urgency as the investigators try to make sense of what has happened and what may happen. While the story ensnared me from the beginning and the ending was suspenseful, it is focused is on the investigation and solid police work. It tends to be slower paced due to the lack of action scenes, but is extremely suspenseful. The author also does a great job of creating atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like you’re with Kilshaw looking for answers. Secrets, folklore, legends, murder, and relationships co-exist in this disturbing storyline.

Overall, this was a gripping, chilling and disturbing thriller that has a strong sense of place and a solid cast of characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy police procedurals, this author, and British crime dramas will likely enjoy this series.

Amazon Publishing UK – Thomas and Mercer and Matt Brolly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 28, 2026.
-------------------------
My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

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

Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is a highly recommended investigative crime thriller where modern murder meets ancient historical sites and folklore. This is the third novel in the DS Liam Kilshaw series.

In the Merry Maidens stone circle in Cornwall the body of a teenage girl is found posed in a kneeling position, with her face, hands and feet covered in clay and yellow ochre. The location could suggest a ritual or some specific purpose for the staging of the body in that location. Then two skeletons are found buries beneath a stone in the circle that looked disturbed. The last known person who was with the girl, a young man is now missing. Ties to the legends surrounding the stone circle need to be explored, along with other remote historical sites with stone monoliths/circles in the area, especially when another victim is discovered.

The opening will immediately grab your attention in this well-written, even-paced procedural. You really do feel the tension and stakes rising in each chapter as more information is uncovered and the body count rises. The narrative is told through the alternating point-of-views of Kilshaw and the unknown killer. DS Liam Kilshaw continues to have a good working relationship with his colleague and boss, Maya as they logically follow clues, background, history and other information, making this a solid police procedural.

Although this can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, at this point, after reading all three books in the series, I think there is much to be said for reading them in order. This serves to provide the background and context for some of the relationships and characters mentioned in the novel. The series at this point is: The Lines, The Replacement, and Broken Circle. They all have a strong sense of place and are solid procedurals.

Kilshaw, a former Marine, is a intuitive investigator who also suffers from PTSD and has alopecia. He is continuing to work on his interpersonal relationships, a skill with which he struggles. He is portrayed as a realistic, complicated individual with strengths and weaknesses, who also has a strong work ethic and the intelligence to follow the clues uncovered as he races against time before more bodies are found.

Broken Circle is a great choice for anyone who enjoy British procedurals. Matt Brolly is always a dependable author who writes compelling stories. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A stone circle-themed serial MDK mystery

My Review: Broken Circle by Matt Brolly is book #3 in the DS Liam Kilshaw series. It is scheduled for release on 4/28/26.

About the Book: "An ancient legend reborn. A killer recreating dark rituals. And a detective racing to break the circle before it’s complete."

In My Own Words: Young girls are going missing and bodies are being found in the strangest places and in the strangest positions. Clues paint a picture, but that picture is incomplete...or is it? It's a race against time to figure out who the killer is and what his or her motive might be.

About the Audiobook: Broken Circle was narrated by Samuel Roukin. He cast a spell over me, to the point that I could not step away from listening. I was glued to my device, waiting with bated breath to hear the next words that would unravel the mystery. The movement, tones, and expressiveness of each character were done so well that the listening experience came across as effortless.

My Final Say: This book is described as a "...haunting crime thriller where medieval legends collide with modern murder." It is that, indeed. It is the past meeting the present in the shadows of the unknown, and I loved it. I found this novel to be totally original, totally unpredictable, and totally captivating.

This was my first DS Liam Kilshaw story, but it definitely will not be my last.

Other: Readers who enjoy a-killer-among-us scenarios, BBS-esque mystery series, and imperfect leads who are trying to figure out life will really like this book.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Series: Yes
Cover: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience. I cannot wait to read more from this writer.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Another good outing for Liam and Maya. It just seems a tad tiresome and unbelievable that the almost personality-less Liam is so sought after by so many females...

So, the last part of my title - Liam's given a number by a female tech he casually knows, in an awkward scene for them both; it jarred. He's sleeping with Grace, an ex, because it's something to do. He'd have us think he's still got a thing for Millie, his son's former teacher who he just happens to bump into and can't get out of his mind despite knowing she had a new boyfriend in book 2, and was traumatised at what happened to her because of her connection to Liam. Kinda doesn't really ring true, as the guy lacks personality, social skills and is a workaholic. But, at the end, there might be hope for him in book 4. That aside, the book was decent, although he has almost no tine to be a part-time dad to George who's growing up fast and seems mature beyond his years, and is a pretty decent eavesdropper.

The tale itself is decent, if sick and sad. I didn't quite get the trigger for the killer's motivation, unless it was an upcoming 'loss' they felt they'd be facing. The Cornish lore/folklore and the solstice tied in well with events, and there was a plausible connection between all. The number of innocent uni-age girls and guys that died was sad; I don't think that there was enough on the killer to stop them any worker, sadly. There were a couple of really good red herrings, so I was clueless about the killer's identity until the time that Liam clocked. The ending was satisfying. To be in the position the killer was, through their own making, unable to literally do anything but listen and understand, was brilliant.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle was so good. The way the people died sounded so horrible and painful. The story weaves together ancient legend and modern crime that is both haunting and intensely engaging. The book opens with the chilling discovery of a teenage girl’s body posing in the Merry Maidens stone circle, her face eerily coated in clay and ochre. This morbid scene pulls Detective Sergeant Liam Kilshaw into a complicated investigation where the lines between folklore and reality blur. The author entwines the eerie echoes of old folktales with the stark brutality of contemporary murder, creating an atmospheric backdrop. As DS Kilshaw dives deeper into the mystery, the pace quickens, and the tension escalates. Each twist and turn in the plot reveals the layers of history that Kilshaw and the team must unravel, making for a thoroughly immersive reading experience. The story infuses rich descriptions of ancient sites with the rituals central to the plot. The ritualistic elements are intricately tied to the murders, making the stakes higher as Kilshaw and the team race against time to prevent further loss. The suspense builds masterfully as more victims surface, each encountered with a chilling ritualistic precision. The pacing kept me engaged, eagerly turning pages to decipher the centuries-old secrets alongside the investigators. The culmination of events leads to an explosive climax that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

Broken Circle delivered not only a thrilling detective story but also a story of the darker aspects of human nature. This novel is a good read for fans of thrillers and crime fiction. For me, this was a wild ride that I would recommend.

#BrokenCircle #NetGalley @AmazonPub

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books that I read as an ARC was “The Lines” (the first book in this series) and I was hooked immediately. Not just to Matt Brolly’s writing style, but to the character of DS Liam Kilshaw. “The Replacements” (the second book in the series) added to my love for this series. Needless to say, I have been impatiently waiting to read “Broken Circle”.

The great news is that Matt Brolly is continuing his homerun streak with this series. He has found another way to make a creepy mystery that will have you hanging on his every word.

“Broken Circle” is dark and tragic. But in the midst of it are these incredible moments of growth in DS Liam Kilshaw as a person. He is literally one of the most real protagonists in all of the mystery/thriller genre. That is where Brolly shines as a writer. He doesn’t just write these characters to have them solve some impossible mystery. He creates characters that you get invested in. And that is also part of the heart break of this novel. There are several individuals in the novel that you actually feel for.

Once again, Mr. Brolly, you have proven yourself to be head and shoulders above the crowd. If you haven’t read any of this series, “Broken Circle” is a great jumping on point. You will thank me later after you have read it. DO.NOT.MISS.OUT!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Broken Circle by Matt Brolly

This was a gripping and atmospheric crime novel that kept me fully engaged. DI Liam Kilshaw remains a compelling lead being thoughtful, determined and grounded, and his investigation drives this one forward with confidence and nuance. The story begins with another chilling discovery off the Cornish coast and, as with Brolly’s earlier work, the tension is sustained through a blend of procedural detail and psychological unease.

One of the things that sets this apart is how Cornish mythology is woven into the narrative. The setting feels alive and textured, with local lore adding an extra layer of intrigue to the case. The references to regional myths and legends give the plot a slightly uncanny edge and enrich the atmosphere without ever feeling gimmicky.

The pacing is confident and the character work strong. Liam’s interactions with his team and the community feel authentic, and the emotional weight of the case, how it reverberates through those affected grounds the story in something that feels very human. There were moments where the procedural thread slowed, but overall the balance between character, setting and suspense worked very well.

A satisfying and well-crafted mystery that blends Cornish folklore with contemporary crime drama. A very solid four-star read that will appeal to fans of atmospheric, character-driven thrillers.

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle is set against the atmospheric landscape of Cornwall, where ancient legends and a modern-day killer recreating dark rituals collide. When the body of a teenage girl is found posed in the Merry Maidens stone circle, with her face coated in clay and sprinkled with ochre, it mirrors old folktales of dancers turned to stone for their sins. DS Liam Kilshaw, a detective and former marine struggling with PTSD, suspects this is a case of ritual staging rather than mere superstition. As more victims are found at remote sacred sites, Kilshaw must decipher centuries-old secrets to stop a killer who is preparing for a final, most important sacrifice.

I really like Kilshaw. In each book he is a hero, warts and all, with a complicated love life. I was positive I knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. I love it when that surprises me. Mr. Brolly creates characters I find myself fully invested in. The murders were a bit dark and graphic, but I seriously didn't want to put the book down. I found the pace to be fast, and the blending of Cornish folklore with contemporary crime was an intriguing combination.

Mr. Brolly, if you are reading this, I want MORE of this wonderful series, please!

Thank you, #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Broken Circle has an expected publication date of April 28, 2026.

#MattBrolly #Mystery #Thriller #Cornwall

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment of Matt Brolly’s latest series featuring DS Liam Kilshaw, set along the Cornish Coast. I’ve read all three of them, and while I believe this could be a standalone novel, reading the previous ones provides more context for the characters.

DS Kilshaw is a divorced former Marine grappling with PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service. The discovery of a teenage girl’s body, posed in a stone circle with her face covered in clay, sets the stage for a chilling investigation. Legend has it that the circle appeared when young females were turned to stone for dancing on the sabbath. As more dead youths are found in locations tied to local myths, Kilshaw collaborates with his boss, Maya, to unmask this cold-blooded killer.

Brolly once again weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Although there is a suspect in focus, there are enough red herrings to make the reader question who the perpetrator might be. The book is a fast paced, atmospheric mystery, thriller, police procedural.

Liam is an intriguing character, and I particularly enjoy the working dynamic between him and Maya. Additionally, I found the exploration of the local legends fascinating.

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

[Hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m giving this a solid 3 stars. It was such a suspenseful, action-packed story—honestly, it felt like I was watching a movie. The descriptions were so good that I was literally casting the actors in my head and visualizing exactly where the detective was, which made the story really come alive. I also loved that the killer’s motive was tied to mythology and legends; that always makes a mystery more interesting to me.

​I was totally hooked until about the 70% mark, but then I started to lose interest. The ending just wasn't unique enough for a book. It felt like a typical movie ending, and I expected something more "extra" or clever from a novel. I actually ended up skimming the last bit because it felt so predictable.

​As for the detective, he’s okay, but I didn’t deeply care about him. This is the third book in the series, so maybe if I’d read the first two I would have felt more of a connection, but it didn't really ruin the story for me. He’s smart, he does his best, and he gets the job done.

​Bottom line: If you want a suspenseful killer mystery that plays out like a movie in your head, you’ll definitely enjoy this.

​Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Matt Brolly has truly struck gold with Broken Circle, a hauntingly atmospheric masterpiece that has just become my favourite instalment in the DS Kilshaw series so far.
From the moment a young woman is discovered in a horrifically, obviously staged murder at the Merry Maidens stone circle, I was completely hooked by the dark blend of modern investigation and ancient ritual. ​
The way the rugged Cornish landscape is exquisitely illustrated makes the setting feel alive, providing a chilling backdrop as the body count rises.
I found the deep dive into medieval myths and folklore absolutely fascinating; the descriptions of these ritualistic legends are second to none and bring a unique, eerie energy to the plot.
Beyond the mystery, I loved seeing Liam’s personal evolution. His dilemmas regarding his love life and his future path add a layer of raw emotion that makes him so relatable. With the team dynamic stronger than ever and an ending that ties everything together perfectly, this is a gritty, must-read triumph for any thriller fan.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

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

Broken Circle is the third in the DS Liam Kilshaw series, and they really do need to be read in order. Liam has a somewhat traumatic past, which is an important thread that flows through each book. They are also all great reads so you would be missing out if you start here!

Once again, the book set against the beguiling landscape of Cornwall, where legends and folklore are both rife and intriguing, thus, providing the ideal backdrop for the fusion of ancient legends and rituals and a modern-day serial killer. The plot is very clever as are the twists and turns that slowly reveal how the killers mind is functioning. As the mystery deepens the pace escalates and the tension ramps up, seeing me eagerly turning the pages to understand the significance of the ancient fables.

All in all, this is a gritty, pacey, and atmospheric read with many twists and turns, which successfully leave you guessing to the very end. Highly recommended.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam is called early one morning to come out to the Dancing Maidens stone circle. A girl's body was found, and the evidence suggests that the killer used her for some kind of ritual. Time is running out as more missing girls turn up dead at stone circles. How can the police find the murderer and stop him?

I love stone circles, so this book enchanted me. Although I figured out who the murderer was before it was revealed, I enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot to think about in regard to stone circles and has me pulling out some of my books about ancient Britain to re-read them.

This is a great "escape" book. It's a welcome distraction from the news, and it was able to occupy my busy brain.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

[TenshiMari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review

This book didn't grip me like the other reviewers said. I found the start very engaging, but the middle dragged a bit, and I found the chapters from the antagonist's POV much more interesting than the chapters from Liam's POV. I didn't feel the sense of urgency, the race against the clock. The last 75% of this book was very satisfying however, so even if I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped, I really enjoyed the ending. Perhaps I would've enjoyed this book more if I had read the previous two books in this series and felt more personally connected to Liam's chapters simply by knowing the character longer. You might enjoy this book more than I did.

[Sans Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what it says about me that I enjoy Matt Brolly's dark, creepy British police procedurals so much. In this latest DS Liam Kilshaw installment, our former marine continues to struggle with PTSD from a near drowning while on maneuvers. Yet again, he is on a case that revives that sensation of suffocating. However, he does not let this interfere with his pursuit of an enigmatic killer posing young women as if in prayer at the foot of megalithic stones. There are several potential suspects, and some interesting history behind the ancient ceremonial sites. Of course, there is a surprising twist at the end. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

[Karen McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the DS Liam Kilshaw series. A body is found at a stone circle and it has been posed to recreate an ancient legend. As another body is found it is a race against time to find the murderer to prevent further deaths.
It is fast paced with lots of twists and turns with many potential suspects which leaves you guessing to the end.
Another great series from this author, but it is best to read them in order starting with The Lines to understand the back story and the interaction between the characters. I’d also recommend his other two series featuring DCI Michael Lambert and Detective Louise Blackwell.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Circle, (DS Liam Kilshaw # 3) an exciting detective crime thriller by Matt Brolly.

DS Liam Kilshaw has his work cut out when he and his team hunt down a killer in Cornwall, who is recreating the mythology and folklore of circles of stones, which portrayed those who sinned on the sabboth would be murdered.

DS Liam Kilshaw is trying to break this vicious circle, as he finds more dead bodies posed within the circles, with their faces coated in clay and ochre and skeletons unearthed dating back five years.

The killer is saving his last sacrifice to last and it was a shocking revelation.

[Jeanne Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Matt Brolly and it won’t be the last. This book kept my attention, and I found myself reading ‘just one more page’. The characters are realistic, and some character development is done with the main character and has some hints with other characters. The real story is that of the horrific death of a young woman at a stone circle. Cornish mythology plays a large part of the investigation. Definite tension grows as the police chase after the killer. The race to the conclusion is taut and full of suspense. I could not guess who the criminal was at all. This is definitely a good mystery and police procedural.

[KDRBCK]

Broken Circle by Matt Brolly published by Thomas & Mercer is the third book in the DS Liam Kilshaw Trilogy.
While interconnected, the books can be read as stand alones. For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
The story picks up some time after the last book was left off.
Liam was wounded and is recuperating. When the ex-Marine and now cop stumbles on a complicated, complex case. A case that had me biting my nails and breathlessly anticipating the twists and unexpected turns , the danger and suspense.
I recommend the book, 5 stars.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Liam Kilshaw is called to the scene of a bizarre murder. A young woman has been killed by a cruel method of asphyxiation at the Merry Maidens stone circle, where young women were allegedly once murdered for dancing on the sabbath. Women who slept with a local missing Lothario are the ostensible victims, but then bones from several years earlier are found nearby. Same killer? Liam and the team must solve the case before the deranged killer strikes again. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this exciting police procedural set in Cornwall.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good, steady read in the DS Liam Kilshaw series which is set in Cornwall and is filled with Cornish mythology and folklore. I loved the intricate plotting and the build up of suspense as the plot unfolded. There was a lot of detail to absorb with the plotting, which slowed down my reading but there is tension, grit and atmosphere leading up to a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend reading the previous books in the series for background information on Liam's character. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt Brolly's Broken Circle is the third outing for DS Liam Kilshaw, and I really wanted this one to click for me — I genuinely liked Kilshaw in the previous book. But between the ritualistic stone circle murders and a plot that leaned hard into ancient-legend territory, this just wasn't my thing. If moody Cornish atmosphere and folklore-soaked crime are your jam, you might be all in. For me, it felt like we were covering familiar ground without going any deeper into the character I'd shown up for. Kilshaw deserves more room to breathe, and this one didn't give it to him.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third DS Kilshaw novel and it does not disappoint. It's tense and fast paced with interesting characters.

As in the previous book, ancient Cornish rites and beliefs play a central role in the plot. The legends around stone circles are an interesting backdrop to the ritualistic murders.

Though this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

[Mandy reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second arc I've read by Matt brolly in this series and I'm already looking forward to the next!
The description of places they're in in Cornwall set the scene perfectly. I enjoy the legends and folklore aspects of the story. The many suspects I was made think along the way to the final outcome.
Loved getting to know Liam a bit more and I really like the relationship between him and maya.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in a series featuring DS Liam Kilshaw and set in Cornwall. It is the first book I have read by Matt Brolly and it was an entertaining read. A solid police procedural book with an atmospheric setting and well-rounded characters.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition. To the DS Liam Kilshaw crime series.
Women are being found in stone circles, they are placed in prayer position and clay and lemonite poured into their mouths rendering them paralysed. Who would do it and why? Can DS Kilshaw find the killer before anymore blood is shed?? Would recommend

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series although it can be read as a standalone. What a gripping storyline this was and it really had me intrigued over who was behind it. Good to see the main characters back again and it was just the characters for this book you needed to get to know. Definitely a book to recommend and go read the others in the series too!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a good book. I had it figured out halfway through, though. The story was interesting and held my attention though, even after I had it figured out.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley to read and review.

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 3rd book in the series. The characters and the location are interesting. I'll be looking forward to more in the series.

thanks for the ARC Netgalley.