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Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body
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Expected 21 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 02:21:44
50 copies available
U.S. only
From the author of Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath ("wickedly funny and darkly compelling") comes a twisted new thriller following one couple who will do anything to get away with murder, even frame each other.
Daisy Dixon lives in a stately home, but the grandeur on the outside hides a leaking roof, dusty rooms and a failed marriage. But that isn't the only thing she has to worry about now. On the night before she plans to leave her abusive husband, James, Daisy accidentally runs a man over, with James in the passenger seat beside her. But at her husband's behest, instead of calling an ambulance, they take the man home.
When he dies, panic ensues, and the Dixon's do what any sane couple bury him in the family mausoleum, on the grounds of their rickety, tumbledown estate.
And that's where he lies, until a storm washes him out into the nearby village.
Her dreams of freedom postponed indefinitely, with James' help, Daisy covers up the crime and together, they seem to be doing a good job of it, until she learns that James has helped the police with their inquiries, and blamed it all on her.
Two can play games, and Daisy is very good at winning. What was once a cover-up is now a race to prison, and Daisy will do anything to make sure James gets their first.
Daisy Dixon lives in a stately home, but the grandeur on the outside hides a leaking roof, dusty rooms and a failed marriage. But that isn't the only thing she has to worry about now. On the night before she plans to leave her abusive husband, James, Daisy accidentally runs a man over, with James in the passenger seat beside her. But at her husband's behest, instead of calling an ambulance, they take the man home.
When he dies, panic ensues, and the Dixon's do what any sane couple bury him in the family mausoleum, on the grounds of their rickety, tumbledown estate.
And that's where he lies, until a storm washes him out into the nearby village.
Her dreams of freedom postponed indefinitely, with James' help, Daisy covers up the crime and together, they seem to be doing a good job of it, until she learns that James has helped the police with their inquiries, and blamed it all on her.
Two can play games, and Daisy is very good at winning. What was once a cover-up is now a race to prison, and Daisy will do anything to make sure James gets their first.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 25, 2026
Mrs. Dixon and Mr. Dixon do not get along. Mr. Dixon is extremely controlling and mentally abusive. Mrs. Dixon has to resort to hiding snacks and pilfering money to squirrel away for a rainy day. She spends her days chatting with her housekeeper, watching mindless television, sewing (which is her favorite pastime), and plotting her husband’s death. Unfortunately, one evening on their way back from a party, they accidentally murder someone. Now trying to leave Mr. Dixon will not be as easy because he has something on her.
The plot/theme is really dark, but yet the writing style makes it seem more of a cozy dark comedy. There are a few times Mrs. Dixon’s comments made me chuckle. I had mixed feelings when I started this one as it felt like the themes were being taken too lightly, but I believe that was the intent. I probably would’ve enjoyed it a little bit more had it taken the dark and gritty route, but I will admit I found myself amused at certain points. I also think having a bit more of Mrs. Dixon’s backstory thrown throughout the book as more of a flashback, as opposed to one big reveal, would have worked better. This would’ve allowed for a secondary buildup along with the main plot.
This definitely had its moments of humor, and trying to see the Dixons flail around was a bit comical. Did it go OTT at the end, yeah probably but it worked well with the tone of the novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The plot/theme is really dark, but yet the writing style makes it seem more of a cozy dark comedy. There are a few times Mrs. Dixon’s comments made me chuckle. I had mixed feelings when I started this one as it felt like the themes were being taken too lightly, but I believe that was the intent. I probably would’ve enjoyed it a little bit more had it taken the dark and gritty route, but I will admit I found myself amused at certain points. I also think having a bit more of Mrs. Dixon’s backstory thrown throughout the book as more of a flashback, as opposed to one big reveal, would have worked better. This would’ve allowed for a secondary buildup along with the main plot.
This definitely had its moments of humor, and trying to see the Dixons flail around was a bit comical. Did it go OTT at the end, yeah probably but it worked well with the tone of the novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
I feel bad giving my honest opinion on this one. I thought the plot sounded very interesting, if not close to very familiar tropes. However, it just wasn’t executed in an enjoyable way for me. Some things were so overdramatized that I just couldn’t get on board. It had the potential to be really great, and I just couldn’t hang on for the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc!
January 29, 2026
Intriguing storyline that immediately draws you in. The premise is strong and full of potential, with plenty of mystery and tension woven throughout the plot. While the story itself is engaging, the pacing is quite slow, and it takes a long time to really get to the point. At times, I found it difficult to stay fully invested because of how drawn out certain sections felt
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body is about a husband and wife who don't get along anymore. He is controlling and she is insecure. They don't sleep in the same bed and the love there once was, just isn't there anymore. You could even say they hate each others guts! 🤭 But they have to work on their communication skills once they murder someone by accident. When everything gets heated, they will start to point their finger at each other and one of them will get the blame in the end. But they both don't want to be that person... 👀
I really liked the idea of this book. A married couple who accidentely murder someone and are trying to blame the other person? That is hilarious and so original! 🫶🏼 The execution could have been better in my opinion. The murder happened a little late and the fun part where they are starting to talk to the police was happening at 70%. I would have loved to read more about it and for it to have happened earlier. Now there was a lot of backstory and history that didn't really interest me.The story was well written but it could have been a lot shorter. 😬
I do love Daisy. What a queen! She is such a relatable character and I really like her view on life. 👀 She sees her own flaws and doesn't feel sorry for herself. We love a maincharacter who owns up to their shit. I also really liked the parts where Daisy went online and started blogging with the townspeople to see what they know and maybe influence their opinion 🤭 And OMG how I hate James!!! 🤮 I know where Jennifer Holdich was going going with this character and it was definitely working. What a horrible man!
I really liked the idea of this book. A married couple who accidentely murder someone and are trying to blame the other person? That is hilarious and so original! 🫶🏼 The execution could have been better in my opinion. The murder happened a little late and the fun part where they are starting to talk to the police was happening at 70%. I would have loved to read more about it and for it to have happened earlier. Now there was a lot of backstory and history that didn't really interest me.The story was well written but it could have been a lot shorter. 😬
I do love Daisy. What a queen! She is such a relatable character and I really like her view on life. 👀 She sees her own flaws and doesn't feel sorry for herself. We love a maincharacter who owns up to their shit. I also really liked the parts where Daisy went online and started blogging with the townspeople to see what they know and maybe influence their opinion 🤭 And OMG how I hate James!!! 🤮 I know where Jennifer Holdich was going going with this character and it was definitely working. What a horrible man!
February 9, 2026
4.5
I honestly loved this book. Daisy is such a fun character and so odd. She’s weird, crafty, and deeply relatable in a way that makes it impossible not to root for her. She also has the worst husband, and I truly don’t blame her for wanting to leave James, every time he spoke, my blood boiled.
Throughout the book, Daisy makes some absolutely wild decisions, but honestly… same. It really feels like she lets her intrusive thoughts win sometimes.
Even though she’s partially responsible for some of the chaos in her life, I support women’s rights and women’s wrongs 😆
I’ll definitely be recommending this book!
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
I honestly loved this book. Daisy is such a fun character and so odd. She’s weird, crafty, and deeply relatable in a way that makes it impossible not to root for her. She also has the worst husband, and I truly don’t blame her for wanting to leave James, every time he spoke, my blood boiled.
Throughout the book, Daisy makes some absolutely wild decisions, but honestly… same. It really feels like she lets her intrusive thoughts win sometimes.
Even though she’s partially responsible for some of the chaos in her life, I support women’s rights and women’s wrongs 😆
I’ll definitely be recommending this book!
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
Read
June 8, 2026This is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer Holdich, and I wasn’t disappointed! She writes characters who make me feel empathy for them, even though I shouldn’t.
Daisy lives in a grand estate with her husband James, a cryptocurrency billionaire. For years, she has endured his financial abuse and belittling of every choice she makes. When Daisy revealed that James would make her eat dinner from a child’s plate so she would eat less to lose weight, I hated the guy immediately.
Over the years, she has dreamed of leaving him to start a new life, but as soon as she decides that now is finally the time, her plans are derailed when she accidentally hits a man while driving home from a party. Instead of calling an ambulance, James convinces her to cover up the accident when the man dies.
It becomes a battle of wills when Daisy and James struggle to stay out of jail when James decides to reveal information that makes Daisy the prime suspect.
Throughout the book, I felt so bad for Daisy. The author portrayed her as someone who just wanted happiness and love, despite her questionable past. I was rooting for her through the whole book. The book was dark, but also hopeful, as Daisy tried to find ways to survive in a marriage that brought her so much unhappiness.
Sometimes I felt that Daisy was far too passive. She knew what James was doing but never spoke up. But I realized that Daisy had no one she could trust. She had no family other than James, and she couldn’t even trust her housekeeper, a woman she had known since she was young. The author wrote about a woman who had to save herself because she had no one else to depend on. Even if that meant getting her hands dirty.
While I felt bad for Daisy and empathized with her situation, she had some qualities that not everyone will like. But that’s the kind of character I like to read about. Imperfect but still compelling, because that’s how people are. I can’t stand characters who are perfect “Mary Sues”. Daisy is someone you will root for, but also question her choices.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Daisy lives in a grand estate with her husband James, a cryptocurrency billionaire. For years, she has endured his financial abuse and belittling of every choice she makes. When Daisy revealed that James would make her eat dinner from a child’s plate so she would eat less to lose weight, I hated the guy immediately.
Over the years, she has dreamed of leaving him to start a new life, but as soon as she decides that now is finally the time, her plans are derailed when she accidentally hits a man while driving home from a party. Instead of calling an ambulance, James convinces her to cover up the accident when the man dies.
It becomes a battle of wills when Daisy and James struggle to stay out of jail when James decides to reveal information that makes Daisy the prime suspect.
Throughout the book, I felt so bad for Daisy. The author portrayed her as someone who just wanted happiness and love, despite her questionable past. I was rooting for her through the whole book. The book was dark, but also hopeful, as Daisy tried to find ways to survive in a marriage that brought her so much unhappiness.
Sometimes I felt that Daisy was far too passive. She knew what James was doing but never spoke up. But I realized that Daisy had no one she could trust. She had no family other than James, and she couldn’t even trust her housekeeper, a woman she had known since she was young. The author wrote about a woman who had to save herself because she had no one else to depend on. Even if that meant getting her hands dirty.
While I felt bad for Daisy and empathized with her situation, she had some qualities that not everyone will like. But that’s the kind of character I like to read about. Imperfect but still compelling, because that’s how people are. I can’t stand characters who are perfect “Mary Sues”. Daisy is someone you will root for, but also question her choices.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2026
Daisy Dixon despises her husband, James, and has been plotting his demise for what seems like forever, when she finally gets the courage to just pack up and leave. Yes, they have an ironclad prenup, and she will be left with nothing, but her husband is so controlling, abusive, and manipulative, Daisy can’t stand it any more.
The night before her plan is put into action, Daisy is forced once again, to attend a fundraiser with her husband, where she, as usual, doesn’t fit it.. While secretly stuffing her face at the party, a thing she must hide from her husband who is always commenting on her weight, Daisy meets a kind man who convinces her to partake in a drink or two. Driving home however, presents itself to be a problem, and Daisy and James find themselves standing in the middle of the road, next to a body, that Daisy hit. What follows is a crazy, often humorous story, where the unhappily married couple try to conceal a body, but when things don’t go as planned, start to point fingers at each other.
This story is half thriller, half comedy and I really enjoyed the wild ride. Daisy is a character you can’t help but love despite her many, many, flaws- and she sure does have a lot of them. Her backstory is DARK, but who doesn’t support a vengeful protagonist trying to find her way back to the honest side of life? Daisy might make terrible life choices but she’s just trying to get what’s due to her!
The best part is the ending- wild, and shocking, but yet somehow perfect.
Read this story now if you love thrillers where revenge and manipulation are the stars of the show, or stories in which the characters make questionable choices, that continue to spin more and more out of control.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Holdich, and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The night before her plan is put into action, Daisy is forced once again, to attend a fundraiser with her husband, where she, as usual, doesn’t fit it.. While secretly stuffing her face at the party, a thing she must hide from her husband who is always commenting on her weight, Daisy meets a kind man who convinces her to partake in a drink or two. Driving home however, presents itself to be a problem, and Daisy and James find themselves standing in the middle of the road, next to a body, that Daisy hit. What follows is a crazy, often humorous story, where the unhappily married couple try to conceal a body, but when things don’t go as planned, start to point fingers at each other.
This story is half thriller, half comedy and I really enjoyed the wild ride. Daisy is a character you can’t help but love despite her many, many, flaws- and she sure does have a lot of them. Her backstory is DARK, but who doesn’t support a vengeful protagonist trying to find her way back to the honest side of life? Daisy might make terrible life choices but she’s just trying to get what’s due to her!
The best part is the ending- wild, and shocking, but yet somehow perfect.
Read this story now if you love thrillers where revenge and manipulation are the stars of the show, or stories in which the characters make questionable choices, that continue to spin more and more out of control.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Holdich, and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2026
The title, cover and blurb had me super interested. I was expecting it to be fun and funny in ridiculous way but it was more of a sad and disturbing (at times) read.
I couldn’t connect with the writing style. It’s not bad by any means, it was a me problem and I’m sure some readers will find this book to be 4-to-5 stars read, but I fear majority might be like me and settle on 3.
It was an okay read for me. I wasn’t super interested but as I had couple hours of driving to do, I went through majority of the audio while driving. It was good enough to use as background noise and for multitasking, but wasn’t engaging enough for me as a sole focus read.
I expected to like this book more but after all it turned out I might not be the target audience for it.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the NetGalley ALC.
Narrator: Fenella Fudge
🎧 length: 9,5h
Audiobook review: the audio performance was alright. I had trouble understanding some small bits but it didn’t affect understanding the overall storyline. (I’m fluent in English but it is not my first language and the narration is very British)
I listened with varying speed, starting with 1.5 but pretty quickly going for 1.75 or 2.0x (which is my usual listening speed)
I couldn’t connect with the writing style. It’s not bad by any means, it was a me problem and I’m sure some readers will find this book to be 4-to-5 stars read, but I fear majority might be like me and settle on 3.
It was an okay read for me. I wasn’t super interested but as I had couple hours of driving to do, I went through majority of the audio while driving. It was good enough to use as background noise and for multitasking, but wasn’t engaging enough for me as a sole focus read.
I expected to like this book more but after all it turned out I might not be the target audience for it.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the NetGalley ALC.
Narrator: Fenella Fudge
🎧 length: 9,5h
Audiobook review: the audio performance was alright. I had trouble understanding some small bits but it didn’t affect understanding the overall storyline. (I’m fluent in English but it is not my first language and the narration is very British)
I listened with varying speed, starting with 1.5 but pretty quickly going for 1.75 or 2.0x (which is my usual listening speed)
May 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ALC- Pub Date May 14,2026
And Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC- Pub Date July 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.75 rounded up)
I requested this one because I really enjoyed the author’s first book, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath… and I went in expecting the same vibe.
And honestly? This had such a good premise.
There were some genuinely funny moments, like actually funny and Mr. & Mrs. Dixon are painfully clueless in a way that somehow works.
But… this dragged. 😅
Some parts felt unnecessarily slow, the chapters were long, and there were so many characters that I kept having to pause and figure out who was who.
Overall, I did laugh a few times and I can see what the author was going for, but it just didn’t hit the same as her first book for me.
And Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC- Pub Date July 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.75 rounded up)
I requested this one because I really enjoyed the author’s first book, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath… and I went in expecting the same vibe.
And honestly? This had such a good premise.
There were some genuinely funny moments, like actually funny and Mr. & Mrs. Dixon are painfully clueless in a way that somehow works.
But… this dragged. 😅
Some parts felt unnecessarily slow, the chapters were long, and there were so many characters that I kept having to pause and figure out who was who.
Overall, I did laugh a few times and I can see what the author was going for, but it just didn’t hit the same as her first book for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Helaas viel dit boek me erg tegen. De titel belooft spanning en intrige, maar die verwachtingen worden niet waargemaakt. Het verhaal is langdradig, bevat veel onnodige zij-informatie en mist echte spanning. In plaats van een meeslepende thriller voelt het boek traag en vlak aan. Jammer, want het uitgangspunt had veel potentie. Voor mij absoluut geen aanrader.
December 31, 2025
*4.5 stars ✨
Want to Read
May 25, 2026This sounds so good.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE ABSOLUTE ACCIDENT BINDING THEM TOGETHER TURNS LETHAL.
"Jennifer Holdich delivers a twisted, darkly funny look at a crumbling marriage that mutates into a ruthless race to frame each other in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game of survival.
In Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body, author Jennifer Holdich delivers a wickedly funny, off-kilter, and darkly compelling British domestic psychological suspense novel. The story hinges on a deeply resentful wife navigating immense physical and marital hurdles to secure her personal freedom after a chaotic roadside accident binds her to her toxic husband in a lethal cover-up.
Wry comedy vs. a high-stakes marital race to prison. A desperate plan to escape a toxic marriage turns into a terrifying waking nightmare when a hidden corpse refuses to stay buried, forcing a husband and wife into a vicious battle to frame each other.
Elevator Pitch
A twisted, darkly humorous psychological thriller following an unhappily married couple who accidentally kill a pedestrian on their way home from a party and hide the body on their decaying estate—only for a torrential rainstorm to wash up the evidence and ignite a ruthless cat-and-mouse race to see who can frame the other first.
Review Breakdown
Intro
Daisy Dixon is completely trapped in a failed, abusive marriage to her controlling, cryptocurrency billionaire husband, James. She has a bag packed and an escape plan ready, but the night before she is set to leave, disaster strikes. While driving home from a lavish local fundraiser, Daisy accidentally strikes a pedestrian on a dark country road. At James's manic behest, they avoid the emergency services, bring the dying man home, and hide his body inside the family's crumbling mausoleum. When a torrential storm causes the structure to collapse and washes the corpse straight into the local village, a high-stakes legal panic ensues—and Daisy quickly realizes James has already pointed the finger at her to save himself.
Setting
The dusty, neglected rooms and leaking roofs of Langley Hall, a crumbling, grand manor estate in the insular English countryside of Upper Iffley.
Vibe
Off-kilter, cynical, and delightfully twisted.
Genre
Dark Comedy / Domestic Psychological Thriller / Suspense / Satire.
Themes
~The Toxicity and Performative Nature of Marriage
~Betrayal and Mutually Assured Destruction
~Wealth, Greed, and Complicity
~Revenge and the Subversion of the "Victim"
Standout Characters
~Daisy Dixon: The complicated, seemingly naive protagonist who must shed her passive role and find her sharpest claws to avoid taking the fall for murder.
~James Dixon: Her narcissistic, controlling crypto-billionaire husband whose instant instinct for self-preservation transforms him from a partner-in-crime into a lethal competitor.
~Mrs. Billings: The Dixons' highly eccentric, kleptomaniac housekeeper who hilariously pockets household tchotchkes while the central cover-up unravels around her
Author Writing Standout
Jennifer Holdich excels at dismantling classic domestic thriller tropes by infusing them with biting, laugh-out-loud interior monologues and a masterful handle on dark humor. Her inclusion of a neighborhood social media "Greek chorus" to comment on the escalating town scandal adds an incredibly fun, contemporary, and realistic dynamic to the narrative pacing.
Takeaway
In a marriage entirely built on constructed lies and fragile egos, the hidden corpse in the yard is never the most dangerous thing in the house—the person sharing your bed.
Title Significance
"Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body" represents the ultimate, ironic test of marital teamwork—highlighting how an act meant to bind a couple together forever becomes the exact catalyst that makes them completely tear each other apart.
Metaphor
The rotting, leaking Langley Hall mansion serves as a physical mirror for the Dixons' marriage—gorgeous and imposing on the outside to fool the public, but entirely structurally unsound and decaying within.
Why You Should Read
It is a fiercely entertaining, delightfully vicious, and unconventional suspense novel that values sharp wit, eccentric character writing, and dark errors over standard procedural beats.
My Thoughts
"An offbeat, pacy domestic suspense thriller with a game of cat-and-mouse, packed with sharp wit, eccentric village commentary, and a wonderfully clever final sequence."
Daisy begins as a passive, abused wife trapped by an ironclad prenuptial agreement. However, the crisis forces her to shed her naivety. Playing the Game to Win: The novel highlights her transition from a victim into a vicious, calculated player who is surprisingly adept at fighting back.
The pacing is fantastic. Holdich crafts an agonizingly funny and tense race to the prison gates, where you actively root for Daisy to outsmart her awful husband. The novel explores the lengths an individual will go to save themselves when they are entirely alone. The sharp-tongued dialogue and eccentric village dynamics keep the story incredibly refreshing, building to a beautifully clever final sequence.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
"A brilliantly offbeat, laugh-out-loud dark comedy thriller that proves revenge is a game best played with absolute calculation."
Recs
Read this if you devoured Julie Tudor Is Not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich, Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, or My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: July 21, 2026
July Newsletter
July Must-Read Books
"Jennifer Holdich delivers a twisted, darkly funny look at a crumbling marriage that mutates into a ruthless race to frame each other in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game of survival.
In Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body, author Jennifer Holdich delivers a wickedly funny, off-kilter, and darkly compelling British domestic psychological suspense novel. The story hinges on a deeply resentful wife navigating immense physical and marital hurdles to secure her personal freedom after a chaotic roadside accident binds her to her toxic husband in a lethal cover-up.
Wry comedy vs. a high-stakes marital race to prison. A desperate plan to escape a toxic marriage turns into a terrifying waking nightmare when a hidden corpse refuses to stay buried, forcing a husband and wife into a vicious battle to frame each other.
Elevator Pitch
A twisted, darkly humorous psychological thriller following an unhappily married couple who accidentally kill a pedestrian on their way home from a party and hide the body on their decaying estate—only for a torrential rainstorm to wash up the evidence and ignite a ruthless cat-and-mouse race to see who can frame the other first.
Review Breakdown
Intro
Daisy Dixon is completely trapped in a failed, abusive marriage to her controlling, cryptocurrency billionaire husband, James. She has a bag packed and an escape plan ready, but the night before she is set to leave, disaster strikes. While driving home from a lavish local fundraiser, Daisy accidentally strikes a pedestrian on a dark country road. At James's manic behest, they avoid the emergency services, bring the dying man home, and hide his body inside the family's crumbling mausoleum. When a torrential storm causes the structure to collapse and washes the corpse straight into the local village, a high-stakes legal panic ensues—and Daisy quickly realizes James has already pointed the finger at her to save himself.
Setting
The dusty, neglected rooms and leaking roofs of Langley Hall, a crumbling, grand manor estate in the insular English countryside of Upper Iffley.
Vibe
Off-kilter, cynical, and delightfully twisted.
Genre
Dark Comedy / Domestic Psychological Thriller / Suspense / Satire.
Themes
~The Toxicity and Performative Nature of Marriage
~Betrayal and Mutually Assured Destruction
~Wealth, Greed, and Complicity
~Revenge and the Subversion of the "Victim"
Standout Characters
~Daisy Dixon: The complicated, seemingly naive protagonist who must shed her passive role and find her sharpest claws to avoid taking the fall for murder.
~James Dixon: Her narcissistic, controlling crypto-billionaire husband whose instant instinct for self-preservation transforms him from a partner-in-crime into a lethal competitor.
~Mrs. Billings: The Dixons' highly eccentric, kleptomaniac housekeeper who hilariously pockets household tchotchkes while the central cover-up unravels around her
Author Writing Standout
Jennifer Holdich excels at dismantling classic domestic thriller tropes by infusing them with biting, laugh-out-loud interior monologues and a masterful handle on dark humor. Her inclusion of a neighborhood social media "Greek chorus" to comment on the escalating town scandal adds an incredibly fun, contemporary, and realistic dynamic to the narrative pacing.
Takeaway
In a marriage entirely built on constructed lies and fragile egos, the hidden corpse in the yard is never the most dangerous thing in the house—the person sharing your bed.
Title Significance
"Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body" represents the ultimate, ironic test of marital teamwork—highlighting how an act meant to bind a couple together forever becomes the exact catalyst that makes them completely tear each other apart.
Metaphor
The rotting, leaking Langley Hall mansion serves as a physical mirror for the Dixons' marriage—gorgeous and imposing on the outside to fool the public, but entirely structurally unsound and decaying within.
Why You Should Read
It is a fiercely entertaining, delightfully vicious, and unconventional suspense novel that values sharp wit, eccentric character writing, and dark errors over standard procedural beats.
My Thoughts
"An offbeat, pacy domestic suspense thriller with a game of cat-and-mouse, packed with sharp wit, eccentric village commentary, and a wonderfully clever final sequence."
Daisy begins as a passive, abused wife trapped by an ironclad prenuptial agreement. However, the crisis forces her to shed her naivety. Playing the Game to Win: The novel highlights her transition from a victim into a vicious, calculated player who is surprisingly adept at fighting back.
The pacing is fantastic. Holdich crafts an agonizingly funny and tense race to the prison gates, where you actively root for Daisy to outsmart her awful husband. The novel explores the lengths an individual will go to save themselves when they are entirely alone. The sharp-tongued dialogue and eccentric village dynamics keep the story incredibly refreshing, building to a beautifully clever final sequence.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
"A brilliantly offbeat, laugh-out-loud dark comedy thriller that proves revenge is a game best played with absolute calculation."
Recs
Read this if you devoured Julie Tudor Is Not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich, Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, or My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: July 21, 2026
July Newsletter
July Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Daisy Dixon is married to James, her abusive husband. Her plans to leave him however are thwarted when she runs over a man in her car with her husband in passenger seat. James pressurises Daisy to take the still alive man to their home, but when he later dies, they both panic and bury him in the grounds of their estate. Daisy thinks James is doing all this to help her out so she doesn't get into trouble with the police, but she later finds he is helping the police with their inquiries and has placed all the blame firmly at her door.
This was enjoyable read! Whilst it sounds like a serious story, it wasn't completely and there were lots of funny moments in it. I liked Daisy's character and really felt sorry for her. There was something about her character that I'm sure a lot of women could empathise with! James sounded awful and I disliked the character instantly. Whilst I couldn't work out why he wanted to help her when she had the accident all became clear as the book moved on. The pace of book was good with a great ending and it was an easy to read story. I liked the thrill of it all, but especially liked the dark humour throughout. Would definitely recommend!
This was enjoyable read! Whilst it sounds like a serious story, it wasn't completely and there were lots of funny moments in it. I liked Daisy's character and really felt sorry for her. There was something about her character that I'm sure a lot of women could empathise with! James sounded awful and I disliked the character instantly. Whilst I couldn't work out why he wanted to help her when she had the accident all became clear as the book moved on. The pace of book was good with a great ending and it was an easy to read story. I liked the thrill of it all, but especially liked the dark humour throughout. Would definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” by Jennifer Holdich is a twisted marital thriller that thrives on unreliable narration, toxic power dynamics, and the quiet horror of domestic control. Holdich delivers a story that is as compulsively readable as it is morally skewed, combining suspense with pitch-black humor in a way that keeps you off balance until the very end.
At the center of the story are Daisy and James Dixon, a couple whose marriage looks barely functional on the surface but is rotten at its core. They live in a decaying manor house, trapped by appearances, finances, and mutual resentment. James is controlling, manipulative, and emotionally (and financially) abusive as he’s obsessed with maintaining the image of success while quietly squandering other people’s money. Daisy, meanwhile, is passive, insecure, and deeply unreliable as a narrator. She fantasizes about killing her husband, yet feels powerless to leave him thanks to a suffocating prenup and James’s control over every aspect of her life, right down to what she eats.
When a fatal accident leaves the couple with a body on their hands, they’re forced into an uneasy alliance to cover it up. From there, the story spirals deliciously out of control. Lies stack on top of lies, another death follows, and the tension tightens as police interest grows and the couple begin subtly and not so subtly turning on one another. If one lie is exposed, everything collapses, and both Daisy and James are desperate enough to do anything to avoid that outcome.
Daisy is the story’s standout feature. As an unreliable narrator with a murky past involving a tragic incident where multiple people died, you are constantly left questioning her version of events. Is she a calculating killer or simply a deeply damaged woman who keeps finding herself in catastrophes? Her quiet acts of rebellion like hiding James’s keys, altering his clothes to make him think he’s gaining weight are both hilarious and unsettling, and her passive-aggressive defiance adds a surprising emotional hook. While she’s not particularly clever and is a terrible liar, watching her slowly reclaim small pieces of control is oddly satisfying.
Holdich’s pacing is excellent, balancing mounting suspense with moments of absurdity and razor-sharp wit. The small-town setting amplifies the tension, as rumors spread quickly and speculation threatens to unravel the carefully constructed cover-up. The prose is vivid and sly, laced with dark humor that underscores just how ridiculous and horrifying the situation has become.
The ending is gruesome, bold, and perfectly in tune with the story’s bleak sense of justice. It reframes everything that came before and delivers a final reckoning that feels both shocking and earned. Not every reader will connect with the offbeat tone or the deeply unlikable characters, but for those who do, the payoff is immense.
Overall, “Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” is a clever, unsettling domestic thriller that explores control, complicity, and survival within a toxic marriage. With an unforgettable narrator, escalating tension, and a brutally satisfying finale, it’s a must-read for fans of dark humor, unreliable perspectives, and thrillers where no one is truly innocent.
“Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” by Jennifer Holdich is a twisted marital thriller that thrives on unreliable narration, toxic power dynamics, and the quiet horror of domestic control. Holdich delivers a story that is as compulsively readable as it is morally skewed, combining suspense with pitch-black humor in a way that keeps you off balance until the very end.
At the center of the story are Daisy and James Dixon, a couple whose marriage looks barely functional on the surface but is rotten at its core. They live in a decaying manor house, trapped by appearances, finances, and mutual resentment. James is controlling, manipulative, and emotionally (and financially) abusive as he’s obsessed with maintaining the image of success while quietly squandering other people’s money. Daisy, meanwhile, is passive, insecure, and deeply unreliable as a narrator. She fantasizes about killing her husband, yet feels powerless to leave him thanks to a suffocating prenup and James’s control over every aspect of her life, right down to what she eats.
When a fatal accident leaves the couple with a body on their hands, they’re forced into an uneasy alliance to cover it up. From there, the story spirals deliciously out of control. Lies stack on top of lies, another death follows, and the tension tightens as police interest grows and the couple begin subtly and not so subtly turning on one another. If one lie is exposed, everything collapses, and both Daisy and James are desperate enough to do anything to avoid that outcome.
Daisy is the story’s standout feature. As an unreliable narrator with a murky past involving a tragic incident where multiple people died, you are constantly left questioning her version of events. Is she a calculating killer or simply a deeply damaged woman who keeps finding herself in catastrophes? Her quiet acts of rebellion like hiding James’s keys, altering his clothes to make him think he’s gaining weight are both hilarious and unsettling, and her passive-aggressive defiance adds a surprising emotional hook. While she’s not particularly clever and is a terrible liar, watching her slowly reclaim small pieces of control is oddly satisfying.
Holdich’s pacing is excellent, balancing mounting suspense with moments of absurdity and razor-sharp wit. The small-town setting amplifies the tension, as rumors spread quickly and speculation threatens to unravel the carefully constructed cover-up. The prose is vivid and sly, laced with dark humor that underscores just how ridiculous and horrifying the situation has become.
The ending is gruesome, bold, and perfectly in tune with the story’s bleak sense of justice. It reframes everything that came before and delivers a final reckoning that feels both shocking and earned. Not every reader will connect with the offbeat tone or the deeply unlikable characters, but for those who do, the payoff is immense.
Overall, “Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” is a clever, unsettling domestic thriller that explores control, complicity, and survival within a toxic marriage. With an unforgettable narrator, escalating tension, and a brutally satisfying finale, it’s a must-read for fans of dark humor, unreliable perspectives, and thrillers where no one is truly innocent.
June 1, 2026
I actually really enjoyed Mr & Mrs Dixon Hide a Body. This isn't a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that races from one twist to the next. Instead, it's a slower burn with plenty of dark humour, quirky characters, and a narrator who gradually reveals herself to be far more interesting than she first appears.
As the story unfolds, you realise that while she initially seems like someone you should feel sorry for, she's also incredibly clever, full of secrets, and honestly quite fascinating. The more I learned about her, the more invested I became. She's the kind of character I'd happily read another book about.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I think that really enhanced the experience. The narrator captured the main character's personality perfectly, bringing all of her quirks, observations, and dry humour to life. The cosy, quaint setting also worked really well in audio format, making it a very easy book to get lost in.
My only real struggle was the chapter length. Some of them felt quite long, and because I was listening rather than reading, there weren't always natural stopping points. That said, it didn't bother me too much because I was enjoying myself so much. In fact, I found myself listening for long stretches without wanting to take a break.
I also loved the cast of characters. Everyone had their own funny little mannerisms and personality traits, which gave the book a lot of charm. Even when the plot was taking its time, I enjoyed simply spending time with these people and seeing how everything would unfold.
The one thing I'm still not entirely sure about is whether I would have enjoyed this quite as much in print. It does take a while before some of the really juicy revelations start coming through, and I think the audiobook narration helped carry me through that slower build-up. Thankfully, the payoff was worth it, and the tension really ramps up towards the end.
This didn't quite rock my world enough to be a five-star read, but I had a genuinely great time with it. I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky characters, unreliable narrators, black humour, weird women making questionable decisions, and a mystery that takes its time before delivering some wonderfully surprising reveals.
⭐️ 4 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the advance review copy.
As the story unfolds, you realise that while she initially seems like someone you should feel sorry for, she's also incredibly clever, full of secrets, and honestly quite fascinating. The more I learned about her, the more invested I became. She's the kind of character I'd happily read another book about.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I think that really enhanced the experience. The narrator captured the main character's personality perfectly, bringing all of her quirks, observations, and dry humour to life. The cosy, quaint setting also worked really well in audio format, making it a very easy book to get lost in.
My only real struggle was the chapter length. Some of them felt quite long, and because I was listening rather than reading, there weren't always natural stopping points. That said, it didn't bother me too much because I was enjoying myself so much. In fact, I found myself listening for long stretches without wanting to take a break.
I also loved the cast of characters. Everyone had their own funny little mannerisms and personality traits, which gave the book a lot of charm. Even when the plot was taking its time, I enjoyed simply spending time with these people and seeing how everything would unfold.
The one thing I'm still not entirely sure about is whether I would have enjoyed this quite as much in print. It does take a while before some of the really juicy revelations start coming through, and I think the audiobook narration helped carry me through that slower build-up. Thankfully, the payoff was worth it, and the tension really ramps up towards the end.
This didn't quite rock my world enough to be a five-star read, but I had a genuinely great time with it. I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky characters, unreliable narrators, black humour, weird women making questionable decisions, and a mystery that takes its time before delivering some wonderfully surprising reveals.
⭐️ 4 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I loved Jennifer's debut novel, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath, and was thrilled to be sent this early copy.
I normally write notes down when I'm reading an ARC so that it's easier when it comes to writing up my review. But I was so absorbed by this book that I made notes at the start, and then forgot to do so until I'd finished, I was so addicted to it.
James Dixon is a terrible character and whilst I won't spoil as to whether his wife succeeded in her plan, I was completely on her side. He was rude and slimy and up himself.
Whereas Daisy was...I felt she was hiding something. She was very interesting. Quite meek at first, a bit of a doormat at times, but I felt there was something beneath that layer. I loved her. She was manic and frightened and panicky and whilst James felt like the character villain, Daisy felt so real like we could imagine ourselves in her very expensive shoes. She holds the whole book together. She's an unreliable narrator and I just thought she was great.
There are a lot of other characters and they're all so unlikeable, like really unlikeable, that I couldn't help but love them too.
I found it funnier than I probably should have, considering it was about murder, but it's got such a morbid wit about it.
I felt the pacing was spot on. Not too slow to be dull but it didn't speed through it that you lost the little nuances. Having said that, it was quick to read but never feels overwhelming.
The ending was suitably disgusting and I loved it. It's very OTT, with every trope going, but that wasn't a bad thing for me. I loved how dramatic and extreme it was, that's what got me, and kept me, hooked.
I read it in an afternoon, I just couldn't put it down.
Jennifer definitely doesn't have to worry about the "second book" syndrome. This is just as fabulous as her debut and I can't wait for more.
I loved Jennifer's debut novel, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath, and was thrilled to be sent this early copy.
I normally write notes down when I'm reading an ARC so that it's easier when it comes to writing up my review. But I was so absorbed by this book that I made notes at the start, and then forgot to do so until I'd finished, I was so addicted to it.
James Dixon is a terrible character and whilst I won't spoil as to whether his wife succeeded in her plan, I was completely on her side. He was rude and slimy and up himself.
Whereas Daisy was...I felt she was hiding something. She was very interesting. Quite meek at first, a bit of a doormat at times, but I felt there was something beneath that layer. I loved her. She was manic and frightened and panicky and whilst James felt like the character villain, Daisy felt so real like we could imagine ourselves in her very expensive shoes. She holds the whole book together. She's an unreliable narrator and I just thought she was great.
There are a lot of other characters and they're all so unlikeable, like really unlikeable, that I couldn't help but love them too.
I found it funnier than I probably should have, considering it was about murder, but it's got such a morbid wit about it.
I felt the pacing was spot on. Not too slow to be dull but it didn't speed through it that you lost the little nuances. Having said that, it was quick to read but never feels overwhelming.
The ending was suitably disgusting and I loved it. It's very OTT, with every trope going, but that wasn't a bad thing for me. I loved how dramatic and extreme it was, that's what got me, and kept me, hooked.
I read it in an afternoon, I just couldn't put it down.
Jennifer definitely doesn't have to worry about the "second book" syndrome. This is just as fabulous as her debut and I can't wait for more.
May 16, 2026
On the way home from a late-night party, the Dixons hit someone with their car. Terrified of the repercussions, they decide the easiest thing to do is to hide the body. Unfortunately, a storm results in the body being uncovered, and everything spirals out of control.
I absolutely adored Jennifer Holdich's first novel, Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath, so I was over the moon when I got the chance to listen to her second novel, Mr & Mrs Dixon Hide A Body.
Daisy Dixon, along with her husband, James, lives at Langley Manor. From outward appearances, they have it all, but the marriage is loveless. Daisy spends most of her time plotting to kill her controlling husband. Unfortunately, it's not a simple case of divorcing James as a pre-nuptial agreement means that Daisy wouldn't get back the money she invested in her husband's crypto-scheme.
James is obviously the villain of the piece. I know I'd certainly give Daisy a hand to bury the body after hearing all about the ways he criticises her. He likes to flaunt his wealth, from expensive watches to high-end sports cars, and he expects his wife to act accordingly. Daisy, however, is the complete opposite.
I felt sorry for Daisy; her only confidante is her cleaning lady. This brings in an added air of mystery. Why is everyone in the village wary of her? Alongside the constant digs from her husband, she's not allowed to prepare food from scratch; only ready meals are allowed. The subtle references to events in the past all add to the intrigue.
When the body is finally discovered, it soon becomes obvious that James is trying to place all the blame on his wife. James, however, is hiding far more than just his part in the accident. I was delighted when he finally got his comeuppance, the conclusion was fabulous.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
I absolutely adored Jennifer Holdich's first novel, Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath, so I was over the moon when I got the chance to listen to her second novel, Mr & Mrs Dixon Hide A Body.
Daisy Dixon, along with her husband, James, lives at Langley Manor. From outward appearances, they have it all, but the marriage is loveless. Daisy spends most of her time plotting to kill her controlling husband. Unfortunately, it's not a simple case of divorcing James as a pre-nuptial agreement means that Daisy wouldn't get back the money she invested in her husband's crypto-scheme.
James is obviously the villain of the piece. I know I'd certainly give Daisy a hand to bury the body after hearing all about the ways he criticises her. He likes to flaunt his wealth, from expensive watches to high-end sports cars, and he expects his wife to act accordingly. Daisy, however, is the complete opposite.
I felt sorry for Daisy; her only confidante is her cleaning lady. This brings in an added air of mystery. Why is everyone in the village wary of her? Alongside the constant digs from her husband, she's not allowed to prepare food from scratch; only ready meals are allowed. The subtle references to events in the past all add to the intrigue.
When the body is finally discovered, it soon becomes obvious that James is trying to place all the blame on his wife. James, however, is hiding far more than just his part in the accident. I was delighted when he finally got his comeuppance, the conclusion was fabulous.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Darkly hilarious, wildly clever and far more emotional than I expected
This audiobook completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. Right from the opening, when Daisy is already plotting to kill her husband, you know this is not going to be a conventional story, and it absolutely leans into its wonderfully dark sense of humour.
What makes it work so well is that beneath the satire and absurdity, there is a genuinely compelling emotional core. As the story unfolds, you find yourself understanding Daisy more and more. Despite her outrageous actions and thoughts, there is something deeply sympathetic about her, especially as pieces of her past and the difficult things she has endured begin to emerge.
I initially thought this might turn into one of those stories where a struggling couple somehow reconnect through chaos and secrets, but the book cleverly refuses to follow the expected path. Instead, it commits fully to its sharp black comedy and lets Daisy’s story unfold in a much more satisfying and unpredictable way.
The humour throughout is deliciously dark, full of biting observations and moments that make you laugh while also wondering whether you should be laughing at all. That balance is incredibly well done. And the ending felt particularly clever, with Daisy ultimately finding a way to get exactly what she needs.
The audiobook narration deserves special praise too. The narrator was absolutely fabulous, bringing so many different characters to life with distinct voices across genders and personalities. It made the whole experience even more immersive and incredibly easy to stay hooked on.
Mr and Mrs Dixon Hide a body by Jennifer Holdich is witty, twisted and brilliantly entertaining, with narration that elevates an already excellent story even further.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton Audio for the audiobook copy.
This audiobook completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. Right from the opening, when Daisy is already plotting to kill her husband, you know this is not going to be a conventional story, and it absolutely leans into its wonderfully dark sense of humour.
What makes it work so well is that beneath the satire and absurdity, there is a genuinely compelling emotional core. As the story unfolds, you find yourself understanding Daisy more and more. Despite her outrageous actions and thoughts, there is something deeply sympathetic about her, especially as pieces of her past and the difficult things she has endured begin to emerge.
I initially thought this might turn into one of those stories where a struggling couple somehow reconnect through chaos and secrets, but the book cleverly refuses to follow the expected path. Instead, it commits fully to its sharp black comedy and lets Daisy’s story unfold in a much more satisfying and unpredictable way.
The humour throughout is deliciously dark, full of biting observations and moments that make you laugh while also wondering whether you should be laughing at all. That balance is incredibly well done. And the ending felt particularly clever, with Daisy ultimately finding a way to get exactly what she needs.
The audiobook narration deserves special praise too. The narrator was absolutely fabulous, bringing so many different characters to life with distinct voices across genders and personalities. It made the whole experience even more immersive and incredibly easy to stay hooked on.
Mr and Mrs Dixon Hide a body by Jennifer Holdich is witty, twisted and brilliantly entertaining, with narration that elevates an already excellent story even further.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton Audio for the audiobook copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝐈 𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨, 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨, 𝐈 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨.
I absolutely loved JULIE TUDOR IS NOT A PSYCHOPATH, so I snatched this one up. The premise seemed simple and inherently entertaining, leaning into the tension between domestic normalcy and criminal chaos. I was expecting a darkly comic mystery about Daisy and James, a married couple whose quiet life is upended when they suddenly find themselves responsible for a dead body and no clear idea of what to do next. What was supposed to follow should have been a fast-moving, slightly absurd attempt to clean up the mess while keeping their secret from anyone else who might look a little too closely.
The book clearly aims for humor, and while there are moments that made me smile, the comedy didn’t quite land as sharply as it did in JULIE TUDOR. That novel’s humor felt more biting and unexpected, whereas this book plays things a bit safer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as the tone stays light and readable for the most part, but it does mean some jokes feel familiar rather than laugh-out-loud funny. However, my biggest struggle was with the relationship between Daisy and James. It wasn't just simple annoyances between the couple; it was abuse that seemed to be breezily glossed over for the sake of entertainment. That bothered me more than it probably should have.
Overall, this was a low-stress read that delivers a mildly twisted situation handled with a gentle comedic touch. It may not fully commit to either the darkness or the satire, but it's easy to recommend if you’re in the mood for something quirky without being too heavy. Thank you so much to Sourcebooks for the early copy. Look for this one July 21, 2026.
I absolutely loved JULIE TUDOR IS NOT A PSYCHOPATH, so I snatched this one up. The premise seemed simple and inherently entertaining, leaning into the tension between domestic normalcy and criminal chaos. I was expecting a darkly comic mystery about Daisy and James, a married couple whose quiet life is upended when they suddenly find themselves responsible for a dead body and no clear idea of what to do next. What was supposed to follow should have been a fast-moving, slightly absurd attempt to clean up the mess while keeping their secret from anyone else who might look a little too closely.
The book clearly aims for humor, and while there are moments that made me smile, the comedy didn’t quite land as sharply as it did in JULIE TUDOR. That novel’s humor felt more biting and unexpected, whereas this book plays things a bit safer. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as the tone stays light and readable for the most part, but it does mean some jokes feel familiar rather than laugh-out-loud funny. However, my biggest struggle was with the relationship between Daisy and James. It wasn't just simple annoyances between the couple; it was abuse that seemed to be breezily glossed over for the sake of entertainment. That bothered me more than it probably should have.
Overall, this was a low-stress read that delivers a mildly twisted situation handled with a gentle comedic touch. It may not fully commit to either the darkness or the satire, but it's easy to recommend if you’re in the mood for something quirky without being too heavy. Thank you so much to Sourcebooks for the early copy. Look for this one July 21, 2026.
March 8, 2026
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body by Jennifer Holdich is exactly the kind of fast-paced, addictive thriller I love to devour in a single sitting. If a “popcorn thriller” is a book you simply can’t put down, this one absolutely fits the bill. I went in not knowing what to expect, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.
When we meet Daisy and James Dixon, it’s immediately clear their marriage is far from perfect. Daisy dreams of being anywhere but tied to James. Not long after their wedding, she discovered his true nature: controlling, manipulative, and more interested in owning her than loving her. She’s spent years quietly enduring him, playing the dutiful wife just to keep the peace.
Everything changes one night after a party when the Dixons hit a man walking along the road. Daisy wants to call for help, but James insists they bring the injured man home instead. What follows is a tense, spiraling chain of events. When the man dies in their house, Daisy and James are forced to hide the body, and that’s only the beginning of their nightmare.
As the plot thickens and a second body enters the picture, the tension skyrockets. James begins planting clues to make it look like Daisy is responsible for everything. The police zero in on her, James plays the innocent husband, and Daisy realizes she has no choice but to fight back. Her “sweet surprise” for James is worth the wait, and the payoff is incredibly satisfying.
I disliked James from the start, but watching him manipulate the situation so ruthlessly had me turning pages even faster. I needed to know whether Daisy would finally get her revenge and outsmart the man who had controlled her for so long. This story is unpredictable, darkly amusing, and full of delicious tension. Holdich blends suspense, character conflict, and just the right touch of mischievous humor.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review. I’m giving it 3.5 stars on Goodreads.
When we meet Daisy and James Dixon, it’s immediately clear their marriage is far from perfect. Daisy dreams of being anywhere but tied to James. Not long after their wedding, she discovered his true nature: controlling, manipulative, and more interested in owning her than loving her. She’s spent years quietly enduring him, playing the dutiful wife just to keep the peace.
Everything changes one night after a party when the Dixons hit a man walking along the road. Daisy wants to call for help, but James insists they bring the injured man home instead. What follows is a tense, spiraling chain of events. When the man dies in their house, Daisy and James are forced to hide the body, and that’s only the beginning of their nightmare.
As the plot thickens and a second body enters the picture, the tension skyrockets. James begins planting clues to make it look like Daisy is responsible for everything. The police zero in on her, James plays the innocent husband, and Daisy realizes she has no choice but to fight back. Her “sweet surprise” for James is worth the wait, and the payoff is incredibly satisfying.
I disliked James from the start, but watching him manipulate the situation so ruthlessly had me turning pages even faster. I needed to know whether Daisy would finally get her revenge and outsmart the man who had controlled her for so long. This story is unpredictable, darkly amusing, and full of delicious tension. Holdich blends suspense, character conflict, and just the right touch of mischievous humor.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this early in exchange for an honest review. I’m giving it 3.5 stars on Goodreads.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide A Body is a darkly unhinged domestic thriller with a difference, practically a genre of its own. The insight into human nature is breathtaking and characterization is superlative. I appreciate there are no spicy adult scenes or vulgar language, though of course there is murder which is described in detail and emotional abuse which is a difficult topic. But oh, the writing! Be still my beating heart. Sindy dolls and other details evoked lovely nostalgia. The slow burn aspect builds tension and invites the reader to get to know the characters in depth.
I adored the dry wit and slice-of-life happenings in the lives of outcast Daisy and her kleptomaniac “housekeeper” Mrs. Billings with whom she had an understanding. Daisy’s arrogant billionaire husband James’ abuse is horrible and infuriating. But she exacts her revenge in little ways and daydreams about life without him. In ways, Langley Hall is her refuge where she delights in creating bestoke clothing from a plethora of fabric scraps. Yet she tallies her days as a prisoner. On the way home from a posh party, Daisy and James hit a man with their car and what they decide to do with the corpse is unconventional. The two have their own versions of the story and the police have their work cut out for them. The angst is as thick as heavy drapes, sometimes subtle, sometimes overt.
This novel is so, SO good! It keeps swirling around in my mind. It would be a crime to miss for domestic thriller readers who crave something unique, darkly humorous, and bitingly smart. I already want to re-read it and crave more like it.
I adored the dry wit and slice-of-life happenings in the lives of outcast Daisy and her kleptomaniac “housekeeper” Mrs. Billings with whom she had an understanding. Daisy’s arrogant billionaire husband James’ abuse is horrible and infuriating. But she exacts her revenge in little ways and daydreams about life without him. In ways, Langley Hall is her refuge where she delights in creating bestoke clothing from a plethora of fabric scraps. Yet she tallies her days as a prisoner. On the way home from a posh party, Daisy and James hit a man with their car and what they decide to do with the corpse is unconventional. The two have their own versions of the story and the police have their work cut out for them. The angst is as thick as heavy drapes, sometimes subtle, sometimes overt.
This novel is so, SO good! It keeps swirling around in my mind. It would be a crime to miss for domestic thriller readers who crave something unique, darkly humorous, and bitingly smart. I already want to re-read it and crave more like it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley after reaching out to Sourcebooks via email, so THANK YOU btw 🥰
Jennifer Holdich wrote Julie Tudor Is Not a Psycho and I was literally laughing out loud through that entire book. (I have a review for it on my page 👀) So when I saw she had another book coming out, I was SO excited. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body releases July 21, 2026.
Okay, so if you’re like me and picked this up because you loved Julie Tudor, just know this one has a very different vibe and energy.
This book is still good though. Daisy is this quirky housewife married to James, who is honestly a complete scamming S.O.B. that treats her terribly, and she’s basically counting down the days until she can leave him. Unfortunately, before she gets the chance, they accidentally run over a man and end up having to work together to hide the body while avoiding police suspicion… all while James continuously tries to pin everything on her.
The story definitely kept me interested, and I flew through it wanting to know how everything would unravel. I wouldn’t call it super funny like Julie Tudor, but it still had that chaotic “what are these people doing?!” energy that made it entertaining. Daisy frustrated me at times because I just wanted her to stand up for herself sooner, but I was still rooting for her the whole time.
Overall, I enjoyed it and think readers who like messy marriages and morally questionable characters will probably have a good time with this light read.
Jennifer Holdich wrote Julie Tudor Is Not a Psycho and I was literally laughing out loud through that entire book. (I have a review for it on my page 👀) So when I saw she had another book coming out, I was SO excited. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body releases July 21, 2026.
Okay, so if you’re like me and picked this up because you loved Julie Tudor, just know this one has a very different vibe and energy.
This book is still good though. Daisy is this quirky housewife married to James, who is honestly a complete scamming S.O.B. that treats her terribly, and she’s basically counting down the days until she can leave him. Unfortunately, before she gets the chance, they accidentally run over a man and end up having to work together to hide the body while avoiding police suspicion… all while James continuously tries to pin everything on her.
The story definitely kept me interested, and I flew through it wanting to know how everything would unravel. I wouldn’t call it super funny like Julie Tudor, but it still had that chaotic “what are these people doing?!” energy that made it entertaining. Daisy frustrated me at times because I just wanted her to stand up for herself sooner, but I was still rooting for her the whole time.
Overall, I enjoyed it and think readers who like messy marriages and morally questionable characters will probably have a good time with this light read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body* is one of those delightfully twisted books where you find yourself laughing at objectively terrible behavior and somehow rooting for everyone to get away with it anyway. Jennifer Holdich leans hard into the dark humor, and thankfully she knows exactly how absurd the whole premise is. The result is less grim crime thriller and more “what if your most passive-aggressive neighbors accidentally wandered into a murder cover-up?”
The real charm is the comedy. The Dixons aren’t criminal masterminds, they’re stressed, bickering, middle-aged people making increasingly terrible decisions with the energy of a couple arguing in IKEA. Their dialogue has that dry, exasperated British wit that makes even the panic funny. Every attempt to fix things only creates bigger disasters, which becomes its own running joke.
What surprised me most was how satisfying the book is underneath all the chaos. There’s a definite sense that people eventually get what’s coming to them, whether that’s justice, humiliation, or simply the consequences of being an absolute menace. The novel has a slightly wicked moral center buried under the body disposal and sarcasm, and it works.
I’m giving it 4 stars because the pacing drags a little in the middle, and a few coincidences require you to just shrug and go with it. But honestly, the humor carries everything. If you like crime fiction where the criminals are deeply incompetent, the marriage is held together by mutual irritation, and karma eventually clocks everyone over the head, this is a very entertaining time.
The real charm is the comedy. The Dixons aren’t criminal masterminds, they’re stressed, bickering, middle-aged people making increasingly terrible decisions with the energy of a couple arguing in IKEA. Their dialogue has that dry, exasperated British wit that makes even the panic funny. Every attempt to fix things only creates bigger disasters, which becomes its own running joke.
What surprised me most was how satisfying the book is underneath all the chaos. There’s a definite sense that people eventually get what’s coming to them, whether that’s justice, humiliation, or simply the consequences of being an absolute menace. The novel has a slightly wicked moral center buried under the body disposal and sarcasm, and it works.
I’m giving it 4 stars because the pacing drags a little in the middle, and a few coincidences require you to just shrug and go with it. But honestly, the humor carries everything. If you like crime fiction where the criminals are deeply incompetent, the marriage is held together by mutual irritation, and karma eventually clocks everyone over the head, this is a very entertaining time.
February 3, 2026
Reading the synopsis gave me war of the Roses vibes but the book cover was screaming Thelma and Louise (if one of them was male!).
Daisy Dixon is a quirky loner who’s miserably married to James, a crypto guy, her hobbies include hiding her husband’s belongings, hiding snacks, not cooking, sewing clothes from unusual fabrics and plotting ways to kill her husband. On the way home from an event she accidentally hits Lennie Green with her car and now needs to get away with murder, especially when her James tries to frame her for murder.
I really enjoyed this cozy thriller, Daisy was likeable for her flaws, I loved that because she was miserable in marriage which she was trapped in that she did little things to annoy James, the hate for her husband was felt. Although she was shunned by the village she was kind to Mrs Billing’s, employing her despite her incompetence and kleptomania. The Daisy character was written with just the right amount light and dark.
Earlier on in the book there is a line “that’s what the coroner said last time”, this had me hooked and wanting to read more. What last time?
Overall, I really enjoyed the novel, was a little predictable but I didn’t see the final twist, part of me wished that there was a twist with Arty and his girlfriend (maybe the reporter) as there were a few story lines that seemed incomplete or unnecessary.
Would definitely read another book by Jennifer Holdich in the future.
Thank you Netgallery and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Daisy Dixon is a quirky loner who’s miserably married to James, a crypto guy, her hobbies include hiding her husband’s belongings, hiding snacks, not cooking, sewing clothes from unusual fabrics and plotting ways to kill her husband. On the way home from an event she accidentally hits Lennie Green with her car and now needs to get away with murder, especially when her James tries to frame her for murder.
I really enjoyed this cozy thriller, Daisy was likeable for her flaws, I loved that because she was miserable in marriage which she was trapped in that she did little things to annoy James, the hate for her husband was felt. Although she was shunned by the village she was kind to Mrs Billing’s, employing her despite her incompetence and kleptomania. The Daisy character was written with just the right amount light and dark.
Earlier on in the book there is a line “that’s what the coroner said last time”, this had me hooked and wanting to read more. What last time?
Overall, I really enjoyed the novel, was a little predictable but I didn’t see the final twist, part of me wished that there was a twist with Arty and his girlfriend (maybe the reporter) as there were a few story lines that seemed incomplete or unnecessary.
Would definitely read another book by Jennifer Holdich in the future.
Thank you Netgallery and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After years stuck in an abusive marriage, Daisy Dixon is finally ready to leave her husband, one way or another. However, her plans are halted when they accidentally run over a man on their way back from a party. The event forces them to work together to cover it up, until it becomes clear it's either her or him.
I have been immediately intrigued by this one, and it definitely met my expectations, giving me a fun, entertaining couple of hours. The characters are fun; well, Daisy is, James is just highly infuriating. Which made me really glad we only followed through Daisy's point of view. She's such a weird character, but in the most lovely way, even though I will admit she also drove me mad at times. The plot is really captivating from the very first moment, very easily sucking you in and holding your attention, even though the plot is pretty slow to unfold, which would also be one of my complaints with this. The pacing did feel a little weird, and probably a little long as a result; I will say it still didn't really impact my enjoyment of the story, but I do think this is thanks to having listened to the audiobook. Which leads me to my final point; the audio was absolutely phenomenal, the narrator did an incredible job bringing this story and these characters to life, making it so much more engaging than it already was on its own.
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
I have been immediately intrigued by this one, and it definitely met my expectations, giving me a fun, entertaining couple of hours. The characters are fun; well, Daisy is, James is just highly infuriating. Which made me really glad we only followed through Daisy's point of view. She's such a weird character, but in the most lovely way, even though I will admit she also drove me mad at times. The plot is really captivating from the very first moment, very easily sucking you in and holding your attention, even though the plot is pretty slow to unfold, which would also be one of my complaints with this. The pacing did feel a little weird, and probably a little long as a result; I will say it still didn't really impact my enjoyment of the story, but I do think this is thanks to having listened to the audiobook. Which leads me to my final point; the audio was absolutely phenomenal, the narrator did an incredible job bringing this story and these characters to life, making it so much more engaging than it already was on its own.
Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can’t remember the last time a book kept me glued to the pages like this one. I had actual plans that day—important ones—but the moment I started reading, everything else disappeared. I finished it in a single sitting, completely captivated from the first line.
Daisy Dixon lives in a once-grand stately home that’s now falling apart, much like her marriage. On the eve of leaving her abusive husband James, she accidentally runs over a man with James in the passenger seat. Instead of calling for help, they bring him home. When he dies, panic takes over and they bury him in the family mausoleum on their crumbling estate. Everything unravels when a storm washes the body into the nearby village.
What begins as a desperate cover-up turns into a twisted race to see who ends up in prison first. James betrays Daisy to the police, but she’s not the type to go down without a fight. Sharp, ruthless, and surprisingly funny, this story had me on edge the entire time. I felt so immersed I half-expected the police to knock on my own door.
This is more than just a crime novel—it’s a painfully realistic portrait of a marriage strained by resentment, passive-aggression, and quiet hatred, thrown into absolute chaos. Dark, clever, and way more fun than you’d expect from a story about hiding a body, it’s the perfect escapist read for summer. I absolutely loved it.
I received a copy from NetGalley.
Daisy Dixon lives in a once-grand stately home that’s now falling apart, much like her marriage. On the eve of leaving her abusive husband James, she accidentally runs over a man with James in the passenger seat. Instead of calling for help, they bring him home. When he dies, panic takes over and they bury him in the family mausoleum on their crumbling estate. Everything unravels when a storm washes the body into the nearby village.
What begins as a desperate cover-up turns into a twisted race to see who ends up in prison first. James betrays Daisy to the police, but she’s not the type to go down without a fight. Sharp, ruthless, and surprisingly funny, this story had me on edge the entire time. I felt so immersed I half-expected the police to knock on my own door.
This is more than just a crime novel—it’s a painfully realistic portrait of a marriage strained by resentment, passive-aggression, and quiet hatred, thrown into absolute chaos. Dark, clever, and way more fun than you’d expect from a story about hiding a body, it’s the perfect escapist read for summer. I absolutely loved it.
I received a copy from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have to admit what first drew me into this book was the eye catching title and cover.
Then I realised this was the same author who wrote Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath. That did make me hesitate slightly as I wasn't a big fan of that book.
But I'm SO glad that I gave this a go because I absolutely loved it!
I was hooked from the first paragraph and I was fully invested right until the last page.
Straight away I loved our main character Daisy. I thought she was likeable, funny and entertaining and I was fully on her side and cheering her on throughout the book.
Another thing I really liked about this was the setting. A big country house in an English village full of unique characters, all of that really did add a lot of atmosphere to the story.
I was utterly absorbed in the plot as well. This book does have some brief chapters which are about Daisy's backstory. I do usually find these type of chapters dull and boring, but I really enjoyed reading them and finding out more about Daisy and how she ended up in the situation she found herself in.
I really enjoyed the writing style too. The whole thing was very entertaining, funny and fast paced.
The ending was also a big hit for me, I felt like the author really stuck the landing here.
This was an easy 5 star read for me and I really look forward to what she writes next!
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Then I realised this was the same author who wrote Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath. That did make me hesitate slightly as I wasn't a big fan of that book.
But I'm SO glad that I gave this a go because I absolutely loved it!
I was hooked from the first paragraph and I was fully invested right until the last page.
Straight away I loved our main character Daisy. I thought she was likeable, funny and entertaining and I was fully on her side and cheering her on throughout the book.
Another thing I really liked about this was the setting. A big country house in an English village full of unique characters, all of that really did add a lot of atmosphere to the story.
I was utterly absorbed in the plot as well. This book does have some brief chapters which are about Daisy's backstory. I do usually find these type of chapters dull and boring, but I really enjoyed reading them and finding out more about Daisy and how she ended up in the situation she found herself in.
I really enjoyed the writing style too. The whole thing was very entertaining, funny and fast paced.
The ending was also a big hit for me, I felt like the author really stuck the landing here.
This was an easy 5 star read for me and I really look forward to what she writes next!
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mr. And Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body is a tale where revenge and manipulation steer the plot. Mrs. Dixon, Daisy, despises her husband, James. He is abusive and controlling. Daisy finally decides to leave him, even if he is rich, but fate deals her a bad card. Driving home from a party, Daisy is driving, she hits a man. James doesn't want to call the police or an ambulance, imagine what the neighbors would say. They put him in the trunk, take him to their crumbling estate (a metaphor for their marriage ) where he dies. Now they have a body to hide and put him in the also crumbling mausoleum. Unfortunately heavy rains cause a collapse and the body washes up.
What follows is alot of finger pointing, each blaming the other. Daisy is a somewhat .likeable character, realizes what her flaws are but can be petty, sewing and resewing James' clothes to alter the fit. She has had a dark past. James is plain unlikeable. He talks to the police trying to put blame on Daisy, but Daisy goes online to a neighborhood blog site finding out what is being said and throwing out an opinion to steer the verdict toward James being to blame.
This is a dark comedy/thriller that showcases characters that make questionable decisions on their actions. The ending while surprising was perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
What follows is alot of finger pointing, each blaming the other. Daisy is a somewhat .likeable character, realizes what her flaws are but can be petty, sewing and resewing James' clothes to alter the fit. She has had a dark past. James is plain unlikeable. He talks to the police trying to put blame on Daisy, but Daisy goes online to a neighborhood blog site finding out what is being said and throwing out an opinion to steer the verdict toward James being to blame.
This is a dark comedy/thriller that showcases characters that make questionable decisions on their actions. The ending while surprising was perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Around this time last year, I read Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath by this author and had such a great time - so, as soon as I spotted this new release, I knew I'd be heading in.
This time we follow Daisy Dixon as she and her husband, James, navigate their way through an investigation after she accidentally runs over an acquaintance after the latest business party.
Things become more and more complicated though and Daisy starts planning her escape.
This story unfolds purely through Daisy's pov so we get a really good read on her as a character.
I felt quite sorry for her from the beginning as we discover all about her loveless marriage and the way that James and the rest of the village treats her - when all she wants is to fit in.
The events following the accident unravel almost like a farce as more and more things go wrong for Daisy.
I was split between feeling sad for her and laughing at the silliness of some of her decisions and actions - yet as we learn more about her life so far, I definitely started rooting for her.
I loved her uniqueness and the fact that many readers will find her so relatable.
This was a great premise, but I did find it a little slow going in parts.
However, overall, another enjoyable read that kept me immersed from start to finish.
This time we follow Daisy Dixon as she and her husband, James, navigate their way through an investigation after she accidentally runs over an acquaintance after the latest business party.
Things become more and more complicated though and Daisy starts planning her escape.
This story unfolds purely through Daisy's pov so we get a really good read on her as a character.
I felt quite sorry for her from the beginning as we discover all about her loveless marriage and the way that James and the rest of the village treats her - when all she wants is to fit in.
The events following the accident unravel almost like a farce as more and more things go wrong for Daisy.
I was split between feeling sad for her and laughing at the silliness of some of her decisions and actions - yet as we learn more about her life so far, I definitely started rooting for her.
I loved her uniqueness and the fact that many readers will find her so relatable.
This was a great premise, but I did find it a little slow going in parts.
However, overall, another enjoyable read that kept me immersed from start to finish.
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