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One of Your Number
Leonie is one of twelve jurors. Chosen to decide the fate of a nurse accused of murdering his patients with lethal doses of adrenaline. But just as deliberations begin, an usher bursts in with news that will change everything. Britain is under chemical attack, and the courthouse is locked down.
Instructed not to leave for their own safety, the jurors quickly realise that the real threat lies inside the building. The accused has escaped his cell and is on the loose. He's playing twisted games with the group. And Leonie is his next target.
Because he knows something about her. A secret she's kept hidden from the others - about just how far she'll go to tip the scales of justice in her favour.
Instructed not to leave for their own safety, the jurors quickly realise that the real threat lies inside the building. The accused has escaped his cell and is on the loose. He's playing twisted games with the group. And Leonie is his next target.
Because he knows something about her. A secret she's kept hidden from the others - about just how far she'll go to tip the scales of justice in her favour.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 26, 2026
4⭐️ until that ending absolutely wrecked me emotionally.
I read this via audiobook in one sitting because once I started, I genuinely could not stop. I am thankful to Bolinda Audio for complimentary access to the audiobook via NetGalley.
This is a locked-room thriller with a lot going on between the dual timelines, courtroom drama, and multiple subplots, yet for the most part everything is woven together incredibly well. The only thing that truly did not work for me was the ending. I finished feeling completely gutted. Still, the journey getting there was so engaging that I’m ultimately glad I picked it up, even if parts of the mystery felt fairly predictable.
The audiobook narration by Olivia Darnley was fantastic. Her tone and accent were an absolute delight to listen to, and she made the complex structure easy to follow. I comfortably listened at 2x speed, though I sampled portions at 1x as well and found it equally enjoyable. The backwards-moving past timeline could have become confusing in lesser hands, but she handled it seamlessly.
I also really enjoyed the combination of courtroom elements, side mysteries, and the added tension of a national disaster trapping the jurors inside the courthouse. It created a claustrophobic atmosphere while still keeping the plot constantly moving.
Even with an ending that didn’t land for me, I’d still absolutely recommend this to readers who love locked-room thrillers and courtroom suspense because honestly, about 98% of this book completely worked for me.
I read this via audiobook in one sitting because once I started, I genuinely could not stop. I am thankful to Bolinda Audio for complimentary access to the audiobook via NetGalley.
This is a locked-room thriller with a lot going on between the dual timelines, courtroom drama, and multiple subplots, yet for the most part everything is woven together incredibly well. The only thing that truly did not work for me was the ending. I finished feeling completely gutted. Still, the journey getting there was so engaging that I’m ultimately glad I picked it up, even if parts of the mystery felt fairly predictable.
The audiobook narration by Olivia Darnley was fantastic. Her tone and accent were an absolute delight to listen to, and she made the complex structure easy to follow. I comfortably listened at 2x speed, though I sampled portions at 1x as well and found it equally enjoyable. The backwards-moving past timeline could have become confusing in lesser hands, but she handled it seamlessly.
I also really enjoyed the combination of courtroom elements, side mysteries, and the added tension of a national disaster trapping the jurors inside the courthouse. It created a claustrophobic atmosphere while still keeping the plot constantly moving.
Even with an ending that didn’t land for me, I’d still absolutely recommend this to readers who love locked-room thrillers and courtroom suspense because honestly, about 98% of this book completely worked for me.
May 29, 2026
Leonie is one of twelve jurors on a murder trial, but she has secrets and a hidden agenda. As the jurors begin deliberating, a chemical attack occurs in the city, trapping them with the murder suspect. A game of cat and mouse begins when the suspect escapes.
This is a slow burn psychological thriller. The story is interesting to keep you reading but not enticing enough to make you devour it in one sitting. Leonie’s story is intriguing, and you will want to understand her past. The book has a dual timeline, which I loved. The narrator also does a great job with distinct character voices, and there are many significant characters. I was impressed. You will quickly understand the characters and their personalities, which will draw you into the story. L.J. Shepherd did a great job of developing the plot and characters. I felt like I knew each of them. I would have liked a faster pace in the second half of the book. The tension increases, but the pace stays the same. I also did not love the ending. I thought a few more things needed a clear resolution. Overall, this book is worth reading.
This is a slow burn psychological thriller. The story is interesting to keep you reading but not enticing enough to make you devour it in one sitting. Leonie’s story is intriguing, and you will want to understand her past. The book has a dual timeline, which I loved. The narrator also does a great job with distinct character voices, and there are many significant characters. I was impressed. You will quickly understand the characters and their personalities, which will draw you into the story. L.J. Shepherd did a great job of developing the plot and characters. I felt like I knew each of them. I would have liked a faster pace in the second half of the book. The tension increases, but the pace stays the same. I also did not love the ending. I thought a few more things needed a clear resolution. Overall, this book is worth reading.
May 28, 2026
Thank you netgalley for this ARC! This was a fun remote mystery that kept me engaged the whole time. The end was pretty chaotic and left me with some questions, but overall I really enjoyed this one!
June 7, 2026
One of Your Number had all the ingredients of a thriller I should have loved: a high-stakes murder trial, a group of jurors trapped together, and plenty of secrets and tension. The premise was compelling, and the first half kept me turning pages as the mystery deepened and the pressure on the characters increased.
Unfortunately, the ending didn't deliver the payoff I was hoping for. After spending so much time building suspense and raising questions, the resolution felt underwhelming and left several plot points either unanswered or insufficiently explained.
That said, the pacing was strong, and I appreciated the claustrophobic atmosphere and the way distrust grew among the jurors. While the journey was entertaining, the destination didn't quite work for me.
Unfortunately, the ending didn't deliver the payoff I was hoping for. After spending so much time building suspense and raising questions, the resolution felt underwhelming and left several plot points either unanswered or insufficiently explained.
That said, the pacing was strong, and I appreciated the claustrophobic atmosphere and the way distrust grew among the jurors. While the journey was entertaining, the destination didn't quite work for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Following on from the highly acclaimed The Trial of Lila Dalton, LJ Shepherd returns with One Of Your Number a darkly twisty psychological thriller that smacks you in the face at 100mph.
The level of detailed plotting and crafting which has gone into this book shines through on every page. Tightly knitted together, woven into a compelling narrative. it’s original, fresh and such a clever concept. There are two parts to the book pre and post chemical attack, the author cleverly intertwines the chapters between both time frames, done in a way to constantly keep you on your toes and to question everything. It’s difficult to say too much without giving anything away and why spoil it for others.
Through the locked down nature of the situation the writing gives the reader a real feeling of claustrophobia the darkness the enclosed spaces, chills to the core.
To some degree you think it starts out like 12 Angry Men but then it just takes off in so many directions, your left wondering who and what to believe. Part courtroom drama, part dark thriller, 100% gripping entertainment.
As a story it is superbly character driven, you have a real mix and type of protagonists, one thing they all have in common though is an overriding feeling that you believe in each, they all have differing traits. That sense of is everyone who they say they are, There are a lot of inner struggles and inner demons at play, at times the tension is palpable.
It’s one those reads where you think you know where the story is headed, only to realise you have absolutely no idea, the way the author slowly unravels and reveals things is t be applauded.
This is a rich dark thriller that hits all the right notes one that had me hooked from the opening pages, the levels of suspense and tension that are built up as you read until the dramatic finale had me on the edge of my seat and show an author that knows how to hook a reader.
As a read it goes to show to what degree people will go to to manipulate others and how life can be decided by fate and circumstance and ones own actions and choices.
There is a sense of realism to the story and reality to the plot which is quite a scary thought, it is also a highly emotionally charged read.
LJ Shepherd is a fresh and welcome voice in the crime fiction world, eagerly look forward to what comes next.
One to watch out for and highly recommend.
The level of detailed plotting and crafting which has gone into this book shines through on every page. Tightly knitted together, woven into a compelling narrative. it’s original, fresh and such a clever concept. There are two parts to the book pre and post chemical attack, the author cleverly intertwines the chapters between both time frames, done in a way to constantly keep you on your toes and to question everything. It’s difficult to say too much without giving anything away and why spoil it for others.
Through the locked down nature of the situation the writing gives the reader a real feeling of claustrophobia the darkness the enclosed spaces, chills to the core.
To some degree you think it starts out like 12 Angry Men but then it just takes off in so many directions, your left wondering who and what to believe. Part courtroom drama, part dark thriller, 100% gripping entertainment.
As a story it is superbly character driven, you have a real mix and type of protagonists, one thing they all have in common though is an overriding feeling that you believe in each, they all have differing traits. That sense of is everyone who they say they are, There are a lot of inner struggles and inner demons at play, at times the tension is palpable.
It’s one those reads where you think you know where the story is headed, only to realise you have absolutely no idea, the way the author slowly unravels and reveals things is t be applauded.
This is a rich dark thriller that hits all the right notes one that had me hooked from the opening pages, the levels of suspense and tension that are built up as you read until the dramatic finale had me on the edge of my seat and show an author that knows how to hook a reader.
As a read it goes to show to what degree people will go to to manipulate others and how life can be decided by fate and circumstance and ones own actions and choices.
There is a sense of realism to the story and reality to the plot which is quite a scary thought, it is also a highly emotionally charged read.
LJ Shepherd is a fresh and welcome voice in the crime fiction world, eagerly look forward to what comes next.
One to watch out for and highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One of Your Number is a taut, claustrophobic thriller that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. The premise alone is irresistible: twelve jurors locked inside a courthouse during a national emergency, cut off from the outside world just as they’re meant to decide the fate of an accused killer. But the real danger isn’t the chemical attack unfolding beyond the walls—it’s the one stalking them from within.
Leonie is a brilliantly layered protagonist. On the surface, she’s just another juror, but the author slowly reveals the cracks beneath her calm exterior. Her secret—one that could compromise the entire verdict—adds a delicious tension to every interaction. When the accused escapes and begins to toy with the group, the story shifts into a high‑stakes psychological game where trust evaporates and paranoia takes over.
The locked‑down courthouse setting is wonderfully atmospheric: echoing corridors, sealed exits, and a growing sense of dread as the jurors realise they’re trapped with someone who knows far too much about them. The pacing is sharp, the twists well‑timed, and the moral ambiguity gives the story real bite. No one feels entirely safe, and no one is quite who they seem.
What elevates the novel is the way it blends courtroom drama with survival thriller. The tension between justice, fear, and personal guilt is handled with real finesse, and Leonie’s internal struggle is as gripping as the external threat closing in on her.
Dark, clever, and relentlessly suspenseful, One of Your Number is a standout locked‑room thriller that will keep readers guessing right up to the final reveal.
My thanks to LJ Shepherd, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Leonie is a brilliantly layered protagonist. On the surface, she’s just another juror, but the author slowly reveals the cracks beneath her calm exterior. Her secret—one that could compromise the entire verdict—adds a delicious tension to every interaction. When the accused escapes and begins to toy with the group, the story shifts into a high‑stakes psychological game where trust evaporates and paranoia takes over.
The locked‑down courthouse setting is wonderfully atmospheric: echoing corridors, sealed exits, and a growing sense of dread as the jurors realise they’re trapped with someone who knows far too much about them. The pacing is sharp, the twists well‑timed, and the moral ambiguity gives the story real bite. No one feels entirely safe, and no one is quite who they seem.
What elevates the novel is the way it blends courtroom drama with survival thriller. The tension between justice, fear, and personal guilt is handled with real finesse, and Leonie’s internal struggle is as gripping as the external threat closing in on her.
Dark, clever, and relentlessly suspenseful, One of Your Number is a standout locked‑room thriller that will keep readers guessing right up to the final reveal.
My thanks to LJ Shepherd, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 2, 2026
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
As deliberations begin in a high-profile murder trial, twelve jurors are locked inside the courthouse after a chemical attack hits Britain. Juror Leonie is desperate for Quinn to be found guilty, but as tensions rise and secrets unravel, it becomes clear the danger inside may be just as deadly as the chaos outside.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was a very exciting listen. It’s very tense and the two main timelines keep it fast and thrilling. This narrator is new to me and gave a great performance which helped with the large cast of characters.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a locked-room survival thriller mixed with courtroom drama. I found the claustrophobia, tension and jury debate’s exhilarating.
The story holds a lot back at the start, with the timelines slowly revealing what’s really going on. I loved that they were told backwards - which actually wasn’t confusing at all.
FMC Leonie is a complicated, layered character - sometimes likable, intriguing, and surprising. I loved seeing how the jurors interacted but some felt too basic and I wanted them fleshed out. Especially Quinn - I wanted to know him so badly.
I can’t help feeling an occasional multiple POV could have helped - especially in the final stretch.
I couldn’t wait to reach the finale, but it became a little too chaotic and overcomplicated. Not gonna lie, I finished with a lot of questions and craved a tighter, clearer finish.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If jury drama, messy morals, and locked-in chaos are your thing, you’ll probably enjoy this.
Thank you @BolindaAudio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Olivia Darnley
📖 Release 06•01•26 🇺🇸 04•09•26 🇬🇧| 382 pages | 10h
As deliberations begin in a high-profile murder trial, twelve jurors are locked inside the courthouse after a chemical attack hits Britain. Juror Leonie is desperate for Quinn to be found guilty, but as tensions rise and secrets unravel, it becomes clear the danger inside may be just as deadly as the chaos outside.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was a very exciting listen. It’s very tense and the two main timelines keep it fast and thrilling. This narrator is new to me and gave a great performance which helped with the large cast of characters.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a locked-room survival thriller mixed with courtroom drama. I found the claustrophobia, tension and jury debate’s exhilarating.
The story holds a lot back at the start, with the timelines slowly revealing what’s really going on. I loved that they were told backwards - which actually wasn’t confusing at all.
FMC Leonie is a complicated, layered character - sometimes likable, intriguing, and surprising. I loved seeing how the jurors interacted but some felt too basic and I wanted them fleshed out. Especially Quinn - I wanted to know him so badly.
I can’t help feeling an occasional multiple POV could have helped - especially in the final stretch.
I couldn’t wait to reach the finale, but it became a little too chaotic and overcomplicated. Not gonna lie, I finished with a lot of questions and craved a tighter, clearer finish.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If jury drama, messy morals, and locked-in chaos are your thing, you’ll probably enjoy this.
Thank you @BolindaAudio and NetGalley for this gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Olivia Darnley
📖 Release 06•01•26 🇺🇸 04•09•26 🇬🇧| 382 pages | 10h
April 8, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Twelve jurors, after ten long weeks of a murder trial, finally begin deliberations,only to find themselves trapped inside the courthouse when a national emergency unfolds outside. But the real danger isn’t just the chemical attack beyond the walls… it’s the threat inside the building.
The premise immediately hooked me. It gave me strong 12 Angry Men vibes, but with a darker twist. Here, Leonie is determined to see the defendant found guilty. The question is: why is she so certain?
The story moves between present-day tension and flashbacks to the trial, gradually revealing key details, testimonies, and secrets. As the jurors remain confined, paranoia builds, alliances shift, and trust quickly disappears.
When the accused escapes and begins manipulating the group, the tension ramps up even further. The claustrophobic setting, lack of food, and growing fear make this an intense, edge-of-your-seat read.
By the final chapters, the atmosphere is incredibly gripping, dark, unsettling, and full of twists that genuinely surprised me.
A clever blend of courtroom drama and survival thriller, this is a tense, addictive locked-room mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end.
Thank you to @PushkinPress for an advanced proof of this book, in exchange for an honest, fair, unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Full review on my blog Jackiesreading4leisure.home.blog
Twelve jurors, after ten long weeks of a murder trial, finally begin deliberations,only to find themselves trapped inside the courthouse when a national emergency unfolds outside. But the real danger isn’t just the chemical attack beyond the walls… it’s the threat inside the building.
The premise immediately hooked me. It gave me strong 12 Angry Men vibes, but with a darker twist. Here, Leonie is determined to see the defendant found guilty. The question is: why is she so certain?
The story moves between present-day tension and flashbacks to the trial, gradually revealing key details, testimonies, and secrets. As the jurors remain confined, paranoia builds, alliances shift, and trust quickly disappears.
When the accused escapes and begins manipulating the group, the tension ramps up even further. The claustrophobic setting, lack of food, and growing fear make this an intense, edge-of-your-seat read.
By the final chapters, the atmosphere is incredibly gripping, dark, unsettling, and full of twists that genuinely surprised me.
A clever blend of courtroom drama and survival thriller, this is a tense, addictive locked-room mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end.
Thank you to @PushkinPress for an advanced proof of this book, in exchange for an honest, fair, unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Full review on my blog Jackiesreading4leisure.home.blog
June 2, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review
📚 One of Your Number
✍🏼 L. J. Shepherd
🎙️ Olivia Darnley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A jury trapped inside a courthouse, a crisis unfolding outside, and a room full of people hiding secrets? Sign me up.
This was exactly the kind of thriller I love: a closed-circle mystery packed with shifting alliances, competing stories, buried secrets, and multiple threats lurking around every corner. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another revelation changed the entire picture.
The tension never let up. Watching loyalties shift and new truths emerge kept me completely engaged, and I found myself constantly reevaluating who I trusted and what I thought I knew.
The ending is where my feelings become a little more complicated. There was heartbreak, freedom, and plenty of emotional impact, but also quite a few unanswered questions. My mystery-loving puzzle brain immediately started trying to fill in the blanks and build theories of its own. Some readers will love that ambiguity, while others may wish for more concrete resolution.
🎧 Olivia Darnley’s narration was excellent. She handled a large cast with ease and brought the tension, uncertainty, and emotional moments to life throughout the story.
If 12 Angry Men wandered into Saw and picked up a true-crime podcast along the way, you’d get something very close to One of Your Number.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review.
📚 One of Your Number
✍🏼 L. J. Shepherd
🎙️ Olivia Darnley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A jury trapped inside a courthouse, a crisis unfolding outside, and a room full of people hiding secrets? Sign me up.
This was exactly the kind of thriller I love: a closed-circle mystery packed with shifting alliances, competing stories, buried secrets, and multiple threats lurking around every corner. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another revelation changed the entire picture.
The tension never let up. Watching loyalties shift and new truths emerge kept me completely engaged, and I found myself constantly reevaluating who I trusted and what I thought I knew.
The ending is where my feelings become a little more complicated. There was heartbreak, freedom, and plenty of emotional impact, but also quite a few unanswered questions. My mystery-loving puzzle brain immediately started trying to fill in the blanks and build theories of its own. Some readers will love that ambiguity, while others may wish for more concrete resolution.
🎧 Olivia Darnley’s narration was excellent. She handled a large cast with ease and brought the tension, uncertainty, and emotional moments to life throughout the story.
If 12 Angry Men wandered into Saw and picked up a true-crime podcast along the way, you’d get something very close to One of Your Number.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review.
June 6, 2026
Thanks netgalley - this disappeared before I finished but it was going to be in the 3-3.5 range. There was too much going on and would have been a lot better with less.
There are present and past timelines (which I like) but there are also two competing events. First, there has been some sort of a chemical attack and jurors who just started deliberations become trapped as this crisis unfolds. For me, this story in and of itself is very interesting, especially with a chemical attack.
The other story is that someone on the jury shouldn’t be and has a motive. This too was very compelling and could have been its own story.
The issues do sync up but it was still a little too much. While I was unable to finish I saw where it was going and had a guess that was what it would be long before the reveals. Will read this author again.
If you want more details about the juror, see below but it could be a mild spoiler
- - - -
A nurse is on trial for killing patients. It seems very similar to the Lucy Letby case. One of the jurors is the wife of one of the patients that died (she’s changed her name, look, etc to be able to get on the jury. She also has a connection to the court people) she wants him convicted for murdering her husband
Thanks netgalley
There are present and past timelines (which I like) but there are also two competing events. First, there has been some sort of a chemical attack and jurors who just started deliberations become trapped as this crisis unfolds. For me, this story in and of itself is very interesting, especially with a chemical attack.
The other story is that someone on the jury shouldn’t be and has a motive. This too was very compelling and could have been its own story.
The issues do sync up but it was still a little too much. While I was unable to finish I saw where it was going and had a guess that was what it would be long before the reveals. Will read this author again.
If you want more details about the juror, see below but it could be a mild spoiler
- - - -
A nurse is on trial for killing patients. It seems very similar to the Lucy Letby case. One of the jurors is the wife of one of the patients that died (she’s changed her name, look, etc to be able to get on the jury. She also has a connection to the court people) she wants him convicted for murdering her husband
Thanks netgalley
June 25, 2026
One of Your Number by L.J. Shepherd and narrated by Olivia Darnley is set in a courtroom and the main character Leonie is one of the twelve jurors. Now, the twelve jurors have to decide the fate of a nurse who is accused of murdering his patients with lethal doses of adrenaline.
But just as deliberations begin, an usher bursts in with news that will change everything. Britain is now under chemical attack, and the courthouse is locked down. WoW!!!!
Now, they are all instructed not to leave the courtroom for their own safety, the jurors quickly realise that the real threat lies inside the building. The accused has escaped his cell and is on the loose. He's playing twisted games with the group. And Leonie is his next target.
He knows something about her, a secret that she has been trying to keep hidden from so many other people. But this secret is bubbling to the surface and how far will she go to keep her dark secret a secret.
Will, Leonie and the other Jurors survive the lock down?
WoW this audiobook was excellent, it was fast paced with lots of twists and turns throughout that will have you guessing till the end.
The Narrator Olivia Darnley was excellent and bought the court room drama alive.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for my Audiobook.
But just as deliberations begin, an usher bursts in with news that will change everything. Britain is now under chemical attack, and the courthouse is locked down. WoW!!!!
Now, they are all instructed not to leave the courtroom for their own safety, the jurors quickly realise that the real threat lies inside the building. The accused has escaped his cell and is on the loose. He's playing twisted games with the group. And Leonie is his next target.
He knows something about her, a secret that she has been trying to keep hidden from so many other people. But this secret is bubbling to the surface and how far will she go to keep her dark secret a secret.
Will, Leonie and the other Jurors survive the lock down?
WoW this audiobook was excellent, it was fast paced with lots of twists and turns throughout that will have you guessing till the end.
The Narrator Olivia Darnley was excellent and bought the court room drama alive.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for my Audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had to look up the title to understand the grammar and how to use it in a sentence. Assuming the google isn't wrong, it sorta translates to "one of you".
This is such a popcorn thriller. Like, definitely leave logic at the door to enjoy this one. It's hella fun and twisty, but it's very, very important not to think too hard about the plot points because they won't make sense. Especially the legal process, unless they do things differently in Australia, I don't know.
And I guess I'm going to continue with food-related references, because this was like the kitchen sink cookie of genres. There are elements of a courtroom drama, dystopian/speculative fiction, commentary on government oppression, locked room thriller, dysfunctional relationships, musical fame, and copyright issues. Like how someone came up with all that, I have no idea.
Olivia Darnley did a great job narrating. I'm still getting familiar with Australian narrators and don't have any favorites yet, but only because I've liked them all equally.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ALC. One of Your Number comes out June 1, 2026.
This is such a popcorn thriller. Like, definitely leave logic at the door to enjoy this one. It's hella fun and twisty, but it's very, very important not to think too hard about the plot points because they won't make sense. Especially the legal process, unless they do things differently in Australia, I don't know.
And I guess I'm going to continue with food-related references, because this was like the kitchen sink cookie of genres. There are elements of a courtroom drama, dystopian/speculative fiction, commentary on government oppression, locked room thriller, dysfunctional relationships, musical fame, and copyright issues. Like how someone came up with all that, I have no idea.
Olivia Darnley did a great job narrating. I'm still getting familiar with Australian narrators and don't have any favorites yet, but only because I've liked them all equally.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ALC. One of Your Number comes out June 1, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Twelve jurors end up trapped inside a courthouse during a chemical attack while deliberating a murder case involving a nurse accused of killing patients, turning what begins as a courtroom drama into a locked-room survival scenario.
I enjoyed the claustrophobic atmosphere once the attack begins, especially watching the group navigate rising panic, suspicion, and hidden secrets while confined together. The back-and-forth timeline and countdown structure also added momentum, and the audiobook narration was easy to follow.
While I stayed engaged, I never found myself connecting with the story or feeling invested in the outcome. As someone still fairly new to the courtroom/legal thriller subgenre, part of this may come down to my own familiarity with the style, though I did still appreciate the focus on suspense and the characters’ personal conflicts. In the end, it was a decent listen in the moment, but it didn’t quite stay with me after finishing.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest feedback.
I enjoyed the claustrophobic atmosphere once the attack begins, especially watching the group navigate rising panic, suspicion, and hidden secrets while confined together. The back-and-forth timeline and countdown structure also added momentum, and the audiobook narration was easy to follow.
While I stayed engaged, I never found myself connecting with the story or feeling invested in the outcome. As someone still fairly new to the courtroom/legal thriller subgenre, part of this may come down to my own familiarity with the style, though I did still appreciate the focus on suspense and the characters’ personal conflicts. In the end, it was a decent listen in the moment, but it didn’t quite stay with me after finishing.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest feedback.
June 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
One of Your Number by L.J. Shepherd is a slow-burn psychological thriller that kept me engaged throughout. The story follows Leonie, one of twelve jurors trapped inside a courthouse after a chemical attack, along with the murder suspect they're judging.
I especially enjoyed the dual timeline and Leonie's storyline. Her past was fascinating to uncover, and I found myself eager to learn more about her with each chapter. The author also did a fantastic job developing the characters—I quickly got a sense of who everyone was and became invested in their stories.
While I would have liked a slightly faster pace in parts of the second half, the tension continued to build and kept me turning the pages. The ending was surprisingly emotional and left a lasting impression on me.
Overall, this was a well-written, character-driven thriller that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
One of Your Number by L.J. Shepherd is a slow-burn psychological thriller that kept me engaged throughout. The story follows Leonie, one of twelve jurors trapped inside a courthouse after a chemical attack, along with the murder suspect they're judging.
I especially enjoyed the dual timeline and Leonie's storyline. Her past was fascinating to uncover, and I found myself eager to learn more about her with each chapter. The author also did a fantastic job developing the characters—I quickly got a sense of who everyone was and became invested in their stories.
While I would have liked a slightly faster pace in parts of the second half, the tension continued to build and kept me turning the pages. The ending was surprisingly emotional and left a lasting impression on me.
Overall, this was a well-written, character-driven thriller that I would definitely recommend.
July 29, 2026
#OneofYourNumber #LJShepherd #NetGalley #OliviaDarnley #BolindaAudio
This is an Advanced Listening Copy of the audiobook from NetGalley.
Lock twelve strangers in a courthouse, add a chemical attack outside and an escaped defendant inside, and you've got a pressure cooker of a premise that Shepherd wastes no time exploiting. Leonie sits on the jury deciding a nurse's guilt, but the real trial becomes about who in that room can be trusted once the accused starts picking people off one by one. The genius of the setup is that everyone in that jury box has something to hide, and the walls closing in make every secret feel like a matter of survival rather than just plot mechanics.
Olivia Darnley narrates with the kind of tightly wound control this material demands, never letting the tension slacken even in the quieter moments between the chaos. This is claustrophobic in the best way, the kind of locked-room thriller that keeps you counting exits along with the characters. Recommended if you want your courtroom drama with the volume turned all the way up.
This is an Advanced Listening Copy of the audiobook from NetGalley.
Lock twelve strangers in a courthouse, add a chemical attack outside and an escaped defendant inside, and you've got a pressure cooker of a premise that Shepherd wastes no time exploiting. Leonie sits on the jury deciding a nurse's guilt, but the real trial becomes about who in that room can be trusted once the accused starts picking people off one by one. The genius of the setup is that everyone in that jury box has something to hide, and the walls closing in make every secret feel like a matter of survival rather than just plot mechanics.
Olivia Darnley narrates with the kind of tightly wound control this material demands, never letting the tension slacken even in the quieter moments between the chaos. This is claustrophobic in the best way, the kind of locked-room thriller that keeps you counting exits along with the characters. Recommended if you want your courtroom drama with the volume turned all the way up.
May 28, 2026
Locked room/mystery, suspense
Trapped inside
Double threat
Cat and mouse
Trust no one
Secret agenda
Secret identity
The puppet master
The past catching up
I listened to this audio in one day! I was hooked and couldn’t stop listening. A jury locked in a room the courthouse under a chemical attack with so much addictive drama, and secret suspense. The unknown! The plot was engaging in gripping kept me guessing the whole-time.
The narration is performed by Olivia Darnley who does absolutely fantastic! Her tone reminded me of the series: the my… Self series; a dark and addictive psychological thriller, which I absolutely loved. So if you like that series you’ll want to jump on this!
Olivia Rivers a flawless performance, captivating the tension and drama inside the jury room. The blind following of the suspect. With the murderer on the loose, the growing fear. I was on the edge of my seat the whole audio. Absolutely fantastic. I would 💯 recommend this audio.
Trapped inside
Double threat
Cat and mouse
Trust no one
Secret agenda
Secret identity
The puppet master
The past catching up
I listened to this audio in one day! I was hooked and couldn’t stop listening. A jury locked in a room the courthouse under a chemical attack with so much addictive drama, and secret suspense. The unknown! The plot was engaging in gripping kept me guessing the whole-time.
The narration is performed by Olivia Darnley who does absolutely fantastic! Her tone reminded me of the series: the my… Self series; a dark and addictive psychological thriller, which I absolutely loved. So if you like that series you’ll want to jump on this!
Olivia Rivers a flawless performance, captivating the tension and drama inside the jury room. The blind following of the suspect. With the murderer on the loose, the growing fear. I was on the edge of my seat the whole audio. Absolutely fantastic. I would 💯 recommend this audio.
June 9, 2026
A locked room, courtroom drama… what’s not to love? Add in a chemical attack in the city and you know you’re in for a hell of a ride!.
Despite dual timelines and plenty of characters, this was an easy book to listen to. The first chapter grabbed me and then I was half way through before realising that not a lot had really happened apart from scene setting, and then as soon as I thought that, the story took off and floored me with the twists and turns. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the scene setting and it was incredibly well written and compelling.
Olivia Darnley did a truly fantastic job of narrating.
I must admit I was slightly bemused by the ending and actually listened to the last few chapters twice as I wondered if I’d missed some things but, no, there are still far too many outstanding questions for my liking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for an audioARC of this book.
Despite dual timelines and plenty of characters, this was an easy book to listen to. The first chapter grabbed me and then I was half way through before realising that not a lot had really happened apart from scene setting, and then as soon as I thought that, the story took off and floored me with the twists and turns. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the scene setting and it was incredibly well written and compelling.
Olivia Darnley did a truly fantastic job of narrating.
I must admit I was slightly bemused by the ending and actually listened to the last few chapters twice as I wondered if I’d missed some things but, no, there are still far too many outstanding questions for my liking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for an audioARC of this book.
June 17, 2026
One of Your Number sounded like it had a lot going for it, and the writing was good, but ultimately it wasn't for me.
I loved the audiobook and narration. The character voices were clear, had a good amount of energy, and the accent made for an engaging listen.
Where I didn't connect was with the characters and the plot. There were lots of good thriller elements, but the shifting timeline and juggling of multiple storylines killed the tension for me. In the end, it wasn't really a courtroom drama, a chemical weapon threat, or a killer-on-the-loose story. It felt more like curious suspense with a resolution that wasn't difficult to predict.
Perhaps the plot would have landed harder if I'd connected more with the characters. Even though their motivations were explained, I never found myself relating to them or feeling particularly invested in their decisions.
It's still a well-written story, though, and I'm sure many readers will enjoy it more than I did.
I loved the audiobook and narration. The character voices were clear, had a good amount of energy, and the accent made for an engaging listen.
Where I didn't connect was with the characters and the plot. There were lots of good thriller elements, but the shifting timeline and juggling of multiple storylines killed the tension for me. In the end, it wasn't really a courtroom drama, a chemical weapon threat, or a killer-on-the-loose story. It felt more like curious suspense with a resolution that wasn't difficult to predict.
Perhaps the plot would have landed harder if I'd connected more with the characters. Even though their motivations were explained, I never found myself relating to them or feeling particularly invested in their decisions.
It's still a well-written story, though, and I'm sure many readers will enjoy it more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m a thriller fan, and I’m especially a BIG legal thriller fan.
“One of Your Number” had:
A jury ✔️
A courthouse ✔️
Murder ✔️
So yes, I was ecstatic when I was approved to read this. On paper, it had everything I wanted.
In reality, it didn’t come close. The characters were two-dimensional and painfully predictable, and the biggest issue was just how repetitive they were. Nobody evolved, nobody surprised me, and nothing meaningfully shifted as the story progressed.
I persevered longer than this book probably deserved, but by around the 72% mark I stopped reading properly and skimmed to the end — more out of obligation than interest.
This wasn’t a near miss or a case of mismatched expectations. It simply didn’t work for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the DRC of “One of Your Number” by L. J. Shepherd.
“One of Your Number” had:
A jury ✔️
A courthouse ✔️
Murder ✔️
So yes, I was ecstatic when I was approved to read this. On paper, it had everything I wanted.
In reality, it didn’t come close. The characters were two-dimensional and painfully predictable, and the biggest issue was just how repetitive they were. Nobody evolved, nobody surprised me, and nothing meaningfully shifted as the story progressed.
I persevered longer than this book probably deserved, but by around the 72% mark I stopped reading properly and skimmed to the end — more out of obligation than interest.
This wasn’t a near miss or a case of mismatched expectations. It simply didn’t work for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the DRC of “One of Your Number” by L. J. Shepherd.
March 15, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down. I love following true crime and watching court cases that are streamed. I find it fascinating and I love learning about the justice system and how it all works with the lawyers and motions etc during trials. So this book was perfect for me.
It’s all systems go from page one. You follow two different timelines which are before the attack and after the attack.
It’s clear to see the amount of work that has gone into this book and how to bring it all together with the two timelines.
I was on the edge of my seat and started to question and doubt everyone. Packed full of tension, suspense and some amazing twists and turns.
I loved L.J. Shepherd’s writing style, I will definitely read more from her.
I’m still thinking of the characters and the plot which is a sign of a great book.
I couldn’t recommend this one enough if you love a tense mystery thriller.
It’s all systems go from page one. You follow two different timelines which are before the attack and after the attack.
It’s clear to see the amount of work that has gone into this book and how to bring it all together with the two timelines.
I was on the edge of my seat and started to question and doubt everyone. Packed full of tension, suspense and some amazing twists and turns.
I loved L.J. Shepherd’s writing style, I will definitely read more from her.
I’m still thinking of the characters and the plot which is a sign of a great book.
I couldn’t recommend this one enough if you love a tense mystery thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
All of the stars, All of the stars! This book was exciting, sharp, claustrophobic, tense and enthralling - definitely one to be binged in one sitting.
There is so much going on, both inside and out of the courtroom, the reactions of the jurors and the updates seen on social media brought it all together, this was so detailed but not over powering, I just felt all of their emotions and understood how they were feeling, not sure how I would cope in that situation.
The characters were fantastic, the different personalities all either banding together or at loggerheads, I didn’t know who to trust. Leonie was interesting, her determination in getting the result she wanted whilst dealing with the perceived threats.
This is a must read! I have had ‘The Trials Of Lila Dalton’ on my TBR for ages, so will be bumping this right up .
There is so much going on, both inside and out of the courtroom, the reactions of the jurors and the updates seen on social media brought it all together, this was so detailed but not over powering, I just felt all of their emotions and understood how they were feeling, not sure how I would cope in that situation.
The characters were fantastic, the different personalities all either banding together or at loggerheads, I didn’t know who to trust. Leonie was interesting, her determination in getting the result she wanted whilst dealing with the perceived threats.
This is a must read! I have had ‘The Trials Of Lila Dalton’ on my TBR for ages, so will be bumping this right up .
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of Your Number is a tense closed-room drama that blends courtroom intrigue with a few side mysteries that add depth and atmosphere to the story. While it initially brought to mind 12 Angry Men, it quickly carves out its own path, taking the plot in unexpected directions that kept me guessing until the very end.
The narration was excellent. Olivia Darnley did a wonderful job bringing the tension, uncertainty, and personalities of the characters to life. The cast is well developed, with Leonie in particular standing out as a compelling and memorable character.
While the ending didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for, the journey getting there was engaging and worthwhile. Overall, this was an entertaining and thought-provoking listen.
Overall: 3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ARC.
The narration was excellent. Olivia Darnley did a wonderful job bringing the tension, uncertainty, and personalities of the characters to life. The cast is well developed, with Leonie in particular standing out as a compelling and memorable character.
While the ending didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for, the journey getting there was engaging and worthwhile. Overall, this was an entertaining and thought-provoking listen.
Overall: 3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the ARC.
May 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed this one and found the jury trial aspect interesting as it felt a bit different from other legal or thriller style books I’ve read. The way the story explored the dynamics between the jurors and the pressure of deciding someone’s fate kept me hooked and made it feel more tense than I expected.
There were definitely some twists and moments that kept me guessing, and I can see why other readers have described it as gripping and thought provoking. I did feel a bit let down by the ending though. After all the build up, it didn’t quite land for me and I wanted something a bit stronger or more satisfying from the final reveal.
Overall though, a really enjoyable read with an interesting premise and one that kept my attention throughout.
I really enjoyed this one and found the jury trial aspect interesting as it felt a bit different from other legal or thriller style books I’ve read. The way the story explored the dynamics between the jurors and the pressure of deciding someone’s fate kept me hooked and made it feel more tense than I expected.
There were definitely some twists and moments that kept me guessing, and I can see why other readers have described it as gripping and thought provoking. I did feel a bit let down by the ending though. After all the build up, it didn’t quite land for me and I wanted something a bit stronger or more satisfying from the final reveal.
Overall though, a really enjoyable read with an interesting premise and one that kept my attention throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 2, 2026Thanks to the author, publisher, narrator and Net Galley for the ALC.
This book promised to be a good thriller - jury trial, locked room, airborne attack - I was hyped! However, it really fell short. We had multiple time lines that jump around with the present day situation, and at least 4 different story lines. And i just couldn't care about any of the characters at all. They were very two dimensional, predictable and repetitive.
The FMC's on the jury for the nurse who is accused of killing her partner, and I just couldn't believe that would ever happen.
This wasn't the book for me, but others clearly enjoy it. The audio was enjoyable to listen to, and I did love how much she thought about her cat.
This book promised to be a good thriller - jury trial, locked room, airborne attack - I was hyped! However, it really fell short. We had multiple time lines that jump around with the present day situation, and at least 4 different story lines. And i just couldn't care about any of the characters at all. They were very two dimensional, predictable and repetitive.
The FMC's on the jury for the nurse who is accused of killing her partner, and I just couldn't believe that would ever happen.
This wasn't the book for me, but others clearly enjoy it. The audio was enjoyable to listen to, and I did love how much she thought about her cat.
June 9, 2026
One of Your Number had all the ingredients of a mystery I typically enjoy—courtroom drama, unreliable characters, and dual timelines that kept the intrigue building throughout the story. The plot itself was interesting and kept me invested, and the character work was strong enough to carry the slower moments.
While I enjoyed the journey, the final payoff felt a little disappointing compared to the buildup. I was hoping for a stronger conclusion after so much suspense and speculation.
The audiobook performance, however, was excellent. The narration brought the characters to life and kept me engaged from start to finish.
If you enjoy legal drama, layered mysteries, and trying to figure out which characters can actually be trusted, this one is worth a listen. The ending didn’t fully land for me, but the storytelling and audio production made it an enjoyable experience overall.
While I enjoyed the journey, the final payoff felt a little disappointing compared to the buildup. I was hoping for a stronger conclusion after so much suspense and speculation.
The audiobook performance, however, was excellent. The narration brought the characters to life and kept me engaged from start to finish.
If you enjoy legal drama, layered mysteries, and trying to figure out which characters can actually be trusted, this one is worth a listen. The ending didn’t fully land for me, but the storytelling and audio production made it an enjoyable experience overall.
June 26, 2026
It took me a little to truly get into this audiobook. At first, I found it a little confusing with the multiple timelines so I wasn’t following it well. However, once I got a grasp of what was going on, it was quite enjoyable.
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the storyline. Although The Who wasn’t exactly surprising, it was still entertaining getting the answers. The setting being in a courthouse stuck inside because of a chemical attack outside adds a creepy vibe. Now people are starting to die.
I did not like any of the characters, which made it hard for me to root for anyone.
I listened at 2x, and it was still a little slower for my taste. However the narrator was good based on other aspects such as tone and changing her voice for the characters.
All in all, a decent audiobook
I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the storyline. Although The Who wasn’t exactly surprising, it was still entertaining getting the answers. The setting being in a courthouse stuck inside because of a chemical attack outside adds a creepy vibe. Now people are starting to die.
I did not like any of the characters, which made it hard for me to root for anyone.
I listened at 2x, and it was still a little slower for my taste. However the narrator was good based on other aspects such as tone and changing her voice for the characters.
All in all, a decent audiobook
June 1, 2026
One of Your Number by L.J. Shepherd is a thrilling rollercoaster ride packed with twists and turns. At first, I wasn't entirely convinced by the premise, particularly when the chemical attack occurred, as it felt somewhat unrealistic. However, I'm so glad I stuck with it because the shocking twists and revelations toward the end made the journey worth it.
The audiobook narration by Olivia Darnley was excellent and truly brought the story to life. Her performance enhanced the suspense and kept me engaged throughout. Overall, the production quality was outstanding.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bolinda Audio for letting me read this ARC.
The audiobook narration by Olivia Darnley was excellent and truly brought the story to life. Her performance enhanced the suspense and kept me engaged throughout. Overall, the production quality was outstanding.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bolinda Audio for letting me read this ARC.
June 1, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the free book in exchange for my honest review.
A widow gets on a jury for the nurse accused of killing her husband, with the plan of sending the nurse to jail. When the jurors begin deliberating, a chemical attack occurs in the city, trapping them in the courthouse. A game of cat and mouse begins when the suspect escapes.
I liked the characters and stayed engaged, but I never found myself connecting with the story or feeling invested in the outcome. I did not find the premise of the story remotely believable which was problematic for me. I can ignore a bit of logic but Leonie being on the jury was too beyond the pale of logic for me.
A widow gets on a jury for the nurse accused of killing her husband, with the plan of sending the nurse to jail. When the jurors begin deliberating, a chemical attack occurs in the city, trapping them in the courthouse. A game of cat and mouse begins when the suspect escapes.
I liked the characters and stayed engaged, but I never found myself connecting with the story or feeling invested in the outcome. I did not find the premise of the story remotely believable which was problematic for me. I can ignore a bit of logic but Leonie being on the jury was too beyond the pale of logic for me.
June 26, 2026
A courthouse and a jury are typically recipes for a thriller I will love, unfortunately this one fell short. The added element of the chemical attack felt more apocalypse which didn’t fit at all with the rest of the story for me and I felt mostly confused.
One of Your Number had a slower pace, but the narration done by Olivia Darnley was excellent where I could keep the characters straight and kept me interested.
The aspects I enjoyed most were the confusion with Leonie’s involvement and the rushed feeling of wanting a conclusion. I’m hoping to read more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Belinda Audio for the ARC!
One of Your Number had a slower pace, but the narration done by Olivia Darnley was excellent where I could keep the characters straight and kept me interested.
The aspects I enjoyed most were the confusion with Leonie’s involvement and the rushed feeling of wanting a conclusion. I’m hoping to read more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Belinda Audio for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This unusual locked room thriller offers the reader a scenario in which jury members find themselves in lockdown on the premises after the country comes under chemical attack.
But the dangers they face are not only external. Because the accused in their case has escaped, and soon begins a dangerous cat and mouse game with them, in a situation where there is no escape...
Original, gripping and suspenseful, this is an entertaining read. It easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But the dangers they face are not only external. Because the accused in their case has escaped, and soon begins a dangerous cat and mouse game with them, in a situation where there is no escape...
Original, gripping and suspenseful, this is an entertaining read. It easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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