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Detective Miller #3
The Shadow Step: A Detective Miller Novel
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26“Readers rejoice! A captivating new series from Mark Billingham—the very best in the business.”—Richard Osman, #1 bestselling author of The Thursday Murder Club
Detective Miller is back and investigating his most perplexing case yet
The Shadow One taken simultaneously by a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them behind and slightly shifted leftwards ("in the shadow")
A perfectly executed shadow step demonstrates synchronized elegance. It showcases a couple in near telepathic harmony with one another. It does not normally end with someone stone-dead in a lake.
DS Declan Miller is a magnet for strange cases, but an innocent man confessing to the crime? That’s a first. Things rapidly escalate when the murder that isn’t really a murder attracts the unwanted attention of a drug Queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. And when a real murder follows – and a student is kidnapped – all evidence points back to the same innocent man.
Throw in a wobbly dog, a pair of ceramic leopards, and the distracting smell from a biscuit factory, and Miller’s only option to save a young man’s life is to waltz all the way into the shadows.
Detective Miller is back and investigating his most perplexing case yet
The Shadow One taken simultaneously by a pair of dancers facing the same direction, one of them behind and slightly shifted leftwards ("in the shadow")
A perfectly executed shadow step demonstrates synchronized elegance. It showcases a couple in near telepathic harmony with one another. It does not normally end with someone stone-dead in a lake.
DS Declan Miller is a magnet for strange cases, but an innocent man confessing to the crime? That’s a first. Things rapidly escalate when the murder that isn’t really a murder attracts the unwanted attention of a drug Queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. And when a real murder follows – and a student is kidnapped – all evidence points back to the same innocent man.
Throw in a wobbly dog, a pair of ceramic leopards, and the distracting smell from a biscuit factory, and Miller’s only option to save a young man’s life is to waltz all the way into the shadows.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Mark Billingham
101 books2,264 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the weirdest cop/crime story I have ever read ....and I enjoyed it
3.5 🌟🌟🌟 🔅
First, a thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing the eARC
I was drawn to this book as a crime reader from the blurb.
This was my first book by the author, and it won't be the last cause I am definitely interested in Detective Miller.
A man is casually walking in the park when he is assaulted by a thug with 2 dogs. He gets out the situation safely only to find out the next day that the thug is murdered and he would be the first suspect.
Enters detective Miller, and what we get is a series of unfortunate events that are all interconnected.
I have to say that for a crime book, I was more interested in Miller than the crime-solving itself.
Later, I knew this was the 3rd book featuring the heartbroken, quirky detective.
Miller, having lost his wife to a murderer, hides his sorrow through jokes and sarcasm. He is not afraid to say exactly what's on his mind, and I enjoyed his humorous outbursts.
He is also smart, perceptive, and very attentive to details.
All these made him the perfect candidate to solve the murder/s.
Nevertheless, certain things got me out of the mood of the crime novel.
I don't think any detective, whenever they are, is authorized to share information about the case with the accused!
Also, what drug dealer would immediately get rid of ALL their products just because a kidnapper told them to, even to save their own child?
All in all, I enjoyed it to the point I want to read the first Miller book
3.5 🌟🌟🌟 🔅
First, a thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing the eARC
I was drawn to this book as a crime reader from the blurb.
This was my first book by the author, and it won't be the last cause I am definitely interested in Detective Miller.
A man is casually walking in the park when he is assaulted by a thug with 2 dogs. He gets out the situation safely only to find out the next day that the thug is murdered and he would be the first suspect.
Enters detective Miller, and what we get is a series of unfortunate events that are all interconnected.
I have to say that for a crime book, I was more interested in Miller than the crime-solving itself.
Later, I knew this was the 3rd book featuring the heartbroken, quirky detective.
Miller, having lost his wife to a murderer, hides his sorrow through jokes and sarcasm. He is not afraid to say exactly what's on his mind, and I enjoyed his humorous outbursts.
He is also smart, perceptive, and very attentive to details.
All these made him the perfect candidate to solve the murder/s.
Nevertheless, certain things got me out of the mood of the crime novel.
I don't think any detective, whenever they are, is authorized to share information about the case with the accused!
Also, what drug dealer would immediately get rid of ALL their products just because a kidnapper told them to, even to save their own child?
All in all, I enjoyed it to the point I want to read the first Miller book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having read all the other books in this series and enjoyed them, I can say Shadow Step is another winner. I hadn't liked Miller much in the first book, but he is definitely growing on me. I agree completely with Xiu when she says: "Atrocious table manners, an annoyingly juvenile sense of humour and a complete inability to read a room … but good instincts." The character development is excellent, and the plot takes several interesting turns that kept me hooked throughout.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Detective Miller is a strong, engaging lead, and the investigation feels grounded and believable without getting bogged down in too much procedural detail.
It starts off a little slow, taking its time to set things up, but once the story picks up it really hooks you. From that point on, the tension builds nicely and the mystery keeps you invested all the way through. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a solid, well-paced crime novel that delivers plenty of suspense and makes for a very satisfying read once it gets going.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
It starts off a little slow, taking its time to set things up, but once the story picks up it really hooks you. From that point on, the tension builds nicely and the mystery keeps you invested all the way through. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it’s a solid, well-paced crime novel that delivers plenty of suspense and makes for a very satisfying read once it gets going.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
February 21, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Oh Captain, my Captain. My Number One author is back with another sublime addition to the Detective Miller series. This quirky series with its a wonderful array of characters is full of fabulous dialogue and humour. Paired with organised crime, drug barons, kidnapping, the ghost of a dead wife and a wobbly sausage dog this is Mark Billingham once again delivering another top class story. Not a word or chapter is wasted as it flows effortlessly from one page to another. A razor sharp plot, perfect pacing, precision one-liners and a detective, beyond the jokes, at the top of his game. I bow down to the legend that is Mr B and give this outstanding and flawless read five massive stars
March 27, 2026
If only there was a way to be friends with Detective Miller!
I loved the first two Detective Miller books so when there was a chance to get an e-ARC of this one via NetGallery I was very excited and it’s fair to say, it did not disappoint.
The plot was original and had me questioning all of the characters I thought I’d worked out previously, all over again. There are twists that kept me hooked and wanting to know more about what was going on. Each time I thought I had it worked out, I didn’t! I was questioning even the most truth worthy characters, a good sign of a well written crime novel!
The sarcastic nature of Detective Miller is something I love and find myself laughing along with, it somehow keeps even the most serious chapters a little light hearted and easy to read. The development of the relationships that Detective Miller has with Xiu and Finn, was so well done and true to their characters. I honestly loved it!
Overall, another great Detective Miller novel and I already can’t wait for another!! Definitely one to pick up when it comes out!
Side note: I need to find a dance club like this one!!
I loved the first two Detective Miller books so when there was a chance to get an e-ARC of this one via NetGallery I was very excited and it’s fair to say, it did not disappoint.
The plot was original and had me questioning all of the characters I thought I’d worked out previously, all over again. There are twists that kept me hooked and wanting to know more about what was going on. Each time I thought I had it worked out, I didn’t! I was questioning even the most truth worthy characters, a good sign of a well written crime novel!
The sarcastic nature of Detective Miller is something I love and find myself laughing along with, it somehow keeps even the most serious chapters a little light hearted and easy to read. The development of the relationships that Detective Miller has with Xiu and Finn, was so well done and true to their characters. I honestly loved it!
Overall, another great Detective Miller novel and I already can’t wait for another!! Definitely one to pick up when it comes out!
Side note: I need to find a dance club like this one!!
July 4, 2026
I never go into a Declan Miller novel expecting serious, intense, action, but still. If I could be permitted to borrow from the Bard for a moment, I'd give this book the subtitle 'A Comedy of Errors'. Not because it shares a plot with the play, but because from the very start everything is destined to go completely wrong, and the dang thing had me chuckling all the way through. With balding rats, mistaken identities and a smattering of ballroom based interludes, this is classic Miller and if you like the series at all, you are going to love this one. Supported, as ever, by DS Sara "Posh Gravy' Xiu, and excelling in winding up the team from the Kidnap unit who have been drafted in to run a small part of the case, this book was everything I was hoping for an much, much more.
The book opens in almost slapstick style and from that moment onward the tone of all that will follow is very clearly set. The victim/suspect, Barry, in this case is perhaps one of the most put upon and seemingly meek characters you could ever meet, so just how they end up in the mess that they do almost beggars belief. I say almost, because Mark Billingham sets this whole scenario - and the ensuing chaos - up perfectly and from that point on you know that this is going to be one roller coaster of a ride. As ever, MIller's instinct seems to carry him a few steps ahead of the crowd, and help to get him completely and utterly caught at the centre of everything, much to the Kidnap Unit's disgust.
I really liked the balance of humour and tension in this one, as there are a few moments that lend themselves more towards a classic gangland thriller style, albeit with a comedic twist. These are perhaps some of the most inept gangsters you could expect to meet, but it didn't make them any less engaging. Perhaps more so, particularly Malky McDougall who would do anything for his employer, even if she doesn't fully appreciate his dedication. Then there is Barry. I kind of liked him, even though he was a bit wet at times. Not as wet as his alleged 'victim' but that's another story entirely. I actually liked him and how his personality comes across. He actively avoids conflict - no bad thing - and is one of the few who seemingly has any kind of conscience, even if it doesn't always steer him right.
But the star of the show is, obviously, Declan Miller. Still dealing with, and actively talking to, the ghosts from his past, he is sucha. delicious mix of wit, (partial) wisdom, and dedication (after a fashion) to his job that he is kind of an irresistible character to spend time with. It would be easy to make this kind of character a little too cliched, or perhaps a parody of the classic maverick Detective, but Mark Billingham has played it perfectly, instilling the right amount of comedic asides, whilst still allowing the team to explore subjects that have a more serious context without underplaying their impact in any way. And Miller has pet rats and goes ballroom dancing. I mean - how can this not be fun?
If you like your crime fiction on the lighter side - not cosy, but but perhaps more colourful that straight noir - and you value brilliant characters and stories that deliver on entertainment whilst still managing to get across key societal observations the this could well be the series for you. If you just want a dang good story that will have you chortling from start to finish then get yourself reading. This is less a whodunnit and more of a 'how in the heck did they think they'd get away with it', and yet I still never expected that ending. Pitch perfect and made me all the more hungry for the next book as there surely must be more to come. Definitely recommended.
The book opens in almost slapstick style and from that moment onward the tone of all that will follow is very clearly set. The victim/suspect, Barry, in this case is perhaps one of the most put upon and seemingly meek characters you could ever meet, so just how they end up in the mess that they do almost beggars belief. I say almost, because Mark Billingham sets this whole scenario - and the ensuing chaos - up perfectly and from that point on you know that this is going to be one roller coaster of a ride. As ever, MIller's instinct seems to carry him a few steps ahead of the crowd, and help to get him completely and utterly caught at the centre of everything, much to the Kidnap Unit's disgust.
I really liked the balance of humour and tension in this one, as there are a few moments that lend themselves more towards a classic gangland thriller style, albeit with a comedic twist. These are perhaps some of the most inept gangsters you could expect to meet, but it didn't make them any less engaging. Perhaps more so, particularly Malky McDougall who would do anything for his employer, even if she doesn't fully appreciate his dedication. Then there is Barry. I kind of liked him, even though he was a bit wet at times. Not as wet as his alleged 'victim' but that's another story entirely. I actually liked him and how his personality comes across. He actively avoids conflict - no bad thing - and is one of the few who seemingly has any kind of conscience, even if it doesn't always steer him right.
But the star of the show is, obviously, Declan Miller. Still dealing with, and actively talking to, the ghosts from his past, he is sucha. delicious mix of wit, (partial) wisdom, and dedication (after a fashion) to his job that he is kind of an irresistible character to spend time with. It would be easy to make this kind of character a little too cliched, or perhaps a parody of the classic maverick Detective, but Mark Billingham has played it perfectly, instilling the right amount of comedic asides, whilst still allowing the team to explore subjects that have a more serious context without underplaying their impact in any way. And Miller has pet rats and goes ballroom dancing. I mean - how can this not be fun?
If you like your crime fiction on the lighter side - not cosy, but but perhaps more colourful that straight noir - and you value brilliant characters and stories that deliver on entertainment whilst still managing to get across key societal observations the this could well be the series for you. If you just want a dang good story that will have you chortling from start to finish then get yourself reading. This is less a whodunnit and more of a 'how in the heck did they think they'd get away with it', and yet I still never expected that ending. Pitch perfect and made me all the more hungry for the next book as there surely must be more to come. Definitely recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A young man is found in the pond of the local park. There is nothing to suggest that this was anything other than an accident. Until Barry, who had an altercation with the young man, comes to confess to something he didn't do. This opens an entire can of worms involving a bunch of people out for revenge, while simultaneously getting the wrong end of the stick, and making the situation infinitely worse.
Luckily, Miller is on the case. Tenacious, like a dog with a bone, and not afraid to put himself in danger, he sets out to find a kidnapped young man and at the same time make sure that poor, innocent Barry doesn't end up six feet under. This means navigating the murky world of drugs that is Blackpool. Miller knows the players in this town, but also knows they can't be trusted. Is a competitor making a move against another rival?
DS Declan Miller is unlike any detective I've ever known. There is something unique and rather refreshing about this character. He enjoys winding people up, has an incredibly juvenile sense of humour, and a total inability to read the room. I'm not entirely sure what it says about me that I find him absolutely hilarious and he often has me laughing/chuckling/snorting, sometimes even when it feels somewhat inappropriate.
But there is another side to Miller that often leaves me with a lump in my throat. There is the way he is so out of his depth when dealing with his drug addicted stepdaughter that breaks his heart, and mine, every single time. And then there are the one-sided conversations he has with his beloved, yet unfortunately, very dead wife. These are often so insightful, or witty, that you forget Miller is actually just talking to himself. It's poignant, and sad, and yet he also seems to draw strength from those moments somehow.
Billingham achieves the perfect balance between Miller's personal life and his job. It makes it realistic and believable to realise Miller can't be in two places at the same time, which sometimes poses a real conundrum when his stepdaughter decides that right now is the time she'd quite like to talk to him, whereas Miller is required to be somewhere else entirely. These are moments that are so easy to imagine and I'm sure we've all been there. At the same time, there is also somewhat of a change in the relationship with Miller's long-suffering colleague Xiu - pronounced jus - and seeing a slightly softer side to Xiu was a beautiful thing to behold. Might not last, though. Miller can actually be incredibly annoying.
As for the murder-that-isn't-a-murder but the kidnapping-that-is-mostly-definitely-a-kidnapping, the person responsible for the latter is rather easy to figure out. Not the brightest crayon in the box, but to be fair, not even the people running this massive drugs empire seemed all that smart to me. Mistakes are made, loyalty doesn't pay, and neither does crime.
I thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment in the DS Miller series. I flew through the pages as it provided the perfect dose of crime, humour, and escapism. This series has quickly become one of my favourites and I can't wait to see what strange case Miller will find himself involved in next.
Luckily, Miller is on the case. Tenacious, like a dog with a bone, and not afraid to put himself in danger, he sets out to find a kidnapped young man and at the same time make sure that poor, innocent Barry doesn't end up six feet under. This means navigating the murky world of drugs that is Blackpool. Miller knows the players in this town, but also knows they can't be trusted. Is a competitor making a move against another rival?
DS Declan Miller is unlike any detective I've ever known. There is something unique and rather refreshing about this character. He enjoys winding people up, has an incredibly juvenile sense of humour, and a total inability to read the room. I'm not entirely sure what it says about me that I find him absolutely hilarious and he often has me laughing/chuckling/snorting, sometimes even when it feels somewhat inappropriate.
But there is another side to Miller that often leaves me with a lump in my throat. There is the way he is so out of his depth when dealing with his drug addicted stepdaughter that breaks his heart, and mine, every single time. And then there are the one-sided conversations he has with his beloved, yet unfortunately, very dead wife. These are often so insightful, or witty, that you forget Miller is actually just talking to himself. It's poignant, and sad, and yet he also seems to draw strength from those moments somehow.
Billingham achieves the perfect balance between Miller's personal life and his job. It makes it realistic and believable to realise Miller can't be in two places at the same time, which sometimes poses a real conundrum when his stepdaughter decides that right now is the time she'd quite like to talk to him, whereas Miller is required to be somewhere else entirely. These are moments that are so easy to imagine and I'm sure we've all been there. At the same time, there is also somewhat of a change in the relationship with Miller's long-suffering colleague Xiu - pronounced jus - and seeing a slightly softer side to Xiu was a beautiful thing to behold. Might not last, though. Miller can actually be incredibly annoying.
As for the murder-that-isn't-a-murder but the kidnapping-that-is-mostly-definitely-a-kidnapping, the person responsible for the latter is rather easy to figure out. Not the brightest crayon in the box, but to be fair, not even the people running this massive drugs empire seemed all that smart to me. Mistakes are made, loyalty doesn't pay, and neither does crime.
I thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment in the DS Miller series. I flew through the pages as it provided the perfect dose of crime, humour, and escapism. This series has quickly become one of my favourites and I can't wait to see what strange case Miller will find himself involved in next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mark Billingham is back with the third instalment in the excellent DS Declan Miller series. The Shadow Step takes his eccentrically brilliant detective to a whole new level.
The novel opens with a classic Billingham hook: a ballroom dancing step known as the ‘shadow step’ represents synchronised elegance, but here, it ends with a body stone cold dead in a lake. DS Declan Miller is immediately drawn into a bizarre web when a man steps forward to confess to the crime. From there, the narrative spirals beautifully into total chaos.
Billingham’s seaside setting in Blackpool is glorious. Moving away from the glittering lights of the Promenade, the story plunges into the gritty backstreets, local parks, and unique local settings, including the distracting aroma of a local biscuit factory. This is Blackpool in all its raw, unvarnished, and atmospheric glory.
This investigation brings him directly back to Blackpool’s criminal underworld, forcing him to dig back into the exact same overlapping territory Alex was investigating.
The plot weaves together an escalating nightmare involving a formidable drugs Queen from the Cutler crime family, a lovesick gangland enforcer, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a student kidnapping. Navigating the gangland elements brings Miller closer to the criminal syndicates who had the most to lose from his wife Alex’s original investigation, keeping the trail to her killers active.
At the heart of this book is the brilliant partnership between DS Declan Miller and DS Sara Xiu. DS Miller is still grieving the loss of Alex. His coping mechanisms include chatting with her ‘ghost’ (who can be found hanging out with his pet rats, Fred and Ginger) and spouting a constant stream of terrible dad jokes. But, underneath his eccentric facade, his sharp, detective mind never misses a beat.
DS Sara Xiu, affectionately nicknamed “Posh” by Miller is a heavy metal loving biker, and she is the no nonsense foil to Miller. Their relationship is one of mutual respect. Xiu’s meticulous approach anchors Miller’s unpredictable energy and they are a formidable pairing.
Billingham balances dark, tense action with moments of laugh out loud humour. The atmosphere is menacing, especially when the kidnapping plot kicks into top gear, yet Billingham injects a brilliant, comedic light into the darkness. Whether it’s a scene featuring a wobbly miniature sausage dog named Ruby, a pair of gaudy ceramic leopards, or an unoffered slice of cake, the humour never undermines the gravity of the crime. Rather, it highlights the absurdities of the criminal underworld.
The Shadow Step cements this series as one of the best. DS Declan Miller is a perfectly devised character and Billingham’s mix of tension and darkness with laugh out loud humour works brilliantly.
Verdict: A fast-paced, witty, and original police procedural that provides characters who shine from the page. Highly recommended.
The novel opens with a classic Billingham hook: a ballroom dancing step known as the ‘shadow step’ represents synchronised elegance, but here, it ends with a body stone cold dead in a lake. DS Declan Miller is immediately drawn into a bizarre web when a man steps forward to confess to the crime. From there, the narrative spirals beautifully into total chaos.
Billingham’s seaside setting in Blackpool is glorious. Moving away from the glittering lights of the Promenade, the story plunges into the gritty backstreets, local parks, and unique local settings, including the distracting aroma of a local biscuit factory. This is Blackpool in all its raw, unvarnished, and atmospheric glory.
This investigation brings him directly back to Blackpool’s criminal underworld, forcing him to dig back into the exact same overlapping territory Alex was investigating.
The plot weaves together an escalating nightmare involving a formidable drugs Queen from the Cutler crime family, a lovesick gangland enforcer, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a student kidnapping. Navigating the gangland elements brings Miller closer to the criminal syndicates who had the most to lose from his wife Alex’s original investigation, keeping the trail to her killers active.
At the heart of this book is the brilliant partnership between DS Declan Miller and DS Sara Xiu. DS Miller is still grieving the loss of Alex. His coping mechanisms include chatting with her ‘ghost’ (who can be found hanging out with his pet rats, Fred and Ginger) and spouting a constant stream of terrible dad jokes. But, underneath his eccentric facade, his sharp, detective mind never misses a beat.
DS Sara Xiu, affectionately nicknamed “Posh” by Miller is a heavy metal loving biker, and she is the no nonsense foil to Miller. Their relationship is one of mutual respect. Xiu’s meticulous approach anchors Miller’s unpredictable energy and they are a formidable pairing.
Billingham balances dark, tense action with moments of laugh out loud humour. The atmosphere is menacing, especially when the kidnapping plot kicks into top gear, yet Billingham injects a brilliant, comedic light into the darkness. Whether it’s a scene featuring a wobbly miniature sausage dog named Ruby, a pair of gaudy ceramic leopards, or an unoffered slice of cake, the humour never undermines the gravity of the crime. Rather, it highlights the absurdities of the criminal underworld.
The Shadow Step cements this series as one of the best. DS Declan Miller is a perfectly devised character and Billingham’s mix of tension and darkness with laugh out loud humour works brilliantly.
Verdict: A fast-paced, witty, and original police procedural that provides characters who shine from the page. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh the joy. DS Miller is back giving the criminals of Blackpool the runaround.
When Barry Cheshire and his wobbly sausage dog, Ruby, inadvertently cause the death of a young drug dealer in the park he is hardly expecting what follows. However he soon finds himself embroiled in a plot to get at least one of the drug dealers to change their ways. Of course, since queenpin Jacqui Cutler is involved its hardly going to be an easy fix.
So while Miller and Posh are trying to fathom a spate of attacks, Cheshire finds himself getting in far deeper than he ever imagined and Miller is soon on the case, trying to unravel exactly who is pulling the strings.
Then there's the ballroom dancing crew trying to help; DI Sullivan trying to hinder; Finn's ongoing struggle with her addiction; Alex offering her thoughts on everything and Fred and Ginger, who are having their own issues. It's all in a very long day's work for our wise-cracking and often deeply inappropriate DS.
I love these books. I love the Miller character. He is Thorne's polar opposite. I was laughing within pages and didn't stop sniggering all the way through. That said, there are some very touching scenes involving Alex, Finn and Posh. Miller is a big old softie at heart - which is just the look he's going for.
Every character is spot on and the crimes may not be sophisticated but they are realistic and, often, very funny. It is the small touches that make these books - Posh's penchant for unusual music, DI Sullivan's incapabilith to see the joke and, this time, a wobbly sausage dog with a nervous bladder.
Brilliant. Very highly recommended. And if you haven't read the first two books - The Last Dance and The Wrong Hands - then I'd beg you to. You may be able to read this as a stand alone but you'll have so much fun reading the previous novels.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Little, Brown for the digital review copy. Very much appreciated
When Barry Cheshire and his wobbly sausage dog, Ruby, inadvertently cause the death of a young drug dealer in the park he is hardly expecting what follows. However he soon finds himself embroiled in a plot to get at least one of the drug dealers to change their ways. Of course, since queenpin Jacqui Cutler is involved its hardly going to be an easy fix.
So while Miller and Posh are trying to fathom a spate of attacks, Cheshire finds himself getting in far deeper than he ever imagined and Miller is soon on the case, trying to unravel exactly who is pulling the strings.
Then there's the ballroom dancing crew trying to help; DI Sullivan trying to hinder; Finn's ongoing struggle with her addiction; Alex offering her thoughts on everything and Fred and Ginger, who are having their own issues. It's all in a very long day's work for our wise-cracking and often deeply inappropriate DS.
I love these books. I love the Miller character. He is Thorne's polar opposite. I was laughing within pages and didn't stop sniggering all the way through. That said, there are some very touching scenes involving Alex, Finn and Posh. Miller is a big old softie at heart - which is just the look he's going for.
Every character is spot on and the crimes may not be sophisticated but they are realistic and, often, very funny. It is the small touches that make these books - Posh's penchant for unusual music, DI Sullivan's incapabilith to see the joke and, this time, a wobbly sausage dog with a nervous bladder.
Brilliant. Very highly recommended. And if you haven't read the first two books - The Last Dance and The Wrong Hands - then I'd beg you to. You may be able to read this as a stand alone but you'll have so much fun reading the previous novels.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Little, Brown for the digital review copy. Very much appreciated
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A brilliantly funny and gripping mystery that kept me completely glued to my sun lounger
As a fan of Mark Billingham, I was absolutely buzzing to get stuck into this third instalment of the Detective Miller series. I actually haven't read the first two books in this series yet – I must have been asleep or living on the moon to completely miss them! – but I am pleased to say that didn't affect my experience at all because it works brilliantly as a standalone. I recently took this on holiday with me and ended up reading the entire thing in just over a day. I was completely engrossed and totally ignored everything else going on around me.
DS Declan Miller finds himself landed with an incredibly bizarre puzzle. A man walks in and confesses to a murder, but it is totally obvious that he is completely innocent. Before long, everything spirals into pure chaos involving a gangland queenpin, a very eccentric mix of suspects and a kidnapping. Oh, and you can also expect appearances from a wonderfully wobbly dog and some rather memorable ceramic leopards!
Declan Miller is such a unique character. Honestly, I would absolutely hate to work with him in real life because he is a tad immature, constantly cracking jokes at the wrong moment and downright annoying to his colleagues. Yet, that is exactly what makes him such a joy to read. He brings so many genuine laugh out loud moments to the story, balancing out the gritty, dark nature of the actual crime investigation with his wit.
The plot moves at a fantastic pace and keeps you guessing as the tension ramps up. Mark Billingham is a master at weaving together a complex police procedural while keeping the tone incredibly entertaining and full of heart. It is a perfect five-star read for me.
Many thanks to the author, Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and indulge myself in yet another cracker from Mr Billingham.
As a fan of Mark Billingham, I was absolutely buzzing to get stuck into this third instalment of the Detective Miller series. I actually haven't read the first two books in this series yet – I must have been asleep or living on the moon to completely miss them! – but I am pleased to say that didn't affect my experience at all because it works brilliantly as a standalone. I recently took this on holiday with me and ended up reading the entire thing in just over a day. I was completely engrossed and totally ignored everything else going on around me.
DS Declan Miller finds himself landed with an incredibly bizarre puzzle. A man walks in and confesses to a murder, but it is totally obvious that he is completely innocent. Before long, everything spirals into pure chaos involving a gangland queenpin, a very eccentric mix of suspects and a kidnapping. Oh, and you can also expect appearances from a wonderfully wobbly dog and some rather memorable ceramic leopards!
Declan Miller is such a unique character. Honestly, I would absolutely hate to work with him in real life because he is a tad immature, constantly cracking jokes at the wrong moment and downright annoying to his colleagues. Yet, that is exactly what makes him such a joy to read. He brings so many genuine laugh out loud moments to the story, balancing out the gritty, dark nature of the actual crime investigation with his wit.
The plot moves at a fantastic pace and keeps you guessing as the tension ramps up. Mark Billingham is a master at weaving together a complex police procedural while keeping the tone incredibly entertaining and full of heart. It is a perfect five-star read for me.
Many thanks to the author, Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and indulge myself in yet another cracker from Mr Billingham.
June 28, 2026
The Shadow Step is the third book in the DS Declan Miller series, written by Mark Billingham.
DS Miller’s third outing starts with a non-case, that then snowballs into a very definite case. This leads Declan, and the team, to many familiar faces. Our delightfully quirky and sarcastic detective takes it all in his stride, along with considering other very serious issues such as cake, and the impact of smelling biscuits.
I read this book, as opposed to listening to the first two via audio. I have checked, and can see that David Threlfall is narrating the third book too. His voice is perfect for Declan, so if you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend listening to The Shadow Step, and the first two in the series too.
Miller has fast become one of my favourite characters, not taking himself or anything else too seriously. The relationship between him, and his work partner Posh is growing beautifully. A real respect and friendship is growing, despite the cheesy jokes, from Miller, and eye rolling, from Posh. It’s lovely to see that Fred and Ginger are both well, I loved the tenderness of Miller’s care for Ginger, and her ongoing health treatment approach.
If you are in the mood for an entertaining, funny police procedural series, with an eclectic cast, and a few four legged cuties thrown in for good measure; then DS Declan Miller, Posh and the team are what you are looking for. Make sure you start with book one, The Last Dance, to avoid spoilers that naturally occur as a series progresses.
DS Miller has a wonderful sense of the absurd, and very little regard for higher ranking officers, but most importantly, a heart of gold and an innate love for animals; and I think he is fabulous. I will be patiently waiting, ready for whenever Mark publishes book four.
DS Miller’s third outing starts with a non-case, that then snowballs into a very definite case. This leads Declan, and the team, to many familiar faces. Our delightfully quirky and sarcastic detective takes it all in his stride, along with considering other very serious issues such as cake, and the impact of smelling biscuits.
I read this book, as opposed to listening to the first two via audio. I have checked, and can see that David Threlfall is narrating the third book too. His voice is perfect for Declan, so if you enjoy audiobooks, I recommend listening to The Shadow Step, and the first two in the series too.
Miller has fast become one of my favourite characters, not taking himself or anything else too seriously. The relationship between him, and his work partner Posh is growing beautifully. A real respect and friendship is growing, despite the cheesy jokes, from Miller, and eye rolling, from Posh. It’s lovely to see that Fred and Ginger are both well, I loved the tenderness of Miller’s care for Ginger, and her ongoing health treatment approach.
If you are in the mood for an entertaining, funny police procedural series, with an eclectic cast, and a few four legged cuties thrown in for good measure; then DS Declan Miller, Posh and the team are what you are looking for. Make sure you start with book one, The Last Dance, to avoid spoilers that naturally occur as a series progresses.
DS Miller has a wonderful sense of the absurd, and very little regard for higher ranking officers, but most importantly, a heart of gold and an innate love for animals; and I think he is fabulous. I will be patiently waiting, ready for whenever Mark publishes book four.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It really wasn't much of a murder mystery-especially since the culprit confessed the next day. Barry was just walking his dachshund, Ruby, through the park, when a young hood with two pitbulls crossed his path. One of the dogs scared Ruby so he picked her up and was challenged by the hood to a knife fight. The guy was clumsy, tripped over the other dog and fell in the lake, so Barry took his dog and went home. He didn't know until the next day that the hood died, and as soon as he saw the news, he went to the police station and turned himself in and was immediately locked up.
DS Declan Miller was on the case and did not believe that Barry committed murder. Luckily, his friend, the park keeper, kept a camera right where the incident occurred, and the tape corroborated Barry's story-he was free to go. But that was actually not great for Barry. It turns out that the guy who drowned in the lake was a very low-level drug dealer for the mob and he hadn't yet turned in the drug money-someone had to pay-with their life.
This is the third mystery in Billingham's Detective Miller series. Known more for his detective noir Tom Thorne mysteries, this new series is really more reflective of Billingham's comedy background-the plot is almost comic and Miller approaches his police work with a wacky sense of humor tempered by the tragedy of the loss of his wife. Whether he is having a conversation with his wife's ghost (maybe,) ballroom dancing at the local dance club, or joking his way through a murder investigation, he is always an iconoclast, and the series is delightfully original. Pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy the show.
DS Declan Miller was on the case and did not believe that Barry committed murder. Luckily, his friend, the park keeper, kept a camera right where the incident occurred, and the tape corroborated Barry's story-he was free to go. But that was actually not great for Barry. It turns out that the guy who drowned in the lake was a very low-level drug dealer for the mob and he hadn't yet turned in the drug money-someone had to pay-with their life.
This is the third mystery in Billingham's Detective Miller series. Known more for his detective noir Tom Thorne mysteries, this new series is really more reflective of Billingham's comedy background-the plot is almost comic and Miller approaches his police work with a wacky sense of humor tempered by the tragedy of the loss of his wife. Whether he is having a conversation with his wife's ghost (maybe,) ballroom dancing at the local dance club, or joking his way through a murder investigation, he is always an iconoclast, and the series is delightfully original. Pour yourself a cuppa and enjoy the show.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Step - Mark Billingham ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Detective Miller is one of my top 5 series, so I was ecstatic to have been approved to read this book as an ARC, and once again did not disappoint.
The Shadow Step brings a case where DS Miller has an innocent man confessing to a crime that then rapidly escalates and gains the attention of a drug queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. When a real murder follows, everything points back to the same innocent man.
This was a mystery woven with upbeat humour and fell right into place as the next in the DS Miller series. Continuing plot lines from the previous two books made this fall naturally into rhythm and the plot line gave it the thrilling aspect.
DS Miller’s personality makes him a standout from all the other crime thrillers I’ve read. Witty and predictably unpredictable makes for a delightful light-hearted read without skipping the serious aspects of crime and brutality.
The recurring cast of characters as well as some new ones were well written and I loved the progression some characters made. The father / daughter relationship that Miller and Finn have will never not make me cry. I’m glad for the start of her happy ending.
Overall I enjoyed this next step of DS Miller’s story a lot and look forward to adding it onto my bookshelf along with its counterparts.
Thank you to Mark Billingham and Grove Atlantic for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#theshadowstep #markbillingham #groveatlantic #netgalley #bookreview
Detective Miller is one of my top 5 series, so I was ecstatic to have been approved to read this book as an ARC, and once again did not disappoint.
The Shadow Step brings a case where DS Miller has an innocent man confessing to a crime that then rapidly escalates and gains the attention of a drug queenpin, a deranged ex-squaddie, and a lovesick gangland enforcer. When a real murder follows, everything points back to the same innocent man.
This was a mystery woven with upbeat humour and fell right into place as the next in the DS Miller series. Continuing plot lines from the previous two books made this fall naturally into rhythm and the plot line gave it the thrilling aspect.
DS Miller’s personality makes him a standout from all the other crime thrillers I’ve read. Witty and predictably unpredictable makes for a delightful light-hearted read without skipping the serious aspects of crime and brutality.
The recurring cast of characters as well as some new ones were well written and I loved the progression some characters made. The father / daughter relationship that Miller and Finn have will never not make me cry. I’m glad for the start of her happy ending.
Overall I enjoyed this next step of DS Miller’s story a lot and look forward to adding it onto my bookshelf along with its counterparts.
Thank you to Mark Billingham and Grove Atlantic for providing this book for review consideration via @NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#theshadowstep #markbillingham #groveatlantic #netgalley #bookreview
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My introduction to Mark Billingham and it should have been a clue with the cover endorsement from Richard Osman but this is not your traditional crime series. From the very start, the humorous prose had me smiling, and I quickly realized the story had a quirky edge that required me to just suspend reality and enjoy the ride.
A detective that ‘talks’ to his murdered wife, Ginger the pet rat with a skin condition, and a female drug lord who has put her own husband in jail because he’d thrown a creme egg at her are just a few of the characters you’ll meet in this bizarrely unique tale. It features murder, kidnapping, and drug rings, but it's ultimately wrapped up in more of a character-driven read than an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
I appreciated the British humor sprinkled throughout even when touching on some darker subjects as it made for an enjoyable read. Now that I’ve been introduced to this ballroom-dancing detective, I’m highly tempted to dive into the other two books in the series. Plus, I can safely report that reading book three first didn't impact my enjoyment at all.
If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat, terrifying thriller, this isn't it. But if you want a bizarrely unique, character-driven mystery packed with brilliant British wit, a ballroom-dancing detective, and a pet rat then pick this up immediately! It’s the perfect palate cleanser for thriller fans who need a break from the pitch-dark stuff and just want a fun, eccentric ride.
Many thanks to Atlantic Crime for my early copy of this book that will be published in mid July.
A detective that ‘talks’ to his murdered wife, Ginger the pet rat with a skin condition, and a female drug lord who has put her own husband in jail because he’d thrown a creme egg at her are just a few of the characters you’ll meet in this bizarrely unique tale. It features murder, kidnapping, and drug rings, but it's ultimately wrapped up in more of a character-driven read than an edge-of-your-seat thriller.
I appreciated the British humor sprinkled throughout even when touching on some darker subjects as it made for an enjoyable read. Now that I’ve been introduced to this ballroom-dancing detective, I’m highly tempted to dive into the other two books in the series. Plus, I can safely report that reading book three first didn't impact my enjoyment at all.
If you're looking for an edge-of-your-seat, terrifying thriller, this isn't it. But if you want a bizarrely unique, character-driven mystery packed with brilliant British wit, a ballroom-dancing detective, and a pet rat then pick this up immediately! It’s the perfect palate cleanser for thriller fans who need a break from the pitch-dark stuff and just want a fun, eccentric ride.
Many thanks to Atlantic Crime for my early copy of this book that will be published in mid July.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐️
Mark Billingham delivers another compelling read with The Shadow Step, the brilliant third instalment in the DS Declan Miller series. Combining his signature dark police procedural style with a wonderfully eccentric sense of humour, Mark has crafted a mystery that is as emotionally poignant as it is deeply entertaining.
DS Declan Miller remains one of the most compelling and refreshingly flawed protagonists, and he is an irresistible character to spend time with. I love how the book balances his unique quirks and absolute dedication to his job with his raw, grieving personal life. His continuing imaginary conversations with his late wife add a touching layer that perfectly offsets his sharp sarcasm.
The fact that it can also make you laugh out loud whilst keeping the high-stakes tension intact is, for me, incredibly rare, but Mark Billingham manages it. I mean, who else would weave a wobbly dog and ceramic leopards into a deadly serious plot involving drug queenpins and kidnappings?
As for Declan's partnership with the long-suffering Xiu, it's a true highlight of the book, showing a softer, more collaborative side, and I really enjoyed that shift in their dynamic.
The book loses half a star only because of that slightly sluggish opening. However, once the momentum builds, it is impossible to put down—and the unexpected ending completely caught me off guard!
Highly recommended for crime fiction fans.
My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Shadow Step. All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊
Mark Billingham delivers another compelling read with The Shadow Step, the brilliant third instalment in the DS Declan Miller series. Combining his signature dark police procedural style with a wonderfully eccentric sense of humour, Mark has crafted a mystery that is as emotionally poignant as it is deeply entertaining.
DS Declan Miller remains one of the most compelling and refreshingly flawed protagonists, and he is an irresistible character to spend time with. I love how the book balances his unique quirks and absolute dedication to his job with his raw, grieving personal life. His continuing imaginary conversations with his late wife add a touching layer that perfectly offsets his sharp sarcasm.
The fact that it can also make you laugh out loud whilst keeping the high-stakes tension intact is, for me, incredibly rare, but Mark Billingham manages it. I mean, who else would weave a wobbly dog and ceramic leopards into a deadly serious plot involving drug queenpins and kidnappings?
As for Declan's partnership with the long-suffering Xiu, it's a true highlight of the book, showing a softer, more collaborative side, and I really enjoyed that shift in their dynamic.
The book loses half a star only because of that slightly sluggish opening. However, once the momentum builds, it is impossible to put down—and the unexpected ending completely caught me off guard!
Highly recommended for crime fiction fans.
My thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Shadow Step. All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Step is the third book in the DS Declan Miller series by Mark Billingham. A police procedural that is a little different than many of the others available, crime novels with a twist of humour.
A man walks into the station and confesses to a murder, the strange thing is, he’s clearly innocent. Miller is faced with a “murder that isn’t really a murder,” a paradox that quickly spirals out of control. Declan Miller must look deeper into this case, by investigating and into the messy, overlapping lives of Blackpool’s criminal underbelly. When a student is kidnapped, the stakes shift from a peculiar puzzle to a race against time. Miller, burdened by his own grief and sharp-tongued wit, has no choice but to “waltz into the shadows” to save a young life.
This novel took me a little while to get back into the swing but it wasn’t too long before it had me hooked. Funny in parts, strong characters and well thought out plot make this series a winner for me. Declan Miller is a little different from other fictional detectives, funny, intelligent and yet vulnerable. The novel is well paced and managed to keep me engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the subtle humour which was not overplayed.
I was already an avid reader of Mark Billingham’s Thorne series but I can now add Declan Miller to the series I follow.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and little Brown Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A man walks into the station and confesses to a murder, the strange thing is, he’s clearly innocent. Miller is faced with a “murder that isn’t really a murder,” a paradox that quickly spirals out of control. Declan Miller must look deeper into this case, by investigating and into the messy, overlapping lives of Blackpool’s criminal underbelly. When a student is kidnapped, the stakes shift from a peculiar puzzle to a race against time. Miller, burdened by his own grief and sharp-tongued wit, has no choice but to “waltz into the shadows” to save a young life.
This novel took me a little while to get back into the swing but it wasn’t too long before it had me hooked. Funny in parts, strong characters and well thought out plot make this series a winner for me. Declan Miller is a little different from other fictional detectives, funny, intelligent and yet vulnerable. The novel is well paced and managed to keep me engaged throughout. I particularly enjoyed the subtle humour which was not overplayed.
I was already an avid reader of Mark Billingham’s Thorne series but I can now add Declan Miller to the series I follow.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and little Brown Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely love the Mark Bellingham’s Detective Miller series of books. Detective Miller is such an interesting complex character, he’s a murder detective with a penchant for ballroom dancing, he rides a moped around the streets of Blackpool and he tends to shoot from the hip saying what he thinks and is always up for some banter. He’s also recently widowed and getting over the loss of his wife, a fellow police officer who was murdered.
The Shadow Step is the third instalment in the series and does not disappoint. All the regulars make an appearance, Imran his childhood friend who now works for the parks service, Xiu his police colleague, his step-daughter Finn, Blackpool’s criminal underbelly, and his ballroom dancing family.
The book moves along at pace with a couple of murders, a kidnapping all blended together with Miller’s humour. There are some truly laugh out loud moments in the book, when I couldn’t quite believe what Miller had said. Despite Miller’s bravado, he cares deeply for his step-daughter, Xiu and the people who find themselves in the crosshairs of crime in Blackpool, which makes you only love him more.
I really can’t wait to read the next instalment of the Detective Miller series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Grove Atlantic, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Shadow Step is the third instalment in the series and does not disappoint. All the regulars make an appearance, Imran his childhood friend who now works for the parks service, Xiu his police colleague, his step-daughter Finn, Blackpool’s criminal underbelly, and his ballroom dancing family.
The book moves along at pace with a couple of murders, a kidnapping all blended together with Miller’s humour. There are some truly laugh out loud moments in the book, when I couldn’t quite believe what Miller had said. Despite Miller’s bravado, he cares deeply for his step-daughter, Xiu and the people who find themselves in the crosshairs of crime in Blackpool, which makes you only love him more.
I really can’t wait to read the next instalment of the Detective Miller series.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Grove Atlantic, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in the Declan Miller series, and it is as good as the first two. I gave the book the following SCORE:
Setting: Present day, Blackpool, England
Characters: Unorthodox DS Declan Miller, his equally unconventional police colleagues, his dance group, and an interesting array of victims and suspects
Overview of plot: Because of an innocent walk with his dog, a man becomes involved in the death of a drug dealer, and the plot escalates out of control. DS Miller actually has two deaths (murders?) to solve, and relies, as always, on his quirky partner, Xiu, to keep him in line. As always, despite his disrespect for others, his juvenile interactions, and the distractions of his pet rats, his dance group, and his frequent discussions with his dead wife, who appears at just the right times, Miller is able to resurrect enough professionalism to solve his cases.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: This is story that should be classified as “thriller light.” While the suspense might be less than what is traditionally considered hard core thrillers, the characters, mixed story lines and irreverence of the protagonist make the book enjoyable and engaging to the end. Hopefully, we will see more of DS Declan Miller.
Thanx to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Setting: Present day, Blackpool, England
Characters: Unorthodox DS Declan Miller, his equally unconventional police colleagues, his dance group, and an interesting array of victims and suspects
Overview of plot: Because of an innocent walk with his dog, a man becomes involved in the death of a drug dealer, and the plot escalates out of control. DS Miller actually has two deaths (murders?) to solve, and relies, as always, on his quirky partner, Xiu, to keep him in line. As always, despite his disrespect for others, his juvenile interactions, and the distractions of his pet rats, his dance group, and his frequent discussions with his dead wife, who appears at just the right times, Miller is able to resurrect enough professionalism to solve his cases.
Recommendation: 4 stars
Extras: This is story that should be classified as “thriller light.” While the suspense might be less than what is traditionally considered hard core thrillers, the characters, mixed story lines and irreverence of the protagonist make the book enjoyable and engaging to the end. Hopefully, we will see more of DS Declan Miller.
Thanx to NetGalley and Atlantic Crime for the opportunity to provide this candid review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ll admit I’m a glutton for humorous police procedurals. Which is why I’m a big fan of Mark Billingham’s DS Miller series. This is the third in the series. “A murder that isn’t a murder” leaves a low level drug dealer who works for Jacqui Cutler dead. But miscommunication reigns and the poor soul involved in the incident, “Bad Luck Barry” as the squad starts to call him, is targeted by the drug queenpin.
The humor is still there in spades, including a little grammar humor. It’s not often I highlight passages in a police procedural. But Billingham’s writing just enthralls me. “ Seizing the day and then squeezing the life out of it”. And Billingham has created a great group of characters. I adore Miller, he’s a total smart ass. But he also has his sensitive side, still talking to his dead wife. And oh, how I envy him that she answers him. His relationship with his addicted stepdaughter Finn also adds a level of emotion to the stories. My one issue was that the basic plot point was too obvious. Not how it was resolved, but the set up. How it played out was well constructed.
While this is the third in a series, I think it would work as a stand-alone, although it will give away the ending to the second book. Looking forward to book four in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of this book.
The humor is still there in spades, including a little grammar humor. It’s not often I highlight passages in a police procedural. But Billingham’s writing just enthralls me. “ Seizing the day and then squeezing the life out of it”. And Billingham has created a great group of characters. I adore Miller, he’s a total smart ass. But he also has his sensitive side, still talking to his dead wife. And oh, how I envy him that she answers him. His relationship with his addicted stepdaughter Finn also adds a level of emotion to the stories. My one issue was that the basic plot point was too obvious. Not how it was resolved, but the set up. How it played out was well constructed.
While this is the third in a series, I think it would work as a stand-alone, although it will give away the ending to the second book. Looking forward to book four in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DCI Miller returns in his third outing in this excellent comedic thriller. This book is a much lighter tone than Billinghams Tom Thorne series, with Miller constantly making wise cracks that make me imagine a younger Bill Murray in the role. The sarcasm and wit rarely misses and had me smirking and laughing throughout.
There's not much of a murder mystery to solve this time round, with an accident, then leading to murder and a kidnapping, but we know who does each, and so does Miller. We just sit back and enjoy the ride.
I was so pleased to see the return of Alex, Millers dead wife. A sounding board for him to reminisce and deal with his grief, as well helping him talk through his cases and personal problems. He knows she's not really there but those scenes do tug on the heart strings.
You certainly can read this as a stand alone but there are so many references to the previous two books, with all of the characters returning here, you're much the better off if you've read them before picking this one up.
I hope this series continues for many more books a s was the perfect tonic after the trauma Billingham caused me in What the Night Brings!
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
The Shadow Step is due to be released on 2nd July 2026.
There's not much of a murder mystery to solve this time round, with an accident, then leading to murder and a kidnapping, but we know who does each, and so does Miller. We just sit back and enjoy the ride.
I was so pleased to see the return of Alex, Millers dead wife. A sounding board for him to reminisce and deal with his grief, as well helping him talk through his cases and personal problems. He knows she's not really there but those scenes do tug on the heart strings.
You certainly can read this as a stand alone but there are so many references to the previous two books, with all of the characters returning here, you're much the better off if you've read them before picking this one up.
I hope this series continues for many more books a s was the perfect tonic after the trauma Billingham caused me in What the Night Brings!
I would like to convey my thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the chance to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
The Shadow Step is due to be released on 2nd July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a long-time fan of the Tom Thorne novels, so I was excited to dive into another Mark Billingham police procedural.
Declan Miller immediately won me over - he has that same dry sarcasm and world-weary edge as Thorne, paired with a cheeky sense of humour that masks someone far more vulnerable underneath. He's what we call in my house a worky-ticket.
One of the highlights for me was the banter, especially between Declan and Imran. I know this is a serious book, but the humour and turns of phrase genuinely had me chuckling out loud, which helped balance the darker moments of the story. Particularly, 'Florence Shitengale'.
The plot kicks off deceptively simply: an accident in a park involving one nervous dog and two aggressive ones. From there, everything spirals into a cacophony of crime: murders, a kidnapping, and a major drug seizure.
Poor bad luck Barry really stuck with me. I couldn’t help but feel for him as his life unravels. The poor sod accidentally pulls a loose thread and ends up caught in a storm of crime and chaos.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shadow Step. It has sharp character work, gripping twists, and just enough humour to keep things human. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Declan Miller immediately won me over - he has that same dry sarcasm and world-weary edge as Thorne, paired with a cheeky sense of humour that masks someone far more vulnerable underneath. He's what we call in my house a worky-ticket.
One of the highlights for me was the banter, especially between Declan and Imran. I know this is a serious book, but the humour and turns of phrase genuinely had me chuckling out loud, which helped balance the darker moments of the story. Particularly, 'Florence Shitengale'.
The plot kicks off deceptively simply: an accident in a park involving one nervous dog and two aggressive ones. From there, everything spirals into a cacophony of crime: murders, a kidnapping, and a major drug seizure.
Poor bad luck Barry really stuck with me. I couldn’t help but feel for him as his life unravels. The poor sod accidentally pulls a loose thread and ends up caught in a storm of crime and chaos.
Overall, I really enjoyed Shadow Step. It has sharp character work, gripping twists, and just enough humour to keep things human. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The third instalment in the Detective Declan Miller series is an absolute joy to read. Miller is quirky, dry, and deliciously sarcastic, with a wit that genuinely made me laugh out loud. His inner monologue and sharp observations give the book a wonderfully light tone, yet the crimes themselves are handled with depth and care. What continues to set this series apart is its heart. Miller’s tender conversations with his late wife Alex reveal a vulnerability beneath the humour. His partnership with Xiu who he affectionately nicknamed “Posh” has grown into a steady, believable friendship, full of warmth and perfectly timed banter.
The return of characters from the first two books gives the story a sense of reunion, almost like catching up with old friends, even the villains are drawn with a certain charm. Meanwhile, Miller’s complicated but clearly loving relationship with his stepdaughter Finn is felt in every interaction.
Lighter in tone than the Thorne series but every bit as compelling, this book balances humour, heart, and an intriguing case with impressive skill. Detective Declan Miller is truly a detective like no other ,and this series would make a perfect TV show. It has everything.
The return of characters from the first two books gives the story a sense of reunion, almost like catching up with old friends, even the villains are drawn with a certain charm. Meanwhile, Miller’s complicated but clearly loving relationship with his stepdaughter Finn is felt in every interaction.
Lighter in tone than the Thorne series but every bit as compelling, this book balances humour, heart, and an intriguing case with impressive skill. Detective Declan Miller is truly a detective like no other ,and this series would make a perfect TV show. It has everything.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Shadow Step by Mark Billingham
This was a smart and engaging addition to the Detective Miller series, with a premise that quickly pulls you in. A body discovered in a lake, paired with a confession that does not quite fit, sets the investigation in motion and opens up a case that becomes increasingly layered and complex.
DS Declan Miller remains a real highlight. His dry humour and slightly unconventional approach bring a welcome balance to the darker elements of the story, making him both likeable and distinctive. The supporting characters work well alongside him, adding depth without distracting from the central plot.
There are multiple strands running through the narrative, from organised crime to more personal motives, and they are woven together with confidence. The pacing keeps things moving, and while there is a lot to take in at times, it never feels overwhelming.
What stood out most for me was the tone. The humour running alongside the darker subject matter makes this an accessible and enjoyable read, without losing any of the tension.
A well constructed, character driven crime novel that kept me engaged throughout. A strong four star read.
This was a smart and engaging addition to the Detective Miller series, with a premise that quickly pulls you in. A body discovered in a lake, paired with a confession that does not quite fit, sets the investigation in motion and opens up a case that becomes increasingly layered and complex.
DS Declan Miller remains a real highlight. His dry humour and slightly unconventional approach bring a welcome balance to the darker elements of the story, making him both likeable and distinctive. The supporting characters work well alongside him, adding depth without distracting from the central plot.
There are multiple strands running through the narrative, from organised crime to more personal motives, and they are woven together with confidence. The pacing keeps things moving, and while there is a lot to take in at times, it never feels overwhelming.
What stood out most for me was the tone. The humour running alongside the darker subject matter makes this an accessible and enjoyable read, without losing any of the tension.
A well constructed, character driven crime novel that kept me engaged throughout. A strong four star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’d been looking forward to reading this and it definitely lived up to my expectations. It’s one of those books where you sit down intending to read a couple of chapters and suddenly realise you’re halfway through because it’s so easy to get caught up in the story.
The story itself is full of surprises. What starts off as a fairly odd situation soon grows into something much bigger, with plenty of twists along the way. Every time I thought I’d worked out what was going on, the plot took another turn and I was back to guessing again. It kept me hooked from beginning to end.
I also really enjoy the people around Miller. The relationships between the team feel natural, and the balance between the lighter moments and the darker side of the case works really well.
Blackpool is becoming a character in its own right and gives the series a different feel from a lot of crime novels. It’s nice to read something that stands out rather than following the same formula.
For me, this is another really strong instalment, and I think the series just keeps getting better. I’m already looking forward to seeing what Declan Miller gets himself into next.
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
The story itself is full of surprises. What starts off as a fairly odd situation soon grows into something much bigger, with plenty of twists along the way. Every time I thought I’d worked out what was going on, the plot took another turn and I was back to guessing again. It kept me hooked from beginning to end.
I also really enjoy the people around Miller. The relationships between the team feel natural, and the balance between the lighter moments and the darker side of the case works really well.
Blackpool is becoming a character in its own right and gives the series a different feel from a lot of crime novels. It’s nice to read something that stands out rather than following the same formula.
For me, this is another really strong instalment, and I think the series just keeps getting better. I’m already looking forward to seeing what Declan Miller gets himself into next.
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 3rd book in Mark Billingham’s DS Declan Miller series. When a drug dealer dies as the result of his dog and a stranger’s dog scuffling and he trips over the leashes and dies, starting a “war” which results in the death of an unconnected person. And then the son of local drug lord, Jacqui Cutler, is kidnapped, again beginning a cascade of events attempting a rescue. Sound confusing? It is for a long time in this rambling novel but does resolve itself in the end.
I was very excited to receive an ARC of a Mark Billingham novel having read several of his earlier books featuring Tom Thorne. What a difference in main characters - serious, somber Thorne to take-nothing-seriously Miller. I came very close to not finishing the book as it seemed to drag along and I found Miller a less than likable main character. But I stuck with it as the plot seemed to jump around, was filled with strange things (especially his conversations with his late wife, Alex), but finally everything came together to a somewhat satisfying ending (resulting in my 3 star rating instead of 2 stars). My thanks to Atlantic Crime and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I was very excited to receive an ARC of a Mark Billingham novel having read several of his earlier books featuring Tom Thorne. What a difference in main characters - serious, somber Thorne to take-nothing-seriously Miller. I came very close to not finishing the book as it seemed to drag along and I found Miller a less than likable main character. But I stuck with it as the plot seemed to jump around, was filled with strange things (especially his conversations with his late wife, Alex), but finally everything came together to a somewhat satisfying ending (resulting in my 3 star rating instead of 2 stars). My thanks to Atlantic Crime and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I faced this book with some trepidation as I had found the first of the series, The Last Dance, quite difficult (after Thorne) because of a whole new level of detective quirkiness. Whilst cleverly written, this is the kind of guy who I would steer clear/run away from in regular life, so full immersion was very challenging. Declan Miller is one of those people who has to make a joke (usually inappropriate) about everything and interrupts to do so. He keeps rats, is a ballroom dancer and mulls the case over with the dead. As a result I did not read the second in the series.
As I launched into the third instalment, I felt my attitudes had mellowed/changed and I enjoyed the humour (unintentional from the character, intentional from the writer) rather endearing. This is serious crime territory - murder, drug cartels, firearms and kidnap, yet it proceeded rather like a mix between the Keystone Cops and French farce to great effect.
I really enjoyed the ride and now want to pick up volume two as I have a new commitment to this detective series!
With thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrownBookGroupUK for the opportunity to read and review
As I launched into the third instalment, I felt my attitudes had mellowed/changed and I enjoyed the humour (unintentional from the character, intentional from the writer) rather endearing. This is serious crime territory - murder, drug cartels, firearms and kidnap, yet it proceeded rather like a mix between the Keystone Cops and French farce to great effect.
I really enjoyed the ride and now want to pick up volume two as I have a new commitment to this detective series!
With thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrownBookGroupUK for the opportunity to read and review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Shadow Step is the much anticipated sequel in the Detective Miller series that doesn't disappoint and is gripping from the first to the last page.
The irrerevent and hilarious Miller is back and with every book I love him more and cant wait to see how he will solve the case.
Once again Miller , Xiu and Finn play off her each other perfectly as they strive to solve the latest case.
Barry Cheshire has no luck at all and when he comes into confess to a murder of a local drug dealer the game is on.
Miller knows Barry did not murder the victim and he cant help but like poor Barry.
It is a comedy of errors that will have your chuckling as you turn the pages in this quirky book.
Fear not Miller is still ball room dancing and talking to his late wife.
Mark Billingham is a master of the unexpected twist and he doesnt disappoint in The Shadow Step.
If you haven't read this series you are missing out . Definitely read them in order though.
The Shadow Step is my favourite in the series (until the next one).
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Shadow Step.
The irrerevent and hilarious Miller is back and with every book I love him more and cant wait to see how he will solve the case.
Once again Miller , Xiu and Finn play off her each other perfectly as they strive to solve the latest case.
Barry Cheshire has no luck at all and when he comes into confess to a murder of a local drug dealer the game is on.
Miller knows Barry did not murder the victim and he cant help but like poor Barry.
It is a comedy of errors that will have your chuckling as you turn the pages in this quirky book.
Fear not Miller is still ball room dancing and talking to his late wife.
Mark Billingham is a master of the unexpected twist and he doesnt disappoint in The Shadow Step.
If you haven't read this series you are missing out . Definitely read them in order though.
The Shadow Step is my favourite in the series (until the next one).
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Crime for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Shadow Step.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DS Declan Miller returns for a third outing, bringing with him his juvenile wit, bad table manners (according to DS Xiu), and his uncanny ability to somehow get things right against all odds. And he still finds time to attend dance practice. Now that's dedication.🕺🏼💃🏻
The Shadow Step opens with a menacing encounter between two dog walkers, one of whom is later found dead in a pond. It turns out the deceased was in the employ of none other than Jacqui Cutler, nemesis of DS Miller. 🕺🏼💃🏻
Miller and Xiu soon find themselves investigating another suspicious death, a kidnapping, and they go undercover in a heavy metal venue. 🤘🏻
The Shadow Step hits the ground running, and the pace never wavers. The jokes come thick and fast from Miller, but don't be fooled. There are some poignant scenes, those that feature Finn, Miller's stepdaughter, in particular. 🕺🏼💃🏻
After the seriousness of the last Thorne novel, this was just the tonic. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; Miller may not be to everyone's taste, but for this reader, he's a breath of fresh air. 🕺🏼💃🏻
Thanks to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the ARC.
The Shadow Step opens with a menacing encounter between two dog walkers, one of whom is later found dead in a pond. It turns out the deceased was in the employ of none other than Jacqui Cutler, nemesis of DS Miller. 🕺🏼💃🏻
Miller and Xiu soon find themselves investigating another suspicious death, a kidnapping, and they go undercover in a heavy metal venue. 🤘🏻
The Shadow Step hits the ground running, and the pace never wavers. The jokes come thick and fast from Miller, but don't be fooled. There are some poignant scenes, those that feature Finn, Miller's stepdaughter, in particular. 🕺🏼💃🏻
After the seriousness of the last Thorne novel, this was just the tonic. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; Miller may not be to everyone's taste, but for this reader, he's a breath of fresh air. 🕺🏼💃🏻
Thanks to Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this third book in the DS Declan Miller series, Miller and his partner Sara Xiu get the call when a low-level drug dealer is found dead in a public park. Though it looks like it’s not murder, it soon leads to a murder, and entangles Miller once again with Blackpool’s drug queen, Jacqui Cutler. As the case spins wider and wilder, Miller’s wisecracking will get on a great many people’s nerves, from Jacqui and her henchman, to Miller’s colleagues, and—naturally—to witnesses and suspects.
This isn’t a whodunnit; it’s more of a semi-comic police procedural. I’d probably want to strangle Miller if I had to work with him, but as a fictional character he’s grown on me. Underneath his bumptious exterior, he’s a softy, which shows in his relationship with his Xiu and his drug addicted stepdaughter, Finn. Even his imagined conversations with his murdered wife, Alex, are interesting and touching, when that could come across as gimmicky or mawkish.
I’m looking forward to Miller’s next case.
This isn’t a whodunnit; it’s more of a semi-comic police procedural. I’d probably want to strangle Miller if I had to work with him, but as a fictional character he’s grown on me. Underneath his bumptious exterior, he’s a softy, which shows in his relationship with his Xiu and his drug addicted stepdaughter, Finn. Even his imagined conversations with his murdered wife, Alex, are interesting and touching, when that could come across as gimmicky or mawkish.
I’m looking forward to Miller’s next case.
March 19, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Brilliant British Banter, Intelligent Crime
full review ⬇️
Hi. My name is Ash and I’m addicted to crime books. Cosy crime, thriller crime, British crime.. I’ll take them all!
The Shadow Step falls into the latter category and with similar vibes to Richard Osman / Slow Horses, I had the BEST time reading this one!
It was a joy to be back into the mind of Mark Billingham in the second episode of this series (which I recommend reading in order) and get to enjoy some of the best dry humour writing going round. It was equally enjoyable to reunite with Detective Miller who remains one of my favourite crime protagonists. He’s flawed, persistent, refreshingly human and hilarious.
The Shadow Step delivers a funny yet smartly layered crime investigation in that deeply satisfying way where every detail matters. The pacing is sharp without being rushed and the tension builds steadily as seemingly separate cases begin to collide.
If you enjoy intelligent crime fiction with a strong cast of characters and brilliantly witty British humour, this is the series for you!
Vibe check: Brilliant British Banter, Intelligent Crime
full review ⬇️
Hi. My name is Ash and I’m addicted to crime books. Cosy crime, thriller crime, British crime.. I’ll take them all!
The Shadow Step falls into the latter category and with similar vibes to Richard Osman / Slow Horses, I had the BEST time reading this one!
It was a joy to be back into the mind of Mark Billingham in the second episode of this series (which I recommend reading in order) and get to enjoy some of the best dry humour writing going round. It was equally enjoyable to reunite with Detective Miller who remains one of my favourite crime protagonists. He’s flawed, persistent, refreshingly human and hilarious.
The Shadow Step delivers a funny yet smartly layered crime investigation in that deeply satisfying way where every detail matters. The pacing is sharp without being rushed and the tension builds steadily as seemingly separate cases begin to collide.
If you enjoy intelligent crime fiction with a strong cast of characters and brilliantly witty British humour, this is the series for you!
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