They'll Take Everything

by C.H. Connor

David Dale has been running from guilt for three years.

The car accident that killed his family was his fault. Now he has one chance at redemption: opening a charity for families shattered by tragedy.

But that's made him the perfect target.

Days before the launch, anonymous messages begin. Precise. Threatening. Someone’s been watching him. Someone knows exactly how to break him. What begins as extortion becomes a calculated campaign to dismantle David’s life, piece by piece.

The charity launches to national attention — which only makes things worse.

David finds himself targeted by a criminal syndicate who don't leave witnesses. As he unravels the conspiracy, he's forced to confront the past he thought he'd buried. But that's when he realises the terrifying truth.

This isn’t extortion. It’s revenge.

Three years of guilt. Two weeks of terror. One truth that changes everything.

How far would you go to turn heartbreak into hope?

Perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson and Harlan Coben, and for readers who crave layered suspense, emotional depth, and immersive, character-driven stories.

Genres: Suspense

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2026

About the author

C.H. Connor is the debut author of the psychological crime thriller, THEY'LL TAKE EVERYTHING, released 16 February 2026.

Connor built his career in software before putting pen to paper and publishing his upcoming novel. Connor lives with his partner and son in Manchester, UK.

You can connect with Connor on Instagram. To receive updates on his latest work and upcoming events, you can sign up to his spam-free newsletter at chconnor.com.

Connect on Instagram: ch_connor

Reviews

[Lori Peterson]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.

They'll Take Everything, is an unexpected gem of story as readers get to known David Dale; the man has already been a through a Dante level of personal hell.

It costs David all he loves.

But out the ashes, David wants to help those facing their own dark trials with launching a charity that he hopes will change lives. It first, the launch of Down Dream is something off a dream for David and those entrusted to help achieve this wonderful reality. Then... David's situation gets odd and down right dangerous as violent people believe this charity and its owner are easy marks to get money from. As David and his friends begin to feel the heat from shadowy men, David struggles to fight back and keep intact what he wants to achieve.


Highly recommended.

[Luna]

Thank you to CH Connor for sending me a copy for an honest review.

We follow Dave, the grieving psychiatrist for three years, running from guilt, making the stakes high and personal.

The story grabbed my attention and keept me hooked in.

This book have guilt, ambition, conspiracy, betrayed, secrets, heartbreak and hope. All the ingredients for a great thriller story.

This is a fantastic debut thriller from C.H Connor.

100% recommend to anyone who loves an unputdownable psychological thriller.

[Stefanie Verhelst]

This read will pull you in and won’t let go untill the very end! At least, that’s what it did to me!!!

The author has created a character driven, heart pounding thriller that will cut through your bones! It’s the kind of read that will stay with you, long after you’ve finished it.

They’ll take everything is not just a book, it’s a mind blowing experience!! 😎🤩.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme)]

They’ll Take Everything is a thriller that’s bursting at the seams with suspense. David Dale has suffered an unimaginable loss and decides to start his own charity which becomes instantly successful. Things go downhill from there with threatening calls, vandalism, and even attacks. I never knew what was going to happen next! There were some twists that caught me off guard which is the hallmark of a good thriller!

[Sherry Fundin]

I love the cover for They'll Take Everything by C H Connor. The colors and content are eye catching. And that title...definitely draws me in. For a debut novel, C H Connor hit it out of the ballpark.

David Dale carries a heavy weight of guilt. He feels responsible for the car accident that killed his family. He decides to make a drastic change, trying to find redemption. He is going to start a charity that will help others that find it hard to move on from a tragedy. Bev, a close personal friend of thirteen years, agrees to join in. It's not long before things begin to happen. Anonymous messages, Threats. Extortion. David stands firm on his mission.

The suspense builds slowly as the danger increases. Revenge is coming, knocking at his door.

WTF? That's why I don't read ahead. I love when an author can surprise me and I didn't see it coming, though I knew who the villain was. I went back and reread the last chapter because it was just that great.

My thanks go out to C H Connor for the opportunity to read They'll Take Everything.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

[Sam “My Cosy Book Nook”]

Though I say so myself, and even though I must surely be one of the world’s worst cooks, I will say that I make a fine spaghetti bolognaise. It’s about the only dish that I’ve been able to cook well since my student days, and proof perhaps that even if you’re terrible at something, enough practice and you might gain some competence. Perhaps more to the point, if I happen to make a small mistake now and again – such as, for instance, allowing myself to get distracted the first time I cooked it for my girlfriend, which resulted in my burning some of the onions – it’s not the end of the world. I’ll know not to do it again next time. And not just because the same woman, who is now my wife, still occasionally reminds me of it more than 15 years on.

If, however, I were to happen to eat a spag bol cooked by the likes of, let’s say, Gino D’Acampo, for it to be ‘fine’ wouldn’t really be good enough. I’d want it to be exquisite. Anything less, no matter how much better it tasted than anything I could make myself, would still feel like something of a disappointment.

My point here is that we should probably remember to spare a shred of sympathy for debut authors, when the books they’ve spent months or perhaps years writing are finally released into the world. This means that they’re read by people who, typically and inevitably, will judge by celebrity standards. Every time we open a new book, we want – hope for – perfection. And if we don’t get it, reviewers such as myself are almost duty bound to point this out. But, really, is it any wonder that a writer’s first attempt doesn’t quite do enough to please everyone?

C H Connor has – and he’ll be mightily relieved to read this after that intro – done better than most with his debut psychological thriller, They’ll Take Everything. In the beginning, we’re introduced to the character of David Dale who, for the last three years and with the help of therapy, has been trying to come to terms with the sudden accidental deaths of his wife and daughters. Now, he’s trying to heal himself through healing others, by launching a new charity.

Then, we’re quickly introduced to the character of Bev, who is a wonderful creation. On the one hand, she provides some humour throughout the book but on the other, she’s a true friend. And David doesn’t forget that.

From there, the book is fast-paced and action-packed. Maybe a little too much so to be a true psychological thriller, where the reader needs to spend the whole book stuck inside the head of at least one character for it to really work. But I don’t think that’s too much of a problem in this case. Think of They’ll Take Everything as a crime thriller with a psychological edge, and it does a very good job.

I do, however, have to be brutally honest and say that for me, there were a few small flaws. The introduction of a particularly glamorous character, and her eventual role in the plot felt more than a little predictable. But it was when Connor tried to make the story somehow personal to a powerful criminal syndicate that I felt it lost something. It just seemed a little too improbable to be truly believable. And it was this slight – and it was only slight – disbelief that meant I didn’t feel fearful for someone’s life at a time that I really, really needed to.

The ending, though: wow. I loved it. Hopefully I can keep it spoiler-free by saying that I hadn’t expected it at all, and yet it’s a variation of one that I’ve wished on several occasions that other authors have been brave enough to use.

Overall, then, I mean it as no insult to say that you can probably think of C H Connor’s first novel as being a little bit like Gino D’Acampo’s first effort at a spag bol. Not perfect, but still a fine effort that I’d be happy to sample more of. And – quite unlike my cooking, if not his – there’s no reason to suppose that Connor’s next book won’t be better still.

My thanks to the author for the digital ARC of They’ll Take Everything, which I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. My review is also available on my blog at www.mycosybooknook.wordpess.com, published on Amazon and shared on my social media pages.

[Ann Onimaus]

This tightly constructed thriller thrives on well-timed twists and a steadily escalating sense of unease. Connor builds suspense with patience, allowing secrets to surface gradually and only when they carry the most emotional and narrative weight. This measured unfolding keeps the reader engaged, each revelation feels a little earned and plot divisive.

At the center of the story is our protagonist whose past is cloaked in mystery, particularly surrounding a devastating personal loss. His history is inextricably linked to an underground organization that raises the stakes beyond personal survival, expanding the conflict into something far more dangerous and morally complex. As the narrative progresses, the question is no longer just what happened, but who deserves redemption, and whether redemption is even possible at all. One of the novel’s strongest elements is its moral ambiguity. The protagonist’s current altruistic actions invite the reader to question whether present-day goodness can truly redeem past mistakes, especially when those mistakes altered other people’s lives. Connor also explores intent versus consequence, asking whether it matters if harm was unintentional, or if accountability remains regardless. The antagonist adds another layer of complexity. Though driven by loss and a sense of grief, his pursuit of revenge feel less like justice and more like destruction, especially in his “profession” and his portrayal as the villain is already cemented in the story from his first appearance. This imbalance reinforces the novel’s central tension, particularly as innocent people are pulled into the crossfire, amplifying the emotional weight of the conflict. The supporting cast is well-developed, with the detective assisting the main character standing out as a particularly enjoyable presence. He adds both grounding realism and narrative balance, serving as a counterpoint to the protagonist’s turmoil. The detective’s role strengthens the investigative elements of the story while also humanizing the broader consequences of the unfolding events.

While certain character decisions function clearly as plot devices to drive the story forward, they rarely feel disruptive. They maintain momentum and keep the tension taut. Connor’s atmospheric writing further elevates the novel, with vivid scenery and an immersive tone that reinforces the thriller’s dark, uneasy mood.

The final twist is especially effective which lands with impact, yet rewards attentive readers who may recognize that the groundwork was subtly laid earlier in the story. This balance between surprise and foreshadowing underscores Connor’s careful plotting and respect for the reader.

Overall, They’ll Take Everything is a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller that blends timed pacing with moral inquiry. It leaves the reader reflecting on guilt, redemption, and the lasting consequences of past actions.

[Katie]

David dale - a family man, a well respected a psychiatrist, a successful practise he built for the ground up he appears to have the perfect life… Until one day his world is destroyed in a instant, he looses his wife and two daughters in an accident that was his fault.

Three years pass he is still grieving his loss, he has sold his practise and he decides he needs to do something with his life. Then came 'Down Dream" a charity start up with a goal to help everyone. David has put everything he has into this charity with the help of his friends. Then along comes Quentin ready to tear down all of David's hard work, all his dreams and ambitions. The charity, David's life and his friend's lives are all being threatened by Quentin but David will not give in to these criminals! Find out if David is able to save his friends, his charity, himself and even Quentin's wife Rose who has her own tragic story in "They'll take Everything"

This book was so thrilling you find yourself not being able to put it down! The story was well paced throughout there were no sections that i found dragged or difficult to get through. The story unraveled at an even pace which a mixture of sadness and excitement. Although i don't believe this book is like anything iv'e read at least not recently i would say that the excitement aspect would be similar to the feeling i get when reading books by authors such as Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Frieda Mcfadden.

The characters were well thought out and each played an important role in the book. You had 4 people from very different background working together on this amazing charity, Alex a journalist who will do anything to bring light to Quentin's crimes, Mcfield the detective who has been told to back of Quentin, Quentin the crime boss whose answer to everything is violence and i could keep going but i think you should just go and read it and immerse yourself in this incredible story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye]

3.5 Stars

In They’ll Take Everything, one man learns that revenge can ruin your entire life.
Three years ago, David Dale caused an accident that killed his family. Since then, he has sold his chain of psychiatric practices and tried to decide what to do with his life. He decides to start a charity called Down Dream to help those down on their luck. At their opening night fundraiser, a famous financier helps them raise heaps of money as well as lots of media attention for Down Dream. But then David and Down Dream are targeted by someone wanting “protection money.” David refuses, and things become more and more dangerous. Why precisely have they targeted David and Down Dream? And how far will their violence actually go?
The start is a little slow as C.H. Connor sets up his story. But enjoy this as you won’t have a breather for some time. As the action builds, the tension stays taut with only a few moments to take in what is happening. But these exposition moments are well balanced with the action, making this a well-paced thriller once you get past the first hump.
The ending was a shocker, and I loved that Connor went there. But I wish that there had been more. I would have loved a short epilogue to tie up the strings afterward. You can say that it had been done already, but I saw it as a fake-out so you wouldn’t see the ending (I know I didn’t.) Plus, everything changed. And I’m not talking long Epilogue; just like two pages, so I knew that Sam and Down Dream was ok. But overall, I applaud the ending, though I know some people will be unhappy about it.
The only true criticism I had was that there seemed to be a lack of a cohesive plans within the story. The charity hardly had a mission statement or structure, and I had a hard time with suspension of disbelief. There were some other parts of the story that are vague, and I see that once Connor made this choice keep the twist hidden (I guessed it anyway). Being a little tighter with the story details would have made the story its best.
They’ll Take Everything is a thriller that will make you look over your shoulder if you've ever done anything bad in your life.

I received an ARC from the author; all opinions are my own.

[Priscilla Lawal]

They’ll Take Everything starts with an emotional David Dale in his therapist’s office, recounting the trauma induced by losing his beloved family, a tragedy that cost him his practice and left him living as a recluse. After several years of pain and regret, David decides to open a charity helping with homelessness in London. But this beautiful deed soon catches the attention of organized crime, threatening David and his fellow co-founders.

A powerful social figure steps into David's new life, bringing his charity far more attention than he ever expected. This increases public and governmental approval for the philanthropic cause, but things take a dark turn after a break-in at the charity’s office and a cryptic message that sends shivers through the founders of Down Dream. Several occurrences over the following weeks led them into a myriad of tumultuous events.

CH Connor takes the reader through a psychological journey of intense loss, manipulation, and suspense. We're kept in a thrilling maze of trying to figure out who might be the accomplice to this tragic manipulation. David Dale’s strength is highlighted throughout his perseverance to keep the charity going despite severe threats to his life, family, and co-founders.

They’ll Take Everything is a compelling read that gives you the suspense of watching someone face an unknown but persistent enemy. While the story delivers suspense, it follows some familiar patterns and could have been more intense. The unexpected ending, however, makes up for the slower pacing in the middle.

I would recommend They’ll Take Everything to readers who love deeply emotional psychological thrillers, but note there are some darker themes that sensitive readers may want to be aware of. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leanne]

They’ll Take Everything is one of those rare suspense novels that blends adrenaline‑sharp pacing with real emotional weight. From the first chapter, David Dale’s grief sits heavy in the air—three years of guilt over the accident that destroyed his family, three years of trying to outrun the life he can’t bear to look at. His attempt to turn pain into purpose by launching a charity for families devastated by tragedy feels both noble and heartbreakingly fragile.

And that’s exactly when the threats begin.

The anonymous messages are chilling in their precision—calculated, intimate, as if the sender has been waiting for David to step into the light just so they can drag him back into darkness. What starts as extortion quickly spirals into something far more orchestrated and personal. The sense of being watched, hunted, and dismantled piece by piece is captured flawlessly.
Once the charity launch draws national attention, the novel shifts into a pulse‑pounding second act. The criminal syndicate targeting David feels truly menacing, and the stakes escalate with every chapter. Yet the book never loses sight of its emotional core: a man trying to make meaning out of his worst mistake, only to realise someone else has been turning that mistake into a blueprint for revenge.

The final reveal lands with the force of a gut punch—dark, human, and disturbingly plausible.

Fans of Stieg Larsson and Harlan Coben will love the mix of layered conspiracy, high tension, and character‑driven depth. This is a thriller that keeps you turning pages while also making you feel every ounce of David’s desperation, resilience, and dawning horror.

A taut, immersive, and surprisingly moving read. I devoured it in one sitting.

With thanks to CH Connor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Rachel]

They'll Take Everything by C.H. Connor is a psychological crime thriller. The author reached out to me about reviewing an ARC, and I was able to nab a digital copy from BookSirens. For a debut title, this story doesn't really disappoint.

It's slow-paced, especially in the beginning, but that's the nature of suspense. David Dale is opening a charity for the homeless after spending three years feeling guilty for the loss of his wife and two young daughters. This charity is a way for him to give back and hopefully make himself feel better about his past mistakes. However, the charity isn't all sunshine and rainbows, as someone is targeting David and the charity. They want money, though it's not quite clear why David is particular is the target.

I did enjoy the characters, particularly Rose and Bev. That said, this book has a wide cast with a lot of moving pieces that didn't always hit the mark. Sometimes I felt there were too many things going on. Allen was the start of it all, but he was soon forgotten about until he was brought up again at the very end.

I didn't guess the motives behind the villain, nor did I see the ending coming. I won't say anything to avoid spoilers, but I'll admit the ending didn't do it for me. The mystery overall fell into place and it was satisfying, but the aftermath felt like an afterthought to me. 

Otherwise, the writing was well done, and once information began being revealed, the book was quick to get through. The last 25% or so was a page-turner. Also, I was impressed by how the crime was put together. Writing a crime thriller is not easy, and C.H. Connor did it well. I look forward to seeing future books from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are honest and my own.

[Iain Batten]

As a Christian life coach, pastor, cancer motivational speaker, and forensic psychologist, I have a keen interest in genres that explore themes of serial killers and dark psychological thrillers.

This tightly constructed thriller excels through its expertly timed twists and a steadily escalating sense of unease. Connor masterfully builds suspense, allowing secrets to emerge gradually, revealing themselves only when they hold the most emotional and narrative significance. This deliberate pacing keeps the reader fully engaged, making each revelation feel hard-won and impactful.

Overall, They’ll Take Everything is a suspenseful and thought-provoking novel that intertwines meticulous pacing with moral exploration. It prompts readers to reflect on themes of guilt, redemption, and the enduring consequences of past actions. The book is so compelling that it becomes difficult to set aside. The narrative maintains a consistent pace, with no sections feeling overly drawn out or tedious. Instead, it unfolds at an even rhythm, evoking a blend of sadness and excitement. With an intriguing premise and likable characters introduced from the very first chapters, the story captivates the reader’s attention from the outset.

I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to Connor for the ARC.

[Raymond Elliott]

I was part of a buddy read for this one… and I’m not even going to pretend I behaved myself. I had to finish early for one simple reason — I could not put it down. Not even sorry. 🙈

This is a terrifically thought-out psychological crime thriller that completely got under my skin.

The characters? Absolutely fantastic. A few of them I wrote off as dodgy from the very start — and the author very cleverly proved me wrong. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story shifted just enough to keep me doubting myself.

It begins as a slow burn, carefully laying the groundwork… and then things start happening. And when they do, they accelerate and escalate fast. What follows is a suspense-filled spiral laced with dread. The story absolutely oozes power, corruption and extortion, tightening its grip chapter by chapter.

And then came that final chapter.

It started in a way that had me feeling emotional and all warm and fuzzy inside… before cranking up into fifth gear with an ending that completely blew my mind. I did NOT see it coming. Not even close. By the time I finished, I was genuinely exhausted (in the best possible way).

How is this a debut novel?! 🤯 This would make a great drama adaptation

I will 100% be reading EVERYTHING he writes. It’s even matches our picture in our living room perfectly.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Soha Amer]

This is a tightly plotted, emotionally charged thriller that blends personal guilt with external danger in a way that steadily escalates tension from page one.

David Dale is not just a protagonist under threat—he’s a man already living inside punishment. The emotional weight of the past accident shapes everything he does, and the charity he builds becomes both his attempt at redemption and the mechanism through which he is targeted.

What unfolds is a layered psychological and criminal thriller: anonymous messages, escalating intimidation, and a widening conspiracy that suggests David’s suffering is not random, but orchestrated. The sense of being watched is constant, and the narrative does a strong job of making the reader feel that same unease.

The book’s strongest element is its dual focus: external suspense (the syndicate, the threats, the investigation) and internal collapse (guilt, grief, self-blame). As the two threads converge, the story shifts from “who is doing this?” to “what truth has been buried—and why?”

By the end, the emotional stakes feel just as sharp as the plot twists.

⚠️ Content Warnings

* Death of family members (past event)
* Car accident trauma
* Grief and guilt
* Psychological distress / paranoia
* Threats / stalking
* Organized crime / violence
* Emotional manipulation

[Renko Dekker]

Today is Publication Day for They'll Take Everything by C.H. Connor! I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Connor introduces us to David Dale, a man consumed by grief after a tragic accident claimed his family three years earlier. His attempt to turn personal tragedy into something meaningful, launching a charity to support other families who’ve suffered loss, is a brilliant start to this story. David’s journey quickly turns south as you feel his guilt, his cautious optimism, and ultimately, his fear as someone begins to dismantle everything he’s worked toward.

I absolutely loved this book. It hooked me right away and it never let up. What starts as a story about grief and rebuilding, quickly turns into a tense, edge-of-your-seat thriller full of secrets and emotional twists. A kind of book I absolutely like.

What really stayed with me was how real it felt. The main character’s pain, guilt, and determination came through clearly and was described perfectly. It’s fast-paced, gripping, and surprisingly heartfelt.

The tension builds so naturally that I flew through the chapters and suddenly I was at the end. A brilliant debut novel by this author!

5/5 ⭐️

[Donna Satterlee]

ARC received from the author for review.

The book opens introducing you to David Dale who is still recovering from an automobile accident three years earlier that took the life of his wife and two daughters. He has taken steps to sell his practice as a psychiatrist and is on the verge of opening a charity, Down Dream, to help people down on their luck. He has grouped several friends and is preparing for the launch party. Everything is going great when he receives a call from a man named Quinton demanding he provide monthly payments for protection. He tells the Quinton to get lost and that is where everything starts spinning out of control.

Quinton is the head of a large criminal organization with powerful men under its control. Several things occur within a few days; damage to his offices, assault on his co-workers but David continues to tell Quinton to get lost. Without giving anything away the ending was very frustrating, and probably intentionally left that way. Also, I found myself irritated with the leading character, David, as when all these things were happening, he seemed no to take it seriously. Also, the police presence seemed quite slow until the very end.

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[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe )]

They’ll Take Everything is a gripping thriller that blends guilt, revenge, and redemption into a story that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

Three years after losing his family in a tragic car accident, David Dale is still living in the shadow of that night. When he decides to launch Down Dream, a charity for families shattered by loss, it feels like his first real step toward healing. But just days before the launch, anonymous threats begin. Someone is watching him. Someone wants him to suffer.

What follows is a tense, well-paced story filled with emotional depth and sharp twists. The suspense builds steadily, with secrets revealed at just the right time. David is not a perfect hero—he’s broken, haunted, and vulnerable—which makes his journey even more powerful.

The novel explores guilt and the heavy cost of the past, while also showing how hope can grow from tragedy. With strong supporting characters and a dramatic charity launch that takes an unexpected turn, the story balances emotion and suspense beautifully.

If you enjoy thrillers that combine psychological tension with heartfelt themes, this one is worth adding to your shelf.

[Khushwant Rakhecha]

This book is a tense, character driven thriller that balances genuine emotion with fast-paced suspense.You spend a lot of time inside David’s head as he tries to atone for a single terrible day by helping everyone else whose life has been turned upside down, and the book is at its strongest when it stays close to that emotional core.

However, you should be aware that the pacing is intentional, starting as a deliberate slow burn that builds intimacy before shifting into a more visceral and sometimes chaotic pace. While the complexity of the financial corruption subplots requires careful attention, the reward is a gritty, realistic depiction of institutional rot and personal betrayal.

Overall this book is an honest reflection on the durability of trauma and the fragility of the lives we build to escape it. While the resolution is polarizing due to its stark lack of sanitization, it remains consistent with the novel's core message: some scars are too deep for money or philanthropy to fully heal.

Rating:- 3.8/5

#TheyllTakeEverything #NetGalley

[Veronica]

ARC REVIEW


David has been living with the guilt of the car accident that killed his family — an accident he believes was his fault. Three years later, he’s trying to turn heartbreak into hope by opening a charity for families shattered by tragedy. Redemption, right?

Wrong.

Days before the launch, the messages start. Someone’s watching him. This is a calculated attempt to dismantle his life piece by piece.

When the charity launches to national attention, the danger escalates. A ruthless criminal syndicate. No witnesses. No mercy. And as David digs deeper, he’s forced to confront the past he tried to bury… only to discover this isn’t about money.

It’s revenge.

I’ll be honest — it was a bit slow to get into at the beginning, but once it found its pace, it really got there. The tension builds steadily until you’re second-guessing everything. The last stretch? Intense and unsettling in the best way.

Thanks to @booksirens and @ch_connor for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.

[Heather]

This book has an interesting premise and from the first few chapters it draws you in with likeable characters - Bev was easily my favourite, I found her humour a highlight to the story! Connecting with characters is important to me so I liked how the author developed the main character David in a way that made it easy to connect with him.

For me, the pacing felt unsteady. It was mostly slow-paced which made it difficult to maintain much tension. The story does pick up towards the end as everything ties together. I especially enjoyed the final twists which were well executed and unexpected.

With a faster pace and a few more twists earlier in the story, this would have been an even stronger read for me. This will definitely appeal to readers who enjoy a slow-burn, character-driven story.

Thank you so much to the author C.H. Connor for this ARC! I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie]

Straightforward, tense and slow-burning ⚡️

This was one of those books I picked up “just to read a chapter” before going to bed and suddenly couldn’t put down. The pacing keeps pulling you in without ever feeling too heavy! The writing is clear and easy to follow, which made it perfect for an evening read (and an unplanned very late night😅) or a laid-back weekend.

What really stood out to me was the author’s attention to detail. The descriptions of the surroundings and characters are seamlessly woven into the dialogue, making every scene feel vivid and almost cinematic. I could clearly picture the settings, the movements, the atmosphere. It all felt INCREDIBLY alive!!

And there’s the ending… The final twist was genuinely shocking and completely unexpected. It left a strong lasting impression🫣

Overall, this is a gripping, accessible crime thriller that delivers tension and a powerful payoff without trying to be overly complicated.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor]

Philanthropy, power and pretence! What a fantastic read! ​After three years of living in isolation to escape a haunting personal tragedy, David emerges with a singular mission: to give back.
He establishes Down Dream, a charity born from his desire to heal and give back to society.
However, this slow-burning thriller proves that even the best intentions can invite evil and  darkness. ​
The story oozes power, corruption, and extortion, keeping me reading late into the night. Is everyone involved as committed as they pretend to be? The characters are exceptionally well-defined, especially Bev. I absolutely adored her, she is funny, empathetic, and refreshingly straight-talking while fiercely loyal. ​
The narrative tension ramps up significantly in the second half, escalating toward a totally unexpected ending. For fans of suspense, this is a must-read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all views expressed are my own.

[Louise Gaskell]

Dark, tense, and quietly unsettling, They’ll Take Everything is a thriller that combines emotions and suspense. It’s a starts as a slow burn, but when the pace accelerates, it does so with purpose, and the dark emotional weight really hits 🥊

The main Character, David is an ordinary man who has worked hard for what he has, only to lose far more than he ever expected 💔 His fear, confusion, and determination feel painfully real, and the way grief and guilt shape his choices gives the story that edge.

This isn’t just a crime story.  It’s about consequences, morality, and how easily good intentions can be turned against us 😵

Overall, this is a gripping and thoughtful thriller that stays with you long after the final page. An impressive debut, proving thrillers can have heart 🩷

Thank you to @ch_connor for sending me a ARC.  I really hope you have another book in the pipeline soon, as I'm eager to read more! 🥰

[Tami Wylie]

This debut twisty, tense thriller was a fantastic read. The story relies on a slow slow, but perfectly paced sense of dread that’s expertly built through a series of twist as we follow David’s story. David is suffering with guilt from the trauma of losing his family that has driven him to live a life of solitude for a number of years. When he decides to open a charity for others who have suffered similar losses, he soon finds himself being threatened by organised criminals. What follows is a story of grief, loss, manipulation and secrets, in the form of a very emotive psychological thriller. I was very invested in David’s story as he faced his unknown, yet determined enemy. I was driven to keep turning the pages. The author has created a compelling read with highly developed characters that are likable and make the reader feel along with them. Thank you to the author for gifting me an arc to read and review. I greatly enjoyed it.

[Terri]

What's the saying? No good deed goes without punishment?
If you love suspense and thrillers that shake you to your insides, this book will not disappoint! As the author creates opportunities for you to not only enjoy and appreciate these characters, but you find yourself cheering them on to be successful in their endeavors. I can't believe how fast I devoured this book. My only critique is I struggled at times with all of the "Er.." comments/moments. However, I couldn't help but shake my head in shock, at each twist and turn that I didn't see coming, as I kept wanting more. Through all of his struggles, David still wanted to do good for others, and fight back against those who wanted to take it from him. My head and heart are still torn at the ending (not giving any spoilers). This is indeed a great read!
Thank you to Hidden Gem for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Eloise Mohan]

3 years after the fatal accident that took away David Dale's family and made him give up his own psychiatry practice, he is ready to utilise his grief and build a charity for anybody and everybody.

However, the high profile accident, and his well known wealth make him the perfect target for criminal organisations.

They'll Take Everything starts off as quite a slowburn story, but in all the best ways. It allows the readers to fully empathise with David's situation and get a good feel for his character. It also allows the suspense of the story to build nicely, hinting that there is more to the story than we are originally led to believe.
David's character is passionate and driven, and it is really easy to completely invest yourself in rooting for his success.

I was immediately suspicious of some of the characters and their intentions, and was itching to read on and find out what it was that wasn't sitting right with me. Despite this, the ending still shocked me.

This story has everything; crime Lords, celebrities, revenge, drama, and more. Its emotional and completely captivating. A real page turner.

Highly recommend you check this out if you're into action packed psychological thrillers.
Publication date: February 16th 2026

[Zoe Forever Reading 16]

Wow. This does not feel like a debut book at all, and I will definitely be reading whatever Connor writes in future. I loved the writing style which enabled me to get invested from the first page to the last page. I didn’t want to put it down. Following David three years after a tragedy and him starting a charity to try and bring something positive and meaningful to people’s lives. You can tell Connor has taken the time to map out where the story was going and the thought that’s gone into it. A brilliant psychological thriller packed with tension, unease, emotion, hope, friendship and twists and turns. I highly recommend people picking up They’ll Take Everything. I can’t wait to see what Connor writes next.

[Sadie's Cosy Book Corner]

This is my first book by this author and I believe this is good for his first book.
It didn't hit all my markers to get a higher rating. The storyline was great and it was well written. The cover of the book grabbed my attention too.
However, I found the chapters way too long for my liking. There was also too many POVs in each chapter. It got my head jumbled up a few times. I feel like a different layout could have worked better. Also, I felt like the pace of the storyline was slow and long winded. It didn't quite hit the mark. However, it did pick up pace when the action happened about 80% of the way through. Was gutted at the ending. Though could have been left open for a book by Sam's view/life

[Cin (cinsnextchapter)]

They’ll Take Everything is a suspenseful slow burn that really explodes in the second half. I was thoroughly impressed with this debut from C.H. Connor!

The story follows David, a man trying to piece things back together after a tragic accident. He soon becomes the target of anonymous threats that spiral out of control, with intimidation quickly giving way to a deliberate effort to destroy his life.

The tension builds steadily before the pace kicks up and I found myself flying through the final stretch. A strong, gripping read overall, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what C.H. Connor does next!