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Detective Sheridan Holler #5
One Bad Deed
One night. Two cases. Three deadly secrets.
Dennis Canning has been murdered. Decades ago, he destroyed an entire family—has someone now taken revenge? DI Sheridan Holler believes so, but everyone has an alibi.
Then a brutal attack leaves a colleague fighting for her life in hospital. The investigation points to one suspect, but Sheridan can't prove it. Time is running out, and the evidence she needs is just out of reach.
Desperate and haunted by the ticking clock on both cases, Sheridan crosses a line she never thought she would. She turns to someone she shouldn't trust—someone who can help her get the proof she needs, no matter the cost to her conscience or even her career.
As the cases intertwine and dark secrets surface, Sheridan discovers that some alibis are too perfect—and some crimes are decades in the making. But when you break the rules, the consequences might destroy you.
Dennis Canning has been murdered. Decades ago, he destroyed an entire family—has someone now taken revenge? DI Sheridan Holler believes so, but everyone has an alibi.
Then a brutal attack leaves a colleague fighting for her life in hospital. The investigation points to one suspect, but Sheridan can't prove it. Time is running out, and the evidence she needs is just out of reach.
Desperate and haunted by the ticking clock on both cases, Sheridan crosses a line she never thought she would. She turns to someone she shouldn't trust—someone who can help her get the proof she needs, no matter the cost to her conscience or even her career.
As the cases intertwine and dark secrets surface, Sheridan discovers that some alibis are too perfect—and some crimes are decades in the making. But when you break the rules, the consequences might destroy you.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
T.M. Payne
6 books272 followersT.M. Payne’s Detective Sheridan Holler series will be published by Amazon Publishing in 2024 and 2025.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 7, 2026
Whoops!! Forgot to repost for publication day July 21, 26🤦🏼♀️
7.5/10: 3.75⭐️’s rounded up to 4⭐️’s.
A murderer, released two years ago, is found dead. A close friend is attacked and it’s not looking good.
Detective Inspector Sheridan Holler has her hands full with these two cases. She takes some questionable steps and reaches out to an unlikely acquaintance for some help to solve her friend’s attack.
This is book 5. I didn’t know that until I had clicked on the book and immediately thought, ‘oh crap, I am going to be confused and not be able to follow along. Super.’🙄. Fear not, those of you in a similar situation with this book, it is still followalongable! I kept up with things fairly well. Missing pieces of back stories wasn’t too big of a deal, thankfully.
I was quite proud of myself for just going with things and not overthinking or over analyzing things. Basically, my nitpicky pants were neatly folded in my drawer for the time I spent with this book. Sheridan’s questionable tactics should have bothered me tremendously, but, I just went with it. I wasn’t in a hurry to rush through the book in an I need to know who did it kind of way. I just listened to the read aloud voice and enjoyed the book as it unfolded.
Jo’s involvement was especially interesting. I appreciated how everything was tied together at the end. Would things unfold this way in real life, I have no idea, but again I had my rarely worn go with the flow pants on, so I didn’t think too much into it. I don’t really think one tiny little side ‘plot’ was needed, it felt more in the way than anything, but that too was cleared up in the end at least. I was getting prepared to be annoyed that it was even included in the book when it was brought up. Whew.
I wasn’t sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation, but I liked the characters and their interactions with each other. A little humor was sprinkled in here and there. A satisfying experience with a new to me author. I will have to look into some of the previous installments in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for arc copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication date: 7/21/26
Rating posted: 5/6/26
Thoughts posted: 5/7/26
Belated reposting for publication day: 8/9/26
7.5/10: 3.75⭐️’s rounded up to 4⭐️’s.
A murderer, released two years ago, is found dead. A close friend is attacked and it’s not looking good.
Detective Inspector Sheridan Holler has her hands full with these two cases. She takes some questionable steps and reaches out to an unlikely acquaintance for some help to solve her friend’s attack.
This is book 5. I didn’t know that until I had clicked on the book and immediately thought, ‘oh crap, I am going to be confused and not be able to follow along. Super.’🙄. Fear not, those of you in a similar situation with this book, it is still followalongable! I kept up with things fairly well. Missing pieces of back stories wasn’t too big of a deal, thankfully.
I was quite proud of myself for just going with things and not overthinking or over analyzing things. Basically, my nitpicky pants were neatly folded in my drawer for the time I spent with this book. Sheridan’s questionable tactics should have bothered me tremendously, but, I just went with it. I wasn’t in a hurry to rush through the book in an I need to know who did it kind of way. I just listened to the read aloud voice and enjoyed the book as it unfolded.
Jo’s involvement was especially interesting. I appreciated how everything was tied together at the end. Would things unfold this way in real life, I have no idea, but again I had my rarely worn go with the flow pants on, so I didn’t think too much into it. I don’t really think one tiny little side ‘plot’ was needed, it felt more in the way than anything, but that too was cleared up in the end at least. I was getting prepared to be annoyed that it was even included in the book when it was brought up. Whew.
I wasn’t sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation, but I liked the characters and their interactions with each other. A little humor was sprinkled in here and there. A satisfying experience with a new to me author. I will have to look into some of the previous installments in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for arc copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication date: 7/21/26
Rating posted: 5/6/26
Thoughts posted: 5/7/26
Belated reposting for publication day: 8/9/26
July 21, 2026
Did I start this series on the fifth book? Yep. Have I just added the first four books to my Amazon basket? What do you think?
Not only have I found my new favourite series, I've found an author whose books I just know I'm going to love every one of.
I was on a readalong for the book and I lasted a whole two days. DI Sheridan Holler fast became my new obsession and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
It was gritty, dark and atmospheric. The twists delivered, and the characters compelled.
@netflixuk are you listening?
Not only have I found my new favourite series, I've found an author whose books I just know I'm going to love every one of.
I was on a readalong for the book and I lasted a whole two days. DI Sheridan Holler fast became my new obsession and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
It was gritty, dark and atmospheric. The twists delivered, and the characters compelled.
@netflixuk are you listening?
May 11, 2026
This bloody book was incredible, I honestly don’t think my review will do it justice. If you can tell this is my new favourite book in this series. I absolutely love the character development of Sheridan and everyone else involved in the book, these characters don’t read like fictional people as they seem so life like. Also massive shout out to Maud who is a badass in this one 🐈 we also get to meet another new character and let me tell you are all in for a treat. This one was also quite emotional and Tina really knows how to break your heart but in the best way possible. Trust me you will want to read this one 🤩
August 4, 2026
This is the fifth book in the Detective Sheridan Holler series. Whilst you can jump in anywhere, personally I’ve read book 3 then 5 with book 1 on my shelf to go, I actually wouldn’t recommend it!
Why wouldn’t I recommend jumping in here? Well, although they contain individual cases there is also a lot of backstory running through with regards to the police team, their relationships and home lives. This is brought substantially into play in this particular entry, so I would definitely recommend reading the previous for context and because of Payne’s fantastic cast and world she has crafted. They are around 400 pages and have short snappy chapters, so it’s easy to get up to speed.
The case the team is tasked with is the murder of Dennis Canning, a released prisoner who was convicted of a deadly arson attack decades ago. There’s a very focal parallel story with the team, that I don’t want to say too much about so I’ll simply quote the blurb and let you know that “a brutal attack leaves a colleague fighting for her life in hospital“.
One of my favourite elements in the Detective Sheridan Holler series is the Hale Street Police Station team. I adore how they all interact and communicate with one another. Each character is well-thought out and feels believable. I love how fiercely loyal they are to one another.
Another big draw are the short chapters, I’m happy to stop reading at any point and pop a bookmark in but you can’t beat that feeling of reaching the end of a chapter and thinking “oh go on then, just one more”!
The epilogue is a welcomed addition too. Normally when I come across epilogues in books, they are presented as an additional short chapter. Here instead there are multiple short paragraphs for multiple characters that feel more akin to a TV/film documentary style epilogue.
If you’ve read any T.M. Payne before then I really won’t need to convince you to pick this up as I imagine it is already on your TBR, if not already devoured and logged on Goodreads. However if you haven’t yet then I absolutely recommend this police procedural series, you will instantly be invested in Holler and co.
Thank you to Tandem Collective and Amazon Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book and for including me on the Thrills & Chills readalong.
Why wouldn’t I recommend jumping in here? Well, although they contain individual cases there is also a lot of backstory running through with regards to the police team, their relationships and home lives. This is brought substantially into play in this particular entry, so I would definitely recommend reading the previous for context and because of Payne’s fantastic cast and world she has crafted. They are around 400 pages and have short snappy chapters, so it’s easy to get up to speed.
The case the team is tasked with is the murder of Dennis Canning, a released prisoner who was convicted of a deadly arson attack decades ago. There’s a very focal parallel story with the team, that I don’t want to say too much about so I’ll simply quote the blurb and let you know that “a brutal attack leaves a colleague fighting for her life in hospital“.
One of my favourite elements in the Detective Sheridan Holler series is the Hale Street Police Station team. I adore how they all interact and communicate with one another. Each character is well-thought out and feels believable. I love how fiercely loyal they are to one another.
Another big draw are the short chapters, I’m happy to stop reading at any point and pop a bookmark in but you can’t beat that feeling of reaching the end of a chapter and thinking “oh go on then, just one more”!
The epilogue is a welcomed addition too. Normally when I come across epilogues in books, they are presented as an additional short chapter. Here instead there are multiple short paragraphs for multiple characters that feel more akin to a TV/film documentary style epilogue.
If you’ve read any T.M. Payne before then I really won’t need to convince you to pick this up as I imagine it is already on your TBR, if not already devoured and logged on Goodreads. However if you haven’t yet then I absolutely recommend this police procedural series, you will instantly be invested in Holler and co.
Thank you to Tandem Collective and Amazon Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book and for including me on the Thrills & Chills readalong.
July 23, 2026
Two mysteries to solve at the same time, one very close to home - this is a gripping novel that get was interesting from the very first page.
Detective Sheridan Holler is a well rounded, strong character. She does not always make perfect decisions but that adds to her depth and likeability. Her relationships with others are believable.
The pacing is steady and the twists are engaging without feeling heavyhanded.
I had not realized this is the 5th in a series so was quite worried I would not be able to follow along, but this holds up quite nicely as a stand alone story. I will be adding the first 4 to my tbr to see what I missed and if that does end up adding more layers to this novel.
Excellent audiobook narrator.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for my ALC; this is my honest review.
Detective Sheridan Holler is a well rounded, strong character. She does not always make perfect decisions but that adds to her depth and likeability. Her relationships with others are believable.
The pacing is steady and the twists are engaging without feeling heavyhanded.
I had not realized this is the 5th in a series so was quite worried I would not be able to follow along, but this holds up quite nicely as a stand alone story. I will be adding the first 4 to my tbr to see what I missed and if that does end up adding more layers to this novel.
Excellent audiobook narrator.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for my ALC; this is my honest review.
August 16, 2026
Audio version of this book 📕- Wow a fantastic addition to the series!! Loved it !
June 7, 2026
One Bad Deed is book 5 in the fabulous DI Sheridan Holler series.
In this book Sheridan and her team are investigating two crimes. The first one is the murder of a man who had been released from prison two years earlier after serving a long prison sentence for setting fire to a house and killing four of its occupants. The second crime is much closer to home and involves the vicious assault on one of her team. Sheridan finds that this investigation pushes her into actions that if discovered could end her career.
I have loved this series from book one and it just gets better and better. The investigations take centre stage but I particularly enjoy the relationships within the team, the banter between them, the humour and how the always have each others backs.
Now eagerly awaiting book 6.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Tina for the advanced copy.
In this book Sheridan and her team are investigating two crimes. The first one is the murder of a man who had been released from prison two years earlier after serving a long prison sentence for setting fire to a house and killing four of its occupants. The second crime is much closer to home and involves the vicious assault on one of her team. Sheridan finds that this investigation pushes her into actions that if discovered could end her career.
I have loved this series from book one and it just gets better and better. The investigations take centre stage but I particularly enjoy the relationships within the team, the banter between them, the humour and how the always have each others backs.
Now eagerly awaiting book 6.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Tina for the advanced copy.
June 27, 2026
I really do enjoy this series. With Sheridan Holler, T.M. Payen has created a character who is fascinating toe spend time with, a Detective with impeccable instincts and a real desire to see justice done, but who delivers it real heart, humour and, this time around especially, just the odd wander onto the wrong side of the dividing line between legal and not. But it's all in a good cause and, despite acting a fraction outside of the laws she swore to uphold, there is literally nothing in this book that would lead me, or anyone else to condemn her actions. And if you have read any of the other books in the series, and feel any affinity for the characters at all, I'm sure you would feel exactly the same.
But I digress. That is part, but not the whole truth, of what this particular book is about. It opens up a few years in the past, with an event that is equal parts tragic and shocking, and which acts as the precipitating event to all that Sheridan and her team have to investigate. When a man who had served time for murder is killed shortly after his release, it would appear that the list of suspects should be very, very short. at least if everyone whose lives he ruined didn't have the perfect alibi. So who else would want to do him harm and why? and will Sheridan ever be able to track the evidence she needs to solve this most perplexing and challenging of cases, given that her heart and her attention are being dragged elsewhere?
Well, that is exactly what we have to trust the author to deliver, and she does with aplomb. From the very opening pages I was sucked into the story as I have been with all of its predecessors, and I was glued to the very last page. Certain threads in the series may have reached their natural conclusion in the previous book, and more may be about to see some kind of resolution in this book too, but it doesn't change how compelling or challenging things get for Sheridan and co. In fact, I'd say that, murder investigation aside, this is perhaps a more current and urgent situation that had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion. Like Sheridan, I was certain I knew the who of what had occured, but the how was the real question, and the author throws in a lot of confusion and misdirection to turn attentions elsewhere in all aspects of the book. It worked perfectly, creating mystery, suspense and more than the off moment of frustration along the way.
I love the characters in this book and it was really good to see certain members of the team, such as Rob Wills, really stepping up in thsi book, even if the circumstances were not exactly ideal. To be honest, whilst TM Payne creates great mysteries, brilliant stories that challenge your deductive skills and often confound any assertions you may have about a person's innocence or guilt, it is really the characters who make this series for me. From Sheridan's relationship with partner, Sam, and her marvellous Jaffa Cake choming cat, Maud, to her office based friendships with DS Anna Markinson, DC Dipesh Mois and her boss, DCI Hill Knowles, that camaraderie and team vibe and humour really do keep pulling me back to the books.
The pacing of thew book is, as always, spot on, the story riveting, and the whole series hits just the right spot for me. I love a great police based thriller and this author, this series, keeps on delivering some of the most enjoyable stories I have read in a long time. A brilliant balance between character, plot and humour and most definitely recommended.
But I digress. That is part, but not the whole truth, of what this particular book is about. It opens up a few years in the past, with an event that is equal parts tragic and shocking, and which acts as the precipitating event to all that Sheridan and her team have to investigate. When a man who had served time for murder is killed shortly after his release, it would appear that the list of suspects should be very, very short. at least if everyone whose lives he ruined didn't have the perfect alibi. So who else would want to do him harm and why? and will Sheridan ever be able to track the evidence she needs to solve this most perplexing and challenging of cases, given that her heart and her attention are being dragged elsewhere?
Well, that is exactly what we have to trust the author to deliver, and she does with aplomb. From the very opening pages I was sucked into the story as I have been with all of its predecessors, and I was glued to the very last page. Certain threads in the series may have reached their natural conclusion in the previous book, and more may be about to see some kind of resolution in this book too, but it doesn't change how compelling or challenging things get for Sheridan and co. In fact, I'd say that, murder investigation aside, this is perhaps a more current and urgent situation that had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion. Like Sheridan, I was certain I knew the who of what had occured, but the how was the real question, and the author throws in a lot of confusion and misdirection to turn attentions elsewhere in all aspects of the book. It worked perfectly, creating mystery, suspense and more than the off moment of frustration along the way.
I love the characters in this book and it was really good to see certain members of the team, such as Rob Wills, really stepping up in thsi book, even if the circumstances were not exactly ideal. To be honest, whilst TM Payne creates great mysteries, brilliant stories that challenge your deductive skills and often confound any assertions you may have about a person's innocence or guilt, it is really the characters who make this series for me. From Sheridan's relationship with partner, Sam, and her marvellous Jaffa Cake choming cat, Maud, to her office based friendships with DS Anna Markinson, DC Dipesh Mois and her boss, DCI Hill Knowles, that camaraderie and team vibe and humour really do keep pulling me back to the books.
The pacing of thew book is, as always, spot on, the story riveting, and the whole series hits just the right spot for me. I love a great police based thriller and this author, this series, keeps on delivering some of the most enjoyable stories I have read in a long time. A brilliant balance between character, plot and humour and most definitely recommended.
August 10, 2026
So this book caused me to shout at my husband 😂 There is a twist in this book and he was trying to talk to me and I said “will you shut up”. Everything was getting too much for me haha. I did apologise. I do wish my facial expressions were filmed when I found out one of the twists wasn’t quite what we thought it was. Overall an amazing book. It’s impossible to rate these any less than 5 stars. Sooooo looking forward to the next instalment. I miss Maud already. 😻👍🏼
October 7, 2026
Another good book in this series. I really like the ending which reminds me of ending of a TV drama and wraps up any loose ends.
I was certain the whole way through that Steve had attacked Anna, and that he’d murdered Ben and was pleased to be proved right.
The story of how the arsonist who killed a family was murdered whilst all of the suspects had alibis had a surprising but pleasing resolution.
I was certain the whole way through that Steve had attacked Anna, and that he’d murdered Ben and was pleased to be proved right.
The story of how the arsonist who killed a family was murdered whilst all of the suspects had alibis had a surprising but pleasing resolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2026
A revenge killing and a brutal attack on the same night pushes DI Sheridan Holler to her limits. Will she risk everything to find the truth? Non-stop action from cover to cover. Brace yourself for another epic instalment in the series. High intensity crime writing at its best.
July 24, 2026
Easiest 5⭐️! TM Payne, you are killing me. This one got me a few times! Now to wait for the next book. I’m already excited.
July 31, 2026
3.5 stars. Review to follow.
September 27, 2026
Absolutely LOVED this series! Every single book was super fast paced and really enjoyable - I didn’t lose interest once! I really don’t see this series spoken about it enough, will definitely be recommending it to thriller readers!!
August 5, 2026
Excellent thoroughly enjoyed great storyline and characters are brilliant Hil is my favourite. More please
August 10, 2026
Good, but not the best in this series. Interesting themes but predictable in some elements
May 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The second I saw this one on @netgalley I had to break my ban and request it. The 5th book in
@tmpayneauthor Detecive Sheridan Holler series didn't disappoint, I was totally gripped from the prologue, the last line of which gave me goosebumps. and I knew from there it was going to be brilliant!
Full of massive twists the story had me guessing all the way through, I suspected everyone and just couldn't work out how it was going to all come together in the end. If you love twisty, unputdownable page turners with genuinely likeable characters then this is a book for you.
The series does not have to be read in order but I fully recommend reading them all because they are fantastic and bonus points for @tmpayneauthor living and writing about my hometown.
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
One night. Two cases. Three deadly secrets.
Dennis Canning has been murdered. Decades ago, he destroyed an entire family―has someone now taken revenge? DI Sheridan Holler believes so, but everyone has an alibi.
Then a brutal attack leaves a colleague fighting for her life in hospital. The investigation points to one suspect, but Sheridan can't prove it. Time is running out, and the evidence she needs is just out of reach.
Desperate and haunted by the ticking clock on both cases, Sheridan crosses a line she never thought she would. She turns to someone she shouldn't trust―someone who can help her get the proof she needs, no matter the cost to her conscience or even her career.
As the cases intertwine and dark secrets surface, Sheridan discovers that some alibis are too perfect―and some crimes are decades in the making. But when you break the rules, the consequences might destroy you.
The second I saw this one on @netgalley I had to break my ban and request it. The 5th book in
@tmpayneauthor Detecive Sheridan Holler series didn't disappoint, I was totally gripped from the prologue, the last line of which gave me goosebumps. and I knew from there it was going to be brilliant!
Full of massive twists the story had me guessing all the way through, I suspected everyone and just couldn't work out how it was going to all come together in the end. If you love twisty, unputdownable page turners with genuinely likeable characters then this is a book for you.
The series does not have to be read in order but I fully recommend reading them all because they are fantastic and bonus points for @tmpayneauthor living and writing about my hometown.
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
One night. Two cases. Three deadly secrets.
Dennis Canning has been murdered. Decades ago, he destroyed an entire family―has someone now taken revenge? DI Sheridan Holler believes so, but everyone has an alibi.
Then a brutal attack leaves a colleague fighting for her life in hospital. The investigation points to one suspect, but Sheridan can't prove it. Time is running out, and the evidence she needs is just out of reach.
Desperate and haunted by the ticking clock on both cases, Sheridan crosses a line she never thought she would. She turns to someone she shouldn't trust―someone who can help her get the proof she needs, no matter the cost to her conscience or even her career.
As the cases intertwine and dark secrets surface, Sheridan discovers that some alibis are too perfect―and some crimes are decades in the making. But when you break the rules, the consequences might destroy you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wish more authors would realize that sometimes less is more. It feels like so many get so fixated on cramming their books full of "twists and turns" that they lose sight of the fact that too many twists eventually stop being surprising and simply become exhausting. And that's a real shame when the premise is as promising as this one was.
Now, don't get me wrong, I understand wanting to keep readers guessing. In fact, some of the twists genuinely worked and helped keep the story engaging. The problem was that there came a point where every new revelation seemed destined to be overturned by another revelation a chapter later. Details were constantly being introduced, reworked, and repackaged in an attempt to shock the reader, and after a while it started feeling less like clever plotting and more like the story was spinning its wheels. Add in a few characters who seemed to operate completely outside the bounds of what would realistically be possible, and it required a level of suspension of disbelief that I struggled to maintain.
The epilogue also left me feeling a bit conflicted. On the one hand, I appreciated that it tied up every loose thread and left virtually no unanswered questions about the characters or the investigation. On the other hand, it didn't really feel like part of the story itself. Instead, it reminded me of the ending of a true crime documentary where the screen starts listing what happened after the case concluded: this person confessed and received this sentence, these people remained in contact, this piece of evidence was never recovered, and so on. It wasn't necessarily a bad way to end the book, just an unexpected one that felt somewhat disconnected from everything that came before it.
One thing I did appreciate, however, was how easy it was to slip right into reading this book. Even though this is the fifth installment, I never felt lost or confused about who anyone was. I do think a little more physical description of Sheridan and the rest of her team would have helped me picture them better, but I never struggled to understand the relationships between the characters. In fact, one of my favorite aspects of the book was seeing how close-knit the team had become. Their interactions felt much more like a family than a group of coworkers, and I imagine that bond is even more rewarding for readers who have followed them from the beginning.
That said, this series is available through Kindle Unlimited, and I've already gone back and requested the first book. While this one didn't completely win me over, I don't think it's enough for me to decide one way or the other about the author. I'd like to see how the series began before deciding whether I'll continue reading more of their work.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Now, don't get me wrong, I understand wanting to keep readers guessing. In fact, some of the twists genuinely worked and helped keep the story engaging. The problem was that there came a point where every new revelation seemed destined to be overturned by another revelation a chapter later. Details were constantly being introduced, reworked, and repackaged in an attempt to shock the reader, and after a while it started feeling less like clever plotting and more like the story was spinning its wheels. Add in a few characters who seemed to operate completely outside the bounds of what would realistically be possible, and it required a level of suspension of disbelief that I struggled to maintain.
The epilogue also left me feeling a bit conflicted. On the one hand, I appreciated that it tied up every loose thread and left virtually no unanswered questions about the characters or the investigation. On the other hand, it didn't really feel like part of the story itself. Instead, it reminded me of the ending of a true crime documentary where the screen starts listing what happened after the case concluded: this person confessed and received this sentence, these people remained in contact, this piece of evidence was never recovered, and so on. It wasn't necessarily a bad way to end the book, just an unexpected one that felt somewhat disconnected from everything that came before it.
One thing I did appreciate, however, was how easy it was to slip right into reading this book. Even though this is the fifth installment, I never felt lost or confused about who anyone was. I do think a little more physical description of Sheridan and the rest of her team would have helped me picture them better, but I never struggled to understand the relationships between the characters. In fact, one of my favorite aspects of the book was seeing how close-knit the team had become. Their interactions felt much more like a family than a group of coworkers, and I imagine that bond is even more rewarding for readers who have followed them from the beginning.
That said, this series is available through Kindle Unlimited, and I've already gone back and requested the first book. While this one didn't completely win me over, I don't think it's enough for me to decide one way or the other about the author. I'd like to see how the series began before deciding whether I'll continue reading more of their work.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 30, 2026
This is the fifth novel in T.M. Payne's Detective Sheridan Holler series. We follow DI Sheridan Holler as she investigates two major cases that are unfolding simultaneously. First is the murder of Dennis Canning, a man who decades earlier was responsible for a horrific fire that led to the deaths of almost an entire family. While revenge appears to be the obvious motive, every potential suspect has a seemingly air tight alibi, making the case far more complex than it first seems. At the same time, Sheridan's colleague and close friend, Anna, is brutally beaten and left fighting for her life. It falls to Sheridan and her team to find out who is responsible for the horrific attack – her ex Steve or a mysterious man named Ben she has been talking to online. With both investigations becoming increasingly urgent, Sheridan is under immense pressure and when the cases begin to overlap, long-buried secrets emerge, forcing her to question who she can trust. Desperate to solve both crimes, she starts making some pretty questionable decisions that could cost her career.
First I need to say that this is my first T. M Payne book and therefore my first encounter with DI Sheridan Holler and her team. However, this absolutely does not impact the enjoyment of the story, as although it is part of a series, the crimes she is investigating are exclusive to this book making it easy to read as a standalone. There is some character history that I didn’t know about but the author has filled in enough details for that not to spoil the story, whilst also not overwhelming the reader with past information. Having read the authors note and discovering that she worked for the police force herself, I can fully appreciate how detailed the descriptions of the investigations and processes within this book are. I think she has also done a fantastic job of making Sheridan and her team very human – they have a great banter within the team, teasing and joking but also we see the emotional side of their work and how heavy the mental load can become. The fact that Sheridan makes some morally questionable decisions in order to solve her cases adds to this too as it shows how she is determined to get to the bottom of both crimes no matter what it takes.
This was one of those rare crime thrillers where I absolutely could not guess who was responsible! As soon as I had an idea with both cases, some evidence would come along or my suspect would provide an alibi and completely ruin all my theories. It doesn’t feel like there are any dramatic WOW twists, instead its very clever and discreet with the reveals of information woven in flawlessly, making you question all of the other evidence you’re presented with. I had the pleasure of being able to discuss my theories with the author whilst reading this too, not that she gave anything away, but she is just one of the absolute loveliest people!
Police procedurals are never my first choice of genre but I will without a doubt be going back and reading the first four books of this series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It has to be tough to be an investigator when you have to investigate the death of a person that, honestly, you have no sympathy for. Sure, the court system has released them saying they have been reformed. And isn’t that the point of the court system? Rehabilitate criminals. But man, some people have done something so heinous that they deserve what they get.
DI Holler and her team are facing such a situation. And while they are diving deep into their investigation, tragedy strikes one of their own. And you would like to think that it is completely unexpected, but deep down, DI Sheridan Holler has been afraid this situation may happen.
I don’t want to say too much about the details because to me, that would risk spoiling this novel and also, how special this book is. Especially the situation that happens to one of the team members. Extremely emotional.
So, why not 5 stars instead of 4? There is something in the world of professional wrestling that is known as the false finish.
They bring you right up to this moment that feels like it has everything wrapped up, and then miraculously, the “loser” kicks out at the 2 and 7/8th count. The crowd stands to their feet! Amazed! Holding their heads in disbelief. Looking at their friends and family as if saying, “Can you believe that just happened?!?”
But as any knowledgeable wrestling fan will tell you, if you misuse the false finish, you can ruin a match by taking the fans that have suspended disbelief and brought them back to reality. And it’s a letdown.
T.M. Payne gives us such a false finish. And even though I love this series, and quite honestly, I love the outcome of the situation. But it was a false finish. And it took me out of the rest of the novel. The mystery was so good that I still wanted to know how everything was going to wrap up, but it just felt good. Not great.
To me, the author missed an opportunity to write such an emotional scene (and finish to a novel) that people would have been talking about it for quite some time to anyone and everyone that they could get to listen to them talk about this major development in a novel. Like I said, I’m happy with the end result. But once the author lead us to that point, they had such an incredible opportunity to show the world what a dynamic author they are.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
DI Holler and her team are facing such a situation. And while they are diving deep into their investigation, tragedy strikes one of their own. And you would like to think that it is completely unexpected, but deep down, DI Sheridan Holler has been afraid this situation may happen.
I don’t want to say too much about the details because to me, that would risk spoiling this novel and also, how special this book is. Especially the situation that happens to one of the team members. Extremely emotional.
So, why not 5 stars instead of 4? There is something in the world of professional wrestling that is known as the false finish.
They bring you right up to this moment that feels like it has everything wrapped up, and then miraculously, the “loser” kicks out at the 2 and 7/8th count. The crowd stands to their feet! Amazed! Holding their heads in disbelief. Looking at their friends and family as if saying, “Can you believe that just happened?!?”
But as any knowledgeable wrestling fan will tell you, if you misuse the false finish, you can ruin a match by taking the fans that have suspended disbelief and brought them back to reality. And it’s a letdown.
T.M. Payne gives us such a false finish. And even though I love this series, and quite honestly, I love the outcome of the situation. But it was a false finish. And it took me out of the rest of the novel. The mystery was so good that I still wanted to know how everything was going to wrap up, but it just felt good. Not great.
To me, the author missed an opportunity to write such an emotional scene (and finish to a novel) that people would have been talking about it for quite some time to anyone and everyone that they could get to listen to them talk about this major development in a novel. Like I said, I’m happy with the end result. But once the author lead us to that point, they had such an incredible opportunity to show the world what a dynamic author they are.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley.
Some crimes refuse to stay buried, and One Bad Deed is built on the haunting aftermath of one such tragedy. Set against the shadow of a horrific crime that took place twenty years earlier, the burning to death of an entire family on 23rd December 1974. The novel explores how revenge can quietly consume a person from within. Like termites hollowing out wood, anger, grief, injustice, and even love slowly corrode every possibility of peace until nothing remains untouched.
What stood out to me most was how deeply the story dives into the darker corners of human psychology. This is not just a crime thriller about solving a case; it is about obsession, possessiveness, unresolved pain, and the devastating consequences of love turning into something destructive. The emotional depth gives the story an unsettling intensity that lingers long after finishing the book.
Despite the darkness, the novel never feels hopeless. As the layers peel back, there is also warmth, humanity, and ultimately a quiet sense of hope. T.M. Payne balances brutality with compassion remarkably well.
One of my favourite aspects was the portrayal of the people working within the criminal justice system. Often in crime fiction, detectives are written as untouchable geniuses or emotionally invincible figures. Here, they feel real. The author brings out their humanity beautifully, the witty conversations, the small moments of levity, the loyalty within the team, and the emotional weight they carry while helping others. You can clearly feel the influence of Payne’s experience within the criminal justice system in the authenticity of these details.
The character development is steady and rewarding. Every revelation feels earned, and the story unfolds layer by layer with careful precision. The pacing sits between medium and fast, with strong atmospheric world-building that keeps the tension simmering throughout.
As a crime and thriller reader, this was my first experience reading T.M. Payne, and it definitely won’t be my last. I finished the book within 24 hours because I constantly needed to know what would happen next. If you enjoy emotionally layered crime thrillers with psychological depth, flawed human characters, and a slow unravelling of buried truths, One Bad Deed is absolutely worth picking up.
Some crimes refuse to stay buried, and One Bad Deed is built on the haunting aftermath of one such tragedy. Set against the shadow of a horrific crime that took place twenty years earlier, the burning to death of an entire family on 23rd December 1974. The novel explores how revenge can quietly consume a person from within. Like termites hollowing out wood, anger, grief, injustice, and even love slowly corrode every possibility of peace until nothing remains untouched.
What stood out to me most was how deeply the story dives into the darker corners of human psychology. This is not just a crime thriller about solving a case; it is about obsession, possessiveness, unresolved pain, and the devastating consequences of love turning into something destructive. The emotional depth gives the story an unsettling intensity that lingers long after finishing the book.
Despite the darkness, the novel never feels hopeless. As the layers peel back, there is also warmth, humanity, and ultimately a quiet sense of hope. T.M. Payne balances brutality with compassion remarkably well.
One of my favourite aspects was the portrayal of the people working within the criminal justice system. Often in crime fiction, detectives are written as untouchable geniuses or emotionally invincible figures. Here, they feel real. The author brings out their humanity beautifully, the witty conversations, the small moments of levity, the loyalty within the team, and the emotional weight they carry while helping others. You can clearly feel the influence of Payne’s experience within the criminal justice system in the authenticity of these details.
The character development is steady and rewarding. Every revelation feels earned, and the story unfolds layer by layer with careful precision. The pacing sits between medium and fast, with strong atmospheric world-building that keeps the tension simmering throughout.
As a crime and thriller reader, this was my first experience reading T.M. Payne, and it definitely won’t be my last. I finished the book within 24 hours because I constantly needed to know what would happen next. If you enjoy emotionally layered crime thrillers with psychological depth, flawed human characters, and a slow unravelling of buried truths, One Bad Deed is absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One Bad Deed drops you straight into the pressure cooker of Sheridan Holler’s world: two cases unfolding in the same night, both pulsing with danger, both demanding more from her than she has to give. The murder of Dennis Canning feels like a reckoning decades in the making, a crime steeped in old wounds and long‑buried grudges. Everyone has an alibi, everyone has a story, and yet the truth keeps slipping just out of reach. It’s the sort of mystery that feels cold around the edges, as though the past itself is refusing to stay quiet.
Then comes the attack on Sheridan’s colleague — brutal, senseless, and painfully close to home. The urgency in these chapters is palpable. You can feel the clock ticking, the frustration mounting, the way Sheridan’s instincts sharpen even as the evidence refuses to cooperate. It’s here the book really finds its teeth: in the moral grey, the compromises she never imagined making, the line she crosses because justice suddenly feels too far away to reach by the book.
There’s a rawness to Sheridan that makes her compelling. She’s capable, stubborn, and deeply human, and watching her turn to someone she shouldn’t trust — someone who can get her what she needs at a cost she may not be able to live with — gives the story its darkest, most gripping thread. The cases twist together in a way that feels organic, each secret tugging at another until the whole web finally reveals itself.
What lingers is the sense of consequence. That some alibis are crafted with precision. That some crimes echo for decades. And that breaking the rules, even for the right reasons, leaves marks that don’t fade easily.
A tense, atmospheric procedural with emotional weight and a heroine pushed right to the edge. Perfect for readers who love their crime fiction gritty, morally complex, and impossible to put down.
With thanks to TM Payne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Then comes the attack on Sheridan’s colleague — brutal, senseless, and painfully close to home. The urgency in these chapters is palpable. You can feel the clock ticking, the frustration mounting, the way Sheridan’s instincts sharpen even as the evidence refuses to cooperate. It’s here the book really finds its teeth: in the moral grey, the compromises she never imagined making, the line she crosses because justice suddenly feels too far away to reach by the book.
There’s a rawness to Sheridan that makes her compelling. She’s capable, stubborn, and deeply human, and watching her turn to someone she shouldn’t trust — someone who can get her what she needs at a cost she may not be able to live with — gives the story its darkest, most gripping thread. The cases twist together in a way that feels organic, each secret tugging at another until the whole web finally reveals itself.
What lingers is the sense of consequence. That some alibis are crafted with precision. That some crimes echo for decades. And that breaking the rules, even for the right reasons, leaves marks that don’t fade easily.
A tense, atmospheric procedural with emotional weight and a heroine pushed right to the edge. Perfect for readers who love their crime fiction gritty, morally complex, and impossible to put down.
With thanks to TM Payne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️ rounded to 5:
To seek him out, have not a doubt, he’ll drag you first to hell …
One night. Two case. Three deadly secrets. What a strong start to a book! That prologue … no words.
It’s 2011 and Dennis Canning has been murdered. In 1974, he destroyed an entire family … has someone taken revenge following his release from prison? DI Sheridan Holler believes so, but everyone has an alibi.
During their period of investigation, a colleague within the major incident team is brutally attacked and left fighting for their life in hospital. The investigation points to one suspect, but there is no evidence to prove it. Desperate and haunted by the ticking clock on both cases, Sheridan crosses a professional line she never thought she would. She turns to someone she shouldn’t trust, despite the risk to her personal and professional reputation. Breaking the rules may lead to consequences that destroy you …
As the cases begin to intertwine and dark secrets come to the surface, Sheridan and the team discover that some alibis are maybe just too perfect - and some crimes are decades in the making …
Dark, atmospheric and compelling, this story is filled with twists, red herrings and great characters that drive the story! TMP expertly crafts an amazingly tense plot and clearly uses previous police-experience to make the story and elements authentic. I love the team’s dynamic and this book definitely shows a more vulnerable side to many of the characters, in particular Sheridan and Hill, which adds an additional layer to an already powerful book.
Although book 5 in the series, this easily can be read as a standalone as TMP does so well in recapping and including previous details with great ease.
This series needs a Netflix contract ASAP! 📺
With thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing UK and T M Payne for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
To seek him out, have not a doubt, he’ll drag you first to hell …
One night. Two case. Three deadly secrets. What a strong start to a book! That prologue … no words.
It’s 2011 and Dennis Canning has been murdered. In 1974, he destroyed an entire family … has someone taken revenge following his release from prison? DI Sheridan Holler believes so, but everyone has an alibi.
During their period of investigation, a colleague within the major incident team is brutally attacked and left fighting for their life in hospital. The investigation points to one suspect, but there is no evidence to prove it. Desperate and haunted by the ticking clock on both cases, Sheridan crosses a professional line she never thought she would. She turns to someone she shouldn’t trust, despite the risk to her personal and professional reputation. Breaking the rules may lead to consequences that destroy you …
As the cases begin to intertwine and dark secrets come to the surface, Sheridan and the team discover that some alibis are maybe just too perfect - and some crimes are decades in the making …
Dark, atmospheric and compelling, this story is filled with twists, red herrings and great characters that drive the story! TMP expertly crafts an amazingly tense plot and clearly uses previous police-experience to make the story and elements authentic. I love the team’s dynamic and this book definitely shows a more vulnerable side to many of the characters, in particular Sheridan and Hill, which adds an additional layer to an already powerful book.
Although book 5 in the series, this easily can be read as a standalone as TMP does so well in recapping and including previous details with great ease.
This series needs a Netflix contract ASAP! 📺
With thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, Amazon Publishing UK and T M Payne for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Synopsis:
DI Sheridan Holler is back with more crime to solve. This time, she's investigating the murder of a released ex-convict while also searching for the person responsible for a brutal attack on her colleague and best friend. With time running out and evidence slipping away, Sheridan must decide what rules she's willing to bend to protect those she loves. The various cases raise the question in general: how far would YOU go for a loved one?
Review:
What a fantastic book! Although this is the fifth book in the series, I jumped in with no prior knowledge of the characters and was immediately drawn into the cases DI Sheridan Holler was trying to solve.
The story is fast-paced, with every chapter driving the investigation forward. I particularly enjoyed seeing the police procedures unfold step by step, giving an insight into how evidence is gathered and cases are pieced together. While the focus is firmly on the investigations, there is also plenty of character development. The friendships, camaraderie and banter within the team added warmth to the story, and I found their interactions genuinely endearing.
The author kept me guessing throughout both investigations, and I could really feel the pressure the team faced to solve them. Sheridan's fierce loyalty to those she considers family made her an easy character to root for. I also appreciated how the ending tied everything together clearly and satisfactorily.
I can easily imagine this being adapted for television, and it's left me wanting to read the earlier books in the series to catch up on everything I've missed!
Thank you to @tmpayneauthor @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Publication date: 21 July 2026
These reviews (and more!) can be found on my instagram page www.instagram.com/sonia.coffee.read.r...
DI Sheridan Holler is back with more crime to solve. This time, she's investigating the murder of a released ex-convict while also searching for the person responsible for a brutal attack on her colleague and best friend. With time running out and evidence slipping away, Sheridan must decide what rules she's willing to bend to protect those she loves. The various cases raise the question in general: how far would YOU go for a loved one?
Review:
What a fantastic book! Although this is the fifth book in the series, I jumped in with no prior knowledge of the characters and was immediately drawn into the cases DI Sheridan Holler was trying to solve.
The story is fast-paced, with every chapter driving the investigation forward. I particularly enjoyed seeing the police procedures unfold step by step, giving an insight into how evidence is gathered and cases are pieced together. While the focus is firmly on the investigations, there is also plenty of character development. The friendships, camaraderie and banter within the team added warmth to the story, and I found their interactions genuinely endearing.
The author kept me guessing throughout both investigations, and I could really feel the pressure the team faced to solve them. Sheridan's fierce loyalty to those she considers family made her an easy character to root for. I also appreciated how the ending tied everything together clearly and satisfactorily.
I can easily imagine this being adapted for television, and it's left me wanting to read the earlier books in the series to catch up on everything I've missed!
Thank you to @tmpayneauthor @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Publication date: 21 July 2026
These reviews (and more!) can be found on my instagram page www.instagram.com/sonia.coffee.read.r...
July 21, 2026
One Bad Deed starts back in 1974, with a horrific incident that ends four lives, and changes many others forever. Fast forward to 2011, which is the current day in the book, and the repercussions of that night are still being felt by those affected. DI Sheridan Holler and her team, face two very tricky cases, one of which is far too close to home.
Very often when writing reviews, I have so much of the review written whilst I’m still reading. As I start to write this review for One Bad Deed, putting my thoughts together, I have no notes. This might sound like a negative, but it is quite the opposite. I am so involved with these characters now, so invested in their lives, that I just read, lost in the moment, without any thought of the subsequent review that I write. Reading these books, written by TM Payne, feels like catching up with old friends.
I have a friend who isn’t a huge fan of the police procedural genre, because of the reliance on CCTV and forensics to solve a crime. If anyone else feels similarly, I can reassure them that this series is not focused on those areas. TM Payne concentrates on the characters, their stories, and good old fashioned detective work, with a healthy serving of humour and empathy too.
In case you weren’t sure, I genuinely adore this series. I love the characters, and look forward to seeing their stories develop in each new book. On top of that, each of the individual books has a truly gripping case to solve, which always holds my attention tightly. I can’t recommend One Bad Deed highly enough, but if you haven’t read any of the series, please start with the first book, Long Time Dead, and work your way through, enjoying each and every one.
If you are a subscriber to Kindle Unlimited, the books are included, which is such a bonus for such a wonderful series. It’s 5 shiny ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Very often when writing reviews, I have so much of the review written whilst I’m still reading. As I start to write this review for One Bad Deed, putting my thoughts together, I have no notes. This might sound like a negative, but it is quite the opposite. I am so involved with these characters now, so invested in their lives, that I just read, lost in the moment, without any thought of the subsequent review that I write. Reading these books, written by TM Payne, feels like catching up with old friends.
I have a friend who isn’t a huge fan of the police procedural genre, because of the reliance on CCTV and forensics to solve a crime. If anyone else feels similarly, I can reassure them that this series is not focused on those areas. TM Payne concentrates on the characters, their stories, and good old fashioned detective work, with a healthy serving of humour and empathy too.
In case you weren’t sure, I genuinely adore this series. I love the characters, and look forward to seeing their stories develop in each new book. On top of that, each of the individual books has a truly gripping case to solve, which always holds my attention tightly. I can’t recommend One Bad Deed highly enough, but if you haven’t read any of the series, please start with the first book, Long Time Dead, and work your way through, enjoying each and every one.
If you are a subscriber to Kindle Unlimited, the books are included, which is such a bonus for such a wonderful series. It’s 5 shiny ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So I hadn't intended to read this book in one day but it was so addictive I could not stop. While this book works perfectly as a stand alone, I have loved reading the entire series as I feel I know these characters now so well that Im invested in their lives.
As is Tinas signature style, the book starts with a shocking prologue. In this case, its a tragedy that destroyed so many lives and now is being revisited with a new murder that can only be seen as some kind of revenge. But as this enquiry begins another violent attack completely derails Sheridan and she's then in a race to solve both cases.
We see the vulnerable side of Sheridan far more in this book. But we also see her stretched to her limits and making decisions that are a little shocking. Unsurprisingly, she has the unwavering support of her colleagues, but the respect from some of the criminals she's crossed paths with over the years highlights just how formidable she has become.
I found this book so compelling as both cases appear to have obvious suspects. Yet getting to the truth proves far more complicated, with plenty of rewarding twists that make you second-guess whether the culprits are really who you assumed.
The banter is as brilliant as ever, and I was so happy to get more time with Hill, a character I've been hoping to see developed further. Maud continues to prove just how invaluable she is, and somehow, despite Suzy's questionable cooking skills, she still hasn't managed to poison anyone... yet.
Thank you so much to Tina for sharing an early copy with me. I loved every minute of it and feel incredibly lucky to have read it ahead of release. The only downside is that I now have the long wait for book six!
As is Tinas signature style, the book starts with a shocking prologue. In this case, its a tragedy that destroyed so many lives and now is being revisited with a new murder that can only be seen as some kind of revenge. But as this enquiry begins another violent attack completely derails Sheridan and she's then in a race to solve both cases.
We see the vulnerable side of Sheridan far more in this book. But we also see her stretched to her limits and making decisions that are a little shocking. Unsurprisingly, she has the unwavering support of her colleagues, but the respect from some of the criminals she's crossed paths with over the years highlights just how formidable she has become.
I found this book so compelling as both cases appear to have obvious suspects. Yet getting to the truth proves far more complicated, with plenty of rewarding twists that make you second-guess whether the culprits are really who you assumed.
The banter is as brilliant as ever, and I was so happy to get more time with Hill, a character I've been hoping to see developed further. Maud continues to prove just how invaluable she is, and somehow, despite Suzy's questionable cooking skills, she still hasn't managed to poison anyone... yet.
Thank you so much to Tina for sharing an early copy with me. I loved every minute of it and feel incredibly lucky to have read it ahead of release. The only downside is that I now have the long wait for book six!
August 2, 2026
I was absolutely hooked on this book from the second I read the prologue. I originally picked this up as part of Thills & Chills Book Club and ended up a little behind n starting it. Thankfully it meant I got to binge this over 2 days and boy was it meant to be binged! This book literally consumed me from start to finish, I was reading it on my way to work, on breaks, at home... Every spare second I had was me picking this up because I just needed to know what happened next, and it has been a while since a book has had me this engaged.
The story follows DI Sheridan Holler as she and her team investigate the brutal murder of ex con Dennis Canning. Many people are glad that karma has finally come knocking, but with little evidence to follow and most of the main suspects having watertight alibis finding the killer is seeming more unlikely by the second. Then one of the team is attacked and left for dead, leaving the team juggling 2 cases with very little to go off and time isn't on their side.
This was incredibly fast-paced, filled with so much tension and emotion that it was hard to put down. Whilst this is book 5 in the series, I really enjoyed meeting the characters and didn't feel like I was lost to any backstory or side plot. Everyone was developed really well and I found the team's bond to be quite a lovely read. They genuinely felt like a 'work family' and it brought a little cosiness to the darker side of the investigating. The plot had me invested throughout and I think I became a little obsessed by the end. However, I am a sucker for a twist and whilst the reveal of HOW was brilliant and very clever, I found the WHO twist was very obvious to guess from an early stage which was a little disappointing. The previous 4 books in the series are immediately getting added to my TBR though and whatever comes next, so that is a win all round.
The story follows DI Sheridan Holler as she and her team investigate the brutal murder of ex con Dennis Canning. Many people are glad that karma has finally come knocking, but with little evidence to follow and most of the main suspects having watertight alibis finding the killer is seeming more unlikely by the second. Then one of the team is attacked and left for dead, leaving the team juggling 2 cases with very little to go off and time isn't on their side.
This was incredibly fast-paced, filled with so much tension and emotion that it was hard to put down. Whilst this is book 5 in the series, I really enjoyed meeting the characters and didn't feel like I was lost to any backstory or side plot. Everyone was developed really well and I found the team's bond to be quite a lovely read. They genuinely felt like a 'work family' and it brought a little cosiness to the darker side of the investigating. The plot had me invested throughout and I think I became a little obsessed by the end. However, I am a sucker for a twist and whilst the reveal of HOW was brilliant and very clever, I found the WHO twist was very obvious to guess from an early stage which was a little disappointing. The previous 4 books in the series are immediately getting added to my TBR though and whatever comes next, so that is a win all round.
October 15, 2026
The fifth book in the Detective Sheridan Holler series, and yet again Tina has delivered a brilliant read.I’ve loved every book in this series, but I think this one might just be my favourite so far. I raced through it, completely caught up in the story, and now I’m left feeling sad that I have to wait for the next instalment which honestly can’t come quickly enough.
Tina’s knowledge of policing shines through, as it does in all her books, and the way she weaves the storylines together is so clever. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing, and this time the story feels much more personal and emotional. I was genuinely tearful in parts, which shows just how invested I’ve become in these characters. They’re so well written that I honestly feel as though I know them personally, and I love the strong women at the heart of the story.
Of course, the humour is still fantastic and brings that perfect balance to the darker moments. Gloria and Doreen are great characters, and Maud proves once again that, for a cat, she’s a brilliant judge of character.It was lovely catching up with Gabriel Howard, and Crispy the duck and his friend Pancake are such a cute addition. And as for Hill’s real name… we’re still waiting, but I have a feeling we might be getting closer.
One of the things I love most about this series is how attached you become to the characters, and by this fifth book, I feel like they’re old friends. The heartfelt message at the end of the acknowledgements was also incredibly powerful and really stayed with me.
If you haven’t started the Sheridan Holler books yet, I highly recommend you do ,it’s a series not to be missed.
I don’t like wishing time away, but I’ll happily make an exception if it means getting my hands on the next book sooner.
Tina’s knowledge of policing shines through, as it does in all her books, and the way she weaves the storylines together is so clever. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing, and this time the story feels much more personal and emotional. I was genuinely tearful in parts, which shows just how invested I’ve become in these characters. They’re so well written that I honestly feel as though I know them personally, and I love the strong women at the heart of the story.
Of course, the humour is still fantastic and brings that perfect balance to the darker moments. Gloria and Doreen are great characters, and Maud proves once again that, for a cat, she’s a brilliant judge of character.It was lovely catching up with Gabriel Howard, and Crispy the duck and his friend Pancake are such a cute addition. And as for Hill’s real name… we’re still waiting, but I have a feeling we might be getting closer.
One of the things I love most about this series is how attached you become to the characters, and by this fifth book, I feel like they’re old friends. The heartfelt message at the end of the acknowledgements was also incredibly powerful and really stayed with me.
If you haven’t started the Sheridan Holler books yet, I highly recommend you do ,it’s a series not to be missed.
I don’t like wishing time away, but I’ll happily make an exception if it means getting my hands on the next book sooner.
August 1, 2026
Its rare that I can read a book series starting with the most recently published and have a clue what is going on but TM Payne creates such vivid characters and sense of place its like you have stepped out of the room, come back and said "ok what's up".
We join Sheridan and her team as they investigate the murder of Dennis Canning, a released prisoner. What was the motivation and who is the killer? We join the team as they delve into Canning's past, his crime and the repercussions that continue to ripple out years later.
I loved the investigation elements, the teamwork and some of the standout characters like Hill, whose interactions with the team whilst stilted shows her love for the team.
One of the team is left fighting for their life in hospital and I loved the dynamic between the two plots. The tension Sheridan feels as she strives to bring the perpetrator to justice whilst remaining professional, just how many shades of grey is there?
As a first time reader I was pleased that I got all the resolution I needed with a few twists that made my fitbit ask if I was stressed. The epilogue was a great way to help the reader know where we leave the team and looking forward to the next book in the series already
I also took the time to read the Author's Note and Acknowledgments and its clear Tina has a great love for her readers and learning some of the background to this story gave me goosebumps - the universe delivered the right people at the right time.
I own all the other Sheridan Holler books so you better believe I'm off back to the beginning to meet the team and learn their backstories in greater depth.
We join Sheridan and her team as they investigate the murder of Dennis Canning, a released prisoner. What was the motivation and who is the killer? We join the team as they delve into Canning's past, his crime and the repercussions that continue to ripple out years later.
I loved the investigation elements, the teamwork and some of the standout characters like Hill, whose interactions with the team whilst stilted shows her love for the team.
One of the team is left fighting for their life in hospital and I loved the dynamic between the two plots. The tension Sheridan feels as she strives to bring the perpetrator to justice whilst remaining professional, just how many shades of grey is there?
As a first time reader I was pleased that I got all the resolution I needed with a few twists that made my fitbit ask if I was stressed. The epilogue was a great way to help the reader know where we leave the team and looking forward to the next book in the series already
I also took the time to read the Author's Note and Acknowledgments and its clear Tina has a great love for her readers and learning some of the background to this story gave me goosebumps - the universe delivered the right people at the right time.
I own all the other Sheridan Holler books so you better believe I'm off back to the beginning to meet the team and learn their backstories in greater depth.
September 13, 2026
One Bad Deed is the fifth book in the Sheridan Mysteries, and thanks to an ARC from NetGalley, I had the chance to dive in early. The audio especially pulled me straight into the tension, atmosphere, and grit of the investigation.
Did I jump into this series at book five without reading the first four? Absolutely. Did it matter? Not at all. I was hooked from the first chapter. This is one of those detective stories that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go.
The mystery surrounding Dennis Canning’s murder is dark, layered, and decades in the making. DI Sheridan Holler is a fantastic lead — raw, determined, flawed, and deeply human. The entire cast feels alive: funny, sad, sharp, and wonderfully British in that classic detective‑novel way I adore. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the emotional beats land exactly where they should.
I’ll admit: I usually love being blindsided by a twist, and this one gives you a pretty solid idea of who did it early on. I missed that whiplash moment of being proven wrong, but honestly, the story is strong enough that I didn’t mind. Watching Sheridan navigate moral gray areas, push past dead ends, and cross lines she never thought she would made the journey absolutely worth it.
This was a page‑turner, a nail‑biter, and a genuinely immersive detective mystery. I couldn’t put it down.
Fantastic book; gripping, atmospheric, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you again for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this one.
Did I jump into this series at book five without reading the first four? Absolutely. Did it matter? Not at all. I was hooked from the first chapter. This is one of those detective stories that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go.
The mystery surrounding Dennis Canning’s murder is dark, layered, and decades in the making. DI Sheridan Holler is a fantastic lead — raw, determined, flawed, and deeply human. The entire cast feels alive: funny, sad, sharp, and wonderfully British in that classic detective‑novel way I adore. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the emotional beats land exactly where they should.
I’ll admit: I usually love being blindsided by a twist, and this one gives you a pretty solid idea of who did it early on. I missed that whiplash moment of being proven wrong, but honestly, the story is strong enough that I didn’t mind. Watching Sheridan navigate moral gray areas, push past dead ends, and cross lines she never thought she would made the journey absolutely worth it.
This was a page‑turner, a nail‑biter, and a genuinely immersive detective mystery. I couldn’t put it down.
Fantastic book; gripping, atmospheric, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you again for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this one.
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