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Detective Sheridan Holler #5
One Bad Deed
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26One 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
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
T.M. Payne
6 books199 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 7, 2026
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
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
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 🤩
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
I went into completely blind and without reading any of the previous books in the DI Sheridan Holler series. Normally that would annoy me because I hate feeling like I’ve walked into the middle of an inside joke where everyone else knows what’s happening except me. 😂 But honestly, this was surprisingly easy to follow.
This felt less like a big flashy thriller and more like settling into a crime series where the characters already know each other well and you slowly start figuring out the dynamics as you go. I actually ended up liking that. The team interactions felt natural and believable, and I cared more about them than I expected to.
Sheridan Holler is definitely flawed and makes some choices that had me raising an eyebrow a few times, but not in a way that ruined the story for me. There was something kind of refreshing about her not always doing everything perfectly or by the book. Sometimes she was messy, emotional, impulsive… basically human.
The mystery itself kept me interested the whole way through, even if I wasn’t sitting there frantically trying to solve it. I liked the darker tone mixed with moments of humor and quieter character scenes. It made the story feel more grounded instead of just constant drama for shock value.
There were a couple moments where I thought certain plot points might become overly complicated or unnecessary, but thankfully everything tied together pretty well in the end. And while some parts probably hit harder if you’ve read the earlier books, I never felt completely out of the loop.
Overall, this was a really solid British crime procedural with good character dynamics and enough emotional weight to keep me invested. It also made me curious enough to actually want to go back and read the earlier books in the series, which honestly says a lot considering I usually hate jumping into a series this late.
This felt less like a big flashy thriller and more like settling into a crime series where the characters already know each other well and you slowly start figuring out the dynamics as you go. I actually ended up liking that. The team interactions felt natural and believable, and I cared more about them than I expected to.
Sheridan Holler is definitely flawed and makes some choices that had me raising an eyebrow a few times, but not in a way that ruined the story for me. There was something kind of refreshing about her not always doing everything perfectly or by the book. Sometimes she was messy, emotional, impulsive… basically human.
The mystery itself kept me interested the whole way through, even if I wasn’t sitting there frantically trying to solve it. I liked the darker tone mixed with moments of humor and quieter character scenes. It made the story feel more grounded instead of just constant drama for shock value.
There were a couple moments where I thought certain plot points might become overly complicated or unnecessary, but thankfully everything tied together pretty well in the end. And while some parts probably hit harder if you’ve read the earlier books, I never felt completely out of the loop.
Overall, this was a really solid British crime procedural with good character dynamics and enough emotional weight to keep me invested. It also made me curious enough to actually want to go back and read the earlier books in the series, which honestly says a lot considering I usually hate jumping into a series this late.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy smokes, I was warned this was going to be an emotional book but I didnt think it would affect me as much as it did! It really got to me 🥺
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Tina's books and DI Sheridan is one of my favourite fictional characters. She is an unreal detective and the relationships she builds with her team and people around her is unbreakable, she would go to war for you and I love that about her.
One Bad Deed is book 5 in the series, I've read the others multiple times and usually I would say you can read them as stand alone but for this book I definitely recommend you reading the others first, it just helps you connect with the storyline and gives such a better insight.
Dennis Canning gets murdered years after destroying a family in a horrific way, and DI Sheridan thinks it’s revenge — except every suspect has a solid alibi. Or do they?
Then one of her colleagues is attacked, and Sheridan gets pulled deeper into the case, breaking rules, something she never thought she would do and trusting the wrong people just to get answers. The more she digs, the messier and darker everything becomes. She has always trusted her gut, but is it right this time?
(Maud the cat plays a blinder in this book by the way!)
We get to dig deeper into all the characters in this book and even start to see a softer side to Hill. But do we finally find out her real name? You'll have to read it and see 👀
I loved the short chapters as always and I couldn't read this fast enough, I finished it last night on Netgalley and Tina and Susie had kindly gifted me a trophy copy to complete my collection which arrived today.
I cried multiple times reading this book and it's so hard to explain why without giving anything away. Please go pre order, I hope you love this as much as I do.
I cannot wait to see how book 6 pans out and what's next...
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Tina's books and DI Sheridan is one of my favourite fictional characters. She is an unreal detective and the relationships she builds with her team and people around her is unbreakable, she would go to war for you and I love that about her.
One Bad Deed is book 5 in the series, I've read the others multiple times and usually I would say you can read them as stand alone but for this book I definitely recommend you reading the others first, it just helps you connect with the storyline and gives such a better insight.
Dennis Canning gets murdered years after destroying a family in a horrific way, and DI Sheridan thinks it’s revenge — except every suspect has a solid alibi. Or do they?
Then one of her colleagues is attacked, and Sheridan gets pulled deeper into the case, breaking rules, something she never thought she would do and trusting the wrong people just to get answers. The more she digs, the messier and darker everything becomes. She has always trusted her gut, but is it right this time?
(Maud the cat plays a blinder in this book by the way!)
We get to dig deeper into all the characters in this book and even start to see a softer side to Hill. But do we finally find out her real name? You'll have to read it and see 👀
I loved the short chapters as always and I couldn't read this fast enough, I finished it last night on Netgalley and Tina and Susie had kindly gifted me a trophy copy to complete my collection which arrived today.
I cried multiple times reading this book and it's so hard to explain why without giving anything away. Please go pre order, I hope you love this as much as I do.
I cannot wait to see how book 6 pans out and what's next...
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...
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
Book 5 in the DI Sheridan Holler series, and this one is an emotional read!
Sheridan and her team are back to solve the murder of Dennis Canning. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges, as Dennis was previously imprisoned for murdering a family, including two children.
Just as the case begins, one of Sheridan’s team is brutally attacked, and the team suddenly find themselves with two cases to solve.
Another quick and gripping read, this one takes you on a real rollercoaster of emotions! All your favourite characters are back, and I love learning a little more about them in each book.
I found Dennis’s case particularly interesting — a former murderer now becoming the victim — although it did feel like this storyline quickly became more of a backstory. I would have liked a little more focus on it. That being said, I can understand why the attack storyline took centre stage due to the more personal connection to the team.
The little details woven throughout these books, and the way everything links together, are one of my favourite things about this series. It’s cleverly done, and you’re given subtle clues throughout.
I really do enjoy this series. It now feels familiar, and I’m fully invested! The only downside to reading books early is the longer wait for my next fix of Sheridan and her team.
Sheridan and her team are back to solve the murder of Dennis Canning. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges, as Dennis was previously imprisoned for murdering a family, including two children.
Just as the case begins, one of Sheridan’s team is brutally attacked, and the team suddenly find themselves with two cases to solve.
Another quick and gripping read, this one takes you on a real rollercoaster of emotions! All your favourite characters are back, and I love learning a little more about them in each book.
I found Dennis’s case particularly interesting — a former murderer now becoming the victim — although it did feel like this storyline quickly became more of a backstory. I would have liked a little more focus on it. That being said, I can understand why the attack storyline took centre stage due to the more personal connection to the team.
The little details woven throughout these books, and the way everything links together, are one of my favourite things about this series. It’s cleverly done, and you’re given subtle clues throughout.
I really do enjoy this series. It now feels familiar, and I’m fully invested! The only downside to reading books early is the longer wait for my next fix of Sheridan and her team.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much, NetGalley, for this ARC ❤️. I’m still reeling from the excitement of getting an ARC! Just checked ✔️ off one book from my 26 books for 2026.
This book was nothing short of incredible 😲😮. If you’re looking for a police procedural series that will keep you guessing the entire time, then this book is definitely for you.
I had a feeling Book 5 would center around Anna, and I was absolutely right ✅😉. Her story turned out to be so emotional and life-changing. I wasn’t just reading for fun — this book actually taught me a lot about how life can change within seconds, and how the people closest to you can sometimes be the ones who hurt you the most.
Anna was a victim despite being a police officer, and I think this book did a powerful job showing that anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse. Speak up before it’s too late.
What amazed me most was how the author managed to tell not just one story, but two stories in a single book while planning everything out so perfectly to the last chapter will always live rent-free in my head for a very long time.
I’m secretly hoping there will be a Book 6 🤭. If you haven’t started this series yet, consider this your sign to start now.
Happy reading 📚😊
This book was nothing short of incredible 😲😮. If you’re looking for a police procedural series that will keep you guessing the entire time, then this book is definitely for you.
I had a feeling Book 5 would center around Anna, and I was absolutely right ✅😉. Her story turned out to be so emotional and life-changing. I wasn’t just reading for fun — this book actually taught me a lot about how life can change within seconds, and how the people closest to you can sometimes be the ones who hurt you the most.
Anna was a victim despite being a police officer, and I think this book did a powerful job showing that anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse. Speak up before it’s too late.
What amazed me most was how the author managed to tell not just one story, but two stories in a single book while planning everything out so perfectly to the last chapter will always live rent-free in my head for a very long time.
I’m secretly hoping there will be a Book 6 🤭. If you haven’t started this series yet, consider this your sign to start now.
Happy reading 📚😊
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One Bad Deed opens with a spectacularly eerie flashback. Loved the writing, hated the bone chilling feeling that makes your blood run cold!
Enter Detective Inspector Sheridan Holler, who can't catch a break! One murder publicly murdered in cold blood, her co-worker and good friend is attacked, leads for both cases are going no where fast, and readers know not everything is as it seems. Feeling pressured to get answers, Holler risks her entire career on another felon. Can she trust him? Will her crime in turning to him muddy these cases up more or help her get the answers the entire department needs?
This who's on first mystery will keep you on the edge of you seat from chapter to chapter as you try to figure out who was where, who's lying, and why these calls are being made! Are the cases individually convoluted or connected?
The author's note should not be missed and made me tear up a little.
Troupes: villainous victim, compromised hero, premature suspect, big reveal
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸 implied
Big thank you to Thomas and Mercer, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for the ARC
Enter Detective Inspector Sheridan Holler, who can't catch a break! One murder publicly murdered in cold blood, her co-worker and good friend is attacked, leads for both cases are going no where fast, and readers know not everything is as it seems. Feeling pressured to get answers, Holler risks her entire career on another felon. Can she trust him? Will her crime in turning to him muddy these cases up more or help her get the answers the entire department needs?
This who's on first mystery will keep you on the edge of you seat from chapter to chapter as you try to figure out who was where, who's lying, and why these calls are being made! Are the cases individually convoluted or connected?
The author's note should not be missed and made me tear up a little.
Troupes: villainous victim, compromised hero, premature suspect, big reveal
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸 implied
Big thank you to Thomas and Mercer, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
T. M. Payne delivers a gripping and intricately woven narrative in One Bad Deed. The dark atmosphere and compelling characters pulled me into the heart of the mystery. The dual storyline of Dennis Canning's murder and the brutal attack on DI Sheridan Holler's colleague, Anna, created a sense of urgency. DI Sheridan Holler is a captivating protagonist; she is determined yet flawed, and deeply human. Her moral dilemmas and the pressure of the ticking clock heighten the tension, and watching her cross ethical boundaries for justice is quite thought-provoking. The author crafts a web of secrets that connects the past with the present, revealing how long-buried actions can reverberate through time.
The twists are well placed, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took a sharp turn, and I actually gasped out loud. The ending delivers a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, One Bad Deed is a blend of suspense, psychological depth, and moral complexity. I would recommend this book and this series, especially for fans of crime fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-executed mystery.
#OneBadDeed #NetGalley @AmazonPub
The twists are well placed, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took a sharp turn, and I actually gasped out loud. The ending delivers a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, One Bad Deed is a blend of suspense, psychological depth, and moral complexity. I would recommend this book and this series, especially for fans of crime fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-executed mystery.
#OneBadDeed #NetGalley @AmazonPub
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4* Is the end of the series as we know it? Seems likely but there's plenty left for a spin-off series.
Well, things get put to bed in this book. The guy I've hated (forgotten his name) since finding out what he'd been doing to, and was continuing to try and do, to Anna, gets a very deserved comeuppance here. A very satisfying one. I loved the collusion between Sheridan, her boss and a scally seemingly with his heart, and some morals at least, in the right place. Only in Scouseland.
There's a lot of death in this book. There's revenge I could get behind. There's playing the long game, excellent plotting, and I felt for the bereaved. Double bereaved.
There's a Jackie Collins type of epilogue, the kind where you find out what happens to each character. It's satisfying. It's closure, hence my thinking it's the end of the series.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure.
Well, things get put to bed in this book. The guy I've hated (forgotten his name) since finding out what he'd been doing to, and was continuing to try and do, to Anna, gets a very deserved comeuppance here. A very satisfying one. I loved the collusion between Sheridan, her boss and a scally seemingly with his heart, and some morals at least, in the right place. Only in Scouseland.
There's a lot of death in this book. There's revenge I could get behind. There's playing the long game, excellent plotting, and I felt for the bereaved. Double bereaved.
There's a Jackie Collins type of epilogue, the kind where you find out what happens to each character. It's satisfying. It's closure, hence my thinking it's the end of the series.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this! I didn't read the first 4 books in this series, but I think I'll put them on my tbr list.
Detective Sheridan is an interesting, well-rounded character. She makes mistakes, questionable decisions, but... She's human, and that's made clear in a way that's not always portrayed in novels.
I was fully invested in the story, and when one of Sheridan's coworkers was attacked, I was immediately pulled in for good.
Very emotional. I wasn't expecting that. Most murder thrillers I've read have been so far from emotional that this was a real shocker.
I really thought I had everything figured out about halfway through, and then here comes a plot twist! Extremely well-placed twists were scattered throughout the book and will catch you off guard.
Very well written and overall a great read!
Detective Sheridan is an interesting, well-rounded character. She makes mistakes, questionable decisions, but... She's human, and that's made clear in a way that's not always portrayed in novels.
I was fully invested in the story, and when one of Sheridan's coworkers was attacked, I was immediately pulled in for good.
Very emotional. I wasn't expecting that. Most murder thrillers I've read have been so far from emotional that this was a real shocker.
I really thought I had everything figured out about halfway through, and then here comes a plot twist! Extremely well-placed twists were scattered throughout the book and will catch you off guard.
Very well written and overall a great read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've said it before, but I'll say it again - Sheridan Holler is one of my favourite detective characters ever. I read all four of the previous books in short succession last year and loved each of them. I couldn't wait for book 5 and I knew it wouldn't disappoint.
One Bad Deed is an emotional rollercoaster. A brutal murder kicks things off with Sheridan and the team springing into action as always, but when one of them is suddenly attacked, it changes everything. Such is the depth of the anger engulfing the team, you almost forget about the murder case lurking in the background.
Packed with clever twists and turns, Payne really leaves you scratching your head with this one and I can't wait for book 6.
One Bad Deed is an emotional rollercoaster. A brutal murder kicks things off with Sheridan and the team springing into action as always, but when one of them is suddenly attacked, it changes everything. Such is the depth of the anger engulfing the team, you almost forget about the murder case lurking in the background.
Packed with clever twists and turns, Payne really leaves you scratching your head with this one and I can't wait for book 6.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DI Sheridan Holler and her team of Liverpool detectives return in another very good novel. A man is found dead with his throat cut - turns out he was released from jail after a conviction for multiple murders. So there is no shortage of potential suspects. The team are on the case - when one of their own is attacked.
Sheridan and co now have two cases to solve, as well as dealing with the emotional turmoil of a colleague's brutal attack. The DI takes unusual steps to try to solve the case, crossing the line of legal policing. But do her actions lead to the results she wanted?
This is a clever and well plotted novel with two major storylines intertwined. It gets a little stick in the middle section, but the eventual reveals are worth waiting for.
Sheridan and co now have two cases to solve, as well as dealing with the emotional turmoil of a colleague's brutal attack. The DI takes unusual steps to try to solve the case, crossing the line of legal policing. But do her actions lead to the results she wanted?
This is a clever and well plotted novel with two major storylines intertwined. It gets a little stick in the middle section, but the eventual reveals are worth waiting for.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One Bad Deed was my first book by T.M. Payne, even though it’s the fifth book in the series, and I honestly had no trouble getting invested in the story or characters. It was fast-paced, tense, and packed with enough twists to keep me hooked the whole way through.
I really enjoyed the gritty atmosphere and the way the investigations slowly unraveled. DI Sheridan Holler was such an interesting character to follow, especially with the emotional pressure and morally grey decisions throughout the book.
If you enjoy dark police procedurals with quick pacing and layered mysteries, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I really enjoyed the gritty atmosphere and the way the investigations slowly unraveled. DI Sheridan Holler was such an interesting character to follow, especially with the emotional pressure and morally grey decisions throughout the book.
If you enjoy dark police procedurals with quick pacing and layered mysteries, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ex con Dennis has been found with his throat cut. No one is terribly sorry, since he was responsible for a fire which killed a whole family some years ago. But Holler and her team are still tasked with solving the case. Then someone attempts to murder Holler's best friend Anna, and Holler suspects an abusive ex. Can she prove it? Was the murderer a new man Anna was interested in? Or maybe someone else? There are many twists and turns to both cases as the team searches for the truth in this British police procedural. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
I love this series, the characters are wonderful; lovely warm and kind, despite the horrors they deal with. This particular book features 2 cruel, sad and painful cases, but they are wrapped up after many sleepless nights and pain, giving closure.
I'm so glad that Hill is finally thawing, she deserves to join the human race after her long suffering.
I love the cat characters too, and hope that Hill will rescue a couple to celebrate her newfound return to life.
I love this series, the characters are wonderful; lovely warm and kind, despite the horrors they deal with. This particular book features 2 cruel, sad and painful cases, but they are wrapped up after many sleepless nights and pain, giving closure.
I'm so glad that Hill is finally thawing, she deserves to join the human race after her long suffering.
I love the cat characters too, and hope that Hill will rescue a couple to celebrate her newfound return to life.
Read
May 7, 2026One Bad Deed by fantastic wordsmith T.M. Payne is book 5 in the Detective Sheridan Holler Series.
Every book can be read as a stand alone, for best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
Det. Holler's newest case is a complex, complicated one. A story that spans decades, secrets that rather stay hidden, witnesses who not very truthful, the whole enchilada.
I greatly enjoyed reading this gem of a thriller, 5 stars.
Every book can be read as a stand alone, for best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
Det. Holler's newest case is a complex, complicated one. A story that spans decades, secrets that rather stay hidden, witnesses who not very truthful, the whole enchilada.
I greatly enjoyed reading this gem of a thriller, 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an emotional and fast-paced crime thriller with difficult topics throughout the story. The book does a good job creating tension and keeping the reader wanting to know what happens next.
While this one ultimately was not the right fit for me personally, I also appreciated that it can be read without reading the previous books in the series first.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for early access. All opinions are my own ***
While this one ultimately was not the right fit for me personally, I also appreciated that it can be read without reading the previous books in the series first.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for early access. All opinions are my own ***
May 7, 2026
This was my first time reading anything by TM Payne or from the Sheridan Hollier series an I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The attention to detail with the procedures was incredible. I really liked the writing style, it kept me second guessing myself with regard to who was responsible.
I also really liked the two cases included here. I’ll definitely be reading more!
The attention to detail with the procedures was incredible. I really liked the writing style, it kept me second guessing myself with regard to who was responsible.
I also really liked the two cases included here. I’ll definitely be reading more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Life is never quiet for Detective Sheridan Holler. She’s working a new case—a man has been murdered—and her team is going in circles trying to catch the killer. Then, something happens to one of their own. Sheridan has her hands full, but she and her team refuse to give up. A gripping read and an addictive series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed the darker emotional side of the book alongside the investigation. Sheridan is such a compelling character, and I loved the mix of twists, tension, and team dynamics throughout. The short chapters made it impossible to stop reading.
Definitely my favourite kind of crime thriller — tense, emotional, and very easy to binge.
Definitely my favourite kind of crime thriller — tense, emotional, and very easy to binge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tina, you wonderful woman. I'm sat here at nearly midnight on a Saturday night bawling. I can't explain to you how much I adore these characters, I never want this series to end 😭
If you happen to not be Tina, please take this review as your official notice to read the Sheridan Holler series immediately if not sooner. You won't regret it. Thank me later.
If you happen to not be Tina, please take this review as your official notice to read the Sheridan Holler series immediately if not sooner. You won't regret it. Thank me later.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book #5 in the Detective Sheridan Holler series. Two distinctly different investigations take Sheridan to a point where she steps outside her conscience to find motives and evidence. TM Payne is a mystery/thriller favorite author who always manages to keep me guessing right up to the reveal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An excellent police procedural crime thriller novel. This is book 5 in the Detective Sheridan Holler and continues with a new case that has the suspect but Holler desperately needs the evidence. The writing is fantastic as always, rich with description and fuelling the tension. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2026
Book 5 in the DI Sheridan Holler series and what a read it was. There’s something so special about the characters in these books, it’s like catching up with old friends. Each book I read in this series becomes my new favourite and this one is no exception.
This time things get personal and honestly this book left me devastated and I wanted to put it in the freezer (Friends fans will get this reference lol). Sheridan lays everything out in this one and shows just how far she’ll go to get the right result even if that means making some morally grey choices. Whilst this book is heavy in places there is always some humour along the way which allows for some breathing space before another twist hits.
If you’re looking for a police procedural series with a kick ass female lead then this is the series for you. I will never stop recommending all of these books and they are pride of place on my bookshelves.
Also all praise goes to Maud for her star appearance on this story
This time things get personal and honestly this book left me devastated and I wanted to put it in the freezer (Friends fans will get this reference lol). Sheridan lays everything out in this one and shows just how far she’ll go to get the right result even if that means making some morally grey choices. Whilst this book is heavy in places there is always some humour along the way which allows for some breathing space before another twist hits.
If you’re looking for a police procedural series with a kick ass female lead then this is the series for you. I will never stop recommending all of these books and they are pride of place on my bookshelves.
Also all praise goes to Maud for her star appearance on this story
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