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Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body: A Novel
From the author of Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath ("wickedly funny and darkly compelling") comes a twisted new thriller following one couple who will do anything to get away with murder, even frame each other.
Daisy Dixon lives in a stately home, but the grandeur on the outside hides a leaking roof, dusty rooms and a failed marriage. But that isn't the only thing she has to worry about now. On the night before she plans to leave her abusive husband, James, Daisy accidentally runs a man over, with James in the passenger seat beside her. But at her husband's behest, instead of calling an ambulance, they take the man home.
When he dies, panic ensues, and the Dixon's do what any sane couple bury him in the family mausoleum, on the grounds of their rickety, tumbledown estate.
And that's where he lies, until a storm washes him out into the nearby village.
Her dreams of freedom postponed indefinitely, with James' help, Daisy covers up the crime and together, they seem to be doing a good job of it, until she learns that James has helped the police with their inquiries, and blamed it all on her.
Two can play games, and Daisy is very good at winning. What was once a cover-up is now a race to prison, and Daisy will do anything to make sure James gets their first.
Daisy Dixon lives in a stately home, but the grandeur on the outside hides a leaking roof, dusty rooms and a failed marriage. But that isn't the only thing she has to worry about now. On the night before she plans to leave her abusive husband, James, Daisy accidentally runs a man over, with James in the passenger seat beside her. But at her husband's behest, instead of calling an ambulance, they take the man home.
When he dies, panic ensues, and the Dixon's do what any sane couple bury him in the family mausoleum, on the grounds of their rickety, tumbledown estate.
And that's where he lies, until a storm washes him out into the nearby village.
Her dreams of freedom postponed indefinitely, with James' help, Daisy covers up the crime and together, they seem to be doing a good job of it, until she learns that James has helped the police with their inquiries, and blamed it all on her.
Two can play games, and Daisy is very good at winning. What was once a cover-up is now a race to prison, and Daisy will do anything to make sure James gets their first.
Audible Audio
Published July 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 23, 2026
Mrs. Dixon and Mr. Dixon do not get along. Mr. Dixon is extremely controlling and mentally abusive. Mrs. Dixon has to resort to hiding snacks and pilfering money to squirrel away for a rainy day. She spends her days chatting with her housekeeper, watching mindless television, sewing (which is her favorite pastime), and plotting her husband’s death. Unfortunately, one evening on their way back from a party, they accidentally murder someone. Now trying to leave Mr. Dixon will not be as easy because he has something on her.
The plot/theme is really dark, but yet the writing style makes it seem more of a cozy dark comedy. There are a few times Mrs. Dixon’s comments made me chuckle. I had mixed feelings when I started this one as it felt like the themes were being taken too lightly, but I believe that was the intent. I probably would’ve enjoyed it a little bit more had it taken the dark and gritty route, but I will admit I found myself amused at certain points. I also think having a bit more of Mrs. Dixon’s backstory thrown throughout the book as more of a flashback, as opposed to one big reveal, would have worked better. This would’ve allowed for a secondary buildup along with the main plot.
This definitely had its moments of humor, and trying to see the Dixons flail around was a bit comical. Did it go OTT at the end, yeah probably but it worked well with the tone of the novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The plot/theme is really dark, but yet the writing style makes it seem more of a cozy dark comedy. There are a few times Mrs. Dixon’s comments made me chuckle. I had mixed feelings when I started this one as it felt like the themes were being taken too lightly, but I believe that was the intent. I probably would’ve enjoyed it a little bit more had it taken the dark and gritty route, but I will admit I found myself amused at certain points. I also think having a bit more of Mrs. Dixon’s backstory thrown throughout the book as more of a flashback, as opposed to one big reveal, would have worked better. This would’ve allowed for a secondary buildup along with the main plot.
This definitely had its moments of humor, and trying to see the Dixons flail around was a bit comical. Did it go OTT at the end, yeah probably but it worked well with the tone of the novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
I almost did not finish this one.
I found the first half of the story too slow and I got angry with the main character for the way she let her husband treat her.
I'm glad I stuck with it though, because it clicked in the second half.
I found the humour I was looking for, and the main character finally rebelled.
I think the narrator of the audiobook version was absolutely perfect for the character, and I enjoyed listening to her, especially for the accent.
I found the first half of the story too slow and I got angry with the main character for the way she let her husband treat her.
I'm glad I stuck with it though, because it clicked in the second half.
I found the humour I was looking for, and the main character finally rebelled.
I think the narrator of the audiobook version was absolutely perfect for the character, and I enjoyed listening to her, especially for the accent.
July 25, 2026
𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 — 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲.
This was exactly my kind of twisted fun. Dark, wicked humour, a lovely English setting and a main character I could really get behind.
Mrs Dixon completely won me over. I loved her kindness, her sly little acts of rebellion and watching her grow into herself and take control. And that ending! I expected satisfying, but not THAT satisfying.
It gave me shades of Roald Dahl’s darker short stories, and I loved every minute of Fenella Fudge’s narration.
An easy five stars.
Thank you to Jennifer Holdich, Sourcebooks Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.
This was exactly my kind of twisted fun. Dark, wicked humour, a lovely English setting and a main character I could really get behind.
Mrs Dixon completely won me over. I loved her kindness, her sly little acts of rebellion and watching her grow into herself and take control. And that ending! I expected satisfying, but not THAT satisfying.
It gave me shades of Roald Dahl’s darker short stories, and I loved every minute of Fenella Fudge’s narration.
An easy five stars.
Thank you to Jennifer Holdich, Sourcebooks Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.
January 7, 2026
I feel bad giving my honest opinion on this one. I thought the plot sounded very interesting, if not close to very familiar tropes. However, it just wasn’t executed in an enjoyable way for me. Some things were so overdramatized that I just couldn’t get on board. It had the potential to be really great, and I just couldn’t hang on for the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc!
January 29, 2026
Intriguing storyline that immediately draws you in. The premise is strong and full of potential, with plenty of mystery and tension woven throughout the plot. While the story itself is engaging, the pacing is quite slow, and it takes a long time to really get to the point. At times, I found it difficult to stay fully invested because of how drawn out certain sections felt
August 6, 2026
When I found out that an author known for writing a hilarious book had a new release on the way, I knew I had to dive in! If you appreciate dark humor and a woman who spends her days plotting how to off her husband and where to stash his body, then this is for you.
As we meet Daisy Dixon, we get a glimpse into her life with her difficult husband, James, who is emotionally abusive. Daisy has finally reached her breaking point and decides it's time to leave him. But just before she sets her plan in motion, she accidentally hits someone she knows with her car. Instead of calling the police, James manipulates her into bringing the injured man home to assess his condition. Unfortunately, the man dies.
We also encounter Mrs. Billings, the cleaner who knows everyone’s business better than the local gossip column. At one point, she uncovers a few items left behind after the body was disposed of and starts to question everything. Oh, and did I mention Mrs. B has a klepto streak? That definitely adds an extra layer of chaos, especially when you're looking for something crucial.
This story had me in stitches! Daisy's inner dialogue as she concocts plans to escape her situation, or even dispose of her husband, will have you laughing out loud. At one point, she even considers offing Mrs. B, but thankfully she holds back—after all, it would raise too many suspicions. Everything that could go wrong absolutely does, and you can't help but think, "This must be some kind of instant karma!" There were moments when I felt that poor Daisy really needed a break from the mayhem. Things heat up when we learn about James’s schemes and his collaboration with the police. Oh, and just when you think it can't get crazier, there’s a second body involved!
This read is perfect for anyone who enjoys supporting women's rights—or wrongs—and for fans of unhinged protagonists with a motive to kill just to avoid jail. If you appreciate dark, dry humor, tons of twists, and moments that make you shake your head in disbelief, complete with a not-so-happy marriage filled with narcissism, quick-money schemes, and two dead bodies with plans for a potential third, then this book should definitely make it onto your TBR. The message couldn’t be clearer: Stay away from Daisy if you value your life! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to brush up on my knowledge of priest holes. Who knows, I might need one in the future! Ha!
Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmarks, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As we meet Daisy Dixon, we get a glimpse into her life with her difficult husband, James, who is emotionally abusive. Daisy has finally reached her breaking point and decides it's time to leave him. But just before she sets her plan in motion, she accidentally hits someone she knows with her car. Instead of calling the police, James manipulates her into bringing the injured man home to assess his condition. Unfortunately, the man dies.
We also encounter Mrs. Billings, the cleaner who knows everyone’s business better than the local gossip column. At one point, she uncovers a few items left behind after the body was disposed of and starts to question everything. Oh, and did I mention Mrs. B has a klepto streak? That definitely adds an extra layer of chaos, especially when you're looking for something crucial.
This story had me in stitches! Daisy's inner dialogue as she concocts plans to escape her situation, or even dispose of her husband, will have you laughing out loud. At one point, she even considers offing Mrs. B, but thankfully she holds back—after all, it would raise too many suspicions. Everything that could go wrong absolutely does, and you can't help but think, "This must be some kind of instant karma!" There were moments when I felt that poor Daisy really needed a break from the mayhem. Things heat up when we learn about James’s schemes and his collaboration with the police. Oh, and just when you think it can't get crazier, there’s a second body involved!
This read is perfect for anyone who enjoys supporting women's rights—or wrongs—and for fans of unhinged protagonists with a motive to kill just to avoid jail. If you appreciate dark, dry humor, tons of twists, and moments that make you shake your head in disbelief, complete with a not-so-happy marriage filled with narcissism, quick-money schemes, and two dead bodies with plans for a potential third, then this book should definitely make it onto your TBR. The message couldn’t be clearer: Stay away from Daisy if you value your life! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to brush up on my knowledge of priest holes. Who knows, I might need one in the future! Ha!
Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmarks, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2026
Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Hide A Body is a delightfully dark, funny, wicked story. The plot revolves around a miserable married couple, an accidental murder and the coverup which follows. With a subtle War of the Roses feel, it has mystery, humor and quirky characters who hate deeply, steal openly, and want each other dead. Let the cat and mouse game begin!
Daisy Dixon dreams of her husband, daily. She would like to kill him. Unfortunately, she can't figure out a way which would not implicate her. But she will wait patiently. He makes her live in a dilapidated estate, keeps her on a very short leash both on where she goes and how much she spends...he gives her a paltry allowance, and watches what she eats. Her husband is a financier and is rich, very rich.
One night, they must go to an event neither of them wants to go to and Daisy, who was driving so her husband James could drink the night away are on their way home when she accidentally hits a man walking a dark road. She immediately wants to call the police, but James insists they would get into too much trouble, and he makes them take the body back to their property and store it.
As they watch the news and listen to the gossip both of them are questioned. But it seems James has a plan he never let Daisy in on. He wants her out of the picture. As she relays to the reader how they met, their courtship and marriage, she realizes something is very amiss.
She begins to fight back in her own way.
Can Daisy beat not only the system, but her husband to the finish line without revealing what she did. All in the hopes of getting the freedom she so rightly deserves.
Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Hide A Body is wonderfully satisfying while being evil to the core, funny as heck and extremely clever. Sometimes karma can bite you!
Thank you #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #JenniferHoldich #Mr.&Mrs.DixonHideABody for the advanced copy.
Daisy Dixon dreams of her husband, daily. She would like to kill him. Unfortunately, she can't figure out a way which would not implicate her. But she will wait patiently. He makes her live in a dilapidated estate, keeps her on a very short leash both on where she goes and how much she spends...he gives her a paltry allowance, and watches what she eats. Her husband is a financier and is rich, very rich.
One night, they must go to an event neither of them wants to go to and Daisy, who was driving so her husband James could drink the night away are on their way home when she accidentally hits a man walking a dark road. She immediately wants to call the police, but James insists they would get into too much trouble, and he makes them take the body back to their property and store it.
As they watch the news and listen to the gossip both of them are questioned. But it seems James has a plan he never let Daisy in on. He wants her out of the picture. As she relays to the reader how they met, their courtship and marriage, she realizes something is very amiss.
She begins to fight back in her own way.
Can Daisy beat not only the system, but her husband to the finish line without revealing what she did. All in the hopes of getting the freedom she so rightly deserves.
Mr. & Mrs. Dixon Hide A Body is wonderfully satisfying while being evil to the core, funny as heck and extremely clever. Sometimes karma can bite you!
Thank you #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #JenniferHoldich #Mr.&Mrs.DixonHideABody for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body is about a husband and wife who don't get along anymore. He is controlling and she is insecure. They don't sleep in the same bed and the love there once was, just isn't there anymore. You could even say they hate each others guts! 🤭 But they have to work on their communication skills once they murder someone by accident. When everything gets heated, they will start to point their finger at each other and one of them will get the blame in the end. But they both don't want to be that person... 👀
I really liked the idea of this book. A married couple who accidentely murder someone and are trying to blame the other person? That is hilarious and so original! 🫶🏼 The execution could have been better in my opinion. The murder happened a little late and the fun part where they are starting to talk to the police was happening at 70%. I would have loved to read more about it and for it to have happened earlier. Now there was a lot of backstory and history that didn't really interest me.The story was well written but it could have been a lot shorter. 😬
I do love Daisy. What a queen! She is such a relatable character and I really like her view on life. 👀 She sees her own flaws and doesn't feel sorry for herself. We love a maincharacter who owns up to their shit. I also really liked the parts where Daisy went online and started blogging with the townspeople to see what they know and maybe influence their opinion 🤭 And OMG how I hate James!!! 🤮 I know where Jennifer Holdich was going going with this character and it was definitely working. What a horrible man!
I really liked the idea of this book. A married couple who accidentely murder someone and are trying to blame the other person? That is hilarious and so original! 🫶🏼 The execution could have been better in my opinion. The murder happened a little late and the fun part where they are starting to talk to the police was happening at 70%. I would have loved to read more about it and for it to have happened earlier. Now there was a lot of backstory and history that didn't really interest me.The story was well written but it could have been a lot shorter. 😬
I do love Daisy. What a queen! She is such a relatable character and I really like her view on life. 👀 She sees her own flaws and doesn't feel sorry for herself. We love a maincharacter who owns up to their shit. I also really liked the parts where Daisy went online and started blogging with the townspeople to see what they know and maybe influence their opinion 🤭 And OMG how I hate James!!! 🤮 I know where Jennifer Holdich was going going with this character and it was definitely working. What a horrible man!
July 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC of this title. I requested this one because I loved Julie Tudor. This book didn’t live up to my expectations but it was still entertaining. Daisy was a misfit who’s been through a lot. James is a mean guy and treats Daisy terribly.
She has dreamed of killing him but they end up hitting someone else with their car. The way this one played out was predictable but still a good time. Daisy did end up surprising me in the end.
She has dreamed of killing him but they end up hitting someone else with their car. The way this one played out was predictable but still a good time. Daisy did end up surprising me in the end.
February 9, 2026
4.5
I honestly loved this book. Daisy is such a fun character and so odd. She’s weird, crafty, and deeply relatable in a way that makes it impossible not to root for her. She also has the worst husband, and I truly don’t blame her for wanting to leave James, every time he spoke, my blood boiled.
Throughout the book, Daisy makes some absolutely wild decisions, but honestly… same. It really feels like she lets her intrusive thoughts win sometimes.
Even though she’s partially responsible for some of the chaos in her life, I support women’s rights and women’s wrongs 😆
I’ll definitely be recommending this book!
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
I honestly loved this book. Daisy is such a fun character and so odd. She’s weird, crafty, and deeply relatable in a way that makes it impossible not to root for her. She also has the worst husband, and I truly don’t blame her for wanting to leave James, every time he spoke, my blood boiled.
Throughout the book, Daisy makes some absolutely wild decisions, but honestly… same. It really feels like she lets her intrusive thoughts win sometimes.
Even though she’s partially responsible for some of the chaos in her life, I support women’s rights and women’s wrongs 😆
I’ll definitely be recommending this book!
Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
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June 8, 2026This is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer Holdich, and I wasn’t disappointed! She writes characters who make me feel empathy for them, even though I shouldn’t.
Daisy lives in a grand estate with her husband James, a cryptocurrency billionaire. For years, she has endured his financial abuse and belittling of every choice she makes. When Daisy revealed that James would make her eat dinner from a child’s plate so she would eat less to lose weight, I hated the guy immediately.
Over the years, she has dreamed of leaving him to start a new life, but as soon as she decides that now is finally the time, her plans are derailed when she accidentally hits a man while driving home from a party. Instead of calling an ambulance, James convinces her to cover up the accident when the man dies.
It becomes a battle of wills when Daisy and James struggle to stay out of jail when James decides to reveal information that makes Daisy the prime suspect.
Throughout the book, I felt so bad for Daisy. The author portrayed her as someone who just wanted happiness and love, despite her questionable past. I was rooting for her through the whole book. The book was dark, but also hopeful, as Daisy tried to find ways to survive in a marriage that brought her so much unhappiness.
Sometimes I felt that Daisy was far too passive. She knew what James was doing but never spoke up. But I realized that Daisy had no one she could trust. She had no family other than James, and she couldn’t even trust her housekeeper, a woman she had known since she was young. The author wrote about a woman who had to save herself because she had no one else to depend on. Even if that meant getting her hands dirty.
While I felt bad for Daisy and empathized with her situation, she had some qualities that not everyone will like. But that’s the kind of character I like to read about. Imperfect but still compelling, because that’s how people are. I can’t stand characters who are perfect “Mary Sues”. Daisy is someone you will root for, but also question her choices.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Daisy lives in a grand estate with her husband James, a cryptocurrency billionaire. For years, she has endured his financial abuse and belittling of every choice she makes. When Daisy revealed that James would make her eat dinner from a child’s plate so she would eat less to lose weight, I hated the guy immediately.
Over the years, she has dreamed of leaving him to start a new life, but as soon as she decides that now is finally the time, her plans are derailed when she accidentally hits a man while driving home from a party. Instead of calling an ambulance, James convinces her to cover up the accident when the man dies.
It becomes a battle of wills when Daisy and James struggle to stay out of jail when James decides to reveal information that makes Daisy the prime suspect.
Throughout the book, I felt so bad for Daisy. The author portrayed her as someone who just wanted happiness and love, despite her questionable past. I was rooting for her through the whole book. The book was dark, but also hopeful, as Daisy tried to find ways to survive in a marriage that brought her so much unhappiness.
Sometimes I felt that Daisy was far too passive. She knew what James was doing but never spoke up. But I realized that Daisy had no one she could trust. She had no family other than James, and she couldn’t even trust her housekeeper, a woman she had known since she was young. The author wrote about a woman who had to save herself because she had no one else to depend on. Even if that meant getting her hands dirty.
While I felt bad for Daisy and empathized with her situation, she had some qualities that not everyone will like. But that’s the kind of character I like to read about. Imperfect but still compelling, because that’s how people are. I can’t stand characters who are perfect “Mary Sues”. Daisy is someone you will root for, but also question her choices.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2026
Daisy Dixon despises her husband, James, and has been plotting his demise for what seems like forever, when she finally gets the courage to just pack up and leave. Yes, they have an ironclad prenup, and she will be left with nothing, but her husband is so controlling, abusive, and manipulative, Daisy can’t stand it any more.
The night before her plan is put into action, Daisy is forced once again, to attend a fundraiser with her husband, where she, as usual, doesn’t fit it.. While secretly stuffing her face at the party, a thing she must hide from her husband who is always commenting on her weight, Daisy meets a kind man who convinces her to partake in a drink or two. Driving home however, presents itself to be a problem, and Daisy and James find themselves standing in the middle of the road, next to a body, that Daisy hit. What follows is a crazy, often humorous story, where the unhappily married couple try to conceal a body, but when things don’t go as planned, start to point fingers at each other.
This story is half thriller, half comedy and I really enjoyed the wild ride. Daisy is a character you can’t help but love despite her many, many, flaws- and she sure does have a lot of them. Her backstory is DARK, but who doesn’t support a vengeful protagonist trying to find her way back to the honest side of life? Daisy might make terrible life choices but she’s just trying to get what’s due to her!
The best part is the ending- wild, and shocking, but yet somehow perfect.
Read this story now if you love thrillers where revenge and manipulation are the stars of the show, or stories in which the characters make questionable choices, that continue to spin more and more out of control.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Holdich, and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The night before her plan is put into action, Daisy is forced once again, to attend a fundraiser with her husband, where she, as usual, doesn’t fit it.. While secretly stuffing her face at the party, a thing she must hide from her husband who is always commenting on her weight, Daisy meets a kind man who convinces her to partake in a drink or two. Driving home however, presents itself to be a problem, and Daisy and James find themselves standing in the middle of the road, next to a body, that Daisy hit. What follows is a crazy, often humorous story, where the unhappily married couple try to conceal a body, but when things don’t go as planned, start to point fingers at each other.
This story is half thriller, half comedy and I really enjoyed the wild ride. Daisy is a character you can’t help but love despite her many, many, flaws- and she sure does have a lot of them. Her backstory is DARK, but who doesn’t support a vengeful protagonist trying to find her way back to the honest side of life? Daisy might make terrible life choices but she’s just trying to get what’s due to her!
The best part is the ending- wild, and shocking, but yet somehow perfect.
Read this story now if you love thrillers where revenge and manipulation are the stars of the show, or stories in which the characters make questionable choices, that continue to spin more and more out of control.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Holdich, and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2026
The title, cover and blurb had me super interested. I was expecting it to be fun and funny in ridiculous way but it was more of a sad and disturbing (at times) read.
I couldn’t connect with the writing style. It’s not bad by any means, it was a me problem and I’m sure some readers will find this book to be 4-to-5 stars read, but I fear majority might be like me and settle on 3.
It was an okay read for me. I wasn’t super interested but as I had couple hours of driving to do, I went through majority of the audio while driving. It was good enough to use as background noise and for multitasking, but wasn’t engaging enough for me as a sole focus read.
I expected to like this book more but after all it turned out I might not be the target audience for it.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the NetGalley ALC.
Narrator: Fenella Fudge
🎧 length: 9,5h
Audiobook review: the audio performance was alright. I had trouble understanding some small bits but it didn’t affect understanding the overall storyline. (I’m fluent in English but it is not my first language and the narration is very British)
I listened with varying speed, starting with 1.5 but pretty quickly going for 1.75 or 2.0x (which is my usual listening speed)
I couldn’t connect with the writing style. It’s not bad by any means, it was a me problem and I’m sure some readers will find this book to be 4-to-5 stars read, but I fear majority might be like me and settle on 3.
It was an okay read for me. I wasn’t super interested but as I had couple hours of driving to do, I went through majority of the audio while driving. It was good enough to use as background noise and for multitasking, but wasn’t engaging enough for me as a sole focus read.
I expected to like this book more but after all it turned out I might not be the target audience for it.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the NetGalley ALC.
Narrator: Fenella Fudge
🎧 length: 9,5h
Audiobook review: the audio performance was alright. I had trouble understanding some small bits but it didn’t affect understanding the overall storyline. (I’m fluent in English but it is not my first language and the narration is very British)
I listened with varying speed, starting with 1.5 but pretty quickly going for 1.75 or 2.0x (which is my usual listening speed)
May 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the ALC- Pub Date May 14,2026
And Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC- Pub Date July 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.75 rounded up)
I requested this one because I really enjoyed the author’s first book, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath… and I went in expecting the same vibe.
And honestly? This had such a good premise.
There were some genuinely funny moments, like actually funny and Mr. & Mrs. Dixon are painfully clueless in a way that somehow works.
But… this dragged. 😅
Some parts felt unnecessarily slow, the chapters were long, and there were so many characters that I kept having to pause and figure out who was who.
Overall, I did laugh a few times and I can see what the author was going for, but it just didn’t hit the same as her first book for me.
And Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC- Pub Date July 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.75 rounded up)
I requested this one because I really enjoyed the author’s first book, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath… and I went in expecting the same vibe.
And honestly? This had such a good premise.
There were some genuinely funny moments, like actually funny and Mr. & Mrs. Dixon are painfully clueless in a way that somehow works.
But… this dragged. 😅
Some parts felt unnecessarily slow, the chapters were long, and there were so many characters that I kept having to pause and figure out who was who.
Overall, I did laugh a few times and I can see what the author was going for, but it just didn’t hit the same as her first book for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Helaas viel dit boek me erg tegen. De titel belooft spanning en intrige, maar die verwachtingen worden niet waargemaakt. Het verhaal is langdradig, bevat veel onnodige zij-informatie en mist echte spanning. In plaats van een meeslepende thriller voelt het boek traag en vlak aan. Jammer, want het uitgangspunt had veel potentie. Voor mij absoluut geen aanrader.
December 31, 2025
*4.5 stars ✨
July 21, 2026
Dark, twisted, hilarious!
August 3, 2026
I loved the beginning and end of this book. I didn’t like the middle very much. Mr. Dixon is abusive and I didn’t like how Daisy didn’t really do anything about it.
Want to Read
May 25, 2026This sounds so good.
August 3, 2026
2.5 stars (but we’re harsh and round down on this app)
Served a purpose of an easy read after my heavy science fiction streak. I think therefore it gets a passing grade. Was just a bit “meh” and got a little bit weird towards the end. A wife who clearly gave no actual psychotic tendencies or real conviction towards murdering someone ends up mummifying her husband? Not fully on board with the ending but as I say it wasn’t an unenjoyable read.
Served a purpose of an easy read after my heavy science fiction streak. I think therefore it gets a passing grade. Was just a bit “meh” and got a little bit weird towards the end. A wife who clearly gave no actual psychotic tendencies or real conviction towards murdering someone ends up mummifying her husband? Not fully on board with the ending but as I say it wasn’t an unenjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE ABSOLUTE ACCIDENT BINDING THEM TOGETHER TURNS LETHAL.
"Jennifer Holdich delivers a twisted, darkly funny look at a crumbling marriage that mutates into a ruthless race to frame each other in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game of survival.
In Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body, author Jennifer Holdich delivers a wickedly funny, off-kilter, and darkly compelling British domestic psychological suspense novel. The story hinges on a deeply resentful wife navigating immense physical and marital hurdles to secure her personal freedom after a chaotic roadside accident binds her to her toxic husband in a lethal cover-up.
Wry comedy vs. a high-stakes marital race to prison. A desperate plan to escape a toxic marriage turns into a terrifying waking nightmare when a hidden corpse refuses to stay buried, forcing a husband and wife into a vicious battle to frame each other.
Elevator Pitch
A twisted, darkly humorous psychological thriller following an unhappily married couple who accidentally kill a pedestrian on their way home from a party and hide the body on their decaying estate—only for a torrential rainstorm to wash up the evidence and ignite a ruthless cat-and-mouse race to see who can frame the other first.
Review Breakdown
Intro
Daisy Dixon is completely trapped in a failed, abusive marriage to her controlling, cryptocurrency billionaire husband, James. She has a bag packed and an escape plan ready, but the night before she is set to leave, disaster strikes. While driving home from a lavish local fundraiser, Daisy accidentally strikes a pedestrian on a dark country road. At James's manic behest, they avoid the emergency services, bring the dying man home, and hide his body inside the family's crumbling mausoleum. When a torrential storm causes the structure to collapse and washes the corpse straight into the local village, a high-stakes legal panic ensues—and Daisy quickly realizes James has already pointed the finger at her to save himself.
Setting
The dusty, neglected rooms and leaking roofs of Langley Hall, a crumbling, grand manor estate in the insular English countryside of Upper Iffley.
Vibe
Off-kilter, cynical, and delightfully twisted.
Genre
Dark Comedy / Domestic Psychological Thriller / Suspense / Satire.
Themes
~The Toxicity and Performative Nature of Marriage
~Betrayal and Mutually Assured Destruction
~Wealth, Greed, and Complicity
~Revenge and the Subversion of the "Victim"
Standout Characters
~Daisy Dixon: The complicated, seemingly naive protagonist who must shed her passive role and find her sharpest claws to avoid taking the fall for murder.
~James Dixon: Her narcissistic, controlling crypto-billionaire husband whose instant instinct for self-preservation transforms him from a partner-in-crime into a lethal competitor.
~Mrs. Billings: The Dixons' highly eccentric, kleptomaniac housekeeper who hilariously pockets household tchotchkes while the central cover-up unravels around her
Author Writing Standout
Jennifer Holdich excels at dismantling classic domestic thriller tropes by infusing them with biting, laugh-out-loud interior monologues and a masterful handle on dark humor. Her inclusion of a neighborhood social media "Greek chorus" to comment on the escalating town scandal adds an incredibly fun, contemporary, and realistic dynamic to the narrative pacing.
Takeaway
In a marriage entirely built on constructed lies and fragile egos, the hidden corpse in the yard is never the most dangerous thing in the house—the person sharing your bed.
Title Significance
"Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body" represents the ultimate, ironic test of marital teamwork—highlighting how an act meant to bind a couple together forever becomes the exact catalyst that makes them completely tear each other apart.
Metaphor
The rotting, leaking Langley Hall mansion serves as a physical mirror for the Dixons' marriage—gorgeous and imposing on the outside to fool the public, but entirely structurally unsound and decaying within.
Why You Should Read
It is a fiercely entertaining, delightfully vicious, and unconventional suspense novel that values sharp wit, eccentric character writing, and dark errors over standard procedural beats.
My Thoughts
"An offbeat, pacy domestic suspense thriller with a game of cat-and-mouse, packed with sharp wit, eccentric village commentary, and a wonderfully clever final sequence."
Daisy begins as a passive, abused wife trapped by an ironclad prenuptial agreement. However, the crisis forces her to shed her naivety. Playing the Game to Win: The novel highlights her transition from a victim into a vicious, calculated player who is surprisingly adept at fighting back.
The pacing is fantastic. Holdich crafts an agonizingly funny and tense race to the prison gates, where you actively root for Daisy to outsmart her awful husband. The novel explores the lengths an individual will go to save themselves when they are entirely alone. The sharp-tongued dialogue and eccentric village dynamics keep the story incredibly refreshing, building to a beautifully clever final sequence.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
"A brilliantly offbeat, laugh-out-loud dark comedy thriller that proves revenge is a game best played with absolute calculation."
Recs
Read this if you devoured Julie Tudor Is Not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich, Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, or My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: July 21, 2026
July Newsletter
July Must-Read Books
"Jennifer Holdich delivers a twisted, darkly funny look at a crumbling marriage that mutates into a ruthless race to frame each other in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game of survival.
In Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body, author Jennifer Holdich delivers a wickedly funny, off-kilter, and darkly compelling British domestic psychological suspense novel. The story hinges on a deeply resentful wife navigating immense physical and marital hurdles to secure her personal freedom after a chaotic roadside accident binds her to her toxic husband in a lethal cover-up.
Wry comedy vs. a high-stakes marital race to prison. A desperate plan to escape a toxic marriage turns into a terrifying waking nightmare when a hidden corpse refuses to stay buried, forcing a husband and wife into a vicious battle to frame each other.
Elevator Pitch
A twisted, darkly humorous psychological thriller following an unhappily married couple who accidentally kill a pedestrian on their way home from a party and hide the body on their decaying estate—only for a torrential rainstorm to wash up the evidence and ignite a ruthless cat-and-mouse race to see who can frame the other first.
Review Breakdown
Intro
Daisy Dixon is completely trapped in a failed, abusive marriage to her controlling, cryptocurrency billionaire husband, James. She has a bag packed and an escape plan ready, but the night before she is set to leave, disaster strikes. While driving home from a lavish local fundraiser, Daisy accidentally strikes a pedestrian on a dark country road. At James's manic behest, they avoid the emergency services, bring the dying man home, and hide his body inside the family's crumbling mausoleum. When a torrential storm causes the structure to collapse and washes the corpse straight into the local village, a high-stakes legal panic ensues—and Daisy quickly realizes James has already pointed the finger at her to save himself.
Setting
The dusty, neglected rooms and leaking roofs of Langley Hall, a crumbling, grand manor estate in the insular English countryside of Upper Iffley.
Vibe
Off-kilter, cynical, and delightfully twisted.
Genre
Dark Comedy / Domestic Psychological Thriller / Suspense / Satire.
Themes
~The Toxicity and Performative Nature of Marriage
~Betrayal and Mutually Assured Destruction
~Wealth, Greed, and Complicity
~Revenge and the Subversion of the "Victim"
Standout Characters
~Daisy Dixon: The complicated, seemingly naive protagonist who must shed her passive role and find her sharpest claws to avoid taking the fall for murder.
~James Dixon: Her narcissistic, controlling crypto-billionaire husband whose instant instinct for self-preservation transforms him from a partner-in-crime into a lethal competitor.
~Mrs. Billings: The Dixons' highly eccentric, kleptomaniac housekeeper who hilariously pockets household tchotchkes while the central cover-up unravels around her
Author Writing Standout
Jennifer Holdich excels at dismantling classic domestic thriller tropes by infusing them with biting, laugh-out-loud interior monologues and a masterful handle on dark humor. Her inclusion of a neighborhood social media "Greek chorus" to comment on the escalating town scandal adds an incredibly fun, contemporary, and realistic dynamic to the narrative pacing.
Takeaway
In a marriage entirely built on constructed lies and fragile egos, the hidden corpse in the yard is never the most dangerous thing in the house—the person sharing your bed.
Title Significance
"Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body" represents the ultimate, ironic test of marital teamwork—highlighting how an act meant to bind a couple together forever becomes the exact catalyst that makes them completely tear each other apart.
Metaphor
The rotting, leaking Langley Hall mansion serves as a physical mirror for the Dixons' marriage—gorgeous and imposing on the outside to fool the public, but entirely structurally unsound and decaying within.
Why You Should Read
It is a fiercely entertaining, delightfully vicious, and unconventional suspense novel that values sharp wit, eccentric character writing, and dark errors over standard procedural beats.
My Thoughts
"An offbeat, pacy domestic suspense thriller with a game of cat-and-mouse, packed with sharp wit, eccentric village commentary, and a wonderfully clever final sequence."
Daisy begins as a passive, abused wife trapped by an ironclad prenuptial agreement. However, the crisis forces her to shed her naivety. Playing the Game to Win: The novel highlights her transition from a victim into a vicious, calculated player who is surprisingly adept at fighting back.
The pacing is fantastic. Holdich crafts an agonizingly funny and tense race to the prison gates, where you actively root for Daisy to outsmart her awful husband. The novel explores the lengths an individual will go to save themselves when they are entirely alone. The sharp-tongued dialogue and eccentric village dynamics keep the story incredibly refreshing, building to a beautifully clever final sequence.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
"A brilliantly offbeat, laugh-out-loud dark comedy thriller that proves revenge is a game best played with absolute calculation."
Recs
Read this if you devoured Julie Tudor Is Not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich, Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, or My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: July 21, 2026
July Newsletter
July Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Daisy Dixon is married to James, her abusive husband. Her plans to leave him however are thwarted when she runs over a man in her car with her husband in passenger seat. James pressurises Daisy to take the still alive man to their home, but when he later dies, they both panic and bury him in the grounds of their estate. Daisy thinks James is doing all this to help her out so she doesn't get into trouble with the police, but she later finds he is helping the police with their inquiries and has placed all the blame firmly at her door.
This was enjoyable read! Whilst it sounds like a serious story, it wasn't completely and there were lots of funny moments in it. I liked Daisy's character and really felt sorry for her. There was something about her character that I'm sure a lot of women could empathise with! James sounded awful and I disliked the character instantly. Whilst I couldn't work out why he wanted to help her when she had the accident all became clear as the book moved on. The pace of book was good with a great ending and it was an easy to read story. I liked the thrill of it all, but especially liked the dark humour throughout. Would definitely recommend!
This was enjoyable read! Whilst it sounds like a serious story, it wasn't completely and there were lots of funny moments in it. I liked Daisy's character and really felt sorry for her. There was something about her character that I'm sure a lot of women could empathise with! James sounded awful and I disliked the character instantly. Whilst I couldn't work out why he wanted to help her when she had the accident all became clear as the book moved on. The pace of book was good with a great ending and it was an easy to read story. I liked the thrill of it all, but especially liked the dark humour throughout. Would definitely recommend!
July 21, 2026
There is something deeply romantic about a crumbling estate, a toxic marriage, and a freshly dead body. Like if War of the Roses had a baby with a cozy British murder mystery and then that baby grew up with a passive aggressive streak and access to a shovel.
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body gives us Daisy Dixon, who lives in a stately home that is one stiff wind away from becoming a historical ruin and is married to James, a man who thinks controlling your wife’s food intake and allowance is a personality. He has her on a £250 monthly budget after convincing her to dump her money into cryptocurrency. I need you to understand I was ready to fight him in chapter one. I was stretching.
Daisy is planning to leave him. Freedom is on the horizon. And then she accidentally runs over a man with James in the passenger seat. Instead of calling an ambulance like two adults with souls, James suggests they just… take the body home. As one does. You know. For later.
When the man dies, they panic bury him in the family mausoleum on their estate. Which would have been a solid terrible plan if not for the small issue of a storm washing the body out into the village like the world’s worst gender reveal. Suddenly the whole town is buzzing, the police are sniffing around, and Daisy’s dreams of escape are replaced with “how do I not go to prison with this man.”
And here is where the book really finds its teeth. Because James, in peak mediocre villain fashion, tries to cooperate with the police and subtly shift the blame onto Daisy. Sir. You were in the car. You helped carry the corpse. You picked the mausoleum. The audacity is Olympic level.
What I loved is that Daisy is not some wide eyed innocent. She fantasizes about killing her husband. She hides his belongings. She messes with his clothes so he thinks he’s gaining weight. She blogs anonymously on the village message board to test the rumor mill. She is petty, messy, morally gray, and slowly realizing she might actually be better at this game than James. Watching her pivot from passive to quietly strategic was delicious.
The tone is darkly funny in a very British, dry way. The small village gossip culture becomes its own chaotic character, especially when the storm exposes the body and everyone loses their collective minds. There is something wildly entertaining about a tight knit community speculating their way through a murder while Daisy is internally spiraling and plotting.
Now. I will be honest with you because we are friends. The pacing in the middle drags a bit. There is backstory, history with the villagers, layers of marital dysfunction that sometimes slow the momentum when you are screaming “just outmaneuver him already.” The murder plot kicks into full chaos a little later than I wanted. I was tapping my watch.
But once the blame game truly ignites, it becomes a twisted little race to prison and I was locked in. The final stretch has that uncomfortable tension where you are not entirely sure whether to root for Daisy’s freedom or be concerned about how good she is getting at this. It gets just unsettling enough to make you question how unreliable she might be.
Daisy and James are absolutely a match made in hell. Their marriage is less “til death do us part” and more “til one of us frames the other.” And yet beneath the dark comedy, there is something sharp about the way control and emotional abuse are portrayed. It is not just quirky marital bickering. It is suffocating. Daisy’s small rebellions feel like oxygen.
Overall, this is a 3.5 star read for me. I had a great time. I laughed. I wanted to throttle James. I occasionally wished the middle tightened up. But I absolutely appreciated the commitment to messy characters and morally questionable choices. It never tries to pretend anyone here is clean.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you enjoy domestic thrillers that are more “chaotic marital chess match” than “serial killer mastermind.” It is dark, it is a little ridiculous, and it fully supports women’s rights and women’s wrongs.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Root for a Woman Who Absolutely Should Not Be Trusted With a Shovel
And a chaotic little thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing says “professional reviewer” like me cackling over a mausoleum mishap at midnight. Truly appreciate the early access to this delicious marital disaster.
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body gives us Daisy Dixon, who lives in a stately home that is one stiff wind away from becoming a historical ruin and is married to James, a man who thinks controlling your wife’s food intake and allowance is a personality. He has her on a £250 monthly budget after convincing her to dump her money into cryptocurrency. I need you to understand I was ready to fight him in chapter one. I was stretching.
Daisy is planning to leave him. Freedom is on the horizon. And then she accidentally runs over a man with James in the passenger seat. Instead of calling an ambulance like two adults with souls, James suggests they just… take the body home. As one does. You know. For later.
When the man dies, they panic bury him in the family mausoleum on their estate. Which would have been a solid terrible plan if not for the small issue of a storm washing the body out into the village like the world’s worst gender reveal. Suddenly the whole town is buzzing, the police are sniffing around, and Daisy’s dreams of escape are replaced with “how do I not go to prison with this man.”
And here is where the book really finds its teeth. Because James, in peak mediocre villain fashion, tries to cooperate with the police and subtly shift the blame onto Daisy. Sir. You were in the car. You helped carry the corpse. You picked the mausoleum. The audacity is Olympic level.
What I loved is that Daisy is not some wide eyed innocent. She fantasizes about killing her husband. She hides his belongings. She messes with his clothes so he thinks he’s gaining weight. She blogs anonymously on the village message board to test the rumor mill. She is petty, messy, morally gray, and slowly realizing she might actually be better at this game than James. Watching her pivot from passive to quietly strategic was delicious.
The tone is darkly funny in a very British, dry way. The small village gossip culture becomes its own chaotic character, especially when the storm exposes the body and everyone loses their collective minds. There is something wildly entertaining about a tight knit community speculating their way through a murder while Daisy is internally spiraling and plotting.
Now. I will be honest with you because we are friends. The pacing in the middle drags a bit. There is backstory, history with the villagers, layers of marital dysfunction that sometimes slow the momentum when you are screaming “just outmaneuver him already.” The murder plot kicks into full chaos a little later than I wanted. I was tapping my watch.
But once the blame game truly ignites, it becomes a twisted little race to prison and I was locked in. The final stretch has that uncomfortable tension where you are not entirely sure whether to root for Daisy’s freedom or be concerned about how good she is getting at this. It gets just unsettling enough to make you question how unreliable she might be.
Daisy and James are absolutely a match made in hell. Their marriage is less “til death do us part” and more “til one of us frames the other.” And yet beneath the dark comedy, there is something sharp about the way control and emotional abuse are portrayed. It is not just quirky marital bickering. It is suffocating. Daisy’s small rebellions feel like oxygen.
Overall, this is a 3.5 star read for me. I had a great time. I laughed. I wanted to throttle James. I occasionally wished the middle tightened up. But I absolutely appreciated the commitment to messy characters and morally questionable choices. It never tries to pretend anyone here is clean.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you enjoy domestic thrillers that are more “chaotic marital chess match” than “serial killer mastermind.” It is dark, it is a little ridiculous, and it fully supports women’s rights and women’s wrongs.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Root for a Woman Who Absolutely Should Not Be Trusted With a Shovel
And a chaotic little thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing says “professional reviewer” like me cackling over a mausoleum mishap at midnight. Truly appreciate the early access to this delicious marital disaster.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” by Jennifer Holdich is a twisted marital thriller that thrives on unreliable narration, toxic power dynamics, and the quiet horror of domestic control. Holdich delivers a story that is as compulsively readable as it is morally skewed, combining suspense with pitch-black humor in a way that keeps you off balance until the very end.
At the center of the story are Daisy and James Dixon, a couple whose marriage looks barely functional on the surface but is rotten at its core. They live in a decaying manor house, trapped by appearances, finances, and mutual resentment. James is controlling, manipulative, and emotionally (and financially) abusive as he’s obsessed with maintaining the image of success while quietly squandering other people’s money. Daisy, meanwhile, is passive, insecure, and deeply unreliable as a narrator. She fantasizes about killing her husband, yet feels powerless to leave him thanks to a suffocating prenup and James’s control over every aspect of her life, right down to what she eats.
When a fatal accident leaves the couple with a body on their hands, they’re forced into an uneasy alliance to cover it up. From there, the story spirals deliciously out of control. Lies stack on top of lies, another death follows, and the tension tightens as police interest grows and the couple begin subtly and not so subtly turning on one another. If one lie is exposed, everything collapses, and both Daisy and James are desperate enough to do anything to avoid that outcome.
Daisy is the story’s standout feature. As an unreliable narrator with a murky past involving a tragic incident where multiple people died, you are constantly left questioning her version of events. Is she a calculating killer or simply a deeply damaged woman who keeps finding herself in catastrophes? Her quiet acts of rebellion like hiding James’s keys, altering his clothes to make him think he’s gaining weight are both hilarious and unsettling, and her passive-aggressive defiance adds a surprising emotional hook. While she’s not particularly clever and is a terrible liar, watching her slowly reclaim small pieces of control is oddly satisfying.
Holdich’s pacing is excellent, balancing mounting suspense with moments of absurdity and razor-sharp wit. The small-town setting amplifies the tension, as rumors spread quickly and speculation threatens to unravel the carefully constructed cover-up. The prose is vivid and sly, laced with dark humor that underscores just how ridiculous and horrifying the situation has become.
The ending is gruesome, bold, and perfectly in tune with the story’s bleak sense of justice. It reframes everything that came before and delivers a final reckoning that feels both shocking and earned. Not every reader will connect with the offbeat tone or the deeply unlikable characters, but for those who do, the payoff is immense.
Overall, “Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” is a clever, unsettling domestic thriller that explores control, complicity, and survival within a toxic marriage. With an unforgettable narrator, escalating tension, and a brutally satisfying finale, it’s a must-read for fans of dark humor, unreliable perspectives, and thrillers where no one is truly innocent.
“Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” by Jennifer Holdich is a twisted marital thriller that thrives on unreliable narration, toxic power dynamics, and the quiet horror of domestic control. Holdich delivers a story that is as compulsively readable as it is morally skewed, combining suspense with pitch-black humor in a way that keeps you off balance until the very end.
At the center of the story are Daisy and James Dixon, a couple whose marriage looks barely functional on the surface but is rotten at its core. They live in a decaying manor house, trapped by appearances, finances, and mutual resentment. James is controlling, manipulative, and emotionally (and financially) abusive as he’s obsessed with maintaining the image of success while quietly squandering other people’s money. Daisy, meanwhile, is passive, insecure, and deeply unreliable as a narrator. She fantasizes about killing her husband, yet feels powerless to leave him thanks to a suffocating prenup and James’s control over every aspect of her life, right down to what she eats.
When a fatal accident leaves the couple with a body on their hands, they’re forced into an uneasy alliance to cover it up. From there, the story spirals deliciously out of control. Lies stack on top of lies, another death follows, and the tension tightens as police interest grows and the couple begin subtly and not so subtly turning on one another. If one lie is exposed, everything collapses, and both Daisy and James are desperate enough to do anything to avoid that outcome.
Daisy is the story’s standout feature. As an unreliable narrator with a murky past involving a tragic incident where multiple people died, you are constantly left questioning her version of events. Is she a calculating killer or simply a deeply damaged woman who keeps finding herself in catastrophes? Her quiet acts of rebellion like hiding James’s keys, altering his clothes to make him think he’s gaining weight are both hilarious and unsettling, and her passive-aggressive defiance adds a surprising emotional hook. While she’s not particularly clever and is a terrible liar, watching her slowly reclaim small pieces of control is oddly satisfying.
Holdich’s pacing is excellent, balancing mounting suspense with moments of absurdity and razor-sharp wit. The small-town setting amplifies the tension, as rumors spread quickly and speculation threatens to unravel the carefully constructed cover-up. The prose is vivid and sly, laced with dark humor that underscores just how ridiculous and horrifying the situation has become.
The ending is gruesome, bold, and perfectly in tune with the story’s bleak sense of justice. It reframes everything that came before and delivers a final reckoning that feels both shocking and earned. Not every reader will connect with the offbeat tone or the deeply unlikable characters, but for those who do, the payoff is immense.
Overall, “Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body” is a clever, unsettling domestic thriller that explores control, complicity, and survival within a toxic marriage. With an unforgettable narrator, escalating tension, and a brutally satisfying finale, it’s a must-read for fans of dark humor, unreliable perspectives, and thrillers where no one is truly innocent.
July 29, 2026
I picked up Jennifer Holdich’s Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body before the sun was even up because I wanted to make a dent in my backlist. I poured a cup of coffee, headed out to the patio, and figured I’d read a chapter or two before the day got busy. Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This book was weird…and I mean that as a compliment.
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much over people making such terrible decisions. There were a couple of times I actually stopped reading, looked up, and thought, “There is no way this is going to end well.” Then I’d read another page anyway.
James got under my skin almost immediately. Every little comment he made had me rolling my eyes. Daisy, though? I wasn’t sure what to make of her at first. She frustrated me, made me laugh, and then surprised me more than once. By the end I realized I’d been quietly cheering her on without even noticing when it happened.
Faith decided she wanted breakfast right in the middle of one of the best scenes. She was very offended that I finished the chapter before getting up. Priorities, Faith.
I loved all the odd little details around the old estate and the village. It felt like everybody knew everybody else’s business, which only made the whole situation even messier. Every time I thought the Dixons had finally figured something out, they’d somehow make everything worse. Honestly, I started wondering how many bad choices two people could fit into one book.
I carried this one into the kitchen while making breakfast, then tossed it in my bag before leaving for work because I knew I’d want a few pages at lunch. On the drive home I kept replaying parts of it instead of thinking about work, and that’s usually how I know a story has stuck with me.
This isn’t a serious, heavy thriller. It’s dark, sarcastic, awkward, and more than a little ridiculous. Somehow all of that worked for me. I finished it smiling, which feels like a strange thing to say about a book that starts with someone hiding a body.
I already know who’s borrowing my copy because I need someone else to experience James and then tell me they wanted to yell at him too.
Have you ever finished a book and immediately wished you had someone sitting next to you so you could say, “Okay…you are never going to believe what just happened.”
#MrAndMrsDixonHideABody #JenniferHoldich #SourcebooksLandmark #BookReview #MysteryThriller #DarkHumor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
This book was weird…and I mean that as a compliment.
I don’t think I’ve ever laughed this much over people making such terrible decisions. There were a couple of times I actually stopped reading, looked up, and thought, “There is no way this is going to end well.” Then I’d read another page anyway.
James got under my skin almost immediately. Every little comment he made had me rolling my eyes. Daisy, though? I wasn’t sure what to make of her at first. She frustrated me, made me laugh, and then surprised me more than once. By the end I realized I’d been quietly cheering her on without even noticing when it happened.
Faith decided she wanted breakfast right in the middle of one of the best scenes. She was very offended that I finished the chapter before getting up. Priorities, Faith.
I loved all the odd little details around the old estate and the village. It felt like everybody knew everybody else’s business, which only made the whole situation even messier. Every time I thought the Dixons had finally figured something out, they’d somehow make everything worse. Honestly, I started wondering how many bad choices two people could fit into one book.
I carried this one into the kitchen while making breakfast, then tossed it in my bag before leaving for work because I knew I’d want a few pages at lunch. On the drive home I kept replaying parts of it instead of thinking about work, and that’s usually how I know a story has stuck with me.
This isn’t a serious, heavy thriller. It’s dark, sarcastic, awkward, and more than a little ridiculous. Somehow all of that worked for me. I finished it smiling, which feels like a strange thing to say about a book that starts with someone hiding a body.
I already know who’s borrowing my copy because I need someone else to experience James and then tell me they wanted to yell at him too.
Have you ever finished a book and immediately wished you had someone sitting next to you so you could say, “Okay…you are never going to believe what just happened.”
#MrAndMrsDixonHideABody #JenniferHoldich #SourcebooksLandmark #BookReview #MysteryThriller #DarkHumor
June 1, 2026
I actually really enjoyed Mr & Mrs Dixon Hide a Body. This isn't a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that races from one twist to the next. Instead, it's a slower burn with plenty of dark humour, quirky characters, and a narrator who gradually reveals herself to be far more interesting than she first appears.
As the story unfolds, you realise that while she initially seems like someone you should feel sorry for, she's also incredibly clever, full of secrets, and honestly quite fascinating. The more I learned about her, the more invested I became. She's the kind of character I'd happily read another book about.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I think that really enhanced the experience. The narrator captured the main character's personality perfectly, bringing all of her quirks, observations, and dry humour to life. The cosy, quaint setting also worked really well in audio format, making it a very easy book to get lost in.
My only real struggle was the chapter length. Some of them felt quite long, and because I was listening rather than reading, there weren't always natural stopping points. That said, it didn't bother me too much because I was enjoying myself so much. In fact, I found myself listening for long stretches without wanting to take a break.
I also loved the cast of characters. Everyone had their own funny little mannerisms and personality traits, which gave the book a lot of charm. Even when the plot was taking its time, I enjoyed simply spending time with these people and seeing how everything would unfold.
The one thing I'm still not entirely sure about is whether I would have enjoyed this quite as much in print. It does take a while before some of the really juicy revelations start coming through, and I think the audiobook narration helped carry me through that slower build-up. Thankfully, the payoff was worth it, and the tension really ramps up towards the end.
This didn't quite rock my world enough to be a five-star read, but I had a genuinely great time with it. I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky characters, unreliable narrators, black humour, weird women making questionable decisions, and a mystery that takes its time before delivering some wonderfully surprising reveals.
⭐️ 4 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the advance review copy.
As the story unfolds, you realise that while she initially seems like someone you should feel sorry for, she's also incredibly clever, full of secrets, and honestly quite fascinating. The more I learned about her, the more invested I became. She's the kind of character I'd happily read another book about.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and I think that really enhanced the experience. The narrator captured the main character's personality perfectly, bringing all of her quirks, observations, and dry humour to life. The cosy, quaint setting also worked really well in audio format, making it a very easy book to get lost in.
My only real struggle was the chapter length. Some of them felt quite long, and because I was listening rather than reading, there weren't always natural stopping points. That said, it didn't bother me too much because I was enjoying myself so much. In fact, I found myself listening for long stretches without wanting to take a break.
I also loved the cast of characters. Everyone had their own funny little mannerisms and personality traits, which gave the book a lot of charm. Even when the plot was taking its time, I enjoyed simply spending time with these people and seeing how everything would unfold.
The one thing I'm still not entirely sure about is whether I would have enjoyed this quite as much in print. It does take a while before some of the really juicy revelations start coming through, and I think the audiobook narration helped carry me through that slower build-up. Thankfully, the payoff was worth it, and the tension really ramps up towards the end.
This didn't quite rock my world enough to be a five-star read, but I had a genuinely great time with it. I'd definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy quirky characters, unreliable narrators, black humour, weird women making questionable decisions, and a mystery that takes its time before delivering some wonderfully surprising reveals.
⭐️ 4 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for the advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I loved Jennifer's debut novel, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath, and was thrilled to be sent this early copy.
I normally write notes down when I'm reading an ARC so that it's easier when it comes to writing up my review. But I was so absorbed by this book that I made notes at the start, and then forgot to do so until I'd finished, I was so addicted to it.
James Dixon is a terrible character and whilst I won't spoil as to whether his wife succeeded in her plan, I was completely on her side. He was rude and slimy and up himself.
Whereas Daisy was...I felt she was hiding something. She was very interesting. Quite meek at first, a bit of a doormat at times, but I felt there was something beneath that layer. I loved her. She was manic and frightened and panicky and whilst James felt like the character villain, Daisy felt so real like we could imagine ourselves in her very expensive shoes. She holds the whole book together. She's an unreliable narrator and I just thought she was great.
There are a lot of other characters and they're all so unlikeable, like really unlikeable, that I couldn't help but love them too.
I found it funnier than I probably should have, considering it was about murder, but it's got such a morbid wit about it.
I felt the pacing was spot on. Not too slow to be dull but it didn't speed through it that you lost the little nuances. Having said that, it was quick to read but never feels overwhelming.
The ending was suitably disgusting and I loved it. It's very OTT, with every trope going, but that wasn't a bad thing for me. I loved how dramatic and extreme it was, that's what got me, and kept me, hooked.
I read it in an afternoon, I just couldn't put it down.
Jennifer definitely doesn't have to worry about the "second book" syndrome. This is just as fabulous as her debut and I can't wait for more.
I loved Jennifer's debut novel, Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath, and was thrilled to be sent this early copy.
I normally write notes down when I'm reading an ARC so that it's easier when it comes to writing up my review. But I was so absorbed by this book that I made notes at the start, and then forgot to do so until I'd finished, I was so addicted to it.
James Dixon is a terrible character and whilst I won't spoil as to whether his wife succeeded in her plan, I was completely on her side. He was rude and slimy and up himself.
Whereas Daisy was...I felt she was hiding something. She was very interesting. Quite meek at first, a bit of a doormat at times, but I felt there was something beneath that layer. I loved her. She was manic and frightened and panicky and whilst James felt like the character villain, Daisy felt so real like we could imagine ourselves in her very expensive shoes. She holds the whole book together. She's an unreliable narrator and I just thought she was great.
There are a lot of other characters and they're all so unlikeable, like really unlikeable, that I couldn't help but love them too.
I found it funnier than I probably should have, considering it was about murder, but it's got such a morbid wit about it.
I felt the pacing was spot on. Not too slow to be dull but it didn't speed through it that you lost the little nuances. Having said that, it was quick to read but never feels overwhelming.
The ending was suitably disgusting and I loved it. It's very OTT, with every trope going, but that wasn't a bad thing for me. I loved how dramatic and extreme it was, that's what got me, and kept me, hooked.
I read it in an afternoon, I just couldn't put it down.
Jennifer definitely doesn't have to worry about the "second book" syndrome. This is just as fabulous as her debut and I can't wait for more.
May 16, 2026
On the way home from a late-night party, the Dixons hit someone with their car. Terrified of the repercussions, they decide the easiest thing to do is to hide the body. Unfortunately, a storm results in the body being uncovered, and everything spirals out of control.
I absolutely adored Jennifer Holdich's first novel, Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath, so I was over the moon when I got the chance to listen to her second novel, Mr & Mrs Dixon Hide A Body.
Daisy Dixon, along with her husband, James, lives at Langley Manor. From outward appearances, they have it all, but the marriage is loveless. Daisy spends most of her time plotting to kill her controlling husband. Unfortunately, it's not a simple case of divorcing James as a pre-nuptial agreement means that Daisy wouldn't get back the money she invested in her husband's crypto-scheme.
James is obviously the villain of the piece. I know I'd certainly give Daisy a hand to bury the body after hearing all about the ways he criticises her. He likes to flaunt his wealth, from expensive watches to high-end sports cars, and he expects his wife to act accordingly. Daisy, however, is the complete opposite.
I felt sorry for Daisy; her only confidante is her cleaning lady. This brings in an added air of mystery. Why is everyone in the village wary of her? Alongside the constant digs from her husband, she's not allowed to prepare food from scratch; only ready meals are allowed. The subtle references to events in the past all add to the intrigue.
When the body is finally discovered, it soon becomes obvious that James is trying to place all the blame on his wife. James, however, is hiding far more than just his part in the accident. I was delighted when he finally got his comeuppance, the conclusion was fabulous.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
I absolutely adored Jennifer Holdich's first novel, Julie Tudor Is Not A Psychopath, so I was over the moon when I got the chance to listen to her second novel, Mr & Mrs Dixon Hide A Body.
Daisy Dixon, along with her husband, James, lives at Langley Manor. From outward appearances, they have it all, but the marriage is loveless. Daisy spends most of her time plotting to kill her controlling husband. Unfortunately, it's not a simple case of divorcing James as a pre-nuptial agreement means that Daisy wouldn't get back the money she invested in her husband's crypto-scheme.
James is obviously the villain of the piece. I know I'd certainly give Daisy a hand to bury the body after hearing all about the ways he criticises her. He likes to flaunt his wealth, from expensive watches to high-end sports cars, and he expects his wife to act accordingly. Daisy, however, is the complete opposite.
I felt sorry for Daisy; her only confidante is her cleaning lady. This brings in an added air of mystery. Why is everyone in the village wary of her? Alongside the constant digs from her husband, she's not allowed to prepare food from scratch; only ready meals are allowed. The subtle references to events in the past all add to the intrigue.
When the body is finally discovered, it soon becomes obvious that James is trying to place all the blame on his wife. James, however, is hiding far more than just his part in the accident. I was delighted when he finally got his comeuppance, the conclusion was fabulous.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Darkly hilarious, wildly clever and far more emotional than I expected
This audiobook completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. Right from the opening, when Daisy is already plotting to kill her husband, you know this is not going to be a conventional story, and it absolutely leans into its wonderfully dark sense of humour.
What makes it work so well is that beneath the satire and absurdity, there is a genuinely compelling emotional core. As the story unfolds, you find yourself understanding Daisy more and more. Despite her outrageous actions and thoughts, there is something deeply sympathetic about her, especially as pieces of her past and the difficult things she has endured begin to emerge.
I initially thought this might turn into one of those stories where a struggling couple somehow reconnect through chaos and secrets, but the book cleverly refuses to follow the expected path. Instead, it commits fully to its sharp black comedy and lets Daisy’s story unfold in a much more satisfying and unpredictable way.
The humour throughout is deliciously dark, full of biting observations and moments that make you laugh while also wondering whether you should be laughing at all. That balance is incredibly well done. And the ending felt particularly clever, with Daisy ultimately finding a way to get exactly what she needs.
The audiobook narration deserves special praise too. The narrator was absolutely fabulous, bringing so many different characters to life with distinct voices across genders and personalities. It made the whole experience even more immersive and incredibly easy to stay hooked on.
Mr and Mrs Dixon Hide a body by Jennifer Holdich is witty, twisted and brilliantly entertaining, with narration that elevates an already excellent story even further.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton Audio for the audiobook copy.
This audiobook completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. Right from the opening, when Daisy is already plotting to kill her husband, you know this is not going to be a conventional story, and it absolutely leans into its wonderfully dark sense of humour.
What makes it work so well is that beneath the satire and absurdity, there is a genuinely compelling emotional core. As the story unfolds, you find yourself understanding Daisy more and more. Despite her outrageous actions and thoughts, there is something deeply sympathetic about her, especially as pieces of her past and the difficult things she has endured begin to emerge.
I initially thought this might turn into one of those stories where a struggling couple somehow reconnect through chaos and secrets, but the book cleverly refuses to follow the expected path. Instead, it commits fully to its sharp black comedy and lets Daisy’s story unfold in a much more satisfying and unpredictable way.
The humour throughout is deliciously dark, full of biting observations and moments that make you laugh while also wondering whether you should be laughing at all. That balance is incredibly well done. And the ending felt particularly clever, with Daisy ultimately finding a way to get exactly what she needs.
The audiobook narration deserves special praise too. The narrator was absolutely fabulous, bringing so many different characters to life with distinct voices across genders and personalities. It made the whole experience even more immersive and incredibly easy to stay hooked on.
Mr and Mrs Dixon Hide a body by Jennifer Holdich is witty, twisted and brilliantly entertaining, with narration that elevates an already excellent story even further.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton Audio for the audiobook copy.
July 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body by Jennifer Holdich had such a dark and entertaining premise: a deeply unhappy married couple accidentally kills someone and then immediately begins looking for ways to make sure the other person takes the blame.
Daisy Dixon has spent years living under the control of her wealthy husband, James. He monitors her spending, criticizes her appearance, limits her independence, and makes her feel trapped in their marriage. Daisy already spends plenty of time imagining life without him, but her plans to finally leave become much more complicated after they hit a man while driving home from a party and James convinces her to help hide the body.
I liked Daisy as a narrator. She was flawed, insecure, and sometimes frustratingly passive, but it was easy to understand how isolated and powerless she had become. I also enjoyed her dry observations and the small ways she began fighting back. James, meanwhile, was incredibly easy to dislike, which made watching their marriage turn into a complete battle of wills pretty satisfying.
The book had a fun mix of domestic suspense and dark comedy, but the pacing was uneven for me. The accident and investigation took longer to become the main focus than I expected, and there was a lot of backstory before the plot really gained momentum. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the cover-up, police questioning, and attempts to betray each other had started earlier.
Things became increasingly over-the-top near the end, but that fit the tone of the story. Overall, this was a clever and occasionally very funny read with a strong premise and a compellingly imperfect main character. I enjoyed watching Daisy and James turn on each other, even though I wanted the story to get to the chaos a little faster.
A big thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Hide a Body by Jennifer Holdich had such a dark and entertaining premise: a deeply unhappy married couple accidentally kills someone and then immediately begins looking for ways to make sure the other person takes the blame.
Daisy Dixon has spent years living under the control of her wealthy husband, James. He monitors her spending, criticizes her appearance, limits her independence, and makes her feel trapped in their marriage. Daisy already spends plenty of time imagining life without him, but her plans to finally leave become much more complicated after they hit a man while driving home from a party and James convinces her to help hide the body.
I liked Daisy as a narrator. She was flawed, insecure, and sometimes frustratingly passive, but it was easy to understand how isolated and powerless she had become. I also enjoyed her dry observations and the small ways she began fighting back. James, meanwhile, was incredibly easy to dislike, which made watching their marriage turn into a complete battle of wills pretty satisfying.
The book had a fun mix of domestic suspense and dark comedy, but the pacing was uneven for me. The accident and investigation took longer to become the main focus than I expected, and there was a lot of backstory before the plot really gained momentum. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the cover-up, police questioning, and attempts to betray each other had started earlier.
Things became increasingly over-the-top near the end, but that fit the tone of the story. Overall, this was a clever and occasionally very funny read with a strong premise and a compellingly imperfect main character. I enjoyed watching Daisy and James turn on each other, even though I wanted the story to get to the chaos a little faster.
A big thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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