What do you think?
Rate this book
Five Silver Spoons
Not yet published
Expected 23 Apr 26They should have made sure he was dead.
DI Hope Fenton is haunted by the abduction of her son Noah eight years ago. It shadows every investigation she works with her ex-husband, forensic scientist Dr Adam Fenton.
One down.
When a supposed overdose victim is found to have received a postcard marked You're first, Hope uncovers links to a circle of privileged Cambridge an eco-entrepreneur, a surgeon, a lecturer, and a government minister. But are they potential victims - or suspects? And as the body count rises, could this case hold the key to Noah's disappearance as well?
Four to go.
Five Silver Spoons is a gripping tale of shameless entitlement and merciless revenge.
DI Hope Fenton is haunted by the abduction of her son Noah eight years ago. It shadows every investigation she works with her ex-husband, forensic scientist Dr Adam Fenton.
One down.
When a supposed overdose victim is found to have received a postcard marked You're first, Hope uncovers links to a circle of privileged Cambridge an eco-entrepreneur, a surgeon, a lecturer, and a government minister. But are they potential victims - or suspects? And as the body count rises, could this case hold the key to Noah's disappearance as well?
Four to go.
Five Silver Spoons is a gripping tale of shameless entitlement and merciless revenge.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 23, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 15, 2026
Two things I love about reading - finding a great police based thriller (ideally in a series) and finding a new to me author whose work I enjoy an know will make a point of following in the future. Tick-tick on both counts when it comes to Five Silver Spoons by Sam Steele. From the opening chapter I was suckered in and whilst the motives behind the crimes in this book take little working out, neither do the identities of the intended/pending victims, it is the characters, in particular DI Hope Fenton, who really made this story for me. I liked Hope, liked her team, and the dynamic here, as well as the mystery surrounding elements of Hope's father's past, really did keep me hooked to the book right to the very last page.
Believe me when I say that, as victims go, most of the ones in this book garner little to no sympathy for their plight, but still. Violence is never the right way to solve your problems. Unless you are writing a crime novel, in which case the more the merrier and the better the reading experience for us goulish readers, right? The opening to the book took me a little by surprise, but certainly set the scene for what I expected was soon to follow. I wasn't disappointed. We meet each of the targets in turn through the following scenes, and whilst they had little by way of redeeming qualities for the most part, I was fascinated by the way in which Sam Steele portrayed them, a kind of morbid fascination in watching their worlds fall apart. These are all people of note, in their own way. Former students who believed themselves to be untouchable who come to learn how wrong they are.
Hope is a complex and flawed character, part of which is driven by a tragedy in her home life that informs a lot of how she behaves, and also how she reacts to the case in hand. Whilst there are some very familiar tropes used here, the author has portrayed the troubles in Hope's life with an element of sympathy, and whilst she manages to keep messing up in her home life, there was something engaging about her that kept me invested in not only the investigation, but also her personal stake in it and how various other characters sought to disrail her. She is strong, maybe even stubborn, but ultimately very human and I am really looking forward to seeing how Sam Steele continues to develop her character particularly given the revelation at the end of the book. She has a good team around her, and I liked Christie as a character, but we perhaps learned less about each of them than Hope, so I hope (no pun intended) their back stories are explored more in future books.
The case itself is a bit of a whodunnit but with the whydunnit answered. At least, that is how it appears. You will have to read the book to see if it is quite as straightforward as it seems. Yes, I kind of guessed on thread of the story, but that didn't change my enjoyment of the book. In fact the author threw in a good number of curveballs that served to have me second guessing my assertions at times, and certainly led the investigations astray. This is a story about the privileged few and their belief that they are above the law, all of whom are in for a few short, sharp, and ultimately deadly, shocks. It's not often that I want the victims to face their just deserts more than the perpetrator but that was kind of where this book led me. The pacing was spot on, the dialogue and relationships between characters well observed, and I am completely on the hook for whatever comes next. I've the feeling this could be the start of a great series and I'm looking forward to book two.
Believe me when I say that, as victims go, most of the ones in this book garner little to no sympathy for their plight, but still. Violence is never the right way to solve your problems. Unless you are writing a crime novel, in which case the more the merrier and the better the reading experience for us goulish readers, right? The opening to the book took me a little by surprise, but certainly set the scene for what I expected was soon to follow. I wasn't disappointed. We meet each of the targets in turn through the following scenes, and whilst they had little by way of redeeming qualities for the most part, I was fascinated by the way in which Sam Steele portrayed them, a kind of morbid fascination in watching their worlds fall apart. These are all people of note, in their own way. Former students who believed themselves to be untouchable who come to learn how wrong they are.
Hope is a complex and flawed character, part of which is driven by a tragedy in her home life that informs a lot of how she behaves, and also how she reacts to the case in hand. Whilst there are some very familiar tropes used here, the author has portrayed the troubles in Hope's life with an element of sympathy, and whilst she manages to keep messing up in her home life, there was something engaging about her that kept me invested in not only the investigation, but also her personal stake in it and how various other characters sought to disrail her. She is strong, maybe even stubborn, but ultimately very human and I am really looking forward to seeing how Sam Steele continues to develop her character particularly given the revelation at the end of the book. She has a good team around her, and I liked Christie as a character, but we perhaps learned less about each of them than Hope, so I hope (no pun intended) their back stories are explored more in future books.
The case itself is a bit of a whodunnit but with the whydunnit answered. At least, that is how it appears. You will have to read the book to see if it is quite as straightforward as it seems. Yes, I kind of guessed on thread of the story, but that didn't change my enjoyment of the book. In fact the author threw in a good number of curveballs that served to have me second guessing my assertions at times, and certainly led the investigations astray. This is a story about the privileged few and their belief that they are above the law, all of whom are in for a few short, sharp, and ultimately deadly, shocks. It's not often that I want the victims to face their just deserts more than the perpetrator but that was kind of where this book led me. The pacing was spot on, the dialogue and relationships between characters well observed, and I am completely on the hook for whatever comes next. I've the feeling this could be the start of a great series and I'm looking forward to book two.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Five Silver Spoons is a sharp, atmospheric thriller that threads together privilege, guilt, and long‑buried secrets with a pace that tightens chapter by chapter. From the moment DI Hope Fenton arrives at the scene of what looks like a tragic overdose—only to find a postcard marked You’re first—the story locks into that irresistible blend of police procedural and psychological suspense.
The Cambridge alumni at the centre of the investigation are a fascinating mix: polished, successful, and bound by a night they’ve spent twenty years trying to forget. An eco‑entrepreneur, a surgeon, a lecturer, a government minister—each one outwardly untouchable, yet all suddenly vulnerable as the body count rises. The novel plays beautifully with the question of whether they’re being hunted… or whether one of them is hunting the others.
Hope Fenton is the emotional anchor of the book. Her grief over her son Noah’s disappearance eight years earlier is ever‑present, shaping her instincts and clouding her judgment in ways that feel painfully real. The tension between her and her ex‑husband Adam—now her forensic colleague—adds another layer of complexity, especially as the case begins to echo the unanswered questions surrounding Noah. The possibility that this investigation might hold the key to what happened to him gives the story a compelling undercurrent of dread and hope.
Thematically, the novel digs into entitlement and the corrosive belief that some people are simply above consequences. The revenge arc is chilling without ever tipping into gratuitousness, and the countdown structure—one down, four to go—keeps the momentum taut.
A gripping, cleverly constructed thriller that blends procedural detail with emotional depth, Five Silver Spoons delivers a satisfying mix of mystery, tension, and the haunting pull of the past.
With thanks to Sam Steele, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The Cambridge alumni at the centre of the investigation are a fascinating mix: polished, successful, and bound by a night they’ve spent twenty years trying to forget. An eco‑entrepreneur, a surgeon, a lecturer, a government minister—each one outwardly untouchable, yet all suddenly vulnerable as the body count rises. The novel plays beautifully with the question of whether they’re being hunted… or whether one of them is hunting the others.
Hope Fenton is the emotional anchor of the book. Her grief over her son Noah’s disappearance eight years earlier is ever‑present, shaping her instincts and clouding her judgment in ways that feel painfully real. The tension between her and her ex‑husband Adam—now her forensic colleague—adds another layer of complexity, especially as the case begins to echo the unanswered questions surrounding Noah. The possibility that this investigation might hold the key to what happened to him gives the story a compelling undercurrent of dread and hope.
Thematically, the novel digs into entitlement and the corrosive belief that some people are simply above consequences. The revenge arc is chilling without ever tipping into gratuitousness, and the countdown structure—one down, four to go—keeps the momentum taut.
A gripping, cleverly constructed thriller that blends procedural detail with emotional depth, Five Silver Spoons delivers a satisfying mix of mystery, tension, and the haunting pull of the past.
With thanks to Sam Steele, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five Silver Spoons is the first instalment of a new police procedural series about Hope Fenton, a London CID detective with a tragic past, by an author who is new to me. I was invited to read an Advance Review Copy by the publisher, and while I’m trying to resist new ARCs while I catch up with my backlog, this sounded intriguing, so overall I’m glad I accepted. I’ve been avoiding serial killer plots for years, because of how formulaic they tend to be, but I liked that this gave us the motive and intended victims from the start, with the suspense being about who would survive and would the killer be caught in time.
DI Fenton is a mess - after losing her six year old son eight years earlier, her marriage to forensic scientist Adam ended, and she’s just about holding on to her career after some embarrassing self-destructive affairs, but she needs a win. When a former rock star and a lecturer are found dead with silver spoons in their mouths, Hope discover that the men were friends at Cambridge - but the rest of their arrogant entitled group deny any suggestion that they have done anything wrong. The killer is the man they buried alive after a drunken hit & run, but to admit it will ruin their careers. Now they’re being hunted down, and their privilege can’t save them - but can Hope?
This was a well written crime thriller with multiple interwoven subplots, including the mystery of what happened to Hope’s son, why did her father, a venerated detective, retire so suddenly, and who are the other people keeping an eye on the potential victims. There are few likeable characters and it was quite long for a procedural/mystery, with a fair bit of repetition. All the angst about the demise of Hope & Adam’s marriage got a bit tedious, and it does end on a significant cliffhanger, but I’m now invested enough that I will eagerly be awaiting book two.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC. Five Silver Spoons is published on April 23rd.
DI Fenton is a mess - after losing her six year old son eight years earlier, her marriage to forensic scientist Adam ended, and she’s just about holding on to her career after some embarrassing self-destructive affairs, but she needs a win. When a former rock star and a lecturer are found dead with silver spoons in their mouths, Hope discover that the men were friends at Cambridge - but the rest of their arrogant entitled group deny any suggestion that they have done anything wrong. The killer is the man they buried alive after a drunken hit & run, but to admit it will ruin their careers. Now they’re being hunted down, and their privilege can’t save them - but can Hope?
This was a well written crime thriller with multiple interwoven subplots, including the mystery of what happened to Hope’s son, why did her father, a venerated detective, retire so suddenly, and who are the other people keeping an eye on the potential victims. There are few likeable characters and it was quite long for a procedural/mystery, with a fair bit of repetition. All the angst about the demise of Hope & Adam’s marriage got a bit tedious, and it does end on a significant cliffhanger, but I’m now invested enough that I will eagerly be awaiting book two.
Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC. Five Silver Spoons is published on April 23rd.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In 2001, five Cambridge students, drunk after their final May Ball, buried a youth they had just mown down on a quiet country road. All five were high flyers who have gone on to great heights in their respective careers, despite being blackmailed ever since by someone who has evidence of this illegal internment. That might be the youth himself, since these drunken students, rather incompetently, had failed to dig a very deep grave, and had possibly not noticed that the youth was still alive. And now someone has decided to start killing them; one by one. DI Hope Fenton is assigned to investigate the first death, which is initially just classed as the slightly suspicious overdose of a former rock star. However, she and her team realise that they are dealing with a serial killer and are now in a race to identify the other targets and discover the killer and his motive.
This is the first of an intended series featuring DI Hope Fenton and her ex-husband Adam, a senior forensic scientist. A big factor in their breakup was the disappearance eight years ago of their son Noah, and Hope’s belief that he must be dead while Adam, and Noah’s twin Lily, cling to the belief that he will eventually be found alive. Because we are dealing with a number of different crimes the plot is quite intricate, and the whydunnits are varied, as are the different whodunnits. All of the characters are convincingly drawn and the writing quality is high, although I found it a bit over elaborate in places. That attention to detail might come from her other activities. Sam Steele is the pseudonym of Sarah Steele, previously known for historical novels, and she also has had a career in music. Overall, hard to argue with such clever writing.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the first of an intended series featuring DI Hope Fenton and her ex-husband Adam, a senior forensic scientist. A big factor in their breakup was the disappearance eight years ago of their son Noah, and Hope’s belief that he must be dead while Adam, and Noah’s twin Lily, cling to the belief that he will eventually be found alive. Because we are dealing with a number of different crimes the plot is quite intricate, and the whydunnits are varied, as are the different whodunnits. All of the characters are convincingly drawn and the writing quality is high, although I found it a bit over elaborate in places. That attention to detail might come from her other activities. Sam Steele is the pseudonym of Sarah Steele, previously known for historical novels, and she also has had a career in music. Overall, hard to argue with such clever writing.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 2021 - a vow is made all those years ago to seek revenge for what has been done to him.
In September 2025 a series of postcards are sent, one enigmatically states ‘You’re first’, one threatens to bring their world crashing down, and the rest asking ‘Who’s next?’ A ghost has risen so Jack, Al, Lois, Gideon and Ajay, some born with silver spoons in their mouth, need to watch their backs. Then it’s one down, four to go. DI Hope Fenton is called in to investigate a killer with a unique calling card. However, Hope and her ex-husband Dr Adam Fenton have much pain in their past that both are desperate to get answers to. Eight years ago their six year old son Noah disappears without a trace. Will this case provide answers to what haunts them both?
I really enjoy this mystery thriller which is well written with the different strands of the plot flowing towards a really good conclusion. It has multiple layers to it which makes for a compelling read. There’s the enquiry itself and the revenge quest being managed by a good team led by Hope. All the characters involved in that are well depicted although some are not necessarily likeable. .
Another layer is between Hope and Adam and that gets very interesting, in addition there’s the relationship between Hope and her daughter Lily, who is Noah’s twin. This is an especially good element and the pain of the loss of Noah and how it’s impact them all is very well conveyed.
The plot has many twists and turns, it’s tense and suspenseful and I do hope that number two is underway as it’s left on a jaw dropping cliffhanger! 👏
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Allison and Busby for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
In September 2025 a series of postcards are sent, one enigmatically states ‘You’re first’, one threatens to bring their world crashing down, and the rest asking ‘Who’s next?’ A ghost has risen so Jack, Al, Lois, Gideon and Ajay, some born with silver spoons in their mouth, need to watch their backs. Then it’s one down, four to go. DI Hope Fenton is called in to investigate a killer with a unique calling card. However, Hope and her ex-husband Dr Adam Fenton have much pain in their past that both are desperate to get answers to. Eight years ago their six year old son Noah disappears without a trace. Will this case provide answers to what haunts them both?
I really enjoy this mystery thriller which is well written with the different strands of the plot flowing towards a really good conclusion. It has multiple layers to it which makes for a compelling read. There’s the enquiry itself and the revenge quest being managed by a good team led by Hope. All the characters involved in that are well depicted although some are not necessarily likeable. .
Another layer is between Hope and Adam and that gets very interesting, in addition there’s the relationship between Hope and her daughter Lily, who is Noah’s twin. This is an especially good element and the pain of the loss of Noah and how it’s impact them all is very well conveyed.
The plot has many twists and turns, it’s tense and suspenseful and I do hope that number two is underway as it’s left on a jaw dropping cliffhanger! 👏
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Allison and Busby for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As this book is listed as Hope Fenton book 1 of 1, I suspect there may be more? If so, then this is a brilliant introduction to DI Hope Fenton, her team and her family. I’m not a huge fan of crime fiction and definitely not police investigations, and don’t read them very often, so for me to enjoy a book as much as I enjoyed this one, then it must be very good. It’s gripping more or less from the beginning with a good plot and plenty of twists and turns and as it says in the description, very much an edge of your seat thriller.
The book starts off with quite a gruesome beginning, which also gives us a clue that at least one character isn’t very happy and may be holding a grudge. Not much further on, and we have our first dead person, murdered? Quite possibly. There are some brilliant characters, both the good and the not so good, it’s fast paced and full of menacing mystery. There’s lots of interesting forensic detail in it too coming from DI Fenton’s husband Adam, who is a forensic scientist and carries out the post mortem’s as well as other forensic investigation.
As it mentions in the blurb Hope and her husband Adam are trying to come to terms with their missing son, one of twins, he leaves behind their teenage daughter who also is struggling to accept that Noah is probably dead and they may never find out what happened to him. It’s broken Hope and Adam’s marriage which adds another thread to the narrative.
There really is lots to get your teeth into with the tension rarely letting up. Having finished the book, I have my suspicions about something, and so obviously if there is a next book I will definitely have to read it.
The book starts off with quite a gruesome beginning, which also gives us a clue that at least one character isn’t very happy and may be holding a grudge. Not much further on, and we have our first dead person, murdered? Quite possibly. There are some brilliant characters, both the good and the not so good, it’s fast paced and full of menacing mystery. There’s lots of interesting forensic detail in it too coming from DI Fenton’s husband Adam, who is a forensic scientist and carries out the post mortem’s as well as other forensic investigation.
As it mentions in the blurb Hope and her husband Adam are trying to come to terms with their missing son, one of twins, he leaves behind their teenage daughter who also is struggling to accept that Noah is probably dead and they may never find out what happened to him. It’s broken Hope and Adam’s marriage which adds another thread to the narrative.
There really is lots to get your teeth into with the tension rarely letting up. Having finished the book, I have my suspicions about something, and so obviously if there is a next book I will definitely have to read it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A perfectly paced police thriller that delivers on every level.
This is the kind of mystery that reminds you why you fell in love with the mysteries in the first place. It’s a perfectly paced police thriller that doesn’t disappoint — it has exactly the right amount of unsavory characters, palpable tension, investigative drama, and just enough murky circumstance to keep you second-guessing yourself until the very end.
What sets this one apart is how deeply everyone is connected. Every character is tangled up in one another’s lives — through messy histories, fractured relationships, and secrets that didn’t stay buried. That web of connections makes for deep world-building and gives the story a lived-in, layered quality that elevates it well beyond a standard whodunit.
But it isn’t content to just be a mystery. It reaches deeper, exploring themes of guilt, shame, and the weight of the choices we carry with us — sometimes for decades.
Our lead is exactly the kind of protagonist I love most: flawed in all the right ways. She doesn’t feel like the polished, untouchable heroine of so many thrillers — she feels real. Her relationship dynamics are complicated and messy in the most compelling way, and honestly, she’s better for it. More human. More interesting.
The result is a beautiful blend of mystery, police procedural, and genuine emotional depth — the kind of story that keeps you both entertained and quietly invested.
If you love steady, methodical mysteries where the investigation is the heartbeat of the story, this one belongs on your list.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
This is the kind of mystery that reminds you why you fell in love with the mysteries in the first place. It’s a perfectly paced police thriller that doesn’t disappoint — it has exactly the right amount of unsavory characters, palpable tension, investigative drama, and just enough murky circumstance to keep you second-guessing yourself until the very end.
What sets this one apart is how deeply everyone is connected. Every character is tangled up in one another’s lives — through messy histories, fractured relationships, and secrets that didn’t stay buried. That web of connections makes for deep world-building and gives the story a lived-in, layered quality that elevates it well beyond a standard whodunit.
But it isn’t content to just be a mystery. It reaches deeper, exploring themes of guilt, shame, and the weight of the choices we carry with us — sometimes for decades.
Our lead is exactly the kind of protagonist I love most: flawed in all the right ways. She doesn’t feel like the polished, untouchable heroine of so many thrillers — she feels real. Her relationship dynamics are complicated and messy in the most compelling way, and honestly, she’s better for it. More human. More interesting.
The result is a beautiful blend of mystery, police procedural, and genuine emotional depth — the kind of story that keeps you both entertained and quietly invested.
If you love steady, methodical mysteries where the investigation is the heartbeat of the story, this one belongs on your list.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first in a series featuring D.I. Hope Fenton. But if the reader was not aware of that , they would certainly be aware of it after reading the last chapter in the book which I thought was rather a cheap trick to ensnare the reader.
The book has the often used plot of a bunch of university students with a secret that does not stay buried. Here the students studied at Cambridge and were a fairly privileged lot and somebody is out for revenge and the first murder takes place. This may sound a bit trite but I enjoyed the book because Hope is portrayed as very human with lots of minuses as well as pluses and we learn a lot about her background and her family life that was destroyed when her son Noah went missing. Although this info explains why her marriage fell apart and why she often copes poorly , I thought that the question of whether he was dead or not was played on a bit too much and distracted from the main investigation into the murders of these high flyers.
Hope has to work alongside her separated husband who is a forensic scientist and this aspect of the book worked well revealing what often happens in real life when work and family are closely entwined. Although the reader is told a lot about the plot there is still one major reveal that shocked me.
All the students bar one were an unpleasant bunch but Hope and her team were interesting and likeable and the investigation of the murders was a satisfying read.
I can envisage a successful series following on from this well written book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC
The book has the often used plot of a bunch of university students with a secret that does not stay buried. Here the students studied at Cambridge and were a fairly privileged lot and somebody is out for revenge and the first murder takes place. This may sound a bit trite but I enjoyed the book because Hope is portrayed as very human with lots of minuses as well as pluses and we learn a lot about her background and her family life that was destroyed when her son Noah went missing. Although this info explains why her marriage fell apart and why she often copes poorly , I thought that the question of whether he was dead or not was played on a bit too much and distracted from the main investigation into the murders of these high flyers.
Hope has to work alongside her separated husband who is a forensic scientist and this aspect of the book worked well revealing what often happens in real life when work and family are closely entwined. Although the reader is told a lot about the plot there is still one major reveal that shocked me.
All the students bar one were an unpleasant bunch but Hope and her team were interesting and likeable and the investigation of the murders was a satisfying read.
I can envisage a successful series following on from this well written book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This debut novel features D.I. Hope Fenton and her ex-husband, forensic scientist, Dr Adam Fenton. Hope Fenton's father, D.C.I. Derek Milson is now in a care home, and she is living on his barge. Hope's marriage broke down after her son, Noah, went missing, and his twin sister, Lily, lives with Adam.
Meanwhile, the 'Five Silver Spoons' of the title belong to five successful Cambridge graduates. One is now a surgeon, another has an eco-friendly company, one is an academic, another was in a rock band, and the last is the current Junior Minister for Justice. Years ago, while still at university, the five were involved in a hit and run and left a young man for dead. They have been paying financially ever since, but after receiving threatening postcards, it seems that money has not atoned for their crime, and someone is after revenge.
This is an interesting debut with a number of different threads running through it. One involves the main crime storyline, while a second thread focuses on Hope, her failed marriage, a crime family linked to her father, who keeps dripping possible hints about the whereabouts of her missing son and a previous case he was involved with. As such, this is an involved crime novel and, as I am assuming there will be a second, it will be difficult to read unless you have first read this. At times, I felt there were too many storylines, but I did enjoy it. I liked Hope, Adam and the rest of the team and would definitely read on. I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
Meanwhile, the 'Five Silver Spoons' of the title belong to five successful Cambridge graduates. One is now a surgeon, another has an eco-friendly company, one is an academic, another was in a rock band, and the last is the current Junior Minister for Justice. Years ago, while still at university, the five were involved in a hit and run and left a young man for dead. They have been paying financially ever since, but after receiving threatening postcards, it seems that money has not atoned for their crime, and someone is after revenge.
This is an interesting debut with a number of different threads running through it. One involves the main crime storyline, while a second thread focuses on Hope, her failed marriage, a crime family linked to her father, who keeps dripping possible hints about the whereabouts of her missing son and a previous case he was involved with. As such, this is an involved crime novel and, as I am assuming there will be a second, it will be difficult to read unless you have first read this. At times, I felt there were too many storylines, but I did enjoy it. I liked Hope, Adam and the rest of the team and would definitely read on. I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hope Fenton #1
They should have made sure he was dead.
DIHope Fenton is haunted by the abduction of her son Noah eight years ago. It shadows every investigation she works with her husband, forensic scientist Dr Adam Fenton.
One down.
When a supposed overdose victim is found to have a postcard marked You're First, Hope uncovers a link to a circle of privileged Cambridge an echo-entrepreneur, a surgeon, a lecturer, and a government minister. But are they potential victims - or suspects? And as the body count rises, could this case hold the key to Noah's disappearance as well?
Four to go.
Five Silver Spoons is a gripping tale of shameless entitlement and merciless revenge.
When DI Hope Fenton arrives at the scene of a suspected suicide, she finds a postcard with Your First written on it. At the centre of the investigation Cambridge alumiini are all bound by a night twenty years ago that they've tried to forget.
This is a fast-paced police procedural. All the characters are entwined in one another's life's. We get a bunch of Cambridge students who have a secret that won't stay buried. We learn of some of Hope and her husband Dr Adam Fenton's backstory. I wasn't keen on how this story ended, but I will be looking out for more from the author.
Published 23rd April 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AllisonandBusby and the author #SamSteele for my ARC of #FiveSilverSpoons in exchange for an honest review.
They should have made sure he was dead.
DIHope Fenton is haunted by the abduction of her son Noah eight years ago. It shadows every investigation she works with her husband, forensic scientist Dr Adam Fenton.
One down.
When a supposed overdose victim is found to have a postcard marked You're First, Hope uncovers a link to a circle of privileged Cambridge an echo-entrepreneur, a surgeon, a lecturer, and a government minister. But are they potential victims - or suspects? And as the body count rises, could this case hold the key to Noah's disappearance as well?
Four to go.
Five Silver Spoons is a gripping tale of shameless entitlement and merciless revenge.
When DI Hope Fenton arrives at the scene of a suspected suicide, she finds a postcard with Your First written on it. At the centre of the investigation Cambridge alumiini are all bound by a night twenty years ago that they've tried to forget.
This is a fast-paced police procedural. All the characters are entwined in one another's life's. We get a bunch of Cambridge students who have a secret that won't stay buried. We learn of some of Hope and her husband Dr Adam Fenton's backstory. I wasn't keen on how this story ended, but I will be looking out for more from the author.
Published 23rd April 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AllisonandBusby and the author #SamSteele for my ARC of #FiveSilverSpoons in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five Silver Spoons by Sam Steele is a gripping and emotionally driven start to what promises to be a standout new crime series. DI Hope Fenton is a compelling lead, still haunted by the abduction of her son eight years ago—a tragedy that overshadows every case she works on. Each time she’s called to a scene, there’s that lingering question: could this finally be him? It adds a powerful emotional thread throughout.
Her relationship with her husband, Dr Adam Fenton, a forensic scientist, who she’s separated from, brings an extra layer of depth, blending personal grief with professional investigation in a believable and engaging way.
The novel works brilliantly as a police procedural, with strong pacing and detail, and is made even more engaging by its dual storylines. This structure keeps the tension high, especially with a clever twist early on that genuinely surprises without feeling forced.
What really stands out is Hope herself. She isn’t a perfect “goodie goodie” character—her flaws and struggles make her feel real and relatable, and add depth to the story. Another person I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from is Lois Blackstock a rather unlikeable character.
Steele’s writing is confident and well-paced, drawing you in from the start.
And that final sentence? It really leaves an impact, making you eager to see what’s coming next. I’m genuinely excited that this is the firstin a new series—it feels like one that could run and run.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DI Hope Fenton is a realistically imperfect character with her own share of family trauma. Her son went missing several years ago and her marriage to forensic scientist husband Adam has collapsed. She has made poor choices, too. But she is riveted by a new criminal case which changes her focus. Old Cambridge friends have moved on in their adulthood, living their lives, and are suddenly the recipients of threatening mail which sickens them. It only takes a few short spine chilling words to unravel them. One by one, they are found dead with silver spoons rammed into their mouths and Hope realizes she is dealing with a serial killer bent on exacting revenge.
The killer flashback at the beginning yanked me in immediately. I tasted the desperation. Emotions run deep in this police procedural which adds a beautiful depth. The premise is fascinating. Unfortunately, I felt no connectedness to the story or characters which surprised me and I worked out the twists. However, I would like to try the next in this new series and hopefully absorb it like a sponge!
The killer flashback at the beginning yanked me in immediately. I tasted the desperation. Emotions run deep in this police procedural which adds a beautiful depth. The premise is fascinating. Unfortunately, I felt no connectedness to the story or characters which surprised me and I worked out the twists. However, I would like to try the next in this new series and hopefully absorb it like a sponge!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This opens with an excellent flash back prologue as an unnamed narrator regains consciousness, realizes he has been buried alive, and manages to dig his way out of his freshly dug grave.
Then the narrative moves to the present day where Hope is a DI and works with her ex-husband Adam, a forensic scientist, investigating the deaths of various people who were at Cambridge together at the time of the flashback. It took me a while to get to grips with all the characters (the narrative kept switching to different perspectives and this made the pace drag a little in places), but the plot was well done and there were some good twists.
Where this lost stars for me was Hope and Adam's backstory (there was far too much of it) and present day drama. I particularly disliked the ending, but I suppose it paves the way for instalment two.
This opens with an excellent flash back prologue as an unnamed narrator regains consciousness, realizes he has been buried alive, and manages to dig his way out of his freshly dug grave.
Then the narrative moves to the present day where Hope is a DI and works with her ex-husband Adam, a forensic scientist, investigating the deaths of various people who were at Cambridge together at the time of the flashback. It took me a while to get to grips with all the characters (the narrative kept switching to different perspectives and this made the pace drag a little in places), but the plot was well done and there were some good twists.
Where this lost stars for me was Hope and Adam's backstory (there was far too much of it) and present day drama. I particularly disliked the ending, but I suppose it paves the way for instalment two.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Five Silver Spoons by Sam Steele
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
DI Fenton is struggling with the disappearance of her son Noah, who she last saw 8 years ago. Called to the scene of a suspected overdose victim, she uncovers what could be a link to a circle of elite Cambridge alumni- but are these people victims or suspects? And how could the case hold answers about Noah's disappearance?
This is the first novel in a new series by Steele featuring DI Fenton. The premise a clever twist on the decades old revenge plot, and there are twists and turns throughout. As a police procedural novel, the characters are handled well, with Fenton being believably flawed and giving the reader a good insight into her personal life as well as her ability professionally. There's obviously a bit of a cliffhanger ending, to encourage you to read the next novel but I was glad that this was based around DI Fenton's personal life rather than the case that is the focus for the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
DI Fenton is struggling with the disappearance of her son Noah, who she last saw 8 years ago. Called to the scene of a suspected overdose victim, she uncovers what could be a link to a circle of elite Cambridge alumni- but are these people victims or suspects? And how could the case hold answers about Noah's disappearance?
This is the first novel in a new series by Steele featuring DI Fenton. The premise a clever twist on the decades old revenge plot, and there are twists and turns throughout. As a police procedural novel, the characters are handled well, with Fenton being believably flawed and giving the reader a good insight into her personal life as well as her ability professionally. There's obviously a bit of a cliffhanger ending, to encourage you to read the next novel but I was glad that this was based around DI Fenton's personal life rather than the case that is the focus for the book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Five Silver Spoons is a fascinating thriller that blends mystery with emotional depth. Sam Steele has curated a story that revolves around a single night from the past that controls everything from that moment on.
This isn't a fast paced thriller that hooks you with plot twists, it's more of a slow burn captivating story thats character driven fueled with multilayered relationships.
The characters felt real, flawed & shaped by their mutual history together. I felt that Steele did a great job at divulging their inner lives which gave me greater insight into them individually & together & also gave meaning to their decisions.
I was hooked, the writing was atmospheric & incredibly tense at times. The slow build up to all the reveals definitely drew me in & i didn't want to put the book down.
Thank you to Sam Steele, Allison & Busby & Novel Tours for a copy of the book & tour opportunity.
This isn't a fast paced thriller that hooks you with plot twists, it's more of a slow burn captivating story thats character driven fueled with multilayered relationships.
The characters felt real, flawed & shaped by their mutual history together. I felt that Steele did a great job at divulging their inner lives which gave me greater insight into them individually & together & also gave meaning to their decisions.
I was hooked, the writing was atmospheric & incredibly tense at times. The slow build up to all the reveals definitely drew me in & i didn't want to put the book down.
Thank you to Sam Steele, Allison & Busby & Novel Tours for a copy of the book & tour opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the eARC.
DI Hope Fenton is called to the scene of the drug overdose of a rock star. When a card is found saying:
'You're First', plus a silver spoon is found in the mouth of the deceased, it's deemed to be murder. Not long after another body is found and eventually the dead count is 5, all with the same cards and silver spoons. What secret was held by the 5 that caused them to be hunted down?
This is a good police procedural and I liked that we got back stories on all the characters, which made it a meatier story.
Hope's back story is one of a broken marriage, a truculent daughter, a missing son (the daughter's twin) and a husband who really wants his wife back. I felt sorry for him.
The ending was very satisfactory and I hope this is the 1st of a series!
DI Hope Fenton is called to the scene of the drug overdose of a rock star. When a card is found saying:
'You're First', plus a silver spoon is found in the mouth of the deceased, it's deemed to be murder. Not long after another body is found and eventually the dead count is 5, all with the same cards and silver spoons. What secret was held by the 5 that caused them to be hunted down?
This is a good police procedural and I liked that we got back stories on all the characters, which made it a meatier story.
Hope's back story is one of a broken marriage, a truculent daughter, a missing son (the daughter's twin) and a husband who really wants his wife back. I felt sorry for him.
The ending was very satisfactory and I hope this is the 1st of a series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There was a lot going on in this one and at times, it got a bit confusing as to who had done what to who. As the plot developed, I felt like the reader was being led down an obvious path but the less obvious path was the most revealing. Hope and Adam are an interesting ex-married couple with a missing child and their dynamic reflects the trauma they have been through especially with their teenage daughter, and it does appear to impact how they approach the case. There were lots of themes alluded to that I assume will be in future books in a series, especially involving Hope's dad and DCI Cannon, so I look forward to reading more.
I would have given it 4 stars but I did find it confusing in places, but it did get better as it went on.
I would have given it 4 stars but I did find it confusing in places, but it did get better as it went on.
March 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this fast paced police/crime thriller. DI Hope Fenton still misses her son Noah who was abducted, but she’s called to her next case. What you think is a drug overdose, she finds a note saying Your first that uncovers a series of other secrets that should have been kept in the past. It’s a very well written book, keeps you guessing throughout and I enjoyed reading about why the crimes were happening. My first by this author, but won’t be my last. 4.5 stars Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whilst there was nothing wrong with this book, I do think there are much better police procedurals out there. I found it a bit long winded and just wanted it to hurry up (or cut out quite a few pages). It had a lot of promise but the main case became a bit stale. It did end on a cliffhanger regarding the main characters personal life which was intriguing but an obvious way to get people to want to read the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, Five Silver Spoons, by Sam Steele, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in the Hope Fenton series.DI Hope Fenton never got over the kidnapping of her son. People respond to tragedy differently, especially in this family. This was a gripping read, the ending is something else.
April 15, 2026
Wow, this book was incredible ! This is the perfect crime book, it is brilliantly paced, keeps you at the edge of your seat, and the forensic and police elements in this book where done brilliantly. I think this book is one of my favourite crime books I’ve read recently and I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Intense, effective thriller with some unique plotting and unique vibes. 5 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A history shared, a dark secret, a series of murders and a troubled DI Hope Fenton in hot pursuit. Four years before the events in the book, a group of privileged Cambridge students did something awful which seems to be coming back to haunt them. In present day, the members of the group are, , one by one, found murdered after having received a ominous postcard in the mail. It becomes obvious that not all things stay buried, and old mistakes do come back with a vengeance. DI Hope Fenton picks up on the leads and has her work cut out for her as she balances her own ghosts of a son gone missing and a subsequent divorce. Who is the murderer, and are there connections to her own troubled past?
I found the book intriguing and captivating. It is a solid detective novel, and I am looking forward to further follow DI Hope in upcoming books.
Thank you, Allison&Busby, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
I found the book intriguing and captivating. It is a solid detective novel, and I am looking forward to further follow DI Hope in upcoming books.
Thank you, Allison&Busby, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews