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Sinister Innocence: A DCI Spencer Thriller
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
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14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 3, 2026
SO. I actually loved this book. Like, ABSOLUTELY loved it. I haven’t read a crime thriller told from the detectives’ POVs, so when I say I was hooked… I was hooked.
The story follows a brutal murder that quickly reveals itself to be far from random. As detectives uncover a disturbing video tied to the victim, it becomes clear that this case is part of something much darker and that whoever is responsible isn’t finished yet. As the investigation unfolds, secrets surface, patterns emerge, and the past starts creeping into the present.
What really stood out to me was how immersive this book felt. I genuinely felt like I was on the journey with the characters, like an outside investigator trying to piece together clues alongside them. The way information is revealed makes you think and question everything.
Both Greyson and Lyra are such compelling characters. They each carry ghosts from their pasts, and you can feel that in their personalities, their instincts, and the choices they make throughout the investigation. Their internal struggles added depth to the story, and I loved how that emotional weight was woven naturally into the case.
And the slow-burn chemistry between them? So well done. It never overshadowed the investigation but instead ran quietly beneath it, adding tension and intrigue without feeling forced.
One of my favourite things was that, with the information we’re given, I actually felt like I nailed the reveal right alongside Greyson and Lyra, and I loved that. It was like a lightbulb that went off and it was satisfying.
The epilogue was perfect and now I’m sitting here hoping and praying that we get to explore THAT case in a book two, because I am not done with these characters.
I’d 100% recommend this to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers especially if you like investigative stories that make you feel involved rather than just along for the ride. It’s an easy, gripping, and very enjoyable read.
Would I reread it? Absolutely. BUT I need to know what happens next! 🤣
The story follows a brutal murder that quickly reveals itself to be far from random. As detectives uncover a disturbing video tied to the victim, it becomes clear that this case is part of something much darker and that whoever is responsible isn’t finished yet. As the investigation unfolds, secrets surface, patterns emerge, and the past starts creeping into the present.
What really stood out to me was how immersive this book felt. I genuinely felt like I was on the journey with the characters, like an outside investigator trying to piece together clues alongside them. The way information is revealed makes you think and question everything.
Both Greyson and Lyra are such compelling characters. They each carry ghosts from their pasts, and you can feel that in their personalities, their instincts, and the choices they make throughout the investigation. Their internal struggles added depth to the story, and I loved how that emotional weight was woven naturally into the case.
And the slow-burn chemistry between them? So well done. It never overshadowed the investigation but instead ran quietly beneath it, adding tension and intrigue without feeling forced.
One of my favourite things was that, with the information we’re given, I actually felt like I nailed the reveal right alongside Greyson and Lyra, and I loved that. It was like a lightbulb that went off and it was satisfying.
The epilogue was perfect and now I’m sitting here hoping and praying that we get to explore THAT case in a book two, because I am not done with these characters.
I’d 100% recommend this to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers especially if you like investigative stories that make you feel involved rather than just along for the ride. It’s an easy, gripping, and very enjoyable read.
Would I reread it? Absolutely. BUT I need to know what happens next! 🤣
February 17, 2026
I feel as though I devoured this book.
I have just finished it and my heart rate is yet to return to normal. Often I find that thrillers rarely thrill, but this one really stressed me out (In a really good way!)
I loved that the author drip feeds you enough information that you gradually peel away the clues and come to identify the murderer along with the characters. The book didnt hide any action from the case off page, which as a reader I love as it kept us along with the whole journey.
The story was so compelling, the main characters were both so interesting and I'm so ready to read more about them and their past lives. I particularly enjoyed the dual pov which I havent encountered much in this genre but it really added to the case progression and the progression of their partnership.
The subject matter is intense and the crimes in the book are brutal. That being said the author handled this with sensitivity and the ending of the book has a sense of being a hollow victory for our protagonists.
Women are placed firmly at the heart of this story, their pain, suffering, anger and strength are solid themes that the author explores. As mentioned above, it is one to take note of the trigger warnings, but it is a great example of the genre. Excited to read more from this series!
I have just finished it and my heart rate is yet to return to normal. Often I find that thrillers rarely thrill, but this one really stressed me out (In a really good way!)
I loved that the author drip feeds you enough information that you gradually peel away the clues and come to identify the murderer along with the characters. The book didnt hide any action from the case off page, which as a reader I love as it kept us along with the whole journey.
The story was so compelling, the main characters were both so interesting and I'm so ready to read more about them and their past lives. I particularly enjoyed the dual pov which I havent encountered much in this genre but it really added to the case progression and the progression of their partnership.
The subject matter is intense and the crimes in the book are brutal. That being said the author handled this with sensitivity and the ending of the book has a sense of being a hollow victory for our protagonists.
Women are placed firmly at the heart of this story, their pain, suffering, anger and strength are solid themes that the author explores. As mentioned above, it is one to take note of the trigger warnings, but it is a great example of the genre. Excited to read more from this series!
February 2, 2026
Heart beating fast, pulse racing, not sure what is coming next………. Not the characters in this book, but me reading it. A killer is on the loose, always one step ahead, why? How? WHO?? This gripping suspenseful thriller left me questioning everything and everyone. When everything finally gets revealed, the surprise was WTF?! How had I not figured it out? I am normally good at guessing the real murderer straight away, but the way this was written proper got me. A really good read, gruesome and full of action. Read it with care as it does contain sensitive topics, but my god, was it a good read!
January 31, 2026
I was very lucky to have received an ARC of this book.
Sinister Innocence by Kate Hopcraft completely hooked me from the start. I genuinely couldn’t put it down — the tension builds so well. I loved how it explores innocence and the grey moral reasoning of the characters, which made them feel so human and real. It’s dark, psychological, and keeps you guessing. I kept thinking about it long after I’d finished and I can’t wait for the sequel. Such a gripping, twisty read — I flew through it!
P.S Greyson is a hotty which is always nice…
Sinister Innocence by Kate Hopcraft completely hooked me from the start. I genuinely couldn’t put it down — the tension builds so well. I loved how it explores innocence and the grey moral reasoning of the characters, which made them feel so human and real. It’s dark, psychological, and keeps you guessing. I kept thinking about it long after I’d finished and I can’t wait for the sequel. Such a gripping, twisty read — I flew through it!
P.S Greyson is a hotty which is always nice…
January 31, 2026
Well.. where do I start?
I absolutely devoured Sinister Innocence by Katie Hopcraft.
From the get go, the start of this series has been gripping and fast-paced, following DCI Greyson Spencer and his “rookie” partner, DC Lyra Fellows. I am HOOKED.
What started as the murder of a “prominent businessman” quickly untangles into something far more disturbing and substantially darker, raising the urgency and the stakes with every passing chapter.
As the pressure mounts on our MCs and another body appears, the race for answers and justice becomes incredibly intense and has left this an impossible read to put down - I’ve been on the edge of my seat for most of it!!
As mentioned previously, the story is dark (so definitely check the trigger warnings!), twisty, and heaving with momentum. And that twist - THAT TWIST!! I was genuinely both shocked and thrilled; I thought I had it all figured out… turns out I was completely wrong, and I loved every second of that realisation.
The characters are beautifully crafted: relatable, layered, and easy to root for. The mentor/rookie dynamic works beautifully, the police work feels well researched, and the way Hopcraft explores and approaches these darker topics has been brilliant.
My favourite quote sums up the tone perfectly: “If you’re going to make me a piece in your game, don’t be surprised if I decide to play.”
Sinister Innocence was such an incredible read, sharp and emotionally charged, and I’m genuinely so excited to return to these characters in the next books.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I absolutely devoured Sinister Innocence by Katie Hopcraft.
From the get go, the start of this series has been gripping and fast-paced, following DCI Greyson Spencer and his “rookie” partner, DC Lyra Fellows. I am HOOKED.
What started as the murder of a “prominent businessman” quickly untangles into something far more disturbing and substantially darker, raising the urgency and the stakes with every passing chapter.
As the pressure mounts on our MCs and another body appears, the race for answers and justice becomes incredibly intense and has left this an impossible read to put down - I’ve been on the edge of my seat for most of it!!
As mentioned previously, the story is dark (so definitely check the trigger warnings!), twisty, and heaving with momentum. And that twist - THAT TWIST!! I was genuinely both shocked and thrilled; I thought I had it all figured out… turns out I was completely wrong, and I loved every second of that realisation.
The characters are beautifully crafted: relatable, layered, and easy to root for. The mentor/rookie dynamic works beautifully, the police work feels well researched, and the way Hopcraft explores and approaches these darker topics has been brilliant.
My favourite quote sums up the tone perfectly: “If you’re going to make me a piece in your game, don’t be surprised if I decide to play.”
Sinister Innocence was such an incredible read, sharp and emotionally charged, and I’m genuinely so excited to return to these characters in the next books.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 6, 2026
Sinister Innocence by Katie Hopcraft is a gripping psychological thriller that plays with the idea that appearances can be dangerously misleading. The story builds tension slowly but effectively, drawing readers in as trust begins to unravel and hidden motives come to light. Hopcraft’s characters feel layered and unpredictable, which keeps you questioning who to believe until the very end. Her writing is clear, immersive, and perfectly suited to the dark tone of the novel. Overall, this is a compelling and unsettling read that will appeal to fans of suspenseful stories with strong psychological depth.
February 3, 2026
Absolutely ate this book up! Read it in a day as I just could not put it down. Each chapter had me on the edge of my seat. Absolute must read!! 5⭐️+++
February 20, 2026
Captivating
I read this book in one sitting. I could not get enough. It kept me guessing until the end. I can't wait for more of her books.
Highly recommend
I read this book in one sitting. I could not get enough. It kept me guessing until the end. I can't wait for more of her books.
Highly recommend
February 16, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! I’m not normally a crime reader but this was really gripping and I absolutely loved it - I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one!
January 30, 2026
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was lucky enough to be able to read Kate Hopcraft’s latest novel, Sinister Innocence, before release.
This book is the first in a series which follows DCI Greyson Spencer and Lyra Fellows — the rookie detective he’s taken under his wing.
In this story, they pick up the case of a brutal murder of a prominent businessman, which unravels further when they get hold of a disturbing video of the victim with four other men assaulting a woman — all identities hidden. The detectives are fuelled by their passion for their work, along with past personal trauma, to find not only the killer, but the men in the video too. As another body turns up, they realise they’re under pressure to crack the case before the killer strikes again and they lose their chance to serve justice to these monsters.
This story is fast paced, gripping, dark (check your TW) and full of twists you don’t see coming. There is a romantic undertone which is tastefully done, not taking away from the main plot. It’s clear Kate has put a lot of effort into researching police procedure to make the storyline realistic, and has thrown in some humour to lighten up the tone in parts. The characters are relatable and loveable; I’m looking forward to getting back to them in book two (and three, and four…).
This book was so much fun to read and I’m excited to see where Kate takes the story next.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was lucky enough to be able to read Kate Hopcraft’s latest novel, Sinister Innocence, before release.
This book is the first in a series which follows DCI Greyson Spencer and Lyra Fellows — the rookie detective he’s taken under his wing.
In this story, they pick up the case of a brutal murder of a prominent businessman, which unravels further when they get hold of a disturbing video of the victim with four other men assaulting a woman — all identities hidden. The detectives are fuelled by their passion for their work, along with past personal trauma, to find not only the killer, but the men in the video too. As another body turns up, they realise they’re under pressure to crack the case before the killer strikes again and they lose their chance to serve justice to these monsters.
This story is fast paced, gripping, dark (check your TW) and full of twists you don’t see coming. There is a romantic undertone which is tastefully done, not taking away from the main plot. It’s clear Kate has put a lot of effort into researching police procedure to make the storyline realistic, and has thrown in some humour to lighten up the tone in parts. The characters are relatable and loveable; I’m looking forward to getting back to them in book two (and three, and four…).
This book was so much fun to read and I’m excited to see where Kate takes the story next.
February 16, 2026
What can I say about Sinister Innocence?
Katie knows how to write an opening chapter!! So much so I just had to read it aloud online for others to hear.
I haven't read a thriller in so long that I forgot just how good they are - that, or Katie has just done an exceptional job of gripping me from the very first page.
Any chance I could get, I was there engrossed in the world of DCI Spencer and DC Lyra, and if I wasn't reading, I was pestering Katie about who the killer could be (sorry Katie lol).
I not only enjoyed this from a reader's perspective - but also from a craft-level perspective.
As a writer myself - who is a natural editor on not only my own work, but others - I found very little at fault with the pacing, structure, world-building and character development.
Katie really knows how to write a good book! And seeing as this is her first, I just can't wait to see what other's she has in store, as I know she is only going to get better.
She's found a life-long fan, and any books she writes, I will be waiting with bated breath!
Thanks again Katie for such an awesome book!
Katie knows how to write an opening chapter!! So much so I just had to read it aloud online for others to hear.
I haven't read a thriller in so long that I forgot just how good they are - that, or Katie has just done an exceptional job of gripping me from the very first page.
Any chance I could get, I was there engrossed in the world of DCI Spencer and DC Lyra, and if I wasn't reading, I was pestering Katie about who the killer could be (sorry Katie lol).
I not only enjoyed this from a reader's perspective - but also from a craft-level perspective.
As a writer myself - who is a natural editor on not only my own work, but others - I found very little at fault with the pacing, structure, world-building and character development.
Katie really knows how to write a good book! And seeing as this is her first, I just can't wait to see what other's she has in store, as I know she is only going to get better.
She's found a life-long fan, and any books she writes, I will be waiting with bated breath!
Thanks again Katie for such an awesome book!
February 14, 2026
I just happened to come across this book/author on TikTok and I am so glad I did!
The story starts with the brutal murder of a lawyer who co-owns a high profile law firm.
Our main characters DCI Greyson Spencer and DC Lyra Fellows are assigned the case. Both Lyra and Greyson are dealing with past personal trauma and as the case evolves and another lawyer is murdered the pair start to develop a strong working relationship with a hint of attraction.
The story is high paced and I was hooked from the start. I especially enjoyed the dual POV aspect from the main characters who were very likeable and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. There are also great side characters that always managed to put a smile on my face.
I honestly thought I had the suspect figured out and I definitely swore out loud when the plot twist was revealed!
I am completely invested in Greyson and Lyra’s story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
The story starts with the brutal murder of a lawyer who co-owns a high profile law firm.
Our main characters DCI Greyson Spencer and DC Lyra Fellows are assigned the case. Both Lyra and Greyson are dealing with past personal trauma and as the case evolves and another lawyer is murdered the pair start to develop a strong working relationship with a hint of attraction.
The story is high paced and I was hooked from the start. I especially enjoyed the dual POV aspect from the main characters who were very likeable and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. There are also great side characters that always managed to put a smile on my face.
I honestly thought I had the suspect figured out and I definitely swore out loud when the plot twist was revealed!
I am completely invested in Greyson and Lyra’s story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2026
I absolutely loved this book from the very first page and could not put it down. It’s so beautifully and skillfully written, and the characters have this fascinating mix of vibes — some slightly off, some instantly likeable — that makes them feel genuinely real. Lyra, especially, is an outstanding character. She’s crafted with such depth and detail that you feel as though you truly know her, as if she could step right off the page.
February 20, 2026
A great debut from Katie Hopcraft. This was my first crime thriller, and I look forward to the next publication from Katie.
Likeable, well developed characters, interesting plot hooks, and a well paced plot keeps the reader engaged with trying to work out who the perpetrator is/their motives, along with the detectives.
Worth paying attention to the trigger warnings for this one, but despite some brutal topics being covered, Katie handles them with grace and sensitivity.
Likeable, well developed characters, interesting plot hooks, and a well paced plot keeps the reader engaged with trying to work out who the perpetrator is/their motives, along with the detectives.
Worth paying attention to the trigger warnings for this one, but despite some brutal topics being covered, Katie handles them with grace and sensitivity.
February 2, 2026
This was SO good!! The characters, the plot, the PURE FEMININE RAGE, the twist!!!
This is Kate’s debut novel and it immediately gripped me and left me wanting more - I can’t wait for book 2, I need it nowwwww.
Truly a gripping book and I genuinely read this is one sitting.
If you love works by Tess Gerritsen, Jo Nesbo, Lee Child, you will devour this book just like I did.
This is Kate’s debut novel and it immediately gripped me and left me wanting more - I can’t wait for book 2, I need it nowwwww.
Truly a gripping book and I genuinely read this is one sitting.
If you love works by Tess Gerritsen, Jo Nesbo, Lee Child, you will devour this book just like I did.
February 12, 2026
Really fantastic book from start to finish - action from the first chapter and such a real page turner throughout. Couldn’t put it down!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews