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Heartbreaker: The unputdownable crime thriller about a mother hunting a serial killer
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 25, 2026
Right from the opening pages, this one had my heart racing!
Daphne was a brilliant main character to explore and her backstory was intriguing and heartbreaking in equal measure.
Having received a heart transplant a decade earlier, she'd been lucky enough to go on to have a good life, get married and have two beautiful children.
That is until disaster struck and her family were brutally murdered three years ago.
Detective Graham couldn't prove it, but even now was determined to find something to prove that Daphne killed them all.
When her father passes, Daphne learns that her heart donor was murdered and vows to do some good and find the answers her parents need about her death - but as she digs deeper, things get more complicated and she finds connections to her own case.
This really doesn't do the storyline much justice but I can honestly say that I was completely hooked from start to finish.
This was packed with action as we follow Daphne on her quest and I loved how there was always something going on, another mystery to work out and more clues to piece together.
This was the definition of a thriller and my heart was racing as much as I was racing through the pages to get the answers.
With the added thrill of poor Daphne not only being chased by the killer, but also with the police coming for her too.
I loved the dynamic between Graham and Daphne and the way that slowly, their views grew more aligned throughout the story.
As the body count rises, the links became clearer but this still keeps us guessing.
I definitely had a theory that proved to be right in the end, but I just couldn't get it to stick until the reveal and the journey to get to that point was just as exciting as ever.
This was my first read by this author, but I absolutely loved this.
Taking me back and giving Se7en vibes, this was a brilliant first read and I cannot wait to grab more for my tbr soon.
Daphne was a brilliant main character to explore and her backstory was intriguing and heartbreaking in equal measure.
Having received a heart transplant a decade earlier, she'd been lucky enough to go on to have a good life, get married and have two beautiful children.
That is until disaster struck and her family were brutally murdered three years ago.
Detective Graham couldn't prove it, but even now was determined to find something to prove that Daphne killed them all.
When her father passes, Daphne learns that her heart donor was murdered and vows to do some good and find the answers her parents need about her death - but as she digs deeper, things get more complicated and she finds connections to her own case.
This really doesn't do the storyline much justice but I can honestly say that I was completely hooked from start to finish.
This was packed with action as we follow Daphne on her quest and I loved how there was always something going on, another mystery to work out and more clues to piece together.
This was the definition of a thriller and my heart was racing as much as I was racing through the pages to get the answers.
With the added thrill of poor Daphne not only being chased by the killer, but also with the police coming for her too.
I loved the dynamic between Graham and Daphne and the way that slowly, their views grew more aligned throughout the story.
As the body count rises, the links became clearer but this still keeps us guessing.
I definitely had a theory that proved to be right in the end, but I just couldn't get it to stick until the reveal and the journey to get to that point was just as exciting as ever.
This was my first read by this author, but I absolutely loved this.
Taking me back and giving Se7en vibes, this was a brilliant first read and I cannot wait to grab more for my tbr soon.
May 21, 2026
I am not even sure where to begin with this review but I will say if you are considering reading it just go and do it immediately, and then come back so we can discuss!!
I am not ok - this book has actually put me through the ringer emotionally. How can I be 70 per cent in and still claiming I don't have a clue whats going on?
Although I had a theory early on, Jude is a master at planting doubt and throwing in red herrings, whilst also managing to keep me hooked and so tense on the edge of my seat! My theory was ababdoned and I was just along for the open-mouthed ride.
The action started immediately. Daphne wakes up to find her family slain whilst she slept. In her grief and guilt for surviving, she is eyed with suspicion by those around her. She protests her innocence but there is a looming sense of distrust and she knows people think she did it. Daphne is adamant she didn't.
Three years on she has lost the last survivng member of her family, her dad. Now she is truly alone in the world. She decides she is going to get to the bottom of what happened to her family, no matter what it takes and regardless of whether she makes it out alive or not.
Daphne received a heart transplant 10 years earlier. Although the donor should remain anonymous she finds out and suddenly her and the other recipents appear to be being targeted. Is it a coincidence? Are the deaths connected and how??
This premise had me in a chokehold. I love a medical thriller and this was fast-paced, engaging and oh so thrilling!
I was screaming by the end of this book - you honestly need to buckle up because the amount of twists and reveals to come is unreal!
I thoroughly enjoyed this bingeable book and I am looking forward to more of Jude's work in the future!
Thank you to Jude O'Reilly, Pellerin books and Random Things Tours for this complimentary advanced copy and for having me on the tour. It has been a pleasure. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
I am not ok - this book has actually put me through the ringer emotionally. How can I be 70 per cent in and still claiming I don't have a clue whats going on?
Although I had a theory early on, Jude is a master at planting doubt and throwing in red herrings, whilst also managing to keep me hooked and so tense on the edge of my seat! My theory was ababdoned and I was just along for the open-mouthed ride.
The action started immediately. Daphne wakes up to find her family slain whilst she slept. In her grief and guilt for surviving, she is eyed with suspicion by those around her. She protests her innocence but there is a looming sense of distrust and she knows people think she did it. Daphne is adamant she didn't.
Three years on she has lost the last survivng member of her family, her dad. Now she is truly alone in the world. She decides she is going to get to the bottom of what happened to her family, no matter what it takes and regardless of whether she makes it out alive or not.
Daphne received a heart transplant 10 years earlier. Although the donor should remain anonymous she finds out and suddenly her and the other recipents appear to be being targeted. Is it a coincidence? Are the deaths connected and how??
This premise had me in a chokehold. I love a medical thriller and this was fast-paced, engaging and oh so thrilling!
I was screaming by the end of this book - you honestly need to buckle up because the amount of twists and reveals to come is unreal!
I thoroughly enjoyed this bingeable book and I am looking forward to more of Jude's work in the future!
Thank you to Jude O'Reilly, Pellerin books and Random Things Tours for this complimentary advanced copy and for having me on the tour. It has been a pleasure. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
My Thoughts: they always say to never judge a book by its cover, but this time I couldn’t help it, it’s so eye catching, it gives nothing away but leaves you with enough intrigue to pick up the book! – it’ll be no surprise that I went in blind, I didn’t read the synopsis, all I knew was that it was a thriller!
It’s so eery, because a lot of it is a guessing game and Daphne is left in her own for a lot of it to work things out for herself because the people she should be able to turn to aren’t listening they just think she’s guilty and won’t be convinced otherwise.
Daphne can’t shake the feeling this all linked to the heart transplant she had 10 years ago.. but why?
The closer she gets to the truth, the more of a web she’s tangled in and can’t see any way out!
The tension in this book is palpable, it had my heart beating so fast and my anxiety through the roof. I loved it!
It’s so eery, because a lot of it is a guessing game and Daphne is left in her own for a lot of it to work things out for herself because the people she should be able to turn to aren’t listening they just think she’s guilty and won’t be convinced otherwise.
Daphne can’t shake the feeling this all linked to the heart transplant she had 10 years ago.. but why?
The closer she gets to the truth, the more of a web she’s tangled in and can’t see any way out!
The tension in this book is palpable, it had my heart beating so fast and my anxiety through the roof. I loved it!
May 18, 2026
There was no steady build up with this one. From page one the sense of dread and fear kicked in. I felt for Daphne straight away, finding her family dead - and the police believing she was to blame.
Three years later, Daphne is still a very successful criminal defence lawyer - but she now has that element of doubt hanging heavy over her, with colleagues, acquaintances and police very vocal in their belief that she is guilty of killing her family. Still grieving and lonely, an encounter with a young defendant - and a series of similar murders - spurs Daphne on to investigate her own case, to finally prove her innocence and find the real killer.
This was such a brilliant read that I almost finished it in one sitting. I was so invested in Daphne’s fight to find justice for her family- and herself. The way this was written was phenomenal and I adored the themes- traumatic, horrific and unimaginable but such a visceral, compelling narrative to bear witness to. To say I was shocked by the outcome was an understatement. So many twists as the story progressed and more truths were uncovered, that at times I genuinely didn’t know how it would end.
Such a shocking, thought provoking novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to for what is right.
Three years later, Daphne is still a very successful criminal defence lawyer - but she now has that element of doubt hanging heavy over her, with colleagues, acquaintances and police very vocal in their belief that she is guilty of killing her family. Still grieving and lonely, an encounter with a young defendant - and a series of similar murders - spurs Daphne on to investigate her own case, to finally prove her innocence and find the real killer.
This was such a brilliant read that I almost finished it in one sitting. I was so invested in Daphne’s fight to find justice for her family- and herself. The way this was written was phenomenal and I adored the themes- traumatic, horrific and unimaginable but such a visceral, compelling narrative to bear witness to. To say I was shocked by the outcome was an understatement. So many twists as the story progressed and more truths were uncovered, that at times I genuinely didn’t know how it would end.
Such a shocking, thought provoking novel about the fierce power of a mother’s love and the lengths she will go to for what is right.
May 19, 2026
❤️ "That morning, it was the smell of percolating coffee and pancakes that finally woke her. The smell of blood came later."
👀 With an opening paragraph like this, I expected a gripping psychological thriller - and OMG, did this book deliver.
Our main character is Daphne Monroe, a defense attorney who lives a happy life with her husband Tom and their two children, Daisy and Freddie. An inconceivable event occurs that changes Daphne's life forever. I really liked this character - she is full of grit and passion, but is also flawed and vulnerable.
I will not give any more of this away, as readers MUST experience this one for themselves. I will say that there are several overlapping stories here that come together perfectly. There is real terror in some scenes, and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.
Then...the POSTSCRIPT happened... a "drop-the-mike" moment that no one will expect.
BRAVO!!!!!
👀 With an opening paragraph like this, I expected a gripping psychological thriller - and OMG, did this book deliver.
Our main character is Daphne Monroe, a defense attorney who lives a happy life with her husband Tom and their two children, Daisy and Freddie. An inconceivable event occurs that changes Daphne's life forever. I really liked this character - she is full of grit and passion, but is also flawed and vulnerable.
I will not give any more of this away, as readers MUST experience this one for themselves. I will say that there are several overlapping stories here that come together perfectly. There is real terror in some scenes, and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book.
Then...the POSTSCRIPT happened... a "drop-the-mike" moment that no one will expect.
BRAVO!!!!!
May 19, 2026
This is a thriller crime book and it definitely had me gripped!
Three years ago, Daphne Monroe woke up to find her family had been murdered while she slept. To the police, she's the prime suspect. To the world, she's a monster. To the killer, she's the next victim on a blood-soaked list.
Three years ago, Daphne Monroe woke up to find her family had been murdered while she slept. To the police, she's the prime suspect. To the world, she's a monster. To the killer, she's the next victim on a blood-soaked list.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was an absolute whirlwind and I’m still processing the journey! The story follows Daphne Monroe, a woman haunted by the ultimate tragedy: waking up to find her husband and two children murdered while she slept. When the story begins, she has just lost her father, leaving her entirely alone in a world that still views her with suspicion.
Desperate for closure and surrounded by loss, Daphne begins a dangerous search for answers, one that is somehow tied to her own heart transplant.
I truly could not put this down. I found myself ruminating on the plot even when I wasn't reading, driven by a physical need to know how these disparate threads linked together. The central conceit—people being targeted because they received organs from the same donor—is a brilliant and deeply intriguing premise. The twists are genuine jaw-droppers; I stayed up far too late because the pacing demanded "just one more chapter."
While the shocks were effective, the connective tissue felt a bit thin. At times, the mystery struggled to flow smoothly because key explanations seemed to be missing. Specifically, I found Daphne’s motivation to investigate Cassie’s murder a bit unclear, and some of her deductive leaps felt like they happened off-page.
There were moments where it felt like information was being intentionally withheld from the reader to preserve a "shock" later on (the subplot with Leia and Tom, for instance). While those moments certainly landed a punch, I struggled to see how they served the wider narrative. I occasionally felt locked out of Daphne’s head precisely when I needed to see her thought process the most.
This book was an addictive, high-octane thriller with a unique medical hook. While the logic didn't always hold up under scrutiny for me, the emotional stakes and rapid-fire twists kept me hooked until the end. It was an enjoyable ride, though perhaps not one I’d revisit.
Desperate for closure and surrounded by loss, Daphne begins a dangerous search for answers, one that is somehow tied to her own heart transplant.
I truly could not put this down. I found myself ruminating on the plot even when I wasn't reading, driven by a physical need to know how these disparate threads linked together. The central conceit—people being targeted because they received organs from the same donor—is a brilliant and deeply intriguing premise. The twists are genuine jaw-droppers; I stayed up far too late because the pacing demanded "just one more chapter."
While the shocks were effective, the connective tissue felt a bit thin. At times, the mystery struggled to flow smoothly because key explanations seemed to be missing. Specifically, I found Daphne’s motivation to investigate Cassie’s murder a bit unclear, and some of her deductive leaps felt like they happened off-page.
There were moments where it felt like information was being intentionally withheld from the reader to preserve a "shock" later on (the subplot with Leia and Tom, for instance). While those moments certainly landed a punch, I struggled to see how they served the wider narrative. I occasionally felt locked out of Daphne’s head precisely when I needed to see her thought process the most.
This book was an addictive, high-octane thriller with a unique medical hook. While the logic didn't always hold up under scrutiny for me, the emotional stakes and rapid-fire twists kept me hooked until the end. It was an enjoyable ride, though perhaps not one I’d revisit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The second book from Pellerin Books and I am very glad I signed up for their reviewer community - this is the second high quality crime novel of theirs I’ve been lucky to be able to read prior to publication.
The main character Daphne Monroe is a kick-ass attorney who thought she had it all - a loving husband, two great kids, and a happy life ahead of her after she received a heart transplant.
Imagine her horror at waking up to find her entire family killed and herself the chief suspect. Lead detective Mercy Graham is sure Daphne did it, but hasn’t managed to make charges stick, and Daphne survives the only way she knows, by throwing herself into her work, becoming one of the top criminal lawyers in the state.
A surprise visit from a friend of her mother’s leaves Daphne reeling when she is told that the heart that saved her life was donated by a murder victim. Daphne becomes obsessed with finding out as much as she can about donor Cassie Black, and what starts as an ethical breach, contacting Cassie’s parents directly, quickly spirals into something much more sinister, as Daphne discovers that terrible things have been happening to all of the recipients of Cassie’s organs.
Were Daphne’s children and husband killed because of a vendetta someone had against Cassie? Or against those who lived while Cassie died? As an active member of the criminal bar, Daphne knows just how far-fetched that sounds. And yet …
I loved Daphne and I love this novel. It’s a wild roller-coaster ride and would have been a 5 star read for me had I not guessed the serial killer as soon as we met them, thereby depriving myself of the big reveal. (I guess I just read too many thrillers).
Nevertheless, I had to keep reading in order to find out whether Daphne would end up being the final victim or whether Mercy Graham would come to her senses and find them before the worst happened.
In three words: brilliant female characters
The main character Daphne Monroe is a kick-ass attorney who thought she had it all - a loving husband, two great kids, and a happy life ahead of her after she received a heart transplant.
Imagine her horror at waking up to find her entire family killed and herself the chief suspect. Lead detective Mercy Graham is sure Daphne did it, but hasn’t managed to make charges stick, and Daphne survives the only way she knows, by throwing herself into her work, becoming one of the top criminal lawyers in the state.
A surprise visit from a friend of her mother’s leaves Daphne reeling when she is told that the heart that saved her life was donated by a murder victim. Daphne becomes obsessed with finding out as much as she can about donor Cassie Black, and what starts as an ethical breach, contacting Cassie’s parents directly, quickly spirals into something much more sinister, as Daphne discovers that terrible things have been happening to all of the recipients of Cassie’s organs.
Were Daphne’s children and husband killed because of a vendetta someone had against Cassie? Or against those who lived while Cassie died? As an active member of the criminal bar, Daphne knows just how far-fetched that sounds. And yet …
I loved Daphne and I love this novel. It’s a wild roller-coaster ride and would have been a 5 star read for me had I not guessed the serial killer as soon as we met them, thereby depriving myself of the big reveal. (I guess I just read too many thrillers).
Nevertheless, I had to keep reading in order to find out whether Daphne would end up being the final victim or whether Mercy Graham would come to her senses and find them before the worst happened.
In three words: brilliant female characters
June 17, 2026
Jude O’Reilly returns with a deeply satisfying psychological thriller, full of emotion and raw suspense.
Ingenious and inventive plotting lead Daphne Monroe on a journey into the unknown to discover the truth behind why her family had been murdered. This is a read which feels fresh and has an air of originality, one which as a reader you feel as though you are being put through the wringer. From the opening pages you know you are in for a moving read
Character is very much at the heart of the story, each created with a wonderful sense of belonging, I also liked the way the author created this air of mystery and intigure to the characters leaving just enough doubt in your mind as your reading as to their real purpose. I liked the interaction between Daphne and Detective Mercy Graham. Then you have a varied cast of characters but it is was links them where the plot takes centre stage, here the plot is taut and slick with its heart rending drama.
As a read it is full of intrigue and I was never quite sure which direction I was going to be taken.
This was a read which drew me in from the opening pages, full of intrigue, I was mesmerised by the story and the way that it unfolded, a read full of intensity, written in a way guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, the way the author creates a highly atmospheric plot line, at times the tension is unbearable, as the plot twists and turns
A highly charged emotional read which twists and turns until its dramatic conclusion, one which I hadn’t seen coming. It races along, a masterful and suspense filled story, where at times the tension is palpable.
This was a different read from the authors usual pacey action thrillers but a very welcome read, as one who is not a big fan of the psychological thriller this delivered, from first to last I was gripped with its thoughtful and thought provoking narrative.
One to highly recommend.
Ingenious and inventive plotting lead Daphne Monroe on a journey into the unknown to discover the truth behind why her family had been murdered. This is a read which feels fresh and has an air of originality, one which as a reader you feel as though you are being put through the wringer. From the opening pages you know you are in for a moving read
Character is very much at the heart of the story, each created with a wonderful sense of belonging, I also liked the way the author created this air of mystery and intigure to the characters leaving just enough doubt in your mind as your reading as to their real purpose. I liked the interaction between Daphne and Detective Mercy Graham. Then you have a varied cast of characters but it is was links them where the plot takes centre stage, here the plot is taut and slick with its heart rending drama.
As a read it is full of intrigue and I was never quite sure which direction I was going to be taken.
This was a read which drew me in from the opening pages, full of intrigue, I was mesmerised by the story and the way that it unfolded, a read full of intensity, written in a way guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, the way the author creates a highly atmospheric plot line, at times the tension is unbearable, as the plot twists and turns
A highly charged emotional read which twists and turns until its dramatic conclusion, one which I hadn’t seen coming. It races along, a masterful and suspense filled story, where at times the tension is palpable.
This was a different read from the authors usual pacey action thrillers but a very welcome read, as one who is not a big fan of the psychological thriller this delivered, from first to last I was gripped with its thoughtful and thought provoking narrative.
One to highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Heartbreaker by Jude O’Reilly is one of those rare thriller novels which grab you from the very first page. Do not start this on a working day, save it for the weekend because you genuinely will not be able to put it down!
The story opens with a bang! Daphne Monroe wakes up to see that her family was brutally murdered by someone while she was sleeping. A woman under threat, to the police she is the prime suspect, to the world around her she is a monster and to the killer she is simply the next name on their list. Three years later, while investigating into the case of some disturbing facts of organ donation and murder of a young woman, Daphne becomes determined to hunt down the serial killer who destroyed her life.
The novel moves at a great pace and keeps you hooked the whole way through, with an atmosphere that really gets under your skin. It is much more than a standard thriller. Beneath all the twists and constant tension, there is a strong emotional thread running through it, rooted in grief, as a mother struggles to cope after having everything taken from her.
The author does a wonderful job in finding the right balance between intense suspense and powerful emotions, creating a haunting story that stays with you long after you finish it.
Thanks to Pellerin Books for the preview ebook.
The story opens with a bang! Daphne Monroe wakes up to see that her family was brutally murdered by someone while she was sleeping. A woman under threat, to the police she is the prime suspect, to the world around her she is a monster and to the killer she is simply the next name on their list. Three years later, while investigating into the case of some disturbing facts of organ donation and murder of a young woman, Daphne becomes determined to hunt down the serial killer who destroyed her life.
The novel moves at a great pace and keeps you hooked the whole way through, with an atmosphere that really gets under your skin. It is much more than a standard thriller. Beneath all the twists and constant tension, there is a strong emotional thread running through it, rooted in grief, as a mother struggles to cope after having everything taken from her.
The author does a wonderful job in finding the right balance between intense suspense and powerful emotions, creating a haunting story that stays with you long after you finish it.
Thanks to Pellerin Books for the preview ebook.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Many thanks to Pellerin Books for their advanced review copy.
Heartbreaker by Jude O'Reilly tells the tale of Daphne, a young lawyer whose family are murdered with no suspects other than her.
Though she tries to move forward, Daphne finds that she must pursue the truth, even if it means being pursued herself. The past is not going to leave her; in fact, looking at it without flinching is the key to what happened. Gradually she unravels the bigger picture and finds a sense of agency in this senseless situation. What did the killer want with her? Why was she left alive? Can she learn to answer that question herself - not with the killer's answer, but with her own?
I wanted to see this one resolved, in part due to how much the main character suffers. Jude O'Reilly doesn't spare her from trouble, danger and tension, and she has to take risks to survive. The pacing is good - rather too good, as I read far past the time I intended, completely absorbed. "Unputdownable" is an accurate description!
Fans of thrillers without the unreliable narrator may like this one. Daphne's integrity is never in doubt to the reader, which personally, is a style of thriller I prefer, as it's more about the mystery itself and enables me to bond with the lead character. Daphne is an empathetic heroine with a strong moral foundation; she's someone you can really root for.
Heartbreaker by Jude O'Reilly tells the tale of Daphne, a young lawyer whose family are murdered with no suspects other than her.
Though she tries to move forward, Daphne finds that she must pursue the truth, even if it means being pursued herself. The past is not going to leave her; in fact, looking at it without flinching is the key to what happened. Gradually she unravels the bigger picture and finds a sense of agency in this senseless situation. What did the killer want with her? Why was she left alive? Can she learn to answer that question herself - not with the killer's answer, but with her own?
I wanted to see this one resolved, in part due to how much the main character suffers. Jude O'Reilly doesn't spare her from trouble, danger and tension, and she has to take risks to survive. The pacing is good - rather too good, as I read far past the time I intended, completely absorbed. "Unputdownable" is an accurate description!
Fans of thrillers without the unreliable narrator may like this one. Daphne's integrity is never in doubt to the reader, which personally, is a style of thriller I prefer, as it's more about the mystery itself and enables me to bond with the lead character. Daphne is an empathetic heroine with a strong moral foundation; she's someone you can really root for.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A big thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for including me on this tour.
I am new to Jude O'Reilly’s work and was not entirely sure what to expect from Heartbreaker, but it turned out to be a brilliantly entertaining and fast-paced thriller.
Daphne Monroe has experienced more tragedy than most people could endure in a lifetime. She survived a heart transplant, lost her mother, and then suffered the unimaginable when her husband and young children were murdered in their home while she slept upstairs. Three years later, the police still believe Daphne was responsible for killing her family. Now, after the death of her father, she finds herself completely alone in the world.
When Daphne discovers that her donor heart belonged to a young woman who was murdered, she becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the donor’s death in the hope of giving the victim’s parents some much-needed closure. As Daphne begins digging into the donor’s life, she realises she must track down the other recipients who received the woman’s organs.
Before long, it becomes clear that everyone connected to the donor is in danger, and Daphne soon finds herself at the centre of multiple murder investigations. Desperate to uncover the truth and prove the police wrong, Daphne goes on the run to avoid arrest — but in doing so, she places both herself and the other recipients in even greater danger.
Daphne makes for a compelling protagonist. She is a woman who has lost almost everyone she has ever loved, only to discover that her marriage was not the happy life she believed it to be. At the same time, her transplanted heart is beginning to fail, she is being hunted by a killer, and the police are convinced she is unstable and dangerous. The emotional weight she carries throughout the story gives the thriller an added layer of depth.
I really enjoyed the wide cast of characters and the way the author gradually ties all their stories together through a series of clever twists and reveals. The novel explores how far people are willing to go to protect the ones they love, particularly their children, and that emotional core adds real tension to the mystery.
While a few parts of the story felt slightly far-fetched at times, the plot was so entertaining and well executed that it hardly mattered. The pacing keeps you hooked, the suspense continually builds, and the ending delivers a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
This one easily deserves a five-star rating from me and is definitely a thriller you do not want to miss.
https://featzreviews.com/review-heart...
I am new to Jude O'Reilly’s work and was not entirely sure what to expect from Heartbreaker, but it turned out to be a brilliantly entertaining and fast-paced thriller.
Daphne Monroe has experienced more tragedy than most people could endure in a lifetime. She survived a heart transplant, lost her mother, and then suffered the unimaginable when her husband and young children were murdered in their home while she slept upstairs. Three years later, the police still believe Daphne was responsible for killing her family. Now, after the death of her father, she finds herself completely alone in the world.
When Daphne discovers that her donor heart belonged to a young woman who was murdered, she becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the donor’s death in the hope of giving the victim’s parents some much-needed closure. As Daphne begins digging into the donor’s life, she realises she must track down the other recipients who received the woman’s organs.
Before long, it becomes clear that everyone connected to the donor is in danger, and Daphne soon finds herself at the centre of multiple murder investigations. Desperate to uncover the truth and prove the police wrong, Daphne goes on the run to avoid arrest — but in doing so, she places both herself and the other recipients in even greater danger.
Daphne makes for a compelling protagonist. She is a woman who has lost almost everyone she has ever loved, only to discover that her marriage was not the happy life she believed it to be. At the same time, her transplanted heart is beginning to fail, she is being hunted by a killer, and the police are convinced she is unstable and dangerous. The emotional weight she carries throughout the story gives the thriller an added layer of depth.
I really enjoyed the wide cast of characters and the way the author gradually ties all their stories together through a series of clever twists and reveals. The novel explores how far people are willing to go to protect the ones they love, particularly their children, and that emotional core adds real tension to the mystery.
While a few parts of the story felt slightly far-fetched at times, the plot was so entertaining and well executed that it hardly mattered. The pacing keeps you hooked, the suspense continually builds, and the ending delivers a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
This one easily deserves a five-star rating from me and is definitely a thriller you do not want to miss.
https://featzreviews.com/review-heart...
June 14, 2026
A sensational, cinematic page turner from a gifted writer. It's good to be in safe hands when there's a serial killer on the loose, and O'Reilly - a former journalist and TV producer - knows exactly what she's doing. Unlike her protagonist.
Daphne is still recovering from the horror of finding her husband and children murdered. Her intense grief over the deaths of everyone she loved, the stress of attempting to hold down a demanding job as a defence lawyer while caring for a dying father, and an unquenchable search for the truth lead her to make some unwise if understandable choices (think corner office plate glass windows and boss's golf clubs). Instead of investigating, the police interpret her volatile behaviour as insanity and guilt and prepare to detain Daphne who is forced to flee and search for the real killer alone.
The book had me guessing right to the end. Like all good mysteries there are several suspects for the role of slippery, devious, fiendishly clever serial killer and we get to know the potential victims through some beautiful cameos that encapsulate modern American life - from the ultra wealthy to the desperately poor.
What shines out through the maelstrom of violence (never gratuitous) is the light of compassion, of kindness, of redemption and ultimately, peace and hope and even future joy.
Daphne is still recovering from the horror of finding her husband and children murdered. Her intense grief over the deaths of everyone she loved, the stress of attempting to hold down a demanding job as a defence lawyer while caring for a dying father, and an unquenchable search for the truth lead her to make some unwise if understandable choices (think corner office plate glass windows and boss's golf clubs). Instead of investigating, the police interpret her volatile behaviour as insanity and guilt and prepare to detain Daphne who is forced to flee and search for the real killer alone.
The book had me guessing right to the end. Like all good mysteries there are several suspects for the role of slippery, devious, fiendishly clever serial killer and we get to know the potential victims through some beautiful cameos that encapsulate modern American life - from the ultra wealthy to the desperately poor.
What shines out through the maelstrom of violence (never gratuitous) is the light of compassion, of kindness, of redemption and ultimately, peace and hope and even future joy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First of all, what a way to start a thriller.
From the very first chapter I had a lump in my throat and tears threatening to fall… and by chapter two the tears were already rolling down my cheeks. This story wastes absolutely no time pulling you into Daphne’s pain, grief, and desperation.
As Daphne embarks on her own investigation into the brutal murder of her family, the story slowly begins to unravel hidden secrets about her own life along the way. Every discovery adds another layer to the mystery, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages.
What I loved most about Heart Breaker was the balance between emotional heartbreak and gripping thriller suspense. One minute I was emotional, the next I was filled with pure internal rage at the twists unfolding in front of me.
Dark, emotional, twisty, and completely gripping — this was a rollercoaster of a crime thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Thank you to @Pellerin Books for the ARC copy.
#HeartBreaker #JudeOReilly #ARCReview #ThrillerBooks #CrimeThriller
From the very first chapter I had a lump in my throat and tears threatening to fall… and by chapter two the tears were already rolling down my cheeks. This story wastes absolutely no time pulling you into Daphne’s pain, grief, and desperation.
As Daphne embarks on her own investigation into the brutal murder of her family, the story slowly begins to unravel hidden secrets about her own life along the way. Every discovery adds another layer to the mystery, making it impossible not to keep turning the pages.
What I loved most about Heart Breaker was the balance between emotional heartbreak and gripping thriller suspense. One minute I was emotional, the next I was filled with pure internal rage at the twists unfolding in front of me.
Dark, emotional, twisty, and completely gripping — this was a rollercoaster of a crime thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Thank you to @Pellerin Books for the ARC copy.
#HeartBreaker #JudeOReilly #ARCReview #ThrillerBooks #CrimeThriller
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Whoa! What a way to start a book. I was hooked from the beginning and it didn't let up!
Lawyer Daphne discovers her family murdered - and quickly becomes the prime suspect herself. From there, the story unfolds into an intense and emotional thriller as Daphne investigates the murders while trying to clear her own name.
As she digs deeper, she uncovers more deaths that seem to be connected. And she's in a race to find out the truth before the killer takes more victims - including Daphne.
Daphne’s grief, heartbreak, and isolation are woven naturally into the mystery, creating a strong balance between emotional depth and fast-paced suspense.
The twists kept coming, and just when I thought I understood what was happening, the story unravelled even further.
It’s emotional, dark, and incredibly compelling - the kind of thriller that’s impossible to put down. I ended up reading it in one sitting!
Lawyer Daphne discovers her family murdered - and quickly becomes the prime suspect herself. From there, the story unfolds into an intense and emotional thriller as Daphne investigates the murders while trying to clear her own name.
As she digs deeper, she uncovers more deaths that seem to be connected. And she's in a race to find out the truth before the killer takes more victims - including Daphne.
Daphne’s grief, heartbreak, and isolation are woven naturally into the mystery, creating a strong balance between emotional depth and fast-paced suspense.
The twists kept coming, and just when I thought I understood what was happening, the story unravelled even further.
It’s emotional, dark, and incredibly compelling - the kind of thriller that’s impossible to put down. I ended up reading it in one sitting!
May 19, 2026
Three years ago, Daphne Monroe awoke to find her entire family had been murdered while she was asleep. As far as the police are concerned, Daphne is the only suspect and they refuse to look any further for the culprit. But when the killer breaks in to her house intending to finish what they started, Daphne decides to find the killer.
Soon Daphne realises that she’s not the only victim, but her chase to the answer involves gruesome twists and discoveries.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s special to find a book where you just don’t see the ending coming. Even though I saw one aspect, there were several more twists that blindsided me and I love being surprised.
This is a must read for fans of mysteries!
Soon Daphne realises that she’s not the only victim, but her chase to the answer involves gruesome twists and discoveries.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s special to find a book where you just don’t see the ending coming. Even though I saw one aspect, there were several more twists that blindsided me and I love being surprised.
This is a must read for fans of mysteries!
June 26, 2026
Whoa nelly! This was one seriously interesting book! It was if the book reached out, grabbed me by the face, and pulled me in; and didn't let go until I finished.
I don't want to give out too much information as it would be detrimental to the plot of the book for potential readers. Suffice it to say that Daphne Monroe, an attorney and who has had a heart transplant suffers the unthinkable tragedy when her husband and two children are murdered. She is, of course the main suspect in this crime, however she digs in deep and investigates other murders that may or may not be directly connected to her own tragedy. She is also relentlessly pursued by a 0-months pregnant detective who thinks she is responsible for all of the deaths.
I pinballed back and forth between possibly suspects. The plot winds and weaves and comes to a very interesting and satisfying conclusion.
I definitely recommend this book!
I don't want to give out too much information as it would be detrimental to the plot of the book for potential readers. Suffice it to say that Daphne Monroe, an attorney and who has had a heart transplant suffers the unthinkable tragedy when her husband and two children are murdered. She is, of course the main suspect in this crime, however she digs in deep and investigates other murders that may or may not be directly connected to her own tragedy. She is also relentlessly pursued by a 0-months pregnant detective who thinks she is responsible for all of the deaths.
I pinballed back and forth between possibly suspects. The plot winds and weaves and comes to a very interesting and satisfying conclusion.
I definitely recommend this book!
June 26, 2026
This was a fast paced thriller, with an ending I didn’t see coming. Daphne Monroe, an attorney, wakes one morning to find her world shattered. She finds her husband and 2 children dead, making her the prime suspect. 3 years later, still grieving, the case still unsolved, she decides she’s going to take matters into her own hands- she’s going to try to find the killer. As a young woman, Daphne had a serious health scare, needing a heart transplant. But a friend of the family gives Daphne information about her donor- that the young woman, Cassie Bright, didn’t die a natural death. She starts to gather information about several other organ recipients of Bright’s, and realizes that they’re all being hunted.
But why?
But why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I decided to read this ARC because I enjoy twisty thrillers, but this one was on another level. The story starts with a murder and throughout the book there are more details and different characters emerging. Every time I thought I'd solved the identity of the murderer, something else happened and threw me off into another direction. With most books I end up guessing the murderer's identity within the first half of the book, but this one kept me guessing right until the end. Thank you to the author for writing such a great book and to Pellerin Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
A huge thank you to Pellerin for the arc!
It's safe to say that this book is jampacked with twists, turns & trauma from start to finish.
Having someone die at every chapter and having so many characters was a little bit hard to keep up with but I appreciate that they are all tied together and nothing is left unsolved.
The ending though ?!
I was completely wrong with my thoughts of who done it!
It's safe to say that this book is jampacked with twists, turns & trauma from start to finish.
Having someone die at every chapter and having so many characters was a little bit hard to keep up with but I appreciate that they are all tied together and nothing is left unsolved.
The ending though ?!
I was completely wrong with my thoughts of who done it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2026
This was a book I couldn’t put down it had a great concept and plot. It was a thrilling read full of tension but it had more than that, it also had emotion woven into the story.
The start just grabbed me straight away and I literally read this in one go, good job I hadn’t planned to leave the house and started early enough so I wasn’t up all night.
Lots of twists along the way I found it fast paced and a page turning rollercoaster of emotions.
A highly recommended read
The start just grabbed me straight away and I literally read this in one go, good job I hadn’t planned to leave the house and started early enough so I wasn’t up all night.
Lots of twists along the way I found it fast paced and a page turning rollercoaster of emotions.
A highly recommended read
June 25, 2026
Daphne Monroe has alwatlys been looked upon as rhe primary suspect in the murder of her family 3 years ago. Despite her continuing to profess her innocence, Daphne has continued to wonder who would do such a thing. But what Daphne doesn't know is that th killer is looking to finish th job - HER!
Heart Breaker is a fast-paced thriller that's hard to put to the side. It keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping that you can solve the crime.
Heart Breaker is a fast-paced thriller that's hard to put to the side. It keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping that you can solve the crime.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A mother is on the run accused of killing her children. This is a higher stakes thriller that keeps you glued to the story. It's gripping, intense and emotionally charged. I didn't want to miss anything but my heart was beating out of my chest and my toes were tingling. It's a brilliant read more so because of the emotional depth.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I got this as an ARC from the publishers at Pellerin and my gosh. I've read a lot of thrillers and, from the blurb, I thought I was in for the usual stuff: a murderer, a twist or two but ultimately a predictable end. However, this completely surprised me in the best way and I was hooked. Every time I thought I had the story sussed, I was wrong and that's exactly how a good thriller should be!
May 20, 2026
From the blurb I thought this was going to be a fantastic read, gripping ‘on the edge of your seat’ kind of story. For me unfortunately it fell short, 25% in and I found it really dragging and boring. I struggled to see the hype while continuing to read the story, again it just wasn’t gripping me.
Such a shame as the cover and blurb attracted me to the story.
Such a shame as the cover and blurb attracted me to the story.
June 15, 2026
I really looked forward to opening this book each evening. It has a really strong plot, and a very satisfying ending. I was rooting for Daphne all the way though. I have bought copies for my friends. Hope you enjoy this as much as I have.
June 17, 2026
A great thriller and a medical thriller at that. Heart breaking story that unfolds and Justice is served in the end. As an ICU RN there were aspects of this that ran true and I could unfortunately believe happening. I enjoyed this book and hope to read more from the author.
May 28, 2026
This book is not what you expect - Thrilling!
From the first page you are enthralled - you need to put the time aside to sit and read this all in one go!
The writing is intense. the story - intense! So much drama, gore, emotions, twists and turns - it has everything!
If you are going to pick a crime thriller to read this year - this is perfect - it pulls on your heart strings and is something different to what you have read before.
It flows so well, it goes so fast! You will not know what to expect
From the first page you are enthralled - you need to put the time aside to sit and read this all in one go!
The writing is intense. the story - intense! So much drama, gore, emotions, twists and turns - it has everything!
If you are going to pick a crime thriller to read this year - this is perfect - it pulls on your heart strings and is something different to what you have read before.
It flows so well, it goes so fast! You will not know what to expect
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