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FATAL
A man's character is his fate
Widowed Lou's had a difficult life, caring for a disabled husband.
Divorced Monica's having a hard time raising two children alone. Single parent Stella knows the feeling.
Emmy's bothered by the absence of her father, while Paul’s bothered by his presence. Jude just wishes he was an orphan.
Alan's a widower, as is Stuart. How to fill the gaps in their lives?
Reg made a fresh start and found someone new. Laurel wants to do the same.
All have their individual problems while sharing one in common.
Ken Brady.
But not for much longer.
Widowed Lou's had a difficult life, caring for a disabled husband.
Divorced Monica's having a hard time raising two children alone. Single parent Stella knows the feeling.
Emmy's bothered by the absence of her father, while Paul’s bothered by his presence. Jude just wishes he was an orphan.
Alan's a widower, as is Stuart. How to fill the gaps in their lives?
Reg made a fresh start and found someone new. Laurel wants to do the same.
All have their individual problems while sharing one in common.
Ken Brady.
But not for much longer.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
About the author
Laura Lyndhurst
17 books84 followersI was born and grew up in North London, England, and engaged in various occupations, including dental nurse, laboratory assistant and shop assistant, before I married aged twenty and travelled the world following my husband’s career. I spent much time reading, a passion since childhood, and toyed with writing.
Eventually settled in the UK I took evening classes and gained ‘A’ levels in Psychology, Sociology and English before becoming a mature student and gaining Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English and Literature before training and working as a teacher. In 2016 we moved to the peace of rural Lincolnshire, and my sporadic writing activities became more permanent.
To date I've published fifteen books, beginning in May 2020 with 'Fairytales Don’t Come True,' my debut novel. Since then I've written and published four books of poetry: 'October Poems,' 'Thanksgiving Poems & Prose Pieces,' 'Poet-Pourri' and 'Social Climbing and Other Poems.' In January 2021 I published a sequel to 'Fairytales' entitled 'Degenerate, Regenerate,' and at the end of March 2021 I published a psychological suspense story, 'You Know What You Did,' and in June 2021 'All That We Are Heir To,' the third book in the 'Criminal Conversation; series. In November 2022 I published a sequel to 'You Know What You Did,' entitled 'What Else Did You Do?'. The work didn’t stop, as alongside this sequel I was writing a fourth book for the 'Criminal Conversation' series. Entitled 'Innocent, Guilty,' it was published in January 2023, and a fifth book, 'The Future of Our House' came out in June 2023. The sixth and final book, 'Uphill, Downhill, Over, Out' came out in August 2023. January 2025 saw a standalone novel about an arranged marriage, 'An Honourable Institution' and September of that year saw another psychological suspense, 'The Guilty Party'. Most recently, in February 2026 I published a Whodunnit, 'Fatal.' I've nothing ongoing at present, but watch this space.
In late 2021 I undertook some editorial training and freelance work as a sub-editor. I terminated that work in late 2022, but have my hands full with writing my own books and reviewing those of others.
In November 2023 I built my own website, with my own books, blog posts, my reviews of other authors' books and interviews with some of those authors. Why not check it out and maybe subscribe at https://booksthatmakeyouthink2.co.uk/
And of course there’s reading, something which I have loved since I was a child. I became a convert to eBooks and subscribed to the Kindle Unlimited programme, because although I love physical books, my bookcases are groaning under the weight and I don’t have room for any more. I review everything I read, since I became an author myself and realise the value of these in getting our work in front of as many eyes as possible; but it does mean that I have a large virtual To Be Read pile.
For other leisure activities I walk—or use a stepper at home, when the weather’s bad—play the recorder (badly), and listen to music of all types. I like a good meal with wine, whether out or at home, and spend most evenings binge-watching one series or another.
Life is busy and certainly not boring.
Eventually settled in the UK I took evening classes and gained ‘A’ levels in Psychology, Sociology and English before becoming a mature student and gaining Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English and Literature before training and working as a teacher. In 2016 we moved to the peace of rural Lincolnshire, and my sporadic writing activities became more permanent.
To date I've published fifteen books, beginning in May 2020 with 'Fairytales Don’t Come True,' my debut novel. Since then I've written and published four books of poetry: 'October Poems,' 'Thanksgiving Poems & Prose Pieces,' 'Poet-Pourri' and 'Social Climbing and Other Poems.' In January 2021 I published a sequel to 'Fairytales' entitled 'Degenerate, Regenerate,' and at the end of March 2021 I published a psychological suspense story, 'You Know What You Did,' and in June 2021 'All That We Are Heir To,' the third book in the 'Criminal Conversation; series. In November 2022 I published a sequel to 'You Know What You Did,' entitled 'What Else Did You Do?'. The work didn’t stop, as alongside this sequel I was writing a fourth book for the 'Criminal Conversation' series. Entitled 'Innocent, Guilty,' it was published in January 2023, and a fifth book, 'The Future of Our House' came out in June 2023. The sixth and final book, 'Uphill, Downhill, Over, Out' came out in August 2023. January 2025 saw a standalone novel about an arranged marriage, 'An Honourable Institution' and September of that year saw another psychological suspense, 'The Guilty Party'. Most recently, in February 2026 I published a Whodunnit, 'Fatal.' I've nothing ongoing at present, but watch this space.
In late 2021 I undertook some editorial training and freelance work as a sub-editor. I terminated that work in late 2022, but have my hands full with writing my own books and reviewing those of others.
In November 2023 I built my own website, with my own books, blog posts, my reviews of other authors' books and interviews with some of those authors. Why not check it out and maybe subscribe at https://booksthatmakeyouthink2.co.uk/
And of course there’s reading, something which I have loved since I was a child. I became a convert to eBooks and subscribed to the Kindle Unlimited programme, because although I love physical books, my bookcases are groaning under the weight and I don’t have room for any more. I review everything I read, since I became an author myself and realise the value of these in getting our work in front of as many eyes as possible; but it does mean that I have a large virtual To Be Read pile.
For other leisure activities I walk—or use a stepper at home, when the weather’s bad—play the recorder (badly), and listen to music of all types. I like a good meal with wine, whether out or at home, and spend most evenings binge-watching one series or another.
Life is busy and certainly not boring.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 14, 2026
Fatal is a little different than the average whodunnit. It’s more of a Whowilldoit. The first 60% of the story sets the stage so to speak. Ken is a despicable, nasty and narcissistic little man who makes the lives unbearable of all those around him. From his ex wife, Monica, to his children, Emmy and Paul, former work colleagues like Reg or a long list of former conquests. Even his own mum, Lou, doesn’t like him. So there are a long list of people who want him dead before the inevitable happens. It could be anyone though as the police soon find out when they investigate in the aftermath and continuously hit dead ends. Hell if I was a character I am sure I would have done it as Laura Lyndhurst expertly makes the character of Ken such a hated person that the reader will genuinely feel some kind of animosity towards him. This book with its multiple viewpoints and timelines are expertly crafted into an exciting intriguing and fast paced story full of twists and turns that you don’t see coming, especially with the final reveal. A throughly enjoyable read that I definitely recommend if you like your clever murder mysteries.
February 19, 2026
Everyone who knows Ken Brady would love to see him out of their lives. From his ex-wife, his mother, and his children, to Paul’s piano tutor and Alan—Monica’s boss. Even Premier League player, Jude, has had enough of him. But which one will take that step?
Laura Lyndhurst has crafted an exceptionally gripping whodunnit with a cast of characters the reader will find themselves rooting for as Ken continues to make everyone's life a misery.
I couldn’t put it down.
Laura Lyndhurst has crafted an exceptionally gripping whodunnit with a cast of characters the reader will find themselves rooting for as Ken continues to make everyone's life a misery.
I couldn’t put it down.
March 14, 2026
This is an excellent crime mystery with an intricate but fascinating plot which engages the reader from first to last page.
The author has created a fabulously despicable character who has the knack of bringing disharmony to the lives of all those he crosses paths with, and the amazing thing about him is that he revels in it.
Over the first part of the book we are introduced to the many who have been on the receiving end of his attention, and we discover to what degree their lives have been impacted. Most keep as far away from him as possible, but others are tied to him and find it very difficult to extract themselves. However, at least one of them has decided enough is enough.
The second part of the book focuses on who that might be.
This is a very clever mystery and the author has created a fantastic ensemble cast, lots of red herrings, plenty of twists to the plot and a brilliantly surprising conclusion. It is a wild ride but you are in good hands with this talented author.
I highly recommend you introduce yourself to Ken Brady and the rest of the characters and enjoy this riveting crime mystery.
The author has created a fabulously despicable character who has the knack of bringing disharmony to the lives of all those he crosses paths with, and the amazing thing about him is that he revels in it.
Over the first part of the book we are introduced to the many who have been on the receiving end of his attention, and we discover to what degree their lives have been impacted. Most keep as far away from him as possible, but others are tied to him and find it very difficult to extract themselves. However, at least one of them has decided enough is enough.
The second part of the book focuses on who that might be.
This is a very clever mystery and the author has created a fantastic ensemble cast, lots of red herrings, plenty of twists to the plot and a brilliantly surprising conclusion. It is a wild ride but you are in good hands with this talented author.
I highly recommend you introduce yourself to Ken Brady and the rest of the characters and enjoy this riveting crime mystery.
March 16, 2026
In the days before publication, Fatal was advertised as a whodunnit. Entirely accurate. There is indeed a murder and many suspects to keep the reader guessing until the culprit is finally revealed. So far, so conventional. But what the author, Laura Lyndhurst, does is take the reader deep into each person’s life, laying bare their innermost thoughts, hopes and fears. And yes, the murder victim probably richly deserves his fate but he, also, is a fully fleshed-out character who perceives the world through different eyes than anyone else. Sometimes, we can almost pity him because his complete lack of self-awareness has robbed him of the rich and fulfilled life he could have had. tAnd then we realise that this is a man who, long ago, overstepped the boundaries of decency and compassion and is, in fact, irredeemable.
Fatal is a clever book, littered with rabbit holes waiting to draw in the unwary reader and I fell into a couple of them, extricated myself and revised my opinion. And, no, I didn’t guess the outcome and I don’t think you will. In the crowded genre of murder mysteries, Fatal is a breath of fresh air and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
** In the interests of transparency, I owe a debt of gratitude to Ms Lyndhurst for supplying me with a version of her book that enabled me to listen to it. Her kindness is much appreciated.
Fatal is a clever book, littered with rabbit holes waiting to draw in the unwary reader and I fell into a couple of them, extricated myself and revised my opinion. And, no, I didn’t guess the outcome and I don’t think you will. In the crowded genre of murder mysteries, Fatal is a breath of fresh air and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
** In the interests of transparency, I owe a debt of gratitude to Ms Lyndhurst for supplying me with a version of her book that enabled me to listen to it. Her kindness is much appreciated.
March 23, 2026
Ken Brady is a nasty piece of work, and it’s fair to say no one would weep if he were no longer around. From abusing his ex-wife, Lou, to ignoring his two children, Emmy and Paul, there is no one with a good word to say about him, and even his own mother has disowned him. The book is skilfully written and well-paced, with strong, interesting characters who are connected by their dislike of the man. A gripping tale that kept me guessing to the very end, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.
February 21, 2026
A must read!
Ken Brady is a cruel man who takes pleasure in hurting people and making them suffer, including his own mother, children, and ex-wife. And many more. He’d make the Pope swear. He’s bound to get his comeuppance one day. Isn’t he? But who will do it? And how? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Fatal by Laura Lyndhurst is another exceptional read to add to her collection, with an ending that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed it immensely!
Ken Brady is a cruel man who takes pleasure in hurting people and making them suffer, including his own mother, children, and ex-wife. And many more. He’d make the Pope swear. He’s bound to get his comeuppance one day. Isn’t he? But who will do it? And how? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Fatal by Laura Lyndhurst is another exceptional read to add to her collection, with an ending that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed it immensely!
April 26, 2026
Laura Lyndhurst has an astute eye for character that leads you into the lives of the people in her books where they develop as rounded human beings and what happens to them really matters.
Fatal has a sterling cast of characters and one of them, the antagonist Ken Brady, I disliked from the opening lines of the prologue. I’m not the only one. Ken Brady “lived for his own enjoyment, most often gained at the expense of other people’s discomfort”. He derives great pleasure from upsetting people and his lies, scheming and bullying are well-known by those who have been on the receiving end – including his mother, his ex-wife Monica, and their two children. Lives and livelihoods have been ruined by him and it’s not surprising that someone is now determined to make him pay.
There are many characters in this book, but no two are alike. There’s a great natural range from the good, the desperate, the greedy, the cunning and the weak. The interplay between them is so very well done and I hoped that Monica would find love with her considerate and strong boss despite Ken’s machinations.
This book isn’t set in unimaginable riches. Many of the characters are struggling financially. Emmy, the young daughter, goes to the minimarket in the evenings to buy food when the price is marked down. Many of the characters are vulnerable because of this poverty. It all feels true and honest and authentic.
The plotting and the writing are accomplished and the book gathers a pace that doesn’t release its grip on you until the end. As you read, you are aware that this is a whodunnit and you look for the clues. They’re all there. Hiding in plain sight. Unnoticed…
Enjoy!
Fatal has a sterling cast of characters and one of them, the antagonist Ken Brady, I disliked from the opening lines of the prologue. I’m not the only one. Ken Brady “lived for his own enjoyment, most often gained at the expense of other people’s discomfort”. He derives great pleasure from upsetting people and his lies, scheming and bullying are well-known by those who have been on the receiving end – including his mother, his ex-wife Monica, and their two children. Lives and livelihoods have been ruined by him and it’s not surprising that someone is now determined to make him pay.
There are many characters in this book, but no two are alike. There’s a great natural range from the good, the desperate, the greedy, the cunning and the weak. The interplay between them is so very well done and I hoped that Monica would find love with her considerate and strong boss despite Ken’s machinations.
This book isn’t set in unimaginable riches. Many of the characters are struggling financially. Emmy, the young daughter, goes to the minimarket in the evenings to buy food when the price is marked down. Many of the characters are vulnerable because of this poverty. It all feels true and honest and authentic.
The plotting and the writing are accomplished and the book gathers a pace that doesn’t release its grip on you until the end. As you read, you are aware that this is a whodunnit and you look for the clues. They’re all there. Hiding in plain sight. Unnoticed…
Enjoy!
May 4, 2026
An unknown person murders Ken Brady. The story then goes back and not only shows what type of person he was, but also the many suspects in the crime. Ken was a character I could easily hate, but I sympathized with the people around him. His mother, Lou, is a kindhearted widow who wants nothing to do with him. Monica, Ken’s ex, has two children from her marriage to Ken, who are 12 and 14 years old. Their father has no interest in his children, only finding ways to make Monica’s life miserable. Lou invites Monica, a struggling single mom, and her grandkids to live with her. Ken’s current girlfriend, the man in love with Monica, a piano teacher, an ex-con, a popular sports figure, and many others whose point of view is offered. Any of them would want Ken dead. This was a story that grasped me from the first page until the last, as I wanted to know who committed the murder. Yet, at the same time, I hoped they wouldn’t get caught, and everyone could get a happily ever after. Monica and her two children were the ones who captured my heart. Those three, along with the mother, definitely deserved some happiness. Did I guess the killer? The person was on my short list, but it still surprised me. A whodunit with heart and grit that I can easily recommend.
February 17, 2026
FATAL by Laura Lyndhurst is a dark and gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into family, trauma, and the unexpected price of vengeance.
I especially appreciated Emmy's connection with the character Lektra in a school drama. I liked how it mirrored her conflicted feelings. As Emmy reflects, “She preferred Lektra, with her outspoken love ... and wish to get justice or revenge… It made a bond between them, and Emmy thought she could ace it playing the character she saw as her soul-sister,” as Lyndhurst demonstrates through the novel’s subtle interplay of imagination and catharsis.
Lyndhurst masterfully blends domestic realism, psychological depth and suspense, exploring how ordinary lives can be upended by extraordinary acts. By the end I was left questioning justice, morality, but mostly the thin line between survival and vengeance.
Highly recommended.
I especially appreciated Emmy's connection with the character Lektra in a school drama. I liked how it mirrored her conflicted feelings. As Emmy reflects, “She preferred Lektra, with her outspoken love ... and wish to get justice or revenge… It made a bond between them, and Emmy thought she could ace it playing the character she saw as her soul-sister,” as Lyndhurst demonstrates through the novel’s subtle interplay of imagination and catharsis.
Lyndhurst masterfully blends domestic realism, psychological depth and suspense, exploring how ordinary lives can be upended by extraordinary acts. By the end I was left questioning justice, morality, but mostly the thin line between survival and vengeance.
Highly recommended.
March 14, 2026
A twisting tale of bitterness, regret, and resentment as the interconnected lives of a group of disparate people all revolve around the stain on humanity that is Ken Brady. A truly dislikeable character with no redeeming features and no chance of redemption, it’s not a matter of IF someone whose life has been shattered by Ken Brady strikes back, but rather WHEN and, more importantly, WHO?
An aggressively grim whodunnit that highlights the destruction one evil individual can have on everyone he encounters. This convoluted tale wound tighter as motives aplenty are discovered and alibis examined by police and reader alike. The ending shocked me rigid. I genuinely did not see it coming, and congratulations to the author for a gripping and engrossing read.
An aggressively grim whodunnit that highlights the destruction one evil individual can have on everyone he encounters. This convoluted tale wound tighter as motives aplenty are discovered and alibis examined by police and reader alike. The ending shocked me rigid. I genuinely did not see it coming, and congratulations to the author for a gripping and engrossing read.
March 14, 2026
A twisting tale of bitterness, regret, and resentment as the interconnected lives of a group of disparate people all revolve around the stain on humanity that is Ken Brady. A truly dislikeable character with no redeeming features and no chance of redemption, it’s not a matter of IF someone whose life has been shattered by Ken Brady strikes back, but rather WHEN and, more importantly, WHO?
An aggressively grim whodunnit that highlights the destruction one evil individual can have on everyone he encounters. This convoluted tale wound tighter as motives aplenty are discovered and alibis examined by police and reader alike. The ending shocked me rigid. I genuinely did not see it coming, and congratulations to the author for a gripping and engrossing read.
An aggressively grim whodunnit that highlights the destruction one evil individual can have on everyone he encounters. This convoluted tale wound tighter as motives aplenty are discovered and alibis examined by police and reader alike. The ending shocked me rigid. I genuinely did not see it coming, and congratulations to the author for a gripping and engrossing read.
April 17, 2026
Told from multiple viewpoints and multiple timelines, the novel charts the awfulness of Ken Brady and how his life has affected those around him. He is a thoroughly dislikable character, and you know what is going to happen to him quite early on in the book. The tension builds up, layer upon layer, as the story progresses and easily keeps the reader occupied and interested. As always, Laura Lyndhurst’s writing is compelling and drives the plot/story onwards at a pace. The cast of characters is varied, and all are handled well, some eliciting sympathy, some not so, and it is definitely a book that makes you want to not put it down. A very enjoyable read with an unexpected ending.
March 18, 2026
Unlike most murder mysteries, in this one we know who the victim will be, and still he's not killed until after halfway. But it's an excellent character study, there are plenty of people who hate him and have good reason to do him in, and to me, as an American, it's like spending time in a number of British kitchens listening to people who like to talk: very interesting, and entertaining. It's a well-done whodunit, with an interesting surprise.
April 14, 2026
Fatal is a very entertaining read. The author cleverly sets the scene for a murder with the backstories of a cast of characters who all loathe the victim, Ken. And what a despicable person this man is! There seems no end to the lengths he will go to to hurt those around him. Everyone had reason to hate him; everyone would want him dead. Yet, the reader is kept on tenterhooks right until the end.
This is a thrilling story that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
This is a thrilling story that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
March 9, 2026
I found this to be a fast-paced thriller, which keeps you in suspense until the end. I didn’t see the final twist coming, and it took my breath away!
March 15, 2026
FATAL by Laura Lyndhurst is a dark and gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into family, trauma, and the unexpected price of vengeance.
I especially appreciated Emmy's connection with the character Lektra in a school drama. I liked how it mirrored her conflicted feelings. As Emmy reflects, “She preferred Lektra, with her outspoken love ... and wish to get justice or revenge… It made a bond between them, and Emmy thought she could ace it playing the character she saw as her soul-sister,” as Lyndhurst demonstrates through the novel’s subtle interplay of imagination and catharsis.
Lyndhurst masterfully blends domestic realism, psychological depth and suspense, exploring how ordinary lives can be upended by extraordinary acts. By the end I was left questioning justice, morality, but mostly the thin line between survival and vengeance.
Highly recommended.
I especially appreciated Emmy's connection with the character Lektra in a school drama. I liked how it mirrored her conflicted feelings. As Emmy reflects, “She preferred Lektra, with her outspoken love ... and wish to get justice or revenge… It made a bond between them, and Emmy thought she could ace it playing the character she saw as her soul-sister,” as Lyndhurst demonstrates through the novel’s subtle interplay of imagination and catharsis.
Lyndhurst masterfully blends domestic realism, psychological depth and suspense, exploring how ordinary lives can be upended by extraordinary acts. By the end I was left questioning justice, morality, but mostly the thin line between survival and vengeance.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews