Under Her Care: A tense literary thriller that will leave you questioning every decision

by Fiona Gartland

A nurse. A murderer. A choice no one should have to make.

Beth Cronin has spent years trying to outrun the night her mother was killed. Her family shattered, she grew up with a father locked in grief and an unrelenting demand for justice. Now a nurse in a busy Dublin hospital, Beth has built a life around caring for others.

Then Gerald Hughes, the man convicted of her mother's murder, is wheeled into the hospital where she works. Weak. Defenceless. And at her mercy.

As her father pushes for answers, a social worker circles with uncomfortable questions, and Beth's job hangs in the balance, she starts to spiral between duty and vengeance. She has spent her entire career saving lives… yet now she stands at the biggest moral crossroads of her life. Because for the first time, the power to change everything is in Beth's hands.

But when justice and revenge collide, which voice do you trust? And what happens if you cross a line you can never come back from?

Under Her Care is a tense, morally charged thriller about guilt, grief and the terrifying choices we hope we never have to make, perfect for fans of Liz Nugent and Ashley Audrain.

"In Under Her Care, Fiona Gartland has written a propulsive, gripping novel of high stakes and maximum tension. With believable, relatable characters and a deftly woven plot … it is a nail-shredding, compelling thrill ride of an up-all-night read. I loved it!" – Gill Perdue, Irish Times bestseller and author of The Night I Killed Him.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Lianne Hare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under Her Care might just be one of my first thriller reads in a fully medical setting, seeing as I use Greys Anatomy as a comfort show, it seemed only right I have a go to see if my reading habits follow the same! I really enjoy a moral dilemma in a story line, and dancing that line adds an extra punch to a twist, with having quotes from the nursing code it really keeps the reader front and centre with the code of conduct nurses *should* be following given their oath they take.

A Swiftie storyline was always going to grab my attention out, because I too was in the trenches getting tickets for the Eras shows. Way to make me feel for a character 😹

Fiona tackles some heavy topics in this book that will undoubtedly hit hard, but I can appreciate the way in which this is done & had me raising a lot of questions in my own head where dilemmas came up.

If you still want to know more then swipe through for the books blurb..

Thank you to IBTs for arranging this tour and Bloodhound Books & Fiona Gartland for the ARC to review!

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is a nurse in a busy Dublin hospital, nurses act with kindness and compassion but an intense prologue suggests in some cases they might act otherwise.
A dark shadow hangs over Beth’s life, when she was a toddler her mother was brutally raped and murdered.
Gerald Hughes, the man convicted of her mother's murder, is admitted to the hospital where she works. Weak and defenceless he is at her mercy.
The murder also shattered the life of Beth’s father, who as luck would have it, is also in the same hospital with a broken leg, the circumstances around how he got that broken leg are a bit hazy.
Beth is torn between professional duty and a desire for vengeance.
Short chapters help to maintain suspense and there are sufficient twists for fans of the genre.

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Fiona Gartland and Bloodhound Books for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Under Her Care was just the Medical Thriller that I have a craving for and Fiona Gartland did not disappoint. Her book was fast paced, addicting, incredibly descriptive, detailed, fascinating if you love all things medical like I do!

OMG!! WOW!! Fiona’s prologue was incredibly intense!!! I give phlebotomists a great deal of respect as they have a nerve wracking job! I know I am not an easy stick as I have terrible veins. Many times I am treated like a pin cushion poked multiple times just to find one vein.

I loved how before each chapter Fiona would quote St. Francis Xavier’s Nursing Code of Professional Ethics. Each quote pertained to the upcoming theme of the chapter.

There was one storyline that I loved regarding a patient giving Beth concert tickets to see Taylor Swift!! My first thought was WOW what an incredibly thoughtful and generous gift!! Any Swifie would have loved to have gotten a free ticket to the show!! However, her boss had other ideas for the tickets!! Ohh I would have been livid!!!

Not going to lie there were elements to the story that was emotionally hard for me to read but I got through it. This lead up the to a very eye opening shocking reveal at the end!! One that was even more hard to swallow than before!! This is a book that will have people talking!

[andshe.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under Her Care is a psychological thriller thats emotionally charged. Our main character Beth ends up face to face with the man who was convicted of murdering her mother however now he's at hus most vunerable when his life is in her hands. 

The story explores the ethical conflict between Beth's professional duty as a nurse & her own personal trauma, this really does unfold into a dilemma that had me hooked. 

Short chapters help to maintain suspense with twists coming just at the right time which made sure I was engaged throughout & also meant I never put down the book once. 

Beth finds herself in impossible situations having to make decisions that would risk not only her career but her freedom. I have to say on more than one occasion the narrative had me wondering what I would do if I was in such predicaments. 

Overall a well plotted novel that balances moral complexity & suspense driven drama. 

Thank you to InstaBookTours, bloodhound books for a digital copy. 

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is moving and gripping, and deals with some very relevant topics. Beth is only a toddler when her mother, Carrie, is brutally murdered. Her father never recovers from the traumatic loss and his own feelings of guilt that he should have somehow prevented the murder. Beth grows up feeling that it is her duty to protect her father, which makes it easy for him to manipulate her. I like Beth; she is a good person who cares about others and who is trying to do the right thing. Yet doing the right thing leads to her actions being misunderstood and blamed whilst the true wrongdoers get away with it. The themes covered include sexual abuse, victim blaming, the impact upon victims of serious crime, childhood abuse, medical code of practice, the justice system and euthanasia. I enjoyed the book,and empathised with Beth but felt the ending left me hanging.

[Maddie Weeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Read for a book tour, below is my honest review**

Under Her Care is a medical thriller with a huge moral dilemma! It really makes you wonder what you would do in the same situation.

The story follows the POVs of father and daughter Dominic and Beth. We’re also taken through a few different timelines to get the backstory of why they are where they are now.

It was thought provoking, tense and had a twist I didn’t expect.

At times I felt it to be a bit all over the place and the ending felt a bit abrupt but overall it’s a really well written story. I’d like to read more from this author!

If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thriller with a moral dilemma.

Thank you Insta Book Tours, Bloodhound Books and Fiona for letting me read and review.

I give this 3 stars!

[Jillian Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping read from Fiona Gartland.
I absolutely loved Beth’s story in Under her care.
After loosing her mother at such a young age in circumstances that no one should have to go through Beth was left with only her father.
Under his guidance she did not let her mother’s absence hold her back and she studied hard to become a well liked and respected young nurse.
Unfortunately neither Beth nor her father could ever fully move on from the despicable murder of her mother and this is the story about how they decided to get their own revenge on the man who took the woman they loved away from them.
Thank you so much to Fiona Gartland for writing such a fantastic book and thank you to Bloodhound Books for giving me opportunity to read it before its release date.

[Eleanor Jordan O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains that specific brand of "up-all-night" dread where you’re frantically turning pages while simultaneously wondering if you’ve remembered to lock the back door. Fiona Gartland has gone and crafted something properly propulsive—a high-stakes, maximum-tension mess that feels far too believable for comfort.
​What’s actually impressive here is how she skips over the usual, tired whodunnit tropes. It’s not just a puzzle; it’s an expertly paced, accomplished bit of writing that feels uncomfortably close to home. The characters are relatable enough that you actually care when their lives start hitting the skids, making the whole thing a deftly woven, nail-shredding thrill ride. If you’re looking for an excuse to have bags under your eyes tomorrow morning, this is it.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is a nurse at a local hospital where her father is currently a patient. A floor below her father lies the man who murdered her mother when Beth was a little girl. Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get revenge...
The story starts with an ominous prologue that immediately hooked me, and further unfolds through dual timelines and multiple perspectives. The present-day chapters are written in a style that makes you feel like you are right there in the hustle and hustle of Beth's days as she juggles patients, coworkers, friends, her dad and the unwelcome reminder of the past. The chapters set in the past are eerie and mysterious, slowly unfolding but not giving too much away at a time.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read more from this author.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I will certainly be reading more.
From the very first page, I was captured into a very different, well written, gripping page turner of a storyline and plot, with likeable characters.
I loved the way it started, with two separate stories, one in the past and the other in the present day, which cleverly merges into one.
This is one of those books you are reluctant to put down as you just have to know what happens next. It also makes you think, what would you do, faced with them decisions.
This book is well worth reading.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and thrilling with complex twists it kept me glued to the story. Beth lost her mother as a young girl and she grows up to be a nurse to care for her patients. Then her father wants revenge for the murder of Beth's mother. It leads to a complicated that leaves you questioning every move. I enjoyed the medical professionals side and the characters felt realistic. It's a solid psychological thriller that I will read again.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those “but what would you do” books. Or, more like, “what would I do”. Would I do things differently? Would I make different choices? Would I act differently? Would I feel different?
The book that makes you think about things you’d most likely choose to ignore otherwise. The book that makes you hope that you are never Beth and are never in her situation. A situation where you can’t win, really.

[Anitra Mansson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. One can imagine Beth's childhood and her complicated relationship with her father. Duty versus common sense and self-preservation. As I nurse I was able to relate to the dilemma of reporting a doctor and living with the stressful consequenses. That situation just added flavor to the storyline and gave background to Beth's life. I was totally surprised by the last three chapters, the book ending was not what I expected.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow a nurse, a murderer. Beth cared for her mother for years and then she was murdered. Beth turns to nursing and what decisions she has to make when the person who murdered her mum comes to the hospital to be treated what will she do.
This is a book that has good characters and storyline .
This book is also a book about choices which way will Beth go and also I thought about what I’d do also.
Well worth a read

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

What some people will do for revenge! I’m usually not a fan of stories that jump between the present and past, but it worked well here. I actually had to re-read the plot twist to make sure I saw it right—I definitely didn’t see that coming! I’m still torn on the ending; part of me agrees with it, but I also see how Beth was manipulated by someone she trusted. Great job! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. Get your own copy!

[Linda Fallows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth and her dad have only each other since her mum was murdered when Beth was a toddler. Beth becomes a nurse and when her dad suffers a broken leg he is admitted to the hospital where she works. The events that follow leave you breathless and shocked. Events have far reaching consequences. The twist at the end is unexpected.
This is a well written book, with realistic characters and a believable plot.
I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[Teresa Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

From reading the synopsis of this book I was excited to get started. I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn’t want it to end. It was a gripping page-turner and I devoured it within a day, unputdownable. It had plenty of hidden twists along the way which kept me completely hooked with some great, believable characters. The story went in a completely different direction to what I was expecting. I love how this author writes and I look forward to reading more.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that brings alive the question of justice and what does that look like for people. The main character, Beth, has a plan that you get a glimpse of from the beginning all the way to the end which is what makes this book a page turner since you don't know the plan right off the bat though you can infer. Familial relationships also come into play in this storyline and interesting to see how that all plays out. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Martina Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic page-turner that maintains a nerve-jangling level of tension throughout. My favorite part of this story was its characters, their humanity, their frailties, and their depth. Tiny little details bring them to life. I howled out loud at one elderly character’s exclamation: “The teeth are in. I’m ready.” I don’t want to give away any spoilers, except to say I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I ached, I grieved. I loved this book.

[Ali H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great thriller that will be savoured by anyone who enjoys a medical setting, better still a Dublin medical setting. I read this in hospital which really added to the feeling of being immersed in the story.
It is a fast-paced and emotionally-charged read that will have you wondering several times what you would do in the same situation. There are several twists along the way too, ensuring that the story never flags.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth was robbed of her Mother when she was murdered on a night out, something her father has never recovered from. The effect that has had on her life comes to a dramatic conclusion but the journey there makes this a great novel. The ending was a bit rushed and abrupt for my liking but didn’t detract from the story.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping tale, twisty full of tension and suspense made for a page turner read.
With short chapters I found myself unable to put it down as one more chapter just kept being carried on.
A psychological thriller featuring Beth, I loved the moral dilemma in this book it really does get you thinking.

Excellent read thank you bloodhound books for my copy

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read but I’m torn with how to write the review. Some parts of the story were good but other parts left me muttering “really”. I was also a little disappointed with the ending, it felt like some things were left unfinished and ended abruptly.

[Charlotte Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to be thinking about this one for a long time. It’s fantastic written and brilliantly paced. Tense, claustrophobic, and oh so clever. An unsettling, real and raw thriller.
Gartland is an author to watch. Very highly recommended!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

[Beaux Chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book, Was a very good read and I really liked the main characters

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read! Love how the story goes back & forth from the present to the original time of the incident. Full of suspense & heartbreak, I will definitely look to read more by this author.

[Paul Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding read that gripped me from the start. Beth's predicament had me cheering for her even when she was doing wrong

[Victoria (Vicki) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked. Interest concept and I liked the way it went to the last and present. I liked the characters and storyline and the book was well written.

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought wad very good! It was a little slow! But over all it was very real to me!

New author to me!