The Cut

by Addy McTavish

On the brink of national expansion into major U.S. cities, Daniel Mercer’s flagship restaurant, The Cut by Hale & Mercer, is poised to move beyond San Francisco.

Investors are committed.
Markets are watching.
There is no room for retreat.

When his partner, Adrian Hale, signals an exit, the break threatens more than funding. The brand—and the expansion built on it—begins to fracture.

For Daniel, collapse isn’t about his career.
It’s about survival.

Then Adrian disappears.

At a press conference outlining the expansion, Daniel attributes his partner’s absence to exhaustion.

Before anyone even utters the word missing, Hallie Winslow knows something is wrong.

Minutes later, documents surface online.
They don’t read like discovery.
They read like preparation.

Hallie decides to find out who prepared them.

The Cut is a psychological thriller about power, preservation, and the cost of control.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Addy McTavish writes psychological thrillers set in the hidden structures of power and influence shaping San Francisco’s most privileged circles.
Her work explores control, perception, and the quiet ways systems reshape lives—often long before anyone realizes what’s happening. She lives in Southern California with her husband and their standard poodle, Yuri.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rating this at 3.5/5 stars. It’s compelling in that it’s not like many thrillers I’ve read. There are highs and lows. I will admit I was a bit confused at times but for the most part the plot and the story has good flow and pacing. I’m thinking of it as a corporate thriller (yes I know it’s based on restaurant owners) and if you are a fan of those I think you’ll like this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for me.

Daniel Mercer’s and his partner Adrian Hale plan to expand their restaurant.When Adrian is found dead,question and speculations starting to circle.Documents surface online,it seem they are a preparation, but for what?Hallie Winslow would like to know that,and she will get to the bottom of it.

It was a mystery filled read with rich language.Some maybe like this but I will be honest,I was not a fan of this writing.The story left me with more questions then answers,and while I liked some parts there was not enough for me to enjoy this book.

Thank you booksprout and author for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Debra Tunnicliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tense story with twists that keep you guessing following Daniel Mercer a owner of a flagship restaurant with his partner

When Daniel announces that Adrian has taken leave but later is found dead Hallie is suspicious especially when as she investigates documents they seem to have been prepared before Adrian decided to step down that accuse him of embezzlement. Hallie suspects Daniel is controlling the narrative.

This is a suspenseful story of how someone will do anything to protect what they have created.

Would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Divya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This corporate thriller follows partners Daniel Mercer’s and Adrian Hale as they look to expand their flagship restaurant to.major cities. However, all is not as it seems with Adrian going missing and some mysterious documents appearing online. The story had promise with some interesting personalities.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restaurant expansion. Partner missing. The Cut exemplifies the people who handle stressful times with calm and precise decision-making. It shows timing, structure and the illusion of power instructs those around the issue. it may not be or turn out how you imagine. It was an interesting and captivating read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.