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The Killer in Room Five
A terrible confession
In an isolated room in Hollowpines, an infamous psychiatric hospital, Joe Sinclair is confessing to a violent murder.
An impossible crime
Locked away, Joe couldn't possibly have killed the man, so how does he know so many of the horrifying details?
A detective at her limits
Suspended after a colleague was stabbed on her watch, DC Abby Fox has only just returned to work. But at Hollowpines, she must find out what really happened and how exactly Joe is involved.
Is he to blame, or the only one who can stop the killer?
In an isolated room in Hollowpines, an infamous psychiatric hospital, Joe Sinclair is confessing to a violent murder.
An impossible crime
Locked away, Joe couldn't possibly have killed the man, so how does he know so many of the horrifying details?
A detective at her limits
Suspended after a colleague was stabbed on her watch, DC Abby Fox has only just returned to work. But at Hollowpines, she must find out what really happened and how exactly Joe is involved.
Is he to blame, or the only one who can stop the killer?
464 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Sam Holland
8 books986 followersSam Holland is the award-winning author of the Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. Her debut, The Echo Man, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Killer in Room Five is the latest in the series and is out now.
She is also the author of an Audible Original - Sleeping Beauties.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Killer in Room Five is the latest in the series and is out now.
She is also the author of an Audible Original - Sleeping Beauties.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
May 2, 2026
4.5 stars!!
Sam Holland consider me your biggest fangirl🫶 I have read all of her books and she just never disappoints. Whenever I find crime/thriller/mystery author I like, I latch on like a leech and I gorge myself on everything they have ever written. Sam Holland, you are my latest victim and now I will probably stalk your page obsessively for new releases and instantly attack when a new book drops😌 (Don't block me pls I'm really not that creepy😭)
Anyways, this was so intense and gripping! The plot keeps you guessing till the very end with perfectly placed red herrings. I thought I had bested Sam and figured out the major twist, but no... she bamboozled me. I did have some minor theories pan out though so yay for that I guess😅 She really had me almost pulling out the red twine and making timelines and stuff😅
I really liked the characters even though Abbie did make some dumb decisions but I do understand where she was coming from. I always appreciate when thrillers actually make me connect to the characters instead of only focusing on the mystery aspect. I feel like this could be the start of another series? I hope so because I want to see more of these characters!
Thank you again for a great book Sam Holland💓
________________________________________________________
Pre-read:
Sam Holland I will literally inhale any book you bless us with😭
Sam Holland consider me your biggest fangirl🫶 I have read all of her books and she just never disappoints. Whenever I find crime/thriller/mystery author I like, I latch on like a leech and I gorge myself on everything they have ever written. Sam Holland, you are my latest victim and now I will probably stalk your page obsessively for new releases and instantly attack when a new book drops😌 (Don't block me pls I'm really not that creepy😭)
Anyways, this was so intense and gripping! The plot keeps you guessing till the very end with perfectly placed red herrings. I thought I had bested Sam and figured out the major twist, but no... she bamboozled me. I did have some minor theories pan out though so yay for that I guess😅 She really had me almost pulling out the red twine and making timelines and stuff😅
I really liked the characters even though Abbie did make some dumb decisions but I do understand where she was coming from. I always appreciate when thrillers actually make me connect to the characters instead of only focusing on the mystery aspect. I feel like this could be the start of another series? I hope so because I want to see more of these characters!
Thank you again for a great book Sam Holland💓
________________________________________________________
Pre-read:
Sam Holland I will literally inhale any book you bless us with😭
August 12, 2026
3.5
This started with an intriguing premise. A patient locked in a high-security psychiatric hospital confesses to a brutal killing he couldn't have committed but he knows details only the murderer would know.
Unfortunately, I guessed the identity of the killer early on, leaving the rest of the story feeling predictable and full of familiar thriller clichés. The main character was equally frustrating—her backstory, with a police officer father, felt overused, and some of her decisions were so foolish that they stretched credibility.
I have read the author's previous books in the series and liked them better. My favorites are her The Echo Man (book 1) and The Twenty (b00k 2).
This started with an intriguing premise. A patient locked in a high-security psychiatric hospital confesses to a brutal killing he couldn't have committed but he knows details only the murderer would know.
Unfortunately, I guessed the identity of the killer early on, leaving the rest of the story feeling predictable and full of familiar thriller clichés. The main character was equally frustrating—her backstory, with a police officer father, felt overused, and some of her decisions were so foolish that they stretched credibility.
I have read the author's previous books in the series and liked them better. My favorites are her The Echo Man (book 1) and The Twenty (b00k 2).
May 21, 2026
This was everything I wanted, and so much more!
This is my first book from Sam Holland, but if this book is anything like her others, then she will be a new favourite author…I loved it so much. Strong and likeable characters, solid plot throughout, full of twists and turns galore, creepy, with an explosive ending.
Im not going to talk about the story, you will just have to go and get it 😁 you won’t be disappointed!
5+ ⭐️
Thanks to Sam Holland, Hemlock Press, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 21 May 2026 (TODAY)
This is my first book from Sam Holland, but if this book is anything like her others, then she will be a new favourite author…I loved it so much. Strong and likeable characters, solid plot throughout, full of twists and turns galore, creepy, with an explosive ending.
Im not going to talk about the story, you will just have to go and get it 😁 you won’t be disappointed!
5+ ⭐️
Thanks to Sam Holland, Hemlock Press, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 21 May 2026 (TODAY)
July 27, 2026
Sam Holland was a new-to-me author, but after hearing so many people rave about her books I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. The Killer in Room Five certainly didn't disappoint, delivering a dark, unsettling thriller that had me racing through the pages to find out what was really going on.
Holland doesn't waste any time getting the story underway, throwing the reader straight into a brutal crime scene that immediately had me thinking, what the heck happened here? From that moment on, putting it down wasn't really an option.
As gripping as the mystery was, the eerie atmosphere ended up being my favourite part of the novel. Hollow Pines Psychiatric Hospital is the perfect backdrop for a thriller like this because it's unsettling, unpredictable and filled with people you instinctively question. Following DC Abby Fox as she investigated a series of gruesome crimes within its walls kept me constantly on edge, and I naturally found myself suspicious of the doctors, the staff and pretty much everyone else. Holland does such a good job of making you second-guess every character that by the end I wasn't sure who, if anyone, deserved my trust.
Abby herself was also a protagonist I enjoyed spending time with and even with the challenges she faces in both her personal and professional life, she doesn't lose sight of the investigation and approaches every lead with determination, compassion and just the right amount of scepticism. She's definitely a detective I'd be more than happy to follow as she tackles another case.
The mystery was satisfying, with plenty of red herrings throughout the investigation, but none of them felt so obvious that they gave the game away. I only worked out who was behind it all shortly before the reveal, which is always a good sign for me because I'd much rather be surprised than have everything figured out too early.
For my first experience with Sam Holland's writing, this was a fantastic introduction and it's definitely left me keen to pick up The Echo Man. If you enjoy thrillers that blend police procedural, psychological suspense and a locked-room style mystery, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. Just don't expect a light, cosy read because this one gets dark.
Holland doesn't waste any time getting the story underway, throwing the reader straight into a brutal crime scene that immediately had me thinking, what the heck happened here? From that moment on, putting it down wasn't really an option.
As gripping as the mystery was, the eerie atmosphere ended up being my favourite part of the novel. Hollow Pines Psychiatric Hospital is the perfect backdrop for a thriller like this because it's unsettling, unpredictable and filled with people you instinctively question. Following DC Abby Fox as she investigated a series of gruesome crimes within its walls kept me constantly on edge, and I naturally found myself suspicious of the doctors, the staff and pretty much everyone else. Holland does such a good job of making you second-guess every character that by the end I wasn't sure who, if anyone, deserved my trust.
Abby herself was also a protagonist I enjoyed spending time with and even with the challenges she faces in both her personal and professional life, she doesn't lose sight of the investigation and approaches every lead with determination, compassion and just the right amount of scepticism. She's definitely a detective I'd be more than happy to follow as she tackles another case.
The mystery was satisfying, with plenty of red herrings throughout the investigation, but none of them felt so obvious that they gave the game away. I only worked out who was behind it all shortly before the reveal, which is always a good sign for me because I'd much rather be surprised than have everything figured out too early.
For my first experience with Sam Holland's writing, this was a fantastic introduction and it's definitely left me keen to pick up The Echo Man. If you enjoy thrillers that blend police procedural, psychological suspense and a locked-room style mystery, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. Just don't expect a light, cosy read because this one gets dark.
August 19, 2026
I picked this up on a whim, I am so glad I did this was such a full thriller. Now, what I will say is if you've read a lot of thrillers you'll probably guess the reveals as I did, but this didn't really effect my enjoyment.
There was one reveal that got me, but overall it was pretty obvious who was the mastermind but I enjoyed the journey of how everything/everyone was connected. I also loved the ladies form D-Wing what a vibe.
If your looking for a twisty fast-paced thriller, this might be one to put on your TBR, there were some pretty creepy moments too which I really enjoyed. I will be looking out for more books by this author, I hope they write a horror!
There was one reveal that got me, but overall it was pretty obvious who was the mastermind but I enjoyed the journey of how everything/everyone was connected. I also loved the ladies form D-Wing what a vibe.
If your looking for a twisty fast-paced thriller, this might be one to put on your TBR, there were some pretty creepy moments too which I really enjoyed. I will be looking out for more books by this author, I hope they write a horror!
March 12, 2026
I’ve read all of Sam Holland’s previous books, so I was really excited to dive into The Patient in Room 5, and it turned out to be every bit as dark and gripping as I hoped. Although it isn’t as dark or as gruesome as the authors previous books.
The premise is instantly intriguing. Joe Sinclair is locked away in an isolated room at Hollowpines psychiatric hospital, yet he’s confessing to a brutal murder he seemingly couldn’t have committed. What makes it even more unsettling is the level of detail he knows about the crime, the kind of details only the killer should know. It immediately sets up an impossible puzzle that had me constantly questioning what was really going on.
I really enjoyed following DC Abby Fox as the investigation unfolds. Having only just returned to work after being suspended, she’s clearly carrying a lot with her, and that vulnerability makes her a compelling character to follow. As Abby digs deeper into what happened, the case becomes increasingly complicated, and the tension steadily builds.
The setting of Hollowpines adds an unsettling, and claustrophobic atmosphere to the story.There’s a constant sense of paranoia which only intensifies as the investigation progresses.
As the story progresses, the darker and more unsettling things become. Sam Holland does a great job of layering the mystery and introducing twists that kept me second guessing throughout.
Overall, this was a dark, twisted thriller that kept me fully invested in the mystery. If you enjoy crime novels with a strong sense of suspense and plenty of surprises along the way, this one is well worth picking up.
The premise is instantly intriguing. Joe Sinclair is locked away in an isolated room at Hollowpines psychiatric hospital, yet he’s confessing to a brutal murder he seemingly couldn’t have committed. What makes it even more unsettling is the level of detail he knows about the crime, the kind of details only the killer should know. It immediately sets up an impossible puzzle that had me constantly questioning what was really going on.
I really enjoyed following DC Abby Fox as the investigation unfolds. Having only just returned to work after being suspended, she’s clearly carrying a lot with her, and that vulnerability makes her a compelling character to follow. As Abby digs deeper into what happened, the case becomes increasingly complicated, and the tension steadily builds.
The setting of Hollowpines adds an unsettling, and claustrophobic atmosphere to the story.There’s a constant sense of paranoia which only intensifies as the investigation progresses.
As the story progresses, the darker and more unsettling things become. Sam Holland does a great job of layering the mystery and introducing twists that kept me second guessing throughout.
Overall, this was a dark, twisted thriller that kept me fully invested in the mystery. If you enjoy crime novels with a strong sense of suspense and plenty of surprises along the way, this one is well worth picking up.
March 6, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Whether she's writing as Sam Holland or Louisa Scarr this is an author at the very top of her game. This is another cracking edition to the Major Crimes series. Flawless writing, a very clever crafted plot, a relentless pace and suspects galore - what more could you ask for in a book. The atmosphere is dark yet electric, Hollowpines is wonderfully eerie and a highly fascinating subject adds to the intrigue. I'm fast running out of superlatives for this very talented author, but suffice to say she has another winner on her hands. Outstanding and all the stars for this one
June 2, 2026
After DNF'ing The Butcher's Wife due to a severe case of boredom, here I am giving Sam Holland a chance.
A patient locked inside a secure psychiatric hospital confesses to a brutal murder he couldn't possibly have committed. Yet Joe Sinclair knows details about the crime that only the killer should know.
As Detective Abby Fox returns to work after a suspension, she finds herself pulled into a chilling investigation that makes no sense on paper but becomes impossible to ignore. Is Joe a murderer, a witness, or the only person who can stop a killer still on the loose?
The Killer in Room Five is a dark, twist-filled thriller built around an impossible crime that kept me questioning what was really going on.
This book was a bit triggering for me because our main suspect is in a psychiatric facility and has already attempted to take his own life twice. Given where I am mentally right now, those topics definitely sent my anxiety through the roof. A lot of readers say they flew through this book, but that wasn't my experience.
For a large portion of the story, we stay heavily focused on the investigation, circling around suspects and clues, while I kept waiting for the plot to really kick into gear. I love thrillers and mysteries, but I'm not always the biggest fan of investigation-heavy stories, so I struggled to fully connect with this one.
There's a possible serial killer, horrific crimes in both the past and present, and it's clear that the two timelines are heading toward a collision. Still, my main curiosity was simply finding out who was killing these seemingly random people.
I also spent a good chunk of the book waiting for the mind-blowing twists that everyone on Goodreads seems to rave about. That said, things definitely became more interesting after the 50% mark, and I found myself more invested from that point on.
I was somewhat surprised by the killer's identity, but unfortunately, the reveal didn't completely work for me. The story did raise my anxiety levels, though that's largely because I'm currently doing ERP therapy and some of the themes hit close to home. In a strange way, it pushed me deeper into the work I'm doing, which is ultimately a positive thing for my recovery.
As for the book itself? Sadly, this one was a flop for me. But hey, we can't all love the same things.
A patient locked inside a secure psychiatric hospital confesses to a brutal murder he couldn't possibly have committed. Yet Joe Sinclair knows details about the crime that only the killer should know.
As Detective Abby Fox returns to work after a suspension, she finds herself pulled into a chilling investigation that makes no sense on paper but becomes impossible to ignore. Is Joe a murderer, a witness, or the only person who can stop a killer still on the loose?
The Killer in Room Five is a dark, twist-filled thriller built around an impossible crime that kept me questioning what was really going on.
This book was a bit triggering for me because our main suspect is in a psychiatric facility and has already attempted to take his own life twice. Given where I am mentally right now, those topics definitely sent my anxiety through the roof. A lot of readers say they flew through this book, but that wasn't my experience.
For a large portion of the story, we stay heavily focused on the investigation, circling around suspects and clues, while I kept waiting for the plot to really kick into gear. I love thrillers and mysteries, but I'm not always the biggest fan of investigation-heavy stories, so I struggled to fully connect with this one.
There's a possible serial killer, horrific crimes in both the past and present, and it's clear that the two timelines are heading toward a collision. Still, my main curiosity was simply finding out who was killing these seemingly random people.
I also spent a good chunk of the book waiting for the mind-blowing twists that everyone on Goodreads seems to rave about. That said, things definitely became more interesting after the 50% mark, and I found myself more invested from that point on.
I was somewhat surprised by the killer's identity, but unfortunately, the reveal didn't completely work for me. The story did raise my anxiety levels, though that's largely because I'm currently doing ERP therapy and some of the themes hit close to home. In a strange way, it pushed me deeper into the work I'm doing, which is ultimately a positive thing for my recovery.
As for the book itself? Sadly, this one was a flop for me. But hey, we can't all love the same things.
June 3, 2026
I have enjoyed every Sam Holland book and this one didn’t disappoint.
The writing always leaves me guessing and wanting to read more 🤓
The writing always leaves me guessing and wanting to read more 🤓
August 9, 2026
This isn't my favorite by this author's... it was decent throughout. I couldn't stop listening but the ending was sooooo underwhelming, it went from a 5 star to a 3 star pretty quickly.
May 9, 2026
4.5⭐️
I absolutely flew through this. To the point that I was literally taking my kindle with me while running errands because I needed to keep reading.
Joe’s situation hooked me immediately. He’s locked inside a psychiatric facility, yet somehow knows intimate details about brutal murders that have just occurred — including details that haven’t been released to the public. The impossible nature of it all made this so addictive because I was constantly trying to work out how any of it was possible.
The psychiatric facility setting works so well here too. Hollowpines feels claustrophobic, unsettling and full of people hiding things. I constantly felt on edge, and every time I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, another layer was revealed.
This was dark, graphic and seriously addictive. The short chapters, multiple POVs and constant reveals made this incredibly easy to binge read, and I genuinely struggled to put it down.
I did predict part of the ending before it happened, but it honestly didn’t affect my enjoyment at all because I was having such a good time getting there.
This was my first Sam Holland book, and it definitely won’t be my last.
I absolutely flew through this. To the point that I was literally taking my kindle with me while running errands because I needed to keep reading.
Joe’s situation hooked me immediately. He’s locked inside a psychiatric facility, yet somehow knows intimate details about brutal murders that have just occurred — including details that haven’t been released to the public. The impossible nature of it all made this so addictive because I was constantly trying to work out how any of it was possible.
The psychiatric facility setting works so well here too. Hollowpines feels claustrophobic, unsettling and full of people hiding things. I constantly felt on edge, and every time I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, another layer was revealed.
This was dark, graphic and seriously addictive. The short chapters, multiple POVs and constant reveals made this incredibly easy to binge read, and I genuinely struggled to put it down.
I did predict part of the ending before it happened, but it honestly didn’t affect my enjoyment at all because I was having such a good time getting there.
This was my first Sam Holland book, and it definitely won’t be my last.
May 31, 2026
What an INCREDIBLE crime thriller! It’s so pacy with so many twists and turns, it’s a complete rollercoaster of a book and loved the dark setting of a psychiatric hospital. I read it in 2 days!
I love James Patterson Books but Sam Holland is my new favourite Crime Thriller author! What a legend!
Her creativity as an author, to make the story flow with some unique multiple story threads lead by the characters is just phenomenal.
Sam you never disappoint!
Can’t wait for your author visit in Lee On Solent Monday! You are brilliant! Well done and I really hope there is another book later :-)
I love James Patterson Books but Sam Holland is my new favourite Crime Thriller author! What a legend!
Her creativity as an author, to make the story flow with some unique multiple story threads lead by the characters is just phenomenal.
Sam you never disappoint!
Can’t wait for your author visit in Lee On Solent Monday! You are brilliant! Well done and I really hope there is another book later :-)
June 3, 2026
Audio version of this book 📕- a cracking read/listen ! Highly recommend
May 26, 2026
3.5 stars - I’m disappointed tbh this woman is my absolute go to when it comes to crime/thriller and she’s never had less than a 4.5 star from me in 5 books. This one was slow and predictable, we’ve washed the internal murder trope so many times it just wasn’t enjoyable. I didn’t get into it, usually this woman keeps me hook like and sinked but it took me 3 days to finish it.
June 21, 2026
Another great book from this author. Had me gripped throughout!
June 6, 2026
I’m immediately adding Sam Holland to my list of favourite crime thriller authors, can’t wait to read more from her!
May 30, 2026
I loved it!! Dark, creepy and twisty, it was wonderfully bingeable. I listened rather than read and the narrator Sarah Lambie did a grand job!
I had multiple theories of what was happening and kept switching between them, so I just let the story unfold and I found the ending was very satisfying. 🤌🏻
Sam/Louisa is a must read author for me and I plan on reading her whole backlist very soon! If you're looking for dark thrillers that you can read in one sitting, look no further!
I had multiple theories of what was happening and kept switching between them, so I just let the story unfold and I found the ending was very satisfying. 🤌🏻
Sam/Louisa is a must read author for me and I plan on reading her whole backlist very soon! If you're looking for dark thrillers that you can read in one sitting, look no further!
May 30, 2026
i was so invested and loving the book, but this revelation of the villain was obvious and stupid.
since the middle of the book when we have "oh where the knife came, only scott is next to her" im like, ok its him kkkkk
oh yea the brother in law of a suspect is a cop and nobody know? as if.
you didn't take the dna for testing and nobody call in?
Sadly this whole reveal makes the book not worth it.
since the middle of the book when we have "oh where the knife came, only scott is next to her" im like, ok its him kkkkk
oh yea the brother in law of a suspect is a cop and nobody know? as if.
you didn't take the dna for testing and nobody call in?
Sadly this whole reveal makes the book not worth it.
August 25, 2026
I struggled a little staying interested in this story. The premise intrigued me, but it sort of goes off the rails from that pretty quickly. The plot meanders, and the pacing is so slow in places I found my imagination wandering from the page and had to to back and reread some things. This book is also about 100 pages longer than it needed to be.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, a lot of backstories and POVs to follow. Some I didn't really find important in the grand scheme of things.
None of that alone would cause me to put the book down, though, because while there were places I struggled, and while this book didn't 100% live up to the promise in the blurb, the story WAS engaging. There aren't any dull moments, even during the slow bits. And every once in a while a backstory will pop up for a character that grips you and drags you back into what's happening.
I think Sam Holland is a pretty good writer. The story's told very well, has an intriguing, disturbing accounting of life inside a psychiatric hospital from all our nightmares.
I will say there should be mild to moderate trigger warnings for patient abuse (drugged against their will, among other things), sexual assault (we're told, not shown, that one of the mentally ill patients is raped first by her father and then by a security guard at the hospital), attempted suicide, animal torture/death, and grisly discussions of murder victims.
The ending was a bit of a let-down for me. The killer's obvious, and at the same time, it sort of makes no sense. I don't think the police are very competent in this tale - including our main character Abby, who makes several really dumb decisions that made me question whether or not she should be allowed to work in law enforcement at all. For a modern story, the police's lack of doing their jobs correctly - like taking DNA samples to get tested - were glaring errors that felt overlooked just for the purpose of making the story more dramatic. Unfortunately, it also made the story less credible.
I think the biggest problem was me. I unfortunately guessed what was really going on pretty early into the book (about 30% of the way through). And after that, the tropes and twists became obvious which sort of made the story feel tedious. The mistakes being made mattered to me more.
It's a good thriller - but I don't think it's the best, or most original story I've ever come across. And that's a shame, because the concept was fascinating.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, a lot of backstories and POVs to follow. Some I didn't really find important in the grand scheme of things.
None of that alone would cause me to put the book down, though, because while there were places I struggled, and while this book didn't 100% live up to the promise in the blurb, the story WAS engaging. There aren't any dull moments, even during the slow bits. And every once in a while a backstory will pop up for a character that grips you and drags you back into what's happening.
I think Sam Holland is a pretty good writer. The story's told very well, has an intriguing, disturbing accounting of life inside a psychiatric hospital from all our nightmares.
I will say there should be mild to moderate trigger warnings for patient abuse (drugged against their will, among other things), sexual assault (we're told, not shown, that one of the mentally ill patients is raped first by her father and then by a security guard at the hospital), attempted suicide, animal torture/death, and grisly discussions of murder victims.
The ending was a bit of a let-down for me. The killer's obvious, and at the same time, it sort of makes no sense. I don't think the police are very competent in this tale - including our main character Abby, who makes several really dumb decisions that made me question whether or not she should be allowed to work in law enforcement at all. For a modern story, the police's lack of doing their jobs correctly - like taking DNA samples to get tested - were glaring errors that felt overlooked just for the purpose of making the story more dramatic. Unfortunately, it also made the story less credible.
I think the biggest problem was me. I unfortunately guessed what was really going on pretty early into the book (about 30% of the way through). And after that, the tropes and twists became obvious which sort of made the story feel tedious. The mistakes being made mattered to me more.
It's a good thriller - but I don't think it's the best, or most original story I've ever come across. And that's a shame, because the concept was fascinating.
August 30, 2026
In an isolated room in Hollowpines, an infamous psychiatric hospital, Joe Sinclair is confessing to a violent murder. But Joe couldn't possibly have killed the man, so how does he know so many of the horrifying details? Suspended after a colleague was stabbed on her watch, DC Abby Fox has only just returned to work. But at Hollowpines, she must find out what really happened and how exactly Joe is involved. Is he to blame, or the only one who can stop the killer?
The Killer in Room Five is dark, twisty, addictive, and is yet another example of why Sam Holland is such an exceptional writer.
The premise is genuinely unique and, most importantly, completely delivers. The exploration of the fragility and unreliability of memory added such a compelling layer of complexity to an already masterfully constructed plot, and I was hooked from the first few pages and constantly on edge, desperate to uncover the truth - particularly how Joe knew!
The dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of Hollowpines adds another layer of unease, creating an eerie sense of isolation throughout. Combined with the relentless pace, creepy and graphic moments, shady characters, and plenty of red herrings, there is never really a moment where you can feel entirely sure of what’s coming next.
And I have to mention Abby, because I absolutely loved her character. She was smart, determined, tenacious and relatable, and I genuinely hope Sam Holland chooses to bring her back for more books because I feel like we’re not finished with her story yet! But, regardless, the Major Crimes series really is the gift that keeps on giving, and I can’t wait for the next one.
The Killer in Room Five is dark, twisty, addictive, and is yet another example of why Sam Holland is such an exceptional writer.
The premise is genuinely unique and, most importantly, completely delivers. The exploration of the fragility and unreliability of memory added such a compelling layer of complexity to an already masterfully constructed plot, and I was hooked from the first few pages and constantly on edge, desperate to uncover the truth - particularly how Joe knew!
The dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of Hollowpines adds another layer of unease, creating an eerie sense of isolation throughout. Combined with the relentless pace, creepy and graphic moments, shady characters, and plenty of red herrings, there is never really a moment where you can feel entirely sure of what’s coming next.
And I have to mention Abby, because I absolutely loved her character. She was smart, determined, tenacious and relatable, and I genuinely hope Sam Holland chooses to bring her back for more books because I feel like we’re not finished with her story yet! But, regardless, the Major Crimes series really is the gift that keeps on giving, and I can’t wait for the next one.
September 22, 2026
Rating 4.75⭐
Loved this book. It was suspenseful, dark, chilling and immerseful
Abby, after 1yr on suspension is back to work, and her 1st job is to go a interview Joe, a client (patient) at a privately run psychiatric home.
Joe has a dream last night, but it felt real. Someone was killed. What Joe doesn't know yet, or Abby is someone was killed that morning, in the same way as Joe has described in his dream. But Joe was in his room with CCTV to prove it. So how did Joe know.
There are also 5 other side characters who are also patients in the same facility. What I enjoyed about this book, was there was a chapter dedicated to each, explaining their story, and why they are there.
This book had me from the start. I loved the characters, I loved the pacing and I loved the whole premise of this story.
I guessed half way through who the perpetrator would be, (as a avid thriller reader, it's natural to be reading between the lines) but there was many avenues this could have gone down. However, if was still a shocking read. It's quite gorey and graphic in parts, and this is why i loved it. It didn't pussy foot around.
Well worth a read. My first and won't be my last read by this author.
Loved this book. It was suspenseful, dark, chilling and immerseful
Abby, after 1yr on suspension is back to work, and her 1st job is to go a interview Joe, a client (patient) at a privately run psychiatric home.
Joe has a dream last night, but it felt real. Someone was killed. What Joe doesn't know yet, or Abby is someone was killed that morning, in the same way as Joe has described in his dream. But Joe was in his room with CCTV to prove it. So how did Joe know.
There are also 5 other side characters who are also patients in the same facility. What I enjoyed about this book, was there was a chapter dedicated to each, explaining their story, and why they are there.
This book had me from the start. I loved the characters, I loved the pacing and I loved the whole premise of this story.
I guessed half way through who the perpetrator would be, (as a avid thriller reader, it's natural to be reading between the lines) but there was many avenues this could have gone down. However, if was still a shocking read. It's quite gorey and graphic in parts, and this is why i loved it. It didn't pussy foot around.
Well worth a read. My first and won't be my last read by this author.
April 3, 2026
The Killer in Room Five is a fast-paced, intense thriller set within a secure psychiatric unit, where both patients and staff harbour dark secrets. The cast is unsettling and complex, with traumatic pasts gradually revealed, adding depth and tension throughout. Hollowpines provides a chilling backdrop that reinforces the sense that nothing is quite as it seems.
This was my first read by Sam Holland, and it delivered the eerie atmosphere I was hoping for. It did take a little time to fully engage, with the narrative initially feeling somewhat clunky. However, as the story unfolds, the structure becomes clearer—reminiscent of a Magic Eye puzzle, where the bigger picture only comes into focus partway through.
The inclusion of residents’ backstories was particularly effective, heightening suspense while deepening my understanding of the characters. Although I was able to predict the ending, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment; if anything, I found myself more captivated by the hidden past than the central whodunnit.
Overall, an engaging and atmospheric read.
This was my first read by Sam Holland, and it delivered the eerie atmosphere I was hoping for. It did take a little time to fully engage, with the narrative initially feeling somewhat clunky. However, as the story unfolds, the structure becomes clearer—reminiscent of a Magic Eye puzzle, where the bigger picture only comes into focus partway through.
The inclusion of residents’ backstories was particularly effective, heightening suspense while deepening my understanding of the characters. Although I was able to predict the ending, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment; if anything, I found myself more captivated by the hidden past than the central whodunnit.
Overall, an engaging and atmospheric read.
May 30, 2026
Sam Holland, you've done it again. The Killer in Room Five was so exhilarating, twisty and absolutely bingeable. Using a psychiatric hospital as a setting? *Chef's kiss*
DC Abby Fox has just returned to duty in Major Crimes after a year's suspension. Her first call out is to Hollowpines, where a patient seems to have confessed to a violent murder.
Yet Joseph Sinclair couldn't have possibly been responsible. Not when he's locked up and under 24 hour security. There's no way that he could've escaped, right? Yet, every detail he recalls is correct. Is someone feeding him information and if so, how?
Joe's the only person who could possibly unlock the key. With no other alternative and a serial killer on the loose, they have to trust his word.
Appearances can be deceptive. How could nice, polite Joe, the piano prodigy be responsible of violence? Or .. is it just an act?
This is only the second book I've read of Sam Holland's, reminding me that she's one heck of a crime writer. I really must get back to her previous works. The mystery, the tension, the anticipation built up in a way that I was buzzing.
Still, nothing could've prepared me for the killers reveal. Looking back, the clues were there, covered up as red herrings.
It's not often that I rate a crime/police procedural book so highly, but here we are. Read this, like yesterday.
5 🌟
DC Abby Fox has just returned to duty in Major Crimes after a year's suspension. Her first call out is to Hollowpines, where a patient seems to have confessed to a violent murder.
Yet Joseph Sinclair couldn't have possibly been responsible. Not when he's locked up and under 24 hour security. There's no way that he could've escaped, right? Yet, every detail he recalls is correct. Is someone feeding him information and if so, how?
Joe's the only person who could possibly unlock the key. With no other alternative and a serial killer on the loose, they have to trust his word.
Appearances can be deceptive. How could nice, polite Joe, the piano prodigy be responsible of violence? Or .. is it just an act?
This is only the second book I've read of Sam Holland's, reminding me that she's one heck of a crime writer. I really must get back to her previous works. The mystery, the tension, the anticipation built up in a way that I was buzzing.
Still, nothing could've prepared me for the killers reveal. Looking back, the clues were there, covered up as red herrings.
It's not often that I rate a crime/police procedural book so highly, but here we are. Read this, like yesterday.
5 🌟
June 25, 2026
Having loved all the previous Major Crimes books, I was thrilled to receive a NetGalley copy of this one. While part of a series, it works brilliantly as a standalone, more so than the others, with the main connection being the police team. It took me a little while to settle into the story, but once I did, I was completely hooked.
Set in a psychiatric hospital, the book has a dark, unsettling atmosphere, and some of the residents have committed truly horrendous acts. Naturally, they were my favourites. At times it gave me horror vibes, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Packed with twists, gruesome kills, and a strong final reveal, this is a gripping thriller that will keep thriller fans fully engaged.
I do have some questions around the title of the book and who the actual main character is but you’ll have to read it to find out what I mean.
Although I read this via NetGalley, naturally I had to buy the paperback to go with my collection.
Set in a psychiatric hospital, the book has a dark, unsettling atmosphere, and some of the residents have committed truly horrendous acts. Naturally, they were my favourites. At times it gave me horror vibes, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Packed with twists, gruesome kills, and a strong final reveal, this is a gripping thriller that will keep thriller fans fully engaged.
I do have some questions around the title of the book and who the actual main character is but you’ll have to read it to find out what I mean.
Although I read this via NetGalley, naturally I had to buy the paperback to go with my collection.
June 23, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The asylum vibes in this were immaculate. Creepy and a whole host of possible suspects to try and slot into a multilayered plot with multiple strands to it.
The initial premise hooked me in immediately - a patient at this hospital that has a cast iron alibi being able to recite details not known to the public about a spate of killings that are happening. I was obsessed.
The pace did lull a couple of times but then immediately something would happen that got me straight back into it.
The ending, although unpredictable, did resolve too quickly and I wanted just a little more given how high octane it had been throughout. However, overall I really enjoyed this read and would thoroughly recommend.
The asylum vibes in this were immaculate. Creepy and a whole host of possible suspects to try and slot into a multilayered plot with multiple strands to it.
The initial premise hooked me in immediately - a patient at this hospital that has a cast iron alibi being able to recite details not known to the public about a spate of killings that are happening. I was obsessed.
The pace did lull a couple of times but then immediately something would happen that got me straight back into it.
The ending, although unpredictable, did resolve too quickly and I wanted just a little more given how high octane it had been throughout. However, overall I really enjoyed this read and would thoroughly recommend.
May 29, 2026
Honestly, how does Sam Holland keep doing this? I am so obsessed with the Major Crimes series, and this book was just crazy in the best way possible!
The characters were wonderful, and I have to give a special mention to Winston the ginger cat—seeing Abby with him was so great (mostly because I have a ginger cat named Winston too, so I'm totally biased!).
I will say that I figured out the twists fairly early on, but it didn't take away from the experience at all! The pacing is so brilliant and the story unfolds so well that I still flew through the pages. Another unputdownable read. Bring on the next book!
The characters were wonderful, and I have to give a special mention to Winston the ginger cat—seeing Abby with him was so great (mostly because I have a ginger cat named Winston too, so I'm totally biased!).
I will say that I figured out the twists fairly early on, but it didn't take away from the experience at all! The pacing is so brilliant and the story unfolds so well that I still flew through the pages. Another unputdownable read. Bring on the next book!
May 22, 2026
Rating: 4.5 stars.
I went into The Killer in Room Five by Sam Holland expecting something dark, annd I got intense, menacing, and unsettling. Set inside the eerie Hollow Pines Psychiatric Hospital, the atmosphere is instantly claustrophobic.
We follow DC Abby Fox, newly returned from suspension, as she’s drawn into a case where a patient called Joe is confessing to a brutal murder he couldn’t possibly have committed, yet somehow knows every horrific detail. The tension never lets up, Holland masterfully layers misdirection, reveals, and twists that kept me second guessing.
I loved the introduction of new characters Abby and her boss Mac (who also happens to be her ex), and the way the story explores manipulation, mental health, and the chilling dynamics inside the unit. It’s dark and graphic in places but that’s exactly what gives Holland’s thrillers their edge.
I’d recommend this to readers who love gritty, psychological crime. I’ve now read all of Sam Holland’s books, and this one absolutely holds its own.
I went into The Killer in Room Five by Sam Holland expecting something dark, annd I got intense, menacing, and unsettling. Set inside the eerie Hollow Pines Psychiatric Hospital, the atmosphere is instantly claustrophobic.
We follow DC Abby Fox, newly returned from suspension, as she’s drawn into a case where a patient called Joe is confessing to a brutal murder he couldn’t possibly have committed, yet somehow knows every horrific detail. The tension never lets up, Holland masterfully layers misdirection, reveals, and twists that kept me second guessing.
I loved the introduction of new characters Abby and her boss Mac (who also happens to be her ex), and the way the story explores manipulation, mental health, and the chilling dynamics inside the unit. It’s dark and graphic in places but that’s exactly what gives Holland’s thrillers their edge.
I’d recommend this to readers who love gritty, psychological crime. I’ve now read all of Sam Holland’s books, and this one absolutely holds its own.
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