Never Bet on the Dead: The BRAND NEW razor-sharp crime thriller to keep you hooked in 2026

by Tam Barnett, Imogen Church (Reader), Mark Meadows (Reader)

A BRAND NEW twisty, witty, razor sharp crime thriller from Tam Barnett, author of How to Read a Killer's Mind. Praise for Tam

'A fast-paced, tension-building mystery with a shattering finale. Tam Barnett is a name to watch.' Daily Mail

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Clever, dark, and totally binge-worthy.' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Twisty, witty and just a little bit unhinged!' 5-star Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'OMG! This kept me hooked the whole time.' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I would give this more than 5 stars if I could.' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Full of twists and turns, witty banter and compelling characters.' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'SO MUCH FUN!!' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Doesn't follow the same old who dunnit which is refreshing!' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Hands down, amazing read!' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Twisted, dark, gripping & unputdownable. The ending was jaw dropping.' Reader Review

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

Audio CD

Published July 23, 2026

Reviews

[Caitlin Bunting]

What an absolute banger, I expected nothing less from Tam as his books always grip me from start to finish. I flew through this one and had such a fab time reading it.

[Lu thrillskillsandchills]

Never Bet on the Dead had me hooked from the get-go.

Disgraced journalist Otis Letbeth is invited by the patriarch of the wealthy Landale family to their remote island estate off the Cornish coast to investigate the deaths of his daughter and her partner. While the case was ruled a murder-suicide twelve years earlier, he believes there are just enough unanswered questions for the official version of events not to quite add up.

Every time I thought I’d pieced the mystery together, another revelation had me completely changing my mind. With the investigation focused on one family, it quickly became clear that everyone had something to hide, and I loved trying to work out who was telling the truth. This was a really addictive read that kept me engaged from start to finish and, just when I thought I had everything figured out, Tam Barnett delivered a final twist I genuinely didn’t see coming.

If you enjoy cold cases, family secrets and mysteries that keep you second-guessing yourself until the very end, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.

[Sam’s Book Space]

4.75

Thoroughly enjoyed this one, another fantastic read from this author! As always with Tam’s writing, it had a great prologue that gripped me from the first page, it was twisty, and had short chapters which I always love!

One part of the story I really liked were the written letters - I loved the mystery of not knowing who they were from until the last part of the book, and it kept me guessing as to who it could be!

There were characters keeping secrets too so you literally couldn’t trust anyone! I love it when books mislead your expectations of a character!

One other thing I picked up on was the misspelling of Letbeth as Ledbeth which was part of the storyline - this is probably quite a stretch but I discovered it’s an anagram of ‘bet held’ which after doing a quick Google search, it apparently is a phrase used in sports betting! I’m not sure if this was intentional but if it was it was a clever touch! 😃

There was a great twist at the end too that came out of nowhere which I didn’t see coming! 😮 The reasoning behind the twist didn’t quite feel fully justified for me, nevertheless it was still good! And to top it off there was a brilliantly heartwarming and emotionally charged ending, which I loved 🥰

I highly recommend this one!

[Catherine (catisbookedup)]

I have loved every single one of Tam Barnett's books and his 4th one is no exception. Granted my favourite is still How to read a killer's mind.
I found this book a little different from Tam's other books to date. Here we have a closed locked room mystery set in an isolated island in Cornwall, UK. So not exactly locked room but isolated island. This multi POV story follows our main character Otis who is a journalist and has been invited to investigate a decade old cold case apparent murder suicide by the victim's father. In return he has been offered a LOT of cash for his trouble. With a very limited list of suspects (all family) Otis has his job cut out for him. Everyone had their secrets and their motives. Even Otis has secrets of his own.
The short chapters, combined with the well built atmospheric setting and Tam's unique mix of dark intentions, complex characters and a touch of humour makes this a page turner. Let we forget that twisty ending which I challenge anyone to figure out themselves!

I very much look forward to Tam's 5th book as I shall be first in line!

Many thanks to Boldworld books and Tam Barnett for providing me with a copy of the book for review via NetGalley.

[Liisa]

Never Bet on the Dead by Tam Barnett is a clever, twist-filled mystery that kept me guessing right up until the final reveal.

Twelve years ago, Jen Landale and her boyfriend were found dead on a remote island off the Cornish coast. The verdict was murder-suicide, but Jen’s dying father has never believed it. Desperate for answers, he offers journalist Otis Letbeth a substantial reward to uncover the truth. What follows is a tangled investigation filled with secrets, lies, hidden loyalties, and a cast of characters who all seem to be hiding something.

Otis was a standout protagonist for me. Deeply flawed, battling a gambling addiction, and carrying plenty of personal baggage, he’s far from perfect, yet impossible not to root for. His determination to uncover the truth, even as his own life threatens to unravel, made me fully invested in both his story and the mystery itself.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. The isolated Cornish island feels like a character in its own right, creating a wonderfully eerie backdrop for the investigation. Nearly everyone Otis encounters seems suspicious, and the mix of quirky, eccentric, and downright unhinged personalities ensures that every new revelation raises more questions than answers.

What begins as a character-driven mystery gradually evolves into a tense thriller packed with red herrings, family secrets, and genuinely surprising twists. More than once I was convinced I had solved it, only for the story to pull the rug out from under me.

With an engaging protagonist, a memorable setting, plenty of humour alongside the darker moments, and an ending that genuinely caught me off guard, Never Bet on the Dead is an entertaining and satisfying mystery that I’d happily recommend to fans of character-driven crime fiction and twisty whodunnits.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tam Barnett and Boldwood Books for the eARC in exchange for honest review. Out 16 July 2026.

[VickydpBooks]

addictive locked-room crime thriller for fans of Bella Mackie, Lucy Foley and Riley Sager!

Set against the eerie backdrop of a remote island off the Cornish coast, this gripping mystery delivers a compelling blend of family secrets, long-buried lies and relentless suspense.

Twelve years after Jen Landale and her boyfriend were found dead in what was ruled a murder-suicide, her dying father refuses to accept the official verdict. Desperate for answers, he hires struggling journalist Otis Letbeth with the promise of a life-changing reward if he can uncover the truth. But as Otis digs deeper, it becomes clear that someone will do anything to keep the past hidden.

The isolated island setting creates an unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements the story’s dark twists. Every revelation raises more questions, keeping the tension high as the mystery slowly unravels. Otis is a flawed yet engaging protagonist, carrying secrets of his own that add emotional depth and make his investigation feel personal as well as dangerous.

With its intriguing characters, clever plotting and a steady stream of unexpected twists, this is a page-turning thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Fans of atmospheric crime fiction and cold-case mysteries will find plenty to enjoy in this suspenseful and satisfying read.

[Karen Barber]

Disgraced journalist with a gambling addiction is contacted by a wealthy man desperate for answers. Oscar is asked to go and stay at the cottage where a young woman and her partner were murdered, to talk to the family members and to try and establish which one of them may have actually carried out the murders.
The book sets up a suitably claustrophobic environment. Oscar is a flawed character that you can’t help but like on occasion. The family members are - dare I say it - undeveloped or somewhat caricature villains.
During the course of the book we get to see just why Oscar was chosen, and learn more about the circumstances that may have led to the murder in the first instance. There’s twists aplenty, some of which are more credible than others.

[Catarina ❀]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me an ARC of this book.
I was so disappointed by this book. I thought it would be interesting, but I caught myself being bored most of the time. I did enjoy when the focus was on the mystery, but when it was on the romance or other drama, I just didn't care.

[Geeah Thompson]

Going into this book blind was the best thing I did. I read it in one sitting after not being able to sleep at night and enjoyed every part of it. At some points it felt like a horror with the eerieness of the house and direction of Otis' thoughts with his addiction. Overall though I really really enjoyed this.

[Brooke | brookesbooks88]

Another banger from Tam, I don’t think he’ll ever write something I don’t love.
A classic whodunnit written with heart, with a midway revelation that only strengthens the narrative into something more complex narrative, followed by twists that you won’t ever imagine.
Unlikeable characters, multiple POVs, all over a timeline of a week set on the fictional island of Tawney. It’s clear throughout the interviews of the other characters that Tam has called on his own journalistic prowess to develop Otis’s character into an interrogator with intent. Otis is written with care, a fully developed character with a wealth of flaws, vulnerable, raw and unequivocally brilliant.
Another excellent thriller, well worthy of your summer tbr!

[Helen Leecy]

Tam Barnett’s books have built up a certain expectation for me at this point, so I went into Never Bet on the Dead hoping for that same spark, oddness and slightly off-kilter energy that I’ve enjoyed in his previous books. Instead, this one turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag.
When I realised early on that we were heading to a remote island and delving into a cold case, I honestly thought I was in trouble. Both of those things can be a hard sell for me, and together they usually have me bracing myself for every familiar trope going: characters cut off from the mainland, a storm rolling in, no signal, no way out, everyone acting suspiciously in a very obvious way. Surprisingly, though, none of that was the problem here. In fact, I thought the island setting and the cold case element were handled pretty well. It never tipped too far into cliché, and I was relieved that it didn’t lean heavily on the usual “trapped on an island” drama.
My issue was more that, for a book with a premise that should have had so much intrigue, it all felt strangely mundane. The story just never really grabbed me in the way I wanted it to. I kept waiting for that point where I’d suddenly be fully pulled in and desperate to keep turning the pages, but it never quite happened. It wasn’t bad, and I was interested enough to keep going, but there was a flatness to it that made the whole thing feel longer than it was.
A lot of that came down to Otis for me. He’s such a morose character, and I found him really difficult to warm to. I don’t mind flawed protagonists at all; in fact, I often prefer them, but there has to be something there that makes me want to spend time with them. With Otis, I just never found that connection. His past makes him hard to like, and some of his present-day actions didn’t exactly help matters either. I wasn’t sure whether I was supposed to be rooting for him, feeling sorry for him, or simply observing him from a distance, but whatever the intention was, it didn’t quite work for me. I just felt detached from him throughout, and that made it harder to become emotionally invested in the story as a whole.
That was probably the biggest disappointment, because Tam Barnett’s previous books have had a kind of spark that makes them feel lively and memorable, even when they’re dark. This one, in comparison, felt much more subdued. I kept waiting for the usual Barnett craziness to kick in, or for the plot to take on that extra edge that would make it stand out, but it never really did. Instead, it stayed fairly steady and restrained, which unfortunately made it feel a bit boring. I hate saying that because it sounds harsher than I mean it to, and it definitely wasn’t a terrible book, but it lacked the energy I was expecting from this author.
So overall, I didn’t dislike Never Bet on the Dead, and I can appreciate that the island setting and cold case mystery were done with more restraint than I expected. It just never came alive for me. I think if this had been my first Tam Barnett book, I might have landed on it a bit more kindly, but because I know what his books can be like when they really hit, this one felt a little underwhelming by comparison. Not bad, just missing that usual spark.

[Holly]

Never Bet On The Dead follows journalist Otis Letbeth, who is offered a huge cash award to uncover the truth behind the deaths of Jen Landale and her boyfriend, ruled a murder-suicide on a tiny island off the Cornish coast. Hired by Jen’s dying father, who has never accepted the verdict, Otis discovers someone is hellbent on keeping the truth buried. But that won’t stop Otis. He needs that money. Now. Because he has a dark secret of his own. And the only card he has left to play... is betting on the dead.

At this point, I’m not convinced Tam Barnett could write a book I wouldn’t love, and Never Bet On The Dead is another incredible example of why.

One of my favourite things about this book is its small cast, because it allows the time for them to be written with depth, flaws, vulnerability, and distinct personalities. Otis and Vic were the obvious standouts for me, and following their perspectives created a tense, unreliable atmosphere throughout. Despite all of Otis’ flaws, I couldn’t help but root for him, and Tam’s background in journalism really shines through in the authenticity of his character.

The narrative is extremely clever. Every twist and revelation had me constantly changing my mind, and just when I felt confident I’d figured it out, another surprise completely shifted my perspective again. The Cornish setting was also perfect. Such a beautiful place should feel idyllic, but here it becomes suffocating, isolating, and eerie enough to accentuate the darker side of the story.

Tam’s signature dark, satirical humour is woven throughout, balancing the tension perfectly and reminding me again why I love his writing so much. His take on the locked-room murder is fresh, inventive, and develops into a wonderfully complex mystery, and that kept me hooked until its tense, high-stakes finale.

It’s easily a five-star read, and I’m looking forward to what Tam writes next!

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books for sending me this copy to read and review. My opinions are my own.

[Sue - Recos and Reads]

Tam has a real gift for creating characters that get under your skin from the very beginning, and his latest protagonist, Otis, is no exception. He's the kind of character who had me feeling every emotion as I read. Deeply flawed, often frustrating, and carrying plenty of baggage, yet somehow I couldn't help rooting for him.

Otis is a journalist with a knack for getting people to reveal things they'd rather keep hidden. But while he's busy uncovering other people's secrets, he's battling plenty of demons of his own. Desperate for money and running out of options, he takes on an unusual assignment: investigating a twelve-year-old murder-suicide on a remote Cornish island. What starts as a straightforward job soon takes a turn, and Otis finds himself racing to uncover the truth before his own life completely unravels.

Think a gritty, twisty crime thriller but crossed with a cozy mystery! While it has plenty of edge, it also serves up laugh-out-loud humor, proving that a dark mystery can still be an absolute joy to read. With a vivid setting that feels like a character itself and a cast you’ll love to hate, it completely bridges the gap between tense thriller and cozy weekend read to me.

I was completely invested in both Otis and the mystery surrounding the island. The twists kept me guessing, the humor provided the perfect balance to the darker moments, and the Cornish setting was so perfectly vividly drawn I felt like I was right there on the island. If you enjoy character-driven crime fiction, flawed but compelling protagonists, and mysteries packed with secrets, this is one well worth adding to your TBR.

This is a 4.5 star rounded up to a 5 for me. Many thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy.

[Leanne]

This was the kind of mystery that kept proving me wrong, and I loved every minute of it! This is my first Tam Barnett book and will not be my last!

Jen and her boyfriend Tyler were found dead on a remote island off the Cornish coast over a decade ago. The case was ruled a murder suicide, but years later Jen's dying father is convinced the truth was never uncovered. Determined to get answers, he hires a journalist to investigate what really happened.

Otis was such a great protagonist. His struggles with gambling felt realistic and added a lot of depth to his character. I especially loved the relationship he had with his dad. It felt genuine, messy at times, and full of heart. The supporting cast was memorable too. Each character had their own defining moments that made them either more likeable or more suspicious, which is exactly what I want from a whodunit.

The setting was another highlight. The descriptions of the Cornish coast and the island were so vivid that I felt completely immersed in the story.

And the twists? They got me. I was convinced I had figured out who was behind it all, only to realise I was completely wrong. Those are my favourite kinds of mysteries. If you're looking for a cosy mystery with plenty of suspects, great atmosphere, and a satisfying whodunit at its core, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. I had so much fun with it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

[Charlotte Pearce]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

12 years ago, Jen Landale and her boyfriend, Tyler, are found dead on a secluded Cornish Island. Circumstances found at the scene ultimately ruled this a murder-suicide, but Jen’s father has never believed this. He’s offered journalist Otis Letbeth a huge cash reward to uncover the truth but he soon learns that someone is determined to keep the truth of what happened that night buried forever.

What follows is a plot of twists and turns, a dark and creepy atmosphere, dark humour, and a cast of deeply flawed and unhinged characters! I found myself trusting no one, second guessing every decision and guessing the ending wrong at every other page. It kept me hooked all the way through and I enjoyed the British pop-culture quips (Susie Dent, Lenny Henry premier inn ads, Michael McIntyre game shows) and I can only imagine how confused you'd be if not familiar with these things!

My one criticism would be that I didn't particularly like the relationship building between 2 characters. It felt almost forced and rushed, and I found myself rolling my eyes at some points with the comments made which took away from the overall rating, but didn't detract from the main plot line.

Overall, this was a twisty crime thriller full of red herrings that will have you second guessing until the final few pages! I'll definitely be reading more of Tam Barnett's work!

[Juli]

Jen Landale and her partner, Tyler, were found murdered in Jen's home. They had been shot. The police surmised that it was a murder/suicide with Tyler having been the culprit. The gun was in his hands. Now, Jen's father is dying and wants to know the truth, not having believed the final verdict. He hires, Otis Letbeth, a former investigate journalist for 500,000 pounds to find the real culprit.

Otis needs this fee, he owes a huge gambling debt which resulted in his job loss. He definitely feels the urge to gamble but knows he has to see this through. This is a locked room mystery, front door lock was super glued shut, if a suicide why no shell casings found?

The setting of the remote Cornish island adds to the atmosphere. The Landale family know more than they reveal. The only family member I liked was Tilly, Jen's daughter, she was twelve when the murder occurred and was raised by her aunt, Vic and her husband.

Otis grew on me as the book progressed, a flawed character trying to work through his issues. He needs this to show himself that he is good at his job.

Tam Barnett has written a throughly engrossing character driven mystery, that is well plotted with some dark humor, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. I can't wait for this author's next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Rachel Gilbey]

Woah, I'm reeling from that thrilling conclusion. My head is spinning and I certainly didn't see that ending coming. Wowser.

This surely must be Tam Barnett's best book so far, certainly my favourite of them all so far.

I would never in a million years been able to predict the ways this would unfurl But i was completely hooked on every secret, every little glimpse of Otis managing to crack this case.

I was also rooting for Otis while he was battling his own personal demons, he may have done some bad things in the past, but nothing compares to the atrocities that are the Landale family. With the exception of Tilly, all the others are despicable, or at the very least incredibly broken people thanks to disgusting parents. Oh and Ben I quite liked, but he married into the family, so is relatively a much nicer person.

This was the ultimate locked door murder and cold case that Otis has been invited to try to solve with a giant financial reward if he manages to prove that the verdict that the police came to all those years ago, is not accurate.

I enjoyed seeing how Otis was able to worm information out of people, and he must have been a very successful journalist before he gave into temptations. This is possibly as book about addiction as much as it is about discovering the truth.

Just brilliant, totally recommend this.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Aria]

A remote island, a somewhat toxic family, and a reward that will make you bet until you get the truth regardless of the risk. This is where secrets themselves make you distrust anyone.

Never Bet on the Dead is a thrilling crime story with flawed characters, unraveled secrets, and a peculiar setting that will put you on edge until the identity of the killer is revealed. There are two povs: one of them is Otis, a reporter whose gambling addiction will play against him in the investigation he is trying to solve. The other one will be Vic, who will be responsible for making Otis' life impossible to get the freedom she wants so much.

The plot is quite intriguing; every detail makes you question who has the greatest reason and guts to murder Jen (and Tyler). I liked how we can read of both Otis's and Vic's inner battle of keeping their composure while solving the mystery (or, in the case of Vic, preventing it).

Additionally, the pace was quick enough and hit on the right spot that the plot needed. The writing never ceases to impress me; it was clever and intricate until the very end. Making it an impeccable balance between the despair and struggle of Otis's inner demons against a plot that urgently asks to dig up some truths in a sea filled with secrets and lies. Overall, it was an addictive and engrossing read with plenty of twists and turns.



Thanks Netgalley for this ARC

[bookedupnurse]

Never Bet On The Dead
By Tam Barnett

4 ⭐

‘Do you have any answers for what you did?’ asked the detective. ‘Yes. She lost the bet’ 🎲

Twelve years ago, Jen Landale and her boyfriend, Tyler, were found dead on a tiny island off of the Cornish Coast. Thought to be a murder-suicide, Jen’s father has never believed it. He is sure someone is responsible for both deaths and is desperate to find out the truth.

Disgraced investigative journalist Otis Letbeth is invited to the island by Jen’s father, Clement, and in return for a huge cash reward, is asked to search for the truth around the cold case. But he has his work cut out for him. Otis is met with barriers, lies and an island family which seems desperate to keep its secrets buried. But that won’t stop Otis … he is utterly desperate for that money!

The character development through it excellent and Otis is a great protagonist. An isolated island, childhood trauma, complex relationships, guilt, revenge and family secrets galore, Tawney Island is not for the faint hearted!

With short chapters, dark humour and plenty of twists and revelations, this is a gripping read and will leave you questioning right until the very end! What an incredible author and although my first, this will not be my last TB book! 📕

With thanks to NetGalley, Tam Barnett and Boldwook Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[The Cookster]

Rating: 4.0/5

I have become a real fan of Tam Barnett's books. I have loved each one, but I have always had to point out in my reviews that I have an issue with how his publisher markets them. Tam Barnett writes clever, twisty, well-plotted mysteries. They are frequently also witty and a little dark with elements of domestic noir. However, his publisher persists in pushing the dark comedic element and uses artwork on the cover that further supports this impression. It is misleading and does the author a disservice.

"Never Bet on the Dead" is another well-crafted story. Investigative journalist, Otis Letbeth has been invited to Cornwall to look afresh at a murder-suicide case that took place some twelve years earlier. The case did, quite literally, involve a locked-room and a seemingly impossible scenario. However, this isn't the only mystery contained within the pages of this novel. Otis has his own dark secrets, as do the family he is investigating. In true noir style - and somewhat akin to the work of B.P. Walter - each of the key characters is flawed to some degree - so who do you root for? Or do they all deserve their comeuppance?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Meg Pearson]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review Never Bet on the Dead.

Never Bet on the Dead is an entertaining mystery that combines clever plotting, memorable characters, and plenty of twists along the way. Tam Barnett creates an engaging story that keeps the reader guessing as secrets, suspects, and surprises gradually come to light.

One of the book's strengths is its cast of characters. They each bring something different to the story, making the investigation feel lively and unpredictable. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with enough red herrings and unexpected developments to maintain interest throughout. I particularly enjoyed trying to piece together the clues alongside the characters, only to find my theories challenged more than once.

The writing is accessible and easy to read, making this a book that is easy to become immersed in. Fans of traditional mysteries and whodunits will appreciate the balance of intrigue, suspense, and character-driven storytelling.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and satisfying mystery with plenty of twists and a compelling central puzzle. A solid read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted crime novel.

[Leanne]

Never Bet on the Dead is a gripping, darkly addictive mystery that pulls you straight into its windswept Cornish setting and refuses to let go. Tam Barnett delivers a classic locked‑room premise with a modern edge, weaving family secrets, buried truths, and a journalist who’s running out of options into a story that moves with real urgency.

Otis Letbeth is a fascinating lead — flawed, desperate, and painfully aware that this case might be his last chance at redemption. His investigation into a long‑dismissed murder‑suicide is filled with sharp turns and uneasy encounters, and the remote island backdrop adds a wonderfully claustrophobic tension. Every character feels like they’re holding something back, and that simmering distrust keeps the pages turning.

What really stands out is the balance between pace and atmosphere. Barnett builds suspense with precision, but never at the expense of character or setting. The result is a thriller that feels both tightly plotted and richly textured.

A twisty, atmospheric read perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Riley Sager — and a strong reminder that the past never stays buried for long.

With thanks to Tam Barnett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Emily Myers]

This was a fun and twisty mystery. Not only was this a locked-room murder, but it was a cold case? Sign me up! It’s my first from Tam Barnett, and has me wanting to dig into their previous publications to dig more into their stories!

The mystery was well plotted, and kept me guessing til the end. I really liked the descriptions of each of the characters. They were fully formed, and distinct from each other. I wasn’t expecting the multiple POVs but I think they really helped to deepen the tension. The only thing that kept this from a 5-star read for me was our main character Otis. He’s a deeply flawed man. I appreciated that he didn’t hide from his problems and addictions, and they contributed majorly to his character, and how the others interacted with him. But he was just so morose. He never seemed to learn from his mistakes and it became a chore to hear his POV. But his POV was the one putting everything together, so I wanted to hear from him, but….

Other than the mixed-feelings on him, I really enjoyed this book. I read it while on a plane and blazed through it once the story really got going. A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

[Jennifer]

This was my first Tam Barnett book, and it definitely won't be my last.

I love a good cold case, so the premise had me hooked right away. Add in a remote island, family secrets, and a locked-room mystery, and I was all in.

I'll be honest...there aren't many likable characters here, but somehow that didn't matter. Otis is a mess, Harry and Ben slowly grew on me, and by the end I even found myself feeling a little sympathy for Vic...just a little. 😂 Tilly was the one character I wanted to trust, although with this family I kept waiting for the book to prove me wrong.

I gave up trying to solve the mystery about halfway through because every time I came up with a theory, the book sent me in another direction. That's exactly what I want from a thriller. I never saw the ending coming, and it ended up being my favorite part of the book.

The middle dragged just a bit, but the short chapters kept me reading "one more," and once everything started coming together, I flew through the rest.

Overall, this was a fun, twisty mystery with an atmospheric setting and a satisfying ending. I'm looking forward to seeing what Tam Barnett writes next.

3.75 rounded to 4

[Paloma]

In an isolated Cornish island, Tawney Island, a father's last dying wish is for the case of his daughter and her partner's death be finally confirmed and closed. Otis Letbeth soon finds out he was lured to the Landale estate under false pretenses. Though the case was ruled a murder-suicide,the patriarch Clement Landale believes that someone very close to the family murdered them. Otis needs to put his journalistic talents to work and find out what really happened to Jennifer Landale and her boyfriend Tyler twelve years ago. The family believes Otis is there to confirm Tyler's guilt posthumously, but Otis is there to catch a killer.

I'm a Tam Barnett fan and I think I loved this book the most. The story was enticing, the characters were questionable, the cold case was intriguing and the atmosphere felt eerie and enclosed. I enjoyed all the characters and their eccentric actions which only made them seem more suspicious. At one point I felt like they were all guilty. I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty and murderous ride. Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Rach Crisp]

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A new genre has been born; light hearted murder mystery! There were plenty of amusing moments in this book.

This is my second read by Tam Barnett. I really like his writing style. It reminds me of Nick Spalding, but with added depth and some crime thrown in for extra excitement.

The story follows Otis, a disgraced reporter, who in a desperate bid to earn some much needed cash, agrees to an interesting proposition from Clement (Father) of a murdered woman, Jen (Mother to Tilly).

Why is Vic sending the anonymous letters? What does she have to gain by pushing Otis into a corner with such a tight deadline and why was she sending the letters to Otis in the first place? What develops between Tilly and Otis? Do his parents discover his heinous secrets? All is revealed!

Lots of questions. Lots of answers. Well fleshed out characters, many with a possible motive. Keeps you guessing. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Louise Wilson]

Twelve years ago, Jen Lendale and her boyfriend were found dead, on a tiny island off the Cornish coast. The verdict: murder-suicide. But Jen's dying father has never believed it. Now he's offering journalist Otis Letbeth a huge cash reward to uncover the truth. Someone's hellbent on keeping what happened that night buried forever. But that won't stop Otis. He needs the money NOW. Because he has a dark secret of his own. And the only card he has left to play.... is betting on the dead.

All the characters in this well-written book seemed to be hiding something. I like Otis, even though his character is flawed. I do like to read a book that's set in or around Cornwall, it's such an atmospheric setting. I was kept guessing right through this twisted read. Otis's skill is that he can get people to reveal things that they'd rather they would have stayed hidden I was fully invested in this story.

Published 16th July 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TamBarnett for my ARC of #NeverBetOnTheDead in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review]

am huge fan of Tam Barnett's writing, but this book didn't quite have the sharp wit and dark humour of his other books.

The remote island setting though, was done brilliantly, with none of the predictable "trapped due to a storm wth no mobile signal" that usually occurs! The plot was very clever and the twists at the end were completely unexpected.

Otis, a disgraced journalist, has been offered a large sum of money to investigate a supposed murder suicide where the victim's father doesn't believe that to have been the truth. I struggled to connect with Otis as a character as he behaved, and therefore I imagined him, as a much older man than he was, due to how he was portrayed, He was, frankly, dull! As was Tilly, the daughter of the victim.

Everyone on the island had a motive though and I was kept guessing right up until the final reveal.

It was an enjoyable read, but just lacked the spark of Tam Barnett's previous books.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[Claire]

When journalist Otis Letbeth is offered a huge cash reward to investigate the deaths of Jen Landale and her boyfriend twelve years earlier, he finds himself pulled into a cold case filled with secrets, lies and plenty of suspicious characters. Set around a remote island off the Cornish coast, the story has an intriguing premise that immediately caught my attention.
I enjoyed this book overall and there were some clever twists along the way. Otis was an interesting main character, especially as he has his own reasons for taking on the case, and I liked slowly uncovering what happened all those years ago.
For me, though, it wasn't one of those thrillers that had me desperate to keep turning the pages or reading late into the night. While the mystery kept me interested, the pacing felt a little slower than I usually like, so I never quite got that "just one more chapter" feeling.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with cold cases, family secrets and a gradual unraveling of the truth, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Cara bunnypop_bookstagram]

Another cracking read from Tam!

Having read all of Tam previous books I feel this one had a slightly different vibe. Less dark, more mystery. But still as intriguing as always.

The setting of the book was really well described, I love it when I can picture in my mind where things are taking place.

I did feel for the protagonist Otis, even though he got himself into his current situation I was rooting for him to solve this mystery and his predicament.
The budding friendship between Otis and Tilly was such a cute and funny side storyline.

This book definitely had some characters you love to hate!!! I enjoy a good villain 😂 especially when they make me feel angry whilst reading!
I liked that there weren’t too many characters, although we don’t spend loads of time with some of them I still feel like we managed to know them and their personalities quite well.

I didn’t manage to predict the outcome of this one, I liked how we almost think it’s been solved and then… surpriiiiiise! Once you find out the ending, little bits fall into place and you’re like oh yeah that makes sense now!

A funny and clever mystery that I think will have you guessing until the end!!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5