What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Amber Kash #1
Framed for Murder
Listening Length: 10 hours and 12 minutes
Detective Inspector Amber Kash — she’s sharp, she’s stubborn, and after twelve years of policing she’s running out of reasons to stay on the force.
But as Detective Kash is writing her resignation letter, she’s unexpectedly called to Summerfield Police Station’s interview room.
Inside is celebrity psychologist Joanna Merrick, infamous for her role in viral true-crime documentary The Portrait Maker.
The woman is nothing like she appears on screen. She’s dirty. She’s terrified. And she’s making an impossible claim.
Three nights ago, Joanna witnessed a murder. The killer? A beautiful, rich and very dead woman whose own brutal slaying was the subject of the show.
And a couple of hours later, Joanna is dead too.
Detective Kash puts her resignation on hold to tackle this one last case. But a secret from her past is ticking like an unexploded bomb — threatening to destroy not just her investigation, but everything she holds dear.
Framed for Murder, page-turning and red-herring-packed, is the first book in the new Detective Inspector Amber Kash mystery series.
Winner of the Joffe Books Prize 2025
Detective Inspector Amber Kash — she’s sharp, she’s stubborn, and after twelve years of policing she’s running out of reasons to stay on the force.
But as Detective Kash is writing her resignation letter, she’s unexpectedly called to Summerfield Police Station’s interview room.
Inside is celebrity psychologist Joanna Merrick, infamous for her role in viral true-crime documentary The Portrait Maker.
The woman is nothing like she appears on screen. She’s dirty. She’s terrified. And she’s making an impossible claim.
Three nights ago, Joanna witnessed a murder. The killer? A beautiful, rich and very dead woman whose own brutal slaying was the subject of the show.
And a couple of hours later, Joanna is dead too.
Detective Kash puts her resignation on hold to tackle this one last case. But a secret from her past is ticking like an unexploded bomb — threatening to destroy not just her investigation, but everything she holds dear.
Framed for Murder, page-turning and red-herring-packed, is the first book in the new Detective Inspector Amber Kash mystery series.
Winner of the Joffe Books Prize 2025
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 17, 2026
Mind-blowing new series featuring a reluctant police detective, a celebrity ghost story/murder, and a hint of the supernatural! I can see why this won the Joffe Books prize! I JUST WANT MORE, PLEASE!
Did Not Finish
July 18, 2026Dnf. Boring
July 16, 2026
Framed for Murder is the first exciting installment to the DI Amber Kash Mystery Series.
It had me obsessing from the opening chapters. The plot was something else, and I loved the author's creativity. Twisty good.
There was a great mystery at it's core, it had elements of folklore, and a touch of supernatural myth.
The characters were likeable and I'm already invested in them all the way...
Did I mention it's also a prize winner?
It had me obsessing from the opening chapters. The plot was something else, and I loved the author's creativity. Twisty good.
There was a great mystery at it's core, it had elements of folklore, and a touch of supernatural myth.
The characters were likeable and I'm already invested in them all the way...
Did I mention it's also a prize winner?
July 17, 2026
Framed for Murder by T.L.Haseeb
🌟🌟🌟💫
Mystery with a twist
When a woman throws herself of a building in front of DI Nash, she knows she has to dig and solve the mystery
All around a painting. People are invited to a memorial service where a painting is uncovered
One by one the guests die
Nash and her team have a race against time to find out who the murderer is
🌟🌟🌟💫
Mystery with a twist
When a woman throws herself of a building in front of DI Nash, she knows she has to dig and solve the mystery
All around a painting. People are invited to a memorial service where a painting is uncovered
One by one the guests die
Nash and her team have a race against time to find out who the murderer is
September 1, 2026
Not a bad story, just reeeeeaaaalllly farfetched. REALLY.
August 18, 2026
Okay dang the twists and the turns.. I did not see the ending coming OR who the murder was or .. gosh there was a lot I didn’t see coming.. it was a very good book. Slow start but once you get to chapter 12 (I think that’s where it was), it gets a-going and it don’t stop! Definitely recommend if you are in a slump moment and need something to help get you out of it!
July 21, 2026
Here is my review for Framed For Murder by T L Haseeb
I absolutely loved this suspenseful and gripping British crime thriller where DI Amber Kash has become so disheartened with the police force after twelve years of policing, she is writing her resignation letter. Unfortunately, she is interrupted and unexpectedly called to the Summerfield Police Station interview room. Inside, she finds celebrity psychologist, Joanna Merrick. She featured in the true-crime documentary The Portrait Maker which went viral. Today, Joanna is not her celebrity persona. She's all dirty and totally terrified. What she is claiming sounds impossible to some people but Amber wants to believe her and investigate the case. Her boss allows some leeway and assigns her some people to help. She will deal with this case then resign, she tells herself.
Wow, this is a superb debut for the author and an excellent start to a new series featuring a strong female character in DI Amber Kash who I really took too. The story was brilliantly written, intricately plotted and extremely well thought out. It was full of twists which made it hard to guess who did it but more enjoyable. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. I felt like I could visualise the story playing out in my mind as I was reading it. I believe the author did some extensive research before writing this story as the information contained within confirms this and adds to the depth of the book. The characters are intriguing and seem realistic. The synopsis for this story drew me to read it and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.
Synopsis :
*WINNER OF THE JOFFE BOOKS PRIZE 2025*
DISCOVER YOUR NEW CRIME THRILLER OBSESSION, SET IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND.
Meet Detective Inspector Amber Kash — she’s sharp, she’s stubborn, and after twelve years of policing she’s running out of reasons to stay on the force.
But as Detective Kash is writing her resignation letter, she’s unexpectedly called to Summerfield Police Station’s interview room.
Inside is celebrity psychologist Joanna Merrick, infamous for her role in viral true-crime documentary The Portrait Maker.
The woman is nothing like she appears on screen. She’s dirty. She’s terrified. And she’s making an impossible claim.
Three nights ago, Joanna witnessed a murder. The killer? A beautiful, rich and very dead woman whose own brutal slaying was the subject of the show.
And a couple of hours later, Joanna is dead too.
Detective Kash puts her resignation on hold to tackle this one last case. But a secret from her past is ticking like an unexploded bomb — threatening to destroy not just her investigation, but everything she holds dear.
The first page-turning, red-herring-packed book in the new Detective Inspector Amber Kash mystery series is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and Peter James.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Sharp, sceptical and principled, Amber Kash never set out to be a police officer — but when her witness testimony helped convict a murderer, a senior detective told her she was exactly what the force needed. Methodical and quietly brilliant, Amber has fought her way up the ranks in an under-resourced station, her talents winning her both friends and enemies — including a fellow DI who has never forgiven her for being brown, female and equally ranked. Amber is the kind of detective who’ll do anything to get justice for victims, even if it means tearing up her half-written resignation letter and promising herself just this one last case.
THE SETTING
The West Hartlands constabulary, in the heart of England, straddles two very different worlds. Amber’s investigations take her from Birmingham’s moneyed city centre — a gleaming world of glass towers and penthouse apartments — to the rural countryside, where wild fields, dense forests and crumbling estates hide a multitude of sins.
I absolutely loved this suspenseful and gripping British crime thriller where DI Amber Kash has become so disheartened with the police force after twelve years of policing, she is writing her resignation letter. Unfortunately, she is interrupted and unexpectedly called to the Summerfield Police Station interview room. Inside, she finds celebrity psychologist, Joanna Merrick. She featured in the true-crime documentary The Portrait Maker which went viral. Today, Joanna is not her celebrity persona. She's all dirty and totally terrified. What she is claiming sounds impossible to some people but Amber wants to believe her and investigate the case. Her boss allows some leeway and assigns her some people to help. She will deal with this case then resign, she tells herself.
Wow, this is a superb debut for the author and an excellent start to a new series featuring a strong female character in DI Amber Kash who I really took too. The story was brilliantly written, intricately plotted and extremely well thought out. It was full of twists which made it hard to guess who did it but more enjoyable. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. I felt like I could visualise the story playing out in my mind as I was reading it. I believe the author did some extensive research before writing this story as the information contained within confirms this and adds to the depth of the book. The characters are intriguing and seem realistic. The synopsis for this story drew me to read it and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.
Synopsis :
*WINNER OF THE JOFFE BOOKS PRIZE 2025*
DISCOVER YOUR NEW CRIME THRILLER OBSESSION, SET IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND.
Meet Detective Inspector Amber Kash — she’s sharp, she’s stubborn, and after twelve years of policing she’s running out of reasons to stay on the force.
But as Detective Kash is writing her resignation letter, she’s unexpectedly called to Summerfield Police Station’s interview room.
Inside is celebrity psychologist Joanna Merrick, infamous for her role in viral true-crime documentary The Portrait Maker.
The woman is nothing like she appears on screen. She’s dirty. She’s terrified. And she’s making an impossible claim.
Three nights ago, Joanna witnessed a murder. The killer? A beautiful, rich and very dead woman whose own brutal slaying was the subject of the show.
And a couple of hours later, Joanna is dead too.
Detective Kash puts her resignation on hold to tackle this one last case. But a secret from her past is ticking like an unexploded bomb — threatening to destroy not just her investigation, but everything she holds dear.
The first page-turning, red-herring-packed book in the new Detective Inspector Amber Kash mystery series is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and Peter James.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Sharp, sceptical and principled, Amber Kash never set out to be a police officer — but when her witness testimony helped convict a murderer, a senior detective told her she was exactly what the force needed. Methodical and quietly brilliant, Amber has fought her way up the ranks in an under-resourced station, her talents winning her both friends and enemies — including a fellow DI who has never forgiven her for being brown, female and equally ranked. Amber is the kind of detective who’ll do anything to get justice for victims, even if it means tearing up her half-written resignation letter and promising herself just this one last case.
THE SETTING
The West Hartlands constabulary, in the heart of England, straddles two very different worlds. Amber’s investigations take her from Birmingham’s moneyed city centre — a gleaming world of glass towers and penthouse apartments — to the rural countryside, where wild fields, dense forests and crumbling estates hide a multitude of sins.
July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed Framed for Murder by T.L. Haseeb. The story follows Detective Inspector Amber Kash, a detective who has become deeply disillusioned with her career and is on the verge of resigning from the police force. Years of failed cases, bureaucracy, and constant criticism have left her cynical and exhausted. However, everything changes when she overhears colleagues discussing a bizarre murder case involving famous true-crime podcaster Joanna Merrick.
Joanna claims she witnessed a murder connected to a supposedly cursed painting. She tells Amber about an invitation she received from Balthazar Carver, who gathered a small group of guests to warn them about a supernatural force tied to a portrait containing the ashes of a woman named Tara. Shortly after, Balthazar is found dead, and Joanna insists the figure in the painting was responsible.
At first, the investigation team believes Joanna is suffering some kind of breakdown, but as strange events begin happening to the other guests connected to an old podcast called The Portrait Maker, Amber starts to question whether there could be truth behind the terrifying claims. The supernatural elements mixed with the crime investigation gave the book such a unique atmosphere and kept me completely hooked.
I loved how the mystery slowly unfolded and constantly kept me guessing. The blend of folklore, suspense, and detective work made this feel very different from a standard crime novel. I especially enjoyed the eerie tension surrounding Tara and the mystery of what really happened to her. The supernatural angle added exactly the extra layer that made the story stand out, and the ending left me eager to see how everything would connect together. One of the other great strengths of this book is how deeply we get to know the characters, particularly the investigation team. Detective Inspector Amber Kash is laid completely bare — her emotions, triggers, inner thoughts, and vulnerabilities are explored in such depth that she feels utterly real. Rather than being defined solely by her role as a detective, we come to see her as a fully formed person and woman, which makes her far more compelling and relatable. I was genuinely impressed by this book — the depth of characterisation was astonishing. It’s definitely an author to watch closely. If this develops into a series featuring Detective Inspector Amber Kash, I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next instalment.
Joanna claims she witnessed a murder connected to a supposedly cursed painting. She tells Amber about an invitation she received from Balthazar Carver, who gathered a small group of guests to warn them about a supernatural force tied to a portrait containing the ashes of a woman named Tara. Shortly after, Balthazar is found dead, and Joanna insists the figure in the painting was responsible.
At first, the investigation team believes Joanna is suffering some kind of breakdown, but as strange events begin happening to the other guests connected to an old podcast called The Portrait Maker, Amber starts to question whether there could be truth behind the terrifying claims. The supernatural elements mixed with the crime investigation gave the book such a unique atmosphere and kept me completely hooked.
I loved how the mystery slowly unfolded and constantly kept me guessing. The blend of folklore, suspense, and detective work made this feel very different from a standard crime novel. I especially enjoyed the eerie tension surrounding Tara and the mystery of what really happened to her. The supernatural angle added exactly the extra layer that made the story stand out, and the ending left me eager to see how everything would connect together. One of the other great strengths of this book is how deeply we get to know the characters, particularly the investigation team. Detective Inspector Amber Kash is laid completely bare — her emotions, triggers, inner thoughts, and vulnerabilities are explored in such depth that she feels utterly real. Rather than being defined solely by her role as a detective, we come to see her as a fully formed person and woman, which makes her far more compelling and relatable. I was genuinely impressed by this book — the depth of characterisation was astonishing. It’s definitely an author to watch closely. If this develops into a series featuring Detective Inspector Amber Kash, I’ll be eagerly waiting for the next instalment.
July 15, 2026
DI Amber Kash of West Hartlands Police in the Midlands thought she had seen just about everything during her twelve years’ service, but just as she is about to resign, sick of the prejudice and snidey male colleagues, Joanna Merrick, a tv celebrity psychologist, turns up in a highly distressed state claiming she has seen a woman disappear from a portrait and commit murder! Her story is bizarre. Balthazar Carver, the former owner of the production company she works for, has invited four people to the unveiling of the portrait of Tara Thornhill, a woman murdered seven years ago. Four people who all worked on one of their true crime programmes, The Portrait Maker, which was responsible for getting Tara’s husband acquitted of her murder. Carver is convinced the painting is evil, was responsible for the death of his own wife Grace and poses a danger to them all. When Joanna thinks she sees the picture moving, she flees but on returning to the cottage she finds the other guests missing and Carver dead at the foot of some stairs, with Tara looming over him. Kash and DS Jamie Wilson suspect Joanna is having an episode of some sort, but after attacking the police doctor, she throws herself to her death. Kash just can’t help wanting to solve just one more case and when she, Wilson and DC Callum Lewis check out the cottage in the hotel grounds, they discover the body of Carver. It’s a case of murder too, with four suspects and no alibis. As they, joined by DC Matthew Cooper, start to investigate, they discover a case steeped in ancient supernatural myths but is there a far more earthly explanation for the identity of this murderer?
This is a very promising start to a new series featuring a very likeable set of detectives. Kash has gone through some tough times but she is fortunate to have a very good best friend to support her. There was a lot in the book narrated by Kash herself detailing her thoughts and feelings which didn’t detract from a good murder mystery police procedural but I would have liked to know more about the rest of the team. With a spooky and suspenseful backdrop, this is a thoroughly engrossing book with plenty of twists and surprises. 4*
This is a very promising start to a new series featuring a very likeable set of detectives. Kash has gone through some tough times but she is fortunate to have a very good best friend to support her. There was a lot in the book narrated by Kash herself detailing her thoughts and feelings which didn’t detract from a good murder mystery police procedural but I would have liked to know more about the rest of the team. With a spooky and suspenseful backdrop, this is a thoroughly engrossing book with plenty of twists and surprises. 4*
July 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This story introduces readers to DI Amber Kash, a detective on the brink of leaving the force when one final investigation draws her back in. What begins as a case involving a celebrity psychologist and a viral true-crime documentary soon develops into an intriguing mystery with plenty of surprises along the way.
This was something of a slow burn for me initially, but once I reached the halfway point the story really found its stride. From there, the pace picked up and I found myself increasingly invested in both the investigation and the characters.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the social commentary woven throughout the story. The exploration of class privilege within policing circles felt thoughtful and relevant, and Amber's experiences navigating those challenges added depth to both her character and the wider narrative. The book raises interesting questions about the ethics of turning real tragedy into entertainment and whether such productions serve justice or simply profit from suffering.
Amber herself is a strong and engaging character. Having experienced personal tragedy and becoming increasingly disillusioned with the realities of policing, she's reached a crossroads in her career. Yet despite her frustrations, her determination to do the right thing remains evident throughout the story. I especially admired her willingness to stand up to bullying and unfairness within the force, both for herself and for others.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the partnership between Amber and Wilson. They complement each other well, and their dynamic brought warmth and authenticity to the investigation. I'm looking forward to seeing how that relationship develops as the series progresses.
The mystery itself was cleverly done. While I managed to spot one of the smaller reveals, the bigger twists completely caught me by surprise. The conclusion was satisfying while also setting up future storylines perfectly, leaving me eager to see what happens next.
A promising start to a new police procedural series, featuring an engaging lead character, timely themes, and an intriguing mystery. I'll definitely be returning for book two.
This story introduces readers to DI Amber Kash, a detective on the brink of leaving the force when one final investigation draws her back in. What begins as a case involving a celebrity psychologist and a viral true-crime documentary soon develops into an intriguing mystery with plenty of surprises along the way.
This was something of a slow burn for me initially, but once I reached the halfway point the story really found its stride. From there, the pace picked up and I found myself increasingly invested in both the investigation and the characters.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the social commentary woven throughout the story. The exploration of class privilege within policing circles felt thoughtful and relevant, and Amber's experiences navigating those challenges added depth to both her character and the wider narrative. The book raises interesting questions about the ethics of turning real tragedy into entertainment and whether such productions serve justice or simply profit from suffering.
Amber herself is a strong and engaging character. Having experienced personal tragedy and becoming increasingly disillusioned with the realities of policing, she's reached a crossroads in her career. Yet despite her frustrations, her determination to do the right thing remains evident throughout the story. I especially admired her willingness to stand up to bullying and unfairness within the force, both for herself and for others.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the partnership between Amber and Wilson. They complement each other well, and their dynamic brought warmth and authenticity to the investigation. I'm looking forward to seeing how that relationship develops as the series progresses.
The mystery itself was cleverly done. While I managed to spot one of the smaller reveals, the bigger twists completely caught me by surprise. The conclusion was satisfying while also setting up future storylines perfectly, leaving me eager to see what happens next.
A promising start to a new police procedural series, featuring an engaging lead character, timely themes, and an intriguing mystery. I'll definitely be returning for book two.
July 25, 2026
A Brilliant Start to a New Crime Series
Framed for Murder completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. I picked it up expecting a solid police procedural, but what I got was a clever, twist-filled mystery that kept me second-guessing everything until the very end. This is the kind of crime novel that makes you tell yourself, "Just one more chapter," only to realise you've read half the book in one sitting.
Detective Inspector Amber Kash is exactly the kind of detective I love following. She's sharp, determined, and refreshingly flawed. On the verge of walking away from policing, she's pulled into one final investigation after celebrity psychologist Joanna Merrick arrives at the station with an unbelievable story. Before Amber can uncover the truth, Joanna is dead, and what follows is a tangled web of lies, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets.
One of my favourite things about this book was how unpredictable it was. Every time I thought I had worked out where the investigation was heading, another revelation completely changed the picture. The unexpected turns felt fair rather than frustrating, and the mystery unfolded at just the right pace to keep me hooked without ever feeling rushed.
I also loved how much depth Amber brought to the story. She's not a perfect detective, and her own past adds emotional weight to the investigation without overshadowing the mystery itself. It made her feel like a genuinely believable protagonist, and I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series takes her next.
T. L. Haseeb delivers an engaging police procedural with strong characters and an ending that feels both surprising and satisfying. Amber Kash is a detective I'm already looking forward to following in future books.
If you enjoy British crime fiction with intelligent detectives, layered mysteries, shocking twists, and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing, this is one you won't want to miss.
Framed for Murder completely caught me off guard in the best possible way. I picked it up expecting a solid police procedural, but what I got was a clever, twist-filled mystery that kept me second-guessing everything until the very end. This is the kind of crime novel that makes you tell yourself, "Just one more chapter," only to realise you've read half the book in one sitting.
Detective Inspector Amber Kash is exactly the kind of detective I love following. She's sharp, determined, and refreshingly flawed. On the verge of walking away from policing, she's pulled into one final investigation after celebrity psychologist Joanna Merrick arrives at the station with an unbelievable story. Before Amber can uncover the truth, Joanna is dead, and what follows is a tangled web of lies, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets.
One of my favourite things about this book was how unpredictable it was. Every time I thought I had worked out where the investigation was heading, another revelation completely changed the picture. The unexpected turns felt fair rather than frustrating, and the mystery unfolded at just the right pace to keep me hooked without ever feeling rushed.
I also loved how much depth Amber brought to the story. She's not a perfect detective, and her own past adds emotional weight to the investigation without overshadowing the mystery itself. It made her feel like a genuinely believable protagonist, and I'm already looking forward to seeing where the series takes her next.
T. L. Haseeb delivers an engaging police procedural with strong characters and an ending that feels both surprising and satisfying. Amber Kash is a detective I'm already looking forward to following in future books.
If you enjoy British crime fiction with intelligent detectives, layered mysteries, shocking twists, and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing, this is one you won't want to miss.
July 14, 2026
Wow! T.L. Haseeb’s first novel in her new DI Amber Cash series, Framed for Murder, was so unexpected! It has won the 2025 Joffe Books Prize for a sound reason! It was simultaneously a fabulous police procedural, but also a psychological thriller, a horror story, and a gritty women’s fiction masterpiece. It seamlessly went where few murder mystery/police procedurals dare to go, and it was so impressive.
Haseeb constructs a very accurate snapshot of modern-day life, where a single mom is considering quitting her job to find another job where she might find fulfillment and not be under constant scrutiny and being not only undervalued, but also openly mocked for her skin tone and gender on the job. A job, one finds out, where she spends all of her time, to the detriment of her other relationships.
At the crux of this novel is the question of life after death, and if afterlife witch-like reincarnations are real. In this novel, there is a young lady who meets an untimely end, and that end was studied for a documentary, initially supported by her loved ones. When the true focus of the film changes by 180*, her family disavows the piece.
This novel opens a while after the film became a household hit, and one of the filmmakers stumbles into the police station where DI Cash has just printed out her resignation letter. The filmmaker’s name was Joanna Merrick, and her role as celebrity psychologist makes the exchange even more intense, as she is claiming that she saw the resurrected form of the young lady in the documentary film, who has been dead for years, step out of a wall painting.
It’s all so intense and extreme, but in the best way possible! I can’t wait for Haseeb’s next novel!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this fantastic digital ARC!!!
Haseeb constructs a very accurate snapshot of modern-day life, where a single mom is considering quitting her job to find another job where she might find fulfillment and not be under constant scrutiny and being not only undervalued, but also openly mocked for her skin tone and gender on the job. A job, one finds out, where she spends all of her time, to the detriment of her other relationships.
At the crux of this novel is the question of life after death, and if afterlife witch-like reincarnations are real. In this novel, there is a young lady who meets an untimely end, and that end was studied for a documentary, initially supported by her loved ones. When the true focus of the film changes by 180*, her family disavows the piece.
This novel opens a while after the film became a household hit, and one of the filmmakers stumbles into the police station where DI Cash has just printed out her resignation letter. The filmmaker’s name was Joanna Merrick, and her role as celebrity psychologist makes the exchange even more intense, as she is claiming that she saw the resurrected form of the young lady in the documentary film, who has been dead for years, step out of a wall painting.
It’s all so intense and extreme, but in the best way possible! I can’t wait for Haseeb’s next novel!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this fantastic digital ARC!!!
July 14, 2026
‘Framed for Murder’ is the blistering beginning for the winner of last year’s Joffe Books Prize! This was such a good book - I fell instantly head over heels for DI Amber Kash, and this was a brilliant start to the series. It had all the hallmarks of a great police procedural, but then the extra layer of mysticism - chef’s kiss! I am already wanting to get my hands on the next instalment.
If I had gone in blind to this book, I would never have guessed that this was a debut book. The writing was superb, and the author manages to create such nuanced characters that you instantly rooted for them. Her main character, Amber, was laid bare to the reader; you see her fully disinterested in the police and is actually writing her resignation. Then a case comes that piques her interest, one that will test her mettle, beliefs, and ultimately her conscience.
This book was spooky. It features some Indian mythology - the Churail, a woman who returns as a spiteful and malignant ghost. I ended up going for a nap in between reading sessions, and I fricking had a nightmare of my own! That takes some seriously brilliant writing to make visualisation that seamless. In general, this story was exceptionally well plotted and intriguing, grabs the attention instantly, and keeps hold of it. I did devour this book as it felt fresh, modern, and yet comforting at the same time. Comforting is a strange label since it is crime fiction, but it was comforting as you knew you were in a safe pair of hands with Amber, but also with the author.
I thoroughly urge you to pick this one up as it was excellent. Let me know if you do!
July 30, 2026
This was a wonderfully gripping crime thriller, and its supernatural angle is what hooked me from the jump.
The premise is brilliantly packaged: Joanna, a TV true-crime psychologist, stumbles into a police station terrified and claiming to have witnessed an impossible murder. The killer? A woman who supposedly died years ago. What follows forces DI Amber Kash to put her resignation on hold and investigate a case that seems to defy logic.
What I appreciated most about this book was its many story streams that were all so interesting as stand alone stories but which fed into the mainstream story so well! - from the mystery surrounding the hugely successful true crime documentary - The portrait maker - and how it looked like a framed painting was killing its producers one by one, to Amber’s past and how she testified falsely when a neighbor was murdered - saying she heard the commotion when she had headphones on the entire night, to her relationship to partner DS Wilson and how it looked like he was double crossing her (that office scene with the boss was brill!) to the true story about her best friend and how she covered up for her son who was involved in an accident that killed her husband…et al
The plot twists throughout the novel were clever and well-earned…didn’t feel forced at all!
My only disappointment was how they, in the end, rationalized the killings fizzling out the supernatural angle. I low key wanted the painting angle to hold some water but overall captivating read
The premise is brilliantly packaged: Joanna, a TV true-crime psychologist, stumbles into a police station terrified and claiming to have witnessed an impossible murder. The killer? A woman who supposedly died years ago. What follows forces DI Amber Kash to put her resignation on hold and investigate a case that seems to defy logic.
What I appreciated most about this book was its many story streams that were all so interesting as stand alone stories but which fed into the mainstream story so well! - from the mystery surrounding the hugely successful true crime documentary - The portrait maker - and how it looked like a framed painting was killing its producers one by one, to Amber’s past and how she testified falsely when a neighbor was murdered - saying she heard the commotion when she had headphones on the entire night, to her relationship to partner DS Wilson and how it looked like he was double crossing her (that office scene with the boss was brill!) to the true story about her best friend and how she covered up for her son who was involved in an accident that killed her husband…et al
The plot twists throughout the novel were clever and well-earned…didn’t feel forced at all!
My only disappointment was how they, in the end, rationalized the killings fizzling out the supernatural angle. I low key wanted the painting angle to hold some water but overall captivating read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2026
Framed for Murder is a fantastic introduction to Detective Inspector Amber Kash — sharp, stubborn, and wonderfully human. From the very first chapter, I was pulled straight into her world, where exhaustion, frustration, and a simmering desire to walk away collide with a case she simply can’t ignore.
The setup is irresistible: a celebrity psychologist arrives at the station in a state that completely contradicts her polished public persona, claiming to have witnessed an impossible murder. The tension ramps up quickly, and when the unthinkable happens just hours later, the story becomes a full‑throttle mystery that’s impossible to step away from.
What really stood out to me is how well the book balances plot and character. Amber Kash is compelling — tough, flawed, and carrying a secret that adds an emotional undercurrent to every decision she makes. The investigation is packed with red herrings, sharp twists, and that classic “just one more chapter” pull that kept me reading far later than planned.
The atmosphere is pitch‑perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and Peter James. It has that same blend of procedural detail, strong character work, and a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the final reveal. A confident, addictive start to a new detective series — and I’m already eager for book two.
with thanks to TL Haseeb, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is irresistible: a celebrity psychologist arrives at the station in a state that completely contradicts her polished public persona, claiming to have witnessed an impossible murder. The tension ramps up quickly, and when the unthinkable happens just hours later, the story becomes a full‑throttle mystery that’s impossible to step away from.
What really stood out to me is how well the book balances plot and character. Amber Kash is compelling — tough, flawed, and carrying a secret that adds an emotional undercurrent to every decision she makes. The investigation is packed with red herrings, sharp twists, and that classic “just one more chapter” pull that kept me reading far later than planned.
The atmosphere is pitch‑perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and Peter James. It has that same blend of procedural detail, strong character work, and a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the final reveal. A confident, addictive start to a new detective series — and I’m already eager for book two.
with thanks to TL Haseeb, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
July 14, 2026
A great start to a new series. A police procedural with great characters and a clever plot
Detective Inspector Amber Kash is disillusioned with inner city policing, with its racism
sexism, ageism, and every other ‘ism! She’s had enough off being side lined by macho
coppers and bosses stuck in the 70s . She is about to resign and throw it all in and shes
even written her resignation but just as she’s about to email it she’s called to the front
desk. A wild and dishevelled woman is at there with a dark tale of murder and the
supernatural! Amber is intrigued and starts to interview the woman but soon decides
that the lady is best served by a shrink. As she’s arranging this the woman runs up a
stairway and threatens to jump. D.I.Kash tries to talk her down and promises to help.
When the woman falls to her death, Amber knows that she must solve this last case.
There follows an intriguing and twisting tale of old suspicious deaths and modern
murder and the dark arts. This is a brilliant start to the Inspector Kash series with great
character development and I’m looking forward to more from T.L. Haseeb.
Detective Inspector Amber Kash is disillusioned with inner city policing, with its racism
sexism, ageism, and every other ‘ism! She’s had enough off being side lined by macho
coppers and bosses stuck in the 70s . She is about to resign and throw it all in and shes
even written her resignation but just as she’s about to email it she’s called to the front
desk. A wild and dishevelled woman is at there with a dark tale of murder and the
supernatural! Amber is intrigued and starts to interview the woman but soon decides
that the lady is best served by a shrink. As she’s arranging this the woman runs up a
stairway and threatens to jump. D.I.Kash tries to talk her down and promises to help.
When the woman falls to her death, Amber knows that she must solve this last case.
There follows an intriguing and twisting tale of old suspicious deaths and modern
murder and the dark arts. This is a brilliant start to the Inspector Kash series with great
character development and I’m looking forward to more from T.L. Haseeb.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, TL Haseeb and Joffe Books for the ARC.
Amazing debut novel for TL Haseeb. DI Amber Kash was a great character to see the world through her eyes. We don't learn only about her as a person, but also how the world, especially the UK, see people of color. Add to that her being a woman in a what is considered a man's job mostly, but also how corrupt, selfish, bully filled that world can be.
Loved the integration of supernatural and horror elements, adding more confusion to the investigation and Amber's psyche. While at times, I thought some descriptions were not needed, the plot was great and hooked me from the moment Joanna appeared to tell her story.
We go through plots of grief, selfishness, bullying, abusers and their victims, media digging into everything even if it hurts the victims more than the perpetrator. The characters that appear alongside DI Kash have their own personality, either helping with her investigating or somehow just giving her more work.
Can't wait to see what's waiting next for DI Kash, her colleagues and friends.
Amazing debut novel for TL Haseeb. DI Amber Kash was a great character to see the world through her eyes. We don't learn only about her as a person, but also how the world, especially the UK, see people of color. Add to that her being a woman in a what is considered a man's job mostly, but also how corrupt, selfish, bully filled that world can be.
Loved the integration of supernatural and horror elements, adding more confusion to the investigation and Amber's psyche. While at times, I thought some descriptions were not needed, the plot was great and hooked me from the moment Joanna appeared to tell her story.
We go through plots of grief, selfishness, bullying, abusers and their victims, media digging into everything even if it hurts the victims more than the perpetrator. The characters that appear alongside DI Kash have their own personality, either helping with her investigating or somehow just giving her more work.
Can't wait to see what's waiting next for DI Kash, her colleagues and friends.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Framed For Murder by T.L. Haseeb is a perfectly named, brilliant series starter.
Jaded DI Amber Kash is set to resign when a high-profile murder case lands on her desk. This is no ordinary case, as a witness alleges a churail, a female ghost, committed the crime.
With her wee team, Amber is determined to find the killer. It is a multi-layered plot, but with meticulous police work and Amber's uncanny ability to get into the minds of those involved, they work relentlessly to fit the intricate puzzle pieces together.
I loved the pace, the atmospheric tension, and the relatable characters. As the fragile threads weave together, we come to a beautifully tied-up ending.
I really hope we see more of Amber. She is a firm, fair, but empathetic protagonist who will back her team and make mincemeat of anyone trying to destroy her. I hope there will be a second book in this series!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Jaded DI Amber Kash is set to resign when a high-profile murder case lands on her desk. This is no ordinary case, as a witness alleges a churail, a female ghost, committed the crime.
With her wee team, Amber is determined to find the killer. It is a multi-layered plot, but with meticulous police work and Amber's uncanny ability to get into the minds of those involved, they work relentlessly to fit the intricate puzzle pieces together.
I loved the pace, the atmospheric tension, and the relatable characters. As the fragile threads weave together, we come to a beautifully tied-up ending.
I really hope we see more of Amber. She is a firm, fair, but empathetic protagonist who will back her team and make mincemeat of anyone trying to destroy her. I hope there will be a second book in this series!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a terrific start to a new series. Amber is planning on resigning from the police but before she can do so, she is assigned the case of a dead man where a woman who was present at the scene says that a dead woman has returned to life as a churail. A churail is a demonic woman. Sounds far-fetched but this case is certainly very creepy. It seems someone is keen to bump off every member of a production company who were involved in a true crime story that ended with a man exonerated of his wife's murder and released from prison.
It took me a while to get into this. The spookiness of the storyline felt a bit overwhelming at times and I was certainly uncomfortable yet strangely addicted to reading it. Amber herself is a good character and we already get to know a good deal about her. I found a reveal at the end to be a total surprise and I'm eager to see where this side story goes. I really look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Amber.
It took me a while to get into this. The spookiness of the storyline felt a bit overwhelming at times and I was certainly uncomfortable yet strangely addicted to reading it. Amber herself is a good character and we already get to know a good deal about her. I found a reveal at the end to be a total surprise and I'm eager to see where this side story goes. I really look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Amber.
July 14, 2026
What a start to a new series! Amber Kash is such an interesting character, jaded and struggling to cope with the daily grind of being in the police force as a woman of colour. Yes there are parts of this which seem clichés: jealous male colleague who blames her for his own inadequacies etc. Attitudes which I optimistically hope no longer prevail….but ? Amber is great though, decides not to leave until she has solved this one last intriguing case: can a dead woman commit murder? I love Amber’s confident meticulous approach, just gets on with it despite some frankly weird incidents and evidence, there’s definitely a hint of the supernatural mixed in with wealthy business and media people. I loved this book and am really looking forward to the next in the series- as it’s called Book 1, I think there’s a strong clue that Amber’s not resigning!
August 1, 2026
DI Amber is introduced at a breaking point, ready to resign after years of frustration and prejudice within the force. But when a bizarre case lands in her lap, she’s pulled back into the world she thought she was leaving behind.
What made the book stand out for me was the mix of police procedural and supernatural suspense. The cursed painting, the eerie folklore, and Joanna Merrick’s disturbing claims gave the story a chilling atmosphere. I loved how the investigation kept me guessing, was it all psychological, or was something truly otherworldly at play? The tension around Tara’s portrait was unsettling and added a fresh twist to the usual crime setup.
Amber was a fantastic lead. She’s flawed, weary, and vulnerable, but also determined and deeply human. Her dynamic with Wilson added warmth and balance, and I’m excited to see how their partnership develops in future books.
What made the book stand out for me was the mix of police procedural and supernatural suspense. The cursed painting, the eerie folklore, and Joanna Merrick’s disturbing claims gave the story a chilling atmosphere. I loved how the investigation kept me guessing, was it all psychological, or was something truly otherworldly at play? The tension around Tara’s portrait was unsettling and added a fresh twist to the usual crime setup.
Amber was a fantastic lead. She’s flawed, weary, and vulnerable, but also determined and deeply human. Her dynamic with Wilson added warmth and balance, and I’m excited to see how their partnership develops in future books.
July 15, 2026
TL Haseeb is off to a flying start with this new police procedural series. DI Amber Cash is tired with policing. She’s been facing bigotry and racism and being looked over for long enough and has just completed her resignation letter when a call to the front desk changes her evening plans and puts that resignation temporarily on hold. A woman, disheveled and frantic is at the front desk with a wild tale of murder and a picture coming back to life. Her then sudden death, in the station no less, galvanises Amber into investigating the strange tale, finding not only a murder that has been committed in a deserted cottage, but a strange and tangled web of ghost stories and elements from her past soon takes on a life of its own.
August 4, 2026
I don't usually write reviews, but this book deserves one. As one reviewer has said " It has won the 2025 Joffe Books Prize for a sound reason!" I read a lot of Joffe books online and this one is better than most. As an Aussie I read the English police "procedurals" to improve my knowledge of English geography, regional differences and social milieu. The Kash book is fascinating for its multidimensional depiction of Birmingham society alongside the intriguing collection of characters who are not just black or white - ethically. The complexity of the characters is persuasively truer to life than most detective fiction, and the twists and turns entertaining. An excellent read that requires concentration to keep up, and raises concerning issues about the law and justice.
July 17, 2026
Hard to believe this is the first book in the series! It reads very much like it's book 10, the characters are well developed, you feel like you have a backstory for them, and the Lee is comfortable to read. All of which makes for a very enjoyable page Turner. What starts out is a just resolve this and make it go away pop-up case turns into something very convoluted and a closed room feel mystery. As Kash keeps trying to solve the case she gets more roadblocks in questions. You may not see who the suspect is until the end and then even if you guess it the motive may surprise you! Definitely don't skip this series
July 18, 2026
Di Amber Kash is planning on leaving her job but one last case gets her attention. Is it enough to change her mind? And, why leave a career she's worked so hard at?
Bodies are piling up and there's past secrets that are key to it all unravelling. With limited resources and a sometimes hostile work environment, Amber has her work cut out. Some fascinating characters and a con man in their just to add to the story. I like the 'ghosts' as well as Amber's dealing with them all.
It's an even paced police procedural that gives more surprises to the end. It'd be good to see Amber again as I think there's a lot of unresolved stuff for her.
Bodies are piling up and there's past secrets that are key to it all unravelling. With limited resources and a sometimes hostile work environment, Amber has her work cut out. Some fascinating characters and a con man in their just to add to the story. I like the 'ghosts' as well as Amber's dealing with them all.
It's an even paced police procedural that gives more surprises to the end. It'd be good to see Amber again as I think there's a lot of unresolved stuff for her.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s always good to find a new author. It was an interesting novel and I wasn’t sure in the first few chapters if there was a ghostly aspect to the story, but it soon became clear that there were layers of deceit and lies being told to DI Amber Kash and her very small team. There was also the interesting backstory as to why Amber joined the police and why she was thinking of resigning before taking on this case. It was a gripping plot which kept me guessing the outcome until the end. I hope this first novel is the forerunner of a future series. I would certainly read more Amber Kash books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a strong start to a new series featuring a stubborn and persistent main character. The characters and plot are well developed, with plenty of suspense and unexpected twists to keep the story engaging. It successfully combines a police procedural and a psychological thriller. However, I think I would have enjoyed it even more if it had been a little shorter.. Do I want to read the next installment? Absolutely.!
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Joffe Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Joffe Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
July 13, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
‼️Spoiler Free‼️
Framed For Murder was the first fast-paced suspense mystery that I’ve read and it truly made me feel like I was right next to the lead detective. It is packed with twists and turns, I had to pay attention to all the characters! Every new clue had me second-guessing what I thought I already knew.
The plot was engaging, full of secrets and the mystery unfolded in a way that kept me wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley, T.L. Haseeb, and Joffe Books for allowing me to read Framed For Murder in advance!
‼️Spoiler Free‼️
Framed For Murder was the first fast-paced suspense mystery that I’ve read and it truly made me feel like I was right next to the lead detective. It is packed with twists and turns, I had to pay attention to all the characters! Every new clue had me second-guessing what I thought I already knew.
The plot was engaging, full of secrets and the mystery unfolded in a way that kept me wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley, T.L. Haseeb, and Joffe Books for allowing me to read Framed For Murder in advance!
July 14, 2026
A Slow Starter
It took me quite a while to get into this book, but I persevered and I am glad I did. Detective Inspector Amber Kash is tired and disillusioned with her job and is determined to leave, but while writing her resignation letter she is called to an interview room to meet someone who has witnessed a murder. Amber immediately puts her plans on hold and together with DS Jamie Wilson works hard to get to the truth. I do hope this isn't her last case, I would like to see more books featuring Amber and Jamie.
It took me quite a while to get into this book, but I persevered and I am glad I did. Detective Inspector Amber Kash is tired and disillusioned with her job and is determined to leave, but while writing her resignation letter she is called to an interview room to meet someone who has witnessed a murder. Amber immediately puts her plans on hold and together with DS Jamie Wilson works hard to get to the truth. I do hope this isn't her last case, I would like to see more books featuring Amber and Jamie.
July 28, 2026
A brilliant first book and first in a series Amber Kash Mysteries.
I was captured from the start into a cleverly, we written, storyline and plot, with Intresting characters, whom I enjoyed getting to know.
There are some revelations and clever twists throughout.
I wasn't even halfway through this book, when thinking, I look forward to reading more from this author.
Although I did purchase this book, I would like to thank Joffe books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
I was captured from the start into a cleverly, we written, storyline and plot, with Intresting characters, whom I enjoyed getting to know.
There are some revelations and clever twists throughout.
I wasn't even halfway through this book, when thinking, I look forward to reading more from this author.
Although I did purchase this book, I would like to thank Joffe books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews