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Sleeping Beauties
One survivor. Two detectives. Twenty-four hours to catch a killer.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances. After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, he's been given one last to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
Dubbed the ‘sleeping beauty’ by the press, Rachel lies in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life. But as Theo obeys his orders to watch over her, another victim is strangled in broad daylight.
With the body count rising, Theo partners with his former colleague, DC Hannah Colby, and together they begin to identify a pattern in the past – a portrait of a malicious killer, with Rachel lying at the centre of it.
Theo can feel the pressure mounting, but there’s no escape. He must dive headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where even the thickest of hospital walls can’t keep the killer away.
Perfect for fans of Dept Q and Happy Valley, SLEEPING BEAUTIES is a heart-pounding new detective series narrated by Holliday Grainger (The Capture) and Billy Howle (On Chesil Beach).
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances. After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, he's been given one last to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
Dubbed the ‘sleeping beauty’ by the press, Rachel lies in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life. But as Theo obeys his orders to watch over her, another victim is strangled in broad daylight.
With the body count rising, Theo partners with his former colleague, DC Hannah Colby, and together they begin to identify a pattern in the past – a portrait of a malicious killer, with Rachel lying at the centre of it.
Theo can feel the pressure mounting, but there’s no escape. He must dive headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where even the thickest of hospital walls can’t keep the killer away.
Perfect for fans of Dept Q and Happy Valley, SLEEPING BEAUTIES is a heart-pounding new detective series narrated by Holliday Grainger (The Capture) and Billy Howle (On Chesil Beach).
Audible Audio
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Sam Holland
8 books989 followersSam Holland is the award-winning author of the Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. Her debut, The Echo Man, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Killer in Room Five is the latest in the series and is out now.
She is also the author of an Audible Original - Sleeping Beauties.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Killer in Room Five is the latest in the series and is out now.
She is also the author of an Audible Original - Sleeping Beauties.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 21, 2026
➡️ Meet my new favorite Sam Holland thriller.
➡️ Compelling Premise.
After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, a Detective Sergeant has been given one last assignment: guard the sole female survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
➡️ Buckle Your Seatbelts.
And get ready for a wild ride. This pacey thriller sizzles and soars. I dare you to guess the ending.
➡️ Will DC Hannah Colby and Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde be returning?
I certainly hope so! Their dynamic chemistry and sharp, top-tier investigative skills kept me hooked from beginning to end. They make a phenomenal lead duo.
➡️ I listened to the audiobook expertly narrated by Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle.
Full-cast narrations are always a treat, and both narrators gave outstanding performances.
➡️ This was an Audible Plus freebie.
Phenomenal Audible Plus titles are such a welcome surprise!
👏👏👏👏👏
August 18, 2026
A serial killer on the loose, the only surviving victim unconscious in a hospital bed, and Theo has one job: don't let the killer finish what they started. Simple enough, right? Keep an eye on Rachel, keep the killer away and, most importantly, try not to screw it up.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is already on thin ice after a five-month suspension that nearly cost him his career. He’s burned plenty of bridges, nobody particularly wants to work with him, and guarding Rachel feels very much like his last chance. But when another woman is murdered, Theo teams up with his former colleague Hannah Colby, and it becomes clear the Sleeping Beauty killer isn’t finished yet.
Despite Theo's less-than-stellar reputation, I found him surprisingly easy to like. He's empathetic and has an understated sense of humour that worked really well for me. I also liked his partnership with Hannah, and as they start connecting the victims and clues to the past, the case begins hitting closer to home for her.
I really liked how the hospital setting added to the creepiness of the story. Hospitals are supposed to feel safe, but that goes out the window when there’s a killer on the loose and no one knows who they are. Doctor? Nurse? Visitor? Rachel being unconscious makes her particularly vulnerable, and I loved the uncertainty of not knowing who could be trusted.
Billy Howle's narration as Theo was spot on. He has this low, smooth, slightly intense voice that suited the character perfectly, but I particularly liked the way he shifted it for the killer, becoming deeper and more menacing without feeling overdone. Holliday Grainger was also a great fit for Hannah, and having separate narrators for the two detectives helped give them distinct personalities.
Now, Theo. Mate. We need to talk.
I really liked you, but there were a few moments when I seriously questioned your decision-making skills. Considering your ONE JOB is to keep Rachel alive, some of your choices had me internally yelling, Bro, what are you doing?! I could see how certain decisions conveniently kept the story moving, but that didn't make them any less irritating.
My bigger disappointment, though, was the motivation behind the murders. After such a creepy, suspenseful story and all the questions surrounding the killer's identity, the eventual explanation felt a little underwhelming. I was expecting something with a bit more bite, and instead my reaction was basically... oh. Is that it?
Even with those nitpicks, I had a great time with Sleeping Beauties. The serial-killer investigation, creepy hospital setting and an unconscious survivor who may be the killer's only loose end made for a setup that was right up my alley. The audio production made it even better, and I was thoroughly creeped out and entertained for most of the ride.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is already on thin ice after a five-month suspension that nearly cost him his career. He’s burned plenty of bridges, nobody particularly wants to work with him, and guarding Rachel feels very much like his last chance. But when another woman is murdered, Theo teams up with his former colleague Hannah Colby, and it becomes clear the Sleeping Beauty killer isn’t finished yet.
Despite Theo's less-than-stellar reputation, I found him surprisingly easy to like. He's empathetic and has an understated sense of humour that worked really well for me. I also liked his partnership with Hannah, and as they start connecting the victims and clues to the past, the case begins hitting closer to home for her.
I really liked how the hospital setting added to the creepiness of the story. Hospitals are supposed to feel safe, but that goes out the window when there’s a killer on the loose and no one knows who they are. Doctor? Nurse? Visitor? Rachel being unconscious makes her particularly vulnerable, and I loved the uncertainty of not knowing who could be trusted.
Billy Howle's narration as Theo was spot on. He has this low, smooth, slightly intense voice that suited the character perfectly, but I particularly liked the way he shifted it for the killer, becoming deeper and more menacing without feeling overdone. Holliday Grainger was also a great fit for Hannah, and having separate narrators for the two detectives helped give them distinct personalities.
Now, Theo. Mate. We need to talk.
I really liked you, but there were a few moments when I seriously questioned your decision-making skills. Considering your ONE JOB is to keep Rachel alive, some of your choices had me internally yelling, Bro, what are you doing?! I could see how certain decisions conveniently kept the story moving, but that didn't make them any less irritating.
My bigger disappointment, though, was the motivation behind the murders. After such a creepy, suspenseful story and all the questions surrounding the killer's identity, the eventual explanation felt a little underwhelming. I was expecting something with a bit more bite, and instead my reaction was basically... oh. Is that it?
Even with those nitpicks, I had a great time with Sleeping Beauties. The serial-killer investigation, creepy hospital setting and an unconscious survivor who may be the killer's only loose end made for a setup that was right up my alley. The audio production made it even better, and I was thoroughly creeped out and entertained for most of the ride.
September 4, 2026
Loved this, and the excellent narration
July 22, 2026
Sleeping Beauties had me at “new Sam Holland Audible Original”. The second I saw it announced, it shot straight to the top of my TBR and, after it dropped last week, I binged the whole thing in two sittings.
The investigation was what kept me pressing play. Even by chapter 37, I still had no idea who the perpetrator was, and every new lead only made me more curious about where it was all heading. The shorter Audible Original format suited the story perfectly too, with the pacing never really letting up.
But Hannah & Theo were the real highlight for me. Their partnership felt natural from the outset and I found myself just as invested in them as I was the case itself. If this is the beginning of a new detective series, I’m completely sold. I’d happily follow these two through many more investigations 👀
The investigation was what kept me pressing play. Even by chapter 37, I still had no idea who the perpetrator was, and every new lead only made me more curious about where it was all heading. The shorter Audible Original format suited the story perfectly too, with the pacing never really letting up.
But Hannah & Theo were the real highlight for me. Their partnership felt natural from the outset and I found myself just as invested in them as I was the case itself. If this is the beginning of a new detective series, I’m completely sold. I’d happily follow these two through many more investigations 👀
August 13, 2026
📚 Book Review 📚
I was absolutely engrossed in this one .. this is the first Audible original for me and my first audiobook from Sam Holland.
The narrators Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle were excellent choices as Hannah and Theo, desperately trying to crack the case.
Theo is a promising detective, but after a five month suspension for a decision made under intense pressure which culminated in him being injured and his partner Hannah demoted, he is offered one last chance to prove that he is the copper his boss thinks he is.
Young women are dying, at the hand of the same person and as the murders escalate, another victim is found before it’s too late. It’s this job to stay with this young woman whilst she is in hospital and keep her safe. But can he do this and help Hannah who is working in the case without making another mistake? Or will he fail?
Fab book and I loved the relationship between Theo and Hannah, completely believable and a great dynamic. This is a find.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was absolutely engrossed in this one .. this is the first Audible original for me and my first audiobook from Sam Holland.
The narrators Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle were excellent choices as Hannah and Theo, desperately trying to crack the case.
Theo is a promising detective, but after a five month suspension for a decision made under intense pressure which culminated in him being injured and his partner Hannah demoted, he is offered one last chance to prove that he is the copper his boss thinks he is.
Young women are dying, at the hand of the same person and as the murders escalate, another victim is found before it’s too late. It’s this job to stay with this young woman whilst she is in hospital and keep her safe. But can he do this and help Hannah who is working in the case without making another mistake? Or will he fail?
Fab book and I loved the relationship between Theo and Hannah, completely believable and a great dynamic. This is a find.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 7, 2026
2.5*
This started well and I had high hopes having read some of the author's other books. However this soon became very unrealistic and a little ridiculous. I know it's fiction but there is only so far that I can suspend disbelief.
This started well and I had high hopes having read some of the author's other books. However this soon became very unrealistic and a little ridiculous. I know it's fiction but there is only so far that I can suspend disbelief.
August 15, 2026
A decently entertaining story that had the potential to be a five star for me. There was a great plot/motive, good characters, interesting path of clues, and overlapping perspectives. One thing this story was exceptional at was giving me a reason to FEAR the antagonist. A lot of these types of novels get lost in the plot and just say “they’re evil for evil sake” or “they’re a psychopath by birth.” This murder mystery stood out in the respect that as I learned more about the antagonist, the more my skin crawled. (EEEYYYUUUCCCK! and that’s a compliment!)
However, there are some pitfalls. First, despite the book having a wide cast of characters with different/interesting backgrounds and the main plot being about a murder/chasing down a killer, THIS STORY DOES NOT PASS THE BECHDEL TEST 😭😭😭. In my super prideful opinion, this story would’ve soared if it had passed. The female characters all had interesting angles and motives. They all played a significant part in moving the plot/subplots forward. I DONT UNDERSTAND *table flipping* WHY *keyboard slamming* THEY SUDDENLY *chair throwing* HAD TO BE *wall punching* OBJECTIFIED!!!! *final WWE grand slam into the floor*
Adjacently, this story has a lot random ~devil’s tango~ scenes that don’t add to or support the plot. (If I had to hear the phrase “bare arse” ONE. MORE. TIME. during my listen, I would have swerved my car with the intent to crash it, remember how expensive that would be, and then swerve back reluctantly as I huffed and puffed throughout the rest of the gosh darn dang frickin story 😤😒😫😖😭🥲🤧🙃)
Last critique is a small one. The writing is fairly well, but it’s doesn’t fully trust the audience. The clues, the discoveries, the new directions were all PHENOMENAL and it trusted the audience up until the very very last millisecond where then a character would speak/think in total exposition. If I may tell you this: YOUR STORY IS GREAT!!! YOU DONT HAVE TO DO THAT!!! THE GIRLS WHO GET IT GET IT AND THE GIRLS WHO DONT GORN’T!!! WRITERS, TRUST 👏 YOUR 👏 AUDIENCE 👏👏👏
Overall, interesting story with a good plot, good characters, and a good twist. I appreciated the ending the most! And there were genuinely times where I was gasping and my mind was racing as I tried to suppress my own fight or flight instinct. The book did a great job of having a secret antagonist + the major reveal which is a definite win for the murder mystery genre. I just wish it overcame its pitfalls because whenever they came up, it whiplashed me out of the story immersion.
However, there are some pitfalls. First, despite the book having a wide cast of characters with different/interesting backgrounds and the main plot being about a murder/chasing down a killer, THIS STORY DOES NOT PASS THE BECHDEL TEST 😭😭😭. In my super prideful opinion, this story would’ve soared if it had passed. The female characters all had interesting angles and motives. They all played a significant part in moving the plot/subplots forward. I DONT UNDERSTAND *table flipping* WHY *keyboard slamming* THEY SUDDENLY *chair throwing* HAD TO BE *wall punching* OBJECTIFIED!!!! *final WWE grand slam into the floor*
Adjacently, this story has a lot random ~devil’s tango~ scenes that don’t add to or support the plot. (If I had to hear the phrase “bare arse” ONE. MORE. TIME. during my listen, I would have swerved my car with the intent to crash it, remember how expensive that would be, and then swerve back reluctantly as I huffed and puffed throughout the rest of the gosh darn dang frickin story 😤😒😫😖😭🥲🤧🙃)
Last critique is a small one. The writing is fairly well, but it’s doesn’t fully trust the audience. The clues, the discoveries, the new directions were all PHENOMENAL and it trusted the audience up until the very very last millisecond where then a character would speak/think in total exposition. If I may tell you this: YOUR STORY IS GREAT!!! YOU DONT HAVE TO DO THAT!!! THE GIRLS WHO GET IT GET IT AND THE GIRLS WHO DONT GORN’T!!! WRITERS, TRUST 👏 YOUR 👏 AUDIENCE 👏👏👏
Overall, interesting story with a good plot, good characters, and a good twist. I appreciated the ending the most! And there were genuinely times where I was gasping and my mind was racing as I tried to suppress my own fight or flight instinct. The book did a great job of having a secret antagonist + the major reveal which is a definite win for the murder mystery genre. I just wish it overcame its pitfalls because whenever they came up, it whiplashed me out of the story immersion.
July 25, 2026
Entertaining enough until it became ridiculous.
July 24, 2026
After a five-month suspension that almost ended his career, Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is given one final chance to prove himself. He is tasked with guarding Rachel, the sole survivor of a brutal serial killer. But when another victim is murdered, it becomes clear the killer is escalating. Teaming up with his former colleague and friend DC Hannah Colby, they must race to uncover the connection between the victims before the body count rises.
🩸
It’s no secret I’m a massive fan of @samhollandbooks’ so when she dropped another new release on us I RAN to download this audible original! One of the things I love most is how effortlessly she balances engaging, relatable characters with incredibly dark storylines. Theo and Hannah’s partnership felt genuine, with moments of warmth cutting through the darkness without ever lessening the suspense.
I’ve never been a fan of audiobooks, but Sleeping Beauties may just have converted me. I didn’t think I could love @samhollandbooks writing any more, but @holliday_grainger and Billy Howle were perfectly cast. Their strong pacing and subtle inflections brought the story to life, heightening every emotion, building the tension, and drawing me even further into the investigation.
Dark, atmospheric and completely addictive, Sleeping Beauties is exactly the kind of thriller that works brilliantly on audio. If you want a gripping, high-tension listen that keeps you begging for more, then this is a must-listen. It’ll come as absolutely no surprise that I’d recommend it wholeheartedly.
🩸
It’s no secret I’m a massive fan of @samhollandbooks’ so when she dropped another new release on us I RAN to download this audible original! One of the things I love most is how effortlessly she balances engaging, relatable characters with incredibly dark storylines. Theo and Hannah’s partnership felt genuine, with moments of warmth cutting through the darkness without ever lessening the suspense.
I’ve never been a fan of audiobooks, but Sleeping Beauties may just have converted me. I didn’t think I could love @samhollandbooks writing any more, but @holliday_grainger and Billy Howle were perfectly cast. Their strong pacing and subtle inflections brought the story to life, heightening every emotion, building the tension, and drawing me even further into the investigation.
Dark, atmospheric and completely addictive, Sleeping Beauties is exactly the kind of thriller that works brilliantly on audio. If you want a gripping, high-tension listen that keeps you begging for more, then this is a must-listen. It’ll come as absolutely no surprise that I’d recommend it wholeheartedly.
August 1, 2026
Audio version of this book 📕- An ok listen , a little far fetched but an ok listen , not up to the authors usual standard
August 23, 2026
I really enjoyed the storyline and found it gripping, particularly in audiobook form. However, I struggled at times to picture Theo and Hannah as their own characters because my mind kept casting them as Robin and Strike. That comparison may say as much about my familiarity with the Cormoran Strike series as it does about the book itself, but it occasionally pulled me out of the story. Holliday Grainger’s narration created a strong sense of tension and kept me engaged throughout.
August 4, 2026
Just okay for me...although it's fiction I still don't like to suspend my disbelief, and soooo much, as this book had me do. But I loved the Echo Man, Sam's other book.
August 21, 2026
Didn’t care for this. Maybe because it was an audiobook but still love her other series.
September 8, 2026
I thought this was a good book. It definitely had me guessing who the killer was.
August 14, 2026
Grabbed this for some nightly bedtime background listening as it was free on Audible. Started out alright, but unfortunately it read like a b-movie equivalent of a crime thriller - very obvious issues (police taking everyone's alibis at face value without checking, for example). Not a very complex or emotionally involved plot. Twas easy enough listening though, I suppose, apart from the female narrator pronouncing 'says' as 'say-z' rather than 'sez'. Like, 'say', but plural, say-s. Maybe its a dialect thing but I've never heard it before.
August 3, 2026
You'll really need to suspend your disbelief for this one. The beginning was quite intriguing, but it quickly became unbelievable. While I understand this is fiction, the actions of the main detective are just unrealistic. Really most all of the detectives in this book were very unprofessional.
August 20, 2026
I wanted to like this book. It started out with such promise! Then....it just, nose dives. Tell me how police are failing to check alibis (and then wondering why they got demoted?), DNA isn't being connected to past crimes until someone mentions it and then suddenly it connects. The plot is thin at best, and my gods....the MMC. This cop got suspended for following his instincts to protect a child, then gets injured and the bad guy dies, but somehow this makes him an absolute TERRIBLE cop in everyone's eyes. (Spoiler: he is in fact, a terrible cop, but that's beside the point here. The justification does not fit the crime.) To the point where other cops start avoiding him and hating him. His superior tries to have him arrested just to get him out of the way and get him fired....IN THE MIDDLE OF A MURDER INVESTIGATION WHILE TRYING TO PROTECT THE ONLY PERSON WHO COULD POSSIBLY IDENTIFY THE KILLER.
As if all of that wasn't annoying enough. This MMC gets scolded for leaving the eye witness alone, then realizes the killer is after her so he moves her somewhere secret with "only one door and one way in".....AND THEN LEAVES HER ALONE BECAUSE SHE'S HUNGRY! BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! After leaving her to get food, he gets a text from the killer hinting that he's taken her, the MMC freaks out and goes back to find out she's actually OK. MOVES HER AGAIN! AND THEN......WAIT FOR ITT!!!!! WAIIIIITTTTT FOR ITTTT!
LEAVES! HER! ALONE! AGAIN!! WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. F*CK! But somehow you're such a good investigator and police officer and you were a sergeant and....my gods, I wouldn't want you protecting my plant.
As if all of that wasn't annoying enough. This MMC gets scolded for leaving the eye witness alone, then realizes the killer is after her so he moves her somewhere secret with "only one door and one way in".....AND THEN LEAVES HER ALONE BECAUSE SHE'S HUNGRY! BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! After leaving her to get food, he gets a text from the killer hinting that he's taken her, the MMC freaks out and goes back to find out she's actually OK. MOVES HER AGAIN! AND THEN......WAIT FOR ITT!!!!! WAIIIIITTTTT FOR ITTTT!
LEAVES! HER! ALONE! AGAIN!! WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. F*CK! But somehow you're such a good investigator and police officer and you were a sergeant and....my gods, I wouldn't want you protecting my plant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
Sleeping Beauties
By: Sam Holland
Release to Audible: 7/16/2026
Narrators: Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle
4.5 stars.
LET ME TELL YOU I dropped everything to listen to this.
Sam Holland has a way of writing a gripping, multi-layered story that reels you in with relatable characters but keeps you guessing with sharp twists.
I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation, chewing my nails off with anxiety.
Blurb:
One survivor. Two detectives. Twenty-four hours to catch a killer.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances. After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, he’s been given one last assignment: to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
Dubbed the ‘sleeping beauty’ by the press, Rachel lies in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life. But as Theo obeys his orders to watch over her, another victim is strangled in broad daylight.
With the body count rising, Theo partners with his former colleague, DC Hannah Colby, and together they begin to identify a pattern in the past – a portrait of a malicious killer, with Rachel lying at the centre of it.
Theo can feel the pressure mounting, but there’s no escape. He must dive headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where even the thickest of hospital walls can’t keep the killer away.
Perfect for fans of Dept Q and Happy Valley, SLEEPING BEAUTIES is a heart-pounding new detective series narrated by Holliday Grainger (The Capture) and Billy Howle (On Chesil Beach).
Perfect for fans of twist thrillers and police procedurals.
By: Sam Holland
Release to Audible: 7/16/2026
Narrators: Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle
4.5 stars.
LET ME TELL YOU I dropped everything to listen to this.
Sam Holland has a way of writing a gripping, multi-layered story that reels you in with relatable characters but keeps you guessing with sharp twists.
I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation, chewing my nails off with anxiety.
Blurb:
One survivor. Two detectives. Twenty-four hours to catch a killer.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances. After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, he’s been given one last assignment: to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
Dubbed the ‘sleeping beauty’ by the press, Rachel lies in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life. But as Theo obeys his orders to watch over her, another victim is strangled in broad daylight.
With the body count rising, Theo partners with his former colleague, DC Hannah Colby, and together they begin to identify a pattern in the past – a portrait of a malicious killer, with Rachel lying at the centre of it.
Theo can feel the pressure mounting, but there’s no escape. He must dive headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where even the thickest of hospital walls can’t keep the killer away.
Perfect for fans of Dept Q and Happy Valley, SLEEPING BEAUTIES is a heart-pounding new detective series narrated by Holliday Grainger (The Capture) and Billy Howle (On Chesil Beach).
Perfect for fans of twist thrillers and police procedurals.
August 16, 2026
Audible Plus winner, British and brilliant!
“Sleeping Beauties,” written by Sam Holland, is a heart-pounding treat. Narrators Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle collaborate exquisitely – they don’t just read, they bring every character to vivid, chilling life. I could hear the tension in every breath. Flawless pairing. Holland creates such a complex, devious web. Listen intently – do not miss a clue. One survivor, two detectives, 24 hours to catch a killer. Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances after a five-month suspension. His last shot is to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor of a serial killer, now lying in a coma in hospital – the press calls her the “sleeping beauty.” But the killer isn’t done. Another victim is strangled while Theo is on watch. With the body count rising, the detective reunites with DC Hannah Colby. Together they start to see the pattern in the past: A portrait of a truly malicious killer with Rachel right at the center. Even hospital walls can’t keep her safe. Seeing red flags, I found myself yelling at Alexa as the audio continued. Smart, atmospheric and precisely paced with a jaw-dropping finale, “Sleeping Beauties” is perfect for fans of British detective mysteries that make one hold their breath. Don’t miss it in the Plus section at no cost. Worthy of a treasured credit. Epic, indeed!
💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥
“Sleeping Beauties,” written by Sam Holland, is a heart-pounding treat. Narrators Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle collaborate exquisitely – they don’t just read, they bring every character to vivid, chilling life. I could hear the tension in every breath. Flawless pairing. Holland creates such a complex, devious web. Listen intently – do not miss a clue. One survivor, two detectives, 24 hours to catch a killer. Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances after a five-month suspension. His last shot is to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor of a serial killer, now lying in a coma in hospital – the press calls her the “sleeping beauty.” But the killer isn’t done. Another victim is strangled while Theo is on watch. With the body count rising, the detective reunites with DC Hannah Colby. Together they start to see the pattern in the past: A portrait of a truly malicious killer with Rachel right at the center. Even hospital walls can’t keep her safe. Seeing red flags, I found myself yelling at Alexa as the audio continued. Smart, atmospheric and precisely paced with a jaw-dropping finale, “Sleeping Beauties” is perfect for fans of British detective mysteries that make one hold their breath. Don’t miss it in the Plus section at no cost. Worthy of a treasured credit. Epic, indeed!
💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥
July 20, 2026
I am a solid Sam Holland stan. Sleeping Beauties is another incredible read! Holland’s writing style just works for me every single time. This story isn’t as gory as her Major Crimes series, but it still has plenty of dark, gritty moments, and the 24‑hour ticking‑clock structure keeps the tension high!
Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle were excellent narrators. They’re both incredibly talented actors in their own right, and their performances added to an already gripping story.
Overall, it’s a suspenseful, fast‑paced ride with Holland’s usual emotional depth, trauma and wonderfully flawed characters. Holland’s writing has this natural intensity that few authors can pull off, especially when she’s dealing with dark, complicated subject matter. She still makes you root for the underdog, and even the “bad” characters end up earning your compassion once you understand how they became who they are.
Total binge! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle were excellent narrators. They’re both incredibly talented actors in their own right, and their performances added to an already gripping story.
Overall, it’s a suspenseful, fast‑paced ride with Holland’s usual emotional depth, trauma and wonderfully flawed characters. Holland’s writing has this natural intensity that few authors can pull off, especially when she’s dealing with dark, complicated subject matter. She still makes you root for the underdog, and even the “bad” characters end up earning your compassion once you understand how they became who they are.
Total binge! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 19, 2026
Spoilers
Ok there were just some things that were so hard to believe. Like how impossibly bad lead cop Keller was. He was just too dumb that it simply wasn’t realistic. Also I find it so hard to believe that Theo could steal a patient out of the icu and no one reacted to that? I find it hard to believe a patient in the icu would be unattached from all the monitors and no one sends out a team to frantically look for her? Just ridiculous. Finally I figured out Rachel’s involvement pretty early. She was just too weird and suspicious. Also why didn’t Theo question how the killer got his cell number?
However, despite this, I still really enjoyed the book. It kept me hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed both Hannah and Theo and I liked the writing. I didn’t guess the killer though that wasn’t like a huge twist I was hoping for. But still all in all it’s gets four stars because I couldn’t help but be thoroughly entertained throughout!
Ok there were just some things that were so hard to believe. Like how impossibly bad lead cop Keller was. He was just too dumb that it simply wasn’t realistic. Also I find it so hard to believe that Theo could steal a patient out of the icu and no one reacted to that? I find it hard to believe a patient in the icu would be unattached from all the monitors and no one sends out a team to frantically look for her? Just ridiculous. Finally I figured out Rachel’s involvement pretty early. She was just too weird and suspicious. Also why didn’t Theo question how the killer got his cell number?
However, despite this, I still really enjoyed the book. It kept me hooked and I couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed both Hannah and Theo and I liked the writing. I didn’t guess the killer though that wasn’t like a huge twist I was hoping for. But still all in all it’s gets four stars because I couldn’t help but be thoroughly entertained throughout!
September 24, 2026
One survivor. Two detectives. Twenty-four hours to catch a killer.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances. After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, he's been given one last assignment: to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
Dubbed the 'sleeping beauty' by the press, Rachel lies in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life. But as Theo obeys his orders to watch over her, another victim is strangled in broad daylight.
With the body count rising, Theo partners with his former colleague, DC Hannah Colby, and together they begin to identify a pattern in the past - a portrait of a malicious killer, with Rachel lying at the centre of it.
Theo can feel the pressure mounting, but there's no escape. He must dive headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where even the thickest of hospital walls can't keep the killer away.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is out of second chances. After a five-month suspension that nearly ended his career, he's been given one last assignment: to guard Rachel Raines, the sole survivor and witness to a terrifying serial killer.
Dubbed the 'sleeping beauty' by the press, Rachel lies in a coma in hospital, fighting for her life. But as Theo obeys his orders to watch over her, another victim is strangled in broad daylight.
With the body count rising, Theo partners with his former colleague, DC Hannah Colby, and together they begin to identify a pattern in the past - a portrait of a malicious killer, with Rachel lying at the centre of it.
Theo can feel the pressure mounting, but there's no escape. He must dive headfirst into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where even the thickest of hospital walls can't keep the killer away.
September 4, 2026
Sleeping Beauties by Sam Holland was absolutely brilliant! Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is given one final chance to save his career when he is assigned to protect Rachel Raines, the sole survivor of a serial killer who now lies in a coma. When another woman is murdered, Theo and DC Hannah Colby are pulled into a tense race against time to uncover the connection between the victims and stop the killer.
The storyline was amazing, the pacing never slowed down, and the hospital setting added an eerie sense of danger. Every time I thought I had figured everything out, another crazy twist sent me in a completely different direction. I can usually identify the killer fairly quickly, but this one genuinely kept me guessing until the very end. A clever, suspenseful, and completely addictive thriller!
The storyline was amazing, the pacing never slowed down, and the hospital setting added an eerie sense of danger. Every time I thought I had figured everything out, another crazy twist sent me in a completely different direction. I can usually identify the killer fairly quickly, but this one genuinely kept me guessing until the very end. A clever, suspenseful, and completely addictive thriller!
September 16, 2026
This was a surprising good read. It was an Audible freebie and I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not as strictly for Audible choices have been a bit hit or miss for me.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is returning to work after suffering an injury and a demotion. Theo has impulse control and doesn't like to call in back up (a somewhat tired trope for a detective). He's assigned the job of watching a patient, Rachel Raines, who is the sole survivor of a serial killer. The killer injects his victims with ketamine (hense the Sleeping Beauties).
Theo's coworker, Hannah, recently demoted as well due to helping Wilde, wants nothing to do with him. Of course, we know that's not going to last but the story was interesting and the voice actors (one for Theo and one for Hannah) were engaging.
This is more of a 3.5 star review from me and I will definitely check out another Sam Holland book.
Detective Sergeant Theo Wilde is returning to work after suffering an injury and a demotion. Theo has impulse control and doesn't like to call in back up (a somewhat tired trope for a detective). He's assigned the job of watching a patient, Rachel Raines, who is the sole survivor of a serial killer. The killer injects his victims with ketamine (hense the Sleeping Beauties).
Theo's coworker, Hannah, recently demoted as well due to helping Wilde, wants nothing to do with him. Of course, we know that's not going to last but the story was interesting and the voice actors (one for Theo and one for Hannah) were engaging.
This is more of a 3.5 star review from me and I will definitely check out another Sam Holland book.
August 2, 2026
Rouge police officers a plenty. Some bizarre deaths with a connection going back ten years.
A DS Theo and recently demoted DC Hannah, with a long friendship and working relationship, one drunken night tips the relationship into a one night stand.
Then Theo goes rogue, this results in the death of a man, a serious personal injury and the demotion of his friend.
But five months sick leave he is brought in to protect a victim on this unusual case. The action takes place over a twenty four period. Plenty of twists and turns and more rogueness, but finally they work it out and get their man and woman.
Is it the start of a serious relationship for our rogue officers?
A DS Theo and recently demoted DC Hannah, with a long friendship and working relationship, one drunken night tips the relationship into a one night stand.
Then Theo goes rogue, this results in the death of a man, a serious personal injury and the demotion of his friend.
But five months sick leave he is brought in to protect a victim on this unusual case. The action takes place over a twenty four period. Plenty of twists and turns and more rogueness, but finally they work it out and get their man and woman.
Is it the start of a serious relationship for our rogue officers?
July 18, 2026
Another wild ride from Sam Holland. As always there’s well-plotted tension, a smoking frisson between Theo and Hannah, and a serial killer I couldn’t help but understand and feel sorry for (up to a point!). I swear Theo really frustrated me with his inability to learn his lessons, yet that added to his charm. I was gripped. I hope we’re treated to more audiobooks from Sam because I’m a diehard fan.
July 23, 2026
Audiobook was good. Theo and Hannah are good.
But warning this book has teenage bullying in it, where teenagers are as cruel as they can be. I skipped these chapters and have realised that I dont like crime with graphic bullying or "romance" with lots of torture for the h either. This book and The Co-Worker where not enjoyable for me personally.
The plot is a bit weird as well towards the end. It didn't feel neat, a bit unrealistic.
But warning this book has teenage bullying in it, where teenagers are as cruel as they can be. I skipped these chapters and have realised that I dont like crime with graphic bullying or "romance" with lots of torture for the h either. This book and The Co-Worker where not enjoyable for me personally.
The plot is a bit weird as well towards the end. It didn't feel neat, a bit unrealistic.
July 22, 2026
I enjoyed this although I did guess the ending. This was more thriller than crime investigation and we didn’t see much of the investigation.
I feel like the downtrodden detective with the bad boss has been really over done now. But this was a lite version.
Overall nicely paced and thoroughly enjoyable
I feel like the downtrodden detective with the bad boss has been really over done now. But this was a lite version.
Overall nicely paced and thoroughly enjoyable
September 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this Audible exclusive. The narrators did a great job bringing the story to life and I really liked the main characters Theo and Hannah and their partnership (I hope we'll see more of them!). It was a gripping story and I had no idea who the killer was so it was really fun listening to the plot unravel! This was my first Sam Holland story and will NOT be my last!
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