The Black Highway

Laughton Rees #3

by Simon Toyne

Laughton Rees is back in the latest novel from the bestselling author of the Sanctus trilogy—this time, with a case that hits uncomfortably close to home and threatens the thing Laughton values her daughter.

Forensic specialist Laughton Rees is not ashamed of her checkered past—after all, her youthful indiscretions led to the birth of her daughter Gracie, the person she loves most in the world—but when Gracie’s father unexpectedly turns up in their lives again, Laughton is automatically wary.

Shelby Facer is a dangerous man, formerly imprisoned for his involvement in an international drug trafficking ring, and no matter what Laughton once felt for him, she doesn’t want him anywhere near Gracie. But when Shelby claims that he has information about an especially difficult murder case she is working, she can’t turn him down.

A body with no head or hands has recently turned up in the river Thames, and the police are at a loss until Shelby identifies the man. The victim was part of a highly secretive smuggling ring Shelby was involved with during his and Laughton’s youth—which Laughton’s father, former commissioner for the Metropolitan police, was investigating before he died.

Laughton throws herself into her father’s old files to try to trace the connections between past and present, but as she and DCI Tannahill Khan circle closer to the truth, the case becomes dangerously personal. When another body turns up, mutilated just like the first, the victim is no stranger to Laughton. She’ll have to face the darkest parts of her past to find the man behind the murders—before he takes away everything she loves.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Amazon, Procedural

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2021

About the author

Simon Toyne was born February 29th, 1968 in Cleethorpes, England, but spent his formative years in Peterborough. He moved further south, to Goldsmiths College, part of the University of London, to study English and Drama then ended up working as a producer, director in commercial television for almost twenty years.

He quit in 2007, just shy of his fortieth birthday, to try and focus more on writing. His first book, Sanctus, became the biggest selling debut thriller of 2011 in the UK and also an international bestseller, translated into 27 languages and published in over 50 countries.

Simon lives with his wife and three children and splits his time between Brighton, the South of France and various cafes and bookshops in between and wherever his books are sold.

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHHHMMMGEEE!!! I’ve always been a big fan of Simon Toyne’s books, but The Black Highway took my expectations and outdid them by one thousand percent. Twisty, clever, and flawlessly taut, the serial killer storyline of this devilishly well-plotted third book in a series was relentless in the extreme. From the realistic feel of the police procedural core to the spine-chilling climax that had my fingers flying at speed, I just couldn’t get enough of this page-turning crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Charlie Donlea or Harlan Coben, the round-robin multiple POVs kept my eyes glued to the pages. After all, it was both addictive and thrilling in every sense of the word.

While the characters have always felt distinctly well-developed prior to this, the increasingly fraught family drama only added to them this time around. With a strained mother-daughter relationship as well as oodles of secrets, all I could do was hold on for dear life as I waited for the next shoe to drop. Even better, though, this feeling merely escalated with each palpably tense, uneasy page. Laced with a definite sense of foreboding, there was no chance of me setting this book down for even a moment. You see, with a villain narrator that made my blood curdle with fear and a “WTF?!” twist that utterly blew me away, this book only got better with each additional chapter.

All said and done, now that I’ve finished that last stunning page, I am literally sitting here with my jaw on the floor. Ending with a cliffhanger that was just as heart-twisting as it was shocking, I want to know what happens next with every fiber of my being. After all, I know that no matter what Toyne comes up with next, it’s going to be a complete and utter home run. Known for his edge-of-your-seat plotting, original characters, and thoroughly unpredictable conclusions, this book took the suspense level and doubled or tripled it. So if you love crime fiction novels that are infused with adrenaline-fueled action, grab this book now as it fits that bill to a T. Rating of 5+ stars.

SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS:

Please, please, please go into this one as blind as possible! You see, I feel like the publisher-provided synopsis gives just a bit too much of the plot away. All you need to know is that criminologist Laughton Rees has a checked past, which includes a homeless stretch and the fact that her daughter’s father is a dangerous man. After all, Shelby has been in prison for the last fifteen years for his involvement in a drug trafficking ring. But when he shows up on the scene after a man is found dead missing his head and hands but also marked with a clue that ties him directly to Laughton, they listen to everything that Shelby offers up on the victim. Before they know it, however, the case becomes even more personal and Laughton is forced to face down the darkest parts of her past to find the killer before she loses the one thing she loves most—her daughter.

Thank you to Simon Toyne and William Morrow Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: June 24, 2025

Content warning: stalking, gun violence, drug use, violence, kidnapping, gun violence, mention of: violence, murder

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-5 stars
Dr Laughton Rees and DCI Tannahill Khan #3

Old Father Thames is like most rivers, dangerous, icy cold, murky and fast flowing, its name comes from an old English word ‘Tamesis’ which means Dark One. It’s well named. DCI Tannahill Khan surveys its brown waters close to Tower Bridge where a dead man lies in the black glutenous mud at its edge, the current and the rapidly rising tide threatening to sweep it away, as the SOCO’s work in difficult circumstances. Shockingly, the corpse is missing both head and hands and even more chilling is the address written on the dead man’s arm because it belongs to Laughton. It seems that she is central to something terrifying, vengeful and vindictive which is not of her making.

I really like this series and the central protagonists and this is another gripping instalment. It has a well constructed, intriguing fast paced plot with plenty of layers to the storytelling amounting to an absorbing read from start to finish. The twists are good, some are surprising, some shocking and it intensifies to an adrenaline fuelled, heart in the mouth dramatic ending with the Thames centre stage. The river is almost an atmospheric character all by itself with some really well chosen locations such as Eel Pie Island and is a backdrop to the action packed and increasingly dangerous events.

These novels have a lot of substance to them and this is especially true of the relationships between various characters. Here Laughton’s past, her father and her daughter with all their complexities are woven seamlessly into the plot. I like the on/off dance between Laughton and Tannahill too and as for that ending, a tantalising cliffhanger or what? I do hope number four is underway!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, Hemlock Press for the much appreciated EPUB in return for an honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book of the Laughton Rees and Tannahill Khan series is here and this was the best one yet.

For those not familiar with the series, Rees is a forensic criminologist and Khan is a DC who investigate the most grisly crimes in London. In this novel, a body is washed up on the Thames however this is no ordinary killing and when the dead man is found to have Rees' address written on him, it is clear that this killing is closer to home.

It is difficult to give more away however both the murder and personal storyline moves along at pace in this book towards a thrilling conclusion. The ending is perfect and really sets up book 4 perfectly.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the third in a series, however it would work as a standalone. The author provides sufficient details about the backstory. The book continues the trend with the Laughton Rees books. She is supposed to be a forensics expert, but she misses a lot, has poor judgment and all of the real detection is done by the police. Her fraught relationship with her daughter remains and she still has a conflicted relationship with her father, now deceased. In this book, a clue on a murder victim points to Laughton, and then her former lover turns up with a warning. The only action takes place in the last 10% of the book.

The end of the book points to Laughton’s interest in cold cases and demonstrates some notable integrity, but not on the part of Laughton. I am a little tired of her and her daughter. I actually prefer the author’s books that are not part of this series. But this book held my interest and I would probably continue with the series. 3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gifted Hardcover/Overall Story: 3/5
Audiobook/Narration: 3.5/5

[Sue Oshin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, it was a bit disturbing. I almost wanted to DNF it, but then I thought that after less than 50 pages, it wouldn’t be fair to quit just because of the creepy of a headless body found by the Thames riverbank. The eerie scenes kept lingering in my mind. But once I pushed myself to continue, I couldn’t put it down. This book is truly fantastic!

DCI Tannahill Khan teams up with Dr. Laughton in conducting the post-mortem on the headless corpse. The story takes readers through a series of interconnected events, shifting between past and present to help us understand how past history ties into current event.

When Laughton was 15 to 16 years, she had a lot of misunderstandings with his father, John, who was a DCI leading an operation against a major drug distribution gang. During this time, Laughton blamed his father for her mother’s death, and ran away from home, the be friend with Shelby Facer. When DCI John found out that her son was hanging out with Shelby, who was older and also part of the drug gang, he tried everything to keep them apart. Eventually, the entire drug ring was dismantled and brought to justice.

Fast forward 16 years later. Laughton is now a Forensic Criminologist and has a daughter, named Gracie, a daughter with Shelby. During those years, Gracie never met her father until Shelby suddenly appears at their apartment shortly after being released from prison. Shelby’s visit is a warning to Laughton to watch out for Billy Carver, who was just freed. Billy is a drug dealer and the very criminal DCI John had put behind bars. Since John passed away years ago, it’s likely Billy will seek revenge on his family.

As it turns out, the headless corpse, whose identity is hard to determine, is none other than Fowler, a close associate of Shelby and Billy. They are all involved in taking down Billy, the mysterious killer, while also worried about Laughton’s safety.

This book had just the right mix of elements I was looking for. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t stop reading. It only took me two days to finished!

[Sanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I’m obsessed with this series, is putting it mildly. Laughton, Grace, Tannahill feel so real to me, it’s easy to forget they are fictional characters. This is book 3 in Rees and Tannahill series and I urge you to read the series in order for full impact.

A body is found without head and hands and a connection to Laughton and her past. This case gives us more insight into Laughton’s dad and an operation he led 16 years ago. I love that these books are more than murder puzzles and police procedurals. They explore trauma and ways it affects relationships between parents and children despite love and best intentions. I also love how fiercely protective Laughton is of her daughter and watching their relationship evolve through each of these books has been both painful and amazing.

Dark water is most certainly dark and twisty and once again Laughton and Tannahill have to figure out things despite numerous obstacles in their way both professional and personal. River Themes features prominently in this book and we get a glimpse of less glamorous side of London. I also hope we’ll get to see more of side characters Buddy and Dr Evelyn in the future books. I cannot wait for book 4!

A huge thank you to Harper Collins UK & Hemlock Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Water, the third book in the Rees and Khan series, is a fast-paced, atmospheric thriller starting with a murder on the Thames riverbank. The relationship between Rees and Khan has evolved throughout the series and adds an emotional angle to this already personal story. With an intense and complex plot, strong character development and surprising twists, this was a gripping read and great instalment to the series.

[Lance Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another very good read from this series I like Simon Toyne’s style of writing whether it’s this series or the Solomon Creed series I definitely recommend reading both of these series

[Ray Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Case Becomes Very Personal Very Quickly

A body without hands or a head is discovered at low tide near the Tower Bridge. DCI Tannahill Khan is on the scene. He observes something that makes him call Laughton Rees to the scene. Without a face, she does not recognize the body. What unnerves Rees is that what appears to be her address is written just above the left wrist. From this unnerving start, Rees finds herself and Gracie, her daughter, in grave danger.

This novel has B-storyline threads that are so integral to the main storyline that they need to be addressed in conjunction with the main storyline threads. The investigation is the only main storyline thread in the novel. Laughton Rees joins DCI Khan in the investigation. There are three major obstacles. The romantic relationship between Rees and Khan is heating up, but Rees and her teenage daughter, Gracie, have hit a rough patch, and now is not the time for Khan to move in with Rees. Gracie challenges her relationship with her mother over the identity of her father. Rees has a problem telling Gracie she may have just seen his dead body. The last issue is that Rees’s father was part of the team that conducted a successful sting operation, where blood diamonds were used to pay for a weapons shipment. The diamonds were never recovered. The remaining two threads concern the actions and thoughts of two criminals in the Diamonds for Guns exchange. I found that the overall pace of the novel was good. The five different voices provided a better all-around understanding of the main storyline. There are several well-placed twists at the literary Grenade level and one at a tsunami level that changed my whole understanding of the story. These aspects helped capture my attention.

Besides watching how Rees juggles the investigation and her relationships with Khan and Gracie, this novel provides much more insight into how Rees and her father became estranged, how she became pregnant, and how she transformed from a drug-using vagrant to a professor at the London Metropolitan University. There is even a very evident C-storyline as Rees goes from estrangement to wishing that she could have spent more time with her father before he died. The background and B- and C-storylines significantly enhanced my enjoyment of reading this novel.

There are minimal aspects that can cause some readers to stop reading this novel. There are no intimate scenes. The level of inappropriate and impious language is minimal. While the two scenes of violence are pretty mild, the description of the mutilated bodies should be limited to a more mature audience. I found reading this novel on an e-reader to be quite advantageous because of the easy access to the Internet. The British slang and geography frequently required me to search the Internet. This novel is the third I’ve read, and it's also the third in the series. I do not believe that reading the earlier novels is needed to enjoy reading this one. This novel will offer a deeper insight into the father-daughter relationship, as seen in the first two novels.

The only issue I had with this novel was the ending. As this is the last of the series, Khan’s actions were consistent with his character. I did have a problem with Laughton Rees’s actions at the end. I will let you read and decide if you have an issue or not. On the plus side, this novel was delightfully complex, keeping my interest to the very end, just as the earlier novels did. This author easily became one of my Must-Read authors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it. I am waiting to see what his next novel will be. I rate this novel with five stars.

I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from William Morrow through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, William Morrow, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “The Black Highway” has an expected publication date of March 15, 2025.
The title of the latest novel from Simon Toyne might be a bit misleading at first glance. “The Black Highway” isn’t really a highway. It’s the nickname (I’m assuming Toyne has done his research, and this is accurate, even in a work of fiction) for the River Thames in London. So named for its dark color, and a history of homicide victims set adrift among the currents.
This is also the third book in the Laughton Rees series, but I never felt at a disadvantage for not having read the first two.
The story bursts from the opening pages with (you guessed it) a dead body found along the banks of the River Thames. But not just any body. This one is missing a head and both hands. And it’s not the last body that will be found in that condition.
Laughton, a forensic specialist, is pulled into the case not only due to her involvement with detective Tannahill Khan, but the appendage-less bodies seem to trace back to a major international drug trafficking case her father, John Rees, former commissioner for the Metropolitan police, was involved with before he died.
Muddying the waters even further is the sudden appearance of Shelby Facer, recently released from a lengthy prison sentence for his involvement in the case Laughton’s father cracked. He’s also the father of Laughton’s 15-year-old daughter Gracie, conceived during a brief romance when Laughton herself was a teen.
The key to solving the murders may lie in the past; in the boxes Laughton’s father has squirreled away in a large storage facility. It’s a past Laughton is loath to explore.
The narrative moves along at a fairly brisk and inviting pace, interspersed with flashback chapters to 16-years prior that detail the drug bust that sent Shelby and others to prison, and likely sparked the revenge-fostered killing spree.
There are a few very predictable sequences, as well as character behaviors (like not answering cell phones) that seem dramatically out of character for these driven personalities. There are also times where you might want to smack Gracie upside the head and tell her to wake up and smell the coffee.
And of course, there’s the major plot twist that you may or may not see coming. I didn’t, but then I have a habit of not even trying to guess what’s up around the bend.
Overall, “The Black Highway” is an engaging read that will hold your interest. And if it’s your first in the series, as it was for me, might tempt you to check out the first two installments. I give it four out of five stars.
And you can check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) blog site.

[Meghan]

Entertaining. That poor daughter; it's always something. (Although, I did find her actions in leaving the house after the texts inconsistent. She said she's the daughter of a criminologist so that makes her able to evader her mother, but it doesn't make her skeptical or cautious? Anyway.)

[Josianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the writing and the mystery! In true Josi fashion, I read the 3rd book in the series before reading the second one. I'll also have to go back and re-read the first. Hoping this series continues as it ended it an interesting cliff hanger.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was all into this book when I first started reading, but that feeling faded the more I got into. Yes, it’s interesting and you want to see what the outcome is, but I found it similar to other stories I have read. Different characters, but still…

This is not a bad read and if you like this series you will welcome it. Maybe I will go back to previous ones and play catchup.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @harpercollinsuk #partner for the gifted eARC!

Y’ALL. This is my third book in the Rees & Khan series and once again, a solid, no-doubt-about-it 5-star read. If you’re even remotely into police procedurals like I am, you need these books in your life. They’re dark, gritty, twisty, and completely unputdownable.

Quick side note — in the US, this one’s called The Black Highway. Why did I read the UK version, you ask? Well… let’s just say I got denied for the US arc and my little book-obsessed self got some insider tips on how to get my hands on it anyway 😏. Sneaky sneaky. No regrets.

Back to the book — Simon Toyne just knows how to craft a tense, clue-packed, high-stakes thriller that keeps you guessing until the last page. I swear I could feel my blood pressure rising at times. And let’s talk about Laughton Rees for a second because she is seriously one of my favorite fictional detectives. Total badass, fiercely loyal, a kickass mother, and the sweetest girlfriend. I love how she balances being a tough detective while still showing her softer side — it makes her feel so real.

And of course, DCI Tannahill Khan is another standout. I honestly can’t get enough of these two. This book was dark, atmospheric, and so binge-worthy I devoured it in one sitting. I just couldn’t stop.

If you’re a fan of Hannah Morrissey or gritty crime series with unforgettable characters, do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Or better yet, start from book one — you’ll thank me later.

Highly, highly recommend this whole series. Simon Toyne, you’re a legend. 🙌

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gripping, suspenseful, dark, gritty and unputdownable. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were so interesting. And the plot was completely unpredictable and I didn’t see the twists coming. The book begin with a discovery of a headless corpse. But why would a K!ller leave a driving license? The mystery gets deeper and somehow it’s connected to the past events. Dr Laughton Rees story was horrifying and deeply touching. She has a daughter Gracie, she keeps asking about her father but Laughton hidden the truth from her daughter for a reason. And it all made sense when truth and secrets unveiled. The truth was twisted and secrets were deep. The story is multilayered, I loved the setting and deeply connected with the characters. It begin with a dead body and terrifying clue but the mystery had so many layers, and as soon as the layers unfolded, the truth comes out in light and it brings everyone’s life at stake. The ending was so terrifying. The book has been masterfully plotted. Expect the unthinkable, gruesome murders, secrets, twists, suspense, spine-chilling moments and shocking revelations.

Thanks to the Author, and Publisher

[Anastasia Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s a holiday without a little detective juice?
⭐️ 4.5/5

I picked up Dead Water while in Bali, and the thrill has lingered long after the trip ended. The story opens with a corpse washing up on the bank of the Thames, a river long shadowed by its history as a dumping ground for the dead. The corpse is headless, almost limbless, and what begins as a grim discovery soon pulls the lead detective into murkier waters, forcing him to involve his partner, who may be more entangled than he’d like to admit.

The ending delivers a twist I didn’t see coming. It’s not earth-shattering, but the way the author builds tension makes the reveal satisfying and well-earned. at the same time, it leaves a noticeable gap for more to unfold, and it makes sense, given this is the third book in the Rees and Khan series.

Beneath the mystery lies a story about family, greed, and injustice, all steeped in a bleak, London-esque atmosphere. I loved sinking into this gloomy thriller. What a read.

Thank you times.reads for the review copy. ☺️

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Chief Inspector Tannahill Khan had better plans for the evening than examining a body pulled out of the River Thames. Unfortunately, a floater has wound its way up “The Black Highway,” and it has become his latest case. The corpse is well dressed, but it doesn’t camouflage that it’s both headless and handless. Khan and his fellow investigators find an address scrawled on the victim’s arm, which prompts Khan to call Dr. Laughton Rees.

A specialist in forensics, Laughton is Khan’s girlfriend and the occupier of the address. She is also the daughter of a renowned police officer and the mother of a brooding teenager, Gracie, who hasn’t warmed up to her relationship with Khan. Gracie has been asking questions about her biological father, which comes with a lot of baggage. Laughton is reluctant to discuss Shelby Facer because of his criminal background. However, the past comes knocking on Laughton’s door as Shelby has just been released from jail and is seeking shelter from a murderous accomplice. He is soon apprehended by the police for trespassing, and Laughton’s unwillingness to help him only alienates her from Gracie.

Khan is perplexed as to why his girlfriend’s address would be written on the victim's arm. When the identity of the individual is confirmed, and there is a connection to Shelby, the picture starts to gain clarity. While Khan works his case and hits investigatory roadblocks, Laughton decides to dive into her past. She hasn’t told Khan that her father was in on the bust that brought down Shelby and others. The arrest involved a drugs-for-diamonds swap, and the diamonds apparently never made it into evidence. As Laughton looks into a storage unit that belonged to her father, she is accosted by an unknown assailant who is seeking information held in the locker. Laughton survives the encounter, but the masked man gets away with crucial documents.

While Laughton and Khan explore different investigations, another body is found. It appears to be Shelby’s. Laughton resorts to self-recrimination, but Khan is quick to dispel her guilt for not aiding her ex. The murders stem from the aborted diamond caper, and the culprit is hellbent on extracting information from his victims before dispatching them cruelly and methodically. Laughton and Khan will need to unravel this mystery before the killer strikes closer to home.

THE BLACK HIGHWAY is a gripping novel about secrets, revenge, and how there are no limits when protecting one’s family. Laughton believes that she is doing her daughter a favor by not allowing her to know Shelby, a man who, while charismatic, is also a seducer and a criminal.

Simon Toyne conveys the conflict between mother and daughter in a heartfelt and convincing way while highlighting the parallels between their strained relationship and the friction between Laughton and her father. The tension is apparent from the outset, as the discovery of the body in the Thames puts a crimp in Laughton and Khan’s plans and soon exposes cracks in their relationship as Laughton’s past is revealed.

The anticipation steadily builds with every lead uncovered and body found, resulting in an electrifying climax that proves more than satisfying. Toyne has written a marvelous book from start to finish.

Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't blame the prey for the hunter's nature

When a body washes up on the banks of the River Thames, minus its head and hands, it is tabloid news catnip. DCI Tannahill Khan doesn't have much to go on until he notices an address written on the body...the address belonging to forensic specialist Laughton Rees who is both a consultant to the Metropolitan Police and his current love interest. A painful chapter in Laughton's past is about to come crashing into her present. When Laughton was 15 her mother was brutally murdered, killed by a criminal as payback to her father, the cop who had arrested him. Laughton, devastated, blamed her father for her loss and ran away, living on the streets and getting by as best she could. There she met and became involved with Shelby Facer, much older than her and a supplier of drugs. She was self-medicating and on a bad path until a police raid landed her in a hospital where she found she was pregnant. Having her daughter compelled her to get clean, stay away from Shelby, and get back on the path to a responsible life. She would eventually reconcile with her father only to have him die soon afterwards. Now, after all these years, Shelby is out of prison and on her doorstep, warning her that a dangerous felon is looking for retribution on those who convicted him....among them her father, from whom she inherited the apartment where she and her daughter Grace now live. Laughton doesn't want Shelby anywhere near Grace, who is only now learning about her father and desperately wants to get to know him. Can Laughton, working with Khan, dig into her past and her father's old case files and discover who the killer is, and can she keep Grace safe from the dangers swirling around them?
The Black Highway, the third installment is the series featuring Laughton Rees, is a psychological thriller which melds elements of a police procedural with a family's secrets. Laughton is a character to whom a reader can easily identify, a single mother to a rebellious teen who is juggling her career, a burgeoning relationship with Khan (of which Grace decidedly does not approve), and now an unwelcome blast from the past. Having major regrets about not having reconciled with her own father soon enough, she understands her daughter's desire to get to know Shelby and to believe that he has changed, but Laughton doesn't trust him which causes the two of them major friction. Is Shelby still the master manipulator who had seduced her all those years ago, or did his time in prison reform him and he is only back in her life to warn her of the dangers closing in on her? The plot is fast paced, the procedural aspects of the story compelling, and the stakes in this case are all too personal and far too high for comfort. Readers of John Connolly, Deborah Crombie and Jeffrey Deaver will enjoy this, as will fans of author Simon Toyne. My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me access to this suspenseful read in exchange for my honest review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

🚨 Simon Toyne’s The Black Highway is a forensic thriller that doesn’t just dig up bodies—it exhumes secrets, regrets, and the tangled roots of family legacy. In this third installment of the Laughton Rees series, Toyne delivers a taut, emotionally charged mystery that pulses with urgency and psychological depth.

🕵️‍♀️The Plot
When a mutilated corpse—missing head and hands—surfaces in the Thames, forensic specialist Laughton Rees is pulled into a case that’s disturbingly personal. The victim is linked to a smuggling ring her late father once investigated, and the only lead comes from Shelby Facer—her ex-lover and the estranged father of her daughter, Gracie. As more bodies appear and the past resurfaces, Laughton must navigate a labyrinth of betrayal, buried truths, and maternal instinct to protect what matters most.

🔍 Why It Stands Out

- Dual Timelines: Toyne masterfully interweaves present-day investigation with a 16 year old flashback, creating a layered narrative that deepens suspense and emotional resonance.

- Emotional Stakes: Laughton isn’t just solving a crime—she’s confronting the ghosts of her youth, the legacy of her father, and the fragile bond with her daughter.

- Atmospheric Setting: The Thames, dubbed the “black highway,” becomes a haunting metaphor for the flow of secrets and the inevitability of reckoning.

- Procedural Precision: Toyne’s background in television shines through in the pacing and structure, making each revelation feel cinematic and earned.

🧠 Themes That Resonate

- Legacy & Identity: The novel explores how the past shapes us—and how confronting it can either destroy or redeem.

- Motherhood & Protection: Laughton’s fierce love for Gracie drives the narrative, adding emotional weight to every decision.

- Truth vs. Loyalty: As old alliances unravel, the story asks whether justice can coexist with personal history.

🗝️ The Black Highway is more than a procedural—it’s a psychological excavation. Toyne doesn’t just build a mystery; he builds a reckoning. With its blend of forensic intrigue, emotional depth, and narrative finesse, this novel cements Laughton Rees as one of crime fiction’s most compelling heroines.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Highway by Simon Toyne is a highly recommended investigative thriller. In England the River Thames is also called the black highway because of the number of homicide victims that are found in it. This is the third novel in the Laughton Rees series.

Detective Chief Inspector Tannahill Khan is called to the banks of the Thames where a male body, without hands and head, has been found. Tannahill is in a relationship with forensic specialist Laughton Rees so he immediately notices that her address has been written on the mans arm. The same night Laughton's teenage daughter, Gracie, demands to know who her father is for a school family tree project. Gracie’s father, Shelby Facer, was recently released from prison for his involvement in an international drug trafficking ring. When he unexpectedly turns up at Laughton's door he provides information that leads to the identification of the body. Then a second body in the same condition is found in the Thames.

It seems the case is tied to events from years ago and Tannahill and Laughton need to explore a past case, one that Laughton's father, Police Commissioner John Rees, was involved with. There are several twists and complications as the even-paced plot unfolds and new clues and evidence is uncovered. The pace does seem slow in the middle of the narrative. Along the way, the relationship between Laughton and Tannahill is explored and further developed.

The writing is very good and the story is interesting, however, having Gracie's father show up right after she learns his name is was way-too-much of a concurrence at the opening of the novel. It tempered my opinion while reading the rest of the novel, which essentially meant it had to be excellent in order to make-up for that glaring coincidence. Keep reading. It does make amends in many ways and the ending is surprising.

The Black Highway is a great choice for those who enjoy procedurals and investigative thrillers. Thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Highway is a fast-paced thriller set in London with interesting characters. It’s the third book in a series featuring forensic specialist Laughton Rees and her sort-of boyfriend, Detective Chief Inspector Tannahill Khan. Rees is neurodivergent and has OCD and a number of habits like tapping things three times. Tannahill is half Irish, half Pakistani and faces casual racism on the job.

The “black highway” is another term for the River Thames in England, because of the number of bodies that are pulled from it. The book opens with a dead man in a suit washing up on the river’s edge – missing his head and his hands. Soon a second, similar corpse joins the first in the morgue. The first dead man has an address inked on his arm – Laughton’s address.

The story does a good job of balancing the uncertain nature of the relationship between Laughton and Tannahill and the details of the crimes. The dead men appear to be connected both to Gracie’s felon father (whom she has never met) and a heist involving uncut diamonds that Laughton’s dead police commissioner father investigated years before. Laughton discovers her father had an enormous storage locker. What secrets are hidden inside? Gracie is a sullen angry teenager who heightens Laughton’s stress. Tannahill is frustrated by police politics and a lack of resources, as well as his mother wanting updates on his romance with Laughton.

I enjoyed the London setting the twists and turns of the plot, and I did not guess the big reveal toward the end. One thing I didn’t like was the incredible coincidence of Gracie demanding to know who her father is on the same day her mother finds out that he has just been released from prison. It feels like that could have been handled better. Still, overall this is a great series and I recommend it.

I read an advance reader copy of The Black Highway from Netgalley.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel gets exciting from the first page when a body with no head or hands is pulled from the river. Detective Chief Inspector Tannahill Khan is the lead person on the case. He is also in a romance with Laughton. She's had a very checkered past and worked very hard to become the person that she is today. The most important part of her life is her 15 year old daughter Gracie, who is starting to ask questions about who her father is and Laughton reluctantly tells her about her father - how and where they met, their quick relationship they had and the fact that he is now is jail. Shelby Facer is in prison for his part in an international drug ring and Laughton hasn't seen or spoken to him since she got pregnant. She's surprised when he shows up at her door -- he is newly out of prison and has some information for her on the murder case she's working on and is able to identify the man that was pulled out of the river with no head or hands. It turns out that the victim was part of the drug smuggling ring that Laughton's father was investigating when he died. As Laughton goes back and starts going through her father's files, the case gets even more complicated for her. While she is working the case and trying to work out her relationship with Tannahill, her life is even more complicated by her spoiled teenage daughter. Will she be able to work through her life issues and find the clues to solve the crime?

This was an interesting police procedural and the setting in London makes it even more intriguing. I thought that it was a bit long but any negatives that I felt about the story were erased with the surprise ending that I never saw coming. I enjoyed it so much that I just ordered the first two books in the series.

[Jen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the Rees and Khan series, since hearing Simon Toyne talking about the first book, Dark Objects, at Crimefest a few years ago.

Dead Water starts with the foreword, giving an interesting fact about The Thames. The river has a long history dating back to Roman times, for body disposals. This fact really sets the tone for the story ahead.

Dr Laughton Rees and DCI Tannahill Khan now have a complex relationship, trying to find the line between their professional and home lives is not always plain sailing. On what was hopefully going to a pivotal evening for them personally, a new brutal case presents itself. Laughton’s address is written on the victim’s skin, which further blurs the line between work and home, in a very threatening way. Quite quickly the body count rises, while the danger facing our cast ramps up.

I really enjoy both Laughton and Tannahill’s characters, Gracie’s too. Anyone who has tried to parent a teenager will recognise how well written she is. The pacing of the writing was good, keeping me gripped and fully invested throughout.

I was thoroughly enjoying the book, and the tense ending, until the very last sentence. What a cliffhanger to leave me on! I understand that the author is a fan of a trilogy, but having just finished Dead Water, I need to read the fourth book; or maybe book 1 of a separate, slightly tangented trilogy. If anybody knows if there will be another book in this series, or is in touch with Simon Toyne and can find out, I would really appreciate it. If you were thinking of picking up this book, I highly recommend heading back to Dark Objects, to enjoy all the character development.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A body washes up by Tower Bridge, on the river Thames, sometimes called The Black Highway, no hands or head, but it does have the address of forensic specialist Laughton Rees on the arm. This body has ties to Leighton's past. It turns out the victim is known to Leighton's ex, who has resurfaced after being in prison for 16 years on drug charges. It is not long before another body surfaces in the same condition. The past and the present collide with secrets revealed. Could these bodies have to do with Leighton's father, former commissioner for the Metropolitan police, who was in charge of the investigation that resulted in her ex being jailed and the loss of valuable product?

This third outing with Leighton Rees is a fast paced mystery, police procedural. The appearance of Shelby Facer, who happens to be her daughter, Gracie's father, brings danger to the mother and daughter. Rees and DCI Tannahill Khan, with whom she is personally involved, race quickly to solve the murders.

I enjoyed The Black Highway and was surprised by the twist at the end. The characters are well developed by now. If this is the first book in the series you are reading, you will have no trouble. (I do recommend reading the first, Dark Objects, which is my favorite.) I had one issue with the plot and that was Gracie " coincidentally" asking about her father for a school project and then having him show up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, William Morrow Group | HarperCollins Publishers, for an ARC. The opinions in the review are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

The Black Highway by Simon Toyne is an outstanding addition to the Laughton Rees mystery series.

Detective Chief Inspector Tannahill Khan is working the case of an unidentified body that washes up on the banks of the Thames River. An unexpected discovery appears to tie the murder to forensic specialist Laughton Rees. When someone from Laughton’s past turns up, the case takes a shocking turn into her and her deceased father’s, former police commissioner John Rees, pasts.

Laughton is juggling her relationship with Tannahill with the needs of her teenage daughter Gracie. As the current investigation brings up her memories of her past, Laughton does not always make the best decisions. This is a trait that Gracie exhibits as she is irrationally angry with her mum. Laughton fears her daughter will make the same mistakes she did at that age so she does not always think clearly.

The Black Highway is a riveting police procedural. The characters are vibrantly developed with all too real flaws. The Thames River is a brilliant backdrop for the gory murders. The investigation is intriguing and moves at a brisk pace. With shocking twists and startling turns, Simon Toyne brings this third installment in the Laughton Rees mystery series to a stunning conclusion.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

As for the plot, it's pretty much what you’d expect; if you’ve read one book in this genre, you’ve seen them all. I felt that The Black Highway didn't offer anything particularly new—just the same general story dressed up with different character names and settings. However, compared to other authors, such as James Patterson, Simon Toyne shines with his distinctive writing style and narrative structure. He manages to avoid the clichés and predictability that often plague thrillers. That said, I wasn't a fan of the short chapters—70+ chapters felt excessive and became a bit annoying.

Initially, I found it to be a flawed yet intriguing read. The early chapters were engaging and truly page-turning, but somewhere along the way, the pacing faltered, and I began to lose interest in the predictably clichéd plot. Had it not been for Toyne’s vivid descriptions, I might have set the book aside. However, I persevered, and I'm glad I did because the pacing picked up significantly in the second half.

In conclusion, despite my criticisms, The Black Highway turned out to be a solid thriller. While it has its flaws, it's enjoyable enough that I would recommend it to others. - ★★★½✰

Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/....

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧4.25⭐️

Book 3 Laughton Rees

I had the audiobook read by Shazia Nicholls who does a good job.

I loved the first two books in this crime series.
The main characters are Tannahill a detective and Laughton a criminologist lecturer, I know we are given an explanation for the unusual name of Laughton in a previous book, something to do with her dad liking an author or poet but the exact reason slips my mind. I like both of the main characters, Laughton’s daughter Gracie features in this book.
It has a more modern feel, rather than being a traditional procedural. I like the main characters being referred to by their first names, it immediately feels less frumpy. It cover some dark themes, but I think that it avoids being too gruesome. I’d put it in the middle of the cosy- gore score
We get to see back in time as well as the current case as the past revelation sets it all up it, it has decent plot complexity and good interest levels which really build towards the end. It’s left it with the series looking set to take a certain direction.

I didn’t quite love this book as much as the first 2, I’ve had a previous one on audio and one in ebook, so it might just be my concentration levels at the moment.
If you enjoy UK crime it’s certainly a series to check out.

[Beth Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Rees and Khan series. A headless, handless corpse washes up on the bank of the river Thames. Written on the body is the address of forensic criminologist Dr Laughton Rees. With her life in danger and more bodies washing up, Laughton and DCI Tannahill need to find the killer before the killer finds them…

This was my first book by Simon Toyne and it was incredible. Despite this book being the third in the series, I did not feel confused or like I was missing anything in the book from previous books. I loved the gory storyline, and the cat and mouse thing going on between Rees and the killer. I was gripped and could not put the book down. I read it in 2 days! I was left guessing the whole time and was left shocked from the plot twists.
I liked the real-life, raw relationship between Rees and daughter Gracie.
Without spoiling too much, I didn’t particularly like the river scene towards the end with Rees and daughter, where there was a bike underwater. This seemed a bit far-fetched.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read the other Rees and Khan books.